TUESDAY 30TH MAY 2023

Today, Fate and Destiny Join Together to Place the Torch of Human Progress in Our Very Hands

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

My Fellow Citizens, I stand before you honoured to assume the sacred mandate you have given me. My love for this

nation is abiding. My confidence in its people, unwavering. And my faith in God Almighty, absolute. I know that His hand shall provide the needed moral strength and clarity of purpose in those instances when

FULL INAUGURAL

we seem to have reached the limits of our human capacity. This day is bold and majestic yet

SPEECH

bright and full of spirit, as is our precious nation. As a nation, we have long ago

decided to march beyond the dimness of night into the open day of renewed national hope.

The question we now ask ourselves is whether to remain faithful to the work inherent in building

a better society or retreat into the shadows of our unmet potential. For me, there is but one answer. We are too great a nation and

Continued on page 10

www.thisdaylive.com

Filling Stations Shut Down, Queues Return After

Tinubu: Subsidy is Gone, Can No Longer Justify Ever Increasing Costs

Funds to be re-channelled into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care, jobs

To review naira redesign policy, challenges apex bank on uniform exchange rate

Vows to unite Nigeria, says he’ll be president for all Security will be accorded priority, new president declares Presidents of Liberia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Niger, Chad attend inauguration US, China represented UK, US, Saudi Arabia, others hold bilateral meetings with Tinubu

Gbajabiamila: Nigeria will witness renewed hope with ex-Lagos governor

HURIWAkicks against unilateral petrol subsidy removal

Tinubu’s speech didn’t inspire hope, says LP

INAUGURATING PRESIDENT TINUBU...

L-R: Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court ,

President

President

taking the oath of office; First

Hajo Sarki Bello;

Bola Tinubu

Lady, Oluremi Tinubu; immediate Past

Muhammadu Buhari; his wife and former First Lady, Ashia Buhari and their, Son Yusuf Buhari, during the Inauguration ceremony at the Eagles Square, Abuja ….yesterday

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

Daar Communications Founder, Raymond Dokpesi, is Dead... Page 8

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene

Email:

SHETTIMA TAKES THE OATH OF OFFICE...

Filling Stations Shut Down, Queues Return After Tinubu’s 'Subsidy is Gone’ Remark

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Many petrol filling stations across the country shut down operations yesterday after President Bola Tinubu said that subsidy on the product was ‘gone’, resulting in long stretch of queues.

Retail stations in Lagos , Abuja , Warri and other major cities, also hiked the prices of the product, taking motorists and other Nigerians by surprise.

In Warri, Delta State, some retailers, including Rain Oil on Warri-Sapele road, which was selling the product earlier for N215, immediately shut down, leaving customers stranded.

It was the same in Shafa petrol station, Enerhen road, which shut their gates to customers, turning back any motorist that attempted to gain access to the facility.

In Lagos, it was learnt that some NNPC stations in Ikeja, Alausa were crowded by

motorists who rushed to buy the product as many stations witnessed queues few hours after the announcement.

Tinubu during his inaugural speech at the Eagle Square, had said that there was no more provision for fuel subsidy, arguing that it could no longer be justified.

He posited that he would rather re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, healthcare and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions. “The fuel subsidy is gone,” Tinubu declared.

Following the comment, also in Abuja, queues were springing up across the capital city, which was just getting some respite from about a year of erratic petroleum products supply.

In a few places where petrol was being dispensed to customers, motorists formed long queues, while those buying in Jerry cans

flooded fuel pumps.

However, the vagueness of the announcement has caused more chaos as it was not specified when the subsidy would be removed, giving oil marketers the opportunity to hoard the product to monitor the direction

of the market .

During his campaign, Tinubu had vowed that if he emerged victorious, his administration would remove petrol subsidy to free up funds to stimulate the economy.

Nigeria’s controversial petrol

subsidy policy which has gulped trillions of naira in recent years, is expected to consume N3.6 trillion in the first half of this year.

It’s unclear what the response of organised labour, which has consistently opposed the removal of subsidy without local refining

of products, would be in the next few days.

The Dangote refinery which is expected to begin production in July is also expected to ensure reliable supply of the product, although experts say the price will not markedly reduce.

Mshel Group CEO Challenges Tinubu to Revolutionise Real Estate, Hospitality Industry

Says sector’s immense potential untapped Former COAS, Agwai inaugurates multi-million naira Abuja Suites

in the business and investment world into the real estate and hospitality industry, in order to bring about speedy development of the nation's economy.

Interswitch CEO, Others Jostle for EY World Entrepreneur Title in Monaco

Peter Uzoho

As Monaco warms up to host the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs -EY World Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 award, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Interswitch, Mitchell Elegbe, would be joining 48 other exceptional entrepreneurs from 49 countries to compete for this year’s title.

The annual event, which starts on June 6th, through June 9th, in Monaco, would feature unstoppable entrepreneurs from countries and territories around the world.

The award, according to EY Nigeria, was a platform it uses to recognise and celebrates global business leaders whose vision and innovation were transforming the business landscape though their inspiring entrepreneurial journey.

Elegbe, winner of the 2023 EY Entrepreneur of The Year

award in West Africa, alongside other countries' winners would be inducted into the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year ‘Hall of Fame’ for their exceptional entrepreneurial achievements and vie for the award at the global level.

Speaking on the award, Senior Partner and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Leader for West Africa, Ashish Bakhshi, explained in a statement issued yesterday, that the global event serves as a veritable platform to inspire today’s successful entrepreneurs so they could share their incredible entrepreneurial stories.

According to Bakhshi, "these unique set of individuals are part of the larger collective, fueling the world economy, bringing new business concepts and products to market, as well as creating jobs and wealth.

“On behalf of EY West Africa, I want to wish Mitchell the very

best of luck as he joins other top global entrepreneurs to compete for the world title. We, EY Partners and the entire staff in West Africa, are proud of his achievements in the business world not only in Nigeria but on the Africa Continent.”

The company informed that the first and only African to win the prestigious EY World Entrepreneur of The Year award was James Mwangi, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Equity Bank, Kenya.

Other past winners were Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani Inc (USA); Olivia Lum, Group CEO and President, Hyflux Limited (Singapore), Guy Laliberté, Founder and CEO, Cirque du Soleil (Canada), Narayana Murthy, Founder and Chairman of Infosys Technologies Limited (India) and Cho Tak Wong, Chairman, Fuyao Glass Industry Group (China), among others.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Group Managing Director (GMD) of Mshel Group Limited, Barka Umaru Mshelia, while acknowledging Tinubu's pedigree in business observed that the real estate and hospitality sector has capacity of attracting foreign investment and providing funds needed for the country's economic growth and transformation.

Mshelia was speaking at the unveiling of the multi-billion naira Lisa Suites in Asokoro, Abuja.

According to the group's CEO, despite the immense potential of the two sectors, they remain under tapped by both the government and the private sector.

"I believe President Bola Tinubu is a businessman and I can tell you that the same way he revolutionised real estate in Lagos, I am anticipating that it would be a great opportunity in Nigeria, for him to tap a lot of opportunities that will bring about foreign investment, that will increase our economic activities in the city of Abuja and Nigeria at large.

"So, I believe that with the way he is coming, irrespective of the limitations they might find on ground, I believe he is one who

understands business dynamics and would be able to create a great distinction in real estate business in the city of Abuja," Mshelia said.

The GMD, disclosed that as part of efforts at exploiting the huge opportunities in Nigeria, the group in addition to championing a new movement of real estate, with the introduction of smart houses, was determined to change the hospitality industry.

"There are lots of opportunities in the hospitality industry because it has a lot of potentials; people are looking for places where they can sit down, relax and have good opportunities," he said.

"We are ripe in the market; we came when a lot of opportunities reside here in Abuja. Lately, I have seen in news that prices of property and accommodations in Abuja have gone surge because there's scarcity, not just scarcity, but scarcity of quality accommodation and that is why we distinguished ourselves to provide Lisa Suites with that level of accommodation," he added.

Mshelia urged Nigerian youth to seize the opportunities in the sector to chart a new economic pathway that would move the economy into a better place and greater heights. Also speaking, Chairman of the Group's Board of Directors, Dr. Musa Tarimbuka, while observing that high topnotch hotels and suites

in Abuja was less than two per cent, stated that Lisa Suites was not just coming to reduce the wide gap in the sector, but offers "something that has a different perspective from what Abuja city offers at the moment."

Tarimbuka, disclosed that the group plans to replicate similar structures in Abuja, within no distant time as part of its expansion and dominance strategy.

Similarly, a member of the Board, Mr. Adewale Fagbenro, stated that the board and management have been deliberate in terms of capacity building for the employees and organization; upscaling corporate governance structure; enhancing capability of control function; and diversifying into other businesses.

"We see a lot of opportunities not only in the real estate but also in hospitality and what you are seeing here today is a testimony to the dedication and vision of the founder,", he said, adding that the major challenge in the sector has to do with finance and the purchasing power of an average Nigeria, as well as infrastructure.

The facility which boast of a cinema, kitchenette, world class restaurant that serve guest complimentary breakfast, rooftop lounge, spa, barbing saloon, swimming pool and excellent customer care, was unveiling by former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd).

Alex Enumah in Abuja Nigeria's new President, Bola Tinubu has been challenged to bring his wealth of experience

L-R: Chief Justice of the Federation Olukayode Ariwoola , preside over the Oath taking of the Vice President Kashim Shettima while the wife, Hajia Nana Shettima Looks on during the Inauguration ceremony at the Eagles Square , Abuja …. yesterday

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

MBAH HITS THE GROUND RUNNING, SIGNS THREE EXECUTIVE ORDERS...

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, hit the ground running by signing three Executive Orders for the effective governance of the state. The Orders are: Order 001 of 2023, which is an Executive Order for the Development of Citizens’ Charter; Executive Order 002 of 2003, which is Order for the Removal of Unauthorised Street Barriers Across the State Within 100 Days; and Executive Order 003 of 2023, which is for the Promotion of Economic Growth through Transparency and Efficiency in Government

Amnesty Int'l: Tinubu Must Ensure Shell’s Sale of N’Delta Assets Respects Human Rights

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria’s new government must ensure that Shell’s planned sale of its operations in the Niger Delta does not lead to a further deterioration in human rights in a region blighted by decades of oil pollution, Amnesty International (AI) has said.

The organisation said it had documented grievous and enduring human rights abuses resulting from oil contamination in the area, where Shell has operated since the 1950s.

“Amnesty International is concerned that the proposed sale will deny people already harmed access to adequate remedy, and potentially expose many more to future abuses,” the group stated.

In a report tagged ‘Tainted Sale?’, Amnesty recommended a series of safeguards and actions to help protect the rights of people potentially affected by Shell’s planned disposal of its onshore oil interests in the Niger Delta, reportedly for about $3 billion.

Amnesty International’s Head of Business and Human Rights, Mark Dummett, insisted that Shell should not be allowed to wash its hands of the problems and leave.

He added: “For decades, spills have damaged the health and livelihoods of many of the Niger Delta’s inhabitants. Shell should not be allowed to wash its hands of the problems and leave.

“ Shell has earned billions of dollars from this business and it must make sure that its withdrawal

NDDC Unveils Project to Address Needs of Niger Delta Youths

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under the leadership of Samuel Ogbuku, has disclosed that it has come up with a pilot scheme to address challenges of youth restiveness, and give succour to youths in the region.

The scheme known as Holistic Opportunities, Projects and Engagement, (Project HOPE), is a platform on which youth of the region would benefit and make unprecedented progress.

Project HOPE was designed to create a comprehensive potential resources database of the youths population of the Niger Delta region, with a focus on their needs, qualifications, skills, passion, interests, and employment status.

The development is coming after years of unplanned and mismanaged projects execution in the region.

Speaking on the project, the Executive Director in charge of Projects in NDDC, Charles Ogunmola, said the Board came prepared with new ideas to focus, execute the right programmes and deliver people-oriented projects.

He stated that Project HOPE comprises both human capital development and human capital determination.

Ogunmola further assured that Project HOPE, would create 1,000 jobs in each state of the Niger Delta region by securing sustainable international and local partnership for the establishment of multi-agro processor industries, internship development, training opportunities, Chamber of Commerce and

overall youth engagement statistics, which would rely on communitygovernment-corporate partnership model for land acquisition for the project.

Also speaking, the resource person for Project HOPE, Blessing Fubara, said the time had come for a serious development model to kick-off in the Niger Delta region.

"The Samuel Ogbuku and Charles Ogunmola-led board of the NDDC has brought HOPE to Niger Delta youths. So I think it's time for serious business.

“The Project HOPE is designed to deploy the first Niger Delta Youth Potential Resources Database System, which is qualification, skills, interest, status and passion identification.

“This will then give us the parameter for employment generation, youth empowerment, and capacity development in the region."

Fubara added that the first strategy of the project was designed to create 9,000 jobs, 1,000 per state, through the development of agroallied partnered industries in the nine states according to their potential and resources.

"In Abia State, Project HOPE will set up a Textile Village and a commercial vegetable farm plus a processor industry in farm, while a poultry and egg hatchery plus a processor in farm will be set up in Akwa Ibom State.

"Bayelsa State will host a plantain/banana plantation and snail farm for export, plus a processor industry in farm, while Cross River State will house a rice plantation and a processor mill in farm.

"An automobile village and aqua culture and processor in farm will

be set up in Delta State, while Edo State will host a cassava plantation, and a processor industry in farm, as well as a furniture village.

"Ondo State will enjoy a livestock and dairy farm plus a processor industry in farm, while Imo State will accommodate a sugarcane plantation and a processor industry in farm, and Rivers State will host the Tech community, onshore and offshore fish farming plus a processor industry in farm," he narrated.

Project HOPE has also created other areas of youth engagement like: the Niger Delta Music and Arts Project, encourage the creative industry, and Simple Money (with no collateral and no interest money), amongst others.

does not have negative human rights and environmental consequences.

“By exercising appropriate oversight of Shell’s sale, Nigeria’s incoming administration has a unique opportunity to demonstrate its determination to uphold and protect the human rights of its citizens, including their rights to an adequate standard of living, clean water, and health. We are also calling for effective remedy for people whose rights have long been abused.

“We urge the new government, under President Bola Tinubu, to ensure Shell’s sale does not end or limit the company’s liabilities. As a condition of sale, it should require Shell to provide a full assessment of all existing pollution in the delta, ensure it has provided satisfactory remediation for any damage, and that local inhabitants’ concerns about the sale process are fully appraised and addressed.

“The government should consider requiring Shell to act as a guarantor to ensure any purchaser is capable of making good and remediating damage caused by any future spills and that any buyer is committed to transparency, environmental compliance, consultations with communities, and limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

“Of course, rather than finding buyers and wringing the last drops of oil from a region so long blighted by the industry, the better option would be remedying the harms caused, and phasing out production.

“The Intergovernmental Panel

on Climate Change forecasts that without accelerating the phasing out of fossil fuels worldwide, global temperatures will rise by more than an agreed limit of 1.5C versus pre-industrial levels. After decades of exploitation, retiring production in the Niger Delta would be a step in the right direction,” the organisation added.

For more than 20 years, Amnesty International said along with its partner organisations , it has conducted research in the Niger Delta, demonstrating that Shell’s operations have come at the cost of the human rights of people living there.

Hundreds of spills a year from poorly maintained pipelines and wells, along with inadequate clean-up practices, it said, have led to widespread oil contamination, including of groundwater and drinking water sources, agricultural land and fisheries, and damaged the health and livelihoods of many inhabitants.

According to Amnesty, the impact of the pollution can be devastating as in 2019, an academic study found that oil spills occurring within 10km of a mother’s place of residence in the Niger Delta doubled neonatal mortality rates and impaired the health of surviving children.

Mark Dummett said: “Shell must take its own steps to ensure effective remedy for people whose human rights have been impaired by this devastating pollution, and that its divestment plan does not worsen the plight of the Niger

Delta’s inhabitants.”

“Shell must take its own steps to ensure effective remedy for people whose human rights have been impaired by this devastating pollution.

“International standards, under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, are clear that Shell has a responsibility to conduct a human rights due diligence process on its decision to transfer assets. This responsibility is independent of any steps Nigeria’s government will take.”

But Shell disputes allegations that it has acted irresponsibly in the Niger Delta, and says it complies with regulations. It has previously pointed to improvements that it says it has made in recent years in response to preventing and cleaning oil spills, investments in infrastructure, oil anti-theft measures, and increased transparency in its reporting of spills.

Shell is not uniquely responsible for the devastating oil pollution that blights the Niger Delta. There are other actors, including the federal and state authorities. They too have an obligation to ensure that Shell’s divestment does not lead to further human rights harms, Amnesty noted.

Shell intends to sell both its stake in SPDC JV and its operating subsidiary in a deal involving its staff, facilities and infrastructure. This includes 263 producing oil wells, 56 producing gas wells and a network of 3,173km of pipelines, the report stressed.

British Deputy High Commissioner Hails Women Group over Charity Work in Nigeria

Oluchi Chibuzor

The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Ben LlewellynJones has commended efforts of British Women's Group to boost charity work in Nigeria. His commendation came as the group has concluded plans to support a local charity organisation, Bricon Foundation, with funds to purchase a vehicle to transport cancer patients to and fro hospitals.

Speaking at the group's Charity Ball event held for fund-raising in Lagos, recently, Llewellyn-Jones said: “For me, I think the British Women's Group is a really good

example of women who are professionals, supporting each other; but also helping charities is important across Nigeria in all different spheres.

“I think it is a really impressive example of a group of women who are British, Commonwealth connected together and supportive and making a difference here in Lagos.

“British Women Group is a huge important group in Lagos considering the professional connections they have and their support to business communities here and their work is vital to what we do."

Explaining why the group

adopted Bricon Foundation which supports cancer patients, the Chairperson, BWG, Titiloye Ashamu, said currently cancer patients are not comfortable using public transportation, adding it does not cost much to give them comfort.

According to her, as a non-profit organisation, the total amount they had spent on charity work in the country was about N3.75 million. She also revealed that as part of their commitment, they were aiming to donate N1 million to Digi girls training program organised by Cybersafe Foundation towards data bundles for women training

in digital literacy and Skills.

According to her, “For us, it is very important to pull people up as we cannot wait for the government all the time, but if we start then the government will see the movement and then join in.

“We adopted Bricon, because they look out for cancer patients. When you are putting a cancer patient on a public bus sooner or later they lose hope, you know and say I might as well.

“But let us talk about bringing comfort to them because it is what will take them a long time. So how much does it take to give them a bus that might renew their hope?"

Daar Communications Founder, Raymond Dokpesi, is Dead

Tinubu, Atiku, Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Sanwo-Olu, Obaseki, Abiodun, others mourn

Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Founder of Daar Communications Plc, the parent company for AIT and Raypower, High Chief (Dr) Raymond Dokpsesi is dead.

Dokpesi died yesterday, Monday, May 29, 2023 at the age of 71 years.

According to a statement issued by his family and signed by his first son, Raymond Dokpesi (JNR), the deceased businessman was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of High Chief Raymond Aleogho Anthony Dokpesi (Ezomo of WeppaWanno Kingdom), who passed away on May 29th, 2023. High Chief Dokpesi was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

“High Chief Dokpesi was also a respected and accomplished businessman, a pioneer in the media industry, and a philanthropist, who dedicated his life to the service of his country and his community. His legacy will live on through the impact he made on the lives of many.

“The Dokpesi family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of our patriarch. We also ask for privacy during this time as we grieve together as a family.

“The family will release further details on the funeral arrangements in due course. May his soul rest in peace,” Dokpesi Jnr stated.

However, in another statement by the Group Managing Director, Daar Communications, Tony Akiotu, he passed away Monday in Abuja after a brief illness.

Akiotu, who wrote on behalf of the Board and Management of DAAR Communications, said, "He had been ill in the last few weeks but was well on his way to recovery. He had a fall earlier today, while on the thread mill during a routine gym exercise," Akiotu said.

Meanwhile, condolences have continued to come from Nigerians from different walks, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, his Edo and Ogun States counterparts, Godwin Obaseki and Dapo Abiodun, among others.

President Bola Tinubu

Tinubu, in a statement issued by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, expressed sadness over the death of

Dokpesi and described him as a huge loss to the Nigerian media industry and the country.

"The death of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi is a blow to the media industry, where he has played pioneering roles in private broadcasting. His pacesetting investment in the industry is an inspiration to many who come after him.

"The history of the evolution of the Nigerian media industry will be incomplete without prominent mention of Dokpesi and his giant footprints on the media landscape. I express my sincere condolences to the management and staff of DAAR Communications and the family of the late media entrepreneur for this monumental loss."

Atiku Abubakar

Atiku, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, noted that the late Dokpesi was a trailblazer, who reshaped the Nigerian business landscape in every sphere of his endeavour.

“Ezemo, as we fondly called, was an enigmatic business personality, a news maker in life and, sadly, even in death,” he said, as his immediate reaction to the news of Dokpesi’s death was an expression of grief and shock.

"Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! I am in a state of shock! As we say in Islam: from God we came, and to Him, we return. I am in prayers and will continue in prayers! My everlasting and deepest condolences to the Raymond Dokpesi family. May God forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest. Ezemo, not on a date like this should you leave us!"

Ahmad Lawan

Lawan, in a statement by his media aide, Ola Awoniyi, described his death as a great loss to the Nigerian polity and media industry in the light of his immense contributions to politics and the evolution of private media in Nigeria and Africa.

The Senate President said it was to the credit of Dokpesi that he established the first private television network in Nigeria, Africa's first private satellite television and first privately owned radio station in Nigeria.

"I commiserate with the immediate family of Dr Raymond Dokpesi, staff of AIT/Ray power FM radio and the media industry at large on this great loss. They should all be consoled that Dr Dokpesi made his mark in business, politics and the media industry and lived a fulfilled life," Lawan said.

Femi Gbajabiamila

Gbajabiamila, on his part, described Chief Dopkesi as a patriotic Nigerian, who would be

sorely missed, saying he received the news of the media entrepreneur with rude shock, noting that he has left a vacuum in the Nigerian media industry as the pioneer of private radio station in Nigeria.

The Speaker recalled how Chief Dopkesi combined his media entrepreneurship with politics, which he said provided the late owner of AIT/Raypower FM the opportunity to appreciate leadership in the country.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, sympathised with the entire management and staff of African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM as well as friends and associates of the deceased.

The governor said the late Dokpesi would be remembered for breaking the monopoly of government-owned broadcasting in Nigeria with the establishment of the first private radio station, Ray Power FM.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I mourn the passage of businessman and media guru, who contributed his quota to the economy of Lagos State by providing job opportunities for many young Lagos residents in the media sector,” he said.

Dapo Abiodun

Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, described the death of the Edo State born media tycoon as a great shock. He noted that the Dokpesi, who established the first thriving private television and radio stations - African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower - was renowned for his passion for portraying the African continent via his media outfits.

Abiodun, who expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, said Dokpesi would be sorely missed, particularly in the field of politics, and prayed for the reposed of soul of the deceased, that God should grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Godwin Obaseki

Obaseki, in a statement, the governor said Chief Dopkesi was an illustrious son of Edo State, who recorded indelible achievements that marked him out as one of Nigeria’s most impactful media executives.

“The Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno, Chief Dokpesi was an outstanding businessman and indeed, a media mogul, who took the bold step to venture into private broadcasting and broke the ground for many who came after him. He was a pacesetter

and brave in his quest to build Africa’s most enterprising, private broadcasting brand.

“Chief Dokpesi was a man of many parts. From his early academic exploits as a scholar in Poland, he returned to Nigeria to establish himself as an expert in the shipping business. He set up Nigeria’s first shipping line before venturing into broadcasting upon the deregulation of the media business in the country.”

House Caucus

Also, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives, has expressed shock and grief over the news of the death of Dokpesi.

The caucus, in a statement by its leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, described the late Dokpesi as a highly resourceful, respected and accomplished entrepreneur, very brilliant, humble and insightful touch bearer; a remarkable philanthropist, who remained steadfast towards the unity, stability and development of the nation.

"As a pioneer in the media industry, High Chief Dokpesi used his array of media houses under the Daar Communication, including the Africa Independent Television (AIT), Ray Power FM and Faaji FM to promote access to information, enhance good governance, educational activities, private entrepreneurship as well as showcase the rich cultural heritage of our nation, Nigeria and Africa in general to the world.”

The PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, has said it was devastated by the death of Dokpesi.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDO said Dokpesi was an exceptionally committed and courageous nationalist, an insightful and loyal Partyman; brilliant and resourceful entrepreneur who was steadfast in his selfless contributions towards the unity, stability and development of the Party and the nation at large.

"As a patriotic Nigerian, High Chief Dokpesi deployed his media empire of Africa Independent Television (AIT) Ray Power FM and Faaji FM to champion the course of national development, promoted greater and affordable access to information across the country, stimulated good governance, enhanced economic growth and development in all critical sectors and opened our nation to international limelight and opportunities.

"He was a detribalized Nigerian, who put the interest and wellbeing of our nation above every other consideration and made numerous positive landmarks in our national political, economic and social landscapes.”

Late Raymond Dokpesi

Shettima: Tinubu, an Idea That Took Time to Incubate, But Now Happening

Prays for good health, wisdom for president Presidency hosts guests to inaugural ball

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described President Bola Tinubu as an idea, which took many years to incubate, building relationships and bridges to happen now.

The Vice President , who spoke yesterday night at the Presidential

Inaugural Ball, hosted to entertain guests at the State House, Abuja, also likened the President to a dangerous political maestro, who takes his time to plan.

Shettima, who prayed for good health, serenity and wisdom for the President to fulfil his dream for the country, further noted that the 16th

President of Nigeria is a man of action, who has a propensity to mentor leaders.

He said: “Victor Hugo, a French novelist and poet, once said that there’s nothing as powerful in this world as an idea whose time has come. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed

Tinubu is an idea whose time has come.

“This is an idea that was not incubated three years ago, this is an idea that was cultivated right from 1992, when he joined positive like minds and joined the people’s front. He has built relationships, he has built bridges. So the road that led

us to Asiwaju did not happen by chance, he has shown a proclivity, a propensity and an inclination to invest in building bridges across the length and breadth of this nation.

“Exactly about a year ago, there was palpable tension in the land prior to the 8th of June APC presidential primaries. Dreams, when

TODAY, FATE AND DESTINY JOIN TOGETHER TO PLACE THE TORCH OF HUMAN PROGRESS IN OUR VERY HANDS too grounded as a people to rob ourselves of our finest destiny.

This nation’s journey has been shaped by the prayers of millions, and the collective sacrifices of us all.

We have endured hardships that would have made other societies crumble.

Yet, we have shouldered the heavy burden to arrive at this SUBLIME moment where the prospect of a better future merges with our improved capacity to create that future.

To the surprise of many but not to ourselves, we have more firmly established this land as a democracy in both word and deed.

The peaceful transition from one government to another is now our political tradition. This handover symbolizes our trust in God, our

enduring faith in representative governance and our belief in our ability to reshape this nation into the society it was always meant to be.

Here, permit me to say a few words to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr President, you have been an honest, patriotic leader who has done his best for the nation you love. On a more personal note, you are a worthy partner and friend. May History be kind to you.

For many years, Nigeria’s critics have trafficked the rumour that our nation will break apart, even perish.

Yet here we are. We have stumbled at times, but our resilience and diversity have kept us going.

Our burdens may make us bend at times, but they shall never break us.

Instead, we stand forth as Africa’s most populous nation and as the

best hope and strongest champion of the Black Race.

As citizens, we declare as one unified people devoted to one unified national cause, that as long as this world exists, NIGERIA SHALL EXIST.

Today, Fate and Destiny join together to place the torch of human progress in our very hands. We dare not let it slip.

We lift high this torch so that it might shine on every household and in every heart that calls itself Nigerian. We hold this beam aloft because it lights our path with compassion, brotherhood, and peace. May this great light never EXTINGUISH.

Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out

to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own.

We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it.

In this vein, may I offer a few comments regarding the election that brought us to this juncture. It was a hard fought contest. And it was also fairly won. Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better quality.

The outcome reflected the will of the people. However, my victory does not render me any more Nigerian than my opponents. Nor does it render them any less patriotic. They shall forever be my fellow compatriots. And I will treat them as such. They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore.

TINUBU: SUBSIDY IS GONE, CAN NO LONGER JUSTIFY EVER INCREASING COSTS

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode, Olawale Ajimotokan, Emameh Gabriel,

Emenyonu in Benin City

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, took the oath of office in Abuja as Nigeria’s 16th president, and immediately swung into action, announcing, in his inaugural speech, an end to the country’s controversial petrol subsidy. The subsidy had over the years been an albatross that hindered the economy by stripping it of badly needed development funds.

The president signalled a resolve to push for economic reforms. He promised to unite the country and prioritise security.

No fewer than seven African presidents were present at the colourful inauguration ceremony.

About 10 countries, also yesterday, formally presented their goodwill messages and letters of support and solidarity to Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, while representatives of the United Kingdom, United States, and Saudi Arabia held bilateral meetings with Tinubu.

The UK government sent “warmest congratulations” to Tinubu and Shettima on their inauguration, in a statement by His Majesty King Charles III.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, congratulated the former Lagos State governor on his inauguration as president. Gbajabiamila said Tinubu’s tenure would mark a period of renewed hope for Nigeria.

But a civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), kicked against the announcement by Tinubu that petrol subsidy was gone. HURIWA described the announcement as unconstitutional and authoritarian.

Similarly, the leadership of Labour Party (LP) described Tinubu’s inaugural speech as uninspiring, saying it does not provide clear direction for the people of Nigeria.

However, Tinubu, in his inaugural address, gave as a reason for the discontinuation of the fuel subsidy the fact that the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari made no provision for it in the 2023 budget.

Tinubu noted that subsidy could no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of limited resources. He commended the decision of the outgoing administration to phase out the petrol subsidy regime, which he noted had increasingly profited the rich at the expense of the poor, which the policy originally targeted.

Tinubu said, “The fuel subsidy is gone. Subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources. We shall, instead, re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure,

education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions.”

The president said his administration was targeting a higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of not less than six per cent, which, according to him, would significantly reduce unemployment.

To accomplish the growth target, Tinubu said the new administration would institute a budgetary reform that would stimulate the economy without engendering inflation. The government will also institute an industrial policy that would utilise the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency the new president said.

According to him, “Electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike. Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well.

“I have a message for our investors, local and foreign: our government shall review all their complaints about multiple taxation and various anti-investment inhibitions.

“We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard earned dividends and profits home.”

Tinubu said the country’s monetary policy needed thorough housecleaning, just as he urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to work towards a unified exchange rate, “which will direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy.”

Tinubu advocated reduction of interest rates to stimulate investment and consumer purchasing in ways that can sustain the economy at a higher level.

He excoriated the CBN’s naira redesign policy as a harshly applied policy considering the number of unbanked Nigerians. He said the policy would be reviewed while in the meantime his administration would treat both the new and old currencies as legal tenders.

The president said security would be accorded priority by his administration, stressing that neither prosperity nor justice would prevail amid insecurity and violence.

To effectively tackle this menace, Tinubu said government would reform both its security doctrine and architecture.

“We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number,” he said. He added, “We shall provide, better training, equipment, pay and firepower.”

Tinubu also said the cornerstone of his foreign policy would be the peace and stability of the West African sub-region and the African continent.

He assured that Nigeria would

work with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU), and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts and resolve new ones.

Tinubu said his administration would honour its campaign commitment of one million new jobs in the digital economy and create meaningful opportunities for the youth. He promised that the government would also work with the National Assembly to fashion an omnibus Jobs and Prosperity bill that would give the administration the policy space to embark on labour-intensive infrastructural improvements, encourage light industry, and provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and vulnerable.

He said agriculture hubs would be created throughout the country to increase production and engage in value-added processing, leading to abundant, yet less costly, foods, while farmers earn more.

In addition, Tinubu said his administration would sustain the efforts of the Buhari administration on infrastructure; saying progress towards national networks of roads, rail, and ports would receive priority attention. He assured citizens of his unwavering confidence in them, and said he was honoured to assume the sacred mandate they gave him.

Tinubu stated, “My love for this nation is abiding. My confidence in its people, unwavering. And my faith in God Almighty, absolute. I know that His hand shall provide the needed moral strength and clarity of purpose in those instances when we seem to have reached the limits of our human capacity. This day is bold and majestic yet bright and full of spirit, as is our precious nation.

“To the surprise of many but not to ourselves, we have more firmly established this land as a democracy in both word and deed.

“The peaceful transition from one government to another is now our political tradition. This handover symbolises our trust in God, our enduring faith in representative governance and our belief in our ability to reshape this nation into the society it was always meant to be.”

Tinubu described his predecessor as an honest, patriotic leader who did his best for the country, and a worthy partner and friend who history would be kind to.

He said his administration would mend and heal the country, not tear and injure it. He promised consultation and dialogue as well as respect for the views of persons that held contrary opinions.

The president described the election that brought him to power as a hard fought and a fairly won contest, saying since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better quality.

They have taken their concerns to court. Seeking legal redress is their right and I fully defend their exercise of this right. This is the essence of the rule of law.

Over six decades ago, our founding fathers gave bravely of themselves to place Nigeria on the map as an independent nation. We must never allow the labor of those who came before us to wither in vain but to blossom and bring forth a better reality.

Let us take the next great step in the journey they began and believed in.

Today, let us recommit our very selves to placing Nigeria in our hearts as the indispensable home for each and every one of us regardless of creed, ethnicity, or place of birth.

persisted, are capable of turning into realities. T.A Lawrence once said that all men dream, but not equally. Those who dream in the dark recesses of the night awake in the day to find all was vanity, but the dreamer of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes and make it possible.

we shall reform both our security DOCTRINE and its ARCHITECTURE.

We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number. We shall provide, better training, equipment, pay and firepower.

THE ECONOMY

On the economy, we target a higher GDP growth and to significantly reduce unemployment.

We intend to accomplish this by taking the following steps:

First, budgetary reform stimulating the economy without engendering inflation will be instituted.

According to Tinubu, “The outcome reflected the will of the people. However, my victory does not render me any more Nigerian than my opponents. Nor does it render them any less patriotic.

“They shall forever be my fellow compatriots. And I will treat them as such. They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore.

“They have taken their concerns to court. Seeking legal redress is their right and I fully defend their exercise of this right. This is the essence of the rule of law.

“Over six decades ago, our founding fathers gave bravely of themselves to place Nigeria on the map as an independent nation.

“We must never allow the labour of those who came before us to wither in vain but to blossom and bring forth a better reality.”

He challenged Nigerians to recommit to placing the country in their hearts as the indispensable home for all, regardless of creed, ethnicity, or place of birth.

Tinubu also extended a hand of fellowship across the political divide to his opponents in national affinity and brotherhood, saying political coloration has faded away, as they are all Nigerians.

About seven African presidents were present yesterday at the inauguration ceremony.

The colourful event, which took place at the Eagle Square, which was filled to capacity, had in attendance Rwandan President Paul Kagame, his Liberian counterpart, George Weah; President Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia; President Samia Hassan of Tanzania; and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, among others.

Vice Premier Peng Qinghua, who is Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress and special envoy of the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, also graced the occasion.

United States President Joe Biden was represented by a delegation led by Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Hon Marcia L. Fudge. Other members of the delegation at the inauguration included Mr. David Greene, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S. Embassy Abuja; Honourable Sydney Kamlager-Dove, United States Representative, California; Honourable Marisa Lago, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce, and General Michael E. Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command.

Also present were US Hon. Enoh T. Ebong; Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency; Hon. Mary Catherine Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State;

Continued on page 46

My supporters, I thank you. To those who voted otherwise, I extend my hand across the political divide. I ask you to grasp it in national affinity and brotherhood. For me, political coloration has faded away. All I see are Nigerians.

May we uphold these fitting and excellent notions as the new Nigerian ideal.

My fellow compatriots,

The Nigerian ideal which I speak of is more than just an improvement in economic and other statistics. These things are important; but they can never convey the fullness of our story.

Our mission is to improve our way of life in a manner that nurtures our humanity, encourages compassion toward one another, and duly rewards our collective effort to resolve the social ills that seek to divide us.

Our constitution and laws give us a nation on paper. We must work harder at bringing these noble documents to life by strengthening the bonds of economic collaboration, social cohesion, and cultural understanding. Let us develop a shared sense of fairness and equity.

The South must not only seek good for itself but must understand that its interests are served when good comes to the North. The North must see the South likewise.

Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my people. As your president, I shall serve with prejudice toward none but compassion and amity towards all.

In the coming days and weeks, my team will publicly detail key aspects of our programme. Today, permit me to outline in broad terms a few initiatives that define our concept of progressive good governance in furtherance of the Nigerian ideal:

The principles that will guide our administration are simple:

1. Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the constitution and the rule of law.

2. We shall defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality that threaten the peace and stability of our country and our subregion.

3. We shall remodel our economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and an end of extreme poverty.

4. In our administration, Women and youth will feature prominently.

5. Our government will continue to take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture to discourage corruption while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of the various anti-corruption agencies.

SECURITY

Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.

To effectively tackle this menace,

Second, industrial policy will utilize the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.

Third, electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike. Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well.

I have a message for our investors, local and foreign: our government shall review all their complaints about multiple taxation and various anti-investment inhibitions.

We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard earned dividends and profits home.

JOBS

My administration must create meaningful opportunities for our youth. We shall honour our campaign commitment of one million new jobs in the digital economy. Our government also shall work with the National Assembly to fashion an omnibus Jobs and Prosperity bill. This bill will give our administration the policy space to embark on labour-intensive infrastructural improvements, encourage light industry and provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and vulnerable.

AGRICULTURE

Rural incomes shall be secured by commodity exchange boards guaranteeing minimal prices for certain crops and animal products. A nationwide programme for storage and other facilities to reduce spoilage and waste will be undertaken. Agricultural hubs will be created throughout the nation to increase production and engage in valueadded processing. The livestock sector will be introduced to best modern practices and steps taken to minimize the perennial conflict over land and water resources in this sector.

Through these actions, food shall be made more abundant yet less costly. Farmers shall earn more while the average Nigerian pays less.

INFRASTRUCTURE

We shall continue the efforts of the Buhari administration on infrastructure. Progress toward national networks of roads, rail and ports shall get priority attention.

FUEL SUBSIDY

We commend the decision of the outgoing administration in phasing out the petrol subsidy regime which has increasingly favoured the rich more than the poor. Subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources. We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially

Continued on page 46

Udora Orizu in Abuja, and Adibe

The Challenge of Repositioning APGA

For decades now, the All Progressives Grand Alliance has stood strong as one of Nigeria’s dominant political parties, taking the third position as the most popular.

Despite the seeming dominance, the party has still remained unable to add a second governor to Anambra for years now, but lucky enough, it has continually produced governors for Anambra state, who are setting the pace for development in the state.

Successive national chairmen of the party have done well in steering the ship of the party.

On May 31, the current chairman of the party, Victor Ike Oye, will hand over to a new chairman. Oye is reputed to have taken the party far, especially with some ground breaking achievements.

These include the continued unity of the party, the building of the National headquarters of the party and the very imposing South East regional secretariat of the party which is sited in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

The national secretariat of the party is said to be the first of its kind, as many political parties, which are thought to be more dominant, even with more political office holders are still paying rent in Abuja.

Also, during his tenure too, Oye was able to produce two governors. These are the re-election of then Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano in 2017 and the election of incumbent governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo in 2021.

He also fought legal battles totaling 215 in all, making him the national chairman that has fought the most legal battles in the country, to keep his party united.

The above are some of the landmark achievements that the new national chairman of the party would have to sustain while also setting his own records.

These challenges may include the continued cohesion of the party, and the challenge of making inroad into other states, first in the South East, and beginning from this year’s governorship election in Imo State, and then in 2027 general elections and moving to other regions of the country.

There are no fewer than four persons running for the national chairmanship of the party. They include Hon Ben Nwankwo, a former three-time federal lawmaker; Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, a sitting commissioner in Anambra State and former legal adviser of the party; Chief Norbert Obi, current state chairman of the party in Anambra and Barrister Tony Ifeanya.

Some party members have insisted that the party needs a pragmatic, dynamic leader who has a 21 century mentality, to be able to drive her in a tech-driven world like what we have today.

Many party members who spoke to THISDAY said Hon Ben Nwankwo fits the bill as that chairman that can drive the party to the level

needed.

Beyond the challenges mentioned above that the new national chairman of the party will grapple with, there is also the Governor Chukwuma Soludo factor. For a state which has produced a governor in the mould of Soludo, who is known as a public intellectual, and who is the leader of the party, APGA will need someone in the mould of the Governor: a thinker, a creative personality and an innovative person to complement him in taking the party to a whole new level.

A foundation member of the party, Barrister Joe Ezeani, a former transition chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area said: “That is where the wealth of experience and personality of Hon Ben Nwankwo will be needed. He is far ahead of those who are in the race with him.

Chimaroke Nnamani and His Personal Political Convictions

Paul Mumeh writes about the political trajectory of former Governor of Enugu state and founder of Ebeano political dynasty in the Coal City state, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani

Former Governor of Enugu state, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, could be likened to a patriot who in the beginning of a change is a scarce man but brave, hated and scorned. But when his cause succeeds, the timid joins him, for then , it costs nothing other than sacrifice to be a patriot.

It will be uncharitable to view Nnamani and his political trajectory from one perspective or narrative. This is because he is a man of many parts who plays his politics in an extraordinary way.

He does not join the crowd. He does his things based on personal convinction even if he stands alone or seams controversial.

For instance, one of the major challenges he faced as the then governor of Enugu State between 1999 and 2007 was his resolve to redefine the politics of Enugu State to wit; where sons and daughters of the common man can become somebody.

Unarguably, he achieved some measures of success but in the process, Nnamani unwittingly “retired” the former political leaders and recruited younger elements to take charge of affairs in Enugu State. It was then “Chi Boys in Power”.

Recall that before his emergence as governor in 1999, the politics of Enugu stood on a tripod. It was former Governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo in the East, his second republic contemporary, Chief C. C Onoh in the West and the Okwesilieze Nwodos in the North that held sway in the coal city State.

Nnamani changed the status quo and expectedly incurred the wrath of political godfathers. It took him extra measures to survive the battle

with the aggrieved political godfathers throughout his eight years in office. He founded and branded the political structure in Enugu State as “Ebeano political family”, which means, “This is where we belong.” This refinement attracted everyone to the platform.

Till date, irrespective of some changes or political alignment or realignment, the Ebeano political family continues to produce successive leaders; Governors, Deputy Governors, Senators, Members of House of Representatives, Ministers, and Local Government Council officials in the State.

Ironically, Nnamani’s political

offsprings on whose stead he incurred the anger of former leaders were the first to do “Ben Johnson” when he had issues with some authorities shortly after he left office in 2007.

His successor, Sullivan Chime, former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and a host of other hitherto loyalists did not look his way anymore.

Nnamani was then forced into a temporary political exile until 2019 when fortune smiled upon him to return to the Senate once again.

Today, Nnamani marks his 63 years sojourn on earth . On this special day, though without funfare, he celebrates his life, modest achievements and unwavering commitment to making the society a better place.

As a political leader, he has been a guiding light for many young Nigerians. His steadfastness in leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to humanitarian services is an inspiration to the younger generation.

He has been tireless in advocating for the marginalized and underprivileged, and has worked to create a more just and equitable society for all.

Through his hard work and dedication, he has achieved many milestones, including significant advancements in the education sector, healthcare, infrastructural development, and social welfare.

His commitment to the promotion of peace, tolerance, and understanding has earned him the respect and admiration of people from all walks of life.

In the Senate, Nnamani is reputed for being the advocate for women emancipation and empowerment. He believes that women

rights are fundamental human rights to live free from violence and discrimination. He canvassess against gender based violence, wants education for women and the girl child as well as gender parity .

He has consistently bemoaned harmful cultural practices against women such as genital mutilation, denial of right to inheritance, discrimination in work places, unequal access to education as well as disparity in wages. He believes that an empowered woman is an asset to the nation in the quest for socio- political and economic advancement.

Looking back at history, Nnamani has reasons to believe that the Igbos of the South East geopolitical zone have not been fairly treated in the Nigerian political equation. That is why he continues to strive hard to see that the Igbos no longer play fringe politics anchored on emotions or sentiments but launch into the mainstream national politics.

For Nnamani, like the legendary Chinua Achebe puts it, “ if you know where the rain started beating you, then you are likely to know where it stopped”.

He recalled that Nigeria started as a nation of equal rights and opportunities for all.

According to him: “Our founding fathers of Nigeria; Azikiwe , Awolowo, Abubakar Balewa and others recognized Nigeria’s multi-ethnic nationality and accommodated all interests.

-Mumeh writes from Abuja.

As the All Progressives Grand Alliance gets set to elect a new national chairman

writes that the party needs one who can prepare it for greater achievements.

Soludo Soludo

Nnamani

www.thisdaylive.com

THE BUHARI YEARS AND CIVIL SOCIETY REGULATORY

ENVIRONMENT

The civil society experienced an admixture of the good and bad, reckons OLUSEYI B. OYEBISI

FAREWELL TO A PRESIDENT IN ETHER

As President Muhammadu Buhari returned to his Daura home yesterday, May 29, he is leaving Nigeria less secure, poorer, more divided and more in debt than when he came to power in can argue disingenuously about his record, what is crystal clear to most Nigerians is that the past retired general. He will largely be remembered as a leader who was either overwhelmed by the nation’s problems or one who was never sincere about coming to tackle them.

He rode into power with a huge reputation as a frugal leader, tough general, anti-corruption czar, and no-nonsense disciplinarian who

See page 29

NOW THAT

HOPE IS HERE FREDRICK NWABUFO canvasses the need for all to do their bit and make Nigeria work

once fondly referred to as “Mai gaskiya”, began with him taking six months to name his cabinet. When eventually the list came out, many were doubly confounded that it contained the same vapid names that failed in previous administrations, including some with corruption allegations. Contrary to what was packaged to Nigerians, cronyism and nepotism as basis for

See page 29

EDITORIAL RENEWED VIOLENCE ON THE PLATEAU

Even though he continues to cut the mien of a hard man, his eight years in power are replete with instances of a leader who, despite tentative, indolent, slothful – a president only in repost a famous picture of Buhari “picking his teeth” each time serious issues of state cry out and institutions under him openly defy him or of the Federal High Court Abuja, seeking to

December 9, saying that it did not provide any concrete evidence to substantiate its claims were, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, said nothing. embarked on the egregious journey without the knowledge of the President. If it did not “carry the President along” before its furtive approach to the courts, should the insubordination not have riled Buhari enough to relieve Bichi Lawal of his position?

If, on the other hand, the President was

If, however, the President did not move to substantiate the allegations against him, why was Bichi Lawal allowed to continue heading such a sensitive and otherwise serious organization after ridiculing it by inventing such

In the early days of his administration when Buhari nominated Mallam Ibrahim Magu as the chairman of the Economic and Financial to counter his choice. What did the president do? Despite heavy corruption allegations were lying on the President’s table for years, Many Nigerians jeered and sneered at his nation a few days to handover that he did not nose, Ahmed Idris, former accountant general stole over N100 billion, according to EFCC. From late Abba Kyari to Babachir Lawal, Akpabio, Rotimi Amaechi, indeed the list is endless, service chiefs, ministers and other appointees were retained by the president despite corruption allegations against them. A vivid episode which showed that even his own appointees did not believe in his anti-

the Niger Delta Development Commission House of Representatives committee probing minister then of being behind the invasion. denigrating the marital status of the woman instead of addressing the allegations against one of the cardinal policies of the president, would incur his fury, you were wrong. Nothing was done. We even saw Kemobradiko Pondei, former Acting MD of the commission, telling a N1.5b to “take care” of themselves during the All through his reign, accusations of budget padding between National Assembly

Aisha Buhari, his wife, told a bemused nation some years ago that Aso Rock Clinic did not have “a single syringe” despite billions budgeted for it every year. “We need to know how the budget is spent”, she declared, speciously to the chagrin of her husband as

nothing was heard from him thereafter.

Buhari, apparently, is oblivious of the putrid smell from the billions of naira spent on socalled cash transfers and palliatives to poor Nigerians and the millions of dollars spent on judgement debts without due process. Neither is he aware of the reported plundering of the gold deposits in Zamfara by powerful forces in and out of government, with private planes said to be operating in the zone.

Chairmanship for excelling in hurling invectives than marketing her principal as

corruption scandal after another under Buhari without anybody brought to book.

Buhari also watched helplessly as Dr Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and

spat, with the minister announcing the sack of the management claiming that he had the president’s approval to do so, while the management rejected it and for a long time continued to carry on with business as usual.

Mamman, and Zainab Ahmed of Finance openly contradicted each other on the sack of Marilyn Amobi as MD of the Nigerian Bulk claimed he had Buhari’s approval to ask Amobi to proceed on terminal leave, Ahmed countered him the same day saying she also had the President’s approval to ask Amobi to Dr Isa Ali Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital economy, and Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission

Nigerian Communications Commission enough to take action.

keeps claiming he degraded Boko Haram and made Nigeria safer. He pretends not to know that bandits, kidnappers and herdsmen are on the rampage, with more people killed under him than the previous administration. Media

told the National Assembly that the lack of coordination between the security agencies was not succeeding. He accused two of the service chiefs of consistently refusing to attend security meetings to discuss strategies and tactics to win the war.

Anapugars, a communications consultant, writes from Lagos – anapugars@yahoo.com

RENEWED

The former President was either overwhelmed by the nation’s problems or he was not sincere about tackling them, contends ARINZE ANAPUGARS

The civil society experienced an admixture of the good and bad, reckons OLUSEYI B. OYEBISI

THE BUHARI YEARS AND CIVIL SOCIETY REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

FREDRICK NWABUFO

canvasses the need for all to do their bit and make Nigeria work

NOW THAT RENEWED HOPE IS HERE

a hand of fellowship to all, and by

Oyebisi is the Executive Director, Nigeria Network

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

RENEWED VIOLENCE ON THE PLATEAU

All the major stakeholders could do more to stem the violence

In a resurgence of unprovoked violence, gunmen recently invaded some remote communities in Mangu and Riyom local government areas of Plateau State and killed dozens of innocent men, women, and children. Some houses and churches were also razed while many families are displaced. A disturbed Governor Simon Lalong immediately imposed a curfew and directed security forces to pursue the criminals and to ensure they are arrested, adding that the attack was yet another attempt by crisis merchants to return the state to the dark days of pain and agony.

While we commiserate with the families of victims, violence in Plateau State now constitutes one of Nigeria’s major security threats. Communal clashes over scarce grazing land and water resources have plagued Nigeria’s central region for decades. Benue, and to extent Nasarawa States, are also impacted badly by cattle grazing and bloody disputes between herders and farmers. Since 2001, the once peaceful Plateau State with a glorious wild and wonderful tourism potential, has been embroiled in ruinous and costly communal clashes which has consumed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousand others. At the last count, more than 10,000 lives had been wasted while the local economy is bleeding profusely. The state is a wreck, slipping

Plateau State has many ethnic groups, but the clashes are mainly between Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farmers. In August 2021, an attack on Muslims travelling through Jos for a religious event led to the deaths of more than a dozen people. Meanwhile, the violence in Plateau and several other theatres across the country are aggravated by tension over access to land, triggering bloody clashes between nomads and peasant farmers almost on a regular basis. The clashes are also fuelled by the dichotomy between those who consider themselves “indigenes”

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

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

Letters to the Editor

– the Berom and Irigwe people – and the Fulanis, who are regarded by many as “settlers”. All this have come into play in the never-ending bloody violence in Jos North local government area and some other locations in the state.

As a measure of resolving the crisis, a local special task force, codenamed Operation Safe Haven, has been deployed to the state since 2001, but it has both the federal and state in resolving the crisis has also been half-hearted. They have been unable to decisively address the unfortunate situation by their persistent refusal to confront reality. Security forces have not been of much help as they often arrive scenes of violence after the damage had been done. Indeed, some have been implicated in the past for taking sides. Even community leaders as well as political and religious leaders who ordinarily should help in bringing peace and order are mostly often the ones leading the rhetoric of hate which fuels the cycle of violence.

As we have repeatedly said, the solution to the persistent violence on the Plateau lies in addressing headlong the problem of open grazing. It is time to end indiscriminate grazing of farmlands by cattle in Plateau State, and indeed across the country. Many countries in Africa like Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya and Ethiopia have long across the world. There is a crying need for the nation to promote ranching which would allow pastoralists access a large expanse of land for grazing without encroaching on farmers’ land.

In addition, the cycle of violence persists because the perpetrators are always never prosecuted and brought to justice. Last week, the Police said about seven suspects have been arrested because of the latest crisis. That may be the last information about them, and indeed on the recent Mangu mayhem.

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

LETTERS

FIGHT THE POLITICIANS, NOT EMDEE TIAMIYU

ed by one Emdee Tiamiyu to the BBC. Out of curiosity, I sought to know what the hullabaloo was about. I found that during the interview, the chap allegedly opened a can of worms. He had said that most Nigerians seeking to go to the UK as students are not as a matter of fact interested in the education per se but want to japa indirectly and use their status as students to get their family members into the UK.

Because I did not see anything apparently unusual in what that year, Nigerians travel to the UK, apparently to further their studies, especially as their own educational systems in the past eight years have been killed by a man who himself has no formal education beyond his military training. Politicians who should develop the system have their children and family members studying in the United Kingdom – at the opportunity cost to Nigerian universities. They not only have their children there, but insult the graduation of their children in universities in the UK, on social media. They buy houses in the UK, and at the slightest tinge or tingle in their ears or bottom, they board their private jets - bought

land in the UK to access quality medical attention.

I have often wondered at why the outgone administration was as obtuse as it was, did nothing to stem the capital and human often ran to at the slightest opportunity is actually a very poor country. All that they have is a strong currency which they have developed from the accountable and transparent utilization of their very scarce resources. They have an economy - their people - that Nigeria has not invested in or built. Unlike Nigeria, the UK does not have an over-abundance of human and natural resources, and does not have our size and our population. Yet, year in year out our politicians and elite fritter monies which could build thousands and thousands of hospitals, schools and world class universities all over Nigeria with which to take care of our people and develop them. A report in THISDAY, titled, Taming Illicit Financial Flows in Africa said that from Africa alone, about Nigeria to Europe, and according to the report, such theft is ‘enabled through trade mis-invoicing, tax evasion among others’, perpetrated by politically and economically exposed persons. Be-

cause of the collapse of virtually every institution in Nigeria, most our politicians are running to – and take their families with them,

Last year, the French Ambassador to Nigeria Emmanuelle Blatmann at a seminar asked to be educated about the japa syndrome. Moderator of that programme went to great length to explain japa to the Madam and to the crop of the diplomatic community at against the young man who gave that interview very shocking, and a very unfortunate turn of events, a sorry testimonial on the mentality of everyone who have taken turns to throw shades on Mr Emdee.

That Nigerians experienced deep cuts from poverty, insecurity, Buhari administration is not in doubt; that those cuts made Nigeria to bleed excessively, and end up in an intensive care unit, and eventually collapsed under Buhari is also not in doubt.

Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku, Publisher of WADONOR, cultural voice of Nigeria

The cycle of violence persists because the perpetrators are always never prosecuted and brought to justice

HON. JUSTICE OLUDOTUN ADEFOPE-OKOJIE, JCA (RTD)

Encomia as Oludotun AdefopeOkojie, JCA Bows Out at 70

QUOTABLE

“It is unacceptable that a case averagely takes more than five years to conclude at trial, more than three years at the Court of Appeal, and an average of about 12 years at the Supreme Court.”

- Honourable Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, JCA (Rtd)

COLUMNISTS

PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb,, PH.D. LLD Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances. This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.

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

Success of Claimant Seeking Declaratory Relief Depends on Strength of the Case

Page IV

NBA Ikeja Unveils Law Week 2023 Programme

Page V

Deborah Samuel: HURIWA Drags Gov Tambuwal to ICC

Page V

Former Rotary World President, Chief J.B. Majiyagbe, SAN, Passes On

Page V

STEPHEN KOLA-BALOGUN

Stephen Kola Balogun, is a vastly experienced Legal Practioner who obtained his LL.B from University of Ife and LL.M from School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London. He has Post-Graduate Diplomas in Intellectual Property Law, Construction Law, Management and Arbitration. He has served in various capacities since his Call to the Nigerian Bar in 1982, including practicing at Akinjide & Co., and lecturing part-time at Oxbridge Tutorial College. He was the Honourable Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Special Needs, State of Osun, August, 2011 to November, 2014. He is currently the Principal Partner at Kola Balogun & Partners. SKB, as he is fondly called, is accredited with several publications to his name, both International and Domestic.

Dangote: Making Nigeria Work

Commissioning of Dangote Petroleum Refinery

I congratulate my dear friend, Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, on the completion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery (DR) located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, situated on a land area of 2,635 hectares, complete with a Port and six quays; the world’s largest single train 650,000 barrels per day Petroleum Refinery with a 900 KTPA Polypropylene Plant. I attended the commissioning of the Facility last Monday, and indeed, “it was marvellous in our eyes”.

“Nothing is Impossible” - Aliko Dangote

The project which commenced in 2017, has come to fruition. When DR is working at 100% capacity, it is projected that 60% of its production capacity will meet all Nigeria’s requirements of petroleum refined products, while the remaining 40% will be earmarked for export. DR has the production capacity of petrol (53 million litres per day); diesel (34 million litres per day); kerosene (10 million litres per day) and aviation jet fuel (2 million litres per day). The byproducts from the refining process, are also the basic materials of various products including plastics, pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, pesticides and clothing, amongst others.

Alhaji’s goal, in line with the provisions of Section 16(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution), is to try to harness some of the resources of the nation to make Nigeria as self-sustaining as possible, by producing here, many of the goods which have hitherto been imported. Worthy of note, is that DR has contributed in no small measure to job creation, as it employs over 33,000 workers directly, not to mention over 100,000 indirect employment retail outlets, and 16,000 trucks for transport which will create additional jobs. DR has also invested in Nigerian youths, by training 900 young Engineers in refinery operations outside the country.

Another important point to note about DR is that, in the face of concerns about pollution, global warming and other related environmental issues, DR’s design “complies with World Bank, US Environmental Protection Agency and European emission norms, and Department of Petroleum Resources emission/effluent norms”.

We keep talking about Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), but we must commend Alhaji on this Local Direct Investment which will match and surpass most other FDI’s! It shows that Alhaji is not only a bold and astute businessman, but one that is fully committed to the industrialisation and progress of Nigeria.

Two Important Facts: Defunct Government Refineries & Inadequate Electricity Supply

However, amongst the things that struck me as I sat through the commissioning event, were two important facts: 1) That the DR project took six years to complete; yet, shamefully, Nigeria as a country has been unable to get any of its own Government refineries to work (thank God we don’t need to wait for Government refineries anymore), neither in the eight years of the Buhari administration, nor in the 16 years of the previous PDP administrations; and 2) That the Dangote Facilities, whether Obajana, Ibese or DR, power themselves in terms of electricity. While the Obajana 135 MW Power Plant which was built in 18 months, and at the time could power the whole of Abuja; DR also has its own 435MW Power Plant.

In essence, this means that, while in a six year period, Alhaji was able to build the largest single train refinery in the world from scratch, and in 18 months, he was also able to build a power plant that was capable of generating enough electricity to power Abuja, the Federal Government couldn’t or should I say, wouldn’t repair its moribund refineries or provide adequate electricity supply in 24 years, that is, if we only start counting from the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999!

What else can we call this, in terms of the Section 16 Economic Objectives of the Constitution, if not a colossal failure in governance by successive administrations? Not only have successive governments neglected to deliver on practically all the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Chapter II of the Constitution, a good number of Government Officials and Politicians are corrupt, and they have sacrificed the progress, development and welfare of Nigerians on the altar of their greed. Corruption is therefore, one of the main culprits responsible for two sectors as critical as oil (Nigeria’s main source of revenue) and electricity supply, being in such a bad state; in fact, it is a major reason why Nigeria is lagging behind. How does a country become industrialised and developed, when it lacks basic infrastructure like electricity? The incoming administration already has its work very well cut out for it, at least, as far as these two important areas are concerned.

Grand Conspiracy to Keep Nigeria in Darkness

Alhaji built a sizeable power plant in 18 months (another one, more than three times the size of Obajana’s now in DR); if Government had built only one like Alhaji’s Obajana plant every 18 months since 1999, there would be 16 new power stations in Nigeria - each geographical zone could have had at least two new power plants by now, and counting. The truth is that there is no excuse for Nigeria remaining in darkness, or having no functioning refinery if not for DR, despite all the money that has been sunk into both areas by Government over the past few decades.

While the problem of not having an oil refinery has

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE

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

The Advocate

“I congratulate my dear friend, Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, on the completion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery (DR)….the world’s largest single train 650,000 barrels per day Petroleum Refinery with a 900 KTPA Polypropylene Plant. I attended the commissioning of the Facility last Monday, and indeed,“it was marvellous in our eyes”

now been solved, as far as our electricity supply is concerned, I believe that there is a grand conspiracy by some to sabotage it and keep Nigeria in darkness, because of the monumental profits they make from the disruption. Millions of Nigerians and foreigners, now make a livelihood out of the fact that Nigeria’s electricity supply is not just epileptic, but poor. From the different foreign companies that manufacture all kinds of generators which are sold on the Nigerian market, creating jobs for workers in their countries, for example, generator manufacturing companies in countries like China, Germany etc; also sadly, because, as much we make use of generators here in Nigeria, we do not manufacture them ourselves (at best, some are assembled here); to the generator retailers who seem to be expanding the frontiers of their businesses in Nigeria daily; to those who sell other types of alternative power sources, like Inverters and Solar Energy Panels which are also gaining ground here these days (also foreign made), to mention but a few. Because of our large population for one, be it by sabotage or economic development, Nigeria remains a fertile ground for profit making.

At the commissioning of the Dangote Obajana Cement Factory in 2012 or so, when we were taken on a tour of the Facility and shown the power plant, it hit me like a bolt of lightening, that Government had simply been deceiving Nigerians about electricity supply all this while - pretending that there had to be some complex plan to provide electricity for Nigerians; that the Obasanjo administration had taken eight years to lay the so-called foundation for better electricity supply (which never materialised). Tah! If Alhaji could do it in a matter of months, what has prevented Government from doing the same? Lack of will!

Just like a few people somewhere are making obscene amounts of money from the fuel subsidy

scam and the multiple foreign exchange rate regime, so also are others profiting from the sabotage of electricity and lack of sufficient supply of it - a ‘cash cow’ that corrupt government officials and their cohorts are benefitting from. Successive governments claimed to have pumped billions of Dollars into all these spurious ventures, with little or nothing to show for it.

Well, thanks to DR, we have one less problem, and Nigeria can now channel her scarce resources into other areas, since we now have the best functioning oil refinery in the world!

Law Enforcement Agencies Will Start to ‘Bubble’ Again! There is therefore, no better time than this, to discuss the fact that as it is usual at the end of one administration going into the beginning of a new one, EFCC, ICPC and other law enforcement agencies will start to ‘bubble’/bustle with activity again, which is usual during this ‘cross-over’ period when many secrets of looting of National and State treasuries, bribery and corruption, awarded contracts which were not performed etc, are discovered. There will be the usual hue and cry by these agencies, about people who are arrested for one corruption charge or the other. Will anything come out of it?

Though Section 15(5) of the Constitution gives the State the mandate to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power (and many acts of bribery, corruption, stealing etc all constitute offences under various laws), I’m not sure how much action we will see on the Federal side, since one APC administration is handing over to another, and they will probably cover up for their party members (unless of course the personalities involved may have fallen out of favour); we are more likely to see more activity connected with the States, where

another political party is taking over from the incumbent. Bringing the Corrupt to Justice

This time around, how serious will the fight against corruption be? We have seen the major part corruption has played, in thwarting our economic growth and development; will Nigeria continue to make choices which benefit only corrupt decision makers, and not the country? How will the new administration fight corruption, in order to grow our economy and develop our country? Are we going to continue to use unlawful things (or those that the Legislature has hurriedly given a semblance of legality overnight) like ‘Ways & Means’ Advances to prop up our economy, until we end up like the Uganda of Idi Amin, where their currency became worth nothing more than ‘toilet paper’ (as their then Central Bank Governor, was alleged to have claimed)?

What system will be deployed to bring the corrupt to justice, like those who pocketed the monies provided for revamping the refineries or the electricity sector, or those who made illegal profits from the fuel subsidy scam? Will Government waste time on trials with shoddy or compromised prosecutions that will go nowhere, or those which accused persons end up escaping justice and going scot free with all their loot, either because of technicalities (see the case of Ude Jones Udeogu v FRN, Orji Uzor Kalu & Slok Nigeria Limited SC 622C/2019) or because the prosecution was unable to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt? See Section 270(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA).

Or will they deploy the ‘Plea Bargain’ option which is provided for and the process of its use set out in Part 28 Section 270 of the ACJA to recover as much funds as possible from corrupt officials from the get-go, since the country is in dire need of money, and under this plea bargain arrangement, money, assets and property are forfeited to the victim, which in corruption cases, would be the Government/Nigeria?

Black’s Law Dictionary Ninth Edition defines Plea Bargain thus: “A negotiated agreement between a Prosecutor and a criminal Defendant whereby the Defendant pleads guilty to a lesser offence or to one of multiple charges in exchange for some concession by the Prosecutor, usually a more lenient sentence or dismissal of the other charges”. See the case of John Yusuf Yakubu v FRN (2022) LPELR-57749 (SC) per Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, JSC where the Supreme Court held that “….a criminal must not be allowed to benefit from the proceeds of his or her crime, the criminal must be stripped of all perceived proceeds of crime in his possession. It is reckless, outrageous and immoral to allow a criminal fling plea bargain as an instrument for retaining proceeds of crime. I think the time has come for us as a nation to embark on a meticulous scrutiny of proceeds of crime in the hands of offenders to ensure that they go home dry with nothing, this will show that there’s no incentive in stealing public funds” I concur. Also see the case of PML (Securities) Ltd v FRN (2018) LPELR-47993(SC) per Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, JSC.

I know that many are sceptical about the incoming administration fighting corruption; but, whichever method they choose to fight it, corruption must be fought vehemently to ensure Nigeria’s advancement, failing which our country will simply continue to degenerate and breakdown.

Conclusion

Presidents of other African countries, Captains of Industry (as they are called), Governors and many top Government functionaries were present at the commissioning, including President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, under whose administration this fantastic edifice was completed and who of course, commissioned the DR, and the new Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. DR will enable Nigeria earn about $21 billion per annum, which will be a big boost to our economy. It is our hope that the new administration will not only cooperate with DR to make petroleum products readily available and affordable for Nigerians, so we can truly start to enjoy the benefits of being an oil producing nation, but that it will support DR to reap the fruits of its labour and investment, which will serve as an incentive to others, both local and foreign, to also come and sink investments here. Hopefully, the new administration will also encourage other manufacturers and industrialists in their own fields of endeavour, and create an enabling environment for them, so as to build a more industrialised Nigeria that will also be known for the export of other products, aside from Petroleum. Kudos to you, Alhaji, for putting Nigeria on the world map with this Refinery.

P.S. Gender Discrimination Even in the Award of National Honours

Congratulations to those who were awarded National Honours last week. Can I ask why less number of women are awarded national honours, and even when they are, many of them who are more deserving are given the lower honours, while the men who may not even merit it, get the higher honours? It appears that even when it comes to the country showing appreciation to the people, the womenfolk are discriminated against as usual.

President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON

Success of Claimant Seeking Declaratory Relief Depends on Strength of the Case

Facts

On 19th October, 1987, the Respondents (together with other persons who are now deceased) instituted an action against the Appellants (and others who are also deceased) at the High Court of Ogun State, Otta Judicial Division (the “trial court”). The Respondents as Plaintiffs sought, inter alia, a declaration that they are jointly entitled to the statutory or customary right of occupancy over a parcel of land at Sango-Otta, known as Oojabi family land, and that neither the Appellants nor any individual member of the Oojabi family land could alienate the land without the consent of the head of the Oajabi family. The Respondents also prayed the trial court for an order of injunction restraining the Appellants from alienating the said property to third parties without the consent of the head of the Oojabi family, and a declaration that any purported sale or lease of any part of the said land by the Appellants without the consent of the family head, is null and void.

In the course of proceedings, the Respondents filed a motion on notice for default judgement, on the ground that the Appellants failed to enter appearance and file their defence, despite being served with the originating process. The trial court delivered its ruling on 31st July, 1989, wherein it granted the application and entered judgement in favour of the Respondents, in default of appearance and defence by the Appellants.

Unhappy with the decision, the Appellants filed an application before the trial court, for an order setting aside the default judgement. The trial court granted the Appellants’ application, and consequently, set aside the default judgement it entered earlier. Aggrieved, the Respondents filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal (the “lower court”). The Appellants on their part filed a Respondent’s Notice, in which they urged the lower court to affirm the ruling of the trial court, on grounds other than those relied upon by the trial court. The lower court, without resolving the issues raised in the Appellants’ “Respondents’ Notice” pending before it, allowed the Respondents’ appeal and restored the default judgement initially entered against the Appellants by the trial court.

Dissatisfied with the outcome of the appeal, especially as the lower court did not resolve the Appellants’ “Respondents’ Notice” then pending before it, the Appellants lodged an appeal before the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination

The Apex Court adopted the following issues raised by the Appellants, in its determination of the appeal:

1. Whether the court below satisfactorily discharged its responsibilities towards the Appellant, in arriving at its decision now under appeal.

2. Whether the court below was right in restoring the trial court’s default judgement earlier set aside.

3. Whether having regard to the originating process filed on behalf of the Respondents to wit: the writ of summons and the statement of claim signed by “C. Oluremi Jacob & Co”, the lower court had the jurisdiction to allow the appeal and restore the default judgement grounded on the said processes?

Arguments

The Appellants’ contention on the 1st issue,

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 10th day of February, 2023

Before Their Lordships Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun

Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju

Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa Adamu Jauro

Emmanuel Akomaye Agim Justices, Supreme Court SC.230/2006

Between MRS AMINATU AMINU & 11 ORS APPELLANT

And

as presented to it by a party, and more often than not, such a failure results in a miscarriage of justice.

The Court held that although the Court of Appeal was very much seised of the Respondents’ Notice filed by the Appellants, however, it failed to effectively discharge its responsibilities as imposed upon it by the law, when it declined to accord due consideration to the fundamental issues raised by the Appellants in the said Respondents’ Notice. The Court held that where a court inexplicably fails to accord due consideration to the case or issues presented by a party, it would result to a breach of the right of fair hearing as enshrined in Section 33 of the 1979 Constitution (applicable at the time the suit was commenced), which is in pari materia with Section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.

On the 2nd issue, the Court held that one fundamental and distinguishing feature of a declaratory action is that it is never granted merely as a matter of course, that is to say, a Plaintiff seeking a declaratory relief is under a duty to succeed on the strength of his claim, and not merely on the weakness of the defence.

The Court made reference to KODILINYE v MBANEFO ODU & ORS. 2 WACA 336 and OGUNSUMO v ADEMOLU (1995) 4 NWLR (PT. 389) 254 @ 269. The Court held further that the wisdom inherent in the cited decisions is to the effect that a court is devoid of jurisdictional competence to grant declaratory reliefs either in default of defence, or on sheer admission devoid of credible evidence.

The Supreme Court held that the Court of Appeal was wrong to have restored the default judgement, without taking into account the fact that the reliefs sought by the Plaintiffs in the suit were declaratory in nature, and ought not to have been granted at all without recourse to evidence.

ALHAJI MUBASHIR SUBAIR & 2 ORS

RESPONDENTS

“A COURT IS DEVOID OF JURISDICTIONAL COMPETENCE TO GRANT DECLARATORY RELIEFS

EITHER IN DEFAULT OF DEFENCE OR ON SHEER ADMISSION DEVOID OF CREDIBLE EVIDENCE.”

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, JSC)

was that the Court of Appeal erred when it neglected their Respondents’ Notice before it, and failed to consider the fundamental issues of jurisdiction which they raised therein. They argued that the proceedings conducted before the trial court was a nullity because they were conducted without jurisdiction.

On the 2nd issue, the Appellants argued that the Court of Appeal ought not to have restored the default judgement of the trial court earlier set aside, in light of the fact that some of the Defendants had entered appearance before the trial court

and there was a pending application for joinder by another party interested in the suit, when the trial court proceeded to determine the Respondents’ application for default judgement. They argued that the claims of the Respondents were basically declaratory in nature, and evidence ought to have been led before any declaration was made or judgement was entered for the Respondents.

The Appellants’ argument on the 3rd issue was that the writ of summons and statement of claim filed before the trial court were incompetent, because the processes were issued and signed by Oluremi Jacob & Co. which is not a legal practitioner within the definition of the Legal Practitioners Act.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

In resolving the 1st issue, the Court relied on its decision in OKONJI v NJOKAMMA (1991) 7 NWLR (PT. 202) 131, in which it held that it is the duty of a court, whether of first instance or appellate, to consider all the issues that have been joined by parties and raised before it for determination. The Court reasoned that it would amount to sheer abdication of duty for a court to fail or decline to determine a case or issue

As regards the 3rd issue bordering on the competence or otherwise of the Respondents’ originating processes issued and signed in the name of C. Oluremi Jacob & Co - a law firm, the Apex Court held that for any court process to be properly and validly issued for adjudication purpose before a court of law or tribunal in Nigeria, it must have been signed by a legal practitioner known to law and duly entitled to practice under the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act 1990. The Court held that there is no doubt that the name “C. Oluremi Jacobs & Co”, as depicted on the originating processes can only be attributed to the law firm so ascribed, and the name cannot be attributed to any name known in law as a legal practitioner. The Respondents’ originating processes (the writ of summons and statement of claim), signed in the name of the law firm “C. Oluremi Jacobs & Co” was thus, grossly incompetent and incapable of activating the jurisdiction of the trial court. It follows therefore that, the suit at the trial court having been improperly constituted, no appeal based on it can stand, and as such, the judgement of the Court of Appeal is null, void and of no effect whatsoever. The Court referred to MADUKOLU v NKEMDILIM (1962) 1 ANCR 587; UAC v MACFOY (1961) 3 ANLR 1169 and F.B.N. v MAIWADA (2013) 5 NWLR (PT. 1348) 444 at 487 - 488.

Appeal Allowed.

Representation

S. O. Ajayi Esq. with T. K. Oyedeji (Miss) for the Appellants.

Olumide F. Akinbinu Esq. for the Respondents.

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

“…..a Plaintiff seeking a declaratory relief is under a duty to succeed on the strength of his claim, and not merely on the weakness of the defence…..a court is devoid of jurisdictional competence to grant declaratory reliefs either in default of defence, or on sheer admission devoid of credible evidence”

Honourable Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, JSC

NBA Ikeja Unveils Law Week 2023 Programme

Stories by Steve Aya

The Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, has unveiled the highly anticipated Law Week 2023 programme, scheduled to take place from 9th to16th of June, 2023. This event aims at fostering engagement and dialogue among legal profes-

sionals, while addressing key issues in the legal field. The theme of the NBA Ikeja Law Week is: ‘The Nigerian Lawyer: Earning Wealth and Keeping Fit in Challenging Times’.

Friday, June 9th, 2023: The Law Week will commence

with the Grand Opening Ceremony and Press Conference at the Bar Centre. A thought-provoking session with Young Lawyers will delve into the topic of “The Nigerian Young Lawyers: Prospect and Challenges” . A Jumat Prayer session will be held.

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023: The Morning Session will focus on empowering “Female Lawyers in Legal Practice: Overcoming the Limits of Gender Bias and Stereotype”. The venue for this enlightening discussion will be the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja. In the Afternoon Session,

the critical topic of “Mental and Physical Health of Lawyers” will be explored at the Bar Centre, highlighting the well-being of legal practitioners.

Wednesday, June 14th, 2023: Legal Clinic, held in collaboration with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response

Deborah Samuel: HURIWA Drags Gov Tambuwal to ICC

Leading Civil Rights Advocacy group - Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has made good its threat to institute a Petition for

the arrest and prosecution for crimes against humanity of the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, over his wilful refusal to arrest and prosecute kill-

Court Threatens to Declare Fani-Kayode Wanted

The former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, risks been declared ‘wanted’ if he continues to excuse himself and refusal to appear for his trial, according to Justice Olubumni Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, The trial Judge equally frowned at the Prosecutor, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, accusing them of non-diligent prosecution, noting that they can withdraw the matter if the Commission is not ready to prosecute.

Fani-Kayode is standing trial on a 12-count charge bordering on the use of false documents, use of fabricated evidence, procuring the execution of documents by false pretence, and fabricating evidence.

The Defendant was alleged to have forged medical report(s), which he tendered before Justice Daniel Osiagor of a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he is being prosecuted by the EFCC for an alleged N4.9 billion fraud.

He was arraigned sometime early last year. After his arraignment and commencement of trial, he has refused to appear for trial for about three adjournments, a development which the Judge frowned at.

#upjudicialsalaries

At the last adjourned date, his counsel, Mr Wale Balogun, had informed the court of the absence of the Defendant due to health reasons and issues he had with the Department of State Services, DSS. Mr Balogun had pleaded with the court to grant him an adjournment, with a promise to make him available at next proceedings. However, when the matter was called, Mr Chinozo Eze who represents him, told the court that Fani-Kayode was not in court due to health issues. He informed the court that a medical report and a letter seeking the leave of the court to vacate the two dates, is already in the court file.

EFCC Counsel, Zinat Atiku, confirmed the development and said the prosecution's hands are tied, as to how to forge ahead.

However, the Judge frowned at the constant non-appearance of the Defendant, noting that the last time he was in court was November 4, 2022. The Judge cited a series of excuses that have been tendered by the Defendant for his nonappearance.

Justice Olubumni AbikeFadipe adjourned the case to November 7, 2023, for the continuation of trial.

ers of the young Christian female student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, Miss Deborah Samuel.

In the Petition already mailed and dispatched by Courier to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, HURIWA through its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko affirmed that: “Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, hereby makes this petition to the International Criminal Court ICC, under Article 15 of the Rome Statute, already ratified by Nigeria”.

The Petition requests that Mr Aminu Tambuwal, the Governor of Sokoto State at the time of the murder of Miss Deborah Samuel, a female Christian student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, by Muslim fanatics in May 2022, for

blasphemy against Holy prophet Mohammed (PBUH), be arrested and prosecuted.

This Petition is hinged on the following facts:

1) The right to life of every citizen of Nigeria is guaranteed under Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, except as provided therein.

2) The prohibition of blasphemy in Section 204 of the Criminal Code cannot pass the test of constitutional validity, in view of the guarantees of Freedom of Religion and Free Speech, under Sections 38 and 39 of the Constitution, respectively.

3) Although the responsibility of criminal prosecution is that of the Nigeria Police headed by a Commissioner of Police in each State of the Federation of Nigeria, each State Governor as Chief Security Officer of his State has operational control of

the Police in his or her State, through the aforementioned State Police Commissioners.

4) Each State in Nigeria including Sokoto State, has a Ministry of Justice, headed by an Attorney-General, with full prosecutorial powers, in respect of crimes committed in his State, including murder.

5) Therefore, the ultimate responsibility of arresting and prosecuting the fanatics that murdered Miss Deborah Samuel, is that of the Governor of Sokoto at the time, Mr Aminu Tambuwal.

6) The danger of Mr Tambuwal’s lackadaisical handling of this very serious moral and criminal dilemma posed by the killing of Miss Deborah Samuel, is that it will encourage other miscreants to embark on this sort of crime, with impunity

In view of the foregoing, HURIWA urged the ICC to arrest and prosecute Mr Tambuwal, expeditiously.

Agency, will offer legal assistance and guidance at strategic locations in Ikeja, including Ikeja Under Bridge, Ogba, and Ojota.

6 pm: The Variety Night, organised by the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja, will entertain attendees at the Bar Centre with captivating performances.

Thursday, June 15th, 2023: The Morning Session will commemorate the Alao Aka Bashorun Memorial Lecture at the Bar Centre. Esteemed Speakers, Prof Chidi Odinkalu and Oumide Fusika, SAN, will deliver insightful talks on a topic yet to be announced.

The Afternoon Session will delve into the importance of “Proper Billing, Growing Clientele, and Financial Planning for Lawyers” at the Bar Centre, providing practical advice and strategies.

Friday, June 16th, 2023: The Law Week will culminate in a delightful dinner at THE CITADEL, located at 30, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. The NBA Ikeja Law Week 2023 promises an enriching experience for all legal professionals, offering knowledge-sharing, networking opportunities, and a chance to explore critical aspects of the legal landscape. Legal practitioners and interested individuals are encouraged to mark their calendars, and participate in this remarkable event.

Former Rotary World President, Chief J.B. Majiyagbe, SAN, Passes On

A former World President of Rotary International and Elder Statesman, Chief J.B. Majiyagbe, SAN has passed on.

A statement by Mr Wahab Shittu, SAN said: “In Kano State where he held sway, and indeed, in the entirety of the Northern States of Nigeria, the dominant name on every lip was "Majiyagbe". He was every Lawyer’s delightdecent carriage, eloquent, organised, urbane, friendly, accessible, elegant, classy,

stylish and quintessential. He ran perhaps, the best organised Law Chambers in the entire Northern States. On No. 1 Club Road, there was no mistaken the towering Chambers, and close to the edifice is his residence, also built to excellent taste. He would simply stroll into his Chambers from his residence with such air of simplicity, magnificence and uncommon style”.

A visitor or client to the Chambers would not fail to

notice the small inscription at the entrance. It reads:

"THANKS is such a little word. Not bigger than a minute, but there is a world of meaning and appreciation in it".

This reflected the worldview of the departed extraordinary Lawyer, as a man of gratitude and appreciation. He treated all with uncommon courtesies.

Indeed, he mentored a number of prominent Lawyers, some of whom are

renowned Senior Advocates of Nigeria today.

He was a man of style and panache. Late JB Majiyagbe spoke almost all languages in Nigeria, and was as fluent in Hausa as in the Yoruba language.

The Elder Statesman courted the local and the international community, widely travelled with extensive networks. He was an international figure. He left behind worthy legacies, including his only son, John Majiyagbe, SAN.

"The Committee notes the need to review the existing package of benefits and allowances currently available to judicial officers, in recognition of the peculiar demands of the judicial office. The current official allowances are inadequate, in view of the status and work schedule of a judicial office.” - NBA Working Committee on Judicial Remuneration and Conditions of Service

Femi Fani-Kayode

NBA Ikeja Branch Chairman, Seyi Olawunmi

Deborah Samuel J.B. Majiyagbe, SAN

Overview

Tihe office of Attorney-:General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has long been regarded as one of the great and grand offices of State. Some of our finest legal minds such as Taslim Elias, (a former Chief Justice of the Federation), Richard Akinjide, SAN, Kehinde Sofola, SAN, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, Michael Agbamuche, SAN and Dr Olu Onaguruwa, SAN but to mention a few, are just some of the former distinguished occupants to have graced this office. One noticeable weakness we have as nation, is that we rarely implement or embark upon structural change, and this has undoubtedly held us back from being truly regarded as the giant of Africa. It has equally hampered our ability to project ourselves as the political and economic powerhouse, that our abundant human talent and economic resources ought to clearly portray.

Take for instance the 1999 Constitution, which was hurriedly drafted and imposed upon us by the Military just before the beginning of the Fourth Republic. Apart from the fact that we never ratified the Constitution in a referendum, neither has it been wholly revised or redrafted other than for a number of constitutional amendments over the years, many of which were simply imposed upon us by the National Assembly without proper scrutiny or due consultation. The Ministry of Justice which, from my understanding, ought to be the appropriate Ministry that ordinarily safeguards our interests by reviewing these constitutional amendments and assessing their legality or otherwise, never appears to be particularly bothered. One reason for this apparent lethargy in approach, in my view, stems from the fact that the constitutional and ministerial position of AGF and Minister of Justice is itself in dire need of reform. Although this ministerial office has been in each of our previous Constitutions since independence without change, now is the time for this great office of State to be modernised and remodelled, so that it is not only becomes fit for this age, but also reduces the potential conflicts between governmental duties and political party interests. The full extent of the responsibilities directly under the office of AGF and Minister of Justice is extremely vast and varied. In truth these duties have become unsustainable for one holder, in this modern day and age. There is therefore, an urgent need for us as a nation to move with the times and implement much needed structural changes to both the office of AGF and the Minister of Justice which the AGF heads as the Chief law Officer of the Federation.

Arguments for Splitting the Office of Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice

Although the same old argument of the need to split the office of AGF and Minister of Justice continues to persist, this is only because of a misconceived perception that the office and appellation of AGF and Minister of Justice is actually embedded within the Constitution.

Section 150 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides as follows:

“There shall be an Attorney-General of the Federation who shall be the Chief Law Officer of the Federation and a Minister of the Government of the Federation”.

Contrary to perceptions, there is nothing in this section of the Constitution to suggest that the AGF must double up as the Minister of Justice. It would be sufficient to have the AGF as a Minister of the Government, and at the same time, appoint a Minister of State within the Ministry of Justice. The Minister of State could be given the title or appellation of Minister of Constitutional Matters and Legal Affairs, thereby overseeing and ensuring strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Now that the dawn of a new cabinet is upon us following the inauguration of President Bola

Why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Should Appoint a Minister of Constitutional Matters and Legal Affairs

Ahmed Tinubu yesterday, it would be highly desirable if the President could break with tradition and create this junior ministerial portfolio of Minister of Constitutional Matters and Legal Affairs. We know the President can create, merge or change the name of whatever Ministry he chooses. The portfolio of AGF and Minister of Justice is mere nomenclature.

If the President was to establish and create the portfolio of Minister of Constitutional Matters and Legal Affairs, this would go a long way in addressing those issues in the first place precipitating the need to split the ministerial office of AGF and Minister of Justice. It is interesting to note that the position at State Government level under the Constitution, is slightly different. Section 195

(1) of the 1999 Constitution ( as amended) provides as follows:

“There shall be an Attorney- General for each State who shall be the Chief Law Officer of the State and Commissioner for Justice of the Government of that State” .

The provisions for a State Attorney-General under Section 195 of the Constitution above, differs in wording from Section I50 of the Constitution relating to the office of the AGF, in that unlike the AGF, a State Attorney-General must double up as the Commissioner for Justice. This, in practical terms, means that a State Governor can only appoint a Special Adviser to the Government on Constitutional Matters and Legal Affairs.

Considering however, that Special Advisers at State level can also be of cabinet rank, there would be little or no difference with the Federal position if a Governor also decides to appoint a Special Adviser for Constitutional Matters and Legal Affairs.

What’s the Advantage in Having a Minister of State for Constitutional Matters and Legal Affairs?

Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, there have been several unchecked infractions to the Constitution at both State

and Federal levels. Most of the time, we are even oblivious to these infractions because no one points them out. This has made constitutional law and practice not only cumbersome, but stale and static. The system of checks and balances essential in any democracy, does not appear to be working optimally here in Nigeria. The National Assembly (NASS) and the Presidency, have initiated and passed several Bills into law that were never properly scrutinised by the Executive or vice versa by the Legislature, although in fairness, NASS do a lot more scrutiny than the Executive ever bother to do. The problem with NASS however, is that sometimes self-interest gets in the way and is often, even the main reason for initiating a Bill in the first place. If the Presidency does not pay sufficient attention to the details of these Bills that are presented, they will simply become law. It is for these reasons that we could do with a Minister of Constitutional Matters and Legal Affairs, whose responsibility it would be to ensure compliance with the Constitution.

Examples

For instance, should an Inspector General of Police be appointed for the Federation without ensuring compliance with Sections 215(a) and 216(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 7(2) of the Police Act 2020, requiring the occupant of such office to have four years in service?

Should the Federal Government have passed the Covid-19;Regulations under the Quarantine Act, without sufficiently modifying the Quarantine Act under Section 315 of the Constitution?

Was it proper for the Presidency and the Central Bank to have announced the Naira redesign policy, without due consultation with the National Economic Council, since as pointed out by the Supreme Court, this was necessary since it had an impact on the various States of the Federation?

Could NASS extend the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to hear cases between itself and the Federal Government at first instance, by adding the word “exclusive” to an Act it passed, even though the Constitution does not provide for the use of this word under Section 232(2) of the Constitution?

Should the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) have sought further clarification on the true meaning of Section 134 (2) of the Constitution, with regard to whether Abuja was of special status and significance in a Presidential election?

If we had a Minister of Constitutional Matters and Legal Affairs, many of these constitutional issues raised above would be

directly under his purview and get appropriately addressed.

There are several other examples of constitutional infractions too numerous to mention, but, what is now clear is that the country could do with a Minister of Constitutional Matters and Legal Affairs to oversee strict compliance with the Constitution. The interpretation of the Constitution should not be speculative. It needs to be clear, concise and unambiguous. There should always be a Minister on hand to advise the Government on specific constitutional issues, as opposed to the AGF whose vast responsibilities means he may be preoccupied with other matters, and, as such, having to delegate these issues of concern to an official in his Ministry. It would be far better if a junior Minister of Cabinet rank takes full responsibility for research on constitutional matters, and then advise the cabinet accordingly.

Conclusion

The responsibilities and duties of the Minister of Constitutional Matters and Legal Affairs should ordinarily include, but by no means be limited to the following:

a) The need to coordinate and facilitate constitutional Implementation;

b) Conduct continuous civic education on the Constitution in order to enhance constitutional awareness in Nigeria;

c) Policy directions on the review, revision, redraft, implementation and amendment of the Constitution wherever or whenever necessary;

d) Review of electoral and political processes such as legislation for free and fair elections, including but not limited to our Political Parties and other issues under the Electoral Act 2022;

e) Provide legal opinions and analysis for the government on the Constitution.

While the AGF on the other hand, will continue to:

a) Advise Government Ministries, Departments, Agencies, National Commissions and National Corporations on legislative and other legal matters;

b) Advise Government on all matters relating to the Constitution, international law, human rights, consumer protection and legal aid;

c) Coordinate reporting obligations to international human rights treaty bodies to which Nigeria is a member, or on any matter which member States are required to report in consultation with the Nigerian Bar Association and,

d) Advise the Government on regulations to the legal profession and essential changes to the Judiciary.

Whatever the case, despite this proposed demarcation in duties and responsibilities, the AGF as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation will always have the final say over his junior ministerial colleague, in the event of a conflict of opinion.

“It would be sufficient to have the AGF as a Minister of the Government, and at the same time, appoint a Minister of State within the Ministry of Justice. The Minister of State could be given the title or appellation of Minister of Constitutional Matters and Legal Affairs, thereby overseeing and ensuring strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution”

Encomia as Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, JCA Bows Out at 70

Her looks, graceful carriage and agility, belie the fact that she is 70 years old. Honourable Justice Oludotun Adebola Adefope-Okojie, JCA retired from the Bench on May 17, 2023, amidst a colourful Valedictory Court Session which was held in her honour on May 16 at the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal. Her Lordship who has been described as“a sterling example of a jurist in the finest traditions of the Bench”, is known for her brilliance, diligence, forthrightness and being courteous. Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi who attended the ceremony, report

Hter 27 years on the Bench were marked with hard work, sagacity and unquestionable judicial pronouncements, from the Lagos State High Court to the Court of Appeal. She further capped this with an authoritative, well received book ‘Civil Litigation: A Quick Reference Guide to Substantive Law and Procedures’ Now in its 2nd Edition, the insightful book is an eloquent testimony to her industry and energy as a judicial officer.

At her valedictory court session, she said in her speech ‘A country seeking foreign investment must get its court system functional, accelerated and receptive to the needs of the people, local and international’.

Adefope-Okojie also pointed out that the state of justice delivery in Nigeria has so degenerated, that an urgent solution is desperately needed.

Her Lordship said it is unacceptable that a case averagely takes more than five years to conclude at trial, more than three years at the Court of Appeal, and an average of about 12 years at the Supreme Court.

Addressing a full courtroom of Justices, Judges, Lawyers family members and well wishers, Justice Adefope-Okojie observed that no country or business wants to invest in a country where judicial disputes take forever to conclude.

Nigerian Government Displaying ‘Executive

Lawlessness’ in Nnamdi Kanu’s Case

Hon. Justice Adefope-Okojie had said the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was discharged from the treasonable felony charges preferred against him by the Nigerian Government, because no authority must be allowed to go against its own domestic laws and international laws.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division had in October 2022 discharged Nnamdi Kanu from the treasonable felony charges preferred against him by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Government. Justice Adefope-Okojie who was one of the three-member Panel of Justices of the Appeal Court that discharged Kanu, pointed out that no country or business wanted to invest in a country where judicial disputes took forever to conclude.

She affirmed that the courts must never shy away from calling the Executive to order, when they resort to acts of executive lawlessness.

She said; “The Judiciary is the last hope of this country, and must not allow itself to be influenced by any consideration other than to do justice in all matters. It must live up to its duty to protect the people, and to deliver justice to the deserving. In doing this, it must be insulated from politics, and must, where necessary, be bold enough to call the executive to order.

“I restate an injunction I expressed in the judgement in the case of Nnamdi Kanu v Federal Republic of Nigeria in Appeal No CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022 delivered

on 13th October 2022, in which I was privileged to write the leading judgement that:

“The courts must never shy away from calling the Executive to order, when they resort to acts of “executive lawlessness. The duty of the courts is to maintain a balance between ensuring that law and order is obeyed, and the protection of the individual from oppressive actions by the executive.

“I stand by this position. No authority must be allowed to go against its own domestic laws and international laws, to perpetrate any act against its citizens.”

In her valedictory speech, Justice Oludotun Adebola Adefope-Okojie spoke about her passion, which has always been to right injustice, and correct as much as possible the ills of society, as well as protect the individual against oppression.

She made some viable suggestions on how to make the Judiciary vibrant, and to remain the last hope of the common man:

1. As most international companies, including domestic ones, have arbitration clauses in their contracts, to avoid the legal system and determine disputes expeditiously, the courts must encourage arbitration, rather than consider it a challenge to their authority.

2. All courts, including Magistrate Courts must be fully automated, with functional Court Recording Machines, to allow for speedy justice delivery.

3. Trial Court Judges who have less than two years to retire, must not be assigned new cases. They should finish all the cases on their docket, rather than leave cases part- heard, to be commenced de novo.

4. Any case that is not concluded before the retirement, death or elevation of the Trial Judge must not be made to start de novo, except if the witness did not conclude evidence and cross-examined.

5. As a matter of urgency, cases that go to the Appellate Courts must be severely curtailed. Almost every case goes to the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court.

According to her, “It is not acceptable that election matters which constitute only about 10% of the total cases filed, should consume almost the entire time and energy of the Judiciary, leaving other cases stultified because of the inordinate pre-occupation with election cases, to the detriment of other matters in the courts which are of more importance”.

Speaking during the Valedictory Court Session, the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem described the celebrant as a hardworking, fair minded and courteous jurist, with outstanding contributions to the legal system.

Dongban-Mensem, who spoke through the Presiding Justice, Lagos Division, Hon. Justice Bada, on behalf of her learned Brothers wished Hon. Justice Adefope-Okojie the very best in the next phase of life, for, according to her, "every finish line is the beginning of a new race".

There were goodwill messages from the Governor of Ogun State (who was present at the event), Nigerian Bar Association Lagos Branch, Attorney-General of Ogun State and the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

According to the Chairman, NBA Lagos, Ikechukwu Uwanna, Hon. Justice Adefope-Okojie has always been a star in the legal community, focused on diligence while creating a room that accommodated young aspiring Advocates with strict adherence to the rule of law.

Speaking in the same vein, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR, who thanked the celebrant for being a good ambassador of the Gateway State, however, noted that regardless of her busy schedule, she found time to leave good legacies in the sands of time.

In his message, the Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, observed that "endings are inevitable, but our legacies are not. It is the effort, quality, diligence, and integrity that we demonstrate, that will determine our legacies. I am pleased to say that Hon. Justice Oludotun Adebola Adefope-Okojie has a positive, impactful, and honourable legacy".

In his view, Judicial officers have too much to give the profession, even in retirement, adding that the current Constitution of the profession shuts out retired jurists from contributing to legal practice, suggesting that jurists should be permitted to re-enter practice to improve the quality of practice. So that former judicial officers would be able to assist other counsel, to present cases the way that the Bench expects and appreciates.

What Some Lawyers Had to Say

Former A-G Ogun State, Wemimo Ogunde. SAN ‘I was privileged to appear before Hon, Justice Adefope-Okojie in at least five civil cases when she was a High Court Judge, one of which was assigned to her when she was only about a year old on the Bench. Even in her judicial 'infancy', she was punctual, courteous, diligent, and mature. Her court was arranged in such a way that both senior and junior Lawyers had their day. And, of course, not even a rumour of any wrongdoing.’

George M. Oguntade, SAN ‘My Lord is without doubt, one of the finest Judges that this country has produced. As a High Court Judge in Lagos State, I had the pleasure of appearing regularly before her between 1996 - 2014. She was the epitome of the ideal Judge. Forthright, candid, courteous, diligent, pragmatic and above all, very knowledgeable in the law. Serious litigation Lawyers were happy to appear before her, knowing that not only would their cases be heard expeditiously, but also that justice would be done. She abhorred technical justice, in its ramifications. She was my favourite Judge back then, and I told her so whenever the opportunity arose. On the Appellate Bench, from one Division to another, the brilliance continued, as she shone like the star that she is. Her October 2022 Lead Judgement pronouncing on the illegality of the extradition Nnamdi

Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria and dismissing the terrorism charges against him, was a demonstration of courage and a prodigious knowledge of the law. Her retirement, despite still being in great physical and mental condition, is a clear and eloquent testament for the urgent need to revisit the constitutional provision on the retirement age for Appellate Judges. Her retirement is indubitably a big loss to the Judiciary, and to Nigeria as a whole.

I wish My Lord a happy and well deserved retirement, and hope that she will be called upon by the Federal Government to serve in other capacities where her experience and knowledge can be usefully deployed. I wish my Lord a happy and pleasant retirement in good health. She has earned it.’

Dr Muiz Banire, SAN

‘My Lord, the Honourable Justice Oludotun Adebola Adefope-Okojie, Justice of the Court of Appeal, has completed the cycle of a judicial officer and it is time to retire. What celebration can be greater for an impeccable officer of the Bench who rose from Pupil State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, Jos, Plateau State to the High Court Bench of Lagos State up to the Court of Appeal, and retiring without a blemish.

My Lord The Honourable Justice Oludotun Adebola Adefope-Okojie, Justice of the Court of Appeal, has completed the cycle of a judicial officer and it is time to retire. What celebration can be greater for an impeccable officer of the Bench who rose from Pupil State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, Jos, Plateau State to the High Court Bench of Lagos State retiring without a blemish. My encounter with His Lordship is one blessed with good memories, either in the courtroom or on the pages of law reports. The account of this sparkling judicial officer is complete with a greater service to humanity at the appellate bench, where His Lordship was able to make fundamental contributions to the development of the Nigerian jurisprudence and righting the wrongs of man to man. His Lordship's decisions, as reported, are classical examples of justice based on merit and substance, and not mere obeisance to knotty technicalities. Doing justice according to law pervades the pronouncements of Justice Adefope-Okojie, for which many legal practitioners refer to her as a doyen of the Bench. Guidance received by many a counsel in the appropriate manner of conducting legal proceedings, was aimed at ensuring justice being done and not sacrificed to the sloppy errors of counsel. A disciplinarian, despite being motherly, His Lordship has made an indelible footprint for which we all remain eternally grateful. May His Lordship's type, increase on the Nigerian Bench.’

Mrs Boma Alabi, SAN ‘Hon. Justice Adefope-Okojie, is a sterling example of a jurist in the finest traditions of the Bench. Erudite, cerebral, versed in law and procedure. We will certainly miss her Ladyship.

Her Ladyship took a surgical knife, to accurately and concisely dissect the judicial system and the reasons for the perennial delays. I sincerely hope that the solutions proffered will be swiftly adopted for the benefit of the Country, and the poor litigants caught up in this broken system.’

NBA Lagos Chairman, I.K. Nwana ‘The Bench is losing a brilliant, honest, and forthright Judge. My Lord’s Judgements and Publications are a testament to the courage and industry a judicial officer should be known for, and we celebrate her indelible footprints in the sands of our legal jurisprudence.

“….. she was punctual, courteous, diligent, and mature….My Lord is without doubt, one of the finest Judges that this country has produced…Forthright, candid….pragmatic and above all, very knowledgeable in the law… an impeccable officer of the Bench….retiring without a blemish”

Hon. Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, JCA (Rtd)

Past Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Roseline Ukeje (Rtd), OFR

L-R: Folusho Leigh; Evulukwu Igbeaku and Opemipo Owotumi

Governor of Ogun State, HE Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR (left); Mrs Funke Adekoya, SAN; Dr Tunde Ajibade SAN; Chukwuka Ikwazom, SAN and Kunle Ogunba, SAN (behind)

Dr Charles Mekwunye, SAN and Lotanna Okoli, SAN

Mrs Nneka Idam (left) and older brother of the Celebrant, Mr Olufemi Adefope

Family Members of the Celebrant L-R: Brothers, Mr Niyi Adefope, Mr Seyi Adefope; Cousin, Olori Ladun Sijuwade; Sister, Mrs Toyin Adefope Adeyeye and her husband, Mr Bayo Adeyeye

L-R: Hon. Justice Obande F. Ogbuinya, JCA Lagos Division; Presiding Justice Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, Hon. Justice Jimi Bada, JCA; Hon. Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, JCA; Hon. Justice Onyekachi Otisi, JCA; and Hon. Justice Samuel A. Bola, JCA Owerri Division

L-R: Hon. Justice Adenike Coker; Hon. Justice Olabisi Akinlade and Hon. Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile (Rtd)

Hon. Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, JCA (Rtd)

L-R: Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili, JSC (Rtd); Hon. Justice Akinbami, JCA; Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC (Rtd) and Hon. Justice Oho, JCA

L-R: Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN; Dr Muiz Banire, SAN and Mrs Boma Alabi, OON, SAN

L-R: Hon. Justice Onyekachi Otisi, JCA; Hon. Justice Adefope-Okojie, JCA; and Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, Hon. Justice Jimi Bada, JCA Editor of This Day Lawyer, Onikepo Braithwaite

Hon. Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, JCA (Rtd)

Mr Oba Otudeko, CFR; Hon. Justice Adenike Coker and Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC (Rtd)

L-R: Celebrant’s Children and Grandchildren: Mr Dubeayi Olufemi Okorie; Mrs Nneka Olufunmilayo Idam; Demi Dawodu; Dara Dawodu; Mrs Damilola Dawodu and Mr Demola Dawodu

F. Ogbuinya,

Folu Oguntade, SAN; behind him, Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch, Ikechukwu Uwanna; R:L: Hon. Justices Abimbola Obaseki-Adejumo, JCA; O. Daniel-Kalio, JCA; Yargata Nimpar, JCA; Bunmi Oyewole, JCA; Frederick Oho, JCA; Bode Rhodes-Vivour JSC (Rtd); Fatima Akinbami, JCA and Mary Peter-Odili, JSC (Rtd)

L-R: Hon. Justice Adefope-Okojie, JCA; Hon. Justice Wakili Jauro, JCA and Hon. Justice Bola, JCA

L-R: Mrs Yewande Ogunde; Hon. Justice Adefope-Okojie, JCA and Ms Olusola Odu

L-R: Attorney-General of Ogun State, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN; Hon. Justice Oludotun AdefopeOkojie, JCA; HE Prince Dapo Abiodun; and Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba

Hon. Justice Adewale Abiru, JCA (left) and Hon. Justice Adefope-Okojie, JCA (Rtd)

L-R:

L-R:

L-R: Hon. Justice Obande

JCA; Hon. Justice Jimi Bada, JCA; Hon. Justice Oludotun AdefopeOkojie, JCA; Hon. Justice Adewale Abiru, JCA; Hon. Justice Onyekachi Otisi, JCA; Hon. Justice Akinbami, JCA; and Hon. Justice Samuel Bola, JCA

L-R: Mrs Bola Adefope; Mrs Folake Nedd; Hon. Justice Adefope-Okojie, JCA; Olori Ladun Sijuwade; Mrs Ronke Eso and Mrs Toyin Adeyeye

L-R: Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba; Daughter of the Celebrant, Nneka Idam; Olori Ladun Sijuwade; Hon. Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, JCA; HE Prince Dapo Abiodun; Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN; and Mrs Dorothy Ufot, SAN at the end

Ethnic Nationalities and Emerging Challenges in Nigeria (Part 1)

Introduction

National unity is the most important factor that holds the country together. Nobody will fight for the strange people; nobody will care about the parted country, and no country will develop and work together without the idea of national unity. After a wide research, one can confidently say that, Nigeria has over 400 ethnic groups, which ordinarily should amplify its rich culture, but the reverse seems to be the case.

These groups are broken down between religious, language, and tribal lines. These divisions existed ever since, but were further broken down at independence into a multi-ethnic nation State.

With the divisions, the nation has been battling with the problem of ethnicity on the one hand, and the problem of ethno-religious conflicts on the other, as has been witnessed severally when ethnicity and religious intolerance have led to ethno-religious conflicts.

However, according to historians, it was these conflicts that gave birth to many ethnic groups like the O’dua People’s Congress (OPC), Bakassi Boys, Egbesu Boys, Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), Igbo People Congress (IPC), Arewa People’s Congress (APC), and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

Since independence, Nigeria has experienced an avalanche of ethno-religious conflicts that resulted in loss of lives and unquantifiable damage on properties. No doubt, the violent nature of ethno-religious conflicts, which often take the form of riots, sabotage, assassination, armed struggles, guerrilla warfare and attempts at secession in Nigeria, have implications on the political and economic development of the nation.

On Ethnic Conflict

According to reports, ethnic conflict is an issue that, particularly during the last decade or so, has crept to the forefront of international political debate. Stremlau stated that, (1999-03-26:1), “polarisation between ethnic groups and resulting conflict between them as they compete for resources, political and economic power and other goals, has spawned negative consequences of tremendous proportions, of which genocide, ethnic cleansing and civil war are but a few examples, have caused several losses of lives, livelihoods, displacements, as well as properties”.

An intriguing and/or pertinent question to ask here would be, what really is the cause of all these incessant tribulations that seem to gain momentum every decade from one generation to the next generation?

It can simply be put that, ethnic conflicts in Nigeria and Africa in general, arise as result of scarcity of political resources, multi-culturalism, religion, militarisation of ethnicity among others. These conflicts cannot be ignored, as they are most times often initiated by people who benefit from control of State resources and power which are the bases of their patronage networks; thus, they seek to instigate violent ethnic conflict.

They often get away with this because of the high rate of unemployment, illiteracy, marginalisation and an unequal distribution of the national wealth in the areas dominated by their ethnic groups.

However, the most painful and regretful consequences of such ethno-crises have been far reaching. The parties always at the most detrimental end, are the women and children. One can, simply put again, that the consequences

of ethnic conflict on women, aged and children had the most damaging impact; thousands of women, the aged and children have been compelled to desert their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring villages, towns and countries due to the ethnic conflict, they are internally displaced persons (IDPs) in their own country.

Accordingly, the International Journal of Scientific Research in Multidisciplinary Studies further posited that “violence against women, the aged and children is devastating, which include emotional and physical injuries, rape as a traumatic injury, sexually transmitted diseases, maternal mortality, unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion and the use of child soldiers to fight in ethnic conflict.

Truth be told, ethnic conflicts have certainly affected the government and the people generally, and have resulted to political and economic instability, weakened patriotism, bred suspicion, lack of trust and true relationship among different ethnic groups in the country, and the only hope of a common man is to believe that a responsive and responsible government would restore confidence among the population, and promote a de-ethnicisation policy among the competing ethnic groups in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, the recent wave of ethnic-crises have become extremely alarming, as it has become a daily routine practically across all geopolitical zones and States. Instances where we can draw inference from includes, but is not limited to, the raging, and I dare to add,

(a) Unending wars between Farmers and Herdsmen, with the former bearing the brunt of the menace.

(b) Gunmen attacked the Police Headquarters in Imo State, set several vehicles ablaze, and executed a jailbreak at the Nigerian Correctional

Service (NCoS) Facility in the State capital, Owerri, where over 1,800 inmates escaped.

(c) In Anambra, they attacked the Police Zonal Headquarters at Ukpo and killed two Policemen, while setting a fire in the compound.

(d) In Ebonyi State, over 18 people were killed in an ethnic clash between locals and armed herdsmen. Same was also witnessed in Enugu State, which is not left out of the lot, being that they experienced almost the same incident like Ebonyi Sate.

(e) Again, another incident occurred at Shasha in Oyo State, an ethnic war followed the killing of a cobbler by a cart pusher that escalated to Ibarapa and some other parts of the State, leaving many people dead and properties destroyed.

(f) The very heart-aching incidents that occurred in Ogun State, where some AK47wielding herdsmen sacked remote agrarian villages in Yewa North and Imeko Afon Local Government Areas (LGAs), such that surviving locals were reported to have fled to neighbouring Benin Republic. And, the list continues.

So, the picture gets clearer with time. Africa’s largest oil and gas producer, Nigeria, has attracted negative international attention in recent years, mainly because petroleum operations in the Niger Delta have created conditions for the eruption of major ‘civil disturbances’ and other forms of social conflict that threaten the country’s corporate existence. A number of issues, foreground the conflict.

Firstly, since 1956, when a commercial oil well was struck in the small rural town of Oloibiri (in Bayelsa State) – but, particularly since 1958, when the country commenced crude oil export – Nigeria has grown steadily dependent on this resource for its export revenues. For instance, while oil accounted for 57% of total export revenues in 1970, this proportion rose to 96% (1980), 97% (1990), 76% (2000), and 92% (2004) (OPEC 2005).

Secondly, the Niger Delta is composed of minority ethnic nationalities (in a country demographically dominated by three largely non-oil-producing ethnic groups, namely Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo). Thirdly, the Niger Delta is one of Nigeria’s most underdeveloped regions. Lastly, the ‘lack of

development’ in the Niger Delta, belies the fact that the region’s petroleum wealth practically sustains the entire country.

Grassroots discontent in the Niger Delta has found expression not simply in protest marches, but in such acts as oil pipeline vandalism, abduction of oil company employees, and reprisals against community subgroups considered by local activists to be sympathetic to the Nigerian Government and transnational oil interests. Of late, armed confrontations with the national security forces have become prominent. All this has occurred amidst sustained environmental and civil rights activism spearheaded by local, national and international civil society groups, as well as the mass media. The Nigerian Government has estimated the monthly cost of the Niger Delta crisis to be about US$1 billion in lost Petro-revenues.

The growing body of literature on the Niger Delta crisis, does seem to underline one point: there is an ethnic undertone to the crisis. For one thing, the argument goes, community groups in the Niger Delta regard the non-oil-producing regions (those of the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo) as the principal beneficiaries of Federal petroleum exploitation and revenue sharing policies. The ethnic minorities of the Niger Delta are treated as objects (property) owned by the majority groups, to be dealt with according to their whims and caprices. Therefore, however, otherwise the Niger Delta crisis disguises itself, there is a feeling in the region about ethnic domination, and hence, the main target of grievances (and possible future insurrection) must be the non-oil-producing regions. What tends to give credence to this line of argument is that in ethnolinguistic terms, Nigeria is one of the world’s most diverse countries, with some 510 ‘living languages’ spoken across over 300 ethnic groups.

Let me pause for a moment and state here categorically that this incessant incident has almost become the order of the day, such that most person’s do not feel the shock anymore until it hits them one way or another. Unfortunately, across all the States in the South, bandits and terrorists now masquerade as herdsmen and have resorted to raping, killing and kidnapping natives with reckless abandon, without recourse to justice. Similarly, in most Northern States, these armed brigands have carried out mass kidnapping for ransom and cold blooded murder of school pupils, travellers and anyone. The one I still can’t seem to wrap my head around, is the fact that these bandits now go into worship places , that is, Churches and Mosques, they even trail their victims up to their residential homes and kidnap, assault, rape and even kill them. So, the list is truly endless, and sometimes when these culprits are arrested and there’s an enquiry to know the aim or the reason for their actions, some of them would respond and say that it’s an off-shoot of community misunderstandings, some would say that they just do it as a means to survive a very tough economy, while others say that they are acting based on instructions given to them from unknown sources.

Well, amongst all of these painful incidents and incessant ethnic clashes in the country and even the world at large, we must find a civil and very quick solution to these issues, because if care is not taken, we may wake up one day and find out that everyone around us has become a victim, or we may even be the victims. We need to equip more persons with a sound understanding of how to mitigate ethnic gaps within the security framework, processes, practices and spending. Ethnic champions have now arrogated to themselves, powers to issue quit notices. This is very unhealthy, dangerous and a big threat to national security. We must do something to rescue this country, and corridor it from those misery vendors and merchants of death. (To be continued).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“We live in a society that wants to label you with a colour, sexuality, religion, or ethnicity. It divides us, but, it also allows us to find pride in our identity.” (Logan Browning)

“We need to equip more persons with a sound understanding of how to mitigate ethnic gaps within the security framework, processes, practices and spending”

On The Brouhaha Over Nigeria Air

Alot has been written about the emerging Nigeria Air airline, and much of the chatter is not about Nigeria Air. It is a continuation of the 2023 election, and the determination of certain people to be prejudiced and biased, and give the worst possible interpretation to anything emanating from the former administration or the nascent one.

Ask them to reduce their misgivings about this airline, and they begin twiddling their thumbs. If this initiative came from their preferred presidential candidate, they would have praised it to high heavens. But as it did not, then they must denigrate, whether or not it is good for the nation.

Nigeria is not finished because we do not have a national airline. That type of thinking is upside down and intellectually lazy. What is America's national airline? None. They only have commercial airlines. Yet, they are the greatest economic and military power on Earth.

Airlines are often better left to the private sector. Chiefly because they are cumbersome to run. It can often be a loss-making business. Please research it. The airline industry lost $200 billion last year alone.

We pray that this Nigeria Air, introduced at the tail end of the Buhari administration, survives. And if there is any corruption or attempt to steal money, we will fight the government and expose them. But we should not just criticise and fight any government for the sake of fighting. Or use an innocent gesture to promote our hidden agenda to break away from Nigeria.

Virgin Atlantic was established in 1984 by Richard Branson with one aircraft. On Friday, 22 June 1984, the airline commenced operations with a flight from Gatwick Airport in the UK to Newark Airport, New Jersey, USA, using a leased Boeing 747-200 with the registration G-VIRG.

Thirty-nine years later, Virgin Atlantic is one of the most successful airlines in the world, with annual revenue of $3 billion and staff strength of over ten thousand.

So, what exactly is wrong with starting Nigeria Air with a leased plane?

Last month, Air Peace, the darling of the people now criticising Nigeria Air, wet-leased two B737s. Please do not take my word for it. Research it for yourself. If wet-leasing was such a bad thing, why did they not criticise Air Peace (an excellent airline, by the way)?

You see, their quarrel is not with wetleasing or Nigeria Air. For a lot of these individuals, their fight is with Nigeria. And that angst was further inflamed recently as they saw their hopes of stealthily seizing power at the centre evaporate

We should not let people with a hidden agenda gaslight us into fighting our own country and think we are fighting bad politicians.

Emirate Airlines, which many Nigerians love to fly, started off in 1985 with two airlines provided to them by Pakistan International Airlines. Today, they are thriving. If there is something to criticise, please sòrò sóké. But do not just criticise because your party is not in government.

Ruga was a bad idea. Arresting Nnamdi Kanu was a wrong move. The Northernisation of our National Security Council was a horrible thing to do. And we criticised all of those. But Nigeria Air is a good idea. Even starting it with a wet-leased aircraft is an even better idea than starting it with a new one. If the government does badly, let us cane them with koboko. But if they perform well, we should be objective and praise them with the same ferocity.

It is the usual aviation practice for fledgling airlines to commence operations with a leased aircraft. Even corporations like banks, telecommunications companies, breweries, and power firms tend to lease vehicles rather than buy them. It is no biggie.

And sadly, too many opposition politicians know this but are too afraid of bucking

the trend and telling the truth because they are afraid that the headless mob will accuse them of wanting to join the ruling All Progressives Congress, and they are not mentally strong enough to resist the cyberbullying.

Be assured that these criticisms against Nigeria Air are not altruistic. They are organised by people who hate Nigeria. One example is Oby Ezekwesili, who has turned herself into a vuvuzela for the Indigenous People of Biafra, her name may as well be IPOby.

On Wednesday, March 28, 2018, she tweeted as follows:

I actually believed that at some point, the FG would have “advised itself” & known that the so-called “National Carrier project” IS A WASTE.

Sadly, not so as they are determined on what is CLEARLY A WRONG PRIORITY. It SHALL FAIL. For the sake of the country, it MUST FAIL.

So, how would you expect someone with a vested interest in the failure of Nigeria Air to be objective?

This is the same Oby that danced naked in the streets when Deborah Samuel was burnt to death, but has remained silent till today after a pregnant Northerner from Adamawa, Harira Jubril, was killed by unknown gunmen in broad daylight, with her four underaged daughters, Fatima, 9; Khadijah, 7; Hadiza, 5; and Zaituna, 2. Harira and her children were killed in Anambra on May 22, 2022. Oby Ezekwesili has NEVER condemned or even acknowledged the killings. Deborah Samuel was killed on May 12, 2022. Oby Ezekwesili condemned it the same day.

She has also not condemned the killing of US embassy personnel by Unknown Gunmen in her state and close to her local government on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

On Thursday, March 9, 2023, Oby Ezekwesili tweeted as follows:

"The ethnic baiting currently going on in Lagos is terribly unfortunate."

However, on an evidentiary basis, there is more video and documented evidence of people of Igbo origin being physically beaten and otherwise harassed by their own kith and kin for daring to vote for either the Peoples Democratic Party or the All Progressives Congress during the February 25, 2023, Presidential and National Assembly elections. Yet, Oby Ezekwesili

has not tweeted or squeaked about that until today.

And these are the types of Nigerian by day, IPOB by night characters you are allowing to influence your views on Nigeria Air?

If Emirati citizens were like Nigerians, such as IPOby, Emirates would have never taken off. They would have criticised it so severely that foreigners would start thinking, 'If their own people are insulting it so badly, why should I fly it?'

Let me again say there is NOTHING wrong with starting an airline with a wet lease. That is how Virgin Atlantic started. That is how Air Arabia began. And as established as they are, FinnAir is still wet-leasing aircraft from British Airways. Give Nigeria Air a chance. Fight the All Progressives Congress. Fight Bola Tinubu. But don't fight what can benefit Nigeria.

On this Nigeria Air issue, people like Oby Ezekwesili have a hidden agenda. They cannot come out and declare open support for IPOB. So by their actions. They declare indirect, covert support by undermining any positive thing the Nigerian state does. IPOby has denounced Nigeria Air and tweeted that "IT MUST FAIL". What about the Second Niger Bridge that the Nigerian Government built to benefit the Southeast. Why has she not praised or even acknowledged it? Or 'IT MUST FAIL' too?

This woman had never one day said IPOB or unknown gunmen MUST FAIL. But it is Nigeria Air that must fail. Maybe the Federal Government should change the name to IPOB Air before Oby says IT MUST SUCCEED!

Look at the lengths she went with #BringBackOurGirls because it happened in the North. How many people have been abducted, kidnapped, and made to disappear in the Southeast? Hundreds. Madame IPOby has not gone to roll on the floor in front of Aso Rock for them.

Apparently, to Oby Ezekwesili and her ilk, charity belongs in the North and Southwest, not at home!

Buhari,You Lied!

On May 29, 2015, when President Goodluck Jonathan handed over to General Buhari, Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product was $509.9. Please do not take my word for it. Verify it by yourself. In 2023, as Buhari prepares to hand over to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, our

Gross Domestic Product is an estimated $450 billion.

From the above, Buhari's statement in his so-called farewell broadcast to the nation, in which he said “I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015" is a very provocative and blatant lie.

In 2915, we only had a national security threat of Boko Haram. Today, we have threats from Boko Haram, bandits; and unknown gunmen, amongst others.

In 2015, the Naira was N199 to $1. Today, it is N750 to $1. In 2015, our total foreign debt was $10.7 billion. Today, it is almost $50 billion.

In 2015, Nigeria was 136 in Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index. In 2023, we are 150.

So, exactly in what area of our national life has Buhari made 'Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015'?

The only thing we can now say to Buhari is that you were a mistake and may you go and may you NEVER return to power to afflict us again. In Yeshua's Name, I pray.

And A Word For Osinbajo

Vice-President Osinbajo is complaining that N250,000 monthly pension for him as an ex-VP is insufficient. Then how does he expect the man earning N30,000 minimum wage to survive? For eight years, he chaired the National Economic Council. He never advocated for a pay rise for Nigerian workers. Now that he is about to go after attempting, and failing, to stab Tinubu in the back, he wants a pay rise. Really? Under President Jonathan, N250,000 was equivalent to $1300. Today, it is just $300. And instead of the man who headed Nigeria's economic management team for the last eight years to be ashamed, he is asking us to feel sorry for him and give him a pay rise. A lecturer that was picked up and dusted by Tinubu and made an "ordinary commissioner" before being made a Vice President by Tinubu. Yet, he was so greedy he wanted to drag the APC Presidential ticket with his benefactor. Now, he is looking for pity because N250,000 is too small for him? What did Chinua Achebe say in Things Fall Apart? "Those whose Palm kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble." Some people, sha!

Nigerian Air

WED: Get Engineers to Redesign Products without Plastic, Govts Urged

Bennett Oghifo

As humanity marks the World Environment Day next week, governments have been advised to get their engineers to redesign products not to include plastic or be delivered in plastic.

The theme of this year’s WED is “solutions to plastic pollution and finding ways to #BeatPlasticPollution.”

This advice was given by participants at a high level

meeting, titled ‘Pathway to a plastic pollution-free world’, hosted by the French government in Paris, recently, ahead of the second round of negotiations on the global deal to end plastic pollution.

They said, “Today, the leadership dialogues will focus on circularity and waste management. This is of course important. But let me also stress that the journey to a pollution-free world begins with reducing the size of

the problem. Because one thing is clear: we cannot recycle our way out of this mess. Current recycling and waste management infrastructure cannot cope with the volume of plastic the linear economy is pumping out every day carelessly and needlessly. It will never be able to cope unless less plastic comes out of the system.

“These negotiations are critical, because we will set the mandate and pathway towards

an agreement, and this matters greatly. “Because the agreement is, of course, critical to ending the plastic pollution that is damaging the natural world, oceans, human health, and the climate.”

The agreement, they said, must take a full life-cycle approach that reduces the size of the problem. It is all about redesign. Redesigning products so that they do not need to include plastic or be

delivered in plastic. Why ship water around. Why not ship solids or dry powder? Get our engineers to redesign the products that we envelope in plastics. Redesign packaging to avoid using plastic or to use less plastic. Redesign systems and products so that the right to repair, reuse, refill and/or recyclability can be realised but remember, this is about recycling everything, not just the 9 per cent we do now. “Redesign rules and

incentives. It is absurd that what we take out of the belly of the earth i.e. new raw polymer is cheaper than recycled polymer. This must change. Redesign the broader system for justice – so that informal waste-pickers, what is called the Green Force in Sri Lanka, and other vulnerable communities are not left behind, but gain decent jobs and the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, now enshrined by the UN General Assembly.

Building Collapse Causes Needless Loss of Lives, Property, Says Ojo

Bennett Oghifo

The construction industry has fallen into disrepute over the incessant collapse of buildings, premium and less, and this reflects badly on the professionals in the sector.

The Managing Director of UPDC Plc., Mr. Odunayo Ojo said this ugly situation is avoidable if all the right boxes are ticked, including enforcement

of regulations, soil and materials testing, as well as monitoring and retraining of construction personnel.

According to Mr. Ojo, “We need to do more on the regulation of the construction industry, insisting on the use of good quality materials, and monitoring of builders. Professional bodies should continue to check their members on performance.”

He said that above all, building approvals issued to developers must be checked regularly to ensure they are adhered to strictly, stating that buildings collapse, among other things, as a result of engineering failure.

He said there should be regular capacity building in the nation’s construction industry, stating that it was unfortunate that “good hands are leaving. Training of construction personnel, particularly artisans, is imperative.”

Ojo said UPDC Plc could assist in reducing these incidents of building collapse, offering its wealth of experience in the industry, through their Real Estate Advisory platform. They use their property management portfolio to assist investors and companies to design and build, using their expertise, for a fee.

In his overview of the economy this year, Ojo stated that the first quarter was very challenging, mainly because it was the political season and this usually necessitates the suspension of business and investment decisions. “Investors decided to wait things out. Besides, there were some disruptions in the economy on account of the implementation of some policies, especially the cashless policy, which meant that corporate institutions could not make conclusive decisions during the first quarter of the year.”

He said the good news is

that following the elections, they were beginning to see a very positive response in the market and that investors’ sentiments seem to be positive and strong, and the outlook on the macroeconomic level is what “I will describe as cautiously optimistic.”

In spite of the fluctuations in the economy, UPDC is staying strong. UPDC is the leader in Nigeria’s real estate sector with a portfolio of upscale housing, hospitality and commercial developments. They are now taking on the middle property market, where the Managing Director, Ojo, said there is effective demand.

About UPDC’s strategic outlook, he said this year, they began some new initiatives which we believe will also lead to growth in the business. “Notably, we started a new project this year which we call The Hampshire. This is one of our attempts to sell the middle

income housing, which is our core strategic direction.”

The Hampshire, a 5-hectare site and services scheme, is located in Sangotedo along Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos. Investors in this scheme can build various house types, including single family homes, semi detached homes and apartments.

The axis where The Hampshire is located, he said, is becoming a favourable destination for the middle class because it is very accessible to major commercial and industrial nodes in Lagos. “Given that we now have the new deep sea port commissioned, the Dangote Refinery, the new airport that was announced last year, we have the Fourth Mainland Bridge, all coming into that neighbourhood, we believe that servicing that neighbourhood with high quality residential and commercial offerings through The Hampshire will be beneficial

to our customers and is also going to be one of the drivers of growth for UPDC.”

Prospective homeowners are expected to adhere to the company’s site and services development control guidelines that they must sign before construction begins.

The company, in addition to this, continues to deepen its involvement in other areas of their business like the Festival Hotel in Amuwo Odofin, which he described as their flagship hospitality offering.

He said the hotel continues to do well, stating that in the first quarter of the year, apart from guests, several corporate organisations held their retreats there, held corporate seminars, and also had annual general meetings, stating that the hotel is “one of our core areas this year: to deepen our involvement in hospitality, and really reposition Festival Hotel as the most premium hotel on the mainland.”

More Opportunity in Montana Annex with Dangote Refinery Launch

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

The launch of the highly anticipated Dangote oil refinery has set the stage for a remarkable shift in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. With President Muhammadu

Buhari commissioning the multi-billion dollar refinery, Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer, is poised to end its heavy reliance on petroleum

imports. This groundbreaking development presents a golden opportunity for investors, and Montana Epe emerges as the ideal destination to capitalise on this historic moment.

Located just minutes away from the newly inaugurated Dangote refinery, Montana Epe offers a lucrative investment proposition. Audacia Properties, a leading Property Technology Company, presents

an exclusive chance to acquire land in this promising region. With their expertise and commitment to excellence, Audacia Properties simplifies the real estate journey, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience for investors.

Montana Epe, nestled in the serene and picturesque surroundings of Ketu-Epe in Lagos State, blends the tranquility of nature with

modern technology. The estate boasts lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a breathtaking landscape, providing residents with a serene oasis away from the chaos of the city. Montana Gardens, within the estate, offers a range of cutting-edge amenities that elevate the living experience to new heights.

According to the company’s officials, “Investing in land in

Montana Epe is a strategic move, especially with the Dangote refinery entering full operation. The demand for accommodation in the area is expected to surge as the refinery attracts a large workforce. This influx of people will drive economic growth and create new opportunities for development and rental income.

“By owning a piece of land

in Montana Epe, you position yourself at the forefront of this transformative period. The proximity to the Dangote refinery presents an unmatched advantage, promising substantial returns on investment. With Audacia Properties as your trusted partner, guiding you every step of the way, you can embrace audacity and unlock the incredible potential that awaits in Montana Epe.”

Buhari Appoints Odusanya as Director General of NACETEM

Funmi Ogundare

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dr. Olushola Odusanya as the Director General/ Chief Executive Officer of National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Ile Ife, Osun State.

The President’s approval was conveyed to him through a letter signed by the Minister

of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh. The appointment takes effect from 1st of May 2023.

Until his new appointment, Dr. Odusanya was the Director of the Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Advanced Research Center of the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja, and the pioneer leader of the

Environmental Biotechnology Group at the Biotechnology Center of SHESTCO.

He obtained Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) and Master of Science (M.Sc) degrees in Biochemistry at the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos (CMUL) in 1987 and 1993 respectively. He later obtained his Ph.D in Food Science and Technology in 1999 from the Department of

Food Science and Technology, University Sains Malaysia.

He capped it up with a post-doctoral fellowship at the Post Graduate School of Chemical Engineering and Rheology, Himeji Institute of Technology, Shosha, Japan.

A consummate scholar, he has been a visiting scholar at the Materials and Aerospace Engineering School of Princeton University, USA. He has

also been a visiting Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja. He was also the Co-Center Leader of the World Bankfunded Pan African Materials Institute (PAMI) of AUST and, until his appointment, the Director of the Center for Projects-Based Learning at AUST.

Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Ndubuisi Kanu Housing Estate in Gbagada

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State recently inaugurated the Ndubuisi Kanu Housing Estate in Gbagada, Kosofe Local Government Area.

The estate is a 72-unit housing scheme, comprising two and

three bedrooms flats.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the provision of adequate, affordable and decent housing to all residents of the state.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said two other

housing schemes were being inaugurated simultaneously at Agbowa and Ikosi-Ejirin, as part of activities to usher in the administration’s second tenure.

According to him, the housing deficit will be substantially reduced through partnership with the private sector to

deliver a significant number of affordable, safe and decent housing units.

Sanwo-Olu assured that the housing scheme was for all Lagos residents, irrespective of status, tribe or religion.

“Providing adequate, affordable and decent housing

is a major challenge faced by megacities all over the world.

“As a state, we face an additional challenge of limited land size, with a huge population which, according to the 2016 statistics, increases with a daily influx of 123,840 people.

“A large percentage of this

number is here to seek economic opportunities and therefore, we will continue to respond to people’s needs.

“The ‘people’ represent the human capital which involves the poor, the rich, users of homes, home providers, land buyers and the investors.

Odusanya

RATES AS AT MAY 29,2023

Nigeria’s Oil Rigs Count Slumps 13.3%, Aligning with Lower Crude Oil Production in April

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria’s oil rigs count declined 13.3 per cent in April, in tandem with the country’s crude oil underproduction during the month, according to a THISDAY review of the latest data released by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The rigs count numbers fell from 15 to 13 during the month under review, raising doubts over hopes of new investment in the

oil and gas sector in the country, at the beginning of the year. In the oil and gas industry, the rig count is a major index for measuring activities in the upstream sector, including drilling and employment.

Nigeria’s crude oil production fell to a seven-month low of 998,602 barrels per day in April, far lower than the 1.74 million barrels per day OPEC production quota allocated to the country during the month.

The depleted production figure last month was partly connected with the shutting down of oil platforms and declaration of force majeure by Exxon Mobil in Nigeria mid last month, especially at the Qua Iboe asset. Production has now resumed after the disruption.

The last time Nigeria had production of less than 1 million was in August last year when it drilled 972,394 barrels per day.

According to the OPEC data,

Nigeria’s average rigs count was 11, seven and 10 in 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively, but had recently grown to 15 as new investments began trickling into the country, including the arrival Dolphin Drilling and Blackford Dolphin drilling rigs in the country earlier in the year. In recent times, the country’s active rigs have progressively decreased, but were made worse after Nigeria began shutting down many of its offshore platforms

as oil prices took a downward slope and the producers’ group embarked on production curbs to stabilise the market in 2020, following the upsurge of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, there has been massive underinvestment in the sector, leading to depleting oil rigs as International Oil Companies (IOCs) divested their assets in tandem with the ongoing energy transition to renewables.

Despite the remarkable recovery

in global crude oil demand, Nigeria had been unable to ramp up production, following massive theft of the resource in the Niger Delta as well as shutdowns due to frequent equipment failure.

While for instance, 26 rigs were in operation, on both onshore and offshore terrains, in 1997, Nigeria has had the number remarkably slumped in recent years.

NOTE: The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

NEITI: Dangote Refinery Will Bring Relief, Address Domestic Demands on Petroleum Products

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) yesterday said it welcomed with high expectations the completion and commissioning of the multibillion dollars Dangote Refinery by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji in

a statement in Abuja, signed by the Deputy Director/Head of Communications and Stakeholders Management, Obiageli Onuorah, described the development as a huge national relief.

Orji stated that NEITI remained a member of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative with domestic responsibility to enthrone transparency and

accountability in the oil, gas and mining sectors.

He expressed delight that the Dangote refinery was coming onstream at a time public debates on the removal of fuel subsidy had taken centre stage in public discourse.

Apart from the huge revenue losses, it stated that NEITI’s independent extractive industry report on subsidy payments between

2005 and 2021, disclosed that over N13.7 trillion has been expended on subsidies.

It listed capital flight and other numerous challenges associated with fuel importation as some of the issues hitherto faced by the sector.

NEITI stated that with the take-off of Dangote Refinery with 650,000 barrels daily refining capacity, it will largely address Nigeria’s domestic

demands for refined petroleum products within the short and medium term.

“NEITI salutes the determination, courage and the huge confidence demonstrated by Dangote in the huge investments in the downstream sector, which will address the issues of product availability, job opportunities and value creation,” he said.

The executive secretary projected that the commissioning of the Dangote refinery would end fuel importation in Nigeria and subsequently save the nation from the over $7.3 billion projected to be spent on fuel subsidy in the first half of the year 2023.

NOTE: The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Technology Professionals Urge Tinubu’s Govt to Establish Energy Ministry

The Society of Technology and Energy Professionals (STEP) has urged the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to establish a Ministry of Energy and a substantive minister to ensure speedy solutions to Nigeria’s energy crisis.

In a statement made

available in Abuja, the society through its President, Chimeremeze Enwere, explained that the move will allow Nigeria explore new sources of energy and implement relevant policies.

It is coming after the first inaugural meeting of the Council for Registration of Technology and Energy

GENERAL MEETING…

Professionals (CORETEP) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

“As you embark on your new responsibilities, please remember that our nation is facing serious energy challenges which have made it expedient for our sincere appeal for the establishment of an energy ministry and appointment of an energy minister by your

administration.

“These offices will enable Nigeria solve her energy problems through the exploration of other sources of energy, implementation of energy policies, climate actions and strengthen our energy commission and other energy agencies.

“It will further ensure local

content acceleration, improve energy investments, funding, storage and infrastructure that will bring a lasting solution to our energy and electricity problems while we continue to optimise our oil and gas sector,” the group stated.

It expressed optimism that the new administration would create national unity, equity and justice, ethno-religious peace, respect for rule of law and develop Nigeria’s technology and energy sectors.

“We look forward to working with you not only to develop closer relations between technology and energy professionals and your administration but also

to ensure concerted efforts in the advancements of Nigeria technology and energy sectors for the benefits of our dear nation and our economy,” the society further stated.

While congratulating the president on his victory during the polls, the group prayed for the success of the new administration’s quest to lead Nigerians to a place where there will be no insecurity and corruption.

It stressed the need for the new administration to build a country that will create jobs for unemployed youths, ensures quality education, good roads, quality healthcare and stable electricity.

L-R: Head, Products, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Iretiola Lawal; Head, Card and Messaging Business, First Bank of Nigeria/Vice Chairman, Committee of e-Business Industry Heads (CeBIH), Folasade Femi-Lawal; Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Wole Adeniyi; Head Card Business, Zenith Bank Plc/Chairman, CeBIH, Celestina Appeal and Head, Digital Solutions, Stanbic IBTC Bank/ Secretary, Pricing and Revenue Assurance, CeBIH, Omotayo Adediran, during the general meeting of CeBIH, hosted by Stanbic IBTC Bank in Lagos… recently

‘Hiking MPR Will Lower GDP, Compound Recession in Manufacturing Sector’

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have cried out that the recent increase of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday from 18 per cent to 18.5 per cent would compound the threat of imminent recession starring the manufacturing sector in the face and lower the country’s GDP’s growth rate.

The Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, made the above submissions last week in a press statement titled the “Implication of the Decisions of the Monetary Policy Committee of the CBN on the Manufacturing Sector,” which stated that the hike in the MPR would increase the cost of borrowing and further discourage investments in the

manufacturing sector.

Ajayi-Kadir said: “The increase in MPR from 18 per cent to 18.5 per cent will certainly lead to an increase in lending rates and worsen the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

“The association has been clamoring for single-digit lending rates to allow manufacturers to access needed funds to boost the performance of the sector.

“This increase, like the previous ones, is evidence that the CBN is either unperturbed about the plight of the productive sector or is unable to fathom out a more creative policy mix that would reflate the sector.

“We are persuaded that monetary authority is oblivious of the fact that the failure of its tightening policy to address the inflationary pressure is because the hike in inflation is largely caused by a combination of

familiar challenges, including low output that is attributed to instability of macroeconomic variables, inconsistent and lackluster fiscal policy regime, incoherent industrial policies, challenging and expensive operating environment, exploitative regulation, external shocks and poor exchange rate management.”

The MAN, therefore, underscored the need to address the identified root causes of inflation and refrain from intensifying policy choices that hamper the performance of the real sectors of the economy.

He further highlighted that the increase would also lead to high cost of production, which would lead to higher commodity prices and inventory of unsold manufactured products.

The hike, according to him, would also cause a decline in

capacity utilisation, reduce the output of the manufacturing sector, lessen manufacturing employment and brought about a decline in government revenue as a result of low productivity of the manufacturing sector and the resulting low taxes.

He added that it would also bring about reduction in inflow of investment owing to increase in cost of borrowing for manufacturing investment and induce high product prices owing to rising factor costs, which will in turn render the sector less uncompetitive.

The MAN averred that understanding the interrelationship among macroeconomic variables is essential in policy formulation, as the movements of interest rate, inflation rate and exchange rate have direct impact on investment, employment and output of any economy.

Shell

Earmarks $56.13m for Host Community Devt in Bayelsa

The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), operator of the SPDC joint venture, has unveiled eight Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) in Bayelsa State, a critical step for unlocking $56.13 million earmarked for the development of the host communities in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

The international oil company (IOC) said the $56.13 million represents funds to be paid this year by the SPDC JV and Shell’s deep-water subsidiary -Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) as contribution to HCDTs.

Shell said in a statement that the bold step in the implementation of the provisions of the PIA earned commendation from the Bayelsa State government, regulators, partners as well as communities for what was regarded as an industry milestone.

The company explained that the eight Trusts were among the 22 that had been incorporated in SPDC JV’s areas of operation in Imo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states, representing more than half of the total 41 which the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has so far approved for host communities.

Commenting on the development, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who was represented at the unveiling ceremony in Yenagoa by the state’s Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Dr. Ibieri

Jones, said: “This is indeed a milestone which will ensure progress of the communities.

“No meaningful development can take place without an enabling environment. With dialogue we can always resolve issues and that is the only way it will take the region to where we want it to be.”

However, with its knowledge of the Niger Delta from over 60 years of operations, SPDC is managing a seamless transition from the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) initiative which it introduced in 2006 to HCDTs, a key provision of the PIA enacted in August 2021.

SPDC engaged more than 300 communities on the provisions of the Act, their roles and responsibilities, the obligations of oil and gas companies and facilitated grouping of communities and nominations for trustees. It also assisted in the development of a needs assessment and development plan for communities.

Stakeholders at the unveiling ceremony charged the incorporated Community Trusts to work towards development in the Niger Delta through peaceful coexistence and collaboration with oil companies.

In his remarks, SPDC Managing Director and Chairman, Shell companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, said in an address read by the General Manager, Corporate Relations, Igo Weli, that the PIA would not deliver the intended development if “communities allow internal strife and chieftaincy struggles to negatively impact the setting up of or operations of the Trusts.”

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Peter Uzoho

Dike Onwuamaeze

Private Sector’s Position on 2023 Fiscal Policy Measures

The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), has risen in one voice to oppose the 2023 Fiscal Policy Measures.

The OPSN is comprised of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industries (NASSI) and the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).

The bodies recently came together to strongly denounce and oppose the recently announced increase in excise rates as contained in the circular dated April 20, 2023, that was signed by the former Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed.

The OPSN is also calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rescind the 2023 FPMs within his first 100 days in power to save the country’s manufacturing sector.

According to the OPSN, the increase contained in the 2023 FPMs is unwarranted, ill-timed and inimical to the Nigerian economy and the manufacturing sector in particular. It, therefore, called for its immediate reversal.

It argued that the manufacturing sector is presently grappling with unprecedented challenges, including the sustained scarcity of Naira, limited access to foreign exchange, a struggling economy and persistent inflation, alongside perennial problems of multiple taxation and epileptic power supply.

These challenges, it said, have resulted in a record crash in sales for most businesses running into billions of Naira, with the result that manufacturers are struggling to remain in business, amidst looming job cuts, mothballing of factories and total shutdown of businesses.

“Therefore, increasing excise rates at this time is extremely ill-advised and may sound the death knell for affected businesses and their contribution to the national economy, even as the broader manufacturing sector continues to deteriorate.

“In light of the above, the OPSN earnestly requests the federal government to urgently reverse the increase in excise rates to protect the affected industries and the dependent businesses in their extended value chain from imminent collapse with calamitous consequences for the economy.

“We further request that the federal government suspends excise taxes in the manufacturing sector for a minimum of six months, to arrest the alarming decline in the sector. Similar measures have been taken in countries like South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, in recent times.

“We would also like to use this opportunity to request that the Central Bank of Nigeria urgently deploys measures to fully alleviate the Naira scarcity crisis and prioritise foreign exchange allocations to the productive sector,” the OPSN said in a recent press release.

The members of the OPSN also acknowledged the efforts of the ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in supporting the manufacturing sector and remained confident that the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would look into its request and accord it “the prompt and positive response it truly deserves in the best interest of industry, government, and the Nigerian economy at this critical time.”

The joint statement by the members of the OPSN was jointly signed by Director General of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir; Director General of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Mr. Sola Obadimu; Director General of Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde; the Director General Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) Mr. Ifeanyin Oputa and the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (NASMEs), Mr. Eke Ubiji. Apart from the joint statement, The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has bewailed the huge increases in excise tax for 2023 and 2024 as contained in the newly released FPMs for 2023.

THE ISSUES

MAN stated that the huge increases, which

in some cases were up to 50 per cent on ad valorem and 75 per cent on specific duty rates, were over and above the already approved high increases of up to 50 per cent and 45 per cent respectively.

These increases, according to MAN, were contrary to the already approved 2022 to 2024 excise roadmap, as contained in the 2022 Fiscal Policy whose implementation commenced on June 1, 2022, but, “has unfortunately not even been implemented for up to one year, before government decides to ‘shift the goal post.”

Ajayi-Kadir bemoaned that “the industry cannot afford any further increases at these extremely challenging times.”

He further lamented that the increases were done without the government holding any consultation with affected manufacturers or carrying out assessment of their impact on the firms in particular and the economy in general.

He said: “We have earlier noted and forwarded our position on the excise duty tax to the government while it was being proposed in the 2023 Fiscal Policy Guidelines. We are again emphasising the fact that the proposed increase in the recently released 2023 guidelines i.e., on beer, wines and spirits, tobacco, has the potential to trigger unprecedented distortions in the affected industries as well as the entire manufacturing sector.

“The policy is capable of producing negative effect on investments with a huge consequence on job retention in these industries. We, therefore, strongly recommend that government should maintain the status quo regarding the already government-approved excise duty increases on these items in the three- year roadmap as contained in the 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures. This was approved by Mr. President and implementation commenced on June 1, 2022.”

The director general of MAN, sadly noted that “the unilateral action by the government despite the complaint and persuasion by stakeholders for the fiscal authority to consider the consequence on the industries, businesses and the economy as a whole is quite unfortunate.”

He stated that MAN has carefully studied the newly released Fiscal Policy Measures for 2023 by the federal government, but noted that “the increases in excise tax for 2023 and 2024 as provisioned in the said 2023 Fiscal policy, came as a surprise to us because, as a major stakeholder, MAN had actively participated in the deliberations on the proposal and presented various positions from its members across all sectors, especially those directly impacted by the proposed measures.”

MAN’S POSITION

Sounding betrayed by the federal government, the manufacturers association

was titled “The Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendment: NECA Urges A Reversal,” that the fiscal policy measure, as proposed would neither promote economic growth nor achieve the long-term revenue projections of the government.

He said “the circular by the ex-Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning introducing the FPM and Tax Amendment, with increases ranging from 20 per cent – 100 per cent on previously approved rates for alcoholic beverages, tobacco, wines and spirits as well as the introduction of Green tax (10 per cent excise duty on single use plastics, including plastic containers, films and bags) and telecommunications tax of 5.0 per cent is not only worrisome, but also a landmine for businesses in the sector.”

He opined that “while the government's new FPMs would largely affect manufacturers, it also has the potential to disrupt the whole organised private sector’s value-chain, with consequential effects on Nigerians as a whole.”

Oyerinde stated clearly that while the OPS understood the revenue challenges faced by government, “the proposed increases will naturally spike the cost of production and reduce the competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers in both local and international markets.

recalled that, “from the meeting held with the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning on March 29, 2023, MAN representatives were informed that the 2023 proposals on additional excise tax increases were being stepped down until further consultations on the 2023 Finance Bill.

The statement added: “Additionally, Nigeria Customs Service was notified by the Federal Ministry of Finance vide Memo Ref. No. F. 17417/351 of February 15, 2023, that the existing Fiscal Policy Measures for 2022 as they relate to alcoholic beverages and tobacco products will take effect from June 1, 2023, and June 1, 2024, as approved in the 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures roadmap for 2022 to 2024.”

Ajayi-Kadir said that based on the above that there would be no further increases on excise duty, MAN’s members had finalised their annual strategies and projections while exporting members had concluded pricing negotiations for orders to the end of fiscal period, on the strength of the agreed excise roadmap and recent assurance from the fiscal authority.

WARNING NOTICE

He warned that, “the release of the 2023 Fiscal Policy Measures, just over one month to its expected implementation date and the end of the current administration, sends negative signals to the business community locally and internationally with implications for existing and potential investors.

“It is worrisome that the current situation is indicative of inconsistency in government policy, given that industries that are affected by excise tax administration, already made three-year strategic plans based on the agreed calendar as scheduled in the roadmap including domestic and export sales prices, revenue and volume projections, tax burden calculations, etc.

“This in our opinion, may create credibility issues for the country with existing and potential investors, impacting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and the country’s Ease of Doing Business index among other implications.

“It is, therefore, alarming and concerning that the implementation of the 2022 to 2024 approved excise roadmap, as contained in the 2022 Fiscal Policy (which commenced on 1st June 2022) has unfortunately not even been implemented for up to one year, before government decides to ‘shift the goal post’.

The NECA has also issued its own statement that urged the federal government to reverse the newly introduced FPMs and Tariff Amendment for 2023, scheduled to take effect from June 1, 2023. It described the 2023 FPMs as a landmine for manufacturers and other businesses in the affected sectors of the economy.

Oyerinde, said in the press statement that

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

“With recent reports of unemployment rate hovering over 40 per cent, the Nigerian economy will be further hard-pressed to withstand the likely loss of jobs that follow these increases.”

He averred that “it is no secret that Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) to Nigeria has continued to slump as the country recorded only $1.06 billion in capital importation in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2022. This brought total capital importation for the 2022 fiscal year to $5.33 billion, the lowest since 2017.

“A major factor is government’s seeming policy inconsistencies, which makes planning difficult. Beyond these consequences, the proposed increases, if implemented could aggravate smuggling, stifle growth of businesses in the sector, promote the production of fake products, reduce the purchasing power of Nigerians and ultimately reduce Government’s projected revenue across board,” he said.

While calling on the federal government to suspend the implementation of the newly introduced Fiscal Policy Measure and maintain status quo of no excise increase as prescribed in the 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures approved by the President earlier in 2022, the director general of NECA also argued that “government should, as a matter urgency and national importance suspend the implementation of the Fiscal Policy Measure and Tariff Amendment as currently proposed and revert to the 2022 Fiscal Policy Measure roadmap, built to expire in 2024, while extensive consultation with organised businesses is stepped up.

“With over 60 different taxes and levies currently being paid by organised businesses and about 20 bills pending at the National Assembly with financial implications for businesses, the best that Government can do is not to over- burden the sector or cause the relocation of many more to other climes. The fiscal policy measure, as proposed will neither promote economic growth nor achieve the long-term revenue projection of government.”

NACCIMA’S POSITION

Obadimu also told THISDAY that NACCIMA is indeed worried by the recent proposal of the ex-Minister of Finance and National Planning, advising the incoming government to increase VAT charges from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent. He said: In our last press briefing, we highlighted the negative impact of the 2022 Finance Bill which attempts to add more financial burdens on the OPSN. We expressed our fears that any further tax increase on businesses may lead to the shutdown of many SMEs and worsen the unemployment crisis in the country.

“NACCIMA is alarmed by this advice and therefore calls on the incoming government not to consider any form of tax increase, especially VAT. It is barely two years since the VAT rate was increased from 5.0 per cent to 7.5 per cent and, therefore, such advice is ill-timed.”

With the coming into power of the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, members of the organised private sector are pushing for the reversal of the 2023 fiscal policy measures, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

ExxonMobil: Africa to Remain Relevant in Oil Exploration in Years to Come

ExxonMobil will continue the search for big new oil and gas fields that can help fund alternative energy sources such as LNG and renewables, even as the threshold for committing exploration spending gets ‘ever higher,’ the US supermajor upstream exploration chief, John Ardil, has said in an interview.

ExxonMobil seeks a combination of attractive geology, stable political conditions and the potential to minimize the carbon footprint of production processes, he said.

“A lot of thought goes into an upstream investment because these things last for decades. Are they the right molecules in the right place with the right carbon intensity and if those questions are all yes, then they’ll find a path to development. Not, in many cases, very quickly. If there are question marks around those... it’s going to be a harder path,” he said.

While ExxonMobil has not been at the forefront in some recent discoveries, Ardill said Africa had been and would remain a ‘super-important’ region for the company.

The oil major produced 437,100 bpd on the continent in 2022, including from Nigeria, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, according to data from S&P Global Commodity Insights. “Africa is going to unlock a lot more hydrocarbons in the future and ExxonMobil is absolutely going to be part of that,” he said.

The likes of Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique and even Somalia hold great potential, although in Mozambique “security is the first order of business,” he said.

ExxonMobil is focused on ensuring “we can continue to meet that evolving demand,” be it for electricity for EVs, or for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, long into the future, he further said.

Marketer Seeks Reduction of Import Duties on Cylinders

Peter Uzoho

The Chief Executive Officer, Second Coming Nigeria Ltd., a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) marketing company, Dr. Basil Ogbuanu, has called on the federal government to reduce import duties charged on cooking gas cylinders, equipment and accessories.

Ogbuanu said the proposed measure would help to avail more Nigerian households the opportunity to embrace the use of gas as their preferred choice

of energy for cooking and help the government’s drive to deepen the utilisation of the cleaner energy source in the country.

He made the call during the launch of the company’s new 20kg composite LPG cylinders in Lagos, as part of its efforts to deepen domestic utilisation of LPG in the country

He said the amount of money paid on import duties was responsible for the increase in the prices of cylinders, which he noted, ought not to be more than

N55, 000 in the market.

“The cost of import duties and clearing cost are very high. Government should urgently look into the reduction of import duties and clearing, to deepen gas utilisation in Nigeria.

“We are talking of deepening LPG usage in all households and gas cylinder is the entering point of usage. The cost of cylinder, regulators and other accessories should be considered and reduced,” Ogbuanu said.

He explained the new 20kg

Chevron Launches Sale of Congo Oil Assets

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Chevron has launched a sale process for its oil and gas assets in Congo as the US energy giant continues to focus operations on newer and more profitable production, industry sources have told Reuters.

The Congo assets could fetch up to $1.5 billion, according to two sources close to the process. Chevron received bids for the assets this week, one source said. “Chevron does not

comment on rumours or speculations about its commercial activity, including potential acquisit ions, or divestitures, which is in a constant state of review,” the company said in a statement.

Chevron’s production in Congo fell by around 40 per cent from 2019 to 31,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) last year.

It has a 31.5 per cent non-operated stake in the offshore Haute Mer permit blocks and a 31.3 per cent

operating interest in the Lianzi Unitization Zone, located in an area shared equally by Angola and Congo.

The company has been selling legacy crude assets in Africa to focus on projects that have lower costs and also generate lower emissions during the production process, including its U.S. onshore production.

Chevron sold oil fields in Nigeria in 2021, and is exploring for new oil and gas resources in Namibia.

GPPSL: Sound Corporate Governance Will Enhance Oil Service Companies

The Managing Director of Global Process and Pipeline Services (GPPS) Limited, Mr. Obi Uzu, has stressed the need to building sound corporate governance among operators in the Nigerian oil and gas exploration and production business.

Uzu specifically stated that the corporate governance structure guiding any oil operator could be a major confidence boost for oil service companies that render their services to oil and gas companies.

“One of the most important things you seek from an oil operator you intend to work for as a service company is good corporate governance structure, especially in

terms of their ethics and commitments,” Uzu said.

The oil industry expert stated this during the panel session on ‘Pivoting Upstream Petroleum Regulation and Investment’, at the recently held 6th edition of Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES), in Abuja.

According to the GPPSL chief executive, other factors apart from good corporate governance structure which oil operators can use to endear themselves to service companies, include reliable process systems and dependable risks hedging.

“Before you commit your resources as a service provider to work for an oil operator, part of your due diligence is to be sure that all your risks are well hedged

be it financial, technical or non-technical risks either through bank guarantees, upfront payment or the perception that you will even be paid at the end of your service delivery,” he said.

While reiterating the key contributions by service providers, he said a lot of the innovations witnessed in the upstream oil and gas sector could be traced to the activities of service companies.

“Oilfield service providers play crucial roles in the upstream oil and gas industry as frontline provider of equipment and expertise for the largest national oil companies and the smallest of independents,” Uzu added.

cylinders would make it easier for families to enjoy durability of usage than refilling frequently, noting that the cylinders were part of the company’s efforts to deepen the usage of LPG in Nigeria.

“Unlike regular metal cylinders which are heavy and prone to explosion, the composite

cylinders are safer and transparent, lightweight, rustproof, non-explosive and translucent.

“With 20kg, it means refilling once in three months or twice in three months, than four times monthly on the 12.5kg cylinders.

“It is economical, safe, healthier and it saves households from

going to refilling plant frequently,” Ogbuanu further said.

He explained that the 20kg LPG cylinder was being sold at N75,000 due to the increase in foreign exchange and was more competitive, adding that new composite cylinders save time, energy and money.

Peter Uzoho

L-R: Partner Manager, Zoho MEA, Olalekan Ajani; Account Manager, Zoho Africa, Ibukun Olayinka; Managing Director, Avetium Consult, Adeyinka Adedokun and Country Manager, Zoho Nigeria, Kehinde Ogundare, at the #Morewith Avetium in Partnership with Zoho event, which held at Civic Centre Victoria Island, Lagos…recently

Sahara Group: Making a Difference with Cultural Diversity

Friday, May 19, 2023, was certainly not your usual day across Sahara Group as employees lit up the energy conglomerate’s locations with various cultural outfits in celebration of the World Cultural Diversity Day 2023. From Africa to Asia, down to Europe and the Middle East, the bold colours, attires, beads, head gears, and yes, variety of food on display were remarkable signposts to how Sahara Group continues to make a difference on the wings of the diversity of its employees, writes

Precious Ugwuzor

The visionaries who gave birth to Sahara Group were driven by a passion to create an organization that would be peopled by individuals from different nationalities across the globe. This desire has consistently propelled the growth and expansion of Sahara across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Today, with over 5,000 employees from multiple nationalities, Sahara’s cultural tapestry is enriched by individuals from all walks of life, each one contributing their unique experiences, expertise, and perspectives towards bringing energy to life responsibly.

Expectedly, the result is a vibrant and dynamic community that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion, and nourishes creativity. Indeed, Sahara Group's inimitable diversity is a living testament to the beauty and richness of multiculturalism.

To commemorate the 2023 Cultural Diversity Day, Sahara Group celebrated in style! Employees across the globe embraced their heritage by donning a kaleidoscope of cultural outfits, creating a vibrant and colourful atmosphere that truly captured the essence of Sahara’s diverse workforce.

From the traditional African attires to the colourful garb of Asia and the intricate patterns of Europe and graceful simplicity of the Middle East, the global team came together as one to celebrate the uniqueness of every culture that defines the unique expressions of the Sahara Family. It was a day filled with laughter, joy, and a deep appreciation for the exceptional “unity in diversity” camaraderie that makes Sahara Group such a special place to work.

A global virtual event, hosted by the Sahara team in Tanzania was main event of the day. At Sahara, the various locations take turns to host the Cultural Diversity Day every year. It is one of the most anticipated events within the organization as employees look to outwit each other to the coveted crown of “Best Dressed Saharian”.

Bethel Obioma, Head Corporate Communications Sahara Group explained that the company is “over the moon” with diversity and would always go the extra mile to promote inclusion, equality, equity and a

workplace where “every Saharan brings that unique stoke of individuality to the Sahara Masterpiece”.

"At Sahara, we believe in diversity, and it is reflected in our policies of equal opportunity and zero discrimination. We promote collaborative accountability, which is the cornerstone of our ‘your job is not done until the job is done’ mantra.

"We take pride in what we have accomplished over the past 26 years and recognize the unique contributions of each Saharian to these achievements. Together, we are committed to making a difference as we continue to extract value, creativity and sustainability from our diversity,” Obioma said.

ceptional show, featuring the various tribes, fashion, food, tourist attraction and unique attributes that make Tanzania exceptional. From the interesting and alluring story of the Maasai tribe to Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, dance performances, and traditional food tasting, it was a spectacular show. The interminable “Nigeria-Ghana jollof war” popped up as always during the event! Well, a truce was called, it had to be “no victor, no vanquished” in the spirit of inclusion and diversity!!

"Commemorating the Cultural Diversity Day is very important to us as it is a clear expression of what we live and work for at Sahara Group. Today is an affirmation of our unwavering commitment towards promoting inclusivity, creativity and diversity. Valuing and celebrating our diversity gets the team working more collaboratively, seamlessly and effectively," said Olumuyiwa Aladejana, Country Manager, Sahara Tanzania.

The day would end with the keenly contested “Best Dressed” contest - one that is still ongoing as each entry is expected to garner likes on the company’s Yammer platform from across the group to have a shot at the coveted title. This further reinforces borderless collaboration among the various Sahara entities in the upstream, downstream, midstream, power, infrastructure, and technology sectors.

There’s so much excitement around the entity poised to host the 2024 edition and how ‘MAD’ the event would be. The word ‘MAD’ at Sahara Group is the acronym for ‘Making a Difference’. Cultural diversity is a must have attribute for corporate organisations that desire to be ‘MAD’ and successful!

Singapore

The Tanzanian team put up an ex-

Dubai

Abuja

Senegal

Diversity geneva

South Sudan

Tanzania

PRESENTATION OF NATIONAL LICENCE...

L-R: Chairman, Board of Directors, CELD Innovations Limited, Mr. Taiwo Olashore; Director General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, and Chief Executive Officer, CELD Innovations Limited, Mr. Lai Labode during the presentation of the National Licence to CELD Innovations Limited trading as CashToken Rewards Africa at the Headquarters of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission in Abuja...recently

28 Governors, Deputies Take Oath of Office, Promise Reforms, Inclusiveness

By our correspondents

Twenty eight new and returning governors as well as their deputies were yesterday sworn in in various parts of the country, with majority of them promising to embark on reforms and ensuring inclusiveness.

While a number of the new state executives pledged to build on the ‘legacies’ of their predecessors, the governors who were inaugurated for a second term, vowed to consolidate on the gains achieved during their first tenure.

Lagos: Expect More from My Administration, Says Sanwo-olu

In Lagos, amid fanfare and a heavy downpour, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, took the oath of office for a second term, promising the people of Lagos to expect a lot more from their administration in several areas.

After inspecting the guard of honour, the governor and his deputy accompanied by their spouses, took the oath of office and were subsequently, sworn in by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, at exactly 11:30 am.

Describing the first four years as fulfilling, Sanwoolu stated that lessons had been learnt, mistakes had been made, while many transformational policies and programmes were implemented.

"We assure you that the progress we have made will not be reversed. We will remain steadfast in our mission to make Lagos State a model of good governance, a beacon of hope and opportunity for all. Our path is clear, and our resolve is unshakeable.

"As we venture into this second term, I want to assure you that the spirit of our endeavours remains unfaltering. We will continue to tackle our challenges head-on and celebrate our successes. We will harness the potential of our greatest resource – our people,” he said.

Akwa Ibom: Eno Pledges Era of Peace, Security

Mr Bassey Eno and his Deputy, Senator Eyakenyi, took the oath of office which was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ekaette Obot before a mammoth crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International stadium, Uyo.

In his inaugural address, Eno who is the fifth democratically elected governor of the state since its creation said his government would usher a new era of peace and security for the people.

Eno, who called on the citizens to support his ARISE agenda to build on the legacies of the immediate past governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, said he would be the governor of all Akwa Ibom people irrespective of their political leanings.

"As we begin this government, we will invite all Akwa Ibomites to arise to the feat of greatness with our ARISE agenda from investment in agriculture, healthcare services and education. We will ensure that we continue changing the narratives of our state.

"We will continue to support our state’s civil servants, and we will ensure that their welfare becomes paramount. We will continue to build on the successes of the Udom Emmanuel's administration,” he pledged.

Rivers: Fubara Assures of Purposeful Leadership

In Rivers state, the newly sworn in governor, Siminalayi Fubara, assured that his administration will provide a purposeful leadership in the state, adding that his government will consolidate on the achievements of the past administration.

Fubara who was sworn in at 12 noon by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Simeon Amadi, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, assured that his administration will consolidate on capital projects built by his predecessor.

The Rivers State governor said that having worked for years with all the past government since 1999, and as a civil servant, he and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu understood the plight of the people in the state and hoped to attend to their challenges.

"Together, we will grow a prosperous Rivers State. A state where we will provide opportunity for all. A strong state that is compassionate, progressive. We shall govern with the fear of God and remain focused to our Christian values of trust, faith, love, care and sacrifice," he said.

He assured of the growth of the economy of the state as well as to create jobs for the youths, with support for small and medium businesses business.

Enugu: We Will Replicate Singapore Development Model, Mbah Vows

In Enugu State, the new Governor of the state, Dr. Peter Mbah, promised to replicate the infrastructure development in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Dubai, in the state.

The governor, who gave this assurance while making his inaugural address shortly after taking the oath of office at the Okpara Square, added that his administration will start rolling out robust programmes and policies that would transform the state into a modern, industrialised state.

Mbah said that tough decisions that would be in the best interest of the people will be taken, noting that his government would explore every creative opportunity to make the youths the biggest beneficiaries of his administration by engaging them in e-learning, e-commerce, fintech, and cyber-security skills.

“We want to expose our youths to the skills required to grasp the emerging future and create opportunities for the genius in them to flourish. We want to invoke and instil in them the can-do spirit that is innate in the Igbo man.

Mbah said his mission to give the metropolis water within 180 days commenced yesterday, promising to ensure water scarcity become history.

Shortly after his inauguration, Mbah performed his first executive function with the signing of the Executive Order 001, known as the Citizens’ Charter, to demonstrate his administration's resolve to ensure transparency and accountability.

Gombe: Yahaya: We Will Focus on Economic Empowerment

Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya and his Deputy, Dr. Daniel Jatau, were sworn in for a second term in office at the Pantami Township

Stadium yesterday. The Chief Judge of the State, Justice Halima Mohammed, administered the oath of office on both the governor and his deputy at a colourful ceremony that attracted thousands of people from within and outside the state.

In his address, the governor revealed that in the next four years, his administration will focus on economic empowerment and job creation, saying that his government will continue with the ‘ease of doing business' policies.

"These policies are designed to foster conducive business environment, attract investments, and stimulate economic growth. We shall also train and upskill our youth, invest in ICT skills and innovation, and harness our agri-business potential in order to enhance food security and create employment opportunities," he said.

Taraba: We Will Tackle Insecurity, Kefas pledges

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State in his remarks, assured the people of the state that he will tackle the persistent insecurity challenges bedevilling the state.

In his inaugural speech after being sworn in by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Agya at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, Kefas also promised to address the economic challenges of the people through youth and women empowerment. He assured the thousands of people who thronged the stadium to witness the occasion that he would bring his wealth of experience in security to ensure insecurity becomes a thing of the past in the state.

The governor, who hinted that only capable and qualified people will be appointed into his cabinet, further stated that his administration will give priority to youths development, women empowerment as well as give priority to the disabled.

"Only best and qualified hands will be selected to into my cabinet. We must give our people hope and I'm optimistic that if we join hands to live together as one, shall succeed and the issue of insecurity will become an issue of the past,” he assured.

Kaduna: Sani: My Administration Will Be Inclusive, Fair

The new governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani, said that his administration will be guided by the principles of inclusiveness, fairness, justice and equity.

In his address shortly after taking the oath of office at the Murtala Square, Kaduna, Sani said he was prepared, determined and imbued with a clear vision for the continued progress of the state.

“My administration shall undertake programmes and policies that will enhance productivity, encourage creativity and harness the rich diversity and cosmopolitan nature of this state,” he explained. He promised to embark on programmes and policies that are people oriented, assuring that he will run an all-inclusive government that shall leave no one or any part of Kaduna state behind.

Sani noted the security and economic challenges facing the state and Nigeria as a whole, promising that he will work hard to address them.

Ogun: We Will Complete All Ongoing Projects, Says Abiodun

On his part, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday, defied the heavy rain, that ushered in his second term as the governor of Ogun State, with his oath of office administered by the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu. This was preceded by that of his Deputy, Noinmat Salako-Oyedele.

The event, which took place at the M.K.O Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, was attended by stakeholders including politicians, traditional rulers, former governors, artisans, market men and women, several union leaders and members and residents of the state.

Addressing the people, Abiodun promised that the administration in the next four years, would move on speedily to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people by building on foundation laid four year ago. "We will complete all ongoing infrastructure projects, such as roads, our agro cargo / commercial airport ,achieve our set target in the health sector and the housing sector by ensuring that we provide 6000 affordable housing units.

"We will be fully implementing e learning in our public schools whilst continuing with the reconstruction of schools and provision of furniture,” he noted

Ebonyi: Nwifuru to Run Grassroots- based Administration

In Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru was sworn in at the Pa Ngele Oruta township stadium, where he said he was prepared for governance, having acquired experience as the speaker of the state House of Assembly for eight years.

"Our victory is a collective one. History has given us a greater opportunity to achieve a great thing. The success of our celebration is because of God Almighty.

"I shall run Ebonyi state on the principle of charter of needs. I shall hold town hall meeting with the people of the state," Nwifuru said, promising to be fair to all the people of the state, irrespective of political parties.

Oyo: Makinde: We Will Focus on Four Pillars of Devt

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on his part, promised to redouble efforts , especially with the provision of qualitative education by returning over 50,000 out-of-school children to classrooms through targeted interventions in the next four years.

The decision , he said, was hinged on the blueprint for Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023–2027, with focus on four pillars of the economy, education, healthcare and security.

The governor gave the promise in his inaugural address at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, shortly after he was sworn in for another four years alongside his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima, at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan.

He said another policy that will remain in place is

FLAG-OFF OF THE 2023 MALTINA TEACHER OF THE YEAR...

L-R: Head, Consumer Sector, Client Coverage, Stanbic IBTC, Mrs Nnenna Okoro; Lagos State President, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), Mr Masheyi Olushola; Lagos State Coordinator, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Princess Adaobi Ekwuno; Company Secretary/Legal Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Uaboi Agbebaku; Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs Sade Morgan, Assistant Chief Accountant, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mrs Manu Adebola; and Head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace, Mr Stanley Olisa during the flag-off of the 2023 Maltina Teacher of the Year in Lagos.... Recently

28 GOVERNORS, DEPUTIES TAKE OATH OF OFFICE, PROMISE REFORMS, INCLUSIVENESS

the 15-20 per cent budgetary allocation to education, stating that it was important to continue to reduce the infrastructure deficit in the public primary and secondary schools with focus on building classrooms and other needed facilities in underserved areas in the state.

” As we face another four years with this mandate that you have given us, we again, in all humility, ask for your support. With your backing, we know our vision for Omituntun 2.0 will become a reality,” he noted.

Katsina: Radda to Block Financial Loopholes

The newly sworn in governor of Katsina state, Dr. Dikko Radda, vowed to establish a Treasury Single Account (TSA) in order to check financial loopholes in the state.

He said the introduction of the TSA would enable his government to consolidate the state finances, strengthen accountability and close all financial linkages in the state.

Radda, who spoke shortly after he was sworn in as the fifth governor of Katsina , said leakages in payroll, overheads and capital projects would be eradicated to ensure efficient management of the state resources.

Elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Radda was sworn in alongside his deputy, Faruk Lawal-Jobe by the state Chief Judge, Justice Musa Abubakar, at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.

He promised to also conduct a staff audit to eliminate ghost workers at state and local government levels in order to ensure that public servants serve the government judiciously.

Plateau: Mufwang: No Blame Game

In Plateau, the new Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, promised to unite the state, warning that those thriving on crisis and division will henceforth not

have a place amongst the people.

The governor also lamented the huge debt burden of over N200 billion he was inheriting from predecessor.

“We will not witch-hunt, neither will we embark on blame game, but we will take a critical assessment of what we are inheriting today, and where we need to ask cogent questions, we will because we are determined to bequeath an enduring legacy,” he stressed.

Mutfwang took over the mantle of leadership as the new governor of the state at the Rwang Pam township stadium, Jos, the state capital.

“While it is true that I have a tribe and faith, I want to assure that I will use these identities as positive values to enhance our common good. I therefore welcome you all to the new Plateau where tribe and faith will no longer be tools for division but rich multi-coloured threads to be weaved into strong ropes that will pull us together for unity and progress,” he explained.

Bauchi: Mohammed: Our Focus Shall Be Peace, Security

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, was yesterday sworn in by the Chief Judge of State, Justice Rabi Umar for a second term of four years.

The governor alongside his Deputy, Muhammad Jatau, shortly after taking oaths of allegiance and office, stressed that he understood the overwhelming significance of the moment.

“Our primary focus remains peace and security and the welfare of our people and everybody living in Bauchi State. In sectoral terms, we shall not only prioritise education and agriculture as critical areas with inestimable value chains that will impact on all our plans.

“ I also hereby declare an emergency in these two sectors. They will rank only with staff salaries and security as first line charges critical to the survival and future progress of the state," he stated.

Abia: Otti Promises to Right Past Wrongs

Alex Otti of Labour Party (LP) has been inaugurated as the fifth governor of Abia State at the Umuahia Township Stadium, along with his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu. They were inaugurated by the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai.

Otti promised to right the wrongs of the past and put Abia on the path of progressive trajectory, noting that his major responsibility would be ensuring that the people of Abia fully enjoy their freedom from bondage.

He said: "We rejoice in the birth of a new and glorious era, yet we cannot easily forget the years of waste and missed opportunities arising from self-seeking, prebendal and profligate governance.

"To the glory of God, this is now a time for us to wipe our tears. It is the time for rebuilding, not just the state’s physical infrastructure and fiscal buffers that are in a sorry state of decay. It is the time to rebuild our individual and collective values. It is now the time to take back our society".

The former banker said that his administration inherited N200 billion debt, N50 billion salary arrears, colossal infrastructure decay, among other negative indices.

Borno: We Will Continue to Build on Existing Peace, Says Zulum

The Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum said he would continue to sustain the current peace and reopen more displaced communities to boost economic development in Borno State.

Zulum, who made the promise while taking his second-term oath of office, noted that the present harmony in the state had made 1 million fellow citizens to return to communities and has led to the closure of some camps for internally displaced persons.

The governor said that his government had

restored civil authority and basic amenities, and re-opened the communities for livelihoods Zulum further disclosed plans to recruit 5,000 teachers, 1,500 health workers and establish a microfinance in each of the 27 local government areas of the state.

"We will establish six centres of excellence to harness potential from less privileged children by providing an enabling environment for them to full realise their potential, construct additional secondary and primary schools and as well rehabilitate 100 schools, recruit additional 5000 teachers and ensure adequate resources for education," he stated.

Delta: Oborevwori Promises Better Deal for Warri

Sheriff Oborevwori, has taken his oath of office and oath of allegiance as the new Governor of Delta State, with a promise to tackle the various challenges confronting the state.

Oborevwori, with his Deputy, Monday Onyeme, formally took over from former governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who was governor from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023, comprising two terms of four years.

While promising to build on the legacies of his predecessors, particularly the outgoing administration of Okowa, the governor promised to pay closer attention to the environment and other development issues confronting residents of the city of Warri.

“I have learnt the importance of setting the priorities of government, communicating the goals and outcomes of policies and programmes, and partnering with the executive for their successful implementation. I am therefore, well positioned to deliver good governance to our people.

"The issues that confront this administration are not new. They are about improving the quality of life of our people, about building bridges of social cohesion, about giving our people the hope of a better tomorrow, and about accelerated development,” he pointed out.

Labour Party Vows to Cause Upset in Edo LG Election

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Ahead of Edo State local government election, slated for September this year, the Labour Party (LP) in the state has said that it would create upsets by winning a chunk of the local government areas in the state contrary to the practice where ruling parties most times allocate victories to themselves in local government elections in the country.

Besides, the party said for this to be achieved, there has to be a credible and fair process from the Edo State Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) which it charged to create a level playing field for all participating political parties.

A leader and chieftain of the party in Edo State, Dr. Oghogho Okundaye, in a chat with journalists in Benin City, said the party successfully had its primary election to pick its chairmanship candidates and was banking on

its organic following especially from the youth population to win elections.

According to him, “We have carefully conducted the primaries, like you all know that our primary was done in May and then ratified. So we are ready to go and our hope is that the process is fair and free and that's what we stand for.

“Again, you know, traditionally, we have seen where the sitting party emerges winner in all local government areas in the state but we are not disturbed by that, we are relying on the organic network that we have as a party.

“It is no longer news that the Labour Party is well liked and loved and the strength of the youth and the movement that the youths constitute in our politics today, gives us the advantage that no other political party has.

“So in that light, we are confident that we will be putting up a good show in the forthcoming

local government.

“All that we are asking is that the process be fair, if the process

is fair, given what Labour Party stands for, given what we've been able to demonstrate in the

previous elections regardless of the outcome of the outcome of the elections, we are confident

that Labour Party will emerge the winner of many of the local government areas in this state.”

NGO Pledges to Support Bauchi Govt, Partners State to Improve Nutrition Indices

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Bauchi State government is to enjoy the support and partnership of a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Alive and Thrive fhi360, which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), in order to ensure improvement in nutrition indices for children under the age of five in the state.

The assertion was made yesterday by the State Focal Person of the NGO, Asimobi Chidi, while giving a goodwill remarks during the flag off of the 2023 Maternal, Newborn and

Children Health Week (MNCHW) at the Gida Dubu Primary Health Care Facility.

MNCHW is a week-long activity which aims to deliver a package of basic health interventions that are highly effective in reducing child morbidity and improving maternal mortality rate among women of child bearing age.

Alive and Thrive fhi360 being one of the development partners in the health sector in Bauchi state, assured that, "we monitor and follow up to ensure that nutrition indices of the state improves."

Chidi also said, "we are doing well, we came here to work on improving regular uptake of health interventions and I pray that also, our state indices for nutrition is going to improve, as we are improving in all other areas."

He, however, called on all mothers to come out to the designated facilities to access the various services in order to give all the necessary support and cooperation for the success of the week long activity.

"I want our mothers to please come out en mass and receive all the services that are mapped out

for this week, because is going to benefit us and our children," he said.

According to him, "I also enjoined all our partners to please continue with what we are doing to ensure that this week and all the implementations we are doing in the state yield a better fruit, improve the nutrition indices of the state, improves our health and well-being in the state."

The Focal Person concluded that, "We in Alive and Thrive will continue to support the state to see whatever that will bring good health and nutrition improvement in the state."

eNAIRA SENSITISATION EXERCISE AT THE LAW LADIES DAY PROGRAMME...

Oye: My Successor Will Emerge Through Transparent Process

Unveils book on Bible quiz

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Ike Oye has said that the next leadership of the party would be elected at the national convention in Awka, Anambra State, through a credible and transparent process.

He also revealed that he has written a book on Bible quiz, as a show of thanksgiving to God for His mercies although the difficult but eventful eight years in office.

Speaking to THISDAY on the preparations for the party's national convention taking place on Wednesday, Oye said everything

would be done to ensure a smooth and seamless transition to a new leadership.

He said his prayer was that his successor would work and shine brighter than he did.

The outgoing national chairman of APGA who had survived many attempts by aggrieved groups to unseat him, told THISDAY that a magnificent five storey building that would serve as party's regional office would be inaugurated today.

Speaking on what to expect at the national convention, Oye said, " The process will be credible, transparent and generally acceptable God willing."

He said APGA had always had a smooth succession plan, adding that the exercise would be, "very smooth, with no hassles and the person will emerge seamlessly.

"That's how we have always been. So our process is going to be credible and transparent. So I thank God for His mercies and love on us. God has shown us mercy and I pray to him ceaselessly to grant the same grace to my successor so that he would shine brighter than I did.

"The prayer of every father is for his son to be bigger than him and I know that my successor will be bigger than me.

"All I owe him is prayer, counseling when the need arises but will always give us the best anytime we pray to Him and that best is for APGA to be able to win more elections in the nearest future in various capacities -from the State Assembly seats to the Presidency.

"I believe that someday, APGA will win the presidency of this country," he said.

Oye said he was confident about the future of APGA predicting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would soon implode based on the crisis both parties are embroiled in.

"If you asked I will tell you that

Emefiele Has Prepared Ground for Economic Stability for Tinubu’s Govt, Says CSO

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Economic Assessment Unit of the Civil Society Central Coordinating Council (CSCCC) has said the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has prepared the ground for economic stability of the new administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The group made this known in a statement to congratulate Emefiele on the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) National Honour conferred on him by the immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday.

In the congratulatory statement signed by its Head of Unit, Ihuoma Adaelu, the CSCCC described the CBN governor as a pragmatic and transformational leader, who has fearlessly encouraged innovations for economic development.

According to the group, Emefiele has created change that would shape the future of Nigeria’s economy and as well prepare ground for Tinubu government’s economic stability.

The group stated, "This national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic is well deserving, because Emefiele's vision and mission over the years are in tandem with those of the apex bank.

“He has been focused, fearless even in the face of unwarranted and scathing criticisms. He never shied away from his duties nor allowed emotions to cloud his judgment.

"Under his leadership, the CBN has become one of the most efficient

and effective world’s central banks in promoting and sustaining economic development. The CBN has been on the spot since the recent policy on the redesign of the naira, but Emefiele has remained focused in the face of unwarranted criticisms, even by those who do not have a proper understanding of the modern concept of central banking.

“We commend Muhammadu Buhari for deeming Emefiele worthy of this award, it's an honour well deserved."

Similarly, the African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR), congratulated Emefiele on his Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic national honour.

The ACJHR in a statement by its strategic communication consultant,

Chinomso Nduka Edede stated that the conferment of the honour on Emefiele by Buhari, was a sign of appreciation for his hard work all these years.

According to the group, Emefiele's Honor showed that Buhari appreciates competence, hard work by those who meant well for the economy of the nation.

The group stated, “We wish to sincerely commend President Muhammadu Buhari for the thoughtful decision to confer a national honor of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic on Emefiele.

“It is a fact that the president’s action is worthy of commendation and it is indeed important that when the right thing is done it

is appreciated. Emefiele over the years has worked hard to reposition the apex bank. He understands that central banks in developing countries perform both traditional and non-traditional roles.

"From the onset of his tenure, he noted that the vision of the CBN draws inspiration from the understanding of the multiple mandates of the Bank to pursue both price and financial system stability as well as provide complementary developmental functions.

“Emefiele also understood that central banks in developing countries also needed to serve as financial catalysts by performing developmental and promotional activities, because developing countries do not have vibrant capital and money markets.”

Ahmed Tinubu will be the last president that APC will produce. When he completes his term the party will die," he said.

Oye said he and his son, Ebuka Oye, co-authored a Bible quiz book, "to give thanks to God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us, especially in the last eight years."

“It has not been easy; this job is the most difficult job anybody can do. Twenty-four hours, seven days of the week you are working. Even while you are sleeping, you

are working unless you don't want to achieve positive results. In my own estimation, to write this book took a lot of things out of me and my son.

'My son is a petroleum engineer but he was still humble enough to support me in the production of this work. It took us 70 weeks without breaking to produce this book and we concluded the book inn2021 and we are just publishing because it has to be God's own time," he said.

Diaspora Support Group to Honour Faleke, El-Rufai, Betta Edu, Others

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

A group of Nigerians in diaspora, under the aegis of Diaspora Support For Asiwaju (DSA North America), is set to organise a dinner and award night in honour of the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The dinner, which is scheduled to hold in Abuja, today, was expected to have in attendance members from the top echelons of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and key figures from the opposition who are believed to have contributed to the APC’s success at the polls.

In a statement issued by the group, its convener, Folasade Olumo, who is also the Deputy Women Leader of the United States chapter of the All Progressives Congress, stated that in addition to celebrating Tinubu’s hard fought victory at the presidential polls, the event also aims to appreciate those identified by the diaspora community as having made valuable contributions to the Renewed Hope

Radda to Establish Treasury Single Account in Katsina

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The newly sworn in governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, has vowed to establish a Treasury Single Account (TSA) in order to checkmate financial loopholes in the state.

He said the introduction of the TSA would enable his government consolidate the state finances, strengthen accountability and close all financial linkages in the state.

Radda, who spoke shortly after he was sworn in as the fifth governor of Katsina State, yesterday, said linkages in payroll, overheads and capital

projects would be eradicated to ensure efficient management of the state resources.

Elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Radda was sworn in alongside his deputy, Faruk Lawal-Jobe by the state Chief Judge, Justice Musa Danlandi Abubakar, at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.

The former SMEDAN directorgeneral promised to also conduct a staff audit to eliminate ghost workers at state and local government levels in order to ensure that public servants serve the government

judiciously.

The governor explained that promotion and placement of staff would be entirely on merits and not through favours, adding that his government would apply the sticks and carrots approach towards performance of his cabinet members.

He, however, said security issues would be given ultimate priority by his government, vowing to deploy all available resources to tame the spate of banditry and other criminalities in the state.

Radda warned bandits terrorising some farming communities in the state to abandon their nefarious

activities and reintegrate into society or face the wrath of the law.

He said: "To the bandits, I say abandon your course and reintegrate into society or face the full wrath of the law. And I urged our youths to shun drug abuse, time wasting and criminality. We will work with relevant law enforcement agencies to provide social order and overall security of the state."

He reiterated that his government would build the lives of those affected by banditry by providing special support to women and girls whom he said have endured the unimaginable pains.

campaign.

“For those of us in the diaspora, we were very involved in the campaign and the election, even though we don’t live in Nigeria permanently. However, there is no place like home, and we strongly believe in Asiwaju’s capacity to lead our country and deliver on his promises because of his antecedents. For this reason, we resolved to contribute our quota to the campaign and some of us also came home to participate actively in the electioneering process.

“Now that elections have been won, we believe that it is important to give honour to whom it is due, and that is why we are organising this event to properly acknowledge the efforts of those who stood by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and made significant contributions to his victory at the polls” she said.

Those who would receive awards include Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, the federal legislator and Tinubu protege who served as secretary of campaign council; Nasir El-Rufai; Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and Nyesom Wike, who, despite being in the PDP, supported Tinubu’s emergence.

Others include former national chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomole; media veteran, Chief Dele Alake; APC National Women Leader and Deputy, Dr. Betta Edu and Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim; Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir, who coordinated the women’s wing of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign; and the veteran fuji musician and long-time Tinubu associate, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal I. A special royal award would also be presented to the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, HRH Oba Olushola Alao Olugbon.

L-R: CEO/Principal Partner, Pocket Lawyers, Ngozi Nwabueze; Managing Partner, Hilton Top Solicitors, Deborah Enyone Oni; Host and Vice President Law Student Society, Chidera Robinson; Moderator, Deborah Ayinla; Partner Banwo & Ighodalo, Seyi Bella, and CEO Pathfinders International Limited, Nkechi Onyenso, during CBN eNaira sensitisation exercise at the Law Ladies Day programme at UNILAG, Yaba Lagos ... recently

CIPM 49TH INDUCTION CEREMONY...

L-R: Registrar/Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Oluwatoyin Naiwo; President and Chairman of the Governing Council, CIPM, Olusegun Mojeed; Best Graduating Student of the CIPM December 2022 Examination Diet, Rebecca

the Honourable Judd Devermont, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, National Security Council; and the Honourable Monde Muyangwa, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Development.

Those at the occasion also included Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; former President Goodluck Jonathan; Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina.

The dignitaries included also Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, Ministers, Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Adamu Abdullahi; traditional rulers, clergy men, among others.

The programme kicked off in earnest about 10:12am with the arrival of immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari.

Prior to Buhari's arrival, Tinubu, Shettima and the immediate past vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, had all arrived and settled at the State Box in readiness for the programme.

At exactly 10.36 am, Tinubu took his oath of office, accompanied by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, administered the oath. The vice president, Kashim Shettima, took his oath of office a moment earlier.

By 11am, Buhari joined Tinubu on the dais to witness the official hoisting of new National and Defence Flags to signify the beginning of the Tinubu’s administration. The new colours and instrument of office were earlier handed over to Buhari and Tinubu, who in turned passed it on to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Iraboh.

Few minutes after, at exactly 11.03am, Buhari left the Eagles Square venue of the inauguration for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

improve the lives of millions.

MONETARY POLICY

Monetary policy needs thorough housecleaning. The Central Bank must work towards a unified exchange rate. This will direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy. Interest rates need to be reduced to increase investment and consumer purchasing in ways that sustain the economy at a higher level.

Whatever merits it had in concept, the currency swap was too harshly applied by the CBN given the number

He left in company of some personal aides to the airport, from where he was flown to the Katsina airport where a helicopter was waiting to fly him to Daura, his hometown where a reception was organised for the 16th President of Nigeria.

UK, US, Saudi Arabia, Others Hold Bilateral Meetings With Tinubu

No fewer than 10 countries formally presented their goodwill messages and letters of support and solidarity to President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

The letters were presented Monday to the president by the special envoys and heads of missions of the countries after his inauguration as the 16th President of Nigeria.

The countries that presented their support letters, according to a statement issued by Tunde Rahman of the president's media office, included United Kingdom, United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, Israel, Cape Verde, Somalia and Nicaragua.

While congratulating Tinubu, the new UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, presented letters from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, King Charles and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

The US delegation led by Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia L. Fudge, paid a courtesy call on Tinubu had a brief bilateral discussion with him.

The South Korean delegation also had bilateral discussions with Tinubu.

While delivering a letter of invitation from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for Tinubu to visit that country soon, the delegation also sought increased relations between the two nations.

On its part, the Saudi Arabian delegation delivered a goodwill message from the Saudi Royal House to the Nigerian president.

A special envoy of the Japanese

of unbanked Nigerians. The policy shall be reviewed. In the meantime, my administration will treat both currencies as legal tender.

FOREIGN POLICY

Given the world in which we reside, please permit a few comments regarding foreign policy.

The crisis in Sudan and the turn from democracy by several nations in our immediate neighbourhood are of pressing concern.

As such, my primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African subregion and the African continent. We shall

and National

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida equally paid a call on Tinubu and extended a hand of support and fellowship.

In the same vein, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a delegation, which met with Tinubu and expressed willingness to work with the country in the area of fin-tech.

Others who met with Tinubu and pledged cooperation with Nigeria included delegations from Brazil, Somali, Cape Verde and Nicaragua.

Gbajabiamila: Nigeria Will Witness Renewed Hope

with Tinubu as President

Gbajabiamila congratulated Tinubu on his inauguration as the 16th President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Gbajabiamila hailed Tinubu for his sagacity, resilience, determination, and commitment to Nigeria's democracy for over three decades, which were crowned by his election on February 25.

With Tinubu’s inauguration, Gbajabiamila said, Nigeria had taken off on a good footing after the Buhari’s administration.

He said the country would truly witness renewed hope as captured in the president's campaign slogan and his inaugural speech, where he promised Nigerians that he would govern and not rule them.

Gbajabiamila noted with delight how Tinubu has resolved to unite Nigeria, coming out of a highly contested election, where he emerged victorious.

The Speaker said Tinubu and the vice president, Kashim Shettima, were well prepared for the task ahead. He said he was confident that the president would not disappoint Nigeria and Nigerians.

Gbajabiamila said, "It gives me great pleasure to join millions of Nigerians at home and the world over on this great day where a great Nigerian, a dogged fighter, a democrat, a unifier and a nationalist, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed

work with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts and to resolve new ones.

As we contain threats to peace, we shall also retool our foreign policy to more actively lead the regional and continental quest for collective prosperity.

CONCLUSION

This is the proudest day of my life. But this day does not belong to me. It belongs to you, the people of Nigeria.

On this day, Nigeria affirms its rightful place among the world’s

Tinubu, is inaugurated as the 16th President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"It has been a long walk. But with determination, resilience, tenacity, and doggedness, the Almighty God has made it possible. Nigerians have spoken on February 25, and today, we are witnessing the inauguration of one of our finest and most strategic politicians in history as Nigeria's president.

“I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will take Nigeria to the next level of good governance.

“I call on Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to join hands and support the Tinubu administration for a better Nigeria that works for all of us. Nigeria is the only country we can call our own. We must work together and give the new government the desired support to succeed."

HURIWA Kicks Against Fuel Subsidy Removal

HURIWA kicked against the announcement by Tinubu that petrol subsidy was gone, describing it as unconstitutional and authoritarian.

In a statement, National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, described as inconsiderate, insensitive, irrational and reckless the directive that fuel subsidy was gone.

The rights group urged the civil rights community and the labour unions to mobilise Nigerian workers and all proletarian people of Nigeria to embark on indefinite strike and civil disobedience actions should Tinubu not reverse his proposition to end the subsidy regime, “when inflation and poverty are tearing millions of Nigerians apart and sending many to their early graves due to intractable economic adversities.”

HURIWA wondered how the new president wanted to commence his government by imposition of extremely economic measure such as the draconian removal of fuel subsidy,

great democracies. There, Nigeria shall reside forever.

The course of our past and the promise of the future have brought us to this exceptional moment.

In this spirit, I ask you to join me in making Nigeria a more perfect nation and democracy such that the Nigerian ideal becomes and forever remains the Nigerian reality.

With full confidence in our ability, I declare that these things are within our proximate reach because my name is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I am the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

May God bless you and May He bless our beloved land.

“which will lead to the skyrocketing of purchasing prices of goods and services in Nigeria.”

HURIWA expressed shock that, “when 100 million households are absolutely poor, President Tinubu rather than ameliorate the problems has added fuel to the fire.”

HURIWA warned that the removal of fuel subsidy could snowball into popular uprising if not reversed immediately.

It queried Tinubu for allowing the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Usman Baba Alkali, to attend the sacred oath-taking ceremony in Abuja, arguing that it was a desecration of the constitution, “and that it is a very bad sign of how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may disrespect the rulings of courts of competent authority as recognised by Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

It recalled that Justice Riman had in the suit marked FHC/AWK/ CS/58/2023, made an order restraining Alkali from further parading himself as the Inspector General of Police or exercising any form of command or control over the Nigeria Police Force.

Fuel Scarcity Resurfaces in Abuja, Lagos, Benin

Following the announcement of his resolve to end petrol subsidy, filling stations in many parts of Abuja, Lagos and Benin City had stopped selling the product in anticipation of price increase.

In Edo State, for instance, there was panic buying of petrol as motorist besieged the NNPC filling station on Sapele Road after the announcement of the fuel subsidy removal.

During a visit to the fuel station, yesterday, there were about 25 vehicles on the queue, but that soon increased astronomical after the announcement was made.

The queue stretched from Sapele Road to High Court Road with many motorists stating that they did not know what would happen now that the subsidy had been removed.

A motor driver, Idemudia Ezekiel, said he left home to join the queue as soon as the announcement was made and was surprised to meet many motorists on the queue.

According to him, "Hopefully, the removal of subsidy will affect the masses. I had to rush to the mega station to buy fuel, but I met a long queue. I was surprised to see the number of vehicles on the queue."

Although the NNPC mega station was still selling at N187 per litre, other stations, which also had considerable vehicles on the queues, sold for between N230 and N250 per litre

Besides, many the fuel stations in Benin metropolis have shuts their gates to customers apparently in anticipation of price increase.

Inauguration: Tinubu's Speech Didn't Inspire Hope, Says LP

The leadership of Labour Party (LP) said the inauguration of speech of President BolaTinubu was without clear direction for the people of Nigeria.

The party said Tinubu's speech clearly "exposed the shallowness and policy incongruity that his administration is hoping to bequeath Nigerians."

In a statement, National Publicity Secretary of the Abure-led National Working Commttee (NWC) of the party, Obiora Ifoh, first berated the president for describing "the election that brought him to power as tough but fairly won."

Ifoh said LP considered the "speech as defective in many ways,” pointing out,"Late President Umaru Yar'Adua, recall, on the inauguration of his government did state that the election that brought him to power was flawed and imperfect but he promised that he was going to fix the electoral system.”

LP stated, "But today, Nigerians were aghast with the boldness and glee with which Tinubu declared his election as fair. We consider this audacity as a slap on the faces of millions of Nigerians, who voted their conscience but were robbed by a collective power of state institutions and brute bringandry unleashed on them.

“Nigerians will not forget in a hurry that unction by the then presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu, to ‘grab power and run with it’, a directive that was effected on the February 25 election day.”

Ifoh said what was witnessed yesterday "was a celebration of lies and deceit, and that explains why the streets are like grave yards with no pomp and pageantry usually associated with a major feat like what we had today."

He called on Nigerians, whom he described as the highest office in Nigeria, "not to allow this government any space to toil with the destiny of this nation again."

UK Government Congratu- lates Tinubu and Shettima on their inauguration

The United Kingdom Government congratulated Tinubu and Shettima on their inauguration.

In a message to Tinubu, His Majesty King Charles III said, “Dear Mr. President, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your inauguration as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to send you every possible good wish as you assume the many responsibilities of your office.

Oluwatobiloba Ilori,

Treasurer, CIPM, Ogochukwu Egbuonu at the CIPM 49th Induction Ceremony in Lagos...yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

TODAY, FATE AND DESTINY JOIN TOGETHER TO PLACE THE TORCH OF HUMAN PROGRESS IN OUR VERY HANDS

TINUBU: SUBSIDY IS GONE, CAN NO LONGER JUSTIFY EVER INCREASING COSTS

CELEBRATION OF A MILESTONE IN LAPAROSCOPIC PROCEDURES WITH 50TH SUCCESSFUL CASES...

L-R: Prostate Cancer Survivor, Ichie Ezereadi Ezeorjika; UK-based Consultant Urological, Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeon, Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme; Prostate Cancer Survivors: Mr. Emeka Ezeani and Mr. Ben Alozie at the celebration of a milestone in laparoscopic procedures with 50th successful cases at Reddington Hospital at the weekend

PDP Govs Forum Congratulates Colleagues over Swearing-in

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors' Forum (PDP-GF) has congratulated all its newly sworn in governors

In a statement by the Director General of the forum, Cyril Maduabum, the PDP governors congratulated Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State; Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Mr. Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom State; Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State.

Other governors of the PDP that were sworn in were Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State; Ameopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State; Lt. Col. Agbu Kefas ofTaraba State and Dr. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.

The Forum said it was particularly grateful to God for the election and inauguration of “very capable hands to pilot the ship of various PDP states at this

time.”

"As they assume duties in the exalted office of Governor, it is our prayer that God will give them the wisdom, discernment, ability, and resources – both human and material – to face the challenges of statecraft," the statement stated.

The forum noted that the gubernatorial office was a call to service unto the people of various states and the nation in general, and comes with pressing demands and responsibilities, requiring focus, loyalty, discipline, professionalism and diligence, traits they all have in abundance.

"We have high hopes that they will prove their leadership capacities as a result of their vast experiences and earlier career endeavours,” the stated.

The Forum pledged to support and assist in providing a conducive environment through peer review activities and other actions geared towards excellence in office to effect strategic socio-economic changes in their respective states in order to

reciprocate the trust and mandate given to them by their people, party leaders and stakeholders.

“We wish you all God's guidance, protection, and the best of luck in this onerous task," the forum said.

In a related development, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has also congratulated

all the governors elected on the platform of the PDP and took the oath of office yesterday.

Diri, in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said a new chapter had been opened in the lives of the newly-sworn-in governors and in their individual states.

The Bayelsa governor wished

the seven new and three returning governors of the party impactful tenures as they begin and continue their journey to transform their states.

“I congratulate my brothergovernors of the PDP that have joined our fold today, May 29. History has been recorded in some states as a new chapter is

opened in others.

“I, therefore, wish all of them fruitful tenures that would enable them impact and transform their states. For the new governors, their journey has just begun. I equally call for support from the people as governance is about team work, with the people at the centre of the entire process,” he said.

Ooni to Tinubu: Swing into Action, Engage Youth, Fix Nigeria, Unite Africa

The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to waste no time in tackling the challenges confronting the country as a man of action that he was known to be.

Ooni Ogunwusi made the call through his Director of Media and

Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, in a statement, and congratulated Tinubu on his inauguration as Nigeria's President, adding that capable Nigerian youths should be engaged by his administration as the country deserved its rightful position within the committee of nations globally.

"Mr President, congratulations

Umar Ardo: My Grouse with Buhari

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former aide to Atiku Abubakar and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Adamawa State in the last governorship election, Umar Ardo, has described former President Muhammadu Buhari as an ungrateful person, who always forgets those that helped him in his hours of need.

Ardo, who was a Special Adviser to Atiku Abubakar when he was the vice President, traced in regrets his relationship with Buhari.

In a Twitter post from his verified

handle, Ardo wrote, “Buhari became president at his fourth contest, after three unsuccessful attempts. To that extent and to the limits of claims, he owes his presidency to me in that the idea of the formation of the APC and his fourth contest was mine.

"I also convinced him to start it and got it working,” adding that, "A former IGP said to me in 2012, after reading my blueprint initiating the formation of the APC and Buhari’s fourth contest: ‘Ardo, do you want my advice on this? Please don’t do it! Because the man you’re doing it for cannot handle the job.

“He’ll only come and mess up the country and hurt people. And you, whatever you think he’ll do for you, he won’t. When he was saying these words, l was thinking to myself what else would IBB’s IGP say of Buhari! I thought he was being bias.

"I didn’t know that actually it was l that was biased. I conceived my little project, fervently wanting it to succeed, and therefore, didn’t want to brook any contrary view! So, I subsequently cut off my regular courtesy visits to him and continued with my project to its logical conclusion.

"Today, after it is all done and

Katsina Governor Appoints Ex-Bank MD, Dangiwa, SSG

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, has appointed a former managing director and chief executive officer of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Arch. Ahmed Dangiwa, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Radda, in a statement personally signed also appointed Jabiru Tsauri and Muhtar Aliyu Saulawa as his chief of staff and deputy chief of staff respectively.

Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, according to the statement, was equally appointed as the principal private secretary to the governor.

He has also approved the appointment of Maiwada Danmallam as Director-general media; Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, chief press secretary; Miqdad Isah, senior special assistant on digital media and Abubakar Badaru Jikamshi as the senior special assistant on print and electronic media.

The governor, in addition,

has approved the appointment of Bishir Maikano as the senior special assistant (Protocol) deputy governor's office.

"Other appointments are Alh. Hassan Ibrahim Danhaire as Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) Deputy Governor's Office and Ahmed Rabiu as Official Photographer to the Governor.

"The Governor congratulated the new appointees and urged them to join hands with him in turning around fortunes of the State," the statement reads.

over, I can say if only I had listened to Dan Lawan! To those who say to me: Dr. Ardo, what do you owe Nigerians for this? My answer to them is simple: I owe Nigerians little. As a faithful Muslim, I know Islam is very clear on this: actions are judged according to intentions!

"My intentions were sincere, nationalistic and noble for the country. Hence my action," he said.

He lamented further how Buhari threw him away after convincing him on the idea of contesting the presidential election with the formation of the APC, that eventually became the ruling political party.

"But Buhari locked me out the very moment he was declared winner, not even for me to see him and say congratulations after initiating it, convincing him on it, assisting him to start it, driving it to cruising level and sourcing millions of dollars to fund it. It is Buhari then that has to answer why he paid good with evil in accordance to the verse ‘Hal jazaaul ihsaan ilal ihsaanu.’

"Why did the former president do what he did towards me? My answer to this question too is that he must have correctly perceived that my intentions were noble and sincere, while he had different intentions in mind!" he stated.

from The House of Oduduwa to you and your amiable wife,who is now the mother of the nation as you have officially taken the mantle of leadership as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"As we celebrate this remarkable day of your inauguration with you, we wish you monumental success in all the policies of your administration so that Nigeria can become great again and maintain her rightful position not only as truly the giant of Africa but also as a leader within the committee of nations globally.

"We trust that your administration will be marked by good governance characterised by transformational economic growth, adequate security, and progress for all Nigerians both at home and in diaspora.

"We also trust that you will leverage your wealth of experience as a man of progressive action in mobilising resources and managing diverse interests to unify Nigeria across political, ethnic and religious

lines," the Ooni said.

The Ooni, who doubles as Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) charged Tinubu to carry the Nigeria traditional institution along, especially in tackling the security challenges in the country.

"The traditional rulers in this country are the closest to the people as there is nobody in Nigeria, who is not a subject of a particular traditional ruler, this is why it is important for the government to empower us with more strategic constitutional roles especially in the area of security management and conflict resolutions," Ooni said.

In working for Africa, the Ooni urged Tinubu to partner the progressive African leaders and friends of Africa across the globe like President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva, who recently hosted the Ooni and his team in Brasilia, Brazil for the unveiling Annual African Traditional Religion Day celebrations.

Mutfwang Appoints SGS, Attorney General, Private Secretary

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, yesterday, approved the appointment of Samuel Nanchang Jatau as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Jatau retired as a director in the Plateau State Civil Service. He was a governorship aspirant in 2019 and an active member of the PDP.

The governor has also approved the appointment of Philemon Dafi, as Attorney General/ Commissioner of Justice designate.

Dafi, a seasoned legal practitioner with more than 30 years of active

legal practice is a member of the Council for Legal Education in Nigeria.

In addition, the governor also appointed Mr. Moses Nwan, as his Executive Private Secretary. Nwan is a retired Permanent Secretary with the Plateau State Government and a former Local Government administrator. He is a devoted community leader and presently the Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) to the Governor.

The announcement which was contained a statement signed by Nwan were with immediate effect.

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

IMAGES OF STATE GOVERNORS TAKING OATH OF OFFICE ACROSS THE COUNTRY

ABIA STATE: L-R Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, Governor Alex Otti, his wife Priscila.

ENUGU STATE: Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu State

OGUN STATE: L-R: Ogun State Chief Judge, Mosunmola Dipeolu; Governor Dapo Abiodun; his wife, Bamidele Abiodun; husband of the Deputy Governor, Bode Oyedele and Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele after the Governor and his deputy took their second term oath of office

GOMBE STATE: Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya being sworn in by the State’s Chief Judge, Justice Halima Sadiyya Mohammed as Governor of Gombe State for a second term. With him are his wives, Hajiya Asma'u and Dr. Amina Inuwa Yahaya.

AKWA IBOM STATE: Mr. Umo Eno taking oath of office yesterday besides him is the wife.

LAGOS STATE: L-R: Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while the wife of the governor, Dr. Ibijoke watches in admiration, during the inauguration of Sanwo-Olu for second term in Office, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos…yesterday

OYO STATE: L-R: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, taking the oath of office for second term; his wife, Tamunominini and Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima during the swearing-in ceremony of Gov Makinde for second term, held at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

CROSS RIVER STATE: Prince Otu being sworn in as governor by the state chief judge

KWARA STATE: L-R: First Lady of Kwara State, Mrs.Olufolake AbdulRazaq, Kwara state Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Adebara during the 2nd term inauguration ceremony of the Governor at Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Ilorin on Monday. NIGER STATE: Governor Umaru Mohammad Bago at the swearing in at the Trade Fair Complex Minna, Niger state.

DELTA STATE: The Newly sworn-in Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori (2nd left), accompanied by his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, taking oath of office before the State Chief Judge Justice Theresa Diai during his inauguration in Asaba…yesterday

KADUNA STATE: Justice Mohammad Tukura, Chief Judge of Kaduna state, administering oath of office to Senator Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna state.

KATSINA STATE: L-R: Katsina State Chief Judge, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar; first wife of the Governor, Zulaihat Dikko Radda; Governor Dikko Umar Radda, and his second wife, Fatima Dikko Radda during the swearing in of the governor yesterday

BENUE STATE: Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, being sworn in

KANO STATE: The Governor of Kano state, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf taking oath of office

TARABA STATE: Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, taking oath of Office

PLATEAU STATE: Plateau State Governor, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, taking oath of office

BAUCHI STATE: Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed signing the oath forms after he was sworn in for a second term... yesterday

IMAGES AT TINUBU'S INAUGURATION

President Tinubu signing the oath

L-R: Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; Chief Registrer of the Supreme Court, Hajo Sarki Bello; President Bola Tinubu taking the oath of office; First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, his wife, Aisha Buhari and son, Yusuf, during the inauguration ceremony at the Eagles Square, Abuja ….yesterday

President Tinubu waves to the crowd as he drives round the Eagle Square

L–R: Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola , administering the oath of office on the Vice President Kashim Shettima, while the wife, Hajia Nana Shettima, looks on

Tinubu drives round the parade ground

President Tinubu taking the oath of office

President and his wife, Oluremi, wave to the crowd

Tinubu taking his oath

President Tinubu greets service chiefs

Vice President Kashim Shettima signs the oath register

L–R: Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; Vice President Kashim Shetima; CJN Olukayode Ariwoola and the son of the vice president.

Buhari bids final farewell as he departs Eagle Square

Tinubu in handshake with Buhari after taking his oath of office

FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

Kremlin Orders Arrest of US Senator Graham over ‘Russians Are Dying’ Comment

Russia’s Interior Ministry issued an arrest warrant Monday for US Senator Lindsey Graham following his comments on the fighting in Ukraine.

In an edited video of his meeting Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that was released by Zelensky’s office, Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, noted that “the Russians are dying” and described the US military assistance to the country as “the best money we’ve ever spent.”

While Graham appeared to have made the remarks in different parts of the conversation, the short video by Ukraine’s presidential office put them next to each other, causing outrage in Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented Sunday that “it’s hard to imagine a greater shame for the country than having such senators.”

The Investigative Committee, the country’s top criminal investigation agency, has moved to open a criminal inquiry against Graham, and the Interior Ministry followed up by issuing a warrant for his arrest as indicated Monday by its official record of wanted criminal suspects.

Sudan Rival Forces Extend

Truce Amid Breaches

Sudan’s warring sides agreed Monday to extend a shaky cease-fire in their battle for control of the country after two key international mediators signalled impatience with persistent truce violations.

The five-day extension of the cease-fire between Sudan’s military and its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, was announced in a joint statement late Monday by Saudi Arabia and the United States.

“The extension will provide time for further humanitarian assistance, restoration of essential services, and discussion of a potential longer-term extension,” the statement said.

The development came after Riyadh and Washington called out both warring sides Sunday for specific breaches of a weeklong truce that will expire Monday evening rather than issue another general appeal to respect agreements.

Sudan descended into chaos after fighting erupted in mid-April between the military, led by Gen. Abdel- Fattah Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. The fighting has killed at least 866 civilians and wounded thousands more, according to the Sudan Doctors’ Syndicate, which tracks civilian casualties. The toll could be much higher, the medical group said.

25 NATO-led Peacekeepers Wounded in Kosovo in Clash with Serbs

On Monday, the NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping force said that 25 of its troops were injured in the clashes with ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo who were trying to take over the offices of one of the municipalities where ethnic Albanian mayors took up their posts last week.

The Serbs started clashing with the police in the morning in the municipality of Zvecan, 45km (28 miles) north of the capital, Pristina. In the afternoon, Kosovo Force (KFOR) soldiers called on Serbs to clear the way for two vehicles from the Kosovar special police forces.

According to witnesses and local media, the soldiers then used tear gas and stun grenades to protect the Kosovar officers in the vehicles and disperse protesters. The assembled Serbs responded by throwing rocks and other hard objects.

“Several soldiers of the Italian and Hungarian KFOR contingent were the subject of unprovoked attacks and sustained trauma wounds with fractures and burns due to the explosion of incendiary devices,” said a KFOR statement.

Some Kosovo police vehicles and one belonging to journalists were damaged. Pictures showed graffiti with Serb nationalist symbols sprayed over them.

Libyan Court Sentences 23 IS Militants to Death

A Libyan court Monday sentenced 23 convicted Islamic State group militants to death for launching deadly attacks that killed dozens of people, including Egyptian Coptic Christians.

The appeals court in the western city of Misrata also sentenced 14 other militants to life in prison who were convicted on the same charges, which included the destruction of police facilities and public property.

The court sentenced nine defendants to between three and 12 years in prison. It acquitted five suspects.

The court did not elaborate on further details.

The Islamic State and other extremist groups exploited the chaos that engulfed Libya after the 2011 uprising that toppled and later killed longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi. They seized the coastal

city of Sirte, Gadhafi’s birthplace, and other cities, including Derna, in eastern Libya.

The militants were eventually expelled from Sirte in December 2016 by forces fighting for the former UN-backed Government of National Accord. Forces of east-based commander Khalifa Hifter reclaimed Derna two years later.

Russia Targets Kyiv with Daytime Attacks

Ukrainian officials reported on Monday new daytime Russian airstrikes on Kyiv after two nights of intense aerial assaults on the capital city.

During the morning hours, debris from missiles intercepted by Ukrainian air defences fell in parts of the city, landing in the middle of traffic on a roadway while also starting a fire on a building’s roof. At least one civilian was injured.

Ukraine said it shot down all 11 ballistic and cruise missiles Russia aimed at Kyiv. But Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram there were explosions in the central part of the city and told people to stay in shelters.

Monday’s attacks followed what Klitschko said was “another difficult night for the capital.”

Across the country, the Ukrainian air force said over Sunday night, it shot down 37 out of 40 cruise missiles and 29 out of 35 drones launched by Moscow’s forces. But at least one person was killed and 18 wounded in the attacks, authorities said.

Iran Ready to Welcome Resumed Ties with Egypt

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Monday he would welcome a resumption of diplomatic relations with Egypt during a meeting with Oman’s visiting Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.

Ties between Tehran and Cairo soured following the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran and Egypt’s recognition of Israel, the Islamic republic’s sworn enemy.

Khamenei said the Omani leader had told him that Egypt would be willing to resume relations.

“We welcome the Omani Sultan’s statement about Egypt’s willingness to resume relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we have no problem in this regard,” Khamenei said, according to his official website.

AFP could not immediately reach the Egyptian foreign ministry for comment.

Recent months have seen sweeping shifts in the Middle East, following a China-brokered rapprochement between regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Iran announced in March.

Japan Denounces North Korea’s Plans to Launch Satellite into Orbit

Japan says North Korea’s plan to launch a

satellite into orbit within the next two weeks would violate UN Security Council resolutions over the North’s previous missile tests.

Pyongyang notified the Japanese coast guard Monday that it plans to launch the satellite sometime between May 31 and June 11. The notification comes just weeks after North Korea’s state-run media said leader Kim Jong Un had approved final preparations for the launch.

North Korea would have to send a satellite into orbit using a long-range ballistic missile, which UN Security Council resolutions have banned. The defence ministry has ordered its land and sea-based ballistic missile interceptor units to shoot down any object threatening its territory.

China Vows to Land Astronauts on Moon Before 2030

Officials say China’s burgeoning space programme plans to place astronauts on the moon before 2030 and expand the country’s orbiting space station.

Monday’s announcement comes against the backdrop of a rivalry with the US for reaching new milestones in outer space, reflecting their competition for influence on global events.

That has conjured up memories of the space race between the US and the former Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s, although American spending, supply chains and capabilities are believed to give it a significant edge over China, at least for the present.

The US aims to put astronauts back on the lunar surface by the end of 2025 as part of a renewed commitment to crewed missions, aided by private sector players such as SpaceX and Blue Origin.

The deputy director of China’s space agency confirmed the twin objectives at a news conference but gave no specific dates.

The agency also introduced three astronauts who will head to the country’s space station in a launch scheduled for Tuesday morning. They will replace a crew on the orbiting station for six months.

Essence of Taiwan’s Inclusiveness in WHO, WHA Activities in Post-Pandemic Era

Life is gradually returning to normal as the world enters the fourth year of the post-COVID-19 pandemic. Most countries have ramped up efforts to achieve health and well-being for all in furtherance of the realisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), whose progress was negatively impacted by the pandemic.

Taiwan fully supports health-related SDGs and the World Health Organisation’s triple billion targets. Indeed, Taiwan is committed to building a more resilient and equitable health service supply chain, maintaining an inclusive and equitable universal health coverage system, and

providing disease prevention and management through a robust primary healthcare system. Taiwan is willing and able to share its experience in creating a cross-sectoral, innovative, and people-centred health approach to help the international community work toward realising the SDGs related to health and well-being. In this regard, it becomes pertinent to the global community that Taiwan is allowed to participate meaningfully in the meetings, mechanisms and activities of the WHO and the World Health Assembly (WHA). It is common knowledge that the WHO is the leader in global public health, dedicated to safeguarding the right to health for all. However, as a result of political considerations, the WHO has been unable to uphold professionalism and neutrality in the discharge of its mandate. Taiwan has not been invited to the WHA since 2017. By excluding Taiwan from WHO events, the esteemed organisation is unwittingly jeopardising global health. Taiwan, therefore, calls on every nation, including Nigeria, to support its bid to attend the WHA scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, later this month (May 21 to 30).

It is a well-known fact that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan effectively mitigated the spread of the disease, leveraging its comprehensive public healthcare system, well-trained anti-pandemic personnel, and epidemiological surveillance, investigation and analysis systems. Compared with the 38 Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development member states and Singapore, Taiwan ranks sixth-lowest in COVID-19 mortality and case-fatality rates. Taiwan also ranks fourth highest for coverage rates of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and third highest in vaccine boosters administered.

A reading of the WHO director-general’s outlined five priorities for the subsequent five years, which are promoting health, providing health services, protecting health, powering progress, and performing; in addition to WHO’s Achieving well-being: A draft global framework for integrating well-being into public health utilising a health promotion approach further justifies the need for all peoples to be involved in WHO’s commitment to health for all.

Taiwan remains committed to working with the global community to ensure the fundamental right to health enshrined in the WHO Constitution, and in the spirit of the SDGs, it is our considered view that no country should be left behind – especially not Taiwan, that has made significant contributions to global public health. It is time for the global community to recognise Taiwan’s contributions to global health and allow the country to participate meaningfully in the WHO and WHA to enable us to share valuable experience in innovative health technology and universal health coverage.

KPMG TAX BREAKFAST SEMINAR…

Inauguration: Senators Solicit Support for Tinubu

Sunday Aborisade inAbuja

Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege; Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary and the Chairman, Senate Services, Senator Sani Musa, have urged Nigerians to cooperate with the newly inaugurated President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima in there is task of building a better Nigeria. The ranking senators made the appeal in separate statements made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday.

Omo-Agege said there were clear signs in the life of President

Tinubu that indicated that he was destined to lead Nigeria.

According to him, he is upbeat that Tinubu would surpass the achievements of his predecessor.

He said there was a need to have the right leadership that would continue with the transformational legacy of the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

He solicited the support of Nigerians for the new administration.

He said: “Given your progressive antecedents as one of the leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Senator of the Federal Republic, Governor of Nigeria’s

Angry Youths Raze Police Post, Injure Officer in Lagos

Rebecca Ejifoma

Angry youths, yesterday invaded a police post on Olayiwola Close in the Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos State, and razed it.

The agitating youths, according to reports, injured a police officer on duty, who was rushed to the emergency centre at the toll gate on Lagos Ibadan Expressway.

Although officials of the Lagos State Fire Service were said to have stopped the inferno, part of the building was already affected.

The State Police Spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that an investigation into the case had begun, adding that although

no suspect had been apprehended.

This incident came barely 24 hours after two suspected members of the Yoruba Nation were arrested on Sunday for attempting to take over the Alausa Police Station in Ikeja.

The about 15-member group was said to have made recordings with their phones of themselves in the station chanting, “No more Nigeria Police again”, “Yoruba Nation has taken over in Yoruba land.”

The spokesman noted that they dispatched police reinforcement to the scene, which resulted in the arrest of two agitators while others took to their heels.

Prof Iornem Tasks Tinubu, Others on Purposeful Leadership

Sunday Okobi

With the inauguration of a new presidency led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and some state governments, Nigerian leaders across the country have been challenged to offer purposeful and people-driven leadership in this new dispensation in order to place the country’s economy among the top 20 performing economies of the world.

This charge was given by the Nigerian Founder of Commonwealth University in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, Prof David Iornem, who called to question the leadership of Nigeria in the thrive for the country to be in the top 20 economies of the world.

According to him, “We as a people need to tell ourselves the home truth. Corruption is the bane

most cosmopolitan state, Lagos, and eventually, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), you left no one in doubt that you were destined and pragmatically prepared for leadership.

“Without question, these positions and various challenges have prepared you for this current national assignment.

“We have total confidence that you would fit perfectly into the

giant shoes of your predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, and take our dear country to even greater heights”.

He said: ‘I have no doubt that the Tinubu administration will

herald the dawn of a new era of economic prosperity, rapid industrialisation, national security, peaceful co-existence among the varying ethnic and religious groups across the nation.”

Emenike Felicitates Tinubu, Shettima on Successful Inauguration

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, has felicitated President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on their successful inauguration, saying Nigeria is in safe hands given their

exceptional leadership acumen. Emenike, who was the Abia State Coordinator of the Tinubu/ Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, in a statement said the enthronement of President Tinubu, as 16th President of Nigeria, would not only stabilise the country but bring about more development in all sectors of the country.

The revered economist, who

witnessed the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, said he was confident that the Tinubu/ Shettima presidency would usher in a new Nigeria where there would be economic prosperity.

“The good news is that Tinubu knows the expectations are very high and understands that apart from insecurity, Nigerians are yearning for

quality infrastructure across the country and jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.

“In President Tinubu, we have a dogged fighter, a democrat, nationalist who is ready to take Nigeria to greater heights. “Therefore, I call on all Nigerians all over the world to join hands with the new government in place to move our country, Nigeria, forward.”

Foundation Supports Tobacco Harm Reduction Initiatives

Yetunde Bello

The Foundation for Consumer Freedom Advancement (FCFA) has called on the Nigerian government to make Tobacco Harm Reduction(THR) a priority.

FCFA in a statement yesterday noted that embracing the principles exemplified by Sweden provides Nigeria an opportunity

to save lives, improve public health outcomes and alleviate the burden on health-care resources.

“Through education, regulation and provision of safer alternatives, Nigeria can empower its citizens to make informed choices and transition from traditional combustible tobacco products,” it said.

FCFA said it was proudly

joining the global community in celebrating World Vape Day 2023 on May 30, which is today.

“This significant occasion allows us to reflect on the remarkable achievements made in combating smoking and to underscore the urgent need for Nigeria to embrace THR strategies, drawing inspiration from Sweden’s successful model.

By adopting Sweden’s approach, Nigeria can pave the way for other African nations, offering a beacon of hope in reducing smoking rates and promoting a healthier future,” it said.

According to FCFA, Sweden’s remarkable accomplishment is evident as it moves closer to becoming a smoke-free society.

‘Imposition of Tinubu/Shettima: An Invitation to Self-help and Anarchy by Buhari’s Govt’

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The National Consultative Front (NCFront), the initiating platform of the Big Tent of Citizens and Stakeholders of Conscience working for a New Nigeria, yesterday expressed its deepest disappointment in the way both the former President

of Nigeria, and without conquering this disease, the country can never be among the top 20 economies in the world.’’

The don stated this at the presentation of honourary doctorate awards to some prominent Nigerians at a ceremony held in Lagos yesterday.

Iornem called on the awardees to continue to shine in their different endeavours of public services, saying they were honoured as the light of their various careers.

The university, which got its operating licence in the Republic of Benin in 2014, is the first private Nigerian-owned university to buy a land and build its own permanent campus in the country.

Iornem, however, called on the goodwill of the awardees to contribute to the further development of the institution.

Muhammadu Buhari his APC-led government and its conspiratorial Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have mismanaged and discredited democracy in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by Media Assistant to the Director General of NCFront, Olubori Obafemi, said that Buhari

and INEC forcefully foisting an illegitimate government of Mr Bola Tinubu on Nigeria in spite of the irregularities and malpractices that characterised their 2023 Presidential elections.

NCFront said: “We wish to warn the rulers of Nigeria that a situation, where they continually choose to ride rough

shod on the will of the Nigerian people in flagrant breach of the country’s affirmation to run on constitutional democracy, is a blatant invitation to self-help and anarchy, where the people will be forced to ignore democratic norm and rule of law in enforcing their collective and popular will over growing clique rule in Nigeria.”

Oborevwori Appoints Festus Ahon as Chief Press Secretary

Omon-Julius

Delta State Governor State, Hon Sheriff Oborovweri, has appointed Festus Ahon, the Asaba correspondent of Vanguard Newspaper as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS).

In his first major appointment

coming hours after his inauguration yesterday as the fifth elected governor of the state since the creation of Delta in 1991, Governor Oborevwori named the seasoned journalist and member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Delta State as his CPS.

Ahon, who is a knight of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) was for several years a correspondent of the Vanguard in Ughelli where he also hails from.

The appointment is already being hailed among media practitioners as a welcome

development and a round peg in a round hole because of Ahon’s vast experience covering the state. Ahon takes over from Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, a senior editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) before his appointment by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

NACETEM Governing Board Disowns DG/CEO

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Governing Board for National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) Ile-Ife, Osun State, yesterday contended it was never a party to the appointment of Dr. Olusola Odusanya as the director general/chief executive officer (DG/CEO) of NACETEM. In a statement made

available to THISDAY in Osogbo yesterday, Chairman, NACETEM Governing Board, Hon. (Sir) Haastrup Adewale Olatunji, said the appointment was misleading as the legally constituted Governing Board of the agency never interviewed Odusanya nor had any interaction with him at any time.

“Our attention has been drawn to the purported appointment

of one Dr. Olusola Odusanya as the DG/CEO of NACETEM on the pages of many national dailies. This is misleading as the legally constituted Governing Board of the agency never interviewed the ‘appointed’ DG nor had any interaction with him at any time”.

“The governing board wrote several open letters to the former President Muhammadu Buhari

on the surreptitious move of the former Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, to impose his anointed candidate on the agency against all known extant rules and without recourse to due process, the outcome of our outcry is one Dr Odusanya now parading himself as the substantive DG of NACETEM.”

Onabu in Asaba

L-R: Partner and Head, TRPS, KPMG Nigeria, Mr. Adewale Ajayi; Partner, Nike James; Chief Executive Officer/Co-Founder, PAGA, Mr.Tayo Oviosu; Coordinating Director, Special Tax Operations Group, Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS), Amina Ado; Co-Founder/CEO, Piggyvest, Odunayo Eweniyi, and Chief Financial Officer, Kuda Bank, Mr. Precious Iluku , at the KPMG Tax Breakfast Seminar 2023 held in Lagos… recently ETOP UKUTT

Iheanacho Sad over Leicester City’s Relegation

Femi Solaja with agency report

Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, voiced his displeasure at Leicester City’s relegation on Sunday night. Following a poor run, the Foxes were firmly entrenched in the English Premier League’s relegation zone, and Dean Smith’s team needed Everton to lose in their remaining matches to ensure their survival.

The Nigerian star was left with no choice but to vent his emotional disappointment after the match since their valiant victory against the resilient West Ham United was insufficient to ensure their continued participation in the top division. Despite losing his place in the

U20 WORLD CUP

(Round of 16 Fixtures)

*Today

USA vs New Zealand (6.30pm)

Uzbekistan vs Israel (10 pm)

*Wednesday

Colombia vs Slovakia (6.30pm)

Brazil vs Tunisia (6.30pm)

Argentina vs Nigeria (10pm)

England vs Italy (10pm)

*Thursday

Gambia vs Uruguay (6.30pm)

Ecuador vs South Korea (10pm)

FEDERATION CUP (Semis)

*Wednesday (4pm)

B’Insurance vs Warri Wolves

@Venue: MJA Onikan, Lagos

Plateau Utd vs Rangers Int'l

@Venue: D’Dina Stadium Ijebu-Ode

Traditional

starting 11 under Brendan Rodgers’ leadership, his contributions were critical in the FA Cup as well as a few vital Premier League matches.

Iheanacho voiced his dissatisfaction, thanked the supporters for their support, and hoped the squad would return to the top

flight in a post-game interview with LCFC TV.

“I don’t even know how I feel right now. I’m so disappointed. I don’t know what to say. I want to thank the football club, the fans, and everyone that supported us right from the start till now. I know

it is a hard one to take. Whatever it is, we would keep going and stay strong, and hopefully, we would get back up.

“It is a downturn now. Nobody is really happy at this time. It is about timing for the club and everyone. We just need to take

a chill and move on. It is not what we want. We can’t go back now thinking about it. We just need to move forward.”

A proposal to entice the Nigerian star to Spain was about to be

submitted by Sevilla earlier this year. The Super Eagles striker may leave the East Midlands this summer since he has one year remaining on his contract with the King Power team.

Osimhen’s Manager at Napoli, Spalletti, Steps Aside

After guiding Napoli to a first Serie A title in 33 years, manager Luciano Spalletti has insisted he will be leaving the club at the end of the season and take time out of the game.

"I need to take some time to rest because I'm pretty tired," he said.

"I don't know if you can call it a year's sabbatical but I won't be working. I won't be coaching Napoli or any other team."

Spalletti, 64, who took over in July 2021, had a year left on his deal. Napoli President, Aurelio De Laurentiis, said he would "respect" the decision.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Rai, De Laurentiis said: "He's a free man, he's given us something

and I thank him, it's right that he does what he wants."

The club won their first Italian top-flight title since 1990 on 4 May, with five games to spare, and reached the Champions League quarter-finals, recording victories over Liverpool, Ajax and Rangers during the group stage.

Former Roma, Celta and Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, who left his position as Spain boss following the 2022 World Cup, is Napoli's "ideal candidate" to succeed Spalletti, Corriere dello Sport reported at the weekend. Napoli, who drew 2-2 at Bologna on Sunday, play their final match of the season at home to Sampdoria next Sunday.

Dare Hands over Sports Ministry Reins to Perm Sec

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

sad over Leicester City’s relegation to second-tier Championship

League in England

Teams Dominate Naija Super 8 Fixtures

Flykite Productions, organisers of Naija Super 8 tournament, have revealed fixtures for the zonal qualifiers of the tournament at a glitzy official unveiling ceremony at the weekend.

The ceremony, which took place at MultiChoice Studios in Lagos and broadcast live on SuperSport, witnessed the announcement of results of the fan voting exercise authenticated by Deloitte, a renowned international audit firm.

The ticket to represent the North Central geo-political zone at the finals will be contested by City FC of Abuja and Lobi Stars of Makurdi, which had the zone's highest vote tallies in the voting exercise.

The ticket for the North West geo-politcal zone is a head-on collision between Kano Pillars and Katsina United, while Yobe Stars and Gombe United contest the slot for the North East.

The South East will see derby-like clash between two legacy teams, two-time Champions League winners, Enyimba of Aba and Heartland FC of Owerri, while Shooting Stars will duel with Remo Stars for the right to fly the flag for the South West geo-political zone.

The South-South presents a big guns' clash between reigning Nigeria Professional Football League champions, Rivers United and Bendel Insurance who are yet to be beaten in all this football tournaments season.

The 12 teams topped the polls in their respective geo-political zones in a list featuring clubs across league divisions.

The zonal qualifiers are to hold from between 23 and 25 at Eket Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom State. The six winners of the play-offs will qualify for the Naija Super 8 finals

to be held from July 7 to 16 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, where they will be joined by two wildcard entries.

The tournament is in partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria and sponsors, MTN, DStv, Hero Lager, MoniePoint, Pepsi and Custodian Life Assurance, some of whose representatives were

in attendance.

Also present were representatives of the Nigeria Football Federation, Nigeria Professional Football League, Nigerian National League and the football clubs.

The event also witnessed the official unveiling of ex-internationals who would serve as mentors for

the tournament. They include: Julius Aghahowa, Mutiu Adepoju, Ike Shorunmu, Tijani Babangida, Jonathan Akpoborie, Garba Lawal, Austin Eguavoen and Victor Ezeji. Mavin Records artiste, Crayon, also thrilled the attendees and home viewers with exciting performances of his hit songs.

Okpekpe Race Organisers Hail Edo Govt, Sponsors, Others on Historic Edition

Organisers of last Saturday’s 9th Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has said that the successful organisation of the first World Athletics Gold Label 10km road race in Nigeria would not have been possible without their sponsors, the athletes, officiating officials and the good people of Okpekpe town in Edo State.

Race promoter, Mike Itemuagbor, stressed that the Edo State Government headed by Governor Godwin Obaseki and the good people of the state, especially the indigenes of the host community, Okpekpe, deserve praises for their contribution towards the success of the race in spite of the early morning rain.

“The Edo State government has always been there for us by providing the enabling environment for the race to grow from the first World Athletics bronze label race in Nigeria to the first gold label 10km race today,” began Itemuagbor.

He also thanked the race sponsors and partners who have

sustained the historic event over the years.

“We are grateful for the support Nigeria's pioneer and largest brewing firm, Nigerian Breweries Plc gave the race through two of its quality malt and energy drinks, Amstel Malta, the drink for the

youthful person who lives an active lifestyle and needs to replenish lost energy and Zagg energy malt drink.

“We are also delighted to have Petralon Energy Limited on board as our CSR Partner. Petralon added spice to the race by sponsoring 100 Ora youths to the race.”

Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, has handed over the leadership of the ministry to the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar as the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration officially ended yesterday.

The former minister thanked Buhari for giving him the opportunity to serve at the handing over ceremony held yesterday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. He stated that the appointment enabled him to have a better knowledge and understanding of the challenges of governance as well as that of the youth in particular, adding that it also afforded him with the opportunity to

look out ways to proffer solutions on complex issues in relation to governance.

Dare added that the portfolio also afforded him the avenue to encourage Nigerian youth to take up sports as a career for the socio-economic development of the country.

He urged called on youths to also support the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration for enhanced development of the sector. Responding, Abubakar commended Dare for his laudable initiatives in the Ministry. He thanked the Buhari-led Administration for creating the enabling environment for the sector to thrive and pledged the support and cooperation of the staff of the ministry to the Tinubu Administration.

Mbappe Keen on PSG Stay Amid Madrid Interest

Kylian Mbappe has confirmed that he will stay at Paris Saint-Germain this summer despite interest from Real Madrid.

The French superstar has been consistently linked with a blockbuster move to Los Blancos over the last 12 months, with reports emanating from Spain recently suggesting that the club were keen to make another approach for Mbappe this summer.

Despite said interest, during Sunday evening's UNFP awards - in which Mbappe won Ligue 1 Player of the Year for a fourth time - the striker confirmed that he intends to stay at Paris Saint-Germain for the 2023/24 season.

"I am here to talk about the trophy," he responded to a question about his future. "Next season I’ll be playing at PSG. I have one year left on my contract and I’m going to honour my contract."

dominate Ligue 1 but also continued to struggle in the UEFA Champions League.

Despite tying down Mbappe and signing Lionel Messi, Les Parisiens have failed to go beyond the round of 16 in the competition since 2021.

Likely with a new manager at the helm, as Christophe Galtier looks set to leave the club this summer, and without Messi, who looks destined to return to Barcelona, Mbappe and PSG will be hoping to finally win the Champions League for the first time next season.

Galtier, however, has stressed that he has earned the chance to stay at PSG and try challenge in Europe, telling reporters: "I deserve a second season at Paris Saint-Germain!

L-R: Stephen

(runners

Sadjo (winner); and Francis James (third placed) were the top runners of the Nigerian category of the 2023 Okpekpe 10km International Road Race in Okpekpe, Edo State at the weekend

Mbappe's current contract was signed last season at a time when it seemed that the forward was all-set to join Real Madrid. Since signing the contract, PSG have continued to

"I repeat it once again because no one wants to hear it but it was a very special season. We had to stay the course even when we thought everyone had their heads under water. I pay tribute to my players who have not given up. I am very happy and I don't want us to trivialise (this title win).”

Kelechi Iheanacho

Joshua

up); Ismael

IMF to President Tinubu

“How do you reduce the spending needs of the government? That should be the question. It is really about fiscal discipline. People should not permanently spend beyond what they generate in revenue because it becomes unsustainable. Eventually, some people will come and ask for their money back and some will refuse to give further loans” --International MonetaryFund(IMF)ResidentRepresentativeforNigeriaOffice,Ari Aisen,advisingtheBola Tinubuadministrationtobroadenthenation’ssourcesofincome,andreduceincurringdebts.

TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI

abati1990@gmail.com

An End And A New Beginning For Nigeria

Yesterday, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was sworn in as the 16th President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria along with his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, GCON, at the 7th major transition ceremony since the return of Nigeria to civilian democratic rule in 1999. The event was held at the Eagle Square, Abuja. For decades an episodic military interregnum placed Nigeria in dire straits but 1999 was a turning point for the country. Yesterday’s event was a further confirmation of how Nigeria has managed in the last 24 years, to sustain democratic rule, despite the challenges. Yesterday, May 29, marked the end of an era, and the beginning of another. For about two weeks, President Muhammadu Buhari, as he then was, and his family had been moved to the Glass House. For those who do not know the configuration of the Presidential Villa, the Glass House is a small bungalow, a meeting place, a three bed-room structure, where when a President is in power, he holds occasional meetings, usually of the high state security variety, but when a President is on his way out, he and his family are moved to that small space.

The usual excuse is that the main Villa is undergoing renovation to allow access for the in-coming President and his family who would have taken over the renovation of the residence, the choice of furniture, the selection of dinner-ware, and the arrangement of the seat of power. The more symbolic part of the diplomacy here, is that the Glass House is located very close to the exit and entrance to the Official Residence. One of the major aspects of the theory and practice of diplomacy is symbolic representation. Moving the outgoing President close to a smaller space and very close to the exit gate such as The Glass House at the Presidential Villa, is a subtle reminder that the time is up, the game is over, and that both the President and his family can begin to readjust psychologically. The President and his “main body” (I once explained what this means in this column) would leave the Villa on the morning of the hand-over straight to the Eagle Square, and go through the process of the inauguration of a new term, the main highlights of which are: the handing over of the instruments of governance to a new team, the change of military colours from the old to the new, and the swearing-in protocols in line with Constitutional provisions.

The convoy that takes the President to the Eagle Square would immediately shift to the new President. It is that convoy that will take the new President and the new First lady and their team back to the Villa. A standby protocol team, a different, pared-down convoy, takes the outgoing President to the airport, straight to his new destination as a former President, that is - his home-town. As soon as he is accompanied back home, the same convoy withdraws immediately to Abuja, and reports to the new dispensation. Nigerians are very cynical about how they go about this end of tenure protocol. This being an APC-to-APC transition, President Buhari may well have been allowed privileges that would be denied an outgoing opposition President. In our time in 2015, I can say categorically, that some of the state officials who left with us from State House to Eagle Square did not even bother to follow us to the Airport. They simply melted into the Buhari crowd. Many of them were looking for re-appointments. When we got to the Airport, we were locked out of the Presidential Lounge. The then outgoing President and his departing entourage had to loiter around in an outer space, before we all eventually had to board the aircraft to Bayelsa. The boys who had the keys to the Presidential Lounge had vanished. They became unidentifiable. This was the same Lounge we had used only a week earlier. President Buhari was of course not subjected to such embarrassment yesterday as the reports have shown and that means with his party holding on to power, he has enjoyed the pleasure of a respectful exit. He probably did not even bother to wait awhile at the airport.

This explains all the triumphal ceremonies that we have witnessed beyond state protocol and etiquettes in

the last few days in the lead up to the arrival of the new administration. There was much that was beyond the control of the state establishment. Outgoing Ministers brought masquerades to organize and serenade their own farewells. The National Association of Witches and Wizards delivered on their promise that they would be on the ground before May 29 to ensure that there would be no disruptions. Senator Shehu Sani has quipped on Twitter that he was surprised that the witches and wizards were seen in buses, entering Abuja: why didn’t they fly into Abuja with their “osoro moniga” wings? The witches and wizards of Nigeria probably knew better. But now we know that witches and wizards also board buses and trains, and that expands our fears and anxieties. They even staged a street demonstration in support of Tinubu and Shettima. Was February 25, 2023, a witchcraft exercise? Not surprisingly, the Christian leaders of Nigeria have spoken up with Pastor Paul Enenche (Dunamis International Church) quoted as proclaiming that Christian leaders are in charge. What a country! On the eve of the handing over ceremony in Nigeria, we had to be reminded again that religion is a major, divisive issue in this country. It has always been. Nigerian politics is dominated by religion, ethnicity, and every possible centrifugal factor in the books. Nonetheless, on May 28, on the eve of his departure, President Muhammadu Buhari gave a farewell speech in which he told Nigerians that Tinubu is the best candidate among all candidates and that Nigerians have chosen well. He praised the aggrieved political parties and candidates for choosing “to go to court” and advised that they should accept “the decision of our courts”. Whatever the courts decide, it is obvious that some of the political stakeholders would remain inconsolable as they have shown in their reactions to the ruling on whether or not the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its then Vice Presidential candidate, were guilty of double nomination under Sections 35 and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2022. Costs were awarded against the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The Court dismissed the PDP as “a busy body and a meddlesome interloper.” Similarly, the request by the Labour Party that the proceedings at the Presidential Election Tribunal should be televised was dismissed as impossible because there is no such provision in the law. There has been an attempt by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to respond to the pressures being mounted in certain quarters that election petitions should be determined expeditiously, and this: when the Tribunal asked the political parties involved in the dispute to consolidate their petitions and that the court would treat the petitions together.

Still the Tribunal has until September 16 before the 180 days provided for in Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution expires. Thereafter, appeals before the Supreme Court have a time-frame of an additional 60 days. We are looking, it seems, at some time before the end of the year. By then, the Tinubu administration

would have settled in nicely. Ministers would have been appointed; over 5, 000 possibilities for political patronage would have been explored and fixed. Already, some of the persons who worked on the Tinubu/Shettima campaign have been given national honours in the former President’s last superintendence over that state function. The Supreme Court being a court of public policy is not likely to rock the boat. With what we saw yesterday at the inauguration ceremonies in Abuja, the pomp, the pageantry, the colourful transfer of power, witnessed by leaders from all over the world, even with China, United States and Venezuela whose Vice President was in attendance, it would take an earthquake to uproot the APC from the Presidential Villa. But would that discourage those who have raised serious objections and who do not agree that Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the best candidate on February 25? President Buhari cannot be so sure. The worst that may well happen is that one or two of the most vociferous Presidential candidates would be “offered something” in Nigerian parlance and they would go quiet. The inauguration would be a test of integrity and character on all fronts.

Nobody should be surprised if any Presidential candidate in the last elections accepts the position of a Senior Special Assistant or a Minister. It would be rationalized by his allies that he is committed to serving Nigeria. Others may just accept financial settlements and keep quiet thereafter. In this same country, we have seen former Ministers at the Federal level who went back to their states to serve as errand boys and girls. Opportunism is that other factor that drives Nigerian politics, not ideology, hardly common sense. Indeed, no one should be surprised if the National Association of Witches and Wizards also shows up to demand a seat in the Federal Executive Council!

One other point of interest is the following excerpt from the outgone President’s broadcast at 7 am on Sunday, May 28. “I am leaving behind an electoral process that guarantees that votes count, results are credible, elections are fair and transparent and the influence of money in politics is reduced to the barest minimum. And Nigerians can elect leaders of their choice.” I can hear loud yawns…Yesterday’s inauguration, however, moved Nigeria quickly forward as President Buhari returned to Daura to attend to his cows and sheep, who, he tells us, are better behaved than Nigerians. But while preparing to leave, within two weeks, he had signed more than 11 bills, leaving out the Sexual Harassment Bill. He awarded National Honours to over 340 persons. He re-named airports after historical figures. He took the sole credit for the Second Niger Bridge and the Dangote Refinery. He also got the National Assembly to amend the CBN Act to push ways and means from the 5% threshold to 15% and he pushed the responsibility for removing fuel subsidy to the Tinubu administration. He is now in Daura, probably laughing at us.

The ball is now in Tinubu’s court. His campaign was based on the slogan: “Emilokan”, now the subject of

academic inquiries, including an international research project to which I have been invited to make a contribution. “Emilokan” means “It is my turn.” And now it is his turn at the helm of affairs in Nigeria. The Godfather who is now King. A defined life ambition achieved. He refers to it as a “SUBLIME” moment for our country where “a better future emerges with our improved capacity to create that future”. He promised “to mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it”. He extended his hands of fellowship to all who contested against him in the political process across all divides. “For me, political coloration has faded away. All I see are Nigerians… you are all my people”. This is an APC President who says he belongs to everybody, and hopefully, this one will not compare us to cows and sheep!

His inauguration speech went further to outline and define his understanding of what he called “the new Nigerian Ideal” in the shape of principles and priorities: Security, the economy, jobs, agriculture, infrastructure, fuel subsidy, monetary policy. President Tinubu had not yet finished his speech before the news networks ran with the headline: “Breaking News; Tinubu Removes Fuel Subsidy.” I have tried to take a look at that inauguration speech again. Is there a categorical statement as to the removal of fuel subsidy? Students of language should go back to that paragraph on fuel subsidy and break it down. Compare same to the paragraph on Infrastructure which begins with “We shall…” Go further to the paragraph on “Monetary Policy” and pay attention to the use of the word “need” and “needs”. We are told: “The Central Bank must work towards a unified exchange rate”. Must work towards? Candidly, a well-written piece from the point of view of presidential rhetoric by some guys who believe that they are smart, but there is nothing concrete here that anyone can hold on to. The devil is in the details. If the President has decided to remove fuel subsidy, he must do so in more elaborate details and offer concrete information as to how he intends to go about it. How? When? But just see right on Day One, the confusion that the lack of clarity has caused. What are the key contributions that the Tinubu team has put on the table? Which Central Bank is going to unify the exchange rates? What are the plans to deal with fiscal deficit and debt burden? Sound bites are not enough. While the key sound bites about fuel subsidy removal and a unified exchange rate would give hope to the international financial system that had always asked Nigeria to adopt orthodox economic policies across board, the real taste of the pudding is in the outcome for average Nigerians. We are dealing however, with people who understand the game of power. If Buhari and his CPC/ANPP wing of the coalition that drove the PDP out of power in 2015, and held on to it for eight years, thought they all got it worked out now, the ACN wing of that coalition and probably the most powerful wing of it, has taken over power. We look forward to the internal drama within the APC superstructure, as the party tries to balance expectations within the party. Beyond that, has anyone noticed that the Yoruba establishment is suddenly aligning with Tinubu? Even those Yoruba leaders who threatened to go on exile have publicly said that they are no longer going anywhere, and that they have forgiven him. When a group of Yoruba ultra-nationalists stormed a radio station, Amuludun FM, in Ibadan over the weekend, trying to reject Nigeria, they were arrested and promptly disowned by the Oodua Nation leadership. A Yoruba man is now President again, Oodua leaders don’t want anybody re-enacting “The Mystery Gunman” incident of the 1960s. The assailants have been paraded in the full glare of cameras even if it is illegal to do so. We have been told that Tinubu will hit the ground running. He has enough capacity to make quick announcements with regard to key personnel. But the important thing is how he intends to build that “Ideal Nigeria” with all the rot that the Buharists are trying to cover up, and how to fulfil the promise of hope and unity. The journey ahead belongs to us all, whatever shape it assumes. Even with all that excitable, celebratory dancing by the President and VP yesterday, the road may be rough.

Former President Muhammadu BuhariPresident Bola Tinubu