SATURDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2022 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Russian Troops Enter Ukraine’s Capital, Kyiv, as Putin Calls on Military to Seize Power from Embattled Zelenskyy Pull back now, Nigeria tells Russia Our Correspondents Russian forces yesterday entered Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, as

they continue their push to overrun the whole country and topple President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government.

This is coming just 48 hours after the invasion of the country by the Russian army on the orders of President Vladimir

Putin. Also yesterday during a televised address, Putin urged the Ukrainian military to seize

power from Zelenskyy, saying “it will be easier for us to make a deal with you than with this gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis.”

On the same day, the federal government met with envoys of Continued on page 5

Terror War: Military Rejects Clamour for Mercenaries… Page 10 Saturday 26 February, 2022 Vol 27. No 9818

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Race to $200bn: CBN Unveils Incentives to Boost FX Repatriation Offers N65 for every $1 repatriated and sold at I&E window for third party use James Emejo in Abuja The

Central

Bank

Nigeria (CBN) yesterday released guidelines for the implementation of the RT200

(Race to US$200 billion in FX Repatriation) Non-oil Export Rebate Scheme with immediate

effect. The scheme is in furtherance of the apex bank's effort to

reduce exposure to volatile sources of foreign exchange and to earn more stable inflows.

Under the new framework, Continued on page 5

Relief as Buhari Signs Electoral Act, Demands Alteration of Clause Banning Political Appointees INEC holds emergency meeting today on implementation Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Udora Orizu in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday signed into law the reworked Electoral Act Amendment Bill transmitted to him by the National Assembly on January 31, 2022, with a call on the legislative arm to amend Section 84 (12) of the Act which bars political office holders from participating in their parties' primaries. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was jolted into action by the signing and summoned an extraordinary meeting of the Commission for today in Abuja, to discuss how to swiftly implement the Electoral Act 2022. Speaking shortly before signing the document at a brief ceremony at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, witnessed by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; among other top government officials, Continued on page 5

SIGNED AND SEALED… L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, after the signing of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2022 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.... yesterday. GODWIN OMOIGUI

Kidnap Kingpin, Evans, 2 Others Bag Life Imprisonment... Page 6

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY26, 2022

PAGE FIVE RUSSIAN TROOPS ENTER UKRAINE’S CAPITAL, KYIV, AS PUTIN CALLS ON MILITARY TO SEIZE POWER FROM EMBATTLED ZELENSKYY the G7 countries in Nigeria, and called on Russia to pull back its troops from Ukraine. Reports yesterday afternoon indicated that the Russian forces entered the Obolon district in the north of the city, just a few miles from the centre of Kyiv. The Ukrainian President had said he was the target of the Russian invasion, vowing not to abandon his country. According to the BBC, the Russian forces in Kyiv massed around the northern district of Obolon. Videos online show armoured vehicles rolling down almost empty roads in the district. There are also videos appearing to show fighting between civilians and people in military uniform. Kyiv has also reportedly being attacked from the air, with residents taking shelter in underground railway stations. City officials are said to have told citizens in the Obolon district to stay at home to avoid “active military operations”. Earlier in a Twitter post, Ukraine’s ministry of defence had appealed to the district’s residents to “inform us of troop movements, to make Molotov cocktails (firebombs) and neutralise the enemy”. Also, the Ukrainian forces reportedly pushed the Russian forces back, having blown up the city bridge to stop their advancement. Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov said yesterday that Moscow was ready for talks “as soon as the armed forces of Ukraine respond to our call and lay down their arms”. The Russian government had also said Putin was ready to send a delegation to Minsk, capital of Belarus, for negotiations with representatives of Ukraine. The development comes after the Russian leader held a phone call with President Xi Jinping of China. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, said Alexander

Lukashenko, president of Belarus, told the Russian leader he would “create the conditions” for such a summit. Peskov said Russia did not intend to occupy Ukraine, saying their aims were clear –“demilitarisation and deNazification”. Peskov added that the decision to open talks with Ukraine was in response to the request of President Zelenskyy. “Following Zelensky’s proposal to discuss the neutral status of Ukraine, Putin can send representatives of the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign Ministry and his administration for negotiations with the Ukrainian delegation,” the readout said. The readout added that Minsk was chosen as the venue for the proposed talk.

Ukraine Arms Residents with Machine Guns As pressure to capture Kyiv heightens, the Ukrainian government has armed volunteers at Kyiv with 18,000 machine guns and tasked them

to defend the capital city. Authorities have called on the population to resist the invading troops by all means. The Interior Ministry adviser, Vadym Denysenko, stated that 18,000 machine guns “have been handed out in Kyiv to all volunteers, all those who want to defend our capital with weapons in their arms.” The Ukrainian Interior Ministry had earlier posted a leaflet containing step-by-step instructions of how to make petrol bombs on its social media. The Ministry of Defence and the Interior Ministry had sent an appeal to residents of Kyiv to inform the authorities of the movements of the invading troops.

Putin Tells Ukrainian Military to Seize Power Putin has called on the Ukrainian military to seize power in their country. Speaking yesterday during a televised address, Putin told the Ukrainian military it would be “easier for us to make a deal

with you” than with “this gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis”. He accused the Ukrainian leadership of using civilians as “human shields”. “I once again appeal to the military personnel of the armed forces of Ukraine: do not allow neo-Nazis to use your children, wives, and elders as human shields,” he said. “Take power into your own hands. It will be easier for us to reach an agreement.”

UN Condemns Arrests of Anti-war Protesters in Russia The United Nations yesterday condemned numerous “arbitrary arrests” of people in Russia for protesting the country’s invasion of Ukraine and urged their immediate release. “Arresting individuals for exercising their rights to freedom of expression or a peaceful assembly constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of liberty,” UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.

She said the agency understood that “more than 1,800 protesters were reportedly arrested. It is unclear whether some have now been released.” Her comment came a day after Putin defied Western warnings to unleash a full-scale ground invasion and air assault on Ukraine that quickly claimed dozens of lives and displaced at least 100,000 people. Protesters turned out in cities around the world, including in Russia. An independent monitor said police had detained protesters in 51 cities across Russia, cracking down on dissent after authorities warned citizens against marching. “We call on the authorities to ensure the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained for exercising these rights,” Shamdasani said. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet warned Thursday that the Russian invasion “clearly violates international law and puts at risk countless civilian lives.” “It must immediately be halted,” she said.

Bachelet said her office would continue to closely monitor the situation and warned that “an information war is also underway.” “It is particularly crucial at this time that we continue to closely monitor and attempt to verify reports of human rights violations, including civilian casualties, damage to civilian objects, including critical infrastructure, and other impact on human rights on the ground,” said Bachelet.

Dedicated non-oil export terminal, as well as biannual non-oil export summit. Essentially, he said the new FX drive was informed by the inadequacy of FX supply and constant pressure on the exchange rate, pointing out that the country’s four major sources of FX inflow, namely proceeds from oil exports, proceeds from non-oil exports, diaspora remittances, and foreign direct/ portfolio investments had been constrained by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, “I believe that the lessons we have learnt from our policies on remittances can be applied in improving some aspects of FX inflow into the country.” Emefiele further argued that most of the sources of

FX inflows were unreliable and perennially prone to exogenous vicissitudes of global economic developments. He said, “For example, we have all been witnesses to the ever-changing fortunes of oil-exporting countries. Even those that have been reputed to manage their oil proceeds well also suffer from major shocks once oil prices plummet. “In order to avoid these sudden adjustments to our economic life, we need to focus on strategies that can help us earn more stable and sustainable inflows of foreign exchange. We would need to follow the best practices of other countries and ensure that we protect ourselves a little bit from factors that are beyond our immediate control.”

Pull Back from Ukraine Now, Nigeria Tells Russia The federal government yesterday met with envoys of the G7 countries in Nigeria, expressing worries over the Russian-Ukraine conflict with a call for peace to resolve the conflict. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, met with the envoys yesterday in Abuja, saying that the Nigerian government called for peace and the use of diplomacy in resolving all differences.

RACE TO $200BN: CBN UNVEILS INCENTIVES TO BOOST FX REPATRIATION the CBN is offering N65 for every $1 repatriated and sold at the I&E Window to Authorised Dealers and Banks (ADBs) for other third party use and $35 for every $1 repatriated and sold at the I&E Window for own use on eligible transactions only. The bank added that payment of incentive shall be made on quarterly basis. It said the accounts of exporters that qualify for rebates shall be credited latest one week after the end of the quarter. This was contained in the CBN circular titled, Operating Guidelines for RT200 Non-oil Export Rebate Scheme, signed by Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Dr. O.S. Nnaji, and directed to all ADBs and the public. CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin

Emefiele, had earlier this month announced a new programme to stimulate the country’s non-oil exports segment and achieve $200 billion repatriation of proceeds between three and five years. Emefiele said the scheme, code-named, “Race to US$200 billion in FX Repatriation (RT200 FX Programme)”, which takes immediate effect, consisted of a set of policies, plans and programmes for non-oil exports which would help the country attain its goal of $200 billion in FX repatriation, exclusively from non-oil exports transactions over the next three to five years. The rebate scheme is designed to incentivise exporters in the non-oil export sector to encourage repatriation and sale of export proceeds into

the FX market. It is born out of the need to develop new strategies aimed at earning more stable and sustainable inflows of FX in order to insulate the Nigerian economy from shocks and FX shortages. The rebate is further limited to only exporters of finished and semi-finished goods wholly or partly processed or manufactured in Nigeria, except otherwise stated by the CBN, the circular added. Emefiele had, at the end of the 364th meeting of the Bankers’ Committee in Abuja, explained that the new non-oil export initiative would have five key anchors namely valueadding exports facility; Non-oil commodities expansion facility; Non-oil FX rebate scheme;

RELIEF AS BUHARI SIGNS ELECTORAL ACT, DEMANDS ALTERATION OF CLAUSE BANNING POLITICAL APPOINTEES President Buhari said the amended Electoral Act “holds a lot of promise” for improving the election processes in the country, with introduction of new technology, and efforts to engender clarity and transparency. He, however, stressed the need to amend section 84 (12), which contravenes the rights of political office holders to vote or be voted for in political party conventions and congresses. Buhari said: “From the review, it is my perspective that the substance of the Bill is both reformative and progressive. I am making this bold declaration because I foresee the great potentials of the Bill. Worthy of note include the democratic efficacy of the Bill with particular reference to sections 3, 9(2), 34, 41, 47, 84(9), (10) and (11), among others. “This, however, cannot be said about one provision as contained in the proposed Bill, which constitutes fundamental defect, as it is in conflict with extant constitutional provisions. “Section 84 (12) constitutes a disenfranchisement of serving political office holders from voting or being voted for at conventions or congresses of any political party, for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election in cases where it holds earlier than 30 days to the national election.’’ Quoting section 84(12), "No political appointee at any level shall be voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election," the President noted it had introduced qualification and disqualification criteria that ultra

vires the Constitution by way of importing blanket restriction and disqualification to serving political office holders of which they are constitutionally accorded protection. According to him: “The practical application of section 84 (12) of the Electoral Bill, 2022 will, if assented to, by operation of law, subject serving political office holders to inhibitions and restrictions referred to under section 40 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. “It is imperative to note that the only constitutional expectation placed on serving political office holders that qualify, by extension, as public officers within the context of the constitution is resignation, withdrawal or retirement at least 30 days before the date of the election. “Hence, it will be stretching things beyond the constitutional limit to import extraneous restrictions into the constitution on account of practical application of section 84 (12) of the bill where political parties’ conventions and congresses were to hold earlier than 30 days to the election. “Arising from the foregoing, with particular regards to the benefits of the Bill, industry, time, resources and energy committed in its passage, I hereby assent to the Bill and request the Nationally Assembly to consider immediate amendments that will bring the Bill in tune with constitutionality by way of deleting section 84 (12) accordingly.’’ President Buhari commended the National Assembly for its commitment and dedication to improving the previous Electoral Bill 2021. He said: “It is gratifying to note that the current Bill comes

with a great deal of improvement from the previous Electoral Bill 2021. There are salient and praiseworthy provisions that could positively revolutionise elections in Nigeria through the introduction of new technological innovations. These innovations would guarantee the constitutional rights of citizens to vote and to do so effectively. “The Bill would also improve and engender clarity, effectiveness and transparency of the election process, as well as reduce to the barest minimum incidences of acrimony arising from dissatisfied candidates and political parties. “These commendable efforts are in line with our policy to bequeath posterity and landmark legal framework that paves the way for a credible and sound electoral process that we would all be proud of." The two chambers of the National Assembly had on January 25, passed the harmonised version of the Bill. Buhari had withheld his assent to the earlier version of the Bill in November 2021, citing the cost of conducting direct primary elections, security challenges, and possible manipulation of electoral processes by political players as part of the reasons for his decision. But the president gave some conditions to give his assent – an action that prompted the lawmakers to re-work the Bill.

Lawan: We Will Consider Buhari's Request to Amend Section 84 (12) The President of the Senate, Lawan yesterday gave an assurance that the legislative arm

will look into President Buhari's request for the amendment of the clause in the Electoral Act which bars political appointees from participating in their parties' primaries. Speaking with newsmen at the State House, Abuja after the signing of the Electoral Bill into law, Lawan said the National Assembly would be willing to consider President Buhari's request as soon as a Bill to that effect was brought before them. He said: "You know, this is a legitimate request. And that is why we commend the president. I will commend him for so many things, but let me also qualify it that even though he had a disagreement with the Section, especially clause 84 (12), that talks about public political office holders, he still went ahead to sign the Bill into law and that is to show his commitment and desire to have an electoral law that will ensure that we have better outcomes when we do election. "So we will look at what he is asking for, I hope that they will send the request for the amendment in good time. Because time is of essence, INEC is waiting; and because we don't want to spill over some of these dates, unnecessarily. We will be expecting a communication from Mr. President with respect to this. And then the National Assembly in both chambers will look into the request for amendment, but on the whole I think this is a wonderful development for this administration, for Nigeria, for the evolution and development and growth of democracy in Nigeria." The Senate President said with the Electoral Act in place, INEC

should hit the ground running and ensure that successful elections are conducted in Osun and Ekiti states this year and the general elections nationwide in 2023.

Atiku, Saraki Hail Signing of New Electoral Law Former vice president and the presidential candidate of the PDP in the last general election, Atiku Abubakar has commended the signing of the Electoral Act into law by President Buhari. In his verified twitter handle, the former vice president said: "Now that the legal framework for the 2023 elections is in place following President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent to the Electoral Bill, INEC needs to roll-out the election guidelines in earnest so that the political parties and Nigerians can fully commence the journey to choose their leaders in 2023.” On his part, former President of the Senate, Abubakar Bukola Saraki commended Buhari for finally signing the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill 2022, while also hailing the National Assembly, Civil Society Organisations and other Nigerians who remained persistent in insisting that Nigeria deserves a new law that will guarantee free, fair and peaceful poll in 2023 and beyond. Saraki, in a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Head of Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office, noted that while President Buhari deserves commendation for working with the federal legislature and rising above

partisan interest to give the country a new law that could reform the electoral process, the big applause should go to the members of the civil society organisations who for the past one year have kept up the pressure and continuously agitated for the passage of the new Electoral Act.

INEC Holds Emergency Meeting Meanwhile, INEC will hold a meeting today over the implementation of the Electoral Act 2022. In a statement by Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC said the signing of the bill was historic. “It contains many progressive provisions that will facilitate the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria. “The nation now has the Electoral Act 2022 which replaces the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). Together with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the new Act constitutes the principal law to govern the conduct of future elections, including the 2023 General Election.” INEC said given the tight timelines contained in the new law, it fully appreciates the importance of proceeding with their implementation in earnest. “Consequently, an extraordinary meeting of the Commission is scheduled for Saturday 26th February 2022. Thereafter, a statement will be issued on the way forward,” the statement said.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 26, 2022

NEWS

News Editor Charles Ajunwa 09157401421 (sms only) Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

Kidnap Kingpin, Evans, 2 Others Bag Life Imprisonment Evans unrepentant, comfortably lied to court, says judge Wale Igbintade

A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, yesterday convicted and sentenced kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, and two others to life imprisonment for conspiracy and kidnapping. In his judgement, Justice Hakeem Oshodi found the

billionaire kidnapper guilty on a two-count charge of kidnapping the Managing Director of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Limited, Donatus Dunu. Others convicted alongside Evans are Uche Amadi and Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu. Evans, who evaded arrest for four years, was eventually arrested in his bedroom at his

2023: Dumo Lulu-Briggs to Contest for Governor in Rivers Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt A Rivers State indigenous oil magnet and former governorship candidate in 2015, Dumo LuluBriggs, has declared his intention to run for the 2023 governorship election in the state. The business magnet is the first person to declare the intention to succeed the sitting Governor Nyesom Wike, at the end of his tenure in May 2023. Lulu-Briggs, who is also a traditional leader in Abonema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area assured residents of the state of development, inclusiveness and improved life for every member of the state if elected as governor in the coming election. He made the declaration yesterday while speaking with journalists at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area. Lulu-Briggs said his administration would end the lingering feud between Governor Nyesom Wike and his predecessor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. Though Lulu-Briggs did not disclose which political platform he would be contesting from, he insisted that he would run for the position in the state. He said, “For me, there is work to do, the work I have been trying to do over the years, I am still strong, I

will have to give my very best at all times, so by the special grace of God, I will run. “The platform for now is Rivers State, we need to try and have a state that is a safe place for everybody, so if Dumo is running, everybody is certain that we can have a state where both Nyesom Wike and Amaechi can dine together. “We need that kind of political peace, the kind of development I am going to bring in Rivers State, under my government, there will be calm, there will be development.” Lulu-Briggs said that the reason he was the first in the state to make his intention public might be because intending aspirants are still consulting stakeholders. “I believe why nobody has declared for the governorship race in the state is because they are still consulting. “Rivers State is blessed with many capable hands and I am very certain that in no time, they will begin to express their interests in their numbers,” he said. Speaking on his vision for the state he said, “what I envision is a state where the socials are strong and can hold all our aspirations, and provide jobs on its own, my vision is a state where there is food on the table, where there is education for all.

Deploy Bomb Experts to Shiroro, Youths Charge Governments Laleye Dipo in Minna

Following the explosion that recently killed four operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Galadima Kogo and surrounding villages in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, the Concerned Shiroro Youths has called for the deployment of anti-bomb experts to the area, saying there may be more Improvised Explosive Devices IEDs still buried around the affected communities. The four operatives were killed when their operational vehicle drove on the planted explosive devices leading to an explosion that not only damaged the vehicle but also seriously injured six other men in the van. The incident happened last Monday. Another bomb blast was reported yesterday in Galadima Kogo town in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The Concerned Shiroro Youths, an umbrella organisation in

the forefront of projecting the negative effect of insurgency in the local government area, insisted that more of the devices that killed the NSCDC officials were still buried in the ground across Galadima Kogo and other villages becoming threat to lives of the villagers. A statement jointly signed by the Co- Conveners of the Youths, Comrade Yussuf Abubakar Kokki and Bello Ibrahim, drew the attention of both the Niger State and federal governments to the development and asked for the immediate deployment of anti bomb experts to the community. “Given the ugly development, the Concerned Shiroro Youths of Niger State implores the government to be more proactive by deploying experts to the embattled areas to diffuse IEDs that might still be beneath the ground. This step if taken will undoubtedly go a long way in forestalling possible tragedies,” the statement said.

residence in Magodo, a highbrow area of Lagos, on June 10, 2017, by the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team, (IRT). Prior to his arrest, Evans had a N30 million bounty on his head and was on a list of most wanted criminals of the police in three states -Lagos, Edo, and Anambra. Events that led to the arrest of the kidnap kingpin, Evans were set in motion by the miraculous escape, from their hideout, of one of his victims, Donatus Duru, a wealthy owner of a pharmaceutical company at Ilupeju, Lagos. Duru, who was kidnapped in front of his office after the day’s work on February 14, 2017, was transported in the booth of his car to their den where he spent months, even after his family paid N150 million ransom, but was not released because the kidnappers insisted on collecting N500 million. They threatened to kill him if the

full ransom was not paid, but he luckily escaped from their hideout located at Igando, a suburb of Lagos. The information Duru gave led to the arrest of members of the kidnap gang, including Evans, their leader, by the Inspector General’s IRT. He was said to have packed his bag in preparation for a journey to South Africa the next day. The judge held that the prosecution had succeeded in proving the charge against the three convicts beyond a reasonable doubt. Justice Oshodi held that the evidence tendered before the court specifically the video evidence corraborated the guilt of the convicts. The judge further held that he observed the demeanour of Evans in the dock and concluded, “He showed no remorse in the dock and tried to lie his way out of the crimes despite the video evidence. The judge noted that in some

of the confessional video exhibits played in court, Evans mentioned some of the other defendants and the roles they played in the crime. Justice Oshodi pointed out, “he was seen freely laughing and willingly answered questions. A close look at his body shows no sign of torture. He did not look unkempt. He is seen laughing even when he was told that he must be a rich kidnapper. “In court, he alleged that the recordings were staged, this is an afterthought and a ploy to escape justice. I, therefore, found the first, second and fourth defendants guilty of the charge of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping and they are convicted as charged,” he held. However, the court discharged and acquitted Ogechi Uchechukwu and two former soldiers of the Nigerian Army, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Aduba for lack of sufficient evidence

linking them to the crime. In his plea for mercy after the court found the defendants guilty, the defence lawyers urged the judge to temper justice with mercy by giving the convicts a second chance. They said that they have demonstrated remorse and were first-time offenders. But the judge disagreed with the defence lawyers that the convicts have shown remorse, he stated that they are unrepentant and they comfortably lied to the court. Justice Oshodi, therefore, held that the law must be applied to send the right message to the public that crime does not pay. He further held, “under the section of the law on which the convicts were arraigned, the penalty for the offence of kidnapping is life imprisonment and the law does not give the court any discretion in the matter. I hereby sentenced the three convicts to imprisonment.”

STATING FACTS… L-R: Olofa of Oﬀa, Ajagungbade 1, Oba Mufutau Muhammed Gbadamosi; Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi; his wife, Olori Janet; Publisher, MayFive Media, Soji Akinrinade and Managing Editor, Thisday Newspaper, Bolaji Adebiyi, during the presentation of a book tittled, ‘’The Master Who Trained Me’’, Authored by Olori Janet to mark the second coronation anniversary of Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Adeneka Afolabi in Apomu, Osun State … Thursday Abiodun Ajala

Obasanjo: Burning of My Farm Will not Deter My Investment in Benue James Sowole in Abeokuta

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, declared that the burning of his mango plantation in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, would not deter his investment in the state. Obasanjo said the January, 29, 2022 incident during which 17, 000 mango trees were burnt, would rather lead

to expansion of the project, going by the assurance of the state government and other stakeholders in the state. The former president stated this while playing host to the delegation from the Benue State and the community, where the farm is located at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The delegation led by the Chairman of the Gwer East

Traditional Council, Dr. Dominic Akpe, was accompanied by the House of Assembly member representing Gwer East Constituency, Hon. Geoffrey Agbatse, Chairman Gwer East Local Government, Hon. Ortserga Emmanuel, among others, empathised with the former president on the burning of his mango plantation in the state. Obasanjo, who lamented that the dastardly act had only

delayed the vision he had for the project, said what had happened was not the best for the state and the community. He said, “The land was acquired long ago and payment made for the lease of the land. If the government has not paid any compensation to any family or that they have not been adequately compensated, burning the farm was not the best thing to do.

Atoki: ECOWAS Court Unaware of Igboho’s Trial in Benin Republic Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Deputy President, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice, Justice Dupe Atoki, has disclosed that the court has not received any matter relating to the trial of a Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho in Benin Republic. Justice Atoki made the disclosure to journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, at the end of its one week sensitisation mission

to the state. Justice Atoki, who was flanked by other members of her team, said that the Court of the 15-member West African countries only concerns itself with civil matters brought before it. It would be recalled that the Benin Republic had charged the activist to court for illegal migration to the country with his wife, dubious connivance with immigration officials and attempt to cause civil unrest in the country, while the federal government had also

charged him for trafficking and possession of unlicenced arms and ammunition in Nigeria. The Yoruba Nation activist was also accused by the federal government of seeking to break away a certain part of the country from the rest of the state as well as inciting people to violence in his call for the freedom of his kith and kin. Justice Atoki however said, “Obviously, there’s been no complaints about supposed Sunday Igboho before the court and for all intents and purposes,

the court has no idea of who Sunday Igboho is and what’s happening to him. “Sunday Igboho, for us in this side of the divide here we don’t know what’s that. We have no clue of who or what’s happening to Sunday Igboho. “Majority of leadership of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice are not Nigerians. I’m like the only Nigerian and for judicial purpose, I have no knowledge of who Sunday Igboho is or what’s his challenge.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 26, 2022

NEWS

Air Force Chief: No Hiding Place for Terrorists, Insurgents %RNR +DUDP ,6:$3 ÀJKWHUV VXUUHQGHU ZLWK IDPLOLHV Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, yesterday declared that there was no hiding place for terrorists and insurgents in the country. His declaration came as the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said intense aerial and artillery bombardment of terrorists’ positions in the North-east compelled the surrender of 466 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists and their families, comprising 120 adult males, 137 adult females and 209 children, who claimed to have lost interest in the Boko Haram ideology. Reviewing recent gains made against terrorists and insurgents in line with the operational objectives, Amao, who met with Branch Heads, Air Officers Commanding(AOCs) and other senior officers in Abuja, ordered increased and sustained fire power to completely decimate the capabilities of all armed groups in the country. Amao, who expressed satisfaction with the progress

made so far, especially in eliminating key terrorists in the North-east and North-west as well as destroying their hideouts, charged NAF personnel engaged in ongoing joint operations to go after those against Nigeria’s peace and progress while “ensuring that there is no hiding place for all terrorists and insurgents.” Air Marshal Amao also vowed to meet the operational requirements of all NAF units involved in joint operations so as to minimise threats posed by terrorists, insurgents and other criminals. The CAS then charged heads of operational units to continually ensure the provision of close air support to Nigerian Army troops and other security agencies while sustaining the momentum until all terrorists were smoked out and neutralised. “We mustn’t relent until peace is restored to all affected areas,” he said. Meanwhile, the Director of the Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj. Gen Bernard Onyeuko, said 466 Boko

Haram and ISWAP terrorists and their families, comprising 120 adult males, 137 adult females and 209 children, who claimed to have lost interest in the Boko Haram ideology, surrendered to troops in the North-east. He said troops battled the terrorists in Bama, Mafa, Dikwa, Gamboru,Gwoza, Banki junction and Kondiya all in Borno State, killing 63 insurgents even as 86 members of the terror groups were arrested. “Cumulatively, the troops within the last two weeks, neutralised 63 fighters, arrested 86 members of the terrorists, recovered four gun trucks, 25 AK47 rifles, 56 magazines with 6.2mm special ammunitions, 78 rounds of different calibers of ammunitions, 67 packets of rounds on links, three FN grenades and three bandoliers. “Additionally, 20 abducted civilians were rescued by own troops. The surrendered terrorists have been properly documented and handed over

FG, Republic of Benin Meet over Boundary Issues Michael Olugbode in Abuja Governments of both Nigeria and the Republic of Benin yesterday met over boundary related issues. The two neighbouring countries were led to the meeting by the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema (Nigeria) and Aurélien Agbénonci (Republic of Benin). Speaking after the meeting, Onyeama said both countries had very positive and fruitful deliberations on three areas. He disclosed that the meeting was basically to agree on the modality to resolve everything, without being too legalistic, but more as brotherly countries, to find sensible solutions. He said: “And that is what we have been able to do today to agree on how to go forward and how to arrive at a win-win situation for both sides.”Nigeria’s minister further said both countries

have been able to identify a roadmap such that by the end of this year, there will be agreeable solutions to all the issues. Also speaking, Agbénonci said both countries met to find solutions to issues relating to the borders between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. He said: “Benin and Nigeria cannot be in any confrontation concerning the borders. We are very close, the geography puts us together, the culture and history as well. “So, my impression is that we find very interesting, positive solutions and interests of our two countries in the interest of our population.” On her part, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the meeting looked at issues in two of the areas affected in Ogun State and that she was pleased with the steps agreed at the meeting for

Rivers Police Rescue Minors Kidnapped Two Years Ago Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State Police Command have rescued two female children abducted from their homes in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, two years ago. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Friday Eboka, who paraded the three female kidnap suspects and other suspects yesterday at the Force Headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, disclosed that the victims who are of the same parent were abducted in September 2020. He said the victims, Favour Boniface and Miracle Boniface were separately rescued by the Anti Kidnap Unit and Octopus Unit of the command.

Eboka said: “On September 25, 2020, Favour Boniface (4 years) and Miracle Boniface (12) were Kidnapped by a 30 years old Favour Ajuzie and sold to Comfort Abatuo (56) through Chioma Chibuike (43)” He added that Favour was rescued in February 23, while Miracle had been rescued in June 2022. The State Police boss also paraded a fake military man, Adamu Siraju and recovered ammunition he used for the operation. Eboka said “One Adamu Siraju, a fake military man with G3 rifle and 10 live ammunition was arrested on February 1, 2022, at G-Throne Hotel, Rumuigbo, Port Harcourt”

the complete resolution of the border areas that are unclear in Ogun State.

to the appropriate authorities for necessary actions,” he said. On its operations in the Niger Delta, he said naval troops deactivated 38 illegal refining sites. “Consequently, troops within the period under review, recovered a total of 1,118,175 litres of illegal AGO

and 2,086.000 litres of stolen crude oil. “Similarly, troops discovered 38 refining sites, 100 metal storage tanks, 25 dugout pits, 75 cooking ovens, 20 cotonou boats, 35 Yamaha pumping machines, 15 coolants as well as 10 tankers were recovered. “Also, 35 galvanised pipes

illegally connected were destroyed. Furthermore, 13 economic saboteurs associated with pipeline vandalism were arrested,” he said. He said all recovered items and apprehended criminals were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

COME WORK WITH US. . . L-R: Comrade Abubakar Abdullahi Kuso, National Coordinator, Bola Tinubu Support Organisation (BTSO); retired Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika, former Chief of Army Staﬀ and Fatima Umar, Director Women Mobilisation, BTSO, during a courtesy visit to Ihejirika......yesterday.

Again, Gunmen Abduct Another Traditional Ruler in Plateau Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Palpable tension gripped Plateau State yesterday following the news of the abduction of another traditional ruler in Mangu Local Government Area of the state, Dikyet Gupiya from his residence in Pushit by unknown armed men. =The victim is the District Head of Pushit, the hometown

of the State Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Tyoden, and a close relative of the deputy governor. A source in the village, Mr. Joshua Dazyem said, “He was kidnapped on Thursday night at about 10 minutes past 9p.m. right from his palace where he was watching NTA network news. He has been taken to

an unknown destination. We are now praying for his safe release.” He said the gunmen numbering about 10, and armed with rifles and other weapons invaded the palace and took him with them. He said that the kidnappers are yet to get in touch with the palace or relations of the monarch since his abduction.

The State Police Command has confirmed the incident as the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Gabriel Uba said, “Yes, we are aware that a third class chief was kidnapped somewhere in Mangu. Our tactical team has been deployed to the area, for possible rescue. We are working with local vigilantes and others to ensure his safe return.”

Court Freezes Katsina LGs Joint Account Francis Sardauna in Katsina A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the freezing of the Katsina State Local Governments Joint Account following the inability of the state government to pay the entitlements of the dissolved local government chairmen and councillors. The trial court, under Justice Emeka Nwite, in a suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/122/2022,

ordered that the state’s local government joint account should remain closed till March 21, 2022. The State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, disclosed this yesterday while addressing the dissolved chairmen and their councillors at the party’s secretariat in Katsina. Barely a month after he was first sworn-in six years ago, Governor Aminu Bello Masari

sacked the 34 local government council chairmen and their 361 councillors over what he termed financial misappropriation by the dissolved officials. The sacked council officials, all from the former ruling PDP, ran to court to challenge what they described as illegal removal from office by Masari where they got a judgement in their favour by the Supreme Court. The Apex Court, in a

unanimous judgment in May last year, declared the sack of the council officials as “illegal, unconstitutional, null and void” and ordered the state government to pay the sacked officials their entitlements for the remainder of their tenure. Majigiri explained that the Federal High Court in a garnishing order issued on 16th February, has freezed the joint account of the state local governments till 21 March, 2022.

Expansion of New Lagos Terminal: AIB Staff Moved to Abuja for Planned Demolition of Lagos Ofﬁce Chinedu Eze The federal government has ordered Accident Investigation Bureau –Nigeria (AIB-N) to vacate its office at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and relocate to Abuja this weekend for the planned demolition of the Bureau’s office for the expansion of jet ways of

the new international terminal projected to start operation in March. THISDAY learnt that the administrative department of AIB-N last Wednesday issued an internal memo to all the staff of the bureau to resume in Abuja on or before Monday, threatening that anyone that failed to comply would be sanctioned.

As at yesterday most of the workers of the bureau were seen outside the premises trying to move their personal and official belongings out of their offices. Some of the workers, who spoke to journalists on the condition of anonymity, lamented that they were only given two working days to comply with the new directive, as one of them

wondered why the management would issue such a directive to the workers when relocation allowances had not been paid to any of them. The source also lamented that over 90 per cent of the workers were yet to collect January 2022 salaries and wondered where they would get the financial resources to relocate.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 26, 2022

NEWS

Osinbajo Inaugurates Kimberly-Clark State-ofthe-art $100m Manufacturing Plant in Ikorodu Mary Nnah Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday inaugurated Kimberly Clark’s new Huggies Diaper Manufacturing Plant in Ikorodu, Lagos State. The company has invested over $100m in building a state-of-the-art Huggies diaper manufacturing facility in Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos, with the capacity to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs that can grow

to 5,000 within 3-5 years of operation. The factory would avail the youths in Ikorodu Federal Constituency and indeed Lagos-Nigeria at large ample opportunities within the FastMoving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. Speaking as a special guest at the event, Vice President Osinbajo said, “This plant, I am told would serve Nigerian consumers with aͿordable high-quality diapers and I am

told it will produce something in the order of about 600 million diapers every year. “I am also told that with our seven million babies born every year, we are just two million behind the Chinese, so we are really the largest possible market for diapers in the world, coming second only to the Chinese. “So, I think Kimberly - Clark has chosen a very good place. We are told also that this will provide thousands of jobs and

I believe that the Àrst thousand are already in place and we expect a further couple of thousands in the next three years.” The Vice President noted that for the federal government, “every new manufacturing plant is an important step toward our belief that it is private investment, but local and foreign that must be the pathway to rapid economic growth with jobs and prosperity.”

Episode 4 of Glo Battle of the Year Nigeria Airs Today Episode 4 of the Glo Battle of the Year Nigeria airs today and there will be a dramatic switch from BBoys to BGirls as the female contestants take their turn in the qualifying rounds. But the switch notwithstanding, viewers will be in for the same heady cocktail they have come to expect on the Glo sponsored reality Tv show; mesmerising dances moves, dance floor drama and the joys and pains of victory and loss respectively. “The focus in Episode 4 is on Break dancing girls, aka BGirls and they bring fire to the dance floor. From Abuja all the way to Lagos the ladies make clear that when it comes to break dancing, men do not

have exclusive preserve. “Show host, Do2Tun shares the same sentiments as he quips in the intro: “If you ever doubted the talent of the BGirls, after this episode you will be a believer.” “Log onto GloTv, Globacoms streaming app at 8p.m. on Saturday to find out what happens when BGirl Angel steps on the dance floor to do battle with BGirl Cindy in the Lagos qualifiers. “Witness the palpable relief as BGirl Vibe is told she doesn’t have to do a final battle against BGirl Cruxy in order to make it to the Lagos finals. Then listen to her express her appreciation to Glo for providing her a platform to launch her career”, a statement from Glo said

Dankwambo Welcomes Gwamna Back to PDP Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

RECOGNISED FOR EXCELLENCE… L-R: Guest Speaker, DIG Adeleye Oyebade (Rtd. ) receiving his appreciation plaque from the Change Maker President, Rotary Club of Ikeja, Gbenga Badejo, FCA after delivering his lecture titled, ‘Holistic approach to Security and Peace keeping in terms of Crisis and Disaster at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja… recently

Terror War: Military Rejects Clamour for Mercenaries Our Correspondents The Nigerian military has formally rejected the clamour for the use of mercenaries in the war against terrorists in the country, with the Chief of Defence StaͿ, Lucky Irabor declaring that the Army has the capacity to end the activities of insurgents across the country without the help of foreign military contractors. A number of Nigerians have been calling on the government to hire mercenaries, to help end the insurgency following the unending killings of innocent civilians, soldiers, and even seizures of Nigerian territories as seen in Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Zamfara and Sokoto states by the terrorists. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State also joined the clamour saying engaging mercenaries will complement the eͿorts of the nation’s security agencies in tackling insurgency across Nigeria.

Zulum declared recently: “I have said it times without number that in addition to what we are doing, there is a need for government to rethink and look into the possibility of hiring mercenaries. I have said it times without number, there’s nothing wrong with it. America, Britain many more countries that are stronger than Nigeria, used to seek support from outside. “There’s nothing wrong because this problem has been compounded…there is the need for us to seek support from external agencies, to defeat these insurgents once and for all, before the matter reaches other parts of the nation. This is very important whether we like it or not, we have an existing gap that we need to Àll and this gap by now cannot be Àlled without external support.’’ But Irabor, who was speaking with select editors yesterday, in company with the three service chiefs - Chief of Army StaͿ, Lietenant General Farouok

Yahaya Chief of Air StaͿ, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao and Chief of Naval StaͿ, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo – said the call for use of mercenaries was absolutely unnecessary. Irabor, whose position is in agreement with that of the federal government, which in March last year said it would not hire mercenaries to Àght the insurgents, said: “We (military) are not calling for mercenaries. This is the essence of setting the Nigerian military up. It is our work. Rather, we are calling for more support for all stakeholders in this war against terrorists.” Irabor promised that there would be signiÀcant improvement in the security situation in the country by the end of the year and that the crisis won’t be transferred to the new government coming in 2023. On the upsurge in coups across West Africa, the CDS promised that the Nigerian military would have nothing to do with coups

and warned politicians to stay away from them. Irabor said the armed forces would continue to educate its personnel that “coups do more harm than good”. The CDS said: “This is what the leadership of the armed forces is passing down the chain and educating everyone under our command that there is no reason whatsoever for anyone to contemplate that.” He also asked politicians to desist from luring armed forces members into political matters, saying the military should be insulated from any political persuasions or inclinations. “And in the same vein, the leadership of the armed forces is also telling politicians to leave us alone, do not mix us up with issues that have to do with politics and do not use political inclinations and persuasions to want to lure anybody from the armed forces into the idea of having to undertake coups and all.

It’s Discriminatory to Spare N’West Terrorists, Decimate S’Éast Alleged Gunmen, Says HURIWA Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, condemned the indiscriminate military raids of the South-east while leaving the North-west and the theatre of insurgency war in the North-east. HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator,

Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, restated that the operations of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force in Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and Abia have resulted in extrajudicial killings in the last one year. According to news reports, an unspeciÀed number of people, on Wednesday including policemen and a soldier were feared

dead at the now dangerous Ihiala axis of Anambra State during a clash between security operatives and gunmen. The incident happened at the Imo State border towns of Orsumoghu, Lilu, and Azia in Ihiala Local Government Area. Some residents reportedly died and got injured in the crossÀre between the security

operatives and the gunmen. Many civilians have been sent to their early graves in the last one year since the military and security agents turned maddening heat on the South-east zone under the pretext of combating members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Eastern Security Network.

Immediate past Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo and a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant during the 2019 party primaries, Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna may have reconciled their diͿerences as Jamilu received a warm welcome back to the party. Jamilu, who was tipped to win the PDP Governorship primary election in the build up to the 2019 general elections, immediately left the party after failing to secure the ticket. But after about four years sojourn in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which he greatly helped to form

government in 2019, the PDP party leader and immediate past Governor of the State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, welcomed him back to the fold in his Abuja residence Wednesday evening. A statement made available to journalists in Gombe by Gwamna’s media aide, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, yesterday, said Gwamna, who a fortnight ago dumped the APC, was received along with a crowd of supporters. While welcoming Dr. Jamilu, the Sardauna of Gombe back to the PDP, Dankwambo thanked him and his entourage for the visit and assured him of his support as well as the unity of the party.

Runsewe Pledges Stronger Cultural Ties With Republic of Bulgaria The Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has pledged stronger ties with the Bulgarian Government in the area of marketing their rich cultural heritage. Runsewe made this pledge in his office in Abuja, when he hosted the Ambassador Extraordinary of the Republic of Bulgaria, Yanko V. Yordanor. The NCAC boss, who doubles as the president of the World Crafts Council, African Region, said he was glad to receive Ambassador Yardanor, adding that the Republic of Bulgaria had a very rich cultural heritage which needs to be explored.

He also revealed that the Republic of Bulgaria had featured regularly in the International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo; the annual programme of the NCAC aimed at showcasing their arts and crafts of different countries to the world. Runsewe promised to make this year’s INAC Expo bigger and better as well as to use the event to cement the existing relationship between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of Bulgaria. Earlier, Yordanor said he was in the Council to seek cooperation between his country and Nigeria through the National Council for Arts and Culture and to present the symbol of their cultural heritage to Runsewe.

Awka Catholic Bishop Warns Youths against Money Rituals, Internet Scams David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese in Anambra State, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, has warned youths against getting involved in money rituals and internet scams. The clergyman admonished that life was a gradual process and that young people should not have the mindset that they can wake up one morning and attain wealth. Bishop Ezeokafor gave

the admonition at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state where he inaugurated Regina Nwankwu Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) Skills Acquisition Centre. He implored youths to shun unbridled quest for materialism and embrace hard work, honest labour as well as patience, even as he described life as a gradual process.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2022 • T H I S D AY

FEBRUARY 26, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

BRIDGING THE GAP TO HEALTHY NUTRITION

Chioma Iruke urges farmers to attach great importance to pulse crops because of their importance to human nutrition

ver the years, Nigeria as a country has suffered immensely from malnutrition despite being blessed with various natural resources, arable land and economic potential. As of 2018, the World Bank reported that Nigeria had about 37.33 % of arable land of which between January and March 2021, agriculture contributed to 22.35 per cent of the total Gross Domestic Product of the country. Despite this, Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children in the world, with a national prevalence rate of 32 per cent of children under ﬁve. Statistics from UNICEF declare an estimated two million children in Nigeria suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). This is quite disheartening for a country where 70 per cent of her households participate in crop farming activities, while about 41 per cent own or raise livestock. According to data gotten by reliefweb.com, one out of two west Africans in need of food assistance lives in Nigeria and between 2016-2021, an average of 6.6million people in northern Nigeria were in urgent need of humanitarian and food assistance. Although states in northern Nigeria are most affected by malnutrition, the south and west are not free from malnutrition. As of 2018, 1.5 million children under five years in Nigeria’s South-west are said to be in dire need of intervention. Burdened with the state of nutrition in Nigeria, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) birthed from the resolution of (resolution A/RES/73/251) of the General Assembly proclaimed 10th February in 2019 as the World Pulses Day. Pulses are the legume branches or small plants that contain edible seeds that include beans, peas, chickpeas and lentils. Pulses are often harvested when the seeds become dry and are rich sources of protein. They are very important crops because they contain a variety of nutrients and are ideal and affordable source of protein for large sections of the population, especially in rural communities. The day was adopted to increase public awareness of the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production. It has since been adopted by several governmental and nongovernmental organizations such as the Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF) led by a veteran civil society actor Dr Salifu Arome. Part of AYGF effort in promoting nutrition in Nigeria was her partnership with the World Bank on the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ARIN) project. The project implemented by AYGF seeks

NIGERIA HAS THE SECOND-HIGHEST BURDEN OF STUNTED CHILDREN IN THE WORLD, WITH A NATIONAL PREVALENCE RATE OF 32 PER CENT OF CHILDREN UNDER FIVE

to increase the utilization of quality, cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls and children under five years of age in 13 LGA and 139 Wards of Niger State as well as 21 Local Government Areas (LGA) and 239 wards in Kogi State. The Arin Project implemented by AYGF is aimed at scaling up nutrition results in Nigeria through the provision and utilization of quality nutrition packages and services to pregnant women, lactating mothers and under-five children in rural communities. AYGF celebrated the recent World Pulse Day in Niger State by raising public awareness on the nutritional benefits of pulses crops and promoting their use and improving the intake of proteins among these categories of beneficiaries and beyond. AYGF notes that Nigeria plays a significant role in global pulse production being among the top 10 according to a statement by the Food and Agricultural Organization in 2016 and is the leading producer and consumer of cowpea in the world with 39% production in 2016-18 and is Nigeria’s major cultivated pulse accounting for 95% area and 98% of the pulse production in 2016-18. Recent research also suggests that 3.71 million tonnes of various pulse crops were cultivated in Nigeria as of 2020. Nevertheless, the cowpea area has been diminishing, with a 30% loss at 3.5% yearly between 2006 and 2008 and 2016-18. The production appreciated by 40% as observed from 1996-98 due to an increase in yield. Overall, Nigeria’s cowpea production is marked with fluctuations/stagnation. Cowpea area, yield and production received steady and remarkable positive growth in places like Niger (73% at 2.8%, 213% at 5.9%, and 428% at 8.7% annually, respectively). Per capita availability of pulses in Nigeria is over 10 times less than cereals and roots/tubers; hence, pulses contribute poorly to daily calorie and protein intakes. They are mainly utilized as cooked beans and steamed/fried pastes. Despite being amongst the top 10 producers of pulses in the world, experts believe a lot has to be done and has thus called on Nigerian farmers to attach great importance to pulses because of their importance to human nutrition and the nation’s food security as low pulse consumption is seriously contributing to nutritional problems in Nigeria. Iruke works for the African Youth Growth Foundation in Abuja

IN DEFENCE OF MELE KYARI Steps should be taken to forestall future importation of adulterated fuel, writes Philip Agbese “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.” G. Michael Hopf

stumbled on the above quote. It was instructive to explain what some well-spirited Nigerians in public service go through in service to the country. Hard times and strong men; weak men and hard times. These are symptomatic and can be used to explain the events that led to the fuel scarcity experienced in the country in recent times. I was alarmed when I noticed fuel queues. My instinct ran riot that I took inventory of the notorious era of fuel scarcity in the country despite being an oil-producing country. This time around, it was a strange feeling that I remembered I had somewhat lost touch with those in the position of authority in the oil and gas sector, especially in the past three years. There is no gainsaying that the Muhammadu Buhari administration has strived to introduce reforms in the oil and gas regime in the country. Sometime in 2021, President Buhari signed the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, bringing to a close a 20-year effort to reform Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, intending to create an environment more conducive for the growth of the industry and addressing legitimate grievances of communities most impacted by extractive industries. I recall the country celebrated the GMD of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, for taking the bull by the horns in an industry where vested interests reign supreme. A brilliant chap whose grasp of the dynamics in

Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is impressive. Little wonder he was able to institutionalize a regime of transparency and accountability. He is also a daring man, one who is not afraid to speak power to the truth on critical issues in the sector. I recall his stance on the subsidy regime in the country, which was unpleasant in the ears of all-powerful oil marketers. Nonetheless, he stood his ground to mention but a few other instances. So, my dismay knew no bounds when fuel queues resurfaced across the country. I must confess that I heaped the blame squarely on the NNPC, and I equally had some harsh words for Mele Kyari. I wondered what went wrong under his nose which warranted the embarrassing sight of long fuel queues across the country. This is on the heels of a steady supply of fuel across the country, especially in the last three years. I also recall that on instances where motorists engaged in panic buying after rumour mills went agog with suspected increment in pump price, he was quick to assuage the fears of Nigerians by insisting there is enough fuel in circulation in the country. And true to his words, the queues disappeared in a jiffy. That is the quintessential Mele Kyari. Back to the crux, not until information came in regarding the country’s fuel shortage I had every reason to blame the NNPC GMD because the buck stops on his table. But I was wrong. I consequently asked questions because I smelt sabotage somewhere along the line. This much was systematically highlighted when he

appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream). He was explicit in his submissions. He wasn’t dodgy or outrightly absolving the NNPC of any blame. Of course, the NNPC does not test for methanol. According to him, “we didn’t see this coming. “ If his sincerity and humility doesn’t melt your heart, I wonder what else would. Hear him: What they (partners) are saying which we have accepted is that: ‘I brought the product based on your specification and therefore I did not bring the adulterated product. They probably didn’t know that it contains methanol and that methanol originated from the loading terminal. It is good to put this in perspective so that Nigerians are aware that what they (partners) are saying is that they have no liability. But it is not sustainable because we have also filed liquidated damages that they can pass on until it gets to the originating depot.” The above, in my estimation, speaks volumes of a man guided by the conviction that in all circumstances, the larger interest should take centre stage and not personal interest. He admitted the shortcomings of the NNPC, but I can bet that steps have been initiated towards testing for methanol. That is how proactive and sincere he could be. Those with which whose path has crossed would testify to his brilliant attributes. Make no mistakes; I am not by any stretch of imagination absolving the powerful oil marketers of blame in the whole saga, as a fact, they must be blamed wholly, even though they have

refused to accept liability for the importation of the adulterated product, it doesn’t change the fact that they are indeed liable. We all know how powerful oil marketers are. They have held the country down for so long. In some quarters, it has been rumoured that they are the brain behind the continued importation of fuel into the country by ensuring that our refineries do not operate. It is a cabal-like setting that gulps trillions of naira in subsidy payment. They are notoriously powerful. I am still surprised at how the country could sign the Petroleum Industry Act into law. Some say it was due to the efforts of Mele Kyari, and the oil marketers have not forgiven him for having the boldness to undertake such a venture. Nonetheless, he has remained focused on sanitizing the industry to the commendation of industry watchers. In all, I believe that the likes of Mele Kyari are in short supply in Nigeria. Their passion for service remains unparalleled. We must thus be careful before we crucify him in the melee occasioned by fuel scarcity in the country. As I mentioned earlier, within this period, lessons have been learnt, and steps are taken to forestall future reoccurrence. It is indeed a fact that hard times create strong men and strong men create good times. This is the story of Mele Kyari since he assumed leadership of the NNPC. His contributions to the revolution in the oil and gas sector in the country cannot be overemphasized. Agbese is a human rights lawyer based in the UK

FEBRUARY 26, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

At last...

The Obvious Outcome

Nigeria’s Stolen Artefacts

he conﬂicts which today plague many African countries continue to shine a light and harshly too at their troubled history. This is because many times, to ﬁnd the roots of that which is strangling the present, one only needs to reach into the recent past. While it would be easier to blame the leadership of many African countries for the problem which plague them today, a measure of justice mandates that a measuring rod is reached into the past to determine the exact provenance of those problems, especially how they were created for African countries at their infancy, and primed to grow into monstrous difficulties along the way. Many African countries readily spring to mind here. For example, Belgium`s baleful fingerprints in the conflicts which continue to plague the DR Congo today provide a stark example. Nigeria, the Giant of Africa, has largely enjoyed stability in the ensuing 61 years since it came to independence. The Nigerian civil war which came barely seven years into independence can be largely chalked down to the teething problems every country experiences when it first begins a new journey of independence, and the fact that the exuberance of young military officers who unexpectedly found themselves thrust into positions of authority forced them to act foolishly. Way before the Africa was partitioned during the Scramble for Africa in the late 19th Century, the kingdoms which later came to form many African countries had shown themselves as culturally advanced. Archaeologists have been startled by the sheer value of the discoveries they made about some African countries and what those discoveries had to say about the past. There is proof that way before colonialism, Africans knew how to craft and sculpt advanced artefacts. Many of these artefacts were plundered and taken away during colonialism in heists that continue to daze historians even till this day. Nigeria has been in the eye of this storm with the ancient and culturally prodigious Benin Kingdom showing that even in the days when deep darkness covered much of Africa, it knew how just how to preserve its immense cultural wealth in sculptures and artefacts. Many of those artefacts were carted away during colonialism to grimly expose the colonialists as not just political and economic slave drivers and task masters, but cultural saboteurs. Just like the infamous Abacha loot, the artefacts have continued to trickle in over the years

as Nigeria has ramped up efforts and pressure to recover everything that was stolen from it. On February 19 2022, Nigeria`s president, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari took this pressure a notch higher when he appealed to countries, institutions and bodies both private and public to return Nigeria`s artefacts in their possession just as he disclosed that 1,130 Benin bronzes would be returned to Nigeria by the German government before the year runs out. This was on the occasion marking the official handover of the Okwukwor and the Head of an Oba of Benin Bronzes repatriated from the University of Cambridge and the University of Aberdeen after about 125 years of them leaving Nigeria. There is no doubt that colonialism indelibly scarred many African countries, leaving them struggling even till this day. There is no telling if African can ever make a full recovery. However, it can only be an auspicious start that maximum pressure is mounted to ensure that every stolen item is repatriated. To do this, African governments as well as the governments of any of those countries where any of such treasures is found must take full responsibility for their repatriation.

obody should really be surprised that Putin and the Russian army have invaded, not supported, the Ukraine Provinces on the ﬂimsy logic that they are independent, by his decree, and want to return to the once great Russian empire. The next obvious concern, after the rest of the Ukraine, will be with what happens in Taiwan. Will China be emboldened by the feeble protests and actions of the rest of the world’s countries? The reality is that nobody wants to get into a real, possibly nuclear war, with either of these superpowers. The other superpower, the U.S.A. is hopefully sensible enough to avoid an all-out war. There are plenty of other conflicts that could break out with the neighbouring countries around India or the possibility of a forced reunification of the two Koreas. How many more people have to die on the actions of another tyrant? Surely, we have reached a stage where the world can live in peace and concentrate on real issues including the Covid pandemic, famines, refugees and natural disasters. As a teacher would say “Can do better.” It’s about time we all made that effort. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

AEDC, Give Us Light

fter a complaint on the lack of power supply in Aso B Community, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and the request for electricity bill by AEDC despite unavailability of power, the ofﬁcials of the company visited some houses in the area a day after a publication, and assured the people of getting power the next day. Because of that promise perhaps, there was low current of power from 11am to 11:39am the next day. Thereafter, the power was taken and later restored for one hour same day. That became the fulfillment of the promise made to the people! As I write there is no power supply in Aso B Community and the so called AEDC still asks people to pay. What AEDC is doing is not right. I have followed with keen interest the privatisation of PHCN and I have not seen where AEDC is allowed to collect money from people even when there is no supply of power. We cannot continue to allow AEDC shortchange us. We must put a stop to this systematic robbery. Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 26, 2022

NEWS 2023: Nwajiuba is APC’s Best Presidential Aspirant, Says Support Group Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A support group, the Project Nigeria Group (PNG) has said that the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, is the best All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant ahead of the 2023 elections. The National Coordinator Project, Prof. Armayau Bichi, stated this yesterday at a press conference in Abuja with the theme: ‘2023 Presidency, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba as APC’s Best’. Bichi, who was represented by the Co- convener, Ms. Nana Onwodi, said they were not acting based on the directive of Nwajiuba, but they were acting with the conviction that Nwajuiba

is the best thing to happen to this country in 2023. He stated: “Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba is the man the job needs and not the man that needs the job. He’s one of the best from the rest of aspirants for Nigeria’s 2023 presidency. “We are presenting a man of vision and an astute fellow full of developmental ideas and cohesive reasonings. We are presenting to our country, Nigeria a man who is a bridge builder between the young and the old, the North and the South and the various ethnic and religious diversities. “He has the energy and strength to occupy the Nigerian Presidency and meet up the demands of such office at a time like this.”

AACSB Grants Reaccreditation to Lagos Business School Mary Nnah

The leading global accreditation body, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has extended the accreditation of all business degree programmes of Lagos Business School (LBS). This reaccreditation, which is valid for five years, reaffirms LBS premier status as being the only business school in Nigeria and one of eight in Africa to be accredited by AACSB. While congratulating each institution on their achievement, the Executive Vice President and Chief

Accreditation Officer of AACSB, Stephanie M. Bryant said; “Every AACSB accredited school has demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning. The intense peer-review process exemplifies its commitment to quality business education.” Commenting on the milestone, the Dean of LBS, Professor Chris Ogechie stated: “By the feat of the AACSB Re-accreditation, Lagos Business School has once more distinguished itself as a management education provider of high repute in Africa.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY26, 2022

TRIBUTE

Another Iroko Falls in Enugwu Ukwu Sam Ekpe

nugwu Ukwu, the historic town in Njikoka Local Government Area, within the Anambra State Capital Territory,aswithothercommunities has its ups and downs, its high and lowmoments.Itistheprayerofevery family,everycommunityandevery nation that, although it is an established fact that there is a time to laugh and to cry, to live and to die, letitpleaseAlmightyGodthatthereshouldbemore timesofpositivesthannegatives.Oneofsuchtimeto cryhascomeforthegoodpeopleofEnugwuUkwu, the head of Umunri Clan, an outstanding town in thecommunity,socialandeconomicdevelopment index in Igbo land. One of the town’s most illustrious sons, an encyclopedia of the history and heritage of Umunri clan,apoliticalcolossusandapatriotparexcellence ChiefCharlesChukwudumAmilo,UdobodoEnugwu UkwunaUmunriandChairmanGoverningCouncil ofFederalPolytechnicNekedeinImoStatepassed on, on the last day of 2021. We could not celebrate theNewYearwithhimandsincethen,thetownhas been in deep sorrow, and sense of great loss. Udobodo, Political Charlie, was one of a kind, exceptionally brilliant and knowledgeable about virtually any and everything of human interest. He could not be missed in any assembly as he was outstanding in his boisterousness, ebullience and deep passion with which he put his views across. No wonder every society or group, community or political party he was involved in, acknowledged himandutilizedhisdeepintellect.Thereisnodoubt thatHisExcellencyDr.ChrisNgige,Hon.Ministerof Labour and Productivity and the All Progressives Congress(APC)whoseandwhichcausehespentthe lastfewyearsofhislifecampaigningfor,defending and propagating their causes will be wondering why this huge loss should be their lot at this time Udobodo’sexceptionallywisecounselareneeded in the nation’s political development. Young Charles was born on the 6th day of June 1945, to the family of late Chief Matthew and late Mrs. Patricia Amilo of Umuezu Awovu Village in EnugwuUkwu.HehadhisprimaryeducationatSt. Joseph’sPrimarySchoolOraukwuinIdemiliSouth LocalGovernmentAreaofAnambraStateandsecondaryschooleducationatWashingtonMemorial Grammar School Onitsha and Holy Ghost College Owerrifromwherehepassedoutin1963withWASC in Division One. For his brilliance he was awarded EasternNigeriaGovernmentScholarshiptostudy VeterinaryMedicineattheprestigiousUniversity ofNigeriaNsukkain1964.AlreadyawardedDiploma inVeterinaryMedicinein1967theoutbreakofthe Nigerian Civil War interrupted his studies.

Charles Amilo At the end of the war in 1970 he resumed hisstudiesatUNNbutchangedhiscourseof study to Microbiology, and graduated with BSc.Honoursin1973.Hewentfurtherinhis educationatRutgersUniversity,NewJersey U.S.AwherehestudiedAppliedMicrobiology, obtaining a MSc. Degree in Microbiology in 1976 with special commendation and recommendation. While he was in the United States, his academic brilliance earned him employment with Pabst Breweries Co. Inc. EastOrangewhereheservedaslinetechnician for some time and later as Marketing Assistant at Squibb Pharmaceuticals New Jersey. He returned to Nigeria in 1977 and was offered employment with the Federal MinistryofHealthasPrincipalResearchOfficer.HewentonSecondmenttotheFederal SchoolofMedicalLaboratoryScienceinJos Plateau State where he worked until 1983 whenheleftthePublicServicefortheprivate sector. Although Charlie was a brilliant Scientist, his natural calling was Politics, Community Service and Leadership. In these areas he proved his mettle and displayed his exceptional skills. From serving as the Publicity SecretaryoftheStudentsWingofthedefunct

NCNCbetween1964and1966,thegoldfishhadno hidingplaceandplayedactivepoliticsintheSecond Republic. He joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN),contestedandwontheEnugwuUkwuState Constituency Seat for the Party, defeating his opponentofthemorepopularNigerianPeoplesParty (NPP), the acknowledged party of Ndigbo at that period.HewaseasilyelectedDeputyMinorityLeader in the Old Anambra State House of Assembly but the Military coup of December 31, 1983 truncated his rising political profile. Whenpartisanpoliticsresumedin1991,hebecame theAnambraStateAssistantSecretaryoftheSocial DemocraticPartywhichwonthePresidentialelection in1993.AgaintheMilitaryintervenedandannulled the results of the Presidential election. In 1998 he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)andbecametheChairmanPublicitySubcommittee in Anambra State. He served briefly in this positionuntilthe1999electionsinwhichthecircumstancessurroundingthePDPGubernatorialPrimary election which produced Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju as the party’s gubernatorial flag bearer made him withdraw himself from the tyranny, impunity and arbitrariness of the then leaders of the party. However, following the “election” of Ngige as the State Governor in 2003 and his abduction on July 10 of same year which Hon. Amilo considered

an act of gross irresponsibility, recklessness and rascality, he took sides with Ngige who found him a most knowledgeable aide, dependable ally and confidant.NgigeappointedhimhisCommissioner forInformationandCulturethroughouthis3years plus tenure in office and in this capacity Amilo was handson,onradioandtelevisionprogrammesaswell as newspaper columns defending and promoting the activities of the Ngige Administration. He was initiallyappointedMemberoftheNationalFilmand VideoCensorsBoardandveryrecentlyChairmanof GoverningCounciloftheFederalPolytechnicNekede, apositionhehelduntilhisdeathonDecember31,2021. Withinhisfewmonthstenureinoffice,hedirectedthe clearanceofthebacklogofstaffpromotionscaused by the long absence of the institution’s Governing Council. His easy going life made him accessible to the staff and students of the institution who will regretthattheirnewsilverliningvanishedtoosoon in the cloud. AmemberoftheCabinetofIgweRalphO.Ekpeh, EzeEnugwuUkwunaIgweUmunriwhoconferredon himtheChieftaincytitleofUdobodoEnugwuUkwu naUmunri(Symbolofpeaceofthetown)in2014,he wasalsotheChairmanofEnugwuUkwuAgriculture Commission,inwhichcapacityheorganizedmany agricproductsexhibitionsduringwhichfarmerswho harvestedbigproductswonpricesinappreciation of their efforts. He was a committed member of the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Enugwu Ukwu. Udobodo was married to Prof. Grace Amilo (nne Ibik), Professor of Haematology at the College of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi. The marriage produced three survivingchildren-Dr.Chizoba,amedicalpractitioner intheUnitedKingdom,Kenechukwu,anInformation and Communications Analyst with the NNPC and Victoralegalpractitioner.Theironlydaughterdied some years ago in a fire incident in medical school. A Christian Wake will be held in his honour at his residence–14M.K.OAmiloAvenue,UmuezuAwovu EnugwuUkwuonThursdayMarch3,2022at5pm, whilehisremainswillbelaidtorestonFridayMarch 4,2022afterBurialMassatSt.Anthony’sCatholic Church, Enugwu Ukwu. There goes our upright man, a consummate politician, a first class orator, a man of intimidating presence, with great sense of camaraderie. Restinpeace,mybosomfriendandbrother,aman ofmanygoodparts.TheEnugwuUkwuCommunity whichyoulovedandservedwithgreatpassionand commitment will miss you dearly. ItwasthelatesageChiefObafemiAwolowowho averred that “Only the deep can call to the deep”. Udobodo was deep and he called to the deep. Ekpe is an Abuja based Media Consultant and Commentator on Public Aﬀairs.

A Letter to My Father, Barrister Joseph Ojo Wale Ojo

ear Daddy, you are gone but remain forever in our hearts. At the tender age of 12 through freezing and snowy weather you dropped me at Mayﬁeld College in the county of West Sussex, South East England. I remember crying profusely because I wanted to come back to Nigeria to you, Mummy and my elder brother, Niyi. I felt surrounded by strange people in an alien environment. I could no longer enjoy my breakfast delicacies of moi-moi and ogi…waiting to hear my Uncle Bioye say... “All gone” as I polished oﬀ the contents of the plate in record time. I didn’t like it in England and I cried profusely for several days. However, during our many letters of exchange you sometimes scolded and admonished me, asking me to face my studies and stop behaving like a spoilt brat! And that was you - straight to the point no messing around. When I nearly burnt down the house from leaving the candle on in my room at night whilst doing my night studies, I knew I would never do the same again after

the severe tongue lashing I got. I would never forget the moments of pure joy when you bought your first car, a Toyota Crown WAE 7542. I remember all four of us piling into the car and driving off at full speed down Secretariat Road, Agodi Gardens. Niyi and I were delirious with excitement. We stuck our faces out of the window to feel the wind blowing into our faces as tears streamed down our cheeks. A truly memorable time… I may not have fulfilled your desire for me to become an accomplished Barrister at Law. I hope you are proud of the career path that I chose. And I hope I made the right decision. And yes of course, I was the entertainer of the family…testing my Michael Jackson dance moves at a private concert for the family to rounds of applause from the three of you – Mummy, Niyi, and Daddy. And who can forget when Niyi and I would run from Mama Tayo’s house at the sound of your car arriving straight to the lesson teacher who would sit there in the corridor saying “I told you your Daddy would soon arrive”. My heart

Joseph OJo would pound profusely when you would ask me that you would give me a test on what I had learnt during the day. Niyi would say he was going to run away because he hadn’t

done any homework at all! And I want to aplogise to you now Daddy for putting drawing pins in your bedroom slippers when we lived at Oba Akenzua street next to Ojo’badan Avenue at Bodija Estate. It was simply my way of taking revenge for the severe beating I got for some perceived offence or the other. Niyi and I would hide and laugh mischievously when the drawing pins drew the desired shout! You are gone, but never forgotten. We take comfort and cheer from the fact that you lived a long and fulfilling life at almost 91yerars. From the moment you cried out to me almost seven years ago saying, “Wale I need help”, up to the few months ago when you looked at me and said “Wale…Kuse”. Mummy and I did our best to offer that help, especially Mummy who was with you from waking dawn to falling night - washing you, feeding you, singing you hymns, making sure you were shaved, cooking your favourite meals, taking you to hospital so many times when I wasn’t there, the list goes on and on. Niyi and I are also forever in her debt for extending your life. Godspeed Baba to that place of joy and peaceful rest. May the Angels make the journey light. Sun re ooo Baami. Forever your son, Wale Ojo.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 26, 2022

PEOPLE MABEL ADERONKE

The Role of Media in the Society is Sacred Mabel Aderonke is a Media consultant who has been working with celebrities, politicians, institutions and corporations for over 10 years. She is currently planning a conference that will address some of the issues associated with broadcast production and the media industry in general. In this interview with Yinka Kolawole, Aderonke, the boss of Eagle Eyes Communications, talks about the forthcoming conference and challenges of running a media business in Nigeria

Mabel Aderonke

hoisMabelinthisindustry? Mabel Aderonke is a budding flower getting ready to burst into bloom. She understands the industry having worked and excelled in different sectors of the Media, with a good understanding of the global and local media business, having managed her media business profitably for over 10 years and working with celebrities, politicians, institutions andcorporations.Shepossessesvastexperiencein television, radio broadcasting, theatre and film, all thewhileworkingforherselfthroughentrepreneurship. She has met with managers of top developing companies in Nigeria, asked them the necessary questions, and tested some of their ideas. Hence, it is strongly believed that she has the experience required to ensure the smooth running of media business. What are the challenges of running a media business in Nigeria? Apart from the legal requirements for starting a media business such as licensing, the regulatory requirements, media business is big business, it requires heavy investments and there are so many peoplewhowouldlovetobeinitbutareconstrained by the wherewithal to matchup to the investment demands. The equipment and machineries do not come cheap. And without all these in place, you can’t do excellently well. There are examples of a lot of

media businesses that are operating but struggling because of the lack of investment power. It places a lot of demand on the individual that is launching into the business. That’s talking about those requiring infrastructures such as the broadcast media, the print, the investment are not little. I think that has posed a bit of challenges. There’s also the aspect of competence i.e. having the technical and strategic knowledge of the workings of the media.This is where we must strike a balance because it is not a enough to have the investment power but also right to have the knowledge of how the business works in Nigeria; the knowledge of the law and ethics so that you’re not on the wrong side of the law in the course of your operations.The knowledge of law and ethics of the business is not just about understanding the international laws and conventions but also right to understand the local laws of the business, both the ones enshrined in the constitution and the media industry code and other industry speciﬁc laws. You have to be fully equipped. So, competence has been a very big issue in Media business. This business is not supposed to be an escape engagement, like something you venture into because you couldn’t ﬁnd your feet in your chosen profession. Media business is deep, the role of media in the society is sacred and not something to be embraced with shallow knowledge. We can’t exhaust these issues.

What are the positives of technology on the media industry? It comes with it its positives and negatives. On the positive side, I think it makes news breaking real time.Technology has made “citizen journalism” possible, where users can generate contents to share with a wider audience. Access to gadgets and internet puts many in the position to perform the function of the media in form of educating and informing, but basically, it does not mean that everyone understands the critical elements of media practice.Thefactthatyouhaveaccessalsodoesnot mean you understand the strategy. Media business involves strategy; it’s not just the infrastructure or the access and it cuts across diﬀerent aspect of the media - advertising, print, media buying, media placement - they are all strategic. It’s not about any platform that’s available. The gathering and dissemination of information requires critical strategy that comes with training in the art of media. It’s not every information that you come across that’s newsworthy.There’s a gate keeping process that every information must pass through, there are checks that you need to ensure as a way of trying to determine the ﬁtness of that information for the public space. One needs to be careful of backlashes or legal issues for not fact checking. Yes, technology has its blessings but also the negatives and because it has opened the space up for wider participation, you know, all manner of people have access but without the requisiteknowledge,technicalknow-how,trainings, competence and strategy. There’s incursion of these people into the media spaceandthat’swhywehavefakenews,misinformation and disinformation becoming topical as far as media practice is concerned these days. In the past, there were more stringent regulations and practitionerswereprofessionalsindeed.Now,there is a mix between professionals and some people driven by survival.

In view of all of these, what will your upcoming MAB International Conference bring to the industry? TheMABInternationalconferenceintendstosolve some specific problems in the business of media production and management. This project is also aimed at tackling the different challenges faced by the vast majority of youths who have burning desire to develop a career in media production and management in its entirety. The project, which will run every year with different themes, will also shed lightontheprosandconsofthemediabusinesswith the help of celebrated world class media giants. So, where do you place the proposed conference? Is it your shot at cleansing the industry or just your way of impacting Nigerian youths that share your passion? I’ll say it’s a mixture of both. It’s a shot at cleansing the media industry of its ills and vices, with the right ingredients, equipment and strategies and also to impact a lot of Nigerian youths who have the burning passion to learn and grow in the business of media. What are the sustainability plans? I mentioned earlier that this project will run every year with different themes targeted at different corners of the media practice. Now, I can confidently tell you that this is not just a conference but a journey with a destination at the right place. The conference will be powered by the mother company – Eagle Eyes Communications, a multimedia developing and consulting firm that specializes in television, radio broadcasting and theatre/film production and having been in the space for over six years, rendering services such as advertising, broadcasting, networking, news, blogging, printing and publishing, recording and motionpictures,itintendstobringallthesetechnical know-how to make the conference sustainable.

Akin Ogunbiyi’s Uncommon Feats Rewarded

n recognition of his excellent jobs, professionalvictoryanduncommonachievements in Nigeria’s private sector, Marketing Edge, Nigeria’s leading brand and marketing publication, has bestowed Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi with the prestigious Corporate Pacesetter honour at the maiden edition of its prestigious Marketing Edge Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The Hall of Fame honour was conferred on Ogunbiyi during a glittering function, which was held within the adorable ambience of Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State. The glamorous event saw the celebration of excellence and professionalism among the who’s who in the Nigerian Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) ecosystem. Moreimportantly,thecelebratorynightwitnessed the formal unveiling of a special edition publication of the Marketing Edge magazine, which features on its front cover Ogunbiyi, a corporate guru of no mean repute. As usual, the edition is spiced up with a pot-pourri of juicy oﬀerings on news and incisive

industry reviews as well as deep market insights. Presenting the esteemed award to Ogunbiyi as the pioneer member of the Marketing Edge Hall of FamewastheamiableSirSteveBamideleOmojafor, a leading light in the integrated marketing communications sector, whose name is synonymous with the IMC industry in Nigeria. The glamorous event welcomed Ogunbiyi as the first member in the corporate category, one of the highest honours the Marketing Edge brand bestows on exceptional individuals. The Osun State born entrepreneur and governorship aspirant is the Group Chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC, a conglomerate of nine subsidiaries and over 5,000 employees. The Nigerian businessman and politician also sits as the Chief Executive Officer and Associate Director at Finance & Insurance Experts Ltd. He is also on the board of Infrastructure Bank Plc and Elephant Group PLC and Associate at Chartered Insurance Institute and Member of Institute of Directors. His conglomerate encompasses insur-

ance ﬁrms, oil and gas industry and real estate amongst others. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Directors;FellowWestAfricaInsuranceInstitute,Banjul, Gambia and also a Fellow of the Risk Managers Society of Nigeria. Ogunbiyi is a graduate of Agricultural Economics from the University of Ife. He is also an alumnus of the famous International Graduate School of Management, University of Navarra (IESE) Barcelona, Spain where he obtained an Executive Masters in Business Administration. In addition, he is an alumnus of Lagos Business School and Saïd BusinessSchooloftheUniversityofOxfordwhere he attended the Oxford Advanced Management & Leadership Programme. With the maiden Hall of Fame, the Marketing Edge Group has formally kicked oﬀ a tradition of inducting,honouringandpayinghomagetolegends, accomplished professionals, great industry titans, and gurus who blazed the trail in their various areas of specialisation across generations and epochs.

Akin Ogunbiyi

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 26, 2022

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Starring Ikpe-Etim, Akon, ‘The American King’ Gets US Theatrical Release Date Ferdinand Ekechukwu

hen she first hinted this reporter of her Hollywood debut alongside American-Senegalese superstar artiste, Akon sometime in 2017, in an interview, Nollywood darling actress Nse Ikpe-Etim wasn’t really quick to make known the name of the movie. Now fast-forward to the present, the movie titled ‘The American King- AsTold by an African Priestess’ has been slated for a limited theatrical release in the US as well as aVideo on Demand (VOD) on March 1, according to reports. Vision Films had earlier released the trailer some months back. And announced a day and date limited theatrical run which begins atThe SunValley 14 in Charlotte, NC,The Laemmle in Glendale, CA, Studio Movie Grill in Philadelphia, and Emagine Theaters Chatham and Riviera 12 in Chicago and Detroit, respectively. In the lead role as Sebastian is the music star Akon while Nse plays the African High Priestess. Announcing it to her fans a couple of days back, the multiple-award winning actress, took to her Instagram page where she shared a teaser with the poster captioned “When a High Priestess arrives to fulfill a prophesy, she chooses an American to become King of African. Nse is #ThePriestess.” ‘The American King’’ also stars Enyinna Nwigwe, Miguel A. Nunez Jr, Jaimyon Parker, Brad Potts, KelceyWatson, and Mother Love. Written and directed by Adah Obekpa, the story is loosely based on the firsthand experience of

Nse Ikpe-Etim, Akon, on set of ‘The American King’

Obekpa, a prince and former heir to his father’s throne when King of the Idoma nation, Benue State, Nigeria. Shot on location in Nigeria and the United States, ‘The American King’ is a fish-out-of-water comedy that features Nse as a mysterious High Priestess who anointed Akon as a troublemaking American to fulfill a 400-year-old prophecy to become the new King of Africa.

In ‘The American King’, Sebastian (Akon) is an ex-con dealing with some dangerous, yet sensitive Russian gangsters whom he owes money. Upon learning of the arrival of the High Priestess and Sebastian’s ascension to the throne, the CIA and the Vice President scramble to find pertinent information about this woman of mystery, leading to the unraveling of the most guarded secret about the

founding of the United States of America. Lise Romanoff, CEO and Managing Director of Vision Films says, “The American King is a cross between Coming to America and Black Panther, and while this movie is delivered with comedy it depicts a very powerful commentary about the divisiveness and double standards in today’s society.We know audiences will have a good laugh and enjoy the very talented cast.”

Tems, Bimbo Ademoye Dazzle at Future Awards Africa Ferdinand Ekechukwu

he 16th edition of The Future Awards Africa held in Lagos, Nigeria last Sunday night recognised young Nigerians in different fields. Presented by social enterprise The Future Project, the awards celebrate outstanding young people between the ages of 18 and 31 across various fields. This year’s edition, which was hosted by actress and television host, Nancy Isime, ran under the theme, ‘Celebrating Challengers and Builders’, and honoured “trailblazers that have chosen to defy the status quo and redefine the norm in their various fields within the past year,” the organisers said. Winners of this year’s award include fast rising music star, Temilade ‘Tems’ Openiyi, and award-winning actress, Bimbo Ademoye. Tems won the TFAA 2022 prize for music, while Bimbo Ademoye won the prize for acting. The ‘Crazy Tings’ singer, who shot to international acclaim last year with her appearance on records by global stars including Wizkid and Drake, beat fellow musicians Joeboy, Fireboy DML, Ayra Starr, Ckay, Omah Lay and Bnxn, the artiste formerly known as Buju, to win the 2022 TFAA prize for music. Other winners are Tunde Onakoya of Chess2slums who won the Prize for community action; Tayo Aina won Prize for content creation, S.I Ohumu won Prize for journalism and a host of others. Also on the winning list is promising filmmaker Kayode Kasum, who won the Prize for film, Chigozie Obi won Prize for art and literature, Kennedy Ekezie won Prize for technology, and Weiz Dhurm won Prize for fashion. The Future Awards Africa rewards

Tems

young talents who have made outstanding achievements on a yearly basis. This year, one of its sponsors, Inﬁnix partnered the awards to encourage and inspire young talents to keep chasing their dreams. The brand is supporting young talents in the music industry with a cash donation to the future awards committee.

Bimbo Ademoye

Additionally, the brand would provide one year supply of Inﬁnix devices for the winner of the music category at the Future Awards Africa. Inﬁnix also used the platform to promote past winners of its empowerment initiatives. Twist Berry, a young up and coming musician, who won the empowerment challenge to feature

Davido on a song with a video—all paid for and promoted by Inﬁnix. Recall that the brand had last year announced Davido as its brand ambassador. Previous The Future Awards Africa winners included Wizkid, who won the 2017 prize for Young Person of the Year, as well as Davido and Burna Boy, who won the music categories in 2017 and 2019, respectively.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 26, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Nonso Amadi Returns with ‘Foreigner’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

ollowing the release of the 2019 ‘Free’ EP, Nonso Amadi made the conscious decision to step away from social media and pause the release of music — all to take a deeper dive into his artistry and separate from noise and distraction. Today, the Canadian-based Afro-R&B, soul singer, songwriter, and producer from Nigeria, makes an illustrious return sharing the new track “Foreigner” proudly presented with management team; Jade Busola and Quiet As Kept (Trung Hoang, Gavin Sheppard) alongside label partners UMG Nigeria, Def Jam Records and Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company. “Foreigner” showcases Amadi’s duality, a smooth and seductive record which contains African drumlins, trance-like saxophone instrumentation, and is layered with other soulful jazz elements. Amadi describes the track further: “during the process of creating ‘Foreigner’ I was driven by the idea of making a song that addressed both my disappearance from the music scene and the typical love drama my R&B self is typically drawn to making. “The way I achieved this was by having the song feel like it has emphatic highs and lows. It starts heavy with the drums and chant but then it breathes a little in the verses; allowing me to sing calmly about

the topics I mentioned earlier before going back to a heavily drum laid chorus.” Speaking about returning to music, Nonso explains: “I felt like I needed such a pronounced yet groovy re-entry to the scene to express all the pent-up feelings I’ve held in while keeping it light and easily palatable for listeners.” Amadi recently traveled to Kingston, Jamaica to join a lineup of reggae, roots, and dancehall legends, including Marcia Griﬃths, Bugle, Amanyea, Tony Rebel, Gyptian, Queen Ifrica for Bob Marley’s Roots ‘77 Birthday Concert, an Earthstong celebration event. The concert was live streamed on February 6, 2022, with Nonso performing original tracks “Better” featuring Simi, “No Crime,” as well as a tribute performance of Bob Marley’s song “Africa Unite” all recorded from the historic Tuﬀ Gong studio. Amadi celebrates the release of “Foreigner” today from his hometown of Lagos, surrounded by the family and fans that nurtured his early aspirations while fuelling his global forays. Amadi has since cemented himself in the next generation of artistes bringing Alte, Afro-R&B to the international stage. Amadi is set to perform live for Lagos fans at the

Amadi

Mainland Block Party tomorrow February 27. Beginning his musical career while studying in Nigeria at Covenant University, and then Swansea University in the UK, Amadi transformed into a sonic globetrotter after his move to Canada - leading him

Miss Olamma Africa Pageant Revs-up for Season 2

he mold of pageantry in Nigeria is changing. In the past, it is easy to identifythehandfulofplatformsbut now we have competitors pushing the boundaries higher. One of the most-promising right now is Miss OlammaAfricaPageantorganised by Emvirtue Network. Recall that in season 1 of the pageant, they had DStv and GOtv as official media partner,airingthepre-eventcampaignonsixAfrica Magic Channels, which resulted in a record 1208 registeredcontestantsfromover5Africancountries. AccordingtothefounderandCEOMissOlamma Africa Pageant, Ogbuefi Emmanuel Ezima, Season 2oftheshowwouldbeahugeleapforwardbuilding from the success of Season 1. He said the plan is to deploy strategies involving huge media platforms such as CNN, BBC Africa, and other terrestrial TV stations like Arise TV, Channels, AIT, and TVC, to push the event. This is what makes, in essence, the toga‘thebiggestPan-IgboPageantintheworld’true. He said further that Miss Olamma Africa season 2 would also make history as the first pageant to give a car each to the winner and first runner-up, then millions shared in cash prize across different

to fuse the soul & rhythm of African music with modern soft textures of R&B. With an aﬃnity for contemporary R&B, Amadi developed a desire to explore North America and Africa in equal parts – citing Toronto native Drake’s genre-hopping capability as an inspiration for his own creative ﬂuidity.

MusicEco in Nigeria Sunday Ehigiator

Three of the Season 1 Miss Olamma Africa contestants

category of winners. This milestone according to Ogbuefi is designed to restore confidence in the industryandmakeitattractiveandcompetitive.He said the pageant is strictly for Igbo ladies between the ages of 18-28 who are resident in Nigeria and

anywhere in the world. “This specificity is also to help promote the Igbo culture,excellenceandenterprise;andalso,toshow the socio-economic potential, tourism, and beauty of the region and its people,” said Ezima.

L-R: Tope Oshunkeye, Head of Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria; Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria and media personality/ AM Come Play Naija host, Hero Daniels, at the launch of the new Africa Magic game show, AM Come Play Naija in Lagos...Thursday

usicEco, a music app, aimed at bridging the promotional gaps between artistes and Nigeria radio stations, has been launched in Nigeria. In a statement jointly signed by the co-developers, Kayode Yahaya, Seyi Odumosu and Sunday Falae, they explained that the App would easily facilitate a union between artists who wishes to promote their songs on radio anywhere in Nigeria, without the aid of promoters, and the radio stations they wished to be featured. According to the statement, “MusicEco was developed to solve a problem that artistes are facing, which is how musicians get their music to radio. When artistes, artistes’ managers and record labels attempt to promote their music on radio they reach out to promoters to do this, but most of the time these opportunistic promoters take advantage of them and they never get value or representation for this service. “The platform bridges the gap between signed and independent artistes by giving them tools that drive their music to larger audiences fast. It can really be the difference between an actually talented artiste and artistes who just throw money around. Independent musicians can focus on their music while having the autonomy and control of how they get their music to radio. It’s as simple as signing in on your phone or device and uploading your music.” On how to subscribe the App, they noted that signing up on the platform was free, but a realistic fee of N26, 000 is charged to distribute artistes’ music to radio. They added: “Throughout 2022, we are introducing so much more opportunities that go beyond just serving as a medium to radio. Artistes who use the platform get on our specially curated playlists are guaranteed to get their streams up. They can ﬁnd opportunities like performance gigs, interviews, record deals, and so much more. The Idea is to create a working community that can nurture, represent and discover artists.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 26, 2022

PERSPECTIVE Overreaching Objectives of the Electricity Bill 2022 Gabriel Suswam

n Tuesday September 28, 2021, the “Electricity Bill, 2021 (now Electricity Bill, 2022), sponsored by Senator Gabriel Suswam, Chair, Senate Committee on Power passed Second Reading in the Nigerian Senate and was referred to the Senate Committee on Power for further legislative action. The formulation of the Bill and its consequent introduction in the Senate was preceded by a rigorous process involving industry-wide appraisal of extant operational and statutory lapses confronting the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) since the conclusion of the privatization exercise in 2013. On the whole, a team of consultants engaged by the Committee had undertaken a thorough appraisal of several industry issues consequent upon which a diagnostic report which included recommendations on the way forward was submitted to the Committee for consideration. The recommendations were reviewed by the Committee and largely formed the basis of the Electricity Bill, 2022 which scaled through Second Reading in the Senate and now the subject of further legislative scrutiny by the Committee through a proposed two –day public hearing slated to take place on Monday 28th February and 1st March, 2022 at the Senate Wing of the National Assembly. In terms of the structure, the Bill is made up of 213 clauses subdivided into XXI Parts and Five schedules Since the Second Reading of the Bill and its consequent release to critical stakeholders and members of the general public ahead of the scheduled public hearing, it has become necessary to undertake an analysis of the overarching objectives of the Bill, its structure, key novel provisions and related issues with a view to enhancing understanding of the Bill by invited stakeholders and its likely impact on the fortunes of the Nigerian power sector. With respect to its objectives, Clause 1 of the Bill provides that Bill seeks to among other things - repeal the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005, consolidate all legislations in Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and enact an omnibus Electricity Act for the industry to provide the ideal legal and institutional framework that will regulate the post –privatization phase of the industry in Nigeria. The Bill also seeks to provide the framework that would attract more investors to leverage on the modest gains of the privatized electricity industry in Nigeria to accelerate growth in power generation capacity and improve utilization of generated power through increased investment in new technologies that that would enhance transmission and distribution of generated power and minimize aggregate value chain loses. Consistent with the stated objectives of the Bill and bearing in mind the need to address post –privatization challenges, one of the novel provisions under Clause 2(2) of the Bill is that for the first time there is proposal for a statutory backing to the powers of state governments to build generation plants, transmission and distribution lines in areas not covered by the national grid. This provision is not merely a reenactment of the provisions of Section 4, paragraphs 13 and 14, Part II, Second Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) but goes further to provide for areas of collaboration between State Governments and the Federal Government in order to power areas where there is in fact grid presence but no supply. Furthermore, the Bill for the first time under Clauses 3(1) and 4 seeks to give statutory backing to the preparation and implementation of an integrated resource plan for the NESI through the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan (NIEPSIP) covering areas stated in the Bill and such other areas that the Federal Government may determine as requiring policy direction. It is proposed that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Power shall within one year from the Commencement of the Electricity Act, prepare and publish in a Federal Gazette, a NIEPSIP in consultation with relevant Government Authorities as defined under the Bill. The NIEPSIP is to be reviewed or revised every five years or within such a reasonable timeframe as the Minister of Power may determine. This provision is intended to address the problem of policy lull or gaps in the NESI. To entrench the independence and autonomy of the NERC as the apex regulator in the NESI, Clause 5 of the Bill expressly provides the supervisory powers of the Minister of Power over the NERC including general policy directions on overall system planning and coordination with a proviso that such powers to be exercised by the Minister shall not be in conflict with the provisions of the Constitution, the Bill or any other Act of the National Assembly in relation to electricity. On the part of the Ministry of Power, the Bill further provides under Clause 5 (4) that the Ministry of Power in discharging its functions shall be guided by the provisions of the Constitution, extant policies and implementation plans as well as the provisions of the Bill or any other Act of the National Assembly relating to the Ministry’s function. In the same vein the oversight responsibility of the National Assembly in the NESI is expressly stated to be subject to the provisions of the Constitution among other provisions. On the need for the harmonization of the roles of regulators in the NESI and their respective legislations, it is must be noted that under part V while the NERC retains its preeminent regulatory powers in the NESI, other enactments such as the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) establishment Acts have been consolidated and codified under the Bill. To further streamline the roles of NERC and NEMSA in the NESI, the powers of electrical inspection and appointment of electrical inspector have been domiciled in NEMSA bearing in mind the latter’s statutory core mandate in enforcement of technical standards and regulations; inspection, testing and

Buhari

To entrench the independence and autonomy of the NERC as the apex regulator in the NESI, Clause 5 of the Bill expressly provides the supervisory powers of the Minister of Power over the NERC including general policy directions on overall system planning and coordination with a proviso that such powers to be exercised by the Minister shall not be in conﬂict with the provisions of the Constitution, the Bill or any other Act of the National Assembly in relation to electricity certification of all categories of electrical installations. The overall intendment of these provisions is to align regulatory responsibilities and ensure clarity of statutory roles for ease of compliance by operators. Again to lay to rest controversies surrounding the privatization of power assets which took place pursuant to the provisions of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005 (EPSRA),Clause 7 recognizes the legal validity of the reform of the NESI from its previous monopolistic arrangement under the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) to the privatized phase involving the physical unbundling of the NEPA into eighteen companies and transfer of assets and liabilities to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and subsequent licensing of 18 successor companies etc . This provision is without prejudice to the savings and transitional provisions contained in clauses 210 and 211 of the Bill which essentially preserves the status quo ante that is not in conflict with the provisions of the Bill. To better appreciate the importance of this provision, it is may be appropriate to recall that prior to the introduction of this Bill, there were agitations in some quarters for the reversal of the privatization exercise even though the licensed private companies that emerged from the privatization exercise are guided by the terms of their licenses and Performance Agreements. Nigerian courts are also yet to understand the status of these companies and the nature of transactions for the sale and purchase of electricity and ancillary services made possible under the current privatized electricity industry. See for instance the recent decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of Jos Electricity Distribution Company v.Barr. Dasat Lengnan John ( 2020) 1 E.L.R at pg. 2 where the Court of Appeal, Jos Division held that the relationship between JEDCO, the Appellant in the instant case, and Barr Lengnan,

the Respondent, is that of Utility Service Provider – Consumer, not contractual and the Appellant owes public duty to its consumers. In this context therefore, it became necessary to put in place such a provision as contained under Clause 7 of the Bill. The Bill also contains other novel provisions that will stimulate investments in the power sector and also ensure clarity regarding the roles of successor companies in the post-privatized regime. With respect to power distribution, the implication of the provisions of clauses 64 and 73(8) and (9) is that the Bill provides for the decoupling of distribution and retail functions with separate licenses for Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and for supply in order to facilitate future opening of the market towards retail competition. The Bill further gives statutory recognition to electricity distribution franchising (EDF) under Clause 69(5), and independent electricity distribution networks (IEDN)/ independent electricity distribution networks operators (IEDNOs) under Clause 69 (9) in recognition of the work already being carried out by NERC to allow for third parties investments in the distribution segment. Similarly, the Bill provides under clause 85(1) a statutory framework for investments in the national grid by a non-licensees and the TCN to allow for expansion or integration of technology into existing transmission infrastructure. Another option is for the establishment of Independent Electricity Transmission Networks (IETNs) and Independent Electricity Transmission Network Operator (IETNOs). Part IV of the Bill comprising of clauses 16 to 33 provides a clear guide on the unbundling of the TCN into a Transmission Service Provider (TSP) and Independent System Operator (ISO) in accordance with its license. On the development of a competitive electricity during the post –privatization stage, clauses 8 and 9(2) of the Bill provides a clearer guide on the market stages by making reference to the Market Rules thereby making the market stages outlined in the Market Rules the applicable NESI market stages. The anomaly sought to be addressed here is that while Sections 24(3) and 26(1) EPSRA provides for the declaration that a” more competitive market” is to be initiated, the Minister in fact declared the commencement of a Transitional Electricity Market (TEM) leading to debates as to whether TEM possess the same features of a “more competitive market “contemplated by the EPSRA. This implication of clauses 8 and 9(2) of the Bill is that the development of the market will evolved in accordance with the market stages and their corresponding preconditions stipulated under the Market Rules from the current TEM to the Medium Term Market (MTM) and subsequently to the Long Term Market already recognized under Clause 9 (2) of the Bill. Other post privatization issues addressed under the Bill are payment of Competition Transition Charges (CTCs) to distribution franchisees under Clause 13(2) , tenure of licenses under Clause 73(10), entrenchment of a framework for business continuity in cases of revocation of licenses under Clauses 78 to 80 , the role of the Nigerian Bulk Trading Plc (NBET) under the post –privatization competitive market and NBET’s contracts novation obligation under Clause 8(1)(d), regulation of competition and market power under Clause 97, Part XIII, consumer protection and licensees’ performance standards under Clauses 95 and 96, Part XII, tariffs and subsidies under Clauses 92 and 93 Part X , offences relating to electricity under Clauses 186 to 202, and proposal for the establishment of the Electricity Appeal Tribunal under Clauses 163 to 185 of the Bill. In sum, the Bill has abolished tenured licenses and in its place made provision for open licenses or licenses with such tenures as may be prescribed by NERC. NBET is also expected to fold up and novate its existing contractual rights and obligations preparatory to the declaration of a Medium Term Market (MTM) by the Commission pursuant to the provisions of the Bill. The Bill for the first time made provision for offences and penalties against electricity theft and related crimes with a Federal Power Task Force proposed in the Third Schedule to the Bill to prosecute offenders with the fiat of the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Similarly, under Clause 93 of the Bill, it is clear that tariff subsidies can only be accommodated under the Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF). Another fundamental proposal contained in the Bill is the name change proposed from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Agency (REREA) with detailed provisions regarding the objectives and functions of REREA, its structure and the expansion of the Rural Electrification Fund to include Renewable Energy Fund, all under Part XV of the Bill. These proposals are in recognition of the role of the REA in rural electrification and by implication the promotion of renewable energy through its projects. Indeed, copious provisions have been made under Part XVI and Sections 92(2)(f) , 145 , 148 etc all geared towards the promotion of renewable energy which is a central feature of this Bill. It must, however, be clarified that apart from the Electricity Bill, 2022 (SB.511) which is the subject of the proposed two –day public hearing slated for 28th February and 1st March, 2022, the House of Representatives on its part had course to consider several Bills bordering on the Nigerian electric power sector and public hearings have been held by relevant Committees in the House of Representatives on these Bills. The Bills already considered in the House of Representatives are the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 – HB 681, Electric Power Sector Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 – HB 1528, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2019 –HB 657, Energy Commission of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019 –HB 243, National Renewable Energy Development Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2021 –HB 1241, and Energy Commission of Nigeria (Amendment) Bill, 2019 –HB 446. t 4VTXBN GPSNFS HPWFSOPS PG #FOVF 4UBUF BOE DVSSFOUMZ TFSWJOH 4FOBUPS XSJUFT GSPN "CVKB Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 26, 2022

POLITY

After Buhari, Who Next? Mufu Tijani

s the count down to the end of this administration begins and with President Muhammadu Buhari himself affirming that he is determined to hand over in 2023 as he swore by the Koran to and eagerly looking forward to retiring to Daaura his hometown in Katsina, all speculations alluding to a third term agenda are dead on arrival. Expectedly, there has begun intense politicking, political alignments, and debate about which zone or political bloc produces the next President. While the political parties are grappling with the issue of zoning, an array of aspirants has emerged jostling to take over from Buhari as he exits in 2023. The dominant argument today is that power should shift to the south. Those making the argument point at the fact that the north, represented by Buhari has been at the helms of affairs for eight years. Just as events played out in 2007, after Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s two terms of eight years, he handed over to the late Umaru Yar’Adua, a northerner from Katsina State, they want the same scenario to be replicated this time around. The popularity of this argument is supported by a certain unwritten agreement for power rotation between the north and the south rather than the six geo-political zones. Therefore, now that Buhari is in the twilight of his administration, it is only natural that the parties begin to look down south for a replacement. However, there are those who scoff at the idea of power rotation or zoning describing it as outdated, archaic, and undemocratic. For them, Nigerians should be allowed to choose who leads them voluntarily without limitations. While this option appears attractive, the danger, however, is the suspicion in the south that the first census figures that gave the north over 56 per cent of the population would give the north a permanent undue advantage over its southern counterpart. So this brings us to the more important question of today’s write-up: What type of leader do Nigerians need in 2023? Given the complacent nature of Nigerians, it is so easy to please an average Nigerian. Nigerians are great followers even to the point of being categorized as gullible because they ask nothing from those who lead them and accept all forms of dehumanizing treatment and impunity handed to them

without complaints. But what do Nigerians ideally want? Given that Nigerians are already used to suffering and neglect by successive governments that always enforced the creed of sacrifice on them, Nigerians could do with the very basic amenities. Since successive governments abdicated their basic responsibilities of providing the citizenry with potable water, electricity supply, affordable healthcare, access to quality and affordable education, etc, the citizenry has all along resorted to self-help. Thus any leader that has the political will to provide Nigerians with these basic amenities would be a hero. So looking up to 2023, the kind of leader Nigerians would want to succeed Buhari would be expected to have the following attributes: Be a True Nigerian - This presupposes that the person has to be detribalized and be able to rise above tribe, ethnicity, and religion. Given that our past Nigerian leaders have always been selected based on ethnic, religious considerations, the next President must see himself first as a Nigerian and also take the entire country as his constituency regardless of who voted for him or not and what his state of origin is. He must be passionate about Nigeria and put Nigeria’s interest first and above his personal or any other interest. Empathetic - Our leaders are far too detached from the people and because they are not in touch with the people, they fail to feel the pulse of the people and are not sensitive to their needs. In 1983, the media reported that Nigerians were suffering to the extent of scavenging from the dust bins, former President Shehu Shagari’s powerful minister, the late Umaru Dikko debunked the claim. In reality, with credit lines drying up and little foreign exchange to import goods, Nigerians spent endless nights queuing to buy essentials from the government-established Nigerian National Supply Company (NNSC) the sole company vested with the power of importing essential items to be resold at controlled prices to Nigerians at that time. Dikko could not have known the truth because a typical government politician and the appointee and family are catered for by the government. Accommodation, transportation, feeding, medicare, insurance, etc are all taken care of by the government at the expense of the taxpayer and these sets of people do not care a hoot about what happens to the

THEFRONTLINES JOSEPH USHIGIALE jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com 08023422660 (sms only)

taxpayers. It is so because they do not shop from the same market, go to the same schools, get treated by the same hospital. In fact, most government officials are treated abroad. So, as a result of these perks of office, the politician and appointee are shut off from reality and their reactions are more punitive than empathic. That has to change with the next President. Unifier - As was noted earlier, Nigeria’s major faultlines are ethnicity and religion and these two divisive factors dominate political decisions in Nigeria. This has to stop. The next President must strive to respect the secularity enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended regardless of his religious affiliation. Rather than encouraging regional integration, the next President should strive for federalism, identify and unite the different ethnic groups some of which may be as tiny as a dot, and give them a pride of place in the union. The use of divisive language like the one Buhari used to describe the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) would certainly stoke the flames of rebellion and destabilize the country. Ideas man - The next President Nigeria needs is an ideas man, a visionary, young and energetic, and a futurist with a Big Picture. He must be a critical thinker, bold, courageous, and not afraid to fail, learn from the failure, and forge on. He must be able to think Big and out of the box. We need a President whose ideas are beyond crude oil. The next President should insert himself in the time frame of nearby Dubai’s leader and comprehend how suddenly a desert has been transformed to eldorado. While Dubai depended on oil in the past to build its economy, today, less than 1 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is from crude oil. Nigeria is far more endowed than Dubai and only needs someone with the capacity to catapult the country from the third world to the first world. It can be done where there is the will. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 26, 2022

POLITY Majekodunmi-Oniru

I will Serve Ethically, Dutifully if Elected Senator Mrs Olatorera Majekodunmi-Oniru is an Ogun Central Senatorial district aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming 2023 elections. In this interview with THISDAY, she adduces reasons for venturing into the race and also unveils her manifesto. Excerpts:

ou have just thrown your hat into the Ogun Central senatorial contest on the platform of APC. What are the things you are bringing to the table? I am uniting the nation for growth and development as we work to elect the highest potential citizens in 2023. I am bringing to the table an unrelenting belief in Greater Nigeria achievable through progressive policies and a united government. I am bringing my love for people and my determination to instill a happy and progressive culture of growth, development and humanistic leadership. I am bringing my promise to work with every leader in Nigeria to provide the highest quality education, healthy living and other important benefits for every citizen. You are a new entrant into politics, aren’t you intimidated with the calibre of the old breeds that are already calling the shots? I have significant experience in political consulting. I have been a member of APC for many years. I have allies who are topmost leaders in our nation and around the world. In addition, I have a solid network of global leaders backing my Senatorial run. You consider those that have been in a position for over 30 years yet we haven’t seen much developments come out of their tenure as more experienced than me? I beg to differ there. I have the educational qualifications -Merrill Lynch Green Belt, Emory Master of Business Administration, IMD Executive Leadership, Harvard Women and Power, etc. I also have the career leadership track-record - Financial Management Programme, General Electric; Senior Analyst, Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Senior Supervisor, CBN; Head of Sales Ericsson; Founder, Olatorera Consultancy; Keynote Speaker to over 50 global events - to show that I will serve ethically and dutifully in representing Ogun Central in Senate. I have no other mission than to witness a progressive Nigeria that delivers benefits and infrastructural developments to citizens, investors and tourists. I am fully confident that I will deliver on my mandate to the Nation thus, not at all intimidated. Do you have the financial muscle to slug it out with these moneybags? Money is not an issue and I don’t predict it will ever be an issue in any way. In addition, Nigerians and Ogun Central citizens are ready to elect only the best highest potential citizens moving forward. We all want leaders who aren’t money-focused but development-focused. We will not elect people because they have war chests but because they are qualified, they genuinely care, and they will get the work done, ethically. Do you have political godfathers who have assured you or given you the go-ahead to contest? We have supporters and contributors who are considered elder statesmen in our nation. They are fully supportive of my candidacy in running for the Ogun Central

Senatorial Seat for Greater Nigeria. Are you a known ﬁgure within your ward or, at the grassroots, because it counts in Nigerian politics? Yes. I have met with leaders and citizens across all of the 74 wards in all six local government areas of Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Ifo, Ewekoro and Obafemi-Owode. I will continue to meet with many more citizens daily. My people are aware of my Senatorial ambition and are very highly supportive. We will win together, for Greater Ogun and Greater Nigeria.

Gender is another factor that deﬁnes or shapes the destiny of an aspirant. Here in our own homegrown politics, women aren’t usually given the opportunity to occupy higher responsibilities in politics, except the lucky ones. So, how do you want to go about this? When we are passionate and progressive about a mission, nothing else matters aside from achieving that mission successfully. Nigeria must move forward, we must progress as a nation regardless of gender, wealth, religion, age or any other divisive factor. The Olatorera Majekodunmi-Oniru For Senate Group has an army of supporters and we are united for growth and success, nothing will divide or stop us in achieving our goals for Greater Nigeria. Not gender, not age, not ethnicity, not religion. We remain united in our words, thoughts and actions for Greater Nigeria. It is common knowledge that politics is a dirty game in this part of the world. Why can’t you face your profession instead of venturing into this murky water? I have faced my profession for 20 years and succeeded exceedingly well. March 3rd will mark 20 years of education and progressive work across multiple industries and across over 25 countries and 100 cities. I have invested heavily in financial markets, entrepreneurship and philanthropic activities and this will continue. My run for Senate is a selfless run. It is time to serve my country. It is time to move Nigeria forward. I believe in Greater Nigeria, I have always and will always. Nothing will stop my quest to utilise my leadership capabilities, people-centric passion and energy to contribute to a Greater Nigeria. I cannot sit back after a very successful career and watch my country derail and people suffer. Nigeria’s topmost problem is poor leadership. We need people who care to instill a progressive system of governance that will establish checks and balances and prioritise the needs of citizens. Nigerians do not deserve poor food supply, inadequate education, unstable electricity, brutality, fuel scarcity and many of the problems we face daily. We must alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians. We must establish government systems and benefits that will provide healthier food, good healthcare and benefits to the unemployed that will collectively contribute to increasing our standard of living. To achieve this, we must win together for Greater Nigeria. Greater Nigeria is a must.

Majekodunmi-Oniru You want to realise your political ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Why APC and not Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)? I have been a member of APC for a while. Many of my political associates and allies nationwide are leaders and members of the APC. I identify with progressive Nigerians who work tirelessly for Greater Nigeria. Prince Dapo Abiodun is the Ogun State Governor, have you ever met him one-on-one to seek for his blessing for your political ambition? Yes, I have met his Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun; and he is very aware of my determined run to uprightly and progressively represent great citizens of Ogun Central at the upper chamber of our National Assembly. What are your assessments of the current administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun in the last 32 months he assumed the mantle of leadership? Prince Abiodun is working hard and when we have leaders putting in their best, we must support them. Let’s remember that Nigeria has had many decades of regression, increased poverty, Naira decline etc. To turn our predicament around faster, we need many more progressive citizens supporting those in government. We must encourage our Governor and we must support and elect only the best citizens who will perform excellently, without excuses. To you, what are your expectations in view of the inadequate participation and involvement of the women in the country’s polity? I will be happy to witness many more progressive, passionate, ethical, participation in government that includes women and young people. The global minimum expectation of women participation in government is 30% but in Nigeria it is less than 5% within the executive and legislative Arms of government.

Diri: It’s Time to End Terrorism in the North Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has called on the federal government to make concerted effort to bring to an end the terrorism ravaging states in the northern part of the country. Diri lamented that too many lives had been lost to the insurgency, saying the FG must do all in its powers to end the scourge. He spoke yesterday at the palace of Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III in Sokoto when he paid a condolence visit alongside Governor Aminu Tambuwal over the death of a member of the Sultanate Council, Alhaji Hassan Danbaba. The late Danbaba was the Magajin-gari Sokoto and a grandson of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello. While commiserating with the Sultan, Tambuwal and people of Sokoto State, the Bayelsa governor said the late Danbaba was dear to the state and Nigeria, noting that his sudden demise was a shock not only to the people of Sokoto but indeed the whole country. He explained that he would have visited earlier when he first heard about the sad loss but that activities marking the second anniversary of his administration, which just ended, delayed him.

He said: “Your Eminence, I am here on behalf of the good people of Bayelsa State and my Prosperity Administration to commiserate with you, the governor and people of Sokoto State. “Death is a necessary end that will come when it will come. None of us has control over it. “Our prayer is that whenever we come to Sokoto, it would not be as a result of death again. Instead, we will come to this great kingdom to be happy and make merriment with you. “We are also not unaware of the banditry that has claimed so many lives in this state and other parts of the North. Again, on behalf of the people of my state, I commiserate with you over the lives that have been lost. “I therefore call on the Federal Government and the military to redouble their effort to stop the banditry in the North. We are like a system where one part of the country is sick, the rest of the country is also sick. We cannot fold our arms in Bayelsa State believing that all is well when it is not well with our brothers in Sokoto. “I appeal to the Federal Government to do all it would take to stop the banditry so our people can breathe and sleep with their two eyes closed; so that they can go about their legitimate

businesses without fear of being attacked.” The Bayelsa helmsman, who commended Tambuwal, for the level of development in the state, said evidence abound that he is working like other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors in the country. “Like the National Chairman of our party said, Governor Tambuwal is working. I am even taken aback by the level of development I have seen in the state. I pray that God will provide the resources for him to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Sokoto.” In his remarks, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III thanked Governor Diri for the visit and for identifying with people of the state in their moment of grief. He said: “At the appointed time, every one of us will answer the great call. It is only the Almighty God that knows when is the appointed time.” The Sultan commended the governor on his second anniversary in office and for providing what he described as very strong leadership as attested to by many leaders in the country. He prayed for God’s guidance to continue to steer the ship of Bayelsa on the path of peace and development.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 26, 2022

POLITY

The Centrist Manifesto of the New World Ideology Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

ooks that change history do not come as heavy tomes. Back in 1848, the world was shaken up with the publication of The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. The battle cry across the globe became: “Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains!” The underlying statement ran thusly: “The history of all hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggles.” Revolution became the rage all over the world. Now, in this year of Our Lord, coming out of Nigeria is the landmark book The Centrist Manifesto by Uchenna Nwankwo. It is crucial to reiterate the two quotes launching forth Uchenna Nwankwo’s The Centrist Manifesto. First is an Albert Einstein quote, to wit: “If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.” Then follows the Miguel de Unamuno quote: “Only he who attempts the absurd is capable of achieving the impossible.” The society at large almost always puts the stamp of absurdity on the forehead of every original thinker. In Nigeria where most people would rather eat and consume than think originally, the thinker Uchenna Nwankwo amply represents an endangered species. The saving grace though is that even as the original thinker is scoffed at first he, as history attests, ends up victorious at the very last. For example, Galileo Galelei was made to recant his observation that the earth moved round the sun by the Catholic Church but the Church had to apologize to the scientist in the end. Uchenna Nwankwo is a prolific author who has earned plaudits from legendary titans such as Nigeria’s first President Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, former US President George Bush, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, former French President Francois Mitterrand, former United Nations Secretary-General Javier Perez De Cuellar, and former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku. The Centrist Manifesto paves the path of convergence at the Centre as opposed to the quondam extremisms of Left and Right. The author readily admits that Centrism is not a simple matter to attain as he writes that “it has to be observed that the Centre itself has for too long remained a varied, vaguely defined and nebulous concept.” Starting out from Nigeria where political parties emerge out of benumbing lack of seriousness with no ideology to crow about, Uchenna Nwankwo expands his ambit to the wide world, armed with the biblical dictum that “my people perish

for lack of vision.” According to Uchenna Nwankwo, “The prospect for the emergence and sustenance of the virile and fair society is a function of the viability of the vision and ideology upon which the society is founded, built or run. The absence of or the non-application of such a viable vision in the running of the affairs of the Nigeria country-state as well as most other countries of the world has for too long left the country and the world in general tottering in every sense of the word.” Uchenna Nwankwo’s centrist intervention aimed at taking Nigeria and the world onto the path of sustainable development, growth, greatness and stability is anchored on the threepronged channel of “(a) a measured Socio-Economic Format; (b) an in-depth examination of the concept of egalitarianism and of the nature and characteristics of the social stratification model for planet Earth as sanctioned or ordained by the Lord Almighty; and of course (c) a pragmatic Socio-Political Format.” On Nigeria’s socio-economic plane, the author damns the sole proprietorships dominating the spaces as opposed to firms, corporations and systems that aid growth. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank misfire through the

Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) and the privatization policy. The phenomenon of the perennial depreciation of labour share goes from local to universal. It is thus necessary to adopt pragmatic measures intervolving Socialism and Capitalism, as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt did in the United States to save the country from the Great Depression of 1929 to 1939. That is the crux of the centrist ideology. Uchenna Nwankwo delves into Egalitarianism, Communism, Marxism-Leninism, Euro-Communism, Fascism, Classical Capitalism, Modern Capitalism, Socialism and Nationalization before zeroing in on the centrist way of life or ideology which he states “can be said to have evolved naturally from the beginning of times.” In delineating the elementary and secondary distribution of political power, the author starts out with Monarchy, Aristocracy and Democracy, before delving into the special and unique status of Nigeria as a “Babel” having “over 250 ethnicities and language groups (to say nothing about its multi-religious cum multi-cultural status and, of course, ethno-developmental differences and dichotomies).” Finally, Uchenna Nwankwo in The Centrist Manifesto goes to the world stage to tackle the neglected and uncharted terrain of the issue of equitable distribution of power amongst the nations or countries at the world forum. He argues that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) can truly function as the World Assembly or Legislature if an equitable format for power sharing or distribution is achieved. After the enunciation of theory, there is the ultimate drive for praxis. To put the ideas of Uchenna Nwankwo in The Centrist Manifesto into effective practice, one is here urging interested Nigerians to form a new party which should act as the political vehicle to anchor and see to the entrenchment of the centrist ideology in Nigeria. The biblical injunction stresses that new wine should not be put in an old vessel to avoid contamination or ruination. Nigeria can follow the lead of how old Russia was transformed. Nikolai Chernychevsky wrote a novel entitled What is to be Done? Lenin followed up with his own book also entitled What is to be Done? Words turned into action, and the Russian revolution happened. Uchenna Nwankwo has provided the words for the change needed in Nigeria. The Centrist Manifesto presents an ideology whose time has come. Thank You All. This review was presented at the launch of The Centrist Manifesto on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Nigerian Institute of Internationa Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, Nigeria.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: CEO/Managing Consultant, Translantic Development Limited, Bankole Allibay; Vice President, The Association of Sustainability Professionals of Nigeria (ASPN), Ini Abimbola; Legal Director/Secretary, ASPN, Mories Atoki; and Director, Corporate Aﬀairs and Legal, International Breweries, Tope Oguntokun at the 2022 ASPN Induction webinar in Lagos, yesterday….. SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Chief Compliance Oﬃcers (CCO), Merchant Bank, Ibrahim Bello;CCO, Sterling Bank, Femi Jaiyeola; CCO, Fidelity Bank, Boye Ogunmolade; CCO, Providusbank, Theresa Ekong; CCO, First Bank; Adeyemi Ogunmoyela; Director, Banking Supervision Dept, CBN, Haruna Mustapha; Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Dept, CBN, Chibuzor Anthony Efobi and Deputy Director, Banking Supervision Dept, CBN Florence Abraham at the Association of Chief Compliance Oﬃcers of Banks in Nigeria (ACCOBIN) retreat held in Lagos… yesterday

L-R: Board of Trustee, Agile Conference, Mr. Segun Akinlapa; Executive Secretary, Mr. Tunde Giwa; Chairman, Agile, Mrs Abiodun Osoba and President, Austin Agile Organisation, USA, Maximilian Ekesi during a press conference on the forthcoming 2022 Annual Agile Nigeria Conference in Lagos.... recently ABIODUN AJALA

L-R; Chief Operating Officer, Casafina Development, Dr. Seyi Olufemi; brand Communications Manager, Oluwakorede Bash and the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Ramisingh Yadan at the launch of Coral Foreshore Estate in Ogudu, Lagos ….. recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY26, 2022

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

Wreak Havoc On, Not ‘in’

OU are welcome to our language clinic: “Police arrest 11 over (for) killing of 5 in Delta” “Iyatsare of Warri arraigned over (for) alleged assault on octogenarian” Elucidation: The footballer was arraigned for rape. He was arraigned on a

charge of rape. “However, this has not deterred terrorists and bandits from wreaking havoc in (on) the country.” “...out of the seventeen states in the country with the highest number of out of school (out-of-school) children....” “...it would (suggestive of probability instead of a declaration) help check the insecurity currently bedeviling parts of the country....” Can anyone tell me the function of ‘currently’ here? A rewrite: ...it will help check the insecurity bedeviling parts of the country. “Good riddance to bad Osu omen” Delete ‘bad’ from the extract—it is contextually overkill! “Efforts to speak to (with) Kyari on the issue last night proved abortive.” THISDAY Front Page of February 12 takes over the baton with just two infelicities: “...Zulum yesterday gave an indication that the 2023 presidential candidate of the APC will (would) be determined by consensus....” “...to decide on who emerges as the presidential flag-bearer (standard-bearer).” Wrong: life support machine; truth and reason: life-support machine “According to him, it was most painful to be informed that his brother was going to die in an hour (hour’s) time….” “…the basic problem affecting democracy and unity in (on) the continent.” Finally from the front-page misprints: “Though, (otiose comma) President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday declared that an unconditional release of….” “To get started, log into (log in/on to) your Firsmonie App….” “Happy 54 birthday (54th Birthday) Governor

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

Buni” “…the Lord on whose bossom (bosom) we are sure you are.” “…you are an indelible memory in our hearts and forever unforgettable for your sterling marks in inculcating values and education to (in) oncoming (upcoming) generations.” “Happy 64th Birthday: the epitome of a selfless leader (epitome of selfless leadership)” “The love you have shown your people and the sacrifices made for Nigeria proves (prove) you a selfless nationalist.” “Governors biting more than they can chew” A rewrite: Governors biting off more than they can chew A subscriber to this column sent a message to me last weekend on the correctness of “wake” and “wake-keep”. There are no such words as “wakekeeping” and “wake-keep”. The right expression is “wake.” Virtually all funeral announcements in this part of the world disseminate this blunder in blissful flamboyance. And for clarity or emphasis: Christian wake. “He is frank to the point of recklessness and does not bath (bat) an eyelid about sensibilities.” “Successful candidates in the exam are placed into (in) universities depending on their performances and choices.” “The picture one is likely to get is that of lawmakers yet to come to grip (grips) with the seriousness of what their duties entail.” “Both palatable and heart-rending news are (is) most often broken there.” ‘News’ is uncountable. “…his skin must have toughen (you mean toughened?) such that nothing can stir his emotion as to make him cry.” “They were, in their primes (prime), sent on a journey from which nobody returns.” “Its police, too, began investigations culminating into (in) arrest of some suspects.” “Since last week Tuesday....” Either last Tuesday or Tuesday, last week—‘Last week Tuesday’ indicates lexical ignorance. “…our politicians should realise (realize,

preferably) that if they can hold the country into (to) ransom for their jumbo pay, then footballers should not be blamed if they do same (the same).” “In Nigeria, it was designed by the military dictators as bait to divert the attention of the people from the enormity of their loots.” No questions: ‘loot’ is non-count. “…it was seen as a child of necessity aimed at restoring the primary education sub- sector which was in crisis then back to a sound foundation.” Scrap ‘back’ to avoid being charged with word abuse. ‘Restoration’ has taken care of the verbiage. “All that we have in the present Nigerian society is an hostile (a hostile) environment for the youths and children.” Either youths or the youth “Having succeeded in intimidating their opponents at primaries, the electorate became a work-over....” A time to learn: walk-over. “A nearby police station in Benin has (had) rebuffed the request for a police report on the ground of jurisdiction.” Simply put: on grounds of jurisdiction. “Anyone who monitored the mobilization of women in the last fifteen years in Nigeria could imagine positive results that could have been achieved if the First Ladies have (had) been sincere.” “We do not have to wait for this sporadic attacks by foreign armed bandits to metamorphose into a full blown (a hyphen, please) security threat.” Why the discord (this attacks)? And, of course, banditry without arms: vide a standard dictionary. “Because of an improved revenue base, the governor said that the government is (was) in a good position….” “What stops us from returning to the heydays (heyday) of the school…?” “This does not mean that a lady should not be congratulated for (on/upon) a safe delivery.” “…many of the specie (species) had run amuck simply on the suspicion that another woman is (was) nipping at the apple.” “Industry players blamed the high cost of borrowing from the money market to (on) a

Perceptions 2023: Peter Obi

y the mere spectre of appearances and possibly autosuggestion, Peter Gregory Obi appears like one of the brightest persons that should lead these disparate nations blithely called Nigeria into the next decade: well educated, well trained, well prepared; he comported himself above average in governance; and remarkably prudent in the management of state resources. Obi came into our consciousness when he contested for the turbulent governor’s seat in Anambra State in 2003 as a member of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, against the PDP candidate, Dr. Chris Ngige. He believed he was blatantly robbed, and spent the next three years pulling the ears of the judiciary to hear his case, and give him justice. The Court of Appeal hearkened unto his pleas in 2006; and Ngige was “de-seated”. In March 2006, Peter Obi was sworn in as Anambra governor in a state whose legislature was dominated by the aggrieved PDP. It didn’t take the legislators up to eight months to contrive some heinous charges, and uproot the ambitious businessman and naive politician. So, in November, 2006, Obi was impeached, and kicked out of the state house. His deputy, Virginia Ngozi Etiaba, became the first substantive female governor in Nigeria - for three months. Of course, Obi was relentless; he resumed his judicial wrangling, and he found compassionate ears again in the court which reinstated him in February 2007. Nonetheless, his troubles did not abate. A couple of months after his return, the 2007 election was upon him, and PDP’s Andy Uba was swept in as the next governor. Obi would hear none of it. He insisted he had not completed his obligatory four-year term as a result of the sundry political impediments erected on his path. The Supreme Court agreed with him, nullified Uba’s election, and for the third time on the canter, installed Obi, so he could complete his tenure. Eventually, his first term ended in 2010, and he confidently won the second election attempt to cement an unbroken second term.

EBERE WABARA

istration of state affairs. It was this burgeoning reputation that earned him a spot on the PDP presidential ticket for the 2019 elections. That same opportunity, to his critics, was perhaps most illustrative of some level of desperation that persuaded a well-adjusted and seemingly pristine Peter Obi to accept the role of a running mate to an individual whose notorious baggage had made him virtually unelectable, overwhelming whatever putative attributes the pairing could have engendered. (To Be Continued)

Obi Obi came into governance well stuffed, economically and educationally. Apart from obtaining a philosophy degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 1984), he also attended several short courses to hone his management skills: in Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School, Boston, USA; London School of Economics, Institute for Management Development, Switzerland; Kellogg Graduate School of Management, USA; Oxford University’s Said Business School and Cambridge University’s Judge Business School (both in UK). With well-tuned corporate muscles gained in few financial companies, Obi’s time as governor was rated to be above average when juxtaposed against the coterie of journeymen who have ruled that region in the past 20 years. When he left office in 2014, Anambra had been stabilized socio-economically; salaries and gratuities were paid as and when due; the balance sheet of the state was healthy and promising, posting several billions of naira in reserves, and not a whiff of debt...something rare in our mystifying admin-

BOLA AHMED TINUBU (Part 2) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s critics also accuse him of a unique profundity: the rare capacity to be famous (well-known) as a personality, yet strangely amorphous in persona. Here is something roughly aping inscrutable virgin conception: some folks quarrel over his age, his parentage, his basic educational qualification, and such indexes that normal people take for granted. His supporters believe such views of him are stewed in jealousy, frustrated envy and blatant pull-him-down syndrome - after all, the man worked in Mobil Oil, an international corporation that many of his traducers will commit to bloody ritual sacrifices to get inside; he served in offices that demanded electoral gatekeeping... if he scaled those hurdles without official hiccups, the current contrived hoopla can only be mischievous, and idlers chasing shadows. Surefooted and bullish, the arguments on both ends of the Tinubu fiasco are compelling and cogent. Yet, the man in the middle of the road should just vote for clarity where shades are alleged; and forthrightness where confusion belittles the steps of a man touted as a fantastic power-player and a revered enabler of men and resources. It does smack of some sloppiness in finesse and comportment when a famous dancer has to scamper around looking for the perfect rhythm to project his great artistry, doesn’t it? You would think the dancer’s dexterity should soar, even in a rhythm-less orchestra. But we digress. Tinubu is also credited with a near inhuman

number of factors.” “It is high time we make (made) such people pay....” “…especially with regards to human development” This way: as regards or with regard to. “…as the North would be placed on an even keel or competing favourably with their kiths and kin in the South.” Fixed expression: kith and kin “Tears of instability of power has (have) caused many Nigerians to turn their attention to alternative sources of power supply.” “The most cheering news item in recent times is the marching order given to the NPF....” Stock phrase: marching orders. “The police strenght is inadequate to cope with the security of a large population of 150 million Nigerians.” Spell-check: strength. Similarly: straight. “News from reliable sources tend (tends) to portray a government tendency itching (do you mean inching?) towards sustenance.…” “Ex-head of states, who have cracked and liquidated the nation’s coffers are to be paid or are receiving N350,000 every month.” Building a new nation: Ex-heads of state who had (not have)…. “Vocational equipments, basic infrastructures and qualified personnels must be given priority in our scheme of things.” Uncountable words: equipment and personnel. “The news of the death of…via a ghastly motor accident recently came as a rude shock to us.” Advert condolence: fatal (not ghastly) motor accident. Beyond the correction, since the man died, there was no need for the inclusion of the mode of mishap. Simply a motor accident: got the point? “But suffice it to say that those rooting to unseat a recalcitrant lawmaker should be abreast with (of) the legal bottleneck rather than arm-twisting.” “It is very easy for a moneybag (sic) who (that) has….” ‘Moneybags’ (plural unchanged) (especially informal and derogatory) is a rich person. (Source: OXFORD Advanced Learner’s DICTIONARY) ‘Moneybag’ is a bag for containing money.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON

fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

capacity to bounce back from crushing blows of disloyalty and dissembling from stalwarts who climbed his shoulders to ascend pedestals of power and personal enrichment… examples abound and continue to crawl out of the woodwork. He needs it; for we suspect more long knives await him in weeks and months ahead as he deplores his famed strategic ammunition, and travels the shifty crevices of Nigerian political fabrics in pursuit of his ‘life-time’ ambition. Another crucible on the neck of Tinubu is his supposed overarching control of the power loins of Lagos State, which has incensed some core Lagosians for many years. The hapless throng of Lagosians resent and begrudge the establishment and virality of “Baba-Sọpe” (the godfather has spoken). That word may be broadly described as the spunk and audacity of one man (Baba) to select an individual of his liking, and subsequently convince (sọpe) others of the urgency and sanctity of working and pushing (even stealing, maiming, and killing, if necessary) for the success of the anointed fellow. A throw-back to the mafioso-rife communities of Sicily, Italy Wherever Tinubu’s name is mentioned, especially as it concerns Nigerian presidential politics, there immediately arouses two opposite but bitterly divergent chasms - and there’s no prisoners kept: one side is vehement in vitriol and the other passionate in praise. No middle of the road, it appears, when the affairs of the nation are weighed against the prospect of a Tinubu presidency. Nigerians just want a good man or woman in power, who is not likely to be imprisoned or crippled by pre-existing conditions (medical, moral or spiritual) which could become debilitating under the intense and maniacal pressure of effectively governing the beautifully turbulent country of 200 million people called Nigeria, and its many vigorous and rancorous nations.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

WEMBLEY SHOWDOWN

26.2.2022

PAGE. 29

Ashleigh Plumptre Oyinbo in Super Falcons’ Jersey

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 26, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Plumptre celebrating with her Super Falcons’ teammates

Ash Plumptre (r) with her siblings

Ashleigh Plumptre Oyinbo in Super Falcons’ Jersey It is not uncommon to see foreign players of Nigerian heritage playing for senior national men’s team; as a matter of fact, the list is endless. But for the first time, the country’s female national team-Super Falcons - is attracting an Anglo-Nigerian player in its fold. Leicester City captain Ashleigh Plumptre, in spite of having starred for England at the youth level over 30 times decided to play for country of her ancestry, a decision that had led her to her roots as she is already perfecting her juju music dance steps, while‘moi moi’is now one of her favourite meals

eicester City captain, Ashleigh Plumptre has never hidden her ambition to play for Nigeria at senior international level - if the WestAfrican country came calling. Despite being born in England to British parents and represented the Three Lioness 30 times at youth level. But she qualified to play for the Super Falcons through her paternal grandfather, who was a Nigerian. Though the former England youth international had never considered that her Nigerian heritage would lead to a call-up to play for the Super Falcons - who she made her debut for penultimate week and helped the them beat Ivory Coast 3-0 aggregate to qualify for the women’s AFCON slated for Morocco. But then again, a career of any sort in football was not something she envisioned. “When I was younger, my dream was never to be a professional footballer,” she told BBC East Midlands Today. “Football has pushed me beyond my boundaries.” It’s because of her involvement in the game

that she has explored her ancestry - something she admits she previously “never delved into much”. Plumptre is mixed heritage and proud. She is eligible to play for Nigeria through her paternal grandfather. In January, she was cleared by FIFA to play for Nigeria and made her senior debut in their Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifying play-off first-leg victory against the Ivory Coast last week. The Leicester-born star says she “grew up British” but added that she got a “great sense of pride” when she first travelled to Nigeria to meet up with her new international team-mates. “It’s always been an assumption that I’m white,” said Plumptre. “I get a lot of messages and people question my heritage a lot, but I can’t necessarily blame them. It comes down to education. “What people see is what they think. People don’t want to have the conversation or want to consider anything deeper than what they see. “It’s putting a marker down. It’s not just what

you predict a Nigerian to be. For me, I know the importance of representing something bigger than me. “I’mrepresentingthemixed-racecommunity and especially for the younger ones coming through. You don’t have to look a certain way or be told you are a certain way, you can feel it and you can be it.” Plumptre knows her experience is a personal one. Her younger sister, who has a darker complexion, is also exploring herAfrican roots. “My sister asked me if I’ve ever had anything racist said to me and part of me felt guilty because my answer was ‘no’. There is a feeling of helplessness when in these conversations with my sister. “I want to empower her and in that conversation she wanted comfort in knowing that I had gone through something similar, but I couldn’t give her that. “When people first questioned my heritage it shocked me. But how could I let that affect me when I’m still getting the opportunity? My sister, she can hear things which are way

worse and because of that she may not get the same opportunities as me.” Plumptre made her Women’s Super League, WSLdebut as a 16-year-old with Notts County, but her childhood aspirations of one day going to medical school and becoming a doctor saw her move to the United States in 2016. Her experience with the Magpies, which included being on the bench for the first ever Women’sFACupfinalatWembley,issomething she says she “will never forget”. But it is in the US that she says her career was truly transformed. “I was pretty much taught to be a defender while out there, which was a big transition as I’d only ever played as an attacking player,” she said. After graduating with a degree in human biology from the University of Southern California, she decided to return to English football in December 2019, joining a fast-rising and ambitious Leicester City as they pushed for promotion to the WSL for the first time. “I followed the women’s team when younger but they were always in a really low league,” Plumptre said. “Growing up I was always a fan, but I recognised that badge as LCFC not LCFC Women. I never expected to play for the senior side.” Aged 21, that changed as she signed her first professional deal with the Foxes and promotion to the top flight as Championship title winners followed in her first full season at the club in 2020-21. The priority now, she says, is to keep the club in the WSL. “Signing for Leicester was everything I wanted it to be,” said Plumptre. “I knew when I finished university in America I wanted to be somewhere that I really cared about. “Leicester is the team I grew up supporting, it’s my home, it’s where I started playing football and went to school. For me it meant more to represent something bigger than me.” Plumptre showed off her dance steps as she rocked to King Sunny Ade’s music at her initiation. Plumptre is among the few new stars in the Super Falcons squad, and as customary, each player was asked to perform her initiation song. The Leicester City Women’s star then chose to dance to a song from King Sunny Ade. It should not come as a surprise, though, as she grew up listening to the songs of the legendary musician. While jollof rice holds a special place in her menu, for Plumptre nothing beats moi-moi-a native dish made from milled beans. Leicester City Women have celebrated the Super Falcons defender who made quite an impression in her competitive debut for the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the MoshoodAbiola Stadium penultimate Friday. Leicester wrote on their women’s Twitter handle: “A win and clean sheet for @ashplumptre on her Nigeria debut!

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 26, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Liverpool Target Ninth EFL Trophy Tomorrow sees two of the Premier League’s best teams go head-to-head at Wembley, as Chelsea take on Liverpool for the Carabao Cup. Potentially only 90 minutes away from winning a record-breaking ninth crown, Jurgen Klopp’s side journey south to renew hostilities with Thomas Tuchel in the EFL Cup final Premiership Table Man City Liverpool Chelsea Man Utd Arsenal West Ham Wolves Tottenham Southampton Brighton Crystal Palace Leicester Aston Villa Brentford Leeds Everton Newcastle Burnley Watford Norwich

26 26 25 26 24 26 25 24 26 25 26 23 24 26 25 23 24 23 25 26

46 50 31 10 11 11 4 -1 -3 -3 -1 -6 -6 -15 -27 -12 -19 -8 -22 -40

63 60 50 46 45 42 40 39 35 33 29 27 27 24 23 22 22 20 18 17

Premier League TODAY

Leeds Utd v Tottenham Brentford v Newcastle Brighton v Aston Villa Crystal Palace v Burnley Man Utd v Watford Everton v Man City

Chelsea’s Tiago Silva tries to check Liverpool’s Sadio Mane’s run

iverpool overcame Arsenal over two legs in the semi-final to book their Wembley tickets, while Chelsea ended Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of glory in the final four. A sixth EFL Cup crown does not have quite as nice a ring to it as European champions or world champions, but for Chelsea, a priceless piece of mid-season silverware could very well act as the catalyst for a haul of future success in the spring months. With the Premier League title slipping further and further away from Thomas Tuchel’s men, a domestic and continental treble is still on the cards, and a six-game winning run in all tournaments sets the Blues up nicely for a February Wembley showdown. Chelsea’s defensive solidity came to the fore as they sunk former manager Antonio Conte and his Tottenham side 3-0 over two legs in the semi-finals, and they were forced to rely on similar staunch rearguard action to overcome Lille 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 battle in midweek.

Furthermore, Chelsea have only shipped two goals in their six-game winning run amid uncertainty surrounding the futures of several of their defenders, all of whom have contributed to the Blues keeping three successive EFL Cup clean sheets on their route to Wembley. The European champions’ ninth EFL Cup final is made all the more impressive given that they have only faced Premier League opposition in the tournament this season, but their last appearance in the showpiece event ended in defeat to Manchester City in 2019, and Liverpool are nothing if not ruthless. A six-game winning streak is nothing to be sniffed at by any means, but Klopp’s rampant Liverpool had a different number six in mind when Leeds United paid a visit to the Anfield fortress, as Marcelo Bielsa’s side capitulated on the Merseyside turf. The victory moved Liverpool to within touching distance of Premier League leaders Manchester City, and hopes of an unprecedented quadruple are still very much alive. Morale was not at its maximum when the

Reds were held to a goalless draw by Arsenal’s 10 men in the first leg of their semi-final, but Diogo Jota inspired his side to victory at the Emirates, and Liverpool will now contest their record-extending 13th EFL Cup final. A spate of Manchester City dominance means that the two giants both sit at the top of the charts on eight EFL Cup wins apiece, but it has been a decade since Liverpool last lifted the domestic crown - defeating Cardiff City on penalties in the 2011-12 final. Early exits have bedevilled Klopp’s crop since then - although the German manager is not exactly renowned for his undying love for the competition - but having won each of their last nine in all tournaments, Liverpool will not turn their nose up to a recordbreaking trophy. Both Premier League fixtures between Chelsea and Liverpool this term ended with the spoils shared, and the two sides have met once before in the EFL Cup final, which ended 3-2 in favour of Chelsea after extra time in the 2004-05 edition.

Manchester City will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton.The Citizens will enter the contest off the back of a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend and Pep Guardiola’s side are now just three points clear of secondplaced Liverpool at the top of the table Premier League leaders, Manchester City will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Everton at Goodison Park this evening. The Toffees, meanwhile, are also hoping to bounce back with a victory and could move five points clear of the relegation zone if they were to cause an upset against the Citizens. After securing a comfortable 3-0 victory at home against Leeds United, Everton suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat away at Southampton last weekend, in a game which they failed to register a single shot on target and condemned the Toffees to their 13th league defeat of the season. Frank Lampard, who made 38 appearances for Man City between 2014 and 2015, has had a mixed start to life as Everton manager, winning both games at Goodison Park but losing both away matches, and following Burnley’s surprise win against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, he now sees his team sitting just

two points above the relegation zone. Everton face an uphill task today against a Man City outfit who they have beaten only once in their last 17 Premier League meetings. With an FA Cup fifth-round tie against Boreham Wood and then four successive league fixtures against Spurs, Wolverhampton Wanderers,NewcastleUnitedandWatfordsoon to come, Everton will need to find their form quickly if they are to resurrect what they can from a disappointing season, though success today is unlikely. While Spurs supporters and football neutrals will have been enthralled by last weekend’s five-goal thriller at the Etihad Stadium, Man City fans were tearing their hair out after witnessing Harry Kane produce a magnificent performance against the team who were so desperate to sign him last summer. A stoppage-time penalty kick converted by Riyad Mahrez appeared to have rescued

SUNDAY

West Ham v Wolves 14:00

La Liga TODAY

Mallorca v Valencia 13:00 Getafe v Alavés 15:15 Vallecano v Madrid 17:30 Atlético v Celta Vigo 20:00 SUNDAY

Villarreal v Espanyol 13:00 Sevilla v Real Betis 15:15 Sociedad v Osasuna 17:30 Barcelona v Bilbao 20:00 MONDAY

Granada v Cádiz 20:00

EFL Cup SUNDAY

Chelsea v Liverpool 16:30

Hot Shot PLAYERS

City Craves to Bounce Back with Visit to Goodison Park

a point for the Citizens, but Kane managed to head home a dramatic 95th-minute winner to secure all three points for the visitors and end City’s 15-game unbeaten league run. Pep Guardiola has insisted all season that the title race is not over yet and now the battle for this year’s Premier League crown is the tightest it has been for months, with Liverpool now nipping at City heels in second place, sitting only three points behind the summit following their emphatic 6-0 win over Leeds in midweek. Since suffering a heavy 4-0 loss in his first ever trip to Goodison Park, Guardiola has seen his City side win each of their last five away games against Everton in all competitions. The Citizens currently boast a 12-game unbeaten league run on the road, winning 10 times and drawing twice since their opening-day defeat at Spurs, and have only conceded eight goals during this period.

12:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30

CLUB

Mo Salah Liverpool Diogo Jota Liverpool Sadio Mané Liverpool Raheem Sterling Man City Bruno Fernandes Man Utd Emmanuel Dennis Watford Cristiano Ronaldo Man Utd Heung Son Tottenham Emile Smith Rowe Arsenal Raphinha Leeds Jamie Vardy Leicester Jarrod Bowen West Ham Michail Antonio West Ham Riyad Mahrez Man City Conor Gallagher Palace Neal Maupay Brighton Wilfried Zaha Palace Mason Mount Chelsea Bukayo Saka Arsenal Bernardo Silva Man City Kevin De Bruyne Man City James Maddison Leicester Ward-Prowse Southampton Luiz Jorginho Chelsea Maxwel Cornet Burnley Callum Wilson Newcastle

GOALS

19 12 11 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 26, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ndidi celebrating with Iheanacho

Shooting Stars Sports Club appreciating the scanty fans at the stadium

Super Eagles’ Leicester Trio Draw Rennes Europa Conference League Pro-Am Tourney in Honour of Omoluwa, Okpuno Underway, Says Adekanola Leicester City’s only realistic chance of qualifying for Europe next season is through the UEFA Europa Conference League The Leicester City trio of Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman have been drawn against Ligue 1 side Rennes in the Round-of-16 of the UEFA Europa Conference League competition. Leicester City booked their place in the last16 of UEFA’s newest

competition with a 7-2 aggregate win over Danish side Randers FC. The UEFA Europa Conference League Round-of-16 fixtures will be a two-legged, home-and-away tie with the first legs to be played on Thursday, March 10 with the second leg on Thursday, March 17. Meanwhile, the Foxes are set to open contract talks with Ndidi and are set to reward the midfield linchpin with a lucrative contract. When fit, the 25-year-

old is effectively undroppable at Leicester; not to mention being in and around the apex of top European footballers with regards to statistics. There is also an element to Ndidi’s character which is vital to LCFC: he is an affable, likeable guy. And as such, the former Genk man is needed for squad balance. That is not to say the jovial midfielder is unfocused. Astoundingly, the millionaire athlete is studying for a degree in business.

Makinde Appoints Sole Administrator for 3SC Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Olaniyan David, a former Deputy Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, as the Sole Administrator of the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Ibadan. Makinde, in an appointment letter signed on his behalf by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, congratulated Olaniyan, urging him to discharge his duties with “absolute loyalty, dedication, and diligence.” “I am delighted to inform you that the Governor of Oyo

State, His Excellency Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, has graciously approved your appointment as a Sole Administrator for Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) with effect from 24th February 2022,” the letter read. Olaniyan, who holds a Bachelor of Education degree in Kinetics and Health Education from the University of Ibadan, is a Nigerian Football Grade 1 Referee, who has also occupied the seat of Chairman, Oyo State Football Referee Academy since 2004. He has also served as Premier League Football Match Commissioner since 2010.

The newly-appointed Sole Administrator of 3SC was first elected into the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Constituency 1, Ibadan North State Constituency during the aborted Third Republic in 1987, he was re-elected to represent the same constituency as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2004, while he was also elected to the House of Assembly from the same constituency in 2011 on the ticket of the Accord Party, during which he served as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly till 2015.

QPR Reignites Interest in Kehinde Queens Park Rangers have reignited their interest in Tosin Kehinde with a view to signing the former Manchester United winger in the summer transfer window. It is confirmed that Queens Park Rangers director of football Les Ferdinand was at the King Power Stadium on Thursday, February 17 to run the rule over the Rangers number 10 in the first leg of the Europa Conference League knockout round playoff clash against Leicester City.

And the former Nigeria U23 invitee did not do badly despite the huge loss suffered by Randers an d th e h igh light o f h is pe rf o rman ce w a s providing the assist for th e o n ly go al scored by the Superliga side. In the January transfer window, an offer of 1.5 million euros was put forward by FC Copenhagen to sign Kehinde but Randers were not interested in selling the winger at that fee.

Meanwhile, the injury suffered by Kehinde in Thursday evening’s Europa Conference League second leg clash at Cepheus Park Randers is not as bad as first feared. The 23-year-old was stretchered off the pitch in the closing minutes of the game after he was elbowed by Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. Kehinde has only a swollen face and has made himself available for selection against FC Nordsjælland on Sunday.

Carabao Cup Final Live on DStv, GTtv All is set for the 2022 Carabao Cup final as Chelsea take on Liverpool at the Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday 27 February 2022. SuperSport viewers can watch the match live on DStv and GOtv SuperSport Premier League (DStv channel 203) and SuperSport Football (DStv channel 205 & GOtv channel 31). The Reds will be seeking to move back to the top of the pile for all-time EFL Cup trophies, they are currently tied on eight

titles with Manchester City, with Liverpool’s last triumph coming in 2012, while the Blues are determined to add to their five Carabao trophy wins, the latest of which arrived in 2015. Chelsea is currently tied with Manchester United and Aston Villa as joint-third most successful team in the competition with five trophies apiece. Victory over Liverpool on Sunday will establish the London based team outrightly as the third most successful team.

“I come from a club where it was very very important to win trophies. Defined itself for trophies. It is good that we are not shy to say we want to win it and we want to be in finals and want to win finals,” said Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. “I’m pretty sure the game final will not be about two German managers but two really good football teams,” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said. “We wanted desperately to go to the final, now it’s Chelsea...

Nigeria’s greatest golf sponsor of all times, Otunba Adekanola, has come to eulogise the unending services both late Sir Lucky Omoluwa and Ogbueshi Okpuno rendered to the game of golf before they passed on. Adekanola, the ‘Tax Godzilla’, who sits atop CMCL, equally stated that the last week’s 2nd memorial anniversary of Omoluwa and Okpuno should provide one moment of sober reflection for millions of golfers across Nigeria considering how the duo selflessly reached out for their fat wallets while doling out millions of Naira to golf sponsorship in their times. Adekanola who at a time

was sponsoring average of two Pro-Am tourneys a month worth some N10 million monthly further disclosed that he was indeed inspired to do much more for golf when he noticed such huge support coming from Omoluwa and Okpuno. “At a point I was about the only individual sponsoring Pro-Am events in Nigeria”, Adekanola recalled. “And yet I was not the richest Nigerian around then. My thinking was that if nobody was interested in sponsorship, how would the game grow and how would numerous young and talented golfers we were churning out yearly survive?

“In truth, I was quite lonely at the top of the sponsorship chain before Omoluwa and Okpuno came into the picture. When they came, others like Senator David Mark, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Professor Dibu Ojerinde followed suit.I felt such a relief and I got re energised to do more.” Adekanola whose CMCL company is equally into arranging luxury golf Tours across the globe disclosed that he would be holding a five-star Pro-Am tournament in honor of Omoluwa and Okpuno sometime in IBB Golf Club, Abuja sometime in September.

LMC Invokes Measures against Erring Clubs Lobi Stars and Gombe United are to play their next home fixtures without fans on the stands as the League Management Company (LMC) rolled out sanctions for breaches of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Rules and Framework following separate incidents on MatchDay 14. Abia Warriors and it’s General Coordinator, Mr. John Kalu were also sanctioned for security related breaches in their match against Rivers United. Salihu Abubakar, the Chief

Operating Officer of the LMC and who signed letters conveying the sanctions said measures aimed at sanitising the league would continue to be exercised for the good of the game, the clubs and the fans. Kalu, theAbia Warriors coordinator was found to have championed the harassment of match officials, an action that is capable of bringing the league to disrepute. He was reprimanded and ordered not to be part of NPFL activities for the next eight MatchDays. The club was fined a total

of 2.5m for failure to provide adequate security, failure to ensure restriction of access of unauthorised persons to restricted area, encroachment on the field of play and harassment of match officials. Gombe United in addition to playing their next home game without fans, has also been fined a total of 2m for failure to provide adequate security cover for the visiting team at the end of the match to ensure they departed the city without obstruction and safely.

Russia Stripped of Champions League Final over Ukraine Conflict The 2022 Champions League final will be played in Paris after Russia was stripped of the match following the nation’s invasion of Ukraine. The final of Europe’s most prestigious club competition was due to be played in St Petersburg on 28 May. Following a meeting yesterday, Uefa confirmed the match would not be held at the Gazprom Arena. Uefa thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for “his personal support and commitment” to have the game moved to France at “a time of unparalleled crisis”.

It added: “Together with the French government, Uefa will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement.” It is the third year running the venue of the Champions League final has been moved. In 2020, it was switched from Istanbul to Lisbon because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Turkish city was set to host the game last year instead but it was again moved to Portugal - this time, Porto - because of the

pandemic. The decision to strip St Petersburg of the final has been criticised by Russian sporting and political officials. Russian Football Union (RFU) president Alexander Dyukov, who serves on the Uefa executive committee and is the chief executive of Gazprom subsidiary Gazprom Neft, said he “could not support” the move. “We believe the decision was dictated by political reasons. The RFU has always adhered to the principle of “sport is out of politics’,” he said.

FIFA Bans Kenya, Zimbabwe from World Football Kenya and Zimbabwe have both been banned from world football by Fifa because of governmental interference in the running of the game. Kenya’s sports ministry disbanded the Foootball Kenya Federation (FKF) over alleged misappropriation of funds and appointed a caretaker committee in November. That same month, the

Zimbabwe FA (Zifa) board was also suspended by the country’s governmentappointed Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC). The reasons for the SRC’s intervention include alleged sexual harassment of female referees by technical staff and allegations of fraud within Zifa. “They know what needs to be done for the suspension to

be lifted and for them to be re-admitted,” Gianni Infantino, president of world governing body Fifa, said. Meanwhile, at the end of November Nick Mwendwa stepped aside as FKF president after being charged with multiple counts of fraud. Last month, Kenya were withdrawn from its Women’s Nations Cup qualifying tie against Uganda.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 26, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Kelechi Nwakali

In the Eye of the Storm Nwakali

For what was seen as injustice meted on Super Eagles’forward Kelechi Nwakali after illness made him retun late from the recently concluded 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon culminating in his Spanish clubHuesca suspending him indefinitely and banishing him from training.The Spanish Players’Union have however risen in support of the Nigerian, accusing Huesca of committing procedural breaches in the handling of their case

igerian international, Kelechi Nwakali is in the midst of a dispute with his club, Huesca after returning home late from the African Cup of Nations through illness as per Football Espana’s sources. The 23-year-old midfielder joined the Spanish club back in 2019 from Arsenal, whom he had joined in 2016 from the Diamond Football Academy back home in Nigeria. He’s since made 33 appearances for Huesca and also spent time on loan at Alcorcon. Kelechi missed Nigeria’s final game of the African Cup of Nations through illness and was too ill to fly home to Spain. The doctor that treated him advised him not to fly and to keep testing until his symptoms cleared. Kelechi notified Huesca about this. On deadline day of the January window Ruben Garcia, Huesca’s sporting director, tried to send Kelechi out on loan for a fee of €8m and said he wouldn’t pay the player if he didn’t find a new club. No club was willing to pay the loan fee Huesca demanded, despite interest from second-tier clubs in both Spain and England. Kelechi has since returned to Spain and Huesca have opened up disciplinary proceedings against him, suspending him indefinitely and not allowing him to come to the training ground despite the fact he provided a doctor’s

note explaining his lateness. Kelechi was offered a renewal at the beginning of this season but decided against accepting due to his poor relationship with the powers-that-be at the club. Huesca, however, were keen for him to renew and now want to sack him to avoid paying him for the rest of the season. He’s currently not being played by the club. The Spanish Players’ Union is now involved in the case and they’ve accused Huesca of committing procedural breaches in the opening up of the case against Kelechi. They claim the club have no grounds to sack him and their behaviour constitutes gross misconduct and discrimination against the player. Nwakali claimed he missed Nigeria’s second round clash against Tunisia at the AFCON due to illness and also stated that the doctor who treated him advised him not to fly and to keep testing until his symptoms cleared. The club have also stopped the midfielder from coming to the training ground. The players’ union claimed the player notified Huesca about the development. Kelechi is the subject of interest from several La Liga sides including Espanyol, Granada, Rayo Vallecano, Mallorca, Osasuna, Elche, Deportivo Alaves and Getafe. He’s also being monitored by several clubs in the Premier League and the Champion-

ship. In his short career, Nwakali spent time with MVV Maastricht (twice), VVV Venlo and FC Porto B. He has racked up a total of 80 career appearances so far. But his future at Arsenal looks bleak. Born on June 5, 1998, Nwakali started his career at the Diamond Football Academy and after his performances at 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, in which he won the Golden Ball Award. Nwakali would jump at another chance to return to England and impress after failing to make his mark at Arsenal during a three-year stay. Nwakali moved to Huesca but failed to secure a regular first-team spot before he went on loan to Alcorcon, where he showed his quality once again. His performances in the Segunda Division caught the attention of English side, Leeds United, who are badly in need of another central midfielder this summer. SD Huesca were delighted with the progress made by the Nigerian youngster during his loan spell at Alcorcón and fend off interest shown in the versatile midfielder by offering him a new contract. Nwakali would not have wasted time to sign on the dotted line if The Azulgranas were not demoted to the second-tier at the end of last season.

The 23-year-old has ambitions to represent the Super Eagles at this year’s World Cup and is aware that he must be playing for a top-flight European club to be considered for selection. “It is always an honour to wear the green of Nigeria and it is my dream to continue to do so. I am hugely proud to have represented Nigeria at various levels and i’m grateful to have had these opportunities in my career thus far.” Nwakali departed Arsenal in the summer of 2019 without playing a single game for the first team because he couldn’t sort out his papers. Nwakali is in his last year of his contract with the Spanish second division side. Nwakali famously led Nigeria’s U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, to their age-group World Cup title in 2015 and won the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMIFULA OGBU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 26, 2022

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Creative Director, Zenera Consulting, Hakeem Babatunde; Senior Brand Consultant, Ayodele Arowosegbe; CEO, Nutraboom Foods, Oluwakemi Soyemi Laniyan; and Business Manager, Zenera Consulting,Taiwo Ikotun at the unveiling of Nutraboom’s new product pack in Lagos, part of Zenera’s brand support to Nutraboom as a CSR initiative in Lagos.... recently

L-R: Director General, NACCIMA,Amb. Ayo Olunkanmi; Registrar/CEO, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN),Dr. Seye Awojobi; Executive Secretary/CEO, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Amb. Shuaibu A. Ahmed; and Chairman, IoD Centre for Corporate Governance, Alhaji. Shuaibu Idris during a courtesy visit by the Board of Governors of IoD Centre for Corporate Governance (IoDCCG) to the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria in Abuja .... recently

Mouka Extends Support to Business Partners As part of its empowerment initiatives, indigenous bedding Àrm, Mouka has supported its business partners with over N111 million worth of scholarships, laptops and educational materials for their children. The Àrm also presented N5 million worth of scholarships to 15 of its junior workers as an act of goodwill. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Chief Executive O΀cer of Mouka, Raymond Murphy stated that the gesture was meant to appreciate partners who have remained committed and contributed to the organisation’s growth. He noted that the partners’ commitment was evident in the sales and distribution of the company’s portfolio of products to consumers across the

country. Murphy said, “They have demonstrated an immense commitment to this partnership and Mouka’s revenue growth despite Nigeria’s economy for our mutual beneÀt. With extensive collaboration on many initiatives, they have made our brand a household name in Nigeria in pursuance of our mission of adding comfort to life.” On his part, Chief Operations O΀cer of Mouka, Femi Fapohunda promised that the company would continue to innovate towards the comfort of stakeholders, including its partners. “Mouka, for many, is a generational business passed from parent to child. We seek to empower the next generation of business partners through this initia-

tive. We are safeguarding the future of our business by investing in our loyal business partners, their businesses and families,” he said. Also speaking, Chief Commercial O΀cer of the organisation, Dimeji Osingunwa thanked the partners, adding that the company would not have attained its present height without their input: “To reward them, we have consistently showered them with various gifts to expand their businesses, while also safeguarding their health and wellbeing. “In the recent past, we have presented trucks to our partners to ease the burden of distribution. Likewise, most of our business partners and families are on various health plans fully catered to by Mouka.”

QSR Operators Urged to Leverage Innovation for Growth Operators in the 4uick Service Restaurants (4SR) have been advised to take advantage of Nigeria’s bourgeoning middle class to drive business growth. An expert in the 4SR industry and Chief Executive O΀cer of FoodCo, Ade Sun-Basorun while engaging press men in Lagos recently, also advised brands to up their game by embracing innovation to be able to gain more ground in the industry. He noted that already the sector boasts huge prospect which has soften ground for them to thrive. 4uoting report, Sun-Basorun said, “Analysts have projected a 5.1 Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the global 4SR industry between

2020 and 202 . Nigeria’s bourgeoning middle class, its young population pegged at about 60 per cent and the adoption of interval innovations have been identiÀed as key factors that will drive sustainability and growth in the country’s 4SR sector. “As key cities continue to swell with a bourgeoning middle class and as both Gen Z and millennials - two unique demography groups with different palates, tastes and propensities to eating out and purchasing food - begin to emerge as key players in the socio-economic space, it opens up a new set of opportunities for 4SR operators to provide oͿerings that are Àt for purpose for those diͿerent

demographics. “This also opens up new ways for industry players to interact with technology, whether it is with rapid deliveries, recurring deliveries, fully cooked, partially cooked or raw items for meal kits.” Sun-Basorun revealed further that the health food space is presently witnessing a growth trend that is fueled by proliferation of products ranging from salads to parfaits to wraps, amongst others. He noted however that challenges such as supply chain exacerbated by the COVID-19 as well as food inÁation has been hindering performance in the sector.

Firm Partners Lagos to Address Logistics Challenge in Blood A Non-Governmental Organisation, Haima Health has sealed a partnership deal with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS), to aid seamless delivery of blood to hospitals across Lagos state. This is as the organisation announced the launch of ‘Mobile Project’ which is aimed at addressing logistics challenge that characterised movement of blood for donation centres to hospitals. Speaking at the launch of the project in Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, recently, Founder of Haima Health, Bukola Bolarinwa stated that the partnership with Lagos was deliberate and strategic to simplify movement of blood across the state. She noted that by such partnership, any hospitals or individuals that reached out to LSBTS for available blood should be rest

assured that its logistics personnel are readily on ground to deliver blood to them in their respective location. She said, “Getting blood donors has always come challenging in this clime, so also is transporting the blood to users in their location. “With Ànancial support from Control Risks Group, we are poised to enhance the e΀ciency of blood delivery using certiÀed cold-chain dispatch bikes for faster delivery of blood to patients across hospitals in Lagos State. These bikes will be stationed at the LSBTS facility in Gbagada, ready to dispatch blood as soon as requests comes in.” Bolarinwa explained that the organisation had been in partnership with LSBTS since 2015, championing a monthly blood drive to improve donor culture among young people.

CSR-in-Action, IBWU Foundation Unveil Cleaner Communities Initiative A non -proÀt organisation, CSR-in-Action has partnered with a Canada based foundation, “It-Begins-With-U” (IBWU) to birth a new project targeting cleaner and attitudinal change in Nigerian communities. According to them, the project aims to drive cleaner neighbourhoods by encouraging individual acts of humanity. The initiative is expected to run for 12 months during which participants will embark on and complete community cleaning exercises of choice, after which they will upload a before and after videos of two minutes or less to stand a chance of winning N100,000 per month. Speaking further on the initiative, Chief Executive, CSR-in-Action, Bekeme Masade-Olowola explained that the project aligned with goal 6 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which is centered on sanitation, green environment and healthy living for longevity. He said, “Goal 6 has particularly been adopted by Nigeria for national

development. We chose to partner with IBWU because we share the common vision that leadership is driven by citizens and CSR-in-Action is constantly pursuing innovative ways of positively inÁuencing the values of the wider grassroots community in Nigeria. As a sustainability consulting and advocacy company, we are keen on enhancing sustainable values and habits that contribute to the development of the country.” On his part, Board Chair of IBWU, Mr. Michael Emeka Dibua added that the initiative seeks to return cleaner habits in communities. He said, “ The Cleaner Community Initiative is determined to rid communities throughout Nigeria of filth, by pushing for the return of simple, cleaner habits as well as the removal and disposal of waste, especially as we are aware of the eͿect that dirt and pollution has on our lives, climate, health, wellbeing and so much more.”

TFN Clocks Five, Pledges Support for Children’s Education A non- proÀt organisation, Teach For Nigeria (TFN) has rea΀rmed its commitment to improving foundational learning outcomes and life opportunities for low-income children in the country. The organisation gave the assurance during a virtual press conference held to commemorate its Àfth anniversary. At the well-attended event, the organisation also announced the opening of portal for application into its two years fellowship programme, targeting young change-makers. TFN, which was launched in 201 , has been working in tandem with government, private sector, development partners and young Nigerians to close the foundational learning gaps for children in underserved schools across the country. Accordance to the organisation, the fellowship programme was towards the fulÀlment of its

agenda to tackle Nigeria’s foundational learning challenge in underserved primary schools. Recounting the successes of the organisation in Àve years, Co-Founder and Board Member of TFN, Alero Ayida-Otobo stated that the organisation had made signiÀcant changes and improvements that have not only impacted the sector but improved the future outcomes for children. She said, “TFN was conceptualised in 2014 at the 20th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in a bid to transform the nation’s education sector given the problems faced by the sector at the time. It is a model and prototype of what is possible in the educational space in Nigeria and will continue to raise an army of leaders that understand the educational problems, design the solutions and impact children in their classrooms and beyond.”

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R •SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION NASS SHOULD LISTEN TO CBN AND EFCC so for a long time now. Just think of the crises and controversies that trailed the activities of the Presidential Panel on Investigation and Recovery of Public Property. The Justice Ministry’s call for an agency that “would only help us to recover stolen revenue” beggars belief. To say that “It would handle civil forfeiture for us” is to suggest that there is a problem with the way civil forfeitures are being handled at the moment. Is there? To argue that “Our agencies right now are handling criminal forfeitures which means we have to wait until they are done with prosecutions before they can now come back to do recovery …” is to suggest a procedural urgency that no one but the Justice Ministry can see. The claim that it will “also help Nigeria to gain reputation in the global community” simply stands truth on its head. Any serious conversation about fighting corruption and money laundering must begin by taking a calm look at the statutory powers of many existing institutions, rather creating new ones. As observed on this page on October 16, 2020, “The budgetary provisions and expenditure headings of the last twenty years show a benumbing record of dreadfully low performance on all fronts. Roads, health, electricity, national security, education, policy consistency, war against corruption, equipping of the armed forces are all in the red.”

The article under reference, titled “SARS and Proceeds of Crime Agency” frowned at the fact that “the major concern of the federal government is the creation of a special agency to receive and manage all monies and assets recovered from corrupt individuals and organizations in the alleged on-going war against corruption.” It pointed out that “There are Transparency Monitoring Units and SERVICOM offices in our MDAs. Then there is the Bureau of Public Procurement. One of them, or all of them put together, should be in the first line of fire whenever cases of inflated, poorly executed, or unexecuted, contracts are mentioned anywhere in Nigeria.” But do you ever hear of these Agencies, Departments, or their staff as parties to any legal issue on corruption in Nigeria? Should they be deemed clean and proper institutions when we cannot really point so obviously to their contributions and impact? To repeat, further, what was said here back then: “SERVICOM (Service Compact with Nigerians) is an agency of government set up to ensure that “Nigerians are well served” whenever one kobo is spent in their name. It should ordinarily have been the main, and only, whistle blower in the Federal Republic of Nigeria since it came into existence. But what do you see today in the MDAs? Ask yourself what SERVICOM, and many other agencies of government, bring to the table. Check out their monthly

wage bills. Sad, is it not? That over 400 parasatals incur a lot of overhead, for doing nothing. It is actually the failure of government to provide the right environment for the private sector to create jobs that has led to the wrong notion that it is the primary business of government to create jobs within its services departments.” Continuing, the article of over a year ago said: “That we now have a Bill for the creation of a “Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) agency” blows the myopia of the federal government completely out of the water. An agency to receive and manage the proceeds of crime? If established, the Agency will receive and manage all recoveries, including seized properties and assets, on behalf of the federal government. This is an outright Vote of No Confidence on the existing anti-graft agencies. The assumption, or presumption, is that we need a new agency, rather than that we need to find out how to fix what is wrong with the “processes and methods” within the existing agencies. This habit of tumbling out an epidemic of new agencies, instead of bending down to do things properly, has become the bane of governance in Nigeria. Just consider the killed Bill on Hate Speech. It called for capital punishment, as penalty for hate speech. Hare-brained ideas, everywhere!” Concerning the wider negative effects

of always creating new agencies, it was said here: “Every new agency created by the government must have a Chief Executive. Each such Chief Executive will also most likely have a bullet proof SUV. This could be in addition to a Pilot Vehicle, escorts, CSO, a media crew and much more. Add a fully staffed outfit, complete with a “befitting” National Headquarters and much more. What do you get? Consumption and avoidable expenses, with little of lasting value to deliver, everywhere! Look at the Diaspora Commission, for instance. This should actually be a Unit, or Desk, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But it now has a life of its own. The impact of all of this on recurrent expenditure and the cohesiveness of government are not being considered.” Let us get real for once and focus on what will save Nigeria for us all. The CBN is not asking our law makers not to make laws against money laundering. It is also not asking them not to repeal obnoxious, or dated, laws. It is simply calling their attention to the fact that the national interest will be better served by an amendment of the existing law, rather than the enactment of a new one. In the same way, the EFCC is not opposing forfeiture of illegally acquired property, no! It is simply saying that we do not need to set up an elaborate institution, such as a commission, for this purpose. That is all.

NO GOVERNORSHIP ZONING AGREEMENT IN ENUGU election that held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on December 10, 2006. It is noteworthy that Chime won by a little over 100 votes. Dr. Osita Ogbu, who is also from Enugu North and Anayo Onwuegbu, who is from Enugu West as well as Dr. John Nwokeabia, all participated in that primary election conducted by a committee led by Alhaji Shehu Sambo. Even at that, Itanyi and other contestants believed they were rigged out and went on to address a press conference at the Zodiac Hotels, Enugu. Clearly, the votes garnered by Itanyi and the makeup of the contestants for the PDP ticket do not suggest any pre-agreed rotation of the governorship seat. Nor does the composition of the candidates in the main governorship election in 2007 suggest any zoning arrangement. Ugo Agballa and Chief Dubem Onyia, who both hail from Enugu West, contested on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Action Congress (AC), accordingly. But importantly, Barr. Okey Ezea (Ideke) of Labour Party and Ambassador Ayogu of the ANPP who both hail from Enugu North gave Chime a hot challenge. After Chime secured his PDP second term ticket courtesy of people like the then President Goodluck Jonathan and Senator Ike Ekweremadu, he had two major challengers from Enugu North to contend with again in the 2011 governorship election. First was Ezea (Ideke) in Labour Party. Second and quite instructively was Dan Shere of the Peoples Democratic Congress (PDC), a party founded and promoted by ex-governor Chimaroke Nnamani to dislodge Chime, whom he had seriously fallen out with. Ironically, the same man is today promoting a non-existent zoning arrangement. If Nnamani was aware of any zoning arrangement as he gleefully propagates today, why then did he field Shere from Enugu North against Chime when he had some of his staunch disciples like KGB Oguakwa in Enugu West that could have slugged it out with Chime? Ironically too, he recently claimed that a non-existent zoning agreement had knocked Ekweremadu off Enugu governorship ticket. One is compelled to wonder if Nnamani, who formed and funded a rival party to wrestle power from the PDP, albeit unsuccessfully, has the moral high ground to say that someone, who literally laid down his life and political career to salvage the PDP post-2015 when many beneficiaries

Ugwuanyi

of the party’s years in power deserted it cannot have PDP governorship ticket. This is not even about a presidential ticket. Meanwhile, in 2015, Enugu North naturally got the governorship seat because it was the only senatorial zone yet to occupy the Lion Building since 1999. It was not based on any prearranged zoning order. Chime confirmed this much in an interview he granted the Sun newspaper on November 23, 2018. He said: “When Chimaroke Nnamani became governor, it wasn’t zoned to Nkanu, he won against somebody from the West, even in his re-election bid. When I contested, it was free for everybody, people from the North, from the East, from the West, the same thing during my re-election. “Then I said fate had made it that the East had done their two terms, myself in second term at the time, I said it will only be fair that we take it to the North to reduce tensions and I promised to work towards it. That was how it happened. We zoned it to the North, not that there was any agreement; it was common sense to reduce problems. I was the leader and I took that decision”.

When the interviewer asked him if he meant that Enugu never sat down at any time to agree on zoning of positions, he retorted: “Which people?” However, it needs to be stressed that it was easier for Enugu North zone because Senator Ekweremadu, most likely pandering to equity, was not interested in the governorship seat in 2015. The real contention in 2015 was the Enugu West senatorial seat, which Chime as incumbent governor and Ekweremadu as incumbent Deputy Senate President were both eyeing. Thus, although Ekweremadu could have easily swooped on the governorship ticket after gaining the upper hand in the electoral delegates structure, he only took the senatorial ticket. Besides, the full story is not that Chime anointed Ugwuanyi towards the end of his tenure as some want Nigerians to believe. Many colours of water passed under the bridge. By a stroke of fate, Ekweremadu found himself in a position to play a significant role in determining Chime’s successor. It could have been Senator Ayogu Eze, who had the full backing of the highest office in Abuja. It could also have been Chinedu Onu,

whom Ekweremadu had earlier facilitated his appointment into the Board of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund). Ekweremadu, Ugwuanyi, Chief Asari Asari, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan are living witnesses to what transpired. But for the sake of longstanding friendship with Ugwuanyi, need to keep Enugu PDP one, and also in order not to spite Chime, Ekweremadu pushed for Ugwuanyi’s emergence and walked with him all through the litigation over the authentic PDP candidate that Ayogu pushed all the way, up to the Supreme Court. It is further recalled that Ekweremadu also had a golden opportunity to become Enugu’s governor in 2011 following the vicious and protracted battle for Chime’s PDP second term ticket. It is an open secret that Ekweremadu was offered the ticket in place of Chime, but he turned it down and fought for Chime to get the ticket. It was reliably gathered he insisted that Chime had done well enough and as such it would be unjust to deny him a second tenure. So, when some political jobbers allege that Ekweremadu is trying to destroy an existing zoning arrangement with a “vaulting” gubernatorial ambition, the right questions would be: Which zoning arrangement/agreement? Who made the agreement? Where and when was it made? Why has nobody published the agreement for over two years now that they were challenged to do so? Also, which vaulting ambition? When did it become a crime to seek to serve one’s people? Besides, it is sad that a state facing mounting security issues, shortage of basic socio-economic infrastructure/ amenities, and events with far-reaching socio-economic implications, such as the coming on stream of the Anambra International Cargo (and passenger) Airport, the fast-coming Ebonyi Airport, etc., is inundated with zoning campaigns when the preoccupations should have been debates and town hall meetings to determine the best hands for the job. And the circus goes on even when all the three zones have produced governors from 1999 to the present. Enugu cannot be reduced to a people, who busy themselves chasing rats while their house is on fire. God forbid. •Dr. Okolie is a Senior Lecturer, Senior Research Fellow, and Former State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Enugu State

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 26, 2022

NEWSXTRA Cadbury Nigeria Unveils Bournvita Bourn Factor Season 3 Winners Cadbury Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of Mondelďz International, and producers of the iconic and much loved Bournvita cocoa beverage drink, has unveiled the top three winners in the third edition of its Bournvita Bourn Factor School Talent Competition. Winners in the competition, which witnessed schools’ participation from all over the country, were announced at a media parley held at the company’s head o΀ce in Lagos, on Monday. The grand-prize of N3,000,000

CULTURAL INTERFACE… L-R: His Excellency, Yanko .V . Yordanov. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria presenting his country’s symbol of Peace and Happiness to the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, during the the envoy’s courtesy visit to NCAC Headquarter in Abuja...recently

Tinubu: Nigeria was a Sick Country in 2015, but APC was Used as Cure Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, yesterday posited that he personally sold APC to Nigeria in 2015 as a cure because Nigeria was sick during the period. Asiwaju who spoke at the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, during a continuation of his consultation in Osun State said, “the Nigeria you know in 2015 was sick and APC was used as a cure. “As you believe in us, accepted our commitment, we told

you things that some people could not do, we will eͿortlessly deliver it, we promise to mend the broken place so that we can all be happy.” The former governor of Lagos State stressed that “Today, outside the President, we the Yorubas, we are the highest and the most steady tribe that you can count on in the administration but the time of democracy is sincere to everybody, it is Calendared in the constitution that four years is for tenure and as a president and governors it is only two terms, except honourables and Senators.”

Air Peace Clarifies Emir of Kano’s Entourage Complaint Chinedu Eze Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace has thrown more light on what happened between the airline and the entourage of the Emir of Kano who arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, enroute to Kano on Thursday morning. Reacting to the letter of complaint written to the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), signed by the Emir’s senior aide, Prince Isa Bayero and made public in the media, Air Peace said that it never meant to insult the Emir; rather, it wanted to protect the honoured image of the supreme traditional leader. The airline in a statement signed by its Chief Operating O΀cer, Mrs. Toyin Olajide,

recalled that in the letter of complaint to NCAA, Mr. Isa Bayero alleged that Air Peace disrespected the Emir of Kano and the people of Kano for not delaying its 6.15a.m. Áight to Kano for the Emir and explained that rather than “disrespect the revered Emir of Kano, Air Peace did everything to protect the name and the image of the Emir from ridicule by not succumbing to what Isa Bayero wanted us to do.” The airline said, “If we had agreed to stop and delay an aircraft, already set to takeoͿ, for another one hour only for the doors to be opened and the Emir to walk in, there would have been a very serious uproar in the media nationwide against both the airline and the Emir. This we pleaded with Isa Bayero to understand but he refused to accept.

He pointed out that “Now the calendar is ticking, it is now the season, period that Nigeria is looking for a thorough solid hope and change for progress, prosperity and growth. “ He continued, “We need a lot of jobs, solid education for our children, we need progress for our country. We want somebody that can bring that, we have in our old national anthem that though tribe and tongues may diͿer in brotherhood we stand. It has come that we must be solid in that, it has come that we must know that it is the same blood that is running in our veins

irrespective of tribe and faith. We must have a good attitude for progress and prosperity.” He further contended that it was “about honest service for our country to bring progress that will give us joy and prosperity.” He reminded Nigerians that they must Ànd courage, determination, perseverance, “you must Ànd that fellow who will love you, respect you and prioritise national development.” According to him, “As soon as I review the constitution, I ask myself who is better than me, this prompted me to come out, consult, and be ready to serve the country.

FG Sets Up Task Team to Tackle Wild Polio Outbreak

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Following the recent outbreak of the Wild Polio Virus (WPV) in Malawi, the federal government said that it has put measures in place to safeguard the country against importation of the virus. A statement signed by the Executive Director of the National Primary HealthCare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said that one of the measures was the reactivation and reconstitution of the Expert Review Committee on Polio Eradication and Routine Immunisation (ERC). Shuaib said that ERC was to provide expert advice and guidance on strategies and approaches for polio eradication and routine immunisation. According to Shuaib, “the committee will meet periodically to review the country’s polio eradication and routine immuni-

sation programmes taking into consideration population-based and laboratory studies, programmatic approaches, cost information, and other issues so as to provide holistic and practical advice to the country.” He said that the ERC’s expert advice had contributed immensely to the country’s achievement of WPV-free status in August 2020. “Consequently, it has become imperative to reactivate the committee following the recent outbreak of WPV in Malawi and the outbreaks of circulating variant of polio virus type 2 (cVPV2) in Nigeria. “The ERC is expected to work with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency to come up with multistakeholder plans to strengthen surveillance, build population immunity, mitigate against and control all forms of polio viruses,” he said.

Katsina CJ Grants Bail to 126 Inmates Francis Sardauna inKatsina The Katsina State Chief Judge, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, has granted bail to 126 inmates, released one and sentenced three others to community service in the state. The categories of inmates that beneÀted were the aged, those with serious health challenges as well as those who displayed

good character and industry while in custody. Abubakar, in a statement by the Public Relations O΀cer of the State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ibrahim Wada, said the decision was to decongest correctional centres across the state. The state chief judge further explained that the prison visit was not meant to usurp the

jurisdiction of the courts on cases before them. He noted that cases would be considered on their merit including health grounds, unjustiÀed long detention in prison custody, and want of diligent prosecution, among others. He, however, applauded the hard work and dedication of o΀cers and men of the Nigerian Correctional Service in the state

and urged them to sustain the tempo for eͿective and e΀cient service delivery. Earlier, the State Controller of Corrections, Muhammad Abdulmumin Haruna, said the decongestion of the custodial facilities would enable the service to perform its statutory duties of reforming, rehabilitating and reintegrating the inmates back to the society as law abiding citizens.

was presented to Bethel Nursery and Primary School from Osun State. In the second position was Excellence Nursery and Primary, Ondo State, with a prize of N2,000,000; while the third position went to InÀnity International School, Ogun State with N1,000,000 prize. At the award presentation ceremony, the Managing Director, Cadbury West Africa, Mrs. Oyeyimika Adeboye, reiterated the company’s values and the commitment to delight consumers with its brands.

Petroleum Training Institute Matriculates 1,267 Students, Cautions against Social Vices Sylvester Idowu in Warri In a bid to ensure that students of the school do not engage in addictions that could aͿect their studies, the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) EͿurun, Delta State, has warned its 1,267 newly matriculated students against involving themselves in any form of social vices. Speaking during the matriculation ceremony for the 2021/2022 academic session yesterday, Principal and Chief Executive O΀cer of the Institute, Dr. Henry Adimula, said that the school had zero-tolerance for cultism,

drug abuse and other social vices, and would sanction any of its students found wanting. “We advise all students to desist from the following vices: examination misconduct, physical and all forms of assault, cultism, drug peddling and smoking of Indian hemp on campus, certiÀcate forgery, improper dressing, for exposure of body parts, stealing, misuse of social media and many others. Let me sound a note of warning that any student found guilty in any of the vices would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” he warned.

Abaribe Declares Guber Ambition Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has formally declared his interest to become the governor of Abia State in 2023, saying that he would be the governor that Abians would be proud of. He made his intention known yesterday at Umuahia, Abia State capital, when he visited the state secretariat of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to consult with the expanded executive caucus of the party. “I am going to be not just a governor but the governor of Abia people irrespective of where the person comes from,” he said. Abaribe, who was a deputy governor at the onset of the present democratic dispensation contested for the governorship position in 2003 but could not unseat his former boss, Orji Uzor Kalu. But in 2007 Abaribe was elected Senator for Abia South Senatorial District and has retained the seat ever since. He told the Abia PDP leaders that he has the requisite capacity, experience and knowledge to govern Abia, and therefore asked the party leaders and stakeholders to “consider me as that person that will lead the party to victory in 2023” governorship poll. The Senate Minority Leader, who is regarded as “the voice of the voiceless” because of his fearless disposition to speak truth to power, harped on the need for PDP to give ticket to “a winnable candidate” in order

to sustain its control of Abia. He recalled that the PDP lost the 2015 general election due to complacency in spite of the fact that it had everything going for it, warning that Abia PDP should guard against complacency in 2023. The Abia South Senator harped on the need for the party to Àeld the right candidate and not take things for granted in the belief that being the ruling party would guarantee victory irrespective of the popularity of the candidate.

So Fresh Helps 1,700 Nigerians Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Innocent Megbolu Nigeria’s leading healthy food chain, So Fresh, has helped 1,700 Nigerians commit to a healthy start in an initiative tagged the ‘Eat Clean Challenge’. The two weeks challenge had participants provided with a detailed Healthy Meal Plan and Eating Guidelines, community support and coaching sessions. They were also treated to daily health information tips and nutritional guidelines to propel and help them start oͿ the year with a healthy lifestyle. Brand Communication Manager, Modupe Aremo, said So Fresh remains committed to inspiring a healthier nation by changing the mindset of Nigerians about healthy living, creating easy access and convenience around accessing healthy food.

Saturday, February 26, 2022

UT H

& RE A S O

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MISSILE

Bafarawa to APC “Which corruption are they ﬁghting when in the beginning, the foundation started on corruption?” –Former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa accusing the ruling APC of being corrupt while also pretending to be ﬁghting corruption in Nigeria.

OKEYIKECHUKWU EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

NASS Should Listen to CBN and EFCC

he national Assembly (NASS) should listen to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and rethink its planned enactment of a new anti-money laundering law. The existing Money Laundering (Prevention) Act of 2011 should ideally be appropriately amended. A close study of the existing Money Laundering (Prevention) Act shows that it would be best to amend it, instead of repealing it and enacting an entirely new one. The presuppositions of the existing law are well known. They are also tried and tested. The strengths and presumed weaknesses are known. What to do, and what steps to take, to make the law more efficacious are also known. Thus, the position of the CBN that “Where the existing Money Laundering (Prevention) Act 2011 is repealed and re-enacted, there would be new legal foundations which have not been assessed against the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) standards” makes sense. A casual observer may assume that replacing a law that is deemed deficient in some material particulars is in order. But it is not that simple. It is true that, in the instant case, some may argue that there is a Mutual Evaluation Report,

Lawan

complete with whatever deficiencies it may have identified. But does this rule out the possibility that a new law may likely be deficient in other areas not limited to the deficiencies identified in the Mutual Evaluation Report? The additional point, as canvassed at the recent public

hearing, that “…the new law will have to be completely reviewed by the FATF and GIABA (Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa) for compliance with FATF recommendations” makes it clear that enacting a new law may be a drawback in the anti-money laundering war. The foregoing can be easily inferred when we consider that: “There will be a risk that the international assessment identifies new gaps which would lead to rating downgrades.” Given the above, and especially considering that the goal is to raise the ante in the nation’s anti money laundering efforts, our lawmakers should please listen attentively to the objections being raised by the CBN. They should also note that the institution not only raised reasonable arguments against the proposed law, but “attached a copy of a proposed amendment to the 2011 Act for consideration and necessary action.” This progressive move should not be overlooked, or downplayed. Concerning the matter of establishing a special outfit to manage the proceeds of crime, the Senate Joint Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes; Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal

Matters, as well as Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, may wish to take a deep breath and think matters through. The Joint Committee should also take seriously the objections of the Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to its planned enactment of a law setting up a Proceeds of Crime Agency, or Commission. In fact, the bills on ‘Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) 2021’, ‘Public Complaints Commission (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2022’ and the ‘Proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Bill, 2021’ need comprehensive re-evaluation. If the purpose of the public hearing was to get stakeholders’ input into the three proposed anti-corruption bills, then the valid points made by the EFCC on the proposed Proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Bill deserve more than passing attention. I agree completely with the EFCC that there is no need to establish a commission to handle forfeiture of assets acquired through criminal and illegal activities. The courts and anti-graft bodies can handle such things -and they have been doing Continued on page 54

AUSTINOKOLIE GUEST COLUMNIST

No Governorship Zoning Agreement in Enugu

ometime last year, one had cause to address the purported governorship zoning arrangement or agreement in Enugu, which, as many have rightly described it, is a sheer conspiracy by a political elite class to corner power for their selfish ends in 2023. They started quite early in propagating the falsehood in the hope that, as Joseph Goebbels of Nazi Germany taught them, “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, the people will eventually come to believe it”. Besides their well-oiled media propaganda to that effect, these purveyors of falsehood have bankrolled all manner of rallies to drum home this falsehood. There were, for instance, the Oganihu Enugu East rally and Ife-Emelumma Enugu West rally, organised to sell this fictional governorship arrangement, which entitles Enugu East alone to the Government House in 2023. The organisers claim that the founding fathers of the state agreed that the governorship position would move

from Enugu East, which turn was taken by Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, to Enugu West, which turn was taken by Barr. Sullivan Chime, then to Enugu North, which is currently occupying the Lion Building vide Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Thereafter, power would return to Enugu East in 2023 However, when confronted with raw facts regarding the governorship contests in Enugu State since 1999, their implausible and illogical tales by moonlight fall flat on their faces. At the outset of the current democratic dispensation, Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo and the PDP pioneer National Secretary and former governor of Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, squared up in a proxy political duel. Nwobodo supported his kinsman, Dr. Nnamani from Enugu East zone, while Dr. Nwodo lined up behind Chief Nduka Agu, who hails from Udi in Enugu West. At the end of the day, Nwobodo had the upper hand through his Second Republic colleague, the late Chief Solomon Lar, who was

the National Chairman of the PDP at the time. With the hard-won PDP ticket in the kitty, Dr. Nnamani went on to square up to Chief Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu, an indigene of Akpugoeze in Enugu West zone, who flew the All Peoples Party (APP) ticket in the 1999 governorship election. It is noteworthy that Dr. Nnamani’s reelection victory in 2003 was not delivered on a platter of gold. It was one of the most savage elections in Enugu’s history. Nnamani squared up to Ambassador Fidel Ayogu from Enugu North, who flew the banner of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). The media as well as local and international election observers reported that election as very violent, with Nsukka (Enugu North zone) recording the highest fatalities and arson that included personnel of the Police Mobile Force. Dr. Nnamani was not given a free ride because he came from Enugu East. In fact, besides Ambassador Ayogu, Barr. Peter Okonkwo (Ohamadike), who comes from Enugu

North, and Chief Anayo Onwuegbu (Omeiheukwu) from Enugu West, contested against Dr. Nnamani. Dr. Nnamani’s succession by Chime did not equally come as simple as they want to make Nigerians to believe. First, Dr. Nnamani did not settle for Chime, who is from Enugu West, over and above anyone else from Enugu North, based on any pre-agreed zoning arrangement. It was based purely on his own personal motives and permutations. It is an open secret that Nnamani preferred Chime because he thought that the later would be pliable so that he could continue to rule Enugu State by proxy. Unfortunately, as Mahmud Jega recently put it, Nigeria’s political history has shown, that anointing seldom works in our climes. It is imperative to further recall that Dr. Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi (Enugu North), who was Dr. Nnamani’s deputy for eight years, gave Chime a run for his money in the governorship primary Continued on page 54

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