SUNDAY 10TH JULY 2022 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

MAN Laments High Cost of Diesel, Demands Licence to Import from Niger Republic, Chad Says industries are being converted to warehouses, event centres Dike Onwuamaeze The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has decried

the rising cost of diesel in the country and urged the federal government to issue its members licences to import the product

from the Republic of Niger and Chad. The association, which raised the alarm that industries were

being converted to warehouses of imported goods and event centres, also called on the federal government to avert the

total shutdown of production the call in a statement issued operations. yesterday in Lagos. The Director-General of MAN, Continued on page 5 Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, made

WHO Reports First Two Cases of Marburg Virus Disease in Ghana… Page 5 Sunday 10 July, 2022 Vol 27. No 9952

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2023: You Can’t Snatch Wike from PDP, Saraki Tells APC Governors Ayu to meet PDP govs as plot for his removal thickens

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Former Senate President, Dr

Bukola Saraki, has described last Friday’s visit by the Governors of Ekiti, Ondo and Lagos states, Dr Kayode Fayemi and Mr Olurotimi

Akeredolu and Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu to their Rivers State counterpart, Mr Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt as an exercise

in futility. Also, as the plot by some southern governors elected on the platform of the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) to remove the National Chairman of the party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, from office thickens, the embattled

former President of the Senate has returned to the country to Continued on page 6

Expose Criminals Threatening Nation’s Security, Buhari Charges Nigerians Terrorists release seven of 50 remaining train passengers Kuje attack: Police rearrest fleeing Boko Haram suspect in Nasarawa NSCDC alerts on planned attacks on schools, churches, others In new measures, Irabor meets heads of security agencies daily Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh, Kuni Tyesi in Abuja, John Shiklam in Kaduna and Igbawase Ukumba in Laﬁa President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday charged Nigerians to expose the criminal elements threatening the nation's security. Speaking after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at his country home in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari said increased disclosure of unusual activities would expose bandits and terrorists, nudging the security apparatus to eliminate threats across the country. The president's charge came as seven of the 50 remaining abducted victims of the March 28 Abuja-Kaduna train attack yesterday regained their freedom after 102 days in captivity. Also, the Nasarawa State Police Command yesterday said it had recaptured one of

the fleeing Boko Haram suspects, Hassan Hassan, who was among the inmates that escaped from the Kuje Maximum Custodial Centre in Abuja, just as the federal government said it has tightened security around the Kuje Correctional facility and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Meanwhile, following the attack on the Kuje Correctional facility, the meetings of security forces headed by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, have been brought forward to hold daily from its previous weekly arrangement. President Buhari said all those that had unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens should reflect on their atrocities, stressing that they soiled their names and their family reputation. Continued on page 10

21 People Missing in Lagos Boat PERFORMING RELIGIOUS RITE… Accident, Flood Disaster...Page 8 PresidentMuhammaduBuhari,flankedbyhisaides,settoslaughterramtomarktheEid-el-KabircelebrationinDaura,KatsinaState…yesterday

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PRAYING FOR 2023… L-R: Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; state Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; and former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musliu Obanikoro, during the 2022 Eid-el-Kabir prayer at Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos Island…yesterday

WHO Reports First Two Cases of Marburg Virus Disease in Ghana Nigeria records 880 fresh COVID-19 cases Kunle Aderinokun The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported two suspected cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Ghana. If confirmed, the two cases would be first recorded in the West African country. This is coming as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has raised the alarm over 880 fresh COVID-19 infections reported in Nigeria from July 2 to 8, though with no fatalities. Marburg Virus Disease, formerly known as Marburg haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. The disease, which is in the same family as Ebola, the more wellknown virus disease, was initially detected in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany; and in Belgrade, Serbia. MVD causes severe viral haemorrhagic fever in humans and is highly infectious. A statement from WHO noted that a preliminary analysis of samples taken from two patients by the country’s Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research indicated that the cases were positive for Marburg. However, the samples have been sent to the Institut Pasteur in Senegal, a WHO Collaborating Centre for confirmation. Reports indicated that the two patients from the southern Ashanti region – both deceased and unrelated – showed symptoms including diarrhoea, fever, nausea and vomiting. They had been taken to a district hospital in the Ashanti region. The WHO statement further disclosed that preparations for a possible outbreak response were being set up swiftly as further investigations are underway. “The health authorities are on the ground investigating the situation and preparing for possible outbreak response. We

are working closely with the country to ramp up detection, track contacts, and be ready to control the spread of the virus,” said WHO Representative in Ghana, Dr Francis Kasolo. WHO is deploying experts to support Ghana’s health authorities by bolstering disease surveillance, testing, tracing contacts, preparing to treat patients and working

with communities to alert and educate them about the risks and dangers of the disease and to collaborate with the emergency response teams. If confirmed, the cases in Ghana would mark the second time Marburg has been detected in West Africa. Guinea confirmed a single case in an outbreak that was declared over on 16 September

2021, five weeks after the initial case was detected. Previous outbreaks and sporadic cases of Marburg in Africa have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda. Marburg is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct

contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Illness begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and malaise. Many patients develop severe haemorrhagic signs within seven days. Marburg virus is the causative agent of MVD, with a case fatality ratio of up to 88 per cent, but can be much lower with good

patient care. Specifically, while the average MVD case fatality rate is around 50 per cent, case fatality rates have varied from 24 per cent to 88 per cent in past outbreaks depending on virus strain and case management. Although there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved Continued on page 8

MAN LAMENTS HIGH COST OF DIESEL, DEMANDS LICENCE TO IMPORT FROM NIGER REPUBLIC, CHAD MAN represents more than 3,000 manufacturers spread across 10 sectors, 76 sub-sectors, and 16 industrial zones. The manufacturing sector, which dominates export trade in the West African sub-region, employs more than five million workers, directly and indirectly, and contributes 8.46 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Ajayi-Kadir stated that the call was pertinent during times of crisis to enhance the performance of the sector through a pro-manufacturing policy that would encourage scale-up and lower unit cost of production. He added that the manufacturing sector had been battered by many familiar challenges that had plummeted the number of industries and converted industrial hubs to warehouses of imported goods and event centres. The MAN president also stated that top on the list of challenges confronting the sector was high operating cost caused by the twin problem of inadequate electricity supply and the high cost of alternative energy sources. He added that the more than 200 per cent increase in the price of diesel had become a major constraint with spiral effects. “MAN is greatly concerned about the implications of the over 200 per cent increase in the

price of diesel on the Nigerian economy and the manufacturing sector in particular. “More worrisome is the deafening silence from the public sector as regards the plight of manufacturers,’’ he stated. Ajayi-Kadir urged the government to strengthen the nation’s economic absorbers from external shocks to reduce the myriad challenges the manufacturing sector was already beguiled with. He stated that by the time the current domestic reserve of manufacturing inputs was exhausted, prices of manufactured products would soar in the face of an acute shortfall in supply. Ajayi-Kadir added that government should continue to support manufacturing to accelerate the process of recovery from the aftermath of COVID-19 and previous bouts of recession. This, he explained, would avert a complete shutdown of factories nationwide. He urged the government to issue licenses to manufacturing concerns and operators in the aviation industry to import diesel and aviation fuel directly to avert the avoidable monumental paralysis of manufacturing. Ajayi-Kadir also called for the removal of VAT on diesel as an instant stimulus for an immediate price reduction and expedite action in reactivating or privatising petroleum products

refineries in the country. “As a matter of urgency, the government should address the challenge of repeated collapses of the national grid which is causing acute electricity shortage, especially for manufacturers,’’ he stressed. Meanwhile, MAN has also asked the federal government to issue its members licences to import diesel from the Republic of Niger and Chad, Nigeria’s neighbouring countries, to avert the avoidable monumental paralysis of manufacturing activities that could arise from the total shut down of production operations. The MAN also tasked the government to develop a response strategy to address challenges emanating from the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The MAN said: “In light of the gravity of the precarious situation that we have found ourselves as a nation and the looming dangers ahead, the expectations of manufacturers in Nigeria are as follows: that government should urgently allow manufacturers and independent petroleum products marketing companies to also import AGO (diesel) from the Republic of Niger and Chad by immediately opening up border posts in that axis to cushion the effect of the supply gap driven the high cost of AGO (Automotive Gas Oil).”

The association also requested the government to “issue licences to manufacturing concerns and operators in the aviation industry to import diesel and aviation fuel directly to avert the avoidable monumental paralysis of manufacturing activities arising from total shut down of production operations and movement of persons for business activities.” Ajayi-Kadir noted that Nigerian manufacturers are greatly concerned about the implications of the over 200 per cent increase in the price of AGO on the Nigerian economy and the manufacturing sector. “More worrisome is the deafening silence from the public sector as regards the plight of manufacturers. Four obvious questions that readily come to mind that are seriously begging for answers are: What can we do as a nation to strengthen our economic absorbers from external shocks? Should manufacturing companies that are already battered with multiple taxes, poor access to foreign exchange, and now over 200 per cent increase in the price of diesel be advised to shut down operations? Should we fold our arms and allow the economy to slip into the valley of recession again? Is the nation well equipped to manage the resulting explosive inflation and unemployment rates?” he asked. It also implored the

government to “continue to support manufacturing to accelerate the process of recovery from the aftermath of COVID-19 and previous bouts of recession to avert the complete shutdown of factories nationwide with a multiplier effect on the employment.” The MAN also asked the federal government to “as a matter of priority develops a National Response and Sustainability Strategy (NRSS) to address challenges emanating from the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia.” The MAN also tasked the government to “address the challenge of the repeated collapse of the national grid (twice within a week), which is causing acute electricity shortage in the country, especially for manufacturers,” adding that government should “remove VAT on AGO as an instant stimulus for an immediate price reduction and expedite action in reactivating or privatising the petroleum products refineries in the country.” It also demanded that the government should “restrict the export of maize, cassava, wheat, food-related products and other manufacturing inputs available in the country; and grant concessional foreign exchange allocation at the official rate to manufacturers for the importation of productive inputs that are not locally available.

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NEWS

NESG INAUGURATION… L-R: Board Member, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Nnanna Ude; CEO, Mr. ‘Laoye Jaiyeola; Chairman, Mr. Asue Ighodalo; Co-chair Private Sector Joint Planning Committee (JPC) of the 28th Nigerian Economic Summit (#NES28), Ms. Ijeoma Taylaur; Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba; Member, Technical Sub-committee of #NES28, Ms. Aisha Waziri Umar; Co-chair, Public Sector JPC, Mr. Felix Okonkwo; and Director of Administration, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Lanre Adekanye, at the inauguration of the Joint Planning Committee of the 28th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja… recently

At Sallah, Govs, Sultan, Ayu Preach Peace Our Reporters As Muslim faithful celebrated eid-el-Kabir nationwide yesterday, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, has tasked Nigerians to embrace peace and harmony in the interest of national security and development. Also, Governors Aminu

Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, Aminu Masari of Katsina, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Yahaya Bello of Kogi and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi have urged Nigerians to pray fervently to God to bring the country out of its intractable insecurity. The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu also stated

that this year's festival would be the last that Nigerians would celebrate under an atmosphere of doom and gloom. In their separate messages, they called on Nigerians across all faiths to pray for peace and also provide moral support for the troops fighting daily to keep the federation safe and secure. In his message, the Sultan urged Muslims across the federation “to pray for the security challenges bedevilling

Nigeria.” He urged Muslim faithful to pray against insecurity bedevilling the federation, and also imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and sacrifices among each other while asking them to hold on to the lessons of Eid-el-Kabir. He said: “As such, we should use this period of worship to pray for our leaders, security agencies and the nation to prosper. As leaders we will

2023: YOU CAN’T SNATCH WIKE FROM PDP, SARAKI TELLS APC GOVERNORS meet the governors and other stakeholders, THISDAY has learnt. The three APC governors were said to be in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, apparently to woo the aggrieved PDP governor to the ruling APC. But Saraki who spoke with journalists on Friday night in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on the visit, said it would amount to nothing at the end of the day, adding that PDP would not allow Wike to leave the main opposition party. According to him, "Governor Wike is an important member of our party and I am very confident that in no distant time, we will sit down and address all the issues. "There is no doubt about it that he has cause to feel the way he does, but there are better ways by which issues like this would be resolved. "The good thing is that we are all talking to one another. We are on top of the situation and PDP will reunite and forge ahead to win the next elections. "I assure you that PDP will resolve the family issues that it currently has," he said. Saraki added: "The fact that some APC governors went to see their colleague, trying to capitalise on what they think is an issue is a gross miscalculation. At the end of the day, their visit is going nowhere. "The APC governors know that it is this kind of a crack they need to latch on to. Fortunately, we are not going to give him (Wike) to them because the election ahead is too important. "The destinies of millions of Nigerians are too important and even bigger than any party or individual. I appreciate that; all our stakeholders appreciate that and Governor Wike himself appreciates that." On the current strike by university unions in Nigeria, the ex-governor of Kwara State blamed it on the federal

government's insensitivity. Senator Saraki added: "There is no way I will be part of the government as the Senate President and ASUU and other unions in the universities will go on strike for months. "It is a lack of compassion and dedication. It is a matter that government should lock itself up in a room and not come out until the matter is resolved. "And I have not seen that dedication. I don't know whether you have seen it. "That is the difference between the PDP government and what we have now. It could not have happened under Presidents Obasanjo, Yar'Adua and Jonathan," Saraki said. He, however, predicted that the PDP would form the next government to return the governance of the country to the people and also boost their socio-economic well-being.

Ayu to Meet PDP Govs as Plot for His Removal Thickens

Meanwhile, as the plot by some southern governors elected on the platform of the PDP to remove the National Chairman of the party, Ayu, from office thickens, the embattled former President of the Senate has returned to the country to meet the governors and other stakeholders. THISDAY gathered that some of the governors are championing the removal of Ayu from office in line with the zoning principle, which ensures that the national chairman of the party and its presidential candidate should not come from one geographical zone. The investigation further revealed that with the return of Ayu from vacation, the party has activated a series of meetings to starve off the agitation for his removal from office. Some chieftains of the party who spoke to THISDAY stated that he rushed back to Nigeria to

meet the aggrieved stakeholders. Multiple sources said the calls for his resignation were being amplified by the members of the camp of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who feel the former Senate President was not neutral but sided with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the presidential primary. It was also gathered that some of the PDP governors who are sympathetic to Ayu, including his state governor, Samuel Ortom of Benue State have stepped in to avert his removal. Also to address the grievances of some governors of the PDP over the choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the party’s vice-presidential candidate, the chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Mr Walid Jubrin is said to be championing a reconciliation meeting with the governors of the party to appease Rivers State Governor, Mr Nyesom Wike. A member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party told THISDAY that "it is not that the governors of the party are insisting that Atiku must change Okowa. No! We want all issues to be put on the table and let them be addressed as in the case of who gets what. "The National Chairman is back and he has lined up a series of meetings to address this perceived crisis, including agitations for his removal. “He is billed to meet the PDP governors, the BoT members and even former PDP governors and Atiku once he returns to the country. It is expected that Ayu will use the Sallah break to reach out to those aggrieved as well as those perceived as his friends. “The meetings to follow must address the power-sharing when the PDP comes to power. "It is not going to be blind followership. Every group must know what is in stock for it. We

are sure that after the meetings, these agitations will reduce", the NWC member said. The source explained that it was agreed that at the pre-convention stages in October 2021 that if the presidential candidate comes from the North, the National Chairman should resign. He argued that "this may not be the best time for a leadership change from the top, but what ought to be addressed should be addressed. We are sure that with Ayu, the series of consultations and meetings with the PDP governors’ forum and other stakeholders will commence immediately after the Sallah break. It is expected that the expected talks should start within breaks." Some stakeholders of the party have also insisted that Ayu's position should be given to the South-east for equity and justice. The stakeholders stated in a memorandum submitted to the BoT insisted that the South-east should be considered for the post of national chairman to appease the zone. On his part, the chairman of PDP BoT, Jibrin told THISDAY that he would meet Atiku to present the BoT’s recommendations to him. According to him, Atiku should lead the reconciliation talks with Wike. "Wike should be given a sense of belonging," he said. Jibrin insisted that the BoT had already set up a high-level committee, to be led by Atiku and 13 governors of the party to meet with the aggrieved politicians, particularly Wike and his supporters. “There are many issues relating to campaign strategies, including setting up of committees to handle vital aspects that have been pending. We can’t do anything on these until the presidential candidate is around,” he added.

not get tired of calling on the citizens to continue to pray for our country, therefore we should sustain more prayers for peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria. He also challenged Muslims in the federation “to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to be able to elect leaders of their desire. Also, felicitating with the Muslim faithful, Tambuwal observed that fellow citizens “are in anguish as a result of being bereaved, wounded, kidnapped or displaced, he lamented.” He, therefore, urged Muslims across the federation “to use this holy period to pray fervently for the return of peace to our country. Let us cooperate with the security agencies and leaders at all levels in the efforts to secure our society.” The governor also urged Nigerians to collect their PVCs “to enable them to choose the leaders of our choice, who could salvage our country from the myriads of problems militating against our progress and development. On his part, el-Rufai, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Muyiwa Adekeye commended Nigerians for their patience, saying they would be rewarded for their sacrifices in the quest to move the country forward despite challenges. “In these difficult times, let us be buoyed by faith and retain the hope that together we can make things better. Let us embrace the lesson of sacrifice and uphold peace and goodwill towards all,” the Kaduna State governor said. In his message, Kogi State governor, Bello, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu, urged leaders at the helm of affairs and citizens to put aside individual interests in a bid to ensure that the country reaches the pinnacle of development where it belonged. In a statement he signed yesterday, Nasarawa State Governor, Sule implored Muslims to re-affirm their obedience to God’s injunctions as contained in the Holy Qur’an. Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed, in his message, urged Muslims to use the period to strengthen their existing interpersonal relationships. At a session with journalists after Eid prayers yesterday, Katsina State governor, Masari urged Nigerians “to pray

fervently to God to bring the country out of the current prevailing security challenges. He explained that sustained prayers and steadfastness will recuse Nigerians from the current challenging time of banditry and insurgency orchestrated by bandits and terrorists in the country. In a Sallah message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika yesterday, Delta State governor, Okowa, charged Nigerians to renew and focus on their hope for a greater Nigeria. He urged the Islamic faithful to emulate the Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice exemplified by him, adding that Nigerians will return to the path of greatness and recovery sooner than later. Akeredolu, in his message by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, congratulated the faithful in the state and the country at large on the occasion. Akeredolu charged Muslim faithful to reflect on the essence of the Islamic festival by remembering the less privileged and rededicating themselves to the commands of the Almighty Allah. Congratulating Muslim faithful nationwide yesterday, the National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu said that this year's Sallah would be the last that Nigerians would celebrate under an atmosphere of doom and gloom. The PDP national chairman praised the indomitable spirit of the citizens who would not allow the current economic uncertainties to dampen their celebration. “Nigeria has never had it so bad. But we refuse to let fear kill our joy. We are Nigerians. We don’t give up. We believe the darkest hour comes before dawn. This is why we hold on despite everything. We mourn our dead. “We bury our loved ones. We hold our breaths as we travel. We borrow money to pay ransom to kidnappers. Still, we celebrate. Our hope is stronger than our worries, and that Hope is in a brighter future. “We refuse to let economic uncertainties dampen our celebration. We may not have money to slaughter rams and we may not afford the bare necessities of life, still, we celebrate. Our faith in God’s benevolence remains unshaken and unshakable.”

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JULY 10, 2022 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS

OIL AND GAS EXPERTS… L-R: The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr. Simbi Wabote; Chief Financial Oﬃcer, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Umar Isa Ajiya; Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, Mrs. Elohor Aiboni; Group Executive Director, Gas and Power of NNPC, AbdulKabir Ahmed; Group General Manager, Frontier Exploration Services of NNPC, Mr. Abdullahi Bomai and the Energy Transition Business Opportunity Manager for Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Johnbosco Uche, at the Shell stand during the opening session of the 2022 edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition in Abuja …recently

21 People Missing in Lagos Boat Accident, Flood Disaster Gboyega Akinsanmi

Barely three days after the unfortunate boat accident around the Ikorodu area of Lagos State leading to the death of two passengers, another boat accident occurred on Friday night with 16 passengers missing in the Mile 2 area. This is as a massive flood yesterday hit several parts of Lagos State, sweeping away at least five persons in the Oyatoki area of Agege and displacing many residents from their homes. The Lagos State Area Manager, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mrs Sarat Braimah, confirmed the boat incident in a statement yesterday. Braimah said that 16 passengers onboard the ill-fated boat was yet to be accounted for. “At about 7.45 p.m., on July 8, the National Inland Waterways Authority and Lagos State Waterways Authority received a distress call of an incident on the waterways. “A W19 passenger Fibre boat carrying 16 people capsized along the Ojo area of the state. “The boat going from Mile 2 to Ibeshe in Ojo axis broke the waterways rules of late travelling by setting sail at 7.45 p.m.,” she said. Braimah said that the tide of the water drifted the boat to a stationary barge which caused it to overturn. “It is said that all passengers on board including children were not all putting on their life jackets. “The search and rescue team of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), National Inland Waterways (NIWA) were immediately mobilised to the scene of the incident but unfortunately could only find the boat after several hours. “Efforts are still ongoing to locate the victims. “The Boat Captain is also unaccounted for as at the time of this press release,” she said. Braimah noted that the boat was currently in the custody of Marine Police. Meanwhile, after about 48 hours of downpour, a massive flood hit several parts of the state at the

weekend, sweeping away at least five persons in the Oyatoki area of Agege and displacing many residents from their homes. Among the key areas that were flooded include Egbeda, Idimu, Ipaja, Festac, Lekki, Ikeja, Ogba and Victoria Island, forcing the affected residents to lampoon the state government on their social media handles. Vehicles were stuck in the deluge, commuters were trapped at bus terminals, small businesses were disrupted and residents lamented the grave consequences of the flood. Consequently, the flood caused perennial human and vehicular traffic along Awolowo road in Ikeja, Akowonjo road in Egbeda, old Oko-Oba road in Agege, Liasu road in Idimu, Herbert Macaulay in Yaba, Allen Avenue in Ikeja, Lawanson road in Surulere, the whole of Festac, Opebi, Lekki and the substantial parts of Alimosho. While the residents blamed the disaster on the state’s acute drainage infrastructure, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello, attributed it to the geographical feature of Lagos bounded by massive bodies of water in all cardinals. In a statement by its Zonal Coordinator, South-west, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Ibrahim Farinloye yesterday, disclosed that five people were swept away by flood in the Oyatoki area of Agege. Farinloye revealed that the incident involved two vehicles — a Lexus jeep carrying three persons and a Toyota with three occupants. He stressed that six persons were reported to have been swept away when rainwater overflowed an uncompleted canal in the area, adding, however, that three of the victims were rescued while two were still missing. Meanwhile, in a statement issued yesterday by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Kunle Adeshina, the Lagos State Government said it sympathised with residents of the state over heavy flash flooding experienced in some parts of the

state. The statement quoted the commissioner, Bello as saying that flash flooding on Old Oko Oba Road followed the ceaseless rainfall of over 10 hours that led to the overflowing of the Oko Oba Canal Channel, which is presently undergoing expansion. He said the state government “has always advised that motorists and residents should be cautious

and refrain from wading through flood waters during heavy rainfalls largely because of the dangers inherent in it. He added that the contractor handling the expansion project “has been slowed down by the intensity of the rains of the past weeks but is committed to the completion of the project. “Because of the coastal nature of the state, it is bound to experience

flooding when there is heavy rainfall, especially about a rainfall that started on Friday with high intensity and has not receded till over 36 hours after.” He said all the water bodies into which the channels including the Oko Oba channel would deliver, had risen and would only recede hours after the rainfall ceased. Bello appealed to residents to be very cautious as Lagos will

experience more heavy rains till the end of August and that all residents and motorists should avoid having to wade through floods while it is raining. He also urged all those living in wetland, depressed and low land in the state during this period to be wary of water levels and be ready to move to high areas during the rainfall to safeguard lives and properties.

INEC: Why We Rejected Lawan, Akpabio’s Nominations Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it refused to publish the names of the candidates submitted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Yobe North and Akwa Ibom North-west senatorial districts, Dr. Ahmad Lawan and Senator Godswill Akpabio, respectively, because it didn’t monitor the primary elections that produced the two aspirants. The Senate President, Lawan, and the immediate-past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Akpabio, are reportedly planning to replace the initial winners of the Yobe North and Akwa Ibom North-west senatorial tickets, respectively. Hon. Bashir Sheriff Machina was duly announced as the winner of the APC Yobe North ticket while DIG Udom Ekpoudom (rtd) was duly announced as the Akwa Ibom North-West (Ikot Ekpene) senatorial district ticket on the platform of APC.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, the commission said the allegations of underhand dealings against it regarding the two senatorial tickets were intended to impugn the integrity of the commission The statement read in part: “In particular, allegations intended to impugn the integrity of the commission have been made in respect of the Akwa Ibom North West and Yobe North Senatorial Districts. “To set the record straight, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mandates the commission to monitor the organisation and operation of political parties, including their finances, conventions, congresses, and party primaries. In line with its constitutional and legal obligations, the commission deployed monitors to the various constituencies and received reports of such exercises.

“About the primaries for the Akwa Ibom North West and Yobe North Senatorial Districts, the commission stands by the monitoring reports received from our State offices.” For these reasons, Okoye said the commission did not publish the personal particulars of any candidate for the two senatorial districts at variance with the reports, which emanated from the States. “Right now, the commission is funtus officio in the two cases. Aggrieved parties are at liberty to approach the Federal High Court and seek redress as provided in section 285 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and sections 29(5) and 84(14) of the Electoral Act, 2022.” On the issuance of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of documents, he said the staff of the commission has been working hard, including weekends, to meet the deluge of requests received. As of Friday, July 8, 2022,

he said the commission had processed 433 requests, involving the certification of 1,662,776 pages of documents. He said many of them were awaiting collection at the INEC headquarters by some of the same applicants complaining of delay in issuance of the CTCs. “Section 29 (4) of the Electoral Act provides that any person may apply to the commission for a copy of nomination form, affidavit, and any other document submitted by a candidate at an election and the commission shall, upon payment of a prescribed fee, issue such person with a certified copy of the document within 14 days. Persons applying for CTC of documents should endeavour to act timely and within the ambit of the law. “The commission will continue to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, including the deepening of the deployment of technology to enhance the credibility of elections,” he added.

WHO REPORTS FIRST TWO CASES OF MARBURG VIRUS DISEASE IN GHANA to treat the virus, supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival. A range of potential treatments, including blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies, are being evaluated. In a related development, the NCDC has raised the alarm over 880 fresh COVID-19 infections reported in Nigeria from July 2 to 8, though with no fatalities. The NCDC disclosed via its official website yesterday, that the country’s commercial capital

city, Lagos State, was driving the nation’s latest COVID-19 surge. Lagos State, the epicentre of the virus, accounted for more than 90 per cent of the new infections with 750 cases. The data showed that the new cases had raised Nigeria’s infection toll to 258,517, while the fatality toll stood at 3, 144. The public health agency stated that about 4,206 people were still down with the virus while a total of 250,388 people were successfully treated and discharged so far in the country since the outbreak in February

2020. Apart from Lagos State, a further breakdown of the latest cases showed that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded 45 cases, followed by Rivers with 40 infections. Delta reported 11 cases, followed by Akwa Ibom – 11, Kano – five, Nasarawa – four and Plateau – one. The agency said that three states: Abia, Kaduna, and Sokoto reported no cases within the time frame. The NCDC asked religious organisations, community leaders,

and Nigerians, in general, to take necessary precautions during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. It added that the number of weekly COVID-19 cases had increased globally for the third consecutive week. The agency said that COVID-19 might cause severe complications in the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions. “Take extra precautions to stay safe and avoid crowded places. “Maintain distance from anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness, and wash your hands regularly,” it advised.

SUNDAY JULY 10, 2022 • T H I S D AY

JULY 10, 2022 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS

PRAYING FOR PEACE… L-R: Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari; Kwara State Governor, Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; his elder brother/Mutawalli of Ilorin, Dr. Alimi Abdulrazaq; and Turaki of Ilorin, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, during Eid prayer in Ilorin…yesterday

EXPOSE CRIMINALS THREATENING NATION’S SECURITY, BUHARI CHARGES NIGERIANS His words: “My advice is that people that are organising themselves and attacking institutions and communities; the people know them. So, let them report them to the security agencies. “I hope they will sit and reflect and make sure they save their names and their families," Buhari said. During this year's rainy season, the president said: “We are praying that the rainy season will be good for the production of the food we eat in the country. He stated that following the closure of the borders for about two years, Nigeria is now exporting rice. The president also advised Nigerian youths to look beyond culture, ethnicity and religion in relating with one another, urging more travels, mingling, tolerance and negotiations to appreciate the rich diversity of the country. Buhari, who received members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Daura, said regular interface and a broader vision of Nigeria as a whole would improve relationships, especially among the youths. “Every time I meet former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, I always thank him for the NYSC, which helps people to move all over Nigeria. “Before the NYSC there were people who had never moved out of their locality,” he said. The president said the scheme broadened the horizon for many over the years and reduced the tensions and misunderstandings that exist between strangers. The president said the Youths and all Nigerians must learn to live together with one another. He later donated two bulls, 10 rams and the sum of N1,000,000 to the corps members for the Sallah celebration.

Terrorists Release Seven of 50 Remaining Train Passengers

Meanwhile, seven of the 50 remaining abducted victims of the March 28 Abuja- Kaduna train attack have been freed after 102 days in captivity. The seven victims, including the son of the Chairman of Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Prof. Ango Abdullahi, were released yesterday following

negotiations by Tukur Mamu, a media consultant to an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi. The terrorists had on June 11, released 11 of their victims following negotiations by Mamu. The report listed those released as Bosede Olurotimi, Abubakar Zubairu, Alhassan Sule, Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, Muhammad Daiyabu Paki, Aliyu Usman and a foreign national of Pakistani origin, Dr Muhammad Abuzar Afzal. Those released were handed over to the military to be reunited with their families. The report also quoted Mamu as saying that no ransom was paid for the release of the seven victims. Mamu was further quoted, as saying that the release of seven of the victims has vindicated Sheikh Gumi on the power of mediation. “I want to assure the nation that everything that was achieved today was singlehandedly initiated and arranged by me with the full support and prayers of my principal, Sheikh Gumi. “That is why I keep emphasising that government has the power to end the agony of these innocent victims in one day. Speaking on ARISE NEWS Channel last night, Tukur said Gumi has been working behind the scenes to bring peace to the country. He, however, stated that his efforts to meet with President Buhari were being frustrated. “This is just one individual that sacrifices his life and even integrity. “There is no military solution to the current security debacle in Nigeria. When you sincerely engage them, these guys even though wicked with misguided religious beliefs, are listening,” he explained. The coordinator of families of the abducted passengers of the Abuja- Kaduna train attack, Mr Abdulfatai Jimoh, confirmed the release of the seven victims.

Police Rearrest Fleeing Boko Haram Suspect in Nasarawa

In another development, the Nasarawa State Police Command has recaptured one of the fleeing Boko Haram suspects, Hassan Hassan, who escaped from the Kuje Maximum Custodial

Centre. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Nasarawa State command, DSP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed this in a statement. He added that the fleeing Boko Haram suspect was recaptured by the eagle-eyed operatives of the state Police Command at Keffi, headquarters of Keffi Local Government Area of the state. Nansel said: "Sequel to the attack on Kuje Maximum Custodial Centre and subsequent escape of inmates, on July 9th, 2022 at about 0130hrs, one Hassan Hassan 'M' whose name and picture was amongst the escaped inmates with Boko Haram/Terrorism case was recaptured by the eagle-eyed Police operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command at Keffi. "The Commissioner of Police, CP Adesina Soyemi has ordered for the transfer of the suspect to a safer location while the intensive search for other escapees and handing over process of the arrested inmate progresses."

NSCDC Alerts on Planned Attacks on Schools, Churches, Others

In another fresh development, plans by members of the ISWAP terrorist group to launch coordinated and spontaneous attacks on soft and hard targets in the FCT have been uncovered by the FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The NSCDC FCT Commandant, Mr Peter Maigari, who issued the Red Alert in a restricted memo dated Friday, July 8, 2022, said: “Certified intelligence reveals that members of the decimated terrorist group, Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) have concluded plan to launch more coordinated and spontaneous attacks on selected targets within the FCT and have declared war against Christians in Nigeria.” A copy of the Red Alert addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) further said: “Intelligence abounds that ISWAP terrorist group has claimed responsibilities of the Tuesday, July 5, 2022 attack on

Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, releasing their adherent members. “The foregoing is to enable them to hibernate in targeted communities and re-strategise for further terrorist activities, especially on soft targets to keep the agenda of the group alive to the public.” The leaked memo further warned that taking into consideration the recent attack on Kuje Prison in Abuja, which lasted for a “good two – hours without any security resistance indicates their readiness to carry out more coordinated attacks in selected cities/towns, security formations, schools and worship centres in FCT, hence the release of their members for a more formidable squad to carry out the dastardly act.” Maigari, therefore, called for a review of the existing security measures in the nation’s capital to frustrate the terrorists’ plans. When contacted to confirm the authenticity or otherwise of the alert, the spokesman, National Headquarters of NSCDC, Mr Shola Odumosu, said the alert emanated from the FCT Command of the agency and not the headquarters. He promised to get in touch with the command and get back to THISDAY but he was unable to do that at press time. The spokesperson of the FCT Command of the corps, Comfort Okomanyi, could not be reached.

FG Vows to Track down all Escapees, Tightens Security in Abuja

Meanwhile, following the terrorist attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, the federal government has tightened security around the facility and other parts of the FCT. The Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS), Haliru Nababa, said the service would spare no effort or resources in hunting down all the escapees from the Kuje facility. THISDAY gathered that new security arrangements were emplaced to prevent a repeat occurrence. As part of the new security measures, the meetings of security forces headed by the CDS, Gen. Irabor, have been brought forward to hold daily

from its previous weekly arrangement. The investigation also revealed that new security checkpoints were mounted at the entry and exit points of the Kuje Area council while similar deployments encircled the prison facility and the area council. Nababa said the integrated strategies of the security agencies were yielding favourable results. The NCoS also said there was no case of missing monies in both local and foreign currencies belonging to inmates in the centre after the ill-fated attack on the facility. The incessant attacks on FCT suburbs and the recent one on the Kuje facility had also heightened tension among residents in the nation's capital, forcing those in the city centre to commence construction of new fences around their residential houses. THISDAY gathered that the Brigade of Guards, responsible for the security of the president and his family, also reinforced troop deployments at the entry and exit points of the city, notably, the Nyanya-Karu and Maraba-Keffi axis and Gwagwalada-Zuba and Kubwa on the northern flank of the territory. The FCT Police Command in a statement issued Friday night said it had put in place water-tight security around Abuja. According to the statement, “The CP (Babaji Sunday) further noted that in pursuance of the common resolve to beef-up security, the command would intensify robust stop and search operations, high-level visibility policing patrols and surveillance of places of worship, parks, recreational centres and residential areas, and prompt response to any distress calls from across the FCT.” Given the security situation in Abuja, the command also warned Muslim worshippers not to park their vehicles 200 metres close to the praying grounds. "Worshippers are therefore advised to pray inside and avoid praying on the expressway to ensure orderliness and proper traffic management. "At all other praying grounds within the FCT, no vehicle will be permitted to park 200 metres close to the praying grounds.

Worshippers and residents are therefore advised to cooperate with police officers deployed strictly for enforcement," the statement added. In a related development, the NCoS said there was no case of missing monies in both local and foreign currencies belonging to inmates in the centre after the ill-fated attack on the facility. Public Relations Officer of the service, Umar Danlami Abubakar, in a statement, affirmed that the cash belonging to inmates deposited in the custody of the authorities of the custodial centre is intact and safe. He reiterated that there was an existing instruction from the Controller General of Corrections, Nadaba, that all officers superintending custodial centres must not keep huge sums in the facility.

How Ex-Boko Haram Fighter Emerged as Prison Ofﬁcial

In a related development, fresh facts have, however, emerged on how an ex-Boko Haram fighter became an official of NCoS. It was gathered that on February 18 this year, an alarm was raised at a correctional centre in Adamawa State. A former Boko Haram fighter, Wilberforce Yohanna, was recruited as a staff of the Yola New Custodial Centre in the state. Leaked internal documents on the security situation at the prison facility according to the report showed that Mr Yohanna’s Boko Haram background was detected following the dexterity he displayed with gun handling during training. “While on training, he was found to be more versatile in the use and operations of firearms,” the leaked files obtained by Premium Times, revealed. “Upon further interrogation and collaborative findings, he confessed to having been abducted and held hostage by members of Boko Haram for two years.” The new prison official also confessed to having received training in heavy weapon handling from a Boko Haram base before he escaped their custody, according to the documents.

SUNDAY JULY 10, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾JULY 10, 2022

NEWS

News Editor: Gboyega Akinsanmi E-mail: gboyega.akinsanmi@thisdaylive.com,08152359253

Tinubu Returns from France, Urges FG to Go after Kuje Prison Attackers Ejiofor Alike The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, yesterday returned to the country from France and called on the relevant authorities to go after Tuesday’s attackers of Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Tinubu travelled to France on June 27 for “important meetings”. While in France, billionaire business mogul, Mr Femi Otedola paid a visit to the APC national leader. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun also visited Tinubu in France. In a statement issued yesterday

by his Media Officer, Mr Tunde Rahman, the former Lagos State governor particularly condemned the terrorists’ attack on the Kuje prison, describing the incessant terror attacks plaguing the country as worrisome. While calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and united behind constituted authorities, Tinubu said the fleeing inmates from the facility must be re-arrested and returned to the facility. “These incessant attacks on government’s institutions and innocent citizens are a sad reminder that we still have a lot to do to put these evil forces in check.” He condemned the dastardly attack and urged the government

Jonathan’s Cousin Pleads from Shallow Grave to Regain Freedom Olusegun Osahon in Yenagoa Suspected kidnappers yesterday released a video, which showed a cousin of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mike Ogiasa, pleading mercy and help from a shallow grave filled with water. In the video that went viral, Ogiasa was seen pleading for his safe release from the captivity of his abductors Ogiasa, who was Commissioner for Special Duties in Bayelsa State, was kidnapped on June 2 from his home in Otuabadi, Ogbia Local Government Area of the State. The video, which was released by unknown persons, showed Ogiasa in a grave in an unknown area, while his head was covered with a black polythene bag, with his two hands tied. Ogiasa, who sounded scared for his life, was heard asking his family whether his life was not worth anything to them, pleading that the ransom demanded by

the abductors be paid to secure his release. Authorities of the Nigerian Police have reacted to the viral video showing Jonathan’s cousin pleading for ransom to be paid to his abductors for his release The spokesman of the Bayelsa Police Command, Asinim Butswat confirmed the authenticity of the video, saying the heads of security agencies have met on Friday night to brainstorm on new strategies to ensure he is rescued unhurt. According to Butswat, the Police wants to assure the general public and families of the victim of their commitment to secure his safe release from the kidnappers’ den. Ogiasa is a relative of former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, a former state commissioner for special duties (federal project) and a Special Adviser on power development during the administration of former Governor Seriake Dickson.

AbdulRazaq, Saraki Exchange Warm Handshake at Ilorin Praying Ground Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and former President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, yesterday set aside their political differences and shook hands for the first time since the 2019 general election. The event took place at the Ilorin prayer ground as part of the activities to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, which was marked in a peaceful atmosphere, unlike the previous events. The public exchange of handshake came three years after AbdulRazaq took over the reign of

governance from Saraki’s successor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed. It was observed that AbdulRazaq, shortly after his official vehicle touched the sacred ground around 9:33 a.m., headed for the space provided for him at the section designated for Very Important Personalities (VIPs). The governor arrived in his Toyota Hilux vehicle at the prayer ground with his eldest brother and Mutawalli of Ilorin, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq. Saraki had earlier arrived at Eid Prayer Ground in the company of his aides, associates and loyalists.

Glo Engages Obesere, Teni to Perform at Ojude Oba The duo of Fuji superstar, Abass Obesere and Teni Apata will be on the bandstand as the Globacomsponsored Ojude Oba Festival begins today in the ancient town of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. This was revealed in a statement by Glo Corporate Communications Office yesterday. The statement said the musical jamboree, Ojude Oba Music Fiesta, was one of the features of the telecommunications giant’s sponsorship of the festival. It added that the fiesta would provide fun and entertainment to participants at the event where the

popular Comedian Bash would also entertain guests with rib-cracking jokes. The statement said the show “is scheduled to hold at the Equity Resort along Erunwon Road, Ijebu Ode. In addition to this, a beauty pageant where a bevy of Ijebu-born ladies will compete for the “Miss Ojude Oba” crown will be held. “Globacom explained that competitors in the beauty pageant have to be indigenes of Ijebuland as well as students or graduates of any institution of higher learning within Ijebuland.” The statement disclosed that an

to immediately go after the attackers and fleeing inmates of the facility. While calling for a full investigation of the incident and the possible failure to act on intelligence, Tinubu said Nigerians must all remain vigilant and united. He added that the moment called for national unity and deep introspection. He, however, said that Nigerians should continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in its battle against insurgents and determination to confront agents of darkness. He commiserated with the families and relations of those who lost their lives in the attack and called on the government to continue to provide succour and medical attention to those injured. The facility’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Abubakar Umar, in a statement, said four inmates died in the attack while 16 sustained injuries and were being treated. Personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), drafted to the centre were also shot dead by the attackers who stormed the facility through the fence and

main entrance, using explosive devices. Umar said 879 inmates escaped from the facility out of

which 443 had been recaptured while efforts were ongoing to get all fleeing inmates. About 24 hours after the

incident, a terrorist group, Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP), claimed responsibility for the attack.

ENHANCING DEVELOPMENT… Country Director, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in Nigeria, Xavier Muron (left), and Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Ltd, Chinua Azubike after signing a technical assistance agreement in Lagos …recently

BEDC Faults Takeover by Fidelity Bank Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Following the activation of calls on its collateralised shares by Fidelity Bank Plc, the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc yesterday said there was no legal basis for the takeover of the company. The company added that all matters relating to the BEDC and Fidelity Bank were subjects for litigation before a competent court, saying to act outside the court would amount to an illegal act, which it assured the management would resist. The company made the observation yesterday in a

statement by its Corporate Affairs Officer, Ibeamaka Dog, faulting a court order directing Fidelity Bank Plc to take over the distribution company. The purported activation seeks to take over the respective Boards of Kano Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company and Benin Electricity Distribution Company over their inability to repay the loans obtained to acquire majority stakes in the DisCos in furtherance of the 2013 privatisation exercise. In its statement, BEDC said the referenced report

also alleged that certain parties “have been appointed as Board Members, Independent Directors and Managing Director of BEDC Electricity Plc. “We understand these appointments have been communicated to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.” “There is no contractual, statutory or regulatory basis for such”, adding that, “For the avoidance of doubt, the shares of BEDC have not been given as security to Fidelity Bank or to any other party”.

“As we understand it, Vigeo Holdings Limited (VHL - a nonshareholder of BEDC) obtained credit facilities from Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited, Fidelity Bank Plc, and Keystone Bank Plc (the VHL Lenders). “We further understand that the said credit facilities (and any enforcement action in relation thereto) have in the meantime become subject of litigation in a Court action instituted by VHL and other plaintiffs (VHL Action) with Suit No: FHC/L/CS/239/22 - Vigeo Holdings Limited and 4 Ors v. Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited, and therefore, sub judice”.

Edevbie: I Went to Court to Save PDP in Delta Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The governorship hopeful of Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. David Edevbie yesterday said his decision to challenge the outcome of the party’s gubernatorial primary election was based on his desire to save the party from being overrun by any opposition party in the state in the light of the gloom the outcome had cast. He asserted that the opposition would have taken advantage of the situation had he not gone to court to correct the glaring

anomaly while appealing to those who left the PDP to return. He said that he was initially reluctant to seek legal redress in which he got Thursday’s victory at the Federal High Court in Abuja, saying he was dedicating the victory to the entire people of the state and to democracy. In apparent reference to the legal battle issuing from the party primary in May, the former finance commissioner said that at no time since joining the governorship race did he tell himself the road would be easy, saying he was however positive

and confidence about ultimate victory. Edevbie revealed that though he was reluctant to challenge the outcome of the party primary in court, he knew he had to do it in order to clear the shadow of gloom which his supposed loss to Sheriff Oborevwori had cast over the whole state. While thanking Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and party leaders as well as other PDP members and campaign organisation, he said that he could not wisely claim the high court victory for himself alone. “Let me be clear, this should not

be seen as a personal victory but as a victory for our great party, PDP, which is firmly rooted in justice. It is also a victory for democracy and therefore, it is now time to put our differences aside and work together as a family to ensure our success at the next general election”, Edevbie said. He appealed especially to PDP members to put behind them the friction created by the travesty of the outcome of the gubernatorial primary election and to rally round his candidature towards an unbroken chain of PDP victories in the 2023 general election.

Benue Initiates Land Reform, Signs 3,000 Title Documents George Okoh In Makurdi The Benue State Government has signed over 3,000 certificates of occupancy as part of the ongoing reforms in land administration in the state. The Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Mr Bernard Unenge released the figure yesterday at a session with journalists, saying Governor Samuel Ortom “has already signed the land title documents. At the session, Unenge main-

tained that the Benue Geographic Information System (BENGIS) which was started in 2020 is about 70 percent completed while the digitalization and capture of files is 60 percent completed. Unenge explained that the capturing of data through flying and auto photo has been completed. About 10 local governments have been completed and put to use. “Even if you are in Otukpo, you can demand for C-of-O and it will be given with dispatch,”

the commissioner disclosed while explaining the resolve of the government to reform the state’s land administration. He said other 15 towns “are being processed. We are also carrying out quality control to ensure that what is captured corresponds with what is on ground.” “The building project is about 70% completed. We hope that by August, the entire service centre will be completed. We are targeting October for commis-

sioning of the project,” Unenge disclosed. He frowned at the attitude of youths harassing land developers and extorting money from them, describing the act as illegal and illicit, saying it “is not permitted by law. He said: “They should not be encouraged to continue in this act. Benue youths should engage in meaningful ventures to earn a living rather than harass members of the public who toil hard to set up structure.”

SUNDAY JULY 10, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10 , 2022

BUSINESS

Editor: Festus Akanbi 08038588469 Email:festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com

Restructuring in Power Sector as Banks Turn Heat on Discos The wind of restructuring exercise blowing across some of the electricity distribution companies over their exposure to bank loans and their attendant lack of capacity to settle their obligations may bode well for the power sector, which is currently performing below expectations, writes Festus Akanbi

ast week, Nigerian electricity users got a peep into the underbellies of the electricity distribution companies in Nigeria, with a strong indication of the dire ÀQDQFLDO SRVLWLRQ RI VRPH RI the operators. It was a week when the federal government announced the commencement of a restructuring programme for some of the Discos with the takeover of Kano, Benin, and Kaduna electricity distribution companies by Fidelity Bank Plc, Afrexim Bank, Keystone Bank, and Ecobank Plc, which initiated actions to take over the boards of the three Discos. However, the management of Benin Disco have threatened to resist the takeover, saying Fidelity Bank erred by its latest action on the distribution company. At the same time, the Bureau of Public Enterprises made public the takeover of another troubled distribution company, Ibadan Disco by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, explaining that it (BPE) had obtained approval from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to appoint an interim managing director IRU WKH GLVWUHVVHG SRZHU ÀUP Similarly, the federal government, in a notice signed by the Director-General of BPE, Alex Okoh, and Executive Chairman, NERC, Sanusi Garba disclosed it has begun restructuring the management and board of Port Harcourt Disco to forestall the imminent insolvency of the utility. Intervention Despite the huge investment in the sector amid the incessant collapse of the power grid, stakeholders are currently at loggerheads over the poor performance of the 11 distribution companies (DisCos) operating in the country and the defence of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). With electricity generation wobbling despite WKH LQWURGXFWLRQ RI 6HUYLFH %DVHG 7DULͿ SHJJHG on improved service, NERC had decried that ULVLQJ LQVHFXULW\ LQÁDWLRQ DQG KDUVK RSHUDWLQJ environment were bedevilling the performance of DisCos. Meanwhile, the DisCos have attributed the persistent poor supply to the load shedding by the Transmission as a result of power generation. However, insider sources disclosed that the exercise was purely an intervention by the federal government through the BPE which is working with some of the creditors of the ailing companies for a way out of their crisis. For instance, a source disclosed that Fidelity Bank took the action along with other creditors, namely, Keystone Bank, Ecobank, and Afreximbank by activating the call on the collateralised shares of Kano, Benin, and Kaduna electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in a bid to take over their boards over their inability to repay loans obtained to acquire assets during the 2013 privatisation. BPE is said to be engaging with the CBN to ensure an orderly transition and to ensure that Fidelity Bank does not hold the DisCo shares in perpetuity. The resolution by the CBN not to allow lenders to carry DisCos’ huge non-performing loans collected on their books without making a provision for them any longer may have precipitated this action. 7KH DͿHFWHG 'LV&RV DUH VDLG WR KDYH DFFRXQWHG for over 85 per cent of the cash shortfall recorded E\ WKH LQGXVWU\ VR IDU DQG DOO HͿRUWV WR KHOS WKHP EDFN WR SURÀWDELOLW\ LQFOXGLQJ RYHU 1 WULOOLRQ in intervention funding for the sector have failed. New Boards The new board members for Kano DisCo are Hasan Tukur (chairman), Nelson Ahaneku (member), and Rabiu Suleiman (member). For Benin DisCo, the board members are KC Akuma (chairman),Adeola Ijose (member), and

A transmission station

Charles Onwera (member). While for Kaduna Disco, the new appointments are: Abbas Jega (chairman), Ameenu Abubakar (member), and Marlene Ngoyi (member). The BPE has nominated Bashir Gwandu (Kano), Yomi Adeyemi (Benin), and Umar Abdullahi(Kaduna)asindependentdirectors to represent the government’s 40 per cent interest in the three DisCos respectively, during this transition. According to BPE, Fidelity Bank will participate fully in all the ongoing market initiatives aimed at improving the sector such as the National Mass Metering Programme. In the interim, Fidelity Bank has met with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on an emergency basis and activated the business continuity process, and has also appointed interim managing GLUHFWRUV IRU WKH DͿHFWHG 'LV&RV Benin Disco Kicks In a press statement issued last week, the management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc said there is no legal basis for the takeover of the company following the purported activation of the call on its collateralised shares by Fidelity Bank. The management stated unequivocally, “There is no contractual, statutory or regulatory basis for such.” The statement added, “For the avoidance of doubt, the shares of BEDC have not been given as security to Fidelity Bank or any other party.” According to the statement, “As we understand it, Vigeo Holdings Limited (VHL- a non-shareholder of BEDC) obtained credit facilities from Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited, Fidelity Bank Plc, and Keystone Bank Plc (the VHL Lenders). “We further understand that the said credit facilities (and any enforcement action in relation thereto) have in the meantime become subject of litigation in a court acWLRQ LQVWLWXWHG E\ 9+/ DQG RWKHU SODLQWLͿV (the VHL Action) with Suit No: FHC/L/ CS/239/22 - Vigeo Holdings Limited and 4 Ors v. Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited, and

therefore, subjudiced.” The management of BEDC Electricity Plc warned that “Any attempt by Fidelity Bank and/or BPE to intervene in BEDC in the manner being reported will be illegal, unlawful and will be resisted.” Heavy Burden However, industry sources doubt the ability of the current rescue template to turn around the fortunes of these ailing companies. According to them, the issue remains to be seen how receivership would somehow resolve deep-seated sectorial issues, which require a wholesale rethinking of the architecture of the entire sector. They argued that the myriad of problems EHVHWWLQJ WKHVH ÀUPV FDQQRW EH VROYHG RYHUQLJKW citing such problems to include non-payment of VWDͿ VDODU\ DQG SRRU UHYHQXH JHQHUDWLRQ DPRQJ others. They also raised the fear that given the kind of legal tussles which usually trail receivership issues in Nigeria, the restructured entities may be plunged into a prolonged court case. The 11 existing distribution companies in NigeriaaretheAbujaElectricityDistributionCompany, Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Kano Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, and Yola Electricity Distribution Company. These companies are saddled with the responsibility of distributing electricity to certain areas. Popularly referred to as Discos, Nigerian distribution companies each cover one or more states. The Privatisation In November 2013, the nation’s distribution and generation companies were privatised, fetching about $3.2billion for the federal government, as the Discos and Gencos were sold for $1.7billion and $1.5billion, respectively. The acquisitions by the core investors were

ÀQDQFHG PRVWO\ E\ GHEWV D FKXQN RI ZKLFK ZDV provided by local banks. According to a report by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in 2020, the Non-Performing Loans(NPL)inthepowersectorwasN33.22billion out of N1.23 trillion NPLs that banks had recorded. Accepting their default status, investors in the DisCos had in 2020 recommended that the DFTXLVLWLRQ GHEW VKRXOG EH UHÀQDQFHG E\ WKH Bank of Industry (BoI) and extended for 10 years on a single-digit interest rate and two years moratorium. That was, however, not accepted E\ WKH ÀQDQFLDO VHFWRU UHJXODWRU WKH &%1 The loans keep growing and would cause more issues for the power sector if they are not addressed. The debt owed to Nigerian banks by operators in the power sector rose by 11.85 per cent in one year to N819.97billion in August 2021 amid the lingering problems plaguing the sector. According to a report by analysts at CSLStockbrokers, “Several banks made loans to the power sector during the power sector privatisation in 2013. If power sector loans become impaired, this leads to an increase in the cost of risk for WKHVH EDQNV 7KHVH ORDQV LQFOXGH VLJQLÀFDQW sums lent to purchase power generation and distribution assets.” This perhaps explained, why the United Bank ofAfrica Plc, which provided the loan used for the acquisition of majority shares in Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, had taken over the majority stake in the Disco in 2021. Huge Investment, Low Performance An indication that the federal government may be regretting its investment in the power sector was given by frustration exhibited by the Minister of Finance, Budget and Planning, Zainab Ahmed, who in April disclosed that the N1.3 trillion intervention fund the federal government provided for the power sector has not yielded DQ\ VLJQLÀFDQW UHVXOW On March 1, 2017, the federal government approved the sum of N701 billion as a power assurance guarantee fund for the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET) to pay for the electricity produced by the generation companies (GenCos) to the national grid for two years.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10 , 2022

DEVELOPMENT

Surmounting Hurdles to 2023 National Census Determined to break the jinx over the conduct of a credible national census, and in response to the yearnings of various stakeholders, the current administration is working towards a national HQXPHUDWLRQ H[HUFLVH À[HG IRU +RZHYHU WKHUH DUH FRQFHUQV WKDW VHYHUDO KXUGOHV LQFOXGLQJ the crippling security situation in many parts of the country, the fear of the politicisation of the exercise taking place in an election year, and the high cost of organising a credible census may mar the exercise unless Nigerians learn from the past, reports Festus Akanbi

s the National Population Commission (NPC) continues with the sensitisation of the Nigerian population on the proposed national census, concerned stakeholders have continued to express reservations over the timing, preparation, and the pervading atmosphere of insecurity in the land. Recently, the federal government revealed it is conducting the national population census in April 2023 and that the exercise will gulp over 1 ELOOLRQ 7KLV LV WKH ÀUVW WLPH VXFK DQ H[HUFLVH will be taking place in 17 years. The idea of a census was mooted in 2021 but it had to be shelved as a result of the overwhelming security breaches in many parts of the country. The last time Nigeria conducted the exercise was in 2006 and the country’s population was put at 140.43 million – 71.3 million males and 69.0 million females. A population census is a process of collecting, compiling, evaluating, analysing, publishing, and disseminating the demographic characteristics RI D FRXQWU\ DW D VSHFLÀHG WLPH ,W LV EHVW FRQGXFWHG HYHU\ \HDUV WR UHÁHFW the population dynamics. Analysts said a good census should be able to show changes in fertility, mortality, migration, and the labour force, adding that the socio-economic situations must be captured and it should give the age and sex structure of the population. Census data should also provide reliable information on the population size at national, sub-national, and lower administrative levels. Controversies The previous exercises were trailed by controversies.According to reports, 1962, 1963, 1973, and 1991 censuses were bedeviled. People complained RI GHOLEHUDWH PDQLSXODWLRQV RI FHQVXV ÀJXUHV at sub-national levels. Unfortunately, the 1973 census further divided Nigerians along ethnic lines as various groups raised allegations of data IDOVLÀFDWLRQ In 1991, the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida had another try at a populaWLRQ FRXQW 7KLV WLPH DIWHU VRPH GHOD\ WKH ÀJXUHV ZHUH R΀FLDOO\ DQQRXQFHG LQ 0DUFK ³WKHUH were just under 89 million people in the country. Fifteen years later, in 2006, another census was conducted and the population was announced to have grown by more than 50% to 140 million. The 2006 census did not fair better as it failed a credibility test. For instance, the Lagos State JRYHUQPHQW UHMHFWHG WKH ÀJXUHV DQG UDQ D SDUDOOHO census. Critics alleged that the 2006 census was fraught with manipulation by the political class which was UHÁHFWHG LQ WKH FRPSRVLWLRQ RI WKH PHPEHU board of the population commission. The Build-up to the 2023 Census Explaining the measures put in place to organise a successful census exercise in 2023, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Alhaji Nasir Isa Kwarra, said that a total of 7,718 Enumerated Areas (EAs’) have been selected for the Trial Census which was to run from June 27 to July 30, adding that the exercise is to test run suitability and readiness for the upcoming 2023 Population and Housing Census. He explained that the “census dress rehearsal”, is a process in which all census operations are tested in a detailed and comprehensive manner about a year before the actual census data to assess WKH GLͿHUHQW VFHQDULRV WKDW PD\ EH SUHVHQWHG during the main census.

Multitude of people

“As you are aware, the commission has carried out the demarcation of the entire land mass of Nigeria into small Enumeration Areas that can be covered by a team of enumerators, and WKH ÀUVW DQG VHFRQG SUHWHVWV WR WHVW WKH FHQVXV instruments. “The trial census will test all aspects of census operations, from planning to implementation including logistics arrangement and management, questionnaire design and format, training SURFHGXUHV ÀHOGZRUN RSHUDWLRQV SXEOLFLW\ SD\ment system, data processing, data tabulations, and analysis.” According to the chairman, some states have been selected for full LGA enumeration to test challenges around complete coverage under various scenarios such as in hard-to-reach areas, special populations, and rural-urban settings. The six local government areas that he said will be fully enumerated were, Toungo Local Government Area, Adamawa State – Northeast; Daura Local Government Area, Katsina State – North-west; Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State – North-central. Others were, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, Ogun State – South-west; Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State – South-east; Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State – South-south. For the remaining 30 states and the FCT, 45 enumerated areas have been selected from nine LGAs each that cut across three senatorial districts of those states. “The selection of the coverage areas has been VFLHQWLÀFDOO\ DQG SXUSRVLYHO\ FDUULHG RXW WR achieve the objectives of the Trial Census. The selection of samples from all states of the federation and the FCT is expected to yield nationwide LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ VWDWH VSHFLÀF LVVXHV WKDW PD\ DULVH for the next census and come up with possible solutions for addressing these challenges. “For the avoidance of doubt, the Trial Census is not the actual enumeration of persons for the 2023 Population and Housing Census. In other words, the outcome of the Trial Census will not form the basis of the 2023 Census. Data generated

during the Trial Census will not be used to arrive DW ÀJXUHV IRU WKH &HQVXV ZKLFK LV JRLQJ WR be zero-based and from information collected in April 2023,” he explained. According to a senior lecturer in political science, at Obafemi Awolowo University, Dr. Hope Ikedinma, since Nigeria attained political LQGHSHQGHQFH LQ DOO HͿRUWV DW FRQGXFWing population census have met with serious problems. Consequently, planning for the socioeconomic development of the nation has been DGYHUVHO\ DͿHFWHG E\ WKH LQDGHTXDF\ REVROHVFH and unreliability of available demographic data. Past national development plans have failed partly because of a lack of demographic data for planning. Call for Accurate Census Analysts therefore believed, there is a need for an accurate, reliable, and acceptable population census for the country. This concern has become RI HYHQ JUHDWHU VLJQLÀFDQFH LQ WKH IDFH RI WKH dynamism of modern-day socio-economic planning both at the macro and micro levels. The United Nations (UN), which recommends that a national census be conducted at least every 10 years, indeed maintains that enumeration is desirable for reliable data that provides a guide for national planning for any country. But mindful of the Nigerian environment and the history of the national census, there are already apprehensions that should not be dismissed by the authorities. While making a case for the conduct of a credible census, THISDAY, in a recent editorial stressed that the demographic data that the census provides is critical for national development. The editorial explained that data from the census are useful in sectoral planning and LQÁXHQFH WKH GLUHFWLRQ RI JRYHUQPHQW SULRULWLHV “These demographic details are critical ingredients for sound national planning when they are products of empirical analysis via properly executed census exercises rather than estimates. By the National Population Commission’s (NPC) current estimate, the county’s population had

risen to 193.39 million people. But in its ‘State of the World Population 2021’ report, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimated Nigeria’s population to be 211.4 million. Based on that UNFPA report, Nigeria’s population increased by 2.6 per cent from 2015 to 2021. It also projected life expectancy for Nigerian men at 54 years and that of women, at 56. But all these DUH SURMHFWLRQV WKDW PD\ QRW UHÁHFW WKH UHDOLW\ µ Challenges to Credible Census It, however, pointed out that as much as Nigeria urgently needs a good headcount, it could also be concluded that a country that is facing existential VHFXULW\ FKDOOHQJHV PD\ ÀQG LW GL΀FXOW WR FRQGXFW a credible national census. “And it would amount to a waste of scarce national resources if such an exercise does not achieve the desired goals,” it added. Analysts have also contended that a national census in an election year may be a recipe for crisis based on Nigeria’s chequered history. According to them, beyond security consideration which appears to be the most potent inhibiting factor to the proposed 2023 national census, the question is how do we guarantee that the conduct of a headcount during a period of the general election will not be politicised? With ethnic/sectional cleavages very pronounced and geopolitical tensions rife, how do we conduct a census which will produce an outcome that is both credible and acceptable? Analysts believed the onus lies on the federal government to calm the fray nerves by ensuring proper things are done in the run-up to the census exercise. The correlation between national planning and census has underscored the urgency of a national enumeration to make planning easy. It enables realistic and achievable decisions to be taken. The private sector looks for a stable and sympathetic environment in which to invest VHFXUHO\ DQG SURÀWDEO\ $ QDWLRQDO SODQ SURYLGHV the evidence to make positive decisions. These will be a good starting point for the incoming administration.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10 , 2022

INDUSTRY

OPS and Worsening Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria The deteriorating ease of doing business in Nigeria has accentuated the urgency of the need for the federal government’s intervention in the private sector as operators make case for policies WR EROVWHU LQYHVWRU FRQÀGHQFH ZULWHV Dike Onwuamaeze

A local manufacturing plant

he Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in Nigeria is deteriorating. This is also worsening the productivity of the private sector, which has been declining progressively since the second quarter (Q2) of 2021. The GDP report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) between Q2, 2021 and Q1, 2022 vividly illustrated how the degenerating EoDB is putting a strain on the productivity of the country’s economy. According to the NBS, Nigeria’s growth rate declined from 5.01 in Q2, 2021 to 4.03 in Q3, 2021. It further declined to 3.98 and 3.11 in Q4, 2021, and Q1, 2022 respectively. The current state of EoDB has virtually wiped out the initial gains Nigeria made in 2019 when, according to the World Bank, the country was ranked 131 globally on the Ease of Doing Business and moved up by 15 places from its previous spot. Nigeria was also named among the top 10 most improved economies in the world in terms of doing business. However, this is no longer the situation. Currently, operators in the private sector are daily lamenting the deteriorating EoDB in Nigeria due to poor infrastructure, multiple exchange rates, multiple taxations, policy inconsistencies, scarcity of foreign exchange, XQIDYRXUDEOH SRUW WDULͿV GLVFRXUDJLQJ DFWLRQV of public servants who interface with businesses, palpable insecurity level, and the dearth of useful incentives for businesses. These whittle away growth potentials, crush XQGHUO\LQJ EXVLQHVV SURÀWDELOLW\ DQG GLPLQLVK LQYHVWRU FRQÀGHQFH LQ WKH HFRQRP\ The Purchasing Manager Index (PMI), a report of the Stanbic IBTC for June 2022, for instance, showed that the productivity of the Nigerian private sector declined from 53.9 in May to 50.9 in June 2022. The Head of Equity Research West Africa at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Muyiwa Oni, said: “Private sector output fell during the period. Indeed, overall input costs reached a four-month high in June” and would continue to threaten RXWSXW DQG DGG IXUWKHU SUHVVXUHV RQ LQÁDWLRQ “Rising diesel cost, petrol scarcity, domestic

insecurity, and supply-chain challenges in the global space still serve as an upside ULVN WR LQÁDWLRQ LQ WKH FRPLQJ PRQWKV µ he said. NACCIMA Speaking in the same vein, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. John C. Udeagbala, said: “We emphasise this slight but continuous drop in growth rate even as we acknowledge that the Nigerian economy bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic in the fourth quarter of the year 2020 to reach the peak growth rate for the period, of 5.01 per cent by mid-2021. “This declining trend is most concerning to us as we consider that statistics on GDP. It is the position of our association that there is a very urgent need for policy implementation to avert a third recession of this decade by the end of 2022. The Nigerian economy is operating below its productive capacity.” Indeed, the environment can either impact positively or negatively on businesses depending on whether it is conducive or not. For instance, power supply has remained a major challenge for manufacturers in Nigeria, constraining them to rely on diesel for most of their power requirements. But the situation currently is becoming scary to business people because of the incessant scarcity and price increase for diesel. The President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, who reviewed the state of the economy on Tuesday, June 5, noted “the rising energy costs with diesel above N800/litre, Jet-A1 at N710 per litre, and PMS selling above the governmentregulated price of N165/litre. These price levels will continue to aggravate production costs which may lead to restrained manufacturing and eventual job losses.” Olawale-Cole also observed that “the national grid has collapsed six times this

year alone. The national grid cannot supply VX΀FLHQW SRZHU WR PHHW WKH HOHFWULFLW\ GHPDQG of Nigerians. With the cost of diesel at record levels and persisting poor power supply, businesses are running on unsustainable costs and producing at uncompetitive prices.” Similarly, the Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, recently bemoaned the increase of the Monetary Policy Rate by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Ajayi-Kadir said that it would have implications for the economy and manufacturing sector. He said: “It will spur upward review of existing lending rates dependent obligations of manufacturing concerns, which will drive costs northward.” 7KH &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU RI WKH &HQWUH IRU the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) Dr. Muda Yusuf, told THISDAY that the ease of doing business in the country currently is worse than in the days when the economy was acknowledged to be in recession. “Look at the key parameters that impact the HDVH RI GRLQJ EXVLQHVV OLNH LQÁDWLRQ +DV LW EHHQ this bad? If you isolate what manufacturers DUH XVLQJ DV LQSXWV DQG FRPSXWH LQÁDWLRQ RQ them at that micro-level, you will not be getting DQ\WKLQJ OHVV WKDQ WR SHU FHQW LQÁDWLRQ if you take everything on average. “Have you ever seen the frequency of grid collapse that we have been experiencing in recent times? Our trade policy has all manner RI KLJK WDULͿV ,Q RWKHU FRXQWULHV WKDW KDYH WKHVH kinds of crises, part of the things their government do is tweak the trade policy to moderate pressures on businesses. But our people are VWLOO FKDVLQJ UHYHQXH ZLWK KLJK WDULͿV WKDW DUH creating space for customs to enforce things WKDW DUH YHU\ GL΀FXOW WR HQIRUFH µ <XVXI VDLG Industrial sources believed that local manuIDFWXUHUV DUH FKDUJHG LPSRUW WDULͿV GXWLHV WKDW did not align with stipulated regulatory arrangements. They viewed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as a threat to the sustainability of local businesses, employment generation, and food security. They also alleged that the NCS no longer relies on the prices stipulated

by the receipts of imported inputs to determine the duties. Rather, customs benchmark duty valuation against the retail price in the local market without taking into consideration the fact that the manufacturers might have secured their imported inputs at a discounted rate due to long business relationships with suppliers RYHUVHDV RU DV EHQHÀWV IRU JXDUDQWHHG IXWXUH transactions. The impact of this inconsiderate practice reverberates across the manufacturing sector which is already reeling under the burden of the prevailing import duty. A miller who spoke to THISDAY under anonymity said: “When the challenge of the customs’ pivot to consumer price index as a benchmark for import duty valuation is added to the global food supply chain issues confronting the millHUV WKH DELOLW\ RI WKH EXVLQHVVHV WR VWD\ DÁRDW and maintain their impressive job-generating capacity will be impacted.” He lamented that “the practice of the NCS is a threat to the sustainability of local businesses, employment generation, and food security. It hardly bodes well for the economy. The government should rise to tackle these threats by UHYLHZLQJ WKH XQIDYRXUDEOH LPSRUW WDULͿ UHJLPH slapped on manufacturing inputs at the port.” Recently, the World Bank report titled Nigeria Development Update June 2022 and captioned “The Continuing Urgency of Business Unusual,” VDLG WKDW ´1LJHULD·V WDULͿV DUH DPRQJ WKH KLJKHVW in the world, especially for capital, intermediate and consumer goods.” It added: “Statutory WDULͿV ZKLFK LV WKH VXP RI LPSRUW GXWLHV OHYLHV and excise taxes, are above the global median for raw materials and near or at the top 10 per cent of countries globally for capital, intermediates, and consumer goods.” The World Bank also decried the cumbersome customs procedures in Nigeria. Precisely, port practices in the country violate a key parameter of EoDB ranking, which is the ease of trading across the border. It also violates World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) agreement that seeks “individual countries’ commitments to lower FXVWRPV WDULͿV DQG RWKHU WUDGH EDUULHUV DQG WR open and keep open services markets.” THISDAY investigation revealed that local food manufacturers are some of the worst hit by the raging military actions between Russia DQG 8NUDLQH 0RVW QRWDEO\ ÁRXU PLOOHUV PDGH up of local and foreign investors, are currently confronted by the challenges of accessing foreign exchange, depreciating currency value, and the scarcity/high cost of wheat in the global market. These are threats to Nigeria’s food security drive already. More, the disruption in the global food supply chains and the alleged insensitivity of customs would reduce the millers’ ability to keep providing valuable wheat derivative foods such as bread which feeds millions of Nigerians daily DW DͿRUGDEOH SULFHV %XW ZLWKRXW SDVVLQJ WKH extra cost of production to the consumers, the millers would not be able to sustain a robust production level. The government should rise to tackle these threats by reviewing the XQIDYRXUDEOH LPSRUW WDULͿ UHJLPH VODSSHG RQ manufacturing inputs at the port. Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary, ECOWAS Rice Observatory, Dr. Boladale Adebowale, has warned that over 19 million Nigerians are set to face hunger and nutrition crises by mid-2022. This warranted that the federal government should step in to help the milling industry and make precious staple food such as bread, pasta, DQG QRRGOHV DͿRUGDEOH WR 1LJHULDQV For instance, Thailand waived the usual surcharge on maize import to ensure maize is available at the right quantity and price to the animal feed industry. Similarly, South Korea announced recently that it is slashing import duty on wheat to forestall price hikes/shortage in the supply of animal mix due to the crisis in Ukraine. Niger should do the same.

JULY 10, 2022 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

CONVERSATION WITH MY BILLIONAIRE FRIEND ayo.arowolo@thisdaylive.com 08086447494 (SMS only) PERSONAL FINANCE SAVINGS BUDGETING COMMODITIES

AYO AROWOLO

GOLD

INVESTING

WEALTH CAPSULE 23

Franchising Could be A Viable Vehicle for Wealth Building

n ardent reader of our previous conversations had sent a note –wanting to know if there is another way for a wealth builder who does not have all it takes to build a business to get into the fray and still create wealth. While reviewing the note with me, my Billionaire Friend suggested franchising might be a fitting option. He said: “remember, I told you initially that I couldn’t describe myself as a real businessman because I did not consider myself as possessing most of the attributes that define one as an entrepreneur. In my wealth-building endeavours, I had to figure out a lot of things. One of the interesting concepts I stumbled upon is the franchise model. I was appointed a director of a company that turned its business around through a franchising arrangement” We agreed that that would be a good subject to discuss. (Please note:While a franchisor is an established entrepreneur with a licensed business model, a franchisee is a person or corporation that owns and operates the business using the business model licensed by the franchisor. Franchising describes the business relationship between the franchisor and franchisee) My friend proceeded: “Franchising is a form of business enterprise for building legitimate wealth through the acquisition of a licence to do business with the brand and/or trademark of a company by an individual or group of people, to enable them to carry out some specified commercial activities in the name of the issuer of the licence. Franchisees are usually people with some capital either borrowed or accumulated, who want to own their business but do not know much about how to start. In a franchise arrangement, a wealth builder can enter into a business relationship in which the franchisor allows the franchisee to sell his products, services and intellectual property in the franchisor’s registered trade name and brand”. “The buying of a franchise generally reduces the risk of freshly going into some unknown business terrain. However, it still requires and involves lots of hard work and commitment of franchisees to ensure their success. Therefore, wealth-builders need to ensure that the businesses for which they obtain franchises are those that they have an interest in, and about which they can see themselves enjoying doing on a day-to-day basis. This requires wealth builders to carry out some business overview, investigations and research before seeking to obtain franchises, to ensure that their franchise business is one in which they have interest or passion and management expertise”. Franchising is usually used as a means of distributing products or services involving the owner of such products or services, called a franchisor, who has an established trademark for a business system, that enables a franchisee to pay royalties and often an initial fee for the right to do business under the franchisor’s name and management system”. SO WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO OPERATE A FRANCHISE? Opening a franchise business involves a relatively low risk of doing business because of the presence of full support of the franchisor. Franchisees must be fully aware of overriding regulations and contents of the agreements reached with their franchisors and must factor into their operations what would make their franchise successful. Usually, franchisors issue franchise licences as a way to expand their businesses and create widespread branches in such a way they could not have achieved on their own. Thus, franchisors seek out wealth builders to help them expand and grow their businesses through franchising at a minimum cost. On another end, franchising allows franchisees to benefit from the opportunity to run their businesses with the licence and support of franchisor companies”. “Franchise business arrangements have globally proven to be successful for wealth builders, with little know-how about the line of business of their investment interest. Hence in a franchise arrangement, one does not have to worry about building a recognised and trusted brand, developing well-trained support teams, and finding reliable advisors to help them to manage their businesses. The franchisor provides all these in the franchise arrangement”. “Given that franchises are readily available, wealth-builders are advised not to jump into a franchising business in haste. Wealth builders should first investigate the franchise business of their interest to ensure it aligns with their business intentions and goals. Available franchise opportunities can be differentiated and preferentially selected on how well franchisors support and assist wealth builders in extensively using their licensed brands and trademarks”. THEY COME IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES AND FORMATS Generally, there are three main available classes of franchising:

products and delivery services in specific fields. The franchisors in this arrangement allow franchisees to use their brand names and trademarks, provide them with uniforms and equipment to properly represent franchisor brands and provide support to franchisees to deliver products and services to third parties. Product franchises are an excellent option for start-up wealth builders, independent contractors and home businesses. The investment outlay needed under this franchise class is usually smaller than that of the business franchise. Examples of independent contractors’ franchises are companies that have already established good names and reputations for their contracting services in their field of work and issue franchise licence to franchises”. “A typical example of this is found with large successful plumbing contractors who give out plumbing services franchise licences to smaller contract plumbers who then allow clients to have wider access to plumbing services. This franchise arrangement gives such franchises greater technical and marketing reach and the support of a team of management professionals, which helps franchisee plumbers to manage client bookings, payments and complaints better. As stated earlier, this class of franchising is best for contract service businesses”.

Artist Impression of my Billionaire Friend

Opening a franchise business involves a relatively low risk of doing business because of the presence of full support of the franchisor. Franchisees must be fully aware of overriding regulations and contents of the agreements reached with their franchisors and must factor into their operations what would make their franchise successful BUSINESS FRANCHISE “A business franchise allows franchisees to pay franchise fees and get the system developed by the franchisor with the right to use the franchisor’s name for a specific number of years, which is usually spelt out in the operating franchise agreement. The business franchise is the most common type of franchise, which allows wealth builders to buy the licence to businesses with established brand names. Such wealth builders’ new franchise businesses would often be supported by the category of the franchise throughout the initial stages of business. Such support may continue to be extended throughout the life of the franchise businesses. In return for this business support, franchisees will be exposed to having access to experienced professionals and the right to use the brand name of the franchisor. The franchisee is however obligated to pay royalties to the franchisor regularly as per the agreement reached between both parties. The best example of this class of franchise arrangement is found in the fast-food industry. The global example of this class is Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonald’s. The Nigerian examples include Tantalizers, Tastee Fried Chicken, and Chicken Republic. These franchisors allow franchisees to use their trademarks and brand names and take advantage of the economics of their supply logistics and the secrets behind their menu of foods. This arrangement sometimes requires the franchisors to continuously train their franchisees to ensure the maintenance of famed products and services of top quality in line with the franchisor’s standards. They may also guide their franchisees with internal audits to help block income leakages. Marketing expertise is provided chiefly to franchises to optimise franchisors’ profitability, business expansion, enhanced business images, etc”. In total, this arrangement benefits both the franchisee and the franchisor. It is highly recommended for newly retired employees who do not have business ownership experience to take advantage of the available franchise support system to start good businesses of their own”. PRODUCT OR SINGLE OPERATOR FRANCHISE “The other category of franchises is the product or single operator franchise. This franchise focuses on giving out franchise licenses to individuals who sell

MANUFACTURING FRANCHISE “Manufacturing franchises are the third classification of franchise arrangements. In a manufacturing franchise, the franchisor allows the franchisee to produce products and provide services using the franchisor’s brand name and trademark. This type of franchise is very popular with food and drink companies in the manufacturing industry. The best example of this franchise is with soft drink companies. Here, the parent company would produce a concentrated syrup and then sell it along with the right to use its brand and trademark to a bottling franchisee company which would mix the syrup with various ingredients and then sell the bottled drinks. An unlimited choice available to wealth builders who still feel very passionate and ambitious after building their franchise businesses to successful levels, but want to expand to other locations or other businesses, is to simply retain control of their existing franchise and continue generating profits from them while expanding to other businesses outside their franchise”. REGARDLESS OF THE CLASS, THEY PROVIDE A GREAT LEVERAGE “Indeed, franchises of all classes have many advantages over other entry strategies for new business builders, who have problems and difficulty coming up with original ideas about which business to engage in. The first of such advantage of franchising is instant brand recognition. When wealth builders start businesses of their own, they have to build their brand recognition from the start. This is usually difficult at the beginning, especially with business builders who have to compete in areas with existing strong competitors. In such places, it is better to enter into business as a franchisee of an existing strong franchisor. Under that arrangement, the franchisee business builder will use the logo and brand power of the strong, existing franchisor to attract loyal customers and generate good revenue and profitability. The second advantage is the corporate support provided under franchise arrangements for start-up business builders. This is so because most corporate franchisors go out of their way to succeed and thus, give strong support to their franchises to ensure their success too. We must not be unaware that business builders starting their businesses for the first time would most likely go through tough times because they are entering unfamiliar terrain. The corporate support provided by franchisors also includes providing classes and training workshops to ensure that franchisees know how to better open and manage their businesses. The franchisors also provide some mentoring, coaching and consultancy for their franchises. The power of the franchisor’s entire brand, therefore, grows appreciably for his ultimate benefit”. “A big advantage of franchising to wealth builder franchises is the strength and benefit of a continuous flow of revenue during the lifespan of their business.

This is the biggest advantage of franchises as a form of business for wealth builders. Once franchise owners can run their business well and get comfortable with their location, they can continue to collect monthly revenue above their expenses, thereby resulting in profits that should grow over time. Another advantage of franchising as a business arrangement for wealth builders is flexible responsibilities. Being franchise owners, wealth-builders would be confronted with many responsibilities. However, once the business of their franchisee has gathered some momentum of its own, then the franchisee would be better able to control their responsibilities. Before then, the franchisee’s responsibilities are shared flexibly to minimise the risk exposure of the franchisee of their businesses. Franchisors in some cases help to hire managers and other professionals for their franchises to ensure the delivery of high-quality franchise arrangements. Franchising as a business advantage for wealth builders is an unlimited choice of franchising. This is because there are franchise opportunities in dozens of industries, with thousands of brands to choose from. As against starting one’s own business from scratch, a franchise business arrangement gives wealth builders some unlimited choices to pick from. Wealth owners will therefore have unlimited brands and businesses that suit their personalities, and passions and genuinely appeal to them to pick from. Franchising also allows wealth builders to have many opportunities to develop the frontiers of their businesses outside their pioneer franchise. In other words, where wealth builders may have stockpiled enough savings of their own to fund other businesses, they can walk into other franchise arrangements and could decide to sell off their existing franchise to expand into other franchises. Hence, wealth-builders who would like to start their businesses after employment for some years or after retiring and obtaining retirement benefits can become self-employed by buying and establishing franchises in their area of interest and start their business enterprises with the support of the management skills and at times products and services of the franchisor. Franchise arrangements by experienced franchisors help to take care of the customer support of franchises in providing everything they need before starting their business. The only risk franchises need to take in most cases is to provide the first investment capital under the franchise business agreement.” THE DOWNSIDE “However, you must be warned that franchising is not all bed of roses, as some problems may arise and constitute low ends for franchise businesses. The first of these is start-up cost. Most franchises require huge initial investments which may not be easily available to many start-up wealth builders. Hence, franchise business may not readily be available to wealth-builders with small capital. Indeed, franchising generally requires good access to capital for its success, which is most often obtained through bank loans, equity contributions or cooperatives. However, if capital is obtained via bank loans, as against cooperatives, equities or relying on accumulated savings of some years, such franchises could be exposed to economic and high-interest rates, especially in countries with a high cost of capital, such as Nigeria. This is one low end of franchising as a viable form of wealth building. The aforementioned low ends do not, however, take away the viability of franchising as a good source of wealth building. Franchising only requires thorough investigation, proper planning, and low capital cost as sources for investing in franchises. This, therefore, reminds us of our past conversation about how cooperatives offer us the opportunity of communal sourcing of capital in starting businesses. With cooperatives, two or more poor start-up wealth builders can form a strong cooperative, to buy franchises for building wealth for and on behalf of cooperative wealth-building members. Also, friends can come together under partnerships to put their savings together to take advantage of the opportunity available to them in business franchising. However, operating a franchise is not necessarily a guarantee of business success”.

Read the full article at https://www.thisdaylive.com

I must warn that franchises are largely exposed to the dangers of bad environmental enforcement regulations, poor town planning by states and particularly local governments… A case in point: while operating a high trafﬁc customer franchise, one of our franchised outlets ended up closing down because government suddenly cordoned off the access road to the franchise and customers simply went somewhere else that was easily accessible

SUNDAY JULY 10, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY MONDAYSunday MARCH 14, 2022 10 July, 2022 Vol 27. No 9952

OPI NION

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT AND ZAMFARA ‘SELF-DEFENCE’ DEMOCRACY Our security agencies must collaborate to achieve national security, argues OLUDAYO TADE

See Page 24

RESET FOR OUR PLAGUED SUPREME COURT CHIDO NWAKANMA argues the immediate need to restore the reputation and perception of the court

See Page 24

LONDON SAGA AND THE EKWEREMADU I KNOW Ike Ekweremadu is a kind-hearted man, a loving father, writes ONYEKACHI ONU

See Page 49

IMOKE: CIVILITY, TIME, SPACE AND HISTORY PAUL OBI pays tribute to Liyel Imoke, former governor of Cross River State See Page 49

EDITORIAL

ON SHIRORO, KUJE AND PRESIDENTIAL CONVOY See Page 50

123

Peter Obi and Yusuf Baba-Ahmed provide a real alternative to those looking for a refreshing departure from old order, contends ETIM ETIM

OBI, BABA-AHMED: NOW, NIGERIANS HAVE A CHOICE

ow, let me say this publicly. Until a few days ago when it was clear that Senator Yusuf Datti BabaAhmed has been tapped as his ticket mate, I did not pay much attention to Mr. Peter Obi. I have not been particularly impressed with Obi’s impreciseness in answering questions and his rather irritating predilection to loading every VHQWHQFH ZLWK XQYHULÀHG VWDWLVWLFV %XW DIWHU UHYLHZLQJ %DED $KPHG·V SURÀOH WKH RWKHU GD\ , ZDV VDWLVÀHG WKDW KH LV capable of making up for Obi’s lapses. His solid academic background in economics, experience in business and a stint in the National Assembly, coupled with a reputation as the founder of one of the nation’s thriving private universities, make Baba-Ahmed the best vicepresidential choice so far. Picking a VP FDQGLGDWH LV WKH ÀUVW GXW\ RI D SUHVLGHQWLDO nominee. The choice usually gives an early insight into the mind of the man at the top of the ticket, his decision-making ability and sense of purpose. With this selection, Obi has given a good indication that he is in tune with the mood of the nation and the yearnings of the people, especially the youths, who are earnestly crying for genuine change. At 46, Baba-Ahmed is relatively young. He parades sound academic credentials, speaks well, looks urbane and exudes cosmopolitanism. He should connect well with our youthful population and attract their support the way Barack Obama did in 2008. And Obama was that age when he was elected the 44th President! There’s no doubt that Nigerians, disenchanted, disappointed and irritated with the two old men presented by the two major parties as presidential candidates, are crying for a genuine change. The corruption halo around these two men, their advanced ages and the fact that they made their wealth largely from government through doubtful means, have exasperated the people a great deal. In addition, the mounting security challenges, epileptic power VXSSO\ ULVLQJ LQÁDWLRQ WKH JHQHUDO depressing mood in the country and the apparent ineffectuality of the Buhari administration have pushed the citizens into an unprecedented despair. Peter Obi and Yusuf Baba-Ahmed therefore provide a real alternative to those looking for a refreshing departure from a placid and staid old order. Obi’s rank is also swelled by supporters of Prof Yemi Osinbajo who were disappointed that the VP did not win the APC primary. For them, the Obi ticket is the closest approximation to what the cerebral law professor presented. Many, I recall, were swept off their feet with his inspiring messages in the months leading to the convention.

To some Nigerians, the emergence of Atiku and Tinubu presents a frightening prospect of an unintended extension of the Buhari dismalness. I am shocked that the two major parties do not seem to realize how resentful Nigerians are of the duo. The enthusiastic embrace of Peter Obi in large numbers by young Nigerians, some of whom were not even born when $WLNX ÀUVW UDQ IRU 3UHVLGHQW DQG WKH\·UH the ones that expressed their anger in the EndSARS protests – are in essence a total rejection of the old guards. I am so glad that our young people are leading the charge to take back their country. I feel their pain, frustration and anxiety. For the past four months or so, public universities have been shut and the students have been languishing idly around. I saw a young chap in my barber’s shop the other day. He told me he’s a geology student in University of Calabar; learning to cut hair to occupy time. Saddening. It is therefore imperative that these young people should register to vote. Can Peter Obi win this election? It’s a daunting task, even with all the ecstasy and excitement following him. The peculiarity of our electoral process is a major factor. It is heartening that INEC has over the years improved the system considerably and put in place antirigging safeguards, but vote-buying has emerged as a new way to steal election. Does Obi have the billions to deploy in this manner? I doubt. Second, Labour Party does not have any elected or DSSRLQWHG RIÀFLDOV LQ DQ\ VWDWH RI WKH federation. Loosely termed ‘’structures’’ in our political lingo, these people who include commissioners, legislators, councilors and other appointees, are the PDLQ LQÁXHQFHUV RI YRWHUV LQ RXU UXUDO communities before and during elections. Since Obi and Baba-Ahmed have contested and won elections before, I’m sure that they are acutely aware of

this. To make up for lack of elected and DSSRLQWHG RIÀFLDOV WKH 2EL &DPSDLJQ would have to resort to hiring campaign workers and recruitment of volunteers in each of the over 8,000 wards and 177,000 polling units across the country. Their duty would be to take Obi’s message into the hinterland. For now, the next order of business is for the Campaign to engage the services of effective political strategists and campaign spokespersons both at the headquarters and across the country. 7KH HOHFWLRQV ZRXOG EH LQÁXHQFHG by a few factors, notably religion, the Kwakwanso factor and the the AtikuTinubu image. A message I received from a university professor as I write this piece summarizes my point on the LQÁXHQFH RI UHOLJLRQ DQG WKH UHSXWDWLRQ of Tinubu and Atiku on the outcome of the election. ‘’I can’t vote for Atiku because if he wins, that would give the Northern Muslim Fulani 16 straight years. The implication of that is not only sad but frightening. I can’t vote for Tinubu because of his MuslimMuslim ticket. His senility and health problems would mean another Buhari in disguise. I’m therefore left with Labour Party’’. Indeed, Tinubu’s obvious ill health would be a major campaign issue. His all-Muslim ticket will also rob him of votes in some South West states. Obi, on the other hand, will sweep through the whole of South East and South-South which have been traditionally PDP strongholds. Both APC and PDP would also lose considerably to Rabiu Kwankwaso of NNPP in Kano who will also make inroads in some northern states. My sense therefore is that none of the candidates may score an outright win. A runoff presidential election seems likely next year. nothing to hear. Etim is a Journalist

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY JULY 10, 2022

RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT AND ZAMFARA ‘SELF-DEFENCE’ DEMOCRACY

Chido Nwakanma argues the immediate need to restore the reputation and perception of the court

Our security agencies must collaborate to achieve national security, argues Oludayo Tade

RESET FOR OUR PLAGUED SUPREME COURT

Zamfara State, the hotbed of banditry/ terrorists in Northwest Nigeria announced last week the deregulation of weapon ownership to willing and mentally healthy individuals to defend themselves against rampaging criminals from within Nigeria and their international collaborators. This ‘self-defence’ call does not only trash the social contract between the government and the citizens which is that the former protects lives and properties while the latter submits their power and obey them, it also queries the willingness of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to live up to the constitutional oath of defending Nigerians and its territorial integrity from internal insurrection and external aggression. It is sad that the last seven years have seen more ungoverned spaces in Nigeria taken

over by internal and external criminals who wreak havoc and compete over communities to maintain dominance where Nigerians are forced to pay to stay alive. Civilians in these troubled communities also guarantee their own safety by supplying information to criminals because the Nigeria State has been irresponsible to protect them on time. This is sad but only the person who wears the shoe knows where it pinches. While there has been argument for and against such policy direction, this piece presents the principle of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) adopted in 2005 during United Nations World Summit. Just like a father as the head of his household is saddled with the responsibility to provide and shield his family from harm, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empowers the State (National or sub-national levels) to protect the citizens and residents within their geographical territories. R2P came into existence when world leadership felt they had been irresponsible in World War 1, World War 2 and the Rwanda Genocide with over 20 million dead from the violence. R2P, according to International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty is “the idea that sovereign states have a responsibility to protect their own citizens from avoidable catastrophe – from mass murder and rape, from starvation – but that when they are unwilling or unable to do so, that responsibility must be borne by the broader community of states”. With different forms of violence and insecurities facing Nigeria, has Nigeria with its federal security architecture demonstrated the responsibility to protect her citizens from banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling among others? The realities on ground today answer in the negative. What can be responsible for the irresponsibility of Nigeria to protect her people? Responsibility to protect rests on three pillars. One, it is the responsibility of a state to protect her citizens; two, the wider international community has the responsibility to encourage and

assist individual states in meeting that responsibility; three, if a state is manifestly failing to protect its populations, the international community must be prepared to take appropriate collective action, in a timely and decisive manner and in accordance with the UN Charter. States in the southwest demonstrated it by setting up Amotekun but because the approval resides with federal agency, the caliber of weapons approved for their use is insufficient in fighting the violent criminals they were set up to check. Criminals use Ak 47 without taking approval from government and they use it wickedly but legally backed security outfits cannot. Why is their politicization of Nigeria’s National security? Responsibility to protect rests on three responsibilities: responsibility to prevent (there must be political WILL to check transnational criminals from moving into Nigeria, poverty, unemployment and disarticulated youth population must be attended to); responsibility to react (how did Zamfara, Nigeria and other states react to the criminality of terrorists, criminal herders? With kid gloves?); and responsibility to rebuild (states must rebuild after every military intervention but at what cost to the national budget?). While crimes are local, Nigeria sustains centralized approach to security against contemporary evolution of crimes. Some Governors like Nasir el-Rufai have made a case for international support and mercenaries but the approval will have to come from “almighty” federal government whose body language has been one of unwillingness. We also have to clearly define the type of international support we are calling for going by our experience with the procurement of Super Tucano attack aircraft and the control imposed by the seller on how to use and not to use it. We have to decide to protect Nigeria. No external help will do that for us without taking other things in return. Apart from the cost of acquiring arms, it is dangerous to empower poor populace with weapons because it may become their meal tickets like the bandits and the terrorists. Sadly, there is no structure in place to do weapon control and tracking with the weapon audit revelation that 178,459 firearms could not be accounted for by the Nigerian police. I have had the rare privilege of speaking with those who labour day and night to protect Nigeria and Nigerians. I mean those in the Armed Forces, Police, Nigerian Civil Defense Corps, Correction Service, Immigration, Nigeria Customs service, the Department of State Service among others on why it is GLIÀFXOW WR HQG WHUURULVP EDQGLWU\ DPRQJ others. I typically ask them whether they lack capacity or are just unwilling to end the insecurity? Their responses point not to lack of capacity even with the weapons they have but to lack of political will to end it. Those who have been at the frontline spoke about “orders from above” which renders them incapacitated from advancing to conquer. Some told me about how their “oga at the top” instructs them to “defend and not attack”. How do you record victory if your instruction is only to wait to be attacked (sometimes killed) and the only thing you can do is to defend? Robert Greene in the 33 Laws of Power says wipe out your enemies totally. Our men are capable, majority are willing but without directives from “above”, nothing will happen. Does this explain why Kaduna that has the presence of Military formations gets attacked by bandits at will with no superior counter force from the federal government who controls and issues orders? What happens is the lamentation of Governor Nasir El-rufai about how security agencies know the location of the attackers but he does not understand why they fail to take them out.

Dr Tade, a criminologist writes via dotad2003@yahoo.com

President Muhammadu Buhari swore-in on Monday, 27 June 2022, Mr Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria. It followed the resignation of Mr Justice Dr Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad who pleaded ill-health. Many rumblings from the chambers assailed Mr Justice Muhammad before he left. The rumblings in the Supreme Court did not surprise. Under the “driver of a plane” as Mr Muhammad described a pilot before the National Assembly, our Supreme Court descended into the abyss of infamy. It was sad and followed a disastrous trajectory designed and assiduously implemented from High Places. Many would remember vividly the abominable mathematics of this Supreme Court on the governorship of Imo State. I wrote in The Public Sphere issue of 23 January 2020 on “The absurdity the Supreme Court wrought on Imo State”, https://businessday.ng/columnist/ article/the-absurdity-the-supreme-courtwrought-on-imo-state/ : “I will be forthright and upfront. No amount of legal hocus pocus can remedy the damage the allocation of more votes than voters has done to the Supreme Court judgement on Imo State. They wrote fiction. “Seven justices of the Supreme Court on 14 January, 2020, enthroned Mr Hope Uzodinma, candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 9 March, 2019 gubernatorial election in Imo State, as the governor of the state. The Supreme Court upturned the verdicts of the election tribunal and the court of appeal. They also moved Hope Uzodinma’s position on the voters table for that election from number four to number one. “To do so, they performed magic. They engaged

in legal skullduggery, including upturning the precedents the Supreme Court set only a few months back in similar cases. Unfortunately, they ignored the most important element. The justices of the Supreme Court failed the mathematics of the election, ending with a verdict that delivered more votes than voters”. Mr Justice Centus Nweze must feel vindicated about happenings in the court where he sits. He predicted it. Nweze dissented from his colleagues when Emeka Ihedioha asked the court to review its inglorious judgement. They dismissed it, citing the court’s timeframe and inability to reconsider its decision. Nweze challenged their claim, pointing out that the court had done such reviews before. Nweze said the court erroneously based its decision on the self-validated numbers from Hope Uzodinma that cited 388 polling units the candidate sprung from nowhere. Justice Nweze famously pronounced the Supreme Court a haunted temple. He said: “The decision of the Supreme Court in the instant matter will continue to haunt our electoral jurisprudence for a long time to come”. The Justices that delivered the infamous judgement included Olukayode Ariwoola, Slyvester Ngwuta, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Amina Augie and Uwana Aba-Aji. The court has went from one error to another. Chief Malcolm Omirhobo dramatised the court’s failure by dressing in the regalia of traditional medicine men on Thursday, 23 June 2022. Barrister Omirhobo protested the charade that some of the judgements of our Supreme now represent. It followed the infamous declaration of our court to vote for dividing Nigeria further along religious lines. The Supreme Court ruled against the Lagos State Government and ordered the institution of

the hijab (Islamic head and face covering for women) as part of the uniform for students in Lagos State secondary schools. It was absurd. Chief Omirhobo showed it up by coming to court in attire to make the point about anything-goes and the descent to anarchy. There were too many instances of absurdity in the Supreme Court under Mr Justice Tanko Muhammad. The apogee was last week when 14 justices did the aluta by openly protesting conditions in the court and accusing their head of corruption and leadership failure. It was a fitting denouement. The appointment of Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad was controversial for the many wrong steps preceding it. President Muhammadu Buhari suspended on Friday, 25 January 2019, the then Chief Justice Walter Nkanu Onnoghen based on an exparte order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, a court with inferior jurisdiction. He swore in Mr Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad. Alleged lack of support for the administration’s supposed anti-corruption effort was the stated offence of the Supreme Court under Onnoghen. How interesting that corruption has defined the end of this tenure. Flaks greeted Mr President’s action and the appointment of Mr Justice Tanko. Critics included the Nigerian Bar Association, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Mr President’s action against Onnoghen did not comply with the rule of law, due process, fair hearing, and adherence to process and procedures. The Supreme Court worked under severe pressures and limitations. Politicians pressured it. In 2020, APC and PDP brought political cases to the Supreme Court, asking it to review its judgements. While PDP sought a review of the presidential election case between Atiku Abubakar and Muhammadu Buhari, APC applied to upturn its loss of the Bayelsa governorship of David Lyon at the Supreme Court. Both parties threw darts with the Supreme Court as the board. Moreover, the Supreme Court operated with 16 instead of the required 21 justices. It was no surprise then when the 14 justices took to the streets to complain about their service conditions and the leadership. They have harmed the standing of the Supreme Court with right-thinking members of society and harmed society itself. In the maters of the Supreme Court, Christians may refer to the wisdom and prescience of the author of Ecclesiastes. He declared in Ecclesiastes 3:16-17 under The Injustices of Life. “I also noticed that there is evil in the courtroom under the sun. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt. I said to myself, ‘In due season, God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds.” If it is true that Mr Justice Ibrahim Tanko courageously threw in the towel in the face of his loss of the trust of his colleagues, never mind the health story, it will stand as one bright spot. Is this judgement time for this Supreme Court that reeks of evil? Will Mr Justice Olukayode Ariwoola write a new script and change the trajectory of the apex court of our land? Reforms are necessary. The Supreme Court is a multi-appeal court that handles a variety of cases. It tackles constitutional issues, commercial matters and more increasingly political disputes. The political is usually urgent and takes the justices, inadequate as they are, away from other matters. Nigeria may consider dividing the court into two sections. One would handle constitutional and political matters while the other would handle commercial and business including the matters of Nigeria’s international trade. The nation could also consider geographic decentralisation with a Supreme Court in the North and South or more just like the Nigerian Law School.

Nwakanma is a communication strategist

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY JULY 10, 2022

LONDON SAGA AND THE EKWEREMADU I KNOW

IMOKE: CIVILITY, TIME, SPACE AND HISTORY

Ike Ekweremadu is a kind-hearted man, a loving father, writes ONYEKACHI ONU

PAUL OBI pays tribute to Liyel Imoke, former governor of Cross River State

I cannot claim to know Senator Ike Ekweremadu for ages, but I certainly have a glimpse of his personality. I knew little about him before 2017, except that he was one of the three senators representing my State, Enugu, at the National Assembly. In Nigeria, the distance between our leaders and us is far apart. So, I hardly knew much about the senator representing my senatorial district (Enugu East) at the time, let picking interest in those representing other zones. But encountering Ekweremadu changed my perception about some of our leaders. As son of a poor widow, I strived with my mother (now late) to see the four walls of a university. She was determined to sacrifice all she had to see her son through the university to fulfil one of the promises she made to her late husband. I was a student at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and we all know how expensive (to the poor) state universities can be in Nigeria. But together, we were able to push it from 100 Level to 400 Level. But it was at this point that we reached our elastic limit. Yet I had one more year to complete my B.Eng. in Metallurgical and Material Engineering. Luckily, after lectures one very good day, a student brought an advertisement for scholarship/bursary offers by the senator representing his district. The senator

happened to be Ekweremadu. I received the news with mixed feelings and just skipped clicking the action button. But in the evening of that same day, a friend visited me at the hostel and still brought up the previous discussion. He knew the difficulties I had always faced paying me fees. I was reluctant about it all basically because I felt it was one of those political gimmicks. But my friend encouraged me, assuring me that it was an annual programme that students in Enugu West senatorial zone and two other local governments had been enjoying for as long as he could remember. He explained that the annual scholarship and bursary programme had been expanded to accommodate the whole state. The qualifications were indigence and proof of academic excellence. I later applied and underwent the interview. To the glory RI *RG , ZDV RQH RI WKH EHQHÀFLDULHV RI the Ikeoha Foundation Bursary Award 2016/2017. Mom shed tears of joy, relived because it actually came at the point I was just about dropping out of school. It was a miracle, more so since I was not even from Ekweremadu’s senatorial zone. On the day of the presentation of the scholarship and bursary awards, there ZHUH PDQ\ EHQHÀFLDULHV LQFOXGLQJ persons with disabilities, while a good QXPEHU RI WKH EHQHÀFLDULHV RI ,NHRKD Adult Literacy Programme passed, having bagged their First School Leaving &HUWLÀFDWH To motivate us, Ekweremadu reminded us that education was an equaliser. Drawing from Nelson Mandela, he said it was through education that the child of farmworkers could become the president of a great nation. I saw a man so passionate about lifting others and seeing them manifest their best. Personally, I am of the school of thought that human capital development is one

of the greatest empowerments you can give to anyone in life. Seeing such qualities emanating from him changed my perception of some of our leaders. To think that I was just one of the over 4,000 that have benefitted from the bursary awards, not even among the over 100 indigent students that have benefitted from full scholarships or among the thousands that have benefitted from the Ikeoha Medical Mission, etc., always makes me imagine how profoundly he has quietly touched many lives. Ironically, today, the same Ekweremadu is on the cross, with his own daughter fighting for dear life. I am not yet a father, by I know an average African would prefer to be buried by his or her children and not the other way round. So, the fate that has befallen Ekweremadu and the wife in trying to help a daughter survive breaks the heart. But such is life. Although fairer picture of Ekweremadu’s present predicament is beginning to emerge and have substantially changed the public perception and the narrative, so much has indeed been written and said, as an angry nation poured their justified indignations towards a successively failed political class on Ekweremadu, who they see as a symbol of that class. Ironically, many of those venting their anger have never been to Ekweremadu’s constituency to see how much he has tried to transform it, even as a lawmaker. Although I am from East zone, it took his intervention to wipe away age-long hardships caused by unmotorable road in my part of Nkanu East. Those who want us to believe that the Ekweremadus couldn’t have been caught in the present predicament if he had built modern hospitals in his constituency forget that it is not the duty of a lawmaker to build hospitals. They can only propose bills to that effect. But how many bills for the establishment of all manner of health facilities passed by the National Assembly as frequently reported by the media have been assented or implemented by successive presidents? How well are the budgets passed by lawmakers for existing hospitals funded or implemented by the executive arm? We cannot afford not to blame the political class, but each piece of it should be placed at the appropriate doorstep. Besides, all said and done, as Christ queried the Pharisees, who tried to indict him for healing a man on a Sabbath, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” Meanwhile, John 9: 1-34 also records how the Pharisees wanted a man born blind, but healed by Christ on a Sabbath, to declare that Christ was not of God. The man replied them, saying, “Whether He is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” Dear Senator Ekweremadu, while you and your wife have your days in court and while everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, I can unequivocally state that you are kindhearted, a philanthropist, protector of the downtrodden, lover of education, a selfless personality, and a loving father. Sir, I am a beneficiary of your valuable impact. And just as you advised us back then, I have carried on in the same spirit to the few I presently pay their school fees. Ikeoha, whatever life brings your way good or bad - just remember that you once saved a drowning young man you never knew and he is forever grateful and will always paint your true picture to the world. Like the squirrel, you have buried many nuts and have since forgotten, but these nuts have given birth to many palm trees today and our hearts and prayers are with you and your family in these trying times. May the compassion you have shown to others locate you. Engr. Onu writes from Abuja

“Civility is not a tactic or a sentiment. It is a determined choice of trust over cynicism, of community over chaos.” - George W. Bush In an era of incivility, in-your-face politics, chaos and coercion, political leaders who still wear the toga of civility and some sense of decorum deserve more than an applause. But civility itself cannot be attached to any kind of person. Most times, it is nurtured and blended by individuals craving for dignity in governance and the very essence of being. In Nigeria, the arrogance of power and disregard for the people is aplenty. A reason, observers say is a pointer to the Tsunamic wave of anger against the political establishment in the two major parties of All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 votes count. It is still not certain what the outcomes of that deserved anger will be. But the disruption that such anger will engineer in the political space may be a profound repudiation of the political class. Disregard for the people could come in various ways and shades: it could be the bombastic Donald Trump’s America first spat, or the Boris Johnson’s sneaky and ridiculous disregard for citizens - holding parties and groves while the whole nation is on a Covid-19 lockdown and friends groping seductive maidens. Yet, none of those come close to the abuse of power in Nigeria. Is it the elevation of the position of governor to Lord Emperor? Or the outsourcing and relocation of governance, leadership and consultations to the Arab Desert of Dubai? Or the jackboot democracy governors now play and impose during party primaries? But times were, when some selected Nigerian leaders could stoop low to serve their people with respect and refinement of true leadership. In Cross River State, between 2007 and 2015, Sen. Liyel Imoke held forth, not just for the political class, but true sense of democracy - a democratic inclusion that took governance to rural dwellers. Beyond his gusto, magic wand, and even his sex appeal, Imoke had the chasm and disposition for meeting the yearnings of the people - required in a democracy. In the real sense and within the template of leadership, Imoke was a sworn enemy of cosmetic governance and windowdressing. His understanding and grasp of government and the architecture of service was to provide pragmatic answers to the needs of voters: access roads, reliable healthcare system, standardized educational facilities, beneficial agricultural policies and a cohesive polity. Rather than bore Cross Riverians with propagandist reports of a phantom American Disneyland in Calabar, he preferred to take good roads to the forest belt of Boki; built good schools for Bekwara and Yala, internationalized Obudu Cattle Ranch - Obudu Marathon, modernized Ogoja; empowered Cocoa farmers in Ikom and Etung, assist industries in Akampka and beautified Calabar as a modern city. With Imoke, there was no grandiose display of words in communicating with the people; or the quabalistic follies of fraud in the name of state budgets. With him, Cross River was a toast to the world; a darling to fun seekers. Then, Cross River was a true partner to the federal government, foreign investors and an enabling environment alongside a thriving economy for indigenous companies and industries to thrive. Indeed, Cross River was a city on a hill; a metaphoric Nigerian Jerusalem where life ÀWV WKH VSRLOV DQG JUDQGHXU RI JRRG OLYLQJ Thus, after eight years of exiting Peregrino House, the talk in town is the nostalgic years of Imoke - now being missed in action. The saneness of governance, coordination of policy and a trackable end result were all part of the synergy of how a state should be administered. In time and space, Imoke’s civility became the antidote and pathway to efficient governance system. Stephen Carter, Yale Law Professor, in his work, Civility: Manners, Morals and the Etiquette of Democracy maintained that

there is a nexus between civility and better governed societies. He observed that civility tends to discipline and reset leaders into sound policies of government, disentangling conflicts and finding a path that enriches society and democratic life. Based on this prognosis, Imoke scored high, and bowed out of Peregrino House with all sense of equanimity and honour. Yet, it will amount to mere fallacy and hypocrisy to conclude that all was well with Imoke’s Cross River. For legacies are not just scored points of good decision making in governance and leadership, but also the records and presence of human foibles - failure in a sense and lessons learned. Thence, it is very instructive, and always so, for dissenting opinions and observers to cast Imoke’s transitional plan at the tail end of his rein, and Gov. Ben Ayade’s emergence as a sordid side of history. In the summation of the monumental failure of Ayade for seven years running and still counting, there is no trace of a man who was or is prepared for that job. He is definitely below the pay grade of that lofty

position - His Excellency and Chief Executive. God willing, by 29th May, 2023, Cross River would have been thrown into a monumental wasteland for good eight years. Sad! Worst still, Cross River State has now been offered a disruptive plate of politics particularly within the PDP, that may come to define the state in a very troubling and telling manner. No thanks to the arrival of the Professor of Osusology, a fresher in the red dome of the capitol: big in words and grandiloquent like Ayade. In fact, the semblance with Ayade are legion, hence, the fear around town. His emergence DV 3'3 JXEHUQDWRULDO ÁDJ EHDUHU LV DV D result of the politics of the highest bidder. With gubernatorial tickets cooked in Brick House with the baptismal anointing of Nigeria’s Oil and Garden City combined. It is a mandate that is to be delivered to Cross Riverians as poison chalice. In Abuja, a payback was summoned from the gods and the orchestra, and the trembling has been huge. The wonderment continues. They said Caterpillar is coming, but even in meaning and action, Caterpillar is disruptive as a worm, and as a machine, it demolishes structures. How did Cross River PDP under Imoke’s leadership get it so wrong? Will there be a return of another Ayade? Where is the enthusiasm in PDP? Instead, Bassey Otu is now the sing-song from Gakem where the first shot was fired during Nigerian - Biafran Civil War. Notwithstanding, Imoke’s place is an elevated podium that situate his records as an era where the citizens of Cross River State came topmost. Not today’s government of familitocracy which is now a state policy. With Imoke, it is not about boisterous sounds and osusology. Obi, is a journalist, researcher and fellow at the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, interested in media, elections, politics and democracy

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY JULY 10, 2022

EDITORIAL

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

ON SHIRORO, KUJE AND PRESIDENTIAL CONVOY The attacks on Kuje, the president’s advance party, and elsewhere by terrorist forces bode ill for the nation

By attacking prisons and releasing their men, KUHH GHDGO\ DWWDFNV ZLWKLQ RQH ZHHN GHÀQH ,6:$3 DQG RWKHU WHUURU DIÀOLDWHV DUH PDNLQJ WKH the state of insecurity and helplessness in point that they are stronger than the Nigerian state. Nigeria. First, dozens of people, including Between April and November last year, a period of soldiers, mobile policemen and civilians just seven months, eight of the prisons in the country were killed in Shiroro Local Government were attacked with hundreds of hardened criminals Area of Niger State by terrorists who released to the streets. The madness started on 5th wiped out an entire military platoon. Then, members April 2021 with the attack on Owerri Prison in Imo of an advance party of President Muhammadu State followed by the attack on Bauchi Prison four Buhari were attacked in his home state of Katsina GD\V ODWHU RQ WK $SULO $QRWKHU ÀYH GD\V DIWHU RQ WK after a police area commander had been ambushed April, the Ubiaja Prison in Edo State was attacked. It and gunned down. And on Tuesday, terrorists took took only eight days after this for the Kumawa Prison their battle to the Kuje Medium Security Custodial in Kano to be attacked on 22 April. On 25th July, Jos Centre in a daring raid for which the Islamic State Prison in Plateau State was West Africa Province attacked while the bloody (ISWAP) has claimed attack on Kabba Prison in responsibility. The attacks on the Kuje prison and the presidential convoy are aimed Kogi State took place on If the authorities do not at the heart of national power. In the pattern of these attacks, their 13th September. On 22nd understand the meaning October, the Abolongo of what is going on, timing and precision, there is a disturbing indication of sabotage and Prison in Oyo State was perhaps we should break attacked and on 28th it down for them. In Mali, failure of intelligence, as the president pointed out November, the attackers the jihadist advance on came back to the Jos Prison. Bamako was only halted We do not need to by the intervention of HQOLVW LQ WKH VHFXULW\ DJHQFLHV WR UHDOLVH WKH HIÀFDF\ French troops in a country that is now in perpetual of preemptive and preventive intelligence in the turmoil. In Chad, the threat to overrun Ndjamena situation we have found ourselves. But the approach had compelled President Idris Derby to personally go to security in Nigeria seems to be based on kneejerk into battle where he got killed by terrorists who had reactions after the damage had been done. Following LQÀOWUDWHG KLV VHFXULW\ IRUFHV ,Q *XLQHD %XUNLQD )DVR the Shiroro attack, for instance, the military high and tangentially Sudan, the threat of jihadist military FRPPDQG GHFLGHG WKDW WKH EHVW ZD\ WR ÀJKW EDFN DW challenges has at different times led to the resurgence a band of roving killer bandits was for the Chief of of unconstitutional changes of government. Since Army Staff to relocate to Shiroro, as if such mobile 1LJHULD LV WRR KXJH DQG XQWLGLO\ FRQÀJXUHG WR EH killers would wait to give him a guard of honour subjected to these extreme pressures without falling ZKHQ KH DQG KLV FRVWO\ HQWRXUDJH ÀQDOO\ DUULYH IURP apart, attacking Kuje in the manner reported, and Abuja. ambushing the president’s advance party in Katsina The insecurity in Nigeria is no longer a series of may be a strong message from ISWAP and other random and opportunistic attacks. There is now a terror networks that they are closing in. strategic selection of targets, well-coordinated attacks Unfortunately, the current administration has not as well as careful map reading by the terrorists. demonstrated the needed competence in dealing with The attacks on the Kuje prison and the presidential the existential challenges facing the country. Under convoy are aimed at the heart of national power. In President Muhammadu Buhari, military and other the pattern of these attacks, their timing and precision, security agencies in the country have been degraded. there is a disturbing indication of sabotage and failure Yet, the most basic imperatives of governance and of intelligence, as the president pointed out. The time OHDGHUVKLS LV WR GHÀQH WKH ULJKW SULRULWLHV DQG KLUH has therefore come for him to realise the severity of the right people. With that serially compromised, it is the threat to our national security by reassessing the little surprise that Nigerians ARE now practically at current strategies which have proved ineffectual. the mercy of criminal gangs.

Letters to the Editor

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

NIGERIA AND KUJE’S KISS OF DEATH Between the chilling audacity of the terrorists who fell upon the Kuje Correctional Centre on Tuesday July 5, 2022, and the sophisticated weapons they bore, Nigerians do not know what to make of an attack which let loose hundreds of inmates into a society already convulsed E\ WHUURU LQFOXGLQJ %RNR +DUDP members. Nigerians are increasingly coming to the inevitable conclusion that their beloved country, that has held fast through more than 60 years of a WXUEXOHQW LQGHSHQGHQFH PD\ ÀQDOO\ JLYH in under the debilitating and devastating force of insecurity. This conclusion as painful as it is does not come from a place of carelessness or complicity; for in a country shocked into submission by a siege of terror, even the blind can see, and the deaf can hear that all is not well with the Giant of Africa. These days, Nigerians who live in the rural areas do not only have to count how many days before they are out of food, or

consider how long before they get to the nearest primary healthcare centre to get proper medical attention. No. They now also have to count the number of their dead. They now must also take stock of the number of their abducted. They must also look into the smoldering ruins of their razed buildings and decide how to begin again. Nigeria`s failure to provide security to its poorest citizens is proving immeasurably deadly and costly. Where next and who next? That is the question on the lips of many after the devastating attack on the Medium Security Custodial Centre Kuje during which the attackers broke in using explosive devices. Islamic State-West Africa Province (ISWAP) has since claimed responsibility for the attacks which cost about half a dozen lives and left more than a dozen injured. That a terrorist group can organize and so brazenly breach the security of one of the country`s more popular prisons right in the Federal Capital Territory is shocking

beyond description, and immediately puts in issue the positions of those who should take responsibility for these things that continue to happen. In the aftermath of the attack, President Muhammadu Buhari visited the Medium Facility Prison in Kuje to personally assess the level of the damage done. While at the facility, President Muhammadu Buhari was quick to raise questions about the intelligence gathering system at the prison. In the 30 minutes spent in the prison, the President wondered aloud why the prison defences failed to work and immediately requested a comprehensive report on the incident. In the President`s own words, the TXHVWLRQV ÁRZHG WKLFNO\ WKXV ´+RZ GLG the defences at the prison fail to prevent WKH DWWDFN" +RZ PDQ\ LQPDWHV ZHUH LQ WKH IDFLOLW\" +RZ PDQ\ RI WKHP FDQ \RX DFFRXQW IRU" +RZ PDQ\ SHUVRQQHO GLG \RX KDYH RQ GXW\" +RZ PDQ\ RI WKHP were armed? Were there guards on the watch tower? What did they do? Does the

CCTV work?” On the heels of the questions, disappointment thickly coated with defeat was expressed by the President WKXV ´+RZ FDQ WHUURULVWV RUJDQL]H KDYH weapons, attack a security installation and run away with it?” If the President himself is sending such a volley of questions the way of Nigerians who already have a litany of unanswered questions to contend with, who will answer the President? With Nigeria having apparently come to its day of doom, there appears to be some vindication for those who predicted long ago that such a day would come, but were branded prophets of doom. Many of those who in the last decade raised the alarm that insecurity was slowly taking over the country were swiftly silenced. Kene Obiezum, keneobiezu@gmail.com

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

10.7.2022

OBI ASIKA A Visionary’s Forecast of Afrobeats’ Success Story In a panoramic conversation, Obi Asika, a prolific creative entrepreneur famed for pioneering many ecosystems in the creative industry today talks about the rise of Afrobeats, his love for history and the need for storytellers to be innovative in how they tell their stories, writes Vanessa Obioha ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/victoria.olaode@thisdaylive.com.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JULY 10, 2022

COVER

A Pioneer’s PanoramicView of Afrobeats in History

Asika

is morning was overbooked. Not intentionally though but the implication of that oversight resulted in nearly an hour delay and a lengthy conversation afterwards. His mornings are usually like this, he told me later when we settled down. By this, he meant having virtual meetings. If he’s not on the laptop, he’s on the phone, tab or whatever device available. He’s been working like this for years, mainly because he works with different people in different places. This requires him to be constantly connected. The toll of this on his personal relationships is not lost but he is taking conscious steps to be less connected to his devices.

Somehow, the irony of a desire to disconnect from a technology that keeps people connected can be mind-boggling. Given the world we live in today, is it possible to really stay off those smart devices? For Obi Asika, the cerebral and prolific creative entrepreneur, technology has its perks and flaws. It has opened up a whole bunch of opportunities for storytellers to tell their stories, but at the same time one needs to pause and ask: “Am I taking care of myself properly?” We were at his home in Lekki. He was not alone. His children and other relatives were around so the chuckles and light banter often filtered into the study where we sat. Asika is a lover of memories and that is reflected in his home decor. His spacious living room has walls donned in pictures and paintings. His study is chock-full of books, mementoes, awards, pictures and of course, memorabilia of his defunct record

label Storm Records. He now runs another, Cabal. Someday, he intends to do a documentary on Storm Records. “Not all memories are positive. Everybody has a favourite childhood memory. Everybody has moments in their life that were important that impacted them either seeing it happen as a kid or experiencing it. So, I think we all have memories,” he said. Beyond keeping memories, Asika described himself as a student of history. This has led him to study his family’s genealogy, the cosmology of Igbos and other historical data. Asika who is from Onitsha in Anambra State has been able to trace about 23 kings of the town to his bloodline. He is the first grandchild out of about 100 grandchildren from his mother’s side. He comes from a line of service where his maternal grandfather was one of the first educationists in the country who retired as the Chairman of the Public Service Commission of the East Central State. His father, Anthony Ukpabi Asika, was the administrator of East Central State, Nigeria during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon. “I’m always trying to go back to find out things that I don’t quite understand. What was the motivation? Not just oh, this is what happened. That’s easy. I want to deconstruct. What was the motivation? Why did this happen? Why was this person thinking of this thing in this way? And where did he take those decisions? That is what the real issue is. It’s not about what happened. Everybody knows what happened. But do you understand why it happened? Do you understand the issues involved that made it happen? And I think that’s not something that a lot of us engage in. And I even think as Black people, it’s one of our fundamental problems because we’ve been disconnected because of our unique history of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade. “I call it the reduction of self because you know, European primacy, philosophical, intellectualism, morality and ethos were pushing the renaissance that they have found a higher level, that Europe is now in a renaissance period: arts, literature, culture. At the heights of this renaissance period, they were also driving the biggest inhumanity known to man which is called the transatlantic slave trade. How did they justify it right? The way they justified it is to pretend that these Africans were subhuman.” The inability of Africans to question the motive, Asika posited, is the reason they were easily brainwashed into believing their culture is inferior. In Nigeria, however, Asika believes that the main problem is the incapability of Nigerian leaders to define a narrative core for Nigerians. “Nigerians pretend all day as if they are not Nigerians. You hear people say ‘abeg abeg, I’m from Ogbomosho…I’m from Onitsha.’ The day somebody that is not a Nigerian attacks a Nigerian, you will know where they are from. Nigerians are easily identifiable by their confidence but sometimes we act as if we don’t know who we are. If you listen to some Nigerians all day, nothing good has ever come out of Nigeria but that is not true.” One of the positive things that has the Nigeria emblem in the world today is Afrobeats, according to Asika. Every success recorded in the technology space today, to the creative entrepreneur, came from Afrobeats. He explained it this way: “I claim all those successes for Afrobeats because it is the energy, the attitude and the mentality of the people that unlocked Afrobeats that is driving all these things. Because what you have to understand is that somebody had to believe in Nigeria. Somebody had to believe in Nigerian talent. Someone had to explain to Nigerian talents that listen, you don’t need to be American, you don’t need to be English. You can be yourself from where you are, say it in pidgin, in your own language, do it your own way, adopt the things that come from outside. That’s why I

always tell people that hip-hop is the first cousin of Afrobeats.” Asika is one of the respected Afrobeats pioneers in the country today. Famed for creating ecosystems in the creative space, Asika, in 1991, created a show ‘Clapperboard Weekend Raps’. The show was aired on Saturday afternoons on the defunct TV channel and syndicated on 30 Nigeria TV channels. It was the first nationally syndicated TV show in the country and featured Jimmy Jatt as the in-house DJ. “Sometimes you are doing things to impact people, but you don’t know the impact until later.” The show was the launchpad for Jatt’s deejaying career and fame, Asika disclosed. “Jimmy started getting bookings from universities and other places in the country. For 30 years, he has been touring in Nigeria and worldwide from one show that started the whole thing,” he said. Recently, Asika produced a 10-part documentary ‘Journey of the Beats’ that chronicled the rise of Afrobeats. Exclusive to Showmax, the documentary features historians, musicians, journalists, art and culture custodians who traced Nigerian music from the pre-colonial days, while addressing key issues that affected the music industry. The documentary was in the preproduction stage when we had this conversation but Asika was very clear on the progenitor of the Afrobeats movement. “I believe that Junior and Pretty was the fundamental album that started this whole Afrobeats journey.” Not a few knew that the music duo back then were first signed to Asika’s Storm Records. He recalled that the first time the artists showed up, they rapped like Americans. “And I was like, ‘what are you doing, why are you rapping like an American? Guy, you never leave Ajegunle, why are you rapping AK-47, rap about your trip from AJ to the Island.’” Asika used this method to bring out the inspiration in the artists. It is the same with Naeto C and other artists who were signed to his record label. At the time Asika was pushing Junior and Pretty and the sound of Afrobeats, not a few people believed in him. “The record labels had no belief. The Premier, EMI, had no belief that there was a Nigerian youth market which everyone is now chasing in 2022 that was even important, let alone relevant. The whole world knows now that the Nigerian youth market drives the worldwide youth culture. Our journey is a journey of validation.” One of the things that excites Asika about Afrobeats today is that it is happening in his lifetime. “We are telling the story because I think Nigeria does many great things but doesn’t tell the story.” He cited an example with the Big Brother Naija show which he produced the first season (He also produced the first Dragon’s Den, Apprentice Africa, Nigeria 99 etc). Despite the popularity of the show, a Google search showed that many African countries were the ones thanking Nigeria for the Big Brother Naija show. Asika rolled out names of African countries that benefitted from Nigeria’s intervention one way or the other, including South Africa during the apartheid period. “We negotiated their (South Africa) freedom. Every Nigerian paid tax to the ANC for 20 years. We led anti-apartheid for 40years… half a million South Africans went to school in Nigeria free, paid for by Nigerian citizens. No South African should ever disrespect a Nigerian,” he said emphatically. “The reason they still do is because we have not told the story. When you tell the story, everybody knows the story. If you don’t tell the story, nobody knows.” The way forward for young Nigerians to know their story for Asika is “we have to do a better job of telling the story. We have to refresh the history curriculum and change the way we deliver history. It’s all about how we tell our stories.” But the onus is on the storytellers to tell the story in a world-class manner because to Asika, it is the storytellers that hold the moral arc of every nation.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JULY 7, 2022

GLITZ ENTERTAINMENT

Big Brother Naija Season 7 Beckons Stories by Vanessa Obioha In less than two weeks, Big Brother Naija will be returning for its seventh season. The organisers MultiChoice Nigeria revealed recently that this year’s edition will be filled with twists and turns with a N100 Million grand prize for the ultimate winner — a cash prize of N50 million and N50 million worth of prizes from sponsors. Given the popularity of the show and the quick ticket to fame it offers, over 40,000 people auditioned for a spot in the show. Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice WhiteMoney won BBNaija S6. Photo credit- Nigeria, Busola Tejumola assured that the housemates will undergo a psychological evaluation before they have access to the house. Instagram

At 50, Sinach’s Inﬂuence Continues to Rise with Grammy Invitation Gospel singer Osinachi Egbu, popularly known as Sinach, has continued to impact the gospel music industry. For decades, she has influenced the industry with her unique style of songwriting and vocal delivery, a quality that is well noted by the Recording Academy and was concretised with an invitation to join over 2,700 global music professionals to serve as a voting member earlier this month. Traditionally, the Grammy Voting Academy has a diverse group of voting members with proven accomplishments and influence in the music space. Inclusive, this year alone, 56 per cent of the selected 2,700+ inductees were drawn from underrepresented communities to ensure equality. With the new recognition, Sinach, as well as other Nigerian acts like Praiz, Tito Da Fire, and Laycon can influence more positive changes for local acts by facilitating entry submissions through nomination, voting during the 65th Grammy Awards process, and proposing amendments to existing rules.

This season will bring back some of its pre-COVID elements such as the Ninjas, as well as a live audience. It is not confirmed yet if guests will be allowed in the house. Also, the show will retain its voting style from last year, that is, voting will only be on the Big Brother Naija website, mobile site, and the MyDStv and MyGOtv apps for active customers. With a double launch scheduled for July 23 and 24, Showmax will be streaming the show to fans in Africa and the UK as well as a second season ‘The Buzz’ which gives all the scoops, gist and armchair analysis from the host and guests, without any holdbacks.

Tanzyl Releases New EP Rebecca Ejifoma

Sinach

To be sure, the household name who turned 50 in March, has maintained a continuous streak of successes after she launched her career in 1994; a career span that has produced multiple hit singles,12 studio albums, over 200 credited songs, a truckload of accolades that include a GMA Dove Award, and has served as the headliner to major global gospel concerts such as globally attended Experience.

Tanzyl, the music duo consisting of brothers – Mohammed Oluwaseyi Alli and Abbas Oluwatoyin Alli – recently made a comeback with a new EP titled ‘Xai’. ‘Xai’ is a six-track EP with songs such as ‘Iyawo’ and ‘Wider Wider.’ Leading with ‘Iyawo’ Tanzyl explained that the song was chosen because of its relevance and cultural character. “It dwells on the marriage practices of the Yoruba, Southwestern Nigeria.” Formerly known as Tanzeel, the brothers were compelled to change their stage name to Tanzyl due to copyright issues. Tanzyl, the entertainers enthused, means revelation. Reminiscing about their days of yore, the Plateau-born singers disclosed that they developed a fondness for music early in life. And with time, it snowballed into a passion. While the singers boast certificates from Demonstration Secondary School and the University of Jos, they both hopped on the train and made their way to Lagos to join the list of great tuneful singers. “We simply wanted to further our music career,” they said.

MUSON Music Class of 2022 Proved their Mettle with Graduation Concert highlighted the vocal prowess of the students, the Muson Choir provided delivered a medley of classical and indigenous songs that include ‘He Lives in You’ by Mark Macina, and ‘Climb Every Mountain’ by Richard Rodgers. Impressed by their performances, Chairman, The MUSON Choir performing at the concert MTN Foundation, Prince The Musical Society of performances from the students. Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi Nigeria (MUSON) School of In true MUSON style, the students commended their efforts Music celebrated another night exuded professionalism with their while imploring them to fully solo rendition of classical pieces of classical music excellence harness their training to stand with the graduation of the Class such as Ruggero Leoncavallo’s out and command earnings. ‘Mattinata’, Francesco Sartori’s of 2022. “In 2023, the music In a collaboration with ‘Time to Say Goodbye’, and the industry will be netting about sensual ‘Song of a NightClub MTN Nigeria through the MTN $65 billion,” Adelusi-Adeluyi Proprietress’ originally Foundation Scholarship Program, revealed. “If that is so, I would performed by Madeleine Dring like to challenge the current 30 students were decorated in 1980. Adopting fusion, with a diploma certificate. The and past products of MUSON the performers also reflected scholarship program began in to get together and see how to Africa’s rich musical history 2006 and is currently in its 15th make part of that $65 billion. I with their energetic twist on edition. believe that the students that Onyeka Onwenu’s ‘Ekwe’, and you have raised this year are To commemorate the Tosin Aribisala’s ‘Oro Ajoso’. graduation ceremony, a dedicated and hardworking, While these performances and therefore are go-getters.” concert was held with special

Tanzyl

TILX Returns with ‘The Phoenix’ The Ibejii Live Experience (TILX) returns today, July 10, at Terra Kulture. It is the first time the alternative artist Ibejii will be having a live concert since the pandemic. The two-time Headies nominee will be serenading fans with Afro-soul sounds that speak to love, life and societal ills. The 2022 edition is tagged TILX: The Phoenix and will feature a global lineup of events. Ibejii will perform songs from his wide catalogue, including songs from the newly released ‘Post-19’, a seven-track album Ibejii released in celebration of life.

AFA Unveils Keith Shiri as President of AMAA 2022 Jury

Keith Shiri

The Africa Film Academy (AFA), the organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) has unveiled international film curator Keith Shiri as the president of the AMAA 2022 Jury. Shiri who is also a program advisor to several international film festivals will lead other respected curators and renowned filmmakers that make up the AMAA Jury. “Keith’s experience and versed knowledge of African Films which has spanned over two

decades coupled with his expertise which has seen him serve in different international organisations made him a great fit for this position,” said Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Founder of the Africa Film Academy. Shiri will preside over the jury after Steve Ayorinde, a renowned film and art critic served as the President of the AMAA 2021 Jury. He is presently curating the Icons of the Africa Centre Series for the legendary London-based cultural institution.

AFRIMA Deadline Will Not Be Extended The International Committee of the All African Music Awards (AFRIMA) has warned that it will not extend the deadline for the 2022 edition. The awards which recognises creative talents in the continent called for entries on May 30 and will close on August 5. “It is important that all relevant parties submit their entries on time this year. We are a very thorough and transparent organisation, and we have a clear process for the award ceremony every year,” said AFRIMA Juror, representing Diaspora Northern America, Hadja Kobele Keita. She added that the process of selecting the nominees and holding the ceremony is delicately planned. “We do not just wake up and nominate people.” Only submitted works which have been created between August 20, 2021, and August 5, 2022, being the year-in-review for all submissions will be accepted. Nominees will be announced on August 17 after the works submitted have been vetted while voting will begin on August 24. The main ceremony will run from Thursday, November 3 to Sunday, November 6, 2022.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾JULY 10, 2022

HighLife

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

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Muiz Banire: The Portrait of a Silent Giver To give to someone else is a gift in itself. People with this kind of generous spirit stand out anywhere. And despite the misconception that only the poor and deprived understand what poor and deprived people are feeling, Nigerian lawyer and activist, Muiz Banire, has shown time and again that one only needs to have a beating heart and humane acts will follow. The legal corner of Nigerian society is not generally where we go to celebrate philanthropists. If anything, this corner is famous for its level-headedness and detachment. However, thanks to individuals like Banire, the Founder of United Action for Change, a bit of red humanity has spilled into the presumed aloofness of the court and its coterie. For someone like Banire, giving is second nature. The root of this disposition is not very clear, other than the fact that the man’s broadcast ambition is to see a society where genuine human values of tolerance, compassion, and deliberate growth are upheld by states and citizens. This is likely why he continues to be called a teacher today, a teacher of grace and graciousness, even though his educational qualifications are taller than the gap between the earth and sky. To be sure, Banire has demonstrated the possibilities of his dream. Leaving aside his philanthropy, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has made it a point to have as many empowering platforms as possible so that more people would participate in their own development and the growth of the nation. This course of his has borne much fruit, that is true, especially in the form of professionals in the corporate and political sector willing to walk the path with him. At 56, Banire is a giver on all fronts. He has given his time, dream, efforts, and achievements so that other people can live and grow comfortably. For him, no amount of political appointments and legal honours can douse the fire of empowerment. This is the level to which he has given to the country. By every indication, he is someone who should be emulated.

with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayﬂex2@yahoo.com

Ejindu

It takes courage and a deep sense of self to stand out among one’s peers when it is the norm to try as much as possible to be like everybody else. And yet, for the handful of Nigerian women like Princess Fifi Ejindu, there is no other way to live. Even as she returns the helm of the building and architectural industry to its traditional origin, Ejindu is also restoring the majesty of the determined Nigerian woman. In many ways, Ejindu is not altogether different from her peers. She has undergone some years of educational instruction outside the country, enjoyed the dedication of parents who understand the importance of paving the way for their children, and shown remarkable resilience against bias and prejudice. Nevertheless, despite being born in an era when men dominated every terrain, she has managed to shine out. People that know Ejindu today praise her for being one of the most

prominent billionaires in Nigeria with the reputation of an industry principal. These praises are tied to Ejindu’s status as an architect who built a super real estate group, Starcrest, in Nigeria, showing remarkable talent by laying the foundation of the company and seeing it through to its success today. Since she founded Starcrest in 1995, the company has grown beyond the imagination of its competitors. The reason is not far-fetched: the company’s founder has also grown in leaps and bounds with reference to her abilities and influence. The number of awards that have gone to Ejindu in the last two decades is enough to start a new industry like the fashion industry, where she became a big shot after founding the African Arts and Fashion Initiative in 2013. Indeed, the talents and accomplishments of Ejindu are like new batches of wine as the year progresses:

Cheering News as Abuja Pastor, Joshua Iginla Welcomes Second Son from New Wife New things are always welcome in the news, especially when they may be shelved under the label of controversial. Well-known televangelist, self-acclaimed prophet, and General Overseer of Champions Royal Assembly, Abuja, Joshua Iginla, has opened the divisive gates of social media over the recent announcement of the birth of his son. And although there’s a branch of bloggers and online lawyers that are happy to contribute to the matter, Iginla and his wife are simply happy to welcome a new child to the family. Some days ago, it was reported that Iginla conducted a child dedication ceremony for the latest addition to his family. Posting a picture of the newborn carried by Iginla’s older son, Rhema, the televangelist explained that the photo captured “my son, Rhema Joshua Iginla praying for his younger brother, Majesty. This is so refreshing for me, I am a blessed father. I pray you receive double blessings for all your troubles. May

It is around that period when many Nigerian states change their government representatives. In Ekiti, the process is already underway with the emergence of Abiodun Oyebanji, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the just-concluded election. With this emergence and change in government, it is only natural that smart people develop new relationships with the governorelect and his people. As many readers are doubtlessly aware, Oyebanji emerged as the number one person in the Ekiti gubernatorial election organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He beat former Governor Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Bisi Kolawole of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), showing that the trust of his biggest sponsor, Kayode Fayemi,

your enemies never meet your helpers in Jesus name.” While many people have answered amen to Iginla’s prayer, there are a good number that are keeping their thoughts to themselves and another set who are not happy with the man. This is likely because the newborn, Majesty, was delivered to Iginla’s second wife, the South African prophetess, Stella Bambilanga, to whom he allegedly got married in 2020 after divorcing his first wife, Yemisi Iginla. So, in the wake of that divorce and lingering feelings of loyalty, it is not all too surprising that some people are happy with Majesty Iginla, but not his father.Of course, Iginla is not someone who shies away from controversies. This was made evident when he confessed that he had engaged in extramarital affairs with someone else after his first wife had also soiled their marriage bed. Not long after, he divorced her and got the South African prophetess in exchange. Maybe the new birth will finally wipe away the past from the minds of Iginla’s congregation.

Iginla

Incoming Ekiti First Lady, Professor Olayemi Oyebanji Becomes New Bride as Many Want to Get Close to Her was not misplaced. In his victory, many others have gained prominence. Perhaps the person that seems to have gained the most, in terms of new friends, at least, is Oyebanji’s wife, Olayemi. Knowing that only the most extreme of situations would prevent her from becoming the First Lady of Ekiti, many people are throwing themselves at her feet as they beg to become her friends. But this is nothing new. It must be said that Prof. Oyebanji is nothing like her predecessors. During the campaigns, very little was heard about her, even though it is certain that she is the number one supporter of

the governor-elect. Even so, as she is set to climb to new ranks in the governance of Ekiti, everything about her will soon be unravelled. However, those that know Prof. Oyebanji are aware of her prestige. She is from Ado-Ekiti and is currently an associate professor at the University of Ibadan, Department of Educational Management in the Faculty of Education. She has more than 80 papers to her name and credit and is quite the achiever in the ivory tower. Thus, whether it is for her prestige or her husband’s, Prof. Oyebanji is indeed worth befriending and has become the new bride in Ekiti.

Never Work Alone, Tofowomo Drags Agboola to Court

Banire

If there is anything that has become a constant in elections in Nigeria, especially just before the voting commences, it is the series of allegations about qualifications, especially qualifications related to education, age, and background information. The former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has fallen into this qualification trap. And it does not look as if his accuser, Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, intends to let him go anytime soon. The forthcoming Ondo State senatorial elections are around the corner and frontline figures are preparing for a showdown. Tofowomo, the Senator representing Ondo South, has already played his card by alleging the former Deputy Governor Ajayi is not qualified. By doing so, Tofowomo is asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to wipe off Ajayi’s name from the list of qualified senatorial candidates.

According to Tofomowo, Ajayi presented false documents representing his academic records. Thus, even though he won the primary election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he has no constitutional standing upon which he can contest for the Ondo South senatorial seat. Interestingly, even though the case was presented to a Federal High Court in Akure, the people of Ondo have commented on the issue, and some of them are sympathetic towards Ajayi. Of course, considering the PDP man’s history with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, this sympathy is no surprise. Those who have followed Ajayi’s political adventures are aware that his falling out with Akeredolu was one of the biggest about-turns in Ondo’s governmental cabinets. To summarise, Ajayi decided to defect to the PDP from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Akeredolu booted him out of power.

Fofowomo

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾JULY 10, 2022

HIGHLIFE

Fayose, Olujimi Bury Hatchets It looks to be the end of an era in the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), even as a new person prepares to take over the position of governor in the state. For the PDP, the new era has more to do with the burying of an old grudge than anything else. So, between former Governor Ayodele Fayose and erstwhile friend turned rival turned acquaintance turned antagonist, Senator Biodun Olujumi, all is well and getting better. Rivalry has always been something of a constant in government. In Ekiti where leadership is more than just being a figurehead, rivalry has torn workmates and friends apart in the name of politics. The

most prominent example of this situation is former Fayose and Olujimi, his Deputy Governor of that year. Even though both of these accomplished politicians have been the biggest pillars of Ekiti PDP for almost two decades, they have often sat on opposite sides of the benches. Recently, things have begun to take a better turn with both of these Ekiti PDP giants signing an agreement about who gets to be the governorship candidate, deputy, and other important positions to be occupied should the party win the election. It took the presence of former Governor Segun Oni for the meeting to happen, but it all ended surprisingly well.

Who is after Amaju Pinnick? Fayose

Olujimi

Ageing Gracefully… Banking Icon, Subomi Balogun Honours Gbenga Daniel

Balogun

Grace and graciousness have always been the markers of venerable life. For banking legend Subomi Balogun, these

features are ever-present and ever-flowing. Even at 88, this icon continues to dazzle Nigerians with his vigorous presence, ageing as gracefully as wine that only gets sweeter and sweeter as the years pass fleetingly by. On July 2, 2022, the crème de la crème of Nigeria’s society gathered in Lagos to celebrate the marriage between Debola, the second son of former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), and his fiancée, Morenikeji Ademiju. Because the event was hosted by OGD, it was only natural that the most successful and influential personalities grace the event. Surprisingly, Balogun was among these personalities in attendance. It has to be said that despite the jawdropping lavishness of the wedding party, Balogun unintentionally became one of the

highlights of the event. With his white Agbada, the First City Merchant Bank (FCMB) man was a centre of attention for many guests. After all, it has been a while since he attended social events. Thus, it was OGD’s honour that Balogun was present. Those who know Balogun understand just how much of a banking legend he really is. When historians make a note of people who single-handedly built banking institutions and protocols, the true value of Balogun’s life will be indexed. In the meantime, we can only celebrate him for having founded FCMB, building a National Pediatric Center in Ijebu-Ode only to donate it to the University of Ibadan’s University College Teaching Hospital, and many other things.

Brotherhood: The Bond between Oba Elegushi and New Oniru Genuine friendship is a luxury that very few of us can afford. This is because we are aware of the unvanquished philosophy that human beings are, at the core, selfish and wicked. But for trusting individuals like Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikateland, and Oba Gbolahan Lawal of Iruland, this philosophy appears to lose substance and veracity. Oba Elegushi is a very popular monarch. Due to several reasons, not excluding his brilliant style of governance, approachable and humble personality, and ocean-wide network of powerful affiliations, the monarch’s reign is undoubtedly one of the best in the kingdom’s history. Unsurprisingly, he is a friend to many, big and small. Even so, there is something special about his friendship with fellow monarch, Oba Lawal, the Oniru of Iruland. Elegushi and Oniru found common ground in their kingship. The roots of their friendship lie significantly deeper than the simple ties of traditional rulership. Way before

either of them chose to ascend the throne and continue the respective legacies of their forebears, they were already good friends. It is said that one of the magnets that ensured that Elegushi and Oniru grew closer and closer is the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu. This was far back in 2003 when Tinubu became Lagos State governor and had the present Oniru working as his Personal Assistant and later promoted him to be his Aide-de-Camp (ADC). At the time, Elegushi had been under the canopy of Tinubu who reportedly showed him the ropes of public life and service. But Elegushi and Oniru have grown beyond the camaraderie of those Tinubu years, and yet remain very close. As they always celebrate each other, it is clear to all and sundry that this is the kind of friendship that beats down negative perceptions of the human condition. If friendships like this existed abundantly among us, maybe the world would be a better place.

We Rise by Lifting Others: Oil Magnate, Sholaye Jeremi Celebrates Birthday With Underprivileged Nigeria is a blessed place. This is not only because of the nation’s boundless natural resources but also because so many of its people are always willing to bend their knees so that others can climb higher. It is the time of the year when one of these generous people, oil magnate Sholaye Jeremi, celebrates a new year. And as has become his custom, this celebration was organised around helping the underprivileged. There is no doubt that Jeremi is one of Nigeria’s wealthiest sons. Seeing as he clocked 44 on July 5, 2022, he is also one of the youngest Nigerians who can claim to be billionaires and nobody will blink an eye. But it is not on account of his possessions that people pay attention to Jeremi. No, not when his business acumen and philanthropy are towering trees under which many people

Jeremi

have built (and are building) shelters for themselves.

Oba Elegushi

Every year at this time, Jeremi makes sure to gather many underprivileged Nigerians and makes them special guests at his birthday celebration. This year was no different as the billionaire entertained these special guests with many gifts. Once again, people were reminded of Jeremi’s generosity, especially towards the common man. At 44, Jeremi is truly solid evidence that to the simple and humble all things are simple and humble. Despite his many contributions to the many sectors of human welfare, including education, medical research, the arts, and science, Jeremi maintains a personality and disposition that can only be described as impressively modest. Even now, the man continues to add to the beauty of Nigerian society just by being himself, celebrating the years as they unfold, and having others climb his back to reach new heights.

Pinnick

Many times, a person’s expectations can land them in deep trouble. This is the kind of trouble that Amaju Pinnick, the current president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is currently in. And this trouble has taken the form of an allegation levelled against him that could potentially end his football administration career now and in the future. Some time ago, a rumour broke the surface of social media that involved Pinnick. According to the insistent perpetrators of this rumour, the NFF President had begun crystallising his plans to attack President Muhammadu Buhari and Sunday Dare, the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Development. Why? The perpetrators claimed that Pinnick was annoyed over the fact that neither of his alleged targets for attack supported his bid for a third time as president of the NFF. Furthermore, more spice was added to the allegation in the form of Pinnick spending lots of taxpayer money in order to tarnish the reputation of the President and Minister. And even though readers will not be able to ﬁnd evidence of these claims online, the allegations have gained considerable ground, gradually turning Pinnick into a quasi-pariah in the minds of some Nigerians. Needless to say, this is the kind of accusation that sends people to forced retirement and jail. But Pinnick has taken up the mic, asserting that the rumours are from the depths of whatever hell the perpetrators are residents of. He stated that he could have ignored the obvious political jibe, but decided not to, considering that he has the highest regard for the President and all those under his employ. Although Pinnick’s rebuttal, especially after he called Buhari “... an amazing father and lover of Nigeria Football and the National Teams” has somewhat dialled down the attention that people are willing to pay to the allegations, it is clear to even the blind that there is much more to the rumours than mere slander. It seems as if someone is after Pinnick. But who wants to capsize the ship of achievements that the Delta man has strenuously built over the years? Perhaps time will tell.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾JULY 10, 2022

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Muhammadu Buhari: And He Flew Away Na wa ooo. This is how we respond to things like this in Shomolu. Even my sister, the delectable Kate Henshaw said that she laughed at the news of President Muhammadu Buhari’s journey on the back of what could possibly be the worst 24 hours of his ‘regime’. She said she quickly laughed to avoid a mental breakdown. This level of insensitivity is ‘admirable’. Your advance team attacked with losses, a pastor losing two sons and struggling for his life in Adamawa, NYSC Camp in Akwa Ibom decimated with corps members raped and attacked and then finally the massive attack on Kuje Prison with huge fatalities, the escape of all Boko Haram suspects with grave implications to the security of the nation and all we get is a visit and our Oga asking us questions? His Excellency was reported to be asking at the site of the attacks – how can terrorists beat our security network, carry out this kind of attack and escape? Mbok, who is he asking that question? Is it us who are busy at the filling stations?

If I was there and heard him ask that question, I would have raised my hands up and answered, ‘askor’. Shebi they have kuku bombed down the Kuje Prison, where will they put me? Imagine. This is why I laugh at people who say Hausa/Fulani people and all that ethnic rubbish and lament how we are suffering as a result of them. Mbok, who is not suffering in this country under this regime? The only dividend of democracy we are getting under this administration is ‘democratisation of suffering’. Everybody is feeling the impact of the folly. Every nook and cranny of this country is in dire straits. We are in a war, we just don’t know. Frustration of over 200 million people is epic. Yet our Oga is jumping on a plane at every small opportunity to travel out. To go and do what? If you ask me, I will just be looking at you. Mbok, what kind of talk are they talking in Senegal that it cannot wait? Are they discussing my father’s hysterectomy that our

KUJE ATTACK: COCK CROW AT DAWN The shame of a nation. The collective nakedness of all of us was laid bare by this attack. A concerted and well-coordinated attack on a security infrastructure with no immediate concomitant repelling force and a successful lifting of all alleged Boko Haram suspects just like that? Like taking a toy from a baby and a Minister of Defence standing in front of a bewildered nation to announce that all terrorist in custody escaped and he did not resign immediately? My people, this one tire me o. This one is weakening. Na wa. Just like that and a state of emergency have not been declared. The Minister of Defence that is making this announcement even if they didn’t have sense to sack him, himself doesn’t have the shame to resign? And by next weekend everything will go back to ‘normal’ and they will start fighting for contracts to rebuild the wall with the mud that it was used to build before. You see, even for those of us who are still very passionate about this country, this kind of thing used to make immigration hungry us. Please what is even going on? Abuja and its environs are not on lockdown as we speak? The military is

not on high alert? A category 5 security level not triggered? Oh my God!!! And there will be parties and weddings this weekend o with terrorists’ all over the place sprung from the prisons. What kind of a hell hole is this o? Kai! The fact that this attack was carried out at the time of a military personnel change as has been allegedly reported, its professional approach, its precision and its success level show that we are not just dealing with a marauding band of illiterate bandits but a well-coordinated army and we are still carrying on like we are in one big owambe party. Let’s keep at it. I will soon keep quiet because it has reached that point where you begin to ask yourself what is even the purpose of screaming. Katsina State is in a place worse than war-torn Ukraine, see Kaduna, see the North-east, see the orgy of beheading going on in Anambra, see Owo, in Ondo State. It’s violence, killing and maiming all over. God where art thou? If it was our forefathers that annoyed you that made you turn your back on us, please pity the virgins among us and come down and fight for us. This is just too much. The carnage and the headless leadership is a combination that is just too much. Abeg.

Ashiru

Abdulkareem

Buhari

president cannot postpone and at least hold our hands and mourn a little bit? Abasi, nsuto mkpo. Watch o, Minister of Defence, Minister of Interior, Comptroller of Prisons, Oga of DSS, IG of Police and all those in charge of the so-

BIMBO ASHIRU: A MAJOR ECONOMIC CZAR For those of you who have not heard, Mr. Ashiru has just been named the Chairman of the huge indigenous conglomerate Odu’a Group. I have come to the party late because the news has been all over the place and the welcome party is even over. But let me take it from this other angle. Some critics have said, why is he taking this position when he could have angled for another shot at commissionership in his state, Ogun. Let me put it this way. Commissioner work in this our country is even worse than maiguard work. I tell you. Yes, if anybody ask you, say it is me the Duke of Shomolu that said it. Anybody that offers me commissioner work or even accepts that ‘thing’ in present day Nigeria should have his head examined. No autonomy, no free hand, no budget, nothing. In some states, the governor’s driver is more powerful sef. So commissioner to chairman of a conglomerate with over N300 billion in assets cannot be mentioned in the same vein. Bimbo now has the leverage to do what he knows best to do, impact the people of a whole subregion economically through strategic investments that would create jobs and redistribute wealth. The Odu’a

Okpala

called security architecture will still have jobs o even after this epic national disgrace. They will still be wearing starched uniforms and be running over the place busy doing absolutely nothing. My advice has always been that we should take it that we are on a plane that is on a crash-landing course. They used to advise people to put their head in between their legs, clasp their hands at the back of their head and hope for the best. That is what I personally have been doing for the past seven years of this Buhari adventure. My head has been between my legs and I have hunkered down hoping for the worse and this is why nothing and absolutely nothing in this ‘regime’ will rattle or surprise me. nothing at all. I swear. Mbok, anybody that see Buhari for road for Senegal, please help me ask him one question – how do you even sleep amidst all of this? Can their LASTMA help us impound his car and tow it? Tears everywhere.

Group has been in existence almost forever with very strong showings in real estate, agriculture, media and other major sectors of the economy. This is where we should be, this is the platform we should have and now that we have it, come and see magic. Congratulations my brother and from the little I know about you, I am very confident that you would make this appointment the best ever in the history of the system. Oya egbon, help repair that museum at the top of the Cocoa House. Last time I went there, the roof was leaking. Let’s repair the place, bring in more historical artifacts and make the rooftop a unique tourist attraction. The view of Ibadan from the top of the 22 storey Cocoa House is breathtaking. I was there recently; you should all go and see. Not every time Dubai. Kai. ARTS ON NONSO OKPALA’S MIND If you have ever met Nonso, the first thing that will strike you is his sheer brilliance. This young lad has single handedly built a major conglomerate that has seen him play in finance, infrastructure, media and hospitality. He

Luke,

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾JULY 10, 2022

LOUD WHISPERS recently bought a major stake of the NGX, that is the holding company of the Lagos Stock Exchange which has shot him into the mainstream economic milieu. But today it is his foray in the art world that I want to talk about. He has just set up a new firm called Artsplit. Now Artsplit provides a digital platform where investors can invest in authentic arts by African Masters. They can co-own, trade and hold real arts in dollar denominated transactions. The platform also allows young and budding artists to throw in their works, thereby creating a powerful marketing pool and deepening it. This is massive because responses have been mad. They are also selling memorabilia from iconic and historical African icons. So, you may just get Mandela’s socks or Baba Jakande’s bed or even Obasanjo’s stove — the one he used to cook beans in prison, those kinds of things on the site. The initiative is so brilliant that it also hosts physical exhibitions of brilliant artists bringing them closer to the market. Please let me celebrate this group of young millennials who have not let the debilitating morass that is our country dampen their enthusiasm to do things. Nice. ONOFIOK LUKE, WHERE FORTH ART THOU? Onofiok is a young and very brilliant member of the Nigerian House of Representatives. Very astute and intelligently engaging. He once set out to be the governor of my state, Akwa Ibom but was eclipsed by the magical machination of a system that threw up a doodle for a candidate. Immediately, Onofiok released a scathing statement that threw the system off balance and showed the depth of leadership he would have brought to the table. If you sit with Onofiok for a second, he will rekindle your hope in Nigeria. I once had a session with him, Tonye Cole, Tonye Princewill, Modupe Mujota and my lord Umaru Kwairanga stockbroker and erstwhile gubernatorial candidate for Gombe State. Onofiok killed it, his economic postulations and cry for a sustainable way forward delineated discussions. He has gone quiet since then and I hope and pray that his silence is one of strategising and not one of ‘I don tire’. Today, I stand firm behind Akan Udofia for reasons I have often quoted but that does not mean that we cannot acknowledge brilliance and depth on the other side. Onofiok and my other brother Ini Ememobong represent for me the immediate future of our state. Like water, we will all flow into a crucible of action as we strive to rebuild our state. Onofiok, wherever you are please come out o, I have Afang for you o before e cold. Well done my brother. A PRAYER FOR EEDRIS ABDULKAREEM Kenny Ogungbe, the founder of the new hip hop movement sent out a terse statement that the iconic singer was down with kidney problems. This kidney matter is becoming an epidemic. If you have a relation or a close person suffering from it, you will understand its debilitating nature. I once had a friend whose mother was on the matter. We spent bucket loads of money on a weekly dialysis and all sorts of treatments and then we flew her to India where we unfortunately lost her. Then my brother the famed music producer OJB Jezreel also came down with it. His case was famous and got national attention. We worked together to form the Kidney Trust Fund where we collected just N1,000 from Nigerians to fund treatment for Kidney patients. We also lost OJB and that dream went down too. Today, thousands of Nigerians are down with the illness and treatment is usually

beyond the reach of many sufferers. Sad thing is that it can be prevented like I hear with a healthy lifestyle. Cut smoking, drink plenty of water, watch what you eat. Check the blood pressure as you pass the 40 years age mark and fight the blood sugar, among others and you will be ok. Back to Eedris. He needs N20 million for a transplant as has been announced. Please let’s put down all we can to save him while looking for a sustainable window with which we can save many

more lives. Jagajaga must live, guys. FUNKE AKINDELE, IS THIS FOR REAL? It was my former Oga, the handsome and well-dressed Chibundu Edozie at BGL that used to scream ‘are you for real’ in incredulity when he was faced with an issue that was bewildering. That is exactly how I am looking at Lagos PDP with the rumoured announcement of versatile actress Funke Akindele as running mate to its candidate in Lagos.

THE CITIZENS TRUST FUND: LET’S FIGHT THIS Please let me detour. This Eedris story has made me come to this today. Two years ago, I lost my wife, the very beautiful Erelu Mena Joseph Edgar. After rolling on the floor at the Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi and crying my eyes out, I came out with a plan. I found out that sheer incompetence and lack of capacity on the part of the medical personnel — yes, I have finally said it — from both the outlets of the hospital, I saw tremendous gaps that contributed immensely to the passing of my dear wife from diabetes and its cousin, high blood pressure. So, after burying her and crying my eyes out, I asked myself one question: how do I get revenge? Do I drive my car straight into the hospital and damage it irreparably? Do I look for the nude picture of the owners of the place and the foolish doctor who after collecting over N1.3 million from me could not find my wife’s vein for three days, leaving her with swollen legs and a damaged kidney also making her a candidate for amputation – please note when we carried her in nothing like this o. It was just blood sugar that was high and coming down o. But I said, No. Edgar, you have to be strategic. Why are you an investment banker? So, I have decided to structure a fund that will attract just N1,000 monthly from Nigerians into a pool of funds that will now be used to impact the health sector positively. From my wife’s experience and also my mother who passed away six months later under almost the same circumstances, the whole value chain of health delivery in this country is challenged. From the tertiary level down to the primary level. So, rolling on the floor at Bourdillon, Ikoyi and shouting ‘Lagoon ooo’ is a bloody waste of time. It is endemic, it is the whole system. The culpability is general and as such we

must attack it holistically and robustly and not just single out one entity for attack. It is in this regard, that working with the very brilliant investment banker Ife Fashola of Kedari Limited and my firm Hamilton and George Limited we have designed a unique funding structure that would cheaply throw up about N1 billion monthly from just N1,000 from individual Nigerians with which we will now look at the health sector and impact significantly. We are building a transparent funds management structure and pulling in a trustee element in it. The funds will affect training of personnel, equipment, drugs, infrastructure and wholesale purchase of poorly-run facilities, revamp them and hand them over to more serious personnel and ultimately crash the pricing of health care delivery. It is very simple at the level of the 1k miracle group, we have impacted the Gbagada General Hospital and other hospitals with over N60 million from just N1,000 so you can imagine what 1 million Nigerians at N1,000 will do to the system. Enough of the tears, enough of the anguish, we must begin to learn to take our lives in our hands. The Government is hobbled, you can see the ‘mumu’ people angling to be President. Is it these ones that will save our lives? Me, I am just looking at you people. Let’s stand up and fight strategically. Let’s build these structures and privately deliver a new Nigeria. For me, except there is no God that I will not buy that Lagoon Hospital. As the second anniversary of Mena’s passing approaches this month, I will take flowers to her grave one more time and renew my vow of buying that Lagoon Hospital and sacking the management and handing it over to more serious people to run. I will buy it. Mark my words. I will buy it.

Ehanire

Ortom

As I write, we have not received official confirmation of this position but the news has made the rounds carried by a lot of credible media outlets and a video of both of them have been released waving at fans. Please if this is a joke, PDP in Lagos should better stop it. Wrestling Lagos from the ‘pointing people’ of Lagos is not a movie script. Ms. Akindele is what in Yoruba they call ‘felele’. Felele is that football that is just like a breeze. It is so light that if you fire a shot with it, the ball will just be wheezing in the air and everybody will be confused as to its direction. Throwing her into the serious equation that is Lagos politics is nothing but a charade and a slap on the millions who live in Lagos and who are hoping for a better deal come 2023. The fact that she has millions of fans on social media will definitely not translate into votes. An election like this in Lagos is not a popularity contest but a serious play that will affect the lives of millions. In this context, Ms. Akindele is unfit, ill prepared and does not have a single vein in her body that qualifies her for this task. She is a nobody in the scheme of things, a nonstarter and a huge liability to the ticket. If PDP will have any hope in this contest, which is even diminishing by the minute, they need to go back to the drawing board and re-strategise and get serious. What kind of joke is this na? OLU JACOBS: A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A STAR Daddy is bigger than star o. But you will forgive me after writing about Mena’s passing, I had worked myself into a fit. The anger is still in me and in fact I am writing with tears and that is why I have not been able to be as expansive in this write up as I should be and as Daddy deserves. Daddy is one of the leading lights in the industry. A pioneer and a well-regarded actor, entertainment professional and entrepreneur. His footprints remain powerfully imprinted in the sands of time. Recently at the showing of my Awo, he came with his ever-beautiful wife, my dear Aunty Ajoke Silva. I didn’t go and greet him o. It was still COVID period and I wasn’t wearing a mask. So, I stood from a distance to adore him. He looked so simple but majestic. I love him to pieces. So, I want to use this opportunity to wish him well on the back of his 80th birthday celebration and to also state my anger at Soji who did not invite me but will be calling me to discuss business. If not for Ali Baba who after eating my Afang on Sunday mentioned that he was rushing to the party, I would not have known. Well, I will not take the sins of the son and put on the beautiful Papa so I forgive them. Happy birthday Sir and God bless. YEMI ODUSANYA: ON IJEBU WE LANDED. Very few people will take me out of Lagos in these times when they are kidnapping and robbing people up and down. Me, I am inside this my Shomolu where if anybody come near me, I will shout and all the agbero who not only know me but know my Mama will come out and lay down their lives to save me and I will give their family nice Afang soup for eternity. Yemi not only dragged me to Ijebu, he made me wear Asoebi. Something I did not wear for my father and mother’s burial. When the pictures came out, people were shouting: “Duke you go owambe, you wear Asoebi. This man must get money oo.” No be money, na true friendship. I met Yemi only recently and he has been a true friend. He calls once in a while to say how are you, the support for all my initiatives and much more, the salary for life he is giving an orphan that I brought to his attention. He doesn’t know the person, never met the person but has been giving the person salary for life and you say, I will not wear ‘disappearing juju’ around my waist and brave that Sagamu-Ore Expressway and enter Ijebu Ode. I enter o. Congrats my brother, you buried your dad well. He will surely be proud of you. Well done.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾JULY 10, 2022

Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Cosmas Maduka’s Proﬁle on the Rise

Oil Mogul, Greg Uanseru, Counts Blessings at 64 If Nigerian billionaire businessman and President/CEO, GCA Energy Limited, Greg Uanseru had penned his memoirs as he turned 60 four years ago many would have found it simply unputdownable. Not a few would have found his many seriocomic experiences a compelling read. Uanseru will clock 64 on Monday, July 25, 2022, and there is no doubt that the Edo State-born oil mogul will throw a party to celebrate the day with friends and associates. However, a source revealed that the birthday shindig would be low-key. Uanseru’s life is an inspiration for people from humble backgrounds that they should never entomb their dreams,

even in the face of adversity. It was gathered that while he was growing up, he had displayed traits of a child destined to be great in life. Also, he had nursed a beautiful dream to be one of the greatest businessmen in the world. He pursued the dream with gusto, sweaty determination, resilience, hard work as well as self-discipline. Of course, one cannot rule out the grace of God in his life. He tells this to anyone who cares to listen. And for all his years of hard work, Providence has been merciful enough to him. Perhaps, this explains why the billionaire has taken his religious fervour far above any other thing in his life.

Unaseru

Real Estate Guru, Sijibomi Ogundele, Keeps His Words Maduka

What could have made Chief Cosmas Maduka, a businessman and Chairman, of Coscharis Group of Companies, suddenly the toast of the rich and mighty again? If you think they are beating a path to his door to probably acquire more BMW brands, a business that has given him fame, you may be mistaken. The reason behind the recent interest in him is that the successful businessman has just launched yet another luxury car: Rolls Royce 2022. The car made a majestic entry into the market a few weeks ago amid pomp and pageantry. When he was granted the franchise to exclusively market and distribute brand new Rolls Royce Limousine in Nigeria a few years ago, it was evident that the Anambra-born businessman profile is once again heading for the sky. It was yet another first in his bagful of firsts. Since its launch recently, many potential buyers have been making demands. Indeed, this is evident that Maduka has not stopped dreaming. No doubt, his story is an inspiration. Or how else do you explain his rise to fame? Society Watch gathered that he started his business empire on shoe-string budget years back after he was sacked by his uncle, who was also his boss, at the tender age of 14. At that young age, he had nowhere to head to and could not go back home to his mother. But determined to shame his critics who labelled him a failure, he later set up his own business. But not long after, he lost everything. Yet, he was not disillusioned. He started all over again; and this time, he was more experienced and wiser. Consequently, he prayed to God ceaselessly to lift him and his prayer was answered. Coscharis Group of Companies got its breakthrough in 1982 when the Federal Government of Nigeria granted import licences to some Nigerian companies. From then on, the company has continued to expand, even beyond Maduka’s wildest imagination.

Ogundele

“Be impeccable with your words and speak with integrity. Say only what you mean and use the power of your words in the direction of truth and love,” said Don Miguel Ruiz Without a doubt, this time-tested quote about the power of words and integrity speaks volumes about the person of Sijibomi Ogundele. In all his dealings, this architectural sensation and property merchant has shown that he is truly a man whose word is his bond;

a man who keeps a promise and would never say it if he doesn’t mean it. This attribute was at play when he came into the real estate sector with a futuristic vision of a ritzy precinct of Ikoyi and other parts of Nigeria. He made a promise to redefine the industry and turn it into a global reference point. Many who doubted him back then have come to realise the truth in his words and the integrity of his promises. The eye-popping, architectural masterpiece and elegant towers, featuring luxury residential apartments with striking ornaments are testimonies to his hard work and dedication. While many naysayers who thought it was a fluke laughed scornfully at his visions and designs, saying they were out of this world, the words of Robin Sharma, “All great thinkers are initially ridiculed – and eventually revered”, kept Sijibomi going and focused, hence his determination to think ‘deeply and differently’, he once told a friend. Like the hardworking man that he is, he never rests on his oars with determination

to dominate the scene for a long time to come. He vowed to construct an apartment that would etch his name in gold, putting Nigeria’s name on the global map in real estate and construction with his many firsts in the real estate sector. The Sujimoto’s Lucrezia De Medici (Maisonettes and Penthouses) at Banana Island which began a few years ago is nearing completion. Ogundele had promised to deliver it this year and is living up to that promise. The building, with many never-seen-before features, is expected to be delivered before the end of the year. Also, Society Watch has gathered that work has commenced on his other project, the Leonardo by Sujimoto in Banana Island, Lagos. His company is adjudged to be the fastest-growing real estate company in the country and he is not done yet. “He is not resting on his oars until he achieves this with a steely resolve to further transform and revamp the nation’s real estate sector to compete with the rest of the world,” a source said.

Doris Uboh-Ogunkoya Rebounds Although her comeback to the political scene has been foretold by many analysts, what could not be determined immediately was the details of her moves. Hon. Doris Uboh-Ogunkoya delivered a sterling representation for the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State between 2007 and 2011. But in the murky water of Nigeria’s politics, which has often been likened to a pigsty, it takes much more than good representation to survive the blood-thirsty sharks.By all standards, it is believed that she surpassed many of her predecessors in the area of good representation; hence the unbroken relationship between her and her people who have continually shown her love and admiration. She remains one of the most highly regarded at the Green Chamber based on her intelligent contributions to policies, as well as her ingenuity that earned her many

accolades. Despite the good works, her re-election bid was thwarted by the powers-that-be in 2011. Her attempt to stage a comeback in 2015 when she contested under the Accord Party was also unsuccessful, so also was her attempt to seek redress at the court of law fruitless. But like the tigress that she is, she never lost hope in the nation’s democratic process, and like an incurable optimist, with determination to give her people a good representation that has eluded them since she failed to be re-elected, the former lawmaker fought like a fighter and won. Society Watch gathered that at the last primaries election in Delta State, she shone like a diamond as she defeated other aspirants to emerge as the flag bearer of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023

Ugoh-Ogunkoya

elections. A source revealed that her victory at the primaries brought joy to many as they have missed her good representation, as well as generosity since she missed out at the lower chamber

Former PHB Mortgages MD, Bayo Adewakun in Trouble over Loans In his halcyon days as a top player in the nation’s banking sector, Bayo Adewakun commanded a lot of respect. While he was envied by many in the industry, many others, who saw him as God-send in their lives, loved him beyond description. He had so many things at his beck and call in his days of glory. His popularity soared for his deep pockets and generosity and many flocked around him. Those close to him hinted that he likes to spend money like sand. But little did many who idolise him and adore him know that his ways were allegedly crooked. For him, the journey on this road of infamy began in 2020 when the winds blew and the romp of the hen was exposed. But Society Watch gathered that the former Managing Director of Mortgages PHB Limited is currently facing trial at the Federal High

Court, Lagos for allegedly granting loans to B. Wals Consultants Ltd without adequate security. In a four-count amended charge filed before the court by Senior State Counsel from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Ndidi Gladys-Ukoha, it was alleged that Adewakun granted loans in the sum of N33,632,667.17 The loans were alleged to have been granted to partly finance the completion of a housing development project at Victoria Garden City (VGC) for outright sale without adequate security. It was also alleged the former banker while being the Managing Director of Mortgages PHB Limited recklessly granted a credit facility in the sum of N10,000,000 to B. Waks Consultants Ltd, without adequate security,

contrary to Section 15(1) (a) (i) of the Failed Banks (Recovery of Debts and Financial Malpractices in Bank Act) CAP F2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 16(1) (a) of the same Act. It was also alleged that the flamboyant bank MD between April 29, 2004, 2005 and 2019 recklessly granted a credit facility in the sum of N5, 000,000, N17, 632,667.91 to B. Waks Consultants Ltd to partly finance the completion of a housing development project at Victoria Garden City (VGC) for outright sale without adequate security, contrary to the accepted practice and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 20(7) of the Banks and Other Financial Institution Act (BOFIA) CAP F2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2002 as Amended, and Punishable under Section 18(2) of the same Act.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

10. 7.2022

In a Tortuous Path to Relevance Lagos-based artist Gbenga Matthew Olawole challenges prevailing canons of aesthetics in his ﬁrst-ever solo exhibition. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

medley of forms – mostly grotesque in their expressions and dizzying in their unpredictability – seethes with a sense of urgency, proclaiming Gbenga Olawole’s restlessness from the rooftops. In a manner of speaking, these odd expressions hint at the tumult brewLQJ LQ DQ LQYLVLEOH ÀQHU PDWHULDO ZRUOG of formed thoughts, which exert their LQÁXHQFHV RQ WKH GHQVHU DQG YLVLEOH physical environment. But the Ondo State native proceeds on a premise that is based on the best of intentions. To him, this is all about a personal quest for aesthetic perfecWLRQ ZKLFK RIWHQ VHHV KLP GLVÀJXULQJ ZKDW KLWKHUWR TXDOLÀHV DV WKH LGHDO LQ his patented “spontaneous symbolism”. Apparently, because his perception of “ideals” is impaired by the limited capacity of his earthly senses, he considers them as nothing more than stereotypes, which in his lexicon could just as well be called dogmas. This explains why he declares, in his artist statement: “I create, but I never force a picture. It’s usually an emotional dance that I try to pour out, in my best way possible, and in the instant, I feel them.” This penchant for spontaneity courses through the 30 paintings featured in his RQJRLQJ DQG ÀUVW HYHU VROR H[KLELWLRQ titled Ominira, through which the artist – a self-described “critical thinker,” “keen social observer,” and “introvert” – seeks to express his individuality and creative uniqueness, distorting his forms in the process. “I paint as though I'm making poetry with colours and strokes,” he says. Buoyed by this urge to freely express himself “without [the] restriction of any kind”, he proposes alternative aesthetic canons, which he would like to proclaim as “neo-Afro” symbols. Thus, he hopes to distance himself from the Afro-centric assumptions of such motifs as Uli, Nsibidi, and Ona. But then, isn’t that what his naïve draughtsmanship seems to be all about: a resolute unwillingness to adhere to laid-down rules? Meanwhile, this whole endeavour betrays some level of insouciance and lack of creative rigour. Somehow, it is as though, in a bid to free himself from the shackles of dogmatic rules, the dreadlocks-sporting artist unconsciously allows his thoughts to be herded through the rigid channels of supposedly newly-found freedom, which even to him remains an unclear concept. Otherwise, why would the artist, who proclaims himself as “self-taught and selfevolving”, be so enamoured by the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Frank Kline, and Mark Rothko, among others, as to consider them to be his holy text and guide? Granted, he may indeed have successfully risen above the old aesthetic canons, but he seems susceptible to the LQÁXHQFHV RI KLV QHZ ´PDVWHUVµ %HVLGHV doesn’t his appropriation of what he considers to be new African symbols, which include such objects as ladders,

Gbenga Olawole

Stay Sane, acrylic on canvas

bridges, plants, yams, apples, text, birds, cars, feet, and arrows, amount to the introduction of new dogmas, which can impede his imagined freedom? Back to the exhibition’s title, Ominira. The ebony-complexioned 28-year-old says it resonates with his much-desired freedom of

The Pig Farm, acrylic on canvas

With ambiguous titles, they force him to stumble through the pitfalls of conjecture. This art scene’s equivalent of the emperor’s new clothes literary folktale sucks the viewer into the vortex of the artist’s thought processes. He feels compelled to wring some meaning out of these delibHUDWHO\ GLVWRUWHG ÀJXUDWLYH H[SUHVVLRQV which could pass for childish doodles and to which he would ordinarily have paid scant attention. Hence, rather than scrutinise them for possible inadequacies, he prefers to beam the spotlight on himself, calling into question his art appreciation SURÀFLHQF\ DW WKH VDPH WLPH Before the acrylic on canvas painting, “I Choose Me,” for instance, the riot of FRORXUV DQG IRUPV DW ÀUVW OHDYHV KLP scratching his head. But a casual glance at what is obviously an unclad female form, whose wide-opened mouth forms an “O”, shows that the artist is making no pretences about drawing attention to her pudenda. So, where is the nexus between this visual conundrum and the title? Another work, titled “Masters”, is no less confounding. Its title compels the viewer to linger before it and scrutinise WKH WZR SURPLQHQW ÀJXUHV IRU SRVVLEOH clues, all in a bid to make sense of its meaning. But then, he takes solace in the consciousness that the artist’s spontaneity permits the elasticity of interpretations. "The Weightlifters", yet another unintelligible outpouring of emotions, tasks the viewer further with its brazen disregard for the basic notions of draughtsmanship. Like other works in the exhibition halls, texts are deployed alongside neo-Afro symbols for this mind game with the hapless viewer, who is struggling to match the words of the title to the forms in the painting. Meanwhile, subtle emanations from the paintings “The Pig Farm”, “Playground”, “The Crush” and “Stay Sane” conjure a hint of calmness and a beguiling scenario. Even so, the viewer as a critic remains neutered by these ostensibly innocuous expressions. The artist’s true innermost volition remains shrouded in deliberately elusive appearances. Nonetheless, this neo-expressionist painter deserves to be commended for his non-dogmatic approach to his quest for truth, even if it should not be applauded as an end in itself. His creative odyssey, which began with his creation of comic books with African characters as a child, saw him studying drawing and painting at the Xtetixupcycle Art Studio in Ile-Ife and understudying the art world’s acknowledged mavericks in 2018. That same year, the artist, who is also an alumnus of the Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation’s annual Harmattan Workshop, set up his own art studio in the Lekki neighbourhood of Lagos. As for his works, which are the extension of his daily life as a poet and musician, they have found their way into respectable private collections.

expression. It is cobbled together from two Yoruba words: Omi (water) and Inira (struggle, concern, and stress). “Water, OLNH D PLUURU UHÁHFWV µ KH H[SODLQV ´7KH YLHZHU VHHV D UHÁHFWLRQ RI KLPVHOI DQG 7KH H[KLELWLRQ ZKLFK RSHQHG RQ his personal struggles in each work.” 6XQGD\ -XO\ DW WKH *DOOHU\ DW WKH Each of the displayed works demands /DQGPDUN LQ 9LFWRULD ,VODQG /DJRV that the viewer has his wits about him. HQGV RQ )ULGD\ -XO\

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10, 2022

ARTS & REVIEW\\POTPOURRI

In the Entertaining World of a SkitMaker Yinka Olatunbosun

new cluster of internet-made stars is changing the tradition of acting. ForAbiri Tobiloba Folagade Festus popularly known as Folagade Banks, his career direction took D GLͿHUHQW WXUQ WKH GD\ KH WXUQHG WKH FDPHUD WR KLPVHOI DQG EHJDQ WR PLPLF GLͿHUHQW characters to tell a story. Known for the character of “Mama Deola,” a self-righteous Yoruba mother who is highly opinionated, Banks realised that his skits on this character were bankable the moment he was commissioned to do paid content as adverts for brands and businesses. The 2021 graduate of Geography at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife didn’t quite map out acting as a career until the feedback from his friends nudged him into taking it seriously. He always made others laugh. He lived most of his life in Ife; attended Daysprings International school, and later Oladimeji Preparatory school as well as Ambassadors’ College for 6HFRQGDU\ 6FKRRO ,OH ,IH $W DJH ÀYH KLV GUHDP was to become a doctor having caught a glimpse of a television show on how people conceive. “I was fascinated but along the way, I felt like doctor ke,” he continued in his recorded audio responses. “Then my life is not going to be quiet. I started to develop admiration for the arts. I wanted to be in entertainment. By the time I was 11, I wanted to act. I wanted to sing and dance. I wanted to do all that. “When I graduated from my secondary school, I got an award for the funniest guy, most jovial and one other award. When I was in the university., my friends used to say, ‘do this video’ and I was QRW LQWHUHVWHG DW ÀUVW EHFDXVH , ZDV ZRQGHULQJ who would watch it. I could remember when I was in secondary school, I was playing in class with her and she was laughing and she told me that you know what you are going to be a big star in this entertainment industry. I was just 14 then.” Later on, towards the completion of his degree programme at OAU, Ile Ife, then came the Covid-19 lockdown. The isolation birthed creativity. “Covid-19 was what actually brought about the skit making- the content making. That was when I realised that I could use my social media account

ENCOUNTER but I didn’t start doing it till 2021,” he disclosed. +LV ÀUVW VNLW ZDVQ·W DERXW <RUXED PRWKHUV It was just a rant and he was very anxious to share it for the fear of the unknown. Trolls GRQ·W ÀOWHU WKH\ FDQ LQVXOW DQG EUHDN RQH·V spirit. But Banks summoned the courage DQG KLV ÀUVW YLGHR ZDV ZHOO UHFHLYHG The character of Mama Deola resonates with every one born of a typical African mother. Although Mama Deola is an Ondo woman, her attitude to hosting parties and sharing souvenirs are societal stereotypes. Banks had been able to use his story to achieve a cross-generational appeal, pulling a variety of audience to his Tik-tok and Instagram pages.“Whether you are Yoruba, Hausa or Ibo, everyone has passed through a mother ÀJXUH EH LW \RXU PXP \RXU DXQW \RXU VLVWHU or grandmother. We have all experienced what I portray in the drama. Even if it is not all, once in a while, you will be able to relate with what my content brings to the table. I cannot really say who my biggest fans are. I have grown-ups from their 30s to 50s and I have youths, ladies and teenagers who love my skit.” As for his family and friends. His newly found fame means he might spend less time on leisure activities. Still, they are his support system, always there to cheer him on. Retrospectively, Banks argued that fame FRPHV ZLWK ERWK JRRG DQG EDG RͿHULQJV Like every other segment of the economy, Folagade Banks digital disruption has revolutionised the way businesses engage with customers. The rise of content creators in the era of digital platforms an app, you can do it yourself. You can write it has been an eye-opener on the possibilities down and express yourself. Show the originality for youths and the young at heart to develop that you possess. I feel like it has really helped. 21st skills that can change their lives and those A lot of people have created a living from social of others. media and it is boosting the Nigerian economy 5HÁHFWLQJ RQ KRZ WKHVH VRFLDO PHGLD DSSV and everything and helping the youths.” have enabled creative entrepreneurs to have Apart from skit-making, he has been part of a a voice, Banks explained: “It is not until you television series aired onYoutube andAfrica Magic go for a lot of auditions in a month before Yoruba and he is looking forward to a Scene One you get to show your talent. And you will Production, called Mama Put. be forced to play a certain role. But with Away from skit making, Banks loved playing

JDPHV VXUÀQJ WKH LQWHUQHW IRU QHZV DQG YLGHRV He cooks selectively. He might even be an introvert for he added, “I love meeting new people, not making friends.” When quizzed about marriage and relationship, he said he was still single, but that was almost three months ago. Banks hoped to do more than HQWHUWDLQ SHRSOH DOWKRXJK KH GLGQ·W RͿHU DQ\ particular details about his plans for the future. And that’s what is expected of a “Mama Deola’’ character.

Reimagining National Theatre’s Wetlands Through Photography Yinka Olatunbosun

n aerial shot of the National Theatre, a cultural masterpiece at Orile Iganmu Lagos is a compelling view-one that draws the viewer to the beauty in nature. But that was before the intrusion of caterpillars crushing through its mangroves. In an attempt to restore the glory of the facility with a massive renovation by the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria and Bankers’ committee, the wetlands had been destroyed. The barely developed 44 acres around the military cap-styled facility constitute an eco-friendly environment for biodiversity. While much attention is paid to the state-of-the-art project that could potentially earn $20billion annually, the danger of eco-imbalance ORRPV )URP H[WUHPH ÁRRGLQJ DQG QDWXUDO GLVDVWHUV to loss of natural freshwater meant to sustain the ÀVKLQJ RFFXSDWLRQ WKH DQWLFLSDWHG VDQG ÀOOLQJ RI these wetlands has been of concern to the interest groups and stakeholders. It is against this backdrop that the photo exhibition, titled Wetlands for Man and Biodiversity 2022, was organised recently by conservationists in collaboration with the National Theatre Management, Lekki Bird Club and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. The three-day show featured photographs that reveal GLͿHUHQW ELUG VSHFLHV ELUGV SHUFKLQJ RQ ZDWHU WDEOHV environmental degradation occasioned by water pollution, debris on water tables, pictorial fact sheets on how wetlands support species, livelihood and sustainability. One of the most outstanding of the LPDJHV LV WKDW RI D ÀVKHUZRPDQ SDGGOLQJ ZLWK QR VLJQ RI ÀVK LQ VLJKW

A view of the works at the exhibition Research who spoke on the rationale for the exhibition at the opening on Thursday, June 30. “The wetlands here at the National Theatre are Alongside these thought-provoking images were under threat,’’ she began. “The mangroves had campaign banners for Sustainable Development been destroyed. There are plans to renovate the Goals(SDGs). They reveal bewildering facts about wetlands but we are worried that this may not be wetlands such as its role in providing 40% of the done sustainably. We have tried to reach out to those world’s species, mitigating the risk to people living in charge and they have reassured us. But now, as with poor access to water and serving as a natural you can see, the mangroves have been destroyed EXͿHU DJDLQVW WKH LQFUHDVLQJ QXPEHU RI QDWXUDO and they didn’t tell us what their plans are. This is not just a wetland. This is the hub of Nigerian culture. disasters in this era of climate change. $W WKH IURQWOLQH RI WKH ÀJKW DJDLQVW HQYLURQPHQWDO Moving the wetlands will not be helpful. When you GHJUDGDWLRQ LV (VWKHU 1RVD]HRJLH D UHVHDUFK R΀FHU destroy your wetlands, you cause biodiversity decline. at Nigerian institute for Oceanography and Marine ´,MRUD LV D KRWEHG RI ÁRRGLQJ :KHQ WKH ZDWHU FRPHV

PHOTOGRAPHY

it goes to the table. That is the water we get when we dig the borehole. The wetlands perform functions that cannot be replaced. This exhibition is to raise awareness about wetlands and help the public understand that our agitation is no mere hysteria. We are concerned about humans.” For Dr. Shola Iwajomo, from the Department of Zoology at the University of Lagos, who is a coresearcher on the project, preserving wetlands should be part of our cultural life in Nigeria. As a member of the Lekki Bird Club and UNILAG Bird Club, he found the exhibition thrilling as the pictures helped the viewers identify birds by their names. “This exhibition is extended to school children so that they FDQ OHDUQ DERXW ZHWODQGV DQG WKHLU EHQHÀWV :KHQ we degrade the wetlands, we are losing aspects of our cultural lives,” he said. In the same vein, the co-host, Your View on TVC, environmentalist and author of the children’s book, Vultures to the Rescue: The Cleanup Crew, Mariam Longe drew a connection between the campaign to preserve wetlands and her own advocacy for vulture conservation. “The story of the environment LV LQWHUFRQQHFWHG , VSHDN VSHFLÀFDOO\ RQ YXOWXUHV DQG wildlife. But the wetlands are very important to us. Without wetlands, there are so many diseases that could be spread as a result of constant degradation and lack of proper conservation. It is important that people educate themselves because we, in Africa, don't have proper knowledge of wetlands. With events like this, we can move on to advocate for better policies to conserve our wetlands,” she enthused. The Lekki Bird Club welcomes the renovation and development project at the National Theatre but hopes that the government as well as the Bankers’ Committee understand that development and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10 , 2022

CICERO

Editor: Ejiofor Alike SMS: 08066066268 email:ejiofor.alike@thisdaylive.com

IN THE ARENA

Kuje Attack: One Jailbreak Too Many Last Tuesday’s terrorists’ attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and the escape of over 800 inmates, suggest complicity or negligence on the part of relevant authorities, writes Louis Achi

n Tuesday night, well-armed jihadists struck violently at the Kuje Custodial facility in Abuja, freeing about 800 inmates, including jailed Boko Haram terror group members and other high-profile inmates. Four inmates and a security official were reportedly killed during the attack, according to an official. About 443 inmates are still at large while another 443 have been recaptured, a spokesperson said. About 63 of the inmates still at large are members of the terror group, Boko Haram. Terrorists and other armed groups have carried out several jailbreaks in the country’s North-east and Southern regions in recent years, but the Kuje blitzkrieg is the first recorded in the capital city. Meanwhile, the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Kuje facility and for good measure released video of its members in action. In an eerie footage on Wednesday night, the terrorist sect showed some of its men shooting their way into the facility. ISWAP fighters were seen marching in groups while vehicles and building were on fire in the 38-second video. The Islamic State’s A’maq Agency released the video with the caption: “Fighters of Islamic State attacked Kuje prison in Abuja yesterday (Tuesday) and succeeded in freeing dozens of prisoners.” The words were written in Arabic. On Wednesday afternoon, shortly before his trip to Senegal, President Muhammadu Buhari toured the scene of the attack and expressed disappointment with the intelligence system while demanding a full report of the incident. His words: “I am disappointed with the intelligence system. How can terrorists organise, have weapons, attack a security installation and get away with it? How did the defences at the prison fail to prevent the attack? How many inmates were in the facility? How many of them can you account for? “How many personnel did you have on duty? How many of them were armed? Were there guards on the watchtower? What did they do? Does the CCTV work?” Meanwhile, palpable fear grips residents of the Federal Capital Territory over the unpredictability and fluidity of the security situation. On his part, the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi, who visited Kuje on Wednesday morning, said the attackers headed towards the direction where Boko Haram suspects were kept, adding that none of the 64 Boko Haram suspects in custody could be located. A security sources, on Wednesday, revealed that soldiers deployed to Kuje vicinity and the Correctional Centre’s environment that had mastered the terrain, were moved out and redeployed 24 hours before terrorists attacked the correctional facility. The source wondered why it was 24 hours after troops, who had come to understand the vicinity, were withdrawn and

Aregbesola new ones yet to settle in, that the terrorists struck. The attack on Kuje Correctional Centre was not the first of such incident in the country. It could be recalled that on Friday, October 22, 2021 heavily armed men had invaded the Abolongo Correctional Centre in Oyo, Oyo State, overpowered officials on duty, before gaining entrance to release hundreds of inmates. On June 24, 2016, when Muslim inmates at Kuje Correctional facility, were breaking their Ramadan fast, Maxwell Ajukwu and Solomon Amodu, two high-profile kidnappers who were also inmates, had other plans. With the use of a plank, the two criminals scaled the high wall of the prison and escaped. Few days later, senior officials at the prison were queried for their suspected role in the jailbreak. On July 29 2016, at least 13 inmates escaped from the Koton/Karfe Minimum Security Prisons in Kogi State, in a pattern similar to that of Kuje amid allegations that they also had support from prison officials. No fewer than 15 inmates also escaped from Nsukka Prison in Enugu State on Aug. 9, 2016. On June 3, 2018, 180 inmates escaped when armed criminals attacked the Minna Medium Security Correctional

Facility located at Tunga area of Minna Metropolis. The attackers gained access after overpowering prison officials after a gunfire exchange. On October 19, 2020, suspected hoodlums numbering about 100 attacked two Nigerian Prisons in Oko and Benin, both in Edo State, leading to the escape of about 1,993 inmates. Hoodlums who hijacked the #EndSARS protest had also attacked the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Okitipupa, Ondo State, and freed 58 inmates. However, an attempted jailbreak at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre on the same day was foiled. The attack, which was orchestrated by revolting inmates, was contained by a combined team of correctional officers and soldiers. On April 5 this year, the trend of jailbreaks in the country returned; this time in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. During the operation, which led to the release of at least 2,000 inmates, the attackers had a free reign lasting about two hours. However, with the claim by security sources that intelligence shared on the planned attack on Kuje Prison was ignored, coupled with the alleged removal of soldiers guarding the facility, many have alleged official complicity in last Tuesday’s incident. Clearly, the nation’s poor security situation has fuelled incessant jailbreaks, which have resulted in more criminals returning illegally to society. Security experts blame the recurring prison breaks on an infrastructural deficit, overcrowding of cells, the prolonged trial of suspects, understaffing, poor remuneration and equipping of staff, inadequate technology, bribery and corruption, and other institutional challenges bedevilling the correctional centres across the country. Statistics show the current administration has so far made the highest allocations to the prison sector in the history of the agency. But the constant challenge of overcrowding persists and has unfortunately not reflected these interventions. The sum of N4 billion was allocated in 2015; N14 billion in 2016; N16.6 billion in 2017; while higher allocations were made in 2018 and 2019, with each year having over 70 per cent recurrent expenditure. It could be recalled that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had in a 2012 audit of the Nigerian prisons, submitted that prison structures across many parts of the country were old and dilapidated as most of them were built in the 19th Century by the British colonial masters. The Azare, Bauchi, Ningi and Misau prisons, all in Bauchi State, built in 1816, 1820, 1827 and 1831 respectively, were ready examples. Curiously, pretty little has been done to rebuild the infrastructural deficit and institutional challenges. In other climes, heads will roll when there is an attack on prison or a jailbreak. But with no one punished for alleged complicity or negligence in the previous incidents in Nigeria, criminals have continued to be released to the society through incessant jailbreaks.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

What Are APC Governors Doing with Wike?

Wike

A visit by three governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) - Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) - to the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has emerged one of the topical issues currently dominating the social space. And the question that followed was, what were they doing with Wike? A few days ago, there was rumour that Wike and the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Tinubu, were scheduled to meet in France. But the two parties were quick to deny any such thing and it ended there. But the APC governors were finally in Rivers for a special assignment. Let’s play the Devil’s Advocate for starters. Maybe the southern governors were planning

to meet to review their initial understanding on southern presidency and in doing this, Wike, one of arrowheads of that advocacy, who incidentally has been unhappy with his party, must be reached to talk about this again. Just maybe. But that’s a lie. The governors have only made an effort to bring Wike to their fold or strike a deal with him, courtesy their newest but unstable convert and former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose. However, what’s the sense in their move? Number one, Wike is not an asset in the real sense of it. A disruptive fellow, who must have everything his way can never be an asset. Number two, Wike has been angry, because he came second during his party’s primaries, and has refused to even support his party’s candidate, hence,

the activities around him. But in their own party, the person, who came second and incidentally from Rivers, has not only supported his party’s candidate, but collapsed his structure for him. Thus, aside the existential rivalry between Wike and Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transport, why expressly disrespect their own person? Can anyone of them condone such? So, if they lured Wke to APC now, are they going to make him Amaechi’s leader since he is a sitting governor? Where is their loyalty, really? Have they thought about this whole thing before venturing? What informed this poor choice? Perhaps, it was not properly well thought out. No doubt, the APC governors can do better, because this is not looking tidy and from many sides.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10 , 2022

BRIEFINGNOTES Catholic Priests as Endangered Species Ejiofor Alike writes that the sustained abductions and killing of Christians, particularly Catholic priests by terrorists may have justiﬁed the call by ﬁve United States’ senators on their country to redesignate Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ under the US International Religious Freedom Act

fter his claim on several occasions that terrorists did not target any particular religion in Nigeria, the Minister of Information, Mr. Lai Mohammed, on Monday admitted in London that Christians are actually being attacked by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists. ReactingtoaletterbyfiveUnitedStatesSenators callingfortheredesignationofNigeriaasaCountry of Particular Concern (CPC) over the alleged persecution of Christians in the country, Mohammed blamed the ISWAP for attacks on Christians and churches in Nigeria. Citing the recent acts of violence targeting Nigerian Christians, five United State Senators – Josh Hawley, Marco Rubio, Mike Braun, James M. Inhofe andTom Cotton – had jointly sent a letter to the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken urging him to immediately re-designate Nigeria as a CPC under the US International Religious Freedom Act. The US lawmakers alleged that recent acts of violence targeting Nigerian Christians had underscored the deteriorating state of religious freedom in the country. In their letter, copied to Ambassador-at-Large forInternationalReligiousFreedom,UnitedStates Department of State, Hon. Rashad Hussain, the lawmakers stated, “as you are well aware, horrific actsofdeadlyviolencehavebeencommittedagainst Nigerian Christians in recent weeks, including the massacreofchurchgoersonPentecostSundayand thestoningofaChristiancollegestudent.Sadly,such violence has become all too familiar for Christians in Africa’s most populous country.” But responding to the allegations in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in London, Mohammed, in his characteristic blame game, put the blame for attacks on Christians on the ISWAP terrorists,insistingthatNigeriadoesnothaveapolicy thatdeniespeopletheirfreedomofreligiousworship. Havingadmittedatlastthatterroristshavetargeted ChristiansinNigeria,theministerstillfailedtoputthe blame on the federal government, which has failed in its primary responsibility of providing security. The failure of the federal government to protect Christians has fuelled the growing suspicion of government’s alleged complicity in the sustained attacks. In recent weeks Christians, particularly Catholic priestsandtheirchurcheshavebecomeendangered speciesinNigeria.Forinstance,onWednesday,May 25,terroristsbrokeintotherectoryofSaintPatrick Catholic Church, Gidan Maikambo, in the Kafur Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State, and kidnappedtwoReverendFathersandtwoboys.They were lucky to regain their freedom on Sunday, June 26,onemonthaftertheirabduction.Thiscamebarely twoweeksafterReverendFatherAlphonsusUboh was abducted from his parsonage at Saint Pius X Parish, Ikot Abasi Akpan, in Mkpat Enin LGA of the

Catholic Bishops protesting against insecurity in country ... recently state, on May 9. His abductors demanded N100 million ransom and he was also lucky to breathe the air of freedom four days later after his church paidanunspeciﬁedamountofransom.Intheearly hours of last Monday, terrorists also kidnapped anotherCatholicPriest,Rev.Fr.EmmanuelSilas,in KauruLGAofKadunaState.Hisabductorswereyet to contact the church. His abduction came barely two weeks after Rev. Fr. Vitus Vaishima Borogo, waskilledbyterroristsonhisfarminKujama,along Kaduna-Kachia Road on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Borogo was killed by the terrorists during a raid on a farm known as Prison Farm at Kujama. Rev. Father Udo of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Uromi,andRev.FatherPhilemonObohofSt.Joseph RetreatCentre,Ugboha,weresimilarlykidnapped by gunmen on Saturday, two weeks ago. The priests were abducted along Benin-Auchi Expressway between Ehor and Iruekpen communities on a Saturday night. On Sunday, June 26, 2022, gunmen killed Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, the priest in charge of St. Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo, in the Etsako West LGA of the state. Odia was abducted from his home while he waspreparingformass.OnPentecostSunday,June 5, 2022, gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Ondo State, reportedly killing at least 30 churchgoers. The Parish Priest of Holy Ghost Parish, Eke-Olengbeche, Reverend Father Peter Amodu was on last Tuesday evening reportedly

kidnapped by unknown armed men along Otukpo – Ugbokolo road, Okpokwu LGA of Benue State. FatherAmodu,whoisaPriestoftheHolyGhost Congregation in the Catholic Dioceses of Otukpo, waswaylaidandtakenawaybyhisabductorswhile onhiswaytocelebratetheHolyMassatOkwungaga, Ugbokolo in Okpokwu LGA of the state. Other Christians have not been spared in the spateofattacksbyterrorists.TheﬁveUSsenators alleged that one report documented more than 4,650casesofNigerianChristianswhowerekilled for their faith in 2021. LastWednesday,gunmenshotReverendDaniel Umaru of the ‘Eklesiya Yan’uwa A Nigeria’ (EYN); alsoknownasChurchoftheBrethren,atNjairi,Mubi LGAofAdamawaState.Theyalsogunneddownhis twosonsandkidnappedhis13-year-olddaughter. The sons died while the pastor was said to be ﬁghting for survival in the hospital. The gunmen stormed the residence of the pastor where they carried out the attack. SomeMuslimfundamentalistshadinMaybrutally stonedtodeathMissDeborahEmmanuelYakubu, a student at Shehu Shagari College of Education, SokotoState,overalleged“blasphemous”message shehadpostedinaWhazapplatform.Apastorwas reportedly killed by terrorists in Abuja on April 13, while gunmen had also kidnapped eight members oftheRedeemedChristianChurchofGod(RCCG)in KadunaonMarch26.Suspectedherdsmenarmed

with AK-47 riﬂes had on June 4, abducted a pastor and his wife in Abia State. By blaming ISWAP for theattacks,thefederalgovernmentisallegedtobe shielding the terrorist herdsmen, who are believed to be behind these attacks. Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, had rejected similar claim by the federal government thatISWAPwasresponsiblefortheterroristsattack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo. He, however, believesthatthefederalgovernmentisstillshielding the actual perpetrators of these crimes. Akeredolu had argued rightly that ISWAP members were known to take responsibility for their attacks, insisting that the federal government’s conclusionwastoohasty.ISWAPhadalreadyclaimed responsibility for the lastTuesday’s attack on Kuje Correctional Centre. InhisreactiontothespateofattacksonChristians, the spokesman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, had stated: “Thechurchishelpless,andonlyprayingtoGodthat whoeversucceedsPresidentBuhariwillnotcontinue whatheisdoingandthatisthemorereasonwhywe are against the Muslim-Muslim ticket; they are in charge of the security and political thugs.” Many Christians believe that with the MuslimMuslim ticket being mulled by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the ordeals of the Nigerian Christians may not end with President Buhari’s tenure.

NOTES FOR FILE

Keyamo’s Baseless Attack on Atiku

Keyamo

After three years of hiding his face in shame for serving what most Nigerians have come to describe as the worst government in the history of Nigeria, the MinisterofStateforLabourandEmployment,Mr.Festus Keyamo, has suddenly found his voice. Keyamo has been rendered hopelessly redundant on account of the irrelevant portfolio he was given. Stillthinkingthatheisrelevant,Keyamoinaseriesof tweetslastThursday,accusedthepresidentialcandidate ofthePeoplesDemocraticParty(PDP),AtikuAbubakar, of abandoning the fight for democracy represented intheJune12election.Headdedthattheonlyperson whoplayedasignificantrolewasSenatorBolaTinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). “No presidential candidate today had anything to

do with the June 12 struggle (which is the foundation ofdemocracyweareenjoyingtoday)exceptBATand (tobehonest)Soworeasastudentleader,butBATwas more pivotal from exile. Atiku was one of the first to abandon June 12,” Keyamo wrote. Keyamohascomeagainwithhisdeceitandillogical arguments to hoodwink gullible Nigerians.When did fighting for democracy become a requirement for seeking the highest political office in Nigeria? Keyamoparadeshimselfasapostleofdemocracy andhumanrights,andstillwentaheadtosupportand campaignforMuhammaduBuhari,amilitarydictator,to becomepresident.Iffightingfordemocracyisarequirement for seeking the highest office in the land, what was Buhari’s contribution to democracy? Is Keyamo not aware that Buhari in a coup de’tat, overthrew a

democratically-elected government of the late President Shehu Shagari in 1983? KeyamodeceivedNigeriansthathewasachampion ofdemocracyandhumanrights,whilehewasactually looking for political appointment over these years andwaswillingtoserveintheadministrationofeven theworstdictator.Keyamohasdemonstratedthat he can campaign for the late Gen. Sani Abacha if he risesfromthedeadnowandthrowshishatintothe presidential ring. By attacking Atiku, he is already looking for another political appointment ahead of 2023. Thosewhoknowhimverywellhaveexplainedthat heattackedAtikusoastobegivenanopportunityto beinTinubu’smediateamwherehewouldbedishing outfalsehoodsandverbalattacksontheopponents.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10 , 2022

CICERO/ISSUES

Atiku

Okowa

Wike

PDP’s Travails ahead of 2023 Elections The road to the 2023 general election is becoming more tortuous for the Peoples Democratic Party, given the internal rift that accompanies the emergence of the presidential and vice presidential candidates of the main opposition party, Gboyega Akinsanmi writes

ix weeks ago, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held its special national convention in Abuja to select its presidential flagbearer. The process produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the PDP amid highly intense political intrigues that still raise dust in the ranks of its leaders till today. Just after the process, the losers quickly withdrew to their political enclaves, to nurse their deep wounds. However, they still agreed to work for one common goal: Positioning the main opposition party for a landslide in the next presidential election. The rationale for a common political front is indisputable. As its National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu put it, the PDP has firmly resolved “to rescue Nigeria from the brink of collapse.” He attributed this resolve “to how the government of All Progressives Congress (APC) had mismanaged the country’s diversity, sharply divided its citizenry along ethnic lines and exacerbated religious tensions nationwide.” Resolving to achieve this lofty goal did not come easy. Rather, the frontline actors, especially presidential aspirants, had to make some concession in order to end the impasse. The concession actually predated its special convention held between May 27 and 28. It was a product of the power-sharing negotiation that preceded its National Convention held on October 31, 2021. At that time, nearly all the leaders of the PDP supported Ayu’s aspiration on a condition that he would resign if a northerner eventually emerged the presidential flagbearer. With Abubakar’s nomination, the failure of the PDP leaders to honour this agreement was the genesis of the party’s post-primary crisis, which its key national leaders believed, should have been better manageed in the interest of justice. Likewise, the process of nominating the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as Atiku’s vice presidential candidate constituted another source of contention that further pitted the camp of Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike against Atiku’s camp. As the Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom alleged, 14 of the 17-man committee constituted to search for Atiku’s running mate voted in support of Wike. Atiku was accused of ignoring recommendations of the committee he had set up. The failure to decisively resolve these issues has now polarised the PDP into two highly influential camps. On the one side are Wike; Ortom; Oyo State

Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde and former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, among others. On the other side are Atiku; Okowa; Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; his Adamawa counterpart, Ahmadu Fintiri, former governors, former ministers and some elders of the party. The bone of contention now is the emergence of Okowa as his vice presidential candidate instead of Wike, who was recommended by the selection committee. Obviously, this decision escalated the post-primary conflict, which Ortom argued, could have been averted if the party leadership had insisted on implementing the decision of the 17-man committee. With these thorny issues, the future of the PDP is unavoidably uncertain ahead of the 2023 presidential election. But the Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Walid Jubrin, is optimistic that the disagreement between Atiku’s camp and Wike’s supporters will be resolved. Jubrin, specifically, revealed Abubakar’s plan to lead a reconciliation committee once he returned from his oversea trip. Can these disagreements be resolved as simply as Jubrin put it? What happens in a few days will definitely determine whether the party will be able to reconcile Atiku and Wike. However, Wike and his strategists have listed some conditions, which some analysts claimed, are legally justified and politically requisite to transform the PDP from its opposition clout to the ruling status by 2023. Their conditions for peace include Ayu’s resignation in line with the pre-primary agreement, adherence to power rotation between the north and south, intra-party inclusion in the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation and concessions for Wike’s camp if the PDP eventually wins the presidential election, which has already been scheduled to hold on February 25, 2023. The first condition borders on the need to restructure the PDP for fairness and justice. The argument of Wike’s strategists is premised on two legal instruments: Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and PDP Constitution, 2021. There is consensus among the PDP leaders that the instruments are supreme in resolving the party’s internal dispute. Aside, the founding fathers of the PDP graciously subscribed to the primacy of the instruments in determining any internal rift. With Atiku’s emergence, Wike’s strategists alleged imbalance in the structure of the party, which they claimed,

significantly put the south at disadvantage in the power calculation, hence Ayu must call it quit immediately. They cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution to buttress their claims, which they said, would not be compromised as a precondition for peace and reconciliation. The section, as enshrined in the country’s grundnorm, made compliance with the federal character principle mandatory in the composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs. Also, in the preamble of its own Constitution, the PDP agreed to uphold the federal character principle in the composition of its organs at the federal and state levels. In specific terms, the preamble emphasises the resolve of the main opposition party “to conform with the principles of power shift and power sharing by rotating key political offices amongst the diverse peoples of the country…” In the power-sharing negotiation that preceded its October 2021 convention, the PDP national chairman acknowledged the centrality of these legal instruments to the internal organisation of the party. Consequently, Ayu agreed to step aside, if a northerner eventually clinched the presidential nomination of the PDP. Now, Atiku has clinched the party’s nomination. Six good weeks after a northerner emerged the party flagbearer, Ayu has not demonstrated the spirit of patriotism to the founding principle of the PDP, a party in desperate need of soothing balm to heal its wounds of injustice and unfairness. What then has changed between when Ayu pledged to toe the path of honour to unify all interests within the party and after Atiku emerged the flagbearer of the PDP? The second condition relates directly to alleged manipulation, which according to Wike’s strategists, characterised Okowa’s nomination as running mate. In an ARISE NEWS Channel interview, Ortom demanded an explanation on the rejection of Wike as the vice presidential nominee after securing popular votes of 14 members of the 17-man selection committee. For him, there is no justification for rejecting Wike given his controlling influence to galvanise the southern leaders to secure a landslide for the PDP in the next presidential poll. On the contrary, a BoT member, Alhaji Adamu Waziri disputed Ortom’s claims on the grounds that members of the selection committee never voted to arrive at

its decision. Rather, according to him, its members agreed to submit three names to the flagbearer to enable him choose his preferred running mate. If the PDP eventually wins the next presidential election, what will the flagbearer offer not just for Wike, but also for his political allies national? This question constitutes the third condition, which Wike’s strategists revealed, had already been highlighted for deliberation when they resume negotiation in the coming weeks. Already, Jubrin had proposed that Wike should be allowed to lead Atiku’s campaign. Also, Waziri revealed Atiku’s plan to make Wike the Minister of Petroleum provided that the PDP was able to dislodge the APC from the seat of federal power. None of these offers will bring about an olive branch to the ranks of the PDP. By implication, it is not just about Wike any longer. Obviously, Wike has become a movement now synonymous to a southern presidential agenda, which they alleged that Okowa betrayed. Rather than de-escalating the crisis, the offers have complicated the crisis with a resolve that Wike will not hold direct discussion with Atiku again on two grounds. First, as Wike’s allies claimed, previous agreements with Atiku were not honoured. Second, they observed, Wike’s confidence that any future agreement will be honoured has plummeted to almost ground zero. Can the PDP go to the polls without Wike and his political allies? This is one fundamental question that the PDP ought to have objectively addressed before making some crucial decisions that dampened Wike’s confidence in the sincerity of Atiku and his political associates. Going to the 2023 presidential poll may be an exercise in futility without securing Wike’s outright backing, at least for three reasons. First, Wike’s state has the third largest voting strength in the country after Kano and Lagos. With Wike’s support, the PDP will poll convincing majority votes in the 2023 presidential election in the state. Lastly, Wike’s vast access to funds is obviously indisputable. Without equivocation, according to some analysts, no other governors in the party commands that pool of resources. On these grounds, most analysts agreed that Wike’s decision to work for or against Atiku’s victory would shape the decisions of his colleagues who are sympathetic to his cause. Failing to far-reaching concessions to appease Wike and his political allies may translate to electoral defeat for the PDP in the next election.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10 , 2022

CICERO/TRIBUTE

Ibrahim Pam Seeks to Put Nigeria on World Stage as ICC Registrar AstheonlyNigerianamongthe12candidatesjostlingforthepositionoftheRegistraroftheInternational Criminal Court (ICC), Ibrahim Pam, is poised to take the lead with his broad experience in administrative and criminal investigations in multiple jurisdictions around the world, writes Vanessa Obioha

By June 2023, the office of the Registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in Hague, will be vacant. The current Registrar, Peter Lewis, who was appointed on March 28, 2018, will end his five-year tenure on April 16, 2023. Although it’s a few months away from the next appointment, many have begun to eye the seat. According to the President of the ICC Assembly of States Parties, Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, 88 applications were received by the court on equal representation and to ensure gender balance according to the provisions of the court. The ICC’s registrar’s office is a delicate one as it is the principal administrator of the court and ensures smooth operation and services. The registrar acts as a frontier between the judges, the defendant, the plaintiff and the court. Of the 88 applicants, only 12 people have been shortlisted for the post. A Nigerian, Ibrahim Pam, who has a broad experience in administrative and criminal investigations in multiple jurisdictions around the world, is among those shortlisted and keen on emerging as the next registrar of ICC. Pam, a native of Berom, Jos, in Plateau State is currently the Head of the Independent Integrity Unit at the Green Climate Fund and chairs the ad hoc external advisory panel on work culture for the Office of The Prosecutor (OTP) of the ICC. Before his present role, he served as the Resident Investigator to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Pam started his career at F. O. Fagbohungbe & Co., (Legal Practitioners) in Lagos in 1989 as a junior counsel. He later moved to Continental Merchant Bank Nigeria Plc, Lagos in 1991 where he served as a senior supervisor. He continued his legal practice, serving as the senior counsel in J Y Pam & Co., in Jos in 1995, and in 2000, was a Special Legal Assistant in the Human Rights Violation Investigation Commission (Oputa Panel). From December 2005 to March 2012, Pam was the Analyst and Investigator/Trial Coordinator at the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP), ICC. From there, he proceeded to the African Development Bank in Tunis/Abidjan where he was the Chief Investigations Officer in the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Department. Pam is a graduate of Law from the University of Jos and has an M.Sc in Criminal Justice Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science. With strong leadership experience and specialisation in investigation of mass crimes, human rights abuses, fraud and financial crimes in the last 22 years, Pam is poised as the right candidate to take over the reins from Lewis. Should he get the coveted position, Pam in his pitch said he would ensure the preservation of the court’s dichotomy as a judicial entity and an international organisation in such a manner that guarantees independence while ensuring seamless efficiency. “This noble mission of the court is one that deeply resonates with me and one that must be at the heart of the operations of the Office of the Registrar. In my professional career I have had the privilege to serve the course of justice at both national and international levels, particularly in countries across Africa that have borne the scars of mass atrocities, including Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Mali, Senegal and Kenya,” he said. The international lawyer also said that he would prioritise a conducive workplace in order to attain the noble mission of the court. This, he said, is very key and will provide adequate resources and motivate the staff of the ICC to execute their tasks, and to ensure that the work environment is both physically and psychologically conducive to the fulfilment of the mission of ICC personnel.

Pam “I am aware that this is currently an important issue in consequence of the report of the Independent Expert Review Panel appointed by the Assembly of States Parties as part of the overall Court-wide review of the ICC.” He continued: “In my experience leading accountability functions in UN field missions, at the African Development Bank, and at the Green Climate Fund, I have helped to create value-based work cultures that respond to the aspirations of working personnel, and meet the basic standards set for the international civil service and by the administrative tribunals. “By executing my primary function in providing integrity oversight at the Green Climate Fund, I enabled the formation of administrative responses to address workplace issues. Some of the features of the reforms that were instituted by the Executive Director of the Fund include open and transparent consultation processes that defined the values of the institution and created an improved Employee Value Proposition; strengthened internal redress mechanisms of the Fund to create effective alternative, nonconflictual redress options for staff conflicts (including a strengthened Ombudsman function and an office mediator); and enhanced capacity for managers and supervisors to improve their management practices in addressing staff conflicts. I would be looking to implement a similar approach at the ICC.” As a registrar, Pam said he would familiarise himself with “the status of implementation of the recommendations of the IER Panel report, starting with the creation of a coordination mechanism to define implementation modalities common to the three Organs of the Court. I will engage in discussions with the Presidency and the OTP to work towards the modalities for implementation of the report, and to identify areas of immediate concern to achieve resolution of any impediments to reform.”

Continuing, he added that “Also, with due regard to the independence of the Presidency and the OTP in the exercise of their judicial functions, I will lead the application of the “One-Court” principle in the administration of the non-judicial aspects of the work of the ICC. I will seek to undertake this under the strategic guidance of the Coordination Council established by Regulation 3 of the Regulations of the Court. “Broad consultations will be undertaken to properly identify the scope and parameters of this principle in line with the provisions of Article 43 of the Rome Statute. I would lead a proactive, consultative approach to implementing common human resources and administrative standards across the court, as well as in undertaking a coordinated initiative with the Presidency and the OTP in streamlining common services and functions which may currently be duplicated and therefore either weakened, or potentially risky to the operations of the court. “To enable me to do this, I would undertake an operational audit to identify such existing duplications of functions and processes, and then in coordination with the other Organs of the court drive the resolution of such duplications.” The criminal investigator said he would have zero tolerance for breaches of financial rules and regulations and procurement processes since these are critical for avoiding waste and fraud. “The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners estimates that corporations lose five per cent of their revenues annually to fraud. I will therefore enforce 100 per cent compliance with all financial regulations, including procurement processes.” To effectively achieve this, he said he would employ a two-pronged approach of both training and awareness-raising (to overcome lack of awareness and excuses) and also design a preventative mechanism using a data-driven approach to identify risks of fraud and breaches. “At the Green Climate Fund, we have built a

statistical model based on machine-learning that uses historical data to predict the occurrence of fraud in projects and corporate procurements. This is a highly reliable tool for predictive analysis, and it provides an opportunity to implement effective preventative means to avoid integrity breaches and financial loss. I will replicate this method at the ICC, and I will also ensure that any breach of procurement rules will be subject to applicable disciplinary processes,” he said. Understanding that the participation of victims and witnesses in Court proceedings is a unique feature of the Rome Statute, as set out particularly in Article 68 and is the responsibility of the Registrar to facilitate their participation in proceedings including legal representation, and to ensure their security through The Victims and Witnesses Unit (VWU), Pam said that he will ensure that VWU is strengthened in its capacity to discharge its statutory obligations, and also enhance cooperation with the OTP. “I will pay special attention to matters related to the detention and custody of individuals, as well as to the management of detention facilities of the Court. Ensuring the efficient functioning of the detention facilities and the conditions of the detention of persons before the Court are essential for ensuring compliance with judicial decisions, and for preserving the rights of persons submitted to judicial proceedings in the ICC.” He added that he will pay attention to the terms of the Relationship Agreement with the United Nations, particularly as it provides for participation in proceedings, exchange of information, personnel matters, reports, use of the UN laissez passer, and financial matters. Pam is married to Nwakego, an educationist and an administrator who had also worked in the ICC as an administrative assistant to a director. She also worked with the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY) as a judge’s assistant and is a recognised Speech Therapist.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10, 2022

GAVEL

Editor: Ejiofor Alike SMS: 08066066268 email:ejiofor.alike@thisdaylive.com

Curious Obsession with Water Resources Bill Despite the rejection of the Water Resources Bill by most Nigerians, coupled with the popular clamour for resource control and power devolution to the states, the House of Representatives last week reintroduced the obnoxious bill for the federal government to seize control of Nigeria’s water resources, including the river banks for the resettlement of foreign herders, Ejiofor Alike reports

hile most Nigerians are kicking against the concentration of powers in the hands of the federal government, some federal lawmakers have been pushing behind the scenes for the federal government to take over the control of Nigeria’s water resources, as it seized control of the oil and gas resources. In a bill titled: A ‘ Bill for An Act to Establish a Regulatory Framework for the Water Resources Sector in Nigeria, Provide for the Equitable and Sustainable Redevelopment, Management, Use and Conservation of Nigeria’s Surface Water and Groundwater Resources and for Related Matter,’ these lawmakers seek to bring all water sources under the control of the federal government. Apart from ceding ownership of water resources and river banks to the federal government, another offensive provision in the strange bill is that individuals who want to drill boreholes at their backyards for commercial purposes in any state of the federation must travel all the way to a northern part of the country to obtain permits from a federal government agency. The Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Suleiman Adamu, on Thursday justified this offensive provision when he claimed that some Nigerians did not want to pay the necessary taxes to the government for mining water. “This bill has nothing to do with issues of land grabbing or so, all grey areas have been addressed and we are confident that the National Assembly will address the issues. “Although there are some people that have some vested interests, like regulation, especially for commercial use of water, this is something they do not want to do. “Some of them do not want to pay the necessary taxes to the government for mining these waters, as they are mining the water illegally,” he reportedly said. The implication is that while other Nigerians are mining gold freely in some northern states, southerners must pay taxes to the federal government before they harness the water resources at their backward. A senator in the eighth National Assembly, who spoke on condition of anonymity, had described the bill as an attempt by a section of the country to “finish off other sections by seizing their water resources after successfully annexing their oil and gas resources.” It was a relief to the majority when the House of Representatives on September 29, 2020 forced the promoters of the bill to withdraw the obnoxious legislation. Thebill,whichwasbroughtthroughthebackdoor,was withdrawn after the deceptive legislative fireworks by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Wase; the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Abubakar Fulata (APC/Jigawa); and the Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Sada Soli (APC/Katsina), failed to hoodwink the majority of the lawmakers. Shortly before the bill was withdrawn, Soli had boasted that the bill must be passed and further criticised opponents of the bill, including the Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, and Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. ManyotherprominentleadersfromSouthernNigeria and the Middle Belt, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, had also condemned the bill. They described it as a ploy by the federal government to secure the lands around the rivers in southern Nigeria to resettle the foreign herdsmen after the failed cattle colony and Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) initiatives. On his part, Ortom, who said the provisions of the bill were at variance with the Land Use Act, further described it as a “disguised land-grabbing legislation designed to grant pastoralists unhindered access to river basins, adjacent marine and coastal environments across the country.”

Adamu With the bill providing for the federal government to annex the banks of any river that connects up to two states, many have expressed the fear that the purpose of the promoters of the bill is to provide land for the herdsmen. The fact that all the promoters of the bill were from a certain section of the country had also strengthened this suspicion. When the bill came up before the Senate during the eighth National Assembly, the then Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio had mobilised his southern colleagues to frustrate its passage. The ulterior motive behind the bill became further suspicious when Akpabio appeared for ministerial screeningbeforetheninthSenate.TheSenatePresident, Dr. Ahmad Lawan had shocked many Nigerians when he reminded Akpabio the role he played in frustrating the bill even when the bill was not part of the agenda in the screening exercise. Lawan had told the former Akwa Ibom State governor that “now that you are on this side, you should go and liaise with the Minister of Water Resources to ensure that the Water Resources Bill is passed.” “That bill must be passed,” Lawan reportedly declared with air of finality. Also, when the Minister ofWater Resources, Adamu, whowasreappointed,appearedbeforetheninthSenate for the same screening, he told the lawmakers that his greatest regret during President Buhari’s first tenure was the non-passage of the bill. Despite the opposition to the bill, Adamu had insisted that there was no going back on the bill. The minister had listed what he described as the financial benefits of passing the bill. But with the federal government controlling the huge revenues from the oil and gas resources, most Nigerians believe that the states and local governments should be allowed to enjoy the taxes and other benefits from water resources. Adamu had at a point reportedly resorted to a subtle blackmail, when he declared that most rivers the southern part of the country is laying claim to, except

Gbajabiamila those in Lagos, originated from Northern Nigeria. “Nigeria is losing about N6 billion to N9 billion yearly to the non-passage of the bill, which would have given legal teeth to the water sub-sector for optimal performance like other sectors,” the minister reportedly said through the Executive Director, National IntegratedWater Resource Management Commission, Mr. Magashi Bashir. The minister’s claim that the other sectors of the economy controlled by the federal government are experiencing optimal performance is false. The federal government has not demonstrated any capacity to manage any sector successfully - be it aviation, education, health, hospitality business or the oil and gas sector. During one of his visits to Katsina State, President Buhari also lent his voice to this curious campaign for the passage of this bill. Speaking at a ceremony for the inauguration of the Zobe Regional Water Supply Scheme in Katsina State, Buhari said his administration would work towards ensuring that all Nigerians have access to adequate potable water supply and sanitation facilities as enshrined in the SDGs target. “However, for this national aspiration to be realised, we need to mobilise funds from all sources, including the private sector. This is where the need for quick passage of the National Water Resources Bill that made provision for the National WASH Fund, as well as regulatory environment for private sector involvement in the sector, becomes relevant. “I, therefore, call on the National Assembly to give attention to the Bill towards its passage into law as soon as possible,” he had reportedly added. The questions agitating the minds of Nigerians are: Why should the federal government not focus on defence and other sensitive functions and allow the states and local governments to handle the simple tasks of managing water resources and providing access to portable water? Why the desperation by this present administration to annex the waters and the land around the waters, when Nigerians are clamouring for the states and local

governments to be given more powers? Curiously, after the bill was rejected by the eighth National Assembly, the promoters refused to give up. They reintroduced the offensive bill last Wednesday at the House of Representatives. When a member of the House, Hon. Mark Gbillah (PDP, Benue), reminded his colleagues that most Nigerians rejected the bill the last time, Soli told him that governors contributed in the drafting of the new bill. Soli further added that the minutes of the meeting with the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) had been attached to the bill. The Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, specifically told Gbillah that Ortom supported the new bill. But Ortom has since dissociated himself from the bill and described as “evil” its re-introduction in the House of Representatives. Speaking at the flag-off of the distribution of seedlings in Makurdi, the governor said the bill was part of the agenda of the federal government to seize land from the 36 states of the federation for the herdsmen. “The other time they brought Water Resources Bill we said no, now they are bringing the evil bill again, it is evil plan to take over waterways. “In their attempt to take over our inheritance they came with Ruga and cattle colony among others. But the people behind this plot can be rest assured that Benue will resist any attempt to take over our land and water resources through any guise.” “It is an evil bill by the federal government to take over the river banks and allow herdsmen from other parts of Africa to take over the Benue Valley,” Ortom reportedly said. To stop this attempt to seize people’s God-given waterresourcesandancestrallandsforforeigninvaders, Nigerians should remain vigilant especially at this period when the National Assembly has become a rubber stamp legislature known to have allowed the decisions of the minority to prevail over the majority in the passage of many motions.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R JULY 10, 2022

INTERNATIONAL Terrorist Messages versus PMB’s Responses: The Challenge of Unanswered Questions and Quo Vadis

TerrorismandPMB’sResponses: Terrorism is an uncivilized, unlawful, brutal and violent technique of negotiating politico-economic objectives. The manifestation of terrorism is multidimensional: armed banditry, armed kidnapping, armed illegal acquisition of titled land by Fulani herdsmen, armed imposition of Fulani agenda, armed Islamisation efforts and armed robberies. If PMB is asked if there is any Fulanisation or Islamisation agenda,hewilljoyfullyrespondthatthereisnone,whileonthecontrary, his public statements belie his actions and situational reality on the ground.The truth is that terror-related deaths are declining worldwide but on the increase in Nigeria. Nigeria has become the ninth country of terror-related deaths after Afghanistan. And true enough, more than 22 thousand people have died in the war between the Boko Haram and the Nigerian military force. There is also no disputing the fact that the insurgents have more sophisticated weapons than the sovereign state of Nigeria. In fact, the economic cost of terrorism in Nigeria has been put at 2.4% of the GDP (vide Doris Dokua Sasu. “Terrorism in Nigeria: Statistics and Facts,”Statista, 28 June, 2022). In this regard, we observe that PMB cannot be held singly responsible because the foundations for nepotism, inter-ethnic animosity and terrorism in Nigeria can be traced to the time of Independence. These issues therefore predate his military and civil administration of Nigeria. Col Tony Nyiam reminded us in 2002 that ‘one by one, every aspect of our life is being affected by violent crimes; nowhere is safe.There are clear linkages between the robberies and the context in which the crimes have been committed. Nigerian policy makers must realise that armed robbery is as much their fault as that of the robbers. Armed robbers are a product of the wrought the economic injustice perpetrated by the Nigeria’s ruling class’ (see his Nigerian National Question and Answer (Lagos: Pumark Nigerian Ltd, 2002, p.177). In other words, in the beginning of this 21st century, Nigeria

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Magashi was plagued with violent armed robberies and corruption. The robberies were never curtailed and Colonel Nyiam had to blame the political elite for the problem. In the second decade of the century, insecurity shifted from armed robberies to terrorist attacks on public institutions, especially the military. Kidnapping became the order of the day. So has institutional corruption. More fundamental is the issue of nepotism, injustice and unfairness in the Public Service. At the House of Representatives Debates on 16 August 1960, the expansion of the policemen was hotly discussed. Mr. Chukwu representing Awgu South, moved a motion that ‘this House calls on the Government to institute an independent commission of inquiry into the Nigeria Police Force in order to investigate the allegations of maladministration, corrupt methods of promotion and the slow pace of Nigerianisation of the Force.’ In the words of Mr. Chukwu,‘the method of promotion in the Police Force is corrupt and it is actually based on discrimination, tribalism and nepotism… Members of the Police Force from certain tribes of Nigeria have been denied the rights and privileges of promotion. In consequence, it is only members of the Force from mainly one or two tribes who occupy the key posts in the Police Force.’Perhaps more interestingly, Mr. Chukwu had it that ‘only the good boys of the bosses, that is, some members of the Police Force who are actually in the good books of their senior officers are considered for promotion and if any policeman wants to aspire to the next higher rank, he must have to work towards achieving the recommendation of his immediate boss.’If the issue of nepotism and the notion of good boys being considered for elevation existed then, why is that of PMB different today? The foundation of Nigeria as a sovereign state is never based on patriotism or pursuit of nation-building. In fact, during the same debates, Mr. R.B.B. Okafor, representing OwerriWest, who seconded Mr. Chukwu’s motion, noted amidst

Therefore, the best way forward is for PMB to learn how to see when the rain is not gone, not only when it has gone in the mania of Johnny Nash. This is necessary to avoid leading behind a bad legacy of Nigeria having the highest level of institutional corruption, highest level of terrorism-related deaths in West Africa, of being the world capital of the deadliest terrorists (Boko Haram), etc. And true enough, under PMB, Nigeria has been mostly disunited and agitations for self-determination so heightened. Under PMB, the Fulani have been mostly presented as hegemons and unnecessarily hated. For Nigeria to have peace without having to prepare for war, Fulanisation and Islamisation of Nigeria must remain at the level of a dream. To go beyond that may set Nigeria totally ablaze. Additionally, from the pattern of terrorist attacks The Presidency may be the next target of terrorist attack. PMB must therefore be more cautious in his public pronouncements and anti-boko haramists, if he truly wants to ﬁght them as Boko Haram still has its agents in government.

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erroristattacksconveymessagesbeyondtheinfliction of injuries which are actually meant to convey other political messages for compliance by government or imposition of their intention on the government and the general population.Terrorism is hardly a resultant of any respect for rule of law or human rights. In fact, it is because there is rule of law and that the whole world is talking about the need to respect the dignity of man and his fundamental human rights that terrorists act violently contrarily to the law. For example, it is because diplomats are internationally well protected by various diplomatic conventions that they are the first victims of terrorist attacks, especially of letter and parcel bombs. Consequently, when human rights organisations are complaining of jungle justice or are unluckily caught by the people and are also publicly mistreated, many questions cannot but be raised. This reactive jungle justice to professional terrorists should not be confused with situations when an individual is alleged to have made a blasphemous statement against Islam, in which case jungle justice by Muslims is at best very barbaric. In this case, the rule of law should apply. Court processes exist to adjudicate grievances without resorting to the use of jungle justice. This is because no one should take the laws into his or her hands. What is important to note in this case is the response of Government to the messages of terrorists. In this regard, what are the responses of the government to such requests? At best, the responses have either been that of rejection, negotiation with the terrorists or that of limited or controlled confrontation. Neither the negotiation nor the confrontation has been strong enough to send any message of fear that can dissuade the terrorists from rescinding their threats. Grosso modo, an act of rejection or military confrontation is necessarily another form of negotiation which is not always peaceful. It can be very warlike. Thus the nexus between a message of request by terrorists and the reactive negotiation and confrontation by a government has generally been difficult and most misunderstood, especially when the responding government is not enlightening the public on the truth about the situation. Terrorism in Nigeria is generally most misunderstood. Some observers call it armed banditry. The Government of Nigeria does not want to call it terrorism initially and has been dealing with it with kid gloves. Most unfortunately, Nigeria is faced with another civil war with the implication of national disintegration or Islamisation.This second civil war is already in the making. but everyone is pretending as if there is nothing like that. Everyone behaves as if life is normal and is only a reflection of macroeconomic challenges. But far from it, the foundations of national unity and indivisibility are weakened on daily basis.

controversies that ‘we have all adopted the policy of One Nigeria, except the Opposition. At least the Government agrees there is one Nigeria. No matter where you come from, promotion should be on merit, so that this question of tribe should be done away with.’Why has it not been done away with? If it is only the Government of Nigeria that agreed that‘there is one Nigeria,’implying the people of Nigeria are not agreed on living as one Nigeria, does this not show why the 1999 Constitution was fraudulently presented as ‘We the People’ adopting the Constitution. Most disturbingly, Senator Chief O.A. Fagbenro-Beyioku moved a motion entitled,‘Discriminatory Practices in the FederalTerritory,’asking the House to deplore‘all forms of discriminatory practices either in the National Policy of the country or in the Public Service Administration of the land, which are capable of creating tribal disaffection among several millions of the peoples of the Federation, thereby endangering tthe solidarity of the nation.’ Senator Chief T.A. Doherty explained the motion pointedly and directly: ‘this motion by Senator Chief Fagbenro-Beyioku is a very d iimportant and serious one. We all know what the situation is in the ccountry today and we have only been going round the fence rather tthan getting to grips with the problem. Even the mover of the motion iis guilty of the same thing. Discrimination means tribalism in plain llanguage; we should not beat about the bush, the Northerners are iin control of the Federal Government today, and the Easterners are playing second fiddle. That is the position in our country today.’ p Most unbelievably, but true, Senator Doherty made it clear that‘in tthe Federal Public Service, when the Federal Government took office, tthe first thing they did was to remove the Chairman of the Public SService Commission and to put a Northerner there. Northerners know w where they are going, and we are not going to sit down unconcerned whilst our rights and liberty are being invaded. Additionally, Senator w Doherty said‘we do not say that Northerners should not come into D tthe Federal Public Service, but we insist that they should come in a proper and honourable way. We should behave like brothers to o one another.’ (vide Parliamentary Debates, Official Report Senate, 2 25th-30th November and 1st December 1961, p. 61 et s). The foregoing foundational statements clearly explicate the challlenges with which the PMB administration is currently faced. Northern ccontrol is not a new phenomenon. If this matter was raised in 1961 and h has been a major source of mutual suspicions, PMB is only, unlike his p predecessors, now openly implementing a Northern agenda without aany due regard for whatever anyone is saying. But also unlike before w when the dominated people were simply acquiescing to the situation, people are also now moving from quiet resistance to reciprocal use of violence. This is where and why there is problem. PMB has adopted various strategies to promote Fulanisation and Islamisation under the pretext of fighting terrorism. First is his Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) agenda. Ruga is a Fulani word for human settlement. On 29th June 2019, the Federal Government said it had gazetted lands in all the 36 States of the Federation for the RUGA Settlement and that the programme was optional. The Federal Government tried to blackmail the State Governments who opposed the RUGA policy as those who were unable to pay salaries of their workers. In the eyes of the Federal Government, the RUGA will‘curb open grazing of animals that continue to pose security threats to farmers and herders… The overall benefit to the nation includes a drastic reduction in herders and farmers’conflicts, a boost in animal protection complete… Other gains are job creation, access to credit facilities, security for pastoral families and curtailment of cattle rustling. Regardless of these expected gains, the policy was vehemently opposed. With this opposition, PMB came up again with the argument of cattle grazing routes, saying he had approved the recommendations of a committee set up to review‘with dispatch’368 grazing sites across 25 states in the country, and‘to determinate the levels of encroachment, a development that has prompted the description of Nigeria as a Cow Republic. PMB wrongly believed that States had encroached on federal government’s grazing routes which only applied to Northern Nigeria and which in any case had also been overtaken by the Land Use Act of 1978 in the spirit of lex posteriori derogat lex anteriori. The Act abolished the three existing land tenure systems and introduced a uniform land administration system across the whole country. The cardinal objective of the Act is to ensure‘the effective and sustainable management and control of land in Nigeria, particularly in a manner that gives government sufficient powers over the acquisition, transfer or otherwise assignment of land and land resources.’

UnansweredQuestionsandQuoVadis Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution as amended provides for national unity by force. It provides in its preamble for indissolubility and indivisibility of Nigeria but not for why the country cannot be disunited and dissolved. This provision itself is not only arbitrary even if the Constitution has not been subjected to national controversy. It is necessarily a negation of the international right to belong to or not belong to an association. It is precisely this right of indissolubility and indivisibility of Nigeria that the terrorists appear to be directly targeting but which Government is apparently, but most unfortunately, neglecting.Why should this be so? Public opinion, rightly or wrongly, is that the PMB administration is aiding and abetting the Boko Haram insurrection. In fact, General Theophilus Danjuma once openly accused the Nigerian military of arming and aiding the insurgents against the Nigerian State. Why has this allegation not been openly and convincingly addressed? Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

SUNDAY JULY 10, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10 , 2022

ENGAGEMENTS

with ChidiAmuta e-mail:chidi.amuta@gmail.com

Will There Still Be Life Before 2023?

he period between now and May 2023 is Nigeria’s season of expectations and grave anxiety. Nigerians are expectant that the forthcoming general election will enable them as an electorate to renew our national leadership through the ritual of voting. On the other hand, the perilous state of the state has raised the level of anxiety among the people about what might chance in both our private lives and our collective plight as a nation. The optimistic electoral expectation is a legitimate democratic entitlement. Anxiety about our individual lives is also natural. Concern about the plight of the Nigerian state is equally natural especially among the elite. But happily, the essence of the nation remains intact in the hearts and minds of the generality of ordinary people. Going by the agenda that the Buhari administration set for itself in 2015, we are eleven months away from paradise. We are eleven months away from comprehensive security, a corruption free society, an economy that guarantees prosperity for most and food for the majority. Happily, the just completed party nominations has shown us who among two and half ambitious adult males is most likely to move into Aso Villa on 29th May, 2023. Spouses of two of them are already said to be literally measuring the drapes in the Presidential Villa and ordering new apparel for the great day of inauguration or coronation. What remains uncertain is what symbol better guarantees a gate pass into the villa. But whether you are armed with a broom in this age of vacuum cleaners or an umbrella when you are mostly cocooned from rainy days, high expectation is the legitimate entitlement of every aspirant to the highest political job in the land. In this uncertain ritual of democratic pool betting incurable optimism is the best armor against the unexpected. Trust Nigerian politicians. They are up to date in the drama of expectation of imminent power. The buzz is that one of the virtual presidents is so anxious to assume power that he cannot wait any longer. In the privacy of his home, he is said to be practicing the footsteps of a big man of great power. He takes the dignified measured steps in the loneliness of his sitting room. He is also practicing the elocution of presidential absolutism, a manner of speaking that conveys the finality of the power of life and death. The man is rehearsing to an audience of trusted aides or sometimes alone. A man talking to himself in the dead of night and in such grandiloquence should ordinarily attract the attention of concerned relatives or even mental health doctors. But this is Nigeria. Everything a man of great wealth and imminent maximum power does is a display of either genius or style. It was the Kenyan writer Ngugi Wa Thiongo who once said that “the African is a born actor”! Another of the presidents apparent has even been recently spotted taxying his aircraft to the presidential wing of one of our major airports in anticipation of imminent presidential power. Thereafter, he moved in an endless motorcade, complete with authorized hooligans to his private home. A foretaste of the coming days! Yet another one of the virtual presidents has taken up residence in some cozy foreign land and is prepping to direct his campaign from anywhere else in the world. It is just so we can get used to the imminent junkets in search of ‘investors’ when he is finally sworn into office. The man is used to wining and dining with princes and monarchs under golden chandeliers. Do not expect him to settle for anything less grand just because he conceded to become your president. In this unfolding tale of the unexpected, one of the expectant men may probably walk up the dais at Eagle Square on inauguration day from the unexpected anonymity of people’s power and popular acclaim. What unites politicians gathered around all of these three most likely factions is the expectation of assuming ultimate power over the rest of us next May. Let us not forget the expectations of the incumbent administration and its support cast of tepid and uninspiring prefects. As an entitlement, the incumbent administration now in a flat lame duck state anxiously expects its term to end quickly so that the cup of responsibility can pass them by. This collection of office occupants is just going through the motions, having run out of steam, ideas and commitment to anything beyond the self and its endless interests. The general

Buhari public wish and prayer for this collection is simple: “Finish and go!”. Just manage to keep the ship of state afloat for the remaining 11 odd months. For the rest of us ordinary Nigerian citizens and the electorate, the season of democratic transition entitles us to grand expectations about our conditions. We are literally fired up even if pushed to the wall. Against the ugly backdrop of our tormented present, there is a universal wish that hard times and bloody nightmares will yield place to the return of laughter and a little bit of sweetness. We expect the outcome of the elections to bring forth new leaders, a few good men and women, with the courage to chase away all terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and highway robbers. As ordinary folk, our expectations are not so lofty. We expect that the elections will restore the missing second and third meals from our shriveled daily menu. We expect that our wives and daughters who leave home for work or for the market will return without being kidnapped and raped by strange rough men with guns. There is widespread expectation that those who go to our public hospitals in search of cure and care will no longer return in caskets. Above all, we expect 2023 to end the epidemic of endless strikes and jobless queues so that the bitterness in the hearts of many can turn into a burning desire for the pursuit of happiness. Maybe at least, Nigerians can find work in return for pay cheques that can support living instead of mere existence. Sadly, there is little in our present condition that supports this barrage of positive expectations. Our general living conditions continue to worsen by the day. The question of the moment is now whether there will still be life before the 2023 election and its outcome. It is many worrying questions in one. Will most ordinary people be able to survive up to 2023? Will the sick be able to afford basic medications? How many parents will still be able to send their kids to school? How many homes will remain lit as electricity tariffs head for the sky? How many will be able to afford cooking gas or kerosene or even fire wood if they find the food to cook.? Even more frightening, the threats to the survival of the Nigerian state are now clear and present. The litany of our woes no longer

merits a fresh rehash. Bad things have become a new name for our new normal. It is not easy to overlook the specific bread and butter issues like the price of diesel, the price of cooking gas, the perennial scarcity of gasoline, the rising food and other inflation that have made food and other essential necessities beyond the reach of most honest ordinary people. The high minded among us could insist that we concentrate on the big issues that threaten the very survival of the Nigerian state and forget mundane existential setbacks. In other words, let us worry more about the steady slide into avoidable anarchy and compulsive dysfunction. Let us lose sleep instead over the perennial absence of order and strategic purpose. The argument is that these sate survival issues will not pause simply because Nigerians are expectant about elections and their outcome. But these larger and lofty issues of state can never replace the material conditions of the lives of ordinary people. Nor does the lame duck status of the current incumbency exonerate the present officialdom from responsibility for the welfare of the citizens and as well as the continuation of the state. The easy argument is always that we need a viable nation state in order to pursue the rights and welfare issues of individual citizens. The corollary can be even more compelling. You need living citizens to indulge in the luxury of the nation state with its cascade of ceremonies and bureaucratic pomposity. For the ordinary Nigerian, the nation is good when most necessities of life remain affordable so that they can live their lives here on earth. At those times, when you ask ordinary people the iconic question, “How Country?”, you get a resounding existential affirmation that ‘life is good’. In focusing attention on the survival of the state, the assumption is that the state itself has the inbuilt resilience and capacity to roll back the imminent anarchy and can protect us all from the possibility of a meltdown. We also assume that the wisdom of state is strong as to avoid fresh blunders. That optimism may in fact be groundless after all as new gambles are in the offing. For instance, a much delayed national census is scheduled to take place before the elections. In a country where previous census figures have

sparked off political firestorms, no one knows what the 2022 census will breed in the countdown to an election that is already surrounded by uncertainty in an atmosphere of divisive politics. Meanwhile, President Buhari who seems quite comfortable in the new coziness of his lame duck status has revved up his globe trotting instincts. The engines of his presidential jet seem to be permanently in start position and in wait for the next junket. He has in recent weeks clocked up more air miles to all manner of inconsequential destinations. In the midst of his party’s troubled succession nomination primaries, he jetted to Spain a country with sparse business and trade links with Nigeria, to receive national honours and decorations. He has also just returned from another series of meetings in Portugal, an erstwhile colonial nation that is now in a miserable state with a sorry economy. Predictably, Nigeria’s ceaseless cascade of now systemic insecurity has continued to spiral. In the latest iterations, roving bandits and gunmen have ambushed platoons of soldiers and policemen in Shiroro, killing as many as 30 by official admission. A horde of ISWAP terrorists stormed the Kuje medium security prison in Abuja and freed over 800 prisoners including dangerous Boko Haram prisoners. Gunmen have attacked the president’s advance convoy in his Katsina home state. Nor are private lives immune from the gale of insecurity. People on their way to market or from work are no longer sure that the public bus on which they are riding is not a ‘one chance’ ride to a kidnapper’s den. This risk is now rampant even in the relative security of cities like Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kaduna. Foreign missions in our midst are paying heed. In its latest travel advisory to its citizens in Nigeria, the Canadian government has advised against travel to 32 of our 36 states because of the ever present risk of kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual murder or the spontaneous eruption of mob violence. Meanwhile, those who know anything about economics insist that Nigeria is nearly bankrupt. With over 98% percent of current revenue going into debt service, there is clear danger that Nigeria could soon begin to default on its foreign loans. An avoidable petroleum subsidy regime has been allowed to persist by a collusion of government bureaucrats and oil and gas oligarchs. Subsidy bills currently gulp somewhere in the neighborhood of N600 billion a month. Fuel scarcity has remained a permanent condition in major cities including the capital, Abuja. A timid incumbent administration has consistently shied away from abrogating the subsidy regime for fear of social upheaval, leaving the hard decision to its successor administration. Meanwhile, the treasury bleeds to upwards of $40 billion annually, an amount slightly higher than Nigeria’s total external reserves. While the daily existential survival of the people has now become doubtful, the coherence of the state to survive and persist has been thoroughly perforated and whittled. The very institutions of state survival and integrity are in tatters. Barely a fortnight ago, a sitting Chief Justice of Nigeria ‘resigned’ his uncompleted tenure in a shroud of smoke filled with the smell of corruption and collegial distrust. It turns out that he was presiding over a judiciary in which judges had become virtual mendicants. The military which used to be the last fortress of hope for national cohesion and survival has in the last 10 years repeatedly failed to tame a rash of secessionist militias, roving bandits and apprentice terrorists with neither training nor doctrine. Yes indeed, life may have become hard for the majority while the architecture of state has become fatally creaky. Yet against all odds, some incredible intangible force continues to hold Nigeria together and to keep its people incurably united and optimistic. Ordinary Nigerians on the streets and in the villages are insistent that this house must not fall. I have hardly seen any ordinary Nigerians who wish that Nigeria should disappear and be replaced by anything else. Instead, there is this stubborn hope that these bad times shall pass. In the rhetoric of ordinary people, there is a Nigeria in their hearts that has only been temporarily contaminated and fatally injured by present bad leadership and the deviant behavior of a few bad men and women. Their constant refrain continues to be, in street parlance: “Nigeria go better”! (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾JULY 10, 2022

NEWSXTRA

Court Vacates Receivership Order on PDT Engineering Property Strikes out name of Oloriegbe as receiver/manager Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Adamu Mohammed of a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, on Friday vacated its order appointing one Mr Abdulmajeed Oloriegbe as Receiver/ Manager over three mortgaged properties belonging to PTD Engineering Limited in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The court in vacating the order held that the appointment of Oloriegbe as Receiver/ Manager was invalid since the 1st plaintiff/ respondent has a subsisting Receiver/Manager in the person of Mr Ayodele Akintunde (SAN). Sterling Bank Plc and Oloriegbe had dragged PDT Engineering Limited and Chief Cajetan Nwadike to court over mortgage on three of the company’s property in

Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The affected properties are: two properties located along Olodu close by Olu Obasanjo Road, Oromineke, Port Harcourt City LGA, covered by Certificate of Occupancy, dated June 10, 1992 and registered as No. 17 at page 17 in Volume 185 of the Land Registry office in Port Harcourt. The third is the property located at Okpo Rumuoluta, Rumubuekwe, Obio-Akpor LGA covered by Certificate of Occupancy, dated June 10, 1992 and registered as No 15 at page 15 in Volume 177 of the Land Registry office in Port Harcourt. However, challenging the alleged unlawful withholding of his capital from the Bank of Industry, the second defendant, Nwadike had filed a Notice of

Preliminary Objection dated June 20 and filed June 22, wherein he asked the court to dismiss the originating summons with number: FHC/PH/ CS/37/2022, “for constituting abuse of court process or in the alternative make an order striking out the originating summons for lack of jurisdiction”. Nwadike in the application argued by his lawyer, Mr Taiwo Kupopati (SAN), further urged the court to discharge or set aside the interim order granted on March 4, on the grounds of expiration. He also prayed for another order “directing the 2nd plaintiff to vacate and give up possession of the three mortgaged properties on the grounds that he lacked the necessary locus standi to continue to act as Receiver/

Manager over the affected properties. Delivering ruling in the NPO on Friday, July 8, Justice Mohammed agreed with Kupopati that “the

appointment of the 2nd plaintiff/ respondent is invalid since the 1st plaintiff/ defedant has a subsisting Receiver/Manager in person of Mr Ayodele Akintunde

(SAN).” The judge further held that, “The order made on March 4 is hereby set aside in view of the 2nd plaintiff/ defendant lack of requisite locus standi.

CAN Denies Endorsing Gadzama for NBA Presidency Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denied endorsing Chief Joe Gadzama (SAN) for the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). While disowning an earlier statement on the issue, CAN said it only prayed for the best to emerge as the leader of the association. In a letter dated July 7, 2022, and signed by the General Secretary of CAN, Joseph Bade Daramola, to the President of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON), CAN leadership washed its hands off such endorsement as interpreted from an earlier letter it wrote to the group. “In reference to the letter addressed to CLASFON on the above subject matter, we write to correct the impression

that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has endorsed any sole candidate for the President of NBA because there may be some other contestants in the race. CAN is not and will never be a partisan body. In a separate statement signed by the Media Assistant to the CAN President, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the association also denied endorsing the senior lawyer. “We, therefore, write to disabuse the minds of all concerned that this association is not in support of any particular candidate in the race over any candidate,” the letter read in part,” the statement said. “We pray for the best to emerge as the leader of this noble association (NBA),” the statement added. In a related development, the CAN President, Rev. Samson

GLG Partners Brian Reuben, Others on Leadership Sunday Okobi GLG Communications has partnered the Brian Reuben organisation, other eminent personalities and groups to engage private and public sectors’ leaders with keen interest in leadership and management proficiency. Leadership conversations took centre stage recently when the organisations hosted the 2022 Leadership Agenda Summit in Lagos and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The summit, held concurrently at the Habtoor Palace Hotel, Dubai and Lagos, was designed to help attendees engage a community of private and public sector leaders. Speaking to journalists, Managing Partner, GLG Com-

munications, Omawumi Ogbe said the agency partnered in the leadership agenda summit “because it allows leaders and emerging leaders to explore innovation, change, and transformation within their spheres of influence. “GLG Communications aims to be at the forefront of critical conversations that would move our country and continent forward.” Ogbe said: “We understand that the role of a business is not just to make a profit but to impact the people in the environment it operates.” Ogbe shared how leaders can make changes in the leadership sector in a roundtable discussion on the shifts reshaping the world, adding that creating policies is the most impactful way to bring lasting change.

Eghosa Old Boys Meet Today Eghosa Anglican Grammar School, Benin City, Old Boys’ Association (EGHOBA), Lagos Chapter, will hold its July meeting today at the residence of Col. and Mrs. Paul Ihianle located at 20 Paul Osa Street, Thomas Estate, Ajah, Lagos. In a statement yesterday by its President, Mr. Edo Ojo and Secretary, Corson Bekerereabo, the

association said all boys within the South-west or visiting Lagos from other Chapters “are by this notice cordially invited to attend the meeting. “Crucial and critical matters relating to the welfare and infrastructure upgrade of the association and school will be discussed,” the association said in the statement.

Ayokunle, reiterated the position of the association in remaining neutral in the NBA election in an interview granted to online media. “We never took any decision to back any candidate. We have no preferred candidate. All we can do is to pray for the best of the three candidates, who will use the position to serve God and humanity to emerge, Ayokunle said.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP… Executive Chair, Econet Group, Mr. Strive Masiyiwa (left), and Chair, TEXEM, United Kingdom, Dr. Alim Abubakre, during a strategic conversation in London... recently

Labour Party, Coalition to Deploy 15 Agents to Each Polling Unit Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Convener, The Big Tent of the Third Force, Prof. Pat Utomi, has said the coalition and the Labour Party (LP) plans to deploy, at least, 15 agents each to polling booths in the country to help safeguard votes in 2023 general elections. Utomi, the Chairman, National Consultative Front (NCFront) and a leader in the Labour Party, disclosed this in a statement at the weekend in Lagos on Election Agenda.

According to him, the coalition has worked and made much sacrifice to get Nigeria to move from state capture by ageing oligarchs and to make the nation overcome its numerous security and economic challenges. “The broad coalition of women, youth, professionals and the intellectuals which has adopted the leadership of the Labour Party and Peter Obi is serving notice that in addition to its agents which will number up to 15 in each polling booth in the country, it will use technology

to guard the votes of Nigerians in 2023. He said the organisation would, in the next week, unveil the details of Mass Polling Booth education programmes and the retreat for the gubernatorial candidates and ideology workshops for all Third Force candidates. The convener, who expressed delight that Nigerians’ political awareness had continued to rise, said “People have awoken. They want to take back their country”. He said that the coalition and

LP were planning to counter all electoral manipulations and violence in 2023 that could throw up bad leaders. “The last frontier before liberation for the people is in checkmating the traditional ways and means by which they thwart the will of the people. “These include election fraud or rigging, vote buying, manipulating of electronic voting, equipment and voter intimidation, as well as abuse of emotions around ethnicity, religion and region,” Utomi added.

Coalition Asks INEC to Curb Vote buying in Osun Guber Poll Oluchi Chibuzor A coalition of Civic Society Organisations has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to proactively curtail technical manipulation activities in order to curb vote buying in the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State. The coalition lamented unprecedented vote buying that characterised the just concluded governorship election in Ekiti State, pointing out that the 2023 general

elections could be exposed to dangers of massive rigging. This was contained in a joint statement by Chairman, National Consultative Front (NCF),Prof Pat Utomi; Convener, Civil Society Committee for Anti-Fraud Election Security (CISCAES), Mr. Kennedy Iyere and Coordinator, Peace Action Transformation, Mr. Adegboyega Adeniji yesterday. The statement said the coalition was largely on ground “to monitor and to observe the Ekiti elections. It boldly returned the verdict that

the Ekiti elections left much to be desired. “It has become imperative to review the alarm of the authenticated assertions by CISCAES which reinforced those of other observers and “that the recently conducted Ekiti governorship poll was marked with massive fraudulent practices.” It insisted that votebuying and technical manipulations of the voting process by INEC Officials was rampant, saying it was very

imperative “to initiate proactive anti-fraud interventions ahead of the forthcoming Osun 2022 Guber-Poll, which will be held on Saturday July 16. “CISCAES is taking the responsibility to alert the generality of Nigerians and the international community that unless proactive preventive measures are adopted to forestall fraudulent practices, it has become predictable that the Osun 2022 guber-poll will inevitably be rigged just like the Ekiti poll.

VSF Doles out 1,000 School Bags to Vulnerable Children George Okoh In Makurdi The Victims Support Fund (VSF) yesterday distributed 1,000 school bags with educational materials to school children in the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp in Naka, the capital of Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA), Benue. The Chairperson, Emergency Support Program of VSF, Mrs Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Naka, Gwer West LGA of the state.

Apart from the school bags and educational materials, VSF had also distributed 1,000 bags of 10kg rice, 1,000 bags of 10kg beans, 1,000 bags of 10kg garri, a litre of palm oil, a litre of vegetable oil, salt and sugar among others. At the session with journalists yesterday, Akerele-Ogunsiji explained that the food stuff was to cater for 1,000 households, stressing that most of the households consisted of 10 to 12 individuals. “The food that is given to them is done taking cognisance of their

balanced diet. The support we are given by the IDPs is in line with the seven Strategic Pillars of VSF. “They are Food Distribution, Health and Medicals, Education Support, Psychosocial and Mental Wellness Programs. Others are Safe Living and Shelter Set Up, Access to Water, Hygiene and Sanitation as well as Economic Empowerment.” She explained that all the food stuff that were distributed to the IDPs were sourced in

Benue, emphasising that it was in consonance with the VSF Long Term Sustainable Impact on the state economy. She also disclosed that plans were underway to provide 500 shelter at the IDPs camp in Ortese, Guma LGA of the state, noting that at least 500 shelters would take care of at least almost half of the camp. A Community Leader, Cpl Patrick Kurugh (rtd), commended Gen. Theophilus Danjuma for supporting the displaced persons in his area.

JULY 10, 2022 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

B AC K PAG E C O N T I N UAT I O N INSECURITY: MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS unimaginable heights; ethno-religious clashes in Kaduna kept gushing out more rivers of blood; and the south-east joined the bleeding fray with the entry of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) into the scene. Oil theft, meanwhile, shot up in the south-south. Although the south-west escaped joining the secessionist mayhem by sagely putting the Yoruba Nation agitations under check — and that is probably why the zone is enjoying relative peace and stability today — it remains a scant consolation as almost every part of Nigeria is now playing host to terror, either high-grade or low-grade, and general insecurity. No Nigerian can genuinely claim to be safe under our current circumstances. One part may be safer than the other but it is just a matter of time before every part gets sucked in — unless the government can act decisively to save our souls. Without a doubt, most Nigerians felt much safer in 2015 than in 2022. That sums up the story. Are we hapless and helpless? I hope not. But you are definitely tempted to throw up your hands in surrender when you consider the audacity of the terrorists. It seems they are even taunting us, showing us in bits and pieces the places they can hit if they so desire, imitating the “you cannot catch me” line in a children’s TV cartoon. As non-state actors, terrorists should never have superior weaponry and capacity, not

with the kind of investment we have made in the security services recently. We can cook up excuses that suit our caprices and conjure the most logical arguments to explain the prevailing insecurity in the land — but the summary is: we are not safe and we know it. What exactly is the problem? Is it intelligencegathering? I admit I am a novice when it comes to security matters but I know, for a fact, that there is no local government area in Nigeria that does not have the presence of intelligence-gathering operatives, supported by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and traditional rulers. Any village that does not have a police station will have a post. The armed forces and paramilitary bodies have intelligence-gathering units. The police have an intelligence-gathering unit. The Department of State Services (DSS) has operatives in all the 774 councils. I may, therefore, not think or believe that intelligence-gathering is the real issue here. Assuming we are poor at intelligence-gathering, what steps have we taken to improve and make it world-class, given the enemies attacking us on all sides? Of course, I do not expect the government to share security information publicly, but Nigerians would love to see the results so that they can be assured things are getting or will get better. We cannot confidently say that in the last three to four years. I do not dispute that we have recorded commendable successes on occasions and I salute the sacrifice and sweat

of our men and women in uniform. But for those whose loved ones are being kidnapped or killed, how will you convince them that our security has indeed been improving? Assuming we really gather good intelligence, what do we do with it? Again, I do not expect the government to publish this on the pages of newspapers. But for as long as trains and prisons are being attacked and Nigerians are being killed and kidnapped, we will keep asking these questions. If I were to borrow from the films I have watched and stories I have heard, acting on intelligence seems to be a big challenge for this government — assuming intelligencegathering is up to scratch. We have heard stories of rivalry between security agencies and how they sometimes work at cross purposes. Intelligence gathered and not acted upon, or poorly acted upon, is as good as nothing. Some things are commonsensical, if you ask me. When we were clearing Sambisa forest of Boko Haram terrorists, they were surely going to surface elsewhere. Banditry in Zamfara was always a threat to the neighbouring states. Attacks on Niger state were warning shots to Abuja. The creation of ESN forewarned us about a budding insurgency in the south-east. Maybe we indeed get good intelligence but do not act because of a genuine lack of capacity? Perhaps we do not have the arsenal needed to confront these monsters? Perhaps our officers are poorly trained, poorly

motivated and poorly equipped? Or are some of the officers corrupt and complicit? Maybe the real problem is the leadership of the security agencies. What new ideas are the security chiefs bringing to the table? What has changed in the way they organise the operations of the agencies since their appointments? There are juicy perks of office, we know, but are there consequences for failure? Insecurity has exposed the underbellies of our security agencies. If the Kuje attack does not lead to an overhaul of the system, it will just be too typical. Naturally, what happened in Kuje would have led to the resignation or sack of security chiefs in a country where there are consequences for failure. In Nigeria, we would rather pamper than punish failure. The inconvenient truth is that terrorism will be with us for much longer. We need a better containment strategy. Things are further worsened by the fact that there are people in the system who believe in the philosophy of the terrorists. The way terrorists operate also means they need only one successful attack to strike fear into the citizens and make it look like the government cannot protect them. That is why we need a comprehensive audit and revamp of the security ecosystem. Terrorists will not give up. We must prepare to contain and crush them. We must not go to sleep after recording a few victories, neither must we give in to the campaign of terror. Vigilance.

And Four Other Things… PAYING THE PRICE On August 15, 2021, I wrote: ‘Dear God, Let Oil Price Fall to $44.’ Many thought it was a joke. My prayer was not answered, sadly, as Russia invaded Ukraine and oil prices went above $120, sending consumer prices up and causing a cost of living crisis globally. It is worse in Nigeria, where now pay N800 for diesel. We are not exporting enough oil to benefit from high prices. Oil production is low and much of it is stolen. We are using a chunk of our share of oil to subsidise fuel importation. And we are not earning much FX from oil export. This is flushing the naira down the drain. I was happy when oil finally fell below $100 last week. I still want $44 for the sake of Nigeria. Paradox.

POINT OF CORRECTION In my article, ‘Tinubu’s Lingering Certificate Conundrum’ (THISDSAY, July 3, 2022), I wrote that if a presidential candidate is disqualified following a petition by an aspirant, it is the person who came second at the primaries that will become the new candidate. Lawyers have told me that my interpretation of Section 29(6) of the Electoral Act, 2000 is faulty. I am told that if a candidate is disqualified for not meeting constitutional requirements, the party will not field a candidate. If the disqualification is after the election, the party that came second will be declared winner. I need to admit that there are many provisions in the new Act that many of us still don’t know. Complicated.

ON AFROBEATS I have been watching and enjoying the 12-episode Netflix documentary on Afrobeats by Ayo Shonaiya, the filmmaker. The documentary unveils the evolution of the genre we now call Afrobeats (with the “s”), which is chiefly a fusion of Fela’s Afrobeat, R&B, hip-hop, reggae, and fuji, laced with African rhythms of instrumentation and street lingo. It could be fashionable for artistes who are enjoying global headlines today to take all the glory and ignore the roles played by their predecessors who tilled the land and paved the way through thick and thin. Innovations go through a refining process and it is important to know the history and give honour to whom it is due. Kudos.

THE HANDS OF TIME The ﬁrst time I heard an R. Kelly song was on radio in 1992. I remember the title very well: ‘She’s Got That Vibe.’ The single from his debut album featured Public Announcement. I loved the song instantly and knew he’d got that vibe. As his career progressed, it turned out the ‘Pied Piper of R&B’ was as obsessed with girls in real life as in his artistry. He has now been jailed for 30 years for serial sex oﬀences. I feel sorry for him but this should send a clear message to sex predators that there is always a day of reckoning. With hindsight, R. Kelly would be singing ‘If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time’. How ‘I Wish’ he would ‘Step in the Name of Love’ now that ‘The Storm is Over’. Trapped.

THE PROXY BATTLES IN THE OSUN POLL fold, with a foothold in Edo State and some reasonable presence in a few other states. It is this stature that positioned ACN to be one of the building blocks in the formation of APC in 2013, and the lever for Tinubu’s eventual emergence as APC’s presidential candidate. But Tinubu’s dominance over South West politics has not gone unchallenged. His preferred candidates do not always win the primaries of his party in the zone, and his party suffers from occasional reversal of fortune. The challenge to his supremacy has come not just from outside but also from his closest allies. For example, there was a bitter falling-out between him and Aregbesola over the conduct of the Osun State primaries earlier in the year. The outcome of the Osun election will show whether Aregbesola and The Osun Progressives (TOP) group can make common cause with the leading opposition party in the state or whether they have been pacified or routed. The Ekiti election of June 18 was won handily by APC, which is good for Tinubu’s profile in the South West ahead of the 2023 polls. But he has more stake in Osun than in Ekiti. For one, he is more deeply involved in the politics of Osun, as the emergence of Oyetola in 2018 and the tussle with Aregbesola in 2022 indicate. So, he is not likely to approach the Osun election lightly, same with those eager to cut him to size or shake his confidence ahead of 2023. There are two other prominent politicians who are not on the ballot who have some stake in the Osun election. The first and to a lesser extent is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, PDP’s presidential candidate. His first wife, Mrs. Titi Abubakar, is from Osun State. This is not a big deal, as his party’s performance cannot be hung on his wife’s state of origin. However, there is a sense in which the election can be seen as a proxy battle between Atiku and Tinubu ahead of 2023. (The performance of the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the Osun election can also give some fillip to LP’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.) The second politician is Senator Iyiola Omisore, the National Secretary of APC. When he couldn’t secure the ticket of PDP in 2018, Omisore moved to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and came third in the gubernatorial election with 128, 049 votes. APC had an understanding with him in the rerun because some of the areas fell within his

Oyetola stronghold. That made the eventual difference. Omisore, a former deputy governor of the state, is the strongman of Ife politics. In terms of the number of local government areas, his area of influence covers almost 50% of his senatorial district and about 20% of the state. One of the things that will be watched closely is if he can deliver his stronghold and in bloc to his new party, the APC, in Saturday’s election.

The Unﬁnished Contest for Yorubaland

Based on recent run of events, many people can be forgiven when they think or say the Yoruba vote as a bloc. This impression might have been entrenched by the outcome of the 1979 and 1999 elections in which the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and AD respectively won overwhelmingly in the South West. Both UPN and AD can be said to be the Yoruba party—the first formed and led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the other by his disciples, mostly Yoruba. But a closer look at the results of the elections and the politics of the zone shows a more nuanced

picture. In reality, Yorubaland has been more politically diverse than it appears on the surface. In most of the 13 elections that have been held since 1952, there have always been some contest between two forces battling for supremacy. The Action Group (AG), the precursor of UPN and AD, was given a good run by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) in the pre-independence era and in the First Republic and later by Chief S.L. Akintola’s Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP). For example, of the 59 seats available to the Western Region in the Federal House of Representatives in the 1959 elections, NCNC won 18, which is 30% of the seats. And the seats won by NCNC in the Western region included two of the three seats in Lagos (Lagos North and Lagos South). NCNC also won in other places like Egba North, Okitipupa North, Ikeja, Ilesha Urban, Iwo East, Oshogbo South, and Oyo Central. Also, of the eight seats available in the Ibadan division, independents won seven. This meant that NCNC and independents snapped 42% of the seats available in the Western Region in that election, and a considerable number from the Yoruba heartland. Awolowo and his political family did not gain full control of Yoruba politics until 1979 when the UPN won overwhemingly in the gubernatorial and presidential elections in the four states that later become six. (Remarkably, Awolowo polled 94% of the votes in Ondo State, the highest percentage scored by any of the five candidates in any of the 19 states at that time.) Even then, the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) had prominent Yoruba politicians like Chief Adisa Akinloye and Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN. Also, others like Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya remained Azikiwe’s followers till the end. The dominance by the Awolowo strain was transferred to 1999 but was disrupted in 2003 when PDP snatched five of the six AD states. Backed by federal might for 16 years, PDP till today remains a prominent force in Yoruba politics even after its control has been squeezed from five states to one state by ACN, now APC. The fact is that the contestation for dominance in Yorubaland is ongoing: PDP will want to expand from one to two states with the Osun election; APC will want to keep its five states

and even make a go for the sixth next February. This unfinished contestation will be a major subtext that will draw in forces external to the state and even the zone.

The Case of Osun West

One issue that may not be visible to outsiders but which may shape the outcome of the election is the marginalisation of Osun West senatorial district. Osun State has produced four governors since 1999: Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Ogbeni Aregbesola and Mr. Oyetola. None of them is from Osun West, which by the way is not a minority zone in the state. Akande (four years), Oyinlola (seven years) and Oyetola (four years) are from Osun Central and Aregbesola (eight years) is from Osun East. While Osun West has got zero year at the helm of the state in the current republic, Osun Central and Osun East have cumulatively ruled the state for 23 years. The only time someone from Osun West was elected governor of the State was in 1992, and that was the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke who governed for less than two years and who was the elder brother of PDP’s governorship flagbearer. One of the factors that boosted the popularity of the younger Senator Adeleke in 2018 was the widespread sentiment that the marginalisation of Osun West should be redressed. That sentiment also cost the APC the 49, 745 votes that went to Alhaji Moshood Adeoti who is from Osun West and had to leave APC to contest on the platform of the Action Democratic Party (ADP). That sentiment has not disappeared. In the upcoming election, there are two leading candidates from Osun West on the ballot: Adeleke of PDP and Ogunbiyi of Accord. Based on the prevailing sentiments in Osun West, both of them are expected to do well in the senatorial district. But to win, either of them will additionally need substantial support from the two other senatorial districts in the state. Will messaging around injustice be enough to get them the needed support or will they be able to appeal to other things like their credentials and visions or do they have strong electoral structures that can get them across the line in the 30 local government areas of the state? Saturday holds the answer.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10, 2022

SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

WIMBLEDON 2022

Rybakina Makes History as First Kazakh to Win Grand Slam

Super Falcons Falcons...condemned condemned to pick all three points today to have a chance of reaching the quarter ﬁnal of the WAFCON 2022

Burundi Hurdle for Super Falcons’ Title And World Cup Dream Duro Ikhazuagbe

uper Falcons dream of retaining the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and qualifying for the World Cup will be settled this evening when the nine-time continental champions take on Burundi in Group C last game. After the win against Botswana that returned Falcons to reckoning, only a win tonight can guarantee Falcons’ dream of reaching the quarter finals. Unlike Falcons, Burundi with two defeats are

WAFCON 2022 no hoppers. They can only play the spoilers role should Botswana with one win defeat South Africa in the group’s other game. After Falcons lost their opening match 2-1 to arch-rivals South Africaon Monday, the reigning champions regained some credibility with a 2-0 win over Botswanaon Thursday. Another triumph over Burundi tonight will give the Falcons six points and see them finish behind high-flying South Africa. The Group C runners-up are scheduled to face

Group B runners-up. Burundi fell 4-2 to Botswana on matchday one and, despite showing good fighting spirit against South Africa, they still suffered a 3-1 defeat. Aside from needing a massive win over Nigeria, the East Africans will hope Banyana Banyana beat Botswana silly to hand them a third-best loser spot. Sunday’s encounter is the first-ever face-off between these two national teams. But Nigeria’s pedigree as the most successful female team on the continent with a record nine WAFCON titles makes them the clear favourites against a side making a maiden appearance at the championship.

Transfer: Aribo Completes £6m Southampton Switch

outhamptonyesterdaycompleted the signing of Super Eagles and Rangers midfielder, Joseph Ayodele Aribo, on a four-year contract. The 25-year-old Nigeria international joins for a fee reported to be about £6million, rising to £10million with add-ons. Aribo spent three seasons at Ibrox after moving from Charlton in 2019, helping Rangers win the Scottish Premiership in 2021 and scoring in last season’s Europa League finaldefeat. “It’s an amazing club with a lot of history here,” Aribo said. “The Premier League is the best league in the world. I’ve been watching it since I was a young boy. It’s always been a goal for me to play here and show what I can do on this stage. “It’s an amazing feeling, a dream come true. This is where I’ve wanted to be since I was a child growing up playing, so to say that I’m here now is really exciting.” Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said he was “very pleased” to add a player with “many qualities” to his squad. “We believe Joe can bring energy and creativity to our side. Feeling comfortable in so many different positions is very helpful for a manager and shows he has a high level of football intelligence, with the ability to take on new information quickly,”said Hasenhuttl. “He has played a lot of games already in his career, at a very high level, and his perfor-

Joe Aribo...completes Southampton switch from Rangers mances in the Europa League prove he has the quality to play in the Premier League. This is a big ambition for him, and he is hungry to show everybody he can do it.” Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst told Sky Sports on Thursday that Aribo was expected to depart Ibrox, paying tribute to a “very important player” who scored

26 goals in 148 appearances for the club. “What he’s done for this club has been fantastic,” Van Bronckhorst said. Aribo, who had one year remaining on his Rangers contract, becomes Saints’ fifth summer signing after Mateusz Lis, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Romeo Lavia and Gavin Bazunu.

Elena Rybakina yesterday became the first player from Kazakhstan to win a Grand Slam title by beating Tunisian third seed Ons Jabeur in a gripping Wimbledon final. Rybakina, 23, fought back to win 3-6 6-2 6-2 and become the youngest Wimbledon singles champion since 2011. Afterashakyfirstset,sheimprovedandpressured Jabeur into errors. Rybakina was born in Moscow and her victory comesinayearwhereWimbledonbannedRussians from playing. The All England Club did not allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete at this year’s tournament in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rybakina, who changed allegiance in 2018 after receivinggreaterfinancialsupportfromKazakhstan, was presented with the Venus Rosewater Dish by the Duchess of Cambridge, who has publicly supported Ukraine’s fight. The 17th seed clinched victory with her first match point when Jabeur pulled a backhand wide. Initially there was little emotion from the new champion, who simply raised her right arm in the air as part of a muted celebration.

Elena Rybakina

Secure Q’ﬁnal Ticket in Style, Amstel Malta Ultra Tells Falcons Ahead of their final group game today at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morroco, the Super Falcons have been charged to end this phase in style as they take on their counterparts from Burundi. Already back to winning ways after the shaky start against South Africa’s Bayana Bayana, Amstel Malta Ultra, the official Malt drink of the Super Falcons enjoined the women’s national team to make a statement with Sunday’s final group game against the debutants. Burundi are already down and out after successive defeats in the hands of Botswana and South Africa, so they would only be battling for ‘pride’ against Nigeria. Aside from only getting the three points from Sunday’souting, Amstel Malta Ultra is charging the Super Falcons to go for goals that would see them soaring high into the quarter-final full of confidence. So far, the Super Falcons have scored three goals in two matches coming from the trio of Rasheedat Ajibade, Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s tie against Burundi, Amstel Malta Brand Manager, Maire Abia-Bassey expressed delight in the continued improvement shown by the Super Falcons even as she fully backs the team to teach Burundi some football lessons. “I am very happy the Super Falcons are getting better with every game they play, I don’t expect anything less from them when they face Burundi on Sunday” she declared. On the anticipation of a big win, the Amstel Malta Brand Manager said Randy Waldrum and his Ladies are equal to the task.

Sunday July 10, 2022

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Saraki to APC Govs

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“The fact that some APC governors went to see their colleague, trying to capitalise on what they think is an issue is a gross miscalculation. At the end of the day, their visit is going nowhere” – Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, describing the visit by some APC governors to Governor Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt as an exercise in futility.

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SIMONKOLAWOLE Insecurity: More Questions than Answers SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

uesday’s attack on the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, FCT, by the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) terrorists was especially scary because of the escape of all the 64 Boko Haram prisoners — along with other dangerous criminals and criminal suspects. In a rare gesture since he came to office in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari visited the crime scene the following day before leaving for a summit in Senegal. Same Tuesday, gunmen opened fire on his advance team in Dutsinma town, Katsina state, on their way to Daura to prepare for his visit for the Eid weekend. Two members of the presidential security team were reportedly injured in the exchange of gunfire. The message from the terrorists is very clear: we can operate wherever. After all, surprise attack is their modus operandi. If they could attack the advance team of the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the largest black country in the world, then it is not a message we should treat as a bluff. In March, they attacked the Kaduna airport and the Abuja-Kaduna train, killing nine passengers and kidnapping scores. Kuje, on the outskirts of Abuja, came under a well-executed attack by the terrorists who went on to unleash undesirable elements on the society. The Kuje attack exposed yet again the vulnerability of our prisons. It is now a fully established fact.

Buhari We, as ordinary citizens, are only left with asking questions and getting no assuring answers. If there is one sector we have sunk billions of dollars into in the last decade, it is security. But what we have seen is the progressive degeneration of security across the length and breadth of Nigeria. There was a time we were celebrating success against the terrorists — that the territories they

used to control (described by a foreign journalist in 2015 as “the size of Belgium”) had been largely reclaimed and that their capacity to strike had been degraded — but what we have witnessed over time is the expansion of the frontiers to the north-west and parts of the north-central that used to be secure. The Kuje attack, reportedly carried out with explosives, was incredibly clinical and embarrassing. It was as if there was no resistance of any kind. Did the security agencies get any prior intelligence or not? If they did, what action did they take to prevent it? How did the terrorists move freely all the way from their base, wherever, to attack Kuje without much of a fight? Is it that we do not have an effective surveillance system? Were there insiders who collaborated with ISWAP/ Boko Haram to carry out the attack? With the jail breaks across the country, what measures have we taken over the years to prevent what happened in Kuje? There are definitely more questions than answers. Buhari came to power in 2015 with two tangible promises: to fight corruption and tackle insecurity. In any case, no presidential candidate needs to promise security — that is the primary duty of government. Buhari came with the reputation of being a retired general who would put terrorists to the sword, having dealt similar blows on Maitatsine religious extremists as an army commander in his previous life. In my opinion, President

Goodluck Jonathan and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were voted out principally because of the insecurity and allegations of corruption. There were voters who genuinely believed that Buhari was going to tackle the twin headaches with all his might. I did warn, in an article entitled ‘A Week in the Life of President Buhari’ (THISDAY, June 7, 2015), that “those who said Buhari crushed Chadian rebels and Maitatsine in 1983 and 1984 without foreign help were probably oblivious of the fact that terrorism is a different animal altogether”, but at the back of my mind, I felt I was just being unnecessarily sceptical. More so, Jonathan had made tremendous progress against Boko Haram before the March 2015 general election and I thought it was just for Buhari to consolidate on it. To be fair, he did try. Attacks on Abuja, Kaduna and Kano had ceased. By 2016, we virtually had Boko Haram by the balls. It looked like we then went to sleep. The ancient farmers/herders’ clashes, caused by the seasonal search for fresh pasture which often leads to economic ruin for farmers, took a new dimension: ethnic, religious and political. This was left to fester until it became an intractable national security problem that has now left worrisome slits in the ethno-religious fabric of Nigeria. Banditry in Zamfara escalated to frightening, Continued on page 70

WAZIRIADIO POSTSCRIPT

The Proxy Battles in the Osun Poll

he Osun State gubernatorial election holding next Saturday will clearly attract outsized attention. This will happen for many reasons. An obvious one is that off-cycle elections, naturally, generate heightened interest, given the quantum of resources poured into them and the absence of distraction from other elections, local and national. The fact that the Osun election is the last poll before 2023 will also make it an important election to watch. The election will serve as a major opportunity to gauge many things: the preparedness of the electoral management body, the potential credibility of next year’s polls, and the likely weight of certain issues and tendencies. Another reason the Osun election will be watched closely is the promise of keen competition based on the memory of the last governorship election in the state. In 2018, the state’s governorship election was coloured by controversies. The election was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) because the winning margin was lower than the total number of cancelled votes. A re-run was ordered, and it produced a switch, which increased the controversies. The election was eventually decided by 482 votes.

The two combatants of four years ago, Governor Gboyega Oyetola and Senator Ademola Adeleke, are back on the ballot, and are expected to throw everything they have into the rematch. But it is a more crowded field this time around. The presence of at least two other high-heeled candidates promises an even keener competition: Honourable Yusuf Lasun, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and the candidate of the Labour Party; and Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi of Accord, who had lost the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party with just seven votes. But the significance of the election goes beyond who governs the state for the next four years. There are deeper meanings and higher stakes. At play in the Osun election will be many factors and players within and beyond the arena of contest. As a result, those whose names are not on the ballot and who don’t have a single vote to cast are highly interested parties in this election. At many levels then, the Osun election will feature many contests within a contest, and will be a ground of varied proxy battles. In this piece, I will highlight three issues that will give the Osun election a special significance.

A Litmus Test for Tinubu

Elections are usually referendums on incumbents. In 2018, Oyetola was largely unknown. He was

Chief of Staff to Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the departing governor under whose shadows he sidled to office. The 2018 election was therefore more of a referendum on Aregbesola’s eight years on the saddle. It is a different equation this time around, as Oyetola has been in office for almost a term now, and has not left anyone in doubt that he is the one in charge. The key question on the minds of Osun voters will be whether Governor Oyetola, as the incumbent, has done enough to deserve a second term in office. He and his camp think so, and they have been pointing to his record in office in the last three and a half years. His opponents think otherwise, and they have been interrogating his achievements and offering a different vision for the 31-year-old state. On 16th July, Osun voters will decide whether they want the incumbent to continue or want to go with one of his contenders. However, the outcome of the election will decide more than Oyetola’s standing. Even when this may not play high or even play at all on the minds of the Osun voters, the outcome of the election will be seen as a proxy of the regional weight of someone whose name is not even on the ballot: Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). One of Tinubu’s major claims to prominence

is that he has dominant control of the politics of the South West, a zone that is his base and that he is expected to win easily and well in February 2023. But the claim, though earned, has had an undulating profile. It will be put to further test in Osun, even when due allowance can and should be made for the fact that this is a local election with strong local candidates competing among themselves and with an array of local dynamics at play. Tinubu began his ascent to prominence in Yoruba politics when he became the lone survivor of the cloak-and-dagger quest to give President Olusegun Obasanjo of PDP a foothold in the South West in the 2003 presidential poll. The expedition was designed to achieve two things: reverse the lingering insult of a president with no home support and checkmate the surging popularity of General Muhammadu Buhari in the north. Beyond surviving that electoral blitzkrieg and the illegal seizure of allocations to Lagos’ local government areas, Tinubu moved away from the tottering Alliance for Democracy (AD) and formed a new party, the Action Congress (AC, later Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN). Through the ballots and the courts, ACN, at some point, had five out of the six South West states in its Continued on page 70

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