THURSDAY 9TH MARCH 2023

Tinubu: We Must Harness Our Demography, Numerical Value to Make Progress, Women's Role Invaluable Hails Masha’s appointment as G-24 director Buhari urges Nigerians in diaspora to support president-elect Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has stressed the need to harness the country's demography

and numerical value for national progress. Tinubu said this yesterday, in a message to mark the 2023

International Women’s Day (IWD).

The president-elect saluted Nigerian women for their courage,

strength, and contribution to national development.

That was as President Muham-

madu Buhari, yesterday, called Continued on page 10

FEC, Buhari, Tinubu, Gbajabiamila Rejoice with Osinbajo at 66... Page 6 Thursday 9 March, 2023 Vol 28. No 10193. Price: N250

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Sanwo-Olu on #EndSARS: I Have No Control Over Military... Page 8

NBA: Despite Criticisms, 64.6%Voters Satisfied with Presidential, N'Assembly Elections Urges INEC to ensure glitches in BVAS fixed for governorship/Houses of Assembly poll Apex Muslim body cautions against inciting remarks, lauds INEC’s 'professionalism' Emmanuel Addeh and Alex Enumah in Abuja Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in

its interim report on the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections, yesterday, said despite criticisms of the elections,

about 64.6 per cent of voters were satisfied with the exercise.

NBA, however, called on the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) to "ensure that all bugs or glitches in the BVAS machines and other election technology are fixed" before the

conduct of the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections.

At the same time, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs

(NSCIA), the apex body overseeing Islam and Muslims in Nigeria, Continued on page 10

INEC Shifts Governorship, State Assembly Polls to March 18 Says postponement to ensure adequate time to backup data stored on over 176,000 BVAS used for presidential, NASS elections Political parties can apply for certified true copies of backend data of BVAS Appeal court refuses to stop commission from reconfiguring BVAS Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah, Adebayo Akinwale and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Hours after the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja green-lighted a request by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to

reconfigure the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) used for the conduct of the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections, the electoral body yesterday announced the postponement of the Continued on page 10

Atiku Engages 19 SANs to Prosecute POISED FOR THE SENATE... for the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe (left) and the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, after the incoming Election Petition, Reclaim Mandate... Page 34 Senator-elect lawmaker received her certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja…Tuesday

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

NEWS

BANK OF INDUSTRY AND NCDMB SIGNING OF $300 MILLION MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT ON THE NCI FUND...

L-R: Executive Director, Large Enterprises, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Simon Aranonu; Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry, Mr. Olukayode Pitan; Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote and Director, Finance and Personnel Management, NCDMB, Mr. Isaac Yalah, during the Bank of Industry and NCDMB Signing of $300 million Memorandum of Agreement on the NCI Fund, held in Lagos, ... yesterday.

Sagay: Tinubu Has Zero Tolerance for Corruption Says nothing wrong in moving money around with bullion van PACAC member decries presidential pardon for Dariye, Nyame Dike Onwuamaeze The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay, yesterday, unequivocally said he has no iota of doubt that the president-elect, Senator Bola Tinubu, would sustain the tempo of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in fighting corruption once he is sworn in as president.

Sagay, who is a professor of Law, stated that Tinubu demonstrated abundantly during his eight-year tenure as governor of Lagos State that he has zero tolerance for corruption.

He expressed confidence in Tinubu, yesterday, during a media parley in Lagos, to showcase the achievements of the PACAC, where he also said the committee’s greatest achievement was in the area of developing the capacity of anti-corruption agencies and the judiciary on how to deal with corrupt cases.

He said: “On whether the fight against corruption will be sustained under the incoming government?

My personal opinion is yes, because the incoming president (Tinubu) had no tolerance for corruption when he was governor of Lagos State.

“I give you an example: when it was learnt that some Lagos State judges were corrupt, what the attorney general did then was to upgrade all their conditions and each was given a house and four wheel vehicles.

“The state government increased their allowances and other comforts.

After that he (Tinubu) kept his eye on all of them and any one of them who committed the slightest act of corruption was forced to resign. That was under the Tinubu’s administration in Lagos State.

“So, whatever story one might have heard about him, to my knowledge, does not apply to his zeal to operate a government without any stain and without corruption.”

Sagay also said every individual has the right to hire a bullion van to convey cash.

“If you have lot of money which you want to take somewhere you can hire a bullion van. It is not a crime. So that cannot be held against him. The sweetness of the pudding is in the eating. So, let us wait and see what happens. I do not expect any toning down on the fight against corruption” under Tinubu’s presidency,” the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said.

He added that, “in my view, the greatest achievement of PACAC is in building the capacity of anticorruption agencies to do their jobs. We gave them training on prosecution, training on drawing up charges and we assembled experts from all over the world to produce manual on how they shall do their work.

“We trained judges also on how to deal with corrupt cases. We got judges from Canada, Ghana and various countries in the world who are involved in corruption cases to come to Nigeria to discuss with their colleagues on how to handle corruption cases.

“We are going to recommend to

the government for assistance to the judiciary to empower them to be more effective in the war against corruption. However, whatever we may do may not cover the conduct of a judge who is corrupt and want to be corrupt.”

Speaking during the media parley, a member of the PACAC who is also a Professor of Criminology, University of Jos, Prof. E. Alemika, disclosed that members of the anti-corruption community in Nigeria were pained when

President Muhammadu Buhari granted presidential pardon to Mr. Joshua Dariye and Mr. Jolly Nyame, former governors of Plateau State and Taraba State respectively, who were convicted and sentenced to jail over corrupt offences.

Alemika said: “Everybody that was involved in anti-corruption fight was pained by the pardon granted to Dariye and Nyame. But unfortunately that was a decision that went through the highest body in the country, the Council of States.

The Minister of Interior, Abuja has revoked the Work Permit, Visa and Residence Permit of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Roger Brown, over allegations of racism, favouring of foreign workers and discrimination against Nigerian employees levelled against him by employees of the company.

The federal government equally accused Brown of being in possession of a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) not based on a valid

Expatriate Quota. It was also alleged that Brown failed to honour invitations by the Ministry’s panel, which investigated the matter.

The revocation was contained in a March 3, 2023, letter to the Board Chairman of Seplat Energy Plc by the Minister of Internal Affairs, which obtained by THISDAY, at the Federal High Court Lagos, where some concerned stakeholders, today, instituted a legal proceeding against Seplat in this respect.

The letter was entitled, “Withdrawal of Work Permit, CERPAC, Visa/Residence Permit of Mr.

never committed the crime.

“And we have not heard the end of it because if it was pardon, it means all properties seized from them should not have been seized.

But I do not know whether they signed any undertaking.

“But I can assure you that many of us who are involved felt the pain.

I felt the pain from the EFCC; I felt the pain from ICPC; a pain for police officers, a pain for judges who went through this process in getting their convictions.”

UK Launches Global Women, Girls’ Strategy to Tackle World Gender Inequality Indian High Commission honours NAFDAC boss, Dabiri-Erewa, others Obaseki celebrates women, advocates more political participation Michael Olugbode in Abuja The United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD), has launched the global Women and Girls strategy which would set out how the UK would work to tackle global gender inequality at every opportunity.

According to a statement from British High Commission, this would include combatting attempts to roll back women’s rights, and work with partners from around the world to do the same.

The statement added: “For the first time, this strategy commits the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to ensuring that at least 80 per cent of its bilateral aid programmes include a focus on gender equality by 2030.

“Progress towards gender equality is increasingly under threat. Issue like climate change and humanitarian crises continue to disproportionately affect women and girls. Attempts to row back on women’s rights, increasing incidents of sexual violence in conflicts in Nigeria, Ukraine

Alleged Racism: FG Revokes Seplat CEO, Brown's Visa, Residence, Work Permits

Wale Igbintade

“How come no one spotted it in the Council of State in which all former chief justices of Nigeria were present, in which all former heads of state were present and all incumbent governors were present.

What happened? That is the question we should be asking ourselves.

“The president could have released them by commuting their jail sentence to a shorter period without a pardon because the consequence of that pardon is a different one. It is as if they have

Roger Thompson Brown – CEO, SEPLAT Energy Plc” It stated: “I write to inform you that the Ministry is in receipt of a petition from the Solicitor to the concerned workers and stakeholders of Seplat Energy PLC accusing Mr. Rogers Thomson Brown, the CEO of the companies of various allegations.

“These accusations include racism, favouring foreign workers and discriminating against Nigerian employees. Testimony was received from several witnesses, which supported the allegations.

Mr. Roger T. Brown declined to

attend despite two invitations, claiming to be unavailable even though we learnt he was in Abuja for other purposes at the time.

“Investigation and records in the Ministry also revealed that Mr. Roger Brown was in possession of CERPAC that was not based on validly issued Expatriate Quota approved by the Ministry of Interior resulting to the violation of relevant Immigration Laws and Regulations. As a result of these, the Honourable Minister has determined that Mr. Brown’s continued stay in Nigeria is contrary to national interest.

and elsewhere, and the growth of violence against women online are compounding the problem.”

The statement recalled that at the launch of the event in Sierra Leone on March 8, the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly had said: “Advancing gender equality and challenging discrimination is obviously the right thing to do, but it also brings freedom, boosts prosperity and trade, and strengthens security - it is the fundamental building block of all healthy democracies.

“Our investment to date has improved lives around the world, with more girls in school, fewer forced into early marriage and more women in top political and leadership roles.

“But these hard-won gains are now under increasing threat. We’re ramping up our work to tackle the inequalities which remain, at every opportunity.”

According to the statement, the new strategy puts a continued focus on educating girls, empowering women and girls, championing their health and rights and ending genderbased violence – the challenges the UK believes are most acute.

Speaking on the development, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria Catriona Laing said: “Nigerian women lead on the global stage and across different sectors, however many women and girls continue to experience high levels of exclusion and marginalisation.

“It’s important that every girl and woman has the opportunity to reach her potential, live in freedom, and exercise her rights.

“That is why the UK is investing in areas that we know are fundamental in transforming the lives of girls and women in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in Nigeria has recognised some Nigerian women and Indian women resident in the country for their amazing contribution in various fields.

Among those who were honored in commemoration of the IWD included the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora and Pioneer Chairman/ CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye and Director Overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Amb. Janet Olisa.

Others included Director and Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Maimuna Abdullahi Habib, Ms Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, Principal of the prestigious Indian Language School Lagos, Ms Sonali Gupta, Managing Director Greenville Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd, Ms. Ritu Sahajwalla, Continues online

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NEWS

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY FIRESIDE CHAT BY INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES...

L-R: Software Engineer, Microsoft, Adora Nwodo; Head, Legal & Compliance, Branch International, Tolulope Omoleye-Osindero; Corporate Communications Manager, International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), Eniola Alli-Faweya; Head of Engineering, BeerTech Africa, AB InBev, Femi Akintilo, and Maintenance Controller, IBPLC, Titilayo Lasisi, at the International Women’s Day Fireside Chat by International Breweries Plc in Lagos...yesterday

FEC, Buhari, Tinubu, Gbajabiamila Rejoice with Osinbajo at 66 Hail VP’s sterling service to Nigeria Osinbajo marks birthday with restored north-east insurgency orphans in Borno Assures affected children of the best Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale, Udora Orizu in Abuja and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the President-elect, Bola Tinubu and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila rejoiced with the Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, as he marked his 66th birthday anniversary yesterday.

Osinbajo set out to mark his 66th birthday yesterday, with a quiet morning devotion service at the Aguda House residence in the presidential villa and then spent time with the students of the Learning Centre in Borno as well as with children affected by insurgency in the north-east states.

Buhari, according to a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, equally felicitated the entire Osinbajo family, wishing them many happy returns, as their son, husband and father turned another year, in

good health and sound mind.

Buhari lauded the sterling service the celebrant has provided to the country, as an academic, AttorneyGeneral of Lagos State (1997-2007), and Vice President (2015 till date).

He applauded the way Osinbajo, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), combined scholarship with governance, and pastoral work, commending such dedication to the younger generation whom the Number two man serves as a torchbearer to.

Buhari wished the vice president and his family joyful celebration, and greater grace ahead.

Similarly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation/ Chairman, Presidential Transition Council, Boss Mustapha, (CFR) on behalf of FEC congratulated Osinbajo on the occasion of his 66th birthday.

In a statement which Mustapha signed yesterday, FEC described the vice president as an outstanding public servant, lawyer, pastor and

the epitome of humility and loyalty in service to fatherland as well as to God. FEC said Osinbajo’s exemplary leadership qualities, as exemplified in his unreserved allegiance to matters of state deserved emulation of aspiring leaders.

It prayed God to continue to shower Osinbajo with good health, protection and wisdom to enable him keep supporting the leadership of Buhari.

On his part, Tinubu congratulated the vice president on his 66th birthday.

Tinubu in a statement issued by his media office and signed

by Tunde Rahman, lauded the leadership and administrative skills of Osinbajo.

He also commended Osinbajo for his professional accomplishments as an academic and erudite lawyer, which have seen him serve successfully as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice during

his administration as Governor of Lagos and now as the vice president of Nigeria.

Tinubu said "I rejoice and celebrate with our Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on attainment of 66 today. Professor Osinbajo has been a remarkable intellectual in public service since he served with me in Lagos as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

"He contributed immensely to the success of our administration and led our justice sector reforms."

The president-elect noted that Osinbajo had partnered very well with Buhari to deliver on the progressive programmes of the party to make life better for Nigerians especially in areas of massive infrastructural development and life-changing Social Investment Programmes.

Also, Gbajabiamila rejoiced with Osinbajo on his 66th birthday.

Gbajabiamila, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and

Technology Can Reduce Gender Disparities, Says PENGASSAN Feminist forum tasks FG on gender diversity Ugo Aliogo in Lagos and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja As the world marked, the International Women Day (IWD) yesterday, the President, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, (PENGASSAN), Festus Osifo, has said innovation and technology have the potential to create more opportunities for women, reduce gender disparities, promote digital literacy, reduce cyberbullying, increase employment opportunities, enhance productivity and breakdown traditional barriers.

In a statement, Osifo said it was important to ensure that technology was developed and used in a way that would be all-encompassing and does not reinforce existing gender biases.

The statement noted that a sustainable future was dependent upon development of inclusiveness for transformative technology and digital education, adding that there was hope for the future if women brace up to involvement in the

technology field, breaking down barriers and making giant strides in the industry.

It further explained that there was need to promote women engagement in innovation and technology for gender equity by providing greater access to education for girls and women in areas where traditional educational opportunities are limited, adding that this has the potential to break down barriers such as distance, poverty, and discrimination.

Furthermore, it stated that there was need to provide new opportunities for women entrepreneurs to access markets, funding and resources, noting that it was important to ensure monitoring and analysing pay disparities, identify problem areas, and create solutions to bridge the gap.

It pointed out that creating reporting mechanisms for gender-based violence and providing support to victims/survivors was also important.

According to the statement,

“This year's theme ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality’ with a campaign theme #embraceequity, highlights the need to harness the power of innovation and technology to advance gender equality and women's empowerment.

“As a union, we recognise this potential and we are committed to leveraging technology to support women's advancement in the oil and gas industry.

“Innovation and technology have been a driving force in the global economy. Over the past few years, we have seen significant strides towards gender equality in various spheres of life, but there is still a long way to go.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Feminist Forum has called on the Nigerian government to realise that the technology industry needs gender diversity to continue to thrive.

It tasked the government to urgently address gender gaps in the National Information Communication and Technology Policy by

reviewing it to ensure that it reflects the realities of women’s access to technology and make provisions that advance women’s rights to ICT in the country including This was contained in a communique at the end of this year’s IWD, a copy of which was made available to THISDAY in Lokoja, yesterday.

They urged the government to close the digital gender gap by ensuring that women and girls have equal access to digital technologies, including affordable internet and digital devices.

Furthermore, they advised the government to, "promote women's participation and representation in the technology sector, by addressing barriers to entry and increasing access to training and education.

"Leverage technology to address gender-based violence and discrimination against women and girls, through the development of digital tools and platforms that support survivors and provide access to justice.

Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, lauded the VP's commitment to Nigeria.

He described Osinbajo as a blessing not just to his family, but also to humanity, owing to his selfless service to Nigeria.

Gbajabiamila noted that Osinbajo has paid his dues and served the country diligently even before becoming the vice president.

He prayed for more fruitful years in good health for the Vice President.

Meanwhile, after his morning devotion service, the VP with his wife, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo proceeded to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport where he was ambushed by aides and associates and members of the choir who serenaded him with singing and joyous celebrations as he came out of the car.

“I am hardly ever taken by surprise, but now really I’m surprised, thank you all so much,” a statement yesterday quoted Osinbajo to have said as he was led to cut the cake already set up in the lobby of the Presidential Wing of the airport.

From there he then proceeded to Borno State where the Learning Centre, an educational charity he envisioned in 2016, is based. He had led the efforts that produced the North East Children’s Trust and the Learning Centre then.

The North East Children’s Trust is a private sector-led charity and social engineering initiative incorporated in 2017 with a mission to create innovative, transformational sustainable learning ecosystems that will nurture, renew and empower vulnerable children between ages five and 18 years who have become orphans as a result of the insurgency in the north-east Nigeria.

It has provided comprehensive support to 686 orphaned and vulnerable children through accommodation, feeding, quality education and rehabilitative psychosocial support.

“On arrival at the Nigeria Air Force Base, Maiduguri, the VP was received by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who was accompanied by his wife, Hajiya Falmata, and other top government officials.

He then proceeded to the NECT Learning Centre where children of the institution had a lineup of activities to mark the day for the man they now call ‘Daddy,” the statement added.

“The children treated the VP, his wife, members of the NECT Board and other State government officials, to entertaining and humorous

sporting games (novelty football matches, sack and egg races) and rendition of a special birthday song for the celebrant. The VP flanked by other guests at the event also cut a special cake presented to him by the school,” it stated further.

Speaking afterwards, Osinbajo reassured the staff and children of the institution of his commitment to keep providing world class facilities that would make them the best among their peers, regardless of the prevailing socioeconomic conditions.

“All of you children who are here, one thing that is very certain is that, God giving me good health and preserving my life, I will ensure that you get the very best. However, it is, we will do everything possible to make sure that you get the very best, because that is the promise and pledge that we made when we started,” the vice president noted.

Speaking further about the school and the children, Osinbajo said, “My wife and I consider the children of this school our own children; we want to give them the kind of education that our own children have had, which is why everything that is being done here is done to the best standards available anywhere in the world.

“If you look at the quality of staff here, quality of equipment and facilities, they are among the best in the world and we keep trying to ensure that our teachers have the best exposure that is possible anywhere in the world. And as we go along, you will see that it can only get better.

“So, for me, this school is a very personal thing indeed. I pray and I hope that we will be able to do more and more for these children and for many others as they pass through this school.” Continuing, he said, “what we intend to do in this school as the years go by is to ensure that this school is a model for the world. I was so excited to hear that a number of our children have gone to secondary school and a couple into the university, and I believe one or two will be graduates this year or next.

“We are going to make sure that our kids get the best education that you can find anywhere in the world. I am looking forward to when children from here will compete and beat children from Harvard and other places around the world.”

Continues online

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HERE IS MY CERTIFICATE OF RETURN...

L-R: Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa; Deputy Governor, Lagos, Femi Hamzat; President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presenting his certificate of return to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu in Lagos… yesterday

Sanwo-Olu on #EndSARS: I Have No Control Over Military Woos Lagos youths for second term Lai Mohammed ignores Abdulrasaq, endorses governor Segun James, Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, explained his role in the October 20, 2020 #EndSARS protest in Lagos and the efforts he made to ensure peace and stability of the people of Lagos during the protest, believed to have claimed some lives and consumed several property.

The governor, who spoke on ARISE NEWS Channels, said he was pained as a leader and father to see youths brought down by bullets, but explained that he had no control of the military and police in Lagos, even though he was the chief security officer of the state.

Noting that the situation at that time, intensified the call for state police that could be controlled by governors, Sanwo-Olu said if re-elected, he would continue to work closely with the youths and empower them to achieve their dreams.

In a related development, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the leadership of the O'toge Movement, yesterday, urged indigenes of Kwara State resident in Lagos to vote for Sanwo-Olu on Saturday, but ignored the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq.

However, further explaining his role in the #EndSARS protest in Lagos and the lessons learnt, Sanwo-Olu said: “I was the first governor to meet with protesters in the nationwide #EndSARS protest.

I was the first governor to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, to present pictures and evidence of the aftermath of the protest, to enable the federal government intervene and put an end to the nationwide protest.

“I was the first governor to set up endowment fund for affected victims. I was the first governor to set up a panel of investigation into the remote causes of the protest.

That night that the protesters were shot with bullets, I went out to hospitals in Lagos at about 12 midnight, visiting injured victims of the Lagos protest and by 8am the following morning. I reported what I saw during my visit.

“Who ordered the shooting of the protesters, who ordered the

CPS of police not to listen to me in Magodo, Lagos when I went for on-the-spot inspection of the situation of Magodo Estate residents? In the February 25 election, there were more military presence than police presence and who ordered them?

“So ordering of the military is not in my space to do so,” SanwoOlu said, adding that as a father and leader, he would be the least person that would disenfranchise the youths, stressing also that he was able to reach out to all affected victims of the #EndSARS protest and gave all of them jobs and empowered them to begin life again.

Asked if he was not bothered that APC lost Lagos State to Labour Party in the February 25 presidential election, and whether such loss would not affect the chances of APC in the coming March 11 governorship election, Sanwo-Olu said the loss of the APC stronghold to other parties was even beyond Lagos State, cutting across Kano and Katsina States, adding also that Historians and political analysts, needed to further study the situation.

His words: “For us as a party, we need to look inwardly to examine critically, what exactly went wrong at the polls. We cannot force people to vote against their choices of candidates. As a party, we have our own internal wrangling that may have affected us a party during the election.

“In my view, these are some of the things that affected us as a party during the election. Lagos has less than 20 per cent of voter turn out, compared to the number of registered voters in the state, and these are the things we will look into as a party going forward,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Speaking on the plans he has for the young people of Lagos State, he noted that he was very intentional about getting people out of the poverty and unemployment market, stressing that Lagos remained the only state that has been able to provide an enabling environment for technology to thrive, having become the tech startups in Africa.

He further boasted that this was possible because of the regulatory environment in the state and the completion of the 3,000 kilometers fiber docks connectivity, designed

to reducing the cost of internet penetration and cost of data.

On security and why he didn’t attend a scheduled debate, the governor said he saw on social media, branded vehicles with guns and cutlasses in a neighborhood in broad day light, adding that the development was totally unacceptable.

Sanwo-Olu, however, urged Nigerians to come out to exercise their civic duties, saying it is a national assignment and not based on any party.

Meanwhile, Mohammed’s endorsement of Sanwo-Olu came just as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Deputy governorship candidate for Lagos State, Olori Animashaun Morenike Abeni, has formally declared her support for Sanwo-olu’s re-election.

Mohammed, a former Chief

of Staff in Lagos State, said the administration has fostered inclusion and protect their socio-economic and political interests, adding that that the poll would be a payback time.

Mohammed said Kwarans in Lagos have an obligation to support Sanwo-Olu and the President-elect, u Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying many Kwarans have thrived in the state, describing Lagos as a very accommodating and tolerant component unit of the federation At the event held at Molade Oloya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, tagged "Kwarans in Lagos endorse Sanwo-Olu", Mohammed, who recalled that the association between Lagos and Kwara dated back to centuries ago, said the state has accommodated many indigenes of the state who have excelled in business, politics, entertainment, among other sectors.

Speaking in Yoruba, he said, "Kwarans have been very successful in Lagos and they have used the fortunes made in Lagos to develop their communities in Kwara. Through the fortunes made in Lagos, many good things have been done in their respective communities in Kwara.

“This would not have been possible without the peace and harmony we enjoyed in Lagos.

Lagos and Kwara are like Siamese Twins. Our destinies are tied together. Without peace and harmony in Lagos, there cannot be peace and harmony in Kwara."

Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Sanwo-Olu, highlighted the achievements of the government and how it has treated Lagos residents with equity, irrespective of ethnic and religious backgrounds, sayiung a

vote for the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat ticket is a vote for experience and continuity, assuring them that the governor would accomplish more for the state, if re-elected.

Curiously, the SDP deputy governorship candidate Animashaun, said the decision to support Sanwo-Olu was reached following ''sequence to our thorough analysis of all the governorship candidates including our own, their antecedents, pedigree, experience, manifestos and broad acceptance across the state "From the fore-going, there is no doubt that Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Quadri Hamzat combination stands head and shoulder above the rest. We cannot sacrifice the various landmark achievements of the present administration scattered all over the state on the altar of bitter politicking.”

AfDB Issues 50m Australian Dollar 15-year Kangaroo Bond Due March 2038 The African Development Bank (AfDB) has successfully launched a 50 million Australian Dollar (AUD), 15-year Kangaroo Green Bond due March 2038.

The new issuance was arranged

by RBC Capital Markets and sold to a single Japanese investor, Taiju Life Insurance Company.

According to a statement yesterday, this was the AfDB’s sophomore green bond in the Australian dollar market since the inaugural 15-year Kangaroo green bond was issued in 2016, and marked an extension of the bank’s existing Kangaroo curve.

It stated that the funds raised through the green bond transaction would support the Bank's efforts in the areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation.

“The bond proceeds will finance eligible green projects, including forestry conservation projects, aimed at supporting the transition to green growth in Africa in accordance with the AfDB Green Bond Framework.

“Despite renewed global efforts toward climate change evidenced by the new and ambitious

climate targets established at the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Africa requires particular attention and a more targeted response,” it stated.

It noted that Africa, with its unique biodiversity and ecosystems, including savannas, mountains, plateaus, deserts, and its variety of organisms and plants, was threatened by climate change unlike any other region. As a result, the transition to green growth in Africa has become even more important and urgent.

Japan’s announcement of the “Africa Green Growth Initiative” to promote and attract investments into sustainable green growth in Africa, was ample evidence of its recognition of the need for the transition. The announcement was made at the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8) in August 2022.

“In order to promote sustainable development in Africa, the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy focuses on two overarching objectives: to promote

inclusive growth and to support African countries transition to green growth.

“The Bank has contributed to improving the lives in Africa by providing better access to water, energy and food, enabling sustainable use of natural resources, and promoting innovations, employment and economic growth.

“The transaction is the Bank’s 2nd green bond issued in 2023 across all currencies, following on from a successful SEK 1.5 billion 5-year Green Bond issued in the Swedish krone market in January,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) of the AfDB has approved a technical assistance grant of $5.03 million to implement the Africa Super Energy Service Companies (ESCO) acceleration program in Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa.

SEFA is a bank-managed multidonor special fund that works to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Super ESCOs are vehicles that channel funds into public sector

energy efficiency investments such as hospitals, schools, and street lighting, paving the way for private investment.

“The acceleration program catalyses private sector investments in energy efficiency by operationalising Super ESCOs, thus stimulating the transition toward more sustainable and greener economies.

“The grant will support the training of a team to operate Super ESCOs and support private ESCOs in the three countries to develop their Energy Performance Contract services. Private ESCOs provide services to energy users to design and implement energy efficiency options.

“The funding will also underwrite the development of harmonised regional certification schemes for ESCOs and energy service professionals, including energy auditors, managers, and energy savings measurement and verification professionals,” Mr. Saer Diop, Director-General of Senegal’s Agence pour l’Economie et la Maîtrise de l4Energie (AEME), which promotes energy efficiency said.

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Future of Rivers at Stake, Says APC Guber Candidate, Tonye Cole Igbo traders donate N20m for his campaign Amaechi urges Igbo indigenes to support APC candidate Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Mr Tonye Cole, has warned that the future of the state was at stake, and therefore appealed to Rivers people, especially, the Igbo residents in the state to vote him on Saturday, for a stable economy and sustained development of the state.

This comes as as Igbo residents in the state have donated N20 million to the Tonye Cole Campaign Council,

as a support to ensure his victory at the poll on Saturday, just as a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has urged the Igbo indigenes in Rivers to vote Cole.

Cole, who spoke at an interactive stakeholders’ meeting of Igbo residents (Ndi-Igbo) in Port Harcourt, convened by Dr Calistus Nwachukwu, said until a right leader from the APC takes over office on May 29, this year, the development of the state was at stake.

He said they had told the

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to disappoint the people in the March 11 election, adding that if errors were noted in the February 25 national elections in the state, this time, every voter would protect their votes.

"The future of Rivers State is at stake. I, again, say the future of Nigeria is at stake. Election is about democracy and giving people the right to express themselves.

"On February 25, that day will go down on the history of Rivers

State, as a day the Igbos expressed themselves loudly. I want you not to be ashamed, you spoke loudly and everybody knows what happened.

"Many people have died in the course of this call for democracy, many people have died from different tribes. Igbos lost their lives as well in this country and in this Rivers State.

"You have stood by me, I thank you. But it is not enough. We have two days to make sure that every Igbo man in this state comes out to vote. By Friday night, everybody will

know that 'Ndi-Igbo' has identified with Tonye Cole and APC," he said.

According to him, "By Saturday morning, there will be tsunami.

Nobody will seize your votes, the security personnel will be there to protect your votes. After you have voted, please stay there. No INEC official will leave their unit until they upload the results. The last time they left magic happened but this time, no magic will happen."

Earlier, Amaechi said an APC government would abolish discrimination

of non-indigenes in the state, and pleaded with the Igbo residents to support Cole's governorship bid for a better Rivers state.

Chairman of Oba Town Union Resident in the state, Mr Ifeanyi Umezurike, however, donated N20million as a support for a successful campaign of the APC gubernatorial candidate.

Umezurike, who disclosed that Cole was their sister's daughter, said the Igbo would come out en masse to support his victory on Saturday, this week.

TINUBU: WE MUST HARNESS OUR DEMOGRAPHY, NUMERICAL VALUE TO MAKE PROGRESS, WOMEN'S ROLE INVALUABLE on Nigerians in the diaspora to support Tinubu as he takes over the reins of government on May 29. Buhari spoke in Doha, at a town hall meeting with Nigerians living in the State of Qatar.

In a similar vein, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bamidele Faparusi, yesterday, urged Tinubu to extend the hand of fellowship to other candidates,

who contested with him in the presidential election.

In the message to commemorate the IWD, Tinubu said the theme for this year's celebration, "DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality," was not only about how the country must mainstream women into the digital economy, but more importantly about catering for the broader issues of gender equity,

equality, and health development needs of women and girls through specific policies and practices.

Tinubu stressed that in Nigeria, women had always played an important role in social, political and economic evolution. He said the story of many of the country's heroines, like Funmilayo RansomeKuti, Margaret Ekpo, Hajia Gambo Sawaba, and hundreds of Aba

Women, who fought for economic rights of women and contributed to the liberation struggle against colonialism, would continue to inspire generations to come.

Tinubu stated, "Embracing gender equity for us in Nigeria has progressed beyond technology adoption and participation in innovation; to a more deeper engagement about how we treat issues of economic

materials used for the conduct of the February 25 presidential election.

The appellate court dismissed INEC's suit on the grounds that it was not necessary, since the fears expressed by the electoral umpire were unfounded. It added that contrary to the position of INEC, the appellate court did not grant PDP and LP access to the database of INEC. However, ruling in the motion by Obi and LP seeking permission to carry out digital forensic inspection of the BVAS as well as an order restraining INEC from tampering with the BVAS machines used until they had completed inspection of the BVAS machines, the court pointed out that the request for forensic inspection of BVAS as well as Certified True Copies of election results from BVAS had been granted the plaintiffs in its ruling of March 3.

The panel refused to restrain INEC from tampering with the BVAS machines, based on the forthcoming governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections.

The decision was predicated on submissions of INEC that informa-

from the family units, where they nurture the children who would be the next generation of leaders, to the farmlands, markets and boardrooms, where they play the role of major economic actors.

He stated, "As we celebrate our women today, I hold sacred my promise to provide the enabling environment for these goals to become manifest and usher another dimension to the strength of Nigeria – our women.

“Doing this will renew hope in Project Nigeria and energise the much needed citizen engagement agenda of our administration."

Meanwhile, Tinubu congratulated renowned economist and member of the federal government's Economic Advisory Council, Dr. Iyabo Masha, on her appointment as Director of G-24 Secretariat.

The Intergovernmental Group of 24 on International Monetary Affairs and Development (G24) recently announced the appointment of Masha as Director of the G-24 following an extensive recruitment process. She would succeed Ms. Marilou Uy. Tinubu noted Masha's excellent knowledge of the economy, both nationally and internationally, as well as her rich ideas on a broad range of issues and policies. He described the appointment as appropriate and well deserved.

In a statement by his Media Office yesterday, in Lagos, the president-elect said, "Congratulations to renowned economist, Dr. Iyabo Masha, on her appointment by the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-four on International

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justice, social mobility, and equitable (especially political) representation of women.

"Our population demography and development indices indicate that we can only progress if we harness the numerical value of the human resources the nation is blessed with."

The president-elect noted that Nigerian women play a very important role in national life

I N E C S H I F T S G O V E R N O R S H I P, STAT E A S S E M B LY P O L L S TO M A R C H 1 8 governorship and states’ Houses of Assembly elections, scheduled to hold on Saturday, March 11, to March 18.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Voter Education and Publicity, Festus Okoye, in a statement issued yesterday, said the decision to postpone the polls was made to ensure adequate time to back up data stored on the over 176,000 BVAS machines from the presidential and National Assembly elections and, then, reconfigure the machines for the governorship and House of Assembly elections.

Justice Joseph Ikyegh of the Court of Appeal had in a ruling on an ex parte application delivered on March 3, granted permission to the presidential candidates of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party, Peter Obi, to inspect, “All the electoral materials used in the conduct of the election for the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held on February 25, 2023.”

The court also permitted both presidential candidates to do electronic scanning and/or make photocopies of voters’ registration and ballot papers used in the presidential election.

In addition, both Atiku and Obi were by the order permitted to “carryout digital forensic inspection of BVAS machines used for the conduct of the February 25” presidential election.

But INEC, dissatisfied with the order, had approached the appellate court to vary the order on the grounds that permitting Atiku and Obi access to its database would reveal the identities of voters and how they voted in the presidential election. INEC also asked the court to vary the order on the grounds that granting it may affect the conduct of the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections, now slated for March 18.

INEC said for it to deploy the BVAS used for the presidential election for the March 18 polls, it must first reconfigure the machines, which "entails purging the accreditation data in the BVAS". It added that before the reconfiguration, all information on the BVAS would have been uploaded to its accreditation back-end server for safekeeping.

However, the appellate court held that INEC's motion was not necessary because in its ruling of March 3, it did not authorise Obi and Atiku to electronically enter into the database of INEC. "The refusal will not prejudice the applicant, it is hereby refused," Ikyegh held.

It, however, refused to stop INEC from reconfiguring the BVAS used for the conduct of the presidential and National Assembly elections.

Ikyegh made the refusal while delivering ruling in a motion on notice brought by LP and Obi.

Adducing reasons for the postponement of the polls, Okoye explained, "Following today’s (Wednesday) ruling by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (EPT) on the reconfiguration of the BVAS used for the presidential election held on 25th February 2023, the commission met to assess its impact on the commission’s preparations for the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday, 11th March 2023.

"Nigerians would recall that on 3rd March 2023, the Presidential EPT had given an ex-parte order for some political parties to inspect materials used for the presidential election, including the forensic inspection of over 176,000 BVAS used in the election, which are located in INEC LGA offices across the country.

"The commission approached the tribunal to reconsider the order, given that the BVAS systems were to be deployed for the governorship and state Assembly elections and that the lack of a clearly defined timeframe for the inspection could disrupt the commission’s ability to conduct the outstanding elections."

Okoye said, for instance, the BVAS could only be activated on the

specific date and time of an election.

He added that having been used for the presidential and National Assembly elections on February 25, it was necessary to reconfigure the BVAS for activation on the date of the governorship and state Assembly elections.

The national commissioner added that while the ruling of the tribunal made it possible for the commission to commence the preparation of the BVAS for the governorship and State Assembly elections, it has come far too late for the reconfiguration to be concluded.

Okoye stated, "Consequently, the commission has taken the difficult but necessary decision to reschedule the governorship and State Assembly elections, which will now take place on Saturday, 18th March 2023.

“By this decision, campaigns will continue until midnight of Thursday 16th March 2023 i.e. 24 hours before the new date for the election."

The commission insisted, "This decision has not been taken lightly, but it is necessary to ensure that there was adequate time to back up the data stored on the over 176,000 BVAS machines from the presidential and National Assembly elections

held on 25th February 2023 and, then, to reconfigure them for the governorship and State Assembly elections."

Okoye stressed that this had been the practice for all elections, including the period when the commission was using the Smart Card Readers. He clarified that the commission was not against litigants inspecting election materials, adding that it would continue to grant all litigants access to the materials they require to pursue their cases in court.

The commission added, “We wish to reassure all political parties and candidates that the data from the presidential and National Assembly elections will be backed up and available in INEC cloud facilities, including the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV). Political parties can apply for Certified True Copies of the backend data of the BVAS. Also, the results on the BVAS will continue to be available on the IReV for interested parties to access."

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal earlier, in another ruling, dismissed a suit by INEC seeking for an order of the appellate court to vary its earlier order, which granted permission to the PDP and LP to inspect election

NBA: DESPITE CRITICISMS, 64.6% VOTERS SATISFIED WITH PRESIDENTIAL, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS yesterday, cautioned against inciting statements, especially by clerics in the country, on the February 25 presidential election. NSCIA said INEC did a good and professional job.

NBA’s summary of the entire exercise was contained in its Interim Report on the recent presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 25.

The election, which produced the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, as president-elect, has been widely condemned as below expectation by both local and international observers. Two of the contestants, Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP), have already commenced the processes of challenging the outcome of the exercise.

In the interim report signed

by NBA president, Mr Yakubu Maikyau, the association expressed "some satisfaction with the conduct of the election on February 25, 2023". However, it said the body "also identified major challenges that should be addressed for future elections".

The challenges, according to Maikyau, included the late arrival of INEC officials and ballot materials at the polling stations, malfunctioning BVAS machines, limited or nontransmission of the results from the polling units to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), insecurity at some polling units, including violent

attacks on voters and officials, voter intimidation, snatching and destruction of voting materials, significant cases of vote-buying, and limited access facilities for persons living with disabilities.

According to the NBA president, findings generally from the association’s observers “indicated that only a quarter of the electorate were excellently impressed with the conduct of the ballots (27.1%) while majority of the voters (64.6%) were somewhat satisfied, and that, only 8.2% rated the election poor or very poor.

"Stemming from these observations and in view of the impending governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections fixed for 11th March, 2023 (now shifted to March 18), the NBA urges INEC to ensure that all bugs or glitches in the BVAS machines and other election technology are fixed and improved and that INEC staff (including collation and returning officers) with proven cases of misconduct in the February 25, 2023 election are excluded from the March 11, 2023 (now March 18, 2023) election.

"The Inspector General of Police is also urged to ensure the timely deployment of police officers on duty for the elections. Political parties are equally advised to educate their members and supporters on the need to eschew all forms of actions in violation of the Electoral Act. "In conclusion, the NBA commends Nigerians for their resilience

and perseverance in carrying out their civic duties during the presidential and National Assembly elections and encourages citizens to show same values and resolve in the forthcoming governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections."

On its part, NSCIA, in a statement jointly signed by Deputy Secretary General, Professor Salisu Shehu, and Director of Administration, Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, expressed worry over the high level of what it described as unsubstantiated claims, threats and incitements emanating from certain quarters of the country, especially, from people it said ought to be the preachers of peace.

NSCIA under the leadership of President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa-ad Abubakar, stated that it was constrained to, yet again, make a statement on developments from the recently concluded presidential and National Assembly elections of the February 25, 2023, following worrisome developments after the poll.

Commending the leadership and officials of INEC for their display of professionalism during the elections, despite the daunting challenges experienced, NSCIA noted the innovations introduced by the commission, especially, the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). It said the innovations not only improved the electoral process, but also added to the credibility of the results.

The Muslim organisation noted what it called an outpouring of commendations and plaudits for INEC from numerous governmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as international observer missions on the conduct of the election.

NSCIA stated, “However, the council has observed with serious concern the high level of unsubstantiated claims, threats and incitements emanating from certain quarters of the country, especially from people who ought to be the preachers of peace and serve as moral compass for the society, consequent to the declaration of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.

“The level of unwarranted provocation and unnecessary heating up of the polity, which are capable of creating disunity and threatening the security of the Nigerian nation, is worrisome. Consequently, the council appeals to all Nigerians to exercise decorum, be peaceful, prayerful and law-abiding in the face of the current unwarranted provocations.”

It called on the security agencies to be proactive and rise up to their responsibility by decisively dealing with unlawful utterances and actions of such elements and individuals, no matter their status.

The organisation alleged that such elements had continued to fan the embers of disunity and discord in

the country.

The council called on politicians, who felt aggrieved by the outcome of the elections, to seek redress through appropriate legal channels, as provided for in the Electoral Act and the constitution of Nigeria, rather than resort to violence and unlawful acts.

NSCIA said, “They should remember that Nigeria is the only country that we can call ours. Council once again calls on INEC to remain steadfast, committed and not be dissuaded in the discharge of its lawful duties.

“It should focus adequate attention on the conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial and state assembly elections (now postponed to March 18). The commission should do everything within its powers to address the challenges it faced during the February 25 elections so as to prevent a reoccurrence.

“Council enjoins all well-meaning Nigerians, national and international organisations to join hands with and support INEC in the task of bringing about new leadership to administer the affairs of our dear country at different levels.”

The group urged dissatisfied persons to remember that instituting a legitimate leadership in the country is everybody’s business, stressing that any attempt to truncate the smooth transition of power on May 29, 2023 to the president-elect by any group of people, section or interest should be strongly resisted.

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

Sanwo-Olu’s New Plan for Lagos Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has laid out a new plan aimed at evenly decentralising development to other parts of the state at a recent session with the Organised Private Sector. Gboyega Akinsanmi reports.

D

oes Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, really deserve a second term of four years? Has he lived up to the expectation of Lagos residents irrespective of where they come from or which party they belong to? Can he garner simple majority votes in the next governorship election considering the outcome of the last presidential poll in the Centre of Excellence?

These questions obviously form the crux of political debate that most registered voters have been dissecting in Lagos since electioneering campaign began in October, 2022.

Besides, stakeholders have largely been assessing Sanwo-Olu, using different yardsticks to measure his administration.

But the debate became more intense only last week after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally declared the flagbearer of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president-elect in the just concluded presidential contest.

Even though they are at each other’s throat, the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Olajide Adediran and his counterpart in the Labour Party, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, have given diverse reasons why Sanwo-Olu should not be re-elected as the governor of Nigeria’s most populous state.

While Adediran premised his campaign on the need to end the reign of political godfatherism in Lagos State, Rhodes-Vivour claimed at different fora that Sanwo-Olu had not lived up to the expectation of Lagos residents, hence the need for the voters to reject him at the state’s governorship poll on Saturday.

The campaign messages have obviously divided the residents of the state more sharply.

On the one hand, the progressives are standing with Sanwo-Olu, citing his records of

Sanwo-Olu

performance.

On the other hand, young elements, especially early-career and mid-career professionals, either pitched their tents with the PDP candidate or the Labour Party candidate, campaigning against the ruling party.

In reality, does the message of the young elements really suggest that Sanwo-Olu has not fulfilled campaign promises to Lagos residents? Or does it also suggest that he has deceived the people of Lagos as some opposition parties have claimed severally? Are their claims sufficient to stop SanwoOlu’s re-election on March 11?

At a meeting with business leaders on February 13, Sanwo-Olu defended his administration with facts and figures, which neither LP nor PDP has disputed. Sanwo-Olu was not alone at this session held

at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki.

Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Ben Akabueze and Senior Special Assistant on SDGs, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, among others, shared the session to give their participants’ accounts of progressive governance in Lagos.

At the session, some stakeholders from diverse sectors used the forum to seek clarification about what the governor had done differently in the last four years. Others also sought to know about Sanwo-Olu’s re-election plan, which obviously turned the focus of discourse at the session.

Even though it is a work in progress, the Commissioner of Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai observed that Lagos “is dotted with diverse completed and ongoing projects that distinguish among other states.”

These projects, according to AkinderuFatai, are evidence of Sanwo-Olu’s sterling performance. Apparently, it is a fact that no Lagos resident can deny.

At the session, diverse presentations empirically reinforced Sanwo-Olu’s approval rating.

First, the presentations revealed how the governor focussed on completing all the unfinished projects that his administration inherited from his predecessors, especially Fashola and Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

Such projects, as shown in some presentations, comprise Pen Cinema Bridge in Agege, Oshodi-Abule-Egba BRT Lane, Imota Rice Mill, John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Light Rail (Blue Line) and over 16 housing estates across the state, among others.

Also strategic among such projects is the completion of Lekki Deep Sea Port, which according to the governor, the Lagos State Government jointly executed with the federal government and private sector.

Focusing on unfinished projects alone, as Akinderu-Fatai observed, Sanwo-Olu has excelled where some state governors have failed.

Beyond completing unfinished projects inherited from the previous administrations, other presentations showed diverse new projects, which the Sanwo-Olu administration newly started executing. In this category are the Light Rail (Red Line), six-lane Eleko-Epe rigid pavement expressway, Fourth Mainland Bridge and several others.

But Sanwo-Olu’s new plan for Lagos State elicited more interest among the stakeholders than the projects his administration has completed.

The new plan, he said, was designed to decentralise infrastructure development from Lagos Central to Lagos East and West. He linked the new plan to his engagement with the private sector actors, who he believed, had key roles to play in its effective execution.

The new plan, according to Sanwo-Olu, formed one of the reasons the state government conveyed the session with the OPS. And the session was principally designed to engage the private sector and perhaps mobilise private capital for the effective execution of the state’s new development plan.

Sanwo-Olu first admitted that the demographics of Lagos “is choked in the middle and requires the state government to decentralise development in the interest of all its residents.”

Consequently, he explained, the state’s demographics shaped our resolve to “consciously and deliberately change our development plan towards Lagos East and West. This reflects in our recent project undertakings.”

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

Omo-Agege as Delta’s Best Choice for Governor Oma Djebah submits that the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, stands head above other candidates, as the electorate vote on Saturday, March 18, 2023.

E

ligible voters will join their counterparts in other participating states on Saturday to elect their choice of leaders in gubernatorial and Houses of Assembly elections.

Several political parties have presented candidates for Delta’s top seat.

However, the line-up of governorship candidates in the state’s election leaves no one in doubt as to who the cap truly fits. From the dossiers, character audits, credentials and antecedents of all the candidates, it is clear that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and Deputy President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, stands head and shoulders above the other contenders.

Why Deltans Will Vote Massively for Omo-Agege For preparedness, Omo-Agege unveiled a 60-page manifesto dubbed the EDGE – E for Employment and Empowerment, D for Development (Economic, Infrastructural and Industrial), G for Good Governance, and E for Enduring Peace and Security.

In his laudable and painstaking plan to positively transform the commercial ecosystem of Delta State and create an investmentfriendly charter that makes access to funds and infrastructure a natural way of life, he proved his connection, and indeed excellent understanding of the intersection between emerging global realities and capacity to domesticate such designated best practices for the overall growth and development of Delta State.

He also demonstrated his deep knowledge and firm grasp of the issues in state he aspires

hope for Deltans to benefit from developmental programmes right at the local government and ward levels.

Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, the Delta state APC gubernatorial candidate in his broad vision for a truly revamped Delta State has equally articulated plans to create an enabling environment for industries and manufacturing; establish tech hubs, set up small businesses, offer funds guarantee schemes, promote skills acquisition and enable the institution of a Career Development Centre for Deltans (CDC).

Indeed, his manifesto forges a clear path to Delta’s renaissance. Remarkably, it holds vast promises for many including the youth and women demographics, who are ever willing to unleash their talents and potentials for the overall development of Delta State.

Omo-Agege

to govern and indeed lead by placing human capital development, agricultural revolution, food security, infrastructure, housing, tourism, security/peace building and related labour-intensive interventions at the core of his agenda.

A leader of a multi-cultural and dynamic state as Delta must recognise the need for inclusive development. To that end, Omo-Agege has pledged to facilitate the establishment of one cluster industry in each of the 25 local government areas in the state as governor, through his well-articulated Delta State Employment, Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme (DEEP).

This strategy provides renewed

At the Heart of the Issues But beyond its articulation, the broader hope of the good people of our beloved Delta State lies in the fact that Omo- Agege’s APC’s manifesto will be superintended by a man of stellar vision, courage, excellent education, unshakable determination and integrity, whose tireless commitment and devotion to service and unbridled positive transformation of the lives of all Deltans is needed at a time when our dear state is in dire straits.

As many public commentators and public spirited Deltans have rightly asserted since 2015, the overall development of the “Big Heart” has been relatively hamstrung, showing very abysmal, poor outlooks especially in terms of economic dynamics.

Not a few people think this is a misnomer for a frontline oil producing state embedded with rich human capital. Yet, the near absence of strategic thinking in Asaba over the last eight

years has exacerbated the state’s uncomplimentary socio-economic status.

Delta State, under the current and outgoing Peoples Democratic (PDP) administration, is on its knees. The state is on a clear economic, financial and developmental backslide.

Sadly, Delta State became one of the least performing states on many indices. Its capital city, Asaba, showed no marked development and its commercial hub of Warri reversed to a parlous state.

The people of the state endorsed their recognition of the leadership void in Government House, Asaba, through the vote of no confidence passed on the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the state during last week’s elections.

Leadership of a state government is a serious business and the people of Delta deserve the very best of it, as represented by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

DSP Ovie Omo-Agege is a man who would drive a realistic developmental agenda with credibility and capacity. In him, we have a leader who can offset the many upsets of the last eight years; a person who understands and envisions the concepts of planning, policy design, innovation, socio-economic development, technology and human resources.

As he has done with the office of the Deputy President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he will assemble the right team with the skill-set needed for contemporary governance and improve the socio-economic lives of all Deltans drawn from all the three Senatorial zones, namely Central, North and South.(In alphabetical order).

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Soludo in Survival Battle for Anambra Assembly Seats Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State should be unruffled, knowing that his seat is not in contest in the rescheduled poll on Saturday, March 18 but that is not the case, as he is currently fighting a battle of survival for state Assembly seats, reports David-Chyddy Eleke.

F

ormer Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof Chukwuma Soludo, won his election as Anambra Governor in November 2021, and was sworn into office on March 29, 2022.

He should be preparing for his first year anniversary now, and should have no problems with Saturday’s election, as the state will only be having House of Assembly election, but the future of his tenure in office seems to depend on the legislators elected into the Anambra State House of Assembly this Saturday, and the governor is fighting hard to get candidates of his party elected into the house.

The governor is already in a fix, and is working hard already to ensure that he gets candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) elected into the Assembly. As much as he tries, many are already seeing this as an attempt to clean up his own mess.

Last year, Soludo attacked the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, with a long write up, in which he dismissed his chances in the election, insisting Obi was a featherweight.

Also in some fora, the governor had insisted that Obi was practically not in the race, insisting that only two candidates had the capacity to win.

During a meeting with the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Soludo insisted that only he (Atiku) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu were in the presidential race.

The permutations of the governor came to pass, as Tinubu was declared winner, while Atiku came second. But from happenings around the country, and the hard fight Obi and his Labour Party were able to put up during the election, it has become obvious that the OBIdient family as Obi’s supporters are known cannot be ignored.

In Lagos, Kaduna, Cross River, Enugu and even Abia States, the governors are making

Soludo

Obi

frantic efforts to woo members of the OBIdient family, as a way to help their governorship candidates win election.

In Lagos, the capacity of Obi’s supporters have been acknowledged, and the APC is also making frantic efforts to take into reckoning, the fact that Obi’s supporters hold block votes in the coming election, especially after Obi won Lagos, during the presidential election.

In Anambra too, there are fears that the Labour Party candidates for House of Assembly may sweep votes in the state, and this may cause trouble for Soludo, who many of Obi’s supporters already see as enemies, for not supporting their candidate for the presidential seat.

The huge biases against the assembly candidates of APGA can be

attributed to the many utterances of the governor.

In the last presidential poll, Obi’s Labour Party swept over 90 percent of the total votes cast in the state, while in the National Assembly elections, Labour Party candidates, even the rookie politicians among them had a smooth sail to victory, beating more established politicians in APGA. The Labour Party got two out of the three senatorial zones, leaving one for Young Progressives Party (YPP) only Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah.

In the House of Representatives, LP got six out of the total 11 federal constituencies, while APGA the ruling party in the state was able to trail behind with just four.

As Saturday’s election draws near, the fear of Labour Party has become the begining of wisdom. The governor is not unaware of this, as he has currently deployed everything in his arsenal to commence fence-mending between the party and the people.

THISDAY gathered that there is a standing

instruction for all appointees of government to go home and work towards the election of APGA candidates. This has also been evident in the social media posts of the appointees, who have gone all out, using all channels to try to woo Anambra electorates.

Some of the postings on social media have also portrayed Soludo and Obi as brothers who have no axe to grind amongst them, adding that even Obi will be happy for Soludo to develop Anambra very well, and that would only be possible if Soludo gets House of Assembly members who are loyal to him, and desist from distracting him.

An appointee of the Governor, Mr Chidiebele Obika in a social media post wrote: “Vote APGA candidates in Saturday’s election for seamless execution of government policies. Ndi Anambra can’t afford going (sic) backwards.”

Reacting to the aggressive campaign, and the quest to woo Obi’s supporters, Mr Eze Nwobi, an Anambra resident, said: “It is a surprise that Soludo’s media aides that used the whole campaign period to write all sorts of negative things about Peter Obi have suddenly remembered that Obi and Soludo are brothers.

Interesting days ahead.

“All these is a plan to sound nice and garner sympathy. The people they called headless mob are now their friends. Dear headless mob, it’s a plan deal, don’t fall for it. They told us emotion has no business in politics, today they are imputing emotions and telling you about brothers.”

Meanwhile, the Labour Party doesn’t seem to be relenting, as they are also galvanizing support for their candidates for the House of Assembly seats, to form majority in the house.

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

Will Imo Assembly Poll Outcome Make Any Difference?

Amby Uneze wonders if the outcome of March 18, 2023, Assembly elections in Imo State will be any different from that of the presidential and national assembly polls held on February 25, 2023.

N

o doubt the February 25, 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections have come and gone but it leaves a big scar on the face of Nigeria.

It created confusion in the minds of the people due to lack of transparency, lack of due process and alleged falsification of results supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials. The outcome of that election has been described by various groups including civil society organizations (CSOs), election monitoring bodies, as sham, charade, sub-standard and lacks credibility to meet international benchmarks.

Based on this, therefore, the forthcoming governorship and States House of Assembly elections slated for Saturday, March 11, 2023 across some States of the federation has lost some enthusiasm, hope and steam.

Having fumbled in the presidential and national assembly elections, INEC is more or less trying to appeal to the conscience of the electorate to come out and perform their civic duties in the remaining governorship and house of assembly elections this Saturday, March 11.

Whether the people would listen to them (INEC) to come out and cast their vote, depends on their desire to see that a new Nigeria is possible.

In Imo State, the same confusion created

by INEC during the February 25, election is still very much in the minds of the electorate.

However, the situation in Imo is different because the coming Saturday’s election is only for the State House of Assembly. The governorship election has been scheduled

by INEC for November 11, 2023.

The reason for this is because of the Supreme Court judgement of January 14, 2020 which sacked PDP’s Emeka Ihedioha and handed the governorship to the incumbent, Hope Uzodimma of the APC.

Uzodinma

The outcome of the presidential election in the country and particularly in Imo State has given hope to a lot of people, especially the youths who voted for the Labour Party’s candidate, Peter Obi. Not minding that the alleged results announced

by INEC with regard to the senatorial and House of Representatives election in the State, the electorate across the State voted mainly for the candidates of the Labour Party.

In Imo West, for instance, the results from the polling booths from a few of the local governments where elections held were won by the senatorial candidate of the Labour Party, Chief Charles Ahize.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate, Jones Onyereri was stopped by the Supreme Court over a pre-primary matter. Everybody was so surprised that the state actors in collaboration with the INEC Resident Electoral

Commissioner in the State, Prof. Sylvia Agu allegedly cooked up a result that did not originate from the electorate and allotted the same to the APC candidates.

Generally, as confessed by INEC Adhoc staff that were posted to some local governments such as Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, election did not hold in those areas. The reason is as a result of the insecurity which had put fear in the minds of the people living in those areas over time.

But surprisingly results emanated from those local governments that did not hold elections. That is another sign of the “Omuma Magic” which was earlier exposed by one of the contestants towards the build-up of the election. The same scenario played out in the Imo North senatorial and Okigwe North federal Constituency election.

According to Dr. Batos Nwadike, a former Presidential Candidate and President General of Leadership By Example League International (LELI), “no primaries of any the political parties were held in these epicenters of insecurities of Orlu, Orsu and Oru East

and Oru West. Political campaigns did not hold in these nearly deserted LGA’s. The world knows this evident fact. The people of these areas would say clearly to the world that reflections about their ancestral homes are receding since three years of evacuation let alone to go and cast votes where they registered. A story they loathe to remember.”

He continued by stating that Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, the INEC Chairman himself, the Imo state REC and officials knew quite well that elections did not hold in virtually all the aforementioned areas for reasons of insecurity. “Even the published pictures of the polling unit of the Governor where he voted were like a bush with ballot boxes on bare ground and no voters around. What an untellable story! Therefore, generating blood-ridden results from blood areas is the most satanic tribute to the memory of all those who lost their lives and properties in this needless imbroglio, only just for an ephemeral victory in an election. Time and history have shown and recorded that any phantom victory obtained in such a sordid and mindless manner cannot stand.”

The Apex Socio-cultural youth organization of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has alleged that the REC compromised in the election of the Imo West and urged the actors to reconcile with the wish of the electorate.

Addressing journalists after an emergency meeting of the council at the state capital Owerri, the National President of OYC, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka who also hails from the Orlu senatorial district, frowned and condemned in its entirety the alleged electoral fraud committed by Prof. Agu against the zone.

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

20 T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023 TR

UT H

& RE A S O

Thursday March 9, 2023 Vol 27. No 10190

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

OYO AND THE NAME IN TOWN OLUWASANMI ABDUL RASAQ writes Seyi Makinde, who currently calls the shots in Agodi, will be returned as governor

See page 21

UMO ENO: THE MAN TO BEAT A vote for Eno is a vote for continuity, argues BASSEY INYANG

See page 21

EDITORIAL

YET ANOTHER PIPELINE EXPLOSION

22

1

Nigeria’s present somewhat quiet political climate should be quickly utilised to build electoral trust, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE

A LUKEWARM POST-ELECTION ATMOSPHERE The last presidential poll had the trappings of an epic battle. The three top contenders namely, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Wazirin Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), are all SROLWLFDO KHDY\ZHLJKWV WKH ÀUVW WZR EHLQJ ROGHU and with longer records of national politics.

The months between the party primaries and WKH JHQHUDO HOHFWLRQ JHQHUDWHG ÀUHZRUNV WKDW LQ turn produced a heightened anxiety among the populace. Confronted by the growing hardship experienced across the country and the glaring necessity for transformation, people, especially the younger generation, were determined to exercise their franchise and re-write their own prospects for change of fortune. To further boost their enthusiasm, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) never failed to seize any chance to assure Nigerians of its readiness to bequeath to the nation its fairest polls. Sadly, however, the unfavourable reactions to the February 25 outing locally and internationally seem to outweigh the positive ones by far.

But then, blessings, even mixed ones, come in various forms. And, somehow, we react to them faster and more favourably if their nature and timing rhyme with what we yearn for.

Otherwise, our responses may range from slow appreciation, denial of their material evidence, trivializing their true value, to outright refusal to recognise the very fact of their existence. So, what exactly is there to be happy about now in a country full of contradictions and mangled hopes, you may ask. Or, have you matched the salutary against the contrary feelings about the presidential poll and found the former more dominant? Even more pointedly, can you honestly argue that the faith of the majority of Nigerians for a better tomorrow has moved upwards or southwards after that animated buildup to the election?

Legitimate questions, no doubt, but then optimists would always grab opportunities to remain enthusiastic and hopeful against all odds, if not for anything, to stay alive and well, particularly mentally, in anticipation of attaining the ideal. The beauty of this upbeat mind-frame is that one can actually possess it without compromising one’s conscience or undermining any quest for the truth. Politics has always pitched people against people, individuals against other persons, ideologies against opposing philosophies and, of course, political parties against one another.

7KH KXQW IRU WKH SRZHU WR UXQ WKH DͿDLUV RI societies, states and nations, is among the most intriguing and exerting activities known to man.

Interestingly, Nigeria has had its fair share of the twists and turns of the game. The ongoing battles to make meaning out of the last election, HQMR\ WKH DQQRXQFHG YLFWRU\ YHULI\ WKH ÀJXUHV and, if proven beyond doubt, accept losses in good faith, are, therefore, not unexpected. But that all these are happening right now without the breakdown of public order or loss of lives

and limbs - contrary to some predictions and worries - shouldn’t be taken for granted. We can’t forget in a hurry the many people who perished in 2011 when President Muhammadu Buhari lost that year’s poll to former President Goodluck Jonathan, in the country’s most violent post-election protests in the current republic. Those who have termed what obtains at the moment as peace of the graveyard might have done so after considering the HQRUPLW\ RI WKH SHUFHLYHG LQMXU\ LQÁLFWHG on the wishes of majority of the voters. The infractions, aggressively documented and transmitted via the internet and other media of communication, can’t simply be wished or pushed away.

To be clear, last week’s declaration of Asiwaju Tinubu as the winner by the National Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, was received by a hugely fractured electorate, who also shared in the pains of the JURVVO\ GLVDͿHFWHG OHDGLQJ RSSRVLWLRQ SDUWLHV Some people have even described that poll as Nigeria’s worst in its electoral history. Whether WKDW FODVVLÀFDWLRQ LV D SURGXFW RI WKH KHDW RI WKH moment or a careful and informed assessment RI WKH H[HUFLVH PD\ EH FRQÀUPHG RU GLVFDUGHG in the months and years ahead.

The relative tranquility that the country enjoys now should be properly situated and appreciated. Wazirin Abubakar and Mr. Obi took the mature route early by appealing to their supporters to embrace non-violence and announcing that they would pursue their victories through the courts. Happily, the judicial processes have commenced.

The other day, Abubakar stepped out in an unusual spectacle to lead orderly blackwear demonstrations to INEC headquarters to demand the cancellation of the results, resignation or removal of Yakubu, and to register his disappointment with the manner in which the all-important national assignment was conducted.

The parties are also assembling formidable legal teams to argue their cases. Making these lawful and restrained moves in the face of credible provocations ought to satisfy those who pressurised the two gentlemen last week to call the President-elect, Tinubu, to concede victory the way Jonathan did in 2015 when he called Buhari soon after triumph for the latter became obvious. Too much energy needn’t be put into convincing anyone that the 2023

Some of the things that have happened indicate the urgent need for brinksmanship, firmness and integrity, especially on the part of INEC, federal government, political class and judiciary, if Nigeria is to be taken seriously by its own citizens and foreigners

SUHVLGHQWLDO SROO LV GLͿHUHQW IURP WKH SUHYLRXV RQHV LQ PDQ\ VLJQLÀFDQW ZD\V D VXEMHFW IRU D future date. So far, Atiku and Obi, in particular, through their actions and pronouncements, have been contributing immensely to setting the stage for dialogue and due process to thrive. Truth is, a civil, more progressive political environment is now an imperative as most observers, both domestic and external, have expressed very low opinions about the just-concluded election, putting it mildly.

I sincerely don’t envy Tinubu at this moment. The climax of what was his lifelong ambition seems to be wrapped, at present, in an anticlimactic veil. No matter the explanations from his very loyal, loving associates and followers, his win hasn’t attracted the kind of jubilation one would expect at such momentous times, even by our own standards. The pockets of congratulatory messages from some persons clearly do not bring comfort to those who look forward to a Tinubu administration that can unite Nigerians soon enough and secure the badly required cohesive, willful participation in nation-building.

Equally disturbing is the deluge of adverse press about the election from abroad. It would have been easy to simply put it down as imperialistic and condescending if the opposite holds here at home. An editorial of Financial Times on March 2, 2023 titled “Nigeria’s Badly Flawed Election Fails to Set an Example”, for instance, is too compelling to be dismissed. It reads in part: “More worrying still was voter turnout, which was pitifully low at 27 per cent…. Apathy cannot explain it. Something, including the possibility of widespread voter suppression, must have prevented them from voting…. Tinubu’s tally of 8.8mn gives him the weakest of mandates…. Nigeria has been teetering on the edge of catastrophe, with a breakdown of security and an almost total absence of growth. Neither is sustainable.

By 2050, Nigeria will have 400mn people.

They cannot be left without hope.” Ironically, Tinubu ran his campaigns with the slogan of “Renewed Hope, Revived Nation”.

Some of the things that have happened indicate the urgent need for brinksmanship, ÀUPQHVV DQG LQWHJULW\ HVSHFLDOO\ RQ WKH SDUW of INEC, federal government, political class and judiciary, if Nigeria is to be taken seriously by its own citizens and foreigners. A teenage Nigerian has committed suicide, citing the outcome of the election. While it may be hard WR HVWDEOLVK WKH FDXVH DQG HͿHFW UHODWLRQVKLS LQ this matter and the mental status of the victim, many Nigerians think, all the same, that a young life has been extinguished on account of the alleged shoddy execution of the poll. Those reported to have destroyed their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) do also give credence to the likelihood of many citizens who’re deeply traumatised by the election. May 29 this year now truly appears a cautious reality.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

T H I S D AY

321

THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023

OLUWASANMI ABDUL RASAQ writes Seyi Makinde, who currently calls the shots in Agodi, will be returned as governor

A vote for Eno is a vote for continuity, argues BASSEY INYANG

OYO AND THE NAME IN TOWN

UMO ENO: THE MAN TO BEAT

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Rasaq writes from Ibadan

7KH 3HRSOHV 'HPRFUDWLF 3DUW\·V 3'3 sized enterprises, which has helped to FDQGLGDWH LQ WKH 0DUFK JRYHUQRUVKLS stimulate economic growth and improve HOHFWLRQ 3DVWRU 8PR (QR LV WKH PDQ WR EHDW the standard of living of the people. in the race. He has everything going for him In the same vein, Governor Emmanuel courtesy of the outstanding performance of placed a high priority on education, with the incumbent governor, Udom Emmanuel. In VLJQLÀFDQW LQYHVWPHQWV LQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH almost eight years in government, Governor and human capital development. He (PPDQXHO UHGHÀQHG JRYHUQDQFH DQG SURYHG has constructed and renovated schools, to the world what sustainable development established new vocational training centers, means. and provided scholarships to students. His *RYHUQRU (PPDQXHO LQ VKRUWO\ DIWHU administration has also increased funding KH DVVXPHG R΀FH JDOYDQLVHG WKH SHRSOH for education and ensured that teachers are IRU WKH WDVN DKHDG WKURXJK UHYROXWLRQDU\ adequately trained and remunerated.

PLQGVHW DQG SDUDGLJP VKLIW WDJJHG 'DNNDGD Under Udom Emmanuel’s leadership, PHDQLQJ VHOI UHOLDQFH DQG LQGHSHQGHQFH the state’s healthcare system has resourcefulness and enterprise.

XQGHUJRQH VLJQLÀFDQW LPSURYHPHQWV +LV 'DNNDGD WKH DPELWLRXV LGHRORJLFDO administration built and equipped modern philosophy, guided the interventions and hospitals, recruited and trained healthcare WKH SURJUDPPHV RI WKH JRYHUQRU $V D UHWLUHG professionals, and provided free healthcare EDQN H[HFXWLYH ZKR PDGH KLV PDUN LQ WKH services to pregnant women, children ÀQDQFLDO VHFWRU ULVLQJ WR EHFRPH D GLUHFWRU LQ XQGHU ÀYH DQG SHRSOH ZLWK GLVDELOLWLHV RQH WKH 7LHU $ UDQNHG EDQNV LQ $IULFD =HQLWK 7KHVH HͿRUWV KDYH UHVXOWHG LQ D VLJQLÀFDQW %DQN NQHZ WKDW VXFFHVV VWDUWV IURP ZLWKLQ reduction in mortality rates and an +H HOHYDWHG WKH FRQÀGHQFH DQG GLJQLW\ RI improvement in overall health outcomes in WKH SHRSOH RI $NZD ,ERP WKURXJK WKH ZHOO the state.

7KH JRYHUQRU KDV DOVR PDGH VLJQLÀFDQW investments in security, including the establishment of a specialized security RXWÀW ´2SHUDWLRQ $NSDNZX µ WR FRPEDW crime and ensure the safety of citizens. He has also provided logistics and equipment to security agencies to enhance their HͿHFWLYHQHVV LQ PDLQWDLQLQJ ODZ DQG RUGHU in the state. $ERYH DOO ZKDW PDQ\ SHRSOH FRQVLGHUHG impossible, Governor Emmanuel made SRVVLEOH +H UHDFKHG IRU WKH VNLHV VWUHWFKHG DQG GHÀHG OLPLWDWLRQV DQG WKH VWDWXV TXR Governor Emmanuel conceived and ELUWKHG ,ERP $LU D FRPPHUFLDO DLUOLQHU that is reputed to be one of the safest and reliable airlines in Nigeria. Many who WKRXJKW PLQG VKLIW FDPSDLJQ PRFNHG WKH SURMHFW ZHUH VKRFNHG ZKHQ Not too long, it was clear to the world that ,ERP $LU KLW WKH VN\ RQ -XQH WKH JRYHUQRU ZDV QRW MXVW SOD\LQJ RQ ZRUGV Through the airline, the state has retained ZLWK WKH 'DNNDGD PDQWUD XQSUHFHGHQWHG a reasonable share of the passengers’ developments on all fronts were gradually spending on air travels. The scheme piloted FUHHSLQJ LQWR WKH VFHQH LQ $NZD ,ERP 6WDWH with three aircraft reportedly airlifted He prioritised human capital development RYHU SDVVHQJHUV ZLWKLQ GD\V RI of the people, which is the greatest asset that operations. The airline later added a new will stand the test of time. Great people build %RPEDUGLHU &5- DLUFUDIW WR LWV ÁHHW DQG JUHDW VWDWHV 7KURXJK XQXVXDO ÀQDQFLDO UH ÀWWHG ZLWK +LJK (΀FLHQF\ 3DUWLFXODWH $LU engineering, he piloted the state from civil +(3$ ÀOWHUV ZKLFK SURWHFWV KXPDQV IURP service, whose main source of revenue was oil SHUFHQW DLUERUQH PLFUREHV DQG RWKHU earnings accruable from the federal purse. contaminants in the cabin. +H SUHVHQWHG DQ DPELWLRXV ÀYH SRLQW SODQ 2Q WKH VXFFHVV RI WKH DLUOLQH DQG LWV EHIRUH WKH SHRSOH 7KH\ DUH ZHDOWK FUHDWLRQ LPSDFW RQ WKH VRFLR HFRQRPLF RXWORRN RI economic and political inclusion, poverty the state, Governor Emmanuel submits, alleviation, infrastructural consolidation and ´,ERP $LU KDV SODFHG $NZD ,ERP 6WDWH H[SDQVLRQ DQG MRE FUHDWLRQ on the international business pedestal, Infrastructure development is one of the boosting the state’s corporate image and NH\ DUHDV ZKHUH *RYHUQRU 8GRP (PPDQXHO heightens her perception as a true highly – KDV PDGH VLJQLÀFDQW SURJUHVV +H KDV UDWHG LQGXVWULDO GHVWLQDWLRQµ LQLWLDWHG DQG FRPSOHWHG D QXPEHU RI SURMHFWV $V PRUH DLU SDVVHQJHUV WURRS LQWR including the construction and rehabilitation the state for business and pleasure, RI URDGV EULGJHV DQG Á\RYHUV +H KDV DOVR Udom Emmanuel is also upgrading the invested in the construction and renovation LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DW WKH VWDWH RZQHG 9LFWRU of public buildings such as hospitals, schools, $WWDK ,QWHUQDWLRQDO $LUSRUW ² RYHUKDXOLQJ DQG JRYHUQPHQW R΀FHV 7KLV KDV LPSURYHG of the hangar, building an international WKH VWDWH·V WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ QHWZRUN ERRVWHG terminal and taxiway, among others. economic activities and provided better access This is a practical demonstration of how to essential services for citizens. Governor he intended to create wealth and upgrade (PPPDQXHO FRQVWUXFWHG RYHU NLORPHWHUV the image of the state he promised when of critical roads across the three senatorial KH ZDV VHHNLQJ YRWHV IURP WKH $NZD GLVWULFWV RI $NZD ,ERP ZLWKLQ D IHZ \HDUV RI ,ERP SHRSOH LQ $V D ZHDOWK FUHDWLRQ WDNLQJ UHLQV RI SRZHU H[SHUW RI UHSXWH KH NQHZ WKDW ZKHQ DQ Governor Emmanuel has also focused on enabling environment is created, private FUHDWLQJ MREV DQG HPSRZHULQJ WKH SHRSOH LQYHVWPHQWV DQG FDSLWDO ZLOO ÁRZ LQ WR RI $NZD ,ERP 6WDWH HFRQRPLFDOO\ +H KDV harness opportunities and in the process supported and invested in various sectors such wealth is created. as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

His administration has also provided Inyang ÀQDQFLDO DVVLVWDQFH WR VPDOO DQG PHGLXP writes from Akwa Ibom State

22 4

T H I S D AY

THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

YET ANOTHER PIPELINE EXPLOSION The Rumuekpe tragedy is one too many

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WKDW PDQ\ ZRXOG KDYH YLHZHG WKH QXPEHU RI ODWHVW o fewer than 12 people were FDVXDOWLHV DV ¶LQVLJQLÀFDQW· <HW HYHU\ WLPH 1LJHULDQV FRQÀUPHG GHDG ODVW )ULGD\ IDOO WR DQ DYRLGDEOH GHDWK VXFK DV IURP WKHVH SLSHOLQH IROORZLQJ DQRWKHU SLSHOLQH H[SORVLRQ ÀUHV LW VLJQLÀHV QRWKLQJ PRUH WKDQ WKH SODLQ DEVHQFH IURP DQ LOOHJDO RLO EXQNHULQJ VLWH RI UHVSRQVLELOLW\ DQG ODFN RI FRPPLWPHQW WR WKH LQ 5XPXHNSH FRPPXQLW\ 5LYHUV ZHOIDUH RI WKH FLWL]HQU\ 6WDWH $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH VWDWH SROLFH 7R EH VXUH SHWUROHXP SLSHOLQH EUHDNDJHV DQG VSRNHVSHUVRQ *UDFH ,ULQJH .RNR SUHOLPLQDU\ UHODWHG ÀUH RXWEUHDNV DUH UHJXODU DFFLGHQWV DVVRFLDWHG LQYHVWLJDWLRQ LQGLFDWHV WKDW WKH YLFWLPV ZHUH VFRRSLQJ ZLWK WKH RLO LQGXVWU\ HYHU\ZKHUH LQ WKH ZRUOG 7KH\ FUXGH SURGXFWV ZKHQ WKH VLWH FDXJKW ÀUH )LYH YHKLFOHV DOVR KDSSHQ LQ RWKHU MXULVGLFWLRQV LQFOXGLQJ WKH IRXU 7ULF\FOHV .HNH 1$3(3V DQG RQH PRWRUF\FOH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV ZKLFK LQ $XJXVW KDG RQH ² WKH ZHUH DOVR EXUQW (QEULGJH QDWXUDO JDV SLSHOLQH ² WKDW UXSWXUHG DQG 1RWKLQJ H[SODLQV 1LJHULD·V QRWRULHW\ ZLWK KXPDQ NLOOHG RQH SHUVRQ ZKLOH OHDYLQJ ÀYH SHRSOH LQMXUHG LQGXFHG SHWURO SLSHOLQHV ÀUHV EHWWHU WKDQ JUHHG 7KH FKDOOHQJH LQ 1LJHULD LV WKDW WKHVH WUDJHGLHV DUH FROOHFWLYH UHFNOHVVQHVV DQG XWWHU GLVUHJDUG IRU KHDOWK DYRLGDEOH 7KH UHFHQW ÀUH LQ 5LYHUV 6WDWH ZDV FDXVHG DQG VDIHW\ SUDFWLFHV ,W LV WKHUHIRUH QR VXUSULVH WKDW E\ WKH DFWLYLWLHV RI YDQGDOV WKH QXPEHU RI IDWDOLWLHV ZKR ZHUH VDLG WR KDYH DULVLQJ IURP SLSHOLQH A multi-dimensional strategy to the issue should be pursued by FUDFNHG LQWR WKH SLSHOLQH EXUVWV DQG DVVRFLDWHG ÀUH RI WKH 1LJHULDQ 1DWLRQDO H[SORVLRQV LV QRZ VLPSO\ blending technology with local intelligence if we are to stem the 3HWUROHXP &RPSDQ\ VWDJJHULQJ 113& /WG WR VWHDO SHWURO %HIRUH WKH ODWHVW harvest of deaths which also impact negatively on our national EHIRUH ÀUH VWDUWHG IURP WUDJHG\ WKHUH KDG EHHQ YHKLFOH LJQLWLRQ ,W LV D economy VHYHUDO RWKHUV FODLPLQJ IDPLOLDU VWRU\ WKRXVDQGV RI OLYHV ,Q 7KH YDQGDOV RU SHWURO 2FWREHU QR IHZHU T H I S D AY WKLHYHV RIWHQ UHVRUW WR FUXGH PHDQV RI FUDFNLQJ WKH WKDQ YLOODJHUV LQ -HVVH 'HOWD 6WDWH ZHUH EXUQW DOLYH EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU SLSHOLQHV ZKLFK WKH\ FOHDUO\ GR QRW KDYH ULJKWV WR DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA ZKLOH VFDYHQJLQJ IRU SHWURO IURP D UXSWXUHG SLSHOLQH MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DFFHVV ZLWK SURGXFWV OHIW WR ÁRZ RXW WR SROOXWH WKH 7ZR \HDUV ODWHU LQ -XO\ DERXW SHRSOH ZHUH DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU HQYLURQPHQW 7KLV VXEVHTXHQWO\ UHVXOWV LQ H[SORVLRQV NLOOHG ZKLOH GRLQJ WKH VDPH WKLQJ QHDU -HVVH DV ZHOO CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI *LYHQ WKDW WKH SRVVLELOLWLHV RI WKLUG SDUW\ LQWUXVLRQV DV LQ :DUUL LQ WKH VDPH PRQWK ,Q 1RYHPEHU RI WKH EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN RQ LWV SLSHOLQHV DUH DOPRVW LQHYLWDEOH ZH DUH FXULRXV VDPH \HDU QR IHZHU WKDQ SHRSOH GLHG LQ DQRWKHU MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI WR NQRZ LI WKHUH LV D FULPH PDS ZLWK ZKLFK WR WUDFN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE SLSHOLQH ÀUH WKDW RFFXUUHG LQ (EXWH DUHD RI /DJRV %\ WKH UHSHDWHG EUHDNV LQWR WKH 113& SLSHOLQHV -XQH WKH FRXQWU\ UHSRUWHG DQRWKHU GHDWKV ,Q DQ HUD ZKHUH FULPH SUHYHQWLRQ LV JUHDWO\ DLGHG E\ IURP SLSHOLQH ÀUH LQ 8PXDKLD DUHD RI $ELD 6WDWH WHFKQRORJ\ DQG DGGLWLRQDO ORFDO LQWHOOLJHQFH LW LV QR (DUOLHU LQ 0D\ DERXW SHRSOH ZHUH EXUQW T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D ORQJHU HQRXJK IRU WKH DXWKRULWLHV WR VXUUHQGHU WR IDWH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA WR GHDWK DURXQG WKH $WODV &RYH LQ /DJRV DQG DERXW GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, &RQVLGHULQJ WKDW VXFK FULPHV DUH DOVR XVXDOO\ ORFDO PRUH LQ 'HFHPEHU EHFDXVH RI VLPLODU H[SORVLRQ ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI ZH ZRXOG DOVR DVN LI WKHUH ZHUH D ORFDO LQWHOOLJHQFH LQ $EXOH (JED DUHD 7KHUH ZDV DOVR DQ H[SORVLRQ LQ DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, GDWDEDVH IURP ZKLFK WR GUDZ XS SUHYHQWLYH ,MHJXQ DUHD RI /DJRV ZKHQ D EXOOGR]HU VWUXFN D SHWURO ANTHONY OGEDENGBE PHDVXUHV $ PXOWL GLPHQVLRQDO VWUDWHJ\ WR WKH LVVXH SLSHOLQH LQ DQG WZR PRUH LQ -DQXDU\ DQG -XO\ RI DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI VKRXOG EH SXUVXHG E\ EOHQGLQJ WHFKQRORJ\ ZLWK SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH LQ $NXODJED DUHD RI :DUUL 6RXWK DQG $UHSR LQ ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI ORFDO LQWHOOLJHQFH LI ZH DUH WR VWHP WKH KDUYHVW RI 2JXQ UHVSHFWLYHO\ CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI GHDWKV ZKLFK DOVR LPSDFW QHJDWLYHO\ RQ RXU QDWLRQDO :KLOH WKH OLVW VHHPV HQGOHVV PRVW DSSDOOLQJ LV DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO HFRQRP\ WKDW WKHVH GHDWKV KDYH EHFRPH PHUH VWDWLVWLFV VXFK TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

23

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

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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%

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9.56%

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Nigerians Urge INEC to Use BVAS for Voter Accreditation, Uploading of Results in Saturday’s Election

Emma Okonji Following the alleged irregularities in the presidential and National Assembly elections that held February 25, Nigerians from all walks of life have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to make effective use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) device, for accreditation of voters and for uploading of election results in the coming Saturday’s election.

Nigerians, including technology experts who spoke to THISDAY, advised INEC to ensure that all election results are uploaded through BVAS to INEC portal, to avoid repeat of manual collation of election results, as witnessed in the presidential and

National Assembly elections.

Elder Statesman and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Robert Clark who spoke recently on ARISE News Channels, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, advised Nigerians to exercise their civic rights by turning out to vote for their preferred candidates in Saturday’s governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

According to him, Nigeria is in a very crucial time and Saturday’s election is crucial for all Nigerians.

He however warned that INEC must not disenfranchise any voter by ensuring that the BVAS device would be effectively used for voter accreditation and uploading of results from polling units to INEC server as contained in the INEC election

guidelines and the 2022 Electoral Act. Speaking about Nigeria’s Constitution and the conduct of the presidential and National Assembly elections that were allegedly marred with irregularities, Clark said: “The 1999 Constitution, which Nigeria is operating, is a ‘rotten egg’ and we cannot make any headway with the Constitution, except the Constitution is changed. The Constitution should be changed to enable the states develop independently. The powers of the federal government must be reduced and power given to the states so that Nigeria can develop. Whoever becomes the next President of Nigeria should revisit the 1999 Constitution to enable Nigeria to develop.”

Chairman, Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Road

Transport Owners (NARTO), Kayode Odunowo, who also spoke on ARISE News Channels, also encouraged Nigerians to vote in the coming governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

He assured Nigerians that NARTO would work with INEC to ensure hitch-free election on Saturday March 11, 2023. Other Nigerians, who expressed the feelings about the election, said they were worried about the threats from some groups of people who were bent on destabilising the electoral process, coupled with the inability of INEC to upload election results across the country on real-time basis during the presidential and National Assembly elections.

Reacting to the recent INEC’s application to the Court of Appeal in

Abuja, seeking for the re-configuration of BVAS devices used in the presidential an National Assembly elections, before deploying them for the governorship and state House of Assembly elections on Saturday, some technology experts who faulted INEC’s application, said granting the application would allow INEC to tamper with the devices and erase election results that would be used as evidence in the pending election litigations against INEC. While most Nigerians are calling on INEC to cancel the presidential and National Assembly election as a result of the alleged irregularities that marred the conduct of the elections, others are insisting that INEC should postpone the governorship and state House of Assembly elections, until

INEC satisfactorily conclude on the presidential and National Assembly elections.

President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body for all Information Technology (IT) professionals in Nigeria, Prof.

Adesina Sodiya, who encouraged Nigerians to return to the polling units in their numbers to vote in Saturday’s governorship and state House of Assembly elections, insisted that the BVAS technology has improved Nigeria’s electoral process, having performed efficiently well in accreditation of voters without hitches.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Fresh Hurdle Awaits Online Advertisers as ARCON Commences Vetting Raheem Akingbolu Five months after the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) slammed a N30 billion suit against Meta Platforms Incorporated (owners of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms) and its agent, AT3 Resources Limited, at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division over issues related to advert vetting, the regulatory body has announced that online advertisements, targeting

Nigerians and the Nigeria market, must as from this month pass through the vetting process of the agency before exposure.

Giving this directive in Lagos, the Director General of the agency, Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, warned online media practitioners, to comply with the new directive or risk a minimum fine of N500,000 or some jail terms.

According to him, it is now mandatory for any ad material to pass through the council’s Advertising

Standards Panel, for vetting before such are exposed.

Fadolapo explained that it took the council this long to come up with the new regulatory regime since the old APCON law did not put the council in good stead to regulate advertisements in that space.

According to him, the new ARCON Act of 2022 had made it adequately equipped to carry out such regulatory functions.

While insisting that the apex

regulatory body had not come to regulate the social media space in Nigeria, Fadolapo however argued that the intention, of the latest development, is to draw the line, and begin to ensure that onlime media practitioners, skit makers, comedians, bloggers, vloggers, and others, putting adverts on their spaces, comply with the country’s advertising law.

“ARCON is not regulating social media. It is not an attempt by the federal government to regulate that

space. Nobody is regulating that. We are not regulating comedy; we are not regulating the activities of bloggers.

But what we are saying is that there is a space called advertising, that space is a regulated space and if you are going to play in that space, then you are moving into a regulated space.

In that space you will be regulated,” he added.

He explained that the event was designed to educate and sensitise media practitioners and agencies on

the online space, on the new law, and its attendant penalties, if violated.

In his lecture titled: “Business of Advertising in the Digital Space,” the Keynote Speaker, Charles Odenigbo, counseled practitioners on the online space on the need to equip themselves of the laws to avoid being sanctioned.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, M A R C H 8 , 2 0 2 3 BONDS DESCRIPTION Price ^14.20 14MAR-2024 ^13.53 23MAR-2025 ^12.50 22JAN-2026 ^16.2884 17MAR-2027 ^13.98 23FEB-2028

10.362, 00 10.459, 00 10.287, 00 11.168, 00 10.386, 00

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

Yield

BILLS MATURITY

Discount

NTB 26-Jan23 NTB 9-Feb23 NTB 9-Mar23 NTB 27-Apr23

3.01

NTB 11May-23

3.23

3.01 2.21 3.20

3.27

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

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

Yield

6, 0.00 January 2023

MATURITY FDHP CP III 17-MAR-23 VHPL CP III 1-APR-23 MREP CP VI 11-APR-23

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

Discount Yield

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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

24

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

BRANDS & MARKETING

The Ugly Side of Political Posters With the 2023 General Election winding up, Raheem Akingbolu writes on the need for stakeholders in the ongoing election exercise to quickly look into how to remove posters used for campaigns to enhance aesthetic of the environment

L

ike every election year, political posters of various parties and politicians are currently competing for spaces in all the towns and cities of the 36 states of Nigeria including the federal capital territory (FCT).

It is expected because posters and leaflets are among the cheapest means of communication during electioneering campaigns, compared to billboards or ad placement in newspaper, radio or television.

Since early last year, when the jostling for party candidates into various elective posts began, the ‘poster war’ has continued unabated. There hasn’t been any breathing space for the environment as politicians have bombarded every available space on the streets with posters. Now that the political euphoria is almost over and winners from some of the elections and their supporters have begun their ‘honeymoon,’ there is urgent need to remove the posters.

However, there is always a sharp difference between the enthusiasm displayed while putting up the campaign materials and after the election.

After the election, the responsibility of removing the campaign materials becomes that of the government and its agencies.

For instance, after the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections, the states’ outdoor regulatory agencies -the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA) and the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA), carried out the cleaning exercise.

According to LASAA management, the agency had then factored in the process of removal while preparing for the campaign by procuring modern technologies that would make the job fast.

In view of the clarion call by stakeholders that sanity must be restored to the environment, the Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, in a telephone conversation with THISDAY, called on those concerned to start cleaning up the towns and cities immediately after the elections.

“It’s very important to restore neatness and sanity after the posters have defaced walls and available spaces in the town. To this end, I want to appeal to political parties and politicians to cooperate with the government in the sanitization exercise of the environment,” Fadolapo stated.

Meanwhile, despite the warning given by Lagos State in its guidelines that banners could only be displayed on inner roads and streets, and must be attached to the wall of a particular building – with the consent/agreement of the building owners – limited to inner streets and also not tied to poles or public utilities, including electric and telecom poles, the promoters of various political parties have consistently done the otherwise. Almost all the political parties have flouted the rules in Lagos and other states, including the FCT.

2023 ELECTION GUIDELINES

In some states, especially Lagos, Oyo, Anambra states, where state governments have structures on ground to guide political campaigns, things are a bit regulated, compared to others. In Anambra, the state didn’t only charge on posters, it also banned pasting of posters on bridges and road demarcations along the streets of the state, just as it prohibited the pasting of campaign posters on street light poles; roundabout and other public buildings Six months ago, precisely in August, Anambra Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSAA), issued

a directive that presidential candidates of the various political parties who wished to mount or paste their posters anywhere in Anambra State for the purposes of the 2023 elections were to pay N10m.

A statement which was signed by the managing director of the agency, Mr. Tony Ujubuonu also said that senatorial candidates were to pay N7 million, while House of Representatives candidates were to pay N5 million. Similarly, those wishing to contest for the state House of Assembly were to pay N1 million.

The agency also pegged the statutory costs for out -of- home media and mobile advertising at N100,000 for 48 sheets billboards, N500,000 for spectacular billboards, N500,000 gantry displays, N100,000 for irregular shaped billboard; N50,000 for branded vehicle and N5,000 for tricycle rear branding respectively.

According to the notice, materials for advertising such as posters, public address system, banners, fliers, bunting, T-shirts, caps and sundries must be fully paid for and approved by the government authorities before they could be displayed for public consumption in any part of the state.

The payments, the government said, were to be made to the state’s revenue account before pasting the posters anywhere, warning that politicians who default in the payments would face legal prosecution before the election.

The notice further said that every billboard must be displayed through a registered advertising practitioner after the advertising content must have been vetted by the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON. In the same way, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisements Agency (LASAA) had earlier issued guidelines on the use of election campaign materials in the state ahead of the 2023 general elections as provided under its enabling law.

Managing Director of LASAA, Mr. Adedamola Docemo, who spoke on the guidelines last year, urged everyone involved to comply for sanity and to protect the environment from defilement, visual blight and other adverse effects of uncontrolled or unregulated deployment and display of political campaign materials within the state during the upcoming electioneering period.

The agency, therefore, strongly advised that political parties and aspirants must refrain from indiscriminate deployment of campaign posters and embrace the use of other creative and innovative platforms, including stick in the ground, billboards, mobile A-frames and mobile adverts.

It also reiterated its readiness to assist and co-operate with all political parties, politicians, campaigners and their supporters in ensuring that they have a hitch-free political participation.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Worried by the way some politicians flout the rule and debase the environment; despite the government’s insistence on global practice image management consultants and environmental enthusiasts have called on the government to put every necessary measure in place to remove the posters. Among other things, federal and state regulatory agencies have been urged to retrain their staff, update their technologies and return the streets back to their excellent look before the campaign.

In his reaction to the development, the Chief Executive Officer of PR Nigeria, Mallam Yushau Shuaib called on all stakeholders to scale up their effort and clean up the cities.

“There are guidelines on the use of political and election campaign materials including billboards, wall drapes, banners, and posters, especially after obtaining permits before placements on specific sites, structures and locations within a given environment. We should not forget that some agencies also

outline penalties for violators. Now, indiscriminate deployment and pasting of campaign posters are not only rampant, they also deface public utilities with the arbitrary pasting.

“Advertisers who sought and obtained permissions for the placements are under obligation to remove them after the elections. Agencies responsible for environment sanitisation are under obligations too to remove the items as part of their mandates. It is a standard requirement that all the advertising materials must be removed after the elections,” Shuaib stated.

Another communication expert and chartered mediator, Ambrose Igboke in his own reaction, regretted that after the elections, there are no clear cut strategies or even plans to clean up these advertisements but insisted that 2023 must be an exception.

To address the situation, Igboke, who is also the Chairman, Guild of Public Affairs Analysts, Enugu State Chapter recommended a few strategies for cleaning up electioneering campaign advert materials in Nigeria.

According to him; “The sale of advert billboard advert space should not be more than four months before the elections, depending on the rules of the electoral body. Most of the time, the billboards are booked for 12 months, hence the political adverts remain there many months after the election. What I’m saying in essence is that outdoor advertising companies should be compelled not to sell a space for more than 6 months prior to election.

All electoral outdoor billboard adverts should be removed not more than 80 days after the elections.

Finally, a task force should be constituted in states to remove pasted posters not more than 30 days after the elections,” Speaking in respect of Lagos State, an experiential marketing practitioner, Adeyemi Julius, said he’s confident that LASAA know how to go about the removal and discard of such unwanted items such as the “above the line adverts like large billboards, poll post and others. He also added that the agency would assist in getting posters off the streets.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

25

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Bellafricana Expands to Support Airtel Africa Restates Creative Entrepreneurs across Africa Commitment to Digital Emma Okonji Bellafricana has opened its tech-enabled community as a free platform to support creative entrepreneurs in the fashion, arts and craft, beauty, home and living, food produce and snacks industry, to gain visibility, increase sales, have the right business support and structure that gives them the capacity to grow their business.

Speaking to the media on the new development, the founder of Bellafricana, Bukky Asehinde, said they are thrilled to make the announcement as a driving force behind the growth of thousands of creative businesses in Africa.

According to her, We are filled with a sense of gratitude and passion for what we have built together.

When Bellafricana started, it was born out of a deepseated desire to create what we describe as a sanctuary which would not only give creative entrepreneurs the visibility they deserved but also help them build the business structures and support system they need to grow.

“We have been a driving force behind the growth of thousands of creative businesses in Africa, providing unparalleled support to the entire African creative community and connecting their products to local and

international customers.”

Currently, Bellafricana. com is a leading community for African-Owned creative businesses with a growing network of over 20,000 creative entrepreneurs.

Its members have saved a whopping N20 million (over $40,000) off their marketing training expenses and bagged sponsorship from the prestigious Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), valued at a staggering N63.5 million “Through our extensive brand exposure, our members have been featured on highly acclaimed TV stations such as Hip TV and Silverbird TV - cementing their position as industry leaders. Our

members have secured various grants including the illustrious Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) grant, worth a hefty $5,000.

“Also, some of our members have been shortlisted for the Jack Ma Prize (African Business Heros Award), a testament to their innovative drive and ingenuity,” Asehinde said.

“Over the years, Bellafricana has evolved into something much more than we ever could have imagined. We have become a family, a community that not only supports and encourages each other but also inspires and motivates us to strive for excellence every day.

ipNX GMD, Aror Get Recognition as Digital Economy Enabler Nosa Alekhuogie The Group Managing Director of ipNX Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ejovi Aror, has received Eminent Recognition as a Digital Economy Enabler at the recently held ‘Nigeria’s Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers 2023’ in Lagos.

The award recognises Aror’s exceptional leadership in ipNX Nigeria and outstanding contributions in driving innovation and growth in the Nigerian ICT sector and digital economy. ipNX is one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing ICT companies

and a leading Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) operator.

Receiving the award, Aror thanked the organisers saying: “This award is a testament to my passion and dedication towards the endless possibilities that the ICT sector is creating for our nation. I reiterate my unwavering commitment to improving the technological landscape of Nigeria while leading ipNX to deliver exceptional value to our customers, stakeholders, and shareholders at large.”

Aror has over three and a half decades of experience

in the Nigerian ICT sector.

Since 2002, Aror has been the Group Managing Director of ipNX, guiding the company through different phases of growth, from pioneering the Wide Area Network (Branchto-Central Site) connectivity solution for the financial sector, to most recently, the launch of the ipNX FOS Xtreme 1000, the fastest fibre broadband service in West Africa.

The FOS Xtreme 1000 service delivers an internet speed of up to 1Gbps to homes and SMEs in Nigeria. In addition, Aror

Nest Launches Nestlings Playbook across Nigerian Universities Emma Okonji The Nest Innovation Technology Park has partnered with Campus Innovation Circles (CIC) to launch The Nestlings Playbook; its pioneer program designed to address the unique challenges faced by founders across universities in Nigeria.

The Nestlings Playbook is specifically tailored to provide the undergraduate community with a sandbox that offers access to resources and support they need to explore the digital economy. By providing the opportunity to actively explore digital entrepreneurship, founders can gain valuable experience and knowledge without bearing the significant risk associated with implementation.

Due to a lack of support and low participation, our future leaders do not have the chance to impact the business world like they ought to.

The ecosystem of Nigerian students is rich in talent, but there is a need to provide them with the tools and resources needed for a smooth transition into the digital economy as entrepreneurs and not labour talents alone.

With the partnership and integration, The Nest Innovation Technology, in collaboration with CIC becomes a valuable source of support for today’s founders in universities who are keen on exploring the digital economy to create prosperity in Africa.

Co-founder, The Nest Innovation Technology Park, Mr. Peter Ogedengbe, said: “Partnering with

CIC is a bold step aligned with our strategy to provide support and access to resources to promote innovation and create awareness amongst young people, which will directly impact the Nigerian economy and Africa at large.”

According to him, the integration is programmed for founders within university communities to take on audacious challenges with resources of digital innovation and adequate support . It will create a pipeline of entrepreneurial talent who, by graduation, are already competing actively in the market or are second-time founders by graduation and can satisfy the demand for such expertise in a broader ecosystem.

Another Co-founder at The Nest, Joba Oloba, said: “We believe that student entrepreneurs have the potential to create groundbreaking solutions to everyday problems.

With The Nestlings Playbook’s innovative program, we’re empowering them to unleash their full potential and make a real impact in the African entrepreneurship ecosystem. A new generation of entrepreneurs who will influence the direction of the nation’s economy is on the verge of being created thanks to The Nestlings playbook project, which is poised to change Nigeria and Africa’s environment for founders across University communities.”

has deepened ipNX’s market penetration and expanded its footprint, serving a multitude of customer needs with a wide range of super-fast and seamless connectivity solutions including Broadband Internet, Wide Area Networks, Enterprise Telephony, and Data Centre Interconnect.

Education for African Children Emma Okonji Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services with a presence in 14 countries across Africa, has restated its commitment to the relentless pursuit of a better future for African children through the provision of access to digital education.

CEO of Airtel Africa plc, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, made the commitment at the opening of a two-day conference in Nairobi, Kenya, where executives of Airtel Africa and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

convened to discuss implementation of the landmark partnership across 13 out of Airtel’s 14 markets.

Airtel Africa committed to invest $57 million into educational programmes during the five-year partnership with UNICEF. Ogunsanya reflected on the effects of Covid-19 pandemic on education in Africa leading to school closures, and charged the participants to continue to work closely with stakeholders, especially the governments and educational authorities, to ensure that children, especially vulnerable children in remote communities, are given the opportunity to learn.

Samsung Launches New Smartphone Nosa Alekhuogie Samsung has launched its new Galaxy A14 smartphone with the latest innovation and technology, designed to boost favourite moments of users.

The latest Galaxy A series comes with a large screen, and improved high resolution camera that allow users stay connected.

Giving details of its features, Product Manager, MX Division, Stephen Okwara, said each picture is captured with all its incredible details by the awesome triple-lens camera supported by the upgraded selfie camera3.

“The 50MP main camera ensures that every detail comes alive in high resolution and you can snap the best of yourself with the 13MP selfie camera. Get a wider perspective and amazing details using the 2MP Ultra Wide Camera or capture the tiniest details, up-close and crisp with the 2MP Macro Camera. Enjoy the room to store more of everything you love with 4GB of memory and 64GB or 128GB storage.

You can run more apps and save more of your favourite things with the Galaxy A14’s large and expandable virtual memory and storage.

26

THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023 •T H I S D AY

27

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, ͷ˜ 2023

FEATURES Awa Kalu, SAN, a Toast to the Legal Titan @ 70

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

Dr. Sonny Ajala, SAN ‘Thou who art our Captain ever, lead us on to great endeavour’ by Percy Dearmer, 1867-1938.

P

ersons that have walked and worked closely with Awa Uma Kalu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria will attest that his life is an inspiring evidence of great endeavour directed by the Great Captain of the Hosts of the universe.

Born on March 9, 1953 at Umuahia, Abia State.

He had his early education at Umuahia and at the famous Methodist College, Uzuakoli where he passed his “A” levels in flying colours in 1973. He studied Law at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) Ife-Ife, where he distinguished himself as an academic numero uno and won several awards.

Some of such awards were Olu Ayoola prize as Best Over-all LL.B. part 1. Student; Irvine & Bonner Scholarship as best over-all LL.B. part II student and Justice Madaraan prize as best over-all final year law student. He graduated in 1977 and earned the LL.B (Hons) Upper Second Class Degree.

Awa Kalu fondly and variously called ‘Papus and ‘Prof. by his friends and peers maintained the streak of excellence at the Nigerian Law School, where he passed out in flying colours and was admitted and called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978. Awa Kalu participated in the NYSC programme in Sokoto State as Pupil State Counsel and thereafter enrolled at the Law Faculty of the University of Lagos for the Masters of Law Degree programme. At various times, he was a Law Lecturer at UNILAG and Imo (now Abia) State University teaching the Law of Evidence, the Law of Tort, Criminal Law, etc.

As a university don, Awa Kalu, SAN was considered a breed in a unique class. As an active legal practitioner, he is considered thorough and painstaking. His opponents in courtroom combat holds him in awe as his penetrating mindset hardly miss to take advantage of a gap. He is friendly to his colleagues, both juniors, peers and seniors and he is very courteous to the Bench. Awa Kalu, SAN has being called upon

Kalu, SAN to serve his father land in one capacity or the other. In 1989, he was appointed Special Assistant to the then Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and he had the unique opportunity of serving two Attorneys General in a stretch, namely; Hon. Prince Bola Ajibola SAN, KBE (who later served as a Judge at the International Court of Justices at the Hague) and Hon. Sir Clement Akpamgbo SAN, both of cherished memories. His testimonial in public service is both outstanding and perhaps a source of inspiration to budding lawyers and jurists. Some of these public service that Awa Kalu, SAN discharged creditably are; Secretary, National Committee on Corruption and Economic Crimes; Secretary National Committee on Malpractices in Banks and other Financial Institutions; Member, National Committee on Town Planning Law in Nigeria; Member, Editorial Committee, All Nigeria Law Reports, a member of the Nigerian Delegation on the Democratization Process in Ethiopia, 1992, a member of the Steering Committee of the 2nd, All-Africa Law Ministers Conference, Cairo Egypt,1992, a member, Nigerian

Delegation to the 46th and 47th Session of the UN General Assembly 1991 and 1992; Delegate, Human Rights Workshop, Banjul, the Gambia, 1989.

At the dawn of democratic governance in 1999, Awa Kalu was appointed the Attorney-General and-Commissioner for Justice, Government of Abia State and he served in that capacity from 1999 till 2006.

His tenure as AG of Abia State witnessed enhanced efficiency in the justice sector in particular and the policy direction of governance generally. To legal analysts, Awa Kalu, SAN has acquitted himself creditably as a law teacher, bureaucrat and mentor. He has quietly but steadily influenced generation of lawyers to aspire to attain distinction in life. According to John Maxwell; a leader of considerate influence, is not just a trailblazer but a person that others intentionally follow behind, follow his lead and act on his vision. As Awa Kalu, SAN attains the age of 70 years, he eminently fits into the John Maxwell leadership profiling.

Part of the great endeavor attributable to Awa Kalu, SAN is the uncommon privilege of witnessing first hand, some of his former students and Associates in chambers attain the rank of professors of law as well as join him as distinguished members of the inner Bar. Some of these persons are Prof.

Chidi Odinkalu, Prof. Chris Anyanwu, JUK Igwe, SAN, Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, Chike Onyemenem, SAN, Gordy Uche, SAN, Umeh Kalu, SAN, Ken Ahia, SAN, Dr. Chika Onwuekwe, KC, Prof.

Sam Erugo, SAN, Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri, Dr. Chike Okosa, the late Dr. KUK Ekwueme, the author, etc. Many of his former students are notable Judicial Officers of the Court of Appeal and High Courts.

In the turf of politics, are array of outstanding political figures such as the former senate president/Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim. Others are Dr. Emeka Wogu, Chuka Odom and Emeka Nwajiuba that were former Ministers of the Government of Nigeria.

Awa Kalu, SAN has been a member of the inner Bar for more than two decades.

He has served in the various bodies of the legal profession, such as the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) and he is presently a member of the Body of Benchers.

He is a proud Fellow of the prestigious Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, (NIALS).

As is the case with mortals, Awa Kalu, SAN has had his bumpy rides in life. Having lost his ‘hero-father very early in life, he battled with the post-civil war economic asphyxia that was the lot of persons of South-Eastern Nigeria to acquire his education by the resilience of his beloved mother who was a teacher. Between years 2016 and 2017, he suffered health turbulence that occasioned multiple surgeries under extreme emergency situations within and outside the country.

Awa Kalu, SAN is a consummate family man. His marriage to aunty Egoro is a ready reference for a blissful marital union. Their much admired marital union is blessed with four children and grandchildren. Erinma and Nnamdi are lawyers, whilst Chimmy, the eldest child is a software Engineer and Somkele, the youngest, a software Engineer, too is a Special Assistant (Economic Research & Data Analytics) in the office of the vice President of Nigeria.

Since the attainment of the age of 70years to many is considered an ecclesiastical, physical and perhaps a mystical benevolence deserving of trumpet blowing for the lucky beneficiary, today will not be an exception as Awa Kalu’s family, friends, former students, Associates, the legal community and his admirers will roll out the drums to celebrate one of Nature’s special gift to mankind.

Unarguably, Chief Awa Kalu, SAN, who holds the traditional title of ‘ONOCHIE, in profound gratitude to God that has lavished him with uncommon Grace these past 70 years will hum the tune ‘thou who art my Captain ever, lead me on to great endeavor’…in the next phase of his life.

HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY to the legal titan, Chief Awa Kalu, SAN

-Dr. Ajala, SAN, a legal practitioner writes from Abuja

The Role of Women in Media and Entertainment in Africa

Giving a Paramount Africa Perspective, its Channels Manager, Busola Komolafe, writes on the role of women in media and entertainment in the continent

I

n recent years, Africa has seen an increase in the number of women present in the media and entertainment industry, with African women finding their voices and pushing the boundaries of representation, from radio and television presenters to film directors, producers, and actresses.

Women have been increasingly instrumental in shaping every ecosystem within the African continent, particularly the media and entertainment industry. Through their involvement in music, film, fashion, and literature, women have redefined culture and content within the African context.

Angelique Kidjo, Miriam Makeba, and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, for instance, have been pivotal in shaping Africa's most popular and pervasive genres, including Afrobeats, Highlife, and Juju.

Similarly, female actors such as Lupita Nyong'o and Nollywood stars Adesuwa Etomi-Wellington, and Jemima Osunde have heralded a golden age in modern African Cinema.

As the media and entertainment industry continues to evolve, the role of women in shaping and contributing to this space has become increasingly significant. Accordingly, Paramount Africa has made remarkable strides in discovering and nurturing budding female talents across the continent. These women have gone on to have a tangible impact not only on media and entertainment in Africa but across other sectors.

A typical example is Folu Storms — a Nigerian media personality and content creator who hit the spotlight after she won the MTV VJ search in 2012. Folu's entry into the media industry through the VJ search gave her the opportunity to work with several high-profile media outlets, including MTV Base Africa.

As a member of The MTV Culture Squad and a bold voice of advocacy, Folu Storms has lent her voice to tackling ageism and reminding young Africans of the need to be vocal in the face of whatever hardship society brings.

Like Folu, Paramount Africa has helped many

Komolafe other talented entertainers rise to prominence by making their voices heard and becoming advocates of education and development in the industry.

Through MTV Shuga, for instance, Paramount Africa has not only educated millions of youth on sexual and reproductive healthcare but has also accorded Nollywood sweethearts like Jemima Osunde a step stool into the limelight.

MTV's Staying Alive Foundation, under which MTV Shuga is broadcast, also has several women in its governing body who are determined to bring awareness and representation to the youth populace of Africa regardless of gender. Stephanie Ndlovu is the Foundation's co-chair, while Anita Aiyudu Adesiyan is the country manager for Nigeria.

Under their leadership, MTV Shuga has become a social movement that has tackled the challenge of curbing the HIV/AIDS endemic and opening up opportunities to the next generation of women in entertainment.

However, despite their contributions, women in the African media and entertainment industry have been plagued by numerous challenges. A recent report by the United Nations found that women in the creative industries in Africa face various forms of discrimination, including pay inequality and sexual harassment.

In addition, there is a lack of female representation in key decision-making positions, with men occupying most of the top positions in media and entertainment companies.

The need for more female representation in decision-making positions is a challenge that needs to be tackled head-on. This means that women's voices and perspectives should be included in the development and execution of media and entertainment projects.

This lack of diversity can result in projects that do not reflect the diversity of African society, unlike what obtains in Paramount Africa, where women shine like stars on the talent list and occupy strategic leadership positions.

Promoting gender equality in Africa's media and entertainment industry could be the decision that exponentially grows the sector to global standards. Therefore, it is important to take concrete steps towards ensuring it.

One crucial imperative is to develop policies that promote gender diversity and encourage companies to hire more talented women in senior positions.

Stakeholders in the industry can also offer specialised mentorship programs

and training opportunities to women to help them build their skills and advance their careers.

Another way to promote gender equality in the media and entertainment industry is to tackle the issue of sexual harassment by developing clear policies and procedures for reporting and investigating allegations of sexual harassment.

Media firms can train employees on what constitutes sexual harassment and how to prevent it. They can also create safe spaces for women to report incidents of sexual harassment without fear of retaliation.

Asides promoting enlightenment on sexual harassment within the media industry, It is essential to promote female talent in the industry by providing opportunities for women to showcase their skills and talents by creating more opportunities for them to perform, write, and produce music and films.

Executing this can take the shape of private and public-funded programs that provide grants for female-led projects, and festivals can prioritise female-led and focused tasks in their lineups.

For instance, MTV Staying Alive Foundation unveiled the Talent Accelerator Program — a platform created to invest in young and emerging female creatives while bridging the gender gap in creating high-quality content.

The campaign intends to advance genderaware media in the Nigerian TV & Film industry by leveraging internship placements and mentorship programmes across various filmmaking and crew decision areas. Its first execution through social media selected 11 outstanding young women to work across different departments during the filming of MTV Shuga Naija season 5.

African media and entertainment have advanced in leaps and bounds, undoubtedly through the influence of formidable women.

However, upholding the standard they have set primarily depends on how well the industry can create a smoother ecosystem and encourage more female participation.

T H I S D AY ˾ AY, MARCH 9, 2023

28

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

Exploring the Political Economy of Health As Nigerians go to the poll on March 11, 2023, to elect the Governors to pilot affairs in their various states, stakeholders at the Nigeria Health Watch (NHW), Future of Health Conference recently held in Abuja, have stressed on the importance of voting for a leader that would prioritise health financing as a means of investing the future of Nigerians. Sunday Ehigiator reports

A

s Nigerians wait the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to officially replace President Muhammadu Buhari come May 2023, following the outcome of the February 25, controversial presidential elections, political gladiators in their various states have intensified campaigns for who they believe has the best interest of the people at the state level at heart.

Private industry players, including those in the health sector, are also not left out at this critical stage of politicking, as they are all keen on asking the right questions from every candidate waiting to be elected as governor, so as to know their political agenda for the sectors they play.

For health sector players at the conference, they are convinced that there is no better time than during this political transition to remind political leaders that health is as critical to a nation’s development as the economy, infrastructure, security and other priority issues.

Hence, they say, health must take its rightful place of prominence in the political discourse, especially during political campaigns, as it affects every Nigerian, especially the less privileged.

This aptly informed the theme of the 8th edition of the Future of Health Conference, ‘The Political Economy of Health: Investing in the Future of Nigeria’.

The Opportunities Delegates at the conference, including delegates from the public and private sectors including civil society organisations, national and subnational government representatives, private sector, academia, and multilateral organisations convened to discuss the political determinants of health that shape the distribution of resources; and the interplay between the political, social, and economic factors that shape individual and population health outcomes; and how to create a national health service that meets the needs of all Nigerians.

In her opening remarks, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu said, “We understand the influence of political will and action on health; therefore, we chose the theme to redefine what the health agenda should be.

“This current political season affords us a window of opportunity to put health on the agenda of the political discourse”.

Considering that Nigeria’s health policies and strategies, especially at the state’s level have not changed much since colonial times, this season also offers the opportunity to strategically think about how best to deliver health and health care to Nigerians in various states.

Improved Health Budget In his keynote address, Director General (DG) of, the Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze, represented by the Senior Technical Adviser to the DG, Professor Olumide Ayodele restated the Federal Government’s commitment to financing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria through the allocation of N1.1 trillion to the health sector in the proposed 2023 budget, representing a 33 per cent increase from the N823.5 billion allocated to the sector in 2022.

He said in recognition of the importance of health, as a key determinant of economic well-being and development, the government has accorded high priority to health investment financing over time in the budget, to meet health SDGs and achieve universal health coverage.

According to him, “the FG budget for the health sector has more than doubled over the past five years. Allocation to the sector was increased by 170 per cent from N305.1 billion in 2016 to N823.5 billion in 2022 and further by 33 per cent to N1.1 trillion in 2023. This figure is exclusive of health-related expenditure in other MDAs and grants which are health-heavy.

“Allocation to agriculture and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) sectors follows a similar pattern. With this, you will see that the strategy of the government is to significantly increase allocation to the sector and also take into consideration the need to improve spending on agriculture, promote food security and nutrition, and increase allocation to the environment to improve sanitation, to increase allocation to water resources to ensure that we can promote the health of the people.

“If you allocate more resources to WASH sectors, you will be able to prevent the outbreak of diseases.

“A dedicated line was also created in the service-wide vault in the Federal Government

L/R: Honorable Commissioner for Health, Kaduna State, Dr Amina Baloni; Honourable Commissioner for Health, Enugu State, Dr Obi Ikechukwu Emmanuel; Managing Director, Nigeria HealthWatch,Vivianne Ihekweazu; Former Commissioner for Health, Cross River State, Dr Betta Edu, and the Director of Programs, Nigeria Health Watch, Kemi Agbaoye, at the recently organised Nigeria Health Watch (NHW), Future of Health Conference in Abuja budget for ease of administration. The line has consistently been funded as required and the government remains committed to contributing 2/3 of a total expenditure of $3 billion, from remains committed to contributing two-thirds of a total expenditure of $3 billion, from 2018 to 2028.

“In addition, the funds earmarked for the basic healthcare provision fund has been made in statutory transfer from 2021, for more effective implementation.”

He, therefore, noted that it was critical for governments at all levels to remember that providing effective health care services is their primary responsibility and primary health care services for Nigerians, particularly at the community level must be prioritised, in planning, funding and service delivery.

The Economy of Health At the first panel session of the event titled, ‘The Economy of Health’, panelists spoke to salient issues surrounding national health development and the economic and political values attached to it. They said Nigeria’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 to 2025, is designed to unlock the country’s potential in all sectors of the economy for sustainable, holistic and inclusive national development.

According to the Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Finance and Economy, Dr Sarah Alade, “One of the four pillars of the Plan is to enable a healthier and more educated populace.”

She recommended that significant investment be devoted to the aggressive upgrade of health infrastructure in Nigeria. More importantly, technology should be leveraged to drive service delivery and data aggregation in the Nigerian health sector.

Building on the call for increased investment in Nigeria’s health sector, Professor of Health Economics and Policy and Pharmacoeconomics and Lancet Nigeria Commissioner, Professor Obinna Onwujekwe, observed that although health is an investment, with an often-overlooked connection to development, it is habitually perceived as consumer expenditure and not a contributor to social and economic development.

He advocated for multi-stakeholder collaborations for increased investment, as well as multi-stakeholder collaboration and political participation in health. There is no better example of this than the critical role played by the organised private sector in supporting Nigeria’s pandemic response. Private sector investments can further be harnessed to improve priority in the health sector.

Relating the importance of increased investments to critical health issues, the National President of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Dr Habib Sadauki, said, “Health financing is a major determinant of the health of the people.”

He noted that maternal mortality, under-5

mortality, low contraceptive use, and malnutrition, among others, are strongly related to economic development. “Therefore, if Nigeria gets health financing right, it will improve human capital, which will, in turn, improve national socioeconomic and political development.”

In addition, the Founder of Flying Doctors Investment Company, Dr Ola Brown, noted that increased investment in healthcare can indeed solve all of Nigeria’s problems.

She said, “We need to look at Nigeria’s healthcare holistically, not just how to solve healthcare problems but also how to solve the country’s problems as a whole.”

Rounding up the discussion, Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, Onoriode Ezire, highlighted the important contribution of healthcare investments in the economy.

He said “investment in health is directly related to the growth of the economy,” adding that an investment in health will contribute to reducing inequality and promote shared prosperity.

Politics and Health Globally, from institutional strengthening geared towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) to investments in health security and provision of family planning services, every positive health outcome was made possible because of strong political will.

However, it begins with creating an inclusive environment where citizens contribute to co-creating the health outcomes they desire and holding leaders accountable to their commitments, said the Country Director of Pathfinder International, Dr Amina Dorayi.

He added that citizen inclusion is a key factor that can either facilitate or deter progress in healthcare.

Executive Director, Chatham House Centre for Universal Health Coverage. Rob Yates spoke on the importance of using simplified languages for clarity purposes when speaking to political leaders about UHC financing. According to him, citizens can only hold their leaders accountable if these issues are presented to them without any ambiguities, all “communication must be in simple language, devoid of too many technicalities.

“Clear communication will also help stimulate citizens to go beyond talking about the healthcare they want, to organising themselves at the community level to demand it.”

Executive Director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, Yemi Ademolekun, advocated for the media and civil society organisations to work effectively to mobilise citizens

to engage in what’s important to them because “we must recognise that health is critical to both human and economic development in Nigeria”.

While Senior Economic Advisor at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Amarakoon Bandara, reiterated that health problems cannot be solved in isolation; they require the holistic involvement of government at all levels.

“There is therefore the need for continuous advocacy to governments at the subnational level to be more involved in delivering quality healthcare to their citizens.”

Political Leadership in Health Given that Nigeria has a federal system, there is a clear need for political will to drive the implementation and domestication of federal health laws at the subnational level.

Speaking at the last panel session of the event, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Enugu State, Dr Obi Emmanuel, discussed the need to domesticate laws and policies like the National Health Act, National Strategic Health Development Plan, and the National Health Policy at the sub-national level.

“We should institute the rule to always plan, and then when we implement, always look at evaluating what we have implemented and then try again, because this is how others must have gotten it right,” he reiterated, speaking on ensuring effective implementation.

Honourable Commissioner for Health, Kaduna State, Dr Amina Baloni, spoke on the need to ensure adequate engagement with those who translate policies into action.

“This is to ensure that they understand the collective vision and buy into it. It is also essential for building leadership capacity at managerial, departmental and implementation levels, ensuring data is used and communicated and ensuring accountability at all levels.”

Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Ekiti State and Chairman of the Health Commissioners Forum, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said, in communicating with other social determinants of health stakeholders, he made sure to use narratives that painted a good picture of why health needed to be prioritised for each stakeholder even though the message was essentially the same.

“The narrative around the messaging had to reflect what mattered to them in a way that they found and figured out that health was a priority and needed to be given that approach”, he emphasised. Lastly, former Commissioner for Health, Cross River State, Dr Betta Edu, stressed the need for health professionals to effectively communicate to politicians what increased investment in health would mean for UHC, economic growth and job creation.

According to her, health professionals need to step out of “our silos and think about healthcare the way politicians think about healthcare so that we can have the right framing to attract the right resources and the right interests for healthcare.”

29

T H I S D AY ˾ AY, MARCH 9, 2023

NEWS

Mental Health Conference 10-year-old Stroke Patient Desperately Needs N7m for Multiple Surgeries to Launch in Lagos Rebecca Ejifoma The maiden edition of the Mental Health conference is slated for Sunday, 19 March 2023, at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

The one-day conference, organised by the worldrenowned psychiatrist and therapist Dr Maymunah Yusuf-Kadiri, is on “The Mind Behind the Mask”.

According to YusufKadiri, this conference will chart a positive and realistic course towards creating awareness and educating the public on mental health. It will also review the recently passed Mental Health Bill.

“Mental health is an integral part of health and well-being. In 2019, a survey on mental health in Nigeria by Africa Polling Institute (API) and EpiAFRIC showed how awareness of mental health is low in Nigeria,” she added.

The therapist noted that

the conference seeks to create awareness about mental health and educate and review the Mental Health Bill, which the President, Muhammadu Buhari, signed into Law. “Around eight in 10 women will experience some form of mental health illnesses during their lifetime, and more common mental health related illnesses such as Clinical Depression, Anxiety, Drug Abuse, Postpartum Depression among others, are not left out,” she cited.

In today’s climate, Yusuf-Kadiri believes that mental health is no longer a subject to be swept under the carpet or its importance disregarded. “We have a collective responsibility as a people to lend our voices and extend our influences towards creating a safe and harmonious community for women and people in general.”

The event will feature an interactive four-hour panel session with notable key industry leaders and mental

health ambassadors, an onsite therapy session (Lounge) with licensed therapists and psychiatrists, an intensive mental health assessment test, an on-site medical consultation with licensed medical professionals, an award for NGOs who have made impactful strides with the awareness for mental health, and individuals who have thrived and triumphed, amongst other things.

She emphasised: “This initiative is lofty, but we cannot achieve such a great feat without your support and presence.”

The conference, powered by Sterling Bank Plc and Nestle Plc, is open to everyone. The conference will feature interactive panel sessions with notable psychiatrists, therapists, mental health advocates, and counsellors, among others.

The event will also feature an intensive mental health assessment test, an on-site medical consultation with licensed medical professionals, and an award ceremony.

“Healthy Heart Key to Stable Mental Health” The Center Manager and Clinical Pathologist at Bola Tinubu Health and Diagnostic Center (BTHDC), Dr Olawale Olusanya, says the prolonged period of mental issues caused by stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on heart health.

Olusanya, in a statement issued in Lagos, said that mental health issues caused by political anxiety in the past couple of months and the socioeconomic condition in the country are some of the factors that can increase heart rate, levels of cortisol and other risk factors of heart-related diseases.

The expert said people who suffer from arrhythmia (irregular heart rate) are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and stress compared to those without arrhythmia.

Arrhythmia is a heart rhythm abnormality, which causes the heart to beat too slowly at less than 60 beats per minute or too quickly at more than 100 beats per minute or record uncoordinated contractions.

He added that people with arrhythmia are more likely to have a greater risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, and also may have a greater risk of mortality.

Studies have shown that symptoms of anxiety and intense stress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may also be independently associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular heart diseases.

Dr Olusanya said, “People handle stress in different ways. While some people are able to handle stress by making healthy lifestyle choices, others develop habits that are detrimental to their overall health.

Smoking, excessive alcohol

Rebecca Ejifoma

The family of Okeke Chinedu is desperately seeking financial help to save their 10-year-old son, William Chukwuma Chinedu, who needs about N7m ($15,000) to save him from a stroke and a hole in the heart surgeries.

Williams, currently awaiting surgeries, is said to have spent five months at the hospital until he had a stroke.

The father, Mr Okeke Chinedu, shared his ordeal.

“My 10-year-old son, Chinedu William Chukwuma, has a hole in the heart, which caused him a brain abscess. He has been in the hospital for five months.

“We started with the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital UPTH, where he spent months.

He had a stroke after the sixth week. He can’t walk now.”

After spending 14 days at the Stroke and Neuro Centre at Owerri, Imo State, Williams was admitted to the FMC Owerri, where he spent three months.

The stroke has not only left Williams disabled but has also affected his left arm. “According to the

intake, binge eating and lack of exercise are some of the lifestyle choices that can lead to the deterioration of heart health.

“To effectively manage stress-related mental health issues, a cardiac event monitoring device such as Bittium Faros can be used to periodically detect physical activities that trigger stress in the body. This lightweight device provides clinical accuracy and ease in checking heartbeat and other heart-related parameters for 24 hours or more. Due to the portability of Bittium Faros and its high level of accuracy, it empowers people with the ability to take charge of their heart health on the go.”

According to him, a mini cardiac monitor allows patients to get tested ondemand for long periods without having to contend with the long waiting pe-

riods in hospitals.

Dr Olusanya added that regular cardiac monitoring prevents sudden complications while enabling quick intervention and management.

BT Health and Diagnostic Center, an ultra-modern Diagnostic facility, is a Public Private Partnership between LASUTH and PPC Limited, Nigeria’s leading engineering and infrastructure development company with footprints across Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

PPC is committed to improving access to quality healthcare through the deployment of advanced medical equipment for clinical investigations, diagnosis and treatment in health facilities across Nigeria.

For more information on BTHDC’s services, including cardiac event monitoring, visit their website at www. bthdc.com.

doctor, his weak left hand urgently requires surgery to remove the weak bones.”

While noting that ailing Williams has been scheduled for cardiac cath followed by early surgical VSD closure in Narayana Health in Bangalore, India, Okeke bemoaned. “I don’t have money to take him to India.

The estimated cost is about $10 to $15,000.

“Please, I’m seeking your financial support to save my boy. Please help me; I’m a desperate father. Please save my boy.”

Kind donations can be made to Chinedu’s account on Chinedu William 1001616334 FCMB.

LASG Launches Service Charter, Enrollees Handbook, Bill of Rights Rebecca Ejifoma

Dr Olawale Olusanya

Chinedu William

Forging ahead with plans to ensure access to quality healthcare service delivery for all residents, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has launched its Service Charter for both the agency and the ILERA EKO Health providers, Enrollees Handbook and customers Bill of rights.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Head of Service, Lagos State, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, said that LASHMA had indicated its willingness to serve its customers statewide and be held accountable for lapses in the quality of the standard of service delivery.

“Today’s service commitment implies that customer satisfaction must be at the forefront of all LASHMA processes and services,” he emphasised.

While commending ILERA EKO customers for their support and continued cooperation with LASHMA, Muri-Okunola reminded enrollees that testimonials were critical to the scheme’s success.

Hence, he urged philanthropists, notable individuals, corporate organisations and religious bodies in the state to enrol their families, neighbours, employees, domestic staff

and members in the Scheme.

He says, “We cannot and must not relent till ILERA EKO becomes a household name and health insurance becomes the norm in our society. This, he added, would be in the fulfilment of the Agency’s mantra of leaving no one behind.”

In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, conceded that since the passage of the Lagos State Health Scheme Law in 2015, the state government had done a lot to ensure all residents, irrespective of their sociocultural background, have access to quality, equitable and affordable healthcare.

These, he said, included expanding the ILERA EKO benefit package to cover more medical challenges ILERA EKO enrollees demanded and the introduction of various health provider improvement initiatives to ensure that all customers have value for their money.

Abayomi also said that recently, the agency launched its new health plans, with the latest being the ILERA EKO Diaspora Plan, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria.

According to the commissioner, the ILERA EKO customer app, telemedicine app and USSD code, among others, were all part of the efforts of

the state government to ensure a customer-centric atmosphere.

He, therefore, implored ILERA EKO stakeholders to continue to work with the State Government to collectively realise the objective of “enhancing the delivery of good health services with efficient use of scarce resources”.

He insisted that launching the three documents would reinforce the residents’ confidence in ILERA EKO. Abayomi, therefore called on all the residents to prioritise their health and buy any health insurance plans.

The General Manager of LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, noted that developing the documents became essential to ensure that both LASHMA and Health providers deliver optimal customer services.

She added that ILERA EKO customers also have a lot of rights which were still unknown to many of them. Hence, with the launch, customers will be abreast of their rights and follow them to the letter if infringed.

Zamba urged customers not to hesitate to call ILERA EKO Customer Service on 0800- ILERAEKO (0800-45372350) or 0700-ILERAEKO (070045372350) whenever they encounter any challenges while accessing care or for commendation.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

30

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Exporters Get N308.45 billion Expansion Grant James Emejo ÓØ ÌßÔË Executive Director/Chief Executive, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dr. Ezra Yakusak had disclosed that promissory notes valued at N308.45 billion have been approved the disbursement to 199 exporting companies under the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) Scheme.

Speaking while issuing letters to some beneficiaries of the scheme, he commended the federal government and the National Assembly for prompt response in approving the payment of the outstanding claims.

He said the sum of N193.45 billion was approved for 133

beneficiaries of the scheme between 2017 and 2020 while N108.31 billion was approved for 35 beneficiaries between 2007 to 2016 respectively.

Similarly, he pointed out that N68.38 million was approved for 13 beneficiaries in respect of stocks of outstanding Negotiable Duty Credit Certificates (NDCC). The NEPC boss also said N6.61 billion was approved for 69 beneficiaries by the 8th National Assembly.

Yakusak said the council was still awaiting the National Assembly approval and release of N60.63 billion for 34 beneficiary companies.

The EEG is a post-shipment incentive scheme that was established by virtue of the

Export (Incentives & Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap E19, laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Head, Corporate Communications NEPC, Ndubueze Okeke, in a statement said the scheme was targeted at stimulating the increase in the volume and value of Made-in-Nigerian products in the international market.

The scheme is also intended to encourage the export of value-added products as against raw agricultural commodities.

Analysts believed the recent approval for disbursement ultimately lead to an increase in the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

IWD: AAAN Celebrates WIA, Reiterates Commitment to Equity Raheem Akingbolu In celebration of the 2023 International Women’s Day, the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), has reiterated its commitment to equity for Women in Advertising (WIA) and celebrating their contributions to the growth of the advertising industry in Nigeria.

WIA is the female focused network that has the responsibility of championing the cause of female members in Nigeria advertising industry.

International Women’s Day is an annual global celebration held on March 8.

In a statement, the Chairman of WIA, Mrs. Biodun Adefila, said the vision for WIA is to

transform female practitioners into outstanding leaders who can contribute broadly to their firm’s success and provide mentoring and professional guidance.

She explained that WIA has organized some programs and initiatives to continue to educate women on how to navigate within the industry, work life balance and celebrating their success.

AAAN Publicity Secretary, Mrs Tope Jemerigbe, said the association is committed to gender equity, development, and celebration of achievements of women in the industry.

AAAN Director, Mrs Kemi Fabusoro stated that this year’s IWD theme, ‘Embracing

Equity’, is deep and powerful and applies to everyone whether male or female. “It means that it can’t be one size fits all, it’s all about recognizing individual needs and the necessary resources required to make the person successful and we will challenge our members to make this a reality,” she said.

“WIA is partnering with like-minded organizations such as the Street Projects Foundation to groom and mentor talented young women into the fold. The association is also an active member of the United Nations’ Unstereotype Alliance which has the vision to eradicate stereotypes in adverting materials in Nigeria and globally,” Adefila said.

AVEVA Announces New CEO, Vision for Connected Industries Emma Okonji AVEVA has announced Mr. Caspar Herzberg as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who replaced the former CEO, Mr. Peter Herweck that has been drafted to become the CEO of Schneider Electric from May 4th, 2023.

AVEVA was recently acquired

by Schneider Electric, and as AVEVA CEO, he will also be a member of the Schneider Electric Executive Committee.

With more than 25 years of software and industry experience, Herzberg brings a deep understanding of how technology can transform and reshape industries, enabling innovation and driving responsible use of resources.

Herzberg joined AVEVA in 2021 as Chief Revenue Officer and assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2022.

Prior to joining AVEVA, Herzberg led all aspects of Schneider Electric’s business in over 80 countries as President, Middle East and Africa. He started his business career at Accenture based out of its London office and worked in extensive digital transformations for the global energy sector. At Cisco, Caspar led sales and services for over ten years, developing smart cities strategies, technology innovation and business master plans for the private and public sector in China, Asia, Japan, Australia, the USA, and Europe.

According to Herzberg, “It

is a privilege to take over from Peter Herweck, who has led the company through a time of transformation and renewal.

We have a great opportunity ahead of us, having brought together three market-leading software portfolios– Schneider Electric Software, AVEVA and OSIsoft. We are now one of the world’s top industrial software providers, trusted by over 90 per cent of industrial companies from energy, water and food to manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and smart cities. We plan to drive value for our customers with integrated data, AI-infused applications, accelerating their journey to the cloud and providing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) to reduce total cost of ownership.

Firstbank Appoints Oyefeso Executive Director FirstBank has announced the appointment of Oluseyi Oyefeso as Executive Director, Retail Banking South. The bank on a statement said the appointment, which took effect on Thursday, 2 March 2023 is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“Prior to this appointment, the newly appointed Executive Director was the Group Executive, Retail Banking South, having earlier served as the Group Executive, Commercial

and Retail Banking (Lagos and West Division). Mr. Oyefeso had also served as the Country Managing Director, FBNBank Ghana Limited.

“Oyefeso joined FirstBank in 2006 as a Branch Manager, serving in one of the top three branches of the Bank. He also held several positions, including Business Development Manager as well as Group Heads within the Retail Banking and Institutional Banking Directorates, “it said. Speaking on Oluseyi

Oyefeso’s appointment, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank Group said, “Seyi is a multiskilled professional with very robust banking experience, proven problem-solving and strong leadership skills. He is a competent leader, a team player and has over the years demonstrated the ability to develop positive business relationships, evidenced by remarkable track-record of business growth.

MARKET INDICATORS 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, ͷ˜ 2023

MARKET NEWS

Interest in Dangote Cement, 17 Others Lift Stock Market by N108bn Kayode Tokede Investors’ positive sentiments resurfaced in the stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday as renewed interest in Dangote Cement Plc and 17 others triggered N108 billion increase in the overall market capitalisation.

The NGX All Share Index (ASI) rose by 197.20 basis points or 0.35 per cent to close at 55,801.14 basis points from 55,603.94 basis points

it opened for trading.

Consequently, investors gained N108 billion in value as market capitalisation went up to N30.398 trillion from N30.290trillion.

Sectoral performance on NGX was equable as the Industrial index added 0.84per cent and Banking Index gained 0.06per cent, while the Oil and Gas Index depreciated by 0.90per cent and Consumer Goods Index down by 0.06per cent.

As measured by market

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

breadth, market sentiment was mixed, as an equal number of stocks (18) gained and lost. TransNationwide Express recorded the highest price gain of 9.88 per cent to close at 89 kobo, per share.

Cutix followed with a gain of 8.50 per cent to close at N2.17, while FTN Cocoa processors up by 7.69 per cent to close at 28 kobo, per share. Sovereign Trust Insurance rose by 7.14 per cent to close at 30 kobo, while Honeywell Flour Mills appreciated by 6.39 per cent

to close at N2.33, per share. On the other hand, MRS Oil Nigeria led the losers’ chart by 9.98 per cent to close at N27.95, per share. Associated Bus Company followed with a decline of 7.89 per cent to close at 35 kobo, while Chams Holding Company shed 7.41 per cent to close at 25 kobo, per share.

Ardova lost 6.20 per cent to close at N17.40, while Royal Exchange shed 5.33 per cent to close at 71 kobo, per share.

The total volume traded

S E C U R I T I E S

T R A D E D

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

declined by 4.2 per cent to 152.743 million units, valued at N3.573 billion, and exchanged in 3,293 deals. Transactions in the shares of Courteville Business Solutions topped the activity chart with 34.604 million shares valued at N16.610 million. United Bank for Africa (UBA) followed with 15.001 million shares worth N127.311 million, while GTCO traded 12.749 million shares valued at N335.934 million.

AXA Mansard Insurance traded

AS O F

8.282 million shares valued at N16.584 million, while Dangote Cement transacted 7.324 million shares worth N2.088 billion.

Looking ahead, United Capital Plc expected the overall bullish sentiments in the equities market to linger, saying this is hinged on the view that investors’ bullish sentiments will prevail amid post-election uncertainties and a depressed interest rate environment, particularly at the short end of the curve.

0 8 / 0 3 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

32

GAMINGWEEK

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

Helping to Build a New FOR ECAST Generation of Female Gamers Bayern, Dortmund Level on Points at

Bundesliga Summit After Match Day 23

Davidson Abraham

In continuation of GAMING WEEK’s celebration of International Women’s Day, we present an article by Olamide Michael of GAMR on the advancement of gender equality in gaming, which requires multifaceted strategy, including allowing females gamers’ voices to be heard; whether through hosting inspiring guest speakers, posting content, interviews, or scholarships, all of which show commitment to empowering female gamers and helping them to achieve their goals

A

ll around the world, women have relentlessly used technology to develop their nations and lessen gender inequality. Even in gaming, women have challenged the bias by dominating the industry.

At Gamr, there is a balance of inclusion among gamers, both male and female. We educate our community through the GamrGirl initiative, where our gamers are taught to respect females. As much as possible, we encourage GamrGirls to take the lead in our community.

As the status quo is changing and inclusion is welcoming all our female gamrs, gamr mothers are not left out. They are gamrgirls too. We acknowledge all the women that have been the backbone and supporters of our gamrs, both male and female.

Here are a few gamr stories about the journey of gamrs in the gaming world— Bidemi Fatile: Allow Children to Find Interest in Things Relevant to Their Future I am a mother of three boys. As a mom, I could never have imagined my children playing to earn, considering I was never exposed to a good form of gaming. The world has truthfully changed, and I, as a mother, have evolved with it. My three boys are all gamrs that started playing PS3 at a very young age, they started playing console games for fun, and soon they knew their tactics. As a mom, I didn’t find it interesting until I saw the passion for winning in them. I knew this was one of them. If children nowadays can dance or play sports to win a prize. Then, why can’t my children do the same?

I looked out for opportunities in esports. In 2022 my son, who was also looking for opportunities to earn while gaming, stumbled on a children’s tournament called Steamfest on the Gamr Instagram page with a prize pool of a Nintendo switch.

We enrolled for it in a split second.

Before the game day, my son was already playing on a PS4, but the goal was to start playing on the PS5, but we believed the Nintendo would be a great addition for them. So this was a great motivation for my first and third sons to play. We arrived at the venue, and the excited children filled the hall. It was fun to see children network from church and school. They

Bundesliga highflyers Union Berlin, Juventus, Manchester United and Table toppers Arsenal are expected to beat their opponents when they resume Europa League duty on Thursday. Union Berlin is expected to beat Union ST. Gilloise. Manchester United and Juventus are tipped to pick straight wins or draw the games at the very least when they host Real Betis and Freiburg, respectively, while Arsenal are expected to win or draw against Sporting CP on Thursday.

Inter are expected to pick up all 3 points against Spezia

DATE

on Friday.

On Saturday, Bayern Munich and Dortmund, who are level on points, are expected to easily dispatch Augsburg and Schalke as Germany braces itself for the hottest title race in years. While in England, Burnley are expected to beat bottom-placed Wigan Athletic in the Championship, while Champions Manchester City are set to beat Crystal Place at Selhurst Park. In Spain, where Real Madrid’s rollercoaster season has become a consistent site, Los Blancos are expected to beat Espanyol at home to get their season back on the right track.

FIXTURE

BETTING TIPS 1

09 - 03 - 2023

Union Berlin Vs Union ST. Gilloise Sporting Vs Arsenal

09 - 03 - 2023

Over 1.5

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Juventus Vs Freiburg

1x

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Man United Vs Betis

1x

Spezia Vs Inter

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Phillip’s family

Uche Ezenwa (right) with daughter, Amaar

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Kitan’s family

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Burnley Vs Wigan Athletic

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felt like adults at a global conference.

Even as the elimination started, some children were mature while others were emotional, we parents connected with ourselves as well.

The game pressure was powerful as hopes were high, and my son, Kitan, won the battles. It was a proud Gamr mother moment for me, and I didn’t regret allowing my children to play for fun back then.

After this great day, my children used the internet correctly by looking out for trends in gaming and staying updated on tournaments and news around the world of gaming and esports. Soon, they started getting tournament opportunities at Silverbird Galleria, Landmark Event Centre. They didn’t win a few of them, but seeing them compete gave me a better insight into how they will always choose to win anywhere.

I had times when people would say, “Bidemi, I hope these children won’t be distracted from school work.“ No, they weren’t distracted from childhood. I, as a mother, have put a great barrier between gaming and schooling. None must eat into each other, including chores.

Everything in life must be balanced.

I am proud of my brilliant boys, and I promise to support them at every point of their lives fully.

My advice to mothers: Accept your children, allow them to find interest in something relevant to their future and support them. It’s okay to break the old-time mindset that this is how it should be, life will always revolve, and we should always be ready to evolve with it.

Victoria Gana: More Organisations Should Give Opportunities to Gamers Philip, my son, was already carting physically, so his going into gran tourism was not too surprising for me. Having a child in esports is very exciting, but as a mother, I just saw it as my son sitting in one place all day long playing games, and I wanted him to go out and get physical exercise and experiences. So, I supported him in looking for tournaments and competing against others. I strongly believe in allowing children to be who they want to be.

However, over time I have come to accept seeing how gaming has helped him in his eye and hand coordination, his balance and, importantly, his confidence.

Another way he has grown is through time and consistency, and I love how consistent my son is.

The winning mindset Philip has is worth writing on.

Philip has given me a different perspective on motherhood and motherhood decisions; all he deserves now is my encouragement and support for his art.

However, I ensure that he games healthily by encouraging him to take regular breaks from gaming and participate in other activities.

I hope to see more organisations give opportunities to gamers, like what Gamr is doing in the gaming community, and I believe many will be reoriented better.

Uche Ezenwa: Opinion About Gaming is Changing Amaar, my daughter, started gaming with her dad when she was very young. I remember she and my husband were always hiding to play when I went to sleep at night. She games with her brother when I am at work during the day. I knew she enjoyed gaming, but I didn’t know she was a pro-gamer.

I sometimes appreciate those days she hid games because she has dominated the industry today.

Who won’t be proud?

Amaar made the difference in my opinion about gaming, and she had a cousin who dropped out of school because of addiction to unprofitable gaming. Amaar is a graduate and a Master’s degree student and also a gamer. She is also a content creator.

All these achievements are not even compared to the influence she keeps bringing to the gaming industry and how she drives other female gamers to do more.

She is a top influencer in the Apex Legend community and Gamr. She has had incredible opportunities as well in gaming.

To think she has a brother who also plays games, it’s not about gender.

It’s time to stop the gender bias as parents and mothers. What a man can do, a woman will do way better.

Amaar, my daughter, is changing things and making the world know that the sky is not the limit in gaming.

I am her biggest fan and No. 1 supporter, and I will see her achieve her goals.

11 - 03 - 2023

Crystal Palace Vs Man city

2

11 - 03 - 2023

Shalke Vs Dortmund

2

11 - 03 - 2023

Bayern Vs Augsburg

1

11 - 03 - 2023

Real Madrid Vs Espanyol

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

PROMO!!!

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

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NEWS

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CELEBRATION...

L-R: Deputy Director, Financial Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Stella Erebor; Head, Corporate Communications, Nnenna Ukoha; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta; Head, Human Capital, Hafsat Lawal, and Head, Telecom Laws & Regulation, Helen Obi, during the 2023 International Women's Day Celebration at the NCC Head Office in Abuja ... yesterday

We Supported Peter Obi for Justice, Equity, Says Middle Belt Forum Calls for INEC chairman’s resignation Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) yesterday said it supported, campaigned and voted for the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi to ensure justice, fairness and equity in the nation's polity.

The National President of MBF, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, gave the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja.

He said the clarification became necessary to place on record for posterity, the basis for the decisions and actions of men and women of conscience in the region.

He explained, "The basis of the support of the peoples of the Middle Belt for His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, in the last presidential election

was in line with our sense of justice, equity and fair play.

"The shared understanding by the political elite in Nigeria that presidential power oscillates between Southern and Northern Nigeria had ensured that the south-west and the south-south geopolitical zones had been in the saddle at the presidential level at different times since the return of civil rule in May 1999, leaving out only the south-east.

"On the basis of fairness and inclusivity, it was imperative for the south-east to produce the next president of Nigeria from southern Nigeria.

"This conviction was why the Middle Belt was the first to hold a rally in support of Mr. Obi in

Jos, Plateau State, in 2022.

"The Middle Belt was therefore in the trenches, shoulder to shoulder, with all lovers of justice, equity on the 25th February, 2023.

"Middle Belters, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political persuasions, spoke with one loud voice in support of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate.

"This we did, despite the open brigandage under the watch of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in cahoots with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were impregnable fortresses against these anti-democratic forces, evil merchants of divisiveness who did all in their powers to undermine

the will of the people.

"Benue and Kogi States are emblematic of the concentrated venom of the forces of retrogression that was unleashed, killing, maiming and rigging to achieve the objective of portraying the Middle Belt as embracers of injustice, iniquity, inequity, wickedness and divisiveness.

"The electoral robbery in KotonKarfe LGA, in Kogi State, attests to the level these unconstitutional forces were willing to go to achieve their nefarious goal.”

He added: "Despite their despotic machinations, the results of the February 25th polls from the Middle Belt enclaves in the 14 states and the FCT demonstrate the commitment of our Region to stand as a

Vote Against Forces That Seek to Divide Kaduna Along Religious Line, Clerics Tell Electorate John Shiklam in Kaduna The Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA), Emmanuel Kure has appealed to Muslims and Christians in Kaduna state to vote against forces that seek to divide the state along religious lines in this Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections.

In a statement yesterday, in Kaduna, Kure, a former National Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and founder of Throneroom Trust Ministry, said the last eight years had sown so much hatred among the people of the state along religious lines.

“I passionately and desperately appeal to all citizens of Kaduna state as we approach the elections on Saturday to vote against that wall that has sown enmity, distrust, fear, very unhealthy and bloody rivalry between the northern and southern Kaduna, separated people of faith even from within same religions”, the statement reads.

“The last eight years has caused so much pain and confusion for most of the state and even more for one part.

“Unfortunately the secret campaigns to the elections still carry the same messages of fear,

lies, seeds of division, blackmails, inducements and strange promises of all sorts.

“I plead with my Muslim and Christian brothers, let’s vote with one voice to break that wall and bring back the God of love to the state.

“The last eight years has sown so much hatred even among people of same religion that I fear that another four or eight of that will be the end of the state.

“And will impact greatly on or shake up this country, taking past precedence into account.”

According to him, both Muslims and Christians have prayed and fasted for a better future.

“Let us please with one voice vote together to remove that past on Saturday. Let’s start a healing season and process.

“Let’s not play politics of sentiments this Saturday, let’s vote for unity, survival and justice for all as our Holy Books command and our religions advocate…” the statement said.

Kure said, “God will hold us religious leaders accountable for destroying this nation. We did not see unity in the last eight years.

“Let’s bring back God’s love to Kaduna state. Let Kaduna state become the epic reference centre of the north again.

“Is this God’s will too much

to ask the people of the books?

Let’s vote a government that will break this wall…”

He added, “Whoever wins,

by God’s grace, must down this wall, heal the wounds and restore confidence among all in the state.

“May God bear witness this day

that somebody spoke out for God and for all religious leaders who still fear God by the Holy Books.

“And for the many blood of the innocent that Kaduna state has swallowed or may continue to swallow if we make a mistake on Saturday.”

bulwark against anti-democratic and feudal forces determined to foist a culture of impunity, divisiveness and inequity on our nation."

The MBF President commended all Nigerians, especially those from the Middle Belt, for coming out en masse to exercise their civic duties penultimate Saturday.

He said, "Unfortunately, to the eternal shame of INEC, it turned out that the Commission was not prepared to conduct free and credible elections.

"Despite the commitment of Nigerians, particularly youths, to register and vote for a president of their choice, the INEC, in collaboration with anti-democratic forces, brazenly subverted the will of the people. This subversion was orchestrated by the electoral Commission in 2022.

"We express great disappointment in the collation officers that took charge of 8,816 Wards, 774 LGAs and the 37 states who, instead of strengthening the institution, only made a mockery of themselves.

"We commend the courageous men and women who stood for justice, particularly within the Middle Belt enclaves of our 14 states and the FCT, in order to ensure the will of our people prevailed.

"We call on all Nigerians, particularly our people in the Middle

Belt region, to be law-abiding and remain calm as the Presidential candidates of the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party have elected to challenge the results of the elections at the Tribunal. It is our hope that the Courts will rise in defence of democracy and do what is right.

"We call on all Nigerians, particularly the peoples of the Middle Belt region, to once again come out en masse to vote in candidates who are pro-Middle Belt governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections this Saturday 11th March 2023.

"We call on the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu to toe the honourable path by resigning his position before the next election.

"His frittering away of tens of billions of Naira on a technology that he did not intend to use makes him unfit to continue to maintain his position.

"In the event Professor Yakubu failed to tender his resignation after this press release, President Muhammadu Buhari should summarily sack him.

"We pray that inaction by Mr. President and the Presidency will not be seen as complicity in the subversion of the will of Nigerians in the electoral heist of 25th February, 2023, a preposition we will prefer not to be correct."

Ekiti Set to Establish State Wealth Fund Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State Government is set to establish the Ekiti State Wealth Fund, designed to receive, manage and invest in a diversified portfolio of medium and long term assets for the state and for future generations of indigenes and residents.

The approval for the establishment of the Fund was one of the decisions reached at the meeting of the state executive council held at the executive chamber, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

The Council gave an approval for a bill on the establishment of the Ekiti State Wealth Fund to be presented to the State House of Assembly for legislative processing and subsequent passage into law.

It would be the first executive bill to be presented to the Assembly this year.

This was contained in a statement

made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, at the end of the executive meeting chaired by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and signed by Special Adviser to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode.

The Ekiti State Wealth Fund would among other things, build a savings base for the indigenes and residents of the state; provide for investments in the promotion of research and development in modern technologies and innovations.

It would also provide stabilisation support to the state government in times of economic stress as well as manage other funds and investments for the state.

The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode explained that the Fund was a clear sign that Ekiti State was not only committed to fiscal discipline by saving for the

rainy days, but has also prioritises investments by committing a portion of the wealth fund to catalysing private investments.

“By sending such an important piece of legislation to the House of Assembly for consideration, Ekiti has again shown its willingness to lead the way on good governance and fiscal responsibility in Nigeria, Oyebode added.

In a similar vein, the State Executive Council approved the establishment of the Ekiti State Environmental Protection and Watershed Management Agency at the meeting.

It approved the repealing of the Ekiti State Environmental Protection Agency 2009 and re-enacting of the Ekiti State Environmental Protection and Watershed Management Agency Law 2003. It also approved the presentation of the bill to the state assembly for legislative

processing and passage into law.

When it becomes operational, the agency would be expected to, among other responsibilities, initiate policies and carry out environmental research and acquisition of relevant environmental technology and report on the state of the environment; carry out public enlightenment and staff capacity development on sound methods of environmental protection and management, erosion prevention and control, watershed and catchment management.

The meeting also deliberated and approved the appointment of Ogundana Akinwande Moses as the new Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of the state.

By the approval, Prince Ogundana of the Iledin ruling house is to succeed the late Onikoyi, Oba Julius Olalere Falaki who passed on August 25, 2022.

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HERE IS MY CERTIFICATE OF RETURN...

Governor Hope Uzodimma with the Senator-elect for Imo West, Senator Osita Izunaso, when the latter presented his Certificate of Return to the Imo State Governor in his office at Government House,Owerri... yesterday

Atiku Engages 19 SANs to Prosecute Election Petition, Reclaim Mandate Gadzama heads team

Chuks Okocha in Abuja The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has inaugurated a legal team of 19 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to challenge the outcome of the presidential election held on February 25, 2023 and reclaim what he claimed to be his mandate The legal team headed by J.K. Gadzama, is to prosecute the election petition case for the former vice president.

Other members of the legal team include Chief Chris Uche, Mr. Paul Usoro, Tayo Jegede, Ken Mozia, Chief Mike Ozekhome, Mahmood Magaji, Joe Abraham, Mr. Chukwuma Umeh, Dr. Garba Tetengi and Chief Emeka Etiaba.

Others are Chief Goddy Uche, Prof. Maxwell Gidado, the National Legal Adviser of

the PDP, A. K. Ajibade, Mr. O. M. Atoyebi, Mrs. Nella Rabana, Paul Ogbole, Nuremi Jimoh and Abdul Ibrahim.

The PDP presidential candidate, while inaugurating the legal team at his campaign headquarters in Abuja, charged members to establish the claim of illegality in the presidential election and reclaim the mandate of the Nigerian people.

Atiku told the team that apart from reclaiming the mandate from those whom he said undertook, “the electoral heist that was not a reflection of the will of Nigerians,” the legal team should also use the opportunity of the trial to strengthen constitutional democracy in the country.

Addressing the team headed

by Gadzama, Atiku said it was imperative that they work assiduously in reclaiming the mandate not necessarily because

of him and the PDP, “but to strengthen democracy and the electoral process and for generations unborn.”

The leaders of the PDP

on Monday, stormed INEC’s headquarters to protest against the outcome of the presidential election won by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

million votes and Obi third, with a little above six million votes.

Highlights of yesterday's proceedings at the Court of Appeal in Abuja included the presence of Obi and his supporters, who besieged the court to see how the ruling would go.

Obi came in company of the party's national chairman, Julius Abure, a former Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, now senator-elect under the platform of LP, and Martins Agbaso.

The presidential candidate, who had earlier twitted that he would personally be in court to witness the day's proceedings, claimed that INEC had refused to comply with the court order permitting him to inspect election materials.

Obi disclosed that he and his lawyers had not been able to have access to the said electoral materials as ordered by the court.

Situation Room Expresses Concern over INEC’s Quest to Reconfigure BVAS

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room) yesterday expressed concern over the issue of preservation of data collected during the presidential and

the presidential candidate of PDP, Atiku Abubakar, who scored 6,984,520 votes, while Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) polled 6,101,533 votes.

...Rallies Supporters for PDP Ahead of Governorship Election Insists presidential poll tainted, not reflecting wills of Nigerians Atiku meets IBB, Abdulsalami in Minna, arrives Yola ahead next poll Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 presidential election,

Atiku Abubakar, has rallied his supporters and urged them to turn out emasse to vote for the PDP Atiku, who commended Nigerians for turning out emaase for him during the presidential poll

I N E C S H I F T S G O V E R N O R S H I P, STAT E A S S E M B LY P O L L S TO M A R C H 1 8 tion in the BVAS to be reconfigured had been stored in the accreditation back-end server, which cannot be tampered with. It added that the plaintiffs could always obtain data in the BVAS from the back-end server.

More so, the court observed that the submission by INEC about the back-end server was not controverted, adding that a fact not controverted is deemed admitted.

In a related development, the Court of Appeal, in another ruling, granted permission to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, to inspect election materials used by INEC for the conduct of the February 25 presidential election.

Tinubu and his party had prayed the court to direct INEC to allow them access to the materials to enable them prepare adequately in their defense of their victory at the polls.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, had on March 1, at the end of collation of results from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), declared Tinubu as winner of the presidential election, having scored the highest number of votes cast in the election.

Tinubu polled over eight million votes to emerged victorious, while Atiku came second with nearly seven

The electoral body had declared Bola Tinubu of APC as the winner of the election having polled a total votes of 8,794,726 to defeat his closest rival and

National Assembly elections.

In a statement jointly signed by Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Ene Obi; Co-Convener, Asma’u Joda; and Co-Convener James Ugochukwu, Situation Room said it would like INEC to clarify to the public how it intended to ensure that data collected in the BVAS used in the election would be preserved for use in the review and audit of the elections.

They said electoral accountability required that information collected during elections were preserved for use in the audit and review of the election and for accountability purposes.

According to the statement, "in the light of the disputations that have emerged and the controversy surrounding the 2023 general elections, Situation Room is asking @inecnigeria to ensure that its records and data related to the election and securely to ensure its use for the purposes of scrutiny and accountability.

"Reports indicating that the BVAS may need to be reconfigured or even erased for the upcoming state governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections is a serious cause for concern and we worry that this could further pose additional credibility questions over the integrity

and conduct of the 2023 general elections.”

INEC to Conduct Supplementary Elections in Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency

INEC disclosed a plan to conduct supplementary elections in Doguwa/ Tudun Wada Federal Constituency.

The Returning Officer for the federal Constituency elections held on February 25, Professor Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai, yesterday, announced the reviewed results of the elections held in Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, saying the results previously announced by him was under duress.

He added that INEC, in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, decided to review the results.

Announcing the decision, Ibrahim stated that the reviewed elections results were as follows: APC - 39,732; NNPP - 34, 798, and PDP - 7,091.

He said there was cancellation of results in 13 polling units.

Ibrahim said the total number of votes domiciled in the polling units that were cancelled was high compared with the margin of votes difference cast in favour of the duo of APC and NNPP.

and acknowledged their resilience, tenacity and courage to do so, however, insisted that the election he lost to All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, was tainted and did not reflect the wills of Nigerians.

The former vice-president, who also met with two former Nigerian leaders in Minna, Niger State, has returned to Yola, Adamawa State, ahead of the governorship and state assembly polls.

In a press statement personally signed, Atiku said, "I urge all our supporters to turn out in large numbers on March 11 to cast their votes for the PDP in the governorship and state houses of assembly election.

"There is no better way to demonstrate against the sham of an election of February 25 than for patriotic citizens like you to turn out en masse this Saturday to vote for a greater and prosperous Nigeria as envisioned by the PDP. "I urge you to cast your votes peacefully and in strict compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines. And having cast your votes, be vigilant and protect those votes," he stressed.

Reflecting on the presidential election, Atiku thanked Nigerians immensely for their high sense of patriotism in bracing the odds to perform their civic duty during the February 25 presidential election.

"I truly appreciate their resilience, tenacity, and courage. It is indeed heart-warming that they have faith in rescuing and rebuilding our great country, as envisioned by our great

party, the PDP. "As attested to by both local and international observers, the result of the February 25 presidential election as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission was grossly tainted and did not reflect the will of the electorate. Nigerians have demonstrated against this blatant injustice through different mediums. And for that, I thank them again for their non-violent conduct despite the provocations.

"Indeed, what the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) did in announcing the manipulated result was a clear breach of not only the 2022 Electoral Act but also of its own guidelines, which the electoral commission had repeatedly claimed would uphold the standards we had seen in the Osun and Ekiti elections.

“Curiously, the INEC chairman further ignored calls for a review of the process in line with the amended law. But all hope is not lost. As citizens desirous of a better Nigeria, we must never give in to apathy.

The electoral fraud perpetrated

by INEC will be reversed in due course as we step up the cause to reclaim our mandate.

"We must continue to show resilience in the defence of our democracy and in the exercise of our rights to vote,” he said.

Meanwhile, Atiku’s meeting with the two leaders was though held behind closed doors, it might not be unconnected to the outcome of the residential and national assembly elections and the controversy surrounding it.

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SIGNING OF EUR 362,000 GRANT FOR PREPARATION OF A STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN FOR WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT...

L-R: Principal Water and Sanitation Engineer, African Development Bank Group (AfDB), John Sifuma; Director General/Nigeria Country Department, Mr. Lamin Barrow; Executive Secretary, Hadejia Jama’are Komadugu; Yobe Trust Fund, Dr. Hassan Bdliya, and Assistant Director, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Engr. Ibrahim Magaji, during the official signing of the EUR 362,000 grant for Preparation of a Strategic Action Plan for Water Resources Development for Komadugu-Yobe Basin Phase two Additional Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Studies, in Abuja… yesterday

Imo Govt, NLC Bicker over Congress Election, Workers’ Strike State government warns congress may disintegrate under Ajaero Labour gives reasons for industrial dispute, says state fast turning into a camp of horror Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Following the industrial action in Imo State, the state government yesterday argued that with the divisive, combative and autocratic style of the new President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, the Congress may soon disintegrate under his watch except something was urgently done by the workers to save the situation.

But in a swift reaction, the national leadership of the NLC explained

that its members in Imo state had to embark on an industrial action yesterday, to protest non-payment of 20 months salary arrears by the government.

But the state government disclosed that Ajaero has not only enmeshed the new executive into avoidable partisan politics, but has a hidden agenda detrimental to the welfare of Nigerian workers.

Reacting to the allegations

by Ajaero that the government meddled in the botched election

of the state chapter of NLC, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, in a statement accused the labour leader of lying to cover his "dirty role in the sordid affair."

"Apart from being a pathological liar, available information to government is that it was Ajaero himself that actually disrupted the election because he wanted to impose his stooge on the workers," Emelumba submitted.

According to him, instead of

allowing the normal delegates to cast their votes in accordance with laid down rules, Ajaero suddenly changed the rules at the last minute, which the workers resisted.

He noted that when it became obvious that Ajaero wanted to impose one George from his local government as the NLC chairman in Imo against the wishes of the majority, the workers rose against the NLC leadership and insisted that the elections will not hold.

He denied that agents of the

LP Dumps Guber Candidate in Kaduna for PDP ZLP, LP, Accord deny alliance with APC in Katsina John Shiklam in Kaduna and Francis Sardauna in Katsina A group known as “Forum of Concerned Labour Party (LP) Stakeholders in Kaduna State”, has asked its supporters to join forces with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturday’s governorship election to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

This is as three opposition parties in Katsina State, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Labour Party (LP) and the Accord party, have denied any alliance with the ruling APC ahead of the governorship and state House of Assembly elections in the state this weekend.

In a statement yesterday in Kaduna, the group directed its members not to waste their votes on Jonathan Asake, the LP governorship candidate, as he stands no chance of winning the election given the current political dynamics in the state.

In the statement by Ibrahim Maigari, Kaduna North senatorial district; Khamal Sadiq, Kaduna Central senatorial district and Ephraim Tagwai, Kaduna South senatorial district, the group said the decision to support Isah Ashiru, governorship candidate of the PDP, was taken at an emergency meeting held on Tuesday in Kaduna.

It said the meeting reviewed the performance of the LP during the February 25, Presidential and

National Assembly elections in the state and examined the current political dynamics in the state as it concerns the governorship election and the chances of the LP candidate.

The group noted that while the LP performed impressively in Kaduna South senatorial district and parts of Kaduna Central, winning two federal constituencies, it performed dismally in Kaduna North senatorial district and parts of Kaduna central.

“After extensive deliberations, the meeting which was attended by many stakeholders from the three senatorial districts, resolved as follows: That our members should vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the LP cannot win the governorship election given the reality of the political situation in the state.

“That we should all join hands to kick out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which has deployed religion to divide the people and perpetuate itself in power. Muslims and Christians in Kaduna State, having realised the antics of the APC in the state, are anxious in chasing out the party from power and every patriotic citizen must join hands to achieve this task.

“In the past seven years, APC subjected the people of Kaduna State to excruciating pains and poverty, occasioned by demolition of shops, houses, and markets, while thousands of workers were sacked

without their entitlement.

“Most of our children have had to drop out from school because of the APC's government school fees increment. The election provides an ample opportunity for the people of Kaduna State to liberate themselves from the APC ‘government of family and friends’ and its unpopular policies.

“We appeal to our governorship candidate, Hon. Jonathan Asake, who refused to attend the meeting, to come to terms with the stark realities on the ground and join hands with the PDP to end the bad governance of the APC.” In Katsina, the state chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council, Ibrahim Tukur-Saude, who debunked the allegations of alliance with APC, said the three opposition parties had no alliance with the APC and its members didn't defected to the party.

The Director-general of the state APC Campaign Council, Ahmed Dangiwa, at a press conference Tuesday, alleged that the chairmen of ZLP, LP, Accord and other political parties in the state had defected alongside their supporters to APC. But Saude, during a media chat, said: "We have not defected to APC and we don't have any alliance with the party. We are still in the Zenith Labour party and 16 chairmen of other political parties in Katsina state are still in their parties.

"We are not in any alliance with the APC nor its governorship

candidate. We haven't discussed anything or entered any agreement with him (Dangiwa) and we haven't defected to APC. We are ready for Saturday's elections."

government attacked any delegate as alleged by Ajaero, and challenged him to produce any evidence of his claim, insisting that no government official was at the venue of the election.

"It is unfortunate that a reputable labour union like NLC now has a president that is not only clannish but impulsive and a liar as well," Emelumba said.

He disclosed that the security agents went to the venue to restore law and order when it was obvious that Ajaero had lost control of the situation.

Emelumba described Ajaero as a divisive leader who, few years ago, had formed a pararrel United Labour Congress when he lost the presidential election of NLC. He said, “the man was yet to purge himself of such divisive tendencies, hence his decision to impose an unpopular candidate on Imo workers.”

The Commissioner also requested the interrogation of the agenda of

Ajaero whose priority he said is to cause division and havoc in the South East.

"We should really know what this man wants. He is not up to two months in office and his focus is to destabilize the states in his home zone. He started with Ebonyi, went to Abia and now causing havoc in his home state of Imo," he added.

Emelumba said security report available to government showed that Ajaero signed an agreement with the said George to make the state ungovernable for Governor Uzodimma.

Meanwhile, the NLC has explained that its members in Imo state had to embark on an industrial action yesterday, to protest non-payment of 20 months salary arrears by the government.

It said the industrial action was in response to the use of instruments of state by the state government to terrorise workers.

Continues online

Mutfwang: I Won't Discriminate Against Muslim, Hausa as Plateau Governor Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has allayed fears that his government would discriminate against a section of the state on tribal and religious grounds if elected governor, noting that he respected people of other faiths and would give them their rights.

Mutfwang, who addressed the press in Jos, reassured the people that he wouldn't discriminate against Muslim or Hausa in the state.

"While my faith is unshakable, it has also taught me to respect people of other faiths. I,therefore, want to assure my Muslim brothers in particular, that they have nothing to be afraid of about me, because I believe in fairness, equity and justice, therefore, I will not do anything unjustly to discriminate against them on account of faith or ethnic nationality," he said.

On the allegation that he would sack workers if elected, the he said it was unimaginable that such could be insinuated about him, when he truly believed that the state needed to employ more people to enhance the capacity of the Civil Service and to ensure that the Plateau State civil service was repositioned to be one of the best in the country.

“So, I will not sack, rather I will employ additional competent hands,” he said, even as he decried the huge debt profile of the state, which he said experts projected to be about N250 Billion by May 29, when the incumbent governor, Simon Lalong, would leave office.

He however expressed determination to turn things around if elected, adding that wealth must be created to enable payment of this huge debts.

"Godless politicians and their agents will deploy lies, mudslinging, character assassination, misrepresentation, mischief and other immoral strategies as tools for propaganda.

But we have chosen to be different and are determined to earn your trust by speaking the truth at all times. Our opponents know they cannot come near victory unless they take us out of the ballot.

"Since they have no project to commission, they have commissioned their paid agents to spread falsehood. One of the lies deployed by our jittery and fading opponents is the fabricated existence of a Court judgment that they claim will deny the PDP ultimate victory after you have voted for us. Let me assure our good people that this alleged victory snatching judgment only exists in the figment of their imaginations.

"We understand that even some senior lawyers have joined the shameful and disgraceful train of telling lies in order to spoil what they could not be part of. They were among us but left us and are out to destroy us because of their disappointment and bitterness. By God’s grace, they will not succeed in their mischief," he said.

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THURSDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

HANDMAIDENS WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE...

L-R: Founder, Society for Performing Art in Nigeria (SPAN), Mrs. Sarah Boulos; President, Association of Residence Doctors, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Remi Abiloye; Founder, Arise Women and Convener, Handmaidens Women Series, Dr. Siju Iluyomade; Partner/ Co-Leader, Macinsey, Mrs. Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin;Chief Executive Officer/ Founder, Stem and Mets, Mrs. Jadesola Adedeji;and Head of School, River Bank School, International, Regina Jemide, at the Handmaidens Women in Leadership Conference on Leading Women Leveraging Technology in the Market place to PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT mark International Women Day in Lagos yesterday

Uncertainty in Abia’s Presidential/National Assembly Poll Results as REC Seeks Review Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia Candidates declared winners in the February 25, 2023 Presidential/ National Assembly election in Abia State, may have to hold back their celebrations for now, following

uncomfortable revelations by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Professor Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu, who is now seeking a review of the results.

Uzochukwu said he was "abducted and detained" by security agencies during the collation and

announcement of results hence some candidates might have been declared winners in error.

In a seven-page report he wrote on the Presidential/National Assembly poll, which was sighted yesterday by THISDAY, the REC made a number revelations includ-

ing internal sabotage and usurpation of his power, hence the need for INEC to take another look at the results.

"I hereby request for the review of the results in consonance with section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, which empowers Independent Na-

Kano APC Accuses Police of Bias, Discrimination Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, accused the statePolice Command of bias, and discrimination against its members in the run-up to Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections in the state.

Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Abbas, told reporters in Kano that the police had on a number of times, deliberately failed to act on infringement against its members in spite of overwhelming evidence at their disposal.

"We just discovered that Nura

Dankadal, a leader of the NNPP in Tudun Wada Local Government is an uncle to the DC CID, while another leader of the NNPP, in Albasu Local Government in the person of Alhaji Usman Korial, is the Guardian of DC Operations.

Maybe that explains the reason why all our petitions were not treated," Abbas said.

A former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Rabiu Bichi, who stood in for the APC Chairman during the media briefing, accused two senior police officers at the command of partisanship.

Bichi called the police to invite

for questioning, the immediate past Executive Secretary, TETFUND, Dr Abdullahi Bappa Bichi, to reveal where bandits he claimed were brought in from Chad, and Niger Republics were being kept.

He said, "We specifically demand that Dr Abdullahi Baffa Bichi and others including the traditional ruler, who also made similar claims be invited to explain how they came about the information. We have enjoyed peace in Kano over the last eight years. We will not allow bigoted and self-serving individuals to truncate that."

The APC further called on the

NNPP to desist from intimidating the security agencies with threat of violent protest and grandstanding, saying, "NNPP must stop intimidating the security forces with their threat of violent protest and grandstanding. They should remember you can't clap with only one hand.

"Police and other security agencies must as a matter of urgency invite all those, who broadcasted on Radio and social media to show them where the machinery imported from neighboring countries are camped.

Time for procrastination must be over. A stitch in time saves nine."

tional Electoral Commission (INEC) to review the result(s) declared by the Returning Officer (RO) within one week after, if the declaration declared by a Returning Officer is contrary to the provisions of the law, regulations and guidelines, and manual for the elections.

"The collations and returning of winners were done in my absence(Resident Electoral Commissioner) while the Administrative Secretary usurped and assumed my position, contrary to the provisions of the law, regulations and guidelines, and manual for the elections.

While the collation of results were ongoing on Sunday, February 26, 2023, some reports went viral that the REC went into hiding after allegedly compromising his position and was arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Services(DSS).

But contrary to the narrative believed to have ben pushed by his detractors, Uzochukwu, in his report revealed that he was a victim

of "abduction, forceful detention and false imprisonment" which paved the way for the Administrative Secretary, Mr. Clement Oha to preside over the collation and announcement of results.

"I was forced out of my hotel room, against my will, while preparing to return back to the INEC State Office (having worked throughout Saturday, 25th February 2023 till about 5am of Sunday, 26th February 2023) by the officials of Abia State Department of State Services (DSS) and Abia State Police.

"I was kept in their respective custodies without warrant of arrest, with my Personal Assistant (PA).

The DSS and Police details attached to me were also withdrawn from me and the Police details detained.

"With my abduction and hence absence, election results announced in some zones may not have met the minimum requirements as stipulated by the Electoral Act, 2022. Some declared winner(s) may not be genuine winner(s) in some of those elections," he said.

TINUBU: WE MUST HARNESS OUR DEMOGRAPHY, NUMERICAL VALUE TO MAKE PROGRESS, WOMEN'S ROLE INVALUABLE Monetary Affairs and Development (G-24) as Director of its Secretariat.

"To say this appointment is an excellent appointment is stating the obvious. Dr. Masha's knowledge, experience and immense skills have prepared her for high offices.

"She has a deep understanding of the economy, both national and global, and parades excellent ideas on a broad range of issues and policies.

"All of that earned her an eminent place as a member of Nigeria's Presidential Economic Advisory Council, directly advising the president on economic policy from 2019-2022.

"Having worked on a range of countries at the International Monetary Fund, Washington DC, developing non-programme policies for emerging market and low-income economies in Africa and Asia, her experience, I understand, aligns with the purpose of G-24, which is to coordinate the position of developing countries on monetary and development issues, particularly issues on the agendas of the IMF.” He added, "I congratulate this proudly Lagos Dr. Masha on her achievement. I know that more of this kind of appointment will come her way as Nigeria and the world will always require her talents and experience."

Buhari Urges Nigerians in Diaspora to Support Tinubu

Buhari, yesterday, called on Nigerians in the diaspora to support the president-elect as he assumes office on May 29.

Speaking Tuesday evening in Doha, at a town hall meeting as part of his visit to the State of Qatar, Buhari said his administration was poised to emplace credible, transparent and fair elections, which will peak on March 11, with the governorship and state assembly elections.

The president called on Nigerians living abroad, especially those in Qatar, to “support the incoming government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu so that Nigeria will continue to be the beacon of hope and prosperity in our continent and an example for other African countries to emulate.”

Speaking further, the president acknowledged the noble role Nigerians all over the world had been playing in the development of the country, adding that his administration has approved a National Diaspora Policy, and supported the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) all the way to develop programmes for the engagement of Nigerians abroad for the “ambassadors” to contribute their quota towards the development of their fatherland.

Earlier in his remarks, Nigerian Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Yakubu Ahmed, congratulated Buhari for conducting successful

presidential and National Assembly elections on February 25.

Ahmed said the election process proved that Nigeria's democracy was strong. He prayed for an equally successful governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections.

Ahmed informed the president that Nigeria and the State of Qatar had maintained brotherly bilateral relationship since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2013, adding that there are currently about 7,000 Nigerians residing in Qatar, who were gainfully engaged in diverse areas of human endeavour.

“I'm proud to inform you, Your Excellency, that majority of our nationals in Doha are professionals who have excelled in their chosen careers, playing critical roles in healthcare, safety, oil and gas, aviation, construction, among other sectors,” he added Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian community in the Qatar, Dr. Arabo Ibrahim, a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, said he had every reason to thank the president, especially, for restoring peace in the northeastern part of Nigeria.

Ibrahim said, "Our people were chased out of Mubi in Adamawa State by Boko Haran terrorists, peace is back. Now we go there and sleep peacefully. There is a lot of food now. People from the neighbouring countries even come to buy food in Nigeria.”

Another member of the Nigerian community, Professor Akintunde Akinade, also thanked Buhari for conducting an election “alluded to as one of the best. We have gone through elections many times before and we all know what it's all about.

This is an election where money has taken a back seat. We're very grateful to see what has happened this time in the presidential election.

“Thank you for bringing sanity to the country and the electoral process.

We wish that this would continue.”

Akinade equally lauded Buhari for infrastructural revolution in the country, his anti-corruption war, keeping Nigeria together, as well as his well-known democratic crusade in Africa.

“I really want to thank you for your unwavering critique of African presidents that really want to stay in office forever. I wish you a well-deserved rest,” Akinade said.

Extend Hand of Fellowship to Other Candidates for National Unity, APC Chieftain Tells Tinubu

A chieftain of APC, Bamidele Faparusi, yesterday, urged Tinubu to extend the hand of fellowship to other presidential candidates that ran against him in the February 25 election.

Faparusi also called on the international community and civil society organisations not to dignify

reports discrediting the outcome of the poll, saying such are fake news without substance.

The APC stalwart stated that Tinubu’s deliberate effort to embrace other contestants would foster national unity and reconciliations.

The Coordinator, Contact and Mobilisation Committee, Tinubu/ Shettima Presidential Campaign Committee in Ekiti State commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring credible elections, despite numerous challenges.

Faparusi lauded “INEC for the successful presidential and National Assembly elections”. He alleged moves by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to compromise the results of the election through cloned INEC servers.

Faparusi, in a press statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, said the “international communities and civil society organisations should not be deceived and misled by fake reports discrediting the outcome of one of the freest and fairest elections this country has ever conducted in recent times.

“If you look at the pattern of the results, you will realise that the outcome of that presidential election is the true reflection of the will of Nigerians. The people of Nigeria have spoken very loudly that their choice is Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

“This is politics and not a wish

game, therefore the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) should not think they can force their wish on the country. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.”

Faparusi urged LP to consolidate on the electoral success recorded at the poll to build a more formidable opposition needed to ensure good governance by the APC rather than chasing shadow and displaying vain desperation.

He said Mr. Peter Obi and his followers “should allow the votes of the people in the rural areas to count, winners of elections are not determined only by votes from the urban areas.”

He pointed out that “in most polling units in Ekiti State, LP did not have a polling agent let alone mobilisers, the votes recorded by LP are from the student environs of Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, and that is understandable.”

The former National Assembly member pointed out that he had predicted that Ekiti would give Tinubu the highest percentage of votes and that LP would not get 10 per cent in the state, saying, “Exactly this is what happened.”

He said, “So, I was surprised when LP and PDP were challenging the outcome of our election in Ekiti.

If we should have the election again 100 times, the outcome will only get worst for them.”

Faparusi congratulated Tinubu for fighting a good fight and winning.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͷ˜ ͰͮͰͱ

POLSCOPE Obi, the Real Hero of the Race áÓÞÒ ÎÎã ÎÓàáÜÓ ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͸΀͸ͽ ͻ͸; ΁ͻͽ;

M

any described him as a joker.

Others said he is merely a social media giant. One short, foulmouthed governor from the north west even said nobody knows him and that his people would be asking if Peter Obi was just a new product in the market.

Yet, some others reduced him to a Nollywood actor. Those steeped in the orthodox style of politicking dismissed him as structureless and of no effect. But the man called Peter Obi refused to be dismayed. He trudged on with courage and conviction. His message resonated very loud among the Nigerian electorate, especially the youths. They believed him. They agreed with him and swore to uphold his victory.

Not even the harsh attack from his Igbo kindred like Ike Ekweremadu (now a prized guest of the UK prisons) or (Gov) Professor Charles Soludo (now sweating and begging the Obidient folks to please remember APGA candidates), would cause Obi’s political cruise to lose steam. As it turned out, the more the people undermined him, the greater traction his campaign train gained. With energy, conviction and determination his campaign carburetor fired ceaselessly.

Suddenly, this man they dismissed as structureless has become not only a major threat to the sustenance of the old order, but has indeed become the beautiful bride that the political deities want to consult and collaborate with in other to save whatever that is left of their political ancestry. If you doubt me, ask Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Hamzat who have been sending bulk sms pleading with Lagosians to vote them.

They have now been humbled and crawling from house-to-house begging and pleading to be re-elected in Lagos State. Suddenly, they have become humble, accessible and normal humans. No more the cocky arrogance and déjà vu posture that hangs around them every time. Who would have ever so imagined!

Gov Okowa’s daughter, Marylin and the “PDP senior men” in Delta State who have always believed the state’s leadership is part of their confirmed patrimony, are now on their knees, sounding contrite and penitent, so their political kingdom is not shattered. Everybody wants to partner with Labour Party. All thanks go to God for sending forth a certain Peter Gregory Obi to rejig the political equations in Nigeria.

As his campaign mantra was, gradually, the Nigerian people are in the process of taking back their country, whether BVAS likes it or not. It has to start from somewhere. A political revolution cometh! Not the type proposed by Omoyele Sowore, one of the

Peter Obi also-ran presidential candidates.

Perhaps one thing unique with the Obi brand is his peaceable disposition. He never quarreled nor abused nor even replied his haters with equal hatred. His style was typically the Biblical teaching of‘love those who hate you’. Imagine all the invectives, harsh and unsavoury paste Gov Soludo served Obi. But Peter Obi, often quipped as “Pitobi”, by his many supporters, merely replied that (paraphrased) “His Excellency Gov Chukwuma Soludo is a professor and my senior brother. The work of government is a continuum. If me, as a common trader built schools without roofs, let him use his professorial experience to roof the schools…” He went out of his way to go look for Soludo, embracing him in very pious manner, as a way of saying ‘here I am , I come in peace’.

Those who despised him as “four-men-in-a-room” have been stunned by the volume of effect the “four men” can have on the larger populace. From just four men in a room, the LP has won twelve states according to INEC’s controversial result.

It has won some six or so senatorial seats and many more seats in the House of Representatives.

It has come clear that indeed, the LP was not just a social media revv as they claimed. They have seen that Mr Obi is richly endowed with uncommon Grace. An attribute that gets him so enchanted to the people—young and old.

The power and drive of the Nigerian youths was also on display during the election.

Many of them identified as Obidients. The movement is massive and a manifest swirl of the raw energy of youths. Only those who are myopic are likely to dismiss them as inconsequential. They seem poised to “take back their country” Doubtless, Obi and the message he carries, has become a national political phenomenon. Onlythe naïve can ignore him.

It is instructive that last weekend, the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmud Yakubu, finally admitted that all was not well with the BVAS machine and the entire electioneering process, promising that the problems and “glitches” would be tackled by Saturday’s election. Who can yet believe him? The INEC chairman did not brood any suggestion that he should slow down and listen to the complaints of the stakeholder about the observed irregularities with the process and the results of the election. He had a window of seven days to do a review of what transpired. But Professor Mahmud was in a hurry to get done with the scheme, it appears. He charged those who complained at the collation centre to

Ovie Omo-Agege, Set for Osadebe House

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rom all indications, it would appear Saturday will be coronation day for the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, as the governor of Delta State. From all the cardinal points of the state, the lines have chosen to fall in pleasant places for him. The contest is between two sons of Urhobo land: Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Hon Sheriff Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). There is a third Urhobo son, Great Ogboru who has chosen to allign with a strange party in the state—All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He has become a perpetual contestant. Tomorrow’s attempt will only lengthen his record of try again effort.

Between Omo-Agege and Oborevwori, it is like a contest between thechief priest and the godfathers. The Chief priest seems to have been stripped and deserted by the godfathers, and as Shakespeare would say, his cloak hangs loosely on him “like a giant’s robe upon a dwarfish thief”. It is the turn of Delta Central to produce the governor of the state. The sitting governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has insisted on dictating to the Urhobos, who should represent their interest, not the other way round. The godfathers feel offended, if not insulted, by Okowa imposing Oborevwori on the Urhobo nation. All entreaties to Gov Okowa on the matter fell on deaf ears, in a way that provokes a thinking that there is something deeper than we can ordinarily see.

The Urhobos who have described Oborevwori as “Okowa’s monkey” fear that with a Governor Oborevwori, the Urhobos will not only continue to be in political Siberia, Okowa will practically be having a third term with a lackey like Oborevwori in office. In recompense, the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), the Umbrella body of the Urhobo nation, has resolved to undertake a political paradigm

Ovie Omo-Agege shift by supporting another illustrious son: Ovie Omo-Agege, whose credentials of public service are not only scented but flowered with egregious marks of performance. Delta State has always been governed by PDP, but the resolve is no longer to be fixated with political affinity. The PDP pyramid in the state appears to be crumbling faster than imagined.

One of its major pillars in Delta north, Peter Nwaoboshi, who had often operated like a political deity in Delta State, was recently jailed for N805 million fraud. He was the buyer of one of Delta State properties, Guinea House, Lagos in a questionable manner. With the resignation of Comrade Macaulay Ovuzorie from the PDP, in Isoko; Hon Love Ojakovo, both former Commissioners and many other PDP leaders in the state, last week, it is clear that the cookies are crumbling.

Perhaps, since the dawn of the fourth

republic, no senator from Delta Central or even the entire Delta State, has recorded such great achievements, spread across and even beyond the senatorial district, as the DSP has done.

The attraction and establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, may have simply topped the performance chart of the Deputy Senate President. The vast socio-economic opportunities such a federal institution will open up for the people of Delta State is unfathomable. He simply ticks all the boxes of a prospective and high-scale governor.

But beyond the block endorsement of OmoAgege, many Deltans are dismayed and in fact shocked that in less than one year, the Okowa administration has incurred a debt profile of over N150 billion in loans, all of which were approved with speed by the State House of Assembly presided over by Oborevwori the Speaker. That is outside the sell-off of several Delta State assets, like the Liaison Office of the state in Victoria Island, Lagos. The property has been sold off at a give-away price, only for the state to go rent a building for its staff and operations.

From Landlord to tenancy! It little speaks of economic wisdom. The Asaba-Ughelli road dualisation project, initiated by the administration of former Gov James Ibori, till date, remains uncompleted. Worse still, the pensioners are yet owed backlog of pensions and gratuities. And with no visible infrastructural project anywhere in the state, many have wondered what the loans were meant for, beyond financing the Atiku presidential project, which has turned a fiasco. Gov Okowa was the presidential running mate of the PDP flagbearer in the just concluded Presidential election. It is instructive that the Labour Party (LP), not the PDP, won the presidential election in Delta State. Like in many parts of the country, the people of Delta State want their state back to them, away from the grip of vicious cabals.

“resume” their seats, after listening to them, insisting on getting through with the process before any form of review can take place. It did not show much wisdom on the part of the professor. He was to admit nearly ten days after that something was wrong with the electioneering process. A clear case of putting the cart before the horse. Worse still, was the ungodly haste in issuing and handing over the certificate of return to the declared winner, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, amidst the ruckus generated by the complaints of those who felt robbed in the exercise. Yet, it took more than ten days after the election, before the certificate of return to federal lawmakers was issued, these were people whose results were promptly uploaded on the INEC portal.

It is the man whose results were not uploaded and being contested, that the INEC hurriedly issued Certificate of Return. Curious!

Even now, the INEC is applying to re-format the BVAS machine, just when LP and PDP have been granted court permission to inspect the election result. It smells of a dirty scheme. I believe Nigerians are wiser than such cheap trickery.

It is remarkable also that Obi, at a recent press conference declared that he won the election and would prove it in court. Calmly, he announced his resolve, expressing great faith in the court system. The same court the winner of the poll is urging him to approach, in such defiant manner as to suggest that the court has been settled and programmed to act in a pre-determined manner. Many believe that the court should not hide under technicalities to subvert justice, as it is wont to do.

Dapo Abiodun, Making Impressive Marks in Ogun

Gov Dapo Abiodun

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r Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State is seriously working on his re-electability. This weekend, he would know how much impression he has made in the minds of the people of Ogun State. A second term in office is a reward for an impressive first term. All things being equal, getting re-elected therefor is a verdict of positive impression from the electorate.

So question is : are the people of Ogun State sufficiently impressed with Gov Abiodun to deserve being re-elected? Many of thepeople are likely to give their approval for a second term. If the record of what has been done or being done is a crucial element of the consideration, then Gov Abiodun will have an easy ride back to Okemosun, the seat of government in Ogun State. He is a governor elected on the platform of the APC. The report card recently shared with media mavens shows that the governor has “performed” creditably.

From the infrastructural developments like the K’Oba Pe Housing estate, to the 14-kilometer Ijebu-Ode to Epe dualized road, and the aggressive urbanization scheme in the state capital, down to the on-going Cargo airport at Ilishan (where a plane landed recently on a test run) to the hundreds of renovated and rebuilt schools, as well as many roads rebuilt and expanded, spread across every local government of the state, the people of Ogun State can only be happy to compensate Gov Abiodun with another term.

Resource persons have explained the determination of the governor to make Ogun State a major industrial hub in the country, the motivation for the Cargo airport nearing completion. Famous for its wide land mass, Ogun State, under the sitting governor may have raised the bar of governance, even as many of the youths are baying for empowerment and enabling environment to grow their entrepreneural skils.

THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

38

NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS…

Member, House of Representatives, Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (right) , and Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, after Tunji-Ojo received his Certificate of Return from Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja…yesterday

One Dead as Suspected Arsonists Raze Spare Parts Market in Lagos 6DQZR 2OX WDVNV &3 WR ÀVK RXW SHUSHWUDWRUV

Sunday Ehigiator A 50-year-old security guard (name undisclosed) at Akere Spare Part Market in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State was reportedly shot dead by suspected armed arsonists who stormed the popular market in the wee hours of yesterday and burnt it down.

In a signed statement by the

Director of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Adeseye Margaret, it was revealed that the incident happened at about 3:28 a.m. on March 8, 2023.

The statement said: “At about 03:28 a.m. on Wednesday, a fire outbreak was alerted at the Akere Spare Parts Market, Kirikiri Road, Olodi-Apapa, Ajegunle in Lagos which saw the Ajegunle Fire Station of the Lagos State Fire

Soludo: I Created Safe Environment for Anambra Voters during Presidential Election David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has said that the secured environment created by his administration was what enabled the huge turnout of voters in the presidential election in the state.

The governor, who spoke through his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, during an interactive session with journalists, said that about eight local government areas in the state which had previously been annexed by criminal elements, were liberated by the Soludo’s administration to give voters the confidence to come out during the presidential election.

Aburime was speaking on the need for Anambra people to vote for House of Assembly’s candidates from the

All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), to enable Soludo to further stabilise the state.

He said: “The election was Peaceful in Anambra, and you will agree with me that it was the peaceful environment that gave Obi the opportunity to garner all the votes he got in the state.

“Before now, not many people would have come out to vote, because of the security situation.

“Anambra people know that Governor Soludo is working very hard, and for them to sustain such work, they need to support the party of the governor.

“For those thinking that Soludo did not support Obi, they have to know that the governor did not interfere in the election, like some governors did, or even try to coerce anyone.”

and Rescue Service as the first respondent.

“Upon arrival, it was discovered that rows of shops of auto spare parts were up in flames leading to Sari-Iganmu

and Ilupeju Fire Crews of the agency joining to subdue the raging fire and salvage a nearby major market petrol station with a fully loaded 33,000 litres petrol tanker among other adjoining

buildings.

“However, a male adult was recovered by the Tolu Police Division in the fire scene while the Lagos Neighborhood and Safety Corps and the Red Cross

were also there to help out.

“The cause of the fire will require detailed investigation as well as post-incident enumeration to account for the number of lockup shops and wares loss.”

Runsewe: Rest of Africa Looks Up to Nigeria for Leadership

Charles Ajunwa

With the successful completion of the country’s presidential and national assembly elections, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has said that the entire Africa was looking up to Nigeria to provide a robust leadership for the continent.

Runsewe, in a statement titled: ‘2023 Presidential Election And The Unity Of Nigeria’, said with her population of over 200 million

people the possibilities of Nigeria’s greatness are almost limitless.

According to him, Nigeria cannot afford to fail the whole of Africa and rest of the world having helped to spearhead the liberation of many countries on the continent.

He regretting that the political tension surfacing now after the completion of February 25 presidential poll may jeopardises the respect and goodwill that the country had continued to enjoy over the years.

Runsewe said: “The rest of

Africa looks up to Nigeria to provide the necessary leadership required to galvanize the continent to the actualisation of its vision of growth and development. Many African leaders, past and present, have openly stated that when Nigeria sneezes, the rest of Africa catches cold. This underscores the level of regard Africa has for Nigeria as a big brother and the giant of Africa.

“Indeed, Nigeria has continued to display the disposition required of its position as the leader of Africa. We spearheaded the

liberation struggle in Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia, South Africa amongst others. We played a leading role in the establishment of Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) as well as the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU) now African Union (AU). We played a key role in the formation of ECOMOG in the effort to restore peace, law and order in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Nigeria has severally sacrificed man and materials to ensure continental peace, social harmony stability, growth and development in Africa.

South-east Group Knocks INEC, Restates Confidence in Judiciary to Redress Wrongs

Emameh Gabriel inAbuja

The Igbo Patriotic Forum (IPF) has condemned the opaque and shabby manner with which the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) handled the February 25, presidential and National Assembly elections.

This was even as the group commended President

Muhammadu Buhari for the excellent security arrangement and provision of logistics support for the elections.

Addressing journalists at a briefing tagged: “We will Get There, yesterday in Abuja, the former Police Service Commission (PSC) boss and Chairman of IPF, Chief Simon Okeke, expressed outrage at the brazen way INEC stole the

votes and voices of Nigerians.

Okeke said: “Our eloquent voices with our votes have been mischievously suppressed, distorted, mutilated and the world was fed with falsified results which have been formally rejected by both Mr. Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) and Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP).

“The judicial search for justice will soon begin and by the grace of God, truth will ultimately triumph over naked lies dished out as being the result of the presidential election.”

He reiterated that the nation was on a journey to reclaim its lost country and heritage, vowing that nothing can deter the process.

Adeleke’s 100 Days in Office is a Mirage, Says Osun APC CAN, Lagos Residents Throw Weight Yinka wicked, unsavoury and that passes through atop a rock the regular FAAC totalling Kolawole in Osogbo as humongous funds without any significant sign of N15 billion that the Adeleke’s behind Sanwo-Olu’s Candidacy The Osun State Chapter of unpalatable to the tune of N90 billion accrued a passage.’ administration had received, due

Mary Nnah

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos and the Christian community in the state have clearly stated that they are throwing their weight behind the candidacy of the incumbent Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat for a second term.

Speaking during a media briefing held to announce CAN’s endorsement of governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for a second term, the Chairman of CAN Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite noted that it was essential to make it clear that the Christian community in Lagos demanded a Christian governor, and by divine providence and listening ears of party leaders, the present Governor given favoured.

Adegbite stated however that the

endorsement was based primarily on Sanwo-Olu’s performance and nothing else.

“His achievements in the critical sectors of the state’s economy are endearing, and we are convinced that it needs to be sustained. The recently completed multibillion naira Imota Rice Mill project, foreign direct investments coming through the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the recently completed first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line, and the commencement of the second phase called the Red Line, repositioning of the health sector through the building of more health centres at the grassroots, and a free health policy for children below 18 years and adults above 65 years of age not minding your ethnic background or religious affiliations are just a few of the things we have seen and consistency is what we need.”

the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday berated the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke for performing abysmally in the last three months of running the affairs of the state.

The APC also described Adeleke’s 100 days as uneventful, hellish, displeasing, distasteful,

to the state’s coffers were lavishly spent and unaccounted for in the last three months.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Osogbo, the State acting chairman of APC, Hon. Tajudeen Lawal bemoaned Adeleke’s administration, attributing his administrative woes to a ‘proverbial snake

Lawal noted how Adeleke had been abysmally managing the meager resources of the state on frivolities, saying what the state had received in the last three months was enough to build sustainable infrastructural development capable of sustaining the state for the next four years.

According to him, apart from

to the diligent administration of the State by the immediate past Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, the State government had equally received about N11 billion from Siftas; N5 billion from NG CARES and N6.7 billion Federal Government parastatal tax liability respectively in the last three months.

Group: Presidential Poll Credible, Tinubu Legitimately Elected

Sunday Okobi

The National Chairman/ Coordinator of Team Prosper, Mr. Shehu Bankole-Hameed, yesterday, declared that the recently held presidential election was free, fair and credible, adding that the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu, was legitimately elected

president.

He warned politicians trying to foment violence due to the declaration of Tinubu as the president-elect to desist from such acts.

Bankole-Hameed also said that the election was free, fair and credible, and that anyone who is unsatisfied with the outcome should seek redress in court.

According to him, “February 25, 2023, presidential election was adjudged very free and fair. With all human limitations, it had its errors but the errors did not call for the cancellation of the election nor did it invalidate the election. The election produced a winner in Bola Tinubu. Now, he has received his certificate of return.

“Again, if anyone feels

left out, they have the court to address it, not being on the street or on social media shouting or some pastors saying he is not their president.

These are misleading. Clerics should not say things like that because it is unfair to mislead the people. We have a president-elect and by the grace of God and he is Tinubu.

39

THURSDAY, ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Drama as CAF Orders Rivers Utd to Play Motema Pembe Today Congolese team earlier walked over after no-show at Uyo Duro Ikhazuagbe Rivers United’s hope of extending the leadership of the Group B of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup was put on hold yesterday following the no-show of DR Congo’s DC Motema Pembe in the crucial Match-day 4 slated for the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo. In what has become a recurring decimal in how rules of competition are subverted in the continent, CAF is believed to have rescheduled the match for this afternoon at 3pm at same venue without giving any reason why the Congolese team failed to show up in Uyo yesterday.

THISDAY learnt that match officials present at the game had done a walkover with Rivers United players and officials celebrating picking the three points and three goals to go nine points at the top of Group B. However, their joy was cut short when it was learnt from Motema Pembe club website that CAF had shifted the match to today without informing neither Rivers United nor the Nigeria Football Federation. Although another independent source hinted that Rivers United officials were only informed of the flight hitches faced by the Congolese team late yesterday evening. The visitors are to bear the burden of the extra day.

The statement on Motema Pembe site read as follows: “MATCH POSTPONED FOR TOMORROW (THURSDAY). CAF accepts the exemptions of the two concerned federations to postpone this match to tomorrow at 20h.

While waiting for the landing at midnight of the plane carrying our delegation (to Nigeria), the officers (officials) of this encounter have been ordered by CAF to postpone the event to tomorrow (Thursday),” concludes the statement on the club’s website.

Before this latest development, there were fears in the Rivers United camp that the disqualification of Motema Pembe could spell doom for the Nigerian team as this could lead to the cancellation of all matches played by the Congolese team.

C O N F E D E R AT I O N C U P Sources in the camp of the Pride of Rivers people however insisted last night that they remain unfazed and would battle the visitors for

all three points to ensure that they maintain their lead going into the quarter final stage.

Elsewhere in the Group B of

the CAF Confederation last night, Ivorien team, ASEC Mimosas went to Congo’s other team in the competition, CSM Diables Noir, to pick a point in the goalless draw.

Both teams are tied on five points each behind Rivers United on six

points with today’s outstanding fixture against Motema Pembe.

Motema are at the bottom of the table on just two points.

Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga) and Egypt’s Pyramids also kept their hopes of qualifying

to the quarter finals of the CAF Confederation Cup alive after winning their fourth round group matches yesterday evening.

Yanga won 2-0 at home against Real de Bamako while Pyramids thrashed Togo’s AS Kara 4-1.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (left) who is Bayern Munich's top scorer this season with 17 goals in all competitions got the opening goal in the Bundesliga club’s 2-0 defeat of his former club PSG last night in Germany.

Bayern Condemn PSG to Another Last 16 Exit Tottenham fail to upturn AC Milan’s 1-0 edge from first leg Bayern Munich cruised 2-0 (aggregate 3-0) into the quarterfinals of the Champions League last night as they condemned Paris St-Germain to another last-16 exit.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting swept home just after the hour mark for the hosts against his former club, with Serge Gnabry

C H A M P I O N S L E AG U E adding the gloss to a professional display late on.

The six-time European champions had begun the evening nervously defending a one-goal first-leg lead and guarding against the dual threat

posed by Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.

However, while PSG's star forward line sporadically threatened early on neither was given the time or space to inflict any damage on a disciplined

and efficient Bayern side, who ran out 3-0 aggregate winners.

The draw for the last eight of the competition takes place on 17 March in Nyon, Switzerland.

Elsewhere in the competition, Tottenham Hotspur's campaign ended in bitterly disappointing fashion as they failed to overturn a first-leg deficit in the last 16 against AC Milan.

Spurs paid the price for another passive start that allowed Milan to settle into their task - the misery complete when defender Cristian Romero was sent off

late on after receiving a second yellow card for a wild late challenge on Theo Hernandez.

RESULTS B’Munich 2-0 PSG Tottenham 0-0 AC Milan

TODAY Europa

Women Have Broken Glass Ceiling in Sports, Says Dare Osimhen Wins Player of the Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare, has said that there is no longer a glass ceiling for Nigerian women in sports.

He made the remark yesterday at the football tournament organised by Fame Foundation to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2023, at the Area 3 football pitch, Abuja.

He said the setting aside of a day as an international women day has validated the fact that women play a big part when it comes to different endeavours in life, including sports.

“There is no longer any glass ceiling in sports and Nigeria is a good case. We went to the Olympics and the two people that won our medals were women—Ese Brume and Blessing Oborodudu.

We went to the Commonwealth and 90 percent of the medals we got there were brought home by

women. I think the narrative has since changed- you must pay attention to the women,” Dare said.

He appealed to men and the community to allow women and young girls to walk through the door of stardom because they are equipped to be able to do what

they want to do.

The Executive Director, Fame Foundation, Ms Aderonke Bello, urged the incoming Minister of Sports in the new administration to work together with the relevant sports federations to create equality and ensure that the welfare of

female athletes is top-notch.

Ten women's football teams competed at the tournament graced by members of the diplomatic corps, including the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Jamie Christoff.

Month of February in Italy

Victor Osimhen has been named the Player of the Month of February in Italy.

He scored in all six matches he

Arsenal, Man Utd Resume Round of 16 Live on GOtv

Sporting Lisbon will play host to Arsenal this evening as Round of 16 of the first leg matches of the Europa League begin live on GOtv. The Gunners boast an unbeaten record against their Portuguese opponent and they head into the tie in good spirits. The last time both teams faced each other was in the group stage of the 2017/18 season Europa League. Danny Welbeck’s strike gave Arsenal a 0-1 victory away from home,

EUROPA LEAGUE while the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium ended 0-0.

Mike Arteta’s players are keen to make history this season by securing the club’s first European trophy and reclaiming the Premier League title since the 2004 Invincibles. The game will be live on SuperSport La Liga (ch. 32) at 6:45pm.

Still on Thursday night, Manchester United will take on

their third Spanish opponent in this competition, Real Betis. The Red Devils locked horns with Real Sociedad in the group stages and knocked out Barcelona in the play-off to book a place in the Round of 16.

But, Erik Ten Hag’s men head into this tie on the heels of a 7-0 defeat at the Anfield against Liverpool, which happens to be the club’s biggest loss since 1931. Ten Hag urged his team to learn from the defeat and bounce

Sporting v Arsenal Man Utd v Betis Larnaca v West Ham

back ahead of their match against Real Betis.

“The bad days are the days that if you do the right things, if you react with the right messages as a manager and as a team, you can learn a lot from it,” Ten Hag said, in his post-match press conference.

“I know my players, they are good characters, they can bounce back and they will do,” he added.

All eyes will be on the Red Devils when their match begins at 9pm on SuperSport La Liga (ch. 32).

played in the month under review.

This latest accolade is coming on the heels of the 2022 Best Foreign Athlete Award he won only on Monday.

Other awards he has recently bagged include Emerging Player of the Year Award at the 2022 Globe Awards and the 2021/2022 Serie A Young Player of the Year Award.

Osimhen will certainly be in the running for the prestigious CAF Player of the Year Award with his terrific performance for Napoli this term.

He is the leading scorer in Serie A this season with 19 goals for table-topping Napoli with two extra goals added in the UEFA Champions League.

And will also make history as the first African to be crowned Goal King in Italy.

Thursday, March 9, 2023

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Declan Emelumba to Joe Ajaero “It is unfortunate that a reputable labour union like NLC now has a president that is not only clannish but impulsive and a liar as well. We should really know what this man wants. He is not up to two months in office and his focus is to destabilise the states in his home zone. He started with Ebonyi, went to Abia and now causing havoc in his home state of Imo”—Imo State Information Commissioner, on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President

OLUSEGUNADENIYI Obi, Atiku and the BVAS Conundrum THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

I

had the privilege of a long conversation with the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, last Saturday morning. I was in the house of a mutual friend when Obi dropped by. For almost two hours he shared interesting insights into why he believes he won the election.

But what I enjoyed most were the stories of his varied experiences on the campaign trail across the country. I told Obi that he surpassed my expectations at the polls and repeated what I wrote in my column last week that I either overestimated the power of party structure or underestimated his own (Obi’s) capacity for mass mobilization. In the light of yesterday’s ruling, there may be a change in both tactics and strategies

by Obi. His counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, had prayed the Appeal Court not to grant the application that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) be allowed to reconfigure the BVAS machines for gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections now rescheduled for 18th March.

The bid failed.

In her compelling weekly column in PUNCH last Thursday, ‘What does Peter Obi do next?’, Dr Abimbola Adelakun promised to spend the next few weeks scouting for post-election insights to better understand “how to correctly account for the Peter Obi phenomenon.” I believe many scholars will be doing the same for more clarity about what transpired in Nigeria on 25th February.

Abimbola also wrote: “But I hope Obi knows that what he achieved is phenomenal. I hope he allows himself to reflect on the import of his votes and astutely plan where to go from here. Something has been handed over to him, and what he does with it will be the subject of history.”

By a combination of reasons, including the demographics that project him as their symbol of hope for the country, Peter Obi has become a factor in Nigerian politics. Perhaps in recognition of that, Obi said several things that I took away from our conversation last Saturday. The most important is that he is not walking away after this election. He shared anecdotes from his life about being a long-distance runner in worthwhile ventures.

And as I promised in my column last week, I will be interrogating what Obi’s aspiration means for our polity once the election legal processes are exhausted.

However, while Obi is optimistic of victory at the end of the legal process, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, also believes the election was rigged against him. Perhaps as evidence of that claim, Atiku led PDP bigwigs, including the national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu to protest at the INEC head office on Monday. Yesterday, he went a step further by assembling a legal team comprising 19 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to “establish the claim of illegality in the election and reclaim the mandate of the Nigerian people” from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

When three people lay claim to a mandate that only one can secure, the court drama is bound to be interesting. Yesterday evening, a three-member panel of the appellate court led

by Justice Ikyegh granted INEC permission to reconfigure the BVAS machines ahead of the governorship and Houses of Assembly

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu elections across the 36 states. The panel, however, ordered INEC to upload the data on the BVAS machines to the back-end server and make the data’s CTC available to both Atiku and Obi. The latter was in court yesterday and I am sure he was disappointed that he wasn’t awarded the relief he sought.

The story began last Friday when Justice Ikyegh granted the two separate applications for the inspection of INEC materials, which both Atiku and Obi said they would use to prove that the poll was rigged against them or/and that they won. “All the electoral materials used in the conduct of the election for the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Justice Ikyegh ruled while also granting the duo permission to do electronic scanning and/ or make photocopies of used ballot papers and “carry out digital forensic inspection of BVAS machines used for the conduct of the February 25 presidential election.”

Mindful of the implication to its election timetable, INEC also approached the appellate court, asking that the order be varied to allow the configuration of BVAS for use in the governorship and Houses of Assembly elections initially slated for this Saturday. The argument of INEC was that no timeframe was given in the order obtained by both Atiku and Obi to inspect the over 176,000 BVAS devices used on 25th February. Statutorily, the Governorship and State Assembly elections must be held (with possible run-offs and supplementary elections concluded) not later than one month before the end of tenure of the current holders of offices. That puts the deadline as 28th April for Governors and the first week of June for state assembly members. If elections are not held as scheduled, 28 States may not have elected governors.

Now that the BVAS machines will be reconfigured by INEC, what comfort is left

for the aggrieved presidential candidates?

As directed by the Court of Appeal, both Atiku and Obi can obtain the accreditation data transmitted to the backend server. I understand that the scanned images of PU results which are uploaded to the IReV portal can also be obtained from INEC on request.

But considering what recently happened at the Osun State Gubernatorial Tribunal, there are issues regarding BVAS and judicial interpretations.

Following the election won by Ademola Adeleke of PDP, the defeated Adegboyega Oyetola of the APC challenged the victory at the tribunal. When INEC realised that the CTC issued to the APC did not contain the synchronised data, the commission tendered the complete CTC and physically delivered the BVAS machines for the over 740 Polling Units in contention to the Tribunal. The idea was to clear up all doubts about the victory of Adeleke since the figures in the BVAS machines tally with the results declared.

Despite being admitted in evidence, the Tribunal still relied on the first CTC issued by the commission for its judgement, thus declaring the defeated Governor Oyetola victorious, simply by placing no value on the physical BVAS that I understand remain in their custody!

Since INEC does not have over 176,000 BVAS machines as contingency provision to replace those used for the presidential and national assembly elections, I can understand why the appeal court made the order it did yesterday. The gubernatorial elections in 28 states and house of assembly elections in 36 states cannot be conducted without BVAS. The law makes electronic voter accreditation mandatory unlike the collation of results which are still essentially manual, although in the current public discourse the matter is obfuscated to create the opposite impression.

But the ruling in favour of INEC has created its own problem. Both Atiku and Obi will argue that lack of access to the BVAS weakens their case. It also puts INEC on the spot on

the issue of transparency and accountability.

My column, ‘INEC and the Lesson from VAR’ dealt with what the commission can learn from the Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in the administration of football. As I pointed out, it is important for INEC to be cautious of the potential risks of human error in the deployment of BVAS and their result viewing portal, IReV. I referenced the controversial incidents involving Arsenal and Brighton in the English premiership that weekend.

With all the hoopla after the presidential and national assembly elections, I have been proven right. But even the most implacable critic of INEC will admit that our elections are better with the new technologies. We only need to improve on them and make allowances for environmental factors.

For instance, Gospel Nwafor (who went through my mentorship as a teenager but is now a Big Boy) sent me a terse WhatsApp message during the week on the application of technology by INEC: “If a machine can accredit a voter with their biometrics, what do we need the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) for? Even with it, if BVAS doesn’t accredit you, you can’t vote. Then, why print ballot papers when you could simply upload e-ballot papers via integrated voting software to enable people choose their preferred candidate, immediately after they’ve been verified by the BVAS? That way, you reduce the number of invalid votes, and you save the country the billions of Naira for printing and the logistics nightmare that comes with carrying them around. The same goes for ballot boxes. These are just my thoughts.”

I see what Gospel is saying. Perhaps we should begin to explore the idea of a one-day general election as it is done in most countries, including within the West African sub-region. That will eliminate this kind of problem we are now confronted with. But I consider it unfortunate that the deployment of technology tools designed to aid the credibility of the 2023 general election has ended in a fiasco.

On Ireti Kingibe

N

igeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2023 International Women’s Day yesterday. In his message on the occasion, United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, warned that “Gender equality is growing more distant. On the current track, UN Women puts it 300 years away.” I do not share such pessimism but evidence from our country suggests that despite their achievements, Nigerian women do not get their due. There can be no better illustration of this than in the political arena.

We are yet to elect a female president or vice president or even governor. The situation in the legislature is not any better. While only 7.3 per cent (8 of the current 109 senators) and 3.6 per cent (13 of the House of Representatives members) are women, the situation could be worse in the coming National Assembly, if results of the election are anything to go by.

However, it is significant that for the second time under the current dispensation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is going to be represented by another female Senator in Hajia Ireti Kingibe

of the Labour Party. There is a personal reason why I am delighted that Kingibe has finally made it to the Senate.

I wrote my first book (though more like a pamphlet), ‘Before The Verdict’, in my first year (1991) as a reporter with The Guardian Newspapers. It contained profiles of the 23 presidential aspirants in both the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC) who were later banned from participation in politics

by General Ibrahim Babangida. I expended all my savings in the self-publication. Only one person paid for a copy after reading it: Ireti Kingibe. She gave me a tidy sum of N150 (yes, N150 for the Twitter generation who may not understand how badly our national currency has depreciated over the years) for two copies. I am not sure any of the other people who received free copies even bothered to read the book. Knowing her capacity, passion, and intellect, I have no doubt that Kingibe will provide quality representation for Abuja residents. Congratulations, my sister.

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