SATURDAY 20TH MAY 2023

Aisha Buhari: Nigerian Presidents No Longer Need Medicals Abroad

As President inaugurates N21bn State House hospital

The First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has said overseas medicals for Nigerian Presidents will henceforth become a thing of

the past with the inauguration of the N21 billion Presidential/ VIP Wing of the State House Medical Center, located within the precincts of the State House in Abuja.

Speaking at the inauguration of the medical centre yesterday, Aisha Buhari, who accompanied her husband to the event, stressed that the new facility will stop incessant travel abroad by

Nigerian presidents and their family members for medicals.

The First Lady who spoke to newsmen after Buhari had cut the tape and concluded a guided tour of the facility, said

she bought the idea of executing the project in 2017, following the extensive stay of her husband abroad for medical treatment. According to her, now that the facility is in place, Nigerian

Presidents and their family members will no longer need to go abroad for treatment but may only fly medical experts

Obi to US: Wait for Tribunal’s Verdict Before Legitimising Tinubu's Victory...

Olasubomi Balogun, Doyen of Modern Banking Dies at 89

Buhari, Dapo Abiodun mourn

...It is also a ...It is a monument of a monument a young Nigerian’s young determination to to succeed and prove that succeed and prove that given the opportunity, given the opportunity, Nigerians have the have the capacity to attain a capacity to attain a commanding height in in the management the management of financial financial institutions

SUBOMI BALOGUN: 1934 TO 2023

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Obi to US: Wait for Tribunal Verdict Before Legitimising Tinubu’s Victory

Bennett Oghifo

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the just concluded general election, Peter Obi, has faulted the call made by the US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, to President-elect, Bola Tinubu, adding that he should let the court decide the legitimate president of Nigeria.

Obi said this yesterday in a series of tweets on his verified Twitter handle while reacting to the conversation between Tinubu and Blinken.

Blinken had pledged stronger ties between the US and Nigeria during a 20-minute telephone call to Tinubu on Tuesday.

However, Obi charged the US to await the full resolution of the ongoing judicial processes before tacitly conferring legitimacy on any contending party.

He said, “There is still a lack of clarity on the basis of the US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken’s call to APC’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 16, 2023.

“It is thus of overarching importance that a beacon of democracy like the United States should not respond to political developments in Nigeria in a manner that faintly suggests taking sides.

“The final determination of the true winner of the election can only be made by the relevant courts of law.”

Obi said, “The most fundamental tenet and core value of democracy is the rule of law.

“Nigeria’s democracy is founded on these principles which the American people hold dear. Without the risk of interfering in Nigeria’s domestic affairs, the

U.S.-Nigeria relationship should be guided by the core values of democracy.

“Above all, Nigerians expect that the US responses to our affairs should be based on mutual respect, shared ideals, aspirations and interests which ought to transcend the considerations of any individual.”

The former Anambra State governor added that the “willful manipulation and falsification of the will of Nigerians as freely expressed during the February 25 elections cannot be overlooked by the true friends and partners of Nigeria.

“More so, the issues in judicial contention imply far-reaching violations of both the Nigerian Electoral Law and the Nigerian Constitution.”

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has also described the

conversation between Blinken and Tinubu as “demoralising”.

“I am in disbelief that Secretary Antony Blinken called Tinubu, a contradiction to the publicly stated position of the US on Nigeria’s 2023 presidential

election.

“This is inconceivable considering that America, as the bastion of democracy, is well briefed on the sham election of February 25. To give legitimacy to the widely

acknowledged fraudulent election in Nigeria can be demoralising to citizens who have hedged their bet on democracy and the sanctity of the ballot,’’ Atiku said on his Twitter handle on Wednesday.

Police Rescue 2 US Consulate Staff Kidnapped in Anambra

Michael Olugbodi and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The two staff of the United States Consulate in Nigeria who were kidnapped during the attack on their convoy along Atani/ Osamela road in Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State on Tuesday have been

OLASUBOMI BALOGUN, DOYEN OF MODERN BANKING DIES AT 89

Our Correspondents

Billionaire banker and founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Otunba Subomi Balogun passed on yesterday morning in a London hospital after an undisclosed illness. He was 89.

In a swift reaction, President Buhari condoled with his family and affirmed that Chief Balogun, “through foresight, wisdom, and hard work, lived ahead of his time, by starting FCMB.

The high-ranking Ijebu chief’s death has not been officially announced, but sources said his family had informed the Awujale of Ijebuland of his death and a formal announcement would be made soon in line with tradition.

The late banker was born on 9 March 1934 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State to Muslim parents. He attended Igbobi College, Lagos and thereafter worked briefly as a teacher before leaving for London. He studied Law at the London School of Economics.

Following his graduation in June 1959, he was called to the English Bar in December of the same year. After earning his law degree, Balogun returned to Nigeria to join the Ministry of Justice of the defunct Western Region, and later as an assistant parliamentary counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice in Lagos.

However, the January 1966 coup prompted a shift in his career trajectory towards the banking sector. He later joined the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank after the coup.

Doyen of Banking

Balogun was a pioneer in the Nigerian capital and money markets. The deceased entered into the financial sector, reshaped and became a household name in the industry until his death.

He first later founded City Securities, a stock broking and issuing house, which handled Mobil, Texaco and Total petroleum marketing companies’ equity offerings. Balogun later secured a merchant banking licence to establish First City Merchant Bank.

When the operations of the bank took effect in 1983, Balogun established an entrepreneurial culture at the new bank in contrast to the government owned banks at the time.

The late FCMB founder was a long-time member of the council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

His philanthropy

Otunba Balogun was a constructive philanthropist and a distinguished church leader who devoted a substantial part of his private resources toward the care and service of the less privileged.

He built a National Pediatric Centre in Ijebu-Ode and donated the centre to University of Ibadan’s College Teaching Hospital.

During one of Balogun’s birthdays, the FCMB in a statement celebrated his philanthropic gestures thus: “His story is that of a man who understood early in life that the true essence of wealth is achieved only when it is deployed to the service of humanity, especially the less privileged. A man of proven immense wealth who is highly regarded, respected and honoured in society, the honour bestowed on Otunba Balogun does not, however, stem from the immensity of his wealth, but from the good use to which he has put this wealth for the service of humanity.”

His Strong Character

Otunba Balogun was a strong character with unwavering inner convictions that earned him resounding successes in many spheres of life.

“I have a very strong character. There is nothing that I did that I wish I had not done. I have no regret over any of my past actions,” the late billionaire said in one of his interviews.

Otunba Balogun devoted his life post-active banking years to serving God, society and doing things that add significant value to humanity.

The deceased converted to Christianity during his secondary school days in Igbobi college. Until his demise, Balogun, a direct descendant of Oba Tunwase of Ijebu-Ode, was the Otunba Tunwase of Ijebuland. He was also the Olori Omoba of Ijebuland, the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians, the Baba Oba of Ijebu-Ife and the Asalu-Oba of Ijebu Mushin.

Reflecting on His Life

Reflecting on his life in 2019 on his 85th birthday, Balogun said, “I am at peace with my God. I marvel on every occasion at why He has been so kind to me. I don’t have any airs about me; I am always myself. I can only credit this to the amazing

grace of God.

“At the climax of anything I may have achieved, I attribute everything to the awesomeness of God and His love for little me. I spend all my time talking about God. A friend recently called me and said he noticed that before I say three words, I would mention God. It is a measure of my appreciation to attribute everything that has happened to me to the amazing grace of the almighty God.

“I am just humbled by the awesomeness of the almighty God to think of a puny human being like me. I see my contemporaries, people who had achieved even before I was born, and those I consider my mentors, and on every given occasion, I am amazed as to why God has been so kind to me. I will spend the rest of my life thanking Him. There are many of my peers who have one problem or the other, but I am still hale and hearty. I still swim regularly.”

He received several awards in his lifetime. He was a recipient of the American Biographical Institute Inc’s Distinguished Leadership Award for outstanding contributions to the development of Investment Banking.

He was also a recipient of the University of Ibadan’s Degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his outstanding achievements both in the field of Law and his contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria; a Merit Award for philanthropic services to Ogun State in particular and the country as a whole, and also the Ijebu Development Association award and Council Membership of a number of multi-national Chambers of Commerce.

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria made him a Fellow of the Institute for his pioneering and outstanding contribution to the Banking Industry.

Buhari Mourns Subomi Balogun

President Buhari has condoled “with family members, friends, and associates of the revered businessman, whose legacy of kindness and charity stretched into many homes, institutions, and communities, touching lives through education, health, and multiple empowerment opportunities.”

President Buhari affirmed that

Chief Balogun, through foresight, wisdom, and hard work, lived ahead of his time, “by starting the FCMB, which has grown over the years, with branches across the country, and working assiduously for the take-off and success of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.”

The President noted the outpouring of testimonies on the life and times of the legendary banker, especially his towering influence in grooming many talented leaders in the sector, who had since set up their investment platforms, within and outside the country.

President Buhari prayed that the Almighty God will receive the soul of the departed, and comfort all his loved ones.

Governor Abiodun

Mourning the passing of the business mogul and philanthropist, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, described the death of Balogun as a colossal loss, not only to Ogun State, but also to Nigeria as a whole.

He noted that the late Olori Omo Oba of Ijebuland was one of the foremost entrepreneurs who took banking to an enviable level in the country.

Abiodun added that apart from being a business magnate, Chief Subomi Balogun was a devoted Christian, a loving father and husband, as well as lover of Ijebuland.

The governor said the contributions of the late banker to the socio-economic development of Ijebuland and Ogun State was humongous and beneficial to numerous people and entities.

According to the statement, the vacuum created by the demise of Balogun will be difficult to fill, pointing out that his love for humanity and dedication to the service of God was worth emulation.

While commiserating with the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona and the entire people of Ijebu on the passing of the renowned entrepreneur, Abiodun equally condoled the immediate family left behind by him.

The governor, praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased, urged his family members not to grief, but find solace in the fact that Chief Subomi Balogun lived a life of industry, service to God and humanity.

rescued by security operatives. The Anambra State Police Command’s spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this yesterday.

Although their names and identities were not disclosed, Ikenga said they were rescued unhurt by the joint security forces in the early hours of yesterday.

“Operations are still ongoing and further details shall be communicated, please,” Ikenga added.

During the attack, four policemen and three embassy staff were killed by the terrorists.

The US Embassy confirmed the rescue of the two staff in a statement yesterday.

The Embassy said: “Two U.S. Mission employees missing since the May 16 attack in Anambra State are alive and safe, and under the protection of Nigerian authorities in Anambra.

“We have informed their families of their safe recovery. U.S. Mission personnel are on their way to meet and accompany them home.

“We continue to work intensively with Nigerian security and law enforcement on this

to assist their colleagues in the country.

She said: "This one is for the health and wellness of the First Family. They don't need to go abroad now. They only need to maybe fly in experts to help our people. You know. So, no need for any leader to spend months and months abroad because of health care.

"I'm quite happy, feeling fulfilled. Though we are leaving but all the same, we thank God the project has come to reality.

"I initiated this project six years ago when my husband spent three months abroad, consecutively, 90 days, and it shouldn't be because we have all the experts in Nigeria. We only need a good platform.

"The hospital that is supposed to serve the First Family is serving like 35,000 people, which is quite much.

"That's why I insisted we should have a VIP Wing within the proximity of the presidential villa."

In his speech, President Buhari said the new state-of-the-art Medical Centre will boost health infrastructure in the country by far, calling for the judicious use of the facility to maximise its benefits.

The Medical Centre was conceptualised by the previous administration 11 years ago.

Accompanied by members of the first family, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari; and the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, the President toured the Cardiac Catheterization

matter, to identify the victims previously found, and to bring to justice those responsible for this heinous attack. We welcome any information the public may have in this regard.

“We are deeply grateful for the partnership and solidarity of the Nigerian government and Nigerian security and law enforcement colleagues and mourn with them for those who died in the attack.”

Meanwhile, President-elect Bola Tinubu has expressed shock over the attack on the United States Embassy convoy just hours after his telephone call with the Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Tinubu, in a statement yesterday and signed by Tunde Rahman, noted that he had been making his own enquiries into the persons responsible and their motives and would do all he could to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

He said security was one of the cardinal issues on his agenda, adding that he would give it priority attention on resumption of office, which was why it featured prominently in his discussion with Secretary Blinken.

Laboratory (CathLab), Operating Rooms for regular and specialized procedures, Intensive Care Unit, Specialized Infectious Disease Isolation Suites, and Specialized consultation rooms.

He expressed satisfaction with the fully-equipped and operational medical facilities at the Centre, noting that in the past eight years, holistic health care has been given a priority.

During his tour, President Buhari interacted with the local medical staff who received specialised training on handling the advanced equipment available at the facility.

Also speaking, the State House Permanent Secretary explained that the VIP facility is intended to be a one-stop shop for the provision of medical services to the President, Vice President and their families, as well as other VIPs.

According to him: "The establishment of the facility reflects Mr President’s commitment to prioritising the health and well-being of Nigerians."

He recounted that the concept of establishing a medical facility within the seat of government was conceived in 2012.

He said this initial idea resulted in the creation of a project brief in 2013, outlining the objectives, scope, and specifications for the facility's construction.

However, it wasn't until 2020 that President Buhari gave his approval for a comprehensive geotechnical survey and assessment of seven potential sites.

Court Nullifies Otti’s Candidacy, Declines to Annul His Election

Abia-governorelecturgessupporterstoignorejudgement

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Justice M N Yunusa of a Federal High Court sitting in Kano yesterday nullified

the candidature of Alex Otti, governor-elect of Abia, and other candidates of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia and Kano states, but declined to order INEC to

Oluwatoyin Madein Appointed New Accountant General of The Federation

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein as the substantive Accountant General of the Federation.

The Director of Communications, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Mohammed Ahmed, announced Madein’s appointment, in a statement yesterday.

The appointment took effect on May 18, 2023.

Prior to her appointment, Madein was the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Office of The Head of The Civil Service of The Federation.

Madein has garnered experience in the federal civil service while working as an accountant, financial manager, and internal auditor in the last 30 years.

She replaced Sylva Okolieaboh, who was appointed as the acting Accountant General of the Federation after the removal of Chukwuyere Anamekwe.

Anamekwe was appointed in the acting capacity after Ahmed Idris was suspended over allegations of N80 billion fraud linked to him.

Idris was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 16 - the anti-graft agency said he had refused to honour invitations to answer questions on the fraud allegations.

The Accountant General was subsequently suspended by Zainab Ahmed, the Finance Minister, days after his arrest.

Atiku to INEC: It’s not Your Duty to Defend Tinubu’s Alleged Drug, Dual Citizenship Cases

Ascourtrefusestoacceptnew lawyerforLP

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last presidential election, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) defence of winner of the February 25 presidential election, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Atiku, who lamented that INEC was not acting like an unbiased umpire, said it was wrong for INEC to defend Tinubu beyond the election it conducted.

Atiku spoke through his lawyer, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, yesterday, while adopting his reply to INEC’s response to his petition at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC) Abuja.

Atiku and the PDP are currently challenging the emergence of Tinubu as winner of the presidential poll over alleged irregularities and substantial non-compliance with the electoral laws.

Besides, the petitioners are seeking the disqualification of Tinubu from the election over his forfeiture of the sum of $460,000 to the United States on alleged involvement in hard drugs deals.

Atiku and PDP in addition also seek the disqualification of Tinubu on alleged perjury regarding his Guinean citizenship.

Respondents in the petition filed on March 21, are the INEC, Tinubu and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Responding to the petition, the electoral umpire through its lawyer, Mr. Kemi Pinhero, SAN, urged the court to strike out some

of the allegations Atiku made against Tinubu in his petition.

Amongst the paragraphs INEC wants the court to strike out include the forfeiture of $460, 000 Dollars in the United States of America (USA), possession of Guinea’s Passport and Allegiance to foreign countries.

But in their response to INEC, Obi and Atiku, pointed out that the commission lacked the legal right to defend Tinubu in the drug and dual citizenship allegations when such allegations had nothing to do with the February 25 presidential election conducted by INEC.

Arguing further, their lawyer, Chief Uche, asked the court to dismiss the electoral body’s position on the grounds that it was not the duty of INEC to do the battle or argue any case for Tinubu who is 2nd defendant in the petition.

Specifically, Atiku’s lead counsel insisted that INEC ought to be neutral and defend only the conduct of the election in dispute.

He argued that the electoral body has somersaulted by turning itself into a busy body and meddlesome interloper by taking up the defense of Tinubu against the provisions of the law.

The Senior lawyer maintained that the request of INEC in its defence of Tinubu is not only spurious, strange but constituted a gross abuse of court process in addition to lacking in merit.

Uche argued that all efforts by INEC to get fundamental averments against Tinubu should be treated as efforts in futility, vexatious and irritating and should not be allowed to hold.

withdraw Otti’s certificate of return.

On the same day, the Abia State Governor-elect advised the state residents to keep calm and ignore his alleged nullification of his mandate.

Justice Yunusa nullified Otti’s candidacy and that of other LP members in Abia and Kano states due to non-compliance with the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act but declined to invalidate Otti’s election.

The judge ruled: “The candidates that participated in the election in Abia State are not parties before this court, as such, the court lacks the jurisdiction to make an order for the issuance of

certificate of return to them. They are however at liberty to seek the said redress in the appropriate division of the court.”

Otti responded to the annulment speculations by saying that preparations for his inauguration on May 29 are proceeding as planned.

He said the actions of those opposed to democracy would not prevent the people of Abia from having their way.

The governor-elect who spoke through his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, added that the Kano judgement holds no water and stands on nothing.

“It has no basis, and nobody should bother about it. If they

had a case why didn’t they file it in Abia?

“Even the one they filed in Kano, they intentionally did not want to join us. The judge knows that, and did not pass any verdict on us because Otti was not joined.”

Otti further explained that similar cases had already been filed against two Labour Party House of Representatives candidates in Abia but were all dismissed even by the Supreme Court.

“The court had ruled on a similar suit before the election and dismissed it. A similar suit was filed against two of our Representative

candidates – Obi Aguocha, and Ginger Onwusibe - which was adjudicated up to the Supreme Court,” Otti said.

The Kano court gave its ruling on the LP candidates in Abia and Kano on Thursday in a suit filed by Ibrahim Haruna Ibrahim against the LP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The judge held that LP did not submit the register of its members in the 36 states of the federation to INEC in compliance with the Electoral Act.

He said the votes cast for all the candidates of the LP in Kano and Abia states are therefore “wasted”.

IN GOD’S NAME...

Matawalle: EFCC Chairman Demanded $2m Bribe from Me

Okocha Chuks in Abuja

The fight between Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State and the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is getting more interesting as the Zamfara State governor has accused the helmsman of the anti-graft agency, Abdulrasheed Bawa, of demanding $2 million bribe from him.

He made the allegation amid the growing rift between the governor and the anti-graft agency.

In a statement on Wednesday, Matawalle called for Bawa’s resignation, saying he had questions to answer on corruption.

But the EFCC Chairman responded that he had nothing to hide and asked Matawalle to petition appropriate authorities if he had any evidence against him.

In an interview with BBC Hausa yesterday, Matawalle insisted that Bawa could not be trusted.

“It is not just to always blame governors. It is not only governors who have treasury, the federal government also has. What does the EFCC boss do to them? As

he is claiming he has evidence on governors, let him show to the world evidence of those at the federal level.

“If he exits office, people will surely know he is not an honest person. I have evidence against him. Let him vacate office, I am telling you within 10 seconds probably more than 200 people will bring evidences of bribe he collected from them. He knows what he requested from me but I declined.

“He requested a bribe of $2 million from me and I have evidence of this. He knows the

house we met, he invited me and told me the conditions. He told me governors were going to his office but I did not. If I don’t have evidence, I won’t say this.”

Contacted for reaction, Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman of the anti-graft agency, said he had not seen the story so he could not respond.

He was told that it was on BBC Hausa where Matawalle spoke, he said he could not speak Hausa and asked that the story link be sent for a response, but he had not responded at the time of filing this report

North-Central Senators-elect Adamant, Insist on Sani Musa for Deputy Senate President

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senator-elect who would represent the Nasarawa West in the 10th Senate, Aliyu Wadada, has said his colleagues from the North-central geopolitical zone were still determined to ensure the emergence of Senator Sani Musa as Deputy Senate President during the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly next month.

Wadada, who was elected on the ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), stated

this yesterday when he granted an interview to journalists at the closing ceremony of the induction programme organised for the newly elected members of the 10th National Assembly.

He also said the fact that he and some of his colleagues have been following the anointed candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the position of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, does not mean that the North-central had dumped Musa.

He said since the North-central Caucus of the incoming 10th Sen-

ate had resolved to support and ensure the emergence of Musa as Deputy Senate President, stressing there was nothing wrong in supporting the choice of the APC for the position of the Senate President.

The APC National Working Committee (NWC) had penultimate week, announced the zoning arrangements for the 10th National Assembly leadership positions but left out the North-central geopolitical zone without giving any reason.

The party however zoned

the position of the Speaker, House of Representatives and Deputy Senate President to the North-west geopolitical zone. Wadada told journalists that, “The North-central will not, and cannot be left out with a representative like us. We will always strive to get what belongs to us or what we deserve.

“We already had a press briefing where we clearly stated our position. After the press briefing, when the zoning arrangements had been announced, we also took a stand and our governors supported us.

Delta Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (middle), Speaker of the State House of Assembly and Governor-elect, Sheriff Oborevwori (2nd left), Secretary to Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah (2nd right), CAN Chairman, Delta State, Senior Apostle Sylvernus Okorotie (3rd left), South South Chairman, Rev. Israel Ege (3rd right),and others shortly after the inauguration of the Association’s Secretariat in Asaba…yesterday.

Akufo-Addo: I’m Certain History Will Be Kind to Buhari

TwobiographiesonNigerianPresidentpresented

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Nana Addo AkufoAddo of Ghana has spoken glowingly of his Nigerian counterpart, President Muhammadu Buhari, expressing optimism that history will be very kind to him.

Speaking in Abuja yesterday as Special Guest of Honour at the Public Presentation and Launch of two biographies written about the life and times, as well as leadership experience of President Buhari, President Akufo-Addo assured the Nigerian leader that history will be kind to him.

His words: “As leaders, we all have our high and low moments, but I have no doubt that posterity

will be kind to Muhammadu Buhari.”

Akufo-Addo, who took time to highlight some of the achievements of President Buhari, whom he noted shared a similar experience in the journey to the Presidency with him, however said Africa and the world would miss his leadership when he leaves office on May 29, 2023.

President Akufo-Addo, while eulogising President Buhari for providing model leadership for Nigeria and other regional and international organisations that he had been tasked to lead, particularly noted how he tamed the Boko Haram menace.

According to him, “The efforts

Jonathan: Insecurity During My Tenure Gave Me Sleepless Nights

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

Eight years after leaving office, former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed that he lost sleep over the insecurity that pervaded the country during his tenure.

Jonathan disclosed this in Jalingo, yesterday, during the inauguration of projects executed by the Ishaku administration including a 22km dual carriage road with flyover and pedestrian bridges.

The former President, who received a thunderous ovation from the mammoth crowd, hailed the people of the state for embracing peace and living in harmony among themselves.

According to him, “When I was the president of Nigeria, the insecurity of the nation did give me sleepless nights. Sometimes even while I am in the church, my ADC will bring a phone to show me how people are being murdered or kidnapp ed, and that gave

me serious headache.

“As I came into the Jalingo airport, I saw the Director of DSS and I quickly asked him ‘how is Taraba State security wise?’ and he told me ‘Taraba is relatively peaceful.’”

Thanking the people of the state for choosing to live in peace, he stated, “I believe insecurity is the handiwork of the citizens and the people of Taraba have chosen to live peacefully and you are enjoying it. It is not the business of the federal or state governments alone.”

He commended Craneburg Construction Company that handled the road project for delivering a very quality and durable job that would stand the test of time.

In his welcome address, Governor Darius Ishaku noted that the construction of the dual carriage road was part of the priority of his administration, just as he expressed gratitude to God for giving him the grace to complete and inaugurate the project before the end of his administration.

Lawyer Alleges Police Frustrating Prosecution of Suspected Killers of Deborah

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The National Coordinator of Olive Tree Citizen’s Rights Initiative (OTCRI), Mr. Sunny Akanni, has accused the police of frustrating the prosecution of suspected murderers of Deborah Emmanuel, a student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, who was killed for alleged blasphemy by some Muslim students on May 12, 2022.

Emmanuel was stoned to death and her remains set ablaze by some Muslim students who alleged that she blasp hemed Prophet Mohammed following an argument with a fellow Muslim student on a WhatsApp group platform.

Video footage of the brutal killing trended on social media showing a raging fire burning the remains of the deceased as a man faced the camera, displaying a match box, saying in Hausa language that he

killed and burnt her.

The killing was widely condemned by many Nigerians who described it as barbaric.

The Sokoto State Police Command had promised to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Two suspects, namely Bilyaminu Aliyu and Aminu Hukunchi were later arrested in connection with the killing.

On May 16, 2022, they were arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Sokoto for criminal conspiracy and inciting public disturbance, under Section 60 and 79 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Laws 2019.

The defendants were represented by 35 lawyers, led by one Prof. Mansur Ibrahim Sa’id.

Speaking in an interview with THISDAY yesterday in Kaduna, Akanni lamented that the matter had been struck out by the court due lack of diligent prosecution by the police.

President Buhari has made to defeat the scourge of Boko Haram, a process which is still ongoing are also testimonies of his determination to establish full normalcy and security in Nigeria.

“His tentacles extended beyond Nigeria; Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS; Chairperson of the Gulf of Guinea Commission; ECOWAS Chairman in the coordination of the fight against COVID-19, among several others, and in all of these, he has spared no effort to ensure

the successful execution of the objectives of his office.

“Likewise, through the launch of today’s biographies, the story of President Muhammadu Buhari, a man who made such a great effort to change Nigeria for good, is being told by those who’ve had the opportunity to see for themselves at firsthand, from the beginning of his mandate as a democratically elected president, to his last days in office, the highs and lows of his tenure thus far. From what

I have read and know, the life of Muhammadu Buhari has been truly an amazing story.

“The works the President Buhari has done in helping to diversify Nigerian agriculture and thereby enhancing significantly agricultural productivity, reviving the economy and ensuring consistently fast rates of growth. These developments, for me, have vindicated the choice of Nigerians, which I believe enabled continuity in office for the APC, through President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.“You can imagine the

excitement in the ranks of the NPP with the victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, about the prospects of a third term agenda for the NPP, what we in NPP call ‘breaking the eight’.

“President Buhari, we will miss you. West Africa, Africa, and indeed, the world will miss your leadership, the leadership of a military ruler, turned consummate democrat, who’s extremely solicitous of Nigerian and African interests and who sought for principles in all decisions which he took.

FOR IN-COUNTRY TREATMENTS. . .

Segun James

Following the rising trend among the youths to “japa” out of the country, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, has said his administration is set to convert some of the Skills Acquisition Centres in the state to Eko Creation Innovators Hubs.

Sanwo-Olu, who gave the hint during the inauguration

Segun James

As part of activities towards the inauguration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Government unveiled the schedule of events for a seamless inauguration of the governor and his deputy, Dr. Femi Hanzat second term in office on May 29, 2023.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who is also Chairman, Media Committee of Second Term Committee at

of Sail Innovation Lab, an initiative of Senator Tokunbo Abiru, disclosed that the Yaba area of the state would be made into a Tech Campus as a way of encouraging the youths on digital skills innovation.

The Sail Innovation Lab which took off in 2021 is situated in the Ikorodu area of Lagos East where the Senator is representing.

The lab, designed in collabora-

a press conference held at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, said that at “exactly 1,451 days ago, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his partner, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, took the oath of office before thousands of people who were gathered at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos and millions more who watched on television and various media channels across the globe.”

Omotoso, who was flanked by Mr. Seye Oladejo,

tion with Co-creation Hub, would serve as a training centre for youths, teenagers and teachers in and around Ikorodu free of charge.

Speaking during the inauguration of the centre, Sanwo-Olu said Abiru’s initiative to better the lots of his constituents was in line with the vision of the state government to leverage on technology for the development of the youth.

Skills Acquisition Centres ‘ll Be Converted to Innovation Hubs, Says Sanwo-Olu Sanwo-Olu’s Inauguration: Lagos Govt Unveils Programme of Events

All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Publicity Secretary, stressed that “that day marked the beginning of A Greater Lagos journey, which was embarked upon by the administration and anchored on the six pillars of development tagged the THEMES Agenda.

“It is also an important date in our democratic experience. Four years after, the promise of A Greater Lagos has been fulfilled in many areas of life through

Sanwo-Olu said, “You can see the enthusiasm in my voice. It is not every time that you see a politician doing this kind of thing. Our names are used in different ways.

“I have no doubt that the expectation of the people of Lagos East will be achieved, some of the things that we promised, we have been seeing them in Senator Abiru.

the delivery of several lifeimpacting projects, social investments in our people as well as economic development of our dear state.

“The social contract between Governor SanwoOlu and the people of Lagos was never taken for granted and, for that reason, the governor and his team proactively tackled head-on all the challenges that confronted the state within the fouryear period.

Sirika Embarks on Last Minute Purge, May Remove 3 CEOs of Aviation Agencies

Chinedu Eze

There are indications that the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, may reshuffle top executives of aviation agencies, barely nine days to the end of the Buhari administration and less than a week for the ministers to hand over to Permanent Secretaries, THISDAY investigation has revealed.

In relation to this, report also

indicated that the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Rabiu Yadudu may have been removed and replaced by the current Airport Regional Manager, North Central who is also the Manager of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Mr. Kabir Mohammed. Informed source from the agency disclosed that Yadudu’s five-year tenure ended today and

therefore has been replaced; although an official statement has not been made on this.

THISDAY learnt that some of those that may be affected by the reshuffling exercise include the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Rabiu Yadudu, the DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Akin Olateru and the

acting Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Matthew Pwajok.

But industry expert and General Secretary of Aviation Round Table (ART), Group Captain John Ojikutu, who was privy to the plan, said that some of the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) could not be removed by fiat without recourse to the Acts that set up the agencies.

L-R: Son of the President, Yusuf Buhari; First Lady Aisha Buhari; President Muhammadu Buhari; Senate President Ahmed Lawan and State House Permanent Secretary, Tijani Umar, during the inauguration of Presidential Wing of the State House Medical Centre in Abuja…. yesterday. GODWIN OMOIGUI.

Electoral Banditry, Army Arrangement and Judicial Optimism

Many Nigerians didn’t and don’t believe Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, justly made the Time’s list of 100 most influential people of 2023. The magazine calls the intimidation and vote rigging witnessed at the polls “allegations”, clearly describing Tinubu’s win in a “fractured nation” with “deep-rooted corruption”, “religious insurgencies” and “crumbling economy” as free, fair and credible. Could the Time have been wrong? Or could this set of Nigerians have biased in their judgement?

With the presidential election petitions tribunal sitting and hearing cases of compromise along constitutional (25% in FCT) and electoral (BVAS-IREV) processes filed by the opposition parties, namely, the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on May 8, a number of Nigerians who have been deeply disappointed by the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the February 25 elections are cautiously optimistic that the judiciary will serve justice.

So, clearly, the battle is between Tinubu, the declared winner of the February 25 elections, and the judiciary, representing the aggrieved parties, more of the LP than the PDP, apparently.

The judiciary, this time, stands a chance to prove its autonomy and independence. That it has also not compromised or cowed out of justice administration. Already, Nigerians have lost hope and confidence in INEC. The organisation of the election didn’t reflect a true democracy. The operation of the election was strongly informed by the will of the minority who wanted to run the country on entitlement, and not on meritocracy.

Has it ever happened that a president-elect, declared winner by the country’s electoral umpire, was declared loser by the judiciary, in Nigeria? Since 1999, at least for 24 years that we’ve been practising democracy, such thing has never happened. From Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007) to Umaru Yar’Adua (2007-2010) to Goodluck Jonathan (2010-2015) to Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2023), the baton has been from one civilian hand to another. No interregnum, no pogrom. Once declared, no twice shy.

It means it will be difficult for the judiciary to act contrarily to the ‘constitution’ of the elite. One day, I was reading one of Tinubu’s speeches delivered in Kano. In that May 29 2009 speech, titled, ‘Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects’, Tinubu said Obasanjo started “electoral banditry” and “army arrangement”, so much so that it’s become the character of successive administrations to eat the rotten corns and grapes sowed by their predecessors. Let me quote part of what Tinubu said about Obasanjo: “… President Obasanjo bequeathed his country [sic] institutionalized electoral

banditry, with the grand heists that were the April 2007 general elections. As it is now, Nigeria faces the grim prospect of a democracy without a sound electoral system. How long can any democracy stand on such sandy foundation?”

With respect to “freedom of association”, “freedom of the press and right to disseminate information”, “effective separation of duties and functions of the executive and the judiciary”, “respect for the rule and law” and “accountability and transparency in governance”, Tinubu says they are “constitutionally provided for and an aggrieved party can go to court to claim his right,” adding that “there is a limit to which the courts can help”. Obi himself has been recently controversial. His telephone conversation with Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church Worldwide might work against him. It could be a strong point for the powers that be. ‘Let’s assume’ Obi was actually making the phone call with Oyedepo ‘begging’ votes, is anything wrong in that? His UK ‘detention’ can also work against him. In actuality, it is between Tinubu and the judiciary. He’s the president-elect. Not so? If you reverse or annul the win, who will you give, Abubakar, with a controversial past, or Obi, with a controversial present and his obvious ‘do-as-I-say’ sonship with his political godfathers? All eyes are on the judges.

Segun Ige, Lagos

Politicians and Social Media Warriors in Bauchi

Bauchi State is currently grappling with a disturbing trend that has the potential to cripple its socio-political and economic advancements. It’s the rise of social media warriors, also referred to as an Kare Muradu, who have been recruited by politicians to push their agenda on various online platforms.

It’s quite unfortunate that the youth of Bauchi state, who are regarded as the future leaders of their communities, are being exploited and used as pawns in the game of politics. These desperate youths have been lured into a parasitic relationship with politicians that only results in the youths receiving a meager N5,000 monthly payment.

Despite the fact that these politicians benefit from the services of these social media warriors, they have shown no interest in providing them with any skills or education to improve their lives. The politicians only seek to achieve their goals by exploiting the youth’s vulnerability, which is disheartening.

It’s unfair that these young people are being used as instruments for political maneuvering, without any form of care for their well-being. They spend hours creating social media propaganda and spreading false information to support their paymasters. In many instances, these campaigns border on hate speech, division, and sowing seeds of discord amongst the communities.

It’s sad to realize that these young people don’t see anything wrong with their predicament, as their quest for survival has forced them to accept the crumbs thrown their way. They fail to understand that the N5,000 being paid to them cannot sustain them for long, let alone provide them with a decent livelihood.

The detrimental impact of turning a blind eye to the plight of these youths cannot be overemphasized. The future of Bauchi State is anchored on the shoulders of the youth, who need to be nurtured and provided with opportunities that are crucial for the development of the State. It’s important to acknowledge that these youths are not expendable and cannot be used as cannon fodder for the political elite.

Mukhtar Jarmajo, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja

Slow Down

Iam amazed to see that Prince Harry and Meghan allege there was a near catastrophic paparazzi car chase in New York. Although my experience is limited to a week visit and what I see on TV I doubt that any car could drive at more than 10mph and certainly not for more than two hours. Maybe he lives in a different universe than I do but this seems a bit more of a publicity stunt than a real event.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Nasarawa Killings: Sule Convenes Emergency Security Meeting

Igbawase Ukumba

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, yesterday convened an emergency security meeting with a view to tackling the resurgence of killings across the state as well as the escalation of kidnapping activities.

farmers were reportedly killed by persons suspected

community of Karu Local Government Area of the state, where the state deputy

governor, Emmanuel Akabe, attended their mass burial.

In his opening remarks at the emergency security meeting held at the Government resurgence of the killings, especially in Kokona, Karu and Toto local government areas of the state, even as he lamented that the entire country was facing security challenges leading to the loss of lives.

The governor explained that the expanded security meeting, which had also in

attendance national and local Fulani leaders, was aimed architecture in the state to go back to the drawing board to addressing the prevailing security challenges in the state.

The governor used the opportunity of the meeting to condole with the families of victims of the recent crisis in as well as in Toto and Karu local government areas.

He particularly condemned the escalation of kidnapping

activities in the state, especially along the Gudi-Garaku Road, where a former deputy governor and ex-minister, Chief Solomon Ewuga, was kidnapped recently.

“The kidnapping between Gudi and Garaku is very disturbing because it is taking place next to where we have a team of military patrol, just less than 3 kilometres away. Recently, we had a former deputy governor, a former minister, Solomon Ewuga, who was kidnapped in the same location,” Sule stated.

No Going Back On 15-Day Ultimatum, JOHESU/AHPA Tell FG

Healthcare services in the country may be disrupted following a resolve by the Joint Health Workers’ Union (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (AHPA) to embark on industrial strike if the federal government fails to heed their demands on the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum on May 25.

The health professional bodies had served a notice of strike with what they described as the federal government’s deliberate frustrating inconsistency in the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) salary scale for non-physician health workers.

In a letter titled ‘Notice Of 15 Days Strike Ultimatum’ signed by the Acting National Secretary

of JOHESU, Comrade Mathew Ajorutu, at the end of an emergency NEC meeting in Abuja, the association commended the Technical Committee report of the federal government on the adjustment of CONHESS and demanded the full implementation in tandem with all known tenets of fairness and justice as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

“JOHESU NEC condemned albeit vehemently the attempts by the Federal Ministry of health (FMoH) in the last 14 years under the watch of three (3) Physician Health Ministers including Prof. Christian Chukwu, Prof. Isaac Adewole and Dr. Osagie Enahire to frustrate as well as out rightly jeopardise the adjustment of CONHESS.’’

Pending Confirmation, Buhari Directs NEDC New Governing Council to Resume Work

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate resumption of the new Managing Director the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Umar Abubakar Hashidu and other members of the Board.

This was sequel to the expiration of the tenure of the former Board on May

EMPOWEING CONSTITUENTS…

L-R:

TOWARDS FOOD SECURITY…

L-R:

Fashola; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Olatokunbo Emokpae; General Manager, Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA), Mr. Dapo Olakulehin; and Director Fisheries Services, Ms. Daisi Osunkoya, at the Agricultural Value Chains Enterprise Support Programme for Farmers in Lagos Island, Eti-Osa ,IbejuLekki, Epe Local Governments and there LCDAs at Eti-Osa Local Government in Lagos….yesterday

OAU Loses Former Vice Chancellor, Cyril Onwumechili at 91

The authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, have announced the passing of the fourth substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Cyril Agodi Onwumechili.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, states that the esteemed former ViceChancellor, who passed away at age of 91 years, was a visionary leader, an exceptional

academic, and a compassionate individual, who made invaluable contributions to the growth and success of institution.

It said that they received the news of the demise of Onwumechili with a heavy heart and deep sadness.

During his tenure as Vice Chancellor from 1979 to 1982, the renowned Physicist, Professor Onwumechili, played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s trajectory, steering it towards excellence,

and upholding its commitment to academic rigour, innovation, and societal impact.

Describing the late university helmsman as a detribalised Nigerian and a renowned academic of high repute, the current Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, said that he championed progressive policies, fostered a vibrant academic community, and strived for inclusivity, leaving an indelible mark on the 62-year-old university and the

countless lives he touched.

According to him, “Under Professor Cyril Onwumechili’s leadership, the university experienced remarkable growth and advancement in various fields of study, research, and outreach as he spearheaded strategic initiatives that fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, established partnerships with renowned institutions worldwide, and ensured the university’s relevance in an ever-evolving global landscape.”

The President, according to a release issued yesterday by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, has therefore directed the immediate completion of handover formalities in the

organisation in order to avoid a vacuum in the day-to day running of this very important and strategic Commission, by the Senate.

Members of the new Governing Board which has Bukar Baale as the Chairman include; Suwaiba Idris Baba, Executive Director, Humanitarian Musa Umar Yashi, Executive Director, Administration and Finance, (North East, Bauchi); Dr. Ismaila Nuhu Maksha, Executive Director, Operations (North East, Adamawa); and Umar Abubakar Hashidu, MD/CEO, (North East, Gombe).

Tinubu Inauguration: 100% Focus Group Movement Canvasses For Peace

Mary Nnah

Ahead of the May 29th inauguration, one of the leading support groups of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last Group Movement has called for peace from all parties to sheath their swords.

which embarked on grassroots mobilisation and market sensitisation across the country to canvas for support for the All Progressives Congress (APC)

presidential candidate during the last election campaign solicited Nigerians’ support for a peaceful Speaking on behalf of the group in Abuja recently, the chairman of the group, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed stated that what the President-elect needs now is prayers of good health and long life from all Nigerians.

Dr. Mohammed berated those who claim they love Nigeria and care about the development of the country, yet have disdain for the President-elect, Tinubu.

FG Appoints Oba of Benin NOUN Chancellor Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The federal government has appointed His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin as the Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

The institution which has remained without a Chancellor for two years, is the largest university in Nigeria population, cutting across the various distance teaching and learning centres nationwide.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, announced the appointment when the

institution paid a courtesy visit to the Oba yesterday in Benin City, Edo State.

Addressing the Benin throne, Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olufemi also gave insight into the workforce plan of the school, and assured that fortunes of the institution would improve tremendously with the new feat.

He said, “The reason why this university was established by the federal government is to bring university education to as many Nigerians wherever they are and whatever their circumstances or social hindrances may be.

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Adewale Shotobi, the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, his daughter, Fadekemi, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Governor Babajide SanwoOlu of Lagos State and Mrs. Feyisola Abiru, at the inauguration of Senator Abiru Innovation Laboratory, SAIL, in Ikorodu, Lagos...yesterday

Supervisor for Agriculture, Eti-Osa Local Government, Hon. Sanni Lateef; Chairman Eti-Osa Local Government, Represented by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Sulaiman Akanbi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture (Rice Mill Initiative), Dr. Oluwarotimi

SUNDAY ADIGUN

The Needless War at NDDC

The mission of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is to offer a lasting solution to the socio-economic difficulties of the region and facilitate its rapid/sustainable development into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful. Unfortunately, both the Board and the Management of this intervention agency (since creation in 2000) have been struggling to actualise this mission, largely because of ineptitude, corruption, greed and selfishness.

The NDDC had been without a board for about four years. Then came a new board and management for the agency in January this year. Lauretta Onochie emerged as Board Chairman. Samuel Ogboku was picked as Managing Director/CEO. I thought it was a new dawn that would result in a difference in the agency in particular and the Niger Delta in general. Back then, I assumed that the new Board would work harmoniously with the Management to achieve the objectives of setting up the NDDC. Regrettably, just four months after inauguration, the Board and Management have already started dancing naked in public. Onochie and Ogboku are holding each other by the jugular and look set to stall activities in the agency with in-fighting.

When the story of a Federal High Court (Warri) ruling emerged on May 9, restraining Onochie from performing any Executive function in the NDDC, as well as getting involved in daily administration of the agency, I just laughed. It was Ogboku evidently fighting back using his cronies. One of them went to court, seeking an interpretation of the NDDC Act, 2000 and other relevant statutes and documents relating to the running of the commission.

In the judgment, Justice Okon Abang voided all executive actions taken by Onochie since she assumed office on January 4, 2023. Abang also nullified the appointment of 18 aides made by the NDDC board Chairman. The judge held that after due consideration of the relevant provisions of the NDDC Act, 2000 and other documents, it was established

that Onochie’s appointment as the chairman of the board on a part-time basis is to oversee and preside over the meetings of the board.

Abang ruled that the managing director is “statutorily empowered by the NDDC act to perform and wield the executive functions, powers and day-to-day running and management of the commission to the exclusion of other members of the board of the NDDC including the 2nd defendant (Onochie) herein.

“That all actions of the 2nd defendant, including but not limited to the appointment of her personal aides, carried out in the exercise of Executive functions and powers in the Niger Delta Development Commission since her assumption of duty on the 4th day of January 2023 are ultra vires and therefore null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

“That the 2nd defendant (Onochie) is restrained from carrying out and/or exercising any Executive function and powers in the NDDC; the 2nd defendant is further restrained from interfering with the 3rd defendant’s (Ogboku) executive functions, powers and day-to-day running and management of Niger Delta Development Commission the

1st defendant herein.”

No doubt, with this ruling, the war that will hinder the NDDC from actualising the dreams of those who set it up has started, less than five months into the tenure of Onochie and Ogboku.

The other day, Ogboku signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a $15 billion railway line meant to traverse the entire Niger Delta and Onochie went berserk. She argued that the MoU between a US firm, Atlanta Global Resources Inc. and the NDDC was signed without her knowledge and without the authorisation of the board.

Describing it as “shady”, Onochie in a statement she personally signed, characterised the deal as “illegal”. She argued that by the act establishing the NDDC, it is the Chairman of the Board that is solely vested with the power to sign MoUs with any organisation.

Onochie said: “Part II of the NDDC Act, Section 8, sub sections (a) and (e), among other provisions, specifically state inter Alia; ‘the board shall have power to manage and supervise affairs of the commission as well as enter into such contracts as may be necessary

So Sad, No Justice Yet for Deborah

The murder of Deborah Yakubu, who was a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, by some fanatical Muslim school mates for alleged blasphemy, was a year old on May 12. It’s so sad that one year after her brutal killing, not even one of the bastards that murdered her has been arrested. The police and other security agencies in Sokoto State should hide their heads in shame.

Even the trial of the suspects arrestedBilyaminu Aliyu and Aminu Hukunci –arraigned for “criminal conspiracy and inciting public disturbance,” after Deborah’s murder, was yesterday struck out due to lack of diligent prosecution. The Sokoto State Police Command needs to tell Nigerians why they should still keep their jobs after this disgraceful act.

Aliyu and Hukunci are not even the killers of Deborah; they were involved in criminal conspiracy and incitement, not murder. That’s what security agents told us. So, where are the killers of Deborah? The murder is already one year old. Not a single one of the killers in the viral video which captured the moment Deborah was killed has been arrested by the compromised police in Sokoto State. Scores of extremists were seen in the video participating in the murder of Deborah.

The police simply declared them wanted and sat back. It took them six days to even do that. Why did the police not go after the killers immediately the crime was committed? What have they been doing in the last one year to arrest the killers? The murderers are easily

Late Deborah

identifiable as seen in viral videos cheerfully celebrating their crime. So sad that after one year, the police have failed to track them down. When will Deborah’s killers be arrested?

The main duty of the State is protection of lives. The Nigerian State has failed Deborah. It persistently fails its people because of crooked and compromised leadership. It took compromised President Buhari 24 hours to react to the killing of Deborah. This is the tragedy of the country called Nigeria. The brutal murder of Deborah has not been the last. Terrorists and religious fanatics in Nigeria are emboldened because they are hardly made to pay for their atrocities. So, they confidently continue with

their carnages. That was why the terrorists that killed Deborah trooped to the streets of Sokoto the following day, burning churches, maiming and killing innocent people.

The religious extremists who killed Deborah openly took the law into their hands. They recorded the murder and provided video evidence. What other evidence is the police looking for? The murder of Deborah is criminality! Simple! The responsibility of the government is to immediately ensure that those who committed the dreadful crime are identified, detained and quickly prosecuted. This has not happened after one year.

Buhari persistently fails to send a strong signal to religious fanatics that Nigeria remains a heterogeneous, secular state. He has failed to come down very hard on carnage by extremists. He did not even deem it appropriate to visit the traumatised parents of Deborah. As for Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, his political ambition pushed aside the importance of the life of a citizen entrusted in his care but was murdered in cold blood.

Killing in the name of blasphemy is punishable by death as affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2007. The Sokoto State Police Command needs to be reminded about this. The killers of Deborah desecrated her fundamental rights guaranteed in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution – right to life, right to fair hearing, right to freedom of thought, religion and conscience. They must be brought to justice. This is the only way to halt the endless cycle of killings in the name of religion in Nigeria.

or expedient for the discharge of its functions and ensure the efficient performance of the functions of the commission.”

“The Federal Executive Council, having recognised the importance of infrastructure in the Niger Delta region had awarded the contract for the same project in 2021 at the sum of $11.7 billion.

“It is shocking that after the FEC, the highest ruling body in the country, had done this, that anyone would be signing an MoU on behalf of the NDDC and the federal government for the same project in 2023 without due process nor approval by the FEC in the twilight of the Buhari administration.”

Onochie adds: “However, old habits die hard. And some individuals (within and without the commission) still retain the retrogressive mindset that has held the commission down for the past 22 years. We cannot remain on the old dubious path.”

For me, Onochie got it all wrong. No contract for the construction of any railway line was signed by the NDDC management. What was signed was just an MoU at a PPP summit in Lagos. Besides, the Management does not need the approval of the Board to sign an MoU. This was well explained by Ogboku’s men after Onochie’s flareup. She should just go and read the explanation properly.

Ogboku explained: “The foundational process may have been misconstrued by some persons to mean that the NDDC had signed an EPC contract. All we signed at the PPP summit was a basic MoU to commence the preliminary processes of feasibility and viability of the rail project. It did not include any agreement on details.

“The US firm came recommended by a reliable US financial institution, especially for the deployment of US-produced locomotives. The management is also not unaware of the federal government’s contract of 2021 for rail line construction. The proposed network covered by the MoU is on a different alignment.

“What we signed on April 25 is simply the opening phase that will determine how far we will go, but it definitely showcases how interested the international partners are in tapping into the Niger Delta region.

“The NDDC appreciates the need to be seen to be accountable and transparent as it collaborates with its stakeholders in the arduous task of developing the Niger Delta. To give effect to this, we decided to use the PPP model to provide alternative sources of funding for key development projects and programmes.”

My dear Onochie, this is explicit. The truth that must be told is that NDDC’s new Board Chairman wants to operate like an Executive Chairman. This is not the way to go if Onochie truly loves the Niger Delta. Ogboku is responsible for the day-to-day running of the NDDC. He can sign an MoU. When it comes to awarding contracts, he would have to get the approval of the Board. That press statement signed by the NDDC Chairman on the train MoU was absolutely unnecessary. Onochie, please focus on actualising the dreams of NDDC’s founders.

The NDDC must work for the people of the Niger Delta. It must provide relief and sustainable development to reshape the destiny of this region. The task ahead is indeed enormous for this new NDDC Board and Management. This is not the time to start fighting over power and MoU. The new team must quickly update the Niger Delta Development Plan and implement ventures that will add value to the lives of the people. They must work towards restoring hope to the people of this region.

As for Ogboku, he must speedily learn the politics of working with a Board. In this regard, I will suggest that he should talk to the guru, Timi Alaibe, the former Managing Director of the NDDC.

Ogbuku

Onochie

LAUREL ATTAINED…

Onochie, NDDC MD Clash Over Corruption Allegations

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, and the Chairman of the board of the agency, Lauretta Onochie, clashed yesterday as they accused each other of being corrupt.

Onochie and Ogbuku tackled each other during an investigative hearing by the Senate Committee on N1.4trn extra-budgetary spending of the 2021 and 2022 budget of the agency without National Assembly approval.

The Managing Director was represented at the session by the

Executive Director in charge of Finance and Administration, Charles Airhiavere, while Onochie appeared in person. Airhiavere had accused Onochie of over stepping her bounds by desperately seeking to be a signatory to NDDC’s accounts.

He alleged that Onochie had even written a letter to the Accountant-General of the Federation seeking to be made a signatory to the agency’s accounts.

Onochie however said the decision for her to be a signatory to the accounts was taken by the board at one of its meetings adding that it was not a personal decision.

NDLEA Raids Drug Joints Nationwide, Arrests 534 Ahead of May 29 Inauguration

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has launched a nationwide raid of drug joints in an exercise code-named ‘Operation Mop Up’ as part of remove enablers of crime and violence in the form of illicit substances and those who deal in them with a view to ensuring peaceful inauguration of new administrations at national and sub-national levels across the country on May 29.

Not less than 534 suspects few days of the commencement of the operation, during which tons of illicit drugs including cocaine, heroin,

methamphetamine, tramadol, codeine-based syrup, cannabis sativa and various new psychoactive substances among others, were recovered across the states and the FCT.

Top on the list with high arrests and seizures are Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Kaduna, Rivers, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Osun, Benue and Plateau.

Chairman/Chief ExecuBrig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) who ordered the operation commended all state commands and other formations involved in the exercise for their professionalism and following the NDLEA standard operating procedure.

May 29: FG to Cordon Federal Secretariat Complexes for 3 Days

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has said that the Federal Secretariat Complexes Phases l, ll and lll and the Ministry of Foreign District will be shut down for three days from May 26- 29 for the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Bola Tinubu at Eagle Square.

The Permanent Secretary Onwudiwe, announced the

decision yesterday in a circular signed on behalf of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan.

The circular Ref: HCSF/PS/ SWO/007/V/59 and dated May 19, 2023, was addressed to the all serving ministers, Permanent Secretaries and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation among others, said the condoning of the federal secretariat was for security purpose.

She said that the request for change of signatory was rejected because the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directed the Managing Director to ensure

Onochie said, “The CBN authority but they didn’t come back to me. That is why they have been operating the way they like”

Onochie however accused the Managing Director and the entire management of running the commission in breach of

She alleged that the NDDC’s management currently operates a total of 367 accounts against the dictates of the Treasury Single Accounts (TSA) policy of the Federal Government.

According to Onochie, all these accounts are in foreign exchange (FOREX). Airhiavere denied the existence of 367 accounts in the agency but admitted that it operates only four. Onochie also informed the Senate that since the board it has not enjoyed the cooperation of the management of NDDC.

Ebuka Signs New Endorsement Deal with Lifestyle Firm

Bennett Oghifo

In its determination to sustain its position as a dominant player in the lifestyle real estate development sector, Periwinkle Condos has signed a multimillion naira endorsement deal with media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu as the new face of the brand.

In an elaborate ceremony that took place in the company’s premises during the week, Chairman of the company, Dr. Chiedu Nweke acknowledged that

“We are awesomely delighted to welcome Ebuka Obi-Uchendu as the Brand Ambassador and corporate face for Periwinkle Empire.”

The Chairman, Periwinkle

Empire, explained that one of the reasons why the company decided to work with Ebuka is because he is known for class and integrity, which are also some of the company’s core values.

According to him, “We are incredibly positive and optimistic and opportunities this business relationship will bring to both entities.”

In his response, Obi-Uchendu praised the company’s management for taking this decisive bold step to actualise its brand enhancement initiative.

He assured the management of his commitment and determination to lift the brand to its well deserved level and position it as the Brand to beat.

Election Tribunal: Hon. Okpolump Etteh Absent, Declines to Enter Defence in a Multiple Forgery Allegations

The National Assembly Election Tribunal in Uyo presided over by a Lagos State High Court judge, Hon.

drama theatre when hearing resumed in the case between Hon. Eseme Eyiboh of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Hon. Okpolump Etteh of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as more revelations were made on how Etteh allegedly obtained Ordinary National

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Nigerian businesses have been given another opening to the rest of the world as the federal government has launched an online platform that would connect foreign businesses that want to do business with Nigerian businesses.

The government also set up a help desk to attend to Nigerians in diaspora who need information on provision for help.

The Nigeria Global Business Match, NGBM is a real-time online one stop-shop where foreign businesses seeking to do business in Nigeria can transparently conduct end to end transactions with Nigeriannesses in a secured and trusted online platform.

NGNM provides a database

CP Seeks Collaboration with LivingTrust Mortgage Bank to Fight Crimes

The Osun State Police Commissioner, CP Kehinde Longe, has suggested ways bring down the crime rate in the society.

Speaking during a visit by the Managing Director of LivingTrust Mortgage Bank Plc, Dr. Adekunle Adewole, and some members of the bank’s management, to the command headquarters, Osogbo, the police boss said banks have crucial roles to play in making society safer for all.

Longe, who expressed his delight at the visit, listed of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and artisans as some of the ways banks can help to make crime less tempting to individuals, especially young people.

He maintained that if people are productively engaged, their propensity for engaging in crime will become very low.

Hilda Baci Defends Her Dress Sense, Hints on Next Steps

Omolabake Fasogbon

Popular chef and world record breaker, Hilda Baci, has appealed to Nigerians to see beyond her dressing but to project her ingenuity and doggedness to place Nigeria on the global map.

Baci said this in reaction to the wide criticisms of her dressing that erupted after her rise to fame for attempting to break the world record in cooking.

of registered Nigerian businesses to its foreign counterparts.

The essence is to leverage on the ministry of Foreign Nigeria’s overall international business, trade and economic relations.

In what may perhaps be described as the parting gift of also on Thursday launched two other legacy projects- the Nigeria Global Citizens Help Desk, NGCHD for Nigerians in Diaspora who are in need of help.

Also launched was the Diplomatic Service Digitalisation initiative, which is aimed at seeing all the country’s missions and the ministry in one secure Web space. With this, all the missions and ministry will now have a uniform naming pattern.

non existing private polytechnic in Aba in 1992 before getting his West Africa Examination Council

that the 1st respondent – Hon. Etteh was to open his defense after the petitioner Hon. Eyiboh had closed his case on Monday, but he conspicuously failed to appear before the tribunal despite the fact that he had earlier said he will testify and defend himself as the only witness.

Recall that the 27-year-old chef came to the limelight following her attempt to break the world record by cooking continuously for 100 hours.

Afterwards, a number of her past pictures revealing her curves started surfacing on the Internet, a development which has since stirred mixed reactions on her personality traits.

The Akwa Ibom-born chef while addressing the media in Lagos on Thursday defended her dress -sense, saying that one can look sexy and still be a game changer.

Master Onyekachi Ajunwa (3rd left) graduated as Chemical Engineer (B.Eng) from Landmark University Omu-Aran in Kwara State. His father, Deacon Raphael Ajunwa (4th left), wife Stella, and others at the graduation ceremony...yesterday

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Joeboy Unveils Sophomore Album

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

he takeover will be televised! ‘Body and soul’ The Album out this Friday”, star artiste, Joeboy posted on his Instagram page, alongside a colourful visual his sophomore album ‘Body and Soul’ was due out early morning of Friday, May 17. And truly he delivered, with the songs now streaming on all major music streaming platforms.

The new body of work was initially set for release May 17, and expected to be in contention for one of the best albums released in 2023. Born Joseph Akinfewa Donus, popularly known as Joeboy, sets to achieve both sonic depth and commercial appeal with this new album as there are a number of featured artists on ‘Body & Soul’.

The album contains 15 songs, including

“Tpreviously released tracks such as ‘Alcohol’, ‘Body and Soul’ included Nigerian stars CKay and Oxlade, both of whom had recorded huge international success. It also featured Afrobeats sensation BNXN, Hip Hop star Odumodu Blvck, ace producer Tempoe, and fast-rising singer-songwriter Kemena. Listeners would also get to enjoy an interlude from content creator Agba Oli Ekun. On the international scene, Joeboy collaborated with veteran American rapper Ludacris, who appeared on ‘Chicken, Spice, feature BNXN (Buju) and the rave of the moment Odumodublvck while the 10th track ‘Chicken Spice and Curry’ feature the international rapper Ludacris.

It is no wonder that Joeboy is ranked high on the list of Nigerian artistes pushing the frontiers of Afrobeats to the global stage. Nigerian Ludacris would be featured on as the singer was also featured by Blaqbonez on his latest single ‘Cinderella Girl’ which

was released on Friday the 12th of May 2023.

Joeboy consolidated his success with the release of his highly anticipated ‘sophomore album’. ‘Body & Soul’ marks Joeboy’s second album following the release of his debut album ‘Somewhere Between Beauty and Madness’ in 2021. The album already boast quality songs in the form of the megahit record ‘Alcohol’ and the critically acclaimed ‘Contour’.

The Nigerian singer, songwriter gained widespread recognition and acclaim in the Nigerian music industry with his breakout single ‘Baby’ in 2019, which became a massive hit and catapulted him to fame. He developed a passion for music at a young age. Joeboy started his musical journey by singing in his church choir and participating in various talent shows.

In 2017, he caught the attention of Nigerian record producer E. Kelly, who later introduced him to Mr. Eazi, a prominent Nigerian artiste and the founder of emPawa Africa, an initiative that supports emerging African talent.

Chika Ike Lights up Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival is the year’s best in international cinema, and stars are continuing to live up to the festival’s signature upscale glamour on the red carpet, described as fashion spectacle on par with the Oscars and Met Gala, and a decidedly much like Venice or TIFF.

Cannes has a history of delivering spellbinding style moments, after all. Glamorous moments from past years include Diana, Princess

Akinmolayan’s ‘House of Secrets’ Shows off Stellar Cast

The House of Secrets’, a dreamy romance drama term used for movies that are mostly shot in gloomy grey, black, and white) is 2023 slate. The upcoming project which will premiere on June 30, 2023 has Niyi Akinmolayan and Dolapo Adigun credited as the writers.

While Victoria Akunjobi and Barny Emordi serve as the producer and director of photography respectively. Akinmolayan a

characters played by Efe Irele, Shawn Faqua, and Onajite Dede, seen in a wheelchair. Kate Henshaw, Keppy Ekpenyong, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Femi Jacobs, Gbubemi Ejeye, and Tobi Daniels make up the rest of the stellar cast. The mysterious poster teases a love story between the female and male lead characters in a deliberate attempt to invoke

This movie comes after Akinmolayan’s Anthill Studios signed a multi-year deal with Prime Video in January, 2022. The exclusive licensing agreement came after Prime Video struck the same deal with Inkblot Studios. ‘The House of Secrets’ joins the growing slate of titles like ‘Prophetess’, ‘Day of Destiny’ and ‘Elevator Baby.’

makers, Akinmolayan on wrapping up the production says it gives him joy that nearly 100 persons are able to earn enough

money to meet their needs whenever he

He said this shortly after wrapping up founder and creative director of Anthill Studios, Akinmolayan, shared a photo of himself with the crew of The House of Secrets. He captioned the photo, “It’s a wrap!! “There are tons of reasons why

“My core reason is that every time I make rents, feed their families, buy a car, get married etc. These ones are even special because I’ve watched some of them grow from interns/production assistants to heads of departments.

“At Anthill studios, helping people grow and create their best is our main focus. I’m grateful we get to do this more often. Shout out to an amazing team. On to the next!!”

of Wales’s Catherine Walker gown in 1987, Madonna’s 1991 Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra, and Amal Clooney’s sunny Atelier Versace gown in 2016. More recently, model Bella Hadid made waves with her 2021 Schiaparelli Couture dress and gold, lung-like breastplate.

The festival can be expected to showcase the they are custom-made, pulled from the latest runway shows, or unearthed from the archives. Nigerian actress and producer, Chika Ike is one of the attendees at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Ike walked this year’s Cannes Film Festival red carpet looking fabulous among the stars in the best dressed lists.

A report says more than 2,000 people walked the red carpet of the current edition of the festival which opened with a colorful

red carpet. The Nollywood star took to her Instagram page to share photos of her look to the event which caught several fashion lovers. And in turn they took to the comment section to compliment the actress’s green look.

Styled by celebrity stylist, Swanky Jerry, Chika Ike stepped out looking like a million bucks handle, the actress said, “Even when I’m not trying hard, the spotlight is on me, I shine

The Cannes Film Festival, previously known as the International Film Festival, is a famous event that previews movies worldwide, including documentaries, among other genres. The 2023 edition of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival underway in Cannes, France closes on May 27.

Eric Limani’s ‘Traveller’ Depicts Sonic Tapestry

After years of anticipation, Afrofolk/soul singersongwriter and guitarist, Eric Limani is thrilled to announce the release of his highly anticipated EP, titled “Traveller.”

Limani’s musical career, as he embarks on a transformative journey from his contemporary gospel music roots to a new chapter of artistic exploration and self-discovery.

The 5-track “Traveller” is the culmination of countless hours of dedication, commitment, and an unwavering passion for creating music that resonates with the depths of the human experience. With every word, lyric, and sound, Limani was intentional in capturing the essence of his personal growth and spiritual evolution, making this body of work a true testament to his artistic vision.

This musical endeavor was no easy feat, as Limani poured his heart and soul into every aspect of its creation. The process demanded sweat, tears, and an unyielding determination to push the boundaries of his musical boundaries. Limani’s authentic emotions, raw vulnerability, and profound introspection.

“Traveller” is not an album for the faint of heart. It is a sonic tapestry that invites listeners to embark on a transformative journey alongside Limani, delving deep into the layers of his soul. This EP is for those who are willing to growth within the profound melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

With “Traveller,” Eric Limani hopes to connect with the people he created this project for – the wanderers, the seekers, and the dreamers who yearn for music that touches their very core. This EP represents a new chapter in Limani’s artistic career, one that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those who are fortunate enough to experience it.

“Traveller” is now available on all major streaming platforms. Known for his powerful vocals, introspective lyrics, and captivating stage presence, and with his unique blend of folk music, soul, and alternative sounds, Limani has garnered a dedicated following and critical acclaim. “Traveller” represents his unwavering commitment to creating music that moves the soul.

Joeboy

Chika Ike

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Kate Henshaw

Eric Limani

Pa Jimoh Adisa Gbadamosi: 1927 to 2023

A well-deserved tribute is befitting to an icon who is a quintessential paragon of human virtues. Late Pa Alhaji Jimoh Adisa Gbadamosi arrived this world on Friday, March 18, 1927, lived a meritorious life worth emulating and left the world for the great beyond on Monday 15th Day of May 2023. Gbadamosi was 96 years old. Ustaz Babatunde Jose pays tribute to the late educationist, devout Muslim who as a leader and teacher led an indelible influence on those who passed through his tutelage

Dringalectureontheoccasionofhis 90thbirthday,AlhajiGbadamosi was showcased as a case study in leadership. We opined that every human endeavor requires a unifying and driving force for success and that driving force is ultimately traced to good leadership. A leader is required to meet his obligations to Allah, the Supreme Power, as well as to discharge his duties towards His people (Makhluq) or his followers to the best of his ability. Alhaji Gbadamosi did not shirk his duties as a leader and to all intents and purposes, he lived up to the billing.

In our working life and in society, an effective leader is one who leads by example, which Alhaji Gbadamosididthroughouthislife.Perhapswecould ask ourselves how we carried out our leadership roles, whether at home, or at our workplaces, amongfriendsorsociety?Doweholdonfirmlyand strongly to principles and pursue Allah’s pleasure and blessings, or do we place ourselves and our self-interests/desiresaboveeverythingelsewhen we make decisions? Do we only criticize others, yet do not offer alternatives? Do we only order and command, but we do not give a helping hand to thoseunderourcharge?Havewestrivedtobecome a good example for others? In other words, do we lead through example?

Itis,however,sadtonotethatwecannotboastof ahandfulofleaderswhomeettherequirementsof goodleadership.Thesorrystateofourclimetoday is a pointer to the sad chapter of the leadership deficit in our country.

However, in the exemplary life of Alhaji Gbadamosi, there is a semblance of hope for this nation. Papa was a revered father, grandfather, principal, mentor,guide,educationguru,leader,maharishi,and aleadinglightinanationinspiritualdarkness;Alhaji ‘Omoladisa’ Gbadamosi; was a Principal Emeritus. Somearebornleaders;someachieveleadership, andsomehaveleadershipentrustedtothem.Alhaji Gbadamosi was a leader in all these respects. He earned a Diploma in Geography from the famous TrinityCollege,UniversityofDublin,andaBachelor of Arts degree from the same university in 1953; followedbyaMasterofArtsdegreefromthesame university in 1967.

Among other qualifications which are too numerous to list, Alhaji was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Let it be known that Alhaji Gbadamosi’s working life had revolved around the Islamic association known as Anwar-ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria (formally Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam). This assertionispredicatedonhisresumeofoccupational pursuit. At various times, in his long life, Papa had beenapupilteacher,atAhmadiyyaPrimarySchool, Elegbata; Teacher, STM Ahmadiyya High School, Olushi, Lagos. An Ahmadiyya scholar, Alhaji Gbadamosi returned from his sojourn abroad to give backtotheorganizationthataddedvaluetohislife.

Agratefulscholar,itwasthereforenotasurprise that he was chosen to head Ahmadiyya Grammar School, Eleyele, Ibadan, when that institution was founded in 1955. It is that school that produced the lateViceChancellorofUniversityofLagos,Professor Jelili Omotola and late Professor Adekola, the longestservingDeanoftheFacultyofEngineering of the University of Lagos.

He served briefly as principal of Ahmadiyya Girls High School, Surulere Lagos. And in January 1960, he was appointed the principal of the great AhmadiyyaCollege,Agege,andnowAnwar-Ul-Islam Model College. It was here that Alhaji Gbadamosi performed wonders and perfected his leadership qualitiesasamanagerofmenandmaterials. Before he moved on from the school, he completed the construction and commissioning of Jibril Martin MemorialHallintheschool,withfurnishingandalso erected two blocks of twelve classrooms each,

without grant from the Lagos State Government. We cannot say the same for our thieving leaders of today: Principals, who embezzle students’ fees and allocations; milking the school for their own personal gains and aggrandizement.

Hisexemplarycharacterandcontributionstothe progress of the school and the Movement did not go unrecognized by the leaders of the Movement.

Inamemoof27,August1968,lateAlhajiBabatunde Jose,thenPresidentoftheAhmadiyyaMovement and Proprietor of Ahmadiyya Schools, described Alhaji Gbadamosi in these superlatives: “He has played a very important role in the educational progress of the Movement and his contribution to developmentofAhmadiyyasecondaryschoolshas beensecondtonone.”AlhajiJosewentontosay,“He is a man of very high religious and social discipline. His character is highly exemplary. His leadership and organizational ability are most satisfactory. Hehas initiative and exercises goodjudgmentinall matters. He has an almost inexhaustible capacity for work and at the same time is always willing to learn new ideas. He is frank without being brash; he istolerantwithoutbeingweak;heisanefficientand able school administrator and a very dependable person”.

What more tributes can be paid to a man! Yet, we cannot say the same thing for many of the people we call our leaders today. The origin of our national problem today can best be summed up as a grand

failureofleadership.Allourproblemsareevidentiary ofaleadershipthatisbereftofvisionandmission;a leadership that has lost its bearing and is tottering without direction or a clue to solving the problems.

Throughout his career trajectory as a teacher, religious leader at State and National levels, Papa was a man of integrity. And today, we are happy that our revered late Principal, Oga, as we fondly called him stands tall amongst his peers as a man of integrity.

Duringhislifetime,hesecuredseveralaccolades andtestimonialstohishonesty,forthrightness,and dedicated leadership from several quarters. Late AlhajiH.A.B.Fasinro,thenVicePresidentofAnwarUl-IslamMovement,inaletterofcommendation,of 11thJune1982,expressedthegratitudeandsincere thanks of the National Executive Council for his unique achievement. At that time, Gbadamosi was the National General Secretary of Anwar-ul-Islam.

Late Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, then Commissioner for Education, Lagos State, paid glowing tributes to Gbadamosi, in his letter of 20th May 1977:“AlhajiGbadamosiisapersonquietindisposition and devoted to his profession. In this regard, he remained a teacher throughout, in spite of the prospect of more gainful employment elsewhere. AsPrincipalofoneofoursecondaryschools,hewas exemplaryinhisadministration.Hispersonalnature made him an ideal leader of men in the midst of teachersandstudentsalike.HeisadevoutMuslim,

and that attribute is transparent in his desire at all times to be fair to all men”.

Among other achievements and contribution to the progress of Anwar-ul Islam Movement and the educational sector in particular, it is to the credit of late Gbadamosi that through his initiative, AhmadiyyaBoysHighSchoolwasestablishedin1961; and was later merged with Ahmadiyya Girls High School to form Jibril Martin Memorial Grammar School,Iponri,wherehelaterservedastheprincipal from 1976 to 1977.

Through his initiative too, in conjunction with his latewife,AhmadiyyaGirlsHighSchool,Ojokorowas established in 1973. It is also pertinent to note that those schools performed creditably well during his principalship.

Ahmadiyya College was approved for higher school certificate in 1965 and in 1971, the college produced the best overall student throughout the federationintheHSCexam.Underhisstewardship, AhmadiyyaCollegewasnotedforitsfeatinthefield of soccer. It is on record that it was the first school towinthePrincipalsCupin1960.Mostimportantly, it was under him that the school was upgraded to a Grade 1 school by the Lagos State Government in 1973.

At various time, late Alhaji Gbadamosi was Honorary Secretary of the Lagos State Principals Cup Football Committee and later served as its chairman; Member, Lagos Amateur Football Association;Member,LagosStateScholarshipBoard; Chairman Lagos State Students Advisory Board; Chairman, Lagos State Social Welfare Advisory Committee; Member Governing Council, Nigeria AmateurJudoAssociation;Chairman,LagosState Football Association; Member, Lagos State Advisory Board on Education; Founding member, Egbe Omo‘Eko’andmostimportantly,aMeritAwardeeof Anwar-ul-IslamMovementofNigeria.In2002,The Federal Government of Nigeria conferred on him the National Honour of Order of the Niger (OON).

AlhajiGbadamosiwasrichlyblessedbyAllahand society had given him much honor; it is therefore expectedthatheshouldgivebacktosocietyoutof thatwhichhehadbeengiven.WefindintheBookof LukeintheBible,thefamoussaying:“Foreveryoneto whommuchisgiven,fromhimmuchwillberequired; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. Luke 12:48 New King James Version (NKJV).”

Alhaji had paid back through the only way he knew; and that was by helping the educationally needy. Through his Alhaji Gbadamosi Educational Endowment Fund, hundreds of thousands have been spent in the form of scholarships, bursaries, stipends, and other forms of allowances. The beneficiaries can be found in various tertiary institutions such as University of Lagos, University of Calabar, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, LASU, Yaba College of Technology and even Daru Wawa Islamic College of Theology.

Thereisnodoubt,Papahaslaidasolidfoundation for his abode in the hereafter. Alhaji Gbadamosi lived a fulfilled life, an eventful and exemplary life. A life and standard worth emulating. Today, he stands as an icon of hope for us the generation after him; that is if we follow in his footsteps and imbibe all his teachings, we pay him tribute today for his forthrightness and steadfastness.

Whenprincipalswereprincipals,AlhajiGbadamosi wouldhavebeendescribedbythelateK.O.Mbadiwe as ‘the Principal of Principals’, a great epitaph to a great man. May Allah admit him to Al Jannatul Firdous, obliterate his earthly shortcomings and keepwatchoverallthoseheleftbehind:Andheleft many behind as attested to by the multitude that witnessed his burial at Abari Cemetery, Epetedo on Tuesday 16th May 2023.

Ustaz Babatunde Jose writes from Lagos.

Papa has laid a solid foundation for his abode in life, an eventful and exemplary life. A life and standard worth emulating. Today, he stands as an icon of hope for us the generation after him; that is if we follow in his footsteps and imbibe all his teachings, we pay him tribute today for his forthrightness and steadfastness

Pa Jimoh Gbadamosi

IMAGES

On Tuesday May 16th, 2023, National Executive Council of ANWAR-UL-ISLAM MOVEMENT organized a Fidau Prayer for the Foremost Pediatrician, ALHAJI DR. BOLAJI SANNI AJENIFUJA who passed away on May 10th, 2023 at the age of 94. A medical practitioner per excellence, Dr. Ajenifuja recorded many firsts in his career. He was a Pioneer Consultant Pediatrician at Massey Street Children Hospital, Foundation Member of Pediatric Association of Nigeria, First President of the Union of African Pediatric Association and Societies in Nairobi, Kenya and First Chairman, Board of Governors of the then New Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja Lagos. The 7th Day Fidau Prayer held at The Musical Village, Ikorodu brought together his children, family members, associates, professional colleagues and Moslem Faithful to celebrate an accomplished medical mogul who made giant strides in his profession. Here are a few faces that graced the event.

L-R: Chief Imam, Ikorodu Mission Alhaji Qasim Olapade and National Itinerary Missioner, Imam Kolawole Bello

Alhaja Adebisi Rafiu Ebiti and son, Engr. Oluwatosin Ebiti

Children of the deceased: R-L: Engr. Dipo Ajenifuja, Mrs. Mariam Ajenifuja and husband, Tunde Ajenifuja

R–L: Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Alhaja Wonu Folami and Alhaja Fehintola Okunola.

L-R: National President, Anwar-UL Islam Movement of Nigeria, Alhaji Mubashir Adekunle Ojelade, Vice Chairman, Anwal-UL Islam Movement (Igbogbo Mission), Alhaji Tajudeen Omidele and Chairman, Anwal-UL Islam Movement (Igbogbo Mission), Alhaji Shamsdeen Alade Ganiyu.

Children of the deceased: R-L: Mrs. Bisi Ajenifuja and Mr. Wale Ajenifuja

R-L: Chairman Ibeji Foundation and Pro-Chancellor, Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti and a renowned Consultant, Alhaji Biodun Dabiri

R-L: (The only surviving sibling of late Dr. Ajenifuja), Alhaja Ope Lawal and Alhaja Bimbo Adetunji

Monsuru Ajenifuja, Chief Olabanji Oreagba, Odofin of lkorodu and Chairman of MultiChoice Nigeria, Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya

R-L: Alhaji

R-L: Alhaja Biodun Adewunmi and Alhaja Yemisi Asekun

R-L: Mr. Yinka Lambo and Prince Rotimi Solaja Alagago

R-L: Nephew of the deceased, Mr. Luqman Ajenifuja and Architect Kayode Allison

R-L: Dr. Omololu Oshinowo and Prince Seye Adedipe

R-L: Baale of Oreta, Chief Fasanya Adejupe, Baale Igbedende, Pastor Paul Dawodu and Ahmed Sulaiman (Representing Adeboruwa Igbogbo, Oba (Barr.) AbdulSemiu Orimadekun Kasali)

R-L: Architect Wunmi Agbaje and Engr. Akinwunmi Adegboye

Cross section of Lagos High Chiefs representing Oba Akiolu of Lagos at the event

R-L: Alhaji Bashir Bakare, Managing Director, HFP Engineering Limited, Mr. Dele Martins and Alhaji Adegboyega Kazeem

R-L: Mrs. Gbemi Babs-Kufeji, Mr. Bobby Duro-Emanuel and wife, Mrs. Billy Duro Emanuel Cross section of Moslem Women at the event

Tosin Abioye

I’m on a Mission to Solve Problems in the Construction Space

Tosin Abioye holds a Master of science degree in Information Systems Management from California, USA. He is experienced in both construction industry and in the technology of enterprise systems as a quantity surveyor, contract manager, operations manager and an architect. Abioye has implemented software solutions for many complex processes in operations, finance, logistics, human resources and project management. The Ekiti-born Abioye whose Isekit Limited operates in USA, Canada and Nigeria tells Duro Ikazuagbe about his software, Rapisurv, which he said would help solve problems in the construction space

What does Isekit Limited do?

Our area of specialty is Enterprise Portfolio Project Management.

So, in essence, we implement solutions for big companies. I have worked for some of the big names that I used to read about. Right now, I am still working for General Electric (GE). I have worked for GE Aviation, GE Power, Sulzer of Switzerland, amongst others. My exposure to these companies gives me the understanding of how things work in the great climes. What makes these companies different from ours in Nigeria is because of the use of data. My background is in Quantity Survey in Nigeria. So, my industry knowledge as a Quantity Surveyor coupled with my exposure to technology gives me good drive to want to solve this problem that I have identified in the construction space. I also implement for construction companies in America.

The need for Rapisurv software

I realized that the problems that I have identified long ago is still a problem even for the construction companies in America. They don’t really have good system before they win the contract. Today, there are many softwares that manage take offs. There are some that do bill of quantity and estimating. People are forced to buy multiple softwares or if you think you can’t afford all, you buy the ones that are most relevant to your need and do the rest of the work manually. There is a gap in having integrated solution that would run through the whole process. Not just the pre-contract phase but after winning the contract. You still need to manage things on the contract. When you are doing a project, you are constructing a house for instance and run into a rock, nobody knew that it was there. Now, you are going to spend like two weeks, blasting the rock before you can proceed. That cost money. It is not covered but we call that variation. You have to ask for it. It was not part of it but is now going to change the contract price. Stuffs like these are what we try to buy in the end-solution. Our software does not do architectural designs, but once it is done, we make sure that everything about the lifespan of the project is covered. In the future, we are going to be adding management. We have solutions to ensure the contract is done. That is what we have built in Rapisurv. We have features in the software that are not present anywhere else. Things like when you have a bill of quantity for a bungalow, Rapisurv will create and send to you all that you will need. That will eliminate time that would have been spent manually. If you have a sub-contractor like a piler, you can select a piling file on your account with us and you are good to go with him or her. That also eliminates time wasting.

I have colleagues in the industry who complain that the two weeks given for a tender is usally not enough. What they are going to do in two weeks is what Rapisurv is going to give them in two minutes by just clicking on the software. That gives the user the opportunity to review and make amends as much as he can during the period of the tender. The beautiful thing about Rapisurv is that you are sure of accuracy of the data supplied. Arithmetic errors

is completely eliminated. Once the bid is completed, you click share the bid. It will automatically link the person who shared that initially with us and submit to that person’s account.

So, Rapisurv is a one-stop, cloudbased, fully integrated end-to-end cost and contract administration solution for the construction industry. It simplifies the work of quantity surveyors, estimators, cost engineers and contract managers on both the client and contractor’s side, making them more productive without losing the industry standard methods of measurement and best practices

Each user has a portfolio created in his account Rapisurv is like a bucket. Each user has a portfolio created in his account and because it is iCloud-based, can be accessed from anywhere with the

internet. Nobody knows who you are. So, it is only you that can have access to your file by log in using the two-way authentication. Your pricing, your rates is entirely yours. So, when you create your account, we give you our default rates. Whatever our prices are that day, it gets copied into your account. But if for instance you made a mistake in your rates and you want to make amends, we give you options: Import New Prices. If you do that, it will copy the default prices as at that day, put it in the back-end and begin to run.

Risks on projects can be reduced

One of the options that we are giving to people is the ability to collaborate with others. One of the reasons projects fail is because of small disputes that emanate from trusting people. When people refuse to admit their errors in a project, who then takes the costs that may arise from that mistake? This is one major reason we see so many abandoned projects because nobody wants to accept error and bear the cost. But if you have a good system where everything is managed, your risks on such project is reduced. So, we give risk report in the collaboration centre on the software through work on project report. All those working on a project can be invited to the collaboration centre where they can share information. It eliminates not knowing ‘what is happening’. The second part is internal messaging capability. There is an in-built messaging unit in Rapisurv. Originally, we wanted to integrate in messaging unit like the WhatsApp but we realized that there is no message solution in the world that is offering what we wanted to do. What we want to do is that every conversation must be linked to a project, a topic. You know in WhatsApp, there are only two ways to communicate. But in Rapisurv, what we have is project-based communications. So, conversations on specific project goes into separate files. That gives the advantage of people searching files by key words on Rapisurv.

Rapisurv will reduce building collapse in Nigeria

We can say Rapisurv will reduce to the barest minimum such risks associated with buildings

collapse. Collapse can be partly issue caused or money caused. There are however issues that impact on quality. It however depends on processes and regulatory enforcements. In building, before you start, you are supposed to send cubes of your castings for lab checks. There are some for one week, 14 days and even 21 days to evaluate the quality of materials used. But I can tell you that maybe only one per cent of constructions in Nigeria does that. When we were doing soil tests those days, it was a condition for your payment. You have to show your crushing test results because it is part of the requirements before payments. If I send out my seven-day crush for tests and I keep the results in the system and send out emails to all connected with the project, that will amount to trusting me. If we make it a condition and say Lagos State directs all to comply, we can do it in such a way to ensure that all relevant authorities have access to that result. If per adventure, the seven-day test fails test, the relevant agencies will be waiting to see what happens also to the 21-day test. If such tests are for the second floor of a building and fails test, it will flash amber for relevant authorities to see. Inspectors will be dispatched to see what is going on and report back for necessary action to be taken. But now Lagos don’t know what is happening on any site beyond approvals given for works to begin.

It is not the persons that go to the site that carries the risks but the owner of the project. The engineer can move to site and do short cut and the building collapses. He may even be lucky to escape from the ruin or die in the process but the company owner is the one answerable to government and going to lose billions of cash through litigations that may follow. For a project owner who is using Rapisurv, he will be getting risks reports and flash points on any matter and can query the engineer handling the area involved in the risk report. We can tell you based on reports if your project is going to fail.

I cannot guarantee that Rapisurv will solve the problems of building collapsing now if the right things are not done in line with global best practices. Our regulatory framework exists on paper but enforcement non-existent. Some the things that happen here can never be imagined in America. Nobody will get approval for a sixfloor building and go and put 15-floor office complex there except that person wants to spend the rest of his life in jail. It cannot even happen because regulatory authorities will see it and stop it.

How to access Rapisurv

We have the Standard Plan, the Expert Plan for Team Licence and the Enterprise Licence. The Standard Plan is just N45,000 monthly. We have listed our pricing in Naira because we had issues with nearly all the payment platforms. The yearly plan is to pay for 10 month that is N450,000 to get you round the year. Of course, there are some add on for the expert plan and above. Because of requests from some Nigerians, we are offering a one-all plan that can last for seven years. At expiration, you buy another plan to continue to enjoy your account on the software. It works just like your Netflix account.

Abioye

Rapisurv is like a bucket. Each user has a portfolio created in his account and because it is iCloud-based, can be accessed from anywhere with the internet. Nobody knows who you are. So, it is only you thattirely yours. So, when you create your account, we

POLITY

ADEWOLE ADEBAYO

Not All My Agents Worked for Me on Election Day

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s candidate in the February 25 Presidential election was this week a special guest on an online discussion programme with more 4000 viewers and panelists. During the question and answer session, Adebayo explained, among other issues, why Nigeria isn’t moving, what the Nigerians must do especially in the next election cycle if they truly desired change even as he criticised the hypocritical nature of both the leadership and the people. Excerpts:

Don’t you think coalition with other young parties and like minds would have changed the result of the last Presidential election?

Many of the people in politics are merely agents not principals. The reason why Buhari and Tinubu could form a coalition is because Buhari isn’t anybody’s boy. He was the leader of his own team. Tinubu isn’t a follower of anybody. He is not anybody’s boy. But some of these people you may be forming alliance with them while in actual fact they are working for some people. And once they call them into the room and tell them what to do that’s exactly what they will do.

The people you want to follow are also following and shadowing some people too. It’s like the war in Ukraine. If you negotiate with Ukraine without USA inputs it amounts to nothing. If you talk to Putin, he alone can decide for his country. So, whatever peace you are negotiating, you must put USA into account. You must be sure the people running are doing so on their own. If you look at Sowore, he doesn’t fear anybody. If he agrees with you, that is it. He doesn’t need to go and clear with somebody somewhere. If you look at Malik, it is the same. If he says yes, it is yes, if he says no, it is no. Kwankwaso is an independent person.

The disaffection arising from the election some say could lead to coup. How much of your personal money went into the election?

The only coup that can happen is if you join me to go and win election. The little I know about the military is that they don’t do coup except the political class ask them to do the coup because Nigerian military is part of the politics of Nigeria. The soldiers are not interested in power. They are just like any other tool used by politicians. If the political class wants to do a coup, they can use them to do it. But from what I can see and feelers I am getting, the political class is happy about what happened during the election because the power still went back to them, it didn’t go to Sowore, it didn’t come to me, so they are happy.

90 percent of the budget campaign came from my pocket. There is a former head of state who wants to remain anonymous he gave me some money. I am not anonymous about it but he wants to be anonymous about it. Towards the end of the campaign, he called me and he said he liked what I was doing and he said take. There are many people who paid for posters and bill boards on their own for me. I don’t know how much such would cost. We are well below the amount they said we should spend. Directly from me we didn’t spend more than N1.5 billion. So, we are still within the limits.

In order of priority, outside you, which among the contestants would you have voted for?

I will vote Malik Ado Ibrahim may be because I have listened to him severally. Kola Abiola is another person. I don’t know about his commitment but when it comes to issues, he is brilliant. Sowore will be my third in the sense that you cannot be in doubt that he loves the country, it’s just that I don’t know if he is sworn in today, whether half of Nigerians will not cross to the border to leave the country. Peter Obi is another, that is if he can remove some elements off him. Kwankwaso is another. There is another fellow, Dr. Pate who was minister of health during the Goodluck Jonathan government. However there a lot of people who are better than all of us who didn’t come out and not known yet.

There is so much controversy around the

President-elect. What is your take on this?

They are all the same. Whether it is Atiku going to Dubai or Tinubu going to France or Peter Obi going to London to do surgery, they are all the same in that regard. The lesson to learn from it is that we must set standard. What is happening

We are a country of accomplices. We don’t like corruption, but we praise our leaders who are stupendously rich. Nigeria is losing 80% of its revenue outside the book. The oil being stolen and sold is more than the official being declared. If you judge what is in the budget, you have already missed your way because the majority of Nigerian money is spent outside the budget such that by the time the budget is brought, the money is already gone

in the case of Tinubu and his son is that they are coming into office with issues on buying property abroad instead of talking about how they are going to strengthen the Naira, improve the economy and things like that. That was why I was making case during the campaign that all the contestants must declare their assets in public but the media suppressed it. So, standard must be set for people who want to lead us. They must not be people who already have certain habits that injurious to the welfare and of the people of this country. The entire first family must declare their assets so that we know whom we are dealing with.

Nigeria is bleeding due to corruption, how much of our revenue is outside the book? We are a country of accomplices. We don’t like corruption, but we praise our leaders who are stupendously rich. Nigeria is losing 80% of its revenue outside the book. The oil being stolen and sold is more than the official being declared. If you judge what is in the budget, you have already missed your way because the majority of Nigerian money is spent outside the budget such that by the time the budget is brought, the money is already gone. The majority of the money collected in Customs isn’t accounted for except you want to tell me you haven’t brought in container into the country before. You pay more to the people than the government on many occasions. If you sell 100 barrels of oil, NNPC won’t collect more than 15 barrels because 85 barrels have disappeared. I have said this severally during the campaign, but nobody seems bothered. In Holland, there are tank farms storing Nigerian stolen oil, same with China. We have stolen oil there that were not paid for. It got to a point, especially during the election that some Chinese approached the Nigerian embassy official and told him that ‘we have your crude here with us let them know that we haven’t paid for the crude and it is here with us’. The person is still alive. He went to meet the late Abba Kyari (Buhari late Chief of Staff) and said, ‘Sir, I am your trade officer in China.’ The man’s name is Agboluaje. Kyari said he should bring all the documents. He brought the documents. That was the last time he entered villa.

The Vice President-elect is said to have kicked against the election of Muslims as heads of both chambers of National Aseembly as it could be seen as islamization of Nigeria

That smacks of hypocrisy if indeed he said that. If I see him, I will say ‘Otutuoma’ (Good morning in Igbo language). It’s too late in the day to realize that. If you thought about that, you shouldn’t have taken your own nomination when you were given. However, religion and ethnicity are not my problems. What I care about is poverty insecurity and accountability so that we can realise our potential as a country.

Is it true that some SDP agents did not work for you on election day?

Not all my agents worked for me. Some may look at my picture and say this didn’t have money and went to collect from other parties. In a particular state, our agents said INEC didn’t give them accreditation cards. We asked why. They said they didn’t know. We went to INEC. It said the state chairman of our party came together with PDP. Each of the chairmen collected for their parties, and then the SDP chairman gave the tags to the PDP chairman, shook hands, and drove away. On that election day, you would see someone wearing an SDP tag, but he is definitely working for Atiku. Some of them helped APC. Some worked for labour, I think in Delta Anambra and some parts of the South-east.

Adebayo

POLITY

Tinubu-Blinken Chat: Nigeria Must Die for US to Live

Sunny Igboanugo

Last month, Chimamanda Adichie, the globallyacclaimed Nigerian novelist, wrote a letter to Joe Biden, President of the United States of America, calling him out for his government’s seemingly tacit support to the electoral heist that took place in Nigeria between February and March 2023. Though the POTUS, was yet to make a personal call on the election, Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, had along with UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, congratulated both Nigeria and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was declared winner of the February 25 presidential election, a development, Adichie frowned at, saying the US, ought to know that the exercises were nothing but a sham.

Days later, she further explained the raison d’etre for writing the letter, when she told Arise Television that one of her main purposes, apart from relating what she knew about the polls, was to expose the US hypocrisy. “I wanted to call out the US for what I consider the two-facedness when it comes to Africa.

“The US has a long history of complicity in non-democratic elections on this continent. Recently, in Congo, two or three years ago, they endorsed an election that was an absolute sham. Then, the same US will turn around and criticise Congo for not being democratic. So, my point was to say, be what you say you are. You cannot criticise African countries for being undemocratic, while at the same time endorsing something that is quite self-evidently, undemocratic.”

Nothing adumbrates this position more poignantly than the revelation that the same Blinken, is already negotiating with Tinubu on how his government would relate with Washington. The two were said to have spoken on phone for 20 minutes on Tuesday. In the move, said to have been initiated by the senior American official, he reportedly emphasised that “democratic and peaceful Nigeria is important to the United States as it is to Africa.”

Mathew Miller, US Department of State spokesperson, said his boss also pledged his “continued commitment to further strengthening the U.S.-Nigeria relationship with the incoming administration, adding: “The secretary noted that the U.S.Nigeria partnership is built on shared interests and strong people-to-people ties and that those links should continue to strengthen under President-elect, Tinubu’s tenure.”

Nobody needs the skills of a diplomat to understand that these are bland niceties, which have probably been repeated a thousand times to different countries, particularly in Africa on on auspicious occasions. The meat is in what was actually discussed between the two that was left unreported. That is what represents the “American Interest.”

For the naïve and uninitiated, when American or most, if not all, Western countries talk about promotion of democracy

and stability in Africa, what they really mean is a government made up of officials that would never dare upset the apple-cart in terms of ensuring that Africa retains the short end of the stick.

In this case, American interest is a metaphor for ensuring that Nigeria maintains the status quo of bad governance, poor management of the economy and bad behaviour of government officials. That is the only way to guarantee that a substantial quota of the Nigerian commonwealth ends up in US cities willy-nilly.

Now picture this! Blinken’s conversation with Tinubu, came a day after the selfsame US announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who allegedly disrupted the recently concluded elections in the form of voter threats, results manipulation, physical violence, and other activities that undermined democracy. Imagine the contradiction!

In other words, he knows quite well that the Tinubu he was speaking to came out of an election that was fraught with irregularities and in fact, totally wounded. Yes, he would be or ought to be completely seized of all the facts to the rottenness of the entire exercise. In fact, apart from the hidden cameras of undercover US agents in Nigeria, which would have put every details, including those not known to many Nigerians, on his table, the official reports of observer groups, from the same US, which were quite emphatic about what went down election, would have told the complete story.

Yet, the same person and the people whom he represents, think it does not matter - the same people that are quick to blow their own trumpet of being the biggest democracy in the world. How contradictory! But then, only the naive and imbecilic would fail to understand the

rationale.

How else could they exert control over Tinubu and Nigeria under him, if there is nothing to hold against him, if he were elected as the true choice of Nigerians? That is the snag. Fela Anikulapo, saw it long time ago, when he described how they would promote one unscrupulous person from a country, make him so rich and use him as a conduit pipe to milk his people. Else, which other candidate in the 2023 presidential election presented the type of negative vibes seen in Tinubu? A clearly nebulous past, a shaky present, marked by obvious signs of ill-health and incapacity? Was it not in the same America that Tinubu reportedly forfeited $460,000, reportedly linked with drug business? What could be more damning than such an outcome, with drug being one of the greatest crimes in the US?

Indeed, only an African President, in this case Nigerian President looking for validation that would likely look the other way when economic and social robbers invade his country to commit their heist, knowing that they have enough to blackmail him with.

No Nigerian leader would smell roses before America or the West, by not only talking about it, but manifesting the actual propensity and capacity for ending oil theft in the Niger Delta, which accounts for its attaining unenvious status of the poverty capital of the world at a time when other oil-producing countries across the world are smiling to the banks.

In fact, such a person instantly becomes not only a person of interest, but an enemy that must be stopped. If a Nigerian President presents the capacity to actually end insurgency in the country, how do the US weapons factories survive? If a Nigerian President decides to promote made in Nigeria vehicles and stops acquiring the latest cars minted from the factories of the US and Asia, where else do they sell them?

Would they going to Scandinavian countries to sell the latest jeeps when their Presidents go to offices on bicycles. Would the West or America readily applaud a system that would prevent the son of potential Nigerian President from buying a £11million house in the UK, or another from riding a $500,000 motorcycle out of the gates of the Presidential Villa, for which Nigeria is suffered to treat him abroad with scarce foreign exchange in cases of accidents with the same machine?

Who else would sustain the economy of the US and Europe, if African government officials no longer steal their countries dry and stash the money abroad? How could anyone threaten a system that would ensure the steady flow of stolen money from Aso Rock officials, their thieving counterparts in the National Assembly and other Ministries,

Igboanugo, a journalist and public commentator wrote from Lagos

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Mbah Vs NYSC: When Edeoga, LP, Take Desperation to Ridiculous Heights

Odinaka Okechukwu

The reaction of the controversial candidate of the Labour Party in the Enugu State 2023 governorship election, Chijioke Edeoga, and his party to the lawsuit instituted by the Governor-elect of Enugu State and Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Dr. Peter Mbah seeking justice against the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, for reputational damage to his person over his NYSC discharge certificate, has been at best hysterical, desperate, and now marked by a gross abuse of court process. They didn’t see it coming. And their uneasiness is written all over them. Edeoga and the LP took impunity, desperation, and abuse of judicial process to another level by applying to be joined in the suit where, among other things, Mbah is asking for damages in the sum of N20 Billion “jointly/severally; for conspiracy, deceit, and misrepresentation of facts”. It is not surprising, for they thought they had him at the guillotine, as Mbah, knowing they would come out with nothing, smartly goaded them on by his long silence until they had wandered far into the forest. Yes, the Enugu opposition had everything planned out. They contacted a Law firm, Omas and Partners to write the NYSC in November 2022 purportedly to verify Dr. Mbah’s NYSC discharge certificate.

They already hired a compromised NYSC Director of Certification, Ibrahim Mohammad, to issue a poorly worded letter dated 1st February 2023, disclaiming Mbah’s NYSC discharge certificate WITHOUT ANY IOTA OF DUE DILIGENCE. They equally had a “Kabukabu” group, the “Total Support for the Rule of Law and Justice Initiative”, on standby to commence a direct criminal complaint and launch a well funded media offensive against him to either stop him from participation in the election or at least smear and make him unelectable. It is well known that this move was initiated and sponsored by the Enugu State APC to re-enact the Imo State Supreme Court and Bayelsa scenarios in Enugu State.

When Dr. Mbah raised the alarm that he was being defamed, they said go to court, sue the NYSC. But being a due process person, he quickly petitioned the NYSC,

Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector General of Police to request that the matter be “thoroughly investigated and persons found culpable be prosecuted accordingly”. The opposition used another Civil Society Organisation (CSO), the Wellbeing Association, to drag Mbah to the FCT High Court, Abuja, over the same matter. Mbah won them, as the court upheld his discharge certificate based on the evidences before it. The group quickly appealed the matter, which is now before the Court of Appeal.

Then, like an opportunistic disease, the Enugu LP took over from there. After losing the election, they went on a campaign of calumny, hyping how Mbah would not be governor based on the same NYSC matter. They used another law firm, Silver & Co. Associates, to write the NYSC, where the same Muhammad, issued them with yet another defamatory disclaimer dated 18th April, 2023 despite the subsisting court judgment to the contrary. The Enugu LP began to splash it as advertorial in several national dailies, defaming Mbah. Each time Mbah complained, the Enugu LP and their supporters would tell Mbah to go to court.

Finally, Mbah went to court on 4th May, instituting suit number FHC/ABJ/09/611/2023 wherein he accused the NYSC and Muhammad of conspiracy, deceit, and misrepresentation of facts. Besides the N20 billion damages, he is seeking a declaration that he participated in the NYSC scheme for one calendar year vide a call-up letter number FRN/2001/800351; Lagos code LA/01/1532 and upon completion was issued certificate of National Service No. A808297; and that the Defendants “conspired by fraudulent design, suppressed and misrepresented facts in supposition” that his Certificate of National Service with number A808297 was not issued by the Defendants, a fact, he said, “they knew or ought to know as untrue, incorrect, which act constitutes the conspiracy”.

Furthermore, he seeks “A declaration that the Defendants were negligent and maliciously misrepresented facts... which facts the Defendants know or ought to know as untrue and ought reasonably to have foreseen that damages would flow from such negligent misrepresentation of material facts” as well as “A declaration that the predominant purpose of the deceitful misrepresentation… was intended albeit to inflict

damages in (his) legal profession, politics, business, as it was to unlawfully profit the defendants”.

Other reliefs sought in the writ by his legal counsel, Emeka Ozoani (SAN) are: “An order that the Plaintiff’s certificate of National Service number A808297 is authentic and was validly issued by the 1st defendant.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants either jointly/severally, their officers, servants in whatsoever manner and howsoever called from disclaiming/resiling/ repudiating the certificate of National Service No. A808297 issued to the plaintiff, Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah”.

Included in the 56-page court processes were copies of Mbah’s call-up letter for the NYSC and deployment to Lagos State with call-up No 01134613 and reference No NYSC/FRN/2001/800351; letter dated 11th March, 2002, addressed to the Director, NYSC, Lagos State with which Udeh & Associates accepted his posting/ service vide Lagos State NYSC code LA/01/1532, NYSC No. NYSC/FRN/O1/800351; a letter dated 20th June 2002 with which Mbah applied to the State Director, NYSC, for deferment of NYSC year 2001/2002 to enable him go back to the Nigerian Law School for his Bar Final (Bar Part II, having used the interregnum between the end of his Bar Part I as an overseas graduate and the commencement of the Bar Final to undertake part of his one calender service year); a letter dated 1st October 2002 and with reference number NYSC/DHQ/CM/M/27 from the NYSC Directorate headquarters approving his application for deferment of NYSC Ref: LA/01/1532 of 6th August, 2002; a letter of 3rd April 2003 by Mbah in long hand and through the State Director, Lagos State, to the Director-General, NYSC, National Directorate headquarters, applying for re-mobilisation, having successfully completed his Bar Final exam; letter by the State Director, Lagos, State, dated 24th April 2003 (reference number LA/01/1532/T) forwarding his application to the DG, NYSC. The “T” alphabet at the end of the reference stands for temporary file.

Comrade Odinaka is an activist and National Coordinator, Enugu Good Governance Group

POLITY

Experts Brainstorm on Innovation, Creative Solutions for Real Estate

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

For the first three days of May 2023, over a thousand realtors and practitioners in the real estate industry converged at the Balmoral Events Centre Lagos for this year’s edition of the Unleashed 4 Takeover Conference, Africa’s biggest real estate event.

Hosted by popular comedian, Funnybone, the event was such that witnessed refreshing moments from the robust debates to delicious meals, comedy and music interludes from A-list Nigerian acts, including Spyro and Iyanya, attendees had a wonderful experience that will linger in their memories as the event climaxed with a grand gala night befitting the grand stature of the conference.

Now in its second year, the Unleashed 4 Takeover Conference was conceived to spotlight the real estate industry and connect and inspire career professionals and entrepreneurs across other sectors to thrive in their chosen fields.

Themed Reshaping Real Estate in Africa, the conference brought together industry leaders and reputable international speakers to chart a course for the industry in post-elections Nigeria and drive individual stakeholders and practitioners towards delivering their best efforts for the growth of the industry.

Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops on a wide range of topics, including disruption, branding, sales and marketing, real estate financing, proptech and lots more, attendees were exposed to profound life-changing insights for making impactful exploits in their lives and businesses and the society at large.

In her opening address, the CEO of Victoria Crest Homes and Co-Convener of the conference Ichechi Okonkwo underscored the growing impact of innovation and technology on the global real estate industry. While highlighting several challenges bedeviling the sector, she also expressed her firm belief that “Africa’s real estate industry is on the verge of a transformational period”.

The founder and Group Managing Director of NedcomOaks Group and Co-Convener of the conference, Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, lit up the venue when he discussed ‘Disruption: A City Powered by the Sun’. Drawing from lessons from his life, he urged attendees to embrace innovation to meet the needs of a changing world and to continuously disrupt their creations to stay ahead in the industry.

Okonkwo highlighted his company’s latest real estate offering, Citadel Views Estate. Describing it as their response to the current environmental challenges facing the world today, he urged real estate developers to always consider environmental protection as they embark on new projects. “It’s time for all of us to look into how we solve the global energy crisis,” he said.

Global Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church, Pastor

Godman Akinlabi, delivered a keynote titled Building Excellence. He highlighted the importance of pursuing excellence and how it can be done. “You can’t build excellence without benchmarking it. You need to watch out for trends in your industry,” he said.

Delivering his keynote on ‘Trends and Insight: The Nigeria Market Outlook 2023’, accomplished investment banker Abimbola Olashore emphasised the importance of innovation to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in the industry. “Those who have done well in real estate are those who have broken new grounds,” he said.

During the session titled “Building your Brand: Brand as an Indispensable Asset”, Board Member of Troyka Group, Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe took a deep dive into the intricacies of building a brand that helps accomplish personal and business goals.”

While speaking on ‘Sell to Wealth: Increase your Capacity to Sell out Properties, The founder of Oyster Hill Limited, Dr Odabor Ejumudo, shared 12 principles anyone can use to shine in the real estate business. These principles included determining your why, knowing your market, networking, and mastering communication, among others.

Bemoaning the quality of building materials on the market, the real estate mogul called on the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, and other industry regulators to conduct routine checks to ensure that building materials meet the proper specifications and standards.

The CEO of The Gemstone Group and Nigeria’s foremost

motivational speaker, Fela Durotoye, delivered a rousing session on “Manifesting Greatness in Today’s World.” In his speech, he emphasised the need for every practitioner to take responsibility for proffering workable solutions to the many problems facing the industry and the nation. “The future of the real estate industry is sitting in this room. It is not a person. It is an idea,” he said.

Speaking further, Durotoye encouraged attendees to pursue greatness as a means to attain success. “The success of this conference will not be measured by how many people were in attendance. It will be measured by what we agreed upon and how we execute that agreement after we leave here,” he added, stressing the need to take thoughtful and calculated actions for impact.

Speaking on “Thriving in the New Era,” renowned South African speaker and CEO of MyGrowthFund Venture Partners, Vusi Thembekwayo, underscored taking charge of and building one’s reputation. According to him, an effective reputation is built on identifying and clarifying the value one represents and it can set one apart from their competitors.

Awards were presented to deserving real estate professionals for their excellent contributions to the industry. Some of the awardees include Ebiere Masodjem and Dare Arigbede, who won the Next Rated Developer for the female and male categories, respectively. Other winners include: Bridget Adeyemi of Lekki Ajah Ikoyi properties, YouTube creators Steve Ndukwu and Tayo Aina, who won in the New Media Trailblazers category, while Fidelity Bank received the bank award.

L-R: Nigerian Bar Association, Benin branch Chairman Nosa Edo-Osagie and the Brigade commander ,4 Brigade, Brigadier General D.H. Ndahi during a courtesy visit by the executive of the NBA Benin branch to the command headquarters in Benin recently

L-R; Board of Trustees, Fabricate Professionals and Drycleaners Association, Mr. Akaninyene Davies; Board of Trustees, Hajia Ramatu Ibrahim; Managing Director LG Electronics Nig, Brian Kauj; Vice Chairman Fabricare Professionals and Drycleaners Association, Mrs. Oluwabunmi Gbadamosi; Founder of CleanAce Drycleaners and Chairman Fabricare Professionals and Drycleaners Association, Mr. Eniibukun Adebayo at the Official Launch of the Association, Fabricare Professionals and Drycleaners Association.

L-R: President, Pan African Scrabble Association, Adekoyejo Adegbesan; Coordinator, Winifred Awosika Foundation Tournament for Schools, Mrs. Oge Egwu; Founder, Winifred Awosika Foundation (WAF)/founder, Chrisland Schools Limited, High Chief Winifred Awosika; World Scrabble champion 2015, Wellington Jighere; Emeritus judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi; and Africa Scrabble champion 2022, Enoch Nwali at the presentation of Winifred Awosika Youth Scrabble Championship Trophy to the founder of WAF in Lagos….. yesterday.

L-R:Head, Public Relations, 9mobile, Chineze Amanfo; Head, Network and IT Procurement, Femi Olaojo; Online Business Coach, Nelly Agbogu; Manager, Enterprise Sales South South/SouthEast, Christin Kanu and Head, Events and Sponsorships, 9mobile, Ufuoma Dogun, at ‘The Hack’, a networking and business mentorship program organised by 9mobile for SMEs in Enugu.,,, recently

R-L: CEO, M-P Infrastructure, Chimmy Ogbuebile; Group MD of Nedcomoaks, Dr Kennedy Okonkwo; CEO of Victoria Crest Homes, Ichechi Okonkwo; CEO of Gemstone Group, Fela Durotoye; and MD/CEO of Nexus 360 Int. Ltd, Joseph Okechuk- wu at the Unleashed 4 Takeover Conference in Lagos…recently

LASG Goofs on LUC

THE Lagos State Government Land Use Charge Notice for Year 2023 (Annual Bill) printed on March 20, 2023—now in circulation—contains this schoolboy howler on its walk-in centres: “Surulere Tax Office, 17A, Alhaji Tokan Street, Funsho Williams Avenue (Formally Western Avenue) Get it right: Formerly Western Avenue.

“…I pray God Almighty to continually grant all your heart (heart’s) desires as you pull through other parts of infrastructure and human capital development.” (Source: Rosula Foundation) Editorial headline: “Resident doctors (doctors’) demand for salary increase”

“…complete abolishment of bureaucratic limitations to the immediate replacement of doctors who left the system.” This way: ‘abolition (abolishment) does not require any embellishment (‘complete’)

“This is because any strike now will tell on the poor masses who cannot afford the cost of private hospitals.” The interesting thing with the English language and its grammaticality is that there are no emotions: ‘the masses’ are by all human existential parameters and economic circumstances/realities simply poor! So, to sympathetically write or say ‘poor masses’ is an overkill that smacks of gross insensitivity, etymological abuse and an advertisement of sub-literacy, especially coming from a national newspaper Editorial! The masses’ condition does not require any amplification whatsoever.

“Maritime: Nigeria removed from war risk (war-risk) countries—CNS”

“Youths’ve (Youths have) proven (proved, preferably) they’re capable to drive (capable of driving) change process—Buhari” ‘Proven’ is especially American English.

“CIPM tasks HR managers to brace up for

future challenges” Please delete ‘up’!

“Liberia (Liberian or Liberia’s) President, Weah, congratulates Osimhen” For headline purposes, ‘Weah’ should just have been enough.

Wrong: oil producing states (oil does not produce states, which this implies)

Right: oil-producing states

Wrong: malaria deaths

Right: malarial (adjectival) deaths

“Man arrested over (for) plot to attack Benue communities”

“…As stakeholders blame FG over (for) neglect of $91trn sector”

“Siege on (to) Aba Power compromises national security—CLO”

“Suarez: biting more than he can chew” This way, ThisDay: biting off more than he can chew

“Syrian Prime Minister escapes assassination attempt” The fact that the man escaped the attack presupposes an attempt on his life. So, Syrian PM escapes assassination

“Aregbesola’s phone thief bags 45 years jail”

All the Facts, All the Sides: 45 years’ jail term

”Lawmakers pass vote of confidence on (in) Kalu” Confidence in (not on) somebody—the ‘passing’ should not confuse anyone.

“The issue of who occupies what political position in the country and under (on) which platform appears….”

“In advanced (an advanced) democracy like the US….”

“Dearth of funding slow job creation efforts” Business & Finance: …slows down job-creation efforts

“The Alade Market incidence (incident)….”

“Unknown gunmen raid bank, kill three policemen, two others” (THE GUARDIAN, April 30) Yank away ‘unknown’!

“The same pattern of foreign excesses and Nigerian laxity obtains when the operations of some foreign firms in Nigeria is (are) considered.”

Still on THE GUARDIAN: “Zonal election into sports federations hold (holds) today”

“The impending NGF election has polarized the 36 states (state) governors into two camps….”

“…I had lot of contracts with many corporate organizations.” Global soccer: a lot of contracts or lots of contracts (depending on context).

“Police arrest Oloko over (for) ex-Oyo SSG guard’s murder”

“But industrial relations experts are apprehensive that currently the rate of strikes are (is) undeniably alarming.”

“Strike actions: Lawful but inexpedient” We certainly do not need ‘action’ here. Simply strike. All strikes are action-based.

“I am looking forward to the next Igbo summit to comprise of all the Igbo-speaking fragments irrespective of where they are located.” In order not to abort the language dream, delete the first ‘of’ and move to the next two errors from the same medium (name withheld like Nigerian newspaper reportage!).

“And in Nigeria, subsequent military regimes which held sway finally culminated into (in) the most dreaded era of military rule in the country–-the Sani Abacha years.”

“No wonder therefore that every inaction of these elected leaders only seek (seeks) to further entrench and protect the many years of brigandage on this nation.”

“Its diverse composition reflected in (on) how its different peoples were organized prior to 1914.”

“We have no genuine reconciliation in Nigeria even though the Oputa panel did its very best.” ‘Best’ is an absolute and, as such, does not admit qualification of any sort (very).

“As the governor of Akwa Ibom, he has not reneged on both promises to his party and his electioneering campaign promises to the people of the state.” Either electioneering or

For the Stars of March-April

In continuation of our felicitations and espousal of the great body of works and accomplishments of a few of our creative enigmas who celebrate their birthdays in the months of March and April annually. This is by no means exhaustive - nor equally structured - as in any human interactions; and some folks whose bits of information are not captured in this tiny slice of “history in a hurry” would probably raise eyebrows. We apologize in lieu of your consternation. Nonetheless, the beats go on…

BOB-MANUEL UDOKWU, MFR (18 April, 1963)

Here is one of the flag bearers of the Drama department of the University of Port Harcourt. Surely, with more than 300 videos, Obidimma Bob-Manuel Udokwu is one of the loud testaments of the varsity’s dramatic strides. Interestingly, Udokwu - a child actor throughout his early educationmarched into UNIPORT with his mind fixated on drama, and his heart dancing across the riverine stage. It was not a coincidence that before he completed his first degree, he had snagged the role of Hasstrup in Isaac-Ene’s swirling soap, Checkmate (1991); and while he was coordinating the Oyo State Drama Group on his national service’s compulsory assignment (a task yours truly also performed in Ondo State few years earlier), Udokwu was rehearsing for an Igbo drama that would, years later, be used as benchmark for the advent of a global brand, Nollywood - tick Living in Bondage - in 1992.

From then, he never looked back. Like a house on fire, Udokwu gobbled up roles mostly with great charm and quiet proficiency. His contributions to the make-believe world are noted and notable. He played Mike in epochal Living in Bondage (1992 - directed by Chris Obi-Rapu as Vic Mordi); in 2019, he reprised the Mike role, 27 years after, in a sequel, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, directed by Ramsey Nouah. Other early works

include: Obi-Rapu’s Circle of Doom (1993), Chico Ejiro’s Black Maria (1994), Amaka Igwe’s RattleSnake (1995); he starred as Pastor Evariat in Karishika (1996), Alex in Most Wanted (1998); Tokunboh, Camouflage (both 1999); Outkast, Mothering Sunday (2001); Beyond the Altar, Evil-Doers, My Girl, Old School, and Valentino (all 2002). His busiest years were between 2003 and 2007 (the glut years), logging about 100 videos, of diverse quality and themes, within five years!

KANAYO O. KANAYO, MFR (1 March, 1962)

Eloquent and passionate, the 1992 debutante in the land-marking Living in Bondage has many epaulettes on his broad shoulders: actor, compere, and legal practitioner, since 2020 (at 58). He’s widely known as KOK or Kanayo O. Kanayo to millions of his fans, but in the rarefied world of the legal profession, he carries himself in his legal name: Anayo Modestus Onyekwere.

With hundreds of movies bearing his visage, KOK desires a self-fulfilling legacy that will assure generations following that he, along with many others, has laid a foundation that moths of neo-colonialism and other abstract termites cannot destroy. He declares to us: “...from my view of the Movie Industry in Nigeria, we need to tell our children our own stories, from our own perspectives. We need to decolonize our thinking and examine the underlying truths in more than just movies. Our children are growing up, idolizing heroes with whom they cannot personally identify.” Apt.

Well read, and driven, KOK seems to have a penchant for collecting degrees and diplomas. Check this out: Diploma in Mass Communication at the University of Lagos (1997), BSc, Philosophy in same school (UniLag, 2005); MSc in Political Science, (UniLag, 2010); LL.B (from UniAbuja’s Law Faculty, 2018); and was called to the Nigerian Bar after completing the Nigerian Law School programme (2019-2020). Bibliophile?

Yet, the rigour of educational pursuits

WABARA

campaign. Both cannot co-exist.

“…before the advent of the Europeans in Nigeria, most societies or kingdoms have thriving and stable political system….” This way: kingdoms had (not have) a (a vital component) thriving and stable political system.

“Somebody who can formulate policies and see to its execution to the minute (minutest) detail.” An eye for detail: policies and their (not its) execution.

“As such (a comma) the little time that have been given to the politicians.…” Time that has….

ADDENDUM: Did you know that ‘brace up’ is wrong? Elucidation next week.

FEEDBACK

“PLEASE, tell your readers that ‘drainage’ is a network of drains, a system. It is non-count. So, we clear drains, not drainages.”

“THANK you so very much for your informative column. Nothing grates my nerves more than the careless mistakes and awful grammar in our dailies. Sadly, on display for the world to see! I only hope your messages get across. Regards” (YETUNDE GIWA-AMU/08085433233)

“HELP me use this must-read column in reminding lawyers and the Ministry of Justice that ‘DPP’ is the abbreviation for Director of Public Prosecutions, not ‘Director of Public Prosecution’ as it is often called and written. In the name, the noun ‘prosecution’ is used in the plural form.” (STANLEY NDUAGU/08062925996)

ADVICE: Contributors to views expressed here or other related issues should cite authorities and references to support their positions. This is a research-based column for well-informed exchange of dispassionate ideas. There must be a cerebral basis for arguments and counter-views—not pedestrian, unscholarly, declarations which I am inundated with daily! I beg una, dear readers.

never hampered his capacity to function and dominate, along with few others, the 1990s and 2000s Igbo-speaking and English language moviedom. No wonder he has posted over 250 movies despite the constraints of the ‘golden fleece’.

Well, some of his performances have been emotional, emphatic, passionate and realistic. The list of his works are long and windy, let’s capture some: Chief Omego in Living in Bondage (1992), Circle of Doom (1993), Emeka in Nneka the Pretty Serpent (1994), Rituals (1997), Full Moon, Obstacles (both 1998); Lost Kingdom, The Soul That Sinneth (both 1999); The Suitors (2000), The Battle of Love (2001), Evil-Doers, Fire on the Mountain, Festival of Fire (all 2002); What Women Want, Billionaires Club, Hand of God, Market Sellers, Moving Train, My Command, and Super Warriors (all 2003); Across the Niger, 419 Dangerous Game, Abuja Boys, Circle of Tears, Executive Billionaires, His Majesty, and The Good Samaritan (all 2004).

The year 2005 was hectic, and gluttonous - that was the year he chalked off about 50 videos (including ‘spare parts’) in one calendar year!

PATIENCE OZOKWOR (25 March, 1958)

Here’s the feminine version of the suave and persistent Desmond Elliot - the 65 year old acting General is a late bloomer to the creative space. Patience Ozokwor supposedly started trekking the video trail officially in 1999 (though, there is a trace of her march to Nollywood in the video, Ukwah {1995 - another source dated it 2000}) when she was a busy mother of three at 36. Yet, she could still churn out 60, 59, 53 and 28 videos (if public records prove accurate) in 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 respectively. Indeed, a ‘G’ for General. She has been a devotee of the Muse, acting on stage and radio drama in the East. Matrimony could not hold her back, and she groomed a top-drawer image of the charismatic devil-driven, double-faced

woman that caught the fascination of many producers who bombarded her with strikingly similar plots and characteristics.

By her dexterity in typifying wickedness and all sorts of devilry in a strangely charming disposition, many producers and directors fell into the trap of endemic stereotyping, fostering on Ozokwor a uniformed character synonymous with esoteric terrorism, deviousness and general upheavals.

The stats don’t lie: Ozokwor has been in more than 300 movies; playing the same corridor of relentless locations; shooting between 2004 and 2007 with frenetic enthusiasm. Even with some videos calibrated into parts, Nzokwor serenaded us at least 60 times in 2007 alone!

SOLA FOSUDO (18 March, 1958)

He teaches, and exemplifies the essentials of drama: focus, discipline and believability. The scholar-artiste commands respect amongst colleagues, and his students. Thoroughbred.

BUKKY WRIGHT (31 March, 1967)

Poise personified, with a carriage untamed by age or circumstances. She is one we suspect may be ageless if she continues to bestow her graces upon us with deliberate attention to acceptable scripts worthy of accommodating her talents. Relentless.

Finally, there are quite a bunch of other celebrants we are not able to dwell on their attainments and pedigrees, but whom we cherish nonetheless. May you continue to thrive, and drive your nation to great heights: Mike Bamiloye - 13 April, 1960; Omoni Oboli - 22 April, 1978; Liz Benson - 05 April, 1966; Stella Damasus - 24 April, 1978; Alex Usifo Omaigbo - 16 April, 1953; Ali Nuhu - 15 March, 1974; Chioma Chukwuka - 12 March, 1980;

Taiwo Awoniyi Can His Late Rally Save Forest?

After a record-breaking transfer from German side, Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest, Super Eagles forward,Taiwo Awoniyi failed to hit the ground running at the City Ground and injuries too, didn’t help matters. However, with a return to the English Championship looming, the Nigeria striker seems to have found his mojo and his four goals for Tricky Forest in their last two matches may be enough to restore his team’s Premier League status

Taiwo Awoniyi’scored twice against fellow strugglers-Southampton, and ensured his side carted away the three points at stake while another two goals against Chelsea earned Nottingham Forest a vital point and another win may be all the Tricky Forest need to escape relegation at the end of the season.

Awoniyi says Nottingham Forest have “two cup finals” left to secure their Premier League status after his two goals earned a valuable point against Chelsea.

Awoniyi, who scored twice in last Monday’s 4-3 win against Southampton to end a run of seven successive league away defeats for Steve Cooper’s men and leaves them three points above third-bottom Leeds United with two games remaining.

Forest have taken seven points from their last four games and are within touching distance of securing successive seasons in the top flight.

But Awoniyi, the first Forest player to score two goals in consecutive Premier League games since Bryan Roy in 1995, maintains there is still work to be done.

“We came here with spirit and togetherness and had a plan that worked. When they score two quick goals you feel bad, but we believed in ourselves and got the point,” said the 25-year-old.

“We now have two finals to go, the next one is Arsenal and from there we will see what happens.”

Forest, who had taken just six away points from a possible 51 this season before the Chelsea game, face the title-chasing

Gunners at home today before travelling to Crystal Palace on the final day.

The wisdom of Forest’s decision to stick with Steve Cooper when all around them at the bottom were changing managers - sometimes more than once - will be determined with the outcome of their final two fixtures.

Before the Chelsea game, they had won two of their past three matches - but that was after going 11 without a victory, a period when the Forest board must have been tempted to make a change as all four clubs below them had.

Cooper has found a golden touch at just the right time. Forest have been lamentable in London this season, losing all five previous Premier League visits to the capital by a 16-2 aggregate.

But he turned that form around by frustrating the home side by recalling defender Joe Worrall in place of forward Brennan Johnson and switching to a back five.

His reward was real defensive resolve combined with an eagerness and ability - especially through the aerial prowess of Awoniyi - to capitalise on the weak points of the star-studded hosts. One more victory, or even two draws, might well be enough to preserve their topflight status and reward the Forest board for sticking with their man.

Awoniyi has been in phenomenal form recently, and his brilliance has kept Nottingham Forest’s hopes of survival alive.

Nottingham Forest coach has urged the Super Eagles striker to continue scoring goals for the team as they look to end the

season on a high.

The 25-year-old Super Eagles striker scored twice against Southampton last Monday to spur his side to a 4-3 win.

He then continued with his brilliance, netting a brace for his side to help them gain a massive point after a 2-2 draw with Chelsea.

In his last two appearances, he has equaled his tally of four goals for the entire Premier League campaign. And with two games left, a win will be enough for the Tricky Trees to preserve their place in the English top flight.

Cooper has been impressed with Awoniyi’s form, and he has praises for former Union Berlin man. Nonetheless, he wants the Nigerian to continue churning out the goals.

“You always want your striker to be scoring goals, and he’s got more than a few this week,” Cooper said per Nottingham Post.

“He’s missed most of the second part of the season, and he got injured at a time when he was doing what he did today.

“Although he’s got his goals in the last two games since he’s come back he’s played really well. But obviously, you want your number nine to be scoring goals.

“We’ve been really happy with T. He showed a great attitude and commitment to getting back in the way he did. “He hit the ground running as soon as we got him back on the pitch. Now he’s turning good performances into good performances with

goals.

“That’s what you want and what you need from your strikers. Let’s hope he can carry on in the next two games.

According to some statistics from Who Scored, the Nottingham Forest striker has a better conversion rate this season than Harry Kane and has propelled himself into the top 10 strikers in the Premier League based on his ruthlessness. The Reds talisman has been a bit of a late bloomer this season but has now scored four goals in his last two games.The 25-year-old was the club’s first summer signing after winning promotion to the Premier League.

After scoring 15 goals in the Bundesliga last season, he was plucked from Union Berlin by the Reds for a fee of £17.5 million.

Awoniyi scored five goals in the first half of the campaign but injured his groin during a 1-0 win over Southampton in January.

That injury ruled him out of action for three months and Forest sorely missed his physical presence.

Awoniyi has returned with a bang though and his goals in recent weeks might just keep the Reds in the Premier League.

Clearly, the talented striker has some way to go in order to emulate Kane in terms of the number of goals he scores.

In reality, he will never be as good as Kane in that sense but right now he’s been more productive in front of goal than the Tottenham man. Nottingham Forest play Arsenal and Crystal Palace in their last two games of the season. Cooper would hope that his top goal-poacher continues with his form in their remaining games.

Taiwo Awoniyi beat Chelsea goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy to Renan Lodi’s cross for his first of his two goals at Stamford Bridge

GROUP B

MATCH 18 FIXTURES

Curtain Closes on NPFL Abridged League Tomorrow as Insurance Hope to End Season Unscathed

The curtain would be drawn on the 2022/23 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) tomorrow with six teams chasing the three remaining slots for the play off as they hope to join Group A leaders-Bendel Insurance and the two top teams in Group B, Rivers United and Lobi Stars, with the trio already booking their place for the Super Six.

Going into matchday 18, the trio of Bendel Insurance, Rivers United, and Lobi Stars have already booked their places in the Super-Six. At the same time, in Group A, Enyimba (31 points), Remo Stars (30 points), and Akwa United (29 points) can snag the last two slots.

In Group B, there is only one outstanding and Doma United (26 points) will slug it out with Abia Warriors (24 points) and Sunshine Stars (24 points) on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Doma United head coach, Akinade Onigbinde is optimistic his team will clinch a ticket to the Nigeria Premier Football League Super Six playoff.

The Savannah Tigers will be hoping to snatch the remaining slot from Group B after Lobi Stars and Rivers United secured their places.

“We all know what is at stake which is the NPFL Super Six playoff,” Onigbinde said.

The abridged season has been an eye-opener and has seen some unlikely stories emerge.

Chief amongst these is the current unbeaten streak of Bendel Insurance, who have played 17 games without a defeat. The Benin Gunners have won eight games and drawn nine during their record-breaking season after getting promoted from the Nigeria National League.

The league has produced 358 goals this season, with an average of 20 goals every matchday. The highest goal tally of 27 was recorded on matchday 11.

Meanwhile, the newly promoted club, Doma United, being a dark horse, have shown they can be the new MFM FC in the league as they have an eye on one of the top three spots in Group B.

Several centres will be hotspots for the weekend as they determine the shape and final standings of the first phase.

There are five locations where the greatest attention will be focused over the weekend, with numerous permutations for the final day of the regular season.

Enyimba need a point like Shooting Stars to qualify for their respective positions. While Enyimba seek a top-three finish, Shooting Stars are clinging to the sixth position to enable them to play in the Super 12.

Recall that the Oluyole Warriors won the GTI pre-season competition defeating Enyimba at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena last year; thus, gifting the People’s Elephant a point to play in the Super 6 might look like a favour in return.

The Oluyole Warriors, defending champions of the pre-season tour-

nament, are earnestly seeking to defend that title now that the prize money has been raised to N1.2 billion.

We expect the Sunday fixtures to be streamed live, which means all eyes will be on Coach Gbenga Ogunbote as he plays against his former club.

Meanwhile, if both teams settle for a draw, it would be the fourth time in the last 15 meetings.

This will be a payback time for Sunshine stars, who were humiliated by Dakkada last season 3-0 in Uyo. Sunshine Stars should have an easy cruise against the already relegated side at the Akure Township Stadium on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) has stated that the Super 6 was shifted from May to June to accommodate the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs that are still in contention for the Federation Cup,

This follows a revised calendar of activities for the 2022/23 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Super 6 which was released by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) with a kick off date of June 3 and final day of Sunday, June 11.

Davidson Owumi the Head of Operations of the IMC explained that the revision of the schedule was agreed with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to accommodate the league and the Federation Cup.

“With Federation Cup round of 16 and quarter finals fixtures slated for 24 and 28 of May,

Top Scorers

we reasoned that the Super 6 can no longer hold from the earlier date as some of the teams that might qualify for the Play-off are also possibly going to be in the Federation Cup”, explained Owumi.

He stated further that following a meeting with the NFF, a new schedule was arrived at and this will see the finals of the Federation Cup continuing after the Super 6 on June 11.

In the calendar of events, teams are expected to arrive on June 1 while Match Officials will arrive Lagos on June 2 with the first games holding on June 3.

There will be three games on each MatchDay with free days in between each MatchDay.The IMC approved format will declare as Champions, the team with the highest points at the completion of the matches.

With each of the six teams playing each other, there will be a total of 15 ga mes on five MatchDays.

The regular season of the NPFL which was abridged into two groups will be concluded on May 21 with the three top teams in each group qualifying for the playoff.

Action during Bendel Insurance versus Remo Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State

Man City Set for Third Straight Premier League Title as Chelsea Visit Etihad

Manchester City’s hope of becoming only the second team to win three Premier League in a bounce after the red half of Manchester side achieved the feat got a big boost with Arsenal capitulation at home to Brighton last weekend. And with the Citizens welcoming a rampant Chelsea to the Etihad tomorrow, Pep Guardiola’s men knew a victory would guarantee a third title and keep the dream of a treble alive after already booking their place in the final of the FA Cup and Champions League respectively

Manchester City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium tomorrow knowing that a victory will be enough to see them crowned champions of the Premier League for a third successive season.

The West Londoners are seeking revenge having already lost three times against the Citizens this campaign, including a 1-0 league defeat at Stamford Bridge in January courtesy of a second-half strike from Riyad Mahrez.

Twenty-four years on from watching bitter rivals Manchester United win the treble, history beckons for ‘noisy neighbours’, Man City, who are on the cusp of winning three trophies of their own this season and etching their name into footballing folklore.

Pep Guardiola has successfully steered the Citizens into the Champions League final courtesy of an utterly dominant 4-0 semi-final second-leg triumph at home against holders Real Madrid on Wednesday, with Bernardo Silva (twice), Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez all on the scoresheet to set up a final showdown with Inter Milan in Istanbul on June 10.

An FA Cup Manchester-derby final at Wembley is already pencilled into City’s diary a week earlier, but their primary focus is on securing maximum points tomorrow that will ensure the Premier League trophy remains in their grasp for a third season running – a remarkable feat only achieved twice previously by Man United between 1998 and 2001 and between 2006 and 2009.

Guardiola’s side sits four points clear at the summit with a game in hand on second-placed Arsenal, are enjoying one

of their customary winning runs at the perfect stage of the season, claiming all three points in each of their last 11 Premier League games, while their home form across all competitions is astonishing to say the least, as they have won all 16 matches at the Etihad since the turn of the year, scoring 56 goals and conceding only seven in the process.

This run on home soil began with a comprehensive 4-0 victory against Chelsea in the FA Cup third round in early January, one of five wins without reply the Citizens have recorded against the West Londoners since losing the 2021 Champions League final in Porto.

Lifting the Premier League trophy in front of their home supporters would be the perfect way for Man City to mark their final home game of the season before shifting their focus to hunting down two more pieces of silverware next month.

Sitting a remarkable 42 points behind leaders Man City, Chelsea appear to be heading for their first bottom-half finish in the Premier League since 1995-96 after being forced to a 2-2 draw with relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Raheem Sterling scored twice in the space of seven second-half minutes to turn the game on its head after Taiwo Awoniyi had put Forest ahead early doors, but it was the Nigerian striker who had the last laugh as he restored parity just after the hour mark to help the visitors claim a hard-fought point at Stamford Bridge.

Frank Lampard’s side are still languishing in 11th place in the Premier League table, eight points behind West London rivals Fulham in 10th with a game in hand,

and the prospect of the Blues claiming any more points this term seems slim as they face Man City, Man United and Newcastle United in their final three fixtures.

Chelsea enter Sunday’s contest having failed to win any of their last 14 Premier League games against teams starting the day above them in the table, while they have lost six of their last seven visits to the Etihad.

However, Lampard is one of only two Premier League managers to prevent Man City from winning on home soil this season, after his former club Everton claimed a point in a 1-1 draw on New Year’s Eve. A similar resilient performance is required from Chelsea if they are to have any chance of claiming a positive result and delaying the Citizens’ impending title celebrations.

Meanwhile, Guardiola has compared trying to clinch Premier League to serving for Wimbledon title.

The Spaniard is on the verge of becoming the fourth manager to win five or more English league titles after Sir Alex Ferguson (Man Utd), Bob Paisley (Liverpool) and George Ramsay (Aston Villa).

He has compared Manchester City attempting to secure the Premier League title this weekend to serving for a Wimbledon championship.

“Tennis players say to serve to win Wimbledon is the most difficult one,” said City manager Guardiola.

“It’s non-stop. Of course, we are satisfied to play the Champions League final but now is coming the most difficult thing.

“But on Sunday the game is in our hands to win the most important competition.”

Premier League Table

PREMIER LEAGUE

Madrid v Getafe 20:00

SUNDAY Celta Vigo v Valencia 13:00

Elche v Atlético 15:15

Valladolid v Sevilla 17:30

Espanyol v Barcelona 20:00

MONDAY

Real Betis v Vallecano 20:00

Hot Shot

Guardiola says City have shown the same mentality this season as they have in previous title-winning campaigns, despite spending the majority of this year behind long-time leaders Arsenal.

They trailed the Gunners by eight points at the start of April, but a run of 11 consecutive league wins stretching back to February has seen them open up a four-point gap at the summit as they seek a fifth Premier League title in six seasons.

“Now we talk about mentalities because we won. And I don’t believe in that. I defend the team when we lose and they had the same mentality,” added Guardiola.

“This is the reality. To recover eight points on Arsenal - first we had one game in hand in that moment, so it was a little bit fake but we knew we had to win almost all games and they had to drop it.

“If Arsenal had maintained the same rhythm as the first leg [half of the season] and doing what they had done it would not be possible to catch them. But they drop a few points and we were there. Again, another season, and that means a lot to us.”

Manchester City midfielder, Bernado Silva tries to Waltze through Chelsea trio of Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly and Noni Madueke

Peseiro Ready to Accept Pay Cut to Remain Super Eagles Coach

Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro is prepared to cut his compensation in order to keep his job when his contract ends, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Porto manager, who is now on a $70,000-permonth deal, wants to stay on as head coach as his current contract ends in June 2023.

The Portuguese manager was hired in May 2022, after temporary manager Austin Eguavoen had been reassigned to NFF Technical Director.

The 63-year-old, on the other

hand, has come under fire as his squad has struggled, winning just two of the past eight games since he took over.

The NFF is reportedly struggling to pay the manager’s salaries since the contract was arranged under the auspices of the previous NFF chairman, Amaju Pinnick, with his wages supposed to be funded by the office of the president.

Sunday Dare, the outgoing minister for sports, subsequently said that was not the case since the coach

is presently due six months’ pay, and it would be a difficult decision whether to extend his contract or not.

The coach is said to be open to remaining since he wants to take the national team to the AFCON and maybe win it, and he has the backing of the senior players, who are making a case for him to be kept for another year.

Peseiro, who took over from Augustine Eguavoen in May 2022, has only won three of his eight games

Nigeria to Know 2026 World Cup Qualifiers’ Opponents in July

Super Eagles of Nigeria will know their opponents for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on July 12.

The Super Eagles failed to make the previous World Cup in Qatar because of a painful loss to Ghana in the final round of qualification. Morocco were the best African team at the tournament, as they became the first African to make it to the semifinal.

Nigeria would be looking to qualify for the next World Cup which will be hosted by America, Mexico, and Canada, and the Confederation of African Football has revealed the modalities.

The draws will be made on the July 12 and all 54 nations that are part of CAF will participate. The countries will be put in nine groups, which means each group will have six teams.

The teams that finish on top

will qualify for the Mundial, while the four best second-placed teams will participate in CAF’s playoff tournament. The winner of the playoffs will then participate in FIFA’s playoff tournament. This would be the first time that CAF would employ this qualification form at. The 2026 World Cup would have 48 teams instead of the usual 32.

Ebuehi Set for S’Eagles Return ahead of AFCON Qualifiers

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are slated to face Sierra Leone in June and São Tomé and Príncipe in September Empoli full-back, Tyronne Ebuehi has been recalled to the Super Eagles squad to take part in the AFCON qualifiers. With the AFCON qualifiers resuming shortly, the announcement of the squad that will be representing the Super Eagles is highly anticipated, and the players set to be invited have been contacted by Coach Jose Peseiro, according to reports.

Soccernet.ng reports that Tyronne Ebuehi is part of the players that have been handed a recall to the squad. The full-back who plies his trade with Serie A side Empoli will be in the squad for the first time after the Super Eagles lost to Portugal in November 2022, just before the world cup.

The 27-year-old has been in fine form for Empoli in recent times, racking up two assists from right-back in the last two games for the Italian side, and looks set to

start at right-back for Nigeria as Bright-Osayi Samuel, who has nailed the right-back sport in recent games for Nigeria, is reportedly injured and is in a race against time to get back to full fitness.

Ebuehi will be hoping to replicate his form for the Super Eagles, as his last appearance came in Nigeria’s win over Guinea-Bissau. Nigeria will face Sierra Leone on the 20th of June 2023 to continue in their pursuit of qualification for the AFCON Championships.

Buhari Approves New NIS Governing Board

Olawwale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the new Governing Board of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) following the expiration of the tenure of the outgoing board.

The approval, according to a statement signed yesterday by Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Sports and

Youth Development, Mohammed Manga was with a view to providing governance and policy direction for the Institute in accordance with the enabling Instrument, Decree No. 31 of 8th July, 1992 that established it. He said the members of the Board are to be inaugurated at a later date.

They are as follows:

-Danladi Ibrahim – Chairman; Major General Okpeh Wilson

Ali – member; AIG Hafiz Inuwamember; Lawrence Babatunde Aremu – member; Dr. Fatima Kabir Umar – member; Boniface C. Odum – member; Salisu Manman Aliyu – member; Ag. DCG Gregory A. Itohoh; Prof O. A. Moronkola – member, the Registrar -member/Secretary; Kunle Solaja – member; Commodore Nesiama Omatseye –member and Mr. Awogbade Ayorinde Gbadebo, member.

French Open Organisers Rue Nadal’s Withdrawal

Rafael Nadal is set to miss the French Open for the first time in his career as he revealed that next year would likely be his last on tour.

The French Open has responded after Nadal officially announced his withdrawal. The Spaniard is a record 14-time champion at the tournament but revealed that it would be

“impossible” to play through his injury this year. Nadal also confessed that 2024 would likely be his final year on the tour in a press conference on Thursday.

Nadal will miss the French Open for the first time since making his debut in 2005. The 36-year-old has an incredible record at the tournament -

winning 14 titles and losing just three matches. He has only ever withdrawn part-way through the event once - in 2016 with a wrist injury. But on Thursday Nadal confirmed that he would be absent this year, saying: “I won’t be able to play at Roland Garros. It’s not a decision I made, it’s a decision my body made.”

AC Milan Wonderkid, Eletu Set to join Flying Eagles

AC Milan wonderkid, Victor Eletu yesterday landed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on his way to Mendoza to join his Flying Eagles teammates two days before Nigeria’s opening game of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup against Dominican Republic. Eletu has been named in Nigeria’s squad list for the World Cup but could not attend the training camp in Abuja and the final round of preparations in Argentina due to club commitments.

AC Milan chiefs have finally

given him the green light to join his international teammates in Argentina after his impressive performances for the Rossoneri U19s in May.

The Prince Kazeem Eletu Academy product was involved in three goals (1 goal, 2 assists) in his last four matches in the Primavera 1.

Having departed Milan on Thursday evening, he landed in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires this morning.

As at 1311 hours Nigerian time, Eletu was airborne, on

his way to Mendoza to link up with the Flying Eagles. Nigeria U20 head coach, Ladan Bosso has a big call to make, whether to name him in the starting lineup against Dominican Republic or start him on the bench, and it should be noted he’s keeping his cards close to his chest.

In preparation for their opener against Dominican Republic, the Flying Eagles held a twohour recovery session at the Mendoza Technical Center after Wednesday’s arrival in the city.

Premier League Clubs Scramble for Nigeria’s Gent Striker, Orban

Chelsea and Fulham are reportedly keeping tabs on redhot Nigerian striker Gift Orban who has been in unbelievable form since joining Belgian side, KAA Gent in the January transfer window.

As previously reported, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were among the clubs that posted scouts to run the rule over the striker during Gent’s league match with Cercle Brugge on Saturday, May 13.

According to Evening Standard, Chelsea and Fulham are

also watching the talented center forward.

The 20-year-old has notched 14 goals and two assists in 13 appearances in the Jupiler Pro League and Jupiler Pro League Europe playoffs including a hattrick against Cercle Brugge last week and a haul against Zulte Waregem in March.

Orban has also announced himself in Europe scoring the fastest hat-trick in the history of European club competition against stanbul Baakehir in the second leg

of the Round of 16 of the Conference League.

He bagged his hat-trick within 3 minutes and 25 seconds which left everyone with their mouths agape.

He has tallied 19 goals in 19 games for Gent which is an average of a goal per game and it is unsurprising that he has attracted the interest of a host of suitors.

Orban joined Gent in the January transfer window and it will take a hefty fee to price him away from the Buffalos.

Naija Super 8 Zonal-play offs Get New Dates

Flykite Productions, organisers of Naija Super 8, have announced new dates on which the two-stage inaugural edition of the football competition will be held. The announcement was made in a statement issued by Flykite Productions on Thursday. According to the statement, the zonal-play offs, initially scheduled to be held from June 1-3 at Eket Township stadium, will now be held at the same venue from June 23-25.

The statement gave the new dates for the tournament proper at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos as July 7-16. Flykite Production explained that the date shifts were inevitable because of the unexpected

extension of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

“The need to find new dates became necessary after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which licensed Naija Super 8, communicated to us that the ongoing football season faces inevitable extension.

“We are most grateful for the timely communication, which has afforded us the time to shop for and find new dates on which both stages of the competition will be held. We appreciate the difficulty the unplanned extension of the league season must have imposed on the NFF,” Flykite Productions said in the statement.

Relatedly, the voting process for the competition, managed by Deloitte, ended on 16 May. The outcomes are being expected and they will determine the 12 teams that will participate in the zonal play-offs. According to the tournament’s eligibility format, two teams with the highest numbers of public votes in each of the country’s six geo-political zones, will qualify for the play-offs, which will see each zonal pairing go head-to-head in a single elimination match to determine which goes into the finals in Lagos.

Naija Super 8 is sponsored by DStv, Pepsi, MTN and Moniepoint.

Polo Tourney Ends in Ibadan Tomorrow

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The 2023 polo tournament of the Nigeria Polo Association (NPA), organised by the Ibadan Polo Club, which started on Monday, May 15, would come to an end tomorrow.

The President of Ibadan Polo Club, Koyinsola Owoeye, said the tournament featured highly skilled polo players who competed for honours, showcasing their speed, precision, and horsemanship, adding that the

event is also saw exciting activities for children and women in addition to the main tournament.

According to him, with the number of expected teams and the calibre of players who showcased their awesome skills, the 2023 edition of the tournament assures of an intense competition and a wonderful experience of entertainment for sponsors, players, guests, and fans alike.

The tournament Chair-

man and Vice-President of Ibadan Polo Club, Bola Adeyemi, while commenting on this year’s tournament, said the event is the most competitive and most exciting ever, as players from notable polo clubs across Nigeria are participating.

He said, “The week is full of thrilling polo experience for the lovers of the game as aside from the usual polo skills on display, there was undiluted entertainment at the end of each day throughout the tournament.”

Jose Peseiro and his assistants getting reafy for a training session

Victor Eletu tries to outwit an opponent

Yari to APC’s Leadership

“APC has zoned and now we are asking them questions: On what basis? Have you taken into cognizance the federal character? The president, chief justice of the federation, and national assembly chairman –all the three arms of government — are in one place?” –The Senator-elect, Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari, questioning the zoning of Senate Presidency to South-south.

MIKEOZEKHOME

GUEST COLUMNIST

How VIPs Endanger Citizens’ Lives in The Air

It was on Saturday, 22nd April, 2023, that it happened. At 12:30pm, I was airborne on Ibom Air, flight from Lagos to Abuja. We were simply about 10 minutes, or thereabout, to landing in Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja. Then the unexpected happened. The Pilot announced to bewildered passengers something we did not want to hear. The flight will not land yet. Oh my God! Why? Hearts in our now dry mouths, we waited with bated breath; in suspended animation. The calm voice of the Pilot said something which I considered to be at par with, perhaps, INEC’s now infamous ‘’glitches’’. Yes, “glitches” that would not allow us to land as scheduled! The type of “glitches” that would enable INEC miraculously (through Prof. Peller’s abracadabra magic) transmit results of the Senate and House of Representatives elections held on Saturday, 25th February, 2023, straight electronically from the polling units to it’s IReV; but could not do same for the Presidential election held simultaneously for the same voters at the same time, on the same date, at the same venue, and with the same Bimodal accreditation.

Then, the pilot explained what he meant: “We are sorry to inform you that we cannot land yet. The Control Tower has just informed us about “VIP movement”. We are therefore going to circle round till we are cleared to land. We estimate that this will take us about 20 to 25 minutes. But, there is nothing to worry about”. His voice was soothing and calming. But the pilot announcer did not tell us who the VIP or VIPs was or were. Pilots and crew announcers never ever disclose the names of such oppressors. Otherwise, passengers would lynch some of them; or pelt them with pure water and tomatoes. It was sufficient that some top brass, kahunas or head honchos was flying; and we lesser mortals must be held up in the skies.

“Here was the Pilot telling us that there was nothing to worry about” for being held in the air against our will, under looming danger, fear of death, fear of the unknown, and fear of fear. In William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”, Cassius (the jealous “lean and hungry look” of a man), said to Brutus, “Men at some time are masters of their fate: The fault, dear Brutus is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings” (Act 1 Scene II).

This may well have been between these two vile conspirators who schemed amongst themselves thousands of years ago to assassinate the flamboyant and overconfident Julius Caesar. Was it in our stars or ourselves, that in 2023, we were being held up in the air against our wish and will? Were we to blame? Certainly not. But, here we were nonetheless in the air, at the mercy of God- helpless and hapless. Did we hear the pilot correctly?

As expected, some passengers immediately panicked. Others prayed. Some eyes popped. Some other eyes closed. A passenger sitting close by me brought out his Viks inhaler, to inhale some fresh breath and perhaps, clear his probably congested lungs. One could hear some passengers’ murmurs of visible disproval and disappointment at being held up in the air by unknown “VIPs of waste”. Who was he/ she? Who were they? We were never told. Nor do I know till date.

Our tension, anxiety, curiosity and fears were soon justified. The aircraft started experiencing some slight turbulence. Why was this turbulence, which in my first flight in the 90’s I had called gallop in the air? Was it because the aircraft was within range of heavy clouds which it was piercing through as a result of its low altitude before the sudden alert about VIP movement? Was it because it was attempting to fly higher, above the clouds? Was it because it was circling? Was there sufficient aviation fuel to withstand the extra forced time in the air? Too many

thoughts swirled in our minds.

Not being aeronautical engineers or pilots, we did not know why. We were scared stiff. As turbulence and bumps increased, I was equally scared. But because many passengers on board had immediately recognized me as I entered the aircraft (including those sitting nearby), I had to deliberately put on a bold face as if I was not frightened. But I was agitated and terrified. Lizards crawling on their bellies surely do have stomach ache; but their flat position does not allow us to notice. Yes, fowls do sweat, but their feathers hide the sweat from us human beings. So, I hid my fears in smiles, affability and geniality. Edo no dey carry last.

I needed to put up this courageous and fearless visage to assure and reassure my more frightened neighbours that all was well. But, was all really well? Whoever has never experienced turbulence in the air may not know and appreciate God. When you do, you will become an emergency Cleric, an Imam, or a tested Sango worshipper. You will suddenly become a “prayer warrior”, reciting from your memory, rich verses of the Holy Bible and Holy Quran. You will speak in tongues.

You will suddenly remember your spouse, children, parents, loved ones and friends. You will even remember your enemies, traducers, benefactors and beneficiaries, you will recall your wealth, money starched away in secret banks; vaults and hidden steel safes. at that moment, you will remember hell and heaven; and then pray silently to God for the forgiveness of your sins. The vanity of life will stare you in the face like an apparition.

On a later date after our safe delivery (thank God), (a man who also knows much about aerodynamics), upon my inquiry, told me that turbulence (or gallop in the air as I called it during my first N15 flight from Benin to Lagos in the early 90s), could be caused by a combination of factors: turbulent air on earth atmosphere, as the streaming around the earth can cause sudden changes in the wind speed, thus rocking the airplane. There is also thermal turbulence which is said to be created by hot rising air from thunderstorms or cumulus clouds.

My friend lectured that turbulence may also occur when tall buildings, mountains or landscapes distort the wind flow in the sky above the objects. This is called mechanical turbulence, he said. He finalized that airplanes’ wings can cause turbulence when planes fly closely behind one another, or take the same flight part, during taking-offs and landings. He however assured me that risk is very low during

turbulence, as modern aircraft are designed to withstand sudden rises and falls (even nearly 100ft at a time). God forbid!

Who cared about this scientific analysis at a time we were literally “dancing” in the air for the next 22 minutes in the hands of a very capable and competent pilot whose reassuring voice had at least lowered blood pressures and calmed frayed nerves? Who cared?

These so-called VIPs who endangered our lives in the air are, in my humble opinion, “VIPs of waste”. They fit squarely into the solemn words during the Radio Nigeria broadcast of Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu when he led the first Nigerian military putsch of 15th January, 1966. Said the handsome, … Sandhurst-trained, fire-eating, bold and idealist Okpanam, Delta State-born, devout catholic and teetotaler, “Our enemies are the political profiteers, the swindlers, the men in high and low places that seek bribes and demand 10 percent; those that seek to keep the country divided permanently so that they can remain in office as Ministers or VIPs at least, the tribalists, the nepotists, those that make the country look big for nothing before international circles, those that have corrupted our society and put the Nigerian political calendar back by their words and deeds”.

Conceding the coupists were “not promising anything miraculous or spectacular”, he, however, promised “every law-abiding citizen …freedom from fear and all forms of oppression, freedom from genual inefficacy …..We promise that you will no more be ashamed to say that you are a Nigerian”.

Major Gideon Orka, in 7 am April, 22, 1990 coup broadcast to tyrannical Nigerians, heralding the aborted overthrow of the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida military junta, had identified the elite cliquism as those responsible for the “intrigues combination and internal colonization of the Nigerian state by the so-called chosen few”. He identified this group as being “responsible for 90% of the problems of Nigerians.

Majors Nzeogwu and Orka must be turning in their 57 and 33 years (respectively) cold graves to know that all the problem areas they identified in his coup broadcast have since magnified and increased geometrically; not arithmetically. He would be shocked to hear that kick-back is no longer 10% today, but between 50% and 80%. He would shudder to know that corruption now walks on steroids, strutting about like a proud peacock.

They will grimace to know that state captors have tightened their asphyxiating grip on the dry throats of conquered Nigerians. Otherwise, why would any sane leader (of whatever post or position), endanger the lives of his/her people in the air just to be seen flying the airspace alone? What special security would such a leader require that should also not avail the people? Were such a leader’s handlers not aware of the schedule of his take-off and landing time such as to alert all airlines and tarmacs to delay their flights (on ground) for that period of his flight, rather than allow them to first take off and be hung in the air? Why this crass sense of irresponsibility, insensitivity and insensateness? Do such leaders appreciate how many hundreds (or even thousands) of Nigerians and Nigerian families whose lives they endanger by their sheer megalomania and narcissism?

On March 23, 2022, one Obiora Okonkwo, representing the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) at the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, publicly hearing, bemoaned VIP movement as one of the major reasons for the delays and disruption of flights. He said regulations only allow them to announce that flight delays are “due to operational reasons”, and no more. This is to mask the real reasons, including VIP movement.

He explained: “You can imagine when you have waited one hour or one and a half hours in Lagos

and you have taken off to land in Abuja. And when you get to Abuja airspace and there is VIP movement, you cannot control that,”…….

“You have to wait as long as it takes the VIP movement before you are cleared for landing. And when you land, before now operators could say because of VIP movement, but today, we have been restricted not to mention VIP so that the blame should not go to somebody else.”

No wonder passengers often hear of delayed and disrupted flights due to only “operational reasons”. For those VIPs who also keep hapless citizens standing under the sun and rain while their long convoys snake their way through crowded cities do they ever reckon with how many citizens die prematurely, in the process, for not getting to hospitals in time to get urgent medical attention? Have they ever thought of how many students have missed their examinations; or entrepreneurs who have missed crucial corporate meetings and appointments by being held hostage through such reckless VIP movements? Do they even care? Do they still have the attributes of humanity?

For those VIPs who do not know, let me give you free legal advice here. Anyone who causes the death of, or damage to, any air passenger, road- user, or train commuter, who thereby suffers damages due to being held down by VIP movement, you are legally liable for such recklessness. Such VIPs could be damnified in huge punitive, aggravated, exemplary, consequential and compensatory damages in negligence, for individual and corporate liability.

Those who are President, Vice President, Governor and Deputy Governors should stop wallowing in shielded VIP movement aggrandizement by feeling protected with immunity under section 308 of the 1999 Constitution. This is self-delusion. I laugh. I guffaw. Protection? Not so fast. Only temporary relief. The ephemerality of power and its destined expiration would sooner stare them in the face. Let them read the powerful statement of the Supreme Court in IMB Securities v Tinubu (2001) All NLR 264, to the effect that although this set of people cannot be prosecuted while in office because of their immunity, they can however be investigated. And such investigation can always be used against them after they leave office. See also the case. In Fawehinmi v IGP (2002) All NLR 357, the Hon. Justice Samson Odemwingie Uwaifo, an iconic Jurist of immense intellectual fecundity, said with great erudition, as follows:

“That a person protected under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, going by its provisions, can be investigated by the police for an alleged crime or offence is, in my view, beyond dispute. To hold otherwise is to create a monstrous situation whose manifestation may not be fully appreciated until illustrated…Now, if the police became aware, could it be suggested in an open and democratic society like ours that they would be precluded by Section 308 from investigating?

The Police clearly have a duty under Section 4 of the Police Act to do all they can to investigate and preserve whatever evidence is available. The evidence or some aspect of it may be the type which might be lost forever if not preserved while it is available… The evidence may be useful for impeachment purposes if the House (of Assembly) may have need of it. It may no doubt be used for prosecution of the said incumbent Governor after he has left office… But to do nothing under the pretext that a Governor cannot be investigated is a disservice to the society”.

A word is enough for the wise. As our elders tell us, it is only the stubborn fly that follows the corpse into the grave. To say more will be otiose. VIPs, please, leave us alone in the air. Go your way. Let us go ours. We also have our lives to live. Do you hear, hear, hear me? Haba!

Sirika