THURSDAY 24TH MARCH 2022

FG Talks Tough, Moves against Oil Thieves as Buhari Deploys Sylva, Kyari, CDS to N'Delta Your days are numbered, minister tells saboteurs Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari

yesterday deployed the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, the Group Managing

Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari as well as

the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor to assess the level of oil theft in the Niger Delta.

The development followed public outrage against the massive stealing of Nigeria’s crude oil, which had

hobbled the country’s ability to meet the quota allocated by the Continued on page 41

PDP Governors Lament Fuel Crisis, Reject Unsubstantiated Subsidy Claims…Page 10 Thursday 24 March, 2022 Vol 27. No 9844. Price: N250

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For the Sixth Time, Atiku Declares Presidential Bid Saraki intensifies consultation, meets PDP stakeholders Chuks Okocha in Abuja Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar declared his presidential aspiration yesterday in Abuja,

President Muhammadu Buahri met with APC governors ahead of the convention at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja ...yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY AGHAEZE

Continued on page 41

APC Convention: Buhari, Govs Agree on Consensus Candidates Settle for Abdullahi Adamu as consensus candidate for chairman President warns against frittering gains of seven years away, meets chairmanship aspirants Those against consensus free to run, says Bagudu Buni warns media against igniting crisis, as committee extends screening Party optimistic about court's judgement on Ayade, deputy Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale, Juliet Akoje in Abuja, Emma Okonji, Nosa Alekhuogie in Lagos and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The coast appears clear for the March 26 national convention of

the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as President Muhammadu Buhari and the 22 governors of the party, yesterday, agreed to adopt consensus candidates for all the offices of the National Working Continued on page 41

US First Female Secretary of State, LAGOS RIDE TAXI SCHEME LAUNCHED WITH 1,000 CARS...

Lagos Ride Taxi Scheme formally launched with 1,000 cars by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, Insets L-R: Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Amb. Cui Jianchun; Chairman, Choice International Group, Chief Diana Chen; Governor Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Madeleine Albright, Dies at 84... Page 41 yesterday.

Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Chief Executive Officer, IBILE Holdings Limited, Mr. Abiodun Amokomowo, during the inauguration... see story on page 5

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

20 YEARS OF ACCESS BANK’S TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP...

L-R: Chairman, Coronation Capital, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; former President, Olusegun Obasanjo; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and GMD/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, during the anniversary dinner in commemoration of 20 years of Access Bank’s transformational leadership held in Lagos… recently

Ahead of Declaration for Second-term, Sanwo-Olu Launches Tech-driven Taxi Scheme, Rolls Out 1,000 Cars Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday unveiled the first batch of 1,000 brand-new GAC-branded automobiles for safe, comfortable and modernised taxi scheme in the state ahead of his declaration for a second term.

THISDAY last week reported that after months of apprehension and uncertainty, former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Bola Tinubu, had cleared Sanwo-Olu, to run for a second term.

However, the new taxi scheme, codenamed “LAG RIDE”, was launched at a well-attended ceremony held at the State House in Alausa.

The ride hailing taxi initiative, which is being operated on a lease-to-own basis, is a component of the state government’s

multimodal transportation blueprint being executed under the Traffic Management and Transportation pillar of the THEMES agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration.

The initiative is a partnership between Lagos State-owned IBILE Holding Limited and CIG Motors Company Limited, with the objective to provide clean and reliable means of taxis movement across the metropolis at affordable cost, using brand-new vehicles.

Operators are required to pay about N1.9 million down payment, of which the sum covers the 20 per cent equity of cost of vehicle, registration and insurance.

Each car being used in the scheme comes with technology-enabled security features that monitor every journey undertaken.

Sanwo-Olu, while launching the scheme, said the state had moved another step forward in its drive to develop an efficient transportation model in tune with modernity and comfort.

The governor said the aim was not to run existing hailing ride operators out of the business, but to offer safer alternative and clear the roads of rickety cars being used for taxi business.

The scheme, he said, would provide opportunities to the operators to become owners of the vehicles within three to four years’ period.

He said: “The need to provide better, dignifying and more rewarding means of transportation and livelihood for unemployed and underemployed population gave birth to the new ‘Lagos State Taxi

Scheme’, which will be operated on a lease-to-own basis.

“Under this arrangement, a beneficiary will be provided a brand-new car which will become the driver’s property after completion of the payment of the vehicle’s subsidised cost.

“This taxi scheme will complement the various bus services which are making significant impact in the lives of our people; the water transport service, which is recording unprecedented patronage, as well as the Blue and Red Line Rail services which are on course to commence commercial operations between the last quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2023.”

To improve riders’ and passengers’ security, Sanwo-Olu said a full security gadget, including a 360

Nigeria’s Liquefied Natural Gas Export Hits 15-month High Pressure mounts on FG to expand shipping to Europe Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Nigeria’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports edged up in December 2021, compared with a year earlier and was the highest since September 2020, THISDAY has learnt.

Specifically, the country exported 2.62 billion m3 equivalent of pipeline gas (2.04mn t of LNG) in December, up from 2.59bn m3 a year earlier and the highest since the 2.67bn m3 shipped in September 2020.

It was the most export in 15 months, according to recent figures made available by the Joint Organisation Data Initiative (Jodi) quoted by Argus media.

On Tuesday, THISDAY reported that in spite of the much-talkedabout renewed attention to the use of natural gas in boosting Nigeria's foreign earnings, there was no significant growth in the country's production level between 2016 and 2020.

The information was gathered from the latest report of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Initiative (NEITI), covering 2020. It revealed that the country produced more of the commodity when there was little focus on it compared to when dedicated programmes to expand its exploration and use gained national prominence.

Since the current administration took over the reins of governance, a number of programmes to reduce gas flaring and make it more available for use nationwide have been launched, while other initiatives to expand the growth of the commodity have taken centre stage.

But despite all the efforts, there was no marked growth in gas

production during the period under review, even though gas utilisation increased in-country marginally.

During the five years under review, in 2016, Nigeria produced 3,051,249 mmscf of gas, followed by the highest production level in 2017, when the country did a total of 3,499,695 mmscf.

These production levels declined sharply in 2018, as Nigeria produced 2,909,144 mmscf for that year, recording a little improvement in 2019 to 3,047,507 mmscf and declined again to 3,013,640 mmscf in 2020.

Of the figures, Joint Ventures (JVs) produced 68.36 per cent as Shell , Mobil and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) led the production from the arrangement.

The NEITI report stated that 114,781.44 mmscf that was, about four per cent was the total quantity of gas unaccounted for , based on the templates submitted by the 54 companies assessed.

But while total gas production decreased by 1.11 per cent between 2019 and 2020, the country's total relative gas utilisation of the commodity rose to 3.90 per cent.

But the story appeared to have changed markedly in 2021, when LNG exports rose despite upstream output of 3.94bn m3 falling short of the 4.15bn m3 produced in December 2020. However, production was up from 3.55bn m3 in November and the highest since the 4.09bn m3 recorded in July the previous year.

The Argus report noted that slimmer domestic demand may have freed up more supply to be fed to the country's 22mn t/yr Bonny Island liquefaction complex.

Nigerian gas use, according to

the research firm, fell sharply to 33.5mn m3/d in December from 48mn m3/d a year earlier, after also falling short of a year earlier in the preceding three months.

But while in September-October the drop was entirely the result of slower power sector gas burn, residential and industrial consumption also fell in the last two months of the year, and far outstripped the drop in power sector gas demand in December.

Global LNG prices have risen sharply in recent months and have remained consistently above oil prices in energy equivalent terms since mid-2021. This may have reduced the incentive for associated gas producers such as

Nigeria to reduce reinjections of gas into oil fields for enhanced oil recovery, the report said.

That said, Nigerian exports had remained weak in recent months despite LNG prices already reaching record levels, which encouraged producers to maximise utilisation rates at liquefaction facilities.

The country exported 27.7bn m3 of equivalent pipeline gas as LNG last year, down from 31bn m3 a year earlier, the report by the research firm noted.

Meanwhile, a number of European countries are pressuring Nigeria to ramp up its gas production and export to Europe, a source in the know told THISDAY yesterday.

dashboard camera that will give 24-hour audio-visual feeds to the control centre, had been pre-installed on each car deployed for the scheme.

He added that each car came with a physical panic button that could be used by anyone on board in case of assault or emergency. The panic button, the governor said, was also on the mobile application and is connected to the Control and Command Centre.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the automobile assembly plant being set up in Lagos - another component of the partnership between CIG Motors’ and the State Government - stood at 60 per cent completion, with anticipated launch and start of operations expected in September.

He said: “What we are witnessing today is that, Lagos is moving away from the era of rickety kabu kabu to brand-new, comfortable and safe transport system. The multiplier effect of this singular initiative on job creation, youth employment and economic growth and development in the State cannot be overstated.”

Commissioners for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladehinde, described the scheme as, “another milestone achievement” by the state government, noting that the initiative had joined an array of other innovative solutions initiated in the transport sector, which were targeted at redefining public transportation.

To make the rides affordable, the Commissioner said the technology on which the scheme is operated had made ride-sharing possible for passengers, who would agree to share ride and share transit costs.

On her part, the Chairman of CIG Motors in Nigeria, Mrs. Diana Chang, said the roadmap for the urbanisation of the transportation system in Lagos started in November

2019, when the governor and members of his cabinet visited the Republic of China for bilateral partnership.

The launch, she said, was the glorious end of the partnership sealed with Chinese investors.

“We are using this partnership to promote a Greater Lagos where opportunities abound for citizens of the State, while creating a win-win model for all stakeholders,” she said.

The Managing Director of IBILE Holding, Mr. Abiodun Amokomowo, said over 5,700 drivers had downloaded the driver’s mobile apps as at last Tuesday, out of which 1,786 drivers submitted applications.

Registration and enrolment fee has been accepted from 359 drivers, while others were awaiting screening, Amokomowo further disclosed.

He added: “As part of the process each operator will go through for the safety and security of life and effective operations of the scheme, we will conduct full verification of applicants’ Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) ID cards, medical history, background check and verification of NIN and Lagos resident registration numbers.”

The launch of the taxi scheme was received with a warm embrace by ride hailing drivers, who described the initiative as “unique, better alternative”.

Sam Mfuk, who is the first successful driver to get onboard of the scheme, said: “When we first heard about LAG RIDE, we were skeptical. But, when we attended the stakeholders’ meetings, we changed our minds. LAG RIDE has become the answer to our prayers in ride hailing sector. The details and features they shared with us were clearly thought out and our input was well included in the final model.”

Eni, NNPC, FAO Deliver Solar-powered Water Schemes in North-east Peter Uzoho Italian oil major, Eni in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has delivered 11 water schemes in Borno and Yobe States.

Eni through its Nigerian subsidiaries -the Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE) and Agip Energy and Natural Resources (AENR) partnered with NNPC and FAO to deliver the projects geared towards the realisation of some key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The integrated water schemes made up of boreholes, solar power systems, treatment facilities and fetching points aimed at providing

water for domestic consumption and irrigation purposes in the two states were inaugurated yesterday.

The multinational oil company in a statement sent to THISDAY by its spokesman in Nigeria, Mr. Folu Olapade, said the projects were constructed under the framework of the “Access to Water" initiative implemented by FAO and Eni, in collaboration with NNPC. It said the water wells, powered with photovoltaic systems, were completed between 2018 and 2020 in various communities located in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) including Chibok, Biu, Damboa, Gwoza LGAs in Bornu and Machina, Fune, Gujba, Geidam, Bade, Potiskum and Fika LGAs in Yobe.

Eni added that the inauguration and handover of the water schemes

could not be held until now due to the volatile situation of the area.

It said public-private partnership leverages the skills and know-how of the public and private sectors to improve access to water for the communities affected by the humanitarian crisis in the North-east.

The FAO Country Representative in Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Fred Kafeero, who handed the 11 facilities to the authorities of Bornu and Yobe States, stressed the importance of the facilities to the North-eastern states.

“The solar boreholes and FAO’s larger investment in irrigation and water management is a signal of our commitment to support the government of Nigeria achieve its development goals.

"In the northeast, the availability of safe drinking water and water for agriculture is central to growth and livelihood recovery," Kafeero stated.

Eni’s Head of Sustainable Development, Alberto Piatti, said, “The handover of the water schemes is a cornerstone in the collaboration with FAO in the region that is contributing to improve the life of the communities.

"With the completion of the project, thousands of people will have access to clean water, which is a concrete step to enhance the overall living conditions of the inhabitants, providing them a safe source also for other uses, such as agriculture, to boost concrete social development.”

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AT THE INAUGURATION OF DANGOTE FERTILISER PLANT...

L-R: Senator Sanusi Daggash; Mr. Segun Awolowo; Mutawali Alimi Abdulrazaq; Mr.Tayo Ayeni; Mr. Bimbola Ogunbanjo and Mr.Femi Otedola, during the Dangote Fertiliser inauguration in Lagos on Tuesday

Electoral Act: National Assembly to Appeal Court Judgment Deleting Section 84(12) Lawmakers file complaint to NJC against Judge for empowering Malami Gbajabiamila vows not to allow parliament to be ridiculed Urges AGF to desist from implementing ruling Obeying court order, work in progress, says AGF Deji Elumoye, Sunday Aborisade and Udora Orizu in Abuja Both Chambers of the National Assembly yesterday made resolutions to appeal a court judgement which nullified Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act 2022.

The Senate and the House of Representatives respectively announced their resolve to challenge the court ruling after their plenary sessions.

But the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has said implementing the court ruling was a work in progress.

A Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia, had in its verdict, ruled against the provisions of Section 84(12) of the newly amended Electoral Act 2022 passed by the National Assembly.

Justice Evelyn Anyadike, in the judgment, had held that the Section of the Act was unconstitutional, invalid, illegal, null, void and of no effect whatsoever.

The Judge said it ought to be struck down as it could not stand because it was in violation of the clear provisions of the Constitution.

Consequently, the court ordered the Attorney General of the Federation to “forthwith delete the said Subsection 12 of Section 84 from the body of the Electoral Act.” However, in a unanimous decision at plenary, the red chamber resolved to, "appeal the judgment for the Court to set the judgment aside" Citing under order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders on Personal Explanation, Senator George Thompson Sekibo (PDP, Rivers East) during plenary, challenged the judgment of the court on Section 84(12).

He cited Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Sekibo stated that the National Assembly was empowered by virtue of Its provisions to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of Nigeria.

He added that Section 228 lists such functions to include making laws to ensure internal democracy within political parties.

The section provides in part that, the National Assembly may by law provide guidelines and rules to ensure internal democracy within political parties, including making laws for the conduct of party primaries, party congresses and party conventions.

It also included the conferment on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of powers as may appear to the National As-

sembly to be necessary or desirable for the purpose of enabling the Commission more effectively to ensure that political parties observe the practices of internal democracy.

The motion had 84 co-sponsors apart from Sekibo.

The motion was titled, “urgent need to appeal the Judgment of the Federal High Court Umuahia on Suit No.: FHC/UM/CS/26/2022 on Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022.”

Sekibo drew the attention of his colleagues to the judgement of the Federal High Court in Umuahia, Abia State, in a suit marked FHC/ MU/SC/26/2022.

The judgement faulted the provision of Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act 2022 and declared it unconstitutional, invalid, illegal, null void and of no effect.

Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022 states as follows: “No political appointee at any level shall be voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election.”

The lawmaker observed that the judge in his ruling held that Section 81(12) of the Electoral Act 2022, was inconsistent with Sections 66(1) (f), 107(1)(f), 137(1)(g) and 182(1) (c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

He noted further that Section 4(1) (2) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended vested the power of lawmaking for the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the National Assembly.

He argued that in furtherance to the powers vested in the National Assembly, the 1999 Constitution under the roles of the Executive in Item D that deals with political parties in Section 228(a)(b) and (c) confers more powers on the National Assembly, more particularly on political parties and effective management of the electoral process by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He noted that the Electoral Act 2022 enacted by the National Assembly followed due process, adding that Section 84(12) of the Act exclusively refers to nomination conventions and congresses called for candidates’ selection and not participation in the general election which Sections 66(1)(f),137(1)(g) and 182(1)(g) referred to.

According to him, the interpretation of the meaning of the words ‘civil service’ and ‘public service’ in Section 318 was unambiguous, saying, “there’s a difference between the civil service or public service and political appointment.”

He added that, “the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should show concern on the judgment especially when she was not given opportunity to represent herself in a matter such as this that emanates from her legitimate functions.”

Sekibo warned further that, “letting the judgment go without concern will become a precedence on which any person could go to court and obtain judgment to ridicule the good intentions of the National Assembly as an institution.”

The Senate, accordingly, resolved to appeal the judgment in suit FHC/MU/SC/26/2022 for the court to set aside the judgment, noting that same was reached without due consideration of the Constitutional interpretation in Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

House to Appeal Judgement Nullifying Section 84(12)

In a related development, the House of Representatives at plenary yesterday, resolved to appeal the judgement of the Federal High

Court sitting in Umuahia, asking the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) to delete section 84(12) from the electoral act amendment bill recently signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The lawmakers also resolved to file a complaint to the National Judicial Council (NJC) against the conduct of the Judge, Evelyn Anyadike, who gave judgement against the National Assembly despite not being parties to the suit.

The resolutions of the lawmakers were sequel to the adoption of the prayers of the motion moved by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who converted as a motion, the matter of privilege on the issue presented by Hon. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina).

Members of the House, across party lines took turns to condemn the court judgement, describing it as encroaching the principle of separation of powers.

Soli described the court judgement as an attempt to oust the jurisdiction of the parliament in making laws by directing an

appointee of the executive to delete a law made by National Assembly.

Making reference to a legislative law report of Nigeria on Olisa Agbakoba versus National Assembly, page 2100, paragraph 15, he said the court cannot import into the constitution what the legislators never intends, adding that the courts of law while interpreting the constitution have no power to bring into it what the legislators didn’t provide for.

He said, "the judgement given with respect to section 84 (12) of the electoral act, the intention of the legislator was to address the issue of political appointees which was never in anywhere in our constitution. This is to give a level playing ground to all participants, that was the wisdom of the legislature. The court can’t interpret what the legislators didn’t intend. Our intention was to address the issue of political appointees.

"Mr. President was advised in his communication to this House with respect to section 84(12) requesting the parliament to delete that section.

I’m sure that advise is given by the Attorney General. The advice in that letter to the parliament by the President was to delete; the court is giving an executive appointee the power to encroach on the principles of separation of powers.

“This is a clear cut infringement of collective good of all parliamentarians to make laws.

Our privilege has been breached."

Corroborating Soli's stance, Minority Leader Hon. Ndudi Elumelu (PDP, Delta) said the judgement offends the principle of separation of powers.

While calling for condemnation of the judgement, he suggested to his colleagues to write a petition to NJC on the conduct of the Judge.

Elumelu said, "Section 66 (1f), section 107 (1g) , section 137 (1g) and section 182 (1g) that talks about a public servant who is perhaps is interested in contesting for House of Assembly, these sections I quoted deals with the manner which such civil servant can be eligible to contest for election.

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House Rejects C'ttee's Report on Adulterated Fuel, Demands Further Investigation Moves to investigate multiple processing fees imposed on JAMB candidates

Udora Orizu and Juliet Akoje in Abuja The House of Representatives yesterday stepped down a report by its Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) which it had last month mandated to investigate the importation and distribution of Adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into Nigeria.

The lawmakers who described the recommendations of the report as falling short of expectations of Nigerians, demanded further investigation.

The House had on February 10, while adopting a motion of urgent national importance, sponsored by the Chief Whip, Hon. Tahir Monguno, mandated its committee on petroleum downstream to investigate the release of adulterated petroleum in the country with a view in ensuring that culprits are brought to book and make recommendations to avoid reoccurrence.

The committee was also mandated to ascertain whether the importation, distribution and dispensing of the toxic petroleum or

petrol in Nigeria till date conforms to the international standard.

Members of the Committee where further mandated to find out the roles played, if any by the Nigerian National Company Limited (NNPC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), among others and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

Hon. Alex Egbona, presenting recommendations from the investigation, on behalf of the Committee Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Gaya suggested that the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources shall initiate the adoption of 2017 PMS Standard (NIS 116:2017) as approved by SON for future importation of the product into the country.

The committee also recommended that the Minister of Petroleum Resources should expedite action for the completion of the rehabilitation work of the three major refineries at Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna to boost local refining and reduce over-dependence on imported PMS into Nigeria.

The downstream committee

further recommended that the NNPC and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) shall procure tracking devices to monitor the movement of trucks from all deports to their destinations across the country.

This, members of the Committee said would mitigate smuggling and make the product available for domestic use.

Some other recommendations included, "that the Federal Government shall position the SON to implement its mandate to the latter by subjecting all imported white petroleum and other products to the offshore conformity assessment and also resume routine quality control of them and other products imported into the country at our various seaports, airports and borders throughout Nigeria as enshrined in the SON enabling Act of 2015. This will finally address the reoccurrence of the importation of off-specification PMS and other substandard goods into Nigeria.”

However, in his contribution Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Toby

Okechukwu was of the view that findings of the committee should speak to the problem at hand.

He said, "the recommendations don't speak to the problem. I have not seen in the recommendations what should happen to the companies that imported the products.

They should tell us the entire gamut of their investigation, we want to solve the problem and not looking to gloss over."

Corroborating, Okechukwu's assertion, Hon. Ajibola Muraino said the recommendations didn’t address the assignment earlier given to them by the House "I’m surprised that the terms of reference this House gave to them, looking at the recommendations has not been addressed at all.

These should have addressed so that we can move into the future with hope that this problem won’t occur again," Muraino said On her part, Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu said the Committee didn't deal with their mandate very well, hence they need to do a more in-depth work.

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UNITED THEY STAND AGAINST APC...

Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State flanked by other governors as he read the communique of their meeting hosted by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, the vice-chairman of the Forum.

PDP Governors Lament Fuel Crisis, Reject Unsubstantiated Subsidy Claims Urge FG to tackle crude oil theft Chuks Okocha in Abuja People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governors yesterday decried the excruciating pain the fuel scarcity in the country caused a lot of Nigerians, even as the governors said they would resist any further attempt by Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to ascribe unsubstantiated subsidy claims to other tiers of government.

The PDP governors further lamented that electricity was N14.23 per kilowatt in 2015, but has risen to N38.530, and not even available.

In a communique read by the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Aminu Tambuwal lamented that, "diesel which is critical for running of SMEs was N131.47 in 2015, it now costs above N700; fuel: official and black-market was N87/155 in 2015, it now costs N167/350.

"Aviation fuel/air ticket rate on domestic flights was N110 per litre/

N18,000 in 2015, it now hovers around N700 per litre/N70,000, where available. Indeed, that the scarcity of fuel which has resulted in loss of several man hours is a disgrace to Nigeria.

"The collapse of the national grid (126 times in 7 years – (June 2015 to March 2022) and its consequences for non-availability of power is most unfortunate.

"Kerosene (NHK) used by the ordinary Nigerian for cooking and power was N180 in 2015, it now sells at N450; the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) - 12.5kg Cylinder sold for N2,400 in 2015, is now sold at between N8,750 and N10, 000.

"Prices of basic food stuffs are now three times higher than what they used to be in 2015.”

He added: “Staple foods such as rice, beans, cassava flakes are now slipping out of the hands of average Nigerians. Indeed, a bag of rice sold for N8500 in 2015 is

now N39,000," the PDP governors stated.

They pointed out that unemployment rate was 11.4 per cent in 2015, but it is now over 33 per cent, one the highest in the world and that poverty rate which in 2015 was 11.3 per cent, has risen sharply to about 42.8 per cent presently.

According to the PDP governors, "Accumulated Inflation in 2015 was about four per cent, it is now 15.50 per cent; inflation rate was 9.01 per cent in 2015 and now 15.7 per cent.

"Perhaps, the exchange rate has been one of the most disastrous.

It was N150 to a dollar at the parallel market (patronised by most businessmen and Nigerians) rate in 2015, it is now about N580 to a dollar and still rising. In terms of debt and debt servicing, domestic debt of N8.4 trillion and external debt of $7.3 billion was incurred between 1999 and 2015," the governors lamented.

Furthermore, they noted that

Audit Queries: Lawmakers Approve Kyari's Extension of Time Request, 17 Heads of NNPC Subsidiaries Shun Summon

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and heads of its 17 subsidiaries yesterday failed once more to appear before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) which is investigating non-revenue remittances to the federal government’s treasury.

The Committee had written to the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mr. Mele Kyari, over audit queries issued against it and its subsidiaries.

The committee had accused the NNPC of shielding its 17 subsidiaries in the effort to get them to respond to the queries on their expenses from 2014 to 2019. It had asked the GMD of the NNPC to produce their heads at specific dates.

At the scheduled date for the

investigative hearing, in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Wole Oke, Kyari stated that he was engaged in a function on theft of crude oil in the Niger Delta, hence his unavailability.

The committee therefore, ceded to his request for an extension of time and fixed April 29, when it is hoped Kyari would appear in person with the relevant documents for the investigation.

The committee was however, not happy with MTN's unwillingness to cooperate by tendering requested documents that would ease the findings of the lawmakers.

The lawmakers lamented the abuse of fiscal regulations by individuals and companies doing business in the country as most of them were found to be evading taxes The General Manager, Financial

Operations of MTN, Yemisi Adeleye who appeared before the lawmakers failed to tender a certificate of assets status of the company, issued her organisation by the Ministry of Trade and Investment.

The certificate was expected to contain the assets of the company which determines how much tax is expected of them.

Since incorporation in 2001, the GM said MTN had invested more than N3.4 trillion in Nigeria and has paid more than N2.5 trillion in taxes, levies and other regulatory fees as at December 2021 including N669 billion in 2021 alone.

The committee directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to furnish it with all MTN import duty documents as well as other relevant tax documents to ascertain if waivers were given legally or wrongly to the telecom firm.

while domestic debt of N7.63 trillion (June 2015 to December 2020) and $28.57 billion as at December 2020 was incurred, external debt of $21.27 billion was incurred between June 2015 and 2021.”

In addition, the governors pointed out that National Debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio was 23.41 per cent (2016), but presently stands at 36.88 per cent (2022), while the Corruption Index had risen from 136 in 2015 to 150 presently.

According to the PDP governors, Nigeria's Misery Index, an indicator used in determining how economically well off the citizens of a country are, usually calculated by adding the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate to the annual inflation rate, has moved from 14.75 per cent in 2015 to 50.48 (2021).

The PDP governors lamented that the major threat to the agricultural sector and food security in Nigeria was insecurity.

"In the northeast of Nigeria, it is estimated that no fewer than 70,000 hectares of arable farmland have been abandoned in the affected states and local government areas.

The trend is the same all over the country,” further contributing to food inflation.

In view of these, the PDP governors declared that, "the APC-led

federal government must take steps to cooperate with states to bring security down to the grassroots.”

Consequently, the PDP governors said, "We lament the terrible pain and hardship facing Nigerians in virtually all aspects of life," arguing that life was much better in 2015, under the PDP than presently under the APC as exemplified in the itemised comparative indicators it obtained mainly from the National Bureau of Statistics: They expressed surprised that in the face of the, “statistics of complete failure in all ramifications and areas, the APC still wants to be on the ballot in 2023,” describing the APC as a menace to Nigerians.

The forum of governors urged Nigerians to reject the APC, “a party run undemocratically by a Committee contrary to the constitution with President Muhammadu Buhari regularly issuing instructions and dictates,” adding that it was “impossible for a party so disorganised to offer good governance to the people of Nigeria.”

The communique of the PDP governors also expressed concern and alarm over various reports and claims of incidents of stealing of crude oil ranging from 80 to 95 per cent of production made by industry practitioners and called on

the federal government to set up an appropriate mechanism to reverse this trend and bring perpetrators to account.

The PDP governors once again decried the inability of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to make its statutory contributions to the federation account, in spite of oil selling at above $110, adding that it was patently unconstitutional for the NNPC to determine at its whim and discretion when and what to pay to the Federation Account, as it is a mere trustee of the funds for the three tiers of Government: Federal, States and Local Governments.

As a result, they called for investigations and audit of the quantity of consumption of fuel ascribed to Nigerians and for deployment of technology at the filling stations to determine in a transparent manner the volume of consumption.

The PDP governors stated that the actions of the NNPC was contrary S.162 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended which stipulates that, “The Federation shall maintain a special account to be called “the Federation Account” into which shall be paid all revenues collected by the Government of the Federation…”

Senate Confirms CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee Members Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Senate yesterday confirmed the nominations of seven members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The confirmation of the nominees followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions.

The report was laid and presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Uba Sani (Kaduna Central).

President Muhammadu Buhari had in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan,

dated February 23, 2022, explained that the confirmation and membership renewal request was made pursuant to Section 12(4) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.

Those confirmed by the Senate included Prof. Mohammed Adaya Salisu and Dr. Mo’Omamegbe both of whom are new appointments.

The other five members of the Committee whose appointments were renewed were Prof. Michael Obadan, Prof. Festus Adeola Adenikinju, Prof. Aliyu Sanusi Rafindadi, Dr. Robert Asogwa and Alhaji Aliyu Ahmed.

Sani, in his presentation, said the nominees possess the academic

qualifications, technical knowledge and professional experience to be members of the MPC of the CBN. He disclosed that the Senate Committee on Banking did not receive any petition against their nominations, adding that the nominees were all cleared by the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State State Services (DSS) and possess the Code of Conduct Acknowledgment Slip.

He stated that one of the nominees, Alhaji Aliyu Ahmed is the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and will serve as the representative of the Ministry in the MPC.

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POLITICS

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

Osinbajo Presidency Greatest Legacy Buhari Can Bequeath to Nigerians, Says Ajulo Abuja lawyer and activist, Kayode Ajulo was part of the legal team which validated President Muhammed Buhari’s victory. He fielded questions from Nseobong Okon-Ekong on issues around the coming elections

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he race towards 2023 is gathering momentum, what are your perspectives?

There is no denying the fact that the race towards the 2023 general election is gathering momentum and you would agree that the Aspirants, dreamers and well wishers are getting set on their tracks for the race!

What is more, in this part of the divide, politicians always wait till the last lap, and this is the last lap, as we will be having a new President next year.

Politicians will tell you that they don’t want to start early because of the way the Nigerian system is built, because if they start early, it means they will spend more.

This is the dress rehearsal for 2023.

After a careful analysis of the leading potential presidential candidates in the coming election, it is an undeniable fact that Prof Yemi Osinbajo has no doubt established a strong base upon which we can consolidate for the future and his political ideology has stood the test of time. Osinbajo has more intellectual endowment, superior pedigree and morality than other potential contestants.

Most of those you see, their garments are already tainted. If they don’t have corruption cases on their neck, they are fraught with health related disabilities. A perfunctory and careful synopsis on some of these would be aspirants and dreamers, one would be left in the befuddling quagmire of choosing the right candidate who is the fitting round peg in the round hole.

From whatever angle this issue is tilted, Osinbajo is far ahead of other aspirants in this race towards 2023.

Quite paradoxically, despite the fact that Osinbajo is yet to officially declare his intention, largely due to the enormous national assignment committed into his hands, yet, the support has been massive

country, for me is the high point of the quality that will determine who becomes the next president of the country.

Osinbajo

Ajulo

from professional groups, ethnic groups, artisans, businessmen and so on, rooting and calling him to declare his intention. I am sure that at the appropriate time, he will yield to the demand of the people, he will declare his intention.

It will also be interesting to note that though the Osinbajo has not formally declared his intention, yet from the recent events, one does not need a soothsayer to know that the cynosure of all eyes are on him.

What are the factors that will determine Nigeria’s next president?

Come to think of it, if you are to fly to Lagos today and they bring a pilot who last flew 10 or 20 years ago and without

current experience to fly you to Lagos, I know you don’t need a prophet before you jump off the plane. However, if they bring you a co-pilot who has been flying all around the world with the requisite modern technical know-how and expertise, you will definitely jump on board.

Nigerians need a president who is not distant from the agitation and everyday experience of the common people. A grassroot leader who can resonate well with the social vices beleaguering the country and has the capacity to ameliorate same.

Whatever standard, whatever indices you employ, you will find out that at the end of the day that your choice is Osinbajo. That is the reason why somebody like me and millions of Nigerians spread across the country and beyond are saying it has to be Osinbajo. Osinbajo’s youthful vivacity, unwavering faith in the youth, his enlightened trust in their capability for carving an organic nation out of a disparate

Dont you think the Vice President’s silence is a minus?

Let me state that the words of the legendary Leonardo da Vinci which has stood the test of time like the rock of Gibraltar that nothing strengthens authority so much as silence that is quite pungent.

It is beyond conjectures that Osinbajo is saddled with a lot of responsibility as the Vice President of the largest country in Africa with over 200 million populace.

Aside presiding over matters of national interest, he has travelled to every part of the country and many parts of the world.

He is the most engaging public servant in Nigeria. One can readily remember how he escaped death by the whiskers when his chopper was involved in a ghastly accident more than once in the line of duty and he survived!

To state the obvious, Osinbajo is a man who believes his work should speak for him. He has a principal that he has remained faithful to, and I am sure that aside the Right of First refusal which the Vice President is entitled to, the greatest legacy President Muhammadu Buhari would like to bequeath to Nigerians is to reward the faithfulness, hard work, selfless service and loyalty of Osinbajo by supporting his becoming the next President.

I am eagerly looking towards the President being the chief promoter, campaigner of his loyal Deputy, and that is the way it should be as President Barrack Obama did to President Joe Biden. That is my wish, my dream in this coming election.

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

There’s No Way Cross River Would Have Conceded it’s Place in PDP NEC to Akwa Ibom Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party In Akwa Ibom State, Obong Paul Ekpo holds a conversation with Nseobong Okon-Ekong on how Governor Udom Emmanuel has been able to keep the party going strong

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aving served as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State and honoured by your colleagues as the ‘Chair of Chairs’, one would have thought that the natural progression for you in the party was to become Deputy National Chairman South or National Vice Chairman South-south, why did you return to play local politics in Akwa Ibom?

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a very structured party; naturally we have pairs of states-Cross River/Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa/Rivers, Edo/Delta. When we ended that tenure, the National Legal Adviser was from Akwa Ibom State, a member of the National Executive Committee. What then remained at that level is that the next NEC member will go to Cross River State. What was given to Akwa Ibom at the national level is the National Ex-officio, which I am, by the grace of God. My services at that level is recognized. I am the National Ex-officio of the party from the South-south zone; the only elected member of the party from the state because Emmanuel Enoidem just left as the National Legal Adviser. The next NEC member at that level goes to Cross River State.

Next time, it will come to Akwa Ibom State.

It is not as if Akwa Ibom is not in reckoning.

People must have all sorts of fake news to tell. There is no way Cross River State would have allowed Akwa Ibom to produce a national NEC member. It is interchangeable, like you have in the Civil Service Commission; if you have a Civil Service Commissioner from Akwa Ibom, next time, it goes to Cross River; the same way, Bayelsa, next time, it goes to Rivers.

This is not about Governor Udom Emmanuel saying anything. Of course, the Akwa Ibom State Governor is a lover of PDP. He is a builder of PDP. Major decisions of PDP in this country today were housed in Akwa Ibom. Our governor is doing excellently well, building bridges, organizing the party, giving strength to the party and making the party very strong. There are no issues about that.

Ekpo

We are comfortably represented.

Is it wrong then to think that Governor Udom Emmanuel deliberately stalled the election of an Akwa Ibomite into the PDP NEC to forestall an opponent from the state in the PDP National Secretariat?

How do politicians like you with a large following manage to satisfy everybody?

It is about grace and the way I was brought up. I have always been people oriented.

Even in services that God has provided for me, they have always been people oriented.

Throughout my school, I was a Monitor, then Head Prefect. I was a very active student unionist. Where I worked, I was in the services department all my life. I came back to the

state to serve here. I was Commissioner for Trade and Industry for nine months. The rest of the five years, I was the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs.

That is why, Everytime you see me, you see me in the company of people. Consciously God has given me that grace to always be among people; you feel me, I feel you. That is why, by God’s grace, I am not wicked to people Accepting to serve as Chairman of SUBEB was a surprise to many people couldn’t you have given the job to one of your loyal followers When service beckons on you, you have to serve. There are former ministers, former governors and even presidents. Like the current president of this country served in PTF. When God beckons on you and says go and serve, please do so. I did not appoint myself. I was in my house and my governor said go and serve here. You don’t expect me to say Your Excellency, no when it has been announced already, it will amount ot insubordination NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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FEATURES

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

When the Church Champions Governance, Fights Corruption

Having come to the understanding of the relevance of a united voice in the Pentecostal space, especially in the absence of a deliberate and strategic programme aimed at fighting corruption through the Pentecostal Church, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that the Palace of Priests Assembly and its social arm, Priests Peace and Justice Initiative and Catalyst for Global Peace and Justice Initiative, recently held a one-day General Overseers Summit

Dignataries with copies of the report

Cross section of attendees at the summit must be sharp.

"For the church to represent Christ and His interests on earth fully, she must pay serious attention to her social responsibilities and create structures that will enable her to respond to the growing needs of the society, especially as it concerns the social implications of the Christian ministry.

"The structure will help members of the church serve God in other spheres of human endeavor beyond the precincts of their denominations”, he added.

Objectives

A

ccording to these organisations, those invited were recognised for their relevance in the Pentecostal space, so they can be "part of the solutions to one of the greatest tragedies of most developing nations like Nigeria; the absence of a deliberate and strategic programme aimed at fighting corruption through the Pentecostal Church.

"This inability to factor in the Pentecostal Church in the fight against corruption has resulted in the erosion and disruption of major values that should be anchored by the Pentecostal Church across generations in Nigeria.

"We are aware that as the General Overseer of a ministry you have been positioned and mandated

by God to be a leading force in the restoration of these values of integrity, contentment, accountability, humility, respect, generosity and honesty.

"Part of the conversation at the General Overseers Summit will be the activation of the Social Dimension of the work of Jesus Christ as exemplified in Luke 4:18 through the establishment of the Social Arm of the Church which will be instrumental in the ministry’s work on social justice issues across the nation."

Mobilisation to Shun Corruption Held in Lagos, PPA and PPJ in collaboration with CPJ, the workshop set to implement a project on Mobilising Christians Against Corruption in Nigeria (MOCAC), the Shun Corruption Project.

The overarching goal of the project is to mobilise Christian leaders and workers to join the fight against corruption in Nigeria. In all of the activities, the Bible (scriptures) is the main reference material because for Christian Leaders, the bible is the final authority.

Funded by John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the project commenced with a study of the Bible on Christianity and Corruption with outputs including Books, Messages and Manual to be used to guide or conduct capacity building, advocacy, campaigns rallies towards achieving expected outcomes.

Establishment of Politics, Governance Units in Churches As a build up to the 2023 general elections, the General Overseers called for the need for establishment of Politics and Governance units in churches where members would be encouraged to go into politics, with a view to ensuring that men and women of integrity are nominated by different political parties to contest during election.

Making the call while presenting a paper on the ‘Imperative of Social Arm of the Church’, at the General Overseers’, General Overseer, Charismatic Renewal Ministries/ National Secretary, PFN, Dr. Cosmos Ilechukwu, who frowned at what he described as deliberate negligence of politics and governance by the church, noted that the job of the church was not limited to helping people develop spiritually, but also to develop other spheres of human life on earth.

He lamented that one key area of service the church failed to pay adequate attention to was politics and governance, describing the negligence as the church’s greatest disservice to God and

Dr Otive Igbuzor, General Overseer, Palace Priest Assembly humanity.

He said: "The abandonment of politics as an unholy sphere is in every way distasteful.

Hardly can anybody argue the truism that next to God’s power on earth is political power.

“The church made a great mistake by labelling politics dirty and shunning it. This gave room for the enemy to move in and take over the government of many nations.

When we examine the prevailing attitude of the church in the light of the teaching of the Bible, it becomes obvious that we got it wrong.

“For example, the Bible makes it very clear that God wants Christ to have pre-eminence in every sphere of life on earth (Colossians 1:15-18), which certainly includes politics and governance.

"There is a clear statement of scripture that the government will be upon the shoulder of Christ and that the increase of His government and peace shall have no end (Isaiah 9:6-7).

"This makes God a principal stakeholder in politics and governance of nations. The resting of government upon the shoulders of Christ is indicative of the responsibility the believers are expected to shoulder by their participation in the political process”.

He pointed out that the church was composed of different individuals, each equipped with the capacity to make valid contributions to the overall progress of the kingdom of God, adding that God’s interest on earth was not only limited to what went on within the church but also on other sectors of human endeavor such as politics and governance, commerce, and industry, as well as for the social welfare of the people who he said were called to perform different roles

for the progress of the kingdom of God. He therefore charged the church to see it as a duty to represent God’s interest in the departments of government by becoming proactively involved in raising the spiritual, moral, and emotional qualities of politicians.

He was however quick to clarify that leadership of the church should not leave their core duty of preaching, rather, he advised them to make provision for their members to engage in the political processes.

The most convenient way of achieving this according to him: " is to establish an arm that will take care of this. In my own denomination, we have such an arm which we call “CRM Political Academy,” otherwise known as the Initiative for Development of Future Accountable Leaders”, he stated.

“The church’s involvement in the political process should go beyond encouraging her members to register and vote in elections.

She must go further to encourage them to become party members and push to become among the delegates that will determine those to stand for elections. In that way, the church will ensure that men and women of integrity are nominated by different political parties to stand election.

“The church must act with stark intentionality toward the initiation of movements and agencies to enable her to promote the vision of helping people experience the kingdom of God on earth.

This is where the imperativeness of the social arms of the church becomes most evident.

“For the gospel to have discernible inroad into the heart of the people and affect their mindset in a positive way, its social edge

Operationalising the Social Arm of the Church In another presentation titled ‘Operationalising the social arm of the church , General Overseer, Palace of Priests Assembly, Abuja/Project director, SHUN CORRUPTION project, Pastor Otive Igbuzor, disclosed that with the rise of Pentecostalism, there was emphasis on material prosperity, loyalty to the nation state and individualism, which resulted in the decline of the social dimension of the church.

This he said led to the public perception that pentecostals were only interested in prosperity and not concerned about social issues in the society.

He therefore, called for the need to build the personal factors and motivate people to act on the environment to change behaviour so as to maintain public support for anti-corruption.

He said: “Members of the congregation in the church have a lot of trust in their leaders. The trust is based on embedded Christian values and the solid reputation of the church for meeting the spiritual and physical needs of its members.

“The behaviour of many people, even those who profess religion are guided by a secular mindset which is based on the notion that the source of knowledge is not divine as against religious mindset anchored on revelation from God. “But it is clear that secular mindset has limited scope of its world view to the physical aspect of life only and does not play a crucial role in shaping moral character as religion."

He highlighted ways a local church could establish and operationalise the social arm to include: identifying believers in the church who have experience on social issues advocacy and forming a team to establish the social arm.

Programmatic focus of the social arm of the church, according to him, should also include: Democracy: Elections, transparency, and accountability and stewardship. He said, “ It will also include Peace Building: Human security and Conflict Transformation; Social Justice: Poverty, Inequality and Justice; emergency and Humanitarian services and Education and Health. “The role of PFN in operationalising the social arm of the church should include: accept, popularise and give priority to the dual mandate; institutionalise social arm of the Church as a core practice in Pentecostal Churches; encourage, support and motivate members to establish the social arm of the church.

"Its role also includes: advocate for institutionalisation of the social arm of the church for Pentecostal churches, give technical support to churches who want to establish the social arm of their churches, build capacity of Pentecostal Churches to operate the social arm of the church especially in terms of formation and management”.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 24, 2022 Thursday 24 March, 2022 Vol 27. No 9844 TR

See page 28 EHANIRE, ABORTION AND THE LAW SONNIE EKWOWUSI argues that abortion is illegal in Nigeria See page 28 EMEKA IHEDIOHA AT 57 CHIBUIKE ONYEUKWU pays tribute to the former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha See page 29 UBA SANI’S PROVEN TRACK RECORD EMMANUEL ADO writes that Sani is good enough to succeed El-Rufai in Kaduna State See page 29 EDITORIAL LEST WE RUN THE TRAINS AGROUND See page 30

& RE A S O

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

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AL-MAKURA AND THE APC PROJECT Umaru Al-Makura is well placed to reposition the party for a sustained electoral victory, writes MISSANG OYAMA

UT H

The courts are now the place where the politicians go to launder their dirty business, writes CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU

WHEN COURTS OF LAW BECOME MIRACLE WORKERS Gladys Ukeje was the daughter of Lazarus Ogbonnaya Ukeje, who died in Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, in December 1981. He left behind property but did not make a will. In June 1982, Lagos State granted his wife Lois and son, Enyinnaya, the right to administer and share the estate to the exclusion of Gladys.

She sued them on 22 February 1982 before the High Court of Lagos. Nearly nine years later, on 10 January 1992, the High Court of Lagos delivered judgment in favour of Gladys. Lois and Enyinnaya appealed to the Court of Appeal and from there to the Supreme Court in Abuja where, LQ $SULO WKH FDVH ZDV ÀQDOO\ GHFLGHG LQ favour of Gladys. It took her 31 years of litigation and nearly 33 years since the death of her dad WR JHW 1LJHULD·V FRXUWV WR D΀UP KHU ULJKW DV D woman to inherit in equality with the rest of her family.

Caroline Mgbafor Mojekwu, another widow from south-east Nigeria, spent 38 years of OLWLJDWLRQ LQ GLͿHUHQW FRXUWV LQ WKH FRXQWU\ IURP 1959 before she got the Court of Appeal in April WR D΀UP KHU ULJKW WR LQKHULW WKH SURSHUW\ OHIW by her deceased husband, which a male in-law had sought to dis-inherit her of.

The year after the Supreme Court decided the case of Gladys Ukeje, Nigeria conducted a SUHVLGHQWLDO HOHFWLRQ LQ ZKLFK IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH LQ its history, an opposition candidate beat a ruling party through the ballot box. The new president, Muhammadu Buhari, a soldier, campaigned on the alluring promise of ending corruption. In the same cycle, Bukola Saraki, whose father, Olusola, was Majority Leader in the Senate overthrown

by Major-General Buhari in 1983, emerged in somewhat controversial circumstances, as the President of the Senate but without the nod of the new president. An uncivil war ensued between Buhari and Saraki in which the former’s ´ÀJKWµ DJDLQVW FRUUXSWLRQ EHFDPH D FRQYHQLHQW instrument.

In September 2015, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arraigned Bukola Saraki before the Code of Conduct Tribunal on charges connected with asset declaration compliance. His objection to the proceedings failed and he appealed to the Court of Appeal, which equally dismissed his appeal on the penultimate day of October 2015. Five days later, Saraki took his case to the Supreme Court, whose ÀQDO MXGJPHQW LQ WKH FDVH FDPH GRZQ DW WKH beginning of February 2016.

Gladys Ukeje, who spent 31 years in the same courts to get what rightfully belonged to her would have been impressed by the alacrity with which Nigerian courts discovered the facility of speedy dispensation of the law in Saraki’s case. It KDG WDNHQ D PHUH ÀYH PRQWKV WR JHW IURP WKH ÀUVW instance decision through the Court of Appeal up to the Supreme Court.

This speed may have been perplexing but then this was a criminal case, and the courts were supposedly doing a commendable job of complying with the constitutional standard of disposing of such cases “within a reasonable WLPH µ 5DFLQJ WKURXJK WKH HQWLUH FRXUW V\VWHP LQ ÀYH PRQWKV ZDV WKH MXGLFLDO HTXLYDOHQW RI MXVWLFH on Speed (no pun).

Nigerian courts are nothing if not consistent

in this kind of magic. Between August and December 2021, the case concerning the removal of the former Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, raced WKURXJK WKH +LJK &RXUW RI 5LYHUV 6WDWH DQG WKH &RXUW RI $SSHDO WR D ÀQDO GHFLVLRQ EHIRUH WKH Supreme Court in a mere four months. :KLOH PDQ\ VHQLRU SXEOLF R΀FHUV LQ 1LJHULD worried about the COVID-19 Pandemic for much of 2020, Dave Umahi, governor of Ebonyi State in south-east Nigeria was inexplicably preoccupied with his political future. At the onset of another wave of the pandemic, in November 2020, he dumped the PDP on whose platform her was resoundingly elected to a second term in 2019 and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). One year later, the PDP decided to drag him to court, claiming that by decamping to a SDUW\ GLͿHUHQW IURP WKH RQH RQ ZKRVH SODWIRUP KH ZDV HOHFWHG 8PDKL KDG IRUIHLWHG KLV R΀FH 8PDKL ÀOHG KLV UHVSRQVH REMHFWLQJ WR WKH FDVH in November 2021. On 8 March 2022, the Court delivered its judgment. It took all of four months WR GHFLGH WKH FDVH IURP ÀOLQJ WR MXGJPHQW 7KRVH ZKR ÀQG WKLV LPSUHVVLYH KDYH QRW \HW experienced any courts within the precincts of Abia State. On 25 February, Muhammadu Buhari

In the three weeks since the Act was signed into law, the claim had been filed, served, responded to, briefs had been exchanged and argued and judgment considered, written, and delivered and executed

assented to the new Electoral Act, 2022, but took objection to Section 84(12) in the new Act, asking the National Assembly to re-consider it. Two weeks later, on 9 March, the National Assembly declined Buhari’s request. On 18 March, Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Umuahia, capital of Abia State, announced a judgment granting Buhari’s request and ordering the Attorney-General of the Federation “to forthwith delete the said Subsection 12 of Section IURP WKH ERG\ RI WKH (OHFWRUDO $FW µ Even before the court order could have been served on him, Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and supposed defendant in the suit exultantly announced that “[t]he judgment of the court will be recognised by the government printers in printing the Electoral Act. The Act will be gazetted factoring WKH HͿHFW RI WKH MXGJPHQW LQWR FRQVLGHUDWLRQ DQG GHOHWLQJ WKH FRQVWLWXWLRQDOO\ RͿHQVLYH SURYLVLRQ DFFRUGLQJO\ µ ,Q WKH WKUHH ZHHNV VLQFH WKH $FW ZDV VLJQHG LQWR ODZ WKH FODLP KDG EHHQ ÀOHG served, responded to, briefs had been exchanged and argued and judgment considered, written, and delivered and executed. It does her injustice to describe this Justice Evelyn Anyadike as a marvel of judicial miracle and wonder.

Gladys Ukeje and Cordelia Mgbafor Mojekwu were two women of less than relatively modest means. Anonymous as they were, Nigerian FRXUWV ² WKH ´ORVW KRSH RI WKH FRPPRQ PDQµ ² showed no haste or seriousness in attending to them. Having granted them access, the courts strung them along interminably to the point of enabling their impoverishment.

By contrast Saraki, Secondus, and Umahi are among the movers and shakers of Nigeria.

Their cases concerned the settlement of partisan disputes among powerful men. In their favour, Nigeria’s Chief Justice confessed at the end of 2021 that he had created a special category of ´SROLWLFDO FDVHVµ DQG SUHVXPDEO\ D KLJK VSHHG judicial track for them.

Lawyers who do public or constitutional law as well as political scientists will be familiar with WKH GRFWULQH RI ´SROLWLFDO TXHVWLRQVµ LQ MXGLFLDO adjudication. It is a doctrine of avoidance by which courts are reluctant to embrace cases WKDW RͿHU ´WKH SRWHQWLDOLW\ RI HPEDUUDVVPHQW from multifarious pronouncements by various GHSDUWPHQWV RQ RQH TXHVWLRQ µ 7KHVH DUH precisely the cases that the Nigerian courts now encourage the courts not merely to take but to prioritise.

These courts can only do that at the expense of ordinary citizens whose cases gather dust in the dockets of inattention. This Nigerian variant on political questions inverts the meaning of the doctrine, corrupting it to the point of making it a philosophy of judicial transaction. Not to put too ÀQH D VSLQ RQ LW WKH 1LJHULDQ GRFWULQH RI SROLWLFDO questions guarantees unto political harlotry benediction from its judicial co-travelers. It has turned Nigeria’s courts into political sex workers.

A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts. edu

2 24 28

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 24, 2022

SONNIE EKWOWUSI argues that abortion is illegal in Nigeria

Umaru Al-Makura is well placed to reposition the party for a sustained electoral victory, writes MISSANG OYAMA

AL-MAKURA AND THE APC PROJECT The All Progressives Congress (APC) LV D QRYHO SURMHFW LQ 1LJHULD·V SROLWLFDO history. The party was birthed on the heels of the compelling need for a change in the PDQDJHPHQW RI WKH FRXQWU\·V DͿDLUV DIWHU years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) holding sway. The PDP as a ruling party at the WLPH ZDV ZLGHO\ UHJDUGHG DV LQH΀FLHQW LQ WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RI WKH FRXQWU\ 7R HYHU\ LQWHQW WKHUHIRUH $3& FDQ ULJKWO\ EH FRQVLGHUHG DV D child of circumstance whose birth heralded a renewed faith and rejuvenated spirit in our ÁHGJOLQJ GHPRFUDF\ It is common knowledge that the formation of the APC was hinged on the bargain struck by some major political parties in the country.

The merger was indeed a masterstroke in the successful wrestle of power from the PDP.

The principal parties in the merger were the &RQJUHVV IRU 3URJUHVVLYH &KDQJH &3& WKH $FWLRQ &RQJUHVV RI 1LJHULD $&1 DQG WKH All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Splinter factions of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) also partook in the merger. A corollary was that Nigeria deserved better and the newly formed APC became the beacon of hope for the people. That hope was the harbinger IRU WKH SDUW\·V YLFWRU\ DW WKH SROOV Pundits believe that the 2015 presidential HOHFWLRQ ZDV D VLJQLÀFDQW PLOHVWRQH LQ GHHSHQLQJ WKH FRXQWU\·V GHPRFUDF\ 7KH outcome of the election altered the long-held QRWLRQ WKDW LQ $IULFD DQ LQFXPEHQW·V YLFWRU\ is sacrosanct by hook or crook. That jinx was broken and the event has gone down on the FRQWLQHQW DV D ZDWHUVKHG )XUWKHUPRUH WKH FKRLFH RI *HQHUDO 0XKDPPDGX %XKDUL DV WKH presidential standard bearer of the party was VHHQ DV WKH JOXH WKDW VHDOHG RͿ WKDW KLVWRULF electoral contest in favor of the APC. President Buhari ran for the presidency on three consecutive occasions before Nigerians took a chance on him on the fourth. He bagged 12 million votes on each of those attempts from a particular region of the country. Those YRWHV EHFDPH D VXUH EHW IRU KLP HDFK WLPH KH WKUHZ KLV KDW LQ WKH ULQJ WR YLH IRU WKH FRXQWU\·V PRVW FRYHWHG MRE ,Q KH IRUPHG WKH &3& on whose platform he took his third shot at WKH SUHVLGHQF\ LQ DQG ORVW +RZHYHU the party was able to grind success from Nasarawa State governorship polls that year ZLWK 8PDUX 7DQNR $O 0DNXUD DV WKH PDQ DW whose behest that victory was made possible. +H ÁHZ WKH SDUW\·V ÁDJ DV WKH JRYHUQRUVKLS candidate and emerged as the only CPC governor in the country.

3UHVLGHQW %XKDUL·V LQFRUUXSWLEOH UHFRUG D pool of the over 12 million consistent votes LQ KLV NLWW\ DQG WKH WULXPSK LQ 1DVDUDZD

State strengthened the position of the defunct CPC on the merger table that birthed the $3& LQ $V WKH RQO\ &3& *RYHUQRU 7DQNR $O 0DNXUD SOD\HG D PDMRU UROH LQ WKH success of the merger. He is ostensibly one of WKH IRXQGLQJ IDWKHUV RI WKH $3& ZLWK D ÀUP grasp of the vision that fueled and propelled its formation. His commitment to the growth and stability of the party is unparalleled. Al0DNXUD ZDV WKHUH IURP WKH EHJLQQLQJ DQG his staying power and consistency cannot be taken for granted.

6HQDWRU $O 0DNXUD ZDV D PHPEHU RI WKH &3& $OOLDQFH 0HUJHU &RPPLWWHH WKDW UHSUHVHQWHG WKH SDUW\ LQ WKH -RLQW 0HUJHU Committee with other legacy parties that formed the APC. He drove the process seamlessly by providing the logistics and comfort needed for members of the committee to perform their assignments and achieve the desired goal of fostering one big united progressive political family in the interest of the country. The distinguished senator has UHPDLQHG IRFXVHG WDNLQJ RQ WKH JDXQWOHW RI D OHDGLQJ OLJKW RI WKH SDUW\ ZLWK D ÀUP EHOLHI LQ its ideals and philosophy.

The APC was founded on the core doctrine of the social contract between the leaders and WKH SHRSOH )RU 6HQDWRU 7DQNR $O 0DNXUD WKDW PHDQV D SXEOLF R΀FH KROGHU LV D WUXVWHH of the people. The distinguished senator has demonstrated this concept over time as a guiding principle in his leadership style.

As he jostles to lead the party as its National &KDLUPDQ $O 0DNXUD DSSUHFLDWHV WKH enormity of the task ahead and he clearly understands that his job is already cut out for him.

As the ruling party at the center with 23 RXW RI VWDWHV LQ WKH FRXQWU\ XQGHU LWV EHOW the stakes are understandably high and this has engendered contentious interests across WKH ERDUG +RZHYHU WKH JRRG QHZV LV WKDW $O 0DNXUD LV FRPLQJ ZHOO SUHSDUHG ZLWK hands-on experience as an adept master of FRQÁLFW UHVROXWLRQ DQG D ULFK SROLWLFDO SHGLJUHH WR WDNH RQ WKH FKDOOHQJHV )RU KLP LW LV IDPLOLDU terrain and equally a new dawn of cohesive and inclusive politics in the APC. His capacity IRU FRQÁLFW UHVROXWLRQ KDV EHHQ WHVWHG DQG WKH distinguished Senator proved his mettle. ,Q 6HQDWRU 7DQNR $O 0DNXUD FKDLUHG the Reconciliation Committee of the party to the six Northeast states. He exhibited uncommon problem-solving skills on that RFFDVLRQ UHVROYLQJ DOO WKH NQRWW\ LVVXHV DQG restoring harmony in the party in that region RI WKH FRXQWU\ <HW DJDLQ LQ WKH VDLG \HDU $O 0DNXUD ZDV VDGGOHG ZLWK WKH RQHURXV UHVSRQVLELOLW\ RI FRQGXFWLQJ WKH SDUW\·V governorship primaries in the Southwest State of Ekiti as chairman of the seven-man committee. He conducted one of the most peaceful governorship primaries in the history of the party with all the aspirants accepting the outcome without a single petition against the process.

6HQDWRU 7DQNR $O 0DNXUD LV DUPHG ZLWK D blueprint that would serve as a roadmap to the successful administration of the party under his watch. He is already solution-focused to confront the challenges facing the party at this time and reposition it for a sustained electoral victory.

Oyama writes from Abuja

EHANIRE, ABORTION AND THE LAW 0RQXPHQWDO VFDQGDOV FRQWLQXH WR URFN WKH closing year of the Buhari government. Amid the worsening living condition in Nigeria H[DFHUEDWHG E\ WKH VXͿRFDWLQJ LQWHQVH KHDW FROODSVHG HOHFWULFLW\ VXSSO\ DFXWH VFDUFLW\ RI DYLDWLRQ DQG DXWRPRELOH IXHO VFDUFLW\ RI JDV DQG NHURVHQH VN\ URFNLQJ LQÁDWLRQ IUHH IDOO RI WKH 1DLUD FROODSVHG SULPDU\ KHDOWK V\VWHP JHQWHHO SRYHUW\ 3UHVLGHQW %XKDUL LQ NHHSLQJ ZLWK KLV FXVWRP RYHU WKH ODVW VHYHQ \HDUV MHWV out to London for medical tourism. His wife

Aisha Buhari habitually resides in Dubai. She GRHV QRW VXͿHU WKH KDUGVKLSV LQ 1LJHULD ,Q WKH VDPH YHLQ ZKLOH PDQ\ VLFN 1LJHULDQV DUH G\LQJ in Nigeria for lack of access to primary health FDUH 0U 3UHVLGHQW ÁLHV WR /RQGRQ WR EH WUHDWHG by the best medical practitioners there. While he HQMR\V LQ /RQGRQ KLV PHGLD SHRSOH LQ $VR 9LOOD issue a statement on his behalf “apologizing” to 1LJHULDQV IRU WKH P\ULDGV RI KDUGVKLSV D΁LFWLQJ WKHP 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ 0U 3UHVLGHQW KDV QR solution to the worsening living conditions. Last December the Nigerian people were shown a towering Rice Pyramid in Abuja to convey the false impression that rice is abundant in Nigeria and that Nigerians can feed themselves. But the truth of the matter is that Nigeria is ranked on the Global Hunger Index (GHI) as the 103rd hungriest country out of 119 countries in the ZRUOG 0U 3UHVLGHQW LV DFFRXQWDEOH WR QRERG\ He takes the people for granted. In the last seven years he has not managed to build one good hospital in Nigeria where he and other big men in Nigeria could go for medical treatment instead of travelling abroad to squander foreign currency in medical tourism. /LNH 0U 3UHVLGHQW %XKDUL·V PLQLVWHUV DUH just doing whatever they like. They too are not accountable to anybody. Some of them believe that they are above the law of the land. For H[DPSOH XQGHU WKH SUHWH[W RI UHGXFLQJ 1LJHULD·V SRSXODWLRQ WKH 0LQLVWHU RI +HDOWK 'U 2VDJLH (KDQLUH 2UHGR /RFDO &RXQFLO (GR 6WDWH LQ conspiracy with the World Health Organization :+2 KDV UHFHQWO\ ODXQFKHG D FRPSUHKHQVLYH DERUWLRQ LQIDQWLFLGH DQG FRQWUDFHSWLRQ QDWLRQDO policies and programs in Nigeria aimed at NLOOLQJ 1LJHULDQ EDELHV DQG FKLOGUHQ 7KH :+2 which is heavily-funding and masterminding WKH SURMHFW ERDVWV WKDW LW ZRXOG GLVPDQWOH DOO OHJDO UHOLJLRXV DQG FXOWXUDO DQG SKLORVRSKLFDO principles in Nigeria in order to pave way for killing of Nigerian babies through abortion.

7R WKLV HͿHFW WKH :+2 KDV LQYHVWHG ELOOLRQV of dollars in getting Nigerian ladies and girls to procure abortion otherwise called “family planning (FP) services” or “Family Planning 2030” or “sexual reproductive health”. Because the word “abortion” is repugnant in the Nigerian VRFLR FXOWXUDO DQG UHOLJLRXV VHWWLQJ FRXSOHG ZLWK WKH IDFW WKDW DERUWLRQ LV LOOHJDO LQ 1LJHULD WKH :+2 0LQLVWHU (KDQLUH DQG WKH )HGHUDO 0LQLVWU\ RI +HDOWK $EXMD 1LJHULD GHFHSWLYHO\

use euphemisms and dodgy phrases such as “family planning (FP) services” or “Family Planning 2030” or “sexual reproductive health” in promoting abortion and infanticide so that the undiscerning public would not understand that they are violating the Nigerian law.

You will recall that in 2006 Senator Daisy Ehanire-Danjuma (Edo-South Council) sponsored an Abortion Bill at the National Assembly in 2006 under the euphemism: National Institute of Reproductive Health bill. The Public Hearing of the Bill took place at the Senate on the 13th February 2006.

7KH %LOO ZDV PHW ZLWK VWLͿ RSSRVLWLRQ WKH strongest coming from many mothers and women who stormed the Senate early in the morning of the fateful day in two buses. I was one of the lawyers who argued the case of about 15 Nigerian NGOs and organizations at the National Assembly in opposition to the %LOO ,Q KHU GHIHQFH 6HQDWRU 'DQMXPD DUJXHG that the Bill was not an abortion bill because WKH ZRUG ´DERUWLRQµ ZDV QRW VSHFLÀFDOO\ PHQWLRQHG LQ WKH %LOO ,Q UHVSRQVH ZH DUJXHG WKDW HYHQ WKRXJK WKH ZRUG ´DERUWLRQµ ZDV QRW H[SOLFLWO\ PHQWLRQHG LQ WKH ELOO the concepts of reproductive health and adolescent sexual reproductive health mentioned in the bill are all well-known euphemisms or soft languages for promoting DERUWLRQ FRQWUDFHSWLYHV DPRQJ VFKRRO children and teaching Nigerian children WKH WHFKQLTXHV RI GDWLQJ PDVWXUEDWLRQ EUHDVW HQODUJHPHQW ´VDIH VH[µ RU ´FRQGRP VH[µ )DFHG ZLWK RSSRVLWLRQ 6HQDWRU Danjuma elected to withdraw the bill for possible amendment. But we opposed the amendment. Between Thursday April 27 WR 6XQGD\ $SULO WKH 6HQDWH +HDOWK Committee organized a three-day retreat at Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt for a select group of 18 persons to reconsider WKH %LOO $IWHU DQRWKHU FRQVLGHUDWLRQ WKH $ERUWLRQ ELOO ZDV ÀQDOO\ GLVPLVVHG IRU ODFN of merit and for being incompatible with SXEOLF PRUDOLW\ DQG SXEOLF LQWHUHVW 6R GRQ·W be deceived. “Sexual reproductive health” is another name for abortion. Ditto for “family planning (FP) services” or “Family Planning µ RU ´IHUWLOLW\ UHJXODWLRQµ RU ´DFFHVV to appropriate health care services” or “interruption of unwanted pregnancies” or “safe motherhood” or “post-abortion care” and so forth.

1RZ XQGHU WKH HXSKHPLVPV ´VH[XDO UHSURGXFWLYH KHDOWKµ ´IDPLO\ SODQQLQJ (FP) services” and “Family Planning µ 0LQLVWHU (KDQLUH LV FRQVSLULQJ ZLWK the WHO to abort Nigerian women and school girls in order to reduce the Nigerian population. WHO claims that abortion is a human right in Nigeria (Human right my foot). As I scribble this I have in front of me documents issued by the WHO on the means it is employing in killing Nigerian babies. To VWDUW ZLWK WKH :+2 KDV ÁRRGHG 1LJHULD ZLWK all sorts of instruments used for procuring surgical abortion. One of such instruments is the Vacuum Aspiration for aborting 14 weeks pregnancy. As complement to 9DFXXP $VSLUDWLRQ WKH :+2 UHFRPPHQGV dilation and evacuation (D & E) by generalist medical practitioners and specialist medical SUDFWLWLRQHUV WUDGLWLRQDO DQG FRPSOHPHQWDU\ PHGLFDO SUDFWLWLRQHUV PLGZLYHV DQG associative and advanced clinicians.

Ekwowusi writes from Lagos

329 25

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 24, 2022

CHIBUIKE ONYEUKWU pays tribute to the former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha

EMMANUEL ADO writes that Sani is good enough to succeed El-Rufai in Kaduna State

EMEKA IHEDIOHA AT 57 On March 24, 2019, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha CON, Omenkeahuruanya, marked his 54th birthday as Governor- elect. The day was quite remarkable as the good people of Imo State, who had a few weeks earlier given him a four-year mandate to preside over WKHLU DͿDLUV LQFOXGLQJ 1LJHULDQV ZKR NHHQO\ followed the events in Imo, felicitated with him. By his next birthday – the 55th – however, he was no longer their governor, no thanks to a controversial judicial position, two months earlier, that has since put the collective fate of the people in jeopardy.

As painful as that episode, Imolites are yet to recover from the shock, though at least consoled by the fact that Ihedioha’s sevenmonth stay at the seat of government of the state was quite remarkable; a period that, most importantly, reversed an ugly trend of elite conspiracy and returned government to the people.

Two years on and to true to expectations, the people have remained as bonded with KLP DV HYHU 2XW RI R΀FH DQG SRZHU +RQ Emeka Ihedioha is easily the most talked about in the state. Of course, it is not always to edify him but left or right, he has dominated political discourse in the state. The reason LV QRW GL΀FXOW 4XLWH DSDUW IURP OHDGLQJ a populist mass movement that achieved victory after years of struggle for a peopleorientated government, Imolites have noted with great satisfaction the sheer resilience and steadfastness which he has manifested in the face of a highly debilitating political and psychological assault on his career.

For the people, Ihedioha has remained as inspiring as he was in the years prior to their ÀUVW YLFWRU\ LQ +H GLGQ·W DFKLHYH WKDW through grandstanding or by engaging in bitter braggadocio – as many ex-governors are wont to – but by returning home to be with the people and sharing in both their moments of grief and triumph. As a matter of fact, his taciturn approach raises alarm in several quarters, particularly those currently in power in the state. “Why has Ihedioha not said anything on this?”, is a familiar jibe among handlers of the current helmsmen.

Apparently taking a queue from the Zikist philosophy of “Show The Light And The People Will Follow”, Hon. Ihedioha decided to mend fences with hitherto real or perceived SROLWLFDO HQHPLHV KLV ÀQDO REMHFWLYH EHLQJ WR return the people to the path of peaceful coexistence. But that didn’t seem to have gone GRZQ ZHOO ZLWK WKRVH DW WKH KHOP RI DͿDLUV in the state currently. “Why should Ihedioha attend burial ceremonies of relatives of our “enemies”?”, they have not stopped asking.

And since your enemy’s friend is presumed to be your enemy, they have stopped at nothing to pillory this grand enemy of theirs who has remained their nemesis despite his temporary break from power. But the people have been unmistaken on their assessment of his seven PRQWKV VWLQW LQ R΀FH DQG WKH PRQWKV ORQJ reign of his successor.

Take the question they keep asking about the spate of insecurity in the state. Why were there no Unknown Gun Men (UGM) in the state in the seven months Hon. Ihedioha was LQ R΀FH RU LQGHHG LQ WKH HLJKW \HDUV EHIRUH him? To those on the seat of government today, the answer is that the UGM were brought by “politicians” who are not happy WKDW WKH\ ZHUH UHPRYHG IURP R΀FH 6R HDV\ to say but the people are not deceived. They know Ihedioha’s antecedents as a peaceful, meticulous and patriotic leader.

Their response to the despondency of the current administration to insecurity is simple and direct: “Since your best is not enough, we will revert to those who know how to keep unknown gunmen away come 2023”. That’s where we are now and that is why there is no ceasing on the darts at Omenkeahuruanya (the one whose strides are evident), as 2023 general election approaches.

For merely receiving applause after an inspiring speech at the fourth anniversary of the Owerri Renaissance, otherwise known as “Egbu Declaration” last November, some hatchet groups, all known as surrogates of the current administration in the state – simultaneously issued statements accusing Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha of “over heating” the polity and requested the law enforcement agencies to interrogate him. Since then, no day passes without one hireling– or the other – in current administration speculating and indeed losing sleep over Ihedioha’s expected candidacy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at the 2023 governorship polls.

Only a few days ago, one of Senator Hope Uzodimma’s followers made a post on Facebook ‘advising’ Ihedioha not to run for WKH R΀FH RI WKH JRYHUQRU LQ EXW WR JR IRU WKH 2ZHUUL ]RQH VHQDWRULDO VHDW LQVWHDG &DQ·W we see that the fear of Ihedioha is real? Why is this obsession over Ihedioha’s candidacy at the 2023 election?

The answer is not far-fetched. But I would refer those of us that are familiar with the social media to go there and see the responses and comments that greeted the aide’s meddlesomeness.

6X΀FH LW WR VWDWH WKDW DV IDU DV WKH PDMRULW\ of the good people of Imo state are concerned, the main issue over 2023 elections would be to interrogate how Ihedioha, in just seven months, was able to restore peaceful coexistence and HFRQRPLF VWDELOLW\ DQG LQ PRQWKV DIWHU KH OHIW R΀FH WKH VWDWH KDV ZLWQHVVHG WKH KLJKHVW level of social and economic disequilibrium never imagined by the people in the collective history.

Agreed, it might have been as a result of the cumulative failure of past administrations but in dealing with the past, Imolites will start with the present, as in the aphorism of two logs that fell on each other. To clear the road, you have WR UHPRYH WKH ORJ RQ WRS ÀUVW ,Q RWKHU ZRUGV WKH SHRSOH ZRXOG ÀUVW GLVDVVRFLDWH WKHPVHOYHV ZLWK WKH SHUÀG\ RI WKH FXUUHQW DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ (the log on top) to get to the log(s) under.

Onyeukwu writes from Owerri

UBA SANI’S PROVEN TRACK RECORD The choice of Senator Uba Sani as the standard bearer of the All Progressives Progressives Congress(APC) by the critical stakeholders of the party was never in doubt. Uba Sani has over the years worked extremely hard to earn, not just WKHLU WUXVW EXW WKHLU FRQÀGHQFH When eventually Uba Sani emerges the governorship candidate, some arm-chair analysts might be tempted to conclude that the deciding IDFWRU WKDW FOLQFKHG 8ED 6DQL WKH WLFNHW WR Á\ WKH FRQWLQXLW\ ÁDJ LV KLV LQWLPDWH IULHQGVKLS ZLWK

Nasir El-Rufai, rather than his proven capacity for KDUG ZRUN ÀUVW DV 3ROLWLFDO $GYLVHU WR (O 5XIDL and the quality of his representation as senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

Senator Uba Sani’s humble beginning and his accomplishments are inspiring enough that Nollywood should take an interest in it and turn into a blockbuster movie. It’s a perfect example of hard work having its reward. It’s also a testimony RI WKH JXLGDQFH WKH LQÁXHQFH RI D PHQWRU RQ D mentee. Since Uba Sani met Nasir El- Rufai, his transformation, especially the continued search for knowledge, and increased desire for public service are clearly obvious. And a willing ElRufai has passed on his network of connections, experience and knowledge to Uba Sani. But were Uba Sani, an empty trumpet, there would have EHHQ QRWKLQJ IRU (O 5XIDL WR LQYHVW LQ 6X΀FH LW WR mean that all Uba Sani needed, was a motivating powerful force like El- Rufai, to blossom.

El- Rufai’s passion for mentoring young men and women, to excel in public service is legendary. $QG 8ED 6DQL LV WKH ÀUVW JUDGXDWH RI WKH (O Rufai academy. In the past 20 years, El- Rufai has generously invested tremendous energy in Uba Sani. So far, he hasn’t disappointed himself or ElRufai. Soon the other graduates of his Sir Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship will join Uba Sani in making waves in the public and private sectors.

Again some cynics may in their characteristic manner, express doubts about Uba Sani’s capacity to govern Kaduna State, which they describe as complex, the same way they had questioned his senatorial ambition in 2019. In the run up to the Senatorial election, some charitable critics had derogatorily described his ambition as an ego trip, propelled by peer group competition to equal the achievement of Senator Shehu Sani, his former Comrade -in Arms, who he went on to roundly trounce in the 2019 general elections. To the Glory of God, Uba Sani, disappointed them with a highly superlative performance. Even though he LV D ÀUVW WHUP VHQDWRU KH KDV DFKLHYHG LQ RQH WHUP what the three senators before him didn’t achieve in 20 years.

Unknown to many people is the fact that Uba Sani is not an accidental politician. He has been around for quite some time and has paid his dues,

learning at the feet of late Gani Fawehinmi, former president Olusegun Obasanjo, as the 6SHFLDO $VVLVWDQW 3XEOLF $ͿDLUV DQG (O 5XIDL his friend and mentor. In 2011, long before “comrade” Shehu Sani dreamt of running for Senate, Uba Sani had contested for the position on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and lost to Alhaji Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, aka Mai Rago. Senator Uba Sani might not have attracted the attention of the media, because he is on the quiet side, but KH VLJQLÀFDQWO\ FRQWULEXWHG WR WKH VWUXJJOH WR enthrone democracy at a very young age.

Uba Sani is conscientious, a man of principles and of deep convictions. The late Chief Gani )DZHKLQPL 6$1 ZLOO GHÀQLWHO\ EH SURXG of Senator Uba Sani’s solid achievements, especially that he has remained committed to the enthronement of an egalitarian society.

It’s very important that people understand Uba Sani’s background, especially when the activist in Senator Uba Sani plays out, after all, a lion can’t become a lapdog.

As a senator, Uba Sani, understood that very central to the success of his assignment as Chairman of the Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, was the repositioning and strengthening of the banking, insurance DQG RWKHU ÀQDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQV WR ZRUN IRU WKH JUHDWHU EHQHÀW RI WKH SHRSOH 7KH FRQVHTXHQWLDO ODZV E\ 8ED 6DQL FRQÀUPHG KLV intention to use the instrumentality of the law WR HͿHFW IXQGDPHQWDO UHIRUPV WKDW ZLOO WRXFK lives.

Uba Sani’s compelling legislative accomplishments, especially the amendments of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) Act and that of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which to date remains the only members’ bills assented to by the president, without amendments, announced him on the world stage as a very seriousminded legislator. The passage of the Bill for an Act to Repeal the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act and to Re-enact the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act and Other Matters Connected therewith into law, is considered a landmark legislation, because of its profound impact in ensuring a stable ÀQDQFLDO VHFWRU 7KH IDLOXUH RI WKH VHFWRU ZLOO ZLWKRXW GRXEW KDYH OHG WR D ÀQDQFLDO FULVLV The game changer in loans recovery by AMCON, is the introduction of a Loan/Credit Tribunal to assist AMCON in the recovery of loans, which stands at an unacceptable N4 trillion debt. The success of AMCON in loan recovery is critical for Nigeria’s economic revitalization. Commercial Banks will only lend if lenders pay back and that in the event of a default, the law doesn’t provide them loopholes to hide. While without AMCON, the banking industry would have long collapsed due to the high rate of non-performing loans, but unfortunately AMCON, wasn’t functioning at the desired optimal level, due to the legal loopholes notorious debtors were exploiting to avoid paying.

6HQDWRU 8ED 6DQL·V MXVWLÀDEOH DQJHU DW WKH antics of chronic debtors, who used legal gymnastics to stall their loan repayment, his apt description of their actions as an “orchestrated acts of economic sabotage”, shows a deep revolting spirit that will react appropriately when the situation demands that he does.

Ado writes from Kaduna

26 30 4

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 24, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

LEST WE RUN THE TRAINS AGROUND The trains should be run like proper businesses to ensure adequate value and sustainability

P

assengers on the Lagos-Ibadan rail service were recently stranded for several hours because the train ran out of fuel. The report elicited widespread jokes and memes on social media. But it is no laughing matter. The inconvenience to passengers, the disrupted VFKHGXOHV PLVVHG DSSRLQWPHQWV ÀQDQFLDO ORVVHV DQG stress, etc., were considerable. And the ordeal cannot be dismissed as a legitimate emergency because checking the fuel level of a means of transport is something that Nigerians do every day as a matter of routine. A public utility that cannot manage this most basic of function is seriously underperforming and there is simply no excuse for such irresponsible sloppiness by R΀FLDOV More fundamentally, there is the risk to life with trains breaking down or running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere. So many things could have gone wrong beyond the inconvenience of those unfortunate passengers. A health emergency during the unplanned wait could have worsened the condition of a passenger. Robbers or assassins/terrorists/ bandits could have struck with devastating consequences.

For those reasons and more, this unfortunate incident should not be swept under the reeking carpet of impunity. )LUVW WKH VSHFLÀF LQGLYLGXDO V ZKRVH DFWLRQV RU LQDFWLRQV resulted in the HPEDUUDVVPHQW PXVW EH LGHQWLÀHG DQG appropriately sanctioned. As part of this process, relevant changes in personnel should be considered. Second, this is also a good opportunity to review the operations of train services across the country.

However, this is not an isolated incident. From the fuel scarcity hampering the operations of the airlines to the ever-present problems that make road transportation both inconvenient and unsafe, Nigerians are gradually becoming grounded, literally. In the past few years, life for the average traveller has been traumatic. The growing concerns about the railway on which the current administration has made heavy investment have now

compounded the problem. Before the Lagos-Ibadan train service diesel scandal, the Itakpe-Warri train was seen picking passengers at a bushy location outside their station. The relatively new train services are increasingly raising anxieties among passengers.

As a nation, we need to develop zero tolerance for negligence and incompetence. Trains getting stuck in the middle of nowhere is certainly not funny for the passengers and their loved ones. Neither is it for our railway’s SDWURQDJH SURÀWDELOLW\ DQG HYHQ WKH FRXQWU\·V LPDJH %XW this has been the story of the Nigerian Railway Corporation 15& ZKRVH RSHUDWLRQV KDYH EHHQ VXEMHFWHG WR WKH FLYLO service structure and work ethics. Operators can pick passengers indiscriminately in unmarked routes and diesel can dry up on the train while on a journey.

Having infrastructure is commendable but maintaining it properly is much more important. The trains have been built at enormous cost, mostly through debts. Populism is good but it is at a cost, especially when it is needless, and certainly not with facilities built on huge debts. We need to run them like proper businesses to ensure adequate value and sustainability. The shiny real estates in the train stations in Ebute Metta, Abeokuta, Ibadan, etc., in the stations are practically lying fallow.

The federal government should think of concessioning the running of these trains or at least have some management arrangement in place, while the NRC PDLQWDLQV VWDQGDUGV 2΀FLDO UHVSRQVLELOLW\ VKRXOG EH limited to the provision of infrastructure, in this case the rail tracks, train stations, communications and security as well as formulating the necessary policies and regulations to guide operations. Private investors should be allowed to bring in the coaches and run them. They can then pay agreed fees to the government for the use of the tracks as well as other necessary taxes.

This will bring in more commuters, promote competition, and ultimately guarantee operational H΀FLHQF\

The federal government should think of concessioning the running of these trains or at least have some management arrangement in place, while the NRC maintains standards

T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

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

LETTERS NIGERIA AND THE BILLION DOLLAR DIRTY SLAPS Continued from the backpage Probed further, Afolayan said there was a directive in -DQXDU\ WKLV \HDU IURP 3UHVLGHQW 2OXVHJXQ 2EDVDQMR WR WKH HͿHFW WKDW WKH YHVVHO VKRXOG EH KDQGHG RYHU WR WKH police for prosecution after the cargo had been taken away by the NNPC. Those who attended the said meeting were Nuhu Ribadu, Chairman of the Economic and Financial &ULPHV &RPPLVVLRQ ()&& )XQVR .XSRORNXQ *URXS 0DQDJLQJ 'LUHFWRU 113& DQG WKH 3ROLFH ,* 7DID %DORJXQ $IROD\DQ GXULQJ KLV WHVWLPRQ\ DW WKH +RXVH ZKHUH ZH JRW to know that another vessel, ‘MT Jimoh’, has also disapSHDUHG VDLG WKH 1DY\ KDG EHJXQ DQ LQ KRXVH SUREH LQWR WKH PDWWHU UHVXOWLQJ LQ WKH FRXUW PDUWLDO RI VRPH R΀FHUV DQG ratings, after pushing the blame on the Police. But the Naval Chief did not have the last say on the matter.

In his testimony, Balogun said that consequent upon receiving the presidential directive, he set up a panel led by ',* 2JERQQD 2QRYR ZKR ZRXOG ODWHU EHFRPH ,*3 WR WDNH FXVWRG\ RI WKH YHVVHO DQG VXVSHFWV EXW WKH )ODJ 2΀cer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Bob Manuel, refused to oblige them on grounds that he was yet to be briefed by Afolayan. At about the same time, according to Balogun, another letter was issued to the police

stating that the Navy would take custody of the ship but would release the suspects.

Said Balogun: “MT African Pride, reported missing by the Navy was never, and I repeat, never in the custody of the police. It is not even a question of ‘MT African Pride’, all the vessels have always been with the Navy. If anybody says he handed over a ship to me, let him produce the handing over note because there is no way the handover of such magnitude can take place without a handover note. The vessels in question were at the high seas where the police have no access to them. The Navy deployed helicopters and ships to trace the ‘MT African Pride’ and it was on the pages of newspapers that I read it. If the ship had not been in their custody, why did they deploy ships and helicopters to search for it?”

In another country where leaders are accountable to the SHRSOH VHYHUDO SXEOLF R΀FLDOV ZRXOG KDYH ORVW WKHLU MREV E\ now, assuming they are not already in jail. But because this is Nigeria, we have a situation in which arrested vessels carrying stolen oil just ‘disappear’ into thin air and the Naval Chief can only tell us some cock-and-bull story!

Since the ugly development broke, I have had time to speak to several people in the oil sector as well as in the

Navy and I am privy to some damning reports. I also have it on good authority that the Navy has on several occasions in the last one decade arrested vessels carrying stolen crude but up till now, there has not been one single prosecution of these criminals. The oil majors have also written several reports to the government on the activities of these illegal bunkerers, sometimes mentioning names and pointing out the danger of their activities since a large chunk of their ‘returns on investment’ go into the purchase of arms. But nothing happened. And now that some vessels are in custody of the Navy and should help in the investigations, assuming anybody is really interested in investigations, they are now conveniently ‘missing’.

Whichever way one looks at the Nigerian condition today, one cannot but agree with the conclusion reached in the -XO\ ,0) :RUNLQJ 3DSHU WLWOHG ´$GGUHVVLQJ WKH 1DWXral Resource Curse: An Illustration from Nigeria”. It reveals WK DW RYHU \HDU SHULRG 1LJHULD·V FXPXODWLYH UHYHQXHV IURP RLO DIWHU GHGXFWLQJ WKH SD\PHQWV WR IRUHLJQ FRPSDQLHV KDYH DPRXQWHG WR ELOOLRQ DW SULFHV \HW RQO\ few people feel the impact of this huge wealth.

Olusegun Adeniyi, Abuja

ASH DOES A DASH I am both sad and glad to hear Ash Barty, Women’s Tennis Number one player, is retiring.

It is one of those news items that you think should happen next decade but here it is.

I am sad because the world is losing one of the great players with several grand slam titles and many brilliant games both victorious and not. She always played positively and in good humour.

The gladness is that she was able to choose to retire when she wanted to, as the number one in the world. There will be no slow decline as age and injury catch up with her, she will always be remembered as a champion.

Maybe she could return to cricket, I’m sure she would still remember the skills from those days.

She has a great future in so many areas and will surely continue to be a role model for so many people. *RRG OXFN ZLWK ZKDWHYHU WKH IXWXUH EULQJV Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

27

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

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

08056356325

M A R C H

S & P INDEX

2 3 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

14.00%

CALL

4%

INDEX LEVEL

565.29%

1/4 TO DATE

6.06%

N412.08/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

14.50%

1-MONTH

6%

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YEAR TO DATE

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3-MONTH

10%

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0.41%

Domain Name Registration, Renewal Pick Up Slightly from 178,079 in January 2022 to 178,755 in February 2022

Emma Okonji The latest figures released by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), the organisation in charge of managing Nigeria’s country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD), which is the .ng domain name for Nigeria, showed an improvement in the registration, renewal and restoration.

The figures, which THISDAY obtained from the official website of NiRA, showed a slight increase in Nigeria’s domain name registration, renewal and restoration from 178,079 in January 2022 to 178,755 in February 2022.

THISDAY had last month, exclusively reported a drop in .ng domain name registration and renewal, which NiRA attributed to the adverse effect of COVID-19 that paralysed businesses 2021.

According to NiRA: “In 2020, Nigeria experienced an increase in the number of registration for country code Top Level Domain Name (ccTLD) but in 2021, the number of registration dropped because of the effect of COVID-19 pandemic. The drop in domain name registration in 2021 was not peculiar to the Nigerian market because it was a global issue caused by the effect of COVID-19.”

Giving reasons for the slight increase in domain name registration and renewal in the month of February 2022, the President of NiRA, Mr. Mohammed Rudman, told THISDAY, that all those who hitherto could not use and could not renew their domain name registration last year, have started renewing this year as the effect of the pandemic has started subsiding. “The effect of COVID-19 pandemic is subsiding and nations are beginning to relax some restriction measures about COVID-19, as businesses have started picking up gradually. I am certain that the number of .ng domain name registration and renewal will further

improve in the coming months as more businesses resume full scale operations,” Rudman said.

From the recent figures released

by NiRA and obtained by THISDAY, the total number of active domain names for the second level domain names, increased slightly from 53,999 in January 2022, to 56,191 in February 2022.

According to the figures, in February 2022, the total number of registration of .ng domain names was 5,327, while the total number of renewal of .ng domain names was 4,312. The total number of restoration within the same period was 132, while the numbers of active

domain names for 3rd and 2nd level domain names were 122,564 and 56,191 respectively, bringing the total number of domain names registration, renewal and restoration in February 2022, to 178,755, which is an improvement from the 178,079 that was recorded in January 2022.

The .ng domain name is Nigeria’s identity in the cyberspace. While the Nigerian cyberspace identity ends with .ng, the cyberspace identity for the United States of America ends with .com, Canada with .ca and United Kingdom with .uk. These cyberspace identities are used on the super-highway internet.

Addressing the importance of

internet to any nation, Rudman said one of the major advantages of the internet is that it could quickly link people from all over the world. “You can be in New York and communicate with friends in London, shop at a Tokyo-based online business or conduct research at a German-based learning facility.

In the digital age, the world has suddenly become much smaller.

Communicating, connecting, and sharing with individuals from all over the world has never been easier,” Rudman said.

He however stressed the need for Continued on page 28

Senate Committee Moves to Address Cybercrime, Engages Datasixth on Capacity Building Emma Okonji The Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity has stressed the need for more education and re-orientation about the danger of cybercrime on developing nations like Nigeria.

The committee is of the view that Nigerian youths need to be more sensitized against the growing

influence of cybercrimes in Nigeria.

To achieve this, the committee said it would engage the services of Datasixth, a cybersecurity organisation, on capacity training and sensitisation.

The Senate Committee made the disclosure during its recent visit to Datasixth in Lagos. The team comprised the Technical

Assistant, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime, Patrick Essien; Committee Technical Manager, Senator Orker Jeff; Committee Chairman on ICT and Cybercrime, Senator Yakubu Oseni; member of the committee, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia and Senate Clerk on ICT and Cybercrime, Ayoh Ogon.

Speaking on behalf of the team,

Hadejia said it was the Committee’s second visit to Datasixth, and noted that some of the biggest challenges in the Information Technology (IT) world today, were insecurity and vulnerability, among others.

Hadejia said companies like Datasixth are coming up to solve the challenges, especially in the financial sector, banks, fintechs, oil and gas

and companies that are vulnerable to attacks by hackers.

He said because the IT sector globally had become very dynamic, since things keep changing with various innovation coming up almost on a daily basis, “it has also been discovered that cyber crooks too are not relenting, launching various attacks, from ransomware today,

to malware tomorrow, and Trojan on another day. So, in tackling this menace, it is best to leave it to the professionals, who are dedicated to being a step above those hackers and cybercriminals.”

According to him, since the advent of the present government, there has Continued on page 28

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 2 2 BILLS

BONDS DESCRIPTION 12.75 27-APR2023 14.20 14-MAR2024 13.53 23-MAR2025 12.50 22-JAN2026 16.2884 17MAR-2027

Price

Yield

108.82 4.51 112.69 7.23 112.30 8.79 107.44 10.11 123.58 10.16

Change Updated Time (%) 18, -0.02 March 2022 18, -0.01 March 2022 March 18, 0.00 2022 March 18, 0.00 2022 March 18, 0.00 2022

OTC F X F U T U R E S

C Ps

MATURITY

Discount

Yield Change Updated Time (%)

NTB 28-Apr22 NTB 12May-22 NTB 9-Jun22 NTB 14-Jul22

3.07

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0.00

March 18, 2022

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1.88

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2.54

2.56

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NTB 11Aug-22

3.03

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-0.49

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MATURITY

Discount Yield

Change Updated Time (%)

UNCP CP VI 2-MAY-22 NEVE CP I 24-MAY-22 DANC CP II 25-MAY-22 TRBH CP V 26-JUL-22 FSDH CP VI 1-AUG-22

8.76

8.86

-0.01

March 18, 2022

15.80

16.27 -0.01

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8.06

8.18

-0.01

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11.03 -0.22

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7.31

7.51

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CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH) NGUS MAR 30 1 2022 NGUS APR 27 2 2022 NGUS MAY 25 3 2022 NGUS JUN 29 4 2022 NGUS JUL 27 5 2022

Current Rate ($/₦)

Updated Time

427.24

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432.32

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434.02

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Olokesusi: FG Should Support Female-owned Businesses Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of transport-driven startup, Shuttlers, Damilola Olokesusi, talks about Women in technology, ways technology can enhance the transportation sector, among other issues. Nosa Alekhuogie presents the excerpts: Why could be responsible for women’s low participation in technology, and what should the federal government do to bridge the gap? ight now, most of the problems that I see are cultural. For example, I studied chemical engineering and there was a handful of female colleagues in my class as at then. So I think it’s more of cultural factors that inhibits women.

There is a cultural part to why there are few technology entrepreneurs or founders and that’s because there is a belief that women are not meant to be working, or doing strenuous jobs. There is already this notion that there are some roles or career lines that are particularly for men or women but that’s changing and we have seen a rise in the exposure and education, and people are beginning to see that it’s not a gender fixed industry where the male dominates.

Also, there is an education part of it as well.

To be a technical co- founder, you need a little bit of background, you don’t need to be a developer or engineer but being in a particular career line that might make it easier to be a tech founder.

Right from school, you hardly see females participating in engineering or being a developer, so there’s a huge gap in that space. Those are the two things that come to mind, the cultural aspect and the pipeline skill gap for women tech founders.

Talking about what the government can do to address the issue, I think government should make good policies and also make the business environment easier for people to do business. But it’s really our responsibility as women to take what’s right for our society.

The federal government can also sensitise female owned businesses and to be honest, I don’t think about what the federal government can do for me, I rather think about what I can do for the government. What I’ll rather speak on is what women can do to participate more in whatever industry they find themselves in, like agriculture, fintech or fashion, they can use technology to make it more efficient. The introduction of technology is just to make something more efficient, faster and being able to cater to multiples of customers at the same time, that’s what technology does, it enables and scales solutions. So in whatever sector we find ourselves as women, we can use technology as an enabler. Women should be more open to technology and try to change their mindset towards being open to adopting technology, and see how they can also be players in this industry.

We need more female founders in technology that can pick challenges around us that’s peculiar to women that can use technology to solve them so that we can even help the government make sure this country is a better place. The government should do the right things, by supporting femaleowned businesses and if they can just give us the basic amenities like light, good roads, then we are good. Government should not make life difficult for female entrepreneurs.

There are already a number of female entrepreneurs that are in Nigeria who need to come into the tech space and become players as well.

enterprises (SMEs) that has only five staff does not need to buy a bus, they can just pay for the seat on our platform and access the staff bus for their staff or you can pay just 50 per cent for your staff and they are able to access the service.

So what we have done is to break the barrier to entry so that it is not only big companies or elites that can access this staff bus system. Based on that, there is already a staff bus industry where there is a distinction between staff bus and ‘Danfo’ buses where they already pay their local government fees, licenses. There is a number of licenses that are required for them to pay to the Ministry of Transportation and we have paid that already and we are compliant but as we expand, we are moving into communities, we are moving into public transportation, and we don’t own buses, we are just enablers . We are bringing comfortable and efficient buses, putting them on our platform and giving access to customers on our platform but as we expand and grow bigger, we would also want to aggregate public buses and maybe now we would enter the ‘Agbero’ industry. By that time, we would be able to also structure and understand how their levies are being paid but right now, there is a distinction between the staff bus and the yellow ‘Danfo’ buses but in the future, when we are in the ‘Danfo’ system, we would be open to discussion with them on how it is run.

Shuttlers is for companies and individuals. We have B2B customers,B2C customers and B2B2C customers

R

How do you think the transportation sector can be enhanced with technology?

There are so many ways and so many problems that the government is still trying to identify and solve, from technology stand point, using data to drive decisions that can help people understand what to do during traffic. Such can prevent traffic congestion and also remove the burden of parking space. The technology that can help government identify how to identify bad roads so that they can know when to fix them, is what we need.

Caption Maybe things that can also enhance security on the roads, because so many challenges are still there. We are just focused on the customers’ side and how we can help people find something that is comfortable yet affordable.

We are focusing on mass transit and that is why we don’t do cars.

There are also other modes of transportation as well, that we are looking to enter into. There is rail, there is ferry and the other ones that are currently not in the country that people can use as an enabler and technology can leverage on those systems.

Technology on its own might not be able to solve the transport challenges because it has to work with a system to make it work.

Has the government reached out in anyway to partner with you on this platform or contribute in some ways?

The Ogun State government has reached out to us so far, and the government is trying to introduce Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Ogun State. For the current Lagos State government, we have reached out to Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL), as well as bus service, and we have been in talks with them for a while now to see how we can also help to make that possible because we run a scale up system, which we currently do not do. It helps to know when your buses are driving.

You can track your bus and all of those things that happen abroad. They have plans to also implement some of these things that we are

also proposing but we are still talking with them to see how we can work together. Yes, we have gotten some calls from some other state governments.

What has been Shuttlers greatest challenge so far in the transportation sector and how have you been able to cope with the levies being imposed by different transportation bodies like the National Union for Road Transport Workers (NURTW)?

At every stage in life, there are new challenges. At the early stage, it was people trusting us to be able to pull it off and access to finance. At a particular stage, access to finance was was no longer our challenge, it now became how to find talented team members that can join us to ensure we achieve our goals and after that, it might be government policies or something else entirely.

There’s not a particular thing to pick as the greatest challenge but one thing all this does for us is that once we are able to conquer and overcome one challenge, it’s gives us more strength and boosts our morale to understand that there’s nothing we cannot overcome.

Concerning the imposition of these ‘agbero’ levies, even before shuttlers came into the scene, there was a staff bus industry but then, it was only big companies that could access the bus like the Oil and Gas companies or FMCGs, but right now what shuttlers is offering is an easy access, because your company does not need to have a staff bus. Small and medium-sized

You raised about $1.6m in seed funding in November, can you tell us how much has been invested in Shuttlers so far?

Before the $1.6 million, we already got about $110,000 in grant and personal funding before we go the external sum of $1.6 million. So in total we have about $1.7 million since inception.

Also, before we also announced our numbers, we made sure that we did our homework well to ensure that we are aligned, we had necessary licenses and we are compliant with all the fees to be paid. So, I am not the only one that has raised money, a lot of companies nowadays have raised money as well. So we don’t have any challenge with the government.

Are you in partnership with anybody, agency or brands at the moment?

I used to have two co-founders but they left.

It has been a tough journey.

We piloted the business in November 2015 but our official launch was in October 2016. For now it’s not just me, we have other team members. I see everyone as being on a partnership with me on this journey.

What advice will you give to women that want to come into the Fintech space?

I would say that they should not be afraid of challenges, new things and should be open minded.

It starts with the mindset and understanding that there is nothing like this industry is for males.

I didn’t enter this industry thinking that it is a male dominated industry. It was while I was in it that I actually realised that there are more males in this industry than women. The first thing is the mindset, understanding that there are no barriers for any industry. Nothing is for women, nothing is for men, understand that you have the ability and capacity to do it, is what really matters. People out there don’t have two heads, they are not smarter, it is just that they are willing to take more risk. In your mind, if you know that you can deal with challenges, then the rest is just simple.

SENATE COMMITTEE MOVES TO ADDRESS CYBERCRIME, ENGAGES DATASIXTH ON CAPACITY BUILDING been a lot of transition to digital economy.

Hadejia said there cannot be a digital economy without having a digitised government services.

“Now, if you are going to digitise government services, the first thing that people would be scared of is vulnerability. Just like you have in the private sector, the same

criminals would operate on that space in the public sector. So, we are talking to companies like Datasixth to come in and see how they can help government plan initial infrastructure to make it fool proof and secure as possible.”

He revealed that government’s plan to move 85 per cent of its businesses online by 2023, may not

be met, but stressed that Nigeria would definitely get there.

“So in order to put security at the centre, we are meeting with companies like DataSixth to see how they can come in, interface with government agencies like Galaxy Backbone, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

among others, to address insecurity in the country,” Hadejia said.

CEO, DataSixth, Michael Nathan, urged the federal government to provide cybersecurity that would contribute positive digital transformative changes in projecting the country as one of the pioneers and sponsors

of cyber resilience.

“Cybercrime has already emerged as a very concrete threat, not only in Nigeria but the globe at large. Technology innovation often means a wider surface area for attack. Given that cyberattacks are here to stay and officially becoming the fastest growing crime in the world, there is urgent need to

address it,” Nathan said.

According to him, human factor remains the single most important part of fighting cybercrime, given that 90 per cent of incidents are occurring due to human behaviour.

“We may not beat cyberattackers for good – but public sector leaders can start to swing the balance back in their favour,” Nathan further said.

DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATION, RENEWAL PICK UP SLIGHTLY FROM 178,079 IN JANUARY 2022 TO 178,755 IN FEBRUARY 2022 domain name owners to begin web hosting of their domain names in Nigeria, instead of the usual practice of hosting web-based internet data and traffic outside of the country.

“People might be wondering why a local web host is preferable.

After all, web hosting companies

effectively provide the same service, as their counterparts outside the country. I will like to remind domain owners that there are unique benefits to using a local web hosting company,” Rudman added.

Highlighting the importance

of local web hosting, Rudman said: “One of the most notable advantages of having website hosted on a server in a local region is that it will enable the website load faster. Although the disparity in loading times between a local server and one located halfway

around the world is mostly a fraction of a second, it could have a massive effect on how consumers engage with your site.”

In the area of support, Rudman said domain name owners would receive more support from local web hosting than those hosted

outside of the country.

“Even with top-ranking companies in the world, things can go wrong with web hosting.

Servers could go down or even crash for a variety of reasons, causing a lot of issues with how data is delivered. A local

hosting company will almost always provide a more prompt and personalised solution.

Customer service personnel located on other continents for example, could delay access to the solution required, due to time zone differences,” Rudman said.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

29

BUSINESSWORLD

INDUSTRY

Sugar Revolution: The Journey So Far Dike Onwuamaeze enumerates efforts put in place by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, to enable Nigeria to attain self-sufficiency in sugar production by growing the required local capacity to meet the demand for sugar, create large number of jobs for Nigerians and stem the tide of unbridled importation of sugar and its by-products.

T

he Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, probably had one goal in mind when he switched on the microphone to address a State House press conference on March 17, 2022. The goal was to give Nigeria’s account on its quest to attain self-sufficiency in sugar production, which is still a journey in progress, through the implementation of the country’s National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) and the Backward Integration Program (BIP) that it birthed. The plan is a tool in the hand of the federal government to accelerate domestic manufacturing of sugar to meet the country’s food requirements and provide raw material inputs for the manufacturing sector?

Adebayo said in his introductory remarks that “I am glad to be here this morning to brief you on our vision for Nigeria’s Sugar Industry and the milestones recorded so far on the Presidential Sugar Backward Integration Program (BIP).

“As you may be aware, this is a key sector that has received the required attention by this administration in order to fully realise its economic development and growth potentials, which I will speak to greater details shortly.”

capital and technical expertise to produce and process sugar cane.

The NSMP was also envisioned to create 110,000 jobs, eliminate the annual import of more than $700million in foreign exchange for the importation of raw sugar.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY Adebayo stated that the following implementation strategies were adopted to achieve the set targets and deliverables of the NSMP. They include the mandatory BIP for beneficiaries of the fiscal incentives; annual sugar import quota administration to manage performance; protective tariff regime to stimulate demand; support to out growers to promote inclusiveness and sustainability and a two-stage monitoring and evaluation framework to promote transparency and accountability for outcomes. It also has a window to support greenfield projects, which did not benefit from the fiscal incentives

SUCCESS AND CHALLENGES

THE STATISTICS Words, said a literary critic, could be so slippery especially in the mouth of a politician.

But that was none of his intentions. Speaking with candour as a public servant who wanted to be trusted and believed, the minister bared the facts on the current status of the country’s bid to attain self-sufficiency in sugar manufacturing by providing the statistics. The statistics showed that the annual demand for sugar in Nigeria in 2021 was estimated at 1.75 million metric tonne (mMT). The annual quota allocation as approved

by President Buhari for the sugar BIP operators was also 1.7mMT. However, the country installed refining capacity for sugar is projected at 3.0 mMT. The statistics further revealed that the country still import 1.7million tonnes of raw sugar to feed the refineries at $700 million, which he described as, “the largest import bill for sugar in Sub-Sahara Africa largely because of the size of the Nigerian economy and its population.”

The minister stated that Nigeria needed to develop 250,000ha of cane land to meet the annual target of 1.7mMT/annum. He stated that the land already acquired for the cultivation of cane is 150,000 hectares by the BIP operators, out of which 19,000 hectares have been developed in readiness for actual cultivation. He, however, said that the actual land under cultivation was 10,000 hectares.

Adebayo identified “the cane production phase of the sugar value chain as the most capital intensive due to the cost of infrastructure and land development. The industry therefore requires the right type of investors with adequate capital and cash flows to make and sustain the investment.”

He projected that $128.68 million would be required to cultivate 10,000 hectares (ha) of cane plantation, mill and refine it into finished sugar product. The breakdown of this sum showed that $120 million would be needed to cultivate cane in 10,000 hectares of land while milling and refining would cost $7.804 million and $878,000 respectively.

OBJECTIVES OF NSMP He said that the primary objective of the NSMP is to enable Nigeria to attain self-sufficiency in sugar production by growing the required local capacity to meet the demand for sugar, create large number of jobs for Nigerians and stem the tide of unbridled importation of sugar and its by-products.

The master plan was also designed to contribute to local production of ethanol and electricity.

Adebayo stated that its core targets included the production of 1,797,000 tonnes of sugar annually; 161.2 million litres of ethanol annually; 411.7 MW of electricity annually; 1.6 million tonnes of animal feed annually; 37,378 permanent jobs; 79,803 seasonal jobs; realizing $350-$500 million savings in foreign exchange on sugar imports annually; and $65.8 million savings in foreign exchange on fuel imports annually.

Adebayo He explained that the Buhari’s administration is interested in sugar because the benefits of a thriving sugar industry aligned with the federal government’s development priorities.

He said: “Sugar’s main importance in an economy stems from the ability of the sector to generate jobs in hundreds of thousands due to the vast expanse of land that needs to be cultivated and the sheer amount of sugar cane that needs to be planted and harvested. This aligns perfectly with our need to create a significantly high number of jobs to address our unemployment challenges.

“Creating a strong linkage between agriculture and industry is a sure way of bringing about inclusive and sustainable growth by improving value added, creating wealth for farming communities and enabling the roll-out of infrastructure around farming communities. Sugar provides this opportunity by enabling increased yield and output via out-grower schemes and providing higher paying buyers for sugar cane.”

The minister also noted that the significance of sugar to the Nigerian economy could not be over emphasised. For instance, it is a key input in the manufacture of food and beverages and pharmaceutical products. It is also a source of ethanol, a renewable fuel which could be used to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and improve air quality.

It would also enable the country to fulfill its commitment to reduce carbon emissions at the recently concluded United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP26 where President Muhammadu Buhari made a specific commitment that Nigeria will cut its carbon emission to net-zero by 2060.

Moreover, the availability and access to the pharmaceutical and beverage companies affect the nation’s security; therefore, the growth of Nigeria’s sugar sector greatly reduces vulnerability to external shocks and our nation’s security as a whole.

“Lastly, Bagasse is the pulpy residue that is left over after juice is extracted from sugarcane.

It was traditionally used to produce heat and electricity in sugar mills but we are seeing the extension of its use in national grids as a substitute for less efficient energy sources. For

us in Nigeria, this is especially important as bagasse can be a source of electricity for the surrounding communities of sugar processing plants,” minister said.

KEY MILESTONES IN NIGERIA’S SUGAR SECTOR: Adebayo spent some time during the press briefing to look back at key milestones in the evolution of Nigeria’s sugar sector in order to shed light on the issues that the sector has faced and how government has intervened in the sector over the years.

It all began in 1961 when the federal government established the Nigerian Sugar Company, Bacita, with an installed capacity of 40,000MT. In 1974, local consumption of sugar rose to 45,000 tonnes while sugar production from NSC Bacita reached 35,000MT per annum.

A major development occurred in 1981 when the government established the Savannah Sugar Company Limited (SSCL), Numan, with an installed capacity of 50,000MT. By this time the domestic consumption of sugar has risen to 450,000 MT per annum.

However, the SSCL Numan and NSC Bacita were privatized in 2003 and 2004.

The privatisation could not improve their productivity, which actually declined to 12,000MT while demand grew to 1.5mMT. However, by 2012, it became clear that a special intervention was needed to motivate not just private sector participation, but also to attract the huge investments that were required in the sector. This birthed the Nigerian Sugar Master Plan in 2012, which was reviewed by the Nigerian Sugar Development Commission in 2017 to evaluate its implementation. This was followed in 2020 with the revision of its Performance Management Framework to improve performance.

The NSMP contained fiscal and investment incentives designed to stimulate demand and attract new investors to the industry. It also has specified roles for the public and private sectors. The government was charged with the provision of conducive policy environment, which included the provisionof fiscal incentives and public infrastructure while the private sector was expected to mobilise investment

Adebayo affirmed that the NSMP has succeeded in attracting notable private sector investments from the Dangote Group, the Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc; the BUA Sugar Company and the Nigeria Sugar Company, Bacita, Kwara State, that was recently acquired by the KIA Group.

These investors, according to him, have created over 15,000 jobs at their BIP sites, developed 20,000 hectares of land and put over 12,000 hectares of land under cane.

In addition, other greenfield sugar projects being developed under the NSMP include the Gagarawa Sugar Project in Gagarawa, Jigawa State, the Contec Global Project in Isanlu Esa, Kogi State, Gummi Sugar Project in Zamfara State, Sean-Zara Sugar Project in Kwara State, Crystal Sugar Project in Jigawa State, Oyo State Sugar Processors Ltd, Iseyin, Oyo State, Goronyo Sugar Project in Goronyo, Sokoto State and Cocaset Sugar, Ondo State He, however, observed that backward integration of high-value commodities through agro-processing would requires a whole-of-government approach to provide the enabling environment necessary to address the challenges which arise.

“This is why a key element of the governance framework of the NSMP is the Sugar Industry Roadmap Implementation Committee, a multiagency body which monitors the implementation of the NSMP and facilitates the removal of bottlenecks.

“We are also most grateful for the continued intervention and direction which this program is privileged to receive from Mr. President that has resulted in the resolution of key issues hindering its performance.

“However, challenges remain. The cost of sugar cane production is relatively higher in Nigeria due to the absence of infrastructure in the sites and as such the investors have to bear the cost of deploying roads, dykes, airstrips, water sources, etc.

“They are also challenged by their inability to access foreign exchange required for the importation of machinery and equipment which causes delays in procurement of machinery required in the Sugar Estates.

“There is also delay in clearing the machinery and equipment when imported. These delays significantly disrupt the installation timelines of the equipment.

“A major challenge to land development is difficulty in taking possession of land acquired and paid for due to insecurity, illegal occupation of acquired land, recurring community hostility and unending demands for compensation,” Adebayo said.

CONCLUSION He, however, said that The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is committed to Mr President’s mandate of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty and creating a large number of jobs, especially for our youth through the dogged implementation of various economic growth initiatives such as the NSMP. Adebayo, therefore, called “on all Nigerians to join in bringing this vision to life.”

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

Taeillo Harps on Modeling of Digital Commerce in Africa Emma Okonji Taeillo, a tech enabled contemporary furniture and lifestyle company in Lagos, has stressed the need for organisations to focus more on modeling of digital commerce in Africa, using emerging technology solutions.

The company gave the advise during a panel discussion at the just concluded AfricaNXT conference, held at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, where Taeillo sponsored one of the sessions.

In one of the panel sessions that discussed the theme: ‘Next Era of Digital Commerce in Africa and how brands are built through Content and Lifestyle’, the Head of Marketing at Taeillo, Solomon Akinsanya emphasised the impact of digital tools like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Viral-worthy and strategic content for growth and user acquisition for brands within and across Africa.

According to him, in recent times, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, successful brands

across the world have, and are still investing heavily in digital alternatives to improve user experience, brand positioning and increase revenue.

According to Akinsanya, ’In the past, the typical way of shopping for furniture would have been to envision a design, commission a local carpenter to produce it, and hope it looks good when delivered. The second option would be to walk into a brick and mortar showroom, scan through a boring array of furniture pieces “However, with the use of technology Taeillo is helping customers cross boundaries that will otherwise be unattainable through the adoption of mixed reality.”

With the AR feature on our website, you can sit in the comfort of your home, check out a piece of furniture and immerse it into your desired space to get an idea of how it matches your aesthetics. The VR headset on the other end, gives customers an immersive virtual showroom experience, Akinsanya further said.

Also Speaking at the session, Head, Partnerships at Invest Bamboo, Oge Okonkwo, said undoubtedly, digital

tools have influenced expansion plans, since its launch 2020, when COVID-19 had the world at stand still. She said during that period, people were able to trade in stock from the confines of their homes, adding that content is key for everyone. coupled with the segmented data that accommodates different categories of people such as the Bamboo Breakdown.

“Basically, we try to understand our customers, segment them into groups, and provide products befitting for them. This helps people to understand investment and know what to invest. The role and choice of content is crucial for any e-commerce operator as content is the bridge to reach online shoppers, content sells the brand. It is what makes an item or service become potential return on investment (ROI).”

As a brand, we tell a lot of our stories from the African perspective to ensure it resonates with the people we are trying to reach,” according to Editor in Chief at Zikoko, Mr. Edwin Madu.

MTN Group Repositions, Appoints New COO to Drive 2025 Strategy Emma Okonji

MTN Group has announced senior leadership appointments to operating companies in Nigeria, Iran and Sudan, all of them being internal candidates, saddled with the responsibilities to drive growth, de-leverage faster and reveal value in MTN’s Fintech and fibre businesses.

The appointments are effective 1 April 2022.

Announcing the development, MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita, said: “A vital enabler of our strategy is having the best talent, culture and future-fit skills.

The announcement demonstrates the

depth of talent within the Group, as well as the strength of our succession planning.”

Following the recent appointment of MTN Nigeria Chief Operating Officer, Mazen Mroue as MTN Group Chief Information and Technology Officer, Hassan Jaber assumes the COO role at MTN Nigeria. He moves from MTN Irancell, where he serves as COO, bringing with him some 25 years of telecoms and digital experience within the MTN Group.

Jaber’s track record of building and scaling-up telecom operations and developing digital businesses through the power of mobile technology will be instrumental to MTN Nigeria as

it plays its part in delivering on the Group’s strategic intent of leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.

He has served MTN in numerous markets, including Ghana, GuineaConakry, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen.

Malik Melamu, with over 28 years of managerial and executive experience, will assume the position of MTN Irancell COO, joining from MTN Sudan where he has been CEO over the last five years. Among other roles at MTN, he previously served as MTN Benin CEO and as Executive for Sales and Distribution and Customer Experience at MTN Group.

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T H I S D AY ˾ , MARCH 24, 2022

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ Chiemelie Ezeobi ×ËÓÖ chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

Addressing Workplace-related Stress In this report, Sunday Ehigiator recently spoke with the Head of Health Services, Bastion Health, Dr. Tokunbo Otitoju, on some leading causes of workplace stress, its impact on performance, and possible ways to manage such stress

S

imply put, stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed and unable to cope with physical, mental, or emotional pressure.

Workplace stress is when this feeling is associated with your workplace.

Anyone who has ever held a job long enough has, at some point, felt the pressure of work to the extent that they feel a sense of being unable to cope. Workplace stress is quite common, and it happens to even the best of us.

Admittedly, not all stress is bad. According to the Head of Health Services, Bastion Health, Dr. Tokunbo Otitoju “Some stress can have the potential for gain.

“For instance, stress can make your work faster and teach you to prioritise. It can also cause your creative juices to flow when writing an article with a steep deadline. But when work stress becomes chronic, it becomes harmful to physical and emotional health”.

Causes of Workplace Stress According to Dr. Otitoju, the most common cause of workplace stress is related to workers who are faced with demands that are not matched to their knowledge, skills sets, or abilities that challenge their ability to cope.

“Other causes include, working long hours, overworking or underworking, job insecurity, lack of autonomy, poor organisational support, and workplace bullying.”

Signs and Symptoms of Stress Otitoju said the manifestations of stress often differ from one individual to another; however, he identified, “low energy, decreased productivity, frequent headaches, irritability and anger, anxiety and agitation, and absenteeism or presenteeism” as some common and universal signs of stress.

How to Manage Workplace Stress On how to manage stress at the workplace, he advised workers to try to strike a balance between every workplace task and the individual task they have to carry out.

“Striking a balance is the first and most important rule of stress management. You cannot pour from an empty cup. This is the easiest way to understand the importance of managing workplace-related stress.”

He added that managing workplace stress was an organisational responsibility, with both the employer and employee having roles to play.

“For the employee, identify and track your stressors to know which situations create the most stress and how you respond to them.

Note your thoughts, feelings, and information about the environment, including the people and circumstances involved.

“Note your reactions to it as well. Did you raise your voice? Cry? Go for a walk? Say nothing? This knowledge will help you find patterns among your stressors and your reactions to them.

“Stay organised and keep multitasking in check.

This can significantly decrease your stress at work.

Being organised with your time means less rushing in the morning to avoid being late. It can also mean avoiding the adverse effects of clutter and being more efficient with your work.”

Otitoju said multitasking was once celebrated as a fantastic way to maximise one’s time and get more done in a day, however, not everyone can multitask adequately, hence, workers need to phase their work if multitasking isn’t for them.

“Also, participating in recreational activities outside of work could help deal with workplace stress. Exercises, going out with friends, staying home to watch a movie, etc., are ways to release the feel-good hormones in your brain and cause a significant drop in stress levels.

“Rest is also very important. Being available around the clock will easily stress you out. Take time out to lie down and do nothing. Just rest

Head of Health Services, Bastion Health, Dr. Tokunbo Otitoju

“Striking a balance is the first and most important rule of stress management.You cannot pour from an empty cup.This is the easiest way to understand the importance of managing workplace-related stress” your body and your brain. It’s essential to create clear boundaries between your work and home life to help you avoid potential stress.”

Otitoju equally advised workers to seek help when deemed necessary and also learn to engage in healthy communication with trusted parties, “such as your line manager, HR, or even external help through your organisation’s Employee Assistance Program provider. You can also talk to trusted friends and family members about it.”

On the employer side, he advised

employers to ensure they provide conducive working environments, leverage on technology as much as possible, and ensure the workplace is safe for their workers.

“Employees working conditions should be adapted to their different physical and mental capabilities. In some cases, employees should be allowed to participate in the design of their workstations and the processes of change and development.”

“If technology can do it and make work easier, use it. Organisations can leverage technology to make employees’ work more

accessible and more efficient.

“Organisations should also aspire to make the workplace a safe space where employees can freely express themselves and collaborate easily as safe working conditions will provide personal and vocational development opportunities. Trust should be built and maintained, while bullying of any kind must be discouraged.”

Briefly speaking about Bastion Health and the services it offers, which also includes stress management therapy, he described it as “an organisation that prides itself on having built a healthy work culture in a safe space.

“We offer a range of products and services curated to ensure a stress-free work environment for our customers. This includes 24/7 access to doctors through our Telemedicine application.

“We also offer psychological and psychotherapy assessment through our EAP benefit while ensuring our enrollees can relax with our free access to Gym and Spa services nationwide. We routinely conduct company-wide health talks on effective stress management as a value-add.”

30-year-old Christian Ude Urgently Needs N17m for Kidney Transplant Rebecca Ejifoma Christian Ude, aged 30, urgently needs N17m to undergo a transplant to save him from chronic kidney dysfunction. Ude’s ailment was said to have started 15 years ago in his home town in Imo State when he was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. His brother, Gideon Ude, recounted the ordeal. “He was first diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and we had been managing him since then.” He added that this, however, propelled

the family to bring Ude to Lagos to access health care services. Gideon narrated: “In 2019 when my brother started discharging blood from his urinary organ, we rushed him to St Leo Catholic Hospital in Ikeja.

They referred us to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

“There, we were advised to take him to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Idi-Araba.”

With dialysis twice in a week costing

about N80,000, Gideon admitted that they have become cash-strapped. The brother decried: “We have sold many properties, begged for help and everything we could do. But we are at the point where we need to call for help from people.”

The patient’s family, through Gideon, pleaded profusely to the public to save Ude from dying. Meanwhile, donations can be sent to 6036291762, Ude Christian, Keystone Bank.

Christian Ude

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T H I S D AY ˾ , MARCH 24, 2022

NEWS

The Dawn Project Competition Calls for Entry to Promote Cleaner, Healthier Environment

WOHD: Pepsodent to Engage 1M Children on Importance of Oral Health

Rebecca Ejifoma

In commemoration of the 2022 World Oral Health Day (WOHD), Pepsodent, a leading global toothpaste brand endorsed by the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), is set to engage one million children in Nigeria on the significance of oral health to one’s overall well-being and quality of life.

The children will be reached through the educational schools’ programme, where they will be enlightened on the values of brushing their teeth day and night and toothbrush hygiene.

Free toothpastes and toothbrushes would be given to the children to facilitate their brushing habits.

The WOHD is a yearly activity observed globally to augment awareness on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and educate the public on the major activities that help achieve this.

With this year’s theme, ‘Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late #TalktoaDentist’, Pepsode aims to raise awareness to ensure people understand the importance of acting early from the moment a problem arises.

The Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, Unilever West Africa, Soromidayo George, confirmed that Pepsodent has reached over five million school children.

“We are educating them on the importance of brushing twice daily and creating a 21-day routine for them to develop a habit of brushing first thing in the morning and the last thing at night.” This is all in its commitment to improve oral cleanliness in Nigeria. On her part the Category Manager, Oral Care, Eva Ogudu, revealed that in partnership with the NDA, the brand will have mobile dental clinics in specific neighbourhoods across the country.

With this, it would provide free dental services to consumers and make Pepsodent toothpaste avail-

In response to creating a healthier and sustainable environment in Nigeria, The Dawn Project Competition 2022 has called for submissions as efforts to restore the earth through art.

The Project is an environmental conservation organisation put together by a group of collaborators whose passion is to create awareness, advocacy and education among citizens on the significance of environmental consciousness.

Submission for the competition opened on Monday March 21 and will close on May 2 this year on the theme, “Recycle, Renew and Rebirth”.

In line with this year’s International Day of Forests observed every March 21, The Dawn Project Competition is inviting creative minds, especially students in primary and secondary schools, to express their creativity and innovation.

Prospective contestants are to create works around the theme.

Entries can be in photography, illustration, fashion, graphic design, motion graphics, craft or cinematography.

Each creative piece is to reflect climate change environmental degradation or the prevention of it; must be in PDF or JPEG format. And consolation and cash prizes will be given to winners and runner-ups.

An environmental activist and collaborator of The Dawn Project, Desmond Majekodunmi, told newsmen that the initiative promotes a safer environment.

It does this through taxing the creative ability of the people to focus on creating solutions to the problem, which is about the massive plastics that litter the environment.

Majekodunmi noted that the scientific community has identified trees as a major entity to bring out the carbon in the atmosphere. “Reality is that trees are the major carbon that supplies many aspects of the human life support system.”

He, however, cautioned that if forests are not heavily regenerated and replanted, “We will not be able to pull out the carbon that is already there; that’s even when we stop the pollution”.

In his reaction, the Commercial Director, Boulos Enterprises

Limited, Stanley Evans, said the initiative was geared towards educating children who are the real and passionate mind dangers of climate change.

Evans emphasised: “There are more generators in Nigeria than the whole of Africa combined.

Nigeria currently has about 15 million generators emitting carbon dioxide (Co2) into the environment.

“People can address climate change challenges by doing simple things like ensuring that rivers and water channels are not blocked, and that people dispose of their waste effectively.”

Participants can make a piece of art work to represent the theme, “recycle, renew, rebirth” or write an essay/poem or a painting. They will be able to express the dangers of climate change and how the society can tackle it.

“Winners of the previous editions were made ambassadors of the project and were required to take the message across cities/communities in Nigeria,” said Evans.

In the words of Pamela

Ajayi, one of The Dawn Project collaborator, Nigeria currently generates about 43.2 million tons of waste, hence, the need to raise awareness on environmental challenges and climate change issues. Represented by her daughter, Adeola Ajayi, the collaborator admitted she is very passionate about the environment and the entire project stemmed from her poem, A Plea, about the environment.

“It is key to make children understand the importance of climate change on the environment, because they will make the difference as they grow older,” the Head Teacher, Priory Preparatory School Lekki, Simon Wrafter, chipped in.

As a fond believer, Wrafter says “As individuals we do small things – we make a collective big difference. So, it is essential that the children understand the message about climate change and its challenges better.”

He, therefore, urged Nigerians and the world to make a difference in their everyday activities to celebrate this year’s International Forests Day.

L-R Head, Technical, Vitafoam Nigeria PLC; Engineer Ola Ogunfeyitimi; Finance Director, Joseph Alegbesogie; Orthopedic Sleep Consultant, Dr Charles Uzodinma; Head, Digital Marketing; Olam Grains Nigeria, Oladotun Babatunde and Product Group Manager, Vitafoam Nigeria PLC, Moses Mogbolu , during Seminar for World Sleep Day, at Vitafoam Head Office, Ikeja, Lagos

Vitafoam Advocates Quality Sleep for Nigerians Chiamaka Ozulumba As a strategic message for this year’s World Sleep Day, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Nigeria’s leading manufacturer of flexible, reconstituted and rigid foam products, has urged Nigerians to embrace quality sleep to maintain good mental health, physical wellbeing and live a happy life.

In line with the theme for this year’s World Sleep Day “Quality Sleep, Sound Mind, Happy World”., the Company’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, who was represented by the Company’s Finance Director, Mr Joseph Alegbesogie, stated that Quality sleep was essential for good mental health, physical wellbeing and living a happy life. “ Truly, we need quality sleep to feel refreshed, recharged

and ready for the days ahead.

However, in our society, the negative consequences of sleep deprivation are often overlooked till it’s too late.

“Many people don’t know that poor sleep may lead to a variety of other issues, including mental and physical health issues.”, said Adeniyi.

He stated further, “We are confident that quality sleep is achievable by all Nigerians with Vitafoam, as we have mastered the art of sleeping over the years and our state of the art laboratory has equipped Vitafoam with needed skills and guide to meet customers’ expectations in comfort, style and functionality.”.

Orthopedic Sleep Consultant and Trauma Surgeon, Dr Charles Uzodinma highlighted the relevance of environment In to quality sleep . “ The environment has to be conducive. We should also consider the time

we sleep and our environment also contribute to a quality sleep. “ Sleeping time is a regenerating time. It helps us to Rejuvenate, Recharge, Reset and get fully prepared and ready for the day. I recommend Vitafoam’s foam to my patients because they have varieties of various density, Firmness and thickness and they have sleep consultant or expert who ensures that the choice of the right sleeping surface is made.“, said Uzodinma.

Head of Digital Marketing, Olam Grains Nigeria, Oladotun Babatunde who was once a victim of lack of quality sleep, attributed his breakthrough to using vitafoam’s product which is customized on the basis of human body weight.

Commenting on Vitafoam’s multiple products, Adeniyi explained that company had expanded its products to

general household materials, including modern building materials and furniture .

Corroborating him, Vitafoam’s Products Group Manager, Mr. Moses Mogbolu said : “Our memory pillow reduces pressure points around the neck area and enhances comfortable sleep temperature.

The pillows conform to the shape of the head and neck, offering therapeutic support and rises back to its original shape in seconds after being compressed As part of its corporate support to ensure Nigerians have quality sleep and sound mind, Vitafoam , the company with the largest foam manufacturing and distribution network in West Africa, organised a free training session on “Practical ways to improve quality sleep and healthy living” at the Company’s Head Office at the weekend.

Rebecca Ejifoma

able to them to drive consistent brush twice daily communication.

“There will also be an online digital activation through Instagram live videos tagged ‘Ask Your Dentist’ which will be launched on March 20,” says Ogudu.

The Instagram live, according to the category manager, would furnish consumers direct access to a dentist to ask dental related questions and get the appropriate responses.

Through these initiatives, Pepsodent intends to help millions of people take control of their oral health and avoid severe pain, costly and complicated treatments, and ultimately tooth loss through these services which would run yearly.

The President of the NDA, Dr. Kola Obagbemiro, lent his voice to advocate good oral hygiene.

He emphasised: “People often ignore the warning signs of a problem, such as a toothache or gum bleeding, hoping it will go away.

“However, talking to a dentist at the first sign of a problem can help fix the issues before they become serious.”

He further implored Nigerians to understand the terrible consequences of waiting, such as severe pain, more difficult and costly treatments, and ultimately tooth loss.

Hence, the President harped on the need to help people realise why early identification and treatment is essential.

In her remarks, the Head of Dentistry, Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Dr Bola Alonge, encouraged Nigerians to take their oral health seriously.

“The government is working through the various healthcare systems in the country to make access to dentists commonplace to enable people to improve their oral health.

“We are also working with the private sector through brands like Pepsodent to reach more people with enlightenment campaigns on the importance of good oral health,” she said.

Mental Health: 9mobile Canvasses FactBased Approach, Says Issue is Beatable Rebecca Ejifoma In continuation of its sustained efforts towards creating awareness and sensitising the public on health-related issues, Nigeria’s telecom brand, 9mobile has assured Nigerians that mental health is beatable, treatable and manageable.

However, it cautioned that the longer it takes to seek medical help, the more complicated it can become.

These were the words of leading Mental Health Advocate and Coach, Dr. Maymunah Kadiri at the fifth edition of 9mobile health talk series themed, “Mental health; the myth, the challenge and recovery.”

In her presentation, Kadiri highlighted the myths around mental health challenges and more importantly, what the recovery process entails.

She also described mental health as the ability to be productive, fruitful and be able to give back to the society.

While dispelling some of the myths, she remarked that

mental illness does not have any spiritual undertone as people are made to believe particularly in our clime.

In her submission, mental health belongs to the category of non-communicable diseases.

She noted that one in every five persons in Nigeria has mental illness, with data showing that mental illness starts before the age of 14 in some instances.

“Everybody has mental health but not everybody has mental illness which is a medical condition as it were. It will therefore be correct to conclude that nobody has immunity against mental health disorder,” she added.

Listing some of the stress factors that could trigger mental illness, she said, “Some of the risk vulnerability factors include; death of one’s parent or loved ones, divorce in families, domestic violence, positive history of mental illness and of course, societal pressure, which can be attributed to the harsh socio-economic realities in the country.”

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T H I S D AY ˾ , MARCH 24, 2022

NEWS

HMO Launches App for Affordable Healthcare Options Ayodeji Ake In a bid to make healthcare service affordable and accessible to Nigerians, Wellness HMO has launched an innovative app, ‘Wellness Plus’ which is set to revolutionise healthcare service delivery in the country.

The move obviously will create new benchmarks for health services in Nigeria. It will equally promote greater transparency in offering quality healthcare services to all and sundry.

Speaking at the launch of the new Wellness Plus app with the theme “Power to Choose” held recently in Lagos, Group MD/CEO, Wellness HMO, Adetutu Afolabi, disclosed that the new App is the first of its kind in Nigeria, as it gives users the freedom to choose and customize the healthcare plan that suits their budgets, making it very easy for all to access an affordable and qualitative healthcare service.

“Individuals have the choice to access healthcare on the go, at any time. They can pay for only the care they need even if they don’t have any health insurance plan.

“These services include dental and eye care, basic, comprehensive, pre-employment,

and cancer screening, among others. Individuals can also request for a doctor to consult with them virtually or visit them at home,” she explained.

She further emphasised that individuals will not be restricted to any specific hospital, at any particular time, as they can also choose from the range of hospitals available on the app for specific health needs.

“Users now have the power to choose the benefits and the hospital they want for themselves, their spouses, and their children,” she stressed.

Adetutu also added that the creation of the mobile app allows Wellness HMO to give a unique experience that helps both enrollees and new users, in such a way that they get the best health services they deserve, without breaking the bank.

“This mobile app was developed to enable simplicity of access to healthcare. Wellness Plus allows users to access a wide range of healthcare benefits from the comfort of their mobile devices.”

With the new app, the era of self-medication in the country should be on its way out as individuals can now easily access quality healthcare services

without necessarily subscribing to a health insurance plan as well as they monitor their health via the Wellness Plus app and the company’s IoT devices.

“Wellness HMO is not only a Nigerian health insurance company but a company dedicated to caring for people.

So, until we can get good and affordable healthcare to all and sundry, we will not stop,” she concluded.

Similarly, Dr. BethuelKasimu Abraham, Deputy General Manager, Nigeria Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Lagos Zonal Office, who represented Prof.

Mohammed Nasir Sambo, Executive Secretary, NHIS applauded Wellness HMO for the innovation, stating that it would revolutionise the health sector.

“Wellness HMO has just shown me when it comes to the use of technology they are not resting on their oars and are using technology to reach out to Nigerians who we are also trying to reach out to. At NHIS, we are not working in isolation, we are working with stakeholders like Wellness HMO. Our major interest is how many Nigerians are covered by

health insurance but not how many are covered by NHIS,” he said.

Prof. Chimezie Anyakora, CEO, Bloom Public Health and Keynote speaker of the event while speaking on the topic “Adoption of Technology to Reduce the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)” described the Wellness App as a lifesaver which would help reduce NCDs as more people get access to healthcare through the app.

He added that “Adopting technology builds on the habits acquired during this pandemic by allowing patients to take greater ownership of their health and enables the healthcare providers to deliver better care to many more people, thereby reducing the burden on our healthcare system.”

On his part, Tubosun Alake, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Innovation and Technology said the new app is a practical example of finding local solutions to local problems as it will transform the health sector in all ramifications.

He also stated that the state is determined to support the health sector with funding as it has already reeled out different initiatives in related areas.

CEREBRAL PALSY AWARENESS DAY

Thriving and Caring For a Special Needs Child Bukola Ayinde Caring for a child living with a disability in Nigeria can take its toll on a parent’s physical and mental health. As advocates in Nigeria join their US counterparts to commemorate the Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day marked yearly on March 25, parents living with children with a disability must understand how to protect their mental health.

Many parents grapple with different issues as they navigate their journey as parents with special needs children. The issues include stigmatisation in the community, a lack of professionals in the medical and rehabilitation field. For fun and recreation, many public places are not accessible for lack of ramps and other infrastructures.

Nigeria does not produce quality medical and rehabilitation equipment for persons with a disability such as specialised wheelchairs for children with cerebral palsy, standing frames, bathing chairs, etc. These products have to be sourced outside the country.

Parents who do not have their personal vehicle find it very difficult to move around the community with their special needs child with mobility disorder as many buses do not accommodate persons using wheelchairs.

A parent needs to think about the health of the child, therapy, education and also recruit caregivers so that the parents can work and meet their financial obligations.

In some cases, families are unable to afford caregiving for the child and the mother may need to quit her job to take care of her child. The financial obligation may rest solely on the shoulders of the father and this may also result in disputes among couples.

When all these issues are left unresolved, it takes a toll on the marriage, finances, physical and mental health.

The big question is how can a parent of a child living with a disability thrive despite challenges?

When you board an aeroplane, part of the safety instruction is that in case of loss of air in the cabin, mothers who have children are to wear their own oxygen mask first before they help their children put on theirs.

I will also tell parents of special needs children, “wear your mask.” You cannot give what you do not have. You need to be emotionally, physically, spiritually, socially and financially stable so that you can help your special needs child.

This stability is not instant, it is a journey; one you must be ready to begin and daily renew.

To begin with, you must love and forgive yourself if you feel that you have contributed to your child’s disability. You need to go further to forgive any other person who has contributed to making your special needs parenting a difficult journey. This is because when you forgive, your healing begins.

You need to love and accept your child. You need to grow beyond trying to fix your child but help your child attain his or her highest ability.

The next important thing to do is to build a support team.

This may include your partner, extended family members, family friends, professional caregivers, therapists, medical team, school and classroom teacher. All these people will work with the parents to ensure that the child gets adequate care and attention to live a good life in that particular situation. This will also enable the parents to have time to live their own lives and care for their other children. For a parent who is unable to leave the house to work, an online business will be a great option to create wealth and meet financial obligations.

Finally, as a parent living in a community where some people are still ignorant about children with disabilities, I will advise the parents to develop thick skin, deaf ears and a good sense of humour to protect their mental health. t#VLPMB "ZJOEF JT UIF 'PVOEFS PG %JBSZ PG B 4QFDJBM

L-R: Adetutu Afolabi, Managing Director; Victor Gbenga Afolabi, Executive Vice Chairman; Chief Mobolaji Ayorinde, /FFET .VN *OJUJBUJWF VOEFS UIF 1 'PVOEBUJPO 4IF JT Chairman; Dr. (Mrs) Adetoun Agbe-Davies, Director; Dr. Ehimwema Abiodun Eke-Aluko, Director; and Ahmed Yakasai, B MBXZFS B EJTBCJMJUZ JODMVTJPO BEWPDBUF BOE B MJGF DPBDI 4IF XSJUFT GSPN -BHPT Director; all Board of Directors of Wellness HMO, at the Wellness Plus Official App Launch held in Lagos recently

NMA Protests Termination of PPP Contract at Garki Hospital Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË The Nigeria Medical Association, (NMA), FCT has protested against the abrupt termination of the public private partnership arrangement between the NISA Medical Groups and Federal Capital Territory administration, for the operation of Garki Hospital in Abuja.

It said the position of the FCTA on matter is unacceptable.

It also said the move will lead to a sudden loss of jobs of close to a 1000 workers which include medical doctors, nurses and other workers that have over time contributed to the enviable

and successful standard of health care provided by Garki Hospita, Abuja which has helped in maintaining the enviable health narrative in the FCT , amongst the committee of states within the country.

A Communiqué issued at the end of the 2nd Quarter Ordinary General meeting of the association, the doctors bemoaned what it described as insensitive and unjust action by the government.

The NMA FCT also said that the action will lead to the termination of the post graduate medical training as well as internship programmes of doctors, pharmacists and nurses presently

running in the institution.

It also deplored the lack of commencement of the payment of the hazard allowance to doctors, and other health workers.

“The NMA FCT Is watching keenly as this very unpleasant and unfortunate situation unfolds.

It is our sincere hope that the medical personnel (doctors, nurses, etc) as well as other non-clinical staff are given the opportunities to complete their trainings without interruptions, and also allowed to retain their jobs and offer their services under the new proposed authority,” it said. The association also asked the federal government and the

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to do something urgently to arrest the perennial fuel shortage in the country.

It said the persistent and perennial shortage of petrol and other petroleum products is deplorable “The NMA, FCT calls on FG and NNPC to do something lasting about the persistent, perennial fuel shortage. This situation has severely affected the practice and practise of medicine.

Health workers, are now finding it increasingly difficult to get to their places of work, to discharge their duties, not to mention the adverse effects on the health

sector,” it said.

The communiqué signed

by Chairman FCT NMA, Dr Enema Job Amodu said the doctors engaged in series of meetings which were statutory constitutional provisions to afford all the doctors in FCT to come together to discuss contemporary issues as they concern the welfare of doctors in general, and particularly those in FCT. Among the other issues deliberated at the meeting, were the abrupt termination of the public private partnership agreement of Garki hospital, Abuja by the Federal Capital Territory Administration and infrequent and poorly

organized central postings of the newly qualified medical doctors otherwise called house officers, for the statutory 12-month housemanship programme.

One of the resolutions that was reached by the congress of the NMA, FCT branch was that health workers working in both federal and FCTA health facilities within the federal capital territory should be subjected to compulsory free annual basic medical checkups as part of their New year programme.

The association said that initiative will go a long way to picking up serious ailments early to prevent untimely deaths.

34

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͰͲ˜ 2022

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

GTI Group Launches N5bn Football Fund to Diversify Economy Gilbert Ekugbe The Nigerian capital market opened a new vista of opportunities for the development of Nigerian sports ecosystem with the launch of The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) by GTI Group, a leading finance and investment group.

TNFF is a collective investment scheme or mutual fund that combines the regular advantages of a mutual fund with unique propositions of a structured fund.

TNFF, promoted by GTI Group and being managed by GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, is raising N5 billion through an initial public offering (IPO) of 5.0 billion units at a par value of N1 per unit. Minimum subscription to the fund is 100,000 or N100,000 and thereafter in multiples of N100,000. Application list for the offer opened on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.

Speaking at the formal launch of the fund in Lagos, Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro said the TNFF has come to fill the missing link in the development of Nigerian sports.

“This is an historic occasion, a milestone in the development of Nigerian sports. I have no doubt that this will unlock the potential of the sports ecosystem.

I personally endorsed this project. There is no shortage of investment assets in the sports industry and I’m sure investors will get good returns,” Pedro, an astute finance expert said.

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Olumide Osoba, commended GTI for its innovativeness noting that TNFF‘s investment proposal supports government’s efforts at diversifying the economy.

He assured that the National

Assembly will continue to support private sector initiatives aimed at fostering national growth and development.

Vice President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Seyi Akinwunmi, said TNFF will herald a lot of greatness in the Nigerian sports industry with several multiplier effects on the economy, security and youth employment.

According to him, TNFF will change the narrative in Nigerian sports through major investments, creative initiatives and maintenance of higher standards.

Group Managing Director, GTI Group, Mr. Abubakar Lawal, said TNFF will serve as an enabler for sustainable funding of football and other sports, with a target of growing sports’ contribution to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 0.5 per cent within the next five years.

From Left: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Olumide Osoba; Vice President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Seyi Akinwunmi; Group Managing Director, GTI Group, Mr. Abubakar Lawal and Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otumba Femi Pedro at the launching of The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) being promoted by GTI at Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos

MARKET INDICATORS

Kate Henshaw Unveiled as Mortein Nigeria Brand Ambassador Morten Insecticide manufactured

by Reckitt Nigeria has taken its “Fight to End Malaria” campaign a notch higher with the unveiling of top Nollywood Celebrity and fitness enthusiast Kate Henshaw as its New Brand Ambassador.

The unveiling ceremony took place at Reckitt Sub Saharan Headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.

Speaking during the ceremony, General Manager, Reckitt Sub Saharan Africa, Mr Akbar Ali Shah said, “At Reckitt, we have a purpose, which is to

protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. It is why we launched the Mortein Fight to End Malaria campaign in 2021 to drive awareness and educate citizens on Malaria prevention.

The campaign comes at a critical time, according to the World Malaria Report in 2020, Nigeria accounted for the highest rate of malaria deaths in the world, with an estimated 160,000 deaths within the year.

This can be prevented as a key action to protect from

malaria is the elimination of the vector carrier of the disease, mosquitoes.”

Shah continued, “We recognize that this fight will be an enormous task, it is why we got a leading voice to drive the conversation and eventually achieve behavioral change.”

In her remarks, newly signed Mortein ambassador, Kate Henshaw said, “It’s great to be part of the Mortein family; a leading global brand with deep knowledge and expertise in creating superior products.

Fintechs & Merchants Laud Fidelity Bank for New Digital Payment Solution Leading Nigerian bank, Fidelity Bank Plc, has been commended for simplifying digital payments and the customer journey following the recent launch of PayGatePlus, a one-stop solution for payments that caters essentially for all business categories within the financial ecosystem.

Powered by OnePipe, PayGatePlus is a next-generation embedded finance platform, which enables organisations in any sector to seamlessly integrate financial services into their existing offerings. The platform offers services such as web payments, virtual accounts, funds transfer, direct debit, online collections via NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP), BVN validation, and Buy Now, Pay Later. While congratulating the bank on improving payment service delivery, Degbola Abudu,

Founder and CEO of Capricorn Digital Limited, noted that the platform’s launch would result in a diversification of new digital financial products across different platforms in the coming years.

“I think PayGatePlus will be of immense value to the industry as it will enable different types of payments. Whether it’s the virtual account that can be created seamlessly or payments that will enable the distribution of loans across different channels, we see this platform as really enabling the bank to push many digital products through different digital channels including one like ours”, stated Abudu.

“If you call traditional banking 1.0, remote banking 2.0, then PayGatePlus is 3.0. I think, the biggest value apart from the distribution which we have talked about is the

ability for you using embedded finance to remove frictions for your customers”, disclosed Akeem Lawal, Group Chief Executive Officer, Interswitch Group.

Founder/CEO of OnePipe, Ope Adeoye stated that the platform’s launch demonstrated that the payment industry was making significant progress.

On his part, Executive Director, Inlaks, Tope Dare lauded the bank for blazing the trail in open banking and embedded finance, which further reinforces its commitment to delivering unrivalled customer service.

Executive Director/CoFounder of AppZone, Emeka Emetarom applauded the bank for collaborating with the Financial Technology (FinTechs) industry rather than competing with them.

Eunisell Limited Launches 2022 Graduate Trainee Programme Eunisell Limited has kicked off the recruitment drive for its 2022 Graduate Trainee programme to harness talents and address workreadiness challenges in work place.

The company said the programme is a 2-year development framework designed to provide solid foundation for smart graduates and enable them transform into valuable professionals within the company system.

It added that the initiative which sought to hone skills and finetune abilities for talents started in January for batch 2022 and about 20 successful candidates will undergo the programme.

The Managing Director, Eunisell, Mr. Chika Ikenga, said, “As West

Africa’s largest company in specialty chemicals and oil and gas solutions, our organisation seeks to expand its winning team with vibrant minds that are brimming with critical thinking and fresh ideas on how to do things differently for maximum productivity.”

“At Eunisell, there are opportunities for graduates in relevant disciplines with the right spirit and attitude to join the company’s graduate trainee programme . We are looking for young dynamic graduates with good interpersonal skills, who have the potentials for leadership and ability to do well in a multi-disciplinary and culturally diverse workplace.

“The experience will offer them

business knowledge and training needed to become future leaders.

They will gain invaluable business perspectives that open up countless opportunities for personal and professional growth, and also develop grit and consciousness for exceptional delivery. ”The 2-year intensive experience is customised to offer solid foundation for smart graduates. It combines classroom and practical training to equip participants with tools and knowledge required for career success,“ Ikenga remarked.

He assured that an offer of fulltime employment with Eunisell is guaranteed for candidates who successfully complete the programme.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͵

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

35

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͰͲ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

NGX Boss Highlights Value of Corporate Governance in Capital Market Kayode Tokede Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), has highlighted the value of sound corporate governance as the foundation that creates transparency and establishes the trust required to keep the global financial system running.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NGX, Mr Temi Popoola stated this during

the launch of the Corporate Governance Triangle, an initiative of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), NGX and the Institute of Directors, Nigeria (IoD) in Lagos.

Represented by Divisional Head, Capital Markets, NGX, Jude Chiemeka, he said, “As a securities exchange, we recognize our unique role

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

in fostering the growth of long-term sustainable capital by positively influencing our key stakeholders to adopt sustainable business practices, including best practice corporate governance. Sound corporate governance ultimately brings about greater transparency and trust in the Nigerian capital market and positions the market

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

on a strong pedestal as a leading capital market in the region”.

Popoola expressed delight in the initiative, saying, NGX is delighted to collaborate with Institute of Directors Nigeria (“IoD Nigeria”) and Nigerian Bar Association-Section on Business Law (“NBA-SBL”) on the establishment of the Corporate Governance Triangle.

T R A D E D

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He said, “We look forward to working closely with our colleagues in these highlyreputed organisations to formulate and implement initiatives that will further raise the bar on corporate governance standards and practice in Nigeria.”

The Corporate Governance Triangle was initiated to foster good corporate governance in Nigeria for

O F

2 3

members of the business law community, directors and managers of businesses, shareholders and other corporate stakeholders. As key stakeholders in the corporate world, the CCGC, NGX, and IOD are in a position to influence their members, share best practices and develop frameworks that will enhance corporate governance in Nigeria.

/ 0 3 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

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36

THURSDAY, ͺͼ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

Thursday, March 24, 2022

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THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

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5 Zenith Bank PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC

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1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

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10 Access Bank PLC 11 United Bank for Africa PLC 12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

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13 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 14 SEPLAT Energy PLC

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15 Ecobank Transnational Inc 16 International Brew eries PLC 17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

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18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 19 Fidelity Bank PLC

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20 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

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ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ dZ E^ KZW ;ϭϭ͘ϵŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ & E, ;ϭϭ͘ϭŵ

22 FCMB Group Plc 23 United Capital PLC

Price Previous Price Current Change Price Change Weighting Index to Change YTD Date

0.00% 0.0%

ROE

8.8% 101.7% 38.3%

31.9%

15.0%

ROA

P/E

3.5%

5.3x

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

P/BV

0.8x

5.7%

31.9%

17.2%

1.5%

205.50

0.0%

8.1%

4.3%

4.3%

134.7%

14.1%

14.0x

21.6x

70.75

0.0%

6.8%

5.5%

5.5%

19.1%

11.2%

34.0x

6.4x

26.00

0.0%

6.2%

0.0%

0.0%

20.7%

3.3%

4.2x

5.1%

7.1%

0.9x

11.6%

23.7% 28.9%

2.9%

26.90

-0.2%

6.0%

7.0%

7.0%

20.4%

2.7%

3.5x

0.7x

11.5%

273.50

0.0%

4.4%

6.4%

6.4%

39.2%

16.3%

12.9x

4.8x

7.3%

7.8%

1,395.00

0.0%

3.0%

-10.4%

-10.4%

106.8%

15.6%

27.1x

31.8x

3.6%

3.7%

12.00

0.0%

3.4%

5.3%

5.3%

8.4%

0.8%

7.1x

0.6x

3.7%

14.1%

23.85

0.8%

3.1%

-0.4%

-0.4%

11.6%

8.4%

8.9x

1.0x

8.5%

11.2%

9.95

1.0%

2.7%

7.0%

7.0%

17.9%

1.6%

2.2x

0.3x

10.1%

46.0%

7.65

0.7%

2.0%

-5.0%

-5.0%

15.8%

1.4%

2.3x

0.3x

13.3%

44.3% 12.8%

34.80

0.0%

1.5%

-3.3%

-3.3%

15.1%

2.1%

7.8x

1.2x

11.7%

44.50

0.0%

1.3%

-11.0%

-11.0%

7.6%

2.7%

27.9x

2.1x

3.8%

3.6%

930.00

0.0%

2.2%

43.1%

43.1%

8.7%

4.1%

8.5x

0.7x

4.4%

11.8%

-10.3%

-3.9%

11.40

-0.9%

1.7%

31.0%

31.0%

4.95

-1.0%

1.1%

0.0%

0.0%

143.50

0.0%

1.0%

1.1%

1.1%

36.5%

23.3%

9.7x

3.2x

32.00

0.0%

1.1%

12.9%

12.9%

15.9%

4.5%

4.9x

0.7x

2.6x

38.2% 0.9x

-11.5% 10.3% 5.2%

20.4%

3.24

1.9%

0.7%

27.1%

27.1%

13.3%

1.3%

2.5x

0.3x

6.8%

40.6%

2.15

0.0%

0.5%

-7.3%

-7.3%

9.3%

3.0%

6.6x

0.6x

10.2%

15.1%

8.8x

1.5x

6.3%

11.4%

0.3x

4.5%

2.4x

12.0%

15.90

0.0%

0.4%

-8.6%

-8.6%

17.4%

6.9%

3.35

-8.7%

0.5%

12.0%

12.0%

10.3%

1.1%

12.45

1.6%

0.4%

25.8%

25.8%

24 Guinness Nigeria PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

70.00

0.0%

0.6%

79.5%

79.5%

13.3%

6.0%

14.7x

1.8x

0.6%

6.8%

1.10

-1.8%

0.4%

14.6%

14.6%

11.1%

2.3%

5.8x

0.6x

0.9%

17.1%

ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ

26 Presco PLC 27 NASCON Allied Industries PLC

133.00

0.0%

0.4%

51.5%

51.5%

2.8x

0.8%

13.10

0.0%

0.3%

-0.8%

-0.8%

21.3%

6.9%

12.3x

2.5x

3.1%

8.1%

ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ͕ ϭ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &ZͲ/ d

28 AIICO Insurance PLC 29 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri

0.66

0.0%

0.2%

-5.7%

-5.7%

7.2%

1.1%

366.7x

0.7x

264.90

0.0%

0.3%

19.4%

19.4%

48.0%

9.5%

5.4x

2.2x

1.6%

18.6%

DŝdžĞĚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

ĐƌŽƐƐ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ

ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ϯ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ͕ ϭ ŝŶĚĞdž ůŽƐƚ͕ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ

&ZͲ/ d ĂŶĚ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ ŝŶĚĞdž ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽƉƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵͲ Ğƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϰ͘ϲй ĂŶĚ dŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ͕ ƵƉ Ϭ͘Ϯй ŽŶ

30 Custodian and Allied Insurance 31 Vitafoam Nigeria PLC 32 Unilever Nigeria PLC

ϭ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚͲƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ E ^d> ;Ͳ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ ^^ ;нϭ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ

33 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 34 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

ϵ͘ϭйͿ͕

hE/> s Z

;Ͳϯ͘ϱйͿ͕

>/E< ^^hZ

;Ͳϲ͘ϰйͿ͕

&/ >/dz < ;нϭ͘ϵйͿ͘ dƌĂŝůŝŶŐ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ

35 Oando PLC 36 Wema Bank PLC

ĂŶĚ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƌŽƐĞ Ϭ͘ϭй ĂƉŝĞĐĞ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďLJ

37 NEM Insurance PLC 38 Sterling Bank PLC

ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ŝŶ t W K ;нϬ͘ϵйͿ͕ W ŽīƐ ŝŶ K E K ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͘

39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

ĂŶĚ D E^ Z ;ͲϮ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬͲ

ŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨĞůů ďLJ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϮďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲ

ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ ;нϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ KEK/> ;нϮ͘ϵйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ Ğƌ͕ ƵƉ ϭ͘ϴй ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďLJ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂͲ ƐĞůůŽīƐ ŝŶ D E &/d ;Ͳϳ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ > ^ K ;Ͳϭ͘ϬйͿ ƟŽŶ ŝŶ E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͘

7.00

0.0%

0.2%

-11.4%

-11.4%

19.5%

5.5%

4.1x

0.8x

7.1%

24.3%

22.30

0.0%

0.2%

-0.9%

-0.9%

38.7%

16.0%

5.7x

2.0x

6.7%

17.5%

13.30

0.0%

0.1%

-8.3%

-8.3%

7.8%

4.9%

29.5x

1.2x

26.50

0.0%

0.2%

18.6%

18.6%

18.9%

2.4%

4.0x

0.8x

1.5%

25.0%

4.1%

6.15

0.0%

0.1%

4.2%

4.2%

7.1%

0.8%

6.9x

0.7x

4.70

0.0%

0.1%

6.3%

6.3%

14.5%

2.6%

2.0x

0.3x

3.4%

0.92

0.0%

0.0%

27.8%

27.8%

14.1%

0.8%

4.0x

0.5x

4.3%

0.0%

0.1%

-9.6%

-9.6%

35.6%

18.5%

6.3x

1.0x

4.6%

15.8%

1.58

3.9%

0.1%

4.6%

4.6%

9.4%

0.9%

2.1x

0.3x

3.2%

48.5%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-28.3%

-6.1%

5.38

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

2.4x 1.4%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

19.80

10.0%

F ID ELIT YB K

68.8

1.9%

2.17

9.6%

A C C ESS

38.6

1.0%

C H A M P ION

2.04

9.1%

UB A

30.9

0.7%

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ KƵƚůŽŽŬ

ST ER LN B A N K

1.58

3.9%

GT C O

24.0

0.0%

24.70

2.9%

Z EN IT H B A N K

12.6

-0.2%

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ

R EGA LIN S

0.37

2.8%

UA C N

9.3

0.0%

F ID ELIT YB K

3.24

1.9%

A IIC O

8.0

0.0%

UC A P

12.45

1.6%

C UST OD IA N

7.6

0.0%

N GXGR OUP

5.6

0.0%

FB NH

5.1

0.0%

;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ͕ ƐĞƩůŝŶŐ Ăƚ ϭ͘ϲdž

ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ͕ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϬϬdž ĨƌŽŵ ͲϬ͘ϮϮdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ

ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘ϯdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ Ϯϰ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ

ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůLJ ĂƐ ϭϲ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ͕ ϭϲ ůŽƐƚ ĂŶĚ ϳϬ

ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϭϱ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ DZ^ ;нϵ͘ϵйͿ͕ D zͲ

CA P

C ON OIL

NP FM CRFB K

2.57

1.6%

C H IP LC

0.66

1.5%

ǁĞƌĞ ƵŶĐŚĂŶŐĞĚ͘ /Ŷ ƚŽĚĂLJ͛Ɛ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ǁĞ < Z ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ,KEz&>KhZ ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ďƵŽLJ ǁŚŝůĞ dZ E^ ;Ͳϴ͘ϯйͿ͕ > ^ K ;Ͳϲ͘ϳйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ >/s Ͳ ^dK < ;Ͳϰ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͘ WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ĚĂLJ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͘ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ŵŝdžĞĚ͕ ĂƐ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ ŐƌĂĚƵĂůůLJ ǁŝŶĚƐ ƵƉ͘

FCM B

P ric e 3.35

P ric e C hg % -8.7%

M B EN EF IT

0.25

-7.4%

A B CTRA NS

0.30

-6.2%

P H A R M D EKO

1.73

-6.0%

F T N C OC OA

0.32

-5.9%

N IGER IN S

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s T ic k er

0.20

25.0%

-13.8%

0.9x

LEA R N A F R C A

ǁĞŝŐŚĞĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͕ ĚŽǁŶ Ϭ͘Ϯй͘

14.4% 49.4%

4.07

T o p 10 G a in e r s T ic k er

0.3%

-4.8%

CHA M S

0.21

-4.5%

UN IT YB N K

0.48

-4.0%

R OYA LEX

1.27

-2.3%

N EIM ET H

1.63

-1.8%

T ic k er

Value

GT C O

622.0

P ric e C hg % 0.0%

M TNN

544.6

0.0%

A C C ESS

384.1

1.0%

Z EN IT H B A N K

339.0

-0.2%

UB A

236.1

0.7%

F ID ELIT YB K

219.2

1.9%

N EST LE

171.0

0.0%

N GXGR OUP

129.9

0.0%

UA C N

112.3

0.0%

FB NH

60.5

0.0%

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com

Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@afrinvest.com

Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

Damilare Asimiyu | dasimiyu@afrinvest.com

37

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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

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

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 21Mar-2022, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.28% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.51 3.57 -0.83% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 6.84% Anchoria Equity Fund 143.24 144.92 2.44% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.21 1.21 5.75% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com info@anchoriaam.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 20.99 21.62 3.46% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund 39.80 41.00 2.17% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.06 1.06 -2.12% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.03 1.03 1.60% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.04% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 109.02 109.02 7.19% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Naira 1,087.73 1,087.73 8.77% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.03 1.03 1.97% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.54% Paramount Equity Fund 18.29 18.63 8.72% Women's Investment Fund 145.23 147.00 4.48% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.04% Cordros Milestone Fund 139.25 140.17 5.34% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 111.62 111.62 4.76% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.57% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.02 1.02 5.83% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.04 1.04 14.03% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 101.64 101.64 3.58% FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,428.85 1,428.85 10.53% FBN Balanced Fund 186.43 187.86 6.38% FBN Halal Fund 117.79 117.79 8.35% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.10% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

123.13 156.95

123.13 4.02% 159.09 3.98% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.98 1.79 1.22

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 6.76% 3.98 -0.54% 1.83 3.04% 1.22 0.96% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 4,012.71 3,515.75 100.00

Offer Price 4,075.08 3,515.75 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 3.11% 1.37% 6.04%

1.09

1.09

0.77%

INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.48 1.51 3.18% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,164.45 1,164.45 2.41% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 12.48 12.58 5.88% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 8.28% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 103.53 103.53 9.30% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 8.81% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.64 1.67 2.19% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.66 11.66 4.20% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.15% PACAM Equity Fund 1.48 1.49 2.31% PACAM EuroBond Fund 113.90 116.45 -1.09% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 129.91 132.16 7.43% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 9.49% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 0.9844 1.01 6.01% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.43 1.4576 5.21% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.15 1.1731 6.10% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.0911 1.0911 1.67% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.9890 1.9890 1.64% United Capital Eurobond Fund 123.78 123.78 1.18% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.19% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 13.50 13.63 2.41% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 15.54 15.71 6.38% Zenith Income Fund 22.37 22.37 1.67% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.91%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

122.07 53.16

1.55% 0.82%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.13 135.40 106.99 20.52 22.14

14.23 138.79 109.35 20.62 22.24

1.19% 2.88% 3.26% 0.00% 0.00%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.33 5.59 18.56 1.00 21.05 169.23

4.43 5.69 18.76 1.00 21.25 171.23

14.96% 9.82% 7.99% 7.47% 8.51% 7.22%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.28 10.80% The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

FSDH Dollar Fund

38

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

2023 CAMPAIGN WATCH SAMUEL AJAYI

E-mail: yemielegance@gmail.com

Mobile: 08033083367

Saraki

Reaching for the Anti-climax From all indications, the much-awaited but often postponed national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), would hold this Saturday. Another major move towards this actualisation was the invitation extended to aspirants by the party for various positions to appear for screening yesterday. As at the time of writing this report, seven aspirants had confirmed their interest in the national chairmanship of the party.

T

hese were the Senator representing Niger-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Sani Musa; a former governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura; another former governor of the same Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; a former governor of Benue State, George Akume; an ex-governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari; Saliu Mustapha and Mohammed Etsu.

It has also been a smooth running for the office of the National Secretary of the party with a former deputy governor of Osun State, Iyiola Omisore, being a front runner. His ambition got a major boost some days ago from some governors from the South-west geo-political zone with the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, leading the charge. He even issued a press statement endorsing Omisore and Isaac Kekemeke as National Secretary and Deputy National Chairman respectively.

Sources told THISDAY earlier in the week that the party was actually interested in affirmation and consensus arrangement but this was proving problematic as they could not agree on who and who would occupy various positions. Perhaps, this would be finally sorted out by the time the screening is concluded.

Meanwhile, some APC governors were said to be spoiling for war over the convention as they felt President Muhammadu Buhari, had exposed them to ridicule going by the manner the Caretaker Chairman and governor of Yobe State, Mallam Mai Buni, was returned to the party.

Also, in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), things seem to be a little calmer and plans are going on well only that plans to scheme out former Vice-President and perennial presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, on the reason of age thicken every day, even as the party maintains it has not taken any stand on zoning of its

Adebayo presidential ticket to any particular part of the country.

Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has intensified his campaigns to get the party’s ticket but it remains to be seen how the party will handle the thorny issue of zoning with the APC looking more likely to zone its own ticket to the South. It is also important to note that the northern presidential hopefuls

inn the PDP are already considering a consensus candidate.

SARAKI’S MINISTERIAL DEAL FOR UNDER THE 40S On Monday, a former Senate President and presidential hopeful on the platform of the opposition PDP, Dr. Bukola Saraki, shocked many when he said if he became President, hisministers of states, would

be persons under the age of 40, literally conceding the positions to the youths.

In a series of Tweets, the former governor of Kwara State, said, he was humbled by the gesture of some young professionals, led by one Abubakar Dan Musa, who raised N40million for him to purchase the expression of interest form.

And then, the bombshell: “As it stands, this is a clarion call. This is why I make this

T H I S D AY ˾THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

39

2023 CAMPAIGN WATCH

Staying Close With 2023

Otitoju promise: When I become President on the 29th of May 2023, all the Ministers of State in my Cabinet will be experienced young people, who are under the age of 35.”

While on paper, this will be a very novel and innovative approach to governance, even neutrals would know that perhaps, Saraki was making a political statement to massage the ego of those, who had raised money for his presidential nomination form. The reason being that even he himself would be clocking 60 by the time he is being sworn-in as President come 2023, if he eventually beat the odds to win the presidential contest.

Secondly, the nature of Nigerian politics is still based on patronage and reward system and going the way party politics usually pans out in this part of the world, those that will be in charge of the political structures that will help him realise his presidential ambition are likely to be politicians and veterans of many presidential onslaughts.

And most of them don’t do this for free or altruistic reasons. When they work for any candidate to win any election, especially, in a presidential contest, such candidate had only taken a political IOU that is always paid back by appointments, patronages and juicy contracts.

Going by this, those who might have been dreaming of ministerial appointments under a President Bukola Saraki should go and study the nature of presidential contests in Nigeria.

Those who raised money for nomination forms do not matter as those who made the form translate into victory. Even then, Saraki has always proven to be a man of his words with the courage to walk his talk. So, fingers crossed.

HOW FAR CAN ADEWOLE ADEBAYO GO?

One realisation among the majority of Nigerians, even political neutrals, is that to achieveany political ambition in 2023, especially, at both the governorship and presidential levels, it has to be on the platform of either the ruling APC or the opposition PDP. However, one young Nigerian that is trying to challenge this old order is Adewole Adebayo, a trained lawyer and chief executive officer of Abuja-based King Adebayo Film and Theatre Arts Network Television, KAFTAN. Late last month, Adebayo declared his intention to run for the Presidency on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Declaring his intention to bid for President Buhari’s current job, the 50 year-old said, it was time for Nigerians to look beyond the APC and PDP in looking for those, who could serve the nation. His words: “We are all aware of the state of our country and the clock of transition that is ticking towards 2023. We have many platforms on which our multi-party democracy allows us to push solutions to the problem of the country.

“And you would have noticed that Nigerians

are becoming impatient and rightfully tired of the journey that we began in 1999, which is supposed to take us to civil rule, democracy and development.

It appears as if this journey is taking too long to get to where we need to go.

And the vehicle of state appears to be stuck and it appears also recently that the wheels are coming off.”

He then called on Nigerians to look for alternatives and not resign to fate that change was not possible.

Adebayo had mouthed the regular rhetoric but the job at hand is deeper than that. Sources told THISDAY that he had been criss-crossing the length and breath of the country, selling his ideas but the issue is still about the platform – SDP. Both PDP and APC, despite all the ills ailing them, have built structures across the country up to ward level. Does SDP have such structures? That is why the question becomes pertinent: can Adebayo pull it off and make a statement?

FOR EKITI NORTH SENATE SEAT, ODDS FAVOUR OTITOJU

If there was any senatorial district in Ekiti State that is always as interesting as the Nigerian political set-up itself, it is the Ekiti North Senatorial District. The district has two constituencies: One and Two. Constituency One is made up of Oye and Ikole Local Governments while Two is made up of Ido-Osi, Ilejemeje and Moba Local Governments.

The senatorial seat has always been rotated between the two constituencies but for reasons best known to major players in the senatorial district, the seat has been retained by Constituency Two since 2011. The senator currently representing the district is Bunmi Adetumbi from Ifaki-Ekiti in Ido-Osi Local Government.

It is this delicate balance and apparent lack of fair balance between the two constituencies that have made the emergence of Sir Kayode Otitoju, a former Commissioner representing the South-west in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and onetime Commissioner for Information in

Tambuwal the State, as a force to reckon with.

This is not the first time Otitoju would be trying his luck but at no time have the odds been in his favour as now. His first attempt was in 2001, when INEC announced that there would be a byeelection to fill the vacancy created by the death of Senator Olatunji Ajayi, who was from Constituency Two. Then governor and current Minister of Commerce and Industry, Niyi Adebayo, prevailed that Constituency Two where Ajayi came from should still retain the seat. Succeeding Ajayi was the late Senator Olagunju Kolawole, who held the seat till 2007, when it moved to Constituency One and Senator Ayo Arise served till 2011 and was succeeded

by Senator Duro Faseyi till 2015 and then Senator Adetumbi since 2015.

Both Faseyi and Adetumbi are from same Ido-Osi Local Government in Constituency Two. The implication of this is that by 2023, Constituency Two would have held the seat for 20 out of 24 years.

Now, the two parties seem to have zoned the seat to Constituency One and specifically to Ikole Local Government.

And that is why Otitoju seems confident he would make the cut this time, after 22 years of trying. Speaking with THISDAY on Monday, Otitoju said even if only for fairness and equity, Constituency One and Ikole Local Government specifically should have the slot.

“By 2023, Moba and Ido-Osi would have had the seat for 20 out of 24 years.

The only person from our one zone to have it was Senator Ayo Arise. And I am glad that our party, under Governor

“Those who raised money for nomination forms do not matter as those who made the form translate into victory. Even then, Saraki has always proven to be a man of his words with the courage to walk his talk.

So, fingers crossed.”

Fayemi, has deemed it fit to not only zone it to Constituency One, but to Ikole Local Government this time. Beyond this, however, I believe I am immensely qualified for the seat,” he said.

A successful businessman, Otitoju has had stint in the transport and logistics sector of the economy, where he made success of his forays before venturing into politics over twenty years ago. He is from Odo Oro-Ekiti in Ilole Local Government area of the state.

TAMBUWAL: STILL PLAYING THE ZONING GAME

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, is very much aware that should his party, the PDP, zone its presidential ticket to the South, he has been automatically disqualified. It is, therefore, not surprising that Tambuwal had upped the ante on the zoning debate by declaring that the Southsouth zone could not win the Presidency even if it was zone there.

That was why he advised his party to either choose between zoning and winning the Presidency. Tambuwal made the declaration in Abuja, when he met with principal officers of the National Assembly on Tuesday in continuation of his consultations towards realising his presidential bid.

Apparently responding to the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who asked that the South-south zone be treated with fairness, Tambuwal said “you cannot zone what you don’t have”.

The issue of zoning has become a thorny one within the PDP hierarchy as many of the party’s top stakeholders from the North were of the opinion that if the party wanted to win the 2023 presidential election, then, it had to forget about zoning and let the best of all the aspirants be put forward irrespective of where he or she comes from.

But party leaders from the South wanted the party to follow the steps of the ruling APC and zone the party to the Southern part of the country. And leading this campaign is Wike. And from all indications, the party will not prevent anyone from any part of the country to purchase expression of interest form. It, however, promises to be interesting how the party navigates through this very delicate issue.

40

THURSDAY MARCH 24, 2022 •T H I S D AY

41

THURSDAY, ͺͼ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

FORTY-ONE

US First Female Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, Dies at 84 United States of America's first female Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, is dead. She was 84 years old.

Albright's family announced her demise yesterday.

Albright was nominated to be the first woman secretary of state by President Bill Clinton on December 5, 1996, confirmed by the U.S. Senate on January 22, 1997, and sworn in the next day. She served in the

position for four years and ended her service on January 20, 2001.

As secretary of state, Albright promoted the expansion of NATO eastward into the former Soviet bloc nations and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons from the former Soviet republics to rogue nations. In addition, she successfully pressed for military intervention under NATO auspices during the humanitarian crisis in Kosovo in

1999, supporting the expansion of free-market democratisation and the creation of civil societies in the developing world.

Albright also favoured the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol on Global Climate Change and furthered the normalisation of relations with Vietnam.

Albright was born Marie Jean 'Madlenka' Korbel on May 15, 1937, in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

Her father, Josef, was a member of the Czechoslovak Foreign Service and served as a press attaché in Belgrade, Yugoslavia and later became Ambassador to Yugoslavia.

After the communist coup in 1948, the family immigrated to Denver, Colorado.

Albright Americanised her name to Madeleine, became a U.S. citizen in 1957, and earned a B.A. in political science with honours

from Wellesley College in 1959.

She earned a PhD in Public Law and Government at Columbia University in 1976.

Albright served as a chief legislative assistant to Senator Edmund Muskie (D-Me) from 1976 to 1978.

From 1978 to 1981, she served as a staff member in the White House under President Jimmy Carter and on the National Security Council under National Security Adviser

Zbigniew Brzezinski.

In 1982 she was appointed research professor of International Affairs at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and director of its Women in Foreign Service Programme. In 1993 she was appointed ambassador to the United Nations by Clinton and served in the position until she was appointed secretary of state in 1996.

without the need for election.

"Today, we all briefed Mr. President on the issue of distributing political party offices to the respective zones and our support for Mr. President's endorsement of the candidate for the National Chairman of the party and the various geo-political zones.

“We took turns to brief Mr. President on what they have been doing to generate consensus in their respective zones among the National Working Committee (NWC) and zonal party positions that have been either allocated to the zones or which the zones are entitled to.

"Most of the zones have been allocated NWC positions that are fewer than the number of states.

However, there are zonal executive committees from which the zones are working to produce a consensus list.

"So, this afternoon, the respective zones – Governor Abubakar Bello briefed on behalf of the North-central; Governor Babagana Zulum on behalf of the North-east; Governor Badaru Abubakar of

Jigawa State on behalf of North-west; Governor Dave Umahi, on behalf of South-east; Governor Kayode Fayemi briefed the president on behalf of the South-west. I further mentioned the position of the South-south to Mr. President, as I had on paper.

"So, Mr. President appreciated the briefing and restated his gratitude for the work the governors have been doing in support for the party and preparation for the National Convention."

The Kebbi State governor further reiterated that aspirants that were against the consensus option were free to run at the convention, saying APC, as a democratic party would not bar anybody from exercising their rights.

According to him: "Our party is a democratic party. We will always urge consensus; we’ll urge respect for the decisions of the party, because the distribution of political party offices here has been approved by the highest organ of the party, which is the National Caretaker

APC CONVENTION: BUHARI, GOVERNORS AGREE ON CONSENSUS CANDIDATES Committee (NWC) of the party.

The party settled for former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, as consensus candidate for the post of National Chairman. It agreed on Senator Iyiola Omisore for National Secretary.

Other positions will be filled through the Unity List being worked out by the governors. The Unity List is expected to contain names of candidates for all positions. Anyone who is still bent on contesting is free to do so, but once outside the unity list, it's surely going to be a losing game as the governors control the delegates who will vote at the convention.

Buhari, at a meeting with the governors, warned against frittering away the gains of the government and the party as a result of in-fighting. He later met with some of the intending chairmanship hopefuls, to discuss how to manage the many tendencies ahead of the convention.

Omisore is believed to have the backing of his Osun State governor, Gboyega Oyetola, who many allege may need the national officer to fight Rauf Aregbesola.

However, briefing newsmen after a meeting between Buhari and the APC governors at State House, Abuja, Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, said those opposed to the consensus option were equally free to contest for any of the party offices.

That was as Chairman of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of APC, and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, warned the media against setting party stakeholders against one another to ignite crisis, a few days to the national convention.

Notwithstanding, the screening committee of the party, yesterday, extended the screening of aspirants vying for various party positions by one day ahead of the convention.

APC selected 180 delegates

to represent the Anambra State chapter of the party at the national convention on Saturday.

At the same time, following the court case filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State and his Deputy, challenging their defection to the APC. Chairman of APC in the state, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, expressed optimism that the judgement, slated for Friday, would be in the favour of the governor and his deputy.

While meeting with the APC governors, Buhari stated, “Over the last seven years we have done our best to deliver good governance to the country. We have guaranteed national food security, we have provided modern infrastructure to kick-start economic growth and we have implemented the most comprehensive social welfare programmes in our history.

“Along the way, our party has survived shocks and attempts to derail it. Our government has also had to endure the worst economic crisis with the free fall of oil prices from an average of $100 per barrel over 15 years of PDP government to an average of $30 – $50 until the recent energy crisis.

“We need to remind ourselves of these achievements and not be diverted by petty quarrels and unseemly jockeying for positions.

It will be very sad and regrettable development if these manifest gains are frittered away as a result of internal dissent and rivalry.

“We must avoid narrow focus and inordinate personal ambitions at the expense of our party’s common good. We must stop frivolous and diversionary litigationss when the party’s reconciliation processes are available for settling disputes. We must restore sanity and purpose in the affairs of our party and lead ourselves to victory and safety.”

The president later met with all the seven chairmanship aspirants of APC. The meeting held over dinner at the official residence of

the president at State House, Abuja.

THISDAY learnt that the meeting, which began at 8pm, also had in attendance Buni, Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

At the meeting with the seven aspirants, it was learnt that the president stressed the need for the aspirants to embrace consensus to avoid acrimony.

The aspirants that attended the meeting were Minister of Special Duties, George Akume; Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani Musa; former Deputy National Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, Saliu Mustapha; and Mohammed Etsu.

Others were former Nasarawa State governor and serving Senator Tanko Al-Makura; former governor of Nasarawa State and Senator representing Nasarawa West, who is believed to be Buhari's preferred candidate, Senator Adamu Abdullahi; and former Governor

of Zamfara State, Abdul Aziz Yari.

But Bagudu, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues at the meeting with the president, numbering 15, said the governors took turns to brief Buhari on steps being taken to ensure that consensus candidates emerged at all levels.

He stressed that the PGF was in support of the chairmanship candidate being backed by Buhari, although, he refused to name the candidate. Buhari was weeks ago alleged to have settled for Adamu as consensus chairman for the party.

According to Bagudu, "Mr. President has always urged consensus for all positions, because consensus is in accordance with democratic tenets and once you have leaders, who are established, who are working towards the same goal, yes, we might have our individual differences, like was once carefully explained by Governor El-Rufai.

“But on the principle of ensuring that we get leadership that will hit the ground running, we are united, and to that extent, will support any process that will lead to consensus and the emergence of leaders

FOR THE SIXTH TIME, ATIKU DECLARES PRESIDENTIAL BID saying Nigeria is a sinking ship that must be rescued urgently.

It was the sixth time Atiku would be bidding for the presidential seat since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999.

The former vice president said the 2023 presidential election was a referendum for Nigerians to choose between greatness and continued destruction as well as backwardness.

Atiku’s presidential declaration came as former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, intensified consultation with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders, including senators and members of the House of Representatives over his presidential bid.

Atiku had contested against

Chief MKO Abiola in 1993 on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He contested again in 2007 on the platform of the defunct Action Congress (AC).

He contested under PDP in 2011, on the platform of APC in 2015, and under PDP in 2019.

Speaking at the ceremony, Atiku said the 2023 general election was not the usual selection of those who would govern the country. But, "It is a referendum to decide whether we want greatness or continuous destruction. It is a choice between two paths: the path of unity and progress or the path of division and backwardness," he said.

The former vice president stressed, “We need a new kind of leadership that will steer us to a

FG TALKS TOUGH, MOVES AGAINST OIL THIEVES AS BUHARI DEPLOYS SYLVA, KYARI, CDS TO N'DELTA Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had on Monday lamented the unprecedented rate of oil theft recorded in recent times and its debilitating effect on government revenue and accretion to reserves.

The governor’s comment came a day after THISDAY reported similar concerns expressed by the Co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Austin Avuru, who called for a state of emergency in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

He revealed that up to 80 per cent of oil pumped in the country, particularly in the East, is stolen.

Avuru spoke a few days after a businessman and Chairman Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, also bemoaned the worsening state of the industry, stressing that about 95 per cent of oil production does not get to the terminal.

Earlier, Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO), operators of the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) pipeline, had threatened to exit the facility due to incessant vandalism, perennial sabotage and outright theft.

However, at the group’s first ports of call in Port Harcourt, Riv-

ers state, Delta and Bayelsa states yesterday, Sylva who described the perpetrators as criminals, said the deployment of top stakeholders

by Buhari was to underscore the importance of the situation.

“We have come because of the activities of these criminals. The government and the country can no longer afford these activities and that’s why we are here. I don’t want to say much, but we are going now, the CDS, myself and the operating companies and the GMD, we are going to overfly and see for ourselves what’s happening.

“And then I can assure you that within the next few days, operations will start in earnest and we are very sure that we are going to be victorious in a few months.

“The problem of security has come to the attention of the president and Mr. President has directed myself and the CDS and the GMD to ensure that this problem is handled once and for all,” the minister said.

According to Sylva, there are three elements to the solution to the extant problem, including the communities, as in his words, “these people involved in the illegal activities are not ghosts.”

Sylva argued that since the perpetrators are from communities,

Continued on page 44

the host communities need to be involved in finding a lasting solution to the menace.

“The security too must be involved because you are the law enforcement arm of government and of course we also as part of government we must be involved and then the third arm, are the operating companies.

“All the elements are complete now. We are here as government, the operating companies are here and of course we are going to the communities. So, I believe that finally, this problem will be resolved.

“We are determined to stop it because we can ill afford the continuation of the insecurity in the oil industry. So I want to let everybody know that these criminals have their days numbered.

“We are here to ensure that this problem is finally resolved and to reclaim this industry for the country because this country has lost so much from the activities of these criminals and the government and country can no longer afford these activities and that’s why we are here,” he maintained.

In his comments, Kyari stated that the government had concluded plans to move against oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism and illegal activities threatening the country’s

oil sector.

Kyari noted that the government would leave no stone unturned to arrest the increasing spate of oil theft and destruction of the environment which had cost the country foreign exchange earnings.

The team which visited various sites where illegal oil refineries were being carried out, he said, was on a mission to ensure that illegal oil refining and theft of crude oil was halted.

At Ibaa which is in Emeoha Local Government of the state, Kyari and the team ordered the destruction of several illegal sites.

Speaking with journalists at Ibaa, Kyari said the country could no longer afford to see her oil illegally exploited and stolen. He pointed out that the strategy being adopted would finally arrest the situation.

He commended the security team in the effort to stop denying the country the much needed resources for economic development.

The NNPC GMD warned that stakeholders are not being left out in the quest to find a lasting solution, adding that the Navy were also on top of the situation, assuring that the task of destroying illegal oil refinery will not stop until the problem is resolved.

positive path. In 2023, we want a president, who has ideas on how to fix Nigeria. We want a president who understands, who inspires and is empathetic.

“As the election is fast approaching, we should not be distracted from the devastating conditions we are in now. The ruling party wants to divide us; they want to divide us along the political, ethnic, and religious lines so that we forget to blame them for the rising inflation.

“They want to distract us from holding them responsible for the insecurity and rising poverty.

They want us to be facing each other and hating one another. We should focus on the issues, not our differences. Let us unite and fight our common enemies: the lack of unity, insecurity, poverty, inflation, and unemployment.

"That is what this election is about. I have no doubt in my mind that we, as Nigerians, can do it. We did it in 1993. We can do it in 2023. We must stand firm, get our PVCs, come out en masse, cast our votes, and protect it against any manipulation."

He recounted his previous presidential bids, saying his motivation has always been to rekindle the Nigerian dream.

Atiku said, "I have contested for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria a couple of times in the past. My enduring persistence is borne out of my passion to rekindle the Nigerian dream that I was privileged to live.

"Nigeria is a land of possibility.

There is no challenging background that will make any Nigerian give up. I am a living witness to what is possible in Nigeria."

Tracing his political history, Atiku said, "Who could have ever imagined, an 11-year-old village orphan, who had to rear other people's cattle to raise money to feed his family, would have the opportunity to go to school for free, rise through the cadre of a decent profession, establish successful businesses, and become the vice president of this country?

"That is the Nigerian dream and that is my story. That is the possibility I want to pass to you and your children. No matter your current circumstances, that should not limit your success in life. There should not be any limit to what you want to achieve if you are willing to work for it.

"That is my dream for Nigeria.

However, that is not possible without credible and visionary leadership, and that is what I want to offer to Nigerians.”

Doubling down on his aspiration, Atiku said, "You and I know that Nigeria is in dire need of visionary leadership. Our fundamental principles and purpose as a nation have never been challenged as it is today.

"Presently, Nigeria is a sinking ship; it must be rescued urgently.

That is why I am happy to announce my candidacy for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“I offer myself to rescue the sinking ship. Under my captainship, this ship will sail to a brighter course by the grace of God. However, this journey is not mine alone. It is a journey I am taking for all Nigerians. It is also a journey to a destination I planned with my late great mentor, Major General Shehu Musa Yar’adua."

Meanwhile, Saraki continued consultation for his own presidential ambition by meeting with PDP senators and House of Representatives members. He first met the members of the PDP House of Representatives at the residence of the House Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu, and later, the PDP senators at the residence of Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe.

Elumelu, in his address, called for unity of all the presidential aspirants in their campaigns and cautioned against unnecessary antagonism among the presidential hopefuls.

He said it was unity of purpose that would ultimately guarantee victory for PDP in 2023.

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OKUPE IS 70...

L-R: Mrs Aduralere Okupe; the celebrant and former Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and other members of the Okupe family, during the 70th birthday of the former presidential spokesperson in Lagos on Tuesday.

Umahi: By Law, I Remain Ebonyi Gov, Invites Buhari to Inaugurate Projects Next Month Says Wike a mere mortal, can’t decide his fate, challenges him to performance debate Deji Elumoye in Abuja Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, has said by law, he remained governor despite a recent court judgement that ousted him for defecting from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said he was not entertaining fear over the judgement by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who ordered him and his deputy, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, to vacate their offices for defecting from the PDP to APC. Umahi, who spoke yesterday with newsmen at the State House, Abuja shortly after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, described the judgement as a blessing in disguise.

According to him, a counterpronouncement by a federal high court in Abuja, has affirmed that he enjoyed immunity as an elected governor, and that votes secured during an election legally belonged to the candidate and not a political party.

Asked if he was worried about the court sacking him, Umahi said, “Do I look worried? You see, God has plans for everything. And I think that God allowed one court to give judgment that I go nowhere, allowed another court to say, because we defected, that the votes belong to the party.

“And I'm very worried because the highest court has said that votes belong to the candidates.

And that's why even though APC won the election in Bayelsa State, the deputy governor's credentials, were defective.

“And even a day to swearing-in,

the Supreme Court ruled disqualifying the candidate of APC that won the election, because of his deputy. And so if votes belonged to the party, it would have been that the Supreme Court in its wisdom would have just asked for the man that won election for the party to bring the substitutes to do that.

“So, I'm not worried, because in the first place, there is no constitutional provision that says that the governor can't be sued in the first place, so I'm not sue-able.

You know, but a court judgment is a court judgment. I’m not in the position to interpret it but the Constitution, we swore to uphold, I can speak to the Constitution.

“And the Constitution says that, once you're elected, you enjoy immunity, and Supreme Court says votes cast in an election belong to the candidate. And that's why you have qualifications of a candidate and not qualifications of a political party. So I'm not worried.

“But you see, God allowed it so that where I couldn’t reach in terms of my consultation, this situation has made it possible for me to reach those places. And to truly see that Nigerians love me and they want me and that is the reason for that.

“And I want to thank the PDP and even the man that boasted that he did that hatchet job. If the people that crucify Christ knew that it will bring salvation to the whole world, they wouldn't have done that.

“So the hatchet man that boasted is likened to Judas Iscariot. And so, I have no worry, because the Constitution is clear. I have confidence in the judiciary and so

you can see I have added some weight in these few days and looking more handsome.”

Umahi, who thanked his unnamed colleague (Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike), for admitting on national television that he was behind the hatchet job and likened him to biblical Judas Iscariot, said as a man who relied on the breath of God like any other mortal, Wike could not determine his fate.

According to him, he served only the living God while that of his unnamed counterpart (whose name he refused to mention), might be based on alcohol.

When asked if he and his unnamed counterpart had personal grouse aside the politics of defecting to APC, he explained that, “Probably the difference between

us will be our faith. I serve the living God and he probably a lot of alcohol. I don’t drink. So, that is the difference between us otherwise he remains my friend and my brother and I have nothing against him.”

Urged to disclose the identity of his colleague, Umahi said, "You should be the one telling me. You heard him on Channels boasting that he is behind the judgment.

A mere man that depends on the breath of God. I pity illiteracy. It’s a shame. You are boasting to remove another governor.

"What qualifies you just because you're packing money that is public fund? Not intellectual material but by just packing money from public funds and you are boasting about it. Otherwise, who are you?

I became a billionaire at the age

of 25. I've worked all my life and I have asked him to come for public debates.

"I do not commission 3.4 kilometer road. I commission 35 kilometer roads. I commissioned twin flyovers running to one kilometer. I commissioned mega projects with little resources. So, if he says he has done well and he is Mr this or that, let him come for public debate with me. Let's start with our childhoods. So, I'm not disturbed."

On the fate of his presidential ambition, he said: "It could be just your own imagination, because there is no such thing. You can see us in the various media houses, you know, social media. You can see my supporters everywhere, you can see my consultation.

"I even consult those, who are

Abba Kyari Yet to Be Served Extradition Suit As court adjourns hearing till April 27

Alex Enumah in Abuja A Federal High Court in Abuja was yesterday informed that suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Abba Kyari, was yet to be served with a suit of the federal government seeking his extradition to the United States of America to answer to corruption allegations.

The federal government through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation last month went to the Federal High Court for an Order for the extradition of Kyari over his alleged involvement in a wire fraud to the tune of $1.1 billion.

At the last proceedings of March

9, 2022, the court had held that hearing in the suit would commence on March 23, 2022.

However, hearing yesterday could not take place as scheduled following claims that the defendant was yet to be served with the suit.

Kyari's lawyer, Mr. Nureni Jimoh, informed the court, shortly after the matter was mentioned that he was yet to be served with the AGF's processes.

FG's lawyer, Pius Akutah, who is also Head of Central Authority Unit in the office of the AGF, also confirmed that the respondent (Kyari) had not been served with the processes.

He explained that the delay in serving the respondent was as a result of a sister case filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against Kyari and six others on alleged drug offences before Justice Emeka Nwite.

According to him, the case before Nwite had taken so much of their time.

Responding, trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, asked the applicant's lawyer how long it would take them to serve the respondent with the court's processes to which he said 14 days.

Akutah, who said he had within 14 days to effect the service in ac-

2015 Hajj Stampede: FG Commends Saudi Arabia over Compensation Michael Olugbode in Abuja The federal government of Nigeria has commended the Saudi Authority over compensation of Nigerians who died in 2015 during the annual pilgrimage to the Holy site in the Islamic country.

Five Nigerians lost their lives and two sustained various degree of injuries.

But the Saudi Authority has compensated those affected.

The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Faisal Al-Ghamdi, yesterday handed over on behalf of the Saudi government, cheques to five representatives of those who

lost their lives and the other two Nigerians who sustained injuries The Director, Consular and Legal Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, led the Nigerian delegation in the company of the Chairman/CEO, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Zikrullah Hassan, to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja.

The Saudi Arabian Ambassador, who spoke in Arabic, prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and prayed that God continue to console their families.

Akinremi commended the Saudi government and appreciated them

also aspiring. And that shows you how committed I am to this course and I think it’s God’s project. So, there is no such thing. Whatever is God’s project, no such consideration will come to such project."

Meanwhile, Umahi has disclosed that President Buhari has accepted his invitation to visit Ebonyi State, next month to inaugurate some of the over 2,000 projects that have been executed by the state government.

According to him, some of the projects to be commissioned included King David Medical University, some of the over 2000 completed roads built with concrete, the biggest mall in West Africa, President Buhari large tunnel flyover bridge, with fountain on top, the international markets as well as the industrial cluster.

for the kind gesture and the hand of fellowship extended to the family of the affected Nigerians.

He said: “On behalf of the Nigerian government, we want to commend the Saudi authorities, particularly the Ambassador here who during his own tenure, one year of arrival here, he took this up, I remember several meetings we held together in Foreign Affairs, with His Excellency Geoffrey Onyeama, His Excellency Zubairu Dada, and His Excellency Tanimu Aduda where we brought this to their attention that this is pending.”

His added: “Nigerian government is saying our friendship with Saudi

will continue, we are also encouraging people not to be discouraged that one accident is not enough to stop people from performing their spiritual responsibility. We will continue to relate very well with the Saudi authority, we will continue to promote our friendship and we look forward to having good news from the families of the beneficiaries, we don’t expect this to lead to fracas where they will not be able to amicably share this among themselves, but rather going to make their faith in God get stronger and their family bond to get stronger” Also, Bolaji said, “we really excited

by this news, we are here we have seen it the checks has been issued in the names of the representatives of the victims, as you know 5 people died, they cannot be here physically, so the families of those five people sent representatives, two others sustains various level of injuries and they were all compensated.

This have great significant, number one, the Saudi Authority fulfilled their promises, also despite the fact that the ugly incident was not called by anybody, the Saudis authorities still compensate the people as they recognized that the people left the country for pilgrimage and not intention to go and die. “

cordance with the law, promised to serve Kyari's counsel the application by today.

As a result of these, in a short ruling, Justice Ekwo, held that upon service of the processes, the respondent have within 14 days to also respond and gave seven more days for the parties to put their house in order.

The judge adjourned the matter until April 27 for hearing.

The federal government had sought for Kyari’s extradition to the United States (U.S) to answer a case over his alleged linked with the fraudster, Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi.

The federal government, through the Office of the AGF, had filed the application marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/249/2022.

The application was filed under the Extradition Act, as part of Nigerian government’s approval of the request by the U. S. for Kyari’s extradition.

The suit, titled: “Application for the Extradition of Abba Alhaji Kyari to the United States of America,” was dated and filed March 2.

The application was filed under the Extradition Act, as part of Nigerian government’s approval of the request by the US for Kyari’s extradition.

While the AGF is the applicant, Kyari is the respondent in the application.

Kyari was formerly the head of Inspector-General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

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COLLABORATING AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING...

L-R: Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office, Kelvin Uwaibi; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie.; Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefano De Leo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Deputy Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Tarek Chazli, and Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, during a courtesy visit by the Italian Ambassador, at the Government House, in Benin City... yesterday

PDP Announces Zoning Committee Members, Inauguration Holds Today Says purchase of presidential forms won’t invalidate committee Chuks Okocha in Abuja The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),yesterday, released the names of members of the 37-man zoning committee.

The party also said it would inaugurate the zoning committee

today.

In a statement by Umar Bature, the National Organising Secretary, the PDP said this was in pursuant to the approval of the National Executive Committee (NEC) at its 95th meeting, which announced the appointment.

The members are as follow:

(Abia) Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, (Adamawa) H.E. Boni Haruna, (Akwa Ibom) Sen. Emmanuel Ibokessie, (Anambra) Prof. A. B. C. Nwosu, (Bauchi ) Sen. Abdul Ahmed Ningi, (Bayelsa) Rt. Hon. Boyelayefa Debekeme, (Benue) H.E. Dr. Samuel Ortom, (Borno) Sen. Sanusi Daggash, (Cross River) H.

E. Liyel Imoke, (Delta) Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, (Ebonyi) Amb. Franklin Nchita Ogbuewu, (Edo) Chief Tom Ikimi, (Ekiti) H. E. Dr. Ayodele Fayose and (Enugu) Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Others are (Fct/Abuja) Mohammed Abdulrahman, (Gombe), Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo,

Uduaghan: Election Fatigue Forced Me to Step Aside from Senate Bid Next elections will make or mar Nigerians, says Igali Tackle security challenges before polls, Gbagi posits

Sylvester Idowu in Warri A former governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday, denied stepping down from his senate bid but only stepped aside as a result of election fatigue.

He bared his mind at the 2023 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents' Chapel Lectures/ Award Ceremony held at the Casa de Pedro Hotels, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

The former Governor claimed that contrary to speculations, he did not jettison his aspiration for the Red Chamber for a Delta South Senatorial aspirant but decided not to contest because of "election fatigue".

He explained that he never picked up a form for the Senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but only did once while he was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

"I indicated interest to contest, but at no time did I collect form in the PDP. I only collected in the APC. At no time did I step down.

I only stepped aside, because of election fatigue," he said.

Uduaghan, while delivering a lecture titled "2023 Elections and Role of the Media", noted that by 2023 Nigeria would have enjoyed 24 years unbroken democracy, adding that the media had during the period enjoyed a lot of freedom, unlike under the military.

He, therefore, charged media practitioners in Nigeria to be more objective in their reportage since, according to him, media projections were at times far from the reality.

He also challenged media owners to be faithful with their workers

by paying them as and when due to guard against being influenced negatively by corrupt politicians.

The former Governor said he was in support of the calls for traditional rulers to be given constitutional roles in governance in Nigeria, saying "with such power, authority and recognition, insecurity challenges will be curbed to a large extent across the nation.

"I feel very sad that we have not given our traditional rulers the special role they should play.

I say this because a lot of cases are settled in the palaces. Traditional rulership must deal on dictatorship.

They should be given the power, authority, recognition to play more roles in the society. I am sure if that is done, all these challenges in our society will be reduced."

At the same time, Chairman of the occasion and former Nigerian Ambassador to Norway, Sweden and Denmark, Ambassador God knows Igali, in his speech, warned that the choices and decisions taken

by Nigerians in the forthcoming general election would make or mar the steady evolution of the nation's democracy.

He noted that 2022 has a lot of significance and of special importance to the 2023 general election, which he described as "a watershed for the country.

Igali, therefore, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the federal government to ensure better preparation for 2023 general election, stressing that the process of going through an election was like most other journeys in human existence and planning.

Igali, the current Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Board of Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), declared: "There

is need for proper planning, understanding the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and more importantly, proffering solutions to issues that present themselves in a timely manner.”

Also, a frontline governorship

aspirant in Delta State and former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, emphasised the need to frontally tackle the insecurity challenges across Nigeria to make life more secured for the citizenry.

(Imo) Chief Fidelis Izuchukwu, (Jigawa) H. E. (Dr.) Sule Lamido, (Kaduna) H.E. Sen. Mohammed Ahmed Makarfi, (Kano) Amb. Aminu Wali, (Katsina) H. E. Barr.

Ibrahim Shehu Shema, (Kebbi) Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, San, (Kogi) H. E. Ibrahim Idri, (Kwara) Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, (Lagos) Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, (Nasarawa) H. E. Mike Abdul.

Also on the committee are (Niger) Prof. Jerry Gana, (Ogun) Hon. Daisi Akintan, (Ondo) Dr. Omotayo Dairo, (Osun) Prof.

Adewale Oladipo, (Oyo) Sen. Hosea Ayoola Agboola, (Plateau) H. E. Jonah David Jang, (Rivers) Hon. Austin Opara, (Sokoto) Attahiru Bafarawa, (Taraba) H. E. Darius Ishaku, (Yobe) Alh. Adamu Maina Waziri and (Zamfara) H. E. Barr.

Mahadi Aliyu Gusau.

The committee would be inaugurated today, March 24, 2022, at 11:00, at NEC Hall, PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja Meanwhile, the party has said irrespective of the presidential

aspirants rushing to obtain nomination forms and not waiting for the outcome of the 37-man committee that would determine the zoning of the presidential ticket, it would not invalidate the outcome of the work of the zoning committee.

National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba said, "We are a party of due processes. That anyone has obtained a nomination form does not in anyway invalidate the report of the 37-man committee, when they submit their report.

"The 37-man committee is a decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and it must be implemented one way or the other," Ologunagba said.

He explained further that the PDP has processes and "we will always obey our rules and guidelines and whatever is happening, we wait for the outcome of the 37 man report.

"Whatever happens, we will still zone, irrespective of those that have purchased the forms. The NEC of our party will decide. We must be relevant and remain consistent with our guidelines and rules."

2023: INEC Seeks National Peace Committee’s Early Intervention To release guidelines, regulations 10 months to general elections Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has called on the National Peace Committee (NPC), to engage actors in the political space early enough, in order to minimize incidences of electoral violence in the 2023 general election.

Also, Chairman of the Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday, announced that INEC would release the regulations and guidelines for the 2023 general election ten months to the exercise.

However, Yakubu reached out to the NPC, when he received a delegation from the committee alongside Representatives from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Kofi Annan Foundation, led by the Head of the NPC Secretariat, Rev. Father Atta Barkindo, who represented Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, at the INEC Headquarters yesterday.

The INEC chairman, who appreciated the contribution of the committee to peaceful elections through the Peace Accord initiative introduced in 2015, noted that, “nations are lucky when they have moral voices, that their authority does not draw from statutory provisions, it exists purely from

moral persuasion, and people listen.

“That is why I think it is a big plus for us as a nation to have a national peace committee and the calibre of people involved in the National Peace Committee,” he added.

Appealing to the General Abdulsalam Abubakar-led Committee for its intervention with regards to electoral violence, Yakubu said, “One of the things that the National Peace Committee can help us do in terms of mitigating security challenges is early engagement with some of the actors.

“Not just signing the peace accord on the eve of elections, but imagine that some of those, who perpetrate violence on election day are not necessarily candidates in the election, but are people engaged by beneficiaries of the election. So, if we can engage with the actors early enough, I hope that we will be able to turn a new leaf in that respect.”

Earlier, Bishop Mathew Kukah and Convener of the meeting, appreciated the support of INEC towards cascading the peace accord from the national level to the states, noting that the support and the successes recorded endeared the Kofi Anan Foundation and the Swiss Federal Department of

Foreign Affairs to the NPC. Kukah explained that they were at the Commission to seek ways to deepen the existing relationship between the NPC and INEC. Meanwhile, Yakubu on election guidelines, when he received a delegation from John D and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation led by its president, John Palfrey, on Monday at the INEC Headquarters Abuja.

He said the readiness of the operational document of the election was made possible by the early passage and assent to the amendment to the Electoral Act. The regulations and guidelines are the daily operational manuals for the 2023 general election.

Yakubu recalled that the operation of the commission in the build-up to the 2019 general election, was seriously constrained by time due to the uncertainty that trailed the electoral legal framework, which saw the commission signing off on the regulations and guidelines on the 19th of January, 2019, few weeks to the election.

“But we hope that this time around, we will sign off on the Regulations and Guidelines at least 10 months before the next general election, which is very good progress for us,” he said.

According to him, the new “the

Electoral Act has been repealed and re-enacted. It was not just a question of amendment, the amendments were so extensive, so eventually the National Assembly repealed and re-enacted the electoral act,” adding that, “This is the 3rd time since 1999, where the country is repealing and re-enacting the Electoral Act. “We are happy with the assent, we now have a new electoral law, on the bases of which we commenced work on the Regulations and Guidelines. The Electoral Act cannot say everything, so the National Assembly donates part of its power to INEC to make Regulations and Guidelines and these Regulations and Guidelines have forms of subsidiary legislation.”

President of John D and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, John Palfrey, in his remarks, congratulated the Commission for the successes achieved in areas where it made recommendations after the 2019 general election.

“I wish also to recall having been able to visit in 2019 and we discussed several things that were underway at that time. One was the progress of the Electoral Act, and I’d like to congratulate you on the passage of the Electoral Act.

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SEARCHING FOR CONSENSUS AMONG THE CHAIRMANSHIP ASPIRANTS...

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari; Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff; former Gov Abubakar Yari and Saliu Mustapha, PHOTO: SUNDAY AGHAEZE. during the President's meeting with all the chairmanship aspirants at the Presidential Villa in Abuja ...yesterday

Jonathan Urges Leaders to Let Democracy Cater for People’s Welfare Chuks Okocha in Abuja Former President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, said democracy would have its value and be meaningful, when it caters for the welfare of the vast majority of citizens.

Speaking at the West Africa's Elder Forum, in Abuja, Jonathan said, "As I conclude, let me reemphasise the point that is often made that for democracy to endure, it must yield basic public goods to its citizens. These include economic

development, good social services, freedom, justice, peace and security.

"This underscores the place of good governance in our discourse of democracy. Democracy losses its meaning if it does not guarantee the economic status and social security of the citizens.

"Today, we must interrogate some fundamental issues such as recurring military intervention, democracy and good governance, peace and security, economic development as well as human trafficking in our sub-region," the former President

stated.

He continued: "Democracy is a communal asset. It, therefore, requires a collective action and consensus building by all stakeholders to safeguard it. As a region, the fate of our democracy is being put to question by unconstitutional change of government as recently witnessed in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.

"These sad developments, which have occasioned a gradual erosion of our civic space and value system is what has necessitated this meeting today. Our gathering today, therefore,

seeks to articulate possible solutions and strategies that will help consolidate our democracy.

“This is with a view to actively engaging with governments and key stakeholders to stem the tide of democratic backsliding and the breakdown of law and order in our nations. I am worried that some members of the sub-region are beginning to opt for military intervention, because of what they consider as the weaknesses and flaws of democratically-elected leaders."

Jonathan said that he was aware that many of African leaders wielded great influence in the sub-region and continent, but added that, "Together, we can leverage our experiences and the power of diplomacy to resolve the crisis in ECOWAS today."

He said the sustainability of democracy in West Africa was key to resolving many of challenges, appealing to all African leaders across the nations to make democracy work for the interest of all citizens.

“This is why we need to continu-

ally advocate for the strengthening of our democratic institutions. Strong institutions are the pillars for the sustenance of our democracy and the development of our nations. We must therefore help in this regard and fashion out the best approach towards the strengthening of political systems".

In his remarks, the former Sierra Leone President, Ba Koroma, said, the problems of instability in West Africa was the tendency of African leaders to sustain leadership at all times.

lead is coming to take over, not a makeshift leader. If we vote and ratify the chairmanship of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, 2023 electoral victories are assured.”

"These have reposed on us all the onerous task of leading the people of Anambra into the mainstream politics of Nigeria.

This we must accomplish. In a very special way, I appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for his giant development strides in Anambra State."

APC CONVENTION: BUHARI, GOVERNORS AGREE ON CONSENSUS CANDIDATES Committee, because they were acting in their capacity as the National Executive Committee of the party.

But where people still choose to go against the grain, whatever the party constitution allows them, because we wouldn't do anything undemocratic."

He stressed that the meeting with Buhari also agreed that everything should be put in place for the party to have a successful convention come March 22, by supporting all the decisions taken by the Buni-led caretaker committee and those taken in his absence.

His words, "Some of you may recall that last week, there was a letter that was widely circulated in the media, addressed to me as the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and copied to a number of others, including the chairman of the Caretaker Committee, the acting Chairman of the Caretaker Committee and, indeed, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

"That letter led to a series of actions, including meetings between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Acting Chairman, Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State, as he was then, and myself.

"We all restated our commitment to working together to ensure that the convention takes place on March 26, 2022 and then, we agreed to support all the decisions that were taken by the caretaker committee, both acting as a working committee and acting with the donated powers given to it by the National Executive Committee.

“Indeed, the chairman of the caretaker, upon his return, also appreciated what the caretaker committee did and the decisions that were taken in his absence."

Buni Warns Media against Igniting Crisis in APC

Chairman of the Caretaker

Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of APC and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, warned the media against setting party stakeholders against one another and igniting an crisis a few days to the party's national convention slated for Saturday, March 26.

Buni, in a statement yesterday by his Director General, Press and Media Affairs, Mr. Mamman Mohammed, described the media report, which suggested a victor and vanquished positions "as irresponsible and deliberately intended to instigate disaffection and acrimony among the critical stakeholders of the party."

The reports were gleaned from recent happenings in the party.

Buni noted that since the intervention of Buhari via a press statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Malam Garba Shehu, calling on stakeholders to shun media backstabbing and namecalling, APC governors and all other stakeholders had obliged to the presidential directive.

He added that upon his return and assumption of office as chairman of the party, he described the incident as a past event, declaring that there is no victor, no vanquished.

Buni also commended his colleagues in the caretaker committee for the great job they had done under the acting chairmanship of Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello.

"Therefore, it is irrational, absurd and irresponsible for anyone to at this moment initiate animosity and resentment among the stakeholders, who are working assiduously for the success of the upcoming convention," Buni said.

The Yobe State governor stressed that the governors and other critical stakeholders were now heading various sub-committees of the convention and had been meeting with him to ensure a successful

arrangement for the convention.

He said, "Therefore, it amounts to irresponsibility for anyone to write an injurious opinion in complete disregard to the directive from the president. The party and all stakeholders would not condone such disrespect to the president to deliberately cause confusion and divert attention from the cause of having a fruitful convention.

"The authors of such baseless, flimsy, and unwarranted articles, should be cautious of the negative impact of such deliberate sabotage on the party and the good relationship between the governors and their followers."

Buni advised the authors to either work for the unity of APC or just watch if they had nothing to contribute positively. He said the party remained a united family, with much respect for the president, adding that they are collectively committed to the success of the convention, assuring all that the APC would not be distracted from the noble cause of moving forward.

Screening of Aspirants Extended by One Day

APC, yesterday, extended the screening of aspirants vying for various party positions by one day, meaning the screening that was supposed to end yesterday will now end today. The one day extension was due to the number of aspirants jostling for positions, which apparently overwhelmed the committee.

The Screening Committee chaired by Governor of Kastina State, Aminu Masari, had planned to screen all aspirants for positions in the National Working Committee (NWC) on Tuesday and complete the assignment on Wednesday with the screening of Non-NWC and zonal positions.

THISDAY checks revealed that the committee screened six out of the seven national chairmanship aspirants on Tuesday, as well as

Deputy National Chairmanship aspirants for North and South and National Secretary aspirants.

Yesterday, the committee screened Senator Abdullahi Adamu and a few other aspirants for NWC offices and aspirants for zonal offices.

The committee also screened all the national chairmanship aspirants, deputy national chairmanship, national secretary, and national vice chairmen for the six zones.

A source at the Kastina State Governor's Lodge, venue of the exercise, said the committee would request for time extension.

The officer, who did not want his identity publicised, said, "Though the committee may have been told not to disqualify any aspirant, they are bent on due diligence by ensuring that all aspirants have the minimum qualification. This is a move to stall any legal action after the convention.

"With the volume of work to be done and with the template for a thorough screening, the two days assigned for the exercise is grossly inadequate. The committee chairman, His Excellency, Governor Bello Masari, may approach the caretaker committee for a day extension."

The screening of aspirants for zonal offices continued yesterday as at press time.

Meanwhile, a chieftain of APC, Mr. Longers Anyawu, appealed to delegates to the APC national convention to support Senator Abdullahi Adamu to emerge as National Chairman of the party on Saturday.

Anyanwu, in a statement, described Adamu as a de-tribalised Nigerian, who will stabilise, unify and reposition the party for electoral victories.

Anyanwu described Adamu as, "A tested politician that has run several elections and lost none. We need somebody, who knows how to play the game by the rules."

He added, "Today, opposition political parties are jittery, because a new sheriff that knows how to

Anambra Selects 180 Delegates for Saturday's Convention

The Anambra State chapter of APC selected 180 delegates to represent it at the national convention on Saturday. The delegates were drawn from the 21 local government areas, and their names were announced at the state party secretariat in Awka yesterday evening by the state chairman, Sir Basil Ejidike.

Ejidike announced the names during the inauguration of the state zonal and local government executive committees.

He said, "The delegates were selected according to APC Constitution, from the state exco, LGA executive and political office holders."

While congratulating the newly inaugurated state officers, Ejidike, said, "I wish to restate and draw your attention to the essence of a political party. All political parties' interest is to win elections and advance the course of their environment.

"The APC has all it takes to achieve this and more. Therefore, we must all put our hands on deck to reposition the party, and as well win elections.

"This is achievable in Anambra, being that we have both the human and material resources needed.

As a new family, we are poised to galvanise and harness our diverse potentials and resources to put our party in political positions in our dear state.

"It is, indeed, factual that the APC-led federal government has benefitted Anambra State and people in terms of infrastructural development, human capacity building, and empowerment.

APC Optimistic about Court Judgement on Ayade, Deputy

Chairman of APC in Cross State, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, said the court judgement challenging the defection of Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State and his deputy, slated for Friday, would be in favour of the governor and his deputy.

Eba, who reacted to the case filed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), gave the assurance yesterday, and explained that there was simply a misunderstanding in the judgement made earlier by the court.

Eba, who was on the Morning Show of Arise News Channel, shed more light on Justice Taiwo Taiwo’s rejection of the claim that the lawmakers had not become registered members of the party and explained that a body of a fractionalised PDP expelled them, rendering them handicapped.

He noted that they did not defect neither was it their desire to leave the party, but that the APC took them in, after they were expelled by PDP. Eba stated, “The document before the court of Justice Taiwo is to the effect that these lawmakers had been expelled from the party. The records are there. Mai Mala Buni is a chairman of a party, he saw that people were expelled from PDP and he was looking for people to convert into the party. The beauty of why I love the APC is that they look for assets."

Continued Online

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History Made as Navy Begins Charting Offshore Waters Chiemelie Ezeobi Formally taking ownership of survey and charting of its own waters, an exercise hitherto performed by the British across West and Central Africa, the Nigerian Navy (NN) has commenced the systematic survey of the country’s offshore waters.

This came 200 years after the colonial masters attempted it and took over charting of Nigerian waters, as well as that of other West and Central nations.

But with the acquisition of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) LANA, a hydrographic vessel, which is the first of its kind in the region, the Navy came into its own and began charting the nation’s entire 84,000 square nautical miles, including the back waters.

The multipurpose vessel, which set sail yesterday afternoon and would cover 22 nautical miles from shore for the exercise, was flagged off by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT parade ground in Apapa, Lagos.

The charting is expected to drastically reduce navigational risks to mariners posed by wreckage, enhance national security and boost the income

of maritime agencies.

NNS LANA set sail by Captain AB Mahmud after the minister boarded the vessel for an on-thespot assessment and flag-off the exercise.

Speaking at the ceremony,

Amaechi said the federal government was constructing another 35-metre survey vessel for the navy in France, adding that the survey of the country’s waters would lead to the generation of about two million jobs as it would

increase patronage of the country’s ports.

He said: “As this vessel commences the survey of Nigerian offshore today it is expected it would provide the necessary enablers to support

the federal government’s economic diversification initiative through improved maritime security, maritime trade as well as improved economic prosperity.

“NNS LANA in conjunction with a similar vessel to be acquired

by the federal government would in a few years from now, completely survey offshore waters and produce indigenous nautical charts, publications to facilitate improve maritime shipping, security and economic development in Nigeria.

GIVING HOPE TO CHILDREN…

L-R: Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Member, Board of Trustees of the North East Children’s Trust (NECT), Mr. Baba Hassan Kachalla; Vice-Chairman, Professor Hauwa Abdul-Biu; another board member, Mrs. Doris Yaro; and Executive Secretary, Dr. Mariam Masha, at the NECT 5th anniversary in Abuja…recently

2022: Reject Oyetola’s N800bn Judgment: Shell MD, Others Risk Imprisonment for Contempt company secretary, and finance disobeyed the ruling.

Mohammed (SAN), prayed the Normalisation of Poverty, Amby Uneze inOwerri director.

However, counsel to Shell, court to ignore the motion for The three-man appeal court Chief J.J. Onanigbo Okpoko an order staying execution, and Court of Appeal in Owerri, Adeleke Charges Osun People The the Imo State capital, has ordered presided over by Justice Rita (SAN), said his client would urged the court to mandate the Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Osun State Governorship Candidate of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ademola Adeleke, has decried normalisation of poverty in the state by the current All Progressive Congress (APC) government and tasked Osun voters to reject Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s re-election bid.

Adeleke, who received a delegation from Senator Bukola Saraki led by former National Chairman of PDP, Mr. Abubakar Kawu Baraje, lamented the

deepening poverty crisis in the state and condemned attempt by the state government to hoodwink the people through falsified figures and data on poverty alleviation.

In a statement signed and made available to THISDAY yesterday in Osogbo, by the Director, Media and Strategy, Osun PDP Governorship Campaign Organisation, Mr. Olawale Rasheed, said: “I privately move around Osun towns and villages every week.

I have seen firsthand the pains and struggles of our people.

Lawyer Drags NBA to Court, Seeks N10million Damages A legal practitioner, Mr. Bartholomew Okafor—Oyilo has asked an Abuja High Court to set aside a finding of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) recommending him for disciplinary action based on a legal opinion he rendered as Special Assistant to the DeputyGovernor of Anambra State on Legal Matters.

In a writ of summon against the NBA and the Secretary of the NBA’s Disciplinary Committee, Emeka Onyeaka, the lawyer said he was not given a fair hearing before the association made a finding against him.

In an affidavit he deposed to, he said he wrote a legal opinion to the then Deputy Governor of Anambra State , who also was the Chairman of the state’s boundary committee, on a land dispute between Ukpo and Abba Community in Anambra State.

He claimed the legal opinion was leaked to one of the parties in the land dispute, (the applicant for boundary demarcation).

He said: “On 24th June, 2019, the applicants for the Boundary demarcation through their solicitors, wrote to me to recount my legal opinion with veiled threat against my person.

the managing director and the other three management staff of Shell Petroleum Company to appear before it on March 29, 2022, to state cause why they should not be committed to prison for contempt of court.

Other members of the management staff of Shell ordered to appear before it included the Shell legal adviser,

Pemu expressed displeasure at the management of Shell for disobeying two court rulings against the company.

The Judge said Shell had disobeyed the lower court ruling, and they ran to the appellate court while also ruled that Shell should deposit the N800 billion against it to the court of appeal hidden account, still the company

appeal the ruling.

Shell had applied for motion seeking an order to stay execution of the Federal High Court judgment in appeal number CA/OW/498/20 and appeal number CA/OW/490/20 respectively.

On the other hand, counsel to first to 88th respondents, Mohammed Ndarant

appellants to deposit the money in an interest account pending the final determination of the appeal.

Mohammed also raised the fears that the appellants were preparing to close shop in Nigeria and relocate to another country which would jeopardise the judgment if nothing was done.

House to Investigate Inhuman Treatment of Nigerians by Indonesian Officers Juliet Akoje in Abuja The House of representatives has mandated its Committees on Diaspora, Foreign Affairs and other relevant committees to investigate the allegations of heavy-handedness and inhuman treatment of late Arinze Igweike and other Nigerians by Indonesian Officers, and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

This was as the House adopted a motion on the urgent Need to Address the Violation of Human Rights and Unfair Treatment of Nigerians in Indonesia moved

by Hon. Lynda Chuba-Ikpeazu during plenary presided by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Ahmed Idris Wase yesterday.

Chuba-Ikpeazu, while presenting the motion noted that Indonesia is a signatory to the United Nation’s Universal

Declaration on Human Rights of 1948, which advocates for the protection of the fundamental rights and freedom of every human being.

Adding that despite various reports of the heavy-handedness of Indonesian security and law enforcement officers towards Nigerians that have led to allegations of illegal arrests, detention, tortures, extortions, and other unreported fundamental

human rights breaches, nothing has been done to reverse this unfortunate and unsavoury trend.

She lamented over the recently reported death of Arinze Igweike on March 14, 2022, a bright and promising native of Onitsha, who was allegedly arrested in Jakarta

by Indonesian Immigration Police for unidentified offences and eventually died in Police custody without any proceedings being brought against him.

I ‘ve Never Been Invited by EFCC, ICPC for Corruption, Says Oni Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti As the campaign for election into the Ekiti State number one seat formally kicked off last Sunday, a former state governor and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Segun Oni, has said he will secure the resources and prevent corrupt individuals from embezzling the public till.

Oni, represented by a United

States of America-trained Sociologist and Public Procurement expert, Dr Bayo Arowolaju, said this in Ifaki Ekiti, yesterday during an interface with a group named Ekiti Build Back Better, led by its spokesperson, Idowu Adelusi.

The former governor said the fact that he and his appointees had never been invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt

Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for alleged corruption substantiated his transparent approach to governance.

Oni said while in office, he ran a transparent government, managed the state’s resources well to develop the state and that he left no debt for his successor.

“Neither the former governor nor any member of his cabinet was ever invited for questioning

by either the EFCC or the ICPC. There wasn’t also any record of other investigating agencies inviting any appointee that worked under him for questioning.This was due to the proper implementation of the processes and procedures of public procurement mechanisms and the determination of Oni to judiciously deploy the meagre resources of the state to grow it economically, socially and politically,” he said.

Examination for placement of pupils in secondary schools in the country.

Speaking on the sidelines of the just-concluded workshop on Quality Assurance organised for its staff in Minna, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NECO, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said that no less than 4000 staff were engaged for the supervision of the May/June examinations

alone.

The federal government, according to Wushishi, approved an increase in Duty Travel Allowance (DTA) payable to each supervisor and examiner from N16,000 to N37,500 per annum.

Wushishi said the examination body did not have the money to pay such allowance and therefore asked for federal government’s

intervention, adding that NECO is however not opposed to the government’s directive that it should remit 25 per cent of examinations fees it collected from candidates to the federal purse.

He appealed to the federal government to come to the aid of the council so that it would be in a strong position to discharge its duties responsibly.

Glo Subscribers to Enjoy 10% Bonus Airtime on E-Top Up NECO Requires N2bn to Pay Examiners, Others Good times are here for Glo Internet Banking, ATMs, Gloworld subscribers following the company’s announcement of a special 10 per cent bonus airtime on recharges made on the network through E-Top up channels.

Globacom said in a press statement in Lagos that customers would receive up to 10 per cent Bonus Airtime instantly when they recharge via all electronic channels such as Glo café, *777#, Bank USSD Codes, Mobile Apps,

outlets, Glo E-Top Up Retailers and POS. “This tantalising offer is in line with our commitment to offer unlimited opportunities to Nigerians. We firmly believe it will enrich the network experience of Glo subscribers as we give them 10 per cent more airtime to call unlimited. Furthermore, the bonus can be used to call other networks”, the company stated.

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The National Examination Council (NECO), has said that it required over N2 billion for the payment of allowances to its staff on examination duties.

NECO, it could be recalled, conducted the May/ June Senior School Certificate Examination, the November/December external SSCE as well as the National Common Entrance

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Police Declare War on Economic Saboteurs Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Inspector-General of Police (IG)) Usman Alkali Baba, has declared war against economic saboteurs across the nation.

Specifically, the IG restated commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to maintain a sustained fight against illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and other criminal elements in the country.

Baba made the declaration yesterday during the parade of suspects in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. Represented by the acting Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IG revealed that the InspectorGeneral of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum/Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) arrested 42 suspects, impounded 41 trucks, Illegal Petroleum Products.

Adejobi disclosed that the “IGP-STFPIB successfully impounded 41 trucks, 13 other vehicles; arrested 42 suspects out of whom 21 have been charged to court with 17 still under investigations while 4 convictions have been secured in court; pending and final forfeiture of 14 Tankers and 4 Cars to the Federal Government of Nigeria, with 6 cases pending in various Federal High Court

branches across the federation.

“Equally, a total of 1,057,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 30,000 litres of Low Pour Furl Oil (LPFO), 75,000 litres of Crude oil, and 9,900

litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were recovered between 2021 till date,” he said.

The IG explained that the successes were achieved in Rivers State and some other

parts of the country, sequel to the collective efforts in the fight against bunker traders and purveyors of adulterated petroleum products within the country.

Amongst the suspects arrested and paraded were “Rabiu Halidu 31, (Katsina State), Michael Okoro 30, (Rivers State), Arinze Eze 50, (Enugu State), Lukman Musa 22, (Kogi State), Sefiu Ibrahim

18, (Kano State), and 25-year-old Nura Isiaku from Kaduna State.

The trio of Lukman, Sefiu, and Nura hid drums of crude oil in a truck stacked with sacks of fertilizer.

THE TRANSPARENCY PROJECT…

L-R:ExecutiveDirector,FoundationforEnvironmentalRightsAdvocacyandDevelopment(CFENRAD),Nelson Nwafor;GlobalDirector,BudgltFoundation, OluwaseunOnigbinde; ExecutiveDirector, DIH Foundation, Chime Olive; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Connected Development, Hamzat Lawal, and CEO, CEDI Zamfara Team Lead, Follow the Money, Kabiru Garba, during the civil society organisations’coalitionbuildingmeetingonCOVID-19TransparencyProjectinAbuja…yesterday

Mimiko Denies Discouraging NDLEA Intercepts 1.9m Tablets of Tramadol, Codeine in Lagos 40 cartons of CoHe said the consolidated cargo and five cartons of 225mg Dangote Refinery Location in Ondo Michael Olugbode inAbuja seizures, Codamol, a brand of paracetamol was declared as personal effects Tramadol under the brand name Fidelis David in Akure

The immediate past governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has denied making demands from business mogul, Aliko Dangote which forced him to move its Dangote Refinery from the Olokola Free Trade Zone to the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

Dangote had in 2013, announced plans to build a refinery at the Olokola Free Trade Zone which is jointly owned by the Ogun and Ondo state governments, but the plan failed to materialise, with the project moved to

Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos.

Reacting through a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, John Paul Akinduro, Mimiko said only Dangote could explain why he decided to relocate the project.

The statement read: “Reports of the often repeated falsehood about Aliko Dangote opting out of the Olokola FTZ for his refinery project, owing to an alleged demand for personal benefit

by Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has been brought to our notice.

Women to Unearth Root Causes of Gender Imbalance in Nigeria Mary Nnah

As part of efforts to address the fundamental issues responsible for gender disparity, Nigeria women intend to set up a think-tank group to study and unveil the factors responsible for gender imbalance in the nation. This approach came up at the 2022 International Women’s Day celebration organised by MMS Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame (WoFHoF) Initiative in Lagos, yesterday.

While delivering the lecture at the event, the Chief Executive

Officer of African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI), Dr. Felicia Mogo, made this proposal even as she suggested that policies which enhanced gender balance in other countries should be adopted in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, she urged the federal government as well as various state governments to address security challenges plaguing the nation, noting that women have been more affected by the increase in kidnappings, robberies and other violent activities.

MoneyCentral Media Unveils AI-driven Innovation MoneyCentral Media Limited, a financial and business focused publication, has broken a new frontier in the news sphere with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven digital innovation in its online and other news media platforms.

According to a statement, the news platform has made available to its readers the option to listen to stories on its website with the launch of its AI-enabled text-tospeech solution for its readers.

“The AI driven news solution enables us to meet our busy readers with the news at their coffee table, gym, office desk or while taking a

walk,” MoneyCentral Editor, Bala Augie said.

“We are constantly investing in innovation to drive a seamless distribution and consumption of our exclusive news content to an increasingly wider audience of professionals, regulators, students and the Nigerian and African audience as a whole,” he added.

On his part, the Publisher of MoneyCentral, Patrick Atuanya, said: “MoneyCentral is focused on using technology to tell business and financial stories that young people and professionals can relate to.

Operatives of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the latest clampdown on drug trafficking have seized over 1.9 million tablets of Tramadol and codeine imported into the country from Pakistan and United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

A statement by the Spokesman of the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said that the total

with codeine, which is classified as opioid, were seized from a freight agent, Eraikhueme Ehis.

Babafemi noted that the seizure made on Thursday, March 10, translated to 349,800 tablets weighing 336 kilogrammes, adding that the consignment came from London, United Kingdom as a consolidated cargo through the SAHCO import shed of the airport.

but was discovered to contain some medicaments.

Babafemi also revealed that no less than 1,584,000 tablets of Tramadol were recovered on Tuesday, March 15, by NDLEA operatives in collaboration with Aviation Security (AVSEC) and customs service personnel at the airport. He said the seizures included 17 cartons of 250mg Tramadol branded as “Tamra” weighing 669.70 kilogrammes

“Royal” with a gross weight of 217.15 kilogrammes.

He added that the psychotropic substance, which was imported into the country from Pakistan was smuggled through the airport tarmac using one of the vehicles of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) and was intercepted at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Personnel Yard.

Group Demands Public Apology from Bianca for Assaulting Mrs. Obiano A group, Justice and Accountability For All (JAFA) has described the hostile attitude of Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu where she physically assaulted the immediate past First Lady of Anambra State, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano as a moral tragedy and an embarrassment to the Ndigbo.

The group has therefore, asked Bianca to publicly apologize to Ndigbo and friends of Ndigbo.

Bianca slapped Mrs. Obiano at the inauguration of Governor

Charles Chukwuma Soludo as the governor of the state a week ago.

In statement titled “What Does Bianca Really Want?” signed

by National Coordinator and Secretary of JAFA, Mr. John Ifeanyi and Camela Jude, respectively, the group wondered the heights of provocation that prompted the “physical assault meted out to Ebelechukwu

by Bianca” in the full glare of important personalities and the entire world.

Mrs Obiano,according to the group, had also apologised to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo quoting him as saying that “Those who know me can testify that before and throughout my eight years as the First Lady of State, I pursued peace, promoted philanthropic gestures, which empowered many of our less privileged people. No excuse can therefore be tenable as justification for such public embarrassment, no matter the height of provocation.

“Equally, I wish to extend the same apology to all the important dignitaries, the people of Anambra State, as well as the entire Ndigbo for that unintended embarrassment at the occasion,” she stated.

JAFA had accused Bianca of allegedly “deploying bad politics and strange behaviours” towards many Ndigbo leaders and the Obianos, an attitude it said was “unbecoming of a supposedly important public figure”.

Court Vacates Exparte Order against Union Homes Wale Igbintade A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos yesterday discharged and vacated an Exparte Order made against Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc. Justice Daniel Osiagor discharged the order following a motion filed and argued by the counsel to Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN. Justice Osiagor had on the

February 24, 2022, made the exparte order against the financial institution as well appointed a Receiver Manager, while granting an Exparte application filed against it by Union Trustees Limited, in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/02/2022.

The development, which led to the taking over the premises of the firms at 153, Ikorodu Road, Onipanu, Lagos by the Receiver Manager appointed by the court.

Dissatisfied with the order, Union

Homes Savings and Loans Plc and two others, Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Bank Plc, through their counsels, Dr. Banire and Kunle Adegoke, approached the court with motions to discharge and vacate the order.

However, at the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc and Aso Savings and Loans Plc, Banire and Adegoke (SAN), argued and moved the motion

to discharge with the affidavit in support deposed to by Edeking Jegede and Maimuna Chionuma.

They asked the court to discharge and vacate the order on the ground that Plaintiff/Respondent materially misrepresented to, and concealed material facts, engaged in deliberate suppression of facts and that the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the matter or make the exparte orders in issue.

Pantanmi Tasked on Implementation of Policy on Community Networks Ugo Aliogo The Coordinator of Nigerian School of Community Networks(NSCN) Haruna Adamu Hadejia, has called on the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof.

Isa Pantami, to ensure full implementation of the draft National Policy on Community Networks.

Hadejia, who disclosed this yesterday in Lagos at a media briefing enjoined the Galaxy Backbone Plc to provide communities with access to its backbone for them to use as their community networks getaways.

He urged the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to support the upgrading of the many communities’ digital

centres they set up in the country to serve as basis of community networks for communities that desirous and passionate to set up such in their communities.

He appealed to the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) to develop guidelines and regulations for the operation of community networks in the country and to allow communities to access and

use TV White Space (TVWS) for the purposes of setting up community networks He further explained that NITDA needs to work with communities at grassroots level to drive digital literacy which is critical for the effective utilization of digital technology and which is the foundation upon which the digital transformation agenda of the country would rest.

47

THURSDAY, ͺͼ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

World Cup Playoff is ‘Serious Business’, Pinnick Tells Eagles as Team Depart for Kumasi

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja As Super Eagles get set to depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja this morning aboard a chartered Air Peace flight for Ghana to take on the Black Stars on Friday evening, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Member of the FIFA Council, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick, insisted yesterday that the federation is taking the two-legged World Cup playoffs as “very serious business.”

Pinnick further insisted that everything legal and acceptable is being done for Nigeria to achieve victory and qualify for Qatar 2022.

At a meeting with some Members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management inside the NFF Secretariat on Wednesday, Pinnick admitted that the World Cup playoff fixture is a ‘war’ and must be approached with utmost commitment, focus and with zero tolerance for tardiness.

“Of course, we are not the ones going into the field. But the arrangements we put in place will, to a large extent, determine the spirit with which the players will enter the pitch. All our arrangements must be flawless and without

sloppiness. It is a FIFA World Cup ticket at stake, so we must give it our all.

“Whatever efforts we have been making to ensure seamless movement to and fro, as well as

accommodation of our contingent at major matches, must be doubled for the match in Kumasi. Nigerians don’t want to hear any story; they only want to see the World Cup ticket,” he noted.

The NFF supremo made the statements while chairing a meeting that also included NFF Vice Presidents, Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko; Dr Mohammed Sanusi (General Secretary);

Executive Committee members Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Felix Anyansi-Agwu and Ahmed Yusuf; Charity Kadiri (Director of Finance and Administration); Ademola Olajire (Director of

Media and Communications) and; Emmanuel Ayanbunmi (Chief Protocol Officer).

The Nigeria contingent will return to Abuja immediately after the match tomorrow night.

Super Eagles players and officials are set to depart Abuja for Kumasi, Ghana this morning by a chartered flight

Obaseki Sacks 513 Edo State Super Eagles Praise Moshood Abiola Stadium Turf Sports Council Workers Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City No fewer than 514 workers of the Edo State Sports Council have been relieved of their jobs

by Governor Godwin Obaseki with effect from March 21, 2022.

The sack, according to a memo containing the approval dated March 4, 2022, noted the effective date as March 22, 2022.

The memo stated that the effected workers as junior, senior and management staff, as part of the government transition plan from the now defunct Edo State Sports Council to the Edo State Sports Commission.

It stated that while the affected staff would be immediately paid their one month salary in lieu of notice, their pension payment will commence in April 2022.

The approved memo by the governor titled, "Transition Plan for Staff of Edo State Sports Council to Edo State Sports Commission states as follows;” Following the assessment for the establishment of the Edo State Sports Commission, we have completed the assessment of Staff of the defunct Sports Council who posses the requisite skills sets to transit to the new Sports Commission.

"In the forgoing, we have carefully reviewed the organisation structure for the new Sports Commission and assessed the existing staff of the defunct Council against the required competences required to operate in the Commission," it stated.

Meanwhile, the affected staff on Wednesday protested their sack by blocking all roads leading to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

The affected workers, comprising of athletes, coaches and administrative staff, prevented vehicular movement within the stadium area, and prevented anyone from gaining entrance into the stadium.

Some of the protesters who spoke with Journalists noted that they were shocked to receive a circular of their disengagement from the Edo Civil Service and were asked to reapply as casual staff.

One of the protesters, and former Paralympian, Patience Igbiti, said, "I have been here for over 20 years as a permanent staff and all of a sudden you disengage me.

"I have rejected jobs abroad to train people for my State, where do you now want me to start from?

"The Governor has not done well and this is not the right way to do this. We have people who are retiring soon, and you sack them. I am an international figure and I am a bread winner, do you want me to go to Ring Road and be begging. God forbid? queried the Para-lifting coach.

Another affected staff, Friday Aibangbe, a blind athlete, noted that, "I believe that the Governor did not consider us at all. We worked for him and voted for him and fought for him, now he has disappointed us.

"You sacked the cripple, you sacked the able, you sacked the blind. Look at somebody like me, where did the Governor want me to go to. Do I go and start begging money? Make them get human face. It is very sad, it is very painful".

Addressing the protesters, the Commission Chairman, Yusuf Ali, promised to take their complaint to the government.

"I wouldn't have wanted this to be the way we met for the first time, I am a former athlete myself and you know me very well.

"I have always fought for the welfare of athletes, that is why I am here to see how we can solve this. I need suggestions from you so I can take something back to government," Ali stated.

Super Eagles’ players on Tuesday expressed their excitement with the new, improved turf of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, venue of the 2022 World Cup playoff return leg fixture against Ghana’s Black Stars on Tuesday.

At their first training session ahead of the two big games, Captain Ahmed Musa, Deputy captain William Troost-Ekong, defender Abdullahi Shehu and forwards Odion Ighalo and Victor Osimhen expressed delight with the turn-around

of the turf and admitted it enabled the team to roll the ball the way they wanted.

“The turf is looking and feeling really nice and wonderful. I want to thank the Honourable Minister and the Ministry officials for a job well,” observed Ahmed Musa.

Similarly, defender Abdullahi Shehu, said, “This turf is excellent; it is among the best that I have seen anywhere,” he observed after Tuesday night’s training session under floodlights. “We are pleased with what we are seeing and

it is a positive development.”

On his part, forward Odion Ighalo said: “Ah, I am excited with the feel of the turf. There is nothing to complain about,” while Ekong added: “This is really nice. The turf feels good and we are happy that our request for the turf to be put in great shape was heeded by the Sports Ministry.”

Forward Victor Osimhen also commended the playing pitch.

“I love it. It is really nice and it allows the ball to roll very well.”

During a hybrid meeting

(physical and virtual) with the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare and top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation last month, the players had specifically requested that the turf of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium be put in great shape for the World Cup playoff tango with the Black Stars.

There and then, the Sports Minister set machinery to work and the result is an excellent playing turf that is the pride of all today.

“33” Export Lager Charges Super Eagles to Soar in Kumasi against Ghana 33 Export Lager has charged the Super Eagles to go all out for a good result as they get set to face the Black Stars of Ghana in the first of their two-legged ties in the race to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Initially billed to face the Black Stars in Cape Coast, the Eagles will now be battling it out against the four-time African champions at the Baba Yara Stadium on Friday in Kumasi.

Though Kumasi is touted as

a slaughter ground for the Black Stars going by their excellent result at the 40-000 capacity stadium, “33” Export Lager firmly believes the Super Eagles have what it takes to secure a favourable result from the first leg before they finish the assignment in Abuja four days after.

Senior Brand Manager, Aisha Anaekwe, while assuring unwavering support from 33 Export Larger, noted that the

game in Kumasi has the capacity to make or mar Nigeria’s chances to be at Qatar 2022.

She thus enjoined the Super Eagles to go all out to make Nigerians and indeed fans across the world happy with positive result.

She said: “We want to continue to galvanise Nigerians as the journey to the World Cup hit the final phase. We are #SuperTogether in one voice as Super Eagles navigate the

Ghanaian Fans Mob Black Stars’ Bus after Training Femi Solaja with agency report

Determined to boost the morale of their players ahead of the epic clash with Super Eagles of Nigeria tomorrow at Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, hundreds of Ghanaian fans turned up at the team’s first full training yesterday.

Although the fans were denied entry into the 40,250 capacity stadium because the training schedules were strictly behind closed door, Ghanaweb. comreported that most of the fans waited outside till the ned

of the session and moments the players embark on the bus, the fans thus slowed down the vehicular traffic.

“The trip from the stadium to the team’s hotel is just about 30 minutes but they caused the bus a little over an hour,” the web reported.

The Black Stars interim coach, Otto Addo, took charge of the training with 26 out of the 27 players invited took part in.

The team trained behind closed doors at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium where they would be

hosting Nigeria tomorrow.

According to reports, the team had a brisk training session without any issues of injury in camp.

The only player who missed the training session in the Black Stars was striker Jordan Ayew.

The Crystal player has been passed fit and is on his way to Ghana to join his teammates in camp according to reports.

Coach Otto Addo announced Ghana's 27-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.

final bend.

“Nigerian football fans and consumers are passionate to seeing the Super Eagles connect and compete favourably with the best teams in the world later in the year we have encouraged our loyal consumers to stand with the team over the two matches with the believe that we have the better of our opponent,” she remarked.

The Official Beer of the National team has solidly stayed behind the Super Eagles in this quest for qualification to the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Both on and off the pitch, “33” Export Lager which prides itself as one of the longest corporate sponsors on the stable of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has continued to galvanise support for the Super Eagles with its various campaigns; especially the ‘Let’s Go Naija’ campaign.

Already, there is an ongoing competition by 33 Export Larger that would see five lucky fans win jerseys and match tickets to see the Super Eagles live in Abuja where they hope to seal their qualification for a seventh World Cup appearance.

Thursday, March 24, 2022

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Pat Utomi to APC Leaders

“All that seem to matter to these guys is grabbing power. That’s why you have a ruling party that cannot even manage to organise a convention. There were elements frightened by people of integrity, that if people like me enter the system, we’d disrupt how they function. Nobody even tried to appoint me chairman of Face-Me-I-Face-You company. The roadmap of the APC was written in my house…it didn’t even occur to them to say let’s make this guy Ambassador and send him out. The excuse they give is that I probably won’t accept. These are people of very poor character, obviously.”

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Nigeria and the Billion Dollar Dirty Slaps M

y sister, Dr Oby Ezekwesili could not have been more apt when she said Nigerians like to major in minors. Ever since the inauguration of Prof Chukwuma Soludo as the Governor of Anambra State ended on a slapping note, there has been no bigger storyline in Nigeria than the humiliation of an errant (now former) First Lady. From creative social media memes to academic disquisitions on the sociology, anatomy, and psychology of what it means to give or receive a ‘dirty slap’, we have had it all. But, given reports of recent days, Nigerians should be more concerned about those who are ‘slapping’ us in the oil and gas sector than the entertainment of two powerful women squabbling in the public arena.

In the past week, three prominent citizens have publicly revealed the quantum of crude oil that Nigeria now practically ‘allocate’ to some financial bandits. First to raise the alarm was the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu who lamented that our country is currently “losing over 95 % of oil production to thieves.” Then the former Seplat Energy CEO and top industry player, Mr Austin Avuru wrote that “the entire export pipeline network has been surrendered to vandals and illegal ‘bunkerer’ thus the phrase, ‘crude theft’ which crept into the industry about 2010 has taken on a new meaning.”

He added: “There are some pipelines systems now (particularly in the East) where 80 percent of production injected therein does not make it to the terminal.” And while he may not have given any specific figure, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele confirmed on Monday that oil theft has reached industrial scale in Nigeria.

From the picture painted by the trio of Elumelu, Avuru and Emefiele, it is obvious that Nigeria is being ‘slapped’ left, right and centre by criminal cartels. Meanwhile, not only have we invited this opprobrium upon ourselves in the manner some people catwalk to their humiliation, the high and mighty also now feel the heat. To put that in the proper Nigerian language, the rich are now also crying. We know of course that many states are already in serious financial crisis because of dwindling oil returns. In his capacity as chair of the National Economic Council adhoc Committee on Oil theft, Governor Godwin Obaseki disclosed in August 2019 that in the first half of that year, 22 million barrels of crude production were stolen. His prediction that the figure could double by year end has come to pass.

At such a critical period as this, the implications of massive oil theft should command more attention among Nigerians than the slapping dexterity of a former beauty queen. If anything, my experience of the past 48 hours has left me deeply troubled about the future of Nigeria. Within that period, I have seen, at close range, the promise and peril of our country. On Tuesday, I was in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos to witness the commissioning of the Dangote urea and ammonia fertilizer plant with a capacity to produce three million metric tonnes per annum, making it the biggest on the continent. It is located within the precincts

Sylva of the almost completed 650,000 barrels per day oil refinery, also promoted by Alhaji Aliko Dangote. That is a delightful testimony to resilience and entrepreneurship. But yesterday, I joined the federal government team from Abuja to Port Harcourt to witness firsthand how our oil wealth is being ‘privatised’ by criminal gangs. Led by the Minister of State, Petroleum, Mr Timipre Sylva, others in the team included Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Lucky Irabor, Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari, the CEO, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, NNPC Group Executive Director, Upstream, Mr Adokiye Tombomieye, as well as several senior officers from the navy, airforce and the security agencies. Before we took to the sky, we had travelled by road into the forest of Ibaa in Ikwerre local government where we saw local refineries at work. A long pipeline takes crude into huge dumps and the long petrol storage tank under which it is cooked (refined). With what I saw, I don’t know how any rational investor would want to put his money in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. The sheer magnitude of the tragic debauchery speaks eloquently to the total breakdown of law and order in Nigeria.

While I intend to return to the oil theft malaise and the implications for our national economy and security as well as the environment, let me state that this problem did not start in 2010 as alluded by Avuru.

For the past two decades, the Gulf of Guinea has been one of the most dangerous routes for shipping activities because of oil theft. “A tanker will be commandeered, the tracking devices disabled, and its cargo siphoned off onto a smaller ship in an isolated location and sold on the black market”, according to oilprice.com, an authoritative news outlet for oil and gas, in a report published years ago. “Fuel theft in Nigeria is so systemic

it will not be slowed or stopped any time soon. Doing so would be tantamount to eliminating drug trafficking in Colombia”, argued Dr Terry Hallmark, an international oil and gas industry risk analyst, in a piece he wrote for Forbes magazine in 2017.

With 5,120 kilometres of pipelines network, 2,965 kilometres of sea-lines, 124 kilometres of condensates, 164 kilometres of liquid petroleum gas (LPG), 112 flow stations, 2000 wellheads, 126 production platforms, 17 loading buoys and 13 export terminals, Nigeria has a huge oil and gas assets. But these assets, as I have consistently highlighted in the past two decades are also perhaps the most unsecured in the world. That explains why we now have a situation in which almost everyone believes he could help himself with what belongs to all of us without consequences.

In a 5th June 2019 report, ‘Nigeria’s Oil Thieves Roar Back as Militants Kept in Check’ that I once referenced, Bloomberg stated that “Oil theft is now an industry employing thousands in Nigeria.” Barely a month after the report, the Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) revealed that Nigeria lost a whopping N1.6 trillion to oil theft in 2016 and N995 billion in 2017. That amounts to a combined loss of N2.6 trillion (about $7.2 billion at the then prevailing exchange rate) for the two years.

I spoke with several NNPC officials and senior military/security personnel before we left Port Harcourt last night on the gravity of the challenge of oil theft but that is an issue for another day. Today, I am republishing my column of 23rd September 2004 (about 18 years ago) so that Nigerians can understand just how long this rain has been beating us. ============================== ===================== The United States-based Human Rights Watch, in a recent report, stated that oil theft accounts for 10 percent of Nigeria’s daily production. Describing illegal oil bunkering as Nigeria’s most profitable private business estimated to yield between $750 million to $3.5 billion annually (depending on the season), the report also stated that the violence being witnessed in the Niger Delta has a direct link to the illegal business: “Oil has become literally the fuel for the violence-despite the fact that in theory it should be easy to stop its theft (it is hard to hide a tanker and easy to trace its owner)”. The Human Rights Watch is wrong here. In a nation where big vessels ‘disappear’, bunkers are not that hard to hide! But the report gets interesting when it talks about their modus operandi and those believed to be involved.

I crave the indulgence of readers to quote

more extensively: “Illegal oil bunkering-long prevalent in the Delta-has become a sophisticated operation that no longer requires the cooperation of oil company staff to operate equipment at wellheads or allow access-though there are still reports that they are involved. The bunkerers tap directly into pipelines away from oil company facilities and connect from the pipes to barges that are hidden in small creeks with mangrove forest cover. Frequently, both in the riverine areas and on dry land, the police and military are involved in the process or are paid off to take no action against those tapping into pipelines. In November 2001, the Nigerian federal government set up a Special Security Committee on Oil Producing Areas, ‘to address the prevailing situation in the oil producing areas which have, in recent past, witnessed unprecedented vandalisation of oil pipelines, disruptions, kidnappings, extortion and a general state of insecurity.’ Reporting to President (Olusegun) Obasanjo in February 2002, the committee noted that a ‘major threat to the oil industry ... arises from the activities of a ‘cartel or mafia’, composed of highly placed and powerful individuals within the society, who run a network of agents to steal crude oil and finished product from pipelines in the Niger Delta region.’ The committee indicated that many of the militant youth groups responsible for halting or diverting oil production and preventing free traffic on the waterways ‘could be enjoying the patronage of some retired or serving military and security personnel.’ Despite this high-level recognition of the seriousness of the problem, there appears to be no proactive government strategy for investigating the organized illegal oil bunkering rackets. There have been some seizures of the vessels involved. More than nineteen vessels used in the illegal bunkering business are reported to have been seized by the army and navy in the year to July-though it is often not clear what happens to their cargoes thereafter...”

According to media reports, now confirmed by the authority, ‘MT African Pride’, one of the 15 vessels arrested for alleged bunkering in August last year (2003), and carrying 15,000 barrels of crude, is missing. Testifying before a House of Representatives Committee, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sunday Afolayan said his men were helpless on what he called ‘practice of topping’, obviously the Naval euphemism for oil theft. He blamed the Police for this sudden disappearance of a vessel on the high sea, arguing: “It is my responsibility to arrest the ship and another to prosecute. I have made arrests and handed over and it is not my duty to do anything beyond my constitutional duties.”

NOTE: Piece concluded on page 26

20 Years of Yar’Adua Centre This morning in Abuja, the president of Ghana, Mr Nana Akufo-Ado, will chair the 20th anniversary of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre. The lecture will be delivered by Prof John Palfrey, president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. It is remarkable that 25 years after the death of the former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters and consummate politician who envisioned

a Nigeria United with a strong commitment to social justice and democracy, the centre built in his memory continues to thrive as a conference facility, Research library, exhibition hall and hub for policy advocacy and citizen engagement. Credit must go to the board chaired by President Olusegun Obasanjo and the management team led by Director General, Ms Jacqueline Farris.

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