TUESDAY 21TH MAY 2024

Oniha: FG Raises N4.5tn from Domestic Market to Finance 2024 Budget Deficit

Naira gains on official, parallel FX markets

Nume Ekeghe and Kayode Tokede

The Director-General, Debt

Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha, yesterday disclosed that N4.5 trillion has been raised out of N6 trillion to support the

federal government in financing 2024 budget deficit, stressing that domestic securities market has remained the major source of borrowing for the

government. Speaking at an interactive session with Primary Dealers Market Makers (PDMMs) in Lagos, she also

www.thisdaylive.com

She explained: “With your support for the new borrowing for the 2024

disclosed that out of the N7.3 trillion the National Assembly approved for securitisation of Ways & Means, DMO has raised N4.905 trillion. Continued on page 9

Alawuba: With N18tn Customer Deposits, UBA Poised to Sustain Industry Leadership, Finance SMEs across Africa...

Iran Gets New Leader, Tinubu Mourns Raisi

Deji Elumoye and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday extended his condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the passing of President Ebrahim

Raisi; Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials in a helicopter crash. Raisi and the country’s foreign minister were found dead in the early hours of yesterday after their helicopter crashed on Sunday, leaving the Islamic Republic without two

key leaders.

Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, quickly named Vice President, Mohammad Mokhber, to assume interim duties and announced five days of mourning thereafter.

State media confirmed they were

killed after the helicopter they were travelling in came down. Raisi, 63, had been tipped as a potential successor to the supreme leader. It was initially reported that the helicopter carrying the men and their entourage had made a hard landing in foggy conditions. The area where

the aircraft came down is close to the border with Azerbaijan, where Raisi had been meeting President Ilham Aliyev. According to local media he was there to open the Qiz Qalasi and

ICC Seeks Arrest of Israeli Leader, Netanyahu, Defence Minister for War Crimes

Prime Minister: Accusations a “disgrace”, attack on our military and all of Israel Biden: It's outrageous, US lawmakers kick Several Hamas leaders also risk arrest

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

In a move rarely seen, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, yesterday applied for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as the country’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant.

Khan said he was also seeking the arrest and prosecution of Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, the group’s political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, and the Hamas military chief, Mohammed Deif.

The ICC prosecutor said his office had applied to the world court’s pre-trial chamber for arrest warrants for the military and political leaders on both sides for crimes committed during Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza.

While the Hamas leaders were wanted for crimes of murder, hostage taking, rape, sexual

Continued on page 9 Continued on page 9

JONATHAN IN TêTE-à-TêTE WITH FUBARA...

L-R: Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan; Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara; and the State Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu; during the flag-off of the Trans-Kalabari Road at Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, ... yesterday.

Iran's new leader, Mohammad Mokhber

of UbA AT 75...

Alawuba: With N18tn Customer Deposits, UBA Poised to Sustain Industry Leadership, Finance SMEs Across Africa

To seek shareholders’ nod for recapitalisation Friday Commits to $6bn intra-Africa trade support

Eromosele Abiodun, Nume Ekeghe and Kayode Tokede

The Group Managing Director of the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), Mr. Oliver Alawuba, yesterday, said the bank’s presence in Africa and other parts of the world was reflecting on its performance leading to its huge customer deposits of N18 trillion, shareholders’ fund of N2 trillion and customer base of about 45 million across Africa.

These, he stressed would enable the bank sustain its industry leadership and finance more business in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

The UBA boss who disclosed this while speaking at a global press conference as part of its 75th anniversary celebration, applauded the Group Chairman of UBA Group, Mr. Tony Elumelu for his visionary leadership and tutelage without which, he said the bank’s success would have been impossible.

This was as he said the bank would this Friday seek its shareholders’ approval for its recapitalisation plans, assuring that the bank was poised to meet the deadline.

Also, Alawuba noted that the bank remains committed to improving and facilitating intra-Africa trade, adding that the $6 billion it pledged for that purpose would be used to finance it and as well as support from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).

“On infrastructure gap in Africa, I can tell you from agriculture, roads, ports and telecoms, power the infrastructure gap is a lot. But that lies the opportunity we have in Africa. So, UBA has been in countries where we are present, we support the key sectors that are driving the economy of those countries.

“So, we are committed to developing Africa. We are committed to

supporting the key sectors that are pushing African economies. And it is showing even in our performances and our businesses. If you look at our accounts and performance, you will see that our performance has continued to improve reflecting clearly what we are doing.

“Today, the deposit position of UBA is about N18 trillion, today our shareholders’ fund is N2 trillion, today you would see that our customer base is moving up to 45 million customers across Africa and these are growing on a daily basis.

“We don't just support these businesses; we support all the value-chain that are tied to these businesses so that the SMEs will continue to thrive. SMEs are the future of Africa and will continue to provide support to SME businesses,” he said.

While commending the bank’s management and staff in the last 75 years, he said the future of UBA and its vision was to be the role model for African businesses.

According to him, “UBA is one bank, uniting Africa while connecting Africans to the World and the World to Africa. Our primary focus is to be the payment bank for capital flows, trade and investments between Africa and the rest of the world.

“We are committed to expanding our presence, seizing growth opportunities, and delivering value to all stakeholders. Collaboration and partnerships as exemplified by the $6 billion SME funding agreement signed with the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will be instrumental in achieving our strategic objectives. We are dedicated to deepening relationships with customers, employees, regulators, and other stakeholders for mutual benefit and long-term success.

“I would like to reiterate UBA's commitment to its Customer First

Philosophy, which is our primary business strategy. The customer is our employer and the sole reason why we come to work. Our three key pillars of service (People, Process and Technology) are all geared towards the delivery of excellent customer experience, which is our promise.

“As we embark on the next phase of our journey, I urge all stakeholders to continue their support and collaboration. Together, we will write the next chapter of success for United Bank for Africa Plc.”

Speaking on the recapitalisation process of the financial institution, the Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management, UBA, Ugochukwu Nwaghodoh said: “The central bank has set that every bank must have N500 billion in pure share capital and that was not necessarily related to the existing shareholders of the banks and the whole objective, according to the central bank was that we need to support a $1 trillion economy at a certain time.

“So we have looked that it's obviously going to strengthen the banking system as expected and

the banks in Nigeria will be able to do a lot more in terms of growing the economy in Nigeria.

“The central bank gave a couple of options: You could achieve this by raising additional funds; you could achieve this by mergers and acquisitions; and you can choose not to raise more funds and step down your licence to a level that your current capital can support.

“For UBA, we operate with the highest licence available, which is an international licence. We have operations, very strong backgrounds, operations across Africa and indeed, in several centers in the world.

“So we've chosen this route and we are looking at options we have engaged financial advisors. We indeed have set in motion the requisite approvals from the shareholders. So on Friday, hopefully, we will be receiving the approval of shareholders on certain resolutions that will enable us to execute the required capital raise. We are committed to achieving this well ahead of the deadline.”

On its adoption of technology,

House Threatens

which has played a role in advancing the bank’s operations across Africa, Executive Director/ Chief Operating Officer, UBA Alex Alozie noted that the bank invests in cybersecurity to ensure customers’ funds are safe.

He explained: “Serving 45 million customers means that you must have enhanced technology and at the same time have the technology that can also prevent fraud.

“What we have done across Africa is to ensure that we have technology that connects one country to another. With UBA technology you can transfer money from Ghana to Togo, from Ghana to Kenya without coming into the bank.

“What we have done with technology and in terms of fraud, is to empower our customers to know that we have that underlining technology that will prevent customers from losing funds and today UBA is a safe haven for customers’ funds.”

On his part, the Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi said: “Our commitment to exceptional customer experience as well as our financial strength and resilience over

the years has been key to our success.

“Our robust performance, especially over the last couple of years, underscores our sound strategies and commitment to operational excellence. I am sure everyone in this room will agree with me that UBA remains an attractive investment opportunity as it continues to deliver exceptional value to our shareholders.

“At UBA, innovation and digital transformation are at the heart of our future growth as we remain committed to enhancing the experience of our customers across all touchpoints while solidifying our position. We are committed to offering value that enhances the experience of our customers, while solidifying our position as a forward-thinking institution.

"As you will learn from our interactions today, we look forward to another 75 years, 100 years of impact; to our people, businesses, and communities across the globe. Together, we will continue to uphold our core values of Excellence, Enterprise, and Execution, driving sustainable growth and successes."

to Block Agencies’ Accounts Over Refusal to Render Remittance to Govt

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Finance has threatened to block accounts of government agencies that refused to render account of their revenue profile or render accurate remittance to the government.

This was as the Director of Finance and Account with the

Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Musa K. Jemaku, lashed out at the office of the Accountant General for claiming that they have not paid their operating surplus for three years (2019, 2020 and 2021).

A representative of the Office of the Accountant General said the FRC had not remitted its operating surplus for 2019 (N126 million), 2020

FG Partners Firm on Poverty Eradication Initiatives

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The federal government is partnering some financial institutions as platforms for releasing of grants and loans to Nigerians interested in Digital Economy and Creative Enterprise in its bid to lift 50 million Nigerians out of poverty between now and 2027.

The poverty - alleviating partnerships was disclosed yesterday in Abuja by one of the agencies involved, Idea Lab.

The firm specialises in financial inclusion, being a veritable platform used by the Central Bank of Nigeria

(CBN), the Bank of Industry (BoI), etc, for grants and loan disbursement.

The National Coordinator of Idea Lab Agency, Emmanuel Aondoakaa, said the firm was chosen by the federal government along with some others to support its quest for poverty eradication.

He said, "Its programmes are fully grounded by the Federal Government of Nigeria and World Bank Group with the right technologies to satisfy the desires of Nigerians, especially entrepreneurs in the area of access to finance in the form of grants, loans, employment,

scholarship, access to markets and Technology Transfer Initiatives."

He added that some of the innovative technologies used in operating their financial inclusion and intervention programmes for interested Nigerians are Rex Agent application, Scholarship and Aid Website, Job Gurus Website etc.

He explained further that through the technologies, all the stakeholders in Nigeria and from all over the world were being aggregated to bring value to Nigerians in fulfilment of the federal government’s mantra of Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu, to lift

50million Nigerians out of poverty by 2027.

"To appreciate the effort of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to lift 50 million Nigerians out of poverty, we are passionately appealing for all concerned stakeholders especially BMO forum of MSMEs of Nigeria, Cooperative Societies and the media to join us in this movement.

"Subscribe to these technologies and let us use the block chain embedded in them to create millionaires everywhere through a connected economy ".

(N143 million) and 2021 (N26) million to the government coffers and that the operating surplus for 2021, had not been fully calculated because the agency was yet to submit its audited accounts for 2021.

The Vice Chairman of the committee, Saidu Abdullahi at the resumed session frowned at the refusal of some of the agencies to appear before the committee despite invitation extended to them.

Abdullahi, noted that out of eight agencies that were invited to appear before the Committee yesterday, only two (FRC and National Health Insurance Authority) honoured the committee invitation.

He stressed that while two others applied to be given another date, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, National Broadcasting Commission, National Examination Council and National Inland Waterways Authority failed to either honour the invitation or communicate them.

"We expected eight agencies to appear before the committee today, but only two agencies came, while two others wrote to request for another date and they were granted. However, four other decided to abscond.

“That was the same word I used last year that did not go down well with some of the agencies. They have decided to play truancy on an assignment that is very important.

“If members can turn out in large number for this assignment, I don't see any reason why any agency will decide not to appear before the committee.

"Let me put on record that we hope to have these agencies appear before the committee. Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, National Broadcasting Commission, National Examination Council and National Inland Waterways Authority.

“We expect them to cause appearance by tomorrow, Tuesday. If they fail to appear before this committee, we may be forced to take appropriate actions. We may write to the Office of the Accountant General to block their account"

"We will not take it lightly with any agency because this is an assignment that is very important to this country. We talk about revenue and if we cannot collect the revenue accruing to his country, I think there is a big problem."

L-R: Company Secretary, Mr. Bili Odum; Executive Director,/GCOO, Mr. Alex Alozie; Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Ms Alero Ladipo; Group Managing Director/CEO; Mr. Oliver Alawuba; Group Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Muyiwa Akinyemi; and Executive Director, Mr. Ugo Nwaghodoh, at the Global Press Conference to herald the year-long celebration of UBA at 75, in Lagos ... yesterday

Barau Leads eCOWas ParLiament tO emir Of KanO...

L-R: The Deputy President of the Senate and acting Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Jibrin Barau and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero when Barau led members of the ECOWAS Parliament to the Emir's Palace in Kano ...yesterday

Lokpobiri Urges UAE to Invest in Nigeria’s Deteriorating Oil, Gas Pipelines

Assures of quick returns on investment Says Tinubu eliminating all bureaucracies in the sector

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, yesterday called on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to invest in Nigeria’s decaying oil and gas pipeline infrastructure, some of which were built over 60 years ago.

Speaking when he received the ambassador of the UAE to Nigeria, Salem Al Shamsi and his team in his office in Abuja, the minister explained that the oil business remains one of the most lucrative in the world, assuring the country of good returns on investment.

Nigeria has over 5,000 kilometres of ageing oil pipeline infrastructure across the country, which is hardly put into use currently. The deteriorating infrastructure has also had negative impact on people and the environ-

ment, sometimes resulting in oil spills. Whereas in other countries, pipelines are used to transport crude oil as well as petroleum products, in Nigeria tankers are deployed in moving products around the country, with their attendant impact on the roads as well as addition to cost of doing business.

Even in the upstream, operators had recently resorted to the use of barges because the pipelines have become very unreliable.

But as two important members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Lokpobiri stated that both nations share a lot in common, telling his guests that they will not regret investing in Nigeria.

Stressing that both countries will continue to collaborate to ensure the sustainability of the oil and

gas business, Lokpobiri pointed out that another area of agreement between UAE and Nigeria is the belief that the exploration of oil cannot be jettisoned overnight.

However, he emphasised that oil and gas could be explored in a greener, cleaner and more sustainable way, insisting that abandoning it was not the solution, as historically, no source of energy had been completely abandoned.

“And so for us in Africa, in Nigeria particularly, what we are looking for is to build strategic partnership with the UAE and the rest of the world so that we could be able to raise the money that is needed to finance the transition as canvassed globally. So I want to use the opportunity to call on investors in UAE to come to Nigeria.

“Nigeria has enormous investment

opportunities. Our pipelines need renewal. Our pipelines have been there for over 50 years. Nigeria found oil in commercial quantity in 1956 to 1958. And so from then to now, it's almost 70 years. And most of those pipelines were built around that time.

“So, they've already outlived their lifespan. And even if you have the capacity to produce, you need to evacuate to the terminals where you could do export. And so it's an opportunity that we're actually looking up to potential investors from UAE to come and then invest here and then recover their money through those investments.

“The models will be very attractive. And part of what we're proposing is that if you come and invest, you'd get your money as you transport the crude, you take it proportionately.

Nigeria Owing UK Accumulated £8.4 Million in Congestion Charges Since 2003, Document Shows

A recently document has shown how the Nigerian High Commission in London, UK, has accumulated £8.4 million as unpaid congestion charges, spanning a period of 21 years.

According to the material published by the Transport for London (TfL), the amount relates to unpaid fees and fines accruing to diplomats between the launch of the congestion charge in 2003 and the end of last year.

But Nigeria was not listed as the only debtor as even richer nations owed over £143.53 million accumulated debts in congestion charge payments.

They include the embassies of the US and Japan, which topped the list of offenders, with debts of £14.6 million and £10.1 million, respectively, while India was in third place with £8.5 million. Nigeria was fourth on the list.

Other countries on the list include Russia, China, Poland, Ghana, Kenya, and France, Kazakhstan, Germany, Cuba, Tanzania, Spain, among others , while Togo was the country with the least charges at £40.

The TfL organisation oversees various modes of transportation in London, including the tube, buses, trams, cars, bikes, and river services.

On its website, it describes itself

as an integrated transport authority responsible for meeting Mayor Sadiq Khan’s strategy and commitments on transport in London.

“We run the day-to-day operation of the capital’s public transport network and manage London’s main roads,” it said.

The scheme involves a £15 daily fee for driving within an area of central London between 7 am and 6 pm on weekdays and between noon and 6 pm on weekends and bank holidays.

However, there are discounts and exemptions for various groups of people and vehicles, such as residents, taxis, and fully electric cars.

The diplomats have argued that the congestion charge is a tax, exempting them from paying it under the Vienna Convention, but the TfL insists that the payment is a service charge and not a tax.

“This means that diplomats are not exempt from paying it,” the body said in the material it made public.

It stressed that while majority of embassies in London pay the charge, but there remains a “stubborn minority” that refuse to do so, despite representations through diplomatic channels.

The TfL said it will continue to pursue all unpaid congestion charge fees and related penalty charge notices, noting that it is pushing for the matter to be taken up at the

International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“We and the UK Government are clear that the Congestion Charge is a charge for a service and not a tax. This means that diplomats are not exempt from paying it.

“The majority of embassies in London do pay the charge, but there remains a stubborn minority

who refuse to do so, despite our representations through diplomatic channels.

“We will continue to pursue all unpaid Congestion Charge fees and related penalty charge notices and are pushing for the matter to be taken up at the International Court of Justice,” it added.

“You will recover your investment for any crude, any barrel of crude you transport through your pipelines. You also will recover your investment by placing charges that are mutually agreeable,” he stated.

The minister further highlighted Nigeria’s enormous oil and gas resources, explaining that Nigeria could even double current reserves with proper exploratory operations.

“We also have over 208 trillion cubic feet of gas. And we in Nigeria know that these records are over 20 years old. If other countries in Africa find oil, chances are that we could very well double or triple our gas reserves in Nigeria.

“We see Nigeria as more of a gas country than even a crude country. But even our crude reserves, we're very confident that the same 37 billion barrels we're talking about are also records of over 20 years,” he added.

Lokpobiri also noted that Nigeria as a country was committed to the Paris Agreement, observing that no country is slowing down on fossil fuel production and there was therefore the need to create more investment opportunities to create a requisite funding to be able to finance the current energy transition.

He maintained that no country survives on pledges and assistance by other nations, especially from the West, but as a result of investment flow.

“When this government came, part of what we said was that we have to resume our drilling campaigns to

ensure that we make more discoveries and sustain that momentum. And we are achieving that by liberalising the processes.

“We have tried to eliminate the bureaucracy that has been one of the reasons why some of these investments were delayed. We tried to eliminate the bureaucracy. We tried to make things easier for those who want to invest to come in,” he added. He lamented that there is not much import and export between Nigeria and UAE at the moment, in the oil and gas sector, stressing that it was time to concretise the relationship between both nations.

“We don't have the money. Nigerians don't have the equity dollars. But investors in UAE, you have the dollars, billions of them, to come and invest here and then recover your investments,” he noted. In his remarks, the UAE ambassador to Nigeria, Al Shamsi, acknowledged the steps being taken by the current administration to ramp up activities in the oil and gas sector.

“We see great potential in Nigeria’s energy sector and appreciate the steps being taken to create a conducive investment environment. Our countries have much to gain from continued collaboration,” he affirmed. The envoy stated that the relationship between the countries was established decades ago, highlighting the bilateral agreements signed by both countries as a testament to the strong ties that exist between them.

Obaseki, Swedish Embassy Partner on Skills Devt, Entrepreneurship

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said the state government would leverage its diplomatic and business ties with the Swedish government to create more opportunities in education, cultural exchange and entrepreneurship for youths in the State.

The governor said this when he received the Swedish Ambassador and Head of Mission to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund accompanied by her husband Magnus, and Sara Ibru of the Trade and Investment Department in the Swedish Embassy, who were on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Benin City, the State capital.

Obaseki commended the Swedish delegation and the level of creativity and innovation in Sweden, noting that as the most strategically located State in Nigeria, Edo State was ready to

partner with the Swedish Government to advance its developmental drive.

He added that Edo State's strength lied in the areas of transportation, agriculture and energy, stressing that the state generates over 1000MW of electricity.

The governor stated that his administration has in the past seven years engaged in job placements and other areas of bilateral cooperation in education, cultural exchange and managing migration working closely with the European Union, IOM and other partners.

He said: “Sweden is a country that is a global leader in innovation. In Edo, we are strategically located in the Country. We are an economic hub because all national infrastructure is here for gas and electricity. We have taken a major transformation

to encourage people to stop here and do business."

On efforts to tackle illegal migration, the governor said: "We have had to contend with issues of illegal migration in the last seven years. We worked closely with the EU to curb irregular migration and human trafficking from Edo State. At some point, we had about 30,000 young men and women in Libya trying to cross to Europe. That is not the case today anymore.”

Obaseki noted that efforts were made to tackle the issues headlong, especially in driving a reorientation programme that led to a drastic reduction in Edo youths engaged in irregular migration. According to him: “We emphasise foundational education and also job training and placement. Also, we

focused on new areas like technology, building digital infrastructure and providing opportunities for people to work.

“We also focus on our culture and entertainment because of the creative instinct of our young people. We worked hard to upskill our youths. Today, we have placed emphasis on supporting businesses in culture, technology, logistics and manufacturing.”

Earlier, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hahn-Englund said the visit was aimed at boosting the diplomatic and business ties with the Edo State Government and Nigeria leveraging on the presence of over forty Swedish companies offering services in areas of transportation, energy, ICT, mining and healthcare in the country.

emmanuel addeh in Abuja

emmanuel addeh in Abuja

11th AnnuAl GEnErAl MEEtinG Of trAnscOrp pOwEr...

L-R: Adim Jibunoh, Non-Executive Director; Risqua Muhammed, Non-Executive Director, Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo, , Non-Executive Director; Peter Ikenga, Managing Director/CEO; Emmanuel N. Nnorom, Chairman; Stanley Chikwendu, Company Secretary; Faith Tuedor-Matthews, OFR, Independent Non-Executive Director; Peter Hertog, Non-Executive Director; Charles Odita, Independent NonExecutive Director; and Vincent Ozoude, Non-Executive Director at the 11th

NLC, TUC:

May 31 Deadline on Minimum Wage, Reversal of Electricity Tariff Stands

Directs Anambra workers to commence strike

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

As Nigerians await the outcome of the negotiations by the federal government 's Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has restated their deadline for the conclusion of the process on or before the last day of May, 2024.

The labour movement similarly reaffirmed their position on the May 31, 2024 deadline for the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the federal government to reverse the hike in electricity tariff of face industrial unrest.

These were part of the resolutions reached at a joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NLC and TUC held yesterday in Abuja.

In a communique jointly signed by NLC president Joe Ajaero and TUC President, Festus Osifo, the two labour centres said the emergency meeting was convened in response to the pressing national issues affecting Nigerian workers, namely, the recent hike in electricity tariff, the ongoing negotiation of a new national minimum wage with the federal government and the persisting non-compliance with the 2019 National Minimum Wage Act by some state Governments in Nigeria.

The organised labour said that while appreciating the efforts made thus far on minimum wage negotiations, there was need for urgency in reaching a fair and equitable agreement that reflects the true value of Nigerian workers' contributions to the nation's development and the current crisis of survival facing Nigerians as a result of government’s

policies.

The labour movement accused the federal government of not showing any serious sign of ensuring that the New National Minimum Wage process was concluded in good time.

It said one sign of the lack of commitment was the government’s refusal to comply with the dictates of the 2019 National Minimum Wage Act in constituting the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Negotiating Committee later than six months to the expiration of the existing one

According to the communique,

"The NEC affirms its commitment to ensuring that the interests and welfare of workers are adequately protected in the negotiation process.

"The NEC-in-session therefore reiterates the ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC to the federal government, which expires on the last day of this month.

“It emphasises the non-negotiable nature of the demands put forth by Nigerian workers and urges the government to prioritise the resolution of these issues in the best interest of industrial peace.”

The unions regretted that the one-day nationwide picketing of all NERC offices and Discos to protest the illegal hike in electricity tariff a reversal and demand its reversal by NERC and the federal government appeared not to have achieved the desired result.

The two labour centre therefore resolved that: "In the event that the government fails to meet the demands outlined within the stipulated timeframe, the NEC authorises the leadership of the NLC and TUC to take appropriate actions, including but not limited to the mobilisation

of workers for peaceful protests and industrial actions, to press home these demands for social justice and workers' rights".

Meanwhile, NLC and TUC have directed all State Councils whose

State Governments were yet to fully implement the N30,000 National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustments to issue immediately a joint two-week ultimatum to the culpable state governments to avert

Thursday

industrial action.

NLC and TUC further reaffirmed the joint ultimatum earlier issued the Anambra state government by its Anambra State councils.

They therefore directed all affiliates

and workers in the state council to mobilise their members to ensure a successful action in the event the state government fails to meet the demands of workers by Thursday, the 23rd of May, 2024.

Lagos Launches Cybersecurity Project to Safeguard Digital Infrastructure

Emma Okonji and Agnes Ekebuike

The Lagos State government, though the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST) has launched its cybersecurity project designed to safeguard the State’s digital infrastructure against potential attacks that were becoming rampant.

Lagos is also pushing for a State Innovation Bill though which it could implement policies and laws that would improve the development of technology in the State.

The Innovation Bill, if passed into law, seeks to create incentive packages for technology companies registered in the State that would enable them grow and drive technology development in the State. The first stakeholders’ session to discuss the Innovation Bill and also co-create it, would be held this week in Lagos.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Technology Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, who disclosed this at the 2024 ministerial press briefing in Lagos, yesterday, said the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC),

Nigeria’s Regfyl Wins at Africa

Emma

Regfyl, a startup specialising in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance, has emerged as the winner at the Africa Fintech Summit Pitch held recently in Washington D.C.

The competition is a flagship event of the bi-annual summit, that brings together leading Fintech innovators, investors and policymakers from across the globe.

Regfyl won with its cutting-edge technology that utilises Artificial Antelligence (AI) to provide unparalleled anti-money launder-

ing (AML) and fraud prevention solutions, tailored specifically for the diverse and evolving needs of financial institutions in Africa.

CEO of Regfyl, Dr. Tunde Ibidapo-Obe, while receiving the award, said: “Winning this competition highlights the transformative potential of our solution in tackling compliance challenges such as fraud and AML. We provide globalstandard compliance solutions at affordable local prices, mitigating forex fluctuation risks.”

CTO of Regfyl, Dr. Tomiwa Erinosho, said: “Regfyl’s AI-powered toolkit excels in accuracy, particularly its self-populating politically exposed

person (PEP) identification module.

“The company has also invested heavily in research to support rapidly scaling institutions, enhancing efficiency for fraud and compliance teams across Nigeria and beyond.”

The new win follows Regfyl’s greatly lauded performance as a runner-up at the prestigious Oxford Cambridge University’s - Oxbridge AI Challenge in London, UK, in December 2023.

Regfyl is timely and poised for rapid growth especially with the recent drive by the Central Bank of Nigeria to combat financial crimes and improve regulatory compliance in Nigeria.

which is mandated to drive the innovation index of the State including research and development in the state, would rely on the Lagos Innovation Bill to further boost technology innovation in the state.

He said LASRIC had over the last three years, funded over 60 technology startup companies and distributed over N800 million in grants to startups and universities for research and development, and secured one patent for an original invention of a digital solution at the University of Lagos.

According to Alake, the cybersecurity project was part of a broader strategy to improve overall security and governance within the state.

The cybersecurity project involves partnerships with leading cybersecurity firms and international organisations, and the collaborations would provide the state with access

to cutting-edge technologies and expertise, enhancing its capacity to defend against sophisticated cyberThethreats.Commissioner said a Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC) had been established to serve as the hub for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cyber threats in real-tie.

“The centers will employ advanced technologies and a team of cybersecurity experts to ensure the state's digital infrastructure is safeguarded against potential attacks.

“The state has also established a cyber-security council, made up of experts from both public and private sectors, charged with the responsibility of making recommendations to the government, planning refinement and implementation of policies, programmes and training initiatives regarding its cybersecurity

endeavours,” Alake said. On data Protection Compliance Project, Alake said the State has embarked on sensitisation and awareness workshops for all heads of Accounts, Procurement, Planning, Legal Officers, D&HR, Medical Directors, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Cabinet members, Head of Cadres Statewide and for 43 MDAs, as well as the establishment of 70 Data Protection officers in various MDAs.

The Commissioner said the objectives of the data protection compliance project would be to safeguard the rights of natural persons to data privacy and fostering safe conduct for transactions involving the exchange of personal data; preventing manipulation of personal data; and ensuring that Nigerian businesses remain competitive in international trade with best practice.

FG Asked Not to Relent in Regularising Agencies’ Activities for Effective Performance

The federal government has been advised not to relent in its effort at regularising activities of its agencies to take out duplicity of roles and boost efficiency.

The advice was given yesterday, during the resumption to duty of the newly appointed Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Innocent Bariate.

Speaking at the event, Director, Inspection and Enforcement of NESREA, Abdulsalam Isa, while itemising the challenges of the agency, which include workers welfare, low budget, amongst others, complained about the encroachment of the Ministry of Environment into the mandate of the agency.

He lamented that the National Agency for Food and Drug Admin-

istration and Control (NAFDAC) was also duplicating some of the agency’s functions.

He said: “Presently, NESREA is confronted by multiple challenges that have hindered compliance monitoring and enforcement activities in recent times.

“These include: Lack of adequate funding which has made the agency to operate at a low capacity or inefficiency. Often times, accessing funds from government coffers is tough and is a major obstacle to effective regulation of facilities.

“As a result, consistent visits and follow-ups are often lacking, leading to inadequate compliance monitoring and insufficient enforcement of standards.”

He added that: “To attain global standards, the agency’s financial quota needs a degree of increment/expansion that will shift the preponderance (superiority

in weight, power, importance or strength) from short term funding to long-term funding for the agency’s growth and development.

“Recognising the importance of compliance monitoring/ enforcement and awareness creation as drivers of the existence of the agency, there is the need to strategically and consciously secure funds for work.”

He decried that: “There are functions which were domiciled with the agency that have been deliberately encroached on by the FMEnv, thereby causing rifts between the two parties. This has incapacitated the agency in the discharge of its duties.

"Also, just like most other government agencies, NESREA is faced with attempts by sister Agencies (example NAFDAC) to duplicate its functions, even when the NESREA Act clearly defines the boundaries of each Agency.

Okonji

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Annual General Meeting of Transcorp Power Plc held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja ... yesterday

NELFUND to Disburse Loans to 1.2m Students

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is set to disburse loans to 1.2 million undergraduate students of federal tertiary institutions which includes universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, amongst others.

Students are expected to log into the NELFUND website and student portal, create an account and provide required documents which include JAMB admission letter, national identification number, bank verification number and other academic details.

The loan which would be paid directly to the institutions will be 100 per cent tuition fee per session while monthly stipends would be given directly to the benefitting students

assault and torture, Netanyahu and Gallant were accused of extermination, causing starvation as a method of war, the denial of humanitarian relief supplies, and deliberately targeting civilians.

“These acts demand accountability,” Khan’s office said in a statement.

Khan added, "On the basis of evidence collected and examined by my office, I have reasonable grounds to believe that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, and Yoav Gallant, the Minister of Defence of Israel, bear criminal responsibility for the following war crimes and crimes against humanity committed on the territory of the State of Palestine (in the Gaza strip) from at least 8 October 2023:

“Starvation of civilians as a method of warfare as a war crime contrary to article 8(2)(b)(xxv) of the Statute. Wilfully causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or health contrary to article 8(2)(a)(iii), or cruel treatment as a war crime contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i).

“Wilful killing contrary to article 8(2)(a)(i), or murder as a war crime contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i). Intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population as a war crime contrary to articles 8(2)(b)(i), or 8(2)(e)(i);

“Extermination and/or murder contrary to articles 7(1)(b) and 7(1)(a), including in the context of deaths caused by starvation, as a crime against humanity.

Persecution as a crime against humanity contrary to article 7(1)(h). Other inhumane acts as crimes against humanity contrary to article 7(1)(k).

"My office submits that the war crimes alleged in these applications were committed in the context of an international

Khodaafarin dams.

Yesterday, the Iranian Red Crescent confirmed the bodies of the president and others who died in the crash had been recovered and search operations had ended.

Iranian news outlet Tasnim, which is affiliated to the country's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, reported that Raisi's funeral will be held on Tuesday (today ) in Tabriz.

Raisi, 63, was a hard-line cleric and his election as president in 2021 consolidated the control of conservatives over every part of the Islamic Republic. In a statement following his death, the Iranian government said it would continue to operate "without disruption".

The crash killed all eight people aboard a Bell 212 helicopter that Iran purchased in the early 2000s, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

Iran has flown Bell helicopters extensively since the shah’s era. But aircraft in Iran face a shortage of parts because of Western sanctions, and often fly without safety checks.

There are 15 Bell 212 helicopters with an average age of 35 years currently registered in Iran that could be in active use or in storage, according to aviation data firm Cirium.

State TV gave no immediate cause for the crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan

to serve as support. Disclosing this in Abuja, yesterday, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyer, who said students of federal institutions were encouraged to apply, stated that with time, public institutions owned by state governments would also be included.

He said in order not to play with tax payers money and to support more students that look forward to be beneficiaries, bad loans would be handled through partnership with security agencies. Sawyer, disclosed that the loans which were expected to be paid two years after the completion of the compulsory one-year National Youth Service Scheme would be done with the help of employees

armed conflict between Israel and Palestine, and a non-international armed conflict between Israel and Hamas (together with other Palestinian Armed Groups) running in parallel.

“We submit that the crimes against humanity charged were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the Palestinian civilian population pursuant to State policy. These crimes, in our assessment, continue to this day.

"My office submits that the evidence we have collected, including interviews with survivors and eyewitnesses, authenticated video, photo and audio material, satellite imagery and statements from the alleged perpetrator group, shows that Israel has intentionally and systematically deprived the civilian population in all parts of Gaza of objects indispensable to human survival.

"This occurred through the imposition of a total siege over Gaza that involved completely closing the three border crossing points, Rafah, Kerem Shalom and Erez, from 8 October 2023 for extended periods and then by arbitrarily restricting the transfer of essential supplies – including food and medicine – through the border crossings after they were reopened.

“The siege also included cutting off cross-border water pipelines from Israel to Gaza – Gazans’ principal source of clean water –for a prolonged period beginning 9 October 2023, and cutting off and hindering electricity supplies from at least 8 October 2023 until today.

“This took place alongside other attacks on civilians, including those queuing for food; obstruction of aid delivery by humanitarian agencies; and

province. Footage released by IRNA showed the crash site, across a steep valley in a green mountain range.

US Defence Secretary, Lloyd Austin, said the country continues to monitor the situation surrounding the “very unfortunate helicopter crash” but has no insight into the cause. “I don’t necessarily see any broader regional security impacts at this point in time,” he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a statement released by the Kremlin, described Raisi “as a true friend of Russia,” while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, China’s Xi Jinping and Syrian President Bashar Assad also offered condolences.

But Tinubu, in a release issued on yesterday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, expressed profound grief over this disturbing tragedy, and described Raisi as a leader who was passionately committed to the development of Iran.

While commiserating with the families of the bereaved, Tinubu prayed for the continuous peace, stability, and prosperity of the Iranian nation.

On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, the president assured the Islamic Republic of Nigeria's support and prayers in this moment of grief.

who are expected to do so directly into the coffers of the fund.

He said, "before employment, they should check and see if loans were received by the employee and refusal to play can lead to prosecution."

He added that contrary to rules of engagement when loans were involved, the students' loan would be without collateral guarantors or reference from the society, noting that once there's JAMB number and admission letter amongst other requirements, then the students are technically qualified to access the loans.

"We have 1.2 million students in Nigeria today in federal government owned tertiary institutions. 1.2 million is the maximum we can accommodate at the federal level. There might be opportunities to

attacks on and killing of aid workers, which forced many agencies to cease or limit their operations in Gaza.

"My office submits that these acts were committed as part of a common plan to use starvation as a method of war and other acts of violence against the Gazan civilian population as a means to (i) eliminate Hamas; (ii) secure the return of the hostages which Hamas has abducted, and (iii) collectively punish the civilian population of Gaza, whom they perceived as a threat to Israel.

"The effects of the use of starvation as a method of warfare, together with other attacks and collective punishment against the civilian population of Gaza are acute, visible and widely known, and have been confirmed by multiple witnesses interviewed by my Office, including local and international medical doctors. They include malnutrition, dehydration, profound suffering and an increasing number of deaths among the Palestinian population, including babies, other children, and women.

"Today, my office seeks to charge two of those most responsible, Netanyahu and Gallant, both as co-perpetrators and as superiors pursuant to Articles 25 and 28 of the Rome Statute.”

Khan said Israel, like all states, had a right to take action to defend its population. However, he explained that the right did not absolve Israel or any state of its obligation to comply with international humanitarian law.

The ICC prosecutor stated, “Notwithstanding any military goals they may have, the means Israel chose to achieve them in Gaza – namely, intentionally causing death, starvation, great suffering, and serious injury to body or health of the civilian population – are criminal.

"As I also repeatedly underlined in my public statements, those who do not comply with the law should not complain later when my office takes action. That day has come."

The ICC had previously issued warrants for Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, and the Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony. Israel is not a member of the court and does not recognise its authority.

But President Joe Biden and US lawmakers quickly rose in defence of the Israeli leader, slamming ICC and calling the warrants “outrageous.”

budget which is N 6 trillion, we have raised N4.5 trillion. For the Ways & Means, out of the N7.3 trillion that the National Assembly approved for securitisation, we have raised N4.095 trillion as of Friday. There is still a balance and let's see how the rest of the year goes.

“The Nigerian domestic securities market remains a major source of funding for the FG. We cannot appreciate the work we have done collectively all these years. COVID-19 came; countries could not go to international capital markets as they were closed. But we were

increase capacity but will work now with available spaces.

"Information about applicants will be needed to ensure that beneficiaries are Nigerians. We will work with security agencies to ensure that they are of good character and intents and not deliberate fraud.

“Constant communication will be established and information on any misdemeanor from the institution about the students will be required.

"There might also be issues of death. The law makes provision for such and is referred to as forgiveness of death sentence. Other reasons might be debilitating illness that might stop them from the continuation of studies.

“We will make sure we protect tax-payers’ money so that there will be room for more students to enroll.

Biden criticised the ICC prosecutor for simultaneously issuing arrest warrants for the Israeli leaders and Hamas leader, Sinwar, maintaining that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas.

“Let me be clear: whatever this prosecutor might imply, there is no equivalence — none — between Israel and Hamas. We will always stand with Israel against threats to its security,” Biden said in a statement.

Secretary of State, Tony Blinken, offered a lengthier statement, stating that the announcement of the arrest warrants “does nothing to help, and could jeopardise ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement that would get hostages out and surge humanitarian assistance in, which are the goals the US continues to pursue relentlessly”.

Blinken stressed that the ICC lacked jurisdiction over the IsraelHamas war and called out the swift process that did not allow Israel a chance to respond, calling into question the legitimacy and credibility of the investigation that led to the decision.

Earlier, top US lawmakers signalled their opposition to the prospect of ICC warrants and suggested that Congress could pursue sanctions against the ICC and its officials.

Some of the most vocal were: Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who called the ICC “an illegitimate court that equivocates a peaceful nation protecting its right to exist with radical terror groups that commit genocide”.

Rep. Kathy Manning (D-NC) said in a statement, “Any attempt to equate the brutal terrorist group Hamas, which invaded Israel and slaughtered innocent civilians, with the Israeli government, which has the duty to defend its people, calls into question the ICC’s credibility.”

Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) said, “My colleagues and I look forward to making sure neither Khan, his associates, nor their families will ever set foot again in the United States.”

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said he would: “feverishly work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in both chambers to levy damning sanctions against the ICC”.

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) also condemned the decision and stated that the ICC had no jurisdiction over Israel.

“This effort is a moral outrage

able to raise the full amount we needed to fund the budget and that has been the case.

“Last year we raised N7 trillion from the domestic market and it speaks to the size of our market, the resilience and sophistication, which is not the case for some countries in Africa.”

Speaking also, the President, Financial Market Dealers Association (FMDA), Mrs Nadia Zakari, acknowledged the debt office for hosting the interactive session, stressing that the evolving and unique Nigerian business environment necessitates

As long as the institutions do not collapse, we will be able to get back the loans," he said. The students' loan portal will

based on blatant falsehoods that will harm the court’s credibility, completely undermine its core mandate, and embolden enemies of democracies around the world,” AJC said in a statement.

The ICC, based in The Hague, had been investigating Israel's actions in the occupied Palestinian territories for the past three years – and more recently the actions of Hamas as well.

However, THISDAY learnt that Khan’s submission was the first step as the ICC judges will now decide whether they believed the evidence was sufficient to issue arrest warrants – something that could take weeks or months.

Khan said his office had evidence that Israel had "intentionally and systematically deprived the civilian population in all parts of Gaza of objects indispensable to human survival".

Israel, he said, had a right to defend itself but not by "intentionally causing death, starvation, great suffering, and serious injury to body or health of the civilian population" which he said were criminal acts.

But Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz – a political rival of Netanyahu – also denounced the prosecutor's decision.

Gantz said, "Drawing parallels between the leaders of a democratic country determined to defend itself from despicable terror to leaders of a bloodthirsty terror organisation is a deep distortion of justice and blatant moral bankruptcy."

Senior figures in the Israeli government likewise reacted angrily to the announcement, which Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, said was “scandalous” and tantamount to attacking the victims of October 7.

Finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said the decision would be “the last nail in the dismantling of this political and anti-Semitic court,” adding that “arrest warrants (for Netanyahu and Gallant) are the arrest warrants for all of us”.

A panel of three judges will now decide whether to issue the arrest warrants and allow a case to proceed. The judges typically take two months to make such decisions.

Netanyahu and Gallant do not face any immediate risk of prosecution, but the threat of arrest could make it difficult for the Israeli leaders to travel abroad.

Netanyahu called the prosecu-

interactive sessions.

“Having that consistent engagement with stakeholders is very crucial and it is important for both market operators as well as FG to be able to make decisions as they strategically plan for the rest of the year,” she added.

Meanwhile, the naira yesterday continued its upswing yesterday, as it recorded gains at both the official window and the parallel markets.

At the official Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEX) window, the naira appreciated by N28.34, to

be opened on Friday and will commence with students whose institutions have registered them as eligible.

tor’s accusations against him a “disgrace” and attack on the Israeli military and all of Israel. He vowed to press ahead with Israel’s war against Hamas. Netanyahu said, "As Prime Minister of Israel, I reject with disgust The Hague prosecutor's comparison between democratic Israel and the mass murderers of Hamas.

"With what audacity do you compare Hamas that murdered, burned, butchered, decapitated, raped and kidnapped our brothers and sisters and the IDF soldiers fighting a just war.

"No pressure and no decision in any international forum will prevent us from striking those who seek to destroy us."

Hamas also denounced the ICC prosecutor’s request to arrest its leaders, saying it “equates the victim with the executioner”.

The latest war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, when militants from Gaza crossed into Israel and killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 250 others hostage.

Since then, Israel has waged a brutal campaign to dismantle Hamas in Gaza. More than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting, at least half of them women and children, according to the latest estimates by Gaza health officials.

The United Nations and other aid agencies have repeatedly accused Israel of hindering aid deliveries throughout the war. Israel denies this, saying there are no restrictions on aid entering Gaza and accusing the UN of failing to distribute aid.

Israel is also facing a South African case in the International Court of Justice, the UN's top court, accusing Israel of genocide. Israel denies those charges. The ICC was established in 2002 as the permanent court of last resort to prosecute individuals responsible for the world’s most heinous atrocities — war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression.

The UN General Assembly endorsed the ICC, but the court is independent. Dozens of countries don’t accept the court’s jurisdiction over war crimes, genocide and other crimes. They include Israel, the United States, Russia and China.

Typically, the ICC gets involved when nations are unable or unwilling to prosecute crimes on their territory. Israel argues it has a functioning court system.

close at N1,468.99/$1, compared to the N1,497.33/$1 which closed on Friday. On the parallel market, the naira also recorded gains by N10 as it closed yesterday at N1,440/$1, compared to the N1,450/$1 it exchanged over the weekend. The daily turnover recorded an increase in transactions of 93.36 per cent, to $161.41 million yesterday, compared to the $83.50 million recorded on Friday. The highest spot rate observed yesterday stood at N1,550, with the lowest spot rate recorded at N1,400.

Ir A n Ge TS n ew Le AD er, T I nubu Mourn S rAISI

Akintunde Sawyer

inauguration of the Citn liaison offiCe...

L-R: President Council Chartered institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr Samuel Agbeluyi; Executive Chairman Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji; Representative of the Doyen of Taxation, Mrs. Yetunde Olowofoyeku; Vice President President Council Chartered institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr. Innocent Ohagwa; during

Abuja ... recently

CJN: Nigerians Will Suffer Injustice If Judges Are Poorly Paid

Stakeholders back 300% salary increment for judicial officers

sunday aborisade in Abuja

The Chief Justice of the Federation and Chairman of the National Judicial Council, Olukayode Ariwoola, yesterday, warned Nigerians would continue to suffer from the nation's judiciary system until salaries, allowances and official benefits of judges were increased.

This was as stakeholders in the nation's judiciary in Abuja, threw their weight behind a bill being proposed by the National Assembly to increase the salaries and allowances of judicial office holders by 300 per cent.

They spoke at a public hearing for shareholders and the general public on a Bill for an Act to prescribe the salaries and allowances and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in Nigeria and related matters bill 2024.

The public hearing was organised by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights And Legal Matters.

They demanded a yearly increment in their annual salaries and a four-year periodic review of their salaries and emoluments in accordance with international standard.

They also lamented that the last time their salaries and emoluments were reviewed was in 2007, noting that the development had forced some judicial officers to be involved in acts not expected of a learned silk, in the last 17 years.

Apart from Ariwoola, the stakeholders included the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); President of the Nigeria Association, Yakubu Maikyau; the Minister of Finance

and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun and some senators.

Ariwoola, who was represented at the hearing by Justice Kashim Zannah, the Chief Judge of Borno State, said the salaries were last reviewed in the year 2007.

The CJN added: "It has been 17 years, earning the same amount despite the tumultuous depreciation in purchasing power, while other sectors have theirs renewed several times over the period.

"Judicial officers have been in silence. As a simple illustration, the exchange rate of the dollar was $130.25 as at the time the salary was fixed in 2007 and this exchange rate can be found at page eleven of the June 2009 Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission review report that is

the source of the exchange rate as of the time it was fixed.

"Therefore, as of 2007, when the salaries were fixed. For example, a Judge's monthly gross pay before tax of 661,738 divided by $130.25 equal to $5,080 today, divided by just 1500, it is $441.

"A salary of $5,080 has now dwindled to $441 only when it was fixed. In today's terms, the value is equal to 7,000,600 2789.

"But, however, by the historic instrumentality of the 10th National Assembly, and unequalled disposition of Mr. President to enhance the administration of justice, the current appropriation law captures an anticipated equivalent of the above example at a gross monthly of N3.2 million.

"Now, notwithstanding the foregoing, we know to profound

...Ariwoola Charges Judges on Better Justice Delivery

alex enumah in Abuja

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has charged judicial officers to reposition courts in the country for better justice delivery.

The charge specifically handed down to magistrates and judges of the lower courts, was based on the closeness of these courts to the grassroots.

The CJN gave the charge while declaring open an induction course for newly appointed magistrates and judges of the lower courts.

"In my opinion, your positioning as magistrates and judges of the lower courts is one that is of utmost importance since your closeness to the grassroots and often as the first points of contact for the bulk of the citizenry, has the tendency to make or mar the perception of the Judiciary in the eyes of the public", Ariwoola who was represented by Justice Lawal Garba stated.

While observing that the new judicial officers are mounting the bench at a time when several notable reforms were being made and numerous challenges facing the sector were being addressed, the CJN said they saw their appointment as an opportunity to serve, make a difference, rather than for personal gains.

According to him, they should be guided by the law always and the desire to see that justice and equity prevails at all times and in all situations.

He also advised the new magistrates and judges to pay rapt attention throughout the training session, so as to have necessary skills that would enhance their performance on the bench.

appreciation the table capture that we are bringing is what the Honourable Attorney General said the President approved as the 300 per cent increase, and which by the instrumentality of this distinguished and Senate was already captured.

"Our prayers, therefore, distinguished senators. It is evident from the foregoing that even the appropriated salary package is less than half the value of the salaries that were fixed in the year 2007.

"When judges are well compensated, yes, they do their best. But actually, as clearly demonstrated, the real interest that is being looked at is the interest of these citizens, because they will be the ones who suffer the consequences of a deprived Judiciary."

Ariwoola, while analysing the poor pay of Nigerian judges, equated it to a patient under intensive care who needs a serious medical attention.

He said, "Distinguished Senators, in a nutshell, what we are saying is this. The situation of judges across Nigeria is like one on a critical condition in the ICU

patient out of the ICU to the general ward and then we will come. For now, let's stabilise the patient, move him out of ICU and then we can talk about the rest later.

"The Chairman (of the Senate Committee), National Judicial Council reiterates its appreciation and gratitude to you and your committee for your tireless effort at removing all obstacles in the work of Nigerian citizens for justice."

Edun, while speaking, stressed the need to improve the salaries and emoluments of the judicial officers to guarantee a speedy administration of justice. He expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would continue with the legacy he left behind in Lagos where he improved the standard of lives of the judicial officers.

Edun added that, "It is a continuation of that tradition that is now coming into effect and an attempt and an initiative to improve the lot of the judiciary.

“So I'm very, very pleased to have been part of this opening ceremony. Listen to the Attorney General. He is the authority in government law.

In a welcome the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Salish Garba, challenged judges to remain very steadfast, fair to all and display a high level of integrity in the course of their job.

promoting equality before the law and the human rights of the people of our dear country Nigeria."

The administrator stressed that by their respective appointments, the new magistrates and judges, "have become persons who have subordinated or given up their personal desires and aspirations and become committed to addressing injustice, protecting the rule of law,

Oba of Benin Asks EFCC

adibe emenyonu in Benin City

The Benin monarch, Omo N' Omo N' Oba N' Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to fight crime without fear or favour Oba Ewuare II who made the call when he received the newly deployed Zonal Director of EFCC, Mr. Effa Okim in his Palace in BeninCity, Edo State, cited a particular criminal investigation involving unnamed former Palace officials who were arrested for fraud and handed over the commission in Benin for investigation and prosecution

without any positive result.

The Oba alleged that some EFCC operatives, handled his petition with kid-gloves and the alleged culprits were set free after giving them slaps on their wrists few years ago.

The monarch who did not give further details about the unnamed former Palace officials, wondered why EFCC investigators allegedly swept glaring evidence of fraud against them under the carpet.

The traditional ruler said, "We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations.

"No matter how much you try to support them from the Palace, it was a young lady that headed

He disclosed that the induction course was designed to help them understand the intricacies and techniques involved in adjudication and judicial proceedings and the expectations placed on them by litigants, court users and the general public who are interested in justice, human rights and the maintenance of the rule of law.

to

"The proposed Bill would stabilise the patient. The captain in the appropriation door would have him moved from the ICU to the general ward. When a patient is in that condition, you don't start physiotherapy at the ICU.

"You make sure he is stabilised, move to the general ward, gain some strength, and then you now look at physiotherapy and all other therapists. That is the nutshell of our presentation that distinguish senators as we have already exhibited.

"Do move quickly, move the

"I cannot but follow him in commending this bill and requesting its swift passage to the benefit of the judiciary in particular and Nigerians in general."

Fagbemi, on his part, said the NJC proposal for a 300 per cent increase was informed by prevailing economic realities of increasing headline and core inflationary trends, putting in place an enabling working environment that engenders professional development and efficiency for judicial officers.

Fight Crime Without Fear or Favour

that team from the Palace. It was very difficult.

"They (EFCC) always come and speak gloriously. Actually, when the time come to assist them, they seem to listen to other parties.

"What has been told is they take instructions from the highest bidder.

"You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. But I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.

"We get news from everywhere. When we try to assist the EFCC. I even wrote a letter to the then Chairman that was now removed from office.

"I even sent an emissary to talk

to him regarding certain elements in Edo State, particularly the Palace.

"How can EFCC boys especially that girl, be behaving like this? If I was asked to comment on her performance index, I will score her zero. I do not know if she was doing EFCC job or just dancing to the tunes of people that were giving her money.

"At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we keep getting was negative and I was not happy about it," Oba Ewuare II said.

The monarch, however said the newly appointed Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Olanipekun Olukayode was on the path to greatness if he

continually demonstrates fidelity in his duties; just as he pledged his Palace support to the State Government in addressing social inequality and reduce social vices. Earlier in his address, the newly deployed Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Mr. Effa Okim, appealed to Oba Ewuare II to support advocacy against financial crimes with Edo State ranking second behind Lagos State in financial crime index of Nigeria. Recalling the historical tie between his State of Origin, Cross River and Edo State, Okim solicited for prayers and royal blessings to enable him discharge his duties diligently.

the inauguration of the CITN liaison office in

PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

Is Fubara Now Calling the Shots in Rivers?

Blessing Ibunge writes about recent steps being taken by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to redirect governance in Rivers state and wonders if the governor is gradually settling down to deliver dividends of democracy to the citizenry.

With the current developments in the politics of Rivers state, one would believe that the ongoing misunderstanding between the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and his godson, Governor Siminalayi Fubara may not end any soon, following the attacks and counter attacks by their supporters who may be acting out their principals’ scripts.

The one believed to be calm and a novice in the game of politics in the state, Governor Fubara is now making many politicians to have sleepless nights. The governor on assumption of office in May 2023, was widely described as a man who was allegedly positioned in office to do the bidding of his predecessor, Wike.

But with the current game playing out, it seems Fubara has taken hold of his position as the leader of the state.

The relationship between Wike and Fubara was on a smooth sail until late last year, few months after he (Fubara) took oath of office. Reports had it that the reason for the fallout was not unconnected with a breach of agreement reached between the duo.

Just like Wike would want his godson to be fully loyal to him, the governor, who at this period may have garnered friends and some experienced political advisers would also want to be independent in some of his decision making. At this point, some of the decisions may not favour some politicians in the state who may have contributed to making Fubara governor.

As at May 29, 2023, Rivers State House of Assembly had 32 members, all believed to be elected or re-elected through the support of former governor Wike. This made the assembly members to declare their unflinching support for the FCT Minister, not minding that there is a new leadership in the state. They still believe that as a benefactor, even the governor should have some special reservations for his predecessor who fought tooth and nail to make him governor, despite the strong fight by the opposition party that Fubara was not experienced enough and may not be able to independently handle the affairs of the state.

In the thick of the crisis in the state, one of the lawmakers died in office.

As the crisis deepens, 27 of the lawmakers led by the Speaker, Hon Martin Amaewhule expressed their full support to the FCT Minister, overlooking the position of governor Fubara as the current ‘Number One Man’ of the state. However, four lawmakers insisted that there is change in power and vowed to remain firm supporter of the incumbent governor. As things continued to unfold in the governance of the state, the disagreement between the godfather and his godson got out of hand resulting in several stakeholders including politicians, traditional leaders, statesmen, including President Tinubu trying to settle the differences among them.

Late in 2023, lawmakers who are loyal to the Minister of FCT, moved to impeach Governor Fubara, who at this point has assumed the power bestowed on him. To stop possible embarrassment, this led to the demolition of the hallow chambers of the State House of Assembly on Moscow Road in PortHarcourt last October. Although the governor claimed that the action was not done with malice but a process of rehabilitating the structure, which he claimed had lost standard.

The governor explained to Rivers people that his action was in favour of the lawmakers, after the complex was burnt by unknown gunmen. But this did not go down well with the lawmakers, who protested that the governor’s action on demolition of the building was targeted at them, so as to stop their move to impeach him. They relocated their sitting venue to the Assembly Quarters, along Aba Road, Port Harcourt.

At a point, the 27 lawmakers defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through which they had their mandate as elected lawmakers.

While the pro-Wike lawmakers were having their sitting, the four lawmakers loyal to the governor assumed leadership of the Assembly, declared the seats of the aggrieved 27 lawmakers vacant, with defense that they defected from the PDP without any crisis in the party, citing Section 109 sub section 1(g) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of (as amended) as a legal backing to their action. The former leader of the House, Edison Ehie, was immediately elected the new Speaker of the House. Their sitting venue was relocated to the Government House by the Governor with an Order of court, pending the full renovation of the Assembly Complex.

Fubara’s Visit to Assembly Quarters and Aftermath

On May 9, 2024, Governor Fubara, had an unofficial visit to the State

House of Assembly quarters. The governor explained that his visit to the residential quarters of the lawmakers was to undertake on-the-spot assessment of condition of the structures for a possible rehabilitation work to restore its status and make liveable.

The Governor who ensured he dismissed every suspicions that he was at the quarters to drive the pro-Wike lawmakers away said: “Is the Assembly quarters not part of my property? Is there anything wrong in going to check how things are going on there? You are aware of the developments. We have a new speaker, and I went there to see for my myself how things are. There might be a few things I might want to do there for the good of our people.”

Few hours later, a Rivers State High Court, granted an interim order asking Martin Amaewhule and 25 others to stop parading themselves as Rivers State House of Assembly members, pending the determination of the suit. The court also asked the state governor, Attorney General of the State, and Chief Judge

But with the current game playing out, it seems Fubara has taken hold of his position as the leader of the state. The relationship between Wike and Fubara was on a smooth sail until late last year, few months after he (Fubara) took oath of office. Reports had it that the reason for the fallout was not unconnected with a breach of agreement reached between the duo. Just like Wike would want his godson to be fully loyal to him, the governor, who at this period may have garnered friends and some experienced political advisers would also want to be independent in some of his decision making. At this point, some of the decisions may not favour some politicians in the state who may have contributed to making Fubara governor.

to stop dealing with the lawmakers loyal to Wike. The matter filed by the newly sworn in Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo on May 10, 2024, was registered in Suit Number PHC/1512/ CS/2024, before Justice Charles N. Wali. Less than 24 hours after the governor’s visit to the assembly quarters, over 35 police personnel were deployed to the area, after Amaewhule-led Assembly members have written the Director General of Department of State Security, alleging that their lives are being threatened by the state governor. The state Police Command on a statement, however, clarified that the deployment of the policemen at the gates of the quarters was to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.

On his part, the entranged Speaker, Amaewhule said the governor is sliding into the position of a “law breaker”. According to him: “Our governor demolished the House of Assembly Complex and plans are underway from what we are seeing again, to demolish the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters”. He accused the governor of not having respect for rule of law and democracy, alleging that on daily basis, the governor carried out actions that are against democratic institutions. His words: “If it’s not against Rivers State House of Assembly, it is against Local Government chairmen. He has declared war on all elected people in Rivers State, so that only him will function as elected one while others would be on the run. We don’t know why the governor has resorted to this self-help.”

Reactions to latest development in Rivers

Fubara appears to have fully taken over the mantle of leadership as Rivers governor.

Just recently, Local Government Council chairmen under the aegis of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state were lamenting that the governor has allegedly refused to release the LG councils allocation for April, 2024 and two months in some cases for some councils.

They alleged that the leadership of Governor Fubara, “has neglected, failed and deliberately refused to hold the statutory Joint Account Allocation Committee meeting (JAAC)”, which, according to them, is the prerequisite for the disbursement of funds due to the LGs in the State Joint Local Government Account. During a media conference in Port Harcourt, the lawmakers led by their Chairman, and Mayor of Port Harcourt, Mr Allwell Ihunda declared that on the expiration of their tenure on June 17, they will not leave office, but will continue for the next six months.

Also recently, Minister of FCT, during a thanksgiving ceremony at Ogu town in Ogu/ Bolo LGA of Rivers state in honour of a federal lawmaker George Sekibo, apologised to Rivers people for choosing Governor Fubara as successor, saying he had not at anytime told anybody to worship him to aquire power.

Wike said “I have never told anybody to worship me. Nobody can worship man. All of us believe that we only have one God. And it is only that God we will worship. And will continue to worship that God. But, as politicians, we appreciate people who have helped us”.

The Minister noted that nobody can be completely free from mistakes, stressing “I have made a mistake. I own it up. And I ask God to forgive me. I have said all of you forgive me. But, we will correct it at the appropriate time. I am a human being. I am bound to make a mistake. My judgement can be wrong. So, forgive me for making a wrong judgement. That is life. So, nobody should kill himself.”

He also stated that he would rather focus on delivering projects enmarked to mark the one year in office of President Bola Tinubu, than be bothered on the intrigues that characterised the Rivers State politics.

Fubara

FEaturEs

For Benjamin Kalu, It's More Gumption, More Humanity

Udora Orizu writes that in a show of love and humanity, the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu on May 5, 2024 celebrated his 53rd birthday with pensioners, widows, orphans and the underserved people in the society

For Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, it has always been a life of gumption, philanthropy, empathy, determination, courage, and as well as having a lot of confidence.

Being humane, he drew a distinction between merely existing as a human and embodying the qualities of compassion, empathy, and kindness that define humanity at its best.

From young age, he has always been a staunch believer of Bernard Meltzer saying, "there is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and helping to lift someone up."

It all began in his early 20's, in far away Cross Rivers State, when the Abia born leader won his way into the heart of people, becoming a students representative. As years went by, his determination and full measure of courage catapulted him to being the youngest local government Chairman of Bende, Abia State, Senior Special Adviser to the then governor and subsequently moving to the House of Representatives in 2019.

Still buoyed by confidence and wisdom when others could easily chicken out because of fear of the unknown, he dared to be the Speaker of the House of Representatives, an ambition which aside his enviable legislative accomplishments, watered the ground for him to become the Deputy Speaker of the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

Rt. Hon. Kalu’s commitment to society extends beyond politics, many years ago, long before he ventured into politics, he founded the Benjamin Kalu Foundation (BKF), focusing on empowering youth, women, and people with disabilities.

These empowerment programmes hold every 29th of December. In retrospect, to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations in 2019, the Benjamin Kalu Foundation awarded bursaries to over 400 Bende undergraduates.

Kalu, had then stated that the reason for the initiative was to fill a gap in the education sector and was borne out of his passion for the educational emancipation of Bende people. He further noted that the beneficiaries were chosen by his foundation across all communities in Bende, regardless of political affiliations.

Benjamin Kalu Foundation also kicked off the End Blindness Project, an outreach targeting thousands of Bende indigenes for eye examinations, treatment, surgery and glasses prescription. BKF in October 2023, collaborated with Vision Saver Eye Care Limited and organized a threeday medical outreach in Bende. The exercise witnessed a massive turnout of constituents who needed medical attention for their eyes with over 1200 people receiving medications, medical eye glasses, and cataract surgeries.

Speaking, when he received progress report from the medical team, the Deputy Speaker emphasized that the project is not just for Bende Federal Constituency but for the entire nation

as well. According to him, the outreach will be extended to other parts of the country.

This humanitarian and daring spirit as well as wisdom recently played out, when Kalu in commemoration of his 53rd birthday, his first birthday celebration as Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, jettisoned the classical funfair that precipitated the birthday of people of his calibre and chose to rather put smiles on the faces of the downtrodden instead of entertaining guests made of men of timbre and calibre.

Days to the D-day, Kalu through his media aides, issued a statement urging his colleagues, friends and political allies to refrain from flamboyant displays of love, and rather visit orphanages or engage in other activities focused on empathy, introspection, and humanitarian causes to celebrate him.

The statement titled, ''My Birthday: A Humble Appeal for Quiet Celebrations ", read in part, "By the grace of God, I will be marking my birthday on Sunday, May 5, 2024. In light of the current mood of the country, I humbly appeal to my dear friends, esteemed colleagues and well wishers to take a quiet approach in commemorating this day. This entails refraining from advertorials, effusive greetings, and flamboyant displays, except for visits to orphanages and other activities focused on empathy, introspection, and humanitarian causes.

"While I appreciate the understanding and compliance of my friends and political allies with this kind request, I regret any inconvenience it may cause you. I urge all efforts, thoughts, and actions to be directed towards supporting the federal government including the parliament to sustain the solutions already in place to tackle the challenges facing us as a nation. I am deeply grateful to God Almighty for another year in perfect health, and I extend my sincere appreciation to everyone for your prayers."

Showing beyond doubt that humanity, in general, is perceived as a charity and as the old saying goes, "it begins at home", the Deputy Speaker thereafter, travelled to Abia State on a 5-day visit.

Utabiri Bende as he is fondly called was welcomed by his constituents with love, as he inspected road projects he facilitated.

As stated by an American author and philosopher, Robert M. Pirsig, "A person filled with gumption doesn’t sit about stewing about things. He is at the front of the train of his own awareness, watching to see what’s up the track and meeting it when it comes", the Deputy Speaker knowing that it takes gumption to get things done - especially difficult things, last year as part of efforts to restore peace in the South Eastern part of the country, came up with an initiative known as 'Peace in South East Project', PISE-P.

The project launched on December 29, 2023, canvasses non-kinetic approach to foster peace and end insecurity bedeviling the region. Kalu has since then received commendations from the Presidency, South East governors, Royal Fathers, Ohanaeze Ndi'Igbo, and other stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the governors, the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Imo State Governor Sen. Hope Uzodinma said that they were all for peace in the region.

He said: "The events of 2021 till date have created untold insecurity in the region. It’s worrisome to all of us, those living at home and diaspora, and our brothers and sisters from all zones in the country. The Governors of the southeast region working with Ohanaeze held a security summit in Owerri where it was resolved that, to do everything possible to bring peace to the south east and stem the prevalence of insecurity in the region.

"Consequent upon that, our brother the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, as part of the programs marking his homecoming, initiated this peace project. It’s a welcomed idea which must be commended. Anything that will bring peace to southeast is welcomed. I commend him for this brilliant idea and efforts put in. We South-east governors commend him".

On his part, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State who read the Bende Peace Declaration said the governors and the people of the South-east are all for peace in the region.

"We the people of the South-east hereby declare that peace is what we stand for as a region. We declare peace for prosperity. Peace for progress. We stand for peace in the South East as a catalyst that will drive growth in all sectors of the economy and rekindle the

"What I decided to do today is to incorporate even the physically challenged ones, the school of the blind, less privileged, motherless babies homes they are all here. God asked me to do this, celebrate with these underserved. What’s the essence of keeping things only for politics, when it’s election period, campaign period, then you bring them out?

confidence of future generations. We declare that peace is better. Udo ka nma. May this day, the 29th of December 2023, at Bende, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, South East Nigeria", Otti said Activating one of the pillars of the project (sports and entertainment), as part of the activities to mark his 53rd birthday, the Deputy Speaker in collaboration with Xtreme Fitness and De Latinos Concept, held an exhilarating 1,000-man road walk in Umuahia, tagged the "peace walk".

The exciting event provided him with an opportunity to interact with the vibrant youth of Abia State, who came out en masse to exercise and walk, creating awareness for peace in the region.

Addressing journalists after the peace walk, Kalu said, "This is the first of many activities to come under this pillar in line with the Peace in South-east Project. I am confident in the potentiality of this project to propagate peace across the southeastern states as we continue to advocate for stability and progress not just for the region alone but the entire nation."

Buttressing more on the need for peace, Kalu when he addressed members of Club 17 Peace Movement, Abia State Caucus and Local Government Executives, who paid him a courtesy visit, hinted at engaging "Peace Marshals" in all wards in the region.

The Deputy Speaker said that the "peace marshals" will be an arm of PISE-P, and the agents will act as peace preachers and reconciliation officers.

He asked the team to commence action, starting with all wards in Abia, and later to be extended to other South East States to achieve the aims of PISE-P.

On the D-day, May 5th Kalu expressed gratitude to God Almighty for his blessings and celebrated the day with pensioners, widows, orphans and the under-served people in the society.

The people numbering over 2000 were drawn from across the 17 local government areas of Abia State and other states in the South East geopolitical zone.

Speaking at the event which was held in his country home in Bende, Kalu said the gathering was to celebrate humanity.

He said that the event had no political connotations but purely a divine mandate to spread love and encourage unity amongst Nigerians.

The Deputy Speaker distributed truckload of food, household items and grants to the people to assist them. He also organised an eyecare medical outreach where the aged had a check on their eyes with free eyeglasses to enhance their sight and vision.

-Orizu, is SA Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

"The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being Humane." - Mahatma Gandhi

Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu’s outreach to commemorate his birthday

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Nigerian by Birth’s Dual Citizenship: Effect on Qualification for Election

Page IV

‘The banditry and kidnapping they have resorted to, will also be defeated….We are taking the battle to them, and we are getting results more rapidly than ever.' -HE, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria NJC Wields the Big Stick

V NBA Lagos Law Week Commences June 10

Little Madam and the Road Not Taken

As I attain the of age 59 on Thursday, my last birthday in my 50s, I thank God for my life and His grace upon me. In this day and age where people are not so truthful about their age and credentials, I feel it necessary to celebrate mine openly when possible!

The Little Madam

Afew weeks ago, I was travelling back to Lagos via the terminal where chartered flights fly from. I sat alone in one of the little sitting areas, waiting for my flight to be called. At a point, I got up to stretch my legs, and when I returned, a teenager dressed in a hijab, who looked nothing more than about 16-17 years of age (17 being the outer limit in my eyes) had sat opposite me in the same sitting area with her two children. I estimated that her daughter would be about four years old, while her son was about two. I thought the children were her siblings, until I heard the children referring to her as their mother, and subsequently, two men waiting to board them onto a private jet referred to her as ‘Madam’! By the time our flight was ready for take off, the two men had gone off with the children, and so, little Madam was left alone with me. One of my co-passengers asked me how I knew the girl (because we were sitting together), and I explained that I didn’t know her, but in fact, contrary to what they believed, she is a married child, a little Madam who has two children. My co-traveller was shocked.

Unfortunately, many have made the mistake of using Section 29(4)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution) as the basis for elevating this married child to the level of a little Madam, because the provision purports to deem any girl who is married to be of ’full age’, which is defined as 18 years and above by Section 29(4)(a) thereof. The sum and substance of Section 29(4)(b) of the Constitution is that if a 10 year old is unlawfully married off, by virtue of her marriage, she is deemed to be 18, even though in reality she’s 10 years old! How ludicrous! This ‘abracadabra’ provision is clearly nonsensical and perverse, and should be expunged from the Constitution.

The first few points to be noted here are that, to have been travelling by private jet, the little Madam must be married to a man of means who should definitely know better than to have married a child - so, it isn’t only illiterates or the poor that engage in paedophilic behaviour. Secondly, to have a four year old child even at age 17, would mean that little Madam got pregnant when she was undeniably underage - 12 or 13; and, thirdly, even though she is literate, I wondered if her education hasn’t been cut short, now that she is a married mother. I felt bad.

I had written about Child Marriage in March 2023, in a piece titled ‘The Case Against Child Marriage’, and I didn’t think I would have to consider this topic again, at least, not so soon. But, since this issue of early marriage keeps popping up like a recurring rash, it has to be addressed once more, particularly with the recently aborted attempt of the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly (NSHA) to marry off 100 girls in a mass wedding, an attempt that was truncated by the actions of the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye (the Minister). Even though the newspaper reports that I read didn’t state the ages of the girls, it is clear that the main bone of contention between the Minister and the NSHA Speaker, is that the Minister believes that the 100 girls or some of them may be too young to be married off, and their ages should be ascertained first. This is buttressed by the fact that, in his statement, the NSHA Speaker insisted that the girls were of marriageable age in Islam. If they were 21 years old and above, no eyebrows would be raised.

Matters Arising

1) Enablement of the Cycle of Poverty

Let us examine the various matters arising, the most obvious one being that it is surprising that the NSHA Speaker, the Chief lawmaker of Niger State, is more interested in marrying little girls off, rather than ensuring that they achieve the mandatory educational goals set out in Section 18 of the Constitution. Why wasn’t the NSHA Speaker more concerned about rendering assistance to the girls’ families and orphans so that they could complete their education, complete secondary school at least, or even attend University, or learn skills post-Secondary to equip them for life? It almost seems as if there’s a conspiracy by those in high office, to ensure that the horrible cycle of poverty never ends. Instead of empowering the girls with education and skills in order to make them useful to themselves and their families and giving them a better standard of living, the NSHA Speaker prefers to marry off those who are yet to acquire good sustenance skills and obviously cannot afford to get married, and start to procreate in poverty, so that the cycle of poverty which ultimately leads to crime, continues. This conspiracy will always keep the masses down, while leaving those who are in high office unchallenged.

2) Constitution’s Definition of ‘Full Age’

onikepo braithwaite

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

“….the PCA or any other law, custom or religion that permits marriage before the age of 18 in Nigeria, has no leg to stand on…. because by virtue of Sections 29(1) & (4)(a) and 1(1) & (3) of the Constitution, they are null and void…..The issue of trying to use Islam as an excuse for early or child marriage, cannot fly. In Islam, it is a religious duty to obey the law of the land”

Secondly, Section 29(4)(a) of the Constitution defines full age as age 18. And, even though some have argued that full age of 18 in Section 29 (1) & (4)(a) is for citizenship only, a closer examination of this provision shows that Section 29(1) is a categorical provision that isn’t restricted to citizenship alone, as it states: “Any citizen of Nigeria of full age…..”. In Nigercare Development Co. Ltd v Adamawa State Water Board & Ors (2008) LPELR-1997(SC) per Ikechi Francis Ogbuagu, JSC, the Apex Court held that in interpreting the Constitution or a statute, the Judge is enjoined to give it its grammatical and ordinary meaning, and not to ramble and distort its construction. Also see Bakare v Nigerian Railway Corporation (2007) LPELR-712(SC) per Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, JSC (later CJN). However, maybe it’s time that the ‘full age’ of 18 is included in its own stand-alone provision in Section 25 of the Constitution, for the avoidance of doubt and argument.

Section 1(1) of the Constitution emphasises the supremacy and bindingness of this document over all persons and authorities in Nigeria, while Section 1(3) thereof further provides that any law that is inconsistent with the Constitution is void to the extent of its inconsistency, and with all due respect, this includes Sharia and Customary Law provisions that may be inconsistent. So, Section 39(c) of the Penal Code Act 1960 (PCA)(applicable in the Northern parts of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja) which sets the age of consent at the tender age of 14, appears to be null and void because it is a violation of Section 29(1) & (4)(a)

of the Constitution. See however, Natsaha v State (2017) LPELR-42359(SC) per Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC; Habibu v State (2023) LPELR-60351(SC) per Adamu Jauro, JSC, where in both cases which concerned the rape of a child, the Apex Court put the age of consent at 14 by virtue of the PCA.

This is another reason, why I stated above that Section 29(4)(b) of the Constitution should be expunged. Apart from the fact that it is repugnant because paedophiles in society attempt to use it as a basis to legitimise child marriage because of its deeming provision, it contradicts Section 29(1) & (4)(a) of the Constitution. The truth of the matter is that the PCA or any other law, custom or religion that permits marriage before the age of 18 in Nigeria has no leg to stand on, because by virtue of Sections 29(1) & (4)(a) and 1(1) & (3) of the Constitution, they are null and void and of no effect. If these laws are null and void ab initio, I submit that there is nothing for Section 29(4)(b) to deem. Also see Section 12(1) (b) of the Electoral Act 2022 (EA) and Section 7 of the Sexual Offences Act (SOA). One wonders why anyone would want to marry a child anyway, if it isn’t that they are suffering from some psychological disorder.

Section 21 of the Child’s Right Act 2003 (CRA) also sets the age of consent for marriage at 18, providing that an individual below the age of 18 is incapable of contracting a valid marriage. 34 States in Nigeria, including Niger State, have domesticated this law. Though Kano and Zamfara are yet to domesticate the CRA, for reasons that I have outlined above, they too

are bound by the Constitution’s age 18.

3) Wrongly Using Islam as an Excuse for Early Marriage

The issue of trying to use Islam as an excuse for early or child marriage, cannot fly. In Islam, it is a religious duty to obey the law of the land. So, if the law of the land says age 18 is the age that an individual can get married or is lawful to have sexual relations, all Muslims are commanded to adhere to it. The Holy Quran commands thus: “O ye who believe! obey Allah, and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority over you” (Chapter 4:60). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “One who obeys his authority, obeys me. One who disobeys his authority, disobeys me”.

Islam permits marriage at puberty and when a girl child can bear to engage in sexual activity. A girl goes through five stages of puberty, starting at Stage 1 between age 8-11 and ending at Stage 5, age 18-19. Growing breasts and starting menstruation between Stage 2 & 4 doesn’t mean a girl child is fully developed and ripe for marriage or sexual activity and child bearing, procreation being one of the reasons for marriage in Islam. Since the law of the land provides that the age of consent is 18, any true Muslim faithful has no option but to obey it. I didn’t say this, the Holy Quran did. See also the Holy Bible, Romans 13:1-2. See also Dina d’malkhuta dina “the law of the land is the law”, the principle in Jewish religious law which provides that the civil law of a country where a Jewish person resides, is binding on such person.

Conclusion

It is obvious that marriage and sexual relations before the age of 18 in Nigeria, is unlawful, as 18 is clearly the legal age of consent. It is high time that people are stopped from committing crimes, using religion as an excuse. Clearly, the provisions of the religions that have been cited above, two of which are principal religions practiced in Nigeria, give no such instruction that faithfuls are permitted to break the law of the land, especially to satisfy sick, paedophilic sexual desires. It is particularly shameful that the NSHA Speaker, Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, a lawmaker, should have been the one in the forefront of promoting unconstitutionality and illegality, if indeed, any of those 100 girls he sought to sponsor to marry are below the age of 18. P.S. N90 billion Hajj Subsidy? Really? I hope it’s not true that the Tinubu administration intends to subsidise pilgrims going on the Hajj Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, to the tune of N90 billion. Even if it was to the tune of N90,000, Why? We thought the Tinubu administration came to correct some of the mistakes of the past made by previous administrations, and not continue with them.

Section 10 of the Constitution is clear that, neither Nigeria nor her States shall adopt any religion as State religion; so, what business is it of Government to be subsidising religious pilgrimages, be it for the Muslims to travel to Saudi Arabia (Mecca & Medina) or for the Christians to go to Israel (Jerusalem)? None. Aside from the fact that this gesture offends provisions like Sections 10, 15(1) & 16 of the Constitution, it is discriminatory, as it elevates Islam and Christianity above all other religions, given their adherents advantages that faithfuls of other religions do not enjoy, contrary to Section 42(1)(b) of the Constitution. The truth of the matter also, is that the poorest of the poor cannot dream of going on any religious pilgrimage, so, again, this is a subsidy to make things easier for the middle class to go on the pilgrimage.

The Hajj Pilgrimage is one of five Pillars of Islam, a journey that every Muslim is mandated to make at least once in their lifetime, provided that their health and finances permit it. By virtue of this proviso or caveat, it appears to be unIslamic for Government to subsidise Hajj pilgrims, particularly to the detriment of Nigerians generally, seeing as Nigeria is not in a good place financially and the Nigerian people are passing through extreme hardship. Why should a particular small group be singled out, over and above 200 million Nigerians, to be pampered using our scarce resources? Even if the Christians cannot go to Jerusalem this year because of the ongoing war, once they are able to go on their pilgrimage, they will also demand the same subsidy as the Muslims!. Going on a religious Pilgrimage is a sacrifice, made to develop an individual’s connection with God and see the religious sites. How do we expect those whom Nigeria is seeking loans from to take us seriously, if we are just going to turn around and spend the funds on unproductive things which they do not spend their money on in their own countries? Nigeria does not have a good welfare system, nor do workers earn a reasonable minimum living wage, nor do we have adequate public education and healthcare facilities (see Sections 16(2)(d) & 17(3) (d) of the Constitution, amongst other provisions) and yet, the issue of subsidising pilgrims can arise?! Methinks that Government should perish the thought. My dear Readers, what do you think?

Nigerian by Birth’s Dual Citizenship: Effect on Qualification for Election

Facts

The Appellant, sponsored by the Labour Party, participated in the Governorship Election conducted by the 1st Respondent on 18th March, 2023 for Lagos State. The 2nd Respondent participated in the said elections as the Gubernatorial candidate of the 4th Appellant, while the 3rd Respondent was his running mate for the office of Deputy Governor. At the end of the election, the 2nd Respondent was declared and returned as the winner who scored the majority of the lawful votes cast, and having satisfied the constitutional requirements for election into the office of Governor. The Appellant who came second in the election, being aggrieved with the declaration and return of the 2nd Respondent as Governor-elect, filed a petition before the Lagos State Governorship Election Tribunal. The Appellant’s petition was initially predicated on the three grounds; however, two of the grounds were struck out after the Appellant abandoned the same in the course of trial. The sole and surviving ground of the Appellant’s petition was that the 2nd Respondent was not qualified to contest the election, for nominating the 3rd Respondent as his running mate. The Appellant’s complaint was that the 3rd Respondent had at the material time renounced his allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a citizen, and had taken the deliberate step of naturalising as a citizen of the United States of America (USA), contrary to the combined provisions of Sections 182(1)(a) and 187(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, hence, he was unqualified to contest in the said election and this, in turn, rendered the 2nd Respondent who nominated him as running mate, unqualified to contest. At the conclusion of the trial, the Tribunal dismissed the petition for the Appellant’s failure to prove the facts of the disqualification of the 2nd and 3rd Respondent to contest the election. The Appellant’s appeal to the Court of Appeal was dismissed, and the Tribunal’s decision was affirmed. Aggrieved, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination

In resolving the appeal, the Supreme Court reformulated the sole issue raised for determination by the Appellant as follows:

Whether the Court of Appeal was right to affirm the decision of the Tribunal that the Appellant did not prove the sole ground of the petition on the disqualification of the 2nd and 3rd Respondent under the provisions of Section 182(1)(a) and 187(1) and (2) of the Constitution.

Arguments

Counsel for the Appellant argued that, the evidence adduced by the Appellant before the Tribunal as well as the evidence elicited under cross-examination of the Respondents’ witnesses, established that the 3rd Respondent had voluntarily acquired the citizenship of the USA and had declared allegiance to that country and that the declaration disqualified him and the 2nd Respondent from contesting the election. He submitted that the Court of Appeal was wrong to have upheld the finding of the Tribunal, that since the 3rd Respondent is a citizen of Nigeria by birth, his subscription to an oath or declaration of allegiance to the USA cannot and does not strip him of his citizenship by birth.

Counsel contended that so long as it had been established that the 3rd Respondent had voluntarily acquired the citizenship of USA and declared allegiance to USA, evidence of his renunciation of his Nigerian citizenship was not required for the success of the Appellant’s petition. He maintained that although Section 177(a) of the 1999 Constitution specifically mentions being a citizen of Nigeria by birth as a condition to qualify to contest, the disqualifying disabilities set out in Section 182(1)(a) relate to those who are citizens by birth and have acquired the citizenship of another country, or have made a declaration of allegiance to another country as in the case of the 3rd Respondent. He submitted that citizenship by birth is therefore, not an immunity to the disqualifying disabilities listed under Section 182(1)(a).

Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja On Friday, the 12th day of January, 2024

Before their lordships

John Inyang Okoro uwani Musa abba aji Mohammed Lawal Garba adamu Jauro emmanuel akomaye agim Justices, Supreme Court SC/CV/1152/2023

Between GBadeBO PaTRICK RHOdeS-VIVOuR aPPeLLaNT And

1. INdePeNdeNT NaTIONaL eLeCTORaL COMMISSION (INeC)

2. BaBaJIde OLuSOLa SaNWO-OLu

3. dR KadIRI OBaFeMI HaMZaT

4. aLL PROGReSSIVeS CONGReSS (aPC)

ReSPONdeNTS (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC)

In response, counsel for the 1st Respondent submitted that a community reading of Section 182(1)(a) and 187(1)&(2) of the 1999 Constitution shows that the 3rd Respondent’s purported adoption of the citizenship of the USA does not disqualify him and the 2nd Respondent from contesting the election. He contended that such adoption does not constitute a ground for losing Nigerian citizenship by birth for the purpose of Section 177 of the Constitution.

Also responding to the Appellant’s arguments, Counsel for the 2nd and 3rd Respondent argued that the evidence adduced by the Appellant did not prove the disqualification alleged, since he did not produce credible evidence that the 3rd Respondent had voluntarily renounced his citizenship of Nigeria by birth pursuant to Section 29 of the Constitution.

Counsel for the 4th Respondent argued similarly that the Appellant who sought declaratory reliefs, had the burden to prove the allegation of the disqualification of the

“…. dual citizenship of a Nigerian by birth and of another country by registration or naturalisation, is not renunciation of Nigerian citizenship by a person as prescribed and provided for in Section 29 of the Constitution, as to constitute a factor disqualifying the person from contesting for the office of Governor of a State….”

ing of Section 182(1)(a), it is evident that the provision is made subject to Section 28 of the Constitution which provides that a person shall forfeit his Nigerian citizenship if, not being a citizen by birth, he acquires or retains the citizenship or nationality of a country, other than Nigeria, of which he is not a citizen by birth.

The Court held that by the rules of construction, where the provision in a section in statute is made subject to another provision, the subordinated section is only applicable as may be allowed, permitted or accommodated within the provisions of the section to which it is made subject to, and such subordinated section does not apply independently of the provisions which it is made subject to. The Court referred to its decision in FRN v OSAHON (2006) LPELR – 3174 (SC).

On this premise, the Court held that for the purpose of the application of Section 182(1) (a), Section 28 is the principal provision in the context of which it is to be interpreted and applied; and the provisions of the said Section 28 clearly deals with a person who is not a citizen of Nigeria by birth as provided in subsection (1)such as citizens by registration or naturalisation. The provisions of Section 182(1)(a) is thus, only applicable to such Nigerians who are citizens other than by birth.

The Apex Court found that a person who is a citizen of Nigeria by birth is undoubtedly not within the purview, contemplation or context of the provision of Section 28 of the Constitution which controls, regulates and governs the application of the provisions of Section 182(1)(a) which are made subject to it. A citizen of Nigeria by birth as defined and provided in 25(1) of the Constitution automatically acquires his citizenship as a birth right, and needs no registration or naturalisation for that status to be acquired by him or to be conferred on him.

The Court held that there is no provision in the Constitution which strips, takes away or removes the citizenship by birth from a Nigerian on the ground of acquisition of the citizenship of another country other than Nigeria, and dual citizenship of a Nigerian by birth and of another country by registration or naturalisation, is not renunciation of Nigerian citizenship by a person as prescribed and provided for in Section 29 of the Constitution, as to constitute a factor disqualifying the person from contesting for the office of Governor of a State under Section 182(1)(a).

2nd and 3rd Respondent, but failed to discharge the burden.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale In reaching a resolution of the issue, the Apex Court considered it necessary to interpret the provisions of Sections 177(a); 182(1)(a) and Section 28 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), on the qualification and disqualification of a person to contest election for the office of a Governor of a State in Nigeria.

The Court held that the use of the word “shall” in the provision in Section 177(a) of the Constitution that a person shall be qualified for election to the office of the Governor if he is a citizen by birth indicates that, automatically, once a person is a citizen of Nigeria by birth and has satisfied the requirements in the following paragraphs (b ) and (c) of the Section as to attainment of the age of thirty-five years old; being a member of and sponsored by a political party; has been educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent at the time of the election, such person is completely and totally eligible and qualified to contest the election.

The Court went further to consider the import of Section 182(1)(a) of the Constitution which provides that subject to the provisions of Section 28 of the same Constitution, no person shall be qualified for election to the office of the Governor of a State, if he has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a country other than Nigeria or has made a declaration of allegiance to such other country.

The Court held that by a clear read-

The Court held further than even where an argument can be made that a Nigerian citizen by birth has renounced his Nigerian citizenship, there must be credible evidence to prove the valid renunciation in the manner prescribed under Section 29 which is a renunciation registered by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Mere subscription to the oath of allegiance of another country alone without more, does not constitute a renunciation of the Nigerian citizenship by birth without compliance with the procedure in Section 29.

The Court held that apart from the bare assertion of renunciation of the 3rd Respondent’s citizenship by birth, the Appellant didn’t attempt to adduce any credible evidence which meets the requirements of Section 29 in order to discharge the burden of proof placed on him. It follows therefore, that the 3rd Respondent being a Nigerian citizen by birth, his acquisition of the citizenship of USA and/ or declaration of allegiance to that country cannot strip or rob him of his right to contest election into any office in Nigeria. It is thus, incontestable that the 2nd Respondent complied with the provision of Section 187(1) of the Constitution which requires him to nominate a Deputy Governorship candidate for his own nomination to be valid, by nominating the 3rd Respondent who has been demonstrated not to be affected by the disqualifying disabilities in Section 182(1)(a).

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation

Professor A. Amuda-Kannike, SAN with D. D. Fiderikumo and A. O. Yusuf for the Appellant.

K. O. Balogun for the 1st Respondent. B. Afilola . and O. O. Agbaje for the 2nd Respondent.

A. Mohammed for the 3rd Respondent.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

NJC Wields the Big Stick

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has issued warning letters to three Judges, and barred them from elevation to higher Bench for a period of time.

The NJC also empanelled Committees to investigate 8 Judges of the Federal & State Courts, and appointed 86 Judicial Officers for Federal and State Courts. This information was contained in a press release signed by Soji Oye, the Director, Information, NJC.

In the statement he said ‘The National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, at its plenary of 105th Meeting held on 15 and 16 May 2024, resolved to issue warning letters to Hon. Justice Inyang E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court and Hon. Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court.

‘Hon Justice Inyang E. Ekwo is warned for abuse

of discretionary power of a Judge, by wrongly granting an ex-parte order in Suit No FHC/ABJ/C/626/2023 Juliet Ebert Nwadi Gbaka & 2 Ors v Seplat Energy Plc & 12 Ors. The Hon. Judge is also barred from being elevated to a higher Bench for a period of two years.

‘Hon. Justice G.B. Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court is also issued a warning, for failure to deliver judgement within the stipulated period in Joseph Anene Okafor v Skye Bank, Suit No A/94/2010, after parties had filed and adopted their final Written Addresses. Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi will also not be elevated to a higher Bench for a period of three years.’

The NJC cautioned Hon. Justice Amina Shehu of Yobe State High Court, for issuing a Writ of Possession Conferring Title on the Defendant in Suit No YBS/

HC/NNR/1cv/2020 when there was no subsisting judgement of any Court to enable His Lordship issue the Writ.

‘The Council deliberated on the notification of retirements of three Judicial Officers, including that of the Chief Justice of Nigeria,

Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON and notification of death of three Judges of the Federal and State Courts.

‘Council at the Meeting also considered the recommendation of its Interview Committee on Appointment of Judicial

Officers of all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria, and resolved to recommend 86 Judicial Officers for appointment to the Court of Appeal, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Sharia Courts of Appeal and Customary Courts of

Appeal of States in Nigeria….’

The press release concluded saying: ‘All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in after the approval of the NJC recommendations to the President and their respective State Governors.’

NBA Lagos Law Week Commences June 10

Stories by Steve Aya

The Annual Law Week of the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will be held from June 10 to 16, 2024.

The Branch announced the date and theme for its 2024 Annual Law Week, during a press conference held at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, 401 Close, Banana Island, Ikoyi, to herald the event.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Branch, Olabisi Makanjuola stated: “The Law Week is scheduled to be held from 10th to 16th June, 2024. It

promises to be innovative, enlightening, informative, and transformative. The Law Week Committee is putting up a Law Week that is positively different from what we have been experiencing. It will be very relevant to every Lawyer who is a member of the Branch, regardless of the sector one may find himself or herself. For the first time, there will be a Bar and Bench forum where Judges and Lawyers are expected to discuss serious issues regarding the relationship between the Bar and the Bench, and also be a post-

Mohbad’s Autopsy Report: ‘Cause of Death Uncertain’

The reasons behind the death of late Singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, a.k.a Mohbad, may not be known, as the autopsy was concluded as "uncertain".

This was the report submitted by Prof Shokunle Shoyemi, a Pathologist to the Lagos Coroner sitting in Ikorodu, that is investigating the cause of Mohbad's death.

Prof Shoyemi said the cause of death of the music star could not be determined, as his body was too decomposed by the time an autopsy was performed. He explained to the Coroner, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, that despite extensive efforts, the advanced state of decomposition rendered a conclusive autopsy impossible, and this is due

partly to the fact that the body was not embalmed.

Prof Shoyemi told the court the autopsy was conducted at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and photographs were taken for documentation. After the results came out, he said they discovered Puritin, caffeine, and paracetamol, and a superficial injury on the left hand.

Prof Shoyemi further told the court that nothing contributed to the death, and stressed in addition that information about the late Mohbad's neck being bent and still bleeding after death as false. He said the late singer's neck, was still okay. He also told the Coroner Court that when the body was to be exhumed, they found that

heavy stones were placed on top of the grave which took them four hours to remove. This situation, according to according to the University Don, has left many questions about the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death unanswered.

Another witness who was also cross-examined on the death of the Singer, Owodeni Ibrahim, a childhood friend of Mohbad, said he was in the car when the Singer and his wife Cynthia got into an argument and he tried to calm Mohbad down, but Mohbad got angry with him for not supporting him.

Ibrahim also told the court that Cynthia who was the wife of the late Mohbad got angry when

Mohbad told her he didn’t know if the baby between them belonged to him, because he only met with her once and she later claimed to be pregnant for him.

Ibrahim told the court that he advised Mohbad not to marry his spouse, and that Mohbad told her to stay away from him.

He also told the court that he noticed that Mohbad's face was swollen; when he asked him what happened, he replied that he was shooting a video with Omoniyi Temidayo, known professionally as Zlatan Ibile, when Sammy Larry came to threaten him. He said he had reported it to the Police.

The Coroner, Magistrate Shotobi, adjourned the matter to June 11, 2024.

Law Week Implementation Committee to ensure that the communiqué from the week does not become another mere historical document, but ensure it receives the necessary attention and implementation required.

In her speech, the Chairperson of the Law Week Committee, Mrs Folashade Alli, SAN, said “I am glad to announce that NBA Lagos Branch Law Week 2024 is coming up on 10-16 June 2024, in Lagos. The theme for this year’s conference is “Charting New Legal Frontiers: The Practice of Law in Nigeria, Cross Border Alliance and Partnerships”. She stated that this theme was chosen, because legal services are changing globally. The practice of law is also changing everywhere, from Accra, Doula, London to New York. Some Nigerian law firms, now have offices outside Nigeria. Foreign law firms are also entering Nigeria, mostly through mergers and affiliations with local firms. These developments are projected to continue and even expand in scope, as more Nigerian Lawyers and law firms explore business growth”, Mrs Alli, SAN explained.

“The question is: Are Nigerian Lawyers ready to benefit from this global change, or will we continue to overlook and underestimate the pressure that globalisation of legal services is exerting on the legal services in Nigeria?

“Is Nigeria going to continue to maintain a protectionist approach, or will we be proactive by initiating master alliances for cross-border legal services?

“Lastly, what role is Premier Bar playing, given its preeminence as the Premier Bar, and most of the leading law firms that are active in cross-border practice are located in Lagos?

“This year’s Law Week promises to be parked, filled with various activities ranging from a Bar-Bench day, democracy walk, plenary sessions, law clinic, Elders night, law week party, and raffle draw amongst other activities”, Mrs Alli, SAN further explained.

“Other activities announced as part of the law week are visits to the Prison and Motherless homes, New Wigs Forum, and Health walk/talk, as well as a novelty football match and Family Day which will take place at the Muri Okunla Park on the 15th of June.

“The Keynote Address for this year's Law Week will be delivered by Mr Segun Oshintogun, the Global Senior Partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, an international law firm with well over 1000 Lawyers.”

Mrs Alli then urged all Lawyers to clear their calendars, and save the dates. “You cannot afford to miss this. We will keep members updated on further developments in this regard”, she added.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, aka Mohbad

L-R: Vice Chairman, NBA, Lagos Branch, Mrs Esther Jimoh; Chairman, Mr Olabisi Makanjuola; Chairman, Organising Committee, Mrs Folashade Alli, SAN and Secretary, Organising Committee, Mr Harold Uku

A Heartfelt Tribute to Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, MFR

The news of the passing of Prince Adeyemi Adefulu came as a shock, as all who knew him will remember his vibrancy, health, and engaging personality. His contributions to the growth and development of legal practice in Nigeria have been truly remarkable, leaving a profound impact that will be deeply felt.

Prince Adefulu’s legacy is firmly established through the co-founding of the law firm of Odujinrin and Adefulu in 1973, a partnership forged with his lifelong friend, Senator Oladipo Odujiinrin. This enduring partnership stands as a testament to their remarkable vision and dedication, becoming one of the longestserving partnerships in the Nigerian legal profession.

Personally, my own legal journey echoes the path of his partner, Senator Odujirin. Following in his footsteps, my legal foundation was built at Chris Ogunbanjo & Co., and the invaluable lessons learned about developing commercial law practice in Nigeria stemmed from these shared origins. The Firm, under their leadership, has become a beacon of excellence in the commercial law space, serving as an inspiration for generations of legal practitioners.

Prince Adefulu’s commitment to public service, is also noteworthy. He served with distinction in the cabinet of the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo in Ogun State, as one of the youngest Commissioners appointed at the time. While his tenure was truncated by the 1983 military coup, his dedication to his country remained unwavering. The harrowing experience of being detained for simply serving his nation, did not deter him from his unwavering commitment to the legal profession.

Beyond his own practice, Prince Adefulu’s dedication to the legal community extended to his involvement with LexisNexis Nigeria. Serving on the Board of the company was a privilege which enabled my witnessing firsthand, his and Senator Odujinrin’s enduring passion for improving access to legal materials and judicial precedents across the country. Their tireless efforts to support the well-being of the profession, will not be forgotten.

My deepest condolences go out to his son, Adeoye, of whom Prince was incredibly proud. Seeing Adeoye become Chair of the esteemed Nigerian Bar Association – Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), must have been extremely fulfilling. I also extend my sincerest sympathies to his entire family, and the partners and law firm of Odujirin and Adefulu.

May Prince Adeyemi Adefulu’s memory be a lasting inspiration for all who strive for excellence in the Nigerian legal profession, and may his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

George Etomi

Our Very Dear Chairman, Dr Deoye, Accept

My Condolences

There is never a right time to lose a father. It is particularly painful when it happens at a time one is young, and abruptly has to assume the mantle of leadership. Your Father was a quintessential debonair gentleman with a constant pleasant demeanour, and a towering figure in the legal profession. You have admirably demonstrated your capacity in the legal profession in multiple roles, including your stewardship of the NBA Section on Business Law as the Chair, and your father lived to witness your growth. That was a blessing. Please, find comfort and consolation in the beautiful memories of the years you had him with you. In the midst of your grief, you will have cause to smile as those recollections flash through your mind.

Our prayers are with you, your Mother, siblings and the entire Adefulu family.

May God grant you the courage, wisdom and grace to navigate the journey ahead of you to the glory of God and late Prince Adeyemi Adefulu.

Mfon Ekong Usoro

Tribute to Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, MFR

Tribute to Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, MFR

Recently, the co-founding Partner of one of the oldest law firms in Nigeria, Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, MFR (January 28, 1946 – April 20, 2024) passed away. Together with Senator Oladipo Odunjinrin, MFR, they founded Odunjinrin & adefulu, a law firm that has endured for over five decades. Past Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar association’s Section of Business Law (NBa-SBL), here pay tribute to Prince adefulu, whose son, dr adeoye adefulu, is the current Chairman of the NBa-SBL

and continued to appreciate the privilege until Uncle’s transition. Prince Adefulu has already been lauded by many for his brilliance, law savvy, philanthropy, suave, and sense of duty, etc., etc. Simply put however, to me, he was a dear Uncle whom I admired. Uncle, rest in eternal peace. Amen.

Seni Adio, SAN

My Sincere Condolences to Dr Adeoye Adefulu

(Chairman, NBA-SBL, his Mother, siblings and the larger Adefulu family, on the passing of your father, Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, MFR)

It is an honour to write a tribute to your father, who was an icon in the Nigerian legal profession. He lived an impactful life, charting a historic course for the legal profession when he set up a partnership along with Chief Oladipo Odujinrin, MFR, a long time before partnerships became standard.

The firm of Odujinrin & Adefulu became the forerunner of Law Firm Partnerships, that many of us emulated. I was privileged to have spent time at the firm in my early years, and the experience was invaluable and indelible.

the Metropolitan Club. And, then, there was the issue he had been discussing with me for many months, both of us seeking a path to resolve…..

Prince, was brilliant! The youngest Commissioner in the country in his time, and the best Law of Evidence student in school. A great leader of men, consensus builder and focused mobiliser, who together with his partner Chief Dipo Odujinrin blazed the trail for the young and determined, to venture into and succeed superbly in the rarefied, secluded and specialised world of corporate and commercial law practice. Within a few years of establishing their Firm, they were known in legal and corporate circles as the “The Broad Street Millionaires”. Their attention to detail was impeccable, the quality of their work was first class, and they tread where others feared.

Prince, Sir, I will miss you sorely. Your calm voice and strong advice on every issue, including my latest venture, continues to inspire and fortify.

The photograph accompanying this succinct tribute, says it all. This was sometime in August 2022. I had the distinct privilege of being presented with a Certificate in the form of a plaque, on my admission as an Honorary Life Member of the Section on Business Law of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-SBL). That was less than 2 years ago. I recall stating then that, for too many reasons to get into, it was a special moment for me to have such an honour bestowed on me by Prince Yemi Adefulu, MFR. I also recall saying to his son and my dear brother, Dr Adeoye Adefulu, that he was blessed to have his father witness his sterling accomplishments and should savour every moment. I’m sure he did,

Prince Adefulu remained active in legal practice over many decades, and his wisdom was brought to bear on many significant corporate transactions over the years. He served his State and country, enduring unjust incarceration in the process; yet, remaining resilient and overcoming. He was also a prolific writer. He touched several lives and has left a great legacy, equipping you and your siblings to step into his great shoes and preserve his legacy. He will be missed, and his contributions to the legal profession and public service will always be remembered. My deepest sympathies are with your family, and the larger legal community and the SBL family.

Gbenga Oyebode, MFR

Tribute to Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, MFR

I knew he had been ill for a few months, but each time we spoke his voice was very strong, and he remained very upbeat and calm. He didn’t want to dwell on or talk about himself; he focused on our usual discussion/banter topics; the state of our country (what must be done to achieve a more humane and better developed country); our profession; our families; our Club,

Go in peace into the bosom of the Lord, you ran your race excellently well. May the good Lord continue to console and uphold my Aunty and the family……..”

Asue Ighodalo

Celebrating the Life and Legacies of a Pioneer and Trailblazer

A Heartfelt Farewell To Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, MFR

Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, MFR, was a legal titan whose legacy towers over the Nigerian legal profession. With profound sadness, I mourn his passing at the age of 78 years, leaving behind an unfillable void. Prince Adefulu's brilliance as a Lawyer was matched only by his unwavering commitment to integrity, diligence, and professional excellence. He approached the law as a noble calling - a pillar of society that demanded an unbending pursuit of justice and truth. His insight and knowledge, was awe-inspiring.

A true trailblazer, Prince Adefulu co-founded the firm Odunjinrin & Adefulu alongside his dear friend, Senator Oladipo Odunjinrin, MFR,

over 50 years ago. That their pioneering partnership flourished and continues to flourish for over half a century, at a time when such endeavours were and are still rare in Nigeria, speaks volumes about the mutual vision and respect, binding these two legal giants together. As corporate law titans, Prince Adefulu and Senator Odunjinrin were an inspiration to many of us, who decided to follow the same career path. On a personal note, I had the honour of knowing Prince Adefulu, first as a member of the Kings College Old Boys Association (KCOBA). The late Prince Adefulu and Senator Odunjinrin are both old boys of Kings College, Lagos, and I share with them a special love for our alma mater.

Later on, I got to know him better through his son, my dear friend and brother, the renowned oil and gas law expert, Dr Adeoye Adefulu.

Deoye, as we fondly call him, now chairs the NBA Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), upholding his family's reputation for shaping commercial jurisprudence. This solidifies the Adefulu family's place, among legal royalty.

As we mourn this profound loss, I celebrate Prince Adeyemi Adefulu's life of excellence, integrity, and service to the cause of justice. His impact on the legal profession will continue to inspire generations to come. To my dear friend, Deoye, the Adefulu family, Senator Odunjinrin, and the entire Odunjinrin and Adefulu family, please, accept my deepest condolences. We grieve alongside you at the passing of this true titan. Sun re o, my dear Prince. You will be forever cherished, and terribly missed.

Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, Past President of the Nigerian Bar Association

Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, MFR: A Trailblazer in Many Regards

Prince Adefulu will go down in history as a co-founder of one of the oldest law firms in Nigeria - Odujinrin and Adefulu. He is also one of the first law firm founders in Nigeria, to successfully midwife a family law firm succession at Odujinrin and Adefulu. Prince Adefulu also blazed the trail with law practice publications which he championed, in partnership with well acclaimed UK Publishers, Butterworths. Every personal encounter I had with Prince Adefulu was insightful, and laced with words of encouragement for me. He was a true Prince, in his mien and carriage. He surely left his footprints in the sands of time, and I am grateful to have known him. Ayuli Jemide

Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, MFR

BODY OF SENIOR ADVOCATES OF NIGERIA

SECRETARIAT: Room 18, Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus, Victoria Island, Lagos. Tel: +234-704-4444124, +234-809-8828282

PUBLIC NOTICE THERE

ADVOCATES OF NIGERIA (BOSAN)

The attention of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) has been drawn to the recent activities of a body which describes itself as BODY OF SENIOR ADVOCATES OF NIGERIA PRACTISING IN ABUJA or BODY OF SENIOR ADVOCATES OF NIGERIA, ABUJA, under the leadership of Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN. The said body has continued to organise seminars, lectures, dinners, and such array of activities without recourse to the leadership of BOSAN. These activities have continued, notwithstanding the fact that the constitution of BOSAN does not provide for the existence of branches, groups or chapters anywhere in Nigeria.

For instance, on Saturday, 22nd October, 2022, BOSAN organized a befitting dinner/ lecture for the present Chief Justice of Nigeria in Lagos, and a good number of Justices of the Supreme Court and Senior Advocates were in attendance, including Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN. Immediately thereafter, Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN, championed the organization/staging of another dinner and lecture for some retired Justices of the Supreme Court, without any recourse to the Leader of the Body or the Secretariat. Apart from the myriad of parallel activities being organised by the said body, it has also gone ahead with a corrupted adaptation of the BOSAN logo, with the caption “Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria” appearing underneath. This logo, which is grossly misleading, has been imposed on the several letters of invitation being distributed to various senior members of the legal profession, as invitation to one of its lecture series scheduled for May 23, 2024 titled “2023 ELECTIONS: A POST- MORTEM.” The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justices of the Supreme Court, President and Justices of the Court of Appeal, all Heads of Courts and their Judges, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and retired Justices/Judges to whom Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN has extended his invitation should disregard that invitation.

This disturbing development which is unpretentiously targeted at polarising and disintegrating the age-long Body, is, to state the least, illegal, in breach of the constitution of BOSAN and antithetical to the philosophical ideals underpinning the establishment of the Body.

A brief historical foray into the genesis of BOSAN will put the foregoing concerns into perspective. Right from the formation of BOSAN by Chief Frederick Rotimi Alade Williams SAN, CFR and his contemporaries about forty years ago, it was designed to be free of all governmental and other external influences. This explains why till today, it remains a private organisation with the principal aim of promoting professional responsibility, integrity and the highest standards of professional ethics, etiquette, and discipline amongst its members; while ensuring the independence of the Judiciary, the rule of law and the promotion of the highest standards of professional practice in Nigeria.

At the time BOSAN was founded, its Leader (in the absence of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, where he was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria) was Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN, CFR, as he was the first Nigerian to be conferred with the prestigious rank in 1975 along with Dr. Nabo Graham-Douglas, SAN. Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN, CFR, chaired most meetings in the absence of the Attorney-General of the Federation or where the latter was present but had a specific role to play in his official capacity. In fact, a good number of BOSAN meetings were held in Chief Rotimi Williams’ Chambers at Ilupeju, Lagos. In the absence of Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN, CFR, the available Senior Advocate of Nigeria who was next in rank after him would stand in his stead at the meeting or event. At the risk of restating the obvious, maintaining seniority has always been sacrosanct in terms of preserving the honour and privilege of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. With the passing of Professor Ben Nwabueze, SAN in October 2023, the leadership of BOSAN fell to my lot, as the highest-ranking Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Though the afore-stated tradition far predates the incorporation of the Body and enactment of a constitution in May 2011, same has been codified by the constitution, thus, providing for the Attorney-General of the Federation as Chairman (provided he is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria) and the most senior living Senior Advocate of Nigeria as Vice-Chairman and Leader. Other officers are the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary and the Programme and Publicity Secretary. The Permanent Office of the Secretariat or Headquarters of the Body is situated in Lagos, as provided for in the constitution of the Body. There has never been any rancour within the Body since its formation.

It is rather unfortunate that the activities of the purported body led by Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN have continued unabated, despite the admonitions of Mr. Ebun Sofunde, SAN at the Special Court Session organised for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria at the Supreme Court of Nigeria on 27th November, 2023. It will be recalled that Mr. Ebun Sofunde, SAN, who presented the address of BOSAN, being the most senior of the SANS present at the event, not only gave a summary of how BOSAN was founded, its traditions and lofty heritage, right from the time of Chief Rotimi Williams SAN to date, but also emphasized the need to preserve BOSAN as one, in order for it not to lose its respect and credibility as a result of different groups from different cities or towns in Nigeria waking up, not only to establish their own branches but presenting and addressing matters and national issues from different perspectives, contrary to the intention of BOSAN’s founding fathers. One would have thought that that address would lay to rest the activities of any splinter group within BOSAN, as being led by Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN. As recently as 10th February, 2024, BOSAN held its meeting and annual dinner at Abuja, under the chairmanship of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince L. O. Fagbemi, SAN. It is noteworthy that the events were attended by Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN, who did not raise, even in hushed tones, any plan of a seminar, lecture series or the intention of the ‘Abuja Branch’ to hold or host such a seminar or lecture series.

While I plead with all members of BOSAN to continue to ensure a coherent Body as handed over to us by our past leaders, it is necessary to draw the attention of all Senior Advocates and lovers of the Legal Profession to the likely fallout of any polarization, division or dismemberment of BOSAN. We should never let it happen. Thus, we trust that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justices of the Supreme Court, President and Justices of the Court of Appeal, all Heads of Courts and their Judges, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria and retired Justices/Judges to whom Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN has extended his invitation should disregard such invitation, and be wary of lending any credibility to the activities of any splinter group within BOSAN, either through any encouragement or attendance at any event, ceremony or activity organized by Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN under the name of BOSAN. BOSAN also advises and pleads with members of the public, particularly Legal Practitioners, not to give or accord any recognition whatsoever to the illegal group and its activities.

DATED THIS 6TH DAY OF MAY 2024

PROFESSOR ALFRED BANDELE KASUNMU, SAN LEADER, BODY OF SENIOR ADVOCATES OF NIGERIA

’ICT Will Revolutionise Justice Delivery’

That Law Reports go to the heart of legal practice, is not a mere aphorism. No Lawyer can effectively conduct a case successfully without the aid of reliable law reports, as this is the tool that Lawyers in most jurisdictions, if not all, rely on. In Nigeria, however, only a few Law Reports are reliable, and, it is still a work in progress. Nevertheless, quite a number have reached the pinnacle of success and acceptability in this venture. Funmi Quadri, SAN, the Founder and Publisher of Nigerian Supreme court Quarterly reports, and editor and author of several law publications, is one of the success stories. onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi pulled her out of her busy schedule last week, and sought her views on sundry issues, including how she has managed to cope with the challenging endeavour of law reporting along with active legal practice, and the importance of digitalisation and technology in the future of justice delivery in Nigeria. She also recognised the importance of family support, which she received from her husband, and her children who all happen to be Lawyers, in her success story

Learned Silk, you veered into law reporting in 2002, and today you have Volumes in various areas of law including Election Petition, Criminal Law and Matrimonial Causes. Why did you choose these particular areas to report? What advice do you have for young Lawyers, who may be interested in treading the same path as you?

I ventured into Law Reporting in year 2002 because of the dearth of Law Reports, and the high cost of the few available ones. I found myself of over

10-12 years post – call experience not being able to develop my law library, nor could I afford to buy the few law reports in circulation. They were expensive, and not readily available. I found myself in a queue with some other Lawyers, to borrow Law Reports from some very senior members of the Bar.

My advice to younger Lawyers who are interested in this venture is that, they must first know that it is not an easy work - one sits down 24/7 to either edit or proofread, and one manages the supervision of the

“Yes, my Reports have become one of the most reliable in Nigeria today. Do we talk of the Nigerian Supreme Court Quarterly Law Reports, the Election Petition Reports, the Nigerian Criminal Cases, the Matrimonial Cases which have all become household names in the legal profession?”

printing and marketing. It is not easy. But, the great joy is that if one can be resilient, hardworking, determined and endure, one will definitely succeed. One must be on his/her toes, at every given point.

Your reports have become one of the most reliable law reports in Nigeria today. How do you cope with such a tasking endeavour of editing judgements for law reports and, at the same time, engage. in active legal practice?

Yes, my Reports have become one of the most reliable in Nigeria today. Do we talk of the Nigerian Supreme Court Quarterly Law Reports, the Election Petition Reports, the Nigerian Criminal Cases, the Matrimonial Cases which have all become household names in the legal profession?

I have been able to cope with the assistance and support of my dear husband, Olamilekan Quadri. My children, who are all Lawyers, have greatly supported me. With determination, hard work and God, the Creator of Mankind who has given me divine enabled merit and favour all round. I was used to active legal practice, before venturing into Law

Reports after 14 years. I find it difficult to divorce myself from that, and my clients will not even let me be.

You are also an author of two books, one on Election Petition and the other on Civil Procedure. Do you think the new Electoral Act, 2022 passed the litmus test following the 2023 general elections, or the law still needs to be amended? Nigeria seems to have the highest incidence of Election Petitions after elections. Why is this so? How can the numbers be reduced to a bare minimum?

I authored some Books to aid the Law Reporting –

(1) The Cardinal Principles of Election Petition

(2) Originating Summons in Civil Procedure.

(3) Brief writing in Brief

The 2022 Electoral Act, is a great improvement on that of 2010

No doubt that the various provisions and amendments to the previous Electoral Act 2010 (as amended in 2015) in the Electoral Act 2022, are in order to improve the electoral process, and midwife democratic stability in the country. A careful study of the Electoral Act 2022 reveals clearly that if it is rightly implemented, it holds

Mrs Funmi Quadri, SAN

‘ICT Will Revolutionise Justice Delivery’

the prospects of attaining democratic stability in Nigeria over a period.

These prospects are lodged in several aspects and provisions of the Electoral Act 2022. Some improvements of the Electoral Act 2022 include making election funds available to INEC one year before the election date as provided in Section 3(3) of the Act, the new law ensures, and strengthens the financial independence of the Commission, and addresses major logistics challenges the Commission had encountered in the past. There is also the provision that has fixed the deadline for the registration of political parties to one year before a general election year. Section 29(1) of the Act makes it compulsory for Political parties to hold primary election and submit their candidates’ list not later than 180 days before the day scheduled for the general election. Also, in the new Electoral Act is the provision for early commencement of campaigns as contained in Section 94 of the Act, to commence 150 days before election day and to end 24 hours before the election day. Some other key improvements in the Electoral Act 2022 are:

a. Clarity on what happens in the event of the death of a candidate while election is ongoing, as provided in Section 34 of the Act.

b. Consideration and promotion of the inclusion of voters with physical disabilities, special needs and vulnerable persons as provided in Section 54 of the Act.

c. Redefinition of over-voting as provided in Section 51 of the Act.

d. By virtue of Section 65 of the Electoral Act, the Commission can review results declared by a returning officer within 7 days, where such declaration was made under duress or contrary to the provision of the law.

e. Introduction and legitimisation of the use of electronic accreditation of voters, usage of smart card readers and other technology to ease the conduct of the election.

f. Only an aspirant who participated in the primary election of a political party, is allowed to approach the court for review under Section 29(5) of the Act. Electoral reforms are credible and essential tools, towards attaining democratic stability. This is because they help to improve the electoral process, and reduce the possibility of fraud and other manipulations that are problems to democratic stability. Following this, the Electoral Act 2022 has been reviewed to possess the values to chart the path to democratic stability in Nigeria; although, not without first addressing some critical challenges including elite behaviour and lack of political will and attitudes towards improving the electoral process, security challenges, logistics challenges and others.

The issue of piracy is every Publisher’s nightmare. What has been your experience in this regard? How do you protect your law reports and books, from book pirates and plagiarists?

We in Law Reporting, hardly experience piracy or plagiarism, because before a volume is pirated, another volume is out. So, you don’t even know which one to pirate.

The world has since gone digital, and your law reports already have

digital versions. How can Lawyers access your digital platform?

Unfortunately, a good number of Nigerian senior Lawyers and Judges still prefer hard copies. How can they be persuaded to navigate towards the digital? Digitalisation is the new watchword to enhance one’s legal practice, and to enable a Lawyer to work efficiently and deliver optimum results.

We, at Funmi Quadri (SAN) & Co., have a robust IT tech team who deliver cutting edge IT tools for both Lawyers, Judges and judicial institutions, in assisting them in their daily practice and in managing their affairs better with the use of technology.

We have the Electronic Law Companion, which is one of Nigeria’s foremost research platforms. It is a digital library which will assist Lawyers in their daily practice to conduct their research in the snap of a finger. Our Law Companion is an electronic library of Nigerian case law and legislation, that empowers legal practitioners and academics with quick and easy access at the click of a button. Lawyers can access our digital library through multiple user-friendly channels: by visiting our website at lawcompanion.net, or through our mobile application available on both iOS and Android. This allows Lawyers to access law reports anytime, anywhere, with advanced search features. Subscribers to our service also have access to regular updates, and an extensive archive of resources.

We have made it available on various platforms, such as on mobile phone app stores for all kinds of mobile devices, ipad, desktop and laptop versions. It is very accessible, and it as easy as searching for law

“I have been able to cope with the assistance and support of my dear husband, Olamilekan Quadri. My children who are all Lawyers, have greatly supported me. With determination, hard work and God, the Creator of Mankind who has given me divine enabled merit and favour all round”

companion on your mobile store.

Quit a good number of senior Lawyers and Judges have embraced technology as they have benefited in a great measure, with respect to using it to make their lives easier. However, for many of them, the hard copies are just as useful and important as the digital versions, so, they still ensure they purchase the hard copies alongside the digital copies, as they complement each other.

To persuade senior Lawyers and Judges to embrace digital platforms, we focus on highlighting the convenience, efficiency, and added value of digital law reports. Digital platforms like ours are easily accessed anytime and anywhere, improving efficiency through advanced search functions that save valuable time, and providing real-time updates to ensure access to the latest legal developments.

Senior Lawyers need to understand that it’s a digital world now, and you can't function properly without ICT. It’s therefore essential to adapt, in order not to be left behind. One way to learn, is by leveraging on junior counsels in their chambers, or even their children at home. Additionally, I’ve found that phobia is one reason why some senior Lawyers may be hesitant; to overcome that, all you need is to try using these tools yourself. You learn faster, when you make mistakes. Within a short time, you would have perfected the skill.

By emphasising these points, we can encourage a smooth transition towards the digital platform, ensuring senior Lawyers and Judges can fully benefit from the advantages it offers.

What are your views on virtual hearings? They still do not seem to be popular in Nigeria

Virtual hearings are a pivotal innovation in the legal industry, offering numerous benefits such as increased accessibility, reduced costs, and greater efficiency in the administration of justice. They allow participants to attend proceedings without the need for physical presence, which can be particularly advantageous in a country like Nigeria, where logistical challenges and traffic congestion can cause significant delays. We have to do more with respect to embracing technology in legal practice, and I think it is high time those in authority have a round table meeting to discuss how we will totally overhaul

the Judiciary to make it more technology driven, as it is done in most advanced countries in the world.

Certain events, including the Covid-19 pandemic, were an eye opener for how technology can be used to bridge the gap in the justice sector. However, with respect to virtual hearing, it has still not been fully embraced by various courts in Nigeria. The adoption of virtual hearing is haphazardly implemented in various courts, and it is the individual Judges that use their discretion in adoption of same.

It will surprise you the most that, many applications and motions taken in court really don’t require parties to be physically present in court for them to be taken, as so many of them are unopposed while a good number of other applications are heard on affidavit evidence which can easily be taken virtually without physically being present in court. In addition, a good number of appellate courts are overwhelmed with numerous appeals, while also election periods are always one of the most busiest for courts all over the county. Many of such cases can be mandated to be taken virtually, while the courts can be left for some other serious cases.

In order to get this running, all courts have to introduce in their various rules and practice directions on what type of cases or motions should mandatorily be taken virtually; they also need to equip and train the court officials on how to embrace and use these technologies, as this will be a total game changer for the justice sector.

One of the major causes of delay in the administration of justice in Nigeria, is the underutilisation of technology to expedite legal processes. Virtual hearings can significantly mitigate these delays, by providing access to justice regardless of geographical location. This means that participants can join proceedings from anywhere in the world, which is particularly beneficial for cases where parties have relocated abroad. For instance, many divorce cases involve individuals who have moved out of Nigeria. The costs and inconveniences of traveling back for court sessions can be prohibitive, and there are instances where parties have travelled only to find that the court did not sit.

Mrs Funmi Quadri, SAN

‘ICT Will Revolutionise Justice Delivery’

Moreover, the Correctional Centres sometimes face challenges in transporting inmates to the courts, leading to unnecessary adjournments. Virtual hearings can address these issues by enabling remote participation, thus, avoiding such logistical hurdles. While it may not be feasible to conduct an entire case virtually, certain aspects such as taking witness testimonies, recording pleas, and other procedural steps can be effectively handled through virtual platforms. This hybrid approach can significantly enhance the efficiency of the judicial process, and reduce delays.

In conclusion, embracing virtual hearings and integrating them into the judicial system can revolutionise the administration of justice in Nigeria, making it more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective.

In the past few years there have been complaints of increasing of judgements delivered per incuriam, especially at the Court of Appeal. When you come across these in your law reports, how do you handle them, noticing these errors? How do you decide which judgement to choose, when you have conflicting judgements from the same court?

In our Law Reports, we don’t emphasise on judgements delivered per incuriam. Authorities abound on “when a judgment is given per incuriam …… when a decision has been arrived at by the Court in ignorance or conceal of an authority, statutory, or otherwise, which is binding on the Court” see the case of OKONJI NGWO v MONYE (1970-71) NSCOR 347. The Position of the law is that a judgement given per incuriam, is not binding on any court. What suggestions do you have on how to handle this issue of conflicting judgements emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdiction? The latest example being the judgements concerning the Rivers State House of Assembly imbroglio, where the Federal High Court has issued several orders and the Rivers State High Court has responded like a court of appeal, by issuing somewhat contradictory orders. What can be done to stem the tide of abuse of court process?

When we have conflicting judgements from the Court of Appeal, recourse must be had to the Supreme Court Judgements which are contained in our Supreme Court Quarterly Law Reports. Where there are conflicting judgements from the same courts, what we do is look at the decisions of the Apex Court in respect of a similar matter. Where the judgement is a binding precedent (Supreme Court decision), it takes priority over a conflicting lower court judgement.

We also look at the later judgement. Generally, a later judgement supersedes an earlier one, as it reflects the court’s most recent consideration of the issue.

Also, the circumstances of each case must be looked at. Where one of the judgements is more fact-specific and relevant, it is prioritised over the other.

To curb the abuse of court process, the courts have a bigger part to play.

The courts must ensure that sanctions are placed on any party or Lawyer, that files a suit that is later discovered to be frivolous or an abuse of court process. I think, that way, it will serve as a deterrent to others.

Most Nigerian Judges still write in longhand, with its attendant challenges. By the time some of them retire, they have problems with their writing hand. What, in your opinion, can be done to change this outdated practice?

Writing in long hand has caused numerous damage to many of our judge’s health and wellbeing, and I strongly appeal to the Federal Government and State Governments to look into providing more funding for the Judiciary, especially for the welfare of the Judges and providing them with various IT tools that will enhance their efficiency in carrying out their duties.

In 2021, we launched a solution called Q-soft Denovo which is aimed at eliminating writing in longhand.

This system was launched by the Vice-President of Nigeria and the then Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation. This was our own way of responding to this longstanding problem in our country, as all foreign systems deployed have all failed. This marks a milestone, as the first of its kind in Africa.

The Q-soft Denovo system represents a groundbreaking solution, designed to transform court proceedings and enhance the administration of justice. It captures audio and video in real-time,

“…. Q-soft Technologies to develop Africa’s foremost indigenously built Court Recording System…. to totally eliminate Judges writing in longhand….In one of the courts it’s deployed in, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the Judge was able, with the help of the system, to deliver over 58 judgements in Q1 only, which is practically impossible if proceedings are taken manually in the court”

while providing accurate transcription of spoken words. Additionally, it facilitates remote connectivity between courts and prisons, streamlining the participation of suspects and witnesses without the need for physical transportation. With the advent of technology, the practice of writing in longhand is as old as time. There are technologies that totally eliminate such practice, and such have been fully embraced in developed economies. Interestingly, we have looked closely into this area for numerous years, and Our IT team at Funmi Quadri (SAN) & Co has worked closely with Q-soft Technologies to develop Africa’s foremost indigenously built Court Recording System which is one of the best technologies available to totally eliminate Judges writing in longhand, and other laudable features which are a totally revolutionary in our justice system. In one of the courts it’s deployed in, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the Judge was able, with the help of the system, to deliver over 58 judgements in Q1 only, which is practically impossible if proceedings are taken manually in the court.

It is therefore, time for the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all those at the helm of affairs, to be totally committed to the welfare of our Judges as they are giving so much and not so much attention is paid to them, though the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man and the time for doing the same thing and expecting a different result is over.

Many Nigerian widows go through hell, ranging from primitive native practices that widows are subjected to, either to prove that they didn’t kill their husbands or to satisfy one custom or the other, to being evicted from their marital homes by relatives and issues of inheritance from their husband’s estates. Men do not appear to go through any of this, and if they did, it would also be unacceptable. What can be done to stop this discrimination against women? Even educated relatives are not excluded, from meting

out unfair treatment to widows

Well, my major advice to Women, is first, to get a Lawyer who is versed on Family law. But, secondly, the Apex Court has come out with many Judgements declaring those obnoxious customs of subjecting women and widows to primitive native practices of proving their innocence or not entitled to the husband‘s or father’s properties, as being acts repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience.

The Court has held in several cases such as UKEJE v UKEJE ( 2014) 58 NSCOR 487, that discrimination is a breach of Section 42(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution on fundamental rights guaranteed to every Nigeria. A custom which disentitles a Female from inheriting is not only unconstitutional, but also null and void.

Addressing the discrimination against widows in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses legal reforms, public awareness campaigns, support services, engagement with traditional and religious leaders, legislative advocacy, education and empowerment initiatives. Strengthening and enforcing existing laws to protect widows' rights, coupled with widespread awareness campaigns to educate communities about the harmful effects of discriminatory practices, are essential steps. Additionally, establishing support centres offering legal, emotional, and financial assistance to widows, alongside vocational training for economic empowerment, can provide much-needed support. Collaborating with traditional and religious leaders to advocate for the abandonment of harmful practices and promoting gender equality, is crucial. Furthermore, legislative advocacy efforts aimed at enacting comprehensive legislation protecting widows' rights and advocating for inclusion in national policies on gender equality, are necessary. Finally, promoting educational programmes on women's rights and economic empowerment, providing scholarships, and fostering support networks for widows and their children, can help address the root causes of discrimination and inequality.

Thank you Learned Silk.

Mrs Funmi Quadri, SAN

BUSINESS WORLD

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government received N13.017 trillion in revenues from the operations of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in four years, a THISDAY computation of data from the commission has shown.

The information indicated that in 2020, the federal government raked in N2.002 trillion; in 2021, it got N2.9 trillion while in 2022 and 2023, the federal government got revenues amounting to N3.781 trillion and N4.334 trillion respectively from the NUPRC. Essentially, the upstream regulator gets its revenues from its operations and services, including collection of royalties on oil and gas, gas flare penalty, concession rentals, bunkering, bid round fees,

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has stated that Nigeria’s coca export accounted for 29 per cent of total agricultural export valued at N1.24 trillion in 2023. According to him, cocoa also represented 5.6 per cent of total non-oil exports recorded in 2023.

Kyari stated this during a courtesy visit by the National Cocoa Management Committee (NCMC) in Abuja.

He stated that in January 2024, a tonne of cocoa bean was valued

signature bonuses, among others.

The commission supervises all upstream petroleum operations being carried out under licences and leases in the country and processes upstream petroleum – related applications for leases, licences and permits.

Besides, it ensures timely and accurate payments of rents, royalties and other revenues due to the government from upstream petroleum operations.

According to the revenue collection data, whereas in 2020, the revenue target was N1.83 trillion, the NUPRC was able to hit N2.002 trillion, a performance of 109.4 per cent. In 2021, the commission set a target of N3.056 trillion, but was only able to draw a revenue of N2.9 trillion from its operations for that year, leading to a revenue

at N1.8 million while it is being valued at N11.2million per tonne presently in the Nigerian market.

“This implies that cocoa development in Nigeria is economically viable for investment both locally and internationally,” he said.

He however stated that NCMC is also to guarantee quality, transparency and sustainability in the cocoa value chain, maintaining that the establishment of NCMC is premised on the importance of cocoa to the economy of Nigeria.

“It is on record that Nigeria

performance of 95 per cent.

Besides, in 2022, the NUPRC had a revenue goal of N3.196 trillion, but exceeded it to remit N3.781 trillion to the federal government, to hit an overall performance of 118.3 trillion for that year.

Also, in 2023, against an annual revenue collection target of N3.789 trillion, the commission remitted N4.334 trillion to the government, being the highest in the four years under consideration. The revenue performance for the NUPRC for that year was 114.65 per cent.

In the document, the Gbenga Komolafe-led organisation stated that in 2024, it is blocking all avenues for leakages and will execute a zero default strategy to ensure that all royalties are paid to the commission.

“ On revenue generation and

generated N356.16 billion worth of cocoa beans and its allied products in 2023 which makes it the highest agricultural contributor to the GDP,” he stressed.

“I was made to understand that the NCMC is in a good position to implement the National Cocoa Plan being championed by both Federal Ministries of Agriculture & Food Security and Industry, Trade and Investment. This is with a view to boosting the production of Cocoa and for Nigeria to take its rightful place in the league of Cocoa producing countries in

the implementation of zero default strategy on payment of royalty, the commission shall in 2024 begin the implementation of a new administrative process for the management of royalty payments based on the new royalty regulations.

“The new shall be zero default system which ensures a 100 per cent payment of royalty as at when due without allowance for any default or late payment.

“The foregoing represents in broad terms the key thematic focus areas that would underpin the commission’s activities in 2024. These are in addition to the commission’s commitment to its general objectives and functions as provided in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and by implication all other laws relating to upstream petroleum

the world,” he noted.

On the issue of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) threats to Nigerian cocoa, he pledged the commitment of the Ministry to support the European Union (EU) to embark on the assessment as was done for other cocoa producing countries

“Also, it is noteworthy that the African Development Fund (AFDB) has funds to support the development of cocoa in Nigeria as mentioned by the NCMC Chairman. Therefore, this Ministry will work through the

operations in Nigeria.

“In focusing on these areas, the commission aims at bringing into rapid effect the transformation of the sector envisaged by the PIA and ramping up the efficiency and performance of the sector.

“Furthermore, the implementation of these initiatives would in the short- and long-term increase revenues generated for government from the industry, improve the regulatory and operating environment, optimise value, generate jobs, and position the country as a destination for foreign direct investment for the sector,” the commission stated in its action plan for this year.

It explained that as a strategydriven organisation, it was firmly committed to setting a clear agenda for the Nigerian upstream sector to engender efficiency and

NCMC to access this fund for the development of the Cocoa sector and the implementation of the National Cocoa Plan (2023-2032),” he assured.

“I therefore urge this allimportant noble Committee to put all hands-on deck to champion the way forward for Nigerian cocoa thereby achieving all set objectives of NCMC,” he implored.

Speaking on the brief on NCMC, the Chairman NCMC and Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Engr. Abdullahi

effectiveness in line with the PIA and government aspirations for a virile, functional, and profitable oil and gas sector.

The commission stated that it will ensure that the Regulatory Action Plan (RAP) for 2024 and the near term is implemented vigorously by all concerned in the beneficial interest of operators, service providers, industry participants and other stakeholders, all in the overriding national interest.

Part of what it intends to do to ensure maximum returns, it said, is to make sure that there’s transparency in the measurement of Nigeria’s crude oil, with a view to making sure the commission and by extension, the country is not ripped off.

Abubakar, said the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security approved the establishment of the National Cocoa Management Committee (NCMC), a national coordinating body expected to guarantee quality, traceability, transparency, and sustainability in Cocoa Value Chain on 2nd August 2022 for the purpose of developing a framework for the regulation and monitoring of Cocoa sector’s activities.

Ekpo Seeks More Investment in Cutting-edge Facilities to Boost Gas Supply

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called for greater investments in cutting-edge gas processing facilities in the country to boost supply.

The minister also urged the members of the new Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) to make inclusivity

and collaboration top priorities in decision-making.

Ekpo spoke at a retreat and governing council meeting of the MDGIF held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, according to a statement by his spokesman, Louis Ibah.

He said investment in infrastructure projects was essential to the effective distribution, transportation, and use of natural gas throughout Nigeria and should

Chevron Prepares for North Sea Exit after 55 Years

Chevron has said it is set to launch the sale of its remaining UK North Sea oil and gas assets, in a move that would mark the US energy giant’s exit from the ageing basin after more than 55 years.

The planned divestment, confirmed to Reuters, comes as Chevron prepares for the $53 billion acquisition of rival Hess which it previously said will include $10 billion to $15 billion in asset sales around the world.

The exit will be the latest step in a steady retreat of top oil and gas companies from the declining British basin which pioneered deepwater production in the 1970s, as they focus on newer assets around the world.

Chevron’s assets include a 19.4 per cent stake in the BP-operated Clair oilfield in the West of Shetland region, the largest in the British North Sea with production of 120,000 barrels per day.

BP has said it is considering a third development phase for the field, known as Clair South, which is one of the largest remaining untapped fields in the North Sea.

UK oil and gas production has dropped from a peak of around

4.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) in the late 1990s to around 1.2 million boed in 2023.

Chevron is also seeking to sell its marginal interests in the Sullom Voe oil terminal, as well as its stakes in the Ninian and SIRGE pipeline systems which are both linked to the hub, it said in a statement.

The sale could raise up to $1 billion excluding tax benefits, one industry source said. The process is expected to be formally launched in June, industry sources told Reuters.

It will not impact the operations of Chevron’s international headquarters in London or its technology centre in Aberdeen, the company said.

The exit follows a review of Chevron’s global portfolio as Chief Executive, Mike Wirth seeks to focus on the firm’s most profitable assets, Chevron said.

In 2018, Chevron sold its stake in the Rosebank field development to Equinor. A year later it sold many of its North Sea assets to Ithaca Energy. Other major oil companies, including Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips and Shell, have sold assets in the basin since the 2000s.

F g rA ke S I n over n 13 T n r even U e F rom n UP r C’S oP er ATI on S I n Fo U r Ye A r S

It said: “Recognising the importance of revenue generation to the actualisation of government plans, programmes and budgets, the commission is poised to ensure the there’s appropriate assessment and remittance of royalty as and when due.

“This will be done through the enforcement of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations, 2023 to ensure transparency in crude oil measurement and accounting thereby blocking leakages arising from hitherto inaccurate measurement.

“Through the Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation targeted at curbing disposal of illegally obtained crude oil majorly through stealing, a non-kinetic initiative by the commission, it will complement the fight against oil theft in Nigeria.

“There shall be application of the instrumentality of the law which among others empowers the NUPRC to: Suspend all regulatory approvals

and permits until payments are made and seize crude in lieu of debt during monthly lifting programme”

According to the commission, it shall, in 2024 implement the 100 per cent hydro-carbon accounting project aimed at ensuring that all hydrocarbon produced and exported in Nigeria are efficiently and properly accounted for through reliable and efficient metering systems.

To achieve this, the commission, explained that it shall conduct an audit of all measurement points, establish a metering plan for all licences and leases and ensure that licenced metering service providers are deployed by all licensees and leases to carry out metering services in line with the metering regulations.

“The above measures will enhance the transparency and accountability in the upstream sector as well as bolster Nigeria’s credibility in the international arena and debunk negative publicity,” the NUPRC stated.

be stimulated by the MDGIF.

He stressed the need for the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as substitute fuels for cooking and transportation.

According to him, the construction of gas processing plants remains critical to increasing

the value of the country’s natural gas resources.

He said: “These plants are critical in separating and purifying raw gas streams, resulting in commercial products such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane.

“By investing in cutting-edge gas processing facilities, we can

improve the quality and quantity of gas supplies available for local consumption and export, thus driving economic growth and attracting investment in the area.

“Through encouraging the use of LPG for home use and CNG for transportation, we can lessen our dependency on fossil fuels, reduce air pollution, and enhance public health outcomes.

“In order to do this, we must give top priority to building LPG distribution networks and CNG refuelling stations around the country, ensuring that these clean energy sources are available and reasonably priced for everyone.”

Climate Change: Dangiwa Advocates Fair Land Management Strategies

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa has urged African governments to prioritise inclusive urban planning and fair land management strategies as part of measures to combat the effects of climate change, urbanisation, and conflicts.

He spoke at the high-level Ministerial Africa Regional Workshop on the future of land administration in addressing urbanization, climate change, conflicts, and food security at the World Bank Land Conference held in Washington DC.

Dangiwa stated that the way Africa countries manage land in the future needs to consider

everything from how cities are growing, to climate change, conflicts and ensuring food sustainability.

“In Nigeria, we have embarked on a comprehensive land reforms programme that aims to make access to land easy, accessible, and equitable. A couple of months ago, we set up a Land Reforms Task Team with the mandate to produce a comprehensive blueprint for these reforms.

“The team comprises sector experts, traditional institutions, and state governments who are custodians of the land. A crucial part of this initiative is the review of the Land Use Act of 1978, the governing law for land

administration in Nigeria.

“The Act is obsolete, and we aim to review it. As part of the reform process, we also want to set up a National Land Commission to operationalise the law after it has been reviewed,” he said.

A statement by Dangiwa’s spokesman, Mark Chieshe, quoted him as emphasing that the efforts are essential for the new government as they prepare the blueprint for implementation.

To address the broader challenges, Dangiwa highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive and holistic approach to land administration. He stated that inclusive urban planning and fair land management strategies

must be prioritised. This, he said, involves ensuring efficient land allocation and titling systems, as well as integrating informal settlements into formal urban frameworks to provide access to basic services and infrastructure for all citizens. Furthermore, with climate change causing problems like desertification and flooding, the Hon. Minister stressed the need to invest more in sustainable land practices and resilient infrastructure. This includes planting more trees, adhering to green building standards, and incorporating nature-based solutions in city planning to reduce environmental risks.

FAO Advocates AI to Transform Global Agri-food Systems

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has emphasised on the need for governments across the globe to invest massively in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionise agri-food systems.

The Director General, FAO, QU Dongyu, explained that AI and the ongoing digital revolution would inevitably transform the world and its agrifood systems, while also solve global challenges.

Dongyu at the Business Federations of the G7 (B7) meeting in Rome, said AI is not just a technological shift, but a force driving fundamental economic and social transformation at the broadest level, stressing that AI recognizes its power to bring potential benefits to a wide range of populations

and to contribute to improved efficiency and sustainability.

He noted that, “Digital agriculture can revolutionise how we produce, distribute and consume food.”

He also highlighted the potential benefits for farmers and stakeholders across agrifood systems to include improved pricing data, minimising food loss and waste, enhancing food safety and stimulating adoption of better seeds, fertilizer and sustainable practices.

The Director-General emphasised the central role that data plays in AI and digital technologies, noting that quality data is needed to train innovative tools and to accelerate actions such as agrifood systems transformation.

Qu also urged private-sector

actors to increase their ambition for climate action and to show more accountability towards their supply chains and the communities in the countries from which they source, buy and sell their products

“Another absolutely critical area for collaboration and harmonisation of approaches is in the energy sector. Decarbonization by 2050 is “simply not possible” without addressing energy consumption across agrifood systems,” the Director-General said.

The FAO Director-General spoke at a session focused on charting new courses for cross-border global cooperation, joined by Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

To broaden the positive impact

of such enabling innovations, FAO is working closely with all partners, including governments, academia, the private sector, civil society and international organizations, advocating for a robust approach with targeted, coherent and comprehensive strategies and actions implemented in synergy and in compliance with ethical principles.

“FAO has a formidable database in FAOSTAT, data is central to FAO’s Strategic Framework 20222031 and has an innovation lab to experiment with new sources and methods. One takeaway from those initiatives is that data ecosystems require significant investment and effective collaboration. FAO stands ready to engage and partner with the B7 group and the private sector in this area,” Qu said.

Nigeria’s Adekeye Emerges Chairperson of APPO Training Directors

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria’s Folashade Adekeye has emerged as the Chairperson, Forum of the Directors of Oil & Gas Training & Vocational Education Institutes of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO).

Adekeye, who is the Director, NNPC Academy, took over from the former chairperson, Mr. Abdelkader Guenone, the Managing Director of the Algerian Petroleum Institute (API), during the second meeting of the Forum, in Abuja, at the weekend.

Adekeye, who heads the NNPC’s oil and gas training arm, brings into the role over 30 years of experience, and is expected to work with her colleagues from APPO Member Countries in order to foster more collaboration towards addressing the challenges of competences, skill gaps, infrastructure, and poor funding in the organization’s training institutions.

Earlier in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the meeting, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mele Kyari, represented

by Inuwa Danladi, Executive Vice President (Business Services), emphasised the importance of a standardised educational and training approach to meet the changing demands of the oil and gas industry.

Also in his keynote address, APPO’s Secretary General, Dr. Omar Ibrahim, charged the member countries to work towards further enhancing collaborative efforts to establish oil & gas centres of excellence across the African continent.

Ibrahim, also from Nigeria, said having a good knowledge of the forum’s challenges would enable APPO member countries to make recommendations and provide solutions in areas such as oil & gas project funding, technology adoption, and the formation of the Africa Energy Bank. He noted that such collaboration by all member countries will guarantee Africa’s energy accessibility, affordability and sustainability, which overall, will strengthen her economies and bring prosperity to its citizens.

Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Babalola: Customs Automation Raising Revenues from N1tn to N6tn

Managing Director of Webb Fontaine Nigeria Limited, Ope Babalola spoke to journalists in Lagos on the prospects of the recently inaugurated National Single Window Committee by President Bola Tinubu and how his company has contributed in achieving increased in revenue collection by Nigeria Customs Service. From an expert point of view, Babalola explained that the Port Community System being promoted by Nigerian Ports Authority can run under the Single Window system with each complementing the other. Excerpts

President Tinubu recently launched the National Single Window Initiative to Enhance Revenue Generation and Streamline Import/Export Trade Process for Ease of Business. What impact do you think this will have on our economy?

This is a really commendable and worthy initiative that President Tinubu has launched. I will speak specifically to the Trade environment, because my understanding is that this Single Window scheme goes beyond that. A Single Window for Trade allows all actors and participants involved in trade to come to a central place to access information, and to engage in the processes required with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Revenue Authority, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and all other relevant agencies. We already have a lot of this but this initiative will enhance it further and make the trade flow much smoother, faster and hopefully less expensive for importers, manufacturers and by extension, the general public.

Give us an insight into the difference(s) between single window and port community system?

It’s actually not complicated. Single Window is the entry point. Under it, you will find the links to the portals for the associated agencies such as Customs, Ports, Aviation etc. Each of these will run their own internal systems but there will be common information that can be shared. Instead of duplicating information and data or going from agency to agency, common data can be shared and accessed. Also, processes involving input from two or more agencies can benefit from a common platform where data flows from one actor to another following a clear, predictable path.

For example, the Nigeria Customs Service and the ports use same shipping data. The information is the same. Why can’t it be input once, stored and shared on the Single Window platform, for use by all interested parties that qualify for access? That is so much easier and more secure eliminating the errors and the waste of time introduced by the repeated capture of the same data by users. So, the Single Window is the platform where eligible users have access to the common data required. It is the platform to produce or consume data according to preprogramed workflows.

Can Port Community System run under Single Window without any hitch or operational overlap?

Of course it can. South West is simply an entry point. Once in, the participants can engage the agencies in the Single Window. It’s like going into a shopping mall. There are several stores that sell different things or provide various services from ice-cream to opticians. Just get to the mall and find the store you need. The two are not rivals – they are symbiotic!

Moreover, other agencies that are part of the Single Window can benefit from the high quality of data produced by the Port Community System platform

Tell us about how your operations in Nigeria have impacted the economy and other areas.

We are very proud of our record in Nigeria, and the impact we’ve made since 2006. Along with the Management of Nigeria Customs Service we have helped to take Customs operations from manual to fully computerized and paperless operations.

Between 2017 to 2023, Customs revenue generation has increased from N1.028 trillion to N3.192 trillion You can see the growth and contribution to the economy. Every day

you read about Customs commands generating record revenues, That’s evidence of our contribution, since it is still our technology in use. Under normal circumstances we should expect to see nothing less than N6 trillion in revenues this year.

Economically, where do you think Nigeria will be in the next five years if the NSW takes off with efficient implementation?

While the NSW is not the solution to all our problems, it can certainly make Business to Government interactions much easier to navigate. And easier navigation makes life easier for people. What it will do if properly implemented is that is should speed up the customs process, decongest our ports, reduce the cost of goods in the markets by reducing the cost of importation, and reduce corruption by removing a lot of human intervention.

This is the classic definition of Ease of Doing Business.

It will also increase Nigeria’s attractiveness to new, major, investors by showing the country’s government commitment to utilize state of the art technology to improve the business climate.

Tell us about some of the countries WF operate and how they have benefitted from your work?

Webb Fontaine Nigeria operates in 25 countries worldwide. We provide a wide range of services, and different combinations or aspects of those services in each location, depending on what we’re contracted to do. In the countries of Benin Republic and Cote d’Ivoire, we are the Customs and ports operators, and we can see how well those countries are doing. We are also in Guinea, DR Congo to the North, Kenya and Ethiopia to the East and Libya to the

“A Single Window for Trade allows all actors and participants involved in trade to come to a central place to access information, and to engage in the processes required with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Revenue Authority, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NationalAgency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and all other relevant agencies. We already have a lot of this but this initiative will enhance it further and make the trade flow much smoother, faster and hopefully less expensive for importers, manufacturers and by extension, the general public.”

north, just to give a few examples. Outside of Africa we operate in Ajman, Bahrain, Nepal and Panama among others. We are a truly global brand. Our Research and Development Centers are the largest in the industry, and are in several locations in Armenia, Philippines, Switzerland. Our work speaks for itself. In many of those countries, we have introduced innovations that have led to improved trade processes and sector developments. At times one sector even recommends us to another.

Is there a place for knowledge transfer and career progression for Nigerians working with Webb Fontaine?

95% of our staff in Nigeria are Nigerians, including myself of course and some of my management team. Although we are a global operation, locally we are very Nigerian and proud to be so. In addition, where there are global opportunities, our Nigerian staff are welcome to apply. We are one big family.

Babalola

HOFA: 300 % Increase in Electricity Tariff Will Destroy Hospitality Business

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA) has warned that the 300 per cent increase in electricity tariff for Band A customers will spell a doom for the hospitality industry.

It issued warning at a joint briefing it held with stakeholders including Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), National Electricity Consumer Advocacy in Nigeria (NECAN)and Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria.

HOFA President, Mrs Funmi Kazeem, warned the escalation in electricity tariff would kill hotel business

in the FCT in a matter of a month given its implication for the industry’s sustainability and growth.

She said many hotels were still haunted by the impact of COVID-19 pandemic with plummeting occupancy rates, dwindled revenues and heightened operational cost associated with enhanced health and safety protocols.

Kazeem said the increase in energy cost, places an immense strain on hospitality establishments, eroding profit margins, and hindering their ability to invest in essential upgrades, innovations and guest amenities.

In the face of this coupled with multiple taxes and other multifaceted challenges, HOFA urges regulatory

authorities to reconsider the tariff hike and explore alternative solutions that balance the need for revenue generation with the imperative of supporting economic recovery and growth.

Also, the Chairman the BOT HOFA, Chika Chejina, said all boutique hotels of 20 rooms that were hitherto billed N1million per month now pay on the average N3.5 million per month, while those of 40 rooms, previously charged N2 million monthly were now paying N7.5 million per month as electricity tariff.

He urged government to urgently interfere saying if the situation perseveres, in a couple of months, many of those hotels will close up and throw their workers into the job market.

NCS, Bauchi Intercepts 17,580 Litres of Petrol Worth N12.7m

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone D has announced that it intercepted 17,580 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N12.7 million between April 19 and May 19, 2024.

The petroleum products, it said, were seized at Mubi and Yola axis in Adamawa state.

Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Odaudu Salefu, disclosed this during a press brief -

ing held at the unit’s headquarters in Bauchi. He attributed the success to robust information gathering and credible intelligence sharing by other customs units, including the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) and customs police, as well as resilient patrol by FOU Zone D operatives.

Giving a breakdown of the seized items, the Controller said they include 678 jerry cans

of PMS and two drums of PMS (2 x 250 litres).

He said, “I am glad to inform you that the unit concerted efforts in suppressing smuggling activities has continued to yield good results. The operatives of the unit apart from blocking and supressing smuggling within the zone have made seizure of the following: 678 Jerry cans of PMS, two drums of PMS ( 2× 250litres) totaling 17,580 litres with DPV of N12,750, 422.40.”

BayelsaPRIME Methodology Up for exhibition

The teaching and learning methodology that drives BayelsaPRIME, the basic education reform programme of Bayelsa State, is up for exhibition as the 2024 Education World Forum commences in London on May 19.

An annual event, Education World Forum is the world’s largest gathering of education and skills ministers. This year, over estimated 120 ministers drawn from 114 countries will focus on the theme “Encouraging AI

understanding, building human relationships and resilience, and accelerating climate action. How should we prioritise policy and implementation for Stronger, Bolder, Better, Education?”

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State launched BayelsaPRIME, to increase pupil enrollment, address challenges with a weak curriculum, teacher truancy and poor learning outcomes in government primary schools.

In 2022, a study conducted

by noble prize in economics winner, Professor Michael Kremer in Kenya showed that attending schools delivering highly standardized education has the potential to produce dramatic learning gains at scale, suggesting that policymakers may wish to explore the incorporation of standardization, including standardized lesson plans and teacher feedback and monitoring, in their own systems.

Mayaki Calls for Priority Funding for African Agric Startups

A social entrepreneur and cofounder of Agriarche, Deina Mayaki has expressed that Africa urgently needs to bolster investment in its agriculture sector as a strategic move to enhance its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Mayaki recently highlighted the glaring insufficiency of funding directed towards the agriculture sector, despite its role in employing over 60 percent of the continent’s population.

She noted that in the first quarter of 2024, a mere $50 million (11per cent) was attracted to agriculture, in stark contrast to the $151 million (32per cent) directed towards Transport/Logistics and $105 million (23per cent) towards FINTECH.

She lamented the lack of prioritization for agricultural funding, citing a PWC report that showed less than 3.8per cent of commercial bank funding went into agriculture. Despite agriculture’s immense potential,

access to finance remained a major hurdle, particularly for smallholder farmers.

“Agriculture claims to have about 60 to 70per cent of the African population employed by it. If we’re serious about feeding the nation and being self-sufficient in food, then we should invest in agriculture,” she added.

Mayaki emphasized the imperative of channelling adequate funding into agriculture, pinpointing the issue not as a lack of capital but rather the structural and delivery mechanisms in place.

“Agriculture should attract the necessary fundings. We need to prioritize the fundings that are coming into agriculture. The government can quote the 2015 subsidy programme and the 2020-2023 Anchor Borrow Programme that was done, but the capital itself isn’t the problem; it is the way it is structured and delivered,” she said.

She lamented the sector’s

informality and fragmentation, leading to a dearth of feasibility throughout the ecosystem.

Mayaki stressed that agriculture encompasses not just farming but also production, distribution, logistics, and last-mile delivery, with technology playing a pivotal role in enhancing visibility and addressing these challenges.

“The agriculture sector in Africa is very informal, very vague, highly fragmented. And this promotes a lack of feasibility across the ecosystem. And agriculture is beyond farming, it entails production, distribution, logistics, production, and last-mile delivery. And you are talking about hard and soft tech along the line, and this is where I advocate for technology because technology helps to enhance feasibility. One of the challenges is this vagueness because people are not confident to structure the financing for the ecosystem and to know what the needs are,” she said.

Merey (Venezuela)

L-R: Managing Partner, Coronation Capital Limited, Kayode Akindele; Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Coronation group limited, Ngozi Akinyele; Chairman, Coronation Group Limited, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; MD/CEO, Coronatiom group limited, Wole Onasanya; MD/CEO Trium Limited,Adebayo Adewolu At the 2024 Africa CEO Forum in Kigali...recently

Transcorp Power Shareholders Approve N23.46bn Dividend, Commend 2023 Performance

Kayode Tokede

The shareholders of Transcorp Power Plc approved the management’s N23.46 billion dividend payout to shareholders and 2023 impressive performance at its recently concluded 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The power subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), announced impressive financial performance at its first AGM since the it

went public, via a listing by introduction of its shares, early March 2024.

The Company recorded gross earnings of N142.1 billion, a 57.3per cent increase, compared to the previous year. Profitability remained strong, demonstrating its resilience amidst evolving market dynamics. Profit before tax showed an impressive year-on-year growth, up 84.4per cent, from N28.6 billion reported in 202

to N52.8 billion in 2023.

At the AGM, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom highlighted Transcorp Power’s achievements over the past year, while assuring shareholders of the Company’s commitment to maintaining its exceptional financial results and improving the lives of Nigerians.

He said: “Last year’s strong performance is a testament to the resilience of our business

strategies, underpinned by a culture of strong corporate governance. We know that with our strategy and the dedication of our team, we will continue to deliver exceptional value to all stakeholders.”

Speaking on the Company’s performance, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp Power, Peter Ikenga, stated that the Company’s success is as a result of the rigorous execution

of our strategies and deliberate focus on enhancing operational efficiency.

“As we celebrate last year’s achievements, we remain committed to continuous improvement. This year, our strategic focus is on recovering plant available capacity, enhancing operational excellence and efficiency, and rigorously implementing our plant maintenance schedule. We will continue prioritizing

and investing in human capital, aiming to enhance in-house capabilities. Our commitment to incident and injury-free operations remains strong, as we leverage our talent, foster ingenuity, and nurture teamwork. We are determined to build on our successes and leverage strategic investment opportunities to deliver even greater performance and sustainable growth for our stakeholders.”

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MAY 20 /24

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at

May-2024, unless otherwise stated.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

POLITY

Dapo Abiodun: After Five Phenomenal Years, Three Glorious Years Beckon

By Kayode Akinmade

He came into office amid ceaseless assaults by a violent Establishment. He had no handover notes. But he had an agenda, a steely resolve, and a burning passion to transform the Ogun environment. Today, five years on, even the most cynical observer would admit that the Iperu-born prince and boardroom genius has turned the Gateway State around, infused a climate of excitement into governance and state management, building joy and hope for the future in the populace. This is remarkable in a country long hobbled by politicians’ failed promises.

Perhaps the most salient aspect of Abioduns’ leadership is the climate of peace actively fostered in the state. Peace pervades the length and breadth of the land because the Sheriff in charge is determined to leave a lasting legacy of life-changing projects behind, and would not be drawn into political brawls even when a predecessor, taking advantage of the calm in the land, tours the senatorial districts, staging hate campaigns. That is not by accident. Abiodun is a transformational leader, and transformational leaders, as the leadership expert and presidential biographer James MacGregor Burns tells us, are those who, in company with their followers, advance to a higher level of morals and motivation. The fact cannot be disputed that through the strength of their vision and personality, transformational leaders inspire their followers to a higher level of intellectual stimulation, and hence social change.

Against this backdrop, Ogun being rated as Nigeria’s most peaceful state comes as no surprise. People tend to copy what they see their leaders doing. Ogun people have not forgotten the highly instructive incident that took place shortly after their Governor assumed office. Some pastors of the RCCG had been kidnapped while he was away in Abuja on official business. Given the viciousness of the outlaws, hope was low regarding their rescue. But the Governor simply requested for and obtained helicopters for aerial surveillance of the target area, and all the clergymen were rescued unhurt. Jubilations erupted in many places…

The Abiodun administration initiated the Security Trust Fund, rallying stakeholders to contribute to the fight against crime. It procured over 100 patrol vans, motorcycles, walkie-talkies, and other security equipment to enhance the operational efficiency of security agencies. Then came an additional 25 patrol vans and surveillance drones in collaboration with Lagos and Oyo States to monitor activities along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. And then came Amotekun, deployed at flashpoints…

Because Ogun is calm, the strides in agriculture, the mainstay of the Nigerian economic, have been simply phenomenal. Through the Anchor Borrowers Programme, the Abiodun administration has revolutionized youth involvement in agriculture. It created the Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency (OGUNIPA) and the Ogun State Business Executive Council (OGUNBEC) to make the Gateway State the destination of choice for investors. The administration empowered thousands of farmers through training, capacity building and provision of farming inputs, and Ogun is now a leading

producer of rice, maize, and cassava in Nigeria. The story cannot be different with Abiodun’s heavy investment in the development of agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, farm roads, and storage facilities.

When a government fosters partnerships with private sector players, attracting investments and driving growth; implements initiatives to improve livestock production, including the distribution of breeding stock, veterinary support, and establishment of grazing reserves, the result is bound to be refreshing.

The Abiodun administration has strengthened extension services, providing farmers with access to expert advice, technology, and best practices to improve their productivity and efficiency. It has supported farmers to produce high-quality products and linked them to markets and processors. It has created thousands of jobs in the agricultural sector, having developed and implemented policies like the Ogun State Agricultural Policy and the Ogun State Livestock Development Policy. There is no space to detail the government’s empowerment of farmers with solar pump machines; the N50 million Ijebu Development Initiative for Poverty Reduction (Eriwe) meant to develop the fish subsector in the state; the empowerment of over 40,000 agripreneurs in cassava cultivation, or the

Transcorp Power Declares

the firm’s resilience amid evolving market dynamics.

Transcorp Power Plc, yesterday announced an increase to N142.1 billion in the 2023 financial year, representing 57.3 per cent compared to N90.3 billion in 2022.

The company’s operating profit also grew to N64.63 billion from N35.87 billion the previous year while Profit Before Tax (PBT) surged by 84.4 per cent to N52.8 billion compared to 28.6 billion in 2022.

The firm also said it planned to boost power generation capacity to an additional 250 megawatts by December, in addition to its existing 650 megawatts, Speaking at the company’s 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) – the first since it went public in March, Chairman, Transcorp Power Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom, said the performance further demonstrated

This is as shareholders also approved N23.46 billion as dividends for the year under review, which translated to N3.13 kobo per share – and commended the company’s professionalism and commitment to growing value for shareholders.

Nnorom highlighted the company’s achievements over the past year, while assuring shareholders of the company’s commitment to maintaining its exceptional financial results as well as improving the lives of Nigerians.

He said, “Last year’s strong performance is a testament to the resilience of our business strategies, underpinned by a culture of strong corporate governance. We know that with our strategy and the dedication of our team, we will continue to deliver exceptional

distribution of motorcycles to extension agents to reach farmers in remote areas across the state.

In education, the abolition of all levies spiked enrolment in primary schools, even as the government adopted a school per ward for development as a model school. The promotion of teachers and equipment of schools and higher institutions and revolution of the transcript processing system has restored dignity to Ogun schools. And among the giant strides of the Abiodun administration, the Gateway International Airport, an agro-cargo facility situated in Remo North, has garnered global attention, with dignitaries and investors expressing interest in its immense socio-economic benefits. It will generate approximately 50,000 direct and indirect jobs. Fittingly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the Special Agro-Cargo Processing Zone as a Free Trade Zone. Actually, what is on the ground is an airport city, with an agricultural processing zone located close by. Exporters of farming produce are about to experience an absolute windfall.

Although the state of federal roads—and they are so many—in the state presented challenges during Abiodun’s first term, the story is fast changing. Go to Ota and see things for yourself. In any case, listing the roads constructed by the Abiodun administration is a daunting exercise. Infrastructure is the first pillar of the ISEYA mantra but accorded it a top priority attention in the scheme of programmes being executed. Notable among these roads already completed are the 3.41km Olomore Sanni Road,0.9km Elega Mokola Bridge Entrance,2km Idi -Aba Elite,Oke Lantoro Road,1.62km Ijaiye-Oke Ejigbo-Iporo Ake Road,7.8km Obantoko Road(Fajol America junction-Unity Estate Gbonagun,5.7km SomorinKemta Idi -Aba Road,42km Abeokuta Sagamu Expressway,3km Panseke Adigbe Road,6.6km Siun Owode Road,2.35km Arepo Road,8km Revised s Scope Mowe Ofada Road,1.5km Kuforiji Olubi Quarry Road Adigbe and 1.85km Iyana Oloke junction to Mapoly School Gate. Then we have the 3.1km Ikoritameje Adenrele/Olose Titun Vespa Road,2.4km Olusegun Osoba Toyin Agbado Road,1.5km construction of Sango Ota -Oke -Aro-Ojodu Abiodun Road Lagos End(Yakoyo to Mr Bigg),2.0km Inner Roads,Itori Junction Road, 4km Oba Erinwole Road,Sagamu,13km Sagamu -Ode Lemo Road,3km Idarika Street Road,8km Orile Oko Road,3km Awujale Road,Stadium and Oke Aje,1.2km Ogbagba Street, Ijebu Ode, etc. The Atan-Lusada-Agbara roads are a marvel. Housing estates covering different strata of society complement the good roads. Enter the health sector, a sector for which even the Federal Government acknowledged Ogun’s exemplary status during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are talking of an administration that inaugurated State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee to enhance the Ambulance and Emergency Service delivery, conducted training for health workers on comprehensive screening for newborns to tackle sickle cell disease and secured, for the first time in 45 years, full accreditation and upgrade of the Ogun State Schools of Nursing and Midwifery to collegiate status. We are talking about an administration that targeted 1.4m school-age children as change agents, promoted partnerships across the three tiers

of the health sector, introduced free Covid-19 rapid testing of residents in health facilities, inaugurated Sexual Therapy and Assaults Referral Center in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), the Family Planning Center at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, and distributed over 25 Tricycle Ambulances to rural areas. The administration upgraded and increased the fleet of Ogun State Ambulance and Emergency Services from four vehicles inherited to 26 in two years, introduced 24-hours Ambulance and Emergency Services across the 20 LGAs, carried out free eye surgeries, contained cholera outbreaks, distributed 3.7m insecticide treated nets, commissioned two molecular laboratories to boost the State’s testing capacity for COVID-19 and other epidemiological diseases, and contained COVID-19 with less low fatalities. Have you been to the Clinical Skills Development Laboratory at the School of Midwifery, Abeokuta? It is the work of the same government that iincreased ambulance fleet from 6 to 30 to cater for emergencies, distributed ultrasound machines to facilities across the state, commenced 24-hour ambulance service, inoculated students against cervical cancer established Ambulance Points in all the nine federal constituencies.

With Abiodun’s strategic foresight, Ogun can look towards the future with hope. Long before the FG removed subsidy on fuel, Abiodun initiated CNG-run vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles in the state. Long before the economic downturn that attended subsidy removal came, he floated the Ogun-Kebbi Joint Commission on rice production. Ogun, as attested to by multiple awards, including:

* Best State in ICT Penetration and Adoption by the National Council on Communication and Digital Economy

* Best State in ICT Infrastructure Development also by the National Council on Communication and Digital Economy

* Best State Governor with the Most Improved State in Security Infrastructure by Business Day Newspaper

* Best Governor in Education by the National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria

* Best Governor in Agriculture by the Nigerian Agriculture Awards

* Best Governor in Housing Delivery by the Nigerian Housing Awards

* Best State Governor with the Most Improved State in Agriculture and Economic Empowerment by Business Day Newspaper

Outstanding Political Brand Personality of the Year by Marketing Edge Summit and Awards Best Governor in Infrastructure in the South West by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) B zone. Best Governor in Industrial Revolution at the Award of Excellence in Public Service by President Muhammadu Buhari 2023

“Governor of the Year” Award by Sun Newspapers 2023

“Man of the Year” Award by Silverbird Television and the Daily Independent Governor of the Year award 2023 in Nigeria’s ICT hub. The technology-driven state is poised for greater heights. That is the story of the state under Dapo Abiodun. •Akinmade is Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Governor of Ogun State.

N142bn Gross Earnings, N23.46bn Dividend

value to all stakeholders.”

However, he told THISDAY in an interview that transmission remained the greatest challenge in the power delivery process as what was often generated ended up being wasted.

The chairman said, “I will say the greatest problem is the transmission side of the process because even if you generate 300-500 megawatts; if you are not able to transmit because you cannot store power, you just have to lose that completely. So, it is the transmission.

“But I also think that from the new directives issued by NERC, there are some processes to unbundle some aspects of that, and also, the new Electricity Act signed by President Bola Tinubu has also energized the states to go on their own regulatory path and generate power. So, I think a lot will

happen in the next couple of years.”

Also, in his remarks, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Transcorp Power, Mr. Peter Ikenga, tied the company’s success to the rigorous execution of its strategies and deliberate focus on enhancing operational efficiency.

He said the company’s focus was to ensure that all the power generated in the plant is evacuated, pointing out that it is working with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in this regard.

He said, “We will continue to work with all the stakeholders within the power value chain to improve power supply to all Nigerians. Today is our first AGM since we listed on the floor of the NGX and it’s truly an exciting day for us and we are very happy. You were in the hall and you heard the commendations from shareholders; their support

was quite encouraging and their energy was palpable.

“My team and I are poised to do greater things than the things we achieved in 2023. And so, to our shareholders, the trajectory you see over the past five years – consistent growth in revenues, profitability - we will continue to sustain that trajectory and even surpass last year’s performance.”

He said, “We already have programmes in place and we are recovering additional capacity. By the end of this month, we hope to bring in an additional 125 megawatts to our existing capacity and by the end of the year, we hope to bring another 125 megawatts to make it a total of 250 megawatts.

“The investments are already ongoing and the execution is ongoing. We have our team working day and night to make sure we

meet the objectives we’ve set for ourselves in 2024.”

He said further, “As we celebrate last year’s achievements, we remain committed to continuous improvement. This year, our strategic focus is on recovering plant available capacity, enhancing operational excellence and efficiency, and rigorously implementing our plant maintenance schedule.

“We will continue prioritising and investing in human capital, aiming to enhance in-house capabilities. Our commitment to incident and injury-free operations remains strong, as we leverage our talent, foster ingenuity, and nurture teamwork.

“We are determined to build on our successes and leverage strategic investment opportunities to deliver even greater performance and sustainable growth for our stakeholders.”

Abiodun

James Emejo in Abuja

2024 US-AFRICA BUSINESS SUMMIT...

US-Africa Business Summit 2024 in Dallas, USA.....recently

Jonathan: Fubara, Wike Are Like Two Elephants, Rivers Will Suffer from Their Feud

Warns their quarrel could sink into regional, national crisis Says governor, minister must work together for collective good

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, said the disagreement between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was like two elephants fighting, while the people of the state would bear the brunt.

Jonathan appealed to the duo to ceasefire, warning that the quarrel can snowball into a bigger regional or national crisis with greater consequences if not nipped in the bud.

The former president, who gave the advice while performing the flag-off of a multi-billion naira Trans-Kalabari Road project, at Rumuolumeni community in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area, urged the two leaders to work together for the collective good of the people of the state.

While commending the efforts of some leaders, who had intervened in the festering political crisis, Jonathan addressed the problems associated with transition of governments in Nigeria, and the crisis it often came with.

He stated, "There is this common saying that when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. Both the governor and the minister are young people, very young people but they are powerful, and if you continue to fight, Rivers people will suffer. We don't want the Rivers people to suffer.

"In this case of Rivers, Minister

Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara must work together for the development of the land and the people of Rivers State. The tension will not help us.

"Rivers State is very critical in this country. Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta. If Rivers State is destabilised, the whole Niger Delta will be destabilised.

“And it will not end within the Niger Delta alone because I am from this part of the country, and I know how the system works. We don't want any crisis in Rivers State.”

Jonathan said, "Leaders must know that nobody takes 100 per cent. You must learn the principle of give and take. So, our political actors most work together if you love Rivers people.

"And, I join the leaders of Rivers State and well-meaning Nigerians, who have been calling for truce, who have been calling for ceasefire, to also re-emphasise that there is the need for a ceasefire. Let us do things that will rather project this state positively.”

The former president added, “So, we are calling on them to embrace themselves. One hand does not clap. It takes two hands to clap. So, we want them to work together for the collective interest of Rivers people.

"Whatever has happened, has passed. Let us move to a new phase for the interest of the state, for the interest of the Niger Delta, and indeed, the interest of the country."

Jonathan explained that even at the federal level, where presidents

had taken over from presidents, disagreements had been better managed, regretting that it has been worse at the state level.

He emphasised that outgoing governors and incoming ones must know that they had to work together for the collective interest of their states. He urged them to address their minds to the need for mutual acceptance.

Jonathan, however, commended Fubara for his vision, commitment and courage to take up the construction of such road that had numerous

benefits, including making movement easy, enhancing response time to security issues, and promoting integration and economic growth.

He stated, "When I was asked to come and flag-off this project, I felt that it is only a person who has vision, and the commitment to develop his people that can do this.

"Your Excellency, let me commend you for your vision and the courage to start this project. In fact, it is not going to be a tea party. If you must develop a nation, region or state, there are critical elements that count.

These are good road network, airport, rail and water transport systems as well as security."

He said by providing the enablers, development would thrive in the state, and thanked the governor for daring to dream big, and venture into projects that previous administrations had avoided.

On his part, Fubara assured the people that his administration was determined to deliver the Trans-Kalabari Road project to stimulate socio-economic activities in rural communities for the overall

development of the state.

The governor advised the people to buy into the project and ensure that they warded off any form of sabotage that might delay or frustrate timely completion of the project. He noted the difficult swampy terrain that the road would traverse, and the associated cost, but said he had decided to embark on the project.

Fubara said the project was at heart of his administration’s principle of putting the wellbeing and advancement of the people first.

Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Absent as ECOWAS Parliament Begins to Sit in Kano

To elect new speaker at extraordinary session

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

No fewer than 12 of the 15 member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), are currently attending the sixth legislature of Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the ancient city of Kano.

The meeting is expected to discuss member states' socio-economic, political, security and other challenges

bedeviling the sub-region.

The meeting attracted parliamentarians from Nigeria, Benin Republic, Cape Verde, Cote D' Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Republic Togo.

But those absent from the meeting which started yesterday included Burkina Faso, Niger Republic and Mali, who pull out their membership of the ECOWAS

In an interview with journalists at the venue of the meeting, the First

FNCCI Calls for Sustainability of Government Policies to Drive Investment, Growth in Nigeria

Bennett Oghifo

The Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FNCCI) has calling for the sustainability of government policies to help drive investment and growth in Nigeria. The new and 17th President, FNCCI, Guillaume Niarfeix, who was inaugurated at chamber's 38th annual general meeting, recently, stated this after taking over from Usman Mohammed. Niarfeix, who is the Chief Executive Officer, SPIE Global Services Energy Nigeria & Ghana, in his acceptance address, assured members of greater participation and that the Chamber would continue

to promote France-Nigeria business exchanges.

Niarfeix, said he was committed to promoting the values of the chamber in harnessing business growth between Nigeria and France.

He said there were lots of challenges ahead of Nigeria but he was determined to overcome them with the partnership of its board members.

He said the challenges faced was how France businesses could get access to the Nigeria market, which the chamber would work closely to tackle with the new leadership of the chamber.

The outgone President, Mohammed, said: “Over the years, we have

seen the high-impact initiatives been executed by the Chamber. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring business exchanges between French and Nigerian companies, project your brand, inform members on key developments in Nigeria, and promote France Nigerian trade.

“Through these initiatives, we have heard and seen greater business exchanges between members and created a vibrant ecosystem.

“As of today, we have created signature initiatives like the annual CFO, CEO, Start-up technical training, Women in Business luncheon series which have been well received by members.

“These efforts and impact,

according to him have endeared the Chamber to other key agencies both governmental and non-governmental who have lately collaborated and sought the endorsement of the chamber regarding their respective projects.”

Director General, FNCCI, Moses Umoru, said trade between France and Nigeria has continued to grow, seeing government helping with the repatriation of aviation funds, which businesses like Air France has participated from.

He said the chamber wants sustainability of policies and to make the policies become law to strengthen business confidence and developmental growth.

Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Barau Jibrin, said yesterday's engagement was like bureau meetings between the leadership of the Parliament and the committee chairmen, including other principal officers of the Parliament.

According to him, "tomorrow (today, Tuesday) is going to be the session that will implore all the parliamentarians, and of course, the invited guest that will be here with us.

"Tuesday will be a session for all the parliamentarians, and VIPs are going to be invited to witness the session. It is going to be a general meeting."

Jibrin, who is also Nigeria's Deputy Senate President, added that representatives from Togo, who did not participate in the previous meeting were expected to show their presence atthe Kano meeting.

"Representatives from Togo were not there in the previous meeting because there were no elections in that country then, but now elections have taken place and we are expecting them to be around within the period we are going to have this event; and they will hopefully be sworn in on Thursday.

"It is the entire Assembly that has been brought here; and in the Assembly, we do not have any kind of restrictions. When we have a Parliament, everything concerning the entire ECOWAS Community will be discussed.

"When you have a parliament, even if you have an agenda, you still have a room for everybody to bring forward whatever he feels that should be discussed.

"So, it is an open-session for Parliament, and we do not have restrictions. Everything about the society, about the economy, about ECOWAS, about the west African sub-region can be discussed. So, it is an open-ended kind of a scope in respect of what is going to be discussed.

"We are holding the meeting here in Kano to bring the Parliament closer to the people. That is why we are here in Kano. This is the first time that you have this kind of meetings and sessions of ECOWAS Parliaments taking place here.

"It is in line with what we have said. We are here so that Kano will know ECOWAS Parliament, and ECOWAS parliament will know Kano. "Kano is the Centre of Commerce of the entire northern Nigeria. It is the political capital, if you like, call Kano the political nerve centre of the entire northern Nigeria.

"So, that is why we brought this session to hold here so that we bring ECOWAS closer to the people, so that people will know ECOWAS parliament and ECOWAS parliament will go deeper into our various societies," he explained. Meanwhile, the Parliament is expected to elect a substantive new speaker at its 2024 second extraordinary session.

L-R: Nigeria Minister for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON; Executive Vice Chairman, (Africa), TGI Group, Farouk Gumel; Director, Programs and Business Development, Corporate Council on Africa, (CCA) Sauda Ahmed, and Head, Corporate Communications, TGI Group, Rafiat Gawat, at the just concluded

Kidpreneurial development programme...

L-R: Founder, Glowfield International School, Lekki, Mr Tony Anenechukwu; Founder/CEO, SLOT Systems Limited, Mr Nnamdi Ezeigbo; Director, Ministry of Education, Lagos State, Mr

Adedamola; founder, Business Matters Incubator, Mr Nnamdi Unachukwu; Consular General, South Africa, Dr. Bobby Moroe; and a member, House of Representatives,

a kidpreneurial development programme and book launch in Lagos... recently

Clark: Ganduje, Damagum Supporting Wike to Frustrate Fubara

Sunday aborisade in Abuja Foremost Niger Delta leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has accused the national chairmen

of both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullah Ganduje, and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Ilya Damagum, of collaborating with

the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, to derail democracy in Rivers State. Clark urged the national leadership and members of both parties to

rein in their chairmen and prevent them from becoming available tools in the hands of Wike to frustrate Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

APC Chairman Charges North-west APC Leaders on Unity, Says Party Cannot Afford to Fail

Declares Tinubu thoroughbred democrat

Chuks okocha in Abuja

National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, told APC leaders in the North-west to close ranks and work for the progress of the party.

Ganduje, who spoke at the Northwest zonal stakeholders meeting of the party, also charged members to support the efforts of President Bola Tinubu to reposition the country.

According to a statement by

his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Oliver Okpala, Ganduje said, "We are at a momentous time in the history of our country. This is the first time a thoroughbred democrat, politician and technocrat is leading our country as President.

"So, we have no excuse to fail.

Good enough, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not left anyone in doubt about his genuine commitment to turn the fortunes of our nation

Anambra Teacher Arrested for Beating 8-year-old Pupil to Coma

david-Chyddy eleke in Awka

A 30-year old teacher, Faith Nwonye, has been arrested for allegedly beating an 8-year old pupil to coma in Anambra State.

THISDAY gathered that the affected school, Landmark School, Mgbakwu in Awka North Local Government Area has been shut permanently by the Anambra State Government.

Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, disclosed this to reporters in her office yesterday.

The commissioner had invited the school's proprietor and the teacher to explain what led to the brutalisation of the primary two pupil, before the arrest.

Chuma-Udeh said the school's closure was not only based of the ugly incident but as a result of its illegal status, even as she expressed sadness over the development.

She described the school's management as criminals running illegal school in the state.

"We received this unfortunate incident from an illegal school in Mgbakwu that a child was beaten to coma over the weekend.

"On behalf of the state govern-

ment, we invited the proprietress of the illegal school as well as the teacher who purportedly beat the child.

"We've handed the matter to the police for further investigations, as we await Mr Governor's directives.

"Meanwhile, the school is closed down indefinitely because it's not supposed to exist in the first instance. Any parent who is enrolling his/her child in an illegal school is doing so at his/ her own peril.

"To the proprietors of private schools, anyone running an unapproved school in Anambra is a criminal. It's a criminal offence to run illegal school in the state.

"Whether the school is legal or not, it's criminal to beat a child. According to the doctor, chances of survival of the child is 20%.

"As soon as the police are done, the teacher will face other institutions against child rights. She's going to have the full wrath of the law brought upon her over her actions.

"Anambra State abhors violence to children, women and any other person. It's not part of this administration and Mr. Governor is against such," Chuma-Udeh said.

around, for the better.

"He has taken bold decisions right from his first day in office. He has made it clear that things cannot continue as usual. The president has also shown us clear example that politics must not always divide us or engender bad blood.

"The president has gone ahead to appoint some opposition personalities into key ministries and offices. The example of politics without bitterness cannot be clearer than this.”

While canvassing unity in APC, Ganduje warned that "a house divided against itself cannot stand.

"We need peace and unity if we must achieve success in all our endeavours. No seed of progress can germinate or grow where there is crisis. We need to work as a team. If we work as a solid team, we

would be able to attract the best to our domain.”

The APC national chairman urged leaders of the zone to shun "pull him down politics" and embrace the kind that built, as exemplified by Tinubu.

He said, "Politics is about superior negotiating skills, not pull him down stunts. Those who resorted to that in the past have had themselves to blame.

"The politics of raising men and women is what ultimately gave Asiwaju Bola Tinubu the presidency and that is a lesson we all must imbibe.

"We should come together to support ourselves, rally round the president, build our party, develop our geo-political zone, the North-west, to an enviable height, politically and economically.”

The national leader of the PanNiger Delta Democratic Forum (PANDEF) spoke yesterday in an open letter to Ganduje, Damagum. He accused the two chairmen of being accomplices in the Rivers political crisis by yielding their parties to Wike to launch missiles on the state’s political space.

He said the support given to Wike by both party chairmen had made him courageous enough to intimidate and anger the Rivers State governor and government, which was an act to overthrow the governor.

Clark stated in the letter to Ganduje, Damagum, "I know both of you are fully aware and involved in the political crisis in Rivers State, which is caused by Wike, who is controlling the two parties in Rivers State, particularly the PDP.

"I strongly advise both of you to withdraw from the madness of politics of Rivers State to avoid the dangerous crisis facing Rivers State, one of the most important states producing the resources used to sustain the economy of this country.

“I hope you do not forget that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the deep seaport of Onne are very well established in Rivers State.

"Wike, who is a self-imposed leader of the party, PDP, and the champion of madness in Rivers politics, is also controlling the ruling party APC by appointing a caretaker committee under the former Chief of Staff to Governor Rotimi Amaechi,

Chief Tony Okocha, while he is not the legitimate chairman of APC in Rivers State.

"The legitimate chairman Emeka Beke was suspended and was replaced with Chief Tony Okocha, because of his close relationship with the leader of APC in the state, in person of Rt Hon Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi. Chief Tonye Cole, the APC gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State, also belongs to the elected executives.

"Nyesom Wike, in order to impress the presidency and APC in Abuja, decided to create the Chief Tony Okocha led caretaker committee with which he now deals with the APC in Rivers State with the approval of the national chairman of APC.

"One may be tempted to ask the National Chairman of APC why he chose to deal with a caretaker committee of APC, which the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, had earlier presented the committee to him in the APC secretariat in Abuja before constituting it as a caretaker committee. But curiously, you now deal with a caretaker committee instead of the elected chairman.

"How can the federal government and the two main political parties allow an individual to disrupt and cause confusion, harassment of the democratically elected governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on the guise that he alone and not the people of Rivers State made Fubara Governor."

Kanu Remains in DSS Custody, Court Rules

Embattled Biafran leader reacts, takes over own defence

alex enumah in Abuja

Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, refused to order the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Kanu, who has been in DSS' custody since 2021, when he was rearrested and brought to continue his trial, argued that he could not prepare adequately for his trial while being held by the secret service.

In an application argued last month, the defendant asked the court to restore his bail which was revoke in 2019, or ordered that he be kept under house arrest.

Delivering ruling in the application on Monday, Justice Nyako

declined the request, and expressed confidence that the DSS' custody is the proper place for the defendant.

The judge, in addition, refused to set aside its earlier orders revoking his bail in 2019, adding that the Supreme Court's Judgment was silent on Kanu's bail in the lead judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim.

However, the judge ordered the DSS to provide the applicant with a clean room where he can meet with his lawyers, who must not be more than five at a time.

Meanwhile, the court threatened to take any further application regarding the issues resolved as an abuse of court process because she has repeatedly decided on them.

Nevertheless, there was a mild drama when Kanu, rising from the

dock objected to his continued trial before the court.

The angry IPOB leader informed Justice Nyako that his continued trial was illegal and unconstitutional as it violated international treaties Nigeria freely entered into.

He claimed Section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, forbade his trial in any court in Nigeria, adding that those who were trying him were themselves "terrorists".

His words: "My Lord, I don't understand why my trial is being conducted contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Kanu said.

While insisting that the Supreme Court had made a pronouncement on his case, the IPOB leader submitted that, "Anything you do on the contrary is an act of terrorism.

"This man is a terrorist for conducting a trial in violation of an international treaty that Nigeria entered into. Once a treaty is entered into and signed, it becomes a law. "You are a dishonest man. You are a terrorist", Kanu shouted at prosecution lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, saying as current Chairman of the Body of Benchers, he ought to uphold the Constitution and refrain from trying him.

Faulting his trial further, Kanu who read from a portion of Justice Nyako's previous ruling from a document at his disposal, said until the court investigated the circumstances that led to his fleeing from Nigeria, it was wrong to refuse to grant him bail, adding: "My lord, you have not investigated."

Abatan

Hon. Onuakalusi Okey-Joe, during

PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

HandIng OvEr OF ESSEntIal drugS FOr tHE 2024 Hajj PIlgrImagE...

L-R: Secretary Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Alhaji Abubakar Rabiu; Commissioner of Admin Hajj commission, Prince Anofiu Olannrewaju; Chairman / CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON, Alhaji Jalal Araji ; Executive Secretary / CEO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Dr. Muyi Aina; during the handing over of essential drugs for the 2024 Hajj Pilgrimage, in Abuja ... yesterday

Air Peace Clarifies Alleged Safety Violation at Gatwick Airport, London

Chinedu Eze

Air Peace has confirmed that the UK Civil Aviation Authority carried out ramp inspection on its aircraft operating the Lagos-London service and raised concerns, which it has since resolved with the UK authorities.

The airline said reports indicating safety breach in its operation were false and aimed at creating fears and doubts in the minds of potential travelers.

“From the commencement of our inaugural flight to London, our operations have been subjected to intense scrutiny by the relevant authorities, which we most welcome as we pride ourselves in our continued pursuit of operational excellence and unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our esteemed passengers.

“We can confirm that the UK Civil Aviation Authority wrote to Air Peace, after their statutory Ramp Inspection on April 7, 2024, to request clarification on our use of the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and some other concerns. We provided

the necessary information, and the matter was resolved without any issues.

“It is, therefore, wrong to say we do not have approval for our EFB. Air Peace received approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and all our Boeing 777 aircraft are certified to operate with EFBs,” the airline said in a statement signed by the management.

The airline added: “Regarding the claim that our B777 aircraft lack iPad mounts and charging ports in the flight deck, this is incorrect. All B777 aircraft are equipped with charging ports in the cockpit, and we ensure that all our B777 aircraft have iPad mounts.”

Air Peace also disclosed that another issue raised by the UK CAA, “was the location of our cockpit library on the B777.”

“The B777 designates two locations for storing manuals and books: one behind the captain and one under the jumpseat. During the inspection, the books were stored under the jumpseat, as it is commonly practiced.

“We understand the inspector’s preference for the books to be placed behind the captain and have ensured this preference is accommodated for all operations going forward.

“There was also a concern about the captain’s choice of runway exit after landing. Instead of exiting at the middle runway exit, the captain, out of his professional discretion, opted to exit at the end of the runway.

“This may have delayed the arrival of another aircraft. We acknowledge this deviation and have addressed the matter with the captain to ensure adherence to preferred exit procedures in the future,” the airline said.

It remarked that ramp inspection is a normal procedure carried out by aviation authorities globally, and the UK CAA did the right thing by

notifying the NCAA of the outcome of their inspection.

“However, we are shocked to see several media publications with exaggerated and sensationalised accounts of this matter that were closed with the authorities over a month ago.

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Ahead of today's Annual General Meeting of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Stakeholders and Civil Society Organisations in the Niger Delta, yesterday, urged shareholders in the Oil and Gas sectors to vote against the reappointment of the company's directors.

They also pleaded with the shareholders to reject the company's energy transition strategy during today's Shell 2024 AGM because of its non alignment with Paris climate agreement.

The stakeholders and CSOs, in a resolution at the end of the Third People's Annual General Meeting (AGM) coordinated by Africa Network for Environment

“It is unprofessional for the media to publish slanted and alarmist reports to create public panic and impugn our deeply ingrained safety culture.

and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) held in Warri, also listed other demands from the shareholders of the International Oil Companies (IOCs) during their AGMs.

Major Oil and Gas Companies such as Eni, Shell and TotalEnergies, had scheduled their AGM for between May 15 and 24 this year but the People's Annual General Meeting organised annually by ANEEJ was

N6bn Fraud: Court Receives Fidelity Bank Account Documents Linked to Mompha

Funke Olaode

An Ikeja Special Offences Court, yesterday, received Fidelity Bank account documents linked to an alleged money launderer, Ismaila Mustapha otherwise known as Mompha. Justice Mojisola Dada, while receiving the documents from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecutor, Suleiman Suleiman, pointed out that the prosecution had only presented a copy letter and not a statement of account.

Suleiman asked the court leave to present the statement of account on an adjourned date. Mompha, regarded as a social media celebrity, has been facing an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering

of over N6 billion, alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited.

During resumed proceedings, the fifth prosecution witness, Ezekoli Ozoemenam, a Fidelity Bank Plc Compliance Officer, gave evidence on the account opening package of an account linked to the defendant. Ozoemenam told the court that the EFCC requested the account opening package of an account, linked to the defendant and he responded to it.

The witness said: “Yes, this is the Fidelity Bank account opening package of the account (details withheld) that I sent to the EFCC. It was printed from a perfectly working computer.”

The prosecutor tendered the documents containing the Mompha-linked account opening package and sought the court to admit them into evidence.

The defence counsel led by Kolawole Salami told the court he would reserve his objection to the prosecutor’s application for the documents to be admitted into evidence.

During cross-examination of the witness, the defence counsel, Salami asked Ozoemenam whether he knew the Fidelity branch office from which the account was opened and if he was working at the Fidelity Bank Headquarters at the time of the account's opening in 2016, he replied in the negative.

“As at the time that the account was opened, I was not at the Headquarters. I was part of Internal Control and I moved from branch (office) to branch (office) and I can't remember which branch I was at when the account was opened,” he said.

When Salami asked the witness whether anomalies in bank accounts were reported to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), he answered in the affirmative.

His words: “Yes, anomalies in accounts were reported to the NFIU and not the EFCC. I do not know if the account was ever reported to the NFIU.

“I cannot speak to the nature of the transactions conducted through the account as I am not the Relationship Manager,” the fourth prosecution witness added.

The judge, Dada dismissed the witness at the end of the crossexamination by the defence counsel. The prosecutor, Suleiman appealed to the court for a witness summons to compel the appearance of its next witness but was unsuccessful.

Dada said, “It is the job of the prosecution to ensure their witnesses appear in court. The court cannot compel a witness who is not occupying an important position.

“There is no special cause placed before the court to warrant a witness summons. I don't know what position he (the witness) is occupying that will make him feel threatened.

“If you (the EFCC) cannot secure his protection, who else can do that? How does a witness’ summons guarantee his protection?” the judge queried.

Dada adjourned the matter to July 1, 2024, for the continuation of the trial.

Mompha's trial in absentia continued as he did not appear in court yet again since his trial commenced on June 3, 2023.

“Air Peace's safety record is second to none, and we go above and beyond to comply with all established safety standards. Safety is the bedrock of our operations, and we have robust operational mechanisms to guarantee full compliance always,” the airline added.

Today

to amplify the voices of the people of Niger Delta regarding the impacts of these companies operations in the region.

But the stakeholders and CSOs at the event that had 45 participants, after reviewing the operations of the IOCs in the Niger Delta region, resolved that their shareholders should vote against the re-appointment of all the directors and reject Shell’s energy transition strategy at the 2024 AGM, because of their non-alignment with Paris Climate Agreement. They also urged the federal government through the Ministry of Environment to investigate the cleanup process and carry out environmental audit in all polluted sites across the Niger Delta region.

"The government should also assess the performance by contractors handling the remediation sites and the contract of those found to have performed bellow expectation despite collecting 30% mobilisation fee, should be revoked and the monies paid to them should be recovered," they added.

They further resolved to launch a responsible divestment campaign and undertake a peaceful mass action to demand the proper assessment and clean-up of Ogoni land and the entire Niger Delta, as well as the restoration of the environment and the peoples livelihoods before divestment.

PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

MARKING THE INTERNATIONAL COACHING WEEK…

Former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Folashade Adefisayo(left), and President, International Coaching Federation Nigeria Charter chapter, Akanimo Ekong, at the 2024 International Coaching Week (ICW), where a 400-page book on coaching from 18 different authors from across Africa was launched in Lagos…recently

Police Brutality Triggers Protest in Imo Oil-producing Community

Tony Icheku in Owerri

Police brutality yesterday triggered off protest by women in the oilproducing area of Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

The women, numbering over 500 stormed the street with placards, appealing to the federal government and Inspector General of Police(IG) to intervene and call the recalcitrant officers to order They alleged that there had been consistent police brutality in their communities and their sons have all fled their homes.

that the police team brutalising the communities is led by one Inspector Okeabatta Chika (Alias Kill and Bury) a member of the disbanded SARS police unit

Spokesperson of the protesters and women leader in the area, Mrs Anwulika Omogo, told newsmen

NDDC Inaugurates 33/11KV Injection Sun-station in Edo

Adibe EmenyonuinBeninCity

In order to bring development closer to the people at the grassroots, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), yesterday inaugurated a 1×15MVA/33/11KV Sub-station at Amufi, in IkpobaOkha local government area of Edo State.

The injection sub-station is madeup of one 15MVA, 33/11KV transformer with 33 KV 1250A SF6 circuit breaker, switch gear panels and tripping Ikm 33KV high tension overhead line.

Inaugurating the project, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the objective

behind the project is to improve the energy requirements of the Amufi and other neighbouring communities as well as increase their productivity in businesses for companies and artisans in the benefiting communities.

“The above project had been tested by the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency and certified to be good,” Ogbuku declared.

According to him, “It is indeed our mission to ensure that NDDC meets its obligation to the Niger Delta people facilitating overall regional development that delivers dividends and benefits to our people.

NUC Approves 25 Degree Programmes for AFUED

The acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo (AFUED), Dr. Samuel Akintunde, yesterday said the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 25 degree programmes for commencement of academic activities for the 2023/2024 admissions in the institution.

Akintunde, who made the announcement at a press briefing to herald 60 years anniversary of the institution said the institution has gone through the full cycle of metamorphosis to emerge as an

independent Federal University of Education.

Akintunde stated that the Minister of Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir, has been addressing issues relating to the welfare of staff that might be affected by the transition.

He said the minister has considered the request to make special provision for the funding of the teaching practice for the time remaining to ease out the NCE programmes.

“We have always had good ranking. We have never lowered our standard. As a College of Education.”

Oye, Others to Chart a Pathway for Devt at 2024 Nigeria Build Expo

Ugo Aliogo

The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Oye, is among guests expected at the 2024 Nigeria Build Expo scheduled to take place between May 21 and 23 at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In a statement, it was noted that in its eighth edition, the international construction,

building material and technology exhibition would bring together the finest minds in the construction industry, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative solutions under one roof to review the progress and challenges and chart a better path for the growth of the built environment among others.

Oye will represent the voice of the organised private sector at the workshop and would deliver a goodwill message at the event on May 21.

The women alleged that Chika had recruited unknown state actors including militia groups around Egbema axis which frequently go on rampage attacking, killing,

arresting innocent and law abiding residents of the community whom he labels with criminal charges.

“Most recent is the arrest of the President General (PG) of the

community, Pastor Noble Chinedu Omogo, who was detained in Kill and Burt’s illegal cell at former NDDC hospital in Mmahu for three days without investigation.

ASUU Laments Sack, Suspension of Imo Members’ Salaries, Seeks Stakeholders’ Intervention

David-Chyddy Eleke inawka

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Owerri Zone, has raised the alarm over sack, salary suspension, harassment and other forms of maltreatment of its members in some universities in the country.

The body regretted that such injustices were meted at its members following their stand against abnormalities rocking the institutions.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Awka, the Zonal Coordinator, Dennis Aribodor, listed affected institutions to include Federal University of Technology (FUTO)

Owerri; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Igbariam; Kogi State University (KSU) Ayingba; Ebonyi State University (EBSU) Abakaliki; Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, and others.

He called on visitors and stakeholders to the affected universities to urgently wade into the situations and reverse such injustices orchestrated by the concerned vice chancellors to its members. He further expressed disappointment over the yet-tobe completed renegotiated FGN - ASUU 2009 agreement 15 years after it was signed.

Police Squad Neutralises Two Bandits in Kaduna Community, Recovers Arms

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Two bandits have been neutralised by the mobile police squad deployed to Kuriga community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

The police mobile team was deployed to the area by the

Inspector General of Police (IG), after the abducted of over 100 primary and secondary schools children in the area.

Two AK47 rifles and 17 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the criminals.

The Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan,

disclosed this in a statement.

“In an act of bravery and operational skill, the mobile police team recently deployed to Kuriga in Chikun LGA, by the Inspector General of Police, IG Kayode Egbetokun, neutralised two bandits in the general area on Friday,” Aruwan said.

According to him, “The gallant police operatives also recovered arms and ammunition from the bandits in the course of a gun duel.

“In the operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, it was revealed that the operatives responded to distress calls of an attack on farmers by bandits at the outskirts of Kuriga village.”

Court Remands Blogger in Correctional Centre over Alleged Cyber-bullying

Wale Igbintade

A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered the remand of a blogger, Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, for alleged cyber stalking and defamation of the Spiritual Director, Zion

Movement Outreach Ministry, Evangelist Ebuka Obi.

The presiding Judge, Justice Akintayo Aluko, ordered the remand of the blogger, after he pleaded not guilty to the three-count charges of conspiracy, cyber stalking and publishing

a vexatious and obnoxious publications against the person of Evang. Ebuka Obi.

At the arraignment of the blogger yesterday, DSP Peter Ajike appeared for the prosecution, while Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) appeared for

the defendant. The prosecutor informed the court that he has an amended charge dated April 15, 2024.

Though the defence lawyer, Falana, initially objected to the amended charge on the ground that he was not served.

Gunmen Kill Two, Kidnap One in Anambra Communities

Group decries spate of kidnapping in Kogi East

David-Chyddy Eleke inawka and Ibrahim OyewaleinLokoja

The Secretary General of Okija Progressive Union, Barrister Peter Awa and one other person, Izuchukwu Igwenagha, popularly known as Onwa, were on Sunday murdered in the town by gunmen.

This is just as the Kogi State community policing group, Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW) has decried the high rate insecurity and incessant kidnapping in Kogi Eastern Senatorial District.

While Awa, who is also the Chancellor of the Knights of St Mulumba, Okija Sub Council, was killed in a market square in his Umudioka village, Izuchukwu Igwenagha was murdered over alleged land dispute in his Isieke village.

Also the same day, a business man at Nkwo Okija was kidnapped as he was driving home from a function.

Before the latest incident, Okija was the only community in Ihiala Local Government Area that enjoyed security and neighbouring communities were coming to conduct burials and weddings in the town because the leadership of the town put in place a security outfit that worked.

Ex-Senator Urges Tinubu to Match State of Emergency on Agric with Action

Gideon Arinze in enugu

Former Senator, who represented Ebonyi Central district, Emmanuel Onwe, has urged President Bola Tinubu to provide adequate support for farmers to enable them increase production and tackle food insecurity.

The former senator and farmer also said that although the president declared a state of emergency on food security in 2023 to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal, food prices have continued to soar alarmingly.

In an open letter to President

Tinubu yesterday, Onwe said that the situation was particularly worrying for farmers who cannot afford fertilizers and other farms inputs.

According to him, “It is also worrying that funds secured from donor agencies and meant to improve food production were taken and never given to farmers.

“We are not producing sufficient to feed ourselves but there are opportunities to escalate production,” he said, adding however that the situation can be remedied.

Group Lauds Abdulrazak over N10.08bn Road Projects in Kwara

A Kwara State-based socio-cultural group under the aegis of Igbaja Progressive Union National Executive Council has lauded the state Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, for earmarking N10.08

billion roads construction project across communities in Kwara South senatorial district of the state. In a statement made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, the President-General of the group, Dr. Oluwatoyin Alabi, said the proposed road projects marked a significant

achievement for the people of the district. He said for many years, the people, especially Igbaja, had endured alleged neglect from previous administrations before the emergence of Abdulrazak-led government.

According to Alabi, “The Igbaja

people are elated about the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of dilapidated roads in the area, especially, the rehabilitation of the 12-kilometre Aiase-Ipo-Okeye Road, which have caused our people misery for years, hindering economic growth in the area.”

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Fidelis David inakure

Fumbling Man Utd Renew Interest in Victor Osimhen

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Manchester United who will not be involved in European football action next season unless the Red Devils defeat their Manchester City rivals in the FA Cup final on Saturday, have renewed their interests to lure Nigeria’s top striker, Victor Osimhen to Old Trafford.

Osimhen who still has a year in his Napoli contract however have a release clause of €130million for any willing suitor to shell out to have his signature.

According to Italian media source quoted by Corriere dello Sport, Manchester United are now also back in the hunt for the Napoli striker.

The Nigerian forward who is desirous of leaving at the end of this Italian season also had a torrid season with Napoli, potentially missing out of European football action next season.

PSG and Chelsea are two other front runners to sign Osimhen.

Already, the deposed Italian Serie A champions have lined up the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Lille striker

Jonathan David as direct replacement for the Super Eagles striker.

It is doubtful if Osimhen will look in the direction of Manchester United despite his desire to join a Premier League team in summer.

Manchester United capped their worst season ever since 1989/90 season, finishing under Erik ten Hag’s watch eighth in the English Premier League.

Although Rasmus Hojlund and Diogo Dalot helped the Red Devils finish their season with a 2-0 victory

at Brighton, the poor performance was far from satisfying for legions of their fans around the world.

They went into the final day knowing they needed a result better than Newcastle's to guarantee them seventh place and a Europa Conference playoff football next season. But that failed to happen.

will be a tall dream for any of their fans to expect high-riding Manchester City to allow them snatch the FA Cup which is their only route to European football next season.

Bayelsa Queens, Rivers Angels Bag First Wins as Confluence Bounce Back

The 2023/2024 NWFL Premiership Super Six continued with thrilling action on Matchday 2 yesterday with Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels both securing their first victories of the tournament, boosting their chances in the race for the domestic title this season.

Elsewhere, Confluence Queens also bounced back from their Saturday's opening-day humiliation in the hands of Edo Queens to claim a crucial 2-0 win against Heartland Queens.

Hosts of the 2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six, Bayelsa Queens, recorded their first win of the tournament with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nasarawa Amazons at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The Solid Babes had an early chance to take the lead when Odo Bibiana's effort struck the crossbar in the seventh minute, much to the relief of Domo Okara's side and the home fans.

After a goalless first half, the match appeared to be heading for a stalemate until a last-minute drama unfolded.

Substitutes Mercy Omokwo and Mercy Itimi combined to break the deadlock in the 90th minute, with Itimi converting Omokwo's long ball to secure the win.

This victory lifted Bayelsa Queens to four points from two games, positioning them well in the title race. They will next face Confluence Queens on Wednesday, while Nasarawa Amazons will aim for their first win against Rivers Angels.

Rivers Angels also claimed their first win of the playoff tournament with a 2-1 victory over Edo Queens in a South-South derby where all

three goals were scored in the first half at the same Samson Siasia Stadium venue in Yenagoa.

Florence Alexander opened the scoring for the Jewels of Rivers in the 11th minute with a free kick that was surprisingly spilled by Edo Queens' goalkeeper Ijeoma Uzoma.

Ogbonda Whyte's side doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Valentina Uroko inadvertently turned the ball into her net. Edo Queens responded quickly, reducing the deficit through Emem Essien, who dribbled past her marker before beating keeper Ademola Morufa.

Despite a disallowed goal from Deborah Odiagbe in the 59th minute and a similar fate for Sefiat Idris' strike, Rivers Angels held on for the win.

This triumph moved them level on four points with Bayelsa Queens at the top of the log. Rivers Angels will next face Nasarawa Amazons, while Edo Queens aim to return to winning ways against winless Heartland Queens.

Confluence Queens returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over debutants Heartland Queens, bouncing back from their 5-1 defeat to Edo Queens in the tournament opener. Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, returning from national team duty, provided a boost by keeping a clean sheet and restoring confidence in Confluence.

After a drab goalless first half, Merit Offor broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 76th minute, scoring her second goal of the tournament.

Ten minutes later, Offor was

replaced by Feranmi Odutade, who made an immediate impact by heading in the second goal just a minute after her introduction.

This result saw Confluence Queens climb up the standings to fourth with three points and renew their hopes for the first ever title.

The NWFL Premiership Super Six continues tomorrow with exhilarating encounters as teams pursue the league title and a spot in continental football.

RESULTS

Bayelsa 1-0 Nasarawa Edo 1-2 R’ Angels

Heartland 0-2 Confluence

WEDNESDAY

Nasarawa vs Rivers Angels

Confluence vs Bayelsa Queens

Heartland vs Edo Queens

Guardiola: City's Six Premier League Titles in Seven Years ‘Insane'

Shortly after winning their fourth consecutive Premier League title, and sixth in seven years, on Sunday, Manchester City Manager, Pep Guardiola said the Cityzens were enjoying their golden era.

Phil Foden scored twice as City beat West Ham 3-1 at the Etihad to edge out Arsenal by two points and deny the Gunners a first league title in 20 years.

“When I moved here if someone had said I would win six leagues in seven seasons I would say you're insane - no way," said Guardiola

All these players for Manchester United and Liverpool and Chelsea,

all these teams. Now is our period. We are part of that," added the 53-year-old.

Guardiola has now won 15 major trophies in eight seasons as City manager and could add another in the FA Cup final next weekend.

The Catalan has a contract at the Etihad until 2025 and said he intends to see out at least one more year in Manchester. "The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying after eight years. We have talked with the club – my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk,” concludes the former Barcelona star.

Liverpool Confirm Feyenoord Boss, Slot, to Replace Klopp at Anfield

Feyenoord Coach, Arne Slot, was Monday confirmed as Jurgen Klopp's successor at Liverpool by the Premier League club.

Liverpool said in a statement that the Dutchman, 45, would take up the position of head coach on June 1, subject to a work permit.

The club did not specify the length of his contract in their statement but Sky Sports said it understood Slot had signed a three-year deal. Slot's arrival has been an open secret, with Liverpool reportedly agreeing a compensation deal worth up to £9.4 million ($12 million).

He confirmed Anfield was his next destination at his final pre-match press conference at the Eredivisie club on Friday. Klopp announced his departure in January and took charge of his final game on Sunday, a 2-0 win against Wolves.

In his final speech to the Anfield crowd, the German urged fans to throw their full support behind Slot.

"You welcome the new manager like you welcomed me," he said.

"You go all-in from the first day. And you keep believing and you push the team." Slot moved to Feyenoord in 2021 after impressing in his first managerial role at AZ Alkmaar. He led the Dutch giants to the inaugural Europa Conference League final at the end of his first season. They narrowly lost 1-0 to Jose Mourinho's Roma. Slot then delivered just a second league title in 24 years to De Kuip last season before penning a new three-year deal.

FOOTBALL ON THEIR MINDS....

L-R: President of the NFF, Ibrahim Gusau;

Minister, Senator John Owan

Pinnick at the 74th FIFA Congress which held

were at the event as guests of the world

It

Victor Osimhen...wanted at Old Trafford

Arne Slot... New Liverpool coach

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino; CAF President, Patrice Motsepe; Nigeria’s Sports

Enoh; Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri; and FIFA Council Member, Amaju Melvin

recently in Bangkok, Thailand. Apart from Pinnick and Infantino, the Nigerians

football body

abati1990@gmail.com

NGO to Mohbad’s Killer

“We believe that DNA testing should be conducted as part of the elimination process of the possible motives of Mohbad’s death. We encourage anyone with information to help Nigeria, help Mohbad, and help mothers and fathers crying worldwide. Let’s ensure we give Nigeria and Africa the justice needed. If you have any information, no matter how small, please come forward” --CEO,AfricanFoundationforJustice,LarryOmodia,seeksjusticeforMohbad.

WITH REUBEN ABATI

When Helicopters Crash: Wigwe, Kobe, Iran

Media Vita In Morte Sumus (In the midst of life we are in death.) This is a Gregorian chant that I often recall whenever there is an accident, a sudden, shocking abbreviation of life in the midst of hope and promise, a most tragic reminder of man’s mortality. Life as either a chemical or biological process must come to an end when it will, but it is the time and manner of it that leaves the lasting imprint on our memory. The tragic death of the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi (63), his foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian (60) and seven others in a helicopter crash on Sunday evokes these thoughts afresh, as well as frightening memories.

Nigeria was thrown into shock in February this year when the tragic news was reported that Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Holdings had died in a helicopter crash in the United States along with his wife, Chizoba, his 29-year-old son, Chizzy and his lawyer, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo on their way to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. The quartet had a great future ahead of them. Wigwe had just completed a university, the Wigwe University in his home town of Isiokpo, Rivers State, through which he planned to raise educational standards and provide opportunities and quality. He and Ogunbanjo were full of life. The death of three members of a family in one tragic accident was beyond comprehension. Nigerians and the international community mourned. The week before his death, I had received a phone call from Herbert, sharing his views about a subject we had discussed on The Morning Show. He was a kind, affable gentleman, completely without airs. I know many people in high places who are just full of hydrogen, with blown up ego. Not Wigwe. “Reuben, I am travelling, but when I get back next Wednesday, I will call you”, he had said. He did not return. I was at a wedding party when news of the accident broke. It sounded like a fairy-tale but soon it was confirmed. Jesus! I was supposed to leave the wedding party and rush to a birthday party. I could not bring myself to go to that other party. I checked my phone. The call from Wigwe was still on my call log. How can somebody that spoke with me just a few days ago, die like that?”, I asked. There was an outpouring of tributes from every segment of society that he was involved with proving the maxim, that a man’s worth is not determined by the length of his life, but the impact that he makes. As Abraham Lincoln put it: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Thucydides says: “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others”.

Herbert Wigwe’s life was short, but his impact was profound. As was the case also with Kobe Bryant, American professional basketball player, five-time NBA Champion, two times NBA Finals

Most Valuable Player and NBA Most Valuable Player (2008), one of the most outstanding men on America’s basketball court. He died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, along with nine others, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. They were going for a basketball game in Thousand Oaks, California.

And now again, in the past few days, there has been yet another case of a helicopter crash involving prominent persons in Iran: the President, the Foreign Minister and seven others. They were returning from a diplomatic mission to Azerbaijan, namely, the inauguration of a dam at the Eastern border which was attended by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. It took a search and rescue party led by the Iranian Red Crescent Society, scouting around for 15 hours, before it was confirmed yesterday morning that the wreckage

of the helicopter had been found, and there were no signs of life. President Ebrahim Raisi was a prominent political and religious figure in Iranian politics. He and the late Foreign Minister were aligned with the conservative and hardline factions in Iranian politics. Raisi had served as a prosecutor in his early years, and as a member of a panel of judges, the so-called Assembly of Experts which sanctioned the execution of political prisoners. He later became Attorney General of the Republic. He ran for the Presidency in 2017, but lost to the more moderate Hassan Rouhani. He would be lucky in 2021 when he won, and became President in what was a controversial election with low voter turn-out. It was believed that his emergence as President was carefully managed by his mentor, the man who has the final say in all matters in Iran, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameini. He was looking forward to running for a second term in office in 2025. And now he is dead. As is the case with the death of all prominent public figures, there has been a surfeit of tributes from the Middle East, the EU, India, Russia, China, Hamas, Hezbollah, Malaysia, Pakistan, France, Turkey and the UN. Syria and Lebanon have announced three days of mourning.

He has been described as a martyr who died while serving the nation by the Iranian state media. In the face of the testy relationship between Iran and the US and its allies, Raisi was a fierce nationalist, rabidly anti-Israel and anti-America. In the on-going conflict between Israel and Hamas, his sympathies were with the latter. Whatever praises may have been heaped on him in Iran and the Islamic world, Raisi championed a policy of oppression. It was under his watch in 2022, for example, that a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini was detained, and allegedly killed in detention for wearing a loose headscarf. In the course of the mass protests that followed, more than 500 people were killed, over 22, 000 others were detained. He is praised however for the diplomatic truce that was reached with Saudi Arabia last year.

In all the three cases of deaths resulting from helicopter crashes cited above: one common thread is that every accident occurred as a result of the malfunctioning of the helicopter and weather issues as well. In the Wigwe case, the reports cited poor weather, rain and showers in the area of the crash, on the edge of the Mojave Desert Preserve.

When Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter accident at Calabasas, investigators also cited poor visibility and low cloud ceiling in addition to pilot error. Preliminary investigations into the crash in Iran have indicated challenging weather conditions and technical fault. In a political twist to the Iran incident, former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif blames US sanctions for the crash. The truth is that Iranian aircraft cannot be serviced with spare parts, due to sanctions, and hence, the fleet belong to the pre-1979 Revolution era, old and deteriorating. The helicopter that crashed did not even have a functional signal system. Besides, the Bell 212 that crashed is US-made.

In all three, the aircraft crash landed and burst into fire. But the thing about death, is that even “in the midst of death, there is life, and that should shock us” – a reversal of the original saying by James Koester. My simple interpretation of that is that even when loved ones die, despite the pain and the anguish, life moves on nonetheless. Human beings have leant the art of clinging to life. The finality is individual, personal. The community grieves and returns to the art of living. Herbert Wigwe died on Friday, February 9, 2024. By Monday, February 12, the Board of Access Holdings Plc had announced Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer. By March 14, the company re-appointed its co-founder, and non-executive chairman, as Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings in a substantive capacity. Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa has at every turn memorialized and honoured her husband, Kobe but she and her three surviving daughters have embraced life with equanimity. The family naturally feels the pain of death most, some people never heal, but still life goes on.

In Iran, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khameini had urged the nation not to worry, and that “there will be no disruption in the country’s work”. Iran has declared five days of mourning, and the first official state funeral will take place today. Meanwhile, the Cabinet of ministers has met, and replacements have been announced. Article 131 of the Iranian Constitution prescribes that in the event of the death of the President, the first Vice President assumes office, hence Mohammed Mokhber is now the Acting President of Iran. Ali Bagheri Kani, former Deputy Foreign Minister is also now the Acting Foreign Minister. Within 50 days, the Constitution prescribes that a new election must be held to elect another President. So, even in Iran life goes on. What remains is the country’s next election in early July. Who will be Iran’s next President? A hardliner or a moderate and what would be the implications of the choice among likely candidates at a time Iran faces serious economic, regional and global challenges?

Helicopters are scary things, from the swirling blades that you have to be mindful of as you board or disembark, to the fact that they are very shaky most of the time when they are air-borne especially when there is a little shift in the weather condition. Helicopters are not as stable as regular planes. One of the reasons I felt all hope was not lost when the Jonathan administration left office in 2015 was that I would not have to travel in those machines again, at least not as part of regular duty routine. In 2012, it was a really sad moment for the Nigerian government when General Andrew Owoye Azazi, National Security Adviser, Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa, and four others died in a Navy helicopter crash in the forest of Okoroba in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on their way to the Port Harcourt International Airport. The helicopter burst into flames; its occupants were burnt beyond recognition. Every Nigerian President and senior government officials use the helicopter a lot, to cover distances, and in our time, the helicopter was the regular shuttle

from the airport to the Villa, or to some nearby locations. On more than one occasion, going to the same Bayelsa state from Port Harcourt, we have had quite some anxiety.

But it was in Switzerland that we had real anxiety about flying in a helicopter in a mountainous region. It was January 2013, I think. We had travelled to Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, something we did every year. But the weather was truly harsh that particular year. We landed in Geneva and hopped into the helicopter to take us straight to Davos. When we were airborne, it turned out that the weather was almost zero. It was so foggy up there we could not see anything ahead. And this was in Switzerland with the mountains or the Swiss Alps as they are otherwise called. We all became anxious. There was panic written all over our faces, including the President’s.

“It is not good for a President to die in a helicopter crash, and in a foreign country”, President Jonathan said, trying his best to remain Presidential. It is not good for a Special Adviser to die in a helicopter crash either, I thought quietly to myself.

“But sir, these are oyinbo people sir and this is their country. They will know the terrain very well, and I think they have good technology.”

The President directed there and then that on our way back from Davos, if the weather was still foggy, we would all return to Geneva by road. No helicopter ride in that kind of foggy weather. Later that year, July 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan was in China on a five-day state visit. It was a significant trip to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and China. We were well received and everything went well. The hospitality was great. The chemistry was right. But I recall that one of the programmes on our list could not take place. We were to visit a particular province, but the issue came up that we would have to go in a Chinese aircraft, flown by Chinese pilots, because the route to the province is mountainous and even only carefully chosen and trained pilots are allowed to fly on that route. Mountains again, after the experience in Switzerland? The Foreign Affairs people and the PAF Commander had to find a diplomatic way of standing down that part of the trip. Besides, it would have been odd to allow another sovereign and its pilots to take over the management of the movement of the Nigerian President. Nonetheless, President Jonathan’s visit to China was successful. It prepared the grounds for the deepening of bilateral relations between both countries. There were no more issues with helicopters and foggy weather for a while, except when we had a bird strike stopping our aircraft in South Africa and we had to change planes, and yet another bird strike during the 2015 election campaigns in Northern Nigeria, and an aircraft had to be brought from Abuja to take us back. In life, we survive only by chance. Helicopter crashes have claimed the lives of many prominent state officials in the line of duty, including President Rene Ortuno of Bolivia (1969), Prime Minister Rashid Karami of Lebanon (1984), Burundi Defence Minister Colonel Firmin Sinzoyiheba (1998), due to poor weather, President Ibrahim Nasir of the Maldives (2008), Vice President John Garang of Sudan (2005), and Chief of Kenya’s military, General Francis Omondi Ogolla (2024). There is also a long list of leaders across the world who died in plane crashes. Between man, technology and nature, there is a lot about man’s inability to master and control the universe. There have been survivors though: In February 2019, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of Nigeria escaped unhurt from a helicopter crash in Kabba, Kogi State. In Iran, two helicopters travelling with President Ebrahim Raisi made it back to Tehran safely. Life is complex, the mysteries within it are far more so. May the souls of all departed persons find peace eternal.

Late president of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi