THURSDAY 2ND MARCH 2023

S&P: How Nigeria's Fuel Crisis, Cash Crunch Ended 31-Month Growth in Business Activities Says PMI at worst level since pandemic

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Business activities driven by the private sector slumped for the

first time in almost three years as companies reduced output and cut jobs due to cash and fuel shortages in February, S&P Global said yesterday.

The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) released by the organisation is a measure of the prevailing direction of economic trends in the

manufacturing and service sectors.

According to the S&P PMI, business activities fell to 44.7 in February from 53.5 the month before,

being the worst reading since the height of the coronavirus pandemic in June 2020.

The report added that the

February PMI data indicated that cash shortages across the Nigerian Continued on page 10

Senators Fault Lawan's Claims on Electronic Results Transmission... Page 10 Thursday 2 March, 2023 Vol 28. No 10186. Price: N250

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Buhari: My Administration’s Achievements Earned Tinubu Victory Former Lagos governor pays thank you visit to president in Daura President-elect receives congratulatory messages from world leaders, including French president Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has

declared that Nigerians decided to vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates of the ruling

All Progressives Congress (APC) in last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elec-

tions because of the high level of development brought about by the present administration.

Speaking yesterday, while receiving in audience the president-elect and other leaders

of the ruling party at his Daura Continued on page 10

Tinubu: My Certificate of Return is Call to Duty I Can’t Ignore Tells opponents, their supporters, ‘I understand your hurt’ Says he needs them but Nigeria needs them more at this time Reiterates commitment to progress, development, renewed hope for Nigerians Election result reflects wish of electorate, Akeredolu asserts Yakasai urges Atiku, Obi to accept outcome of presidential poll We’ll challenge ex-Lagos governor’s victory in court, Baba-Ahmed vows Knocks Lawan over comments on electronic transmission of results Exercise lacks credibility, transparency, Situation Room declares Story on page 10

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF RETURN TO TINUBU...

L-R: Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, presenting certificate of return to the President-elect Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu while his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, looks on

AIRTEL AFRICA'S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION DRIVE...

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya paid a courtesy visit to the President of Kenya, H.E. Dr. William Ruto at the State House Nairobi, in conversations that were focused on Airtel Africa’s efforts at accelerating and deepening digital transformation in Kenya and the African continent... yesterday

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

SHETTIMA GETS CERTIFICATE OF RETURN...

L-R: INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, his wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima, during the presentation of certificate of return to Shettima in Abuja… yesterday

PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI

NSCDC Destroys 71 Illegal Refineries, 22 Oil Bunkering Sites in Over a Year Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has disclosed that between January 2022 till date, 71 illegal refineries and 22 oil bunkering sites have been destroyed.

The Corps in clampdown on activities of criminal elements such as vandals, economic saboteurs and oil thieves with the use of advanced technologies, within same period impounded 134 trucks, 36 boats and other equipment used in perpetrating illegal oil bunkering in the country.

Speaking at the celebration of the World Civil Defence Day in Abuja, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi said: “The Corps has maintained a dogged fight against the activities of criminal elements such as vandals, economic saboteurs and oil thieves with the use of advanced technologies.

“Consequently, between January 2022 and to date, over 546 suspects have been arrested, 429 under prosecution, 51 convicted, 71 illegal refineries destroyed, 22 illegal oil bunkering sites destroyed, 134 trucks impounded, 36 boats and other equipment used in perpetrating illegal oil bunkering confiscated.”

He said the Corps has been making steady and remarkable progress in line with the theme of this year's World Civil Defence Day, which was: "The Role of Information Technologies in Risks Assessment."

He noted that since his appoint-

ment exactly two years ago, disaster management, risk assessment, crime detection and prevention, protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) like Petroleum Pipelines, Electrical Installations, Communication Equipment, Roads, Railways and others relatively improved from what it used to be.

Audi said: “Prior to this time, disaster management, risk assessment, crime detection and prevention, protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) like Petroleum Pipelines, Electrical Installations, Communication Equipment, Roads, Railways and others were relatively difficult but today, there is significant improvement.

“The Corps has chosen appropriate protocols and controls to mitigate risks, create and implement emergency plans, monitor potential threats that could lead to disaster and prioritise the protection of humans and asset with the highest value.

“In line with our mandates on disaster management, we have upgraded the Crisis Management Directorate by strategically organising resources to lessen the harm that disasters cause through systematic approaches to sustaining the responsibilities of disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.”

He added that: “We are determined to make the Corps a world-class organisation, that is why we are not relenting, but working hard to key into the global space

and tapping from the experience of other members of the ICDO. “Due to the appreciation of Modern Information and Communication Technology, the Corps under my watch has upgraded its ICT center with state of the art facilities to meet up with challenges of modern crime fighting and management.

“The Corps has designed, developed and deployed Integrated Electronic Arrest and Reporting system (i-Ears) for classified communication of intelligence, documentation of report from Divisional Commands to the Commandant General via State Commandants, Confidential InterAgency Data Sharing, Emergency

“She fought for her husband, her daughter, and all those in the community whose deceased family were treated with similar disrespect.

We hope her victory at trial and this settlement will put an end to this practice.”

The settlement comes after a federal jury in August 2022 found the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s and Fire departments liable for infringing on the constitutional rights of Bryant and her co-plaintiff Christopher Chester for taking and sharing gruesome photos of the helicopter crash that left nine people dead.

The photos included not just wreckage of the helicopter but closeup images of the mangled bodies of those killed.

Bryant and Chester argued that

and deployed Electronic Disaster Alert Monitoring Application to enable NSCDC receive and jointly respond to fire, flood and other emergencies and to enable us provide crowd control, crime prevention and protection for response officers and equipment during emergencies.”

Ex-Accountant General's Missing Statement Stalls Trial in Alleged N109bn Fraud Alex Enumah in Abuja The trial of former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris on alleged N109 billion corruption charges was yesterday stalled at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) due to the disappearance of one of the statements he made to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The statement dated July 5, 2022, could not be located by EFCC in its own file, in that of the high court as well as that of the defence team.

At yesterday's proceedings, the anti-graft agency through its counsel, Mr. Oluwaleke Atolagbe, had kickstarted trial-within-trial, following the denial by the ex- Accountant General that some of the statements he made to EFCC in respect of the suit were made voluntary.

Idris, who was re-arraigned last October, had persistently alleged that the key statements proposed by the EFCC to be used against him in the alleged corruption charges were made under duress.

Following the allegation, Justice Halilu Yusuf had ordered a trialwithin-trial to authenticate the claim.

Although, the EFCC had presented his witness, Mr. Hayatudeen Suleiman, to tender 13 different statements, trouble however arose when it was discovered that a statement dated July 5, 2022, and said to be vital to the trial could not be found in the bundles of documents uploaded at the court by EFCC. The trouble became worst when EFCC seeking to examine the witness could not find the statement in his own case file.

Responding, Idris' lawyer, Chief Chris Uche, told the court

Vanessa Bryant Reaches Nearly $29m Settlement with Los Angeles County in Lawsuit over Kobe Bryant Crash Photos Vanessa Bryant has reached nearly $29 million agreement with Los Angeles County to settle a lawsuit over photos that were taken at the helicopter crash that killed her husband, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, her daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others.

According to CNN, the settlement capped several years of litigation related to the January 2020 helicopter crash on a Calabasas, California, hillside and photos that circulated in its aftermath.

Vanessa Bryant testified that she suffered panic attacks, anxiety since learning of shared crash scene photos “Today marks the successful culmination of Mrs. Bryant’s courageous battle to hold accountable those who engaged in this grotesque conduct,” Luis Li, an attorney representing Bryant, said in a statement to CNN.

Threat Reporting on real-time basis which was fully deployed to live stream and monitor security situation across the country during the first round of the 2023 general election.”

He revealed that within the two years of providing leadership to the Corps, “our ICT and cyber experts have designed, developed

the photos of their loved ones caused emotional distress and violated their privacy.

Each testified to living in fear the photos may surface, despite the county’s assertion the pictures had been destroyed.

The jury awarded Chester $15 million in damages and Bryant $16 million, which was later reduced to $15 million due to clerical error, according to Bryant’s attorney.

Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton Chester, who were passengers on Kobe Bryant's helicopter and were killed in Sunday's helicopter crash.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in September 2022, agreed to pay an additional $4.95 million to Chester, who lost his wife Sarah and 13-year-old daughter Payton in the

helicopter crash.

Mira Hashmall, lead trial counsel for Los Angeles County, called the recent settlement with Bryant “fair and reasonable.”

“The $28,850,000 settlement includes the verdict awarded by the federal jury in August 2022, and further resolves all outstanding issues related to pending legal claims in state court, future claims by the Bryant children, and other costs, with each party responsible for its respective attorneys’ fees,” Hashmall said in a statement.

Bianka Bella Bryant, and Capri Kobe Bryant, the youngest daughters of the Bryant family, were named in the lawsuit, along with their mother.

“We hope Ms. Bryant and her children continue to heal from their loss,” Hashmall added.

that the statement was not part of those supplied to him by EFCC, adding that the anti-graft agency had suppressed some documents and that the missing statement of the defendant may be one of the suppressed documents.

Similarly, the said documents could not be found in the court's file, forcing EFCC's lawyer to request for an adjournment on the grounds that the statement is vital to his case.

After consultation amongst lawyers, Justice Yusuf fixed May 11,

for continuation of trial-within-trial, adding that the adjournment was at the instance of the EFCC. The commission had on October 27, 2022 re-arraigned Idris on a 13 count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation of the sum of N109 billion.

Others arraigned alongside were: Olusegun Akindele, Mohammed Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited.

They were first arraigned on July 22, 2022, before a vacation judge, Adeyemi Ajayi.

Bassey Rejects Presidential Election Result, Seeks Its Review

Bassey Inyang in Calabar

The Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Mr. Gershom Bassey, has disagreed with the result of the presidential election announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the February 25, 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections.

According to Bassey who served as the coordinator of the Cross River State wing of the PCC of the Atiku/ Okowa said the result announced by the INEC was unacceptable. He argued that the electoral body clearly violated the law and processes for the announcement of the results of the elections.

Speaking in Calabar, yesterday, he stressed that INEC clearly violated the electoral law in announcing the result, just as he called for its reviewed or outright cancellation and a fresh one conducted.

"I do not have confidence in the results declared so far by INEC, and the reason is very simple. We are the people that passed that electoral law and it is very clear in the law that there are three stages of the process

when you get to the polling unit.

“The first stage is the verification stage where you use BVAS, the second is when you thumbprint and vote after you have been verified and the third stage is uploading of the results after they have been announced at the polling unit.

“In a situation where you vote, result is declared at the polling unit but it is not uploaded, which is part of the process, it means that the process is immediately fatally flawed. Uploading the results 24-48 hours later is unacceptable because the essence of uploading immediately which is transparency, is completely gone," Bassey said.

Continuing, Bassey said: "So nobody can tell me it is a transparent election because at the very least, it has not complied with the law which is a problem immediately.

“So INEC has a very big issue, that is why you find a lot of people calling for the cancellation of the election or a complete overview of every result, and the only way to do that is by bringing every point unit's result, put it against what the returning officers had brought from the states and compare.

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THANK YOU VISIT TO MR. PRESIDENT IN DAURA...

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, during a visit to the President's country home in Daura, Katsina State... yesterday

Rise in Nigeria’s Oil Production Boosts OPEC’s Output in February Survey shows Africa’s biggest producer drilled additional 100,000 bpd Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Oil Output by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rose in February led by a further recovery in Nigerian supply by as much as 100,000 additional barrels per day, a Reuters survey has found.

This is despite strong adherence by top producers to an agreement by the wider OPEC+ alliance to cut

production to support the market during this period.

Nigerian output posted OPEC's biggest increase of 100,000 bpd in February, the survey found, bringing the country closer to a target to lift output to 1.6 million bpd this quarter.

The second-biggest increase came from number two OPEC producer, Iraq, which according to Refinitiv Eikon data and other companies

that track the flows, has boosted southern exports this month.

The increase from the south outweighed a drop in northern exports via the Turkish port of Ceyhan, which were briefly disrupted by the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, Reuters stated.

Nigeria has been unable to meet its OPEC production quota for over a year and has therefore

failed to take advantage of high International oil prices.

While the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has said that current production is over 1.6 million bpd, in January, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) put the figure at over 1.25 million bpd.

Nigeria had recently begun to curb the massive oil thefts through

APC Rejects Obio/Akpor National Assembly Election Result Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has rejected the Senatorial and House of Representatives election results from Obio/Akpor local government area of the state.

The APC collation officers at various wards in the local government, alleged mutilation of results by staff of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and some alleged stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the area.

The presidential candidate of APC, Bola Tinubu won his election in Rivers, but this was not same with the party’s candidates for the National Assembly.

Speaking with journalists yesterday in Port Harcourt, Stanley Worgu, APC collation officer for Ward 10, and Francis Hanachor Eleto, APC collation officer for Obio/Akpor ward 2, urged the INEC to cancel the said election over irregularities.

He accused the INEC staff of conniving with the PDP members to hijack ballots boxes and BVAS at their units.

Worgu expressed that what transpired at his ward 10 on the election day was undemocratic.

He said "First, in our respective

units in ward 10, and from the information we got in both ward 9 and Ward 11, the PDP stalwarts did not allow us to man our polling units.

“It started all the way from our polling unit, the amount of fire they came with, I will specifically say in Unit 72, 73 74, Wards 10, they came to hijack both the BVAS and the ballot box.

"What shocked me was, there was no enough security presence and most of these places they even came with security personnel. Even the INEC officials were conniving with them, when they have not arrived the polling there was peace but when they came to hijack the BVAS and other materials, INEC officials supported them.

"This is very unfair. Secondly, the results that was uploaded at the INEC did not tally with what transpired at the polling units. Where we saw this violation more was in the reps and senate election.

"We are demanding that both the Senate and House of Representatives election in Obio/Akpor should be cancelled. It was not an election. I have written my situation report and sent to INEC but no response yet," Worgu added.

On his part, Eleto, explained "What actually happened during

the 2023 senate and House of Representatives election was completely a disaster. It was disheartening for us to experience that.

"INEC promised us that election results will be transmitted at the polling units, but surprisingly, no one result was transmitted. We did everything possible at the polling units to upload the results, it was difficult.

"The irony of the whole thing is that SPOs who ought to be at the collation center, non were seen anywhere around the units.

When it was difficult for the INEC

officers to upload the results they were calling on the SPOs to give them a code so they can be able to upload the results, the SPOs were not taking calls, text messages sent to them were not responded. To that end most INEC officers were held down at that polling unit."

He added that "The House of Representatives and Senate results is not reflecting what was collated at the polling units.The person announced as the winner of the election is from PDP but APC won in most of the polling units in Obio/Akpor."

the collaboration of security forces, community groups and the government agencies in the sector.

According to the survey, OPEC's Gulf producers Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates maintained high compliance with their targets under the OPEC+ agreement.

The oil cartel pumped 28.97 million barrels per day (bpd) in the month under review, the survey found, up 150,000 bpd from January. However, OPEC output is still down more than 700,000 bpd from September.

Many crude streams exported more in February, the survey found, although Africa's top producer is still pumping much less than its OPEC target.

OPEC and its allies, known as OPEC+, had been boosting output for most of 2022 as demand recovered from the pandemic. But for November, with oil prices weakening, the group made its largest cut since the early days of COVID-19 in 2020.

It decided to cut the OPEC+ output target by 2 million bpd, of which about 1.27 million bpd was to come from the 10 participating OPEC countries. The target remained in place for February.

With the rebound in Nigerian output in February, compliance with the agreement increased

to 169 per cent of pledged cuts, according to the survey, against 172 per cent in January.

But output is significantly undershooting targeted amounts because many producers - notably Nigeria and Angola - lack the capacity to pump at the agreed levels.

The 10 OPEC members required to cut production pumped about 880,000 bpd below the group's target, the survey found. The shortfall in January was about 920,000 bpd.

Among countries with lower output, the largest drop of 80,000 bpd was in Angola due to a relatively small export programme in February and field maintenance on the Dalia stream.

Libya, Iran and Venezuela are the three producers exempt from OPEC cuts. Iran posted higher exports in February and Venezuelan output has increased slightly, according to the survey. Libyan output was also steady.

The survey aims to track supply to the market. It is based on shipping data provided by external sources, Refinitiv Eikon flows data, information from companies that track flows, such as Petro-Logistics and Kpler, and information provided by sources at oil companies as well as OPEC and consultants.

Doguwa, Dahiru Remanded in Kano Prison over Alleged Murder Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa and one Bashir Dahiru, were yesterday arraigned before a Magistrate Court at the Nomansland in Kano before Magistrate Ibrahim Mansour Yola on six-count charge.

The prosecutor, Aisha Salisu, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on February 26, at Tudun Wada local Government area of Kano.

Salisu alleged that on same

date the first defendant Doguwa, used a gun and shot one Ibrahim Dauda to death and injured two persons on their leg and hand.

"The defendants conspired with five others now at large and conducted themselves in a manner to cause breach of public peace and burnt the office of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Tudun Wada Dankadai.

"Two persons lost their lives at the said NNPP office, while six persons sustained various injuries."

The prosecutor urged the court

not to admit the defendants to bail, for public peace, tranquility and interest of Justice "Any person accused of committing capital offence which attracts severe punishment cannot be granted bail," he added.

Senior Magistrate Ibrahim Mansur-Yola, ordered the remand of the defendant in Kano Correctional Center until March 7, for ruling on his bail application.

The Kano Police Command had on Monday docked the House Leader, Doguwa, over his role in the electoral violence that rocked

his country home during the just concluded poll.

Doguwa, who evaded arrest before the police activated a motion that led to his arrest by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Bompai Kano at Malam Kano International Airport.

The police action was sequel to complaint they received over the gruesome murder of three persons, causing grievous injury to eight others in Tudun Wada LGA last Sunday, while the collation of election results was ongoing.

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FEC MEETING...

L-R: Minister of state for Finance , Budget and National Planning , Clem Agba ; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice , Abubakar Malami ; Minister of Defence , Major General Bashir Magashi (retd); Minister of State for Power , Goddy Jedy- Agba and the Minister of state for Works and Housing , Umar El-Yakub at the Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa , Abuja.... yesterday PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI.

Polls: Oyo APC Tells Makinde to Brace Up for Imminent Defeat Tinubu has no agreement with state governor, APC PCC declares Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan With the emergence of Bola Timubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the president-elect, the party in Oyo State, yesterday called on Governor 'Seyi Makinde, to prepare for his imminent defeat in the March 11, governorship election.

The Director-General, Asiwaju Tinubu-Shettima Coalition for Good Governance, (ATSCGG), Adebayo Shittu, said this yesterday, while addressing a press conference in his office in Ibadan.

This was just as the APC Presidential Campaign Committee (PCC), in Oyo State, yesterday denied having a standing agreement with Makinde, as being speculated.

The former Minister of Communication, in his address, titled, "Whither Oyo State 2023," said the APC in the state after the victory at the presidential and National Assembly elections has gone to redefine its trajectory to guarantee equally over-whelming and undiluted victory and triumph over the main opponent and the current governor.

According to him, "It would be recalled that Oyo State, as one of the foremost Yoruba States, had always been ruled by progressive parties under different names and colours."

"However, the State fell into bad times under the last administration of the late Sen. Ishaq Ajimobi (of blessed memory). Unfortunately, he could not manage well the APC primaries for local governments, state assembly, gubernatorial and national assembly.

"Consequently all party members as aspired for one positions or the other and who were wrongly disenfranchised, decided to leave the party. Apart from exiting the APC, most of them joined Engr.

Seyi Makinde and the rival PDP to defeat the APC in the 2019 general elections."

Speaking further, he said: "This saw the emergence of Seyi Makinde as Oyo State Governor. As God would have it, Seyi Makinde, therefore, got the Oyo State governorship seat without the needed psychological preparation or required political experience.

"This is someone who had neither been a councilor, a commissioner, a legislator or a political executive at any level. It was therefore, very easy for him to prove that experience cannot be purchased from any earthly store.

"Or, how else do we explain that of all the APC elements who joined forces with him to became governor in 2019, not one of them remain with him till today."

Shittu maintained that the last Saturday presidential and National Assembly elections had shown clearly that people in the state have unanimously resolved to completely submit and support APC. "The results of last Saturday's presidential and National Assembly elections have shown clearly that our patriotic citizens of Oyo State have unanimously resolved to completely submit and support our great party, the APC with almost half a million votes for our presidential candidate, the victory of all three

senatorial candidates of our party and ten out of fourteen House of Representatives.

“The APC is clearly the unrivalled leader among competing political parties in our state. We are therefore assured that with the foregoing results, the State Assembly and gubernatorial contest on March 11 would be a walk-over for our great party, the APC," Shittu said.

In a related development, the APC PCC in Oyo State, yesterday denied having any agreement with Makinde, as being speculated.

The PCC was apparently reacting to a meeting the governor had with aggrieved candidates of the PDP for National Assembly where he

called for their support on March 11 governorship election with a view to defect to the APC in the future.

It was learnt that the governor told the aggrieved candidates that he had an agreement with Tinubu, that he would defect to the APC after the election which the president-elect allegedly agreed to.

But a member of the PCC in the state, Nike Ajagbe, in a statement yesterday, said Makinde was only deceiving his members, adding that the visit of the campaign team to him had nothing to do with his endorsement.

She stated that the presidentelect was a party man who cannot joke with the success of his party

The Action Democratic Congress (ADC) has filed as interim injunction before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, seeking to restrain the Independent National Electoral (INEC) from conducting the Rivers State Governorship election on March 11, this year.

The suit filed by the party and its Governorship Candidate in the state, Tonte Ibraye, also asked the court to restrain the state government from enforcing its Executive

Orders 21 and 22 enacted in 2022.

The plaintiffs said the orders if given should subsist pending the determination of the motion on notice.

Joined as defendants in the suit were Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, Attorney-General of Rivers State, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and INEC. In the suit dated February 21, the ADC is challenging the legality of the executive orders and their attendant consequences on the electioneering process and political

of Rivers State and other governors where Tinubu visited Government Houses before proceeding to the campaign grounds.

According to her, immediately the president-elect left Makinde’s office during his visit to Ibadan he went straight to the ancient Mapo Hall to raise the hand of the governorship candidate of the party, Senator Teslim Folarin.

She maintained that people were surprised to see the governor claiming he had agreement with Tinubu when he was unable to disclose his support for him openly, more so when he urged people of the state to vote for a unifier during the campaign period.

Rivers Lawmaker to Atiku: Challenge Presidential Election Result in Court Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A Rivers State federal lawmaker representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency, Farah Dagogo, has urged the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to challenge Saturday’s presidential election result in court.

Dagogo, described the election result as “a sham and charade, which if allowed to stand,” would thwart the resolve of majority of Nigerians and set a bad precedent.

The federal lawmaker opined that Atiku won the election convinc-

ingly, alleging that his victory was upturned in the boardroom.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had yesterday, declared Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the presidential election.

Dagogo, faulted the outcome of the election, insisting that it was not transparent, credible, rather fraught with irregularities. He described it as one of the worst in the history of elections in the country.

He fingered, what he termed deliberate disregard, for section 64 (4 and 6) of the Electoral Act on the collation of results, adding that

ADC Seeks Court Injunction to Stop Governorship Election in Rivers Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

across the country, especially the south-west which is regarded as his stronghold.

She added that it was in the programme of the campaign team to visit all the opposition governors whenever they were in their state for campaign, insisting that nobody should see such as an endorsement, “but a privilege to host a widely accepted presidential candidate.”

Ajagbe who is a member, Directorate of Special Duties 3 of PCC, said being the governor of the state, the president-elect only visited Makinde as he did to other opposition governors whenever he visited their states.

She cited Governor Nyesom Wike

atmosphere in the state.

According to the plaintiffs in the interests of justice and fairness, INEC should be restrained from conducting the election pending the determination of the substantive suit.

They claimed that the implementation of the orders, "created a total case of disorder, political crisis and wanton breach of peace in the polity atmosphere of Rivers State."

"This has hampered the ability of the first plaintiff (Ibraye) and members of the second plaintiff

(ADC) as well as other political parties except the third defendant (PDP) from assembling freely to carry out political activities such as campaigning, holding rallies, processions and meetings within the state.

"There is a reason to believe that a serious breach of peace is likely to break out in Rivers if the fourth defendant proceeds with its plans to conduct the forthcoming gubernatorial elections scheduled to hold on March 11 in Rivers," the party said.

it aided in fraudulently subverting the will and votes of the majority.

"For the first time in a long while, Nigerians came out in their numbers, determined to vote and have a say on who will lead them out of the abyss and storm they had weathered for almost eight years.

"Regrettably, a few minorities succeeded in altering the will and determination of the majority with unrestrained impunity. This election, if it could even be termed so, should rank as the worst in the history of elections in the country.

"This election lacks transparency and credibility, it was a sham and charade, which if allowed to stand, would have thwarted the resolve of majority of Nigerians and set a bad precedent.

"I will advise and strongly urge my party, the PDP and our presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar to challenge the outcome in court.

Atiku has the support of majority of Nigerians who voted for him and those votes ensured he won convincingly.

“By so doing, Atiku and the PDP will not only be on the front path of salvaging the progression of the country but also reclaim Atiku's victory that was unfortunately upturned in the boardroom.”

He added: "I am of the conviction that the Temple of Justice will listen to the cries of Nigerians, who are seriously disenchanted and rightly livid, by using its gavel to administer justice thereby erasing this sad episode from our history.

"For instance, Section 64 (4) of the Electoral Act states that 'a collation officer or returning officer at an election shall collate and announce the result of an election, subject to his or her verification and confirmation that the number of accredited voters stated on the collated result are correct and consistent with the number of accredited voters recorded and transmitted directly from polling units and that the votes stated on the collated result are correct and consistent with the votes or results recorded and transmitted directly from polling units.”

Furthermore, he pointed out that, Section 64(6) states that “where during collation of results, there is a dispute regarding a collated result or the result of an election from any polling unit, the collation officer or returning officer shall use the following to determine the correctness of the disputed result – the original of the disputed collated result for each polling unit where the election is disputed ; the smart card reader or other technology device used for accreditation of voters in each polling unit where the election is disputed for the purpose of obtaining accreditation data directly from the smart card reader or technology device; data of accreditation recorded and transmitted directly from each polling unit where the election is disputed and; the votes and result of the election recorded and transmitted directly from each polling unit where the election is disputed.”

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Senators Fault Lawan's Claims on Electronic Results Transmission

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators, Gershom Bassey (Cross River South) and Abba Moro (Benue South), yesterday, faulted the arguments by the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, on the provisions of the Electoral Act regarding the electronic transmission of results.

The senators insisted that the two chambers of the National Assembly duly passed the provision in the Electoral Act, which mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit election results electronically from polling units to its central server.

Lawan had during plenary on Tuesday, said there was no provision for the electronic transmission of

results in the Electoral Act 2022, that the senate he led passed.

According to him, the National Assembly only made provision for the transfer of results from the polling units to INEC’s server.

“In the Electoral Act that we passed, there is nothing like the election transmission. What we passed is to transfer after all the paper works that we normally do while the agents and everybody there have the papers. INEC will scan or snap the result sheets and transfer them. We urge INEC to follow the Electoral Act and other laws on their guidelines," Lawan had stated.

But speaking with journalists, yesterday, Senator Moro lamented that the INEC went ahead to an-

nounce the results despite local and foreign outcry due to substantial non-conformity with the electoral act regarding the electronic transmission of results.

Moro said, "By the passage of the electoral act, it is expected that BVAS was supposed to be used. It is supposed to provide information about the numbers of people that were accredited, and the eventual voters. What it means is that BVAS should be able to transmit electronically from the polling unit to the server in the INEC office.

"That is our understanding of the whole process. If we understand them to be so, what it means is that it is expected that the same instrument should be able to transmit the results to the central

system. When it gets to the wards, it is supposed to transmit to the local government and later to the state. It is expected that when these sequence are followed, that we can guarantee the transparency in the system.

"The announcement of the election results would definitely affect the credibility of future elections in Nigeria. Nigeria's image, integrity and sovereignty is at stake. What's the big deal in suspending the process of announcement until after every aspects of concern are rectified?

"If the announcement is suspended, it would have saved the country from possible trauma," Moro added.

On his part, Senator Bassey,

TINUBU: MY CERTIFICATE OF RETURN IS CALL TO DUTY I CAN’T IGNORE Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Adedayo Akinwale, Emameh Gabriel in Abuja and Fidelis David in Akure President-elect Bola Tinubu said yesterday in Abuja that his certificate of return was not only an attestation of his victory at the February 25 presidential poll, but also a call to duty, which he could not ignore.

Tinubu called on all Nigerians, both those who voted for him and those who did not, to join hands with him in a common endeavour to pull the country through its current difficulties.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in last Saturday’s presidential election told his opponents and their supporters that he understood their hurt following emerging from a tight race.

Tinubu spoke after he was presented with the Certificate of Return

by Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

The former Lagos State governor said he needed the support of his opponents as much as Nigeria needed them. He reiterated his commitment to progress, development, and renewed hope for all Nigerians.

Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, said the outcome of last Saturday’s presidential election was a reflection of the wish of the electorate. Akeredolu claimed the exercise was the freest ever held election in the country.

Elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko YakasaI, urged the presidential candidates of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, to accept the outcome of the presidential election.

But the vice presidential candidate of LP, Datti Baba-Ahmed, hinted that his party would challenge the results of Saturday’s presidential election in court. Baba-Ahmed took a swipe at the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, over claims that the senate did not approve electronic transmission of election results, saying such an “irresponsible person, who won senate election through the back door should not be listened to.”

At the same time, Nigeria Civil Society Coalition, otherwise known as the Situation Room, said the process leading to the declaration of results of last weekend's presidential and National Assembly elections was neither credible nor transparent.

INEC, in the early hours of yesterday, declared Tinubu winner of the presidential election.

The former Lagos State governor polled a total of 8,794,726 votes to defeat his closest rival, Atiku, who scored 6,984,520 votes, and Obi, who polled 6,101,533 votes. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, came a distant fourth with a total of 1,496,687 votes.

Addressing the nation after he was handed the certificate of return, Tinubu said the certificate symbolised the country's collective democratic attainment and even loftier aspirations. He said it also represented the impending transfer of a most sacred duty and trust from one person to another.

The president-elect stated that

by taking the return certificate, he assumed a sacred duty he would never ignore, and assured the citizens, especially, the youth, that he would work day and night to his utmost ability to make Nigeria better.

Tinubu said, "As I hold this certificate, this moment is one of celebration and gladness for us.

The road has been long. Yet, we walked it. The battle has been hard fought. Yet, we won it. But more importantly, I realise that I am just a servant of a larger purpose. You see, this is more than a document confirming the positive outcome of an election.

"At its most sublime, this certificate also symbolises that each of you has the ability to achieve what others believe is impossible for you to achieve."

Tinubu said as he stood before Nigerians as president-elect, he was not different from other citizens, adding that if he can do it, others can do even better.

He said, “Our destiny as a people and nation depended on our ability to shed the artificial restrictions of bias and prejudice so that we live fully unto our democratic creed that no one is innately superior or entitled to greater rights and opportunities than any other Nigeria.”

Tinubu also stated, “Very soon, this nation would witness a young person standing before the nation holding this great symbol of democracy and national leadership. We shall see a woman standing before you, holding this certificate as its owner. We shall experience someone from a tribe that many people have tried to dismiss as unqualified for this high office.

"By dint of hard work, determination and unyielding belief in a noble endeavour, you can achieve the best of things."

He stressed that there were young people listening to him who would one day be the leaders of Nigeria.

Tinubu said for his triumph at the polls to be a victory, it could not simply be a victory for one man or even one party, but it must become a victory for all Nigerians, who were committed to a greater society.

"I know many did not vote for me,” Tinubu said. “And you are disappointed that your candidate is not where I now stand,” he added.

He stressed, “I understand your hurt. To you, I extend the embrace and comfort of one family member to another. This great project called Nigeria beckons to us all. It is bigger and more important than any partisan divide."

While calling on his supporters to continue to have faith in the mission that had been articulated, he said, "To those who didn’t support me, I ask that you not allow the disappointment of this moment to keep you from realising the historic national progress we can make by joining hands and hearts in a common endeavour to pull this nation through.

"In a phrase, I am asking you to work with me. I may be the president-elect but I need you. More importantly, Nigeria needs you. My heart and my door are open to you.

I ask you to come in so that we may begin the task of rebuilding

our national home together, day by day, brick by brick.

"Where there is poverty. Let us create prosperity and jobs. Where there is hunger, let us feed the people, chasing hunger from their midst.

Where there is now scarcity, let us rediscover abundance. Where there is brutality, may we replace it with brotherhood.

“Where violence stalks the land, may we establish peace. Where others have erected temples to hatred and bias, may we construct permanent monuments to compassion and abiding affection."

Akeredolu: Election Result Reflects Wish of Electorate

Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday, said the outcome of last Saturday’s presidential election was a reflection of the wish of the electorate, and described it as the freest exercise ever held in the country.

A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, stated that Akeredolu spoke in Abuja at the International Conference Centre, venue of the presentation of Certificate of Return to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as presidentelect and the vice president-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima.

The governor, who disclosed that a Committee of Elders of the APC would soon begin to meet with co-contestants of the president-elect in a bid to assuage their loss, stressed that every aggrieved person would be met for reconciliation.

According to the Ondo State governor, "The president-elect has set up committees to meet with the gentlemen, who contested in the election for us to start the healing process. I belong to one of

the committees. We are going to meet them and appeal to them so that we can work together.

"This is an election that was not padded. People who voted were counted, that is the way I see it, is not one which shows millions of votes. You can see the candidates, everyone won 12 states each, it has never been like that before.”

Akeredolu described the massive votes recorded by APC candidates in the presidential and National Assembly elections in Ondo State as attestation to the people’s love for his administration. He expressed happiness that his people willingly supported his clamour for a southern president after President Muhammadu Buhari's two terms of eight years.

The governor stated, "Ondo people are progressives and we will always, at least, be on the side of progressivism. From the onset, we are at the forefront of clamour for a southern president and so we, have to put everything we had into it and we got support that is why we are able to make it."

Yakasai to Atiku, Obi: Accept Outcome of Presidential Poll

Elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko YakasaI, yesterday, urged the presidential candidates of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, to accept the outcome of the presidential election.

Yakasai, who addressed a press conference in Abuja, also called on the other contestants to congratulate Tinubu. He advised the president-elect to run an all-inclusive government by giving every part of Continued on page 36

who corroborated the submission

by Moro, said, "Results were not uploaded to the server and we began to realise that it was a widespread issue through out the country. The key element of the process is that when the results are collated at the unit level, they should be uploaded to the server which must be accessible to everyone.

"That's the whole essence of the new amendment to the law. Voter verification and verification of results.

The verification from the server is the key plank of the process. It is the leg upon which the transparency of the INEC stands. We are saying that the process has been compromised, because many polling units have not been uploaded and it's a major flaw of the election.

"It is clearly stated in the Electoral Act that when you vote in your unit, the results would be uploaded to a website where people can see the results real time," he posited.

BUHARI: MY ADMINISTRATION’S ACHIEVEMENTS EARNED TINUBU VICTORY country home, in Katsina State, the president, according to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, said he was pleased that the people chose the APC and its candidates. By this, Buhari said, the people affirmed their desire that the momentum of development under the current administration continues.

Buhari commended APC supporters and the Presidential Campaign Council for the “historic win,” which he said would never have been possible without discipline, commitment and hard work.

There were jubilant scenes at Buhari’s home yesterday evening, when the president-elect and the vice president-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, made a triumphal entry into the private residence in Daura, with each of them brandishing their certificates o return.

The certificates issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).were symptomatic of their victory in the presidential election.

Apparently overcome by emotion, following the phenomenal election result, Buhari kept repeating, “My Good Lord, My Good Lord, Fantastic.”

He said, “We are very lucky,” as he warmly clasped the hand of the president-elect, adding, “there were no problems. No blood shed, no accidents. We have God Almighty to thank for this.”

Speaking with newsmen after the visit, Tinubu said the purpose of his visit to the president was to appreciate him and present him with the Certificate of Return from INEC. Tinubu said, "I came to present the certificate of return to him (Buhari) as the party leader and commend his efforts in supporting democracy in Africa. This is the largest democracy in Africa and

he couldn't have done any better, we are lucky there is no incident, there is no accident, and no matter how provocative a defeat is, we still have to tolerate it because we are democrats and we are trying to build a nation.”

On the take away from his visit to Buhari in Daura, the president-elect said, "Well the calmness and commitment and the fact that after voting he taught us again dedication to our party by displaying his ballot papers.

Loyalty to the party and being ready to create a future for all of us and no matter how tempting the problem of democracy is, he is following the process, building a successor and ready to hand over peacefully, you know in Africa it’s a big deal.”

Tinubu also disclosed that he had received many congratulatory messages from world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to him, "Oh very many of that, in fact as far as Europe, the stock market reacted positively well, there was a goodwill message from Macron, the president of France."

The president-elect and his deputy were accompanied to Daura by the national chairman of APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the founding chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, as well as the governors of Katsina, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Lagos and Jigawa states.

Others were the governors of Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Ogun and the former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, and that of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari.

There were also Ministers of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

On Tinubu’s entourage also were Alhaji Kashim Imam, Wale Tinubu, Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Mannir Yakubu, and Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani.

S&P: HOW NIGERIA'S FUEL CRISIS, CASH CRUNCH ENDED 31-MONTH GROWTH IN BUSINESS ACTIVITIES economy had a severe impact on the private sector midway through the first quarter of the year.

It noted that substantial declines were seen in both output and new orders while firms scaled back their purchasing activities and employment.

“Companies were also impacted by shortages of fuel, which added to price pressures and led to supplier delivery delays,” S&P added.

Usually, PMI readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration.

“The headline PMI dropped below the 50.0 no-change mark in February, posting 44.7 from 53.5 in January. Business conditions deteriorated markedly ending a 31-month sequence of expansion.

“The decline in operating conditions was the sharpest since the survey began in January 2014, excluding the opening wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the second quarter of 2020.

“The most severe impacts of cash shortages were seen with regards to output and new orders which both fell substantially as customers were often unable to secure the funds to

commit to spending. “ The decline in new orders was the first since June 2020, while the fall in output ended a seven-month sequence of growth. In both cases, the reductions were the most pronounced in the survey's history, apart from during the opening wave of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report stated.

With new orders and output falling, S&P stated that companies reduced their input buying and staffing levels accordingly, with the declines being the first in 32 and 25 months respectively.

Furthermore, the decrease in purchasing reflected not only a drop in customer demand but also difficulties for companies to find the funds to pay for items, the report pointed out.

Alongside cash shortages, the private sector, it said , was also impacted by a scarcity of fuel in February, a situation that had a notable PMI impact on suppliers’ delivery times, which lengthened for the first time in close to six-and-a-half years and to the greatest extent since April 2016.

“In turn, shortages led to a rise in fuel costs which were widely mentioned as having been behind a

further marked increase in purchase prices. Higher raw material costs and currency weakness were also factors pushing up purchase prices,” S&P Global noted.

According to the report, the rate of inflation was the softest since June 2020, but marked nonetheless and stronger than the series average, with staff costs also rising again in February, but at a modest pace.

“The passing on of higher input costs to customers resulted in a further sharp rise in output prices, albeit one that was the weakest in four months,” the statement stressed.

It explained that hopes that economic conditions will improve alongside business expansion and investment plans, led to confidence in the year-ahead outlook for business activities, stressing that sentiment was at a five-month high but still relatively muted.

Nigeria’s central bank announced plans in October to replace highdenomination banknotes, including the N200, N500 and N1000 bills to mop up excess cash liquidity and take control of money supply.

A lack of new notes has led to a shortage of cash in an economy with a vast informal sector where only 60 per cent of households have

access to a bank account.

The slump in PMI shows that while the central bank has managed to reduce the amount of cash held outside the banking system to a record low, it has come at a cost to the economy.

“The lingering cash shortages will likely continue to dampen economic activities and could depress economic growth" this quarter, said the Head Of Equity Research West Africa at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Muyiwa Oni, adding that the Nigerian economy could grow at 3 per cent in 2023 due to the challenges.

“The steep decline is attributed to the cash shortage challenges experienced across the country during the month. This consequently resulted to contraction in both outputs and consumer orders, which made firms scale back on purchasing and hiring activities.

“Furthermore, persistent fuel shortages from the beginning of the year saw petrol pump prices increase, which both increased production cost for firms and led to supplier delivery delays. Sure, the lingering cash shortages will likely continue to dampen economic activities and could depress economic growth in Q1:23," he stated.

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Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com (08033025611 SMS ONLY)

Tinubu’s Rough Road to Presidency Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu chronicle the rocky, arduous journey that eventually led to the election of All Progressives Congress flag bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Nigeria’s next President

A

t exactly 4.10am on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was declared winner of Nigeria’s presidential election held on February 25 by the Election Returning Officer and Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmoud Yakubu. The declaration took place at the International Conference Centre (ICC), the collation centre of the 2023 presidential poll.

It was a dream come true for the former two-time Lagos State Governor who has always said it was his age long ambition to lead Nigeria. However, since his declaration of interest to run in January 2022, the road to the seat of government has not been a smooth one.

Tinubu known as a political kingmaker will inherit a Nigeria that is faced with national security threats, economic challenges including rising cost of living.

The Jagaban Borgu first tasted power as a Senator between 1992 and 1993, on the platform of the Social Democratic Party led by late Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (rtd). He was elected to the Nigerian Senate, to represent the Lagos West Senatorial District The Military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida’s transition programme witnessed a dribbling that saw the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election that was to produce M.K.O. Abiola. This brought Tinubu fame as he became a major significance in the struggle to realise MKO Abiola’s presidential mandate.

With MKO in jail, Tinubu fled into exile in 1994, becoming a leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), against the despotic regime of General Sani Abacha.

Abacha had pushed aside after 84 days in office, the interim government of Ernest Shonekan that Babangida put in place in the wake of the June 12 crisis in 1993.

Tinubu only returned to Nigeria in 1998 after the death of General Abacha.

He won the Alliance for Democracy (AD) primaries and later became Lagos State Governor in 1999. From that position, he projected himself to the leadership of the Yoruba nation.

Tinubu is known to have played a role in the merger of different parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 and the subsequent emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s candidate and eventual President in 2015.

Declaring for Presidency Tinubu, has been nursing the ambition to be Nigeria’s president, since the birth of the Fourth Republic, in 1999. In January last year, he made known his ambition to be elected as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the 2023 polls.

The APC chieftain said he had informed President Buhari about his intention to run for the presidency in 2023.

Fielding questions from reporters after meeting with Buhari at the State House, Abuja Tinubu said he would pursue his ambition without the title of “kingmaker”.

According to him, it has been his lifelong ambition to become the President of Nigeria adding that he has the confidence, vision and capacity to build on the foundation laid by the President.

He, however, declined to comment on the presidential ambition of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, saying he would rather prefer to discuss issues instead of individuals.

He said: “I answer that with categorical yes.

I have informed the President of my intention but I have not informed Nigerians yet. I’m still consulting. And I have no problem consulting.

And I’ve not set a parameter of limitation to the extent of how many people I will consult.

You will soon hear, all you want to hear is the categorical declaration. You’ve got that truth from me that I have informed Mr. President of my ambition, and you don’t expect more

Tinubu

Shettima

answers than that.”

On the President’s response to his ambition, Tinubu said: “That’s our business. He is a democrat. He didn’t ask me to stop. He didn’t ask me not to attempt and pursue my ambition, it is a lifelong ambition.

So, why do I expect him to say more than that? You are running a democratic dispensation, and you must adopt the principles and the values and the virtues of democracy. That’s it.”

APC’s National Convention The build up to the special convention of the All Progressives Congress, gave indications that he might lose the ticket to one of the other top contenders. Many alleged that President Buhari did not want Tinubu as his successor in spite of the role the former Lagos governor played in ensuring that he became President of Nigeria in 2015.

In June 2021, for instance, in an interview, the President had said: “You cannot sit there in Lagos… and decide the fate of APC on zoning.” This was in reaction to a suggestion that the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate had been zoned to the South against the 2023 elections.

This message was read as targetting Tinubu. Also the emergence of former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, as APC national chairman who in turn tried to foist the Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan as the presidential candidate gave the impression that they were all against Tinubu’s ambition.

However on the scheduled date of the convention in June, 2022, Tinubu, against all odds, emerged the standard-bearer of the ruling

party.

He inched closer to the actualisation of his ‘lifelong presidential ambition,’ scoring 1,271 delegates votes at the primary held at the Eagle Square in Abuja to beat immediate past Minister of Transportation, Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who got 316 votes and Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who finished distant third with 235 votes.

Same Faith Ticket Since the announcement that the APC is going to float a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2023 presidential election, with Tinubu as the flagbearer and former Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate, there has been outrage and a sense of exasperation among some Nigerians.

The Christians decried the insensitivity of such a decision in light of the current atmosphere in the country. Many of them felt marginalised, shortchanged and offended and this heat up the polity for months.

Reacting to the outrage, Tinubu in a release gave reasons for picking the immediate past Governor of Borno State, Shettima, as his running mate.

According to Tinubu, he prioritised national growth and development above religious sentiments in picking Shettima.

He said Shettima’s career in politics and beyond shows that “he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all-important electoral victory”.

Tinubu recalled that in 1993, Nigerians embraced Chief MKO Abiola and a fellow Muslim running mate, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, in “one of our fairest elections ever held”. He explained that if we truly understood the challenges facing Nigeria, citizens would place competence in governance above religious sentiment.

Part of the statement read, “I have never been an indecisive man and have no present intention to become one. Having now listened to the sage, careful advice of a broad section of the party and of the nation, there are a few points I feel I must make about the exceptional and extraordinary person with whom I will share

According to Tinubu, he prioritised national growth and development above religious sentiments in picking Shettima.

He said Shettima’s career in politics and beyond shows that “he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that allimportant electoral victory”. Tinubu recalled that in 1993, Nigerians embraced Chief MKO Abiola and a fellow Muslim running mate, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, in “one of our fairest elections ever held”. He explained that if we truly understood the challenges facing Nigeria, citizens would place competence in governance above religious sentiment

the APC ticket and the principles of open and good governance that informed this choice.

“I am mindful of the energetic discourse concerning the possible religion of my running mate. Just and noble people have talked to me about this. Some have counselled that I should select a Christian to please the Christian community. Other have said I should pick a Muslim to appeal to the Muslim community.

Clearly, I cannot do both.

“I announce my selection with pride because I have made it not based on religion or to please one community or the other. I made this choice because I believe this is the man who can help me bring the best governance to all Nigerians, period, regardless of their religious affiliation or considerations of ethnicity or region. May I say this to all of you, especially to those who will be disappointed in my selection based on religious considerations. I will not and cannot ignore the religious concerns and ethnic sensitivities of our people.”

Gaffes Tinubu’s campaign was largely based on his record as Governor of Lagos state, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

The timeline of Tinubu’s campaign was filled with many gaffes. The sundry gaffes within and around his campaigns were too many to be brushed aside. Most people saw his gaffes and slips as not only very embarrassing, but are symptomatic of something more serious with him as an individual.

They were too frequent to be dismissed as one-off human errors. Many feared that if elected such slips would be an embarrassment in/among the committee of nations.

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) indicated that such errors are embarrassing and might at meetings with world leaders would negatively affect Nigeria’s image because “the Bola Tinubu who served as Governor is different now”.

Naira Redesign Policy The currency redesign policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria, was believed by some APC Governors and lawmakers as geared at preventing Tinubu’s success.

Despite meetings with the President urging him to immediately resolve the new naira note crisis, Buhari still gave go ahead to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele to implement the new currency swap policy of government thereby rendering the old N500,1000 notes useless from January 31, 2023.

The Win Eventually realizing his dream, Tinubu was in the early hours of March 1, 2023, declared winner of last weekend ’s presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the commission, Tinubu scored 8,794,729 votes and got the required 25 percent in 30 states to defeat his major opponents, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who came second with 6,984,520 votes followed by Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) who scored 6,101,533 votes.

His Acceptance Speech Though the election has been described as tainted by irregularities by local and international observer groups, just as the opposition parties have called for cancelation, the president-elect has delivered his acceptance speech and issued certificate of return by the electoral umpire on Wednesday, March 1.

In his acceptance speech, Tinubu said, “I am profoundly humbled that you have elected me to serve as the 16th president of our beloved republic. This is a shining moment in the life of any man and affirmation of our democratic existence. From my heart, I say thank you.

Whether you are Batified, Atikulated, Obidient, Kwankwasiyya, or have any other political affiliation, you voted for a better, more hopeful nation and I thank you for your participation and dedication to our democracy.”

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As Obi Humbles Tinubu in Lagos Amid the struggle for the presidency of Nigeria, a political upset was recently recorded in Lagos when political godfather of the Centre of Excellence, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was demystified by a lesser fancied Peter Obi of the Labour Party. Segun James looks at the factors behind the upset which will have a great effect on the political dynamics of the state.

Tinubu

W

ith the declaration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress as Nigeria’s president-elect by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, celebration will surely be on going in different parts of the country with the popping of champagnes heralding the coming of a new government in the nation effective May 29, 2023.

However, in Lagos, the economic capital of the nation, the consequence of the sudden sack of the political godfather of the state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu would continue to reverberate for some time to come. It was an action never contemplated by anyone.

To many, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the APC had lost his political grip on Lagos to a less fancied candidate of the LP, Peter Obi, it set a shockwave across the nation leaving many to wonder: could this be true?

The days of the big gambles are back and this time, the audacity of one man has proven to be the change many have been hoping for.

It is said that the margin of victory in life can sometimes be measured in inches.

This is what Obi symbolized when against all odds, he wrestled power from the jaws of the so-called Lion of Bourdillon, leaving many very concerned.

In politics, fame appears in different forms including through social media and the newsstands, on the playing field, by dint of hard work and ability or by reputation.

For Obi, it was his daring to do that made the difference. Ordinarily, very ambitious politician tells tales of what they will do and how they will transform their country into an Eldorado in four years.

But Obi, who came across to the youth as an agent of change never made such promises. He just clicked with the people, especially the youth.

This was the situation when Obi became the internet and social media sensation of the country. He had left the behemoth Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in frustration to pitch his tent with

Obi

the little-known Labour Party.

Not surprisingly, he was not taken seriously, but as time goes on, he was dubbed the social media president as he was loved by the youth and later, he was accused of not having political structures to sustain his growing popularity.

But when the wave behind his sails became overwhelming, he was called a one-man show who had no financial muscle to sustain his popularity. He countered it by saying he will give no “shishi” to anyone as he soldiers on. And today, Obi has become an issue in the polity and a sensation that cannot be overlooked.

His greatest achievement?

He teamed up with the youth to bring down the political dynasty of Tinubu in Lagos which up to the time of the election was considered unassailable.

But how did he do it? A cursory look at the factors behind his movement suggested that the people may have grown tired of the overbearing influence of the godfather of Lagos politics as they yearn for change.

Here are some of the factors that influence and caused the loss of Lagos political influence by Tinubu.

The Youth and Social Media Factor When Tinubu became the Governor of Lagos state in 1999, most of the youth of today who make up over 70% of the voting bloc in Lagos were either children or not born. They grew up in the age and the advent of social media and internet communication.

For them, Bola Tinubu has always been the only leader in the richest state in the country they knew. He has influenced every governor that came after him, and worse still, he’s alleged to be super rich.

But when in 2020, there was an uprising against police brutality across the country during the #End SARS movement, Tinubu was accused of being the mastermind behind the alleged massacre of some youth at the Lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos.

They never forgave him for that. This was the beginning of the anti-Tinubu movement in the state. He was not able to effectively overcome this narrative before he became the Presidential candidate of the APC. Another factor is the fact that most of the youth were at home to register to vote following a prolonged eight months strike action by university lecturers.

Unlike before when they registered to vote while at school but were forced to go home during elections, they were able to vote massively this time around.

The Need for Change Tinubu has been the political leader in Lagos for so long and the people yearn for a change. The greatest factor against him was his age. Most of the youth say the nation needs a young person after a string of old men had ruled the country

Tinubu has been the political leader in Lagos for so long and the people yearn for a change. The greatest factor against him was his age. Most of the youth say the nation needs a young person after a string of old men had ruled the country since the coming of the fourth republic adding that the nation cannot afford another old man who clocked 70 years last year. To the said youth, Tinubu must be retired politically in the interest of the nation, hence the decision to vote against him

since the coming of the fourth republic adding that the nation cannot afford another old man who clocked 70 years last year.

To the said youth, Tinubu must be retired politically in the interest of the nation, hence the decision to vote against him.

Religious Factor Soon after he emerged as the flag bearer of the APC, Tinubu surprisingly jettisoned the unspoken agreement that the president and his vice must not only come from the same region but also must not belong to the same religion.

But this balance was breached by Tinubu, a Yoruba and Muslim from the Southwest when he picked a fellow Muslim from the Northeastern state of Bornu as his deputy.

This decision infuriated some people and it created an uproar, especially from the Christian community in the north and south who accused him of an attempt to Islamise the country. Every effort to explain the political reasoning for the action fell on deaf ears as Christian leaders campaigned against his candidacy and urged their members not to vote for him.

The Igbo Factor While they make up almost 25% per cent of the population of Lagos, the Igbo had isdyes against Tinubu. They believe that their contribution to the development of Lagos has not been effectively acknowledged.

They insisted that they are a political force in the state who must show their muscle.

While most of the Igbo voted for Obi, he was seen as a vehicle to take over Lagos. That is why most Igbo based in Lagos transferred their voting unit from the east to Lagos.

Today, Obi may have won Lagos against all odds thanks to these factors, Tinubu has also eventually emerged as President having performed surprisingly well in the Igbo heartland of Imo and Ebonyi states.

That a crack has opened up in the political dynasty of Tinubu is not in doubt, but the truth remains that the coming of Obi has shifted the political dynamics of the nation.

A new leadership system is now born.

18

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

FEATURES

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

Fiscal Reforms in Akwa Ibom Allow Citizens Flip Government Account Books Abasifreke Effiong

A

t a workshop in data journalism I attended in August 2022, organised by BudgIT - a leading civic organisation that provides data for social advocacy using technology - with support from OXFAM Nigeria, participants who were drawn from different media organisations across the country were asked to share their experiences on access to government data.

All the participants except those from Akwa Ibom State reported that accessing basic public document as the budget was still very difficult in their States. Participants from Rivers State said even as journalists, they have not seen the State budget.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) working on open governance reforms have noted that revenue-rich sub-nationals in Nigeria especially the oil-rich Niger Delta States are resisting fiscal reforms which might compel them to open their books to the public, despite the tremendous manifest and latent benefits of such openness.

"Many state governments in the Niger Delta are running very opaque systems", Mr Harry Udoh, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Civil Society Forum, said recently at an alliance building workshop on Open Government Partnership for civil society and media organisations in the Niger Delta.

The workshop was held in Uyo. Within the Niger Delta, Akwa Ibom State has made very audacious fiscal reforms which have remarkably opened up the government to citizens' participation and rave up transparency and accountability in government.

The State is pulling the envelopes off what used to be government's secrets and bringing them online for her citizens to see. From starting an e-budget in 2017, Governor Udom Emmanuel, has taken on institutional reforms in revenue administration, budget and public account reporting, procurement, economic planning, debt management and audit.

The e-budget has made it possible for everyone to view, read, download and print the State appropriation law online.

From there, the government proceeded to publish its quarterly budget performance report, annual report, audited financial statements and lately, the State's Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP). Now, citizens, journalists and CSOs have access to flip the pages of the State's account records and scrutinize them.

This has given impetus to investigative journalists, CSOs and community-based development actors to track budget line items by ministries, departments and agencies across the State. Such exercise is not easy in many other States in Nigeria.

Akwa Ibom's 2023 budget is already online, (at www.aksbudgetoffice.org.ng.), so is its budget performance report for the preceding fiscal year. The Office of the Accountant General has also published the State financial statement up-to-date.

Akwa Ibom's great rising in fiscal reforms can be attributable to Governor Emmanuel's personal commitment to accountability and transparency, consistent demand and advocacy for open governance by leading CSOs in the State particularly Policy Alert and the media, and the World Bank assisted performance-based States' Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme.

The SFTAS programme is a U.S$1.5 billion grant of the federal government of Nigeria supported by the World Bank aimed at strengthening fiscal governance

Gov Udom

at the State level. The programme tasked State governments to undertake legal and institutional reforms to enhance their fiscal sustainability with the objectives to batten accountability and transparency, increase public revenue, rationalise public expenditure, improve public financial management and sustainable debt management. These tasks were incentivised in Dollars.

Akwa Ibom State government has opened up citizens' participation in its budget. Citizens take part in at least four stages in the budget process. The Forum of Civil Society Organisations in the State says citizen groups including clusters of persons with disabilities (PWDs) are now allowed to make contributions into "key service delivery sectors - education, health and WASH" via the "citizens' budget"; even though it's not all their contributions that get the pass.

At the stage of legislation, citizens are allowed to participate and make contributions at public hearing held by the House of Assembly. They are also given opportunity to participate in budget breakdown sessions by the Ministry of Finance, after the budget is passed. CSOs and the media collaborate to monitor the implementation.

From opening up participation, the State has professionalised its public procurement process for transparency, efficiency, competition, integrity, due process and value for money. It has enacted a public procurement law which can be cited as Akwa Ibom State Procurement Law (2019), set up a Bureau of Public

Procurement as well as the Public Procurement Board. The State had won about U.S$7.5 million under the SFTAS programme for fulfilling all the performance-linked indicators and meeting the downline items (DLIs) in its public procurement process.

There is a steady growth in internally generated revenue since 2017.

Its IGR collection rose from N18.73 billion in 2015 to an all-time high of N35.5 billion in 2019. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the State met a 20 percent basic IGR growth target necessary to receive U.S$1million grant under the SFTAS programme.

The growth is largely due to reforms in tax administration, particularly the enactment of the Akwa Ibom State Revenue Administration Law (2016), amended 2020. The Law gives autonomy to the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) and allows the Governor to appoint tax professionals from outside the civil service to man the Board. AKIRS Board led by Mr Okon Okon, a chartered tax administrator and economist, has fully automated road taxes, and introduced e-payment platforms, thus blocking leakages and making tax payment more convenient.

Okon said the assent to the revenue administration law by Governor Emmanuel is the fulcrum of the positive turnaround in IGR. He noted that there is significant improvement in voluntary compliance by taxpayers,

The reforms have further empowered citizens and accountability actors to be more actively involved in following their money, insisting on due process, demanding transparency, accountability, and fiscal probity from the government

an indication of confidence and trust in the integrity of the collection process and value for taxpayers' money.

The enactment of the Akwa Ibom Fiscal Responsibility Law 2020, is also part of the reforms of the Emmanuel-led administration. Every funds accrued to the State must be spent responsibly, methodically and transparently. The Law establishes the State Fiscal Responsibility Board and the Fiscal Responsibility Council, provides guidelines on medium term economic planning, public expenditure, borrowing, debt and debt management. For fiscal transparency, the Law in Section 48 prescribes voluntary disclosure of information by all MDAs and local governments, and forbids withholding of information from the public.

Section 48 (2) says "...all MDAs and local governments shall maintain different internet web portals where all their information including fiscal and financial reports, the approved budget, budget performance report, MDA performance report ... shall be published". 48 (5) grants the public including journalists access to information.

It states "No official secret law, rule or practice shall operate or be invoked or relied upon by any person to deny, limit or in any way negatively affect the exercise of the right to information conferred by this law or the Freedom of Information Act upon any person, group, person, institution, body or agency."

A Law to establish the Akwa Ibom State Audit Service Commission has also been enacted. The Law establishes the Offices of the State Auditor General and that of local government; and grants them independence and autonomy in the performance of their functions. Section 48 (1)(b) gives the Auditor General powers to access banking information of any person in the discharge of his functions and duties. "The Auditor General may examine or audit the account of any person held at any bank if (he) has reason to believe that the money held in such an account are public funds which had been fraudulently or wrongly paid into such account."

The United States Consul General in Nigeria, Mr Will Stevens, has lauded the outstanding fiscal transparency of the Emmanuel-led administration in Akwa Ibom State. Mr Stevens said, "Akwa Ibom State is one of the first partners in Africa that has improved on fiscal transparency.

The State leads all other States in Nigeria in creating its public finance plan."

Civil society and media organisations have also praised Governor Emmanuel, for these reforms. "When it comes to fiscal reforms, I think we should give kudos to Akwa Ibom State. The Udom Emmanuel administration has done so much in that direction...", Mr Tijah Bolton-Akpan, Executive Director of Policy Alert, a frontline NGO working on fiscal governance and environmental justice in the Niger Delta, said at an alliance building workshop on Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Uyo. However, CSOs are mounting pressure on the State government to also sign on to the OGP. Governor Emmanuel's commitment to fiscal reforms is remarkable. The reforms have further empowered citizens and accountability actors to be more actively involved in following their money, insisting on due process, demanding transparency, accountability, and fiscal probity from the government; this has kept the government in check while helping it win public trust needed for civic engagements and responsibilities. t&GmPOH XSJUFT GSPN 6ZP "LXB *CPN 4UBUF

19

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 28Feb-2023, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 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 info@anchoriaam.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 23.84 24.56 8.64% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 554.79 571.51 6.44% 0.00% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.14 1.14 0.91% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.12 1.12 1.32% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.67% ARM Short Term Bond Fund 1.05 1.05 1.02% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 97.42 97.42 2.44% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,118.70 1,118.70 -0.69% 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 2.14 2.14 3.68% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.40 2.45 9.49% CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalfif@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.02 1.02 1.33% 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 11.86% Paramount Equity Fund 20.17 20.54 9.96% Women's Investment Fund 156.67 159.66 7.85% CHD Nigeria Bond Fund 101.37 101.37 10.91% CHD Nigeria Dollar Income Fund 1.02 1.02 9.03% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.34% Cordros Milestone Fund 145.80 146.76 5.90% Cordros Fixed Income Fund 107.11 107.11 9.38% Cordros Halal Fixed Income Fund 104.27 104.27 6.02% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 114.15 114.15 5.76% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 1.00 11.19% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.23 1.25 3.29% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.38 1.38 -2.17% Coronation Fixed Income Fund EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 100.00 100.00 10.23% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 11.61% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,116.99 1,121.49 0.93% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.45% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.08 1.08 10.08% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.14 1.14 38.37% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 105.61 105.61 3.71% FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund 1500.08 1500.08 12.24% FBN Balanced Fund 211.92 213.43 6.12% FBN Halal Fund 125.48 125.48 12.84% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.77% FBN Dollar Fund 121.53 121.53 6.92% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 173.34 175.29 4.67% FBN Specialized Dollar Fund 105.62 105.62 9.73% 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 1.00 1.00 8.45% Legacy Debt Fund 3.52 3.52 -12.08% Legacy Equity Fund 2.13 2.18 22.70% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.27 1.27 5.27% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com ARM Ethical Fund

Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

Bid Price 4,422.34 3,759.13 100.00

Offer Price 4,452.13 3,759.13 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 31.52% 7.84% 11.09%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.14 1.14 5.66% GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.gtcoplc.bank; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.19% Vantage Balanced Fund 3.20 3.26 7.31% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 7.21% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 0.00 0.00 0.00% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.33 1.38 9.57% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.08 1.08 8.66% 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 N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 13.23 13.28 8.78% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.46% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) N/A N/A N/A Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 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 N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM EuroBond Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 132.61 135.75 0.05% 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 1.02 1.02 11.02% 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 3,778.76 3,809.10 11.47% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 246.82 246.82 4.78% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.52 1.54 21.43% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 335.83 335.83 7.25% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 276.74 279.88 18.44% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.80% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 12,953.31 13,110.12 18.64% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.38 1.38 6.80% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 122.23 122.23 4.55% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 116.62 116.62 9.63% Stanbic IBTC Absolute Fund 4,632.29 4,632.29 8.89% Stanbic IBTC Aggressive Fund 3,465.80 3,510.11 24.68% Stanbic IBTC Conservative Fund 4,380.00 4,396.93 15.06% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 1.05 1.07 10.16% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.58 1.61 15.45% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.26 1.28 8.08% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.12 1.12 9.92% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.97 1.97 7.29% United Capital Eurobond Fund 126.45 126.45 5.49% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.34% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 14.60 14.74 5.28% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 16.61 16.78 5.10% Zenith Income Fund 23.83 23.83 1.17% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 0.00% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Bid Price Offer Price Yield/T-Rtn Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

115.40 53.52 101.31 9.91

1.31% 4.74% -13.22%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

16.76 142.92 111.93 17.40 16.40

16.86 145.41 113.88 17.50 16.50

8.26% 12.00% 11.95% 0.84% 10.63%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

106.75

0.00%

Fund Name

SFS REIT Union Homes REIT Nigeria Real Estate Investment Trust UPDC REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

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.

20 T H I S D AY WEDNESDAY MARCH 2, 2023 TR

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Wednesday March 2, 2023 Vol 27. No 10183

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

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WHAT NEXT FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES? JUMOKE ODUWOLE urges the forthcoming administration to urgently address challenges of insecurity, infrastructure deficit, inflation, and the foreign exchange crisis

See page 21

NIGERIA, IN TIMES LIKE THIS… The value of Bola Tinubu’s election will be measured in many ways, contends OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

See page 21 EDITORIAL

LEARNING CRISIS IN THE NORTHEAST

22

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MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE suggests that failure of the protesters against last Saturday’s election to anticipate properly may have inflamed their grievances

2023 PRESIDENTIAL POLL AND EXPECTATION MANAGEMENT After a period of waiting, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, as the winner of last weekend’s presidential poll and, yesterday, presented his FHUWLÀFDWH RI UHWXUQ WR KLP 7KH WRWDO YRWHV IRU the three leading contenders, as declared by ,1(& LQGLFDWH D WLJKW UDFH 7KH $3& VFRUHG DSSUR[LPDWHO\ PLOOLRQ :D]LULQ $WLNX Abubakar of the Peoples’ Democratic Party 3'3 SROOHG QHDUO\ VHYHQ PLOOLRQ ZKLOH 0U 3HWHU 2EL RI WKH /DERXU 3DUW\ JDUQHUHG PLOOLRQ &ULWLFV RI WKHVH ÀJXUHV KDYH VLQFH gone to town with objections to virtually all WKH VWHSV WKDW SURGXFHG WKHP LQ WKH ÀUVW SODFH It’s important that dissenting voices are not suppressed by any means as that would run counter to a major cardinal of democracy, QDPHO\ WKH ULJKW RI WKH SHRSOH WR EH KHDUG It is noteworthy that the stage for the rejection of results, especially by the main RSSRVLWLRQ SDUWLHV ZDV VHW HDUO\ 7KH UXOLQJ party shouldn’t be surprised by that as the machineries for the conduct of elections are directly or indirectly controlled by the federal JRYHUQPHQW (YHQ EHIRUH WKH SURQRXQFHPHQWV E\ ,1(&·V 1DWLRQDO &KDLUPDQ 3URI 0DKPRRG Yakubu, a large section of international observers had marked the overall execution RI WKH SROOV EHORZ JOREDO DYHUDJH $QG DV if energised by that foreign intervention (interference, depending on the side of the table one belongs to), PDP and LP, not the best of pre-election friends, quickly closed ranks and called for the cancellation of the exercise DQG UHPRYDO RI <DNXEX Considering the volume and intensity of the reported cases of election malpractices and violence, such declarations weren’t XQH[SHFWHG 6KRFN VLQFHUH FRQFHUQV IRU WKH survival of our political system, unwillingness to accept defeat, genuine protest against injustice, and hysteria might have variously contributed to those calls that couldn’t even ZDLW IRU WKH R΀FLDO SURFODPDWLRQ RI WKH ZLQQHU Interestingly, many of those factors are in the UHDOP RI HPRWLRQV $JDLQ DV KXPDQV QR RQH should deny anyone the freedom to express KLV KHU VHQWLPHQWV 6HQWLPHQWV EHFDXVH PRVW of the ‘proofs’ of infractions are, at this point, DOOHJDWLRQV ,Q DQ HUD ZKHQ WKH LQWHUQHW RIWHQ serves a not-always-glorious purpose of twisted mediated reality, when pictures are no more the plausible tools of evidence they once were, not many things that seem certain can VWDQG WKH WHVW RI FUHGXOLW\ Not surprisingly, all these have happened against the backdrop of heightened, sometimes EDVHOHVV KRSHV 7KH UXQ XS WR )HEUXDU\ ZDV FKDUDFWHULVHG ODUJHO\ E\ FDPSDLJQV RQ VWHURLGV Here are some of the bases for the arguably exaggerated optimism of APC, PDP and LP, in P\ RSLQLRQ 7KH $VLZDMX FDPS EHOLHYHV WKDW the current governance of Nigeria may have its own hitches but it’s better positioned to FRQWLQXH ZLWK %XKDUL·V OHJDFLHV 7KH JURXS KDV sworn that its principal’s tenure as governor

RI /DJRV 6WDWH IURP WR UHPDLQV WKH reference point in the history of the nation’s LQGXVWULDO DQG FRPPHUFLDO FDSLWDO WKDW WKRVH ZKR KDYH UXQ WKH VWDWH·V DͿDLUV WKHUHDIWHU RZH their wisdom, achievements and relevance to WKH RQH WKH\ UHYHUHQWO\ FDOO ¶-DJDEDQ· DQG WKDW transporting his magic wand to Abuja can only EULQJ PRUH JUHDWQHVV WR WKH HQWLUH FRXQWU\ But followers of Abubakar and other anti7LQXEX HOHPHQWV WKLQN RWKHUZLVH 7KH 3'3 a party that once dreamt of holding national SRZHU IRU \HDUV VDZ DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR make a spectacular return after eight years RͿ WKH VDGGOH 2I DOO WKRVH ZKR FRQWHVWHG for the presidential ticket, Abubakar, former vice president and a three-decade veteran of presidential races, was thought of as having the biggest capacity to withstand the FKDOOHQJHV RI WKH HSLF FRQWHVW 7KH IDLOLQJV RI the present government and the attendant severe consequences for the people provided ready ingredients for the arguments of PDP’s HORTXHQW VSRNHVSHUVRQV DQG IRRW VROGLHUV And they never failed to remind Nigerians that WKHLU \HDU VWD\ LQ R΀FH RͿHUHG WKH FLWL]HQU\ IDU EHWWHU GLYLGHQGV WKDQ ZKDW REWDLQV QRZ The third force, popularly referred to as ‘Obidients’, is a rather circumstantial and VWUDQJH ORW %HOLHYHG WR EH PRVWO\ SHRSOHG E\ \RXQJ FLWL]HQV DQG RWKHUV ZKR KDYH completely lost faith in our more established political clans, not many pundits saw its rising RQO\ D \HDU DJR )HZ GD\V WR 3'3·V SUHVLGHQWLDO primary in May last year, Obi, who was its YLFH SUHVLGHQWLDO VWDQGDUG EHDUHU LQ WKH elections and eyed the top ticket this time, GHFLGHG WKDW KH VWRRG QR FKDQFH WKHUH +H WKHQ walked, moved into the waiting arms of the GLVHQFKDQWHG EUXLVHG DQG JDVSLQJ SXEOLF 7KH movement that soon coalesced into an organic IUDWHUQLW\ RI UH HQHUJLVHG FLWL]HQV DW KRPH DQG DEURDG FDQ QR ORQJHU EH GLVUHJDUGHG 7KDW·V D

No matter how painful and credible the complaints may appear, we can’t afford to surrender adherence to laid-down norms to frenzied protestations and unconfirmed accusations. That’ll be too costly

NH\ WDNH DZD\ IURP WKLV \HDU·V HOHFWLRQ F\FOH In the weeks and months ahead, I’ll keep UHYLVLWLQJ WKLV SKHQRPHQRQ )RU QRZ WKH XPSLUH KDV FORVHG WKH ERRNV 8QGHUVWDQGDEO\ WHPSHUV DUH H[WUHPHO\ KLJK It’s unrealistic and probably insensitive to expect those pronounced to have lost to take VWRFN VWUDLJKWDZD\ )DU IURP GLVFRXQWHQDQFLQJ the documentations, both fake and real, of the unsavoury events that allegedly occurred during the election, the opposing parties need to, at least, register the following salient posers, DPRQJ RWKHUV VRPHZKHUH (YHQ ZLWK LWV famed nationwide spread and strength, did the PDP honestly look forward to success in spite of its open and protracted internal crisis? How well did the LP utilise the growing clout of its candidate to penetrate the various corners of the country? And while APC and PDP can lay claims to structured national presence because of their years in government, if not quality of leadership and performance, can LP do same?

One enduring truth about politics is that even though the feelings of the players are sometimes respected, it is hardly a game of WHDUV DQG WDQWUXPV ZKHQ WKH FKLSV DUH GRZQ Calculations that may appear cold, regulations and processes must be followed if anarchy is to EH SUHYHQWHG 7KRVH ZKR DFFXVH WKH GLVVHQWHUV of overheating the polity have probably not FRQVLGHUHG ,1(&·V WDQWDOL]LQJ SURPLVHV especially with the introduction of Bimodal 9RWHU $FFUHGLWDWLRQ 6\VWHP %9$6 7R PRVW people, rightly or wrongly, the commission KDG FRQÀQHG DQDORJXH RSHUDWLRQV WR KLVWRU\ Not fully abiding by its own pledges and, as some persons argue, the Electoral Act, are, therefore, responsible in part for the anger of 3'3 /3 DQG WKH UHVW DJLWDWRUV ,W DOVR KDVQ·W managed properly the relative successes it recorded in the last governorship polls in Ekiti DQG 2VXQ 6WDWHV Nigeria’s democracy is clearly going WKURXJK VRPH H[DVSHUDWLRQV DW WKH PRPHQW Any attempt to ignore or silence legitimate concerns now would be a huge minus for RXU GHPRFUDF\ %XW WKH SXVK WR DQQXO WKH election would have taken us straight back WR WKH -XQH WUDJHG\ 7KH LPSOLFDWLRQV for the nation’s socio-political engineering, ORJLVWLFV ÀQDQFH DQG RUJDQLVDWLRQDO FDSDELOLW\ DUH EHWWHU LPDJLQHG $QG H[SHFWLQJ <DNXEX to resign in the middle of the general election LVQ·W MXVW IHDVLEOH 1LJHULD KDV HQRXJK EDWWOHV DW QXPHURXV IURQWV :KDW DUH WKH JXDUDQWHHV IRU GLͿHUHQW RXWFRPHV DQ\ZD\" 7UXH PDQ\ people doubt the ability of the judiciary to dispense fair judgments but the reality is that WKHUH DUHQ·W VHQVLEOH DOWHUQDWLYHV 5HGUHVV VKRXOG EH VRXJKW DW WKH FRXUWV 1R PDWWHU how painful and credible the complaints may DSSHDU ZH FDQ·W DͿRUG WR VXUUHQGHU DGKHUHQFH WR ODLG GRZQ QRUPV WR IUHQ]LHG SURWHVWDWLRQV DQG XQFRQÀUPHG DFFXVDWLRQV 7KDW·OO EH WRR FRVWO\ Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

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WEDNESDAY MARCH 2, 2023

JUMOKE ODUWOLE urges the forthcoming administration to urgently address challenges of insecurity, infrastructure deficit, inflation, and the foreign exchange crisis

WHAT NEXT FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES? Over the last decade, by its sheer resilience, the Nigerian economy has survived two recessions and a once in a lifetime global pandemic. In addition, headwinds have PDQLIHVWHG LQ WKH IDOORXWV RI JOREDO ÀQDQFLDO crises as well as new shifts in international arrangements which have sparked tensions and wars, such as the War in Ukraine. For an economy such as ours that is heavily vested in agriculture, extreme weather resulting from climate change has exacerbated domestic tensions due to scarcity of shared resources, even as these changes further undercut global harvests, lowering food production, increasing shortages, and causing prices and instability to rise.

As a whole, the global economy has been slow to resolve and adapt to these new conditions. Supply chains remain unreliable.

Production is suppressed. Trade costs have increased. Political tensions spread.

During this period, the nation’s average

economic growth has been positive, but not UREXVW HQRXJK WR WUDQVODWH LQWR VLJQLÀFDQW improvement in the socio-economic condition of the people.

Nigeria is home to over 36.9 million MSMEs, comprising 96.7% of all businesses in Nigeria. Some 67% of these businesses are youth-owned. MSMEs contribute over 45% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), with 98.8% of them in the micro cadre.

They account for nearly 90% of the jobs in the country. Therefore, as MSMEs grow, they create more jobs, which leads to prosperity for more, and less insecurity across the country. With business climate reforms, our job is to unlock the constraints faced by these businesses and support them by making it a progressively easier for MSMEs to start and grow their businesses so they can thrive and scale.

It is an undeniable fact that over the past two terms of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, under the auspices of the All Progressives Congress (APC), unprecedented strides in improvement of the nation’s infrastructure stock has been made with the delivery of over 1,000 kilometers of roads and bridges, rail networks, airport terminals and more. ,PSRUWDQWO\ IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH LQ 1LJHULD soft infrastructure was also prioritized with an ease of doing business intervention coordinated through the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Chaired by His Excellency, the Vice President.

The Council partners with stakeholders from all arms and levels of government and the private sector to reduce the costs and time of doing business by removing bureaucratic and legislative bottlenecks, facilitating access to justice and enhancing transparency, particularly through the use of technology.

The over 180 reforms implemented to date, with particular emphasis on six sectors/subsectors disproportionately populated by our youth, (agribusiness, creative sector, light

manufacturing, tech, transport and logistics and decentralized power), have earned us some level of trust from the private sector stakeholders as well as renewed credibility with informed international audiences.

However, our work has not been without its challenges.

Building on this foundation, the Presidentelect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima are set to quickly and decisively address the most pressing constraints directly DͿHFWLQJ 060(V LQ WKH QH[W DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ These challenges include insecurity, LQIUDVWUXFWXUH GHÀFLW LQÁDWLRQ DQG IRUHLJQ exchange problems (now compounded by Naira scarcity) by improving productivity and trade facilitation, among other regulatory policy and implementation reforms.

We are aware that these challenges are PDQLIROG EXW ZH DUH FRQÀGHQW WKDW WKH\ are not insurmountable. The antidote to LQVHFXULW\ DQG WR WKH W\SH RI ,QÁDWLRQ ZH are currently experiencing, is increased productivity and competitiveness, with stable, predictable policies - for example, a single, transparent foreign exchange rate for both domestic and foreign transactions.

The next administration will urgently DGGUHVV ÀVFDO PRQHWDU\ DQG WUDGH UHIRUPV WR HͿHFWLYHO\ LQFUHDVH GRPHVWLF SURGXFWLRQ WKXV VHUYLQJ WR FXUE LQÁDWLRQ DQG WR HQVXUH EHWWHU macro-economic stability by accelerating inclusive growth and job creation across Nigeria - key enablers for MSMEs to deliver prosperity for all.

In 2022, the largest contributors to Nigeria’s *'3 LQ WKH ÀUVW WKUHH TXDUWHUV ZHUH WKH Services sector, which grew by 7.1% mainly thanks to ICT and professional services.

The agricultural sector experienced weak productivity levels with a growth of 1.8%, and the industrial sector, which remained in the contraction territory, posting negative growth of - 5.7% over the same period. Yet, these sectors are where the jobs are. They are, therefore, the top priority of the next administration.

No modern economy has developed without a strong industrial base, and Nigeria LV QRW OLNHO\ WR EH GLͿHUHQW 7KHUHIRUH productivity and competitiveness are essential if Nigeria is to increase exports, and take maximum advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area through a strong industrial base. The next Tinubuled administration is already committed to aggressively supporting non-oil exports to earn desperately needed foreign exchange and revenue for the economy.

Till then, we shall continue to strive towards a reformed regulatory environment by deepening the implementation of Executive 2UGHU RQ WUDQVSDUHQF\ DQG H΀FLHQF\ RI public service delivery to businesses, which KDV UHFHQWO\ EHHQ FRGLÀHG DORQJ ZLWK RWKHU important reforms such as the legislation of a Single Window for trade facilitation, under the Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2023. This Act will ensure sustainability of existing reforms and act as a springboard for catalytic interventions in this area by the next progressive administration.

Then, we shall quickly extend bridges of collaboration based on mutual respect to our business owners so they can trust the process WR JURZWK ZLWK UHQHZHG FRQÀGHQFH Dr Oduwole is Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business and Executive Secretary to the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)

The value of Bola Tinubu’s election will be measured in many ways, contends OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

NIGERIA, IN TIMES LIKE THIS… However, let me congratulate Tinubu pleasant) and I will soon begin an for realizing his “lifelong ambition.” I inquisition into what his presidency recall a conversation I had in May 2008 portends for Nigeria. Beyond the issue with President Goodluck Jonathan while of governance, the value of his election spokesman to the late President Umaru will be measured in other curious ways Musa Yar’Adua. Jonathan was vice as well. Can Tinubu rule in a manner president at the time. He had just returned WKDW RͿHUV FRPIRUW WR WKRVH ZKR IHOW from Bayelsa State, and I visited his alienated by his Muslim-Muslim R΀FH WR FRQJUDWXODWH KLP RQ WKH YLFWRU\ ticket? Time, as they say, will tell. of then Governor Timipre Sylva in the Let me also say something about our gubernatorial election. A month earlier, ethnic relations. If there is anything 6\OYD·V HOHFWLRQ KDG EHHQ QXOOLÀHG E\ WKH that Peter Obi has proved conclusively &RXUW RI $SSHDO LQ D FDVH ÀOHG E\ (ELWLPL in this election, it is that an Igbo Amgbare, candidate of Tinubu’s party at candidate can win a national election. the time, Action Congress. During our That’s a good sign of the country’s discussion, Jonathan said, “You know the willingness for inclusiveness, despite interesting about the Bayelsa election? The what the noise may suggest. And we ÀQJHUSULQW RI 7LQXEX ZDV HYHU\ZKHUH should build on that. Even a benign even when his party stood no chance at interpretation of the near unanimity of the polls.” the Igbo votes for him can be explained As Jonathan explained, weeks before E\ WKH IDFW WKDW WKLV LV WKH ÀUVW WLPH the election, he called Tinubu to say he under the current dispensation that needed to see him and was ready to visit an Igbo man has emerged presidential Lagos at his (Tinubu’s) convenience. But candidate of a serious party. After all,

Tinubu said he would rather come to during the 2008 presidential election $EXMD LQ GHIHUHQFH WR -RQDWKDQ·V R΀FH in the United States, according to the And he did. During their discussion, Pew Research Centre, about 95 percent Jonathan said he asked Tinubu, “What is of black voters cast their ballots for Mr your interest in the Bayelsa gubernatorial Barack Obama who went on to win. election?” Tinubu reportedly replied: “I And it was never held against him. want to have a strong political foothold in From the reality of identity politics the Southwest and Southsouth.” in Nigeria that we cannot shy from, I have never forgotten that conversation D FROODWHUDO EHQHÀW RI WKH 2EL VZHHS so when Tinubu said being president is a in the Southeast is to unify the Igbo lifelong ambition, I knew it was more than political voice at the voter level. This is a Freudian slip. He has spent the past 16 a clear demonstration that the people \HDUV VLQFH OHDYLQJ R΀FH DV /DJRV 6WDWH recognize their real interest and who Governor pursuing this ambition. He best represents it. has built bridges, forged alliances, taken For now, I will admonish our elders cold calculations and made compromises. (political, religious, traditional), Now that he has what he wants, he must regardless of where they stood in this understand that power is about purpose. election, to mind what they say at His acceptance speech yesterday was spot this period. In her thesis, ‘The Power on. I particularly like this line: “Yes, there of Words in Leadership’ which I are divisions amongst us that should not once referenced on his page, Linia exist. Many people are uncertain, angry, Anirudhan argued that because words and hurt; I reach out to every one of you. can uplift or destroy, leaders must use Let the better aspects of our humanity them wisely in critical times such as we step forward at this fateful moment. Let are in today in Nigeria. us begin to heal and bring calm to our nation.”

Adeniyi Tinubu is a man on whom I have is Chairman, THISDAY Editorial written a lot in the past (some, not so Board

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EDITORIAL

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

LEARNING CRISIS IN THE NORTHEAST There is urgent need to invest massively in education

F

on children in these states can only be imagined. ar too many children are not in school in In Zamfara, the deplorable learning conditions Nigeria. But even for those who are, most are worsened by lack of teachers in most of the can hardly read or write, particularly those primary schools. The education board chairman in the North-east. According to the United revealed a while ago that no fewer than 300 public Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) the primary schools in the state are manned by a single region is experiencing a severe learning teacher each. Many more schools in the state’s crisis as three out of four school children cannot read rural communities have no teachers at all, leaving or solve simple maths before they get to Primary the children to their own devices with all the dire 6L[ 7KH 81,&() &KLHI RI 0DLGXJXUL )LHOG 2΀FH consequences for the future of our country.

Phuong Nguyen, said recently that only 29 per cent Indeed, across the country, several studies and of schools in the region had teachers with minimum reports speak volumes about the abject neglect of TXDOLÀFDWLRQV ´7KH DYHUDJH SXSLO WHDFKHU UDWLR LV infrastructure in schools. And to worsen matters, WR RQH µ VKH VDLG ´$OPRVW KDOI RI DOO VFKRROV QHHG it does not appear as if the relevant authorities as rehabilitation. Only 47 per cent of schools in Borno well as critical stakeholders are paying attention. In have furniture with lower proportions in Yobe and many rural communities, Adamawa.” classrooms are an essential To be sure, the impact Nigeria’s falling standard of education can only be halted through commodity with the of the 13-year Boko result that children study Haram’s insurgency adequate funding. It is an immediate imperative. The schools must be under trees. In the urban on education in the centres that have the Northeast is harrowing. well equipped with basic infrastructure, learning tools and competent luxury of being provided At the last count, more with classrooms, many of teachers to make learning attractive than 600 teachers have them are dilapidated with been killed while about leaking roofs, cracked 19,000 others were T H I S D AY walls and without windows.

In many of these states, GLVSODFHG GXULQJ WKH SURWUDFWHG FRQÁLFW ,Q DGGLWLRQ EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU especially across the northern region, children sit on DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA more than 900 schools have been damaged or MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO WKH ÁRRU DV WKHUH DUH QR UHDGLQJ WDEOHV DQG FKDLUV IRU destroyed, with the forced closure of 1,500 schools.

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU them. Even the schools provided with teachers are An estimated 900,000 children have lost access to CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI QRW EHWWHU RͿ ,Q WKH .DGXQD 6WDWH 0LQLVWU\ RI learning while 75 per cent of children in camps do EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN (GXFDWLRQ VDFNHG RYHU XQTXDOLÀHG WHDFKHUV MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI not attend school. who failed a test conducted to determine their THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States are pulling up competency.

WKH UHDU REYLRXVO\ EHFDXVH RI WKH DGYHUVH HͿHFW RI Meanwhile, Nigeria’s falling standard of education the prolonged Islamic insurgency. But they are by no can only be halted through adequate funding. It is PHDQV WKH RQO\ RQHV 7KH HGXFDWLRQ FULVLV LV DͿHFWLQJ T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D an immediate imperative. The schools must be well EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA children across the country. At least 20.5 million GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, equipped with basic infrastructure, learning tools children are reportedly out of school in Nigeria, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI and competent teachers to make learning attractive. many deliberately out of neglect. The number in DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, And the classrooms must be safe. Ample evidence other states in the north has also been on a steady ANTHONY OGEDENGBE exists that the social miscreants and religious bigots, rise for the past few years.

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI including the Boko Haram insurgents that have SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH In March 2021, no fewer than 600 schools were shut ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI destroyed the North-east are largely recruited from down in Sokoto, Kano, Niger, Katsina, and Zamfara CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI the army of uneducated people who grew up without States over the fear of attack and abduction of pupils DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO any hope for their future.

DQG PHPEHUV RI VWDͿ 7KH HͿHFW RI VXFK FORVXUH TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS NATIONAL HOWLERS IN AN HOUR OF NEED The macabre poetry that went into the voice of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National (OHFWRUDO &RPPLVVLRQ ,1(& DV KH UHDG RXW WKH ÀQDO UHVXOWV RI the February 25, 2023 election spelt a death knell for the hopes of many well-meaning Nigerians that the country would work again any time soon.

In hotly contested and disputed elections during which Nigerians trooped out to their polling units across the country to challenge the status quo that had been eight years in the making, many Nigerians thought that something could come out of the ballot.

However, the handwriting was soon scrawled writ large on the wall at the National Collation Center as the states began to turn in their results. It soon appeared beyond reasonable doubt that Professor Mahmood was the chief conductor of the elaborate orchestra that was conducted to give Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the frail and ailing candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), victory at the polls.

It had been slow and methodical even if poorly coordinated. In some states, many state governors toiled and toyed with results XQWLO WKH\ KDG VX΀FLHQWO\ VKDSHG VDPH WR WKHLU VDWLVIDFWLRQ ZKLOH in other states, the manipulation was left for those at the national

level. The results from the core north were not all that surprising. Even with their history of over-voting, under-age voting and mass delusion, it was no surprise that they favoured the APC. After all that has happened to them under the nonchalant watch of the Buhari administration, in travelling the same path of the APC again, they made it abundantly clear that it will take a major miracle to redeem what seems an irreparably benighted region.

It is unfortunate that INEC has failed yet again in spite of the massive support and goodwill of many Nigerians. The Commission has a spectacularly embarrassing way of always coming up short in an hour of need. INEC’s constant and recurring failures speak to a country where many institutions are weak, having EHHQ GHOLEHUDWHO\ ZHDNHQHG E\ WKH HͿRUWV RI WKRVH ZKR LQVLVW RQ always having their way at the expense of a country that continues to totter and stutter despite its extravagant gifts. ,Q D FRXQWU\ ZKHUH GHPRFUDF\ LV VWLOO VWUXJJOLQJ WR ÀQG LWV EHDUing even after two decades, there is always a sense in which underfunding works to cripple institutions. This deliberate attempt to weaken institutions takes away their autonomy, and critically, their independence. +RZHYHU EH\RQG WKH PDQ\ LQVWLWXWLRQDO DQG ÀQDQFLDO GL΀FXOties that INEC faces with each election cycle that comes around,

WKH LQWHJULW\ RI LWV VWDͿ LV MXVW DV KXJH D SUREOHP 1LJHULDQV GR QRW WUXVW WKRVH ZKR VWDͿ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ 7KH VDPH PXWXDO VXVSLFLRQ 1LJHULD UHVHUYHV IRU WKRVH ZKR VWDͿ RWKHU JRYHUQPHQW DJHQFLHV LV reserved for INEC. Unfortunately, when elections come around, Nigerians are not given reasons to say that anything at all has changed. Listening to the INEC chairman read out the results with predetermined ÀQDOLW\ KDYLQJ VWUXJJOHG GHVSHUDWHO\ WR DQVZHU TXHVWLRQV WKDW bordered on the integrity of the election results showed just how much work Nigeria has to do to become that country many of its citizens earnestly yearn for.

Nigeria was at a critical crossroads before the elections. Now that INEC’s howlers have contributed to make its journey even more arduous, an ugly situation just got uglier.

It is really sad to see how much mistrust Nigerians nurse against key institutions of government like INEC and the judiciary. It requires no clairvoyance to say that as soon as this remains the case, many people will not contribute their own quota as citizens to build a proper country.

Without such critical contributions, it is doomsday beckons.

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023

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

08056356325

M A R C H

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11.25%

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10.25%

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613.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.85%

N416.86/ 1 US DOLLAR*

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11.50%

1-MONTH

9.56%

1-DAY

0.16%

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*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

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10.52%

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Controversy over BVAS Functionality: ICT Experts Silent on Alleged Sabotage in Uploading Election Results

Emma Okonji As the controversy surrounding Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections persists, some Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts have insisted that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) that was used for the election worked very well and fulfilled the purpose of introducing the device while others disagree.

According to them, the BVAS device is a shift from Card Reader device that was used in previous elections and the purpose of BVAS is to identify multiple registrations and sieve

them to single registration, while ensuring that one man, one woman is accredited and eligible to vote.

They were however silent on the alleged sabotage in uploading election results on the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), after successful accreditation, voting and counting.

Most electorate and some party members have alleged that INEC compromised in the electoral process, hence it was extremely difficult for INEC staff in most polling units across the country, to upload election results that were counted in the presence of the electorates and security

personnel.

Executive Secretary, Information Technology Systems and Security Professionals (ITSSP), an interest group of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Mr. Rogba Adeoye, told THISDAY that the BVAS technology worked optimally as expected in the accreditation of voters across the country before the voting commenced. He was however worried like every other electorate, why it was difficult to upload election results to INEC portal, using the same BVAS device. Reacting to allegations that it could be sabotage, Adeoye said sabotage could be human factor, but insisted that technology

could fail, especially when used for the first time. He said such failure could be attributed to anxiety on the part of INEC officials in operating the new BVAS device or a deliberate attack, launched by hackers who want to try the vulnerability of the BVAS technology.

President of NCS, Prof. Adesina Sodiya, said: “The introduction of BVAS was meant to address anomalies in election registration, accreditation and voting, and the purpose was well achieved, using BVAS. The purpose for introducing BVAS is to curb multiple registrations, double voting and ensure easy counting of election results before the

results are uploaded to INEC website. As a technology person, I will want to distant myself from any allegation of sabotage, because INEC ought to have carried out stress test and integrity test severally on the devices before the election.

Hackers can launch Denial of Service (DoS) attack to deny access to network during uploading of results, and that is the reason why INEC could have carried out several test on the BVAS device before the election.”

Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano, had earlier called on INEC to conduct a stress test on Data-

in-Motion or Data-in-Transit on BVAS before the election.

Akano said the BVAS test would ensure stronger security protection for data transmission before the general election slated for February 25th, 2023, since it would be the first time in the history of the country that live data would be used to determine who wins the presidential election and other elections.

He gave the advice, while speaking during this year’s World Data Privacy Day, organised recently by the Data and Knowledge Privacy Protection Initiative, with the Continued on page 25

NITDA: Talent Development Will Enhance Nigeria’s Economic Growth Emma Okonji The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has stressed the need for government to develop technology talents among Nigerian youths in order to boost the country’s economic growth.

Abdullahi who spoke at a technology forum in Lagos

recently, said since 2001 when NITDA was established, the agency had initiated, developed and implemented several Information Technology (IT) policies that are driving development in the sector.

According to him, NITDA will continue to drive innovation in the IT sector, develop tech skills, while taking advantage of the country’s youthful population.

“Nigeria has the advantage of

developing into a digital economy, based on our population of over 200 million people, with youths forming 50 per cent of the population. Nigeria has the highest inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) coming into Africa through technology, and Nigeria has five among the seven unicorns in Africa,” Abdullahi said.

Citing recent report from Statista, which stated that Nigeria has an estimated 20,360 startups operating

in the country as at December 2022, Abdullahi said investing in these number of startups to further develop their skills and ideas, would boost economic growth for the country.

He said Nigerian startups were able to raise substantive amount from foreign grants last year, and that government needed to develop the startups to enable them do more and even export talents and solutions outside of Nigeria.

The world is in need of four million software developers and Nigeria can conveniently raise two million software developers if adequately trained and this will amount to earning millions of dollars

by Nigerian youths, while working for foreign companies from Nigeria.

So developing the Nigerian talents will lead to job creation in Nigeria, Abdullahi said..

According to him, “Through

some initiatives from NITDA like the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA), in collaboration with industry stakeholders, we were able to train 900 Nigerians and created more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in Nigeria.

“NITDA is currently working to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy Continued on page 25

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Change Updated Time (%) 10.82 -0.01 January 6, 2023 11.11 -0.71 January 6, 2023 0.00 January 11.35 6, 2023 12.60 0.00 January 6, 2023 12.92 0.00 January 6, 2023

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Change Updated Time (%) 3.01 -0.01 January 6, 2023 6, 0.00 January 3.02 2023 6, 2.22 -1.71 January 2023 6, 3.23 0.00 January 2023

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Change Updated Time (%) 6, 9.26 9.43 0.00 January 2023 6, 14.15 14.64 0.00 January 2023 6, 10.52 10.81 -0.01 January 2023

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CONTRACT Current TENOR Contract Rate Updated Time ($/₦) (MONTH) NGUS JAN 25 469.87 January 6, 1 2023 2023 January 6, NGUS FEB 22 2 472.05 2023 2023 NGUS MAR 29 474.23 January 6, 3 2023 2023 NGUS APR 26 476.42 January 6, 4 2023 2023 NGUS MAY 31 478.60 January 6, 5 2023 2023

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Tijani: Nigeria Needs Innovative Solutions to Serve Unbanked Co-founder of Toju, Mr. Sodiq Tijani speaks on how Toju will serve the unbanked customers and offer financial services to the last mile user through a fusion of trusted informal financial service practices and technology. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts: Your passion for technology appears high, given your background. Tell us more about the passion and your journey into the tech space? y love for technology started at a young age, and I have always been fascinated by the endless possibilities it presents. My journey into the tech space began during my undergraduate days when there was a nationwide lecturer’s industrial action that kept us out of the classroom for six months.

This was when I started learning the basics of web development from a friend and continued when school reopened. While in my third year in the university, I had already started earning money as a freelance web developer and also organising training sessions for interested students on web development.

After graduation, I founded a startup named “workbook.ng.” Workbook was a marketplace for artisans and potential clients to transact in a safe environment using an escrow function. Like many first-time founders, the startup did not do as well as I would have imagined. Reflecting on the failures, opened my eyes to the world of product management. Despite starting my career in tech as a freelance web developer, I gradually transitioned into product management, where I discovered the importance of using technology to solve real-world problems at scale.

According to a report by GSMA, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest percentage of mobile connections compared to other regions, with 456 million unique mobile subscribers in 2020.

This presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to leverage technology to provide solutions that cater to the unique needs of Africans. I have since been working on developing innovative solutions that address challenges faced by underserved communities in Africa.

potential for business in Africa. The continent has vast arable land and favorable climatic conditions for farming, yet agriculture is still largely underdeveloped. There is a need for innovative solutions to help farmers access finance, inputs, and markets, and this presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to create value.

The healthcare sector in Africa is another sectoe that has significant potential for business. The sector faces numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, and limited access to healthcare services in rural areas. There is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to leverage technology to address these challenges and improve healthcare outcomes in the continent.

M

As a leading talent in the product space, what advice will you give aspiring product mangers?

As an experienced product manager and entrepreneur, my advice to aspiring product managers would be to always stay curious, be a continuous learner, and stay focused on solving real customer challenges.

The product management space is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay up to date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. This means actively seeking out new information, attending industry events, and connecting with other professionals in the field.

At the same time, it’s important to remain focused on the customer and their needs.

Understanding their pain points, desires, and behaviours should be at the forefront of every decision a product manager makes. This requires listening intently to customer feedback, conducting market research, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver a product that truly meets customer needs.

Another important aspect of being a successful product manager is being able to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. This includes being able to articulate the vision and goals of the product, as well as communicate updates and progress along the way. Building strong relationships with stakeholders, including customers, team members, and executives, is critical to the success of any product.

What informed your decision to build financial infrastructure for Africa’s informal sector since the sector is largely uncoordinated?

The informal sector is a critical part of Africa’s economy, accounting for a significant percentage of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the informal sector accounts for over 85 per cent of total employment in subSaharan Africa. However, the lack of access to financial services remains a significant barrier to growth in this sector.

The informal sector is largely uncoordinated, as you rightly pointed out, and this presents an opportunity for innovative solutions to bridge the gap between the formal and informal economies.

With Toju, we’re leveraging technology to digitize informal financial service practices and provide financial services for the underserved. We recognized the potential of this sector and the need to build financial infrastructure that caters to its unique needs.

According to the World Bank, only 34 per cent of adults in sub-Saharan Africa have access to formal financial services. Our goal is to provide financial services that are affordable, accessible, and easy to use for the underserved.

Tijani Since Toju was inspired by your team, what are the results so far?

Toju has achieved remarkable strides in its mission to digitize informal financial services, and we are continuously seeking ways to enhance and broaden our offerings. Our company has developed a unique creditscoring engine that utilizes data from informal financial transactions to provide savings, investment, and credit services to individuals who are often deemed unbankable. To date, our platform has served over 30,000 users, and we have established partnerships with significant players in the financial industry.

Toju focuses on cash economy when Nigeria and the rest of the world are moving towards cashless economy. Is this not a contradiction?

Toju is not opposed to a cashless economy, but it is about providing financial services for people who are excluded from the formal financial system. Yes the world is indeed moving towards a cashless economy, but we recognise that the reality is that a significant percentage of the population still relies on cash for their daily transactions.

According to a 2022 report by McKinsey, cash transactions still account for 90 per cent of transactions in Africa and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBBS) reported that cash withdrawals from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Nigeria stood at N3.19 trillion ($8.2 billion) in Q3 2021, indicating the continued relevance of cash in Nigeria. While we recognise the benefits of a cashless economy, we also understand the realities of the informal sector, where cash remains the dominant form of payment.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), cash usage in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to remain high. We believe it is essential to bridge the gap between cash and cashless economies to provide financial services that cater to the needs of the underserved.

How is the CBN’s Naira redesign policy affecting the sector you offer services, considering the fact that your solution is about banking the unbanked?

The effects of the CBN’s Naira redesign policy on the economy have been widely documented, particularly during its implementation phase. However, the shortage of new banknotes is impacting small, medium, and large businesses in both the formal and informal sectors. The agricultural, manufacturing, and trade sectors are experiencing the most severe effects of the policy’s impact. These sectors, which

contribute significantly to the GDP, are largely informal or located in rural areas.

Since the scarcity of new naira notes began, there has been a 20 per cent drop in sales of consumer goods and a 30 per cent drop in the manufacturing sector, according to the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

Despite the policy’s negative effects, we remain optimistic about our goal of serving as the bank for the unbanked. The scarcity of new naira notes has forced us to focus on overcoming the cultural challenges associated with trusting formal financial services, which can drive adoption of digital payments and increase financial inclusion.

According to Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA), only 36.8 per cent of Nigeria’s adult population has access to formal financial services, and policies like the naira redesign can help enhance financial inclusion. We welcome such policies and will continue to work with key players in the industry to build financial infrastructure that caters to the needs of the underserved.

Why are people still skeptical about leveraging online platforms for their savings and investment drives, even when your solution encourages savings and investment?

There is still a significant trust deficit when it comes to online savings and investment platforms in Africa. Many people are skeptical because of past experiences with fraudulent schemes. At Toju, we are addressing this by building a transparent and reliable platform that people can trust. We’re also investing in customer education to help people understand the benefits of using our platform.

The skepticism around using online platforms for savings and investments is not unique to Africa, but rather a global issue due to a lack of trust in formal financial services, especially in the informal economy.

Toju recognizes this challenge and is using a combination of technology and human touch to address it. We’re digitizing existing informal savings practices and leveraging the trust already established by our users’ informal financial service agents. We’ve implemented robust security measures to ensure that our users’ funds are safe and secure, and we provide financial education to help them make informed decisions about their savings and investment drives.

Besides fintech, is there another sector in Africa that has the potential for business?

Agriculture is a sector with significant

Having worked with YouCloud Play, Broot Consulting, and Roundpeg Tech, before developing Toju, how will you describe the experience before the introduction of Toju into the financial market space?

In addition to my current role at Toju, I have gained valuable experience working for various technology firms such as YouCloudPay, Broot Consulting, and Roundpeg Tech. My responsibilities in these companies ranged from product development and management to data analysis.

While at RoundPeg Technologies, which I also founded, I had the opportunity to work on various IT projects of different scales. This experience allowed me to collaborate with a diverse team from 12 different countries to deliver software and IoT-based projects. It was a truly amazing and eye-opening experience.

My time at Broot Consulting was also an amazing experience as I was able to advise and interface with some of the biggest firms in Nigeria across various sectors, including finance, oil and gas, technology, health, and education, both in the public and private institutions. As the primary digital product consultant, I spearheaded the advisory for Broot’s clients on technology adoption into their processes and businesses.

Leading product development and serving as the country manager for Nigeria was an experience I will always cherish. While working on existing products or other company’s products is one thing, my time at YouCloud gave me much more experience similar to that of a founder.

I was instrumental in the development of the product from concept to product, and then growing adoption in Africa starting from Nigeria.

Working on a product for a payment giant like YouCloud was a rare opportunity.

What are your surprises about entrepreneurship drive so far?

The most surprising thing about entrepreneurship for me is how much of it is about perseverance.

It is easy to give up when faced with challenges, but successful entrepreneurs keep pushing, even when the odds seem insurmountable. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

However, seeing the impact of our work on the lives of the underserved makes it all worth it.

I have also learned that building a successful business requires a team effort. No one person can do it alone.

What can be done to strengthen e-payment in the informal sector?

Strengthening e-payment in the informal sector requires collaboration between key players in the financial industry and the government. There is a need for policies that incentivize the adoption of digital payments and provide support for the development of financial services that cater to the peculiarities of this segment of the economy.

Please tell us more about yourself I am a tech entrepreneur and digital product leader passionate about building innovative solutions to solve pressing social problems. I am the co-founder of Toju, a fintech startup that is digitizing informal financial service practices to provide financial services for the underserved.

I am also a product management expert, advising and consulting for many startups on best product strategies and market positioning, with experience in leading the development and expansion of business management solutions for small retail and food businesses in Africa.

According to a report by the World Bank, only 43 per cent of adults in sub-Saharan Africa have access to formal financial services, with the remaining 57 per cent being underserved.

This underscores the importance of our work at Toju in addressing the financial inclusion gap in Africa.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023

25

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

NCS Begins Mentorship to Promote Technology Innovation

Emma Okonji

Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body for all Information Technology (IT) professionals in Nigeria, has commenced mentorship of selected groups of software developers, who will in turn develop world-class solutions that would be promoted within and outside of Nigeria by the NCS. NCS, through its Technology Innovation Programme, recently assembled some selected teams

of tech developers, as well as mentors, to its second boot camp in Lagos, where the team members were guided on how to develop globally acceptable solutions, through a special mentorship.

Giving details of the programme, the President of NCS, Prof. Adesina Sodiya said the NCS Technology Innovation Programme was designed to groom startups with ideas, while NCS would help in nurturing the ideas to a world-class standard, and turn the ideas into solutions that

would be ready for global market.

According to Sodiya, “NCS started by advertising the programme and called for entries. Over 70 entries were received, and the entries were shortlisted to five teams of not more than three in each team. After the short-listing, NCS organised the first boot camp for them, where they were all trained on how to develop ideas and how to turn their ideas into a complete solution that NCS can market within and outside of Nigeria.

The plan of NCS is to nurture the

ideas to complete solutions that will be globally commercialised.

“The five teams on ground, represent five unique solutions that will be developed into viable and commercial solutions. NCS provides N50,000 per month to each team and we have assigned mentors to them who are assisting them in developing and marketing their products. We are hoping that the five products will make it to the market, but even if at the end of the day, we have only one product that made it to

the international market, then that will be a plus for NCS and for the Nigerian nation.”

So NCS is part of the product development and will co-own the products and ensure the products get national and international attention.

We may sell off the solution, or partner with organisations that will be ready to co-own the solution and keep the developers in their companies to further develop the solution, Sodiya added.

During the second boot camp in

Lagos, each of the teams was allowed to make short presentation about their solutions, state the purpose for which the solution was designed, what the solution seeks to promote and the specific challenge that each solution seeks to address and how they could scale up such solutions.

Some of the teams were able to explain the challenges faced so far in developing their solutions and how to tackle the challenges and make the solutions acceptable to interested investors.

Mastercard, Network International Launch AI Fraud-prevention Solution Emma Okonji Mastercard is partnering Network International, the leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa, to address fraud, declines and chargebacks in order to reduce costs and risk for acquirers.

Through the partnership,

Network will launch Mastercard’s Brighterion Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology across the region, providing transaction fraud screening and merchant monitoring to acquirers and businesses. According to the Nilson Report, payment card fraud losses are projected to hit $49 billion by 2030. Furthermore,

68 per cent of card fraud losses in 2020 were related to transactions where cards were not physically present. McKinsey estimates that AI technologies can potentially deliver up to $1 trillion of additional value each year. With its sophisticated Artificial Intelligence, Brighterion learns the warning signs of fraud and alerts acquirers and

merchants in real-time to prevent the completion of fraudulent transactions and costly chargebacks.

In 2019, Mastercard made a strategic $300 million investment as a cornerstone investor in Network, followed by an additional commitment towards developing innovative payment solutions. As part of this partnership, Mastercard

supports Network via Brighterion’s AI technology, which combats the risk of fraud, reducing the operational overhead on acquirers and merchants while improving the experience for customers.

Division President, Middle East and North Africa, Mastercard, Khalid Elgibali, said: “At Mastercard, we provide

capabilities and services beyond card payments, using the latest cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of fraudsters as we secure the full payments ecosystem.

Brighterion Artificial Intelligence capabilities are helping to reduce fraud and merchant risk, leading to safer transactions and a better consumer experience.”

a platform to provide access to information that would help develop the Startup ecosystem in Nigeria.

Abdullahi therefore called for partnership with local and international organisatons to help promote indigenous ICT hubs

and build the Nigerian Startup ecosystem. He said NITDA has commenced the building of the Secretariat in Abuja for the implementation of the Startup Act, adding that the Secretariat would be completed by the end of March, 2023.

NITDA: TALENT DEVELOPMENT WILL ENHANCE NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH by 2030, as part of the federal government’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) implementation. NITDA has trained more than three million Nigerians on poverty alleviation and financial inclusion and we are still training more.

“NITDA is also looking at developing Nigerian digital skills in the area of Blockchain technology that is expected to rake in about $1.7 trillion globally. Therefore any country that will be able to position itself to fit into the Blockchain technology, will benefit more

from technology advancement and we are working to make Nigeria the global talent factory, providing talented workforce across the globe.”

Speaking about the Nigerian Startup Act, Abdullahi said government has commenced

its implementation, which he said, would provide legal and institutional frameworks that would guide the country in addressing all identified challenges. He said the Startup Act implementation would help to identify the number of startups in Nigeria and maintain

CONTROVERSY OVER BVAS FUNCTIONALITY: ICT EXPERTS SILENT ON ALLEGED SABOTAGE IN UPLOADING ELECTION RESULTS theme: ‘Understanding Privacy and Online Risk in the Digital World Today.’

Debunking insinuations that the difficulty in uploading and transmitting election results

from polling units to INEC website, could be as a result of failed network on the part of telecom operators, the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON),

Mr. Gbenga Adabayo, told THISDAY that there was no record of downtime on telecom network across the country, insisting that the inability of INEC officials to upload election

results to INEC website, cannot be attributed to failed telecom network. “If the network was down, people could not have been able to communicate with their mobile phones from various

polling units across the country and they would not be able to record the counting of election results and transmitting same across social media platforms,” Adebayo said. He however

advised Nigerians to allow INEC to carry out its investigation on the challenges faced in uploading and transmitting election results from most polling units across the country.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

CSR: Dangote Cement Wins Big in Zambia, Senegal The Corporate Social Responsibility profile of Africa’s leading cement group, Dangote Cement Plc has received special recognition in Zambia and Senegal, where the Company won awards for its CSR and Environmental sustainability projects in the two countries.

The employers’ body in Senegal, the Conseil National du Patronat (CNP) said it was recognising the cement maker’s Senegalese subsidiary for its green project in which the company planted hundreds of trees to mitigate against desert encroachment in parts of the country.

In the same vein, Dangote Cement Zambia’s Ndola L–R: Former Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo and Chairman, Jamaica Stock Exchange subsidiary was given the (JSE), Mr. Ian McNaughton during the opening bell ceremony at JSE to commemorate the groundbreaking launch of the Best Community Social Impact Award for Youth Sierra Leonean High Commission… recently Development at an event organised by the Corporate Social Responsibility Network Zambia (CSRNZ).

According to the organisers of the award, Dangote operating and headquartered in create jobs and generally be making Google sub Saharan Africa. Folarin Emma Okonji Africa or having a legal presence measurable impact.

Aiyegbusi, said: “Startups are a Cement, Zambia won the Upon selection, the startups will critical driver of innovation, award as a result of the Google has announced applications on the continent are eligible to apply for the third cohort of Black for the Black Founders Fund. Other receive up to $150,000 equity-free economic growth and social community skills training Founders Fund for Startup opened eligibility criteria for startups that cash awards and up to $200,000 progress especially in Africa center donated to support in Africa and Europe in line with its wish to apply are that the business per startup in Google Cloud and the support that the selected vocational skills training for commitment to digital transformation should be benefiting the black credits, support in the form of startups will receive will go a long the less privileged youths in and support to black-founded community or that early-stage training, and access to a network way to unlock the potential and the community.

The cement company also startups have black founders or of mentors to assist in tackling the promote growth in the African tech startups.

This year, Google has committed diverse founding teams. The startups challenges unique to each startup. ecosystem and the next generation won in the Best Environmental $4 million to support eligible black- should be building for Africa and The applications for the third cohort of African tech entrepreneurs. We Excellence Award category the global market, have the growth will close on 26 March, 2023. encourage all eligible startups to based on its Environmental founded startups.

Head of Startup Ecosystem, apply.”

According to Google, startups potential to raise more funding, Action in the Community

Google Opens Applications for Third Cohort of Black Founders Fund

through waste management and sensitisation programs.

The Country Manager, Dangote Cement Zambia, Vipul Agrawal said, “I am delighted at the two awards.

Our CSR projects are designed to have the best impact on the benefiting communities.

We will continue to embark on more projects that will change the face of our host communities.”

Dangote Cement Senegal was honoured for its commitment to CSR and Sustainability at the opening of the “Assises de l’Entreprise”, an event which brought together, the big companies operating in Senegal. The cement company’s “The Ngomène Green Wall” project received the CNP award on “CSR & Sustainable Development”.

Acting Country Manager of Dangote Cement Senegal, Ousmane Mbaye, expressed his appreciation and that of all his colleagues over the award. “It is with a sense of excitement and satisfaction that I receive the CNP “CSR & Sustainable Development” award on behalf of Dangote Cement Senegal. This distinction is a recognition of all the works done in the host communities in partnership with all the stakeholders”, he said.

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T H I S D AY ˾ AY, MARCH 2, 2023

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

Raising Awareness about the Importance of Protein in Human Diets As Nigeria marked the World Protein Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of proteins to diet, Right to Protein Nigeria, a public health awareness initiative in South-Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa regions also announced the launch of Nigeria’s first-ever protein calculator called ‘Protein-O-Meter ’. Precious Ugwuzor reports

N

igeria has joined the rest of the world to celebrate Protein Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protein in human diets. ‘Right To Protein’ – a public health awareness initiative in South-Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa regions also announced the launch of Nigeria’s first-ever protein calculator called ‘Protein-O-Meter’.

The formal announcement of Nigeria’s inaugural Protein Day commemoration, which took place on Monday, February 27, 2023, was made on February 22 during the launch of the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC)-promoted ‘Right To Protein’ initiative. The theme for this year’s Protein Day celebration, ‘Easy Access to Protein for All’, was to highlight the accessibility of protein-rich foods to Nigerians while underscoring the need for all to learn more about available protein foods that can be incorporated into their diets.

Nigerians can access the ‘Protein-O-Meter’ tool by logging on to ‘Right To Protein’. ‘ProteinO-Meter’ can help citizens to calculate their daily protein requirement based on individual information such as body profile, type of lifestyle and by sharing detailed inputs of the food consumed at different times of the day.

The ‘Protein-O-Meter can assess protein content in local Nigerian cuisines and dishes such as akara, moin-moin, akamu, egusi, semo, tuwo, fanke, ojojo, nunu, banga, etc. The goal of this tool is to showcase the protein gap in one’s diet, act as a reminder to all citizens to be aware of their protein goals and consume one-fourth protein in every meal.

While protein is the most essential macronutrient for our overall wellbeing, protein deficiency continues to be a trigger for many health concerns. Awareness of protein foods, their benefits and long-term behaviour change among citizens are imperative. To drive this mission, Protein Day and tools such as the ‘Protein-O-Meter’ will help drive self-awareness and behaviour change.

Protein plays a key role in the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. It is an essential nutrient and is particularly important for children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals who engage in physical activities such as sports and exercise.

Meanwhile, recent studies have shown that majority of Nigerians do not consume enough protein in their diets, mainly due to the cost of protein foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and others. Protein deficiency is a prevalent problem, particularly among vulnerable populations, in the country. This often leads to various health challenges, including stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and poor cognitive development.

“Protein is very important to sound health

and productive living. This year’s Protein Day celebration is to help promote access to quality protein sources for Nigerians, even as we continue to drive awareness about the need for adequate protein consumption,” says Dr. Michael David, Country Representative of USSEC. He added: “Beyond the Protein Day celebrations, the Right to Protein initiative will continue to work to bring together individuals and institutions who can help drive protein awareness, debunk myths and misconceptions about protein food sources, and establish its importance as a critical macro-nutrient for the nutritional wellbeing of people.”

The Protein Day celebration in Nigeria

is a reminder of the critical role that nutrition plays in our overall health and wellbeing. Nigerians are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity as well as the Right to Protein initiative to learn more about healthy eating habits and the importance of protein in their diets.

‘Right To Protein’ is a public health awareness initiative to educate citizens about the importance of adequate protein consumption for better nutrition, health and well-being. #RightToProtein initiative aspires to build knowledge of different types of protein sources, both, animal, and plant protein-based, to meet larger

nutritional goals.

Right To Protein aims to develop an ecosystem of institutions, organisations, experts, professionals and more to drive protein awareness, debunk myths and misconceptions about protein and protein food sources and rally for nutrition security through adequate protein consumption.

The ecosystem will aim to improve the production, consumption quality, and consistency of plant and animal proteins.

Right To Protein is supported by several like-minded global individuals, academicians, professionals, and institutions and is open for those who would like to join and/or contribute in any capacity, including providing knowledge, and technical support or as promotion partners.

USSEC Advocates More Protein Consumption among Nigerians through Campaign Rebecca Ejifoma Worried about the rate of nutrition deficiency propelled by the inadequate consumption of proteins among Nigerians, especially children under-five, experts have seen the need to nip this trend in the bud.

Thus, the United States Soybean Export Council, USSEC, through its one-year nationwide advocacy campaign, Right to Protein, is encouraging Nigerians to include proteinous foods in their daily diets while promoting access to protein-rich food sources for Nigerians.

The campaign further aims to enlighten Nigerians on the fringe benefits of protein-rich foods and the right amount for well-being, healthy growth and development,

especially children and pregnant women.

The Country Representative of the USSEC in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, Dr Michael David, told journalists in Lagos that the Right to Protein campaign will create awareness to foster behavioural change among individuals.

“Right to Protein is working to bring together individuals and institutions who can help drive protein awareness, debunk myths and misconceptions about protein food sources, and establish its importance as a critical macro-nutrient for the nutritional well-being of people,” says David.

As a stakeholder, he reaffirmed the USSEC’s passion for healthy and productive living, “Hence, our desire to be part of this

awareness drive about the importance of protein to sound health and productive living while also promoting access to quality protein sources for Nigerians”.

According to David, the Right to Protein initiative is a response to the growing concern over the lack of protein in the diets of many Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas and underserved communities across the country.

He emphasised: “Protein remains an essential nutrient required in the human body to build and repair tissues, support immune function, and maintain overall health.

“It is expected that the Right to Protein initiative will help to address this issue by providing education about the benefits of protein, promoting the inclusion of protein-rich foods in public

feeding programs, and advocating for policies that support increased access to protein sources for all.”

The campaign, the country representative added, will explore ways to bridge the knowledge gap through various engagement activities, resources and partnerships with Nigeria’s top professionals and stakeholders, including nutritionists, chefs, food enthusiasts, influencers, and policymakers to help drive conversations about protein and its importance.

He, however, encouraged everyone to remain committed to working towards a future where protein is accessible to all for a well-rounded development.

The Right to Protein initiative was born following the Nigerian Protein Deficiency Report 2020, which estimates that 92.7 million

Nigerians do not eat any protein daily.

The survey showed that about half of the country’s population, or 45 per cent are protein deficient as they lack access to sufficient protein and thus do not consume the daily recommended grammage.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, FAO, recommended a minimum per capita daily protein intake of 53.8g, with a global daily intake of 64g.

However, in Nigeria, the daily protein intake is 45.4g, the Nigerian Protein Deficiency Report 2020 showed.

The survey further points out that Nigeria ranks below the bar in the global food security index with a protein per capita – daily intake lower

than the worldwide standard.

This is a major burden that requires continuous interventions to combat and reduce the nutrition crisis in Nigeria.

It shows that “Despite its availability, only 47 per cent of the population prefers beans, 24 per cent prefers soya beans, 11 per cent prefers meat, 10 per cent prefers fish, and only five per cent prefers eggs as their source of protein”.

With the survey, the Chief Operating Officer of Mediacraft Associates, Laura Oloyede, cautioned that protein deficiency is more prevalent in the Northeast and lower socio-economic status.

She outlined: “That’s a situation where we have to educate people about the adequate consumption of better nutrition.”

T H I S D AY ˾ AY, MARCH 2, 2023

28

NEWS

FERTILITY

With Dr. Kemi AILOJE drkemi@lifelinkfertility.com www.lifelinkfertility.com +2348033083580

Hydrosalpinx And Infertility (Part 1) Some YWCA members with the facilitators

Dr. Oseni screening one of the participants

YWCA Advocates Healthy Lifestyle, Early Screening to Prevent Cancer, Others Uchechukwu Nnaike The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Lagos branch, says maintaining a healthy lifestyle and early diagnosis will go a long way to prevent cancer and other illnesses.

The association said this in Lagos during its medical outreach, as part of activities marking the World Cancer Day. The event featured seminars on lifestyle and healthy living

by Dr. Omolola Odigwe; breast cancer by Dr. Kehinde Adeniran; cervical cancer by Mrs. Yetunde Jacobson-Folaji; and prostate cancer by Dr. Damilola Akinlawon.

There were also free medical checks like blood pressure, urinalysis, screening for prostate, breast and cervical cancer, blood sugar, eyes test with free reading glasses.

In her presentation, Odigwe stressed the importance of eating healthy and balanced meals; regular exercise and to shun smoking and consumption of alcohol. She also called for periodic health assessment.

Adeniran said factors like family history, lifestyle and excessive alcohol intake can cause breast cancer.

She advised women to always check their breasts four days after their monthly period and to report any changes to the doctor for early intervention.

Jacobson-Folaji on her part said 500,000 women die every year and every minute a woman dies of cervical cancer, adding that eating

unhealthy meals, multiple sexual partners and hormonal drugs can expose one to the ailment.

The certified fertility care practitioner listed some of the symptoms to include intermittent bleeding, virginal discharge, low abdominal pain. She urged women to screen for cervical cancer at least every five years for early detection, and vaccination for females from nine to 45 years for prevention.

Akinlawon also stressed the importance of healthy diet and exercise to the prevention of prostate cancer. He said the older men get, the more likely to have prostate cancer. So from 40 years, men should start periodic screening.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of YWCA Lagos branch, Mrs. Olukemi Oludipe, said the association always focusses on cancer and other health talks during its health awareness week it knows that early detection of cancer is key and people cannot detect it early if they don’t know about it.

She said the programme has been on for the past six years and it is usually done in the market to reach the semi-literates and the illiterates.

She said this year ’s programme was adjusted to include members of the association, as well as the semi-literate and the illiterates.

Oludipe state that YWCA generally is about advocacy for the girl child and the women. “We care about their well-being, the

domestic, social, mental and financial well-being.

Apart from our health programme, we also organise economic programme, social programmes where we teach young people how to have confidence in themselves.”

The Lagos Central Group President of the association, Dr.Olatokunbo Oseni said when the programme started, it was just the basics, but over the years the screening has been expanded to include cholesterol checks, kidney checks that would be done in the laboratory because there are partners that are supporting the association.

She said the results of the screening were reviewed by medical doctors on ground who recommended further tests when necessary.

She added that the association would support those who require follow-up tests, “we have collected the samples and we have sent some people for further tests at partner diagnosis centres. The results come back to me and I am able to follow up with those patients.”

She added that I there is need to send the person to a consultant, the association will look for an affordable place where its network of friends also support. “We have a follow up procedure where the patient is never left alone,” Oseni said.

She advised Nigerian to embrace healthy diet and lifestyle to keep most illnesses and diseases away.

“Let food be our medicine and not medicine be our food,” she stressed.

H

uman fertilization is defined as the union of egg and sperm cells in order to achieve a pregnancy. In humans, the process of fertilization is internal, and it takes place in the fallopian tube. During sexual intercourse, semen containing thousands of sperm cells is inseminated into the female vagina. Sperm cells migrate to the uterus and reach the fallopian tube opening. Only a few sperm cells will make it to the fallopian tube opening. Every step of the human reproduction process must be completed correctly for pregnancy to occur.

This procedure includes the following steps: r 0OF PG UIF PWBSJFT QSPEVDFT B NBUVSF FHH r 5IF GBMMPQJBO UVCF QJDLT VQ UIF FHH r 4QFSN TXJNT VQ UIF DFSWJY UISPVHI the uterus (womb) , and into the fallopian tubeto fertilize the egg. r 5IF GFSUJMJ[FE FHH USBWFMT UP UIF VUFSVT via the fallopian tube. r 5IF GFSUJMJ[FE FHH BUUBDIFT JNQMBOUT to the uterine wall and grows.

Several factors may disrupt this process in women at any point such as ovulation disorders, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, uterine growths etc.

The fallopian tubes are crucial in reproduction. They attach to the uterus (womb) on either side and transport eggs from the left or right ovary to the uterus. Conception may occur when an egg meets a sperm cell in the fallopian tubes, and the fertilized egg, known as a zygote, travels to the uterus to implant in the uterine wall.

Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes prevent sperm from reaching the egg or prevent the fertilized egg from entering the uterus. Certain illnesses or injuries to the fallopian tubes may cause it to fill with fluid. This is referred to as hydrosalpinx. The symptoms, causes, and treatment of hydrosalpinx are covered in this article.

What is Hydrosalpinx?

Each month, an egg is released (ovulated) from the ovary, and the fallopian tube receives it. This is typically where the sperm and the egg come into contact. Sperm move from the vagina through the uterus to one of the two tubes, where they finally meet the egg.

The process of fertilization occurs when the sperm and egg combine to create an embryo (fertilized egg). The tube allows the embryo to enter the uterus. When it enters the uterus, it may begin to connect to the uterine wall and grow into a baby. The fallopian tube’s end might get filled with fluid as a result of damage and occlusion(blockage). The fluid-filled, bulging tube is known as a Hydrosalpinx.

A healthy pregnancy in the uterus might not happen because the tube could be seriously harmed, obstructed, and unable to function.

Ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy that develops in the tube may be fatal. Additionally, as

the tube becomes obstructed, secretions that build up in the tube may backflow into the uterus, preventing the implantation of a fetus.

Causes of Hydrosalpinx r 1SFWJPVT VOUSFBUFE 45*T MJLF DIMBNZEJB and gonorrhea that are sexually transmitted. r 1FMWJD JOáBNNBUPSZ EJTFBTF 1*% XIJDI frequently results from STIs left untreated. r 4DBS UJTTVF GSPN QFMWJD TVSHFSZ QBSticularly when the fallopian tubes were operated on. r 5JTTVF FOMBSHFNFOU DBVTFE CZ FOEPmetriosis. r 5VNPST PG UIF XPNC r " GBMMPQJBO UVCF JOGFDUJPO r 4XFMMJOH CSPVHIU DBVTFE CZ BQQFOEJDJUJT Symptoms of Hydrosalphix A hydrosalpinx rarely causes symptoms.

Before investigations are done due to a delayed conception, one might not be aware that the tubes are clogged. When symptoms are present, they may include pelvic pain that gets worse during or right after your period, or sticky, discolored vaginal discharge.

Diagnosis of Hydrosalphix Tests to check your fallopian tubes for a blockage include: r 6MUSBTPVOE 5IF GBMMPQJBO UVCFT BSF OPU typically visible on an ultrasound, although they will seem larger than usual if they are bloated from fluid buildup. They can occasionally take on a sausage-like form when bloated. r " IZTUFSPTBMQJOHPHSBN )4( VTFT BO X-ray dye test to look for fallopian tube obstructions. It is the most common test used to diagnose Hydrosalpinx. An X-ray is used to monitor the migration of a dye medium that is put into the uterus. The tubes are open if the dye leaks from them and enters the pelvic region. The tubes are blocked if the dye stops flowing. r -BQBSPTDPQZ -BQBSPTDPQZ JT B minimally invasive operation performed to visualize the inside of the uterus. Small incisions are made in the belly, and a small camera (laparoscope) is put inside to examine the fallopian tubes. To check for blockages, a catheter is sometimes put into the vagina and cervix and dye is pumped into the uterus and fallopian tubes. Laparoscopy can be performed to validate HSG results. r 4POPIZTUFSPTBMQJOHPHSBQIZ " sonohysterosalpingography, often known as a sonohysterogram, is a type of ultrasound that examines the uterus using sound waves.

It can assist a clinician in detecting probable uterine disorders that may explain reproduction troubles. Although it cannot be used to directly check the fallopian tubes, it can assist doctors in determining whether there is a blockage. r $5 PS .3* TDBO " $5 TDBO PS BO .3* TDBO NBZ CF VTFE CZ B DMJOJDJBO UP examine the fallopian tubes and look for obstructions.

To be continued

T H I S D AY ˾ AY, MARCH 2, 2023

29

HEALTH

Nigeria: Five Ways Starlink Could Celebrating the Life and Death of a Medical Icon Connecting Expand Access to Quality Health Services Omolola Ayoola

T

he distance across continents cannot be a barrier to friendship, especially one built on helping humanity. This is apt in describing the bond and friendship between two families - Brian Abraham Lieberman of Manchester and Ibrahim Wada of Abuja.

The passage of Dr Lieberman at 81 recently was indeed a great loss to his immediate and extended family in England and Nigeria. It provoked a barrage of emotions when Dr Ibrahim Wada, the founder and CEO of Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja, broke the news of the demise of his good friend and mentor.

Dr. Wada went into a sober reflection.

He recalled how he met Dr. Lieberman Director, NISA Premier Hospital, Abuja, Mrs. Rabi Wada and President Nisa Medical and the role he had played in his life.

Group, Dr Ibrahim Wada with other members of staff at a tribute session for Professor “The man of hard work, the man of Brian Lieberman, Professor of Obstetrics & Gyneacology and Specialist in Infertility integrity, the man of ability, the man that who passed on at 81 in England will give everything to another person is now gone. I wish him a safe journey into the afterlife”, were the words from Dr. Wada as he reflected on the demise of his friend and colleague, Dr. Lieberman.

The farewell procession was held at the Lieberman Building, Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria on Friday 24, February.

Dr. Brian Abraham Lieberman, an IVF, In Vitro Fertilization specialist, was born in 1942. He was one of the pioneers of Reproductive Medicine in the United Kingdom and had contributed greatly, improving the lives of women who had infertility issues and saving many marriages.

Dr. Lieberman was an award winning, highly accomplished doctor in his field of medicine who brought joy to many families.

The enormous advancement made in science by the fertilization of an egg with sperm outside the body, then implanted into the uterus for the woman to carry to term is nothing short of being genius. His skills in the field of Reproductive Medicine and sound judgment had played a major part in people’s lives including that of Dr. Ibrahim Wada.

After passing the key specialist exams Prof. Lieberman of the West African College of Surgeons, Dr. Wada decided to widen his horizon opportunity did not exist for us to visit. gamete, in vitro fertilization, surgical sperm and looked to England.

This was our routine until his time on retrieval egg and embryo cryopreservation and intra-uterine insemination. earth was up and he left quietly.

Telling his story, Wada recalled: The world’s first IVF baby was born in “During their visit to Nigeria the “Lieber“I arrived in England in the year 1986 Britain on July 25, 1978. This procedure is now at Addenbrooke Hospital in Cambridge man Building” at Nisa Premier Hospital widely available to women who, because of and then started the advanced learning Complex, Abuja, was dedicated to him infertility or other problems would otherwise processes that led me to Queen Elizabeth to which he personally cut the ribbon. be unable to conceive.

Hospital in King’s Lynn. It was after passing I think my life wouldn’t have been the Today, Manchester Fertility is one of the the examinations of the Royal College of same if my path didn’t cross Prof. Brian UK’s most reputed fertility clinics, not only Surgeons in 1988 that I started looking for Liebermann’s and I’m grateful to God that known for life-changing innovations and fertilopportunities to study and acquire skills it happened. Everything I knew that helped ity expertise, but also for their compassion in invitro fertilization which was a very me to overcome the obstacles towards IVF and patient focused dedication which has in Nigeria came from him. I hope that new subject then. helped over 5,000 babies be born.

“I was lucky that one of the places I his work continues. I am proud of the He not only had impacted lives with his applied was Manchester Fertility Ser- fact that this building here is named after skills but had also done a lot of research him and it will continue to bear his name vices owned and operated by Dr. Brian works that have helped others. Those works Liebermann and we spoke on the phone forever and ever as long as we will live,” include: Reducing the incidence of twins from before the interview and I had a good said Wada.

Dr. Wada emphasized that he would IVF treatments: Predictive modeling from a recommendation from my consultant in not be where he is today if not for Prof. retrospective cohort; Management of ovarian King’s Lynn. I think, I was very lucky that hyperstimulation following ovulation induction out of 99 applicants including the British, Lieberman’s immense contributions to with Buserelin; human menopausal gonadotropin; his training and skill acquisition. He also Indians and Africans, I was selected.

Gene expression analysis of a new source of “During the period of experience and encouraged him to return home and help human oocytes and embryos for research and millions of families/women with infertility training under him I did not relent. When human embryonic stem cell derivation, and the opportunity for a permanent stay at problems. He said a visit from Prof, was like Measurement of human chorionic gonadotropin Manchester’s Saint Mary Hospital and an understood encouragement and acceptance during early pregnancy: A comparison of two National Health Service post came up, that he had approved of his work in Nigeria. immunoradiometric assays; Altered sex ratios; he advised that I should apply. I applied “I had never seen a person work as hard, and Quality control in an in-vitro fertilization and got it, again we worked very well work as honestly, work as diligently, work laboratory: Use of human sperm survival and closely together and I kept saying I with so much focus as Prof. Liebermann. studies among others. Overtime, their relationmust go home and deliver the knowledge Even though he was in a high position, he ship developed which resulted in Dr. Wada was so simple, so down to earth. These are I had acquired to Nigeria. being among the pioneers of IVF in Nigeria.

“He supported me greatly with advice some of the attributes that I came home Lieberman had been a permanent source of and more trainings to the extent that when with; hard work, dedication, commitment, wisdom, advice and encouragement to him. an opportunity arose at Bourn Hall Clinic in quality, truthfulness, integrity, more hard “We have lost an icon and a truly great man.

Cambridge, he supported my going there as work and results”, Wada reminisced.

It’s been a day of sober reflection for me. He He consoled the bereaved family saying a consultant and that was a mind-blowing touched my life to touch thousands of lives place to work, an opportunity for even more the death of Dr. Lieberman is difficult for in Nigeria”, said Wada who is a recipient of experience, more command and control of him and he couldn’t imagine how difficult it the National Award of the Order of the Niger the field. I was there for two and half years must be for his family to bear such searing for his ground-breaking works in the field of and until my return to Nigeria. We were loss. He would draw strength from the invitro fertilization in medicine. in good contact all through my period in fact that he belongs to the Creator more This prompted him to set aside 25 February for Cambridge. Upon my return to Nigeria, I than he belongs here. staff at Nisa Premier Hospital to gather around Everyone present at the event sang: “For established an IVF treatment Centre which he was a jolly good fellow” to celebrate his the “Professor Brian Lieberman Building” to I kept him informed.” say a prayer and remember him, promising Greatly moved at the farewell procession life and death.

Dr Lieberman was a teacher, mentor and that he will live in their hearts forever. organized in honor of the deceased, Wada His photo will be proudly on display on the prayed that his soul Rest in Peace. He friend of Dr. Wada who was a Clinical Re- building for a long time to come, he promised. further said, he and his wife, Mrs. Rabi search Fellow from 1989-1990 in Reproductive A book of condolence which is being signed Wada were deeply touched by the life and Medicine at Manchester Fertility Services by Nisa and his well-wishers will be sent to founded by Dr. Lieberman and St. Mary’s death of the deceased.

Manchester to the family of the deceased “In 2002, Dr. Brian Liebermann and Hospital, Manchester where he practised when it’s completed. his wife visited my family in Abuja with as a Consultant Gynecologist.

The deceased is survived by wife, Mrs. He founded Manchester Fertility, United and that passage cemented the relationship Bernice Lieberman and son, between the two families. Whenever we Kingdom, in 1986 as a reproductive Dr ILan Lieberman, a Consultant Anaestraveled to England, we would visit them medical center providing treatment by thetist in the UK. or talk with them over the phone if the various techniques including the use donor

Chibuike Alagboso and Beti Baiye Starlink, the internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched in Nigeria three weeks ago with a lot of excitement and expectations. In a tweet, President Muhammadu Buhari noted that the new service would bring Nigeria’s internet penetration to 100%. This suggests that no matter where people are in Nigeria, they can, potentially access a reliable and fast internet service.

The internet has become an integral part of our lives, and almost every industry now relies on it to sell goods and provide services. The health sector has been heavily impacted by the wide proliferation of the internet enabling remote access to services that were previously only accessible in a health facility.

This has the potential to improve both physical and mental health. However, modern communication channels are less accessible to people in Nigeria’s rural areas, and according to the World Bank, as of 2021, an estimated 36.5% of the Nigerian population use the internet.

Universal access to the internet and its impact on health Nigeria, like other countries is taking action to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, however, issues such as inequitable access to health services, particularly for vulnerable populations, threatens the country’s ability to meet this goal. Now, Starlink and its promise to allow users the ability to connect from anywhere in the world is not a ‘panacea’ or universal solution to fix Nigeria’s challenges improving access to health services. However, if Nigeria were to capitalise on the benefits of the internet penetration potentially reaching 100%, it could bridge the access gap - particularly for health workers and patients in rural and hard-to-reach communities – by providing health workers easy access to medical research, guidelines, and training resources. It could also enable the more efficient storage of patient data, improving connectivity with other health facilities and more importantly, strengthen the referral process across the different structures of the healthcare system. Doctors would be able to conduct remote consultations and patient monitoring in hard-to-reach areas. Internet-based health education programmes and digital health tools could improve health literacy and empower people to take an active role in managing their health. This could improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health services, while also lowering costs and improving patient outcomes.

The possibilities, while not endless, are quite broad.

Here are five ways that access to fast and reliable internet could improve access to quality health services for vulnerable people, as well as those living in hard-to-reach areas.

(1) Remote access to telemedicine, telemonitoring and telepsychiatry Despite ongoing efforts at national and subnational levels to improve access to primary healthcare services, for people living in rural or hard-to-reach communities, access to quality care when needed remains a major challenge. Therefore, the option of internet enabled access to telemedicine, telemonitoring, and telepsychiatry services where health workers can offer more personalised care and quickly identify potential health issues before they become critical is especially beneficial.

People suffering from mental illness can also benefit from remote consultations and counselling from mental health professionals such as psychologists and therapists. This could help to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and improve access to mental health services.

(2) Improved storage of medical records Delayed access to a patient’s medical records can result in long wait times in hospitals and reduce the efficiency of referrals when patients must move from one facility to another.

Medical professionals can access and retrieve a patient’s records using Electronic Health Records (EHRs), which enables faster decision-making. This can be critical in an emergency.

EHRs also aid the storage, sharing, and analysis of patient data, which could also be used for diagnosis and improving the quality of health care delivery, enabled by the faster and more reliable internet service because data can be easily retrieved even in remote locations or when patients move from one state to another.

(3) Efficient human resources for health starts with capacity building The shortage of human resource for health is a significant challenge confronting Nigeria’s health system. While it is important to have an adequate number of health workers, it is also critical to ensure that they have proper training and are up to date with recent advancements in their respective fields. Organisations have leveraged digital technologies to improve the capacity of health workers, however one of the challenges they face is a reliable internet service to ensure access to training materials.

With access to a reliable internet service, regardless of their location, health workers can easily access training content. They can also receive mentorship and support from professionals anywhere in the world. t$VMMFE GSPN /JHFSJB )FBMUI 8BUDI NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

30

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Cross-border Securities Payments Get Boost as NGX, PAPSS Sign MoU Kayode Tokede

Cross-border securities transactions across African capital markets has received significant boost as Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and Pan African Payments Settlement System (PAPSS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to integrate the payments system into the capital markets.

The MoU, signed in a virtual ceremony, saw attendance from notable individuals including the President, Afreximbank, Professor Benedict Oramah and Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria, Mr Lamido Yuguda; Chairman, NGX, Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud, among others.

The CEO, NGX, Mr Temi Popoola while giving his remarks said that integrating PAPSS into the cross-border capital market framework will fix issues with

currency convertibility, reduce cost, shorten processing and settlement times and foster access to capital. “We hope that the success of this partnership will inspire other African nations to integrate with PAPSS to enable other member countries to benefit from improved efficiency.”

In his welcome remarks, the Chairman, NGX, Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud, stated that investors will enjoy a more efficient and cost-effective way of investing in African securities, thus promoting regional integration and boosting trade flows.

The CEO, PAPSS, Mike Ogbalu said, “With the signing of this MOU with our strategic partner NGX, we expect more transactions to flow into our system, but we also expect more Central Banks to join the PAPSS infrastructure to extend the reach to millions more with

the resultant positive impact on intra-African Trade.”

Oramah, whilst giving his remarks noted that PAPSS came about as recognition of the need to integrate payments for goods and services in Africa amid the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Yuguda stated that the signing of the agreement was a significant milestone in line with the revised Capital Market Masterplan adding that, “SEC will support all initiatives to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the capital market.” Expressing his optimism about the potentials of the initiative, the Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Umar Kwairanga said the agreement will open up new market opportunities to capital market operators across the continent.

MARKET INDICATORS

FSDH Partners Mitiget to Achieve Milestones Toward Digital Transformation Kayode Tokede Mitiget, an enterprise information security firm, recently implemented a comprehensive document management solution for FSDH Group to help accelerate its digital transformation and increase efficiency.

FSDH Group, which has built a reputation as a dependable and innovative provider of financial services in Nigeria over the years, is constantly deepening business lines and expanding its offerings through her subsidiaries.

It has already recognized the efficiencies, security, and cost savings made possible by the paperless culture instilled by the deployment of the Document Management system and the associated governance.

The CEO of Mitiget, Sunny Ukeachu in a statement said, “We are delighted to partner and collaborate with FSDH Group in delivering the innovative solution This solution is well-suited to a forward-thinking organization

like FSDH, which processes and stores a high volume of critical records weekly, has massive legacy documents, and is constantly looking for ways to improve and streamline its processes.

“By implementing this project through Mitiget, FSDH successfully addressed significantly the challenges associated with a cluttered document system. The scope of the project included the establishment of a functional records governance and the deployment of an electronic document management software (EDMS). For digital records, there is now a single source of truth, which simplifies search and retrieval while also improving business processes and security posture.”

Speaking on the new adoption, the Executive Director, Information Technology, Operations and Compliance; FSDH Merchant Bank, Taiwo Otiti said “Our partnership with Mitiget is very timely as we continuously push for the adoption of technology to

simplify our processes and improve service efficiency. With this, we can be sure that we have a platform that protects, and safeguards customer data, reiterating our promise to be a trusted partner on all fronts.

Adopting the Mitiget solution has enabled us to be more customer-centric, meet the stringent requirements of the document management process, such as access anywhere, at any time, and improve the efficiency of both internal and regulatory audits. This initiative is a critical component of FSDH’s digital transformation roadmap, and it has reduced the time required to handle paper-based processes while increasing productivity”.

While speaking with us, the Head of Admin, FSDH Merchant Bank, Sola Taiwo expressed excitement at the security of the documents saying, “All the files in offices and in drawers have been safely processed, digitized, and transferred to the archive where physical security and privacy is guaranteed.

RIF Trust Takes Second Citizenship, Residency

by Investment to Nigerian Investors Sunday Ehigiator RIF Trust, a part of the Latitude Group, a leading international residency and citizenship by investment advisory firm, has advised investors operating in the Nigerian space to take advantage of the ‘Residency

by Investment’ and ‘Second Citizenship’ programs provided by the company.

In a statement, the company said it is focused on helping Nigerian investors, entrepreneurs, and families secure second citizenship and residency through their Citizenship-by-Investment and Residency-by-Investment programmes.

“Freedom is important for investors seeking to diversify their wealth and tap into financial opportunities in other markets, whether through setting up businesses, investing in

physical assets, or participating in financial products in other countries.

“The benefits of freedom are endless, and unlocking global mobility is the key to accessing these possibilities.

However, for non-citizens, accessing lifestyle-enhancing services, financial opportunities, and residency can be subject to complex regulations and is best navigated with the help of expert advisors.

“Citizenship-by-Investment is a way to obtain dual citizenship in a country through a legal process. The government grants citizenship in exchange for a monetary investment, allowing investors and their families to live, work, and study in the country permanently while maintaining ties to their home country.

“On the other hand, Residency-by-Investment

provides foreign investors with the right to reside in the country in return for an investment. This often leads to a pathway for permanent residency if certain conditions are met.

“Both programs offer Nigerian investors and High Net-worth Individuals (HNIs) and their families global mobility, lifestyle benefits, wealth diversification, quality education, and financial security.

“RIF Trust is known for its S.M.I.L.E approach, which has helped over 4,500 clients procure residency and citizenship in countries such as Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Malta, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St Lucia.

The firm works closely with clients to provide bespoke solutions and operates in various countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, the USA, UAE, and the UK.”

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) AUGUST 2022 Money Supply (M3)

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 10 JANUARY, 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $82.78 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $81.86 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), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela)

31

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, Ͱ˜ ͰͮͰͱ

MARKET NEWS

Investors Lose N162bn as Stock Market Commence March on Negative Note Kayode Tokede Investors on the stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday lost N162billion as trading commenced for the month of March 2023 on decline note. The market capitalisation dropped to N30.239trillion from N30.401 trillion, while the NGX All Share Index (ASI) fell by 297.65 basis points, representing a decrease of 0.53 per cent to close at 55,508.61 points from

55,806.26 basis points it closed for trading in February.

However, market breadth closed positive as 30 stocks gained relative to 12 decliners. Veritas Kapital Assurance recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at 22 kobo, per share. Ardova Plc (AP) followed with a gain 9.76 per cent to close at N18.55, while Wema Bank gained 8.75 per cent to close at N4.35, per share.

The Initiates Plc (TIP) appreci-

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

ated by 8.33 per cent to close at 52 kobo, while Geregu Power gained 8.20 per cent to close at N298.10, per share.

On the other hand, John Holt led the losers’ chart by 9.66 per cent to close at N1.59, per share.

ETI followed with a decline of 7.69 per cent to close at N12.00, while Airtel Africa declined by 5.25 per cent to close at N1,535.00, per share.

United Capital shed 3.91 per cent to close at N14.75, while FTN

Cocoa processors shed 3.45 per cent to close at 28 kobo, per share.

Meanwhile the total volume of trades rose by 138.57 per cent to 565.823 million units, valued at N6.579 billion, and exchanged in 4,340 deals. Transactions in the shares of Capital Hotel topped the activity chart with 333.236 million shares valued at N2.333 billion. Transnational Corporation followed with 47.893 million shares worth N67.002 million, while Guaranty Trust Holding

S E C U R I T I E S

T R A D E D

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

Company (GTCO) traded 46.626 million shares valued at N1.258 billion.

Oando traded 19.977 million shares valued at N102.326 million, while Access Holdings transacted 19.417 million shares worth N186.210 million.

According to capital market analysts, the stock market has rallied significantly in consecutive months, raising fears of an over-extended market, saying “we expect sustained bullish senti-

AS O F

ments as we anticipate downbeat money market yields till Q2, 2023. Technical indicators point to a more significant downside potential for equities.

“We consider buying equities a ‘riskier’ rather than a ‘wrong’ strategy while favouring reducing portfolio exposures as the ideal approach. Equity stakeholders can look to book profits off stocks that have crossed the overbought region, as the RSI indicates.”

0 1 / 0 3 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

32

GAMINGWEEK

Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG | ikotibok@gmail.com | Tel: 08114495324

Increasing Visibility of Women in the Gaming Industry On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that women are making a deliberate incursion into the gaming industry

FOR ECAST

Real Face Barca Seeking to Reach First Copa Del Rey Final in 9 years

Davidson Abraham

F

orget the random housewife given a bad name for expending the family housekeeping allowance on chasing the (sometimes elusive) big win in sports betting, women are making a deliberate incursion into gaming as bettors and operators.

Previously, all aspects of gaming, particularly those involving betting, were seen as activities for men. This perception is still prevailing. Anywhere that betting activity is taking place is usually more populated by men. The few women, if at all, are mostly involved in administrative duties.

These places are sometimes filled with unfriendly roughnecks who do not often provide women comfort and peace of mind.

A recent survey by gambling. com expertly reviews and compares gambling services to identify the best-regulated operators and reveals that the number of online women sports bettors is on the rise. Lauren

Westerfield, Vice-President of Online Gaming at Casino Queen, said there are now 4.6 million active women sports bettors – an increase of 115 per cent over the last year.

While there is no empirical evidence to reach a similar conclusion in Nigeria, what is indisputable is that women are becoming better positioned in the operational and administrative side of gaming.

For instance, Bimpe Akingba holds sway as Executive Secretary of the umbrella trade group of sports betting companies, the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (ANB). Her enduring struggle for a better-regulated industry has been noticed outside the country. She was nominated as one of IGB’s Most Influential Women in 2022. At the recent #icelondon2023, she wrote on her LinkedIn Page that she was privileged to share the global stage with some phenomenal industry leaders and that this afforded her an opportunity to talk about #diversityandinclusion within the

gaming industry from her personal experience. Akingba, a lawyer, entered the gaming industry as a legal/compliance executive to one of the leading operators.

She is one of the best-recognised Nigerians by Global Gaming Women.

Sitting at a vantage position as Director, BetWinner Nigeria is Maha Otu, who has a very rich experience, having served in different executive positions with various gaming industry operators.

There is Zuma J. Oladele-Alabi, the legal counsel (gaming) and regulatory/compliance professional for NairaBet. Gift Tuadibofa operates in a similar capacity at BetBonanza. Spread across the different sports betting companies are smart and intelligent women who can hold their own against the best from any part of the world.

In the eSports and gaming sector, Eniola Edun has made a name for herself as Co-founder of Gamr.

Advertising and marketing around gaming usually focus on sports, particularly football stars.

Apparently, the sales drive that may appeal to women is when the brand ambassador is a musician.

For instance, one of the raves of the moment in Nigerian music currently who is not a favourite to many young women is Asake, brand ambassador to Pragmatic Play. Arguably, more women may be attracted to gaming if gaming companies consider female celebrities as their brand ambassadors.

The quest for diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry has a huge concern for women.

Conversations around this subject are on the front burner at various national, continental and global fora. In the years ahead, as more women continue to record significant success in the gaming industry, it will be clear concerned that women are out to make a mark in the gaming industry.

On Thursday, Real Madrid will welcome Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabeu for the third El Clasico of the season as they hope to reach their first Copa Del Rey Final since 2014. It will be a tight and unpredictable game, as with most Clasicos. Real Madrid come into this tie with more confidence thanks to their six-game unbeaten streak (five wins, one draw). Comparatively, Barca Come into the game with just one win in their last four games.

Madrid is expected to win or at least avoid defeat.

Napoli and Borussia Dortmund will host Lazio and RB Leipzig, respectively, on Friday. Thanks to their impressive forms, the two home sides are expected to

DATE

triumph in both games. While Benfica, who have won their last six league games, are expected to beat Famalicao.

On Saturday, Champions Man City, table toppers Arsenal and the struggling Chelsea will all be in action against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Leeds, respectively. Manchester City, who face a bigger task, should win or draw at the very least if there are no surprises, while Chelsea and Arsenal are expected to win their games. In the Championship, Burnley will look to grab all three points when they visit Blackpool.

Elsewhere in Germany, Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich are expected to beat Stuttgart away from home, while Union Berlin should win or draw when they host Cologne.

FIXTURE

BETTING TIPS

Thu 2-3-2023

Real Madrid Vs Barcelona

Over 1.5

Fri 3-3-2023

Napoli Vs Lazio Borussia Dortmund Vs Leipzig Benfica Vs Famalicao

1 Over 1.5

Sat 4-3-2023

Man City Vs Newcastle

Over1.5

Sat 4-3-2023

Arsenal Vs Bournemouth

1

Sat 4-3-2023

Chelsea Vs Leeds

1x

Sat 4-3-2023

Burnley Vs BlackPool

1

Sat 4-3-2023

Stuttgart Vs Bayern

2

Sat 4-3-2023

Union Berlin Vs Cologne

1x

Fri 3-3-2023 Fri 3-3-2023

1

Africa Records High Number of Gamers PROMO!!!

Two manga-like avatars lock swords against a comic strip backdrop as Alexander Poone explains the different worlds of ‘The Traveller’ -- a video game based on a graphic novel.

The 27-year-old from Johannesburg is showcasing his creation at the annual Africa Games Week taking place in Cape Town.

Organisers of the continent’s largest gathering of game developers aim to help the gaming industry meet the demand for African-made content and boost the potential of local talent.

Most of the games on the market are from America, Europe and Japan, but African content is negligible, said Poone.

There’s “a lot of content that is new and not been fully explored yet,” said Poone, founder of Dream Shards.

The hybrid event opened on Wednesday and will run through Friday, attracting some 2,500 developers, coders, designers, investors, and publishers, with 600 attending in person.

Event co-founder Nick Hall said

a lot of publishers say they want African-made content.

‘ONE BILLION GAMERS’

“There’s a huge opportunity.

Now is ...the best time really to be making games or trying to get into the games industry because we’re hoping in the next few years we’re going to see a massive spike in growth,” he said.

Burdened with poverty and infrastructure problems such as unreliable telecoms and electricity supply, Africa traditionally lagged far behind other continents in gaming.

But recent years have seen an extraordinary boom — gamers in sub-Saharan Africa increased to 186 million in 2021 from 77 million in 2015, according to a study by game analytics company Newzoo.

Of those 186 million, 63 million pay for games as the continent embraces digital currencies.

Nine-five per cent of the market is on mobiles, reflecting the continent’s improved Internet access and affordable smartphones.

Previously, many Africans got their virtual fix on computers in internet cafés.

Africa, along with China and India, is expected to surpass a billion gamers, and the continent is home to the industry’s “last untapped consumer audience,” Hall said.

He predicts that Africa could reach one billion users in the next five years.

Hall said that large developers, such as streamers or YouTubers, need to work with local content creators to cash in on Africa’s gaming boom.

South Africa is by far the continent’s largest gaming market, with 40 per cent of its population playing, followed by Ghana and

Nigeria. And a lot more are upcoming.

‘NEW EL DORADO’

Central African Republic-born Teddy Kossoko founded Masseka Game Studio based in Europe and creates games telling stories of African cultures and history.

Despite lacking resources to train African youngsters to become professional gamers, he is highly optimistic.

“For me, the future of this industry, and not only this industry, is in Africa — it’s the new El Dorado,” he said. “Centuries ago, there was a gold rush in America.

Today, I believe this gold rush is happening here on the African continent, and we (Africans) have to be first.”

Source: AfricaNews

ADVISORY: +18 PERSONS UNDER 18 MUST NOT PARTICIPATE IN BETTING, GAMING OR LOTTERY ACTIVITY

50 MOST

INFLUENTIAL PERSONALITIES IN GAMING Keep a date on Thursday, March 30, 2023 as Gaming Week reveals across the gaming spectrum, the ladies and gentlemen who turn the wheel.

GAMINGWEEK TEAM Nseobong Okon-Ekong ikotibok@gmail.com | 08114495324 John Bamidele amostogun@yahoo.com | 08022212236 Akeem Lasisi lasaisai@yahoo.com | 08023687884 Vanessa Obioha vaysylver@gmail.com | 08069838305 Davidson Abraham davisiano.adm@gmail.com | +971 56 744 6013

33

THURSDAY, ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

CIVIL SOCIETY PROTEST ELECTION IRREGULARITIES...

Members of Citizens Unit for Democracy (CUfD) and others CSO groups in a peaceful protest against the irregularities in the just concluded 2023 presidential elections at the Unity Fountain in Abuja PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN ...yesterday

NLC to Aggrieved Political Parties: Challenge Your Defeat in Court Ugo Aliogo The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has urged aggrieved political parties in the just concluded presidential and National Assembly (NASS) elections to challenge their cases in the court.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, stated this yesterday when he led national executives of the congress on a visit to the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) office in Lagos.

He said losers in the elections have the right to seek redress in court or even protest if they think that the contest was not transparent, free and fair.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, had yesterday, announced Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as Nigeria’s president-elect from the February 25, polls.

Some political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) had rejected

the outcome of the election. The political parties alleged that the poll was rigged in favour of Tinubu, who secured 8,794,726 votes to defeat Atiku Abubakar (PDP), and Peter Obi (LP), who garnered 6,984,520, and 6,101,533 votes to place second and third positions, respectively.

Speaking further, Ajaero said: “The elections have come and gone. If you ask me, the courts are there for people to take their grievances to. People can equally protest if they don’t like what is happening, they can adopt any

legal measure.”

He lauded the performance of Labour Party candidates, scoring them high in the presidential and National Assembly elections, stressing that Labour now has a voice in the National Assembly.

According to the NLC president, “The deliberations on the floor of the National Assembly will be robust as the candidates will contribute to improve the welfare of the masses.

“The Labour Party candidates have performed creditably; they have come up to be the voice of

Imo, Rivers Presidential Election Results Inconsistent with Our Observations, Yiaga Africa Reveals Decries non-transmission of results electronically Chuks Okocha in Abuja Despite the declaration of former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu as president-elect in the 2023 presidential election, Yiaga Africa, a pro-democracy and election monitoring outfit has called faulted the results from Imo and Rivers States, saying they were inconsistent with its observation.

Addressing a press conference to collaborate or dispute the presidential election results released

by INEC, Dr. Aisha Abdullahi and Samson Itodo, Executive Director, Yiaga Africa said: "The state-level presidential results for Imo and Rivers are inconsistent with Yiaga Africa WTV projections for both states.

"For Rivers, INEC announced 231,591 votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) or 44.2 per cent; 175,071 for Labour Party (LP) or 33.4 per cent; and 88,468 for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or 16.9 per cent.

“This is in sharp contrast to the Yiaga Africa WTV estimates for Rivers which are: APC 21.7 per cent ± five per cent; for LP 50.8 per cent ±10.6 per cent; and for PDP 22.2 per cent ±6.5 per cent.

"For Imo, INEC announced 66,406 for APC or 14.2 per cent; 360,495 for LP or 77.1 per cent, and 30,234 for PDP or 6.5 per cent. Again, this is at variance with the Yiaga Africa WTV estimates for Imo which are: APC 5.1% ±2.3%; LP - 88.1 per cent ±3.8 per cent; and PDP 5.7 per cent ±2.3 per cent," they said.

Yiaga Africa said that the position

statement was based on reports from 1,454 to 1,507 (97%) sampled polling units in Nigeria.

However, Yiaga Africa commended INEC for producing sensitive materials locally including the early deployment of materials to the states.

Notwithstanding, it said, "Despite this action, the election day process was fraught with widespread logistical challenges resulting in the late arrival of polling officials and late opening of polling stations across the country particularly in the south-east and south-south geopolitical zones.

"Due to logistical challenges, some polling units failed to open on election day. Yiaga Africa redeployed observers to 20 of its 1,507 sampled polling units affected by logistical hiccups on Saturday, February 25, 2023. Observers reported that INEC failed to redeploy and conduct elections in 13 (less than 1%) of sampled polling units "Voting was extended to the late hours in some polling units affected by logistical hiccups. Yiaga Africa commends the voters who waited patiently to vote late into the night and to watch the counting of the ballots in the early hours of the morning.

"In the course of the election, Yiaga Africa expressed concerns about the delay in uploading polling unit results for the presidential election on the INEC Election Results Viewing Portal (IReV).

"As of today, only 73 per cent of the polling unit-level results have been uploaded. Undoubtedly, the

delay in uploading the polling unit-level results cast doubts on the credibility of the results management process resulting in broken public trust in electoral technology.”

They added: "Yiaga Africa notes that the delayed upload of the results on the IReV is a flagrant disregard of INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines, and it failed."

The pro-democracy group lamented that it was wondering why, "Other African countries successfully employ technology. Nigeria cannot be an exception especially when citizens supported INEC’s decision to deploy technology during the reform process.

"Notably, INEC’s IReV system did not work for the presidential election as expected. Incremental reforms have failed to inspire confidence in the electoral commission and the electoral process.

“Inconsistent presidential state results for Imo and Rivers make abundantly clear drastic steps are now needed and INEC must be fundamentally reformed.

"INEC must have authority over its state structures and have ultimate responsibility for the conduct of elections," Yiaga Africa stated.

Yiaga Africa stated further, "These polling units were distributed across Adamawa, Taraba, Jigawa, Katsina, Anambra, Imo, Cross River and Delta states. INEC’s inability to conduct elections in those polling units denied voters the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

"The creation of additional polling units was a positive and longneeded step by INEC. However,

the implementation failed to address overcrowding. As a result, there were polling units with fewer than 10 registered voters and others with over 10,000.

“Some voters who were migrated to new polling units experienced difficulties locating their respective polling units.", the Yiaga Africa said.

Yiaga Africa condemned cases of violence and disruption of the voting and results collation process by thugs and hoodlums, especially the violence targeted at National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members and INEC staff, saying, "these cases of violence undermine Nigeria’s electoral reform project."

Furthermore, Yiaga Africa added: "In the respective geo-political zones, only 46 per cent of polling units in the north-central zone, 46 per cent of polling units in the north-east zone, 44 per cent of polling units in the north-west, and 63 per cent of polling units in the south-west zone had commenced accreditation and voting.

“There were even more pronounced delays in the south-east and south-south zones, where only 11 per cent of polling units in the south-east zone and 32 per cent of polling units in the south-south zone had commenced.

"As anticipated in Yiaga Africa’s pre-election report, voters encountered difficulties with locating polling units assigned to them by INEC following the migration of voters to polling units. Some voters didn't receive the SMS notification sent by INEC which created confusion in some polling units," Yiaga Africa said.

the masses in the National Assembly.

The Labour Party would be reorganised to take over leadership in the country. I am calling on workers to be patient.

“Labour Party performed creditably well in the presidential election. We have more Labour Party candidates elected into the National Assembly. We trust and believe that the candidates will prove themselves. We now have a voice in the Assembly.”

In another development, the NLC President said following the planned concession of 17 airports under the management of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the NLC had warned that nobody could take over the aviation industry without following the due process.

The federal government plans to unbundle aviation regulations and concession 17 airports.

Reacting to the challenges facing

the aviation industry, Ajaero said the issue of concession cannot be done without paying entitlement of workers.

He urged the workers not to listen to whoever wants to take over the industry, saying such move was a joke.

“Don’t panic about the concession of the airport, whatever they have done now is void ab-initio. As the minister in charge of aviation and essential service, he should be careful and sensitive with the challenges of the industry,” he said.

The NLC President also said there was need for Nigeria to have a national carrier, saying the nation cannot depend on the foreign carriers.

Earlier, the General Secretary of Association Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Saidu Rasaq complained of bad management of the industry.

Abia South: Ikpeazu Kicks against Abaribe’s Victory Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for declaring the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe as the winner of the Abia South senatorial poll.

INEC had initially declared the Abia South senatorial election held on February 25, 2023 inconclusive but allegedly, later declared the results on Tuesday, at the Constitution Crescent Primary School, Aba. The returning officer, Prof.

Georgina Ugwuanyi, had said Abaribe, the incumbent Abia South Senator scored 49,692 while the Labour Party candidate, Chinedu Onyeizu took the second position with 43,903 votes.

According to the returning officer, Ikpeazu came a distant third after scoring 28,422 votes.

But the Abia State Governor, who spoke through the PDP senatorial collation agent, Charles Esonu, described the declared poll result as "a charade and brazen display of partiality".

Ikpeazu expressed shock that INEC which had earlier confirmed that elections were not conducted

in 108 polling units in Obingwa, Aba South and Abia North local governments, still went ahead to award victory despite protests from party agents.

He said the 108 polling units where election did not hold have total voting population of over 200, 000 which is more than the votes scored by the parties.

According to him, over 50,000 supporters of the PDP could not cast their votes due to the non-provision and late arrival of electoral materials in most of the polling units in the six local governments of the constituency.

Ikpeazu further alleged that the PDP agents vehemently complained over, "the manipulation of election results and bypass of BIVAS," but were ignored by INEC officials.

He stated that his camp was unaware of the results of the five local governments used in declaring the result, otherwise, "we would have been able to scrutinise what they brought in."

Ikpeazu added: "There were several mutilations on the result from Aba South Local Government.

They also cancelled many units in Aba South, while elections could not be held in the 108 polling units in 13 electoral wards of Aba South, Aba North and Obingwa LGAs due to non-provision and late arrival of electoral materials."

34

THURSDAY, ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

CAN MEDIA BRIEFING...

L- R: Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Christian Religion, Bukola Adeleke; Vice Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria; Lagos, Rev. Simeon Adekeye; Chairman, CAN Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite and National Convener, Progressive Christian Clerics Council of Nigeria, Pastor Timothy Ademola, during a media briefing held by CAN Lagos... yesterday

Osinbajo Canvasses International Community's Support for AU, ECOWAS Stance against Coups Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has canvassed the support of the international community towards the stance of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against illegal takeover of governments in the continent.

Speaking in Abuja, while playing

audience to a delegation from the Network of African Parliamentarians for Defence and Security Committees who were in Nigeria for the group’s 7th extra-ordinary session, Osinbajo emphasised the stance of leaders in the continent on the choice of democratic governance as against military juntas and urged international organisations to join ECOWAS and the African Union

APC Targets 24 Constituency Seats in March 11 Edo Assembly Election Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said it was intensifying efforts to ensure the party claims all the 24 seats in the state house of assembly election slated for Saturday, March 11, 2023.

The party Chairman, David Imuse, said this in Benin City, following the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner of the last Saturday’s presidential election.

Imuse, who expressed confidence that the president-elect, with his wealth of experiences, would be the best Nigeria has ever had, noted that the party was optimistic of victory in the forthcoming State House of Assembly elections.

According to him, "The struggle continues ahead of March 11. We

just had the national elections and what we are heading to is the local elections. We are hopeful that we will get the 24 seats in the state house of assembly.”

Imuse, therefore, assured that Tinubu's "Renewed Hope" manifesto would come to fruition across all sectors, saying that the expectations among Nigerians was quite high.

According to him, "We are optimistic that by the time he completes his first term, Nigeria will not be the same."

He, however, pointed out that though the presidential race was very stressful, the losers should imbibe the culture of democracy and accept loss in good faith.

"Bola Tinubu was the most prepared and he didn't become president-elect by accident, he planned for it," he added.

in rejecting coups in Africa.

According to him, “I think the work that you are doing is one that is very important indeed. We have seen insurgencies in the Sahel, in our part of the country and the whole of Africa. Since 2017, (more than) 12 coups in Africa, that is terrible, especially when we thought that we have recovered from the era of coups deta’t, all of a sudden, we find a rash of coups deta’t here and there.

“But I am glad that the subregional response here in West Africa, and the AU have been strong, forthright, united and we have all condemned coups d’ etat and have taken positive actions against coups.

“We have introduced sanctions, we have reached out to other international organisations, to countries in the global north, we have insisted that they must join us in saying no to coups and undemocratic governments.

“And I think that your work has

given a lot of fillip to the work that the executive all over the continent are doing.”

The vice president also stated that defence collaboration and information sharing among African countries must be accorded priority because security was not only local, but an international issue that transcends regional and sub-regional borders.

He said, “not only do we recognise that security is a local issue, but it is also an international issue, it affects all of us and our borders, in West Africa, for instance, all our borders, indeed all of Africa.

“The network is one that has also demonstrated the importance of defence and security on the continent.

I think that it is more so because we realise that a fundamental issue to the existence of our countries is security.”

Osinbajo further said, “if we do no secure our people and our territories, that means we (those of us in elective positions) have failed

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 2 in last Saturday’s elections, Lere Olayinka, has called for the immediate resignation of the party's National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu and the entire members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

He described Ayu as, "a bad manager whose arrogance caused the PDP loss in the presidential election."

Olayinka, who said it was painful that the PDP lost an election it could have won so easily, said, "rather than stooping to conquer by giving concessions, including sacrificing their positions so that everyone can be brought together to face

the elections, almighty National Chairman, Senator Dr Chief Iyorchia Ayu and his cohorts were acting like they already had results of the presidential election in their pockets."

The statement issued in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, read: "I am pained, so pained. I am pained because once again, my party, the PDP has lost yet, another opportunity to return to power.

"I am most pained because the same people who wrecked the PDP in 2015, have finally decimated the party owing to their arrogance.

"Zone the presidency to the south in accordance with the principle power rotation as enshrined in the PDP constitution, they refused obviously because of their desire to satisfy the ambition of a single individual.

"Reach out to those who were

continent.

On his part, the second Vice President of the network, Hon. Jimmy Smith, a Liberian parliamentarian, also thanked the Vice President for always identifying with the group, especially in carrying out its activities.

He paid glowing tributes to Nigeria, particularly for ensuring peace and stability in Liberia and other parts of Africa, noting that “I tell you, we (Liberia) owe everything to Nigeria, Africa cannot succeed especially in security without Nigeria.

Thank you for what you continue to do for Africa.”

Hon. Smith commended the government and people of Nigeria for maintaining the peace during the conduct of the Presidential elections, noting that “we see what is going on today with over 94 million people going to the polls to vote, we acknowledge the challenges and we hope that you have a peaceful transition.”

Zulum Approves Another N1 Billion for Reconstruction of Burnt Maiduguri Market Governor Babagana Umara Zulum yesterday approved another N1 billion for reconstruction work to start at the Maiduguri Monday Market which was engulfed by a fire disaster in the early hours of Sunday.

According to a statement

yesterday, Zulum’s approval was announced by the Secretary to Borno State Government, Usman Jidda Shuwa, during the inauguration of a committee that would coordinate all matters relating to the market fire incident.

The governor on Monday,

Ayu's Arrogance Caused PDP’s Defeat, He Should Resign, Says PDP Reps Candidate Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

our people. It is important indeed that this network exists in Africa.

“I am especially excited that a network such as this exists because those of us in the executive arm see the challenges every day, the different challenges that are posed to us and posed to our countries and our continent.”

Earlier in his remarks, the outgoing President-General of the network, and a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Sha’aban Sharadan, said the group was at the State House, Abuja, on a solidarity visit to acquaint President Muhammadu Buhari of activities marking its seventh extra-ordinary session and the investiture of its incoming executives.

He thanked Osinbajo for his personal commitment and support for the Network, and the federal government for supporting its activities, especially in coordinating the activities of parliamentary defence and security committees across the

aggrieved and bring everyone on board, they refused because they believed that they had assurance from certain quarters that electoral victory will be awarded to them even before the election.”

The statement added: "Rather than stooping to conquer by giving concessions, including sacrificing their positions so that everyone can be brought together to face the elections, almighty National Chairman, Senator Dr. Chief Iyorchia Ayu and his cohorts were acting like they already had results of the presidential election in their pockets.

"They were telling everybody, including those who have stood solidly with the party to go to hell!

"Now that the reality of a bad and arrogant manager beckons on the PDP, who will join in the cry? Those they said meant nothing or those

they already penciled down to be dealt with by the Atiku presidency?

"Sad that some the people who went to APC in 2015, and caused PDP to lose power came back to the party and acted so arrogantly to cause it another defeat in an election it could have won so easily.

"With results of the election, now imagine Peter Obi and Musa Kwankwaso in the PDP. Imagine Peter Obi as the presidential candidate and Kwankwaso as his running mate.

"Imagine votes from Rivers, Oyo, Benue, Enugu and Abia States adding to the PDP votes.

"Now that arrogant Ayu and his cohorts in the NWC have wrecked the PDP, methinks that by now, they should be at the National Secretariat of the party, packing their personal belongings.

presented a cheque of N1 billion to be distributed to victims to serve as emergency relief pending other measures by government.

The SSG during the inauguration read a speech on behalf of Zulum.

Part of the speech stated: “As a responsible and responsive government, we cannot fold our hands and let the situation be as it is, but rise to our responsibilities and do the needful to salvage the situation for the betterment of our people.

“I'd been making frantic efforts in providing palliative to boost their resilience. In this connection, I made some commitments which include the constitution of this high-powered committee, I have also approved the sum of N1 billion for immediate disbursement to the victims for the upkeep of their families.

“I have approved another N1 billion for commencement of reconstruction works at the market,” Zulum was quoted to have said by the SSG. The 23-member committee inaugurated comprised Engr. Zarami Dungus as the Chairman of the committee.

“The committee also include Chairman 8 Joint Forum Monday Market, the Chairman Traders Association, One Representative each from the 60 Pillars, Rep. Office of the SSG. While General Manager, Monday Market serves as secretary of the committee,” it added.

According to the statement, the governor also spelt out nine specific terms of reference for the committee.

Some of them included: “To appraise and determine the immediate and remote causes of the fire as well as the factors responsible for its wild untrollable nature, engulfing the entire market and establishing whether it was the result of arson or accident.

“To meticulously assess and ascertain whether or not there are specific individuals who may be directly or indirectly responsible for the incident and apportion blame appropriately.

“To thoroughly examine the magnitude of the fire and the extent of the damage caused to physical structures and assess/determine the type of and amount of relief assistance to the affected victims of the fire disaster.

“To accurately compile and determine the actual number of persons who suffered losses as a result of the fire and establish the quantity/amount of property each individual lost to the fire disaster.

“To carefully examine the original master plan of the market and determine whether or not alterations have been made over the years to accommodate more traders and the extent to which such alteration contributed to the uncontainable nature of the fire.”

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NEWS

YIAGA AFRICA PRESS CONFERENCE ON 2023 ELECTION...

L-R: Director Programs Yiaga Africa, Cyntia Mbamalu; Board member, Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, and Executive Director, Samson Itodo, during a press conference on the outcome of the 2023 general elections PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN in Abuja...yesterday

Osinbajo: Tinubu’s Qualities, Sincerity to Progressive Ideals Needed Now Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, congratulated Presidential Candidate of the ruling All Progres-

sives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, as the winner of the 2023 presidential poll, saying his qualities and sincerity to progressive ideals were much needed at this time.

"I warmly congratulate the flagbearer of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his victory at the 2023

Presidential Elections, and his declaration as President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I also congratulate His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, on his declaration

ACF to Tinubu: Be Leader of All Nigerians John Shiklam in Kaduna The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has congratulated President-

elect Bola Tinubu for emerging victorious in the February 25, presidential election.

In a statement yesterday in

Kaduna, Secretary General of the forum, Murtala Aliyu, however, urged Tinubu to ignore the voting pattern that gave him victory and

Gbajabiamila Celebrates Tinubu, Urges Opposition to Concede Udora Orizu in Abuja Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated President-elect, Bola Tinubu, on his victory in the just concluded presidential poll.

Gbajabiamila, in a statement, said Tinubu’s victory was a testament to his years of hard work, building bridges across the country, tenacity, and belief in Nigeria's unity.

Describing Tinubu’s victory as a victory for democracy, Gbajabiamila noted that the president-elect fought a good fight and gave a good account of himself as always, adding that as a courageous, dogged, and determined democrat, Tinubu weathered the storm and emerged victorious against all odds.

He expressed optimism that Tinubu would deliver on the mandate given to him by Nigerians going by his track record and called on the candidates of the opposition parties to put Nigeria first and concede defeat, adding that the

Tinubu that he had known for decades would be magnanimous in victory.

"The victory of the presidentelect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a victory for democracy. I have said time and again that Tinubu is the best for Nigeria at this time, and God has answered our prayers.

Since the beginning of the journey, we were convinced that Nigerians would vote for him because he did it before and he will do it for the country. Today, Lagos is what it is courtesy of Tinubu’s vision. With Asiwaju's victory, Nigeria will witness unprecedented development,” he said.

ECOWAS Congratulates Tinubu, Sues for Peace Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, has congratulated president-elect Bola Ahmed on his victory at last weekend’s poll.

In a congratulatory message, yesterday, the Commission said: “On behalf of His Excellency General Umaru Sissoco Embalo, Chair of the ECOWAS Authority

of Heads of State and Government and the entire ECOWAS Leadership, we wish to convey our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“His Excellency, General Embalo appeals to all the stakeholders to promote peace and to use constitutional means to address any grievances they may have.”

Wase: Only S’Court Can Change Outcome, Congratulates Tinubu Udora Orizu in Abuja The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Idris Wase, has congratulated President-elect Bola Tinubu on his victory in last Saturday's presidential election, saying only the Supreme Court can change the outcome of the election.

Wase, who spoke at plenary on behalf of APC lawmakers, while reacting to a lawmaker, who hinted that the opposition might challenge the outcome of the polls, advised aggrieved losers to head to Court instead of mobilising people to go out on the street and protest.

Commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on what he said was a job well done, the Deputy Speaker ap-

pealed to his colleagues to continue to pacify their constituents and ensure there was stability ahead of the gubernatorial election.

"We want to appreciate every Nigerian who’s truly for democracy and supporting democracy for the calmness, show of love and to Bola Tinubu for winning the presidency.

We are Democrats we are happy with the turn of things. We thank INEC for a good job that they have done.

“My brother (referring to a lawmaker) for believing in the process that the only one that can change the narration is the Supreme Court and Appellate Court. I believe we should follow that line instead of telling people to go out on the street.

Thank you very much. We should adjourn so we can go back to the

trenches and ensure credible election again takes place by supporting our various candidates.”

be leader of all Nigerians.

“In offering our congratulations to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the winner of this (Presidential) election, we hasten to remind him that he does not have all that much time to redeem his pledge to become a leader and unifier of all Nigerians.

“ACF welcomes his promise to run an inclusive government made in his acceptance speech. To become a leader of all Nigerians requires him to ignore the voting pattern that brings him to power and treat the entire country as one big family. This is more so because no nation thrives through the victory of its factions but by ultimate reconciliation,” the statement said.

The ACF noted that in spite of the generally positive comments by observers, this election exercise did not pass off without hitches as there were some errors, noticeable ineptitude and avoidable lapses especially on the part of officials at all levels.

as Vice President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," he said.

According to a release issued by his media aide, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo stated that, "In your previous years of public service, you have demonstrated a consistent fidelity to progressive and welfarist ideals, and an ability to build bridges across several divides.

"These attributes are needed especially at this time, to reach out to disaffected sections of our

Abiodun: Tinubu’s Victory Shows Nigerians Still Love APC Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling APC, saying the outcome of the elections has shown that Nigerians were still in love with the party.

Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, said all the major parties ran a very fierce campaign in the build up to the February 25 elections, but that the people finally spoke by electing Asiwaju Tinubu as the next president of Nigeria.

While felicitating with all the elected APC National Assembly

Political and community leaders in President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state in Katsina,have continued to pour into his private residence in Daura to express their happiness, following the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the country’s next president.

Receiving Masari and the Emir of Daura, Dr. Umar Faruk Umar, who led members of their cabinets on separate visits, Buhari, in a statement issued

members, particularly in Ogun State, he added that now that the election was over, everybody must come together to chart a way forward for the country, saying every hand must be on the deck to build a virile and more unified nation.

While hailing the INEC for conducting a free, fair and credible poll and allowing the will of the majority of Nigerians to prevail, he charged members of the opposition to see and accept the result of the presidential election as the true wish of the people, as statesmen, democrats and in the spirit of sportsmanship.

Sanwo-Olu: With Tinubu, New Chapter Beckons in African Leadership Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the nation’s democracy has recorded another major victory, following the emergence of his predecessor and leader, Bola Tinubu as President-elect in the just concluded presidential election.

Sanwo-Olu, while reacting to the announcement of the presidential election results by INEC, said Tinubu contested and won a fiercely-fought democratic battle, stressing that the victory reflected Tinubu’s belief in deepening democracy in the country.

The governor said the choice offered the citizens to pick their leaders in peaceful electoral process further

confirmed democracy as the only credible means of attaining power, with the people at the centre of the struggle.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Asiwaju has worked tirelessly in the past two decades to deepen democracy in Nigeria, building bridges across the length and breadth of the country.

His political credentials, which are a product of his many years of genuine investment in human and national development, have played critical roles in giving him the national spread and endeared him to millions of Nigerians.

“Asiwaju’s decades of political

Masari, Emir, Others Storm Daura to Congratulate Buhari Deji Elumoye in Abuja

society and to meet the aspirational expectations of our young people, who have shown such a strong desire to impact our democratic process in a positive way.

"I trust that they will not allow whatever setbacks they may have experienced to truncate their strong desire to determine the future course of our national journey. Through thick and thin, we must all remain focused on the objective of birthing the Nigeria of our dreams.”

by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, reiterated what he had often said that, “Bola Tinubu truly believes in Nigeria and is genuinely committed to the progress and sustainable future of Nigeria.”

He thanked the electorate for their massive support for the APC in the Presidential and the National Assembly elections, asking them to further mobilise for the upcoming gubernatorial and Houses of Assembly elections.

Buhari also appreciated the people

for supporting him for two terms in office, which he would complete on May 29, 2023.

Earlier, the Emir said the purpose of the visit to the president was to congratulate him on the outcome of the elections, and commended him for preserving Nigeria as an indivisible entity.

On his part, Masari expressed happiness that projections by pundits that Katsina would not vote for the APC turned out to be false, saying he was proud of what was achieved.

activism and democratic struggle are well understood by the people.

They, in return, have built their trust in him as a true democrat and a man to work with for Nigeria to continue on the path of unity, economic growth and development.”

Akpabio: Tinubu’s Emergence Signs of Better Days Ahead Okon Bassey in Uyo A former Minister Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has said the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as President-elect represented signs of better days ahead for the country.

Akpabio, who is senator-elect for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, said Tinubu’s victory was a demonstration of his acceptance across the length and breadth of the country and beyond.

"Asiwaju is a tested and trusted hand in service delivery. He did it before when he called the shots in Lagos State and I am very confident that he will do more for Nigerians as its leader,"he said.

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…NIGERIA DECIDES 2023…

SITUATION ROOM BRIEFING ON ELECTION...

L-R: President Albino Foundation, Jake Epelle; Co- Convener, Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR), James Ugochukwu; Convener, NCSSR and Country Director Action Aid, Ene Obe and PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN Executive Director, PLAC, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, during a press conference on the outcome of the 2023 general elections in Abuja yesterday

FEC Members Rejoice With Tinubu over Victory at Poll Deji Elumoye in Abuja Ministers and other top government officials, yesterday, rejoiced with the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),

Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Senator Kashim Shettima, over their victory at the presidential poll held last Saturday in the country.

The FEC at the weekly meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi

Osinbajo at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, celebrated the victory of Tinubu and Shettima.

Ministers were seen shaking hands, laughing and congratulating each other over the outcome of the

Ooni to Tinubu: Switch into Action, Free Nigerians from Hardship Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

progressive workaholic,who did not only merit the victory but also had adequate proven capacity to lead the country to an enviable position in the global committee of nations.

"Your Excellency, I congratulate you and your amiable wife on behalf of the Oduduwa race worldwide as you have victoriously emerged the President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"You are indeed a man of destiny, you are a game changer and you

are a progressive workaholic who has worked assiduously with right strategy and tactics justifying the merit of your recorded victory. As a pragmatic leader and manager of resources with adequate proven capacity to lead this country to an enviable position within the global committee of nations, please don't disappoint Nigerians and the African people.

Yahaya:Victory Manifests Tinubu’s Personal Sacrifice, Tenacity

the country a sense of belonging.

Yakasai said, "My call is to the winner, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am sending my congratulations to you for this well-deserved victory and I urge you to run an all-inclusive government that will give every Nigerian from all parts of the country a sense of belonging.

"To those, who contested and lost, I urge you all in the spirit of democratic tenants and our national interest to embrace the outcome and congratulate the winner. As in every election, there has to be a winner and a loser."

Yakasai also called for the reintroduction of the strategy of the National Development Plan, which he said was universally accepted as panacea for nation building.

Reacting to comments by former President Olusegun Obasanjo regarding the conduct of the election, the elder statesman expressed disappointment, and said he did not expect such from the former president.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has congratulated the Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his emergence as president-elect, urging him to start working before inauguration.

In a statement yesterday by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, Ooni described Tinubu as a man of destiny, a game changer and a

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe Gombe State Governor, Muhammedu Inuwa Yahaya, has congratulated President-elect Bola Tinubu and the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima on their victory at the just concluded presidential election, saying the outcome was a manifestation of Tinubu’s personal commitment, sacrifice and tenacity.

In a congratulatory message he personally signed Yahaya said, Tinubu's victory at the polls also reflected his political experience and service to the nation.

He noted that the president-elect was a well-groomed leader with vast wealth of experience and network as a former governor, Senator and political leader, who has the competence and character to hit the grounds running and build on the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari in all facets of human endeavour.

The governor said Tinubu's antecedents in governance and his huge political connections were a good asset for a renewed hope and expression of national unity of purpose.

Federal Government.

“With the desires of the people and the quest for improved governance, the project was conceived and designed to deliver a transformed system of governance, one with the interest of the people at heart and a commitment to success “It is relishing that after the collation of results from all the State and having satisfied the requirements as stipulated by our laws, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the Candidate of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner and thereby returned elected.”

taxes and 12 months of completion.

“The second memo seeks the council’s approval for the award of contract for the construction of 15 kilometer turn in, turn out line of the existing Akure-Ado-Ekiti 132 single-circuit transmission line at Akure 330, 132, 33 sub-station transmission company of Nigeria in favour of Messrs Legacy Power Limited in the sum of $2.5m; that’s the offshore component; the onshore component is N988.5 million.

“The sub-station in Akure, which has been completed over two years ago, is a 330 sub-station and we could not energise that sub-station because of lack of line and the line is supposed to come from Benin which is a new line under construction.

I have spoken to this project here several times; the project that has problem of right way which we are dealing with gradually and the line is supposed to energise the Akure

sub-station which was completed over two years ago.

“The line is coming from Benin North to Oshogbo which will pass and energise the Akure sub-station.

So, this project is 132 line from the Akure sub-station going to AkureAdo-Ekiti which is simultaneously going on with the Benin North-Akure line. By the time we are able to energise the Akure line, this project would have been completed so that the whole area will have no problem of electricity.

“This project will be completed in 12 months and was also approved by the council. The last memo, which has five projects on it sought to design, supply and install 132 32kv sub-station and transmission lines across different locations in the country for TCN in favour of several contractors in the total &53 million; this is the offshore; then the onshore is N15.6 billion.”

TINUBU: MY CERTIFICATE OF RETURN IS CALL TO DUTY I CAN’T IGNORE

Tinubu: Nigerians Have Spoken, Uzodimma Declares Datti: We’ll Challenge Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has congratulated President-elect Bola Tinubu on his victory in the Saturday, February 25, 2023 presidential election.

Uzodimma, in his congratulatory message personally signed, noted that, “The credibility and tenacity of Mr. President-elect to patriotically offer selfless service to Nigeria, has never been in doubt.

“Over the past few months, we have toured the nooks and crannies of our country Nigeria, preaching the message of ‘Renewed Hope’ which is anchored on the consolidation of the gains of President Muhammadu Buhari-led

elections before the commencement of the meeting.

This, notwithstanding, the Council has approved the sum of N39.6 billion for various transmission lines contracts in the ministry of power.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, said the various projects constituted the various amount made up of $53 million for offshore and onshore component of N15.6 billion.

“I presented three memos to council today and I got approval for the three memos. The first memo sought the council’s approval for the procurement of transmission line materials for re-conductoring works for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in favour of Messrs Legacy Power in the sum of $6 million; that’s the offshore value.

The component for the onshore is N145 million inclusive of the all the

Tinubu's Victory, Knocks Lawan

Vice presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Datti BabaAhmed, hinted at plans by his party to challenge the results of Saturday’s presidential election in court.

Baba-Ahmed faulted the process that saw the emergence of Tinubu as winner of the presidential election, and said it was characterised by irregularities and violation of the constitution.

Addressing a press conference yesterday at the party's campaign headquarters in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed insisted that Saturday’s election did

not meet the minimum standard as prescribed by the Electoral Act, 2022.

He reiterated LP’s stance on acting in line with the law in pursuing justice and urged the judiciary to demonstrate its independence, whenever the case was brought before a court.

Baba-Ahmed stated, “It is our position that the purported result didn’t meet the minimum criteria of a transparent, free and fair election in addition to the most condemnable attacks, voter intimidation, and suppression.

“Please, be assured of our determination to fight the injustice that has been perpetuated on Nigerians through all legal and peaceful means.

We employ you all to, please, remain peaceful and calm as our fight and determination for a new Nigeria is just beginning.

“We equally encourage you all to continue with the campaigns and vote massively for the Labour Party in the forthcoming governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections on 11 March. Our principal, Mr Peter Obi, will in due course speak to you and, indeed, the nation.

“No amount of questioning will ever get Peter Obi or myself or any agent of the Labour Party to preach anything besides peace and tranquillity in Nigeria.”

On Senate President Ahmad Lawan's assertion that the Electoral Act 2022 did not provide for electronic transmission of results, as demanded by some Nigerians, Baba-Ahmed said Lawan was a beneficiary of a corrupt process that also got him qualified through the backdoor to contest his senatorial election.

The LP vice presidential candidate said, “The senate president, as far as we are concerned, contested

for presidency and now he is elected senator by the verdict of the Supreme Court. You cannot contest two elections. It is on record he contested the presidency. Now he sits as Senate President to give us this kind of opinion. Such an irresponsible person must never be listened to.”

Situation Room: Election Results Lack Transparency, Credibility

Nigeria Civil Society Coalition, otherwise known as the Situation Room, said the process that led to the declaration of results of last weekend's presidential and National Assembly elections could not be considered credible and transparent.

In a report presented yesterday to journalists in Abuja, highlighting its observation and analysis of the elections, the coalition said the poll fell short of the credibility threshold it set out as basis for evaluating the elections.

The report jointly signed by Co-Conveners, Ene Obi, Asma’u Joda and James Ugochukwu, said contrary to expectations, the 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections "were marred by very poor organisation, severe logistical and operational failure, lack of essential electoral transparency, substantial disruption of voting, and several incidents of violence.

"As a result, the process cannot be considered to have been credible.

Given the lack of transparency, particularly, in the result collation process, there can be no confidence in the results of these elections. In addition, there was very poor communication from INEC on election day and on its challenges with its

processes; its citizens contact numbers did not work and even when there were challenges with uploads to the INEC Results Viewing (iReV) Portal."

Situation Room said it was even more disappointing that the elections were held in an atmosphere in which the people showed remarkable commitment to democracy, eagerly engaging in the electoral process and waiting patiently to vote in very difficult circumstances.

According to the report, "In the light of the shortcomings outlined in this interim statement, the Situation Room calls on INEC to provide details of the process leading up to the results it collated for the elections.

Situation Room demands that INEC provides information on why its promise to improve the transparency of the collation process through the introduction of the iReV Portal performed below expectation.

"Situation Room further demands that INEC conducts an audit of polling units where elections did not take place to establish the reasons for the failure. Situation Room also calls on INEC to note that public confidence in its capacity to run elections is gravely shaken, and that it would require extraordinary efforts for trust to be re-established.

“Situation Room calls on all political parties and aggrieved parties to pursue well-established constitutional and legal remedies available to them and go through the democratic process of the courts.

"We call on Nigerians to remain calm and express their displeasure, if need be, through a peaceful and democratic way. Finally, Situation Room commends Nigerians for the increased turnout recorded during the voting and calls for restraints even in the light of INEC’s failings."

THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

COURTESY VISIT TO BANK OF INDUSTRY…

L-R: Executive Director, Large Enterprises Division, Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr. Simon Aranonu; Non-Executive Director, Treasures Microfinance Bank Limited, Dr. Tunde Ayeye; Executive Vice- Chair/ Group CEO, Emerging Africa Capital Limited, Mrs. Toyin F. Sanni; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, BOI, Mr. Olukayode Pitan; Group Chairman, Emerging Africa Group, Chief(Mrs) Nike Akande; Chairman, Emerging Africa Trustees Limited, Mallam Mohammed Bintube; Non-Executive Director, Emerging Africa Capital Limited, Dr. Joseph Mekiliuwa; Executive Director, Corporate Services and Commercial, BOI, Mr. Usen Effiong, during a courtesy visit by Emerging Africa Group team to BOI in Lagos…recently

New Lagos CP Charges Stakeholders to Embrace Rule of Law Rebecca Ejifoma

With the uncertainty trailing the outcome of the February 25 elections, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Idowu Owohunwa, has tasked security outfits to embrace the rule of law.

Owohunwa made this remark at the security meeting with critical stakeholders in the state yesterday following the outcome of the presidential and National Assembly elections.

While conceding that violence and threats do not represent acceptable options in a democracy,

Owohunwa reminded the police and other law enforcement agencies of their sacred and statutory mandate to deploy all assets within the law to stabilise the internal security order if wise counsel does not prevail.

He said: “I trust, however, that working together we shall achieve our vision for a peaceful process and a secure Lagos without violence. For in violence, the citizens will always be the victims.

“We should be determined to prevent this as history has proven over and over again that concerns are best resolved through engagements, rationality,

and within the dictates of the rule of law and not by violence.”

According to the commissioner of police, the meeting was to review current security developments in the aftermath

of the 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections in the state, the tension and wide apprehension emanating.

“This has become imperative granted that from the police

operational perspective, since the conclusion of the exercise on Saturday, 25th February, we have responded to not less than seventy security-related callouts

by Lagosians,” he added.

Owohunwa emphasised that nearly 80 per cent of such presumed distressed calls were false feedbacks informed mainly by apprehension and misinformation.

Bola Tinubu’s Govt Will Never Islamise Nigeria, Says CAN

Mary Nnah

Following the declaration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the early hours of yesterday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State, has assured Nigerians

that the government of Tinubu, has no intention to Islamise Nigeria and would never do so.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos yesterday during a media briefing, the Chairman of CAN Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite assured Nigerians both at home and in Diaspora that Tinubu’s government would not Islamise Nigeria, noting,

“I can say to everyone that Bola Tinubu’s presidency will never Islamise Nigeria. It is not possible and I will never be part of such.”

Speaking further, he said: “If he has not Islamised his wife of 40 years and his children, how will he Islamise Nigeria? That is why we are saying to people in Lagos that to us religion is not a barrier. We

are brothers and sisters and that is the peace we want in Nigeria. You are my brother, you are my sister.

Forget about religion. What we want in Nigeria are results. Whether you are a Christian or Muslim, all we want is the dividends of democracy and if you have seen it in Lagos, then it is possible in the entire nation.”

ARISE News. Fayose served as Governor of Ekiti State from 2003 to 2007 and 2011 to 2015 on PDP’s ticket.

However, his decision to quit the party appears to be connected with perceived irreconcilable differences in the PDP, which according to him, has fractured the party.

He said: “Let me say this, from

today(yesterday) I stay off PDP. In party politics there are certain facts you must be able to speak.

I am 62 and I can’t, at this age, begin lying. When something is wrong with your family, confess.”

The former governor, who claimed to have fought for the interest of the party over the years, blamed the loss of the PDP in the presidential election on the

leadership of the party.

According to him, PDP was already fractured before the election, with so many aggrieved aspirants whom were allegedly swindled by the leadership of the party on one hand and the inability of the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar to reach an agreement with the G-5 governors.

2023: Ebegbare Rejects Isoko Fed Former Ekiti Governor, Fayose, Resigns from PDP Constituency Results in Delta, Warns Obi to be wary of PDP Accuses INEC of Compromise Alex Enumah in Abuja

The candidate for Isoko Federal House of Representatives, under the platform of the Social Democratic Party(SDP), Hon. Dickson Ebegbare, has rejected results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer Prof. Ojugo Almond, saying the results were announced despite the fact the election was inconclusive.

Prof. Ojugo had declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Jonathan Ukodhiko, as the winner with 23, 487 votes to defeat Mr. Dickson Ebegbare, who was said to have scored 21, 416 votes.

But speaking on the

development, at the collation centre in Oleh, the headquarter of Isoko South Local Government Area, Ebegbare, popularly known as Fineboy, said INEC was compromised to have declared the results of an inconclusive election.

Ebegbare decried the sudden reversal of earlier declaration of inconclusive election by the INEC returning officer.

He noted that a petition had been submitted to the INEC over Enwhe community, Isoko South local government area, were election was disrupted, adding that he stood the chance of additional 7,000 votes, if rerun of the election was conducted.

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has announced his resignation from the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Fayose announced his resignation from the PDP yesterday while appearing as a guest on a programme on

Sokoto SDP Expels Deputy Chairman, Two Others over Anti-party Activities

OnuminyaInnocentInSokoto

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) Sokoto State yesterday expelled its deputy chairman, Dr. Lawal Ibrahim Sani and two others for anti-party activities.

Addressing Journalists yesterday, the chairman of the party in the state Alhaji Sani Suleiman Romo, said after the party state executive

council meeting it came out that the former party deputy chairman Dr Lawal Ibrahim Sani, the zonal vice Chairman, Northern zone Tambari Baura Binji and Haruna Abubakar have been expelled from the party with immediate effect.

He noted that the trio want to trade the party for selfish interest hence the need to take action against them.

He said the trio had claimed

the position of interim leadership of the party in the state.

“Let me inform you that our party structures in the state is intact and we are canvassing votes for our governorship candidate Senator Abubakar Gada and by God’s grace he will win the election on March 11,” he stated.

He added that the leadership of the party in the state has neither

discussed nor authorised any party official to enter into alliance with any party.

He said for the avoidance of doubt, SDP Sokoto State under the national leadership of Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam and state chairman Alhaji Sani Suleiman Romo is united strong and capable of springing surprises on Saturday 11, March 2023 governorship election in the state.

and prosperity.

Emenike described the triumph of the APC presidential flag bearer as “well deserved and in line with the direction of the progressive wind blowing across the nation since 2015 when APC came to power.”

He said that the former Lagos State governor, who is now Nigeria’s president-elect, “is a

political colossus”, adding that Tinubu had paid his dues in the nation’s politics and in the struggle for democratic governance.

“Asiwaju has once again proved that hard work, human capital development and building bridges across Nigeria’s diverse ethno-religious landscape are sine qua non for a successful political career,” he said.

According to Emenike, the enormity and spread of votes garnered by Tinubu across the nation is a testimony of the acceptability of the president-elect.

He noted that “Asiwaju’s victory has brought about renewed hope of Nigerians in their fatherland for a better future, national rebirth, economic growth and accelerated development”

10% LG Allocation: Ibadan Monarchs Commend Makinde Emenike Congratulates Tinubu, Says Nigeria in New Era of Peace, Prosperity Kemi OlaitaninIbadan

Traditional chiefs, comprising the Baales in the six local governments in Ibadan Less City, yesterday commended Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for approval of 10 per cent of local government allocations for payment of their salaries and medical allowance.

The Baales, through their chairman who is also the Oniroko of Iroko, Chief Olasunkanmi Abioye, gave the commendation during a thank-you and solidarity visit to Governor Makinde at his Ikolaba, Ibadan residence.

The traditional chiefs and Baales expressed gratitude to the governor, declaring that he deserves to be re-elected for a second term in office The Oniroko, who spoke on behalf of the Baales, equally

lauded the governor for his speedy approval for the payment of compensation for land acquisition in their respective communities, which according to him, is expected to commence on Friday.

The chiefs also sought the approval of the governor for their promotion and the upgrading of their current status, in addition to the recent payment of the 10 per cent increment on their allowances.

Responding, Governor Makinde said the welfare of the people and traditional chiefs would continue to be given priority in his administration.

He, however, noted that issues pertaining to the upgrade of the Baales would be given consideration as soon as he receives their letters from the appropriate quarters.

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia, Chief Ikechi Emenike has congratulated Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory in the 2023 presidential election, saying that Nigeria is primed for a new era of peace

Court Convicts Prophet for Raping 10-year-old Step Daughter in A’Ibom Okon Bassey in Uyo A Prophet in Akwa Ibom State, Anwana Peter Essien, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for raping his 10 year-old step daughter.

An Akwa Ibom State High Court that sat in Okoita,

Ibiono Local Government Area’s headquarters passed the judgment while ruling on the rape case.

The 37 year-old prophet, who is a native of Afaha Ise in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, reportedly raped the JSS One student on August 9, 2019,

when her mother brought her and her younger sister for holiday with their stepfather at Itiam Street, Uyo. The convict in his evidence before the court had confessed that it was demon that pushed him in the midnight to forcefully remove the clothes of his step

daughter and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

The court that was presided over by Justice Okon Okon held that the confession was “direct, positive and unequivocal that the randy stepfather had sexual intercourse with his step daughter.”

38

THURSDAY, ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

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

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Iwobi Struggles in Vain as Arsenal Add to Everton Woes

Arsenal players celebrating Bukayo Saka’s opening goal in the 4-0 wallop of Everton to extend their lead to five points...last night.

PHOTO: REUTERS

FA Cup: Man Utd Survive Scare to Reach Q’finals

Alex Iwobi struggled in vain last night as Premier League leaders Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points as they thrashed Everton 4-0 at Emirates Stadium.

The Super Eagles midfielder was in action all through the game as Sean Dyche's side, who remain in the relegation places, frustrated Arsenal until five minutes before half-time, when Oleksandr Zinchenko's pass played in Bukayo Saka for a thumping finish.

The contest was effectively over in first-half stoppage time when Saka robbed the dawdling Idrissa Gueye to play in Gabriel Martinelli.

The flag went up for offside after he drove past Jordan Pickford but the decision was overturned after a VAR check.

Everton had no answers and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard wrapped up their third successive league victory when he side-footed home Leandro Trossard's cross after 71 minutes.

It was now simply a question of how many Arsenal would score to improve their goal difference, Martinelli adding his second and the Gunners' fourth from Eddie Nketiah's cross ten minutes from time.

Elsewhere, Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah scored two late goals as Liverpool defeated Wolves 2-0 to move up sixth on the log.

League Two Grimsby Town make 84 years history, knock out Saints RESULTS Barca, Madrid Clash in Copa FA Cup del Rey Semi Live on StarTimes

Carabao Cup winners Manchester United came from a goal down to beat West Ham 3-1 and move into the FA Cup quarter-finals in a frantic finish at Old Trafford.

Alejandro Garnacho curled in a last-minute strike past Alphonse Areola before Fred steered in an injury-time third goal to put the hosts into the last eight and see off the battling Hammers.

West Ham scored first early in the second half through Said Benrahma's powerfully-struck shot which flew into the top corner past David de Gea.

The home players had thought the ball had gone out for a throw-in, with Diogo Dalot and Antony both stopping.

That allowed the space for Benrahma to exploit and score, with a video assistant referee (VAR) confirming Tomas Soucek had kept the ball in play.

Elsewhere, League Two Grimsby Town reached the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 84 years as two penalties either side of half-time stunned Premier League strugglers Southampton.

Gavan Holohan put the visi-

tors ahead shortly before the interval after referee Thomas Bramall ruled Lyanco had blocked Josh Emmanuel's cross with his arm.

Southampton defender Duje Caleta-Car then caught Danilo Orsi with a flailing hand not long after the restart, allowing Holohan to convert his second spot-kick of the game.

In another game last night, Iliman Ndiaye scored a superb late winner as Championship side Sheffield United stunned Tottenham 1-0 to progress to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Southampton 1-2 Grimsby Burnley 1-0 Fleetwood Man Utd 3-1 West Ham Sheffield Utd 1-0 Tottenham

Premier League Arsenal 4-0 Everton Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

Nigeria in Make or Break Battle with Uganda for World Cup Ticket Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigeria’s Flying Eagles yesterday intensified their training ahead of today’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations quarter-final clash with Uganda.

Both teams will clash at the 22,000-capacity Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia as from 7pmEgypt time (6pmNigeria time).

Flying Eagles defeated Mozambique 2-0 on Saturday, with goals from Samson Lawal and Ibrahim Muhammad.

Head Coach Ladan Bosso and his assistants supervised the training session at the Tolip

U20 AFCON El Forsan Resort training ground, with emphasis on tactical and endurance drilling.

A win against the Hippos will qualify the Flying Eagles for their 13th appearance at the FIFA U20 World Cup. Bosso restated his earlier resolve not to underrate the Hippos, but he trusts his charges to make Nigeria proud and reach the tournament’s last four.

“Before we left our training camp in Morocco, the NFF

President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau told us clearly that the first objective should be getting a ticket to the FIFA World Cup. We are at that most important stage now and we cannot afford to falter.

“We are aware that Nigerians are looking up to us to deliver.

While our mission remains bagging the World Cup ticket, we are also eyeing the trophy, which is still a number of matches away,”observed the Flying Eagles coach.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has

appointed Egyptian referee, Ahmed Nagy Mosa, as referee for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations between Nigeria and Uganda.

Mosa will be supported by compatriots Mohamed Abouzid Halhal (assistant referee 1) and Yara Atef (assistant referee 2), as well as Libyan official Abdulrazg Ahmed (fourth official).

Justin Mumba from Zambia will be the match commissioner while Rosalie N’dah from Benin Republic will serve as referee assessor and Namibian Titus Kunamuene will be in the role of general coordinator.

Barcelona and Real Madrid will square up in the 1st leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final match this evening in one of the most anticipated clashes in football.

StarTimes will broadcast the match live on their World football channel, and it promises to be an incredible spectacle.

With both teams showing why they are the best in the world, this match is sure to be full of drama and excitement.

It's a game that has become a symbol of Spanish rivalries and emotions and is always a must-watch event for football fans worldwide.

Real Madrid are looking to revenge the loss of the Spanish Super Cup trophy to Barcelona in January, while Barcelona are hoping to return to winning ways after losses to Manchester United in the Europa Cup and Almeria in the La Liga. Both teams have some of the greatest players in the world and this match is sure to be an epic battle.

Fans can follow all the prematch build-up and post-match reactions on StarTimes football channels, with all the latest news, analysis, and highlights.

And then tune in to the World Football channel at 9pm this evening to watch it live.

Kante to Sign New Threeyear Chelsea Contract French midfielder N’Golo Kante is close to signing a three-year contract extension at Chelsea. The anchor man has been absent for much of the season with various injury issues.

However, the Stamford Bridge club believes they can get Kante fully fit and firing again.

The 31-year-old’s absence has left a huge hole in the team’s midfield over the past few months.

According to French outletFoot Mercato, Kante will renew on reduced terms for three more years.

The compromise eases Chelsea’s wage bill concerns, while giving Kante long-term security.

THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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Thursday, March 2, 2023

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NSCIA to Political/Religious Leaders “While reckless statements from inconsequential individuals can be easily ignored, this is not so of those from respected political and religious leaders. It is important that patriotic and well-meaning Nigerian leaders should support unrelenting adherence to process and procedure in the ongoing electoral process. This is because any inclination to unprocedural decision or action at this critical time is a direct call for anarchy”—The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) urging caution on those aggrieved by the presidential election outcome.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI Nigeria, In Times Like This…

T THE VERDICT

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had assured the country of its readiness to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in the build-up to last Saturday’s presidential and national assembly elections. These two technological innovations would have enhanced the transparency of their process and the integrity of outcomes. INECs inability to deploy them as effectively as promised led to the long-forgotten ‘Orubebeism’ at the Collation Centre on Monday

by Senator Dino Melaye of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the crisis we must now do everything to avert.

In the early hours of yesterday, INEC declared Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, candidate of the ruling party All Progressives Congress (APC), as president-elect. With a total of 8,794,726 votes, he defeated 17 other candidates, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled a total of 6,984,520 votes and Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) who secured a total of 6,101,533 votes.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) came fourth with 1,496,687 votes. Instructively, Tinubu and Atiku each won in 12 states, Obi won in 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja while Kwankwaso won only in Kano. A high-stake election which ended up that close left no margin for error. Yet, last Saturday left no doubt that INEC overpromised and underdelivered.

I have read the reports of various observer teams, including that of the International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI). The question being raised about the transparency of INEC rests on the deployment (or lack thereof) of technologies it promised. BVAS uses biometrics (voter fingerprints and facial recognition) for the accreditation process and available reports indicate that it worked substantially in that regard last Saturday.

But BVAS is also programmed to capture images of the polling unit result sheet (Form EC8A) for real-time upload to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) which allows members of the public to create personal accounts to access stored as PDF files.

That was where the problem arose.

In my column two weeks ago, ‘INEC and the Lesson from VAR’, I wrote that when we use technology to drive any process, we make a critical assumption that those managing it will follow the rules. But, as I also argued, even the most advanced technology can be compromised by human omission or commission, which can then cast doubt on the fairness of the entire process, erode public trust and undermine the credibility of outcome. INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu has a responsibility to explain why, as YIAGA Africa pointed out in its statement, only 73 percent of polling unit-level results had been uploaded as at yesterday afternoon.

By some curious twist of fate, as I also explained last week, this presidential election left us with a WaZoBia construct that stands on the ancient political tripod of the ethnic affiliation of the three leading candidates. If we had political leaders with sufficient acumen for forging elite consensus, as the military did in 1999, perhaps the primaries of the political parties might have produced different outcomes that would have made the election less fractious. Sadly, that opportunity was missed. Unless our leaders can come up with strategic concessions to assuage genuine feelings of alienation in certain quarters, we could face dire consequences. But this is an issue we will have to deal with another day.

Meanwhile, regardless of how we may feel about the outcome of the presidential election, there are many lessons to take from what happened last Saturday. The first has to do with the cost of

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Tinubu running elections in Nigeria. The closure of borders, shutdown of businesses and offices, restrictions of movement during the exercise, deployment of a disproportionate number of police and security personnel as well as military troops was a costly exercise. We conduct elections almost like war. All this because we distrust one another not to game the exercise.

For this election, a ‘Naira confiscation’ policy was even conceived and enforced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ostensibly to prevent vote-buying. In the process, lives and livelihoods have been ruined.

Incidentally, all the APC Governors who cared so much about our ‘Nairalessness’ that they threatened fire and brimstone before the election have forgotten about a certain Mr Godwin Emefiele. Similarly, all the PDP politicians who were hailing President Muhammadu Buhari, are now saying something else. Nigerian politicians are incredible! If there is any lesson to take from all the drama, it is about the desperation for power by our politicians. Their concerns are never about the ordinary people. With eyes on the enormous spoils of office attached to these positions, we can understand the ‘end justifies the means’ approach to every election in Nigeria.

There are other issues thrown up by the presidential election result, including the implication of a

divided opposition against the party in power. It was the subject of my 2011 research paper at the Harvard University Weatherhead Centre, where I argued that whenever and wherever opposition politicians stand divided before the polls, they are priming themselves for unity in defeat: (http:// programs.wcfia.harvard.edu/fellows/publications/ divided-opposition-boon-african-incumbents. The three leading opposition candidates who contested last Saturday were members of the PDP until last year before they splintered. Yet, the votes they collectively secured are far larger than what the APC candidate received for his victory.

From the result, Tinubu won the election with just about 35 percent of the total votes while the remaining 65 percent of the total votes were cast for the other candidates. Besides, the presidential primaries of the PDP were so mismanaged that five of their Governors (and their allies, especially in the Southwest) were allowed to go rogue and hobnob with the APC for the presidential election. It is interesting that the PDP and LP are now collaborating only after the election when it was always obvious that if the two parties worked together, APC stood little or no chance at the polls.

The second lesson is that if you run against the political tide, especially in whatever is considered group interest, you will be swept off. We saw a lot of that in the Southeast where Hurricane LP (or more appropriately, Hurricane Peter Obi) upended many pollical ambitions. For the first time since 1999, the people went against the PDP to pitch tent with the LP that secured 94 percent of the total votes in Anambra State, 93 percent in Enugu, 80 percent in Ebonyi, 78 percent in Imo and 75 percent in Abia. The bigwigs in PDP and APC are now counting their losses. Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, a former member of the House of Representatives, who sought to move to the senate had his ambition truncated by Okechukwu Ezea of LP who polled 104,492 votes. That more than doubled the 46,948 votes he (Ugwuanyi) secured as a PDP candidate.

The third lesson is that political parties appear less important in this election cycle. The people are now quite aware that one is not different from the other and that all of them, without exception, are mere vehicles to secure power. And with that, it is also easy for the people to vote for individuals they like, regardless of the party platform on which the person is running. The good side to this is that if popular candidates are denied tickets (that are often traded) in the major parties, they can run on the platform of fringe parties and still win. We saw that in a few states.

My friend and former House of Representatives member, Ahmed Wadada, last Saturday won the Nasarawa West Senatorial District election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

That is the seat held by the current APC National Chairman and two-term governor of the state, Abdullahi Adamu. Wadada was in the APC, but

Even a benign interpretation of the near unanimity of the Igbo votes for Peter Obi can be explained by the fact that this is the first time under the current dispensation that an Igbo man has emerged presidential candidate of a serious party. After all, during the 2008 presidential election in the United States, about 95 percent of black voters cast their ballots for Mr Barack Obama who went on to win. And it was never held against him.

Adamu ceded the senatorial ticket to Shehu Ahmed Tukur, an architect and former gubernatorial aspirant in the state. At the election, Wadada polled 96488 votes as against the 47,717 votes garnered by the APC candidate. The PDP candidate, Musa Galadima scored 46,820 votes while Bala Tongurma of the Labour Party scored 33,228 votes.

Instructively, many serving and former governors also lost their bids for the Senate that has since become their ‘retirement home’. Last Saturday, the apostle of ‘Conjugated Agglutination’ was defeated by the incumbent Senator Jarigbe Agom of the PDP, who garnered 76,145 votes as against the 56,595 votes secured by the Cross River State Governor. For Prof Ben Ayade, an election of ‘Infinite Transposition’ has given way to the ‘Kinetic Crystallization’ of a defeat that may have provoked the ‘Qabalistic Densification’ of ‘Olimpotic Meritemasis’ proportion.

There is also an interesting dimension to this election based on the statistics sent to me last night. Peter Obi won the Southern votes while Tinubu won the Northern votes. Out of the 14.7 million votes cast in the North, Tinubu, Atiku and Obi won 38, 36 and 14 percents, respectively. Out of the 9.3 million votes cast in the South, Obi, Tinubu and Atiku got 43, 34 and 19 percents, respectively. We must interrogate the meaning of all these.

I invested no emotion in this election. But I followed it very closely. I particularly enjoyed the ‘WhatsApp classes’ on several platforms that featured a deluge of videos and text messages from partisans. Now that the presidential election is over, we need to get back to real life. There are three critical but unpopular decisions that the next administration must take if we are to get out of our current fiscal mess. We need to put an end to the wasteful regime of subsidy in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry and the multiple exchange rates by the CBN. We also must increase the revenue base by making Nigerians pay tax.

These are decisions that will be difficult for any leader.

In the weeks ahead, I am going to write about Atiku who has had a sterling political career even though he may have missed out on the ultimate prize. I have had the opportunity of close interactions with him over the years and he is a genuine patriot who would have made a very good president.

But I have always suspected that the incumbent being a northern Fulani man like Atiku is more an albatross than an advantage for his aspiration.

Some of his inner cycle never agreed with me on that. Incidentally, just two weeks ago, as I was cleaning my study, I found a book I never knew I had: “Atiku: The Story of Atiku Abubakar”, by the late Adinoyi Ojo-Onukaba. I read the fascinating authorized biography last weekend and I have learnt more about the person and politics of Waziri Adamawa.

I am also going to be writing about Peter Obi who is the real story of this election in so many ways. I must admit that I overrated the power of party structure or perhaps underrated the mobilization capacity of the former Anambra State Governor despite his running on a weak platform.

He surpassed my expectations and that of many.

As I wrote in my recent column in January, given the nature of our political arrangement in Nigeria, there is a value in Obi’s aspiration that transcends his personal ambition. Nothing advances a society better than equity in the distribution of political opportunities, especially at the highest level of government. That’s why his defeat is painful for several constituencies, including many young Nigerians who campaigned for him. But this can be the beginning of something great for him and what he represents if he stays the course. I will also interrogate that in the weeks ahead.

Continued on page 21

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