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Oil Price Rebounds to $66 Ahead of OPEC Meeting Despite NNPC's assurances of adequate stock, fuel queues persist Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Oil price rose from its biggest slump since November 2020, ahead of a key meeting of the Organisation of Petroleum

Exporting Countries (OPEC) that may see some supply returned to a fast-tightening market.

US crude rose 2.2 per cent to $62.90 a barrel, after opening

at $61.53, and hitting a low of $61.53 while Brent crude rose 2.2 per cent to $65.90 a barrel, after opening at $64.50, and hitting a low of $64.50.

US crude lost 3.0 per cent

on Friday while Brent crude futures fell 3.9 per cent, in their second straight daily loss on profit-taking from a 13-month high.

But back home in Nigeria,

fuel queues continued to swell across the country despite assurances by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that it was not planning any increase

in the pump price of petrol this month.

Under the deregulation of the downstream sector of Continued on page 8

Okonjo-Iweala Assumes Duty, Rallies WTO Officials for Reforms... Page 6 Tuesday 2 March, 2021 Vol 26. No 9459. Price: N250

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Excitement as Freed Kagara Schoolboys Reunite With Families Laleye Dipo in Minna Emotions ran high as the recently-freed pupils of the Government Science College, Kagara in Niger State, abducted on February 17, reunited with their parents

and guardians on Sunday night.

The 27 students and 15 staff members and their families were taken into hiding in the Allawa forests but the state government secured their release 11 days later.

It was an emotional atmosphere as the parents and guardians embraced their children and wards after they were released to them in Minna.

Prior to their release to their parents and guardians, the

state government had carried out medical examination on them and profiled them.

Some of the parents and guardians shed tears of joy while the pupils laughed gleefully at the warm embrace.

The Commissioner for

Education, Ms. Hannatu Salihu, supervised the handing over of the pupils to their parents and guardians.

Salihu assured the parents that the government has taken a decision to secure all schools in the state to forestall a

reoccurrence of the incident.

"Niger State government will secure all its schools from criminal elements to allow students and pupils to pursue their education," Salihu said Continued on page 8

Name Schoolgirls’ Abductors, ACF, Afenifere, PANDEF Tell Zamfara Gov Concerns mount over security agencies' inability to combat school abductions despite multiple operations Boko Haram regrouping in Nasarawa, gov warns Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh, Udora Orizu in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna Zamfara State Governor, Mr. Bello Matawalle, came under fire yesterday over his statement that he knew the abductors of the 317 pupils of Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Jangebe, in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF); the Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere; the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF); Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) and the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) took on Matawalle and challenged

him to reveal their identity.

Besides, the ACF, Kaduna State chapter of CAN and SOKAPU also expressed concerns about the inability of security agencies to tackle the worsening insecurity in the country, especially the rising wave of abductions of secondary school pupils by bandits.

They said given the various operations launched by the military and the police, among other security agencies in different geopolitical zones, Nigerians should feel safer now.

The ACF, Kaduna State chapter of CAN and SOKAPU called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ask Matawalle to reveal the Continued on page 8

FG Begins Online Registration of Nigerians for COVID-19 Vaccination... Page 5

REPORTING FOR DUTY...

L- R: Deputy Director-General, World Trade Organisation, Mr. Alan Wolff; Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Deputy Director-General, Mr. Karl Brauner, during Okonjo-Iweala’s first day in office in Geneva...yesterday afp

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Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

FG Begins Online Registration of Nigerians for COVID-19 Vaccination

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Ahead of the expected arrival of the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines today, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has commenced online registration of Nigerians interested in taking the jab.

NPHCDA yesterday launched the electronic registration platform to enable eligible Nigerians to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The government said it is employing a T.E.A.C.H strategy, which combines indigenous (traditional) approaches with modern technologically enabled systems of vaccination and leverage experiences gained during the polio immunisation programme.

The launch of the registration platform came just as the World Health Organisation (WHO) advised all countries to limit vaccination for now to persons above 18 years, until research and studies are completed on any possible effect on growing children.

Nigeria is set to receive its first batch of 3.92 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine today.

Speaking at the official launch of the T.E.A.C.H strategy for COVID-19 vaccination of eligible Nigerians and Electronic Management of Immunisation Data (EMID) in Abuja, the Executive Director/CEO of the NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said the vaccination process would be in four phases.

According to him, the first group is frontline health workers who are the first priority group of eligible populations to receive the first doses of vaccines arriving in the country.

The second are strategic leaders like the president, vice president, ministers, governors, and religious and traditional leaders.

According to him, the leaders are listed among those to receive the first doses of the vaccines in order to show to the public that the vaccines are safe and effective as validated by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

He said: “In phase one, healthcare workers, frontline workers, ports of entry (air, land, and sea ports), military, COVID-19 rapid response team (RRT), laboratory network, policemen, and petrol station workers and strategic leaders will be vaccinated first.

"Frontline workers include support staff such as cleaners, security staff, body handlers, drivers, waste managers, oil & gas workers, bankers etc.

“Next is phase two, which will comprise older adults aged 50 years and above, and those with co-morbidities aged 18-49 years of age. Phase three includes those in states/LGAs with high disease burden and who missed phases one and two, and phase four includes other eligible populations as vaccines become available.”

He explained that the e-registration process will make for easy and stress-free registration prior to vaccination.

He added that once an individual completes registration, a unique pre-vaccination identifier will be issued via the website - with which he or she will take to the vaccination site for proper identification before getting vaccinated.

He advised Nigerians to choose a health facility that is

closest to them to get vaccinated.

Shuaib said individuals could assess the e-registration portal via the agency’s website https://nphcdaict.com.ng/ publicr.eg.

Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, while confirming today's arrival of the vaccines, said: "In less than 24 hours, the first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines will arrive in Nigeria

from the COVAX Facility and will be deployed to vaccinate, first our critical frontline health care workers, who are providing essential care, especially for severe COVID-19 patients, next to those who are at the highest risk of severe disease from COVID-19 infection and down to 70 per cent of Nigerians.

“Well before the four million

doses of AstraZeneca we are going to receive is expended, we shall be receiving more vaccines, and so, there should be no need for anxiety. We shall also, be receiving other types of vaccines and all will ensure that the entire vaccination administration will be sustained in a smooth way and will be applied nationwide - leaving no one behind."

The Country Representative of the WHO, Mr. Walter Kazadi, stated that vaccines alone will not win the war against COVID-19.

He urged Nigerians to comply with the extant nonpharmaceutical interventions of regular hand washing, sanitising, proper use of face masks, avoiding mass gatherings and practising social distancing.

NETWORKING...

L-R: Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left), and Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mohammed Monguno, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Asaba...yesterday

COVID-19: Lagos Extends Work-from-home Directive by Four Weeks Segun James The Lagos State Government has further extended the work-from-home directive to civil servants on salary grade levels 12 and below.

A statement by the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem MuriOkunola, said this was to further

stem the spread of COVID-19 within the public service and other stakeholders.

He expressed the government’s delight that measures put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state has resulted in a steady decline in the number of recorded cases in the preceding

weeks.

Muri-Okunola stated that in order to sustain the success so far recorded, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has extended the directive to the affected public servants by four weeks, with effect from Monday, March 1 to 26, 2021.

The HoS said the directive

did not preclude any of the exempted civil servants from reporting for duty whenever the accounting officer deems it necessary.

He said: “All public servants are advised to continue to stay safe by observing all COVID-19 protocols such as physical distancing, regular use of face

masks and hand hygiene.

“Also, accounting officers are to ensure strict adherence to all extant directives aimed to guarantee physical distancing in the workplace by preparation of weekly duty rosters as considered germane to effective service delivery in respective MDAs.”

The Lagos State Government has witnessed a decline in the number of infections in the recent past due to the government’s regular updates on preventive measures as well as public enlightenment campaigns to create awareness about measures to stem the spread of the deadly virus.

IPC Demands Retraction of Gumi’s 'Journalist-are-criminals' Statement Funmi Ogundare The Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Mr. Lanre Arogundade, has demanded a retraction of the statement credited to Kaduna-based Islamic scholar that 'journalists are criminals' and also urged the media to take a stand on herdsmen’s terrorism, kidnapping and acts of brigandage.

He said since the media was acting as the conscience of the society, the question of a bad report would not come in.

Arogundade who was a guest on ‘The Morning Show,’ a programme on ARISE NEWS Channels, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, yesterday, spoke against the backdrop of the media and sensitivity of coverage, as well as the recent comment of Gumi

that journalists are criminals and reckless.

The statement by Gumi, he stated, was not just a bad precedent, but a dangerous one, adding that everybody must condemn it, demand a retraction and some actions on the part of those who can act collectively in their interest.

"For me it is very important that they should understand that ethics is a matter of individual conscience and when they are doing their stories, they should be as professional and fair in their reports as possible.

"For instance, if there are killings somewhere and people claim that it was carried out by a certain group, if you are not able to independently verify, don't assert in your report that it actually happened. You need to report it as an allegation and also try to get diverse reactions

by speaking to those who should know and confirm or disprove on that," he explained.

According to him, journalists’ choice of stories is a reflection of a particular bias in terms of objectivity, adding, "If a newspaper is leading with a story of the rape of young children today that is the bias of that newspaper because they are concerned about that."

The director, however, urged journalists to understand that they have the responsibility for building a peaceful society when it comes to conflict reporting, especially sensitive ones provoking ethnic tension.

He said: "Where there are problems that affect everybody, journalists must understand that they are also human beings; so when they report issues, it is also because they want to survive. We need to ensure an

environment that can make our work much easier. Where we have threats, we need to deal with those threats as much as possible."

Arogundade also called on journalists to ensure that they hold leadership accountable and follow up on issues.

He said: "Apart from the president, the Zamfara State governor also made a statement that Nigeria will be shocked by those behind the recent kidnap.

All these statement that do not have content, this is where we need to take them up. Why will Nigerians be shocked? What information does the governor have that cannot be passed to the security agencies so that we are saved from the problems?

"I feel that in terms of accountability function and holding leadership accountable, we shouldn't just stop at

reporting this; we need to follow up on them. As much as possible, we should also separate our opinions from the facts of the matter; this is where there are challenges.

“Journalists are also human beings. So as an editor, they have an opinion you want to express. I feel that if you want to express that opinion, as a media manager, you should try and let your opinion be factually laid.”

According to him, when it comes to editorials and columns, journalists are free to take a definitive stand on issues and call a spade a spade.

“If a newspaper writes an editorial or a radio station does a news analysis saying Gumi is an enemy of Nigeria, which should be okay in the realm of good journalism, but when it comes to reports, there might be

people who will possibly agree with you; so, you can then be reporting it as mixed reactions creating Gumi's declaration."

He stressed the need for government to make available information to the media, noting that where credible information is lacking, rumour and others will take up space.

"They must recognise that the media is a reporter. It should not just be that we pick information here and there; that is how to deal with issues. In states where you have peculiar challenges like Oyo and Ogun, there should also be a task force that briefs the media. We must recognise that we are dealing with an emergency.

“So, when people say that the president must declare a state of emergency on insecurity, these are the elements of such a declaration,” he explained.

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Okonjo-Iweala Assumes Duty, Rallies WTO Officials for Reforms

Obinna Chima

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, who assumed duty yesterday, has called on members of the organisation to “do things differently” to achieve reforms necessary to keep the global trade body relevant.

Addressing the WTO General Council immediately after taking office, Okonjo-Iweala, in her speech, stressed the need to swiftly take action to curb harmful fisheries subsidies and to help scale up COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution.

She stated that high expectations for her tenure could only be met if members are willing to compromise and reach agreements.

The Nigeria’s two-term finance minister added that prospects for a successful Twelfth Ministerial Conference would be enhanced if members target a manageable number of deliverables for this year and set up longer work programmes to address issues that cannot be resolved within the timeframe.

She said: “As I take office as DG, I want to thank you, members, once more for the kind wishes and support many of you expressed two weeks ago when you made history by electing me. The large number of delegations (91 in all) that spoke is unprecedented and speaks to the desire of all for a fresh start.

“I remain honoured and humbled by the confidence members have placed in me.

I will bring all my knowledge, passion, experience and persistence to the task at hand, reforming the organisation and

achieving results.

“I am conscious that expectations are high and shall do my utmost to move us forward. However, this is a membership-driven organisation so I cannot do it without you. I cannot do it without the cooperation of staff and management. What we are involved in is a tripartite partnership. Each partner has to play their part if we are to get results. High expectations of my leadership also mean that I have high expectations of you to help me deliver.”

She reiterated that it cannot be business as usual for the organisation, just as she stressed the need to change the WTO’s approach from debate and rounds of questions to delivering results.

She stated that council members have been working hard but much of their good work goes unnoticed.

“We have talented staff in the secretariat. But the world is no longer cognisant of this, does not recognise the efforts because we are not delivering results at the pace required by our fast-changing environment.

“Last week at the TNC, several ambassadors said that Your Excellencies talk past each other. You don’t talk to each other. This approach has to change. We have to be more accountable to the people we came here to serve — the ordinary women and men, our children who hope that our work here to support the MTS, will result in meaningful change in their lives, will improve their standard of living, and create decent jobs for those who seek work.

“Excellencies, coming from the outside I have noticed that the world is leaving the WTO

behind. Leaders and decisionmakers are impatient for change. Several trade ministers said to me that if things don’t change, they will no longer attend the ministerial because it is a waste of their time.

“I have noticed that more and more of the work and decision making that should be undertaken at the WTO is being done elsewhere because there is an increasing loss of confidence in the ability of the WTO to produce results.

But there is hope. If we all accept that we can no longer do business as usual, that will help us create the parameters for success,” she added.

According to her, a few days ago, she listened over a six-hour time period to all 56 statements of delegations at the TNC and I analysed the priorities that were repeatedly being put forward.

“Delegations want the WTO to contribute more meaningfully and faster to a resolution of the COVID-19 pandemic both the public health crisis as well as economic recovery. Delegations want the fisheries subsidies negotiations concluded, they want reform of the dispute settlement system, including restoration of the appellate body.

“They want action on

agriculture, on market access, domestic support, existing mandates such as PSH, SSM and cotton. They also want action on industrial subsidies to SOEs and SDT. Without neglecting the questions raised on the legal status of JSIs, delegations want forward movement on JSIs, especially e-commerce, services domestic regulation, investment facilitation and MSMEs. “There is a desire to enhance dialogue and action on women in trade. Delegations recognise that the issue of trade and environment/ climate change is key and want forward movement

on this. Least developed countries emphasised issues of specific interest to least developed countries (LDCs) that would lead to enhancing their growth and development, including the need for special and differential treatment, services waiver, preferential rules of origin etc. and also a review of issues related to graduation,” she added.

Commenting on the COVID-19 vaccine, she said the WTO would ensure that the immediate needs of dozens of poor countries yet to vaccinate a single person were considered, to stem deaths in poor countries.

TACKLING APAPA GRIDLOCK...

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso; Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Oluwatoyin Fayinka; and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, during the monitoring of the traffic situation in the Apapa corridor by a task force raised by the state government...yesterday

Boko Haram Regrouping in Nasarawa, Gov Warns Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia Nasarawa State Governor, Mr. Abdullahi Sule, has raised the alarm over the regrouping of Boko Haram members in three local government areas of the state.

He listed the LGAs as Wamba, Nasarawa and Karu, which share boundaries with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sule, in his opening speech yesterday during an expanded

Security Council meeting in Lafia, said: "One of the reasons for calling the meeting is because of the security concern around the country and indeed around the state.

From what we have seen so far, there are renewed activities of these dislodged bandits, we have these bandits that are in Utu in Toto LGA that were recently dislodged.

"Unfortunately, a lot of them, being members of Dar ul Salem that have turned

into Boko Haram, have now actually regrouped in places like Bakono, Kabusu, Pander, Danbata and Gidan Rike in Nasarawa, Wamba and Karu LGAs. "Also with the activities of what is happening in the South-west, starting with Ondo State and then recently what has happened to Hausa/Fulani community in Oyo State, have worsened the situation and we continue to see an influx of unknown Fulani herdsmen

especially in Wamba, Karu, Doma and Awe LGAs. "We have also seen what is happening to our schoolchildren where schoolchildren were originally kidnapped in Borno State, were moved to Katsina, then to Zamfara, down to Niger. And I strongly believe that even though we see it returning to Zamfara, we shouldn't be taken off guards; we should be more proactive."

Sule added that he has

contacted security men in Abuja and mobile Special Forces had been sent to the state.

He said the Special Forces were divided into five units and sent to Gitata, MararabaUdege, Ogunba Tunga, Gudi Moro, Abaka in Farin Ruwa to monitor the situation in those areas.

The governor, while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja

earlier this year had said the dislodged Boko Haram insurgents were regrouping in his state, particularly on the Benue/Nasarawa border.

But the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, later told journalists in Abuja that the governor had refuted the report while speaking with him over the issue.

Mohammed said the governor claimed he was quoted out of context.

Again, Bandits Kill 10 in Kaduna Communities John Shiklam in Kaduna No fewer than 10 people have been killed by bandits following attacks on communities in Zangon Kataf and Chikun Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the killings in a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna.

The killings came less than 24 hours after seven people were killed in similar attacks

on three communities in Igabi and Kajuru Local Government Areas of the state at the weekend.

Aruwan said in the attack on Kurmin Gandu village in Zangon Kataf LGA, five people were killed while 10 houses, two motorcycles and 50 bags of ginger were burnt.

He added that those who sustained injuries were taken to the hospital.

According to the commissioner, it took the military several hours to contain what would have

resulted in further violence in the area.

He said the bandits also attacked Sabon Gayan and Ungwan Turai villages in Chikun LGA, killing five people.

The statement said: “The military and other security agencies have reported the killing of 10 citizens in Zangon Kataf and Chikun local government areas.

“In Zangon Kataf, Kurmin Gandu village was attacked by armed bandits, with five persons killed, listed as:

Ishaya Aboi, Regina Ishaya, Goodluck Dauda, Joseph Adamu and Hassan Joseph.

“In addition, 10 houses, two motorcycles and 50 bags of ginger were set ablaze. Some dry season farmers lost water pumping machines and other valuables around the Zango Urban general area.

“Some survivors of the attack are recuperating in hospital.

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations are in progress, and information arising from this will be communicated to the public.

“In addition, it took the military hours to contain what would have resulted in further violence in the general area.

“Similarly, security agencies reported that armed bandits attacked Sabon Gayan village in Chikun local government area and killed four persons: Ashahabu Abubakar,Ado Rilwanu, Sabo Iliya and Mannaseh Danjuma,” the commissioner said.

He noted that as of the time of this update, troops of Operation Thunder Strike were combing identified

criminal hideouts in the Sabon Gayan area, following reports that several bandits sustained bullet wounds.

The commissioner disclosed that in another incident, bandits attacked Ungwan Turai, also in Chikun local government area, and killed one Ayuba Waziri.

The commissioner said, “Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed sadness at the attacks and sent his condolences to the families of those killed while praying for the repose of their souls. He also wished those injured a quick recovery.”

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PAGE EIGHT NAME SCHOOLGIRLS’ ABDUCTORS, ACF, AFENIFERE, PANDEF TELL ZAMFARA GOV identity of the bandits that kidnapped the 317 schoolgirls in the state.

The PANDEF and Afenifere also challenged Matawalle to reveal the identity of the kidnappers and their sponsors.

Matawalle, on Sunday, had told 17 emirs in the state that paid him a sympathy visit over the abduction of the schoolgirls that Nigerians would be shocked to know those behind the abduction of the 317 pupils.

He said: “Many people will be surprised to hear those people behind the abduction of these innocent children.

“They are not comfortable with the progress I am getting as a result of my peace initiative and they want to do all they can to sabotage my efforts.”

Reacting to the governor’s claim in an interview with THISDAY, PANDEF and Afenifere said the governor should go ahead and reveal the identity of the kidnappers as he would be amazed Nigerians won't be shocked because they knew those behind banditry and kidnapping.

PANDEF’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ken Robinson, said it would be no exaggeration if they were to say those other governors, as well as some officials of the federal government and the security agencies knew the bandits and their locations in the forests.

He said: ''The governor of Zamfara State knows them; he has been interfacing with them and doling out money to them. It would be no exaggeration if we were to say that other governors, as well as some officials of the federal government and the security agencies, also know who these bandits are and their locations in the forests. ''The nation was recently, rudely, stunned by a socalled Sheikh Gumi when he asserted that the bandits and killer herders terrorising the country were not criminals but Northern militants

fighting for ethnic survival.

"Unsurprisingly, there has been no condemnation of the statement by the said sheikh from the Northern elite, or his arrest by the federal government for his reckless and bizarre comments capable of undermining national security.

"That explains why the bandits and the killer herders are getting kid gloves treatment from the security agencies. It is all balderdash, so unfortunate that this is what Nigeria has become.''

Afenifere, on its part, described the governor’s statement as a sign of leadership failure.

Its spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, stated that Matawalle might even get some better result talking to the criminals than going through the security agents.

He said: "The governor has information that the ordinary man on the street doesn't have, and there is leadership failure in the land and nobody to report to. He may even get some better result talking to the criminals than going through the security that a former chief of defence says are in collusion with the criminals."

In his contribution, the spokesman of the SOKAPU, Mr. Luka Binniyat, called on Buhari to invite the governor for questioning.

“For the governor to say that he knows those behind this evil, but would not go after them, the federal government should invite him for questioning,” he stated.

According to him, the governor has access to intelligence reports and must therefore know those behind the heinous crime.

“Why he would not bring them to justice is baffling.

More strange is his insistence on granting amnesty to the criminals even when it is clear that there is no sincerity on the part of the outlaws to keep to any terms,” he said.

The spokesman of the

ACF, Mr. Emmanuel Yawe, also called on Buhari to order Matawalle to explain the basis for hiding the identity of the Yawe wondered why the governor is hiding their identity.

Asked why he thinks the governor is hiding the identity of the criminals, Yawe said: “Only Zamfara State governor can answer this question. Why is he hiding the identity of people who have committed such a heinous crime against humanity?

The president must ask him to explain.”

Also in his reaction, the Kaduna State Chairman of the CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the statement by the governor confirmed doubts about the sincerity of those in charge of security.

He said: “It is no longer news to Nigerians that those in authority know those responsible for our pains, sorrows and all the evil that is happening in our country but have chosen to play games with us.

“The statement by the governor of Zamfara State has further confirmed our doubt about the sincerity of those we have been trusting.”

He wondered when those in authority will tell Nigerians the truth about the security situation.

“Are they waiting till we are all dead before our killers and their sponsors will be exposed or arrested?

“CAN want to challenge the governor of Zamfara and all others who have been making similar confessions to shame the devil and save Nigerians by saying the truth and nothing but the truth if not we will believe they are all in the same camp,” Hayab added.

According to him, the identity of the bandits is only a secret to their victims, but not to Sheikh Gumi and those in power who only make statements about the deaths of Nigerians but cannot stop the killings.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) and the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have expressed concerns about the inability of security agencies to tackle the worsening insecurity in the country, especially the rising wave of abductions of secondary school pupils by bandits.

They said given the various operations launched by the military and the police, among other security agencies in different geopolitical zones, Nigerians should feel safer now.

They spoke against the backdrop of the accusation by the Northern Youths Movement (NYM) that the military was culpable in the abduction of over 300 pupils of GGSS, Jangebe.

The ACF, SOKAPU and CAN, however, asked security agencies to speak out on allegations of poor handling of the security situation in the

country.

But in a swift reaction, the military authorities yesterday frowned at the accusation that the military was complicit in the kidnap of the 317 pupils in Zamfara State.

Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Yerima, told THISDAY that “anybody can wake up and call a press conference but the issue is: What is the substance of your press conference?

“How can you accuse the military? First of all is it the work of the military? Why are you (THISDAY) supporting them and putting us under unnecessary pressure. Is it not the work of police? Is it the work of the military?

“They are entitled to their own opinion. But this is funny.

How did they reach such a conclusion? Is the security of the state in the hands of the soldiers? Is it not in the hands of the governor? The governor has a right to use police or soldiers and complain. That should go to the police.”

Force spokesman, Commissioner of Police (CP), Frank Mba, did not respond to the allegation when contacted through calls and text messages.

Concerns have been raised that despite the numerous police and military operations launched across the country, abduction and banditry have continued to rise.

For instance, to combat terrorism, the Nigerian Army launched Operation Lafiya Dole in July 2015, followed

by Operation Sharan Daji (clearing the bushes) also in the same month to tackle rustling and armed banditry in the North-west.

Also launched in 2015 were Operations Shirin Harbi, to tackle insecurity in Bauchi and Gombe states; Operation Harbin Kunama to eliminate cattle rustling and banditry in the Dansadau Forest of Zamfara State; Operation Harbin Kunama II launched in July 2017, to tackle cattle rustling, herdsmen crisis and

banditry in North-west and North-central; Operation Dokaji in the North-west and North-central and Operation Karamin Goro, launched in January 2018 to curb insecurity in Minna-Birnin GwariPandogari and Minna-Sarkin Pawa general area.

There are also Operation Long Reach in the North-east, Operation Whirl Stroke in the North-central, Exercise Sahel Sanity in the North-west and Operation Ruwan Wuta I, II, and III in the North-east.

There was also Operation Ayem Akpatuma launched in February 2018 to tackle banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and armed militia in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger states.

Again, Operation Last Hold was launched for Borno North and Lake Chad Region in April 2018.

In April 2019 Operation Harbin Kunama III was launched to tackle banditry in the forest areas of Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Operation Rattle Snake was also launched in 2019 in the North-east.

Operation Cat Race was launched in October 2019 in Niger State to battle bandits, and cattle rustlers.

Operation Positive Identification was also launched in November 2020 to nab fleeing Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists.

The military also launched other operations in southern Nigeria.

However, despite the military and the police embarking on over 30 operations from 2015 to tackle insecurity nationwide, abductions and other acts of criminality have remained unabated, raising concerns over the culpability of the security forces.

These concerns are said to have been heightened by the activities of a Kaduna-based cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, who has paid frequent visits

At stake in Thursday's meeting is how much OPEC+ output gets restored and at what pace, with current reductions amounting to just over 7 million barrels a day, or 7 per cent of global supply.

The 23-nation coalition will decide whether to revive a 500,000-barrel tranche in April, and in addition, whether the Saudis confirm an extra 1 million barrels they’ve taken offline will return as scheduled.

The freeze-driven shuttering of core sections of the U.S. refining system isn’t all good news for rival plants in Europe because down at the bottom of the barrel, losses are deepening.

Kazakhstan relaxed its oil production restraint in February, allowing output to jump to its highest since the current OPEC+ supply pact came into effect at the start of May. Meanwhile, the NNPC has asked Nigerians to shun panic buying and urged marketers to

halt hoarding products while also calling on authorities to step up monitoring to ensure compliance.

But the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) failed to respond to THISDAY's enquiries as to what it was doing to ensure that filling stations do not hold back petrol even when they have it in stock.

Calls to the Head of Public Affairs, DPR, Mr. Paul Osu, were not answered while a text message to him remained not replied at the time of going to press.

Earlier in a statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, the NNPC had stated that the corporation was not contemplating any raise in the price of petrol in March in order not to jeopardise ongoing engagements with organised labour.

It cautioned petroleum products marketers not to engage in an arbitrary price

increase or hoarding of petrol in order not to create artificial scarcity and unnecessary hardship for Nigerians.

The corporation stated that it has enough stock of petrol to keep the nation well supplied for over 40 days and urged motorists to avoid panic buying.

“The statement by the federal government that the abduction of the Zamfara school girls will be the end, which also makes this suspicion looks real.

“Are they saying this will be the end because they are tired of dribbling us or they have completed negotiations with the bandits or the bandits and all criminals terrorising our land have been captured?

“Our leaders need to show they love this country and her citizens enough to bring the evil going on to an end by capturing and prosecuting those who have denied us sleep and make many of our citizens widows and orphans,” he said.

Concerns over Security Agencies' Inability to Combat School Abductions Despite Multiple Operations

Continued on page 9

OIL PRICE REBOUNDS TO $66 AHEAD OF OPEC MEETING the petroleum industry, the pump price of petrol is tied to the price of crude oil in the international market.

Amid fears that with crude oil overshooting the $60-perbarrel mark, that NNPC may hike the pump price of petrol, retailers have tightened sales on the grounds of supply scarcity from depots where they alleged that ex-depot price has gone up, despite NNPC’s assurances of no price adjustment.

The corporation, in a statement, had said that contrary to speculations of an imminent increase in the price of petrol in the country, the ex-depot price of petrol in March would remain unchanged.

Just like the weekend, many fuel stations in Abuja, excluding the NNPC retail stations, were not selling the commodity while the few that were selling, had long queues to contend with.

The situation led to traffic snarls within the Federal

Capital Territory (FCT), including Olusegun Obasanjo Way and Sultan Abubakar Way. However, the crude oil rebound came after the commodity took a pause on Friday on profit-taking from a 13-month high, partly due to hopes about the United States stimulus measures and the latest positive updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccines.

Oil prices gained around 17.5 per cent in the fourth consecutive monthly gain, as the oversupply concerns receded after OPEC+ compliance with the agreed supply cuts and Saudi Arabia's voluntary cut.

As the alliance gathers on Thursday and is expected to loosen the taps after prices get off to their best-ever start to a year, it’s unclear how robustly the group will act, with the Saudi Arabian Energy Minister, Abdulaziz Bin Salman, calling for producers to remain “extremely cautious.”

Oil’s recovery from the impact of the pandemic has been driven by Asian demand, as well as fiscal and monetary stimulus as data yesterday showed most key manufacturing economies gained ground last month, with China staying in expansionary territory.

Positive sentiment in equity markets also aided crude, while President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief plan moved closer to realisation after passage at the House of Representatives.

Saudi Arabia’s output curbs, the improving demand outlook as vaccines are rolled out, and the growing popularity of commodities as a hedge against inflation have pushed oil higher this year.

There has been a raft of bullish calls in recent weeks predicting the rally will continue as the producer response trails consumption, while maintenance in North Sea fields is set to reduce supply.

EXCITEMENT AS FREED KAGARA SCHOOLBOYS REUNITE WITH FAMILIES She urged the parents and guardians not to stop their children and wards from going to school because of the incident, adding that the state government has taken the precaution to make the schools safe.

The commissioner added that arrangements have commenced to allow the SS3 students who are in boarding schools, now closed by the government, to write their final examinations.

“We are in contact with the SS3 students and working out

how best we can help them so that they will write their exams. I am sure at the end of the day, we will come out with something productive for them," she stated.

She thanked the parents and guardians for their patience

"during the trying period" and urged them to remain strong and always trust in God. Most of the parents and guardians expressed their readiness to return their children and wards to the school when they are reopened.

The state government, as a precautionary measure, had announced the closure of all boarding schools in Rafi, Mariga Shiroro and Munya local government areas where banditry and kidnapping are rife.

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NGN NGN 0.50 8.00 0.06 1.21 0.01 0.21 2.75 74.75 0.05 1.88 NGN 1.60 14.45 0.25 2.27 0.50 4.80 LASACO 0.11 1.12 ROYALEXCHANGE 0.02 0.25 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,450.00 Volume: 543.986 million shares Value: N1.888 billion Deals: 4,673 As at yesterday 1/3/2021 See details on Page 33

% 6.6 5.2 5.0 3.8 2.7 % 9.9 9.9 9.4 8.9 7.4

9

TUESDAY, ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Nigeria, Emirates Count Losses as PTF Moves to Resolve Rift

Chinedu Eze

Following the decision of Emirates Airlines not to lift passengers from Nigeria due to the absence of the infrastructure to conduct its independent COVID-19 test, Nigeria and the airlines have continued to lose revenues, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

But it was gathered the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF) will provide the infrastructure for Emirates Airlines to conduct Rapid Antigens Test (RDT) on its outbound passengers from Nigeria in readiness for the resumption of flights by the Dubai-based carrier from March 10, 2021.

THISDAY learnt from sources that PTF has been meeting with the Lagos State government to approve the consortium that will conduct the test at the Lagos airport, while also working to provide similar facilities at Abuja airport.

This is coming just as Nigerian travellers, tour operators and travel agents said they had recorded huge losses because of the suspension of the flights, as Emirates, flies empty planes out of Nigeria after conducting inbound flight to its two destinations to Abuja and Lagos.

THISDAY also learnt that Emirates has recorded an average loss of about N1.24 billion throughout the 25 days it suspended outbound flights from Nigeria in February.

Since February 4, the airline has stopped airlifting Nigerians to Dubai from Abuja and Lagos airports over the refusal by the PTF to allow it conduct the rapid test, which the airline made compulsory for its passengers four hours before they board their flights.

The PTF had stopped the test on the grounds that it did not have the infrastructure for the administration of such tests, while Emirates said United Arab Emirates (UAE)

authorities would not allow passengers into Dubai without the tests.

Emirates first announced that it would review its protocols and consider lifting the suspension on its outbound flights from February 28, 2021, but later extended it to March 10, hoping that PTF would provide the facilities for the tests.

But the Regional Terminal Manager, South-west, in charge of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Mrs. Victoria Shin-Aba, confirmed to THISDAY that the PTF was working on resolving the rift by meeting the UAE protocol of administering the RDT on outbound passengers.

She stated that it was the same problem with KLM, which has also stopped flying to Nigeria.

Spokesman of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Sam Adurogboye, also told THISDAY that there was hope that Emirates would resume outbound flights from Nigeria after reviewing its protocol on March 10.

He said no foreign carrier with a high load factor like Emirates and other major international carriers could suspend flights out of the country for a long time.

“There is hope. Efforts are being made to resolve the issue. These airlines cannot afford to stop operating from Nigeria for a long time but because Nigerians are involved, the federal government will do everything possible to resolve the problem,” Adurogboye said.

Other sources added that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rich Nigerians who book first class have not started travelling.

Out of Emirates’ 12 firstclass cabin seats in its Boeing 777, only an average of four seats are booked every day due to COVID-19 and each seat costs about N4.9 million.

This means that Emirates has been losing N19, 600,000 daily since February 4, 2021, when they stopped outbound flight.

Also out of 32 business class seats at the cost of N1.9 million each, it records an average of 15 passengers with revenue of N28, 500, 000 in addition to economy passengers of 192 at the cost of N400, 000 each with revenue of N76, 800, 000 every day.

With this, Emirates has recorded an estimated loss of about N124, 900, 000 on each of its two flights daily out of Lagos and Abuja, a total of N249, 800,000, since February 4, 2021. This brings it to a total of N1.24 billion for the 25 days Emirates did not operate outbound flights from Nigeria.

Industry consultant and CEO of Aglow Aviation Support Services Limited,

Mr. Tayo Ojuri, said many Nigerian suppliers and service providers who serve Emirates flights were losing huge revenue because of the suspension of outbound flights from Lagos and Abuja.

He listed those affected to include caterers, security screening operatives and ground handling company that has contract with the airline and others.

Ojuri said because UAE banned passengers with Nigerian passports from coming to Dubai from other destinations, unless there is evidence they had stayed 14 days away from Nigeria, it was difficult to travel to Dubai.

“There are no opportunities for business or for leisure travel between Nigeria and UAE and connectivity is also affected because you cannot travel to Dubai and connect to other destinations like it

used to be done in the past.

"This is also affecting passenger traffic because according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the highest traffic movement late last year was between UAE and London, so Dubai is a major global hub. Emirates decided to lose revenue instead of risking the health of its citizens," he stated.

Also the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market and travel expert, Ikechi Uko, said the suspension of Emirates flights from Nigeria to Dubai was affecting tour operators and travel agencies “because nobody is selling Dubai as a destination anymore. This is a big blow to travel agents.

They are now selling Zanzibar and Mauritius. Dubai is easy to sell because it is a successful route and it does not have hindrances with visa. So

the agents are making huge losses."

However, former CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, told THISDAY that Nigerians that have residence permit could connect Dubai through another country after going through the RDT test but those with visa would have to stay out of Nigeria for 14 days before they could be allowed to travel to Dubai after going through the mandatory rapid test.

He said Emirates must have been recording huge losses for flying out of Nigeria empty because profitable flight operations mean that “you airlifted passengers to and from your destination.”

“No airline would like to make profits on one side and cannot make on the other side.

The airline must be recording losses, as it flies empty plane out of Nigeria,” Sanusi added.

FINANCE MATTERS...

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao (left), and Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, during the Air Force chief’s courtesy visit to the minister in Abuja...recently

NAME SCHOOLGIRLS’ ABDUCTORS, ACF, AFENIFERE, PANDEF TELL ZAMFARA GOV to the bandits in the forests, while the security agencies claimed not to know their locations.

The Northern Youths Movement (NYM) in a statement at the weekend, had accused the military of complicity in the abduction of the 317 pupils in Zamfara State.

The youths anchored their accusation on the grounds that it was impossible for bandits to have attacked the school, which is located less than 100 metres from a military checkpoint, and abducted the schoolgirls.

NYM in the statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Ishaya Jato, accused the military authorities of not wanting banditry in the North-west and insurgency in the North-east to end.

They alleged that at about 11 pm on Thursday, soldiers stormed Jangebe, ordering all the residents to return to their

houses immediately.

It said: “These same soldiers, who stormed the town were nowhere to be found when the bandits invaded the town at about 1 am, two hours after the military men came. Also, there is a military checkpoint located not more than 100 metres from the school. The questions are; where were the soldiers who stormed Jangede at about 11 pm on Thursday when the bandits invaded the town two hours later?

Why was it that there was no response from the soldiers stationed less than 100 metres to the school?”

Reacting in separate interviews with THISDAY, the Arewa Consultative Forum, Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) and Kaduna State chapter of CAN asked security agencies to clear their names on allegations of complicity in handling the security situation in the country, despite the numerous

police and military operations.

ACF spokesman, Mr. Emmanuel Yawe, said security agencies should clear their names of the allegations of complicity about their roles in the frequent abductions.

“If the security agencies were up and doing, we wouldn't be having all these abductions which have brought insecurity, particularly to the North.

“There are all these allegations of complicity about their roles in the abductions; it is left to them and their conscience to clear their name.

“So far, they have become a national and international embarrassment to Nigeria,” Yawe stated.

Also, the Kaduna State Chairman of CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the security agencies have not done enough to convince Nigerians that they are not culpable in the criminality being perpetrated.

Hayab said: “We have been talking a lot about the failure or inactiveness of our security agencies. Truly they have not done enough or convince Nigerians that their hands are clean in the ongoing mess in our country.

“But we do have a commander-in-chief? What orders is he giving to the security agencies?

“Nigeria’s security situation is the more you see, the less you understand.

“This is because we have compromised so much and have twisted many issues that are now making it difficult for us to make any meaningful progress.”

According to him, the failure and lack of transparency in the fight against bandits and Boko Haram that is terrorising the country is the responsibility of both the federal and state governments.

He said the public, having lost confidence in the security

agencies, had also failed to play a good role in tackling the situation.

“Nigerians need answers to how Sheikh Gumi, a private citizen, can go in and out (of the forests) to meet the bandits with police escort only for the same security to say they do not know the whereabouts of the bandits.

“Gumi admitted that he goes with police but they only stop at some distance away from where he did meet the bandits.

“Are those policemen from another country or from the Nigeria Police Force?

“There is a need for a renewed unity amongst groups in Nigeria to collectively challenge government and security agencies to stop playing games with the lives of our people.

“CAN, therefore, wishes to remind all those responsible to bring the evil of killings, kidnapping and attacks on

innocent citizens, to fear God and be honest with Nigerians.

“If both government and security agencies deliberately refuse to do what is right to protect innocent Nigerians they and their families may be the next victims when they least expected,” he added.

On his part, the spokesman of SOKAPU, Mr. Luka Binniyat stated that the time had come when Nigerians should ask the government and security agencies their roles in the persistent abductions and killings.

He said: “The impunity with which scores and hundreds of students are seamlessly taken away at gunpoint by confirmed armed herdsmen in the North-west of Nigeria has come to a stage where we have to ask if indeed persons in government or in the military and security agencies are not in collaboration with the marauders for whatever reasons.”

10

TUESDAY MARCH 2, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Gunmen Kill 10, Injure Others in Sokoto John Shiklam in Kaduna Gunmen have attacked Amarawa village in the Ilela Local Government Area of

Sokoto State yesterday, killing no fewer than 10 locals while others sustained injuries.

According to a BBC Hausa report monitored

Policeman in Coma, Nine Others Injured in Bauchi Gov’s Convoy Accident Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi No fewer than 10 policemen of the Rapid Response Squad in the convoy of Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, were involved in a road accident yesterday.

The accident happened while Mohammed was inspecting a 60- kilometre Burga-Yelwan Duguri road project in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area (LGA), which is currently being constructed by the state government.

The road is designed to connect the people of Tafawa Balewa LGA

to Yelwan Duguri and the environs of Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.

THISDAY, which witnessed the accident, observed that the Toyota Hilux conveying the police officers veered off the road around 1:30 p.m and somersaulted twice after losing control as a result of the huge dust that made visibility almost impossible.

However, no life was lost but all the police personnel involved in the accident had been taken to the Bununu general hospital in Tafawa Balewa LGA for treatment

Niger Residents Flee Homes over Incessant Attacks Men, women and children from Pandogari district of Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State have flooded Tegina in their bid to escape bandit attacks.

It was gathered that the people had to flee from their villages after being attacked incessantly in the past three days.

The displaced persons were brought into Tegina yesterday afternoon at about 2pm on two trucks.

One of the displaced persons who gave his name as Mahmood through the phone of a source said they had to flee to stay alive because they no longer had peace in their community.

“We have been under attack for the past three days. A lot of my people have been injured, we have no more

food and all our animals have been stolen. The only option we have is to leave the village.

We should be safe here,” he said.

Sources said the displaced persons are waiting for the local government officials to open the classrooms of the agricultural institute where they will stay until everything had calmed down.

“They were brought in two trucks, men, women and children. They are more than 100 here. They are looking all helpless. We are waiting for them to open the classrooms of the institute so that they will be able to organize themselves for the time being”, one of the sources said.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Chairman or Secretary of Rafi Local Government Area were abortive.

Ex-BPE DG, Dikki Arraigned over Alleged N26bn PHCN Severance Benefit Scam Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned a former Director-General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), Benjamin Ezra Dikki, before Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on four counts of alleged corruption and abuse of office.

A statement issued by EFCC said Dikki, who was docked alongside his company, Kebna Studios and Communications Limited, allegedly received about a billion naira as gratification from Bestworth Insurance Brokers for his role in facilitating the approval of outstanding insurance premiums and claims of deceased and incapacitated staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

Count one of the charge read: “That you Benjamin Ezra Dikki, while being the director-general of Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) and also the managing

director of Kebna Studios and Communications Limited on or about January 30, 2015, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, did corruptly accept as reward the sum of N250 million only through Kebna Studios and Communications Limited’s Skye Bank Account No.1771649525 from Bestworth Insurance Brokers Limited for your role in facilitating the approval of outstanding insurance premiums and claims of deceased and incapacitated staff of PHCN, and thereby committed and offence contrary to Section 17(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences ACT, 2000 and punishable under Section (17)(c) of the same Act.” The defendants pleaded “not guilty’’ when the charges were read to them. In view of their plea, prosecution counsel, Benjamin Menji, asked the court for a date to commence trial and to remand the defendant at a Nigerian Correctional Service facility.

in Kaduna, the locals have attempted to stop the gunmen from abducting a wealthy businessman who was a resident of the community.

“The gunmen who came on motorbikes had warned them to stay away. But the community members tried to

free the man. But the gunmen possessed superior weapons and they overpowered the locals, killing many,” a native of the affected community has said.

He said the gunmen succeeded and whisked away the businessman.

The police in Sokoto had confirmed the attack but told the BBC Hausa that they could not give details as they were still on the investigation.

A local said yesterday afternoon, that they were preparing the dead for burial while those who sustained

gunshots were in the hospital where doctors had removed bullets from their bodies.

The locals, however, appealed to the authorities to beef up security in the area as hardly a day passes without gunmen kidnapping a person or two, in the Ilela communities.

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L-R: Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; wife of the author, Mrs. Flora Abaribe; author and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; member of National Assembly representing Ondo North, Senator Ajayi Boroffice; former President of the Senate, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; and management expert, Prof. Pat Utomi, at the launch of autobiography of Senator Abaribe in Abuja...yesterday JULIUS ATOI

Sirika: FG Has Put Plans in Place to Secure Schools Deji Elumoye in Abuja Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika yesterday disclosed that the recently rejigged national security architecture has resulted in the federal government putting all necessary plans in place to ensure safety of school children nationwide.

Sirika stated this while speaking to State House reporters in Abuja after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari

at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He assured that there would no longer be instances of abduction of school children in the country.

According to him, the federal government is securing the schools the through partnership with the sub-nationals, and people that are localised in those environments, including intelligence gathering, and information gathering.

He said, ‘’To answer the

question that those who do not mean well for the country - they can try to do it to embarrass government, but government is saying it will be the last, by the grace of God. It’s a possibility, but what Mr. President is doing, and his government, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Yes, there may be a possibility that some people will try to do it to embarrass government, but government has the resources to continue to give the best in terms

of security in this country. We think, and we hope, but especially grace of God, that this will be the last that we’ll see in this country.’’ ‘’Everything that is humanly possible by any government to put in place, to ensure security of lives and property, is being put together to ensure that this doesn’t happen. Like I said, it’s an ongoing thing and government is committed to it and will continue to do so.’’

PGF DG Cautions Buhari, APC against Politicising Nigeria’s Challenges Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Dr. Salihu Lukman, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to downplay politics when seeking for solutions to Nigeria’s problems.

He said there was no denying the fact that, extreme poverty in

northern Nigeria, was responsible for the rising spate of criminality across the region.

Citing the recent World Bank report on the number of extremely poor Nigerians, Lukman stressed the need for the Buhari-led APC administration to step up its game.

Lukman, said this in a paper titled, “Poverty and Existential Problems of Nigeria,” which

he made public, in Abuja, on Monday.

He said, “Without questioning the legitimacy of World Bank underestimated figure of 94 million Nigerians living below poverty, both the APC and the government of President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledges that more than 100 million Nigerians are poor.

“The critical issue is to what

extent are we committed, both as a party and as a government, to implement initiatives aimed at reducing poverty in the country?

“Somehow, given our increasing challenges as a nation, the impact of government welfare programmes appears to be hardly satisfactory, which account for the stagnant reality of the problem of extreme poverty as reported by the World Bank.

Ondo Suspends NURTW, RTEAN Activities in Motor Parks James Sowole in Akure Ondo State Government has announced the suspension of both National Union of Road transport workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in the state.

The suspension of the transport unions was announced by the

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, while addressing journalists, adding that the suspension was with immediate effect.

The Senior Special Assistant attributed the suspension to the recent crisis within the unions over

leadership tussles.

Odebowale directed the leadership of both NURTW and RTEAN to vacate motor parks across the 18 local government areas of the state, and to stop collecting money from taxi drivers and other motorists.

The governor aide, who also directed taxi drivers to revert to the old price of fifty naira,

explained that new tickets would be purchased directly from the state government.

The governor’s Senior Special Assistant said every attempt to make life difficult for the masses in state would be restricted, adding that security agencies had been notified to effect timely arrest and prosecution of any defaulters.

Oyetola Has Changed Negative Narratives in Osun, Says CAN President The National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, has described Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State as an epitome of good governance, adding that his style of governance and administrative prowess has changed the negative narratives of the state.

He also lauded Oyetola for spreading the dividends of democracy to nooks and crannies of the State, in total compliance to the needs and aspirations of citizens.

This was as Governor Oyetola received the ‘Democrat of the Year Award’ of the New Frontier Television Merit Award 2020 in Ibadan.

Ayokunle, speaking during the presentation of the award, which was in recognition of Oyetola’s outstanding performance in governance since he assumed office as the Governor of Osun State in the year 2018, also lauded Oyetola for putting the people of the state first in his administration’s programme and policy implementation, adding

that democracy is primarily for the benefit of the people.

In his response, Oyetola appreciated the organisers of the award for the honours done him, adding that the award was indeed a vote of confidence in recognition of the developmental work his administration has done in the last two years and three months in Office.

TUESDAY MARCH 2, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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TUESDAY MARCH 2, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

12

NEWS

US Tasks Nigeria on New Approaches to Combat Terrorism Ambassador opens first ‘Window on America’ Ejiofor Alike and Bennett Oghifo The United States Government has expressed the hope that the service chiefs appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari would bring new ideas in the fight against terrorism This is coming as the United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard, yesterday opened the first-of-itskind Window on America in Nigeria.

The US Secretary of State, Mr. Antony J. Blinken expressed this thought on the country’s

insurgency war when he spoke yesterday with Nigerian Foreign Minister, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, according to a statement by the Spokesperson US Department of State, Ned Price.

“Acknowledging the threats that violent extremists pose to Nigerian and regional security, he welcomed President Buhari’s recent appointment of military service chiefs to bring new approaches to combat terrorism in the northeast and provide national security throughout the country,” the statement said.

“Secretary Blinken’s call was to highlight the importance that

the United States places on our relationship with Nigeria, the spokesperson said and that he “outlined a holistic approach to the U.S.-Nigeria partnership based on our shared values of democracy, respect for human rights, and robust people-to-people relations.”

The statement said President Joe Biden’s revocation of immigrant visa restrictions on Nigeria was affirmation of the close ties between Americans and Nigerians.

The Secretary of State also reiterated US support for Dr.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the new Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Meanwhile, the United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Leonard, yesterday opened the first-ofits-kind Window on America in Nigeria.

Hosted at the Lekki Slum2School Innovation Hub in Lagos, the Window on America will serve as a community centre where young people develop their ideas, as well as their leadership and entrepreneurship skills through programmes and

workshops designed especially for them.

A statement issued yesterday by the Information Specialist, Public Affairs Section (PAS) US Consulate General, Mr. Temitayo Famutimi, quoted Leonard as explaining that the Lekki Window on America is as a result of a partnership between the US Consulate General in Lagos and Slum2School Africa, founded by Otto Orondaam, a 2016 alumnus of the prestigious US government’s Mandela Washington Fellowship.

The Ambassador noted that the new Window on America is open to everyone in the community offering its services, programmes and resources to the public at no cost.

“We are happy to open the very first Window on America space in Nigeria here in Lekki,” Leonard said at the opening ceremony attended by alumni of US government exchange programmes, educational administrators, Slum2School volunteers and community representatives.

Lagos Police Arrest Three Kidnappers in Mushin Lagos State Police have arrested three kidnappers and seven others in the Mushin area of the state.

In a statement issued yesterday, the police also said it impounded 29 motorcycles in the state during the weekend.

The statement added, “The three kingpins and the seven suspects whose identity are still being kept under wraps as a result of continuing investigation were picked up in separate locations in Mushin on Saturday evening.

“The arrest is a follow-up to an earlier discrete investigation by the squad’s Decoy Team to Eko Boys.”

Meanwhile, the police said the impoundment of 29 motorcycles on Friday evening was to reduce the reported incidences of traffic

robbery and in enforcement of the restriction order of the State Government on the corridor for motor cyclists.

The motorcycles were impounded on BRT lane in Ikeja Along and Ile Zik as well as Allen Junction, which are restricted routes for motorcycles CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi stated that those who flout the laws of the state would be made to face the full wrath of it.

He disclosed that the enforcement of the restriction of motor cyclists would continue while stating that robbery in notorious spots on the corridor would reduce as soon the mode of escape for robbers in the area is taken away.

More Northern States Shut Schools over Abductions More states in northern Nigeria have shut schools due to the rise in abductions and banditry in the last two months.

Some of the states include: Yobe, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and Sokoto.

However, while some of the states had shut only boarding schools, others shut all schools located in local government areas that are less accessible by security agents.

Being the most affected by abductions, all the boarding schools in Zamfara have been shut till further notice.

Governor Bello Matawalle, had ordered the closure of all schools on Friday.

Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje had also ordered that 10 schools located on the outskirts of the state be shut.

Ganduje later extended the order to five health training institutions in the state.

In Yobe State on Sunday, the state government ordered boarding school students to go home amidst fear of a Boko Haram attack, exempting only SS3 students.

Katsina State had also shut all boarding schools on December 13, 2020.

In Niger where the Kangara schoolboys were abducted, the governor, Abubakar Bello, shut boarding schools in four local government areas last week.

Sokoto State, which also shares borders with Zamfara State, shut 16 boarding schools along its borders.

Some of the affected schools are Government Girls Model Secondary School, Illela; Sultan Muhammadu Tambari Arabic Secondary School, Illela; Gamji Girls College, Rabah; Government Secondary School, Gada; Government Secondary School, Gandi; and Government Secondary School, Goronyo.

Adichie Loses Mum Mrs. Grace Ifeoma Adichie (nee Odigwe), the mother of renowned writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is dead.

She died yesterday, March 1, 2021 in Awka, Anambra State.

She was 78 years old.

“It was very sudden and we are devastated,” a family

spokesperson said.

She is survived by her six children: Ijeoma, Uchenna, Chuks, Okechukwu, Chimamanda and Kenechukwu; as well as nine grandchildren, in-laws and many relatives.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

WORK IN PROGRESS...

L-R: French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jerome Pasquie (left), and Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, while on a tour of state projects in Calabar... recently.

Despite DSS Intervention, Northern Foodstuff, Cattle Sellers Insist on Supply Blockade Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Department of the State Services (DSS) has quizzed the leadership of the Amalgamated Union of Food and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AFUCDN) over their attempt to block supply of foodstuffs and cattle to the southern part of Nigeria.

However, despite the DSS intervention, the northern traders have insisted that the food blockade will be sustained till federal government attends to

their demands.

Addressing journalists at the Labour House yesterday, the Secretary General of AFUCDN, Mr. Ahmed Alaramma said that the DSS invited them over the strike declared by the union.

He said that as at noon yesterday, their president, Mr. Mohammed Tahir was still being held by the security agency.

Alaramma also alleged that their members who were being harassed by the military while trying to enforce the blockage.

“Our members are being persecuted and harassed by the military for going on strike,” he said.

The union had embarked on the strike action last week, midnight, February 24 in protest over alleged killing and maltreatment of their members in the southern part of the country.

Alaramma told journalists that the union has vowed to continue its nationwide strike and to sustain the enforcement on the blockade of foodstuff and

cattle from entering the Southern part of the country despite the move by the military to clamp down on them.

According to him, the food blockade will be sustained till federal government attends to their demands.

Some of the demands of the cattle sellers and foodstuff dealers include, payment of compensation for lives of members and property lost during the #EndSARS protest and Shasa market crisis.

Yoruba Leadership Group Tasks Buhari on Insecurity The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to break his culture of silence on issues of national security, noting that when Nigerians are looking for redemption from insecurity, the president has developed a culture of unending silence.

In a statement issued yesterday by the President of the group, Mr. Akin Malaolu, the group alleged

the lack of interest of the president to the open letter authored by former President Obasanjo in 2019 in the aftermath of late Mrs. Funke Olakurin gruesome murder by some Fulani bandits.

The statement noted that in the said letter, Obasanjo gave a vivid account of conditions of things and also offered the way forward to Buhari “Our assessment of our precarious

conditions is worrisome and dangerous as well. The conditions chief Obasanjo observed are still well and alive today,” the group said, pointing out that “this is not the time for recrimination or blame game but a time for leaders who still love Nigeria and its diversity to come together and heal our nation”.

The group disclosed that the debates today are centered on

the recklessness of some Fulani renegades, adding that the development is unfortunately interpreted to cover all Fulanis.

“This narrative must change against such a minority tribe with less than twenty million in a population of two hundred and thirty million people. We must avoid looming genocide that may have dire consequences on humanity,” it said.

Ex-Finance Minister, Usman Demands N5bn Compensation for Niece’s Murder A former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman yesterday asked for N5 billion from the police over the killing of her niece in October 2018.

Usman, who is a joint petitioner in the case of alleged extra-judicial killing,

told the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)’s Independent Investigative Panel that her niece was murdered extra-judicially by a police officer in the Katampe area of Abuja.

Lawyer to the police, Mr. James Idachaba, however, argued that

the police have played its part by dismissing the said officer and ensuring his eventual conviction by an Abuja High Court which sentenced him to 16 years imprisonment.

Another petitioner also told the panel how he paid N2 million to

secure his freedom after the police allegedly withdrew N1.4 million while he was in detention.

After listening to the petitions, the panel adjourned the hearing of the petition by the ex-minister indefinitely

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COMMENT

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

RELIGION AND THE MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19

At what point should believers in the Christian faith obey their pastors instead of their government? asks Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku

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ontroversies surround reasons why religion thrives in Nigeria. It is said to be an opium. For some, regular religious attendance is a prerequisite for a good life in heaven after the misery here, and continued merriment for them that are merry now. To attain that sort of Nirvana, most Nigerians believe they will get to heaven if they attend regular religious services. For others, they kill and steal in the name of God. Most believe that if they give their offerings regularly and pay their tithes, things will not be tight for them. As a matter of fact, some religious institutions demand contributions, and keep regular records of it. In some cases, there is a ‘sacrificial giving’, a situation where a congregant is expected to give all of his or her first salary in the New Year, for a so-called ease of life in the year. Apart from the assurances and guarantees that you are verily to ‘make heaven’ from paying a regular religious contribution, the faithful contribution is said to confer special recognition in certain realms.

But sometimes though, recurrent practices like this in many religious institutions hamper governance. For instance, while there are some religions that follow the injunction set out in Hebrews 10:25, not to neglect the assembly of the saints, some others run as family enterprises.

Most do not remit taxes to government from the huge profits made from monies used to set up schools, hospitals, real estate and other moneymaking investments. Analysts believe that even though funds for these investments are gotten from ‘freewill’ offerings from church members, how they are plowed back into ‘regular’ business is no different from how seedy politicians who have put their hands in the public purse invest theirs through property investments and real estate – and private jets. Accruing monies from regular and irregular religious attendances are largely unaccounted for. A lot of it is spent at the discretion of the founder of the religious institution. There are allegations that these founders spend these monies living large: from their expensive and expansive homes, they ride around in the best cars. Like the archetypical Nigerian politician, if the founder of a religious institution ever falls ill with a malaria or cough or a cold, they hop aboard a jet for medical treatment in Switzerland, the UK, the US, Germany, France and Canada. If you were to point these out to an average adherent, he would probably shrug you off with a sharp rebuke and ask you to mind your business. ‘We are giving the monies to God, and the GO sends it to HIM. If the GO wants to spend God’s money, let him…he’s the one to answer to HIM not me. These are MOG – men of God’, they would say.

In recent times, Nigerians who hold these kinds of beliefs have been led on by founders of religious institutions to believe that the Covid-19 pandemic is the foretold anti-Christ. They claim the Covid-19 was sent by the Devil himself to wrest the adherents from God, and to establish a New World order based on the mark of the beast 666 in the book of Revelations.

On the other hand, and in seeking to secure lives and the health of its citizens, government officials first set up a daily Covid-19 update centre. What it basically tries to do is urge Nigerians to undertake none pharmaceutical measures - avoiding large gatherings, using face masks, maintaining social distancing and to observe basic hygiene by washing of hands. From about March to August 2020 government officials in Nigeria ordered a lockdown on churches, schools and markets, and all sports activities.

AT WHAT POINT SHOULD RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS TRANSMUTE TO CIVIL SOCIETY CRUSADERS CHALLENGING GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY, SUPPOSEDLY ON BEHALF OF THEIR FOLLOWERS?

The uproar that this set off was unprecedented. Before many set out to fast and pray against the government regulations against Covid -19, they asked pertinent questions: why ask schools and markets and sports centres to open for business and exclude the churches? Why is the government singling out the churches? Why have the political rallies held but the religious institutions were being forbidden from opening as well?

Those praying and fasting against government regulations on the Covid-19 pandemic appeared worst hit. If the religious institutions are empty, recurrent capital runs dry. One of the most strident of the voices against the government regulations against the Covid 19 for Nigerians has been Chris Oyakhilome, founder of Christ Embassy. Believed to be among the richest pastors in Nigeria, Pastor Oyakhilome is a divorcee with huge investments in hotels, media and religious institutions.

He has all but asked members of his church to ignore government regulations on social distancing. According to Pastor Chris, the Covid-19 is all a part of a grand plot organised by interested parties to install an antichrist. Several of his messages to his followers indicate that he has access to documents which are evidence to his claims. He refers to those he claims are responsible for infecting the world with the Corona Virus in the third person plural ‘they’, - suggesting government complicity.

David Oyedepo, founder and General Overseer of the Winners Chapel is another arrowhead of this religious challenge against government. Also considered one of the richest GO in Nigeria, Pastor Oyedepo has substantial investments in education and social services. Every year, he gathers his followers from the West African sub-region and the rest of Africa to ‘Canaanland’ for the Shiloh programme. Like the trip to Canterbury in the days of Geoffrey Chaucer, the Shiloh programme is a religious pilgrimage, and it attracts millions of Christians from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Liberia and South Africa. In a series of media messages, Oyedepo has condemned the government Covid-19 order for churches to remain shut. He claims that instead of social distancing and self-isolation prescribed by government, churches have the ability to neutralize the Covid-19. After the 2020 edition of the Shiloh programme in Canaanland, rumors were rife that several attendees, especially the pastors were infected by the Corona Virus. Another one of the Pastors, Enoch Adeboye, has said that Covid-19 cannot prevent him from laying hands on the sick to heal them. He has however asked his adherents to be ‘sensible’ with the government regulations against the Covid-19.

Two well-known admonitions in the Holy Book urge believers to obey those in authority. The first is in the book of Hebrews 13:17. The other is in Mark 12:17, where Jesus asked his followers to give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God God’s. Questions therefore arise from this challenge to constituted authority in Nigeria over the Covid 19. At what point should believers in the Christian faith listen to or obey their pastors instead of their government? At what point should religious institutions transmute to civil society crusaders challenging government authority, supposedly on behalf of their followers? In a letter he wrote to his brother pastors while in a jail in Birmingham in April 16, 1963 the Rev Martin Luther King said ‘one has not only a legal but moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws…an unjust law is no law at all’. But if a law is just, should an adherent disobey it?

Etemiku, is editor in chief of Bob MajiriOghene Communications, publishers of WADONOR, a Niger Delta cultural digest

AFENIFERE’S PROJECT OF INCITEMENT

The Yoruba socio-cultural organization is out to demonise the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group, argues M T Usman

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he above phrase was borrowed.

Economist magazine used it, in an article ‘Intolerant India’, to describe the country’s then just-passed Citizenship Amendment Act (ACA) and the proposed National Citizenship Register as the latest in the decades-long “project of incitement” against the country’s 200 million Muslim citizens by the Bharataya Janata Party (BJP) government of prime minister Narendra Modi. Going back all the way to the destruction of the 500-year old Babri Mosque in Ayodhya by Hindu nationalists in 1992 and the anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat in 2000 when Modi was Chief Minister.

An exact same situation exists today in Nigeria.

It is a project of incitement being pursued by Afenifere, the socio-cultural arm of the Yoruba political establishment. The purpose being to so demonise the Hausa-Fulani ethno-religious group as to make other ethnic groups in the country to view them in the most negative of light, thereby engendering hostility towards them. Deploying propaganda methods that are Goebbelsian in character and inflammatory in content, Afenifere and public intellectuals, in cahoots with Southernbased media have been pushing ideas, views and sentiments that derive from misrepresentation, falsehood and fabrication and outright bigotry towards the aforementioned objective. In countries with laws against it, much of the pronouncements and the publications would qualify as hate speech or crimen injuria.

These activities have crested during the current dispensation, the Fourth Republic and the results are clear to all. A gang-up against two so-called North-

west and North-east geopolitical zones, arising from the above, has left the country careening towards the edge of the cliffs.

Afenifere’s acute animus towards, first the North, which was gradually refined and targeted at the Hausa-Fulani, can be traced to the first engagement between representatives of the three regions at the Ibadan Constitutional Conference of 1950.

At that meeting representatives of the Northern region rebuffed the bullying efforts of Western region delegates to bend them to their views on issues. From that encounter Egbe Omo Oduduwa and the political party it gave birth to, the Action Group (A.G.) identified the Northern region and its party, the N.P.C. as the strategic adversary in the politics of the country. Relationship with the North and NPC thus became an important issue to AG; disagreement on approach caused a historic rupture, the consequences of which spilled onto the national scene to become one of reasons for the January 1966 coup d’etat.

The crises and conflicts, including the Civil War - when Chief Awolowo was the country’s virtual deputy leader - and the long period of military rule (1966-1979 and 1984-1999) put a lid somewhat on the bitter rivalry. President Shehu Shagari (1979-1983) was however vigorously and viciously opposed, with notables like Tai Solarin and the Lagos media dubbing his “the Stolen Presidency”.

The annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election in which Chief M. K. O Abiola was the clear winner burst the dam of resentment against the Hausa-Fulani. Yoruba political establishment, which hitherto loathed Abiola, deemed it the personal act of the generality of the Hausa-Fulani

against “their son”, not that of a military regime unwilling to leave office. It proved to be the flame that lit the current destructive phase of this project of incitement.

In 1994, at the beginning of the Abacha dictatorship and soon after the Rwandan genocide, the prominent Yoruba politician Chief Bola Ige, in an article in the Tribune newspaper, opined that the Fulani were “Nigeria’s Tutsi”, the ethnic group that was the victim of that genocide. Not for the similarity of physique or of profession. But for the “outsize” influence each was alleged to wield in politics and governance in their respective countries.

Chief Ige plainly thought the Fulani deserving of the treatment meted out to the Tutsi.

Lagos-based media took up the task of deconstructing the North: like the peeling of an onion, it was revealed that there is “the core North and the Middle Belt, the Hausa-Fulani North, the Caliphate North, the Muslim North and the Christian North.” Each description was designed to appeal to a different base instinct and further drive apart the numerous ethnic groups of the region. The Guardian newspaper took the lead in this enterprise, giving acres of newsprint to public intellectuals to disseminate falsehood and revisionist history. The paper itself has been publishing editorial upon editorial impugning the rights of the Fulani in this country. Accusing them of working to Islamise Nigeria, the Guardian even questioned their citizenship; it estimated the date of Fulani migration to Nigeria at around 1472AD. As if any ethnic group has ever claimed origination from the ground.

Lately, the Guardian has been running a series of editorials under the theme “Federalism is the

answer, after all” in support of the campaign for “restructuring”, the sole issue of today’s political discourse. With rhetoric a touch less toxic than in previous assays, the paper makes its case with arguments that range from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Restructuring is Afenifere’s nuclear weapon against the Hausa-Fulani. Quiescent except for the National Conference of 2014, it has since then been on the campaign trail selling its vision of a restructured Nigeria. Working to build a coalition of detractors and running from pillar to post - workshop, seminar, conference and the almighty (Yoruba) Summit - Afenifere used these structured events to vilify the Hausa-Fulani as Nigeria’s bete noir, oppressors and opponents of progress. Never invited to what should be parleys, the Hausa-Fulani have had their heads serially shaved in their absence.

But what the heck: habituation to hyperbole, bombast and self-acclaim has engendered belief among Yoruba political leadership that their position on any national issue to be the eternal and evident truth, admitting of no tweaking to accommodate the concerns of other Nigerians.

Surprisingly, neither Afenifere nor the umbrella Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has worked to sponsor a bill via supporting members of the National Assembly to take up any of the issues that restructuring should address.

Rather, it prefers to rely on public pressure and blackmail to get its way. Never mind the fact that attempts to address them outside the ambit of the National Assembly (2006) and (2014) ended up only serving the purposes of the convening authority.

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EDITORIAL THE BAN ON CRYPTOCURRENCY It may be good for the CBN to take another look at the ban

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ice President Yemi Osinbajo last Friday joined his voice to that of other stakeholders that have been campaigning against the prohibition of cryptocurrency operations in the country, arguing that “we must act with knowledge and not fear.” in a keynote address at a one-day economic summit in which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was one of the organisers, Osinbajo tasked both the apex bank and the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) to provide a robust regulatory regime that addresses genuine concerns about the use of cryptocurrency.

It is recalled that the CBN had in February directed all deposit money banks (DMBs) and other financial institutions to desist from transacting in and with entities dealing in cryptocurrencies. According to the CBN, its latest restriction is only a reminder of a 2017 circular. The CBN further argued that the prohibition of cryptos was not peculiar to Nigeria, as certain levels of restrictions on financial institutions facilitating crypto transactions were applied in several other countries globally. The apex bank added similar pronouncements had been made in other climes based on the realisation of the significant risks that transacting THE FLEXIBILITY IN in cryptocurrencies TRANSACTIONS PROVIDED portend, including loss

BY CRYPTOCURRENCIES, of investments, money THEIR ECONOMIC VALUES, laundering, terrorism INCLUDING JOB CREATION financing, illicit fund flows, and criminal POTENTIAL, AMONG activities.

OTHERS, HAVE BECOME While it is difficult STRONG ARGUMENTS to fault the CBN for IN SUPPORT OF THEIR the restrictions on EXISTENCE cryptocurrencies, not a few stakeholders have also argued that the apex bank’s action is tantamount to throwing away the baby with the bathwater because of the huge gains inherent in the digital currency trade. The flexibility in transactions provided by cryptocurrencies, their economic values, including job creation potential, among others, have become strong

arguments in support of their existence.

Available data indicate that in the last five years, Nigeria has traded 60,215 bitcoins, valued at over $566 million.

Apart from the United States of America, this is the largest volume worldwide on Paxful, a leading peer-to-peer bitcoin marketplace. The data scraped from Coin Dance shows that from the beginning of May, 2015 to the middle of November, 2020 bitcoin trade in Nigeria increased yearly, at least 19 per cent in volume since 2017. The highest volume (20,504.50) was traded in 2020. With the stark statistics, coupled with the hundreds of jobs created for players in the crypto trade, it would seem that a middle course is desirable rather than an outright ban.

T T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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 BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA

o be clear, the CBN did not outlaw trade in crypto transactions; it only directed banks and other financial institutions to close the accounts used for cryptocurrency operations and desist from transacting in and with entities dealing in cryptocurrencies. But the CBN policy has elicited various reactions even from cryptocurrency traders, who feel that windows other than using the financial institutions were open. Many countries have adopted the CBN option only to discover that it was not a cure-all move. The US Federal Reserve (the equivalent of the CBN) is currently investigating the potential of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) as the backbone for a new, secure real-time payments and settlements system.

The move toward a form of government-backed digital currency in that country is being driven by Fintech firms and a banking industry already piloting or planning to pilot cash-backed digital tokens. We think this is the direction the CBN should be heading. While it is commendable that the apex bank is executing its regulatory mandate of protecting both national interest and that of bank depositors, the SEC intervention should be embraced. According to SEC, it has “engaged with the CBN and agreed to work together to further analyse, and better understand the identified risks to ensure that appropriate and adequate mitigants are put in place, should such securities be allowed in the future.”

That, we believe, is the right way to go.

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Of Students Theft, Banditry And The Government

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rom Chibok in Borno to Dapchi in Yobe, to Kankara in Katsina, Kagara in Niger and now Jangebe in Zamfara, thousands of school pupils have been stolen. This act is carried out by known non-state actors who mostly negotiated and subsequently fetched out millions from governments.

In Nigeria, more often than before, people are suffering in the hands of bandits who ravage our local communities, kill and destroy property. These kidnappers demand for ransom from the mostly pauperised citizens. In the process, many lives have been lost just because their families could not afford to pay ransom.

The most terrible and shocking moment is how these bandits invade schools and kidnap students. Not long ago, we experienced the Kankara school abduction, then we failed to learn a lesson, gbam! Kagara and now Jangebe where over 300 schoolgirls were abducted.

I heard Mr. Peter Hawkins, the Nigeria Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) saying that the abduction of school kids is too often and avoidable. He charged the government of Nigeria to do everything possible to make school a safe place for children –whose right to education is sacrosanct. And as a student, I share this position.

Going by available stats, since April 15, about 1,263 students have been taken away from their schools by gunmen in Nigeria. The country has been suffering in the hands of corruption, bribery, poor economic status and most importantly the issue of insecurity. It would be recalled that the Kankara abduction happened under the nose of Mr. President in his hometown in Katsina, one who was elected on heels of fighting insecurity.

Efforts have been made by security agencies and governments to tackle the issue of insecurity in Nigeria, especially when our schools are now soft targets and our younger ones are living in palpable fear of being kidnapped. Education is never effective at war front.

The killings, maiming, raping of minors and adult and our farmlands gradually

turning to no-go-area, all what the government is planning is either amnesty or negotiations. It is a shame.

Apparently, the action and inaction of the government encourage terrorism. For Sheik Gumi, his errands to dialogue and possibly negotiate with bandits needs to be handled carefully. One, Sheik is a non-state actor; two, he is not anyway a security expert. Three, the religious leader needs to coordinate his utterances. He was on national TV calling media men criminals. His statement about Christians and Muslims soldiers shouldn’t have been said.

Gumi said that we should not address bandits as criminals, “even the press are criminals too because they are putting oil into (the) fire. These people are listening to you. You don’t address them as criminals if you want them to succumb. Youths are ready to put down their weapons. Now, they hear you calling them criminals, how do you want them to cooperate?” he asked. Gumi then added that, “So, you have to show them that they are Nigerians, that they should not hurt children and that they should be law-abiding.

Let’s us ask Sheik, what do you call a man who kills, rapes, and kidnaps? His position is affirmation of a failed state. Despite the claims that many repentant gunmen have surrendered, their den is not far from Zamfara. Mr. Governor Sir, you must be commended for showing care and trying to safeguard your people, but negotiation is giving them more strength to do more.

The president has said that no amnesty will be given to these heartless human beings. We hope other governments will emulate. Governor El-Rufai has already given out the solution to this issue. The Kaduna man believes, using our troops could end this menace. Paying bandits and gunmen to stop killing people is not amnesty. It is empowering murderers who always take the cash and go back to the bush; kidnap and slaughter more people. Paying them is making them realize they’re the real authority, not the men in charge of the treasury.

Usman Koli, mernoukoli@gmail.com

Counting The Value Of Social Media?

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he Conservative Political Action Conference provides an insight into some interesting political logic from those that seem to believe the election was stolen. The numbers speak, but not in this case. A stall runner at the conference sees the number in a different way as 80 million people voted for Biden but only 20 million follow him on Twitter. It would be a worrying time if Twitter decided election results.

The idea that social media is an accurate indicator of voting trends, if not a manipulator of votes is quite terrifying but fortunately unrealistic.

With a total of zero Twitter followers I was still able to get 555 votes at the local council election. I also run a letter writing blog (https://tinyurl.com/LTTEWriter) with only seven followers so from this great base I am thinking of running for the leadership of any country that wants me. I’m not in it for the money, just the power.

Again, the value of social media is not what some people think. Anybody with a brain will seek information from a number of sources and make a sensible choice, I hope.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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POLITICS

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

Coping With Enemies Within the PDP Chuks Okocha writes on the clandestine moves from within the Peoples Democratic Party and elements in the ruling All Progressives Congress to scuttle the work of the Senaror Abubakar Bukola Saraki-led PDP Reconciliation and Strategy Committee

Secondus

Saraki

Fayose

Makinde

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the ruling party, with all its internal contradictions, a good run for its money in the 2023 elections.

In the PDP, there are individuals who are envious of the success of the committee and believe it may end up shoring up the profile and future ambition of the members. These elements will rather the committee does not succeed so that the members do not claim the glory of being the ones that revived the PDP at a critical stage and a crucial time in its history.

The intra-party rivalry and manipulations may also constitute an albatross and stumbling block to the committee.

The APC elements who are afraid of the success of the Saraki committee have been sponsoring media campaigns against the PDP and and its new peace efforts. APC leaders are also believed to be the ones fueling some of the disagreements among leaders of PDP, particularly in the South-west. It is believed the opposition against the activities of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, was the handiwork of some APC leaders sponsoring the division.

Makinde is the only PDP governor in the South-west. The question is who are they using for this obvious

destabilisation role? Is it a surprise that Fayose who is known as an ally of the APC National Leader, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the one at loggerheads with Makinde?

Many have also said that if it had been when Ibrahim Magu was the EFCC chairman, the anti-graft agency would probably have been deployed to harass PDP committee members. However, with the new dynamic and seemingly focused leadership under Mohammed Bawa, it is unlikely this arm-twisting strategy can be relied upon.

As for the PDP leaders who may want to derail the committee, their strategy is two pronged: Sponsor negative stories in online and offline media against the members and their activities and encourage some of the aggrieved parties to be recalcitrant and obstinate.

A source said, “what these PDP internal saboteurs do not know is that the assignment the reconciliation and strategy committee has is greater than the interest of the members. It is an assignment that hits at the core of our democracy. To have a good democracy, we must have a vibrant opposition. The only opposition party in this country

today is the PDP. Thus, it is important to the country for the PDP to be well organised, focused, coordinated, united and ready to be a good alternative to the APC.” Another commentator said: “ The alternative to a strong PDP is to have a one-party state which is akin to dictatorship. And if you look at our situation critically, may be one can even say ‘why not’ to a one party state if the ruling party is providing good leadership, good governance and leading the country to fulfill its destiny as a giant among the nations of the world.

“However, what you have is a dominant or ruling party which is gradually leading the nation to ruin and reversing the gains of the PDP years. Nigeria is more divided than she has ever been. The economy is in ruins. The security is nil and she is almost a failed state. Such a government can never be a desirable one party.

It should even not be the dominant party.”

It is believed that a strong PDP that can provide good challenge to the APC becomes more necessary and inevitable because there is no likelihood that a third party can emerge or do well at this point in time. Despite the media noise of a third force, it is not seen how the sponsors of a mega party can meet up and play an active part in the politics of 2023.

The resources, time and the courage or organization needed to repeat the 2014 experience when APC was created are generally lacking in Nigeria of today.

Also, the governors who could drive such a foundation of a new party as it happened in 2014 lack the courage and ability to lead such initiative and challenge.

Thus, a new party that will ignite the fire of a third force is not a possibility before the next general election. The country is therefore stuck with the APC and the PDP as the two options.

In that case, it is in the interest of Nigeria to ensure that the PDP is rebuilt, refocused, rebranded and reorganised to give Nigerians a good alternative in 2023.

That national goal or interest is the reason why the PDP reconciliation and strategy must succeed and deserve the support of all Nigerians.

A political analysts put it this way: “All pastors, imams and clerics as well as free thinkers should in fact pray for the efforts to rebuild PDP to succeed so that democracy can be revived in our country and have a great chance of survival. We must all support the PDP reconciliation committee to succeed.”

he mileage so far leveraged by the Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation and Strategy Committee is a pointer that the initiative of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to set up a six-man team to embark on reconciliation of members and formulation of strategy for the way forward is the saving grace of the leading opposition party.

The committee headed by former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and consisting of other prominent members like another former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former governors Ibrahim Dankwambo, Liyel Imoke and Ibrahim Shema of Gombe, Cross River and Katsina States respectively as well as former House of Representatives leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande Adeola, has been a positive turning point for the PDP. It is the new source of good news and hope in the major opposition party.

The work of the committee has put a halt to the hemorrhaging that PDP suffered in recent times as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has perfected the use of poaching of PDP members as a perfect cover to paper over the cracks in its own fold.

The Saraki-led reconciliation and strategy committee has re-energized the opposition party and made it possible for PDP to get its groove back.

With the committee moving round from Jos to Minna, Abuja to Abeokuta and Lagos to Owerri and holding meetings with principal stakeholders across board, there is the fear that it is susceptible to manipulations and machinations of internal and external saboteurs.

The actions and activities of the Saraki committee has brought hope.

The committee is moving round to douse tension wherever there is apparent disagreement or the mere mention of it.

Last week, the committee waded into the budding crisis in the South-west, where there has been open confrontation between former Ekiti State Govenorr, Ayodele Fayose and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State It successfully met the former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose. And the tension was doused.

However, in all affairs of life, there are some elements in both the APC and PDP that are afraid of the success of the reconciliation and are therefore plotting to derail the efforts.

The APC elements know that the success of the reconciliation will put PDP in a powerful position to give

In the PDP, there are individuals who are envious of the success of the committee and believe it may end up shoring up the profile and future ambition of the members. These elements will rather the committee does not succeed so that the members do not claim the glory of being the ones that revived the PDP at a critical stage and a crucial time in its history. The intra-party rivalry and manipulations may also constitute an albatross and stumbling block to the committee. The APC elements who are afraid of the success of the Saraki committee have been sponsoring media campaigns against the PDP and and its new peace efforts. APC leaders are also believed to be the ones fueling some of the disagreements among leaders of PDP, particularly in the South-west. It is believed the opposition against the activities of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, was the handiwork of some APC leaders sponsoring the division. Makinde is the only PDP governor in the Southwest. The question is who are they using for this obvious destabilisation role? Is it a surprise that Fayose who is known as an ally of the APC National Leader, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the one at loggerheads with Makinde?

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POLITICS

Uproar Greets Appointment of Appeal Court Judges Davidson Iriekpen writes that there have been enduring calls for withdrawal of the list of judges sent from the National Judicial Council to President Muhammadu Buhari for breaching the Federal Character principle

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ever in the history of Nigeria has the appointment of judges and justices for the country’s federal courts attracted so much condemnations and rejection as it has done since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed power and since Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad became the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

While the country is still trying to cope with hullabaloo that followed the release of the list of 33 judges for appointment into the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court last December, another hue and cry is trailing the list of justices for the Court of Appeal sent to President Buhari for his approval by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) and National Judicial Council.

Those against have contended that it offends the Federal Character Principle enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution. They stated that some states did not either get any nomination or that some geopolitical zones were not adequately represented.

Information available to THISDAY revealed that the original list, which was compiled by the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, reflected Federal Character Principle but that it was later overturned.

The judges shortlisted for the appointment include: Justice Kadi Mohammed Danjuma (Niger State Sharia Court of Appeal); Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Sirajo (Plateau State High Court); Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri (Federal High Court, from Adamawa State); Justice Yisuf Alhaji Bashir.

Others are: Justice Usman A. Musale (FCT High Court, from Yobe State); Justice Ibrahim Wakili Jauro (Yobe State High Court); Justice Abba Bello Mohammed (FCT High Court, from Kano State); Kadi Mohammed Lawal Omar (Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal); Justice Bature Isah Gafai (Katsina State); Justice Danlami Zama Senchi (FCT High Court, from Kebbi State).

Equally on the list are: Justice Kadi Bello Ladan Raha (Kebbi State Sharia Court of Appeal); Justice Mohammed Lawal Abubakar (Sokoto State High Court); Justice Muslim Sule Hassan (Federal High Court, from Zamfara State); Junneth Ikechukwu Amadi (National Industrial Court, from Imo State); Justice Peter Oyinkenimiemi Affen (FCT High Court, from Bayelsa State); Justice Sybil Nwaka-Gbagi (Lagos High Court, from Delta State); Justice Olasumbo Goodluck (FCT High Court, from Lagos State); Justice Adebukunola Banjoko (FCT High Court, from Ogun State); Justice Olabode Adegbehingbe (Ondo State High Court); and Justice Bola Samuel Ademola (Ondo

PCA, Justice Dongban-Mensem

CJN, Justice Muhammad

State High Court).

Since the list of judges became public, it has generated a lot of controversy with a cross section of groups calling on President Buhari, the FJSC and NJC led by the CJN, Justice Muhammad to seek for its rejection and cancellation.

First to raise its voice against the nominations is Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) which asked the NJC to withdraw the list. The SMBLF in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Yinka Odumakin (South-west), Chief Guy Ikoku (South-east), Senator Bassey Henshaw (South-south), and Dr. Isuwa Dogo (Middle Belt), expressed shock over nominated candidates, saying that all the candidates picked from the North excluded Christians.

The statement further advised the council return and retain the merit list submitted to it by Justice Dongban-Mensem. It noted that of the 20 candidates on the preferred list, all the candidates picked from the North excluded Christians, alleging that three Khadis were on board for a court that needs experts in various areas of law, including customary law. According to the leaders, the list of the PCA was said to have reflected all such needs but was whimsically overturned at the FJSC under the guise of Federal Character.

“It is part of the constitutional responsibilities of the PCA to scrutinise candidates and present a list of competent and qualified candidates to FJSC for consideration and onward transmission to the NJC for appointment. But for the nepotism that is celebrated in Nigeria today, what is the basis of not having a Christian on such list from

entire northern Nigeria? We cannot accept that a multi-ethnic and religious country is being treated this way. We want them to call for the original list prepared by the President of the Court of Appeal to avoid lawsuit on the matter,” it said.

Also, a civil society group last month sent a petition to the CJN, Justice Muhammad, seeking the cancellation of the appointment.

The group, Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), in a protest letter dated January 25, 2021, and addressed to Justice Muhammad, claimed that the process of the appointment lacked transparency and due process. In the petition signed by its Compliance Officer, Esther Iorhuna, stated that at all times material to its existence, the FJSC must be seen to be playing the role of appointment, promotion and discipline of judicial staff in an effective and trustworthy manner to ensure fair and proper administration of justice to the Nigerian populace.

They, therefore, called on the Chairman of FJSC, NJC, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Director-General of Department of State Services (DSS) as well as other relevant stakeholders in the justice sector to rise to the occasion by cancelling the entire process leading to the recent emergence of some certain persons as Justices of the Court of Appeal.

The petition read in part: “Our Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) is aggrieved to note that the Federal Judicial Service Commission (simply called the FJSC or Commission) under your leadership has decided to recklessly desecrate the judiciary, which should be the last hope of the common man. Suffice it to state that Nigerians,

particularly those who followed events at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court last year, are yet to recover from the shocks as a result of shabby appointment of judges.

We recall that it took the timely intervention of the president before the anomaly created by the said appointment could be remedied.

“Today, we are again faced with a worse situation where the FJSC has decided to conduct another appointment exercise for Justices of the Court of Appeal, which many observers describe as fraudulent, obscure, biased and apparent violation of due process.”

According to the letter, “The enormity of the irregularities have attracted attention and controversy by the public going by report in many national dailies and many reliable online media. As a law-centric organisation, we strongly believe that the judiciary should lead the efforts of redeeming Nigeria from the manacles of corruption, poverty, insecurity and hopelessness that have become insignia by which our country was identified in the international community before fate catapulted President Buhari into the cockpit of power on May 29, 2015.

“Unfortunately, what we see in the past few months in our judiciary can best be described as a complete deviation from the issues that unite Nigerians to those that are meant to split the country into pieces for selfish political interests.

We are convinced that the recent appointment of Justices of the Court of Appeal, if not reversed as a matter of urgency, will continue to offend the Federal Character Principle enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Let it be on record that we shall resist any attempt by narcissist elements within and outside the judiciary to assail and defile our sacrosanct constitution.”

Equally not pleased with list of judges are lawyers from the Ogun State Bar Forum who in their petition to Justice Muhammad advised that the nominations be dropped. In a letter signed by four Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Chairmen of the forum, J. T. Ogunniyi, Ayodele, A. Omoniyi , Olabisi Abdul-Azeez and Mr. Felix Adetoro of NBA Ota Branch, NBA Ilaro Branch, NBA Ijebu Ode Branch and NBA Sagamu Branch respectively, they all noted that while some other states have two names - one on the Preferred List and another on the Reserve List, the reverse is the case with Ogun State.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Why Ayade is Ahead of His Time Christian Ita, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State praises the creative capability of his principal on his 53rd birthday “If I have seen farther than others, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants.”

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he above quote by the great 17th century scientist, Isaac Newton, aptly captures the charismatic leadership style of Governor Benedict Ayade. This explains why his dreams, aspirations and visions always appear ideal to his peers, until he starts his magic wand of translating dreams to reality.

Without a flint of a doubt, the Cross River State governor is a man ahead of his time.

Where others are thinking today, he is thinking transgenerational, a mindset that has remained the guiding philosophy of his government.

As the enigmatic and charismatic leader turns 53, it is expedient to x-ray what made the journey of the last 53 year eventful and impactful.

The underlying measure of good leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.

This has continued to define Governor Ayade’s political and leadership engagements. He has continued to demonstrate that he is not another usual leader but one with unparalleled milk of human kindness. Needless to elucidate on the landmark and transgenerational projects that dots the landscape of the People’s Paradise.

However, it will please Governor Ayade more if what he is doing to enhance the people’s physical well-being is amplified because that

Ayade

matters to him above every other consideration.

Divinity gives to people according to the purity of their motives. Little wonder that since Ayade ventured into politics when he ran for a seat in the Senate in 2011, it has been from one level of unflinching support to the other.

Not only has he always triumphed but he is always recording a landslide margin of votes.

At 53, life affords no greater pleasure than

nursing new ambition and seeing them come to pass. From the Red Chamber, Ayade continued the political journey to the Cross River State Government House. Due to unparalleled performance, his people renewed his mandate in 2019. It should be borne in mind that for leaders with a heart of gold like Governor Ayade, success at polls confers additional responsibility because the pressure to deliver is heightened. Where other leaders take the people for granted, Ayade camps around the people’s burden.

The Cross River State governor has been variously described by his subordinates and associates as a mentor of men.

A wise man, Jack Welch, once noted: “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” This explains why whenever Ayade calls hundred, a thousand will answer him.

In his 53 years of life engagements and interactions, Governor Benedict Ayade merits the Toscanian compliment: tenacious and furious in the face of battles, and courageous when confronted with tough decisions. Though meek and humane, Governor Ayade is not one who turns away from ‘just’ battles.

To ensure that the future of the youths of the State is not jeopardized, thousands have been trained in relevant skills, especially in the rice value chain, that can guarantee a better

future for the state.

Governor Ayade is a strategic leader, who is deft at the art of killing two birds with one stone. He never embarks on any project without determining its spiral positive effects on different sectors in the state.

Without mincing word, the governor has turned the “Peoples Paradise” into the fastest growing industrialized state in Nigeria. A visit to Ayade’s Industrial Parks demonstrates what is possible when people of vision, purpose and power are entrusted with the mantle of leadership.

The reward for being selfless and doing what is right is appreciation. In recognition of Ayade’s undying love for his people, and uncommon demonstration of integrity, competence, capacity and candour, Ayade has been variously recognised.

Despite the triple grace bestowed on him by divinity, Ayade has remained humble. He is well schooled to the peak and recognised internationally.

Smart, brilliant and intelligent, his charm and charisma has no equal, but Governor Ayade does not let these qualities get into his head.

In 53 years, Governor Ayade has outperformed his age as he continues to enjoy respect from his peers.

Given the level of energy and dexterity he has been exuding in the discharge of his duty, 53 year may as well be the beginning of his service to God and humanity.

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

Curbing Youth Restiveness, Oil Theft, Unemployment in Niger Delta To curb youth restiveness, oil theft and even unemployment while achieving fuel sufficiency, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources has intensified the drive to encourage modular refineries

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n some Niger Delta communities, illegal refineries are gold mines.

During a recent operation where THISDAY was embedded with naval forces in the Niger Delta, these illegal refineries have pipes running through the backyards of some houses close to the jetties from where they load these products into waiting boats.

There were underground pipes connecting crude oil reservoirs suspected to have been siphoned from wellheads along Trans-Forcados by the criminals, who run other pipes to various tanks and dugout pits, such that diesel, kerosene and the waste products go into different channels from their heat ovens through hoses and metal pipes.

Asides the economic sabotage, the consequences on the environment is hazardous. In those communities, it was miles and miles of deforestation caused by the illegal disposal of distilled crude remnants. Also synonymous with those communities were crude oil on the surface of the rivers, polluting the entire environment.

As such, the federal government, had amongst other measures, approved the establishment of modula refineries as a way to checkmate such crude oil theft and its attendant consequences.

Modular Refineries A modular refinery generally refers to a simple or complex refinery whose parts are fabricated or constructed in several component parts or units called modules. These modules can then be assembled easily to form the plant.

Furthermore, they can be transported in modules across distances and put together at the location desired.

This is an advantage over larger refineries. It can also commence production with a small capacity of 5,000BPSD or 10,000BPSD, and grow its capacity over time by adding more modules. A modular refinery may therefore be composed from skid-mounted modules of small capacities, put together to achieve a refinery of even up to 100,000BPSD. This government has been quick to support moves to establish modular refineries as a way to boost the country's refining capacity.

As part of its strategy to reposition the oil & gas industry, President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016 launched a roadmap of short and medium term priorities aimed at developing a stable and enabling the oil and gas landscape with improved transparency, efficiency, stable investment climate and a well-protected environment, tagged "7big wins".

The fourth initiative in the roadmap, "Refineries and Local Production Capacity" seeks to transit Nigeria from being an import dependent nation into a net exporter of refined petroleum products.

According to Sylva, the key objectives of the modular refinery initiative include to promote availability of petroleum products in the country, conserve foreign exchange utilisation for the importation of Petroleum Products, promote socio economic development in order to stop restiveness, criminal and illegal refinery activities thereby sustaining peaceful coexistence in the Niger Delta Region and mitigate or eliminate environmental degradation associated with illegal refinery activities, crude oil theft and pipelines vandalism.

Curbing Youth Restiveness Aside crude oil theft, youth restiveness is another challenge beguiling the region.

Buhari

Sylva

To tackle this, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who spoke at the ground-breaking ceremony of an Energy Infrastructure Park at Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa, believes the best strategies are to create jobs and opportunities for youths, adding that part of his mandate is to collaborate with players in the private sector to establish oil and gas facilities, including modular refineries.

It is noteworthy that a modular refinery of 2,000 barrels per day is also about to start as part of the aforementioned park. This modular refinery is the fourth under the federal government's plan to use modular refineries to drive the development of the region.

"I urge investors to start small and grow gradually, just like what we have seen today in Niger Delta Petroleum Resources with practically less than one per cent foreign input. Indeed enormous employment and capacity has been harnessed locally.

"DPR is a business enabler and opportunity provider in the oil and gas sector, and we also ensure that the business is sustained, that's why we're calling on Nigerians to come and invest in the oil and gas sector rather than indulge in illegal refineries. Invest with the support of the DPR and you will have no reason to be afraid of business failure," he said.

Auwalu said Nigeria has about seven private refineries and 20 processed investors' licences, saying that if a local production company like the NDPR has the capacity of producing, refining and marketing 11,000 barrels per day of petroleum products, then other willing investors could achieve the same feat.

More Investment Already, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources had injected equity capital funds in three modular refineries with the Waltersmith 5000 bpd modular refinery at Ibigwe, Imo already in operation. Others are the 12,000 bpd Hydroskimming modular refinery being constructed by Azikel Petroleum Limited at Obunagha, Gbarain, Bayelsa and the 2,500 bpd modular refinery being developed by Duport Midstream Company as part of its Energy Park in Egbokor, Edo. One of the agencies under the ministry, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), is seeking more investment in modular refineries in the country, warning businessmen who are supporting illegal refining activities to desist and channel their resources to legitimate transactions in the oil and gas industry.

The Director of the DPR, Mr. Sarki Auwalu, who spoke in Rivers State, said the agency was not averse to licencing more modular refineries to encourage local in-country refining. The DPR chief stated that rather than going into illegal refining for lack of capacity to do proper refining, private concerns should consider setting up modular refineries. There are 38 proposed modular refineries with capacity ranging from 5,000 barrels per day to 30,000bpd and six conventional plants with a total capacity of 1.35 million bpd.

Self- sufficiency The director added that Nigeria was capable of attaining self-sufficiency in gas processing and refining, stressing that the agency was more interested in monies from royalties, as opposed to funds from penalties meted on players in the industry.

Phases When President Muhammadu Buhari performed the virtual inauguration of the National Oil and Gas Excellence Centre on January 21, 2021, on one of the issues he spoke about was modular refinery. He mentioned the completion of the 5,000 barrels per day Waltersmith Modular Refinery.

The refinery is near the Ibigwe marginal field flowstation in Imo State. It is the biggest commissioned modular refinery in Nigeria. The African refinery project is being developed in phases by Waltersmith Refining and Petrochemical Company.

According to reports, the phase one of the refinery started operations in November 2020. The company was granted a license by the DPR to establish the refinery in June 2015 and received the construction approval in March 2017. The final investment decision (FID) on the phase one refinery project was reached in September 2018.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the expansion of the refinery to 50,000bpd capacity took place in November 2020.

The modular refinery is intended to reduce Nigeria's import of petroleum products.

The Waltersmith modular refinery comprises a crude distillation unit, tank farm, and other related facilities.

The modular refinery is expected to deliver 271 million litres of refined petroleum products a year. The crude oil storage capacity of the refinery is approximately 60,000 barrels.

The refinery is planned to be expanded in phases to have a 20,000bpd crude oil refining facility and a 25,000bpd standalone condensate refining facility taking the total processing capacity to 50,000bpd.

The refinery receives feedstock from the Waltersmith-operated Ibigwe marginal field. The petroleum products produced in the refinery include diesel, naphtha, heavy fuel oil, and kerosene.

Africa Finance Corporation agreed to provide debt finance of approximately £26.5m ($35m) for phase one refinery development in July 2018.

Velem, a joint venture between USbased VFuels and Nigeria-based Lambert Electromec, was awarded an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for the initial 5,000bpd modular refinery project in April 2018.

There are indications that the project will be a success. Already, President Buhari has instructed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, DPR and Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. (NNPC) to provide all necessary support in securing oil and condensate feedstock for the second phase.

The commissioning of the refinery also received the support of other stakeholders. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and Ministry of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva cut the tape on the President's behalf. Also in attendance at the ceremony was NNPC's head Mele Kyari, Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB)'s executive secretary Simbi Wabote and Waltersmith chairman Abdulrazaq Isa. Commercial operations began on November 3, last year. Seplat Petroleum has a working agreement with Waltersmith on processing.

The company will build the second phase in two parts. One is a 25,000 bpd standalone condensate refinery.

The company aims to complete this by 2023. The second part will be another 20,000 bpd crude processing plant.

Another example of Nigeria's strides in modular refining is the Edo Modular Energy refinery which is set to increase crude oil production from 6,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 60,000 bpd. The project, being developed by two Chinese firms; AIPCC Energy Limited and the Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company Ltd, is expected to commence operations between September and mid-October. The first phase will produce 1,000 bpd, while the second phase will produce 6,000 bpd; with a long-term goal of producing 60,000 bpd.

Phase one - which is almost complete will target a production ratio comprising 55 per cent diesel, 38 per cent fuel oil and less than 10 per cent naphtha. If the firm's projections are anything to go by, some of its products will be exported to boost foreign exchange earnings and by the time it extends operations into different phases, the firm would be able to take care of more than 80 per cent of diesel requirement in Nigeria. The investment is also expected to benefit Edo people through job creation, increased revenue and ease of pressure on other refineries.

Although many argue that profit margins in the oil and gas drilling industry are so low that most modular refineries may not be economically viable as competition from shale oil, excessive supply, generous financial markets and the coronavirus pandemic also have a deleterious effect on the sector's net profit margins, Nigeria makes the case for modular refineries easy to argue given that Africa currently has a deficit of 87 million metric tonnes per annum between demand and refining capacity in Africa.

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Change of Guard at NOWA Chiemelie Ezeobi writes on the change of guard at the Naval Officers' Wives Association as its 21st National President, Hajiya Nana Amina Gambo assumed office with the pledge to build a better society for women as well as provide educational development through capacity building

Mrs. Theresa Ibas and the 21st National President, Naval Officers' Wives Association, Hajiya Nana Amina Gambo during the handing and taking over ceremony

Ibas handing over NOWA Flag to Gambo

The duo with NOWA members at the ceremony ndoubtedly, the Naval Officers' Wives Association (NOWA) is the engine room that drives the Nigerian Navy. From a small tea group that began in 1965, these women have become stronger and much more formidable over five decades later, becoming pillars of their communities through various empowerment schemes and outreach to naval widows and the less privileged in general.

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Wey, Mrs. B Boroh, Mrs. Bisi Adelanwa, Mrs. Bekky Aduwo, Mrs. Rebecca Aikhomu, Mrs. Margret Koshoni, Mrs. Zainab Nyako, Mrs. Apollonian Omatsola, Mrs. Lola Saidu, Mrs. Uche Madueke, Dr. Josephine Akhigbe, Mrs. Jemilat Ayinla, Mrs. Betty Ombu, Mrs. Treasure Sam-Afolayan, Chief Mrs. Fatimat Adekeye, Mrs. Grace Ibrahim, Hajia Aminat Modupe Ibrahim, Mrs. Vivian Ezeoba, Mrs. Lami Jibrin and now Barr Theresa Ibas.

History NOWA came into being on November 30, 1965 under the leadership of Mrs. Anne Wey, wife of the first indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Joseph Edet Akinwale Wey of blessed memory.

According to Wikipedia, It started as a small 'Tea Group' for light-hearted discussion by wives of naval officers to kill boredom because of the regular absence of their husbands to sea, also as a forum of rendering assistance to wives of naval ratings in and out of the barracks. It was and still is a forum where social problems relating to the less privileged in the society are discussed and where contributions are made to assist the needy.

Now NOWA has provided the opportunity for social interaction which facilitated the promotion of love, harmony and co-operation among naval officers' wives and their families. These noble principles have guided the activities of the association with various degrees of emphasis.

In the last five decades, NOWA has recorded a number of achievements in its efforts to complement the efforts of the NN in welfare-related projects in the barracks. They are in the areas of education, charitable ventures, economic empowerment, health and social services as well as sporting activities.

Set Up The set up of the association entails that the wife of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) automatically becomes the national president of the body. So, while Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo is the incumbent CNS, it automatically means his wife, Hajiya Nana Amina Gambo assumes leadership as the national president of the body.

Recently, the official handing and taking over ceremony was held to signify the change of guard of NOWA leadership.

Past Presidents Past presidents of the body include Mrs. Ann

Valedictory Remarks To commemorate the handing and taking over ceremony of the change of guard, the 20th NOWA President, Mrs Theresa Ibas recently handed over to her successor, Hajiya Nana Amina Gambo.

In her valedictory remarks, Ibas said it was a great honour and privilege to have served as the national president in the past five years and six months.

She said: " I am pleased to state that today; the activities of NOWA have gone beyond the confines of the naval community. It has included participation in finding solutions to the problems of women in society and our roles as mothers, wives, and participants in nation-building.

NOWA under different leadership have made enormous contribution in complementing the efforts of the Nigerian Navy in welfare-related

projects in the barracks such as in Education, Charitable ventures, Economic empowerment, Health, and Social Services.

"As I hand over the mantle of NOWA leadership to my successor, I trust and urge her to continue with the good works and also carry the members along in all activities. They have been very supportive of me. I also want to urge all the NOWA members to extend the same level of co-operation and sisterly love shown to me to the new NOWA National President.

"Once again, I thank the Almighty God for making me the 20th National President of NOWA. I am highly fulfilled for the rare privilege of leading this dynamic and resultoriented association of elegant ladies who are committed to improving the lots of naval families.

I congratulate Hajiya Nana Aisha Gambo once again for assuming the mantle of leadership of NOWA. I am proud to state that I am handing over a very robust and well-focused association to her believing that she will take NOWA to the next level.

"I wish her the very best of luck and most importantly God’s guidance in the task ahead.

As I bow out, I want to wish you all the best in life and do pray that you all should have fair wings and smooth sail in all future endeavours."

New Order In her handing and taking over speech as the 21st NOWA President, Hajiya Nana Aisha Gambo, said the new order would be to continue to make strides towards building a better society for women and educational development through capacity building. She noted that she hopes to achieve this by empowering women through skill acquisition and provisions of support material to enable them add value to the country.

She said: “ Today we witness the handing over of the mantle of leadership of this association by our darling mummy. She has been the

NOWA National President for more than five years. Mummy, I cannot imagine how difficult it could be to leave this association. A position you have committed more than five years to, and achieved so many milestones during your watch. An appointment that requires such immense effort, time and dedication to keep afloat. However, you have handled it with grace, ease and empathy towards us. I salute your courage and tenacity not to even mention the love you have shown to us.

“This is a big shoe to occupy. But God willing, with the support of the NOWA Executives and NOWA Members, we would continue to keep your aspirations alive. On behalf of all the NOWA members, I say thank you and we will miss you dearly, Ma. Bravo Zulu.

“With humility and gratitude, I stand here before you and honoured to be the 21st NOWA National President. It is pertinent to state that, this great association has a proud past and an exciting future. Thus, it is known for making strides towards building a better society for women and educational development through capacity building. This is achieved by empowering women through skill acquisition and provisions of support material to enable them add value to the country. However, we shall be embarking upon innovative activities, events and projects that would continue to enhance and develop these wonderful women’s capacity.

“To my fellow NOWA members, the office of the NOWA National President is always open for pioneering positive ideas that can drive this association forward. Additionally, our NOWA Schools must continue to remain among the best in Nigeria. This can be achieved by enhancing our efficiency in rendering a higher academic standard coupled with a befitting learning environment. Kindly note that the strides we are about to embark upon takes the effort of all members to play their roles effectively to achieve our objectives.”

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LAWYER

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WEEKLY PULLOUT

Professor Paul Oboarenegbe Idornigie, SAN

‘AT 70, I STILL BELIEVE IN THE NIGERIA PROJECT’

02.03.2021

2/DASHBOARD

02.03.2021

LAWYER

A

WEEKLY PULLOUT

02.03.2021

Professor Paul Oboarenegbe Idornigie, SAN

When a Subsequent Suit will Constitute an Abuse of Court Process PAGE 4

‘AT 70, I STILL BELIEVE IN THE NIGERIA PROJECT’

IBA President Faults FACTI Report PAGE 5

QUOTABLES ‘We will shortly begin to consider Bills to amend the ACJA, and we will follow up with a long overdue review of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement & Administration Act, and other legislation that seek to deliver a justice system that works for all.’ - Honourable Hakeem Olufemi Gbajabiamila, Lawyer, Speaker, House of Representatives, 9th National Assembly, Federal Republic of NigeriaI ‘It is a fact that the Judiciary is underfunded, and that is in part because they are not responsible for appropriation. But, it is also in part, because the Judiciary has refused to exercise their powers.....or assert their powers properly.....You can refuse to do State business for one.’ - Professor Fidelis Oditah QC, SAN

Justice Acha of Edo State Judiciary in Messy Divorce Scandal PAGE 5

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02.03.2021

It’s Terrorism, Stupid!

Let me start by saying for the umpteenth time that, the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of Government - at least, so says Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (the Constitution), and it is time for Government to step up to this plate, and take full responsibility.

Nigerians are living in morbid fear these days, and they couldn’t care less about how many local governments were seized by Boko Haram when PDP was in power, and how many have been rescued by the APC, seeing as the general level of insecurity is undoubtedly on the increase. Our foremost concern, is how our safety can be secured permanently. To achieve this will involve a whole lot of focus and strategy, including having proactive law enforcement as opposed to our reactionary one, and investing in proper border control; then Government needs to stop playing politics with the issue of security, secure all educational institutions, especially those in the Northeast and Northwest which are targets, deliver good governance, and do much more about poverty alleviation and socio-economic development. A combination of this, will be a step in the right direction.

Downgrading and Downplaying Terrorism According to Pete Seeger, "The first step in solving a problem, is admitting there is a problem to be solved".

I concur. That is why I’m beginning to fear that the problem of the unprecedented insecurity that presently plagues us in Nigeria, may not be solved in a hurry.

It is somewhat bizarre that, instead of Government approaching this terrorism and insurgency with gusto and aplomb, and the seriousness and urgency that this level of insecurity demands, they are busy playing politics, and downgrading and downplaying such a major problem to Banditry and stereotyping, while creating a new buzzword, ‘Bandits’.

Or could it be that the reason that Government has decided to downgrade and describe these horrendous criminal activities as common random banditry, is to forestall any calls for the proscription of the Cattle Herders Association, whether Miyetti Allah or Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore (the Fulani wing of the Association), because admitting that Herdsmen who may be engaged in these crimes are terrorists, may result in the call for the invocation of Section 2(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (TPA) against them, that is, the proscription of an Association whose members are terrorists. In fact, supporting acts of terrorism or a terrorist group attracts a 20 year prison sentence upon conviction (Section 4(1) (b) TPA). Many have argued that if IPOB can be proscribed, so also should Miyetti Allah. But, would such proscription be fair to genuine Herders who are law abiding, and simply trying to eke out a living?

We must take them into consideration, especially as they derive benefits from their umbrella association.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a Bandit is "a thief with a weapon, especially one belonging to a group that attacks people travelling through the countryside''. Granted, while undoubtedly we are experiencing banditry in some cases, in most other cases, it is banditry and much more. Apart from the Boko Haram insurgency, we are experiencing domestic and transnational/international terrorism, from contingent, absolute, local and foreign terrorists.

We have two types of kidnappings which sometimes overlap - terrorist kidnappings by the insurgents, and kidnapping for ransom payments.

The definition of banditry is similar to that of armed robbery, but it still seems as if describing such terrible criminal activities as banditry makes them sound less gruesome than they really are, making perpetrators sound as if they are ‘romantic’ outlaws like ‘Robin Hood’, who despite being an outlaw was loved by his people and known for being kind and generous, robbing the rich to redistribute the wealth to the poor. This is not the case with Boko Haram or the other Herdsmen/terrorists who are wicked and evil - unlike Robin Hood, they are hated and feared by the majority. The criminal Herdsmen fit like a glove, into the definitions of terrorists. Rape, which has become common place, especially in kidnappings, is a recognised weapon of warfare, and has been classified as a crime against humanity. There is nothing casual or romantic about such a heinous crime. Even amongst criminals, rape and crimes against children are considered to be the worst form of criminality.

I watched part of an interview of Sheik Ahmad Gumi on our Arise Television, in which he chastised the Interviewer for referring to the terrorists as criminals. The Sheik stated that they (the terrorists) may be watching the programme (and possibly be angered by being called criminals). He responded that Journalists are also criminals, for referring to these terrorists as criminals! Really? Has it come to this - blaming Journalists for doing their job, in order to placate offenders? By the way, how else does one refer to those who kill, maim, rape and kidnap - as Martyrs, Saints and Heros? When did it become a crime to call people what they have proven themselves to be, because it sounds

derogatory and they don’t like it? These kind of vicious, violent criminals cannot by any stretch of the imagination, be classified as being in the same category as Robin Hood!

In "Understanding Terrorism", A thesis by Lieutenant Harry R. Jackson of the US Navy, the author asserts that "They (the terrorists) endeavour to legitimise their activities in their own eyes, as it is to convince the public of their worthiness".

This is exactly what these people have obviously done in their talks with Sheik Gumi to elicit his sympathy - we saw a video in which one of the terrorists portrayed his group as victims of a bad Government - no tangible means of livelihood, no money, no education for their children and so on.

This is common to majority of Nigerians, so much so that, unemployed graduates now do menial jobs in order to survive. We are all victims of cumulative bad governance - it doesn’t mean that we should all become armed robbers, because we are bitter!

Terrorism Terrorism doesn’t have a universal definition, but according to Schmid & Jongman (1988) in ‘Political Terrorism: A New Guide to Actors, Authors, Concepts, Data Bases, theories and Literature’, "Terrorism is an anxiety inspiring method of repeated violent action, employed by (semi) clandestine individual group or state actors, for idiosyncratic, criminal or political reasons, whereby - in contrast to assassination - the direct targets are not the main targets. The immediate human victims of violence are generally chosen randomly (targets of opportunity) or selectively (representative or symbolic targets) from a target population, and serve as message generators. Threat and violencebased communication processes between terrorist organisation, imperilled victims, and main targets are used to manipulate the main target (audience (s)), turning it into a target of terror, a target of demands, or a target of attention, depending on whether intimidation, coercion, or propaganda is primarily sought".

Section 1(2) of the TPA defines acts of terrorism to include inter alia, an act done with malice aforethought which may seriously damage a country, unduly compel a government to perform or abstain from performing any act, seriously intimidating the population; and it mentions grievous bodily harm, killing, kidnapping and destruction of private property as some of the crimes that constitute this offence.

The definition of acts of terrorism in the TPA covers the field, that is, it covers banditry (armed robbery), assault, murder, kidnapping, rape etc. My point?

‘Banditry’ is just a piece of the whole Terrorism cake/puzzle, along with kidnapping, rape, theft, assault, murder etc.

From the foregoing definitions, for instance, it is indisputable that the constant kidnapping of students

by Boko Haram or whoever, is an act of terrorism - it is obviously done with malice afterthought to intimidate Nigerians into not sending their children to school anymore, since members of that group don’t believe in western education (while Islam on the other hand, encourages the quest for knowledge), or to force Government to close schools down. Additionally, there is the serial and random kidnap of people for ransom on highways etc - these abductees are targets of opportunity, targets of demand of huge funds in exchange for the lives of these abductees - pure criminality for financial gain.

Governor El Rufai’s Take: A Realistic Approach Last Friday, we again woke up to the very disturbing news that another 317 schoolgirls were abducted

Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai

from Government Girls Junior Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara State in the wee hours of the morning. We pray for the safe return of all the abductees. Amen.

Governor El Rufai, in an interview with BBC Hausa Service was quoted to have said: “We cannot negotiate. Eliminating them is the only solution to banditry......I never believed that a Fulani Herdsman who ventured into banditry and is collecting millions of Naira as ransom, will repent. I spoke to Dr Gumi who is my friend; I explained that the majority of these bandits don’t believe in the religion. That is why they kill mercilessly. Anybody who thinks a Fulani Herdsman that was used to only getting N100,000 in a year after selling a cow, but is now getting millions through kidnapping for ransom will stop, is only wasting his time.....”.

Governor El Rufai’s summary, is one of the most realistic summaries of the situation which I have heard recently. He identified part of the problem, leaving sentiments, ethnic and religious colouration out of it - this is the first step to solving the problem.

He identifies some of the perpetrators as Fulani Herdsmen and bandits, who do not believe in religion, as most of what they do is unIslamic. When they kidnapped the Chibok girls, they raided the school store and stole all their food and provisions.

In Islam, stealing is a ‘Hadd’ crime against God, punishable by the amputation of the offender’s arm.

Similarly, when some of the Chibok girls returned, a couple of them came back with babies which they had given birth to while in captivity. A belief that females are sexual objects meant for the pleasure of their abductors is also unIslamic, while rape (Zina Al-Zibr) is punishable under Sharia Law either by applying the Hadd penalty for zina (death by stoning for a married convict or 100 lashes of the cane for an unmarried offender); or Hirabah - a crime of violence/forcible taking (an interpersonal crime) or Ta’zir falling under the principle of Al-fi’l al-darr (Islamic Law of Tort), in which a claim for moral damages can be made.

The acts of Herdsmen regularly going into peoples' farms to kidnap them (like in the case of Chief Olu Falae in Ondo State), destroy their crops by grazing their cattle on peoples' farms, sometimes burning village property, killing inhabitants and raping the women - what we saw occur in Benue and Plateau States - are examples of domestic terrorism (if done by local Herdsmen) and transnational/international terrorism (if done by non-Nigerian Herdsmen). These are very serious felonies. See the case of State v Haruna Usman in which Usman, a 15 year old Herder stabbed Happy David to death. Usman stabbed David in back numerous times, and was sentenced to death by the trial Judge.

Handling Terrorists There are various ways of handling terrorists - ranging from the "We do not negotiate with terrorists" stand, to open or secret negotiations with them. For us in Nigeria, the truth is that we have very few Absolute terrorists (for example, suicide bombers), that is, terrorists who have a tangible raison d’etre and will not negotiate, unless the negotiator somehow succeeds in downgrading them from Absolute to Contingent terrorists, which are the ones who we mostly have in Nigeria - those who kidnap and take hostages - they seek and welcome negotiations.

Some people consider the no-negotiation stand to be dangerous, as it puts the lives of the hostages more at stake, if the demands of the kidnappers/ terrorists are not met. On the other hand, those who subscribe to the no-negotiation stand, believe that this stand makes it clear to the terrorists from the onset that they will gain nothing from holding hostages, and discourages kidnapping. They believe that giving in to the demands of these kidnappers, will only encourage them to kidnap more. People believe that the reason why kidnapping has become so popular in Nigeria, is that it has become a lucrative criminal enterprise, because we readily pay the huge ransoms demanded or negotiated amounts; and naturally so, since we do not want to risk the lives of loved ones, innocent people and helpless children.

Our Government indulges in secret negotiations with terrorists. They never carry the public along in what actually transpired between them and the kidnappers, or how the release of abductees was secured (open negotiations). Controversies always trail releases, as the Government would have the public believe that it does not pay ransoms, when sometimes the public hears otherwise.

Negotiation, is not always about payment of monetary ransoms. In 2014, the US Government secured the release of one of its soldiers, in exchange for five Taliban prisoners who were being detained in Guantanamo. In 2011, the Gilad Shalit Prisoner Exchange, in which the Hamas exchanged Shalit for 1,027 mainly Palestinian prisoners detained by the Israeli Government, took place. Our Government needs to be more up and doing, learning strategies from other Governments on how to free hostages and deal with terrorists.

Conclusion

“GOVERNOR EL RUFAI’S SUMMARY, IS ONE OF THE MOST REALISTIC SUMMARIES OF THE SITUATION WHICH I HAVE HEARD RECENTLY. HE IDENTIFIED PART OF THE PROBLEM, LEAVING SENTIMENTS, ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS COLOURATION OUT OF IT - THIS IS THE FIRST STEP TO SOLVING THE PROBLEM. HE IDENTIFIES SOME OF THE PERPETRATORS AS FULANI HERDSMEN AND BANDITS, WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN RELIGION.....”

Whatever they are called - bandits, criminals or terrorists, the most important issue is not what they are called, but how to stop their dastardly activities.

For negotiations to be fruitful, there must be a viable income deriving alternative. For one, Miyetti Allah should spearhead the setting up of ranches for their members, especially in locations where they enjoy the sympathies of the State Governments, to avoid any more crisis with Farmers. There’s a lot they can learn from Israel, on how they turned desert into viable land. Similar types of incentives like agricultural loans given to Farmers can be given to Herders or their Association, to assist them in moving their business to the next level - modern systems of cattle breeding. Let us study countries like South Korea (SK) and China. 60 years ago, SK was a rural agrarian economy; Nigeria even gave them aid - today, SK has transformed into a first world country. 40 years ago, China was a poor, corrupt country with a stagnant economy. In the last 30 years, China has lifted close to a billion people out of extreme poverty, and approximately 70 million since the inception of the Buhari Administration.

Above all, our society needs to be more equitable.

The gap between the rich and the poor has become too wide, and poverty is the cause of majority of the criminality we are experiencing. We need to be strict about border control. If Government claims that many of the Herdsmen wreaking havoc are non-Nigerian, then their points of entry into Nigeria should be sealed, in order to protect our own people.

Nigeria urgently needs to develop a wholesome strategy, to conquer this criminality, or else.......

4/LAW REPORT

When a Subsequent Suit will Constitute an Abuse of Court Process Facts The Appellant advanced an overdraft facility, to a certain Excellent Manufacturers Ltd. The Respondent was the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the company. A Deed of Debenture was executed between the Appellant and the company, wherein the company’s assets were charged as security for the loan facility. The Respondent also executed a Deed of Guarantee/Indemnity in favour of the Appellant. Upon the Company’s default in repaying the loan, the Appellant appointed a Receiver/Manager over the assets of the Company pursuant to the Deed of Debenture. The Receiver/Manager with the company in receivership and the Respondent Bank as Co-Applicants, filed an action against the Respondent and other Directors of the company at the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/769/2004, seeking preservatory orders in respect of the said assets.

Subsequently, the Appellant filed an action under the Undefended List at the High Court of Anambra State, seeking to enforce the Respondent’s personal guarantee under the Deed of Guarantee. It claimed the sums due to it, under the overdraft facility.

Upon being served with the Writ of Summons and accompanying processes, the Respondent filed a Notice of Intention to Defend the Suit. The basis of the Respondent’s Notice was that the Appellant lacked the locus standi to institute the action, having appointed a Receiver over the assets of the company pledged as security for the loan, and for this reason, it had discharged itself of all responsibility under the Deed of Guarantee executed by the Respondent. The Respondent also posited that the Appellant illegally withdrew some sums from the Company’s account, and that the mortgaged property was worth more than N18 million.

After considering the submission of counsel, the trial court held that the Respondent did not disclose any triable issue for defence. Thereafter, the court entered judgement in favour of the Appellant in the sum of N10 million, being the Respondent’s limit under the Deed of Guarantee.

The Respondent appealed to the Court of Appeal which allowed his appeal and struck out the Appellant’s claim at the trial court, on the ground that it was an abuse of Suit No. FHC/L/CS/769/2004 which was pending before the Federal High Court. Dissatisfied, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination In determining the appeal, the Supreme Court considered the issues below: 1. Whether the Court of Appeal was right in holding that the Appellant’s suit was an abuse of Suit No. FHC/L/ CS/769/2004 – TAMUNO NATHAN GEORGE & 2 ORS v LOUIS OKOYE & 4 ORS. pending at the Federal High Court, Lagos.

2. Whether the Court of Appeal was right when it held that, the Respondent disclosed triable issues entitling him to be let in to defend the Appellant’s suit at the trial court.

Arguments Arguing the first issue, counsel submitted on behalf of the Appellant that the fact that the Receiver/Manager appointed pursuant to the Deed of Debenture between the Appellant and the company instituted Suit No. FHC/L/ CS/769/2004, cannot affect the Appellant’s right of action under the Deed of Guarantee as both contracts are separate and independent in law. He argued that the suit was instituted by the Receiver/Manager for the preservation of the company’s assets which were the subject of the Deed of Debenture, and the Receiver’s only concern, and it was not brought on behalf of the Appellant to recover the debt guaranteed by the Respondent under the Deed of Guarantee. He submitted that the company was not a party to Exhibit EM4; hence, it cannot derive any benefit or suffer any detriment thereunder.

Counsel for the Respondent did not advance any arguments, to counter the Appellant’s submissions. However, he objected to the competence of Ground 2 of the Notice and Grounds of Appeal from which the issue was framed, on the basis that it was not derived from the specific finding of the Court of Appeal, as the Appellant’s suit relates to abuse of court process. He urged the court to discountenance the Appellant’s submissions on the issue.

In response to the Respondent’s objection, counsel for the Appellant referred to Order 8 Rule 2(2) of the Supreme Court Rules and submitted that all that is required of an Appellant when framing a Ground of Appeal, is to clearly state the aspect of the finding of the lower court he is dissatisfied with and the particulars and nature of the errors complained about.

further submitted that the onus was on the Respondent to show evidence of any sum received by the Receiver/ Manager on behalf of the Appellant, the purported illegal withdrawal by the Appellant, or that the Respondent had paid any part of the N10 million which he guaranteed to pay. Conversely, counsel for the Respondent submitted that the Respondent had disclosed a fair probability of a defence in the affidavit filed in support of his Notice of Intention to Defend, and the Court of Appeal was correct in holding that he ought to have been given the opportunity to defend the suit.

Honourable Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 18th day of December, 2020 Before Their Lordships

Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili Olukayode Ariwoola Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun John Inyang Okoro Chima Centus Nweze Justices, Supreme Court SC.692/2014 Between INTERNATIONAL TRUST BANK PLC And LOUIS OKOYE

APPELLANT RESPONDENT

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC)

Regarding the second issue, counsel submitted on behalf of the Appellant that where a Defendant has been served with a Writ under the Undefended List Procedure, his affidavit in support of his Notice of Intention to Defend must state clearly and concisely as possible, what his defence is. He relied on the case of SANUSI BROS. NIG. LTD v COTIA C. E. I. S. A. (2000) 11 NWLR (Pt. 697) 56, and submitted that the Respondent failed to disclose any triable issue or defence to the suit. He

“...... BEFORE A SUIT CAN BE SAID TO AMOUNT TO BE AN ABUSE OF COURT PROCESS ON THE BASIS OF MULTIPLICITY OF ACTIONS, THE SUIT AND THE SUIT IT IS CLAIMED TO BE ABUSIVE OF, MUST BE BETWEEN THE SAME PARTIES; ON THE SAME SUBJECT-MATTER; AND ON THE SAME ISSUES”

Court’s Judgement and Rationale On the objection raised by the Respondent to the competence of Ground 2 from which Issue One was formulated, the court held that a ground of appeal will not be held to be incompetent, if the court and the other side are not in doubt as to what the complaint is. The court is to look at substance over form in furtherance of its duty to do substantial justice between parties, and not be bogged by technicalities. Thus, the Ground of Appeal was competent, because by its wordings and the particulars of error stated thereunder, it was clear that it was challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal on abuse of court process.

In resolving the first issue for determination, the court held that before a suit can be said to amount to be an abuse of court process on the basis of multiplicity of actions, the suit and the suit it is claimed to be abusive of, must be between the same parties; on the same subject-matter; and on the same issues OKORODUDU v OKOROMADU (1977) 3 SC 21; OKAFOR v A. G. ANAMBRA STATE (1991) 6 NWLR (Pt. 200) 659 at 681. The three conditions must co-exist for an abuse of court process to ensue.

The suit before the Federal High Court in FHC/L/ CS/769/2004 was essentially a suit instituted by the Receiver/Manager of Excellent Manufacturers Ltd and two other Plaintiffs pursuant to the Deed of Debenture, to protect the assets of the company and to prevent the Respondent as the Chief Executive Officer and other Directors, from tampering with them. On the other hand, the suit that gave rise to the instant appeal was instituted by the Appellant against the Respondent in his personal capacity as a guarantor for the debt owed by the company, based on his unequivocal and irrevocable undertaking in the Deed of Guarantee. The court noted that company is separate and distinct from the Respondent, and the company was not a party to the contract of guarantee.

The most pertinent indices to be considered for a suit to be termed an abuse of court process, is that there are multiple actions between the same parties over the same subject-matter which is not the position in the instant case. It cannot therefore, be said that the Appellant’s suit that led to the instant appeal constituted an abuse of FHC/L/CS/769/2004, as the suits were on different subject matters, independent of each other, and the reliefs sought in each suit were completely different from the other.

On the 2nd issue, the court held that where a Defendant avers that he disputes all or part of the claim, he must be specific as to what part of the claim, he must be specific as to what part of the claim he disputes and the real nature of the defence relied on - NISHIZAWA LTD v JETHWANI (1984) 12 SC 234.

All that was available in the affidavit filed in support of the Respondent’s Notice of Intention to Defend the suit, were mere speculative allegations. The affidavit did not disclose any sum of money paid by the Respondent in favour of the Appellant, or any sum of money received by the Receiver/Manager to the credit of the Appellant in discharge of the sum guaranteed by the Respondent. The Respondent’s affidavit showed a mere posturing, rather than particulars and necessary details required to sway the hand of the hands of a court to bring in a Defendant to defend. Mere denial of the claim by the Defendant of its indebtedness, is not sufficient. The Defendant must disclose a defence or elicit a triable issue upon which it would be let in to file and defend the suit, as required by the Rules of court.

Appeal Allowed; Decision of trial court restored.

Representation Emeka Mozia for the Appellant.

Obi Anizoba for the Respondent.

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

02.03.2021

NEWS/5

IBA President Faults FACTI Report tax matters; bribery and corruption; money laundering; FRQÀVFDWLRQ DQG GLVSRVDO RI the proceeds of crime; and the recovery and return of stolen assets.

Ahead of the gathering, Mr Moyo said: ‘The FACTI report’s assertion that “selfregulation does not work”, is incorrect. While the ambitious and transformational vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is to be applauded, government regulation of the legal profession is not a proposal with which the IBA, as the global voice of the legal profession, can concur. Naturally, the IBA is FRPPLWWHG WR WKH ÀJKW DJDLQVW ÀQDQFLDO FULPH EXW SURYLGLQJ IBA President, Mr Sternford Moyo governments with oversight the President of the United of Niger, Ibrahim Assane international community to of the legal profession as a Nations General Assembly Mayaki, and the former achieve the UN’s Sustain- remedy is of great concern’.

Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, President of Lithuania, Dalia able Development Goals, Mr. Moyo added: ‘In and the President of the UN *U\EDXVNDLWē including in the areas of: functioning democracies, Economic and Social Council FACTI is mandated to ÀQDQFLDO DQG EHQHÀFLDO an independent legal proMona Juul, and co-chaired explore further actions ownership transparency; fession is a much-valued by the former Prime Minister that may be needed by the cornerstone of the rule of law. Unfortunately, where governments wish to silence dissent, we have witnessed many instances of the abuse of regulatory power, with Lawyers being jailed for carrying out their professional ings at the High Court of duties, simply because they Honourable Justice Joseph Edo State, sitting in Benin Itsebaga Acha, the second City, raising curiosity as to represent a client who is critic most senior Judge in the Edo why the matter was in heard of the government or head State High Court hierarchy, in Benin City, whereas he of a nation. The news reports is currently embroiled in a and his wife both reside in are numerous and impossible messy divorce matter involvLagos, and do not have any to ignore. An independent ing Chief Leemon Ikpea, connection with Benin City. legal profession, free from the Billionaire Oil Services More curious is the strange governmental interference, magnate and Chairman of court ruling delivered on is essential’.

Lee Engineering Group of Mr. Moyo was invited to 17th February, 2021 by Companies and his wife of Justice Joe Acha, granting the launch of the FACTI 39 years, Mrs. Agnes Ikpea. an application brought by UHSRUW WR GLVFXVV WKH ÀQGLQJV Justice Acha, who has been Chief Ikpea and ordered particularly in relation to the in the Criminal Division of Mrs. Agnes Ikpea to vacate role of Lawyers and legal the Edo State High Court, is their family home in Banana regulators in combatting not known to be in the FamIsland, Lagos, and to keep white-collar crime. ily Court which adjudicates away from Chief Lee Ikpea on divorce cases.

In support of the IBA permanently. Relying on the President’s Justice Acha gave a bizarre comments, strength of this ruling, Chief IBA Executive Director Dr ruling on the 17th February, Lee Ikpea allegedly resorted Mark Ellis said: ‘The legal 2021 in the case involving to self help and proceeded profession is predicated on Chief and Mrs. Ikpea. Chief Chief Leemon Ikpea the very next day, 18th Lee Ikpea instituted the case upholding the rule of law. at the High Court of Edo According to them, Justice Engineering Services Limited February, 2021, to engage It is regrettable that today’s State, Benin, for a dissolution Acha has already shown Group of Companies, a thugs to physically throw FACTI report focuses on the of his marriage to his wife of his hand and prematurely &DWKROLF ÀUVW PDUULHG KLV his wife out of the home wrongdoings of a small they shared.

39 years, Agnes. Curiously, decided the case. wife, Agnes, under native Chief Ikpea instituted the Relying on this very law and custom, over 39 case in Benin City, whereas strange ruling, Chief Lee years ago. Around 20 years he and his wife are domi- Ikpea proceeded the very ago, seeking full compliance ciled in Lagos, and have no next day, 18th February, with the strictures of the connection with Benin City. 2021, to engage thugs to Catholic faith, the couple Reports indicate that the physically throw his wife renewed their vows at the choice of Benin City may not out of the home they shared. St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Enugu State High Court They therefore, asked the be unconnected with Chief Mrs. Ikpea was not even Toyin Street, Ikeja Lagos. will on March 31, rule on court to declare as nullity, the Ikpea’s long association with allowed to put on any The couple have six adult WKH DSSOLFDWLRQ ÀOHG E\ WKH commencement of the arbitral Justice Acha through their shoes or slippers before children.

Attorney-General of State proceedings, and amended common Ishan heritage and she was thrown out of her However, Chief Ipkea mar- and the State’s Board of their originating summons the Catholic Church, and a house, without any of her ried a younger lady named Internal Revenue against a to join the Arbitrator, Chief desire to rush the divorce belongings.

Tina Ochuko sometime in FRQVXOWLQJ ÀUP 6FLHQWLÀF James Akingbola Akinola as through a ‘friendly’ court.

As if that was not enough, 2002 under native law and Synergy Consult Ltd over 2nd Defendant in the suit, Indeed, this view was given Justice Joe Acha also granted custom, and thereafter, an arbitration dispute. following a court order made credence by the strange a motion for an accelerated moved his new bride into 7KH 3ODLQWLͿV DJJULHYHG on December 14, 2020. ruling delivered by Justice hearing of the divorce and his sprawling mansion in by arbitration proceedings, 7KH 3ODLQWLͿV DOVR REWDLQHG Acha in this case. In the adjourned the case to 3rd Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, which the 1st Defendant had an injunction before Justice ruling, Justice Acha granted of March, 2021, barely 2 where he resided for many FRPPHQFHG DJDLQVW WKHP ÀOHG Okpe, restraining the DefenChief Ikpea’s application for weeks later, even though years with both women. the action in suit marked dants from proceeding with Mrs. Agnes Ikpea to vacate none of the parties asked However, last year, in E/572/2020, questioning the arbitration, pending the their family home in Banana for an accelerated hearing D ÀW RI DQJHU &KLHI /HH the validity of the retainer hearing of the motion on Island, Lagos, and to refrain in open court.

Ikpea told his older wife, agreement for tax recovery notice dated 28 August, 2020. from causing him any harm.

The 1st Defendant also Many have expressed Agnes, that he wanted a services that the 1st Defendant Some legal experts hold shock at the steps taken by divorce from her. This VLJQHG ZLWK WKH QG 3OVLQWLͿ maintained that the 2nd the view that this ruling Justice Acha in the matter, is notwithstanding that, dated September 9, 2008.

3ODLQWLͿ KDG LQ HQJDJHG is a perversion of justice, particularly as it is known Catholics who marry in a They also argued that the it in tax recovery and back as ordering Mrs. Ikpea to that he is expected to replace Catholic Church and under 'HIHQGDQW GLG QRW IXOÀOO WKH duty services, for which vacate her matrimonial home the current Chief Judge of the Marriage Act, are not conditions precedent for the it performed back duty while the case is still before Edo State when she retires known to entertain thoughts commencement of arbitration, audits on the University of WKH FRXUW KDV WKH HͿHFW RI in May 2021. and the applicability of the Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), and of divorce. judging the case, even before Chief, Leemon Ikpea, This informed why Chief time limitation to the retainer it is entitled to N500 million it is heard in open court. the 64 year owner of Lee Lee Ikpea instituted proceed- agreement. commission from the 2nd The President of International Bar Association, Mr Sternford Moyo has faulted the FACTI report, saying the recommendation would undermine independence of the legal profession.

Mr Moyo said that a recommendation contained in a report published recently, that governments should regulate Lawyers in line with ‘the demands of sustainable ÀQDQFH DQG WKH SXEOLF LQWHUest’, is concerning. At the publication’s launch, Mr. Moyo addressed a panel of high-ranking United Nations Member States’ representatives with his reservations.

The new report on barriers to achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is authored by FACTI - the High Level Panel on International Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity for Achieving the 2030 Agenda, which was launched in March 2020 by

Justice Acha of Edo State Judiciary in Messy Divorce Scandal

criminal element, which has brought the profession into disrepute. Such complicity in crime has been condemned by the IBA, and the broader legal community. It is recognised that crime by Lawyers is very much the exception, not the norm, and can arise in any profession ZKHUH WKHUH LV D ÀGXFLDU\ duty or relationship of trust, including doctors, accountants, teachers, and politicians. It is not unique to law’.

Dr Ellis added: ‘In the context of the IBA’s steadfast commitment to perpetuating the highest ethical standards for the legal profession, as well as our collaborations with global bodies that share our values and aims, the reference to the legal profession in the FACTI report, is disappointing. We are now in our second decade of collaborative projects aimed at minimising and eradicating white-collar crime, including with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Basel Institute of Governance, the World Bank and the UN 2΀FH RQ 'UXJV DQG &ULPH (UNDOC). We look forward to further cooperation with FACTI on the matters addressed in its report’, he said.

During his address at the launch of the FACTI report, Mr Moyo emphasised the positive role of Lawyers in society, and how they contribute to its functionality through enforcing and operating within the legal structures and protections required for a society to operate fairly and successfully. He also referenced the IBA’s long and proud tradition of cooperation and engagement with the UN and other world organisations, stretching back more than 70 years.

The FACTI Panel Final Report can be accessed online, at www.factipanel. org/reports.

Court to Rule on Arbitration Conflict Between Firm and Revenue Board 3ODLQWLͿ “All the questions the Claimants submitted to the court vide its originating summons, together with the reliefs are questions and reliefs that are subject to arbitration, and the arbitral body is competent to answer same.

“That the Claimants’ suit ZKLFK ZDV ÀOHG ZLWKRXW LW subjecting itself to arbitration, is contrary to the parties’ honest, freely entered mutual agreement to subject any dispute, claims, actions and questions that may arise from retainer agreement to arbitration”, Ezeh swore.

At the last hearing, after listening to Mr. Augustine Okafor for the Claimants, and Mr. Osita Enwe with Charles Ezeh for the Defendants argue their respective applications, the court adjourned the matter to March 31 for ruling.

6/

02.03.2021

Covid-19 and Keeping Staff Loyalty I have been having absolute fun listening and dancing to Bruno Mars 2010 song, “Grenade.”

Thanks to my daughter. Seven artists including Bruno, collaborated to write that song. A brilliant piece, with an even more instructive video. Somehow, the lyrics of the song and the imageries in the video resonated deeply the message of workplace loyalty - You can’t miss the old retired homeless men in the video. With a rope tied to his piano and Bruno pulling it through town - up the hill, through traffic lights, train stations, down the slopes, etc – yet it did not end well.

Trust was broken –– “Easy come, easy go, that's just how you live. Take, take, take it all, but you never give. Should have known you was trouble from the first kiss… Gave you all I had and you tossed it in the trash..

To give me all your love is all I ever ask.

'Cause what you don't understand is. I'd catch a grenade for ya. Throw my hand on a blade for ya. I'd jump in front of a train for ya. You know I'd do anything for ya. I would go through all this pain. Take a bullet straight through my brain. Yes, I would die for ya, baby. But you won't do the same. No.” I agree with Bruno - Relationships should be balanced; reciprocal. Employers and employees should always think win win.

Win-win is a paradigm that always pursues shared benefits and accommodation. In Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, the number 4 habit is “think win-win.” Covey argued that other relationship paradigms like – Win; Win/Lose; Lose/Win; Lose/Lose; are dysfunctional, ineffective and ultimately counterproductive.

Thinking win-win requires a level of deliberate investment and commitment, because it thrives on synergy and joint advantage.

The first step is to recognise what the status of our relationship is at a given time.

We must not take anything for granted, operating on assumptions. It is essential we not only ask ourselves what we want, but also what the other party wants from us in a given situation, or at a given time.

Keep in mind that it’s acceptable to walk away, if a common agreement is not found.

It is a work relationship – If the case is that you are an asset and not a liability and a mutually beneficial situation can’t be reached, then both parties can “agree to disagree” and both can walk away with no hard feelings. This is a typically realistic option in any enterprise. Nevertheless, there's something noble about maintaining fidelity in a world where bonds seem to be easily broken. Fidelity means continual loyalty often evidenced by reliability, trustworthiness, and ongoing support even when a severance is unavoidable.

An age-old business model and a tested formula for success – is for a smart a entrepreneur to surround himself with a few people, smarter and stronger than himself, but infinitely and unflinchingly loyal to him.

Earning loyalty is a great leadership trait, as staff loyalty increasingly becomes difficult to earn and keep. Loyalty is expected from every employee, and it is a major ingredient for a business to succeed. In the workplace, loyalty is constantly being tested. Your people will either ensure you survive and thrive, or stagnate and die. Remember the phrase, “with friends like you, who needs enemies? – often used to suggest that a partner, coworker, friend or ally is acting against your best interests. Staff loyalty is certainly a question for law firm leaders to appreciate and drive within their law firms, in order to thrive in today’s challenging and competitive environment.

So, Mr. Lawyer Leader, do you want to pause a bit and take a breather? Take out your stethoscope and take the pulse of the loyalty of the people around you – simply determine their heart rate by feeling and timing the rhythm of a vein. Yes, “arrête,

prends le pouls” - pardon my French, but "stop, take the pulse" and read the meter correctly. Are your people with you because they are stuck with you and have no other alternative? And the minute a new suitor shows up and woos them, dangling some juicy carrot, with the right words, they are gone? How do you make your law firm to remain a dominant firm of choice, in the face of increased competition? Keeping Staff loyalty may require consistent focus and commitment to a number of best practices, strategic principles and practical tactics and insights. In developing a sustainable employee/employer working relationship, please let us consider both a long view and a wide lens on models that engenders and strengthens loyalty, not diminish it. Loyalty can be fragile - it requires careful cultivation.

Agreed, in a business relationship, there is a heightened focus on cold and unromantic fac-

“AN AGE-OLD BUSINESS MODEL AND A TESTED FORMULA FOR SUCCESS – IS FOR A SMART A ENTREPRENEUR TO SURROUND HIMSELF WITH A FEW PEOPLE, SMARTER AND STRONGER THAN HIMSELF, BUT INFINITELY AND UNFLINCHINGLY LOYAL TO HIM”

tors like productivity, efficiency, performance evaluation, cost savings, service delivery, pricing, innovation, etc. - while trying to do all these, ensure to understand and deliver on a true value proposition for all stakeholders; your people primarily - Make sure that you are building enduring relationships (with your people, your clients and prospects).

Loyalty is key to your success, especially that of your people.

When a marriage couple take their vows before a licensed official, priest, imam, justices of the peace, marriage registrars, etc. - I often wonder in what unique ways their loyalties would be tested. What will upend their devotion to the union? What north wind will rock the boat? This piece focuses on two core segments knotted together: The Loyalty Framework - a look at how to build firm loyalists; The Humane Framework - approaches to improve staff work experience.

Invest In Your Talent To reduce unwanted turnover and prompt staff to give you their best, show them they are talents and that you are genuinely interested in developing their talent. You recruited them, right? So, you will have to invest not only in the cultivation of their capabilities, but also in the provision of the resources and infrastructure to allow them to succeed. Staff, on the other hand, should show themselves worthy of such investment of trust - produce in multiples the return on investment - be a solution provider - be more creative at responding to change and coming up with new solutions.

Also, employers have a tendency of having a nearsighted view on their people. It will assist employers to stay discerning through deeper understanding of staff needs, enabling them to build a trusted partnership - based on mutual respect. It should not be a competitor that makes you discover you had diamonds in the rough, after they are gone.

Employers have to recognise and address the changing needs of staff over time as they grow with the organisation, provide platforms to help them get the resources they require as they grow and make the connections they need - and you will be building an army of loyalists.

Reward Equitably One of the loyalty killers I know, is continually rewarding undeserving people – unequitable rewards. Employers will do well to take a project management approach to rewards - synchronise output to reward. Focus on your high performers. Life is not fair, it is not a circus - You cannot treat everyone the same way. Even the Holy Book says so - parable of the Talent. The worker with more talents got more, and those with less talents got less. And, the one with no talent got none. Do More For Your Best People and

They Will Do More For You. Make a point of talking with your best people, to find out what they really want or need - whether it’s a special deal or a small accommodation. Do not assume you know what they need. That is design thinking. If you can fulfil a unique need or want, you will be doing something especially valuable - such that when you need extra leverage with a particular employee - when you need him or her to really go the extra mile - you as an employer, will have more than enough credits to pull from. I remember chatting with a Lawyer, who told me why he would never leave his present employer. The employer had taken it upon himself to personally queue, pursue and obtain the admission of his children into a highly exclusive school that he had mentioned in passing that he had always desired his children to attend.

Most high-performers leave a job, because they conclude that they will not be able to get what they need and want in that job. So they go in search of some place or someone who will make their aspirations become reality. When an employer goes out of his way to figure out what his best people really need and help them earn what they need and want, you turn the primary reason why they might leave into the primary reason why they will stay and work extra hard.

Lithe Work Arrangements Build Loyalty The form and style of work has taken on several variants. Tough times can test even the strongest organisations, and being lithe has become an essential virtue as firms reevaluate goals and performance metrics. Even strategic planning cannot afford to be too rigid or bureaucratic, in this fast changing environment we find ourselves. With Covid-19, 9-to-5 is falling by the wayside. Some smart employers will be looking to holding on to top talent who would otherwise resign, by offering alternative work arrangements. Employers who insist on conventional full-time employment may lose out on some good talents. Focus is shifting to the endpoint - excellent work output; meeting project targets efficiently and effectively.

Have Fun With Your Team Having fun with your people increases Loyalty - invest in it. People are not rational beings, they are emotional beings. Joy and laughter is a stimulant - it releases dopamine and serotonin in our bodies, which is linked with productivity. How you make people feel is a memory that lasts, hence it can affect their loyalty to the organisation.

Have Values and be True to Them Have Values and be true to them - if it is integrity and transparency - model it in front of your employees. Pressures or a desire to avoid conflict, may lead employers to sometimes compromise on integrity.

Employees are watching, and they pick up on this quickly. They may assume that it is okay to be dishonest too, on crucial matters. Truthfulness creates respect, and frees employees to do right even in employer’s absence. Transparency certainly breeds loyalty.

For instance, I always find it admirable that I can sit in my study at home and google the 2020 Profit Per Equity Partner (‘PPEP’) of a Law firm like Wachtell, in New York, or Allen & Overy in London, etc.

As an Employer be the First to take Responsibility for Errors You earn loyalty that way. Passing the buck when things go wrong, deflates trust. Employers who admit mistakes, set an example for staff. It shows strength of character, to take responsibility during crisis.

That’s what employers want employees to do. So, they would have to model it, clearly and consistently.

02.03.2021

REJOINDER /7

Of FJSC, PCA Appointment Lists This article by Ahuraka Isah is a Rejoinder to that of Yemi Gbolade of last week titled ‘Appointment of Court of Appeal Justices: FJSC’s List Versus PCA’s Lists’. For some time, there have been some complaints against the ongoing exercise of appointing Justices to fill the 20 vacant positions on the Court of Appeal Bench. He attempts to debunk the allegations made in Yemi Gbolade’s article, by explaining the process laid down by the 2014 NJC Guidelines on the appointment of Judicial Officers, which is followed in such an exercise as this. He however, fails to address the allegation that there is no Christian nominee from the Northern zones, on the list Complaints Against Appointment of Court of Appeal Justices While some complained that the appointments offend Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) on the ground that Federal Character Principle was not observed because the appointment was based on ‘’ethnic, religious and primordial reasons’’, other writers said the list compiled by President of the Court of Appeal was jettisoned in favour of the one later compiled by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) with the handwriting of the politicians. The FJSC's list, the critic said, was prepared under the guise of the principle of Federal Character and geographical spread, saying under the NJC Guidelines for Appointment of Judges, Federal Character is the least factor for consideration for appointment of judicial officers. Besides, the writers who double as Lawyers held that the names of candidates from the North, consist of only Muslim Judges. ‘’No single Christian Judge, featured in the list’’. They further alleged that none of the Lawyers that applied was considered or appointed, saying ‘’only members of the Bench were nominated for appointment to the Court of Appeal, to the exclusion of the Bar and Academia’’.

It is not healthy in an argument to approbate and reprobate or approve and disapprove, for on one hand saying the appointments were not spread, and in another saying they were tilted in favour of federal character principle rather than merit. At the risk of sounding immodest, the petitions or allegations were either borne out of mischief or ignorance of procedural rules for the appointment of judicial officers, as there were more syllables than proof of evidence.

What stands the Judiciary out amongst the three arms of Government, is the iron-cast practice with relevant rules and standards of conduct, for all its activities or undertakings. From appointment to promotion, disciplining, to retirement or resignation of the judicial officers, there are procedural rules and regulations governing them.

Procedural Rules for Appointment of Judicial Officers The need for a change in the criteria for the appointment of Judicial Officers in Nigeria, prompted Judiciary leadership to come up with the new Revised National Judicial Council (NJC) Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria in 2014.

It was clear then that the old Guidelines and Rules had become unworkable, as it saw anachronisms such as the limitation that saw only Justices of the Court of Appeal, as of right, making it to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Under the new, more rigorous and transparent rules, any qualified legal practitioner with the requisite intellect has the opportunity of making it to any Court in the land, and even to the posts of Heads of Federal and States Superior Courts, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The ‘’Revised 2014 NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria’’, dictate the steps required to follow, for instance, from the point of nomination to the point of appointment of the nominees which must be followed. It would be discerned from below that, there can never come a condition to warrant the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA) list and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) list, because one must give rise to the other. The FJSC list, is always derived from the list produced by the PCA. Rule 1 states that: ‘’the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), State Judicial Service Commission, Judicial Service Committee of the FCT shall comply with these Rules in their advice to NJC for nominations or recommendations of candidates for appointment of Judicial Officers for the Superior Courts of Record under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Rule 2(2)(a) states: ‘’whenever the Head of a Federal Court proposes to embark on the process for appointment of candidates or candidate to the office of judicial officer of a federal court of which he/she is the head, notice shall be given to the Chief Justice/Chairman of the FJSC stating the number of Judicial officers intended to be proposed for appointment’’.

Rule 2(4) says that: ‘’the Secretary shall upon receipt of the notice, advice the Chief Justice/Chairman of the NJC in regard to the number of judicial officers that can be appointed pursuant to the notice, having regard to relevant budgetary provision in the budget of the

President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem council for the year…’’.

The PCA certainly notified the CJN in writing, declaring 20 vacancies on the Court of Appeal Bench, and in compliance with the Rule 2(4), the agreed number of judicial officers to be appointed are made public. The PCA writes to Chief Judges of 36 States and that of the FCT High Court, Chief Judges of the Federal High Court, Minister of Justice and the President of Nigerian Bar Association calling for nominations.

Rule 3 (a) states: ‘’Upon receipt by the Judicial Service Commission/Committee concerned of the decision of the Chief Justice/Chairman of the National Judicial Council rendered pursuant to Rule 2(4) advising that the exercise be proceeded with, the relevant Judicial Service Commission/Committee shall: call expression of interest by suitable candidates by way of public notice placed on the website of the Judicial Service Commission/Committee concerned, notice Boards of the Courts and notice Boards of Nigerian Bar Association Branches; write to every

“..... THERE CAN NEVER COME A CONDITION TO WARRANT THE PCA LIST AND THE FJSC LIST, BECAUSE ONE MUST GIVE RISE TO THE OTHER. THE FJSC LIST, IS ALWAYS DERIVED FROM THE LIST PRODUCED BY THE PCA”

other head of Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria, and to every Judicial officer of the Court concerned asking for nomination of suitable candidates for the proposed judicial appointment; write, in the case of appointment to a Federal Court, to the President, Nigerian Bar Association…’’.

Rule 3(b): ‘’In the case of appointment of Judicial Officers for Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Nigeria, the President of the Court of Appeal/Chief Justice of Nigeria shall, as the case may be, write to Heads of Courts, serving Justices of Court of Appeal/Supreme Court of Nigeria and President of the Nigerian Bar Association asking for nomination of suitable Judicial Officers/Legal Practitioners for appointment as Justice of Court of Appeal/Supreme Court of Nigeria”.

Rule 3 (2) states: ‘’Any person nominating a candidate must do so in writing and indicate clearly and in detail, that he/she has sufficient personal and professional knowledge of the candidate's requisite attributes for a reasonable period of time as would make him competent to make the nomination. He/she shall expressly certify that from his/her personal knowledge of the candidate, the candidate possesses the qualities set out in Rule 4 (4)(i)(a)-(b) of these Rules; and, where applicable the qualities set out in Rule 4(4)(i)(d) and/or (e)”.

All the nominations or recommendations for the appointment of the Court of Appeal Justices are forwarded to the President of the Court of Appeal, who in turn, constitutes a Committee and screens these preliminary nominees based on laid down criteria at that level. With the 20 vacant seats to fill, the PCA would produce a list of 80 nominees which would be forwarded to the FJSC. The FJSC is made up of the CJN, PCA, AGF, amongst others. The Commission would further screen the list based on laid down procedure and criteria, and come up with 40 nominees made up of 20 on priority list and 20 on reserve list. The FJSC would consequently forward its priority and reserve lists to the NJC, who then interview them and come up with 20 for appointment.

Rule 6 (1) however states that: ‘’every candidate/ judge/justice/chief judge/legal practitioner, who has been shortlisted shall undergo interview to be conducted by the National Judicial Council to ascertain his or her suitability for judicial office sought’’.

At this juncture, the success of the candidate depends on his or her performance, and other factors during the interview. Experience has shown that several nominees on the reserve list perform better than those on priority list, and consequently, are appointed instead.

Appointment of Lawyers to Appellate Courts Rule 3(6) of the Guidelines encourages competition between Bar and the Bench for the judicial officer’s appointment to vacant judicial offices, and that that be determined among other requirements of the number of judgements delivered and number of cases contested at the Bar. The provision states unequivocally thus, “and in the case of appointment from the Bar, evidence of 6 contested cases in the last 5 years; (ii) sound knowledge of law, (iii) seniority at the Bar and or the Bench, (iv) Federal Character or geographical spread and where necessary and possible, without compromising the independence of the judiciary or allowing politics to permeate or influence the appointment”.

Although, the main purpose of the new guidelines was to stop Judges relying on mere seniority in the system for promotion onto higher Bench, but experience has shown that no matter how lazy a Judge is, it would be difficult for a Lawyer to compare the number of cases he/she contested with the number of judgements delivered by a Judge at a given period of time. Of course, an average judicial officer can boast of ten times the number of judgements submitted by a highly rated Senior Advocate.

Geographical Spread of Judicial Appointment Appointment of the Supreme Court Justices is done in such a way that it reflects the federal character principle, to the extent that at least three and at most four out of the current 21 Justices come from each geo-political zone of the country. The appointments of Justices to other Federal Courts, including the Court of Appeal, follow this pattern of spread to assuage religious or ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.

Ahuraka Yusuf Isah, Senior Special Adviser to the Chief Justice of Nigeria on Media, Abuja

8/COVER

02.03.2021

At 70, I Still Believe in His, is a classical example of grass to grace. Starting out in 1970 as a Typist Grade III to being a Court Clerk, Administrative Officer, Qualifying as a Lawyer, Assistant Lecturer, Chartered Arbitrator, General Counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Acting Director-General of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Professor Paul Oboarenegbe Idornigie, SAN went down memory lane in a chat with Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi, narrating the odyssey of his life as he reaches the platinum age of 70, while commenting on the present state of the nation

C

ongratulations Prof or should we say ‘Lord Obingo’, on the occasion of this milestone of your Platinum Jubilee. We wish you a happy birthday, longer life in good health and prosperity. You have had an interesting career, from starting out as a Typist Grade III in 1970 to becoming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2015, a Professor and the Acting DG of NIALS in 2019. Indeed, you an inspiration to many, that irrespective of your beginnings, you can achieve your greatest dreams with focus, dedication and hard work. How would you say your journey has been so far? Is there anything more that you want to do, or is it time for you to just sit back and relax after such a hectic 50 years or so?

Let me start by thanking you for this interview. Yes, the 50 years look like yesterday. Paradoxically, when I started in March 1970, I had no idea of how I would proceed nor end. However, it has been a journey that was divinely packaged, as every stage prepared me for another. I call the stages ‘turning points’. One such turning point was leaving Auchi High Court for the University of Benin. That was a major decision, as I was a ‘big boy’ at Auchi and nicknamed myself ‘Lord Obingo of the High Court’. Other than working in the court, I had no idea that I would read law and become an arbitrator (like a Judge).

So, today when I am conducting arbitral proceedings and Counsel refers to me as ‘My Lord’, I say to myself, I was probably a Nostradamus, the 16th century French Astrologer and Seer who saw tomorrow.

I have changed jobs severally from Auchi High Court to the University of Benin, University of Jos, Federal Ministry of Works & Housing, Nigerian Law School, Bureau of Public Enterprises, until I finally bowed out at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in November 2020 where I acted as a Head of Department, Director of Research and Acting Director General.

In retrospect, it has been an academically and financially fulfilling journey. I have also trained my children up to at least Masters level in the United Kingdom, while one has a doctorate degree already, and another will complete the doctoral programme this year. I attribute all this to God Almighty.

He takes the glory and honour. Is it time to sit down and relax? That is a tough one for a Legal Practitioner and Law Teacher. I think that our oath seems to be ‘till death do us part’. I still feel that I have enough gas in my tank. So, it is not time to sit back and relax yet, otherwise, I will be bored. I still enjoy writing and from my secretarial background, I do not need a secretary nor personal assistant. Thus, my first draft is usually a typescript.

As a Lecturer in the Nigerian Law School, what subjects did you teach?

Your students affectionately nicknamed you ‘In Charge’, and you didn’t seem to mind. What is the origin of this nickname and why did you feel so

Professor Paul Oboarenegbe Idornigie, SAN

comfortable with it? How would you compare the standard of the Law School then to now? Has its decentralisation affected the standard of education and the Lawyers that are churned out of there?

A lot has definitely changed since your time at the Law School, especially the grading system which sees what some

“.....‘HOW I WISH THAT ‘MY TAKE HOME PAY WILL TAKE ME HOME’.

IF THIS HAPPENS, I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT MANY ACADEMIC STAFF WILL NOT DO ANY OTHER THING OTHER THAN TO TEACH, RESEARCH AND CARRY OUT COMMUNITY SERVICE”

say is an over-production of 1st Class graduates every year, raising doubts in the minds of some about the credibility of these grades. Kindly, comment on this.

In terms of imparting knowledge, I think that teaching at the Nigerian Law School was the peak of my academic career. I taught the Law of Evidence and Company Law & Practice. The two subjects were part of me: I knew all the sections and cases in the Law of Evidence, and I knew substantially the same thing in the Companies & Allied Matters Act (CAMA). How did the nickname ‘In Charge’ come about? At that time, I was so confident of myself, that I told the students that I taught law as it was as at the day of the lecture; that even if they made a first-class in UNN, Uniben, Unijos, Unilag or any other University, for the two subjects, I was in charge as I represented the law. You know there is academic arrogance, especially if you are on top of your game. I do not think that any student at that time, doubted my credentials and claims. In terms of standards, when I was there (1997-2004), the standards were really high.

At the moment, I think that the problem is not that of decentralisation per se, but a problem of falling standards of education generally. The consequence is that mediocrity has been entrenching mediocrity – poorly baked students became teachers, and only had footnote knowledge. So, when you produce students with poor background from the secondary school through University, there is little that the Law School can do in one session. Regarding the grading system, when we were there, it was very rigorous and we had several external markers, but there were complaints then about the grading system. I think that the change has led to

the production of many first-class students.

Though, I still believe that the Law School has a mechanism, to ensure that standards are always maintained.

You are a well-known Chartered Arbitrator. As arbitration practice gradually continues to deepen in Nigeria, worries have been expressed as to the proliferation of arbitration bodies. Today, there are at least three chartered institutes, all struggling for prominence. Under these circumstances, how can we ensure cohesion in arbitration practice in Nigeria, especially as Nigerians do not seem to consider the arbitral awards final and binding as they are supposed to be? What can be done to make arbitration more popular in Nigeria, especially as it’s a much quicker process than litigation, and also as a means as decongesting the courts?

I know of two Chartered Institutes in Nigeria, one Nigerian and the other global.

I belong to the global body. I do not think that we are struggling for prominence, as our international standing towers over and above others. Ours is the world’s leading qualifications and professional body for dispute avoidance and dispute management.

I liken our position to that of ICAN and ANAN. We have tried to unite, but we ended up in court. It is ridiculous that evangelists winning souls for arbitration, are in court. In my view, some of the users of arbitration in this country are to blame, for not according arbitration its pride of place. Arbitration is effective and efficient, especially if the process is driven by an expert. The relationship between the parties and the arbitrators, is contractual. Thus, there is a duty on the parties to carry out

COVER/9

02.03.2021

the Nigeria Project’ their bargains. For example, how can you voluntarily draft a contract with a clause on arbitration, and when arbitral proceedings are efficiently and professionally conducted but the final award is not in your favour, you will be looking for a ground to apply to court to set aside the award, and sometimes courts are ready and willing to indulge such applicants? We, at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK have trained Lawyers and Judges. We will continue to train them, to appreciate the attributes of arbitration.

It is interesting to state that on 26th May, 2017, Hon Justice W S N Onnoghen, GCON as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, directed the Heads of Courts to issue Practice Directions on Arbitral Clauses in Commercial Contracts.

My Lord proposed, inter alia, that (a) no court shall entertain an action instituted to enforce a contract or claim damages arising from a breach thereof, in which the parties have, by consent, included an arbitration clause, and without first ensuring that the clause is invoked and enforced; (b) that courts must insist on enforcement of the arbitration clause by declining jurisdiction, and award substantial costs against parties engaged in the practice; (c) that a party who institutes an action in court to enforce breach of contract containing an arbitration clause without first invoking the clause, is, himself, in breach of the said contract, and ought not be encouraged by the courts.

I am convinced that, if such Practice Directions are issued and enforced, our standing in arbitral practice will be enhanced.

Currently, arbitration is treated like a first step to litigation. It should not be so. It ought to be a stand-alone alternative, especially for pure commercial transactions. Be that as it may, we will keep engaging the lawyers, judges and other users of the process.

What are your plans as you retire?

Where would you likely tilt more towards, Academics or Arbitration and law practice?

Teaching is a job I love. This is interesting, because I rose to the level of a Senior Assistant Registrar in the Registry of the University of Jos before I moved over to the Faculty of Law as an Assistant Lecturer. However, the problem with teaching especially for a professional, is the salary structure, conditions of service, facilities and environment. For instance, how many public tertiary institutions in Nigeria can conduct teaching online? In this digital age, coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic, this is the way to go. It is regrettable that because of this pandemic and the strike action embarked by academic staff, we have lost over a year since early 2020.

Secondly, how I wish that ‘my take home pay will take me home’. If this happens, I can assure you that many academic staff will not do any other thing other than to teach, research and carry out community service. I think that we are yet to accord teaching its pride of place, in the scheme of things in Nigeria. In the face of unemployment, I am amazed that at 70 years, more offers of employment are made to me. As a Catholic, I have decided to accept and continue teaching at Veritas University, Bwari, Abuja. Since the pay and pension scheme of tertiary institutions are miserable, I will continue to practice arbitration, law and be involved in consultancies. I know that some practicing Lawyers argue that a public officer including a law teacher can only teach and farm, otherwise there will be a breach of the Code of Conduct.

I do not share this view. I do not believe that we should produce only academic teachers especially those in the professions, but teachers with practical experience. I concede that some of my colleagues abuse this by spending more time in their private offices than the classrooms. I think that this should be regulated by the individual

Professor Paul Oboarenegbe Idornigie, SAN employers, rather than a blanket ban. I want to state unequivocally that, the day that law teachers are prevented from practicing law, some law classrooms may be empty.

these resources available at NIALS, the fees charged are reasonable, competitive and fairly compatible with what is charged in similar foreign institutions.

The fees charged by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) have been criticised as being too exorbitant and beyond the reach of the average Nigerian Lawyer, depriving many the opportunity to enjoy the rich research resources of the Institute. How, in your view, can this be reviewed?

I disagree completely, that the fees charged

by NIALS are exorbitant. Some of those canvasing this position attend courses abroad, and pay more for materials not as rich as ours. NIALS is the apex of legal education in Nigeria. It is very rich. At the last count, it had five Senior Advocates, several professors, associate professors and PhD holders and still counting. Despite

You were at the Bureau of Public Enterprises as General Counsel. Criticisms trailed the BPE and its activities. It was accused of selling the nation’s choice flourishing enterprises for a pittance to cronies of those in government, through fronts. To what extent is this true?

I feel sad when I hear such complaints about BPE, especially with regards to ‘flourishing public enterprises’. Can someone mention such flourishing enterprises? I think that commercialisation, privatisation and restructuring of the Nigerian economy should be put a context. These activities are essentially in three phases – phase one (1988-1993); phase two (1993-1999); and phase three (1999 till present). I think that there is the need to examine the public enterprises privatised in the first phase.

They were essentially public enterprises already quoted, and therefore, the main privatisation method was through the capital market. It was easy to deal with the enterprises in the first phase because they were incorporated entities – the commercial banks (Savannah Bank of Nigeria Limited, Union Bank of Nigeria Limited, United Bank for Africa Limited, etc.), oil marketing companies (Unipetrol, National Oil and Chemical Company Limited, African Petroleum Limited, etc), air and sea travel companies, fertiliser companies, paper mills, sugar companies, cement companies and motor vehicles and truck assembly companies. The choice of sale through the capital market was informed by the need to ensure wider share ownership in Nigeria, and the desire to extend the frontiers and depth of the Nigeria capital market.

The method of privatisation adopted in the second phase, was offer for sale or private placement. Nothing much was achieved in this phase, because of the fall out of the first phase. There was alleged imbalance in the distribution of shares, between the Northern and Southern States. Besides, it was not clear whether the Abacha regime favoured the programme. However, attempts were made at commercialisation and conclusion of performance agreements,

“NOW, FOR AN APC GOVERNMENT WHO PROMISED SECURITY AS ONE OF ITS POLICIES, I THINK THAT THERE IS TOTAL FAILURE HERE. FAILURE TO PROVIDE SECURITY IS A CONSTITUTIONAL BREACH, AND IS IMPEACHABLE”

with little or no success.

The third phase presented its own challenges, as the focus was on core economic infrastructure. One can say that the first phase dealt with flourishing enterprises, as the banks and oil companies were already listed in the Stock Exchange. The bulk of the enterprises in the third phase needed to be reformed and/or restructured before privatisation. The public enterprises included NITEL, NEPA, the Refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri, fertiliser companies, machine tools, mining and solid minerals sector, steel and aluminium sector, media companies and transport and aviation companies, among others. For instance, NEPA, NITEL, NNPC, NICON and NPA being statutory companies could not be sold through the capital market, without reform and/or restructuring. The method of privatisation adopted in the third phase, therefore, was the core/strategic investor sale.

A ‘strategic investor’ is a reputable investor or group of investors having the required technical expertise, managerial experience and financial capacity to effectively manage the public enterprise. There was therefore, the need to reform these statutory bodies before privatisation. The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON established several steering committees, including the Oil and Gas Sector Implementation Committee (OGIC), the Telecom Sector Implementation Committee, Electric Power Sector Implementation Committee and the Steering Committee on Competition and Anti-Trust Reform.

All these Committees were inaugurated between 2000 and 2001.

The OGIC midwifed the drafting of the Petroleum Industry Bill that is still before the National Assembly. Indeed, the first draft was done in 2006/7. The Telecom Sector Implementation Committee midwifed the passage into law of the Nigerian Communications Commission Act, 2003; the Electric Power Sector Implementation Committee drafted the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005, and the first draft of the Federal Competition Commission Bill that was later changed to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill was drafted by the Steering Committee on Competition and Anti-Trust Reform as far back as 2005.

During the privatisation programme, it was found that the pension benefits of staff were denied, and indeed, the funds were misappropriated partly because the schemes were non-contributory. The NCP/BPE also drafted the Pension Reform Act, 2004 under the direction of the Steering Committee on Pensions Reform in Public Enterprises in Nigeria. The Steering Committee on Solid Mineral Sector supervised the drafting of the Minerals and Mines Act 2007.

Other than these laws, the NCP/BPE drafted the Ports & Harbours Bill, the Nigerian Railway Authority Bill, the Nigerian Postal Commission Bill, the National Transport Commission Bill, the National Roads Fund Bill, the Federal Roads Bill and the National Inland Waterways Authority Bill. What am I trying to explain? The NCP/BPE seem to be known for sale of public enterprises, than the reform activities it has carried out. I can say this because I was involved – I was in BPE between 2002 and 2009, and was General Counsel between 2004 and 2009. Thus, I was involved in all transactions.

One question that is never asked is the state of the public enterprises prior to privatisation. Were they functioning? Were they in operation? I will start with the Aluminium Smelter Company at Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State. At the time of privatisation, it was still under construction; the FGN had spent over $3 billion and it was still under construction, and yet the cost of a new plant world wide was less than $1bn; Delta Steel, Warri was not fully operational; cont'd on page 10

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Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill, Itakpe Iron Ore company and all the steel rolling mills in Jos, Katsina and Osogbo, was partly shut down; Eleme Petrochemical at Port Harcourt was partly shut, if not fully shut down; the fertiliser company in Port Harcourt had more liabilities than assets; all the motor assembly plants in Ibadan, Lagos, Kaduna and Bauchi were shut down, or partly shut down; the ports were mismanaged as the NPA was landlord, manager and provider of port services. I can go on and on.

The point I am trying to make is that, few public enterprises were actually flourishing at the time of privatisation. In this category, we have NICON Hilton, but certainly not the power sector or the telecoms sector. We all remember NEPA, NITEL and NPA of old.

So, in the case of these utility companies – the economic infrastructure, sufficient reform had to be done before privatisation. The way I used to describe it is like ‘trying to transform an ugly duckling into a swan’. No investor was ready to touch our railways or airways. Indeed, the Nigeria Airways was dead before privatisation. We had to liquidate it because of its debt overhang.

For me, it was a gloomy picture. My service as General Counsel gave me the opportunity to have a panoramic view of the Nigerian economy as a whole – how public enterprises were established and mismanaged over the years. Other than being the General Counsel, I was also the Head of Secretariat (Company Secretary), and so was Secretary to the Management Committee and Assistant Secretary to the NCP from 2003 to 2009.

I was involved in the preparation and drafting of documents used for privatisation – Advertisement for Expression of Interest, Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement, Request for Proposals, Share Sale/ Purchase Agreement, Concession Agreement, Lease Agreement, Asset Sale Agreement, Shareholders’ Agreement, Disclosure Letters, pre-contract Agreements (eg MOU), Power Purchase Agreement, Gas Sale Agreement, etc.

We carried out due diligence on all potential investors especially in a core investor sale.

Now what is the success story? Look at Eleme Petrochemicals and Transcorp Hilton.

I am very proud to have been involved in the privatisation of Eleme Petrochemicals and Transcorp Hilton. but sad that NITEL failed several times. When NITEL was sold to Transcorp, Transcorp had British Telecoms as its technical partner. When you are evaluating a company in the telecoms sector, and you see BT, what else are you looking for? Unfortunately, as soon as the Share Sale/Purchase Agreement was signed, Transcorp and BT had issues and hence the failure of the transaction. I must stress that BPE is one of the most organised and efficient statutory companies in Nigeria.

The privatisation methods and processes are world class. However, it is accountable to the political class. Even if there is political interference, it is minimal as the processes do not allow that. I do not think that anybody will refer to the DISCOs and GENCOs as flourishing public enterprises, being creations out of the acclaimed inefficient NEPA. Whenever, I hear about this claim of sale to cronies, I often ask to be told of the enterprise so sold. I remember very well that, Eleme Petrochemicals was comatose before privatisation in 2006. As soon as it was discovered that it had been turned around and was making profits and declaring dividends, there were calls for revocation of the sale. Like I said, what was the state of Eleme Petrochemicals before privatisation?

Even after restructuring, all the attempts to list the shares of Sheraton Hotels & Towers and Nigerdock Plc on the Stock Exchange failed, because they could not meet the listing requirements. NCP/BPE succeeded in privatising Port Harcourt and Kaduna Refineries in 2006/2007 to the Dangote Group, but due to pressure on the Government, the investors requested for the purchase consideration which they had paid. Can you imagine if we had privatised these two plants in 2008, whether the issue of fuel

Professor Paul Oboarenegbe Idornigie, SAN subsidy will still arise today?

Whether we like it or not, globally, the last three decades have witnessed a fundamental shift in the paradigm of infrastructure delivery around the world. Governments in industrial and developing countries alike, are retreating from owning and operating infrastructure, and are focusing on regulating and facilitating infrastructure delivery services by private firms. It is often said that around the world, the governments perform three main functions: they tax, they spend and they regulate and of all these functions, regulation is the least understood.

So, it is in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, we started with the passage of the NCC Act in 2003 with a single regulator. The Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act 2005 also has a single regulator, even though licences are granted for

“THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT A GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE, AND FOR THE PEOPLE. MANY NOW SEE THIS GOVERNMENT, AS OUT TO INFLICT PAINS ON NIGERIANS. CERTAINLY THIS IS NOT THE ‘CHANGE’ THAT WE YEARNED FOR”

generation and transmission, but in the draft Petroleum Industry Bill before the NASS, it would seem that Government has completely misunderstood the concept of an independent regulator. First, I do not support the establishment of two regulators (upstream and downstream) for one sector.

I will, for regulatory certainty, prefer one regulator. Second, I do not support the powers given to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, to grant and revoke licences on the recommendation of the regulators.

The powers to grant and revoke should reside in the regulatory body, as in the NCC Act and EPSR Act. For me, the vesting of enormous powers on the Minister of Petroleum, is like two steps forward and five steps backward. We should not be looking at individuals when drafting, but strong institutions. I am commenting on the PIB, because the first draft was done

by OGIC when I was General Counsel in BPE. How would you rate the CAMA 2020, especially in comparison to its predecessor? Does it really have innovations that will assist the ease of doing business in Nigeria?

I consider myself a lucky and privileged person in many respects. I started with Company Law, 1968, then CAMA 1990 and now CAMA 2020. CAMA 1990 is a product of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, as can be seen from their Report of 7th April, 1988. CAMA 1990 was revolutionary, as it codified many common law and equitable provisions.

In December 2015, I led a team of Consultants to carry a diagnostic review of laws relevant to the business environment, identify legislative gaps or deficiencies and make recommendations. In February 2016, our Report titled ‘Comprehensive Review of the Institutional, Regulatory, Legislative & Associated Instruments Affecting Businesses in Nigeria’ (now referred to as the ‘Idornigie Report’) was ready and presented to the National Assembly on 21st March, 2016.

In 2016, Nigeria was rated 169th out of 189 countries in the Doing Business Report, 2016. In our Report, we identified the reasons why our ranking was that low focusing on the 11 areas in the lifecycle of a business which are tracked and measured as indicators, including starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, among others. We recommended a review of the issue of minimum share capital, multiple directorship, definition of

small companies, formation of a company, capital reduction, statutory filings, amongst others. The Nigerian Law Reform Commission had also done some work on the reform of CAMA 1990.

Prior to the passage of the CAMA 2020, most of our recommendations were already being implemented, and these reflected the improvement in our ranking in Ease of Doing Business. Also, prior to CAMA 1990, incorporated trustees was regulated

by The Land (Perpetual Succession) Act, 1958. The provisions of this Act became Part C of CAMA 1990. However, Sections 823-848 (Part F) of CAMA 2020 deal with Incorporated Trustees. While CAMA 1990 was an improvement on Companies Act, 1968, CAMA 2020 is also an improvement on CAMA 1990. All the recommendations in the Idornigie Report, amongst others, were captured in CAMA 2020.

The innovations in CAMA 2020 include provision of single member/shareholder companies; introduction of statement of compliance; replacement of authorised share capital with minimum share capital; procurement of a common seal is no longer a mandatory requirement; provision for electronic filing, electronic share transfer and e-meetings for private companies; provision for virtual Annual General Meeting; exemption from appointing auditors; exemption from the appointment of a company secretary; creation of limited partnerships; reduction in filing fees and registration of charges; restriction on multiple directorships of public companies; business rescue provisions for insolvent companies and enhancement of minority shareholder protection. They will certainly improve doing business in Nigeria.

However, Section 839 of CAMA 2020 dealing with suspension of trustees, has remained controversial. The section provides for the suspension of trustees under certain conditions, and their replacement with interim managers. The question is who will be interim managers? Can the CAC act unilaterally or seek a court order, before making such appointment? It is noteworthy that these provisions are similar to those of the Charities Act of the UK, 2011 (Section 76). In the UK, we have a Charities Commission, but in Nigeria, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) carries similar functions, among other statutory functions.

Whereas in the Charities Act of the UK, the Charities Commission can suspend a trustee after instituting an inquiry under subsection (1) of the Act, subsection (7) of Section 839 simply provides that the CAC can suspend after an enquiry into the affairs of the Association. I think that the CAC should re-visit Section 839 of CAMA, and streamline it with Section 76 of the UK Charities Act. Our country seems to be in a state of total disarray. The security situation is at an all-time low, especially with the Boko Haram, kidnapping and the Herdsmen/ Farmers crisis. What is your opinion about the steps that the Ondo State Governor has taken to fight insecurity in his State, and the response of the Bauchi State Governor, specifically with regard to justifying the Herdsmen bearing arms to ostensibly to protect themselves and their cattle, and his assertion that the forest reserves in Nigeria belong to all, so the Herdsmen have a right to be there? Do you think the appointment of the new Service Chiefs will make the difference that Nigerians are expecting?

What about the role of the Police in all this? Is the Police doing enough? Do you see any way out of this conundrum?

I agree that we are like a ship without a captain. Everybody is pulling apart. I really do not believe that a public officer like a Governor of a State, would make a pronouncement like the Governor of Bauchi State did in relation to carrying of arms. I am 70 years old. I was born at a time when there was order in this country, and we were ruled by enlightened and cont'd on page 11

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me, the ball is squarely in the court of the Presidency.

educated politicians. It would seem that being a politician now, is licence to lie and act illegally and unconstitutionally with impunity. We now have politicians, forging ordinary school certificate to run for a political office. I am aware that the many Governors are candidates of EFCC. I am aware that several ex-Governors who have retired to the Senate, are also candidates of EFCC. I ask myself, how did we get to this level that this is the calibre of leaders that we have? Is this the country that we had the Aminu Kanos, Azikiwes, Awolowos, Okparas, Enahoros, Ahmadu Bellos and in the same Bauchi State, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa? Do these public officers weigh the consequences of their public utterances? What I also find is that, the level of impunity is so high that even when treasonable felonies are committed or there are constitutional breaches, there is no sanction.

The question is, who will call the Governors to order? Nobody, I mean nobody. They are not accountable to any body, because most of them rigged themselves into Government House instead of the real Government House at Kuje or Kirikiri. That is where they belong. The Governor of Bauchi State, ought to know better.

In the case of Ondo State, there are fundamental issues here. The Land Use Act, 1978 which is part of the Constitution, vests all lands on the Governors. To that extent, as the trustee of the people of Ondo State, there is a duty on the Governor to protect his people. The Constitution provides for freedom of movement. This right is not absolute, as it is qualified under Sections 41(1)(a) and 45 of the Constitution pursuant to a law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. Under the Constitution, therefore, there must be a law restricting or derogating from this fundamental right to freedom of movement. A community reading of the provisions in the Land Use Act and Sections 41 and 45 of Constitution, is that the Governor can by law restrict the movement of the Herdsmen for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons. More fundamentally, are the provisions in Sections 13 and 14 of the Constitution. All organs of government are obliged to comply with, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter II of the Constitution. In Section 14(2)(b), the primary purpose of government is to ensure the security and welfare of the people. To this extent, the Ondo State Government has a duty to ensure the security and welfare of the people of Ondo State.

Now, for an APC Government who promised security as one of its policies, I think that there is total failure here. Failure to provide security is a constitutional breach, and is impeachable. In the present dispensation who can impeach Mr President? Not this Senate filled up with what Lord Denning would call, ‘timorous souls’. I have never seen a Senate as docile and complacent as the present Senate. I see it as an extension of Aso Rock. We used to have such in State Assemblies, where Governors were like Garrison Commanders of their States, such that they can send a bill to the State Assembly in the morning and it is passed into law in the evening.

In the case of Service Chiefs, I have a fundamental question. First, can they assume duty without screening by Senate? Is this not fait accompli now? Who can dare challenge the process of recruitment of the Chiefs? Is this not impeachable?

Whether the new Chiefs will make a difference? I ask, what has changed, other than the officers? While I pray for them, I do not think so, especially when a retiring Chief says that it will take 20 years to clear Boko Haram. What a country!

In terms of the role of the Police, I think that morale must be low at the moment.

How can an Inspector General of Police retire statutorily, and in the face of other eminent and qualified policemen, he is granted an extension? What is the basis

The Federal Character Commission should not be a permanent Commission, but an interventionist Commission. Why must we have quota system permanently? Why must some States permanently enjoy the status of educationally less developed States, and the political class like it? What confers on them this right to remain perpetually educationally less developed States? The cut-off-points for entry into secondary schools and universities, is laughable. What do we explain to our children, as the reason for the discrimination – unity in diversity?

Nigeria is also a docile country, and so our rulers take us for granted. Whenever I watch Government functionaries lying to us on TV, and they know that they are lying to us, I wonder if they think about life after office. I find most of the songs composed and sung by Fela Anikulapo Kuti in the 80s still relevant today – its government magic; no food, no water, no light. Now compounded by insecurity.

Professor Paul Oboarenegbe Idornigie, SAN of the extension? We did not know that he was due for retirement? What happens after the three months? So the Police Force will collapse without him?

The way out, is to have a Government that is sensitive to the yearnings of the people.

It is called a democracy. This is certainly not a government of the people by the people and for the people. Many now see this government, as out to inflict pains on Nigerians. Certainly this is not the ‘change’ that we yearned for. How can one assert that the ‘forest reserves’ in Nigeria, belong to all? The Herdsmen have actually taken over Nigeria and hence, the assertion. One wonders how the arms and ammunition that are being used for kidnapping, were transported from across our borders to southern Nigeria. I think that the body language of the Federal Government has not helped matters – the Herdsmen own Nigeria. They maim, rape our women, kill and kidnap with impunity. Why won’t they

“I THINK THAT THE BODY LANGUAGE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS NOT HELPED MATTERS – THE HERDSMEN OWN NIGERIA. THEY MAIM, RAPE OUR WOMEN, KILL AND KIDNAP WITH IMPUNITY. WHY WON’T THEY CLAIM THAT THEY OWN ALL THE FORESTS?”

claim that they own all the forests? I think that the Government should think seriously about empowering Nigerians to own guns, after proper due diligence on the applicants and registration of such guns. Such applicants should be duly licensed. This way, the Herdsmen will know what to expect, as they plan their attacks. Something drastic has to be done, and done urgently too in this regard, before we are fully colonised by the Herdsmen.

The country seems to be extremely divided on ethnic and religious levels, more so than it has possibly ever been, apart from during the Civil War. What do you believe is responsible for this?

Though many Nigerians have criticised the Buhari administration for fuelling these divisions, others say that under the Jonathan administration, it was also a South- South affair. What can be done to stop this ethnic bitterness? It was this type of thing that fuelled the genocide in Rwanda. What must we do to stem this negative tide, before it spins fully out of control? Would the Federal Character provisions of the Constitution be of any use in this matter, if they were actually implemented?

We do not need a soothsayer to know that there is ethnic division in this country.

Several government policies have facilitated this. Let’s start from the primary school.

The cut-off-marks for the 36 States of the Federation is not the same for entry into Unity Schools, and yet they are called unity schools. In the Secondary School, the cut-offmark for entry into the Universities, is not the same. I recall that in the 70s, in a bid to bridge the educational gap between the North South, remedial programmes were established in the Northern Universities.

What has become of these programmes?

They ought to have bridged the gap by now, as admission into the programmes was strictly for indigenes.

In the public service, there is the Federal Character Commission that continues with the discrimination against certain ethnic groups. As if this is not enough, we have a President who is totally indifferent to the ethnic imbalancing started from primary school. Look at the heads of Federal parastatals, the military and para-military. I think that this Government simply thrives in controversy – will not remove Service Chiefs even when they tenures had expired; will not remove EFCC Chairman even when the Senate has rejected him; will not sign the Electoral Act even when it is in the interest of democracy; will not appoint an IGP early enough but instead, extended an expired tenure in the face of opposition; will recommend the scandalised service chiefs as non-career ambassadors; recommend a candidate for appointment as EFCC Chairman in the face of opposition, etc. So, for

How would you rate this administration after approximately six years in office vis-a-vis it’s three main campaign promises - fighting corruption, insecurity and revamping the economy? Is there a need for restructuring Nigeria and drawing up a new Constitution? What are your thoughts on this?

As a teacher, I will not score this administration anything near a re-sit or repeat, but withdrawal from the system. It has shown manifest incapacity to govern and this is done with impunity. I am not a politician, but simply a concerned Nigerian. I am from Edo State, I used to go home every Easter, Sallah and Christmas holidays. In the last three years, I have been scared to go home.

You are not even safe in your homes or streets.

In terms of fighting corruption, I think that the Magu saga represents the fight. Even in a pandemic, the distribution of relief materials was completely mismanaged, until the people revolted and broke into warehouses where the items were kept.

Regarding the economy, I hear of getting into and out of recession, but I do not feel it. I just know that the economy is bad.

On the question of restructuring, I think that it is over-due. I am aware that the concept means several things to different people. As a Lawyer, my focus is on the Exclusive Legislative List in the Constitution.

That should be re-visited. One of the other areas to be revisited is Section 44(3) of the Constitution, vesting the entire property in and control of all minerals, mineral oils and natural gas in the Federal Government of Nigeria. Zamfara State has shown the way out of this. Look at the Jos Plateau, look at the Niger Delta Region, and the effect of exploration or exploitation of mines and minerals in these regions. Look at the level of development of these regions. Given the penchant for reckless acquisition by our political class, I am not saying that the Governors will do better than the Federal Government, but let the owners control their resources, and pay tax to the Federal Government.

Having said all this, I still believe in the Nigeria project. We need nationalists and patriots, to drive the project. As a 70-year-old man, I am just sad that my life appears better than that of my off-springs and generations to follow. I bought my first car in 1976 - a Volkswagen Beetle for less than N3,000.00.

I bought my second car in 1981 – Peugeot 504 with A/C for N7,000.00; I stayed in University Quarters with Boys Quarters; I ran a decent life without any other extra income than my salary; I went on vacation to the UK; I trained my children in good public schools, etc. Today, all these are luxuries. Now, you can train your children up to doctorate level and they are still dependent on you, whereas, during my time, after secondary school, parents were dependent on their children.

Thank you, Prof.

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How American Strong Institutions Trumped Trump, a Strongman (Part 4 Concluded) Introduction

to investigate and explain what is true and what is false. Trump grew enraged when Fox News called the State of Arizona for Biden, early on Wednesday after the election. But, in doing so, the network in its election-calling operations, at least demonstrated its independence and investment in the truth. The Associated Press worked for years to maintain and upgrade its elections operations, while committing to unprecedented transparency in 2020 in explaining how its elections reporting worked. Other media outlets demonstrated similar will and resolve in waiting to call States until the result was plain, but then calling them definitively when it was.

Last week, we dealt extensively with Trump’s outlandish and false statements while in office, which later came to be regarded as the “tsunami of untruths”. From a simple lie regarding the “rain”, to a costly lie regarding the “coronavirus”, Trump’s presidential tenure was riddled with lies, lies and more lies. Many of these lies seem little. However, the bigger issue is that, they raised concerns about the morality and integrity of a man willing to lie about things so negligible. We went further to discuss Trump and his allies’ desperate court actions across the country, in an attempt to snatch victory from Biden and steal the peoples votes. They all failed. Finally, we had started last week with “the lessons to be learnt by Nigeria from Trump’s failed demagoguery”.

Today, we shall conclude on our four part series on the above vexed issue. Please, read on.

What Lessons for Nigeria from Trump’s Failed Demagoguery (continues) 1. Decentralisation There was no central authority overseeing the US elections. National elections are broken down by 50 States and the District of Columbia.

Elections within each State are run in turn by counties, and by precincts within counties. People vote locally, in thousands of jurisdictions; ballots are tallied locally; and the results are reported locally, and then added up in the public eye. The sheer number of people involved, defies both coordination and conspiracy. On election night, the tributaries of local results become streams, and then flow together to form rivers, and then become a flood. No President or any other figure, has the power to stop the result.

While every national election is stained by voter suppression measures and strained by human error and voting irregularities, the totality of the vote, and the transparency of its accumulation, constitutes an overwhelming force.

2. Turnout The only persistent symptom of weakness in the US democracy, has been low voter turnout. Less voter participation, means less representative government. But, turnout was a bright spot in 2020. Before the November election, no presidential ticket had ever notched 70 million votes – Barack Obama got 69.5 million in 2008. In 2020, Trump’s tally was building toward 74 million – while Biden had surpassed the incredible total of 80 million, with many ballots from the majority-Democrat New York State yet to be reported. The previous benchmark for total votes cast for the two major parties in a presidential election, was about 130 million. Astoundingly, the 2020 election is on track to record almost 20% more votes than that, for the Republican and Democratic tickets. As a uniquely polarising and inescapable figure in politics, Trump appears to have been a huge driver of turnout, both for and against.

3. Integrity and Transparency Despite Trump’s false assertions, US presidential elections are not subject to widespread fraud, miscounts or other significant irregularities. This is in part thanks to the tireless work of activists and no thanks to routine attempts at voter suppression.

4. Advertisement No significant instances of fraud emerged from the 2020 election, conducted over more than a month with an unprecedented number of mail-in ballots cast amidst a pandemic. No Trump Lawyer dared impute election fraud in court, despite the lies filling Trump’s Twitter feed. A hand recount of about 5 million ballots in Georgia inconsequentially moved the overall result by about 1,200 votes, which is a typically small recount result. A recount is also under way in Wisconsin, which Biden won by more than 20,000 votes. State officials reported no significant changes in the overall tally, after a fourth day of recounting.

5. The Courts Although Trump’s legal team were ridiculed. The campaign also hired top-flight Lawyers from firms such as, Jones Day and Porter Wright Morris & Arthur. On the whole, these Lawyers have fared miserably, winning only one minor case out of 43 in six States, while losing 35 cases so far, according to a running tally maintained by the Democratic Lawyer, Marc Elias. The Judges who threw out Trump campaign cases, include Trump appointees.

Judge Steven Grimberg in the Northern district of Georgia booted a complaint by a Trump elector, seeking to block certification of the State’s vote. Grimberg wrote: “I didn’t hear any justification for why the Plaintiff delayed bringing this claim until two weeks after this election, and on the cusp of these election results being certified”.

Before the day of election, another Trump appointee, Judge J Nicholas Ranjan, threw out a Trump complaint in Pennsylvania challenging mail-in ballots. Also, district Judge, Matthew Brann of Pennsylvania, a former Republican party official and Federalist Society member, sternly jettisoned a separate Trump campaign challenge filed after the election, when he wrote: “This court has been presented with strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations, unpled in the operative

Conclusion While democracy is being nourished and made to take roots in other climes, it is being manipulated and malnourished in Nigeria. In his 1962 assessment of the practice of democracy in Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo once opined that democracy was “pinning away on its death-bed, it has been mercilessly assaulted and violated. It is already being made to suffer from gross misuse and utter lack of nurture”. Democracy gives citizens the opportunity to participate in government, which in turn promotes development as can be discerned from the election of the United States. (The End).

Balarabe Musa, Junaid Mohammed - The Exit of Two Patriots Former US President, Donald Trump complaint and unsupported by evidence”.

He further wrote: “In the United States of America, this cannot justify the disenfranchisement of a single voter, let alone all the voters of its sixth most populated State. Our people, laws, and institutions, demand more.”

6. The Media The media is one of the least-loved institutions in the United States, only second to the Congress, abused with glee from the White House on down. The American media has been terribly crippled by the loss, over the last decade, of countless local outlets that offered irreplaceable, knowledgeable coverage of local events.

Pseudo-media propaganda services such as Breitbart, One America News, Newsmax and Parler, financed by conservative billionaires, represent ominous new entries on the media landscape, given invaluable support by Trump. But, strong and independent media, afforded powerful protections by the first amendment, remain a vital feature of US democracy. With no central authority over US elections, it falls to the media to project a winner. Where the intimidation of voters or poll workers is reported, it falls to the media to shine a light. Where false accusations about election fraud are spread by the President, it falls to the media

“WHILE DEMOCRACY IS BEING NOURISHED AND MADE TO TAKE ROOTS IN OTHER CLIMES, IT IS BEING MANIPULATED AND MALNOURISHED IN NIGERIA.....

JUNAID AGREED WITH BISHOP KUKAH.....THAT BUHARI WAS NEPOTISTIC AND SECTIONAL IN HIS APPOINTMENTS, 99% OF WHICH JUNAID SAID WERE NOT BASED ON MERIT, BUT ON HIS “FRIENDS, CRONIES, RELATIONS AND IN-LAWS”

In a country where patriots have become scarce commodities; where all you see, hear of and behold are war drum beaters; where erstwhile respected Nigerians have receded into their ethnic and ethno-religious enclaves, as ethnic warlords; these great Nigerians of Northern extraction luminously stood out in their life time.

In this pantheon of rare Northern breeds are few that are still alive: Bishop Kukah; Colonel Dangiwa Umar; Senator Shehu Sani; Com. Yerima Shettima; Dr. Yunusa Tanko and Nasiru Kura. They are quite few and in-between. That is why losing Balarabe Musa and Junaid Mohammed, particularly hurts me. They were soulmates with whom (especially Junaid), we regularly exchanged notes about the directionlessness of our otherwise great country, and its daily incremental sinking into a cesspool of nadir and on the precipice.

Balarabe Musa

Balarabe Musa was elected Governor of Kaduna State in 1979, under the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) founded by Mallam Aminu Kano, Balarabe (85) had soulmates in others within the same PRP - Dr Yusufu Bala Usman (of blessed memory), Sabo Barkin Zuwo (who later became Governor), Dr Michael Imoudu (famed labour leader), Abubakar Rimi (later Governor), Sule Lamido (later Governor), Uche Chukwumerije (later Minister), Chinua Achebe (epic Essayist of “Things Fall Apart” and “Trouble with Nigeria” fame); and Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila. His reign as Governor was rudely cut short by a most controversial impeachment, instigated by the then NPN Federal Government. An Accountant by profession, Balarabe never ceased to belly-ache over Nigeria’s problems, till he breathed his last.

At various rallies at the tombs of late Chief M.K.O Abiola and his bestially murdered wife, Kudirat, Musa, even in his old age, bemoaned Nigeria’s increasing problems. He was passionate about Nigeria as an entity. Thus, when tears had barely dried over his demise, that of Dr Junaid Mohammed emerged.

Dr Junaid Mohammed Former House of Representatives member, under PRP, which he co-founded with Aminu Kano in 1976, this fiery, social critic of the Muhammadu Buhari wobbling regime, also germinated from Aminu Kano’s school of thought. Junaid is better remembered, not for his stethoscope as an accomplished medical doctor, but for his principled political activism which was ideologically driven. His was not the run-of-the mill bread-and-butter-politics of “Amalaism” or “stomach infrastructure”. Intellectually grounded and fiercely patriotic, Dr. Mohammed never cared about whose ox was gored, whenever he took on national issues. But, for Nigeria’s politics of money-baggism and lack of ideology, the joint ticket of Donald Duke and Junaid Mohammed in the Social Democratic Party (SDP), during the 2019 presidential election, would probably have saved Nigeria from its current travails of a journey to no destination. In one of his last outings before he died, Junaid agreed with Bishop Kukah (fiery and outspoken Cleric) that Buhari was nepotistic and sectional in his appointments, 99% of which Junaid said were not based on merit, but on his “friends, cronies, relations and in-laws”.

His light also dimmed, when we needed him the most.

For Balarabe Musa and Junaid Mohammed, may Allah grant them Alijanah Firdausi, Amin.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “One of the things I believe strongly in, is developing institutions - legal, press, bureaucracies, academies - that are rooted in the pursuit of impartial truth. That aren't simply just bent to partisan ends, or are corrupted for the powerful, or for other ulterior motives.”

(David Grann).

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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

Ͱ ʹ ˜ Ͱ ͮ Ͱ ͯ MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

REPO 6.33 5.67

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

4.75 6.25 7

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

562.51% 0.01% - 5.65%

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

- 16.08% - 16.08%

EXCHANGE RATE N379/1US DOLLAR* ̩

Quick Takes NNPC Upbeat about TAM for PH Refinery

ECONOMIC SUMMIT

L-R: Chairman Nigeria’s Economic Advisory Council, Dr. Doyin Salami; Director General, Budget Office, Mr. Ben Akabueze; Managing Director/ CEO Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, and CEO, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, at a one-day summit on the economy by bank CEOs, organised by the CBN/Bankers Committee and Vanguard Newspapers in Lagos...recently

PIB: CSOs Fault 2.5% Proposed Fund for Host Communities Stories by Chineme Okafor in Abuja Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working within the advocacy space of Nigeria’s extractive sectors have argued that the proposed 2.5 per cent off the operational expenditure of oil companies operating in the Niger Delta for host communities in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was too low.

The CSOs thus asked the National Assembly to consider raising the amount to 10 per cent of the operational expenditures of the oil companies. They explained that this could represent a middle ground in the ongoing debates for host communities’ trust fund in the PIB. The PIB, a piece of legislation expected to rewrite the laws and reposition operations in Nigeria’s

ENERGY oil and gas industry has being in the works for many years, but the National Assembly has resumed legislation on it, with concerns on how to adequately accommodate communities hosting oil operations top on the agenda.

However, from a recent meeting organised by the Order Paper and UK-backed Facility for Oil Sector Transformation (FOSTER), the CSOs noted that the 10 per cent proposed, “is a middle ground position taken after vigorous and exhaustive debate on the concerns of companies, government and the peculiar nature of the development challenges facing current oil-producing areas and places newly discovered for production.”

They further explained that, “the debate was anchored on a calculated materiality threshold of both the prescribed and recommended percentages of operational expenses,” adding that the advocacy, “is anchored on the fact that all jurisdictions with oilproducing communities have one form of beneficiation mechanism or another to compensate the hosts.”

They also noted that the proposal in the PIB on community ownership of development choices plans and delivery should be reviewed, adding that the bill as currently framed, farms out the ownership, design and vehicle for development of oil-producing areas.

“The proposed Host Community Development Trusts - substantially to companies; this is a recipe for disaster and defeats the objectives intended to be achieved by the PIB,” they

said.

Furthermore, they stated that the responsibility for security of petroleum assets as proposed in the PIB is vested on host communities, but described this as being “escapist, defeatist and laden with the potential for scapegoating and vendetta.”

Additionally, the CSOs asked that the bill explicitly define the term host community to clear potential ambiguities.

According to them, the failure of the bill to clearly define what constitutes and who defines a host community was a dangerous latitude that could be exploited for crisis-mongering.

On harmonisation of environmental regulations, they noted that all environmental issues including audit, regulation, and Continued on page 24

NERC Upbeat about CBN, W’Bank Intervention in Bridging Metering Gaps The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed that two entities with significant financial commitments in Nigeria’s power sector – the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and World Bank - could invest more money to close existing metering gaps in the sector.

NERC in a document it put out inviting stakeholders’ comments on a plan to close the metering gaps of electricity distribution companies (Discos) in the sector, explained that the proposal would be built around the current Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme and planned National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).

According to the commission within a three-phase schedule, the CBN could fund Discos’ deployment of five million

ENERGY meters while the World Bank funds the deployment of any balance in the gap.

NERC noted that metering of end-use electricity consumption in Nigeria would help the sector achieve financial stability and improve customers’ satisfaction.

It also stated that this would enhance Discos’ revenue recovery.

Besides providing a transparent and accurate measurement for energy consumed by customer, the NERC added that meters would ensure energy accounting and revenue protection for the Discos while giving customers adequate information to control and manage their energy consumption.

“The cost of providing meters to customers should ordinarily be included in end-use electricity tariffs as an investment in infrastructure and hence part of the rate base for computation of revenue requirement.

“However, the prevailing absence of cost-reflective tariffs, a contributory factor to the impairment of Discos’ balance sheets, adversely impacts on the capacity of Discos to raise the necessary financing to support critical investments including but not limited to the metering of customers,” said the NERC which noted its various regulatory interventions on metering.

It stated that the MAP regulation which was announced in March 2018 to eliminate estimated billing practices, attract private

investment in the provision of metering services and enhance revenue assurance in sector while promoting local meter manufacturing in Nigeria could not start off 2019.

According to NERC: “A total of 611,231 meters have been deployed as at 31st January, 2021 under the MAP initiative since its full operation despite the COVID-19 pandemic and other extraneous factors.

“The challenge of closing the metering gap in NESI still persists as more than half of the registered electricity customers remain unmetered.”

It further explained that the existence of a huge metering gap and the need to ensure successContinued on page 24

The Managing Director of Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), Mr. Ahmed Dikko, has said the turnaround maintenance (TAM) of the company would begin in April this year, if the COVID-19 pandemic could permit. He said all the approvals and support required from the government and NNPC had been given and a team had been dedicated for the project.

Dikko stated this recently when the members of the National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) visited the refinery complex in Eleme, Rivers State.

“We have done a lot of activities; we are very confident and are sure that we are going to bring back this facility’s optimum production capacity in a very short time.

“Our engagement has been very different; we try to carry everybody along, we try to open up and show a lot of transparency in what we do.

“The whole arrangement is concluded and approvals are almost got; so, by and large, by next month or April at most, we mobilise to the site if COVID-19 permits”, he said. He noted that the company hoped to run the turnaround process through to the second quarter of 2023 when it would begin to inaugurate all the work they were doing in phases.

“We then drag these activities probably a little bit more than that so thatwehaveacompleterehabilitationofthewholefacilities,”headded.

Berger Paints Appoints Director

Berger Paints Nigeria Plc has appointed a former staff member of International Finance Corporation (IFC), Mr. Victor Adeniji, as an independentnon-executivedirector.Theappointmentbecameeffective fromFebruary16,2021.Inasimilarvein,twoofthecompany’sdirectors, Chief Musa Danjuma and Chief Nelson Nweke, would be retiring from the board effective from the 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM), after their meritorious services.

The Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, Mr. Ayokunle Ayoko, said in a statement that Adeniji’s appointment would be ratified at the company’s AGM. “The board has approved the appointment, of Mr. Victor Olusegun Adeniji as an independent non-executive director effective February 16, 2021. Adeniji will be bringing on board, almost four decades of extensive financial services sector experience encompassing multilateral development finance, investment banking and asset management at top-flight institutions, most notablyTheWorld Bank/International Finance Corporation (IFC).

“He is the Chief Executive Officer ofTechnoFuture Nigeria Limited, a Lagos-based technology skills training company and West Africa franchisee for an innovative Canadian e-learning product. He recently co-founded Communities United to Remove Epidemics (the CURE Initiative),anon-profitthatoperatesinthepublichealthspace.Heisthe co-author of Economies of Help:The Concept Behind the Consortium for Humanitarian Intervention (International Psychology Bulletin, June 2015),” Ayoko said.

MTN Supports Primary Health Centres

The MTN Foundation, the social investment vehicle of MTN Nigeria, has donated medical equipment to 12 primary health centres across Nigeria in the fourth phase of itsWhat CanWe DoTogether (WCWDT) campaign.TheinitiativeallowsNigerianstonominateselectedprojects they consider of utmost need to their communities.

The nomination of primary health centres in the fourth phase was in collaboration with the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

Speaking on the donation, Executive Secretary MTN Foundation, Nonny Nduka- Eze, said: “What Can We Do Together is in line with our social investment mandates to ensure that Nigerians have better expectations of medical facilities that work. Since 2015, we have executed projects in partnership with nominated communities across Nigeria. We partner with the people to make their lives brighter.”

Items donated include delivery beds, adult weight and height scales, screens, foetal dopplers, baby weight scales, mattresses and pillows, manual succession machines, extractors, disinfectants, footwears, infraredthermometers,disposablegowns,aprons,gloves,handsanitizers, megaphones, stretchers, eye charts, Samsung tabs, disposable nose masks, among others.

“To be clear, I view policy coordination across economic management institutions at the federal level as essential as response coordination across the tiers of government” Deputy Governor, Operations, CBN, Mr. Edward Adamu

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BUSINESSWORLD PIB: CSOS FAULT 2.5% PROPOSED FUND FOR HOST COMMUNITIES remediation should be ceded to the ministry of environment to avoid potential policy and regulatory overlaps.

“Nigeria must be positioned to earn more revenue from a fiscally responsible framework to guide the petroleum sector.

Companies and operators should be entitled to decent Returns on Investment (ROIs) to encourage current and fresh investments and by extension, the growth and development of the industry.

“Job security and decency of labour for workers in the industry must be guaranteed in the transition to a postPIB regulatory regime.

Gender dimensions and mainstreaming must be taken into account in the framing and operationalisation of the proposed law. The PIB must look out for the interests of the unborn and entrench a befitting saving scheme for the future,” the CSOs further advocated.

NERC UPBEAT ABOUT CBN, W’BANK INTERVENTION IN BRIDGING METERING GAPS ful implementation of the new service-based electricity tariff it granted the Discos resulted in the federal government approving NMMP. Through the NMMP, it explained the government would provide long-term low interest financing to the Discos to increase their meter deployment rate, promote local meter manufacturing, create jobs in the local meter value chain, reduce collection losses and enhance the sector’s finance.

It said the phases of the NMMP would first see the CBN provide funding to the Discos to procure one million meters from the existing stock available from MAPs within three and six months.

Subsequently, NERC noted that within the next phase, the CBN shall provide financing to the Discos to procure up to four million meters through a competitive procurement process among local meter manufacturers and assemblers, while the last phase will see the World Bank finance the Discos procurement of meters to close any outstanding gaps.

Group Business Editor

ÌÓØØË ÒÓ×Ë Capital Market Editor

NEWS

NCDMB Selects 40 Beneficiaries in Second Round of Project 100 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has inaugurated 40 companies as part of the second batch of its Project 100 Supplier Development Programme.

Speaking during the event, Executive Secretary of the organisation, Mr. Simbi Wabote, listed the benefits that would accrue to the new Project 100 companies to include bespoke development plans to improve critical business capabilities and access to market opportunities with oil and gas operators on industry projects.

He also identified access to critical industry and operational insights, information and data as well as participation in local oil and gas opportunity fairs and strategic events including advocacy for policy recommendations that would unlock some of the challenges identified by the beneficiaries.

Other opportunities, he said, include technical and business performance improvement capacity programmes and collaboration with critical industry stakeholders for participation in relevant global oil and gas events.

Added to those ones, he said, are R&D collaboration, opportunity to benefit from the $50 million Nigerian Content R&D Fund and opportunity to access the $350 milliob NCI Fund, particularly the $30 million working capital product, for

××Ë ÕÙØÔÓ Asst. Editor, Money Market ß×Ï ÕÏÑÒÏ Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

ÒÓØÏÎß äÏ (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) Ë×ÏÝ ×ÏÔÙ (Finance) ÌÏÜÏ áÙÔÓ (Insurance) ÒÓØÏ×Ï ÕËÐÙÜ (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

job opportunities and access to market, increase industrialisation opportunities and increase retention of industry spend.

He confirmed that the 40 new beneficiaries were selected from the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Joint Qualification System (NOGICJQS) , the industry database of competencies which has 4,340 active service companies, adding that 609 applications were received, out of which 40 companies got selected.

The NCDMB chief executive gave a scorecard of the implementation of Project 100 so

far, reporting that the first 60 beneficiaries have benefitted from key interventions, one of which is the successful inclusion of 46 beneficiaries in the supplier data base of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG).

The companies, he noted, also benefitted from development and implementation of development plans to improve their critical business capabilities and attended several access to market workshop sessions with major oil and gas operators.

They also benefitted from

sponsorship to oil and gas conferences in Nigeria and overseas, in addition to trainings on Subsea Systems and FPSO, Project Production Management and business mentorship, he stated.

The General Manager, Research, Statistics and Development, NCDMB, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu, in his comments, stressed that the new 40 beneficiaries were selected through a transparent process run in two phases.

He said the firms are wholly owned by Nigerians without international affiliations except for technical partnerships.

COURTESYVISIT

L-R: SecondCounselor,RwandaHighCommission,Abuja,Mr.VianneyRubagumya;HighCommissioner,Amb.StanislasKamanzi; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs. Toki Mabogunje; and Director General, Dr. Muda Yusuf, during a courtesy visit of the RwandanHighCommissionertoLCCIinLagos...recently ETOP UKUTT

UAE Insists OPEC Agreement Hinges on Vaccines, Demand Recovery Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja with agency report Ahead of its March 4 meeting, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said the chance of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies agreeing to increase crude output by 1.5 million b/d for April will depend on a successful rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines and its impact on demand.

The UAE energy minister, Suhail al-Mazrouei told the Gulf Intelligence quarterly publication, that as the group seeks to lower inventories, the producers should implement a “phased manner” of output increases to meet an expected oil demand uptick.

“Whether the market can absorb an additional 1.5 million

b/d of OPEC supply come April will depend on the success of the vaccine rollout, and how that impacts demand recovery.

“We also need to look beyond balancing supply and demand to inventories that may build up during 2021, and we are still trying to reduce those to a normal level,” he said.

OPEC+ ministers, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, are set to meet on March 4 to decide on production levels for April after recommending at their Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee meeting on Feb. 3 to hold quotas steady through March, rather than increase output by 500,000 b/d as planned. Saudi Arabia also voluntarily said it would cut its output by 1 million b/d for February and March. It is not

clear if all 1.5 million b/d of the output cuts will be returned all at once for April.

In February and March, Russia and Kazakhstan were given special dispensation to slightly increase their quotas, while all other members agreed to keep their quotas unchanged.

OPEC, Russia and eight other oil-producing allies are gradually easing their historic 9.7 million b/d of output cuts instituted during the worst of the coronavirus crisis in 2020.

For January, the cuts were rolled back to 7.2 million b/d, or roughly 7 per cent of pre-pandemic demand, from 7.7 million b/d in December.

“We have had a better than anticipated start to recovery in January and now expect to see

demand back to 2019 levels by the beginning of 2022,” Mazrouei said, adding that, “What is even more critical than prices and a balanced market is ensuring that we continue to incentivise capital investment in new supply to ensure that the volumes are there when demand recovers.”

According to him, all producers need to be careful not to over flood the market. “If not, prices will suffer and so will investment.”

OPEC+ is not now looking at defending its market share, although it expects to regain lost ground once demand recovers to normal levels, Platts quoted the UAE minister noted.

The UAE, OPEC’s third largest producer that has been vocal about pushing for further

easing of quotas, wants to boost its compliance to over 100 per cent since it’s a member of the JMMC. “As an example, the UAE has an installed capacity of more than 4.2 million b/d, but we are working with the group to cut significantly from that volume,” he added.

The minister reiterated the UAE’s commitment to stay in OPEC, despite previous rumblings that the producer wanted to exit the group amid plans to boost its oil output capacity.

“Our benefit is to stay within the group,” he said, adding that he was confident that the investments made in Murban and the efficiency improvements done by ADNOC will enable it to compete

FG Lifts Edo Community with 100kW Solar Power Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

qualified organisations.

The board started Project 100 in January 2019, with 60 companies with the goal of nurturing 100 wholly owned oil and gas service providers, in a competitive and sustainable way through targeted interventions, into larger scale players that create high impact.

Wabote, while inaugurating the new batch of companies in a virtual event, stated that the successful implementation of the project would increase contributions of the oil and gas sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), create

The federal government has commissioned a 100kW solar hybrid mini grid in Adebayo community in Ovia South East local government of Edo state.

The community had been in darkness for decades.

Commissioning the project, the Minister of State for Power, Mr. Goddy Jedy-Agba, noted that renewable energy solutions would bridge the electricity gap in the country, adding that the ministry would work with critical stakeholders to create policies

that will favour renewable energy investment.

He said: “Though the electricity deficit has been an albatross for too long, we are positive that through these off-grid solution we will electrify rural communities across geographical regions of the country.

“Electricity is a continuous process We plan to do all that it takes to ensure that massive renewable energy are efficiently utilised and evenly deployed across the country.”

Earlier, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Rural

Electricity Agency (REA), Mr. Ahmad Salihijo, said the agency through the federal government Rural Electricity Fund (REF), will ensure electricity access to 12 communities through solar home system across the country..

He stated that to achieve that, over 19,000 Solar Home Systems would be deployed to the communities across the country.

“This project was delivered under the first call of the federal government ‘s Rural Electrification Fund (REF), designed to promoted off-grid electrification

and ensure that electricity is equitably distributed across Nigeria using data-driven off-grid solution,” he stated.

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for his unwavering support in ensuring the implementation of the projects, he noted that the agency intervention in offgrid communities was key to accelerating electrification and national development.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the partnering firm, Fanny Frank Global Resources, Mr. Emmanuel

Ugochukwu, said the installed power plant has a total capacity of 100kW, 294 high grade solar panel, 72 batteries, 20 street lights and 27 kilometre distribution cable.

On his part, the community’s village head, Chief Lateef Agbaje, commended the federal government for coming to the aid of the community he said has been without electricity for decades.

He noted that with the electricity small businesses will grow in the community while they will not will have uninterrupted 24 hours electricity.

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SDGs:UNCallsfor Blueprint to Tackle Illicit Financial Practices Dike Onwuamaeze The report of the United Nations’ High Level Panel on International Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity (FACTI) for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 agenda has called for the development of a blueprint that would free the global economy from illicit financial practices and enable the realisation of the goals of sustainable development for all, everywhere.

The report, which was launched yesterday, is titled the “Financial Integrity for Sustainable Development.” It stated that

illicit financial flows could be tackled by fostering a system of, “financial integrity for sustainable development.”

It described Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) as, “financial flows that are illicit in origin, transfer or use, that reflect an exchange of value and that cross country borders,” adding that tax avoidance is a component of IFFs. It observed that IFFs represented a double theft and illustrated an expropriation of funds that robs billions of people of a better future. It, therefore, called for “strengthening integrity within global finance, so that “resources, instead of vanishing into an offshore maze, will be

used to benefit the people and places from which they were generated.”

The panel stated that IFFs drained resources from sustainable development, worsen inequalities and fuel instability.

The report noted that: “IFFs are a systemic problem requiring a systemic solution. An entire ecosystem approach is needed to address the shortcomings of the present patchwork of structures and adapt them to ever-evolving risks.”

The solution would be aimed at fostering integrity for sustainable development by, “reinforcing values for integrity, strengthening policy frameworks

and redesigning institutions.”

The panel recommendations for addressing IFFs include accountability, legitimacy, transparency, fairness, international cooperation, capacity building, national and global governance.

The report stated: “All countries should enact legislation providing for the widest possible range of legal tools to pursue cross-border financial crimes. The international community should develop and agree on common international standards for settlements in cross-border corruption cases.

“Businesses should hold accountable all executives, staff

and board members who foster or tolerate illicit financial flows in the name of their businesses.”

The panel further recommended that international tax norms, particularly tax-transparency standards, should be established through an open and inclusive legal instrument with universal participation, which implied that, “the international community should initiate a process for a UN Tax Convention.”

The report also stated that, “international anti-money-laundering standards should require that all countries create a centralised registry for holding beneficial ownership information on all legal vehicles. The standards

should encourage countries to make the information public.”

The recommendations contained, “ambitious set of measures to reform, redesign and revitalise the global architecture, so it can effectively foster financial integrity for sustainable development.”

It, however, noted that recommendations were not enough and enjoined on all people to contribute through their actions.

“Governments must come together to agree on new solutions for financial integrity. The private sector must meet higher standards. Civil society and the media have to help hold the powerful accountable,” the panel said.

ReportUrgesOrganisationsto Develop CrisisManagementPlan Ugo Aliogo The unprecedented global health crisis has revealed the need for businesses to have a crisis management plan, a research report by public relations firm, CMC Connect BCW, a member of the CMC Connect Group has stated.

According to the report, between the second and third quarters of 2020, 27 per cent of businesses suffered major impact from the coronavirus pandemic, with only 9.9 per cent of the respondents having a crisis management plan in place, “while 59 per cent never had a crisis management plan before the COVID-19 pandemic.”

CMC Connect BCW, revealed that the research was carried out on over 200 business owners and employees.

It stated that 78 per cent of respondents agreed that the existence of a crisis management plan was important in inspiring confidence in organisational leadership. The report further explained that the insights gathered from the research confirmed the gap in strategic crisis management for businesses which the company hopes to fill with its specialized service.

It noted that crisis and issues management service was a specialised portfolio that provides a strategic roadmap for crisis, employing a 3-step approach - Prepare, Manage, and Recover to guarantees business sustainability and continuity in spite of a crisis.

The Group Managing Director, CMC Connect (Perception Managers), Mr. Yomi-BadejoOkusanya, was quoted to have said: “When a crisis occurs, there is a breakdown of trust between the organisation and its stakeholders. “Trust is a currency on which stakeholders’ trade, and it defines their loyalty and goodwill. Once this is disrupted, the organisation is on its way down.

“However, crisis preparedness presents an opportunity to rebuild trust and gain customer loyalty. Many organisations that have bounced back from major crisis to dominate the industry. Meaning that, crisis by itself is not an end but could be taken advantage of if planned for.

“This is where your crisis preparedness comes in, requiring skill and expertise in managing and maintaining propriety in the middle a storm.”

IBEDC Assures of Improved Power Supply to Ibadan Community Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has assured of its commitment to ensure that customers under its area enjoy constant power supply.

The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of the distribution company, Mr. Akin Abiodun, said this when some youths from Lalupon community, in Ibadan, stormed the company’s headquarters in Ibadan, with placards to protest epileptic power supply to the community.

He said efforts to ensure permanent solution to the epileptic power supply in the community and its environs were underway, appealing for the understanding of the residents while reminding them of the strides the company has been making to resolve the issues of the low power supply.

According to him, “Lalupon 33kV Feeder, is a leg on Adogba 33kV feeder from Ibadan North

132/33kV Transmission Substation, located at Shasha, in Ojoo area.This feeder supplies electricity to Olodo, Lalupon, Iyana-Offa, Ejioku and Oyedeji communities. This same feeder with a load demand of 27MW also feeds Adogba and Akobo Injection Sub-stations.

“These same Injection Substations are the ones feeding Iwo road, Monatan, New-Ife Road, Akobo, Estate and Iyana Church and so on. Meanwhile, Adogba 33kV feeder is limited to 17MW due to transformer limitation at the Transmission Station.’’

Abiodun added that the IBEDC management had in response to the inherited albatross from the defunct PHCN, rehabilitated the Lalupon 33kV line by re-conductoring and changing failed components on the line, stating that it had also re-channeled 27 Tee-Offs from the line to new Asejire 33kV feeder to reduce the load on Lalupon 33kV line.

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A’Ibom Moves to Sanitise Miners, Dredgers’ Activities Okon Bassey in Uyo Akwa Ibom State government has issued a guideline to sanitise activities of miners and illegal sand dredgers across the state.

A statement from the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Charles Udoh, made available to newsmen in Uyo, said this became necessary as activities of illegal sand dredgers and gravel miners have continued to pose severe environmental and security threat to residents.

He expressed worry that critical state infrastructure and assets were being threatened while several communities have lost

their sources of natural drinking water with farm lands devastated due to indiscriminate mining and dredging in many parts of the state. “It is even more worrisome that suspicious characters from all parts of the country are beginning to find dwelling places in our state under the guise of sand dredging or gravel mining,” Udoh said.

To alleviate these concerns of government, the statement said, a data base of practitioners in the sector has been generated to ensure all mining activities in state are carried out in accordance with the extant laws.

Government also approved a checklist for all current and

prospective artisanal miners including formal expression of interest to the state Ministry of Environment (MoE), site verification/Inspection and evidence of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with host communities, he explained.

Others include evidence of operational permit/license by Federal Ministry of Mines & Steel (MoM&S) and National Inland WaterWay Authority (NIWA), where applicable, acceptable Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and evidence of business registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

He also requested prospective miners to produce evidence of

up-to-date tax clearance from Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) and environmental Permit issued by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment (MoE). This is renewable annually while approved locations will be mapped.

“It is important to note that all prospective miners and current operators must be certified to have completed this process before commencement of operation. Furthermore, all operators must subject their sites to a mandatory quarterly environmental monitoring as well as an annual environmental audit,” he added.

Facebook Partners JA Nigeria on Digital Marketing Skills JA Nigeria has announced a partnership with Facebook in line with the vision of raising a generation of digitally-inclined young business leaders.

The new partnership will result in the incorporation of a digital marketing module into JA’s flagship Company Program to empower young people with digital marketing skills.

According to a statement, with the growing need for digital literacy among young people, it was pressing to expose students to digital tools in order to help them bring their business online and market their brands through

JA Company Program.

JA Company Program teaches secondary school students how to start and run their own business, develop a product or service, form a company, choose a business name and elect company officers to oversee the operation of the company. The program aims to help students move a business idea from concept stage to reality and help them succeed in a global economy. The digital marketing module incorporation was however intended to enable students to build their online presence, connect to a larger audience and grow their businesses. In

addition to this, the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the need for these digital strategies.

Commenting on the partnership, the Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Foluso Gbadamosi said, “We are thankful to Facebook for this amazing partnership that will help our Company Program students boost their business profitability and equip them with digital marketing skills.

“Digital marketing is the skill of the future. It fulfils the objectives of traditional marketing concepts and delivers competitive advantages, measurable ROI and

better visibility and engagement.”

“When I came on board, one of the strategic methods I devised to accelerate JAN’s impact is to leverage digital technology to expand our reach as well as enrich our curriculum with relevant digital modules.

“This partnership is a right step in the right direction as we are on the right track to reaching another one million youth in five years.” Foluso added.

On his part, the Policy Programs Manager at Facebook, Phil Oduor said the economic empowerment of Nigeria remains a priority for his organisation.

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Shell Pledges Support for FG’s Gas Expansion Plan Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), has restated commitment to support the federal government goal of using the country’s proven gas reserves to trigger economic activities for gas-based industrialization.

SPDC’s Managing Director and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, said Shell’s support is shown in the company’s multi-billion dollars investment in four of Nigerian National

Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC) ‘Seven Critical Gas Development Projects’.

Speaking at the Nigerian Gas Association’s 12th International Conference and Awards, held virtually with the theme, “Powering Forward: Enabling Nigeria’s Industrialization via Gas”, Okunbor stated that Shell has invested heavily in the Assa North Gas Project.

A statement signed by the Media Relations Manager, SPDC, Bamidele Odugbesan, listed other projects as the Four Unitised Gas Fields; Brass Fertiliser Company; and the Cluster Development

of Okpokunou/Tuomo West (OML 35/62).

He commended the government’s recent progress in gas development and restated support for NNPC’s aspiration to grow domestic gas usage in Nigeria to 5 billion cubic feet of gas per day from its current 1.7 billion cubic feet of gas per day by 2022.

“Nigeria has launched out on a few audacious and, frankly, great projects to essentially drive our ambition as a country in this regard. Let’s find a way to make sure that we stay the course and begin to put our

efforts in a consistent manner towards downstream where our country can get ultimate benefit for gas,” he advised.

He called for a robust engagement in discussions for an agreeable price framework in order to attract investments in the country’s rich gas sector, saying it would be helpful to unlock Nigeria’s proven gas reserves, especially for power, agriculture and industrial sectors.

Okunbor said the current pricing regime does not quite fit the wider framework of what the gas industry does.

“We want to incentivise methanol and fertiliser production, which is extremely important, to gear up our agricultural sector but the price regime now in that sector is lower than the kind of prices that you have for supply to the power sector and industrial establishments,” he said.

He added: “To make domestic gas work, we do need a right price regime. It might just mean that some sectors are supported more than others that can naturally carry themselves.

The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) provides that framework.”

He urged policy makers to strike a careful balance between trying to raise funds in terms of the kind of taxes and royalties that are put on gas and understanding that it is actually much more of a resource that drives national development.

With over 200 trillion cubic feet of gas proven, the world’s 9th largest proven gas reserves, Okubor said Nigeria can satisfy both domestic and export markets of gas if the right policies and processes are put in place and the country continues to drive those policies, processes and gas infrastructure.

DPR:MoribundFacilities LimitingDomesticRefining Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), has said moribund oil and gas facilities across the country would limit domestic refining capacity and hinder projected benefits and revenues.

A statement from the organisation stated that DPR Director, Mr Sarki Auwalu, made the comment during a visit to a fabrication yard located at Ilase Village, Snake Island, Lagos State.

He insisted that the federal government was, however, committed to reactivating the moribund oil and gas support facilities across the country, adding that the move was part of the government’s effort to increase domestic refining capacity and gas utilisation to curb unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.

Auwalu expressed dissatisfaction that the facility which was licensed to provide oil and gas service had not been operational since 2015 due to contractual issues and expressed worry that the critical equipment in the facility was currently not being utilised for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.

He said: “The industry depends on facilities like this to actualise its investment because it is like a support system for

the oil and gas sector. Our visit is to the edifice that we licensed and it is dormant. But we are going to make it active because we see it as an opportunity to grow the oil and gas industry.

“We have seen an opportunity we can use to support our gas utilisation, penetration and expansion programme. We have issued several licenses for modular refineries that need fabrications. We cannot allow this kind of facility to remain under-utilised.”

He revealed that efforts are currently ongoing to double the contribution of the oil and gas sector to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, (GDP) to about 15 per cent from the current eight per cent.

He noted that the facility, when functional, can play a significant role in supporting and driving the federal government’s gas utilisation, penetration and expansion programme, stressing that because of the shutdown of the facility, some of the fabrication jobs that could be done at the facility were being shipped to China. In his remarks, the Engineering Director, Kaztec Engineering Limited, Mike Simpson, said the facility became dormant in 2015 after its main contractor, Addax Petroleum, declared a force majeure on its operations.

Firm Launches Online TV Chinedu Eze Indigenous firm, IntraDot has launched an online TV App in Nigeria, known as ‘OyaWatch TV’.

The company said it is a downloadable online mobile television application.

IntraDot said the novel TV app is suitability for all major mobile devices and smart TVs with contents from both local and international broadcasters.

“The app is the first service of its kind dedicated to Nigerian audiences by streaming live programmes of high quality news, sport, and entertainment and documentaries channels with available menu in English, French, and Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo languages,” the company said.

Nigerian who witnessed the demonstration of the TV described the rollout of the App as a revolution in how Nigerians would view media contents henceforth as it affords subscribers the ease to navigate through various channels easily.

Marketing Director, IntraDot Ltd, Francesca Minaise said the subscription-based streaming service is available on all App Stores and designed to bring television experience closer to users as they could now watch any programme of their choice on their palm.

Minaise also said, “Imagine the avid followers of programs and shows in a remote locations where the viewer does not have access to a TV but with his smartphone, just a click of a button, the viewer is just as the man, woman or child sitting before the giant screen in the sitting room or the viewing any centre . Same goes for lovers of sports, news, lifestyle/entertainment, music, movies, kids shows movies and many others.”

According to her, the name OyaWatch comes from the Yoruba slang “oya”, meaning instant or “instantly”, saying “we want to make the best global and local media and entertainment experiences available to everyone in Nigeria.”

SPECIALRECOGNITION

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9mobile Advocates Indigenous Languages Preservation Raheem Akingbolu 9mobile has thrown its weight behind efforts to preserve Nigeria’s indigenous languages and cultural diversity with the celebration of the International Mother Language Day, a United Nations initiative to encourage the preservation and protection of all languages.

Riding on the year’s theme

‘Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society’, 9mobile, a wholly Nigerian communication company, is creating awareness of the need to preserve and protect Nigeria’s indigenous languages According to 9mobile’s Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Abdulrahman Ado, it is important that Nigerians are proud of their rich

cultural heritage and multilingual diversity. ‘‘As a leading communication brand focused on communication, 9mobile recognizes the need for society to ensure the survival of our native languages. Indigenous languages are an essential aspect of the collective symbol of our National identity and portray us as culturally vibrant people to the rest of the world. There must be

structures in place to ensure the preservation of all languages to protect the socio-cultural rights and dignities of all people.”

Ado further stated that “Mother languages play a key role towards every child’s cognitive development especially at the early stage of development and in the full inclusion and integration of all persons into society.

Valency Agro Nigeria Raises N5.12bn CP, Lists Security on FMDQ Goddy Egene FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited recently approved the quotation of the Valency Agro Nigeria Limited N5.12 billion Series 1 Commercial Paper(CP) on its platform.

The N5.12 billion is under the Valency Agro Nigeria Limited N20.00 billion CP Programme and came at a time where the Nigerian economy is be deviled with soaring food prices, amidst compounding challenges of insecurity.

The agricultural sector and its attendant transformation agenda have never been more important in driving increased and sustainable production of agricultural products as well as the derived foreign earnings through exports.

According to the company,

the proceeds from this issue of the CP will be applied by Valency Agro towards meeting the mid-term working capital requirements of the various agricultural produce under its portfolio such as cashew, sesame, cocoa and in value addition prior to export.

Commenting on the issuance, the Executive Director, Valency Agro Nigeria Limited, Mr. Sumit Jain, said: “We are thankful to our investors towards showing their faith in our agenda to grow the agriculture focused business with a clear aim to maximise value addition and create employment opportunities in Nigeria. We would also like to commend the efforts made by FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited’s team to build the reach and FMDQ for their unconditional support

for the industry.”

Also commenting, Head, Capital Markets, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, Mr. Oluseun Olatidoye, said: “FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited is delighted with the successful debut of the N5.12 billion Series 1 CP issued by Valency Agro Nigeria Limited.

“This reiterates our effort to enable underserved sectors access the debt markets, optimise their capital structure and further deepen the domestic capital markets. We are proud of the instrumental role FBNQuest Merchant Bank played in this transaction and appreciate the trust the management of Valency Agro placed in us to assist them.

Our clients remain our priority, and we strongly believe their success is our success”.

According to FMDQ, the

timely admission of this CP, and in general, securities on the exchange, is a testament to the efficient processes and integrated systems through which FMDQ Holdings Plc through its wholly owned subsidiaries, has continued to create unique value for its diverse stakeholders during this peculiar time and beyond.

“In keeping with its commitment to the development of the market, FMDQ Exchange shall sustain its efforts in supporting issuers with tailored financing options to enable them achieve their strategic objectives, deepen and effectively position the Nigerian debt capital market (DCM) for growth, in support of the realisation of a globally competitive and vibrant economy,” the exchange said.

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Enhancing Compliance in Nigeria Compliance which is evolving, is no longer confined to the financial and insurance industry, it has become the cornerstone of organisations across all industries. Compliance and risk management covers a wide range of business areas, whether it’s data protection issues in the Human Resource department, tax and corruption guidelines in sales and finance, or website compliance in online marketing – today, a variety of regulations, directives, and laws shape a company’s everyday operations both inside and outside. The Compliance Institute, Nigeria is leading the charge in changing the compliance culture and narrative in Nigeria, Africa and the world, writes Adedayo Adejobi

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ompliance functions have gone through a major period of growth and investment since the 2008 financial crisis. Many Nigerian firms have seen an increase in their compliance functions since then.

The spectrum of the various laws and rules that characterise compliance in an organisation is constantly changing in our globalised and digitised world. With a raft of more than 50,000 regulatory changes existing worldwide.

In the United States alone, companies need to adhere to a wide range of regulations, including antitrust and competition laws, environmental regulations, healthcare laws, employment and labor laws, security laws, political activities and contribution laws, and regulations regarding trade secrets and confidential information. Nigeria, through the Compliance Institute, Nigeria has risen to the occasion of not just adopting but also complying with these regulatory compliance stipulations.

Nigeria’s changing regulatory landscape is one of the most important challenges for company compliance officers. Only those who are up-to-date can reduce the risks of penalties and reputational damage through risk-reducing behavior within their organisation.

The Pattison Boleigha –led Compliance Institute, Nigeria and his colleagues in the boards , whom all poised to take compliance to the next level, have spotted the many challenges Nigerian companies face with navigating, monitoring and evaluating Nigeria’s regulatory landscape.

Two years ago, following its strategic alliance with the Centre for National American Security (CNAS), the growth has reflected in part, the post -financial crisis regulatory reform agenda-including not only resilience and-for banking-resolution requirements, but also a host of retail conducts, wholesale conduct, anti-money laundering, corporate governance, more intrusive supervision and individual accountability.

It is instructive to note that the Compliance Institute, Nigeria, has over the years increased its resources and have widened their range of tasks, with a dramatic increase in their monitoring and surveillance activity, whether manual or substantially automated.

With the Institute’s leadership, compliance functions across DFI’s have witnessed an increased profile and higher expectations placed upon them. Moreover, having strengthened the control environment and enhanced compliance with regulatory requirements, the focus and mindset of Compliance in many firms remains overly risk-averse, conservative and still struggling with the remediation of past problems, resulting in limited latitude to support- as well as continuing to challenge – the business. The focus may be partly the result of perceptions of regulators’ expectations.

In addition, in some firms there is lack of clarity over the mandate and role of Compliance, how it fits within the three lines of defence, and the relationship between compliance and the business.

Boleigha and his colleagues in the board of the CIN explained the role of compliance in the financial services sector has changed significantly over the years. Compliance has and continues to evolve to meet the ever increasing demands and complexity of financial regulation, he says.

“Compliance has to evolve from traditional methods of managing compliance towards integrated risk management using automation to leapfrog compliance from gatekeeper to game changer.

“To meet the demands of a rapidly changing financial services industry, the compliance function has to shift its focus by using data insights to inform decision making and creating value for the business,” he said.

Pattison Beleigha- President Compliance Institute, Nigeria He added there have been an increase in the use of robotics process automation and predictive analytics for risk assessment, monitoring and testing, complaints management, surveillance and regulatory reporting.

“This creates efficiency and saves costs in the long run,” Boleigha says.

Pattison Boleigha, who assumed his position in 2017 has in the last five years and counting proven to the Nigerian compliance community a big task ahead of her.

“As the Head-honcho, I am saddled with the responsibility of spearheading Africa’s emergence as a notable force in the global compliance chain.

“I am primarily responsible for overseeing the Compliance Programme for CIN in Nigeria and to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and policies of Nigerian banks and other institutions.

“He is also responsible for safeguarding

Nigeria’s changing regulatory landscape is one of the most important challenges for company compliance officers.

Only those who are upto-date can reduce the risks of penalties and reputational damage through risk-reducing behavior within their organisation

compliance and the reputation of Nigerian banks, whilst driving culture change within Nigerian business organisations,” he explains.

First, as regulation has become more important in shaping business strategy, front –office management has become increasingly involved in analysing and implementing regulatory reforms.

Front-line business functions have taken on greater responsibility for customer due diligence and other financial crime regulatory requirements, some credit and insurance underwriting sanctioning, some surveillance activity and, in some cases, compliant handling.

Compliance can only support and challenge the business effectively if it evolves in response to changes in the business itself and is fit for future financial services.

Accelerated by the pandemic, the Compliance Institute, Nigeria has leveraged technology so they can respond in an agile way to future changes in external conditions with this new reality.

In the words of the Chairman, Communications and Partnership, CIN, Abimbola Adeseyoju, ‘‘Compliance needs to keep up with the pace of change here, in particular to deliver compliance with information, technology security, the control, security and privacy of data, artificial intelligence, cyber security, outsourcing, anti-money laundering regulatory reporting and associated obligations’’ Across the value-chain, business models and organisational structures are changing as a result of the pandemic and the CIN’s resolve, competitive pressures and wider market developments.

For an industry driven by the CIN, the focus is shifting from silos-based compliance functions to functions that support various sectors, industries and business service lines.

The CIN, is championing the need to trans-

form from functions focused on preservation, conservatism and remediation to ones that, in addition to maintain regulatory compliance and capital conservation, operate in a more strategic and predictive capacity.

An important driver of these changes is digitalisation. It’s most apparent in the banking sector, which originally defined the concept of compliance. Due to the sector’s high number of regulations, banks are seen as less innovative than organisations in other sectors.

But because of digitisation, new technologies are emerging at ever shorter intervals, which in turn enable the development of innovative products. These change the customer experience: whether it is mobile payment transactions, crowd lending platforms, or cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.

New service providers are entering the market with innovative solutions that are competing with the classic banking model. These new competitors include FinTech start-ups and established IT corporations. Their business models are very different from most banks as they’re based solely on a part of the value chain.

Yet customers appreciate these new models and increasingly expect digital products even from traditional banks. Thus, the banking industry is being forced to reconsider its ways of interacting with customers.

With Digitisation changing the whole market and having a major impact on regulatory compliance as well, companies need to recognise this at an early stage and take a holistic approach to compliance.

According to Chairman, Committee Programmes, Education and Examination; CIN, Isioma Gogo-Anazodo, “As an institution, we are making strategic investments to ensure a more proactive approach to risk identification and a robust industry-centric outcome, by utilising, and engaging with evolving technology and data analytics. Our up-to-date learning virtual learning and industry-specific webinar series is setting a tone for the future of a compliant Nigerian business climate’’ Speaking on the next steps in transforming Compliance in Nigeria and Africa, Vice President of the institute, Isah Ibrahim, said that it has recognised how the business landscape was changing. In line with that, it is has changed its business model.

He added: “To adapt to the new normal, we are identifying ways for compliance to become more strategic and predictive in supporting and challenging the business, whilst pursuing opportunities to add value.”

The subject of compliance covers all departments of a company and sectors of the economy.

With the CIN playing the big brother to African countries and cheerleader on matters of Compliance, an increasing number of organisations in Nigeria and across Africa, today recognise the importance of central compliance management.

This trend is accompanied by the development of new roles. More and more organisations are using Chief Compliance Officers or establishing entire compliance departments within their organisation.

According to Deloitte, 33 per cent of companies they surveyed had a designated Chief Compliance Officer position. Compliance is becoming increasingly important: in times of change and globally organised, increasingly digitised corporate processes, it is important to clearly define compliance responsibilities and processes in order to reduce the risk of legal violations across hierarchical levels.

In order to have a holistic compliance management strategy throughout the organisation, the business needs to connect the corresponding processes, IT systems, and trained employees.

Only by incorporating compliance into all of these aspects can a company create the foundation for a compliance culture.

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Abdul: Tackling Insurgency Will End Humanitarian Crisis The Outgoing Country Director, PLAN International, Hassan Abdul, in this interview speaks about the humanitarian crisis in the north-eastern part of Nigeria, progress his organisation has made in addressing the situation among other issues. Ugo Aliogo presents the excerpt:

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alnutrition is one of the major humanitarian problems in the North-east and also PLAN International’s key intervention area. What is the situation presently?

Malnutrition is one of the major humanitarian challenges in the North-east. It has been existing before the crisis. Due to the humanitarian crisis in the region, there has been massive displacement of a lot of persons, about 70 per cent of the displaced persons are not staying in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, but they are staying with host communities. When these displaced persons stay with the host communities, there is limited economic and farm activities, which affects feeding and nutrition. The malnutrition problem affects children under the ages of zero to five years old, lactating mothers and pregnant women, so that is the reason why we are intervening. The different levels of interventions include nutrition supplements, food distribution in collaborations with World Food Programme (WFP). It is important to state here that any child under the ages of zero to five years that is malnourished has to be well taken care of, otherwise after five years; the malnutrition can become a lifelong problem. It can also affect the child’s mental capacity.

How have you built capacity in the area of livelihood support for the unemployed in the states where you are working in the north-east?

There are two dimensions to the issue. I will like to state that even before the crisis, the north-east had the worst statistics on unemployment. The unemployment situation has been compounded by the humanitarian crisis and household income has been badly affected. The unemployment situation is a veritable means for radicalisation.

Of course, we are not making excuses for anyone who got radicalized. But it is easier to recruit someone who is doing nothing into some of those extremist organisations or activities. Building capacity in the areas of livelihood support is one of our major areas of intervention. In humanitarian response, people don’t consider livelihood as an emergency, instead they see it as early recovery or development. But for us it is really very important to improve economic activities because part of the livelihood concern is that when people are able to learn trade or certain skills, they are able to earn their own income and this will help to reflate the local economy in those areas. We are training people in different vocal skills such as electrical works, repairs of phones and bricklaying, and other domestic economic activities. Before organising these trainings, we would have done a market survey to ensure that there is market for the economic activity we are training people for.

Through the market survey, we are able to profile how much these artisans can make daily. We also work with them and provide those options on the table, then they choose the skills they want to learn and we support them. When they are through with the training, we provide them with kits and other things they need to startup their businesses. There are those who are interested in animal husbandry, so we can buy goats, sheep and cattle for them, and within a short time, it will multiple and increase household income.

What is the way out in the issue of safe schools for children in the north-east?

The government has actually signed off to the safe school declaration and it has showed commitment to ensuring that it will put all mechanism in place including policies and laws to ensure that schools are safe for children. There is already that declaration, some of the work we are doing with government is around creating the enabling policy frameworks to ensure we support that declarations and also get a good buy-in from authorities at all levels particularly state governments, because the bulk of schools are owned by state governments. Therefore, when we embark on this type of engagements with the federal government, without effective buy-in at the State and Local Government levels, it will not work. Even if you have good policy framework at national level, if you don’t have a corresponding policy framework at the state level, it is not be good enough.

Abdul At Borno State, we did a lot of work on that, but there are many states that needs to do more even if the federal government has signed it. There are many states that are not aware of it, and the federal government must bring states onboard on this. Nigeria is a federation and that is one of the dynamics of policy making that some people take lightly. The federal government cannot make policies for the states, particularly on education which is on the concurrent list. So it is important to have the state government buy-in, primary schools are owned by state or local governments.

In all, 99 per cent of secondary schools apart from federal government colleges are owned by state government or private individuals. So the role of the state government is very important because the way the country runs whether it is government or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) or Private sector or criminals, there are a lot of copycats. If someone does it and succeeds a lot of people will want to do it, it started in Chiboks, to Dapchi, to Kankara, and now it is Kagara, Niger State. We don’t know where it will happen next, because these people are learning from each other, it may not be the same group. So, there is a lot that government needs to do, for instance, we issued a statement yesterday and we said state government should do a security assessment of all their boarding schools especially those in the north-west, north-central and north-east. They should do the security assessment and check the vulnerability of their boarding facilities, the ones that are at risk locations should be converted to day schools, and relocate children from distance communities into their own communities or boarding school facilities located in safer places until we are able to address this. Government needs to be honest with itself, we don’t have the capacity to deal with the magnitude of the crises we are dealing with. The massive geography of some states in north-east cannot be covered by the armed forces and police we have. There are a lot of ungoverned spaces and they have fringes of schools around them. Kagara is on Lagos-Kaduna road, between Birnin Gwari and Mukwa, and if you know that area very well, you will just know that in the middle axis is a huge forest and therefore anybody can anything around those areas. In most places in our country, once you pass the Local Government Headquarters, you don’t see the police, even if you see them, they maybe untrained, unmotivated and under resourced. So it is a serious issue we need to tackle. There is no special curriculum for learning for children in emergency situations, they use the same curriculum with the regular school, but what we actually did was for continuous education. This crisis has been going on for 11

years, so any child born during this crisis should naturally be in primary six at 11 years. You will also find an 11years old boy who has not seen primary school, so you cannot put that child in primary school, you need to have a special curriculum that trains the child to be able to meet up. So it is a matter of the catch up mechanisms so that they are trained within a very short time and placed back to formal school. Through our own type of education in emergency formation you are able to train them, then they pick up and you begin to find formal institutions where they can be absolved to continue with their education.

What progress did Plan International record in the area of maternal and child health under your watch?

We had a very big maternal and child health programme in Sokoto and Bauchi, it was sponsored by the Canadian government and it ran for five years. We just got an extension for the one in Bauchi for another one year. One of the major crises in the North-west and North-east of the country is the challenge of maternal and neo-natal issues; this involves unsafe pregnancy, death during child birth, infant mortality, and other issues. The programme was a success and the situation has improved in recent times and it has been overshadowed by much bigger crises. So what we did working with the State Governments of Sokoto and Bauchi is setting up structures and ensuring that we increased the number of skill birth attendants to support. We also ensured that women go to anti-natal clinic because part of the crisis is that women don’t actually to go the clinic, therefore women started going to clinics for anti-natal. They also searched for anti-natal facilities in hospitals across the State. We created support mechanisms for those states, and provided incentives for women to go for anti-natal.

Some of these women created support groups where they can identify their pregnant colleagues, mobolise and prepare them for emergency. We also trained women within communities on certain kind of medications, they can administer even when there is emergency. These efforts have dropped the number of maternal mortality in the States.

Why has the humanitarian crises in the north-east remained a protracted problem; do you feel response is from government, International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are slow, What is the way out?

It is a protracted problem because what the humanitarian crisis has not been addressed. What created the humanitarian situation is what Nigerians describe as “Boko Haram. The arms conflicts in that area between state and non-state groups in

that area is what created the violence and it is still there. As the violence continues, the humanitarian situation will remain. It has nothing to do with how quick, INGOs and CSOs responsible, rather it has everything to do with how we end the violence.

If we don’t end the violence, the humanitarian situation will remain because people in Internally Displaced Camp (IDPs) whether they are IDPs or refugees in other countries will not be able to go back home, and if they are not able to go back home, they will be able to face their livelihood. Most of these individuals, the bulk of their livelihood is attached to farmland, they cannot go farm and they have to depend on food ratio and distribution from NGOs for them to survive. Many of the children and young people are dispersed across the country, they cannot go back home because it is still unsafe for them. The challenge is that government has not been able to stop the violence. Until, we stop the violence, we will not be able to handle the humanitarian crises.

Government approach to the situation is a war approach. But in an insurgency of this magnitude, I feel there are other ways government can end this and from experience of other countries, wars on insurgency doesn’t end with a victory on the battle field. You can win the war, but winning the war can be very protracted and that is what we are seeing. I’m not saying should grant the insurgents amnesty, rather they should not take away the place of negotiation. Negotiation is not the same as amnesty. You could negotiate a war and apprehend the insurgents behind the humanitarian crisis. Negotiation maybe one of the ways of addressing the crisis, however I’m not saying they (government) might succeed or that the arms group will be to accept their terms and conditions. Negotiation does not mean that they are focusing on the core issues, but it is looking at how to meaningfully engage in a manner that you terminate their source of army. The challenge doesn’t lie in killing them in their hundred, but we have to understand the area is a very vast area, if you have the large troop number in Borno state, they cannot occupy it. So if you are aware of this challenge can you begin to think of alternative, I always believe that there is an alternative to war and we need to explore that alternative to war.

But we must hold people who push this country into the crisis into account.

How effective is your collaboration with local Non-Governmental Organisations?

We work with about 15 local NGOs in the country and the collaboration has been very effective. We understand our relationship and many of them are sub-grantee which implies that we have grants and give them sub grant. We try to have a strong relationship and respect each other. We appreciate our relationship to support them in terms of building capacity for them to be able to deliver well. We also appreciate our responsibility to ensure that they are able to sustain these organisations, it has been tough, but we try to not to recruit from their staff, even though a lot of people don’t like that, because of a lot think of the staff think that if their capacity has grown, they also want to grow in career. The challenge is that if we don’t recruit from those staff, other organisations will recruit from them and that is what I’m trying to explain about that circle of capacity challenge. They train, support their staff, building capacity and if they are good enough an international NGO picks them up and support them.

Does Plan international provide safe spaces for girls?

It is one of our ways of delivering the protection work I was talking about. So it is safe places in the child protection and gender based violence.

So we provide pscyho-social support for victims whose rights have been violated. Also women who have been kidnapped, we provide pscyho-social support for them; there are a lot of women who have been kidnapped that the media don’t report that we have to catered for. There is hardly any of the community where we are working that we don’t have a space.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ, ͰͮͰͯ

IMAGES

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Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØ ÔËÖË Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

L-R: Public Relations and CSR Specialist, 9mobile, Joshua Oluranti; award winner of most outstanding health worker in the fight against COVID-19, Dr. Ayideji Anthony Falana; and, Corporate Communications Lead, 9mobile, Chinese Ananfo during the recognition of health workers at the frontline of the current COVID-19 pandemic, by 9mobile in Lagos...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Special Adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa State on Political Matters, Chief Cocodia Collins; daughter of the deceased, Ms Eniza Meleen Gospel and Chief Mrs Sinime Cocodia, during the Final burial of Late Chief Gospel Edwin Arabes in Igbogene - Epie, Yenagoa LGA Bayelsa State...recently

L-R: Human Resources Executive/ Wheat Development Programme Manager, Crown Flour Mill;, Rauda Musa Umar; Corporate Affairs Manager, Olam Nigeria, Damilola Adeniyi; Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono; Head, Human Resources, Crown Flour Mill, Moshood Quadri; General Manager/Head Marketing (Business to Customer), Bola Adeniji, during the company’s courtesy visit to the Agriculture Minister in Abuja...recently

L-R: Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar; Outgoing Director of Information, State House, Sir Stephen Attah and his wife, Mrs Kate Esa at the send-off ceremony to mark Attah’s retirement from the Federal Civil Service at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja...recently

Traditional Ruler of Ojor Community, Igwe Emmanuel Umunna (left) receiving relief materials from the Zonal Coordinator of National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA), Mr Fred Anusim during the distribution of relief materials by NEMA to three communities affected by2020 flood within Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State...recently

L-R: Immediate past President Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) Barr (Mrs.) Theresa Ibas(left) and her successor, Hajiya Nana Aishat Gambo during the handing over ceremony at NOWA Secretariat in Abuja... recently

Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Senior perfect of the school, Uwakwe Bright and Principal, Isuikwuato High School, Mrs. Ezeoma Joy; during the presentation of a cheque for the payment of 2021 WAEC registration fees to the school representatives by Hon. Onyejeocha in Abia state...recently

A croos-section of members of Zamfara Council of Chiefs, during their visit to Governor Bello Matawalle on the abduction of the 317 female students of Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe in TalataMafara LGA of Zamfara state...recently

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MARCH 2, 2021

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT 300,000 Housing Units Under ESP Possible, Osinbajo Tells Critics Bennett Oghifo

V

ice President Yemi Osinbajo is perplexed some people believe it is impossible to build 300,000 housing units

across the country in a year, breaking it down to 400 homes per local government area.

Last month, the vice president announced the federal government’s desire to implement a Social Housing Scheme where 300,000 one

and two-bedroom houses will be constructed under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) for low income earning Nigerians.

“It was quite puzzling to me when people said that our plan to build 300,000 houses

Prototype of homes in the federal government’s Social Housing Scheme

under the ESP was too ambitious a target. After all, this just amounts to 400 houses per local government. “Yet, many of our local governments are larger than some African countries who would not consider building 400 houses in one year as too onerous a task.”

Vice President Osinbajo stated this recently in a keynote address at a virtual one-day economic summit organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Banker’s Committee, and the Vanguard Newspaper.

The vice president said it was important to think big when considering national development, stating “in order to engender sustained economic growth, we must think in terms of scale. I am quite concerned when I hear that national interventions are classified as pilots involving sometimes no more than 1000 people. Given the size of our

population, we cannot afford the luxury of pilot projects. We should design our interventions very carefully and then go big.

“The task of national development requires that we fire on all cylinders. After all, at one stage, China was building 1.9 million housing units per year over a number of years.”

Model houses under the Social Housing Scheme have been built in Dei Dei in the Federal Capital Territory, and after inspecting them last month, Osinbajo declared they were of good quality and design, as well as affordable.

He said, “On the average, anybody who is earning N30,000 a month and is ready to spend a third of that amount, will be able to afford one of these houses. That is the plan. What I have seen so far, there is a one-bedroom unit and there is a two-bedroom

unit, both coming under N2 million.

“I think that this is a very good thing indeed. And a point has been made that it is possible to build good, decent accommodation that isn’t out of the reach of practically everyone.”

The grand plan, he said was to implement a Mass Housing Programme across the country. “We are hoping that we will be able to replicate this not just in Abuja but all over the country. So far, the Family Homes Fund is in 11 States, and they have given up land for the project.

“We are hoping that this year, we will be able to very rapidly improve the scale and speed of putting these houses in place. Once we are able to get moving quickly, we think we can make available several thousands of houses across the country and more people can afford to live in such houses.”

Lekki Gardens Appoints Former CFO FBNQuest, Atebe Executive Director Bennett Oghifo Lekki Gardens, Nigeria’s foremost indigenous real estate company has appointed Mrs. Emily Atebe as an Executive Director.

Emily is a seasoned financial management expert with over two decades of extensive work experience that cuts across leading industries including aviation, insurance and banking. A thoroughbred professional, her expertise in Strategic Finance, Investment Banking and Corporate Finance amongst others, provided

requisite leverage for her career progression which ultimately earned her several recognitions at the pinnacle of Nigeria’s banking industry.

An erudite speaker and shrewd financial doyen, Emily’s enviable career is nicely concealed in her calm yet ebullient demeanor. Before her new role, Emily served as Financial Controller at Ecobank Nigeria, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Virgin Nigeria Airways, Executive Director/CFO at Custodian & Allied Insurance Plc, CFO at FBN Capital

and CFO at FBNQuest – the Merchant Banking and Assets Management Group of FBN Holdings Plc. Her works in building businesses, managing operations and driving strategy has made her a force to reckon with and consequently earned her a place on the exclusive list of “48 Women Who Are Champions of Nigeria’s Banking Industry” published in 2019 and as the “CFO of the Year – Investment Banking Category” at the Nigerian CFO Awards in 2017.

An astute accountant with B.Sc. in Accounting and an

MBA – both from the University of Lagos, Emily is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Credit Administration of Nigeria. She has attended several trainings both locally and internationally including at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and at Harvard Business School. She is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School Advance Management Programme (AMP) and the International Institute for management Development (IMD), Lausanne, Switzerland.

In her new role, Emily will be saddled with a myriad of responsibilities including fundraising, research, business Development and Process Improvement amongst others.

A goldfish they say has no hiding place so we trust that Emily will stand out in her new role and accomplish even greater feats.

Lekki Gardens is the leading Independent luxury real estate company in Nigeria providing innovative real estate solutions in the areas of property development, facility management and sales of real

Atebe

estate products and services with special skills in service delivery.

Investment in Real Estate Will Revamp Economy, Says NIESV Fadekemi Ajakaiye The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has said that sustained investment in the real estate sector would revamp the nation’s economy.

The President and Chairman, National Council of NIESV, Chief Emmanuel Wike, who stated this at a press conference in Lagos recently, noted that Nigeria is going in and out of recession because of its dependence on crude oil as its major source of earnings.

Wike stated that Nigeria’s economy, being “highly dependent on crude oil, which accounts for more than 83% of the country’s total export earnings, according to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is highly vulnerable to fluctuations in crude oil prices and production. The economy as a result has been periodically or intractably challenged, slipping in and out of recession.”

He said the government should be ready to spend sizeable sum on infrastructure, must lead aggressive intervention

in housing supply and come up with helpful policies to stimulate and deepen private sector participation in housing delivery if it sincerely desires to reflate and lift the economy out of the doldrums, lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty, and promote the much-desired social order.

“Government should channel more resources into other sectors of the economy, such as Security, Agriculture, Power, but more importantly to real estate and infrastructure,” he said.

He stated that more attention

must be given to real estate and infrastructure either by direct investment, by partnering with the private sector, but most importantly by creating a more conducive environment for sustainable investment in these critical areas with clearly laid out and workable policies.

“Revamping the economy must be done largely through Investment in Real Estate and Infrastructure Development, and this must be done on a continuous basis,” he said.

“With a population of about 200 million, the several millions

housing shortage (rightly or wrongly put at 17 million) provides incentives for investment. It is time to appreciate the fact that no other investment or medium of investment is comparable to real estate investment,” he said.

“The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers join eminent men, women and organisations across the world to congratulate Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala on her appointment as Director-General of the World Trade Organization” he said.

He stated that NIESV commended the General Council of

the World Trade Organization for confirming the candidature of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a tested, trusted, and competent financial expert with several years’ experience in the financial sector at the national and international levels. “Her appointment is the triumph of excellence,” he said.

“We are confident that the former two-time Minister of Finance would bring the wealth of experience she had acquired over several decades to her new office, and this would make the WTO more impactful, especially in this period of global financial

David Oriyomi stated that as the rainy season approaches, and Lagos being a coastal state is subject to flooding.

“Unfortunately, our people throw their refuse into the drainages without minding the consequences, but we want to ensure that this does not happen this time around,” he said.

“As Private people, there is no way we can enforce the sanitation practices, despite discussions with LAWMA, and Environmental Officers, and absence of the Judiciary.

So, we wrote to the Chief Judge of Lagos State to have this meeting, knowing that with the Judiciary, which is the arm of the government saddled with the responsibility of maintaining the law, we will be able to make headway,” he said.

“The essence of the meeting is to have a collaboration between the Judiciary and the Executives as represented by LAWMA and the PSP Operators in order to ensure that we have sanity during this coming rainy season”, he said.

LAWMA Seeks Support of Judiciary Easy Prosecution Fadekemi Ajakaiye The Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, seeks support from the Lagos State Judiciary to prosecute offenders.

This appeal took place recently at the Conference Hall of the Lagos High Court in Ikeja.

The MD, LAWMA, Mr Ibrahim Odumboni, stated that certain concerns were relative to the current trend in the State which includes, illegal and indiscriminate dumping, violation of law and order as it

pertains to waste management.

He said order ought to be restored, and so the need for legal backing.

Odumboni stated that Lagos, because of its increasing population, currently generates over 14,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, while an individual generates 0.6kg minimum on a regular basis.

“Our visit is to plead with the Ministry of Justice that these existing environmental laws should be implemented, and offenders prosecuted. The

Environmental Protection Law of 2017 requires that every house should have a bin, but this is not enforced,” he said.

“Our team keeps working on sensitising the people through the media, radio jingos, and the rest, but the people still violate and so the need for the enforcement of the law,” he said.

The Chief Justice, represented by the Chief Registrar, Lagos State Judiciary, Mrs Bukola Okunuga, stated that the inflow of people into the state cannot

be curbed, but that measures must be put in place to protect the environment.

The Executive Secretary, Judicial Commission, Mrs Bukola Salami, stated that there would have to be a synergy of all the stakeholders, LAWMA, AWMN, the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission to investigate these laws as it pertains to the proposed direction of enforcement being discussed and revert to the stakeholders.

The President, Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, Mr

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MARCH 2, 2021

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

NCF, LUFASI, Others Mobilised Support for Pangolin Conservation in Nigeria Bennett Oghifo

W

orried that Pangolin could go into extinction in Nigeria on account of Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT), the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), in collaboration with Lagos Urban Forest Animal Sanctuary Initiative (LUFASI) and Saint Marks Animal Rescue Foundation (SMARF), have declared their plans and mission in promoting the conservation of Pangolin species in Nigeria.

The declaration to combat IWT by the NGOs was made during the commemoration of the World Pangolin Day on Sunday, 21st February, 2021 at the Lufasi Park, Eti-Osa, Lagos.

Dr. Mark Ofua, CEO of SMARF, in his welcome address, said it would delight him if people and government could pay more attention to the

major issue driving pangolins into extinction.

In his presentation titled “Biodiversity and us”, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, Chairman of LUFASI said that the illegal and poorly regulated wildlife trade is causing great damage to the society and urged all concerned to take drastic action in salvaging the environment from total destruction.

While making a presentation on the theme “Pangolin conservation: a race to save the species”, Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director of Technical Programmes, NCF said that God-given nature of Pangolin makes the animal a very unique animal species among mammals. “It has been shown that one of its kind can protect an area of forest as large as 31 football fields from termite destruction, enabling forests to absorb carnondioxide and producing oxygen” He said.

In his remarks, the British

Deputy High Commissioner, His Excellency, Mr. Ben Lewellyn Jones said that ant-eating nature of pangolins among other functions they do in the ecosystem requires that “All of us have the responsibility to protect them,’’ In her statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Lagos State, Mrs. Belinda Ronke Odeneye, represented

by Mr. Samuel Adeola said that Lagos State Government is committed to the protection of endangered species native to the state, and efforts are being intensified in combatting IWT at identified wildlife markets. Likewise the ministry of Agriculture under whose jurisdiction LUFASI operates, represented by Mr. Austen Humpe, pledged continuing support for LUFASI objectives.

The main attraction of the day was the commissioning of a Pangolin Soft Release Centre.

Also present at the event

were Mr. Peter Thomas, Deputy Head of Mission, British High Commission, Lagos; Yeye Agnes Sobajo; Dr. Eloka Chukwuemeka;

Mrs. Faith Ufuoma Ofua; Dr. Sola Ogunsuyi; Mrs. Kofo Adeleke; Alashe Kosoko; Mr. Linus Unah of WildAid; representatives of National

Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Omu Resort among others.

Illegal trade is driving Pangolin into extinction in Nigeria

Osilama Urges FG, Governors to Reinvent Jakande’s Housing Masterplan The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter Chairman of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Mr. Osilama Emmanuel Osilama has urged the federal government and the 36 State Governors, including the Minister of the FCT to reinvent and emulate the late Lateef Jakande’s housing masterplan when he held sway both as Governor of Lagos State and Minister of Housing.

Addressing Housing Reporters on the state of housing and how to move the sector forward, over the weekend in Abuja, Osilama

advocated for an innovative and creative collaboration synergy between members of the Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria (REDAN) and both State and Federal Governments on Public Private Partnership (PPP), platform especially in the face of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Osilama, who is also the CEO of Nuel Osilama Global Investment Limited, acknowledged the late founder and first chairman of REDAN as a selfless leader that government at all levels and housing fraternity should emulate,

as a man of the people and servant leader who gave his all through unprecedented infrastructural development to the Nigerian people in whatever capacity he served.

While calling for immortalisation of his footprints, Osilama, said re-naming a higher institution after him was not enough, considering his infrastructural and developmental landmarks that dot the Nigerian space.

He called on both the Federal and Lagos State to come out with clearer vision, friendly policies and blueprint on addressing the housing challenge

through deliberate investment, annual lecture, seminar and conferences to move the sector forward.

The developer said: “Jakande was a builder personified, he will definitely be remembered for his low cost housing initiative during his tenure as governor.

Jakande built the Lagos State Secretariat which houses all the state ministries, as well as the present government house occupied by all subsequent governors of the state.”

According to him, the Lagos State House of Assembly complex, Lagos State Televi-

sion Lagos Radio as well as Lagos State University were his legacies, adding that it was his administration as governor that saw the emergence of low cost houses in virtually all the area councils in the state including: Ijaiye, Dolphin, Oke-Afa, Ije, Abesan, Iponri, Ipaja, Abule Nla, Epe, Amuwo-Odofin, Anikantamo, Surulere, Iba, Ikorodu, Badagry, Isheri/ Olowu, Orisigun and several others.

He, however, commended the national leadership of REDAN, led by its substantive President and Chairman of Council Mr. Aliyu Wammako,

for his initiatives bridging the housing gap across the country.

Osilama, said: “The Rural Urban Housing Initiative (RUHI) that will provide a minimum of 100 units of affordable houses in each LGA, is a step in the right direction and commendable, adding that REDAN’s recent collaboration with Shelter Afrique on a stakeholders’ workshop coupled with the robust membership drive through reduction in annual dues that have led to 100 percent participation of all existing members.

NINLAN Wants FG to Repair More Internal Roads, Check Erosion Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The National Institute for Nigerian Languages, (NINLAN), Aba, has commended the federal government for its intervention in the construction of its internal roads, saying that it would boost academic activities in the institution.

The road network built by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing was inaugurated by the minister Babatunde Fashola, who was represented by the federal controller of works in

Abia State, Engr. Bede Obioha at a ceremony to officially hand over the road to the management of NINLAN. However, the Executive Director of NINLAN, Prof.

Obiajulu Emejulu in his address at the ceremony pleaded with the minister to extend the newly built road by 400 metres. This, he said, would help mitigate the erosion menace confronting the institution and to link critical sections of the institution, which is still struggling to develop its huge permanent site.

He further asked the minister

to also consider the need to provide drainage system to collect flood waters and prevent the newly built roads from being destroyed by erosion.

Emejulu emphasised that the Institute has serious erosion problem which has been documented and submitted to the Ecological Funds Office for its intervention.

He lamented that NINLAN has in its 28-year history suffered “untold marginalisation” in terms of funding as it is not covered to access funds from the Tertiary Education Trust

Fund (TETFund) due to the provisions in the new law establishing the agency.

“The capital subvention from the Federal Government since the return of our autonomy in 2014 has been abysmally poor and inadequate to lift the Institute’s infrastructure beyond the mediocre level.

This is why your ministry’s intervention with this road is like manna from above for famished people,” the Executive Director said.

The works minister, in his address read by controller, said

that although a lot of work was still needed in many sectors of the nation, his ministry was working hard to bridge the infrastructural gap.

He said that the federal government was determined to make critical interventions to support education hence there are presently 49 road interventions in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, out of which 17 had already been completed and handed over in 2020.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko

Chukwu, also commended the works minister for completing the NINLAN internal road network, but drew his attention to federal roads in the state that need his ministry’s intervention.

He listed the roads to include Opobo- Azumini Road, AbaPort Harcourt Express Way, around Ariaria, and UmuahiaIkot Ekpene Highway, adding that they “need urgent and drastic attention to alleviate the sufferings of not only Abians but also other users of the roads.”

the firm in the near future. ”Am all about growth in all ramifications and when I am partnering with brands my first priority is their growth of the brand. If I am partnering with any brand as a growing brand my dreams are for them to grow aside from the monetary aspect because this is what will make them come back to me in the future. So, therefore my vision is for this company to also compete with high ranking companies in Nigeria and the world at large. I want when

they mention Sort After people are already familiar with the future of the property industry in the country.

“One thing about me even as an actor is that I came thus far because I was not looking at money, as a creative person you have to be passion driven.

It has become a part of me that whatever I am doing, money is not the priority; the success, growth of that brand you are representing should be your priority and that is why money for me is secondary,” he said.

Buyers Advised on Land Verification Oluchi Chibuzor The Managing Director of Sort After project and services limited has stressed the need for prospective land buyers in the country to always verify and investigate landed properties before investing their money.

This, according to him, was necessary to avoid being scammed by unscrupulous agents in the industry with no proper means of identification.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the company’s

new ambassador, the MD/ CEO, Sort After Project and Services Limited, Mr. Moses Taiwo, said trends show that the majority of people seeking to buy land do not investigate properly hence they fall victims.

“These bad elements have no means of identification and many people have shared their terrible experience on how they were defrauded. Because of this, people tend to hold back their funds as they do not know who to trust. But with our involvement in the industry

we are changing the narrative that when you give us a dime we actually account for every penny.

“There are people that bought land from us since 2014 and they are just coming in 2020 to collect their land. You cannot do this elsewhere. We give a registered survey to go and search for what you are about investing your money on before you drop money with us. The problem is that people that want to buy land are so lazy they do not want to thoroughly do

this,” he said.

On the challenges facing the sector, he explained that, “COVID-19 is not a challenge, but various agents that are coming to scam people of their hard earned money; this remains a threat to the sector that should be addressed by the relevant authorities across the country.

On his part, the newly appointed brand ambassador of Sort After Project and Service Limited, Mr. Jide Awobona, said his involvement in the partnership was all about growth to

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ 2021

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BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

NERC: 26 Deaths, 114 Accidents Recorded in Power Sector in Q2 Emmanuel Addeh ÓØ ÌßÔË The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said that 26 persons died while 114 persons were injured in electricity-related accidents in the second quarter of 2020.

This, it stated indicated a significant decline in the health and safety performance of the operators during 2020/Q2 when compared with the first quarter of 2020, when nine deaths and 4 injuries were recorded.

NERC said the commission, in line with its mandate to ensure safe and reliable electricity services, has commenced enforcement on some of the incidents involving various safety breaches during the quarter.

On account of the commission’s stand for zero tolerance on safety breaches in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and in line with its strategic goals 2017-2020, the commission disclosed that it had intensified its monitoring and implementation of various safety programmes aimed at reducing accidents in the sector.

“The commission received a total of 114 accident reports from

the licenced operators during the second quarter of 2020. The accidents, unfortunately, resulted in 26 deaths and 12 injuries of various degrees involving both employees of the companies and the third parties,” NERC said in its latest quarterly report.

The regulator said the safety programmes being implemented by the commission included, but not limited to, the standardisation of system protection schemes, public enlightenment on the safe use of electricity, a review of an operational procedure for Distribution System Operators (DSO) on fault clearing and engagement of stakeholders on Right of Way (RoW) violation.

Also, NERC stated that for the shares of electricity generation by fuel sources for the first and second quarters of 2020, gas continued to dominate the electricity generation mix accounting for 81.53 per cent of the electricity generated during the second quarter of 2020.

“This implies that approximately 8.15kWh of every 10kWh of electric energy generated in Nigeria in the second quarter of 2020 came from gas. Relative to the preceding quarter, there was

8.08 percentage points decrease in the share of electric energy generated from hydro which accounted for only 18.47 per cent of the total energy output.

“The commission notes with concern the low security of supply associated with having just two energy mixes and significant dominance of gas fuel as acts of vandalism of gas pipelines could result in serious grid instability, as was experienced in 2016,” it stated.

On its financial report during the period, it disclosed that the total revenue realised by the commission was N2.23billion representing a decrease of 31.35 per cent from the revenue recorded during the first quarter of 2020.

NERC said the decrease in the revenue was due to the 31.37 per cent decrease in the revenue realised from the operating levy (i.e. market charges) and 29.72 per cent decrease in other internally generated revenue realised during the second quarter of 2020, adding that the total expenditure of the commission declined to N1.36 billion, from N1.94 billion incurred in the preceding quarter.

FirstBank Unveils Fresh Products for SMEs First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced its SME-specific accounts which it stated was designed to reinforce the bank’s role in putting operators of such businesses at advantage, whilst contributing to national growth and development.

According to a statement from the bank, the SME accounts – which are in two variants – FirstSME Classic and FirstSME Deluxe – are offered to SMEs, irrespective of industry, and tailored to have SMEs exposed to a wide range of services and opportunities that are essential for their continued growth and role in contributing to national development. It stated that the features of the accounts include: access to Temporary OverDrafts (TODs) and other facilities subject to meeting Risk Adjustment Capital (RAC) of each product; immediate enrollment on all

digital platform; free access to FirstBank SME events; free access to extensive business promotional and networking opportunities on the SMEConnect portal; access to a wide range of discounted and promotional offers.

Furthermore, the bank pointed out that amongst the many opportunities available to holders of FirstSME account is its SMEConnect initiative, which is a platform through which SMEs access its propositions that would equip them with the essential tools needed for the growth of their business.

“The SMEConnect portal is also designed to help SMEs identify various gaps that hinder their business growth.

“With FirstBank’s over 126 years of impacting the economy, the bank’s SME innovative Business Diagnostics Tool will also help proffer tailored solutions,

whilst creating avenues for business improvement, profitability and sustainability.

“Following extensive research by the bank, seven strategic pillars have been considered essential for the sustainability and growth of SMEs. The seven pillars – connect to infrastructure, connect to talent, capacity building, connect to policy and regulation, connect to resources, connect to market as well as connect to finance,” it explained.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, “FirstBank is delighted to unlock several opportunities for SMEs to thrive.

Our FirstSME account is one of the numerous opportunities designed to empower SMEs to continually drive impact as the backbone and contributors to employment and economic growth.

StarTimes Slashes Decoder Price, Introduces Promo StarTimes has announced a slash in its decoder price as well as free access to a higher bouquet for its subscribers.

The promo which started yesterday, the company explained, was in the spirit of Easter celebration, According to a statement, the antenna decoder will go for N7,400 as against N9,400 while dish decoder will go for N11,200 as against N13,200.

StarTimes has over 100 channels showing exciting foreign and local entertainment.

It further stated that the Easter promo which started yesterday, gives subscribers the opportunity to pay for a 2-month subscription on Nova, Basic, and Smart bouquets and get an instant upgrade to view the next higher bouquet for two months.

While customers on Classic and Super bouquet who recharge for two months will get 10 days extra.

Loyal subscribers will also be treated to richly-packed Easter hampers.

According to the Content Marketing Manager, StarTimes Nigeria, Ali Auta, the essence of the promo was to allow its subscribers enjoy the Easter holiday with access to an array of channels on a higher bouquet than they normally watch and unlimited entertainment at a very little cost.

“Nova bouquet is N900 monthly. So customers who pay N1800 for a two-month subscription will get an instant upgrade to view Basic/Smart bouquet for two months.

“Basic bouquet is N1700 monthly and Smart is N2200. So a customer who pays N3400 for two months for basic or N4400 for smart bouquet will be migrated to enjoy all the content on Classic and Super bouquets respectively for two months. Subscribers who key into the promo will save a minimum of N1,600,” Ali said.

On the exciting content line-up, Ali said, “As Easter approaches, families like to spend quality time watching TV series and movies together at home.

“They will access top Nollywood films on PBO TV and AMC Movies. On Novela E Plus, TLNovelas and TDC, they will be able to browse great dramas & telenovelas from across the globe. Also, loads of Hollywood, Bollywood and Chinese movies and series will thrill them.

“News and documentaries aficionados can also enjoy thrilling programs on Fox News, News Central, National Geographic Channel (NGC) and NatGeo Wild (NGW), etc.

“Kids are not forgotten with amazing channels: Cbeebies, Toonami, Jimjam, BabyTV, Nickelodeon, ST Kids, Pineapple TV and DreamWorks.

“In terms of sports, StarTimes subscribers will have access to exciting football, basketball, boxing and mixed martial arts sports.

StarTimes airs Europa League, the Emirates FA Cup, Copa del Rey, Coppa Italia, Bundesliga, La Liga, among others, live and in HD. Also, MUTV, a dedicated channel for Manchester United is now on StarTimes.”

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ Ͱʹ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $64.37 a barrel on Friday, compared with $65.42 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

33

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Seplat Posts N191bn Full Year Revenue, to Pay Final Dividend Goddy Egene Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, a Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian Stock Exchange(LSE) and the London Stock Exchange(NSE), has recorded a revenue of $530.5 million (N190.9 billion) for year ended December 31, 2020, compared with $697.8 million (N214.2 billion).

However, Loss after tax

stood at N30.712 billion in 2020 compared with a profit of N85.616 billion in 2019.

However, the directors have recommended a final dividend of $0.05 bringing the total to $0.10 per share share recommended ($0.10/share for full year). The company reported earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $265.8 million, operating profit of $121 million (before

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

non-cash impairments and unrealised fair value losses).

Commenting on the performance, Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Roger Brown, said: “2020 was a challenging year for the company but Seplat has once again shown its resilience and ability to overcome challenges and deliver production in line with guidance, operating with minimal incidences of

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

COVID-19 cases. According to him, from the $330 million of cash generated from operations, the company increased its capital investment, invested in ANOH and voluntarily paid down $100 million of debt, further deleveraging the balance sheet.

“Despite seeing the lowest oil prices in our 10-year history, we have continued to honour our commitment

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

to shareholders of a regular income stream on their investment, by maintaining a total dividend of $0.10 per share for the year,” he said.

Brown explained that gas is the lower-carbon feedstock for affordable electricity for Nigeria’s young and rapidly-growing population. He noted Seplat was leading Nigeria’s transition away from spending scarce foreign currency on imported,

O F

expensive, high-emission diesel-generated electricity.

He said:“We believe this will provide the necessary baseload for a functioning electricity grid that will allow renewable energy to take its place, as we see in the developed world, which in large parts is still fuelled by coal. The energy transition in Nigeria must balance both the environmental and the social agenda.

0 1 / 0 3 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

34

˾ TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Up 0.3% dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ƌŽƐĞ ϮϲďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

1,790.14 points. This was on the back of buying interest in BUACEMENT (+3.8%), ZENITH (+1.4%) and UBA

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

;нϮ͘ϱйͿ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϮϬ͘Ϯй ŽĨ the index.

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

1,790.14

0.26%

22.0%

79.0%

18.7%

3.8%

930.00

0.0%

33.7%

9.2%

9.2%

7.9%

2.8%

74.75

3.8%

10.7%

-3.4%

-3.4%

31.00

0.0%

8.8%

-4.2%

-4.2%

27.9%

4.7%

DĂƌŬĞƚ ZĞƐƵŵĞƐ ŽŶ Ă WŽƐŝƟǀĞ EŽƚĞ͘​͘​͘ ^/ ƵƉ ϯϯďƉƐ dŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĞŶĚĞĚ ƚŚĞ ĮƌƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ŝŶ

3 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC 4 Zenith Bank PLC

(+1.4%), UBA (+2.5%) and BUACEMENT (+3.8%). As a ƌĞƐƵůƚ͕ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĐŚŵĂƌŬ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ϯϯďƉƐ ƚŽ ϯϵ͕ϵϯϭ͘ϲϯ points, YTD return eased to -Ϭ͘ϴй ĂŶĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂͲ ƟŽŶ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ďLJ േ68.9bn to േϮϬ͘ϵƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ

5 Dangote Cement PLC 6 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC 8 Lafarge Africa PLC 9 Access Bank PLC 10 United Bank for Africa PLC 11 FBN Holdings Plc 12 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

ǀĂůƵĞ ĚŝƉƉĞĚ ϮϮ͘ϳй ƚŽ േ1.9bn. The most traded stocks by

14 International Brew eries PLC 15 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 16 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ WEMA (369.7m units), ZENITH (20.6m

17 11 PLC 18 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

units) and dZ E^ KZW ;ϭϯ͘Ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ZENITH

19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 Ecobank Transnational Inc

ǀĂƌŝĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ďLJ ϳ͘Ϯй ƚŽ ϱϰϰ͘Ϭŵ units and

(േ529.1m), WEMA (േ240.3m) and MTNN (േϭϱϭ͘ϮŵͿ ůĞĚ

21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 22 FCMB Group Plc

ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘

23 Sterling Bank PLC 24 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

DŝdžĞĚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ϯ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ϲ ŝŶĚŝͲ ĐĞƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ƐŽƵƚŚǁĂƌĚ͘ dŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ϭ͘ϱй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐͲ ƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ BUACEMENT (+3.8%), ZENITH (+1.4%)and UBA ;нϮ͘ϱйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌͲ ance and Consumer Goods ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ůŽǁĞƌ ďLJ ϭ͘ϭй and

0.5%

ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ

Price Change Index to Date

Ticker

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 BUA Cement Plc

DĂƌĐŚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŐƌĞĞŶ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ƵƉƟĐŬƐ in ZENITH

Price Previous Current Change Price YTD Weighting Change

Current Price

26 Presco PLC 27 Unilever Nigeria PLC 28 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 29 United Capital PLC 30 Guinness Nigeria PLC 31 Custodian and Allied Insurance 32 AIICO Insurance PLC 33 Total Nigeria PLC 34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

ROA

P/E

5.2x

P/BV

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

0.5x

5.6%

6.8%

1.4% 35.9x

6.8x

2.4%

2.8%

4.5x

1.2x

9.0%

22.2% 28.4%

25.80

1.4%

6.9%

4.0%

4.0%

22.4%

3.1%

3.5x

0.7x

11.8%

220.00

0.0%

5.3%

-10.2%

-10.2%

30.8%

14.6%

14.7x

4.6x

7.8%

6.8%

174.00

0.0%

4.9%

2.4%

2.4%

189.4%

11.9%

17.3x

30.2x

5.5%

5.8%

1,450.00

0.0%

3.7%

-3.7%

-3.7%

83.0%

20.5%

29.3x

27.5x

5.2%

3.4%

22.60

-2.2%

3.5%

7.4%

7.4%

6.5%

4.6%

15.7x

1.0x

4.4%

6.4%

8.15

-1.2%

2.7%

-3.6%

-3.6%

16.8%

1.5%

2.6x

0.4x

8.0%

37.8%

8.35

2.5%

2.6%

-3.5%

-3.5%

13.9%

1.3%

3.5x

0.5x

11.7%

28.2%

7.10

-3.4%

2.4%

-0.7%

-0.7%

11.2%

1.1%

4.0x

0.3x

5.4%

25.3%

52.00

0.0%

1.9%

-7.1%

-7.1%

4.5%

1.8%

56.3x

2.6x

3.4%

1.8%

40.00

0.0%

1.8%

-9.2%

-9.2%

24.3%

3.7%

5.3x

1.2x

6.0%

18.8%

5.80

0.0%

1.5%

-2.5%

-2.5%

1.0x

28.85

0.0%

1.1%

11.0%

11.0%

0.7x

5.0% 7.5%

-16.2%

4.0%

8.1%

8.2%

37.8%

8.4%

13.7%

530.00

0.0%

1.3%

31.7%

31.7%

228.00

0.0%

0.8%

0.0%

0.0%

16.4%

7.6%

12.4x

1.9x

93.00

0.0%

0.8%

2.2%

2.2%

24.6%

16.0%

11.3x

2.6x

2.43

-0.4%

0.7%

-3.6%

-3.6%

10.5%

1.1%

2.6x

0.3x

-29.9%

8.9%

5.25

1.0%

0.6%

-12.5%

-12.5%

0.6%

0.0%

38.9x

0.2x

17.85

-0.8%

0.6%

1.4%

1.4%

30.8%

15.6%

7.3x

1.8x

2.98

-1.7%

0.5%

-10.5%

-10.5%

10.3%

1.2%

2.8x

0.1x

4.7%

35.3%

1.60

-6.4%

0.3%

-21.6%

-21.6%

9.2%

0.9%

4.0x

0.3x

1.9%

25.3%

14.45

-10.0%

0.4%

-0.3%

-0.3%

18.4%

5.8%

8.4x

0.90

-1.1%

0.3%

0.0%

0.0%

-3.5%

-0.8%

71.90

0.0%

0.3%

1.3%

1.3%

18.5%

7.7%

13.45

-1.1%

0.2%

-3.2%

-3.2%

-2.4%

-1.6%

10.2x

3.1x

2.8%

12.0%

1.1%

-6.4%

2.3x

2.9%

1.2x

4.80

-9.4%

0.2%

-9.4%

-9.4%

-12.2%

-5.6%

-0.5%

0.3%

29.5%

29.5%

35.5%

4.2%

23.00

-0.2%

0.2%

21.1%

21.1%

-17.8%

-9.0%

6.00

0.0%

0.2%

2.6%

2.6%

13.9%

4.8%

3.0x

0.8x

1.21

5.2%

0.2%

7.1%

7.1%

21.4%

3.3%

2.7x

0.5x

142.00

0.0%

0.2%

9.2%

9.2%

20.30

0.0%

0.2%

14.0%

14.0%

3.2%

0.4%

23.7x

-7.2%

-7.2%

6.8%

0.5%

3.1x

0.64

37 Oando PLC 38 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 39 Beta Glass PLC

3.41

1.6%

0.1%

-3.7%

0.0%

-1.2%

0.1%

4.7x

0.6x

2.1%

1.5x

11.4%

0.7x

14.5%

2.6%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-29.7%

-8.5%

50.00

0.0%

0.1%

-9.7%

-9.7%

10.3%

7.2%

3.25

0.0%

0.0%

-9.7%

-9.7%

-184.1% 21.4% -28.2%

7.5%

33.2% 36.8%

5.1%

4.7%

0.7x

8.4%

4.2%

0.4x

6.3%

32.2%

6.0x

-7.8%

9.8% -2.1%

21.5x

-100.0% -7.8%

2.6%

0.6x

6.10

35 Wema Bank PLC 36 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

ROE

4.9%

1.5x

0.2x

7.4x

0.7x

16.6% 68.1%

1.8x

-18.4% 3.3%

13.5%

2.2%

-28.4%

in D E^ Z (-1.9%), WAPIC (-5.6%), E ^ KE (-10.0%)

Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ůŽǁĞƌ ďLJ Ϭ͘ϭй͘ >ĂƐƚůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ AFR-ICT index

ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ tĂŶĞƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ǁĞĂŬĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϰdž ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ 0.7x ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůLJ ĂƐ ϭϮ stocks advanced against

'ŽŽĚƐ ƟĐŬĞƌƐ - E ^ KE (-10.0%), , DW/KE (-9.9%) and PZ (-9.4%) - ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͘ ůƚŚŽƵŐŚ͕ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ ŶŽƚ ŽƉƟŵŝƐƟĐ ĂďŽƵƚ ŐĂŝŶƐ ƚŚŝƐ ǁĞĞŬ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟͲ ŵĞŶƚ ƌĞŵĂŝŶƐ ǁĞĂŬ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƌĞůĞĂƐĞƐ ĂŶĚ

ĚŝǀŝĚĞŶĚƐ ĚĞĐůĂƌĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ ŝŶŇƵĞŶĐĞ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ͘

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

369.7

1.6%

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

UA C N

8.00

6.7%

WEM A B A N K

A IIC O

1.21

5.2%

Z EN IT H B A N K

20.6

1.4%

VER IT A SKA P

0.21

5.0%

T R A N SC OR P

13.0

-1.1%

B UA C EM EN T

74.75

3.8%

UB A

11.9

2.5%

N EIM ET H

1.88

2.7%

UC A P

11.3

-0.5%

UB A

8.35

2.5%

A IIC O

10.2

5.2%

8.3

-1.9%

WEM A B A N K

0.64

1.6%

M A N SA R D

J A IZ B A N K

0.67

1.5%

C OR N ER ST

5.9

-3.3%

25.80

1.4%

D A N GSUGA R

5.8

-0.8%

5.25

1.0%

R EGA LIN S

4.8

-7.1%

Z EN IT H B A N K ET I

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

T o p 10 L o s e r s T ic k er N A SC ON

P ric e 14.45

P ric e C hg % -10.0%

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

Z EN IT H B A N K

529.1

1.4%

240.3

1.6%

151.1

0.0%

C H A M P ION

2.27

-9.9%

WEM A B A N K

PZ

4.80

-9.4%

M TNN

1.12

-8.9%

GUA R A N T Y

127.2

0.0%

R OYA LEX

0.25

-7.4%

WA P C O

108.5

-2.2%

SOVR EN IN S

0.25

-7.4%

D A N GSUGA R

103.4

-0.8%

R EGA LIN S

0.26

-7.1%

UB A

98.6

2.5%

69.2

-0.5%

LA SA C O

P R EST IGE

0.43

-6.5%

UC A P

ST ER LN B A N K

1.60

-6.4%

GUIN N ESS

66.5

-0.2%

-6.1%

D A N GC EM

55.9

0.0%

C H IP LC

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

T ic k er

T ic k er

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Asset Management

Investment Research

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

Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

35

MARKET NEWS

UPDC Reduces Loss from N15.9 Billion to N606 Million Goddy Egene

for shareholders of UACN Property Development Company Plc as the company

Better days are on the way A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

has reduced its loss from N15.883 billion in 2019 to N606 million in 2020.

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 26Feb-2021, unless otherwise stated.

Details of the audited results for the year ended December 31, 2020, showed

revenue of N1.662 billion, down from N2.157 billion in 2019. Loss after tax printed

at N606 million compared with N15.88 billion recorded in 2019.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 157.09 159.09 -2.63% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 3.58% Nigeria International Debt Fund 350.33 350.33 -12.17% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 112.13 112.13 -1.74% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 1.04 1.06 16.21% ACAP Income Funds 0.63 0.63 -13.32% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.65% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.36 3.52 -5.23% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 18.59 19.15 2.50% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 408.91 421.24 2.13% ARM Ethical Fund 35.15 36.21 4.26% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.19 1.20 -2.41% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.04 1.05 -6.91% ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 102.78 102.78 1.05% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.07 2.07 -28.22% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.20 2.24 -11.31% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.87% Paramount Equity Fund 15.87 16.18 -0.71% Women's Investment Fund 133.83 134.83 0.36% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,345.85 1,345.85 5.77% FBN Balanced Fund 183.94 185.27 -1.99% FBN Halal Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.00% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 123.58 123.58 2.99% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 123.71 123.71 2.99% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 150.89 152.97 -0.19% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH Treasury Bills Fund N/A N/A N/A

GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.97% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 127.77 128.30 18.77% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 1.36 1.36 58.14% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.69 2.76 17.51% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 154.42 154.87 -0.64% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.07 1.07 4.91% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.37 1.39 0.00% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,137.95 1,137.95 1.30% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.60 1.63 7.42% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.21 12.33 -0.21% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.25% PACAM Equity Fund 1.58 1.60 -0.03% PACAM EuroBond Fund 109.33 111.98 -0.09% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 127.59 129.85 5.69% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 1.00% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,146.73 3,173.63 -2.13% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 226.60 226.60 0.78% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.16 1.18 -0.85% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 296.85 296.86 0.74% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 214.82 217.48 -1.69% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.66% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,954.20 10,087.20 -5.19% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.24 1.24 0.96% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 111.74 111.74 0.59% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.34 1.37 -1.57% United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 0.89% United Capital Equity Fund 0.90 0.92 3.76% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.71% United Capital Eurobond Fund 118.14 118.14 0.90% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.08 1.10 -0.29% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.02 1.02 2.13% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.26 12.34 3.18% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.52 13.63 10.61% Zenith Income Fund 24.17 24.17 0.82% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.57%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

121.58 52.64

0.70% 0.46%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.84 120.25 95.05

12.94 120.25 96.84

-2.82% -1.22% -4.34%

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

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

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.95 5.60 17.13 1.00 18.88 176.32

3.99 5.68 17.23 1.00 19.08 178.32

4.25% -1.60% 4.77% 0.40% -7.94% -20.12%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.05

13.11%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

36

TUESDAY MARCH 2, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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WTO: Japan Congratulates Okonjo-Iweala New DG accepts apology from Swiss newspaper Iyobosa Uwugiaren and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Kikuta Yutaka, has congratulated Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as she resumed work yesterday as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), in Geneva, Switzerland, saying Japan and Nigeria have common

ground on WTO reform.

This is coming as the first woman and first African to lead the WTO yesterday welcomed an apology from a Swiss newspaper that had dismissed the seasoned international professional as a grandmother.

“It is important & timely that they’ve apologised,” OkonjoIweala said in a tweet.

Anyim, Obi, Mamora, Others Eulogise Abaribe at 66 Chuks Okocha, Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja It was a special day of recognition for the Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe, as senators, political associates and friends eulogised him at a book launch to mark his 66th birthday.

The book, an autobiography, titled: ‘Made in Aba: A life of Coincidences’, was written by Senator Abaribe.

Those who spoke at the book launch eulogised Abaribe as a courageous, honest and fearless politician, who always speaks truth to power irrespective of the circumstance.

According to the former Governor of Anambra State and the vice presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election, Peter Obi, described Abaribe as legislator who always speaks truth to power, saying: “Senator Abaribe hates injustice and oppression; he is courageous and speaks power to power.”

Former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, described Abaribe as a colossus, saying there must come a time when someone has to stand up to defend his people, and that was exactly what the Senate minority leader is doing in his political life-both in the Senate and his public life.

Anyim said Abaribe is one who always takes a decision and stands by it without swerving or negotiating to

his decisions.

Also, Prof Pat Utomi, who wrote the Forward of the book, said there is a big gulf between those in government and those in public life, explaining that best option is to ensure that there is no loss of integrity of character for those in public office.

He used the opportunity to urge politicians and others holding public offices to ensure that their character is always intact in and out of office.

According to him, “When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost, but when character is lost, all is lost,” stating that the problem with Nigeria is all about loss of character.

In his remark, the Minister of State for Health, Senator Oluromimbe Mamora, describedAbaribe as a man who believes in the conviction of his conscience, and a man of strength of character. He urged politicians to write their stories to avoid their history being muddled up.

The National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Umar Tsuari, on his own, said the Senate minority leader speaks truth to power, stating that the PDP is enjoying the shade of Abaribe, who he also described as the defender of the defenseless and oppressed Nigerians.

In his response, the celebrant, Abaribe, wondered why Nigeria could enjoy better life in the 1960s with electricity, good roads and pipe bone water, only for those good things of life to elude Nigerians now in the new millennium.

I Don’t Drink at All, Ikpeazu Replies Adeyemi Chuks Okocha in Abuja Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State yesterday disclosed that he doesn’t drink at all, while reacting to a statement by a member of the National Assembly representing Kogi West, Senator Smart Adeyemi, describing him as a drunk.

Adeyemi had during plenary on February 23, described Ikpeazu as a drunk and champagnedrinking man, claiming that he had done no monumental project for his people.

But Ikpeazu said at the launch of the autobiography of Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s “Made in Aba”, in Abuja, yesterday that he doesn’t drink at all.

“Permit me to say that I don’t drink at all and I don’t begrudge those who drink.

“In other places or countries that have lesser problems, their leaders discuss issues of security, big issues of economic development, infrastructure development; they don’t talk about what people do and what they did not do,” he said.

Ikpeazu urged political leaders to serve as mentors to the younger generation, while holding political offices.

The governor who was Special Guest at the event, said leaders must in the course of leading, mentor youths who were the future leaders of the country.

“For us leaders, it is a calling.

If you are called to lead, you are also called to be a mentor to the young ones and what you say, how you carry yourself and the things you say and the times you say them, speak a lot about how serious you are as a person.

The former Nigeria’s Minister of Finance is the first woman and first African Director-General of the WTO. ‘’I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Nigeria on the selection, which was longawaited and widely-supported by member countries’’, the ambassador stated.

Sharing some connections between Japan and Okonjo-Iweala, the outgoing ambassador said that

the new WTO boss has been a member of the International Advisory Board of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) since 2017 - one of the bodies, which implement Japan’s ODA. “Japan appreciates her insightful and valuable advice and suggestions on how to improve Japan’s ODA to the world, including Nigeria. ‘’Secondly, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala visited Japan on the occasion of TICAD7 in 2019 to attend a

meeting as the Board Chair of Gavi Vaccine Alliance. ‘’She participated in the meeting, hosted by the Japanese Government, in order to support Gavi’s activities, which contributed to the successful achievement of the Global Vaccine Summit on 4 June last year’’, Yutaka added.

He explained that at the Summit, Gavi timely launched COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) and last

year, Japan pledged $130 million in funding to this instrument in order to enable developing countries, including Nigeria, to have equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

He added that on February 9, the Government of Japan also announced that Japan will increase its contribution to the COVAX AMC in total $200 million, saying Japan and Nigeria have common ground on WTO reform.

PROMOTING EDUCATION…

L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu; and the Speaker, state House of Assembly, Hon. Marcus Onobun, during a stakeholders’ meeting with the theme “Improving Collaboration in the Provision of Basic Education,” in Benin City…yesterday

Buhari, Osinbajo to Get COVID-19Vaccines on Saturday Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will on Saturday, March 6, 2021, be among the key national figures to receive the first dosage of Oxford Astra-Zeneca COVID- 19 vaccines scheduled to arrive in Abuja today.

The federal government will also deploy soldiers to secure the cold rooms where these vaccines are stored nationwide.

The Executive Director National Primary Health Care Development

Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib revealed this yesterday at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing to unveil the national vaccine roll-out plan.

It was gathered that the vaccine will only be administered on the President after it is handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFCAC), for analysis over a period of two days- Wednesday and Thursday- after the ceremonies to mark the arrival of the vaccines.

Shuaib said that after the

vaccination of the President and the Vice President and sequel to the clearance by NAFDAC, the PTF, Federal Ministry of Health and NPHCDA, the first national vaccination site will be set up at the treatment centre of the National Hospital in Abuja on Friday, March 5, 2021, to commence the vaccination of the frontline health workers and support staff.

Afterward, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Senate President, Speaker of

the House of Representatives, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, the Federal Ministers, Senators, House of Representatives members, traditional leaders and religious leaders would be vaccinated on March 8, at the vaccination sites to be set up at designated locations, including National Assembly Clinic, State House Clinic and Federal Medical Centre, Jabi.

Non-passage of PIB Robbing Nigeria of Huge Investments, Says Okowa Omon-Julius OnabuinAsaba Nigeria’s oil and gas industry has lost huge investments due to the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has said.

The governor however, expressed optimism that investments in the

country’s oil and gas sector would be increased substantially, once the PIB was duly passed by national legislature.

Okowa made the assertion yesterday when the Co-Chairman, National Assembly Joint Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Hon. Mohammed Monguno and

members of the committee paid him a courtesy call, at Government House in Asaba.

However, he said that the people of the oil-rich region of Niger Delta were excited about news of the renewed efforts by the National Assembly at passing the PIB. Okowa, who is Chairman,

South-South Governors’ Forum, said that he was delighted about the inclusion of Host Communities Fund in the PIB, pointing out that the provision of the specific fund would make the people part-owners of the ventures and encourage oil host communities to protect oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta.

House Summons Finance Minister, DG Budget over Duty Waivers UdoraOrizuinAbuja The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts yesterday summoned the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed; the DirectorGeneralofBudgetOfficeoftheFederation, BenAkabueze, and other officials of the Ministry of Finance to shed lights on duty waivers granted to some

companies.

The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Wole Oke, issued the summon at the ongoing investigative hearing on audited accounts of government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and some private companies in Abuja.

Oke said the DG of Budget and the minister should appear before the

committee within seven days to clear the air on the duty waivers granted to Saipem Contracting Limited on N468 million worth of equipment and other items it imported into the country.

He said: “Why can’t we ask the minister and the DG to give us a comprehensive list of waivers granted these companies within 14 days? We should also invite the beneficiary

companies that got waivers. I want to see these items and the value of the duties paid on them.”

Fielding questions from the lawmakers, Mr. Melvin Daje, who represented the Managing Director of Salem Contracting Limited, said they pay their duties directly to the equipment manufacturers.

GOtv Nigeria Kicks-Off March with Special Reward Campaign for Customers GOtv Nigeria, has announced the return of its special reward campaign, ‘GOtv Dey Your Side’, designed to appreciate loyal customers for their continued support and reward them with discounts, more content and more value this March.

The campaign which kicks in on Tuesday, 2nd March will see customers on GOtv Jolli and GOtv Jinja enjoy discounts up to 32% and an upgraded viewing on GOtv Max, which is the highest package offering on the platform.

John Ugbe, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, explained that the offer is borne out of GOtv’s desire to show support to subscribers, who have remained loyal to the service, by offering them more for less money in an economic situation

worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are ensuring quality home entertainment continues to remain affordable, against the backdrop of the ongoing second wave of the pandemic and its attendant economic strain.

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MTN Generates N1.3tn Revenue, Records 76.5m Subscribers Emma Okonji MTN Nigeria yesterday released its audited results for the financial year which ended December 31, 2020, where it raked in N1.3 trillion service revenue in the last fiscal year-14.7 per cent increase in revenue.

The telecoms company, which is the largest in Nigeria by subscriber numberandmarketshare,alsorecorded increased number of subscribers by 12.2 million to reach 76.5 million as at December last year.

MTN Nigeria financial report also showed increase in active data users by 7.4 million to reach 32.6 million.

Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 9.7 per cent to N685.7 billion, while EBITDAmargin declined by 2.5 percentage points to 50.9 per cent. Its profit before tax grew

by 2.6 per cent to N298.9 billion, while Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose by 0.9 per cent to N10.

MTN board has therefore proposed a final dividend of N5.90 kobo per share to be paidoutofdistributablenetincome.

This brings the total dividend for the year to N9.40 kobo per share, representing an increase of 18.7 per cent.

According to the financial report, service revenue, which grew by 14.7 per cent, was in line with MTN’s medium-term targets, driven mainly by voice and data revenue.

Voice revenue growth was 5.9 per cent, and although this was subdued in Q2 due to COVID-19 induced restrictions, the telecoms company picked up in the second half of the year. Data revenue rose by 51.2 per cent with increased data usage and traffic.

To accommodate this and

enhance service quality, the report said MTN focused on capacity upgrades and 4G population coverage, while expanding its investments in rural connectivity.

Its 4G network now covers 60.1 per cent of the population, up from 43.8 per cent in 2019.

From the MTN financial report, EBITDA rose by 9.7 per cent,

supported by service revenue growth. However, the EBITDA margin declined by 2.5 percentage point to 50.9 per cent, which was attributed to increased operating

expenses, arising from the rollout of new sites and the impact of naira depreciation, affecting in particular the costs of its lease contracts.

Crisis Rocks Abia NLC as Court Halts Removal of State MEDIA PARLEY… Chairman L-R: Media Adviser to African Bar Association (AFBA), Mr. Collins Steve Ugwu (left), and President of AFBA, Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo, during a Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Owerri, Imo State, has restrained the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) from removing the Chairman of the Abia State Council of the union, Uchenna Obigwe.

The National Executive Council(NEC) of NLC had in a letter dated February 18, 2021, signed by the NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, announced the removal of the Abia State NLC chairman.

The National Administrative Committee, which reviewed the report of the NLC Election Petition Committee, had approved Obigwe’s removal by NEC and replaced him with former state President of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Eze Idima.

In justifying its action, the NLC national leadership said Obigwe’s removal was based on the recommendations of

press conference at the Ikeja High Court Press Centre, Lagos … yesterday

the Election Petition Committee which alleged that Obigwe had “mislead” the Abia State labour union to vote him into office during the last state delegates conference held in 2019.

But the embattled state NLC leader headed to NICN in Owerri which granted him interlocutory injunction to stay in office pending the determination of the substantive suit he filed challenging his removal. The defendants in the suit No: NICN /010/10/2021 included the National President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja.

Among other reliefs being sought, Obigwe wants the court to make a declaration that his removal “is illegal, void, and unconstitutional as the exercise of such powers is outside the functions of the National Administrative Council as stipulated in Article 9(2) of the Constitution of the Nigeria Labour Congress (as amended February 5 and 6 2019).”

FG Inaugurates Committee to Detect Irregular Recruitments in MDAs Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has inaugurated a committee to checkmate irregularities in the recruitment of officers by Ministries, extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF), Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, instituted the committee yesterday with a mandate to stem wanton impunity, sharp practices and fraud in enrolment of newly recruited civil servants on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

She decried that a large number of fake appointment letters were being discovered in some ministries, stating that if not stemmed, it could result in denial of employment to many prospective and eligible

law-abiding job seekers in the country.

The HoSF said her office is collaborating with security agencies to investigate and bring to book those behind the fraud while also committed to a transparent, accountable and non-compromised IPPIS platform that will rid the system of ghost workers, reduce personnel cost and enhance economic planning.

Yemi-Esan further enjoined members of the committee to view the assignment as a matter of national importance, which demanded their wealth of experience and hard work in ensuring a reliable and credible IPPIS platform.

She expressed appreciation for the support given to her by President Muhammadu Buhari for the implementation of the Human Resource (HR) module of the IPPIS.

Poor Policy Implementation Bane of Nigeria’s Devt, Says Osinbajo Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday identified poor implementation of policies and programmes in Nigeria as the bane of the country’s development.

Osinbajo stated this when he inaugurated the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 43 participants of

the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) for the 2021 session.

The vice president, who conducted the inauguration virtually, represented President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said: “Poor policy implementation is considered as the bane of development

in Nigeria. The proverbial gap between policy and intentional outcome can be seen whether in delivering on campaign promises or even delivering on a well-articulated policies and programmes. For serious minded policy makers, the frustration is the same.”

He noted that NIPSS as the

country’s foremost think-tank institution had engaged in some of the most difficult policy questions in different sectors of the economy, including electoral reforms, public health, poverty and human capacity, among others, adding that the time has come for the institution to move away from “think-tanks to do thanks.”

Fire Razes 200 Hectares of Cocoa, Kolanut Plantations in Ekiti Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has lamented the destruction of over 200 hectares of land of cocoa and kola nut farms by fire in some towns it described as the cocoa belt of the state.

The fire disaster occurred at Ikoro and Iloro communities in Ijero Local Government Area of the state.

The Chairman of the SEMA,

Capt. Sunday Adebomi (rtd), stated that other farm produce that were gutted by the fire included oranges, palm trees, plantains, pineapples, cassava as well as maize that were worth several millions of Naira.

The SEMA boss made the revelation in Ikoro-Ekiti, yesterday during a visit to the farms to ascertain the level of damage done to the farms.

Adebomi, who was accompanied by the officials of the

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said that the message was communicated to his office by one of the affected farmers.

He promised the affected farmers that the Ekiti State Government would assist them with seedlings and chemicals as well as other relief materials in order to cushion the effects of the inferno.

He said: “Cocoa and kolanut are two cash crops that had given

us national recognition apart from providing economic supports to many citizens and we can’t afford to lose the comparative advantage we have been enjoying on these plants.”

The NEMA Director of Operations in Ondo, Ekiti and Osun States, Mr. Olusegun Afolayan, said the fire incident, which affected about 40 farmers had rendered them jobless and caused them to lose their sources of livelihood.

GiveYour Ticket to Winning Candidate, Okonkwo Tells Anambra PDP David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Chairman of United Nigeria Airline, Dr Obiora Okonkwo, yesterday declared his intention to vie for the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State on the platform the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urging the party to give its ticket to someone with the capacity to win the election.

The businessman and political

economist, who stated this while addressing the state party executive and supporters at the PDP secretariat in Awka, the state capital, said what the party needs after close to 16 years out of power is a candidate that can once again win the state for the party in the November governorship election.

According to him, “We are not in the race because we have godfather, but because we have

father God. I promise to make PDP win this election, if elected as the standard bearer of the party.

“We are waiting for who other parties will present, because we know that whoever they present, we will defeat them roundly. I’m not telling you we will win, but how we will win the election.

We are very qualified to run on the ticket of PDP. “You need a man who has the

capacity to win, and a man who has been a thorough party man.

I have been a PDP member for many years, and since I joined the party, I have never deviated.”

Admitting that there are a lot of qualified people seeking the ticket of the PDP, Okonkwo said what the party needs in the coming election is not a good or better candidate, but “the best of the best.

APC Asks Abaribe to Apologise to Bello over His Unwarranted Attacks Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe to render unreserved apology over his unwarranted attacks on the Kogi State Governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello.

The acting Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Yekini Nabena, in a statement issued yesterday, said the party

was not surprised that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would peddle falsehood in an attempt to conceal well known and documented truth.

The party said a careful perusal of the facts on ground showed clearly that Senator Smart Adeyemi’s response was initiated by Abaribe’s unprovoked utterances at the floor of the Senate.

The party said: “Indeed, if there is any apology to be tendered, it should be by Senator Abaribe who must retract every statement in the video currently trending, disparaging the achievement and the person of Governor Bello.

Senator Abaribe’s utterances were not only false, irresponsible and malicious but most importantly, totally unprovoked. “And on this note, we insist that he must

publicly withdraw the false statements made by him, or be prepared to face the full brunt of the law.”

The APC said as expected, the attention of Adeyemi was immediately drawn to the video by well-meaning citizens of Kogi State, who were naturally disturbed by the falsehood of its contents.

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TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

SAUDI PREMIER LEAGUE

Ighalo Scores Brace as Al Shabab Go Five Points Clear at the Top Duro Ikhazuagbe Former Super Eagles forward, Odion Ighalo, scored twice yesterday as Al Shabab defeated Damak 2-1 to continue their push for a seventh Saudi Professional Football League title.

Ighalo, 31, who switched to the

Saudi league after completing his loan spell at Manchester United in January has now scored three goal and provided one assist in five league appearances for the Lions as Al Shabab are called by their fans.

The former Watford front man put Al Shabab ahead in the 12th

minute after he was set up by Abdullah Al Zoari.

The visitors rallied back courtesy of Emilio Zelaya’s 20 minutes strike but Ighalo netted the winning goal six minutes before the break.

The Nigeria international was replaced by Hassan Mohammed Al Tambakti in stoppage time

with all three points in the kitty.

Al Shabab leading the table with 44 points from 21 games.

They are five points clear at the top.

Ighalo who was to return to his parent club Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League after fulfilling his childhood dream of playing for the Red Devils opted

for the more lucrative stint in the Middle East.

Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa similarly damped the competitive European leagues to go for the petrol-dollars in the Saudi topflight but unfortunately he was released from the contract even before it ended.

Musa played for Al Nassr also

in the Saudi topflight.

The Nigerian Captain is presently without a club after completing medical at West Bromwich Albion.

There are speculations that two senior Nigerian players are in discussions with their agents with possible move to the Middle East.

Victor Moses Snubs Mourinho in His List of Six Top Coaches Former Nigerian international, Victor Moses, has snubbed Jose Mourinho in his list of top six coaches he has worked with in his career thus far.

The experienced wingback worked with Mourinho during the Portuguese’s two spells with English giants, Chelsea.

Moses found game time hard to come by under Mourinho and was constantly sent out on loan to other English teams.

The 30-year-old named Antonio Conte as the best coach he has worked with having played under the Italian

Victor Moses...snubs The Special One Mourinho

tactician at Chelsea and Italy’s Inter Milan.

“Conte is exactly on this list. He helped me to believe in myself,” Moses told Spartak’s official website.

“And the point is precisely in the human attitude, and not in the fact that he found me a new position on the right flank of the defence.

“Next Roberto Martinez, Rafael Benitez. Neil Warnock, with whom I debuted at Crystal Palace. (Domenico) Tedesco. And also Mark Hughes.”

Moses stated that Mourinho never explained why he was not fielding him during their time together at Chelsea.

“Without a doubt, Jose is a cool pro, I respect his merits. But it so happens that the necessary contact does not arise between the player and the coach,” he added.

“In the end, I tried in training, I wanted to play, but Mourinho had a different opinion.”

In October 2020, Moses joined Russian giants Spartak Moscow on a season-long loan with an option to buy him on permanent basis from Chelsea.

Former Barcelona President, Bartomeu, Others Arrested ormer President of Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has been arrested following a raid on the club’s offices on Monday.

The club’s CEO Oscar Grau and Roman Gómez Ponti, head of legal, were also arrested on the basis of unfair administration, corruption between individuals and money laundering.

It comes amid the continued investigation into ‘BarcaGate’, in which club officials were accused of launching a smear campaign against current and former players who were critical of the club and thenpresident Bartomeu.

He and his board of directors resigned last year in controversy.

Catalan police said the operation was conducted on Monday after an investigation into financial issues at Barcelona.

The club’s presidential elections take place on Sunday.

In a statement, Barcelona saidthe police searches related to the “contacting of monitoring services on social networks”.

“FC Barcelona have offered up their full collaboration to the legal and police authorities to help make clear facts which

are subject to investigation,” the club said.

“The information and documentation requested by the judicial police force relate strictly to the facts relative to this case.

“FC Barcelona expresses its utmost respect for the judicial process in place and for the principle of presumed innocence for the people affected within the remit of this investigation.”

According to reports in Spain, the investigation relates to the ‘Barcagate’ scandal of February 2020, when the club were forced to deny hiring a firm to attack their own players on social media.

Odion Ighalo...scored brace to lift Al Shabab five points clear

W O R L D TA B L E T E N N I S

0motayo Bows out as Aruna Takes Centre Stage African history-maker Olajide Omotayo has bowed out fighting in the second stage of the preliminary round of the World Table Tennis (WTT) Middle East Hub taking place in Doha, Qatar.

The $200,000 prize-money tournament is the first official WTT event with 298 players from 66 countries taking part.

Highest ranked African star, Quadri Aruna, is ready to compete from the main draw of the men’s singles from today.

Omotayo who on Sunday set an African record as the first player from the continent to win a match at the WTT tournament after beating Kazakhstan’s Alan Kurmangaliyev in the

first stage of the preliminary round with players from Egypt and Algeria tasting defeats in all their matches.

Pitched against the best player in the German Bundesliga, Sweden’s Anton Kallberg, the 2019 African Games champion showed class against his opponent despite going down 2-0 (11-8, 11-3) in the tie.

Omotayo fought back with 11-9, 11-7 wins to put the match at 2-2.

In the deciding game, Omotayo led 7-5 before surrendering the match to his more illustrious European counterpart at 11-7 to exit the competition from the preliminary round.

“It was not easy after a year of not playing any official match but I am happy with my performance. All I need to do now is to concentrate on what I did not do right and try to improve that aspect.

“With this tournament, I gained more confidence going into the next tournament. I hope to watch more matches of top players in readiness for another tournament later this week in Doha,” Omotayo said.

Egypt’s duo of Omar Assar and Ahmed Saleh were also not lucky in their matches as they were bundled out from the same stage of the competition by their European counterparts.

2019 Nigeria Open revelation,

Senegal’s Ibrahima Diaw, remains the only African that progressed to the third stage of the preliminary after a convincing 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-6) win over Romania’s Sipos Rares.

And to be sure of competing alongside Aruna in the main draw, Diaw will have to overcome Russia’s Kirill Skachkov today in Match 2.

Aruna who is the only ranked African in the top 20 seeded players is shaping up for the main draw expected to kick off today in Match 3 as the organisers unveiled the new show court tables expected to be used for the main draw event of the tournament.

Delta Coach Eyes Clean Sweep of MASVI Cycling Trophies Delta State Cycling Coach, Kingsley Odiri, has vowed to win the male and female trophies in the second edition of the MASVI cycling race slated to hold in Owan West Local Government Area on Saturday April 3, 2021.

Speaking with sports journalists in Agbor last

weekend, Coach Odiri said his cyclists have been training in the town and its environs, putting finishing touches to strategies they will use in beating other states to the male and female titles.

He stressed that “we are ready for this year’s road race. This time around we

are going to win the male and female trophies, we lost the male trophy to Rivers last year by whiskers. I have mapped out strategies and we are training on hills similar to those in Owan West. We lost the male trophy to Rivers due to some technical hitches and now we have corrected them

and ready to surprise all to the win the Cup”.

Delta cyclist, Ese Ukpeseraye won the female trophy last year afte riding 80 kilometers from Sabongida Ora through Ifon to MASVI Filling Station in Sobe along Benin- Akure road.

Lagos SWAN to Elect New Executive March 26

Joseph M. Bartomeu...former Barca President

The 2021 Electoral Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos Chapter, has commenced the sale of forms for intending members who are eligible and interested in elective positions.

According to the

committee, elections will hold on Friday, March 26, 2021.

A statement signed by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Femi Solaja, noted the need to carry along all members in the transition process for the forthcoming Elections.

The positions to be contested include; Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary and the Internal Auditor.

The collection of forms began yesterday, March 1, 2021 at the SWAN

Secretariat Inside the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, from the Admin.

Secretary.

According to the timetable of the election, March 1519 will serve as a period of collation, screening, verification and receiving of objections/petitions.

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39

TUESDAYSPORTS

Djokovic Equals Federer’s World Number One Record Novak Djokovic has equalled Roger Federer’s record of 310 weeks ranked as world number one.

The 33-year-old Serbian is guaranteed to break the mark next week.

Djokovic won his 18th Grand Slam title and his ninth Australian Open crown in Melbourne last month.

“After achieving the historic number one for the longest weeks at number one, it’s going to be a relief for me because I’m going to focus all my attention on slams

mostly,” he said.

His victory in Melbourne takes him to two wins behind the joint holders of the men’s Grand Slam record, Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic has been helped by temporary changes to the ranking system because of the coronavirus pandemic which means players can currently count tournaments from two years instead of one.

However, he is still the inform player on the men’s tour, beginning 2021 by winning nine consecutive matches

while last year he did not lose a completed match until the French Open final in October.

Djokovic’s fifth spell at the top of the rankings began on 3 February last and he has been number one for all but

32 weeks since Federer hit 310 weeks in June 2018.

His longest stint as number one was 122 weeks between July 2014 and November 2016.

Djokovic sits on 12,030

points - more than 2,000 clear of Rafael Nadal, with Daniil Medvedev and Dominic Thiem the only other players with more than 7,000 points.

However, he still trails the women’s number one

record holder Steffi Graf who held top spot for 377 weeks, while Martina Navratilova (332) and Serena Williams (319) have also had longer spells at number one than Djokovic.

Blake: I Would Rather Miss Tokyo Olympics than Take the Vaccine Four-time Olympic medallist Yohan Blake has said he would rather miss Tokyo 2020 than receive a Covid-19 vaccination.

The Jamaican sprinter made the comment after competing at one of eight local athletics events arranged by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, which were approved to take place by the country’s government.

Blake told the Jamaican Gleaner that his position had not changed regarding the vaccine, with the former men’s 100 metres world champion saying he has his reasons for not wanting the Covid-19 vaccination.

“My mind still stays strong, I don’t want the vaccine,” Blake told the Jamaica Gleaner.

“I would rather miss the Olympics than take the vaccine.

“I am happy.

“I don’t want to get into it right now, but I have my reasons.”

Blake, who recently opened a health and wellness centre, told the Jamaica Gleaner that he hopes to compete internationally from May. The 31-year-old will be seeking to compete at a third Olympic Games at Tokyo 2020.

He finished as the silver

Yohan Blake...no to Covid-19 vaccination

medallist in the men’s 100m and 200m at London 2012 behind compatriot Usain Bolt, while the duo formed part of Jamaica’s gold medal-winning 4x100m relay team at those Games and at Rio 2016.

Blake also finished fourth in the men’s 100m final at Rio 2016, but was unable to reach the 200m final.

Fellow sprinter Asafa Powell, a 4x100m relay gold medallist at Rio 2016, told the Jamaica Gleaner that he may not have a choice but to have the vaccine.

The 38-year-old suggested that if he declined the vaccine he would probably have to retire.

The Jamaican Government is set to roll out the vaccine first for frontline workers and senior citizens.

Jamaica is set to receive the first of 50,000 doses of the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine this week, with 500,000 donated by the Government of India.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has also suggested there has been a shift in public sentiment towards the vaccine, due to no adverse effects being reported abroad.

Under plans for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, vaccination will not be mandatory for athletes to compete.

The International Olympic Committee has also said it will not jump the queue ahead of those who need a vaccination most, but the organisation has encouraged athletes to accept vaccines when offered as a sign of respect for the host country and its people.

Several National Olympic Committees have confirmed their athletes have received doses of Covid-19 vaccines prior to the Games.

This includes Lithuania, Hungary, Serbia, Israel and Singapore.

Germany, Canada, Britain and Italy, who have decided not to ask for their athletes to be given priority for vaccinations, have expressed hope that vaccines will be available ahead of the Games.

Zlatan to Miss AC Milan, Man Utd Europa League Clash AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to be ruled out for up to three weeks with a left thigh injury, meaning he will miss the Europa League tie against former side Manchester United.

The 39-year-old, who scored 29 goals in 53 games for United, was substituted in the 56th

minute of Milan’s 2-1 win over Romaon Sunday.

The two legs of the last-16 tie are due to be played on 11 and 18 March.

The Swede has scored 16 goals in 21 games this campaign.

AC Milan are second in Serie A, four points behind rivals Inter Milan.

Novak Djokovic...equals Roger Federer’s Number One record

Tiger Woods Expresses Gratitude to Fellow Golfers Tiger Woods expressed his gratitude after seeing several male and female golfers show their support on Sunday.

Former world number one Rory McIlroy was among those who wore red and black - the colours Woods is known for wearingin the tournament final

rounds.

The 15-time major winner, 45, is recovering from leg injuriessustained in a car accident last Tuesday.

“It is hard to explain how touching today was when I turned on the TV and saw all the red shirts,” Woods

tweeted.

“To every golfer and every fan, you are truly helping me get through this tough time.”

McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Reed and Tony Finau were among those who wore red and black while competing at the WGC-Workday

Championship in Florida, which was won by USA’s Collin Morikawa.

Phil Mickelson did the same at a PGA Tour Champions event in Arizona, as did Annika Sorenstam at the LPGA’s Gainbridge Championship.

FIFA Favours Motsepe for CAF Presidency World football governing body FIFA has asked three candidates to back South Africa’s Patrice Motsepe in the upcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) presidential election, a source close to one of the candidates told AFP. The previous incumbent Ahmad Ahmad was banned for breaches of FIFA’s ethical code, but has had the ban suspended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The Malagasy will know today if he’s still eligible to stand for CAF top job.

FIFA keen for a fresh start in Africa, the source said.

Motsepe is a South African mining billionaire and owner of

reigning domestic champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

According to the source, Augustin Senghor of Senegal and Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania are open to the idea of backing Motsepe and becoming vice-presidents themselves.

Jacques Anouma of Ivory Coast would be offered a role as advisor to Motsepe.

“Motsepe is FIFA’s preferred candidate, they want someone new and not implicated in the former presidency,” the source said.

“They want a better image so they can attract investors and sponsors.”

FIFA have yet to reply to

AFP’s request for comments.

The CAF Presidential election

is scheduled to be held in Rabat, Morocco on 12 March.

Patrice Motsepe...favoured for the CAF top job

‘Sportsman of the Year’ Sirawoo Dedicates Award to Sportswriters The President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Sir Honour Sirawoo has dedicated the Daily AssetNewspaper ‘Sportsman of the Year 2020’ Award conferred on him to sports journalists in the country.

Sirawoo stated this shortly after being represented by Chairman of the FCT chapter of SWAN, Chidoka Ndubueze, to pick up the Award at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja venue of the Daily Asset Newspaper at the weekend.

The SWAN President

who is also the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Sport was full of gratitude to members of SWAN, the Presidents of AIPS, Gianni Merlo and AIPS-Africa, Mitchell Obi and former Presidents of SWAN, who he said are always available, especially in challenging times.

“I must commend our members, they have stood by the National Executive Committee under my watch, even when some tough decisions were taken. They showed grace and patience,

they believed in our ability to chart a new course,” Sir Sirawoo said.

The nation’s number one sports writer stressed that the honour is a push to do more and contribute to the uplifting of sports in the country.

He also thanked the Rivers State Government for solidly backing his tenure as SWAN president.

The SWAN President assured that he would not rest on his oars in his quest to explore more areas of cooperation and break new grounds to expand

the horizon of not just SWAN but sports in general.

Sir Honour Sirawoo was honoured by Daily Asset Newspapers alonside other notable Nigerians including Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mallam Yakubu ibn Mohammed and the First Lady of Benue State, Mrs. Eunice Ortom, among others.

Tuesday March 2, 2021

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MISSILE Lukman to FG “Daily, lives are being lost, individual liberties and freedoms are under permanent threats, properties and livelihoods are being destroyed. Every Nigerian today lives with the fear of one form of threat or the other” – Director General of Progressive Governors’ Forum, Mr. Salihu Lukman, describing the security situation in Nigeria as unacceptable.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Politics and the Court of Appeal I

t is most unfortunate that the proposed appointment of new judges for Nigeria’s Court of Appeal has been controversial since the announcement of a shortlist in December 2020. The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has now found herself in an uncomfortable situation where she has to defend the integrity of her Court and the process that led to the emergence of a list of 20 preferred candidates and a list of additional 20 reserved candidates.

To have the judiciary dragged into the mud of Nigerian politics and the usual culprits: ethnicity, religion, Federal Character and nepotism playing a prominent role in the matter, is disheartening.

Why is it so difficult in Nigeria to have at least one sacred institution, a special symbol, that no one can desecrate? As it is, that seems increasingly impossible.

I asked this question as I read over the weekend, a statement attributed to the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dongban-Mensem in which she had cause to protest that persons who have been complaining about the alleged manipulation of the ongoing process of appointing Judges for her Court are seeking to destabilize and scandalize the judiciary. She argues that the appointment process has so far followed “due and usual process” and that the allegation of “favouritism” is a false campaign of calumny: “A total of 80 nominees were shortlisted and recommended for the appointment of 20 Justices to fill the existing vacancies. I state on my honour that any of the 80 nominees could be appointed”, she writes. “It is unfortunate that some people have elected to go to the press without hard evidence which are readily available to those who seek to know. I hereby state that the current recommendation pending determination by the National Judicial Council was done without any preference for tribe, creed or association.”

The problem here is that many stakeholders and interested parties do not think so, Mi’Lord.

Shortly after the list was made public, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) was one of the first groups to cry out in protest. The group alleged that the published list favours only Muslims from the North and does not in any way reflect the fact that Nigeria is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural. Thirteen out of the 20 preferred judges are from the North, including three Sharia Judges. The SMBLF asked to know if there is no Christian judge at all from the North and the Middle Belt who can be considered good enough to be a Judge of the Appellate Court!

Along the same lines, a civil society group, the Global Integrity Crusade Network (GCIN) petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria to ask that the National Judicial Council should not go ahead to approve the “fraudulent” list before it. Stakeholders from the South East of Nigeria also cried foul. In a petition to the President of Nigeria and the Chief Justice of the Federation, the Alaigbo Development Foundation led by Professor Uzodinnma Nwala pointed out that the proposed list of new Court of Appeal Justices is meant to deny the South East its quota in the Court of Appeal based on the principles of Federal Character as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

The ADF puts the matter thus: “…it is very unjust and unfair for only one Justice to be appointed from the South East out of twenty (20) justices that are being appointed from the six geo-political zones, whereas the other zones were allocated as follows: North West (8), North East (3), North Central (2) South West (4), South South

President, Appeal Court, Justice Dongban-Mensem (2)”. Before the ADF, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also found it necessary to express “ïts feelings of sadness, disgust and anger at the insensitivity demonstrated by the FJSC in compiling the list. It seems undeniable that the recklessness displayed by the FJSC suggests a steady and gradual descend (sic) to a process of Islamising the Judiciary of Nigeria...”

It is possible to dismiss all of these as rather too familiar: the typical Nigerian response to appointments and processes in the public sector but it must be noted that protests such as this speak to a major crisis that Nigeria is now grappling with on a daily basis: the menace of ethnicity, religion and geography. For this reason, nobody believes that the country is fair to anybody. There is a crisis of trust between the government and the people, and among the people themselves.

More than 60 years after independence, Nigerians have reduced every institution of state to the politics of proximity and advantage. There is a prolonged and unending struggle over who gets what, and who controls power. The effect is that this dominant tendency brings out the worst in all of us. The educated man in the North who is a first-class intellect is likely to defend a bandit who kills and maims just because he thinks that by doing so, he is protecting his kinsman against other Nigerians, of different ethnic and religious extraction, who are insisting that justice must be done. Similarly, a Southerner of the same pedigree would defend his own kinsman against the Northerner for no reason other than the fact that they both speak the same language or belong to the same region or religion.

This is the ugly drama being played out in Nigeria. It is not new but the melodrama is now tragic. What is disturbing is that the judiciary, the last refuge of the common man, and the expected bastion of the rule of law is now these days, dragged into the crisis of nationhood in a manner previously unseen. Before now, the Nigerian judiciary faced the challenge of military rule and the abbreviation of its Constitutional rights. It survived. Today, the same judiciary is now accused of everything from nepotism, to mediocrity, corruption, incompetence, complicity in the Nigerian mess and if care is not taken, eventual irrelevance. The last point is the main reason caution is advisable.

The judiciary must stay above dirty politics, very far away from it. Its gates must be locked against politicians by all means possible. Nigeria already suffers from too much politics: the politics of ethnicity, religion, difference and mischief. But

whereas the involvement of the legislative and executive arms of government in cut-throat, dirty politics may be excused on the grounds that these two arms of government are dominated unavoidably by products of partisan politics, there is cause for worry when the third arm of government, under the doctrine of the separation of powers, becomes a pawn in the hands of politicians, or becomes even so openly mired in politics that its neutrality becomes a subject of analysis, speculation, and even protest. It is worse when the judiciary is accused of partisanship and desperately so. The court, the work-place of the judiciary, is expected to be a temple of justice and everyone who works therein, an honest, untainted officer.

It is the duty of the judiciary to interpret the law and ensure justice, and provide a refuge for all persons whose rights may have been violated, and at the same time, punish according to the law, those errant characters in society who violate the public order and return society by their conduct to the state of nature as defined

by Thomas Hobbes. The law exists therefore, to restrain animal conduct and remind all of us of the need to be human. The judex are at the apex of the ladder. Given the privileged position that they occupy, they are expected to be above board, unimpeachable in terms of integrity, most deserving of their positions and of such moral and professional competence to be able to deliver justice without prejudice. When the judiciary however, becomes a target, subject, victim of partisan politics, or rank emotionalism, this goal cannot be achieved. A politicised and compromised judiciary is a threat to the same rule of law that it is required to uphold and enforce.

This re-affirmation is necessary against the background of what looks like the current politicisation of the proposed appointment of additional Justices for Nigeria’s Court of Appeal.

Justice Monica Dongban-Mesem is in order to defend her Court. The Court of Appeal is too important in the hierarchy of courts to become a playground for public prejudice and suspicion.

Men and women who sit on the Appeal Court must be seen to merit their positions on the basis of their accomplishments and experience.

Trust and confidence in the “due and usual process” of the appointment of judges is relevant to the subsequent level of confidence in their performance in office. But with due respect, Her Lordship’s rebuttal does not go far enough. The “hard evidence” that she talks about in terms of what is available in the public domain and what is known contradicts her own declarations. It provides a strong justification for an interrogation of the queries that have been raised and why the National Judicial Council must review the list of proposed Judges before it takes any action.

A review of all the complaints so far would suggest that the Court of Appeal indeed followed “due and usual process” in the screening of the judges that applied for appointment into the Court of Appeal, but problem arose after the President of the Court forwarded the decision of the Committees to the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC). The key allegation is that the FJSC turned the list upside down and ignored the recommendations of the Court of Appeal. Is the President of the Court of Appeal defending the FJSC? Would she be willing to publish the original list that she submitted to the Judicial Service Commission to provide greater clarity and allow the public to compare and contrast?

And just in case the list that is in circulation is incorrect, no one has said so. The hard evidence

that is currently in circulation is that 13 out of 20 nominated judges are Northerners and Muslims.

The 13 Muslim Judges are from Niger, Plateau, Adamawa, Yobe, FCT, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina, the home state of the incumbent President, which has two nominees.

The entire South East is represented by one Judge from Imo State. The South South has two slots: Bayelsa and Delta State. The entire South West has 4 – Ondo (2) plus Ogun, and Lagos. The reserve list of 20 follows more or less the same pattern! By what criteria on earth did the FJSC arrive at such a list which can only fuel the anger about how under the present dispensation, there is an alleged deliberate attempt to grant undue advantages to a section of the country – from cattle rearing, to public appointments?

It may be argued that ordinary people have no business raising questions about the appointment process in the judiciary. But that would be a terribly wrong thing to say. Judges are first and foremost human beings. They are part of society.

They have rights too. A lawyer who has chosen a career on the Bench expects that he would be promoted according to his ability. If he is denied the opportunity for advancement and self-actualization, just because his kinsman is not in power or he does not know people in high places, he would be disturbed. He or she will be demoralized. We expect the judiciary to dispense justice, but should such an institution also promote injustice and unfairness within its ranks? However, where are the judges who believe that they are qualified to be on the preferred list?

Why are they not the ones writing petitions?

Civil society groups may crow as they wish, but their efforts will ultimately raise the question of locus standi? Should judges who push this same principle be seen to be sleeping on their own rights?

There have also been snide remarks about the competence of some of the judges on the FJSC’s proposed list. I have no “hard evidence” in that regard. Elsewhere in the United States for example, there will be open access to the judgments that judges about to be elevated have written, their positions on key judicial matters and their contributions to the development of the law. Here in Nigeria, there is so much politics and secrecy. Judges who think that they are more deserving are bound to feel discouraged. Last year, there was so much controversy over the appointment of the Federal High Court Judges in Abuja. This year, we are at the same point with the appointment of Justices of the Court of Appeal. At other times, there have been issues over the appointment of Chief Judges at the state level, and the thorny issues have been more or less the same: merit, ethnicity and religion (re: Kebbi, Adamawa, Cross River). Who will judge the judges? It has also been said that the current list before the National Judicial Council does not include senior members of the Bar and persons from the academia whose inclusion in line with the enabling Guidelines can broaden the scope of the Court of Appeal, and provide needed depth.

Finally, the President of the Court of Appeal is a Christian. Right under her watch, we have this controversial issue of 13 nominee-Justices of the Court of Appeal out of 20 who are Muslims and Northerners? Whatever she says, it will be recorded that the deed is hers. Was she intimidated or influenced? What other “hard evidence” do we need? What else would she be willing to defend on “her honour?” These are issues that the NJC must consider.

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