WEDNESDAY 7TH JUNE 2023

NADECO Congratulates Tinubu, Seeks Return to Federal System

Says deceptively choreographed 1979, 1999 constitutions which preserved all the grave damage military govts forcefully imposed upon this country remain bane of Nigeria

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Ayodeji Ake in Lagos

The National Democratic Coalition

(NADECO) has written Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, urging him to immediately work towards returning Nigeria to a federal system

of government. In a statement by its General Secretary and Spokesman, Ayo Opadokun, the pro-democracy organisation

maintained that Nigeria is currently a country and not a nation, stressing that the struggle to make Nigeria a truly federal state must be vigorously

pursued. While congratulating the president on his inauguration, NADECO noted that it was without prejudice to the

democratic rights of his opponents who are contesting his victory at the

Continued on page 10

Lawmakers Call for Forensic Audit of N11.34trn Port Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna Refineries Rehabilitation... Page 5

Peter Obi: Petrol Subsidy an Organised Crime... Page 11

State Assemblies Inaugurate, New Speakers, Others Elected

James in

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja, Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia, Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa and Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Five states of the federation, yesterday, inaugurated their Houses

of Assembly for new sessions and elected presiding officers from among the lawmakers, as required by the constitution.

Section 105 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, provides that the person elected as governor of a state shall have powers to issue

a proclamation for the holding of the First Session of the House of Assembly of the state concerned after his swearing in.

Upholding that constitutional charge, governors across the federation issued proclamations – some the night before and others on

the morning of the inauguration day – which necessitated the start of new sessions of the legislatures. Below were what transpired in some of the states, as the Assemblies were inaugurated and new leaderships were elected for new sessions, as captured by THISDAY.

LAGOS

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, was yesterday unanimously elected Speaker of the 10th Assembly of the state.

The election of Obasa marked a three-term consecutive tenure as

leader of the Assembly. He was first elected as Speaker in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019 and, now 2023. Elected, also unanimously, was Deputy Speaker, Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, from Apapa Constituency I,

Continued on page 10

NLC: Why We Suspended Planned Nationwide Strike over Subsidy

Accuses FG of weaponising ex-parte injunctions against workers KPMG report predicts 30% inflation rate, seeks cushioning measures Advises FG to implement Oronsaye report NESG advises government to mobilise public support via citizen education

Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), yesterday, gave reasons why it agreed with the federal government to suspend the strike scheduled to commence today. NLC said it took into account a restraining court injunction procured by the government to stop the proposed nationwide strike.

The union accused the federal government of exploiting ex-parte injunctions to silence workers.

NLC’s explanation came as KPMG, a multinational audit, tax and advisory services firm, yesterday, predicted that the current withdrawal of petrol subsidy in Nigeria could see the inflation rate climb to 30 per cent from June. It recommended that measures be put in place to mitigate the effect of the new policy.

Continued on page 10

L-R: Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Bola Tinubu and a House of Representatives Speakership aspirant, Hon. Aliyu Betara, when Betara visited the president at the State House...Monday evening.

Senate Grants Tinubu’s Request to Appoint 20 Special Advisers... Page 11

BETARA VISITS PRESIDENT TINUBU...

Segun

Lagos,

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene

Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322, 0807 401 0580

SANWO-OLU'S PROCLAMATION OF THE 10TH LAGOS ASSEMBLY...

L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, wife of the Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Mrs Falilat Obasa, her husband, Rt Hon MUdashiru Obasa; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat during the Proclamation of the 10th Lagos House of Assembly at the Assembly complex, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos... yesterday

Lawmakers Call for Forensic Audit of N11.34trn Port Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna Refineries Rehabilitation

Urge NNPCL, others to adhere to rehabilitation timelines Ask FBNQuest Merchant Bank to refund $438.012 retainer fee Say N5.9tn spent on subsidy payments from 2010-2020

Udora Orizu in Abuja

Members of the House of Representatives yesterday, called for forensic audit of all the rehabilitation projects at the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries and Petrochemical Companies, alleging that obvious omissions were noted in the submissions made by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The House made the call while considering and adopting the recommendations of the report by its Ad-hoc Committee on the State of Refineries and the Need to Ascertain the Actual Daily Consumption of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Nigeria.

The lawmakers had last week postponed the reconsideration following a ruling by the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Idris-Wase, who directed the Committee to bring out a clear list of recommendations

that should be a template to deal with the specific issues the panel was set up to achieve.

Presenting the report again at plenary yesterday, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ganiyu Johnson, disclosed that from their findings, the rehabilitation gulped the country the sum of N11.35 trillion in 13 years, beginning from 2010 to date.

He said the three refineries became unproductive from year 2010, making a range of losses; with Port Harcourt put at 7.6 per cent losses to the tune of N132.52 billion from 2012; Warri at six per cent losses amounting to N111.37 billion from 2014; and Kaduna at 10 per cent losses to the tune of N122.62 billion from 2014.

The report stated that from 2010 to 2019, the refineries were performing sub-optimally with an annual combined capacity of less than 30 per cent and in 2019, the NNPCL obtained an Executive approval to shut down the refineries for

comprehensive rehabilitation to restore the plants to a maximum of 90 per cent nameplate company utilisation.

It indicated that the total losses from the non-functional refineries since year 2010, was N366.52 billion and the total cost of operations and

running them from 2010–2020 stood at N4.80 trillion.

The report further indicated that subsidy payments totaling N5.9 trillion was made from 2010 to 2020.

He therefore recommends that the NNPCL should take full advantage of the Petroleum

Industry Act 2021 passed by the National Assembly to fast track the rehabilitation programme of the refineries empowered by the legislative intent for a deregulated Business Environment and restore the refineries to minimum 90 per cent nameplate capacity utilisation.

He further recommended that FBNQuest Merchant Bank should refund to the nation the total sum of $438,012.44 paid to the company as Retainer Fees from 2017-2018, as the Financing Advisory Contract, since the rehabilitation of the three refineries was not successful.

...Declare Nigeria Air Launch as Fraud

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives' Committee on Aviation has declared the launch of the Nigerian Air a fraud, after the major stakeholders in the deal between the federal government and Ethiopian Airlines denied having knowledge of the launch. The committee therefore, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to as a matter of urgency constitute a

high level Presidential Committee to undertake a holistic review of the processes of the whole Nigeria Air project and advice the government on the way forward.

The committee further directed the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its partners in the Nigeria Air project to immediately suspend flights operations and every other actions with respect to Nigeria Air.

The Ministry of Aviation claimed that Nigeria Air was unveiled and

not launched which the committee dismissed, saying it was an attempt to divert lawmakers’ attention.

The chairman of the Committee, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, stated "that after careful evaluation of the issues on deliberation is totally dissatisfied with the actions of the former Minister of Aviation, Sen, Hadi Sirka in going ahead to flag off the opcrations of Nigeria Air despite a standing Court injunction against such and without any provision for sustaining the operations of the airline.

“We want to put on record, that the Committee and indeed the National Assembly had no role in the purported launch of Nigeria Air or anything related thereof."

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has taken its sensitisation on the eNaira to the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUST), Wudil, Kano State.

The move was to raise awareness and invite more subscribers to the eNaira.

Delivering an address at the office of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Musa Tukur Yakasai, yesterday, the Kano Branch Controller of the CBN, Umar Ibrahim Biu, called on the university community to adopt the new E-wallet system in its payments of tuition, salaries and other transactions.

He explained the need for the university community to migrate to the cashless system for financial security and efficiency using the eNaira initiative.

"The eNaira is something that has come to stay and we are trying to make sure that everybody is brought on board. That is why we are doing this intervention.

"We have done it with so many merchants, we've gone into markets, we've gone into so many places, now we are coming into the institutions.

"We've been to the University of

Nsukka, the University of Jos and now we are here in Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology to also sell the idea of the eNaira wallet to both the students and staff of the institution.

"Our target is where the students can use the facility to pay their tuition fees and other payments through the eNaira wallet.

"This will help students a lot, it's the safest way of handling your funds. Nobody will steal it; it will eradicate corruption. One does not need to carry a huge amount of cash. There's financial inclusion, they get included in the financial statement. Is part of the financial literacy campaign.

"The Vice Chancellor wholeheartedly accepted it. With eNaira they can get up to five per cent revert on every payment they make. Their money doesn't go like that; they save something out of it. There are a lot of other incentives they can enjoy '' the CBN Controller stated.

In his response, the Vice Chancellor who spoke on behalf of the university gave the assurance that the institution will key into the eNaira initiative.

"We appreciate the idea of the CBN coming to launch the eNaira

initiative in this institution.

"This is a University of Science and Technology where our students are E-confined already. They are doing a lot of things, and some of the academic activities are via E-platforms. So it is very easy for students to adopt this E-era.

"Some of the questions people ask are cleared by the bank. Especially

Northcourt Real Estate, one of Nigeria's leading real estate advisory firms has announced a transition in its leadership as Tayo Odunsi, the company's co-founder and long-serving CEO, departs after a 10-year tenure.

The departure paves the way for the appointment of a new leader, as current Chief Operating Officer, Ayo Ibaru, assumes the role of CEO, bringing a wealth of experience to guide Northcourt into its next phase of growth.

According to a statement yesterday, Odunsi's tenure at Northcourt was marked by remarkable achievements and an unwavering commitment to

the fear of losing money to hackers and other things like that.

"We now understand the E-Naira and are now convinced and we will call on our students and other stakeholders to key into this initiative.

It makes it easier for everyone to operate without having to move with a lot of cash" the Vice Chancellor stated.

excellence.

“Under his leadership, the company has become a household name for real estate research, consistently expanded its portfolio, and becoming a trusted player synonymous with excellence in Nigeria – and indeed, Africa.

“Through Tayo Odunsi's strategic guidance, Northcourt has developed strong social consciousness to the environment, development of the real estate profession, promotion of student and women engagement through mentoring and internships, as well as the infusion of technology to property, all while being a commercially successful

"We are equally irked by the role played by Ethiopian Airline in this whole process. It does not speak well of the excellent brotherly relationship existing between our two nations.

"A careful review of the process indicates the exercise to be highly opaque, shrouded in secrecy, shoddy and capable of ridiculing and tarnishing the image of Nigeria before the international community.

The Committee further stressed that, "While the Committee and indeed the parliament is not opposed to Nigeria having a National Carrier, as a matter of fact having a National Carrier is highly desirable to us as a people and Nigeria, as a nation. However, such a process should be transparent and all embracing. "We as a Committee would not accept any attempt by any individual or group of individuals or organisation to hide under the project and siphon our commonwealths."

CBN Takes e-Naira Awareness Campaign to Kano 10 Years After, Odunsi Exits as Northcourt CEO, Ibaru Steps In

organisation.”

"It has been an incredible journey leading Northcourt over the past decade," Odunsi said, adding, "I am immensely proud of what we have achieved as a team and the positive impact we have made in the real estate landscape.

“Northcourt was founded at a time when the Nigeria real estate market was very opaque, but our efforts over the years has made it much more transparent. I have full confidence in Ayo's abilities to lead Northcourt to even greater heights, and I look forward to witnessing the continued success of the company under his capable leadership."

However, the Committee urged all individuals, or groups, “or organisation involved in the controversial shenanigan named Nigeria Air Take-Off be brought to book, prosecuted and sanctioned.”

Stepping into the role of CEO, Ibaru brings with him a wealth of industry knowledge and a strong track record of driving growth and innovation.

With over 15 years of experience in investment management and real estate, as well as a deep understanding of the local market dynamics, Ibaru is well-positioned to lead Northcourt in an everevolving industry landscape. His expertise in strategic planning, business development, and client relationship management will be instrumental in furthering the company's mission to deliver exceptional real estate solutions to its clients.

WHEN NEW SGF MET OLD...

The new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume (L) in a handshake with his immediate predecessor, Boss Mustapha, while the former Chief of Staff to Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari,

Obaseki Urges Collaboration to Safeguard Food Supply Chain, Reduce Burden of Foodborne Diseases, Others

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has emphasised the need for increased collaboration among global stakeholders to address vulnerabilities within the food

supply chain. Obaseki said this would ensure a more secure and resilient food system that would give more people access to safer, more nourishing, and healthier

food to reduce the incidence of foodborne diseases.

The governor gave the charge in commemoration of the 2023 World Food Safety Day, marked

by the United Nations (UN) and its sister agencies, with the theme, “Why improving food safety is important.”

Obaseki, who reaffirmed

WHO Hails UK's £2m Pledge to Strengthen Health Workforce in Nigeria

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has applauded a new funding commitment made by the United Kingdom’s Department of Health and Social Care to support Nigeria in strengthening her health workforce in the vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage

The grant amounting to £2 million would cover two-year period to support the government of Nigeria to optimise the performance, quality, and impact of the health workforce through evidence-informed policies and strategies.

According to a statement by WHO’s Office in Nigeria, the UK provided a multi-million-pound boost to support healthcare staff recruitment and retention in three African countries – Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana – supporting resilience against global health challenges.

"Nigerian health system like many countries in the global south has been beset with challenges in having a resilient health system that is able to provide quality health services, promote health and prevent diseases," it stated.

WHO said the challenges have

been further exacerbated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic which directly impacts the availability of health workers to provide quality services across the country.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery stated: “A skilled, well-motivated and adequate health workforce is critical for Nigeria to end preventable deaths and build resilience against global threats.

“This UK International Development funding aligns with the Nigerian health workforce strategic plan and will help the country upskill its workers, and improve health outcomes in the long run.”

The two-year HRH project aims to support the government at national and sub-national levels and support regulatory bodies, professional associations, and other key stakeholders to develop transformative strategies for scaling up the quantity and quality of health workers, including competencybased curricula development and reviews.

It would help to align investment in HRH with the current and future needs of the population and health systems; strengthen the capacity

of institutions including regulatory bodies for effective public policy stewardship, leadership and governance, optimise health workers’ retention, equitable distribution, and performance and strengthen the management of health workforce data for monitoring and accountability.

The project would implement interventions in Nigeria.

The project would draw on the technical capacity of WHO to strengthen health systems including experience of implementing similar projects with appreciable results in the past. Implementation at sub-national levels with a focus on six states of Cross River, Enugu, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, and Lagos, would build on the presence and technical support being provided to State governments through the 37 WHO sub-national offices in Nigeria.

“The strength of every health system reflects the capacity and adequacy of its health workforce, which are necessary to deliver quality services to address population health needs,” WHO’s Representative in Nigeria, Dr.

For a resilient and effective health system, Nigeria must have adequate numbers of health workers who are fit for purpose, motivated to perform, and equitably distributed across the subnational levels to enhance equity in access to their services by the population in need.

“Through the UK government’s generous support through WHO, we will deploy the technical support from the 3 levels of the organisation to support the development of evidence-based policies and strategies, capacity building and management for improved planning and management of Nigeria’s health workforce,” he added.

the government’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of citizens, stated the need to strengthen regulations to ensure quality throughout the food supply chain. He added that safe food contributed to economic prosperity, and promoted good health, agriculture, and sustainable development.

According to the governor, “Ensuring the safety and integrity of the food supply chain is of paramount importance to the well-being and health of the global population.

“It is, therefore, imperative that we work together and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to implement robust measures that will safeguard our food supply and enhance food safety standards to guarantee the safety of our food and reduce the global burden of foodborne diseases.

“We must invest in technologies and innovations for early detection and prevention of hazards, strengthen monitoring and inspection systems to address the vulnerabilities and challenges within our food supply chain, and provide comprehensive training and education for all involved

in the food supply chain as well as enforce rigorous regulations and standards, with appropriate penalties for non-compliance to these standards.”

Obaseki assured that the state’s Food and Nutrition Committee was collaborating with other stakeholders to ensure that foods produced and consumed in the state were safe for the public. He added, “As we commemorate the World Food Safety Day, we will continue to advance and implement policies, which encourage the consumption of healthy and nutritious food. Eating healthy and highly nutritious food goes a long way in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and we have put mechanisms in place to check activities that fuel unhealthy food production in the state.”

According to the United Nations, “With an estimated 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, unsafe food is a threat to human health and economies, disproportionately affecting vulnerable and marginalized people, especially women and children, populations affected by conflict, and migrants.”

Tinubu Hails Nigerian-Born AI Expert, Abel Aboh, Over Appointment into Scotland's Board of Data Lab Centre

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Nigerian-born British Artificial Intelligence expert,

Port Harcourt Disco’s Revenue Hits N6.3bn in May

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) Plc, has recorded a new milestone in performance following the current revenue collection of N6.3 billion in the month of May 2023.

With the current record, the Port Harcourt Disco has recorded highest revenue collection ever in history.

This was revealed yesterday, in a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Communications of PHED, Olubukola Ilevbare, which quoted the Managing Director, Dr Benson Uwheru.

According to the statement, "the latest milestone in performance was recorded in the month of May 2023, with a corresponding revenue of N6.3 billion, which denotes a 71 per cent increase in collection efficiency as against 66 per cent in collection efficiency of the previous month of April 2023."

The company’s collection stood at N4.6 billion Uwheru took over the management of the disco in July last year.

Other performance variables like the revenue per unit recorded a steep increase of 2.53 per cent.

Available data also indicated that the Aggregate Technical,

Commercial and Collections losses, ATC and C, which the industry benchmark for measuring reduction in overall losses pegged at 41 per cent with a marginal variance of three per cent from the set target of 38 per cent for 2023.

Upon his assumption of office on July 5, 2022, Uwheru made a vow to transform the company by improving the revenue position, reducing ATC and C losses, strengthen corporate governance, reward outstanding performance and other customer-oriented initiatives.

Uwheru had also maintained that the company would continue

to raise the bar in service delivery by investing massively in infrastructure and other service related operations.

He affirmed that it was a new dawn in company, saying the management would not relax on her laurels while expressing his gratitude to the entire workforce for their creativity, innovation and willingness to go extra miles in service delivery.

Uwheru admonished staff of PHED that success was not only measured by revenue but by other indices and encouraged employees to keep working hard to sustain and surpass the new milestone.

Mr. Abel Aboh, for making Nigeria proud on a global stage in the field of Artificial Intelligence Aboh was recently appointed into the Board of the Data Lab Innovation Centre, Scotland, United Kingdom. The president, according to a statement yesterday, by State House Director of Information, Mr. Abiodun Oladunjoye, noted with pride and satisfaction the impressive professional achievement of Aboh in the United Kingdom and how his expertise and new board appointment represent an important step in the agency’s efforts in enhancing Scotland’s data and AI potential.

Tinubu stressed that Artificial Intelligence, data science and machine learning would take the centre stage in the new global knowledge economy. He added that his administration would prioritise technological innovation as a means of creating a better future for Nigerian youths

who would also be inspired by the career accomplishments of Aboh.

The president said: "I congratulate Abel Aboh for his appointment as a Board member of the Data Lab Innovation Centre in Scotland, United Kingdom. The success story of Aboh will certainly motivate many Nigerian young people in the technology space to achieve more excellence.

“This great Nigerian has made our country proud and I am particularly happy about the honour he brought onto himself and our country.

"A major priority of our administration is to invest in education, especially science and technology, to empower our young people to become more globally competitive in the emerging new world of Artificial Intelligence. “Abel Aboh has set a worthy example many of our youth will draw from. I wish him greater success."

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Walter Kazadi Mulombo said.

watches, at the Investiture and handing over of transition documents... recently

NIGERIAN OIL AND GAS OPPORTUNITY FAIR (NOGOF) 2023...

L-R: Corporate Social Responsibility/Nigeria Content Development Advisory, Savannah Oil Nigeria, Roland Uye; Head of

Relations and Regional Manager, South East, Nkoyo

Managing Director, Pade Durotoye; Legal Counsel, Ekong Umorok; and Asset Protection and Transportation Lead, Aki Nyong during the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) 2023

Senators-elect Withdrawing Support from Akpabio over NDDC, Yari's Group Alleges

We have required number to deliver ex-minister, Ndume insists PLAC seeks transparent NASS election

Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Sunday

Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate Democratic Caucus (SDC) which is canvassing support for Senator Abdulaziz Yari, as the 10th Senate President has alleged that some elected senators had started withdrawing support for the anointed candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the position, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The SDC also has other aspirants like Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and Osita Izunaso, in their fold.

A statement by the group's media office yesterday, alleged that some

senators-elect who were hitherto expressing support for Akpabio, had reportedly withdrawn on account of issues connected with his relationship with the National Assembly when he was Minister of the Nigeria Delta Affairs.

It added that arrowheads of Akpabio's Campaign Organisation, under the aegis of Stability Group, have been making frantic appeals to senators-elect to remain committed to the cause.

The Yari's group claimed that the Deputy Director- General of the Stability Group, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, was quoted to have told the

Media on Monday, that the campaign was appealing to senators-elect to support Akpabio's bid.

The statement read, "Some of the senators-elect hinted that they are having a rethink on Senator Akpabio's Senate Presidency over accusations that he was disrespectful to the institution of legislature when he, as the Minister of Niger Delta.

"There was a time he openly accused National Assembly members of hugely benefiting from large contracts in the NDDC without a proof."

"Akpabio is trying to preside over an institution he once described as a cesspit of corruption after benefit-

ting from the same institution" the Senator-elect queried. Reacting to the development, the Director General for the Stability Group, Senator Ali Ndume, described as untrue, claims that senators-elect were abandoning Akpabio.

Ndume said the focus of the group was to deliver the anointed candidates as the presiding officer and that they have the number to do so.

On the alleged attack on the National Assembly by Akpabio, Ndume said, "I don’t think so because in the first place, I knew about the incident. It was not that Akpabio directly attacked the National

Assembly.

"The accusation was directed at one of the executive directors (of the NDDC), who happened to be a one-time member of the National Assembly (Cairo Ojougboh).

"So, having a disagreement with the National Assembly on some issues is not a new thing and it should not be taken personally.

"As of then, Akpabio was the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. Even though I am not deeply concerned about what happened, that should not be an excuse to sacrifice him when there is a call for this important nationalNdumeassignment. said he had worked with Akpabio in the 8th National Assembly.

and inclusive legislative process in fostering national development, accountability and protection of citizens' rights.

"It is crucial that the elections of the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, their Deputies, and other Principal Officers of the National Assembly is conducted in a manner that upholds the principles of fairness and respect for the choices made by elected representatives.

"This will avoid the instability that foisted leadership could create for the 10th National Assembly. Legislators should be able to exercise their constitutional rights and freedom to elect leaders who can effectively represent their interests and the interests of the Nigerian people," he said.

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The National Assembly has finally ended the controversies trailing the Water Resources Bill by throwing out the proposed legislation.

The House of Representatives had passed the bill, but the Senate refused to pass it for concurrence at plenary yesterday.

Senators Gabriel Suswan and James Manager, rising on Senate Order 85, demanded that the proposed legislation be stepped down for lack of details.

They insisted that there was no way they would be part of a legislation that did not come with details.

Other senators supported their arguments and the presiding officer, Ahmad Lawan, had no choice than to put the approval or disapproval to voice vote and the majority, through voice vote, rejected it.

The proposed legislation was christened, "National Inland Waterways Authority Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill 2023."

The controversial National Water Resources Bill, 2020, re-emerged on the floor of the House of Representatives last year, amidst suspicions from lawmakers.

The leadership of the green chamber, however, assured the lawmakers that the new version of the legislation would capture all the interests of the states.

Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Sada Soli, said the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, as well as commissioners for justice and

attorneys-general of the 36 states of the federation had been consulted and the opinions received would be attached to the bill and distributed to all members.

However, a member of the House from Benue State, Mark Gbillah, raised the alarm when the bill was to be taken for the first reading.

The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, in his response, said, “I asked the Chairman (of the Committee on Water Resources) the same thing this morning and he told me that the issues of controversy that were raised then have been addressed by all the governors. Apparently it is a new bill, that all the governors of the federation – both South and North – participated on this bill and I want to take him by his word.”

Gbajabiamila, who admitted that Gbillah, “raised a very cogent point,” noted that Nigeria is a very diverse country and everybody’s sensitivity must be taken into consideration.

“It is subject to the participation of all the governors if they have bought into it because they govern their states (and) they know what affects them and what doesn’t affect them.

"I think we should leave it at that and be very extremely vigilant. Talk to your governors, both from the North and from the South, and get their opinions on how it affects your states or your areas of operation,” he said.

Gbillah, however, disagreed with the Speaker, stating that the lawmakers were duly elected and given the mandate to represent the interests of their constituents.

He said, “Whatever the governors

might have agreed upon may not be acceptable to us. It is we that have those powers as enshrined in the Constitution to enact legislation that will be binding on this country.”

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, had in 2017, presented the controversial bill to both chambers of the National Assembly, which seek to transfer the control of water resources from the states to the federal government.

The legislation was titled, 'A Bill for An Act to Establish a Regulatory Framework for the Water Resources Sector in Nigeria, Provide for the Equitable and Sustainable Redevelopment, Management, Use and

Sunday Ehigiator

Tally yesterday officially launched its innovative mobile payment app, GetTally, on the Google Playstore, providing a smarter, faster, and more cost-effective way of making payments, and tracking card-based transactions.

With Tally, customers can tokenise any bank cards, generate an equivalent QR code and use the cards at thousands of merchant locations already available nationwide, and without physical dedicated point of sale terminals.

"Tally is a game-changer in the payment industry, and we are thrilled to have launched a solution that simplifies the checkout process for both merchants and customers," said the Tally team. The

Conservation of Nigeria's Surface Water and Groundwater Resources and for Related Matter.'

The summary of the bill read, "This Act repeals the Water Resources Act, Cap W2 LFN 2004; River Basin Development Act Cap R9 LFN 2004; Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (Establishment) Act, Cap N110A, LFN,2004; NationaI Water Resources lnstitute Act Cap N83 LFN 2004; and establishes the National Council on Water Resources, Nigeria Water Resources Regulatory Commission, River Basin Development Authorities, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, and the National Water Resources Institute."

company’s Managing Director, Tayo Oresanya, while speaking during a virtual launch, said "We believe that Tally will revolutionize the way we perceive and execute payments, and we invite everyone to join us in this revolution.

“With Tally, customers can track and manage their transactions directly from the app, giving them full control of their payments. They can also locate the thousands of merchants nationwide who can process their Tally QR codes, right from the app “Tally is expected to offer much more including easy and free peer-topeer payment, investment tools and access to low-cost financing based on card transaction history. The app connects cardholders to SMEs as merchants without POS devices can use Tally for a faster and smarter

Meanwhile, the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), a leading non-governmental organisation working on democracy and good governance, has made case for transparent and credible election of presiding and principal officers in the Senate and House of Representatives of the 10th National Assembly.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to issue a proclamation for the 10th National Assembly to be inaugurated in the coming week.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, PLAC said there was a need for elected legislators to be able to choose their Presiding and Principal Officers in line with the principles of separation of powers and devoid of interference by the executive arm or intimidation, harassment or even the use of state machinery.

According to him, PLAC recognises the significance of a democratic

At Last, National Assembly Throws Out Controversial Water Resources Bill Tally Launches Innovative Mobile Payment App

solution to their payment needs.”

The launch event provided an opportunity for attendees to interact with the Tally team, ask questions, and gain expert insights into the innovative technology. The event was a major success, with attendees expressing excitement about the convenience and efficiency that Tally offers.

“Tally is now available for download on Android devices. Join Tally and experience the convenience of a smarter, faster, and more cost-effective way of making payments,” he added.

Oresanya, said the app brings to banked customers a lot of advantages including better security against loss of debit cards, faster digital services and a single interface to accommodate all their debit cards from different banks.

PLAC said the electoral process should be devoid of anything that undermines the independence and integrity of the legislature.

The Centre further solicited for improved representation and participation of women in politics.

It added that, "Women constitute at least half of the Nigerian population and their perspectives and experiences are invaluable in shaping policies and legislation. We are calling on the 10th National Assembly to give a fair opportunity for women to emerge in Principal Officer positions, as this will ensure gender representation in the National Assembly.

"PLAC is committed to upholding democratic values and promoting a strong and accountable legislature in Nigeria as a new Session of the National Assembly commences work".

According to him, “The ‘Get Tally’ app is focused on improving financial inclusion, considering the limited access to innovative financial services; we have been challenged in the digital banking sector to come up with easy to use the app, particularly an app that will help digitise our cards.

“An app that will digitise every single card that we have, and all route in one app, and the customer is the one in focus will find it more convenient to transact.

“According to CBN statistics, in 2021, 96.8 per cent of adult Nigerians still use cash as their primary payment method. From a population of 210 million people, this per cent represents close to 200 million people still using cash as their primary payment method.

Stakeholder

Etuk;

held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State….yesterday

Lawmakers Commend NLC, TUC for Suspending Planned Strike, Urge FG to Implement Resolutions

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives yesterday, commended the NLC and TUC for accepting to continue to dialogue with the federal government, against its earlier planned strike over the removal of petroleum subsidy.

Adopting a motion sponsored

by Hon. Idem Unyime, the House noted the likely impact of strike action on the economy and livelihoods of the people, saying that the directive to shelve the planned strike was in the interest of the nation.

The lawmakers said they agreed that the billions of dollars spent on subsidy from 2015 to date, could be

channeled to development projects in the country.

They, therefore, urged the federal government to ensure it implements to the resolutions reached at its meeting with labour.

Also, the lawmakers while adopting a motion sponsored by Hon. Dachung Bagos, mandated the Commandant of Special Task

Force to investigate the killing of 18-year-old boy, Kenneth Gyang, by soldiers of Operation safe Haven, (OPSH), and one Emmanuel Daniel Pam, 38, injured during a burial procession at Maraban Jarma’a in the Jos South local government area.

Moving the motion, Bagos noted that due to the rate of insecurity and killing of innocent souls in Nigeria,

NLC: WHY WE SUSPENDED PLANNED NATIONWIDE STRIKE OVER SUBSIDY

In a similar vein, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), yesterday, advised the federal government to overcome resistance to its laudable removal of petrol subsidy by effective communication of the benefits and mitigation strategies in place to cushion its adverse effect.

The planned indefinite nationwide strike action, previously scheduled to commence today, to protest last week's withdrawal of fuel subsidy by the federal government was on Monday night called off by both NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC). Stopping the planned industrial action was one of the seven-point resolutions reached at the end of a negotiation meeting between the federal government, TUC, and NLC.

Justice Anuwe had on Monday stopped the planned nationwide strike. The order of the court was sequel to an application by the federal government, which was hinged on the heavy impact the strike would have on all aspects of the economy.

Removal of petrol subsidy was one of the highlights of President Bola Tinubu’s inaugural address on May 29. The announcement of an end to the fuel subsidy regime was followed by increase in petrol price by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

The price hike elicited quick reactions from both NLC and TUC, which accused the government of failing to engage in necessary consultations before removing the fuel subsidy.

In a communiqué issued after an emergency National Executive

Committee (NEC) meeting of the congress, summoned to discuss the outcome of the dialogue with the federal government on the petroleum products price hike, NLC said it took into account the restraining court injunction.

The communiqué signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, said NLC suspended the strike to demonstrate to the federal government the need to comply with the laws of the land.

It also stated that it considered the willingness of the government to dialogue on the issues, the general mood of the nation after the last elections, and the need to pursue national stability.

The NLC explained in the communiqué, "Taking into account that the federal government has procured a court injunction restraining Congress from proceeding with the proposed nationwide strike, as the NEC-in-session had ordered to begin, Wednesday, the 7th of June, 2023;

"Recognising the willingness of government for continuous engagement through dialogue and to offer reasonable palliatives in due course to cushion the effect of its policies and some levels of understanding reached.

"Considering the mood of the socio-polity after last elections and the need to pursue national stability and, consequently, the NEC-in-session resolved as follows:

“To commend and applaud the diligence of the Congress' leadership in carrying out the assignment given to it by NEC.

"To demonstrate to the federal government the need to comply

with the laws of the land, especially as it concerns obedience to the rulings of the courts and their brazen disregard to the 2023 Appropriation Act.

"To, therefore, support and accept the decision of the leadership of Congress to suspend the proposed strike action in compliance with the flawed rulings of the NIC and also allow negotiations to flow freely and enable final agreement during or after the 19th June, 2023 negotiation round with the federal government."

NLC, however, disapproved the ruling of the National Industrial Court (NIC), describing it as continuous weaponisation of the instrument of ex-parte injunction in favour of government against the interest of Nigerian workers. It said the action of the industrial court was in defiance of the position of the Supreme Court on the use of ex-parte injunction.

"All Affiliates and State Councils of Congress are hereby directed to suspend further action and mobilisation until the outcome of the final negotiations," NLC said. It urged its branches and affiliate unions to remain vigilant and be on stand-by, in case there was need to continue the strike.

KPMG Report Predicts 30% Inflation Rate, Seeks Cushioning Measures

Meanwhile, in a policy brief released by KPMG, the organisation projected that inflation rate would decline from 2024. It also noted that from experience, the general rise in prices of goods and services

would not markedly impact food and transportation costs. Whether one-off or gradual, the report stated that the removal of fuel subsidies would result in a temporary increase in inflation, which was at 22.22 per cent, as at April 2023. It said its prediction aligned with the World Bank projection that a one-off adjustment would lead to higher inflation in 2023 and 2024, and lower thereafter.

KPMG stated in the report, “Our internal macro model also supports the World Bank's findings with a forecast of an increase of about six per cent over June 2023 inflation rate to bring it to about 30 per cent.

“In mid-2024, however, all other things remaining constant, and as year-on-year base effects kick in, the pace of inflation will drop significantly, though overall prices of goods and services will remain elevated.”

However, as inflation was already high and sure to increase, the report forecasted that more Nigerians would be pushed into poverty, unless compensating measures to shield them, at least partially, from the price shock were put in place.

KPMG hinged the length of the inflationary trend on a number of factors, including the extent to which some of the inflationary impacts of increases in petrol prices had already been incorporated since the effective market price was already above the officially regulated price in many parts of the country.

Besides, it explained that the “pass-through” from increases in petrol prices to transport and food prices, from previous experiences, when fuel prices were increased,

STATE ASSEMBLIES INAUGURATE, NEW SPEAKERS, OTHERS ELECTED

while Noheem Adams from Eti-Osa Constituency I clinched Majority Leader seat.

Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu from Ikeja Constituency II was elected Deputy Majority Leader, while Hon. Mojeed Fatai from Ibeju-Lekki won the office of Chief Whip, and Deputy Chief Whip went to Hon. Setonji David from Badagry Constituency II.

Hon. Temitope Adewale, representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I, nominated Obasa, and was seconded by Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu, from Epe Constituency II.

Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere I) nominated Lasbat as Deputy Speaker, and was seconded by Hon. Tijani Suraju from Ojo Constituency II.

The 10th Assembly is composed of 20 returning members and 20 new members. The Assembly is made up of 40 members.

Out of the 40 members, 38 members are from All Progressives Congress (APC) and two are from Labour Party (LP).

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was at the assembly complex to declare the 10th Assembly open, also witnessed the election of the principal officers.

In a letter sent to Clerk of the Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko, Sanwo- Olu stated that the first session of the 10th Assembly was proclaimed in line with the provisions of Section 105 (3) of the 1999 Constitution.

KOGI

Following the proclamation of the Eighth Legislative House by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, the member representing Lokoja ll State Constituency, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, emerged the new speaker of the House of Assembly.

Aliyu was elected along with other principal officers to run the affairs of the Assembly for the next fourEnemayears.Paul from Dekina Okura State Constituency was elected Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

Their emergence followed the unanimous vote from lawmakers after the clerk, Chogugo Ahmed, read the proclamation letter sent by Bello to officially declare open the eighth Assembly.

Other elected principal officers were Suleiman Abdulrasaq, Okene I, Majority Leader; Seidu Amodu, Ofu, Deputy Majority Leader; and Asema Baba Haruna. Adavi, Chief Whip.

Bello Oluwaseyi (Kabba/ Bunu) was elected Deputy Chief Whip; Idowu Ibikunle (Yagba/ West) emerged Minority Leader Sunday Daku (Bassa) was elected as Deputy Minority Leader; and Bode Ogunmola (Ogori/Magongo) was elected Minority Whip.

NASARAWA

There was tension in Nasarawa State yesterday following the emergence of two speakers at the House of Assembly for the seventh session.

The immediate past speaker, Ibrahim Abdullahi (APC Umaisha/ Ugya State Constituency) was elected by 11 members at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

On the other hand, Hon. Daniel Ogah Ogazi, representing Kokona East State Constituency, was elected by 13 members at the State Assembly complex.

THISDAY gathered that there was drama on the morning of the election, when the Assembly postponed indefinitely the inauguration of the 24 members earlier scheduled for 10am, citing insecurity.

It was also gathered that there was heavy security presence at the Assembly complex, which barricaded the entrance and prevented everyone, including the 13 members-elect, from gaining access to the premises.

However, in a twist later in the afternoon, the immediate past Speaker of the Assembly, Abdullahi, and 10 other members, reportedly, converged at the State Ministry for

Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, where he was pronounced re-elected speaker of the seventh Assembly.

The 11 members also elected the member representing Nasarawa Eggon East State Constituency, Jacob Kudu, as Deputy Speaker.

The immediate past Speaker was nominated by Muhammed Adamu Omadefu, representing Keana State Constituency, and was seconded by Danladi Jatau of Kokona West State Constituency.

Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, administered the oath of office.

Meanwhile, the 13 other members, sitting at the Assembly complex, elected Hon. Daniel Ogazi as the Speaker, and Hon. Mohammed Oyanki as his deputy.

BAYELSA

The member representing Brass Constituency 3, and immediate past Speaker of the sixth Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, was yesterday re-elected unopposed for a second term. Ingobere, who is serving a fourth term as state legislator, was nominated by the member representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 2, Monday Bubou Obolo, and seconded by the member representing Sagbama Constituency 2, Bernard Kenebai.

The member representing Ekeremor Constituency 3, Michael Ogbere, was also re-elected unopposed as Deputy Speaker of the seventh Assembly.

Ogbere, who is serving his third term, was nominated by the member representing Brass Constituency 1, Charles Daniel, and was seconded by the member representing Kolokuma/ Opokuma Constituency 2, Wisdom Fafi.

The speaker and deputy speaker were nominated shortly after the Clerk of the House, Mr. Tenedia Adogu, read the state governor's letter of proclamation of the seventh

Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

Governor Douye Diri, who was absent during the proceedings, had earlier in a letter read by the Clerk dissolved the sixth assembly.

The oath of office and allegiance was subsequently administered on the speaker and deputy speaker, as well as the other twenty-two members elect, by Clerk of the Assembly.

OSUN

Member-elect from Odo-Otin State Constituency, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, was yesterday elected Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly.

The 38-year-old was elected Speaker of the eighth Assembly after he was nominated by Ibrahim Abiola of Irewole/Isokan constituency, seconded by Araoye Samuel.

At the inaugural sitting of the eighth Assembly, presided by Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Simeon Amusan, a member-elect from Ife North Constituency, Akinyode Oyewusi, emerged Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Babajide Kofoworola from Ede North Constituency was elected Majority Leader, Adekunle Oladimeji of Irepodun/Orolu Constituency was picked as Deputy Majority Leader, while Olawale Akerele from Ilesa West emerged was voted as Chief Whip and Afeez Ibrahim from Olaoluwa Constituency became Deputy Chief Whip.

Folorunso Ogundare, representing Ayedaade constituency, was elected Leader (West Senatorial District), and Kanmi Ajibola was elected as Leader (East Senatorial District), while Leader (Central Senatorial District) was Kasope Abolarin from Ifedayo State Constituency.

Immediate-past Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Femi Popoola, emerged Minority Leader, as the only member of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the eighth Assembly.

government put in place security check points on several roads across the country to checkmate the insecurity.

He also noted that there have been in the pass complains by citizen of been harass or molested by Security personnel at checkpoints.

He said the House was aware that on June 5, 2023, there was

significantly suggested it was likely to be limited.

According to the firm, the capacity of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to manage inflationary pressures through effective monetary policy would be a major factor in halting the inflationary pressures.

However, KPMG stated that the CBN, like monetary authorities the world-over, was struggling to contain runaway inflation while there were legitimate questions regarding the efficacy of interest rate hikes to contain inflation given the significant supply-side and geopolitical drivers.

These drivers, it said, ranged from China’s erratic recovery from COVID-19 to the multifaceted impact of the Russia-Ukraine war.

It stated, “However, for gradual or immediate deregulation to be effective, several conditions will have to be met, vis-a-vis establishing a robust and sustainable market for eligible importers to access, on a non-discriminatory basis, sufficient supply foreign exchange liquidity at the same rate for all eligible fuel suppliers.

“This will require significant and far-reaching reforms to CBN's current approach to foreign exchange management to enhance supply of FX and bring down the parallel market rate.”

In addition, KPMG noted that communicating the removal of fuel subsidies to the Nigerian public would be an important aspect of the process. It maintained that it was important to provide clear and transparent information to Nigerians about the rationale for the removal of subsidies.

The expected benefits as well as the compensatory measures that will be put in place to cushion the effect on the poor and vulnerable, KPMG advised, should be properly communicated.

The global financial services provider stressed, “Adequate communication with stakeholders

is crucial to ensure that the rationale for subsidy removal is well understood and to manage public expectations. In the past, inadequate communication has led to widespread public protests and unrest.

“To effectively communicate the subsidy removal, the government can use a range of communication channels, including social media, print and electronic media, town hall meetings, and community outreach programmes.”

The organisation said reducing the cost of governance, increasing public trust and strengthening the social contract between citizens and state will go a long way in engaging Nigerians to support the subsidy removal reforms of the President Bola Tinubu government.

It said a critical lesson to learn from Nigeria’s past experiences with fuel subsidy removal related to the presence or absence of political will. In the past, it said implementation had been hindered by corruption, inefficiencies, disinformation, as well as opposition from interests and lobbyistKPMGgroups.cautioned that the removal of subsidies on petrol in Nigeria remained a complex issue that required careful consideration in terms of its potential economic, social, and political impacts. While subsidies provided some benefits, it argued that they had also been a significant drain on the country's resources and had contributed to inefficiencies and corruption.

Furthermore, the organisation said a robust coordination with the states as well as with the fiscal authorities and CBN in managing the monetary aspects of deregulation and subsidy removal was key. Without foreign exchange reforms, and an elimination of the gap between the official and parallel exchange rate, KPMG argued that

Continued on page 37

NADECO CONGRATULATES TINUBU, SEEKS RETURN TO FEDERAL SYSTEM

an unrest at a security checkpoint in Maraban Jama’a vwei, Kuru between the security and some of his constituents who were on their way for funeral but were stopped by the Security personnel of the Special Task Force (Operation Safe Haven) stationed at the popular Vwei (Mararaban Jama’a) Kuru Jos South LGA of Plateau State. election tribunal.

NADECO said it was gratified that one of its most prominent leaders who contributed significantly to the democratic struggle and campaign that the organisation embarked upon on behalf of Nigerians to restore democracy has by divine destiny become the elected president of the country.

The group reminded Tinubu that the most important demand of the struggle was the imperative to return Nigeria to a federal constitutional governance upon which Nigeria secured its independence.

“Nigeria remains a country not a nation till date because the military had without Nigerians democratic approval truncated, illegally suspended, abrogated and replaced our negotiated independent constitution and replaced it with unitary constitution till date.

“The deceptively choreographed 1979 and 1999 constitutions which preserved all the grave damages which successive military governments have forcefully imposed upon Nigeria remain the bane of Nigeria’s backwardness, stunted growth and unacceptable level of poverty,” the group said.

NADECO explained that it was convinced that a return to the Independence Republican Constitution will restore responsive and responsible government as Nigeria grapples with the business of reconstructing its country which it said was successively overrun for the narrow personal interests of politicians in military uniform since January 15, 1966.

All the many aberrations-political,

legal, and structural which the different military dictators whimsically imposed on Nigeria, it argued can then be strategically corrected overtime.

“Mr. President, you were part of the patriots who suffered deprivations, dehumanisation, and hounding along with us as we spoke truth to the powers that forced themselves on us.

“Fortunately, your own party, established the Governor Nasir elRufai committee which recommended that the APC government should immediately fulfil its promise to return Nigeria to a federal constitutional governance as contained in your manifesto.

“All that we are requesting you to do is to use your good auspices and commit yourself to be faithful to the promise upon which your party was elected into office,” NADECO added.

NADECO said that on behalf of the silent majority of Nigerians , it expects Tinubu to make Nigeria respond to her manifest destiny of providing leadership to the black race, which is looking up to it to take its rightful place in global diplomatic leadership.

“We pray that the good Lord will grant you robust health, empathy and divine wisdom to provide unprecedented productive and impactful leadership which will in quick time enhance the standard and quality of lives of our people who have endured unbelievable economic deprivation, neglect and poverty in a country like Nigeria with the abundant human and material endowment and resources,” NADECO said.

28TH AGM OF CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE...

Peter Obi: Petrol Subsidy an Organised Crime

HURIWA accuses NLC, TUC, JOHESU, others of betraying Nigerians Civil society leaders, activists insist on mass protests

Chuks Okocha and Alex Enumah in Abuja

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday, yesterday, described the payment of petrol subsidy in the country over the years as an "organised crime" that permitted stealing of the country's resources.

He also pointed out that his position on subsidy removal had not changed, just as he pointed out that such action ought to be taken under certain conditions.

The former Anambra State governor said this when he spoke with journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing hearing of petitions challenging the February 25 presidential election at the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja.

Obi, said this just as the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA), yesterday, accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of betrayal, urging unemployed youths and other civil rights organisations to mobilise Nigerians for the today’s nationwide protests.

Also, the United Action Front of Nigeria Civil Society, a coalition of civil society groups, yesterday, insisted that the planned mass protests against the removal of fuel subsidy would go on, arguing that the NLC and the TUC make up only 10 per cent workers in Nigeria.

The planned indefinite nationwide strike action previously scheduled to commence today, to protest last week's withdrawal of

fuel subsidy by federal government, was on Monday night called off by both the NLC and the TUC. Scrapping the industrial action was one of the seven-point resolutions arrived at, at the end of a negotiation meeting between the federal government, the TUC and the NLC.

Also, on Monday, Justice Anuwe had stopped the planned nationwide strike. The order of the court was sequel to an application by the federal government, which was hinged on the heavy impact the strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday, June 7, would have on all aspects of the economy.

President Bola Tinubu had on May 29, while giving his speech after his inauguration at Eagles Square in Abuja declared that fuel subsidy regime was gone for good which led to increase in fuel price by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). This elicited immediate reaction from both the NLC and TUC who claimed necessary consultations were not made by government before removing the fuel subsidy.

However, speaking further, Obi, who maintained that subsidy payments over the years by various administrations was an, organised crime, insisted however, that its removal must not be done without putting in place essential balms that would soften the pains caused by the removal.

"Throughout my campaigns, go and check my manifesto, I had maintained this about its removal.

"If you have a tooth ache and you go to a dentist, there is a difference between removing your tooth by

applying anaesthesia, which will ameliorate your pains than by just pulling it out.

"The difference is that I believe it should be removed with conditions, and that conditions have to be applied", he said.

Obi, who is optimistic that the court would declare him winner of the February 25 presidential election stated that if he was involved, before the petrol subsidy removal, he would have shown in empirical, statistical data how much the country was going to save, where the savings would be applied into as well as the gains for the people.

"Just like I said throughout my campaigns, that I am going to govern the people by being open, showing them empirical, verifiable facts on how the country can be better - that is what I would have done," he explained.

He recalled that when former President Goodluck Jonathan had wanted to remove subsidy from fuel they came up with SURE-P as part of the conditions, adding that the reason, "Nigerians are agitating is that when people say let's go and suffer, let's go and sacrifice, they don't see the effects of the sacrifice; and to do it in an organised manner where people can see in a verifiable plan.

"I did a lot of similar things when I was a governor in Anambra State stopping this to do this, and each one I showed the people in a verifiable manner where we are going to land.

"Governance shouldn't be supplydriven, it should be demand-driven;

you govern with the people. Let the people know what you are doing and explain it to then in clear terms and they will believe you."

HURIWA Accuses NLC, TUC, JOHESU, Others of Betraying Nigerians

HURIWA, yesterday accused the NLC and TUC of betrayal, urging the unemployed youths and other civil rights organisations to mobilise Nigerians for today’s nationwide protests. HURIWA said civil society organisations, over 130 million multi-dimensionally poor Nigerians, millions of jobless youths and all lovers of democracy should protest the abrupt removal of petrol subsidy by the administration of Tinubu.

It insisted that the removal of fuel subsidy has far more excruciating

effecting on the economy.

The group wondered where the courts were when the federal government unilaterally removed the fuel subsidy without consultations.

HURIWA stressed that the organised Labour betrayed the Nigerian people by agreeing to suspend its planned strike scheduled to commence today.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, accused the leadership of the NLC, TUC, JOHESU and other affiliate Labour unions of working to enrich their individual pockets by going into selfish negotiations with the government and terminating the planned nationwide strike.

The group alleged that the Labour had become a cash-andcarry association that moneybags and government officials now

corner to do their bidding instead of protecting the interest of the masses, wondering why the protests approved by the National Executive Committee of the NLC should be stopped without going back to the NEC.

It noted that already, the nation’s inflation was “galloping like never before and the informal sector is yet to recover from the hardship caused by the senseless cash swap policy.”

Yet, the civil right group said that, “the government deemed it fit to abruptly remove fuel subsidy without palliatives in place, without getting the nation’s four refineries to work, without transportation arrangement for Nigerian workers, without fulfilling its promises of the conversion of car engines

Senate Grants Tinubu’s Request to Appoint 20 Special Advisers

House receives same request

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Senate, yesterday, granted the request of President Bola Tinubu to appoint 20 special advisers.

Tinubu’s request was granted after it was read by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, who

said, “It is utmost urgency” that the president has his team to work with, “Because there is no name for special advisers we will just approve it from here. We feel that that this is something of utmost urgency.”

Tinubu did not list the names of the 20 special advisers.

APGA Faults FCT High Court’s Ruling on Oye, Others

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has criticised yesterday's judgement delivered by Hon. Justice Mohammed A Madugu of the High Court, Bwari Judicial Division, Abuja,on the leadership tussle in the party, describing it as faulty and of no consequence.

The judgement was sequel to a suit filed against the immediate past national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Ike Oye and the Independent National Electoral Commission by Otunba Kamaru Lateef Ogidan and Alhaji Rabiu Mustapha, who belong to the Chief Edozie Njoku-led faction.

In the judgment, the trial Court had

pronounced on the substance of the corrected Supreme Court judgment on the APGA leadership tussle and proceeded to hold that the Plaintiffs in the said suit remained National Officers of APGA. The Court further declared that Oye had no powers to conduct Congresses and National Convention of APGA that recently held in Awka, Anambra State.

However, in a statement by the newly elected National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, the party dismissed the Court judgement saying, the leadership was not a party in the suit, "and is by law not bound by the outcome or judgment purportedly delivered by the Trial Judge'.

Opara said the issues pertaining to the correct interpretation of the Supreme Court Ruling of 24th March, 2023, which the Court purportedly delved into has been laid to rest by the judgments of 2 Federal High Courts Coram Hon. Justice James Kolawole Omotosho and Hon. Justice H. A. Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division and Awka Division respectively.

"What more, the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division delivered on the 28th of March, 2023 has further been affirmed by the Court of Appeal in its judgment delivered on the 2nd of June, 2023. By the said judgment of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the judgment of

Justice James Omotosho, Dr Victor Ike Oye was the National Chairman of APGA entitled to carry out the functions of that office. 'Indeed, the attempt by Justice Madugu to upturn the aforesaid judgment of the Court of Appeal is the height of judicial rascality!

"We wish to reiterate the fact that the nationwide congresses and National Convention of APGA were conducted in due deference and compliance with the judgment of the High Court of Anambra State, Otuocha Judicial Division, which compelled APGA to conduct its congresses and National Convention before the expiration of the tenure of its current officers.

“Ike Oye cannot, under any circumstances whatsoever, be the same person as APGA. The All Progressives Grand Alliance is a duly registered political party with its common seal and thus has the full right to sue or be sued in its name.

"We therefore, enjoin our esteemed members, supporters and the general public to disregard the claim of any alleged judgment affecting the leadership of APGA. Barr Sly Ezeokenwa remains the duly elected National Chairman of APGA having emerged from a proper National Convention duly monitored by INEC. Thus, he is the rightful person duly recognised by law to carry out the functions of the office," he said.

In the same breath, Tinubu, has written same letter to the House of Representatives, requesting approval to appoint 20 Special Advisers.

The letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who is now the Chief of Staff to the president, was read at resumed plenary yesterday.

In the communication read by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Wase, who presided at plenary, the president sought swift approval for the appointments to enable him run his administration smoothly.

Tinubu had last Friday announced the appointment of Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, and Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, as Deputy Chief of Staff, as well as the immediate past Minister of Special Duties, George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The Director, Information in the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, had in a statement said, Tinubu announced the appointments at a meeting with Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

L-R: Group Managing Director/chief Executive Officer, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance plc, Mr. Eddie Efekoha; Chairman, Mr. Obinna Ekezie; and Company Secretary, Rukevwe Falana, at the 28th annual general meeting of Consolidated Hallmark Insurance plc in Lagos recently

SIGNING OF THREE NEWLY PASSED BILLS INTO LAWS...

Ekiti

Tinubu Meets Betara, Gadgi, Soli, Others at State House

Ganduje, Bawa too Senate Presidency: Only God's decision will prevail, says Yari Abuja South-south residents endorse ex-Zamfara governor's ambition

Deji Elumoye and Sunday

Aborisade in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, met with some members of the House of Representatives,who have expressed interests in contesting the office of the Speaker of the 10th National Assembly.

Also, the president met with the immediate past governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa.

This, nonetheless, a leading contender for the position of Senate President, Abdulaziz Yari, representing Zamfara West, has said nobody should contest the will of God because only the Almighty could install leaders Yari, a former governor of

Zamfara State, stated this at the same time that the South-south community in Abuja, the nation’s capital, paid him a courtesy visit and endorsed his aspiration, which they claimed was in nation’s interest.

However, Tinubu’s meeting with members-elect in the House of Representatives, also had in attendance, the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including the party’s National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

The president had earlier met with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Idris Wase.

Among those at the meeting, which started at about 7pm, were Yusuf Gadgi, who represents Pankshin/Kanke/ Federal Constituency;

Sada Soli, representing Jibia / Kaita Federal Constituency; Miriam Onuoha, representing Okigwe North Federal Constituency; and Muktar Betara, representing Biu/ Bayo/Shani/Kwayar Kusar Federal Constituency, among others.

But Yari, who seemed determined to see his aspiration through said only the will of God would prevail in the current race for the position of the 10th Senate president.

"People should not contest with God. Only God, Allah that we worship installs a king, no other person. It is only God, who enthrones or makes the king. This is to call the attention of anyone, who thinks that he enthrones and dethrones.

"Those that are on the throne should remember that they were given the throne by God and that

God never shifts from where he is. This is a clarion call for everyone. It is only God, it is only God's decision that will prevail," he said. While urging political stakeholders to do the right thing by following the rule of law, Yari said, "President Bola Tinubu while taking his oath of office said he would rule Nigeria with the rule of law and the constitution. We are waiting.

"I am proud to be a founding father of where we are today and I have no regret. But let us see where the rule of law will go," he said, even as he called on all Nigerian leaders to address the issue of South-south collectively.

His words: "The issue of the South-south is very clear to all Nigeria leaders. They are many, they need to be addressed collectively. The livelihood of South South is

Insecurity: NATCOM Moves to End Illegal Smuggling of Arms, Light Weapons, Others

Appeals to Tinubu for assent

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The National Commission Against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons and Pipeline vandalism has declared total war on illegal sellers, importers and hoarders of light weapons, ammunition and chemical weapons.

The Commission revealed that in the next 100 days, it would embark on a massive campaign to clampdown on arm smugglers. To this effect, it called on President Bola Tinubu for quick assent to the bill that seeks to establish the commission pending before him.

Acting Director General of the Commission, Adejare Adegbenro, stated these while speaking with journalists shortly after he was appointed as the new boss of the Commission in Abuja.

The NATCOM move came amid calls by some Nigerians on the federal government to allow citizens to carry guns and defend themselves against terrorists.

Adegbenro said the Commission would also embark on the creation of 7,000 jobs in each state of the federation with 50 per cent slot for women as its own contribution towards curbing youth restiveness.

“Our core mandate is to stop the importation of illegal arms,

ammunition and chemical weapons. It means that we have to go down even to the fishermen in each state from the lowest level to the highest level to make sure that we comply with the ECOWAS treaty which Nigeria is a signatory to in 2006, to make sure that all these ammunitions coming into our country through the borders, seas are stopped, we will also ensure that we totally try our best to work with other agencies to know where these leakages are coming from.

“So, we are going to make sure that in the next 100 days, we make a lot of seizures from importers, sellers, hoarders that hold all these weapons, we are going to go on a massive campaign to clampdown and work with other agencies to make sure we achieve this. I will not say it is going to be an easy job, but we will succeed because I am a go getter,” he explained.

Adegbenro, said the Commission was in tandem with the ECOWAS Commission which is to battle against the importation of illegal arms ammunition, small weapons and chemical weapons.

“The Commission is meant to work together with other ECOWAS member states. We are suffering insecurity in Nigeria because of this illegal importation of arms and

ammunition which in collaboration with other states in ECOWAS to work together to minimise or eradicate the importation of these weapons.

“It will be nice for the new government to embrace us, and give us all the necessary backing including the National Assembly.

“We have a lot of youths out there yearning for jobs, in the 100 days of our new president, we want to embark on making sure that we employ at least 7000 youths for each state in Nigeria, that takes unemployment out of the window,” he added.

Earlier, the Secretary of the Commission's Standing Committee, Fidel Agaba, while reading the communique explained that the removal of the former Director General, Dr. Baba Mohammed was meant to reposition NATCOM for efficiency.

He further explained that the move was effected to boost the government of Tinubu in its drive to effectively secure Nigeria for the betterment of citizens.

“Council of Commandants (COCON), have therefore totally lost confidence in the leadership styles, approaches and incompetence of Dr. Baba Mohammed and hereby passes vote of no confidence on him.

“The Council/ Members of the State Directors/ Commandants have today duly ratified the appointment of Dr. Adejare Adegbenro the former Director Special Duties in the Commission as the new acting Director General of NATCOM who automatically takes over the mantle of leadership of the commission and all its affairs/ management with immediate effect," he stated.

farming, fishing and others but today because of the land degradation, that is no longer there.

"Also because of the structure of government that is set up by colonial masters, we are just looking for what to do," he said, noting that relying on oil alone was no longer realistic, and that the issues bedeviling the South-south could be resolved.

Speaking at the meeting, a former Inspector General of Police and the Chairman, Board of Trustees of South South Community in Abuja, Mike Okiro, told Yari that his people were with him.

Pledging that they would support his ambition to become the President of the Senate, he said, "We are here to tell you that we are with you, we support you. We are with you in prayers. We are going to spread the news of our visit. We hope that God will hear our prayers and bless your ambition."

In his speech, Coordinator of the group, Chief Premier Bello, pointed out that over the years, the South-south has always been in partnership with the North, adding that the partnership has been mutually beneficial.

Vice-President, Shettima, Condemns Killing of UI’s Prof Ajoyele

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has condemned in strong terms, the gruesome murder of a renowned Professor of Social and Environmental Forestry at the University of Ibadan (UI), Opeyemi Ajoyele, who was gunned down by yet to be identified assailants.

In a condolence message personally signed yesterday, in Abuja, the Vice President, who expressed shock over the Professor's untimely death just days after personally congratulating him on his swearing-in.

While praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased, Shettima also commiserated with Ajoyele’s

family as well as the University of Ibadan Master Class of 1990.

“I received today the shocking news of the death of Prof. Opeyemi Ajoyele, who was gunned down by yet to be identified assailants. The late Opeyemi, a renowned Professor of Social and Environmental Forestry, was my classmate at the University of Ibadan and his untimely death just days after personally congratulating me on my swearing-in, came as a rude shock.

"I condemn the gruesome killing of Prof. Opeyemi, and wish to express my deep condolences to his family and the University of Ibadan Master Class of 1990. I pray for the repose of his gentle soul.”

Kano APC Raises the Alarm, Says Demolition Exercise in Kano Paralyses Business Activities

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

The Kano State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the ongoing demolition of structures by the New Nigeria Peoples Party(NNPP)-controlled government in the state, describing the exercise as "barbaric."

The Deputy State Party Chairman of the APC in the state, Shehu Maigari told reporters yesterday, that "this barbaric and wanton destruction of the people's means of livelihood by the state government calls for serious prayers by all well-meaning persons, as the people are now counting their

losses in billions of naira.”

Shehu said the demolition exercise had paralysed and brought to a standstill commercial activities at the famous Kantin Kwari and Kofar Wambai markets, among other business platforms in the city.

"Kano being a megacity and the commercial nerve centre of the northern region and other West African countries, is now facing a serious calamity from the NNPP-led administration.

"We, therefore call on all those affected to exercise patience, maintain calmness and explore all legal means to protect their properties and seek legal redress

for the damages done and the losses incurred," the Chairman said.

The party also urged parents and guardians in the city to caution their children and wards on the dangers of them being used as "agents of destruction by the NNPP-led administration."

It also asked security agencies in the state to, "step up action that will restore the people's confidence in the light of the shock and calamity that befell the state."

"Finally, we assure the good people of Kano State of our support and concern in this trying period," the party added.

State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; (middle) flanked by the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba (right) and Leader of Business, Hon Bode Adeoye; and other principal officers during the signing of three new passed laws at the EXCO Chamber, Governor’s Offoce, Ado-Ekiti…on Monday

Lukman at Daggers Drawn with Adamu in APC

The gladiators within the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) last week resumed hostilities bringing an end to the brief peace and tranquility enjoyed in the ruling party in the past few weeks.

THISDAY recalled that APC National Vice Chairman, North-West, Dr. Salihu Lukman, had in April accused the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdulahi Adamu and the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore of turning other members of the NWC to rubber stamp. He alleged that the duo take all decisions bordering on managing the finances of the party without the knowledge of other NWC members.

Lukman in a statement decried that the National Advisory Council (NAC) of the party had not been inaugurated more than a year after the Adamu-led NWC assumed office.

He stressed that the constitution of the party under Article 13.2B.(i) stipulates that, “the National Secretary shall, not later than one month after an elective convention, convene

the meeting of the National Advisory Council”; but added that one year after assuming office, Omisore has never proposed any action towards the inauguration of NAC.

Also, Lukman during a recent interview on national television accused Omisore of mismanaging Osun State governorship election campaign funds.

“Part of the issue with that is that I’m aware the party has given some campaign funds to Osun which was handled by the National Secretary but more importantly, he’s not accounting to anybody and you have to activate the process of accountability,” he had said.

The allegation did not go down well with Omisore who threatened to sue Lukman. The party’s scribe in a letter through his attorney dated March 15th demanded for a retraction, apology, and payment of N500

million damages for the libelous statement against his person.

But Lukman who had already don his comradeship toga said Omisore cannot bully him into silence, while asking him to render account of the money provided for the prosecution of the Osun governorship election.

Subsequently, to ensure that the leadership of the party is accountable, Lukman wrote another letter dated April 5, 2023, where he gave one week notice to Adamu to convene National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting wherein all the issues bordering on the management of smooth transition between the outgoing government of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the then incoming government of President Bola Tinubu could be considered.

Following the expiration of the one-week ultimatum, Lukman dragged the Adamu-led NWC before an Abuja High Court over his refusal to convene NEC and national caucus meeting of the party.

Against this background, on May 3rd, Adamu summoned an emergency meeting of the NWC

following a lawsuit instituted by Lukman against him and National Secretary over their refusal to convene meetings of relevant party organs.

The crisis, however, got messier when the National Legal Adviser, Ahmad El- Marzuq, recommended the expulsion of Lukman, in his letter to Adamu.

El-Marzuq argued that in the case of Waziri v. PDP & ANOR (2022) LPELR-58803(CA), it was held thus: “It is settled law that no Court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine complaints or matters pertaining to intra-party disputes of political parties. It has long been settled by the Supreme Court in Onuoha v. Okafor & Ors. (1983) 14 NSCLR 494 at 499 - 507 that, where the relief sought is on leadership of or intra-party dispute between members of the same political party or between a member or and the political party, only the party can resolve the dispute.

As Atiku Calls Six Witnesses to Prove Petition against Tinubu’s Election...

Few days into the hearing of allegations of malpractices and corruption that characterized the February 25 presidential election, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and his party have called six witnesses and tendered plethora of documentary evidences to prove how the electoral umpire allegedly manipulated the process that produced President Bola Tinubu. Alex Enumah reports.

At the end of pre-hearing a fortnight ago, only three out of the five petitioners challenging the declaration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President were left following the withdrawal of two petitioners; the Action Alliances (AA) and the Action People’s Party (APP).

However, of the three remaining, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who scored the second highest votes cast in the February 25 presidential election, have been determined and deliberate in proving their petition against the outcome of the poll.

Within the first four days of trial, between May 30 and June 2, Atiku has tendered relevant documents especially those certified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) used in the conduct of the presidential election in addition to calling six witnesses who participated in the election beyond casting their votes.

Recall that the five-member panel of Justices of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC) led by Justice Haruna Tsammani had on May23, in a ruling consolidated the petitions of the Labour Party (LP), Allied People’s Movement (APM) and PDP on the grounds that there was great similarity amongst them and accordingly allotted time for hearing of each petition starting from May 30.

It was therefore no surprise that Atiku’s team led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN, came with a

Schedule of Documents it planned to tender before the court in proving his allegation that the election of February 25 was manipulated in favour of President Tinubu.

Among the bundle of documents brought before the court through one of Atiku’s lawyers, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, on the first day of trial were the final declaration of results sheet; summary of results from polling units by polling units; print out of the Bi-modal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS), from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT as well as the total number of registered voters and total number of PVCs collected

from polling units by polling units in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

On the second day of trial, the petitioners brought additional documentary evidence which included mainly Forms EC8A, EC8E and EC40G. While Form EC8A is the sheet used for collection of results at the polling unit level, Form EC8E is used for declaration of final results and Form EC40G is the form where INEC inputs number of all polling units that were cancelled or voters that could not vote. I

It should be noted that all these documents apart from being INEC’s documents, the petitioners in line with the law ensured that they were duly certified as true copies by the commission. The documents were said to have been downloaded by INEC from its result viewing portal iREV and they pertained to election results from eight Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State, 23 from Kaduna State, 20 from Ogun and 23 from Kogi States respectively. Petitioners also tendered EC40G from Kaduna and EC8E from eight LGAs in Kaduna and some in Kogi.

Atiku through his lawyer prayed the court to deem the documents as read pursuant to provisions of paragraph 46(A) of the first schedule of the Electoral Act.

But INEC through one of its lawyers, Kemi Pinhero SAN, objected relating to Kogi except for those of five LGAs – Olamaboro, Ofu, Omala, Okehi, and Ajaokuta.

He predicated his objection on the grounds that except for the five LGAs the petitioners did not plead the other documents in their plead-

ings. However, INEC and the APC on their part hinted that they will be objecting to the admissibility of BVAS except for Kogi, Rivers and Sokoto at the appropriate time.

Having used Tuesday and Wednesday to present his documentary evidence, Atiku then used Thursday and Friday to call his witnesses who told the five-man panel of the presidential election court how they personally witnessed the rigging of the election and other malpractices that allegedly marred the February 25 presidential poll.

While some stated that they refused to sign the results sheets because of the malpractices, others who signed stated that they were compelled to do so by INEC.

Some other witnesses also claimed that they were chased away and some of their agents arrested by police to pave way for the changing of results at ward centers.

The first witness, one Captain Joe Agada (rtd), a State Collation Agent in Kogi claimed that INEC insisted that they would not be given a copy of the results unless they put their signature on it.

Agada in his witness statement he adopted before the court alleged that the presidential election in over 20 polling units he visited in parts of Kogi State was marred by irregularities such as BVAS, ballot papers and result sheets manipulation.

The crisis rocking the leadership of the All Progressives Congress is far from being over as the party’s National Vice Chairman, North-West, Dr. Salihu Lukman, recently cried out that the leadership style of the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdulahi Adamu, may have a telling effect on the fortune of the ruling party. Adedayo Akinwale reports

Adamu

Lukman

Omisore

Atiku

WHEN PREPARATION MEETS LEADERSHIP

FREDRICK NWABUFO argues that the President has showed sincerity of purpose, genuineness, and clarity of mind

TIME TO REFORM THE NIGERIAN JUDICIARY

The Adeleke gubernatorial election case wherein he won at the elections, lost at the tribunal, won at the Court of Appeal and then again at the Supreme Court is the latest legal ping pong in Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence. While it may provide some answers, it also poses some questions with implications for the present 2023 election litigation.

See page 23

CONTENT MODERATION

AND THE FUTURE OF TWITTER

There is so much disinformation and hateful speeches on the platform, reckons SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE

If it took 10 months for a single governorship case to be resolved from tribunal to appellate courts, what is the feasibility that the challenge of presidential elections conducted in 36 states can be thoroughly adjudicated in less than 11 months more so when at least another 31 or so gubernatorial elections are also in play? Essentially the Supreme Court has to resolve potentially 32 (31 states and presidential) multiplied by the respective number of parties challenging the results. In the Presidential vary from state to state but with an average of two parties per state, the Supreme Court will have to rule on possibly 67 substantive appeals within two-three months ie by year’s end. This is in sharp contrast with the US Supreme Court whose entire judgements for the 2021-2022 term was 66 and 2022-2023 term was just nine judgments.

Nigeria’s Supreme Court’s 67 appeals in 60 days also does not include interlocutory appeals (potentially from the same 67 cases) and sundry election matters from NASS and other elections plus it’s normal caseload of civil and criminal appeals. (According to reports 10 out of 18 petitions from only 27 states even before the mid April supplementary elections - potentially 1/3

It simply has no institutional and technical capacity to do a decent job of it given all the variables compared with the US Supreme Court which did less than 15% this year of the number of cases it’s Nigerian counterpart will do in three months.

See page 23

EDITORIAL STILL ON IATA’S TRAPPED FUNDS

This is why those who amended the constitution to allow gubernatorial appeals go to the Supreme Court rather than end at the court of appeal did them and the nation a great disservice.

The court of appeal has at minimum quintuple the number of Supreme Court justices yet we expect the Supreme Court of a dozen justices to do the same work as them in the same time frame? A full constitutional court of seven for form a second panel for gubernatorial appeals. This means potentially the Supreme panel could have only two panels if there are simultaneous sittings of the presidential appeal on the same day as any of the gubernatorial appeals.

However the court of appeal had at least 20 panels - over 10 times more panels than the Supreme Court to hear the very same cases.

Yet the US Supreme Court which has a lesser caseload, fewer justices and only one panel has for greater output.

Until we reform our election jurisprudence and overhaul our technical and human capacity, we can’t get great output with no inputs.

The Nigerian Supreme court should have a full complement of 21 justices minimum at election year. This is a no brainer. We should learn from the unfortunate experience of 2007 elections. CJN Belgore had retired and was to be replaced by a Justice of the Court of Appeal from north central Nigeria. Justice Ayo Salami who was next in line declined elevation because his eyes were on the juicier position of President of the Court of Appeal. Accordingly the next most senior Justice of the Court of Appeal of north central extraction Justice James Ogebe was nominated instead along slot. Unfortunately he was assigned to head the presidential election tribunal while their Supreme Court nomination was still pending for almost a year.

During the hearing of the case, the Supreme Court was short-handed and suggestions were made that Justice Coomasie should be sworn in immediately and Ogebe sworn in later after argued that it would be monumentally unfair to penalize Ogebe JCA (as he then was) for being on national assignment by swearing in Coomasie who was far junior to him thus making him his senior at the Supreme Court. At the time Ogebe was the longest serving judge in the country haven been on the superior bench longer than those at the Supreme Court - since 1976 - (31 years) except for Onu JSC who was sworn in on the same day as him into the Benue state judiciary.

Accordingly both Ogebe and Coomasie’s appointments were further delayed until his completion of the presidential tribunal hearings when their Supreme Court appointments were announced.

Regrettably there was an erroneous public misperception that the elevation was a bribe by the incumbent President Yar’Adua whose case was before the court. However the vacancy was from 2006 even before the 2007 election held and the recommendation was by the National Judicial Council not the presidency.

Of course Justice Ogebe had to recuse himself from deliberations at the Supreme Court when the election tribunal verdict was

the Supreme Court for presidential election appeals is that the senior most justices comprise the panel i.e numbers 1-7. Accordingly, Ogebe as a newly appointed Justice would not have been eligible to sit on the appeal regardless the

mandatory recusal of a judge from hearing his own judgment. The practice here is for justices to debate the legal arguments in conference and of course he could not be part of this but simply allow the judgment to speak for itself.

Therefore as a matter of policy and practice, each election year, the Supreme Court should have no less than 21 justices.

Sadly history is repeating itself as a senior Justice of the Court of Appeal who should have been appointed to the Supreme Court from north central since last year is currently sitting on the presidential election tribunal and even needless controversy that occurred then could also happen now given the lack of public understanding of the inner workings of the judiciary.

At least three justices of the Supreme Court retired last year and have not been replaced so their Lordships are virtually running on empty tank in case just a single one of them is ill or has any other emergency during this critical period like the CJN who reportedly was in UK twice in as many weeks for medical attention.

The Apex Court should never be on the verge of human capital exhaustion as currently occurring. The Buhari administration will forever go down as the worst for the judiciary in history.

Under him, a constitutional crisis was narrowly averted with his failure to appoint a CJN before traveling abroad for treatment, with the illegal deposition of Chief Justice Onnoghen. Thereafter there was the historic judicial mutiny following the epochal call for investigation of Supreme Court by Ejembi Eko JSC during his valedictory session.

Not since the near collapse of the Supreme Court by Gen. Abacha’s refusal to appoint new justices to constitute a panel to hear Moshood Abiola’s bail case, has the court been this close to asphyxia. https://www.vanguardngr. com/2020/03/abacha-wanted-us-to-punishabiola-deny-him-bail-says-ex-supreme-courtjustice/

Urgent action needs to be taken to replenish, reinvigorate and boost the morale of the court. technical capacity for our legal system and judiciary to improve expeditious dispensation of Justice needs to be built up as I have written since the 1999 elections.

Recently, hearing resumed in my Chibok defamation trial after I won my appeal at the US Court of Appeal without appearance comfort of my computer.

Last year I voted in Nigerian Bar Association Elections from Washington on the federal court.

Ogebe, Esq, is a US-based international human rights lawyer and Nigeria Judiciary expert with the US NIGERIA LAW GROUP, Washington

The supreme court has no institutional and technical capacity to do a decent job, contends EMMANUEL OGEBE

FREDRICK NWABUFO argues that the President has showed sincerity of purpose, genuineness, and clarity of mind

WHEN PREPARATION MEETS LEADERSHIP

The past one week has been one of the most momentous in the life of the nation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dared the undared, and triumphed. He passed a kind. Under a haze of threats of strike by labour unions over the abrogation of petrol subsidy, President Tinubu showed peerless leadership, preparation, and attunement. When preparation meets leadership, Tinubu happens.

With mounting national debts, desiccating revenue, haemorrhaging economy, corruption, and shadowy sectoral enterprise,

(NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) suspended the planned strike. Earlier, the Joint Health Workers Union of Nigeria (JOHESU) suspended its planned strike as well. A government delegation had been meeting with the labour unions, negotiating terms of entente. The president, himself, had met with the leadership of JOHESU. He did not stay behind the ornated walls of his got his hands on the wheel.

The President was unambiguous about his proposition to the unions – providing palliatives, particularly minimum wage subsidy removal. At a meeting with some governors, the president had said: “We need to do some arithmetic and soul searching on the minimum wage. We will have to take a look at that together, and the revenue. We must strengthen the source and application of our revenue.’’

There is so much disinformation and hateful speeches on the platform, reckons SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE

CONTENT MODERATION AND THE FUTURE OF TWITTER

There are palpable fears that lack of content moderation at Twitter may lead to more harmful messages than expected. platform had whittled down control of content so much that just anyone and anything could now be posted with minimal regulation.

It’s good bye to content moderation and in a propelled regulation of content against the original manual moderation of same as Twitter heads the opposite of what it was.

Musk’s takeover, many analysts have noticed a spike in hate speech and disinformation on the platform. One analyst reasons that one of the biggest sources of misinformation is where state governments try to push through political propaganda.

about a conservative media company’s documentary that questions transgender medical treatment for children and teens.

Musk responded to complaints by Jeremy Boreing, co-CEO of the media company, the Daily Wire. Boreing had said in tweets and retweets of conservative commentators last Thursday that Twitter posts about it as hate speech and keeping Boreing tweeted that Twitter canceled a deal to premiere “What is a Woman?” for free on the platform “because of two instances of ‘misgendering.’” Twitter rules prohibit intentionally referring to transgender individuals with the wrong gender or name.

the removal of subsidy on petrol is coming at an auspicious time. It is either we slither down the snaky tunnel to certain economic peril or we buck up, pull together, and confront this bogeyman menacing us for decades.

Tough decisions are expected. President said in his inaugural address that petrol subsidy ‘’is gone’’. The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 signed by former President Buhari already made the petrol subsidy abolishment of the scheme was delayed until the end of June 2023, there are no funds

But the President had been forthright and genuine about his intentions on petrol subsidy. He said during the campaigns that he would not maintain the parlous order, and that he would stop the haemorrhage.

Nigeria had been borrowing to fund petrol subsidy. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was spending as much as N400 billion every month to subsidise the petrol price. According to Mele Kyari, NNPCL CEO, Nigeria has racked up $6 billion in petrol subsidy debts. The scheme is projected to have wolved over N11 trillion in eight years. This is clearly not sustainable, not even for any avidly populist government. Without an accurate data of Nigeria’s daily petrol consumption quota, the petrol subsidy regime was nebulous and prone to abuse, and chronic venality. Much of the subsidised product is believed to be smuggled to neighbouring West African

The argument for petrol subsidy retention system. Nigeria is a quasi-socialist country, a highly subsidised country. Corruption thrives partly because of the regime of subsidies.

The President once said he had prepared himself, all his life, to lead Nigeria. His artful management of the concomitants and corollaries of the petrol subsidy removal accents this conviction. He has triumphed where many leaders failed. How did he do it?

On Monday, the Nigeria Labour Congress

The federal government and the labour unions agreed to ‘’establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation” and ‘’to review World Bank Financed Cash Transfer scheme and propose inclusion of lowincome earners in the programme.’’

Evidently, the President anticipated a problem and primed a solution.

During the campaigns, the President made a valiant statement on axing petrol subsidy and other economic blackholes. What many considered a political suicide attempt at the time. But he stuck to his guns.

He said: “By all means, you must have electricity. And you won’t pay for estimated billing anymore. When I become president, multiple exchange rates will go away. Write it down. How can we be subsidising fuel consumption of Cameroon, Niger, Benin Republic? No matter how long you protest, we are going to remove subsidy. We can do it. We are educated enough.’’

The honesty, courage and forthrightness was infectious. He did not dilly-dally or play around the critical issue with political asked Nigerians to hold him to his word. presidential dispatch was to permanently seal the drainpipe. He showed sincerity of purpose, genuineness, and clarity of mind. Honesty is infectious. Nigerians saw the sincerity of the President and the decisiveness of his leadership. He did not get into the saddle and change from Rock and Roll to Rhythm and Blues; he maintained the same tempo; the same energy, the same oomph; the same vision, the same truth, and the same purpose. When preparation meets leadership, Tinubu happens.

The President has earned public trust of character. He is aware. Two days after his inauguration, two law enforcement agencies got into a public brawl. He did not dither. He did not vacillate. He did not look away. He issued a stern reprimand.

Nigeria has a leader who is not afraid of taking tough decisions for the greater good. The President may have prepared himself for leadership, but destiny prepared him for Nigeria at this time.

Nwabufo is a media executive

Twitter is a social broadcast network that enables people and organizations to publicly share brief messages instantly around the world. This brings a variety of people with

The departure of Irwin pointed to a at Twitter since Musk took over last year. To forestall further damage and minimize potential crises in Twitter, Musk stepped down early this week and handed over to a new Chief Executive, Ms Linda Yaccarrino.

Ms Yaccarino, who is 60 years-old, will oversee business operations at the platform, which has been struggling to make money.

Since buying Twitter, Musk cut 75% of its employees including teams charged with tracking abuse and changed how the Meanwhile, advertisers have left in large numbers too.

Twitter says people are allowed to post content, as long as they’re not violating the Twitter Rules. Strangely it’s important to know that Twitter does not screen content or remove

This is where the crisis looms. Only recently, a key player in the Twitter management resigned for allegedly critising operations at the place.

In Europe, the Digital Service Act has been become a legal obligation in the EU by August 25, 2023 when platforms with more than 45 million monthly active users - including Twitter - will have to comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA) - a set of rules aimed to protect Europeans online.

The act will force big online platforms and search engines to be more diligent in their content moderation and cut down on disinformation.

For Twitter, this would mean allowing users quickly to address the spread of disinformation.

Twitter will have to look critically into how its content could be moderated because concerns have been raised that Twitter does not have enough volunteer moderators such as Wikipedia and has a poor record when it comes to policing content that’s not in English. training in human rights, and also their content moderation systems that are being predominantly trained for English language or more Western speaking audience in contrast to minority languages or languages of the global South is troubling” according to analysts. Ella Irwin, formerly Twitter’s head of trust and safety, resigned last week Friday. Though she did not say why she was leaving, but the departure was shortly after Musk criticized Twitter’s handling of tweets

Ms Yaccarino is credited with helping to steer NBC Universal through the upheaval Yaccarino, the new boss of troubled social Twitter, has started the role earlier than expected after Musk announced on May 12 that a new boss would emerge in six weeks.

Ms Yaccarino, previously head of advertising at NBCUniversal, joined days after Twitter lost its second head of trust and safety. Twitter also announced it had recruited Joe Benarroch from NBCUniversal.

Since Musk took over Twitter last year, many have accused him of amplifying disinformation on the platform, especially as the billionaire’s promise to turn Twitter into a beacon of free speech was followed by the reinstatement of previously suspended or banned accounts, like those of Donald Trump and Andrew Tate.

Many of the accounts he restored had been suspended or banned for spreading misinformation, conspiracy theories, or hateful speeches.

European Commission’s Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Vera Jourova recently bashed Twitter’s latest decision to leave the EU’s anti-disinformation code as “irresponsible” at a time when Russia’s disinformation is extremely dangerous.

“Bye, bye birdie,” Jourova tweeted on Saturday. “Twitter has chosen a hard way to comply with our digital laws,” she added. “Russia’s disinformation is dangerous and it is irresponsible to leave [the] EU’s antidisinformation Code”.

signed up to the EU’s anti-disinformation code revamped last year, including Meta (with Instagram and Facebook), TikTok, Google, Microsoft and Twitch.

Aragba-Akpore

is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

STILL ON IATA’S TRAPPED FUNDS

The authorities should come up with a solution to the problem

For the umpteenth time, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) last week raised the alarm on the rapidly growing levels of blocked funds in Nigeria and a few other countries, describing it as a threat to airline connectivity. At $812.2, Nigeria tops of the blocked funds. As we stated in the past, no level of desperation should make the federal government abuse long-standing international trade regulations and practices. We urge the new administration of problem.

As the fastest way of moving persons and goods, air transportation is a catalyst to economic development for any nation. It is also the preferred means of transport for top entrepreneurs and movers and shakers of the global economy. So, every country is negatively

impaired. IATA regonises that the withholding of airlines’ funds by Nigeria and other countries was not on purpose. But IATA has also observed that Nigeria might not be giving aviation the priority it deserves. The global body admitted that foreign airlines have been forced to introduce outrageous airfares on the

have on the image of the country, the government should also be mindful of the fact that there are Nigerian airlines that ply international routes and maintain sizable operations abroad. Besides, we need to do all we can to be in the good books of present and potential foreign investors. We therefore urge the authorities to make the payment of outstanding funds a priority. needless diplomatic and legal complications must be avoided.

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, 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

Faced with the non-remittance of their funds by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the airlines have resorted to raising their fares. That has also reduced their patronage in Nigeria with fear that very soon, of travelling abroad. The consequence of reduced air connectivity, according to IATA, includes the erosion of a nation’s competitiveness, diminished investor perception that it is a high-risk place to do business.

In the long run, there are fears that foreign airlines might withdraw their services to Nigeria, as United Airlines and Iberia did about eight years ago. Should the major airlines take the same route, it will bode ill for our country. In 2014, many foreign airlines withdrew services to Venezuela over the country’s inability to remit airlines revenue and that was the beginning of trouble for the economy. The implication of such withdrawal is that it would also have inauspicious

will eventually deplete their operating aircraft, as it happened in Venezuela.

The failure to encourage domestic airlines to grow into strong operators has willy-nilly made foreign airlines operating into Nigeria very imperative. As an import-dependent nation, many Nigerians earn their living on importation of products and have over the years ensured foreign carriers maintain high load factor due to their patronage. Many Nigerians also send their children overseas for quality education and with the withdrawal of services by foreign airlines; the Overall, the authorities should take it as a matter of urgency to remit airlines revenue to them and put a new rule in place to ensure prompt remittances. Nigeria should not push airlines to the extent that they will consider withdrawing their services from the country.

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

AS GOVERNOR FINTIRI COMMENCE SECOND TERM …

The 2023 Adamawa governorship election was not only tough for Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, it shocked him to his marrows. Fintiri said he didn’t only contest against Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani, but against a powerful people in Abuja. Fintiri further said it was an attempted coup d’état against him.

The aftermath of the April 15th governorship election rerun Fintiri’s second term is highly likely to begin in anger, ven-

This is where we must pity Fintiri, if he mistakenly allowed these three things to control his thinking in making appointments, siting of development projects, and creating policies and programs - his four years of the second term will be April 15th to be on his head it will be the beginning of the end of his political future because of two things - the complexity of Adamawa politics and the current moment.

those he presumed went against party in the PDP, and how to

second term will commence - new enemies within his party, the outsiders will feel meagerly compensated while those who worked hard for his second term will feel that the outsiders have more than what they ought to have.

For his political survival, Fintiri’s second term should be a kind of political redemption for him - work on his poor relationship with some of his party stakeholders, discard any have worked against him and cool the growing tongue and faith division in the state’s polity, especially among jobless young people.

Fintiri second term should be reconciliatory one towards some of his party stakeholders, the traditional class, and some Adamawa’s complexity and the people that truly contributed

As things stand now, if Fintiri doesn’t apply the science of politics and wisdom in his thoughts most of his actions

will be very bad for a governor in a second term; because second terms are intricate - one’s political values diminish as he utilizes the term’s years; followership reduces, permutations and carpets cross occur without necessarily factoring the second term’s driver’ while those wishing to replace the driver becomes more of yes men, at the detriment of the driver.

Fintiri should quickly make some marks with legacy programs and projects in the area of youth empowerment, poverty reduction, and human development and industrialization, amongst others. Roads projects are good- but within 10-20 years, often, people will forget who did them, while some will deteriorate. New ones will replace them, but human development and youth empowerment are everlasting- this is where Kwankwaso and Tinubu derived their unending popularity at their primary constituencies

The truth is, the Binani case is a big hammer dangling on Fintiri’s head. Anything can happen in a Tinubu regime that will be thirsty to maintain the old and get new strongholds and votes including being non-apolitical on some issues.

Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja

The consequence of reduced air connectivity includes the erosion of a nation’s competitiveness, diminished investor confidence and reputational harm caused by a perception that it is a high-risk place to do business

RATES AS AT JUNE 6,2023

Nigerian Banks’ Exposure to $13bn Ghana Eurobond Pegged at $1.7bn

Nume

Ekeghe

The extent of Nigerian banks’ exposure to the Ghanaian economic and fiscal crisis through subsidiaries operating in the country and investments in Ghana bonds has been exposed by a report released by Agusto &Co.

According to the report, as at December 31, 2022, Nigerian banks with subsidiaries across Africa had direct and indirect Ghana Eurobond holdings of about N800 billion ($1.7 billion), which accounted for an estimated 4 per cent of the Industry’s total investment securities.

Ratings agency Fitch reports

that Ghana has about $13 billion in dollar-denominated international bonds Agusto &Co in the report titled, “Ghana Debt Crisis and the Impact on Nigerian Banks,” noted that the banks affected had direct and indirect investments, which are reflecting on their balance sheet presently.

Specifically, Agusto &Co said, “The suspension of interest and principal payment on these bonds by the Ghanaian central government constituted a default in substance and this resulted in bondholders taking haircuts on its value, particularly the investments classified in the amortised cost

category. Consequently, the affected Nigerian banks recorded impairment charges on the bond, varying from 10% to 59% of the outstanding value of their respective investments.

“Overall, the Industry booked a cumulated impairment charge of about N280 billion ($604 million) on Ghana bonds, which eroded an estimated 19.7% of the Industry’s pre-impaired operating profit. While the impact of the Ghana exposure is mostly concentrated amongst the tier 1 commercial banks in Nigeria with a few tier 2 and 3 commercial banks, the write down in the value of these bonds had a prominent impact on the Industry’s profitability, given

the size of the exposed banks. Also, the impairment charges negatively affected the Industry’s ability to enhance capital from operations as profit retained was suppressed.” The report further added that notwithstanding the spike in impairment which adversely impacted profitability, it believes that the capital position and performance of the top Nigerian banks namely Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc which were the most impacted would remain acceptable, “at least in the near term, while the average capital

adequacy ratio of these banks should be comfortably higher than the 15 per cent regulatory minimum for international banks.” It added: “Nonetheless, the Ghanaian subsidiary of these top Nigerian banking institutions would remain pressure points to performance, asset quality and capitalisation. It is noteworthy that the Ghana subsidiaries of these banks, in addition to being exposed to the government securities, are impacted by the prevailing economic turmoil that has weakened their asset quality and earning power as the Ghanaian cedi depreciates against the USD, interest rate rises and inflation

remains high.”

“In addition to the above, we believe the default by Ghana would elicit relatively higher impairment charges on sovereign bonds of many Sub-Saharan African countries as the yields on these emerging market bonds trend upward at the International Capital Market. While there was already a dwindling appetite for Sub-Saharan African bonds by Nigerian banks, we expect this development to increase apathy for these treasury instruments further, ”it stated.

On 19 December 2022, the

Continued on page 26

KPMG: Underperformance of Oil Revenues Poses Risks to Fiscal Health

James Emejo in Abuja

Partner and Chief Economist at KPMG in Nigeria, Dr. Yemi Kale, has said in spite of the remarkable boost in non-oil revenues in recent times, the underperformance of oil revenues poses significant risk to the country’s fiscal health over the short- and medium-term horizons.

He said despite recording higher-than-budgeted oil prices at various periods since 2015, negative variances in aggregate oil revenues had resulted from increasing levels

of the PMS subsidy deductions for the NNPC’s previous cost underrecovery on supply PMS; higher than budgeted expenditures on pipeline security and maintenance; and more recently, oil theft.

In a document titled, “Removing Nigeria’s PMS Fuel Subsidies: We Can’t Have Our Cake & Still Eat

It,” the former Chief Executive of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), further pointed out that between 2019 – 2022, oil revenues underperformed due to mainly production-side challenges, insecurity,

theft, oil bunkering, and vandalization of energy sector infrastructure.

However, Kale also said while success at the fuel subsidy removal will require political will and commitment by the federal government, this must be complemented by a robust coordination with the states, adding that coordination by the fiscal authorities and CBN in managing the monetary aspects of deregulation and subsidy removal remained key.

He said, “Without foreign exchange reforms, and an elimination

of the gap between the official and parallel exchange rate, the reforms will not work.”

According to him, to minimize the negative impacts of subsidy removal, there is a need for a set of coordinated actions that considers the inflationary impact, potential social unrest, and the need for compensating measures to cushion the poor.

He said the $800 million World Bank proposed ‘Compact with the People’ is a step in the right direction.

Nevertheless, he stated that the

government’s efforts to generate taxes, customs duties and other non-oil revenues contributed to the shift in composition of revenue sources.

He said, “Over this period, oil revenues contributed only 43 per cent to aggregate revenues, while the share of non-oil revenues increased significantly to 57 per cent.

“This shift to parity between oil revenues and non-oil revenues, underscores the notable success of former President Buhari Administration in raising non-oil

MARKET DATA AS AT FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2023

revenues and diversifying away from oil, given the challenges of low oil prices and production experienced during these years.”

According to him, the country’s tax revenues-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio also improved under the previous administration.

He said prior to 2021, the tax to GDP ratio was between of 6 – 7 per cent, declining significantly from the estimated 11 per cent level in 2011 before it improved to 10.68 per cent in 2021.

He said, “However, despite

NSIA Insurance Generates N18.02bn Premium, N8.8mClaimsPays

Ebere Nwoji

NSIA Insurance Limited, has announced a gross premium written of N18.02 billion.

Also, it said it paid out N8.81 billion claims to its shareholders at the close of business in 2022 financial year.

Chairman of the company, Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, disclosed this t at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos.

Shee said that despite the challenging operating environment in the country, the company closed the year with positive results, delighted its shareholders, and made prompt claims payment to customers.

Report: Agric Insurance Contributes 1.6% of Non Life Insurance Premium in Africa

Ebere Nwoji

Premium from Agricultural Insurance contributes 1.6 per cent of total non life insurance premium generated in Africa, the latest edition of the Africa Insurance Pulse on food security and agricultural insurance has revealed.

According to the report, out of this, South Africa generates the highest premium of over $100 million followed by Morocco and Botswana which generated between $20 and$40 million while Nigeria ranks fourth with over N10 million premium.

But regional insurers said there is a large untapped potential in agric insurance which according to them is critical to food security in the region.

Launched at the recent 49th Conference and General Assembly of the African Insurance Organisation

(AIO) in Algiers, Algeria, the Africa Insurance Pulse on food security and agricultural insurance, said agric Insurance acts as a safety net for farmers and food producers by transferring the financial risk of production or distribution to the insurance sector.

AIO Secretary General, Jean Baptiste Ntukamazina said:

“Agricultural insurance is critical to promoting food security in Africa. It acts as a safety net for farmers and food producers by transferring the financial risk of production or distribution to the insurance sector. This stabilises food production and increases resilience to disasters.

In addition, insurance provides incentives for sustainable practices such as conservation agriculture and crop diversification, thereby improving food security. Insurance also helps facilitate investment in new technologies and infrastructure,

ultimately increasing agricultural productivity.”

According to the report, the global market for agricultural insurance is growing, including in Africa adding, “The global agricultural insurance market has grown significantly due to the increasing need for risk management tools in agriculture.”

Swiss Re, in a recent report said the global agricultural insurance market was valued at $46 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $80 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7 percent.

According to the report, the largest markets for agricultural insurance premiums today are the United States and China, with annual premium volumes of $15 billion and $12 billion respectively, which together account for more than 50 per cent of the global

market.

The report noted that despite the economic importance of the agricultural sector to many African countries, the agricultural insurance market in Africa was underdeveloped, with low penetration and a limited range of products.

It said however, that the market had been growing in recent years, driven by increased demand from farmers for risk management solutions and the development of new technologies and insurance models.

“In 2020, African agricultural insurance premiums were estimated at USD 320 million, representing 1.6 percent of total African non-life insurance premiums of USD 19,730 million. Despite being slightly higher than the global share of 1.3 percent there is a large untapped potential, ”the report stated.

AIICO Insurance Refutes Allegations on Breach of Contract

AIICO Insurance Plc, has refuted recent reports trending in the online media saying that a Lagos lawyer dragged its management to court over breach of contract .

The company faulted the report, describing it as being sensational and misleading.

“It is important to clarify that the headline implies that AIICO Insurance breached the contract

with its client, whereas the reality is that the client failed to fulfil his contractual obligations to the letter which failure actually undermines the purport of this Insurance Contract.

It said as a responsible corporate entity, it choose not to engage in any commentary regarding the ongoing legal case, allowing the legal proceedings to follow its due course.

HLA Opens Application for Essay Competition

Ebere Nwoji

Heirs Life Assurance (HLA), has announced the commencement of the second edition of its nationwide essay competition, Heirs Life Essay Championship.

The company said this following the widespread success of the inaugural edition.

This year’s championship

targets junior secondary students across Nigeria, promising to reward the winner with N2million in scholarship and N500,000 worth of educational materials for the winner’s school, among other consolation prizes.

According to Heirs Insurance management, students are expected to write and submit a 500-word essay on the topic,

“My Dream Career”. Entries close on Monday, June 26, 2023.

Speaking on the commencement of the 2nd edition of the Essay Championship, the Chief Marketing Officer, Heirs Life Assurance, Ifesinachi Okpagu said, “The first edition of the championship was a resounding success as students across the

country responded positively to the essay prompt. The quality of essays received was remarkable, and we were humbled by the dreams and aspirations of our young ones. With the relaunch of this second edition, Heirs Life reiterates its commitment to improving lives, especially families, and by extension, children across the country.”

NIGERIAN BANKS’ EXPOSURE TO $13BN GHANA EUROBOND PEGGED AT $1.7BN

Ghanaian Finance Ministry announced the suspension of debt service payments on most of its external debt, including commercial and some bilateral loans. This

ultimately meant defaulting on the cumulative interest payment of about $580 million due on several Eurobonds in 2023 and the $148.8 million principal repayment due on

the $1 billion 2023 Eurobond by 7 August 2023. However, there have been some positive developments for the country in recent months.

As at 10 February 2023 when the

timeline for the DDEP elapsed, the country recorded an 85 per cent eligible bond participation rate from local bond investors. Meanwhile, the IMF also approved

KPMG: UNDERPERFORMANCE OF OIL REVENUES POSES RISKS TO FISCAL HEALTH

being a significant oil producer, with even more abundant natural gas endowments, Nigeria earns significantly less oil revenues than it used to due to lower crude oil production and lower non-oil revenues. Nigeria suffers a huge contradiction; it is an oil producer that continues to earn less oil revenues in times

of higher oil prices.

“This due primarily to supplyside challenges of significant theft of crude oil through oil bunkering by organised criminal elements, the knock-on effect of declining investments in oil and gas exploration and development by both local and international oil companies, as well as sustained

insecurity and other risks in terms of operating in oil-rich geographies principally in the South-South region of the country.”

Nonetheless, Kale noted that the removal of petrol remained a complex issue that required careful consideration of its potential economic, social, and political impacts.

“An analysis of the company’s report showed an improvement in Gross premium income at 33 percent, year-on-year growth from N12.68 billion to N16.82 billion in 2022.

The total assets of the company grew by 13 percent from N25.51 billion to close at N28.69 billion as of 31 December 2022. This growth was driven by the company’s sound investment strategy which was bolstered by the increase in gross premium written, ”she said.

Also speaking, the MD/ CEO, of NSIA, Moruf Apampa while reviewing the company’s performance for the year, said: “We remain adaptable and

responsive to the unfolding trends, modifying our plans and operations in a manner that would ensure that we achieved our strategic objectives. Despite a number of economic development obstacles in 2022, we made exceptional success across key metrics and major lines during the financial year.”

According to him,in 2022, we paid claims to the tune of N8.81bn as against N6.72bn paid in 2021 which represents a year-on-year growth of 31 percent .

“Our relentless commitment to our valued consumers cannot be overemphasizsd. We will remain focused on delivering financial stability for our customers, and as always, we will not rest on our successes in exceeding our customers’ and stakeholders’ expectations,” Moruf concluded.

Olugbade commented on the company’s performance and future outcomes, saying, “We are pleased with our 2022 results. We appreciate our shareholders’ confidence in our capacity to continue to grow the business. We will continue to guarantee that the current growth trajectory is maintained in the 2023 financial year. While we expect a healthier economy, we will implement a strategy to maximize the inherent potential in the economy.”

NOLT Finance Expands Operations to Include Investment Services

Nume Ekeghe

NOLT Finance recently unveiled its brand refresh as it expands its operations in different sectors of the economy.

Following recent regulatory approval, NOLT has now entered into a broader financial landscape, providing enhanced value to its esteemed clients.

The firm in a statement noted that this was driven by a clear strategic vision and the growing demand for comprehensive financial solutions and the need to adapt to a dynamic market.

It stated, “Our brand refresh is not merely a cosmetic makeover; it is a reflection of our commitment to excellence. As we transition into an investment powerhouse, we have fortified our team

a $3 billion bail-out for Ghana under an Extended Credit Facility on 17 May 2023 while the country negotiates a debt restructuring with China and Paris Club. Following

with seasoned investment professionals and experts, armed with the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of the investment world effectively. Our commitment to providing exceptional service remains unwavering, and we will continue to prioritize our clients’ best interests at every step.”

‘NOLT has always been at the forefront of innovation, and this brand refresh is no exception. We have invested significantly in cutting-edge technology and advanced analytics to enhance our investment capabilities. By leveraging the power of data-driven insights, we can deliver personalized investment strategies, optimized risk management, and superior performance, ensuring our clients’ financial success.”

the DDEP, Ghana has placed its focus on restructuring its external debt of about $30 billion and is aiming for a $10.5 billion debt service relief.

He said while subsidies have provided some benefits, they have also been a significant drain on the country’s resources and have contributed to inefficiencies and corruption.

Among other things, the KPMG Partner said, “In addition to demonstrating very clear and unambiguous transparency in the

process, the government will also have to demonstrate that as much as it is rightly asking the public to tighten its belt and expect temporal inconveniences, it also must be seen to be cutting wasteful expenditure and reduce the rising costs of running government including the courage and political will needed to fully implement the Orosanye

report which is estimated to save the government N1.3 trillion.”

He said with careful planning and implementation, the removal of PMS fuel subsidies in Nigeria has the potential to promote greater economic efficiency, reduce corruption, and create opportunities for more sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

L-R: Group Managing Director/chief Executive Officer, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance plc, Mr. Eddie Efekoha; Chairman, Mr. Obinna Ekezie; and  Company Secretary, Rukevwe Falana, at the 28th annual general meeting of Consolidated Hallmark Insurance plc in Lagos… recently

PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

Ejiofor Alike

Shareholders of 11Plc, formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc, last Wednesday hailed the meteoric rise in the revenue profile of the company from N243,457,406 in 2021 to N371,899,701 in 2022, representing a leap of about 53 per cent, despite the challenges posed by the post-COVID-19 crisis and the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the global economy.

The shareholders, who spoke during the company’s 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Continental Hotel in Abuja, described as impressive and heart-warming a hefty dividend payout of N8.50k per share for the financial year.

Some of the shareholders said the

performance vindicated their decision to support the new investor’s acquisition of a majority stake in the former downstream petroleum industry subsidiary of ExxonMobil Corporation in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the Board of the company, Ramesh Kansagra, while presenting his financial statement and reports for the year ended December 31, 2022, said that despite the challenges posed by the post-pandemic crisis, the company still recorded significant progress during the year.

Represented by a Non-Executive Director, Abdulkadir Aminu Mamman, the Chairman expressed confidence that the end of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which

LinkedIn Ranks

9mobile Top 25 Best Workplaces in Nigeria

Emma Okonji

9mobile has been ranked among the 25 Best Workplaces in Nigeria where employees can grow their careers in the 2023 LinkedIn Top Companies Ranking. The LinkedIn Top Companies ranks the 25 best companies investing in their talents and helping people build careers that will set them up for long-term success.

LinkedIn described the assessment pillars in a statement, saying, “Ability to advance tracks employee promotions within a company and when they move to a new company, based on standardized job titles. It said Skills growth looks at how employees across the company gain skills while employed at the company, using standardized LinkedIn skills. For Company Stability, LinkedIn tracks attrition over the past year and the percentage of employees that stay at the company for at least three years.”

It also said: “External Opportunity looks at Recruiter outreach across employees at the company, signaling demand for workers from these

companies. Company Affinity, which seeks to measure how supportive a company’s culture is, looks at connection volume on LinkedIn among employees, controlled for company size. While Gender Diversity measures gender parity within a company and its subsidiaries,”. Finally, Educational Background examines the variety of educational attainment among employees, from no degree to Ph.D. levels, reflecting a commitment to recruiting a wide range of professionals.”

Commenting on the ranking for 9mobile, its Chief Human Resource Officer, Ibrahim Musa Umar, expressed great pleasure and said that it affirmed the telco’s firm commitment to talent development, staff welfare, and a pleasant work environment.

“This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing a conducive work environment that fosters growth, learning, and development for all our employees.

We are proud to be among the best companies in Nigeria that prioritize their employees’ well-being and career growth, “he said.

MTN Signs Up for United Nations Women Empowerment Principles

Emma Okonji

MTN Nigeria has signed the United Nations Women Empowerment Principles (UN WEPs) as part of its commitment to gender equality in the workplace through the Nigeria2Equal programme spearheaded by the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Established in 2010, by the United Nations Global Compact and United Nations Women, the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) are a set of principles that guide businesses in advancing gender equality in the workplace, marketplace and community. WEPs aim to attain the gender equality dimensions of the 2030 agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

During the signing ceremony, which held last week, Regional Director, United Nations Women, Beatrice Eyong, said: “By publicly embracing the WEPs, MTN has taken a significant step towards creating an inclusive, equitable, and supportive workplace for women. This bold action sends a powerful message to other companies and

caused disruptions in key energy and commodities exports that resulted in heightened pricing pressures, and severe inflation, would usher in an improvement in Nigeria’s situation.

Reacting to the Chairman’s statement, a lawyer and Chairperson of Highly Favoured Shareholders Association, Adetutu Siyanbola, said the financial highlights of the company were quite impressive and gladdening to investors, even in the face of the country’s harsh economic

realities.

Siyanbola said what was particularly interesting to shareholders was the meteoric rise in the revenue profile of the company, from 243,457,406 in 2021 to 371,899,701 the following year, a leap of about 53 per cent.

She commended the company for approving a dividend payout of N8.50k per share for the financial year. Siyanbola however appealed for the Board to raise it further

to put smiles on the faces of the shareholders.

She expressed happiness for the increased show of Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) by the company, which has traversed several socio-economic facets of life of the populace.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sani Yau Enterprises, Sani Yau Babura, said the company’s financial report presented by the Chairman of the

Board vindicated the rising profile of 11Plc since 2017 when the new investors acquired a 60 per cent stake of ExxonMobil in Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc.

The growth recorded so far since the acquisition of the company, he noted, was a strategic action by the company’s management and board through well-thought-out investment in both human and capital resources to reposition the business.

Shareholders Excited as 11Plc Grows Revenue By 53% Chapel Hill Denham Collaborates With REA to Drive Solar Power Adoption in Nigeria

Chapel Hill Denham, has joined forces with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to drive the adoption of solar power in Nigeria.

The collaboration, which was solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Chapel Hill Denham and REA at an investor matchmaking event held in partnership with the Power Africa Nigeria Power Sector Programme (PA-NPSP, USAID), has the objective of facilitating financing for off-grid electrification projects.

The investor matchmaking event provided a platform for potential investors to showcase their financial offerings to developers, outlining selection criteria and key terms. Moreover, it served as an essential networking and matchmaking forum, bringing together key investors and high-performing developers pre-evaluated by the Solar Power Naija (SPN) team in the power sector.

economy. The firm has played a pivotal role in financing and supporting projects in the renewable energy sector, particularly through various financing solutions for off-grid developers, “Balogun said.

organizations, inspiring them to prioritize gender equality in their operations. By embracing the transformative framework of the WEPs, MTN demonstrates their dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace and seizes the opportunity to drive positive change in the private sector.”

Speaking on gender equality in the workplace, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola said: “I am delighted to speak about MTN Nigeria’s commitment to women’s advocacy because a diverse, inclusive and equitable workforce is critical to the success and sustainability of our business. We commit to promoting gender inclusiveness, equality and empowerment, internally as well as across our ecosystem to ensure that interventions are holistic and position women to thrive effortlessly. For us, addressing gender gaps benefits not just MTN, but the larger society as well. We will leverage our partnership with UNWEPs to deepen our efforts towards reducing gender gaps as we continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in this drive.”

CEO of Chapel Hill Denham, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, expressed his delight about the collaboration, saying that it perfectly aligns with the company’s commitment to driving transformative solutions that positively impact the lives of Nigerians.

He emphasized their dedication to delivering sustainable solar power projects that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and social well-being.

“Together, we will work tirelessly to deliver sustainable solar power projects that contribute to the economic growth and social well-being of the nation. The collaboration between Chapel Hill Denham and the REA marks a landmark partnership in Nigeria’s quest to expand solar power access and accelerate economic development. Through their joint efforts, they aim to make significant strides towards achieving Nigeria’s energy access goals and driving positive change in the country’s power sector.

Chapel Hill Denham has made notable contributions to the climate finance space through its investment activities and advisory services, aimed at fostering a low-carbon

L–R: Group Managing Director, Mr. Indranil Gupta; Chairman, Dr. Seinde Fadeni; Company Secretary, Mr. Bello Abdullahi and Vice Chairman, Mohammed Gambo Umar, all of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc at the company’s 42nd annual general meeting held in Lagos… recently

Innovative Solutions to Achieve Carbon Reduction Targets

Globally, Monday, June 5, 2023, which was World Environment Day, was focused primarily on addressing plastic pollution as well as targeted at reducing carbon emissions to an already overburdened planet. Tapping into this, ESG Lead, Dorman Long Engineering, Cyril Okoye, who explained how the coy is employing innovative solutions to achieve carbon reduction targets, also addressed issues like waste management, tackling plastic pollution and recycling. Precious Ugwuzor brings excerpts:

DLE is committed to reducing its carbon emissions. Please speak on this commitment and the measures implemented to achieve carbon reduction targets.

At Dorman Long Engineering, our commitment to reducing carbon emissions is integral to our company's ethos. We have implemented various measures, including investment in efficient technology, utilisation of renewable energy sources, waste management, supply chain engagement, and energy-efficient facility management to minimise our carbon footprint and enable the transition towards a more sustainable future.

Another crucial aspect of our commitment to carbon reduction is the promotion of sustainable practices across our supply chain. We subject our suppliers and subcontractors to HSE capability assessment before onboarding to ensure their practices align with our sustainability goals. We are also conducting GHG emissions calculations to establish our baseline emissions data, enabling us to set clear carbon reduction targets. This will help us to monitor and improve our environmental performance regularly. We aim to minimise our environmental impact and inspire others in our industry to prioritise sustainability and work towards a carbon-neutral future. We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and are always looking for new ways to do so.

The 2023 World Environment Day focuses on addressing plastic pollution. Are there specific initiatives or practices in place to reduce plastic waste or promote plastic recycling within the company to tackle plastic waste?

We recognize the need to actively address plastic pollution and have implemented several initiatives and practices to reduce plastic waste and promote plastic recycling within our operations. The first of which is employee awareness and training programs as they are key stakeholders for the success of our sustainability efforts. We conduct regular training sessions and awareness campaigns to educate our staff about the importance of plastic waste reduction and recycling. This helps foster a culture of sustainability within our organization.

We are also working to educate our external communities about the importance of reducing plastic pollution through proper community engagement. We believe that education is vital to changing people's behaviour, and we are committed to doing our part to drive conversations. This year, our employees have volunteered to clean up plastic waste at Oniru Beach where we’ll also be carrying out a sensitization exercise.

Other ways we reduce our plastic waste includes material substitution where we seek alternatives to plastic in our production processes and product designs, waste segregation, and the use of water dispensers to avoid single-use plastic waste. I believe these initiatives and practices are a good start, and we always look for new ways to improve because every effort counts.

How else does DLE incorporate ecofriendly and sustainable materials into its production process for environmental impact?

We prioritize the use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials throughout our production process. This involves researching and sourcing materials that are renewable, recyclable, and have a low carbon footprint. For example, we opt for recycled metals and local steel whenever possible. Secondly, the importance of proper waste management cannot be overemphasized. We strive to reduce material waste by optimizing our production processes and adopting lean production principles. Any unavoidable waste is sorted and recycled appropriately.

We also actively collaborate with industry partners and organizations to stay updated on the latest advancements in eco-friendly materials and

sustainable manufacturing processes. Through collaboration, we contribute to developing innovative solutions that align with our commitment to environmental stewardship. Dorman Long Engineering views sustainability as an integral part of our business strategy and constantly seeks new ways to reduce our environmental impact. By embracing these practices, we aim to contribute positively to the planet while delivering high-quality products and services to our clients.

With a global and local focus on energy transition, how is DLE investing in or transitioning to renewable energy in its operations?

Our company recognizes the importance of sustainable practices and is actively embracing the global and local shift towards renewable energy. We understand that the steel and general engineering industry plays an essential role in the global energy transition, and we are committed to being part of the solution. To begin with, we have invested in on-site solar and energy-saving lighting and these installations help us generate clean energy, reduce our dependence on diesel, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. As a result of the installations, we not only contribute to the decarbonization of our operations but also ensure long-term energy security and stability.

Furthermore, we are also investing in research and development efforts to find more sustainable alternatives to traditional steel production methods, such as exploring low-carbon fabrication processes. We have established

clear sustainability goals and targets to ensure our commitment to renewable energy remains strong. We regularly monitor and report progress towards these goals, ensuring transparency and accountability. By doing so, we aim to inspire other companies within our industry to follow suit and actively contribute to the energy transition.

Waste management is a crucial aspect of the circular economy. What strategies or initiatives has DLE implemented to minimize waste generation?

Dorman Long Engineering is committed to minimizing waste generation through a holistic approach encompassing corporate and collaborative efforts with stakeholders. We have implemented some strategies and initiatives to minimize waste generation, with a focus on optimizing material usage during fabrication. We employ advanced technologies and techniques including precise cutting and shaping methods and implementing design improvements that reduce the overall material requirements for each project. By optimizing material usage, we significantly minimize waste generation right from the start.

We have established a recycling and reuse culture within our facility by ensuring the segregation and proper disposal of different types of waste. We work closely with specialized government-approved companies to ensure that these materials are properly disposed of, processed, or reintroduced into the production cycle whenever possible. Employees are also encouraged to identify new opportunities to reduce waste generation, alongside regular company-wide audits.

We recognize that waste management is a collective responsibility. Therefore, we actively collaborate with our suppliers and clients to promote sustainable practices. We encourage suppliers to adopt environmentally friendly

packaging and delivery methods, and we work closely with clients to optimize engineering designs to avoid waste.

Steel fabrication is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. How is DLE innovating its equipment and processes to reduce its carbon footprint?

Firstly, we have invested in upgrading our equipment to incorporate more energy-efficient technologies. For instance, we have started retrofitting our old cranes from an asynchronous electric motor to a synchronous one that will run through Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). The modification will optimize energy usage and reduce emissions associated with our operations. Moreover, we have implemented process improvements to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. Our engineers and fabricators undergo regular training to enhance their skills and knowledge in sustainable manufacturing practices. This includes techniques such as lean manufacturing, which focuses on eliminating unnecessary steps, reducing material waste, and improving overall efficiency.

We have actively sought alternative materials and production methods to further reduce our carbon footprint. We explore using recycled steel and other sustainable materials whenever possible, reducing the demand for virgin materials and minimizing the environmental impact associated with their extraction and processing.

How is DLE galvanizing its internal workforce to enact responsible environmental practices?

We have established a periodic environmental training program for all employees where we educate our workforce about the importance of ecological conservation, the potential impact of industrial activities, and the best practices to mitigate our environmental footprint. Our training covers various topics, such as energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, and air pollution control. We believe empowering our workforce with knowledge and understanding helps create a culture of environmental consciousness.

Moreover, we have implemented a health, safety, and environment recognition system to reward employees, teams, and departments who demonstrate exceptional dedication to environmental responsibility. We have an open-door policy where employees can share their ideas, concerns, or observations related to sustainability. This helps us identify areas for improvement, strengthens employee engagement, and fosters a sense of ownership over environmental initiatives. By empowering our employees to become environmental advocates, we aim to create a lasting positive impact on the environment and the communities we serve.

Lastly, what are the future priorities for Dorman Long in terms of demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability?

Our future priorities revolve around reducing our carbon footprint, responsible sourcing, promoting innovation, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, and engaging with key stakeholders. Through these initiatives, we aim to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability while maintaining our position as a leading oilfield equipment, structural steel, marine structures engineering, and fabrication company in sub-Saharan Africa.

We recognize the crucial role that businesses play in promoting environmental sustainability and understand that steel fabrication and EPC can have significant environmental impacts, particularly in terms of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. We aim to leverage collective knowledge and resources through effective partnerships to drive meaningful change and achieve our sustainability goals. By fostering a culture of innovation, we aim to continuously improve our practices and contribute to the overall sustainability of the steel fabrication and EPC sector.

We aim to minimise our environmental impact and inspire others in our industry to prioritise sustainability and work towards a carbon-neutral future. We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and are always looking for new ways to do so

Cyril Okoye, ESG Lead, Dorman Long

Tracking Akpabio’s Legacy Antecedents, Leadership Drive

Known for his zeal for service delivery, uncommon leadership and legacy projects, Senator Godswill Akpabio, former governor of Akwa Ibom State, has always contributed his quota to society whether at the state or federal level. However, Sunday Ehigiator writes that it's his antecedents in governance that places him on such a pedestal and deservedly so

For weeks on end, following the conclusion of the 2023 plebiscites, the struggle for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly has dominated the media space.

With the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), managing a slim majority among a variegated political parties’ representation in the two chambers of the National Assembly, it was clear that the competition for the presiding officers promises to be fierce.

The Senate as well as the House of Representatives is now to be populated by a rainbow membership from APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Young Progressive Party (YPP).

The usual dominance of a ruling party and a dominant opposition party is now history, as oppositions in this 10th Assembly, put together, weigh enough power to sit on the negotiation table at equal shoulders with the opposition.

Senate Presidency Aspirants

Aside from the leading aspirant, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, others eyeing the 10th Senate presidency includes, serving Senate President, Ahmad Lawan (APC, Yobe North); Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East); Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North); Senator Jibrin Barau (APC Kano North); Deputy Senate leader, Senator Abdul Ningi (APC, Bauchi Central); Osita Izunaso (APC, IMO) is also in the race; and Senator Abdul- Aziz Yari (APC, Zamfara).

Although Governor David Umahi (APC, Ebonyi South) and Mr Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), who would be first-time legislators, were once interested in becoming senate president, they have since bandied forces to bolster Akpabio's race. Also, Senator Ali Ndume has become the Director General of Akpabio's run for office of the Senate president.

Why Akpabio Stands Out

As a first-timer in the Eighth Senate, Akpabio displaced a ranking senator, James Manager, to become a principal officer, the position he held until he defected to APC during Bukola Saraki’s tenure as Senate President. He later became Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs.

The answers that Akpabio would be bringing to the table if elected as the 10th Senate President of Nigeria are not far-fetched as they are readily available for the people to see during his two-term tenure as a state governor of Akwa Ibom State, former Senate Minority Leader and most recently, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

Unlike other aspirants for the presidency of the Senate, Senator Akpabio's uncommon performance as the governor of Akwa Ibom State was a watershed in the history of the development of the then newly created state just the way the Asiwaju Tinubu governorship of Lagos State marked a foundational administration for Lagos State that was used as a major plank of marketing the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

To his credit, as acknowledged by even the hard-to-please former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who wished he could transfer his sterling performance to his home state of Ogun, Senator Akpabio could be said to have laid the foundation for all good development in Akwa Ibom State of today.

Among the many legacies of Akpabio that endures is the International Stadium in Uyo, the Ibom Specialist Hospital, the first concentric flyover in Akwa Ibom, the Akwa Ibom Airport, New Governor’s Office and Governor and Deputy Governor’s Lodges, free and compulsory education for all residents at primary and secondary levels, 1000 kilometres of dualized roads and free medical treatment for pregnant women, children and the aged.

All these spoke well for him to head for

the Senate and transmuted to another uncommon accomplishment of being the first Senator to achieve the leadership position of the Minority Leader of the Senate as a first-timer.

The Akwa-Ibom Antecedents

For the records, Senator Akpabio’s tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015 witnessed an all-around transformation in the affairs of the hitherto ‘Civil Service State’.

He transformed the state with an uncommon touch, which earned him the appellation, ‘Uncommon Transformer’. He took over the affairs of the state with anger and hunger for its development. He was very much in a hurry to meet up with other developed states in the country, if not surpass them.

At the end of his tenure, he successfully bequeathed a state that its indigenes both home and abroad, are today proud of.

He placed the state on the world aviation map when he ensured that Christian pilgrims from the state, for the first time, were airlifted to the Holy Land from the Ibom International Airport, now rechristened Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo. He also got the state into the Guinness Book of World Records, by assembling the largest number of carol singers in an event.

He turned the state from a pedestrian one to a destination by putting in place infrastructures that have continued to be a reference point in national development discourse.

Akpabio is bringing to the table of the Senate Presidency, the best International and FIFA recognized Stadium, the Ibom Specialist Hospital, the Victor Attah International Stadium( which he met at the site clearing level), and a declaration

of free and compulsory education for all Nigerian children resident in Akwa Ibom State from Primary to Secondary levels.

He is bringing with him, the first E-Library, thousand kilometres of dualised roads and concentric flyover, a brand new Governors and Deputy Governor's Lodge, a brand new Governor's office and Exco Chamber, a brand new state Banquet Hall, an Underground flood Pipe Jacking System, free medical treatment for pregnant women, children and the aged among numerous others. He is bringing to the table his commitment to the human capital development of Nigerians.

Akpabio is also bringing to the table over 36 years of cognate experience in law practice.

It never came as a surprise that he emerged as the Senate Minority Leader as a first-timer in 2018, a clear demonstration of his colleagues' belief and confidence in his capacity.

And with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s quest to unite and heal the country, Akpabio best fit in bringing stability to the 10th Senate. He did it when he was the Minority Leader of the Senate in the 8th Senate.

He brings to the table legislative experience coupled with executive understanding. These in no small way, would contribute to a smooth working relationship with the other arms of government and guarantee development for the Nigerian state.

The NDDC Antecedents

The former Minister, Niger Delta Affairs is coming to the table with the successful conduct of the forensic audit of the NDDC accounts and production of a new working template for the productive running of the agency, despite orchestrated and sponsored attempts by entrenched interest to scuttle the exercise.

He is bringing to the table the completion and commissioning of the over 23years abandoned Headquarters of the NDDC in Port Harcourt, the completion of the Police SPU barracks and armoury, the completion of 1050 bed space hostel in the University of Uyo, the construction and commissioning

of over 70 roads in the Niger Delta Region, among others.

Akpabio comes to the table with a PanNigerian disposition where he sees no ethnic, or religious barriers before dealing with them. He is loved and accepted in the North, East, South and West because of his deliberate desire for the unity of the country.

Akpabio brings to the table stability for development. He will not lead a rubber stamp Senate; however, he and his colleagues would be prepared to rubber stamp whatever Nigerians want.

Supporting Akpabio therefore, for the position of the President of the 10th Senate, is a decision that would further unite this country, and promote peace, and unity, which are major ingredients for national development.

Akpabio is a natural bridge-builder and he has all that is required to pilot the affairs of the Senate and by extension the National Assembly.

NPF Extols Akpabio

On why Akpabio stands out among other aspirants, leading politicians in Northern Nigeria under the umbrella of the Northern People Forum (NPF), described the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, as “a patriot and a man of great personal charm.”

Speaking on behalf of the forum, the Leader, Alhaji Gambo Aminu, in a news conference held yesterday in Kano said, “Senator Godswill Akpabio is a man of impeccable credentials and reputation, an excellent organizer, the embodiment of good temper and affability.

“He will renew the spirit of patriotism in Nigeria, consider the public needs and opinions, provide stability in the Senate and institute massive amounts of change in the country.”

The key players in the politics of the North-West, North-East and North-Central spoke about Akpabio in a more positive and trustworthy light.

They praised the former Senate Minority leader to high heavens for his sterling leadership qualities, devotion to service to the people and the fatherland, commitment to national unity, social stability and economic development.

“Senator Godswill Akpabio will be overwhelmingly elected. He will organise a more effective Senate and support the executive to lead the nation out of its dark predicament.

“Northerners are more disposed to Akpabio because of his antecedents,” said Aminu.

Particularly, the notable politicians at the conference hailed Akpabio for constantly displaying an amazing amount of courage, making an impact on mankind and giving his best for the good of the people.

They described him as “a beacon of hope and inspiration to the generality of our people. It was his courage, stamina and persistence that led the way to the ruling party’s great performance in the South-South zone.”

The statement emphasized hard work, integrity, efficiency, dignity and discipline.

The northern politicians applauded Akpabio for enhancing the political empowerment of women and youths, carrying out the business of governance in an open, participatory and transparent atmosphere and improving the standard of living of the people.

The statement also underscored Akpabio’s competence, divine grace, intellectual capacity, vision, organizational skills and commitment to the greatness of Nigeria, and ability to perceive reality and deal with it accordingly, while noting that the dream of a greater Senate will be realised with an Akpabio Presidency.

The leaders extolled the former Akwa Ibom State governor for his resounding achievements in education, health, agriculture, industry, public works, transport, poverty alleviation and other sectors of service delivery.

They also acknowledged Akpabio’s positive contribution to peace and development in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

Akpabio is a natural bridge-builder...He will renew the spirit of patriotism in Nigeria, consider the public needs and opinions, provide stability in the Senate and institute massive amounts of change in the country

Akpabio

Funding, Policy Review, Implementation Will Revamp Nigeria’s Education, Experts Say

It is the dawn of a new administration with the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima on May 29. It was a catalogue of crises and collapse in the education system under erstwhile President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Nigerians expect a better deal for the education sector under the current government. The sector seemed to be at the precipice as it still grapples with inadequate funding leading to incessant strikes by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), deplorable infrastructure, low remuneration of teachers, and the non-implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage in some states. Other challenges include a lack of political commitment, coordination among governments, unclear delineation of intergovernmental roles, inadequate statistical data, political instability, and corruption.

Little wonder the former Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who was often criticised for his alleged lack of initiative to return millions of Nigerian out-of-school children to the classrooms, recently confessed at a valedictory session with officials and heads of parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, that he had zero knowledge of the sector when he was appointed in 2015.

However, he quickly said he was forced to apply wisdom by appointing some professors of education and other experts in the sector. He stated that with the help of the ministry officials, he was able to kick off and make some progress.

“I didn’t know anything about the education sector when I was appointed minister except superficially. But when Buhari decided to make me minister of education, I called some people to assist me to work on a policy document on education because I was a novice in the sector,” said Adamu. “I shared my idea with them and they assisted me greatly, and I remain grateful to them for these years.”

During one of his campaigns, Tinubu promised to bring reforms to the sector from the basic to the tertiary level and that “my administration, if elected, would review the education curriculum at all levels to suit the emerging global best practices and current socio-economic realities.”

He added that the curricula would be reviewed to ensure that Nigerian graduates become conversant with global trends in different fields and sectors where they can contribute productively

to the country’s economy.

“This will ensure our graduates at tertiary level are not only trained for white-collar jobs, but they will be enterprising and innovative,” he said.

Among his plans for other sectors, Tinubu, however, did not mention anything about the education reforms in his inaugural address but remarked that his administration “must create meaningful opportunities for our youths. 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 and prosperity bill,” Tinubu pledged. “This bill will give our administration the policy space to embark on labour-intensive infrastructural improvement, encourage light industry and provide social services for the poor, elderly and vulnerable.”

Some education stakeholders expressed confidence that the new administration would improve on the previous administration’s efforts by learning from experience, stressing

the need to review educational policies and their implementation, adding that the present dispensation must increase its education budget to create a better impact.

In his submission, the immediate past ViceChancellor of Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State, Prof. Timothy Olagbemiro, stated that education in Nigeria had withstood the test of time, remaining formidable.

“The current allocation is still far short of the United Nations recommended budget for education in Nigeria,” stated Olagbemiro. “What l consider essential now is the amount of funds budgeted for education by the past government. It is still not enough considering the role education occupied in nation building.”

He stated that the country’s educational policies must experience continuous review and true implementation.

“Really, on paper, we have one of the best educational systems in the world. Our problem has always been implementing our policies. Needless to say, how many of our teachers at the preschool, primary school, and secondary school are well-trained and appropriately certified to teach?” added Olagbemiro. “Our major problems for many years have been the implementation of guidelines and policies set by the government. At present, Nigeria has a good number of institutions where prospective staff could be appropriately trained and certified at each level of our educational endeavours, but how many of them go through these training programmes before they are employed?”

“Tertiary education is developing day after day. But the problems of staffing continue to haunt us. But these are the usual teething problems of development. Nigeria will get there with adequate planning and budgeting.”

The former VC said Nigerians from birth must be issued the National Identification Numbers (NIN), which must be used for preschool entry, primary secondary and all educational training and tertiary institutions.

As it is now, the NIN will be personal to each person for life, noted Olagbemiro, like the US social security number used for education at all levels, registration, driving licence, hospital registration, and jobs acquisition, and to be affixed on passports, campus course registrations, marriage certificates, and even death certification.

“The use of such personal registration numbers

is essential to enable students or even workers to secure loans from banks or institutions to enable them to pay for their studies, seek loans for business and the like,” stated Olagbemiro. “The period of payments of all borrowed monies as loans and its repayment upon graduation would be determined by the agencies or organisation granting such loans. It would be useful to study the American universities’ work-study and loan systems.”

Olagbemiro said that leaders must listen, learn and weigh options for what is best for Nigerians and for the country.

Also, the Deputy Vice-chancellor (Academic, Research, Innovations and Partnerships) of Osun State University, Osogbo, Prof. Anthony KolaOlusanya, called for the internalisation of higher education and injection of sufficient funds into it, saying that the new administration should implement various measures to promote Nigeria as a global study destination.

“Nigeria has lost its place as an attractive location for higher education globally, “ he said, adding that such commitment can be achieved by facilitating genuine and productive formal partnerships with eminent universities abroad.

Kola-Olusanya also stressed the need for digitalisation of higher education in Nigeria which will help increase enrolment into tertiary institutions and provide access to students who could not gain admission due to the limited carrying capacities.

A French and Francophone Studies professor at the Department of European Languages and Integration Studies, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Victor Ariole, stressed the need to oblige local government areas (LGAs) to get children into schools to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

“If possible, build well-equipped 10-model primary schools in each of the 774 LGAs. Let each state be evaluated on how its secondary schools are faring seen through access to tertiary institutions of their secondary school boys and girls,” Ariole said.

He added that the university level should be highly competitive so that no fewer than one million are admitted out of three to four million that seek admission. He recommended that more vocational centres should be built by state governments to occupy the youths who are not able to get admission.

ASUU Seeks Restoration of Kwara Varsity’s Subvention, Implementation of Earned Allowance

Hammed Shittu

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Kwara State University (KWASU) has called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to restore quarterly subvention to the institution.

ASUU also urged the governor to implement Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) for the university’s academic staff.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on the emergence of the governor for a second term and as the chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the union said, “We will like to remind you of the situation of academic staff in Kwara State University, particularly on the promises you made during our meeting with the governor AbdulRazaq

on Tuesday, 18th October, 2022 during which you made firm commitments to us on addressing the issues of the earned academic allowance for academic staff of the university and the restoration of subvention to the university which has only survived through thick and thin in almost 10 years.”

The statement signed by the branch chairman, Dr. AbdulGaniyu Salahu, urged the governor to

ensure that the EAA and quarterly subvention to KWASU would be actualised in June.

“Our union believes that the governor is a man of his words and is committed to fulfilling his promises in the interest of the continued peace and academic stability in KWASU, particularly as our university remains the most academically stable university in Nigeria as of today, graduating students as and when due,” added the statement.

Cordros Educates Students on Investment with Debate Competition

Uchechukwu Nnaike

As part of efforts to expose the younger generation to the world of finance, saving, and investment, Cordros Asset Management recently organised the ‘Every Child a Milestone Debate Competition’ for students of Corona Day Secondary School.

The second edition of the competition, held in Lagos, was also to commemorate Children’s Day.

The students debated ‘Equities investment:

A Better Path to Sustainable Wealth Compared to Fixed Income Investment’.

A paper titled ‘Investing with the right attitude’

was also presented at the event. It highlighted the tenets of investing, the ‘don’t dos’ of investing, and the benefits of investing.

At the end of the competition, Nicolette Azonobo and Miebi Abulu, members of Team A, emerged as the winners with 628 points and received a cheque of N100,000.

Azonobo, who expressed delight about winning the competition, said the programme gave her an open range of career paths to try and more things to choose from in the future.

Another student, Fopeyemi Ayinla, said, “I learnt that we should invest our money so that in the future we will have enough to enjoy ourselves.”

In his remarks, the Group Executive Director, Cordros, Femi Ademola, said, “We want to introduce ambassadorial roles for schools, to create investment clubs for schools, but before doing that, we want to train those who will be part of these goals to understand the intricacies.”

He said the event was an opportunity for the children to get into the knowledge world, understand savings and investment and have some level of introduction to these things,

adding that “when you teach young people to invest, it helps them so that when they are out of school, they can think out of the box.”

According to Ademola, the company hopes to have a more elaborate programme next year and bring more schools to debate. He also pledged N50,000 as a personal gift to the winners.

The Managing Director of Cordros Asset Management, Gbolahan Aina, said, “As part of our contribution to society, we know that financial literacy is very important. A lot of people have lost money in the past, not because they wanted to lose it but because they do not understand what they were investing in.”

With the emergence of Bola Tinubu as the President of Nigeria, experts who spoke to Uchechukwu Nnaike and Funmi Ogundare have called for massive investment in education; review of policies and ensure their implementation, as well as to create more access to education at all levels, to lead the country in the path of growth and development

Tinubu

Food Security: Firm to Establish Tractor Manufacturing Factory in Kwara

Hammed Shittu

A new manufacturing tractor company is to be established in Kwara state in the North Central zone of the country so as to address the yawning gap in farm mechanization in Nigeria and also to boost food security in the country.

The venture is in a strategic partnership with a foreign-based firm that has been in the business of tractor manufacturing since 2012, to develop the Nigerian factory that will use largely local content. It will be known as Vishvas KOZ Tractor Limited.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, the former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Community Development, Mr. Kayode Oyin-Zubair said the establishment of the tractor factory became necessary so as to design a multi-prong approach particularly one that will utilize

local contents

He said, “The venture is in a strategic partnership with a foreign-based firm that has been in the business of tractor manufacturing since 2012 to develop the Nigerian factory that will use largely local content. It will be known as Vishvas KOZ Tractor Limited”.

Oyin-Zubair said that renowned communication expert and former Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu is the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Issa-Onilu has been at the forefront of providing succour to Nigerian farmers and rural dwellers, adding that his choice to chair the fledging company was well thought out.

“The yawning gap in farm mechanization in Nigeria deserves a multi-prong approach particularly one that will utilize local contents. Farmers in the

remotest parts of the country are still finding it difficult to access farm tractors and other essential implements useful for both pre-planting and post-planting operations. Our foreign partner has a track record of more than one-decade participation in the designing, engineering and manufacturing of modern farm machinery. The Nigerian brands are KOZ 465 - 65hp and KOZ 475 - 75hp with various implements among others.

“We take this opportunity to introduce ourselves as manufacturers and suppliers of agriculture solutions and also provide customized products as per demand including implements, spare parts material handling equipment. Among the various product lines that we offer to our diverse customer segments line extends from concept to delivery including combined harvester strategic - baler, and silage harvester.

MarkHack Returns with Prize Pool of $10,000

Raheem Akingbolu

Eko Innovation Centre has announced the return of MarkHack, Nigeria’s first hackathon at the intersection of media, marketing, and tech at a launch event held at the Eko Innovation Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, over the weekend.

Following the success of MarkHack 1.0, this year’s edition, MarkHack 2.0, promises to redefine the future of marketing and media by fostering innovation and collaboration among professionals, students, and entrepreneurs. The hackathon aims to provide media and tech solutions that can disrupt marketing in key focus areas such as Consumer Experience, Media Consumption, Consumer Interaction, Trade and Retail Engagement, Analytics and Metrics, Events Marketing, Media Monetization, and

Content Creation

With the creative industry being Nigeria’s second-largest employer and the potential to generate 7 million jobs by 2025, Victor Afolabi, the Founder of Eko Innovation Centre and Convener of MarkHack 2.0, emphasized the importance of innovation in steering the industry’s growth.

He stated, “The rise of digital media, social platforms, and technology usage has made the creative industries one of the most dynamic sectors globally. MarkHack 2.0 provides a platform for collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking to disrupt the creative market and to provide a platform for them to showcase their ideas to Potential Investors.”

The call for participation garnered an overwhelming response, with 1,365 partici-

pants from 92 locations across Europe, Asia, and Africa submitting their entries. From the registered participants, 230 teams were formed to brainstorm innovative ideas, concepts, and prototypes in three focus areas: Immersive Experience (XR) -57 teams, Content Creation- 119 Teams , and Robo Marketing- 54 Teams.

The launch event featured a keynote address by Managing Director of Redwood Consulting, Hannah Oyebanjo, titled “Marketing and Media in the Creative Economy: Trends and Innovative Solutions for a Future Ready Industry.” Oyebanjo highlighted the digital evolution of marketing and the potential of technologies such as AI, AR, VR, and gamification in creating new opportunities for engaging consumers.

Tenece Commemorates 15th Year on Tech Space, Plans Expansion

Raheem Akingbolu

A leading Information Technology solutions firm in Africa, Tenece Professional Services Limited, has expressed its readiness to further expand its footprint across Africa with strategic investments

The firm made this known recently in Lagos when it celebrated its 15th anniversary.

At the event, with the theme: “Beyond our Dreams,” Tenece Chief Executive Officer, Kingsley Eze, acknowledged that its achievements in the IT solutions industry over

the past 15 years have been exemplary, exceeding all set projections.

Founded in 2008 with a vision to be a larger enterprise in Nigeria and Africa by 2030, Eze, said Tenece has expanded beyond the 36 states of Nigeria to become a truly Pan- African Tech Company with a presence in other African countries such as Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya and Ethiopia, and the UAE.

Since inception, he said Tenece has no record of a failed or uncompleted project, no capital injection, and over 3,000 successfully implemented

solutions to customers in the educational sector, financial service institutions, Fintechs, oil & gas, government, telecommunications, and manufacturing across Nigeria and Africa.

On her part, the Managing Director of Tenece HoldCo, Dr. Lina Eze, reiterated that the celebration of Tenece at 15 is a significant milestone for the entire team, particularly the pioneers, as it beams light on all the passion-driven efforts that have morphed Tenece into a remarkable Pan -African Technology Solutions Company.

JCI Nigeria Presents the Global Digital Economy Summit

JCI Nigeria, has announce the highly anticipated third edition of the Global Digital Economy Summit (GDES 3.0). The event is set to take place in Alausa CBD, Ikeja, Lagos.

With a vision to be the foremost global network of young leaders, JCI Nigeria strives to empower its members with valuable leadership development opportunities that enable them to create positive change. As part of these efforts, GDES 3.0 aims to upskill its participants in trending

digital fields, while also fostering resilience, sustainability, and inclusion in the ever-evolving digital space.

The theme for this year’s summit is, “The Future of Digital Economy: Building Resilience, Sustainability, and Inclusion.”

Through engaging panel sessions, talent discovery initiatives, a partner showcase, and an exciting pitch competition, GDES 3.0 promises to provide a platform for knowledge exchange and exploration of

Money

key digital opportunities.

This year’s event will be graced by leaders in the tech and global business sectors, including Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Kolawole Osinowo, Chief Executive Officer-Nigeria at Baobab+;Oluwasanmi Akinmusire, Chief Operating Officer, ImaliPay and Korede Adeyemi, the GMD of EdgePlus Capital Limited.

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 8 MARCH, 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $84.37 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $84.59 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Airtel Africa, 27 Others Lift Stock Market by N126bn

Kayode Tokede

Recovering from the previous session’s loss, the stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday gained N126 billion on investors’ renewed interest in Airtel Africa Plc and 27 others.

Accordingly, market capitalisation gained N126 billion to close at N30.513 trillion from N30.387trillion it opened for trading.

Consequently, the NGX All Share Index (ASI) gained by 232.14 basis points, representing a growth of 0.42 per cent to close at 56,038.85 basis points from 55,806.71 basis points.

As a result, the Month-toDate and Year-to-Date returns increased to +0.5per cent and 9.3 per cent, respectively.

The upturn was impacted by gains recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Airtel

Africa, Conoil, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Eterna and Transcorp Hotel.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive, as 28 stocks gained relative to 24 losers. E-Tranzact International recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N4.40, while Eterna followed with a gain of 9.85 per cent to close at N12.15, per share.

Pharma-Deko and Corner-

stone Insurance gained 9.52 per cent each to close at N2.07 and 92 kobo respectively, while FTN Cocoa processors rose by 9.23 per cent to close at 71 kobo, per share.

On the other hand, John Holt led the losers’ chart by 9.88 per cent, to close at N1.55, per share. Multiverse Mining and Exploration followed with a decline of 9.54 per cent to close at N3.70, while Chellarams declined by 9.52 per cent to

close at N1.33, per share.

Omatek Ventures depreciated by 9.09 per cent to close at 20 kobo, while SUNU Assurance declined by 8.33 per cent to close at 44 kobo, per share.

Meanwhile, the total volume traded decreased by 12.79 per cent to 322.495 million units, valued at N5.824 billion, and exchanged in 6,165 deals.

Transactions in the shares of United Bank for Africa (UBA) topped the activity chart with

47.126 million shares valued at N442.314 million. Access Holdings followed with 39.911 million shares worth N501.775 million, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) traded 30.225 million shares valued at N846.875 million.

Fidelity Bank traded 23.775 million shares valued at N137.278 million, while Japaul Gold & Ventures sold 16.841 million shares worth N6.732 million.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF JUNE/06/23

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

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 05June-2023, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

Arik Air Vs. AMCON: The Big Man Debtor as A Bully

By Onyema Omenuwa

Once upon a time, there was a popular and, to a large extent, reliable Nigerian airline, known as Arik Air. In the absence of a national carrier, Arik’s towering presence on the aviation landscape tended to situate it as such a carrier. Indeed, in name and operations, Arik Air stood out amongst other airlines, as it inclined towards efficiency and, maybe, elitism.

I don’t think one was alone in this perception or assessment of the airline. One could therefore argue that it was the judgment of generality of Nigerian air travellers, and this was clearly shown by the tendency by many passengers to only fly another airline if Arik wasn’t available. But gone are those days.

Arik is still very much around, anyway. And they’re still in operation too, though tottering, and under the management of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria; not the airline’s private owners. Clearly, the Arik of today is no longer the Arik of pre-2014, which, as already noted, bestrode the domestic aviation industry, to the envy of other airlines.

Created in 2004 by engineer businessman, Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, Arik Air Limited was conceived to fill the vacuum left by Nigeria Airways, the national carrier, which had fallen victim of yet another government involvement in an otherwise viable enterprise. Nigeria Airways got liquidated in 2002, having been in existence for 45 years, beginning when it was formed in 1958, as West African Airways Corporation Nigeria, and got rebranded in 1971 as Nigeria Airways.

The demise of Nigeria Airways was much to the relief of Nigerian taxpayers because it had become one bottomless pit that kept gulping public funds with zero returns to the national treasury. So, like the mythical phoenix, Arik sprang from the ashes of the national carrier, with the concomitant vigour and optimism that normally attend such rebirth.

It bears repeating that Arik initially filled the vacuum left by the Nigeria Airways, and it did so admirably, with governmental support fully at his disposal. At a point during those initial years of its operations, Arik had no less than 30 aircraft in its fleet, having ventured into international operations too. Because of its strategic place in the industry, a good number of Nigerians, not just aviation watchers or players in the sector, took an uncommon interest in the affairs of Arik, hence information on and about the airline was always in public domain. And like I already mentioned, such keen interest wasn’t unconnected with the circumstances under which the airline emerged as a company. Discussing its affairs therefore seemed to evoke some kind of memory that flowed from nostalgic thoughts about Nigeria Airways. And that’s understandable too. Before it succumbed to mismanagement, and finally died, the Nigeria Airways used to be the pride of the government and people of Nigeria, as it literally stood out amongst other national carriers in the African continent.

Sadly, it took no time for that malaise, which afflicts all businesses when prudent management of finances takes flight to also find a home in Arik Air. Ironically, the chief culprit for this affliction in the airline’s fortunes happened to be the Arik Chief (no pun intended), Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide himself who should be the chief protector of its fortunes. On a deeper reflection though, one is inclined to conclude that there was nothing ironical at all in the Arik Chief’s predilection. I mean, one has been around long enough to know the ways of many Nigerian businessmen. Such ways account for the legion of failed businesses that feature poignantly in the country’s economic history.

It took less than a decade in the life of Arik Air Limited for signs of its decline to start manifesting. So, as a business, it would be far-fetched to believe that the airline had inched anywhere towards sound footing before decline set in. Significantly, when the

telltale signs were observed, observers were quick to conclude that no lesson had been learnt by Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide from others’ experiences in running an airline. And reasons abound for arriving at such a conclusion.

If nothing else, those who know the Arik Chief know that he has never been given to coded lifestyle. And that lifestyle is one of ostentation. Another reason that has been adduced by those in the know for Arik Air’s misfortune is that the Chief’s ostentatious lifestyle fed profusely from the business. So, the trouble that Arik Air landed in was unavertable because Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide had set the stage for it.

Presently Arik Air is under receivership. The company’s troubles got to a head in 2015, thereby compelling receivership by AMCON. What this means in simple terms is that the management of Arik Air Limited has been legally seized from the shareholders of the company, of course with Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide as the majority shareholder. For those who are wondering what concerns AMCON in Arik Air, a private company, some explanations will serve. Part of the responsibilities of AMCON, as spelt out in Section 5 of its enabling law, the AMCON Act, 2010, is to: “(a) acquire eligible bank assets from eligible financial institutions…”

Both on the face of the provisions of the Section and indeed when subjected to legal interpretation, it is crystal clear that the Act has armed AMCON with the revolutionary impetus needed to positively impact the economy by resolving non-performing loans of Nigerian banks, and revitalizing companies where necessary. Let us not forget that AMCON was conceived as a creation for a rescue mission to retrieve the Nigerian economy from the jaws of death, personified by dubious and reckless businessmen and politicians. Its targets are businessmen and politicians whose acts or omissions have contributed in no small measure to wrecking the Nigerian economy. Typically, these categories of persons take loans from banks, either in their personal capacity or with their companies, ostensibly for purposes of investment

AMCON is trying in that regard, if you consider that the average Nigerian big man debtor is a bully. He thinks he can have his cake and eat it.

AMCON’s intervention is conceived by statute to ultimately deliver double benefit whenever it’s deployed. Without the kind of distraction that the Arik Chief constitutes, whether by resorting to multiple litigations or using paid agents in the media to discredit AMCON, AMCON would typically resuscitate the airline and thereby save jobs, even as the aviation sector retains the confidence of industry players.

Yet, AMCON’s intervention does not rule out repossession by shareholders of an entity under receivership. Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide himself knows that AMCON will relinquish its hold on Arik Air, even today, if he does the needful. The needful is to reimburse AMCON for all the debts paid off on behalf of Arik. In addition, the shareholders are expected to provide proof of funds for the airline’s operations going forward. Let us not forget that Arik’s indebtedness, put at a whopping N200billion, and, of course, an impulsive decision-making system imposed on the company under a one-man show occasioned the receivership. On reflection, it goes without saying that the receivership averted a freewheeling slide to liquidation for Arik Air Limited.

Before AMCON’s intervention, it was so bad for the airline that, according to insider sources, sometime in October 2016 no operational activity could happen because the airline couldn’t pay for insurance. That was a huge embarrassment for an airline that was regarded highly. Such a messy situation also posed a national risk, given the scare it generated. As of the time AMCON assumed receivership, Arik’s status presented a very bleak situation, and I will just outline how bad it was, with a few instances.

or business operations, but they turn around and misapply the loans. For good measure, they default in paying back, thereby leaving the creditor banks in a quagmire. Such loans ultimately transform into nonperforming loans, and they run into hundreds of millions, in some cases (Arik’s for instance) billions of naira.

With such quantum of money taken out of banks’ capital bases, normal operations would invariably get affected, by way of inability to satisfy statutory obligations to customers. In simple terms, such creditorbanks naturally became distressed – many actually failed – with the attendant effect on the economy. In many instances, what happened was that loans, which ordinarily should be for investments, which will in turn create jobs and concomitantly grow the economy, got diverted for other purposes that have no bearing on economic growth, like luxurious and ostentatious indulgences. And the borrowers carry on as if such loans are not meant to be paid back.

As already stated, Arik’s troubles became too humongous to be ignored by the Federal Government, hence AMCON’s intervention. It can never be that any viable economy accommodates an ailing aviation industry. Again, for a Nigeria that is desperately in need of foreign investors, the robustness of the aviation sector is a sine qua non, for that is what gives the first and, in most cases, deciding impression of an environment that is conducive to investment in.

Arik’s situation 2015 was the kind of situation that would ordinarily attract AMCON’s intervention. And AMCON did intervene as it had simply done in other similar instances. The Corporation converted all of Arik’s outstanding USD exposure to Naira, gave concession of N15 billion on cumulative outstanding balance of N85 billion and between 2011 and 2019 disbursed additional working capital loans of N21.3 billion. But the Arik Chief is incensed by this altruistic intervention. Every now and then, his vituperations against AMCON feature in the media, and one wonders what he wants. The truth is that for the economy to thrive, businessmen like him must be checked. And

Nigerian Executives Face Uncertain Business Environment, TEXEM Director Says

Caroline Lucas, the director of TEXEM UK special projects, has asserted that global executives face unprecedented challenges and uncertainties in the business environment.

Speaking on the coming face-to-face programme of TEXEM in Lagos, tagged ‘Developing Winning Strategies in Turbulent Times’, Lucas affirmed that the disruptive nature of COVID-19 was one such challenge. According to her, the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the US-China conflict have disrupted global supply chains, created a great exodus of talent

to greener pastures, resulted in high inflation, spurred global slowdown and forced organisations to rethink their business models.

“In this context, executives must stay ahead of the curve and develop winning strategies to help their organisations navigate turbulent times,” Lucas added. “The ‘Winning Strategies in Turbulent Times’ programme, organised by TEXEM, is a unique opportunity for senior executives and leaders of organisations to gain practical skills and actionable insights that can help them survive uncertainty and achieve sustainable competitive advantage despite

the headwinds.”

The programme is scheduled for July 12 to 13 at Wheatbaker in Lagos and is designed to provide a unique learning experience fostering growth and intellectual enrichment.

According to her, one of the key benefits of attending the programme is the opportunity for executives to engage in peer-to-peer learning.

“By attending this TEXEM programme, executives will have the opportunity to interact with industry experts, regulators, policymakers, and academics, which will broaden their horizons and expose them to new perspectives and enhance

their organisation’s core competencies to turn challenges into opportunities,” Lucas stated.

She added, “Another key benefit of attending this TEXEM programme, Developing Winning Strategies in Turbulent Times, is the emphasis on self-reflection.”

A renowned professor, Rodria Laline, will deliver the Lagos programme. Laline will leverage TEXEM’s proven and tested methodology that has helped over 4,000 executives globally to learn, challenge assumptions and unlock scarce value irrespective of the challenging operating context.

Operations at the airline literally ground to halt as the airline, it was gathered, did not have adequate cash even for a week’s operations. I have earlier mentioned that the fleet had depleted from 30 aircraft, which the company once prided on, to only eight. And what’s more, the company was heavily indebted to Lufthansa Technic; its longstanding Maintenance Repair Organization and they had withdrawn their services and left Nigeria. SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance Limited (SAMCO), a Dutch company responsible for maintaining the CRJs and the Q400s was being owed over EURO2 million representing nearly six months obligations.

Salaries of both indigenous and expatriate staff and crew remained unpaid for an inordinate length of time, thereby making the work environment very toxic. The Nigerian pilots were also being owed for months. In addition, salaries for other local staff had been outstanding for many months too, even as health insurance for the employees had expired and was not renewed.

The mess was just too encompassing that only the very glaring anomalies are being highlighted here. Indeed, the prevailing situation was such that it would be the height of indiscretion to expect dedication to duty from any staff of the airline at all. One can only imagine how a disaffected employee can impact on a company, much less an airline whose every aspect of operations requires absolute dedication. Even recency training, which ordinarily is a routine for pilots to enable them to be certified for flights, was suspended due to lack of funds. As a matter of fact, all simulator training schools abroad were reportedly owed by Arik and had refused further credits. Thus, pilots were grounded, and many flights could not be properly crewed.

One can go and on; of course, Arik became notorious for cancelling flights. The oft-repeated cliché, “operational reasons” became a refrain for them. But what the flying public didn’t know was that that was a euphemism for inability to get Arik aircraft to be fueled on credit, as there were outstanding payments owed to aviation fuel suppliers. Internet subscription too, offered by Globacom, was suspended due to overdue payments. Leases on two A330 planes from subsidiaries of Standard Charter were outstanding for over six months.

The insurance status was no less worrying. Available records showed that the insurance policy for the airline fleet was due to lapse in February 2017, whereas the company was already indebted to the tune of N418,893,067.97 as arrears of unpaid premium. Mercator, the company responsible for the management of the Passenger Service System and sale of tickets was equally owed $2,465,344.63. They subsequently cut Arik off from using the platform.

These are verifiable facts, and they presented a troubling situation. Only an irresponsible government agency would be aware of such and not intervene. Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide’s bullying of AMCON should stop. AMCON is only fulfilling its statutory mandate to recover its debt and where of strategic value to resuscitate an entity, as empowered by law. Arik’s case is not different.

…Omenuwa is a lawyer and commentator on national issues

Founder and Chairman of Arik Air Limited,, Joseph Arumemi-IkhideMD/CEO, AMCON, Mr Ahmed Kuru

JOHESU VISITS TINUBU...

Atiku Seeks Adjournment for More Evidence against Tinubu

Alleges INEC not forthcoming with release of vital documents Court admits ward results from Obi in 17 states

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Shortly after tendering electoral documents from 10 local governments in Kogi State, in proof of alleged irregularities and malpractices in the February 25 presidential election, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, sought a short adjournment to enable him tidy his presentation at the Presidential Election Petition Court ( PREPEC).

At the resumed hearing, yesterday, Atiku's lawyer, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, informed the court that the petitioners (Atiku and PDP) desired to tender certain sets of documents available to them as well as other documents from officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) "on which subpoena has been issued and other subpoenaed officials."

However, after tendering a Notice of Discountenance in Suit SC/CV/254/2023 between Attorney General of Adamawa and six others versus the Attorney General of the Federation and Form EC8A in respect of 10 local governments in Kogi State, the petitioners could not go on with the day's proceedings.

This followed observations and complaints from both the bench and the respondents on the manner the petitioners were presenting the said incriminating evidence. Although the schedule of documents was filed along with the exhibits, the court observed that tendering such sensitive exhibits

at piece meals would not be of any help especially in the areas of marking and numbering them.

The documents brought by Atiku and PDP were mainly documents used for the February 25 presidential election and involved 10 Local Government Areas of Ankpa, Dekina, Idah, Ofu, Olamaboro, Yagba East, Yagba West, Kabba-Bunu, Igalamela Odolu and Kogi were sought to be tendered by the PDP presidential candidate.

Responding, the senior lawyer blamed INEC for deliberately refusing to supply his client with the vital documents.

Jegede further disclosed that the petitioners had paid as much as N6 million for the supply of certified true copies of the exhibits, adding that INEC had not been forthcoming and cooperating as required and envisaged.

He explained that the petitioners, in order to save the situation had to subpoena top officials of

INEC to compel them to bring the required documents before the court, and therefore, pleaded with the court for a short adjournment to enable him approach the electoral body to do the needful.

The request for adjournment was not opposed by lawyers representing INEC, Tinubu and APC, following which the matter was adjourned till today, June 7.

In a related development, the PREPEC, yesterday, admitted ward results in 17 states of the federa-

tion tendered by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi.

The ward results (Form EC8B) were from the various local governments in the affected states of Adamawa, Bayelsa, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Sokoto, Delta, Ekiti, Imo, Kaduna, Oyo, Cross River, Edo, Akwa-Ibom and Lagos.

However, the respondents all indicated their resolve to object to the admissibility of the documents

in their final address on a later date.

Speaking shortly after the day's proceedings, lawyer to Obi and LP, Mr Benbella Anichebe, SAN, noted that the petitioners would use today to tender the remaining exhibits that would prove that the presidential election was rigged against the petitioners, adding that they would call in expert witnesses after the tendering. The trial continues today, Wednesday in the two petitions.

INEC Publishes Final List of Candidates for Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Guber Polls

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Ahead of the November 11, 2023 governorship elections scheduled to hold in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, published the final list of candidates.

The commission also reminded political parties and candidates that in line with the timetable and schedule of activities for the three elections, campaign in public officially commences next Wednesday, June 14, in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and ends on 9th November 2023, 24 hours prior to election day.

In a statement by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, it said the decision was in line with the provision of Section

32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which required the publication of the list not later than 150 days to election day, that is, Friday 9th June 2023 following the period for voluntary withdrawal and substitution of candidates by political parties under Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2022.

He said the commission approved the final list of candidates for the three off-cycle governorship

elections scheduled to hold in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States its regular meeting held yesterday. Okoye further revealed that the final list has been uploaded to the Commission's website and social media platforms, adding that the same would be published in the state and local government offices in the affected states on Thursday June 8, 2023 ahead of the statutory deadline of 9th

June 2023.

"The list shows that all 18 political parties are fielding candidates in Kogi State, 17 in Imo State and 16 in Bayelsa State. The list also shows that two political parties are fielding female candidates in Bayelsa State, one in Kogi State and none in Imo State.”

The electoral body expressed concern over what it described as ugly incident last week involv-

ing the convoys of two political actors in Kogi State, resulting in the destruction of vehicles and other properties ahead of the commencement of campaign.

The commission, therefore, urged political parties and candidates to conduct their political activities with civility and decorum, saying peaceful electioneering heralds peaceful election.

Fuel Subsidy Removal: Edo Govt Empathises with Citizens, Cuts Down Workdays

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has empathised with people of the state in the wake of the rise in prices of goods and

Rapisurv Exhibits at Nigeria BuildExpo Fair in Lagos

Rapisurv, the latest app introduced into the Nigerian market a fortnight ago has taken a stand at the Nigeria BuildExpo, a Construction and Building Exhibition. The exhibition that started yesterday, at the Landmark Centre in Lekki, Lagos, would run until June 8.

According to the CEO of Isekit Limited, Tosin Abioye, the essence why his company was at the expo was to further expose the Rapisurv software to players in the construction and building sector.

“We have taken a stand at the Hall 1 Stand #A01 at the BuildExpo at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. We are introducing our software

to players in the construction and building sector to be aware of Rapisurv and how it will help reduce their work loads and time wasting,” Ekiti-born Abioye whose Isekit group of companies operate in the USA, Canada and Nigeria said.

He believes that what he was offering the construction industry in Nigeria would make things, “easier for workers and businesses and help reduce the risk of failure on the part of the contractors, consultants and projects with added benefit that can benefit regulatory authorities.”

The Isekit CEO stressed that Rapisurv would further help them

with improved insight and play a part in sanitising the sector.

His exposure to numerous technology tools and industry processes stands him out as a professional in high demand.

Abioye who holds a Master of Science degree in Information Systems Management (MSISM) from California, USA, is experienced in both construction industry and in the technology of enterprise systems as a quantity surveyor, contract manager, operations manager, and an architect level subject matter expert in SAP S/4 HANA modules of SAP CPM, SAP PPM and SAP PS.

services and overall cost of living occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal by the federal government, announcing measures to ameliorate the sufferings currently faced by the people as a result of the policy.

In a statement, Obaseki said the state government has reduced the number of work days that civil and public servants would have to commute to their workplaces from five days a week to three days a week, among other measures.

The statement read: “In the wake of fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government, fuel prices have increased astronomically leading to rise in prices of goods and services and overall cost of living.

“The Edo State government shares the pains of our people and wants to assure everyone that we are standing with them in these very challenging times.

“We want to reassure our people that we will do all within our powers as a subnational government to reduce the pains and ameliorate the

sufferings our people are currently facing due to the current realities.”

The governor further noted, “As a proactive government, we have since taken the step to increase the minimum wage paid to workers in Edo State from the approved N30,000 to N40,000, the highest in the country today.

“We want to assure you that we will continue to pay this amount, while we hope to increase it even further, if more allocation accrues to our state from the federal government in view of the expected savings occasioned by the removal of the fuel subsidy.

“We know the hardship that has been caused by this policy which has radically increased the cost of transportation, eating deep into the wages of workers in the state.

“Therefore, the Edo State Government is hereby reducing the number of work days that civil and public servants will have to commute to their workplaces from five days a week to three days a week till further notice. Workers

will now work from home two days every week.

“Similarly, for teachers and parents, their commuting to school will be reduced as government is working on deepening the EdoBEST@Home initiative to create more virtual classrooms, thereby reducing the cost of commuting on parents, teachers and pupils. The Edo SUBEB will provide details on this initiative in the coming days.”

He added, “To lower the rising cost of energy on our people, we will continue to work with the electricity companies in the State to improve power supply to homes and businesses.

“Similarly, fibre optic connections are being made available to help our people work remotely, thereby reducing their cost of transportation.

“While government intensifies these efforts to alleviate the burden of the fuel price increase on the people during this very challenging period, we want to call on everyone to remain calm and go about their daily businesses lawfully.”

L–R: Mr. Dele Alake; Joint Health Sector Union, Olumide Akintayo ; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and Acting President of the association, Dr. Ogbonna Obinna, during the visit of Union to the Presidential Villa , Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

CONCERNED NIGER DELTA FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT...

Ajakaye: FG Must Prosecute Perpetrators of Owo Massacre

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye,

has called on the federal government to prosecute the perpetrators of the Owo Massacre in Ondo State, last year.

Ajakaye, who recalled that a year ago on June 5, 2022, unknown gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo

leaving 41 worshippers dead and many injured, condemned why no prosecution had taken place since the Chief of Defence Staff,

NLC: WHY WE SUSPENDED PLANNED NATIONWIDE STRIKE OVER SUBSIDY

the reforms would not work.

“To minimise the negative impacts of subsidy removal, there is a need for a set of coordinated actions that consider the inflationary impact, potential social unrest, and the need for compensating measures to cushion the poor,” the firm said.

It suggested that one of the ways could be to increase the minimum wage to lessen the effect of the subsidy removal on the purchasing power of consumers.

However, KPMG said while some of the measures could further worsen inflation that it was intended to resolve by stimulating money supply further, the use of alternatives to money supply boosting actions, such as transport vouchers for the rural and urban poor, and tax cuts for the middle class, could be effective.

“The benefit of this is that it has limiting effects on money supply while at the same time cushioning the negative impact on purchasing power,” it said.

In addition to demonstrating very clear and unambiguous transparency in the process, the government, the organisation said, will also have to demonstrate that as much as it is rightly asking the public to tighten its belt and expect temporal inconveniences, it also must be seen to be cutting wasteful expenditure and reducing the rising costs of runningKPMGgovernment.

also insisted that the government must have the courage and political will needed to fully implement the Orosanye report, which was estimated to save the government N1.3 trillion.

NESG Advises FG to Mobilise Public Support Via

Citizen Education

NESG advised the federal government to tackle resistance to its laudable removal of petrol subsidy through effective communication of the policy’s benefits and mitigation strategies to cushion its adverse impact.

The group shared its views yesterday, in a statement on the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, titled, “Citizen Education/Engagement Strategy Document: Understanding Fuel Subsidy Removal and its Economic and Social Impact.”

Still on subsidy, the House of Representatives, yesterday, commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for accepting to continue to dialogue with the federal

government, against their earlier planned strike over the removal of petrol subsidy.

NESG stated that the government could foster a sense of shared responsibility among Nigerians and work towards sustainable energy policies that benefit society as a whole through transparency, public consultation, and targeted support programmes.

The NESG said, “The government should actively engage in transparent communication, providing clear and accessible information about the reasons behind subsidy removal, the expected impact, and the strategies in place to mitigate adverse effects. This promotes trust, understanding, and informed decision-making among citizens.”

It added, “The government can organise public consultations, town hall meetings, and online surveys to gather feedback and insights from citizens. This ensures that their concerns, suggestions, and experiences are considered, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusivity in the decision-making process.”

According to NESG, “The government can design and implement social protection programmes, such as cash transfers, subsidies for basic needs, or employment opportunities, specifically tailored to support low-income households and other vulnerable groups. This ensures that subsidy removal’s impact is cushioned and no one is left behind.”

It further suggested that the government should utilise various communication channels, including traditional media, social media platforms, public forums, and informative websites, to reach a wider audience and ensure that information was accessible and easily understandable.

NESG said the key stakeholders the government should reach out to included citizens, civil society organisations, businesses, industry associations, and the academia. “Engaging these stakeholders through targeted consultations, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives helps gather diverse perspectives and fosters a sense of shared responsibility,” it said.

It also enjoined the government to implement various social intervention programmes that could mitigate the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the people.

NESG identified these interventions as cash transfer programs, employment generation initiatives, investment in public transportation infrastructure, subsidised fare

programmes, and support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

NESG said targeted cash transfer programmes would provide financial assistance directly to low-income households or individuals affected by the removal of fuel subsidies, adding, “These cash transfers can help alleviate the increased transportation costs and basic necessities.”

NESG stated, “By promoting employment, the government can mitigate the impact of subsidy removal by improving income levels and reducing unemployment rates” while “increased investment in public transportation infrastructure can help mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal by providing more affordable transportation alternatives for the public.”

Subsidised fare programmes, according to the NESG, would involve offering reduced transportation fares, “such as discounted bus or train tickets, to lessen the financial burden on commuters affected by fuel subsidy removal and ensure that transportation remains accessible and affordable.”

NESG also said, “The government can provide financial assistance, tax incentives, and business development support to SMEs affected by increased operational costs due to fuel subsidy removal. This helps sustain their businesses and promotes economic resilience.

“When implemented strategically and accompanied by effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, these social intervention programmes can help cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the people and ensure a more equitable transition.”

NESG added, “The immediate removal of fuel subsidies may cause a temporary rise in inflation, the long-term effects are typically mitigated by improved economic stability, increased investment opportunities, and a more efficient allocation of resources.”

It, however, argued that the removal of subsidy could provide incentives for the development of alternative energy sources and reduce government debt, improve economic efficiency, promote environmental sustainability, and create a more equitable distribution of resources.

Similarly, according to the NESG, “Businesses and industries that rely heavily on fuel may face higher operational costs, potentially

impacting their cost of production and profitability.

“However, removing subsidies can also drive innovation, encourage energy efficiency, and create opportunities for investment in alternative energy sectors.”

from petrol to gas, amongst many others.”

HURIWA’s Onwubiko added, “With this order, the judiciary is captured by a recklessly controlling administration going to court to stop civil and democratic liberties such as embarking on strike and protesting the senseless and notwell-thought-out subsidy removal which has caused Nigerians untold hardship amid skyrocketing food prices and inflation.

“Since NLC/TUC have abandoned the masses and are busy negotiating for themselves and their members who are less than five per cent of the working and struggling masses of Nigeria, the organised civil society community alongside the unemployed youths, and lovers of democracy should go ahead and organise and not agonise but to implement far-reaching civil disobedience actions including popular protests to reject the new pump price.

“The $800 million loan from the World Bank which the government and the organised Labour unions are discussing on how to share amongst themselves is just a drop in the ocean and wouldn't ameliorate the high costs of fuel, kerosene and diesel in Nigeria with over 100 million absolutely poor households ", Onwubiko stressed.

Civil Society Leaders, Activists Insist On Mass Protests

The United Action Front of Nigeria Civil Society, a coalition of civil society groups yesterday insisted that the planned mass protests would go on today.

The civil society groups comprising prominent activists in the country and Leaders of National Consultative Front, Free Nigeria Movement, Citizens Action Movement, Country First Movement, Citizens Unite For Democracy, EndSars Youths Movement, which among other mass movements, demanded for a reversal of the precipitate hike in petrol pump prices last week, alerted the public of their resolve to go ahead with the planned mass protests.

General Lucky Irabor, announced that arrest had been made.

Ajakaye, in a statement, said, "Surprisingly, a few months after the attack, addressing a World Press, Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Defence Chief, informed the world that arrest has been made regarding the 5 June 2022, Sunday attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo. Unfortunately, one year after, we have not heard anything again from the army general.

"Please, sir, when shall we be

In a statement signed by the Director General (DG) of the National Consultative Forum (NCFront), for the United Action Front of Civil Society, Wale Okunniyi, stated that the protests would go on, "if the federal government fails to accede to our popular demand by the close of work on Wednesday, 7th June, 2023."

According to the statement, "This coalition of mass and youth movements of the Nigerian civil society following an emergency consultations of key leaders and activists today resolved that the suspension of strike action by Labour unions will not hinder us, as Nigerians, who are currently bearing the heat of the indiscretion of the Tinubu’s regime, from demonstrating our dissatisfaction with the ways families and households in the country have been suddenly plunged into mass impoverishment and sufferings through the gestapo hike of petrol pump prices by the government.

"So, we are compelled to challenge the insensitivity and dictatorship of the Tinubu’s government on the streets of Nigeria; as wage workers in formal employment of government are just 10 per cent of the work force of Nigeria with the overwhelming majority in the informal private sector."

Accordingly, the group stated: "Again, given the unprecedented unemployment and economic decline in Nigeria, it's already certain that crimes for survival and insecurity will assume an anarchical dimension, if the outrageous prices of fuel foisted on ordinary Nigerians, is not immediately reversed to N167 per litre to allow for peaceful consultations with various segments and stakeholders in charting and consummating the best modalities and economic alternative for the current exploited subsidy regime; as Tinubu Kitchen Cabinet must be made to realise that they're not leading a military junta in Nigeria but a constitutional democracy."

Furthermore, the statement added, "We make bold to buttress even Babangida, who led a military

lucky to know what has become of the people you told Nigerians and the whole world were arrested due to their involvement in the massacre of the over 41 people and scores of people seriously injured during the church attack of the worshippers by such people in Owo on 5 June 2022?"

The Bishop said until an answer was given, “we shall keep asking the question. Remember, the cases of the Chibok girls, Leah Sharibu and others are still there.”

autocracy was cleverly consultative in his approach to national emergencies notwithstanding his occasional Machiavellian instinct.

"So, it's very embarrassing and disappointing to see a Tinubu nurtured by pro-democracy organisation such as NADECO of the civil society suddenly degenerate into a turncoat of a dictatorial ruler so early in government.

"However, we have resolved to prove that the people, the masses and the youths own Nigeria and this fact shall be proven peacefully on the streets of Nigeria after Wednesday if government fails to listen to the people."

As a matter of fact, the statement continued, "this fight is beyond the NLC and TUC as they only represent an infinitesimal percentage of the Nigerian working people, while the vast majority of the people currently bearing the burden and brunt of the prevailing conspiracy of the rich and powerful associated with government, are in the civil society and the private sector.

“So our civic space can not to rely on Labour alone for national economic response to state decapitation of the Nigerian people.

"The truth is that only about 10 per cent of Nigerians are government's wage earners. Majority are in the informal sector. The knocks and effects of this outrageous hike will be far devastating on the poor, weak, vulnerable, powerless and impoverished people in the informal sector of our civil society.

"As the conscience of our country, what we expect and demand from government before any considered hike in petrol pump prices arising from subsidy removal is a national consultative commission of critical stakeholders in the civil society, Labour, private sector and government to drive national consensus on what amount of subsidy is to be removed from our petrol pricing?”

In view of this, the coalition of civil society groups stated, "we call on all concerned and affected Nigerians to come out and join the planning of this historic nationwide mass protests in the 36 state of the federation and Abuja.”

L-R: Women Leader, Concerned Niger Delta for Peace and Development (CNDPPD), Victoria Alancha; National Coordinator, CNDPPD, Mr. Okoro Rich-efe and Public Relation Officer, CNDPPD, Engr. Freeborn Itewo, during a press conference in support of Sen. Akpabio's candidacy for 10th National Assembly Senate President and presidential pardon for James Ibori in Abuja...yesterday

PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

PETER OBI: PETROL SUBSIDY AN ORGANISED CRIME

EMPOWERING THE PEOPLE……

L-R: Executive Chairman, Apapa Local Government Area, Hon. Idowu Adejumoke Senbanjo; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Gibraltar Njowusi; Council Manager, Mrs. Mosunmola OkokaOtaiku; Special Adviser on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Sola Adesanya-Atiroko, and Special Adviser on Sports, Youth and Education, Dr. Mike Egbayelo, at the graduation ceremony of vocational and skill acquisition trainees in Lagos… yesterday ETOP UKUTT

House: Passport Contract Termination ‘ll Cost FG N22bn

The House of Representatives has advised the federal government against terminating a contract signed with a private firm, Iris Smart Technologies Limited, for the production of electronic passport booklets.

The lawmakers gave the advice while considering and adopting recommendations of the report by the House AdHoc Committee to Investigate

the Proposed Domestication and Processing of Nigerian International Passports.

In the report presented by Hon. Ibrahim Muhammad Hafiz, procuring the equipment capable of putting the latest security features in the Nigerian e-passport will cost the government about N22 billion.

The report also stated that the production of 10 million booklets by the firm would be stalled.

Youth Party Opposes Subsidy Removal without Social Safety Net

Wale

Igbintade

The Youth Party (YP) has expressed its opposition to the removal of fuel subsidy without any form of social safety net to cushion the impact and protect the poor in the country.

The party in a statement issued at the weekend by its National Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Adio, stated that subsidy on fuel ought to have been gradually removed within a space of six months to one year to mitigate the impact

on the poor. The party stated that during the removal period, the government should subsidise public transport to reduce the effect on low-income earners and the vulnerable.

The act, according to the party, should be carried out by allowing public transporters to continue to buy fuel at subsidised rate either through a weekly voucher system or exemption from certain statutory fees with an agreement to maintain transport fare at the same rates.

Otti Sacks Revenue Contractors, Agents

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Abia State governor, Mr. Alex Otti has taken further measures to block leakages of the internally generated revenue(IGR) of the state by sacking all revenue contractors/agents engaged by the immediate past administration.

He also suspended payments to government through unauthorised channels and directed that all payments should be made through designated bank branches. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kazie

Uko announced the anti-revenue leakage measures in a statement yesterday, saying that they were part of the measures to sanitise revenue enforcement and collection. He explained the termination of revenue collection agents would “sanitise all enforcement activities around the transport sector and markets in the state.”

The governor’s spokesman further stated that the suspension of payments to unauthorised channels was aimed at ensuring “proper accountability and reporting” in the management of Abia’s IGR.

PDP Stakeholders Defect to APC in Kogi

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The former Executive members and other critical stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kabba/ Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State have defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state.

They were warmly received by Governor Yahaya Bello at the Banquet Hall of the

The committee explained that an e-passport project is technology based and not a security printing task, as with the Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) era; that the security printing aspect of an e-passport constitutes only 13 per cent

of the various components of an e-passport booklet; and that the domestication of the manufacturing of e-passport booklets does not eliminate the need for foreign exchange and importation of components. The committee also

explained that an e-passport booklet is an active electronic device, as opposed to the old MRP, which is a merely printed booklet; that the chip embedded in the e-passport has a security access module that allows for a ‘handshake’

with and amongst other devices and equipment within the e-passport network; and that the system does not allow the “infiltration” or use of nonprequalified third-party devices or other booklets within the network.

10th Assembly: Protesters Storm APC Secretariat, Demand Review of Zoning Template

Adedayo Akinwale

Ahead of the June 13th inauguration, protesters under the auspices of Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups yesterday stormed the national secretariat

of the party, demanding the review of 19th National Assembly zoning arrangement. The National Publicity Secretary of the group, Adamu Isaiah, while addressing journalists, described as worrisome the fact that the

party in ‘error’ went ahead to micro zone the positions to specific persons.

He added that the party must respect the principle and spirit of the letters of the legacy parties – the Action Congress of Nigeria

(ACN); the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress of Progressives Change (CPC) and the New Peoples Democratic Party (n-PDP).

‘Alleged Plot to Scuttle Trial of Oduah Attempt to Blackmail Tinubu’

Nume Ekeghe

A media aide to Senator Representing Anambra North, Stella Adaeze Oduah, has denied an attempt to scuttle the trial of the senator.

A group called Today’s AntiCorruption Network (TACN), recently

called for the intervention of President Bola Tinubu to prevent an alleged plot to derail the arraignment Senator Oduah over alleged fraud brought against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, reacting to the call by TACN, Chukwudebe in a statement noted that the

group has complete ignorance of court processes and the clear-cut distinction between the various arms of government.

He therefore, enjoined President Tinubu to ignore the petition as it amounts to blackmail on his person and integrity.

Chukwudebe said: “Our

attention has just been drawn to a spurious, mischievous, and desperate series of sponsored diatribes on various social media platforms by political detractors of the Distinguished Senator Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, masquerading under a self-styled group named “Today’s AntiCorruption Network, TACN.”

Monarch Tasks FG to Tackle Insecurity in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin.

A traditional ruler in Kwara state, Asolo of Isolo-Opin in Ekiti Local Government Council Area of the state, Oba Sunday Are Raphael has called on the federal government to come to the aid of the town in view of the incessant kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery in

the town and other communities linking Kogi and Ekiti states.

Speaking in IsoloOpin during the official inauguration and presentation of ultra modern office complex and operational vehicle donated by the people of the town to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) yesterday , the monarch said that the ugly

Community

development had continued to have adverse effect on the socio-economic development of the area.

He said that the community embarked on the project, “for the sake of our people, especially the farmers who are no longer secured to go to their farms.”

The traditional ruler, who said he took cursory look at

the security architecture of the nation in recent past, characterized by banditry, kidnapping and other security vices, with particular reference to the Ekiti local government area, which borders Kogi and Ekiti States respectively, added that the people are very vulnerable of these attacks which he said had not abated till moment.

Farmers Lament Ondo Govt’s Destruction of Farmlands Despite Court Order

Fidelis David in Akure

Over 10,000 farmers in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State yesterday berated Ondo state government’s forceful destruction of their cash crops farms in disobedience to court order.

Governor’s office . Governor Bello, in his welcome address, emphasised that the APC provides equal opportunities for both old and new members.

He encouraged opposition politicians to join the party to contr ibute their quota to his administration’s efforts at enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the people of Kogi State.

The farmers who trooped out to address journalists in Akure the state capital alleged that the present administration had sold their cocoa plantations to a private company without any prior negotiation or notification.

Speaking, their Chairman,

Mr. Rotimi Abayomi Isileye, alleged that the company to which their plantations were sold had stormed their farms with earthmoving equipment and uprooted their cocoa trees, kola nut, and palm trees.

He explained that the State High Court at Ore

Judicial Division presided over by Justice Aderemi Adegoroye, had in a Suit No. HOR/14/2023 granted an interim injunction, restraining the Ondo State Government and the company from further grading or continuing to grade their plantations.

Bauchi Lifts Employment Embargo, Approves Recruitment of 1,684 Workers

From Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has granted approval for the recruitment of over 1,684 workers

in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA)s across the state.

The State Head of Civil Service (HoS), Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Haruna while addressing journalists on the development yesterday said the exercise will

comprise the recruitment of 1,000 teachers of core subjects including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and ICT as well as 154 staff at Aminu Saleh College of Education Azare.

The HoS further stated

that the Governor has also granted approval for Ministry of Agriculture to recruit 206 extension workers and farm managers in fulfilment of his promise during the launch of this year’s farming season and sales of fertilizer at Azare.

Udora Orizu in Abuja

Villarreal Slams €80million Transfer Fee on Chukwueze

Real Madrid front runners to lure the Nigerian to Bernabeu

Femi Solaja

In a desperate move for complete over-haul and still stay in the realm of Europe’s elite cadre, Real Madrid have initiated moves to lure Super Eagles’ winger, Samuel Chukwueze, to Santiago Bernabeu.

The Nigerian forward was yesterday named Laliga’s ‘African Player of the 2022/23 Season’ thus making him one of the beautiful bride when the transfer window officially opens next month.

However, report in soccernet.com indicates that Chukwueze’s Spanish club, Villarreal, have also informed Real Madrid that nothing short of €80million is required to be paid to actualise the big move of the Nigerian

forward to the Spanish capital city club.

Chukwueze who won the AFCON 2019 bronze with Super Eagles in Egypt, set the sporting media buzzing last April with his dazzling form at the Real Madrid’s Bernabeu.

He powered the Yellow Subma- rine’s come-back to beat the former champions 3-2 with two of the goals from his boots.

The feat did not only helped the former Europa League winners to escape relegation but pushed them back into the second tier European club football next season.

Chukwueze’s contract at Villarreal is due to expire at the end of next season.

Apart from Real Madrid, there are reports of Arsenal’s interest in the

pacy winger to reduce the pressure on Bukayo Saka on the right side of the Gunners attack.

Tottenham Hotspurs are also believed to be considering bidding for the Nigerian.

According to Transfermarkt, Chukwueze is worth €20 million, but Villarreal are now asking for more because of the interest that the Nigerian forward has garnered.

Chukwueze registered 13 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions in the just concluded campaign.

He had struggled for a regular shirt at the start of the season but transformed back in the middle of the loaded season to become a key member of the team.

Enyimba Threaten Bendel Insurance’s 20-match Unbeaten Run

Bendel Insurance’s 20-match unbeaten run this season will count for nothing unless they are able to get a win against Enyimba in their Match-day 3 fixture of the ongoing NPL Championship Super 6 Playoffs in Lagos this afternoon. With two draw results to sit fourth on two points, Insurance needs a win this afternoon to revive their hope of taking a shot at the Nigerian topflight league title.

Against Enyimba who are tied at the top of the log with Rivers United on four points, it appears a tough call for the Benin Arsenal who have been branded ‘Draw Specialists’ at this tournament. Another draw result today would translate to end of the road for Insurance.

Should Enyimba get a win, the Aba Elephant will move to seven

(Today)

NPL SUPER 6 PLAYOFFS

points and await the result of the last fixture between Lobi Stars and Rivers United.

In the second fixture of the day, Remo Stars have a Western derby clash with Sunshine Stars. Victory for ambitious Remo Stars already on two points will put pressure on both Enyimba and Rivers United going into Match-day 4.

Meanwhile, Organisers of the Super 6 Playoffs who have so far offered free entrance to fans who throng the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island have introduced gate fees from Friday when musical shows will become part of the entertainment for the day.

Executive Director at GTI Investment, Nelson Ine, explained that the musical variety is being introduced to add spice to the football thrills.

GTI is the financial investment partner to the NPL Interim Manage- ment Committee (IMC).

“On Friday, 9th June, we will be having on the sideline stag, Mohbad, one of Nigeria’s established Afrobeat hip hop singers and on Sunday for

HOW THEY STAND (After Match-day 2)

the closing events. Brymo, another big name artiste, will take to the stage.”

Entry to the VIP extension will now attract N2000 while the popular terraces will require N1000 access fee. The organisers say access to the VIP Box will be strictly by invitation as only those with the official access tags would be admitted.

Scramble for European Trials Heighten as Onazi Football Scouting Clinic Kicks off

Kunle Adewale

The four-day Ogenyi Onazi Football Coaching Clinic began yesterday at the Stable, Union Bank Sports Club, Surulere, Lagos, with over 1,600 players from 47 clubs participating. The participants, with ages ranging between 17 to 20 years slugged it out in an attempt to be in prime position to be picked for the European trials at the end of the clinic.

According to the initiator of the clinic, former Nigeria International, Ogenyi Onazi, he said the aim of the clinic is to give back to the society and create opportunities for the young players to make a living from playing football.

"It’s very important for me to initiate this scouting clinic because I believe in the young ones and believe in building the youths with

Djokovic Survives Khachanov Scare, Reaches Semis

Novak Djokovic survived a quarter- final scare from Karen Khachanov to keep his bid for a record 23rd men's Grand Slam singles title alive at the French Open. Djokovic was in danger of falling two sets behind against the Russian

but prevailed 4-6 7-6 (7-0) 6-2 6-4. He could become the first man to win all four majors at least three times.

Djokovic's win sets up a potential semi-final with world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who faces Stefanos Tsitsipas in Tuesday's night session (19:15 BST).

The Serb had not dropped a set all tournament on the Paris clay but Khachanov provided the test he arguably needed to prepare him for either Alcaraz or Tsitsipas in the last four.

Having faced seven break points - saving six of them - in losing the opening set, Djokovic tightened up his service game for the majority of the match thereon. And while the 36-year-old was kept on court for three hours and 43 minutes, the outcome never really looked in doubt once he comprehensively won the second- set tie-break.

the hope that they would end up achieving what some of us were not able to achieve.

"It is also an opportunity for these players to start early and be exposed and also create a platform for them to play football at an early age.

" We have a lot of talented players in this country, so I decided to take them off the streets and expose them at very young age,” Onazi said.

On how the players were selected, the 2013 AFCON gold medallist said players that showed interest were registered for the clinic from clubs and individually.

"We did not limit it to clubs only so as not to miss out some talented players that are not attached to any club and group them as a team for them to Askedparticipate. what would become of the

standout talents discovered at the end of the clinic, he said, "I contacted clubs in Europe and they gave me the opportunity to bring some of these players for trials because of the trust they have in me. So, we are trying to look at some of the players that will meet the criteria these clubs needed."

"That is why we have scouts that included Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Deputy Director, Technical and Scouting present to help in selecting some of these talents, " Onazi noted.

He however emphasised that everything he and his team are doing is free. "We didn't ask anybody to pay a dime, but we have sponsors that includes Union Bank, some other cooperate organisations and individuals that are also supporting

the project."

In his reaction, Head, Strategic Brand Management team, Union Bank, Alvin Agorome said his bank is very proud to be associated with Ogenyi Onazi Football Scouting Clinic because its something that aligns very much to our strategy as a brand.

“The whole idea of Union Bank Sports Complex is to build sports from grassroots developmental stage, so what we are trying to do now is to sort of backtrack and rebuild the process and find very strategic opportunity like the Onazi Football Scouting Clinic to amplify the opportunity we give to talents,” Agorome said.

He indeed expressed that Onazi being a customer of the bank, it was not too difficult to build a relationship.

Omah Lay Leads Star Cast for Heineken’s “Cheers to All Fans”

Heineken’s “Cheers to All Fans” campaign will peak in Lagos on Saturday, June 10, with an all-star line-up of performers that will light up the Champions League final clash between Manchester City and Inter Milan.

Award-winning singers, Omah Lay, Fave, Bayanni and Minz are top of the list of artistes to thrill fans with their hit songs on Saturday.

DJ Anonymous and Titanium as well as hype man, Toby Shang will also be at the Landmark Event Centre in Lekki to add colour to a glorious night of football and a unique viewing experience.

As the global attention will be on Istanbul's Atatürk Olympic Stadium where City and Inter will be slugging it out for the most-coveted silverware in club football, the Landmark Event Centre will also be bubbling with unmatchable entertainment courtesy of Premium brand, Heineken.

Heineken all through the season has been lighting up different cities across Nigeria with their extended “Cheer to all fans” campaign.

According to Portfolio Manager –Premium Lager at Heineken, Sampson Oloche, a befitting final is on the cards in Lagos on Saturday.

“Indeed, it has been another jolly ride with Heineken and Champions League football this season. From Abuja to Warri and all the other cities we had our activations this season, it was a big blast but trust me, Lagos will even be bigger because it is the grand finale for the season,” Mr Oloche assured football fans.

Aside from being guaranteed a similar or even better atmosphere like what will be obtainable in Istanbul on Saturday, fans and loyal consumers of Heineken are guaranteed an extra

layer of entertainment befitting of a historical Champions League final night.

From the classy food and drinks that would be on offer, in addition to the irresistible prizes that would be available for all to win, fans are guaranteed a night to remember at the Landmark Event Centre on Saturday. Omah Lay, who is one of Nigeria’s most popular musicians, will be the headline act of the evening.

He will perform a number of his hit songs, including “Godly,” “Understand,” and “Woman.” Fave, Bayanni and Minz will also perform, and they are expected to get the crowd dancing and singing along.

DJ Anonymous and Titanium will keep the energy high with their sets, and Toby Shang will keep the crowd entertained with his jokes and banter.

Nigeria international, Samuel Chukwueze, was yesterday named the Spanish La Liga African Player of the 2022/23 season

Novak Djokovic survived Karen Khachanov scare in the quarter final of the 2023 French Open to advance to the semi final 4-6, 7-6 (7-0), 6-2, 6-4

Duro Ikhazuagbe

MISSILE

Reno Omokri to President Tinubu

“IamconvincedbeyondtheshadowofadoubtthatTinubuislinkedtocartels.Butthatdoes notmeanIwill mindlesslycriticiseorsupportthosewhounthinkinglycriticisePresident Tinubu.Andifhedoeswrong,Iwilltormenthim.Butifhedoeswell,Iwillapplaudhim...Allinall, Iwouldsaythat,forPresidentTinubu,itisacaseofsofar,sogood.Butwearewatchinghim.If heputsthewrongfootforward,wewillputourrightfootforwardandgivehimakick”--Former PresidentialAide/SocialCritic,RenoOmokri,commentingonTinubu’searlydeftpolitics.

ERIC TENIOLA

GUEST COLUMNIST

We Don’t Want Minister of State Again

“We don’t want Minister of State again. It is like a condemnation, if you are in the office, they can’t bring file to you, if you are having a gathering like this, you can’t talk, you will seat down with your colleagues like a “Mumu”, you won’t talk, if you go to federal executive council meeting, you can’t present a memo, it is the Minister that has the power, we don’t want that again”.

Those were the exact words of Chief Donald Omotayo Alasoadura(73) at an event last year.

He should know what he was talking about, for he has served as Minister of State for Niger Delta between 2019-2022. He has also served as Commissioner of Finance and Planning under my friend Dr. Olusegun Kokumo Agagu (16 February 1948 – 13 September 2013), the late Governor of Ondo state. On Wednesday, September 13 this year, it will be ten years anniversary of the demise of Dr. Agagu. My condolences always to his beloved family. Time flies over us but leaves its shadows behind.

The former Minister of State, was a Senator who represented Ondo State Central Senatorial District in 2015.

Chief Alasoadura is a powerful community leader in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo state.

What he said was his frustration as a Minister of State. This frustration is no doubt being experienced and has been experienced by every Minister of State in Nigeria.

A look at the 1999 Constitution shows that there is no provision for Minister of State, all we have is Minister same with the 1979 Constitution.

Between 1979 to 1983, and from 1999 to the present, every President to date has committed this great error. From President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari GCFR (25 February 1925 – 28 December 2018) to President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR (85), to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua GCFR (16 August 1951 – 5 May 2010) to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR (65) and to President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR (80). I hope the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will not commit this error. Worse still, the Senate that should have corrected this error, has failed to do so.

Since 1979 the procedure has always been for the President to send the list of Ministers to the Senate for confirmation. After the confirmation, the President on his own declassifies certain Ministers to be Ministers of State and he gets away with it.

The idea of Minister of State or Junior Minister, surfaced in the first Republic, for there is no provision for it in the Presidential System of Government.

On August 30, 1957, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa formed the first all Nigerian Federal Executive Council. He selected his ministers not only from the N.P.C., the N.C.N.C., and the Kamerun National Congress but also from the Action Group. The membership of the Federal Cabinet was—Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa: Secretary to the Prime Minister; Colonel P.H.G. Stallard: Principal Private Secretary; Mr. R.J.D.M. Kinsman: Assistant Private Secretary: Malam Ahmed Karfi.

The Ministry of Communications and Aviation consisted of Chief S.L. Akintola (Minister), Mr. C.E. Wool-Lewis (Permanent Secretary), Mr. A.K. Edwards (Private Secretary) and Mr. A.J.U. Ekong(Parliamentary Secretary). The Ministry for Lagos Affairs, Mines and Power consisted of Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu(Minister), Mr. J.F.G. Sykes (Permanent Secretary), Mr. G.C. Thomas (Private Secretary) and Malam Ibrahim Usman (Parliamentary Secretary).

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry consisted of Dr. K.O. Mbadiwe (Minister), Mr. J.H.D. Stapleton, Mr. C.R. Henniken-Heaton (Private Secretary) and Mr. U.O. Ndem (Parliamentary Secretary). The Ministry of Transport consisted of Mr. R.A. Njoku (Minister), Mr. A.M. Muir (Acting Permanent Secretary), Mr.

P.G. Abbey (Private Secretary) and Mr. F.E. Offor (Parliamentary Secretary). The Ministry of Works and Survey consisted of Alhaji Muhmmadu Inuwa Wada (Minister), Mr. V.H.K. Littlewood (Permanent Secretary), Mr. J. Taggert (Private Secretary) and Malam Usman Sarki (Parliamentary Secretary).

The Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Internal Affairs consisted of Mr. Mr. J.M. Johnson (Minister), Mr. H.A. G. Action(Permanent Secretary), N.R Ugo (Private Secretary) and Chief O. Oweh (Parliamentary Secretary). The Ministry of Research and Information consisted of Chief Kolawole Balogun (Minister), Mr. D.H. Griffiths (Permanent Secretary), Mr. C. Okigbo(Private Secretary) and Mr. O. Bademosi (Parliamentary Secretary). The Ministry of Education consisted of Mr. Aja Nwachukwu (Minister), Mr. C.J. Mabey (Permanent Secretary), Mr. P.C. Ndibe and Mr. D.C. Ugwu (Parliamentary Secretary).

The Ministry of Health consisted of Mr. Ayo Rosiji (Minister), Mr. M.N.H. (Acting Permanent Secretary), Mr. S. Agodo (Private Secretary) and Chief Duro Phillips (Parliamentary Secretary).

The Ministry of Finance consisted of Chief F.S. Okotie-Eboh (Minister), Mr. G.G. Carlyle(Permanent Secretary), Mr. E.M. McConchie (Private Secretary) and Chief H. Omo-Osagie (Parliamentary Secretary). Ministers of State were Mr. Victor Mukete, Malam Zanna Bukar Dipcharima and Private Secretary, Mr.M.O. Nwakwo. Office of the Governor-General consisted of the Deputy Governor-General, Sir, Ralph Grey, Secretary to the Governor-General and Council of Ministers, Mr. F.F.P. Newns, Mr. D.J. Brown (Private Secretary) and Aide-de-Camp, Mr. D.G. Angus.

The Chambers of the Attorney-General consisted of Mr. E.I.G. Unsworth, Q.C., and Solicitor General Mr. L. Brett, Q.C. The Privy Council consisted of the Governor General; Sir Ralph Grey: The AttorneyGeneral; Sir Kofo Abayomi: The Prime Minister; Mr. R.A. Njoku; Sir Samuel Manuwa.

After discussions between the N.P.C. and N.C.N.C. officially described as friendly and cordial, a new Federal Government was formed on the 20th December 1959. N.P.C. had ten ministers and N.C.N.C. seven.

The Coalition Government consisted of Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu (Lands and Lagos Affairs), Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh(finance), Mr. Raymond Njoku (Transport and Aviation), Alhaji Inuwa Wada (Works and Survey), Mr. Z.B. Dipcharima(Commerce and Industries), Mr. Joseph Johnson (Labour and Welfare), Mr. Aja Nwachukwu(Education), Mallam Maitama Sule (Mines and Power), Mallam Shehu Shagari (Economic Development and Natural Resources), Mr. Olu Akinfosile(Communications), Mallam Usman Seriki (Internal Affairs), Mr. Theophilus Benson (Information), Mallam Waziri Ibrahim (Health), Mallam Yisa Yar’adua (Pensions, Establishment & Nigerianisation) and Mr. Matthew Mbu and

Mr. Olarewanju (Ministers of State) .

The list of the 11 Ministers without portfolio but with Cabinet rank appointed to the reorganized Federal Cabinet on March 31, 1965 was as follows—Alhaji Nuhu Bamali—Minister of State in the Ministry of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. Jaja Nwachukwu—Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. M.T. Mbu—Minister of State in the Ministry in the Ministry of Defence (Navy), Alhaji Usman Maitambari---Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport, Alhaji Hashim Adaji---Minister of State in the Ministry of Works, Alhaji Ibrahim Tako---Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence (Army), Mr. T.E. Orodi---Minister of State in the Ministry of Lagos Affairs, Chief H.O. Davies—Minister of State in the Ministry of Industries, Chief A. Akerele—Minister of State in the Ministry of Information, Alhaji Abdul Rasaq--Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport and Mr. D. Ibekwe---Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs.

In a new government, the Portfolios being distributed were as follows—Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa(Prime Minister and External Affairs), Alhaji Muhmmadu Ribadu(Defence), Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh(Finance), Alhaji Shehu Shagari(Internal Affairs), Alhaji Muhhammadu Inuwa Wada(Works), Alhaji Zanna Bukar Dipcharima(Transport), Mr. Raymond Njoku(Communications), Dr. Kingsley O. Mbadiwe(Trade), Mr. Jaja Nwachukwu(Aviations), Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya(Housing and Survey), Chief A.M.A. Akinloye(Industries), Chief Ayo Rosiji(Information), Mr. R.A. Akinjide(Education), Mr. Adeleke Adedoyin(Labour), Mr. Alade Lamuye(Natural Resources and Research), Alhaji Yusufu Maitama Sule (Mines and Power), Alhaji Waziri A. Ibrahim(Economic Development), Dr. T.O. Elias (Attorney-General and Justices, Dr. M.A. Majekodunmi(Health) and Chief J.C. Obande(Establishments).

In the 1963 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 87 subsection 4-7 clearly states that “(4) Appointments to the office of Minister of the Government of the Federation other than the office of Prime Minister shall be made by the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister (5) A person shall not hold office at the same time both as a Minister of the Government of the Federation and as a Minister of the Government of a Region (6) A person who holds office as Minister of the Government of the Federation for any period of four consecutive months without also being a Senator or a member of the House of Representatives shall cease to be a Minister at the expiration of that period or, if that period expires at a time when Parliament is dissolved and he does not in the meantime become a Senator or a member of the House of Representatives, at the date on which Parliament first meets after that dissolution.

(7) A person who holds office as a Minister of the Government of the Federation and who is at no time, while holding that office also a Senator or a member of the House of Representatives shall not be qualified for reappointment as such a Minister before Parliament is next dissolved after he ceases to hold that office, unless in the meantime he has become a Senator or a member of the House of Representatives”.

I don’t want to refer to the military era as regards to the appointments of ministers since the military government is not an elected government.

On October 18, 1979, President Usman Aliyu Shehu Shagari GCFR submitted to the Senate presided over by Dr. Joseph Wayas, the confirmation of the following list as ministers and ministers without cabinet rank. They were M. Mohammed Ibrahim Hassan(Bauchi), M. Adamu Ciroma(Borno), Mr. Isaac Shaahu and Mr. Paul Unongo(Benue), Professor Iya Abubakar(Gongola), Alhaji Umaru Dikko and Professor Ishaya Audu(Kaduna), Alhaji Bello Maitama Yusuf(Kano), Alhaji Akanbi Oniyangi(Kwara), Alhaji Ndagi Mamudu(Niger), Mrs Adenike Ebun Oyagbola(Ogun), Mr. Samuel

Adebisi Ogedengbe(Ondo), Chief Richard O. Akinjide(Oyo), Mr. John Jatau Kadiya and Mr. Gorge Baba Hoomkwap(Plateau), Mr. Victor Masi(Rivers), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau(Sokoto), Mr. D.C. Ugwu and Mr. Chimezie Ikeazor(Anambra), Professor Sunday Matthew Essang(Cross River), Mr. Amadi Emina(Bendel), Dr. Sylvester Ugoh and Dr. I.I. Maduike(Imo) and Dr. Wahab Olaseinde Dosunmu(Lagos).

Ministers with non-cabinet rank included Alhaji Ahmed Musa (Bauchi), Chief P. Bolokor (Bendel), Alhaji Asheikh Jarma(Borno), Alhaji Ali Baba(Gongola), M. Iro Abubakar Dan-Musa(Kaduna), Alhaji Bilyamin Usman(Kano), Mr. Ademola Thomas(Lagos), Chief Olu Awotesu(Ogun), Chief Mrs. J. Akinrinade(Oyo), Alhaji Ahmudu Nahuce(Sokoto), Chief E. Okoi-Obuli(Cross River), Mallam Mamman Ali Makele(Kwara), Mr. Cladius Agboola Bamgboye(Ondo) and Dr. Jakiri Igbani(Rivers).

He later fired Chief Paul Unongo and replaced him with Chief Audu Ugbeh.

In the second term of President Shehu Shagari other Ministers were appointed including Chief Eleazor Chukwuemeka Anyaoku (90) CFR from Obosi in Anambra State, who later became the Secretary General of Commonwealth from 1990 to year 2000. Chief Anyaoku married Princess Bunmi from Abeokuta in 1962.

In 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR appointed Ministers of State. They included Mrs Modupe Adelaja(Defence), Chief Dubem Onyia(Foreign Affairs), Alhaji Musa Elayo Abdullahi(Justice), Chief Chris Agbobu(Agriculture and Rural Development), Alhaji L. Ade Haruna Elewi(Communications), Mallam L. Tukur Batagarawa(Defence-Army), Alhaji Bello Usman(Education), Dr. Imeh T. Okopido (Environment), Mr. Solomon S.A. Ewuga(Federal Capital Territory, FCT), Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye(Finance), Dr. (Mrs.) Aminat Ndalolo(Health), Chief Lawrence Nwuruku(Industry), Mr. Garba Madaki Ali(Transport), Mr. Yomi Edu(Special Duties, The Presidency), Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Kida(Inter-Governmental Affairs, The Presidency), Dr. Mohammed Shata(Internal Affairs), Alhaji Danjuma Goje(Power and Steel), Mrs. Pauline K-Tallen(Science and Technology), Mr. Isa Yuguda(Transport), Chief Precious Ngelale (JP)(Water Resources), and Prince Vincent Ogbulafor(Economic Affairs, The Presidency).

Section 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria states that (1) there shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the Federation as may be established by the President. (2) Any appointment to the office of Minister of the Government of the Federation shall, if the nomination of any person to such office is confirmed by the Senate, be made by the President. (3) Any appointment under subsection (2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provisions of section 14(3) of this Constitution:-provided that in giving effect to the provisions aforesaid the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each State, who shall be an indigene of such State. (4) Where a member of the National Assembly or of a House of Assembly is appointed as Minister of the Government of the Federation, he shall be deemed to have resigned his membership of the National Assembly or of the House of Assembly on his taking the oath of office as Minister. (5) No person shall be appointed as a Minister of the Government of the Federation unless he is qualified for election as a member of the House of Representatives.(6) An appointment to any of the offices aforesaid shall be deemed to have been made where no return has been received from the Senate within twenty-one working days of the receipt of nomination by the Senate.

Section 148 (1) states that “The President may, in his discretion, assign to the Vice-President or any Minister of the Government of the Federation responsibility for any business of the Government of the Federation, including the administration of any department of government.

President Bola Tinubu