SATURDAY 8TH APRIL 2023

Osinbajo: Diya Was a Forthright Leader Who Served Nigeria Well ‘He built trust because he trusted others and served with integrity’ Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday described late Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya, who was Chief of General Staff in the

Abacha military government, as a forthright and honest leader who served his country and its people well.

Osinbajo, who led a federal government delegation on a

condolence visit to the family of the late Diya in Lagos, said the former Chief of General Staff, who died on March 26 at 78, loved Nigeria dearly, served with all his strength and was committed

to its progress and unity.

The Vice President, accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustahpa, was received on arrival by Oyidamola Diya, the

second son of the late General, other family members and associates.

Condoling the late General's widow, Josephine and his children, the vice president said: “He (Diya)

was a very down-to-earth, honest and straightforward human being.

We are very proud of what he achieved while in office.

Continued on page 5

Terrorists Abduct 60 People in Zamfara, Katsina Communities... Page 5 Saturday 8 April, 2023 Vol 28. No 10223

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Soyinka Challenges Baba-Ahmed to Debate, Nudges Obidients Says the seeds of incipient Fascism in the political arena have evidently matured Bennett Oghifo Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka has challenged the Vice-Presidential candidate of

the Labour Party in the February 25 presidential election, Datti Baba-Ahmed to a public debate, following the criticism trailing his condemnation of Baba-Ahmed’s

recent denouncement of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, the judiciary and Nigeria’s democracy.

Soyinka, in a piece yesterday titled, “Fascism on Course,”

also addressed the censures he is receiving from Obidients, the supporters of Peter Obi, Labour Party’s Presidential election, declaring that the seeds

of fascism in the political arena have evidently matured.

Baba-Ahmed had, in an interview, stressed that “whoever swears in Mr Tinubu” as President

has “ended democracy” in Nigeria.

The Nobel Laureate last Continued on page 5

Buhari Backs Aggrieved Politicians’ Right to Seek Redress, Urges Patience with Legal System Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has acknowledged the right of aggrieved politicians to contest the outcome of the elections held in the country in February and March, this year.

In a 2023 Easter message to Nigerians issued yesterday, Good Friday, and personally signed by him, President Buhari, while emphasising that it was within the rights of the election losers to seek redress, however, advised them to allow the law take its course in post-election matters.

According to him: "As a nation, we have gone through an election that has produced the next set of leaders at the federal and state levels.

"I commend Nigerians for believing in the process. While I congratulate those that have been elected, I acknowledge that it is the right of those who feel dissatisfied with the outcome to seek redress. I expect them to wait patiently and allow our legal system

to run its course."

The President in the Easter message stated, inter alia: "I join Christians in Nigeria and around the world to celebrate Easter, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, signposting his victory over death.

"At the heart of Easter, is the triumph of light over darkness. It is a season that reminds us that the Almighty can turn an unpleasant situation round for good.

"Recognising that Easter is about renewed hope and a glorious future, I urge all Nigerians to continue to be confident and believe strongly in our country for better seasons ahead.

"It has been a rare privilege for me to serve as your President since you gave me the first mandate in 2015 and renewed it in 2019.

"Day after day, I have been guided by the vows I took to keep Nigeria united, prosperous and secure.

"Our successes on security, Continued on page 5

CONDOLENCE VISIT… L-R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Josephine, wife of late Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya, Chief of General Staff in the Abacha military government, during a condolence visit to the Diya family in Lagos by a federal government delegation led by Osinbajo…yesterday.

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Ortom Laments Failed Senatorial Bid Charles Ajunwa

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom yesterday lamented his failed senatorial bid, saying the ‘market was not good’ during the campaigns to claim a seat at the Red Chambers of the National Assembly.

Ortom, who was a guest on Arise News, said with his failed senatorial bid, he would likely return to his farm or find something else to do after he hands over to the incoming administration on May 29, 2023.

His senatorial aspiration was dashed on February 25 when he

lost to his former aide, Titus Zam. “The market (senatorial bid) for me is not good. This time around, the market is not good but I will be here as Benue governor till May 29 when I will hand over, by the grace of God. I will find something else to do. I may go back to my

Terrorists Abduct 60 People in Zamfara, Katsina Communities No fewer than 60 people, mostly children were yesterday morning abducted by terrorists in communities straddling Zamfara and Katsina states.

Sources said the incidents happened when the terrorists were moving from Sububu Forest in Zamfara State to neighbouring Birnin-Gwari Forest in Kaduna State.

The affected victims are from the Kucheri, Wanzamai, and Danwuri communities of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and Yankara town in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Although police authorities in the state are yet to confirm the

incident, sources said the terrorists were fleeing Zamfara due to heavy military bombardment that led to the killing of over 100 bandits within the week.

A resident of Tsafe, Ahmad Kucheri, said the fleeing bandits were abducting people they sight along their way out of the state.

He said most of the people abducted were picked inside their various farms, some children that were fetching firewood and local fertilizers in the bush, and some workers in local mining sites.

“The bandits were moving from Sububu Forest to Birnin-Gwari side. So, they see people in the bush fetching firewood, they picked them, some children that

are picking local fertilizers, some that are doing mining work, they gathered all of them.

“They did not shoot or kill anybody, they just gathered people and not only children but anybody also they see along their way.”

The spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, CSP Mohammed Shehu, did not respond to several calls or text messages.

The Zamfara State Commissioner for Security, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mamman Tsafe, who is also from the local government area, did not respond to phone calls put across to him.

farm as far as I am concerned,” said Ortom He added despite his loss, he was consoled by the fact that the G5 governors achieved the dream of ensuring that the presidency returned to the South.

Ortom said, “I and others (G5 governors) were able to achieve the desire of our members, the integrity group. Because the G5 came out as a result of the fallout of the PDP primary election and party convention in 2022. Some of us believe that there should

be a power shift. Nigeria is a country of over 250 ethnic groups and in the past, we have been known to rotate the presidency from North to South.

"We felt that it was wrong for the PDP to have given the presidency to the North when the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari is from the North and the same region is still producing his successor and we maintained that that was not good for the unity of the country.

“Some of us were concerned about how we can make things work for Nigeria because we don’t have any other country to go to. I don’t have any investment in any other place other than Nigeria. So, we are concerned that let this country be together and it is in our gentlemanly unwritten agreement that when the presidency is in the North for eight years, it should go to the South for the next eight years. So, this is what we stood for.

Abducted APC Lawyer in Rivers Freed The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has confirmed that one of its lawyers, Dr Godswill Dike, who was allegedly kidnapped by supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been released.

The spokesman of the APC Campaign Council, Sogbeye Eli, confirmed the development yesterday.

Eli said, “Yes, I have been told he has been freed although I have not established contact

with him. When I speak with him, I will be able to give you the other details.”

Similarly, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, also confirmed that Dike had regained his freedom in a post on his Facebook page yesterday morning.

The post reads, “Dr Godswill Uche Dike Esq is free…much thanks to all our friends in the media for showing courage and acting as responsible watchdog of society.”

Recall that Dike, who is brother to the state’s APC legal adviser, Barr Azubuike Dike, was kidnapped at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Port Harcourt by alleged PDP supporters after he took delivery of some election documents given to him by the commission.

However, it could not be confirmed if the CTC documents taken from Dike by his captors had been recovered.

SOYINKA CHALLENGES BABA-AHMED TO DEBATE,

Cold Weather: Pope Skips Good Friday Procession NUDGES OBIDIENTS Pope Francis, who is recovering from bronchitis and last week spent three nights in the hospital, could not attend the traditional “Way of the Cross” prayer service on Good Friday.

It will be the first time that Francis, 86, has missed the annual service, which falls two days before Easter - Christianity’s most important holiday - in the 10 years of his papacy.

“Due to the intense cold of the past days, Pope Francis will follow this evening’s Way of the Cross from Casa Santa Marta, joining the prayer of those who will gather with the Diocese of Rome at the Colosseum,” the Vatican said early yesterday in

a short statement.

Santa Marta is the Argentine pontiff’s residence within the Vatican.

An unusual cold streak in Rome has seen night-time temperatures fall to 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) this week.

Christians commemorate Good Friday as the day Jesus Christ died on the cross.

The Way of the Cross service commemorates the 14 stations of Jesus’ suffering and death, from his condemnation to his burial.

The open-air procession yesterday, which began at 1900 GMT, took place outside the

Coliseum.

Francis was discharged from a Rome hospital on April 1 after a three-night stay for a bronchial infection. The pontiff has suffered increasing health issues in recent years, and it was his second stay in hospital since 2021.

However, Pope Francis still presided over mass yesterday at St Peter’s Basilica.

He has participated in various events since his hospital release, including washing the feet of 12 young prisoners on Holy Thursday.

On Sunday, he is expected to lead Easter mass at St Peter’s Square.

OSINBAJO: DIYA WAS A FORTHRIGHT LEADER WHO SERVED NIGERIA WELL "My memories of him were of a very decent man who loved and served his country. He signed up to die for his country and in the process ended up in the political line and served as the number two citizen of the country.

"In the coming years when we reflect on the life of this man, we will see the greatness of his life.

He showed us that you can live and serve your nation and serve well even after office, serve again and work hard even in private life. Also, when you pass on, you are able to leave a legacy, and people can say of you that you did well."

Recalling his interactions with the late Diya, the VP said: "I tried to get him to write a memoir about his life but that didn’t work. What I did get him to do was to sing 'Oh God, our help in ages past' in 2017. He was the first person I spoke to about the project.

"The idea was to get past Presidents and Vice Presidents to come together to praise God. He had joked about how well he could sing, and so we tested that singing skill and as you all know, he did so well."

Later in a chat with journalists, the Vice President flanked by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said: "We are here to express sincere condolence of the President and government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to my worthy predecessor in office, Gen. Oladipo Diya, who of course you know served as an effective Vice President under the regime of General Abacha.

"He served his country loyally and he served his country with great conviction. He put everything on the line for his country not just as a soldier but later as a political leader.

He served with forthrightness; he served with integrity.

"We are extremely proud of him; we are extremely proud of the legacy that he left and we are extremely proud of all that he was able to achieve in his lifetime."

The VP added that the visit was to condole with his family and also pray for his family, “that his memory will remain blessed; that the Lord God Almighty will strengthen the family at this time and that the children will even be greater than the great General

Oladipo Diya, their father."

The Vice President afterwards signed the condolence register at the Ikeja residence.

His message reads: "My sincere and heartfelt condolence to the wife, Mrs Josephine Diya, children and family of a worthy predecessor in office, a decent gentleman, and an outstanding soldier and leader - General Oladipo Diya.

"General served his country and its people well. Both as a soldier and later as a political leader at all times, he demonstrated a rare ability to manage men and material efficiently, he built trust because he trusted others and served with integrity and forthrightness. We will remember him well and celebrate his legacy, always.

"On behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our government, I express sincere sympathies and pray that his memory will always be blessed."

The late Diya served in key positions in the Nigerian Army.

He was involved in private law practice, including a law reporting firm that he ran after he left office.

BUHARI BACKS AGGRIEVED POLITICIANS' RIGHT TO SEEK REDRESS, URGES PATIENCE WITH LEGAL SYSTEM economy, infrastructure, new oil frontier basins, landmark legal reforms, as well as food sufficiency, among others,

were possible because of the support of Nigerians.

"As we celebrate this season with our families, neighbours

and communities, let us do so in love, compassion, kindness, resilience and forgiveness.

Happy Easter!"

Wednesday denounced “the menacing utterances of a vice-presidential aspirant as unbecoming”, adding, “It was a gladiatorial challenge directed at the judiciary and, by implication, the rest of the democratic polity.”

In the piece yesterday, Soyinka challenged Baba-Ahmed to a debate on issues around the 2023 election, Nigeria’s democracy and the Judiciary Soyinka declared: “I offer myself willing to engage Mr Datti – or any nominee of his – on its platform on this very bone of contention – one-on-one – without the malodorous intervention of media trolls, and with the same interviewer as mediator. That should be taken as a serious offer.”

While addressing attacks on him by Obidients, Soyinka said: “It would appear that a record discharge of toxic sludge from our notorious smut factory is currently clogging the streets and sewers of the Republic of Liars. It goes to prove the point that provoked the avalanche exactly! The seeds of incipient fascism in the political arena have evidently matured. A climate of fear is being generated.

“The refusal to entertain corrective criticism, even differing perspectives of the same position has become a badge of honour and certificate of commitment. What is at stake, ultimately is – Truth, and at a most elementary level of social regulation: when you are party to a conflict, you do not attempt to intimidate the arbiter, attempt to dictate the outcome, or impugn, without credible cause, his or her neutrality even before hearing has commenced. That is a ground rule of just proceeding.

Short of this, Truth remains permanently elusive.

“The ensuing cacophony has been truly bewildering. It strikes me as a possible ploy to smother recent provocations by other, far more trenchant issues, such as revelations of declarations of a religious war. If so, let it be known that I have long declared war against religious fundamentalism, the nature of which justifies the butchery, kidnapping and enslavement of students in the name of religion. That aspirant’s alleged gaffe cuts no ice with me.

“Far more alarming was the grotesque fantasy of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

disguised as a wheelchair, zooming off in space to a secret meeting with other parties of the conflict. On its own, that is sufficiently scary. Swiftly followed thereafter by a television tirade of intimidation, it strikes one as more than the mere antics by the mentally deranged. The tactics are familiar: ridicule, incriminate, then intimidate. Objective: undermine the structure of justice. Just as a reminder: this writer was not being rhetorical when he declared, on exiting prison detention: Justice is the first condition of humanity.

On the 2023 election, Soyinka wrote: The instigating contest – Nigerian Democracy 2023 - has witnessed much that is innovative – largely in the retrogressive vein.

Violence and ethnic profiling.

“Spiritual” warfare in the shape of sacrificial rams to keep “disloyal” communities under restraint – in short, intimidation yet again!

Easily overlooked however are those missives of violence directed against dissenting voices, real or suspect.

“Such, for instance, were the virulent attacks and threats to the musician Seun Kuti, his family and iconic music Shrine. His crime consisted of nothing more than declaring the name “Obidient” derogatory to his sense of civic dignity and activist history. Such beginnings – and instances are numerous - have culminated in the open intimidation of the Court of Last Resort, even before proceedings have begun.

“By the way, I do agree with Seun Kuti; ‘Obidients’ is one of the most repulsive, off-putting concoctions I ever encountered in any political arena. Some love it however, and this is what freedom is about. Choice.

Taste. Free emotions. By contrast, I have no quarrel with ‘Yes Daddy’.

Roman Catholics are used to saying ‘Yes, Father’. Secularists say ‘Enh, Baba’. The context and content are what matters, and lies – where established - raise bothersome issues such as Integrity Deficiency.

“Let us remind ourselves of the following: in any adjudication, society finds it unacceptable that a party to the dispute resort to influencing tactics by extrajudicial means – such as bribery.

Intimidation and threats are merely the obverse complements

of material inducement. Those who fail to appreciate this are entirely free to their existence in an illusory world.

On Project Nigeria, Soyinka said: “I must confess, has become near terminally soul-searing. Do I still believe in it? I am no longer certain but - first, we must rid ourselves of the tyranny of the ignorant and the opportunism of time-servers. In any case, there is not much else to engage one on a foundation of ownership stakes.

There is of course, always the possibility of a Revolution, with a clarity of purpose and acceptance of all attendant risks, including costly errors.

“Revolutions are not however based on the impetus of speculative power entitlement.

No matter, until that moment, the structures that ensure just and equitable cohabitation must be protected from partisan appropriation - be it from material inducement, fake news, or verbal terrorism – the last being the contribution of one who is positioned to assume co-leadership of the nation, no less. Revolution is not about lining up behind the nearest available symbol. When a symbol does emerge however, we are still obliged to examine every aspect of what is fortuitously on offer, and continue to guard our freedoms every inch of the way.”

He also condemned the N5 million fine slammed on Channels TV over the interview by the vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party by the National Broadcasting Commission.

Soyinka argued that the sanction was uncalled for as the television station did nothing wrong in their interview with the LP vice presidential candidate.

“May I seize this opportunity, by the way, to condemn the sanction imposed on Channels Television, which anchored the performance of the LP candidate. As stated, I watched the programme keenly – saw the valiant efforts of the interviewer to ensure fair hearing. I fail to understand just where the station could be faulted, except from a disposition for injustice. To sustain that penalty is to give joy to others who turn the Internet into a soakaway for their rancid emissions, yet feel that others should be silenced,” he said.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 8, 2023

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NEWS

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

EASTER MESSAGE... EASTER MESSAGE... EASTER MESSAGE... EASTER MESSAGE...

Obaseki Charges Christians on Love, Sacrifice Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged Christians to imbibe the virtues of love, sacrifice and tolerance as espoused by Jesus Christ in commemoration of Good Friday.

Obaseki gave the charge in his message to mark Good Friday, a Christian holiday in preparation for the Easter celebration.

The governor said, “Good Friday is a day of reflection,

repentance, and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Christ made on the cross for the redemption of mankind. It is a time to renew our faith in God and recommit ourselves to acts of kindness, compassion, and service to others.

“As we reflect on the events of Good Friday, let us take the opportunity to consider the many challenges that we face as a people and a nation knowing that just as Jesus Christ suffered and died

for us, we too must be willing to make sacrifices and work together to build a better, progressive and prosperous state and nation for us and unborn generations.

“I urge us all to use this occasion to reflect on the values of sacrifice, love, and unity that Jesus Christ exemplified during his time on earth. Let

us come together as one people, irrespective of our differences, to work towards a brighter future for ourselves, our families, and our communities.”

He added, “On behalf of the government of Edo State, I wish all our Christian brothers and sisters a blessed and peaceful Good Friday.”

Emulate Christ’s Sacrificial Life, Gov Bello Tells Christians Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello, has felicitated with the Christian faithful on the occasion of the 2023 Easter celebration, charging them to emulate Christ’s sacrificial life.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, the governor congratulated the Christian faithful for the successful completion of the lent season which he noted was much-needed self-denial to pray for the peace of the country and wisdom for the leaders.

“I wish to rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters all over the world on the auspicious occasion of the 2023 Easter celebrations.

As we all know, Easter is marked by Christians as a joyous holiday because it represents the gratification of the prophecies and the revelation of God’s redemptive plan for the followers of Christ.”

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful about the nation’s progress, Bello said Easter also signifies the celebration of the defeat of death and the hope for salvation.

“In immortalising the Resurrection of Jesus, Easter also means the celebration of the defeat of death and the hope of salvation therefore, I urge all citizens to keep faith in our leaders with prayers for

a greater Nigeria,” he said.

The governor added that just as the death and resurrection of Christ signified hope for mankind, there must be a renewal of hope for our nation in this season of great challenges.

He urged Christians to reflect on critical issues affecting the nation and to continue seeking the face of God Almighty for the country so that security, unity and peace will prevail in the overall national interest.

Governor Bello, who noted that the 2023 general elections will usher in new breeds of leaders across the country by May 29 represent a watershed for Nigeria, insisted that all citizens who participated effectively in the process of electing leaders into the various offices must also commit themselves to pray for the smooth transmission of government, growth and prosperity of the country.

While assuring the Christian faithful in Kogi State of government’s commitment to a joyous celebration free of all hitches, he added that security operatives and other collaborating agencies are working together round-theclock to checkmate crime and secure the lives and property of citizens.

Governor Bello urged all Christians who observe the season to find strength and solace in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Senate President Felicitates Christians at Easter The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has sent his felicitations to Christians in Nigeria as they join their brethren across the world in remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As they mark this great occasion of Easter, Lawan urged the faithful to reflect on the significance of the season.

The Senate President said just as they celebrate Easter for Jesus’ victory over death on the cross and his resurrection that rekindles the hope of eternal life, they should also pray for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria.

He said the occasion

should bolster their hope of their nation’s triumph over her current challenges of nation building and the imminence of better days.

He also urges all Nigerians, and particularly religious leaders and clerics, to pray for a peaceful political transition in Nigeria.

Lawan also called for prayers for God’s blessings and guidance for the incoming governments at the national and state levels, including for the soon to be inaugurated 10th National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.

The Senate President wished all Nigerians a happy celebration.

CATCHING THEM YOUNG… R-L: Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Leena Pylvanainen; Wife of Olu, Olori Atuwatse III and His Majesty Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, during Ambassador’s tour of STEM at CleverMind Free Primary school a Public and Private Partnership intitiative of His Majesty in Warri Kingdom... yesterday

Bishop Urges Catholic Priests to Desist from Wealth Accumulation David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has urged priests in his diocese to shun materialism.

Ezeokafor said priests had no children or families, and as such should not be caught engaging in worldly accumulation of wealth.

He also barred priests of the

diocese from engaging in politics, saying they should rather face their priestly calling and concentrate on winning souls to God. The bishop handed down the admonitions while delivering a homily to mark this year’s Chrism Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka.

“Priests must continue in their onerous task of winning souls

for Christ. That is their primary assignment. They must propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“You must shun accumulation of riches. That is not your calling.

Priests neither have children, not families, so how will someone who has no children be seeking to make a lot of money, when their task is to propagate the gospel?

“You are not also to engage in

politics. Do not engage in partisan politics, that is not your calling.”

The bishop, speaking on the state of the nation, bemoaned the hardship in the country, describing it as terrible.

He urged all to persevere and appreciated the Catholic faithful for coming to pay him homage during this year’s Cathedraticum, despite the sufferings in the country.

FEC Commends Christians on Good Friday, Easter Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation/Chairman, Presidential Transition Council (PTC), Boss Mustapha, has on behalf of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) felicitated Christian faithful, as they celebrate Good Friday and Easter, which mark the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In a statement yesterday, the

SGF urged the Christian faithful to use the period to imitate Jesus Christ, who submitted himself to the will of God by willingly offering himself as a sacrifice to redeem mankind to God. He noted that the two great events in the Christian calendar - Good Friday and Easter, symbolise the triumph of good over evil, and prays that the season awakens in Christians, the spirit of dedication to public

good and selfless service to the nation.

Mustapha stressed the need for Christians to use the opportunity offered by the events to reconcile with God by imbibing the lessons which include love, self-sacrifice, forgiveness, humility as well as love for country.

SGF prayed that the supreme sacrifice instills in Christians, commitment to nation-building,

and the resurrection of Christ on Easter, a rejuvenation of faith and triumph over challenges in nation-building, peaceful co-existence and successful transition programme.

According to him, the period should herald a rebirth and healing of the country, emphasising the need to use the period to pray for the success of the incoming administration.

Governor Adeleke Congratulates Christians, Recommits Himself to Good Governance Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter, charging them to use the occasion to reflect on the very essence of the divine sacrifice

by Jesus Christ.

Governor Adeleke, who noted that Easter impressed on humanity the unquantifiable power of love, tasked Christian faithful to learn valuable lessons of Jesus’ sacrifice and reflect on them all the time.

He charged Christians to hold to the message of love and compassion,

which are the basis of the Easter celebration, noting that with love, “we will not only enjoy a peaceful society, but also make the right progress.

“Easter is a classical example of the power of love. Jesus Christ, as we are made to know, gave up Himself to save mankind from the consequences of their transgressions,” the governor noted in his message.

“Beyond the celebration that comes with the moment, it is also a reminder of how love can save, and why we must imbibe the culture of selfless service to humanity as exemplified

by Jesus Christ. Let’s be concerned

about the good of each other and show tolerance irrespective of our differences.”

Adeleke reiterated his commitment to the welfare of the people of the state, assuring civil servants in the state of fulfilling promises made to them on improving their welfare conditions.

He said his administration will ensure the cash backing of promotions done by his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola, assuring that the leadership of the public service is working hard to conclude the computations across the Ministries, departments and agencies.

“I am aware that the ongoing

computation and harmonisation of lists from the various services are almost completed. My administration remains committed to our promise to clear all indebtedness in phases as announced in the circular by the Head of Service in January,” Adeleke assured.

The governor assured Osun people of his administration’s readiness to ensure that the resources of the state truly serves the citizenry, noting the efforts of his government to block all leakages in state’s finance and priority being accorded areas of needs of people across the grassroots and urban centres.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 8, 2023

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NEWS Gbajabiamila Meets Aspiring Speakers, Promises Non-interference in Zoning Udora Orizu in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday, in Abuja met with his colleagues belonging to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who are aspiring to be the Speaker in the 10th National Assembly.

The meeting comes days after members-elect from the opposition parties met and formed an alliance ahead of the inauguration of the next Assembly, with the aim of determining the leadership of the parliament.

As the APC moves to zone the House leadership, the opposition lawmakers insisted that they

have the numbers to override the APC. The opposition parties comprising Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party and others currently combined are about 163 while the ruling APC has 162 with some seats awaiting the April 15 run off.

At the meeting with Gbajabiamila yesterday were Hon. Idris Wase, Hon. Makki Yalleman, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, Hon. Sada Soli, Hon. Tunji Olawuyi, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji.

A reliable source who briefed Saturday THISDAY on what was

ACOMIN Warns against Upsurge in Malaria Disease As Rain Begins Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has urged Nigerians to be prepared to manage the environment so as to guard against increase in malaria prevalence and water borne diseases as the rainy season approaches.

National Coordinator of ACOMIN, Mr. Ayo Ipimoye, said Nigerians should be careful in managing the environment and to ensure that they don’t allow stagnant waters to exist so as to increase the population of mosquitoes as well as water borne disease.

Ipimoye, who gave the advice in a report presented at the first quarterly assessment meeting of the group in Abuja, also cautioned the public against swallowing food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria.

He said: “And now that the rains are here: Remember that there are water and mosquito borne diseases that we need to be careful of. When we do not manage our environment well, and

allow stagnant waters to exist, the population of mosquitoes increases and mosquito borne diseases as well as water borne diseases become prevalent.

“We should understand that with rains and run-off water, it is easy for pollutants to find their way into drinking water sources. If the pollutants are not effectively eliminated by water treatment processes, people who drink the water easily become ill.

“It is essential to be sure that the sources of water that we drink and use are clean and treated. If not treated by government agencies, please treat your own water by boiling, filtering and chemical treatment.”

Ipimoye explained that diseases like Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

He said that people can get sick when they swallow food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria, adding that the infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe and life-threatening.

Businessman Drags A’Ibom State Govt to Court Over Debt Okon Bassey in Uyo Akwa Ibom State Government has been dragged to court by a businessman for alleged refusal to pay consultancy fees on projects executed.

The businessman based in the state, Architect Ubokutom Nyah, instituted the legal action against the state government and two others before the state High Court sitting in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.

Joined in suit number HT/2/2023 as defendants were the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and Landsea Construction and Engineering Limited.

Architect Nyah sued the defendants for their alleged refusal to pay him consultancy fees shortchanged to the tune of N10,279,391 million for service rendered.

Counsel to the applicant, Andem Ndem in a motion on notice filed on 7th March, 2023 prayed the Court for an Order compelling the defendants to

pay the applicant the sum of N10.279, 391 million which they had admitted in a letter dated April 27, 2021.

He also prayed the Court for an Order compelling the Ist defendant to cause the 2nd defendant to pay his client the admitted sum.

In an affidavit in support of the motion, the applicant, Arc. Ubokutom Nyah, doing business under the name ‘Otto Trinity Studios noted that the defendants/Respondents had actually admitted shortchanging him to the tune of N10,279,391million, from the bill he submitted after completion of architectural consultancy services he had rendered.

The applicant noted that the defendants had in March 2014 through a letter from Commissioner for Special Duties appointed him as a resident consultant to render architectural consultancy services to the Hotel complex then under construction at Ikot Ekpene, which he accepted.

discussed at the meeting said that the Speaker, Gbajabiamila was worried that he has never met with the aspirants and encouraged all of them to be peaceful.

The source also told THISDAY that Gbajabiamila promised that as a party man he will support whatever region the party decides to zone the position to.

The source further said the Speaker denied reports that he’s rooting for one of the aspirants, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas to emerge Speaker.

“The Speaker was worried that he has never met with us (the aspirants) so as the leader of the House there was need to interface with all of us. He encouraged us to be peaceful and

live in peace with one another.

He equally affirmed to us that as the leader of the House, anyday anytime the party zoned the position of speakership he’s not going to fight the party, he will support the zoning because he’s a party man.

“Some little issues that were raised regarding whether he’s supporting Tajudeen Abaas, he said, No. We actually discovered that it was one of his staff that was seriously campaigning using the name of the Speaker,” the source said.

In a related development, some members-elect of the incoming 10th House of Representatives across the political parties have settled for the choice of Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betara as the next Speaker.

The members-elect, it was learnt, were only waiting for the inauguration of the House in June this year to realise the ambition.

Already, alliances are being formed across the parties to smoothen the endorsement within the various parties in favour of the legislator.

Betara, who’s the current Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations represents Biu/Kwaya federal constituency of Borno State, is returning to the House for the fifth time and will be contesting the speakership alongside the current deputy Speaker, Hon. Idris Wase, Chairman Navy Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, House Spokesman, Hon. Kalu Benjamin, amongst legislators.

A member-elect from the ruling APC who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “I want to tell you categorically that if the election into the office of Speaker is conducted today on the floor, no one will beat Betara. He enjoyed the support of majority of his returning colleagues and the new members. We are also excited about his candidature because of what we got to know about him. As members familiar with the workings of the National Assembly having worked there severally, we can confirm to you that Betara has a very high acceptability rating among the members. What members want is someone accessible, respectful, intelligent, knowledgeable, humble and kind.”

TAKING STOCK… L-R: Comptroller General of Immigration, Isah Jere Idris; Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola and the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Visa and Residency, Ijeoma Emenike at the Ministerial review of agencies under the Interior Ministry, at the NIS Headquarters, Abuja... yesterday

Obaseki Breaks Ramadan Fast With Otaru of Auchi Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has admonished politicians across the country to work fervently to unite Nigeria and not make utterances or take actions that are capable of dividing the country along ethnic and religious lines.

The governor made the submission when he broke the Ramadan fast with His Royal Highness (HRH), Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, the Otaru of Auchi Kingdom in his palace in Auchi, Etsako West Local Governments Area of the state.

Obaseki was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy,

Comrade Philip Shaibu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha; Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Afishetu Braimoh and the People Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Youths Leader, Timothy Osadolor, among others.

The governor maintained that the role of leaders is to overcome challenges and give hope to the people.

According to him, “Our presence here tonight shows that we do not see any religious divide. We are Christians and are here to fellowship with Muslim leaders. Religion can’t and should not be a basis to

divide us as a people. We should understand that those playing the religious card are doing so for very selfish reasons.

“People of different faiths live in this country as one and interact as one. We do our businesses together as we don’t ask for religion or ethnicity when we do our businesses in the marketplaces but rather trade and transact to get a fair deal out of that.”

He queried, “Why is it that when it comes to politics, we want to begin to emphasise our differences and divisions which are unreal?”

Obaseki continued: “I agree

with the elder statesman and former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo that as leaders, we need to do more to unite people and get them to see that the issues in Nigeria are beyond ethnicity and religion.

“It is about good governance, about responsible leadership and holding people accountable when they have duties or responsibility to perform.”

On the Ramadan fast, the governor said, “It is a significant week, a holy week. We are heading towards the last 10 days of the Ramadan fast, which is supposed to be the holiest days of Ramadan.

Use Subsidy’s $800m Palliative for Healthcare, Education, Lawmaker Urges FG Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt A lawmaker representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Doctor Farah Dagogo, has urged the federal government to use subsidy’s $800 million palliative to improve on the healthcare and education sectors.

The Rivers State federal lawmaker also advised the government to jettison the planned $800 million cash transfers to about 50 million Nigerians that would serve as cushion for Premium Motor

Spirit (Fuel) subsidy removal.

According to Dagogo, the federal government should rather invest the money in visible and critical sectors that would be beneficial to the majority of Nigerians as the transparency of the proposed cash transfers to vulnerable Nigerians cannot be guaranteed.

Recalled that the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, recently said the federal government secured the sum of $800 million from the World Bank, as part of its post-subsidy palliative plans that would be distributed

to 10 million households, which according to her is equivalent to about 50 million Nigerians.

Dagogo, who spoke yesterday in his Easter message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Lawal, faulted the alleged claim by the minister that the country already has a National Social Register for 10 million vulnerable households from where the $800 million will be distributed to.

“As Nigerians are sacrificing their fuel subsidy benefits, it should be for a general improvement in the educational and health sectors not some phantom

list of names compilations which is already fraught with deceit.

“Easter is a period when we Christians devote our time to reflect on the role of Jesus Christ in our lives and resolve to walk the path of moral regeneration.

This period of grace is even more philosophical in view of the fact that it was preceded by the Lenten Season which itself is a holy period for we Christians. It is then succinct that the Nigerian Government also takes lessons and relates it to dealings with its citizens especially with the first $800 million fuel subsidy removal palliative.

SATURDAY APRIL 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 8, 2023

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NEWS House Adopts Peller’s Motion on Need for FG to Strengthen Creative Industry Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

ANGLING FOR POSITIONS… Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (6th left) after meeting with aspirants for the Speakership of 10th House of Representatives, namely: Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase (5th left); Rep. Makki Yalleman (4th left); Rep. Adamu Yusuf Gagdi (3rd left); Rep. Benjamin Kalu (2nd left); Rep. Peter Akpatason (front left); Rep. Muktar Aliyu Betara (1st right); Rep. Sada Soli Jibia (2nd right); Rep. Tunji Olawuyi (front right); 2nd row, Rep. Abbas Tajuddeen and Rep. Aminu Sani Jaji in Abuja... Thursday

Former Nasarawa Deputy Gov, Onje Gye-Wado, Kidnapped Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia A former deputy governor of Nasarawa State, Prof. Onje GyeWado, was on Thursday night kidnapped in his Rinza Village near Wamba, the headquarters of Wamba Local Government Area.

The incident, according to a family source, occurred some few minutes to 12 midnight.

The source said the kidnappers gained entrance through the fence and broke into the house through the former deputy governor’s wife’s window and whisked

him away.

The source, however, recalled that the kidnappers had attempted kidnapping the Professor three times without success.

However, the source continued that on the third attempt, they killed one of his cousin brothers, whereas in this fourth try, the kidnappers succeeded.

“The wife came in for Easter and they broke into the house through her widow and took him (Gye-Wado) away. They called around 4a.m. today and threatened to

kill him, without mentioning any amount as ransom,” the family source said.

Prof. Gye-Wado was a deputy governor during the administration of the current National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, between 1999 - 2003.

However, the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Mai\DNL %DED KDV VDLG HͿRUWV ZHUH ongoing to rescue the former Nasarawa deputy governor as police tactical operatives have

LQWHQVLÀHG VHDUFK DQG UHVFXH operations.

This was contained in a VWDWHPHQW LVVXHG LQ /DÀD E\ the Command’s Police Public 5HODWLRQV 2΀FHU 3352 '63 Ramhan Nansel.

The PPRO said: “The Commissioner of Police has mobilised and deployed reinforcement comprising police tactical teams, military, vigilante, and local hunters to complement the ongoing search to rescue the hostage hale and hearty and arrest perpetrators of the act.”

Benue Governor-Elect Condemns Otukpo Killing of 46 People George Okoh in Makurdi The Governor-elect of Benue State in the 2023 governorship election, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has condemned the brutal killings of innocent lives in Umogidi community of Entekpa-Adoka district in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

According to reports, 46 persons have been killed by suspected herdsmen in

24 hours.

In a statement by his 'HSXW\ 'LUHFWRU 0HGLD 0U 'RQDOG .XPXQ )U Alia sympathised with the families of the deceased and condoled with them, calling on the Umogidi community and the Benue people as a whole to remain calm and law-abiding amidst their sorrows and pains.

He called on the security agencies to conduct surveil-

lance to identify the perpetrators behind the killings and nip it in the bud for peace to be restored in the communities.

Fr. Alia assured the Umogidi community and others affected by the attacks of his resilience to work with relevant security agencies and communities in the state to stop the senseless killings when he is sworn-in DV WKH QH[W JRYHUQRU RI WKH state on May 29, 2023.

+H WKHUHIRUH H[SUHVVHG sadness over the killings and called on the government at all levels to be more proactive to quell the insecurity challenges in the state and also stay close to the bereaved families in these trying times, saying that his fraternal prayers are with the souls of the deceased to rest in perfect peace, and peace should take prominence in the communities, in the interest of all and sundry.

)L[ 1LJHULD 5HÀQHULHV %HIRUH 5HPRYDO .RJL &- :DUQV -XGLFLDO 2ͿFHUV against Negative Conduct of Subsidy, Onuesoke Urges FG Sylvester Idowu inWarri

moval of fuel subsidy will cause more hardship for &KDLUPDQ RI '$6 (QHUJ\ Nigerians especially the Services Ltd, Udu near Warri, FRPPRQ PDQ LI WKH UHÀQHULHV Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has ZHUH QRW À[HG He argued that it will be appealed to the federal government to ensure that uncharitable in 2023 for any ORFDO UHÀQHULHV DUH IXQFWLRQDO government to be talking before implementing the about subsidy or no subsidy planned deregulation of the for a product that is naturally and thoroughly well endowed petroleum sector.

Onuesoke, who spoke to in Nigeria.

The former governorship MRXUQDOLVWV LQ $VDED 'HOWD State, yesterday while reacting DVSLUDQW RI WKH 3HRSOHV 'HPRto President Muhammadu FUDWLF 3DUW\ 3'3 LQ WKH VWDWH Buhari-led government inten- H[SODLQHG WKDW LI WKH UHÀQHULHV tion to remove fuel subsidy are working, Nigerians can before handing over to the UHÀQH WKH FUXGH RLO ZLWKLQ DV incoming government, noted it is being done in other oil that with the current economic producing countries instead situation in the country, re- of importation of the product.

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

performed various assignments given her with utmost sense Kogi State Chief Judge, of responsibility.

According to him, “Justice Justice Josiah Joe Majebi, has FDXWLRQHG MXGLFLDO R΀FHUV WR Haruna’s impeccable character, avoid negative conduct in the humble disposition, unblemdischarge of their constitutional ished record of service to Kogi duties.

State and Nigeria would be Justice Majebi gave the warn- greatly missed.”

In his remark, the represening at the Valedictory Court Session in honour of Justice tative of Senior Advocate of Esther Onuche Haruna on Nigeria (SAN), Jibrin Okutepa, her retirement as a Judge of described Justice Haruna as a the Kogi State High Court of judicial Amazon who was a Justice in Lokoja. role model to upcoming judicial The Chief Judge also charged R΀FHUV lawyers to avoid unnecessary Okutepa urged judges to delay of criminal cases for UHPDLQ DSROLWLFDO DQG H[KLELW personal gains. a high sense of patriotism and He described Justice Haruna integrity while performing their as an incorruptible judge who duties.

The House of Representatives has unanimously adopted a motion moved by a member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/ Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency, Hon. Shina Peller, on the urgent need for the federal government to strengthen the creative industry in the country.

Peller, while presenting WKH PRWLRQ RQ WKH ÁRRU RI the House, observed that the current economic values of the Nigerian creative industry provides a veritable incremental source of employment, revenue and growth necessary for the GLYHUVLÀFDWLRQ RI WKH FRXQWU\·V economy from dependency on oil revenues.

The Oke Ogun-born lawmaker who quoted the United Nation’s report (2011), said globally the creative industry has become a driver of employment, economic growth, innovation and social cohesion.

Peller maintained that with available data from Nigeria’s ÀOP VHFWRU 1ROO\ZRRG LV RQH of the most lucrative and active creative industries which contributes about two per cent WR WKH FRXQWU\·V *URVV 'RPHVWLF 3URGXFW *'3 JHQHUDWLQJ DQnual revenue of N208 billion.

Similarly, he stated that WKH ÀOP LQGXVWU\ DORQH RͿHUV legitimate employment to over one million people making the sector the second largest employer after agriculture, adding that there is need to implement policies that will enhance the capacity of such an industry.

Furthermore, he stressed that the Nigerian music sector is another creative industry which must be strengthened to aid the country’s economic growth, stating that it produces over 550 albums annually.

He listed the late Fela AnikuODSR .XWL 'DPLQL (EXQROXZD

2JXOX %XUQD %R\ 'DYLG $GHGHML $GHOHNH 'DYLGR and others as major actors in the Nigerian music industry who made and are making the country proud globally with their record-breaking feats.

The motion read in part, “At the global level, the late Afrobeat creator, Fela Anikulapo-kuti is perhaps the most iconic musician to have come out of Nigeria XQWLO UHFHQWO\ ZKHQ 'DPLQL Ebunoluwa Ogulu (Burna Boy) a Nigerian singer and songwriter won best international act at the 2019 BET Awards and was also nominated for the best world music Album at 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.

He also won Best International act at the 2021 BET Awards.

“Recently, top Nigerian Artist 'DYLGR·V DOEXP WLWOHG ¶7LPHOHVV· has featured over 10 million user-generated playlists on Spotify. Also the album had over 12 million streams in 24 KRXUV WKLV ZDV WKH ÀUVW WLPH an album would achieve such a feat.”

However he noted with regret that in spite of its great economic value, the Nigerian creative industry is challenged by lack of coherent policies that established clear objectives and strategies for the industry to thrive.

He added that the Nigerian creative industry needs support structures in the areas of skills and capacity development, acFHVV WR ÀQDQFH LQIUDVWUXFWXUH intellectual property protection, development of creative clusters and international strategy, among others.

Peller then prayed that the House should urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to as a matter of urgency implement policies that will enhance the capacity of the country’s creative industries as major revenue earners.

Anambra Govt Empowers Indigenous Beggar Allegedly Deported from Asaba by Delta Govt David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

E\ 'HOWD 6WDWH *RYHUQPHQW for constituting nuisance by Anambra State Government begging in the said state.

“Obinabo who did not has empowered a 32 years old woman, Ogochukwu spare the repatriated begNwabude who was engaging gar frowned at the act but in alms begging in Asaba, encouraged her to be an WKH FDSLWDO RI 'HOWD 6WDWH agent of change by engaging before she was deported. in a trade in order to fend It was gathered that for herself and her child.

Nwabude, a mother of one, “She (Obinabo) empowered was alleged to have been her with a little token to help deported back to Anambra her start up a business of for constituting nuisance in her choice, but warned that WKH 'HOWD 6WDWH FDSLWDO $VDED if caught again, she will be The woman who was at taken to court and made to the Anambra State Women face the law.” and Social Welfare Ministry Ikeanyionwu quoted the was empowered by the Com- former beggar as saying, she missioner, Hon. Ify Obinabo only engaged in the act for and cautioned to desist from two weeks before she was FDSWXUHG E\ 'HOWD 6WDWH alms begging.

A press release by the Government and repatriated media aide to the com- back to Anambra.

She promised not to engage missioner, Miss Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, stated that in alms begging, and pledged the repatriated woman to make good use of the was empowered by the empowerment.

She was later handed commissioner and handed over to the woman leader over to the Uruagu Woman of her community, Nnewi. Leader in Nnewi who will “Ogochukwu Nwabude, be monitoring her progress a 32-year-old mother of one and as well report back to was sent back to Anambra the ministry.

SATURDAY APRIL 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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APRIL 8, 2023 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

KAMALA HARRIS AT ROOTS Okello Oculi expressed mixed feelings over Kamala’s visit to Africa

T

he African-American presidential candidate, who settled for the post of Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, came visiting one of her ancestral gene pool on her father’s side, Africa. Her father is a Jamaican professor of Chemistry. As a critic of America’s war in Vietnam, he met a female protester from India on the street of revolution in Berkeley, California.

She joins General Colin Powel in travelling along an ancentral journey which started from the African Diaspora in Jamaica and climb to topmost spheres of American public service. It would have been fitting if her father had travelled in the tourist wing of her delegation.

She also followed in the footsteps of Barack Obama, an earlier African Diaspora tossed by a historical hurricane on to the presidency of that land of immigrants. In following Obama’s road, her first call was Ghana, the country of Kwame Nkrumah who, in 1957, proclaimed the militant historical law that Ghana’s independence would not be complete if any part of Africa is still under colonial domination.

There was speculation that Obama shared that vision of a united and free Africa. It came as a sobering shock when Obama and his Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, invaded Libya during which Colonel Muammar Gaddafi was assassinated.

Worse still, for Africa, the vast military arsenal accumulated by Gaddafi was thrown open and his enemies, AL QAEDA and ISIS, surged with them across the Sahara Desert and harm West Africa with mass slaughter and block the region’s development.

Gaddafi had been vigorously angling for becoming the first president of a Unites States of Africa. He pushed President Olusegun Obasanjo in Nigeria, and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, to resist his political energy and settle for a evolution of African diplomacy from the limited vision of an Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to the symbolically bolder cap of ‘’African Union (AU)’’.

With vast earnings from a bottomless oil pot, Gaddafi was buying diplomatic support by paying salaries for civil servants in several member states of ECOWAS; building mosques as far south as Uganda; pushing Idi Amin to break his alliance with Israel; buying a leading hotel in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, and suspected of urging Arabs to regain power in Zanzibar. The Obama presidency saw him to be as competitive as CHINA. Kamala Harris met a chorus of demands for choosing the security of Sahelian Africa to America’s obsession with Ukraine as a cobra for pouring venom into Russia’s body politic. Ugandans expected her to

HER PUSH FOR WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE AS LEADERS; AND CREATIVITY BY WOMEN AND AFRICA’S YOUTH IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMIC SPHERE, WAS WELCOMED ENTHUSIASTICALLY

apologise for a Black American ambassador colluding in Idi Amin’s 1971 military coup which slaughtered over 300,000 civilians. That blunted her call for ‘’Democracy Americana’’.

Her push for women’s participation in governance as leaders; and creativity by women and Africa’s youth in the digital economic sphere, was welcomed enthusiastically.

Her celebrating Ghana’s push for attracting the African Diaspora to return to hug their roots was timid. At a time when President Biden is drawing Australia into a Nuclear War Democracy alliance, she was silent over Genocide against Afro-Australians by immigrants from Europe. The current government in Australia is backing public call for acknowledging Afro-Australians in the country’s constitution.

She also failed to acknowledge the first Afro-Colombian woman being elected as Vice President on her merit as a fighter for liberation for her people and women in general. Cuba has actively promoted such change across South America: from Peru on the Pacific Ocean coast to Brazil on the Atlantic Ocean coast. History waits for Kamala Harris’ contribution to the liberation of her African Diaspora kith and kin.

She avoided Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo where Islamic terrorists armed by NATO’ with Gaddafi’s weapons, continue to slaughter African peoples. A United Nation’s report accused 300 Euro-America’s multinational companies of financing terrorism in DRC. Her visit to Tanzania and Zambia had echoes of Chinaphobia.

When Boers in apartheid South Africa closed road and railway routes for Zambia to export its copper and import consumer goods, both Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia turned to China to build the TAZARA railway line to find an alternative exit for Zambia’s economy. This was at a time when the United States was supporting a ‘’crime against humanity’’ inside South Africa and Namibia.

This is the diplomatic equivalent of irate supporters of Donald Trump invading and desecrating America’s parliament building. Coming like a woman hawking cup-fuls of friend groundnuts on grounds where Africa’s most exceptional leaders confronted an international cabal of parasites on Africa’s natural resources and de-humanisers of Africa’s peoples. Obama shook Raul Castro’s hand at Mandela’s funeral. It was a tribute to Fidel Castro’s support for the war against Boers. It is yet dawn for her relating with Africa.

Prof Oculi writes from Abuja

DRIVING GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE NDDC Pius Ughakpoteni urges the commission’s advisory council and board to adhere to principles of good corporate governance

T

he Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is a federal agency established in 2000 to foster sustainable development in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

The region has abundant natural resources, but its people struggle with poverty, environmental decay, and social turmoil. Despite the hardships in the Niger Delta, the NDDC, like a gardener who cares for a forgotten garden and transforms it into a lively and beautiful oasis, is dedicated to making the region a better place for its people and empowering them to enjoy its wealth.The NDDC has made some impact and achieved some successes in providing infrastructure, education, health, and empowerment programs to the region. However, it still has a long way to go and many challenges to surmount to realize its full potential and vision. The NDDC seeks to address these challenges and enhance the people’s living standards in the region. However, the NDDC has encountered several hurdles in fulfilling its goals.

Some of the significant challenges that hamper the NDDC projects are: Corruption, misappropriation, and mismanagement of funds by some officials and contractors; incompetence and lack of professionalism among some contractors; environmental issues such as pollution, flooding, and erosion damage infrastructure and livelihoods; youth militancy and violence that disrupt peace and security; inadequate monitoring and evaluation of project implementation and impact; poor coordination and collaboration with other stakeholders, such as the federal, state, and local governments, civil society organizations, and community leaders.

These challenges have eroded the performance and reputation of the NDDC and its projects in the region and have cast doubts on its effectiveness and legitimacy. Corporate governance is the system that shapes and controls how a firm is run and managed. It involves balancing the interests of various stakeholders, such as shareholders, senior management executives, customers, suppliers, financiers, the government, and the community. Corporate governance also defines how an organization distributes power, accountability, and decision-making among its members. The challenges that plague the NDDC

projects pertain to corporate governance issues.

For example: corruption, misappropriation, and mismanagement of funds breach the principle of accountability that demands transparency and honesty in financial reporting and auditing.

Incompetence and lack of professionalism among some contractors undermine the quality and efficiency of the projects and tarnish the reputation and credibility of the NDDC. Environmental issues such as pollution, flooding, and erosion endanger the sustainability and viability of the projects and the region. Youth militancy and violence impede the smooth implementation and operation of the projects and create insecurity and instability. Inadequate monitoring and evaluation restrict the performance measurement and feedback mechanisms that are crucial for good corporate governance while poor coordination and collaboration with other stakeholders hamper the alignment of interests and goals and the effective use of resources.

Therefore, good corporate governance is critical for addressing these challenges and ensuring the NDDC projects achieve their objectives and benefit the Niger Delta Region. Good corporate governance is more than just a system of rules, practices, and processes. It is also a culture of values and principles that guide an organization’s operations. It aims to balance the interests of different stakeholders, such as shareholders, customers, employees, and the community, and to ensure that decision-making is inclusive, transparent, accountable, fair, and responsible.

Good corporate governance also involves managing risks and promoting ethical behavior within the organization.

Good corporate governance is like a strong foundation for a building. The building cannot stand without a solid foundation, and any efforts to build on it will be fruitless. Good corporate governance provides the same solid foundation for a business, allowing it to stand firm and thrive in the long run.

Some examples of good corporate governance practices are: Ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations. This could involve implementing measures such as regular financial reporting and audits and establishing clear lines

of responsibility and accountability within the organization; promoting ethical behavior within the organization by establishing a code of conduct for employees and implementing measures to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption and in ensuring its decision-making processes are inclusive and participatory by engaging with stakeholders such as local communities, civil society organizations, and international agencies to ensure their voices are audible.

Good corporate governance is also a critical component of development. It involves the efficient and effective use of resources, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Good corporate governance is essential for building trust and confidence among stakeholders, including international agencies and multinationals. The NDDC must prioritize good corporate governance to attract support from these stakeholders.

To adhere to the tenets of good corporate governance and position itself for support from international agencies and multinationals in developing the region, the NDDC could take several steps. These steps include: implementing the good corporate governance practices mentioned above, strengthening its internal control systems to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, policies, standards, enhancing its communication strategy to inform stakeholders about its activities, achievements, challenges, seeking feedback from stakeholders on its performance, impact, satisfaction, and establishing partnerships with other development actors to leverage resources and expertise.

The role of the NDDC Governing Board is crucial for implementing these steps and ensuring good corporate governance in the Commission.

The Governing Board is responsible for overseeing the financial situation, designing the business strategy, and ensuring coherence with the defined values and ethical principles of NDDC. The Governing Board also provides oversight and guidance to the Commission’s management team and ensures that the Commission is operating in the best interests of its stakeholders. After being without a board for nearly four years, the federal government inaugurated the Governing Board on

January 4th, 2023.

The Governing Board must work closely with the Advisory Council, another vital statutory body for ensuring good corporate governance in the NDDC. According to the NDDC Act, the Advisory Council consists of the governors of the nine-member states of the NDDC and two other members appointed by the President. The Advisory Council is responsible for advising the Board on matters relating to the development of the Niger Delta region and monitoring the activities of the Commission. The Advisory Council also has the power to make regulations to discharge its functions effectively. The current chairman of the Advisory Council is Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

The NDDC Advisory Council and Governing Board are vital in ensuring good corporate governance in the Commission and transforming the Niger Delta region. They must collaborate to overcome the challenges that have hindered the Commission and its past projects and fulfill their mandate of fostering sustainable development in the region.

They must also engage with other stakeholders, such as the federal government, international agencies, multinationals, civil society organizations, and local communities, to ensure their efforts are harmonized and coordinated. They must show transparency, accountability, professionalism, and ethical behavior in their operations and decision-making. They must communicate clearly with their stakeholders and seek feedback on their performance and impact. They need to manage risks and foster innovation and learning within the Commission.

By adhering to these steps and the principles of good corporate governance, the NDDC Advisory Council and Governing Board could earn the trust and confidence of their stakeholders and secure support from international agencies and multinationals for sustainable development in the region. By doing these things, they can make good corporate governance a reality in the NDDC and make a positive difference in the Niger Delta region.

Ughakpoteni is the Director, New Media, NDDC, Port Harcourt

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APRIL 8, 2023 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Nobody is above the law

Memo to Kaduna State Governor-elect

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et me first and foremost congratulate the Kaduna State governor-elect, Malam Uba Sani over his victory in the March 18th, gubernatorial and states assembly elections. On 29th May, like other governors-elect across the country, you will take an oath of office as Kaduna State governor. Malam Uba Sani will find a big shoe to fill. His predecessor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, who spent eight years in power, has been in either bad or good news within the period under review. Some of his policies such as retrenchment or rightsizing have generated mixed feelings in the state.

It could be recalled that his first tenure witnessed the laying off of over 50,000 persons drawn from different Ministries, Department and Parastatals. Worst hit are the education sector and local governments where the bulk of the casualties came from. While El-Rufai’s administration has been able to construct many township roads in Kaduna, Zaria and Kafanchan under the urban renewal projects, it is believed rural communities under his watch have suffered great neglect.

During a debate organised by British Broadcasting Commission (BBC), Hausa Service in preparation of gubernatorial polls, three major contenders who were eyeing Sir Kashim Ibrahim House from APC, PDP and NNPP bared their minds on what they would do if given the mandate by the electorate.

For instance, Uba Sani, who wanted to succeed El-Rufai did not see anything wrong in retrenchment of primary School teachers who were considered incompetent and unfit for the jobs. He commended El-Rufai’s investment in education which resulted in excellent performances of the state in WAEC and NECO in the last five years. Uba Sani backed his arguments with relevant statistics to convince his opponents and the general public. However, both Isa Ashiru of PDP and Suleiman Hunkuyi held different opinions. The duo chided APC government on killing the education sector and promised to reverse the retrenchment policies. They vowed to review the policy and reinstate genuine teachers if elected.

Despite the facts, Malam Uba Sani, supported governor El-Rufai’s policies and programs throughout the period in which the debate lasted.

He admitted that El-Rufai was also a human and could make mistakes. Sani, assured the good people of the state that if elected, he would look into some of the governor’s policies with a view to discarding the wrong ones and sustaining the good ones. With

his victory in the election, the governor-elect should strive to keep his promises after inauguration. The reforms carried out in primary education should be hurriedly reviewed. Many schools are still battling with inadequate teachers. The teachers who were recruited to replace the sacked ones seemed grossly inadequate. This has seriously affected the development of education in the state. The governor-elect should scale up massive recruitment of teachers to augment or bridge the shortage of teachers in the state.

There is no gainsaying the facts, our major cities have worn good looks through the urban renewal projects implemented by governor El-Rufai’s administration. The governor-elect should now prioritize rural areas. The presence of government in rural areas is not much felt. The new government should ensure a paradigm shift from urban to rural renewal projects. This gesture will open up our rural communities and alleviate poverty among the rural dwellers.

Ibrahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Kaduna State

Nigeria’s Health Pandemic

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he media and film industries have misled our society into self-destruction. Vast medical disability, even though we have drugs for everything today, is making our society sicker. For example, an average youth in Nigeria specifically is affected by stomach ulcers, mass infections of diseases, and internal malfunctions of organs. The only remedy I hear every day is the same content from a different company. This business is slowly killing our people. We cannot be in economic and political stagnation and still be in this unhealthful dilemma. We need to start asking questions about our environment: the things we consume (food, water), the things we contain (health is wealth), and the reasons so many people die with no valid explanation on why and how. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not questioning the inevitability of death but rather the potency of our means of survival as humans, tribes, and ethnicities under the same circumstances. Malnutrition and inorganic majors will only bring organic dysfunction. Like Dr. Sabi would say, the black race is in big debt.

Tijani Lawal, Lokoja, Kogi State

In Praise of Shuaibu Audu

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he history of Kogi State cannot be complete without the Prince of the Niger, Alhaji Prince Abubakar Audu. As the first and second civilian Governor of Kogi State, his remarkable achievements that gave birth to modern Kogi speak volumes. He was a loyal and dedicated party man who never jumped

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

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

ship in all his political voyages. His doggedness paid off in 2015 when he contested for the governorship seat and was coasting to victory when the cold hands of death struck. That unfortunate incident created a lacuna that led to constitutional crisis in Nigeria.

This man did so much for the party in the state that the time is ripe for a posthumous compensation by considering his worthy son, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, an accomplished investment banker of over 25 years standing, who has now been cleared to contest the governorship seat of our dear state. His character, charism a, commitment, courage and capacity have no equal. As a member of the APC campaign council, he demonstrated unparalleled commitment in all ramifications to ensure the success of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our President--elect.

Our people said “if a man gives you a cow, you will not hesitate to use the hide to make a seat for his child”. In the light of the above, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu should be supported to emerge the candidate of our party in the forthcoming governorship primaries. He is arguably the most sellable and acceptable candidate with the contacts and connections across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State.

Comrade Idoko Daniel Ogacheko, Lokoja

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 8, 2023

NEWS Agbaso: It’s Most Insulting to My Person Being Accused of Fronting for Uzodimma Amby Uneze in Owerri

FOR QUALITY EDUCATION… Vice Chancellor of Paul University, Prof. Obiora Nwosu receiving the cheque of N10m from the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi for continued infrastructural development in the university...recently

Labour Party State Chairmen Take Back Party National Headquarters

The governorship aspirant of the Labour Party (LP), Chief Martin Agbaso, has frowned at reports making the rounds that he was fronting for the Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma in the November 11, 2023 governorship poll in the state.

Briefing journalists in Owerri, Agbaso said the insinuation on social media that he was fronting for Uzodimma was most insulting to his personality, wondering why aspirants should resort to maligning others, rather than engaging in issues-based campaigns.

According to him, “it is so unfortunate that somebody in his right senses would ascribe me as working for anybody.

Nothing could be more insulting that Martin Agbaso is holding forth for Uzodimma. It is unimaginable because by 1992 when I entered serious politics, who was Uzodimma then?

Agbaso submitted that he is more qualified than every

other person in the race, and therefore cannot be a front for another person no matter who that person may be.

“There is nobody running for the office of the governor, including Hope Uzodimma who is anywhere as qualified as Martin Agbaso. That is the truth. In terms of academic training, managerial training, professional training, business accomplishment, contact, reach, respectability, integrity, I am above them.

“Nothing could be more insulting than stating that Agbaso is holding a spot for Hope Uzodimma. When I got into politics in 1992, I didn’t know what Uzodimma was doing then.

Nobody is more qualified than me in terms of education, business accomplishments, sincerity and contacts. What are you going to offer me? Is it what I already have?

“Why on earth will anybody insult me that way? There is nobody I can hold brief anywhere.

I am a highly competitive man,” he maintained.

Say Abure remains national chairman Emameh Gabriel in Abuja The crisis rocking Labour Party took a fresh dimension yesterday as 28 state chairmen of the party took over the national secretariat of the party in Utako Abuja to again pass a vote of FRQÀGHQFH RQ WKH VXVSHQGHG National Chairman, Julius Abure.

The members of the party National Executive Committee (NEC) who stormed the party national headquarters forced their way into the secretariat where they later addressed journalists.

Gombe Governor Felicitates Christians, The move came less than 24 to ensure the recovery of his to court and took a particular Urges Prayers for Leaders

hours after a factional body of the party National Working Committee on Thursday took over the secretariat and thereafter announced the replacement of the suspended National Chairman, Abure, with the National Vice Chairman (South), Lamidi Bashir Apapa, who they said would be on acting capacity for the time being.

Meanwhile the factional body of the party led by Apapa has declared support to help the presidential candidate of the party for the February 25 presidential election, Peter Obi,

mandate in the court.

However, 28 chairmen of the party led by their spokesperson High Chief Kehinde Rotimi stormed the secretariat and forcefully reclaimed it.

Addressing journalists at the secretariat, Rotimi said they were surprised over reports of the invasion of the party secretariat in Abuja and they have come to reclaim it.

He alleged that they destroyed properties and carted away documents, describing the act as unruly.

“We were told that they went

order but they did not wait for the court to determine whatever motion of notice, they took laws into their hands to come and destroy our secretariat.

“That is why we as very important organ of NEC, the council of chairmen in the party which constitute NEC along with the members of our party have decided to come here to do an on the sport assessment and on getting here we discovered that these sets of hoodlums, some of them have been suspended and are no more members of our party.

Police Rescue Two Kidnapped Victims in Ikorodu Forest Rebecca Ejifoma Operatives of the Lagos Police Command have rescued two kidnapped victims, names withheld, from the Isiwu Forest near Imota in the Ikorodu area of the state.

According to the police, they were rescued in the wee hours of Wednesday at Isiwu Forest, near Imota after six gunmen abducted them on their farm on March 26.

The gunmen were said to have come in a boat and taken them to the kidnappers’ makeshift den

in the forest.

Acting on information that the kidnappers were set to collect ransom from the owner of the farm at 11:30p.m. operatives ambushed two of the kidnappers.

The suspects were said to have engaged the police in a gun duel.

While one of the suspects was gravely wounded, the other was said to have escaped.

The victims, who worked as a manager and a driver on the farm, told journalists that the attackers demanded details of the farm’s strong room where the owner kept the money.

One of them said, “I told them I knew nothing about it, as I was new on the farm; I only started working there in December.

“They took us into the forest and beat us thoroughly. The one they beat more was the driver because he told them he didn’t have any money in his account.

They were using cutlasses to ÁRJ XV µ According to the manager, he transferred N55,000 from his account to them. “Then, they called the owner of the farm and demanded N30m.

and made a donation of N10 million.

He revealed that his love for education and health have no political undertones, but borne out of his desire to make the nation better.

“I would have come to donate this money in January. As you can see, this cheque is dated January 13, 2023, but I did not come because we were campaigning and I did not want to make my investment in education look like a political issue.

“Elections are over now and

I have come to do what I like to do, which is supporting investment in education and health, which, as I have always maintained, are very critical to national development,” Obi said.

Presenting the cheque of N10 million to the institution, through the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Obiora Nwosu; and the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Prof.

Stella Chinyere Okunna, Obi said, “Paul University is one of the universities that government should be supporting. I remember donating the sum of

ORYH VDFULÀFH VHUYLFH WR *RG and country as well as triumph Gombe State Governor, Alhaji of good over evil. We should Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, DOZD\V UHÁHFW RQ WKH OHVVRQV has felicitated with Christians in DQG VLJQLÀFDQFH RI WKH VHDVRQ the state and the world over on and demonstrate the same in the occasion of this year’s Easter our lives.”

According to him, “On celebration, urging them to use the occasion to pray for the this occasion of Easter feast, I newly elected leaders from the want to enjoin our Christian just concluded elections, and for brothers and sisters in Gombe the peace, progress and healing State and the world over to of the nation going forward. continue to demonstrate love, In a goodwill message promote peace and show good issued by Ismaila Uba neighbourliness.

“I also want to urge you to Misilli, Director-General 3UHVV $ͿDLUV *RYHUQPHQW remain steadfast in prayers House, Gombe, which was DQG FRQWLQXH WR VDFULÀFH IRU made available to journalists the good and advancement of yesterday, Governor Yahaya said our dear state.”

The governor also urged the Easter period provides an opportunity for strengthening of all Christians to pray for the unity of purpose, reinforcement newly elected leaders at all of bond of brotherhood and levels for God to bless them dedication in service to God with wisdom, understanding, DQG KXPDQLW\ DV H[HPSOLÀHG discernment, and knowledge as they prepare to take the mantle

by Jesus Christ.

He said, “Easter symbolises of leadership next month.

He told them he didn’t have it. They later reduced the money to N10m but he told them all he could get was N3m.

“We spent 10 days in the forest. They fed us soaked garri FDVVDYD ÁDNHV DQG EXVKPHDW It was a wooden house built inside the forest. We were lying RQ WKH ÁRRU DQG ZHUH ZDUQHG not to look them in the face.

They blindfolded us the day after we got there.

“So, on the ninth day in the Blessing Ibunge in Port forest, they sent two of the Harcourt kidnappers to go and collect the ransom from the agreed spot.”

As Christians across the globe celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Governor Nyesom Wike, has XUJHG 1LJHULDQV WR VHOÁHVVO\ work towards the peace and N100 million to this institution, development of the nation.

Just as the Rivers State when I was governor, but as a private citizen, I am giving you governor has felicitated with this cheque of N10 million and Christians on the celebration of I promise to continue to support Easter, urging them to emulate -HVXV &KULVW E\ PDNLQJ VDFULÀFHV you,” he said.

In his words of appreciation, that will advance the course the Vice Chancellor of the Uni- of development.

Governor Wike made this call versity, Prof. Nwosu described Obi as a lover of humanity and yesterday, in an Easter message, societal progress, whose ultimate signed by his Special Assistant desire is to build a new Nigeria on Media, Kelvin Ebiri.

The governor in the message for all Nigerians.

He appreciated Obi for his VDLG WKDW (DVWHU H[HPSOLÀHV WKH consistent generosity, and prayed XOWLPDWH VDFULÀFH PDGH E\ -HVXV Christ to save mankind, noting God to bless him always.

Aggressive Investment in Health, Education Will Solve Many of Nigeria’s Problems, Says Obi The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has explained that an aggressive investment in the critical areas of development, which he mentioned as education, health, and poverty alleviation, will solve many of the challenges facing the country today.

He stated that with good human capital development, Nigeria will be on the part to greatness again.

Obi made the remarks yesterday at Paul University Awka, when he visited the institution

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

:LNH &DOOV IRU 6HOÁHVV 6HUYLFH to Nation’s Development that as individuals, Christians must take into consideration the welfare of others.

He called on the people of Rivers State to re-dedicate themselves to the service of WKH VWDWH DV WKH\ UHÁHFW RQ WKH ideals of Good Friday and Easter Celebration.

Governor Wike assured the Rivers people that he will FRQWLQXH WR PDNH VDFULÀFHV for the state and Nigeria as a whole, defend her interests and ensure that the people always enjoy good governance as he thanked them for their great support.

He said Easter is a period of fresh beginning, forgiveness, love and friendship. The governor urged the privileged to reach out to the less privileged as everyone works to deepen the culture of true Christianity.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 8, 2023

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yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

NNPC’s Prickly ‘Political’ Crude Oil Drilling

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en days back, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) lavishly celebrated the commencement of exploratory drilling of Ebenyi-A well in Obi, Nasarawa State, with the assurance that the effort would contribute to its aspiration to grow Nigeria’s crude oil reserves from 37 billion barrels to 50 billion barrels.

President Muhammadu Buhari, speaking at the “spudding” of the well, the first in the Middle Benue Trough, stated the move was in line with the ongoing campaigns for the exploration of crude oil and gas in the nation’s frontier basins.

The manner the Ebenyi-A well was celebrated, one would think the said crude oil discovery would, within some months, develop to commercial production. This is not certain. Just like the other explorations in Nigeria’s so-called frontier basins, Ebenyi-A well may not get to commercial production level. There are no proven crude oil reserves in this area, yet, NNPC has been spending millions of scarce US Dollars on the Ebenyi-A well. I have very strong fears that there may be no crude oil production news from Nasarawa State many more years after the “spudding” in Obi. I even read some publications with screaming headline, “Nasarawa State joins oil producing states.”

This is not true.

The Ebenyi-A well is just the latest in the list of “political” oil drilling by the NNPCL, gulping huge public funds. It is part of the desperate effort to find commercial oil and gas outside the Niger Delta basin. It all started in the Chad basin when the then Direct Exploratory Services (DES), later renamed Frontier Exploratory Services (FES) of the NNPC embarked on massive exploration drillings that lasted some 14 years, starting from 1986 and ending around 2000. During that period, 23 exploratory wells were drilled within Borno State, largely in the Chad Basin Sedimentary Rocks. None of the wells moved anywhere near commercial crude oil production. Notwithstanding, I can safely confirm that the NNPCL has commenced mobilisation for a return to the Chad basin for exploration.

This same NNPCL that has not remitted a dime to the federation account for almost a year is able to move millions of Dollars for a hugely uncertain frontier exploration in the Chad basin. What a country! A few years back, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, a Petroleum Economist and Energy Law expert said, “considering the huge financial obligation of the NNPC, adding the burden of oil exploration in the Chad Basin is foolery.”

Adenikinju adds: “This is where the issue of political interference comes in. This is not an issue of politics but business. Directing the NNPC to resume oil search in that region is not good for the corporation. The corporation should run as an independent business entity

Last November, President Buhari was in Kolmani to flag off drilling of the crude oil well.

Yes, that was what we were told. Now, this is where the confusion is. You would probably think Kolmani well is set to start pushing out crude oil. No! It is not near production stage.

The possibility of getting to that stage is slim because the geography of the zone may not guarantee a commercial find. As at press time, nothing is happening in Kolmani devoid of political interference. They should be able to determine whether to resume oil search or not, and not the government telling them what to do.”

NNPCL has also pumped huge money into the Kolmani Field straddling Bauchi and Gombe states in the Upper Benue trough. It would be an integrated project, so we were told. The company has been pushing out positive stories that the field holds about one billion barrels crude oil reserve and 500 billion cubic feet of gas deposit; that the Kolmani Integrated Development Project would house a 120,000-barrels per day refinery; a 500-million standard cubic feet per day gas processing plant, a 300-megawatt capacity power plant, and a fertiliser plant of 2,500 tons per day. We have also been told that the asset operator will be Sterling Global, a Nigerian affiliate of the Indian Sandesara Group.

Last November, President Buhari was in Kolmani to flag off drilling of the crude oil well. Yes, that was what we were told. Now, this is where the confusion is. You would probably think Kolmani well is set to start pushing out crude oil. No! It is not near production stage. The possibility of getting to that stage is slim because the geography of the zone may not guarantee a commercial find. As at press time, nothing is happening in Kolmani.

Years back, a multinational company was motivated to explore for oil in the Sokoto basin with all sorts of incentives. After persistent negative results, it pulled out because the chances of hitting crude oil in commercial quantity were very remote. That was where economic considerations came in. The firm could no longer commit funds to the project for obvious economic reasons. It is also for these economic considerations that international oil firms and privately-owned Nigerian oil companies are not interested in getting involved in frontier basins’ explorations. They are unwilling to drill outside the Niger Delta

that has proven crude oil reserves.

The NNPCL has even become rigorous in the search for oil in areas without proven reserves by expanding the scope of its frontier explorations. This is clearly because the Petroleum Industry Act sets aside 30 percent of NNPCL’s profit for frontier exploration. This is big money. So, it is now talking about oil explorations in Dahomey Basin, Anambra Platform, the Calabar Embankment, Bida Basin as well as the Ultra-Deepwater Niger Delta. Likewise, it is planning to return to the Sokoto basin.

The frontier basins are too shallow and not mature. This is the truth that must be told. The wasteful involvement of NNPCL (a company struggling to meet its financial obligations to the federation), in the search for oil in these frontier basins is for political reasons. Experts have consistently emphasised that none of the so-called crude oil discoveries in the frontier basins can progress to commercial production level that will add to the nation’s hydro-carbon assets as being promoted.

If the NNPCL is truly interested in growing the hydrocarbon reserves of Nigeria, with the ultimate aim of enhancing national energy security and associated economic benefits to the people, it should increase its exploration aggressiveness in areas with proven reserves, and show more determination there. This country still has a huge number of such areas. Nigeria’s drive to meet its target of growing hydrocarbon reserves from 37 billion barrels to 50 billion barrels, in the short to medium term, and increasing crude oil production to 3 million barrels per day can be easily attained in these areas with proven reserves, if the NNPCL works assiduously.

The way forward is to expunge the Frontier Exploration Fund (FEF) from the Petroleum Industry Act. That means amending the PIA. This is a task that must be done. The 30 percent of NNPCL’s profit

64 Million Nigerians Struggling for Food

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urrent statistics from the World Food Programme (WFP) on global food security revealed that 64.3 million Nigerians do not have enough food to consume. This is about 32 per cent of this country’s population.

These Nigerians struggle for a meal a day. The WFP, an organisation of the United Nations, stated that the food insufficiency in Nigeria rose sharply in the first three months of this year.

The sad news is that Nigeria is in the club of countries like Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Liberia, Central African Republic, Togo and Guinea Bissau, where so many people are not getting sufficient food.

The WFP report on Nigeria should not surprise anybody. In fact, the agency is just telling us what we already know. Millions of people are glaringly struggling for food in beloved Nigeria. The last eight years have been most traumatic. Rampaging terrorists and bad economic policies of the Buhari government have pushed many under poverty.

Many have lost jobs while a huge number of our farmers have been forced out of their farms by terrorists. This is why Nigeria is now the poverty capital of the world. This country has surpassed India as the place with the largest number of people living under poverty.

The Buhari government has spent almost

eight years celebrating false food security achievements and pushing out false figures.

There are fairy tales of massive increase in rice production, yet, a 50kg of local rice rose from about N7000 eight years ago, to N39,000 today.

This federal government has clearly failed to pragmatically address Nigeria’s food crisis.

At the state level, the governors have been a big disappointment. They are doing very little on food security. Most of them are living big amid so much suffering in their states. Our local governments don’t even know that they should be contributing to food security. This is the tragedy of the country called Nigeria.

For now, millions of Nigerians continue to struggle for at least a meal daily.

provided for FEF can then be used for explorations in areas with proven reserves. That is what the PIA should do for exploration.

Committing huge cash and resources for oil search in the frontier basins is not a good investment decision for a country like ours whose economy is in crisis.

I agree that there is the need for oil fields to be discovered outside the Niger Delta region, so that the region will stop holding the rest of the country to ransom. However, running to non-petroliferous areas and wasting huge money is not the way to go.

Sanusi Garba

Will NERC Bite This Time?

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arly this week, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) launched its service charter in conjunction with Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM), mandating electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) to fix certain faults within 24 hours of notification by customers. In the deed, when notified of a fault leading to loss of electricity, Discos must visit the premises within 24 hours to determine the cause and rectify it.

The industry regulator stated that if such outage was caused by a bad fuse, it must be replaced and reconnected within 24 hours, same for other minor equipment faults. Whenever a customer makes a request to a Disco for a new or additional connection to their premises, after filling ‘form 74’, the Disco, NERC maintained, shall take measures to fix the meter and connect the power supply within 10 working days of receiving the request.

Furthermore, where a customer reports a problem to a Disco that would suggest that the cause of the problem is the electricity meter recording incorrectly, the industry regulator pointed out that a visit must be scheduled within three days. According to the charter, the consumer also has rights to electricity supply in a safe and reliable manner, right to a properly installed and functional meter and right to be properly informed and educated on the electricity service being offered.

The replacement of infrastructural items like transformers, poles and other electrical equipment are now strictly the responsibility of Discos and customers are not expected to pay for them.

This charter is no doubt a bold move by NERC to tackle the shameless thumping of electricity consumers in Nigeria by Discos. The responsibilities assigned to the Discos in the Charter are not new.

These are roles they have consistently snubbed for years. The shylock guys running the Discos must be laughing at NERC. I can confidently say that they won’t respect this charter. So, who will punish them if they, as usual, rebuff this charter?

Is the Sanusi Garba-led NERC ready to bite the recalcitrant Discos this time around? I doubt it.

NERC has a history of incompetence when it comes to enforcement. This agency has never been there for electricity consumers in Nigeria.

This is why traumatised electricity consumers have nowhere to run to when services fail. I’m not sorry to say that NERC, as constituted today, is a toothless bulldog. I’m waiting to see if the Chairman of NERC, Sanusi Garba and his men will prove me wrong with this charter.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 8, 2023

TRIBUTE

David Mark, Otukpo Homeboy Turns 75 Paul Mumeh

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avid Alechenu Bonaventure Mark, a retired Army General and President of the 6th and 7th Senate (2007-2011 & 2011-2015), Federal Republic of Nigeria is 75, (April 8, 2023). He is unarguably an accomplished soldier and a successful politician.

As a soldier, he rose to the commanding height of his profession; a Brigadier General and Director of Signals, Nigerian Army and as a politician, he rose to the position of President of the Senate; ranking number three citizen in Nigeria then.

They are very few men and women in Nigeria who arguably fits into the double successful sojourn of Senator David Mark in public service.

Though he is no more in active partisan politics, he pledged to continued to be a bridge builder across the federation. For him, what makes for peace, unity and progress of Nigeria will always be his mission and purpose.

He has also decided to remain a mentor to the younger generation on leadership, teaching core national values of patriotism, democratic tenets and principles, good governance and rule of law through the David Mark School of Political Mentorship.

Born on the 8th day of April 1948 in the rural Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State of Nigeria, Senator Mark started his elementary education at St. Francis Catholic Practicing School, Otukpo from 1956-1961. He then proceeded to the prestigious Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria from 1962-1966 and in the process set off for achieving his ambition for a military career. Young David Mark was later admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Regular Course 3 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in 1970.

Senator Mark surged for further professional training in the United Kingdom and India from 1971-1976 and bagged a Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering Mhow (India). Between 1978 and 1979, he was a student at the Command and Staff College, Jaji and between 1990 and 1991, he was at the National Defence University in Washington DC and later at Harvard University, Boston, USA from 1991-1992.

During a sterling military career, Senator Mark held various Staff, Command and Administrative appointments in the Nigerian Army. Some of these include but not limited to Directing Staff, Command and Staff College, Commander Corps of Signals and Faculty Director, National War College (NWC), now National Defence College (NDC), Abuja.

Senator Mark also held extra-curricular appointments while in the military. He was appointed the Chairman of the very challenging Abandoned Properties Implementation Committee in 1976. In his capacity as Chairman, he effectively supervised the implementation of the Federal Government White Paper on the controversial abandoned properties in the old Eastern Region, now the South South (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers) and South Eastern States (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo).

As a Lieutenant Colonel, he was appointed Military Governor of Niger State in 1984.

His tenure was characterized by the conceptualization and implementation of brilliant ideas, bold actions and courageous initiatives which set Niger State on the path of development. Pertinent to note, is the introduction of the compulsory girlchild education, an initiative that earned Niger state the Number one position in the promotion of the girl-child education. Till date, Niger State has the highest number of Educated females among the 19 Northern

Maark Mark k

States of Nigeria on the account of the education policy introduced by Mark.

Appointed Minister of Communications in 1988, Senator Mark set the tone for the modernization of the communications sector in Nigeria by introducing mobile phones and digital telephone system in the country. He also reorganized NIPOST and started the city coding system. The Nigeria Telecommunications (NITEL) was removed from the Civil Service Structure and staff welfare package was improved significantly. He also built two ultramodern digital earth stations in Lagos and Enugu from internally generated revenue without recourse to Federal Government allocation.

It is pertinent to note that during Mark’s stint as Communications Minister, there was a remarkable revolution in the sector.

Mark had sought the permission of then Commander-In-Chief, General Ibrahim Babangida to disconnect subscribers indebted to the NITEL because of the huge debt bedeviling the services. He wanted an efficient and sustainable telephone services for the country.

He had warned that those who own lines must pay bills or get disconnected. He kept faith with that promise and debtors had their lines disconnected. His efforts to explain the issue that telephone is not for charity was misconstrued that “telephone is not for the poor.” No, he wanted a viable NITEL capable of providing good services.

But decades later in the era of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) where subscribers prepay for services would appreciate and give kudos to Mark as a man who saw tomorrow.

Senator Mark’s pet project has been on Education. For him, Education liberates the people and open doors for prosperity and development. In his quest to give education to his constituents, he awards scholarships to students from post primary to tertiary institutions. Since 2005 when he floated the scholarship scheme, over 30,000 persons through his David Mark Scholarship Foundation (DMSF) have

benefited. Most of the beneficiaries were indigents, orphans and people with special needs who may have been denied access to education.

For his commitment towards bringing education to the doorstep of his people, Senator Mark built and donated an edifice for the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) study centre in Otukpo, Benue State.

He had built and renovated many classroom blocks across the nine local government areas of his Benue South Senatorial District.

While in the senate, Senator Mark sponsored many bills, chief of which included an Act for the Establishment of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO). This bill eventually, led to the establishment of the university when President Muhammadu Buhari assented to it. The institution is first of its kind in Nigeria and it is turning Otukpo into a medical hub.

He has always believed that the best investment is human capital development.

He established Skills Acquisition Centres across the nine local government areas of his constituency to train scores of women and youths in various trades. On several occasions, Mark empowered women and youths through the distribution of tools like Cars, Motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, generator sets amongst others.

As a sports enthusiast, Mark has empowered many Nigerians through sports. He sponsors an annual Mark D’Ball basketball tournament which has changed the lives of many youths who now reside overseas pursuing their professional careers in the game. In the same vein, he also established the Apa United (Male) and Apa Queens (Female) football clubs. Similarly, trainees at the David Mark International Golf Academy have represented Nigeria in many international competitions. These young lads (fondly called The Lion Cubs) are given intense training by professional golfers and have shown total dominance at all the events they participated.

On infrastructure, Mark influenced the construction of Loko-Oweto bridge and

road network linking Benue, Nasarawa and Abuja. This project is a link between the North and the Southern part of Nigeria.

Mark also influenced the construction of the multi billion naira Otobi Multi-purpose water dam which had the twin advantages of providing water and generating electricity to serve the entire Benue South and its neighbouring communities.

Senator Mark also donated several 300KVA Transformers to many communities in all the nine local government areas of Benue South under the Rural Electrification Projects. This he believed would facilitate the economic development of the people in the zone.

In communication, Mark built a radio station (Joy FM, 96.5), in Otukpo, Benue State. A platform for education, entertainment and information dissemination for the people.

This FM remains the first privately owned radio station in the North Central Region of Nigeria.

Other infrastructure includes but not limited to, an 18-hole International Golf Course in Otukpo, donated free of charge to the community, International Standard Football Stadium (under construction) in Akpegede, Otukpo, Establishment of numerous Primary Healthcare Centres and Clinics, construction of roads and solar street lights.

During his stint as chairman of the National Assembly, he influenced the construction of the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) complex Abuja, designed for institutional capacity building of legislators and their aides in the country.

This infrastructure is equipped with the State of art facilities which include ICT Centres, libraries, recreational Centres, clinics, lecture halls and a one thousand capacity event centre.

“Mr Stability” was his appellation while he was leading the National Assembly. This was orchestrated by his stewardship and team spirit towards his colleagues and ability to arrest pressing challenges to stabilize the polity.

Under his watch, the National Assembly broke the jinx by amending the 1999 constitution of Nigeria which has set the pace for growth and development of our democracy.

A visionary and purposeful Mark along with his colleagues set the pace for the establishment of the Amnesty Programme and the creation of the Ministry of NigerDelta through the Senate retreat held in Port Harcourt back in 2007. This event was in a deft legislative master stroke where Mark provided the solution to a complex national problem.

The invocation of “Doctrine of Necessity” by the National Assembly under the chairmanship of Mark in February 2010, led to the swearing in of the then Vice President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as Acting President of Nigeria. This singular act earned Mark a place of honour in the hall of fame amongst the Nigeria’s greats.

Reflecting on the journey so far, Mark affirmed that he has been exceptionally favoured by God and will continue to serve God and humanity in the years ahead. Nigeria, he said, has been fair to him, submitting that in or out of Government, he will continue to serve his fatherland.

In 2019 when he finally took a bow from the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly (after 20 years) just like King David in the Holy Bible, he built an edifice for St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Otukpo, Benue State and dedicated it to the Almighty God in appreciation to God for his accomplishments in life.

Mark’s place as a patriot, true nationalist, detribalized Nigerian, social and political strategist of no mean standing is unarguably assured in the annals of Nigerian history.

And Mark, statesman per excellence, marches on @ 75 today. .Mumeh writes from Abuja.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 8, 2023

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PERSPECTIVE

‘Little Englanders’ and the Rest of Us Tunde Akanni

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gba o ni tan l’orile, by the special grace of Allah. But for the timely intervention of Nigeria’s ageless gift to the world, Prof Wole Soyinka, Oxford and Cambridge universities and other sympathetic establishments in and outside of UK would have been relentless with everything possible to dim the rising star of the enterprising creative genius and novelist, Onyeka Nwelue, who, many hail as a professor.

Treasured by both institutions obviously on account of the strength of his literary productivity, Nwelue had been a visiting scholar to both Oxford and Cambridge. Suddenly, some bubble exploded. Nnwelue wasn’t a professor afterall. So he had to be pressured to disengage from being an Academic Visitor to the two universities. The excuse: Onwelue wasn’t a professor, and so a ‘big lie’ had been uncovered. But the guy never claimed to be a regular professor, other than being so hailed. How simplistic can any institution choose to be in relating with stakeholders? How can substituting casual street banters for official information stand? But the romance with both British institutions had been cut short on account of little talks.

Given the propensity of the internet for speedy and global spread of information, only God knows how much humiliation Onwelue would have had to endure but for Soyinka’s intervention. Shortly after the two universities severed their relationship with Nwelue, Kongi had to authoritatively assert that Nwelue wasn’t alone in the craze for some persons to arbitrarily lavish titles on others, especially online. He recalls, in his intervention, how he had to alert somebody who was being so similarly titled, to be wary.

But not yet Uhuru from UK still. In matters they hardly understand or choose to deliberately misunderstand, they still hasten to intervene and flaunt what you may rate as an angelic posturing. It was like the Nigeria Office of the Corporate Accountability and Public Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, had them in mind in formulating the curriculum for the training of Nigerian journalists prior to the 2023 General Elections for which they were supported by the European Union, EU. Yours sincerely had been contracted for presentations in Ibadan and Port Harcourt on the subject of Understanding Conflicts and Drivers of Conflicts in Elections. Being so familiar with the tendencies of some little folks manning international affairs around the world in this age, and guided by my sense of patriotism, I pointedly alerted my audiences to the factor of international community as an unmistakable variable. Often, they observed elections in the past and stamped judgments on the fairness or otherwise of elections without sufficient data. That has changed.

They now observe and remark on the general atmosphere of peacefulness or otherwise. However, some far less populated countries with unfounded colonial pride like the UK have failed to recognise the beauty of modesty and the need to steer clear of avoidable deadly and reckless interventions far from smacking balance.

Nwelue

And so UK felt it could afford to be discriminatory in its reckoning with strands of political developments in Nigeria, deliberately dismissive of what the consequences may turn out to be for innocent souls that may ultimately fall victim of violence, with regards to the nation’s most competitive presidential election held February 25, 2023. A winner, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has since emerged and duly congratulated by leaders of governments around the world including those of the United Stated States, Saudi Arabia and even UK. Incidentally, the opposition in this contest turned out to be extremely bad losers hardly bothered by whatever could befall the nation they’re seeking to rule having lost to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The two leading contenders after Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, promptly constituted legal teams and have since been in court. Notwithstanding this, they have been relentlessly loquacious on their presumed stronger popularity, implying as much as they could that the president-elect never deserved the victory.

Their supporters, irrespective of whatever accomplishments, have

been wrongly inspired and become far worse, throwing caution to the wind completely. Sam Amadi, holder of a PhD from Harvard, heightened the tension to a most dangerous peak, surprisingly. Shortly after the president-elect announced that he was travelling to France and Saudi Arabia for Umrah, a few days back, rumour began to circulate that the CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, was spotted at the airport trying to sneak out of the country allegedly to go and hold secret meetings with the president elect. In the middle of the confusion, Amadi, who was also a former law professor at Baze University owned by Obi’s deputy in the 2023 presidential election, published a photograph online perceived to be complementing the rumour. Amadi’s falsehood was soon betrayed and he owned up with regret that he did it in error. But the CJN, his family and other Nigerians had been severely embarrassed especially as Amadi’s fellow Obi followers had feasted on it on the social media and similar terrains. Amadi has not disclosed his intention of doing it but it turned out to be a most embarrassing intervention from someone deemed to be

knowledgeable enough to know the enormity of his misdeed.

Apparently sensing the opposition was up to fighting dirty, former Minister and one of the campaign directors of Asiwaju Tinubu, Femi Fani-Kayode, FFK, shot back at the opposition relentlessly and seemingly in a stronger way but devoid of falsehood. The UK authorities however chose to ignore Amadi, who had even volunteered public regret.

Instead, they launched against Femi Fani-Kayode threatening visa denial and all. So mean, many Nigerians noted and particularly, FFK himself.

He reckoned that the concerned UK diplomat was one little Englander who should seek a lot to learn from fellow diplomats. But this writer was not surprised by the conduct of the little Englander given UK and some of its establishments’ trajectory of irrational partiality and wrong profiling of persons such as had been encountered and condemned by many Nigerians.

Rather than being supportive of developmental strides of Nigerian citizens and the country as a whole, especially during uncertain times, often you find UK’s policies being either indifferent or antithetical.

Otherwise, why heat up the polity with a hardly justifiable position on the side of Dr Amadi and the rest opposition against Nigeria’s president-elect? The degeneracy of UK’s diplomatic disposition to Nigeria has been relentless, unsurprisingly.

What, with the rather strange stance that Nigerian students who plan to enter UK with their families may no longer have that opportunity? No be today nah!

As the spokesperson for Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO in 1995, a visa officer at the British High Commission had rudely told me he was going to deny me visa because I was young and unmarried. I scanned the ‘quantity’ told him I was even older and had a first degree which he probably didn’t have. He thought he could threaten me by saying he would write down my comments and I told him he should do but should make a copy for me. Shortly afterwards, I was in New York and graced the renaming of the Nigeria Corner after Kudirat Abiola together with several colleagues and dignitaries including Asiwaju Tinubu as a NADECO chieftain then as well as our Kayode Fayemi who later became Ekiti State Governor.

The renaming over, Dr Fayemi insisted I must detour to UK while returning to Nigeria. As the executive director of CDD then, KF, as we fondly hailed him, did me an invite while I was still in the US and I got the UK visa in New York within three hours! Much more courteously, I did not even have to appear for visa interview the following year when I clinched the alltime prestigious British Chevening Scholarship to do a postgraduate programme in the UK. It is gratifying enough for now that FFK has little or no need for any advocate being more than up to the messy situation cooked by the British Diplomat. He gave it all to him so he can learn to deepen his diplomatic orientation before the next challenge.

As the spokesperson for Civil Liberties OrganisaWLRQ &/2 LQ D YLVD RIÀFHU DW WKH %ULWLVK +LJK Commission had rudely told me he was going to GHQ\ PH YLVD EHFDXVH , ZDV \RXQJ DQG XQPDUULHG , VFDQQHG WKH ¶TXDQWLW\· WROG KLP , ZDV HYHQ ROGHU DQG KDG D ÀUVW GHJUHH ZKLFK KH SUREDEO\ GLGQ·W Tunde Akanni, a distinguished KDYH +H WKRXJKW KH FRXOG WKUHDWHQ PH E\ VD\LQJ KH British Chevening Scholarship alumnus is an associate professor ZRXOG ZULWH GRZQ P\ FRPPHQWV DQG , WROG KLP KH of Journalism at the Lagos State University. Follow him on Twitter:@ VKRXOG GR EXW VKRXOG PDNH D FRS\ IRU PH AkintundeAkanni.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 8, 2023

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Nollywood Classic ‘Domitilla’ Premieres Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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tar-studded gathering on Saturday, April 1, as ‘Domitilla: The Reboot’, the sequel to Nollywood classic, ‘Domitilla’, premiered at the FilmHouse Cinemas, Lagos.

Several celebrities turned up, with some bringing their fashion A-game while others struggle to put up their best. Kate Henshaw, Fred Amata, and Zeb Ejiro were among the A-list Nollywood stars who turned up for the private screening.

The theme for the event was ‘BigNolly Futuristic Fantasy’, which had the guests with their best interpretations of the theme on the red carpet. Highlights of the screening include a minute silence held in honour of the late Chico Ejiro, who was involved in the preliminary stages of the remake but passed away in December 2020.

The project, which is the remake of ‘Domitilla’, the 1996 Nollywood classic, opened in cinemas April 7. The movie

tells the story of a young woman named Domitilla, who is forced into prostitution by her manipulative ER\IULHQG 7KH ÀOP DOVR VSRWOLJKWV KXPDQ WUD΀FNLQJ DV ZHOO DV WKH dangers of involving in the sex trade.

‘Domitilla: The Reboot’ features top movie stars including Elvina Ibru, Onyinye Ojokoro, Teniola Aladese, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Ejiro Onojaife, Chioma Okafor, Deyemi Okanlawon, Stan Nze, and Iyabo Ojo. In a statement, the movie producers said the SURMHFW ´SURPLVHV WR EH D ER[ R΀FH success and a must-see for anyone interested in Nigerian cinema”. ´:KHQ ZH ÀUVW PDGH 'RPLWLOOD it was a story inspired by societal challenges that, over time, have proven to be not only akin to the ’90s but trans-generational,” says Zeb Ejiro, the producer. “And so, in recognition of its relevance in these times, we have decided to make a reboot to the story, factoring recent socio-cultural advancements.”

L-R: Ejiro Onojaife, Teniola Aladese, Zeb Ejiro, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Onyinye Odokoro and Chioma Okafor

From Mercy to Meenah with an H Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ollywood star Mercy Aigbe recently rechristened and converted to Islam. The actress and her latest husband, filmmaker, Kazeem Adeoti (Adekaz), had recently gathered friends, relatives, and colleagues for a lecture on Ramadan. Following the success of the event, the actress was interviewed, during which she confirmed her conversion to Islam.

Mercy is the latest entry on the list of Nollywood actresses converted to Islam after their marriage. The mother of two and her new lover, Adekaz, got married in a private ceremony.

Since news of the marriage broke, Mercy has continuously flaunted Kazeem Adeoti who has a first wife. Mercy embraced her husband’s religion and announced to the public her new name.

According Islamic rites, Mercy Aigbe converted to Islam and adopted a new Arabic name called Minnah (Meenah). In a video on social media, Aigbe, 45, said, “Insha Allah, My new name is Hajia Meenah Mercy Adeoti. Meenah with the H.” She also confirmed it via her Instagram page with photos of herself dressed the Islamic way at the lecture.

Mercy with husband

“Hajia Minnah. My look for our 1st Ramadan Lecture yesterday hosted by hubby @kazimadeoti and I. May Almighty Allah grant us the Grace to host many more,” she wrote. In a related post, the actress clarified the meaning of her name saying, “Yes! Minnah is a beautiful, Islamic name and it means Mercy…Gift from Allah…

Ramdam Mubarak.”

Mercy further clarified that she is coping better with fasting; however, she is still struggling to wake up to eat early in the morning as she is always sleepy. Recall that the actress married Mr. Adeoti in 2022 and was accused of extramarital affair while she was married to her ex, Lanre Gentry. But Mercy denied the allegation, saying she has constantly been lied against.

The actress debunked claims that her new husband was a friend of her ex-husband, Lanre Gentry. While Aigbe secretly wedded Mr. Kazim recently, Mr. Gentry, on the other hand, had a glamorous marriage in Lagos in September 2021.

“I just want to clear the impression, Adekaz isn’t Lanre Gentry’s friend,” she wrote in a message.

The actress, despite criticism, continues to post intimate pictures and posts of herself and her new husband. They recently embarked on a holiday spree to several exotic locations where they had a swell time and shared memorable experience.

Femi Simpson’s ‘Landscapes and the Dignity of Labour’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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Photorealism exhibition opened at Freedom Park, Lagos on Good Friday 7th and will run till Easter Monday 10th April 2023. The Exhibition titled “Landscapes and the Dignity of Labour” is featuring over 40 paintings by 65-year-old artist, Femi Simpson.

As the theme suggests, the paintings show various landscapes such as Moseyo Beach in Badagry, hills in Ilesha, Greenland Dock in Surrey Quays, London and canals in Nottingham.

“The paintings depict subjects going about their daily chores and routines. These include truck pushers, hawkers, weavers, students on their way to school, artistes, and commuters as they board buses on their way to work,” Simpson said via correspondence. On his unusual style, subject and composition in which one sees a lot of details, he said: “This is photorealism. My painting takes its inspiration from my photographs.”

A retired teacher, writer, artist, Simpson, who has always loved the arts as a child, been fascinated with photography, said he had always been painting, initially with words.

He explains further on his fascinating journey into photographic-painting: “Photo realism is a style of art, such as painting, with a highly detailed depiction of ordinary life in an extremely realistic way, with the exactness of a photograph.

“I have always been fascinated with photography; with the power of the lens; with the potential behind the shutter release button and the view of the world which can be captured in a single click. I have always been amazed at the ability to freeze time, moments, and occasions, if you will, and the possibility to share these cherished images with others. I had always loved the arts. As a child, I grew up in a house that was full of books, photographs, cameras, and tripods.

“Papa, as we called my father, was an avid reader and a member of several book clubs.

He loved music so much that we had an organ and a piano in the expansive sitting room. Papa made sure that each child had a copy of Smallwood’s Paino Tutor. Playing

mostly on the organ, the girls – Idowu, Alaba and Bimpe would sing as he played. In the early 60s, probably before then, Papa had a camera with a remote control and a tripod with which we had family photo sessions. ´7KH ÀUVW SDLQWLQJ LQ WKLV EURFKXUH WLWOHG ‘Racecourse Lagos’ was developed from a photograph that he took in the early 60s before Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) was built. My interest in books, poetry and photography thus began at an early age and were to lead PH WR DQG JUHDWO\ LQÁXHQFH P\ SDLQWLQJ As a teenager, I read a lot of poems by John Keats, William Wordsworth, Oliver Goldsmith and other romantics.

“Young and impressionable, when I read Alexander Pope’s poem “Of the Character of Women”, wherein he was through words, SDLQWLQJ GLͿHUHQW SLFWXUHV RI ZRPHQ , NQHZ I would do the same someday...Following my retirement from regular teaching, I had time to pursue my passion for photography and bought state of the art cameras. After my brief initial “apprenticeship” under Mahmoud Alli-Balogun, I was privileged to be further tutored for years and I am still being tutored Femi Simpson by the Maestro, Don Barber.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 8, 2023

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Africa Magic: 20 Years of Matchless Entertainment Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

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ith its rich culture and diversity, Africa has long been known for its intriguing and spellbinding stories but without a platform, these WDOHV QHYHU ÁHZ EH\RQG WKH OLSV RI WKH storyteller. Enter Africa Magic, a channel made in Africa, for Africa by Africans. It was in 2003 that the channel which has now become home to everything entertainment RQ WKH FRQWLQHQW ÀUVW EHDPHG WR 1LJHULD its rich slate of content that features TV shows and drama series. The next year saw it on the airwaves of South Africa and other African countries.

Africa Magic was an instant hit for the FRQWLQHQW 1RW EHFDXVH LW ZDV DQRWKHU 0 1HW DQG 0XOWL&KRLFH ZRQGHU EXW UDWKHU because it was celebrated for promoting the continent’s beauty and culture. What that translated into was that millions of subscribers across the continent enjoyed entertainment from other parts of Africa.

1ROO\ZRRG H[SHFWHGO\ WRRN WKH OHDG LQ content. In no time, Africa Magic became V\QRQ\PRXV ZLWK 1ROO\ZRRG 0RUH ORFDO ÀOPPDNHUV QRZ KDYH D SODFH WR FDOO KRPH and reach wider African audiences.

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Take for instance the comedian Basketmouth, whose comedy series ‘Flatmates’ added a ÀOPPDNHU IHDWKHU WR KLV KDW ZKLOH XVLQJ this medium as a platform to showcase the acting skills of his counterparts.

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Zagg Debuts Official TV Commercial as BB Titans Ends LQWHU FRXQWU\ IUDQFKLVH RI WKH %LJ %URWKHU Reality TV show — the commercial titled “That’s our kind of energy” perfectly portrayed he Big Brother Titans Show WKH PXWXDO EX]] HQHUJ\ DQG IXQ VSLULWHG ended in dazzling fashion nature that the brand and its consumers share.

Olaoluwa Babalola, Portfolio Manager, on Sunday, crowning Khosi Twala as the eventual win %H\RQG %HHU 1LJHULDQ %UHZHULHV VDLG ´=DJJ ner of the highly watched is a unique beverage in that it has warmed show. More than this, Zagg its way into the hearts of the younger ones.

Energy Malt Drink — one Through this commercial, we have been able of the sponsors of the show — debuted its WR H[KLELW WKH HQHUJ\ DQG FRQÀGHQFH WKDW R΀FLDO 79 FRPPHUFLDO RQ WKH VKRZ IRUPDOO\ comes with being a member of the Zagg LQWURGXFLQJ WKH UDSLGO\ JURZLQJ EHYHUDJH nation. But more than that, Zagg energy drink has come to fuel the youths of this among the youths to the entire world.

Filled with energy, vibrancy and dynamism QDWLRQ ZLWK WKH LQWXLWLRQ GULYH DQG DOO URXQG synonymous with the BB Titans Show — the invigoration needed to keep up with the global trends of our society today.”

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Zagg Energy’s pilot commercial during WKH %LJ %URWKHU 7LWDQV 6KRZ ÀQDOH ZDV D great success.

It not only introduced the brand’s unique beverage to a broader audience but also captured the energy and spirit of the show Khosi Twala, winner, BB Titans and its consumers.

Telemundo Sets to Light Up Television Premium One-stop Beauty Salon, Tosin Clegg

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KH FRORUIXO UHG FDUSHW DPELDQFH EHDXWLIXO IDFHV LQ HOHJDQW RXWÀWV and shows that got people glued to the screen, were the highlights of Telemundo’s private screening. Telemundo, a television network owned by 1%& 8QLYHUVDO KDV FRQWLQXDOO\ HQWHUWDLQHG LWV 1LJHULDQ IDQV ZLWK WKULOOLQJ VKRZV LQ WKH SDVW WHQ \HDUV DQG WKLV \HDU WKH 79 1HWZRUN KDV ODXQFKHG WZR QHZ PLQG EORZLQJ VKRZV ´$QD·V 5HYHQJHµ DQG ´8QWLO 0RQH\ 'R 8V Part”.

Ana’s Revenge is the story of a smart, EHDXWLIXO ZRPDQ $QD *XHUUHUR &DUROLQD Gómez) who is bent on seeking revenge against her mother’s murderer: Guillermo León Mejía (Marlon Moreno) – a corrupt politician contesting for the President of the Republic.

In a bid to accomplish her mission, Ana positions herself to become the most popular political adviser in the country, which of course, makes Guillermo notice her. Just as planned, Guillermo employs Ana as his main strate

JLVW $QD WDNHV KLP DOO WKH ZD\ WR ÀUVW SODFH LQ WKH polls, only to later do a grand expose of his shady past, which cost Guillermo his presidency bid and freedom. The plot twist is that this man she loathes is her father and that by her action, she might lose WKH RQO\ PDQ VKH KDV HYHU WUXO\ ORYHG 3DEOR 'H /D 7RUUH *HRUJH 6OHEL +RZ GRHV VKH ÀQG KHU ZD\ out of this complicated situation?

8QWLO 0RQH\ 'R 8V 3DUW +DVWD TXH OD SODWD QRV separe), tells the love story of Rafael Méndez (Martínez), a charismatic and humble salesman, and Alejandra 0DOGRQDGR 9LOODORERV D VXFFHVVIXO KLJK UDQNLQJ executive. These two get involved in a car accident which leaves Rafael with a debt incurred by Alejandra from the accident. Amid this situation, these two fall in love. Their love is however, threatened by WKHLU ÀQDQFLDO GLVSDULW\ :LOO WUXH ORYH NHHS WKHP together or will they allow money separate them?

The event was hosted by Tallulah Doherty and attendance were Baaj Adegbule, Teniola Aladese, 2PREROD 9DO RWKHU DPD]LQJ DFWRUV LQÁXHQFHUV DQG ORYHUV RI 7HOHPXQGR ,QYLWHG 6WDͿ RI '67Y and renowned media houses also graced the event.

Overall, the launch of both Telemundo title shows was a huge success as evident by the comments, excitement, and anticipation for more on the faces of invited guests.

Curlla Set to Launch in Lagos

&

urlla Luxury Salon has an nounced that its flagship location in Lekki, Lagos will open to the public on April 30.

It is set to be the ultimate expression of luxury, created to provide a unique and un paralleled beauty experience, with focus on personalization, exclusivity, and exceptional FUDIWVPDQ VKLS The owners said appointments can be made by booking via the &XUOOD PRELOH DSS :KDWV$SS email and via their social media handles.

The launch of the salon will take place on April 26 and will EH DQ H[FOXVLYH DQG LQYLWDWLRQ

only event.

The management of the salon said in a statement: “With team of highly trained and experienced professionals, the salon will offer a wide range of services, including hair styling and grooming, nail care, and more. &XUOOD LV PRUH WKDQ MXVW D hair salon. It is a sanctuary of indulgence committed to creat ing the perfect atmosphere for clients to relax and rejuvenate ZLWK LWV VWDWH RI WKH DUW IDFLOLWLHV and premium products.

“With an unwavering focus on providing the highest level RI VDWLVIDFWLRQ &XUOOD LV SRLVHG WR RIIHU ZRUOG FODVV EHDXW\ experiences to its discerning clientele ensuring they look and feel their very best.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 8, 2023

22

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Deputy National Coordinator, Association of Nigeria Women Business Network (ANWBN), Otunba Gbemisola Oduntan; Vice President, Sierra Leone Federation of Women Business Entrepreneurs (FEBWE), Hajia Marie Bob Kandeh; President FEBWE NIGERIA, Iyalode Alaba Lawson; CEO Compass Global /Convener FLEC Global & Organiser, West Meets East Trade Mission, Mrs. Tokunbo Chiedu; President, FEBWE Gambia, Madam Ndey Isatou Contey Jallow and National Coordinator FEBWE NIGERIA, Princess Tola Omole at at the press conference and launch of West Meets East in Nairobi, Kenya....recently

L-R: Vice Principal, Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) PortHarcourt, Mrs Beauty Umejuru; Coordinator, Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF), Chioma Ohaka; Principal, GGSS, Port-Harcourt, Mrs Rose Jaja Accra; Branch Manager, SCBN, Aba Road Branch, Portharcourt, Salome Ogboru; and Branch Manager, SCBN Trans-Amadi Branch, PortHarcourt, Chibuzo Barth-Akaba, during the Financial Literacy session at the Government Girls Secondary School, Port Harcourt...recently

Falcon Aero Unveils New Solutions for Business Travellers %XVLQHVV DYLDWLRQ ÀUP )DOFRQ $HURVSDFH Limited has launched new applications to ease business jet booking and enhance service accessibility. $W WKH R΀FLDO ODXQFK WKH ÀUP DOVR XQYHLOHG LWV operational business units, stressing innovation as its driving force.

6SHDNLQJ &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU RI )DOFRQ Chukwuerika Achum explained that the business model derives from increased demand for business aviation by more Africans doing EXVLQHVV DFURVV $IULFD DQG QRQ $IULFDQV Á\LQJ into the continent for business and tourism.

He stated that the company’s obsession with LQQRYDWLRQ LQVSLUHG LWV ODWHVW RͿHULQJV ZKLFK ZHUH targeted at delivering more value to customers.

He said, “We are proud of our African origin and are deeply committed to the continent’s development. As an organisation with deep $IULFDQ URRWV DQG YDOXHV ZH SRVVHVV D VLJQLÀFDQW understanding of the business terrain in Africa.

“Operating through our business units, we DLP WR PDNH D GLͿHUHQFH LQ DQ RIWHQ H[FOXVLYH and elusive market via the delivery of excellent customer service, adaptation of technology, inclusive customer targeting, and continuous

innovation.”

Achum described the company’s business XQLW DV 9LYDMHWV &KDUWHU;( DQG )O\3-; $FFRUGLQJ WR KLP 9LYDMHWV LV WKH FRPSDQ\·V operational brand meant to interface with the regulator and provide a wide range of services including charter brokerage and aircraft management, amongst others. +H DGGHG ´&KDUWHU;( LV DQ DXWRPDWHG SULYDWH jet booking platform that provides access to the company’s charter brokerage services through digital devices. It is available as a mobile app DQG DOVR YLD ZHE ZKLOH )O\3-; LV D FKDUWHU SHU

seat booking platform.

Head of Business Excellence of Falcon Aero, 7HMXPDGH 6DODPL VDLG WKH ELUWK RI WKH ÀUP heralded a new future of possibilities in the African business aviation market.

“We aim to democratise business aviation DQG PDNH WKH VHUYLFH DFFHVVLEOH DQG DͿRUGDEOH to more people”, she said.

In his remark, Director of Air Transport Regulation, National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo commended the business initiative and also stressed compliance to regulatory standards.

Compass Global, Female Leaders Champion Culinarians Seek Improved Access Trade Synergy between Easts, West Africa to Ingredients, Local Recipes Women Professionals have made a case for enhanced trade relationship between East and West Africa at the just concluded West Meets East Trade Mission and Business Development Tour in Kenya.

According to the convener and CEO Compass Global, Mrs. Tokunbo Chiedu, the tour was part of the Global Female Leaders, and Entrepreneurs Conference (FLEC), designed to celebrate women’s accomplishment across all spheres.

Chiedu stated that the programme was an opportunity to showcase the regional value proposition of the East and West of Africa, whilst creating a platform to explore opportunities and foster partnerships between players across the regions; towards unlocking the $22 billion intra Africa trade opportunity.

She said, “The goal of West Meets East is to instigate a coalition for regional business linkage, and partnerships towards improving intra-Africa trade, and against the backdrop of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This endeavour therefore connected counterparts

from the west to players across east Africa via a series of private sector led engagements.”

The four-day event held in Nairobi, Kenya drew participants from across East Africa and 40 delegates from West Africa including President of Women Business Networks, Associations and SMEs from across key economic sectors.

Also in attendance was President, ECOWAS Federation of Business Women Entrepreneurs (FEBWE NIGERIA), Iyalode Alaba Lawson who led the delegation for the ECOWAS Region, comprising ECOWAS FEBWE counterparts and GHOHJDWHV IURP GLͿHUHQW :HVW $IULFD FRXQWULHV including Consul General, Sierra Leone High Commission, Nigeria, Madam Beatrice Koko Kallay and Past President, Junior Chamber International Cameroon, Madam Larissa Mafouku Talla, amongst others.

Chiedu also expressed gratitude to ECOWAS &RPPLVVLRQ DQG $IUH[LP %DQN IRU WKHLU ÀQDQFLDO support as well as Federation of West Africa Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) for its institutional backings.

Culinary experts have sought for enhanced distribution of ingredients and shopping access for locally made recipes during an industry conversation recently.

According to them, this became important for players to boost exploration and expedite active growth in the industry.

The conversation which held on Twitter also provided opportunity for food content creators to upgrade their trade by learning LQQRYDWLRQ DQG QHZ WHFKQRORJLHV LQ WKH ÀHOG Hosted by FoodbyHilda and co-hosted by media personality, Latasha Ngwube, the conversation was anchored around the theme, “Creating Ease for Work-Life balance in the Nigerian Culinary Indust” &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU RI )RRGE\+LOGD Hilda Baci reiterated the purpose of the conversation to enable players share their experiences on digital innovation, work life balance and business growth.

The programme featured impressive lineup of culinary content creators including Winifred Nwania of Zeelicious Foods; Sisi

Yemmie and Matse Uwase of Matse cooks.

Others were Omoyecooks and Gina Ekikhodi Ojo of Geena foodies and spice, all of who shared their views in a panel session.

The specialists called for support from spouses, advising enthusiasts to discuss compromises to make it easier to achieve balance.

They also advised on resisting the urge to follow every trend by constantly reinventing WKHLU RͿHULQJV DQG GHÀQH SXUSRVH ZLWKRXW neglecting self-care.

According to them, this will boost professionalism among budding food content creators.

Speakers also seized the occasion to highlight their challenges and opportunities in the sector and how they were able to maintain a balanced lifestyle, amid the task of cooking and creating content.

Baci also informed that her forthcoming cooking marathon starting on April 28 would break Tata’s Guinness book of record for the longest cooking marathon.

Shuttlers Raises $4M in Equity Funding Coca-Cola Unveils New to Enhance Business, Growth Brand Identity for Fanta Indigenous tech-enabled mass transit ÀUP 6KXWWOHUV KDV UDLVHG D VXP PLOOLRQ in equity funding to expedite growth of its transportation solution in Nigeria.

The funding was led by pan-African focused YHQWXUH FDSLWDO ÀUP 9HURG .HSSOH $IULFD 9HQWXUHV 9.$9 ZLWK IROORZ RQ LQYHVWPHQWV IURP 9HVWHG :RUOG 6KH(TXLW\ &0& $OVD DQG (FKR 9& According to the company, the funding will enable it build infrastructure to power mass transit in Nigeria, build on its dominance as the leading shared-mobility provider in Lagos, enable employee transportation for more corporates, as well as expand to other cities within Nigeria. &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU DQG FR IRXQGHU of Shuttlers, Damilola Olokesusi explained that the move would also drive impact in

communities across the country.

She said, “Impact is a key pillar of our mission, and we are committed to building a global network of vehicle-partners, creating jobs, reducing commuters’ carbon footprint by 85%, creating safer experiences for commuters, particularly women, and building communities. ´:H DUH WKULOOHG WR KDYH 9.$9 9HVWHG:RUOG 6KH(TXLW\ &0& $OVD DQG (FKR 9& DV partners in our mission to transform mass transit experience around the world. This additional funding will allow us to build the infrastructure we need to power mass transit and expand our reach to more communities in Nigeria. We believe that shared mobility can have a transformative impact on our society, and we are committed to driving that change.”

%HYHUDJH ÀUP &RFD &ROD KDV XQYHLOHG D new global brand identity for its soda brand Fanta.

Fanta’s rebrand followed the redesign of two other leading drinks brands, including 7Up. *OREDO 93 RI GHVLJQ DW 7KH &RFD &ROD &RPpany, Rapha Abreu in a statement disclosed that Coca-Cola global design team brought in a whole creative village to revamp the design system, with JKR on packaging and imagery, Brazilian artist Lucas Wakamatsu on illustrations, Tim Marsella on lifestyle photography, and Martin Wonnacott on product photography.

He said, “The refreshed identity is bright, colourful, and exuberant. The new logo features an update to the wordmark, simplifying it and removing the orange circle and green leaf.

“It also gets paired with delightful illustra-

WLRQV RI IUXLWV FRUUHVSRQGLQJ WR WKH ÁDYRXU splashing down and displacing liquid drops, sometimes accompanied by other graphics like diamonds and lightning bolts.

“We wanted to portray a brand that values VSRQWDQHRXV SOD\ DQG WKH EHQHÀW LW EULQJV %\ VKLIWLQJ RXU IRFXV WR UHÁHFW DQ DWWLWXGH ZH were able to revitalize Fanta’s brand assets and reclaim play as something that people RI DOO DJHV FDQ HPEUDFH DQG EHQHÀW IURP µ Global Executive Creative Director for JKR, Lisa Smith said, “We were really inspired by the idea of bringing playfulness to consumers of all ages when we started to ideate around how to bring the brand’s purpose to the masses. By thinking what this meant for the brand’s expression, attitude, and actions, we were able to build a distinctive brand identity that signalled the brand’s commitment to fun at every level – from real life to digital.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 8, 2023

23

POLITY

Sosanwo: No Case of Stolen Mandate in Ogun Engr Adeola Sosanwo who is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of Ogun State Security Trust Fund talks to Olaoluwakitan Babatunde on the return of Gov Dapo Abiodun for another term among other underpinning issues which characterised the last governorship election in the state. Excerpts What is your assessment of the just concluded presidential and governorship elections in the state?

of the workers, he has been ensuring that they get their promotion as and when due, they should be rest assured that the governor will attend to all their worries in due cause.

W

e thank God that both have come and gone, we thank God for the peace and the residents of the state who deemed it right to vote for our party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to also reward our hardworking governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun with another term in office. I must however say that there was lot of disparity in the votes our party got during the presidential and that of the governorship.

In the presidential election, everyone wants a Yoruba man, that is, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be the president and so everyone worked hard to achieve this but during the governorship election, things were a lot different. This is largely due to the fact that many of our loyalists, those we consider as leader betrayed our trust and confidence reposed in them especially from Ogun East. It was just like the people who voted for us during the presidential election have disappeared into the thin air. But as tough as it is, the almighty God who enthrones still gave us the victory, the victory of His Excellency is really an act of God and that could not also be detached from the fact that the governor had served meritoriously in the last four years.

He has given his best and even surpassed expectations in all areas name it; road construction, education, healthcare, housing, agriculture etc Are you not surprised that things turned out the way it did in Ogun East, the political base of the governor, did you anticipate anything like that?

Yes, I won’t deceive you, from the intelligence we gathered before the election, some of us are quite aware that there were some ganging up against the second term victory of the governor for reasons best known to them.

There were some groups here and there, unnecessary bickering too. We had people nursing the wounds of not being given tickets for House of Representatives, House of Assembly and all that. There was really an intelligence report that people were planning not to vote for the Governor’s second term. So as an experienced politician, I called some people and said, we should not bother the governor with this because he has a lot to attend to already, we should not add to the burden. So, I called people like Hon Farouk who is SSA to the governor on Environment, Hon Biyi SA to the governor on Security, Gen Ashafa (rtd) from Imeko, Otunba Okunola from Sagamu among others. We all sat down did some brainstorming and we all went out using our resources to counter this palace coup. We thank God things went the way we want. What we did was to intensify support for the governor in the two Senatorial Districts of Ogun Central and West believing that our good showing there will reduce considerably whatever shortfall we might experience in Ogun East and that exactly was what happened.

Again, I want to tell you that what happened to the governor happened to me too in 2019 when I contested under PDP to represent Ogun East. I sincerely pray that our people in Ijebu and Remo land will stop selling their best for pittance. The governor did very well, in terms of good projects, the Agro-Cargo Airport is about 70% completed, the Ilisan/Ago Iwoye road has been done, Ijebu Ode/ Epe road is there, what about other access roads across the nine local governments? The good job of the governor is seen also in education, healthcare among others. But in a situation where people are asking ‘is it road that we shall eat’? when people care less about the socio-economic development that they can see around them but will rather shift focus on something else. It is a pity human beings are so unpredictable and behave so irrational sometimes.

This is however not to say that we still don’t have plenty of people who are die-hard supporters of Mr Governor.

These are the people who gave the votes to the governor.

Some of them never thought any plane could land in the state but they saw this happening under Gov Abiodun and were so convinced that really, the governor deserves another term.

What do you think the second term of Gov Dapo Abiodun holds for the people of the state?

Gov Abiodun is an extremely focused man, he knows what he wants and he goes for it. He is very passionate about the development of the state and that is what he will continue to do. He is already preparing to commission yet another road project in the state capital. I am sure the governor will double up efforts to finish the Agro-Cargo Airport which has the capacity to provide over 20,000 job opportunities. There will be more roads to be initiated and completed, the governor has equally talked about ensuring that the Dried Ports at Kajola along Abeokuta-Sango expressway becomes a reality. This will help to decongest

But the PDP governorship candidate, Hon Ladipupo Adebutu has insisted that the election was rigged vowing to retrieve the alleged stolen mandate at the tribunal, how do you react to this?

I want to first of all sympathise with my brother, Hon Ladipupo Adebutu for the loss suffered in the election, having also lost an election in the time past, I truly know how it feels to narrowly lose an election. Having said that, I want to say that there’s nothing like stolen mandate as far as the Ogun State governorship election is concerned.

This is the first time I am seeing a sitting governor losing from home when he could have done everything to win, the opposition party also has about 11 out of 26 members of the House of Assembly and yet someone will be claiming stolen mandate, that is not the truth. The margin might be very slim but the governor won very squarely and fair, so enough of misinforming the populace. There will always be another time.

Sosanwo Lagos Port and of course further open up the state for business. I am telling you that the governor’s second term will be quite memorable and for the good of the state. I am also sure that some of the workers’ concerns as well as that of the pensioners would be sorted out. This is a governor who places so much premium on the welfare

Gov Abiodun is an extremely focused man, he knows what he wants and he goes for it.

He is very passionate about the development of the state and that is what he will continue to do. He is already preparing to commission yet another road project in the state capital. I am sure the governor will double up efforts to finish the AgroCargo Airport which has the capacity to provide over 20,000 job opportunities.

There will be more roads to be initiated and completed, the governor has equally talked about ensuring that the Dried Ports at Kajola along Abeokuta-Sango expressway becomes a reality

What lessons will you say your party has learnt in the last election?

Many people have thought that the governor despite his fabulous performance in office wouldn’t be returned for another term and that was why we had so much of betrayals and backstabbing but God said, no, this my son in whom I am well pleased will continue his good works for another four years and so be it. Having said that, we have also been able to find out that there is a lot of disconnect among our so-called leaders and followers. The leaders just want to eat alone and not care for the followers but it’s these followers that they will call upon to go and vote, this area must be addressed so that it won’t be a case of some set of people living off the sweat of others.

Whatever is due to these people at the grassroots should be given to them unfortunately, these leaders will rather prefer to distribute these things among their families, this should be discouraged. It causes so much disaffection and disunity in the party.

Your take on the call for interim government?

That’s a condemnable call from some enemies of the country. It is the design of the sore losers in the last presidential election, it is really unfortunate. There is no reason for such plan because the election had been conducted, a winner has emerged, together with his running mate, he had been issued certificate of return, he is only waiting to be sworn in on May 29 by the special grace of God. Our President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not a novice in political administration, he had done so well as the governor of Lagos State and the foundation which he laid has continue to take the state to greater height.

Those who lost in the election should rather approach the court to pursue whatever they felt wasn’t right not to be laying ambush for a mandate that was freely given. Some are even calling for the military to take over, those set of people are the enemies of this nation. I sincerely hope that the security agencies will remain alerted and waste no time to arrest those that want to derail this democracy.

And for those fanning embers of ethnicity, they are only wasting their time. God has destined us to be together and that has come stay.

It won’t be proper not to ask what your office has also been doing to strengthen the security architecture of the state Yes, we have ensured good partnership with investors and other stakeholders, security agencies and business owners all in a bit to ensure that we all collaborate to have watertight security in the state. The governor is not leaving anything to chances, he sees security as a must for businesses to thrive and the people to experience prosperity.

This is why one of his first major assignment in the state is to get patrol vehicles with modern day communication gadgets, motorcycles, bulletproof and so much more for the security agencies in the state. There was a time he brought helicopter to help smoke out some criminals disturbing the peace of the state. He has joined his brothers in the Southwest to create Amotekun. The vigilantes, So-Safe Corps are all getting support from the government.

So, in this second term, the governor will build on this, no criminal will be allowed to disturb the peace of the state.

As for the recent unfortunate incident in Sagamu, series of meetings are already ongoing to ensure that the banks are back to business. The governor is not joking about this anyway, and within the next two months, the banks in Sagamu will resume operations. So, our eyes are on the ball, the residents of the state should get set for another four years of purposeful governance.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 8, 2023

POLITY

Ngozi Okolie Delta’s Jinx-breaking New Federal Lawmaker Delta and Labour Party’s House of Representatives member-elect, Hon Ngozi Chukwuweka Okolie, clears the air on a number of rumours that have tended to becloud his personality and political adventure in mystery of sorts. Omon-Julius Onabu writes on the chat the jinx-breaking Reps-elect had with of journalists in Asaba, to debunk the wild allegations On February 25, 2023 remarkable and unprecedented results were recorded in the Presidential and National Assembly elections held across Delta State. Aside the shocking defeat suffered by some personalities considered as political gladiators and heavyweights in their respective domains or primary constituencies, the defeat of the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, was a frontpage story.

Elected at the aforementioned election into the House of Representatives to represent Aniocha/ Oshimili Federal Constituency of Delta State (Hon Elumelu’s constituency) is a man renowned for being distinctly humble, unassuming, accessible and patient but dogged fighter, Hon Ngozi Okolie, who hails from Oshimili South Local Government Area, one of the four council areas that constitute Aniocha/ Oshimili Federal Constituency in Delta State. The others are Aniocha North Local Government Area, Aniocha South Local Government Area and Oshimili North Local Government Area.

THISDAY checks showed that, until the recent emergence of Okolie of the Labour Party, the federal constituency has been represented only by politicians who hail from the Aniocha part. Past Reps of the constituency include Delta North Senator-elect, Prince Ned Nwoko (Aniocha North), Hon Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor (Aniocha South) and the incumbent, Hon Ndudi Elumelu (Aniocha North). Thus, Ngozi Okolie (Oshimili South) has broken the seeming jinx that nobody from the Oshimili axis ever wins election to represent Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.

Therefore, Okolie asked if Oshimili people, whether from the South or North local government areas “are forbidden from contesting election into the Federal House of Representatives in a constituency made up of four local government areas where Aniocha South and North have been on the saddle since 1999 the country returned to democratic rule. That is, Aniocha has been occupying the position for 24 years! So, I see no reason why some people should be grumbling because someone from Oshimili won the seat.”

Okolie recalled that Ndudi Elumelu contested alongside his older brother, Chief Peter Elumelu, and that “when Ndudi Elumelu won, heaven did not fall. I wonder why my own victory at the polls is giving some other persons sleepless night.”

Okolie, who was the state’s Direct Labour Agency (DLA) Director-General, and later appointed a commissioner of the Agency - being the only commissioner to have been appointed to the DLA till date - said that “God created leadership through people because they are the ones who vote-in such leaders.”

While reminiscing on his performance at the Agency as a commissioner, Okolie revealed that he used to “organise youths together and create them into cluster groups, and give out contracts to them.

Some of them today, stop me on the road to remind me of the good things they made from the contracts, like paying their rents and being able to attend to other needs. That time we used to invite applications from communities who were being threatened by bad roads, and used to grade such roads and patchup some already peeling off.”

Is the Reps-elect out of the heart of the Delta State Capital (Asaba) aware that the rumour mill has been awash with several tales about him since his 25th February electoral victory? Yes, he heard some really wild insinuations and allegations from some members of the public and the social media. Talk about the secondary school he attended; his alleged inability to pay for his expression of interest form; his being a novice at politics, etcetera.

On insinuations that he was opportunistic, and that a certain politician from another party had purchased the Expression of Interest Form for him to enter the contest, Okolie described those claims as laughable, baseless and mischievous. He said that though he does not own a commercial bank nor have

a brother who owns one to have money to throw around, he has always carried his own cross and personally footed the bills since he started running for elections since 2003. Specifically, he said that he always contested and gone for elections including under the UNDP in 2003, and later under the canopy of the PDP, running for Local Government Council Chairmanship in 2008, “all of which I personally financed.”

He recalled that in the election that would have ushered him in as the Chairman of Oshimili South LG, when Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan was the Governor of Delta State, Okolie was asked by the Governor to step down for Izuka Okolo, who was brought in by Dr (Mrs) Mariam Alli, a.k.a. ‘Enyi Kpankpado’ from Oshimili South Local Government but married to one-time National Chairman of PDP, Dr Ahmadu Alli.

While stressing that he has the competence to represent his people, his primary motivation, and would be the last to allow any manner of intimidation weigh him down. “The passion to serve my people has always been there in me; but because of the respect I have for Mrs Alli, I stepped aside”, Okolie noted.

The House of Representatives-elect further noted that despite the proximity of the secondary school he attended to the residences of persons alleging that he did not attend the school he claimed to have attended, they (his accusers) have apparently refused to go there to verify the authenticity of his claims.

“You are very free to verify any allegation against me from my St Patrick’s College, which is located here in Asaba”, he said.

According to Okolie, anybody interested in digging into his academic profile should go to the prestigious St Patrick’s College Asaba, where he read and completed his secondary school education in the late 1970s and early 80’s, before heading to CKC Onitsha where he did only one year in his Higher School Certificate (HSC), before leaving for Miami, United States of America (USA) for further studies. At the St Thomas Catholic University, Miami, USA, Okolie trained in Professional Studies, a course he also bagged his Master’s degree in 2011.

On why he joined LP, and the speculation that he bought voters with money on the day of the Presidential/National Assembly election, Okolie said that he actually weighed the advantages accruable in joining the party. He engaged in extensive consultations with people that matter in Aniocha/ Oshimili Constituency, “including political leaders from PDP, APC and other parties, religious groups, the Obi-dient group, the Asagba of Asaba (HRM Obi Prof Chike Edozien) and several other traditional rulers”, all of who gave their blessing and asked him to forge ahead with his ambition, he revealed.

Okolie attributed his resounding victory in the election to “God’s grace, the respect people have for Mr Peter Obi, the LP presidential flag-bearer.”

He observed that anyone who has had cause to be with Obi will know that he is a simple man by nature. “With all his titles, he chose to be addressed simply as Mr Peter Obi. He is not crazy for titles and flamboyant lifestyle. That is why I see him as my role model.

Okoli Nonetheless, Okolie said that he was often humbled by the level of public appreciation of his commitment to humanity and regards for his modest achievements in different areas. Recalling the recognition of the good works he did when he served as a commissioner in the state, he said that the Ovie of Ughelli, HRM Oharisi conferred on him the Chieftaincy title of ‘Omiragwa Vogho Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom’ on March 8, 2011.

“I’m a title holder in Asaba and also Olorugun (chief) in Ughelli even though I now like to be addressed simply as ‘Mr Ngozi Okolie’ despite my respect for such titles.

Okolie, who hails from Umuaji Quarters of Asaba, is a man with many awards. He has awards such as Award of Excellence from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Ezinna Ekpele Amaka from Zappa Catholic Church, Asaba; The father of four also is the recipient of the ‘Dan Madami’ of Arewa Community, Asaba as well as the National Trumpet Golden Excellence Award.

Okolie’s advice to Nigerian politicians? The House of Representatives-elect said that “they (politicians) should always allow the electorate (voters) to vote for credibility and play down on primordial, ethnic and clannish considerations”. He also advised defeated candidates to accept defeat in good faith especially if such election in which they were defeated was free and fair.

The House of Representatives-elect further noted that despite the proximity of the secondary school he attended to the residences of persons alleging that he did not attend the school he claimed to have attended, they (his accusers) have apparently refused to go there to verify the authenticity of his claims

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 8, 2023

POLITY

Aliyu Betara, Best Man For 10th Assembly Leadership Sani Tureta highlights the qualities that rightly position Hon. Aliyu Betara as the best man for the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the next 10th National Assembly

S

ince the dawn of Democracy in 1999 and the birth of the fourth Republic to date, powersharing among the six geo-political zones is a convention easily adopted by political parties to address Nigeria’s regional and religious diversities.

This theory of political exigency in powersharing also cascades to the allocation of offices after the election of presiding officers of both chambers in the National Assembly.

Interestingly, both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as ruling parties have had their members in the National Assembly torpedo power in the 2011 and 2015 elections of Presiding Officers in both chambers.

In the year 2007 easily referred to as the 6th House of Representatives, the 360 members from the then-ruling PDP, ANPP and AD were initially led by Hon Patricia Olubunmi Etteh; a South-South Christian from Osun and Babangida Seidu Nguroje, a Northeast Muslim from Taraba State before they bowed to pressure and threw in the towel following the rebellion against the leadership. The two leaders were believed to have been foisted on an unwilling House which kicked against the PDP. The party became helpless once the members from all the parties were unanimous to force them out. Thereafter, Honourable Oladimeji Sabur Bankole, the youngest Speaker from Ogun State and Honourable Bayero Nafada from Gombe state were elected to serve the House.

In 2011, members of the PDP, again, being in the majority ignored the party leadership to install Rt. Honourable Aminu Bello Tambuwal from the North West as the Speaker and Hon Emeka Ihedioha from the South East as the Deputy Speaker against the choice of Hon Mulikat Akande from the South West.

However, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) completes the conduct of the 2023 elections at the Federal and state levels, and with the composition of members from the parties now in numbers after handing over the certificate of return, it is getting clearer that as the jostle for the Principal Offices begins, the North West has produced the most Speakers of the House of Representatives while the South East and North Central zones have produced the most Senate Presidents and Deputy Senate Presidents.

When the 10th National Assembly formally convenes in June after the dissolution of the 9th Assembly, one Honour-

Betara

able member of the House that has become a positive feature in the last five Assemblies is being favoured to lead the House of Representatives. He is Honourable Muktar Aliyu Betara, an accountant and high-ranking lawmaker who was first elected into the House in 2007 to represent the Biu/Bayo/Shani Federal Constituency.

Betara has become a strong force to reckon with in his state and the National Assembly since winning elections for the first time in 2007.

The successes of the current budgeting system now in place by the Federal Government could be attributable to his efforts in the 9th Assembly that first sat on the 11th day of June 2019. As the current Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, presiding over all other committees regarding appropriation and committees of both chambers for the budget and subsequent signing by the President, he worked so hard to ensure compliance by all organs of government. Betara indeed succeeded in causing the positive change from the June - June budget cycle to the muchpreferred January to December for more effective oversight and implementation.

It was indeed during the period that the Appropriation Act 2022 and the 2022 Finance Act 2021 were passed and reenacted for the third year running with zero failure rate. This makes proper preparation and fiscal changes by stakeholders easier

while implementing the budget.

Having won elections again for the 10th Assembly which marks his fifth term under the ruling APC, the detribalised Betara whose impressive leadership character has endeared him to agencies and colleagues in the National Assembly, it will surely be fitting to elect him as the first among equals to lead his colleagues.

A party man to the core and nationalist, he has been consistent with presentations and contributions to national and international issues in the House, 2007 when he was first elected to the House he acted as the Chairman of the sub-committee on NDIC, Banking and Currency and equally serving as a member of the House Committee on Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office Again, when he returned to the 7th Assembly and following the collateral damage caused by the Boko Haram terror group, the House leadership was unanimous to select him as Chairman of the Committee on Army where he made direct recommendations to empower and sustain the activities of the army against the rising insurgency in the Northeastern part of the country.

As Betara returned to the 8th Assembly in the year 2015, he moved further to serve as the substantive Chairman of the House Committee on Defence but he is more renowned as a bridge builder and crisis management expert with critical decisionmaking skills in the National Assembly. On several occasions, his national and bridge-building skills were called to action when he brokered the logjam between the House, the Senate, and MDAs on fixing the actual budgets and critical projects that needed pruning down of numbers to meet realities of inflow into the national treasury. He not only settled the issues, but he equally followed them through to ensure that critical projects were prioritised.

One of the few lawmakers easily described as not being obstinately unreasonable, prejudiced, or antagonistic towards people based on their affiliations or membership, his constituents and colleagues in the Green chambers of the National Assembly are quick to say that his legislative interest is not localised in his immediate village but strong interests in National Security, youth and women empowerment, good governance and development that saw him construct 20 health centres, 10 ambulances, a mini stadium and installation of over 600 solar-powered street lights.

A devout Muslim married to Hajia Hauwa with whom he has four children, he deploys personal resources to fund transplant surgeries and empower individuals and local businesses in his constituency. Betara who worked as an accountant with the Presidency on the Directorate of Foods Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFFRI) between 1986 to 1990, returned to Ramat Polytechnic for his studies observing the NYSC in Asaba Delta State before joining the defunct NITEL in 1993. He resigned in 2006 to venture into politics.

L-R: Wife of the newly decorated Commissioner of Police, Funmilola DISU, Commander, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), CP Olatunji Disu and DIG, Kayode Egbetotun, after the official decoration of Disu as commissioner of Police at the force headquarters in Abuja on Thursday

L-R: President, Association of Nigeria Tyre Marketers, Alh Issa Muhammed; Director, Lagos Operation , Standards Organisation of Nigeria [SON], Mrs.Yeside Akinlabi; Director, ICD, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Alh Issa Sulaimon; and Assistant Corps Commander [ACC] Unit Commander Iba Unit FRSC, Azubuine Ezirim during Standard organisation of Nigeria[SON] Sensitisation on Vehicle Tyres held at International Trade Fair in Lagos… yesterday

L-R: Chief of Staff AfriLabs, Mrs. Omone Okolo; Chief Executive Officer, CEO Drugstore, Mr. Chibuzor Opara; Senior Partnerships Manager AfriLabs, Felista Aku; Human Rights Manager AfriLabs, Rahel Chukwu; during Africa’s Business Heroes Information Session in Abuja Yesterday KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

L-R: Chairman, Ogun State Internal Revenue Services, Mr. Tony Olaleye; Mrs. Okpere; Daughter of the celebrant and Co-celebrant Miss Oluwaferanmi Akinsola, MD/CEO, Fidumville Logistics Ltd., Mr. Oluyinka Akinsola; CEO, Nimis Recipe, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Akinsola; Miss Titoluwanimi Akinsola; Mr Okpere and Mrs. Stella Olaleye(FCA) at the 50th birthday celebration of Mr. Oluyinka Akinsola at Vogue events centre , railway compound, Ebutte Metta, Lagos... recently

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 8, 2023

26

EXPRESSION

COUNTERPOINT

The Three Harsh Letters

FEMI

O

n Monday, 6 March, 2023, one was led to write this short advisory on one’s Facebook timeline: “To my seniors (and juniors) managing the public and media affairs of major combatants of the 2023 presidential election fallout: please, stop amplifying the narcissistic vituperations of fringe elements, and thus mainstreaming what should otherwise be consigned to sideline tantrums of inconsequential muffins.

Yes, their verbal missiles are alarming, even incendiary, but let’s resist the urge to censor them by regurgitating their nonsense…and thereby expanding the reaches of their intentions: to cause fear, disharmony, doubts and unrest.

As the good book says: do not repay evil with evil... Make your points, by all means, but don’t take the low road... Thank you.”

That unsolicited advisory was, of course, ignored…and bile spewed remorselessly, meshing with more vitriol and diatribes. Barely a month after, three well-respected pen-men released different barbed “long knives” as a consequence of what they believe was an attempt by the embryonic communication team of the incoming civilian administration to muzzle “the free press”.

All three missives came within 72 hours of the ₦5m fine unleashed on Channels Television for the uncharitable interview granted the litigious vice presidential candidate of Labour Party in the recent election, Datti Baba-Ahmed.

First to strike on Saturday, 1st of April, was the lashing letter from Richard Akinnola (aka Baba Richie). We will nimble through the 606-word message he simply titled ‘Open Letter To Bayo Onanuga’. Since Baba Richie does not usually spare himself the comforting spinelessness of being anonymous, you are likely to read the full letter on his Facebook timeline. Here are excerpts: “My dear Bayo, I hope you are now happy and satisfied, that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has sanctioned CHANNELS with a N5 million fine,

following your petition over the Datti Ahmed’s interview on CHANNELS… “You and l have been friends for several years, fought many battles together against the military, particularly against their onslaught on the free press. I therefore feel terribly pained that l have to publicly upbraid you for your recent public statements, particularly your petition against CHANNELS TV, to the (NBC). Et tu, Bayo? I’m still trying to wrap my heads round your sudden 360 degrees against all you fought for under the military. You are yet to be in government and you have started exhibiting intolerance against the independent media, the same thing you fought for all your years, like Dr Onagoruwa did. I’m sure your principal, who has been a lover of free press, would be embarrassed by your position.

“I watched the interview under reference and l must say, you are VERY UNFAIR to Seun Okinbaloye, the anchor man who repeatedly cautioned Datti Ahmed for making some seemingly inciting comments, to the anger and discomfiture of Datti Ahmed.

“For eight years, despite all vitriolic attacks on the president, Femi Adesina, as Special Adviser, Media to the president, did not petition against any medium but you wey never enter, don dey censor the media. What a shame! I can expect the disaster that awaits us if you become the presidential spokesperson.”

Less than 48 hours after Akinnola’s scathing letter, came the cavalry in the shape of a direct rebuke from the former Politics Editor of The PUNCH, a one-time Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Gbenga Daniel, Wale Adedayo who is now the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government in Ogun State. His 602-word response titled ‘That Richard Akinnola’s Letter To Bayo Onanuga’ is unambiguous in its bluntness. We will underline his salient jabs here: “I was taken aback after reading a piece by a senior colleague, Egbon Richard Akinnola II, who claimed that his friend and colleague, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, missed the ball in his petition against Channels TV. Baba Richie, you missed it biggerly sir! Onanuga did

the right thing. He should be commended.

“In Journalism, the tool of our trade is readily available for mischief makers, who might want to cause unrest. Only a gullible media organisation allows certain views to run unchecked in the name of press freedom. Direct incitement to create chaos using a TV station is a negation of Journalism practice. Such should never be allowed. And where such has taken place, there is need for sanctions so that others do not follow that route. Broadcast Journalism is far different from Print in that its effects are almost immediate. And these sink deeper.

“A genuine Producer of a programme on air should have shut down the cameras immediately a guest persistently violate rules. That did not happen in the matter at hand, except, of course, IF you agree with Datti Ahmed’s statements….

“Yoruba people, especially those of the self-determination groups have more than bent backwards before, during and after these elections given what the Ibos did in Lagos and across Yorubaland. The Ibos did everything possible to provoke an inter-ethnic war. But they forgot that, the same patience we had during Abacha’s rule remain with us…

“No matter the Nigeria we have, there are no-go areas, which many have respected over time. The Ibos remain the only tribe, who always disregard this outside their land, but maintain same at home. They do everything possible to frustrate others out of their place, yet sing one Nigeria outside the same space. They probably take others as fools. This MUST stop!”

The sun was about to set on that Monday (3 April) when a ringing declamation boomed out of the blistering stable of notable journalist, Nollywood producer and director, Zik Zulu Okafor.

His 760-word rejoinder bristled with indignation and disgust - we present some excerpts from the piece entitled ‘Mr Wale Adebayo’s Rumpus’: “Your article, I’m sorry, stank. It celebrated abject lack of exposure. I need to apologise to you because you don’t deserve these kind of stinging adjectives by the attainments you

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08033622806- (SMS Only)

reeled out in your article. But your acidic lines diminish you in a confounding way.

For what Datti Baba Ahmed, a Nigerian of Northern extraction, said on Channels Television, you unleashed a corrosive tongue against Nigerians from the East, Ibos. You took a morbid satisfaction in abusing fellow Nigerians. Your mindset seems to be on a serpentine cause without any guardrails. Shocking!

But, let me ask you, how many times do you watch TVC, owned by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. I ask because I watch it. Yes, because BAT is a political strategist I admire and indeed adore. I have followed his political odyssey since 1991 and I once wrote that he was 20 years ahead of most of his then fellow Senators. But I am almost certain you don’t watch TVC. If you do, you would’ve seen that what Baba Ahmed said on Channels, TVC guests spill much more everyday.

Can any man say anything worse than (what) Femi Fani Kayode says everyday? Yet, you want Channels to go off air because everyone’s song must be in harmonious symphony with your jangling tunes. You want to place Asiwaju on a monstrous pedestal even before he assumes office.

“I am unable to find an iota of merit in your vile descent on Ibos. I do not want to delve into your angst over their politics in Lagos. Because that enunciates how low you descended… to dictate behavioural pattern in politics to a Nigerian... in Nigeria.

So strange. Do you peep into the South-East to see Northerners and Yorubas living there?

They will never return to their states again.

They are home in Igbo land. Do you know this? Do you know how many Yoruba Obas in Igbo land? Over 30, yes. I bet you have no clue….”

As it is in my first salvo at the start of this article, so shall it end: “As the good book says: do not repay evil with evil... Make your points, by all means, but don’t take the low road... Thank you”.

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

8.04.2023

NEWS

ALL EYES ON SUPER SIX PAGE. 29

Ademola Lookman

Home at Last

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 8, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ademola Lookman scored his 13th Serie A goal against Cremonese

Ademola Lookman Home at Last Call him a journeyman, and one would be right. In his short career, Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman has journeyed between seven clubs at the top flight, with two foreign missionary journeys inclusive- Germany and Italy. However, the Nigerian seems to have found a home in Bergamo since moving to Atalanta, in the Serie A. Just last week, his 13th goal of the season makes him the first Atalanta player to score 13 goals in his first season with club in 70 years

A

demolaLookmanendedhisgoals drought last weekend when he scored the third goal inAtalanta’s 3-1 defeat of Cremonese to take his tally in the Serie A to 13 in 27 league appearances, smashing Atalanta’s record of 70 years.

Lookman is the first Atalanta player in 70 years to score 13 goals in his debut season.

Stats platform Opta released a statement that the Nigerian international becomes the first Atalanta player to score 13 goals in his first Serie A season since Poul Rasmussen in 1952/1953.

With last Saturday’s goal against Cremonese, Lookman became the rookie to have scored the most in this league.

When asked how he is dealing with loneliness that comes with being a player in a foreign country, Lookman replied, “That’s a really tough one. I think trying to speak and communicate as much as you can with family, whether that’s on FaceTime on the phone, or texting.”

Lookman was no stranger playing abroad before in his career; he spent two years in Germany as he was still plying his trade at RB Leipzig. But during his spell with the German outfit, he wasn’t playing the desired game time he believed was needed for his development. He only appeared for the club 22 times in a two-year span, a tally he has overtaken this season for Atalanta.

“I just want to be playing because that’s where I get my joy from.”

Despite the isolation he may be feeling off the pitch, that clearly hasn’t seeped into his performances on the pitch. In fact, Lookman being placed outside his comfort zones globally has probably enhanced his focus on his game, and that focus has rewarded him in abundance.

It’s safe to say that Lookman has enjoyed his time in Bergamo so far. Arriving at the club in the summer, after being unable to secure a move to his loanee club the season before, Leicester, the expectations for the 25-year-old were not high. Despite impressing during his time at Leicester, the lack of willingness of the club to loosen the purse strings showed the value (or the lack of) they placed on getting him into the club permanently. But that didn’t deter Atalanta from moving for his services.

Lookman’s talent has never been in doubt. His ability to cause pure chaos to any defensive line is spellbinding in itself. But, in the modern game, football fans consume the product and analyse the players within that product; there is more emphasis on the numbers that a forward contributes to, and that has been a point of criticism in Lookman’s game, a weakness he has refined-20 goal involvements (15 goals and five assists) so far is the most productive he has been in his career, with much of the season to play.

He arrived in Italy as a boy and has become a man. At 25, Lookman may be breaking through later than expected; his come-up has been incredible — and it seems he is only getting started.

Born and raised in Greater London, Lookman was socialised at the heart of the capital.

As a child of Nigerian parents, the motivation put on him was to succeed in school at foremost -so he did. During his time at school, Lookman achieved three A*s and five As at GCSE, and despite his academic superiority, his future lay on the pitch and not off it.

Charlton saw the potential early and took him into their academy. His goal-scoring record for Charlton’s U18 and U21 teams propelled him through the Charlton academy ranks quickly, and he made his first-team debut for the Addicks in 2015 and scored his

first goal for the club a month later against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The young winger would make 45 senior appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing a further five assists leaving the club as one of the more prominent talents in the English football league, a talent that would attract Everton.

Lookman would join an Everton side in January for a fee of around £11 million, a side being led by the admirable but dwindling persona of Ronald Koeman.

Lookman’s lack of adaptability to life in Merseyside and the constant flipping of managers meant a loan was needed for his development to continue on the right trajectory.

The need for first-team football was imperative for Lookman, and he saw Leipzig as the ideal place. He didn’t play much, but when he did, he impressed. Scoring five goals in 11 league appearances showed efficiency.

It started to be a trademark of the attacker, scoring on his debut for RB Leipzig, the winner, in fact, in the away game against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Leipzig was impressed with what they saw from Lookman, even if it was brief. And in the summer of 2019, they went back in for a player to make a move permanently.

Leipzig paid €25.5 million for Lookman’s services. The winger showed what he could offer in his temporary loan spell; his pace, versatility and ingenuity in and around the opposition box seemed a perfect match for the directness and perfect chaos of Timo Werner and the target man figure of Yussuf Poulsen.

Germany was however a setback in Ademola’s development. He was lost as a footballer and as a person. So, he went home. Lookman’s return to London would

see him be part of a very limited side; their 18th placed finish and relegation back to the EFL Championship showed this.

Fulham’s time in the Premier League was cut short, but not Lookman’s as Leicester was there to offer him a way out, temporarily.

As expected, in a much better Leicester compared to Fulham, Lookamn looked a lot more comfortable and started to mature into the player many believed he could be.

The profile of a threatening modern Premier League winger was starting to flourish doubling his goal tally (8) showed that his efficient nature was returning to his game.

Brendan Rodgers was known to be a massive admirer of the Nigerian winger. But due to the financial constraints that Leicester was under and are still under, any transfer was only possible if an outgoing was to permit.

And once again, left Lookman stranded in no man’s land.

At 24, Lookman had coined a phrase no player, let alone any young player, would want to be attached to: Journeyman. His constant floating around from club to club had led to a stagnation in his development, so he needed a stable home.

Atalanta was willing to provide Lookman with that home.

“I sat down with my family, and with Atalanta coming in, we just made up our minds that this was another stage in the journey that we needed to go through because we felt like it was important that there was another layer added to me.”

His improvement off the pitch has evidently correlated with his improvement off it.

His productivity has seen a career-high boost during his time in Italy. So far, his 13 goals and four assists in the league are the most efficient he has ever been, but so have his underlying numbers.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 8, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER GROUP A Team 1 Bendel 2 Remo Stars Akwa Utd 4 Enyimba 5 Plateau Utd 6 Gombe 7 Shooting 8 Kwara 9 Nasarawa 10 El Kanemi

P 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

W 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 2 2

D 5 4 3 3 2 4 4 3 2 2

L 0 2 3 4 4 4 4 6 8 8

Pts 26 22 21 18 17 16 14 12 8 8

L 3 1 3 4 4 2 5 4 6 8

Pts 20 19 19 18 18 17 13 12 12 8

GROUP Group B B Team 1 Rivers Utd 2 Lobi Stars 3 Warriors 4 Tornadoes 5 Sunshine Stars 6 Doma Utd 7 Rangers 8 Bayelsa Utd 9 Wikki 10 Dakkada

P 11 10 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 12

W 6 5 5 5 5 4 3 2 3 2

D 2 4 4 3 3 5 4 6 3 2

ROUND 12 FIXTURES Insurance Plateau Utd Kwara Utd El Kanemi Warriors Akwa Utd Bayelsa Utd Doma Utd Tornadoes Rangers

v Kwara Utd v Enyimba v Insurance v Gombe Utd v Lobi Stars v Nassarawa v Tourists v Dakkada v Rivers Utd v Sunshine

16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00

Top Scorers

Enugu Rangers players celebrating their equaliser against Akwa United at the Umuahia Min Stadium, Umuahia

Clubs Intensify Super-Six Push as NPFL Nearing Coastline With five games to the end of the Abridged Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, clubs in both groups A and B are intensifying effort to qualify for the Super Six, of which the winner would be declared winner of the 2022/23 NPFL season.

A number of mouth-watering fixtures across 10 centres have been lined up for this weekend’s Match-day 13 fixtures, with Plateau United entertaining Enyimba of Aba at the New Jos Stadium, on Sunday, in a battle between two former champions as the most scintillating.

With three teams expected to qualify from the two groups for the Super Six playoffs, Plateau United and Enyimba are among the three teams fighting for the one slot remaining in Group A of the NPFL following Bendel Insurance and Akwa United’s lead in the group, with both having amassed 26 and 22 points respectively, while Plateau and Enyimba are third and fourth on the table with 18 points each.

Plateau United are still searching for their first win since resumption of the second stanza, after amassing a solitary point from their opening two games. Enyimba on the other hand, have four points from possible six.

Remo Stars, who before now occupy the third spot in the group have slipped to the fifth with 18 points after losing points and three goals to deduction by the Interim Management Committee, IMC, among other

forms of sanctions imposed on them in the aftermath of the unruly behaviour of their fans during the halftime of their goalless home draw with Gombe United.

The match of Sunday, April 2 was concluded the next day after the Referee, Ndubuisi Ukah, was assaulted in the dressing room at halftime as a result of Remo Stars failure to provide adequate security for the match officials.

Remo Stars became the third football club to be sanctioned by the IMC in the on-going NPFL following the decision of the league body.

Earlier, the IMC had sent a clear message of a no-nonsense era to the football community following the sanction on Bayelsa United over assault of an Assistant Referee at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa by ordering deduction of three points and three goals from Bayelsa United FC. The same day, IMC ordered El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri to play their home matches behind closed doors for violent attack on Bendel Insurance of Benin on Match-day five of the season.

Meanwhile, seven-time champions, Enugu Rangers will welcome Sunshine Stars to their makeshift home ground- Awka City Stadium looking to end their barren run. Rangers lost one and drew one of their first two games and another defeat could cast doubt on the future of head coach, Abdu Makaiba.

Also, Akwa United head to Jos looking to pick their first win of the second stanza against Nasarawa United.

Bendel Insurance Football Club, the current leaders of Group A in the Nigeria Premier Football League, are gearing up to host Kwara Utd in their Week 13 fixture.

The game will take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, with gates open to football enthusiasts and Insurance FC supporters at 4:00 pm.

Having been unable to secure outright victories in their last three games, Bendel Insurance FC are determined to claim the maximum three points at stake.

They drew 1-1 with Enyimba International FC in the second round action, followed by another 1-1 draw against Akwa Utd in Benin, and a third 1-1 draw with Plateau Utd in Jos last weekend.

Bendel Insurance are the only team in the current season to remain undefeated, and a win against Kwara Utd would brighten their chances of finishing at the top of their group and competing for the 2023 title and continental tickets.

Other fixtures are Kwara United versus Bendel Insurance, El Kanemi Warriors versus Gombe United, Abia Warriors take Lobi Stars, while Bayelsa United welcome Wikki Tourists and Doma United versus Dakkada.

Rivers Utd Optmistic of NPFL Title Defence The technical adviser of Rivers United Stanley Eguma has stated that the team has perfected their plans to win the CAF Confederation Cup and retain the Nigeria Premier Football League, BSNSports.com. ng reports.

Eguma made this assertion on their arrival back in the country from Abidjan where Rivers United lost their last CAF Confederation group match 0-1 to ASEC Mimosa.

He added that they are aware that Nigerians wish to see an NPFL club winning the elusive CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in the history of the country.

“All the competitions we entered have their categories and I think CAF Confederation Cup is higher than any of them but we are not losing focus because it was through the league we got this ticket to go to the continent.

“We knew Nigerians have an interest

in CAF competitions and we don’t have to let them down that is why we have given the utmost attention to make sure we perform well”, he said.

Rivers United have qualified for the quarterfinal of the CAF Club competition.

The Port Harcourt based team will have to wait till Wednesday when the draw will take place to know their knockout stage opponent.

Player Club C. Obioma Enyimba I. Osarenkhoe Insurance R. Mizo Bayelsa D. Okoromi Tornadoes S. Ayanrinde Shooting O. Ifeanyi Plateau K. Suur Lobi C. Olisemah Akwa J. Atule Lobi Stars U. Abba Lobi Stars Y. Taiye Gombe I. Seriki Insurance

Goals 9 8 7 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Edo Govt Hails Insurance Ahead of Kwara Utd Clash The Edo State government has hailed the state-owned Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club, Bendel Insurance for being the only club in the two groups of the league that are yet to record a defeat.

So far in the abridged 2022-2023 season, Bendel Insurance has played 12 games in which they recorded seven wins, five draws, and no defeat.

Their stunning performance has kept them at the top of Group A with 26 points in 12 games, four points above second-placed Akwa United.

Bendel Insurance’s next league game is against Kwara United who are currently occupying the 8th spot out of 10, with 12 points in 12 games.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin today.

In a statement signed by the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, the state government urged the residents of the state to support the team by trooping out to watch them play on Saturday.

The statement reads in part, “We, therefore call on all football-loving residents of the State to come out en masse this Saturday 8th April 2023 at 4 pm, to watch Bendel Insurance FC take on Kwara Utd. live at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, and cheer the team into another resounding victory and maintain its unbeaten run.

“Edo State Government remains committed to sports development and youth inclusivity as viable youth empowerment and economic improvement initiatives.”

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 8, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER Premier League Table TEAM

P

GD

PTS

Arsenal Arsenal Man City Newcastle Man Utd Tottenham Brighton Aston Villa Liverpool Brentford Fulham Chelsea Crystal Palace Leeds Wolves West Ham Everton Nottm Forest Bournemouth Leicester Southampton

28 29 28 28 28 29 27 29 28 29 28 29 29 29 29 28 29 29 29 29 29

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PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Allison Becker and Fabio Carvalho try to stop Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka from causing any damage when both sides met in the Carabao Cup at Anfield

Liverpool Test Arsenal Title Quest at Anfield

Man Utd v Everton Aston Villa v Nottm Forest Brentford v Newcastle Fulham v West Ham Leicester v Bournemouth Tottenham v Brighton Wolves v Chelsea Southampton v Man City SUNDAY

Leeds Utd v Crystal Palace Liverpool v Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s quest to become the first Arsenal manager since Arsene LA LIGA TODAY Wenger to win the Premier League will be put to test tomorrow as they visit Osasuna v Elche Espanyol v Bilbao Anfield for a date with Liverpool, who are also pushing for a top four finish Sociedad v Getafe Madrid v Villarrea on the log. With eight points ahead of defending champions, Manchester SUNDAY City, who are still highly favoured by book makers to clinch the title based on Valladolid v Mallorca Real Betis v Cádiz their antecedents and experience, a victory for the Gunners at Anfield will Almería v Valencia Vallecano v Atlético not only boost their resolve but put them in good stead for a first Premier MONDAY Barcelona v Girona League title since 2003-2004 season, while anything short of victory for the Reds would put an end to their Champions League qualification Hot Shot In a reversal of roles from seasons gone by, Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield in Sunday afternoon’s Premier League clash, with the Gunners looking to pass another test of their title credentials while Jurgen Klopp’s team play catch-up in the top-four face.

Mikel Arteta’s men overcame a slow start to dispatch Leeds United 4-1 last time out, while the Reds once again could not find a way past Chelsea in a goalless stalemate.

None of the last four editions of that battle has seen either side score in 90 minutes, but the Merseyside giants were undoubtedly the more satisfied come the final whistle.

Reece James and Kai Havertz were both left to rue disallowed goals in the first game of Chelsea’s post-Graham Potter era, but Klopp is confident that he will not share the same fate as his English compatriot - or any other notable victims of the recent spate of managerial sackings - thanks to his brimming collection of medals from his time at Anfield.

However, three losses and a draw from their last four games in all tournaments is form of a side embroiled in a relegation dogfight rather than the hunt for Champions League qualification, and Liverpool’s recent failures have dropped the Reds down to eighth spot in the table - 10 points worse off than fourth-placed Manchester United on the same number of matches.

During that displeasing winless streak, Liverpool have only managed to find the back of the net once, but all of their games in that sequence have come away from home, and Anfield comforts have largely still been kind to those in Merseyside red during their troubled campaign.

Only Arsenal, Man United and Manchester City have performed better on familiar territory this term than Klopp’s side, who have taken 16 points from the last 18 on offer at home - keeping clean sheets in each of their last four and Arsenal could do with taking a leaf out of Real Madrid’s book rather than Man United’s when it comes to Anfield preparations.

Imploring the fit-again Gabriel Jesus to create “chaos” upon his return to the first

XI, Arsenal boss revelled in the Brazilian’s feats during the visit of Leeds last Saturday, although the Gunners were not at the races whatsoever before Jesus drew first blood from the spot.

After ending a 14-game goal drought stretching back to October 1, Jesus completed his brace either side of strikes from Ben White and Granit Xhaka in an Emirates romping Arsenal’s second home victory in a row by a 4-1 scoreline following their demolition job of Crystal Palace.

Already guaranteed to finish with their best points total since the 2016-17 campaign, Arsenal retained their eight-point lead over Man City in first place thanks to their drubbing of Leeds, although the champions still possess a game in hand and could once again temporarily reduce that gap when they tackle basement side Southampton this evening.

Responding in the manner of champions since being put to the sword by Man City in April, Arsenal are out to win their eighth Premier League game on the bounce this weekend, as well as their fourth in a row away from home and they are far and away the best-performing side on their travels with 34 points taken from a possible 42.

Furthermore, Arteta’s men have scored at least three goals in each of their last five Premier League victories - never before in their top-flight history have they done so six games in a row and the Gunners truly made the rest of the division stand up and take notice when they defeated Liverpool 3-2 at the Emirates back in October.

However, the Arsenal army have often lacked the artillery to break down the Anfield walls, as Liverpool are unbeaten in nine Premier League home games against the visitors - winning each of their last six by a 22-4 aggregate scoreline, but the time is nigh for the Gunners to end their Merseyside hoodoo.

Meanwhile, seeking to remain in touch with Arsenal, reigning champions Manchester City travel to St Mary’s to face basement club Southampton this evening.

While the Citizens have picked up 10 points from their last four top-flight away games, the Saints have accumulated the same number of points across their 14 home matches this season-the fewest of any team in the division.

After rescuing a point in a 3-3 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton came away from the London Stadium empty handed last weekend as they lost 1-0 against relegation rivals West Ham United.

Since taking the reins on a permanent basis, Ruben Selles has only won one of his six top-flight matches in charge of Southamptona 1-0 home win over 19th-placed Leicester City last month and they have failed to score in three of their last four games under his tutelage.

Indeed, the Saints have struggled to pose a regular threat in the final third and they are currently the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League, finding the net just 23 times in 29 games along with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton.

However, Southampton managed to score twice in their last meeting with Man City, with Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo both on target in a 2-0 EFL Cup quarter-final victory at St Mary’s in January.

Southampton have only won one of their last 13 Premier League meetings with Man City, but Selles will hope his side can replicate their resilient EFL Cup showing that frustrated the Citizens earlier this year as they bid to climb to safety.

Man City extended their winning run across all competitions to seven matches when they put Liverpool to the sword with a deserved 4-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium last weekend.

Guardiola’s 100th Premier League home win momentarily saw the Citizens move to within five points of leaders Arsenal, but the gap to the summit increased to eight just a few hours later after the Gunners beat Leeds United. City could reduce the gap to five once more with a win over Southampton before Arteta’s men travel to Anfield to face

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PLAYERS

CLUB

Erling Haaland Harry Kane Ivan Toney Marcus Rashford Gabriel Martinelli Bukayo Saka Mohamed Salah Ollie Watkins

Man City Tottenham Brentford Man Utd Arsenal Arsenal Liverpool A. Villa

GOALS

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Head to Head 07/10/18 22/09/10 22/16/03 21/20/11 21/03/04 20/28/09 20/15/10 19/24/10 18/29/12 18/03/11 17/22/12

Liverpool 0-0 Man City Arsenal 3 - 2 Liverpool Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool Liverpool4 - 0 Arsenal Arsenal 0 - 3 Liverpool Liverpool 3 - 1 Arsenal Arsenal 2 - 1 Liverpool Liverpool 3 - 1 Arsenal Liverpool 5 - 1 Arsenal Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool Arsenal 3 - 3 Liverpool

Liverpool on Sunday.

City, who beat Southampton 4-0 at the Etihad in October, head into today’s encounter having won each of their last 10 Premier League games against teams starting the day at the bottom of the table, a run dating back to March 2016, while they have not conceded in any of their last 14 fixtures against a basement club.

The Citizens can ill-afford to take Southampton lightly, though, having failed to win two of their last three visits to St Mary’s including a 1-1 draw in the Premier League last season.

Guardiola and co will be keen to build their momentum by securing maximum points on the South Coast before turning their attention to next week’s mouth-watering Champions League quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 8, 2023

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

Alex Pereira delivering the winning blows on Israel Adesanya at their last contest

Terem Moffi celebrating one of his 16 goals for Lorient

Fires Warning to Mbappe, Messi Ahead of PSG Clash Adesanya, Pereira Rematch Holds Today at Miami-Dade Moffi Super Eagles forward, Terem with 19 goals to his name, the have to give yourself the means Israel Adesanya will face long time Brazilian nemesis, Alex Pereira for the fourth time this weekend in the “Sunshine State,” having already lost to “Poatan” twice on the kickboxing circuit and once inside the Octagon.

Adesanya is ready to make good on his fourth career collision with Pereira this weekend at UFC 287.

The Miami showdown acts as the MMA rematch for the pair of sensational strikers, following their previous two kickboxing matches, which saw Pereira’s hand raised each time. Every element of Adesanya versus Pereira’s third overall installment at UFC 281 this past November

had audiences captivated.

Adesanya found success utilising his grappling abilities more than he’s often displayed in his career. His exceptional striking was on display as always, too, nearly finishing “Poatan” at the end of round one. Ultimately, outscoring Pereira wasn’t a new or difficult feat achieved for “The Last Stylebender.” The problem was closing the show ... as Adesanya once again was unable to stay perfect, succumbing to a fifth-round TKO stoppage.

“That gives me a challenge.

I love challenges. It gives me a challenge to rise to the occasion.

Example: this weekend it gives me an opportunity to remind

and show people how great I am. I love being in this position because not everybody can be in this position and thrive. I can.”

Pereira became only the second man to best Adesanya in MMA and the first to do so at middleweight with his triumph in New York City. Heading into the MMA rematch and overall part four, Adesanya is in somewhat of a back-against-the-wall position despite the betting odds being slightly in his favor at this time in fight week.

Love him or hate him, the proud Kiwi knows exactly what he needs to do to finally get one back on one of Brazil’s most feared strikers.

Moffi has sent a warning to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the Ligue 1 tie between Nice and the table-toppers today.

Moffi, who has mustered 16 Ligue 1 goals and two assists in 25 games, joined Nice on loan in January and has bagged four goals for the Eaglets.

The Super Eagles striker has a great record against the Parisians.

He has three goals in five games against PSG. Paris Saint-Germain have in their ranks two of the best strikers in the world in the shape of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.

While the France skipper is topping the scoring charts

Argentina captain has registered 13 assists from 24 games, more than any other player in the division.

Despite the firepower in PSG’s attack, Moffi is confident of Nice clinching three points against the star-studded visitors from the capital.

Speaking ahead of their tie at Allianz Riviera, Moffi told Nice Matin, via Paris Team: “We are looking to bounce back after the match in Angers (1-1), which we consider a defeat. We want to finish as high as possible and qualify for Europe.

“For that, we are aiming for the three points against PSG, it will be complicated but you

to do it.

“Playing Paris is always different because there are great players in all positions. You will have to be on top mentally and physically”.

Nice is not in the best shape, having been winless in their last four games and that has taken a hit at their ambition to finish in a European spot. They sit 8th with 45 points.

PSG have also lost their last two games and that has seen their lead at the top of the table reduced to six points.

Nice lost to the table-toppers in the reverse fixture and will be counting on Moffi for a positive result tonight.

Osimhen Set to Return against AC Milan in Champions League

No Concrete Offers for Premier League-linked Duo of Gift Orban, Boniface

Super Eagles attacker, Victor Osimhen has expressed his desire to star in the UEFA Champion League first leg against AC Milan after he suffered an injury during Nigeria’s doubleheader play against Guinea-Bissau which made him miss Napoli’s last two Serie A matches.

Osimhen had expressed a wish to travel with the Napoli team for their encounter against US Lecce, but was not named for the matchday 29 encounter which his team won 2-1.

The 24-year-old was omitted from the Serie A league match between AC Milan and the

Norwegian-based Nigerian agent Atta Aneke, who looks after Gift Orban and Victor Boniface, has confirmed that there are no concrete offers for the two strikers but stressed that they are attracting interest from unnamed European clubs.

Boniface is said on the radar of English Premier League, La Liga, Budesliga and French Ligue 1 teams but reports linking him with possible moves to Napoli, AC Milan and other Serie A clubs are wide of the mark as of now.

Leeds United and Leicester City have been credited with an interest in Orban but it remains

Parthenopeans at the Diego Maradona Stadium, which Milan won 4-nil. The Nigerian star suffered an injury during the Super Eagles’ doubleheader play against Guinea-Bissau in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game.

According to reports from Tutto Napoli, the Nigerian star was keen to accelerate his return to action by travelling with the club to play Lecce in order to inspire his side to win.

The vital San Siro match against Milan is set for the following week.

Therefore, the Parthenopeans would want to be cautious and wait to examine the number 9’s

physical state in order to decide the margins of recovery.

Exams will be conducted on the Nigerian before it is determined whether to send him to Milan or keep him at home.

Meanwhile, Osimhen gives Gennaro Gattuso and Luciano Spalletti credit for his development as a player.

The Nigerian international claims that his drive and self-esteem have greatly improved due to Gattuso’s support, and he accepts that his development has been accelerated by the work completed over the last month under the direction of his new boss.

Falcons Beat Haiti 2-1 to Sustains Winning Mentality Two goals, one in each half, steered nine-time African champions Nigeria past Haiti’s senior women national team in an international friendly in Antalya, Turkey yesterday.

Returnee markswoman, Asisat Oshoala had already seen her simple tap-in disallowed in the 22nd minute, and fellow Spain-based forward Rasheedat Ajibade has seen her shot miss by the whiskers, before Esther Okoronkwo caught the Haitian defence completely off-guard with a free-kick from the right that slipped past the goalkeeper

in the 40th minute.

Haiti, who are also heading to the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand this summer, came back from the dressing room looking to take the fight to the Super Falcons, but goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tosin Demehin and captain Onome Ebi warded off their incursions.

Two minutes before the hour-mark, Oshoala jabbed in from close range to make it two for the Falcons, in the process registering her first goal

for the team since scoring in a Turkish Women’s Tournament defeat of Equatorial Guinea two years ago.

A defensive mix-up accounted for the Haitians pulling one back in the 75th minute, but there was no stopping the Super Falcons who have now won their last two matches, going back to the defeat of World Cup-bound Costa Rica in Mexico in February.

Next up for the African heavyweights is a clash with World Cup co-hosts New Zealand also in Antalya on Tuesday evening.

Olympic Eagles Seek Paris 2024 through Back Door After missing out Olympic qualification for the second successive time after defeat to Guinea last week, Nigeria’s U23 Olympic Eagles football team, are seeking for the route to be re-opened because they allege their opponents fielded an over-aged player.

The Eagles were beaten 2-0 on aggregate by Guinea on March 29 in the final qualifier for the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco - from which three teams will progress directly

to Paris 2024.

However, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has now petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) asking for Guinea to be disqualified because it believes it has evidence that one of their players, Fode Camara, was over-age.

If Guinea are disqualified, as the NFF now believe they will be, Nigeria will go through to the Under-23 2023 AFCON from June 24

to July 8.

The top three teams at the tournament will qualify automatically for the Paris 2024 Olympics men’s football tournament.

The fourth-placed team will contest the Asian Football Confederation-CAF playoffs to decide the final Olympic qualification place.

The last time the Eagles appeared in the Olympics, at Rio 2016, they won bronze, having been Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations champions in 2015.

to be seen whether or not Gent will cash in on the striker who is still learning the trade.

Since the start of February, Orban and Boniface have scored twenty goals between them, including seven in European competitions.

“I would be lying if I said that there is no interest for them,” says Aneke to La Dernière Heure, via Voetbal Nieuws.

“When you have two strikers of that caliber and every top club in Europe is looking for a number nine, it would be strange if that wasn’t the case.

“But at the moment we are

not doing that. We leave that to the clubs.

“Teams are interested, but no concrete offers yet. At the moment we are not talking to anyone yet. But everyone would be surprised if no team tried anything in the summer.”

Orban was called up to Nigeria’s U23 national team for the Olympic qualifiers against Guinea last month but was prevented from honoring the invitation by Gent, while Boniface was included in the Super Eagles’ provisional squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Guinea-Bissau.

Chukwueze’s Villareal Take on Madrid Live on GOtv

In-form Nigerian forward, Samuel Chukwueze, will be hoping to inspire his team to an upset victory against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on tonight.

Chukwueze, with a tally of nine goals and seven assists this season, will be keen to produce a match winning performance against the host, who are currently winless in their last three games against the Yellow Submarine in the league.

Villareal’s manager, Quique Setién was full of praise for the Nigerian at the end of the team’s 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad and he urged him to maintain the

momentum. “He has maintained a great level of performance and I hope he keeps it up because, on days like today, he’s decisive,” Setién said at the postmatch briefing.

Real Madrid are 12 points adrift of their archrival Barcelona, they will be buoyed by a 4-0 away victory at the Camp Nou in the Copa Del Rey ahead of this tie on SuperSport La Liga (Ch. 32) at 8pm today.

On Sunday night, Rayo Vallecano will host third-placed Atletico Madrid. While the last two duels between this team ended in draws, the home team is on a five-game

winless streak and may find it difficult to stop Diego Simeone’s men who are currently on a four-game winning streak.

Tune in SuperSport La Liga (Ch. 32) at 8pm. League leader Barcelona will challenge Girona at the Camp Nou on Monday night. Xavi Hernandez’s men boast an impressive record against their opponent having won eight of their 10 matches.

Barcelona are keen to maintain their lead at the top of the table in their quest to see the La Liga trophy return to the Camp Nou. Tune in SuperSport La Liga (Ch. 32) at 8pm to enjoy the game.

Davebrook Marks Maiden Inter-house Sports with Funfair It was an exciting time for students, staff and parents of Davebrook Schools, Makogi, as the eight-year-old college marked its maiden inter-house sports competition at the Mountain Top University playground in Magboro, Ogun State over the weekend.

The one-day sports fiesta was well attended by parents and guardians with the elementary and secondary students showcasing their sporting talents to the admiration of the guests. It was in a friendly atmosphere filled with grandeur and excitement that the athletes took to the track to outsmart one another for the coveted trophy.

The day began with the colourful

march past from the participating houses – yellow (St John), blue (St James), green (St Andrew) and orange (St Peter) with the teams showcasing the rich-culture of Nigeria. The march past was followed by the sprint events with the athletes taking to the track in their bid to amass medals for their teams. The invitational relay was also part of the events.

From the march past, it was clear that Green House was in for business as they were adjudged the best team in the event but the track events witnessed healthy rivalry among Green, Yellow and Orange as the trio garnered 10 gold medals each respectively. To

determine the eventual winner, the technical crew had to rely on the numbers of silver and to be certain of picking the overall champion.

At the end of their collation, it was Green again that showed class with 10 gold, 12 silver and six bronze medals to be crowned the first winner of the maiden inter-house sports competition.

Orange House had to settle for second place with 10 gold, nine silver and 14 bronze medals while Yellow house came third place with 10 gold, eight silver and eight bronze medals. It took parents and guardians time to console the disappointed members of the

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 8, 2023

IMAGES

O

n Sunday April 2nd, 2023, the Executive Members of Island Muslim Community (IMC) hosted its members to IFTAR themed (Ramadan Breaking of Fast with IMC). During the event, there was a fund raising and Ramadan Lecture which was delivered by guest speakers on various topics ranging from corporate social responsibilities as a Muslim, equipping themselves to meet global technology advancement, vocational acquisition skills for financial stability and how to be their brothers’ keeper. The well attended lecture held at Vice Admiral Ayinla Multipurpose Hall, Lekki Central Mosque, Lagos paraded top Muslim clerics, executive IMC members and Muslim Faithfuls. Here are a few faces at the event

R-L: Chairman, IMC Board of Trustees, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti and Vice-Chairman, lsland Muslim Community (IMC), Alhaji Tijjani Borodo

R-L: Imam, Syria Mosque, Ikoyi-Lagos, Elishami Noshi Ali and President, Lekki Muslim Ummah, Dr. AbdulGaniy Olusola Labinjo

R-L: Past President, Lekki Muslim Ummah, Dr. Kamoru Omotosho and BoT Member, Island Muslim Community (IMC), Alhaji Suleman Raji

R-L: Guest Speaker/Former Assistant Vice-Chancellor, University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol, United Kingdom, Prof. Luqman Oyedele and Omer Akintola

R-L: Executive Secretary, Islamic Forum, Dr. Tajudeen Adebayo and Trustee IMC, Alhaji Ariyo Olushekun

L-R: lmam, Light House Lekki, Alhaji Nojeem Jimoh, Chief Imam, Lekki Central Mosque, Imam Ridwan Jamiu and Vice-President, Lekki Muslim Ummar, Engr. Ibrahim Akiode

L-5 Alhaji Remi Adedeji, Chairman, IMC Executive Commitees, Alhaji AbdulQadri Adeniyi Akinlusi and Alhaji Abdusalam Jaiyeola

Invited guests from Turkish Community: L-R: Ahmet Yenal and Aman Riaz

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 8, 2023

33

IMAGES

R-L: Chief Executive Officer, Arabel, Hajia Shereefah Abiola Andu, Alhaja Adebisi Rafiu Ebiti and Mrs. Folashade Raji

L-R: Member, Organizing Committee, Iftar (Ramadan Breaking of Fast), Alhaja Sherifat Baoku and Member IMC, Hajia Funmilayo Lawal

R-L: Hajia Laraba Ibrahim and Hajia Mutiat Bakare-Balogun

L-R: Imam, Dolphin Estate Central Mosque, Ikoyi, Alhaji AbdulRasheed Akewusola, Member, Lekkki Muslim Community, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Lawal and Vice-Chairman, 1004 Central Masjid, Victoria Island, Alhaji Ishaq Ayandiran

L-R: .Hon. Justice Surajudeen Adeniyi Onigbanjo (rtd) and Mr. Soji Ajibode

R-L: Member, IMC, Alhaji Bello Aliu and Imam Taofeeq Olanrewaju Awwal of Oxygen Masgid and Islamic Centre, Ajah

L-R: Hajia Radhiyat Aramide Labinjo and Iyasuna of Lagos, Alhaja Muyinat Shopeyin

L-R: Member IMC, Mallam Muhammed Bello and Bureau for Islamic Education, Alhaji Abdullahi Maikado

L-R: .Alhaja Kudirat Brimah, Hajia Tauhida Zayyad and Hajiya Ronke Akinlusi

L-R: Hajia Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo and Deputy Managing Director, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Hajia Islamiat Bolatito Ajibode

L-R: Senior Medical Officer, Federal Medical Center, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Dr. AbdulRazaq Ebiti and Mallam Onikoyi AbdulHakeem

L-R: Member IMC, General Hamzat Agbabi and Publisher, L-R: MITV Producer/Prsenter, Alhaji Tella Waheed, Exco The Pathfinder Alhaji Abdulfatah Olajide Members IMC Alhaji Ayo Salami and Alhaji Yinka Tiamiyu

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 8, 2023

34

AUTO WORLD

Bennett Oghifo 07052343083 Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

TIPS OF THE WEEK

How Cars ‘Waste’ Two Thirds of Their Fuel

Dashboard of the all-new 2023 Honda HR-V

Sleek, Tech-filled 2023 Honda HR-V Now in Nigerian Market

T

he all-new Honda HR-V gives a gentle feel to both the driver and rider with its noiseless cool cabin that is packed with touch systems backed by future technology.

Its info-tech is superb.

7KH ÀQH SRLQWV RI WKH VOHHN SLHFH RI PDFKLQHU\ were unmistakable during a test drive Honda Automobile Western Africa Ltd., organised during the week for some motoring journalLVWV DW WKHLU R΀FH DQG VKRZURRP FRPSOH[ DW $PXZR 2GRÀQ ,QGXVWULDO (VWDWH $SDSD Oshodi Expressway, Mile 2, Lagos.

The HR-V’s almost-silent engine comes to life with the push of the start button, and moves swiftly with the touch of the accelerator.

When the ‘Brake Hold’ is programmed, the vehicle will idle at any stop point like the WUD΀F OLJKW RU ZKHQ WKH GULYHU LV \HW WR XVH the seat belt. The car will move only after the driver straps in or he pushes the same button that was used to programme it.

The test drive was after an extensive presentation by Mr. Remi Adams, Head,Sales Marketing & Logistics Department, Honda Automobile Western Africa Ltd. The management team, led by the Managing Director, Mr. Takayuki Yamashita.

The all-new HR-V, a sub-compact SUV, whose popular name is “The Standard”, has a stylish and sporty look with coupe-inspired design. It is expected to follow the trail of success blazed by its predecessor.

The new-generation HR-V was introduced as a smart versatile SUV that represents another step in Honda’s commitment to a greener world with less emission.

The all-new HR-V is powered by Honda’s 1.5-litre powertrain technology, delivering a EOHQG RI H΀FLHQF\ DQG UHVSRQVLYH SHUIRUPDQFH Carrying on with the concept of meeting the exacting needs of modern consumers, the new model achieves a rare balance of premium SUV styling and exceptional spaciousness, with compact dimensions and easy entry and exit for passengers.

Coupe-inspired exterior, premium SUV styling The new generation HR-V embodies Honda’s simple, clean, modern design philosophy already seen in the Accord.

'HÀQHG E\ WKH VDPH NH\ GHVLJQ FRQFHSWV of function and beauty, the compact coupeinspired silhouette is familiar yet exciting in appearance, with a playful character and FRQÀGHQW 689 VWDQFH Its sleek stance is achieved by increasing

ground clearance by 25 mm, now a total of 195mm GC and reducing the front overhang further reinforce the robust SUV appeal.

The clean simplicity of design is realised through the car’s smooth surfaces, with exterior design features incorporated into the body shape. For example, the headlights, unique body-coloured grille and distinctive lower mesh grille seamlessly integrate with the forwardprotruding nose shape and front quarter panels, giving it a more sculpted appearance and creating a sleek, bold expression.

The body sides present a contemporary, noiseless aesthetic, with a crisp horizontal shoulder line running from the rear as far as the front headlights, generating a sense of forward momentum.

The protruding front section and pulled back A-pillar combine to create a premium long bonnet, visually moving the cabin volume rearwards and further accentuating the sleek coupe-like proportions.

The combination of utility and aesthetics is evident in the simple, elegant tailgate design, which neatly integrates the tailgate door handle within the three-dimensional rear panel.

Aerodynamic improvements are achieved without the need for unnecessary design features that often compromise styling.

JLR Reports Sales Rise in Q4 as Chip Supply Continues to Recover

J

aguar Land Rover (JLR) has reported increased sales for the fourth quarter of FY23 (three-month period to 31 March 2023) and for the full financial year, reflecting a continuation of the gradual improvement in chip and other supply constraints.

According to the automaker, “Wholesale volumes for the fourth quarter were 94,649 units (excluding the Chery Jaguar Land Rover China joint venture), up 19% compared to the prior quarter ending 31 December 2022 and 24% compared to the same quarter a year ago.

Compared to the prior year, wholesale volumes were higher in all markets led by Overseas (62%), UK (24%), Europe (22%), China (17%) and North America (2%).

“Retail sales for the fourth quarter were 102,889 units (including the Chery Jaguar Land Rover China joint venture), up 21% from the prior quarter ending 31 December 2022 and up 30% compared to the same quarter a year ago. Compared to the prior year, retail volumes were higher in all markets led by Europe (+47%), UK (+42%), China (+29%), Overseas (+29%) and North America (+12%).

“For the full year ended 31 March 2023, wholesales (excluding China joint venture) were 321,362, up 9% and retails were 354,662, down 6%.”

Range Rover and Range Rover Sport production volumes continued to increase with 32,950 units

Range Rover Sport wholesaled in the quarter, up from 28,000 in Q3.

Defender wholesale volumes increased to 27,513 units as JLR continued to operate a third shift at the Nitra plant, up from 23,816 in Q3.

The order book remained strong with about

200,000 client orders at quarter end, about 15,000 lower than 31 December 2022, reflecting the higher retails this quarter. Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Defender demand remains particularly strong, representing 76% of the order book.

With the rise in fuel prices showing no signs of abating, it seems like an appropriate time to ask ourselves: are our cars not efficient enough?

Europe has decided to ban the production of new combustion engine-powered vehicles by 2035, but most passenger vehicles currently on roads in France and across the globe still fall under this category.

Their engines operate by burning petrol or diesel fuel and converting the resulting thermal energy into mechanical energy, which is used to propel the vehicle. At most 50% of the power supplied is converted into mechanical energy, but the remainder is dissipated as heat. Moreover, not all the mechanical energy is delivered to the wheels, with almost 30% being lost due to friction.

In the end, the actual energy used to move the vehicle amounts to approximately 30% of the total energy supplied by fuel. So, where does all this waste occur, are we able to reduce it and how much can we reasonably expect to save on fuel consumption?

How a combustion engine works In a combustion engine, a mix of fuel and air is burned inside the part called the combustion chamber. This increases the volume of gas in the chamber and the resulting pressure pushes the piston component downward. The piston is connected to the crankshaft by a connecting rod, which converts the piston’s vertical motion into a rotational motion. Next, this rotation is transferred by the crankshaft to the mechanical transmission (including the gearbox) and then to the wheels.

A number of engine valves then open and shut, letting waste gases out and then a fresh dose of air and fuel in. A limited portion (40 to 50%) of the thermal energy resulting from combustion is converted into mechanical energy. The remainder is wasted, discharged through the hot gases from the exhaust pipe and through the radiator, which keeps the engine cool. However, by improving the combustion and installing energy recovery systems, we may be able to increase the amount of usefully converted energy and reduce fuel consumption by almost 30%.

Fuel wasted due to friction It is worth mentioning what is meant by “friction”. The term refers to the force that acts in resistance to the sliding motion between two objects when they are brought into contact with each other. For example, the friction between our shoes and the ground allows us to walk without slipping. In cases of low friction, such as when the ground is icy, it is easier for our shoes to slide against the ground and walking becomes much more difficult. We might, however, choose to wear skates, which use their low friction with the ground to enable us to move around by sliding.

Essentially, when two objects are slid (or rubbed) together, the resultant resisting force occurs due to the friction. This leads to energy loss through heat, which we can observe by rubbing our hands together, for instance. In a car, the exact same phenomenon occurs between the moving engine parts and the mechanical transmission. As researchers, we aim to assess the impact of this phenomenon.

“Tribology” is a branch of science concerned with contact, friction and how to mitigate their impacts. Recent research in this field has helped estimate the energy losses due to the friction occurring in a car’s combustion engine and in the transmission linked to its wheels. In the diagram above, the contact areas where losses occur due to friction are shown in yellow. The most significant energy losses occur around the piston (at approximately 45% of losses); followed by the links between the connecting rod, crankshaft and cylinder block (approximately 30%); and around the valves and their actuating system (approximately 10%). The remaining 10% is lost through other engine fittings.

(Source: News24)

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 8, 2023

AUTO WORLD

Ashok Leyland Partners Stallion Motors to Launch Phoenix

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VKRN /H\ODQG ÁDJVKLS RI WKH Hinduja Group, along with Stallion Motors, its exclusive distributor in Nigeria for over a decade, recently launched the successful light commercial vehicle – Phoenix in Lagos, for the Nigeria market.

Stallion, a household name in Nigeria, said it owns 45% of the New Car Business. It is undoubtedly one of the strongest players in the commercial vehicle segment by the virtue of its customer base and vast distribution network. The exclusive national partnership with Ashok Leyland has evolved with time to bring the best-in-class products and services to the Nigerian consumer. These commercial vehicles are assembled locally and are best engineered for the road severity in Nigeria and generating employment.

Dr. Harpreet Singh (Managing Director VON Automobiles) reiterated that the launch of Phoenix, the light commercial vehicles from Ashok Leyland adds to the range and shows the company’s renewed commitment towards bringing tough dependable and durable vehicles for logistics use LQ DͿRUGDEOH UDQJH WR WKH 1LJHULDQ FXVWRPHUV The company has sales and service outlets in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt and has

invested in a state-of-the-art central auto parts and service center at Orile Lagos to support the distribution of genuine parts across the nation for the upkeep of these vehicles.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Sachin Dasharath, Head Africa-International Operation, Ashok Leyland, said, “Nigeria is an important African market for Ashok Leyland. The new range of Fully Built trucks will sport contemporary design, a new-generation platform and will RͿHU EHVW LQ FODVV H΀FLHQF\ SHUIRUPDQFH DQG comfort. Reinforcing our brand promise of ‘No 'UHDP WRR IDU· ZH DUH RͿHULQJ 3KRHQL[ WKDW will provide the best Total Cost of Ownership to our customers.”

The key attributes of Phoenix are: Vehicle 3HUIRUPDQFH &XVWRPHU 3URÀWDELOLW\ DQG 'ULYHU Comfort. Packed with Superior Mileage, Load Carrying Ability, Stability and Manoeuvrability, the Phoenix helps to run the business with better return on investment.

7KH 3KRHQL[ RͿHUV FODVV OHDGLQJ FRPIRUW WKDW sets the benchmark in the commercial vehicle industry. The dashboard is ergonomically designed with the controls placed intelligently.

The vehicle comes with multi-angle adjustable seats. The steering column comes with tilt-able and telescopic movements, while the 2-point VXVSHQGHG FDELQ RͿHUV FRPIRUW DQG FRQYHQLHQFH Phoenix the light commercial vehicle

New Mercedes-Benz GLS Models Wear Fresh Look, Software

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ot on the heels of the facelift of the GLE and GLE Coupé, the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC (combined fuel consumption 14.1-13.8 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 320-314 g/ km)[1] and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ (combined fuel consumption 13.2-12.8 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 298-289 g/km)[1] are now also appearing in updated form. A number of design, technology and equipment changes take the comfort, connectivity and ambience of the large SUV model series to the next level.

With their generous exterior dimensions, WKH 689 PRGHOV RͿHU LQWHULRU VSDFH IRU XS to seven occupants in three seat rows. The

upgraded Mercedes-Benz GLS will arrive in the European dealerships from the end of October 2023; in the USA, the market launch will start in mid-September.

Mercedes-Benz GLS: visual enhancement and IXQFWLRQDO RͿ URDG IHDWXUHV The latest Mercedes-Benz GLS models can be recognised by the even more striking radiator grille. The four louvres are galvanised in high-quality Silver Shadow. The bumper is also visually more prominent. It features integrated air inlet grilles, combined with a surround in high-gloss black. The large simulated underguard (standard equipment) has also been redesigned.

The eye-catcher at the rear is the interior of the lights with three horizontal blocks. A new 20-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheel in Himalayas grey ZLWK D KLJK VKHHQ ÀQLVK KDV EHHQ DGGHG WR WKH range of wheels.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS

Is Your Vision Roadworthy She was a Radio and Television personality.

She was best known for presenting Blue Peter in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Blue Peter was the longest –running children’s programme in the British Broadcasting Corporation’s 100-year old crown. Val, now 85 years may have lost being in the limelight and gracing screens. Yet, her status as the rising star is VWLOO DͿHFWLQJ OLYHV HVSHFLDOO\ WKRVH XVLQJ the roads.

Talking about Valerie Singleton is like talking about our yester-years glamour stars such as the Sienne Allwell Brown who became Sienne Razak-Lawal, Bode Alalade, Julie Coker, and Bimbo Roberts who later became Bimbo Oloyede as well as Ruth Benemasia just to remind the grand daddies and grand mummies. But I am talking about Valerie Singleton OBE who held sway in faraway United Kingdom and is still helping out.

When I read of her, it reminded me of Association for Safe International Road 7UDYHO D QRQ SURÀW KXPDQ RUJDQLVDWLRQ that promotes road travel safety through education and advocacy. It was founded

by Rochelle Sobel in 1995 in response to the death of her son Aron in a bus crash LQ 7XUNH\ 9DO LQ KHU OLIHWLPH KDV VXͿHUHG a measure of challenges with her sight. In 2005, she had the LASIK PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision procedure and in 2018, cataract surgery, after she noticed signs of QLJKW GULYLQJ EHFRPLQJ GL΀FXOW WKURXJK KHU old pal, Professor Dan Reinstein. Val went through these surgeries to correct her vision. $V D OD\PDQ , VRXJKW PRUH FODULÀFDWLRQ on cataract. I found out that as captured by her is that ‘’cataract is when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy and makes the vision blurry such that it can no longer be sharpened by glasses or contact lens.

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu

amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

Cataracts can also cause glare in sunlight or at night with car headlights or street lights for example, and can also change colour perception. Many people often comment on how “white” whites are and how “blues” are now blue again after having cataract surgery’’. Most cataracts I learnt tend to be age-related, but they can also be associated with diabetes, trauma to the eye, or even just run within families.

Valerie is now fully active in promoting safe driving through a free eye sight webinar to address these dangerous and risk health challenges. On March 14, 2023, she hosted a free Webinar. The webinar RͿHUHG SUDFWLFDO DGYLFH DQG WLSV IRU DOO motorists, including examining what the law says and the legal requirements for driving. Support for the event came from the Association of Optometrists, as well as Old Drivers Forum representatives.

I don’t know the last time you did an eye test or check. If you haven’t done especially in the last ten years, you should do as experts insist this is necessary. Hear one of the experts who took part in the Val free webinar. He did his small piece where he is even canvassing for a law change

to recognise the importance of vision to road safety. I believe we should borrow a leaf from his position.

The author Henry Leonard who is from the Association of Optometrists rolled out reasons why drivers like you should have a sight test every 10 years to prove their vision still meets driving standards. He recalled an incident in March 2017 when a three year old poppy named Arabella Clarke was killed by a motorist just weeks after the river was warned his vision was too poor to drive.

He recalled the current record in the United Kingdom which shows that almost 3000 injuries on the roads are caused by drivers with poor vision. Yet if a driver in the UK can read a number plate at 20 metres during their driving test, they may continue driving for a lifetime with no further checks which is why he is championing a law review.

Leonard regretted that the procedure or current law provides for drivers to report problems with their eyesight to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).As usual, some don’t do this. Others who do fall below required standards without realising that their vision has changed since they passed their driving test He posited that the consensus among 1000 practitioners surveyed is that more than one in three of those surveyed reported they had seen a patient in the past month with vision below the driving standard, yet still driving. Many of these experts feel there was a need for more stringent rules and this is also my position.

Leonard further noted that nine in 10 practitioners observe that the current sight requirements for a driving licence are

LQVX΀FLHQW 7KH\ FDOO IRU UHJXODU VLJKW WHVWV for all drivers. Based on poll conducted, two-thirds (62%) of people are currently ´SXWWLQJ RͿµ D VLJKW WHVW DQG DUH UHO\LQJ on an out-of-date spectacle prescription.

Optometrists recommend that regular sight test be conducted at least once every two years, and more frequently in some cases.

A sight test is much more than simply a check of whether you need glasses or contact lenses; it’s also an eye health check, and can even pick up some general health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and raised cholesterol.

Some eye conditions, such as glaucoma, come on gradually over many years. Without a regular sight test, you might detect the LVVXHV XQWLO LW LV WRR ODWH WR WUHDW HͿHFWLYHO\ According to studies, you can lose up to 40 percent of your peripheral vision to glaucoma before they realise it. This is however treatable with laser treatment or eye drops.

His intervention to ensure that drivers see properly includes a change in the law.

According to him, in the same way that we check cars to remain roadworthy through a regular MOT, we should check that drivers’ vision remains clear enough to drive safely at regular intervals.

He concludes by stating the ideal which requires a sight test at least once every two years. Notwithstanding this, he rhetorically asks,’’ Is it really too much to ask drivers to have a sight test every 10 years, to prove their vision still meets the driving standard?

This law should be changed in tandem with what obtains in many European countries in recognition of the importance of vision to road safety. Having a regular sight test every two years, and getting the right vision correction is the way to go.

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SATURDAY APRIL 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY APRIL 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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SATURDAY APRIL 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 8, 2023

EVENTS

I

n what could be described as a happy ending to a glorious career spanning over three decades, the United States Consulate General in Lagos on Monday March 27th organised a farewell reception for the outgoing ambassador extraordinary, Her Excellency Mary Beth Leonard, who is vibrant, friendly, dedicated and committed in discharging her duties as an envoy of the United States to Nigeria. The well attended send forth bash, which was held at the Consul-General’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, paraded top echelons from multinational, media, diplomatic community and the private sector. Veteran musicians Tee Mac and Yinka Davies entertained the invited guests. Here are some of the guests at the occasion PHOTOS: ABIODUN AJALA AND FUNKE OLAODE

US Consul General, Wills Stevens; Founder, Stanbic IBTC, Atedo Peterside; and departing US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Mary Former Governors, James Ibori (Delta) and Liyel Imoke (Cross River) Berth Leonard

L-R: Deputy British High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn Jones; MD/ Country Chairman, Shell, Osagie Okunbor; and Sales Marketing Director, Eko Atlantic, Pierre Edde

L-R: MD, Chevron, Rick Kennedy; and MD, Exxon Mobil, Richard Laing

L-R: MD, Azura Power, Edu Okeke; and Publisher, BusinessDay Newspapers, Frank Aigbogun

L-R: DG, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr. Joseph Onoja; Publisher, Guardian Newspaper, Maiden Ibru; and Chief Operating Officer, Q-Life Family Clinic, Yinka Olowojolu

L-R: Taiwanese Ambassador, Andy Liu; Moses Akeke and MaryAnne Onwuchekwa

CEO, Rock City FM, Niran Malaolu and wife, Christiana

L-R: Information Specialist, US Public Affairs Division, Tayo Famutimi; Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate, Joe Kruzich; and Cultural Specialist, Ibrahim Aliyu

MD, Nigeria Exchange Group, Oscar Onyema; and wife, Annette

Country Technical Manager, Petronor E&P Ltd, Adamu Abu and wife, Aisha

L-R: Melica Stevens; MD, Microsoft Nigeria, Mrs Ola Williams; CEO, American Business Council, Mrs Margaret Olele; and Country Director, Curves Nigeria, Emma Essinah

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Saturday, April 8, 2023

TR

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& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Muhammadu Sanusi on State of Nigeria “We have a country that has been divided dangerously along ethnic and religious lines. We have an economy that is in the doldrums, and unfortunately, we seem to be having a dearth of leadership” –Former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi mourning the state of Nigeria.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

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dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Please, Bring Back Our History

F

ellow Nigerians, let me say how much I enjoyed reading as a young boy while growing up in the ancient town of IleIfe. Life was so much fun in those good old days. As a university town, Ile-Ife paraded some of the best bookshops in the old Western Region.

The University of Ife Bookshop was top on the list. This bookshop was ably managed at different times by very cerebral and highly influential men like Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire and Chief Oyeniyi Osundina. Next door was the Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, where I worked as a Library Assistant, from 1977-78. We also had the CSS Bookshops, managed by the Anglican Church, where I also served as a shop assistant in 1976, after my West African School Certificate examination. We had Surulere Bookshop, owned by Chief Ezekiel Oluwafemi Adegbola, Olusanu Bookshop (later changed to Omo Arewa Bookshop), owned by my first Headmaster, Chief Isaac Olagbaju. There was Adura Lere Bookshop, owned by my Mum’s best friend, Mama Adura Lere, as we fondly called her, the mother of Mr Erastus Bankole Akingbola, the former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank. My Mum’s beer parlour was next door at Number 2A Atiba Square, opposite The Ooni’s Palace and the Ife Museum.

My early years were soaked in books and voracious reading. I soon fell in love with thrillers. I enjoyed James Bond novels, written by the British novelist, Ian Fleming. I thoroughly devoured the novels of James Hadley Chase, a master of suspense. I massacred the spy adventures of Nick Carter who wrote about 648 novels. I later graduated to Robert Ludlum, Sidney Sheldon, James Clavel, Joan Collins, Leslie Charteris, and so many others. I feel so nostalgic about those amazing days as I write this piece right now. I got so addicted to thrillers and was happy to discover detective novels written in Yoruba by two major authors, Baba Oladejo Okediji (the author of Aja Lo Leru, Agbalagba Akan, Rere Run and others), and Alagba Kola Akinlade (the author of Ta Lole Ajomogbe and others)...

Historical works and biographies attracted me endlessly. I loved the historical play of Efunsetan Aniwura, as captured by my teacher and supervisor, Professor Akinwumi Isola.

I followed the lives of African writers through the works of Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Mongo Beti, Ferdinand Oyono, Ayi Kwei Ahmah, Kofi Awoonor, Jomo Kenyatta, Alex La Guma, Nawal El Sa’adawi, Mariama Ba, Kwame

Soyinka

Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Camara Laye, Cyprian Ekwensi, T.M Aluko, Elechi Amadi, Kenneth Kaunda, Oginga Odinga, D.O Fagunwa, Kole Omotoso, Amos Tutuola, Okot p’Bitek, David Rubadiri, Leopold Sedar Senghor, Christopher Okigbo and so many others. But one man stood out for me, not just as the greatest user and “manipulator” of the English language but as a fearless activist. Whatever little radicalism and activism buried in me today was planted in me by Wole Soyinka, who I met early in life as a teenager on the campus of University of Ife. The book that did the magic is no other than THE MAN DIED. If you’ve not read it, please find one, possibly at The Booksellers in Jericho, Ibadan. It contains a riveting account of Soyinka’s prison memoirs. After reading it, you will realise and appreciate how much Nigeria has lost most of its ability to fight injustice.

After Wole Soyinka, I was privileged to meet and get close to Chief Gani Fawehinmi. His Chambers nearly became my home at a time and I marveled at his collection of radical books plus his neatly bound collection of newspapers and magazines.

I have deliberately taken you through this long preamble in order to demonstrate my fascination with knowledge. My dream was to be a scholar and end up as a university lecturer. But man proposes and God disposes. As much as I tried to get employed as a teacher, I couldn’t secure a job. It was out of joblessness that

I started writing. That’s a tale for another day.

Growing up on the University of Ife campus really helped my formative years. Meeting Wole Soyinka was a major inspiration and the icing on the cake. Many young boys of those days wished to get arrested in order to acquire the “Soyinkean” experience and fame.

The meat of my epistle today, you can guess, is easily about the recent elections in Nigeria, which has surpassed others before it in all its negative ramifications.

The matter is not about who won or who did not win. Not at all. It is about the brazen impunity of how a winner emerged without the umpire, INEC, following its own rules. Had INEC obeyed its own rules, I would have been the first to congratulate whosoever won.

It is shockingly embarrassing to see how we are being told to just adjust, accept the charade and move on, as if this is now our new normal, or just go to court despite the well known booby traps usually along the ways to the court of justice. Not even the usual members of the privilentsia, otherwise known as the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, have the confidence to determine good or bad cases any longer. Opposition voices are systematically being bullied, suppressed and discouraged. This could not have been the democracy we fought for, and certainly not that which we envisaged as compensation for those epic battles against the military juntas.

What I find most baffling is the attitude of many of our former comrades who no longer see nothing wrong in bold faced election rigging. Nothing insults me than those telling us it is an act of disloyalty to speak against our friends who may have been heavily involved in this gargantuan mess.

So I’m now thinking that what they are saying is that it was good to criticise those who were not our friends but we can keep silent and pretend that all is well once our friends can grab power by foul or fair means.

I weep for my country. Some of the people I used to respect so much have now revealed to me that hypocrisy is a virtue. I sincerely do not care if they refuse to speak up for justice, for varying reasons, but I do not expect them to discourage those who are willing and ready to travel the slippery roads.

A man I love so much called my wife aside recently and told her to tell me to support Chief Bola Tinubu because of our past relationships. I simply told my wife that the man should try and be fair to me for the following reasons.

I hold Tinubu in high esteem but we’ve not been in the same political

parties since we returned from exile in 1998. I had chosen to be in opposition as my humble and modest contributions to nation-building. Two, I preferred to support individual candidates based on my personal experience and conviction and if I fail or feel disappointed, like in the case of Major General Muhammadu Buhari, I will seek other candidates, thereafter. This is the reason I supported the Atiku/ Obi ticket in 2019, at a time I was not yet a member of PDP. Three, I already tried to seek the PDP Presidential ticket last year and no matter the degree of disappointment, I won’t jump ship just because my friends are contesting in other parties.

It just doesn’t make sense to me.

Four. I will not do anti-party like some senior members did remorselessly under flimsy and pretentious excuses. I insist that it is the height of chicanery to set fire to a home under which you still hope to sleep. Better to quit than being the Judas within. You may still come back later, if you wish.

Six. I prefer to give priority to the image and betterment of my country above that of my friends or pecuniary consideration. Anyone who does not appreciate that level of personal sacrifice is certainly an enemy of progress.

7. There are those who have come to attack me on the basis of ethnicity, saying power should come to the South, no matter who fills that space. I beg to disagree, by rising above such pettiness.

At nearly 63 years old, I have lived long in Nigeria to understand the fallacy of thinking that bringing a President from your zone will guarantee the progress and advancement of your people. As educated as most people pretend to be, I expect them to place premium on experience, exposure, capacity, stability, and so on, and not on some primordial sentiments. While I do not expect the President to be a Saint, there must be some minimum standards to meet.

It is my right to then choose my preferred candidate just like I never begrudge your own choices.

And finally, throughout my assignment as Director of Strategic Communications for the PDP ATIKU/OKOWA Presidential Campaign Council, I reflected the wishes of my Bosses by keeping to the message, and focus, of our cardinal programmes. If we lost within due process, there would have been no controversy. But I wish to put on record that what happened was a garrison operation and I do not care if every other Nigerian do not to see it that way and so decides to move on as usual. I choose to exercise my right of recording this dissenting voice for posterity.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria...

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