SUNDAY 16TH JUNE 2024

Collision Course over Recruitment of Personnel

In

Chuks Okocha and Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja

(left),

in

Sanusi: It Doesn’t Matter If Another Governor Deposes Me

Insists Governor Yusuf fixed damage done by Ganduje We halted Durbar activities in the interest of peace, says Ado

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said he is not worried about the possibility of another governor dethroning him.

Speaking about the ongoing tussle between him and the 15th Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the monarch insisted that his reinstatement was based on an amendment of the attack “on our collective history” by former governor of the state, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

This is as Ado Bayero yesterday announced that the durbar ceremonies earlier scheduled were halted

following recommendations of the security and for peace to continue to reign in the state. Both emirs are laying claim to the throne.

Speaking publicly about his reinstatement for the first time in an interview with journalists, Sanusi said it does not matter even if another governor removes him from office.

He added that his reinstatement was an amendment of the attack “on our collective history” by the former governor of the state, Ganduje. Sanusi said the beneficiaries of the former system felt hurt because they had been removed.

He said Kano has existed for over 1,000 years, adding that “we are one people” and “nobody asked for new emirates”.

He said: “For me, even now that I am here, only God knows how long I will be here. I can die tomorrow. Another governor can come tomorrow and say that he has removed me, it doesn’t matter.

“But I am happy if he does not touch the emirate. I am happy that I will not leave a history that it was during my time that these 1,000 years of history were destroyed.

“So, I am grateful to this government, grateful to this Assembly

that they have corrected that, that we have the emirate restored to what it was, and Insha’Allah that when I die or when I leave, the person who inherits will inherit what we had. It’s about the system, not about me or any individual,” he added.

On the lessons he learnt while away from the throne in the last four years, the Emir said: “Life is always a continuous process of learning and relearning. And for me, I had always believed, as they say, that we should not waste a crisis. So, anytime I have a crisis, it’s an opportunity to do something else.

“In the last four years, I have not

been idle. I had just completed writing a PhD Thesis at the University of London, a week before I returned to Kano. I will be going back next month to conclude some things because I will be graduating in September.

“What we are dealing with is a situation where somebody divided us. And actually, when you create these things, some people get some privileges. They didn’t ask for it, but they’ve enjoyed it for four years.

“Now when they lose it, it’s a problem. But the problem is not what has happened today. It is what happened four years ago. If it had not been done, we would

Bayero

not be in this situation today. We are one family; we are one people. Somebody comes and divides us up. Even in this family, he takes one emirate and gives it to a part of the family. Now, when people enjoy it for four years and you take it away from them, it becomes a problem.

“When Ganduje wanted to create these Emirates, he could not find a law to amend. He started by amending the Emirates Appointment and Deposition Law, which the court struck down. So, he had to, de novo, ex nihilo, out of nothing create a law and create emirates, new emirates that never existed.

May, compared to 33.69 per cent the previous month.

In the report released yesterday, the NBS attributed the 0.26 per cent uptick in the headline index to rising energy, food, and commodity prices.

According to the CPI report for May, year-on-year, inflation was 11.54 per cent higher compared to 22.41 per cent in May 2023.

Conversely, month-on-month, headline inflation declined to 2.14 per cent compared to 2.29 per cent in April.

Year-on-year, food inflation hit 40.66 per cent in May, which was an increase of 15.84 per cent compared to 24.82 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2023.

On an annualised basis, the rise in the food index was attributed to increases in prices of the semovita, oat-flake, yam flour prepackages, garri, bean, (under bread and cereals class), Irish potatoes, yam, water yam (under potatoes, yam, and other tubers class).

Other contributors include palm oil, vegetable oil (under oil and fat), stockfish, mudfish, crayfish (under fish class), beef head, chicken-live, pork head, and bush meat (under meat class).

The NBS pointed out that monthon-month food inflation dropped to 2.28 per cent compared to 2.50 per cent in April, following a fall in the rate of increase in the average prices of palm oil, groundnut oil, yam, irish potatoes, cassava tuber wine, Bournvita, Milo, and Nescafe.

Similarly, the "All items less farm produces and energy" or core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produces and energy increased to 27.04 per cent year on year in May, up by 7.21 per cent when compared to 19.83 per cent in May 2023.

The NBS said the highest price increases were recorded in rents (actual and imputed rentals for housing class), bus journey intercity, taxi journey per drop, accommodation service, X-ray photography, consultation fee of a

the apex court had on July 11, 2023, resolved the issue in favour of the commission.

But citing alleged irregularities and corruption in the recruitment exercise, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, has rejected the list of successful candidates in the ongoing 2022/23 police constables’ recruitment conducted by the PSC.

But in a swift reaction, the Joint Union of the Staff of the Police Service Commission faulted the claim by the police high command, describing the allegation as diversionary.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), which acknowledged the power of the commission to recruit for the police as ruled by the Supreme Court, insisted that this power does not include the power to recruit unqualified personnel.

The statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, argued that the Supreme Court’s judgment did not give the PSC the power to recruit unqualified and untrained individuals for the police.

The statement added that the rejection of the list followed a deluge

medical doctor, and laboratory services, among others.

Month-on-month, the core index fell to 2.01 per cent in May from 2.20 per cent the previous month.

Year-on-year, urban inflation hit 36.34 per cent from 23.74 per cent in May 2023, while month on month, the index dropped to 2.35 per cent compared to 2.67 per cent in April.

At state levels, year-on-year, all-items inflation was highest in Bauchi (42.30 per cent), Kogi (39.38 per cent), and Oyo (37.73 per cent), while Borno (25.97 per cent), Benue (27.74 per cent) and Delta (28.67 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

On Month-on-month, however, the highest price increase was recorded in Kano (4.24 per cent), Gombe (4.06 per cent), Bauchi (3.75 per cent), while Ondo (0.57 per cent), Kwara (1.19 per cent) and Yobe (1.24 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

Food inflation on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi (46.32 per cent), Ekiti (44.94 per cent), Kwara (44.66 per cent), while Adamawa (31.72 per cent), Bauchi (34.35 per cent) and Borno (34.74 per cent), recorded the slowest rise.

Food inflation month-on-month, was highest in Gombe (4.88 per cent), Kano (4.68 per cent), and Bayelsa (3.62 per cent), while Ondo (0.02 per cent), Yobe (0.95 per cent) and Adamawa (1.02 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

However, speaking in separate interviews with THISDAY, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dignity Finance and Investment Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, said none of the drivers of inflation had been abated, adding that the continuous increase of MPR was beginning to impact the inflation rate negatively as every business depends on bank credit to survive.

He said: "If the interest rate rises as high as 35 per cent currently due to very high MPR, the ultimate victims will be consumers through high prices of goods and services.

of complaints from unsuccessful candidates and stakeholders over the disappearance of names of those who were screened and successful up to the final stage.

In the statement, Prince Adejobi stated that a scrutiny of the published list revealed several anomalies.

“Several names of persons purported to be names of successful candidates are those who did not even apply and therefore did not take part in the recruitment exercise,” he said.

Adejobi added that the list also contained names of candidates who had failed either the Computer Based Test (CBT) or the physical screening, as well as those disqualified after being found medically unfit.

“Most worrisome is the allegation of financial dealings and corrupt practices leading to the outcome where unqualified and untrainable individuals have been shortlisted,” he stated.

The police spokesman revealed that the IG, Egbetokun, had on June 10 written to the Chairman of the PSC objecting to the list and citing the irregularities discovered.

“The reaction of the IGP was

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Segun Awofadeji in Gombe, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan, Laleye Dipo in Minna and James Sowole in Abeokuta

President Bola Tinubu has expressed optimism that the sacrifices and great expectations of the citizens of Nigerians will not come to naught, stressing that propitious outcomes are beginning to manifest with the economy strengthening and vibrancy returning to critical sectors of the economy.

This is as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, and governors of Edo, Ekiti, Ogun, Kwara, Niger and Gombe states have congratulated Muslim faithful on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.

As the Muslim Ummah marks the celebrations, the Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday called for vigilance, just as the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed Commissioners of Police (CPs), and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to strategically set up the security framework in their Areas of Responsibility (AOR).

In a Sallah message released yesterday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, the president also rejoiced with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, describing it as an event that denotes sacrifice, faith, and obedience to the will of the Almighty.

While congratulating the Muslim faithful, Tinubu prayed to Allah to accept their supplications and acts of obedience.

President Tinubu emphasised that sacrifice and duty are essential

without prejudice to the power of the commission to recruit for the police as ruled by the Supreme Court but this power does not include the power to recruit unqualified and untrained individuals for the police,” Adejobi added.

He argued that it is the police that bear the brunt of the recruitment of unqualified individuals and not the PSC.

“The same people who recruited anyhow for the police today will turn round to accuse the police tomorrow of inefficiency when their recruits start messing up,” he added.

Adejobi disclosed that the police have dissociated themselves from the published list.

He called for a transparent and credible review of the process to recruit “qualified, competent, trainable and productive hands into the Nigeria Police Force, in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu-led administration on police reform.

The police spokesman further assured all that the police are committed to ensuring the process is thoroughly reviewed to be fruitful and successful for the betterment of

ingredients to nation-building, noting that it takes collective purpose, will, and action to bring about great change.

He called on citizens to spare a prayer for the nation for continuous peace and stability while working according to purpose in promoting unity, peace, and progress.

The president acknowledged the sacrifices that Nigerians have made in the past year as his administration sets the nation on a firm pedestal of growth and development.

He reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritise Nigerians’ physical, social, and economic security and would not relent on this noble endeavour.

In his goodwill message to Muslims through a press statement issued yesterday by his media office, Atiku noted that the celebration is not merely a fanfare but an admonition to the people to have forbearance and show compassion in every situation.

“Even in the face of current hard times that many Nigerians are passing through, we must never fail to put trust in God and, more importantly, extend compassion and safety to the vulnerable people around us,” he added.

On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, called on Nigerians to continue to pray for their leaders and be supportive of a better Nigeria.

In the message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, he said the celebration is about total submission to higher authority, sacrifice, and charity.

On his part, Obi has urged Nigerian Muslims to draw strength from the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim amid the hardship and suffering going on in the country.

In a statement by his media aide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Obi said: "May this Sallah bring us all closer to Allah, to one another, and our true potential as individuals and as a nation.

Amid challenges and uncertainties,

the force and the country.

Allegation of Corruption in Recruitment Process

Diversionary, PSC Workers Fire Back

Reacting to the allegations by the NPF, the PSC staff Joint Union insisted that the recruitment process followed due process, stressing that the exercise aligned with the result of the CBT of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The union insisted that the IG’s claim that the recruitment exercise was marred with irregularities and alleged corruption was diversionary.

In a statement jointly issued yesterday by Ogundeji Remi and Adoyi Adoyi, on behalf of the Joint Union Congress of the PSC, it stated that despite the unambiguity in the powers of the PSC as spelt out by the Constitution and the subsequent interpretation of such powers by the Supreme Court, the Nigeria Police Force would still not allow the commission exercise its constitutional powers to recruit persons into the

let us draw strength from our faith and the teachings of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him),” Obi added.

Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, has also congratulated the Muslim Ummah in the state and across Nigeria.

The governor called on Muslims to use the opportunity to rededicate themselves to the service of Allah and to do good to humanity.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has also tasked Nigerians with perseverance, good neighbourliness, and sacrifice in pursuit of a progressive society.

The governor in a statement issued yesterday, urged Muslim faithful to espouse these virtues which are the hallmark of this season.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has also called on Muslim Ummar in Nigeria to use the occasion of the Eid-El-Kabir celebration to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim and strive to emulate his unwavering faith, obedience, and dedication to serving the greater good.

He emphasised the importance of submitting to the Almighty God and prioritising spiritual well-being over worldly desires.

Also, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya felicitated with the Muslim Ummah in Gombe State and across the globe.

The governor emphasised the importance of unity, sacrifice, and compassion amid current socioeconomic and security challenges.

Similarly, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, called on Muslims in the country to allow the lessons of the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir to reflect on their ways of life.

AbdulRazaq, who stated this in Ilorin yesterday in a statement, said: “As a country, we are going through a phase in socioeconomic reforms, which comes on the wings of global economic challenges."

police.

“The claim that the Recruitment Board was crippled and was not allowed to function, was no doubt a fallacy as the Board severally met before the release of the list of successful candidates. The same Board met and endorsed the list that was released on June 4, 2024, at their usual meeting point, PSC Corporate Headquarters, with the DIG, Training, Mr. Frank Mba, and other police representatives in attendance.

“Meanwhile, it is also worthy of note that the Police had shortlisted and concluded the exercise without the knowledge of the Board and PSC. They had the effrontery to submit the list to the Commission. They wanted a meeting of the Board where they had planned to force the list on the Board but unfortunately, their plans collapsed. For example, this takes us back to 2019 when the then IGP hijacked the list of candidates for the smooth ongoing recruitment exercise from the Commission in the guise of having the list to prepare the training colleges for training purposes and ended up smuggling hundreds of names of persons who neither applied

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, in his message, has enjoined Muslims to pray for peace in the state and the country as a whole.

In the statement signed on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Governor Bago urged the Muslim faithful to use the occasion to foster harmonious co-existence, strengthen their devotion, and remain resolute to the will of Allah.

On his part, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the festive period to step up prayers for Nigeria to get out of its present situation. Oyebanji, in his message to the Muslims, expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its challenges.

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi, has urged Muslims to remember those affected by the current challenges in the country by extending love in solidarity and support for one another.

Ganduje in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, said the "Festival of Sacrifice" is a celebration of faith, obedience, and devotion.

On its part, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged Nigerians to use the occasion to strengthen their dependence on God’s unfailing mercies and reinforce unity, love, brotherly care, mutual respect, and a sense of patriotism in all their dealings.

The party in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that this is the only way the nation and its citizens can survive the harrowing economic hardship and life-discounting realities prevalent in the country in the last nine years of the APC-led administrations.

The PDP called on President Tinubu to urgently restore hope by listening to Nigerians and taking a second look at the policies that are suffocating lives

Continued on page 16

nor participated in the screening process.

“A case in study is Nasarawa State with 13 Local Government Areas that are supposed to have had 253 successful candidates but ended up having 528 after the NPF had sneaked 275 candidates in excess. That culminated in the Commission instituting a legal action against the NPF over our mandate,” the statement explained.

According to the statement, the PSC demanded a forensic audit of the JAMB CBT’s results and compared it with the list released by the commission. The union insisted that the list of successful candidates as released by the commission is open to anybody or organisation for forensic examination to establish its authenticity.

The union said the commission would not at any time involve itself in any untoward activities in the process of recruiting qualified Nigerians into the Nigeria Police Force. It said the police and any other interested bodies are very free to investigate any act of financial dealings and corrupt practices as alleged by the Force Public Relations Officer.

PAYING LAST RESPECTS…

Tinubu Rejoices with Cyril Ramaphosa on Re-election as South African President

Calls for strengthening of bilateral ties between Nigeria, South Africa

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has extended his warm congratulations to his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, on his re-election.

The president, in a statement issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, also rejoiced with the people of South Africa on the peaceful and successful conduct of the general election.

While wishing President Ramaphosa a successful term in office, President Tinubu called for the strengthening of bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa as strategic partners in Africa for the overall advancement of the continent.

South Africa’s parliament on Friday re-elected Ramaphosa as the country’s president following a historic coalition deal between the governing African National Congress (ANC), the main opposition, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other smaller parties.

The ANC lost its controlling majority in last month’s election after ruling for 30 years since the end of apartheid.

Out of 400 seats in the National

Assembly, the ruling party was only able to secure 159, the country’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said.

The DA had 87 seats, while the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, backed by former President Jacob Zuma, won 58.

“I, accordingly, declare honourable M.C. Ramaphosa duly elected President,” Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, said after the votes were counted.

Last month’s election marked a historic turning point for South Africa, ending three decades of dominance by the ANC of the late Nelson Mandela.

The party that led the struggle to end apartheid won only 40 per cent of the vote and, for the first time, lost its absolute majority in parliament.

It has now struck a deal to form what it calls a government of national unity.

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said on Friday the broad coalition brings together a majority of the 18 parties that won representation in the 400-seat National Assembly. These include the centre-right

Democratic Alliance (DA), the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and other smaller groups.

According to AFP, Ramaphosa was re-elected by fellow MPs with 283 votes in a secret ballot.

He saw off a last-minute challenge by Julius Malema, the firebrand leader of the radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), whose candidacy gained 44 votes.

In his victory speech, the president hailed the new coalition and urged the party members to prioritise South Africans.

John Steenhuisen, leader of the DA, said he was looking forward to working on “serving the people of the country and building a better future”.

“I think we get an opportunity today to write a new chapter for South Africa and that chapter I think we can make the best chapter ever. No party has got a majority. We are required to work together and we are going to do it,” he added.

Ramaphosa will be sworn in next week in Pretoria and then unveil his new cabinet. He is expected to include members of the other parties in his cabinet.

Earlier, Zondo had opened the parliament’s first sitting, swearing in MPs in batches ahead of votes on the election of a speaker and deputy speaker.

The first post went to the ANC’s Thoko Didiza and, in a first sign the power-sharing deal was working, the second went to the DA’s Annelie Lotriet. Both are women.

Lawmakers cast their ballots, one by one, in a lengthy ceremony held in a Cape Town convention centre, as the parliament building is being rebuilt after a 2022 fire.

EFF members took the oath wearing red overalls and in some cases rubber boots and plastic construction worker helmets.

They declined to support the incoming administration, having refused to countenance joining an alliance with right-wing or white-led parties.

“This is not a government of national unity; this is a grand coalition between the ANC and white monopoly capital. History will judge you harshly,” Malema said after conceding defeat.

Graft-tainted former president Jacob Zuma’s new party uMkhonto

Police Confirm Abduction of Fouani, Others on Lagos Waterways

Abductors demand $1.5m ransom

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the Managing Director of Fouani Company, Mohamed Fouani, distributors of LG and Hisense electronic and electrical products, and others on Lagos waterway.

Fouani and three other persons of Lebanese descent, were kidnapped on Friday evening around Falomo Bridge, Ikoyi, Lagos, while travelling from Apapa to Victoria Island by boat.

As at press time, the abductors were said to have contacted the company and family, demanding $1.5 million as ransom, according to unconfirmed reports.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the command was already aware of the incident.

"We got the report and we are looking into it," he said, without giving details.

However, speaking anonymously, a senior police officer said the police were not ruling out any angle in their investigation- whether it was a targeted or random abduction.

He said: "At the moment, we have the basic facts but we are investigating. I wouldn't want to divulge the facts at our disposal; so, we don't jeopardise their safety.

"I also wouldn't want to toe the

line of a disgruntled employee or employees but be rest assured that we are not leaving any stone unturned," he said.

Reacting on the alleged ransom asked by the kidnappers, he also insisted that while it's advisable not to pay, most families are expectedly desperate to receive their loved ones safe and sound and would always oblige the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, the Marine Police are said to have intensified patrol of the waterways following the report of the abduction.

A marine police officer debunked claims that the waterways have been porous, especially at night.

According to him, the backwaters and even up to the Fairway Bouy have not been left unprotected as both the Marine Police and even small patrol crafts of the Nigerian Navy routinely patrol that axis.

He said: “This is why I said we are investigating whether it was a random abduction or it was planned because our waters are always patrolled.

“This is not the era of sea or river blindness anymore because the government at federal and state level have really equipped the relevant authorities in terms of infrastructure and even platforms for patrol of the waterways,” he added.

weSizwe (MK), which came third in the May 29 election, has disputed the results and its MPs boycotted Friday’s sitting.

“The sitting of the national assembly today as far as we’re concerned is illegal and unconstitutional,” MK spokesman Nhlamulo Ndhlela told AFP.

A former trade unionist turned millionaire businessman, Ramaphosa will preside over a government combining radically different political views. The ANC is a historically pan-Africanist, progressive party of the left that has overseen welfare and economic empowerment programmes for poor, black South Africans.

Tinubu Names Ayodeji Gbeleyi as DG of Bureau of Public Enterprises

Asks BPP boss, Ahmadu to resign

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

This is just as the president also directed the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr. Mamman Ahmadu, to resign.

A statement issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu expected the new director-general to bring his vast experience and competence to bear in this role to strengthen the agency as the national resource centre for capacity-building.

In addition, Tinubu said this would also ensure the sustenance of reforms through the promotion of a competitive private sector-driven economy.

The new DG is also expected to ensure social accountability and efficient deployment of public resources, as well as advancing effective corporate governance and fiduciary discipline in the public and private sectors.

Gbeleyi is a renowned financial expert and award-winning chartered accountant.

He is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

He is also an alumnus of

executive programmes of the prestigious London Business School, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Lagos Business School.

The BPE DG has over 30 years of post-qualification experience in diverse sectors, including manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), investment & commercial banking, project finance, telecommunications, infrastructure, and public administration.

He was the board Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State from 2013 to 2015. Meanwhile, President Tinubu has directed the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of BPP, Ahmadu, to resign.

The president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ngelale, said in a separate statement that Ahmadu’s resignation is part of a larger reorganisation effort in the public procurement system to reposition the agency for greater efficiency and transparency.

He added that Tinubu directed Ahmadu to hand over to the most senior officer in the Bureau, pending the appointment of a new Director-General.

The statement added: “The President thanks Mr. Ahmadu for his services and wishes him success in his future endeavours.”

L-R: Children of the deceased: Mr. Oyedeji Olufidipe; Mrs. Tolu Akinbogun; Mrs. Tope Oriola; Mrs. Busayo Adelaja; Bimtan Olufidipe; Mr. Oyetola Olufidipe; and Mr. Oyeyemi Olufidipe, during the burial service for their father, Chief Ebenezer Oyeleye Olufidipe, at Christ Church of Anglican, Elere, Agege in Lagos…yesterday

ABAYOMI AKINYELE

46TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING…

L-R: Managing Director, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, Dr. Samba Seye; Chairman, TotalEnergies

Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services, Mrs.

UNDP: Over-ambitious Young Military Officers

Responsible for Persistent Coups in Africa

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has identified a lack of core values and over-ambition of young military officers who do not want to wait for their turn as the major causes of coups d’état in Africa.

The UNDP Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Matthew Alao, said this in an interview with journalists after the graduation ceremony of the Leadership and National Cohesion Course at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State.

Alao said though the military cannot be divorced from society, he added that over-ambition by young military officers, eroding core societal values, and religious beliefs, and lack of education are the key reasons for more coups in West African countries and Africa at large.

Alao, who noted that the fundamental problem the world is facing today is the lack of core values, said this resulted in persistent coups and counter-coups staged in Africa by military officers.

“Our core values are breaking down fast. You will see agitation and expectation on so many issues

that may not be reality.

“Most people don’t go to school. Some do go to school but do not have employable skills. This contributes to what is happening.

“And because the military cannot be divorced from the society where it is situated, they also feel part of that agitation. When that cry is going on, it speculates and overshadows the event. I think that is one of the reasons for coups.

“Then, maybe over-ambition by the young officers; they don’t want to wait for their turn. The idea of young people wanting to be there is another cause of coups.

“Young people need to learn because if young people don’t learn, we will continue to somersault. After all, this country was ruled by a 27-year-old officer at a time,” he added.

At one point they delivered, but they didn’t deliver well. If the military of those days had the necessary experience and requisite vision when Nigeria was still in the morning, they would have planned our future and laid the foundation and we wouldn’t be where we are today.

“We wouldn’t be clamoring for roads, infrastructure, and all that.

“Suppos the people that founded

Nigerian Airspace Fully Covered by Radar, NAMA Insists

Chinedu Eze

The Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) has insisted that the Nigerian airspace is fully covered by radar.

This is contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Managing Director of NAMA, Mr. Ahmed Farouk, in Lagos.

Farouk said that the radar stations in Nigeria, located in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, are all serviceable.

He described as false and misleading the claims by a blogger that an unidentified aircraft was spotted at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, undetected.

According to him, radar services for terminal and en route flights are positively identified and provide air navigation services to airspace users.

“The agency hereby wishes to state that the claim that the Nigerian airspace is not covered by radar is false and misleading.

“The radar stations in Nigeria (Kano, Lagos, Abuja, and PortHarcourt) are serviceable. Radar services for terminal and en route flights are positively identified and provide air navigation services to airspace users.

“Yes, it is true that the TRACON

system, like any other electronics system, is undergoing an upgrade of software and modernisation to meet the ever-growing demand for efficient, effective, and seamless air traffic management services.

“Furthermore, the welfare of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers in terms of salaries and allowances is not in contention, as to suggest that it is the lowest in the world.”

Farouk added: “The reported ‘unidentified’ aircraft is security terminology. In real terms, the aircraft in question is known, but only to the ATC.

“The violation was in the interest of safety, as a result of adverse weather (serious thunderstorm) on the said date.

“The purported circular issued by the NCAA is for airlines to be guided from straying into the marked and published prohibited or restricted areas of the Nigerian airspace.

“It is obvious that the journalist in question does not understand the workings of the surveillance systems, hence his misconstrued and misguided information on primary and secondary radar.

“The agency shall willfully volunteer information on her services to anyone who requires them at any time,” said Farouk. ”

this country, like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, were able to do something up to the late 1980s, Nigeria would have been better than this. The situation we are in now is dangerous.

“In those days, Ibadan was flourishing; Kaduna was a hub, Lagos was a factory ground, but within a blink of an eye under the Structural Adjustment Program, everything collapsed,”

He expressed concern that this leadership deficit was taking a toll on the country and should be addressed right from the family unit

to the community level.

Alao described Nigeria today as very individualistic, saying: “We have lost it. Now, it’s all about me and my family. And this is leading us nowhere. This is why this course is very critical at this moment.”

“Leadership starts with us as parents who bring little children to this world. Leadership starts from the grassroots.

“Unfortunately, we have lost it. Nigeria today is very individualistic. It’s all about me and my family. And this is not leading us anywhere. This

is why this course is very critical at this moment.

“If nothing is done to address the leadership deficit from the family unit, from the community unit, and community level, we are not going anywhere. Money cannot save our society.

“As an individuals, how much do we need, how much can we use to take care of ourselves in a day? And how much are we earning?

“And how much of the resources committed to us are we diverting that is causing the crises today? That

communal relationship and values taught to us while growing up has left us and that is why we are stuck today.

“Everybody is looking for the downfall of our leadership. We don’t build up by looking for the downfall of our leaders,” he said. He said the leadership course, which happened to be the brainchild of the past Commandant of the Peacekeeping Centre, Major General Obinna Onubogu was born due to the spate of coups happening in West Africa.

Kano Govt Accuses CP of Undermining Gov Yusuf

I have never disrespected the governor, says CP

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Kano State Government has accused the state Commissioner of Police Mr. Ussain Gumel of undermining the authority of Governor Abba Yusuf, alleging that “some enemies of the state” are bent on causing a breakdown of law and order to destroy the state.

The state Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Dederi made the allegation yesterday in Kano while briefing the press on recent developments in the state.

But in a swift reaction to the accusations, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Gumel, said he had never disrespected the governor.

Dederi’s statement to the press had the title, “Who is plotting to cause anarchy in Kano?”

He alleged that “agents of destruction and rejected politicians” were “desperately making plans to plunge the state into unnecessary and avoidable anarchy.”

He particularly accused the state police command of trying

to undermine the constitutional authority of the governor.

“Some people are dishing out instructions to security chiefs in the state so much that the state Commissioner of Police without any consultation with the State Chief Officer, has issued an order banning Eid-el Kabir festivities in Kano State.”

He expressed surprise that the governor only got to hear of such a ban through social media

“Who is pushing the CP to usurp the authority of the governor?” he queried.

Dederi accused the CP of “consistently disobeying the legitimate instructions of the governor as a chief security officer”, and wondered who was pushing him into such actions.

Delving into the background of the crisis in Kano State, he noted a recent ruling by a Federal High Court, sitting in Kano, on the deposition of the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.

While declaring the state’s

intention to appeal against the ruling, Dederi faulted the court’s claim that Aminu Ado Bayero’s fundamental rights were infringed upon.

“In our view, no fundamental rights of Bayero were infringed.

“No one forced him into Gidan Nasarawa, belonging to the state government.

“He went there of his own volition, accompanied by security guards. No one put him under house arrest.

“The state governor has the constitutional duty to ensure the protection of lives and properties.

“When Bayero came in, accompanied by hoodlums, he (governor) had a duty to act, that was why he issued an arrest order.

“Even then, the arrest was never effected by the security agencies,” he said.

He said that Bayero was staying in Nasarawa “against the instruction of the state government”.

Dederi pointed out that Bayero was not the first emir to be deposed in the history of northern Nigeria, asserting that if his rights were being infringed in any way, “it must be by those that smuggled him into the city and kept him in Nasarawa”. Reacting to the accusations, the CP, Gumel, said he had never disrespected the governor.

Gumel told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in a telephone interview that the accusations were unfounded as he had never been disloyal to the governor.

The CP defended his track record as a champion of community safety and sustainable peace, citing his efforts to rid Kano State of criminals. He expressed confidence that members of the public would vindicate him and justify his position in the Kano Emirate saga.

“I mean well for Kano State and my actions speak louder than words,” he said.

“So, any claim of the breach of the fundamental human rights of Bayero cannot be made against the government of Kano State,” he said.

Edo Guber: I’m Ready to Sweep APC Candidate

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has promised to ensure the victory of the party during the September 21 governorship election.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, made the remark while inaugurating the party

into Office, Says Oshiomhole

Campaign Council for the election.

“If it requires me (Oshiomhole) to take the role of a sweeper, I am ready to sweep Senator Monday Okpebholo into office as governor.

“Every member and supporter of the APC is a member of our campaign for genuine change under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo.

“Titles do not matter; every member is a canvasser; every member of our party must work

hard to win their units and wards, local government and state. Move from house to house because neighbour talks to neighbour and would understand.”

According to him, every Edo person who is affected by flood, whose child sits on the bare floor in schools should join hands to deliver APC.

“There will be a change at the Osadebe Avenue; APC will take over Edo democratically, come September 21, election,” he added

On his part, the Director General of the Campaign Council, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, urged party members to resolve their differences and work hard for the victory of the party and de-emphasize the role of money.

Earlier, APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, noted that the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, Prof. Ambrose Alli and Comrade Oshiomhole were governors who provided good governance in the state.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Marketing Nigeria Plc, Mr. Jean-Philippe Torres; Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mr. Mark Mannola; and Executive

Olubunmi Popoola-Mordi, during the 46th Annual General Meeting of the company in Lagos…weekend

SUNDAY ADIGUN

CELEBRATING THE ARCHBISHOP AT 65…

L-R: Former President, National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Ms. Geraldine Wey; past President NACL, Chukwuma Ezeala; former President, NACL, Archbishop of Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev Alfred Adewale Martins; President, NACL, Lady Florence Atuluku; Chairman, Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN); former President, Nigerian Bar Association, Dame Priscilla Kuye; Pastor, St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, Rev Fr. Alex Agba; and Chairman, NBA Continuing Legal Education Committee, Mr. Tobenna Erojiekwe, at the cutting of the birthday cake to mark Archbishop Martins’ 65 birthday in Lagos...recently

Nigerian Children Facing Substantial Health Risks, UNICEF Raises the Alarm over Cholera Outbreaks

Lagos confirms 17 cases, 15 deaths

Funmi Ogundare

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria are critically affecting children and the population at large.

This is as the Lagos State government yesterday confirmed 17 cases disease out of 350 suspected cases in 29 wards in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by UNICEF’s Chief of Lagos UNICEF Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, in response to the cholera outbreak in Lagos and other parts of the country.

Lafoucrier said children faced substantial health risks, particularly those below the age of five, who were prone to severe dehydration and a higher mortality rate.

She urged governments at all levels to focus on the provision of clean and risk-free water to prevent

the spread of cholera in the country.

According to her, despite the state government’s efforts to provide water to its population, the current outbreak has demonstrated the need for an urgent government focus on ensuring that the water provided to the population is clean and risk-free.

“Addressing the challenges of cholera outbreaks requires a deliberate focus of state policies.

“And this includes the provision of high-standard water and sanitation facilities as well as strengthened healthcare systems capable of responding to demand in times of outbreaks.

“There should be campaigns on cholera prevention to protect children and the population at large,” she said.

Lafoucrier said that good water and sanitation infrastructure played a crucial role in reducing disease outbreaks, such as cholera, which causes an estimated 100,000 deaths

Senate: N’Assembly

annually.

“Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions are fundamental in preventing and responding to cholera epidemics.

“Safe water supplies, hygienic sanitation, and effective water management are key elements in this effort.

“Ultimately, preventing cholera centres on good sanitation and hygiene practices.

“Key actions include proper disposal of faeces, eliminating open defecation, and ensuring access to potable water.

“Regular hand washing with clean, running water and soap is vital.

“Additionally, avoiding the consumption of uncooked vegetables, unwashed fruits, raw or undercooked seafood, and food from street vendors is important to reduce the risk of cholera infection,” she said.

According to her, safer water can

annually prevent 1.4 million child deaths from diarrhea, 500,000 deaths from malaria, and 860,000 child deaths from malnutrition.

She said that it could also protect 10 million people from serious illnesses like lymphatic filariasis and trachoma.

Lafoucrier, however, said that disease outbreaks ultimately hinder Nigeria’s progress in achieving healthrelated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.

Lagos Confirms 17 Cholera Cases, 15 Deaths

Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has confirmed 17 cholera cases out of 350 suspected cases in 29 wards in the state.

According to a statement yesterday, the state government said it had

will Back Six-year Single Tenure for Presidency If It's Wish of Nigerians

The Senate has said the National Assembly will only support the call for a single term of six years for the next president and governors if it is the popular wish of Nigerians.

The spokesperson for the Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stated this yesterday in Abuja in an interview with journalists.

Last week, 35 members of the House of Representatives under the auspices of Reformed-minded Legislators, brought up the proposal, saying it would help to reduce the cost of governance.

The Senate’s spokesperson, while reacting to the matter,

maintained that the federal parliament would play a neutral role.

Adaramodu said: "The Senate has no opinion. The Senate is just a centre to aggregate the opinions of Nigerians.

"So, when they come from towns, villages, hamlets, metropolitan, cosmopolitan regions and states that ‘this is what they want’ and we aggregate it, that's where the Senate will go."

Meanwhile, Adaramodu, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, has clarified media reports of a speculated plan by the Senate to input a clause for the seizure

of state and local council funds in the New Minimum Wage Bill being proposed by the executive.

Adaramodu in a statement yesterday, however, dismissed the report as unfounded.

He submitted that it would be wrong to assume that the Senate would take a position on a bill that hasn't been submitted to it for deliberation.

He said: "Mr. President in his national broadcast on Democracy Day only informed Nigerians that he would soon send the New Minimum Wage Bill to us.

"No one among us, not even the Senate President knows the content of the Bill.

"How can we take a position on a document that we haven't even sighted?

"During my interface with some journalists, who approached him for an interview as part of activities to mark the first anniversary of the 10th National Assembly, I did not at any point state that the allocations belonging to states and local governmen ts will be seized.

"Nigeria is a federation, with sub-national governments that are autonomous. The misleading headline by the newspaper that allocations belonging to states and local councils will be seized is false and should be disregarded.

Edo Guber: Obi Leads Akpata to Oba of Benin, Seeks Royal Blessings ahead of Election

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday led the Edo State governorship candidate of the party, Mr. Olumide Akpata, on a courtesy call on the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, to seek his blessings ahead of the election.

Obi, while thanking the Oba for his fatherly role, said the nation can only be great if there are free, fair,

and credible elections. He said that he believes that with the prayers of the Oba, the party can make headway as it begins its political campaigns ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state.

Speaking also, the Edo State governorship candidate of the party, Akpata said he was at the palace with the national leadership of the party to seek the Oba's blessings and to inform him that he is commencing his political campaigns.

Akpata said it would be very wrong for him to go on with his campaign without him visiting for his blessings.

He said he believes that the Oba prayers will go a long way as he embarks on his mission of rescuing the state.

Akpata said that the party is strong and vibrant to wrestle power and deliver the dividends of democracy to the 18 local government areas of the state.

Responding, the Oba of Benin,

while welcoming them to his palace, said he wishes them well as they take their political campaigns through the length and breadth of the state.

Earlier, the presidential candidate of the party was received at the state's party secretariat before embarking on a road walk through major parts of the Benin metropolis. He was received amidst fanfare by the party faithful in the state just as the party inaugurated its campaign secretariat in Benin City.

recorded 15 fatalities from the cholera outbreak.

The statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs at the state Ministry of Health, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, noted that the government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

It said the PHEOC was convened to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases across multiple LGAs in the state.

The statement added that the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this while speaking on steps taken to control the outbreak in Lagos State.

“He revealed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in Lagos State with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities so far,” the statement partly read.

The commissioner was quoted as saying, “The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed Cholera sub-type O-1. This subtype is associated with more severe disease.

The pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAs, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.

“Although this is an increase from the numbers published 3 days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected LGAs due to our interventions and surveillance efforts, however, we are recording

some new cases in previously unaffected LGAs, signalling the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures.

He added, “The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment, have collected samples of water sources, food and beverage samples in all the affected LGAs, while inspections of facilities are ongoing.

“We are prepositioning cholera kits in health facilities across the State. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions, and public health education campaigns.”

Abayomi noted that a Lagos State Government Ministry of Health high-level team just concluded a meeting with the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Jide Idris, and his team as well as partners from the World Health Organisation to ensure all interventions are optimised. Abayomi urged residents to support the state government’s efforts by adhering strictly to precautionary measures, cooperating with health authorities, and participating in community-wide sanitation activities to mitigate the spread of cholera, particularly as the Sallah celebration approaches.

IN SALLAH MESSAGE, TINUBU SAYS NIGERIANS’ SACRIFICES, EXPECTATIONS WILL NOT COME TO NAUGHT

in Nigeria.

DSS Urges Vigilance, IG Orders AIGs, CPs to Beef up Security

In a related development, the DSS has called for vigilance, just as the IG, Egbetokun, has directed the CPs, and AIGs to strategically set up the security framework in their Areas of Responsibility (AOR) ahead of the celebrations.

The Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications of the agency, Dr. Peter Afunanya, in a statement, advised celebrants to be cautious and observe all necessary personal security procedures.

“Also, it is strongly advised that while engaging in religious and social activities during the period, celebrants should be cautious and observe all necessary personal security procedures.

“Similarly, operators and patrons of malls, fun places, markets, parks, and railway stations among others are to be vigilant and ensure strict compliance to

physical and other security measures required for public safety.

“They should promptly report suspected movements or breaches to appropriate law enforcement authorities.

“On its part, the Service will maintain close collaboration with sister security agencies and indeed other critical stakeholders to ensure smooth and hitch-free celebrations,” Afunanya explained.

On his part, the IG also mandated Zonal AIGs and state Command CPs to deploy human and operational assets to conduct confidence-building and crime prevention patrols on major highways, in residential and industrial areas.

The Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday.

Adejobi added that Police personnel would be deployed at vulnerable points, places of worship, other public recreational places, and around all critical national infrastructure.

He noted that personnel deployed are to perform their duties with discipline, professionalism, decorum, and alertness.

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Editor: Festus Akanbi

08038588469

Email:festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com

Economic Turmoil Deepens as Manufacturers Exit Nigeria

Nigeria’s once bustling industrial hubs now stand eerily silent, leaving countless workers jobless and communities in disarray.The promise of progress feels like a distant memory, replaced by a pervasive sense of uncertainty and despair, a development which can be turned around for the better only if President Bola Tinubu’s administration is determined to do so with the urgency it deserves, writes Festus Akanbi

It was a paradox of sorts that while President Bola Tinubu’s administration was celebrating 25 years of unbroken democratic governance in Nigeria with fanfare last Tuesday, the manufacturing sector and many Nigerians were grappling with the harsh realities of a struggling economy. It was not a coincidence that Nigerians woke up on Democracy Day to grapple with two unpleasant news items from the nation’s manufacturing sector. One was that of the decision of brewery giant, Guinness to exit the Nigerian market and sell off its controlling shares to Singaporean conglomerate Tolaram Group. Nigerians were still weighing the implications of the divestment when another news report, this time, on the alarm by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) over the ripple effects of the recent hike in electricity tariff which the manufacturers’ body said has resulted in the closure of over 300 companies and 380,000 job losses over the past two months.

Industry analysts said although the root of the current economic crisis predated the current administration, they, however, pointed out that the current level of the economic conundrum was exacerbated by some of the economic policies announced at the inauguration of the current administration in 2023. These policies included the removal of the controversial fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, and the electricity tariff increase, among others.

Today, the tempestuous instability of the foreign exchange market weaves a tapestry of uncertainty, leaving businesses adrift in a sea of fluctuating fortunes. The relentless ascent of energy costs scorches the ambitions of enterprises, as they struggle to fuel their operations amidst an inferno of expenses. Inflation, that insidious spectre, gnaws at the foundations of commerce, eroding the value of hard-earned capital with its relentless appetite.

Meanwhile, the pervasive spectre of insecurity casts a long shadow over the land, stifling growth and breeding an atmosphere of fear and apprehension. Together, these formidable forces compound to forge a harsh and unforgiving business climate, where survival becomes an arduous odyssey against formidable odds.

Guinness’ Exit

Before it announced its divestment plan, the brewery brand had recorded a staggering N61.9 billion loss after tax between July 2023 and March 2024, just a few months after Tinubu floated the naira to unify the currency’s value at the official and parallel foreign exchange markets.

But the move backfired and caused many multinational companies to suffer huge financial setbacks including Guinness Nigeria whose N61.7 billion loss after tax in Q3 was a 1,000 per cent decrease from the N5.9 billion profit generated in the same period last year.

Analysts said the loss exacerbated by the naira’s continued downward trend may have informed Diageo, Guinness’ parent company, to sell its 58.02 per cent majority stake to the Singaporean group.

“Under the terms of an agreement signed on June 11, 2024, Tolaram will acquire Diageo’s 58.02% shareholding in Guinness Nigeria royalty agreements for the continued pro-

duction of the Guinness brand and its locally manufactured Diageo ready-to-drink and mainstream spirits brands,” the company said in a statement.

The Guinness brand has operated in Nigeria since 1950, but with Tolaram’s controlling stake acquisition expected to conclude by 2025, the global brewery brand will have spent 75 years in Nigeria.

In the statement, Guinness said the firm would leave Nigeria next year and hand over to a third-party venture.

“The transaction is expected to be completed during fiscal 2025, subject to obtaining the requisite regulatory approvals in Nigeria,” said the statement signed by Abidemi Ademola, Guinness’s legal director.

Diageo, however, stated that the sale of its Nigerian brand would not in any way affect its ownership of the Guinness global brand.

Companies Closure

Speaking on the closure of over 300 companies and 380,000 job losses over the past two months, Senator Ahmed Abdulkadir who spoke on behalf of MAN in Abuja, during the investigative hearing organised by the Joint Committees on Power, Commerce, National Planning & Economic Development and Delegated Legislations, observed that in fact, electricity-related expenses of a manufacturing concern constitute about 40% of the production overhead.

He therefore stressed the urgent need for the present administration to address the rising case of insecurity, as more workers may be disengaged due to the high cost of doing business occasioned by the astronomical hike in electricity tariff.

Nigeria, with its population of 200mn, was once considered an attractive growth market for global brands seeking to expand internationally, but currently, the country is experiencing its worst cost of living crisis in

a generation with inflation at a three-decade high of 33.7 per cent.

According to a recent report by Nairametrics, the list of companies that exited Nigeria included Lazarpay, a web and crypto payment company co-founded by 21-year-old Emmanuel Njoku, which announced it was shutting down operations after failing to raise funds to keep the company afloat. The company operated for only two years before calling it quits.

The list included GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria, which in August 2023, announced its intention to cease commercialisation of its prescription medicines and vaccines in Nigeria. It decided to transition to a third-party direct distribution mode. The company had earlier complained that challenges in accessing forex were disrupting its operations in Nigeria. It joined the list of companies that adopted a third-party distribution model for its pharmaceutical products.

Also on the list was 54Gene, which was shut down in September 2023 bringing an end to its four-year existence in which it raised a whopping $45 million in three funding rounds.

According to Nairametrics, another company that exited Nigeria was MABISCO Biscuit- In October, Mayor Biscuits Company Limited popularly called MABISCO announced it is shutting down its multimillion-dollar plant in Agbara Industrial Estate, Ogun State.

Sanofi-Aventis Nigeria Ltd, an arm of Sanofi Aventis followed the example of GSK and P&G by announcing its ceasing operations in Nigeria and pivoting into a third-party distribution business model in a letter sent to its partners.

Another such company was Equinor, which announced the sale of its 85% stake in oil and gas lease OML 128, and a 20.21% stake in the Agbami field, operated by Chevron to Nigerian-owned Chappal Energies.

Bolt Foods joined the train of companies exiting the Nigerian marketplace in Novem-

ber when it announced its end of operations in Nigeria. The company cited the need to optimise resource utilisation and streamline overall efficiency as responsible for its latest strategic decision.

Also on the list was Procter & Gamble (P&G), which announced the dissolution of ground operations in Nigeria and reverting to an import-only business model for its Nigerian market.

PenCom Approves N14.2bn to Job Losers

Meanwhile, as more Nigerians are being thrown into the labour market as a result of several factors, including companies’ closure, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) said it has approved the disbursement of N14.2 billion to 8,651 Nigerians who experienced temporary job loss in the first quarter of 2024.

The total sum disbursed reflects the considerable financial support provided to these individuals under the age of 50 years, averaging around N1.64 million per person.

This move is part of the measures to alleviate the financial challenges faced by individuals due to unemployment, providing much-needed relief amid ongoing economic difficulties.

According to the First-Quarter 2024 Report of PenCom, a total of 8,702 Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders requested to access 25% of their RSA balances due to temporary loss of employment.

The PenCom report read: “A total of 8,702 RSA holders requested to access 25% of their RSAbalances due to temporary loss of employment. Out of that, 8,651 RSA holders’ requests were approved, while 51 were rejected because their ages were above 50 years.”

Analysts said that addressing the prevailing difficult operating environment should be the priority of the Tinubu administration in its second term, explaining that no democratic dividend is greater than a favourable environment where businesses and enterprises thrive.

It was mostly a gathering of senior lawyers, as Oluwakemi Balogun, sAn hosted close friends to his 60th birthday dinner penultimate Friday at Slow Lagos, 2 Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. With good food and drinks, it was an evening of fun.

PHOTOS: KOLAwLe ALLI

Mr. Ayoola Ajayi and his wife, Mojoyin

L-R: Wolemi Esan

Olukayode Enitan, SAN and his wife, Omotayo

Adenike Babalola; Afolabi Babalola; and Folasade Balogun

Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, and his wife, Mr and Mrs. Ernest C. Ebi

Yele Delana, SAN and Hon. Oluyemisi Dawodu

L-R: Motunrayo and Olamide Balogun

L-R: Folu G. Oguntade, SAN; Seni Adio, SAN; Silva Oguemoh, SAN; Norrision Quakers, SAN; former NBA President, Paul Usoro, SAN; Celebrant, Kemi Balogun, SAN; Kayode Enitan, SAN; Yele Delana, SAN; Olatunde Adejuyigbe, SAN; and Sina Sofola, SAN

L-R: Olatunde Adejuyigbe, SAN; former Chairman of NBA-SBL, Seni Adio, SAN and his wife, Mrs. Adio

L-R: The celebrant, Kemi Balogun SAN and wife, Shade

L-R: Norrision Quarkers, SAN; Ladi Sanni; and George Oguntade, SAN

L-R: Kolawole Ogunbanjo and Senator Adeniyi Adogbonmire, SAN

L-R: Eniola Odunaike; her colleague Tony; and Ifeoma Sanni

Mr. Eric Idiahi and his wife, Modele

Jide Ogunkoya

Bola Osuneye Busola Osuneye

L-R: Former NBA President, Paul Usoro, SAN; Celebrant, Kemi Balogun, SAN; Kayode Enitan, SAN; Yele Delana, SAN; Olatunde Adejuyigbe, SAN; and Sina Sofola, SAN

L-R: Folu G. Oguntade, SAN; Seni Adio, SAN; Silva Oguemoh, SAN; and Norrision Quakers, SAN

L-R: Mrs. Yemisi Ladi Sanni and Mrs. Baderin Quakers

Mrs. Yode Solana Yode Solana, SAN

L-R: Raymond Mgbeokwere; and Kemi Toiki

Former Managing Director, First Bank Plc, Dr. Bisi Onasanya; and his wife, Mrs. Onasanya M.B. Ganiyu

L-R: Babatunde Sodipo; Silva Ogwemoh, SAN

The Economic Freedom Front jolted a decaying ANC, argues Okello Oculi

“WHERE DID MY LITTLE FLEA GO?’’

Mama Miriam Makeba probably intoned from ANCESTRALAFRICA’ her song above for Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko to reflect on the eve of the 29th May, 2024 elections in South Africa. They might have – for reasons different from those of enemies of the African National Congress (ANC) both locally and abroad – predicted that the party would lose in victory.

Former President Thabo Mbeki has said that Mandela had regretted that after 1994, ‘’opportunists’’ infiltrated the African National Congress. They came in to divert the promise to bring welfare to millions of victims of racist governance. They went into corrupt self-service.

Mbeki noted that Mandela failed to combat the invasion. Mbeki noted that there was a class that did not welcome the season of ‘’democracy’’ and plotted for its collapse. This silent war against ‘’democracy’’ recruited a former Head of Government into sabotaging a timely provision of turbines for the production of electricity needed by factories and small businesses owned by new entrepreneurs.

Plans for supply of new pipes for carrying water to townships and carry sewage were blocked. Local government officials held on to money sent from the national treasury and returned the unexpended funds to source. President Cyril Ramaphosa made this accusation a week before the election. He was pleading for forgiveness by angry and disillusioned local communities.

In the run up to the election the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) did an excellent job of using television cameras to expose diverse ways of failed governance under the ANC. Angry voices rung out from local ANC supporters about lack of functioning health clinics; lack of water for domestic use; leaking sewage pipes discharging sewages across roads used by children to walk to school; failure to fulfil promises of taking poor people out of shacks in massive slums. That news agency served early warning to leaders of the ANC.

Secret Service operatives of the old racist government may have planned to undermine the legitimacy of government

through a pandemic of violence. Murdering girlfriends, wives; women walking on roads escalated. Gunning down people enjoying friendship with forests of bottled beer; kidnapping and murdering little girls, and pumping bullets into homes and gunning them down. This would have been familiar territory for them.

The ANC leadership probably saw this hailstorm of violence as a pre-election campaign by enemies of ‘’Democracy’’ fingered by Mandela. As a former boss of ANC’s Intelligence machine, Jacob Zuma was expected to top the hate and revenge list of core supporters of the Democratic Alliance Party (DA).

Inciting the leadership of the ANC against Zuma would undermine the party’s support in Kwazulu Natal. Mindbenders in the rumour and open media would turn him into a victimised hero of a Six-Million Zulu potential voters. Warriors dressed in leopard skin sprouted.

The ANC seemed to ignore the drama around candidate Donald Trump in America’s electoral politics. The more the law was thrown against Trump, the more it fuelled his supporters. It made little sense to imprison Zuma on a flimsy legal mischief when Mandela had forgiven BOER mass murderers of protesting School Children of Soweto, and BOER millionaires whose wealth had been irrigated by open economic racism from 1948 to-1994.

The ANC had walked into the trap known as ‘’BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT’’. It was a case of being hugged by a smiling crocodile. President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe had in his first five years in power overcome getting his wings wet by falling into a poos of honey. His popularity had soared. ANC’S leaders dived in dressed in suits.

‘’Black Economic Empowerment created a few millionaires and ignored millions of a historic poor. They joined dinner tables without being producers who created jobs for those trapped inside slums, and new graduates out of schools. The frustrated graduates became available for recruitment by PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES to dance and wail to JESUS.

Abuja

OUR LAND, OUR FUTURE

SALAMATU J. FADA writes that this year’s World Environmental Day underscores the responsibility to restore our degraded lands and secure a sustainable future

This year’s World Environmental Day focus on restoring land, combating desertification, and enhancing resilience to drought holds particular significance for our nation, where these challenges are not just environmental issues but pivotal to our survival, economy, and heritage.

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is facing an environmental crisis that threatens its land and people. Most parts of northern Nigeria have suffered severe desertification and drought. Mean annual rainfall in this region has dropped below 600mm, compared with 3,500mm in the south coast area. This change threatens the livelihoods of around 40 million people, especially livestock and smallholder farmers. Desertification is rapidly advancing, particularly in the northern regions. According to the Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST), approximately 351,000 square kilometres of Nigerian land are impacted by desertification. This situation is exacerbated by climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable land management practices.

Desertification effects are trending down towards the Southern parts of Nigeria at a rate of 0.6 km per annum, engulfing about 351,000 ha of cropland and rangeland annually This has resulted in catastrophic consequences on food security, water availability, and livelihoods in a variety of ways. Its impacts include forced human migrations, increased erosion, alteration of geochemical composition of soils, surface and groundwater depletion, biodiversity loss and species extinction, reduced agricultural yields, higher unemployment and rural poverty rates, as well as a rise in social vices and civil conflicts (e.g., kidnapping, armed robbery, religious extremism, insurgency, land/territory grabbing, etc).

aimed at addressing these issues. The Great Green Wall initiative is one such program, aiming to create a green belt across the Sahel region to combat desertification. This project not only focuses on tree planting but also promotes sustainable land management practices and supports livelihoods through the creation of green jobs.

In addition to the Great Green Wall, the Nigerian government has launched the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) and the Desert-to-Food Programme, which seeks to transform desert areas into productive agricultural lands. These initiatives are crucial for reversing land degradation and ensuring food security.

Drought further compounds these issues, with erratic rainfall patterns leading to periods of water scarcity in far Northern States. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted that sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, will experience increased frequency and intensity of droughts. This prediction underscores the urgent need for strategies to enhance resilience and adaptation to these climatic changes.

The theme “Our Land, Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration” is not just a slogan; it is a call to action for every Nigerian. It underscores the responsibility of this generation to restore our degraded lands and secure a sustainable future. Restoration goes beyond planting trees; it encompasses a holistic approach to land management, integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques.

One of the most effective ways to combat desertification and restore land is through community involvement. Local communities, especially those directly affected, have invaluable knowledge and a vested interest in protecting their environment. Traditional practices such as agroforestry, which combines agriculture with tree cultivation, have proven effective in restoring soil fertility and preventing erosion.

In northern Nigeria, the practice of “zai” or “tassa” farming involves digging small pits to capture water and nutrients, enabling crops to survive in arid conditions. Another traditional technique, “diguettes,” involves building stone lines along contours to slow water runoff and capture soil, enhancing moisture retention and reducing erosion. These methods, when supported by modern science and technology, can significantly contribute to land restoration efforts.

The Nigerian government has recognized the severity of desertification and drought and has initiated several policies and programs

Advancements in technology and innovation play a pivotal role in restoring degraded lands and enhancing resilience to drought. Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) are being used to monitor land degradation and assess the effectiveness of restoration efforts. These tools provide valuable data that inform decisionmaking and enable targeted interventions Water management technologies, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, are critical in arid regions. These methods maximize water use efficiency, ensuring that crops receive adequate moisture even during dry periods. The promotion of droughtresistant crop varieties also holds promise, allowing farmers to maintain productivity despite challenging climatic conditions. The private sector and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have a crucial role to play in the restoration of Nigeria’s degraded lands. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives focused on environmental sustainability can drive significant change. Companies can invest in afforestation projects, support sustainable agriculture practices, and promote renewable energy solutions. NGOs, both local and international, bring expertise, resources, and a grassroots approach to land restoration. Organizations such as the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have been instrumental in implementing projects that promote sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

In addition, raising public awareness about the importance of land restoration and the impact of desertification is essential. Educational programs that teach sustainable landmanagementpracticesshouldbeintegrated into school curriculums. Media campaigns, community workshops, and environmental clubs can also play a significant role in spreading knowledge and inspiring action.

In conclusion, as we celebrate WED 2024, let us remember that the theme “Our Land, Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration” calls for collective responsibility. Every Nigerian, from policymakers and scientists to farmers and students, has a role to play in restoring our land and securing our future.

The challenges of desertification and drought are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. By embracing sustainable practices, harnessing technology and innovation, and fostering community involvement, we can turn the tide. Let this year’s WED be a reminder of our duty to the land that sustains us and a catalyst for transformative action.

FadaPhD,DSc,PGCert(BangorUniversity,UK) isEnvironmentalprofessionalandChiefExecutive JAVSEnvironmentalCareLtd.

Oculiwritesfrom

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EID-EL-KABIR IN A SEASON OF HUNGER

The festival of Eid al-Adha, better known as Eid-el-Kabir, being celebrated today across the world originated from one of the famous stories that connect Islam and Christianity: the sacrifice of Ismail in the former and Isaac in the latter - both based entirely on the same scriptural account. Yet, to the extent that it is about how Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), in obedience to God, was ready to offer his son in sacrifice before a ram was provided instead by divine providence, the true meaning and essence of this occasion should not be lost on the adherents of both religions. This message of selfdenial with a spiritual purpose chimes with the value of sacrifice that is needed now in Nigeria more than ever.

As usual, from President Bola Tinubu to governors of the 36 states, Nigerians have been enjoined to sacrifice in the spirit of the occasion. But the charity of our leaders must begin at home by imbibing the virtues they preach. The biggest challenge of the country today is how to build an inclusive society that leaves no citizen behind. It is precisely for that reason that this festival offers opportunities for reflection by those in leadership positions. Rising food prices, skyrocketing inflation, growing unemployment among the youth, perpetual violence in several theatres across the country and unprecedented hunger are sparking fear that Nigeria risks slipping into social unrest. The economic downturn in the country therefore presents another opportunity to prune the cost of running government while we enjoin authorities at all levels to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice that today’s occasion exemplifies.

borrowings. It is therefore little wonder that the discussion about a new minimum wage in the country has stalled.

Even before the policy of the current administration on fuel subsidy and Naira exchange rates, hunger was already a common staple for millions of Nigerians.

The biggest challenge of the country today is how to build an inclusive society that leaves no citizen behind

SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

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Meanwhile, the message of Eid-al-Adha is for all mankind. While today is usually a day of merriment, it is important not to lose sight of the true meaning of this special occasion and the spirit of sacrifice it represents. Indeed, the socio-economic condition of most Nigerians this year makes it compelling for adherents of Islam to look beyond themselves and their immediate environment, especially in this holy season. The festival of Eid-al-Adha teaches about sacrifice. The lessons are simple: by paying attention to the plight of the poor, we invariably place the welfare of our neighbours as important as ours; by allowing others to partake of our wealth or material possessions, we honour the One who made the provision in the first place. This happens to be at the heart of all religions, but a virtue that is particularly at the heart of this festival.

Granted that democracy is expensive everywhere, but it is scandalously more so in Nigeria due largely to the greed of the average political office holder. With unrestrained official profligacy, many states and local governments are almost bankrupt while the federal government is finding it difficult to stay afloat without heavy

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

That the number of Nigerians who can afford to buy rams at their current prices is shrinking has become very telling. But that, according to an Islamic cleric, Tajudeen Adebayo, is no cause for despair. ”If the economic situation does not give room for slaughtering ram this year, we should not grieve. Another good time will come,” Adebayo admonished while encouraging the spirit of good neighbourliness by those with enough means. ”Let those who can afford to kill a ram extend their hands of kindness to those who cannot kill.”

As we celebrate this special festival, we must reflect on and imbibe the essence of sacrifice and humility for the promotion of harmonious relationships in our country.

We wish our Muslim readers Eid Mubarak.

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

LETTERS

DEEPENING NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY

Nigeria’s June 12 celebration of its democracy day is itself a historical thumbs up to the distance the country has covered in the past two decades. June 12, 1993, was the day Nigeria held an election deemed free and fair amidst a repressive military regime, which turned out to be a cruel charade that ushered in a more brutal military regime. The winner of that election, M.K.O Abiola, which was annulled, died in custody just a year before Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999.

If history holds lessons for Nigeria’s democracy, it is one of resilience and rootedness found in the will of the Nigerian people and repeatedly dipped in blood over the years –like at the Lekki Toll Gate in 2020.

Twenty four years after its epochal return, Nigeria’s democracy is all cause for celebration especially with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in power. The president may be flawed, like every other person and president. His presidency may be as imperfect as the country

and humanity that sustain it, but the small steps made so far show a man who knows the stringent demands of democracy and is prepared to walk its painful path.

President Tinubu’s readiness to embrace the sacrifices that democracy demands departs from the misadventures of his predecessor who preferred a militarized kind of democracy marked by understated autocracy and insularity. The clear difference between the two governments can be explained by the different backgrounds of the two men in charge. One a former military coup plotter, the other a democrat at heart who once found the courage to go on exile to court the democracy he believed in. It also has something to do with courage and counsel.

Where Muhammadu Buhari preferred to surround himself with tribal leaders from the North, giving their parochial views the gravitas of law, President Tinubu has shown the kind of openness that democracy is so fond

of.

This key difference in personality and politics has reflected in appointments made so far. While Muhammadu Buhari deemed only people of his ethnic and religious stock fit enough for key security and government positions, mostly ignoring people from the Southeast, President Tinubu has been willing to deal every section of the country a fairer hand.

This inclusive approach has been key to tackling the insecurity that reduced the country to such chaos between 2015 and 2023. It has also taken a lot of sting out of secessionist agitations within the country. There is a distinct feeling that he will do more the longer he stays in office. The president’s approach is the balm that democracy offers, the elixir to the divisions that are inevitable in the coming together of many disparate parts.

Like mathematics, democracy is about

numbers and power. For democracy to operate smoothly, the majority as well as the minority must have access to clear and uncluttered space at the table. While power must remain with the people being the majority, democracy is often fair enough to include the minority whose feeling of exclusion can lead to dangerous levels of animosity and hostility.

In a country where democracy has not always reflected diversity, reducing political appointments to ethnic or sectarian affairs is a recipe for the kind of disaster that was the Muhammadu Buhari presidency. In electing Tinubu who went into exile in the days when Nigerians fought to restore democracy, Nigerians went for someone who had made sacrifices for the country and democracy, someone who knew and loved democracy enough to fight and flee for it.

Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com

IntervIew

UZOMA EMELIFE:

NNPC Properties to Revolutionise Real Estate Business With New Strategies

Uzoma Emelife is the Managing Director of NNPC Properties Limited (NPL), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited. In this interview with Vanessa Obioha, she reveals the prospects and opportunities of NPL in the real estate space, as well as the business model being activated. She insists that leveraging the brand name and its size, NPL is set to create a paradigm realignment in property and asset/facility management. Excerpts:

Many are not too aware of NNPC PropertiesLimited,NPL?

NNPC Properties Limited (NPL) is the real estate arm of NNPC Limited established to capitalise on the potential within the Nigerian and diasporan real estate markets, generating revenue for NNPC Ltd as a non-core business. The company aims to become a leading player in the global real estate market by reliably providing customers with the highest level of real estate solutions and optimizing value for its stakeholders, thus, competing with real estate companies of other National Oil Companies (NAOCs) like Saudi Aramco and PETRONAS. By adopting a strategic commercial approach and forging strong partnerships with established real estate developers and reputable facility management (FM) companies, NPL intends to leverage the brand equity and workforce of NNPC Ltd to maximise value from real estate development (residential) and facility management in Nigeria.

WhatarethemarketopportunitiesforexploitationbyNPL?

Quite a lot. Let’s look at residential real estate. The Nigerian real estate market presents significant opportunities for NPL: The current national housing deficit is estimated at 28 million units, with a World Bank forecast of an additional 700,000 units needed every year for the next 20 years, highlighting the vast potential of the housing market. The market volume forecast for 2024 is expected to reach $1.93 trillion, representing a significant value for NPL to exploit in this segment. NPL has demonstrated its ability to facilitate housing product sales within NNPC Ltd, with N3.2 billion worth of sales facilitated in the last five years. This success highlights the significant potential for NPL to expand its market share and increase revenue by effectively positioning its products to appeal to the broader housing market.

Intermsofsize,itisexpectedthatassetandproperty managementwouldweighheavilyinthebusinessspace ofNPL?

We have a huge real estate stock (356 properties) within NNPC Ltd with a potential for income from lease, tenant management, and maintenance across Strategic Business Units (SBUs). There is also the growing urban population resulting in a rise in the number of both commercial and residential properties presenting opportunities for property management allowing them to provide services such as leasing, tenant management, and maintenance to a wider range of clients. We also have the potential to harness the average rental rates of 230,000/sqm for commercial spaces (offices, retail, hospitality, etc.) .

The strategy is for NPL to extend its property management services beyond rental space management and collections to overseeing and maintaining properties on behalf of SBUs/BUs. The company currently manages a total of 40 rental spaces across 11 locations within NNPC Ltd. A revenue potential of N0.5 billion can be realized from property management/ lease administration within NNPC. To further capitalize on the real estate market, NNPC Properties Limited (NPL) has developed commercialization strategies for select properties, which are estimated to generate over N1.4 billion in revenue for the company. This initiative would involve identifying underutilized or nonperforming assets within NPL’s/NNPC Ltd.’s portfolio and devising strategies to maximize the value of these assets through various means such as lease, sale, or joint venture arrangements. The company intends to form strategic partnerships with real estate developers, investors, and other key stakeholders to expand its network and increase the scale of its operations in property/asset management.

Howareyoumanagingthefacilitiesandcouldyougive ustheestimateofthemarket?

The facility management market in Nigeria presents significant growth opportunities for NPL. The current market value is estimated at $8.45 billion, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2024-2027, indicating a significant potential for growth. NNPC Properties Limited

(NPL) intends to take advantage of its relationship with NNPC Ltd, which owns 17 office locations across Nigeria with a market value exceeding N7 billion, to provide Facility Management services across the business. This offers NPL a unique entry point into the facility management market, enabling the company to leverage NNPC Ltd.’s extensive real estate assets rapidly gaining significant presence in the market.

NNPC Properties Limited (NPL) aims to capitalise on its relations with NNPC Ltd to deploy facility management (FM) services across NNPC locations nationwide. The FM market is estimated to be worth over N7 billion. The proposed strategy is for NPL to enter a joint venture (JV) or Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) partnership with reputable FM companies to deliver this service within the next 5 years. NNPC Ltd will significantly benefit from cost savings across its 17 office locations through the proposed optimization of FM services by NPL. An estimated N5 billion in cost savings can be achieved via project planning improvement and execution efficiency, allowing NPL to generate a revenue of about N3bn annually. The proposed strategy is expected to position NNPC Properties Limited (NPL) as a significant player in the FM space, enhancing the company’s presence in the market, and paving the way for future growth and expansion.

Whattypeofbusinessmodelareyouadopting?

NPL’s business model is designed for full operation across the real estate value chain providing and sustaining value to shareholders in real estate

development, asset/property management, and facility management; through a partnership model that requires minimal investment capital with partners providing equity in the form of technical know-how and counterpart funding.

Could you give us the your real estate development strategy?

The real estate development strategy focuses on the acquisition and development of a varied mix of property types to create a balanced portfolio anticipated to generate sustainable returns in the short to medium-term through capital appreciation and sale of development units. This strategy, upon implementation, could unlock over N50 billion in value from proposed investments in the Lagos and Abuja real estate space over the next five years. NNPC Properties Limited (NPL) has initiated the implementation of its strategy by conducting an internal housing market survey (NNPC Ltd) in March 2024, where a significant 88% of the respondents expressed a desire to participate in real estate development projects led by NPL. This level of interest from within NNPC Ltd alone suggests that the NPL brand is trusted and accepted. This is an encouraging indicator for the success of the proposed strategy.

What’syourpositiveoutlooklike?

While the outlined strategies present a compelling opportunity for NPL to capitalise on the real estate market, it is critical to note that several factors are vital in ensuring the successful implementation of the plan. The company will require support in areas such as funding, inter-departmental collaboration, human capital development, and change management to effectively achieve its objectives and realize the full potential of the proposed strategy.

Emelife

A trailblazer in her own right, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a woman worthy of emulation. As she turned 70 last Thursday, June 13, Vanessa Obioha profiles her life, career and numerous achievements

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Strides of A Technocrat at 70

E“nergetic” is a word frequently used to describe Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In a 2015 interview, her third child, songwriter and singer Okechukwu Iweala, told journalists that his mother is the most hardworking woman he has ever known.

“People don’t know that my mum used to work 20 hours literally every day. It never changed; whether she is in Washington or Abuja. People don’t see this but we see it live and direct.”

At the WTO, her colleagues often marvelled at her remarkable vigour, frequently asking, “How come you are so energetic and eager?” she revealed during a fireside chat last April at the Centre for Global Development, where she is a non-resident fellow.

Having turned 70 on Thursday, June 13, it is understandable why many admire her zest. Few of her peers can boast such stamina at that age. OkonjoIweala’s spirited personality stems from the passion and values instilled in her by her parents. Born in 1954 in Ogwashi-Ukwu to academic parents, she was taught early on that education is a privilege, not a right, and it should be used to enrich others rather than oneself.

“This has guided my whole life so I’ve always been looking to do something in public service, something where you give back,” she told David de Ferranti whose latest book ‘Reformers in International Development: Five Remarkable Lives’ chronicles Okonjo-Iweala’s transformative life and career from childhood to present day. The value of education was further instilled by her father. She recalled a childhood occasion when he denied her a holiday trip with neighbours, believing the money for her flight fare would be better spent on other children’s tuition. This lesson left a lasting impression on the young Okonjo-Iweala.

The global leader seemingly had a close relationship with her late father, Chukwuka Okonjo. He was a retired professor of economics and a traditional Igbo ruler of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State.

“I’m told I’m like my father, and he was the most wonderful man. But I think he was gentler than me,” she once quoted of her relationship with her father.

According to her, he expected a lot from her and her siblings — she has five brothers and a sister — particularly she and her sister.

“My parents were academics, they both had PhDs so my father felt you should have a PhD, you should write books, you should get married, you should have kids, you should publish, really you could have it all but he never forced me to do anything.”

With this mindset, Okonjo-Iweala pursued her education and career with determination and resilience, breaking stereotypes and inspiring younger women. After completing primary education in Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and earned a Ph.D. in Regional Economics and Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

She began her career at the World Bank, where she worked for over 25 years, eventually rising to the position of Vice President and Corporate Secretary. During her tenure, she played a key role in shaping the institution’s agenda and priorities, focusing on poverty reduction, sustainable development, and global health.

Known as a tough negotiator, President Olusegun Obasanjo sought her expertise during his democratic rule to help reform the Nigerian economy. Thus, Okonjo-Iweala became the first Nigerian female to serve as both Finance Minister and later as Foreign Minister from 2003 to 2006.

She implemented significant economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, reducing corruption, and promoting fiscal transparency.

One of her significant achievements during the Obasanjo era was leading negotiations with the Paris Club, an assembly of the world’s most developed nations. This resulted in the restructuring of $30 billion of Nigeria’s external debt and the outright cancellation of $18 billion. The negotiation took Okonjo-Iweala 18 months of hard work. While many hailed her ability to secure such significant debt relief, OkonjoIweala attributed her success to thorough preparation and the importance of research. In 2006, she also boosted Nigeria’s reputation by securing its first-ever sovereign credit rating of BB minus from Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s and helped create the Debt Management Office. Keen on government transparency, she introduced the practice of publishing the federal, state, and local government shares of revenue from the country’s federal account.

After a brief stint at the World Bank in 2006, Okonjo-Iweala would come back to Nigeria to serve again as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy under Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency. This second tenure was challenging, as she focused on combating financial corruption, which ruffled some feathers. She initiated the implementation of the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMS), the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management System (IPPMS), and the Treasury Single Account (TSA). The IPPMS was particularly effective in addressing the issue of phantom workers in the government.

Her financial management reforms drew ire from primarily oil marketers who were allegedly siphoning money from oil accounts.

“We tried to clean that out and that’s when I got into trouble because if you are fighting corruption or corrupt people, they are not just going to stand still,” she told Ferranti.

Okonjo-Iweala’s mother, 83 at the time, was kidnapped and held for five days.

Acknowledging the role President Jonathan played in securing her mother’s release, she admitted that it was a challenging period for her that made her question if her work was worth someone’s life.

“I felt very guilty at the time but I’m happy that it ended well. My mother is still

During her tenure as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, she initiated the Growing Women and Girls programme. Her commitment to these causes is evident in her engagements, such as co-hosting the Women in Leadership event with the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, during her visit to Nigeria last May, and her efforts at the WTO where she champions gender inclusion. She disclosed to Ferranti that she insisted on having an equal number of deputy director generals upon joining the WTO, and has recruited a gender and diversity advisor for the organisation. She is currently focused on initiatives to empower women in trade.

alive today and she just turned 94 last month (March). She doesn’t like talking about it (the abduction). If you mention it, she starts shaking because the experience was horrific.”

In 2021, Okonjo-Iweala made history as the first woman and African to become the Director-General of WTO. Her appointment was widely celebrated, drawing attention to her unique style.

Despite the corporate environment where suits are customary, Okonjo-Iweala maintained her preference for Ankara outfits, often accessorised with her signature gele and beaded necklace.

“As I started getting up in leadership, one thing I noticed was as a woman leader making your way, people look at your appearance so much,” she once said in an interview. “They don’t look at men as much, they can easily appear in their suit and tie or agbada and so on. They don’t comment on their attire, but a woman is put up for scrutiny.”

By opting for African wear over a formal business look, Okonjo-Iweala embraces her Nigerian heritage, but more importantly, it helps to “stop people from wondering what I am going to look like.”

Her choice carries symbolic weight, evident in the global #BeLikeNgoziChallenge on social media, where people, including young girls, women and even men, participated. Her consistent fashion statement challenges stereotypes about beauty, professionalism and sophistication, asserting that these qualities can be embodied just as effectively through African attire, hairstyles and accessories.

Beyond the halls of financial institutions, Okonjo-Iweala has played significant roles in global health. From efforts to combating HIV/AIDS to chairing the board of the Global Alliance for Vaccinations and Immunization (Gavi) where through the COVAX facility, she campaigned for equitable and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

As a prominent female leader in both the public and private sectors, Okonjo-Iweala has been a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment and gender equality. She has consistently called for increased representation of women in leadership roles and advocated for greater investment in education and economic opportunities for women and girls.

“We are working very hard on how to break down the supply side of barriers in trade, particularly in digital trade and digitally delivered services trade such as streaming, entertainment, accountancy services and education online as well as just selling online. It’s the fastest growing segment of trade so how do we encourage it.”

She further revealed that the WTO is raising a $50 million fund to support women in digital trade and “it’s been kicked off by the UAE with a $5 million contribution.”

With her numerous awards and recognitions, Okonjo-Iweala is the ideal female leader for every young girl, yet her childhood was marked by challenges. During the Nigerian Civil War, when her father served as a brigadier in the Biafran army, it was OkonjoIweala who helped her mother, Kamene, to cook for the troops.

“Basically, we ran from place to place and my parents lost everything, everything they owned—all their household belongings, all their savings,” she told F&D in an interview. “I spent some time in Port Harcourt with my mother, and we would cook for the armed forces. We spent all day doing that. That was our way of contributing. We had no meat for three years. We couldn’t go to school until the last year of the war when my mother set up a little school.”

Another harrowing experience in OkonjoIweala’s life during that period was when she walked 10 kilometres to a clinic to save her sister who was suffering from malaria. Despite encountering a large crowd seeking medical assistance, the determined Okonjo-Iweala crawled through their legs with her sister on her back and climbed through a window to reach the doctor. “I knew if she didn’t get help she’d die,” she recalled. Fortunately, her sister received the necessary medical attention and recovered.

Widely celebrated by many, Okonjo-Iweala’s greatest support comes from her family. She is married to a neurosurgeon from Abia State, Ikemba Iweala, and is blessed with four children and grandchildren.

Although she is recognised as a trailblazer in various fields, Okonjo-Iweala’s ultimate aspiration is for the day when gender milestones like “first woman” become irrelevant. “I just want that to go away,” she expressed. “I don’t derive tremendous pleasure from being the first woman to do this because I don’t think it should be that way. My dream is to see many more women up there.”

Ngozi and husband, Dr. Iweala

Okonjo-Iweala with U.S. president, Joe Biden

Okonjo-Iweala receives national honours from former president, Muhammadu Buhari.

with KAYoDe ALFreD 08116759807, E-mail:

lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and

DIG Taiwo Lakanu: Right Peg in Right Hole

Great things come to those who work. This is apparent from President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of several new appointments, including that of DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd.) as a member of the Police Service Commission (PSC). These appointments, although awaiting confirmation by the Senate, show that the president knows the value of Lakanu and how necessary it is to enhance the overall functioning and integrity of the Nigeria Police.

Lakanu’s appointment to the PSC serves as evidence of the validity of his extensive experience, exemplary service, and unwavering commitment to law enforcement. Lakanu’s career is distinguished by a series of highimpact roles and accomplishments, and these variables position him as an ideal choice for PSC, a crucial oversight body.

Lakanu’s journey in the Nigeria Police Force began in 1986 as a cadet assistant superintendent of Police (ASP). His early years were marked by a dedication to restoring the Police’s reputation and effectiveness. Therefore, he served across various departments, including investigations, operations, and administration, where his performance was consistently exceptional.

One of Lakanu’s notable contributions was his role in the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the 1980s. He was instrumental in the capture of the notorious armed robber Shina Rambo, which significantly curbed violent crime in the region. In Imo State, he helped neutralise the notorious kidnapper “Vampire.” In Ibadan, he was Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Operations, where he led night patrols to combat high-profile crimes, including violent robberies.

Throughout his career, Lakanu held several key positions, including Commissioner of Police in Imo and Ekiti States, Commissioner of Police at the Lagos Airport Command, and AIG in charge of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja.

When Herbert Wigwe passed, it became clear that Access Holdings Plc had lost more than a capable CEO. It had also lost the light of vision, direction, and progress. But here comes Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, showing himself as the late Wigwe’s peer, every bit as bright. Currently, Aig-Imoukhuede is propelling Access Holdings to new heights with the recent expansion into Tanzania.

Under Aig-Imoukhuede’s visionary leadership, Access Holdings has acquired African Banking Corporation of Tanzania (ABCT) Limited as one part of its many-layered plan to solidify its presence in the East African financial landscape. Once completed, the plan will help position Access Bank Tanzania as a leading player over there, reinforcing Access Holdings as Africa’s most respected bank.

Aig-Imoukhuede’s illustrious career began in the late 1980s, with significant contributions to various

Takes Magic to Tanzania

financial institutions. In fact, it was his leadership in the 2002 acquisition of Access Bank that transformed it from a regional player into a dominant force in Africa’s banking sector. Clearly, his return to the helm of Access Holdings has reinvigorated the group’s diversified structure.

Access Holdings now boasts a presence in 12 African nations and has ventured into European markets, operating as a holding company for a diverse range of financial entities, including banking, asset management, payments, pensions, and insurance. This follows the bank’s impressive financial performance in 2023, which has only improved in 2024. It is estimated that Access Holdings recorded more than a 120 per cent yearon-year increase in profit, reaching over N150 billion.

By all indications, this is just the beginning. Given enough time, AigImoukhuede may just lead Access Holdings to take over Africa, and then move the magic to the rest of the world.

Otedola’s Geregu Power Set for Transformative Expansion

Femi Otedola’s Geregu Power Plc is on the brink of a groundbreaking expansion that promises to reshape Nigeria’s power landscape. With the company positioned to acquire one of five power plants recently sold by the Nigerian government, it is set to increase its generation capacity substantially as part of a broader $1.15 billion initiative to boost the national grid.

Since it started in 2006, Geregu Power has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s electricity supply. But under Otedola’s leadership, this contribution has grown in leaps and bounds.

The genius investor’s consortium, with State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company, acquired Geregu Power in 2013, which led to a $94 million overhaul that

boosted capacity to 435MW.

Recently, Otedola partnered with Siemens Energy to triple Geregu’s capacity to 1,200MW. According to reports, the plan is to upgrade the current plant, add combined cycle operations for an extra 200MW, and construct new, loweremission facilities to contribute another 500MW. Essentially, these expansions can fix Nigeria’s chronic power shortages and even bring strong and tangible economic benefits.

Indeed, Otedola’s knack for identifying and seizing growth opportunities is obvious from this latest venture. This is especially so since experts think that with it, Nigeria can get an enhanced electricity supply, which can drive industrial growth, increase productivity, and improve the quality of life for millions.

Wale Tinubu: The Man Behind Oando’s Financial Triumphs and Strategic Expansions

Wale Tinubu, the dynamic Group boss of Oando Plc, has once again demonstrated his unmatched business acumen by steering Oando Trading to secure a pivotal role in Project Gazelle. This project is Nigeria’s largest syndicated loan in recent history, following Oando’s contribution of $550 million to a $925 million financing tranche. With this, like his uncle, President Bola Tinubu, the Oando boss is doing things too big to ignore.

Project Gazelle is a testament to Tinubu’s ability to harness and mobilise substantial capital. By spearheading Oando’s involvement, he has not only reinforced the company’s standing in the global energy market but also highlighted its vital role in bolstering Nigeria’s economic growth. With Project Gazelle, which is coordinated by Afreximbank, Tinubu is effectively boosting Oando’s capacity to attract and manage largescale investments. Now, the company can

take its seat as a top linchpin in Africa’s energy sector.

Under Tinubu’s stewardship, Oando reported a profit surge to N74.7 billion in 2023, alongside a 71% increase in revenue to N3.4 trillion. Tinubu’s journey from a corporate lawyer to a leading figure in the energy sector is nothing short of remarkable. His early career at his family’s law firm, specialising in corporate and petroleum law, laid the foundation for his future endeavours. It was in 1994 that he co-founded Ocean & Oil Limited and started to set the stage for what would become one of Africa’s foremost energy companies.

So, whatever the metrics for evaluating him, financial or otherwise, Tinubu’s initiatives have consistently driven Oando forward. Project Gazelle is just the latest in a series of bold moves that demonstrate his visionary approach. With such strategic

Nilfa Gambo Becomes Youngest Judge in Nigeria

Historically, numerous examples have demonstrated the potential of young people in Nigeria. However, the recent appointment of Nilfa Gambo as the youngest High Court Judge in Nigeria is the best indication of this potential and the capabilities usually only displayed during hard times.

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State kickstarted a trend by appointing Gambo as the state’s High Court Judge, going so far as officiating the swearing-in ceremony. Namadi made it clear that he is aware of what this portends and how much of a validation it is for Nigerians everywhere, especially the young ones.

Gambo’s appointment at the age of 34

is not just an individual achievement but a symbol of meritocracy and excellence in the Nigerian judiciary. Governor Namadi emphasised this fact, explaining that the selection process was based entirely on merit and ensured that the best candidates were chosen. So, no favouritism or bias was involved.

This makes it all the more apparent that Gambo is among the first and most brilliant of her generation. Her journey to this prestigious position is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and exceptional talent, which can be seen in her academic records.

After graduating from Bayero

University Kano, Gambo was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2013. She boosted her qualifications with an LLM from SOAS, University of London, specialising in International Economic Law with a focus on Africa. Moreover, as she is also a certified mediator and international arbitrator, Gambo’s expertise extends beyond traditional legal practice. All these show her diverse skill set and professional experience.

This groundbreaking appointment is not just a personal triumph for Gambo but also a source of pride for her family, aspiring lawyers, and young girls. After all, she is a mother raising four boys. Yet, her resilience and determination, not to mention her supportive husband, have brought her thus far.

Aig-Imoukhuede

Lakanu

otedola

Tinubu

foresight, financial acumen, and a relentless drive for excellence, who can stop Oando from reaching the top? Gambo

There are good women and there are great women. Bisi Fayemi, who recently celebrated her 61st birthday, is one of the latter. For all her contributions to gender equality and social justice, the former First Lady of Ekiti state, remains a leading feminist activist, policy

Bisi Fayemi: Gender Specialist and Philanthropist at 61

advocate, and social change philanthropy practitioner.Fayemi’s journey is marked by her relentless pursuit of education and advocacy. With a BA and MA in History from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and an MA in Gender and Society from Middlesex University, UK, her academic prowess laid the foundation for a career dedicated to empowering women and girls.

Her professional career started with a notable tenure as the Director of Akina Mama wa Afrika, where she established the African Women’s Leadership Institute. She co-founded the African Women’s Development Fund, a pioneering grant-making foundation for women’s organisations in Africa, and served as its frst CEO from 2001 to 2010. Through these roles, Fayemi signifcantly infuenced the direction of feminist movements and philanthropic endeavours across the African continent.

Then, as the First Lady of Ekiti State, she used her platform to champion numerous legal and policy reforms. Her advocacy led to the enactment of groundbreaking laws such as the Gender-Based Violence Prohibition Law, the Equal Opportunities Bill, and the HIV Anti-Stigma Bill, providing protection for women and girls, and ensuring that their rights remain upheld and their voices heard even now.

Fayemi’s influence has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. In 2021, she was named one of the 100 most influential leaders in civil society in Nigeria. The following year, she received the Outstanding Woman Leader award from the United Nations Development Program Nigeria, UN Women Nigeria, the European Union delegation to Nigeria, and the British High Commission. There is also her Lifetime Achievement Award from the African Philanthropy Network in 2022.

Ashimolowo’s N6bn-valued Makarios Launched Spectacularly in Lagos

The biggest spectacles come from the most unexpected places. The recent unveiling of the Makarios Aquatic Park in Lagos marks such a spectacle, especially with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and distinguished guests marvelling at the park’s grandeur. Developed by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, this N6 billion marvel stands as sub-Saharan Africa’s first multi-sensory aquatic park. It is also a testament to Ashimolowo’s visionary leadership and entrepreneurial prowess.

From his humble beginnings as a clergyman to his current stature as a revered pastor and astute businessman, Ashimolowo’s journey is one of resilience and innovation. As the founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) and Chairman of Makarios Luxury Properties Limited, he has clearly transcended conventional boundaries and is now reshaping Nigeria’s leisure landscape with his audacious vision.

As news of the Makarios Aquatic Park spreads, it’s inevitable that some eyebrows will

As years go by, some things change. However, others stay the same. In some ways, the longstanding relationship between Dr. Mike Adenuga and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has changed, evolving from a personal friendship into something

be raised at the notion of a pastor spearheading such a grand venture. Yet, amidst the scepticism, one cannot help but marvel at the audacity and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by Pastor Ashimolowo.

The Makarios Aquatic Park, with its captivating blend of water, sound, and light, offers an unparalleled entertainment experience to any guest, newcomer to luxury or old hand. Its symphony of water displays which are responsive to musical rhythms and illuminated by laser lights, simply mesmerises. Both lights and sounds clearly offer something more than mere leisure, going as far as evoking a sense of wonder and awe.

But beyond its entertainment value, the park symbolises Ashimolowo’s unwavering commitment to societal progress. Certainly, it can catalyse economic growth and social development since Ashimolowo has always been vocal about sustainable urban living. Therefore, as the park opens its doors to the public, it heralds a new era of possibilities, where

dreams are transformed into reality, and imagination knows no bounds.

Glad Tidings for Bukola Saraki

Lagos was abuzz with excitement and celebration recently as Lady Ada Chukwudozie, who is fondly called ‘Lady Ada’ marked her 52nd birthday. This iconic entrepreneur, Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) for Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi states, and member of the Presidential Tripartite Committee on New Minimum Wage implementation was honoured with a lavish surprise party at the prestigious DANI Restaurant, The Delborough Lagos.

Lady Ada arrived in her signature elegance, donning a golden ensemble that turned heads and set the tone for an evening of opulence. Among the distinguished guests was His Imperial Majesty, Dr. Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife. The revered traditional ruler praised Lady Ada’s remarkable contributions to the private sector and her roles as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur, emphasising that celebrating her once a year was insufficient given her immense impact.

How Adenuga Has Been Supporting Awujale’s Ojude

Oba for Many Years

underlying cultural and economic support. But, given that Adenuga, the visionary behind Globacom, has consistently been a key benefactor of the Ojude Oba festival, a significant cultural event celebrated in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, the friendship between these two great men is still very strong.

It’s that time of the year for the Ojude Oba celebration. As usual, Adenuga’s Globacom has gotten involved, playing the role of sponsor and biggest backer. With this support, Adenuga reinforces how much he values his relationship with the people of Ijebu-Ode, especially its monarch, Dr. Adetona.

Moreover, according to reports, Globacom’s unwavering sponsorship of Ojude Oba is part of its broader commitment to promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The telecom giant’s support is believed to be driven by a desire to uplift and celebrate the traditions of the Nigerian people. And while this is a normal

thing for big businesses to do, it has to be mentioned that Globacom has been the principal sponsor of Ojude Oba for 18 consecutive years.

The bond between Adenuga and Oba Adetona goes beyond corporate sponsorship. Their relationship is rooted in mutual respect and loyalty. Social commentators like to mention how Oba Adetona once stood up for Adenuga during a challenging period but this is only the tip of the iceberg regarding how close the monarch is to Adenuga.

No wonder Adenuga has found a way to simultaneously honour this friendship with Oba Adetona, while also reinforcing his commitment to cultural preservation and community development. Taken from this perspective, it is not so shocking that Adenuga has helped to sponsor the Ojude Oba celebrations for so many years.

Encomium as Pillars of High Society Celebrates Lady Ada

Other prominent figures, including Governors Charles Soludo of Anambra State and Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, sent their heartfelt congratulations. Even Peter Obi praised Lady Ada’s pivotal role in shaping the national economy through her leadership at MAN, while Bola Shagaya, Africa’s third richest woman, lent her halo to the event by being present.

Other super guests were business moguls like Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, and Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines. All of these were treated to a night of exquisite dining and entertainment, reflecting Lady Ada’s penchant for excellence and her remarkable journey to becoming a leading figure in Nigeria’s manufacturing industry.

As Lady Ada blew out the candles on her cake, the sentiment in the room was clear: this is a trailblazer whose contributions have transcended mere profit making. Indeed, she has inspired Nigerians everywhere, male or female, to strive for greatness.

Change is the only constant thing in life. This saying has gained a new source of validation with the Supreme Court of Nigeria overturning a 2018 decision concerning an alleged N3.5 billion fraud case involving Melrose General Services Limited, with ties to Dr. Bukola Saraki, former President of the 8th Senate. With this ruling, Saraki is vindicated, which is a big deal because he has always maintained that the case was politically motivated and orchestrated to derail his political career and tarnish his reputation. Saraki’s journey in Nigerian politics has been one of highs and lows. From his tenure as Governor of Kwara State to his pivotal role as Senate President, he has floated across different waters of turbulence, facing both triumphs and tribulations along the way. Despite encountering formidable challenges, Saraki remains steadfast in losing nothing to his political adversaries.

The recent Supreme Court ruling therefore represents a turning point for Saraki and provides him with a newfound sense of relief and vindication. After all, throughout his career, he has faced allegations of many kinds, including corruption, which he vehemently denies, attributing them to political witch-hunts and vendettas.

Of note among these is his implication in the Paradise Papers scandal, where offshore holdings allegedly controlled by Saraki were not disclosed in his official asset declarations. Additionally, Saraki faced scrutiny regarding the alleged laundering of N3.5 billion from the Paris Club Loan Refund and his purported involvement in the Offa robbery investigation, though he was cleared of charges related to both incidents. There are also allegations of illegal forfeiture of properties and mismanagement of public assets.

But things really have taken a turn for the better for the Kwara man. Looking ahead, his recent victory in the Supreme Court can be expected to bolster his political standing and invigorate his supporters, which signals a new chapter in his storied political career.

Fayemi

Saraki

Ashimolowo

Chukwudozie

Adenuga

Mr. preSIDeNT, IT’S TIMe To reSHUffle YoUr CAbINeT

Sir, let me beg you for the umpteenth time, to kindly reshuffle this cabinet now. Do it now. It is very very clear that it is not working. Apart from its size which makes it unwieldy and inefficient, some of the Ministers are just coasting along and looking like “dummies.”

They appear detached and carry themselves as if they are in some reality TV show. From that one who will be jumping from one school to the other anytime a child is slapped or interfering in wedding ceremonies and threatening to sue the United Nations, to the Trade and Investment Minister who is as inactive as they come. Big multinational firms are shutting down and we are not seeing any attempt by her or her ministry to stem the tide or even push for a replacement. Sports is virtually dead, your political son in the Solid Minerals ministry is like a fish out of water. Wike is running around like a mini–North Korean dictator and your defence minister is busy wearing starched agbada avoiding stains on the white apparel. Your Foreign Affairs Minister is as quiet as a door mouse. In fact, we

president b ola Tinubu: All fall Down

I was on my way to see the new DG of the National Theatre, Tola Akerele, when my phone started misbehaving. I rushed straight to Saka Tinubu in Victoria Island where all sorts of magic can be wrought on a phone by our youths. They said it was the screen and that I had to change it. I was momentarily relieved until I heard the price. N600,000. I screamed. That is the price of a good piece of land in Ukanafun. They said dollars. I started cursing President Tinubu in my mind blaming his wonky economic policies for what was befalling Nigerians where very little things have turned into very major things. With N600,000 during Obasanjo’s administration, you could build Dangote refinery o, but now it’s to be used to repair phone screens. Anyway, I was offline as the phone had to be shut down, disembowelled and refitted. By the time I came back online, it was daddy stumbling, falling and possibly knocking his head on the metal rail of the parade jeep. Oh my God!!! I screamed and the youths that

see Abike Dabiri more than we see him. Edun is trying, at least he is out there pushing and fighting. We may not be seeing the results just yet but he is fighting. The rest are just like drunken sailors in an orgy. Just cavorting, enjoying the perks and not even aware of the fire out there. Please Mr. President when you heal from the fall, kindly look at this your cabinet again to infuse fresh young blood with the capacity and the effrontery to jump into the fray and fight for Nigeria. People with clean credentials, not politically affiliated and with a track of doing well in their chosen fields.

Permit me to crave your kind indulgence to name some names – Bimbo Ashiru readily comes to mind. He has done wonders with the giant Odu’a conglomerate, he understands policy having worked very closely in the public service and comes with a huge private sector experience with international clout. Others include my brother Jalo Waziri who is presently at the CSCS. His international reach is crazy. A capital market veteran with wide respect internationally and no known political affiliations that will drive him back. Pull in the Adeshina guy, he should calm down and stop

were around screamed in laughter and joy. They turned it into a pantomime. Now I did not find the whole incident funny nor the reaction of the youths who had formed themselves into clusters of yabis, laughter and derogatory comments. What I quickly noticed was the “unity” in this disgraceful act. The whole of Nigeria was represented in this cacophony of stupidity. Every tribe was united in laughing at our president. Even though the president made light of it all, claiming to have “dobale” for democracy, this is not something that should be taken lightly. One presidential aide had come out to say that it was a slip or something like that. Mr. President is no spring chicken, he is not young and he is frail. Call it whatever you want to call it, Oga does not look fit and is certainly not Mr. Macho. Not that we expect that from him or anybody of that age and this is why every step must be taken to ensure

all that “abutata” running around. He should come and take a serious senior cabinet role and once again put his money where his mouth is. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Umaru Kawiranga, Abike Dabiri, Valentine Ozigbo, Bayo Ogunlesi, Prof. Ahmed Yerima, Hadiza Bala Usman and even Nasir El Rufai and so many more.

Eighty per cent of your present cabinet have passed their sell-by date. Nobody will tell you. I have told you and let them come and beat me, I’m ready. Kai.

ASUe IgHoDAlo, KINDlY IgNore SIr

If you take a leisurely ride through Benin City, the Edo State capital, you will notice that almost all the billboards and posters of Asue Ighodalo, the PDP gubernatorial candidate and firm frontrunner, have been totally obliterated. While this is not new in Nigerian politics, especially in the run-up to a very sensitive election like this, it still leaves a very bitter taste. As I surveyed the pictures, I noticed something very sinister and almost comedic at the same time. In some of the posters, they pricked his eyes, others tore his mouth and yet

his safety at all times. For me, the president has not only surrounded himself with incompetence at cabinet level, he has also surrounded himself with incompetence around his health and safety. Who is his immediate security? Who are those who make up his medical team? Who is in charge of his mental health, and his psychological health? If you ask me, a complete overhaul of his security, health and safety circle should immediately be initiated. Apart from the embarrassment of our president falling all over the place like a punch-drunk boxer, his personal safety is very paramount. What if he got severely injured; what if he lost a set of teeth, what if he had a concussion, what if...? Abeg, it is not a laughing matter; heads should roll starting from his ADC to his doctors and all.

As I entered my car, the next thing that came to my head was ‘What if we had a female commander-in-chief in a skirt and that fall happened?’ Oh my God, make una leave me o.

others gave him tribal marks as if to confuse the electorate that he is an Ogbomoso man.

One would have thought that with the calibre of candidates on show, the campaigns would be a little bit more civilised. Which one is all this defacement and banal behaviour?

Asue doesn’t seem perturbed by all these as I have learnt that he remains very focused and calm, refusing to engage or shout on this very disturbing issue. From what I have learnt, he is heads over shoulders in front of the race as he remains quite popular amongst strategic and influential demographics. His message is resonating quite well and entrenching itself in the minds of registered voters.

With what I can see so far o, I just may be calling the election in his favour. This might be far-fetched considering that the elections are still a little bit way off, but if he sustains this momentum, then I will just say that it will be an Ighodalo victory.

The only other issue here is that Oga should put password on his phone o. The other day his phone called me on video and I picked up, thinking that he wanted to greet me, only for me to see that it was a pocket call. What if Oga was bathing? God

Tinubu

Ighodalo okupe

Soludo Momodu

forbid. Kai, I craze sha.

DoYIN okUpe’S FrUITleSS SeArcH For relevANce

Unemployment, especially at middle age can be very terrible. The prayer is for one to have invested well and prepare for old age so that one will not be forced to be doing like Doyin Okupe in old age. How can someone be a very prominent member of a particular camp during elections just one year ago and is now saying and doing the kind of things he is saying and doing?

Dr. Okupe is now a very key member of the political circle with no principles, no boundaries and shamelessly patronising. This has been part of Nigerian politics where you see politicians changing camps, switching positions and lying very squarely all to achieve very selfish and prebendal goals.

In fact, Baba George who has lost his passport and as such can no longer go on “exile” at a Tinubu victory is the lie president but with the way Doyin is going, he will soon overthrow that one, I swear.

As I watched this Baba on television, I could only laugh at the caricature that he was making of himself. Yes, one can change his mind about a position based on a robust research or review of earlier positions but we know very well that this is very far from the case in this baba’s case. The man is just a joke who if not careful would end up in the bottomless pit of political deadwoods.

Please, Dr. Okupe, I used to like you before o. Remember when Albert Okumagba sent me to your house in Ilupeju and we spoke extensively about the nation, you made a lot of sense at that time. Now I don’t know what exactly is making you say and do these things. They are quite embarrassing, can you just kindly just shhhhhhhhhh!!!!! Make we hear word abeg. Thank you.

cHArleS SolUDo: A worTHY MoUTH

The only thing I used to like about this gentleman was his baritone and native voice, that is all. Since he became Governor of one of my favourite states, it has been a very lukewarm journey. So as a result, I do not even used to reckon with him or even read his speeches and comments.

But recently in a speech at the very annoying Platform series – they can do this Platform too much abeg and will be disturbing our music on radio with per second adverts. Nothing ever comes out of that their talk shop. People will just come and blab and that’s all and in the next three months, the pastor will come again with another set of all talk and no do people.

However, this one was different as His Excellency Soludo made a very strong point. He has been reported to have said that public officials should earn a minimum wage so that they can feel it. Wow, brilliant idea. He even went further to inform us that he has not earned anything as governor, donating his wages to charity. Mbok, if this suggestion sees the light of day, we would have solved NLC problem even though corruption will quadruple because holes will need

to be blocked na.

But the mere thought of it and the courage to say it even though Oga knows that the idea will not see the light of day still puts him in my hero’s closet. Well done my lord, oya do the memo and personally take it to see Akpabio and let’s see if you will not come out with a torn shirt. Kai, my brother, Nigeria na Netflix series.

IBrAHIM lAMUwA: A FUNNY kIND

oF gAMe

Ambassador, for all his efforts, has earned himself suspension while a probe has been instituted against him. For those of you who don’t follow the news, Oga is the perm sec at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who was accused of sexual harassment by his junior married colleague. The story is funny sef.

The lady is reported to have said that he tried to touch her waist amongst others and was invited into a room and all that. We have also heard that she is not alone as others have been host to such amorous attention from Oga. Oga in his defence has said that the lady was trying to do him in because he refused to let her in on some official documents that were above her pay grade. Now before we jump to the usual – no smoke without fire, let me state at this juncture that yes in some cases that I have seen, there has been smoke without fire.

Sexual harassment is a very terrible and emotionally traumatic event. It must be condemned very aggressively and where it has been established beyond every reasonable doubt, it must

ADAoBI NwAkUcHe: A NIgHTINgAle IN INSUrANce

Dr Nwakuche is the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Veritas Karitas Insurance Company, a quoted company at the NGX and she has made history. In one year, she moved profit from N193m to N2.3bn, a 1101% move, making it an industry benchmark. Investment results went up by 163% from N1.46bn in 2022 to N3.84bn in 2023. Total assets increased from N17.10bn in 2022 to N24.6bn in 2023. Working very closely with a visionary Board and responsive management team, Dr Ada who recently moved from the influential Heirs Insurance has been able to really force herself

into an enviable reckoning in the industry and as such must be sent some very powerful accolades.

From her NYSC where she “mistakenly” joined Standard Alliance Insurance, she has continued to build a very passionate and professionally driven career trajectory earning the admiration and respect of not a few. Today as it stands, she is the beautiful bride at the NGX where her share price is rising in such a way that continues to confound market watchers.

This is just to say well done my sister and keep it up. We can’t all just give up na abi. Well done.

be stamped on and dealt with decisively. I believe the man is innocent as I write; what he has faced are allegations and the probe is ongoing so we should just hold fire. What irks me most times is how we jump on the side of the accuser once an allegation has been made especially in cases like this. Nobody listens to the man again, he is pilloried and verbally assaulted, reputation in tartars and is subjected to emotional and in some cases physical abuse. We have heard stories where the man is later vindicated but his life is ruined. My plea is for patience to allow due process. I am not saying he did or did not do but if I am to talk, then me sef can accuse so many women of sexual harassment. But that is not the point here, let the investigations come through before we bury the Oga. Thank you.

Dele MoMoDU UNSUNg cIcero

By now some of you will know that I now run a podcast where I interview very interesting personalities. Chief Dele Momodu was my guest the other day and we had such a lovely time that I even forgot to eat my afang that day. Kai, Chief can talk o. The stories were flowing and cascading down my skin that I did not want to stop. From his wedding experiences to the last days of Chief MKO Abiola through his days in exile and his relationship with President Tinubu, Mr. Momodu was a delight. I listened intently, allowing him to flow with the spirits and indeed the spirits came down as he went into the mythical forest of D.O Fagunwa quoting very copiously Yoruba mythology in fluent deep and rich Yoruba, then almost going emotional as he spoke about MKO Abiola. He ended with his very famous letter he wrote to people who were begging him for money.

Chief Momodu not only writes so beautifully well but also speaks so superbly. Na my hero o, I dey like am die. I tell you that podcast was one of the richest ever from his engagement in politics, media, leadership, activism and even entertainment, it was the master speaking and cold was catching me. Well done my lord, we dey learn where you dey. Kai.

BerNADeTTe eTIM’S coNjUgAl BleSSINgS

Happy and blissful wedding ceremonies and much more importantly, a God-blessed marriage to my little Queen, Bernadette Etim. Ben is my little niece whose mother Rosemary Etim remains a banking icon. From the then Nal Merchant Bank where they sacked me and where she made a tremendous impact to First Bank, and then Union Bank where she retired from with golden epaulettes and now in her new role as mother of the bride, she continues to move very elegantly and assuredly. I wish the young couple all that they wish for themselves and more and to assure them that even though I missed their traditional ceremonies – e get person wey I dey owe wey go dey there - I am with them spiritually. Congrats.

Delightful Times for Construction Wizard, Hakeem Alobo-Bakare

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate,” says Oprah Winfrey.

Construction giant, Hakeem Alobo-Bakare, loves to celebrate his birthday, not because he loves throwing money around. But for him, his birthday is a reminder of what his Creator has done for him, especially in this part of the world where death is so cheap.

So, blame him less if the Lagos State-born business magnate climbs the mountaintop to shout praise to Almighty God. Do not fault him, if he invites the greatest griot to render his panegyrics or if he engages the most creative town crier to trumpet his triumph when he celebrates his 66th birthday on Tuesday, June 11.

Also, do not blame him if he adorns his Sunday best and dances like the Biblical King David on this occasion. For him, His God is worthy of all the praises.

That Alobo-Bakare remains a delight to construction industry watchers is no longer in doubt. The tall and lanky man’s continued staying power should provoke some careful study by aspiring entrepreneurs or even established ones, especially in Nigeria’s inclement business environment.

If there is anything you could say with certainty about him, it is the fact that he has his eyes fixed on the future. The businessman has continued to sail untroubled in the entrepreneurial ocean, navigating numerous business boats with the grace and nous of a veteran captain.

No doubt, Alobo-Bakare has succeeded in engraving his name in Nigeria’s construction sector with his business wizardry.

Senator Adeola Solomon Sets for Battle of His Political Career

Those who know Senator Adeola Solomon will agree that the man, fondly called Yayi, is an intelligent man who possesses all the qualities of a good politician. He understands politics very well like the back of his hands and has not achieved anything without adequate preparation.

A deep pocket, Adeola is an incurable dreamer. And luckily, most of his dreams have come true, as evidenced by his current position. Aside from his huge financial war chest and mammoth followership, he is also known for his strategy.

However, if you ask the lawmaker about his most cherished ambition, he would tell you; the number one job of Ogun State. This is no more news to many familiar with the political situation of the South-west region of Nigeria.

Many would recall that he tested the waters in 2019 but failed to realise this after his collision with the then-governor of the state, Ibikunle Amosun, who never hid his abhorrence for him.

Initially, he remained unfazed. But when reality dawned on him, the Yewa-born member of the National Assembly chickened out from the race; and he hurriedly ran back to Lagos to retain his seat as Senator representing Lagos West as the odds against him grew. Thank God

Having decided to assert herself through dedication to humanity and passionately adding immeasurable values to society through her skills and knowledge, Dr. Nkechi Ifediora has distinguished herself in the health sector so

he followed the saying of the wise that says only a fool tests the depth of water with both feet. He was able to fight and run away to come back another day.

As part of his stratagem, in 2023, Society Watch gathered from reliable sources close to the senator, that he relocated and contested representing his ancestral district of Ogun West Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Party, APC.

This was never easy at the beginning, it was tough. But for someone like Yayi, he has envisaged this: he beat and pummelled his opponents. That signified the beginning of a new chapter of his political trajectory. But the battle is not yet over for Adeola even as he aspires to take over the number one seat in 2027.

A source revealed that he is about to face the battle of his political career as he has so many Herculean tasks to surmount. Another source hinted there is a planned gang up against his goal, even from those that he has trusted and worked with in the past. However, betrayal and treachery are not strange to the lawmaker considered as one of the most experienced politicians since Nigeria returned to democracy 25 years ago. As a source disclosed, he is likely ready to face the battle.

Nkechi Ifediora Receives Accolades for Sparkle

much that she’s risen to become an executive director in the health sector, as well as a reputable life coach with a proven pedigree around the world. Her spirited effort in the health sector has also, at various times, fetched her recognition in different parts of the world.

The UK-based author is, however, not resting on her laurels as she’s just completed a project through which she intends to impact lives in a positive direction. The project is a book titled ‘Sparkle: The ABC of Smarter Living.’

Ifediora in her book introduced a transformative concept known as ABC, which means Accept and Assess, Boundaries and Values, Community, and Decision-making. Her ideas cut to the chase to share holistic strategies and insights that have the potential to change women’s lives. Ifediora, who qualified as a medical doctor in the 1990s and has several postgraduate degrees, explains how women can unlock their full potential and truly sparkle. She also dropped tips to

For the Iluyomades, It’s Not the Best of Time

Pastor Idowu Iluyomade and his wife, Mrs. Siju Iluyomade, of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish in Victoria Island, are among the most popular pastors in RCCG in Nigeria.

The couple did not hit the limelight because they were the best preachers in the country or performed a never-seen-before miracle, rather they got the attention of the newshounds largely owing to their expensive and extravagant lifestyles.

The couple ranks among the country’s wealthiest pastors. Siju, a trained lawyer, is renowned for her elegant fashion sense and affinity for gold-laced jewellery adorned with expensive diamonds. Her husband, also a corporate lawyer, is celebrated for his impeccable style and fashion savvy.

Indeed, they love everything money can buy. Apparently, Matthew 6: 19-21 which states “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for

yourself treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” does not apply to them. Their lavish lifestyle is also reflected in the City of David, otherwise known as COD. It is not a place for the hoi polloi or the underprivileged, but for the high networth, nouveau riche and upwardly mobile.

However, things no longer look rosy for the couple ever since they stirred the hornet’s nest last February. Siju had gone ahead with her 60th birthday celebrations at Eko Hotels and Suites, shortly after the death of banking top shop Herbertrk Wigwe. Since then, the celebrated couple have been in the eyes of the storm.

The event which was a gathering of who-iswho in the nation’s high society, however, became adversity to the couple. Critics bashed them with accusations of insensitivity. Many expressed their shock to see prominent members of the RCCG at the birthday soiree.

Being the church where Wigwe worshipped

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver- Barbara De Angelis.

For foremost oil tycoon and Chairman of Platform Petroleum, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, his life epitomises grace and has been a great inspiration to many as well as a blessing to those whose paths have crossed his.

The Rivers State-born billionaire businessman is a true friend and a rare icon, unmatched in astuteness and humanity. He embodies the true spirit of friendship and brotherhood. Within Nigeria’s social and political spheres, his potent influence is undeniable. With an unprecedented track

optimise time and energy, as well as techniques for cultivating and nurturing meaningful connections and tools for enhancing overall well-being.

Ifediora’s new project is already enjoying accolades for her ingenuity, just as the book is savouring mind-blowing reviews, even as the mention of her intellectual work in New York’s Times Square has heightened its rating and acceptance. In her bid to spread the gospel of her new project, Ifediora recently travelled to New York, where the book was well received on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ifediora is a celebrated and accomplished executive director in the health sector, a dedicated executive coach, and a loving wife and mother. With a background in public health, Ifediora brings a unique perspective to personal development and smart living. Through her work, she empowers individuals to embrace change, prioritise self-care, and live purposefully.

before his death, he was a prominent member who donated millions of naira to the church during his lifetime.

record spanning over three decades, his business interests primarily focus on oil and gas.

On Thursday, June 13, 2024, as the gangling business magnate hits the diamond age, he is expected to be celebrated by his friends who will attest to the fact that his love and kindness towards humanity are never wasted.

Society Watch gathered that some of his close friends and business associates have already concluded plans to celebrate the man, who they describe as a lover of humanity and philanthropic gestures that have raised many from total financial obscurity to relevance.

Solomon

Ifediora

Alobo-Bakare

Iluyomades

Lulu Briggs

ARTS & REVIEW ARTS & REVIEW

A publicAtion

A Visual Storyteller in Universal Language of Creativity…

Now in the uk, Nigerian-born female visual artist anehita aletor resumes her serialised take on the slices of life in her recent paintings. okechukwu Uwaezuoke writes

Not since her post-COVID lockdown solo exhibition, titled Untold Story Series and Joker Series, has Anehita Aletor’s creativity bloomed with such audacious grace and unbridled passion. With another solo show in view next year, the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma graduate has, since her relocation to the UK, been obviously intentional about prioritising her art practice—in the midst of a cacophony of other distractions bordering on the pecuniary—in a bid to take it to the next level.

All in the quest to lift a corner of the veil on the emotions that thrum beneath the leathery faces sillioned with age, this self-proclaimed expressionist storyteller dredges up the very essence of humanity through her brush strokes. This attempt to illuminate the enigmatic recesses of the human mind urges the viewer to look beyond the mortal casings, cloaking the actual animating essence lurking beneath them.

This is why it helps to see her latest artistic series, titled “Ageing Gracefully,” as more than mere visual representation—or even profound psychological studies—that seek to capture those subtle nuances beneath the physically visible. They are rather groping for those profound sentiments that resonate with the very core of human existence. Through a masterful interplay of vibrant acrylic hues, she paints a vivid and poignant ode to the resilient spirit and inner luminosity that radiate from the weathered faces of elderly women—a portrayal of the enduring belief that joy and contentment serve as the truest embodiments of timeless beauty.

These soul-stirring depictions do indeed impel the viewer to introspective odysseys into the unfathomable depths of the human mind and to dredge up the indelible imprints left by his daily encounters in this realm of dense materiality. Hence, valuable are the moments spent in reverent gaze before her transcendent acrylic paintings, which are portals into realities, serving as poignant reminders that authentic beauty springs not from ephemeral exterior appearances but from the enduring strength and resilience that reside within the very essence of all humanity.

In this celebration of the aged, Aletor immortalises the indelible stories etched within the gracefully etched lines of each wrinkle, with every curve and crease whispering tales of a life embraced and cherished. In breathing life into her canvases, she imbues each stroke with a sense of palpable vitality and resonant depth that beckons the soul to celebrate the enduring narratives engraved within her art.

question the status quo are essential pillars of progress. In the end, being a contrarian is not just about scrutinising popular positions but about nurturing discourses vital for the souls of just societies.

In her “Sugar Cane Daddy” and “Nana Cubana” series, a sense of awe encourages viewers to delve deeper into the complexities of identity, culture, and history. Through the paintings, in which the past melds seamlessly with the present, creating a vivid tableau of resilience and transformation, the artist captures

the essence of African culture and heritage woven into the fabric of West Indian and Latin American culture. The elderly figures in these works exude a flamboyant charm, challenging societal norms with their unconventional pairings of cigars and fruits, sweets and insects. These symbolic representations of masculinity and femininity converge in a spotlight of contradictions, blurring the lines between tradition and innovation. With each nuanced detail, she invites the viewer to question conventional perceptions and embrace the rich diversity of human experience.

The vibrancy of colour and character in Aletor’s work is a testament to the enduring spirit of the black race, a narrative of strength and adaptation passed down through generations.

Through the lens of history and culture, she paints a portrait of empowerment and resilience, highlighting the untold stories of African women who paved the way for future generations. An example is the Nana Lisa piece, which embodies the legacy of those who stood tall in the face of adversity, embodying grace and dignity amidst hardship.

Another series, which she titles “The Contrarians,” is a series of portraits that depict alternate realities and opinions. These realities and opinions might indeed be a deviation from the mean or an embodiment of the unpopular. But the artist chooses to see them as prescient heralds of societal metamorphosis. Unlike the iconoclast, she argues, the contrarian is not merely interested in usurping authority; they are often seekers of truth trapped in the labyrinth of perspectives. According to her, their primary goal is to exhaustively review the options as they relate to their well-being and the state of their environment, even if this implies shaking the table with their dissent. They also widen the scope of debates, ensuring that the premise is not trivial but exhaustive, a beacon in the fog of conformity. Put more succinctly, at a time when groupthink is on the rise, those who EdIToR okechukwu uwaezuoke/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

In the “Nana Cubana” series, she pays homage to the Afro-Latin and Afro-Caribbean women who shaped the Americas with their labour and dreams. These women, descendants of enslaved peoples, bear witness to a legacy of struggle and triumph, their voices echoing through time with a resounding call for justice and recognition.

With the “Juneteenth Girl” Collection, she celebrates the global journey of Afro-descendant women, honouring their achievements and aspirations. The collection serves as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of coloured women, who continue to inspire and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable world. Indeed, her art is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the universal language of creativity.

A painting from Aletor's The Contrarians Series

A painting from Aletor's Ageing Gracefully Series

Aletor beside one of her paintings

Obaseki’s Needless War of Attrition on the Palace

Josef Omorotionmwan

We have maintained that when an organisation looses focus and is bereft of ideas on what to do, it resorts to doing everything. That is where the loss of one genuine purpose invariably leads to the pursuit of a dozen pseudo purposes.

That exactly is where Governor Godwin Enogheghase Obaseki is, at this point.

From the very inception of the current administration in Edo State, Obaseki has been at war with himself.

In what is clearly a hide and seek game, Obaseki has done everything to drag the highly revered monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin into the murky waters of Nigerian politics, without success.

The red ink on his inauguration papers had hardly dried when he embarked on what clearly looks like stealing by trick on the issue of the repatriation of the Benin artifacts. We shall attempt to summarize some of the bold missteps of Obaseki in this regard.

In 2021, the then Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced the expected repatriation of stolen Benin artifacts from Germany and the United Kingdom, following successful negotiations between both governments and representatives of the Benin Palace.

In the same year, Oba Ewuare ll proclaimed the dreams and designs of a Benin Royal Museum, opposite the palace by his father, Oba Erediauwa of blessed memory, with Governor Godwin Obaseki in agreement.

In spite of the foregoing, Governor Obaseki secretly registered Legacy Restoration Trust with a non-indigene as Chairman of his Board of Trustees, to amongst others, coordinate the return and supervise the use of the repatriated Benin artifacts at a different location determined and being built by Obaseki as Edo Museum of West Africa Arts (EMOWAA). This is the former site of the Benin Central Hospital now demolished.

Oba Ewuare ll showed his resentment at Obaseki’s attempt to usurp the powers of the Palace in a BBC Report in 2022: “We were never a party to this concept of LRT, or any other privately constituted group formed in Nigeria to negotiate the return of our artifacts. It is baffling to discover that such a group was incorporated in Nigeria without the knowledge or representation of the Royal Court of Benin”.

At this point, Obaseki declared full-scale war by sealing off the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre proposed by the Oba to temporarily warehouse the Benin artifacts before the completion of the Benin Royal Museum. The centre is now a shadow of itself with overgrown bushes and trees.

Obaseki scaled up his war by instructing the Ministry of Lands not to approve any design for the Benin Royal Museum or any other such building at the proposed site of the Benin Royal Museum.

His war with the palace is being waged on multidimensional fronts. For lack of adequate space, we shall attempt to look at the latest of these diabolical designs.

Suddenly, he realises the need to promote his divide and rule system of administration, all in an attempt to whittle down the powers of Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.

Obaseki met with selected Enigie in Edo South in Government House, led by Professor Greg Akenzua, the Enogie of Evbuobanosa and Abudu, to agree on the mode of implementation of the 1979 Edict (Tradi- tional Rulers and Chieftaincy Law).

By the interpretation of Obaseki and Akenzua, the law grants Enigie independence from the Oba of Benin in the seven (7) Local Government Areas of Edo South. The allocation to the Enigie, hitherto tied to the Palace of the Oba, must now be withdrawn from the Oba and paid directly to them by the state government.

By this, Obaseki has taken it upon himself to grant financial autonomy to the Enigie – an action that is both legislative and executive.

Obaseki did not stop there. He proceeded to brainwash the Enigie that they are now under the state government and not the Oba of Benin. Essentially, they can only be disciplined, enthroned and dethroned by the state government. The Enigie have thus been emboldened.

Outraged by the behaviour of the Enigie, Oba Ewuare II reprimanded Professor Greg Akenzua and Edomwonyi Iduoze, the Enigie of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen respectively, for leading government orches-

trated rebellion against the palace. They were suspended. The Enigie dragged the Oba to court for suspending them, arguing that it is only the governor that can suspend them. When the news of this outrage came out, a storm of indignation burst forth. Benin sons and daughters at home and in The Diaspora stood solidly behind their monarch. They were solidly against the idea of the balkanization of the Benin Kingdom for Obaseki’s personal interest.

Obaseki and his co-travellers suddenly realise that they are embarked on the path of self-destruct. In their panic measures, they must quickly embark on telling lies even from the pit of hell. They say Obaseki had no hand on their going to court. Afterall, Obaseki is also a defendant in their suit.

Who the gods want to kill, they first make mad.

Besides, the Bible makes it abundantly clear, “God uses the most foolish things to confound the wise”(1 Corinthians 1:27). Even before firing the first salvo, Obaseki and his co-travellers have become unbelievably naive and incoherent.

Otherwise, why would Obaseki and his co-travelers want a case in which Obaseki is a defendant withdrawn and brought to him for settlement? Let him keep denying. For all we know, the more he denies, the more he gets implicated.

And what gives Obaseki the right to believe that he can sit in judgment, in his rented apartment, in a case involving His Imperial Majesty? What a raw audacity!

Obaseki is not done yet. He is still fighting like a wounded lion, and we hear that there’s no stopping him until the palace of the Oba is totally desecrated. For instance, our source says that he is planning the imminent ban of the Okaighele, an age-long institution created by the great Obas of Benin and a potent instrument of administration in the palace. That may be Obaseki’s very albatross! In this war of attrition against the palace, it is instructive that Obaseki is using what the Oba has to fight the Oba.

It bears repeating that the artifacts in question were the properties of the palace. A bulk of them was carted away from the palace during the Benin invasion of 1897 under the reign of Oba Ovonramwen No’ Gbaisi.

It has taken this long and years of intense negotiations for reason to begin to prevail on the looters to bend backwards to start repatriating some of the artifacts.

In the reckoning of people of goodwill, it makes sense to expect these artifacts to be returned to the palace from where they were removed. That is simply what Oba Ewuare II is saying.

But in the twisted minds of Obaseki and his cohorts, dangerous manoeuvre must be embarked upon to divert the artifacts and expropriating same to themselves.

If this is not stealing by trick, what is it? Take a look again at Section 41(9) of Nigeria’s Criminal Code and see what the law says about reaping where you did not sow!

Again, in Benin Kingdom, Dukedoms are creations of the Oba and the Dukes (Enigie) are appointees of the Oba.

This is one area where His Imperial Majesty, Oba Erediauwa, was most benevolent. He created many Dukedoms and sent his brothers to be his eyes in those Dukedoms.

In the turn of events, these are the same people that Obaseki has brainwashed and put on his frontline in the fight against the Oba. Luckily, the Oba cannot be swayed into doing wrong. Otherwise, he might begin to think twice about doing good. It might begin to appear like pocketing a small snake out of kindness, and one would soon find that there are limits to kindness!

To us, the Benin monarch is untouchable. Like the British monarch, he does no wrong. History is replete with the fact that those who touch him invariably have their fingers burnt. Afterall, he is God’s representative on earth.

Some governors are known to have existed peacefully with their monarchs. Yet, with others, it has been a cat and rat race all through. The reasons for the latter should be a good subject for further investigation.

Meanwhile, we work on a hypothesis which sees the towering image of the monarchs as a potential threat to politicians. The reaction of such governors is, in this light, seen as a defense mechanism.

The monarchs are the hubs around which the generality of the citizenry must revolve. At the slightest opposition, attacking the king is like reaching for the moon; and if you miss, you get at the stars.

On balance, jaw-jaw is better than war-war. Why can’t we live together?

In any case, there is no escaping the inevitable conclusion that there is life after service. In the end, nobody will be credited with the number of institutions he pulled down or the number souls he destroyed. Rather, people will be judged by the improvement they brought to humanity while their tenures lasted.

We make bold to say that Edo is not Kano. In the particular case of the Benin Kingdom, we have come a long way from 1897 when virtually everything was possible. Banishment today can only be likened to a chicken - it comes home to roost!

Noshaking!

Oba ewuare ii

Obaseki

IN THE ARENA

Tinubu, Egbetokun and Cybercrime Act

The Cybercrime Act should recognise the rights and freedom of Nigerians and the media,

Iyobosa Uwugiaren writes

The Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun’s human rights record as Nigeria’s police chief competes in low ranking with the country’s darkest moments under military rule - in the estimation of both local and international human rights organisations.

Egbetokun’s recent validation of the arrest of journalists and deliberate attempt by the police under his watch to criminalise journalism practice, under the guise of enforcing the Cyber Security Act, has compounded his record. And it is a dangerous signal to Nigeria’s democratic space.

In the past few weeks there have been public uproar and international outcry against how journalists have been abducted and persecuted by the Nigeria Police Force, using Cybercrime Act as cover.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the professional body of media executives and editors, recently warned the Nigeria Police against press freedom violation. The body also called for a proper understanding of the intention of the Cyber Security Act, declaring that the law was enacted as a legal framework for combating cybercrimes, and not for ‘’persecuting’’ journalists, who are performing their legitimate assignments in a democracy.

But in spite of the wide condemnations of the police’s actions, Egbetokun does not see anything wrong with what some human rights activists had described as ‘’criminal action and lawlessness’’ of his men.

To be sure, reacting to the issue in a public outing recently, the IG argued that unless journalists were asking to be treated as a special breed different from how ‘’other criminals’’ are being treated, there shouldn’t be any criticism of cases of official abductions and humiliations of journalists.

To the number one law enforcement officer in Nigeria, it was a standard practice and he couldn’t just understand the hullabaloo as everyone is equal before the law.

The consequence of IG’s reasoning is that his boys are now emboldened to commit more crimes against journalists and the media in the country.

Since the Cybercrime Act was enacted in 2015, several reports by the media rights groups indicated that at least 25 journalists have been arrested, detained and prosecuted under the law. Some of the journalists who have been prosecuted under the Act include: Aiyelabegan Babatunde AbdulRazaq, Oluwatoyin Luqman Bolakale, Saint Mienpamo Onitsha, Matthew Perekebuna, Daniel Ojukwu, Dayo Aiyetan, Nurudeen Akewushola and Segun Olatunji.

Sadly, the action of the police against these victims were predicated on groundless petitions by some political and business elites. For many Nigerians, especially human rights activists, it is a very sad narrative in the country’s democracy, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, whom many people believe fought so hard, along with other pro-democracy activists, for the restoration of democracy in 1999.

From records available, the Nigerian government has joined authoritarian regimes and infamous governments using legislations to criminalise journalism and silence free speech. These laws often have vague or overly broad definitions of cybercrime, allowing authoritarian governments to prosecute journalists and whistleblowers for exposing corruption, bad behaviours, sensitive information or criticising governments for not acting in the best interest of the people.

For example, Egypt’s Cybercrime Law (2018) has been used to prosecute journalists for allegedly publishing false news or propaganda; Singapore’s Computer Misuse Act (1993) has been used to prosecute journalists and bloggers for unauthorised

access or computer misuse; Malaysia’s Computer Crimes Act (1997) has been used to prosecute journalists and whistleblowers for unauthorised access or data theft, and Russia’s Cybercrime Law (2013) has been used to prosecute journalists and activists for “extremism” or “treason”.

However, the difference between Nigeria’s legislation/enforcement of the Act and others, is the method of abduction of journalists, the long detention and inhuman treatment they are subjected to.

From the media publications, especially online in the last few weeks, the Act is already having chilling effects on press freedom and investigative journalism, as journalists now avoid reporting on sensitive topics or criticising governments for fear of being prosecuted under cybercrime laws.

Online platforms are now being forced by security agencies to remove content deemed offensive, possibly limiting the capacity of journalists to publish critical reporting relating to good governance, corruption and abuse of public office.

More so, going by the experience of Segun Olatunji, a journalist who was recently tortured to disclose his source of information, the Cybercrime

p OLITICAL NOT e S

laws are making it difficult for journalists to protect their sources.

In other words, cybercrime law in Nigeria has become a weapon in the hands of powerful Nigerians to harass and intimidate journalists, limiting their ability to hold governments accountable, and creating a culture of fear.

In a country where general election are held every four years, the law will surely undermine the ability of democracy to promote transparency and accountability, and empower governments to silence political opponents and dissenting voices. There is already huge fear in the land that the federal government is testing the law – with the purpose of using it to silence oppositions towards the 2027 general election.

With over 133 countries having cybercrime legislation, the main features of UK Act, the first country in the world to introduce the law, require minimumsecurity standards for consumer smart devices – manufacturers of consumer smart devices are required to implement minimum-security standards; default passwords must be changed, and manufacturers must publish contact details for security issues; retailers must be transparent about security updates and support, and the National Crime Agency (NCA) must work to improve the UK’s resilience to cyber-attacks.

In the law, the NCA encourages individuals to make informed choices in their use of technology; and the cybercrime legislation aims to secure computer material against unauthorised access and to tackle cyber-crime threats. There is nowhere in the section of the Act that targets journalists or the media.

Contrary to the misuse of the law by the Nigeria police, the spirit and intention of cybercrime legislation is to protect society from the harm caused by cybercrime, promote cyber-security, and ensure the integrity of digital technologies.

The intention and purpose of the law by those who initiated it, is to prevent and combat cybercrime, such as hacking, identity theft, and online fraud; protect security in the digital environment; promote international cooperation and information sharing in combating cybercrime, among others.

While the Nigeria police may be working very hard to undermine democracy and create a bad image for President Tinubu-led government, it is necessary and urgent for the President and all stakeholders in Nigeria’s democracy to ensure that cybercrime legislation aligns with human rights and democratic values. Its implementation must prioritise the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms.

Hunter Biden’s Conviction and Lessons for Nigeria

The criminal prosecution of Hunter Biden, son of the President of the United States of America, Mr. Joe Biden, and his conviction last week, was perhaps another lesson for Nigeria to strengthen her institutions and make them independent for the country to move forward.

Hunter was guilty of federal gun charges in a historic first criminal prosecution of the child of a sitting US president and likely to be sentenced to over 20 years imprisonment.

The 54-year-old was accused of lying about his illegal drug use when he bought a handgun in 2018, and convicted on all three of the counts facing him

The verdict not only came when his father was seeking reelection, but was held in Biden’s

hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.

Italsocamelessthantwoweeksaftertheconviction onbusinessfraudchargesofformerPresidentDonald Trump, who is Republican presidential nominee in the November election.

The First Lady, Jill Biden, Hunter’s mother, attended several days of the trial.

The proceedings, along with another case in which Hunter Biden faces tax evasion charges in California, have complicated Democrats’ efforts to keep the election focus on Trump, the first former president ever to be convicted of a crime.

TheYale-trained lawyer and lobbyist-turned-artist was charged with falsely stating when buying a 38-calibre revolver in 2018 that he was not using drugs illegally. He was also charged with illegal pos-

session of the firearm, which he had for just 11 days in October of that year.

He had also been severally investigated on allegations of corruption and influence-peddling.

While the White House has said there would be no presidential pardon for Hunter, all Biden could say in an earlier statement was: “As the President, I don’t and won’t comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength.”

This, indeed, is what makes America very unique and a great country. Nobody is above the law.

Many believe that this will never happen in Nigeria. where big men are above the law, Not even a governor, senator or billionaire’s son will ever be subjected to this let alone the son of the president.

Hunter

Tinubu

BRIEFING NOTES

Suspicious Killing of Suspected Serial Murderer in Police Custody

The killing of an alleged international fugitive, Andrew Ochekpo, in Benue State while on transit to Abuja with police officers from the Force Headquarters after his arrest in Aba, Abia State, for allegedly causing the disappearance of a Nigerian lady, Celine Ndudim and her Ghanaian friend, Afiba Tandoh, has further dragged the image of the Nigeria Police in the mud, e jiofor Alike reports

Who are the police officers suspected to have killed or aided the killing of Andrew Ochekpo, an alleged serial murderer, kidnapper, organ harvester, and international criminal kingpin, who was also accused of causing the disappearance of a Nigerian lady, Celine Ndudim and her Ghanaian friend, Afiba Tandoh, in Aba, Abia State?

Where are the bodies of the two abducted ladies who were feared killed by the alleged criminal suspect and his powerful syndicate?

Who are the senior police officers, if any, that allegedly provided cover to the late suspect while he was allegedly perpetrating heinous crimes in Nigeria?

Did the policemen taking Ochekpo to Abuja allegedly book hotel accommodation on transit where they wasted several days while he was in their custody?

Who allegedly withdrew millions of naira from the suspect’s account while he was in custody?

These are some of the questions investigators put together by the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, should unravel to satisfy the expectations of Nigerians and the international community who are disenchanted with the suspicious handling of the investigation of the disappearance of the two girls by the police and the alleged foul play surrounding Ochekpo’s death.

The Aba-based businessman, formerly resident in the United Kingdom, was killed around the Kogi-Benue axis while he was being taken to Abuja from Abia State by heavily armed policemen from the Force Headquarters, and his corpse deposited in a mortuary.

The suspect, who was also accused of several other heinous crimes, was arrested in connection with the disappearance of the two ladies who went missing on April 27, 2024.

The deceased was seen in a viral video clip on social media inviting the two girls to his palatial home in Aba.

Celine’s sister, Tessy Ndudim, told BBC News Pidgin that she got a call from her sister on April 27, 2024 who told her that the man she and her friend had gone to visit in Aba had kidnapped them.

Tessy said she shared this information with the police when she got to the Abia State Police Command but the policemen dismissed her.

“The police would have rescued my sister and her friend that week when I reported the matter to them, but they did not seem to take

it seriously,” she said.

“I saw a car believed to belong to the suspect because my sister had shared a video of the car when it came to pick them up at a hotel when they arrived in Aba, but the police dismissed me,” she added.

Tessy said the unsatisfactory response from the Aba police made her family to write a petition to the Police Zone 9 in Umuahia.

“It was the Umuahia Command that finally made an arrest in the same building I had told the first set of officers to check,” she reportedly added.

Afiba’s husband also told BBC News Pidgin that he was not happy with the way the police were handling the matter.

He said he spoke to his wife when she left Accra, Ghana with Celine for Lagos.

The husband also said he was aware that his wife accompanied her friend to Aba to meet the crime suspect.

Before he was killed under suspicious circumstance, the prime suspect, also reportedly known as Andrew Ucheckwo, and David Okorochahe, was allegedly declared wanted in March 2023 by the police in the United Kingdom for sexual assault.

Human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, who exposed the incident to Nigerians, revealed that another petition was written for the case to be transferred from Umuahia to Abuja because, according to the activist, the late suspect was living large while in police custody in Umuahia.

In a video posted on Gwanishu’s Facebook page, some policemen and a few human rights activists went for another search and recovered the dead body of a lady near the suspect’s home.

The decapitated body with some missing vital body parts was said to be wrapped in a curtain allegedly similar to the curtain in the suspect’s house.

But Celine’s sister said the fact that the body was decomposing showed that the person had died long before Celine and Afiba’s visit to the area.

In what seemed like another wonder of the 21st Century, news broke on May 31, 2024, that the suspect was killed during an exchange of fire with vigilantes, while he was being taken to Abuja by detectives from the Force Headquarters.

According to the report, the suspect was

allegedly armed, and driving himself when he tried to escape from the policemen and was shot and killed during an exchange of fire with vigilantes.

Gwamnishu who had raised the alarm that he was being threatened, stated that the police claimed that the men who shot the suspect were arrested and put in custody.

The alleged claim that a crime suspect being taken to Abuja was driving himself and was also armed, beats all imaginations.

The families of the two ladies alleged foul play, claiming that the police officers spent several days with the suspect on their way to Abuja from Abia State.

Many Nigerians believe that Ochekpo’s killing was a calculated move to conceal the heinous crimes committed by his syndicate in collaboration with some senior police officers.

Unfortunately, the police authorities kept mum for over one month without clearing the air on the matter, even when an unconfirmed report alleged that the suspect was forced to transfer over N100 million into different accounts and one of his phones seized before his death.

Following the embarrassment, it caused Nigeria, the IG, Egbetokun, last Monday directed the monitoring unit to conduct a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of the businessman.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Prince Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement issued, said Egbetokun mandated the monitoring unit to complete the investigation in two weeks and present a comprehensive report.

Adejobi said IG’s “directive comes amid the numerous allegations, arguments, and counter arguments surrounding the case, which also involves the disappearance of two ladies, Celine and Afiba, after their trip to visit the said Andrew in Aba, Abia State, for which he was alleged to be responsible.

“In light of the public interest and the gravity of the allegations, the IG has deemed it necessary to institute a meticulous investigation into the roles played by the team which carried out the initial investigation in Abia State, and the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team, to unravel the veritable facts of the matter.”

Adejobi said Egbetokun assured Nigerians that the case would be handled with utmost professionalism and integrity.

Nigerians and the international community are waiting to see if the investigative team would cover or expose their colleagues.

Notes for file endless weeping and wailing in Katsina

The reports that over 60 persons were killed by terrorists in Dutsin-Ma and Kankara local government areas of Katsina State in the last one week were indeed frightening and worrisome.

The state, like others in the North-west, has been ravaged by banditry, leaving its residents in a constant state of fear and uncertainty.

Killings, abductions, and assaults on women and girls have tragically become the norm.

For these residents, life is really brutish as farmers cannot go to their farms and women cannot engage in their trading without fear of being attacked. The nefarious activities of the marauders are also evident in other parts of the Northwest geopolitical zone, including Zamfara,

Sokoto and Kaduna states, as well as in North-central state of Niger where over 30 people were killed penultimate week.

The bandits have so far reportedly killed thousands of innocent persons, and kidnapped several others including schoolchildren, with some still in their custody, while others who were lucky to survive, are still nursing injuries sustained during the attacks.

Even the security agents, including soldiers and policemen posted to the state are not spared as they are ambushed, killed or injured at regular intervals.

President Bola Tinubu has resorted to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s style of issuing statements condemning the attacks on the people, and condoling with the families of the victims any time

attacks occur, without holding the heads of security agencies who have failed to end these killings to account.

The primary responsibility of any government is to see to the protection of the life and general welfare of the people and not to consistently console the victims of insecurity and give endless marching orders to security operatives to arrest perpetrators who have become elusive.

This is why former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar accused the federal government of being nonchalant about the issue of tackling insecurity. He noted that it was worrisome that banditry and terrorism have become routine, with the government seemingly helpless and nonchalant about it despite the enormous annual budget for defence.

It is time for the security agencies to wake up to their responsibilities of protecting the country unless insecurity has become a new normal in Nigeria.

Adeniyi

egbetokun

COURTESY VISIT…

President and Chairman of Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, Alhaji Tijjani M. Borodo (lef) making a presentation to the Registrar General of the

Magaji, SAN, during a courtesy call at the headquarters of the commission in Abuja…recently

Fresh Tension over Shooting of Three Fishermen, Disappearance of Two Others in Delta Community

Renewed tension is brewing in the creeks of River Forcados in Bomadi Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, as armed youths suspected to be from Okuama community in Ughelli South LGA have allegedly shot and injured three fishermen from Okoloba community, while two others are missing.

Chairman of Okoloba community, Clement Koki, in a statement issued yesterday, alleged that the fishermen from his community fishing on the river across the community were on Thursday night shot and injured by armed youths of Okuama.

The Okoloba community had recently engaged the Okuama community in a communal feud that led to the killings of 17 soldiers

Wale Igbintade

The Private Sector Development for Democracy Forum (PSDdF) will in September launch the National Agenda for Democratic Strengthening (NADS) to commemorate the International Day of Democracy, marking a significant step towards strengthening democracy in Nigeria

In addition to demonstrating the Forum’s commitment to advancing a more inclusive democracy with private sector participation, the launch will serve as a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to implement the agenda’s recommendations.

According to the Chairman, PSDdF Steering Committee, Mr Yemi Candide-Johnson, SAN, the National Agenda for Democratic Strengthening is a recognition of the crucial role and responsibility of the private sector in promoting stable democracy.

He said the NADS would present recommendations for enhancing Nigeria’s democratic landscape to foster innovation, fair competition, economic stability, and growth.

at the Forcados River leading to the invasion of Okoloba by the military.

But in a swift response, an Okuama-Ewu leader, Vincent Akemor denied the allegation by the Okoloba people, noting that the youths of his community were not armed and did not shoot anybody.

Koki also disclosed that three fishermen sustained bullet injuries and escaped to the community later in the night, stressing that they were being treated in the community because of the security situation on the waterways.

“Last night (Thursday), around the hour of 8pm, our people were fishing on the river at the Meintoruabubor Creek across our community when some youths of Okuama community came suddenly on a tricycle from the Ewu axis and started shooting

“By bringing together members of the Forum to invest in the pillars of inclusive democracy for all Nigerians we can help to sustain national development and progress” he added.

Also, Margaret Olele, CEO of the American Business Council noted that data-driven dialogue and strategic collaboration between the private sector, civil society, and policymakers remain critical in strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.

She said: “As the present administration celebrates its first anniversary, she reaffirms PSDdF’s dedication to creating a platform for businesses to play an active role in protecting democratic values, freedoms, and institutions to support sustainable and profitable business environments”

Astatement from the Forum stated that the NADS, currently in its drafting stage, is focused on four priority areas - strengthening democratic institutions like the judiciary, media, and electoral bodies; empowering government officials and citizens through capacity building and civic education.

at them.

“Everybody scampered for safety and three persons who sustained various degrees of bullet wounds were able to return to the community while many others were missing. From our count, there were about 15 people fishing at night.

“But later in the night, some others also found their way back to the community. As I am talking

to you, two people are still missing,” he said.

He said the community could not take the victims to the hospital for proper care because the river was not safe adding “we are treating them at home because the armed youths crossed straight to Okuama after the unprovoked attack.

“We have reported the current incident to the appropriate security

agencies for necessary action, and we are compelled to send out this briefing over the current development, which we have always been doing since the beginning of this situation,” he added.

Koki called on the Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to intervene and save his people from the unprovoked attacks by the arm-wielding youths of

Okuama community adding, “we are peace-loving and we plead with His Excellency to help us maintain the peace in the creek.” Reacting to the allegation, the Okuama-Ewu leader, Akemor accused Okoloba of trying to destablise Okuama community, stressing that Okoloba’s allegation was a set-up against the people of Okuama.

Osinbajo: Church Must Shun Donations from Unexplained Affluence

Segun James with agency report

Former Vice-President Yemi

Osinbajo has called on the church to question the sources of wealth of politicians, who make donations to support evangelism.

Osinbajo spoke yesterday at the inaugural lecture in honour of the late Senior Pastor of Fountain Life Church, Taiwo Odukoya.

The lecture titled ‘Strength-

ening the Christian voice in government or public office’, according to The Cable, was held in Lagos.

Osinbajo admonished the church to teach good values that Christians can hold on to when they fnd themselves in public service.

“How often do those who receive money from politicians and from other sources ask the source of the money? the

former vice-president asked.

“So, the question is not how many Christians are in government, business, or professions? The question is, what are they equipped with?

“What are the relevant principles of the gospel that they know and apply in their daily and professional or public lives?” he queried.

The Associate Senior Pastor of the church, Tolu Odukoya,

said the lecture would carry on the legacy of empowerment of her late father.

“It is with great joy and a sense of gratitude that I welcome you all to the inaugural Daniel Odukoya lecture,” Tolu said.

“Today marks the beginning of a signifcant tradition in our church, a tribute to my father, our father, the founding father of the Fountain of Life Church.”

No Bill on Return to Regional Government Before Us, House

The House of Representatives said at the weekend that there was no bill before it seeking Nigeria’s return to regional government either as a private member bill or an executive bill.

Spokesman of the House,

Hon. Akintunde Rotimi, said in a statement that the proposal circulating on social media is also not before the House Committee on Constitution Review as a memorandum.

Rotimi dismissed insinuations that the House rejected or disowned the bill, saying it neither disowned nor rejected

the proposal since it was never presented before it in any form.

The statement explained: “The House wishes to reiterate its position, educating the public that there are three main routes to proposing constitutional amendments in the House of Representatives.”

The routes, he said, include a member proposing a constitutional amendment bill, by individual citizens and groups submitting memoranda to the Constitution Review Committee, which should be submitted to the House and sponsored by a member as well as an executive bill to be submitted by the executive arm of government.

Lagos, Globacom to Co-host Africa’s Grandest Cycling Fiesta

Arrangements are in top gear by the telecoms powerhouse, Globacom and the Lagos State Government to host a very impactful cycling fiesta in Lagos.

The Lagos City Cyclefest, a bikers’ tourney set to become Africa’s largest and most awe-inspiring event, according to organisers, is a collaboration between Lagos State and Globacom, which is not just drawing the eyes of the world but is creating a vibrant mosaic of motion, colour, and competitive spirit that promises to rival the grandeur of the world’s most

celebrated cycling tournaments.

It was gathered at the weekend that the final touches are underway as the organisers are preparing to shut down Lagos for the historic biking spectacle. The event is set to rival Europe’s Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España.

The Lagos City Cyclefest, organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission, is not merely an event; it is a celebration of life on two wheels. Designed to inspire active living, revel in the joy of cycling, and showcase the multifaceted beauty of Lagos,

this festival encapsulates the city’s indomitable spirit. Each pedal stroke will paint a vivid portrait of Lagos, brimming with energy, euphoria, and a zest for competition. The Cyclefest is an ode to diversity and inclusion, welcoming riders of all ages and skill levels—from elite cyclists chasing the thrill of victory to families seeking a joyful day out.

Analysts said that Globacom and Lagos are on the verge of unveiling the cycling spectacle that promises to captivate a global audience and elevate the

city to unprecedented heights of international acclaim as the management of the telecoms giant and the Lagos authorities are on the brink of sealing a partnership that will not only place Lagos on the world stage but also infuse the city with an exhilarating blend of athleticism, camaraderie, and cultural celebration. As the city gears up to shut down its streets for this monumental event, the Cyclefest is set to inspire and challenge, positioning itself as a worthy rival to the world’s most prestigious cycling events.

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Corporate Affairs Commission, Mr. Hussaini Ishaq

Indivisibility of Nigeria, Self-determination Agitation,

and National Self-deceit: QuoVadis?

The joy of 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, not to say of democracy, has blinded the political leaders of Nigeria not to underscore the seriousness of Nigeria’s multidimensional problem at the domestic and foreign policy levels. At the level of domestic policy, Nigeria is challenged by the wrong belief that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and that Nigeria is indivisible. This belief is strengthened by the 1999 Constitution as amended and again by another wrong belief that the use of force can always suppress the will of the people.

True enough, the 1999 Constitution stipulates in its Part II, second schedule that ‘We the People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Having firmly and solemnly resolved, to live in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble Sovereign Nation under God dedicated to the promotion of inter-African solidarity, world peace, international cooperation and understanding.’ This preamble to the Constitution is quite interesting because of its inherent implications and assumptions.

First, who are the ‘We, the People’? Several observers have queried and argued that there was never an assembly of Nigerians that came together on representational basis to discuss and decide on behalf of their people. In the eyes of the enlightened observers, the 1999 Constitution was a military-imposed constitution and should not be presented as a resultant of legislative decision. Secondly, who are the People who firmly and solemnly resolved to live in unity and harmony? Who are the People who agreed on the indivisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria as a Sovereign Nation?

The moment ‘We, the People’ is questionable, all the agreements reached cannot but be questionable. Thirdly, if, admittedly, the People agreed on indivisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria in 1999, does it mean that the agreement is eternally not changeable? Does it mean that the environmental conditionings that enabled the decision in 1999 will continue to remain for ever?

Domestic Realities

From the foregoing questions, it has become necessary to learn how to see when weeping and to learn how to live with changing situational realities. When the 1999 Constitution was adopted, Nigeria was not yet a Sovereign Nation in its sociological sense. As at today, Nigeria cannot still be described as a nation. The agitations of different communities for separate existence are clear indications of disunity and disharmony. When ethnic communities are struggling to separate from Nigeria, should it be by force? Should the Government respond by use of force? Why is Government not addressing the causal factors of the situational reality on the ground rather than using force that always lead to the unnecessary killing of innocent Nigerian soldiers in ambushes and not in a declared war or at battlefields?

Nigeria’s most problematic challenge is that Nigerians are yet to know what their main problem is all about. We have raised this point many times in the past. When media professionals and politologists talk about the ‘owners of Nigeria,’ who are they referring to? Are there, or are there no, owners of Nigeria? There is no disputing the fact that there is Nigeria, but are there really Nigerians? If there are Nigerians, do they really believe in Nigeria as it is today? If they do, why are we talking about Boko Haramists who do not believe in the 1999 Constitution and who are against Nigeria? Why did the late Muammar Gaddafi of Libya advise Nigerians to accept the partitioning of Nigeria into Muslim North and Christian South as a solution to Nigeria’s problem?

As Gaddafi argued, Nigeria will never have any lasting peace unless there is Nigerian Muslim North and Nigerian Christian South. This statement is too profound to be taken with levity. What informed the prediction? The Boko Haram wants a Muslim Nigeria and not simply Muslim North. They are only fighting to first of all establish a Muslim North before probably extending their jihad downwardly to the South. The Federal Government is not even helping the matter. The boko haramists arrested are pardoned under the pretext that they had repented.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan told Nigerians openly

: 0807-688-2846 e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

when he was still in power that there were members of the Boko Haram in his government but no one bothered to know how and whether they left government after President Jonathan left power. What was noteworthy under President Muhammadu Buhari, (PMB), his successor, was that he supported the Boko Haram but without admitting it. Nigeria was a little united in 1960. The unity was challenged in 1967 when the civil war broke out. In 1970, the battles ended with an encouraging sloganeering of ‘No Victor, No Vanquished,’ but the war continues to linger on until today. This is the current situational reality in Nigeria. Nigeria is actually suffering from the belief that Nigeria is indivisible, and therefore engaging in the use of brute force to compel national unity rather than seeking to pacify and negotiate. Those who believe in the contrary that Nigeria can always be divided, are agitating for self-determination which is internationally lawful.

Perhaps more interestingly, even if it is not lawful, people have always taken up arms to fight for their right, their freedom of survival. Self-determination was adopted as an international principle to compel decolonisation. After decolonisation, people living within existing sovereign states also ask for autonomy under the pretext of mistreatment, unfairness in the allocation of resources, and injustice in their host countries. The MASSOB (Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra), the IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra), the OPC (Oodua People’s Congress)

PBAT must recognise that self-determination is a people’s right, and that no one can be forced to be part of coercive national unity. Self-determination can be likened to an atom which is the smallest indivisible particle of an element in O’level Physics but which, at the advanced level, is divisible and destructible through atomic fission. Uranium with atomic weight of 239 until 1999 when it was recalibrated to 238.028, was used as an example. Politically, self-determination initially was applicable to assist decolonisation processes and when the processes were concluded, self-determination was wrongly believed to have ended. The principle is still taken advantage of to protest inequity, inequality, unfairness, injustice, bad governance, etc. in the conduct and management of international affairs. If PBAT wants national unity, it is the ideal, but using force or manu militari to oppress advocates of self-determination is internationally unlawful. In fact, when people acquire a second nationality, is it not an expression of reduction in the allegiance to the first country regardless of the rationale for the new nationality? It is a protest and reduction in patriotism apart from cases of marriages. Normally, anyone with dual nationality should not be eligible to be the President of Nigeria. If allowed, anyone seeking self-determination should be allowed. Democracy is about freedom of choice. This is the leeway to keeping Nigeria united, preventing agitations and partitioning Nigeria into Muslim North and Christian South

have different reasons for wanting to check out of Nigeria. Most unfortunately, however, the Government is living in selfdeceit. Soldiers are recklessly killed and soldiers, in the spirit of reciprocity, have killed perceived civilian enemies. The mutual killings have become recidivist in character. The continuation of the mutual killings is most likely, especially with the continued incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the IPOB who is asking for separation of the Biafran people, is a non-solution. True enough, Nnamdi Kanu was arrested in 2015 for terrorism and treason charges. He was released on bail but later jumped bail. He was rearrested in 2021. When he asked to be granted another bail pending the determination of the treasonable felony charge, the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, refused to grant him the bail, but the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, ordered the acceleration of the hearing of the seven-count charge against him. What is noteworthy about the recidivist insecurity in Nigeria is that Nnamdi Kanu not only asked the court to transfer him from the custody of the Department of State Services to either the Kuje Prison or to be placed under house arrest, but also told the court why violence continued in the south east of Nigeria. He ascribed the unending violence to his incarceration, explaining that he would have been able to contain all those committing crimes in the name of IPOB if not because he was under incarceration. In other words, what is more of priority to government: containment of insecurity or the punishment of Nnamdi Kanu? If the release of Nnamdi Kanu can stop violence, as well as pave the way for negotiated peace and possibly negotiating away the idea of separation, what prevents the release of Nnamdi Kanu?

And true enough again, there is the aspect of court ruling and charges of terrorism. It has become part of customary law internationally not to see people fighting for self-determination and liberation as terrorists. Nigeria led Africa in arguing, during the anti-apartheid struggle, that the liberation movements could not be considered as terrorists when the former US President, Ronald Reagan, came up with the doctrine of Constructive Engagement and President Reagan considered the liberation movements as terrorists.

And more importantly, even if the United Nations does not encourage dismemberment in its Member States, the right to self-determination is an accepted principle of international law and relations. The incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu, and particularly the governmental mistreatment of Chief Sunday Adeyemo, alias Sunday Igboho, the leader of the militant wing of the Yoruba selfdetermination Movement, Ilana Omo Oodua, was uncalled for. His house was brutalised. In fact, he suffered military aggression under PMB before he narrowly escaped to Benin Republic. In spite of the resignation of Professor Banji Akintoye, leader of the Yoruba Self-determination Movement, and the aggression on Sunday Igboho, the determination and agitation for a Yoruba separate existence has not abated.

In fact, Professor Banji Akintoye, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, and Mr. Ola Ademola signed an open letter addressed to PBAT asking for the establishment of a government negotiation team to discuss with them. The open letter came after some Yoruba agitators attempted to invade the Oyo State Government Secretariat. The reasons for the agitation for separation are a resultant from the political decadence in the country. As reported by Fasilat Oluwuyi on April 22, 2022 in the Premium Times, the Yoruba Self-determination Movement sent the letter ‘as a follow-up to our earlier letter, dated 6 August 2022, to your predecessor… Since 2015, the Fulani have been killing widely among the other peoples of Nigeria, including us Yoruba, destroying farms, villages and other assets, kidnapping men, women and children, extorting large amounts of money as ransom from friends and family of the kidnapped, and repeatedly asserting their intention to seize the homelands of all the indigenous peoples of Nigeria for the purpose of turning all into a Fulani homeland…All these actions by the Fulani are to us Yoruba, a sufficient reason for our seeking to separate our Yoruba nation from Nigeria. Most of us, Yoruba have no confidence in the restructuring’ being advocated by others. This is the situational reality in Nigeria at the domestic level.

Foreign Policy Realities

PBAT, especially for the purposes of his presidential campaigns, he never subscribed to the dismemberment of Nigeria. On the contrary, he has always advocated a true system of federalism in which equity, equality, fairness, and justice are allowed to serve as pillars (vide Bola A. Akinterinwa, ed., Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Struggle for True Federalism, Ibadan, Vantage Publishers, 2011). With the mounting threats to national unity and particularly the use of force to enforce self-determination, PBAT appears to be prepared to consider some of the recommendations made by the people to remove the threats to national unity and use same to lay a new foundation for Nigeria’s international image. Apparently in an attempt to pacify the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) decided to implement the outcome of the 2014 National Conference. One of the recommendations was the recommendation on change from the then National Anthem, ‘Arise O Compatriots,’ to the old one, ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee.’ The people agreed to the change, but President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) also openly told Nigerians that the reports of the Conference were put in his drawers and that he never had time to look at them.

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Tinubu

ENGAGEMENTS

Beyond Festival Democracy

Nigerian politicians have perfected the art of reducing almost everything to situational comedy. They just put us through a fortnight of celebrations on the altar of democracy. That is about the only word that unites them in their diversity of costumes and intentions. It was a somewhat entertaining two weeks of pageants, dramatics and empty rhetoric about the great Nigeria achievements in the realm of democracy. Free food was in abundance at the Villa and choice restaurants where the attendees did not have to pick up the bill. Thjere were the usual parades by the contingents of the police and military who found time off chasing after bandits and criminals to display and entertain their pay master. It all went well except that some secueity oversight allowed Mr. Tinubu to slip and fall off the stairs to his parade inspection vehicle. Thank God it went well and ended up with the Presdient entertaining his guests with his peculiar “dobale” twist to a bad fall!

Characteristically, the executive and legislature staged a combined comic strip and entertained us to a huge day time gala of speeches about the feat of twenty five unbroken years of democracy. It was also on the 29th of May, a day that marked the attainment by the Tinubu administration of the age One. At some point, no one knew exactly what the politicians gathered at the National Assembly were celebrating. Was it their own growing irrelevance? Was it Mr. Tinubu’s empty one year in office? Or was it the sorry plight of the people whom they say voted them into office? Up to this point, no one can say exactly what the conclave of shame at the National Assembly on 29th May was all about.

Twenty five years of unbroken democratic government was indisputable and clearly called for some noisy observance. At least we could count a succession of dispensations from Obasanjo to Tinubu over this period. Goings and comings every four years, each regime adding to the legacy of infamy and the chronicle of shame and serial looting. At least the ones whose tenure expired went away even if sometimes reluctantly. Others replaced them in a relay race that we are not likely to forget in a hurry. Similarly, no one could deny that the nation has borne the burden of the Tinubu administration for the last twelve months. And no one can fairly deny Mr. Tinubu of not amking a difference in his avowed pledge to continue from where Mr. Buhari left off.

Buhar left the Naira at 480 to the dollar; Tinubu has improved the figure to N1,500. Buhari left the price of petrol at less than N300 per liter; Tinubu has raised it to N700. Nigerians are now more axed for nearly everything than at any other time in our history. In fairness, the celebration of these “gains” of’democracy belonged more to politicians and the political class than to the beleaguered people of Nigeria. Therefore, in a Freudian affirmation of their sense of ownership of the bash, the president and the National Assembly decided that it was worth only their in house celebration as an exclusive club of beneficiaries.

So, the president did not bother to address the nation on 29th of May. After all, it was twenty five years of the triumph of political ascendancy and another one year of yet another relay lapse. He wisely opted to address a joint session of the National Assembly in what turned out to be an odd mix of comedy and farce. It was crowned by the inauguration of the ‘old’ national anthem as the anthem of the ‘new’ nation in the making under Mr. Tinubu.

Never mind that a clear 85% of those assembled were probably toddlers when the old anthem was jettisoned 48 years ago. Forget also the fact that over 90% of them did not know the exact wordings of what they were foisting on the nation by an untidy legislative fiat. They moved their lips and the police band came to their rescue with a halting rendition of the old anthem which they probably rehearsed

on that morning.

Two weeks later, it was June 12, the National Democracy Day as decreed by Mr. Buhari in reprisal against his nemesis, Mr. Babangida of Minna. June 12 is a day set aside for the remembrance of the June 12 1993 presidential election which ended in a fiasco of an aborted transition to civil rule. Of course June 12 was an episode in democracy in Nigeria, albeit a very remarkable one. On that day, an autocratic military junta organized what has become the most credible democratic election in Nigerian history. Credible election; free, fair and accurately reflective of the popular will but put together by a dictatorial regime as part of an audacious series of political experiments. The contradiction can never be lost on us. In life and in history, sometimes unintended good comes from dark places. Was it not Shakespeare who insisted that sometimes, the instruments of darkness tell us the truth! What unites the various celebrations of democracy that we have just witnessed is a certain self -deception and superficiality among the political class. Both the politicians gathered in the conclave of lies in Abuja and the public at large know something in common. Everyone knows that Nigeria is not yet a democracy properly defined. The politicians know that democracy is more of a convenient nomenclature for what has been happening here in the past twenty five years. It is merely a superficial mantra that they use to excuse their serial betrayal of the people in order to gain unfettered access to the commonwealth and fleece the rest of us in an organized crime syndicate.

Curiously, the popular masses

of Nigerians also know a fraud when they see one. They know that Nigeria is only ‘democratic ‘ during isolated episodes and moments on the political calendar. During election seasons, Nigeria suddenly explodes in a colourful durbar of democratic frenzy. The nation becomes a democratic country as people temporarily forget the autocratic impositions and high handedness of the preceding four years. It is time for travelling theatres of political jesters. The circus hits the circuit. It is time to don colorful party costumes and sing creative political songs. It is time to dig up the language of “stomach infrastructure”, to hide Naira notes or a few miserable dollar bills inside loaves of Agege bread for distribution to those who have not had a meal in the last few days.

Democracy season is time for known miscreants to prance around the country promising what they themselves do not even understand. Some ‘political animals’ even attend crash evening school lessons to try and understand the meaning of words like “policy”, “programme”, “democracy dividend” and “constituency” etc.

Soon afterwards, the elections are held. People win and others lose. Some contestants win and lose at the same set of polling centres depending on whose version of the result you get first. No one in Nigeria wins an election or loses an election. In Nigeria’s democratic tradition, every one who contests an election presumes him or herself a winner. In advance, they measure the drapes of their new official abode. Some rehearse the dance steps for inauguration day. Others rehearse the pompous speech mannerisms of their envisaged high office. ‘A governor does not speak like an ordinary mortal!’ The men encourage their ambitious wives to rehearse the dance steps of “Madam Excellency”. Self delusion is one distinguishing feature of Nigerian democracy. Among conflicting claimants of victory in Nigerian elections, there is a common greeting: “Let’s meet in court”! If you were declared

loser, they tell you: “Go to court!” or “Go and hug a power transformer!” The theatre soon shifts to the courts where an avalanche of jobless lawyers and thievish judges are lying in wait to make a killing. There are enough contested political offices whose elections must end in court. So, judges of Tribunals, Courts of Appeal and even the Supreme Court enter a season of harvest. Any Nigerian judge worth his salt who is assigned to adjudicate on election disputes must be a fool if he or she fails to change his decrepit old car ready for retirement at the end of an election cycle. Not to talk of some strange sacrosanct animal created by the government to count the ballots and declare a result. It is a strange animal now called INEC. In political matters, it has the power of life and death. Its adverse declarations have sent many a politician to early death through cardiac arrest. People lobby and bribe to be made Resident Electoral Commissioners in states. All it takes to become a billionaire is to declare the richer candidate duly elected.

So much for the comic theatre of the absurd that Nigerians call elections and politicians dub democracy. In other places, elections are contested by parties. Parties stand for ideas and ideals. Those ideas make sense only because they address a current adversity or concern among the people. In Nigeria, parties have only acronymas. Whatever those acronyms stand for do not concern the people. The good politicians are the ones who switch parties like dirty underpants. A democracy that has thrived for a quarter of a century without identifiable political parties is a fraud. In Nigeria’s democratic tradition, prties are not held accountable fr misrule. In fact, a party that misrules and mismanages the nation is rewarded at the next election. Mr. Buhari ran Nigeria aground under the banner of the APC. But the 2023 elections returned the APC to power at the federal level and majority of the states in addition to a clear parliamentary majority. A democracy whose electoral outcomes reconsolidate a previous bad government can only be a negative definition of democracy.

In a proper democracy, the institutions of democracy are clearly defined. They are credible political parties, an independent judiciary, a free press and an apparatus of state that is dedicated to the state and not to passing regimes. On the contrary, what we have in Nigeria is a situation where once elected into office, an incumbent privatizes the apparatus of state as well as the insitutitions of democracy. The new sovereigns become embodiments of the state and above the law. In the ensuing state of “my administration”, an incumbent rises to the status of an overlord. The president rises to the status of a king, jettisoning the republic constitution on the basis of which he was elected. Governors become emperors and the people who queued in the sun to cast those votes become canon fodder. A democracy that rewards the freedom of the citizens with greater insecurity needs to be re-examined. If the dividend of a particular democracy is hunger and unemployment queues that get longer by the day, we need to take a second look at ourselves.

Even when their tenures expire, Nigeria’s democratically elected incumbents are now in the trade of empowering their surrogates in the now fashionable role of political god fathers. This ends up enthroning a virtual oligarchy until the surrogates revolt in nasty and scandalous palace coups.

The challenges of transforming Nigeria into a democracy are daunting. A democracy that degrades the lives of the people with each passing tenure is suspect. A democracy that spends more money on servicing its own form than the content of the peoples lives is overdue for a drastic review. The questions are many.

How do we convert our democracy into an instrument of development? Why is our democracy producing more poor, miserable and desperate citizens with each passing tenure? How do we convert and transform our political class from consuming locusts into productive agents of development?

Tinubu

“until Nigeria is restructured and the injustice is rectified”. However, some of these figures are incorrect and the comparison of Lagos with Kano only shows how data can be deployed to validate bias. In fact, at no time did Kano and Lagos states have the same number of LGAs. In 1979, Lagos had eight LGAs and the old Kano had 20. At independence, the LGAs were called Native Authorities. Actually, there were a total of 246 NAs as at 1950, with the north alone having 144 (59 percent). The West (today’s south-west plus Edo and Delta states) had 55 and the East (south-east and south-south, minus Edo and Delta) had 47. That was what we inherited from the colonial masters. It is, therefore, disingenuous to hold the military responsible for the configuration. I am not sure of the criteria used in creating the LGAs, but I do not think landmass — which advantages the north — was the sole consideration. Otherwise, Toro LGA, which is about the same size as Lagos state, will not be just one local government in Bauchi state.

Although, the Lagos/Kano comparison is whipped up perennially to enhance the argument about northern domination of Nigeria, I do not think we should discount it. It serves a purpose. Without these debates, there may not be serious attempts to even things up in the federation.

EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

Days after Mrs Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi, an aide to minister of foreign affairs, alleged that Mr Ibrahim Lamuwa, the permanent secretary of the ministry, sexually harassed her, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) curiously invited her for interrogation over an allegation of corruption that was not in the public domain. The timing of the invitation is provoking suggestions that the system is trying to protect one of its own. Empire always strikes back. That is why women hesitate to report rape and sexual harassment. Now, the onus is on the ICPC to prove that this probe is not being deployed to shut her up or harass her. Co-incidence?

However, we cannot stretch the Lagos/Kano too far. The old Oyo state had only 11 LGAs at creation in 1976 but now has 33. Add that to the 30 LGAs in Osun state, which was carved out of Oyo state in 1991, and the old Oyo state now has 63. The old Imo had 20 LGAs in 1979. Today, it has 27 while Abia, carved out of the state in 1991, has 17. That is a total of 44. Ebonyi, partly carved out of Imo in 1996, has 13.

We can spend so much time arguing over “northern domination” of the national cake and then forget the real issue at stake: how to make the councils work better for the grassroots and for our democracy. If the councils do well, many things we complain about will be fixed: the roads in front of our houses, the drainage on our streets, the attention at the primary health care where basic treatments and drugs are supposed to be available, the sanitation of our environments and the enrolment of children into primary schools. If the councils continue to function like they do, we will continue to suffer from governance deficit. That is what we should be discussing, not Lord Lugard.

Even though I have a dilemma over the issue of local government autonomy, I still have a bias. I try to be as practical as possible because of the way we are. Given our history and practice of

federalism and democracy in Nigeria, council autonomy will not work. The capacity is not there. The governance structure is weak. Pouring trillions of naira directly to the local governments will change nothing. We would just end up with a new generation of political billionaires. We are already dealing with waste and corruption at the federal and state levels. Only very few councils are manned by competent hands. That is the reality — the unfortunate situation we have found ourselves as a people.

I tend to prefer the Australian model for the councils. In Australia, LGAs are not treated as a tier of government and do not have direct relationship with the federal government. Rather, they operate as administrative units for the states to deliver household services to the grassroots. They build infrastructure, provide community facilities such as libraries and parks, maintain local roads and handle town planning and development approvals. I seem to prefer an amendment to the Nigerian constitution to define and place the councils as administrative units of the states. Let the states “own” the local councils and deploy them as their foot soldiers for service delivery to the people. Nonetheless, there should be a democratic system of electing the officials to manage the

And Four Other Things…

‘TINUBU LULE’

President Tinubu missed his steps and fell while trying to mount the parade vehicle at the Democracy Day celebration on Wednesday. The usual suspects immediately engaged the celebratory button. It was a good thing that he got up immediately and performed the rest of the ceremony without any incident. At the dinner event, he found time to deliver some self-depreciating humour, saying he was not dancing “buga” but only “dobale” (prostrated) for democracy. The incident is now behind us but rumours of ill health will surely continue. Swimming against the tide of the mockers, Mr Peter Obi courageously put politics aside, sympathised with Tinubu and said it could happen to anyone. Class.

FINIDI JUDGED

It has taken only two competitive matches for many Nigerian football fans to conclude that Finidi George is not the man to lead the Super Eagles to the promised land. A 1-1 with South Africa now seems to be a great result compared to the 2-1 loss to “little” Republic of Benin a few days later. Nigeria faces an uphill task to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appears to have admitted it made a mistake with Finidi’s appointment by announcing its plan to engage a foreign coach. This fire brigade approach is obviously an attempt by the NFF to save face as we face the prospect of missing another World Cup after failing to make Qatar 2022. Quagmire.

REFOCUSING THE DEBATE ON LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

Adele Jinadu and Y.B. Omelle in “Governance and Politics at the Local Level,” are intended to be “arenas of popular participation and grassroot mobilisation.” In fact, there is an agreement among scholars of decentralisation that local governance should serve as “schools of democracy,” some sort of informal classrooms where citizens and officials learn and imbibe the rudiments of democratic practice and culture.

From the above, it is clear why our local governance despite a series of reforms has remained largely weak and dysfunctional. As structured, local governance in Nigeria is deficient not just in governance but also in accountability and democratic quotients. In another place, I have described our version of local governance as one devoid of governance and not owned by the local people. The officials are mostly imposed, even when they emerge through elections. They rarely consult regularly with the people, and they hardly respond to the needs and priorities of their constituents.

On paper, our local government areas have horizontal accountability mechanisms. We have a set of rules on contracting, administration and recruitments, captured in a comprehensive Memoranda for Local Government Areas. Then, there are checks and balances that should be enforced by the auditors, the commissioners for local government affairs and the states’ parliaments. But what we have seen is that it is easy for the horizonal accountability mechanisms to be in cahoots, especially where the citizens lack the capacity or the interest to enforce their will on duty-bearers or they are prevented from doing so. Vertical accountability—the capacity of citizens to hold government to account during and after elections—has been sorely lacking at the local level. And where this is absent, it will be difficult for government to prioritise the needs of the local communities.

In 2007, Human Rights Watch did a study that is a classic representation of how broken local governance has become in Nigeria. Titled ‘Chop Fine—the Human Rights of Local Government Corruption and Mismanagement in Rivers State, Nigeria,’ the report is full of shocking details, ranging from outright corruption to budgetary allocations that task belief. Some of the findings of the report include: “A travel budget for the chairman that was more than twice as large as the capital budget for the health sector; an allocation for “miscellaneous expenses” to the office of the chairman that exceeded the combined education overhead and capital budgets; and a security vote to the Office of

the Chairman roughly equivalent to the entire health sector budget.” If the people were involved in decision-making, it would be a stretch for them to agree that the travel budget for the chairman of Opobo-Nkoro LGA, for instance, is more important and should be higher than the capital budget for their health sector. The degree of depravity might vary, but local governance in Rivers State was not an isolated case when the report was released. And rather than improve, governance at the local level has gotten worse because the fundamentals have not changed and are probably worse 17 years after. Today, a significant number of the local government chairpersons and councillors hardly even live in their LGAs again. Some live in the state capitals to stay close to the governors, their benefactors; while some stay in Abuja and in some instances, some even live abroad. It is common knowledge that the only function most of them dutifully perform

is to share whatever is given to them of the federal allocation, and disperse.

Around 2004, the Ministry of Finance started publishing the allocations to all the LGAs in newspapers. This later shifted to the website of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. This initiative was designed to empower the citizens with information to hold their local officials to account. However, those behind the initiative assume that a critical mass of the citizens in all the LGAs can access the information about federation allocations. In addition, they assume that the local citizens and the existing local groups have interest in such data and that they have the capacity to use it to effectively demand accountability. Quite some assumptions to make. These assumptions might have ignored the distance between local citizens and the resources pouring into their LGAs either in the form of 20.60% of federation’s statutory revenue or 35% of

political affairs of the councils, though this will be influenced by the governors. What we call council elections today are appointments made by the governors and formalised through the ballot. There is no need to deceive ourselves. But, still, there should be periodic elections. Enough of this caretaker joke. I think that every state should create as many councils as it wants as long as it can fund them. India, with a population of 1.1 billion, has 250,000 councils. The US, with a population of 328 million, has 90,000. Switzerland, with eight million people, has 2,775. Nigeria, with 200 million people, has 774. Finally, I also think that the state joint local government account — into which councils’ allocations are paid and which the states habitually sit upon — should be abolished. All federation allocations to the councils should go to the states directly. Let them develop an equitable sharing formula in line with their priorities. Fair enough, councils have tax handles allocated to them in the constitution, so they can also generate revenue in addition to whatever they get from the federation through the states. I do not know if my suggestions would solve the problems at hand, but the reality on the ground is that the current system is not working for the people. We need to try something new.

NO COMMENT

Nigeria sent the highest number of registered delegates to the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, according to a statistical analysis by the boffins at TheCable. Of the 187 countries represented at the conference, Nigeria — a country claiming to be cutting the cost of running government — topped the table with 289 delegates. Government alone sent 108 registered as “government delegates”. It is a tradition we have created and sustained for decades. Last year, Nigeria invaded the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates with 1,411 delegates. The Geneva jamboree has further demonstrated our resolve to cut costs. Wonderful.

value added tax (VAT). The sad reality is that hardly do citizens at the local level see these allocations as theirs. The money rarely issues directly from their sweats. It is largely money from Abuja that the LGA and state officials can expend as they wish, including as patronage for those who ask questions. What is playing out at the local level across the country is a reflection of the dysfunctional nature of our politics and governance. There is such a problematic relationship between state and society that most Nigerians see the public domain as the place for those who are lucky to have access should use to help themselves and those close to them. Largely, most of our people see public office as prebends (Richard Joseph) and most people think the spoils from the immoral civic realm should be used for the benefit of the moral primordial realm (Peter Ekeh)—in other words, it is not bad, and it is in fact expected, that you take public resources to help yourself, your family, and those of your faith and ethnicity. We also have a principal-agent problem, with the agents (elected and appointed officials) taking care of themselves ahead of and becoming the lords of the principals (the people).

So, it is a national problem. At the local level, the micro is merely mimicking the macro. However, these dysfunctions are tragically most pronounced at the local level because this is where the checks and balances and the accountability mechanisms are the weakest. Incidentally, this is also where we need good governance the most. Legislative oversight, judicial checks, independent press, active civil society, engaged citizenship and other restraint mechanisms thin out the farther you move from the centre. They are largely absent at the local level. Power and resources without strong accountability measures would rarely produce good governance. Of course, there is also the issue of wafer-thin capacity for governance at the local level. While the concerns about local government autonomy and the argument about returning Nigeria to a two-tier federation and allowing the states to decide how many administrative units they want are not misplaced, I think there are more important issues to address. Central to the quest for improving local governance in Nigeria should be how to creatively and sustainably deepen democracy, citizens’ participation and social accountability at the local level. These should be the overriding focus of not just the ongoing debate but also of the next generation of local government reforms in the country.

Tinubu

Sunday SportS

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe

Finidi Steps down as S’Eagles Chief Coach

Osimen blasts former Ajax man

Femi Solaja

Nigeria’spreparation for the next round of World Cup qualifying tournaments took a fresh dimension yesterday following the resignation of Chief Coach of the Super Eagles Finidi George yesterday morning.

He tendered his letter of resignation to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

Finidi was a vibrant rightwinger for the Super Eagles in his playing days and won the AFCON 1994 with the national team and the UEFAChampions League and Super Cup with Ajax in 1996.

Finidi took charge of the team on an interim basis for the March International break, guiding the team to a 2-1 win over Ghana,

before falling to a 2-0 defeat against Mali in Morocco.

Last month, after a thorough meeting with the NFF, he was appointed to be the head coach of the Super Eagles and was immediately given the sole responsibility of qualifying the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In two qualifying games, the Super Eagles played a 1-1 draw against South Africa in Uyo, before losing to Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic in Ivory Coast. The Super Eagles are now fifth in their qualification group with three points from four games. Hide quoted text Meanwhile, in what looks like the coach may have lost the dressing room long before he left the post came to the fore later yesterday following a viral video posted by Super Eagles’ arrowhead striker, Victor Osimhen as he called out on the coach who just resigned.

A livid Osimhen in a life post on his Instagram page, said that the erstwhile Nigerian coach lied about him and his commitment to the Super Eagles. He thereafter rained invectives on the coach and those who share the former Super Eagles’ point of view.

He remarked that he got injured in his club’s last Serie Amatch against Lecce and went to see his doctor.

After the report came out, Osimhen said he called Finidi to inform him of the injury and that he video-recorded the conversation.

He said he opted to still come to camp, but Finidi refused asking him to stay away and recover. He is however angry that Finidi reportedly doubted his commitment to the Super Eagles.

In the build-up to the match against South Africa in Uyo, the coach had muted the idea of new leadership for the team which

many pundits saw as a way to limit the influence of Williams Troost Ekong who was voted the MVP at the last AFCON tournament in Cote D’Ivoire.

Four days ago, the NFF via its official media channel said a foreign TechnicalAdviser would be employed in the coming days with whom Finidi will have to work following the poor run of the national team in the last few matches.

Rising from a crisis-managing meeting, the NFF announced that it has resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the AFCON qualifiers and the remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

Also, the NFF resolved to beef up its Technical Department with more qualitative hands. Equally, the Technical and Development Sub-Committee will be re-jigged with immediate effect.

Spain Maul Croatia as Switzerland Beat Hungary

Spain scored three first-half goals on their way to an emphatic win against Croatia on day two of Euro 2024.

La Roja’s new quick and direct style was too much for perennial tournament overachievers Croatia to handle at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.

Zlatko Dalic’s men missed a penalty and had a goal ruled out by VAR seconds apart towards the end of Saturday’s encounter and now have it all to do in Group B.

With half an hour on the clock, Spain took the lead. Croatia’s centre-backs were caught napping, allowing too much space between themselves, and Fabian Ruiz simply passed right through them for Alvaro Morata to chase onto it, and he made no mistake when bearing down on goal.

Croatia, who offered little to that point, sought to find an immediate equaliser. Mateo Kovacic felt empowered to drive past the Spain midfield and let fly from 25 yards, but his strike was easily gathered

Tby goalkeeper Unai Simon. And Spain punished their opponents back down the other end. Lamine Yamal - the new youngest player in Euros history - did well to bring the ball forward down the right flank before coming back inside, with play eventually worked to Fabian, who danced past Kovacic and Luka Modric before picking out the bottom corner with a piercing shot.

Again Croatia looked to get at La Roja from kick-off, with Marcelo Brozovic this time forcing Simon into a low parry, and Lovro Majer fired the rebound into the side-netting.

he International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has celebrated Nigeria’s para table tennis couple, Christiana and KayodeAlabi, who are preparing to feature at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in France. The IPC on its website described the couple as role models for athletes across the globe.

“Meet Para table tennis power couple Christiana and Kayode Alabi, who are preparing to represent Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games this summer,” IPC stated.

Recalling how they met, IPC wrote, “Nigeria’s Para table tennis power couple Christiana and Kayode Alabi met through the sport and spend most of their waking hours striving to get better, aiming for success at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

“In September 2023 they won their respec-

Another chance for Croatia went begging when Majer’s cross found Josko Gvardiol

at the back post, but his effort slipped through the hands of Simon and behind for a goal kick.

With one final first-half attack, Spain added their third. A short corner routine ended with Lamal crossing in for Dani Carvajal, whose deft touch beat Livakovic at the near post.

In the second half, Spain nearly grabbed a fourth on a swift counter attack, which ended with Pedri slipping through Yamal, who was denied by a fine save down low by Livakovic. From the resulting corner, Yamal’s cross deflected off the thigh of Morata and whistled past the post.

e U r O 2024 re SULTS

TODAY’S FIXTURES

tive events at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) African Para Championships in Giza, Egypt, which doubled as a qualification opportunity for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. That gave them plenty of time to prepare for the Games – and they sure do.

A love story

They met at the 2017 national trials in Lagos, Nigeria. “I won all my matches and was playing very well,” Alabi said.

“So Ifechukwude (Christiana) came and said she would love to be performing like me. I said, ‘you are good, but if you want to perform like me you need to train hard and train like me. We started to play together and I told her, ‘this is how you do this, this is how you do that’.” Christiana had grown up playing table tennis, even though there had been no table nor any bats.

enugu rangers on the Verge of winning 2023/24 NpFL Title

The 2023/24 NPFL league winners may be decided on Sunday if Enugu Rangers win at home while Remo Stars lose their away game.

Enugu Rangers will host Bendel Insurance while Remo Stars will be away to Sunshine Stars.

Despite a less impressive away record, Bendel Insurance have been a tough nut to crack, boasting the fewest conceded goals in the NPFL this season.

Expected to leverage their home advantage and the support of their ardent fans, Enugu Rangers may be gearing up for an eighth NPFL title.

Enugu Rangers Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu believes in his team’s

“I loved it, even when I was very little and I used to play on the street,” she said. “There was no table tennis table in my village. From when I was seven, we used little wooden benches on the street. We played with golf balls using bathroom slippers as racquets. I didn’t know that I could have it as a career.”One day she met a man from an indoor sports club, who invited her to play table tennis there.

“He asked me if I wanted to be a sportswoman and I said yes. He took me to a stadium and there were some girls already playing. The coach asked me to come back and play some other time, with a racquet,” Christiana said.

“I went to my father and asked him for a racquet, and he went to a carpenter. But when I brought the racquet to the stadium, they were laughing at me because it was made of plywood and didn’t have the right shape.”

ability to seize the moment.

“It will be a thing of joy for me, my family, technical crew and everybody, especially for our fans who have waited since 2016,” Ilechukwu said.

“Every supporter of the Flying Antelopes is looking forward to the trophy again. There is hope that it will happen. The problem now is Remo Stars, we have two games and we need to fight to make sure we win our next game and I think with that it will be a great joy for Rangers, the management, fans and everybody,” he said.

Enugu Rangers narrowly escaped relegation last season.

On Sunday, the matches between Sporting Lagos vs Enyimba and Bayelsa United vs Shooting Stars will air on StarTimes Beta Sports channel 244.

to Paris

Former Super Eagles Chief Coach, Finidi George

Spain were triumphant in Berlin

Kayode and Christina Alabi, Nigeria, Para table tennis

“It is particularly depressing that millions of Nigerians are observing a ceremony as significant as Eid-el-Kabir in frustration as many cannot afford to celebrate with their loved ones because of extreme hardship occasioned by the insensitive policies of the APC government” – PDP holding the APC governments responsible for harrowing economic hardship and life-discounting realities prevalent in the country in the last nine year.

SIMO N KOLAWOLE

On the Issue of Council Autonomy

Twith the states over local government autonomy. The federal government filed a lawsuit against the 36 governors at the Supreme Court seeking an order to allow federation allocations to be credited directly to the accounts of the councils, to stop the governors from constituting caretaker committees to run council affairs, and to restrain the governors from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released from the federation account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected system is in place. In one word, the federal government wants the local councils to be autonomous — like the states themselves.

While we await the ruling of the Supreme Court, I have been reading arguments on the merits and demerits of council autonomy. Those in support of autonomy argue that being the closest government to the people, councils should be politically and economically independent, with democratically elected leaders. Those against autonomy think the councils could go on the loose with public funds, like state governments, if they have unfettered access to allocations. President Olusegun Obasanjo once called them “774 stealing centres”. There seems to be not much rigorous diagnosis of why the councils are weak. We tend to think it is all down to autonomy or lack of it.

To resolve my dilemma, I have tried to

understand the place of councils in federal set-ups across the world. For a federal system — or any system whatsoever — to connect properly with the people, there must be a well-run grassroots governance which is devoid of any other layer

WAZIRI ADIO

POSTSCRIPT

between the government and the communities. It can be called local government areas (LGAs), municipalities, counties, councils, boroughs, whatever. They typically do drain management, sanitation, waste collection, street lightning, roads, and other essential services delegated by superior governments. The devolution of power across the world is effected mainly through the empowerment of councils.

Some advocates of federalism will say there are only two tiers in a federal system. That is 95 percent correct. Federalism is a union of two equal tiers of government — the centre (federal) and the states (subnational). Councils are an administrative, not federative, unit. But things are changing with the need to deepen democracy. In his article, ‘Local governments in federal systems: deepening federal democracy?’, Prof Nico Steytler, a South African scholar, notes that “local government is increasingly recognized in federal constitutions as an order of government, alongside the federal and state governments, with the right to a measure of autonomy regarding the affairs of the local community”.

In 1988, for instance, the Federative Republic of Brazil elevated councils (“municipio”) to a tier of government and granted them total autonomy from the states. In the Commonwealth of Australia, which is also a federation, local governments are treated as the third tier but with limited autonomy. Its federal constitution does not expressly mention local governments.

Attempts were made to include them in the federal constitution but the referendums in 1974 and 1988 did not succeed. As things stand, every state constitution recognises local governments in its own territory. However, in Germany, Spain, and Switzerland, local authorities self-govern but they are not a federative unit.

In opposing the idea of council autonomy in Nigeria, some campaigners argue that the LGAs were created by the military and the numbers disproportionately favour the north. They posit that because the north has more LGAs than the south, granting councils autonomy and releasing their federation allocations directly to them will entrench injustice and imbalance in the political economy. I really don’t understand this logic, but I admit that emotional arguments are usually like that. I prefer we focus the debate on how to reform the councils to deliver governance to the grassroots — including a functioning primary health care system and improved enrolment in primary schools.

It is argued in some corners that Lagos and Kano used to have the same number of LGAs but Kano has now more than doubled the size of Lagos state. Kano has 44 and Lagos has 20. Jigawa, which was carved out of Kano in 1991, has 27. This takes the old Kano state to 71 LGAs “whereas Lagos remains stuck at 20”. On this basis, some are opposed to council autonomy

Refocusing the Debate on Local Governance in Nigeria

The important issue of local governance bubbled to a prominent position on Nigeria’s policy agenda lately, courtesy of the case instituted by the Federal Government against the 36 states at the Supreme Court and a surge in public commentaries on local governments’ autonomy, administration and elections. Irrespective of how the Supreme Court decides, Nigeria is overdue for another and a more thoughtful reform of governance at the local level. The reform, to be effective, must be grounded in proper diagnosis. Hence, the need to refocus the ongoing debate on this important issue.

There is a consensus among policy makers and the commentariat that local governance in Nigeria is miserably broken. There is also a general agreement that this should be the most important level of government because, being the closest to the citizens, it is the level where Nigerians should feel the essence and the presence of government the most. However, there are disparate views about why this most important level of government is, sadly, the least effective. Without a proper understanding of what ails local governance in the country, we are unlikely to evolve appropriate and effective prescriptions. This will mean that our attempts to deliver development to most of our people will continue to be constrained and compromised.

Since 1976, when we undertook a groundbreaking reform under the military, we have tried, unsuccessfully, to reposition local administration in the country. We have set up several committees, which have issued several reports, some of which have been implemented without significantly moving the needle. Over time, our definitions of the problem with local governance have ranged from lack of uniformity to inadequate resourcing/capacity, inappropriate status, limited representation, scant transparency and constrained autonomy.

Based on these definitions, we have undertaken a slew of initiatives, including the following: the introduction of a uniform structure for all local government areas in the country; the removal of LGAs from the control of traditional rulers; the provision for elected chairpersons and councillors across the country; the introduction of professional staff cadres and administrative rules and controls; the elevation of LGAs into a supposedly distinct tier of government, the third tier of the federation; the allocation of a share of federation revenues to the LGAs; the listing of all the LGAs and their capitals in the constitution; and, about two decades ago, the public disclosure of federation allocations to all the LGAs alongside the other two tiers of government.

Some of the definitions of the problem with local governance—and the interventions that

followed—are valid. But some are clearly misguided, some sidestep the real issues, and some are not grounded in deep understanding of the problem at hand or side. What can be deciphered from the current court case and ongoing debate is that we think the LGAs are underperforming simply because they have little or no autonomy. Without a doubt, the overbearing presence of the states is a major issue. The flawed manner in which elections are organised (when they are organised at all) by states for the LGAs is also a key problem. But merely expanding administrative cum fiscal autonomy for the LGAs and organising regular and cleaner elections for them will barely make a dent. There are more fundamental issues with local governance in Nigeria.

A quick detour into the rationale for local governance should help in unpacking where some of the real problems lie and how we might devise more impactful interventions. Local governance is designed to engender better service delivery, greater inclusion and swifter responsiveness from the government to the populace. Local governance is an extension of the concept of decentralisation. The basic logic of decentralisation is that the unit of government closest to the issues and the people should be the most responsive to their needs and priorities and should be one best positioned to fashion out the most appropriate solutions at that level. But

this promise of effective and efficient governance is hinged on certain prerequisites.

In “Local Governments that Perform Well—Four Explanations,” Merilee Grindle, the Harvard scholar, captured one of the prerequisites that we rarely talk about this way: “when government is closer to people, it is easier for citizens to know what is happening, to have an input into decision-making and management, and to hold officials accountable for their actions.”

So, if we think that merely devolving responsibilities and resources down will automatically deliver on the good governance promised by decentralisation/local governance, then we miss the trick. Local governance is desirable, but it must be hinged on a robust mechanism that ensures the effective participation of the local people in decision-making and the presence of adequate avenues for and enough capacity of the local people to hold the local officials to account. Accountability alongside capacity for getting things done is a critical success factor for good governance at all levels. But both hardly exist in the system of local governance that we operate.

Another rarely discussed prerequisite, which is an extension of the above, is that local government areas, according to Professors

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he Bola Tinubu administration is at loggerheads

Tinubu