SUNDAY 21TH MAY 2023

PEPC moves to consolidate all petitions against president-elect

of

no fewer than 150 witnesses at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) sitting in Abuja to give evidence of the irregularities and

substantial non-compliance with

electoral laws during the conduct of the election. This

N’Assembly: Three-horse Race Imminent as Yari, Kalu Rally Senators-elect against Akpabio

Tinubu returns to drive implementation of zoning Against APC’s arrangements, North-central caucus moves to produce DSP House speakership: G-7 meets 182 members-elect, set to unveil candidate

Adedayo Akinwale, Udora Orizu, Sunday Aborisade and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Barring any last-minute shifting of grounds, the election of the President of the 10th Senate may witness three nominations from members on the floor of the red chamber on the day of inauguration as the former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari; and the Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, have vowed not to step down for the preferred candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Godswill Akpabio.

This is as the President-elect, Senator Bola Tinubu, yesterday returned to Nigeria eight days before the inauguration of his administration to drive the implementation of the zoning of the National Assembly leadership by the ruling APC.

The North-central senators-elect

N’ASSEMBLY: THREE-HORSE RACE IMMINENT AS YARI, KALU RALLY SENATORS-ELECT AGAINST AKPABIO

have, however, been making serious moves to woo other senators from other geopolitical zones for one of their own to emerge as the Deputy Senate President.

The APC had micro-zoned the position to Senator Barau Jibrin from the North-west state of Kano.

In a related development, the G7 aspirants for the position of the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives have met with Greater Minority with a resolution to present a consensus candidate for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions.

Investigation revealed that barring the outcome of further negotiations, the Senators-elect might nominate Senators Akpabio, Kalu, and Yari as their candidates for the position of Senate President on the day of their inauguration.

It was further learnt that Yari might choose to step down for Kalu before the commencement of voting so that he could contest the deputy Senate President position.

But at the moment, the race is too close to call as each of the three contenders is laying claims to having enough members that could give them victory.

Sources close to Yari and Kalu told THISDAY that the two candidates would challenge Akpabio on the day of their inauguration.

There are also strong indications that the senators-elect would also nominate three contestants for the position of Deputy Senate President.

The top contenders are Senators Barau Jibrin, who is the party’s preferred choice, Sani Musa, and Yari, who would have stepped down for Kalu during the Senate presidency race.

Akpabio and the other anointed candidates of the APC are not resting on their oars as they were going after the members of the opposition political parties last week for their support.

A Senator-elect from the Northwest geopolitical zone told THISDAY yesterday that no candidate can boast of having 69 loyal members.

He said: "The highest each of them could boast of is between 40 and 45 committed members”.

Some of the aspirants are spending hard currencies to realise their ambition with most of the rooms in some five-star hotels in Abuja fully booked by the aspirants.

The aspirants ensured that some of the elected members of the 10th Senate had relocated to the hotels for easy accessibility and meetings.

Tinubu Returns to Drive Implementation of Zoning

Meanwhile, the incoming President, Tinubu returned to the country yesterday after a week in Europe.

While abroad, Tinubu met with Kwankwaso, and the former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.

The meeting has generated tension, with some Kano APC chieftains kicking against any attempt by Tinubu to appoint Kwankwaso into his cabinet.

Governor Ganduje of Kano had also expressed reservations over the meeting as was heard in a leaked

audio conversation.

Ganduje was, however, among the dignitaries who went to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja airport to welcome Tinubu back home.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, Vice-President-elect, Kashim Shettima, and Akpabio, were among those who welcomed Tinubu.

The president-elect returned amid the storm generated by the endorsement of some lawmakers as leaders of the 10th National Assembly by the APC.

During a protest by the aggrieved aspirants, the National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu had said the zoning of the National Assembly leadership positions would be reviewed.

However, the review could not be carried out in Tinubu’s absence.

Tinubu’s strategists have however insisted that the current zoning would stand.

They argued that any attempt to tinker with the present zoning arrangements would create more controversies and expose the ruling party to ridicule,

With Tinubu’s return, he is expected to rein in dissident members and drive the final zoning arrangements by the party to ensure a stable National Assembly that would not destablise his administration.

North-central Caucus Vows to Produce DSP

In a related development, the North-central senators-elect have been making serious moves to woo other like-minds from other geopolitical zones for their candidate to emerge as the Deputy Senate President (DSP).

A ranking member among the caucus, who will represent Nasarawa West in the 10th National Assembly, Aliyu Wadada, told THISDAY that his colleagues from the North-central geopolitical zone are determined to clinch the position of the Deputy Senate President.

Wadada, who was elected on the ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), said the fact that he and some of his colleagues have been following Akpabio, does not mean that the North-central is not interested in the position of DSP.

Wadada said: "The North-central will not, and cannot be left out with a representative like us. We will always strive to get what belongs to us or what we deserve.

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

"The governors met with the aspirants from the North-central and efforts are really on to ensure that North-central gets what it deserves.

"As senators-elect from the North-central geopolitical zone, our position has not changed. We stand for the Deputy Senate President,” he added.

House Speakership: G-7 Meets Greater Minority, Set to Unveil Candidate

Meanwhile, the candidates of

Group 7 (G7) for the position of the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives have met with another group of 182 members-elect from the opposition parties better known as Greater Minority with a resolved to present a consensus candidate for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions.

The candidates of G7 include Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase; Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi; Chairman of House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara; Hon. Sada Soli; Hon. Mariam Onuoha and Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji.

Recall that the Greater Minority is made up of 182 members-elect across minority parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), Young People's Party (YPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In a statement signed by Gagdi after the meeting which was held in Abuja yesterday, the incoming lawmakers agreed on consensus candidates for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions and decided to wait for a later date to unveil the candidates.

Speaking on the development, Gagdi said the members-elect settled for candidates that will be acceptable to the majority of them.

“The G7 met with Greater Minority and agreed on consensus candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker but we will not mention the names yet. We reached an agreement based on the best choice of people that will be acceptable to the majority of all parties involved.

“We have formed this alliance to resist all attempts by external forces to impose leadership on the 10" House of Representatives. Be rest assured that the next leader of the House will emerge from us,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the minority caucus for the incoming 10th House of Representatives has said it has not endorsed any aspirant for the office of speaker as reported in some media outfits.

The caucus also known as 'Greater Majority' going by its collective number of 182 memberelect across minority parties said this in a statement signed by the secretary of the group, Ali Isa, yesterday.

The lawmakers had last week met with the House Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

But Isa in a statement said the caucus only met with Gbajabiamila, and the APC consensus speakership candidate, Tajudeen Abbas, who also engaged the group and made his presentation to solicit the support of its members to work with him just like the other aspirants did.

Constitution will Prevail over Party's Zoning, Says Jimoh Ibrahim

On his part, a Senator-elect from the Ondo South senatorial district,

ATIKU, OBI TO LINE UP 150 WITNESSES TO PROVE PETITION AGAINST TINUBU'S ELECTION

to nullify the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.

While Atiku and the PDP listed 100 witnesses to prove their petitions, Obi and the Labour Party would present 50.

In the same vein, Tinubu on his part said he would call 39 witnesses to defend his victory at the poll. Tinubu’s witnesses will also include those to be subpoenaed. However, the electoral umpire on its part planned to call just two witnesses to disprove the allegations of the petitioners against the declaration of Tinubu as President-elect.

The All Progressives Congress

(APC) on whose platform Tinubu won the presidential poll, also said that it would call 25 witnesses to establish the victory in addition to those to be subpoenaed.

Atiku and PDP disclosed this through their lawyer, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), at yesterday’s prehearing session.

Atiku requested three weeks to call 100 witnesses to prove his case against Tinubu. According to him, the witnesses will include those already listed before the court and those to be subpoenaed.

The former vice president and his party, at the resumed proceedings

Jimoh Ibrahim, has said his colleagues would follow the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, and not zoning arrangements, to elect their presiding officers.

Ibrahim said: "The leadership of the 10th National Assembly is about constitutional provisions. We were elected to protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Section 50 of the constitution says "Senators-Elect shall select one, among them to preside over

the affairs of the Senate.

"Any other thing contrary to the provisions of the Constitution is to the extent of its contradiction, inconsistency, void, and of no effect. That's where we stand.

"Once the constitutional provisions are obeyed, it is the bedrock of democracy. It is the ground norm of what we need to do.

"The presiding officers’ positions could be zoned to anybody but the Constitution in Section 50 says, 'one

among the senators-elect shall be elected among them to preside over the affairs of the Senate."

"We cannot do anything beyond the provisions of the constitution. That is what we would do.

"Section 1(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria establishes the supremacy of the Constitution above any other Act of Parliament that is inconsistent with the Constitution shall be declared void," Ibrahim explained.

NUPRC ESTABLISHES ENERGY TRANSITION UNIT AS NCDMB EYES

OIL PROJECTS IN FIVE YEARS

prospective investors to de-risk the assets.

Speaking during the justconcluded Nigeria Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) 2023 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, explained that the new department will drive the focused implementation of a robust regulatory framework for decarbonisation of upstream operations.

In addition, Komolafe, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, of Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning, Dr Kelechi Ofoegbu, noted that the initiative would ensure the introduction of clean mechanisms in field development, mitigate the impact of energy transition and ensure sustained investments in upstream operations while improving the environmental credentials of oil and gas.

The NUPRC chief executive noted that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) as enacted in 2021, had enhanced the business landscape in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, as it has provided a more transparent, efficient, and investment-friendly regulatory framework for the industry.

This renewed disposition, he said, reflects the nation’s readiness to attract local and international investors in the oil and gas space.

Komolafe further stated that in line with the provisions of the PIA, the commission has developed priority regulations to reinforce the meaning of the intent of the Act, by creating a predictable regulatory environment for would-be investors.

“So far, five priority regulations have been gazetted, while 13 others have been submitted to the Ministry of Justice for review and eight are at various stages of development,” he added.

According to him, Nigeria’s role as a major player in the global oil and gas industry is not in doubt, as it is currently the highest oil producer in Africa and the second highest in terms of proven oil reserves with huge growth potential.

As of January 1, 2023, Komolafe recalled that Nigeria had 36.966 billion barrels of crude oil and condensate reserves and 208.83 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves.

He stated that despite the global clamour for decarbonisation and energy transition, oil and gas would remain relevant in the global energy mix, to guarantee energy security for Nigeria’s teaming population.

production and eliminate routine gas flares in all upstream operations across the value chain, while also dealing with methane capture and other fugitive gas emissions.

“The significance of this is that more gas would be available for domestic utilisation as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), feedstock for power generation plants, fertiliser plants, and petrochemicals to mention but a few.

“Each of these areas shows that gas would truly be the catalyst and fuel for industrialisation as well as provide unique entry points for willing investors and opportunities to build capacity locally,” he said.

The NUPRC chief executive explained that the commission as the upstream petroleum industry regulator had embarked on the development of a regulatory framework for carbon-pricing systems, to make businesses pay for their emissions and incentivise emission reductions through carbon credits.

“Accordingly, a new department called ‘Energy Transition and Carbon Monetisation' has been created in the commission to coordinate the drive towards energy transition in the Nigeria oil and gas sector.

“The new department will drive the focussed implementation of a robust regulatory framework for decarbonisation of upstream operations, introduce clean mechanisms in field development, mitigate the impact of the energy transition, and ensure sustained investments in upstream operations whilst improving the environmental credentials of oil and gas,” he stated.

Komolafe said he hoped that in months to come, Nigeria should be able to share the vital lessons from the Nigerian transition success story with the global community.

He posited that the commission since its inception had concluded and commenced various initiatives and programmes to create investment opportunities and enhance the development of the upstream oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

Notable among these, according to Komolafe, were the completion of the 2020 marginal field bid round and award of Petroleum Prospecting licences (PPL) as well as the initiation of the ongoing 2022/2023 mini bid round for deep offshore assets

He noted that the NUPRC had also re-commenced the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, which is also ongoing.

investment opportunities,” he added.

Meanwhile, the NCDMB has disclosed that oil and gas opportunities valued at over $50 billion in projects would be developed within the next five years in the country.

In a statement issued last night, it noted that those opportunities were showcased by international and indigenous companies at the NOGOF 2023 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which ended on Friday.

According to the statement, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote, who spoke after the two-day fair which drew 1,086 registered participants, stated that the quantum of opportunities covered different segments of the industry and required proper collation as they run into billions of dollars.

He stated, “Some of the opportunities are from the indigenous players, some by NNPC Ltd and the international oil companies. If you put them together, in the next five years, they would exceed $50 billion that would be invested in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.”

Listing a few of the opportunities and their values, Wabote said: “Bonga Southwest which Shell talked about is almost about $7 billion to $8 billion. Shell also talked about Bonga North, which might take final investment decisions (FID) early next year and is almost $3 billion.”

On steps to be taken by interested service companies and other players to participate effectively in those projects and opportunities, Wabote charged such firms to prepare themselves adequately, restating that the oil and gas industry is highly technical and does not compromise safety and standards.

He added: “If someone gives you projects, he intends to execute in the next two years; Nigerian companies having listened to the opportunities should go back and continue to build their capacities in readiness to actively participate.”

He also counselled that the oil and gas sector is not an environment where an entrepreneur can immediately step in and achieve success.

The NCDMB helmsman promised that the Board would collate the opportunities into a compendium and make them available to registered participants.

He confirmed that the Board tracks the development of the opportunities showcased at every edition of NOGOF.

before the PEPC, disclosed that among those he has lined up to testify in the matter, are expert witnesses and those he would ask the court to compel to mount the witness box.

“We may not even exhaust the three weeks because the issues are getting narrower, “Atiku’s lawyer, Uche added.

On his part, Obi said he would require seven weeks to present his case before the court.

Addressing the court through his team of lawyers led by Prof. Awa Kalu (SAN), Obi said he was

Continued on page 12

Komolafe pointed out that to deliver on her commitments towards the reduction of carbon footprints, Nigeria has adopted gas as a transition fuel and expects to significantly increase gas consumption during “the Decade of Gas” declared by President Muhammadu Buhari.

This adoption of natural gas as a transition fuel, he stressed, is a boost for Nigeria, which has over 208 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas reserves that can be harnessed to help the country's transition to Net Zero by 2060, while driving economic growth and development, to simultaneously tackle energy poverty and also meet the climate ambition.

Accordingly, the commission, Komolafe posited, has intensified efforts to grow gas reserves, boost

“Though these programmes have been initiated and are ongoing, opportunities still exist for investors as NUPRC continues to implement strategic actions and initiatives aimed at increasing national crude oil and gas reserves and production.

“In this regard, the commission will in the weeks ahead organise its Maiden Nigerian Upstream International Investment and Financial Roadshow (NUIIFR) for PPL Awardees, NGFCP bidders, and potential investors in the upcoming mini bid for deep water assets, to explore funding opportunities and leverage capabilities of industry players, prospective investors (local and offshore) to de-risk the assets and awards.

“The event will provide an opportunity for participants to network, exchange ideas, and chart strategic pathways to enhance

Providing an update of projects shared at previous editions, he hinted that “most of them have come to fruition, others are challenged by security concerns, final investment decisions (FID) challenges, bankability, and regulatory requirements and approvals. But those that have crossed the hurdles have been developed and are producing today.”

He added: “We shared Ikike and today it is almost doing 50,000 barrels per day; we shared Nigeria LNG Train 7 almost six years ago and today, it is in full steam, hoping to be completed in 2026. We shared the upstream opportunities that will feed into Train 7, HI, HA, and Obeta projects. This has been a tremendous success by NCDMB.”

MARITAL BLISS…

Isale Eko Descendants Seek Imposition of N10bn Fine on Gangs of Lagos Producers

Ask court to compel Lagos to sanction film producers Demand criminal prosecution of Gangs of Lagos producers

Gboyega Akinsanmi

A Lagos High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square has granted leave to Isale Eko Descendants Union to seek an order compelling Lagos State Video and Film Censors Board to impose a N10 billion fine against the Gangs of Lagos producers for the wrongful depiction of Isale Eko as a den of criminals and the Eyo Masquerade as a gang of murderers.

The court has also allowed Isale Eko's descendants to apply for judicial review and seek an order of mandamus directing the Attorney General of Lagos State

and Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board to sanction the film producers under the Cinematograph Law of Lagos State.

The presiding judge, Justice Idowu Alakija, recently granted the leave for judicial review in an exparte application brought pursuant to section 3 of the Cinematograph Law of Lagos State and Order 44 Rule 3 of the High Court Civil Procedure Rules.

Alakija granted the leave after hearing arguments of Counsel for Isale Eko Descendants Union and two others, Mr. Olasupo Shasore (SAN), Mr. Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), Mr. Aderemi Bashua (SAN), Mrs.

Labour Party Crisis Deepens as Another Member Parades Self as Chairman

Gabriel Emameh in Abuja

A former Deputy Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Callistus Okafor, has asked the Supreme Court to pronounce him the substantive chair of the party.

Okafor made the shocking disclosure while speaking with journalists, adding that both Julius Abure and Lamidi Apapa are “fake” chairmen.

He said Apapa, the acting chair could not emerge in illegality, as his “emergence would have been better if there was no consent judgment”.

He added that with the consent judgment, Abure is an illegal LP chairman.

Okafor said: “I am the only acting national chairman of the Labour Party. Every other person parading himself as such is fake. Lamidi Apapa and Abure are both fake”.

“Let everybody know that I have approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday, May 18 and prayed the apex court to declare Abure’s LP chairmanship claims, illegal.

“I have drawn the attention of the court to the fact that the acting secretary of the LP, based on the party’s constitution, cannot emerge as the Chairman.

“I have also asked the supreme court to declare null and void and of no effect, whatever Abure has done in his so-called capacity as

the chairman of the LP.

“I specifically drew the attention of the honourable justices of the apex court to the fact that Abure has conducted an illegal convention and primaries for LP which he has no legal power to do.

“I have also asked the court to recognise my party’s membership list because the list is with me and could be verified.”

LP which emerged as the third force in the build-up to the 2023 elections after a former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi picked the presidential ticket has been enmeshed in a leadership turmoil.

The crisis began when Apapa, deputy national chairman of the party (south), declared himself the acting national chairman following the sack of Julius Abure by a court.

In April, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court issued an order restraining Abure from parading himself as the LP’s national chairman.

The LP had said Apapa has been suspended over “anti-party activities” alongside Akingbade, national legal adviser; Gbenga Daramola, national financial secretary; Anselem Eragbe, national youth leader; and Abayomi Arabambi, national publicity secretary.

Meanwhile, chieftains of the party including Obi had said there is no crisis in the party, maintaining that Abure remains the chairman.

Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, Akinwale Irokosu and Adesamola Alebiosu, Temi Tayo-Tiwo, Oyinkansola Tunde -Braimoh among others.

The applicants comprise Isale Eko Descendants’ Union, Chief Ayodele Bajulaiye, who sued on behalf of the Bajulaiye Chieftaincy Family and Eyo Iga Bajulaiye, and Chief Abdul-Waheed Ayeni who sued on behalf of the Sasore Chieftaincy Family and Eyo Iga Sasore.

They are challenging Mrs. Jadesola Soberu, Ms. Kemi Lala Akindoju, Mr. Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Mr. Olumide Soyombo, Mr Bankole Wellington, Mrs. Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Mr. Kola Aina, Greoh Limited and Amazon Web Services Nigeria for alleged sacrilegious and scandalous depiction of the Eyo Masquerade in a movie production titled Gangs of Lagos,

In her decision recently, Alakija granted the applicants leave to apply for an order of mandamus against the Lagos State Video and

Film Censors Board to ban the film, Gangs of Lagos airing on Amazon Prime, for its false and defamatory depiction of the Eyo masquerade.

Alakija also granted the applicants leave to apply for judicial review and to seek an order of mandamus directing and compelling the attorney general and Lagos State Video and Film Censors Board to perform their statutory duty under the Cinematograph Law of Lagos State and revoke the licence and approval granted to Greoh Studios and ‘The Make it Happen Productions’, the producers of “Gangs of Lagos” for depicting Isale Eko as a den of criminals and Eyo Masquerade as a gang of murderers and assassins.

The judge granted the applicants leave “to apply for judicial review and to seek an order of mandamus directing and compelling the attorney general and Lagos State Video and Film Censors Board to perform their statutory duty under the Cinematograph Law of Lagos State and demand an account of

the proceeds from exploitation and streaming of the illegal and defamatory depiction of Isale Eko as a den of criminals and the Eyo Masquerade, as a gang of murderers and assassins in the ‘Gangs of Lagos’ movie.”

The judge further granted the applicants leave “to apply for judicial review and to seek an order of mandamus directing and compelling the attorney general and Lagos State Video and Film Censors Board to perform their statutory duty under the Cinematograph Law of Lagos State and seize the proceeds from exploitation and streaming of the illegal and defamatory depiction of Isale Eko as a den of criminals and Eyo Masquerade, as a gang of murderers and assassins in the ‘Gangs of Lagos’ movie.

She granted the applicants leave “to apply for judicial review and to seek an order of mandamus directing and compelling the attorney general and Lagos State Video and Film Censors Board to

perform their statutory duty under the Cinematograph Law of Lagos State and impose a fine of N10 billion against the producers of the Gangs of Lagos movie….”

The judge granted the applicants leave “to apply for judicial review and to seek an order of mandamus directing and compelling the attorney general and Lagos State Video and Film Censors Board to perform their statutory duty under the Criminal Laws of Lagos State by instituting criminal prosecution for criminal defamation against the producers of the Gangs of Lagos movie for an illegal and defamatory depiction of Isale Eko as a den of criminals and Masquerade, as a gang of murderers and assassins.

In a statement by its Chairman, Yomi Tokosi, yesterday, the Isale-Eko Descendants Union said it would like to reiterate that it is committed to the protection of the interests of the community and its environs, particularly its cultural heritage and traditions like the revered Eyo Masquerade Festival and its icons.

Controversy over Ganduje’s Condemnation of Tinubu’s Meeting with Kwankwaso

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Controversy has trailed the condemnation of the recent meeting in Paris, France, between the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the President-elect, Bola Tinubu by the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

Ganduje has lamented the recent meeting between the Tinubu and Kwankwaso, in Paris, France.

Tinubu and Kwankwaso met for hours in France to discuss a wide range of issues, including the possibility of the NNPP presidential candidate joining the incoming cabinet.

A few days after the meeting, the audio of a phone call between Ganduje and Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, a former placeholder vice presidential candidate of the APC, leaked.

In the audio, the governor was heard lamenting being treated unfairly by the president-elect in

the meeting with Kwankwaso.

The governor started the audio conversation by saying there was noise all over Kano over the meeting between Tinubu and Kwankwaso.

Ganduje said even though Masari had told him of the possibility of such a meeting, there was nothing he could have done to stop it.

“But at that time, you could have spoken with him (Tinubu). You can (sic) call him and talk to him,” Masari told Ganduje.

The governor was then heard saying “what could I have told him? Now he (Tinubu) is seeing Kwankwaso as an alternative to us? No problem. Because we don’t have a government? And it’s even because of him (Tinubu) we lost the government in any way.

“Even if he will see him (Kwankwaso), he ought to have called us too. Or don’t you understand, even if symbolically,” Ganduje added.

In the audio, Masari, an ally of Tinubu, was then heard pacifying

Ganduje and urging him not to be angry over the development.

He asked the governor to remain calm until he visits Tinubu.

“And all these things are from God. And the calculation that he is doing is not even accurate… And this man, how did he end up with Jonathan?” Ganduje said.

The governor reportedly left Kano for Abuja late Friday and might have met Masari over the weekend before the former would meet with the president-elect, who returned to the country yesterday.

But in a swift reaction to the leaked audio, the Kano State Government has described it as a mischievous attempt by social media and online publications in the country to lift a story from what it described as a purported phone conversation between Ganduje and Masari which involves his political relationship with Tinubu.

The state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Malam Muhammad Garba in a

statement issued yesterday, stated that the exaggerated publicity on the purported audio clip was the handiwork of paid agents trying to twist the so-called conversation to cause disaffection between the two political gladiators.

He explained that some people who are not comfortable with the long cordiality Tinubu, Ganduje, and Masari enjoy are bent on exploiting the situation to their advantage.

Garba also maintained that the governor and the President-elect have since realised this mischievous attempt to cause disaffection between them, and would not allow this sound working relationship which has been waxing stronger, particularly at this critical time to be destroyed by some self-centered individuals.

The commissioner called on members of the APC and the public to disregard such attempts and remain calm and loyal to the party to ensure the successful inauguration of the President-elect.

L-R: Father of the groom, Mr. Danjuma Selah; Mother of the bride, Mrs. Grace Ojougboh; the groom, Mr. Ocheme Saleh; Dein of Agbor, His Royal Majesty, Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi 1; the bride, Mrs. Rimma Saleh; Mother of the groom, Mrs. Yvonne Saleh; and Father of the bride, Dr. Cairo Ojoughoh, at the traditional wedding ceremony in Abuja…yesterday

GODWIN OMOIGUI

HOSPITALITY ON THEIR MINDS…

FG Signs MoU with Doctors to End Warning Strike

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to halt the five-day nationwide warning strike of resident doctors.

As part of the resolution of the dispute, the federal government agreed to adopt the ASUU template for doctors' pay rise.

A statement by the Director,

Press, and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. Mr. Olajide Oshundun said the MoU was signed at the end of a conciliation meeting convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige in his office on Friday.

Resident doctors had declared a five-day warning strike beginning from Wednesday to protest the alleged refusal of the federal government to respond to their demands for a welfare package.

According to Oshundun, the meeting, which lasted for about five hours addressed all the eight issues raised by the striking resident doctors.

These include the non-payment of salaries of doctors by state governments, domestication of the reviewed Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for the year 2023, the bill at the National Assembly on the bonding of doctors for five years before licensing, the circular on immediate replacement of exited doctors, and immediate payment

of the 2023 MRTF. The others are arrears of Consequential Adjustment on Minimum Wage, Skipping Arrears, and the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). In the MoU made available to journalists after the meeting, the parties agreed that health is on the Residual List and not the Concurrent List of the Constitution, and hence, the federal government cannot compel the state governments to effect the payment of salaries and allowances in the health sector.

EFCC Dares Matawalle to Provide Evidence of $2m Bribe against Its Chairman

Kingsley Nweze in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has described the Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle’s allegation of a $2 million bribe against its chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa as a hoax.

The anti-graft agency, however, said it “will not bandy words with suspect.”

Matawalle had accused the chairman of EFCC of demanding a $2m bribe from him.

In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Matawalle also said he has evidence against the EFCC boss, insisting that Bawa could not be trusted.

He called for Bawa’s resignation, saying he had questions to answer on alleged corruption.

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

world evidence of those at the federal level.

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

“He requested a bribe of $2 million from me and I have evidence of this. He knows the house we met; he invited me and told me the conditions. He told me governors were going to his office but I did not. If I don’t have evidence, I won’t say this,” the governor stated.

But the EFCC stated in a series of tweets yesterday that, “despite the irritation of his phantom claims, the commission will not be drawn into a mud fight with a suspect under its investigation for corruption and unconscionable pillage of the resources of his state.”

The anti-graft agency disclosed

that it was probing the governor for allegedly diverting N70 billion meant for contracts in the state.

“If Matawalle will be taken seriously; he should go beyond sabre-rattling by spilling the beans – provide concrete evidence as proof of his allegations.”

The commission also alerted the public about alleged plans by some of the allegedly corrupt politically exposed persons to flee the country ahead of the May 29 transition date.

Also, in a statement, EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, had stated that Matawalle should go beyond the allegation by providing “concrete evidence as proof”.

“Again, the commission wishes to alert the public about plans by some of the alleged corrupt politically exposed persons to flee the country ahead of May 29. The commission is working in close collaboration with its international partners to frustrate these escape plans and bring those involved to justice.”

“The attention of EFCC

has been drawn to a trending interview granted to the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, by Bello Muhammed Matawalle, governor of Zamfara State, where he allegedly made wild bribery allegations against the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, ” the statement reads: “Matawalle’s recourse to mudslinging is symptomatic of a drowning man clutching at straws. But despite the irritation of his phantom claims, the Commission will not be drawn into a mud fight with a suspect under its investigation for corruption and unconscionable pillage of the resources of his state.”

“Again, the commission wishes to alert the public about plans by some of the alleged corrupt politically exposed persons to flee the country ahead of May 29.

“The commission is working in close collaboration with its international partners to frustrate these escape plans and bring those involved to justice.”

"Consequently, NMA and NARD were advised to embrace more persuasion and social dialogue at the state level.

On the issue of Abia State where doctors have been on strike for several months over perennial non-payment of salaries, the meeting noted that the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) has taken the matter to the National Council on Health (NCoH) in Abuja, which looked into the matter and asked the Abia State Government to pay up for good health delivery to the people.

"They equally agreed that the states cannot be compelled to domesticate the MRTF and must not pay the same amount being paid by the federal government. They advised NARD to reach out to states that are not paying and negotiate with them, even if the rates are lower than that of the Federal Government MRTF".

On the bill of bonding of doctors for five years before licensing, sponsored by Hon.

Ganiyu Johnson from Lagos State at the National Assembly, the meeting also agreed that the executive arm of government cannot interfere with it, being a private member's bill and not an executive bill.

The meeting therefore resolved to await the public hearing for the bill, where the doctors will deal with the bill through the NMA, to ensure it does not see the light of day.

Similarly, on the replacement of exited doctors, the meeting noted that the recommendations of the Federal Ministry of Health Brain Drain Committee have been forwarded to the office of the Head of Service of the Federation (OSGF) for further action.

The OSGF was directed to engage all stakeholders by Wednesday, May 24, 2023, on the matter to ensure the approval of the implementation plan on or before June 5, 2023, for transmission to teaching hospitals and federal medical centres for implementation.

World Bank Advises FG, States to Stop Payment of Petrol Subsidy

James Emejo in Abuja

The Country Director of the World Bank, Shubham Chaudhuri, has asked the federal and state governments to consider the financial implications that a continuous fuel subsidy regime could have on their revenues, as the government contemplates the removal of fuel subsidy.

Chaudhuri gave the warning at the weekend on the third day of the induction programme for newly elected and re-elected governors at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Insecurity My Worst Nightmare as President, Says Jonathan

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

Former President Goodluck

Jonathan, has revealed that insecurity was his worst nightmare during his time in office between 2010 and 2015.

Jonathan made the disclosure at the weekend during the inauguration of a 22-kilometre road project in Taraba State.

The dualised Yola-Wukari road encompasses six pedestrian bridges and a

flyover bridge, among others.

Commending Governor Darius Ishaku on what he described as a job well done, the former president revealed that his worst nightmare as president of the country was insecurity.

He said he had sleepless nights in a bid to resolve the issues and encouraged residents to live in peace for more development to thrive, adding that road infrastructure

is key to any development.

While inaugurating the road project, and flagging off the construction of a heavy-duty vehicles park on the outskirts of the state capital, Jonathan insisted that security is in the hands of the people.

The former president also expressed satisfaction that Taraba was gradually returning to the “good old days” of peaceful coexistence and tolerance.

On his part, Ishaku said the road projects embarked upon by his administration was to link rural communities to the metropolis to explore the agricultural potential of the state.

The inauguration comes less than two weeks to the inauguration of a new administration in Taraba State.

The inauguration of new infrastructure in the state is seen as one of the major

activities undertaken by Ishaku to make an indelible impression.

Ishaku, in his remark, said his administration’s emphasis on road construction targets economic growth, especially in rural communities by revamping the agricultural potential of Taraba.

The governor used the opportunity to counter statistics putting the state as one of the most indebted nationwide.

The World Bank official warned that the situation could get worse if the right decisions about the fuel subsidy regime are not taken.

He expressed concern over the rising debt profile of some states, warning that the situation could get worse, depending on the decision of the governments on the fuel subsidy regime.

The induction programme was aimed at intimating the governors-elect about the opportunities that exist with development partners, including grants, partnerships, and project sponsorships.

Issues around revenue generation, budgeting, and good governance dominated discussions that started on Monday, with some of the new inductees describing the orientation exercise as a good start for them.

The incoming and re-elected governors will have the responsibility of managing the resources of their respective states after they are sworn in on May 29.

The knowledge and experiences of former governors shared during the programme could be the launchpad for their successors.

L-R: Company Secretary, Capital Hotels Plc, Alex Ugwuanyi; Director, Pascal Demarchi; Non-Executive Director/Alternate Chairman, Paul Chukwuma Obi; Managing Director, Ravi Bachu; and Director, Robert Itawa, during the Annual General Meeting of the company in Abuja …recently

HONOURING LONGEST-SERVING AGF…

L-R: Chairman of Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige, (SAN); Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN); Vice Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN); and President, Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), during the presentation of plaque of honour to Malami, by the Council of Legal Education for his contribution to the growth of legal education and as the longest-serving AGF in Nigeria, in Abuja…recently

Army 38: Court Requested to Commit Defence Minister, COAS to Prison for Contempt

The National Industrial Court (NIC) in Abuja has been requested by a lawyer acting on behalf of Colonel Danladi Ribah Hassan to commit three high-ranking officials of the federal government to prison for contempt of court following their refusal to reinstate Colonel Hassan into the Nigerian Army as ordered by the court and affirmed in a final decision of Court of Appeal.

The committal application in suit number NINC/ABJ/51M/2023 requests the court to commit the Minister for Defence, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to prison for refusing to comply with the final judgment in case number NICN/316/2017, which required them to reinstate Hassan into service and to pay his entitlements from 2016.

The individuals to be committed to prison upon the order of the court are the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya.

Magashi and Kana are respectively the Chairman and Secretary of the Nigerian Army Council.

The Nigerian Army Council is the final executive body for the Nigerian Army.

On January 8, 2019, the court in a judgment, ordered that

Colonel Hassan be reinstated into the Nigerian Army and all his entitlements and benefits paid from 2016 when he was wrongfully dismissed from the Nigerian Army.

Colonel Hassan is one of those senior officers referred to in the press as the ‘Army 38’. The 38 officers were forced out of service in 2016 by the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai (rtd).

Many of the officers have fought to secure justice since 2016.

Buratai was Chief of Army Staff for the first six years of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, and he was accused of various acts of abuse of office, including the sack of the Army 38 without factual or legal basis.

The initial requests of Army 38 officers, including Colonel Hassan, to President Buhari for justice against Lt. General Buratai were ignored by the President.

Later on, decisions by the National Assembly for the reinstatement of the officers were ignored by the federal government.

The court decisions for the reinstatement of Colonel Hassan, as well as for some of the affected officers, were also disobeyed.

The Senate heard a petition by one of the Army 38 officers, Colonel Chidi Ukoha, and determined that his removal from the Nigerian Army was unjust.

The Senate in plenary directed the federal government to reverse the unjust dismissal. The Army

leadership ignored the Senate’s letter with reference number NASS/NA/106/Vol.9/098 dated November 23, 2017.

In a similar vein, the House of Representatives determined upon a public petition that Colonel Osita Nwankwo, also of Army 38, was also unjustly treated by the Nigerian Army. The decision of the House of Representatives for reinstatement contained in a letter dated March 15, 2018, with reference number: NASS/CAN/105/Vol.24/65, was ignored by the Army leadership

Colonel Hassan is not the only member of Army 38 to win a judgment from the court for reinstatement.

Other successful officers include Major General Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma, Colonel Mohammed

Suleiman, Lt. D. B. Dazang, Lt. Col T. E. Arigbe, Col Abdulfatai Mohammed, and Lt. Col Abubakar S. Mohammed.

The Army leadership refused to comply with any order for reinstatement from the National Industrial Court in respect of any of the senior officers that obtained a final decision for reinstatement from the court of competent jurisdiction.

In the case of Colonel Hassan, the Nigerian Army appealed against the decision of the National Industrial Court but lost at the appeal. The appeal of the Army in case number CA/ABJ/299/2019 was delivered on December 31, 2021.

The Court of Appeal is the final arbiter in employment cases and the Nigerian Army cannot make a further appeal to the Supreme Court,

or any other court in respect of the case involving Colonel Hassan.

However, despite the final decision of the Court of Appeal the Chief of Army Staff has refused to comply with the orders of the court for reinstatement and payment of back pay and entitlements.

The Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Army Council, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Attorney General of the Federation participated fully in the case and the court overruled all the defences put forth on behalf of the Nigerian Army.

Colonel Hassan also further petitioned the National Assembly to prevail on Army leadership to obey the orders of both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal.

In a snotty response to the

National Assembly, the Chief of Army Staff maintained that the Nigerian Army intended not to obey the orders of courts.

In the letter signed by Major General M. U. Wambai on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff with reference number HQ DLS/ G1/300/56 dated October 7, 2022, the Chief of Army Staff argued that ‘it is the position of the NA that the appellate court did not appreciate the peculiarity of the military service while passing its judgment when it ordered for the reinstatement of the petitioner into the NA.’

The Chief of Army Staff, in the referenced letter then concluded that they did not intend to reinstate or pay arrears of salaries and emoluments which has led to the committal application.

CIBN Revenue Rises By 16% to N2.06tn in 2022

Nume Ekeghe

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has revealed that its revenue rose by 16.9 per cent to N2.06 trillion in 2022 from N1.76 trillion in 2021.

The institute also said its net assets and net operating surplus rose by 7.3 per cent and 4.9 per cent to N6.66 trillion and N837.94 billion, respectively in 2022.

CIBN disclosed these yesterday in its 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM), in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, Mr. Ken Opara, said that the growth in the institute’s financial position was, among other things, due to its efficient utilisation of resources.

“I am delighted to inform you that despite the macroeconomic headwinds in 2022, the Institute recorded a modest growth in its financial position.

“The improved performance recorded in the year under review was a result of efficient utilisation of

ATIKU, OBI TO LINE UP 150 WITNESSES TO PROVE PETITION AGAINST TINUBU'S ELECTION

constrained to demand for the seven weeks, owing to “a few hiccups” he encountered at INEC.

“My lords, we still have a few hiccups at INEC because of the order that was made by this court on March 8, directing them to allow us to carry out a forensic examination of the BVAS. They have not allowed us.

“We are also waiting for some documents we requested from them,” Kalu added.

He told the court that the parties agreed to give 30 minutes for star witnesses in the matter to present their evidence-in-chief, excluding the time for possible demonstration of any electronic evidence.

Whereas Obi’s lawyer disclosed that parties agreed to use 20 minutes each to cross-examine the witnesses, another five minutes would be used for their re-examination.

Responding to Atiku, the electoral body, through its lawyer, Abubakar Mahmood (SAN), told the court that it would only call two witnesses.

On his part, the President-elect, Tinubu, said he would only need

two days to deflate Atiku’s case. Tinubu’s lead counsel at the proceedings, Mr. Roland Otaru (SAN), further disclosed that his client would call 39 witnesses to testify before the court, not excluding other persons he may apply to be subpoenaed to appear before the court.

On its part, counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Solomon Umoh (SAN), said it would also need two days to call 39 witnesses before the court.

Also, in responding to Obi, INEC, through its lawyer, Mahmood, said it had no agreement with either Obi or the LP on time to be allocated to the witnesses.

The electoral body equally denied being aware of any hiccups being faced by the petitioners.

“I have no knowledge of such hiccups. I had earlier assured the lead counsel for the petitioners, Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), that I would be available to assist him in any way that I can, should he encounter any difficulty.

“So far, I have not received such

a complaint from him”.

INEC, which is the first respondent in the matter, said it would need three days to present its two witnesses.

The President-elect, Tinubu, through his lawyer, Otaru, said he would require nine days to call a total of 21 witnesses, excluding expert witnesses, to defend his election victory.

Likewise, counsel for the APC, Mr Niyi Akintola, (SAN), said the party would call only seven witnesses, excluding those to be subpoenaed, to testify in the matter.

The APC said it would require only nine days to defend Tinubu’s election, adding that Obi and the LP only frontloaded statements of only three witnesses.

Meanwhile, all the respondents said they must be given 48 hours' notice before any expert witness would be brought to testify in the matter.

PEPC Moves to Consolidate Atiku, Obi,

APM’s petitions against Tinubu

Meanwhile, the PEPC has disclosed its intention to consolidate the three different petitions that are seeking to nullify the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.

The petitions are those filed by the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku, the PDP; the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Obi, and LP and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Consequently, the court, at its resumed proceedings yesterday, said it was empowered by Paragraph 50 of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, to merge all the petitions and determine them together.

However, Uche (SAN), who is the lead counsel for Atiku, pleaded to the court for time to consult his client.

“My lords, we will not say that we have not looked at it, but perhaps it may require consultation with the other petitioners.

“We, therefore, ask for a stand

resources and the deliberate focus on revenue generation drive.

“While appreciating the management of the institute for their efforts, it is important to state that the institute will remain focused and committed to the implementation of our strategic plan.”

Presenting the financial report for 2022, the National Treasurer CIBN, Mrs. Mojisola Bakare-Asieru said: “The total revenue generated for the year ended 31 December 2022 increased to N2.06 trillion

down or an adjournment so that we can explore the modalities since this is like a marriage which is a union between two consenting adults,” Uche added.

On its part, INEC threw its weight behind the planned consolidation of the petitions.

“My lords, my personal conviction is that the provision is mandatory. It clearly stated that if there are two petitions or more that are filed to nullify the same election or return, it must be consolidated, unless the court directs otherwise.

“We are happy with the provision of the law and we are also happy with whatever position your lordships will take with respect to this matter,” INEC’s lead counsel, Mr. Abubakar Mahmood (SAN), told the court.

However, Otaru (SAN), who appeared on behalf of the President-elect, Tinubu, and the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, said he would need time to consult.

“My lords, I will need to consult

from the N1.76 trillion figure recorded in 2021, increasing by 16.92 per cent.”

According to Bakare-Asieru, the institute made an effort to digitise its operations to among other things create new revenue streams and new customer segments.

She added: “The digitisation process which has commenced would ensure that the institute repositions its brand to attract the younger generation of bankers by integrating automation into the millennial banking experience and service process.”

Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who is the lead counsel in this matter,” he pleaded.

The Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five-member panel subsequently adjourned till Monday for the parties to report the outcome of their consultations on the issue of consolidation of all the petitions.

It will be recalled that INEC had on March 1, announced Tinubu of the APC as the winner of the presidential poll, ahead of 17 other candidates that contested the election.

It declared that Tinubu scored a total of 8,794,726 votes to defeat the two major contenders, Atiku of the PDP, who came second with a total of 6,984,520 votes, and Obi of LP, who came third with a total of 6,101,533 votes.

However, dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, Atiku, Obi, and APM lodged petitions before the court.

They maintained that Tinubu was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast at the election.

Alex Enumah in Abuja

COALITION AGAINST BREAST CANCER…

L-R: Dean, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Eze Nwokocha; Director, University Health Service, Dr. Ronke Ajav; ex-Director, Institute of African Studies, Prof Ohioma Pogoson; Deputy ViceChancellor (Academic), Prof Ronke Baiyeroju; Convener, Breast Cancer Awareness Sensitisation Programme/Head, Department of Political Science, Prof. Irene Pogoson; National President, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, Amb. Tolu Taiwo; Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, Prof. Anthonia Simbine; and Consultant Surgeon, Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dr. Omobolaji Ayandipo at the sensitisation programme on breast cancer held at the Lady Bank Anthony Hall, UI, Ibadan … recently

Nigerian Scholars Languish in Russia, Others, Lament Unpaid Allowance

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Nigerian students studying in foreign countries on different scholarship schemes are languishing due to the failure of the federal government to remit their allowance for five months, findings by THISDAY have revealed. Findings further revealed that the affected students “are beneficiaries of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) studying in different countries across the world.”

Some parents of the affected students anonymously revealed the plight of their wards at a session with journalists at the weekend,

begging the federal government to come to their rescue.

One of the parents specifically challenged the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu to address issues around the non-payment of their children’s allowance before leaving office.

The parent revealed that the affected students “are in Algeria, China, Cuba, Egypt, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Romania, Russia, Serbia, South Korea, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine languishing due to the federal government’s failure to pay the five months’ allowance.”

He revealed that the affected students “are studying overseas

Osinbajo, Tinubu Mourn Subomi Balogun

Deji Elumoye and Adedayo

Akinwale in Abuja

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and President-elect, Senator Bola Tinubu, have decried the passing of the founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Otunba Subomi Balogun, saying his death would create a vacuum that would be difficult to fill in the banking industry.

The billionaire banker passed on Friday in a London hospital after an undisclosed illness at the age of 89.

Osinbajo described Balogun as noble in word and deed, an outstanding legal mind, and a doyen of the Nigerian capital market and investment banking.

The vice president stated this yesterday in a personal tribute to the late FCMB founder, who died Friday morning in London at the age of 89.

According to him, following the death of Otunba Balogun, “the tribe of true nobility and greatness is diminished by one.”

Osinbajo’s tribute to Otunba Balogun read: The tribe of true nobility and greatness is diminished by one!

“Olori Omo Oba Subomi Balogun, noble in word and deed, outstanding legal mind, doyen of the Nigerian capital market and investment banking,

deep, wise, forthright, kind to all, and God-fearing.

“Remembered with much affection, respect and admiration. We pray that the Lord will comfort aunty (Olori), our dear brothers and the entire family in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

On his part, Tinubu in a statement issued and signed by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, said the news of his death was a sad one.

Tinubu said, “Otunba Subomi Balogun achieved what many considered impossible when he pioneered investment banking in Nigeria and through his dedication, vision, industry, and commitment to excellence, the late banking genius changed the financial services sector of the economy and became an example to generations of investment bankers.

“The news of the death of Otunba Subomi Michael Balogun in London yesterday was indeed a sad one. Even though he lived to the advanced age of 89, we didn’t expect that he would leave us at this time.

“Otunba Subomi Balogun lived a life full of many accomplishments and for this, we are grateful to God. He was a giant among men who changed the course of history and lived life on his terms as a reputable investment banker. He blazed the trail for others to follow.

under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) that requires the federal government to pay them monthly allowances.

“The award entitles each scholar to supplementation allowances of $6,000 per annum to augment feeding, local transport, maintenance, equipment/books; warm clothing

allowances of $250 per annum, and Health Insurance of $200 per annum,” the parent explained.

Another parent explained that the commitment of the donor countries “is limited to tuition fees and accommodation. Under the arrangement, the Nigerian scholars are expected to be paid every

month, but the reality, over the years, is that supplementation and other allowances of BEA scholars are paid in arrears.”

The parent said some of the students, especially those in Russia had resorted to begging as the ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine and the attendant

Private Sector to Invest $3.7bn in Ports

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has said the concessioning of three ports by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) would attract an investment of $3.7 billion from the private sector.

The Director-General of ICRC, Michael Ohiani said this in a statement signed by the Acting Head of Media and Publicity, ICRC, Mr. Ifeanyi Nwoko, in Abuja weekend.

Ohiani said FEC approved the renovation of the Burutu Port and the establishment of a Deep Sea Port in Delta State under Public

Private Partnership (PPP).

He said others included the development of Ondo Port and the development of the Snake Island Terminal in Lagos.

Ohiani said FEC also approved the commencement of the Park and Pay initiative in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the rehabilitation of Police Quarters in Ikeja, Lagos.

He said FEC also approved the concession of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Cargo Airport, Abuja; the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano as well as the Expatriate Employment Levy.

Ohiani said the approvals were given following the issuance of Full Business Case (FBC) Certificates of compliance by ICRC.

According to him, the approvals were a demonstration of the commitment of the federal government to infrastructure development in Nigeria.

The director-general said the eight approved concessions were the highest approval given by FEC in a single sitting.

Ohiani said that the latest approvals brought the total number of concession projects that have gotten the consent of the FEC in 2023 to 30.

According to the director-

sanction have significantly raised standards of living in the country. He noted that some of the parents of the students last week decided to plead with the minister through a harvest of SMS, begging him to make the payment of the outstanding allowance a parting gift as he leaves office this week.

Concession

general, the Burutu Port in Delta State was approved for a concession period of 40 years and at a total cost of $1.28 billion.

He said it would be executed in three phases by the concessionaire, Akewa Colmar Terminals Limited.

“The project is intended to boost the utilisation of the inland waterways.

“This will be done by ensuring that the evacuation of solid minerals and agricultural produce is undertaken at economic costs on inland waterways to the proposed Burutu Deep Seaport for export”, he said

Defence Minister Canvasses Stronger Navy to Secure Nigeria’s Maritime Interests

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Minister of Defence, Maj.Gen. Bashir Magashi yesterday canvassed a virile, forward looking and responsive naval force to protect and safeguard Nigeria’s strategic and vital interests within its maritime domain.

Magashi, a military governor of Sokoto State between August 1990 to January 1992, noted that failure to build a formidable

20,000 Fall

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

naval force would expose the country’s maritime environment to the nefarious activities of die-hard criminals which would have detrimental effect on the domestic economy of Nigeria.

Magashi canvassed a stronger and more formidable naval force at the ongoing Nigerian Navy 2023 Presidential Fleet Review Maritime Discourse organised in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari. On Monday, 16 warships, three

warships from Spain, Brazil and Ghana as well as six helicopters and fighter jets from the Nigerian Air Force would participate in the presidential fleet review.

Presidential fleet reviews are traditional events, which navies across the world regularly conduct in order to honour their sovereigns or heads of government.

At the maritime discourse yesterday, Magashi commended the aptness and timeliness of the 2023 presidential review, particularly at

a period that Nigeria “is having a sustained and unbroken 20 years of democratic transition, with higher potentials and hopes of a great future.”

He, therefore, said the Nigerian Navy had continued to play a key role in shaping this great future, saying it was imperative that Nigeria “builds a virile, forward looking and responsive naval force that will be capable of safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment.”

Victims of Online Financial Frauds, NCC Reveals

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday disclosed that no fewer than 20,000 Nigerians had fallen victims of online financial frauds while reiterating its commitment to work assiduously to protect telecommunications subscribers against what it described as loan sharks.

NCC Head of Consumers

Affairs Bureau, Mr. Ayanbanji Ojo made the disclosure, during a telecoms consumers sensitisation programme held at the Spare parts Market, Agodi-Gate, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

He cautioned members of the public to be wary of the activities of these fraudsters, saying the commission has received over 20,000 complaints of those who have fallen victims of the sharp

practices of online fraudsters.

While noting the need to educate the people on the financial fraud going on in the telecoms space, he said the activities of the loan sharks had caused a lot of people pain with many traders vulnerable to online fraudulent practices.

He, however, enjoined telecoms consumers to always approach their service providers to resolve

their complaints, stating that if they were unable to resolve it, they should approach the commission by dialling 622 which is toll-free.

He said the market people “are our telecoms consumers for without them we can not exist as a regulator. The market people deserve to know what is going on. Today’s programme is different from what we did recently at Bodija and University of Ibadan.

Saint Obi: Can the Man Just Rest in Peace?

Vanessa Obioha

A slew of commentaries have dominated the media space since the death of the Nollywood actor Obinna Nwafor, better known as Saint Obi. Unfortunately, the comments have not been palatable and this can be attributed to an article written by a journalist Zik Zulu Okafor.

Zulu in his article painted Obi as a recluse who married a wealthy woman, Linda, and supposedly turned into a slave. He wrote about how Obi’s private life was shielded in such a way that not even his closest friends, including him (Zulu), were invited to his wedding. Zulu went ahead to remember Obi as one who lived at the mercy of his in-laws and became a shadow of the Nollywood star he was.

In another article written by the publisher of Yes International! Magazine, Azuh Arinze, Obi was remembered for his contribution to the movie industry without dwelling on his rocky marriage. Regarding himself as one of his closest friends, Azuh wrote about how Obi told him about his marriage and was present at the dedication of his (Obi’s) first son and the burial of his mother

Inarguably, the life of a celebrity does not end in death as people replay their time on earth. However, it should be done with compassion by those who knew and loved them, and not in a way to stir controversy.

Zulu’s attempt to elicit sympathy for the deceased took a misguided turn, causing his article to take a nosedive in

quality. Like a chemical reaction, people were swift to condemn the widow, especially since Zulu’s piece gained widespread attention.

Given the negative narratives about the deceased, the Nwafor family had to issue a press release condemning Zulu’s article.

“Our attention has been drawn to the publication by one Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor concerning the death of our son, Mr. Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, and the accompanying negative commentary in social and other media portraying his widow in an unfair and most defamatory manner,” reads the statement signed by Nwafor’s sisters, Ugoeze Obichukwu and Freda Nwachukwu. “This is in no way, shape or form an accurate portrayal of the Lynda that we know and relate with.”

The family also revealed that Zulu did not consult them before writing, and therefore, they found his claims “false, malicious and insensitive to the wife, children and entire family he left behind.”

Obi who died on May 7, in Jos, Plateau State from an undisclosed illness should be allowed to rest in peace. If his life took a sad turn as reported by those close to him, would it not be better to keep good memories of him than dwelling on the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his life and marriage?

Steve

Ayorinde’s

‘30’ Chronicles Nollywood’s First Three Decades

Iyke Bede

In a remarkable journey through Nigeria’s contemporary film industry (Nollywood) over the past 30 years, as meticulously captured in his latest book, ‘30:Three Decades of the New Cinema’, revered broadcaster and journalist Steve Ayorinde orchestrates a grand gathering for the book launch at the Alliance Française recently.

In ‘30’, Ayorinde masterfully spotlights veterans and rising stars through an unprecedented blend of first-hand accounts, expounding on their contributions to nationbuilding. Spanning 182 pages, some of the prominent figures featured in the annals include Pete Edochie, Olu Jacobs, and Tunde Kelani.

The launch paraded a distinguished roster of Nollywood icons and influential government figures in attendance, which include but were not limited to Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Epe Division, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo; past Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; DG, Nigerian Copyrights Commission, Dr John Asein; General Manager, National Theatre, Lagos; Actors Jide Kosoko, Joke Silva, Sola Sobowale, and filmmakers, Femi Odugbemi, Bolanle Austen-Peters and Kunle Afolayan among others.

Chaired by the former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, he hammered the pivotal role Ayorinde’s undertakings will play towards inspiring a culture of data preservation through storytelling.

“When Steve asked me to chair this book launch, I was delighted because I know that enough has not been written. There are a lot of anecdotes about Nollywood, about the exploits that our hugely talented people have made, and also the contribution that it has made to our GDP, but I still think not enough has been done to recognise and keep us better informed about what the Nigerian cinema industry has done,” Fayemi noted. Highlighting 60 actors split equally by gender, Ayorinde, tells a rich story of the movie industry landscape, about how it has evolved throughout the year with technological advances while amplifying its role in absorbing creatives to service the secondlargest film market in the world.

To many, this step taken by Ayorinde is laudable, with some hinting it may mark the dawn of a cultural renaissance, more succinctly put by veteran actor Taiwo Ajai-Lycett:

“This is the beginning. It is important that we started this so that we can have an import of what this industry means to this economy. The government so far has not shown any reason for us to believe that they understand its importance to the economy and the culture. This is an avenue where we can promote our culture, and tell our stories. This is a medium where we can stamp our cultural identity.”

Representing the MD, Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr Chidia Maduekwa, Brian Etuk inferred that ‘30’ will help shape prospects for the local film industry.

“Let us, in envisioning the next 30 years of Nollywood, appreciate the present state of our industry, that not only seems to be saddled with the role of creating job opportunities, in addition to serving as a tool for domestic unity, international cultural diplomacy, and people to people relations.

“What becomes of the next 30 years of the industry can only be determined by turning all our challenges into opportunities. We should not lose sight and understanding and role of high tech and what defines the art of filmmaking currently.”

EeZee Conceptz Global Releases

‘Aka Ngozi’Video

The music video of ‘Aka Ngozi’, the soul soul-lifting sound by the talented Minister Esther Oji has been released by EeZee Conceptz Global.

The music video is a single gospel track which aims to celebrate the grace and mercies of God, captivating music lovers worldwide.

Accompanying the powerful track is a visually captivating music video, skillfully blending dance and instrumental performances. The video also features a special cameo appearance by renowned Ghanaian comedian, actor, and TV presenter, Akwasi Boadi, popularly known as Akrobeto.

Sharing her perspective on the unique production approach employed by her record label, EeZee Conceptz Global she describes the music video as “something unexpected,” emphasizing the fusion of excellence and spirituality.

“It is not the regular approach and exceptionally away from the usual,” she says.

Oji joined the EeZee Conceptz Global family 10 months ago and launched with a seven-track album titled ‘Sound of Heaven.’

She describes her journey with the label so far as a “phase of great experience, growth, and expansion.”

Looking ahead, Oji teases more forthcoming music projects, expressing enthusiasm for the creative process. “A lot is in the works,” she reveals, adding, “Tracks are being prepared to bless the world.”

Mushin Pageant

Empowers Girls for Leadership Roles, Community Development

Rebecca Ejifoma

In an effort to groom young girls for leadership positions and foster their effective participation in society, the Most Beautiful Girl Mushin Odi-Olowo (MBGMOD) pageant has been launched in Mushin, Lagos. Online registration for the pageant is currently open and will run for two months after which the screening exercise would take off immediately.

The Spokesperson for MBGMOD, Atileke Ajayi, announced this at a media briefing ahead of the call for entry. She said the idea behind the pageant project is to offer young girls an opportunity to engage, learn about their unique and rich culture, and showcase the community values, arts, crafts, innovation, and intellectual capacity to the world.

The project seeks to challenge negative perceptions associated with the Mushin community, with a focus on supporting women and addressing challenges such as domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, and low political inclusion.

“By addressing these issues, we will reduce the oppression against our women and children in the years to come. We will also be able to build a coalition of young women that will grow into

adulthood and emerge as leaders that people can reckon with in a competitive society.”

Ajayi also highlighted other plans underway towards establishing a mentorship programme that encourages young women to take up leadership roles and understand the technology of funding their business ideas. She also pointed out that the project would boost tourism and further expose participants to the cultures and traditions of Mushin.

Ajayi expressed optimism that increased inclusion of women will contribute to the growth and development of the community, despite the funding disparities they face.

The winner of the pageant will receive a cash prize of N1 million, an official car, a one-year education scholarship, a N500,000 wardrobe allowance, and one-year fully funded community projects, among other rewards.

The first runner-up will be awarded a N500,000 cash prize, a one-year education scholarship, a N250,000 wardrobe allowance, and fully funded community projects for one year. The second runner-up will receive a N250,000 cash prize, a one-year education scholarship, a N100,000 wardrobe allowance, and a one-year fully funded community project.

The late Saint Obi

TAYO FANIRAN

REMARKABLE

SECOND SHOT AT FAME

Tayo Faniran is one of Nollywood stars whose exploits as a versatile and talented actor placed in the public eye. His fame grew when he emerged the runner-up in the ninth season of the Big Brother Africa reality show in 2014. Faniran expected the perks of fame to follow him around and bring him fortunes but the reverse was the case. After a nine-year hiatus, Faniran returns to the screen as ‘Ninolowo’ in the riveting crime drama, ‘Gangs of Lagos.’ In this emotional interview with Funke Olaode, the Oyo State-born actor says he is a child of fate and thankful for having a second shot at fame.

I Haven’t Reached the End of My Career, I’m Back to Focus on My Craft

Decked in black suits and dark goggles, Tayo Faniran looked appealing and seemed not to have lost his allure as an actor despite almost a decade off the screen. He was a household name in his heydays as an actor before he relocated abroad in 2008. But he found fame when he participated in the reality show, Big Brother Africa where he emerged the first runner-up but fizzed out thereafter. However, fate smiled at Faniran when Jade Osiberu came with a role in ‘Gangs of Lagos,’ thus giving him a second shot at fame.

That Tayo is an emotional person is obvious as he intermittently shed tears opening up about his life as an actor and how favour found him again when all hope was lost.

“It’s not easy to have it one time, and then it slips off your hands. I have been there but then, I have been living in South Africa since 2008, and that was home for me. I just wanted to go back, and I left Nigeria when I was hot, and it just looked like I vanished.”

He would later discover that the instant fame that the reality show brought would only be short-lived without substantial work to back up the experience.

“Even though I didn’t think it would be like that, Big Brother’s fame would make you feel like they would look for you. I thought I was on the same level with Davido and Wizkid.”

Faniran is a maritime-trained expert whose heart has always been in entertainment since childhood.

“My major interest in that was for me to have my certificate because my parents wanted me to go to school. I also love to go to school but I already knew that I wasn’t going to do any of these jobs. But I love the maritime academy because it also gives power. We were wearing naval uniforms which gave power. So that was my major interest in choosing that particular line. So, I would not want to say that maybe I have a passion for living on the sea and stuff like that. But I just needed education and at that moment, the maritime academy was more attractive to me because of the uniform and the paramilitary part of it.”

Like the ‘parents of old’ who always wanted their children in prestigious professions, the elder Fanirans weren’t different. They still supported him.

“Actually, my parents have always known that part of me is that I love entertainment. How I was going to make it a profession or something that will bring success was what they didn’t know. Nobody has done it in our family or even in our vicinity and become successful. But that is one thing I am grateful to my parents for and I will be grateful to them forever. Despite the fact that they were not sure how it was going to go, they still supported me. They believed in me and they trusted me. So, they supported me, they risked it. They decided to take that risk with me and I am glad it paid off.”

Before Big Brother Africa, Faniran was doing his own thing and when one thought he had arrived, he fizzed out.

“You know Big Brother Africa will give you fame, and then when this fame comes, what are you going to use it for is now the next question. So, because I was in South Africa as a professional model, I wasn’t really used to living in Nigeria and I was also not used to the industry game in Nigeria. It is played differently. So, I wasn’t prepared for post-Big Brother living in Nigeria. So, while I was in Nigeria, I had endorsement with some prominent brands, which was the most part of it that kept me here. But however, in terms of things to do next, the road wasn’t just clear, because I wasn’t prepared to continue that way here. So, I went back to South Africa.

“Unfortunately getting back to South Africa, I couldn’t be a full-time model as well because I couldn’t go for every audition. I started being picky. Also, I couldn’t get involved in acting in South Africa because most of their stories are always written in their indigenous language. It was very hard for me to get roles as a Nigerian in South Africa. But I was still there enjoying my star life, I will get paid for guest appearances and then I had one or two businesses in fashion that I do. I was okay, but when you talk about career changing here and fulfillment, I

wasn’t really getting it. That is why I had to come to Nigeria in 2019 to face Nollywood squarely.”

Faniran’s immense fame has made his career life a subject of interest to his fans. Finding his feet this second time wasn’t easy but the message learnt is being true to himself by rebranding and evolving.

“I learnt a lot of morals in people’s hearts, so my face became registered in people’s minds. So, the fame doesn’t go anywhere but then the questions will be, oh, what are you doing now? Where have you been? So that made me realise that fame may be forever but conquering challenges will probably be forever. Which means I cannot be a hero by just winning one battle. I must continue searching for another battle to conquer again and that is what is going to keep me as a consistent role, that is what is going to make my moment a forever thing and not just a onetime thing. I learnt that aspect. I also learnt that fame can be really exciting and it will make you get carried away and feel like it is going to go on like that forever.”

Since his return to the country, Faniran has succeeded in dabbling into many things. At first, he needed a lucrative

business which would bring daily income. After the COVID-19 pandemic, he started his food and bar business called Nsuku Food & Chillz at Elegushi Beach (Nsuku means wealth in South African language) and his clothing line.

“I have had different clothing lines in the past but when I moved back to Nigeria, I started the one that I put my name on, which is Tayo Faniran Clothing. I have been doing Nollywood films here and there. And I also produced my own TV film which is called ‘Man Like Jimmy’ and it can be found on IbakaTV. I have an African Magic original film that is out, called ‘Adele Oba’ and then ‘Gangs of Lagos.’ As a fashion designer and creative person, there is always a story behind whatever I am creating.”

Faniran is currently enjoying the rave of the moment as his role in the thriller movie ‘Gangs of Lagos’ is beginning to open doors. “Doors were beginning to open immediately when the premiere happened. There were some international individuals who came with Amazon, or some people just came to the premiere, they were invited by Amazon and some worked with Amazon. And

we have had meetings and discussed future plans and things we could do together. And also, in the country as well, I have had people reach out to me. But you know in the film industry, in entertainment, it is not like a place where they have a vacant space for a person, and the moment they see the person, he is asked to occupy the position. It is not like that. People now have seen me in ‘Gangs of Lagos,’ they have been influenced. I have made my mark in their hearts and minds. I am taking my time but by the grace of God very soon, people will begin to enjoy more of me on their screens and as well, they will be hearing a lot of good news about me,” he said with excitement.

Is Faniran back with a bang? “Yes oooo!! I am back because I have gotten my confidence back. Mind you, Big Brother Africa will remain with me and a major part of me forever but my name being attached to only Big Brother Africa makes me seem like a ‘one hit wonder guy’. And I am more than that, I have so much to offer, I have so much talent. With modesty, the ‘Gangs of Lagos’ is proof that I am actually really talented beyond just being a reality TV star and I have a lot to offer and I have new fans from ‘Gangs of Lagos.’ They are called ‘Nino Gang.’

“So I have my confidence now and when I step out now, people are not only seeing me as Tayo of Big Brother, they are seeing me with new excitement, which gives confidence. And also, even though I am not feeling like I have reached the end of my career in acting, I know that the ‘Gangs of Lagos’ has already planted my feet on the right path of becoming greater. Because now I see the result of my effort in the ‘Gangs of Lagos’ which is encouraging for me to actually do a lot better with my other projects to come?”

Despite his reputation as a ‘ladies’ man Tayo has kept his private life out of public view, especially when asked about his marital status.

“I will be answering this in a couple of months’ time but for now like I said, I want to focus on my craft and career.”

But if this handsome dude could turn back the hands of the clock, were there things he would have loved to do differently?

“I would say God orchestrated my journey and everything has played out the way God wanted it. When it was time for Big Brother Africa to happen, he made it happen. The lessons I learnt during Big Brother Africa, they are useful to me and they will be useful for ever. My scars are part of my successes. My mistakes, even my regrets are part of my success and what will actually serve as the lessons that will drive me into the more successes that I aspire to achieve. I don’t have any regrets, I like the way the story went, I like the journey is going and I trust God that He is just starting with me.”

Faniran

Faniran wearing one of his labels

SOFT FINANCE

NIGERIA’ S EXTERNAL DEBTS IN PERSPECTIVE

Beyond Nigeria’s Debt Overhang: The Other Side of the Coin (1)

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”- Wayne Dyer

It is on the lip of almost everyone. Students. Analysts. Bankers. Diplomats. Politicians. Law makers. Pastors. Housewives. Just anyone. The issue of Nigeria’s growing debts has been a subject of intense debate in virtually all the strata of society. It has become a testy subject of discussion.

Recently, several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) mobilised their members and wrote to local and foreign institutions they considered critical to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari, not go ahead with his plan to draw down on the $800 million his administration had secured to distribute to the segments of the society considered vulnerable, about 10 million people. Not long ago, when the public got to know that the present administration had actually secured and spent an over draft (Way and Means) it got from the Central Bank of Nigeria totalling N27.3 trillion, it caused not a small stir. Nigerians are apprehensive. They want to know why it appears the government has developed an uncommon love affair with borrowing and sourcing loans from every available avenue.

These days, Patience Oniha, the Director General of the country’s Debt Management Office (DMO), has appeared on many TV shows and has been interviewed by many reporters. She has continued to offer explanations, laced with figures and graphs. Yet many are still apprehensive about Nigeria’s growing debt stock especially when the World Bank released a report recently suggesting that very soon, Nigeria may spend more than 100% of its revenue to service its growing debts, meaning there would be nothing left to take care of basic things of life such as health, education, security and so on.

Just what about Nigeria’s debts? Many.

At the inaugural brainstorming session of the Board of Analysts of THISDAY’s newly retooled Economic Insights Unit (TEIU) last week, Nigeria’s debt was also the subject of intense debate. As at December 2022, Nigeria’s total public debts (external and domestic) stood at $103 billion according to data published by DMO. See the charts for the component. What this means is that given an estimated population of 200 million, every Nigerian - the rich, the poor, the new born, students, aged population on their way to meet their makers - has a debt of $515 hanging on his neck. This translates to about N380,000 debt per every Nigerian. This does not

include the debt service figure, which came to about $12 (N9,141) per Nigerian.

Worse, the growing debt stock, which predated Buhari’s administration, has continued to crowd out critical sectors of the economy out of government radar in terms of funding.

MUST NIGERIA CONTINUE TO BORROW?

At the end of its perceptive brainstorming session on the country’s debt issue, the TEIU came to a series of firm conclusions. One of them is that focusing on just the issue of debt is incomplete; there are two sides to the coins – both the expenditure and the revenue sides, and both most be considered together to gain a fairly accurate assessment of the situation. The conclusion was that Nigeria is, infact not highly leveraged compared to other countries. Its debt-to-GDP ratio as at last December was just 33% and Oniha predicts that once that Way and Means approval is factored in, it could rise to 40%, still the lowest among the countries considered (see chart). That means borrowing is not the issue, but looking at other parameters that put everything in perspective. On the revenue side, for instance, Nigeria has one of the highest debt service-to-revenue ratios around the world. The World Bank put it at over 86% in its latest report. A report recently released by KPMG also warned that Nigeria may use more than all the revenue it makes to service its debts.

In a recent TV interview, Oniha explained that borrowing is not the problem for Nigeria.

“Countries borrow, so Nigeria is not the only country that borrows. Various countries, including the advanced countries such Germany, the UK, and the US also borrow. So it is not a bad thing to borrow”.

She further explained that: “Borrowing is an accepted form to fund government activities. But we should not end it there; borrowing should not be the major source of funding government activities. There must be a revenue angle to the equation. It is the other side of the coin. Focusing on the debt profile of government alone without looking at the revenue side does not give the complete picture. This is how it goes: “When you generate sufficient revenue, it reduces the need to borrow and also reduces your debt service to revenue ratio”.

Truly so. The TEIU’s Board of Analysts also believe that Nigeria’s debt situation is not as hopeless as it is configured to be; what is necessary is to tweak the entire architecture of the country’s public finance and the ship would head for the correct destination.

One issue that generated intense argument at the meeting was the attempt to brand a particular regime as the most leveraged. Indeed, one of the analysts argued against using the main infographics that accompanied this story, insisting that it is misleading. Nigeria’s problem, according to him, is not peculiar to the present administration. He said it started in 1999 when democracy was restored in Nigeria. Besides, he insisted that the debt process is a continuum that starts with one administration and continues with the one following, so it is difficult to isolate one as an addicted borrower. Every single administration has always run budget deficits, which were usually financed through borrowing, either domestic or external.

In that same interview, Oniha also shared similar sentiments:

“The debt stock is growing because Nigeria has been running budget deficits for decades. In good and bad times with oil prices, we have run deficit, and those deficits have been funded largely from borrowing (85% to 90%), and that is cumulative. Those are publicly available data.”

PUTTING THE COUNTRY’S DEBT ISSUE IN PERSPECTIVE

A decision taken at the TEIU meeting was to dimension Nigeria’s debt issue looking at every possible angle and offering suggestions on how to get out of the rat race. So, in the next few weeks in this column, we shall be focusing on different aspects of the country’s debts. We shall be raising several questions and also coming up with intervention options. Questions that may engage our attention revolve around such issues as: Should Nigeria continue to borrow to finance its expenditure? What are the loopholes in the revenue side of the equation? How can the government retool its entire public finance architecture with the aim of ensuring that everything fits? And if we must borrow, how should we go for a discriminatory approach to borrowing? How do we ensure that debts judiciously incurred are utilised intelligently for public good.

So stay tuned for Part Two of this series next week. Shalom!

Mrs Patience Oniha

Nigeria’s Debt-to-GDP ratio is one is

NIGERIA’S TROUBLED DEMOCRACY

ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN UNITY: 60 YEARS ON

See Page 20

CELEBRATING THE QUEEN CONSORT OF WARRI KINGDOM

IFETAYO ADENIYI MOSES and PATRICK

OCHOGA pay tribute to Her Majesty, the Queen Consort and wife of Olu of Warri, Ogiame 111

See Page 20

EDITORIAL ON BEN AKABUEZE’S ALARM

The Organization of African Unity, founded and launched on the 25th of May 1963, was the highest and the most concentrated expression of Pax Africana in the twilight of colonial domination in Africa. It was Africa’s epic united front against the cunning shenanigans of then retreating European colonialism. The path to shaping and consolidating on this pan African framework to tackle the burning issues of the then, remnants of colonial vestiges and chart the course of total independence of all Africa was tortuous. The ideological gulf and rift among leaders of the independent African countries then was real and the retreating European colonialists in cahoots manipulating the ideological divide. Prior to the founding of the OAU, leaders were in various groups denoting their respective political temperament and ideological leanings. The Casablanca group consisting then, of Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Libya, Egypt, Morocco and Algeria wanted a radical and complete continental integration, while Nigeria, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Liberia, Sudan, Togo and Somalia known then as Monrovia group proposed a moderate approach to continental unity, preferring incremental and gradual steps. The Brazzaville group consisting of Francophone countries and led by Senegal then, remained tied to the interest of the metropolitan ex-colonial power, France. The diverging strategies of these groups did not dissipate on the overall vision of African unity and the overriding sentiment that the much sought-after continental unity cannot come until colonial domination of every inch of the continent is totally dismantled. Despite the differing approaches to achieving the unity of the continent there were broad consensus that restoring the dignity of her various peoples and enabling a roadmap to social progress and inclusive economic development would require a considerable measure of a political united front. The founding of the Organization of Africa Unity (OAU) in May 1963 was a grand compromise in which various approaches to the challenges of the continent were subsumed to the overriding imperative for a continental unity. Though, much has been said that the grand compromise weakened the platform from the very start, as the OAU remained more or less a “clearing house” through which various leaders and governments in the continent bargained and accommodated each other, while the higher principle of dynamic and functional continental took a backburner.

See Page 21

Despite this type of criticism, the OAU was forthright in its avowed commitment to rid the continent of colonial rule especially in Southern Africa where Portuguese colonial domination was recalcitrant and in addition to the vile racist minority rule in South Africa. The OAU persisted in its militant advocacy of mobilizing member states to contribute material and even military support to end

vestiges of colonial rule in the continent. Even in the then, international atmosphere of cold war, the total commitment of the OAU to ending the minority regime in South Africa, including the obnoxious unilateral declaration of independence by a white racist clique in Zimbabwe was unwavering. Despite the paralyzing impact of the cold war, and its own internal contradictions the OAU was considerably successful in one of its core and avowed commitment to bring to a close, colonial domination in the continent. And in the discharge of this enormous responsibility, which was the very core principle of its charter, the Peoples Republic of China and the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) played unforgettable roles. Both Beijing and Moscow were dependable source of moral, political, diplomatic, material and even military assistance and support in the project of the total liberation of Africa from colonial domination for which the OAU was the most formidable pivot.

Despite that the dream of a United Africa, especially, the militant variant of a common continental government of a “United States of Africa” was not achieved, the project remained on course. The OAU has also been criticized for being overly political, without much attention on building economies of scale and other measures to foster economic integration. This is however, not very correct. The Organization in 1980 in its special session held in the then Nigeria’s Capital Lagos formulated its iconic “Lagos Plan of Action for the Economic Development of Africa, 1980 – 2000. In the preamble to the historic document adopted by the head of states and government at a special session lamented global development strategies has been more sharply felt in Africa than in the other continents of the world. Indeed, rather than result in an improvement in the economic situation of the continent, successive strategies have made it stagnant and become more susceptible than other regions to the economic and social crises suffered by the

industrialized countries: Thus, Africa is or satisfactory index of general well-being in the past 20 years. Faced with this situation and determined to undertake measures for the basic restructuring of the economic base of our continent, we resolved to adopt a farreaching regional approach based primarily on collective self-reliance”.

What followed in the 104-page document was an equivalent of China’s avowed determination around the same time to pursue a home-grown agenda of economic modernization centered on the twin policies of “reform and opening up.” The Lagos Plan of Action, OAU most comprehensive and promising Charter for economic integration and collective reliance of the continent was derailed by the counter measures of the Breton Wood Institutions (World Bank and the IMF) that imposed the structural adjustment program, a neoliberal economic shock therapy under the ideological suzerainty of the so-called Washington consensus. The outcome would later become known as Africa’s lost decades. Other economic initiatives of the OAU like the African Economic Community faltered, leaving the organization in the limbo until it transited and transformed to the African Union (AU) at a conference in Durban, South Africa in 2002. The AU, though committing to build on the legacy of the OAU, evolved unique mechanism focused on engaging practical issues of the continent in its diverse dimensions.

Peace and security, economic integration through horizontal network of various layers including non-governmental groups serve to generate momentum for a new vision of African dream geared towards continental renaissance. Engaging a long standing and historic partner, the Peoples Republic of China, that have traversed the path of “standing up” to the vicissitudes of imperialist domination and plunder to become both strong and prosperous, Africa comes face to face to a new historic opportunity. The deficits of infrastructure connectivity, funding and manpower which had historically hobbled the effort to build continental economies of scale, enhance functional integration and sustain a common free trade Area is being addressed through the mechanism of the Forum on China-Africa cooperation, Belt and Road framework of international cooperation. For more than two decades and especially since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative, 10 years ago, Africa and China have established a model of cooperation that are practical, tangible and result oriented, giving effects to the contemporary international trend of building a community of shared future for all mankind.

In many respects, the bold vision of the OAU, nurtured currently in the dynamism of the AU and enhanced through China-Africa community with a shared future, is alive, kicking, and a work in progress.

The next set of leaders should strive to respect the rule of law, argues Wealth DICKSON OMINABO

The organisation, renamed AU, may have fallen short of expectations, but it is soldiering on, writes CHARLES ONUNAIJU

CELEBRATING THE QUEEN CONSORT OF WARRI KINGDOM

IFETAYO ADENIYI MOSES and PATRICK

NIGERIA’S TROUBLED DEMOCRACY

The 2023 post-election moment in Nigeria has been intriguing, full of anxiety, claims, counter-claims, protests and litigations. The air has been foggy, a climate of hostility, anger, mistrust, accusations, and counteraccusations.

Politicians and their supporters are persistent; the media is flooded with divergent views, opinions, and narratives about the outcome of the elections. The opposition groups are determined; they have continued to chant that the elections were flawed and that a manipulated legitimacy is no legitimacy. They refer to the presidential election as a democratic heist that all men of good conscience should condemn.

The media and the courtrooms have become the new theatres of war, with different actors throwing their salvos to set the record straight or secure and lay claim to their mandates. On social media, every day is war, exchanges of views and ideas that unsettle the checkered peace of the nation. Some opposition members advocate that the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, shouldn’t be sworn in on May 29. To do so, they say, will undermine the democratic process. They suggest that all election petitions be concluded before the next president is sworn in. The All Progressives Congress (APC) argue in the opposite tone; they say to this advocacy is an invitation to anarchy.

“I’m still waiting for the court to tell me who won the election. It doesn’t make much sense to be swearing in people when we are still in court. I know it has happened with governors, but the outcome has not been the best of all cases.” Said Cardinal John Onaiyekan, a member of the national peace committee and renowned Christian leader.

His comments were greeted with many reactions as some even called him an anarchist. He was lucky to be treated with little more respect and dignity than Datti Baba- Ahmed, the vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, who had declared that swearing in Bola Tinubu was akin to ending democracy in Nigeria. Datti was called a fascist. Supporters of the President-elect called for his arrest and prosecution for inciting comments and threats to peace. The broadcast regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), sanctioned the media where he aired his opinion.

The APC and its supporters are not every opportunity to sustain a narrative of the credibility of the just concluded elections. The Minister of Information, Mr. Lai Mohammed, traveled to the United States of America on a media round where the opposition voices on the outcome of the presidential elections. He told his audience that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and his running mate Datti Ahmed were committing treason as their post-election rhetoric was aimed at inviting insurrection.

The state actors are not indifferent in this election hangover; the Department of State Service, some months ago, raised the alarm of a coup that was being planned by political elements. Usman Alkali Baba, Nigeria’s inspector general of police, in a news conference recently, maintained that the May 29 handover date is sacrosanct and therefore warned political elites who were bent on deploying extra-judicial and undemocratic means to truncate the country’s democratic heritage to stop.

At the party level, the hangover continues; Labour Party has its walls cracked, as a section of leaders is rising against the others.

In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the national chairman, Senator Iyorchia election hangover, as he was axed out of leaders and a court order. This came after he attempted to discipline some party members for anti-party activities. In the APC, the struggle to share the spoils of their electoral victory has been causing internal problems since the announcement of the positions in the national assembly. There have been protests in the ranks of many national assembly members, with some

The election hangover explains some of the troubles in Nigeria’s democracy. The lack of faith in state institutions to deliver justice. The fallout of the recent general elections has created crisis of trust and ability of state institutions to enforce and implement laws and pursue justice.

The elections, which were characterised by violence, voter suppression, vote buying, the country’s democratic practice and the inherent drawbacks in Nigeria’s democratic culture, which continue to pose a threat to the collective quest for good governance. a winner takes it all, has resulted in a desperate scramble for power, and resulting in politicians engaging in all sorts of political maneuvering at the detriment of the peace and security of the country. Sustaining the growth of democracy in the country. It in democratic activities, which could pave the way for tyranny for those in power; or it could end up raising an army of resistant challenging the constitutional framework of the country as we have seen in some countries in recent times which could likely translate to national unrest.

This is why politicians and other stakeholders at the helm of affairs must be circumspect in their actions, patriotic in their decisions, and civil in their engagements with various actors while exercising power.

As Nigeria’s democracy continues to be pressed down by post-election malaise, lack of checks and balances, disregard for the rule of law, and perpetual breach of social contracts between government and the people, those at the helms of affairs and the next set of leaders must strive to protect the fundamental guide rails of democracy which include, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

OCHOGA pay tribute to Her Majesty, the Queen Consort and wife of Olu of Warri, Ogiame 111

Though born with silver spoon from birth, Her Majesty, the Queen Consort, of Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, the wife of Olu of Warri, Ogiame 111 has always shown compassion, empathy towards the less privileged in the society, a trait, she obviously inherited from her late billionaire’s father and a business mogul, Capt Idahosa Wells Okunbo.

Celebrating the quintessential Queen consort on her birthday if for nothing else but her knack for being of help to humanity in whatever she does is worthy of rolling out the drums. Olori Atuwatse 111, is many things to many people. A visionary woman with a heart for humanity, social enterprise, education and capacity building for women and children.

A strong pillar on those in dire need can always lean on for sustenance, support and strength. She does not abstain from taking on issues that are of concern to women, children and youths, and offering tangible solutions to them.

Olori Atuwatse 111, a lawyer with an LLB from the London School of Economics, (LSE) was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2010. A member of the from the Nigerian Chambers of Commerce and Chambers of Maritime. Her Majesty has a strong entrepreneurial drive and has among other lifetime achievements founded several businesses across industries. From the fashion label, Colour Couture, which she co-founded with a friend while at the university, to Breakfast Delivery Company in Lagos, Nigeria, which she established after graduation. on the boards of the Wells Property Development Company, the Wells Carlton, and Wells Bakehouse, where she sits. Her passion for coaching young people and mentoring them at various learning phases with practical skills, through education and vocational training is legendary. A philanthropist, she founded Abba’s Jewels, a community of over 60 women who together, raise funds to impact the community through outreaches, food drives, hospital and prison visits. She is the convener of The Love Drive, a free yard sale that started in Lagos.

As the President of RIG Africa, a prophetic training organisation, she trains people to hear God for themselves and move closer to him in ways that are practical and applicable to everyday life and work.

As a mother of the Iwere people domiciled in the Southern District of Delta State her campaign for their healing and revival is noteworthy and thus established initiatives targeted at alleviating poverty, illiteracy, and infant mortality in the Warri Kingdom.

One of her initiatives, Wuwu Ore, the primary aim of providing free healthcare, education, and skilling for indigent children in the remotest parts of the kingdom, as well as empowerment, sensitisation and training for women and youth in the communities to improve living conditions and trigger socio-economic development.

The Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo STEM and Innovation Lab is another of her initiatives in partnership

with CleverMinds Educational Foundation. The initiative located in Iyara Community will groom orphans and indigent children in Warri and environs to reach their full potential by exposing them to the innovative world of STEM-based quality education, entrepreneurial skills and psychosocial support.

The Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF) is the Chief Project of Olori and Ogiame Atuwatse III that seeks to transform the socio-economic conditions of indigenes through formal and informal education, mentorship programmes and funding for upcoming and fresh entrepreneurs. The Foundation also provides disaster relief packages to all the communities within the critical situations. A builder at heart, Olori Atuwatse III is determined to leave a legacy of education and empowerment in the Iwere Kingdom, Nigeria and beyond.

Chains of encomium and recognition have been accorded for her contribution in uplifting mothers and children. One such honour came from President Muhammadu Buhari who appointed her to serve as a member of the High Level Advisory Committee (HLAC) on Women Economic Empowerment and Gender in Nigeria.

Also, in April, she was appointed by the Delta State Governor –elect, Sheriff Oborevwori into his 88man transition committee in recognition of her role in the society.

In her usual manner of giving back, the Queen Consort also planned to carry out some humanitarian activities on her birthday to commence with 37 hours of worship, communities’ feeding, love Garden and playground launch, event management training which will be wrapped up with story time with Mama Iwere.

Long may you live Her Royal Majesty as you add another year to your years.

The next set of leaders should strive to respect the rule of law, argues WEALTH DICKSON OMINABO

Ominabo is the Communications Officer at Goodluck Jonathan Foundation

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

ON BEN AKABUEZE’S ALARM

The incoming administration has its job well cut out

For years, managers of our economy have been harping on the ratio of Nigeria’s debts to the Gross Domestic can no longer add up as the debts keep mounting amid dwindling revenues, federation, Ben Akabueze has sounded the alarm. “Once a country’s debt service ratio exceeds 30 per cent, that country is in trouble, and we are pushing towards 100 per cent and that tells you how much trouble we are in,” said Akabueze who laid bare the economic challenges that the next administration would have to grapple with. “While the size of the federal government budget for 2023 created some excitement, the aggregate budgets of all governments in the country amount to about N30 trillion. That is less than 15 per cent in terms of ratio to GDP.”

There could not have been a more apt way to put the situation in which Nigeria is today.

and the economy are already in dire straits. Yet, there are no easy options ahead. While there is nothing wrong for a country to face temporary economic setback so long as the managers are is that we continue to live in denial with public

true every nation borrows. But borrowing must be done with a well-thought-out investment

That has not been the case in the past eight years under President Muhammadu Buhari. As we have always highlighted on this page, debt in comparison to GDP is only sustainable when the revenue generation is high. In the case of Nigeria, population, government revenue continues to dwindle, with no conscious effort to cut down expenditure on the recurrent side either by the federal government or the 36 states.

To compound the challenge, transparency and accountability in ministries, departments,

Letters to the Editor

corruption is still high. The annual audit report Federation is very instructive in that regard. The number of government agencies that fail to subject themselves to audit scrutiny under the present administration continues to increase.

Faced with a declining national economy worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent low oil prices, many of the states across the country are withering. Their battered debts accumulated over the years. States like Kogi, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Taraba, and Osun are suffocating under debts and inability to live up to their responsibilities. Many others are also in a and pensions. Since most of them perilously depend on handouts from Abuja, their inability to pay salaries is becoming a national security challenge.

Given the foregoing, the nation is at a crossroads. Even at the best of times, by focusing only on payment of salaries to workers in the public sector that is largely unproductive at the expense of much needed social infrastructure like power, schools, hospitals and reliable institutions, poverty is being reinforced across the country. A nation that spends more than it generates to sustain civil servants and This catastrophe is enhanced by the absence of creativity in governance.

The states have the latitude to create their own revenue survival kits through taxes, sensible investments, and prudent management. They have the power to slash their recurrent expenditure and drastically right-size their workforce and spend less on frivolities. Sadly, this is not happ ening. Authorities at all levels must therefore move quickly to steer the ship of state out of this rather dangerous trajectory. But more importantly, we hope the incoming administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands the enormity of the challenges ahead. There will be no honeymoon period!

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief(150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer

BRINGING STRANDED NIGERIANS HOME

The federal government has just concluded the latest of its countless evacuation of Nigerians from hot-spots around the world: a total of 2, 518 of them from war-torn Sudan. The initial estimated number of stranded Nigerians there, based on reports full of hysteria, was 5, 500.

Sudan is one of the numerous countries from which Nigerians were evacuated by the government over the years. An online publication quoted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) saying that just in two years, from April 2017 to June 2019, a total of 14,036 Nigerians were evacuated from Libya, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ireland, The Gambia, Austria, Poland, Morocco and Liberia. They were brought home by the International Organisation for Immigration (IOM) and the European Union. The evacuations were under the Assisted Voluntary Retunees Programme (AVRP), which took off in 2017.

The evacuations of Nigerians by the federal government, whether from jurisdictions in strife or due to xenophobia, on AVRP and several other possible reasons, require huge financial

provisions and detailed planning. And often, the patience of those awaiting evacuation is stretched; their families at home become anxious, if not restless; while officials of the government organising the exercise find it stressful.

The most publicised evacuations of Nigerians from other countries focused on Libya, United Arab Emirates, Mali, India, China, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Ukraine and Sudan. Not all Nigerians recollect that Nigerians were at various times evacuated from Romania, Hungry, Slovakia and Saudi Arabia.

It can be recalled that during the Covid-19 Pandemic, Nigerians were evacuated by the federal government from China, America, Canada and the United Kingdom. Evacuations from these countries were the most reported by the Nigerian media.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported in May 2020 that 678 Nigerians were evacuated from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom and the United States of America. Some 200 Nigerians were evacuated from Canada. The

sum of N800, 000 was the flight cost per evacuee.

In a separate report, The News Central Television quoted officials of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) saying that by August 2020, a total of 4,984 Nigerians was evacuated from Dubai for various reasons. While the federal government paid the fares for most of the evacuees, the UAE government paid fares for 174 of them. The federal government organised the evacuation which was announced via a tweet on May 10, 2020, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, with a promise to return any Nigerian willing to come home from various countries.

Indeed the promise was actualized as “over 10,000 persons were evacuated by the federal government from China, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and some European countries in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic,” according to a national newspaper.

In fact, the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is as humane and benevolent as any responsive government should be that it evacuated over 100 stranded Nigerians who

were on sports tourism in Russia during the 2018 World Cup.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouk and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, told State House correspondents in March 2022 that, the federal government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) evacuated 1,497 Nigerians from Europe following the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine. It cost the federal treasury N1.58 billion. Each returnee was given $100 for transportation to their various homes, totaling $149,700.00. The report also indicated that stranded Nigerians were evacuated from Poland, 350; Hungry, 380; Romania, 940; Slovakia, 150; and Ukraine, 5, 000.

At near home, Reuters News Agency reported on September 10, 2019 that the Nigerian government evacuated over 640 Nigerians from South Africa.

Salisu Na’inna Dambatta, Abuja

A nation that spends more than it generates to sustain civil servants and public officials is surely on a journey to perdition. This catastrophe is enhanced by the absence of creativity in governance

Igho Sanomi: The Titan with a Heart of Gold at 48 For Ooni of Ife, Life is Beautiful … As He Takes Seventh Wife

If there is one thing that always distinguishes the ancient African monarchs from their European counterparts, it is that the former were unreserved and always acted according to their hearts. This translated to different things to different people: some, an increasingly growing kingdom; others, an increasingly growing harem. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has chosen sides and has thrown his weight behind building a brilliant harem.

According to the most recent reports, the monarch has decided on another wife, bringing the size of his harem to a total of seven. Moreover, with seven Oloris, the people are sure to have lots of models to prime their lives after, whereas outsiders would have lots of things to talk about.

From the goings-on in the royal palace of the Ooni, the new wife is Dr. Opeoluwa Akinmuda. Thus, with her brilliance as the new cap for the monarch’s harem, the other wives of the king look even more stately, aristocratic, true queens of a true king.

In a world where wealth and success are often flaunted and selfpromotion runs rampant, there are those rare individuals who silently make a profound impact on the lives of others. One such figure is Igho Sanomi, a titan with a heart of gold who has emerged as Africa’s most private philanthropist. At the age of 48, he stands tall, not only for his immense success in the business world but also for his unwavering commitment to helping those in need.

Known for his humility and unassuming nature, Sanomi has been quietly changing lives without seeking public recognition. He believes that true philanthropy lies in the act itself, not in the accolades that follow.

From the depths of calamities and catastrophes to unfair circumstances, Sanomi extends a helping hand wherever he can. Whether it’s disaster relief efforts or initiatives aimed at empowering vulnerable communities, his philanthropic endeavours encompass a wide range of causes. His genuine concern for his fellow human beings knows no bounds.

While Sanomi’s acts of charity may go unnoticed by the general public, they certainly haven’t escaped the attention of those whose lives he has touched. Numerous beneficiaries have come forward, compelled to share their stories and express their gratitude. Through their testimonials, a picture emerges of a man whose kindness and compassion have made an indelible impact on their lives. The reverberations of his generosity have echoed through communities, bringing hope and solace to those who had all but given up.

It is this selfless commitment to giving that recently earned Sanomi the esteemed Forbes Best of Africa Leading Philanthropist Award. The accolade serves as a testament to his tireless efforts and the significance of his contributions. As he continues to sow seeds of kindness and transform the lives of those in need, Sa nomi shines with the golden light of benevolence, quietly making the world a better place, one act of charity at a time.

The palace of the king has attempted to explain that Akinmuda is not exactly the new wife of Oba Ogunwusi. Instead, it is reported that the monarch married her in 2022 after his 5th wife. However, people were not unaware. The only reason the news of her presence in the monarch’s palace broke is that there are preparations to have a thanksgiving service

Awele Elumelu up the Ante in the Corporate World

Things continue to heat up in the corporate section of Nigeria, the corner where billions, even trillions of Naira, exchange owners daily. This time, a significant fraction of the hubbub is centred around the doings of Dr. Awele Elumelu, the wife of Transcorp Plc boss, Tony Elumelu. With her recent acquisition of five per cent of the ownership of Transcorp, the good doctor and philanthropist just bought herself a new identity plate.

It is no secret that thriving multinationals like Transcorp have a high standard for entering decisionmaking circles. But Awele has raised such standards even higher, demonstrating a strong grasp of corporate intelligence that puts many in the same industry to shame. Because she recently acquired exactly 5.076 per cent of shareholding rights

in the company, she has automatically become the second largest shareholder in the multinational after her husband.

Although some people are saying that Transcorp Plc is gradually becoming the property of the Elumelus, there is no question regarding the legality of the transaction that brought Awele to the second rank in ownership. According to reports, she got the shares for N3.12 per unit and went on to buy 2,063,484,991 units in total, adding up to around N6.4 billion. Thus, she stands shoulders-tall with her husband as a majority shareholder in Transcorp.

Yes, times are changing and more people are falling on the rich side of history. For Awele, the massive boost in corporate status is nothing too out of the ordinary, although it came a bit too quickly for some analysts and market observers.

Akinwumi Ambode’s Unexpected Appearance

Amidst the whispers and murmurs of the bustling city, a figure emerged from the depths of seclusion, like a solitary blossom emerging from a dormant winter. Akinwunmi Ambode, a man often painted with the strokes of rigidity, had withdrawn himself from the prying eyes of the world after his unceremonious departure from the seat of power. His absence, like a shadow cast upon the sunlit stage, had left many wondering if he would ever resurface.

The grand symphony of the 2023 general election echoed through the air, an orchestra of political fervour and anticipation. But Ambode, the enigmatic maestro, remained ensconced in his self-imposed exile, untouched by the fevered excitement that gripped the nation. The world continued to revolve, the wheels of progress turning, while he remained hidden in the sanctuary of his thoughts.

Yet, as the ancient adage whispers, every rule has its exceptions, and fate conspired to unravel a stunning surprise. On a balmy evening, when the sun dipped below the horizon and the stars danced in the ink-black sky, Ambode emerged from the shadows. Like a phoenix ascending from the ashes, he graced the book launch of his former commissioner, Steve Ayorinde, held at the prestigious Mike Adenuga Centre/Alliance Française, nestled amidst the verdant embrace of Ikoyi.

A hushed gasp rippled through the crowd

as the elusive figure stepped into the spotlight. Time seemed to stand still, the air thick with curiosity and expectation. Ambode, who had long shunned the klieg-light, now stood before them, an enigma transformed into flesh and bone. The audience, like leaves trembling in the gentle breeze, held their breath, eager to catch a glimpse of the man behind the myth.

In that moment, the weight of his absence dissolved, replaced by a newfound intrigue. He wore his experiences like an embroidered tapestry, each thread intricately woven to tell a story of resilience and reflection. The trials and tribulations of his journey had etched themselves onto his countenance, creating lines that spoke of wisdom gained through adversity.

As he took the stage, the words that escaped his lips carried the weight of authenticity. The sound of his voice, like a mellifluous melody, resonated through the room, stirring dormant emotions within his listeners. They hung on to his every word, savoring the rare opportunity to witness a man once lost, now found.

Ambode’s unexpected appearance marked a turning point, a fragile bridge connecting the past and the present. It was a testament to the enduring spirit of redemption, an ode to the indomitable nature of the human soul. And as he retreated once again into the folds of obscurity, the embers of curiosity he ignited continued to burn, leaving the world yearning for the next chapter in the enigmatic tale of Akinwunmi Ambode. Ambode

Elumelu

Oba Ogunwusi and new wife Dr. Opeoluwa Akinmuda for their matrimonial union. The monarch married all six of them between September and October of last year. First was

Mariam Anako, then Akinmuda, then Tobi Phillips, then Ashley Adegoke, then Ronke Ademiluyi, and finally, Asake Adesegun.

Senate President: How Orji Uzor Kalu is Being Taught Political Lessons All Eyes are on Olusola Oke

Political might is not one of those things that are measured in years, the loudness of the politician’s voice, or the sheer limitlessness of boasting capabilities. There is always more to this type of might, a reality that many politicians are only now finding out. For aspiring Senate Presidents Godswill Akpabio and Orji Uzor Kalu, the difference in the prospects of success cannot be clearer. And even though nothing is certain in politics until the person is almost out of office, it is now obvious that Akpabio stands a better chance at being Senate President compared to Kalu.

Considering that Akpabio and Kalu do not see eye to eye on the direction that things are going, one can only come to certain conclusions.

First, as Akpabio is the person that power brokers appear to be favouring,

one can conclude that he is a better diplomat than Kalu. It was not long ago

that it was reported that the sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, stood against the opinions of Kalu as the latter had opposed the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to have the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives—not the Senate President—come from the Southeast. On the other side of the bench, more individuals are getting behind Akpabio and even begging those opposing his bid to back down and let him be the Senate President. With Akpabio boasting some 76 senatorial supporters, the difference between him and Kalu cannot be more stark.

Seeing as things are the way they are, what is Kalu supposed to do— take lessons on political influence and might from Akpabio?

For Governor Adeleke, It’s Time to Be Serious

The law is such an amazing thing. Looking at the canopy of peace that has settled over Osun State, one may not be able to easily recognize the fact that things were not as calm as they seemed a few months ago. However, now that the Supreme Court has confirmed Governor Ademola Adeleke as Osun Governor, things have settled. Thus, work can now begin.

Osun has always been one of the best states in Nigeria to look out for in terms of governance. Unlike in many other states, the people of Osun always have great expectations of their governor and are never shy in expressing their joy or disappointment at the governor’s performance. As a result of this, many Osun governors are under more pressure than their counterparts, thus forcing them to either have sterling accomplishments or do nothing or note them throughout their time in office.

But Governor Adeleke has already started at the right pace and with the best support of Adeleke

Becoming the best at whatever you do requires you to do more than what others are doing. This is the normal path that most people take. However, for people like the widely acclaimed King of Luxury, Julian Osula, it is a matter of time and natural course. Despite being himself and refusing to imitate others, Osula has climbed to a height that his peers can only strain their foreheads to imagine, ticking many boxes along the way.

The year 2023 is already shaping up for Osula, the man who founded and remains in charge of Julian’s Luxury, one of the leading premium establishments for the purchase of bright and brilliant luxury products. Currently, two awards are sitting in Osula’s home, both of them marked and delivered in May. Furthermore, neither of these awards goes into great detail about Osula’s (pre)occupation with his luxury doings. Instead, they show him as a contributor to society’s best.

The first award was delivered by the Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Benin (UNIBEN), on May 5, 2023. The Award of Excellence was given to Osula “in recognition of [his] outstanding achievements in the luxury industry and his contributions

Historians will likely remember 2023 to be a year of firsts in Nigeria. Specifically, it would be the year that so many politicians stepped forward to bear the burdens of governance while declaring that they deserve nothing less or that it is their turn to do so. For the position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Miriam Onuoha has stepped forward, stating that she deserves nothing less than the position.

It started with the current Presidentelect, Bola Tinubu. He was the first person that dared to say that a political position belonged to him by right. Even though he was laughed at when that happened, many other politicians have taken up his mantle, raising their fists and declaring that it is their turn to lead. Onuoha is one of these people, and the justifications for her claims are not blameless

According to Onuoha, the House of Reps member serving Okigwe North federal constituency of Imo State, women’s

It is not very easy to be the go-to-guy in any Nigerian state and have no obvious connection with the powers that be. And yet, for Olusola Oke (SAN), this is exactly how it is in Ondo State. Despite being someone who likes to run things from the shadows and allow others to bear the glory and honour of doings, Oke’s name is gradually gaining more and more primacy. As a result, he has become one of the most reliable power brokers in the state.

Nigeria’s Sunshine State, Ondo, is currently involved in fewer controversies than its sisters, especially in the Southwest. This is primarily because the power brokers in the state, regardless of their political parties and affiliations, have managed to reach a balance that is wholesome and inclusive. Much more than this, Ondo’s political progress can be laid on the feet of individuals like Oke who are doing their best to satisfy every individual.

the people at his side. Because of the formerly ongoing issue at court, he was not able to focus completely on matters of state. Even then, he was able to win the hearts of the people, ensuring that salaries were paid on time and needed projects had taken off.

But things are no different for Adeleke than they are for his predecessors. The people of Osun still have expectations and are trusting him to fulfil every single promise he made during his campaigns. Furthermore, since the Supreme Court has verified his status and that will remain for the next four years, the weight of the people’s expectations is great.

Ultimately, the time has come for Governor Adeleke to deliver on his promises, starting with good and compassionate governance. If he manages to accomplish this, he will doubtless get a second chance to do even better and have his name mentioned in grateful prayers and thanksgiving.

How Julian Osula, the King of Luxury, Ticks All the Boxes

man interested in the good of his country and countrymen.

The second award was presented to Osula two days after (May 7) the UNIBEN award. It was a Merit Award from SS Philips & James Catholic Church, Idado, Lekki, Lagos. This award was given “in recognition of [Osula’s] dedicated and selfless service in the growth and development of the Church.”

Due to his growing influence in the state, Oke may now be described as the person to see if one needs anything. As a result, he is now the most lovable politician in Ondo, despite the fact that he is an unshakeable member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Moreover, it helps that he does not go around poking the eyes of those who are in power, especially Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Instead, with a depth of wisdom trained from his lawyerly history, Oke is doing well for himself and those that care to rely on him for all things political in Ondo.

According to the word on the street, Oke is consolidating his strength as he prepares to take over from Akeredolu. With all he has learnt from the late Olusegun Agagu, former Ondo governor, he stands a chance of advancing things beyond wherever Akeredolu stops. His momentum is thus unstoppable and his influence uncontainable.

Council Boss or Artiste Manager? Bayo Olasoju Should Pick A Hustle

There are all kinds of people in this world, many of which have desires that the rest of us can relate to. But there are a few whose minds work a little differently and whose ambitions cannot be fathomed by normal people. It is looking like Bayo Olasoju, the Local Government Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area is one such person and this has started to throw a wrench in the works for the people he is supposed to be serving.

Osula

to humanity and society in general.” Signed by the Dean and Vice Chancellor of the institution, the award shows Osula to be a

Mirian Onioha Steps Forward

Without question, these awards depict Osula in a new light, especially the second. They show him to be something other than the luxury king, but someone relatable, whose cares and concerns for others push him to do amazing things.

This is how Osula is ticking boxes all around and bringing delight to the hearts of the people around him.

political participation is a growing concern in Nigeria. Few women have been allowed to get in on the decision-making processes of Nigeria’s polity even though we no longer live in the age of grunters and gatherers. Therefore, seeing as the office of Deputy Speaker has been zoned to the South-east, Onuoha sees no reason why she can’t take up the position.

Indeed, it has been established that while the Nigerian political system is robust, it has an existing gap with respect to balancing genders. Essentially, the supposed genderization of political offices has sequestered brilliant minds like Onuoha into third and second-positioners. But Onuoha has stepped forward to say that things have to change. Given how the winds are blowing, things might indeed change. But having Onuoha as Deputy Speaker of the House of Reps is not something that would come about just because strange winds are blowing.

When one sees Olasoju, one immediately thinks of the top Fuji musician, K1 de Ultimate. Olasoju is K1’s manager and has been for several years. As a consequence, many people who follow the musician are very familiar with Olasoju as he is as committed to K1 as any normal human being is committed to a benefactor. This is not a problem, except that K1 is not the only person Olasoju should serve.

It is reported with bitterness that Olasoju has remained the manager of K1 de Ultimate despite emerging as the Chairman of Isolo LG. Members of the public have thrown insults at him for this, stating that he has abandoned administrative duties at Isolo to continue to follow after the Fuji musician, thus incurring the wrath of the elders of the local government.

It is one thing to know that your Local Government Chairman is not very competent or present to fulfill his obligations. But it is something else entirely to see said Chairman flitting from pillar to post, managing his benefactor at social events, acting no different now than he did when he was no Chairman.

Some people say that Olasoju’s commitment to K1 is on account of the latter’s role in helping him emerge first as Isolo’s Vice Chairman and then as Chairman. But normal people cannot understand why the Chairman is still K1’s manager and active at his duty place, to the detriment of his role in Isolo.

Kalu

SP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN: LET’S GROW UP

Bro, I believe we have never met, but my name is Edgar Joseph also known as the Duke of Shomolu. See my brother, I have had a very long and colourful relationship with the police which mostly puts me on the side of the police in most public dramas.

This is why I have decided to write to you directly on this Seun matter. You see, since Seun decided to go and slap one of your boys and rain curses and abuses on him, I have been watching very closely how the police will react, especially you that I have heard is the IPO.

My fear since this matter started was for the police not to go and lose the moral high ground on this thing. It is very clear what has happened, we all saw the video. The man was totally wrong judging by that video and no matter what transpired before and after the slap, the slap that we saw is enough to crucify the young lad. But my expectation and that of millions, was that the Police would have used the opportunity to show Nigerians that this was a different force. A much more mature force and a force that would look at the principles of fairness and justice as they pursued not only this case but other cases.

I would have expected that the force would use this matter to show the world the reforms if any that has been going on within it. But as expected, you all seem to have lost the plot. From the first statement as reported from the Inspector General to the Police Service

Hilda Baci: The Making of a Racist

I didn’t know that I could have racist tendencies until this my sister started cooking a storm. At first, I didn’t really connect; you know these our youths are usually up to one thing or the other on social media. Someone had sent a post to me, showing her mo ther praying for her and she standing behind a glass cover to be cooking. I just looked at it and comot eye. Then the post started flooding, one ‘Calabar’ girl was trying to hit the Guinness Book of World records for the longest cooking spree. Then it caught fire. Everybody started rushing there, even Governor Sanwo-Olu came out of hiding to come and taste our food. Lagos and indeed the world became animated.

Then, the pictures of Hilda started coming out and that distracted me from the cooking. Come and see, body. Come and see shape, come and see beauty. Mbok, what is this kind of a queen doing in the kitchen, I asked myself. This is injustice, I screamed. “Common, leave the kitchen and let me employ 1,000 people to cook for you,” I screamed at the pictures. Then she beat the record and even added some more hours to it. I sent a message offering to join her massage team, as I saw people massaging her to keep her going. Of course nobody answered me but instead started engaging me on the correct spelling of her local government which I had

immediately claimed. Then I released a statement – Akwa Ibom-born damsel… I had said. Immediately, a top Lagos State official engaged me – “Edgar you didn’t add in your narrative that she is Lagos-based and Lagos gave her the environment to excel, please withdraw and rewrite and put Lagos,” he said.

I said, “Look at this one o. When you people were flogging us during the election you did not know. Kai, please leave us o. This is the only one we have, let us milk it well na, after all we are not sharing Bobrisky with you. Let us enjoy this one exclusively and peacefully, because we do not know when the next full-blooded Akwa Ibom hero will emerge.” No vex my sister.

Commission (PSC) and to your own activities as stated by Seun’s lawyers, it is looking like the police are out for revenge which is not a mature thing to do.

Seun slap police on Third Mainland Bridge, wetin concern IG and PSC who will now leave heavier issues like police welfare which is one of the worst in the world and the mass murder going on in Plateau State to be issuing statements. Something that the DPO in Idumota can handle. Then as we have been told, the booing and mocking of the ‘suspect’ by your men, calling his lawyer ‘mad lawyer,’ the mug shot, the long convoy with siren moving him from Ikeja to Yaba, the search of his house (yes you say you got a court order) and everything concerning this matter is making you lose the initial public goodwill on this matter and beginning to put Seun in a position of pity. My brother, let’s grow up. Let’s build the police into a serious internationally respectable organisation and it is matters like this that are in the public eye, that you should be using to achieve our support.

If you have time, come let me take you for lunch and let’s talk over plates of hot steamy afang and discuss a better approach to this and other matters. It is beyond Seun my brother; it is the police in its entirety.

But abeg, if you accept the invitation and you want to reach out, when you call, don’t say “is that Edgarrrrrrrr?

This is the Superintendent of police…” Before you finish, I go don faint. Abeg, me don’t have that kind of Seun mind,

just send one very fine female police officer, make she call and book the appointment. Thank you. I am paying for the afang o before you people will come and do me Prof Tam David-West of the tea and wristwatch saga. Kai!

LAMIDI APAPA: HAND OF ESAU, FACE OF JUDAS

Anybody that is watching very closely the activities of this ‘Baba’ and believing that he is self-driven has never visited any brothel in Shomolu. My people, this Baba is teleguided and I would have been very, very surprised if this was not happening.

Anybody who does not understand the master strategist that is claiming to have won this presidential election has himself to blame. I can swear with my last plate of afang that the man is behind this matter. He will be very stupid not to be behind it and as we all know; the man can be anything but dumb.

Me sef, if I were in his shoes, I would do the same thing. So, I will sit down there and allow my wife to go and inspect Aso Villa when a strong case like this is in court? No eunuch worth his balls will ever do that. You will do everything within your powers to destabilise your opponents and weaken him. Abi would you have gone through that long and tortuous journey that we have been told took all of 30 years only to come and be kicked out by one ‘omo yibo’ who is always wearing black and be talking like say, cockroach laid egg in his throat. The only mistake here is that, this

Baba is not sophisticated, he even looks like Nati, that long necked perpetually hungry character in that legendary sitcom ‘New Masquerade.’ His gimmicks are so archaic and open for all to see. See him going to fight for a seat in the court. Who does that, how will his sitting position help his matter? Is it that he will be well positioned to be winking at the judge or to blow juju into the judge’s eyes so that he will now be doing like they do in Nollywood and be reading mumu judgment?

It is no wonder that he was heckled, booed and harassed outside the court. I felt so ashamed for someone’s great grandfather exposing himself to such public ridicule that I began to wonder just how sweet this bowl of porridge is that would make someone so old threaten his place in history. Na wa.

ABDUL’AZIZ YARI, PLEASE AVOID RUFAI OSENI

I am advising politicians who do not have the depth or intellectual gusto to face fire to please avoid Mr. Rufai Oseni of ARISE News. I think we should also send Seun Kuti when he is through with his court wahala to go to Rufai and have a nice discussion with him on all of these kinds of questions he is asking these politicians.

This Rufai is a very big bully; he will be going after ‘soft targets’ and asking them these kinds of questions. You see Baba who just

Apapa

Akpabio

Yari

Chef Baci

Hundeyin

wants to be Senate President – a position that seems to have been zoned to the most intellectually lazy of our Senators — and you are asking him questions you should be asking the IMF President.

Ninety-two per cent poverty rate in Zamfara? You are asking this Baba? The man kuku gave you the answer you deserve. He looked at you squarely and asked if he was the only Governor in Zamfara history. Abi. I agree at least during his tenure the thing didn’t hit the 100% mark and to show that there ‘is money’ in Zamfara, he went ahead to buy a book for N250m.

You Rufai, with that your suit like Icheoku own, can you buy a book for N10,000, and you are there asking funny questions when the man is bent on stopping my brother and kinsman from being Senate President.

Your Excellency, please let me plead on behalf of my brother, Rufai. The man is confused and hungry. Please don’t vex, shebi Fayose the other day shouted, “Reuben, shebi you have told me you will hold this Rufai, see now…”

Please any politician worth his salt, should please avoid Rufai Oseni, his head is not correct o. Poverty in Zamfara? Is that a question any responsible journalist should be asking? I will slap you ooooo…

GOODSWILL AKPABIO: I CAST AND BIND

This is the third time I am writing about this gentleman in one month. It shows my state of revulsion and my very strong stand against his candidacy. Everything in my body is against this move – my spirit, my soul and even my something. I swear, this is just so wrong in all forms. First, the man has not shown any seriousness in the very important work at the Senate. He has shown a huge inability to be principled and loyal and much more importantly, his last tour of duty at that ministry is really nothing to write home about.

Having him as Senate President in this ‘na me, na me’ government we are about to enter now, is just the last straw. Please, where is the opposition that Akpabio will give to a Tinubu – student of the same school of developmental avarice? Please which uncommon law will be promulgated during his term?

Yes, we have turned the Senate into a retirement home where ineffective and ‘failed’ governors will go and inhabit and be sleeping and be calling themselves anything but distinguished, that does not mean that this kind of leadership should be fostered on us. Shebi it is looking like the Republic of ‘Bala balu’ will descend on us and the least we can even do is to attempt to build a strong bulwark in the National Assembly. Let it be that we put credible leadership in the first place and along the line, they do the usual Nigerian politician thing and capitulate rather than putting a leadership that is very clear from the onset will be a ‘paddy paddy’ one.

Please, as my mother would say, “my spirit, soul and being is totally against this,” but will our senators listen to the lone voice crying in the wilderness? In this Nigeria, na scorpion go chop your ‘ekporo’ in the wilderness. As you are screaming nobody will listen and Akpabio will emerge. Kai, tears for a country.

FFK AND US VISA BAN

Kai, since this matter came to public awareness, my egbon and greatest orator of all times have been very touchy. You will all remember his fight with the British Ambassador and now that the US has carried out their threat by announcing that Nigerians who fought against democracy will face a visa ban, my lord FFK has come out firing. He has called for a reciprocal ban and all that. I just laughed, which country wants to ban which country? Where will our President be going to see his

FELA KUTI: THE LYNCHING OF A MAN OF PEACE

I am a peaceful man o. In fact, should they ever be looking for just anybody from Nigeria to sha gift the Nobel prize for peace, na me go win am hands down. Anyway, that was how, when Seun Kuti decided to go and slap a policeman – one in a series according to another video we have seen- causing national outrage, I decided to look at it from another angle.

But first, this Seun’s slap has united Nigerians in a very funny way. Normally it used to be football, but this slap has made us forget our differences as every Nigerian regardless of tribe, religion and sexual perversion have come out in unison to condemn the thing. It was bad. Kai! This Seun no try. It was as if he was possessed. Maybe the policeman remind am of one of the soldiers that burnt down his father’s Kalakuta Republic. The rage was category 5, he almost added his wife as target. Kai!

Anyway, that was how I put my thinking cap on. As Nigerians were vilifying him, I started tracing it from his grandmother, straight to his father and linked it to this one and described it as a ‘long lineage of disrespect of constituted authority, hiding under the mask of activism.’

My people, I broadcast this my article to 10,000 people on Whatsapp. Before I could settle down and enjoy my prostate cancer test which came out negative, the abuse started coming in o. These people forgot that I am a man of peace. They abused me o. The sad thing about Nigerians is that we are all sadists. As the abuse was pouring in, some wicked people were forwarding to me ‘innocently’. “Edgar, have you seen this?” they would say as they pushed the bile towards me.

I don’t like it when people yab me and that is why I don’t yab people. I used to mind my business abi? Do I yab people? So I didn’t understand why people were raining curses on me simply because I was trying to piece together the humiliation of an oba by

the grandmother, the many roforofo fights between the father and authority including the infamous racking at Ojuelegba which directly led to the sad and unfortunate burning of the Kalakuta Republic o. Please my people, what did I do wrong? Is it not research? Come and see the abuse, you will pity me. In all of the abuse, two stood out – Segun Adefila, actor, dancer and creditor and one Abdul Okwechime. Segun’s own is understandable because I dey owe am. Since we do Ladi Kwali, sponsors have started to become funny. I have not been able to pay Segun. So I understand his frustration. He called me names o, he said, I no reach Fela fingernails, that how many women can I ……. in a day. That Fela was doing 20 and see me abusing Fela. You see, when I have Segun’s time, I will carry cameraman to his house in Bariga, drag him to the pedestrian bridge at Onipanu and slap the hell out of him and send the clip to Guinness Book of World Record for entry as the first Ibibio man to slap a ‘dada’ Yoruba man. The one that hurt me the most was Abdul Okwechime. First with the combined Hausa and Igbo name, I thought he was a social media ‘meme’ until people now told me that he was a respected journalist o. This man in his essay titled ‘The Duke and His Tale by Moonlight’ finished me. Kai! I will not say what he wrote here o so that I will not be pushing it, but the man finished me and sadly the thing went viral. As I entered one slay queen house to try myself, na the essay she showed me. Kai! This Okwechime person use English to deconstruct me. Please I am looking for him o. Anybody that knows of his whereabouts should immediately contact the Police PRO so that he can help me with his mug shots – both side and front.

Kai, bro Okwechime, na wa for you o. No dey yab brother like that because of a small article o, you just use english slap me all over the place. Na wa.

dentists and paediatrician? Mbok, my brother, let us go and look at that list and if our name is there we just beg o.

Me, I am afraid that my name can be there o. Shebi you remember that I supported Sanwo-Olu and those people that were flogging the ‘omo-Igbo’ in Lagos also supported him, so fear is also catching me.

But seriously, the contradiction of the whole exercise is making me laugh here. We are about to swear in a new president that most Nigerians can swear on their last kobo did not win the election, the case is in court, the US top official calls him to congratulate him and offers to work with him and then the same US is now talking about a visa ban.

Mbok, who do they want to ban? Is it the Nigerian who was disenfranchised because of his language or the ones that faced violence at the polling booth, or the ones that are in court fighting to redeem their mandates or the judges who are delivering judgments that would make the famed judge in that rested TV series- Icheoku fall from his bed in laughter?

The people who are supporting this incoming are the people who should be on that list, I swear. The people who are jostling for positions in the incoming should populate that list, anything less will be a great travesty.

But then again, if not that we are a shameless people, why would a visa ban on us be such a huge sanction? I tire o. When countries like Russia are facing better sanction, we na visa ban we dey face and fear.

Abeg my brother Femi Fani-Kayode, if you have expo on that list please let me know if my name is there so I will know which pastor to run to and if you sef appear on the list, no worry yourself, I have a prophet that can do the work. I swear. Let’s talk egbon.

DELE MOMODU: 63 GARLANDS FOR A HERO

Let me confess. Dele Momodu was one of the first columnists that attracted me. I used to love to read his columns in the now rested Fame magazine. I had followed him through Classics where he was the youngest Editor in the land then through to Fame.

I once went to their Ikeja office like I always did those days, just to sit and flow with the superstar writers of the day. For me, FAJ and the rest were my own Michael Jackson and then Uncle Dele walked in. I still remember he was in jeans, a nice long sleeved t-shirt and beautiful loafers on his feet. He was still big, with a huge tummy and an expansive laugh. I looked from afar, admiring him and being afraid to go say hello.

Since then, I have followed his trajectory. I do not agree with his politics most times, but his prose, I can die for. Kai! Uncle Dele can write, he writes himself into the article. It usually feels like eating afang when I read him. His ideas with paragraphs dovetailing into each other with so much ease that you begin to beg that the article will not finish. He has been everything; from a writer to publisher to failed presidential aspirant and now PDP henchman but what has remained is his talent. His ability to tell a story very vividly, capturing the essence of his subject and holding the reader prisoner.

I spoke to him the other day, when I begged him to help me beg one sponsor to pay my money and he still sounded very brilliant on the phone. Humble and sweet is what I will call him

Saw his birthday video with Peter Obi in London and marvelled at just how good he looked in it. But wait, was that Yemi Edun in that video? That is my brother for life oooooo.

Happy birthday my egbon, I wish you God’s eternal grace and a momentous rest of your life. God bless you.

Kuti

Oba Babatunde Saliu Celebrates First Coronation Anniversary

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business?

He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”- Proverbs 22:29. These words of wisdom from the holy book capture the life of the young and suave monarch of Oworonshoki kingdom in Lagos State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Saliu.

The highly cerebral and cosmopolitan monarch is celebrating the first anniversary of his ascension on the throne of his fathers. Saliu is without doubt an embodiment of numerous virtues which include diligence, excellence, integrity and many more.

The eminently qualified monarch was the popular choice of the kingmakers and elders of Oworonshoki town and his selection was celebrated by all and sundry.

For the monarch and the entire people of Oworonshoki kingdom and its environs, the anniversary is expected to be as grandiose as possible. Indeed, the ceremony is being planned to surpass the coronation ceremony one year ago.

Expectedly, nothing is being left to chance as the programmes for the oneyear anniversary are rolled out. Among the several programmes lined up for the big day is a football tournament, which according to Saliu, was designed to discover new talents for the national football teams from Oworonshoki.

That his workaholic disposition has taken him to places where kings wine and queens dine cannot be contested. His very rich resume speaks volumes about the person of the handsome monarch. The businessman, philanthropist, philosopher and politician turned monarch is indeed a blessed man.

Before he ascended the throne, Saliu, who was raised in Lagos, was the immediate-past vice chairman of Kosofe Local Government Area. Before then, he served as Special Assistant to the former governor of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola. He was also a senior special assistant on land matters to Governor Sanwo-Olu. And perhaps the big one, Saliu was a Personal Assistant to the Presidentelect, Bola Tinubu.

His popular choice as the Oba of his homeland is a testament to the growing influence and resultant affluence of this modern-day monarch. A force to be reckoned with in Nigeria’s economic sector, his entrepreneurial exploits readily qualifies him as one of the most audacious businessmen Nigeria can boast of.

This exceptional achiever grabbed life by the lapel early in life and got transformed into an enviable status filled with great accomplishments. The well-educated monarch is a holder of two Bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Business Administration, as well as two Master’s degrees in Philosophy and Public and International Affairs.

Since he ascended the throne of his ancestors in 2021, Saliu has hit the ground running with several well-planned programmes to launch Oworonshoki into national reckoning. And sure enough, in achieving this grand dream, he is pulling all strings in both political and business connections.

Otunba Subomi Balogun: End an Era for Baron of Nigeria Financial Market

Riches, reverence and royalty are three natural substances associated with the man known as the true definition of a wealthy aristocrat. The blueblood from Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, was unarguably wealthy and winsome.

For the founder of First City Group (a financial conglomerate comprising First City Monument Bank, FCMB Capital Markets, First City Assets Management, CSL Stockbrokers and City Securities), he was awed by his own achievements in life and humbly attributed his many successes to God.

Almost two decades after retiring from active banking, he still wielded much influence in Nigeria’s banking sector. Some even argue that he has as much influence after his retirement as he did while he was still active as Chairman and CEO of the first wholly-owned Nigerian Merchant bank, FCMB.

He was both revered and respected at the same time, and was just the type you can rightly describe as man of timber and calibre. He was super rich, affluent, connected, colourful and dapper. He was also the true definition of wealthy aristocrat and he was created by God for the purpose of money making and service to humanity.

He had almost incomparable taste for the good things of life. Legendary for his flamboyant dressing, he never settled for anything but the very best-in terms of class, taste and luxury.

Even in death, he remained part of those who have rewritten the story of the country’s financial sector and launched it into the global map. His philosophy was: “All things are possible if you believe.”

Otunba Olasubomi Olaotan Olanipekun

Balogun. The name that means so many things to many people. But one major undeniable thing is the fact that the name is essentially synonymous with success.

One of the major achievements of the Olori Omooba of Ijebuland and banking legend remains the fact that he successfully engraved his name in the hearts of the generality of his compatriots which cut across the globe. By whatever yardstick, he was never a colourless personality!

Even at a ripe age of 89, this old dandy tycoon refused to show any sign of slowing down, this is just as he continued to make fortunes. The stylish billionaire remained unrelenting and continued to cut deals till he breathed his last.

Little wonder many were shell-shocked when news of his passing broke last week Friday. Many, including those who only knew him through the pages of newspapers were stunned. It was not because the flamboyant businessman didn’t live a fulfilled life or that he didn’t live to old age, but because his colourful lifestyle even beat a kingly living till the last day.

But interestingly, as stupendous a wealthy man that he was, he failed to meet his heart desire. One of his heart desire that he prayed to God for was for his Creator to grant him long life to reach the age of 100 before his death. This, we gathered he told some of his friends last December when they gathered at his Ijebu-Ode palatial house for new year prayers and thanksgiving.

Man proposes, but God disposes. The legendary banking don wished to live up to 100 years, but God had a different plan for him.

High Flying Architect, Fifi Ejindu, Glides Gracefully into 61!

Birthdays are not occasions meant only for celebrations, where glasses filled with vintage drinks are clinked and sumptuous delicacies munched. They are also occasions for introspection and expression of gratitude to God for the grace to still be counted among the living.

This definitely will be the case for the brilliant and world-class Architect, Princess Ejindu, otherwise known as Fifi Ejindu, as she clocks 61 today, May 21, 2023.

Today, the astonishingly beautiful woman who sits atop many conglomerates will have more than one reason to be joyous, apart from the grace to survive the mysteries of the days and nights in the past year.

When she rises from her ornate bed to witness the dawn of the new beautiful day, her heart will be filled with gratitude to God for the grace to mark another birthday in sound health.

Reliable sources disclosed that the birthday

celebrations would definitely be low-key. Family members, friends, business associates, fans and admirers are expected to pour encomiums on her on a momentous day in the life of the successful architect and businesswoman who is also a style and fashion icon and the great-granddaughter of King James Ekpo Bassey of Cobham Town in Calabar, Cross Rivers State.

A successful entrepreneur, Ejindu has a charm that is irresistible and is noticed the moment she enters a room. She does this so effortlessly but one cannot expect anything less from a woman whose meaning of her first name is ‘Full moon’.

She is as generous, collaborative, and lovable as she is innovative and brilliant, helping those who are in need. Her heart of gold stems from her innate belief that behind every success story are others helping to make it happen.

Richard Lamai’s Quest for More Knowledge

The world of the wealthy is confounding. When one thought they had it all, they suddenly conjure up more things that make them feel unfulfilled, especially in the realm of education. This is the situation with City businessman, Chief Richard Lamai. His quest for more knowledge is simply out of this world. He is one of the few that believe the popular axiom that knowledge has a beginning but no end.

Society Watch can disclose that the entrepreneur is presently burning the midnight candle at Oxford University in the UK where he is taking a course, just for personal development and fulfilment.

Of course, the businessman cum politician, whose interest cuts across real estate, hospitality and information technology, is about now rounding off the short course at one of the oldest universities in the world.

The short course, Systems Thinking Approach To Change Management, is said to prepare the All Progressives Congress (APC), topshot for new challenges in public policy adaptation and emerging business models.

His latest educational pursuit follows the postgraduate certificate he received at the London School of Business and Finance a few years ago.

Again, Real Estate Guru, Sijibomi Ogundele Diversifies

Are you among those that still doubt Sijibomi Ogundele’s dominant position among the top businessmen in Nigeria? Well, maybe after reading this piece you will assign him his welldeserved status with the honour and respect he rightly deserves among the top tiers in the nation’s entrepreneurship.

The boss of Sujimoto oftentimes has delivered a resounding slap to the faces of his numerous doubters who insist on remaining blind and deaf to his incontestable greatness. He has numerous, and very soon, may lose track of his achievements.

The brilliant real estate merchant could be forgiven for taking his feet off the pedals if only just a little. But such is not the modus operandi of the man whose sole vision is to rule his world. He has already set bigger targets for himself which he is working harder than ever to achieve.

Society Watch gathered that the intelligent business mogul, having fulfilled his mission in the

real estate sector, even while others were reeling and groaning under the yoke of the uncertain business climate, is with sure-footed steps and decisions continuing to grow his Sujimoto Group into a thriving privately-owned conglomerate with diverse business interests in real estate, lottery, agriculture, production and investment, among others.

Interestingly, the man, who is known for his ingenuity, is not done yet as he is still making efforts to register his presence in the hospitality sector.

It was gathered that his passion for hospitality was ignited recently when he was unable to secure a room at his preferred hotel which he has been lodging anytime he flies to Abuja in the past seven years. With this, he realised that no hotel in Abuja actually meets up with the luxury of an international hotel and vowed to bridge this lacuna in a few years with his Sujimoto hotels. Ogundele

Lamai

Ejindu

Adieu Olori Omooba of Ijebuland.

Late Balogun

C VER

The Sunday Newspaper May 21, 2023

Buhari’s Eight Years of Political, Economic Trajectory Prologue

In what many people labelled as ‘self-praise’, the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari recently boasted that he never defaulted on his which were his campaign promises eight years ago.

The president had told those who cared to listen repeatedly that his campaign undertakings were based on enhancing the economy, improving security and anti-corruption fight, and claimed to have recorded huge success in the three fundamental issues.

“Let me remind us all that my campaign to become president in 2015 was built on the promise to improve the security; strengthen the economy and combat corruption.

“It is with immense gratitude to God Almighty that I make a bold statement that we have delivered on the three promises. At my inauguration, the country was practically under the siege of terrorism and other forms of insecurity,’’ the president reportedly said.

Buhari further claimed that under his administration, Nigeria rose from the brackish waters of near-economic collapse to become acknowledged as the largest economy on the African continent. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had re-echoed this message repeatedly.

But does the reality in the country tallies with the act of expressing commendation for oneself, which Buhari recently exhibited?

Taking over power on May 29, 2015 - after a controversial general election, the president rightly promised to overhaul the economy, curtail corruption and improve security in Nigeria. He also reiterated these promises, when he sought reelection in 2019.

Though there were little successes recorded in the early years of his administration, not many security experts would disagree that the President would be leaving behind a frightening insecurity across the country.

Indeed, every part of Nigeria appears to have been turned into a killing field.

The president had promised to grow the economy in 2015, but under his watch, the country witnessed two recessions: one in 2016 and another in 2020. Though the managers of the nation’s economy had attributed the second recession to the impact of the COVID-19, key indices currently show that the Nigerian economy is still very weak, almost two years after the global pandemic. Indeed, figures by global institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and National Bureau of Statistics indicate that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), measured quarterly and annually, are fast dropping yearly.

Under Buhari’s administration, the nation’s debts soared with a total debt stock rising from about N19.6 trillion to N91.9 trillion, from December 2015 to-date, according to Debt Management Office (DMO). And in share of global population living in extreme poverty in Nigeria 2016-2023 - recently published by a world economist, Doris Dokua Sasu, nearly 12 per cent of the world population in extreme poverty lived in Nigeria, considering the poverty threshold at 1.90 US dollars a day.

On its part, KPMG had stated that the Nigerian unemployment rate had increased to 37.7per cent in 2022 and would further rise to 40.6per cent, due to the continuing inflow of job seekers into the job market. The multinational consulting firm, in a newly released report tagged ‘KPMG Global Economy Outlook report, H1 2023,’ argued that unemployment will continue to be a challenge due to the slower-than-required economic growth, and the help -

lessness of the economy to absorb the 4-5 million new entrants into the Nigerian job market every year.

Still on the economy, the ease of doing business is still very low in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy. The country is currently ranked 131 out of 190 economies in the world - according to the latest World Bank annual ratings. The devastating consequence is that investors, especially (foreign) multinationals, will rationally have to consider an extensive list of countries before Nigeria.

Buhari did also not deliver in his promise to fight corruption. As of 2015, Nigeria ranked 136 among the 180 countries watched by Transparency International (TI), an anti-corruption group.

But seven years after, Nigeria ranks 150 on Corruption Perception Index - in 2022. The TI recently furnished the world with fresh evidence that in spite of the affirmation by Buhari, corruption is still buffing up strong in Nigeria. In his several speeches, the President had promised to deepen the democratic space – by ensuring credible elections. However, there is a near consensus by both foreign and local communities that Buhari failed woefully to supervise free, fair and credible 2023 general election. Several post-election reports by many credible groups, including Chatham House, confirmed that thousands of Nigerians were disenfranchised amid violence and irregularities.

INEC was significantly less prepared than it claimed with less than half of eligible voters participating in the elections - in spite of the commission’s N305 billion budgetary allocation. At just 25.7 per cent, the 2023 general election recorded the lowest turnout in any election since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, despite being the most lavished. The INEC’s unreliable utilisation of technology in the use of a Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is still being penetratingly scrutinised and criticised. The commission failed to adhere to its statements and guidelines, which derive from its Electoral Act, 2023 that election results would be uploaded to its portal, using the BVAS directly from the polling unit in real-time for the public’s viewing. Unfortunately, Buhari didn’t see anything wrong with the discredited elections.

For the past eight years, Buhari has been under fire for his perceived nepotism. The popular view is that since 1960, Nigeria has never had a leader who was more sectional, narrow, parochial, and tribalistic like the outgoing president, who went on a global stage to divide Nigeria into ‘97 per cent and five per cent.’

In particular, Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, had insisted that Buhari’s administration was full of nepotism and corruption, saying that the situation had not augured well for the country.

Like many Nigerians, Kukah is sad that despite Buhari’s supercilious promises, he is leaving Nigerians far more vulnerable than when he came, stating that the corruption “we thought would be fought has become a leviathan and sadly, a consequence of a government marked by nepotism.’’

Indeed, Buhari is accused of putting power in the hands of people on grounds of blood relationship, as well as religious and ethnic affiliations. Arguably, except those who aided his ‘criminal incompetence’ in the management of the affairs of the nation, the near consensus is that the eight-year of the outgoing president is a disaster.

Iyobosa Uwugiaren

Securing Nigeria Still Work in Progress

Kingsley Nwezeh

Though President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is known to have procured more military equipment, including weapons and fighter jets than any other administration since the advent of democracy in 1999, the level of insecurity witnessed under the administration is frightening.

President Buhari, who rode to power with military pedigree, lived up to expectations as a former army general by empowering the military more than any other civilian administration before him.

But eight years down the line, it is still work in progress as the unending blood-letting and mass murder of innocent men, women and children has continued unabated.

It is expected that the incoming administration should maintain the same tempo in empowering the security agencies as Buhari-led government.

Despite all the efforts on training of armed forces and procuring weapons, every data show that more deaths were recorded in the eight years of Buhari than any other government in the country, except during the Nigerian civil war. This is more painful to many Nigerians because the country is not at war.

Statistics of killings released by an American think-tank, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), which issues weekly data collated by its subsidiary, National Security Tracker in Nigeria, showed that at least 89,920 people were killed in Nigeria due to violent acts, within seven years of Buhari’s administration from May 2015 to May 2022.

Presently, there are on-going killings of hundreds of women and children in Benue and Plateau states by herdsmen.

Just a few days ago, security personnel and staff of the United States Consulate in Nigeria were killed in Anambra State by gunmen whose murderous activities in the South-east started during Buhari’s tenure.

An organisation dedicated to the tracking of violent incidents in the country, Nigeria Mourns, recently released its first quarter report of 2023, which showed that 1,230 people were killed in the country in the first quarter of 2023.

The report also said that 79 security personnel died within the period while 658 people were abducted across the country.

The report said banditry remained the most singular cause of violent deaths across the country with 29.27 per cent or 360 deaths while an existing threat is the rise in extra-judicial killings and herdsmen-related killings, which constitute about 10.08 per cent and 13.65 per cent, respectively with at least 124 and 168 deaths.

A further breakdown of the statistics showed that Boko Haram/ISWAPrelated atrocities constituted 22.11 per cent or 272 deaths. It said political killings mostly due to the recent 2023 general election accounted for at least 7.72 per cent, or 95 deaths.

The group said the trend was an indication of an alarming increase in the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP in recent times, and extra-judicial killings mostly perpetrated by security personnel and herdsmen activities by mostly Fulani herders.

The report further said secessionists’ violent campaign mostly in the Southeastern part of the country contrib -

uted 6.75 per cent representing at least 83 deaths while cult clashes took 4.96 per cent or 61 deaths.

It said isolated attacks, mob attacks, armed robbery, and communal clashes accounted for 5.45 per cent of the incidents, translating to 67 deaths.

On personnel losses in Nigeria’s security framework, it said in the first quarter of 2023, 6.42 per cent of all lives lost to violent killings were security personnel numbering at least 79 while the remaining 93.58 per cent of lives lost violently are those of civilians numbering at least 1,151 deaths.

It said data on the brazen killings of security operatives is further divided into para-military: Police, 54 constituting 68.35 per cent, NSCDC (at least 10 deaths), representing 12.66 per cent and military (at least 15 deaths), accounting for 18.99 per cent. With at least 54 lives lost, the number of policemen lost in the first quarter of 2023 constituted the highest losses among security operatives, it said.

Commenting on the number of killings recorded, an expert in counterterrorism, intelligence, and cybersecurity, Mr. Timothy Avele, charged the incoming administration of Bola Tinubu to take decisive measures to ensure the safety of Nigerians, particularly by addressing the main causes of criminality and insecurity in the country. He said if this is done, the level of crime would reduce significantly.

“If the new government can tackle at least three of the four main causes of criminality and insecurity in Nigeria (extreme poverty, injustice, unemployment, corruption), then the crime rates will fall below 40 per cent,” he said.

Analysing the security situation in the country, Col. Hassan Stan-Labo (rtd.), said the outgoing government had failed woefully in terms of security, noting that on a scale of 100, he

would score the government less than 20 per cent out of sheer magnanimity.

“It was a government that does not understand what democracy is all about, that power belongs to the people and not the government.

“I am from Southern Kaduna, and when we talk of people who have suffered security-wise under this government, I know how it feels. The federal and state governments have become compromised and an accomplice in the ongoing affair. When you are carrying out a reasonable task, you do not allow sentiments to blur your senses of reasoning, be it ethnicity, religion and the fault lines in our country. This government has failed to use all the instruments of coercion at its disposal as the federal might to protect its citizens, he said.

A Certified Protective Officer, Frank Oshanugor, said President Muhammadu Buhari is not finishing strong in spite of what hypocrites in the corridors of power and their supporters would want us to believe.

“Agreed that the insurgency in the North-east has been checked to a great extent, it is still worrisome that up till now in the North and other parts of Nigeria, organised killings are still taking place. An example is the Benue massacre of last week where over 30 persons were killed by suspected herdsmen.

“Kidnapping for ransom, gunmen attacks, herdsmen’s unprovoked invasion and destruction of people’s farmlands, and the like, in parts of Nigeria are all indices of failure of the outgoing Buhari administration,” he said

Oshanugor advised the incoming administration to go the extra mile in addressing the root causes of insecurity, which the Buhari government failed to do.

Security consultant, Christopher Oji, in his view stated that the Buhari administration would be unfair in its assessment by saying it would be leaving the country better than it met it, security wise.

He noted that, for instance, the number of deaths recorded under this administration was three times more than the statistics during the previous administration while the number of security men killed also outnumbers those killed during the previous administration.

“Don’t forget that during the previous administration, terrorists were confined to the North and Sambisa forest in Maiduguri. But today, terrorists and bandits are all over the country. They now operate in the four geographical regions.

“Recently, they attacked Ondo State, killing many church worshipers. What can we say about the incessant train attacks? Terrorists and bandits have virtually taken over everywhere. During the previous administration, people could travel anywhere by road, but it is not possible now. When people are travelling these days, they hold their hearts in their hands. How many military formations and police stations were successfully attacked and arms and ammunition carted away by hoodlums? For fear of herdsmen, farmers have also abandoned their farms, causing food scarcity,” he said.

It is hoped that the next administration would prioritise security and value of human lives and contain the raging killing aimed at conquering indigenous Nigerians and taking over their lands by foreign herdsmen.

Electoral Reforms: So Much Promised, Little Delivered

Louis Achi

Speaking at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 77), held in September 2022 in New York, United States, President Muhammadu Buhari had told world leaders that, “I would leave an enduring legacy of free, fair, transparent and credible elections.”

Like a man courting a fair verdict of history, back home, he severally reaffirmed this pledge. But when the first major test of that promise came, he failed distressingly.

On February 25, 2023, his administration delivered what was arguably the worst and most questionable presidential poll since the 24-yearold Fourth Republic.

It could be recalled that on February 25, 2022, President Buhari signed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2022 into law. This birthed two key technologies expected to make elections credible. First is the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), used for digital voter accreditation and electronic transmission of results. This was seen as an antidote to election rigging. The second is the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), which would enable the public to view uploaded results from polling units, ensuring the transparency of the process.

With the Electoral Act requiring the use of BVAS and IReV technologies, confidence soared on the electoral process and many believed that President Buhari genuinely wanted to leave a legacy of free, fair, transparent, and credible elections. But the reality turned out to be a horse of a different colour.

Considering the tough journey this crucial piece of legislation went through, it raised hope in millions of Nigerians that it would reduce a number of human interferences that had always resulted in stolen elections in Nigeria. It also legally empowered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results at real time from the polling units to INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

In fairness to the electoral body, notwithstanding some curious delays, the processes leading to the presidential and National Assembly elections appeared transparent. But the obvious lack of sincerity on the part of the electoral umpire started when the results from the polling units were not uploaded on the IReV and political parties and election observers could not access the portal to check the uploaded results in real time.

Strangely, President Buhari himself was the first person to allegedly and openly engage in an act which many believe was an infringement on the Electoral Act. Many would readily recall that after voting in the presidential election in Daura, Katsina State, he brazenly displayed his marked ballot paper for the public to confirm that he voted for Bola Tinubu, his party’s candidate.

Clearly, that was seen as a violation of Section 50 of the Electoral Act 2022, which holds that “voting shall be by open-secret ballot.” It’s “open” because the voter drops his marked ballot paper in the box openly. It’s “secret” because a voter thumbprint his or her ballot paper in secret, and the law prohibits taking a picture of one’s marked ballot paper.

As is increasingly common there was no consequence for that blatant infringement which had a wider implication. The implication was that the President was seen campaigning for the ruling party’s presidential candidate on Election Day. This was in violation of Section 94 of the Electoral Act, which holds that “the period of campaigning in public shall end 48 hours prior to polling day.” He abjectly failed to demonstrate the impartiality he repeatedly promised.

But not one to allow grass to grow under his feet, in a recent Sallah message, Buhari denied any interference. Hear him: “At no point did I interfere with the process in order to give unfair advantage to anyone.” The president spoke in a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu.

Last November, Buhari had defended the naira redesign policy, proclaiming that, “Nigerians should vote for whoever they like from whichever party,” adding that “nobody will be allowed

to mobilise resources and thugs to intimidate people in any constituency.”

But as it turned out, many Nigerians were not able to freely vote for the candidates or party of their choice. The attendant widespread voter suppression through violence, and INEC’s operational efficiency put spanners in the wheels of unhindered election.

The turnout of 27 per cent was significantly lower than in any previous election while resources were mobilised and thugs used freely to intimidate voters in the election. What transpired on February 25 did not escape the notice of election observers who were very critical, saying the election “fell short of expectations.” Significantly, both the EU election observer mission and the joint election observation mission of the USbased International Republican Institute

and the National Democratic Institute said the failure to transmit the votes electronically and INEC’s lack of transparency over the matter severely eroded the poll’s credibility and confidence in the results announced by INEC.

It cannot be quickly forgotten that the presidential election was particularly marred by widespread violence, perpetrated by political thugs under apparent protection by the security agencies. For instance, in Lagos, viral videos showed how thugs invaded polling units and snatched or burnt ballot boxes, while security agents looked on. Videos also showed how voters were brutally suppressed. In one polling unit, a notorious political thug audaciously said: “Anyone who is not voting APC should leave now,” adding: “This is an APC zone.”

It is then little wonder that President Joe Biden has not put a call across to Presidentelect Bola Ahmed Tinubu to congratulate him - a standard international practice. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent diplomatic outreach only partially disguises the needful, but missing US presidential imprimatur on Nigeria’s February 25 presidential poll.

Beyond the absurd electoral choreography, the emerging consensus is that by INEC’s declaration of Tinubu “winner” of a fundamentally flawed election, based on deeply controversial results, INEC berths a legitimacy problem and has pushed Nigeria to the edge of political instability.

But an insistent Buhari holds that the outcome of the 2023 elections was in line with his pledge to leave a legacy of free and fair elections in the country in his Sallah message to Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration to mark the end of the 30-day Ramadan fasting season.

Buhari had noted that the outcome of the 2023 general election would go down on record as one of his administration’s biggest achievements “in addition to our neutrality in the conduct of the elections.”

He argued that “the outcome of the elections was in line with my pledge to leave a legacy of free and fair elections.”

This quirky insistence then represents President Buhari’s enduring legacy as he shortly exits office even as election petition courts are inundated with petitions against the INEC-declared results.

A legacy of free, fair, transparent, and credible elections would have offered President Buhari a better verdict of history.

What transpired on February 25 did not escape the notice of election observers who were very critical, saying the election “fell short of expectations.” Significantly, both the EU election observer mission and the joint election observation mission of the US-based International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute said the failure to transmit the votes electronically and INEC’s lack of transparency over the matter severely eroded the poll’s credibility and confidence in the results announced by INEC

COVID-19: An Eye Opener in Nigeria’s Health Sector

President Muhammadu Buhari inherited poor health facilities, which had largely remained unattended until the advent of COVID-19, which forced the government at all levels and the private sector to wake up from their slumber. The advent of the dreaded virus forced the government and the private sector to fund the Nigerian hospitals for them to be able to manage the attendant health crisis.

Before COVID-19, the health sector was poorly funded and service delivery at hospitals abysmally low. More Nigerians were reported to be dying of preventable diseases such as malaria, cholera, Lassa Fever and others. Hospital facilities and healthcare personnel received poor welfare packages that could not motivate them to give their best.

However, COVID-19 led to innovations in terms of funding and provision of modern health facilities, which became a game changer in Nigerian health sector.

With the building of modern facilities in the nation’s teaching hospitals and other medical centres, the challenges of shortage of bed spaces, inadequate modern equipment and dearth of professionals were significantly addressed.

At no time in the history of this current democracy did the government, the private sector and other stakeholders pay attention to the health sector as they did during the COVID-19 crisis.

But despite all these improvements in the sector, wealthy Nigerians and top government officials have continued to patronise better equipped hospitals abroad for treatment of minor ailments.

Today, the country still records very poor healthcare indices, while budgetary allocations to the sector are still below 10 per cent.

Also, the Buhari-led government has failed to meet the minimum standards in health workers’ welfare, thus resulting in brain drain and incessant strikes by medical professionals.

There is no doubt that as this present administration is rounding off its tenure, the hope of Nigerians for an improved healthcare system is still a mirage.

However, one of the factors to measure performance is stability. In this regard, the Buhari-led administration has also ensured relative stability in the health sector by retaining the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, for the two terms of the administration.

Speaking recently on what Buhari has achieved at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ministerial forum in Abuja, Ehanire

said the president would be remembered for expanding healthcare delivery to more Nigerians in a bid to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), UHC means that the people have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without huge financial burden.

Achieving UHC is one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals targets set for 2030.

The minister, however, said he was not sure if up to 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population were presently covered. So, to what extent can one say that the administration has indeed expanded healthcare coverage in the last seven years plus 344 days?

Ehanire further said that continuous improvement in healthcare delivery services would engender more confidence by Nigerians in the healthcare system and thereby reduce the tendency to seek help elsewhere.

But the minister’s position contradicts the current situation where top Nigerian leaders have made foreign countries their second homes in search of medical care.

“Doctors should also be proud of working in our country and don’t think that they need to go abroad by all means to be happy,” Ehanire reportedly said.

He seems not to be conversant with the realities on ground as no Nigerian medical professional is proud of working in the country and this is evident in the brain drain being witnessed in the country.

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) had disclosed last week that more than 75,000 nurses and midwives relocated abroad in the last five years.

The National President of NANNM, Comrade Michael Ekuma Nnachi, said this at the 2023 International Nurses Day Flag-off in Abuja.

It seems that underfunding of the health sector has become a perennial affliction in the country. For many years, successive administrations have failed to exceed the paltry budgetary allocation to this very critical sector.

However, with the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the administration was forced to wake up to the reality of the poor state of hospital facilities and the need to urgently do something.

COVID-19 brought in its trail good and bad fortunes in Nigeria’s health sector.

The outbreak of the pandemic came with challenges that almost overwhelmed the country’s health sector.

But this turned out to be an acid test on the preparedness of the Nigerian health systems to confront the health challenge.

To the credit of the Buhari-led administration, the country was able surmount the challenges posed by the deadly virus through coordinated efforts spearheaded by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA). Through the intervention of the government agencies, the country put up a good showing in managing the fallout from the virus. It was able to mobilise huge private sector funds to meet the emergency needs of the time. Many health facilities also benefited from the COVID-19 intervention by being rehabilitated.

In addition, the government rehabilitated several molecular laboratories and built new ones.

As an aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Healthcare Development Agency came up with an idea of integrated immunisation through which COVID-19 vaccination drive and other medical tests are integrated into one routine immunisation platform. The agency planned to strengthen PHCs towards achieving UHC in a post-Polio, Pre-COVID19 Era (2021-2030).

Another innovative initiative by this present administration is the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

For the first time since the National Health Act was passed in 2014, the federal government in 2018 came up with an idea to set aside one per cent minimum portion of the Consolidated Revenue Fund – amounting to N55 billion in 2018 – to fund the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). The Fund was designed to deliver a guaranteed set health services to all Nigerians, through the national network of Primary Health Care Centres across the country.

However, five years after its commencement, progress in achieving the goal has been slow. For instance, out of the 10,000 identified Primary Health Centres nationwide, only about 4,000 of them have been rehabilitated with the funds. The rest remained in a dilapidated and dysfunctional state. Many experts and organisations have blamed the poor health services being recorded by the country to the lack of well-equipped and functional Primary Healthcare Centres.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo

Education Gone Downhill

President Muhammadu Buhari was elected into power in 2015, following his precedents in the 80s when he was the military head of state.

Dissatisfied with the performance of the administration of Goodluck Jonathan, Nigerians were hoping that Buhari would improve the country’s education system.

His numerous campaign promises on the education sector, which endeared him to many, included: Establishment of a free-tuition and scholarship scheme for pupils, who have shown exceptional aptitude in science subjects at O/Levels to study ICT-related courses; and building six centres of excellence to address the needs of special education.

He also promised free education at primary, secondary and tertiary levels for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and education.

Buhari also promised to allocate up to 20 per cent of the national budget for the education sector, while also making substantial investments in training quality teachers at all levels.

However, eight years down the line, the sector is said to have been plunged into a more hopeless state.

In the area of funding, the Nigerian education sector has remained under-funded over the years and there is no improvement during the Buhari’s administration.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recommended that developing countries should allocate up to 26 per cent of their annual budget to public education.

Unfortunately, Nigeria’s allocation to the sector is still less than 10 per cent.

Poor funding is the bane of public education in the country at all levels, resulting in decaying infrastructure and facilities, overcrowded classrooms and hostels, poorly equipped laboratories and libraries, among others.

But for the support of intervention agencies like the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and others, public institutions in the country would have been extinct.

Buhari had, at the Global Education summit in 2021, pledged to increase the budgetary allocation to education by as much as 50 per cent over the next two years.

He was quoted as saying: “We commit to progressively increase our annual domestic education expenditure by 50 per cent over the next two years

and up to 100 per cent by 2025 beyond the 26 per cent global benchmark.” Few days to the end of his administration, Buhari has not fulfilled this promise.

His administration also witnessed an unprecedented disruption of academic calendar in the country. Apart from the closure of schools to check the spread of COVID-19, his government was accused of insensitivity to the plight of students and teachers; and paying lip service to their welfare.

Buhari’s administration recorded the longest strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). A report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism stated that ASUU had spent more than 580 days (19 months) on strike since Buhari became Nigeria’s president.

It said since 1999, when the country returned to democratic rule, ASUU had embarked on 16 strike actions, the longest being a 272-day action between March 23, 2020 and December 23, 2020.

Over the years, the causes of the numerous industrial actions have bordered on poor funding.

The constant disruption of the academic calendar of public universities has brought about a rise in education tourism. Nigerian youths now seek admission not only to renowned universities in Europe and America, but even to those in poor war-prone countries.

The situation has also led to brain drain, as many academics have left the country to other places with better conditions of service.

During the protracted strike last year, the ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, had lamented that lecturers that were dedicated and passionate about the job were being frustrated out of Nigerian universities, while ‘accidental’ academics were frustrating the academic system.

Also, the Chairman of the UNILAG chapter of ASUU, Dele Ashiru, revealed that about 70 per cent of the institution’s best lecturers had resigned from their jobs.

He said the federal government’s disposition towards university professors was disrespectful and insensitive.

“The impact of the government’s insensitivity and deployment of the weapon of hunger might not be immediately known until after

the strike. As I speak with you, more than 70per cent of bright and promising young academics retained by the university through mentorship have all left the country for greener pastures due to the poor conditions of service in Nigeria.

“Those that are left are on the verge of leaving. No government in the history of Nigeria has been so insensitive, brash, and disrespectful of the best brains in the country. This is unfortunate and a shame,’’ Ashiru had reportedly said.

Ironically, the children of Nigerian politicians are shielded from the rot and disruption of academic activities because they don’t attend Nigerian universities. Graduation pictures of some of the children of Nigeria’s political leaders, including Buhari’s children, from foreign universities had gone viral on the internet on many occasions. And while the strike lasted, children of governors and other government officials were enjoying an uninterrupted academic calendar in various foreign institutions.

It is therefore not surprising that governments at all levels have paid lip service to education in Nigeria. Unlike the pre-2015 era when only schools in the North-east were unsafe, many schools across all the geopolitical zones in the North became unsafe under Buhari.

The constant attacks on schools led to the closure of schools in some northern states, and merging of those in the hinterlands with those in towns.

According to reports, since the abduction of about 276 Chibok schoolgirls by Boko Haram in 2014, over 1,500 school children have been kidnapped by armed groups in Nigeria.

Some of the major school abductions include the April 14, 2014 kidnap of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State; kidnap of 300 pupils from Damasak, Borno State; 110 pupils from Dapchi, Yobe State; 344 pupils from Kankara, Katsina State; 276 pupils from Jangebe, Zamfara State; 140 students from Chikun, Kaduna State; and 102 pupils from Yauri, Kebbi State, among others.

The activities of terrorists increased the number of internally displaced persons, as well as the number of out-of-school children.

The UNESCO report of 2022, which had noted that the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria rose to 20 million from about 12.5 million recorded in 2021 is still a subject of debate because of the huge margin. But it shows the failure of the present administration to make a positive impact on education.

Indeed, the country’s education system deteriorated significantly under the outgoing administration.

Uchechukwu Nnaike

The Unemployment Challenge

Ordinarily, the ovation is usually loudest at the point of entry of every new administration. This is partly because the new government comes with lots of promises (real or imagined), including the hope of righting the wrongs of its predecessors, which must have been humbled by the twin factor of performance and the stark reality of governance.

With less than a week to the expiration of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, Nigerians have continued to take stock of the eight-year tenure vis-a-vis the state of the nation’s business and economy in 2015 when it took over from former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Critics of the administration are quick to point at issues like the alarming rate of Nigerian debt, abysmal performance of the power sector, the rising unemployment rate, and the attendant rising poverty, among others.

Rising Unemployment Rate

Today, a high percentage of Nigerian youths are still roaming the streets without jobs. The unreliability of the power sector is said to have killed many initiatives as the cost of running generators has ballooned in the past eight years.

One of the president’s key campaign promises in 2015 was to tackle the high unemployment rate and poverty in the country, partly by creating three million jobs annually. Analysts said going by this promise, he should have created 24 million jobs by now.

However, the current unemployment data and poverty level in the country have clearly these two fundamental promises and today, the number of Nigerians living below the poverty line has risen to 133 million.

Available data from relevant institutions showed that more Nigerians have lost their jobs while others became poorer under the outgoing administration compared to the situation in 2015 as the unemployment rate jumped from 4.31per cent in 2015 to 41per cent in 2023.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, while defending the administration, said President Buhari created seven million of the Social Investment Programmes (SIP), the N-Power programme, which began in 2016. The SIP formed one of the campaign promises of

the APC.

The programme is divided into four major categories—Home Grown School Feeding Programme for public primary schools; Conditional Cash Transfer to less privileged; N-Power for unemployed graduates and Government Enterprises Entrepreneurship Programme (GEEP) to encourage market women, artisans, and traders. nation’s statistical agencies showed the modest achievements that the outgoing administration considering the pathetic employment situation in the country today.

In what has been described as evidence of frustration, President Buhari during a live TV interview last year advised Nigerian youths not to rely on the federal government to provide jobs, rather they should put their ‘hard-earned degree’ to use by identifying problems and creating jobs.

“I wish when they go to school and earn their degree they don’t do it thinking the government must give them jobs, you get educated and you are certainly better than an illiterate even in identifying personal problems,” he said.

The Statistics

Within the eight years of the outgoing adconsiderably, as budgetary proposals have been designed considerably around debts.

trillion as of June 2015, shortly after President public debt was N46.25 trillion as of April 2023 and this excludes another estimated N27.55 trillion ‘Ways and Means’ loans from the Central Bank and additional debt envisaged in the 2023 annual budgets of states and the federal government. Economic analysts said the national debt is likely to hit above N77 trillion by the end of 2023 and is arguably unsustainable at current Tax/Revenue to GDP and Debt service payments ratios and expenditure patterns.

rate for 2015 was 9.01per cent. In 2016, it rose to 15.68per cent, while in 2017 it was 16.52per cent. It came down marginally in 2018 to 12.09per cent, while it recorded 11.40per cent, 13.25per cent, and 16.95per cent in 2019, 2020, and 2021, further to 22.04per cent in 2023.

send a warning sign to foreign investors. That is to $462.91 million, the lowest level since 2017.

Power Sector’s Mess

Perhaps, one of the sectors where the Buhari administration shocked Nigerians was that of power. Blaming the obstacles to power privatisation on the corruption and insensitivity of his predecessors, Buhari, upon assumption of power, vowed to ramp up the electricity supply.

However, eight years down the line, Nigeria’s businesses and individuals are still relying on generators and other power sources, which consume vast amounts of resources due to the high cost of diesel and petrol.

Current data from the World Bank shows that only 55.4 per cent of the Nigerian population has access to electricity. Also, only 24.6 per cent of the rural population has access to electricity while 90 million citizens lack access to the national grid.

A recent report said more than 40 per cent of Nigerian households own and use generators. spent approximately $14bn per year to fuel their generators as the national grid’s power supply continued to fail. According to the report, the cost of diesel and petrol used by Nigerians to generate households and businesses. This came amidst the report by the National Bureau of Statistics which disclosed that Nigerians, including companies and government agencies, paid a total of N828bn for electricity in 2022 alone.

Two weeks ago, the failure of the much-hyped Nigeria-Germany electricity deal, expected to be implemented by Siemens re-echoed, even as the national grid collapsed again, throwing the nation into darkness.

The failure marked the 99th time the grid would crash under Buhari’s two-term administration. He had promised to raise the power performance level to 10,000 megawatts (MW) at the close of

According to data sourced from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), grid collapses in 2015 were 10. That rose to 28 in 2016 while 21 cases were recorded in 2017. NERC listed the cases in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 as 13, 11, four, and four. Last year, the grid failed seven times among others that were not captured by the commission.

The Siemens deal, which has been defended vigorously by the President’s team, should

have by now, stabilised the electricity supply and unlocked, at least, 11,000MW of electricity to homes and industries.

Amidst the frustration over the failure to revamp the electricity sector, the Socio-Economic lawsuit against President Buhari “over his failure to probe allegations that over N11 trillion meant to provide regular electricity supply since 1999 may have been stolen, mismanaged or diverted into private pockets.”

SERAP is arguing that “The failure to trace, antithetical to the public interest, the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), and the country’s international obligations.”

The administration has also come under serious criticism for spending taxpayers’ money on the power sector which has already been privatised, raising concerns among economic watchers.

Speaking after a recent National Economic Council (NEC) Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai alleged that the federal government has in the past three years spent N1.7 trillion on Nigeria’s electricity.

El-Rufai, who said “the entire (electricity) sector is broken,” added that such expenditure by the Buhari administration on a privatised sector was “unsustainable.”

in the handling of the power sector issues, the governor said, “The entire sector is broken, the was done is an issue to many. So there are many issues. What we have agreed on is that there are fundamental problems in the electronic supply industry. And that you cannot privatise industry and then over three years since privatisation, you pump in N1.7 trillion of government into it, that is not privatisation.”

Poverty Everywhere

In the area of poverty alleviation, President Buhari had promised to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years, and in July 2021, he reiterated the commitment of his government

In June 2021, he set up a committee known as the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), intended to carry out mandates that would lead to lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty as promised.

But the NBS recently announced that Nigeria had 133 million people, representing 62.9 per cent of the population living in multidimensional poverty.

Festus Akanbi

Unresolved Issues in Energy Sector

As chroniclers of events that shaped the tenure of the outgoing administration of President Muhammadu Buhari round up their jobs ahead of the May 29 handover to the next administration, the list of issues that will continue to cast shadows on the report includes the monumental waste of approximately N8trillion on the corruptridden fuel subsidy programme in the space of eight years, corruption in the oil sector, untamed oil theft and the attendant threat to the nation’s revenue.

For a regime that rode on the back of the analysts said it is rather unfortunate that rather than subdue the cankerworm of corruption, the outgoing administration has watched nation through the controversial fuel subsidy policy.

Analysts said the administration’s record of year rule will continue to taint its record, especially since it was the controversial oil subsidy policy that gulped a substantial amount of the money between 2015 and 2022.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to 2022 revealed that total revenue for the total expenditure during the period stood

spending is the steady and sharp increase in trillion in the eight years from 2015 to 2022. Reports indicated that annual fuel subsidy

Before his election in 2015, President Buhari’s argument then was that there was no subsidy on petrol and that the former administration of President Goodluck Jonathan was corrupt and was looking for ways to fraudulently enrich themselves at the expense of the Nigerian masses.

The campaign to de-market the Jonathan was a campaign that falsely raised the hope of many Nigerians, especially those making the case for the cancellation of the subsidy regime.

To add salt to the injury, the reality is President Buhari, who had described the oil subsidy policy as a scam eight years ago highest amount spent on subsidising petrol in Nigeria’s history, apart from his failure to

Relying on oil and gas industry reportsanalysts pointed out that subsidy payment between 2015 and 2020 was N1.99 trillion. However, another report by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), showed that petrol subsidy cost N1.57 trillion in 2021 alone and another N1.27 trillion from January to May 2022. The cover petrol subsidy costs from June 2022

An aggregation of the entire costs showed that under President Buhari the government

subsidies. that the subsidy payments in 2005 stood at

The report also showed that subsidy paybillion) to crude oil theft between 2009 and 2020.-

Nigeria’s crude swap deals, held in Abuja. He said the volume of crude oil stolen rep-

per day, adding that between 2009 and -

dered why the Buhari administration this ugly trend in its eight years of being in the saddle.

Many observers said Nigeria has not been able to realise its revenue potential from the oil industry because the authorities have not really been looking at the issue of corruption in the oil sector. And in what looks like

recently submitted to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), attributed the cause of crude oil racketeering to a lack of proper reporting of crude from wellheads, and diversion from sophisticated pipelines network. The panel attributed losses to the absence of a robust industry-wide metering system and an unworkable security arrangement.

The orgy of theft continued to wreak havoc on Nigeria’s revenue base as Nigeria’s crude seven months, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) latest oil production status report.

Data from the upstream regulatory body shows that the country’s oil production

The oil report shows that production fell last in August 2022 from 1.08 million bpd in battling oil thieves.

latest decline to a major oil pipeline explovandalism, maintenance, and shutdowns. million less barrels of oil in January and February compared to the quota allocated to the period.

A review of data from the NUPRC for the two months showed that while in January, barrels allocated to it, in February this year, it

According to the analysis, in total, Nigeria was expected by the international oil producoil in January and February, but could only drill 75.5 million barrels during the period under consideration.

production quotas to its members based on market conditions to ensure price and supply stability in the global oil market. Nigeria’s share of that quota was 1.8 million barrels per day for both months under review.

For over two years, Nigeria has been unfor what it blames on oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

But in the second half of last year, just before production fell to a historic 900,000 bpd, the government in collaboration with local security groups took steps to curb the menace.

Another issue of concern was the award pipelines bearing petroleum products to a company that belongs to a former Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpemupolo (a.k.a. Tompolo).

Government’s critics said the contract adds no value to the esteem of an administration that had promised not to reward criminals with medals, arguing that the pipeline protection contract award to Tompolo raises deep concern about the capacity of the state to secure lives and property.

“What the Muhammadu Buhari governgovernment’s constitutional responsibility to mercenaries, even against its avowed policy around to award pipeline surveillance contracts to ‘ex-militants’ under the guise of seeking peace,” a newspaper’s editorial had said.

As Buhari bid farewell to the seat of power next week, one hopes his successor will not regale Nigerians with excuses when the time comes to give an account of his stewardship too.

Festus Akanbi

For a regime that rode on the back of the promise to fight corruption eight years ago, analysts said it is rather unfortunate that rather than subdue the cankerworm of corruption, the outgoing administration has watched helplessly as fuel subsidy cartel fleeces the nation through the controversial fuel subsidy policy

The Attack on US Convoy in Nigeria: Beyond International Responsibility and Diplomatic Security

Many reasons can be adduced for attacks on consular and diplomatic missions in international relations. The first is because of their representational function. They represent the goodness and badness of their countries in their host capitals. Normally, diplomatic conventions require that diplomatic missions be located in the political capitals of the receiving States in order to enable the government of the receiving State to provide adequate protection for them. As representatives of their governments, political opponents, political hoodlums, extremists, etc., can always target the diplomatic and consular agents when assailants cannot have easy access to Government officials. The best terrorists have been able to do is to assault internationally-protected persons from a distance in the mania of a guerrilla warfare.

Secondly, when terrorism first became a critical issue before 9/11 in international relations, the mode of attack was the use of letter and parcel bombs. They are planted near diplomatic offices and vehicles and detonated from a distance. When efforts were made to detect such dangerous letter and parcel bombs, terrorists changed to engagement in physical attacks. The violent attacks on US Consulate in Benghazi, Libya and on the US Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday, September 12, 2012 should be understood against this background. US Ambassador to Libya, Mr Christopher Stevens was killed during the attack while the attack in Cairo led to the evacuation of embassy staff because of the extensive damage.

Thirdly, and more importantly, consular and diplomatic agents are specially protected internationally especially by the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and by the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Article 27 of the 1961 Convention says that diplomatic bags must never be opened while Article 29 requires all receiving States to‘make all efforts to protect their person and dignity.’ Besides, a diplomatic agent ‘is not obliged to give evidence as a witness. A diplomatic agent is inviolable as provided in Article 34. The article stipulates that‘the receiving State shall treat him with due respect and shall take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on his person, freedom or dignity.’’Thus, the security of the diplomat is total. If a diplomat is found wanting, the worst thing that any receiving State can do is to declare him a persona non grata as provided in Article 9.

Attack on US Convoy in Nigeria

Grosso modo, whenever US missions were under attack in different parts of the world, the US Government was always very prompt to condemn the attacks in strong terms in a press release. It also quickly finds a means of reciprocating and bringing the assailants to book through the host government. The reciprocal process always begins with the issuance of a press statement. For example, in reaction to the attacks in Libya and Egypt, US Senator Ben Cardin, then a Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Development and Foreign Assistance, condemned the attacks and made it clear that the United States would remain undaunted in the pursuit of the protection of the national interest.

As Senator Cardin put it,‘as Americans, we support the universal human rights of all to hold and express their religious beliefs, but we cannot tolerate the acts of those who exploit religion to promote violence. Let the legacy of these lives lost be a redoubling of our efforts to support our Americans working to assist democratic transition and consolidation around the world, so that others may live freely’ (vide Press Statement on Attacks on US Embassies and the Death of American Diplomats in Libya, September 12, 2012).

In the same vein, on 5 August, 2018, another press release had it that ‘an official vehicle from the US Embassy in Dhaka (Bangladesh) which was transporting the Ambassador, was attacked by a group of armed adult men, some on motorcycles, in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka on Saturday, August 4. The ambassador and her security team departed the area unharmed. There were no injuries to the Ambassador, her drivers, or security

staff, however, two security vehicles sustained some damage.’In other words, there were cases in which there were minor or no casualties and there were attacks in which many lives were taken What should be noted here is that attacks on US diplomatic missions are not a recent phenomenon. In 1900, for instance, the US Embassy was attacked in China. US Embassy was attacked on July 18, 1924 in Persia. It was attacked on March 24, 1927 in China; on May 24, 1957 in the Republic of China; on July 27, 1958 in Turkey; on January 22, 1958 in Venezuela; on March 5 and 8, 1963 in Gabon; on March 30, 1965 in Vietnam; in June 1967 in Libya; on January 31, 1967 in South Vietnam; on October 21, 1970 in Kymer Republic; on August 19, 1974 in Cyprus; on August 4, 1975 in Malaysia; on February 14,1978 in Iran; on April 18, 1982 in Lebanon; on November 26,1984 in Colombia; in November 1986 in Portugal; in June 1986 in Italy; on September 13, 1995 in Russia; on August 7, 1998 in Kenya; in 1999 in China; in 2006 in Greece, in 2007 in Serbia; on 26 May, 2010 in Syria; in 2011 in Afghanistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina; on January 8, 2011 in Egypt; on September 11, 2012 in Libya; on September 13, 2013 in Afghanistan; and on August 10, 2015 in Turkey.

In the 20th Century, US Embassy, as a diplomatic institution, was a victim of not less than twenty attacks and a victim of eight attacks in the 21st Century. China played host to some attacks. So did Libya. It is against this background that the attack on US convoy in Nigeria should be explained and understood. In other words, how do we explain the fact that US Embassies were always attacked? And true, other big powers like the United Kingdom, France and rarely Russia have also been victims of terrorist attacks. Is it because the United States is considered as the policeman of the world? Is it because of disagreement with

In sum, the attack on US Convoy in Nigeria is one attack too many for the Americans. The attack might be the handiwork of the ISIS or ISWAP or the Boko Haram who is in alliance with the Al Qaeda Organisation Network. The United States foreign policy might also be responsible as the policy is not clear on the IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra). The United States is strongly believed to be a protector of the principle of self-determination while also supporting the indivisibility of Nigeria. When Nigeria asked for military support to fight the insurgents, the United States refused. In fact, Washington has promised to sanction any country that acts contrarily to US foreign policy interest. This policy interest is enough reason to attract enmity and terrorist attacks. In this regard, did the assailants think that Americans were in the two-car convoy? Was there intelligence in possession of the assailants? Was the attack coincidental? Whatever is the case, the attack raises more questions and concerns than answers. For us, under no circumstance should any Nigerian policeman be killed anyhow in the course of official duty. Nigeria’s security agents must also be specially protected by providing them with special armoured facilities. Given the fact of IPOB’s denial of responsibility for the dastardly act, international terrorists who are opposed to Western education are likely to be responsible for the attack. This is why the US should assist Nigeria more constructively in fighting the Boko Haram in its own enlightened self-interest. The eastern part of Nigeria has been generally turbulent which suggests that the problem goes beyond simply calling the international responsibility of Nigeria to question for not ensuring diplomatic security

US foreign policy stance?

Whatever is the case, the attack on US convoy in Nigeria is of particular interest. In the press statement on the attack, released by the US Secretary of State, Anthony J. Blinken on May 17, 2023, unknown assailants attacked a convoy of two US government vehicles in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The convoy was made up of nine Nigerians, four of whom were policemen while the other five were local staff of the Embassy. In the words of Anthony Blinken,‘they were travelling in advance of a planned visit by U.S. Mission personnel to a US-funded flood response project in Anambra.’

Many points are noteworthy from this statement: advance team, US-funded project in Anambra, and nationality of all the victims in light of requirement of diplomatic protection. In normal diplomatic practice, an advance team is always sent to an event or to a place to be visited, particularly to ensure safety of the would-be guests, to ensure the security of the area, and to also ensure that there is no bugging and threats of whatever kind. This is generally done for visiting presidents, ministers, governors and other very important personalities. In other words, the sending of an advanced team by the US diplomatic mission to Anambra State is perfectly in order and consistent with international diplomatic practice.

On the issue of the US-funded flood response project, there is no disputing the fact that the project falls under a bilateral cooperation framework. The intended visit, though no information has been given as to who the visitors were to be, could not have been for anything else than for evaluation and monitoring. It is therefore logical for a funder of a project to seek to monitor progress about its funded projects. However, such evaluative visits must have been agreed to by either the Federal Government or the State Government concerned, precisely the Anambra State Government in this regard.

Regarding the nationality of the advanced team, it is Nigerian. Nationality is a requirement for diplomatic protection, but not for calling Nigeria’s international responsibility to question. Basically, it is having a diplomatic status that is required. There were five locally-recruited staff of Nigerian origin who can be assigned any responsibility to perform. In many cases, locally recruited staff in an Embassy is often required to provide much assistance to the employer based on his existing language and knowledge of local communities. The mere fact that the Nigerian employees were sent as an advanced party and were accompanied by four Nigerian policemen clearly suggests that there was provision for security protection for the team. However, there cannot but be problems when security protection is inadequate and when the security provider himself was killed by the enemy. How should the protector be protected to enable him to protect others?

Anthony Blinken press statement also stated that‘we do not yet know the motive for the attack, but we have no indications at this time that it was targeted against our Mission. The assailants killed at least four members of the convoy, and US Mission personnel are working urgently with Nigerian counterparts to ascertain the location and condition of the members of the convoy who are unaccounted for.’

It may be true that there were no indications so far that the US mission was specifically targeted. The mere sight by the hoodlums of Nigerian policemen can be frightening and, in the context of self-defence, hoodlums can attack thinking that they were being pursued. However, diplomatic vehicles always have special plate numbers like‘CC’meaning Corps Consulaire (Consular Corps),‘CD’ meaning Corps Diplomatique (Diplomatic Corps), ‘CMD’ (Chef de Mission Diplomatique) meaning (Chief or Head of Diplomatic Mission). The main purpose of giving a distinct registration number plates to accredited diplomatic missions was to easily identify them for special protection. In fact, when a vehicle with a CMD plate number also has the National Flag flying on it, it simply suggests that the plenipotentiary and extraordinary ambassador is in inside the vehicle. There should be no stopping or checking of the ambassador. No embarrassment of whatever kind, so to say. So States playing host to accredited diplomatic missions have the obligation of international responsibility to protect.

International Responsibility and Diplomatic Security

International responsibility to protect is of three types: international responsibility by failure of elected governments, international responsibility by self-ascribed obligation, and international responsibility by diplomatic convention. As regards international responsibility by failure of elected governments, it simply means a failed obligation or irresponsibility of Government. Government ought to perform but could not do so. Hence its international responsibility is called to question. It is an expression of poor governance by not protecting the populations from genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing.

Stricto sensu, the principle does not directly create an obligation for every sovereign State to prevent by all means the foregoing four crimes. However, by virtue of some other treaties and agreements, such as the Convention on Genocide, sovereign States are still obligated to prevent the four aforementioned crimes. Failure to prevent them can call the international responsibility of the State concerned to question.

Onyeama

ARTS & REVIEW ARTS & REVIEW

Tale of a Restless Printmaker and His Creative Idiosyncrasies

In this high-density rabbit-warren Lagos mainland neighbourhood, called Mushin, one thoroughfare can easily be mistaken for another maze of chaotic streets. Yet, this originally used to be a low-density residential neighbourhood, particularly the

Back then, in 1986, there were no unsightly shanties in sight. Instead, there were wareincluding the landlords, who were members of of Nigeria, knew each other. That would most likely explain why the then-popular Lagos to the studio years later. “There was sanity,”

When the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, lecturer and former Dean of the terthe rent was 200 naira per annum. “Where it became his studio.

post-Yaba College of Technology experience prepared him for a career as an artist. That same year, 1986, the Ondo State-born artist began to attract studio assistants, most of whom were brought in by parents and automechanics in the neighbourhood. Muyiwa

assistants present that afternoon and was excited to talk about his experience at the come here, and we would work all day.”portunity for him. “The way he designs that he constantly held exhibitions kept us “I was looking at [Kolade] Oshinowo as and easily accommodated younger people.” as an apprentice for the renowned painter, carpenter. art competition. That afternoon, these studio hands were about his forthcoming solo exhibition, titled EDITOR

are prominent among the works he will dishe called “paintograph” and “paintocast”he was only exposed to realistic art forms. It

-

exhibition at the Italian Cultural Centre that he realised that there was more sculpture.

On learning that Dale was once

back in 1988.

studio that he heard about his famous print experiments like “plastograph” others.

at the Yaba College of Technology.

the hope that he would become a doctor, itself and turned him into an artist whose by restlessness.

about his odyssey with colours, which he described as “the heart and soul” of his art. “With paint, I could produce any colour that comes to mind,” he declares in his artist statement. “I use colour as a catchment to create atmospheric meaning and identity. Most times, my colour generates or creates some

colours from neutral earth hues to warm reds and indigo blues. I use colour to create -

of his patterned motifs, which are more some of his lengthy “house post series,” allude to anything from historical wars

sacred locations. “My words, like the agethe people of my generation, document future, inform, educate, refresh, entertain my for self-expression, especially on societal ills,” he further elaborated.

credentials, which include his participain addition to his 20 solo exhibitions, seem work with people around him, especially hopeless young people and women. This is what made his Mushin-based studio a physically challenged, and students from industrial attachment programmes. -

burnished by his participation in many workand Nigeria.

As his forthcoming solo exhibition in a Lagos-based gallery looms, Kunle Adeyemi relives his creative trajectory so far in a chat with Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

Adeyemi at work

Adeyemi at work with some of his studio hands

Henry Kissinger at 100: Diplomatic Centurion

His distinctive deep baritone withaheavyGermaninflected accent testifies to a man of world historic mission and accomplishment.HenryAlfred Kissinger has in one life time graduatedfromanoutstanding scholar and global diplomatic icon into a foreign policyinstitutionandveritableoracle.Asheturns 100onthe27thofMay,theworldofinternational affairs and global diplomacy is likely to stand still in tribute to a man whose career embodies and tracesthemajoroutlinesofUnitedStatesforeign policy in the 20th century and part of the 21 st century. His Teutonic energy remains in tact just ashisintellectandanalyticalinsightremainrazor sharp. Age and experience have converted his measured elocution into oracular echoes from thisworldandallages.EitherasNationalSecurity Adviser or Secretary of State and, at one point, a combination of both, the strategic footprints and foreign policy compass of the United States still carry the unmistakable imprints of Alfred Heinz Kissinger.

Henry Kissinger’s towering influence has seen theUnitedStatesgrowfromarisingglobalpower in the post World War II era to the major bulwark ofarisingWestandnowtheundisputeddominant global military and economic power. Kissinger has been in the forefront of the management of American foreign policy power and influence in a bipolar world characterized by the Cold War between the West and the United States on the one hand and the old Soviet Union and the East bloc countries on the other. It is perhaps to the glory of his strategic foresight that by the late 1980s, the United States emerged triumphant as the pre-eminent champion of a unipolar world of free markets and liberal democracy with an obvious technological and industrial advantage. The indices of America’s power have only been widelyimitatedbutnotyetequaledorsurpassed.

His was a diplomatic influence and intellectual prowessthatsawtheUnitedStatesthroughmajor warsinIndochinaandtheMiddleEast.Itspanned the era of nuclear weapons, intercontinental ballisticmissilesandlethalbiologicalweapons.From a world in which global power was a contest of twodominantpowerblocs,theKissingereraalso witnessed “the rise of others”, the emergence of smaller equally lethal powers with considerable regional and geo strategic influence and ambition in Asia , Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Oceania . We now have China, India, North and SouthKorea,IranandIsraelasarmedcontestants for regional eminence occasionally brandishing military (including nuclear) capabilities to cause their neighbourhoods considerable insomnia.

In many ways, Henry Kissinger’s career path is a very American story. From his early days as a junior officer in the German army, his family fled from Nazi Germany and the evil of the holocaust and emigrated to the United States. The young German Heinz Alfred Kissinger, a German Jew became the American Henry Kissinger, the Harvard scholar ofmodernEuropeanhistory.He soon became part of the pursuit of the American dream of upward mobility through hard work and higher education. Twenty five years of study and academic ascendancy in Harvard revealed his outstanding knack for diplomacy and unique analytical skills in international affairs. He was noticed through the strength of his research and writing by the US establishment. He came to be engagedasaconsultantbytheStateDepartment undertheKennedypresidency.Specifically,itwas the US ambassador to Vietnam, Henry Cabot Lodge,whoinitiallyhiredKissingerasaconsultant toassisttheStateDepartmentwiththeVietnam situation which was America’s central foreign policy challenge at the time.

Subsequent interactions with President Kennedy earned him the job of National Security Adviser, a position that placed him in the centre of the raging Vietnam policy vortex. A war was ragingbetweenNorthandSouthVietnammostly along ideological lines placed the United States at the center of global attention because of the ideologicalunderpinningsoftheconflict.Because ofthematerialandhumancostsofthewar,whatto dowiththeVietnamwarbecameamajorpolitical and domestic policy issue in the United States. Protests and demonstrations raged in major urban centres as young Americans protested againstawartheyconsideredunjustandwasteful and so far from home. Young people intent on

Kissinger

dodging the Vietnam draft fuelled the protests as images of war casualties and Prisoners of War were broadcast through the novelty of television and inter continental radio broadcasts. .

Between1969-75,KissingerservedasNational Security Adviser to President John F. Kennedy. For Kennedy, the quest for peace and triumph in Vietnamcouldonlyleadthroughadecisivevictory in the war. And because Vietnam was far away, superiority on the ground could only be assured through intense and massive superiority inthe air. This in turn meant intense bombardment of the Vietnamese countryside. Therefore, Kissinger was confronted with the dual task of pursuing peace through diplomatic engagement while working for United States’ victory through a decisive military conquest of North Vietnam.

The irony of Kissinger’s Vietnam legacy is that he was praised for the diplomatic negotiations that led to the signing of the Paris Peace Accord in 1973 which led to the ceasefire. He even received the Nobel Prize for peace on his role in resolving the Vietnam war. But he knew about and kept a secret of US bombing of Cambodia. He never believed in South Vietnam as a possible ally except as a strategic bulwark of the US’s larger fight against communism.

After Kennedy and under Richard Nixon’s presidency, Kissinger was to combine the roles of National Security Adviser and Secretary of State.HebecameveryclosetoNixonandthelatter became so enamored of Kissinger’s sweeping intellect and capacity for deft analysis of global tends. The president came to entrust him with the management of complex negotiations and covert outreach to major allies and adversaries. He superintended the end of the Vietnam war and of course the chaotic US evacuation from Saigon on April 29, 1975.

Easily his most significant assignment and achievement under Nixon was the opening up oflinksbetweenWashingtonandBeijing.Kissinger sawopeningoflinkswithChinaasoneofthemost effective diplomatic coups to deny Moscow of a major ally in the unfolding bipolar world order. Rapprochement with China would also open up great economic opportunities for American industry in the years ahead. After a seemingly endless series of shuttle diplomatic missions initially through allies and proxies, Kissinger visited Beijing severally to prepare the grounds forRichardNixon’shistoricvisittoChinafrom21st to 28th February, 1972. The president met with Chinese leader Mao Tse Tung in the presence of Kissinger and his deputy, Winston Lord.

As for engagements with the Soviet Union, Kissinger believed and worked for constant diplomaticengagement.Hepreparedthegrounds forthegrandWashingtonsummitof1973between Richard Nixon and the then Soviet leader, Leonid Brezhnev.KissingerwaspresentalongsideAlexei

Kosygin, then Chairman of the Soviet Council of Ministers. The summit was mostly about inconsequential matters like oceanography, marine rights, agriculture and other tangential issues. In Kissinger’s playbook, summits and meetings with Soviet leaders was a strategy in the ancient rule of keeping your enemies close and under watch in order to follow their thought processes in order to second guess them when necessary.

IntheMiddleEast,Kissinger’sshuttlediplomacy was instrumental to the signing of the peace accord between Israel and Egypt in 1979. He was able to achieve this feat as spinoff from his friendship with Anwar Sadat who trusted him as an honest broker . He also enjoyed the confidence of Prime Ministers Golda Meir and Yizshak Rabin who also trusted Kissinger as a person of Jewish descent. This peace accord formed the backbone of the Middle East peace process for over four decades and has subsisted till the present without fundamental distortions.

Theburdenofhistoryplacedthedesign,execution and management of U.S foreign policy in most of the years of the East-West Cold War in the hands of Henry Kissinger and his ideological and intellectual disciples in the White House and the Department of State. While engaging in the variousencountersinwhichtheUSwasembroiled, Kissinger and his successors had to contend with balancing between the pre-eminence of the UnitedStatesandthemaneuversofanambitious and powerful adversary, the Soviet Union. From 1945 to 1989, the world order was governed by confrontations and threats thereof between the United States and a counterveilling Soviet Union in theatres of trouble around the world. The management of this precarious bi-polarity as a US foreign policy burden fell on the broad shoulders of Dr. Henry Kissinger.

In the process, he evolved what has been described as the Kissinger doctrine in the evolution of US foreign policy. Broadly, the major elements of this doctrine can be distilled into the following: as defined by the prevailing conditions, adversarialintentionstowardstheUnitedStates anditsalliesandtheirinterestsaroundtheworld, to prevent the acquisition and development of nuclear capability by rogue states, world the United states as a foreign policy tool.

In short, the kernel of the Kissinger doctrine in foreign policy is the concept of ‘order through pre-eminence’. The United States must strive to maintain its dominance of the post -World War II world order by remaining the dominant military, technological and economic power in the world.

In addition, a powerful America must remain the principal guarantor of the world order through these instruments of global power. Kissinger’s foreignpolicyconstructwasanchoredonstrength, notweakness.Itwasthepursuitofworldorderand peace through the instrumentality of undisputed andoverwhelmingAmericanpowerandstrength. For him, the guiding beacon of United states foreignpolicymustalwaysbethenationalinterest defined on a dynamic scale. The national interest must translate into a grand vision to be pursued through an appropriate grand strategy. These principles and concepts became ingrained in the post -Kissinger days and became the guideposts of subsequent White House foreign policy regimes. It has therefore become convenient to characterizesomesubsequentNationalSecurity Advisers and Secretaries of State such as the late Zbigniev Brezinsky as “Kissingerians” as a way of acknowledging his clear tradition in the evolution of US foreign policy.

Kissinger’s prodigious intellect has witnessed a vast output of publications that capture not just his experience on the job but also his insights into the discipline of foreign relations and diplomacy. His major books include: On China, World Order, Leadership, White House Years, Diplomacy , Nuclear Weapons and Foreign Policy, Years of Upheaval, Years of Renewal, The Age of Artificial Intelligence. As a result, Kissinger remains the most cited and quoted authority on US foreign policy and global affairs in the modern era.

In his career in and out of government, Kissinger’s global Influence and reach remains strong among those he met at work. Among this select group, his collateral and residual influence as an expert remained strong. In the course of his high profile diplomatic shuttles to project and protect the influence and interests of the United States over these decades, Kissinger was rewarded with ‘friends in high places’. This wide network of leaders included Germany’sKonradAdenauer,presidentRichard Nixon,France’sPresidentCharlesDeGaul,Israel’s GoldaMeirandYishakRabin,Egypt’sAnwarSadat, Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew, Britain’s Margaret Thatcher, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela and many others.

In his post -White House years, Kissinger has spent the last 46 years as a consultant and emissarytotheapexofpowerallovertheworld.Hehas remained relevant for as long as America’s global influence has been evolving. He has continued to consult for successive occupants of the White House and the Department of State in addition to other world leaders. His advice continues to be sought by leaders and statesmen the world over in an increasingly complex international setting. In turn, he has never ceased to be relevant in the changingtimes.Hehaskeptabreastandcontinues to proffer clear headed analyses and solutions to increasingly complex global problems.

On the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kissinger has condemned the invasion but advised that the best way to end the war is to let Russian return to the pre-war territorial boundaries while Ukraine is allowed to join NATO as a matter of urgency. In his view, Ukraine in NATO is the best check on Putin’s future escapades. On the possible big power face -off between the United States and China, he recently said “Both sides have convinced themselves that the other represents a strategic danger” In his assessment, while America seeks pre-eminence it can show off, China seeks an acknowledgment of its power to attain equilibrium with the West and be respected for its achievements. His fear is that the equilibrium of power between the two major powers may be tilted by advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the next decade. He reckons that AI could interfere with decision making on matters of war and peace among technologically advanced nations. In that eventuality, the persistent war of nerves over recurrent issues likeTaiwancouldpushtheUnitedStatesandChina over the brink.

As we celebrate the centenary of this great man,Kissinger’sultimatelegacytohumanitymay be his recognition that the critical determinant of world history is the caliber of leadership that great nations emplace to drive world affairs. That makes the difference between war and peace and between progress and retrogression.

PerhapsKissingerwillleaveuswiththewisdom that human history is ultimately a perennial contest between heroes and villains.

As Governor Okowa Bows Out PERSPECTIVE

Jackson Ekwugum

Istill vividly recall my first meeting with then Senator Ifeanyi Okowa in 2014. Of course, prior to that time, he was known to me by reputation as a first-class brain and consummate grassroots politician with almost fanatical following. It was strange that although we grew up in the same town and I am friends with some of his close associates, we never really got to meet until I was introduced to him in absentia by my big brother and professional mentor, Hon. Nduka Irabor.

The campaign for the PDP gubernatorial primaries was heating up and Okowa, by his pedigree and clout, was obviously the frontrunner. But he had an uphill task against another aspirant who enjoyed the backing of the incumbent governor. As we settled down in the living room of his modest home in Asaba, I shot at him; “Why do you want to be Governor?” It was a question I had pondered in my mind during my flight from Lagos to Asaba. In my work as a journalist and communication consultant, I discovered that many politicians just sought political power for the sake of it, and some because they had money and, therefore, thought the next logical thing for them to get is power – the emilokan syndrome, if you like. So, I scanned his mien watching for any hint of displeasure and irritation. But Senator Okowa took the question in his stride and calmly took me on an exploratory journey of his seven-point agenda, which I subsequently conceptualised into the five-point SMART agenda.

I had four take-ways from that meeting. First, was his burning desire and genuine concern for the army of unemployed youths roaming the streets; urgent action was needed, he stressed, to get the youths of the state gainfully employed in order to stem the tide of youth restiveness. Secondly, I was touched by his empathy with the poor, widows, and the vulnerable. He was visibly pained by the plight of many of these people who had to borrow from shylock moneylenders to pay for treatment at hospitals/clinics, further plunging them into penury. This, he maintained, could be corrected with a functional health insurance system. Thirdly, I was impressed by his attention to detail. As he outlined each policy initiative, he was quite specific; he elaborated on their various components, executional guidelines, and expected outcomes. Fourthly, he spoke for about thirty minutes without referring to any written document. That convinced me the vision was original to him; he was speaking from his heart.

I was fascinated by his brilliance, depth of understanding, focus, determination, and personae. Thereafter, I joined his campaign train because I believed he was sincere, had a workable plan, and knew exactly what he wanted to do as governor. Despite the naysayers, Okowa won the PDP primaries on December 8, 2014, and was subsequently elected Governor of the state on April 11, 2015. After eight years of faithful stewardship, there are three key attributes that define this great personality and exceptional leader; they are character, competence, and compassion.

Governor Okowa is a role model. He is remarkable for his courtesy, simplicity, decency, humility, and respect for others irrespective of their social or economic status. It struck me early in our relationship that he would not only reply my phone messages but would say “Thanks Jackson” in response to an assignment/ instruction carried out or work done, and continued this practice as governor. That left a deep impression on me because this is not a gesture you normally expect from your boss, much less a governor, for doing what is expected of you.

His disciplined lifestyle is another of his endearing traits. Under his tenure the sleaze that used to characterize life in the Government House came to a screeching halt, albeit, to the dismay of some, it must be said. Once, a member of the state executive council publicly confessed to the positive influence Okowa has had on members of his cabinet in this regard. Many of them, he said, were no longer excited by the prospects of philandering as his chaste disposition seemed to exert a restraining influence on them. It is the hallmark of leadership when your life impacts so strongly on the morals and actions of your subordinates and political associates.

A lover of God and His people, Governor Okowa has a knack for punctuality. He once arrived at a church at the appointed time and waited at least ten minutes before the service started, to the embarrassment of the congregation and the pastor who came late to his own programme. Okowa bristles at any attempt to exalt him. For him, official protocol does not extend to the sanctuary of worship; he has a Standing Order – and warning - that people must not stand up in his honour in a church because that amounts to irreverence.

True to his promise, one of the first acts of Governor Okowa was the establishment of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, the first state in the country to do so. There are currently over 1.3m enrollees – the highest in the country - under the health insurance scheme, and the figure is growing daily. Through his multiple entrepreneurship development programmes, 26,067 youths and women have become successful business owners, having been trained and resourced by the state government to start enterprises of their choice. As a result, the economy is now better positioned to engender economic inclusivity and sustainable development. With the policy emphasis on skills acquisition, the six existing technical colleges were rehabilitated and made functional, while the Okowa administra-

tion commenced the construction of ten new ones, with three already completed. Furthermore, three new universities were established to cater for the growing number of qualified youths who, due to limited space, could not be absorbed by the existing federal and state universities.

It is difficult to believe that the state passed through two economic recessions during his tenure, considering the catalogue of achievements in virtually all sectors of the economy. It is the triumph of vision over cynicism, courage over despair, and faith over fear. With about 2,000 kilometres of roads and over 1,400 kilometres of drains across the length and breadth of the state, Okowa demonstrated that, no matter the odds, there is no limit to what a governor can achieve with visionary leadership, strategic planning, fiscal probity, prudent spending, and prayerful dependence on God.

In the first couple of years of his administration, the opposition took turns to pour scorn on his administration with uncomplimentary photos of the dilapidated Maryam Babangida Road, Okpanam Road, and DLA Road splashed on the social media. Governor Okowa endured the opprobrium; he would not succumb to the temptation to impress – or deceive - people with cosmetic action, insisting that without solving the underlying problems of flooding and erosion in Asaba, anything he did would be a mere palliative. Getting things right first time is always his priority and motivation. With steely resolve, he courageously set out to tackle the root cause of the problem of infrastructural decay in the capital city with the multi-billion-naira Storm Water Drainage project. And once it was

completed, he turned his attention to the urgent need of roads rehabilitation, reconstruction, and construction.

Today, Asaba is regarded as one of the fastest growing cities in the country, courtesy of the massive infrastructural renewal that has taken place under his stewardship. On Maryam Babangida Road stands the architectural edifice that is the Prof. Chike Edozien ultramodern Central Secretariat Complex, which towers high above the cynicism and toxicity of armchair critics and mischief makers. Furthermore, the road is emerging as a business district of the city with hotels and companies springing up there.

Other signature projects of his administration are the Koka Interchange and Flyover, Maryam Babangida Film Village and Leisure Park, Stephen Keshi Stadium, and Ogheye Floating Market in Warri North Local Government Area. The 20.28km Obotobo I - Obotobo IISokebolou–Yokri - Road in Burutu local government area underscores Governor Okowa’s commitment to breathe life into the state’s riverine communities with “infrastructure of the most vital interest and consequence.” Meanwhile, with the establishment of Warri/Uvwie/Environs Development Agency, the commercial capital of the state is set to receive a facelift.

At the recent University of Ibadan Alumni lecture in Governor Okowa’s honour, the guest lecturer, Dr. Kingsley Emu, referenced the governor’s compassionate nature as one of his strongest attributes. The army of beneficiaries of his famed generosity may yet be his biggest political capital. It is the massive grassroots support he enjoys as a result that enabled him to defeat the wife of the incumbent national chairman of his party at the 2011 party primaries to be elected Senator in the same year, and why he could not be stopped by the power of incumbency in 2014.

Ekwugum is Manager, Communications, Government House, Asaba.

Okowa

“It

Jibrin to Ganduje

SIMON KOLAWOLE

‘I Slapped the Sheriff But…’

When news broke that Seun Kuti, the Afrobeat artist, allegedly slapped a policeman and had been declared wanted, my instinctive response was: under no circumstances should anyone assault a law enforcement officer. Sadly, this is becoming a game for some Nigerians. They brag about hitting a police officer or kidnapping a policewoman who is heard shouting: “Help me, help me, help me… he dey carry me dey go where I no know.” They even post the videos on social media to celebrate their adventures. It is fun to them. Somehow, the dangers — and repercussions — do not seem to dawn on the perpetrators. We can as well dissolve the police if we think they are not worth some respect.

According to a version of the Seun story that I read online, the police officers were driving carelessly, hit his car and sped off. Seun, who said he feared his family was in danger, caught up with them and appeared to, in a fit of rage, slap one officer. It was captured on video. The policeman did not respond, which was quite unusual. Perhaps, he recognised Seun as a celebrity — son of the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who himself was not a friend of the police having suffered brutality in their hands all his adult life. Previous videos soon surfaced showing Seun appearing to brag that he had an established tradition of slapping police officers and that Nigerians should not fear them.

A lot has been said and written about the incident and why Seun was right or wrong to, literally, take the law into his own hand. I have two arguments to make herein. One, under no circumstance should any citizen lay a hand on a police officer, or any law enforcement agent for that matter. Two, while the case is in court and we hope that justice will be done, I want to draw some lessons from the Seun saga, most importantly the need to improve police-citizen relations to address the mutual disdain and distrust. The process will involve working on both the police and the populace. While police impunity has no place in a civilised society, so also is any form of attack on an agent of the state.

For starters, attacking a police officer is a no-no any day, anywhere, anytime. Nowhere in the world is that acceptable. It is not just an attack on an agent of the state, it is an affront on the state itself. You are actually undermining the state. The US has some of the most brutal and racist police forces in the world, but God help you if you attack a cop. We all know the story of Eric Garner, the unarmed black man who was choked to death in 2014 by a New York City police officer. Garner’s dying words of “I can’t breathe” remain haunting and traumatic till today. People watched helplessly. Of course, police misconduct also undermines the state and that is why there is a process to discipline erring officers.

But, as in Seun’s case, what is the remedy available to citizens whose rights are being violated by law enforcement officers? If indeed the police hit his car, shouldn’t there be a process for redress? And I am not talking about the case of Seun the celebrity alone, but Seun the ordinary Nigerian who suffers from police excesses daily. Most incidents go unreported. While nothing on earth justifies the alleged violent conduct of the artist, we also have to design and implement a public complaints process to help treat police excesses and misdemeanours. If there is such a process, it must be reliable and citizens must be assured that it is safe to make use of it. Citizens shouldn’t feel helpless.

Some years ago, a commercial bus driver I had become acquainted with (he was a friend to my driver, so he too had become family) called me frantically on the phone. He was panting at the other end. What happened? He said he was at the Lagos state police task force yard at Alausa, Lagos, and if I did not come to his rescue immediately, he was going to be transferred to Kirikiri prisons. What happened? He said he was driving somewhere in Maryland and wanted to pick a passenger at an illegal stop. But when he saw the van of the task force behind him, he quickly took off, only

Seun Kuti

for them to give him a chase and drive across him to force the bus to stop so that he could be arrested.

“Unfortunately,” he said, “it was so sudden I could not stop completely and I brushed their van.” I went into panic mode instantly. I knew what was going to happen next. He said they beat him so much he thought he was going to die. This was somebody’s husband and father. But his ego was not the issue. He said they stole all the money they found on him, then arrested him and his bus, and took both of them to their Alausa yard, asking him to repair the van. He said he saw many motorists at the yard in the same trauma. He became agitated when he saw an elderly woman begging for the release of her son who had been transferred to Kirikiri because he could not pay his way out.

I made arrangements to pay for the repair of the van. I also secured the release of his bus so that he could continue to earn his daily 2k and feed his family. The last I heard from him was that he was no longer driving a commercial bus because he was tired of “police trouble”. This is the lot of many Nigerians. If police are going to arrest any citizen for any infractions, physically assaulting the suspected offender should never be part of the formalities. There should be a process available to ordinary citizens to address these issues which are so commonplace. The notion that you can assault a police officer as a way of exacting a revenge is completely wrong and should never be an option.

In my opinion, the Seun incident offers a good prompt for the incoming president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to pursue a comprehensive and wholesome reform of the police, chief of which must be rebuilding relations between the force and the public. It is a matter of urgent national importance. Although we have spent a lot of energy debating the necessity of state police and whatnot, my concern here is more about police conduct rather than who controls what. We need a holistic approach to police professionalism and operations. In a democracy, police are the most visible law enforcers. We do not need to exaggerate the importance of mutual trust and respect.

I know the police have their own internal disciplinary process and I testify that they punish errant officers, perhaps more than any other law enforcement agency in Nigeria. But I also know that there may be more cases of cover-up and undue esprit de corps than we

know. The instinct of the police is to defend their own against outsiders, even if it means making up stories. The police reportedly said the officer allegedly slapped by Seun is now in coma. Since this has not been denied, I would say this is the kind of tales that rile Nigerians about the force. It is difficult to build trust when the police, as an institution, are perceived to be deceitful by the citizens. This erodes the vital confidence.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is supposed to address human rights abuses committed by the police but I am not sure Nigerians can feel the commission. I also know that the Police Service Commission (PSC) is empowered by law to dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over persons (except the inspector-general of police) in the force, but it seems they only deal with what the police officially present to them. In the UK, complaints against the police are handled by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is not headed by a police officer, either serving or retired. IOPC handles public complaints. Maybe NHRC can be more active in this area.

Another message from the Seun incident is the importance of digitising police operations. One, they are overdue for body cameras, which can be useful in disciplinary hearings, among other purposes. But for the viral video, Nigerians would have found it hard to believe the slapping incident. Two, policing should be more sophisticated. Criminal investigations can be helped in no little way through a digitised system such as CCTVs and computerised internal communication. Three, why should police be asking for your driving and vehicle licences if they can search the database on a hand-held device? Four, police stations should be upgraded and modernised. They mostly look like pit latrines.

I further propose that the welfare, training and retraining of policemen and women should be a core objective of any reform that is intended to be revolutionary. They are frustrated and they inevitably become dangerous and vicious. Moreover, their operations need to be well funded because the neglect is part of their frustration. We created the conditions that make them vulnerable to corruption. When we give them patrol vehicles with no fuel, they will extort motorists to keep going. There is hardly any budget for investigations, or maybe the budget is mismanaged. A complainant is often asked to foot the bill. Pray, what the hell is that? Where in the world does that happen?

Finally, the society needs a reorientation as well. If we treat police officers as human beings worthy of respect, perhaps we will get respect from them in return. If we treat them as scumbags, they will reciprocate. No matter our frustrations, we should never attack a law enforcement officer. As bad as we think they are, I would never be comfortable without seeing them on the road. When they went on strike in 2002, the banks refused to open for fear of robbery. In the end, these are the guys roasting under the sun or getting drenched in the rain to keep us safe and maintain law and order. They are awake while we are sleeping. For whatever it is worth, they deserve some appreciation. No matter their excesses, we can only keep campaigning to make the police get better. I think police reform should be a big item on the agenda of the new administration. While we are at it, we must get rid of this habit of glorifying attacks on security agents. Ice-T, the American rapper, had to recall his ‘Cop Killer’ album in 1992 after a negative public reaction to what he called a “protest record”. No, you cannot be glamorising killing a cop! People also need to remember that attacking a security agent has consequences. There is a price to pay. In his 1973 mega hit, ‘I Shot the Sheriff’, Bob Marley said he did it in “self-defence” — but wisely added a one-verse bridge: “If I am guilty I will pay.”

And Four Other Things…

MATA FIRE

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state has been very outspoken since he lost his reelection bid. He said “presidency” sent soldiers to ensure his loss because of his opposition to the naira recolouring policy. Last week, Matawalle fired more shots, saying the EFCC should not focus its investigations on governors alone but also on “presidency” officials. But as it turned out, the EFCC said Matawalle is being probed over allegations of money laundering. About N70 billion was mentioned. He too has accused Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, the EFCC chair, of demanding a $2 million bribe from him, an allegation Bawa has denied. I am eager to see how this will pan out. Drama.

ATIKU BLINKS

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, was unhappy that Mr Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, president-elect, ahead of the May 29 inauguration. Atiku said he was in disbelief because it was a contradiction to the “publicly stated position” of the US. I don’t understand. The only “publicly stated position” of the US government was its congratulatory message to Tinubu after the election, which so infuriated Chimamanda Adichie, Peter Obi’s supporter, that she wrote an open letter to President Joe Biden. Obi too has weighed in, saying the US should have waited for the outcome of litigation. Really?

FLOOD OF BLOOD

The attack on the convoy of US consulate staff and police officers in Anambra state on Tuesday was absolutely disheartening. Their trip to Ogbaru LGA was in respect of a US-funded flood-control project in a state perennially at the mercy of erosion and flooding. Seven persons were killed, including four policemen, with their bodies burnt. The police have blamed the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its twin, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), for the attack. When you think things are getting calmer and better, then a sudden destruction. How long shall citizens live in fear? I hope this will be a turning point in the war against insecurity in the south-east. Disturbing.

MENU CARD

Hilda Effiong Bassey “Baci” has cooked her way into the Guinness World Record for marathon cooking, pending ratification. She cooked nonstop for 87 hours and 50 minutes. The record was held by Lata Tondon, the Indian chef who did 87 hours and 45 minutes in September 2019. Guinness records are not what they used to be — people now stage-manage feats — but I was delighted to be a Nigerian yet again with the national solidarity Hilda got. It feeds into my theory that when you take politicking out of the plate, Nigerians do not really hate one another. There is a Naija spirit that binds us together. If only the politicians would take patriotic advantage of this melting pot! Delicious.

is extremely unfair for the president-elect to be portrayed in bad light before the public by Governor Ganduje who knows very well that the president-elect consulted him before that meeting because he confirmed that to me clearly”– A House member-elect, Abdulmumin Jibrin, chiding Governor Ganduje for expressing reservation over Kwankwaso’s visit to the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, in France.