THURSDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2024

Fagbemi Asks NLC to Shelve Proposed Nationwide

Protests, Says Planned Action will Be Contempt of Court

Chinedu Eze

The

Helicopter, EC130B4, which killed the Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Holdings, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, and five others. The helicopter, which crashed on February 9, 2024, was operated

by Orbic Air and chartered by the late Nigerian businessman Wigwe, who died along with his wife, Chizoba; son Chizi, and a former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Mr.

Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

The report released on Friday, outlined crucial details surrounding the tragic incident and noted that adverse weather exacerbated by rain and snow

led to the crash of the chopper.

The initial findings of NTSB suggested that the helicopter suffered catastrophic damage upon impact, resulting in the fragmentation of major

components. But its investigators in collaboration with other relevant authorities and stakeholders

Continued on page 5

In the Spirit of Lent, Ramadan, ECOWAS Lifts

Economic Sanctions on Niger, Mali, Guinea

Says political and targeted sanctions remain in force

Tinubu urges Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali to rejoin sub-regional body ECOWAS insists on release of ex-President Bazoum of Niger from detention Canvasses transition programme for restoration of constitutional order in Niger Republic

IN BROTHERHOOD WE STAND…

L -R: President Macky Sall of Senegal; President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d'Ivoire; President of ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray; Chairman, ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State/President Bola Tinubu; President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo: President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana; Second Row from left, Vice President of the Gambia, Muhammad Jallow; President Joseph Boakai of Liberia; President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic and President Umaro Embalo Siseco of Guinea Bissau during an Extraordinary Session of the Authorities of Heads of State and Government on the political, peace and security situation in the ECOWAS sub-region at the Presidential Villa in Abuja…yesterday

APC’ll Record Overwhelming Victory in Edo Governorship Election, Says Ganduje

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has said it is almost certain that the party will win the September 21 Edo State governorship election due to the qualities of its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

Ganduje, who said this yesterday in Abuja when he presented the certificate of return to Okpebholo, stressed the need for other aspirants to work with him to ensure the party’s victory in the state.

He said that direct primaries were held in 192 wards in the state with records and video evidence, adding that Okpebholo was declared the winner because he got the highest votes.

“The full cooperation, harmony,

and unity of all aspirants and members of our party is all we need now to win Edo in the coming election now that the primary is over.

“The party has a product that is refined, well packaged, and sellable to the electorate in the person of Okpebholo and

is therefore ready to win Edo,” Ganduje said.

He said that other aspirants had since congratulated Okpebholo as the party’s candidate.

The party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Mr. Nze Duru, while presenting the

committee’s report to Ganduje, said the primaries were adjudged nationally and internationally as the most peaceful, fairest, and transparent in the state.

Okpebholo in his remarks, called on other aspirants who contested the party’s ticket with him to join forces with him to

ensure that the APC win the September 21 governorship election.

Also speaking, Sen. Lucky Imasuen, who was one of the aspirants that contested the party’s ticket with Okpebholo, said the National Working Committee (NWC) was hard working, sincere,

and fair in the handling of the Edo primary election.

He commended the APC Edo Governorship Primary Election Committee for a job well done, assuring that the other aspirants would work hand in hand with Okpebholo to ensure APC’s victory at the poll.

FAGBEMI ASKS NLC TO SHELVE PROPOSED NATIONWIDE PROTESTS, SAYS PLANNED ACTION WILL BE CONTEMPT OF COURT

added that there was no need to embark on any strike.

He argued that it is only appropriate and equitable for organised labour to engage more with the government to ensure the full implementation of the MoU, especially in areas that have been inhibited by unforeseen challenges.

The letter read: “I wish to

draw your esteemed attention to the Joint Press Release dated 8th February 2024, containing a 14-day ultimatum, jointly issued by the President of the NLC and President of the TUC as well as the notice of a two-day national protest issued by the NLC President on 16th February 2024.

“A cursory perusal of the above

press release clearly shows that the planned protest is premised on or connected with alleged nonimplementation of the 16-point agreement reached with the federal government on October 02, 2023, consequences of the hike in the price of PMS (petrol), and other associated issues. It is therefore safe to assert again that the proposed

WIGWE: NTSB ISSUES PRELIMINARY REPORT, ATTRIBUTES CHOPPER CRASH TO ADVERSE WEATHER EXACERBATED BY RAIN, SNOW

such as David Gerlach of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Steve Gould of Orbic Air LLC, Vincent Ecalle of Bureau d’Enquetes et d’Analyses, Seth Buttner of Airbus Helicopters, and Bryan Larimore of Safran Group conducted on-site examinations and analysis of available data to determine the factors contributing to the accident.

According to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian accident investigation agency, the NTSB’s preliminary report provides valuable information regarding the flight path, accident scene, and initial findings on the wreckage examination.

It added that the flight, which departed from Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California to Boulder City Municipal Airport in Nevada via Palm Springs International Airport, experienced “adverse weather conditions characterised by rain and a mix of snow as reported by witnesses.”

Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji in a statement, added that the reports from law enforcement and eyewitnesses “also indicated that several individuals travelling along Interstate 15 (I-15) observed a ‘fireball’ in the area, prompting calls to emergency services.”

The statement said, “Subsequently, the wreckage of the helicopter was discovered in the high, mountainous desert and scrub-brush-covered terrain near Halloran Springs, California.

“Analysis of the accident site revealed a scattered debris pattern about 300 feet along a 120° magnetic, indicating a trajectory from an initial impact point, which was a 1.5 feet deep, 12 feet long and 10 feet wide ground crater, containing fragments of the right landing gear skid, cockpit wiring, and cabin floor structure. The right skid step protruded upward at a 45° angle at the extreme eastern edge of the ground crater.

“All major helicopter components were identified at the accident site. The helicopter’s fuselage was fragmented, and the cockpit and cabin were destroyed. Some debris and vegetation displayed thermal damage, indicative of the extent of the collision’s force.

“The flight control tubes and linkages leading up to the flight control servos were fragmented and continuity could not be verified. All three pitch control links were attached at the swashplate and blade pitch

change horns. “The main rotor blades were fragmented and broomstrawed, and the blade sleeves and tips were present. Data analysis utilised sources, including automatic dependent surveillancebroadcast (ADS-B) data, operator personnel reports, and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the flight path and sequence of events leading to the accident.”

Commenting on the report, the Director General of NSIB, Alex Badeh, noted that as the

investigation progresses, the NSIB remains committed to engaging the NTSB to receive the public docket of the investigation, which will comprise the compendium of information gathered throughout the investigation.

He said the preliminary report emphasised that the information presented is subject to further investigation and analysis, with updates expected as additional evidence is gathered and assessed, to ensure a thorough understanding of the accident

and its underlying causes.

“It is important to clearly state that the preliminary report is not the final determination of the cause of the accident. “Additional investigations and analysis are required before any conclusions can be drawn. The NSIB will continue to engage the NTSB and other stakeholders throughout the investigation process. Further updates on the progress of the investigation will be provided as significant developments emerge,” he added.

cause of action by NLC is targeted at achieving objectives or promoting issues connected with a hike in fuel price and consequential matters of palliatives, workers’ welfare, and associated government policies.

“You may wish to note that the foregoing issues or objectives are at the core of the pending case before the National Industrial Court. Upon the submission of grievances to the court, parties in the suit cannot resort to public protests over the same issues, as such conduct amounts to gross contempt and affront to the institution of our courts of law. Therefore, the proposed nationwide protest action in all ramifications is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted in Suit No: NICN/ ABJ/158/2023-Federal Government of Nigeria & ANOR V. Nigerian Labour Congress & ANOR on 5th June 2023 restraining both NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature.

“It is not in doubt that the planned protest is designed to

compel the government to accede to the demands of organised labour, therefore, such action qualifies as an industrial action, which comes within the ambit of the restraining order. This restraining order has neither been stayed nor set- aside and therefore remains binding.”

Fagbemi added: “I wish to note that the government has substantially and reasonably complied with the items in the MOU and it is only appropriate and equitable for organised labour to engage more with the government to ensure the full implementation of same, especially in areas that have been inhibited by unforeseen challenges.

“May I, therefore request that you kindly implore and enjoin your clients to refrain from selfhelp by shelving the proposed protests which are antithetical to the mediatory engagements leading to the execution of the MOU, tantamount to undermining subsisting restraining court order, and occasioning disruption of public service, order, and safety,” Fagbemi added.

IN THE SPIRIT OF LENT, RAMADAN, ECOWAS LIFTS ECONOMIC SANCTIONS ON NIGER, MALI, GUINEA

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) rose from its extraordinary session in Abuja yesterday with a resolve to immediately lift some of the sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali, and Guinea, in response to an unconstitutional change of government in the three countries.

The civilian governments in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger fell under military control in May 2021, September 2022 and July 2023, respectively.

Consequently, the ECOWAS announced economic sanctions that isolated the three states alongside Guinea, where the military took over in September 2021.

The bloc suspended all commercial and financial transactions between its current members and the junta-led states, freezing all their assets at the ECOWAS Central Bank.

On January 28, the three nations announced their withdrawal from the ECOWAS, saying its “illegal sanctions” were harming the people.

They also alleged that the bloc had fallen under the influence of foreign governments whose interests, they said, were far from the peoples’’.

Although ECOWAS’ rules mandate a withdrawing member state to issue one year’s notice, the junta declared their secession as immediate. It was the first withdrawal nearly 24 years after Mauritania pulled out in December 2000.

On February 15, ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced plans to establish a confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, who announced the lifting of some sanctions on the countries while presenting the communique issued at the end of an Extraordinary Summit of the Authority of Heads of State

and Government of the ECOWAS, said the decision was based on humanitarian considerations due to the month of Lent and the approaching month of Ramadan.

This is coming as President Bola Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the organisation, called on Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali to rejoin the sub-regional body.

Touray, however, clarified that political and targeted sanctions are still in force against the three nations.

According to him, while the political and targeted sanctions on the Niger Republic remain, the regional bloc lifted some financial and economic sanctions on Guinea and some targeted sanctions on Mali.

In the communique as read by ECOWAS Commission’s President, the sub-regional bloc demanded the release of former President Mohammad Bazoum of the Republic of Niger.

ECOWAS also called on the transition authorities in Niger to provide an acceptable transition timetable to the constitutional order.

On sanctions, Touray said ECOWAS resolved to lift with immediate effect, the following measures imposed on the Republic of Niger: “Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger to be lifted; no Fly Zone of all commercial flights to and from Niger is to be lifted and suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger is to be lifted.”

ECOWAS, he said, also resolved that the “freezing of all service transactions including utility services is to be lifted.

“Freezing of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS central banks is to be lifted.

“Freezing of assets of Niger State and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks is to be lifted.

“Suspension of Niger from all

financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions particularly ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and BIRD is to be lifted.

“Travel ban on the government officials and their family members is also to be lifted.”

The President of the ECOWAS Commission said: “This decision is based on humanitarian considerations especially as we are in the month of lent and as we prepare for the holy month of Ramadan.”

ECOWAS also resolved to lift the sanctions regarding the recruitment of Malian citizens in statutory and professional positions within ECOWAS.

It also resolved to lift financial and economic sanctions on the Republic of Guinea.

ECOWAS also directed the President of the Commission to invite Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Guinea, to attend the technical and consultative meetings of ECOWAS as well as all security-related meetings.

On the withdrawal of the three countries, ECOWAS urged the countries to reconsider the decision because of the benefits that the ECOWAS member states and their citizens enjoy in the community.

It urged the three member states to adhere to the provisions of the 1993 revised treaty relating to withdrawal, particularly Article 91.

ECOWAS hailed Nigeria’s former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), for his interest in the welfare of the community and his valuable suggestions.

Asked if the lifting of these sanctions will not suggest ECOWAS as weak and incentivies others with similar tendencies, Touray said “Now, let me make it very clear what I have listed is not exhaustive. Political sanctions have not been lifted. Border closures have been lifted. And commercial sanctions have been lifted. But there are targeted sanctions as well as political

sanctions. That remains in force.

“I think our sanctions regime should be assessed correctly. The list I have given relates mainly to Niger because all the other countries still have political sanctions on them.

"So, the border closures, the commercial sanctions, and all that are on leisure and that is what the leaders have decided to lift. But individual sanctions as well as political sanctions remain in place in Niger.

"Now for other countries, political sanctions remain. That is the limited ability to attend ECOWAS Summit as well as ministerial sessions," he added.

ECOWAS also lifted sanctions on Guinea and invited all four countries to attend technical consultative meetings of ECOWAS going forward.

Highlighting the various implications of the planned withdrawal by the three countries from the community, Touray said “Pulling out of the community might result in the halt or the suspension of all ECOWAS projects and programmes worth more than $500 million, various regional projects being executed by the region’s financial institutions, worth about $321.6 million may be halted, while they may be exited from the regional electricity market, known as the West African Power Pool project.

President Tinubu had earlier called for the suspension of economic sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea by ECOWAS.

Welcoming the ECOWAS leaders to the Extra-ordinary Summit of ECOWAS, President Tinubu stated: “Everything we did was in hopes of persuading our brothers that there existed a better path, a path that would lead to genuine improvement of their people’s welfare through democratic good governance. And this was a path each of our nations had solemnly agreed with one another pursuant to formal regional treaties

and protocols.

“However, the sanctions that we contemplated might help lead our brothers to the negotiating table have become a harsh stumbling block. In my mind and heart, that which is hurtful yet ineffective serves no good purpose and should be abandoned.”

The president further explained that ECOWAS took the steps it did based on the regional ideals of security, social stability; democratic governance, political freedom, broad-based prosperity, and sustainable economic development through fair opportunity for everyone in West Africa.

He said neither hatred nor hidden motive influenced the steps taken and that there was never any intention to douse or undermine the legitimate political aspirations of any member state or to advance the interests of any outside party.

In calling for the suspension of sanctions, President Tinubu stressed that: "We must take note of the approach of the holy month of Ramadan and Lent. Whether you pray in the mosque or the church, this represents a time for compassion, hope, and harmony. It is a time that we must not only seek God but also a closer relationship with brother and neighbour.

"In the Spirit of the holy month and of the Lenten period, and with hearts bestirred by goodwill towards all our people, let us extend a hand as brothers and friends to those in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.”

"What I suggest in real and practical terms is that we, my colleagues and fellow heads of state in ECOWAS, indefinitely suspend economic sanctions against Niger, Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso and against the leadership of the military authorities in those nations."

Tinubu called on the leadership in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger to embrace the hand of fellowship extended by ECOWAS.

FG Dismisses Rejection Reports, Insists Tinubu will Visit Qatar

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday stated that the visit of President Bola Tinubu to Qatar would go ahead as scheduled, dismissing a leaked letter rejecting Nigeria’s request for a business and investment forum with Qatar during the period of the visit.

In a leaked letter, the Government of the State of Qatar had declined a proposal by the Nigerian government for a joint business and investment forum during Tinubu’s planned state visit to the country in March 2024.

The Presidency has however insisted that the leaked diplomatic paper was the work of mischief makers and that the Qatari government did not snub President Tinubu.

On its part, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement by its spokesperson, Fransisca Omayuli,

said it was “aware of the circulation of a diplomatic correspondence on social media and wishes to state that it will not comment on leaks.”

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform you that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) will embark on a State Visit to Qatar from 2nd – 3rd March 2024 to further cement the excellent relations existing between the two countries.

“During the visit, discussions will be held at the highest level, on a wide range of bilateral and economic issues,” the statement added.

In a separate statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency stated that the Qatari government did not snub Tinubu.

Onanuga, in the statement, said: “The leaked diplomatic paper by mischief makers about an investment

forum is not in any way a snub on President Tinubu by the Qatari government.”

He noted that: “The Note Verbale is about a private sector-led Business and Investment Forum to be held on the margins of President Bola Tinubu's state visit.

“The event is being put together by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Qatar's Chambers of Commerce and Industry where business people from Nigeria will engage their counterparts from Qatar on commercial and investment opportunities available in both countries.

“We note the strong bilateral relationship between our two countries and affirm that the state visit by President Bola Tinubu to Qatar is on the invitation of the Emir of Qatar, His Highness, Sheik Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.”

Onanuga added that: “The State Visit is particularly aimed at strengthening the bilateral economic cooperation between Nigeria and Qatar.

He further revealed that President Tinubu is expected to proceed to Qatar on the state visit as scheduled and during the visit, the Nigerian leader would engage in high-level bilateral discussions with the Qatari leader on many important matters, covering the full range of diplomatic and economic issues.

He insisted: “President Tinubu and His Highness Al-Thani are both committed to maintaining and building on the existing cordial and special relationship between Nigeria and the State of Qatar.”

Tinubu, according to a letter from the Embassy of Qatar in Abuja to the Protocol Department of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dated February 22, 2024, planned to visit

Edo Governorship Primary: Idahosa Leads Protest to APC, Threatens Court Action

Okpebholo receives certificate of return APC was almost set up for another electoral disaster, says Lukman

Adedayo Akinwale

One of the governorship aspirants in the just concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primary in Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has called on President Bola Tinubu to call the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to order.

He has also threatened to challenge the outcome of the party’s primary in court.

Idahosa’s threat is coming as the National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, yesterday issued Certificate of Return to the winner of the party’s governorship primary in the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo at the party's national secretariat in Abuja.

This is also coming as a former National Vice Chairman (North-west) of the APC, Dr. Salihu Lukman, has said that it was worrisome that the ruling party was almost set up for another disaster in Edo State

Recall that the governorship primary election held on February 17 was conducted under the supervision of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma who was Chairman of the Primary Election Committee.

The controversial primary

election saw the emergence of three candidates – Hon Dennis Idahosa, Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Anamero Dekeri.

It was based on this controversial outcome that the leadership of the party replaced Uzodimma with the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu who conducted last Thursday’s rescheduled election that produced Senator Okpebholo as the APC gubernatorial candidate for the September 2024 election.

Reacting, Idahosa, who led a protest to the national secretariat of the party yesterday, said the rescheduled primary elections, which took place last Thursday was mere 'selection'.

Addressing journalists at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, he said he had submitted a protest letter to the APC Governorship Appeal Committee.

He noted that he would take his time to go through the process after which he would proceed to court to fight for his right against the party.

"So, I am calling on Mr. President to call NWC to order. Elections were held on the 17th of February. What they did on the 22nd was

just selection.

"I challenged one of the LGA returning officers to give me - show me a picture of him in the local government headquarters where he said he collated the results and he was just blabbing; there was nothing like election because I know that they were in the same hotel in Benin; that's where they wrote all the results,” he alleged.

On his part, a chieftain of the party from Edo State, who accompanied Idahosa alongside other party members, Bernard Ekun, said the party was trying to deliberately prevent APC from providing or getting a candidate for the election.

But in his own reaction to the election, Lukman in a statement issued yesterday stressed that the February 17 primary was marred with a series of allegations of malpractices.

He added: "Everything about the February 17 APC primary election turned out to basically replayed all the old scripts of attempts to manipulate the emergence of a particular aspirant as the governorship candidate of the APC for the September 2024 Edo election."

The party chieftain stressed that this was almost exactly the script acted in 2020 that produced Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the candidate for Edo State governorship election in 2020, adding that the slight difference was that Senator Adams Oshiohmole is not currently the National Chairman of the APC.

Lukman noted: "It was quite worrisome that the APC was almost set up for another electoral disaster in Edo State.

"Without attempting to overlook one of the critical challenges of political party development in Nigeria, which is about instituting a transparently democratic process of candidate selection process within our political parties, it is a source of pride that the APC NWC under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was able to quickly arrest the drift, which would have confirmed the APC as an undemocratic party.

"It is quite commendable that the leadership of the APC was able to retrace its steps by first re-organising the Primary Election Committee and then allowing a level- playing field to guarantee the emergence of a popular candidate based on majority votes”.

Qatar between March 2 and March 3 and had requested a business and economic roundtable with the Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

But in its response, the Embassy of Qatar, on behalf of the country’s Ministry of Commerce, declined the offer to hold any business and investment forum with Nigeria on the margins of Tinubu’s visit on March 2, saying there is no agreement between both countries on investment promotion and protection.

The letter also said the Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry would be on official missions outside the country while the country would also be hosting a Web Summit during the period of Tinubu’s planned visit.

The letter read in part: “The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Abuja presents its compliments to the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Regarding the upcoming State

visit of H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Qatar from 2nd-3rd March 2024 and with reference to your Note: Ref: ME.631 2024 dated 12/02/2024, which proposed the holding of a Business and Investment Forum (BIF) on the margins of Mr. President’s visit to Qatar on 2nd March 2024.

“The Embassy has the honour to inform that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar apologises that it will not be able to hold a Business and Investment Forum as proposed by the Nigerian side due to the following reasons: “Unfortunately, there is no any agreement signed between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Investment Promotion and Protection.

“His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry will be carrying out official missions outside the country during the upcoming visit period.

“The State of Qatar will be hosting a Web Summit during the suggested period and the State’s authorities will be preoccupied with this event.

Labour Party Forum Condemns Crackdown on Newspaper Vendors in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

A group, Forum of Labour Party 2023 House of Assembly Candidates in Anambra State, has condemned the recent destruction of newspapers on newsstands in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Officials of Awka Capital Territory Development Agency, an agency charged with the development of Awka city, had recently unleashed a clampdown on newspaper vendors, seizing and destroying their wares.

But in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Humphrey Iloh, the group described the act as dictatorial.

The group stated: "Our attention has been drawn to trending news with pictorial and video evidence on social media of Prof. Soludo-led government destroying newspaper stands and beating up newspaper vendors in Awka.

"Also, on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Ogbo-ogwu in Onitsha, the brutal killing of one Mr. Arinze Obunadike, a drug dealer at Ogbo-ogwu, and resident of Iyiowa Odekpe, in Ogbaru LGA and indigene of Okija in Ihiala LGA, by Special Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad (SASA).

"We, the members of the Forum of Labour Party 2023 House of Assembly Candidates condemn in its entirety these double tragic and unfortunate acts by the Prof. Soludo-led government and other previous actions, which are clear indications that Anambra State is now under a dictatorial regime.

"The Anambra State of today is not the friendly and peaceful Anambra that the previous governments left for Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

"His current style of governance is totally against Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which declares that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government," the group said.

The forum advised Soludo to desist from further humiliating, intimidating, impoverishing, and killing of the people of the state.

It stated that it would be left with no option but to approach the court and seek an order to compel the state House of Assembly to commence the impeachment process against the governor, to rescue the Anambra people from the dictatorial regime.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Dembos; father of the late CEO of

Pastor Shyngle Wigwe; Minister of

Mohammed Idris; and mother of the deceased, Mrs. Stella Wigwe, when the minister paid a condolence visit to the family over the demise of the CEO of

Mr. Herbert Wigwe in Lagos…yesterday

STRATEGIC CONSULTATIONS…

INEC: We Received N313.4 Billion from FG for 2023 General Election

Segun James

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that it received N313.4 billion from the federal government for the conduct of the 2023 general election.

In its 2023 General Election Report released on Friday, the electoral umpire said that out of the N355 billion approved for the conduct of the elections, only the sum of N313.4 billion was released as of September 2023.

The report noted that based on the key activities in the approved Election Project Plan for the 2023 general election, the commission had proposed a budget of N305 billion for the conduct of the elections.

The breakdown of this amount showed that the commission made a request for N159.7 billion for electoral operations; N117. 3 billion for electoral technology; and N20.4 billion for electoral administrative costs.

It also showed that N7.4 billion representing 2.5 per cent of the election operation, technological, and administrative costs was set aside for unforeseen electoral expenses.

The report stated that in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the commission’s budget proposal for the 2023 general election was submitted to the presidency and duly transmitted to the National Assembly for approval.

ASUU: Why We May Embark on Strike Soon

Funmi Ogundare

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened that it may embark on industrial action again if the federal government fails to release the N170 billion in the 2023 budget allocated for universities’ revitalisation and also address other pressing issues.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos at the weekend, the Coordinator of ASUU, Lagos Zone, Prof. Adelaja Odukoya, reiterated the union’s call for increased government funding and attention to public universities.

The Lagos Zone of ASUU consists of University of Lagos (UNILAG); the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo; Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun-Ijebu Ode; the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye; the Lagos University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu; the Lagos University of Education ( LASUED), Otto-Ijanikin; and the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB), Abeokuta.

Odukoya noted that some of the lingering issues, which the government had not addressed include: Non-injection of revitalisation funds as agreed and also appropriated for in the 2023 Budget, the proliferation of

both federal and state universities without financial support, the prolonged delay in the renegotiation of their 2009 Agreement, and the continuous use of “deceptive IPPIS” as a payment platform.

Others, according to him, are the continuous delay in the payment of their Earned Academic Allowances, the continuous use of Treasury Single Account (TSA) for university operations, the non-full payment of their eight-month withheld salaries, the non-recall of ASUU officials sacked at LASU since five years ago, and the non-release of the university’s white paper on the 2021 Visitation Panel.

On its withheld salary, the union condemned the “No-Work No-Pay” policy implemented during the previous administration, which left lecturers without salaries for a long period.

Though the union acknowledged the partial payment, it described it as insufficient and insensitive to the current economic woes.

The don urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the issues urgently to avoid embarking on strike again.

The union called on various stakeholders, including the media, labour movement, students’ organisations, and civil societies to support the academics towards improving the nation’s public university system.

“Consequently, the commission appeared before the Senate and the House Committees on INEC as well as the Senate and House Appropriations Committees in a joint session during which the INEC Chairman presented the expenditure layout of the budget and answered all questions and queries from committee members.

“The National Assembly approved and appropriated the sum of N303.1 billion for the conduct of the 2023 general election,” the report explained.

It, however, stated that by January 2023, it was clear that the approved amount would not be enough for the conduct of the elections due to the inflation rate and consumer price index as well as the widening differentials in the foreign exchange rate.

The report added that INEC was also faced with the necessity to rebuild or relocate its operations from its

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has raised the alarm over a fresh plot to impeach him following his emergence as the factional candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship election.

Shaibu, who has been having a running battle with his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki, said the impeachment move was revealed to him by his team.

He disclosed this yesterday during a media parley with journalists from Edo State yesterday, in Abuja.

Shaibu vowed to carry on with his preparations even if doing so would cause his impeachment by the state House of Assembly.

The Returning Officer in the Edo PDP governorship primary and Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, last Thursday, announced Asue Ighodalo as the winner of the delegate election, having polled a total of 577 votes.

However, in the parallel primaries that took place at the Benin residence of the deputy

buildings that were destroyed or burnt and replace lost election materials due to arson attacks and fire outbreaks.

The report also noted that INEC suffered more than 50 attacks on its facilities and acts of vandalism on its properties and election material between 2019 and 2022.

These three factors, according to the report, negatively impacted the procurement of domestic goods and services and the purchase of offshore electoral equipment and materials.

“The commission was therefore compelled to request for supplementary appropriation in the sum of N52 billion from the presidency.

“The request was duly considered and approved for appropriation by the National Assembly bringing the total funds approved and appropriated for the conduct of the 2023 general election to N355.2 billion.

governor, the Returning Officer, Barthlomew Moses, declared Shaibu the winner, saying he won “with over 300 votes.”

But Shaibu said he was the authentic candidate, while describing the primary that produced Ighodalo, who is backed by Governor Obaseki, as nothing short of a social party attended by “people who wore aso ebi from all over the place.”

Shaibu, who defected to the PDP alongside Obaseki, in 2020 from the All Progressives Congress (APC), said his office has been subjected to all manner of degrading treatment by the governor, adding that he is the man to win the election for the PDP.

He said: “Even as we speak, my team has been calling me that, ‘Look at what these people are doing. They are saying they are going to impeach you, that you have gotten too far.’ They are threatening to impeach me.

“And I said, well, if fighting for my rights and all of us collectively fighting for our rights, which is in the constitution, can trigger impeachment, so be it; because

“The breakdown of the appropriated amount based on the Average Cost per Registered Voter Index (COVI), for the 93,469,008 registered voters in Nigeria is N3,801 (US$6.72) per voter. “This is well within the internationally acceptable Average Cost per Registered Voter (ACRV) of $4 to $8 and is deemed adequate for the conduct of elections in transitional democracies.

“In fact, the ACRV for the 2023 general election is less than the actual cost of $9.62 and $7.38 cost per voter for the 2015 and 2019 general election, respectively, and very reasonable in comparison to the cost per voter in other transitional democracies such as Ghana and Kenya,” the report stated.

It added that consequent upon the appropriation of the election budget proposals by the National Assembly, INEC engaged with the Minister

fighting for my rights and saying I must contest the election is my constitutional rights and cannot be taken by anybody.

“So, if constitutional right is why they will now trigger impeachment, the courts are there, they will interpret it.”

Shaibu, who described Ighodalo as “my far elder brother,” however, urged the PDP to know that the lawyer-turned-politician does not have what it takes to win the poll.

“If the party wants to win the election, they will not go for Ighodalo. If the party wants to win the election, the people have spoken, and they have spoken very loud and clearly.

“If people can stand bullets to say this is who we want, then the party should follow that direction,” he added.

The deputy governor said that he has appointed former APC Deputy Chairman, Edo State Chapter, Pastor Kenneth Asekomhe, to chair a committee to reach out to Ighodalo’s camp to forge a common front for the PDP in the election.

“He is the chairman of the committee that I have set up to

and officials of the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning for the release of funds as stipulated in Section 81(2,3&4) of the 1999 Constitution.

“This led to the cumulative release of the sum of N293.4 billion in tranches between February 2022 and February 2023.

“A further amount of N20 billion was released to the Commission in August and September 2023.

“The sum of N61.8 billion is outstanding as of October 2023,” the report said.

The report also stated that the commission also received support from development partners for electoral activities.

The support, according to the commission, was tailored around training, capacity building, civic and voter education, production of information, education and communication materials, and engagement with stakeholders.

reach out to the Ighodalo group for us to have a discussion to see how we will go because it is only him that is not on board,” he said.

Shaibu also said he is working with the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Mr Dan Orbih.

“The leader of the legacy coalition is Dan Orbih. We are working together and that is why it is important that Ighodalo join the legacy coalition because the coalition is those that were in APC that moved to PDP to meet those that were already in PDP.

“Those that were in PDP that we met are the legacy. The coalition now is that we joined the old PDP moving together because we don’t want to hear new and old PDP and that is why we call it a legacy coalition,” Shaibu stated.

On whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the primary election that produced him, Shaibu spoke affirmatively without going into details.

“INEC and the party were there but I will not disclose a lot. If we don’t go to court, fine. But if we do go to court, all this information will be unveiled,” he added.

L-R: President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Enugu State Chapter, Prof. Fred Eze; Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Okey Emuchay; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Hon. Alex Ogbonnia; and the Vice President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State, Dr. Mrs. Selina Adibua, during a courtesy visit to Governor Mbah by the leadership of the Igbo socio-cultural group at the Government House, Enugu…yesterday

ANOTHER FEATHER IN HIS CAP…

Obasanjo: Over 80% of Nigeria’s Crude Oil is Stolen

Nigeria’s leaders have failed the people, Ango Abdullahi laments

Chuks Okocha and Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo stated that one of the reasons why Nigeria's economy is in ruins is that while other oil-producing countries have records of their oil production, Nigeria cannot account for hers due to theft.

This is coming as a former Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and ex-Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU),

Prof. Ango Abdullahi, has passed a judgment on Nigeria’s leadership, saying it has failed the people.

Abdullahi added that there was a need for the country to be rescued from the leadership deficit.

They spoke yesterday in Abuja during the launching of a book titled, 'Court and Politics,’ written by Dr. Umar Ardo, a former associate of the ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

Obasanjo, who was represented by a former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, wondered why the

Nigerian economy would not be in ruins when, according to him, over 80 percent of her crude oil is stolen.

Obasanjo said while the crude oil quota is about two million barrels per day, over 1.7 million are stolen.

On whether Nigeria should go back to the parliamentary system, or continue with the presidential system, Obasanjo said there is nothing wrong with the presidential system, only that Nigerians do not play by the rules.

He called for a proper political culture, adding that no system is

cast in gold.

Speaking as the chairman of the occasion, Abdullahi said: "Enough of our failures. Something else must give way to our failures. We have failed this country. This must stop".

He also said: “Time has come for us to go back to the drawing boards to rescue this country.

The former chairman NEF lamented that Nigeria with a population of over 200 million people is struggling to generate 4,000 megawatts of power.

Abbas: FG Implemented Strategic Reforms to Restore Economic Recovery

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, yesterday said the federal government had implemented some strategic reforms to restore economic stability in the country.

Abbas disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna.

The fair has the theme:

‘Sustainable Economic Recovery

Through Deepening of Local Content Value Chain.’

bbas, who was represented by Hon. James Barka (PDP-Adamawa), said the federal government, major stakeholders, and the National Assembly were determined to restore macro and micro economic stability in the country.

He said: “This year’s edition of the fair came at the right time as efforts are being channeled towards achieving sustainable economic recovery in the country.

“There have been creative steps in policy reforms across all the sectors, with an intended focus on repositioning our nation as truly the economic giant of Africa, producing significant achievement in fiscal and monetary consolidation.

“It is also expected that the resultant effects of these steps will lead to a reduction of the menace of insecurity affecting our economic growth, strengthening our public service institutions and improving the overall business environment for increased productivity.

“We are beginning to see dividends of new policies of this administration with a boost in investment growth across major segments of the economy, attracting new foreign investors and returning the country to a sustainable and inclusive road path.

“The road might appear rough, but I am happy, we are making significant progress,” he said.

Abbas said there was a specific improvement in Nigeria's non-oil

sector in the last National Bureau of Statistics report, adding that, “the quarter for 2023 GDP report shows an improvement of 3.46 per cent growth from the previous growth of 2.54 per cent.

The speaker said: “We are surely not where we are expected to be at the moment but the good news is that we are not where we were yesterday. We are surely making progress.

“The theme of this year’s fair reminds us of the fact that Nigeria’s problem can only be resolved by Nigerians.

“We must all be ready to collaborate and support the federal government’s efforts in energising the economy through the creation of an investment-friendly environment.

“Our dear country, Nigeria is blessed as a nation with abundant human and natural resources and the right policies for economic growth.

“With the economic willpower to implement the policies available,

Nigeria can become one of the global economic powers,” he added.

Abbas urged all the stakeholders to support the drive of the present administration to bring an economy that can bring prosperity to all Nigerians.

He added: “The 10th National Assembly is determined to ensure that business owners and investors in Nigeria’s economic space are specifically provided with a more conducive environment to succeed.

“They will succeed profitably with marginal returns on investments and their capital well protected with various business incentives currently under implementation by this current administration.

“It is time to roll up our sleeves and work for the common good of our people, for history beckons on all of us to do so.

“We will ensure that entrepreneurs in Nigeria receive all the necessary support needed in commitment to make significant contributions in creating a new Nigeria.

Aiyedatiwa Declares Interest in Ondo Poll, Says Nobody Wants to Be Gov for One Year

Segun James Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has disclosed that he will contest the November 2024 governorship election in the state, adding that nobody wants to be governor for one year, Speaking during a television interview at the weekend, Aiyedatiwa said he never fell out with his former principal, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. In December 2023, Aiyedatiwa

was sworn in as the substantive governor of Ondo State, following the death of Akeredolu. Before Akeredolu’s demise, Aiyedatiwa had been battling impeachment threats from the state House of Assembly while the former governor was sick.

It was rumoured that the relationship between Aiyedatiwa and Akeredolu was not cordial, hence the impeachment moves.

Ahead of the November 2024 governorship election, it is being

speculated that loyalists of the late Akeredolu may not support Aiyedatiwa in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election. The governor will have to battle with the likes of Jimoh Ibrahim, a senator, and a former Commissioner of Finance in the state, Wale Akinterinwa, for the APC ticket.

During the interview, Aiyedatiwa was asked if he reconciled with Akeredolu before his death.

“Let me put this straight for record’s sake: I never had an issue with my former principal (Akeredolu),” Aiyedatiwa said in response.

“There was no time we had a face-off or an issue that would demand that I had to make up with him.

“All that was being pushed up at that time was political and false insinuation because the election was coming and the governor was very sick.”

Narrating his encounter with an elder statesman, Aminu Dantata, Abdullahi said Dantata was angry with northerners because they failed the North.

According to him, "Enough is enough of our failure; we must agree that we failed enough.

“I visited Dantata and he was very angry with me, saying the people of the North have failed the North and Nigeria. Until the North accepts that they have failed the North and sit together to discuss the way forward, there won’t be progress.

“We gathered in 1978 when we wanted to return to civilian rule. We were to discuss why the system of 1961 failed but we were shocked

when they said the parliamentary system of government was not going to be discussed and that we should go for the federal system of government. And they gave us two options: that of the French and America. And now we have practised the presidential system for 24 years and it has failed and I will score it F9.

“Time has come for us to go back to the drawing board so that we can save this country," Abdullahi stated.

In his remarks, the former National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Secondus, called for judicial reforms in political activities so that elections would be decided by the people and not the courts.

Akpabio Links Increase in Oil Production to Navy’s Tireless Efforts

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has linked the current increase in crude oil production in the oil-producing region of the country, to the tireless efforts of the Nigerian Navy in curbing crude oil theft, just as he assured them of the support of the Senate for their continued success.

Akpabio stated this at the weekend in his address at the dinner night in honour of officers of Flag Rank who were retired in 2023, at the Armed Forces Officers' Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.

He noted that "the numerous arrests of ships and individuals involved in illegal bunkering, destruction of illegal refining sites, smuggled goods and narcotics, as well as the increase in oil production in Nigeria, attest to the tireless efforts of the Navy in combatting the nefarious activities undermining Nigeria's economy."

According to him, "Nevertheless, I still challenge the Nigerian Navy to persevere and double her efforts in safeguarding the Nigerian maritime environment. The nation looks up to you and expects nothing short of professionalism, which you have exhibited thus far. Be assured that the National Assembly will support you with all the processes needed to succeed.

"I am most delighted to be in your midst this evening as the Special Guest of Honour for this dinner night in honour of officers of Flag Rank retired in 2023. It is indeed an event to commemorate the meritorious service of you retired senior officers. This occasion allows us to reflect upon the extraordinary service and profound

dedication demonstrated throughout your illustrious careers.

"I am convinced that the working principles you garnered while in service, such as discipline, selflessness, and loyalty would provide you a veritable platform in your new endeavours.

"Before your retirement from Service, you all devoted yourselves to the protection and defence of our dear nation's maritime environment, which has been volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Indeed, your selfless sacrifices have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the Navy, the Armed Forces, and the nation as a whole,” Akpabio explained.

Akpabio also noted that "this speech will however not be complete without remembering your colleagues who lost their lives in the line of maritime operations. As for them, we pray for eternal rest.

"Throughout your careers, you have faced countless challenges, displaying resilience and adaptability in navigating the ever-evolving modern world. Despite these challenges, you made a deliberate effort to address the myriad of security threats bedeviling our maritime environment.

"Your unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Navy has inspired generations of service members following. Your leadership and experience will undoubtedly be missed. Nonetheless, we are assured that you will continue to contribute towards the development of the Nigerian Navy and the country at large, particularly within this period when Nigeria requires bespoke strategies for its security challenges.

L-R: Founder, Chair Centre Group, Dr. Ibukun Awosika; Former First Lady, Oyo State, Mrs. Florence Fatimo Ajimobi; Group Managing Director, SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, Dr. John Obaro; and Founder, MitiMeth, Mrs. Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro; at the conferment of honorary Doctor of Science Degree on Dr. Obaro during the Trinity University convocation ceremony in Lagos…weekend

Music OGs Eedris, Rudeboy, Tony Tetuila, Ikechukwu ‘Shake the Table’

Stories by Vanessa Obioha

Not every story that happens in showbiz usually gets the spotlight but occasionally, an entertainer unveils a trove of behind-the-scenes drama that the fans never got to see or hear about. This played out last week when a few music veterans stirred up controversy with their candid revelations.

Following Eedris Abdulkareem’s spat with Burna Boy, entertainers were torn between who to support in Eedris’ claim that he paved the way for most musicians while deriding Burna Boy for saying that no one helped him in the music industry.

“You hear someone like Burna Boy say no one helped him in Nigeria. That’s stupid talk,” said Eedris during a podcast interview.

But Eedris did not stop there. He went further to claim that the Grammy award-winning Burna Boy is not living up to his self-titled African Giant, rather Davido was.

Eedris would later make more headlines when he revisited his 2004 clash with G-Unit, the former group of American rapper 50 Cent. He claimed that during a music concert hosted by Nigerian Breweries in 2004, the US rapper and his bodyguards “beat and forcefully evicted” various Nigerian singers, including P-Square, from the backstage area.

Rudeboy, the other half of P-Square who had earlier weighed in on Eedris spat with Burna Boy by remarking on his Instagram page that “Every eke market day we go de hear ‘I fought for the industry,’ ‘na me cook de food wey una dey chop,’ I go just de laugh. Now you wan reply with music you go reply taya!!!” refuted his claim. “P-Square did not go to that concert, we had another concert. We were never billed. And the reason was that we were offered peanut and we said we were not going to play. But dude you go collect peanut and you come dey expect VIP

treatment,” he said in a video.

Also joining the fray was Tony Tetuila, a member of Eedris’ defunct music group The Remedies. Tetuila reacted to Eedris’ claim that The Remedies broke up because Eddy, another member, became greedy and told him they should no longer split the revenue from their music equally with Tetuila. Taking to his social media page, Tetuila gave a different version of what really transpired.

“Eedris connived with Eddy and kicked me out of The Remedies despite the fact that it was my mum who brought the money that was used to sponsor the group in the beginning. I was so heartbroken and shattered. It was Daddy Showkey who encouraged me and told me that I could do it alone.

“Blackface was another person who helped me. He brought me close and taught me how I could write my own songs. Blackface is a very great guy. I’d never forget the role he played in my career.

“It’s same Eedris that’s coming out to lie that he made sacrifices for the industry.”

Away from Eedris, D’banj was a hot topic on social media after Nigerian actor and musician Ikechukwu Onunaku revealed the unfair treatment he got from the defunct music label MoHits led by Don Jazzy and D’banj.

Ikechukwu in an Instagram live interview with Daddy Freeze, disclosed that the Koko Master used to pay him N50,000 for a show he probably was paid N1 million. He said he argued about the payment many times before it was increased to N150,000. This he said was approved by ‘Mummy.’

A puzzled Daddy Freeze asked who was ‘Mummy’ and Ikechukwu disclosed that it was D’banj’s mummy and she played a critical role in the company’s management. When Daddy Freeze

Ini Dima-Okojie, Psalmuel Joseph, Uju Rapu Demystify Skin Hydration at Dettol Masterclass

Iyke Bede

In a recent masterclass highlighting the importance of skin health, Dettol Nigeria explored skin care, spotlighting the importance of skin hydration in promoting healthy and supple skin.

Staged at Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos, the event delved into the intricacies of effective skincare routines.

Expert skin dermatologists and entrepreneurs dissected the dos and don’ts of skin hydration, exploring the science behind it.

The panel session was chaired by Founder/CEO, Nuban Beauty, Esther Ndekile; Skincare Consultant, Hilary Taiwo; CEO Bel Fiore Medical Aesthetics, Dr Uju Rapu; and Founder, 25Pskyn, Psalmuel Joseph, and anchored by Dettol ambassador Ini DimaOkojie, and on-air personality,

Kaylah Oniwo. The panellists delved into demystifying the myths around skin hydration, especially with the desperate attempt of people of African descent to attain the popular ‘Korean glass skin.’

They also illuminated the class on how genetics, sunlight, and age can affect the skin over time, with Joseph advising that skincare should be viewed as a continuous practice that should be observed religiously.

Against the backdrop of this enlightening masterclass, Dettol’s newly relaunched bar soap aligns seamlessly with the core principles of optimal skin care. With a focus on gentle cleansing and nourishing hydration provided by its increased glycerine content and argan oil.

Emphasising the masterclass’ significance to the public, General

Manager, Reckitt, Sub Saharan Africa, Akbar Ali Shah, highlighted its pivotal role as a key component in the company’s dedicated efforts to continually educate the masses.

“Our products are not only loved by Nigerians but across the globe. It is backed by science. At Reckitt, we have a very profound purpose. Our purpose is to protect, nurture, and heal in the relentless pursuit of a healthier and cleaner world. We believe that access and knowledge of good health and hygiene products should not be a privilege. It should be a right to everyone. We believe that good hygiene is the foundation for good health.”

The event, well-attended and vibrant, treated guests to an evening filled with music, finger foods, and drinks, complemented by a captivating spoken word performance by Ore Macaulay.

Tobi Bakre, Kaylah Oniwo, Zeelicious and Others Named Knorr Eativists

In commemoration of ‘World Eat for Good Day’ held every February 19, to inspire people to “eat better for themselves and the planet,” Knorr, a prominent brand within the Unilever portfolio recently unveiled 14 Eativists for the Nigeria leg of the global programme.

At the formal event held at their Lagos headquarters, Category Manager, Nutrition, Unilever West Africa, Damilola Dania described Eativists as food enthusiasts who religiously incorporate veggies into

their meals and consciously opt for choices that benefit both themselves and the planet, while inspiring others to do the same.

Alongside the unveiling of Tobi Bakre, Taymesan, Anu Bakre, Mory Coco, Kaylah Oniwo, Linda EjioforSuleiman, Nancy Umeh, Chef Derin, Chef Cupid, Chef Roux, Diary of a Kitchen Lover (Tolani Tayo-Osikoya), Zeelicious Foods (Winifred Nwania), Chef Fregz, and Dr. Robert as the brand’s official Eativists, a glimpse into their diverse lifestyle of eating for good was showcased in a film that

inquired what specific role, Ikechukwu said was “spiritual” and that no decision was made without her input.

Following the viral clip of the interview, a former employee of MoHits, Nana Abe criticised Ikechukwu, stating that the rapper enjoyed even more benefits than the musicians signed on the label. He claimed that the label bought Ikechukwu his first Range Rover and paid his rent for years.

As the drama unfolds, fans are left uncertain about whom to believe. One thing remains clear: the unfolding saga leaves us all guessing as to who will be left standing at the table when it finally comes to an end.

Timi Dakolo, MC Ajele Light Up Angelo’s Nigerian Debut

Iyke Bede

A global trailblazer in anti-ageing solutions, Qingdao Angelo Biotechnology Co., Ltd recently entered the Nigerian market. Its official launch held at the Balmoral Event Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, served as an avenue for rewarding its loyal distributors and was graced by the presence of celebrated Nigerian singer, Timi Dakolo to mark the pivotal moment for its expansion strategy and its commitment to introducing cutting-edge wellness products to the vibrant Nigerian audience.

Against the backdrop of pulsating beats, Dakolo, in an all-black attire, treated guests to some of his career-defining hits from his discography. He launched with ‘Great Nation’ to a standing ovation from the audience, using the anthem to set the tone for a frenzied evening. He transitioned to other tracks like ‘Iyawo Mi,’ ‘Nothing Dey Spoil for God Hand,’ ‘Obim,’ and ‘Everything (Amen) which had guests cluster him while making short videos for social media.

Before Dakolo’s captivating performance, comedian MC Ajele infused laughter into the atmosphere with a witty act drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.

With a rich legacy spanning over two decades in the wellness and health sector, Angelo continues to empower its distributors across 30 countries through a robust network marketing framework. According to the lifestyle and wellness brand, its development strategy revolves around cellular antiageing, integrating scientific research, sales and services, and multi-level marketing (MLM).

The launch event was not only a celebration of the brand’s entry into the Nigerian market but also an occasion to recognize and reward the loyalty of its distributors. The festivities included a series of raffle draws in various categories, offering enticing prizes ranging from cash rewards to vouchers and even the chance to drive away with a new car.

parades them. Brand Manager, Knorr, Arinze Madumere, emphasised the significance of the Eat for Good movement. He said: “We believe that what’s on your plate has an impact, not just on your health, but the environment as well. We have strategically chosen Eativists to inspire people to eat a wider variety of foods, more vegetables, more plants, and less meat. With these small, significant changes, we can optimise our health and improve environmental sustainability.”

Music OGs, Rudeboy, D’banj, Eedris and Tetuila

Timi Dakolo serenading guest at Angelo

New KNORR Eativists

Court Orders Crypto Giant, Binance to Pay

for Violating US Anti-money Laundering Laws

The world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance Holdings Ltd (BHL) has been ordered to pay $4.3 billion for violations of anti-money laundering and sanctions laws in a settlement approved by a United States judge on Friday.

US District Judge Richard Jones in Washington State approved a plea agreement between Binance and federal

prosecutors, which called for the company to pay a fine of $1.8 billion and forfeiture of $2.5 billion.

“Binance profited from the US financial system without playing by its rules and, as a result, criminals used the exchange to move hundreds of millions of dollars of stolen funds and illicit proceeds,” the government said in its

Segun James

Ahead of the planned commissioning of the Lagos Red Line Rail System, scheduled for Thursday, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday took an inspection tour of the facilities to ascertain its readiness.

THISDAY however, gathered that only the infrastructures would be inaugurated while the system would commence operation at a later date.

The governor, in the company of his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, some cabinet members, and newsmen took off from Ikeja Station to Iju Station before making a return journey to Ikeja. Both journeys took 16 minutes.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The federal government has said the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is currently not recruiting, urging Nigerians to ignore social media adverts.

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board disclosed this in a statement by the Secretary to the Board, Ja’afaru Ahmed, yesterday.

It urged the public to disregard the recruitment advert which it said is the handiwork of unscrupulous elements who want to defraud innocent job applicants.

Addressing journalists later, Sanwo-Olu said the 37km rail track was ready for inauguration, even as he expressed displeasure over the attitude of some residents who have refused to vacate the rail area despite repeated warnings and threats.

He added that people should know that the tracks are not a place of residence or commercial activities, saying the trips for the Red Line would be on an hourly basis.

Sanwo-Olu said: “This one is our final inspection at the Ikeja train station and we just finished another test train ride on the Red Line, using one of the trains. And we have had a journey till Iju and back.

The statement read: “The attention of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has been drawn to the recruitment advert on social media platforms stating that the Board has approved the commencement of the Nigeria Immigration Service 2024 merit replacement exercise.

“The Board is urging the general public to disregard the recruitment advert which is the handiwork of unscrupulous elements that want to defraud innocent job applicants.

“The recruitment advert is fake and did not emanate from the Board,” the statement said in part.

sentencing memorandum.

It also stated that the penalty was the largest ever imposed against a money services business and was “commensurate with the severity of Binance’s criminal conduct.”

As part of a settlement reached in November, Binance’s Chief Executive, Changpeng Zhao, pleaded guilty to violat-

ing US anti-money laundering laws and agreed to step down from his position.

Binance was created in 2017 and cornered much of the crypto-trading market, turning Zhao into a billionaire.

Binance runs crypto exchanges and provides other services around the world, but it has taken a severe hit since

crypto markets collapsed and regulators began probing the legality of its business.

While Binance was founded in China, Zhao moved its operations to other locations internationally after a crackdown on the crypto sector by Beijing.

The volatile industry surged in 2021 with a range of com-

plex products and celebrity endorsements propelling it to a valuation in excess of $3 trillion in 2022. But a series of scandals, including the collapse of the FTX exchange and criminal charges for its executives saw public confidence evaporate and investors pull their money out.

Wema Bank Hosts Importer-exporter Engagement

Forum for Aspiring, Expert International Trade Players

Nume Ekeghe

Wema Bank, one of Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, held its first physical Importer-Exporter Forum in grand style in Lagos aimed at empowering aspiring expert international trade players.

Themed: ‘Building A Symbiotic Trade Ecosystem For Effective Trade

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Power supply is expected to witness a significant boost in over half of Abia State as the Geometric Power Group is set to start firing the first of its four power generating turbines after inauguration on Monday.

The historic event which is expected to be graced by President

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Two people have been reportedly killed while 16 others were abducted in an attack by bandits on Gidan Busa community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Five people were also said to have sustained injuries from

Decisions’, the forum convened importers, exporters, aspiring international traders and relevant regulatory bodies, to address issues impeding international trade in the Nigerian context, proffering viable solutions tailored to facilitate seamless international trade operations and enable a mutually beneficial import-export synchronisation.

The groundbreaking event also witnessed the launch of the Wema

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is already generating huge excitement among Aba residents and in government circle given the huge impact the project would have on the state’s economy.

At a pre-inauguration media interaction yesterday, the Chairman/Group Managing Director of Geometric, Professor Barth Nnaji, said the Aba Ring-fenced area

gunshot and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

A resident of the community who pleaded anonymity said the bandits invaded the community on Friday at about 11:30pm when the villagers were asleep.

He said the bandits were shooting indiscriminately when

Export Trade Academy, a virtual educational facility for nurturing international trade enthusiasts to success.

The Academy, pioneered by Wema Bank, is strategically designed to nurture export enthusiasts from cradle, equipping them with exclusive expert resources to help them identify the right products, locate willing buyers, navigate regulatory provisions, receive

would be fed with 47 megawatts of electricity almost double its present supply of 25 megawatts.

He said the ultimate goal was to provide 24-hour steady power supply to the nine local governments that make up the Aba Ring-fenced area, adding that his firm has invested over $800 million in what is Nigeria’s only integrated power project.

The Geometric Power Group

they stormed the village.

According to the resident, eight of the abducted victims were from the residence of one Alhaji Hassan.

He said: “On Friday night bandits came to Gidan Busa and abducted 16 residents, killing two while five sustained gunshot injury and currently receiving treatment

payments and access funding facilities, to build a fruitful and sustainable export trade business.

Wema Bank’s Managing Director, Moruf Oseni, highlighted the bank’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions for businesses, adding that the end goal is to create a new generation of trade champions who will propel Nigeria to the forefront of the global trade marketplace.

is licensed to both generate and distribute electricity hence the two component companies, Geometric Power Aba Ltd(GPAL) and APL Electric Company Ltd (Aba Power) performs the respective functions.

Nnaji explained that the four turbines with total capacity of 188MW would be inaugurated in phases until the full capacity is attained.

in the hospital.

“At the residence of one Alhaji Hassan, the bandits abducted eight persons including his wife and children. They also killed one of his boys and a female.

“Five people sustained injuries from gunshots and were taken to the hospital for treatment.”

‘Death and Burial of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi

Odunayo Akeredolu: The Foreign Policy Implications

When I heard about the demise of the Governor of Ondo State, the ‘Sunshine State,’ which I prefer to call ‘The State,’ my first impression was that death had occurred to security in Ondo State simply because Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, alias Aketi, stood more than a Rock of Gibraltar like a buffer wall, stopping the missiles coming from the Fulani herdsmen, and thus preventing the missiles from going further to hurt the Ondo State citizens. Again when the programme of his burial was announced, my first impression was that Arakunrin Akeredolu would liein-state at the beautiful auditorium of the Achievers University, Owo. This is because the family house of Arakunrin Akeredolu is located at the tail end of the newly constructed Macadamised dual carriage way leading to the Achievers University, a leading university without any whiff of braggadocio.

In fact, my belief was further strengthened by the succession of the Deputy Governor, Lucky Àiyédàtiwa as Governor, and particularly by Àiyédàtiwa’s appointment of a new Deputy Governor, Chief Olayide Owolabi Adelami, on 1st February 2024, following his confirmation by the Ondo State House of Assembly on 25 January, 2024 and swearing in at the International Culture and Events Centre, Akure by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola.

And true enough, the Deputy Governor not only hails from Owo like Arakunrin Akeredolu, but also has strong affiliations with the Achievers University. Consequently, I have thought that Achievers University could not but be required to play a major role in the burial arrangements of Arakunrin Akeredolu. My strategic calculations missed the road, but I was not the only person that miscalculated. There were also the people who thought that the funeral service would be held at the Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church where not less than 40 innocent people praying in the church were ruthlessly killed on 5 June, 2022. The killing and Arakunrin Akeredolu to the Fulani herdsmen’s invasion of Yoruba land, and particularly, Ondo State. It is in this context that the death and burial of Arakunrin Akeredolu raises the need for re-determination to sustain the anti-Fulani herdsmen invasion and also address the foreign policy implications.

Death and Burial

Life is the beginning of death which also has a beginning and a conditional end. In the Yoruba tradition, the life any Yoruba person would live is generally reflected in his or her names. Names do reflect the circumstances of birth of any Yoruba person in the traditional setting. For instance, the names of both the late Arakunrin Akeredolu and his successor, Mr. Lucky Orímísàn Àiyédàtiwa, speak volumes. The late governor answersArakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu. ‘Arakunrin’ means ‘Mr.’ It is adopted by the governor to reflect simplicity of life and originality, home discipline and courteousness, as well as dignity of purpose.

And more importantly, the names reflect cultural homeliness. Arakunrin is a Yoruba word. The choice of the word is not only to affirm his Yoruba personality, but also apparently to replace the use of ‘barrister’, which professionally, cannot be used as a title. It is wrong to address a lawyer, like Akeredolu, as Barrister Akeredolu. In the same way the use of His Excellency or Her Excellency is synonymous with ‘Ambassador’,’ hence the use of His Excellency cannot be followed by Ambassador. Other titles like Chief, Dr., etc. can follow but bracketed.

The name of the new governor, Lucky Orímísàn Àiyédàtiwa, is particularly interesting. Lucky, though an English word, is good a name. Everyone wants luck but it is not a Yoruba name. The other two names reflect self-assertion in terms of good luck, goodness of life. It means my own time to shine. Orímísàn also means my head is that of goodness. Àiyédàtiwa is also luck or good destiny, a head of potential goodness. Àiyédàtiwa also means ‘the world or good life belongs to me or opportunity or success belongs to me.’ His political career clearly reflects the

goodness of all his names: He was lucky to have been chosen as a Deputy Governor. His head ‘was good’ to have succeeded his principal. With the succession, the world now belongs to him.

But more interestingly, the death of Arakunrin Akeredolu, also referred to as ‘Mr. Talk and Do,’ ‘a fighter,’ ‘a man of courage, not a pretender,’ raises several thought-provoking questions and concerns. First, it raises the question of importance. The death and burial of any Very Important Person (VIP) creates unique opportunities for societal development in various ramifications. Whenever the President of Nigeria is visiting any of the constitutive States of Nigeria, it is a tradition of the state to be visited to repair the access roads to the state capital, to ensure environmental cleanliness, and to give impression of goodness at all levels of governance to their guest. In fact, many access roads to Owo were generally patched up. At least, the serious potholes were repaired, enabling convoys to drive at high velocity and also recklessly without due regard to ordinary road users. Radio jingles and other media advertorials flourished.

The bill board tributes were noteworthy. They explained the importance of Akeredolu’s death and burial. The Ondo Southwest Governors Forum says ‘Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, July 21, 1956 – December 26, 2023 Aketi Eternal.’ This advertorial only gave information on the deceased without much of what the Governors Forum had in mind. In the words of Chief

In fact, Arakunrin Akeredolu was the Pro-Chancellor of the church. In light of this, the need to sustain his legacy was emphasised. All the governors were called upon to assist. Governor Aiyedatiwa accepted the responsibility to coordinate the project with all his colleagues. And most interestingly, Akeredolu has come and has gone. Who will succeed him? Is it the incumbent governor or Wale Akinterinwa, who reportedly had been anointed by Arakunrin Akeredolu before he passed away? Will Owo people prefer the Deputy Governor or the anointed candidate of the deceased? In terms of strategic calculations, Governor Aiyedatiwa appointed his deputy from Owo, either in appreciation of Akeredolu’s goodwill to him or in terms of his electoral strategy come November 2024. Appointing his deputy from Owo is also saying that if he gets the mandate of the APC, he will expect all the people of Owo kingdom to vote for him. The critical problem is that the governor also comes from the same Senatorial District as Wale Akinterinwa whose people are saying that no one in their area has ever been given the opportunity to serve as governor and are therefore compelling Wale Akinterinwa to contest. This cannot but createssss a sharp division in the Senatorial District. At the reception in Owo, Wale Akinterinwa showed the gathering that governorship is not a child’s play. But as Jimmy Cliff said, ‘time will tell

Olusola Oke, SAN, ‘Goodnight. We shall continue with your good legacies of truth, voice for the voiceless and good governance.’ While Chief Oke is pledging to continue with the legacies of Aketi, and telling the world that Akeredolu served as a voice for the voiceless and left behind a legacy of truth, Honourable Wale Akinterinwa adopted a very simple tribute, but with great impact. He said, ‘For Ever in Our Hearts.’ This simply means whatever Akeredolu represented before he passed on would remain in ‘our’ hearts. Our heart can be singular, referring to him only and it can also have a plural meaning, referring to all the followers of Akeredolu. This is the normal language of every servant leader and therefore quite noteworthy.

Grosso modo, the demise of any VIP also enhances security, as it is always beefed up when a VIP is visiting a place. Access roads to such a place and the security of the place, etc. are always given a face lift. And more interestingly, the venues and the church chosen for the funeral service cannot but always take advantage of the presence of the VIPs in seeking for development assistance. This was the very case with the Cathedral of Saint Andrews, Owo which hosted the funeral service.

A second question is whether there is really death? True, there is death but which death are we talking about? The Eckankar church does not believe in death because of the consideration that the soul never dies. Lobsang Rampa, the pen name of Cyril Henry Hoskin (8 April 1910 - 25 January 1981), has authored many novels, especially his The Third Eye, in which he showed that there is life after death. If there is life after death, what then is the meaning of death that only leads to another life?

Thirdly, is death more important than burial in terms of social preparation and laying to rest? Is it the act of burial that is more important than the celebration of death and burying? Apart from the fact of inevitability of death, as prescribed by God, which is more of concern, the struggle against death or the struggle to bury? Akeredolu struggled to combat death in a German hospital but to no avail. In other words, everyone accepts that death is inevitable but no one wants to die now or later. Pastors preach the sermons of beautiful mansions in heaven. God’s Paradise is presented as another el dorado, yet, no one wants to live the inclement world of devilishness and wickedness. In fact, no one talks evil of the dead. Every one prays that death should be for the future over which no one has control. But the history of Arakunrin Akeredolu is a truism. He left a good record and he reportedly anointed a successor, Honourable Wale Akinterinwa.

Fourthly, Arakunrin Akeredolu reportedly died on Wednesday, 27 December 2023 at 2 am at a German hospital. We contend here that he already died on the very day the Fulani herdsmen detonated a bomb and killed more than 40 people at the Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo in 2022. In that year, Arakunrin was the only South-Western Governor who openly and defiantly resisted the invasion of the Fulani herdsmen. He opposed President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) who came up with various policies to justify why the Fulani herdsmen should have the right to settle in any part of Nigeria. PMB first came up with the re-interpretation of the 1978 Land Use Act which vested right of sovereignty over land on the states and not on the Federal Government. PMB again came up with the RUGA policy in 2019, purportedly with the intention to reduce herder-farmer conflicts, but all to no avail. Besides, the Fulani herders freely carried and still carry AK 47 rifles while the Amotekun security agents would not be allowed to carry same. Akeredolu was not happy with this. The herdsmen knew much about this and appeared to have decided to punish him by attacking his people. Arakunrin Akeredolu did not relent in resisting the herdsmen onslaught. It is against this background that his demise and burial should be appreciated and considered very sorrowful, especially by the Yoruba South West. It is also against this consideration that the foreign policy implications should be explicated.

Foreign Policy Implications

The death and burial of ‘Mr. Talk and Do’ first raised the question of time diplomacy, and particularly the so-called African time. Arakunrin Akeredolu’s corpse was brought into the Cathedral of Saint Andrews, Owo after the church service had started. It was particularly noteworthy that the church service began at 10.01am a minute after the scheduled time. The promptness reflected discipline, good character building, patriotic personality building, and most importantly, godliness-building by the church. Many Nigerians wrongly believe that the time when scheduled flights were delayed because of ministers had been thrown to the garbage of history. They also wrongly believed that nothing could be successfully done to contain the societal indiscipline.

However, the spiritual discipline always introduced by the Anglican churches, without fear or favour, has now proved them wrong. Societal ills in Nigeria can always be addressed if leadership by example, as shown by the Cathedral of Saint Andrews in Imola, Owo, is emulated. The culture of delaying events is still in vogue and should be eschewed on a permanent basis. The commencement of the service at the scheduled time is a good effort made by the Anglican Church to rid the society of societal ills. It is therefore a clear message to government to accept that timeliness is the soul of business.

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Akeredolu

Afro-Brazilians are denied quality education, contends OKELLO OCULI

BRAZIL AND AFRICA AT SAMBA CARNIVAL

Ba jam of revellers jigging to Carnival

centre in Brazil, the celebration also underlined a push for a share of China’s vast market for their machines and event also hope that waving the neck tropical melodies will induce it to open its throat and throw out millions of Chinese Tourists with fecund pockets to

savage killings of NATIVE peoples in the Amazon forest zone to grab large That ritual has, for centuries, been the

Ana Maria Brazileiro recalled (for our memories of groups of EUROPEAN immigrants setting out on weekend indigenous peoples who lived inside

exporting to Africa this search for land of killers who invade communities in villages to drive them from land, has often reveal land that hold vast deposits

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, over 121 militias receive guns for terrorising local communities where vital minerals, timber and coffee are

As Gunder Frank demonstrated, the economic DEVELOPMENT of Brazil

This defeat of progressive economic growth opened the road for a small Brazil as the driver of development all

Movement for The Popular Liberation leaders of American intervention if Brazil has a population from diverse that was manifested in the construction of BRAZILIA as a new capital of the

Thugs become substitutes for agents

Brazil’s agriculture has evolved African captives, and poor Europeans purchased and shipped from prisons in Britain and the Iberean

both landlords and their American sons of big land owners to slaughter, torture and imprison thousands of terror that underlies support for to Brazilian investors in the agricultural

The attack against moments of progressive politics in Brazil goes back to that advocated and promoted economic between British, American, German and French banks and marketers of industrial products in Brazil’s market

The oppression of AFROamong people of African descent President Jair Bolsonaro (2019 -2022) was accused of saluting COVID-19 virus for wiping out Afro-Brazilians to Afro-Brazilians is a pandemic in educational infrastructure; and a campaign to demand that Brazilian companies entering Africa should their management staff, and their human resource development in Africa also owes Brazil support in redeeming football from the virus

Prof Oculi writes from Abuja

A TIME OF TURMOIL

IKE WILLIE-NWOBU urges the administration to do more and get the people out of the woods

Noptimists remaining in Nigeria would describe the pains as those of childbirth, the pessimists, optics and skeptics would past government Nigeria was left the process has been exhausting and President Bola Tinubu is the man on of those who sounded the alarm as soon as it became clear that he would have a couple of points arguing that he inherited an utter disaster, he is less best in the circumstances, but he is not

In 2015, President Tinubu led the Action Congress, which joined forces with the Congress for Progressive Change to form the All Progressives

Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, whom he also supported throughout his tenure, even after it had become clear that he had neither clue on how to run

A successful election preceded a President Tinubu who is supposed to achieved a lifelong dream, is instead

optimism about a possible new

As the prices of basic goods and services soared, catching large families cold, protests have erupted in some major Nigerian cities as economic

It would be cruel to pin all of Nigeria’s problems on a man who

But some grievances with his All Progressive Congress that has on the 2023 general elections and litigation therefrom when it October 2023, but doubts remain in

witnessed, and it is a natural for Nigerians to direct a lot of ire towards the number one citizen of for patience and perseverance, describing the situation as the storm

someone who is cut from the same

As hunger continues to gnaw at their innards with ferocious

who are asking them to be patient corridors of power to predict, drawing from past experience, that out, and Nigerians would switch to default mode, and adjust to the slug But such conclusions would be

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NLC, DSS AND THE RIGHT TO CIVIL PROTEST

The people have the right to a peaceful protest

The war of words between the Directorate of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the two-day protest planned for this week is unnecessary. While we understand the fears of the former, the latter is equally right to insist that Nigerians cannot be barred from expressing their grievances against “the unprecedented high cost of living despite deepening poverty.’’

As a newspaper, we endorse, at least in principle, the economic reforms of the current administration. But we contend that the reforms could have

the people to continue to make thoughtfully implemented remedial measures and commensurate

That is what feeds the current anger in the country.

The NLC decision is predicated on the alleged failure of the federal government to implement the agreements reached last October, following the

ought to conduct their activities in line with the aspirations of and feedback from the people. Besides, the right to peaceful demonstration is a fundamental human right protected under our Constitution.

However, against the background of how the 2020 EndSARS protest drifted into anarchy across the country, we understand the basis of the fear by the DSS. The violence in Lagos and across the country led to the death of 23 police personnel and the destruction of more than 200 police stations. Nor can we forget that many protesters and innocent bystanders lost their lives in what started as legitimate protests against arbitrariness and high-handedness by the police. Those are facts of recent history.

We encourage the NLC leaders to exhaust alternative means of making their point, given the precarious security situation in the country. However, if they think street protest is necessary, they must cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that a constitutionally guaranteed exercise does not degenerate into violence

increase in costs of living, including prices of food items. Although the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has backed out of the planned protest on grounds that the NLC took a unilateral decision, and the whole exercise could fail like previous ones, we do not want the federal government to misread the mood of the nation. One, most Nigerians are experiencing unprecedented insecurity. Two, civil protests should not be criminalised under any guise.

Peaceful strikes, lockouts, non-violent positive actions, etc., are legitimate means of expression in all societies, especially in a democracy. It was John Dewey, an American philosopher, who stated that just as we need a shoemaker to make shoes, we need a shoe wearer to say where the shoe pinches. Since the people are the ones that directly bear the full brunt of recent policy actions, those in authority

In as much as we do not advocate a repeat of that tragedy, the authorities must understand that there are certain inalienable rights of citizenship that no government can abridge. One of them is the right of citizens to publicly air their grievances through nonviolent demonstrations. In other societies, the police work with organisations planning civil protests to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order. Unfortunately, that seems not to be the preferred option of the current administration. By using the court and other underhand methods to scuttle legitimate civil protest, we risk degenerating into a regimental enclave.

We encourage the NLC leaders to exhaust alternative means of making their point, given the precarious security situation in the country. However, if they think street protest is necessary, they must cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that a constitutionally guaranteed exercise does not degenerate into violence or get hijacked by hoodlums or others with political motives. Instead of unnecessarily trading words with the labour unions, DSS on its part should invest its creative energies into ensuring that citizens’ rights to self-expression and dissent can be upheld without a descent into chaos. The two can, and must, co-exist in a democracy.

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

international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They

sent

opinion@thisdaylive. com along with the email address and phone numbers of the

A CALL FOR INTEGRATION IN THE NIGER

In exploring the dynamic landscape of global funding, grants, and impact investing, a comprehensive view emerges that emphasizes the critical need for collaboration and innovative approaches. The traditional models of grants and the increasingly emerging trends in impact investing are key players in addressing social and environmental challenges, aligning with the values and beliefs of investors seeking meaningful impact alongside financial returns.

Historically, developing countries, especially in Africa, have relied heavily on foreign aid from developed nations. Such aid, encompassing financial, economic, military, or emergency humanitarian support, was often channeled through multilateral and bilateral institutions, foundations, etc. However, with the global economy contracting and international conflicts escalating, major donor countries have begun reducing aid to developing nations and instead emphasizing impact investing.

Data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DCA), an international forum of many of the largest providers of global aid, shows that in the last 60 years, global aid has grown from US$38 billion in 1960 to US$210.7 billion in 2022. However, the DCA maintains that the financing needed to solve global problems is even greater. For example, low-income and lower-middle-income countries require an estimated $1.4 trillion to $3 trillion annually to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Meanwhile, the Grants Office, a provider of grant resources for public and private sector organizations, estimates that grant funding of $21 trillion is available globally through 2023 -2025. Yet, according to the DCA, the portion of this available to Africa is at its lowest point in over two decades: US$53.5 billion in 2022 or 25.6% of global aid. In Nigeria, the development and impact

investing landscapes are pretty complex and dynamic, supported by various funding sources, including government budget, multilateral and bilateral aid, non-governmental organizations, private sector investment, sovereign wealth fund, diaspora remittances, philanthropy, donors, grantmakers, capital markets, and microfinance and SME Funding. In the ever-evolving landscape of development assistance, Nigeria’s Niger Delta region remains a focal point, grappling with both immense challenges and untapped potential. The region has long been the epicenter of Nigeria’s oil and gas production, agriculture, and services, contributing significantly to the nation’s revenue. However, the benefits of this wealth have yet to be equally distributed among the region’s inhabitants. A lack of infrastructure and social inequalities have persisted, fostering a cycle of poverty that has been difficult to break. In response to these challenges, local and

international donors and agencies have stepped in to support development initiatives in the region. While their intentions are commendable, the landscape is not without its complexities and concerns and has often limited their effectiveness. Therefore, efforts to improve the funding landscape in Nigeria and the Niger Delta, in particular, would require reforms to enhance transparency and accountability and also attract private-sector investments. Some would argue that the issue is more about improving coordination, execution, integration, and collaboration.

Indeed, the call for collaboration echoes loudly. The conversation around partnership rather than dependence is also gaining momentum. African nations, including Nigeria, position themselves as partners seeking mutually beneficial collaborations.

Tunji Idowu, Lagos

OYINDAMOLA ADEYEMI

Asserting Her Niche

Oyindamola Adeyemi one of Africa’s shrewdest and most powerful entrepreneurs is Nigeria’s gift to the continent and the global business community. She flourishes like a woman who has embodied genius alongside sensibility. Genius parts the way for her ascent, while sensibility inures her to the bare bones of the competitive business world. Her entrepreneurial style is peculiar for a billionaire of her stature; no pomp, no pageantry or dross, just a survivor’s sharp instinct for opportunities and a strategist’s devotion to data, writes Lanre Alfred

What Still Earth Boss’ Enterprise of Abundance Spells for National Prosperity

The entrepreneur extraordinaire, Oyindamola Adeyemi, makes her fortune work for humanity. Her enterprise thrives where commerce rebirths thus unfurling into a sprawling empire that employs over 200 Africans and expatriates.

Aside from generating massive employment, her business interests provide unparalleled support for governments and communities on the African continent. As her business empire manifests as the stuff dreams are made of, her exploits give an industrial scent that blossoms through the odds.

The depth at which Adeyemi thrives as a business strategist and colossus comprises her personal song, her exclusive canvas and the energetic thumbprint that she leaves upon the world.

And Nigeria is the major beneficiary.

Some have called her an enterprise stylist, who puts everything of herself into everything that she does. For instance, Still Earth Holdings, her construction firm, is a perfect illustration of her unusual savvy and daring in an industry hitherto dominated by multinational corporations and male entrepreneurs.

Ultimately, she thrives on strategy, faith and collaboration; Adeyemi neither forces people nor outcomes, like pawns on a chessboard. When her projection falls short of its target, she goes back to the drawing board until her strategy produces the intended outcomes.

There is no gainsaying the business world knows Adeyemi exceptionally well, but the world at large should recognize the genius that she is. She is a household name and this much is affirmed by the recent feature done about her by Forbes Africa.

The magazine was undoubtedly drawn to her amazing exploits in the construction industry, and oil and gas sector; from the construction of roads to ventures in offshore drilling and beyond, her firm, Still Earth Holdings showcases a broad spectrum of diverse contributions that enrich Nigeria’s infrastructural landscape and foster economic growth.

Adeyemi undoubtedly exudes the savvy of the ancients, the type of spunk that spurred medieval Amazons to dare and surpass exploits that were the exclusive preserve of men. She projects that shrewd, indefatigable spirit that shepherds the greatest of men to the most enviable heights.

She attained entrepreneurial acclaim very early in life guided by the counsel that where strategy fails, her savvy and audacity may, at least, deserve praise.

Since she started out with Still Earth Holdings, her entrepreneurial footprint has extended through construction, business financing to hospitality and real estate industries.

Speaking to Forbes Africa, Adeyemi shed light on the challenges faced by the industry and shares insights into her distinctive entrepreneurial approach.

Soon after she positioned Still Earth at the pinnacle of the construction industry, Adeyemi recorded another remarkable feat with her foray into fiscal enterprise as she started playing in the big league with the titans.

Under her leadership, Still Earth Holdings places its focus on finance, construction, and the energy sector. The company operates through its subsidiaries: Still Earth Capital Finance, Still Earth Construction, as well as Tirex Petroleum and Energy.

Still Earth Limited has certainly grown to become a leading construction and engineering company executing landmark developmental and infrastructural projects across Nigeria with the highest quality of service.

Currently, it flaunts a diverse portfolio spanning over 10 years in commercial and industrial buildings, civil works, engineering, and infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, and bridges across the country.

Building on the success of Still Earth Limited, Adeyemi established

Still Earth Capital Finance, a financial services company that empowers MSMEs and individuals through access to credit, asset financing, and advisory services. Under her leadership, Still Earth Capital Finance has rapidly grown to serve over 100,000 customers in just four years.

“I am very thankful that we can continue to empower SMEs and individuals who often need a bridge loan to support their endeavours, their small businesses, and even just their day-to--day living expenses,” Adeyemi said.

Since founding Tirex in 2019, Adeyemi has been relentless in her pursuit of excellence. Through her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to quality, she has equally transformed Tirex into Nigeria’s most active drilling rig contractor, with almost 30% of the market share and still growing.

Adeyemi revealed that she takes great pride in her company’s valuable contributions to the country’s infrastructure, saying, “I have personally overseen the construction of approximately 180 to 200 kilometres of roads across Nigeria.”

Driven by her passion for building projects and interior finishing work, Still Earth has expanded into these aspects as well.

Recognising Nigeria’s immense potential for infrastructural growth, Adeyemi eagerly anticipates positive changes within the sector and remains optimistic about the existing opportunities for further development.

She highlighted some of the notable projects undertaken by Still Earth and specifically mentioned the successful collaboration with Total Energies on the Ikike campaign, which involved a drilling project led by Tirex Petroleum and Energy. Adeyemi takes pride in these drilling campaigns and emphasises the multifaceted value created through such partnerships.

The Still Earth boss is also confident that Nigeria’s housing and real estate sectors have great growth potential. She highlights

the importance of a society that values hard work, accountability, and merit. According to her, Nigeria’s progress and prosperity rely on recognizing the valuable contributions each individual brings to their work. “As long as there’s dignity attached to that labour, you come out not measuring your success, not necessarily in the amount of cash you have deposited in your account, but in the beauty, the creativity, and the quality of your job output,” she said, counting on Nigeria’s plentiful resources, the determination of its people, and the opportunities for collaboration and advancement across the board.

As Nigeria positions itself as an attractive partner and investment destination, Adeyemi expresses confidence in the incumbent government’s ability to foster an environment that supports investors and promotes growth.

Still Earth Holdings, with its emphasis on effective processes, strong structures, and a supportive culture, presents itself as a trustworthy partner committed to delivering quality outcomes.

“If you are looking for a partner or a company to work with without worrying about contractual agreements, keeping our obligations, and of course quality output, it’s Still Earth,” said Adeyemi.

According to her, those qualities make Still Earth stand out.

Beyond its core business activities, Still Earth Holdings administers farreaching corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. For instance, the company supports a foundation that funds the education of students from the Niger Delta region, in recognition of the vital role the area plays in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The company is also passionate about supporting the arts and endeavours to promote and nurture

artistic talents through partnerships with artists and art foundations.

Adeyemi believes that the creative industry holds significant untapped potential in Africa and can contribute to the country’s GDP if given proper recognition and support.

In her quest to see improved governance outcomes, she founded an initiative coined “The Green Renaissance,” a platform for Leadership Advancement in society.

The objective was and continues to be building strong civil society organisations and institutions which provide platforms to mobilize citizens and engage the state by guarding against institutional weakness and democratic recession in the country.

Born to a Hausa-Fulani mother from Gombe State, Northern Nigeria, and a Yoruba father from Ondo State in the Southwest, Adeyemi exhibited leadership qualities from an early age and this has certainly grown and flourished over time.

Her multi-ethnic background afforded her a rich depth of understanding of the Nigerian context and an appreciation expressed in her love for arts and culture.

Not content with just one degree, she went on to pursue further education, obtaining a Master of Science degree in Political Economy and Governance from the same institution. She also attended the Owner/President Management Program at the prestigious Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

After graduation, she began her career in the banking industry at Equitorial Trust Bank Plc, and quickly grew to the position of Relationship Manager within a few short years. Her exceptional performance throughout her banking career saw her rise further to become Head of the Public Sector Group at Equitorial Trust Bank Limited. In her role, she pioneered unique solutions for public sector clients and made her mark as a professional par excellence.

Still Earth Holdings has successfully grown into an award-winning, multimillion-dollar group of companies where she sits as the Executive Chairperson. She also serves as a shareholder and Board Member of several companies in other diverse sectors of the Nigerian business industry.

Adeyemi contributes significantly to socio-economic and business discourse that shapes the sectoral conversations of the day. She has been featured in The Economist, The Guardian Newspaper, THISDAY Newspaper, Forbes Africa and several other reputable publications. She is also a highly sought-after thought leader on national development and a strong advocate for collaborative governance.

Today, Adeyemi is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most successful and influential business leaders, and her impact on the Nigerian economy and society continues to be felt. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation makes her a true inspiration to all who aspire to greatness.

On account of her impact-driven approach to all her endeavours, Adeyemi is a proud recipient of several awards. They include the African Leader of Integrity Merit Award Issued by the Africa Leadership Development Organisation, the Nigerian Business Leadership Award for Excellence 2022, the Guardian Top 50 Value-Adding CEOs 2022, the Women4Africa Global Business Impact Award 2023 and the NYSC Ogun State Award of Merit (2004-2005) to mention a few.

Adeyemi is a member of the Institute of Directors, the Young Presidents Organisation, and the Women in Business among other reputable organisations.

She exemplifies a modern yet timeless construct of audaciousness and femininity which manifests as a blend of dashing individuality, genius and noble pedigree.

Folks who are familiar with her beginnings and ascent in the business world earnestly attest to her industry. She worked hard to attain her current status and she is far removed from the contemporary alpha female stereotype that glorifies flamboyance, self-aggrandisement and narcissism above substance.

The self-driven entrepreneur and construction magnate comes across as an enviable Amazon and achiever in an area and era where everyone seems to understate the role and worth of a driven woman.

Adeyemi

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Gbadebo

Rhodes-Vivour

Out of His Shell

Humility is the armour of the vanquished. A forced armour, yes, but one that is readily available as the drums of battle begin to fade. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (alias GRV) has come out of his shire after recovering from the loss of his gubernatorial mandate. Looking sharp, GRV has lots of things to tick off his list, including reintegrating with the people of Lagos, aristocrats and commoners.

State-wide attention recently turned to GRV briefly after his sighting at The Sun Awards. Standing alongside his Labour Party principal, Peter Obi, GRV got a lot of nods from passersby. Perhaps because he has been lowprofile since the election that saw Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu retained as Lagos State governor, hearts have grown fonder and cups were raised in GRV’s direction.

Unlike Obi who has remained in the public space since losing the presidential election in 2023, GRV did not spend too much time sobbing over his loss. After tidying up one or two things, including a failed court case to push Sanwo-Olu aside, GRV mostly disappeared from the limelight.

The only time his name came up in the last three months, it was for good. It was the matter of his wife, Ify, accused of refusing to pay for the services of a writer and social media manager. After social media warriors dragged her up and down, GRV arrived on the scene and resolved the issue, paying off the finger-pointing social media manager and salvaging the image of his wife and family.

Although nobody knows if GRV’s reappearance is permanent, it is a comforting thing for his followers that he is still around these parts. He may even win more supporters for himself now that things are a bit difficult nationwide. GRV can throw the “I told you so” banner and get some Lagosians to nod acquiescently.

Since he is out of his shell, GRV stands a chance to touch the grassroots. It would be odd if he disappeared in the coming days and only appeared when gubernatorial elections are around the corner.

Nigeria’s Absentee Sports Minister

The year 2024 started as a harsh year for Nigeria. The biting marks of the fuel price subsidy removal appeared to grow deeper and every commodity seemed to be sold at twice its estimate in December. One bright patch for Nigerians was the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted by Côte d’Ivoire. The Super Eagles performed really well, bringing pride to Nigerians everywhere. Except that the Sports Minister was nowhere to be found.

Netizens are still huffing and puffing over what they consider to be an unfair match during the 2023 AFCON finals. Losing to Cote d’Ivoire by a single goal (the match ended 2 – 1), the Super Eagles were the centre of attention, pity, and celebration. After the waves settled, people began to ask questions.

One repeated question revolved around the whereabouts of Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh. It was during the heat of the arguments about how his absence might have demotivated

the Super Eagles that observers found out that few Nigerians even know the minister’s name.

Enoh’s absence is quite sad because many dignitaries took the time to watch the games and celebrate the players. Even Enoh’s predecessor, Sunday Dare, was always in the stands, cheering the Super Eagles. Enoh, missing in action, cut a different figure compared to even busier government officials, raising the question about his qualifications to be sports minister in the first place.

Currently, netizens are questioning his appointment. The Cross River State-born politician is more of an academic than a sportsman, especially with his academic history at the University of Calabar. It was from this career that he sprung into politics and has held different positions in the Cross River State House of Assembly and Senate, none of which had anything to do with sports.

Maybe he is a closet sportsman or is still getting used to his position as the Minister of Sports Development. In any case, he needs to make necessary adjustments or lose his relevance.

How to Make It in 2024: Abdul Samad Rabiu and His Strategies

For the longest time, motivational speakers used the metaphor of “tough times don’t last, tough people do” to gather a following. Now that tough times are here, these motivators are gathering under the feet of Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, to learn how to thrive during hardship. And Rabiu never disappoints with his strategies for success.

In the face of rising pressures against businesses in Nigeria, including growing transport costs and foreign exchange fluctuations, Rabiu and his team have devised a means to manage their challenges. Adjusting its supply chain, Rabiu’s BUA stands the chance of navigating the pressures and coming out stronger than ever before.

The prospects of BUA Group took a brighter turn upon the company’s investment in sugar estate recently. BUA Foods Plc, the food branch of the business, reportedly invested more than $200 million into a new project to improve the sourcing of raw materials. Focused on the integrated

Where is Senator Gbemi Saraki?

Preparation is the true foundation for success. History has shown the authenticity of this observation many times over. Senator Gbemi Saraki, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development has also proved it in her corporate and political careers. Even now, one can see traces of preparation as she crouches, ready to spring up.

It has been some time since Saraki’s name popped up in the public space. Believed to have been forgotten, the all-rounder has finally found time to rest from all the hustles and bustles of corporate and political life. Although some of her supporters are asking for her whereabouts online, her confidantes know that she is snoozing from her many hours of work. She will soon return.

Few Nigerian women in the public space have had their lives closely monitored by netizens such as Saraki. First, due to her being the sister of former Senate President, Bukola

Saraki, she has been fitted into a comparison compartment, one that she had to work hard to get out of.

Secondly, Saraki has often occupied controversial positions. Either she is against the majority or refuses to go with the flow, especially when the other side is in the wrong. This is likely why she has never really gotten along with her brother in matters of political affiliation and commitment.

Take the recent presidential elections for instance. Her presence in the Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) branch meant that her candidate, the now-President Bola Tinubu would likely come up first in the state. Knowing this, Saraki was accused of making plans to move to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But she affirmed her loyalty to Tinubu and eventually helped him earn the trust of her people.

Having done so much work, not to mention

sugar estate located in Lafiagi, Kwara State, this investment is one of the boldest in 2024. With this investment, it is estimated that BUA Foods Plc would be able to pull away from Nigeria’s current economic framework which makes sourcing raw materials difficult for domestic businesses because of the fluctuating exchange rates. Considering the potential of the agricultural sector, especially sugarcane farming, BUA Foods Plc believes that a breakthrough is at hand.

This is typical of Rabiu. Since he came into the limelight as a top genius businessman and investor, he has made one smart decision after another. From diversifying into one sector to thickening the social relevance of his enterprise in another, Rabiu stands as a giant of industry in Africa as a whole.

This recent $200 million plus investment is only the latest of Rabiu’s ingenious strategies to make a way where none is forthcoming. It only crystallises what Nigerians already know: that the man is a pillar of hope for Nigeria’s economy and future.

leaving the Ministry of Minister of Mines and Steel Development and that of Transportation (State) before that, it is time for Saraki to rest. That is where she is presently - at home, resting.

Celebrating 23 Years of Dickens Sanomi Remembrance

What is this life if, hustling and bustling, we forget the lives that once made our hearts believe in human goodness and greatness? The Sanomi family of Delta State embodies the right attitude to life as they always call to remembrance the times and legacies of their progenitor, the late Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Dickens Oghenereuemu Patrick Sanomi.

By March 11, 2024, it would be 23 years since Sanomi crossed to the other side. In his lifetime, he built a reputation for being uncompromising but compassionate, no less a solid and reliable individual than a warm and

life-strengthening sun. Remembering him and all his good works, the entire family honours his memory.

Poets would sigh and say that the imperial head that once wore the crown of decisions and guidance has gracefully bowed itself. But the Sanomi family would say that the husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and father-in-law has left enough seeds of motivation and direction to last one lifetime and a half.

Sanomi’s lifetime indeed holds significance for parenting, civil service, leadership, and legacy-building. These variables informed the establishment of the Dickens Sanomi Foundation (DSF), a philanthropic platform that has blessed thousands of people including

women and children since it was set up in 2011. It is the perfect mirror of the late AIG, quiet but dependable.

Just a year after its establishment, DSF saved from a devastating flood the lives of more than 12,000 people living in Delta and Bayelsa. Without DSF’s timely intervention, most of them may have been swept away by the flood or succumbed to the destitution that followed. But DSF came through and has been doing so ever since, much as Sanomi did for relatives, friends, and strangers in his lifetime.

It will soon be 23 years since he left, but his family have not forgotten. Like recollections of him, Sanomi’s legacies remain.

Sanomi

Rabiu

Saraki

Enoh

President Bola Tinubu: On Your Mandate We Kneel

ECONOMIC HARDSHIP: AN URGENT CHANGE OF GUARD

A cursory look at the Federal Executive Council, you will see it filled up with journey men. People that were selected to be rewarded or compensated. This situation has led the team to work at cross-purposes. While one side is talking about this, the other side is talking about that. I do not really see a handshake between the fiscal and the monetary side, or an understanding of the role that solid minerals are supposed to be playing in all of these. Technology is hiding and the trade and investment desk is totally out of her league. The Osun oga in blue economy is just biding his time and petroleum is dancing around like a gigolo.

Dear sir, now that I am on your side, let me say something. You really need to shake up this cabinet and do it NOW! It’s all about confidence. Nigerians and indeed international counterparties want to see better optics, they want to have the confidence that they are talking to the right people and as such would be better able to cut deals and negotiate

“Daddy, you see, part of the problem is the stress it took me to see you.”

“Duke my son, don’t vex, me sef I am confused, I don’t even know what is happening.”

“Better warn all these your people, they must give me access to you this time because it appears that nobody around you is telling you the truth.

“See, daddy sit down, let me tell you some home truths. Meanwhile, kindly tell the chef to prepare something because by the time I am finished, I will be very hungry. Daddy, the main problem is your lack of confidence. You are not sending a strong feeler to the system that you even understand the issues, let alone being able to handle it. Daddy, your confidence ratio is anaemic. We are no longer standing on your mandate but kneeling on it.

“Me, I did not come here to laugh with you o daddy, but to engage you in a way that we will get solutions today. The naira cannot be falling daily, even in Venezuela it did not happen like that. My former oga once told me when he was about to employ me –‘Look Edgar, if you cannot better me, don’t worsen my case.’ Daddy, shey you sef see where the situation is right

better deals for us.

In this regard, permit me to recommend some names. Fola Adeola readily comes to mind, he fostered the pensions reforms which has seen that industry grow to over N3 trillion in valuation. Another person is Bimbo Ashiru who is presently the Chairman of Odu’a Group. He understands industries and finance. He did remarkably well in Ogun State as Commissioner for Commerce opening up the space and throwing up what little industrialisation you see there. His work with Odu’a Group has seen the group expand very aggressively into areas that are out of their core groupings with remarkable results. Bring back Nasir El-Rufai, he is stubborn, dogged and cannot be compromised. He is the devil we need in the equation. Donald Duke is another person. His clarity of purpose, understanding of the new economy and visionary status will help us. Jallo Waziri is at the CSCS. He is an AI expert and has leveraged technology to grow funds under their custody upwards of N14 trillion.

Ambode, Fashola, Mustafa Chike-Obi,

now. No need to be repeating it here, we have to seek solutions and very quickly o.

First overhaul your communications team. Remove all of those people, from the inexperienced who seem to only announce your appointments –which is another area we must look at. Then that other baba who still thinks we are struggling with June 12, Bayo. Yes, that Baba must go very quickly. You need to build a young and vibrant communications team that will open you up to Nigerians. You must be seen as empathic, you must take a tour of the country, visit homesteads, hold people’s hands and cry with them and say, ‘do not worry, I “gat” you guys.’

“Please daddy, no vex but begin to stop with the appointments. They are enough because they are irritating already. We need food and not the continuous appointments of people from the same cloth.

“Debt freeze, grants, renegotiations, push on the supply side, ramp up agric extensions, block leakages in government, reduce government spendings, sack your people –finance, trade and investments, solid

Ezekwesili and others like that should all be given a look in. At this point we need experience and not people who will come and learn on the job or people who will be appointed to satisfy political expediency. You should also set up a new council of state that would have all Bank CEOs, MDs of firms with capitalisation above N1 trillion, trade organisations to be meeting weekly until the economy is resolved. The meeting alone sef will make the markets calm down.

Sir, you need to show an expansive and robust approach to tackling the matter rather than this one where blame is being thrown at Buhari, Emefiele, governors and prostitutes. Let’s stop that, you are the Commander-in-Chief and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, rise to the occasion oga.

EFCC: A BULL IN A FOREX MARKET

Please, can you invite me and let me explain some things to you. Let me even ask you guys something. Have you ever been in a fight with a woman and she holds your balls? Oya imagine it now. She is weak and of no physical

minerals, CBN all these not working. Tackle security- move Wike to defense, give Service Chiefs six months or be gone, get close to OBJ- he was our last president and then just send a firm signal of being sure footed.

“Baba, me I am standing or should I say I am kneeling with you. On your mandate we will all kneel so you just stand up, rise up and make that proclamation but this time do not shout Emilokan because someone can throw rotten pepper and tomato on you o, this time, rise up and say – I GOT YOU.

“Omo Tinubu, Amoda, he that has no fear, the only baba of our time, the only lion that fought for June 12, the last man standing, baba mi, “okunrin metta”, oko Remi, baba Seyi, oko gbogbo obirin. The real Lion of Judah, what is the economy that you cannot handle? Is it not you that dropped from the sky, is it not you that flew on a broom to Chicago, is it not you that built Lagos?

You will rise to your mandate and Nigeria will proclaim you the true messiah. Oya stand up and stop putting your hands on your head, go and bathe and change, let’s go watch football. It will be well my daddy. Don’t fret. Kai.”

consequence to you. With one blow you can scatter her brains. You are all powerful and engaging and you are a lion.

But as you roar, she quickly grabs your balls and squeezes. My brother EFCC Chairman, your voice will turn to a whimper, your eyes will budge and turn red and you will experience the kind of pain you can only imagine in hell. You will fall on your knees and beg for your life. That is what these forex crises are about. Some people are holding Nigeria’s balls and squeezing it real hard and it is not by force that you will save Nigeria. Carrying big guns and pushing your men in cheap suits and that red thing they wear to “attack” mallams, as we call them, all over the place. This will only worsen the situation especially if they are licensed BDCs.

What we need now is adequate policy, negotiations and some people have mentioned amnesty. I have heard about this amnesty in so many places recently. People are saying that we should allow a “prosecution freeze” so that the estimated $80 billion in

Tinubu

Williams Olukoyede

Adeola

Simeon

private vaults can find their way back to the market. My thoughts are still out there on this, but raiding the BDCs or the mallams who trade currency cannot and will never solve this problem.

Do you really think that the supply chain that is beating up the Naira are in those little places? The bulk of the “hoarders” do not even know the road to those open places where people go to change money that they use to drink “paranga.”

We need to be strategic and while on our knees, look into the eyes of the beautiful woman who is holding and squeezing our balls and tell her, “See, I love you and have never cheated on you, that baby isn’t mine. I swear if you leave my balls, I will call her now and abuse her.”

Yes, that is what we need to do. We must be humble because Nigeria has been bought and sold by these people. You know them and we know that you know them. Thank you.

DSS: LET’S TALK ABOUT LOVE

Men in black suits, how are you this morning? You see, the God that I worship is a wonderful one. When I saw the headline ‘DSS Warns Labour,’ I wanted to shout. Then something asked me to calm down and read the story. Kai, these bloggers can put someone in trouble o. The DSS statement being quoted had nothing to do with the headline, that was how I would have been staring into the bloodshot eyes of one operative, begging him to allow me finish my afang before they take me away.

Anyways, the statement I read was beautiful. It was conciliatory and mature. It sued for peace and asked that the NLC embrace negotiations as a priority at this time instead of the planned protest because of the potential of it being hijacked.

But my people in black suits, I beg to differ just a bit. You see, when you are boiling water, steam must come out, if not we all know what will happen. The people are taut, they need an avenue to express themselves and this NLC twoday strike affords them an opportunity to do just that.

I think the NLC should be encouraged with their planned protest, at least they are even more strategic than they used to be, limiting it to just two days and pushing very seriously for peaceful demonstrations.

We must be allowed to march; we must be allowed to air our grievances, albeit in peaceful and very organised manners and the authorities must support this by providing a very safe and amenable structure with which we can rally very safely.

I think the DSS and other such authorities should immediately reach out to the leadership of the NLC and plan this thing together. DSS should take care of security, working with the police, road safety should make sure the roads are safe, fire brigade should be on standby, the various state governments should provide ambulances and healthcare support, the Humanitarian Ministry — if dem never finish the money — should provide food, walking shoes, pure water and all, and the NGOs should also join by hiring musicians, and we all go out there as one Nigeria and shout.

I swear, I understand this thing, it’s just that fear to come that your office will not let me come and explain the thing well. I tell you what I will do, let me go and explain to your regular customer, Chief Fani-Kayode, he will now come and explain to you abi? Because me, I don’t even want to know the street where your office is located, let alone coming in.

Better still, we can do Zoom but na with your female operatives o, light

skinned one o, not that Peter that will be doing face one kind before I go and get a stroke. One Nigeria abeg.

BIOLA WILLIAMS: I HAVE CAST THE FIRST STONE

Biola is a famous actress and my sister. She does not mince words and gives me as good as it gets. I woke up this morning to her voice note on a matter that has shamed the public. We all heard of the hedonistic party held by a big woman of God one week after the death of Herbert Wigwe. It has been reported that Herbert was a major supporter of the church and it is even believed that

a few weeks to his passing, he had given them a soft loan of N1 billion. This being apart from other such huge interventions.

So, while the whole world was mourning, mummy entered in a peacock dress and pulled in Flavour who with his bare chest was shouting “agba dollar” all over the place. Of course Nigerians went mad. The insensitivity was idiotic. Herbert had just died and not been buried and this huge mimicry of Christendom was being parlayed on his grave?

I refused to talk o. Amebo people started calling me- Duke what do you have to say? Duke say something o

OLAYEMI CARDOSO: MY CONSOLATIONS

Kai, I really hope this oga is on BP meds. It cannot be easy watching the major indices of your performance go rogue on you. As far as Nigerians are concerned, the exchange rate is all that matters today. Everybody is watching it as it wreaks havoc on the economy, driving inflation, engendering an unprecedented food crisis, fuelling insecurity, amongst others.

Cardoso today is on the hottest seat in the land and I must say I do not envy him. A banker of a tepid reputation. A chairman of a bank with only six branches and an initial early stint in a global investment bank. Nothing in his past prepared him for this position at this time except being part of the dream team that helped Asiwaju “build Lagos.” Yemi, my egbon, looks beaten.

He has thrown everything at this fire including the sink and the thing is still raging. He lacks the weight to pull in international help and is also fighting forces that he cannot even see.

Me, I pity him o and have been praying for him. This is not his fault, he just found himself as a “little nice man” in this huge position at this time that we need mercurial and robust leadership.

I don’t know what else to say to him than to advise him to just quietly run away. He can go to Grenada, that place where that woman did party and live a very quiet life, or even come to Uyo so I can give him one nice young lass who will be cooking afang for him daily because from where I am seated, this is truly beyond him. Kai. Pele egbon mi.

and when the pressure was too much, I released a statement where I said, I will not talk but reminded Nigerians of the sad nature of Christianity in Nigeria today where we have rockstars and film stars as pastors who now live lives that would make the most hedonistic of film stars cringe in envy.

That was how my sister, the great defender of Christendom, dropped a voice note for me which encapsulates the major problem we face in this country regarding these people. Basically, she said: “Oh Edgar, you do not have moral justification to talk because you are a flawed human being. You are flawed so you cannot talk. Who should cast the first stone, it should not be you… you are a flawed human being.” Kai.

So because I masturbate, I cannot see what is wrong and talk? Did I also jump on the platform of piety to say that I was called into the ministry and as such my flawed nature should debar me from saying that, you cannot disrespect this man like this?

So, because I love light-skinned, buxomly women, I cannot now say ‘Oh no, you can’t do that just one week after his passing?’ So, because I love porn and watch it daily, I cannot now say ‘Oh mummy of Israel, you just embarrassed yourself?”

My dear sister Biola, I love you like mad and as such, I will let you go free this time. I will not yab you but do not take my silence on this matter for weakness, just take it that for Herbert, I will turn the other cheek. Let’s do afang when you are less busy. Kai.

PROF BAMIRE SIMEON, RESIGN OR BE SACKED

Did you guys see the lifeless body of the staff of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife after the lion killed him? Did you guys see what he wore, his condition, the fence, the situation of the zoo and the environment?

That disaster was waiting to happen. He had no protective garb, obviously no safety procedure and no updated training. He was left with dilapidated infrastructure and was left to be feeding lions which most likely would have been starving most of the time.

Of course the lion attacked and Nigeria lost two very rare and special species - man and lion. No life deserves to go that way and if you must blame anybody, it’s not the lion but the very foolish system which did not put the right framework in place to ensure the right engagement between man and animal.

Lions are becoming extinct and in fact if you watch TV very regularly, you will see adverts with big music stars begging for their protection, na him this Ife people just go kill like that. The poor man had on sandals, normal trousers and shirt, and was asked to go into the cage like that to feed hungry lions, and when the inevitable happened, the VC was calling for investigation.

Mbok, can someone ask that VC to leave already? He must take the full blame for not ensuring that the place met all global certified safety measures. It’s as simple as that. My condolences to the late man’s family even as I warn Nigerians not to near that zoo and the one at University of Ibadan, those are more disasters waiting to happen, I cannot come and allow lion to use me do “ngwongwo,” I want to die peacefully on top of a woman.

If you want to see a lion, go to the Obasanjo Presidential Library Zoo in Abeokuta and see how they are kept in accordance with international set standards.

Heart of a Healer: Dr. Charles Nduka’s Quest for Enhanced Cardiovascular Care

Dr. Charles Nduka’s journey from the vibrant streets of Enugu, Nigeria, to the forefront of cardiovascular research in the United States, can only be defined by a profound dedication to addressing healthcare disparities.

Hailing from Enugu, Nduka’s academic pursuits began with a passion for biochemistry, which eventually led him to the field of medicine in Ukraine.

Upon his return to Nigeria and equipped with a Medical and Dental Council of Examination License, he delved into medical practice at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, where his commendable efforts during the COVID-19 crisis were recognised.

Dr. Nduka’s interest in cardiovascular research was sparked by a personal tragedy—the loss of his father to cardiovascular disease. This pivotal event ignited a relentless drive in him to explore the complexities of cardiovascular health, with a specific focus on underserved populations.

Based in the United States, he dedicates his time to pioneering research that sheds light on the intricate nature of cardiovascular conditions and aims to address healthcare disparities on a global scale.

Whenever he is not immersed in academic pursuits, Dr. Nduka finds solace in nature, engaging in discussions on cardiac electrical activities or seeking tranquillity on hiking trails and cycling paths.

Recently, Dr. Nduka’s groundbreaking research revealed significant insights into disparities in the prevalence and management of atrial flutter, a common heart conduction issue. Through a nationwide analysis, he highlighted the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, particularly among minority communities.

His findings underscore the concerning reality of healthcare inequities, especially in regions like Africa where specialised care remains limited.

Dr. Nduka emphasises the strong link between race, socioeconomic status, and healthcare outcomes. He advocates for a shift in healthcare policies to address these disparities and cater to the unique needs of marginalised populations.

Highlighting the importance of his research for Nigeria, he stresses the need for policymakers to prioritise efforts that address disparities in healthcare access and improve outcomes for individuals affected by atrial flutter.

Dr. Nduka views his study as a catalyst for change, urging policymakers to implement targeted interventions that reduce disparities and enhance patient outcomes for all individuals impacted by atrial flutter, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

He believes that evidence-based strategies are not just necessary but morally imperative in creating a future where healthcare is a universal right, transcending barriers of race, ethnicity, and economic status.

Tongues Wag over Siju Iluyomade’s Lavish 60th Birthday Bash

Pastor (Mrs.) Siju Iluyomade, wife of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish in Victoria Island, is well-known as a great fashionista with a penchant for expensive jewellery. Despite her love for fashion, Iluyomade has proven over time that her life goes beyond fashion. As the convener of Arise Women, she has impacted society with her benevolence to the vulnerable.

The stylish woman was the cynosure of all eyes last Sunday, 18th February 2024, when a Special Service was held in her honour at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Oniru, Lagos. A Special Diamond Ball Reception was also held at Eko Hotel and Suites.

As gathered by Society Watch, the event was a gathering of who-is-who in the nation’s high society. Prominent Nigerians that graced the event include the banking wizard and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, First Ladies of Lagos and Ogun Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Mrs. Bamidele

Abiodun.

Others are Toke Makinwa, Chief Rasaq Okoya and wife Shade, veteran broadcaster Chief Bisi Olatilo, Chief Samuel Adedoyin and wife, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Bisi Fayemi, Chief Nike Akande, Abiola Dosunmu, Iyalode of Lagos, Chief Bintu Tinubu, Former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Sarah Sosan among others.

But, a few hours after the pictures and video of the lavish event hit social media, her critics pummelled her with accusations of insensitivity. Many expressed their shock to see prominent members of the RCCG, including family members, church elders, and friends of the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe trooping out to the dance floor in celebration of Iluyomade’s 60th birthday.

Being the church where Wigwe worshipped before his death, he was not only a worshipper, but a prominent member who donated millions of naira to the church during his lifetime.

Kingsley Kuku Makes Grand Return

In his heyday as an aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Kingsley Kuku came across as an interesting personality. He was loved by many and had a large following, especially because he had so much money to throw around.

However, immediately after his principal lost the 2015 general election, his life came crashing down and he was no longer the jolly good fellow that he used to be.

Shortly after the government of President Mohammadu Buhari came on board, the Ondo State-born former activist scampered abroad for fear of being arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming that he was going for knee surgery at the Andrews Sports, Medicine and Orthopaedic Centre in Birmingham, Alabama, US. But this, it was gathered, was a dummy to escape being interrogated for his alleged role in some corruptionrelated offences.

It appeared the past caught up with him real

Senator Florence Ita-Giwa Celebrates at 78

Stylish, elegant and charming. These are just a few special words to describe Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, the former aide to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. Since she burst onto the nation’s society stage decades ago, she has always been regarded as an epitome of glamour and panache.

Her wardrobe comes with the best collection of the most expensive fabrics. She takes her time to ensure that no one matches her in that aspect and has become a role model in that sector. The well-travelled lady also has a passion for shopping in the world’s most expensive shops around the world. Her dresses are timeless and she keeps a tab on modern trends without necessarily impressing anyone. She exudes simplicity and fits perfectly into the description of a radiant Queen!

Even at her age, she still boasts glowing skin. It was all these rare qualities, in addition to her commanding dress sense, that usually made her the cynosure of all eyes at any

public event.

The woman of substance is also said to have worked her way into the hearts of her people through her genuine humane gestures over the years. For her, service to humanity seems to be a covenant she has entered into with her Creator. It is most likely that she is buoyed by Anatole France’s words: “Without genuine love towards humanity, there is no love for the motherland.”

Besides, as a bibliophile, she has read a volume of memoirs of great individuals in history, who lived exemplary lifestyles. So also, in her peregrinations. She has encountered many whose lives have impacted humanity greatly, albeit quietly. Perhaps, this explains why she has been very supportive of the hoi polloi in the society; she gives without making any noise about it.

Since she left the corridors of power, Mama Bakassi, as she is famously called, has proven to the world that no joy is equal to the joy of serving others. Her service to her immediate environment

fast, as he was soon abandoned by his large retinue of friends and fans. Expectedly, this left many wondering if he had all along been surrounded by fair-weather friends.

Society Watch gathered that in 2017 some of his friends and loyalists were mobilising people in absentia towards his political ambition for the number one job in Ondo State. At the time, his posters flooded major cities in the state. They were purportedly pasted overnight by his supporters to ostensibly create awareness for his political ambition. But this, we gathered, was just a decoy to test his relevance.

But it seems the man that many have thought has suffered reverse fortunes has finally made a comeback! Last Saturday, the former activist was installed as the L’oson of Ondo Kingdom. The chieftaincy conferment on Kuku was done by High Chief Ambrose Akinsade, the Jomu of Odojomu Kingdom. It was done in recognition that the paternal great-grandmother of Kingsley Kuku was a princess of Ondo Kingdom.

Ita-Giwa

is almost unequalled; she expends millions of Naira every year for the education of the less-privileged children she brought out of Bakassi, many of whom school abroad.

Nifemi Eitaio-Alao: A Journey of Entrepreneurial Success

with the right mindset and dedication, one can achieve greatness in the world of business.

When he took the first step on the journey that would see him rise to the pinnacle of entrepreneurial success, he never imagined that the business he started with a shoe-string budget would later in life metamorphose into a multi-million-naira business that has taken him around the world.

His academic pursuit in Accounting at the University of Ilorin, followed by an MBA in Finance from Ladoke Akintola University, laid the foundation for his future endeavours.

As a Fellow Member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Nifemi’s expertise in finance is undeniable. But it is his entrepreneurial spirit that truly sets him apart from the crowd. Married with beautiful kids, Nifemi is not just a family man but also a seasoned entrepreneur,

currently serving as the CEO of Home & Art Designs. Under his leadership, Home & Art Designs has become a household name in the furniture industry. His passion for producing quality furniture and his desire for financial independence drove him to start his own business. His mission was to make luxury furniture accessible to all, regardless of their income bracket.

Nifemi’s business acumen extends beyond furniture manufacturing. He is also the proud owner of Deutsche & Franklin Properties, a property development company; Henkel & Harris, a furniture hardware and accessories company; and Bulk & Cheese, a financial consulting and loan brokerage firm. His companies specialise in a range of services from manufacturing furniture items for various spaces to property remodelling and space planning.

Iluyomade

Kuku

Olowolafe

Nifemi Eitaio-Alao’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and strategic planning. His success story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that

Eitaio-Alao

Power, Vision and a New Aba

It is time to pay homage to the place of my beginnings.Iwasbornandgrewupmostlyin Aba.Somethinginmestilllooksnostalgically back to and draws inspiration from those beginnings.Itisthebeautyofeveryyardasa shop in front and a small factory at the rear. Literally, every yard had a cottage industry at the rear and a ‘mum and pop’ shop in front to sell some of the things made at the backyard. Making and selling things, industry and commerce have remained the defining essence of Aba Ngwa, the proud indomitable Enyimba City. It was a place of perennial hope and promise in the power of human creativity, industry and restless enterprise.

We grew up infused with the belief that wealth was only possible if you make things people need or sell stuff to people who want them. Hard work in industryandcommercelivenedbyeducationwere the keys we were handed by adult society. It was an early mastery of the power of supply and demand. The original spirit of Aba still lives though battered, bruised and buffeted by decades of neglect, governmental indifference and reckless abuse.

Many things have of course changed on the face ofAba.Landspeculatorsandauthorizedscavengers have spoilt the landscape that once was beautiful andplanned. Butthereareconstantsthatremainand defythecorrosivedecadesthathavesincepassed. Two things principally are constant and make the Abaspiritindestructible.ThefamousEnyimbaCity has survived the decades as a centre of industry and commerce. I grew up in a city where almost everyone sells something or makes something. In Aba, what you make or sell defines you. In fact, I recall that as children, we were identified by the trades of our parents. You were “son of tailor” or “daughter of weaver”.

Over the years, Aba has struggled with how to transform its defining essence into a modern potential. It has lived on its original reputation of manufacturingandcommercebyperfectingitscraft andrefiningitsstandardsinspiteofdifficulties.But overthesedifficultyears,Abahasbeenhauntedby afewsimplequestions:Howdoyoutransformfrom a small town of artisanal cottage manufacturing to a modern medium to large scale industrial hub? Howdoyoumigratefrompettytradingandperiodic importation of finished products to the distribution of home made goods to places far and near to competewithproductsinthewiderworld?Howdo youdeploymodernlogisticstoolstosellyourwares toplacesfarandwide?Mostimportantly,howdoyou enablethehugepotentialsofthishomeofenterprise and skill with the infrastructure that will guarantee uninterrupted productivity and growth? How do you power and modernize the ancient potentials of a place where business is second nature?These questions have troubled both the Aba business community and indeed successive governments of Abia State for decades.

Tomorrow, the 26th of February, 2024, the promise of Aba will literally spring to life through the commissioning of the first of two key private sector driven projects. Tomorrow, the power of private initiative and the support of enlightened government policy will say to the people of Aba and its environs: “Let there be light!”. And Aba and itsenvironswillbelitup neveragaintoreturntothe darkness of the past.The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu. will commission the Geometrics Aba Integrated Independent Power Project which has been in the works for a number of years.

The plant is designed to supply uninterrupted power to metropolitan Aba and a total of seven adjoininglocalgovernmentsinAbiastate.Througha mazeofpolitical,legislativeandtechnicalobstacles, the project has finally come to fruition.

Brainchild of leading robotics engineer, entrepreneur and former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji,theGeometricsAbaIntegratedPowerProject (AIPP) is a 188 MWgas powered project that ringfences Aba commercial city with seven adjoining localgovernments.Itisintegratedtocovertheentire gamut of the power value chain; it encompasses generation, distribution and marketing of power in its area of coverage.What it brings to the table is the provision of 24/7 power in the affected areas. Thesecondandperhapsevenmoreconsequential project is the new Enyimba Economic City project whose construction is due to be launched by the secondquarterof2024.Bydesignandconception, it would seem that the Geometric Aba Integrated Power Project was intended to serve the power needs of the new Enyimba Economic City. The new City is conceived as a new adjunct modern city to the old Aba. Its purpose is to actualize all

the modernization needs of Aba as a centre of economicdevelopment,industryandcommerce, serving the entire South East and South South zones of the country.

The new Enyimba Economic City is the brainchild of yet anther private sector giant, Mr. Darlington Uzu, frontline real estate mega entrepreneur whose footprints in the industry are unmistakable. He is the owner and driver of Crown Realties with vast billion dollar estates in LagosandAbuja.ThenewEnyimbaEconomicCity is financed, like the Geometric Power project, by the AfreximBank .To demonstrate the strategic linkage between these two signature projects, the Enyimba Economic City has signed a 90 MW PowerPurchaseAgreement(PPA)withGeometrics Aba Independent Power Project to service the first phase of Enyimba Economic City due to be flagged off in the second quarter of 2024.

Thenewcityislocatedon1,499hectaresofland. Theinitialcostofthefirstphaseoftherealestate is put at $288.7 million.The new city is located in three local governments of Abia state adjoining Aba commercial city, namely, Ukwa East, Ukwa WestandUgwunagbo.Thecityisdesignedtocover themainstrategicareasofmoderneconomiccity lifeinanintegratedwhole.Itsmainsectorsinclude manufacturing,entertainment,tourism/hospitality, aviation, education, technology, innovation, lifestyle and a logistics park plus a residential park with all the major modern amenities for modern convenient living. Ahead of its take off, some major global brands in the various areas of its coverage have already signed up to have a presenceinthenewcity.Therefore,forthosewho will make a living in the new Enyimba Economic City,thebestofleisure,entertainment,relaxation and healthcare will complement the challenges of manufacturing, logistics and daily office work.

ThenewEnyimbaEconomicCityisNigeria’sfirst industrial township with full Origin and Destina-

tion (O&D) status. For access to major national centres of social and economic activity, the city includes an Inland Port connected by rail to both the Port Harcourt and Onne seaports. For highway access,EnyimbaEconomicCityislinked totwomajorhighwaylinks.Thesearethe Enugu-PortHarcourthighway(200Km) and the Onitsha-Owerri- Aba (161km) highway. Access of the new city to these highwayshavereceivedfederalgovernment concessionary approvals.

Mostimportantly,thenewcityproject enjoys a robust international financing support. In addition to robust Federal and Abia state government buy-ins, on November 14, 2023, the Board of AfreximBankapproved a$201.7million syndicatedcreditfacilityfortheproject, with AfreximBank underwriting $150 million of the total loan portfolio.

Taken together, both the Geometrics Aba Integrated Power Project and the newEnyimbaEconomicCitysignalanew hope for the realization of the vast economic potentials of the commercial city ofAbawhichhaveremainedlockedaway for several decades. What is significant about both projects is that they indicate anewdirectionindevelopmentthinking and planning in Nigeria.

First, this new direction is led by the privatesectorwiththesupportofprivate internationalcapital.Thisnewapproach has many positive implications for the new face of Nigerian development.The overwhelmingadvantageofprojectslike the new Enyimba Economic City as private sector driven initiatives is that they have inbuilt sustainability components and shock absorbers.This is unlike past

projectsthatweredrivenbygovernmentandtended to die off once the administration that envisioned them left office. On the contrary, the actualization ofeitheramajorpowerplantorindeedthebuilding ofanewcityareundertakingsthatmusttranscend the limitations and constraints of specific governmenttenures.Newgovernmentscomeandgo.The prioritiesofsuccessiveincumbentschangeandalter.

On the other hand, what major development projectssuchastheseneedfromsuccessivegovernmentisthecreationoftheenablingenvironmentto thrive and succeed.This is in the form of statutory approvals, endorsements and facilitations of the enablingenvironmentforprojectimplementation. Governmentshavetheroleofregulatingpractices and standards of construction, right of way and generalcitybye-laws.Governmentscaneveninvest inaspectsofnewcitiesofbuyequityinpowerplants orraillinesandotherinfrastructure.Buttheyshould not own or initiate these development projects beyond the provision of enabling infrastructure.

Government present and roles in vital areas of governancecontrolareinevitable.Contractorsneed toproceed withtheirworkwithouthindrance,work sites and personnel require security. Contractors require protection from unnecessary harassment anddistractinglitigationsandthenuisanceofcommunity trouble makers as well as the distractions of land speculators.

More importantly, the involvement of international financial support and sponsorship in these major projects insulates them from the vagaries of fluctuating government revenues and financial fortunes. In many instances, fluctuating government revenue have delayed or frustrated many good development projects and consigned them into the vast heap of “abandoned projects” that litter our national landscape.

Thesenewbreedofprivatesectordrivenprojects indicate a more serious and strategic approach to development of infrastructure in the country. For theSouthEastregioninparticular,bothGeometrics Power and Enyimba Economic City represent a departure in the direction of a concerted and multiplierdevelopmenttemplateofdevelopment and modernization of the South East Zone.

Majorly,itisanapproachthatplacespremiumon thestrategicpreconditionsformeaningfuleconomic development.Theenablinginfrastructure mustbe part of the preconditions for the initiation of these projects. Power supply, road network, access to ports,airports andmajorhighwaynetworks aswell asraillinksarebeingprioritizedoverandaboveembarkingonisolatedwhiteelephantprojectslocated in relation to nothing in particular which end up as merelandscapedecoration.TheEnyimbaEconomic City in particular has had to secure government approval for access to the relevant infrastructure before sourcing the finance to power the project.

An additional refreshing aspect of these new developments is their emphasis on regional integration instead of isolated state focus. This indicates an increasing awareness that the future developmentofthecountrywillhavetobebasedon regional markets and demographics.The political and cultural map of the country indicates a clear regional concentration in the demand and supply of goods and services. This is in preference to emphasizing individual isolated state markets. These two new projects have set a new example of setting their focus on the regional galvanization of the factors of production in the South East and South South zones. Except for states like Lagos and Kano, it remains doubtful if single state based major projects have much prospects of success in Nigeria.Aregionalapproachthereforehasbecome imperative.

As political and industry leaders gather in Aba tomorrow to witness the commissioning of the Geometric Power plant in Aba, it is the dawn of a new era of development and fulfillment of long held dreams not only for Aba and Abia State but for the entire South East zone of the country, an areathathasfortoolongbeendoggedbystoriesof marginalizationandviolenteruptionsofprimordial hurt.

A new horizon is about to open in the South East zone courtesy of the courage and vision of private sector titans like Prof. Barth Nnaji and Mr. Darl Uzu with the active support and encouragement of leaders like Dr. Alex Otti, the futuristic governor of the new Abia state that is happening before our very eyes. Soon, the pride of Nigeria will not just be in “Made in Aba” products but in a whole new generation of young Nigerian technocrats and entrepreneurs who will step forward to proudly say: “I live in Aba and I am proud to be Nigerian!”

Otti

The Ballpoint and the Art of Being Different

Embracing the ballpoint pen, a lesser-known art tool, has propelled a wave of young Nigerian artists to fame and recognition in recent years. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

Moses Oyeleye beside one of his latest works in the Duality Series

Jacqueline Suowari bedside one of her works

Entmutigung, a ballpoint pen drawing by Michael Jerry Opara

After a Brief Cinema Run, Adire Movie Finds Success on Streaming

Adesegun Ade-Martins

Ain January.

I don’t remember the marketing run for

a bar man.

Adire seem rather chaotic. At key moments, I

about.

This is where Adire's story structure starts in concrete’ story outcomes and made the

At Windsor Gallery, It’s a Celebration of Female Creativity

Yinka Olatunbosun

Acoherent message on African aesthetics.

According to the curators, the word “matriarch”

narrated with brush strokes.

beauty standards and more. Indeed, ChumaAdam’s deft use of abstract forms their connection with nature.

One of the works from the exhibition

on their terms.

Finalists Announced for Freedom Vibes Academy

Yinka Olatunbosun

LFreedom Vibes Academy where artists are trained on how to use

in December 2022 by the organisers, Unchained conscious artists from Nigeria. No fewer than 100

must satisfy the minimum requirements of At

where they met and interacted with renowned

Sola Alamutu; Founder, UVA ,Ayo Ganiu; Taiwo Ajai-Lycett; Jahman Anikulapo and Samuel Osaze at the graduating ceremony for Freedom Vibes Academy 1.0

Kehinde Bankole

Editor: Ejiofor Alike

SMS: 08066066268 email:ejiofor.alike@thisdaylive.com

IN THE ARENA

Can Parliamentary System Resolve Nigeria’s Challenges?

Will the recent constitutional alteration bill proposed by a group of 60 lawmakers, known as the Parliamentary Group, aimed at replacing Nigeria’s current presidential system with the parliamentary system guarantee the realisation of the country’s full potential? Wale Igbintade asks

Penultimate week, news of a bill to introduce the parliamentary system of government in Nigeria made headlines as it passed first reading in the House of Representatives. The proposed legislation seeks to revert to the system used during the First Republic, wherein a prime minister, who is a member of parliament, would serve as the head of government in a British-type system of government.

The bill, sponsored by 60 lawmakers under the aegis of the Parliamentary Group, was introduced during the plenary.

The lawmakers said they target 2031 as the year for the transition to the parliamentary system, adding that they expect the bill to ignite, and provoke a national conversation about the future of the Nigerian governance system.

Briefing journalists after the plenary, the lawmakers said the “imperfections” in the presidential system of government have “become glaring” to all.

Abdulsamad Dasuki, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member from Sokoto, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said the presidential system has “denied the nation the opportunity” of attaining its full potential.

The current attempt is not the first. A similar bill was sponsored in 2018 but did not scale through in the constitutional amendment process at the time.

Nigeria currently practises a presidential system of government, which allows for a direct election of the president.

The country operated the parliamentary system pre-independence and in the First Republic.

Under the parliamentary system, the legislature appoints a prime minister, with a less defined separation of powers.

However, the coup of January 15, 1966 truncated that Republic. The military suspended the civil government and ruled the country until the transition to democracy in 1979, but the Second Republic was built on the 1979 Constitution which prescribed the presidential system.

Since the advent of civil rule in 1999, the cost of running a government has been on the high side.

The country’s budgets are more on recurrent expenditure than capital projects to maintain political office-holders and their numerous aides.

This has provoked thoughts amongst power

brokers to revisit Nigeria’s governance structure and perhaps, return it to a less expensive and cumbersome type of government.

Their verdict is the need to return to the parliamentary system of government that the country operated in the First Republic under the 1960 and 1963 constitutions which offered some lessons for a time such as this.

Besides, many observers believe that the current 1999 Constitution is filled with abnormalities which have continued to undermine the living conditions of the common man in the country.

In the presidential system of government, the president has strong powers to function as head of government independent of the legislature. The president has executive powers which he can exercise directly or indirectly through his ministers.

The president is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the federation.

The question is: Can the country continue to afford to give enormous powers to one man? The framers of the 1979 Constitution did not anticipate a president who could transform into a civilian dictator.

Many Nigerians are witnesses to what transpired in a previous administration, from cases

of abuse of power to massive corruption, which exposed the dangers of the presidential system.

However, in a parliamentary system, the executive branch derives its legitimacy and authority from the legislative branch. The head of government (often the prime minister) is typically a member of the legislature and is accountable to it. This system fosters a close relationship between the executive and legislative branches, allowing for efficient decision-making and policy implementation.

The parliamentary system of government under the 1960 and 1963 constitutions was characterised by four main features: (1) the separation of the head of state and head of government. (2) the plurality of the executive. (3) parliamentary character of the executive, (4) the responsibility of the ministers to the legislature.

In the cabinet, all other members stand on equal footing – one man, one vote. It is the prime minister that is primus inter pares. The Council of Ministers derives its authority from the prime minister because they leave office when his tenure ceases. He chooses his ministers from among his colleagues in the parliament.

It is the prime minister, with his cabinet members, who coordinates the government while the governor-general plays a titular role. Executive

members are also members of parliament. It is the political party that has the largest number of votes that form the cabinet.

In the parliamentary system, the legislature has greater control of the cabinet. The legislature could pass a vote-of-no confidence on any of the ministers, including the prime minister.

One recurring complaint from the National Assembly in the present republic is the nonimplementation of the budget which has led to infrastructural decay and the absence of the dividends of democracy. Many believe that this cannot happen in a parliamentary system of government where the legislature has greater control of the executive.

Even though proponents of the presidential system of government might argue that under the 1999 Constitution, the legislature has the power to investigate government ministries and parastatals (Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution), the power to investigate is curative. But the parliamentary system will ensure a proactive approach to the issue; it will prevent it from happening. The point is well summed up in this aphorism: “Prevention is better than cure.”

Also, it is believed that the collective responsibility under the parliamentary system of government will make long-term planning easier and will effectively check any slide to civilian autocracy or dictatorship.

However, some experts believe that the parliamentary system polarised the country during the First Republic – especially as the prime minister needs not to be acceptable to the majority of citizens – paving the way for the military to strike.

For now, it is not exactly known what the position of the lawmakers is on true federalism, devolution of powers and restructuring, which many believe are still the pathway to an egalitarian and prosperous nation.

For instance, one of the most prominent proponents of restructuring, the late Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), had once said: “Nigeria, I am sure will be a viable project, if we embrace restructuring. Nigeria cannot be a viable project as it is presently constituted. If it is restructured and we have a change in attitude to leadership, to governance, this country can be a very good project.”

This is why it is also uncertain how far the lawmakers can go given that they generally do not like any bill that disrupts or unsettles the existing status quo.

POLITICAL NOTES Wike’s Delusion of Grandeur

Power can be intoxicating and it seems the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is inebriated by his political influence or how else can one explain his braggadocio at the recent thanksgiving service by Senator Barinada Mpigi held in Koroma, Tai Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State?

Throwing decorum and caution to the wind, Wike boasted to his audience that with the alliances his political camp hads formed, the 2027 elections would be a walk in the park.

“With the forces we have, I don’t know of anybody who can challenge us. I can tell you it is like tomorrow is 2027. For me, it is still very far; I can’t wait. The two

leaderships of the party, APC is here, PDP is here; where can you find that leadership unity? Which state? It is only in Rivers that you can find that unity,” he reportedly said.

He unabashedly turned a church service that was supposed to be an atmosphere of sobriety and supplication into a political affair.

Indeed, his actions will continue to amaze Nigerians. At a time when there are so many lamentations over poor infrastructure, hunger and insecurity in the land, his passion is not about good governance, but how to undo and outdo his political enemies in 2027.

Wike’s outbursts clearly indicate that

his priorities are on elections and how to grab power. His plans do not include helping the government to develop strategic solutions for the electricity, food and security problems in Nigeria, rather it is about defeating his political enemies.

His political enemies alleged that his boasts about 2027 apparently stem from the forces he mobilized and positioned to truncate the will of the people in 2027. This has somewhat given him an illusion of grandeur as he considers himself a formidable god in the political arena. But alas, he is a mere mortal who has no certainty on what the narrative will be before 2027.

Akpabio

Enough of this Unending Blame Game

After former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration had blamed ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party’s 16 years of “misrule” for Nigeria’s economic woes, the camp of President Bola Tinubu in the All Progressives Congress has shifted the blame for the current economic hardship to Buhari’s administration. As Buhari’s loyalists are fighting back, insisting that the current administration is the cause of the hunger in the land, Ejiofor Alike writes that Nigeria’s leaders should end this cycle of blame game and resolve the country’s challenges, which they voluntarily offered themselves to tackle

On assumption of office in 2015, former President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress (APC) had elevated blame game to an art of governance, a culture that was alien during the 16 years the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in power.

Ratherthantackletheproblemswhichtheyvoluntarily offered themselves to address, the presidency under Buhari and the APC were busy blaming Jonathan until the economy plunged into recession.

At every opportunity, Buhari; his vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; the then Minister of Information, Mr. Lai Mohammed; the then APC National Chairman and former Governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole; presidential spokespersons, Garba Shehu and Femi Adesina, as well as the other agents of the administration entertained Nigerians with the stories of how the PDP administrations did not save for the rainy day and how the administrations were enmeshed in “mind-boggling” corruption.

They justified their sometimes boring and irritating stories with “the need to know where we are coming from.”

Shehu even blamed Jonathan for Buhari’s failure to form a cabinet immediately after his inauguration.

Buhari was inaugurated on May 29, 2015 but formed his cabinet on November 11 of the same year.

Speaking on national TV, Shehu claimed that Jonathan did not give Buhari handover notes until 48 hours before his departure.

He said: “That President Buhari took 166 days to form a cabinet is absolutely untrue. It took him time to form a cabinet because the outgoing administration in 2015 did not cooperate with the transition committee.

“The president was given handover notes 48 hours to the handover of power and for whatever reason, the President at that time determined that two governments would not operate at the same time,” Shehu said.

But it was common knowledge that Buhari deliberately refused to hasten the formation of his cabinet, claiming in September 2015, that ministers were mere ‘noise makers.’

In an interview with France 24 TV in France, the former president said that the absence of ministers was not affecting governance.

Also contrary to Shehu’s claim, the then head of the Transition Committee, Ahmed Joda, had also in May 2015 said that the committee got all the cooperation it needed from Jonathan’s administration before the May 29 handover date.

Barely two months after Buhari took over, Oshiomhole, who was among the APC leaders working hard

to ingratiate themselves with the key actors in the new administration, made a baseless allegation that a minister who served under Jonathan’s administration, stole $6billion.

He said the details were provided by United States officials during President Buhari’s visit to the United States. Oshiomhole, who was still Edo State governor, was part of the delegation.

Those who complained about Buhari’s sluggishness and glaring lack of capacity to tackle the country’s problems were labelled “wailing wailers,” by Adesina, a spokesman of the administration.

But as soon as Buhari relinquished power, Oshiomhole made a U-turn on national TV, claiming that Nigerians are currently suffering from the “reckless policies” of former President Buhari.

Before Oshiomhole made the claim, a former governor of Ogun State and chieftain of the APC, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, had accused the ex-governor of Edo State, of insulting Buhari to curry the favour of President Bola Tinubu.

After Oshiomhole fell out with Buhari following his removal as APC national chairman, the former governor confessed that Jonathan actually left lasting legacies, adding that Nigerians don’t appreciate good leaders until they leave office. He admitted that he fought Jonathan out of office due to their political differences.

“You (Jonathan) left legacies even though I had cause to fight because it is politics. The legacy you have left, there is no successor who can afford to do less”, Oshiomhole said at the one-year memorial lecture in honour of the late Captain Hosa Okunbo.

In what also appeared to be a U-turn by the ruling party, the APC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said recently on ARISE Television that the problems being faced by the nation were generational and was not created by any specific administration.

Morka’s position was a dramatic departure that apparently exonerated Jonathan’s administration from the chants of the immediate past when the APC blamed him for all the nation’s problems.

NOTES FOR FILE

Apart from Oshiomhole, some key members of Tinubu’s administration have also shifted the blame for Nigeria’s economic woes to Buhari’s administration.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the inaugural Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting said the Tinubu’s administration inherited a very bad economy from Buhari with inflation at 24 per cent.

On his part, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, had lamented that the current administration inherited a bankrupt country from Buhari.

Vice President Kashim Shettima took the APC’s culture of blame game to a very ridiculous level when he recently blamed opposition elements for the food crisis currently ravaging the country.

Speaking in Abuja during the inaugural Public Wealth Management Conference organised by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, said, “Those who could not get into power through the ballot box instead of waiting till 2027, they are so desperate. If this country can fall apart, as far as they’re concerned, so be it. We are going to resist them.”

He also blamed smugglers for the food crisis, citing the recent interception of 45 trucks of maize bound for a neighbouring country.

Smuggling has always been an economic challenge and it is the duty of the government to curb this economic sabotage, instead of lamenting and blaming everyone except itself.

Meanwhile, Buhari’s loyalists are fighting back as a former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung has criticised the Tinubu-led government for consistently attributing Nigeria’s economic challenges to the former president.

In a series of posts on his X account, Dalung argued that if Tinubu’s administration devoted the same resources and effort used during elections and tribunals to tackle security and economic issues, significant improvements could be achieved.

Analysts believe that it is irritating, hypocritical and mischievous for the current administration to continue with Buhari’s administration’s culture of blame game by regaling Nigerians with the stories of how the immediate past created the current hardship.

Indeed, the agents of the current administration knew Nigeria’s problems before offering themselves to serve the people, and had promised during the election campaigns that they would provide the solutions to the challenges.

Blaming everyone except themselves for these economic challenges can’t be part of the solutions to these challenges.

A Vacuous Judgment on Dele Giwa

Over 37 years after the gruesome murder of a renowned journalist, Mr. Dele Giwa, a Federal High Court in Abuja penultimate week ordered the federal government to reopen an investigation into the incident and bring those culpable to justice.

Giwa was 39 years old when he was blown to smithereens by a parcel bomb at his residence in Lagos on October 19, 1986. His death remains one of the many unresolved murder cases in Nigeria.

Delivering judgment in a suit filed by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Justice Inyang Ekwo asked the government to investigate the murder and prosecute anybody found culpable.

It is a fact that liability for crime has

no time lag or statute bar, but with a setting as Nigeria’s, is there anything left to assist in the investigation or in a successful investigation?

The Nigeria Police we know, do they keep files? And given the circumstances of Giwa’s death that was allegedly linked to the military regime, will anything be left to recover and give essence to this court order?

What would have offered Nigerians a glimmer of hope in the tortuous advocacy for Giwa’s killers to be brought to justice was when his lawyer, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, at the Oputa Panel, applied for a subpoena order to be issued for General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) under whose regime the murder occurred to appear before it

and testify. But the former military president hired an influential lawyer, the late Chief FRA Williams (SAN), who got an ex-parte injunction to stop the panel from compelling his appearance.

This matter dragged from the Federal High Court to the Court of Appeal where a lead judgment by Justice George Oguntade held that the Oputa Panel was an Administrative Panel of Inquiry and not a Judicial Panel. Because of this, it had no powers in law to compel anybody to appear before it.

By the time the matter dragged to the Supreme Court, the Oputa Panel summoning Babangida had been overtaken and that also frustrated issuing its findings to the public.

This is why the court’s decision coming now to compel the police to go back to that same matter does not really excite many people who knew how muddled up this matter had been.

Tinubu

The Three Wise Men for Edo Government House

With the September 21 Edo State governorship election looming, Adibe Emenyonu profiles the newly emerged governorship candidates from the three major political parties who may likely succeed the incumbent governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki; capturing their strengths and weaknesses

Last week, Edo State was a beehive of activities following the primaries by the three major contending political parties in the upcoming September governorship election. On Thursday, February 22, The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state chose Mr. Asue Ighodalo as its standard bearer.

Ighodalo emerged as a candidate after defeating six other aspirants namely; the state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu; Osaro Onaiwu, Anselm Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Arthur Esele, Martins Ihomoibhi and Hadizat Umoru. While Omosede Igbinedion withdrew from the race weeks before the election, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama declined to continue, citing irregularities in the process by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party for his withdrawal

The following day saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP), elect Mr. Monday Okpebholo and Olumide Akpata as their candidates respectively.While Akpata defeated Kenneth Imansuangbon, Prof. Sunday Eremosele Eboh, and Sergius Ogun to become the LP candidate, Okpebholo floored Dennis Idahosa and Sunday Anamero Dekeri to pick the APC ticket in a rescheduled primary.

The emergence of the three candidates will definitely turn the race into a battle royale because of their respective calibre and personalities. Two of the candidates, Asue and Okpebholo are from the same Edo Central senatorial district, while Akpata is from Edo South.

No doubt the emergence of Akpata in a contest for which the PDP and APC have chosen their candidates from the super minority Edo Central Zone (Esan) has created the fear of a possible massive disruption in the governorship contest. Many believe that his choice of running mate from Edo North will aid his planned upset of the governorship election equation.

Asue Ighodalo

Ighodalo is a consummate lawyer and successful businessman. He is a founding partner of Banwo & Ighodalo, a leading corporate and commercial law firm. His core areas of practice are corporate and project finance, securities and capital markets, energy and natural resources, and mergers and acquisitions. His early education was at King’s College, Lagos; and the University of Ibadan. Today, as Chairman of several top-notch organisations, Asue has had a remarkable journey, successfully led numerous high-stake negotiations, advised on critical legal matters, and directed strategic initiatives that have transformed

organisations and achieved remarkable outcomes.

Born with a distinctive rarity and resolute devotion to justice, Asue embarked on a mission that birthed what has now become his legacy. He obtained his first degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan, a law degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and was admitted into the Nigerian Bar in July 1985.

Ighodalo is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (past Chairman of the Section on Business Law 2014-2016), International Bar Association (Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law Section (SEERIL)), Association of International Petroleum Negotiators, Institute of Directors Nigeria, Commercial Law and Taxation Committee of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

He was the Chairman, Board of Directors, Sterling Bank Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Levene Energy Group Limited, Edo State Investment Summit, DO II Designs Limited and Global Mix Limited. He also sat on the boards of Mainstreet Technologies Limited (ownership company of MainOne Cable Limited), Cardinal Stone Partners, Okomu Oil Palm Plc, Christopher Kolade Foundation, Boff & Co. Insurance Brokers, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (NGO focused on the development of healthcare practitioners) and Kashim Ibrahim Foundation, Kaduna (NGO focused on the leadership development of Nigerian youths).

He is the immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) and he also served on the Board of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, May 2017-May 2021, and was Chairman of Dangote Flour Mills Plc. Throughout the administration of the former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, he was a member of the state Economic Team chaired by the incumbent, Godwin Obaseki, as well as the Chairman of Obaseki’s Alaghodaro, which in Benin parlance means progress.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ighodalo is a compassionate and philanthropic individual, channelling his success towards making a positive impact on society.

He has authored many articles in leading law publications and also delivered presentations on diverse subjects including a biannual seminar on ‘Contemporary Political History of Nigeria’ at the Nigerian Leadership Initiative Future Leaders class and the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship (KIF) class. He also lectured on the roles and duties of directors and corporate governance at the Lagos Business School

and the Institute of Directors. He was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Economics by the Edo University, Uzairue in November 2021.

He is ever-learning and seeking continuous growth through training and certifications. They include International Institute for Management Development (IMD)- (2023), Stanford Directors’ College – (2019), INSEAD International Directors Programme (2016), Harvard Business School – Making Corporate Boards More Effective (2015), Aspen Institute -Nigeria Leadership Seminar (2006), Harvard Business School – Governing for Nonprofit Excellence (2004) and Georgetown University – Georgetown Leadership Seminar (2003).

Strengths: Ighodalo will bring his wealth of business acumen to bear in handling the day-to-day affairs of the state; the likelihood of getting enough resources to prosecute his election being Obaseki’s preferred choice to take over from him; and the choice of a running mate coming from the south district will be of great advantage to his victory.

Rumours already have that he will pair with the current Secretary to State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, a formidable political figure from the area who many see as the only face of the Obaseki administration and a likeable fellow with the innate ability to galvanise votes because of his uncommon magnanimity and empathy which cut across every political divide. Ighodalo also possesses a very eloquent and persuasive voice.

Weaknesses: Although he sees himself as a unifier, some persons, however, perceive him as a continuation of Obaseki’s governorship style that lacks a human face. Others think that he is not a thorough Edo homeboy.

Monday Okpebholo:

Elected into the Senate last year to represent Edo Central District, he came from the background of an entrepreneur. He was born in Udomi-Uwesan, Irrua, Esan Central Local Government of Edo. Okpebholo whose name also coincides with his ancestry, was popularly nicknamed Akpakomisa from childhood because of his survival of the tough times occasioned by the numerous waterborne diseases at the time.That nickname strikes the typical Esan man to his marrow as it connotes unanticipated toughness, especially his ability to survive the difficulty at that time when many children couldn’t survive the diseases. He won the Senate seat and now the APC governorship ticket to the consternation of many.

Okpebholo came from a humble and hardworking

family. He was born on June 12, 1962, and attended Uromi Elementary School in Edo. Thereafter, he went to Uromi Grammar School, where he excelled both academically and socially. He then attended the University of Benin, where he studied Agricultural Economics and bagged a Bachelor’s degree in 1986.

Strengths: Belongs to the ruling party at the national level to mobilise resources. Will also get support from his senatorial district. A good mobiliser of both human and material resources, generous.

Weaknesses: The harsh APC economic policy and lack of vision of his party at the national level may not persuade Edo voters enough to support his gubernatorial ambition. Will experience divided votes by virtue of his senatorial district being the least with voting strength. Other prominent members of his party may sabotage his election victory because of the circumstances that threw him up. The choice of a running mate may also work against him.

Olumide Akpata:

Born on October 7, 1972, Akpata is a legal practitioner and politician. He was a senior partner and the Head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group at Templars, a renowned commercial law firm in Nigeria until his resignation on August 31, 2023, to enable him to pursue his political ambition.

Olumide surprised many in July 2020 when he became the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) after he defeated several Senior Advocates of Nigeria to become the first non-SAN in 28 years to clinch the position.

Strengths: Comes from a prominent Benin family of Justice Ephraim Akpata, Tayo Akpata and Senator Akpata during the Second Republic. An eloquent and motivational speaker, and manager of men and materials. The only person from the three leading candidates to come from the Edo South senatorial district with the highest single voting population. Has the backing of youths because of his age. His party, Labour Party won the February 25 presidential election in the state.

Weaknesses: The choice of a running mate may be a drawback. If he chooses one from the central district, that may deplete the votes coming from that district. The northern district may not favour him either because it is the stronghold of the APC leader, Adams Oshiomhole. It is also not clear how he hopes to raise funds to prosecute the election.

For now, the people of Edo are carefully watching where the pendulum will swing by the time campaigns start leading to the election in September.

Okpebholo

Ighodalo

Akpata

Wike and His Inglorious Plans for 2027

Ezebunwo Ichemati

Over the weekend, at the thanksgiving ceremony hosted by Senator Barry Mpigi in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Ter- ritory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, in his usual braggadocious manner, amongst so many things, posited that no one in Rivers State can challenge his authority and that he wished the 2027 elections was 2days away so that he can show that he is in charge of the state.

One would begin to imagine if this is the same Wike that once called on Rivers people on February 18, 2023 at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, to save his political career from the buccaneers and enemies of Rivers State, because he is fighting for the interest of the state and today same Wike is now on a voyage of a totalitarian and supremacy battle against Rivers State and her people.

Same Rivers State, Chief Wike in his eight years as governor had always presented to be defending from Abuja politicians, today he is now in Abuja as a minister and is caught in the web of deceit by doing exactly the same thing he once accused Rotimi Amaechi of.

Today it is no longer, “Rivers people will resist”, it is no longer about our collective strength as a state, it is now “No One Can Challenge Me in Rivers State”. Sadly, our efforts that we all collectively expended for Wike over the years, havs left in office and leaders that are with him and his intended Machiavellian manoeuvres/approach towards the 2027 elections that

is still faraway, clearly shows that the last 2023 presidential elections in Rivers State did not teach him anything. Regrettably, it should have taught him that a people must have a will of their own, no matter how long it takes to assert it.

If nothing, his 200,000 UNIT SPECIAL ASSISTANTS all betrayed him and his directives. Even some of the so-called leaders that he is boasting of today lost their polling units. What this means is that there is a limit to how a people can be deceived and treated like a conquered territory, a personal estate.

We can gather outsiders and lie to them about the 2023 elections, but we can never lie to ourselves.

Chief Wike should jettison the thoughts of 2027 elections for now, because even Governor Fubara is more concerned about Rivers First Project and not about the 2027 elections. He has conspicuously exemplified, through his holistic approach of governance,

that development is not only about brick and mortar which, even robots can pay contractors and they execute the job. Fubara is carrying out developmental revolution across the state. He has remembered the state and local government civil servants who were hitherto abandoned for the last eight years while public funds were frittered away to service avarice and greed.

Exactly 7-months on the 17th of July, 2023, Chief Wike who was overly in a state of overwhelming euphoria while flagging off the Port Harcourt Ring Road Project at the instance of Governor Fubara, with a reverberating echo, declared that the governor has earned himself an unchallenged 2nd term in office. So the question begging for answers by Rivers people, is that what changed all of a sudden? Or were we hoodwinked again by another orgy of audio promise.

The truth is that, it is not in the place of Wike or his structure to decide who will win Rivers State in the 2027 elections, because it is the preserve of the Rivers people and not any bewitched structure. Rotimi Amaechi in 2014 also left with the structure of appointed commissioners, local government chairmen and leaders to APC but still lost the state in 2015 and in 2019 even with federal might, because the true Rivers structure is not in any godforsaken appointee but in the people who are in the streets and grassroots. Make no mistake about it, Rivers people will do it again in 2027 and the dying emperor will go away with his tail in-between his legs.

It is such a sad reality that Rivers State has been reduced to nothing and presented to Abuja politicians as a conquered territory that while other states are talking about

development, His Excellency Godswill Akpabio who is yet to choose a councillor in his ward, could boldly present Barry Mpigi as the next Governor of Rivers State in Tai Local Government Area over the weekend. If this is not an insult to us as a State, I wonder what then it is.

Let it be known that Governor Fubara would have idolised his predecessor, Chief Wike if only he had given him the free hand to run his government, even with Wike selecting commissioners and other political appointees for him.

Wike missed it all by trying to run the state by himself after his tenure had elapsed, even after asserting in several fora that he would never control his predecessor, but our former governor lured himself into an ambush by doing the opposite of everything he told Rivers people and the media. No man born of a woman likes to be controlled and told what to do at all times.

By Wike’s own excessive action, and how he has carried on as though Rivers people are now a conquered people, his imposing goodwill by the time he left office has gone below sea level. Today the people of Rivers State across ethnic and political lines, have now drawn massive support and sympathy for Governor Fubara.

One thing that is common in us as Rivers people is that, we hate oppression, and Wike knows that we have the capacity to resist him and any form of oppression he promises to unleash on us as a people in 2027.

Let us mention to him that Rivers interest must and always be our topmost priority and nobody has ever held us down for long without suffering a disgrace.

New Enugu City: Splendour, Investment Beckon

Uche Anichukwu

Enugu/Enugwu,asthenameimplies, isacitybuiltonahill;andaccording totheholybook,acitybuiltonahill cannotbehidden.Itisnotsurprising thatEnugucaughttheattentionof theBritish,whowereessentiallyon a pilgrimage to acquire resources to bolster their homeland economy.

Besidesitsalluringsceneryaidedbyitselevation, what lay underground was even more alluring to the British. With the discovery of the first coal in Nigeria at the Udi Ridge in 1909, plus the confirmation of the mineral in commercial quantities in 1913, the colonialists did not waste time in building the colliery known as the Enugu Coal Camp at the bottom of the Udi Hills. This was followed by the establishment of the first coal mine in 1915 – Udi mine, followed by the Iva Valley mine.

Butwhilealltheseweregoingon,theBritishwere already acquiring land from the natives right from the coastal city of Port Harcourt, about 243km south of Enugu, for the Eastern Line railway to cart the coal to the sea for onward journey to Europe where it powered their industries. With the presence of the coal mines, completion of the Eastern Line railway to Enugu in 1916, and setting up of the European Quarters (GRA), the Coal City transformed dramatically, officially attained a township status in 1917.

Ever since, Enugu has continued to play consequential roles in the social, economic, and political livesoftheterritorytodayknownasNigeria.Infact, since 1929 when the Coal City functioned as the capital of the southern provinces, it has played the role of capital city defunct Eastern Region, East CentralState,oldAnambraState,oldEnuguState, and the present-day Enugu State. And it was also the capital of the defunct Republic of Biafra and it hasremainedahighlycosmopolitancity.Withsuch rich history, it did not come as a surprise to many when the Rockefeller Foundation listed Enugu as one of the world’s “100 Resilient Cities” in 2014.

Nevertheless, Enugu is challenged be. It could be imagined how the area, which became officially recognized as a city way back in 1917 must have aged, especially in the absence of any deliberate urban renewal and major infrastructural overhaul to bring it in tune to modern times.

However, in his manifesto, Governor Peter Mbah, proposed to Ndi Enugu to make the state the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and for living in line with his vision to grow the state’s economy, derisively described as civil service economy, from $4.4bn to $30bn through private sector investments. Sequel to this, he proposed to embark on urban renewal and massive infrastructural development to make Enugu City attractivetotouristsandenableitforinvestments.

Among them, he proposed to tackle the perennial waterscarcityanddeliverwatertothecity’shomes in180days.ThispromisehefulfilledonNovermber 25, 2023 when he inaugurated the ultra-modern Ninth Mile Corner 24/7 Water Scheme, which includes a 4.4 megawatts gas plant to ensure non-stop water supply. This, coupled with new installations and overhauls at Oji and Ajali Water Schemes have raised water production capacity fromoccasional2millionlitresto120millionlitresas against the 70 to 75 million litres currently needed to service the state. As he rightly admitted, it is not yetUhuru,asmassivereticulationexpansionwork andeffortstofixagedandbustpipes,mostofwhich were asbestos products laid by the colonialists and the Okpara regime are ongoing.

InOctoberalso,heflaggedoffthesimultaneous constructionof71roadsintheEnugumetropolis,in addition to over ten inter-local government roads.

Nevertheless,itiscleartoall,evengovernments beforetheDr.Mbahadministration,thattheEnugu City as presently constituted can no longer cope withthepopulation,traffic,business,etc.TheCoal City lives on past glory - congested, worn out, and out of tune with what a modern city should be. This challengewasrecognisedbypastadministrations, such as the Sullivan Chime administration, which commencedtheacquisitionoflandstohelpexpand the city. However, no further steps were taken in terms of its actualisation.

Meanwhile,Enuguisnotalone,hencethequestby governmentsacrosstheworldtosetupnewcities.

According to ArchDaily, new and master-planned cities are emerging all over in the past 20 years, particularly in Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. In fact, about 150 cities are in the making. Thisisparticularlysowithemergingmarkets,which tilt towards new cities as a strategy to leapfrog towards knowledge economies with smart cities that draw foreign investors and tourists.

Mbah

Therefore,onassumptionofoffice,Mbahswung into action towards realising what he named the New Enugu City in line with his campaign promise. The New Enugu City, which caters for today and the future, measures 9,730.204 hectres that was properly acquired, endorsed by the State House of Assembly and gazetted by the administration. It cuts across five LGAS, namely, Enugu South, Enugu East, Enugu North, Nkanu East, and Nkanu West. The first phase of the project, which Mbah is pursuing with vigour, covers 26 square kilometres and will be delivered in 24 months.

Flagging off the construction of 17km dual carriageway road, feeder roads, and other infrastructure, Governor Mbah explained that the New City, which was awarded to China Communication Construction Company, CCCC, would rub shoulders with any great city in the world. It is noteworthy that China is a leader in developing smart cities and smart cities technologies around the world.

Highlighting the reason and features of the New Enugu City, Mbah said: “We have conceived a city that we believe marks the beginning of our journeytothepositionandconsequentialroleswe want to play in the affairs of this continent. This will warehouse three Islands, namely the Happy

Island,theVitalityBay,andtheInnovationPark.All of these islands are designed with first class city features in mind. All the things that we experience whenwetraveltoDubai,Singapore,andothermajor cities in the world, are what we are about to bring to you here in Enugu State because we believe you deserve nothing but the best.

“Thisisobviouslypursuanttothepledgewehave made to Ndi Enugu to grow the economy from its current level of $4.4bn to $30bn in the next four to eight years. This is going to create a veritable platformbecauseinthiscity,wearegoingtohavea dedicatedpowerproject,adedicatedpowerplant; we are going to have a central sewage system, we are going to have all the public utilities centralised, and it is going to be provided by the government. Wearegoingtohaveaccesstohigh-speedinternet. In this New City, there is hardly anything you find in anymodernsmartcitythatyouwillnotfindinhere.”

Meanwhile,itissignificantthatGovernorMbahis pursuingtheprojectwithahumanheart.Theworld over,development,especiallyamassiveonelikethis, involves displacement of people and businesses. The important thing is how a leader handles such. Mbahunderstandsthatheisthefatherofthestate and those who know him closely know that he is a critical thinker. The governor and his technical team had obviously thought through the project.

Although there were originally no relocation and compensation plans at the time of earlier acquisitions,hebuiltcompensationandrelocation intothe New Citydevelopment plan.Althoughthe communities were by the publicised acquisition starting from previous administrations served notice, Mbah, nevertheless held various consultations with the affected communities in person and through his appointees.

He has also assured the communities that governmentwouldcompletetheongoingconstruction of modern buildings, smart school, Type-2 healthcare centre, roads, and other necessary amenities in their new community and properly relocatethembeforeanydemolitions.Thegovernmentalsomadeprovisionsformassivefarmlands for them in their new homes.

Wike

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

PREMIER LEAGUE

Bassey, Iwobi Turn Theatre of Dreams into Nightmare for Man United

Fulham claim first win at Old Trafford since 2003

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Nigerian internationals, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi punctured Manchesterish this season with the Super Eagles duo scoring Fulham’s goals in the 2-1 defeat of the Saturday evening.

First, it was defender, Bassey Cottagers to give Fulham the lead. The Nigerian left back who made appreciable impact in Nigeria’s adventure at AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire, midway through the second half, lashed home the goal from a corner in the 65th minute.

When the visitors were looking forward to bagging the three points, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire tapped in after Bernd Leno spilled Bruno Fergoal in the 89th minute.

But the drama of the evening appeared not over yet.

Former Arsenal and Everton middle man, Iwobi, struck a 97th minute stoppage-time winner as Fulham snatched since October 2003. It also ended a run of 16 visits to the Theatre of Dream without a victory.

The defeat leaves the Red Devils eight points adrift of fourth place Aston Villa who are on 52 points as against United’s 44.

Speaking after the big win, Iwobi said in the post match

that he was “over the moon” with the result and revealed could win even after Maguire’s equaliser.

“We always had the ability to create chances, we had so just about taking them and luckily I was able to take mine at the end,” he said. “I’m over the moon right now to come back into the team and get the win here - there is no better feeling,” gushed Iwobi with wings on his shoulder.

The defeat must also have come with a mixture of trepidation and hope for British completed a minority stake in Manchester United in the week.tion to topple Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the English game within three years.

But the work that lies ahead

dominated a ragged United for long spells. Rodrigo Muniz came closest to opening the scoring before halftime when he hit the post.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa surged clear in fourth by beating Nottingham Forest 4-2 on Saturday. lead over Tottenham in the battle wobble either side of halftime against Forest.

Unai Emery’s men were coastof 2024 as they led 3-0 inside 39 minutes.

Ollie Watkins tapped in Leon Bailey’s cross to open the scoring after just four minutes.

Nigeria’s AFCON Performance Was

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has attributed Nigeria’s commendable performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in Côte d’Ivoire, to the collective all stakeholders involved in Nigerian football.

However, he emphasised work ahead for the Ministry and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to elevate the country’s football to its rightful place on the continent and globally.

Speaking at the weekend, Senator Enoh underscored the importance of developing local football, particularly focusing on enhancing the Nigerian league. He highlighted the need for increased funding as a crucial factor in the overall development of sports.

Built on Collective Efforts, Says Sports Minister

RESULTS

Aston Villa 4-2 Forest

“The success we witnessed at the 2023 AFCON was a result of a combination of of the country, Mr. President demonstrated commitment amount for the payment of outstanding he inherited to the members of the National Team ‘’ began Senator Enoh. that all was going to be good at the AFCON. A lot of other factors from the Ministry’s operations, the NFF, and the support of Nigerians also played a role in our run at the AFCON,” observed the minister. He stated that the next steps for the nation will be

Senator John Owan Enoh... Minister of Sports

to consolidate on the AFCON for both the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We have a challenge to qualify for the next AFCON and also the 2026 World Cup, but I think we also need to get back and sort out other issues.

For example, we want to ensure we have our coaching area sorted out, and also get back to that point in the history of our sports and football, where foreign-based players compete for jerseys with the home-based players.

That means looking inwards at our local football to improve

its competitiveness and technical levels, even in coaching.”

The Minister recalled that the last three AFCONs have been won by indigenous coaches, just as the FIFA World Cup since inception has been won by countries who have local coaches. Hence, it strikes a pattern that means developing football inwardly matters. Senator Enoh further called upon both corporate entities and individuals to invest more in Nigerian sports, emphasizing that such investments are vital for the sustained growth and success of the sport in the country.

Elegbeleye Confident of Rivers Utd’s Success in Confed Cup

Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Eleg-dence in Rivers United clinching

all three points in Luanda today as they continue the push to qualify for the knockout stage of the CAF Confederation Cup Rivers United are due to play of the competition against Angolan side, Academica du

leg was won by the Nigerian clubside in Uyo.

“Rivers United have recently established that they are a team to reckon with on the continent after reaching the group stage of the competition for two

consecutive seasons.

“Going by their performance subdue the Angolans to take all three points and consolidate their chances of reaching the knockout stage”, Elegbeleye told NPFL Media.

Brighton 1-1 Everton

Cry’Palace 3-0 Burnley

Man Utd 1-2 Fulham

Bo’mouth 0-1 Man City

Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle

EFL CUP

(Today)

Chelsea v Liverpool

LALIGA

Barcelona 4-0 Getafe

Deportivo 1-1 Mallorca

Almeria 2-2 Atletico

CAF CONFED CUP

Academica v Rivers Utd

Dreams v Club Africain

NPFL

Doma 0-1 Rangers

Kwara 1-1 Katsina

B’Insurance 0-0 Enyimba

TODAY

Gombe v Sporting

Plateau v Shooting

Akwa Utd v Bayelsa

K’Pillars v Sunshine

Lobi v Heartland

Tornadoes v Abia War

Remo v Rivers Utd (pp)

Nigerian internationals Calvin Bassey (left) and Alex Iwobi scored the two goals that earned Fulham all three points against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday evening

Shaibu to Obaseki

SIMON KOLAWOLE

SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Of Economic Reforms and Human Face

A

s I was saying, I have witnessed several episodes of economic hardship in Nigeria. I lived through the “austerity measures” of 1982/83 as the economy went into a storm basically because of falling oil revenue. Prices of basic stuffs doubled overnight — that was if they were available at all. I also lived through the sapping crisis of 1986/87 when the military government introduced the structural adjustment programme (SAP) in an attempt to tackle our economic pathologies. I must now necessarily conclude that the current crisis, caused by falling oil revenue (as usual) and forex scarcity, is one of the most devastating. The collapse of the national currency has been rapid and relentless.The bad news is that things could get worse. Every successive government is always rated as worse than the previous. There is a million reasons for that, but the structural issues with the economy remain largely unsolved from one administration to the other. We keep running into this vicious cycle of devaluation and inflation and unemployment and economic hardship whenever there is a drought of petrodollars. As the Yoruba would say, “For as long as your robe harbours lice, your fingernails will be blood-stained” (since you will keep killing the parasite). Every economic crisis since 1982 has been principally triggered by our overdependence on petrodollars. We always hope for another oil boom.

When Gen Ibrahim Babangida overthrew Maj-Gen Muhammadu Buhari in 1985, then-Brigadier Joshua Dogonyaro said in his coup speech: “The economy does not seem to be getting any better as we witness daily increased inflation.” Babangida inherited the economy almost in the same state Buhari met it when he overthrew President Shehu Shagari in 1983.

Although Buhari was fiscally disciplined, Babangida still had to deal with the huge public debts, high unemployment, unpaid salaries and unmet forex obligations that had started mounting under Shagari. The fastest way out of the forex quagmire was to take a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). We resisted it.

In 1986, Babangida came up with SAP in trying to tackle the economic problems. The agricultural policy focused on enhancing farming of cash crops in which Nigeria had competitive advantage — to address food shortage, create jobs and bolster the non-oil sector. Even though we did not take the IMF loan, we adopted similar stringent reforms the financial institution would have demanded in the first place: removing subsidies, liberalising the forex market and cutting down on public spending. Read that again. Is that not what we are still trying to do today? Any stranger reading the story of Nigeria, whether on the economy or politics, should be forgiven for thinking we are on auto replay.

Babangida had, in 1986, abolished the discretionary import licensing regime and created the second-tier forex market (SFEM) for importers to access foreign exchange. What happened next? The naira fell to about N4/$. That was massive depreciation for a currency that had been stronger or roughly at par with the dollar for years, even if it was as a result of official pegs. Alas, SAP came at a time when oil price had crashed from $27/barrel to below $10. It was double whammy. In fact, triple whammy. To reduce budget deficit, Babangida kept raising fuel prices. From 20 kobo/litre that he met in August 1985, petrol price nearly doubled by March 1986. Transport fares and cost of living went gaga.

Nigerians began to regret that Buhari was overthrown. By contrast, Buhari did not increase fuel prices or allow the naira to depreciate in his 20 months in office. But the economic implications were inescapable: forex remained scarce, leading to strict currency restrictions (Fela was jailed in 1984 purportedly for exceeding the PTA cash limit of £50-per-traveller while going for a foreign tour), while debts and deficits kept hampering public

Tinubu finance. GDP growth was negative in 1984 but recovered on the back of higher oil prices in 1985. Still, the GDP growth did not translate to jobs. There can’t be plenty jobs when factories are not expanding output because of poor income and low consumption.

The exchange rate kept falling under Babangida, hitting about N8/$ in 1989. There was intense public debate over the economic hardship. The blame was placed at the doorsteps of Western “imperialist” agents, namely the World Bank and IMF, for prescribing bitter pills for us. Obasanjo, who had handed over a robust economy to Shagari in 1979, famously said in one of his media interventions that SAP must have “human face”. All that Nigerians could feel was hardship. No economic theory would calm the distressed masses. Prices of goods cannot be skyrocketing and you will be gleefully announcing — as Chief Olu Falae, Babangida’s minister of finance, usually did — that “the GDP grew in Q2”.

In fairness to Babangida, he provided “SAP relief”, notably rolling out mass transit buses, student bursaries and automatic jobs for 60,000 graduates. Still, the consensus was that SAP failed, although it achieved significant results among rural farmers and opened up the economy through the privatisation and commercialisation programme that laid the foundation for private sector participation in finance, aviation, telecoms and broadcasting. But the ultimate verdict of the masses who endured the high cost of living and agonising pains of poverty was that SAP failed woefully. In fact, SAP was seen as Nigeria’s problem — although it was actually conceived to solve the problem.

With public unrests and riots, Babangida had to reverse or soft-pedal on many policies because of public unrest. In the end, reform is as political as it is technical. One of the major criticisms was that too many hard-hitting measures were being unleashed on Nigerians at the same time. Today, Nigerians are witnessing the most SAP-like reform since 1986. One question I asked ahead of the 2023 elections was: why would anybody want to be president of Nigeria now? We were spending over 90 percent of our revenue to service debts and taking on new loans, mostly from the money-minting CBN, to pay salaries and settle other government bills. Oil revenue was going down.

We were mortgaging our future oil production to subsidise the importation and consumption of petrol. We were running a multiple exchange rate

regime that hurt companies and investors. We were facing an outstanding mesh of forex commitments running into billions of dollars with no idea of how to fulfil the obligations. The incoming president would have to take tough decisions, otherwise we would end up like Venezuela where unsustainable public expenditure went on for years until the collapse in oil revenue. For Nigeria, something was always going to give and ordinary Nigerians were going to ache the most. All they can see is the suffering, not how we got here.

And this takes me to my thoughts for today. I have been observing — with serious concern — the way President Bola Tinubu has been implementing his own reforms. Actually, I am worried. He is repeating the mistakes of many before him: treating reforms as purely technical, forgetting that it is human beings — not goats or lab rats — that are at the receiving end. To be clear, I am not against the reforms. They are not even optional given the state of public finance in Nigeria today. I am not against sacrifice. You cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs. But, as Obasanjo said in 1987, reform must have a human face. There is only so much Nigerians can take before things explode.

The two major reform policies of the Tinubu administration — petrol subsidy and forex — have dealt heavy blows on Nigerians and they are desperately gasping for breath. It is all the more painful because there was obviously no adequate planning for the implementation of these policies. The Nigerian government tends to be far removed from the realities on the streets. Decision makers often dump policies on the people without adequate planning, scenario mapping or impact assessment. When the policies begin to inflict unbearable pain, they will rush to roll out mostly ineffective and inadequate measures to cushion the effects. Always putting the cart before the horse.

In June 2023, petrol prices tripled at one blow after Tinubu had said, during his inauguration, that “subsidy is gone”. There was clearly no implementation plan or a relief package for the low-income people. It took weeks before government started planning how to roll out CNG-powered buses to ease transportation costs and give stipends to the poor. We started arguing over the validity of the social register. The next thing was a scandal in the humanitarian ministry at a time Nigerians were being directed to sacrifice. Three weeks after Tinubu directed that 42,000mt of grains be released from the reserves as part of his relief package, has any Nigerian received a mudu of millet yet?

The naira has been recklessly floated, falling headlong from less than the official N500/$ in May 2023 to over N1,500/$. Inflation has followed suit and people are crying. It is clear to me that this is trial and error. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) started releasing tonnes of circulars after the horse had bolted from the stable. Most of these ad-hoc responses would have been averted with proper thinking before the policy was implemented. I don’t know much about the financial markets but when you decide to float the national currency in this manner, there must be some safeguards to avoid a mighty fall. We cannot claim ignorance of the imperfections in the forex market.

Going forward, the Tinubu administration must do better with its policy choices. In a way, retaining petrol at about N600/litre even when the market price is over N1000/litre is an admission that some things are easier on paper, otherwise there could be an uprising. No matter how well intended reforms are, they have to be strategically paced. They must have a human face. There is a reason patients are given anaesthetics during surgery. There are obviously many other reforms ahead and things could be more bearable if the government is more strategic with them. As I was saying, reform should not end up as a case of “the surgery was successful but we lost the patient”.

And Four Other Things…

STATE OF AFFAIRS

A bill seeking to create three more states in the south-west geo-political zone alone has been introduced into the house of reps by Hon Oluwoke Oke, the member representing Obokun/Oriade constituency in Osun state. The proposed states are: Oke-Ogun, Ijebu and Ife-Ijesa. Meanwhile, to create just one state, you need concurrence of at least 24 houses of assembly, 72 senators, 240 reps, and presidential assent. Of course, we know Oke’s prank will not go anywhere, but I am just amazed that any serious human being would be cracking this joke at this time. The states we have are struggling to pay their bills. Most states are dead without the federation allocation. Ridiculous.

ABURE ABUSE

Mr Julius Abure, national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), was arrested in Benin on Wednesday by the police in what appears to be a very dehumanising manner. The police said Abure (alongside Kelly Ogbaloi, the LP chairman in Edo state) was arrested over a petition accusing him of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit “dangerous harm”. A picture of his arrest posted on social media appeared to show him sitting on the floor after being obviously manhandled. I do not know if he was trying to resist arrest — the police are yet to allege that — but if this can happen to the national chairman of a major political party, imagine the fate of the common Nigerian. Unprofessional.

DIRTY POLITICS

There is hardly any election in Nigeria that does not produce unnecessary and embarrassing drama on the part of politicians. The primaries of the three major parties for the Edo state governorship election will stand out as another example. The All Progressives Congress (APC) initially produced three “candidates”. The eventual candidate was chosen in a questionable manner. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also produced two candidates, although we all know that Comrade Philip Shaibu was joking with his own parallel primary. Mr Olumide Apata, who eventually picked the Labour Party’s ticket, had to write INEC to raise the alarm on shenanigans in his party. Shame.

NO COMMENT

Does anybody still remember Senator Godswill Akpabio eulogising President Muhammadu Buhari at the valedictory FEC meeting in May 2023? He said: “May one of us succeed you in order to continue the good legacies you have laid on the ground. We have seen, and know, your vision. We know where you want the country to be.” He was a presidential aspirant then although he eventually withdrew. Less than a year later, and now senate president, Akpabio had this to say about the same Buhari: “By the time we went in to look at the economic situation of the country, it was terrible… the kind of debt and economic mess that we are in, a lot of people will not understand.” Wonderful.