TUESDAY 18TH APRIL 2023

Buhari Recounts Achievements in Oil, Gas Sector, Lists PIA as Biggest Accomplishment

Discloses N200bn, $7m raked in from sale of marginal fields Says $2.8bn AKK pipeline 43% completed

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday attended the Nigeria

International Energy Summit (NIES), his last as the country’s leader, seizing the opportunity to highlight his administration’s

achievements in the sector from which Nigeria earns most of its foreign exchange. Speaking at the event in Abuja

put together by Brevity Anderson, a Trade Advisory Consultancy specialised in strategic meetings, Buhari boasted that when he assumed office

www.thisdaylive.com

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has granted registration approval for R21 Malaria Vaccine (Recombinant, Adjuvanted).

The vaccine is manufactured

by Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. (SIIPL).

Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who addressed journalists in Abuja, yesterday, said the vaccine was for prevention of clinical malaria in children from five months to

36 months of age. The storage temperature of the vaccine is 2-8 °C."

She said: "NAFDAC in exercising its mandate as stipulated by its enabling law, NAFDAC Act CapN1, LFN 2004 is granting registration approval for R21 Malaria Vaccine (Recombinant, Adjuvanted)

manufactured by Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. (SIIPL).

“The Marketing Authorisation Holder’s (MAHs) is Fidson Healthcare Ltd in line with the Agency’s Drug and Related Products Registration Regulation 2021.

"The R21 Malaria vaccine is

in 2015, his administration set out to dismantle the challenges it met by embarking on major reforms. Buhari, who was represented by Continued on page 10

the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss

NAFDAC Approves Clinical Malaria Vaccine for Children

an Adjuvanted protein vaccine presented as a sterile solution. A dose which is 0.5ml is composed of R21 Malaria antigen 5μg and Matrix-M1 50μg as an adjuvant filled in a vial as ready to use liquid formulation for intramuscular injection.

"The vaccine is indicated for prevention of clinical malaria in children from 5 months to 36 months of age. The storage temperature of the vaccine is 2-8 °C."

Adeyeye said R21 Malaria vaccine

Continued on page 10

INEC Suspends Adamawa REC as Binani Seeks Judicial Review of Her Announcement

FOR A BETTER CIVIL SERVICE...

Sitting: L-R: BSG, University of Oxford, Prof. Dapo Akande; Perm. Sec. FCT, Olusade Adesola; Perm. Sec, Fed Min of Water Resources, Esther Didi Walson-Jack; Prof. Chris Stone, BSG, University of Oxford; Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi Esan; , Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; BSG, University of Oxford, Eniola Soyemi; Perm. Sec, Fed. Min. of Communications, Dr. William Alo; Perm Sec Fed Min of Agriculture, Ernest Umakhihe; Perm. Sec, SGF Office, Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, and other serving Federal Permanent Secretaries at the AIG Senior Leaders Programme held in Abuja…recently

INSPECTION OF COMPLETED SECTION OF ABUJA - KADUNA- ZARIA ROAD...

to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, and Senior Special Assistant to the President, Special Projects, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson, during the inspection of the Completed Section of the Reconstruction of

COVID-19: FG Effects N45.3bn Reimbursement to States, FCT

James Emejo in Abuja

The federal government has approved the release of N45.3 billion as reimbursement to states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the implementation of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG CARES) programme.

The National Coordinator of the programme, Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, said the funds were released last Thursday, based on the results each state and FCT earned after a rigorous result verification exercise conducted by an independent consultant.

He said in order to facilitate the smooth take-off of the programme, the federal government had disbursed a one-off recoverable advance of N35.3 billion to all 36 states and the FCT in March 2022.

He added that the beneficiaries have in less than one year, produced results valued at N77.2 billion, and impacting over two million direct beneficiaries.

In a statement issued by the Information and Communication Officer, NG-CARES, Suleiman Odapu, the national coordina-

tor, pointed out that going by the results earned by the states and FCT, significant progress had been made towards achieving the set objectives and targets of the NG-CARES programme.

He said, “The federal government last week Thursday reimbursed the 29 States and

FCT to the tune of N45.3 billion naira after recovery of the one-off advance. The top three best-performing States in this round of reimbursement are Zamfara State with N5,273,150,000.00 Bauchi State N4,232,200,000.00 and Ondo State N3,838,233,411.00. This is a milestone in the efforts at reducing

poverty in the country.”

Obaje, however, appealed to states to use the funds released in line with the financing agreement and the fund's release policy which all they signed unto.

He also commended key stakeholders in the programme, notably, the Minister of State,

Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, for providing the needed leadership at the federal level to coordinate the implementation at the States and FCT, State Governors, and the World Bank for providing the credit and technical support.

NG-CARES programme is

a federal government initiative supported by the World Bank, and it is implemented in all 36 States and FCT.

The programme aims to expand access to livelihood support and food security services and grants for poor and vulnerable households and firms.

NDDC Tasks PHCCIMA on Human Capital Devt

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has urged the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) to concentrate more on developing human capital in the Niger Delta region.

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the NDDC, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, made the call when a delegation from PHCCIMA paid her a courtesy call at the Commission's headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Onochie, who commended the

strides made by the Chamber, noted that there were still more to be done in terms of developing the human capital of the Niger Delta region.

She said: "Developing the people of the Niger Delta region can only be done by professionals like you who manage your own enterprises. “Development does not only mean building and providing physical infrastructure. Development also lies in the development of our human capital. We will be relying on you for support."

In his remarks, the PHCCIMA President, Eze Mike Elechi, noted that PHCCIMA was the umbrella

body for over 20,000 members of the organised private sector in Rivers State.

He stated: "We want to collaborate with you in the development of micro, small and medium businesses in Rivers State and the Niger Delta region. We need to partner with the NDDC to train individuals in micro, small and medium enterprises. We also seek your financial support for the 2023 Port Harcourt International Trade Fair."

Also addressing a delegation from the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) South-South Zone, in her office, the Chairman

Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation Empowers Permanent Secretaries to Drive Efficiency in Civil Service

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has organised a leadership programme for Federal Permanent Secretaries in Abuja, as part of its contribution to deepen public sector reforms and ensure increased effectiveness and integrity in government.

The Foundation, a public sectorfocused philanthropic organisation founded to improve the lives of Africans through transformed public service delivery and increased access to quality primary healthcare, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

Through its partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, the Foundation offers world class training programmes to public

servants across Africa, empowering them with the skills and knowledge they need to be more effective in their roles.

One such capacity-building programme, was the AIG Senior Leaders Programme, for Permanent Secretaries held in Abuja.

The programme allowed participants to draw on their collective experience and the expertise of the programme faculty from the University of Oxford, to explore strategies to deepen public sector reforms for increased effectiveness and integrity in government.

According to the statement, key learning points from the programme included entrenching integrity in recruitment processes and efficiency in decision-making processes.

Additionally, a roadmap was

developed to ensure a smooth administrative transition when new Ministers are appointed.

Speaking after the conclusion of the programme, the Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said: "Federal Permanent Secretaries play a critical role in driving national development and it was our honour to develop this programme with the University of Oxford, to support the Permanent Secretaries as they prepare for the upcoming administrative transition.

“This AIG Senior Leaders Programme is part of our multibillion Naira commitment to supporting the reform efforts of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and building the capacity of the public sector workforce so that they can drive

these reforms.’’

The statement disclosed that since inception, the AigImoukhuede Foundation has trained over 400 public servants through various initiatives including the AIG Public Leaders Programme, the AIG Scholarships and the AIG Fellowships, all run in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

Through its partnership with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Foundation also provides technical assistance and funding for key reform priorities of the Nigerian Civil Service including digitalisation, the introduction of a performance management system and a culture change programme aimed at instilling the right values in the Civil Service.

of the NDDC Board urged youths of the Niger Delta region to focus on acquiring relevant skills that would empower them.

Onochie advised youths to reduce their dependence on white collar jobs and acquire skills in farming, coding and artificial intelligence.

She noted that the era of total dependence on paper qualifications was over and advised youths to add relevant skills to their qualifications.

The President of the NYCN,

Okorie Kenneth, thanked the NDDC Chairman for hosting them, noting that the Niger Delta region was the most deprived in Nigeria. Youths, he said, bear the brunt of economic hardship in the country. He called for partnership between the NDDC and the NYCN in order to tackle youth’s restiveness through sustainable empowerment programmes.

Okorie called for the direct involvement of youths in the formulation of youth empowerment programmes of the NDDC.

APC Dominates Niger Assembly, Wins 20 Out of 27 Seats

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has maintained its dominance of the Niger State House of Assembly, after winning 20 out of the 27 seats in the legislature.

The dominance of the party was confirmed by its victory in last Saturdays supplementary polls, when the party won the four seats at stake in the four local government areas, where the election had been declared inclusive.

The APC has been dominating the assembly since 2015 when it took over the political leadership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The supplementary elections were held in Rijau, Agwara Rafi and Agaie.

With the victory of the APC in Agwara, the party also stopped the 16 year reign of Mr Bello Agwara of the PDP, when APC’s candidate, Mohammed Garba was declared

winner of the election .

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state also confirmed the victory of APC’s candidate for Rijau assembly seat, Alhaji Bako Bello and Alhaji Mohammed Musa Etsugaie for Agaie as well as Alhaji Zubairu Ismaila for Rafi LGAs.

The commission said the conduct of the supplementary election was orderly and peaceful, adding that "there was no record of malpractices."

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Alhaji Yushau Garki, appreciated all those that participated in the election especially, security operatives for discharging their duties diligently.

A statement by the Publicity Secretary of the APC in the state, Mr Musa Sakinkaji, also commended the electorate once more for "having confidence in the party by voting massively for its candidates in the supplementary election.”

Peter Uzoho

L-R: Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited , Mr. Lars Richter; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Chief of Staff

the Abuja - Kaduna- Zaria - Kano Dual Carriageway (Section III : Zaria - Kano)... yesterday

MAIDEN EDITION OF POLICY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE LECTURE...

Aviation Workers’ Strike Forces Passengers to Trek to Airport, Unions Block Access Roads

Ministry expresses displeasure, urges unions to sheath sword

Chinedu Eze in Lagos and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Local and international passengers travelling from the Lagos airport yesterday had to walk to the airport with their luggage as aviation unions blocked all roads leading to the airport, from the OshodiAjao-Estate expressway that links to the international terminal and the toll-gate, as well as the Ikeja-airport road that connects the domestic terminals.

This was just as the Ministry of Aviation yesterday, expressed displeasure over the situation in spite of efforts to meet demands of the workers.

The unionists blocked the roads by 8:00 am, so passengers who arrived at the airport had to disembark from their vehicles when they realised they could not drive to the terminals and those on commercial vehicles also had to disembark at the point of the blockade.

The union officials who also blocked strategic areas and entrances

to the terminal with their vehicles, were seen singing and chanting solidarity songs and insisting the strike would continue if their demands were not addressed.

Despite the blockade, flights were taking off and landing at the airport as passengers were allowed to enter the terminals to board their flights. But the airlines experienced delays because it took many passengers time to trek to the terminals. With this, some flights had some hours delays.

Dana Air, United Nigeria, Arik Air and Air Peace confirmed to THISDAY that all their scheduled flights operated, but one of the airlines officials told THISDAY that all the flights that took off after 8:00 am experienced delays.

“In fact, some flights were delayed for over one hour due to inability of passengers to arrive at the terminal and check-in on time,” the source added.

Many of the airline workers expressed anxiety about the strike not continuing today, because of the delays and hoped the issues

between the workers and government would be resolved, just as officials of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), the operators of the major domestic terminal, MMA2, told THISDAY that passenger movement was not disrupted at the facility.

However, aviation unions and government representatives held a meeting on how to end the industrial action. Feelers from the meeting indicated that government urged the unions to call off the strike, citing different reasons, which ranged from foreign airlines already calling and planning to suspend their Nigeria routes and a meeting slated today to finalise some condition of service for the workers, especially NCAA.

They assured that unions’ demand on Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) workers consequential adjustment had been met and that they would receive their April salary.

The unions had earlier in a notice to their members across airports in the country and aviation agencies

issued a two-day warning strike to press home their demands for workers’ entitlements.

Their demands included approval and implementation of the agreement Condition of Service (CoS) as agreed between them and the agencies by the Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

Others included non-implementation of minimum wage consequential adjustments and arrears for NIMET since 2019, and the planned demolition exercise of all the agency buildings in Lagos by the Minister of Aviation for an airport city project.

The Secretary general, National Union of Transport Employees (NUATE), Ocheme Aba said what the unions want was not appeal or negotiation, but implementation of their demands.

The unions that embarked on the strike included NUATE, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation

Professionals (ANAP), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical (AUPCCST) and Recreation Services Employees.

Meanwhile, the Aviation Ministry yesterday, stressed that the strike was unnecessary, saying it would increase the hardship on citizens, affect flight schedules, lead to economic losses and negatively impact on Nigeria’s rating globally.

A statement issued in Abuja by the Head, Press, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, Odutayo Oluseyi, explained that management of the Ministry of Aviation was open to continuous engagement with the unions to improve their welfare.

However, this he said, could only be done in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.

The statement read in part: "Let me reiterate that while we are appealing to the unions to sheath the sword, the management will view seriously any behaviour by any union likely to lead to a

AMCON Takes Over Glano Nigeria’s Assets over N2.4bn Debt

Following an order of Justice I. N. Buba of the Federal High Court Lagos Division, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has taken over assets belonging to Glano Nigeria Limited over indebtedness of over N2 billion.

Head of Head Corporate Communications Department, AMCON, Jude Nwauzor, disclosed this in a statementAMCONyesterday. which was established to recover bad debt on behalf of the federal government had been in an endless court battle with Glano Nigeria Limited and its promoters since 2016, but had waited patiently till 2018.

According to the statement, “having looked at the case in its entirety, especially regarding efforts AMCON had made to resolve the loan amicably without cooperation from the obligor, the court finally decided to back AMCON’s takeover of Glano Nigeria Limited.”

It pointed out that in compliance with the enforcement order, the corporation last Thursday, took effective possession of Glano Nigeria Limited property located at No. 22 Woji Road Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital, which had been under the management of Sterling Law Alliance since 2019.

Apart from granting AMCON possession of the property in Port

Harcourt, “the court also ordered AMCON to take all necessary steps required to realise the assets of the obligor within the judicial division, by seizing and taking any money bank notes, cheques, bills of exchange, promissory note, and all forms of bonds of security for money, with a view to realising the huge outstanding debt.”

It added: “The case of Glano Nigeria Limited and its promoter has been a protracted issue because the loan was purchased during the third phase of Eligible Bank Assets (EBA) from United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc way back in 2013.

“Since then, AMCON has offered the obligor a good measure of olive branches, and explored all avenues to resolve the matter amicably, but the obligor and his company, Glano Nigeria Limited remained recalcitrant and unwilling to repay the huge debt to the corporation,” it added.

Nwauzor, explained that the enforcement came after a long period of meticulous court battle.

The enforcement according to him was carried out in a seamless manner especially as the court had also directed the Nigerian Police Force, officials of the court, and other security agencies to assist AMCON in securing the assets.

AMCON was created to be a key stabilising and re-vitalising

tool aimed at reviving the financial system by efficiently resolving the non-performing loan assets of the banks in the Nigerian economy. “The corporation has done remarkably well in stabilising the financial sector but is now faced with the hardcore of recovering its huge investments in the sector,” the corporation’s

spokesman added.

Currently armed with the re-energised AMCON Act, which President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law, and backed by strong judicial support, the management of AMCON led by Ahmed Kuru, Managing Director/CEO, had since switched its recovery

strategy to enforcement mode as a result of obligor’s antics of hiding under some technicalities of law to evade repayment. As a result, the government agency has been in some form of rapid response with its enforcement activities across the country regardless of some daunting recovery challenges posed by obligors.

breakdown of law and order at our airports.

"It should be noted that the planned demolition of certain buildings obstructing the runway is in public interest and an administrative issue that can be sorted in-house.

"The unions should have met with management of agencies for alternative accommodation to all affected offices before going ahead with the strike.

"On the Concession of airports, the unions are aware of global practices and for the aviation industry in Nigeria to be the hub in Africa, the concession is the way to go to improve infrastructure and make our airports economically viable as this is without loss of jobs.

"On conditions of service in some of the agencies, it is work in progress. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission is already carrying out assessments and will soon conclude."

Continuing, the statement further read: "The unions should also note, if they are not already aware, that consequential adjustment of the minimum wage has been finalised and about to be paid anytime soon.

"We have always conveyed this information in the several conversations and meetings held with the unions. The management of the Ministry of Aviation is open to continuous engagement with the Unions to improve their welfare.

"The Ministry wishes to appeal to the unions to call off the strike and join hands with management to make the Aviation industry a hub in Africa."

Tech-enabled Healthcare Platform, CloudClinic, Unveiled in Lagos

CloudClinic Limited (CCL), a digital healthcare service company, has launched its cloud-based healthcare solution called CloudClinic, to facilitate virtual consultation between patients and licenced medical practitioners.

The platform makes it possible for anyone to access affordable health care from the comfort of their homes, offices or on the go with the aid of their internet-enabled devices.

“We are delighted to introduce CloudClinic, a suite of mobile platform, web and API services specially designed to seamlessly connect healthcare seekers in Nigeria to licensed healthcare services providers such as doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and medical laboratories,” the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cloud Clinic

Limited, Ifeanyi Aneke, at the formal unveiling of the product in Lagos.

Aneke said CloudClinic was motivated by a burning desire to bring quality and affordable healthcare to the ‘doorstep’ of every“WeNigerian. believe that healthcare should be convenient and accessible to every Nigerian. This belief birthed the development of our cloud-based healthcare platform,” he added.

Partnering with over a thousand licenced medical laboratories, pharmacies, and hospitals across Nigeria, CloudClinic was designed to improve access to healthcare while making it convenient.

Aneke stated that CloudClinic was also liberalising access to healthcare through its native language feature, which matches patients with

doctors, based on their preferred native languages, ensuring effective communication, and understanding.

Commenting further, he stated that the platform ensures strict adherence to optimal health standards for patients, offering a complete and world-class healthcare experience."CloudClinic offers an extensive feature that gives patients a wide range of diagnostic, pharmaceutical, and hospital options, relying on our partnership with licensed and recognised medical laboratories and pharmacies while ensuring the confidentiality of all medical records,” Aneke said.

Also speaking at the launch, Clinical Director, Cloud Clinic Limited, Dr. Amy Ojiakor, highlighted that Nigeria has a one to 10,000 doctor-to-patient ratio.

She noted that an average Nigerian must drive long hours to get to a hospital and queue up for hours to see a doctor, adding that because of this limitation, Nigerian hospitals are plagued with many incidents of late presentation, which leads to a high mortality rate.

“Through CloudClinic, a doctor can request an investigation or prescribe a drug for the patient. The solution also makes it possible for a patient to quickly locate a Medical Laboratory Pharmacy and Hospital nearest to him or her,” she added.

According to her, CloudClinic also makes it possible for patients to have their samples collected in their homes and their drugs delivered to them when the patient cannot go out or do not want to go to the medical laboratories or pharmacies.

L-R: DG NiPSS, Prof. Omotayo; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Gov of Plateau State, Simon Lalong; and others at the maiden edition of the Policy making and Good Governance Lecture series at the National Institute in Kuru Jos, Plateau State…yesterday.

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Osinbajo: Leaders Toying with Prejudice in Contest for Power Threat to Democracy

Flays attempts to deny electorate right to vote in 2023 polls

Calls for deliberate efforts to overcome ethnic, religious prejudices

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has warned that in the contest for power, leadership elites must not toy with prejudices that alienate or divide any section of the country.

Rather, he said, the elites should conduct themselves with a high sense of responsibility in order to build a new Nigeria where there is justice, equity and shared prosperity.

Delivering a speech yesterday, at the maiden Policy Making and Good Governance Lecture Series of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), in Kuru, Plateau State, the vice president also submitted that deliberate efforts have to be taken to deal with ethnic profiling and prejudices before they influence political contests.

According to him, “the leadership elites have a duty to conduct themselves with a high sense of responsibility even as they prosecute their contest for power.”

He further noted that historically conscious and patriotic elites all recognise that, beyond what the letter of the law asserts, there are lines that cannot be crossed in the pursuit of political power.

"One of such lines is the willful exploitation of sectional sentiments and the invocation of ethnic antipathies to mobilise a political constituency. It is dangerous because it is an attempt that seeks to mobilise by fostering division and hatred."

Osinbajo condemned reported attempts in some parts of the country that denied some Nigerians their right to vote in the last elections.

He said: “These elections witnessed the exploitation by political actors of the fears and anxieties of people about so-called outsiders. Any attempts to deny people the right to vote in any locality on the basis that they do not belong in that place is condemnable in the strongest possible terms.”

The vice president also noted that, “when ethnic or religious prejudices are weaponised for political purposes, we are confronted with a lethal potentially destructive situation.”

In a speech that also addressed the way forward in building a new Nigeria, Osinbajo noted that the most prosperous places are countries that have learned to harness diversity while building ever more inclusive institutions.

He observed that discrimination

Restore Public Trust in Market Transactions, Transcorp Investor Tells NGX

A minority investor in Nigerian energy and hospitality company Transcorp Nigeria Plc, yesterday called on the management of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) to respect its own rules and compel the management of the company to confirm the conglomerate’s shareholding structure.

This, the shareholder argued, would restore public trust in the company, especially with its shares being moped up.

"Our main request is that the NGX should enforce its own rules by providing clarity to investors days after a transaction and stop these uncertainty and speculation in the market.

“We suspect that that the delay

has been orchestrated to allow for mopping up of shares by persons with knowledge of these things other than the public.

“The protection of minority investors’ interests is essential to public trust in the market process,” Cyril Igbokwe, told newsmen while reacting to the first quarter 2023 results released by Transcorp Plc which showed a decline in earnings.

“This is a worrisome and shows signs of mismanagement, at a period where most companies are posting increased profits that matches or is better than inflation rates,” he added.

Stockbrokers and observers in the market spoken to equally show frustration at the delay.

against people on the basis of their identity is explicitly condemned by most legal codes, including our own constitution.

“But there is still a tension that exists between this new Nigeria and the old Nigeria as understood by a generation that is much more accustomed to political mobilisation on the basis of identity.

“But we must ennoble and validate the Nigeria that our young people are consciously or unconsciously building. This is the future we want,” he added.

According to him, "let us never forget that although we may speak different languages, belong to different tribes and profess diverse creeds; we are bound, above all else, by the language of a shared hope, by our common humanity as Nigerians, and a supreme faith in the possibility of our country."

Speaking further against any form of discrimination, the vice president noted that, “if we are truly committed to economic growth, then we must also be committed to creating inclusive communities and strengthening social cohesion.

“Put another way, the only thing that grows in a climate of tribal hatred is poverty. This is why justice,

healing, and a stronger commitment to the ideals of integration are so important.”

Osinbajo also stated that where the forces of primordial division and polarisation are harnessed for the sake of electoral gain, the venom of such devices remains and continues to poison communal relations, setting neighbour against neighbour.

“We have witnessed the catastrophic consequences of the political weaponisation of prejudice in places such as Rwanda.”

Emphasising the role of political elites, Osinbajo asserted that elites have a responsibility to discipline themselves in the pursuit of their political ambitions and exercise of power to ensure that the fabric of our communities is not rent asunder.

“When elites fail to compete responsibly and moderately, they foster a sense that everything goes, which breeds instability. We have seen this dynamic play out time and time again in our history.

“A model of competition that recognises no ethical limits or boundaries is a threat to our democracy. It is incumbent upon politicians to act and conduct their competition responsibly.”

Urging Nigerians to learn from the Rwandan genocide which claimed about a million lives, the vice president also pointed out the lives lost in Nigeria’s civil war, which he observed was fuelled by bigotry, what he called the, “exploitation of prejudice and the incitement of hatred against ethnic communities.”

According to him, “we talk about the civil war, but we seem to ignore the fact that it is the manipulation of ethnoreligious sentiment that eventually boiled over into that tragedy. The demons released by that bloody conflict among brothers are yet to be fully caged, and we pay the price of that healing process daily. This is not a chapter of our history that we should ever allow to repeat itself."

Emphasising the need for inclusion and unity across tribes and political divides, Osinbajo said urgent steps must be taken by the country’s elites and citizens to avoid the tragedies fuelled by bigotry and prejudices.

Proposing the implementation of laws to safeguard society from the dangerous manipulation of ethnic sentiments, the vice president noted that, “the Rwandese took deliberate

steps to ensure that that tragedy would never be repeated, including even a memorial to the dead.

“But more importantly, the strict enforcement of laws against the use of ethnically or religiously charged rhetoric, and a raft of laws that criminalise divisive attitudes and behaviour.

“We also must do the hard work of providing and implementing a framework for fair, just, and unifying dealings amongst our people.”

He also observed that people do not suddenly start hating each other during elections.

“While political actors may invoke ethnic or sectional sentiments in an election, these social and cultural antipathies exist, lurking beneath the surface. As we reflect on the takeaways from this election cycle going forward, we must also consider the prevalence of ethnic profiling and other forms of day-to-day discrimination that occur.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s uniqueness, Osinbajo noted that the country’s diversities should be harnessed for good and not for political gains and selfish motives.

Terrorism in Nigeria: Chinese Govt Denies Involvement

Insists Times of UK’s report irresponsible, unethical

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has expressed dissatisfaction with a media report claiming that Chinese people bribed militants in the country in order to have access to vast mineral reserves.

It insisted that Chinese government and its people have never been involved in any act of terrorism in any part of the country. The Times of UK had on April 15, published a report, which was later culled by many Nigerian news media.

The Chinese Embassy in a statement published on its website stated: “Our attention has been drawn to a media report titled, ‘Chinese bribed Nigerian militants for access to vast mineral reserves,’ published by The Times of the UK on April 15, 2023. This report, claiming that “Beijing could be indirectly funding terror” in Nigeria, is based on unverified, unclear and unproven information, to which we have to express our strong dissatisfaction and objection.”

It added that: “The Chinese government, as well as the Chinese

Embassy in Nigeria, have always encouraged and urged the Chinese companies and nationals in Nigeria to abide by the laws and regulations of Nigeria, and to implement the local rules and guidance on labour, environment, health and safety, etc, and would continue their efforts in this regard.”

The statement further read: “The Chinese government was and would never be involved in any form of funding terrorism,” maintaining that the allegations contained in the report were, “totally irresponsible and unethical, and the

intention of the report is seriously questioned.”

The statement added: “For the past decades, the bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria has brought tangible benefits to our bilateral ties and well-beings of the two peoples. We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to promote development and address security issues.

“We welcome international partners to join our efforts in good faith, but would reject any intention or action that would smear our cooperation.”

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, 9mobile, Juergen Peschel; CFO, 9mobile, Nkem Oni-Egboma; CEO, Bimplus Telecoms Ltd, Salawu Adebimpe; and Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs 9mobile, Abdulrahman Ado at 2023 Channel Partners Conference held at the Marriot Hotel, Ikeja, in Lagos …yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Blow to Nigeria’s Oil Output as ExxonMobil Declares Force Majeure After Workers' Strike

Crude loadings at Qua Iboe, Erha, Yoho, Usan affected

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

In a major blow to Nigeria's attempts to boost oil production following decline in output caused by massive theft, vandalism and technical issues, ExxonMobil yesterday declared force majeure at multiple oil export terminals in the Niger Delta.

The move was in response to an industrial action by workers of

the company, ExxonMobil's Nigerian Producing unit told S&P Global Commodity Insights.

The strikes have halted crude loadings at four export terminals -- Erha, Qua Iboe, Usan and Yoho, shipping and trading sources said, as industrial action by transport unions gripped Africa's largest oil producer.

"This is due to an industrial action by our in-house workers union," a

company spokesperson said, adding that ExxonMobil would take all reasonable action necessary to swiftly resolve the impasse.

"The safety of our people, assets and environment remains our top priority," the spokesperson added.

ExxonMobil exports around 300,000 bpd of crude and condensates from its Qua Iboe terminal in southern Akwa Ibom state, as

well as natural gas.

Closure of the company's terminals represents a major blow to Nigeria's bid to boost exports and increase revenue following a calamitous year in 2022 plagued by theft and technical problems.

Confirmation of the force majeure came as strikes by aviation workers over pay and working conditions threatened to shut the country's

biggest airport.

"A lot will depend on how quickly the dispute is settled," said a trader of the market implications. Exxon normally resolves industrial action fairly quickly and a delay of a day or two to cargo loading will not be significant.

“If it drags on though, it will imply a significant tightening of the market," a trader was quoted

INEC SUSPENDS ADAMAWA REC AS BINANI SEEKS JUDICIAL REVIEW OF HER ANNOUNCEMENT Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah, Adedayo Akinwale

in Abuja and Daji Sani in Yola

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, directed the Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa Ari, to stay away from the commission’s office till further notice. The order followed growing political tensions in the aftermath of the state’s governorship election, which was suspended for the second time on Sunday after an uncompleted Saturday rerun.

The directive barring Ari from INEC’s office came as the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Adamawa State governorship election, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani, approached a Federal High Court in Abuja for leave to file an application for judicial review of the administrative decision of INEC made on April 16 in respect of her declaration as winner of the governorship election held on March 18 and the supplementary election of April 15.

But Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state gave INEC a 72-hour ultimatum to conclude the supplementary poll and declare the winner of the governorship election.

Relatedly, an aide of the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu, accused the Adamawa State REC of acting the script of the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

PDP Governors' Forum, in its own reaction, condemned what it described as the show of shame in Adamawa State. But the party commended INEC for nullifying Ari’s controversial declaration of Binani

as winner of the Adamawa State governorship election. It called the announcement, which was made in usurpation of the powers of the state’s Returning Officer (RO), an “attempted coup”.

In a similar vein, a coalition of civil society groups called for the prosecution of Ari and his accomplices to serve as deterrent to future occurrences.

The directive to the Adamawa State REC was contained in a letter by Secretary to INEC, Mrs. Rose Oriran-Anthony, titled, “Commission's Directive to Stay Away From INEC, Adamawa State,” dated April 17 and addressed to Ari.

The letter read, “I hereby convey the Commission's decision that you (Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari), Resident Electoral Commissioner, Adamawa State, should stay away from the Commission's office in Adamawa State immediately until further notice.

“The Administrative Secretary has been directed to take full charge of INEC, Adamawa State, with immediate effect.

“Please, accept the assurances of the Commission's warm regards.”

Ari had complicated the process of the Adamawa State governorship rerun poll, when on Sunday he announced the APC governorship candidate as winner of the election in the middle of results collation.

But INEC’s National Commissioner, and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, described the action of the REC as a usurpation of the powers of the RO. The commission, therefore, suspended the collation process and maintained that the declaration of Binani as winner of the election was null, void, and of no effect.

INEC also summoned the REC, RO, and others involved to the commission's headquarters in Abuja.

However, Binani approached a Federal High Court in Abuja for leave to file an application for judicial review of INEC’s decision. The application for leave to bring the application for judicial review was contained in an ex parte application filed on April 17.

Besides, Binani, alongside her party, APC, is also seeking an order of Prohibition and Certiorari preventing the electoral umpire and its agents from taking any further steps towards the declaration of the winner of the election, pending the determination of her application for judicial review.

Sued with the commission were PDP and its governorship candidate, Ahmadu Fintiri, listed as first, second, and third defendants, respectively.

The application was brought pursuant to order 34 Rules 1a, order 3(1) and 3(2) a, b, c, Order 6 of the Federal High Court (civil procedure

rules) 2019, and Section 251 (1)q and r of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Section 149 and 152 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

In the grounds upon which the application was brought, the senator argued, “The only court with power on a declaration made from the conduct of an election is only the election petition tribunal set up by the 1999 Constitution.”

The APC candidate maintained that after the completion of vote in the supplementary governorship election of April 15, and the subsequent collation of same results, INEC declared her as the winner of the governorship election, and she was thereby returned as elected.

The applicant said pursuant to the declaration, any dissatisfied candidate ought to resort to the tribunal for redress, if any.

She faulted the cancellation of her declaration on April 16, based on some crisis caused by PDP and Fintiri, stressing that INEC "has no powers

to cancel or declare the declaration as been made as null and void”.

The applicants added, “INEC after the declaration of Senator Aisha Dahiru Ahmed as the winner usurped the powers of the Election Petition Tribunal and declared the declaration null and void.

“The first respondent does not have the requisite powers to declare an election in which the winner has been declared null and void."

Binani, through her lawyers led by Hussaini Zakariyau, SAN, submitted that a judicial review existed to enable the superior court checkmate the actions and decisions of inferior courts as well as the legislative and administrative arms of government, including agencies and public officers.

The applicant further submits that INEC being an agency of the government can have its actions, records and decisions checked by the court and only a court can nullify

Continued on page 28

NAFDAC APPROVES CLINICAL MALARIA VACCINE FOR CHILDREN

was an Adjuvanted protein vaccine presented as a sterile solution.

She explained that a dose which is 0.5ml was composed of R21 Malaria antigen 5 mg and Matrix-M1 50 mg as an adjuvant filled in a vial as ready to use liquid formulation for intramuscular injection.

The vaccine is indicated for prevention of clinical malaria in children from 5 months to 36 months of age. The storage temperature of the vaccine is 2-8 °C.

NAFDAC boss said the agency has several pathways for registration of vaccine, adding that the pathways were in line with the NAFDAC’s

guideline for registration of Imported Drugs, Vaccines and IVDs under Collaborative Registration Procedure, or the Agency’s guideline for registration of imported Drug and Vaccines.

She said the R21 Malaria Vaccine was reviewed using the later which involves full review of product dossiers.

"While granting the approval, the agency has also communicated the need for expansion of the clinical trial conducted to include a phase 4 clinical trial/Pharmacovigilance study to be carried out in Nigeria.

“The brief on the approval of the

BUHARI RECOUNTS ACHIEVEMENTS IN OIL, GAS SECTOR, LISTS PIA AS BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Mustapha, explained that his first task was the issue of funding and incentivising the sector, which he said he did by exiting the government from Joint Venture (JV) cash call funding to free up his administration from funding the oil sector.

Listing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) as his biggest achievement in the energy sector, the president stated at the event themed: "Global Perspectives for a Sustainable Energy Future," that for decades, Nigerians were told that because of the various vested interests, it would be near impossible to pass the bill.

He described the law as revolutionary, stressing that the government quickly moved to scrap the existing agencies and replaced them with the new regulators, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) was immediately transformed to a limited liability.

According to the president, the NNPC with a new brand identity is on course to becoming the biggest, most capitalised and most profitable company in the whole of Africa.

In the natural gas sector, Buhari announced that he pushed for the diversification of Nigeria’s economy and drove industrialisation through domestic gas utilisation, officially declaring natural gas as Nigeria’s transition fuel.

He highlighted the launch of the National Gas Transportation Network Code (NGTNC), a set of rules guiding the use of a gas transportation system, the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) as well as

the declaration of January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2030 as Nigeria’s ‘Decade of Gas’ as some other milestones recorded.

“We also made giant strides in infrastructure. We kicked started the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) natural gas pipeline project.

The AKK project will transport up to 3,500 million cubic feet (mcf) of gas a day from various gas gathering projects and help to generate 3.6 gigawatts of power and support gas-based industries along the route when completed. At present, the 614km gas pipeline is 43 per cent completed.

“We have also reinvigorated the private sector in the industry. We ensured an attractive framework for the indigenous companies to take advantage of divestment by International Oil Companies’ (IOCs) assets. This move ensured that the indigenous companies grew their capacity tremendously and they are now accountable for about 30 per cent of national oil and gas production up from just about 2 per cent in 2010.

“We implemented a marginal fields bid round and saw to the conclusion of the process which resulted in the award of Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs) to 161 successful firms with the federal government raking in about N200 billion as well as $7 million from the process,” he added.

Besides, Buhari said his administration took the issue of ease of doing business very seriously and created the conducive environment for businesses to thrive, insisting that many of the biggest businesses that came on stream in the lifetime of

his administration back up this fact.

“ The $5 billion NLNG Train 7 project is one of such. It is one of the most ambitious construction projects in Nigeria. Upon completion, the Nigeria LNG Train 7 project will increase the NLNG Terminal production capacity by 35 per cent from the current 22 Metric Tons per annum to 30 Metric Tons per annum.

“Another proof that the ease of doing business of my administration is not just a mere mantra is the reality that Dangote Refinery has become. The Africa’s biggest oil refinery and the world’s biggest single-train petroleum facility upon completion will process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day and this will help Nigeria become the oil refining of Africa. Let me also point out that many modular refineries came on stream and are up and running during the lifetime of my administration,” he noted Also speaking, the Group Chief Executive Officer , NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, noted that the company was poised to reliably deliver energy to its stakeholders, through efficient utilisation of hydrocarbons and other new energy sources which the country is blessed with.

He argued that oil and gas remain a significant component of energy in the global energy mix , stressing that therefore that the NNPC was unlocking more opportunities across both the oil and gas value chain, spanning supply and infrastructure to the markets.

Kyari, who was represented by the Executive Vice President Gas, Power and New Energy, Mohammed Ahmed, said that the

NNPC was actively supporting the federal government towards the realisation of key initiatives listed by the president.

“The NNPC Limited is also investing heavily in critical gas infrastructure such as the AjaokutaAbuja-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline and the OB3 gas interconnector to support 5 Bscf/d of domestic gas utilisation including 5 GW of power generation capacity by developing power plant projects along the AKK pipeline corridor and across the country to complement the existing ones,” he noted.

In his remarks at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Gabriel Aduda, noted that the summit provided a unique opportunity for the coming together of stakeholders with a view to sharing knowledge and insights, and to discuss the challenges and opportunities that plague the energy industry globally.

"We are living in an era of rapid change, with new technologies, shifting geopolitical realities, and changing global energy demands," he explained, adding that it was clear that energy play a critical role in shaping the world.

Others who spoke at the event were: The Secretary General, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mr Haitham Al-Ghais; Secretary General, African Petroleum Producers' Organisation (APPO), Dr Farouk Ibrahim; Secretary General, Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), Mohamed Hamel; Chairman, Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), Abdulrasaq Isa, among others.

by S&P as saying. Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, last assessed Qua Iboe crude at $86.10/b on April 14.

ExxonMobil is slimming down its interests in Nigerian onshore and shallow water assets in response to heightened insecurity, sabotage and oil theft in recent years.

Nigeria has the capacity to produce some 2.2 million bpd of crude and condensate but saw production slump to 1.30 million bpd on average in 2022, with key grades like Forcados, Bonny Light and Brass River forced offline for several months.

Production climbed steadily since September but fell back to 1.5 million bpd in March, plus condensates, according to data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

"We will continue to take all reasonable actions necessary to resolve the impasse as soon as possible," Exxon spokesperson Michelle Gray said in a statement on Monday.

Exxon has been trying to sell $1.2 billion in shallow-water assets in Nigeria, where it finds operations "challenging", the company told Reuters in February, while keeping deep-water assets further from the coast.

Oil prices turned lower on Monday morning as investors mulled over a possible May interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve, which could dampen economic recovery hopes. Brent crude futures were down 55 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at $85.76 a barrel.

R21 Malaria vaccine has been communicated to the Minister of Health and National Primary Health Care Development Agency for appropriate actions toward immunisation in the respective population," she said.

Adeyeye, said NAFDAC received the dossier of the R21 Malaria manufactured by the Serum Institute of India Pvt Ltd (SSPL) and was subjected to independent review at two levels. She also said as a matured regulatory agency, it was expected as part of global benchmarking that external advisory committee was in place to advise upon invitation on certain functions of the agency.

"As a new biological molecule that is being given consideration for full registration, the independent review by an external body becomes imperative as a means to further safeguard public health," he said.

The NAFDAC DG further explained that external advisory body - NAFDAC’s Vaccine Advisory Committee (NEVAC) was made up of four highly recognised, wellpublished experts from Nigeria’s tertiary institutions (Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Anambra State; University of Lagos, Lagos State, University of Ibadan, Oyo State and Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Sokoto State).

She said the in-house NAFDAC’s Vaccine Review Committee was a multi-disciplinary group extracted from the following NAFDAC directorates - Drug Registration and Regulatory Affairs, Vaccines/ Biologics/Medical Devices; Drug Evaluation and Research (for Clinical trial/Good Manufacturing Practices inputs; Pharmacovigilance; PostMarketing Surveillance, Central Drug Control Laboratory, and Port Inspection.

Adeyeye said essentially, the dossier was reviewed by NEVAC independently using standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO) across relevant domains, in addition to the ICH guidelines, European Medicines Agency guidelines (where appropriate), scientific rigor on the vaccine and the context of malaria generally and specifically to Nigeria and best research and manufacturing governance.

NEVAC members reviewed all sections independently using best review practices and met physically

in plenary to assess and debate the reviews by sections, raised queries and made recommendations accordingly.

Overall, the assessment was scored as: Adequate (Fully compliant with standards), and the report was submitted to the Director General.

Speaking further, Adeyeye said the review of NAFDAC’s Committee had always been guided by the same international standards and best practices with the same modality of independent review by members followed by long hours of plenary where rigorous assessment of each review took place.

She said the Committee also independently scored the assessment as Satisfactory and forwarded to the Director General.

The DG said the agency held a joint review session last Friday, which provided the opportunity for harmonising the assessments.

He said the R21 Malaria Vaccine dossier complied substantially with best international standards with which the dossier was benchedmarked as mentioned above.

"The Joint Review Committee concluded that the data on the R21 Malaria vaccine were robust and met criteria for efficacy, safety, and quality. It was also adjudged that the vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks, thereby supporting the manufacturer’s recommended use.

"The joint Review Committee was also interested in reviewing data of the human-malaria parasite dynamics of the 25 percent not covered to understand issues bothering on non-protection that could inform further research

"Specific instances where queries/ clarifications and or additional data were required have been duly compiled to the manufacturers.

"These did not affect the overall adequacy of the dossier. The Joint Review Committee recognised the importance of an effective malaria vaccine (with a 75% protection) as an additional interventional tool, as a critical need in Nigeria with the highest malaria burden.

"The Joint Review Committee also recommended additional phase 4 clinical trial/Pharmacovigilance study in-country in the implementation given the peculiarity and heterogeneous nature of malaria in Nigeria," she said.

STRATEGISING FOR A STRONGER NIGERIAN ECONOMY...

NLC Leaders Storm LP’s Headquarters, Say ‘We Came to Fumigate Office against Rodents’

Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Alex Enumah and Emameh Gabriel in Abuja

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday stormed the national headquarters of Labour Party (LP) at Utako in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to show solidarity with the embattled National Chairman of the party, Mr. Julius Abure.

This was just as Abure insisted that he remains the National Chairman of the party, saying that no man can stop an idea that had come to stay.

However, in response to NLC's position, the Bashiru Lamidi Apapaled National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has advised the leadership of NLC not to get involved in illegality against a

subsisting court order.

Also yesterday, Justice Hamza Muazu of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), yesterday, refused to vacate an interim order restraining Abure from parading himself as LP’s Chairman.

Addressing workers and journalists who accompanied them to the party office, NLC' President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, said the labour movement would resist any plot to derail the LP, especially now that it was enjoying wide acceptance by Nigerians.

An obviously enraged NLC team said under no circumstances would they allow anyone to derail the party they worked hard to recover from impostors.

"Today, we say enough is enough. Never again will any human be-

ing enter here under any guise, under any order. Even if we lose our leadership, we have to meet as trustees of this party to decide the next line of action.

“For anybody to illegally declare himself either as chairman, secretary or anything, we urge all workers anywhere in the country, where you see such people, arrest them and bring them to us.

"The hour has come. The Bible says, “from the days of John the Baptist the kingdom of God suffereth violence. And violence taketh by voice. Now we have come to take our party, we have come to establish our party.

“As the fastest growing party, you can see that envy and jealousy is crippling in. The people that are

pioneering this to sabotage us let’s announce here that we know your fathers.

"If you continue this way, we will go after your fathers. We leave it here until we finish our private discussion. Let it be known to the whole world that the NLC fathered LP and we will not abandon our child," he said.

Ajaero said NLC's decided to visit the party headquarters to fish out intruders that want to usurp the leadership of LP.

"For some time now, we have not been visiting our house; we decided to visit our house this afternoon after getting some information that there are some rodents trying to move into our house and we have come with some insecticide to fumigate

NOVA Merchant Bank Doubles Earnings, Records 108% Profit Growth

NOVA Merchant Bank Limited has announced its audited full year 2022 financial results, showing an outstanding 107.9 per cent year-on-year growth in profit before tax.

However, the group’s yearon-year profit before tax was 98.2 per cent as both funded and non-funded income grew significantly on the back of innovative offerings and exceptional customer service.

According to a statement yesterday, the group continues to gain market share, a reflection of its steady penetration across key growth sectors, as reflected in the 30 per cent growth in customer deposits.

The bank’s profit after tax also grew by 102.9 per cent to N3.21 billion, compared to N1.58 billion in 2021, while the group’s profit after tax increased by 93.7 per cent to N3.11 billion, compared to N1.61 billion in 2021.

NOVA’s asset quality remains exceptional, with non-performing loan (NPLs) ratio of 0.2 per cent, underscoring the best-in-class governance and management discipline in creating quality assets and ensuring effective risk management.

Its gross earnings also rose by 37 per cent to N23.34 billion in 2022, compared to N17.03 billion in 2021 full year. NOVA’s fees and other income, however increased by 34.9 per cent to N6.70 billion, compared to N4.97 billion in 2021 full year ended.

Its cost of risk remained modest at 0.14 per cent, reinforcing outstanding asset quality.

Its balance sheet showed that the bank’s total assets grew by 14.6 per cent to N279.9 billion, compared to N244.2 billion as at full year 2021.

Also, its customers’ deposit rose by 30 per cent to N152.01 billion year-on-year, from N116.9 billion.

Its shareholders’ funds was N26.77 billion, up by 13.1 per cent year-on-year and capital adequacy ratio at 23.24 per cent.

Commenting on the results and broader achievements of the Group, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Phillips Oduoza said: “It’s exciting that the group continues to sustain its remarkable growth trajectory since inception, leveraging on innovative offerings and customer service excellence in deepening market penetration and continuously gaining market share across all segments of the business.

“I am particularly pleased with the sound governance practice and diligence of the management in upholding the asset quality of the bank, a feat which has become a benchmark in the industry.

“Notwithstanding the challenging economic environment, the bank continues to demonstrate commitment to customers’ financing objectives and supporting their overall business growth.

“In reciprocal, we continue to gain a larger share of our customers’ wallets and win new

clients, as reflected in the 37 per cent growth in gross earnings, buoyed by stellar performance of both funded and non-funded income.

“The strength of our balance sheet, our exceptional service, bespoke financing solutions and new thinking are uncommon qualities that continue to distinguish our bank.

“More than ever, we are optimistic on the Nigerian economy and more importantly our business, as we continue to invest in sustainable strategies that ensure the resilience of our business to varying economic cycles.

“We are dedicated to the success of our customers and would continue to support our HNI clients through their financial

life cycle, including through our wealth management offerings and advisory services.

“We would remain trusted partners to our corporate clients, supporting them through our tailored offerings that optimise their financial outcomes. It is our commitment to continuously lead new thinking and unlock new opportunities for the mutual prosperity of customers and our business.”

Also speaking on the results, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nath Ude said: “In keeping to our pledge of supporting clients’ growth, Nova Merchant Bank continues to create novel financing structures to meet dynamic needs of our customers across key growth sectors.

the house from any rodents that is illegally trying to enter our property.

"So that is why we are here, incidentally, we didn’t see any rodent, but we will comb around and see whether there is any.

“The LP is a child of circumstances. It began, when we lost almost all confidence in the existing political parties. And we felt that the LP will be the ideal political party that will represent our ideological persuasions.

"For anybody or group of think that they can sabotage or derail our ideological move, we will resist them with the last drop of our blood. This was formed by the NLC and TUC. This is our party. Nobody can come from the blues and declare himself as the chairman or secretary of our party without our consent.

"It is not done. Such people, if they attempt to come here next time, all their property, all their houses, their residential houses we will occupy it where ever it is located. Then, they will know that all that they have was given to them by Labour," he stressed.

The leadership of LP later went into close door meeting with the NLC's delegation.

Speaking after the meeting, Abure who earlier received the FCT women wing of the LP, expressed appreciation to the group and the leadership of the NLC for the solidarity visit.

He said: "I want to state here clearly that I remain committed to the struggle for a new Nigeria. I want to say that no man no man can stop an idea whose time has come.

"The time has come for Nigerians to take back their country. A new Nigeria I believe is possible and no amount of harassment intimidation. No amount of falsehoods, no amount of falsified stories will derail us

from our pursuit. We refuse to be distracted.

"We will continue to pursue our court case. We are in court because they stole our mandate; so we will remain in court till that mandate is recovered. We will not rest on our oars until we reposition Nigeria for greatness," he added.

Meanwhile the Apapa-led faction of the party has however asked the NLC not to be involved in activities that may bring disrepute to the union, saying Abure must be allowed to defend himself before the court.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, made available to journalists in Abuja, the NLC was reminded that its affiliates were not an appendage to any individual or group but an association formed and anchored on the idea to protect the interest of the Nigerian people. Arabambi, said while it was, "too early in the day to say otherwise about the leadership of NLC because there is a subsisting court order restraining Abure and three others which we believe they are not unaware of, we want to remind them that they must out of good conscience, protect the sanctity of the union at all cost and try as much to avoid action that will cost damage to the reputation of the union.”

He added: “They were aware that a FCT High court today, 17th of April 2023, sustained the restraining order against Julius Abure and three others until the determination of the motion on notice, but went ahead to publicly fraternise with Abure who had earlier forced his way into the secretariat against a court order.

Continues online

I Did NYSC, Was Discharged Honourably, Says Enugu Gov-elect

Governor-elect of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has said he performed his one-year compulsory service and was honourably discharged by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He also described as false and campaign of calumny the report that he made a plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). Making the clarifications in Enugu, Mbah said though he broke his service due to his Bar studies, he later completed it and was accordingly issued with a discharge certificate.

He said: “On the NYSC saga, I did my NYSC. I served and was honourably discharged. I have my discharge certificate. My place of primary assignment was Udeh and Co.

“I think the confusion was because I had a break. As an overseas graduate, when we were done with our Bar Part I, the next thing was for us to do Bar Part II, but we were just completing Bar Part 1 when the Bar Final students started.

“So, we were encouraged by the then deputy director general

(DDG) of Nigerian Law School, Kole Abayomi, who was the DDG of Lagos campus where I did my Bar Part I, to go and do our youth service. So, we went to start our youth service.

“Eight months into the youth service, we were told to come back to do our Bar Final. We started the Bar Final and the honourable thing for me to do was to basically write to the NYSC to say I am going to do my Bar Final and I want to break my service year.”

He added: “So, when eventually I

completed, the certificate I was given has the same date as my original set. Therefore, if you don’t have this background, you will be wondering, 'You should be in Law School this period, why should you have an NYSC certificate?

“But just as I said, the documents are all there and can speak for themselves. So, I did my youth service as an honourable person and all these processes were documented and my remaining months were completed and my certificate issued to me by the NYSC.”

I remain national chairman, Abure insists Leave Abure to carry his cross, Apapa-led NWC tells workers’ union as court declines request to vacate his suspension

L-R: Senator-elect for Southern Senatorial District, in Cross River, Asuquo Ekpenyong; Olubukola Verheijen; Sanyade Okoli; Member Presidential Transition Committe, Wale Edun; Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Doyin Salami, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, and Nigeria's Executive Director at the AfDB, Oyebode Oyetunde, during a meeting at the just concluded IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC... recently

www.thisdaylive.com

TO THE HILT

Femi Gbajabiamila is a trusted and competent ally, writes JAMES

OLAOLU

See page 19

TURNING THE TIDE OF YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

opinion@thisdaylive.com

MUHAMMAD MUSA-GOMBE canvasses more funds for the interventionist agency

NEDC: MERITS AND DEMERITS OF DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

receives three per cent of VAT and Ecological billion has been allocated to the NEDC in

The incoming government of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has its job clearly cut out, contends

RONKE BELLO

See page 19

The provision of infrastructure can lead corruption allegations undercutting its

EDITORIAL

50 YEARS OF FEDERAL HIGH COURT

to create additional funds for the North East

stakeholders should be encouraged to invest Musa-Gombe, a media practitioner writes from Abuja

POLITICS

As Time Magazine Recognises Tinubu...

Nigeria’s President-elect, Asiwaju

Bola Tinubu, was last week named one of 100 influential people in the world in the latest edition of Time Magazine. Considering his political journey and evolution, Tinubu’s recognition was after all not a mean feat, Adedayo Akinwale writes

Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Tinubu, alongside United States President, Joe Biden; King Charles III and Ghanaian-born, Nigerian-based sculptor, El Anatsui; named among Time Magazine’s most influential personalities in 2023. Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election held on February 25 ahead of his rivals, after polling 8,794,726 votes.

Time’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world accords recognition to people “for changing the world, regardless of the consequences of their actions”.

According to Time magazine’s citation on Tinubu, winning an election in Africa’s most populous country is no easy feat. But it noted that Nigeria’s newly elected leader has had nearly two decades to prepare.

“Called Jagaban, or ‘leader of the warriors’ by his supporters, the now 71-year-old ran in a presidential election for the first time this March. His campaign slogan, “It’s my turn,” was a nod to his role as a long-time political power broker. Tinubu helped restore the country’s democracy in 1999 after fighting military rule and then served two consecutive terms as governor of Lagos.

“But Tinubu’s win with the ruling APC came in a fraught election and by a slim margin over Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. It was the first time Nigerian voters contended with a third-party candidate, and many discontented young Nigerians yearning for change pinned their hopes on Obi.

“Marred by allegations of intimidation and vote rigging, the outcome of the ballot is being challenged in court,” the magazine stated.

However, it added that Tinubu now faces a litany of crises in a fractured nation, including deep-rooted corruption, religious insurgencies, and shortages of cash, fuel, and power in a crumbling economy. But Tinubu seems aware of his inheritance: “(Nigeria) is one country and we must build it together,” Time quoted him as saying in his acceptance speech.

Be that as it may, Tinubu’s emergence in the just concluded election was not a fluke. He has been around for some time. He knows the game. Even his opponents alluded to the fact that he was a master strategist when it comes to the game of politics.

As a politician of repute, he has a lot of enemies and at the same time, he has a lot of admirers. To some, he is a good leader and he belongs to the class of progressives politicians. To others, his firm grip on Lagos state is the major reason why they can’t buy the former governor of Lagos for a penny. And no matter what, they cannot relate in any way with his style of politics.

In spite of the fact that some do not admire his leadership style or the kind of politics he plays, Tinubu’s contributions in and out of government to the country’s political development are monumental unlike other candidates in the just concluded elections.

For instance, when the country reeled under the weight of military dictator, General Sani Abacha, Tinubu was among those who galvanised the progressive segment of the ruling class to float the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in 1994.

NADECO, forging a strong partnership with other civil society groups, became

torn in the flesh of the Abacha regime. The movement led by frontline First Republic politician and elder statesman, Chief Anthony Enahoro, and peopled by many activists who took refuge abroad, became the arrowhead of the anti-military struggle in Nigeria

The manhunt for NADECO members by the Abacha junta saw many activists including Tinubu fleeing the nation while some were killed by the killer squad of the late military head of state.

Following the return of civilian rule in 1999, Tinubu became the governor of Lagos state. He constituted a cabinet made up of some of the brightest minds from different parts of the country. He also put in place a master plan for the development of the city which successive administrations have followed, even though with some modifications.

The development of the master plan has given birth to Eko Atlantic city and Lekki Industrial

Zone, which now hosts the Dangote Refinery, the second largest in the world with a capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of oil per day, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port, among other projects

While in the saddle as Governor of the Centre of Excellence, Tinubu grew the Internally Generated Revenue of the State, reinforcing its position as the 5th largest economy in Africa.

During the 2003 general election, Tinubu became the “last man standing” after the five other governors in the South-west –Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti elected on the platform of the then Alliance of Democracy were edged out of the political game.

The ouster of the AD governors in the South-west was perfectly executed by the former President Olusegun Obasanjoled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration.

Nevertheless, Tinubu alongside other leaders of the AD formed Action Congress. Through the new political platform, Tinubu fought back to reclaim the SouthWest states. The party later extended its tentacles after Adams Oshiomhole became the governor of Edo state. Though, that was after Oshiomhole’s

mandate was retrieved at the Court of Appeal in 2008.

Subsequently, in 2010 Kayode Fayemi won his second term election as the governor of Ekiti state, while Rauf Aregbesola retrieved his mandate through the court and became the governor of Osun state.

Also, in 2011, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Abiola Ajimobi won governorship elections in Ogun and Oyo states respectively. This completed Tinubu’s conquest of the South-west and he became the godfather of the region.

After winning the South-west, Tinubu’s party, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) formed an alliance with other political parties including the Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) led by General Muhammadu Buhari, a faction of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and the new Peoples Democratic Party to form what is now known as APC.

It was through the platform of APC that Buhari won the presidential election in 2015, defeating an incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan,after three failed attempts. Buhari contested in 2003, 2007, and 2011, and lost all before the alliance.

In February 2022, when Tinubu commenced his race to the Presidential Villa, by informing President Buhari about his ambition and his desire to step in his shoes without stepping on his toes.

Expectedly, it wasn’t a smooth sail, during the ruling party’s preparation for its Special National Convention where the party’s presidential candidate would emerge, Tinubu’s quest to replace Buhari took a dramatic turn.

When the plot against him thickened, Tinubu while in Abeokuta, Ogun state openly declared that it was his turn to assume the leadership of the country.

Barely 24 hours to the party’s presidential primary, the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdulahi Adamu told the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party during a meeting that the President had picked the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, as his preferred candidate.

However, his announcement met stiff resistance from other members of the NWC who insisted that all the presidential aspirants must be allowed to go to the field in a free, fair and transparent contest.

Amid the debacle, the APC northern governors issued a statement after their meeting in Abuja backing the transfer of power to the South and also asked aspirants from the northern region to withdraw.

Also, a few weeks into the presidential election, the federal government insisted on implementing the naira redesign policy that threatened the victory of the party. The policy, it was believed, was targeted at Tinubu.

Against this background, the governments of Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kogi States dragged the federal government before the Supreme Court following the decision of the federal government to ban the use of old naira notes effective February 10, 2023, as part of the Naira redesign policy.

Despite all the challenges thrown at him, Tinubu sailed through and eventually emerged as Nigeria’s president-elect. No doubt Tinubu has a date with destiny as he prepares to assume the leadership of this country come May 29, 2023.

For what it is worth, the president inwaiting has paid his due and for this reason, being named as one of the most influential people by the Time magazine did not come as a surprise for some of his admirers and those that belong to his political family.

Despite all the challenges thrown at him, Tinubu sailed through and eventually emerged as Nigeria’s president-elect. No doubt Tinubu has a date with destiny as he prepares to assume the leadership of this country come May 29, 2023.

For what it is worth, the president in-waiting has paid his due and for this reason, being named as one of the most influential people by the Time magazine did not come as a surprise for some of his admirers and those that belong to his political family

Tinubu

TO THE HILT

It was a tortuous journey to victory.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidentelect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is unarguably a cat with nine lives. Only a few mortals survived the vicious attacks his life-long ambition. Tinubu governed Lagos between 1999 and 2007, bequeathing enviable legacies in transportation, health, environment and pursued a thorough public service reform, setting the state on the path of sustainable growth.

When he was seeking re-election in 2003, Tinubu fought the political behemoth of the

parlay within the APC for the candidacy of Tinubu.

Gbajabiamila consolidated his support for Tinubu by rallying the APC caucus in the House of Representatives for his preferred candidate. Though the lawmakers were not eligible to vote at the convention, they the respective states to vote for Asiwaju Tinubu.

Asiwaju Tinubu trounced all his challengers, including sitting Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. He scored 1,271 votes to clinch the party’s ticket at the Special National Convention of the party.

The other aspirants included Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajuba, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chief Ikeobasi Mokelu, Sen. Rochas Okorocha, Mr Tein Jack-Rich and Gov. Ben Ayade. Others were Governor David Umuahi, Senator Ahmad Yarima, Dr Ahmed Lawal, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Yahaya Bello and Mr Ogbonnaya Onu.

The race began with 23 aspirants, but nine withdrew shortly before the commencement of voting at the convention.

The incoming government of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has its job clearly cut out, contends RONKE BELLO

TURNING THE TIDE OF YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

Seventeen years ago, during a Presidential forum on education reform, it was asserted by one of the resource persons that “by 2020 highly skilled trained criminals if nothing is done today”. This damning verdict stemmed out of the fact that out of 20 million pupils who were in primary schools, only six million (30%) would get to high schools, and out of one million yearly applicants for university education, only 150,000 (15%) gain admission. Out of these, about 100,000 graduate yearly, with less than 30,000 of them getting into regular employment. At these rates and lower rates from the past, our societies are increasingly been saturated with idle youths ( globally youth is pegged between 15-24 years and at the upper limit 35years) who are daily exposed to make believe, get rich quick, and politics as the only viable career rather than a hobby. For politics remain a means to an end, a platform for contributing to a dignifying

Alliance for Democracy (AD), who preferred to perpetually have him under their wings.

Lagosians with his unique style of leadership and politics that places premium on mass emancipation of people. He convinced many to follow him, and he earned their respect as a courageous and visionary leader.

Hon Hakeem Olufemi Gbajabiamila, was among young crop of emerging leaders, who subscribed to the Tinubu political school of thought. Dozens of young professionals, who had made their marks in their respective for leadership mentorship. Many of them including Gbajabiamila, who rose to become the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Like many loyal lieutenants of Tinubu, Gbajabiamila has demonstrated unalloyed loyalty to the course of the Leader as a faithful protegee. Since 2003 when Gbajabiamila, remained constant like a Northern star, in his progressivism political ideology. He never jumped ship, even when the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reigned supreme in the parliament. Goodies were dangled at him to have him on their side, but Gbajabiamila stayed committed to his progressive ideals and was loyal to Tinubu.

When it was time for the leadership of the House in 2019, it was not a hard sell getting Gbajabiamila to lead the House. Those who have known him over the years, are aware of his capacity, and competence. Fast forward to 2022, the presidential ambition of Asiwaju Tinubu had gathered steam. Presidential race in the most populous black nation on earth is not for little minds. It is a contention against forces within and without, and powerful stakeholders who consider the nation as their conquest. Gbajabiamila, worked behind the scenes ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primaries. Powerful forces within APC, were bent on forestalling the emergence of Tinubu was earlier scheduled for May 30th, would later be held on June 7. Gbajabiamila, was vocal on the need for power to shift to the South and was very emphatic of his support for Bola Tinubu. The needed political bridges and handshakes across regions were

They included Mrs Uju KennedyOhnenye, Dr Felix Nicholas, former Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, former Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa, Sen. Ken Nnamani and Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

In his congratulatory message, Gbajabiamila hailed the courage of the Leader in the face of daunting challenges. He said, “I congratulate my mentor for this victory. This is a victory for democracy and Nigerians as a whole. With the manner he went about his campaigns, Asiwaju has proved to be a hero of our democracy.

“From day one, he stood his ground that the APC must organize a free, fair and transparent presidential primary if it wanted to remain the party to beat. He advocated that and remained steadfast. This will make the party come out peaceful and victorious in the end.

“I commend Asiwaju’s doggedness, determination, resilience and tenacity in pursuing his ambition without indulging in and the image of the party.

“This is a victory for APC, a victory for its members and indeed a victory for Nigeria and its democracy”.

The last lap on the journey to the Villa, was the main election, which turned out to be the most keenly contested election. Gbajabiamila, was everywhere with Tinubu. From Jos, to Lagos, Adamawa, everywhere. Gbajabiamila stood by him through the turbulent period.

Few weeks before the presidential polls, Gbajabiamila sponsored advertisements on national television stations to sway voters in APC wins the keenly contested election.

Perhaps, the gallant role of the Speaker in the emergence of Tinubu as the president must have been the rationale behind the rumour in town that Tinubu had tipped was the thought and plan of the Leader, the Rt Hon Gbajabiamila deserves it. His experience in national politics will also be a great asset if considered for the position.

Olaolu

public service and not an end in itself.

In 2020, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) put unemployment rate at 33.3 percent and according to a report in BusinessDay Newspaper, The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has projected the unemployment rate in Nigeria to rise to 37 percent in 2023, four points ahead of NBS’s 2020 data. We are in 2023 already and as matters stand today, the number of unemployed, underemployed and unemployable youths keep soaring, pointing as it is to doomsday.

The major question for the incoming government of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu will be the youth question. How can we get this army of Nigerian critical stakeholders highly skilled trained criminals’ prophecy which has been rearing its ugly heads in many areas of our nation must be aborted with non rhetorical resolve this time.

To start with, Asiwaju must take a look at China over 30 years ago under the leadership of President Deng when China was confronted with an army of frustrated unemployed youths. Deng, after a thorough analysis of global trends particularly in tradable skills decided to focus on University education with emphasis on science and Information technology (IT). Today China produces over 50% motorcycles and over 30% of personal computers globally. The country churns out 350,000 engineering and computer specialists annually, registering three times more patent applications than the US; just recently another batch of Chinese astronauts returned to earth from the moon and not too long ago too, Nigeria obtained over a billion dollar loan from China for infrastructural development.

In the 1960s Singapore and Nigeria used to be at par, with each having a $300 per capital income. But today, the gap in standard of living between the two countries is so

wide. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong once declared, ‘there will be no barrier to knowledge, information and lifelong learning. Our Universities maintain open access, but rigorous academic standard, our Polytechnics impart professional expertise through a practice based curriculum, and our institute of technical education equips students with hands-on technical skills and critical thinking habits. We are also investing in upgrading the skills of the workforce, keeping older workers current and employable. On an intelligent Island, every pair of hands has to be a pair of thinking hands. None should be hewers of wood or drawers of waters’.

Nigeria was far better than Costa Rica in the 60s when our youths were productively at optimum, but today the country has successfully transited from a banana republic to a regional IT power hub just over a period of ten consistent years of planning and execution. Arias, a Nobel Laureate and former President of Costa Rica declared thus, ‘in 1998, while I was President, our government installed computers in elementary schools. Since then the program has reached over 1.5 million students, more than half of whom live in underprivileged areas. Exactly ten Intel, opened a $500 million micro chip plant in San Jose. Among the attraction Intel cited was the availability of an educated workforce. Today, Costa Rica’s 12% GDP comes from software sales and is the third most competitive outsourcing destination in the world after China and India vying for a piece of the global IT outsourcing market worth more than $50 billion.

Nigeria have the requisite market potentialities and is not a greenhorn in global development trends but what we have been lacking and which the next administration must tackle is dearth of infrastructure and enabling environment for businesses particularly the startups to thrive. Luckily Asiwaju in his manifesto has promised easy access to credit, business mentorship, NYSC Reform, and business Incubation centers among other things as parts of plans to reduce unemployment from the current high to 11.9 million by 2026.

The ‘Endsars’ protest of 2020 and the recent waves of obidient movement across Nigeria are clear pointers to how disruptive to established systems the youths of any nation can be whenever they become formidable. The time is very ripe for the incoming administration to take advantage of this pool of resource to cash out heavily and produce more Dozy Mmobuosi who is about completing a United Football Club in England or Shola Akinlade the co-founder of Pay stack who already bought 55% of a Danish football club Arhus Fremad. There are many of such great Nigerian youths shattering glass ceiling in various careers especially abroad. However the number is just too few; a very tiny drop in a very vast ocean. May the hope of millions of the Nigerian youths be renewed and that renewed hope rest squarely on the Presidency of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Bello, PhD, Policy Analyst, Communication Expert and

Femi Gbajabiamila is a trusted and competent ally, writes JAMES OLAOLU

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

50 YEARS OF FEDERAL HIGH COURT

Despite some challenges, the FHC has remained in the forefront of justice administration in Nigeria

Without much fanfare, the Federal High Court marked its 50th anniversary last week.

Established on 13th April 1973 by the military government of General Yakubu Gowon as the Federal Revenue Court, it later metamorphosed into the Federal High Court (FHC). Today, it has grown to become Nigeria’s most ubiquitous court with presence in all the 36 states of the federation and boasts of no fewer than 76 judges.

Over the years, and until recently, the FHC had to compete with other courts, especially state high courts by Section 230 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Even with that, the FHC still shares concurrent jurisdiction with the High Court of the FCT and that of the 36 states in respect of matters pertaining to fundamental rights of citizens.

The establishment of the FHC was initially conceived to enforce the collection of public revenue which explains why it was designated as the federal revenue court. But in the last 50 years, the court has grown into a judicial behemoth dispensing justice in what a former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) president, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has described as “well above average.” The golden era of the court, according to Agbakoba, were the Belgore and Auta years “characterised by major reform of the rules of Court in at least six vital areas, including winding up companies’ proceedings, bankruptcy rules, admiralty general civil procedure rules, etc.”

The FHC has exclusive jurisdiction in civil cases and matters relating to the revenue of the government of the Federation such as taxation, customs, and excise duties, banking, copyright, admiralty, citizenship, among others. And like every institution, the FHC has had its fair share of problems, including corruption allegations. For instance, some Judges of the FHC

T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE,

MANAGING DIRECTOR

BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

Letters to the Editor

have been interdicted for excesses bordering on abuse

Apart from the issue of corruption that must be addressed, the FHC will have to come up with innovative ways to reduce the length of time it takes to conclude hearing cases, even though this is a malaise that is common with justice administration in Nigeria. The process of appointing new judges must also be reviewed. For more than two decades, especially since the current democratic dispensation in 1999, critical stakeholders in the justice sector have been calling for transparency and merit in the appointment of judges.

political cases. Several people, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, have had to complain about this sordid development.

“The court in one judicial division may order the commission on a particular course of action only to be contradicted by another court of coordinate jurisdiction from another division or even within the same division on the same subject matter,” Yakubu had once complained about the problem that is yet to be conclusively addressed. consistency, neutrality, and public perception, not only of the commission, but the judiciary as well.”

Despite the foregoing challenges, the FHC has remained in the forefront of justice administration in Nigeria. It has been long established that among the three arms of government, the judiciary is the least funded and appears to be at the mercy of the other times served at the court have also contributed to its growth in one way or the other and they all deserve commendation. On its 50th anniversary, therefore, we can only commend the FHC as it continues to arbitrate between the federal government and Nigerian citizens.

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

LETTERS

DOUSING THE POLITICAL TENSION

After the swearing in of our President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it will be a time for healing our land, building bridges between our people, showing love to our adversaries, re-building our nation, establishing eternal peace with all men of goodwill and putting an end to the hostility and acrimony that exists between us all.

The new dispensation will usher in a new and refreshing era in which our beautiful and great nation shall excel and go from strength to strength.

Nigeria must and will play her expected role in the emerging new world order.

She must and will take her rightful place in the comity of nations. She must and will rise and shine in her God-sent power and glory

She must and will become who and what the ancient oracles of the Living God have said she is: the Giant of Africa and the hope of the black man.

We are Nigerians, sons and daughters of a great and powerful nation boasting of no less than 250 million God-loving

religious faiths and bound together by destiny, faith and hope.

Our diversity is our pride and joy and our faith in God is our strong defender and our shield and buckler. Our collective our unity has been forever forged.

established a great and noble foundation that we may have a better tomorrow.

Our singular and sacred obligation and honorable duty bememories by keeping hope alive and building on their great and noble legacy.

Our history is clear, resounding and unblemished. It testi-

We are no-ones slaves or poodles. We bow to no foreign entity or nation.

We are Nigerians: the pride of Africa and the strength of the black man.

Blessed and lifted by Almighty God our ancestry, cul-

ture, heritage and history of excellence, fortitude, resilience, strength, courage and civilisation stretches back for thousands of years.

Forged into one nation in 1914 and freed from the shackles of colonialism in 1960, we are proud and fearless sons and daughters of the Green White Green.

and we take authority and dominion.

No man born of woman shall enslave us or hold us down and no force on earth or in hell shall break our iron will, shatter our divine destiny or dismember our beautiful nation.

lenges.

We are unbeatable, irrepressible, unshakable and unbreakable! We are one nation, under one God!

Glory to Nigeria!

Femi Fani-Kayode, Lagos

We commend the FHC as it continues to arbitrate between the federal government and Nigerian citizens

A Legal Titan Goes Home

JUDGE PRINCE BOLA AJIBOLA, KBE, CFR, SAN

ALegalTitanGoesHome

QUOTABLES

‘Unless we implement the recommendations of the Uwais Committee, we are not likely to see free and fair elections in a long time.’ - Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, former President, Nigerian Bar Association

‘There’s a build up the Labour Party is doing, to rile the people up and then turn them against the Judiciary; that if your judgement does not go in a particular way….They are setting up a scene, to blackmail the Judiciary.’ - Festus Keyamo, SAN

COLUMNIST

PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb, PH.D. LLD

Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.

This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.

The writer of this column, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria’s pioneer human rights league, on October 15, 1987, the Universal defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Prof Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

Purpose of an Undertaking as to Damages

Page IV

CJN, NBA President, Fashola, Azinge, Others, for Justice

Idigbe's Centenary Celebrations

Page V

Fraud:Woodberry, Hushpuppi’s Partner, to Forfeit $8m Choice Properties

Page V

Police Officers

Brutalise Magistrate in Ibi, Taraba State

Page V

GUEST COLUMNIST

OLUWOLE OSAZE – UZZI, ESQ . OLUWOLEUZZI@YAHOO.CO.UK

Collation and Transmission of Results in the 2023 Elections: Matters Arising

Introduction

The controversies arising from the conduct of the 2023 General Elections are yet to abate, and might not for a while. The outcome of the elections have been challenged, with numerous petitions presented to the various Tribunals, and at least five petitions to the Court of Appeal sitting in its Original Jurisdiction to hear petitions arising out of the conduct of the Presidential election of 25th February, 2023.

Upload of Results

Arguably the most contentious issue which has arisen from the conduct of the election, is the failure (or inability) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload results (especially the Presidential results) to the iRev portal ‘real time’, as promised by it before the election, and as it had done with some off-cycle elections previously, the most recent of which was the Osun Governorship election. This, no doubt, enhanced transparency, and built confidence and trust in the process and the ability of INEC to deliver credible elections. The combination of the Bi-Modal Accreditation System (BVAS) and iRev, were seen as ‘game changers’.

The failure to upload the polling unit results real time, has formed the basis of most post-election discussions, and not surprisingly, it forms one of the planks for challenging the outcome in some of the petitions. While many saw it as a deliberate act to undermine the process and alter the results, INEC both in its public statement and in its Reply to one of the petitions, put it down to ‘technical glitches’.

Much has been said and written by Lawyers and lay people alike, as to the law and the effect or consequence of the failure to upload or delay in uploading the results, electronic transmission from the polling units and on collation of results, with divergent views expressed. Many have been scholarly and insightful, while others have been built on misconceptions on what the law says. This paper is partly in response to some of these commentaries, particularly the conclusions of my dear friend and colleague, Onikepo Braithwaite in her column, ‘The Advocate’ in Thisday of April 11, 2023, to the effect that the Electoral Act, 2022 ‘does not provide for electronic transmission of results’ and that ‘not using iRev to transmit election results is not fatal to the elections’ and partly on the reaction to my interview on Channels Television on the same day. Some of the reports wrongly quoted me as saying that ‘electronic transmission is not compulsory’ (which I never said, but apparently confusing my reference to electronic collation not being known to the Act). Do the opinions of these commentators on electronic transmission and collation reflect the correct legal position?

Before considering the question, we shall, conscious of the fact that the matter is pending and the subject of judicial scrutiny, hence, sub judice, limit our discussion to the statutory provisions, outline the issues but refrain from drawing conclusions on specific issues which are to be determined.

Statutory Provisions

What may be surprising to some is that the Electoral Act does not specifically mention BVAS or iREV. These are coinages of INEC which can be found in the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022, its various manuals and in its statements. What the Act refers to is ‘The Smart Card Reader or any Technological Device. The Act also does not state that voting or collation of results may be done electronically. The process of voting, collation and announcement of results, is still by and large manual, contrary to the belief in some quarters. But, technology is recognised, and has an important role to play as we shall see shortly.

The process of registration of voters and compilation of the register of voters and the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) has been digitalised, dating back over two decades. Building on this, the Electoral Act has now made the process of electronic accreditation mandatory (Section 47(2) and (3)) utilising the Smart Card Reader or ‘any technological device’. However, Section 50(2) provides that ‘transmission of results shall be in the manner prescribed by the Commission’ and Section 60(5) stipulates that, ‘the presiding officer shall transfer the results …..in a manner prescribed by the Commission’. The presiding officer is expected to deliver the result ‘..along with election materials ……..to such person as may be prescribed by the Commission. (Section 62(1)).

While the words transmission and transfer are used interchangeably in both the Act and in the Regulations, it is implied that this format is electronic, while the act of delivery under Section 62 is manual. Support for this may be found in Section 64(4) of the Act, which makes comparison of results between those delivered to every collation and returning officer manually with those ‘transmitted directly from the polling unit’, and which comparison is a necessary or mandatory pre-requisite for every collation. The section provides that such officers:

‘Shall collate and announce the result of an election, subject to his or her verification and confirmation that the –

b) The votes stated on the collated result are correct and consistent with the votes or results recorded and transmitted directly from the polling units….’

Our position is reinforced by the INEC Regulations and Guidelines which is more explicit. Paragraph 38 requires the presiding officer to

i) ‘Electronically transmit or transfer the result of the polling unit direct to the collation system…’

ii) Use the BVAS to upload a

scanned copy of the EC8A (result) to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (iReV)…..’

This position is further reinforced by Paragraph 48 of the Regulations, which provides, inter alia;

a) An election result shall only be collated if the collation officer ascertains that the number of accredited voters agrees with the number recorded in the BVAS and votes scored by political parties on the result sheet is correct and agrees with the result electronically transmitted or transferred directly from the polling unit…’

It will be seen from the above that the iReV is separated from the ‘Collation System’ in the Regulations. We postulate however, that the results should be exactly the same, whether in hard copy, in the collation system or in the iReV, as it is the same result, which image is being uploaded, transferred or transmitted, the idea being that any changes or alterations in the original will be apparent to the Collation/Returning Officer when he makes the comparison with the electronically transmitted result before collation, as envisaged in section 64(4). Where these are at variance or there is a dispute in the collated result, the Collation or Returning Officer shall rely on the procedure outlined in Section 64(6), (7) and (8) of the Act, relying on data directly transmitted from the polling units.

Some commentators have referenced pre-election statements made by INEC officials, that the results would be transmitted ‘real time’. This cannot be found in the Act or Regulations. While no time limit is stipulated in the law, going by the chronological procedures, it is expected that uploading, transfer or transmission be done before the presiding officer leaves the polling unit, and before he proceeds to hand over the result sheet and other electoral materials. There is a common law doctrine of ‘Legitimate Expectation’ which in FBIR v Halliburton (W.A) Ltd (2016)4 NWLR (Pt 1501) 53 was

said at page 98 to postulate that, “where a public body or person acting in public authority has issued a promise ….the members of the public who are to be affected by the scheme of conducting public affairs in the chattered manner would by law require the promise or the practice to be honoured or kept by the public body or person ….save there exists sound basis not to insist on the settled scheme of conducting public affairs. The doctrine, therefore, enjoins public bodies to be fair, straightforward and consistent in their dealings with the public”.

It should be noted that, election related matters are wholly governed by statute or the Constitution. The right to vote or be voted for is not a common law right, but must be traced to these legal instruments. And expressly stated by the Court of Appeal in FBIR v Halliburton (Supra at 99), the clear and unambiguous statutory provisions override the application of the doctrine.

Although the unreported decision of Adeleke v Oyetola (CA/EPT/GOV/01/2023) delivered on 24/3/2023 affirms mandatory electronic transmission, does the law envisage a situation where there is no transmission from the polling unit? Yes. Paragraph 48(c) of the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022 provides thus:

“If no result has been directly transmitted electronically from a polling unit or any level of collation, the provisions of Clause 93 of these Regulations shall be applied” Surprisingly, the provisions of Paragraph 93 of the Regulations which was referred to in Paragraph 48 (c) above as the applicable provision to fall back to in a situation of non-transmission of results did not in any way deal with the effect or otherwise of non-transmission of results.

Effect of Non-Compliance

So, what then is the effect of non-compliance with the requirement that comparison be made between the directly transmitted result and the manual original before commencement of collation? Section 60(6) penalises all presiding officers who wilfully contravene the provision. As to the effect of non-compliance on the election, wise counsel prevents us from answering as it is one of the determinations to be made by the courts and tribunals. It should be noted however, that not all noncompliance are fatal, as Section 135(1) of the Act says no election shall be invalidated if it appears to the Court or Tribunal that the election was conducted ‘substantially in accordance with the principles of this Act and the non-compliance did not affect substantially the result of the election’ What the law requires is substantial compliance. So, what amounts to substantial compliance, and how do the courts determine whether such substantially affected the outcome of the election?

Following the non-serialisation of the ballot papers in the 2007 Presidential election which was a breach of the then extant Electoral Act of 2006, the Supreme Court by the narrowest of margins (4 to 3) in Buhari v INEC (2008) 19 NWLR (Pt. 1120) 246, held that there was substantial compliance with the law and the Petitioner did not prove how the non-compliance substantially affected the outcome, hence, this was not fatal. It therefore, refused to annul the election. Is the current breach, more fundamental than that? Is it a mere procedural irregularity or a substantial deviation from, and non-compliance with a mandatory provision of the Act? Has the attitude of the Courts changed in these 16 years? Faced with a similar scenario, will the Nigerian Supreme Court follow its Kenyan (2017) and Malawian (2020) counterparts in overturning the declaration and annulling the Presidential election?

Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, Legal Practitioner; former Director, Legal Services, INEC

“Some commentators have referenced pre-election statements made by INEC officials, that the results would be transmitted ‘real time’. This cannot be found in the Act or Regulations”

Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi

Purpose of an Undertaking as to Damages

Facts

On 7th November, 2017, the Federal High Court upon the application of the Plaintiff made an ex-parte order of mareva injunction freezing 147 bank accounts belonging to certain companies and persons including the Applicants. The 1st Applicant’s bank accounts were listed as Nos. 109 – 129 in the annexure to the ex-parte order while the 2nd Applicant’s bank accounts were listed as Nos. 2 and 3. The ex-parte order of mareva injunction was granted by the court based on the Plaintiff’s representations that the Defendants which the Plaintiff alleged were indebted to the Plaintiff, had substantial interests and investments in these companies and that they would dissipate the said interests if an order of mareva injunction was not urgently made against the bank accounts as listed in the Plaintiff’s application. In the affidavit in support of its ex-parte application, the Plaintiff undertook to pay to these persons and companies, any damages they may suffer, if it is eventually discovered that the order of mareva injunction was wrongly granted.

As a result of the court’s ex-parte order, the Applicants’ bank accounts were frozen and they were unable to carry out any transaction on the said accounts. Further to this, the Applicants filed a summons on notice to set aside the ex-parte order made against them, on the ground that the Plaintiff concealed material facts from the court and wrongfully obtained the said ex-parte order. The Applicants’ application was not opposed by the Plaintiff, and the court consequently vacated the order of mareva injunction/ex-parte freezing order it made against the Applicants’ accounts.

Subsequently, the Applicants filed an application to enforce the undertaking made by the Plaintiff, to pay the persons affected by the ex-parte order any damages they may suffer as a result of the wrongful grant of the said order. The Applicants claimed that the wrongly obtained ex-parte order crippled their respective businesses and gravely affected their cashflow, goodwill, business and reputation, and occasioned extensive damages on them; hence, they were entitled to compensation from the Plaintiff. They sought an order of court appointing a firm of chartered accountants to be nominated by the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), to conduct an independent audit into the Applicants’ accounts and business dealings to determine the total damage they suffered as a result of the ex-parte order mareva injunction, and an order awarding to the Applicants against the Plaintiff, the total amount of damages suffered by the Applicants as may be determined by the independent auditor. The Applicants also sought an order directing the Plaintiff to be solely responsible for the cost of the independent audit exercise.

The Plaintiff filed a counter-affidavit and a written address in opposition to the Applicants’ application, and in response, the Applicants filed a further affidavit together with a reply on points of law.

Issue for Determination

After due consideration of the facts and issues presented by parties, the Court proceeded to determine the Applicants’ summons on the basis of the following issue:

Whether the Applicants are entitled to the damages sought or not, considering the undertaking made by the Plaintiff.

Arguments

Senior counsel for the Applicants, T. Oshobi, SAN submitted that the Applicants were neither parties to the contractual relationship that gave rise to the suit, nor parties to the suit itself, and the ex-parte order was improperly obtained by the Plaintiff against the Applicants. Counsel maintained that the Plaintiff failed to disclose to the court that the accounts that were sought to be frozen belonged to the Applicants and not the Defendants, and misled the court into granting the said ex-parte order which occasioned severe damage to the Applicants

In the Federal High Court Holden at Lagos

On Friday, the 24th day of March, 2023

Before His Lordship Yellim S. Bogoro Judge, Federal High Court FHC/L/CS/1553/2017

Between ECOBANK NIGERIA LIMITED

PLAINTIFF/RESPONDENT And

1. VIGEO LIMITED DEFENDANT/RESPONDENTS

2.MR. VICTOR OSIBODU

IN RE:

1. CITISERVE REFRESH SERVICES LIMITED APPLICANTS

2. VG ESTATE LIMITED (Judgement delivered by Honourable Yellim S. Bogoro, J)

and their businesses since 7th November, 2017 when the order was made to date. He argued that the court is enabled to require an undertaking from a Plaintiff seeking for an interlocutory injunction to temporarily restrain a person, to pay damages should it turn out that a party who suffered damages was needlessly enjoined. He referred to WEST AFRICAN OILFIED SERVICES v PELFACO LIMITED & ANOR. (1994)

1 NWLR (PT. 319) 164 @ 189 B-C

He urged the court to invoke its powers under Order 44 Rules 2 and 3 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 and order an independent enquiry into the Applicants’ accounts to determine the extent of the damages they suffered as a result of the wrongly obtained order of mareva injunction, and compel the Plaintiff to pay the same based on its undertaking.

In reaction, counsel for the Plaintiff argued that the enforceability of the Plaintiff’s undertaking, is dependent on whether there was merit and reasonable

basis for the grant of the ex-parte order sought in the first place. He submitted that the Plaintiff reasonably sought the ex-parte order to prevent the Defendants from dissipating the monies in the bank accounts of the companies that were linked to him, and the court granted the same meritoriously after the Plaintiffs had duly satisfied all the conditions for its grant. He relied on INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION v DSNL OFFSHORE LTD (2008) 7 NWLR (PT. 592).

Counsel argued further that the Applicants’ attribution of their economic losses to the ex-parte order is misplaced, and that the Applicants already had a poor credit standing prior to the grant of the ex-parte order, and cannot therefore legitimately claim that the order interfered with their business activities and profitmaking opportunities. He also submitted that the undertaking to damages cannot be enforced, because the Plaintiff in its request for the ex-parte order, did not suppress any facts. He contended that the Applicants’ claims were tortious claims of business interference, loss of income/ profit and business opportunities, and the Federal High Court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the same.

Responding on points of law, counsel for the Applicants argued that the position of the law with respect to damages is that it can still be enforced even though the party that obtained the injunction has not been found guilty of misrepresentation, suppression or any other default in

obtaining the injunction. He contended that this position is the same where it was granted by mistake in law or in facts, more so as the ruling of the court setting aside the ex-parte order in the instant case resulted in the conclusion that the order was improperly obtained. He submitted that the Federal High Court being the same court that granted the ex-parte order, has the requisite jurisdiction to grant redress for any injury suffered on the basis of the ex-parte order. He argued that the rules of court permit the Applicants to enforce the undertaking given by the Plaintiff for damages, occasioned by the improperly obtained ex-parte order.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

The Court held that an undertaking as to damages, is the price which an applicant for interim or interlocutory injunction has to pay for its grant. By the undertaking, the party obtaining the order undertakes to abide by any order as to damages which the court may make, in case it is afterwards of the opinion that the person against whom the order was made, by reason of the order, has sustained any damages which such party ought to pay. The Court referred to the decision of the Court of Appeal in ONYEME LUKWE v ATTAMACH (1993) 3 NWLR (PT. 293) PG 350 at 366. Placing reliance on on VICTORY MERCHANT BANK v PELFACO LTD (1993) 9 NWLR (PT. 317) 340 at 356, the Court held further that the amount of any undertaking as to damages to be extracted as a price for the granting of an interlocutory injunction, is not fixed at the time the injunction relief is granted; it is fixed afterwards at the dissolution of the injunction, or after trial and after due enquiry.

The Court held that before the court can order for enquiry or make an order enforcing an undertaking as to damages, it must be satisfied that the injunction was obtained improperly, and that the injunction ought not to have been given, for example, (a) where the Plaintiff discontinues the action; (b) where the interlocutory injunction granted by the court has been discharged by the Court of Appeal; (c) where an ex-parte injunction has been obtained improperly and is accordingly discharged on hearing inter parties; (d) where the Plaintiff obtained a mareva injunction and served it on the Defendant back, despite lack of evidence that the Defendant is likely to dissipate his asset. The Court held that from the evidence before the court and the depositions in the Applicants’ affidavit in support of their application, the Applicants demonstrated how the ex-parte order obtained by the Plaintiff against their accounts affected them and occasioned grave damage to their businesses. This was buttressed by the fact that the court had vacated the ex-parte order, upon the application of the Applicants without any objection by the Plaintiff to the Applicants’ application. It thus, meant that the facts deposed to in the Applicants’ affidavit in support of their application to set aside the ex-parte order which demonstrated how the Plaintiff had misrepresented material facts to the court and improperly obtained the ex-parte order of mareva injunction stood unchallenged, and had been admitted by the Plaintiff.

The Court came to the conclusion that the Applicants are entitled to damages based on the Plaintiff’s undertaking, and made an order directing an enquiry into the Applicants’ account by a firm of chartered accountants to be nominated by the President of ICAN and paid for by the Plaintiff, to determine the total damage suffered by the Applicants as a result of the ex-parte order. The Court also made an order awarding to the Applicants against the Plaintiff, the total damages suffered by the Applicants as may be determined by the independent auditor.

Representation

Akin Iwilade with Peter Ordam for the Plaintiff.

Winifred Udeogu Osita with Taw-Kalt Ibidunni for the Defendants

Reported

“….. an undertaking as to damages, is the price which an applicant for interim or interlocutory injunction has to pay for its grant….it is fixed afterwards at the dissolution of the injunction, or after trial and after due enquiry”

Honourable Yellim S. Bogoro, J

CJN, NBA President, Fashola, Azinge, Others, for Justice Idigbe's Centenary Celebrations

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Nigerian Bar Association President, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, Honourable Minister of Works & Housing, Babatunde Fashola, SAN and former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN are among dignitaries expected at events to mark the centenary of former

Justice of the Supreme Court, the late Chukwunweike Idigbe.

Nnamdi Oragwu, Partner and Head of Litigation at Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, a firm founded by late Justice Idigbe, said in a statement that the 100th anniversary events will continue till December.

“Our late founder served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 1975 to 1985.

"He is remembered as a distinguished jurist, a fearless advocate for justice, and a champion of the rule of law.

“He was renowned for his landmark judgements, which continue to shape the legal landscape of Nigeria to this day.

“Justice Idigbe epitomises the gold standard of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, several of his decisions remain a major point of

Federal High Court Celebrates

The Federal High Court on Thursday last week, celebrated 50 years of justice delivery in Nigeria.

The Court, which was established on 13 April, 1973 under the Federal Revenue Act of 1973 (1973 No.13) and it was formerly known as Federal Revenue Court.

The Court started with four Judges, with a President as its head. It was however, renamed the “Federal High Court” by Section 228 (1) and 230 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1979. The Honourable Justice S.O. Lambo was the first President of the Federal Revenue Court and served between 1973 and 1975, while Hon. Justice John Tsoho is the 10th and current Chief Judge of FHC.

The Court had grown structurally over the years, and presently has divisions in all the States of the Federation, including Abuja, where its headquarters is located.

The FHC, as part of its drive for capacity and human development, recently launched an electronic filing platform.

An Abuja-based legal practitioner, Yunusa Ibrahim, described the 50 years of FHC in justice delivery, as a milestone in the administration of justice. He said the court had contributed in no small measure to justice delivery,

#upjudicialsalaries

50

Years

through its numerous judgements and decisions.

According to Mr Ibrahim, to facilitate the expeditious determination of civil cases and matters before the court, the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 was enacted under Justice Tsoho pursuant to Section 254 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Also speaking, another legal practitioner, Josephine Ijekhuemen, said the importance of the court in the Nigerian judiciary cannot be over-emphasised. She said due to its indispensable role, the new Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2022, conferred additional jurisdiction on the FHC to hear and determine preelection complaints.

Justice Tsoho, while delivering a speech at a special court session to mark the commencement of the court’s 2022/2023 Legal Year on 12 December, 2022, said in response to the enormous time-bound responsibility by the new Electoral Act, he has constituted a special task force of Judges for the swift disposal of pre-election matters.

Bearing in mind that Section 285(10) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that pre-election cases must be concluded within 180 days from the date of filing of the suit, the CJ drafted Judges from

their substantive bases to help complete all pre-election cases in other judicial divisions that had a glut of these cases, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

He, therefore, commended the Judges for their resilience and sheer determination, to deliver justice within the time frame.

He also thanked the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, for approving an emergency fund to support the court in the assignment.

The CJ also assured Judges and staff, of a better welfare package. He further added that though the court had 76 Judges across all its divisions nationwide, efforts would be made to recruit more Judges.

Justice Tsoho urged the Judges to always discharge their duties with the fear of God.

reference in present day cases”, the statement said.

On May 3, Chief Justice Ariwoola will launch the Justice Idigbe Faculty of Law in Veritas University in Abuja.

The Justice Idigbe Symposium, to be held on May 4, will feature front burner discussions on landmark judgements of Justice Idigbe and his impact on jurisprudence.

The speakers include Babatunde Fashola, SAN, Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN, Professor Obiora Okafor, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN and Professor Azinge, SAN.

The Keynote Speaker, Mr Ekong Sampson, will speak on “The Life and Legacy of Honourable Justice Idigbe - 100 years of a Gold Standard for Judges in Nigeria”.

Oragwu, Chairman of the 100 Years of Justice Idigbe Planning Committee, said the firm will be celebrating Justice Idigbe’s life and legacy with a year-long celebration comprising of six major events. They include the commissioning of Justice Idigbe Faculty of Law in Veritas University by the Chief Justice Ariwoola on May 3 in Abuja.

Others are the Commissioning

of Punuka Childcare Centre by the Punuka Foundation on July 30, 2023 in Lagos. A Public Lecture/ Valedictory Court Session will hold in Asaba, Delta State, on August 11, 2023, which will feature the Commissioning of Justice Idigbe NBA ICT Centre. The following day, a thanksgiving Mass and commissioning of Justice Idigbe Museum, Library and Youth Centre will be held in Asaba.

The events will culminate with the commissioning of Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors’ new head office in Lagos on December 7, 2023.

Fraud:Woodberry, Hushpuppi’s Partner, to Forfeit $8m Choice Properties

Stories by Steve Aya

Hushpuppi’s Partner and notorious Internet fraudster, Olalekan Jacob Ponle, alias Woodberry, has pleaded guilty to a fraud charge at the US District Court for Northern Illinois. Woodberry is part of the gang that was responsible for Dh1.6 billion (about N169 billion) in fraud, involving over 1.9 million victims. Items worth N15.845 billion (Dh150 million), were also seized. He pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud of about $188,000 against a US company, during a change of plea hearing in the District Court for the

Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division.

According to his plea agreement, he was required to repay the $8 million he fraudulently received from the seven companies that fell for his scam, and forfeited luxury cars and watches to the US Government.

US Prosecutors said Ponle and his co-schemers “were engaged in a business email compromise scheme targeting Victim Company B and other companies, which resulted in a fraudulent wire of approximately $188,191.50 to a bank account”, starting from January 2019.

The Judge, Robert Gettleman,

Police Officers Brutalise Magistrate in Ibi, Taraba State

A group of Police Officers in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State reportedly brutalised a Magistrate, His Worship, Abdurrahman Ridwan.

A statement from Ibi Lawyers Forum reads ‘Ibi Lawyers Forum strongly condemns the illegal act of about six Police Constables attached to Police Division Ibi.

The six Police Constables beat up Magistrate Abdurrahman Ridwan who is a Presiding Judge of an Area Court, Wukari, Taraba State.

“The victim is a bonafide son of Ibi, and also a member of the Ibi Lawyers Forum.

“The perpetrators of the act went for an illegal duty within the vicinity of the Magistrate Court. When Ridwan tried to correct the wrong actions of the Police constables, they beat him ruthlessly, to the extent that he is currently hospitalised at First Referrals Hospital, Ibi, for medical attention.

“The Forum further states that the acts of erring Police constables,

is contrary to the provisions of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Section 34 (1) Every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person.”

“The Chairman of NBA Jalingo Branch has reached out to the affected Magistrate and other persons connected to the incident one way or the other, to hear from them, with the view of getting to the root of the matter to gather facts for onward transmission to the national secretariat for further action.

in his ruling, accepted the Defendant’s change of plea, and set July 11, for sentencing after accepting the plea agreement Woodberry entered into with US Prosecutors.

“Defendant understands that by pleading guilty, he will subject to forfeiture to the United States all rights, title, and interest that he has in any property constituting or derived from proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly, as a result of the offence”, the court document said.

The Judge also referred the case to the Probation Department for a pre-sentence investigation and report, which would guide his decision on the appropriate sentence to impose.

He gave the US Government 60 days before the sentencing date to provide the Probation Office and the Courtroom Deputy with a list of victims, and their full current contact information to obtain the court’s order of restitution.

“The list shall include, any amounts subject to restitution. If the Government is not able to provide the full victim list 60 days before sentencing, they shall file a motion to request an extension of time to compile the information”, the Judge added.

Late Chukwunweike Idigbe, JSC

“The Committee observed the absence of distinction in the salary arrangements between newly appointed judicial officers to the Bench of the relevant court, and those who have served several years on the Bench…..The Committee finds merit in the proposal, to distinguish long serving judicial officers from newly appointed entrants to the Bench.” - NBA Working Committee on Judicial Remuneration and Conditions of Service

His Worship, Abdurrahman Ridwan

Olalekan Jacob Ponle, alias Woodberry

A Legal Titan Goes Home

The Nigerian and International legal communities last week, witnessed the passage of one of their very best, Judge Prince Abdul Jabbar Bolasodun Adesumbo Ajibola, KBE, CFR, SAN at the age of 89. Only a few have had the privilege of achieving so much in the legal profession, both nationally and internationally. He was everything any Lawyer could possibly aspire to be – Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Judge of the International Court of Justice at The Hague, and founder of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State which has a thriving Law Faculty. The Body of Benchers represented by its Secretary, Daniel Manasseh Tela, Esq, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria also represented by its Secretary, Olumide Sofowora, SAN, and Notable legal practitioners, former President of Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, Awa Kalu, SAN, Dr Adesegun Akinjuwon Akin-Olugbade, OON and Mutiu Baã Ganiyu pay glowing tribute to this Legal Titan. May Allah rest Prince Bola Ajibola’s soul in eternal peace, forgive him his shortcomings and admit him into the highest level of Jannah

Tribute in Honour of Hon. Judge Prince Bola Ajibola, KBE, CFR, SAN, Life Bencher, Former Chairman, Body of Benchers

Daniel Manasseh Tela, Esq

Hon. Judge Prince Bola Ajibola, KBE, CFR, SAN was a quintessential practitioner, an impartial Judge, a rare gem, a great leader, an epitome of humility, a mentor and very

hard working. He distinguished and made a name for himself, within and outside the legal profession. He was one Nigerian that served the legal profession, and indeed, the nation at large, diligently and meritoriously in various capacities. His achievements in the international arena, made him a pride to Nigeria.

He served as the Chairman, Body of Benchers from 1989 to 1990, during which he contributed immensely to the

“He served as the Chairman, Body of Benchers from 1989 to 1990, during which he contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Body…. He has left an indelible mark, in the annals of history. He has written his name in gold and left so many legacies, as well as beautiful memories that will never be erased”

growth and development of the Body. Prior to being appointed Chairman, Body of Benchers, he was a statutory member of the Body of Benchers by virtue of being the President of the Nigerian Bar Association and subsequently, the Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, positions he held with the highest sense of responsibility and professionalism. His lifestyle was worthy of emulation, as he impacted positively on the lives of all those around him.

For Hon. Judge Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN the curtain is drawn; his race completed and he gave his best. He has left an indelible mark, in the annals of history. He has written his name in gold and left so many legacies, as well as beautiful memories that will never be erased. Though we mourn his demise, we cannot question God's will, because He alone knows the best for mankind. We pray for the repose of his soul and God's divine comfort upon the entire family, the legal profession and indeed, the nation at large.

On behalf of the Chairman, Body of Benchers, Hon. Justice Mary U. Peter-Odili, CFR, JSC (Rtd), DSSRS, and the entire members of the Body of Benchers, we commiserate with the family of Hon. Judge Prince Bola Ajibola, KBE, CFR, SAN over the demise of the noble jurist and an indefatigable advocate.

Daniel Manasseh Tela, Esq, Secretary, Body of Benchers

Tribute to Prince Bola

Ajibola, KBE, CFR, SAN

Former Chairman, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria

Olumide O. Sofowora, SAN Prince Bolasodun Adesumbo Ajibola, SAN was born on the 22nd of March, 1934 in Owu, near Abeokuta, Ogun State to the Owu Royal Family of Oba Abdul-Salam Ajibola Gbadela (II), who was the traditional ruler of Owu between 1949 and 1972. He attended Owu Baptist Day School, Abeokuta from 1942 – 1949 and Baptist Boys'

Prince Bola Ajibola, KBE, CFR, SAN

A Legal Titan Goes Home

High School, Abeokuta from 1950 – 1955. He also attended both the Holborn College of Law, University of London and the Council of Legal Education – Inns of Court, London from 1959 –1962 and was called to the English Bar at Lincoln's Inn on 27th November, 1962. He returned to Nigeria to practise Law, and by dint of hard work, industry and professional exertions, rightlyearned himself an elevation to the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria on June 5, 1986.

Prince Ajibola served as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association from 1984 to 1985 and was appointed as the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 1985 to 1991. He thus, became the Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) and ensured that the objectives of the Body were strictly adhered to. A lot of activities took place under his leadership, prominent amongst which was the holding of the first BOSAN Dinner program where the newly elevated Senior Advocates of Nigeria were welcomed into the Body.

Members of the Body graced the occasion, by attending the event in their SAN ceremonial robes.

It was also under his leadership that the Annual Subscription was increased from Fifty Naira (N50) to Two Hundred Naira (N200) in 1986, to align with the realities of those days.

Prince Ajibola was an eminent Jurist, world renown Arbitrator and Diplomat who served in various capacities worldwide, amongst which were: Judge of the International Court of Justice at the Hague between 1991 to 1994; Commissioner on the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission; Member to the Permanent Court of Arbitration that deliberated on the land dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon, and he served as the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1999 to 2002.

Prince Ajibola was a prolific writer, author and editor. He was Editor of “Nigeria Treaties in Force” from 1970 to 1990, and the “All Nigeria Law Reports” from 1961 to 1990. He authored many books, including “Heavens in View”, and presented various papers and articles on a wide range of legal subjects.

Prince Ajibola grew to become a global phenomenon, and held several revered positions both nationally and internationally. His sterling performance in the various positions he held, and services he rendered at home and abroad earned him the award of Knight of the British Empire (KBE) by Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the third highest honour of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), amongst several others.

He also served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), and later established an Islamic co-educational institution, known as Crescent University, in Nigeria in 2005.

The late Prince Bola Ajibola lived a life of service to God and humanity and passed on peacefully on Saturday, April 8, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service coupled with remarkable contributions to legal jurisprudence, both nationally and internationally. He will be sorely missed, and in mourning his loss, we pray that his noble soul will Rest In Peace. Amen!!!

A Titan Goes Home: Tribute to Prince Bolasodun Ajibola, KBE, CFR, SAN

Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN

For the past 89 years, the world had the privilege to share time with Bolasodun Ajibola, a Royal Prince of Owu Kingdom and Senior Advocate of Nigeria. For one already in his dotage, I received the news of the passing of this foremost senior citizen, with shock and trepidation. Now that he has transitioned to the great beyond, the world is poorer for it. To me, with his absence, life has lost some of its colour, as one of the greats has indeed, departed.

Prince Ajibola’s calibre was impeccable; he belonged to the highest grade of men. His reasoning was pristine and his judgements were both, unimpeachable and unblemished. More than this, he was a virtuous man in toto; he was principled, exemplary, high-minded, right-thinking, right-minded, irreproachable and incorruptible. Such was the nature of his ideals, that he himself became synonymous with these lofty, noble and exalted persuasions.

I lay a humble claim to have known this legal potentate and intellectual enigma from a vintage

and vantage position, having been one of his protégés, particularly from the Nigerian Bar Association dynasty where he was a father figure to a host of us. Like Apostle Paul who boasted to have learned under the feet of Gamaliel, some of us learnt a great deal under the feet of this iconic figure. He covered the field in the legal profession; he saw it all; he mastered it all, and he made the best use of every bus stop or, if you like, of every position he uniquely occupied, not to his own personal advantage, but for the benefit of humanity. He was elected the 12th President of the NBA in 1984. Later, he was appointed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, under the military dictatorship of General Ibrahim Babangida. As President of the NBA, he made the Association proud and well respected; as Attorney-General of the Federation, he was most distinguished and eminent, and the entire country appreciated the pre-eminence, potency, beauty and awesomeness of that high office by his august presence and distinguished carriage. Between 1989 and 1990, he was the 19th Chairman of the Body of Benchers. After meritoriously serving as the Attorney-General, he was appointed to the International Court of Justice at the Hague, where he despatched himself with éclat. On leaving the Hague, he was appointed as a judex ad hoc, a position he held until 2022.

In terms of learning, this gracious Prince was truly learned in the deepest sense of it. He was much at home with the classics, and he could quote profusely from any of the works of the great Bard, William Shakespeare. He was such a beauty to behold while delivering any message, or addressing any particular audience. That he had the gift of the gab would be an understatement.

The works of Prince Ajibola, will surely be recorded in several chapters of our history. He has run a beautiful race, and throughout his journey on this planet, he demonstrated the elaborate grace of God on him. Although his loss constitutes a big vacuum in our national psyche, unequivocally, he has bequeathed

a legacy of excellence, forbearance, industry, diligence, scholarship, statesmanship and multiple good virtues to our generation; a generation that stands to benefit from the rich attributes of this truly great and princely gentleman.

May the luminous soul of this legal Titan rest in peace.

Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR,

SAN HonourablePrinceBolaAjibola, KBE, CFR, SAN – Adieu!

Awa Kalu, SAN

Quite a number of persons - colleagues, friends, family members and associates – have since the demise of Honourable Prince Bola Ajibola (formerly AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, erstwhile Judge of the International Court of Justice at the Hague, renowned International Arbitrator, Pan Nigerian etc.) have called me to commiserate with me personally, on account of the departure of a man who shaped my views on several issues such as religion, faith, steadfastness, diligence at work, doggedness as well as far sightedness.

While in office as learned AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the late Prince took me on as one of his Special Assistants and showed me a lot of love. On the first day that I arrived to take up my responsibility, he gave me a piece of advice that I considered profound, unimpeachable and imperishable. It was to the effect that if I had to succeed in my assignment, I needed to close my eyes to the fascinating number of beautiful ladies who were in the majority on the staff of the Federal Ministry of Justice at the time. He also admonished me to ignore the massive temptation of setting booby traps for arresting public funds, for the purpose of amassing personal wealth. It is my testimony, that the great and learned Prince who had an avuncular bearing, did not pull any punches in leading by example. Let me quickly recall a point which was in the public domain, at the material time.

cont'd on page VIII

“Prince Ajibola’s calibre was impeccable; he belonged to the highest grade of men. His reasoning was pristine and his judgements were both, unimpeachable and unblemished. More than this, he was a virtuous man in toto; he was principled, exemplary, high-minded, right-thinking, rightminded, irreproachable and incorruptible”

Olumide O. Sofowora, SAN, C.Arb, Secretary, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN)

Prince Bola Ajibola, KBE, CFR, SAN

A Legal Titan Goes Home

cont'd from page VII

He did not receive any salary, but, rather, had Professor Yemi Osinbajo (presently the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but my colleague at the time) and I, distribute the salary and emoluments to charitable organisations, particularly, Motherless Babies Homes. Having regard to present day practices, it is important to emphasise that a Register was maintained at the Ministry at the time, where Prince’s gifts and presents were registered. At the end of each year, those gifts were in turn given out or auctioned, with the proceeds paid into government coffers.

The Prince was not given to fancy while in office, and any hint of flamboyance either ended with his bowtie or agbada. Indeed, he knew how to appear resplendent, depending on what the occasion was. A clear example arose when Professor Osinbajo and I were in New York, to canvass for his election to the position of a Judge at the International Court of Justice at the Hague. The seat became vacant on account of the death of the very illustrious Judge T.O. Elias, who had previously served as the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and thereafter, as Chief Justice of Nigeria. He later rose at the International Court as its President. Judge Elias, like all mortals, died, but without serving out his tenure. Notwithstanding the interest of the Federal Government to have a Nigerian serve out that tenure, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Kenya and quite a few countries from commonwealth Africa showed acute interest in the office. My recollection is that Professor Ibrahim Gambari (then Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations and presently, Chief of Staff to the current President of Nigeria) summoned a meeting of the African Ambassadors at the United Nations to introduce Honourable Prince Bola Ajibola (who turned out at the occasion in a snow white agbada adorned with the AGBETI AJA) as Nigeria’s candidate. The thunderous ovation that welcomed him, convinced us that the battle was won. Indeed, at the Security Council voting the following day, Prince Ajibola won with a narrow margin, but had a significant and resounding victory on the floor of the General Assembly. He, as the third Nigerian to serve as Judge of the International Court of Justice, did so with merit and quit when his time was up. A lot of public officers do hang around, even after cessation of their office.

Prince’s Attitude to Life

Now, let me relate Prince Ajibola’s attitude to life to the worrisome state of affairs in present day Nigeria. My late mother, who was Igbo, was very effective and versatile in conversations in the Yoruba language (as well as in Efik, Hausa, Ibibo and English) and the late Prince was very fascinated about that, and had the humility to come to my house each time my mother was in Lagos, to have conversations with her - always for hours! The impression created these days, is that Yorubas and Igbos have always been at logger heads! I dare say, that the late Prince who regaled me with stories about his personal life and upbringing, did not show preference for ethnicity, religion or State of origin. I knew him as a Pan – Nigerian, and I respected his fair-mindedness on that score; he shared no discrimination, nor did he respond to the needs of those who needed favour on the basis of any unwarranted

background. He preferred competence and capability, Prudence was his watchword. Indeed, I believe that he was a wise man, ever mindful of a relationship between cause and effect.

His Achievements

His major project as well as forte, was law reform, and there being no National Assembly or Legislative forum at the time, his inclination was to institute a national conference of stakeholders on any subject-matter, for the purpose of formulating proposals for amendment or legislation on any field at issue. The result was obvious in pieces of legislation such as, the Companies And Allied Matters Decree No. 1 of 1990, foreshadowed by the Decrees on Copyrights, Patents and Designs, Trademarks, and even the vibrant National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency Decree. His footsteps and imprint on law reforms, are still visible and unmatchable. Perhaps, history will forgive those who claimed that the 1989 Constitution (which he midwifed) did not come to fruition. For the sake of my late Oga’s memory, it is best to recall that as a document, the 1989 Constitution did not germinate or bear fruits; but, when it is remembered that the Babangida administration planned a stage-by-stage transfer of power, from grassroots level to the Presidency, it will seem that the 1989 Constitution was not a fruitless exercise. It ought to be remembered that at each stage of that transition program, extracts from the constitution were imbedded in the program which supported each stage of the transition. For

emphasis, the Babangida transition program accomplished the elections into Local Government Councils, Houses of Assembly and Governorship positions at the State level, and the National Assembly at the Federal level. Each of those elections was propped up by a decree, and it was just the establishment of the presidency that failed – the outcome of the presidential election having been annulled. The energy devoted to that monumental venture by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has, in my humble view, remained unparalleled. Certainly, when it is remembered that late Prince Bola Ajibola was the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Judge of the International Court of Justice at the Hague and astute International Arbitrator who had the breath and vision and the desire for success, his place as a Jurist cannot be challenged

Conclusion

It is possible, to devote a whole book to the life and times of the late Prince of Egba Land; but, in order to cut a very long story short, it is fitting to hail him as a detribalised Nigerian, a man who understood his bearings, who led his own troops by example, communicated his ideas transparently, that is, without obfuscation, understood the sociology of our nation, had a formidable world view, and for sure, had a valid explanation for the decisions he took in the interest of his nation, I believe that I can conclude this tribute by offering the view that, the late Prince though a Muslim, understood the Bible and the world of Christians. Let the rest of the country understand that point and live by the principle, “live and let live”. Honourable Prince Bola Ajibola, KBE, CFR, SAN will be remembered by all that he has done. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family bear the loss occasioned by his departure with stoic equanimity.

Awa U. Kalu SAN, FNIALS, Former Special Assistant to the Hon. AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN; former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abia State

Tribute to Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, CFR, KBE

Dr Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, OON

This is a tribute to a giant of the legal profession, whom I loved as a father, and who was my mentor and a role model.

Prince Bolasodun Adesumbo Ajibola, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, former Judge of the international Court of Justice, former member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, former President of the Administrative Tribunal of the World Bank, founder of Crescent University, a father, husband, uncle, brother and friend to many, passed on peacefully in Nigeria on April 8, 2023.

As the foregoing attests, he was an accomplished jurist, a diplomat, the pioneer of Arbitration law and practice in Nigeria and a statesman. More than that however, he was a loving father, a mentor, a passionate believer (he was a fervent Moslem) and one of the wittiest human beings of his generation.

Our Relationship: Personal & Professional

My early recollection of Prince Bola Ajibola was as a pre-teenager whom he used to take along with my siblings and his children to Father Christmas Grotto at either Leventis Stores or Kingsway Stores in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He also used to take us swimming. As the Prince himself attested during the 100th year posthumous birthday celebration of my late father, Chief O. B. Akin-Olugbade, of blessed memory, after he was called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1962, he returned to Nigeria and joined my father’s chambers, O. B. Akin-Olugbade & Co, one of the leading commercial law and litigation chambers at the time. He spent his first few years of legal practice with the firm, before leaving to set up his own law firm, Bola Ajibola & Co, which today is headed by his son, Adesegun Ajibola, SAN.

I served under Prince Ajibola when he was the Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. I was a Youth Corper in the Contract Vetting Division that he had established to review contracts that were entered into by the previous Civilian Administration of President Shehu Shagari, and which contained detrimental escalation costs clauses. Under his leadership and the guidance of Mrs Mbanefo and later, Mr Akinleye, who later served as Solicitor-

“He did not receive any salary, but, rather, had Professor Yemi Osinbajo (presently the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but my colleague at the time) and I, distribute the salary and emoluments to charitable organisations, particularly, Motherless Babies Homes”

Prince Bola Ajibola, KBE, CFR, SAN

A Legal Titan Goes Home

cont'd from page VIII

General of the Federation, we were able to renegotiate and correct many of these defective contracts. I also handled special assignments for him. He was an exemplary boss, who nurtured young talent. Although I left the Ministry of Justice after my NYSC to work in private chambers, Prince Ajibola continued to support my professional career and was a valued mentor.

Prince Ajibola and I had a special bond. I was at the Supreme Court when he was admitted to the inner bar as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and I followed his election by the United Nations as a Judge of the International Court of Justice. I visited him when he was High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and when he was Chairman of the Nigeria-Cameroon Mixed Commission on Bakassi, he visited my family and I both in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire and in Tunis, Tunisia. At the time, I was with the African Development Bank, where I rose to become the General Counsel in 2000. We would discuss professional and family matters and especially his children, that is, my brothers and sisters. We would also discuss Owu community matters. Prince Ajibola was the Olori Omoba (Head of Princes) of Owu Kingdom. We shared a mutual respect and appreciation for our lineage, but he did not have a lot of interest for royalty or chieftaincy matters. He was a man who believed he had a higher calling, especially in relation to his faith and religion.

His Accomplishments

H.E. Professor Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, SAN spoke recently about why Prince Ajibola decided to sell most of his assets to fund the establishment of Crescent University. One aspect that he shared with me, in his lifetime, was the desire to replicate some of the values and moral ethics that he believed that himself, his contemporaries and those before him (including the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and my late father) had received from the Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta. In his own words, education should be holistic and transcend just excelling at academics.

Prince Ajibola was the undisputed pioneer of Arbitration law and practice in Nigeria, and is universally recognised for this outstanding feat. On one occasion at the Lagos Court of Arbitration, he took us down the memory lane about how he acquired his expertise in Arbitration. He had a client who owned a construction company, and was owed a lot of money. He had to teach himself Arbitration, and it was through his arbitration practice that he succeeded in retrieving the debts owed to his client.

It is seldom that a man excels, and is recognised for accomplishments across many areas in one lifetime. Prince Ajibola was an exceptional jurist, who brought honour and dignity to the Legal Profession and crowned a lifetime of achievements, by giving back to his community and his faith, in what would today be described as good Corporate Social Responsibility.

An exemplary Nigerian and a loving father, it is not surprising that Vice-President Osinbajo laid claim to being his first son. Unfortunately for Adesegun his biological first son, he must stand behind not only the Vice-President, but also his namesake, who only out of deference to his being older, concedes the title of Prince Ajibola’s first son to His Excellency!

Prince Ajibola was a legal legend of our time, a wonderful statesman and father who will be sorely missed.

It is my prayer for his soul to rest in peace, for his memory to remain blessed, and for Allah to grant him Aljannah Firdaus, Ameen!

Dr Adesegun Akinjuwon AkinOlugbade, OON

Judge Bola Ajibola, SAN: When Excellence Creates an Exception to the Rule

Mutiu Baã Ganiyu

The death of Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN a few days ago, reminded us once again in grim terms of our mortality.

At the same time, his death brings to mind some of his feats in his chosen profession of law. It will be recalled that Prince Ajibola was better known for the practice and promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution, though he equally made his obvious mark in active litigation in court.

On the 27th of August, 1985, there was a change of guard via yet another Military Coup. General Ibrahim Babangida thus, emerged the Military Head of State of Nigeria. The new Government was about to appoint its own Ministers. Speculation was rife as to who would make the cabinet, and in what capacity.

Naturally, most Lawyers were more than curious onlookers, on the specific question of who would emerge as the Attorney-General of the Federation.

As of that time, the practice, or shall we say a convention had emerged that the incumbent of that office should be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); this was therefore the

expectation of most Lawyers at that time.

Indeed, what sounded like a mere wish was given a seeming official imprimatur by no less a person than the doyen of the Nigerian Bar himself, the late Chief F. R. A. Williams SAN ( of fragrant memories) on the occasion of the admission into the Inner Bar of Alhaji Abdul-Ganiyu AbdulRazaq, Mr Ladosu Ladapo and Mr Clement Akpamgbo on the 9th of September, 1985.

On that occasion, while stating in his speech the expectation that yet again the incoming Attorney-General of the Federation was expected to be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Williams acknowledged the reality that should a person who had not attained that rank be found suitable using certain criteria, such a person should be appointed to that office.

The criteria were set out by the late lodestar of the Nigerian Bar, in his speech on that occasion. The highlights of these criteria are as follows:

“My Lord the Chief Justice of Nigeria, my Lords, gentlemen of the Inner and Outer Bar. I reckon that this is the first ceremony of its kind that we are holding, when the office of the Attorney-General is vacant. This provides an opportunity for us to express hope that when the Federal Military Government, in the exercise of their exclusive prerogative, decides to appoint someone else into that high and important office, they would take into serious consideration the established practice of appointing someone who has already attained the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Nothing but unavoidable necessity or outstanding merit, ought to justify a departure from that practice. An example of outstanding merit in the case of an appointee who, though not yet elevated, is acknowledged by the generality of practitioners to be worthy of elevation, but has somehow or other not been accorded the honour. If such a person is appointed the Attorney-General and he is a person who obviously commands the respect of the body of legal practitioners, there can be no doubt that his elevation to the rank of Senior Advocates would be a question of time, and ought indeed, to be accelerated. We Lawyers know ourselves. When a member of the Outer Bar possessing the required calibre and other qualities is appointed, we will know. He would be an acknowledged exception to the general rule. By the

tradition of our profession, whoever is appointed the Attorney-General of the Federation becomes the Head of the Bar, and takes precedence over all other Legal practitioners, including those who are members of the Inner Bar. But, of course, there is no legal impediment in the way of the Government if they decide to appoint a member of the Outer Bar as the Attorney-General of the Federation. However, the present Administration has openly declared its desire to listen to suggestions in carrying out its onerous and unenviable task of administering this Nation. This is what has encouraged me to put this suggestion at the forefront of my address today. I believe that the suggestion, perhaps, not unnaturally, has the support of the entire members of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria and, no doubt, of important sections of the Outer Bar as well”.

A few weeks later, the man who fit the above descriptions, or as it is often said, the person who “fit the bill” was found in the person of Prince, Judge, Bola Ajibola, and he was announced as the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the then new Government of General Ibrahim Babangida. He thus, broke the long established mould, by becoming the first non-Senior Advocate of Nigeria to be appointed to the office of Attorney-General in a long period, and after it had almost become inconceivable that it was possible. An exception was made in his case, because to use some of the key indicators for departing from the rules and in the words of Chief Williams as reproduced above, Chief Bola Ajibola was a person:

“…of outstanding merit … though not yet elevated, is acknowledged by the generality of practitioners to be worthy of elevation but has somehow or other not been accorded the honour…he is a person who obviously commands the respect of the body of Legal Practitioners there can be no doubt that his elevation to the rank of Senior Advocates would be a question of time and ought indeed to be accelerated”.

Needless to say that Prince Bola Ajibola attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on the 10th of July, 1986 - less than a year after the very and prophetic words of Chief Rotimi Williams as quoted above. May his soul rest in peace.

Mutiu Baã Ganiyu, Legal Practitioner

“It is seldom that a man excels, and is recognised for accomplishments across many areas in one lifetime. Prince Ajibola was an exceptional jurist, who brought honour and dignity to the Legal Profession and crowned a lifetime of achievements, by giving back to his community and his faith….”

Prince Bola Ajibola, KBE, CFR, SAN

CSOs and the Media in Promoting Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria (Part 5)

Introduction

In the last episode, we concluded our hypothesis that Good Governance Needs Strong Followership, in the form of Civil Society Organisations; discussed the Typologies of Nigerian Civil Society Organisations; identified some Specific Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria; Questions and Concerns Raised by CSOs; discussed their Proliferation and Roles; NGOs (Non-governmental Organisations); the Nigerian State/Politics; and the Role of CSOs.

Today, we shall continue exploring the Role of CSOs (Civil Society Organisations); Ways & Means/Modalities of Creating an Umbrella body for them, and, finally, the Role of the Mass Media.

The Role of CSOs (Continues)

USAID and other donors seeking to support the role of civil society groups in building democracy in Nigeria, face a daunting task. Given the challenges of supporting civil society with a sharply reduced budget, USAID had decided to focus its support in this sector in a manner that develops the ability of civil society groups to conduct advocacy (particularly with regard to transparency and accountability), and to build civic awareness at the national level. Civil Society is on track and has made impact at the national level, especially in the area of election monitoring and peace building.

Civil Society promoted greater gender equality through workshops and conferences, that resulted in the development of a subgroup in both federations of woman leaders, called the National Women’s Commission. The Commission developed gender policy for labour unions, and is currently working on action plans to implement and monitor gender policies in all labour organisations. In light of the gender policy, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has increased the percentage women of its staff to 30%.

In addition, the NLC elected its first women to national office as National Auditor of the NLC.

In the area of economic reform policy, civil society is assisting in the development of a simplified manual to explain economic policy to labour unions. Civil Society is also active in the development and advocacy for individual economic policies, including fuel policies and pension issues. Capacity-building activities address internal democracy and related issues such as gender equality, information sharing and consensus-building, through workshops, seminars and such platforms.

Creating an Umbrella Body for CSOs: Ways and Modalities

Thinking about the issues in this way helps us to pose an actionable question, instead of arguing in the abstract over which theory is correct. Most importantly, how do shifting patterns of associational life help or hinder the realisation of good society goals, and what can we do to revive the public sphere, if we believe it is an important transmission mechanism between the two?

This question generates a rich agenda for public discussions, through a complicated one, since there is no obvious consensus on the answers, and the evidence is very muddy.

The associational life in general, is the

driving force behind the positive social norms on which the good society is founded. Things like cooperation, trust and reciprocity. So, the logical policy is to encourage as much volunteering and voluntary action as possible, even if some of it is used for nefarious purposes. Somewhat magically in my view, these differences will work themselves out in the general scheme of things.

The light window for civil society access to national policy has expanded somewhat since 1999, as democratisation has brought more actors into the policy making process, and other levels of government have begun the long struggle to wrest power from the Presidency.

Nonetheless, the window remains narrow, and only the groups who are able to impact the interests of the political elite in some manner will be able to see their issues on the national agenda.

First consideration must be given to the power imbalance, between civil society groups. Civil Society has made important gains in the political space that has opened since 1999, but these groups remain largely marginal players at the national level. Legal frameworks are developing, but weak. Elected officials are only remotely accountable to their formal constituents, and Nigerian politics remains dominated by the power struggles among the Big Men. Thus, the typical tools of civil society influence legal challenges; and raising public awareness through issue advocacy are for the short term, likely to be useful for incremental change at best. Such change is still very important and deserving of support, but civil society groups must also be able to tip the balance among the Big Men and State, in order to have some influence. The

trade unions have the powerful tool of strike actions, but these blunt instruments are difficult to organise, sustain or focus on more than a handful of issues in the absence of an umbrella body.

In the larger picture of Nigerian political development, the real solution to the dominance of the “Big Men” is the development of a stable balance of power among them, with most of their struggles fought within the contours of the political system, primarily through the vehicle of formal political parties. Thus, the critical “next step” for the nation’s political development is the rise of a viable, loyal political opposition movement as has happened in African nations further down the democratic road such as South Africa, Kenya and Ghana.

Without such an opposition, voters do not have a viable alternative at the ballot box, which is in part why Nigerians supported the military in the past. A strong coalition and opposition of civil society groups is the important vehicle for transparency and accountability in any democracy, because it is an institutional actor with great interest in exposing the corrupt practices of the party in office, and in balancing its powers.

An essential link in such a movement, will be with united civil society groups. As governing and viable opposition parties battle for voter support, they will have to produce policies that better serve the interest of the public, and civil society groups will play important roles in informing the public and government whether those interests are being served.

The ideal competition among the Nigerian political parties to woo the favour of civil society groups, and by extension, the voters, has begun to take some shape in national politics, but only in rudimentary forms lacking the deeper substance of serious public service. In the short term, therefore, civil society groups have only one remaining solution to correct the power imbalance between them and the Big-Man-Dominated State. They must build broad coalition amongst themselves, and with actors in political society, particularly the political parties. Some groups may have limited success on their own at the national level based on the strength of their skills and good ideas, such as in regard to constitutional

reform.

Technical support to improve the capacity of civil society groups to engage in issue advocacy and other activities that foster incremental changes remains control to any sound democracy promotion strategy, but it must be viewed through the lens of how they impact the political power structure of policy makers. Without vast financial resources, civil society groups must turn to the numbers of people they can represent, sensitise and mobilise. Thus, support should move into realm of building relationships among the united civil society groups and between civil society and the State, particularly in terms of the political parties.

The Media

Globally, the role of the mass media oils the wheels of evolving a sound democratic culture. The difference between the media in Nigeria and other countries, might be on the nature of freedom limitations under which they operate. In a dictatorial regime or in a fostering democratic system, the situations are usually different. In Nigeria, media has played a great role in deepening democracy. The mass media or the press, is acknowledged to be the “watch dog of the society” and the “fourth estate of the realm”. By way of definition, media consists of the main ways that large numbers of people receive information and entrainment, that is, through television, radio, newspapers and the internet. The basic ingredient of the mass media is based on the freedom of expression and the press, guaranteed by the Constitution. The freedom of the press is usually entrenched in the Constitution of most countries of the world. The press is an important institution in any country, particularly, in democratic societies where transparency is the watchword. But, in pariah societies where the government of the day is corrupt and commits various kinds of atrocities, a free press coupled with freedom of speech constitutes a thorn in the flesh of the ruling class or government. In other words, the mass media essentially aims at promoting a democratic culture, by engaging in a constant watch of the activities of the government of the day. The government is usually investigated, and findings brought to the knowledge of the public. Herein lies the relevance of the press, in any democracy.

In Nigeria, for example, and concerning the right to capture and withhold information, the plenitude of the supposed right to retain information requires to be properly defined. This right should go beyond the voluntary refusal of a Journalist, Editor, or Publisher to willingly give out the source of his information. For purposes of modern day freedoms, this right should be made to cover forcible invasion of media houses by State security agents, and seizure therefrom, of manuscripts, hard plates, pictures, letters and telegraphic messages from informants. Interviews conducted with persons, but who, given professional judgement, or the person’s preference would have had his/her name omitted from the final piece of information disseminated for public consumption.

The right to withhold information is but an aspect of a larger right, given constitutional impetus by Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

The constitutional right itself derives from the earlier theory of natural rights, which in turn, was an offshoot of the natural law theory. We do not intend within the amplitude of this paper, to give a jurisprudential analysis of human or civic rights, but it is sufficient to the state that the respect for, and inviolability of human rights, have been universally acclaimed, documented, and adopted by all civilised nations of the world. (To be Continued).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“Society cannot exist without law. Law is the bond of society: that which makes it, that which preserves it and keeps it together. It is, in fact, the essence of civil society”.

(Joseph P. Bradley)

“In Nigeria, media has played a great role in deepening democracy. The mass media or the press, is acknowledged to be the “watch dog of the society” and the “fourth estate of the realm”

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 14Apr-2023, unless otherwise stated.

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

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF.

Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

Being Christian Is Different From Christendom

Recently, a Catholic priest who is fixated on me and has probably written more copiously about me than about either himself, or his Bishop, or even his pope (I am very serious, this is no hyperbole), wrote that people who want to be better Christians should avoid me.

But why would he feel so threatened by me? Why attack my credibility?

Because this gentleman disagrees with me both dogmatically and politically, as I will now explain.

Dogmatically:

Dogma is defined as a set of beliefs or principles laid down by a human authority, usually a religious authority, as the true and accepted truths of their beliefs.

Dogma is very different from doctrine, which is a set of puritanical principles established by divine text, or scripture.

Now, there are many things that are dogma, which are questionable. One of them is the concept of Christianity.

The word Christian did not originate from Yeshua Hamashiach, or even His disciples. If you read Acts 11:26, you would understand the historical context of the word Christian. It is a Greek word that the Greek residents of Antioch came up with to define the followers of Yeshua.

Nobody knows, but it is most likely that those townsmen and women who came up with the name were not even believers.

The truth is that Yeshua Hamashiach was a Jewish Rabbi, who lived and died on the Earth as a Jew. He worshipped on the Sabbath. He obeyed the laws of Moses. And He never introduced a new religion. He only introduced new commandments-John 13:34.

Both Yeshua and His disciples, including Paul, never disavowed Judaism. They all remained Jews. And you can see this in John 4:22, where Yeshua told the Samaritan woman of Sychar that "salvation is of the Jews."

We also see this in Paul's confession in Acts 21:39, where he said that "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia."

Do note that Paul made that confession many years after his Damascus’ encounter with Yeshua in Acts chapter 9.

Please note that a Hebrew is different from a Jew. A Hebrew is a natural blood descendant of Abraham, while a Jew is a person who either is born or converts into the religion of Judaism.

Every non-Jew is a Gentile. And when Paul began preaching to Gentiles, there was a conundrum. Would they become Jews, or would they just be followers of the new commandments that Yeshua promulgated.

That conundrum was settled in Acts 15:19-22.

Gentiles believers were given a set of rules to follow.

And those rules were further reinforced by Paul when he told Gentile believers that "you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree"-Romans 11:24.

Which is in keeping with what Yeshua said in Matthew 15:24 that "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

Now, a lot of the things that we do as believers today, who are largely called Christians, do not emanate from Scripture, or the traditions of our Lord and Saviour, and His early disciples.

They originate from Europe and especially from the Roman Empire.

For example, The Cross was never a sign of our faith. The original sign of our faith was a fish, and we were described as 'The Way', which you can verify in Acts 22:4. The Way is taken from John 14:6, where Yeshua said "I am the Way".

The Roman Empire began persecuting and killing followers of The Way, until a Roman Emperor, named Constantine, converted to Christianity sometime in the Third Century after Christ.

On October 27, 312 AD, this Constantine had a

vision of The Cross, during the Battle of Milvian Bridge. And after his victory, he made The Cross the symbol of the Christian faith. He, not Yeshua Hamashiach. Not Scripture. Not the disciples.

Shockingly, the word Cross does not appear in the original Scripture. Please do not rush to check your English Bible and then pronounce me a liar.

Scripture was not written in English. It is written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek. What you are reading in English, or French, or Spanish, or any other languages, is a translation, by men and women, who had their own agenda.

The word used in the original Greek Scripture is staur, which may mean a pole, or a stake, or the word xylou, which means tree. Read Galatians 3:13 if you really want to know the truth. The translators of the King James Version forgot their instructions and forgot to chèvre the word. And so that verse uses the word ‘Tree’ to indicate where Christ died.

The NIV uses the word ‘Pole’.

Believe it or not, for the first 300 years of the Church, the Cross was NOT a Christian symbol. Don’t take my word for it. Research it.

The original symbol of Christianity is a fish symbol, because Yeshua told His first disciples, who were fishermen, that He would transform them into fishers of men if they followed Him:

“And Yeshua said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”-Mark 1:17.

So, where did The Cross come from?

Emperor Constantine engaged in a power struggle with his brother-in-law, Maxentius, and during the Battle of Milvian Bridge, Constantine, a former pagan, claimed that he received a vision of a cross in the sky, along with the caption, “In this sign conquer.”

He thereafter asked his troops to draw the sign he saw in the sky, which is what we now call the Cross, on their shields. And when he defeated Maxentius’ forces, he attributed it to the efficacy of the Cross. And this political/military event marked the entrance of that pagan symbol into mainstream Christianity.

I travelled to Ethiopia and Egypt, a combined total

of 18 times to investigate the origin of The Cross.

The truth, as I found out in Egypt, is that some of the oldest Crosses in existence are an almost exact replica of the Egyptian Ankh, including the Ethiopian symbol. In Ethiopia, this , is actually a letter in their alphabet, which originates from Ge’ez, their liturgical language.

It is an undisputed fact that Christ did not die on a Cross. It is an undisputed fact that the Ankh predated the Cross. It is an undisputed fact that Christ asked us to teach believers “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”-Matthew 28:20.

Many Christians have read large novels, like the Harry Potter books, or the complete works of Shakespeare, and others, from cover to cover. But they have not read Scripture from cover to cover. Even in English. Let alone, in the original languages. It is not impossible. I learnt to do that as an adult.

Learn from Muslims. The first book many Muslims read, before any, is the al-Quran. And they tend to read it in Arabic. So that nothing is lost in translation. This is why Christians accept things that are not in Scripture. Because many of us do not even know Scripture. But we know philosophy. We know science. We know the humanities. We are sophisticated. But not always grounded in Scripture.

Hear them talk, Christmas is a special day that WE have set aside to celebrate Yeshua. Really? Who are you to tell God how you want to worship Him and celebrate His Son? Do you adjust your life to Scripture, or do you adjust Scripture to suit your life? Alas, they will still insult me.

If as a believer you don’t read Scripture in the original languages, you may end up practicing occultism, and think you are practicing Christianity. Many 'Christians' are actually inadvertently practicing unscriptural and deeply occultist dogma. If a religious principle does not originate from Scripture, it is immediately suspect, no matter how long it has been practiced, and how eloquently it has been explained to you with logic. I can’t say more! Because, at the end of the day, we must all "work out your salvation with fear and

Governorship Election: APC Forwards Sylva, Uzodinmma, Ododo's Names to INEC

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has forwarded the names of the governorship candidates of the party for Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the November 11, 2023 governorship elections.

The ruling party in a letter dated April 17, 2023, jointly signed by the Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Abubakar Kyari and the National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, was addressed to the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The names of the candidates of the party forwarded to the electoral umpire were: the governorship candidate of the party in Bayelsa State and former Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva; the candidate of the party in Kogi State, Ahmed Adodo and the candidate of the party in Imo State, Senator Hope Uzondinma.

The letter read: "We write to forward the under-listed list of our party's Candidates to your Commission for the

2023 off-season gubernatorial elections.

"His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva - Bayeisa State; His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma - Imo State; Ahmed Usman Ododo - Kogi State.”

Sylva defeated the former candidate of the party in the last gubernatorial election, Mr. David Lyon and four other aspirants to emerge winner of the contest, which took place across the

106 wards in the eight local government areas (LGAs) of the state on April 24. Sylva had polled a total of 52,061 votes from the 55,141 accredited delegates, while Lyon came a distant third with 1,872 votes, Joshua MacIver came second with 2,078 votes.

In Kogi State, Ododo scored 78,704 to emerge as the candidate of the party. The candidature of Ododo was ratified

trembling,"-Philippians 2:12.

The Romans were notorious for polytheism. And when they conquered you, they took your gods and religious symbols and added it to theirs. That is why many Roman gods are of Greek origin.

The Romans conquered Ancient Egypt, right from the time of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and Octavian. They were initiated into Egyptian occult practices, one of which is the Ankh, which was in wide use in the Roman Empire, before Constantine supposedly had his vision.

Many of today's Christians think that after Emperor Constantine became a Christian and instituted The Cross as the symbol of the religion, people just accepted it. No. Research it. It was by force.

If you did not accept it, they either killed you, or taxed you, or banished you. It was a favourite practice of Rome. And you see that in Acts 18:2 which says "Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome."

It was via oppressive and draconian practices like these that the Roman Empire forced many of the dogma of Christianity on Roman citizens, which was almost all of Europe at that time.

And ask yourself this question: Yeshua Hamashiach (Jesus Christ) was a Jew. All His disciples were Jews. In their lifetimes, they spoke Aramaic and Hebrew. Yet, the holy liturgical language of some churches is Latin. Why is that? It has nothing to do with God and everything to do with cultural domination.

Eventually, other European peoples got tired of that cultural domination, and rebelled against Rome and formed their own nations. And when they did, they broke away from the Roman church, and infused their own culture into their own churches, leading to the Church of England, Lutheran Church, Episcopal Church, Reformed Dutch Church, Church of Norway, etc.

And those various European powers and their churches came to Africa and other colonised places to force down the throats of gullible people, not the true Gospel, but their own culturally infused Gospel. And today, we have millions of Africans who will proudly say their 'Christian' name is Remigius, Hyginus, Hippolite, Veronica and Jacinta.

First of all, none of these names are Christian names. They are all Latin names. And secondly, as long as your African name is not in praise of a deity, it is good enough for you to use as a Christian.

You can be Gbenga, Mainasara, Nnamdi, Uhuru, Masekela, or Kojo, and still be a good Christian.

Let me give a reason to our brethren on why they should do so. If you read Romans 16:14, you will note that one of the most ardent believers in Rome was a man by the name of Hermes. Hermes is the Greek messenger god. That is the origin of the name. Yet, upon becoming a follower of Christ, this gentleman did not change his name. He only changed his ways.

So, we too have to change our ways, but not our names and culture. Obviously, if parts of our culture are incompatible with Christian living, such as the killing of twins, then we ought to change them. But where they are not, we do not need to make amends.

We need to emancipate ourselves from religious bondage. A white wedding is not a Christian wedding. It does not feature in Scripture. It is a European cultural marriage. Scriptural marriages took place at home and did not involve priests or church. Only family. Please see Genesis 24:67.

Yeshua Hamashiach did not officiate at the wedding in Cana. He was a Guest. The power that a priest has to pronounce a male and female man and wife does not come from God or Scripture. It is dogma that emanates from men, like you. That is why multiple European churches have now given their priests the power to bless same-sex marriages. Where do you see that in Scripture? Let us stop making gods out of men like ourselves.

Many of us who think we are in Christ are really only in Christendom. And there is a wide gulf between Christ and Christendom.

So I urge Christians to "study to show yourself approved"-2 Timothy 2:15, and to "search the Scriptures"John 5:39. And refrain from swallowing every dogma that emanates from Europe.

by a Special Congress of the party, as stipulated in the guidelines for the primary election held on April 14. The ratification followed the emergence of Ododo, a former AuditorGeneral for Local Governments in the state, as the APC governorship candidate at the party’s direct governorship primary election held across all the 239 wards of the state

Unilorin Doctoral Student Discovers Chemicals for Removing Toxic Deposits in Rivers

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

A doctoral student of Industrial Chemistry at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Mr. Abdullahi Musa Rabiu, has discovered some agriculture-based materials and chemicals that are capable of removing toxins deposited in rivers by industrial companies.

Rabiu, who is a lecturer at the Bayero University, Kano, disclosed this yesterday, in Ilorin, at the Faculty Board

Room while defending his Ph.D. thesis, titled, "Preparation and Characterisation of Mixed Iron Oxide Nanocomposites for Removal of Mordant Dye, Cr(VI) and Pb(II) from Aqueous Solution." He said some of the effects of the toxins on humans are skin problems, respiratory problems, cancer, and killing of aqua life. The doctoral student stated that the benefit of his research was to eradicate the toxins from coming in contact with

humans in order to avoid problems associated with it. He also said his research came to light as a result of a protest from Challawa, a community in Kano. Rabiu, recommended that proper treatments of industrial effluents before their disposal in the environments should be employed as he proposed that the present studies should be extended to a pilot scale for industrial application.

We should note that if the devil wants to fight against God's Word, he will not come as satan to tempt you away from Scripture. Rather, he will beguile you by coming as an educated and sophisticated being, who gives you logically correct reasons why you should do what God told you not to do in His Word. That is what he did to Eve, and that is what he is doing to many colonised peoples.

Reno’s Nuggets

Have a mother like Hakimi's mother, and you will never have a bother. Hopefully, young men who disrespect their mothers because of their wives can learn a thing or two from Hakimi. Nobody can love you like God. But after God, nobody can love you like your mother, with the possible, but not regular, exception of your father! Hakimi makes us appreciate the lyrics of Prince Nico Mbarga's Sweet Mother. You begin to understand why there are motherless babies’ homes, but no fatherless babies’ homes. Your wife may not take a bullet for you. But she will most likely take it for her child with you.

#RenosNuggets #FreeLeahSharibu

Pope Francis

Mixta Africa Infuses Work, Play in Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate

Bennett Oghifo

Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate occupies a prime location in the evolving Lagos New Town, a district of 15 million sqm of land starting from the prestigious Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country estate all the way down to Adiva Plainfields and Townsville. This district is developed by Mixta Africa. They own all estates currently within the district as well.

According to Mixta Africa, when fully developed, the district is expected to house over 200,000 residents. With solid infrastructure like good roads lasting decades, good drainage, green living, natural elements, serenity and an exclusive lifestyle not common in the city.

Lagos New Town is a solution to the overpopulated Lagos State. The district is currently twice the size of Victoria Island and seeks to solve the problem of housing across varying class sectors in the state.

Estates in Mixta Africa’s portfolio are Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate; Beechwood Park; Marula Park; and Adiva Plainfields.

Mixta Africa, according to the Sales Representative, Ben Chiedu, is under the ARM Group. “We are in partnership with ARM pension, investment, ARM trustee and so on. We have been in business for three decades and for real estate goals, we have operations in Nigeria and four African countries.

“In Lagos, we have several developments in other parts of town, like in Sangotedo, in

Lakowe where we have a large land bank, it is so big, it is about two times the size of the entire Victoria Island. It’s about 1,562 hectares. That’s the amount of land we own here in Lakowe. So, Lakowe Lakes is the biggest estate that sits within the land bank.

“Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate is about 308 hectares of land, and is one of the biggest estates in Lagos. We have three major activities that go on here. We have the biggest golf course in Lagos with 18 holes. We have real estate, meaning that people call this place their home. They work from here and their family is here and we have a hospitality business here. Sometimes, we have all kinds of organisations like oil and gas companies, banks, coming for seminars and conferences.”

Chiedu, who led Journalists on a tour of the estate, drew their attention to the environment, particularly the rich green layout. “Everywhere you see greens like this, represents the golf course. And in the estate right now, we have about 14 lakes. Some are natural, others are man made. We actually did this to improve the experience of people who live here or who play golf or who come here to watch or for a retreat. And the golf course is spread all across.

“The golf course already takes up

30 percent of the entire space. The general plan is that real estate will take up only 25 percent. We plan to retain as much greenery as possible, because the golf course alone sits on almost 100 hectares out of 308 hectares.”

“So, the estate is designed in such a way that no matter where you are in the estate, you have a view of the golf course. So, there are people who have lands in this estate, and from their houses, they can watch people who play golf. It’s so beautiful and there is no chance at all that the golf ball will enter your property

because of the design of the golf course.”

He pointed out the real estate offerings within Lakowe Lake Golf Estate, saying “Here, we build communities. We have The Village, which has only 18 houses. There are four bedroom bungalows, four bedroom duplexes. We have a community we are developing which is for elderly people, retirees basically. So, we have two and three bedroom apartments for sale. The name of the community is Ule Gardens. We have another community, which is the oldest community, called The Enclave.”

Diya, Fatimilehin & Co. Unveils New Logo, Refreshes Brand

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

Diya, Fatimilehin & Co. has unveiled a new logo and visual identity. With the brand refresh, the first in the 40-year history of the Firm, it aims to ensure its first impression delivers on the reality of what Diya, Fatimilehin & Co really brings to bear. Trust is a major currency in the real estate industry. Clients want assurance they are being provided real value from a dependable provider and this is a central Diya, Fatimilehin and Co difference.

According to the Founding Partner, Mr. Gboyega Fatimilehin, who addressed Journalists recently about the brand refresh, “We are the same company that people have come to trust and count on for solutions; we are only redressing to reflect our ongoing transformation to always deliver value to our clients through innovation, agility and dynamism,” said Idowu Bakare, Partner/Head of Practice.

The new logo maintains a very similar orange colour but the icon has changed for a fresher, more modern and versatile look and feel. In addition to the new logo, the firm has made subtle changes to its mission and vision statements.

Their Mission is: To be the first choice for real estate services delivered through consistent client support and the provision of comprehensive real estate solutions.

The company’s Vision is: To enable our clients and people to enhance wealth through innovative real estate solutions that assure value accretion.

“The market has evolved, our teams have evolved, our identity should also evolve. As we enter our 5th decade, we are seizing the opportunity to exhibit a stronger, more urgent capacity to evolve, and add vitality to our relationships”, said Gboyega Fatimilehin, Founding Partner. “Today we build on our history and are presenting a modern platform to meet the needs of all generations of real estate services consumers and are building a future-centric brand that outlives us all.”

The full roll-out of the new visual identity would be phased across all branches of the Firm and as it commemorates its 40th Anniversary in May 2023.

Diya, Fatimilehin & Co is a leading real estate services provider with more than 40 years of experience providing property agency, property management, valuation, and advisory services to governments, corporations and individuals. We are committed to being the trusted, reliable, strategic partners to our clients, providing best-

in-class, end-to-end strategies and solutions on a modern platform.

The Founding Partner said Diya, Fatimilehin & Co was established in 1983 with the vision to build an indigenous, professionally managed, and solutions-focused real estate firm. We challenged ourselves to always deliver the best results no matter the circumstance. Over the last few years, in the face of changing market dynamics and economic conditions, we have diligently safeguarded our fundamentals of trust, reliability and delivery. On the cusp of our 40th decade in business we realise that while our history is rich with organisational and industry transformations, our visual identity has not changed over the past 4 decades. The disruption caused by the pandemic of 2020 made clear to us that while our essence, our DNA, which brought us to where we are, should remain unchanged; we must also chart a bold and new course for the future. Today we announce a refresh of our brand identity and launch a new logo. This refresh gives Diya, Fatimilehin & Co a new visual identity that tells our story and is aligned with our strategy. With this ‘refresh’ we want to ensure our first impression delivers on the reality of what Diya, Fatimilehin & Co really brings to bear. “Trust is a major currency in our industry, our clients want assurance they are being provided with real value and a reliable service from a dependable service provider.

This is a central Diya, Fatimilehin and Co difference – Trusted, Reliable, Strategic Partners; Providing Best-In-Class, End-To-End Strategies And Solutions Through A Modern Platform. In addition to the new logo, we have made changes to our mission and vision statements. MISSION To be the first choice for real estate services delivered through consistent client support and the provision of comprehensive real estate solutions. VISION To enable our clients and people to enhance wealth through innovative real estate solutions that assure value accretion. The market has evolved, our people and teams have evolved, our identity should also evolve. As we enter our 5th decade we are seizing the opportunity to exhibit a stronger, more urgent capacity to evolve, and add vitality to our relationships. We are a unique Firm. Our assignment is to be dynamic and innovative in our practice to the benefit of our present and future clientele. “Our goal is to make their experience with us exceptional and profitable, with no exceptions. We are a learning organization that prides itself in the continuous training of our employees and empower them to deliver to a world class standard. Thereby Ensuring Our Legacy of Excellence. Today we build on our history and are presenting a modern platform to meet the needs of all generations of real estate services consumers and are building a future-centric brand that outlives us all.”

Companies Underestimate Cyber Security’s Role as Business Revenue-enabler, Says Study

Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, recently released new research* revealing that while global organisations plan to increase cybersecurity budgets in 2023, 90% of African companies have neglected to put cybersecurity protocols in place.

Zaheer Ebrahim, MEA at Trend Micro, says that “Organisations would do well to reconsider the importance of cybersecurity, especially if they want to optimise their investments in this area. Cybersecurity isn’t just about keeping data and other related resources safe. It has a clear impact on winning new business and recruiting top talent. With this in mind, it is vital that we change perceptions around cybersecurity, especially amongst corporate leaders.”

Inadequate cybersecurity measures are placing an enormous cost on businesses in South Africa: in Kenya, this stands at $36million; while

figures in Nigeria and South Africa stand at $500million and $570million respectively.

Trend Micro’s research shows that these costs affect various areas. A fifth (19%) of the global Business Decision Makers (BDMs) surveyed in the company’s research admitted that a lack of security measures impacted their ability to win new business, while 81% worry that it will do so in future. This comes as nearly three-quarters (71%) of BDMs admit they’re being asked about security posture in negotiations with prospects and suppliers. And 78% say these requests for information are increasing in frequency. This apparent contradiction in attitudes is laid bare by another finding. Despite prospects and suppliers clearly

prioritizing security in negotiations, only 57% of BDMs perceive there to be a strong or very strong connection between cyber and client acquisition/satisfaction.

Talent acquisition is another area where there are clear gaps in BDMs’ understanding of the interconnectivity between cybersecurity and the rest of the business.

Nearly three-quarters (71%) of respondents claim that the ability to work from anywhere has become vital in the battle for talent. Yet only around two-fifths understand the strong connection between cybersecurity and employee retention (42%) and talent attraction (43%).

That’s despite respondents recognising the impact of cyber on the employee experience: 83% say current security policies have affected remote employees’ ability to do their jobs (eg. network and information access issues, and slowing the pace of work) 43% say current security policies place restrictions on employees’

ability to work from anywhere. 54% say current policies restrict what devices/platforms employees can choose to use. These findings point to BDMs’ lack of understanding of the relationship between cybersecurity and other parts of the organisation. This is borne out by further statistics: half of respondents (51%) claim cybersecurity is a necessary cost but not a revenue contributor, while a similar share (48%) argue that its value is limited to attack/ threat prevention. Nearly a fifth (38%) even see security as a barrier rather than a business enabler.

In spite of misperceptions around the impact of cybersecurity on the business in its entirety, nearly two-thirds (64%) of BDMs say they plan to increase security investment in 2023; a sign that industry sentiment may be changing.

*Trend Micro commissioned Sapio Research to poll 2718 business decision-makers in companies with 250+ employees across 26 countries.

Some homes in Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate

RATES AS AT APRIL 17,2023

Nigeria Produces 115m Barrels, 75% of Budget

Benchmark in Q1 Amid Struggling Oil Output

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Amid Nigeria’s crude oil production struggle, the country managed to drill 115 million barrels of the commodity in the first quarter of 2023, a THISDAY review of industry data has shown.

In all the country’s output was 39 million barrels in January, 36.5 million barrels in February and 39.3 million barrels in March, data sourced from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) indicated.

However, when condensate which is excluded from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries

(OPEC) computation is added, the country’s total production for the period jumped to 136.6 million barrels in the first three months of 2023.

The output during the period when condensate was added was distributed as 46.3 million barrels, 43.3 million barrels and 47 million barrels in January, February and March respectively.

However, when benchmarked against the OPEC quota of 1.8 million barrels per day allocated to Nigeria during the period, the organisation expected the country to produce 162 million barrels as against the 115 million barrels actual output realised.

The country’s production of 115 million barrels instead of the OPEC quota of 162 million barrels thereby left a deficit of 47 million barrels during the period under consideration.

This means that Nigeria was only able to produce about 70 per cent of its OPEC quota in Q1, 2023, but a significant improvement on the estimated 60 per cent it drilled in most part of 2022 when production fell to a record low.

But when measured against the country’s budget benchmark, the actual output figure jumped markedly, hitting 75.6 per cent production of the self-imposed

1.69 million barrels per day in the 2023 budget. This totalled 115 million barrels out of the 152 million barrels expected during the period.

Most of the oil came from improvements in production from Forcados, which produced 6.8 million barrels, 6.9 million barrels and 5.7 million barrels respectively for the first three months of the year.

In addition, Excravos terminal had a relatively stable output during the period, churning out 4.7 million barrels, 4 million barrels and 4.3 million barrels in January, February and March respectively to add a marked improvement in the country’s output profile.

Qua Iboe did not also do badly, producing 4.7 million barrels, 4.1 million barrels and 4.2 million barrels separately in the first quarter of the year.

Bonny also improved with 1.6 million barrels, 2.1 million barrels and 3.2 million barrels production in January, February and March respectively. There was no production at all at the Aje, Asaramatoru, Ajapa, terminals as well as the Anambra basin.

Besides, Oyo, Ukpokiti and Ima did not produce any oil in the first quarter of 2023. No reason was given for this development by the NUPRC.

At the Brass terminal in Bayelsa,

production fell from 933,061 to 666,826 between February and March, but rose at the d d terminal from 2.9 million barrels to 3.3 million barrels while Tulja-Okwuibome increased marginally from 1 million barrels to 1.1 million barrels between February and March.

Nigeria has been unable to meet its OPEC production quota for over two years, thereby hobbling the country’s main source of foreign exchange and putting immense pressure on the local currency, the naira, against the American dollar. The challenge has been mainly

Nigeria, Other African Countries to Benefit from AfDB’s Six-year Fertilizer Strategic Plan

Gilbert Ekugbe

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has stated that its Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM) strategic plan 2022-2028 is committed to mobilising funds to support the availability and appropriate use of fertilizer on the continent.

The move is apt especially at a time when Small Holder Farmers (SHFs) are grappling with high cost of farm inputs as a result of the unending Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The AFFM strategic plan 2022-2028 prioritises broadening access to finance through capital investments and policy reforms where technical assistance will also

be provided to boost smallholder farmers’ access and appropriate fertilizer.

This was the crux of the meeting when 11 institutional members of the he AFFM’s governing council participated in a hybrid meeting hosted at the bank’s headquarters in Abidjan.

They were the African Union

Commission, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), International Fertilizer Development Center, the African Export and Import Bank, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, International Fertilizer Association, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, the Pan African Farmers Organization, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Agriculture,

the AfDB and the AFFM Secretariat.

The council members, however, congratulated the AFFM for successfully delivering trade credit guarantee projects in Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

The AfDB’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, Beth Dunford, said that the AFFM is one of the

important vehicles for achieving the Bank’s Feed Africa Strategy objectives.

“It is no surprise that AFFM has been instrumental in supporting the implementation of the bank’s African Emergency Food Production

FOOD COMMODITIES PRICE TODAY

S&P Survey: OPEC Crude Oil Production Dropped by 300,000 Bpd in March Amid Russian Sanctions

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Crude oil production from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies fell by 300,000 barrels per day in March as sanctions hit Russian output, the latest Platts survey by S&P Global

Commodity Insights, has found. OPEC production decreased 60,000 bpd to 28.97 million bpd, while non-OPEC allies saw output fall by 240,000 bpd to 13.40 million bpd in March, S&P stated. Production in the largest nonOPEC producer in the group, Russia,

fell by 260,000 bpd to 9.6 million bpd in March. This followed the introduction of G7 price caps and EU import bans on most Russian crude and oil products from December, 5, 2022, and February 5, respectively. The restrictions are part of Western sanctions imposed in response to

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russian officials said previously that the country will cut crude output by 500,000 bpd from February levels from March until the end of 2023. They said that this is in order to reduce the discount on Russian crude and to stabilise deliveries. Sanctions

FG, Devt Partners Collaborate to Improve Animal Feed Policy, Feed Value Chain

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is partnering with development partners to improve the nation’s animal feed policy, feed value chain, feed quality control and safety.

The move, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, would help to reduce the cost of production and skyrocketing prices in the animal feed industry.

Abubakar revealed this at the 2nd National Animal Feed Summit held in Abuja.

He stated that the theme of the summit, which was “Harnessing Alternative Feed Resources for Sustainable Animal Feed Supply,” aligned with the aspirations and agenda of the federal government to improve the animal feed policy, feed value chain, feed quality control and safety, National Strategic Feed Reserve amongst others.

The minister pointed out that the role of animal feed in Nigeria’s agriculture sector is critical as it would provide essential nutrients and support for livestock and production.

He noted that the animal feed market was characterised by a mix of small and large

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Correspondents

Emmanuel Addeh (Energy)

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporters

Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT)

Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Ugo Aliogo (Development)

scale, traditional and modern methods coupled with challenges such as lack of access to credit and markets, low investment in research and development.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, who was represented by the Director Fisheries and Aquaculture, Dr. Imeh Umoh, revealed that the animal feed industry in Nigeria was far from

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Chevron Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Wirth, was paid $23.6 million in 2022, a 4 per cent increase from the prior year while the median annual compensation for the oil giant’s employees fell 12 per cent, a securities filing has shown.

In addition to sky-high energy prices, cost-cutting measures

meeting national sufficiency in production.

Umakhihe argued that Nigeria was known to produce an average of 5.5million tonnes per annum comprising 85 per cent poultry feeds, and has the potential to grow not less than 50million metric tonnes per annum, if the commercial ruminant and swine feeding sub-sectors were harnessed.

In his goodwill message, the Managing Partner, Sahel

Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition, Mr. Temi Adegoroye, said: “As we gather here today, we must leverage our comparative advantage to proffering solutions to the challenges in the animal feed. As we continue to experience the impact of climate change in Agriculture activities, we need to explore sustainable practices in animal feed production to guarantee farmers access to affordable feed all year round.”

are expected to further hit Russian output in coming months.

Nigeria recorded its first crude oil production decline in six months in March this year, first time since output nearly fell to 900,000 barrels per day in September last year, data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), showed.

The country’s production declined to 1.26 million bpd during the month, indicating a 2.9 per cent decrease from the over 1.3 million bpd recorded in February.

The figure released by the nation’s upstream regulatory agency differed markedly from an earlier Reuters survey which stressed that Nigeria was nearing its 1.6 million barrels per day target in the first quarter of 2023.

While the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production allocation to Nigeria remains at about 1.8 million bpd, the country’s output in February was roughly 1.3 million bpd, still short of the cartel’s expectation.

But the S&P survey stated that recovery in Kazakhstan’s production partially offset Russia’s significant drop in production on the non-OPEC side.

In contrast, OPEC’s biggest producer, Saudi Arabia, saw production hold relatively steady at 10.45 million bpd in March, down just 10,000 bpd from February. Stronger exports were supported by draws from inventories, while the Jazan refinery ramped up runs, the survey found.

Hyde Energy Steps up LPG, Lubricant Supplies with New Investments

including payroll reductions helped Chevron’s profit more than double in 2022 to a record $36.5 billion, Reuters reported. The median annual compensation for Chevron employees last year dropped to $161,488, the report noted. Under a new metric required by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Wirth’s “actual compensation

paid” rose 60 per cent to $86.7 million when equity awards, pension benefit adjustments and other compensation were factored in.

Chevron said the figure did not represent Wirth’s actual realised compensation as it includes equity-based awardsthe value of which is not known until options are exercised or stock is sold.

IEA Forecasts Tight Oil Market In H2, 2023

Peter Uzoho

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has said that the global oil market could see tightness in the second half of 2023, which would push oil prices higher.

Executive Director of IEA, Fatih Birol, made the prediction as oil prices surged above $80 since the beginning of the month, after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and

allies including Russia known as the OPEC+ surprised markets with an announcement of voluntary production cuts of 1.66 million barrels per day (bpd) from May until the end of 2023.

International benchmark Brent futures traded at about $87 a barrel last week, and US crude futures traded at about $83 a barrel.

Speaking at the Columbia Global Energy Summit in New York, he, however, stated that

next winter was expected to be challenging for the region in terms of energy supplies.

Global markets have restructured after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, prompting sanctions on Russian energy that forced countries to look elsewhere for barrels.

Birol noted that Europe was particularly susceptible to declines in Russian supply, but a milder winter helped avoid a worst-case scenario this year.

NIGERIA PRODUCES 115M BARRELS, 75% OF BUDGET BENCHMARK IN Q1 AMID STRUGGLING OIL OUTPUT

attributed to crude oil theft and massive pipelines vandalism in the Niger Delta as well as years of underinvestment in the oil and gas sector.

Erstwhile Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, recently said Nigeria was working towards meeting its OPEC crude oil production quota of 1.8 million bpd by the end of May 2023.

He noted that the inability of Nigeria to meet the current OPEC quota was not due to lack of production capacity on the part of crude oil producers, but because

a lot of producers decided not to inject into the pipelines because they were losing a lot of their production to theft and vandalism.

“Once we are able to build enough confidence in the security of the pipelines, they (producers) will then be able to inject into the pipelines once again and once that happens, we will be able to meet our OPEC quotas. That is where we are going and the early signals are there that we are making very good progress.

“Our pipelines have issues and we have put a security structure in

place involving the communities, security personnel, oil companies and government and we are beginning to see some early signs of improvement,” he stated.

In addition, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, has stressed that Nigeria’s production issues were peculiar, but noted that the country was surmounting them gradually.

“Nigeria has a different challenge from the rest of the world, as security issues have undermined production.

Hyde Energy Limited, a global energy trading company in the downstream, has intensified efforts with strategic investments and campaigns in its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and lubricant businesses aimed to increase availability of the two products in the market.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hyde Energy Limited, Mr. Oladimeji Edwards, disclosed this during a media parley in Lagos, saying the company, which began operation in 2013 had secured significant market share and had made huge investment to expand its footprints.

Currently delivering 150,000 litres of lubricants monthly into the market up from 5000 litres sold in a quarter in the first year, and having achieved first 1 million kilogramme LPG delivery milestone in 2022, Edwards said the company looked to further deepen the penetration of

the two products into the market. According to him, the Hyde Luminor brand, which has always been described as unassailable, has penetrated the hearts of a few Nigerians since its unveiling in 2017.

He said over the next six months, the company would be performing a relaunch of the products with new labels, new bottles, and a new winning strategy coming into Lagos.

He said: “We have not really been popular in Lagos. We have mostly been operating in the Southwest, Abuja, the East and Calabar, which is where we get most of our volumes.

“ But you will be hearing more and more of the Hyde Luminor brand going forward in weeks and months ahead. And we entered into partnership with key people that would help us penetrate the market and work with mechanics and stockists so that they can enjoy and know about us.”

NIGERIA, OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES TO BENEFIT FROM AFDB’S SIX-YEAR FERTILIZER STRATEGIC PLAN

building

To scale up its trade credit guarantee investments, the AFFM has developed a pipeline of projects for implementation in 2023. These will be rolled out in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

The council has endorsed the AFFM annual report for 2022 and the work program and budget for 2023.

Ahead of the 2023 Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit (AFSH), scheduled for June and July 2023 in Dakar, Senegal, Amb. Josefa Sacko, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment and chair of the AFFM Governing Council, said

that AFFM must be strengthened to support the implementation of decisions that would emerge from the summit.

The Head of Rural Development Division at the African Union Commission, Ms. Janet Ademe, spoke on Amb. Sacko’s behalf. The processes of sustainable production, distribution, use and management of fertilizers and soil health are critical for the transformation of African agriculture. All of these call for AFFM to undertake its function to avail appropriate financing instruments, which will allow the private sector to invest, and for our farmers to have access and appropriately use this important input in African agriculture.

Gilbert Ekugbe

Peter Uzoho

Despite Employee Compensation F all, Chevron CEO Pay Rose 4% to $23.6m in 2022

Tackling Manpower Shortage in Power Industry

At several fora, operators in the power sector have raised the alarm over the shortage of engineers needed to solve energy challenges in Nigeria.

While several other sectors suffer almost the same fate, it’s easily noticed in the electricity supply value chain because of its critical nature and how it powers every other segments of the economy.

SKILLS GAP

The skills gap is obvious. For instance, a senior engineer in the sector, John Ayodele at the 11th Ralph Alabi Memorial Lecture organised by the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Lagos as far back as 2020, said the trend was assuming a dangerous dimension, which must be tackled through massive grooming of young engineers into the sector to address power challenges.

Speaking on the theme: “Challenges in Electricity Distribution in Nigeria: What Engineers Should do Differently,” he traced the scarcity of power engineers to around year 2000 with the decline sustained since then.

He called for measures and massive education to ensure that more young engineers see the need for specialisation in the power arm of the profession to bridge the skills gap.

“There is a deficit of competent electrical/ electronic engineers to solve the problem. Most of our undergraduates do not have power background and it is usually difficult to indoctrinate them,” he lamented.

Other stakeholders at one point or the other have raised danger of allowing the same issue continue.

At the graduation ceremony of the second set of students from Momas Electrical Meters Manufacturing Companies Limited (MEMMCOL) Metering School in Lagos, sometime ago, Chairman of MEMMCOL,

Mr. Kola Balogun, while lamenting the situation, highlighted inadequate manpower as one of several factors responsible for the widening metering gap in Nigeria.

TAKING UP THE GAUNTLET

Taking a cue and in an attempt to fill the gaping vacuum, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), started a scheme to close the skills gap in the industry. The internship programme, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, THISDAY learnt, focuses on career growth and development for the Nigerian engineering graduates to work and learn for a period of twelve months.

In addition participants are selected from the six geopolitical zones, giving the young professionals an opportunity

to garner experience across the power value chain.

Besides, they are given an opportunity to move and work across different departments of power plants within the power plant during the period in order to close the skills gap in the sector.

UPSKILLING THE SECTOR

It was in furtherance of this that as part of efforts to boost manpower capacity for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), NDPHC, engaged 36 fresh engineering graduates for the one year internship programme.

The company said the move, which would become annual, is intended to offer hands-on opportunity to young Nigerian engineering graduates for a possible career path in the power industry.

Recall that Nigeria with a population of 200 million people generates under 5,000 Megawatts of power. The country is also rated one of the poorest in the world in terms of power supply. According to the World Bank, one out every 10 persons globally without access to electricity lives in Nigeria.

During an orientation ceremony for the interns, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, NDPHC, Nkechi Mba explained that the 36 interns were selected from the six geopolitical zones across the country with each zone producing six.

Mba noted that the concept of the internship programme will give beneficiaries access practical knowledge which would be difficult to find elsewhere, given the robustness of the assets of the organisation.

“This will enable graduates of engineering to have practical experience because we found out over the years that we had the best resources in NDPHC in terms of power sector engineering knowledge and we wanted to pass that on.

“And also , we want to help young engineering graduates to be able to access that knowledge that would give them an advantage in trying to find jobs in the sector or finding a career path.

“It is not really a recruitment exercise but because NDPHC has the largest power sector assets, the programme gives the graduates an advantage,” she stressed.

Also speaking, the Executive Director, Generation, Mr. Kassim Abdullahi said the interns would be sent to Calabar, Benin, Sapele and Omotosho power plants to gain hands-on experience.

NOTE: The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Like most sectors in the Nigerian economy, the power sector is to a large extent under-skilled, a gap that easily reflects in the state of the industry in the country. Emmanuel writes on the efforts to close this gap.

Bank of Industry Group’s Total Assets Hits N2.38trn, PBT Up 15.6%

Seriki Adinoyi

The Bank of Industry Group has announced that it delivered an outstanding financial and developmental performance result in the year ended 31st December 2022, despite the headwinds that followed the COVID-19 induced recession in 2020.

The bank continued its growth in major financial indices on a year-on-year basis, thus consolidating its position as Nigeria’s largest and most impactful Development Finance Institution. The group’s total asset crossed the N2 trillion mark in 2022 to N2.38 trillion, indicating a 39.2 per cent growth when compared with the preceding year.

“This significant leap was achieved following the successful conclusion of three landmark capital raising transactions in the year, worth €1.85 billion (about $2 billion) from the international financial markets. Gross earnings grew by 15.4 percent to N212.96 billion in 2022 from N184.55 billion in 2021. In the same vein, interest income from both customer loans and investments improved by 21.1 percent in 2022 to N212.96 billion from N175.83 billion in the previous year.

“Also, profit before tax rose by 15.6 percent to N71.99 billion in the year, from N62.28 billion in 2021 due to remarkable growth in interest income and other income lines; alongside

the reduction in impairment charges. Total equity grew by 11.7 percent to N429.83 billion from N384.85 billion in 2021, while loans and advances improved by 3.2 percent to N805.46 billion from N780.48 billion in 2021, “BOI said.

In its developmental impact, the bank said it disbursed the sum of N210.7 billion to 418,436 beneficiaries in the year, through both direct and indirect lending platforms, as well as through funds it manages on behalf of its strategic partners.

“The three key capital raising transactions in the year from the international financial market included the bank’s maiden Eurobond of €750 million, which was concluded in February 2022.

It was the first of its kind in several ways to the bank, the country and Africa. This deal was the bank’s first Eurobond transaction, as well as the first Euro-denominated Eurobond transaction in Nigeria. The transaction was also the first Eurobond transaction that was covered by Nigeria’s sovereign guarantee, and also represent the first of its kind by a national Development Finance Institution in Africa.

“This transaction earned the bank, the Agency Bond Deal of the Year award at the 2023 Awards event of the Bonds, Loans and ESG Capital Markets in Capetown, South Africa. The second was the €1

billion guaranteed senior loan facility, which was concluded in August of 2022. This deal also represents the first of its kind, by any Nigerian financial institution, both in terms of its size and structure. Through this transaction, the bank was not only able to raise liquidity, but was also able to diversify its funding sources by attracting new lenders, despite the fact that the international capital markets were prohibitively expensive and shut to many borrowers at the time.

“A €100 million line of credit from the French Development Agency (AFD) was also concluded in August 2022. Through this credit facility, the bank was able to expand its financing interventions in environmentallyfriendly and green projects. A grant of €2.5 million was also included in this deal to support capacity building for both our staff and customers, “it said.

According to the bank, it’s intervention programmes in the year, which traversed several sectors and segments of the Nigerian economy, did not only contribute significantly to our national goals of economic recovery and job creation, “but also empowered Nigerian businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises to remain in operations in a sustainable manner.”

FCCPC Grants ‘MyCashier’ Approval to Operate as Fintech

Sunday Ehigiator

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has approved the operations of ‘MyCashier’, also known as, Fast-Point Integrated, as a financial technology (Fintech) licensed non-bank lending financial institution.

In a statement, the company said the approval followed the investigation by the Inter-Agency Joint Task Force on the Digital Lending Apps, after which the FCCPC mandated the registration of money lenders to the Limited Interim Regulatory Framework

and Guidelines for Digital Lending 2022.

FCCPC said the objective of the framework was to enhance transparent, fair, and beneficial alternative lending options in Nigeria. The criteria used in granting the approvals include legitimacy; compliance with applicable regulatory requirements; lawful source of funds and conformity with anti-money laundering and data protection laws.

Commenting on the development, the Head of Marketing and Communications, Fast-Point Integrated, Olanike Adenuga said: “At Fast Point we adhere to good corporate governance

MARKET INDICATORS

practice, ensuring the security of investments and this has made us one of the most reliable and trusted financial institutions in Nige ria.

“This approval further demonstrates our commitment to our mission to empower our customers to be financially smart by providing easy loans and other financial services to meet their financial objectives. We believe that access to affordable loans and other financial services is a fundamental human right. A strong step we have taken to achieve this is to build MyCashier.”

CITN, ICAN, Others Urged to Synergise for Effective Policy Making

Sunday Okobi

Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has been called upon to work in synergy with other professional financial bodies in Nigeria, including ICAN, in order to attain effective policy making, policy strategy, and implementation in the system.

The call was made at the weekend by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Courteville Business Solution Plc, Dr. Adebola Akindele, when a team of CITN members paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Lagos, led by the CITN President, Mr. Adesina Adedayo.

Akindele stated that almost every ICAN member also has some connections or relationship with CITN

and other bodies, adding that rather than fighting one another for supremacy, by the time they work together, the result would be a lot better.

In the same vein, he frowned at the inability of the Nigerian Government to make use of the country’s robust resources available to better the lives of the people, lamenting that the government is not getting the right plugs in the right holes in fixing strategies, executing projects, implementing policies, and even designing the direction of the policies, as he added that the country can’t move forward in such situation. “You need to have the right people in the right places regardless of their ‘political leanings’, even as a professional too,”

Akindele said.

Speaking, the CITN President, Mr. Adesina Adedayo. Who, alongside his executives visited Akindele, a stakeholder, to notify him of their upcoming conference taking place in Abuja from May 8 to 12, said the visit was very significant, as it gave them ample opportunity to meet their stakeholder(s) who are equally their members, “and who have shown themselves successful in the industry, and in so many areas outside the core practice of taxation.

“We need to engage them because there is so much space for us to have feedback on what we are doing right, the areas we are doing right, and see how we can improve over the years, “he said.

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

OPEC

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $84.37 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $84.59 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 8 MARCH, 2023

L - R: Chief Executive Officer, Pitch Travels, Eric Briggs; Head of Category Personal Care and Beauty Africa, PZ Cussons, Gbenga Akindele; Head, Brand and Stakeholder Management at First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Yinka Ijabiyi; former SO&U Staff member, Yinka Sumonu; Group Managing Director, SO&U, Udeme Ufot and Chief Executive Officer, COPE Leadership Consulting, Dr. Olukayode Olusunmade during the SO&U 33rd Anniversary Logo unveil cocktail event in Lagos...recently

Stock Market Depreciates by N418bn on Sell-off in MTN Nigeria, 17 Others

Kayode Tokede

The stock market segment of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday, started the week in negative territory with N418 billion loss, spearheaded by losses in MTN Nigeria Communications, among 17 others.

The NGX All-Share Index declined by 766.56 basis points or 1.48 per cent, to close at 51,127.38 basis points from 51,893.94 basis points it opened for trading.

Consequently, the overall market capitalisation value lost N418 billion to close at N27.850 trillion from N27.850trillion it closed for trading last week.

On sectoral performance, the NGX Banking index dropped by 5.5per cent and NGX Insurance index was down by 0.1per cent, while the NGX Oil & Gas Index and Industrial Goods indices closed flat.

The NGX Consumer Goods index appreciated by 0.1per cent,

the sole gainer of the day. The market breadth was negative as 18 stocks lost relative to 16 gainers.

International Energy Insurance led the losers’ chart by 6.98 per cent to close at N1.20, per share. MTNN followed with a decline of 6.67 per cent to close at N224.00, while Transcorp Hotels lost 5.80 per cent to close at N6.50, per share.

Africa Prudential declined 5.45 per cent to close at N5.20, while

AIICO Insurance shed 5.08 per cent to close at 56 kobo, per share. On the other hand, Ikeja Hotel recorded the highest price gain of 9.48 per cent to close at N1.27, per share.

Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) followed with a gain of 9.47 per cent to close at N1.85 and Consolidated Hallmark Insurance up by 8.77 per cent to close at 62 kobo, per share.

Nigerian Exchange Group

rose by 8.16 per cent to close at N26.50, while Jaiz Bank gained 5.68 per cent to close at 98 kobo, per share.

The total volume traded fell by 58.19 per cent to 226.594 million units, valued at N1.568 billion, and exchanged in 4,373 deals. Transactions in the shares of Transcorp topped the activity chart with 107.213 million shares valued at N162.832 million.

Fidelity Bank followed with 39.308 million shares worth

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF 17/04/23

N206.008 million, while United Bank for Africa (UBA) traded 22.603 million shares valued at N190.356 million.

Zenith Bank traded 20.614 million shares valued at N521.286 million, while FCMB Group transacted 12.611 million shares worth N47.830 million.

This week, United Capital Plc said “we expect mostly bearish sentiments in the market, supported by the illiquidity of the financial system.

19TH SYNOD OF EKITI ANGLICAN DIOCESE...

L-R:

Sanwo-Olu Reiterates Lagos Partnership with Norwegian Government, Companies

We’ll contribute to energy transition plan, foreign minister assures LASG

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated the state government’s commitment to further develop relationships and build partnerships with the Norwegian Government and companies in the area of energy, infrastructure and technology to create a thriving economy.

The governor said his govern-

ment was committed to ensuring clean energy, providing infrastructure, and investments in the technology, health, and educational sectors so that the state can continue to remain resilient.

Sanwo-Olu spoke yesterday, when he received the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anniken Huitfeldt and her entourage, on a

Ayu: Judge Adjourns Suit to April 28, Returns File to CJ

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

A Makurdi High Court yesterday, adjourned the suit seeking to remove the embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, to April 28, 2023.

Ayu was suspended by the PDP ward executive of his Igyorov ward of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, after passing a vote of no confidence him.

Justice Wilfred Kpochi had on March 27th, 2023, issued an interim order restraining Ayu from parading self as the National Chairman of the PDP, pending the hearing and determination of the suit with number: MHC/85/2023, filed by a member of the PDP, Conrad Terhide Utaan, seeking to remove Ayu as National Chairman of the party following his suspension by his ward executive.

When the matter came up yesterday, counsel to Ayu, J.J Usman, informed the court that he was withdrawing Ayu's preliminary objection and counter affidavit to the suit, filed on April 3rd, 2023.

Lead counsel to Utaan, Emmanuel Ukala, did not oppose the application for the withdrawal of the two processes. He, however, asked the court to award cost against Ayu as the plaintiff came prepared for hearing of the substantive suit.

Ukala, further informed the court that the defendants served him fresh processes while he was in court and that he would have to respond to the processes served on him.

He also submitted that counsels in the matter agreed that the preliminary objection and counter affidavit as well as the substantive suit be heard together on April 28th, 2023.

After listening to the submissions of counsels in the matter, the presiding judge, Justice Wilfred Kpochi adjourned the matter to April 28,2023 for hearing of the substantive suit.

He also informed parties in the matter that he would be returning the case file to the Chief Judge of Benue State to reassign to another judge as he was embarking on a national assignment at the elections petitions tribunal.

courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Marina.

A statement quoted the governor to have said the state had been pushing itself to tackling all its challenges, especially the ones that had affected its Gross Domestic Product over the years and appreciated Lagosians for believing in his administration.

“We have created an economy where investment is real, where there is the ease of doing business, both local and foreign, and they can believe in the stability of the State.

“Yes, we are sub-national but we want to continue to remain the destination of choice for investors. So, we are open to investments in new areas, especially in technology, which is one area, in which we know that all the unicorns have a career in Lagos. We want to become

the destination, where people can come and sort resources in terms of the skills that are required.

“We know that Norway, Finland and few others were the powerhouse for technology at a time but Nigeria also, especially Lagos, wants to develop that capability that we must be big, large and technology companies require young people who can actually come here and take charge.

“These are some of the economic drivers that we will see and we will continue to push in the next couple of years for our government so that the city can continue to remain resilience, forward-looking, and a safe home for all of the residents, citizens, and international markets and audience.”

Sanwo-Olu, who appreciated Huitfeldt for congratulating him

on his re-election victory, thanked every Lagosians for believing in his administration and giving him the democratic power to run for another four years.

“We are happy that at the end of the (gubernatorial) elections, the voice of the people, especially Lagosians was very loud and clear, and they gave us an overwhelming majority. It wasn’t an election in which anybody was in doubt.

“It was indeed a landslide victory; thanks to every Lagosian for believing in us again and giving us the constitutional and democratic power to run for another four years. We feel very humble,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Huitfeldt, also reinstated her country's support and cooperation toward Energy Transition Plan in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos.

“We are trying to do our best to support and improve the cooperation between the two countries in the area of Green Transaction. We will like to contribute to your action plan. We are looking forward to more business opportunities and areas we can collaborate with you,” she said.

She also congratulated SanwoOlu for being re-elected by Lagos residents during the March 18 gubernatorial election.

Huitfeldt was accompanied by Norway's Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Kuit Eiliv Lein; Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Vebjorn Dysvik; Norwegian Consul General in Nigeria, Taofik Adegbite; Deputy Director, Ms. Nini Halle; Senior Adviser, Ms. Ane Lunde and other top government officials from Norway.

Benue

Gov-elect’s

Aide Accuses Ortom’s Govt of Plotting to Frustrate Incoming Administration

Flays promotion of civil servants few days to hand over

George Okoh in Makurdi

A media aide to Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia, who is the Governor-elect of Benue State, Dr. Mkor Aondona, has accused the outgoing Governor Samuel Ortom’s government of deliberately planting political landmines intended to stifle the smooth take-off and progress of the new government when sworn-in. Aondona, made the assertion in a statement in Makurdi, yesterday.

But in a swift reaction, the Peoples Democratic Party’s state spokesman in the state, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, accused Aondona of seeking political favours.

Furthermore, Aondona said the rapid promotion of some civil servants to positions of Permanent Secretaries few days to handing and back dating same to create exponentially huge arrears of emoluments, hoping that when the new administration of Alia

Air Peace Restarts Makurdi Operations with Three Weekly Flights

Chinedu Eze

Air Peace yesterday resumed flights to Makurdi from Lagos and Abuja.

The relaunched flight which departed Lagos, connecting through Abuja, was welcomed at the Makurdi Airport with a ceremonial water salute, marking a comeback of the airline to Benue State after suspending the route in 2021.

"We're delighted to be back in Makurdi, providing connectivity between the city and Lagos/Abuja. We thank all the key aviation players and the Benue State Government for their support in ensuring this comeback," Ground Operations Manager, Air Peace, Ayodeji Adeyemi stated.

Air Peace would operate Makurdi three days weekly from Lagos and Abuja on the Embraer 145 aircraft.

The airline currently operates 20 domestic routes, seven regional and four international destinations, with an increasing modern fleet of 37 aircraft, including five brand new Embraer 195-E2s, and prospects for more acquisitions.

Air Peace would attain another milestone when it begins the first direct flight from Nigeria to the State of Israel on April 20, 2023.

This would be a great feat for the airline and a huge relief to Nigerians and Israelis who have to travel for 27 hours from Nigeria to Israel via other nations but direct flight between the two countries

would take just five hours.

Israeli government had confirmed that Air Peace’s inaugural flight to Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel-Aviv, Israel would be April 20, 2023.

Last month the airline launched nonstop flight services to Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra State in Southwestern India.

Air Peace had said it started with two weekly flight frequencies to Mumbai with plans to commence Delhi operations as soon as the Mumbai service garners significant momentum.

The Chief Operating Officer, Air Peace, Oluwatoyin Olajide had said: “The Mumbai route is our fourth international destination

and is strongly indicative of our unwavering commitment to continually expand our route network to meet the evolving travel needs of not only the Nigerian market but also the West African sub-region.

“This direct, nonstop Mumbai service is a respite to Nigerians and Indians who have to travel for so many hours to India with stopovers via other countries.

“Our Mumbai service is directmeaning no stopovers. So, you’re saving time, money and avoiding stopover stress. Also, we’re offering a launch fare of 450,000 naira. That’s unbeatable, especially considering that we’re deploying our comfy Boeing 777 aircraft, offering passengers best-in-class hospitality.”

comes in and refuses to pay, then the government would immediately start having problems with the civil service, was one of such landmines.

He further cited alleged mass recruitment of different categories of people into the Benue State civil service so that there would be disaffection when Alia’s government takes over and unable to pay civil servants and pensioners or if the government decides to sack civil servants as another case

He questioned the Ortom government on the rapid and gross rise in expenditure such as loan subsidies to Peoples Democratic Party’s political appointees in government.

“This is so that they can pay the loans that were guaranteed by government via Bank of Industry(BOI) to the same appointees which means they got the monies free if the same loans are now being sibsidised,” he added.

"Without recourse to any other matter, the burden of these loans will fall on the government of Rev. Fr. Alia.

"Indeed, it must also be noted that there are court garnishees that the outgoing PDP government has successfully negotiated and shifted hearing dates into the time that Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia will assume office and to this extent, the plan is that Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, will be bombarded with

garnishees running into billions of naira from law suits instituted by contractors, retirees and other stakeholders, thereby stifling the immediate desire of the incoming government to proactively and aggressively address the priorities that are contained in the blueprint of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

“Particularly, the immediate payment/clearance of salaries, arrears and gratuities owed civil servants and retirees as well as the rehabilitation of IDPs to their ancestral homes as contained in the acceptance speech of the governor-elect."

He called on Benue people to rise up and understand what the outgoing government was doing to the incoming government.

However, in his reaction, Iortyom, accused Aondona of seeking political favours.

He said anyone with some modicum of common sense understands that an incumbent administration was entitled to a full tenure of office till the day it formally leaves office.

"Your wailing that the lawful actions of government amount to landmines is as pathetic as your wailing the other day that people are coming to edge you out of the government you think is your entitlement in the anticipated administration," he said.

Former Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Mr Foluso Daramola; Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; Bishop of Ekiti Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Andrew Olusola Ajayi; his wife, Mrs Ajayi; Bishop of New Bussa, Kwara, Rt. Revd Israel Amoo, during the 19th Synod of Ekiti Anglican Diocese at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Ise –Ekiti... recently

Your wailing is pathetic, says PDP

FROM NORWAY WITH LOVE...

APGA: Alleged Forgery of Supreme Court's Judgment, Police Open Case against Njoku

The Nigeria Police yesterday, opened its forgery allegation suit against a factional National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Edozie Njoku and one Chukwuemeka Nwoga at a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Bwari, Abuja.

The Police had last year arraigned the two defendants on charges bordering on alleged forgery of a Supreme Court judgment delivered by Justice Mary Peter-Odili now retired, as well as her letterhead papers. But Njoku and Nwoga had denied the allegations, stating that the alleged forged documents formed part of an accidental slip corrected

by the apex court itself, adding that Justice Peter-Odili has also written to the police to that effect.

The apex court had on March 24, 2023, upon an application by Chief Edozie Njoku, regularised and amended the judgment of Justice Mary Peter Odili (rtd), delivered on May 9, 2022.

The five-member panel of justices led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun,

had in the judgment ordered the deletion of the name of Chief Victor Oye, from the said judgment and that it be replaced with that of Njoku.

However, at the resumed trial yesterday, the Police called its first Prosecution Witness (PW1), one Mr. Godwin Odu, who introduced himself as a Deputy National Secretary of APGA.

Before leading the witness in evidence, the prosecution lawyer, Mr. Ezekiel Rinasonte applied to withdraw the Police amended charge of February 6, adding that the prosecution would prefer to fall back on the initial charge of October last year.

"he was using to parade himself as National Chairman," led them to engage the police to investigate the matter.

10th Assembly:

Izunaso, Ned Nwoko Make Case for Igbo Senate Presidency

Barau Jibrin pledges to accept APC zoning

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

An aspirant for the position of the Senate President in the forthcoming 10th National Assembly, Senator Osita Izunaso and a senator-elect, Ned Nwoko, have canvassed the emergence of a South-east Senator to lead the red chamber.

They spoke at a forum organised by the Parliamentary Advocacy Network (PAN), as contained in a statement by the group's National Coordinator, Sunny Anderson Osiebe, made available to THISDAY in Abuja, yesterday.

Osiede, said his group met with some senators-elect and a member

of the House of Representatives members-elect who are seeking to contest as Speaker in the 10th Assembly..

He said Izunaso, during the engagement with him, stressed the need to give all parts of the country a sense of belonging.

The Senator said the diversity of the Nigerian nation was such that a lot of consideration ought to be given to various factors in the process of determining who gets what in the allocation of government offices.

He argued that experience, capacity, competence and other considerations such as ethnic and religious balancing must be factored

Governorship Election: Tribunal Orders

Substituted Service on Sanwo-Olu

Wale Igbintade and Steven Aya

The Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting at the Special Offences Court premises in Ikeja, has granted the motion ex-parte brought before it by the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate, Gbadebo Patrick Rhodes-Vivour, for a substituted service on the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu.

Rhodes-Vivour, had challenged the outcome of the March 18, governorship election in which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had declared Sanwo-Olu as the winner.

At the sitting of the tribunal yesterday, Rhodes-Vivour, and the Labour Party, through their counsel, Mr. Olagbade Benson, informed the tribunal that Sanwo-olu had been evading service of the petition by bailiff.

According to Benson, Sanwo-Olu

refused to collect the document from the bailiff when the court official got to his office to serve him.

The plaintiff in the petition marked, EPT/LAG/GOV/04/2023, is praying the court to grant the Petitioner/Applicant leave to serve the petition and other processes in the suit on the governor and his deputy through substituted means by posting same via DHL Courier Services or any other recognised courier service company to the Respondent’s official residence at Lagos House, Marina, Lagos.

The petitioners had challenged the outcome of the March 18 Governorship Election in Lagos State which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared SanwoOlu the winner.

The tribunal has received a total of 48 petitions in respect of the 2023 elections held on February 25 and March 11.

into the leadership selection process at the next National Assembly.

He also said he was presenting himself to his colleagues at the Senate as a loyal party man, lawyer, erstwhile journalist and former member of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for support to become the next President of the 10th Senate.

Also speaking on his ambition on the occasion, Senator Barau Jibrin, maintained that the legislature remained a special institution.

He said experience, exposure, capacity and an ability to navigate through the different ideas, competences and characters of various individuals that constitute its membership, were important in trying to determine who leads such an institution.

He specifically pointed out that some of the rules of each legislative body confer on its senior or ranking members certain advantages that

exclude new members.

The Kano Senator said he was in support of balancing of the leadership of various government offices along regional and religious lines, but stressed that a legislative house should be treated differently.

Jibrin said, "I will gladly accept the position of his party if at end of the campaigns and efforts to win the Senate Presidency, it is zoned to another region."

Nwoko, a senator-elect from Delta State, said it was important to state in no ambiguous terms where the position of President of the Senate ought to go in the 10th Senate.

He said the Igbo needed a sense of belonging in the Nigerian enterprise and that giving the south-east region the support to occupy the leadership of the Senate would be a succour to the zone that has continued to raise in the context of their perceived marginalisation in the current Nigeria political set-up.

Specifically, the amended charge has as 3rd defendant one Mrs Ogunseye Adebisi, said to be a Secretary to Justice Peter-Odili, who retired from the bench of the Supreme Court, last year.

Njoku and Nwoga were ab initio arraigned on a 14-count marked CR/12/2022 and dated October 21, 2022, over allegation of conspiring with others to forge judgment of the Supreme Court. However, after further investigation, the police filed a fresh 14-count amended charge dated February 6, 2023, which now included Justice Mary Peter Odili's Secretary, Mrs. Ogunseye Adebisi as the 3rd defendant.

However, the two defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Panam Ntui, did not object to the withdrawal of the amended charge.

Led in evidence, the witness narrated how he emerged as the party's Deputy National Secretary at a convention held in Awka on May 31, 2019.

"My Lord, after our convention, I emerged Deputy National Secretary and Victor Oye emerged after the 2019 convention as National Chairman.”

According to Odu, it was after the Awka convention on May 31, that Njoku, began to parade himself as new National Chairman of APGA.

The witness said the issue became subject of several litigations, which eventually got up to the Supreme Court, adding that their curiosity as to how Njoku got the judgment,

He said after the investigation, "We found out that the judgment he was using to parade himself as National Chairman was forged," consequent upon which he wrote the petition against the defendants. After a brief cross examination by Ntiu, counsel to the defendants, the witness was discharged from the witness box and the prosecution lawyer pleaded for a short adjournment to call more witnesses to prove its allegation.

In the absence of any objection to the request for adjournment the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Madugu fixed April 27, 2023, for continuation of trial.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the court session, Rinasonte, explained that the withdrawal of the amended charge was to enable them proceed with the trial since they couldn't serve the charge on Adebisi.

Besides, he disclosed that some of the staff of the litigation department of the Supreme Court and Mrs Adebisi will be called as prosecution witnesses.

But Njoku claimed that the police have found out the truth, and are looking for a way out of the suit.

"How can you say you are prosecuting someone over an allegation, which the Supreme Court has termed a "slip" and has subsequently corrected.

"I am not afraid of anybody; I am poised to pursue this case to a logical conclusion.

"Of course, the Supreme Court has addressed what they alleged to be forgery and I don't know what else the police is looking for,” he said.

Anambra Community Alleges Plot to Cause Unrest, Remove Monarch

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The leadership of Nimo community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State have accused few indigenes in the community of plot to cause unrest in the town.

The President General of the community, Mr. Ekenenna Okafor-Omabu, made the allegation in a statement made available to THISDAY in Awka, yesterday.

He also alleged that there were also plan to dethrone the monarch of the community, Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi.

The community had been faced with series of unrests, including a recent protest, over the alleged sale

of a piece of land, Owa Land, which is jointly owned by all indigenes.

Some members of the community, under the name of Nimo Leaders of Thought, led by a lawyer, Mr. Chux Okonkwo, had accused the leadership of the community of pocketing the proceeds of the sales Owa Land.

The protest by the group had caused a huge stir in the community with a detachment of security operatives storming the area and forcing the protesters to shelve their action.

But reacting to the protest, the president general, Okafor-Omabu in the press release said: "The move to develop Owa Land predates me as President General of Nimo, and

Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi, the Owelle of Nimo.

"During the tenure of the previous Owelle of Nimo, Igwe Okafor-Agilo, Nimo Community at a General Assembly meeting gave approval for the plotting and mapping of the Owa-land for development.

"Members of this committee carved out a portion of the Owa-Land and had it renamed as Obodo-Oma. They have been working tirelessly to actualize the dreams of Ndi Nimo. This committee has consulted Nimo General assembly at every stage."

The president general accused the protesters of plot to cause unrest in the community saying: "The agitators

have vowed to make the town ungovernable unless their untenable demands seeking the resignation or removal of both the Owelle of Nimo, the PG of Nimo, and other Leaders of the town are met.

"They have made series of unfounded accusations against the Leaders of Nimo. They have resorted to all kinds of shenanigans and unsavory actions and activities to upstage our institutions.

"The leaders of Nimo community remain focused on serving our people to the best of their ability. Nimo remains a peace loving town and we intend to keep it that way under our watch," Okafor-Omabu stated.

Alex Enumah in Abuja

L-R: Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Knut Eiliv Lein; Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Anniken Huitfeldt, and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Lagos House, Marina ... yesterday

UNILEVER/WECYCLERS PARTNERSHIP FOR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE...

L-R: Communications and Sustainable Business Lead, Unilever

Scores Feared Killed as Gunmen Invade Plateau Community

Stop the mass Killings in Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, NOSCEF urges

Unconfirmed number of persons were Sunday night reportedly killed, when some armed men invaded a community in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

This is as the Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF), has pleaded with security agencies to stop the attacks and mass killings by bandits in Benue, Taraba and the southern part of Kaduna State.

A source from the community said several persons were killed when the gunmen stormed the community at about midnight and opened fire on the people, causing pandemonium.

He added that several other persons were injured as they scampered to safety.

Confirming the sad incident, Director, Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Joseph Lengmang, expressed sadness, and described it as disturbing trend of deteriorating security situation in some parts of the state.

In a press statement, he lamented that the current attack was coming on the heels of pockets of attacks recorded in some parts of Barkin Ladi and Jos North LGA in the last few days.

He said the peace-building agency condemned the resurgence of violence, because of its potential to throw the entire state back into those dark days where human lives

and property were destroyed at the slightest provocation. While commiserating with affected persons and families, he prayed for the quick recovery of persons that sustained injuries.

He said the attacks on Murish village in Bokkos LGA and Jwak Mai Tumbi in Mangu LGA were orchestrated attempt to instil fear in the minds of the people as the rainy season sets in, to deter them from going to their farms.

He, therefore, urged security operatives to go after the assailants and make sure they were arrested and brought to book.

He also called on the traditional institutions in the affected communities to rise up to their responsibilities by prevailing on their subjects to tow the path of peace in resolving all issues of conflict through dialogue and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms rather than taking up arms that would only lead to a vicious cycle of internecine violence.

State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alfred Alabo, also confirmed the incident, saying there were reports that an attack took place in the communities, “but we do not have concrete information at the moment.”

But he added that the DPO and the Area Commander were on top of the situation.

Meanwhile, NOSCEF, in a statement yesterday by its chairman, Ejoga Inalegwu, condemned the

killings, noting that despite the security architecture in place, mass killings and wanton destructions by bandits were being perpetrated in communities in the three states without any counter efforts from the security forces. While calling on the security forces to check the ugly trend, he said, “NOSCEF is worried that the recent increasing wave of unchecked

and persistent killings in Benue, Taraba and Southern Kaduna by bandits/herdsmen is seeming to look like the parting gift of the Buhari administration to our people as it rounds up its 8-year rule.

“We are shocked that, with the security architecture in place, such wanton killings in such magnitude can be perpetrated without any counter from the security forces.

“We are, therefore, calling on the security forces to checkmate the ugly trend and go after those terrorising, killing, maiming people and destroying properties of citizens. We also appeal to all Nigerians to pray for God’s intervention in bringing to an end the new wave of killings across the states.”

On April 8, no fewer than 74 people were reportedly killed in

Benue State in two separate attacks by gunmen. In Taraba, over 50 people were reportedly killed in attacks that lasted for days by invading herdsmen.

Also, on Saturday, 32 people were reportedly killed while 30 houses were burnt in an attack by suspected herdsmen on a community in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, southern Kaduna.

INEC SUSPENDS ADAMAWA REC AS BINANI SEEKS JUDICIAL REVIEW OF HER ANNOUNCEMENT

the actions of an INEC official and not INEC itself.

But the PDP spokesman, Mr. Felix Tangwami, who led a peaceful protest march to INEC office in Yola, said the party and its supporters had been pushed to the wall in the delay of the supplementary poll.

The protesters carried placards bearing inscriptions, such as, “enough of supplementary saga”, “INEC declare the Adamawa governorship results now or never”, “we can no longer wait”, and “Adamawa REC must go”.

They said PDP supporters would be forced to take any decisive action after the expiration of the ultimatum.

Tangwami accused the REC of being partisan in the decision to announce the APC candidate winner of the election, even as the process of election was still on-going.

The protesters marched peacefully through some of the major streets of Yola, the state capital. They noted with regret the long process of the

supplementary election, adding that they would not sit back and watch some desperate politicians take power from them.

Shaibu, on his part, insisted that Ari’s actions were not different from what Yakubu did during the presidential poll. He said the national leadership of INEC could not pretend to be unaware of the many allegations hanging on the neck of the Adamawa State REC, adding that his suspension without arrest and prosecution is merely a slap on the wrist.

Shaibu stated, “It is crystal clear even to the blind that the Adamawa REC learnt well from the INEC chairman. INEC, as an organisation, from the top to the bottom is akin to Ali Baba and the 40 thieves. As a matter of fact, the baby goat learns to eat grass by diligently watching the mama devour the lush grass around them.

“Over a month ago, Sahara Reporters published an audio clip,

Oil Theft: Group Calls for Rivers NSCDC Commandant's Redeployment

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A group, Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC) Nigeria has called for the redeployment of the Rivers State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Michael Ogar, over alleged frustration of anti-oil theft campaign in the state.

The group made the call in a petition addressed to the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, dated April 15, 2023.

The petition was also copied to the Commandant General of NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi and the Senate President, Ahmed Lawal.

The petition signed by the Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, Mr.

Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, accused the NSCDC boss of allegedly frustrating federal government’s approved campaigns against crude oil theft, artisanal refineries and environmental management efforts in Rivers.

Fyneface, in the petition said since the Rivers NSCDC Commandant was posted to the State Command, he has been allegedly frustrating all efforts on advocacy against oil theft.

The petition which was attached with several letters sent to the Rivers State Command of NSCDC, briefed the Minister of the YEAC's contributions to the war against pipeline vandalism and oil theft in Rivers and the Niger Delta region.

Part of the petition read: "This

petition demands for the immediate redeployment of Mr. Michael Besong Ogar, NSCDC commandant from Rivers State for failing to perform his duties, abuse of office, embarrassing the NSCDC, casting the country’s image in bad light before international community by chasing foreigners from his office, continuous frustration of federal government and President Muhammadu Buhari approved campaign against crude oil theft, artisanal refineries and environmental management efforts in Rivers State.

"Since Mr. Ogar was posted to the Rivers State Command, he has been frustrating our efforts to partner with the NSCDC on this advocacy as he neither responds to letters sent

to him requesting interviews nor allow us access to him and his office for official public engagement.”

It added: "He also does not grant permission to the Command’s PRO to speak to us as it has manifested on many occasions so far, and for which I am now complaining about in this petition and demanding for his redeployment for negligence of duty.

"For instance, on July 19, 2022, I sent a letter (please find a copy attached below) to the Rivers State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Ogar but till today, he has not responded to the letter therefore frustrating our advocacy efforts in the fight against oil theft in Rivers State and neglecting his duties.

where the Adamawa REC was heard directing an election official, Hammajam Mohammed, to rig the governorship election in favour of Binani.

“In the leaked audio, Yunusa told Mohammed to do everything humanly possible to make Binani win. He told the electoral official that he was instructed by a higher authority to make Binani win. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri complained severally about the compromised REC but INEC did nothing about it.

“Despite having over one month to prepare for this supplementary poll, INEC retained this compromised REC, who went ahead to undermine the election once more. From all that has happened, it is obvious that Yunusa-Ari was acting on orders from above and that was why Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s warnings were ignored.

“This carefully orchestrated action is a reflection of the electoral heist of February 25, 2023, when the INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, decided to announce Bola Tinubu of the APC as winner despite the many irregularities and complaints from several opposition parties. Indeed, Yunusa-Ari acted like his father and boss, Mahmood Yakubu.”

Similarly, the coalition of civil society organisations, which requested that the REC and others must be punished, called for the public transmission of all election tribunal proceedings to ensure transparency and public participation through their comments.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Lead Director of Speak Out Africa Initiative, Kenneth Eze, said what happened in the Adamawa State supplementary governorship election was despicable, adding that there must be consequences to avoid a repeat of such public shame.

Eze stated, “What happened is a public shame. It shows the rot in the election management body. The

REC did not act alone. Look at the video clips. You will see the REC surrounded by the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the State Security Service. This shows that the system is in support of what happened.

“What happened is that the INEC headquarters cannot give what it does not have. It is like the goat chewing cord and the small ones watching. The INEC chairman did his own in Abuja and the REC did his in Yola. So, who do you blame.

“So, we are worried and to us, civil society groups, there must be consequences. Else, it will happen again. We recommend that all of them should be prosecuted to serve as a lesson to others, who may have the same plan in subsequent elections.”

The civil society groups announced a FixJustice.NG project, dedicated to garnering support for the judiciary in rebuilding trust and confidence on the part of the citizens towards the courts.

Eze said public trust and confidence in government institutions were critical to the functioning of any democratic republic, but that of the courts and judiciary was a central tenet of the rule of law and was often seen as the oxygen for any democracy that wanted to thrive, hence, its description as the “last hope of common man”.

According to Eze, "Among current raging controversy, it is important we emphasise that judiciary is part of the democracy and by extension the electoral process, and never an interloper, as some misconstrued.

"Though the electoral umpire, INEC, did the first part, which many believed fell below expectations and known standards, the remaining part of the 2023 election task now rests with the judiciary and we are confident to say that the right thing shall be done.”

John Shiklam in Kaduna and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Nigeria, Godfrey Adejumoh; Chief Operating Officer, Wecyclers, Oluwayemisi Lawal; Managing Director, Unilever West Africa, Carl Cruz, and Chief Executive Officer, Wecyclers, Olawale Adebiyi, during the Unilever Nigeria and Wecyclers Joint Press Conference to announce Unilever’s partnership to help social enterprise, Wecyclers, expand plastic waste collection in Nigeria, held in Lagos .... yesterday

WOMEN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE…

L-R: Regional Director, International Operations, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Stella Kalanne Fubara; Regional Manager, Middle East and Africa at Dubai International Chamber, Khalid Al Ali; Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Convener, International Women Leadership Conference, Ibukun Awosika; Co-Founder and Managing Director, Alitheia Capital, Tokunboh Ishmael; Vice Chairman, Alibaba Group, Joe Tsai, and Chief Executive Officer, McDan Group of Companies, Dan Mckorley, at the International Women Leadership Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates…recently

Gunmen Abduct Man, Kill Aide in Rivers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Police Command yesterday confirmed the abduction of a man along Obirikwerre axis of East-West Road, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state, yesterday afternoon.

According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the gunmen also

injured two police officers who tried to rescue the victim.

THISDAY gathered that the police officers sustained different degrees of injuries, while chasing the suspected kidnappers.

It was not clear who the abducted victim is but rumour has it that is a prominent man in the state. Although the policemen survived the gunshots but an aide to the kidnapped victim was reportedly killed in the

Enugu Guber: CAN Distances Self from Faceless Bishops

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Enugu State chapter, has distanced itself from the alleged rejection of results of the March 18 governorship election in the state by a group of ‘faceless bishops’ in Umuahia, Abia State.

The CAN said the purported bishops did not represent the Christian community, as it also condemned the brazen attacks on the Enugu governor-elect, Dr. Peter Mbah, by the group “sponsored by desperate politicians.”

In a statement made available to journalists, the state Chairman of the association, Emmanuel Edeh, said: “The news about certain faceless bishops under the aegis of the so-called ‘Network of Evangelical Bishops of Nigeria (NEBN)’, who had allegedly converged on the capital of Abia State to accept the results of Abia

State gubernatorial election while rejecting that of Enugu State came to us as a rude shock.”

He stressed that the process and election that produced Mbah as the state governor-elect were credible and transparent to the world even as it was on ground in the state to give first-hand information.

While noting that the faceless bishops had been sponsored to cause confusion and distrust in the state, the CAN chairman queried the basis of the alleged submission made by the bishops as it did not represent the true reflection of what transpired in the state, maintaining that none of the said bishops was an election observer or resides in Enugu State.

“For a group of people to have gathered themselves in Umuahia, are they election observers or monitors? Are they an extended arm of INEC? So nobody should listen to them,” he said.

TCN Boss Gets Best Leadership Award

Environment Reporters Association of Nigeria (ERAN) has bestowed the Best Leadership Award 2023 in Nigeria on the Managing Director of Transmission Company of Nigeria, Sule Abdulaziz.

Announcing this in Abuja, President of ERAN, Ambrose Inusa Sule, said that the body decided to honour Abdulaziz with the award in view of his deft management of the electricity transmission network in an environmentally sound manner in Nigeria.

He said that the award was designed as a major media event to reawaken Nigerians on issues of electricity transmission safety, systems operation and electricity trading.

He further said that the

gun battle.

A source from the area disclosed that the vehicle of the Police had somersaulted when they were chasing after the kidnappers who opened fire on them, which

resulted to loss of control by the driver of the Police van.

The source, who refused to mention his name, stated that the kidnappers fled the scene with their victim while another

Police patrol van came to the scene and conveyed the injured officers and killed aide to an undisclosed hospital.

Meanwhile, the police spokesperson, Iringe-Koko who

confirmed the incident, added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Effiong Okon has deployed tactical teams to the area and ordered for unconditional release of the abducted man.

Ex-Kogi Deputy Gov, Awoniyi, Rejects PDP Guber Primary Election

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, has rejected the result of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Kogi State that was conducted on Sunday.

Awoniyi said yesterday in statement that was made

available to the news men in Lokoja that the outcome of the governorship portends great danger to the unity of the party and its prospect of winning the November 11 governorship election. He noted that Senator Dino Melaye was declared the winner, having secured 313 votes from a tainted delegates’

list on April 16, 2023. He said: “I secured 77 votes, alongside a hodgepodge of votes secured by six other fellow aspirants. Senator Melaye played a pivotal role in the recently concluded Atiku-Okowa presidential campaign. I was the Kogi State’s director for the aforesaid campaign.

The governorship aspirant stated that without an iota of doubt, ‘I make bold to say that Melaye’s victory is a pyric one. This victory portends great danger to the unity of our party and the prospect of winning the November 11 governorship election.

“The reason for this assertion is simple.”

29-year-old APC Candidate Wins Imo House of Representatives Election

A 29-year-old Akarachi Amadi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the Mbaitoli/ Ikeduru Federal Constituency supplementary election held on Saturday in Imo.

The Retuning Officer, Prof Boniface Okoro, while declaring the result of the election yesterday , said Amadi polled 21, 372 votes to emerge winner ahead of other candidates.

Okoro said the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Mr Uche Ogbuagu, had 18, 296 votes, while the incumbent and candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr Henry Nwawuba, garnered 7, 202 votes.

According to him, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, M.r Usmond Ukanacho, polled 6,681 votes, while Mr Chinonso Uba of the African Democratic

Congress (ASC) had 4,100 votes.

Okoro added that, Mr Godstime Chukwunuikem of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) got 246 votes.

In his reaction, Amadi commended the voters and party faithful for the confidence reposed in him.

He assured the constituents that he would not disappoint the mandate given to him to

represent them.

However, the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Uche Ogbuagu, described the supplementary poll as an “anomaly and total neglect of the electoral guidelines as stipulated by the law”.

“I will explore all avenues and options provided by the constitution to recover the Mbaitoli/ Ikeduru Federal Constituency mandate,” Ogbuagu noted.

Ahead of Intensive Rains, Diri Urges FG to Go Beyond Issuing Flood Alerts

Segun Samuel in Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the federal government to take the necessary steps to support states in tackling the menace of flooding instead of just issuing alerts.

Speaking in Government House, Yenagoa, yesterday,

TCN boss was considered for the award after a careful and thorough assessment of his accomplishments in the responsible evacuation of electric power generated by the electricity generating companies ( Gencos) and wheeling it to distribution companies (Discos) more sustainably.

“It should be noted that Engr Abdulaziz is an astute environmental expertise in transmission projects, network operation, maintenance, human resources and market administration,” he said.

He added that, “It is a credit to the TCN Boss’s transparency that the sector is environmentally friendly to Nigerians.”

The award presentation is slated for today, Tuesday, April 18, 2023 in Abuja.

when he received the leadership of Obogoro community on a courtesy visit, Diri noted that tackling flood, erosion and other environmental challenges was costly and cannot be singlehandedly handled by states alone.

The governor said almost all communities in the state were affected by constant flooding

and erosion, stressing that the government was doing everything within available resources to address the issues.

Diri, said as part of efforts to tackle flooding and erosion, his administration had set up a flood and erosion control agency to proffer holistic solution to the environmental issues.

He stated that the government

was already addressing the coastal erosion in Obogoro community in Yenagoa local government area, assuring the people that a lasting solution would be found to the menace.

The state’s helmsman thanked the leadership of Obogoro for toeing the path of dialogue instead of a protest planned by some persons in the community.

Gombe CP Warns Officers against Incivility to Members of Public

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Gombe State, Mr Oqua Etim, has ordered police personnel to treat members of the public with dignity and respect in the course of their duties.

He said that the command would not condone any act of incivility towards members of the public.

Etim gave the warning in Gombe yesterday during the decoration of 19 promoted senior officers, and the presentation of cheques to families of fallen officers.

He said that recent viral videos of officers abusing members of the public were unacceptable, and anyone

caught would be shown the way out.

According to him, personnel must adhere to the rules of engagement in their dealings with civilians, to avoid sanction.

“We are facing challenges now because we are in democracy. We have seen different clips of how some policemen have

been uncivil to members of the public.

“The police force frowns at incivility to members of the public; members of the public are your employers and you are their employees so the moment you want to start challenging your employer, it means you want to leave the job.

Securex Exhibition for Security Industry Holds in Lagos

Securex West Africa , an exhibition for the security, fire, safety and facilities management sectors, will hold in Lagos between May 9 to 11 at the Landmark Centre, Oniru Lekki, Lagos.

Securex Exhibition is the region’s leading exhibition

and conference for the security industry, offering so many opportunities to learn about the newest trends and see first-hand the latest innovative technologies.

According to the organisers of the event, they are pleased to see the exhibition and conference

shaping up well with support of key industry partners.

The partners are: ASIS Lagos Chapter; International Institute of Professional Security; Nigerian Institute for Industrial Security; Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management, and OSHAssociation, among others.

“Many professionals across the industries have already signed up to attend and are eager to take part in this year’s eleventh edition of the event which will see over 100 leading industry suppliers from all corners of the world showcasing their cutting-edge equipment.

Court Remands Bishop for Alleged Rape of Church Members

Wale Igbintade

Justice Ramon Oshodi of the Lagos Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court yesterday remanded a pastor, Daniel Oluwafeyiropo in Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the time he fulfilled his bail conditions for allegedly raping two of his church members (names withheld).

Olawafeyiropo was arraigned before the court on a two-count charge of rape brought against him by the Lagos state government.

The Defendant, who is the founder of ‘I Reign Ministry’ allegedly committed the offences sometimes in June 2020 in Ikota Villa Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

His alleged offence contravened Sections 260 (2) of the Criminal

Laws of Lagos State, 2015

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following his plea of not guilty to the charge, Justice Oshodi ordered his remand in Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions.

In his bail application argued by his counsel, Mr. Olukunle Oyewole, he urged the court to grant bail to the defendant on liberal terms.

Oyewole submitted that the defendant had been on police administrative bail since May 20, 2022 and had made himself available to the police.

He told court that the defendant was not informed on the day the matter came up for the first time before the court. Adding that, the

NCDC: Nigeria Registers 79 Deaths, 1,336 Suspected Cases of Cholera

The Nigeria Centre for Disease and Prevention Control (NCDC) has registered 79 deaths and a total of 1,336 suspected cases of cholera in the country so far in 2023.

The NCDC, via its official website, said this in its latest cholera situation epidemiological report.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that cholera is an acute diarrhea illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholera bacteria.

People can get sick when they swallow food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe and life-threatening.

The agency said that 12 states across 43 local government areas reported the suspected cases, with a case fatality ratio of 5.9 per cent.

It said that the 12 states reporting cases in the country included Abia, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kano, Katsina, Niger, Ondo, Osun,

Sokoto, and Zamfara.

According to it, of the suspected cases since the beginning of the year, age groups 15-24 and >45 years were the most affected age groups for males and females respectively.

It said that of all suspected cases, 53 per cent were males and 47 per cent were females.

“Six states, Cross River (647 cases), Ebonyi (97 cases), Abia (72 cases), Niger (38 cases), and Zamfara (28 cases) account for 96 per cent of all cumulative cases.

“Fifteen LGAs across nine states Ebonyi (4), Cross River (3), Ondo (2), Bayelsa (1), Abia (1), Katsina (1), Sokoto (1) Niger (1) and Zamfara (1), reported more than 5 cases each this year,” it said.

The NCDC said it would continue training on cholera surveillance, hotspot mapping, state-level preparedness and response plans.

Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organisation, at least 24 countries continue to report cholera cases.

defendant is a well known religious leader and has shown by his action that he will not jump bail.

In his words: “The offence for which defendant is charged with a bailable offences and he has credible sureties that can stand

for him.”

The lead state counsel, Mr. Babjide Boye, in his counter affidavit urged the court to refuse the bail application of the defendant, he urged court use his discretion. He noted that the offences

was a serious one and the likelihood of conviction might put the defendant on flight risk.

“There is also possibility of the defendant interfering with the prosecution witnesses. He is

a bishop of so many branches and if granted bail, he may use his position to influence the prosecution witnesses as he is regarded as a man of authority who has the possibility of committing same crime.”

PDP Faults Declaration of Diket as Winner of Plateau Central Senatorial Election

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

A coalition of support groups for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decried the declaration of Mr. Plang Diket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of Plateau Central senatorial zone election, which was concluded last Saturday.

Addressing journalists yesterday, the groups said:

“We are here today to express our total displeasure over the

shamed declaration of one Hon Diket Plang of the APC as senator-elect of the Plateau Central senatorial district on April 15, 2023, in Pankshin.

The Central Zone is known to be the heartbeat of Plateau State politics with unflinching support for the PDP since 1999.

It is noteworthy that one LGA has been the clog in the wheel of the political progress of the Central Zone since 2019 National Assembly elections up till date.

“Given this last ugly

development in the zone, we as a people, party, and concerned group in defence of democracy, fairness, and justice, have rejected the shameful declaration made by one purported INEC Returning Officer of the Plateau Central senatorial district in favour of the candidate of the APC as the said winner of the election for several reasons.”

Leader of the group, Mr. Gengwe Wushangka, observed that “there were pending

issues raised by our Polling Units, Ward Collation, Local Government and Collation Returning Agents on the basis of irregularities uncovered in some local government areas which led to the prolonged delay to declare our candidate, Golkuna Yohanna Gotom, as the rightful winner of the elections, and these issues were not addressed by INEC but yet another date for announcement and declaration of the winner in the election was rescheduled.”

Suspected Kidnapper Buries Child Alive after Collecting N150,000 Ransom in Katsina

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

A suspected kidnapper, Mr. Abubakar Abdulraziz, who abducted a three-year-old child and buried him alive after collecting N150,000 ransom has been arrested by police operatives in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The 30-year-old Abdulraziz, who hails from Sabuwar Santa community in Musawa, abducted the slain toddler when he invaded the residence of his

father, Mr. Adamu Alhassan, in Bacirawa village of the local government on March 23, 2023.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP. Gambo Isah, who confirmed the incident yesterday in a statement issued to journalists in Katsina, said that the suspect was nabbed by police operatives based on credible intelligence. He explained that the suspected kidnapper and killer criminally trespassed into the residence of Alhassan

in Bacirawa when he was asleep and abducted the teenager to an unknown destination.

Isah, a Chief Superintendent of Police, added that the suspect subsequently dropped a letter and telephone number, directing the deceased father to pay the sum of N800,000 as ransom before he would be released.

He said: “However, the father made contact, negotiated, and paid the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150,000) to secure the

release of his child, but to no avail.

“Upon receipt of the report, immediately detectives swung into action and succeeded in arresting the suspect (Abubakar Abdulaziz) in connection with the case.

“During the course of investigation, he confessed to the commission of the offence and further confessed to having buried the child alive after receiving the ransom money. The investigation is ongoing.”

A’Ibom State Map to Reduce Communal, Boundary Conflicts

Okon Bassey inUyo

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has said the State Map Establishment Law 2023 passed by the State House of Assembly into law sought to lay to rest agitations, boundary disputes and communal conflicts in the State.

He explained that the law which gives the state an avenue to produce an official map will promote peace and reduce boundary conflicts.

Governor Emmanuel, who was addressing the congregation , during the Government House Monthly Prayer Meeting held at the Latter House Chapel, Governor’s Lodge Uyo, noted that it should not raise any dust by any group or persons in the state as everything remains intact.

“A lot of people complain, criticise and abuse when it is absolutely unnecessary, I don’t think anybody in this state can tell me he has an official map of

Akwa Ibom, we’ve never had one, this is the first time the House of Assembly held a public hearing and they are trying to put that in place.

“The map does not exclude anybody, so why abuse the governor and the legislators. We are not excluding anybody.

“The map does not exclude anybody, rather it is trying to breed peace, it does not tamper with anything, it doesn’t tamper with our resources, it doesn’t

change our location, it doesn’t change our sharing formulae, it doesn’t affect anything, we are just trying to officially gazette what we have,” he stressed .

The state chief executive commended the security agencies for strengthening the security apparatus in the state within the present administration and hinted that the International Christian Worship Centre will be inaugurated on 28th of May, 2023, before his valedictory thanksgiving service.

Spalletti Keeps Faith in Osimhen to Rescue Napoli against Milan Tonight

Femi Solaja

In what looks like the most important match for the Naples side, Napoli Manager, Luciano Spalletti, has picked Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen to start tonight’s ‘break or bend’ second leg, quarter final of the UEFA Champions League clash with AC Milan.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

The Italian derby will hold at Napoli’s fortress, the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

With a goal deficit from the first leg in mind, the Serie A run-away leaders will be aiming to cancel that lone goal advantage and book a place in the last four of this year’s

edition.

The team’s top scorer, Osimhen and other star players like Kim Min-jae and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa have been in the race to be fit for the match.

According to a popular Italian website, www.tuttonapoli.net, Coach

Spalletti has confirmed that the Nigerian forward will be in the starting line-up.

“Osimhen will start because he has gained enough physical and phycological fitness to play at this tough match against Milan. He will definitely start from the first minute considering the fact that every minute is very important in this encounter,” Spalletti remarked

Bayern Munich Fine Sadio Mane £260,000, Set to Offload Him in Summer

Bayern Munich have handed Sadio Mane a huge fine and are now keen to sell him in summer after he punched team-mate Leroy Sane during a furious confrontation last week, reports in Germany announced yesterday.

Things became heated between the pair after the German side's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City on Tuesday, and Mane lashed out at Sane in the dressing room, forcing other members of the squad to step in.

Sane was left with a bruised lip following the incident, while Mane was dropped from the squad for Bayern's Bundesliga match with Hoffenheim on Saturday and docked some of his £17m-a-year wages.

The size of the punishment has now been revealed, with Bayern handing out the highest fine in their history.

“According to our information, it is an amount that goes far beyond €300,000 (£260,000), so it's a very, very sensitive fine for Mane,” Bayern expert Florian Plettenberg told Sky Germany.

Mane missed Bayern's 1-1 draw at home to Hoffenheim, and Thomas Tuchel has now won just two of his first five matches since replacing Julian Nagelsmann last month.

The former Chelsea boss has confirmed Mane will be back in

contention for Bayern's return match with City on Wednesday as they look to pull off a dramatic comeback to progress to the semi-finals.

Pep Guardiola has suggested the clash between Mane and Sane could galvanise Bayern and give them an extra edge, but the Senegalese forward only started the first leg on the bench and it appears Tuchel is

not a fan of the ex-Liverpool star.

Mane is far from certain to start in Munich, and his days at Bayern could be numbered less than a year after he joined the club, with Plettenberg claiming the Bundesliga giants are ready to sell him already.

'From what I’m hearing, Bayern will try everything to offload Sadio

Mane in the summer,' he said.

'From a sporting point of view, Thomas Tuchel has no plans with Mane as he doesn’t fit his system. This is my information. The player is seen very critically internally.'

Mane's first year in Germany has been little short of a disaster after a promising start that saw him score on his Bundesliga debut.

after the team’s final training yesterday.

The development, no doubt is a big boost to Napoli fans who have been craving for the return of their ‘star boy’. Osimhen would be needed in tonight’s clash against Milan who two weeks ago secured a 4-0 win at same stadium in the domestic league.

"On the San Siro match, with the exception of the Milan fans, we all agreed on what happened. Unfortunately, we won't be able to have two fundamental players like Kim and Anguissa at our disposal,” Spalletti noted.

On Kim's replacement, the coach said “Juan Jesus will take charge but it will be a bit difficult to get a suitable player for Anguissa's place. But we will work out something and get the result to reach the next round of the tournament.

Should Osimhen starts tonight’s match, it will be a face-off between

him and Milan goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, who was his team mate at Lille three seasons ago at Ligue 1.

Osimhen had not played for Napoli since the last international break before making a substitute’s appearance in Saturday’s goal-less draw with Hellas Verona.

That reduced Napoli’s imposing Serie A lead to 14 points.

The 24-year-old Osimhen played only the final 17 minutes of that frustrating stalemate, but the match came alive once he was on the pitch.

He caused havoc in the Verona defence and came close to snatching the points and his 26th goal of the season in all competitions when he smashed a first-time rocket off the underside of the bar with eight minutes remaining.

Osimhen’s devastating efficiency in front of goal will play a crucial role in his team’s quest for a semifinal berth against Inter Milan or Benfica.

...Heineken Lights up Owerri with “Cheers to All Fans Campaign” as Chelsea, Madrid Clash

The exquisite Chilis Bar, Owerri will be the centre of attraction this evening as Chelsea will be gunning for redemption against Real Madrid in their UEFA Champions League second leg quarter-final clash.

With fans across the world expecting an explosive response from the Blues after their first leg 2-0 defeat in Spain, Heineken with the ‘Cheers to All Fans Campaign’ is adding an extra layer of excitement by offering a unique viewing experience to fans and loyal consumers alike.

According to Portfolio Manager – Premium Lager, Sampson Oloche, Heineken, the global beer brand which has been synonymous with Champions League football and entertainment for years is taking fans’ experience to new heights.

“Yes, we are going full swing in Owerri on Tuesday at the Chilis Bar, I guarantee there is so much to look forward to beyond the action on the pitch as we have lined up

quite a lot for the night,” Mr Oloche stated.

Bants, beer, laced with top-notch music from superstar artists as well as plenty of prizes for smart fans who excel in the simple quiz competitions are some of the guaranteed features already in place for Tuesday night at the Chilis Bar.

The Cheers to All Fans Campaign is aimed at bringing fans together to enjoy the game, regardless of which team they support. “Will you be shouting Blue or White” was the poser posted on the Heinekenng Instagram page over the weekend.

After the explosive night in Owerri, Heineken's “Cheers to All Fans Campaign will be taking Warri and Abuja by storm when the attention shifts to the second-leg semi-final games.

The climax of the campaign, the Champions League final in Lagos, promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans.

Edo FA Board Chairman Sacked!

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Edo State Football Association Board has sacked its Chairman, Mr. Roland Abu.

The erstwhile Chairman got the boot after a vote of no-confidence was passed on him by his board members over his alleged inability to render financial reports amongst other issues.

In a letter addressed to the General Secretary of Nigeria Football Association (NFA) notifying it of Abu's sack, the board also accused the latter of autocratic behavior and "running the Edo FA as if it's a personal business".

The board also alleged irregularities, poor handling and poor conduct of football matters as reason for his ouster.

The letter dated April 17, 2023 was signed by the board’s Vice Chairman, Dr. Aghedo Moses and six others and addressed to the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The board advised Abu to "handover all Edo FA property belonging to his office and less indebtedness to the Vice- chairman, Dr. Aghedo Moses with immediate

effect".

The letter captioned 'Vote of no confidence"read:

"We, Edo State Football Association Board respectfully write to refer and draw your attention to the above mentioned subject and to inform you of some burning issues in Edo State Football Association. This relates to lack of no confidence on the current Edo F.A Chairman Roland Abu due to the following reasons;

*Taking autocratic decision without due process and running Edo F.A as if it's his personal enterprise.

*Since his inception as the Chairman of Edo State Football Association three years ago, he has not been able to render financial reports to his Board members even when the Board insisted on having one.

*Irregularities, poor handling and poor conduct of football competitions.

*Series of uprising petitions, raised by clubs', contestants, and stakeholders as a result of his poor performances, high handedness in handling football matters in the state.”

Victor Osimhen...Napoli banking on his predator instinct to deliver the goals tonight

Sadio Mane ...slammed with hefty fine for dressing room rift with Leroy Sane

Dino Melaye to Gov Wike

“Wike, stay on your lane. I am Daniel Dino Melaye. My specialty is to tame lions, whether they be white or black, dwelling in rocks or floating on rivers. Hallucinated by the patrimonial resources of the good, but impoverished people of Rivers State, Wike has turned himself into a depraved interloper, who probably out of schizophrenic impulse engage in pitiable melodrama whenever he steps away from the intoxication of his bottle companions “ --SenatorDino Melaye,firingbackatWike,formockinghisgubernatorialambitioninKogiState.

TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI

abati1990@gmail.com

Supplementary Elections And The Debacle In Adamawa

With the way the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (INEC) is carrying on under the watch of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman, it would take a miracle for the present Chairman of that controversial and embattled body, not to end up on the wrong side of history. Some jobs within the public space are by nature thankless regardless of efforts put in, but a job can be done so badly, what would be remembered are the ugly episodes and memories of failure. Professor Yakubu’s misfortune would be that it was in his time that the country came round to the idea that technology should be deployed as election tools, and that some of the reforms that Nigerians had been looking for should be addressed by updating the electoral framework. In Yakubu’s time, Nigeria came up with the Electoral Act 2022, which indeed is a different kind of law, an advancement from the Electoral Act 2010. Everyone celebrated the emergence of the new Electoral Act as a game changer for Nigeria with the novel innovations about INEC’s financial independence in Section 3(3), early conduct of primaries and submission of candidates list in Section 29 (1), legal backing of electronic voting and transmission of results in Sections 47 and 50(2), overvoting redefined in Section 51, the non-eligibility of political appointees as delegates or aspirants in Section 84(12), special provisions for the physically challenged in Section 54, early commencement and longer period of campaigns in Section 94, provision for a central electronic data base in Section 99… Mahmood Yakubu’s INEC boasted that it had tested the law in the bye-elections in Osun and Ekiti and that during the then scheduled 2023 general elections, INEC would put all the reforms into effect. What have we seen? It turned out from the very beginning that the National Assembly did not understand the same law that it had enacted and the implications. The same people who enacted the law tried to change it. They didn’t succeed. Before the elections, INEC said it was ready. It put out messages about how results would be uploaded from polling units to the INEC Results Viewing Portal, real time. It said its officials were up to the task.

The details of how INEC disappointed Nigerians is well-captured by the reports of various observers, local and international, and the tsunami of litigations that have attended the elections held this year, on February 25 (Presidential and National Assembly), and March 18 (Gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly). Nigeria’s 2023 general election would go down as one of the most disputed in the country’s electoral cycle since the first general elections were held in the country in September 1923 under the Clifford Constitution of 1922. It may be said, after a fashion, that the true test of a law is in its implementation. Any piece of legislation is a living organism. Laws are made for the good of society. Thus, as living organisms, laws evolve and implementation structures and organs are aligned with the law-givers’ original intentions. I am of the view that given the contortions that have been experienced so far with the Electoral Act 2022, Nigeria needs to work further on the electoral framework, to oxygenate and deepen our democracy, and to align it more reasonably with the people’s will. The minimum lesson at this point is that when a law is made, those who are expected to operationalize it must study and understand it. State and party officials are so routinely distracted, they do not pay enough attention.

The extent to which this is so is that after the elections of February 25 and March 18, the electoral body, INEC took the decision to conduct supplementary elections in 24 states of the Federation, 2,660 polling units, 93 Legislative constituencies and 185 local governments, where elections had been declared inconclusive. Those supplementary elections took place on Saturday, April 15. INEC said it was better prepared, having learnt lessons from its most recent exercises, and having tested the Electoral Act in a general election. It was

within the space of close to a month: March 18 – April 15. The Inspector General of Police lent his voice to the matter and said that the supplementary elections would proceed smoothly. But on April 15, it was déjà vu. The morning after, The Vanguard newspaper reported as follows: “Supplementary Elections: Violence, vote-buying reign as NNPP wins more seats in Kano.” The Sunday Punch told us: “Supplementary Elections: Four Killed, Houses razed, Thugs Disrupt Polls in Rivers, Anambra, Others”. The paper added in its front-page story: “Three killed in Kano for disrupting poll, soldiers shoot Kebbi ballot snatcher dead, APC, PDP, NNPP await INEC declaration of Adamawa, Kebbi gov seats.” … The report by Sunday Sun was as follows: “Violence, Apathy, Late Arrival of Materials Mar Supplementary Elections”, with the rider: “3 feared killed in Kano, Thugs, police, Ebubeagu chase away voters, abduct electoral officials in Imo, 6 persons arrested, 1 at large in Adamawa, over attempt to hack BVAS, vote buying , thuggery in Anambra, apathy, intimidation in Edo…” The Nigerian Tribune reported: “Supplementary Elections: Again, violence, ballot snatching rock exercise – 4 killed in Kano, Kebbi, EFCC arrests 12 in Kano, Katsina for vote-buying.”. The Sunday Independent said: “Sokoto Polls suffer voter apathy, late arrival of materials”.

The same weekend, party primaries were held in some of the states where off-cycle elections would take place later in 2023. The primaries were just as problematic. In Kogi state, four aspirants were reported to have rejected APC Gubernatorial primaries. The Nation said: “Sylva wins Bayelsa APC Guber Primary… Confusion as Labour Party holds factional primaries in Imo… Anxiety in Kebbi, Adamawa over guber elections”. In one word, despite all the concerns and anxieties expressed about the 2023 process as seen on February 25 and March 18, the supplementary elections of April 15, and even the party primaries in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states, indicated very clearly, that nothing had changed and nothing would probably change going forward. Nigerians run a peculiar kind of democracy where anything and everything is possible and the only thing that matters is winning at all costs. It is a democracy of deaf and dumb persons fixated on only one goal and who define democracy strictly by personal standards. I have stumbled on the argument that there will never be a time Nigerian democracy will be run by saints and I am tempted to believe that ours may well be described as a democracy of villains, where the

smartest villain wins. The only consolation is that the day may never come when Nigerian democracy will be black-listed by the international community as a lost cause simply because Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, the largest market in the continent, a country whose geo-political importance has direct bearing on the stability of the West African sub-region. Where then does that leave the endless talk in this country, about reforms, legacy and institutions? Which takes us immediately to Adamawa State, Nigeria where a show of shame was enacted on Saturday by a certain Hudu Yunusa Ari, adult, male, and Resident Electoral Commissioner of Adamawa State who engaged in a violent act of breach of public peace by disrupting the collation of the results of the supplementary Gubernatorial election in Adamawa state in a criminal and roguish manner. It would be recalled that INEC had declared the Gubernatorial election in Adamawa State of March 18, 2023 inconclusive due to issues in Fufore Local Government, which caused much furore, and on the ground that the number of cancelled votes exceeded the margin of lead between the People’s Democratic Party candidate, incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and the closest challenger, Aishatu Dahiru of the All Progressives’ Congress. By 9 am on Sunday, April 16, collation officers and the returning officers at the State Collation Centre in Yola, the state capital had announced the results from 10 of the affected LGAS, with Fintiri, the PDP candidate leading with a wide margin. The Returning Officer then announced a recess for a continuation of collation and further announcement of results to re-commence by 11 am.

But before that advertised time of resumption, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) reportedly came into the centre and holding a handwritten note, without announcing any outstanding collated results, proceeded to announce Aisha Dahiru of the APC as the winner of the Gubernatorial election in Adamawa State. This threw the collation centre into confusion as party agents asked: How? Within a short while, the Gubernatorial candidate of the APC, Aisha Dahiru, popularly known as Binani, acting on this development, immediately gave an acceptance speech. INEC would later declare REC Hudu Yunusa Ari’s action “null, void and of no effect”. INEC said it would address the matter and asked the state REC, the Hudu Yunusa Ari man and the state Returning Officer, Professor Mele Lamido to report to the INEC Headquarters in Abuja. Yesterday, INEC directed that Hudu Yunusa-Ari should stay away from INEC office until further notice, and that Adamu Gujungu, administrative secretary in Adamawa should take charge of the office with immediate effect. The suspension of Hudu Yunusa-Ari does not go far enough. His rogue conduct must be addressed fully in accordance with the law. His behaviour amounts to impunity, criminality, desperation and such brazenness that deserves closer investigation. This is not a matter that can be swept under the carpet, because it is a mockery not just of the Adamawa supplementary election but of the entire electoral process. It provides strong justification for those who hold the view that this has been a shambolic event.

Hudu Yunusa-Ari was required to report to the INEC headquarters. If he has not done so, he should be declared a wanted person by the security agencies immediately! By INEC’s own declaration, he broke the law. One, the Electoral Act of 2022 grants specific powers to the Returning Officer as the official who is empowered to collate and announce results - see Section 64 (4) and (5). Indeed, Section 65 of the same Act uses the phrase “shall be final” with regard to the “decision of the Returning Officer on any question related to ballot papers and the declaration of results. Section 66 provides further specificity as regards the declaration of results, vested as it were in the person of “the appropriate returning officer”. The now suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner not being the RO, knowingly violated the law. He should be made to face the full wrath of the law.

In Part VII of the Electoral Act, dealing with Electoral Offences, specific penalties are prescribed to deal with “dereliction of duty” in Section 120 (1 -6) where strong penalties are provided in Section 120(4) which states that “Any person who announces or publishes an election result knowing same to be false or which is at variance with the signed certificate of return commits an offence and is liable on conviction or imprisonment for a term of 36 months.” Sections 120 (5) and (6) also prescribe imprisonment for a term of three years. The indicted REC must be subjected to thorough investigation. Did he collude with others? Was he induced? Is he part of a ring of conspiracy? There have been allegations that sums running into about N2 billion exchanged hands. Really? Two, Yunusa-Ari’s disruptive and disorderly conduct is also questionable under Section 249 of the Criminal Code. His illegal declaration of Aisha Dahiru as winner threw Adamawa state and the entire country into a state of anxiety and confusion. Aggrieved persons in the state descended on the two INEC National commissioners who had been sent to oversee the Adamawa process. One of them was brutalized. The other, Professor Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, a former Vice Chancellor of Usman Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto was beaten and stripped naked with blood streaming down his body. It was a case of mistaken identity. His assailants thought he was the REC that made the illegal announcement. While we do not recommend jungle justice, the attack on innocent Professor Zuru is most unfortunate. INEC has asked the security agencies to identify the assailants and bring them to book, but INEC needs to learn a lesson from here: the need to protect its officials, and pay more attention to their personal security.

The unmasking of rogue elements like the embattled Adamawa REC should also point to something else. INEC officials on the field during elections must be subjected to routine alcohol and psychiatric tests. This is the strongest plausible response to Hudu Yunusa-Ari’s behaviour. What worsens the entire matter in our view is that he was reportedly accompanied on his unholy mission by the Adamawa state Commissioner of Police and other policemen. In other words, the illegality was committed in the presence of law enforcement officers! Nigeria is one country where those who are supposed to enforce the law do not know the laws of the land! The Inspector General of Police had promised that the police will live up to expectations during the supplementary elections on April 15. Your guess is as good as mine. The least that the IGP can do is to ask the Police Command in Adamawa to produce their friend, the now suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner! Going forward, much better attention must be paid to the recruitment of persons for electoral duties. The INEC Chairman before the election had said that RECs, Collation Officers and Returning Officers were expected to be non-partisan, that is neutral, in the discharge of their responsibilities. They even swore on oath to that effect. Nigeria’s 2023 elections coincided with the Holy Month of Lent (Christian) and Ramadan (Muslim), and yet in the same season, the country has witnessed so much corruption and dishonesty.

Mrs Aishatu Dahiru should not have delivered that acceptance speech of shame, knowing the motivation for it to be of dubious extraction. Nigerians would be excited to have a female Governor who contests and wins an election, but that must be through fair and square means, not by ambush or fraudulent means. She owes the people of Adamawa an explanation and an apology. Many others, including Festus Keyamo, SAN jumped the gun. I have expressed the shock that more than a day after the faux pas, Keyamo, an officer in the temple of justice, was yet to take down his twitter post on the Adamawa election. The ball is now squarely in INEC’s court to ensure that the process in Adamawa’s supplementary election is concluded and that due process runs its complete course in a just manner. The big ogre in all this is how corruption is at the core of the Nigerian character from politics to catering business.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu