MONDAY 11TH JULY 2023

NNPC: 800,000-Litre Capacity Vessel with Stolen Crude Impounded Enroute Cameroon... Page 10

Obasanjo: N'Assembly’s Huge Salary Package

Neither Constitutional Nor Moral FG should avoid sentiments in political duties, says Kukah Falana tells Tinubu to lead anti-corruption war Oyebanji: Afe Babalola, special gift to Ekiti, Nigeria Ooni, Oni, Anyaoku, others celebrate legal icon’s 60 years at the bar

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, took a swipe at members of the National Assembly over what he called their outrageous salary package. Obasanjo said the legislators’ humongous remuneration was neither constitutional nor moral.

The former president spoke in Ado-Ekiti during a colloquium to mark Aare Afe Babalola’s 60th anniversary at the bar. He argued that nobody would appreciate democracy until it had impacted positively on

Akeredolu in State of Extreme Incapacity, Hospitalised, APC Chair, Adamu, Declares

Urges Tinubu to carry party along in appointment of ministers Sick Ondo governor writes state assembly to extend medical leave President back in Abuja after trip to Guinea-Bissau Story on page 9

COURTESY VISIT TO LAGOS HOUSE...

MD/ CEO, PremiumTrust Bank, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (left) and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu, at State House, Marina... on Friday

conveyed by President Biden and King Charles III for world leaders held at Windsor Castle in London ... yesterday

TINUBU BACK FROM ECOWAS MEETING...

NCDMB: Local Content Participation in Oil, Gas Industry Rose 107% in Five Years

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Content Development And Monitoring Board (NCDMB) yesterday disclosed that local content in the oil and gas sector grew from 26 per cent to 54 per cent in the last five years, a rise by about 107 per cent during the period.

Speaking during the opening of the 2023 edition of the annual Nigerian Oil And Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja, the Chief Executive of the NCDMB, Mr Simbi Wabote, noted that between 2017 and 2022 Nigerian companies’ participation in the industry rose from 26 per cent to 54 per cent.

The law setting up the board was passed in 2010 by the Goodluck Jonathan government, following the seeming domination of the sector by expatriates. The organisation was thereafter charged to ensure the domiciliation of activities in the sector.

At event themed: “Powering Nigeria’s Sustainable Energy Future”, Wabote stated that the organisation has given effect to the provisions of the law by launching the 10-year strategic roadmap in 2018 to drive the

attainment of 70 per cent Nigerian content in the Nigerian oil and gas industry by 2027.

“In the last five years of implementation of the strategic roadmap, the board has more than doubled the level of Nigerian content in the industry by moving the needle from 26 per cent in 2017 to 54 per cent in 2022,” the executive secretary noted.

According to him, another key function of the board as stated in Section 70(d) mandates the board to supervise, coordinate, administer, and monitor the development of Nigerian content as specified in the Schedule to the Act.

He further reminded operators that it was important to get the Nigerian Content Compliance Certificate (NCCC) signed off for every contract awarded by the operators.

“I therefore implore all operators to ensure that the NCCC is signed off with the board to avoid delays in getting related approvals or getting sanctioned for implementing contracts without the required regulatory certification,” he stated.

Wabote disclosed at the end of June 2023, the NCDMB had 290,000

individual records, 10,400 service company records, 107 operator company records, and about 600 Marine Vessel records contained on the board’s Joint Qualification System (JQS) portal.

He reiterated that the board has embarked on several initiatives, including funding support and other initiatives that are skewed towards developing both human capital and infrastructure, including the $300 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund, the $100 million matched fund, the $50 million R&D Intervention Fund and the $50million manufacturing fund.

Due to the challenges identified in the area of manufacturing, the board, he said, is also providing assistance to local businesses by developing the industrial gas parks to provide modern infrastructure using the to support in-country manufacturing.

“The industrial parks are at various stages of development in seven states namely: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, and Ondo states.

“The NOGAPS Industrial Parks at Odukpani in Cross River state and the one at Emeyal-1 in Bayelsa

Afreximbank, African Union, Others Hold Intra-African Trade Fair Business Roadshow

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the Ministry of Trade & Industry of Egypt have hosted a high-level business roadshow, ahead of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2023) scheduled to hold on from 9th to 15th of November 2023 in Cairo, Egypt.

Under the theme “Promoting

Egypt-Africa Trade and Investment

Under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ‘IATF2023

Egypt High-Level Business Roadshow’ brought together captains of industry, the business community, high-level government officials, the diplomatic community, as well as executives and senior officials of Afreximbank, AUC and AfCFTA

Secretariat to deliberate on how the IATF was playing an instrumental role in boosting and promoting trade and investment opportunities under the AfCFTA between Egypt and the rest of Africa.

According to a statement, the Chairman of IATF2023 Advisory Council and Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said, “we are here today to dem- onstrate and reaffirm that the third edition of the IATF will be happening here in this beautiful city of Cairo in November 2023.

“We urge the business community to take advantage of IATF2023 and use it to explore business opportunities. Opportunities are huge and limitless. IATF2023 is expected to be bigger and better than the previous two editions and the event is expected to attract more than 1,600

exhibitors; over 35,000 visitors, buyers and conference delegates from all 55 African countries, and the rest of the world; with more than US$43 Billion in trade and investment deals.”

President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, said the IATF was created to fast-track Africa’s economic integration through the AfCFTA.

He added that, “The biggest challenge on the continent is the lack of trade ad market information of what exists within the continent. This can be traced to the colonial era where Africa was divided into 55 domestic countries that had and continues to have very limited linkages with themselves.

state are both at advanced stages of completion and will commence operations in 2024. We have commenced allocation of manufacturing shopfloors and services plots to qualified applicants,” he disclosed. Also speaking during a panel session on: “Accessing Funding and Creating an Enabling Environment

for Nigerian Content to Thrive”, the Executive Commissioner, Development and Production of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Dr Habib Nuhu, disclosed that 2,900 oil wells were currently shut in the country.

Nuhu added that 40 per cent

of the figure was due to oil theft and urged the industry to work together to eradicate the menace of vandalism and oil theft.

He further said that if the oil industry must make progress, the economics environment must be conducive in order to bounce back to optimum investment.

AfDB Lists Challenges Hindering Nigeria’s Economic Growth

NECA seeks total reversal of new taxes

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has highlighted key factors hindering Nigeria's realisation of her economic potential and the desire to promote growth of the non-oil sector of the economy.

It stated that at the current state of things, it would take Nigeria 300 years to provide a minimum level of infrastructure needed for development.

The position of the bank came just as the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), an umbrella body comprising employers and big players in various sectors of the country's economy urged the federal government to order a total reversal of newly imposed taxes that have potential for stifling growth and development of businesses.

In his speech at the 2023 Nigeria Employers’ Summit in Abuja, titled, “Trade and Non-Oil: Changing the Narratives for Rapid National Development,” the Director General of the Nigeria Country Department of the AfDB Group, Mr. Lamin Barrow, said some of the major bottlenecks limiting full exploitation of the non-oil sectors of Nigeria's economy included macro-economic instability, low productivity, inadequate access to credit for small and medium-size enterprises, infrastructure and logistics deficiencies, especially inadequate power supply.

In order to remove the barriers to non-oil trade and exports, the DG said Nigeria must decisively fix its power sector, once and for all.

Speaking on the issue of measures that would help in accelerating domestic resource mobilisation, the DG said the government should improve on tax collection and tax administration, plug leakages in tax collection and enhance the efficiency of public investment programmes.

He also spoke of implementing policies to enhance agriculture sector productivity and developing value chains in the sector.

He said Nigeria’s revenue-to-GDP ratio, at the moment stands at about eight per cent and was among the lowest globally and lags the West African average of 13 percent.

According to him, Nigeria currently faces huge fiscal deficits, estimated at six per cent of the GDP, attributable to high public expenditure amidst dwindling revenue from crude oil exports.

He added that though the agriculture sector’s contribution to GDP was important and provides a sure route to sustainable revenue generation, labour productivity in the sector had remained stagnant around $5,500.

He expressed worry that Nigeria has remained a net importer of food despite generous endowment of arable land and a favorable climate in many parts of the country.

"Between 2010 and 2020, the annual food import bill averaged $6.4 billion while food exports averaged $1.2 billion over the same period. One way to accelerate the development of agro-industrial value chains is by unlocking the opportunities in the sector, including by developing and de-risking of agricultural value chains and attracting private sector food and agribusiness firms into rural areas.

"That is why the AfDB, together with our Partners- Islamic Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development - is supporting the implementation of a $518-million Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones’ (SAPZ) Program in 7 States and the Federal Capital Territory.

“There is strong interest from 20 other States, which will be supported in the second and subsequent phases," he said. Barrow, further said Nigeria faces major infrastructure deficits that inhibit its ability to diversify production in the non-oil sectors.

Barrow also said the World Bank’s 2022 Public Expenditure Review report estimated that Nigeria’s huge infrastructure needs would require $3 trillion by 2050 to fix.

He said at the current rate of things, "it will take Nigeria 300 years to provide a minimum level of infrastructure needed for development."

L-R: Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; Former Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru; Former Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, and Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, receiving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he arrived Abuja after attending the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Guinea-Bissau... yesterday

Says two of the ongoing industrial gas parks ready in 2024 2,900 oil wells shut, 40% induced by oil theft, says NUPRC

CLIMATE FINANCE MOBILISATION FORUM...

Komolafe: Nigeria’s Gas Reserves to Last 94 Years

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, yesterday disclosed that Nigeria’s gas reserves will last the next 94 years.

The NUPRC boss spoke at the opening of the 16th Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE) Annual International Conference in Abuja, themed: “Energy Evolution, Transition and Reform: Prospects for African Economies.”

Komolafe stated that Africa with

its vast sources of renewable energy has the potential, with the right leadership, reforms and adequate financing, to easily transit to the use of other cleaner sources of energy in the nearest future Nigeria, and indeed other African countries rich in hydrocarbon,

Komolafe said, are gradually shifting their attention to the use of natural gas as a major source of energy, while continuing in the exploitation of the oil resources/reserves which for now remain the major sources of revenue for the government. He explained that oil and gas will

Stakeholders Seek Amicable Resolution of AMCON, Arik Air Shareholders' Disagreement to Save Airline

Chinedu Eze

Some stakeholders in the aviation industry are seeking for amicable resolution of the dispute between Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and shareholders of Arik Air so that the airline would continue to thrive and retain its workforce.

The General Secretary, National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Ocheme Aba, speaking on behalf of concerned industry stakeholders and workers of the airline, said the nation’s major car- rier suffered some form of financial setbacks before and after it was taken over by AMCON.

He noted that the financial setback threatens the continued existence of the airline, saying a resolution should be reached between AMCON and the shareholders on how to keep the airline operating, instead of the current litigation that may not ensure the future of the airline.

Aba acknowledged that the fleet size of Arik Air had significantly reduced, disclosing that revenues generated were being used to pay the workers who admitted they are paid promptly and staff deductions of taxes and pensions are being remitted as at when due.

The workers also confirmed that staff promotions are also being carried out periodically and that their salaries have been upgraded at least twice since AMCON take over, not minding that rates are still low.

Aba said this indicated that there was still life in Arik Air and that the airline could be rejuvenated with the right business models and strategies.

Aba who addressed journalists at NUATE headquarters, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos yesterday, suggested that cooperation between AMCON and Johnson Arumemi Ikhide, founder of

Arik Air was needed to resolve the imbroglio, adding that the company’s shareholders and AMCON besides the workers have the most to gain, or lose, from the state of the airline.

"A recognition of this fact will alter the present state of adversity/ animosity between the two gladiators which has been anything but helpful. If the two parties agree to work together, and appreciate the understanding of the workforce, it is our concrete belief that a pathway out of the doldrums will be not too difficult to chart," he said.

He noted that issue at hand was that of finance, not legal, therefore, “its resolution can only be through financial engineering, and not legal fireworks.”

He suggested that what the owners of the airline needed was a team of financial experts, rather than a legal team, adding that at the end of the day, this is about defraying debts.

He noted that financial experts should be able to work out a viable debt scheduling, complete with proper investment plan capable of backing the debt payment plan.

“The onus of this rests more with the owners”, he said.

He said there was a cause to believe that AMCON should be willing to listen to a good offer in this respect, stressing that investment in the company is inevitable.

“It is absolutely clear that Arik Air cannot move one inch out of the woods without some reasonable investment, one way or another,” he said.

According to him, in this regard, there are two options. "There presently exists a $34 million down payment to Boeing for purchase of aircraft, which has been lying fallow since before the receivership. By cooperation between AMCOM and the owners, this money can be released as part of the debt to AMCON.

"The workers informed us that this amount can conveniently bring back five Arik aircraft that are presently out of service. This action alone will return the airline to profitable mode by which its indebtedness can continue to journey up north. “Secondly, AMCON should relax its current stance of nil investment in the airline. This posture is counterproductive to the Corporation’s chosen path of turning the airline around.

“It does not make sense to us that after all the effort that has stabilized the airline, then the effort is made to waste by a change towards liquidation. Our honest advice is to ask AMCON to put behind the hurtful acts of the past administration which denied it the benefit of setting up the new airline of NG Eagle on the altar of personal agenda.

“We are convinced that a new, reinvigorated attitude towards the profitability of Arik Air by AMCON will serve the Corporation in good stead, and will serve the larger interest of aviation, including the workforce," the NUATE secretary general explained.

He said the above combination would best serve the purpose of a true turnaround of Arik which would be in the interest of all.

Aba said the incoming Minister of Aviation would have to give due consideration with view of fostering the needed synergy among all stakeholders to assure that the foregoing objectives are positively delivered in the interest of the owners, the Receivers Manager, the workers, other creditors of Arik Air, and the aviation industry at large.

continue to guarantee energy security for Nigeria’s massive population estimated to be 200 million.

“With a reserve base of 36.97 billion barrels of oil and 208.83 trillion cubic feet of gas which represents 33 per cent of Africa’s total gas reserves of 620 TCF, Nigeria can be described as a gas rich nation ranking number one in Africa in reserves with a life index of 94 years,” he added.

The commission’s chief executive stated that the endowment presents Nigeria in a dominant position in the entire Africa gas market, explaining that Nigeria has the potential to ensure sustained supply of natural gas across the sub-Saharan region of Africa, if the necessary financing and infrastructure are in place.

The Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 (PIA), Komolafe said, has brought about significant reforms in the Nigerian petroleum industry, noting that the Act has also engendered the much desired reforms aimed at ensuring the rapid development and effective production of Nigeria’s gas resources by providing very attractive fiscal terms for investors.

“For instance, the Act provides for lower royalty rate for domestic gas (2.5 per cent). To operationalise the Act, the commission has also developed key regulations and initiatives that will ensure accelerated gas exploration and

development to deepen domestic use for industrialization and export opportunities for enhanced revenue generation,” Komolafe said.

He commended the NAEE for its consistency and resilience in organising the annual event, saying the association had continued to play an active role in building professional capacity for the oil, gas and power sectors in Nigeria.

Komolafe stated that over the last two centuries, the world has witnessed the evolution of various energy sources, from the traditional biomass to coal, oil and gas, hydropower, wind, solar, blue hydrogen and other renewables.

However, he argued that today, oil and gas has remained the most dominant source in the energy mix.

He added that the global call for decarbonisation and increased focus on cleaner energies has provided the avenue for Africa to diversify its portfolio, while leveraging its abundant oil and gas resources for energy security and economic development.

He expressed optimism that the conference will achieve the intended objectives and recommended that the proceedings of the conference be made available to government as input to policy formulations in the energy and power sector as the new administration takes off in full throttle

Host Communities Laud Aliko Dangote over CSR

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The President of the Dangote groups, Aliko Dangote has continued to receive torrents of acclamation from the communities hosting the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) in Nigeria. Dangote, who is the continent’s wealthiest person had earlier endowed his Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) with a whopping $1.25billion, with his businesses donating several billions of naira for numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across Africa.

This was contained in a statement from the Brand and Communications Department of the company, saying several billions of naira have been donated by Dangote to support health, education and environment in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation.

The host communities in the northern states of Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa and Adamawa, thumbed up DIL for what they described as significant interventions in their communities.

A catalogue of the CSR schemes in the coal mining communities of Benue showed that at the Effeche Akpali community, the company had completed several projects as contained in the Community Development Agreement (CDA).

The CDA signed by the company and host communities’ had helped accelerated the provision of infrastructural development around the host communities, the statement added.

Penultimate week, the Dangote Coal Mines donated multi-million naira in health and educational facilities to the coal mining communities of Ankpa Local Government Area

of Kogi.

The newly inaugurated facilities are located in the host communities of Awo Akpali and Awo Ojuwo in Ankpa Local Government Area.

General Manager, Special Duties, Dangote Mines Limited, Nuhu Elujah, said the projects are contained in the mutually consented CDA.

Elujah said the CDA was earlier signed by the Dangote Coal Mines and the host communities.

Reacting, the Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Abagwu, thanked the company for the gesture.

The representative of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Samuel Olaetan, commended the management of the company for fulfilling its promises.

He advised the host communities to continue to support the company

in the discharge of its CSR schemes.

The Monarch of Ankpa, Onu Ojoku, Alhaji Mohammed Ogbe, represented by his Council Secretary, Alhaji Usman Abu, lauded the efforts of Dangote Group for ensuring that the agreement signed by both parties came to fruition.

The National Chairman, Awo Community Development Association, Robert Agagwu, appreciated Dangote for the timely completion and delivery of the projects.

Only recently, the Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant commissioned a water project, even as it laid the foundation of a block of classrooms for secondary students.

Speaking at the event, the Baalo of Oyo, Oba Solomon Obahawu, said he was satisfied with the pace of infrastructural development in his community.

King Charles III with Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, at the Climate Finance Mobilisation Forum, conveyed by President Biden and King Charles III for world leaders held at Windsor Castle in London... yesterday

APC STATE CHAIRMEN MEETING...

Adeniyi: Customs Will Not Allow Saboteurs Take over Economy

Moves to overhaul procedures, processes at ports, borders Says heavy sanctions now await violators in new service law

Clarifies import tariffs not suspended on all goods by president

James Emejo and Aisha Kabiru in Abuja

The acting Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, yesterday read the riot act to economic saboteurs, insisting that the Customs cannot afford to allow them take over the economy.

Adeniyi, who admitted that there were still some incidences of petrol smuggling in some border stations, also noted that the rate of smuggling had reduced remarkably.

Addressing journalists shortly after the opening of a two-day sensitisation and management retreat on the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, he said the service was paying close attention to cases of smuggling across the borders, adding that the issue of fuel remained highly sensitive.

The acting customs boss further clarified that contrary to suggestions, President Bola Tinubu has not suspended import duty on goods following his recent Executive Orders.

Rather, he said there were tax reviews on certain items.

He said, “I mean, that’s too sweepy; there are some strategies on tax and revenue that were reviewed, just some part of it –excise on telecoms, the variations in vehicles among others. It’s just some parts that were suspended. So, the suspension does not affect the regular import of goods and I think you have to get that very clearly.”

Adeniyi further revealed that as part of the critical first steps of his administration, the service would review procedures and processes in the ports and border areas as well as boost its enforcement strategies going forward.

“We are going to review all of that and we want to do them in such a way that they promote user-friendliness, economic growth without compromising our national security,” he said.

Nonetheless, he said the current Customs regulation which came into effect in 1958, has had several defects that impeded the effective operations of the service.

He said with the present business dynamics, and volume of international trade which had changed tremendously including the technological revolution in every sphere of influence, the Customs space cannot be exempted.

Adeniyi said, “So, we need a stronger legislative framework; we need a framework that is more adaptable and flexible and that allows us to infuse our technological solutions and innovations into our operations. These and more are what this new legislation has given to us and we are excited.”

He said the service intended to tighten the noose around economic saboteurs by strengthening the punitive instrument to serve as a deterrent.

The acting Customs CG added: “We discovered that the previous legislation did not provide sanctions that are punitive enough for violations of customs laws.

“Some of the fines were ridiculous – remember that this piece of legislation was put in place in 1958. You won’t believe that in some parts of the legislation – some fines were written in pennies. And when you translate them, they mean nothing.

“So, criminals are always willing to commit fraud because they know they are going to get a slap on the wrist. What this law has brought are very heavy punitive sanctions that should deter people from committing those violations against the customs law.”

Speaking further on the new legal regime, he said the service has been statutorily empowered to among other things administer and enforce the provisions of the Act; collect and account for revenue from customs and excise; promote trade facilitation;

prevent smuggling activities and carryout border enforcement; and do such other things as are necessary for or incidental to the performance of the function and duties of the Service under the Act.

He noted that as a responsible institution, the NCS was not unmindful of the fact that the members of the public were not yet familiar with the provisions of the new legislation, particularly the new procedure, processes, and the stiff punitive provisions in the law.

He added: “We are equally appreciative of the urgent need to

new legal regime,

projects exceeding 10% of total capital expenditure require FEC approval Customs retains 4% free-on-board value of imports

sensitise the public on the provisions of this law to prevent the excuse of ignorance of the law, which is not a defense.

“The service will continue to sensitise and educate the public on the provisions of the law and customs procedure and processes.”

He said the workshop was just an introduction to the new law, adding that the appreciation and understanding of the law shall be due to the constant study, usage, and application.

In his remarks however, Chairman, House Committee on Customs

and Excise in the 9th National Assembly, Hon. Leke Abejide, who also sponsored the bill, noted that assent to the bill was declined on three occasions before the eventual passage.

He said for the first time since the inception of the service, the idea of always going cap in hand for finances in order to perform its lawful and statutory duties had become a thing of the past with the introduction of Section 18 of the Act.

The section provides for a sum not less than four per cent of the Free-On-Board (FOB) value of

imports according to international best practice as part of the funds the service shall keep and maintain for its operation. In addition, Section 18(6)(a) further empowered the NCS to superintend over its budget line items whose cost is 10 per cent or less of the entire capital budget under review. Abejide, said this makes it faster for the service to be able to implement its capital projects as quickly as possible to enhance the performance of officers in service delivery.

NIIA: Nigeria at Precipice of History with New Administration’s Policy Priorities

The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) has said that Nigeria is currently at the precipice of history with the development trajectory and foreign policy priorities of the country being remapped and reconfigured by the current administration.

The institute in a statement yesterday, also stated that, “the ability of democratically elected leaders to assuage Nigerians, at home and in the Diaspora, of the humanitarian

benefits of their policies is tied to a thorough conceptualisation of what our national interests are, amid several competing interests.”

NIIA while expressing its compliments to THISDAY for the laudable work it had been doing in informing public discourse on local and international issues, stated: “We believe that Nigeria is currently at the precipice of history. As the development trajectory and foreign policy priorities of the country are being remapped and reconfigured by the current administration, the

institute notes that the ability of democratically elected leaders to assuage Nigerians, at home and in the Diaspora, of the humanitarian benefits of their policies is tied to a thorough conceptualisation of what our national interests are, amid several competing interests.”

The statement added: “As Nigeria’s foremost think-tank on international affairs, the NIIA has contributed, in no small measure, to the positioning, coordination, and promotion of Nigeria’s foreign policy and national interests.

FG to Ratify Electric Vehicle Development Plan This Month

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government would ratify the Electric Vehicle Development Plan in the next two weeks.

The Director General National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu, made this disclosure yesterday, in Abuja at the presentation of two locally assembled electric vehicles with charging infrastructure by the CEO of Jet Motor, Oluwemimo Osanipin.

Aliyu said the ratification would set up physical, non-physical and other programmes to support local production of electric vehicles, stressing such initiative will also fully support the scale up and production of electric vehicles in

the country.

“We are ratifying that document in the next two weeks. And as soon as we do that we will get all the necessary buying of all the relevant stakeholders. We will put it in front of the senior leadership and once we get it approved we hope the implementation will begin,” Aliyu said.

He stated the document would require Nigeria to meet certain percentages and targets in terms of local production, adding it will look at least 30 per cent local production of electric vehicles and the gradual increase in the number of electric vehicles in the country.

The DG NADDC noted that following the ratification of the document there would be

orders that would mandate all federal government MDAs, state governments, local governments and companies doing government contracts to purchase and use electric vehicles.

He said that the transition by Nigeria from fuel powered vehicle to electric vehicle would be a phrased approach adding the ultimate target is to achieve a net zero by 2060 in terms of environmental sustainability.

He said apart from providing comfortable means of transportation electric vehicle will have local content in them in terms of physical product, local content and intellectual property that go in its development.

“There is nothing that this country

lacks in form of human capital. We just need to be more proactive, productive and progressive. The era of electric vehicle has come, whether it is to protect the environment or for economic reason. It is a solution we must pursue and give all support.

So, as Nigerians we need to adopt it, we need to own it and run with it,” Aliyu said.

The NADDC DG said electric car was versatile while hoping to work with the private sector towards the mass deployment of fast charging points on highways in major cities across the country.

The CEO of Jet Motor, Osanipin said electric car is different because it does require spare parts, is easy to maintain and unlike cars with ICU that run on PMS.

“We endeavour to provide consistent and evidence-based information and analyses on the changing dynamics of global affairs and trends.”

The institute however noted that in recent times, “the increasing level of agitations and concerns that have emerged from the articulation and assertion of interests by state and non-state actors under the current neoliberal order.

“These contestations usually revolve around questions of state legitimacy, ethno-nationalism, and resource allocation.

“If not properly and promptly addressed by national and international actors, these agitations could potentially result in the escalation of conflict situations and depredation of fundamental freedoms, posing remarkable threats to the security of lives and properties across countries. The ongoing Russo-Ukraine war and the protracted Sudan conflict are instructive cases.”

It disclosed that to further interrogate the subject matter, a guest lecture on the theme “Utmost Freedom: The Real Essence of National Interest,” would be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Furthermore, it revealed that the guest lecture would be delivered by Prof. Babafemi Badejo, an erudite Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Chrisland University and former Head of Political Affairs, at UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

L-R: APC Deputy National Chairman, Sen Abubakar Kyari; Chairman, APC, Imo State, Dr. Ebere Mcdonald; APC National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu; Deputy National Chairman, South, Chief, Emma Eneukwu and Chairman, APC, Borno State, Alibukar Dalori, during the APC State Chairmen meeting with the party national leaders at the party's headquarters in Abuja...yesterday

PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

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At 64,603.69, Stock Market Benchmark Index Hits 15-year High

Kayode Tokede

The stock market arm of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) opened the new week strong yesterday, as the benchmark index gained 2.48 per cent to close at 64,603.69 basis points, the highest point since March 17, 2008.

Also, the market capitalisation rose by N851 billion to close at N35.177 trillion, propelled by surge in Dangote Cement Plc and 70 others.

Sectoral performance was bullish as the NGX Industrial Index gained

5.13per cent, the NGX Oil and Gas rose by 2.61per cent and the NGX Banking gained 1.73 per cent, while the NGX Consumer Goods dropped by 0.18 per cent. As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive, as 71 stocks gained relative to 19 losers.

DAAR Communications, Dangote Cement, MRS Oil Nigeria, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals and Jaiz Bank emerged the highest price gainers of 10 per cent each, to close at 22 kobo, N330.10, N109.45, N2.20 and N1.98 respectively, per share.

Transcorp Hotels followed with a gain of 9.98 per cent to close at N35.91, while Conoil advanced by 9.97 per cent to close at N112.50, per share.

On the other side, Pharma Deko led others on the losers’ chart with 9.85 per cent to close at N1.83, per share. Union Dicon Salt followed with a decline of 9.50 per cent to close at N8.10, while Berger Paints Nigeria shed 9.09 per cent to close at N10.00, per share.

Guinea Insurance lost 7.69 per cent to close at 24 kobo, while

Champion Breweries depreciated by 5.43 per cent to close at N4.35, per share.

The total volume of trades increased by 49.80 per cent to 1.839 billion units, valued at N22.033 billion, and exchanged in 14,584 deals. Transactions in the shares of FBN Holdings (FBNH) led the activity with 198.222 million shares worth N4.418 billion, Universal Insurance followed with account of 184.656 million shares valued at N53.465 million, while Sterling Financial Holdings Company traded

161.679 million shares valued at N724.332 million.

Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) traded 156.417 million shares worth N706.916 million, while AIICO Insurance traded 98.322 million shares worth N73.579 million.

In their review of the market performance, analysts at InvestmentOne Research stated, “The local equities market recorded a positive performance today driven by the gains printed across major sectors.

“Going forward, we expect inves-

tor’s sentiment to be swayed by the search for real positive returns and developments in the interest rate space. We reiterate that this may be a great period to pick up some quality names with a medium to long-term investment horizon.”

Commenting on their expectations for the week, analysts at United Capital Plc stated, “we expect the bullish sentiments in the equities market to persist on the back of the attractiveness of the market over the depressed rates in the fixed-income market.

The letter titled, “Re: Shares Belonging to Honeywell Group Limited, Honeywell Flour Mill Plc, Anchorage Leisures Limited, Siloam Global Services Limited. and Dr. Obafemi Otudeko in FBN Holdings Plc or in Any Other Entity,” was signed by Oludare Amusan, who is the Insolvency Forte LP at

Kunle Ogunba & Associates. Ecobank pointed out that the loans were personally guaranteed by Otudeko. Honeywell Group Limited (HGL), in its latest strategic investment in FBN Holdings through its affiliate company, Barbican Capital Limited, had last week purchased 4,770,269,843 FBN Holdings shares in a cross deal worth N87.8 billion. The company had also said its investment in the holdco was to create value for shareholders. Barbican is owned by Honeywell Group and Otudeko. The FBN Holdings shares Honeywell Group purchased were at N19 per unit,

which was the largest volume of FBN Holdings shares traded in a single day since 2012.

But reacting to the development, Ecobank, through its lawyers, in the letter obtained by THISDAY yesterday, stated, “We are Counsel to Ecobank Nigeria Limited, (hereinafter referred to as ‘our client’) on whose behalf and express directive, we author the instant. Please, be informed that our client instituted several law suits against Honeywell Group Limited, Siloam Global Services Limited, Anchorage Leisures Limited, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, and Oba Otudeko at the Federal High Court, Lagos, in

view of recouping the humongous indebtedness of the highlighted entities to our client.

N13.5BN DEBT: TUSSLE FOR FIRSTBANK TAKES ANOTHER TURN AS ECOBANK ACCUSES OTUDEKO OF DIVERTING ASSETS pointed out that Honeywell Group and Otudeko were indebted to the bank to the tune of N13,507,052,417.99. It stated that with the investment in FBN Holdings, Honeywell Group and Otudeko were diverting funds that ought to be used for the repayment of the loans.

“It is particularly noteworthy that Dr. Oba Otudeko personally guaranteed the loan leading to the humongous indebtedness of the prior-mentioned companies.

“Whereas, the prior-mentioned entities had initially disputed their indebtedness to our client and had consequently filed an action in court to that effect, the Supreme Court on the 27th day of January, 2023, in Appeal No. SC/CV/210/2021 delivered judgement affirming the indebtedness of the above persons

AKEREDOLU IN STATE OF EXTREME INCAPACITY, HOSPITALISED, APC CHAIR, ADAMU, DECLARES

Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale

in Abuja and Fidelis David in Akure

National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, yesterday, declared that the ailing Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, was incapacitated and hospitalised.

Adamu stated this at a meeting between the national leadership of the party and APC state chairmen.

The national chairman also urged President Bola Tinubu to carry the leadership of the party along in the appointment of ministers in his cabinet.

Earlier, Akeredolu, who is also the chairman of South West Governor's Forum, wrote to the state House of Assembly to extend his medical leave and the acting period by the deputy governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

In another development, Tinubu returned to Abuja yesterday after a two-day official visit to Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, to attend the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Addressing the APC state chairmen, Adamu revealed that Akeredolu was incapacitated and currently hospitalised overseas.

"In the same vein, we regret to announce the extreme incapacity of the governor of Ondo State, who we understand has been hospitalised overseas,” Adamu said. “We wish and pray for him for a speedy recovery," he added.

On the state of the party, Adamu said while APC governors were the leaders of the party in their respective states, the party chairmen ran the party on a daily basis. He added that an atmosphere of understanding between the chairmen, the governors, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) would go a long way in enhancing good leadership of the party.

According to him, there would also be good understanding “if you do know which way we are going at the national level. So that we can all hope and go in the same direction with you.”

Adamu stressed that after the 2023 elections, the ruling party had 20 governors. He said he was optimistic that the party would win the three off-season governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states.

The APC national chairman stated, "Every APC member has an inherent right to hope to get some patronage. And we can all get one here. We cannot all be ministers of the government. We cannot all end up as board members, directors of parastatals and MDAs across the country. We do expect some patronage from the government that we are forming.

"The president has just started. And he is doing his extensive

consultation before coming up with his nominees for ministers. The nomination of the ministers will come first. They will go through their screening until they are pronounced after they have been submitted before Mr. President. And Mr President will formally appoint his ministers and swear them in.

"Only after doing that will he disclose each of them to the country to know which minister is going to which ministry. And how many ministries we are going to have. After that is done, the ministers assume office and make a comprehensive report starting from all the ministries.

“And MDAs under them. Before we are going to know what vacancies exist for chief executives, directors and part time directors. These are some of the exercises that will take place within the next two months. It cannot happen by next week but certainly that is what we should be expecting.

"It is our hope and prayers that Mr. President will come along with us in that regard and strengthen the relationship of the party in the states and at the national level will enjoy some level of patronage in the new government. Those are the key issues that we do hope to share with you in the course of this meeting."

Adamu expressed regrets over the kidnapping of APC state chairman in Ekiti State, and hoped that he would be free soonest.

He said, "We announce with the deepest sense of sorrow, a member of the state chairmen, the chairman of Ekiti State. We got to know today that he was kidnapped. And as at the time of coming to this meeting, he was still in the hands of the kidnappers."

Akeredolu Writes Ondo Assembly, Extends Medical Leave

Chairman of South West Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi

Akeredolu (SAN), forwarded a letter of extension of his medical leave to the state House of Assembly.

This came days after the 66-yearold governor assured residents of the state that he was in high spirits and had full faith in the expertise of his doctors. He promised to return to his official duties soon.

Akeredolu had embarked on a 21-day medical leave on June 7 and was expected to return home on July 6, 2023 (today) to start performing his constitutional duties.

He had written to the state legislature in line with constitutional provisions to proceed on medical leave and handed over power to his deputy, Aiyedatiwa to act in his stead.

Receiving the extension letter on behalf of the lawmakers, Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly,

Olamide Oladiji, said the governor’s action was in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). According to the letter, his deputy, Aiyedatiwa would continue to act as governor until there was a written declaration to the contrary.

Oladiji, who expressed appreciation to God for the speedy recovery of the governor, expressed optimism that he would soon resume his duties.

Akeredolu was seen briefly in public shortly after he returned to the state from his 15-working days annual leave on May 1, but his ill-health continued to generate anxiety.

The governor was reportedly treating leukemia, cancer of the blood, caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in the body. It is a cancer of blood-forming tissues that hinders the body’s ability to fight infections.

Tinubu Back in Abuja after Trip to Guinea-Bissau

President Bola Tinubu returned

to Abuja yesterday evening after a two-day official visit to Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau. Tinubu was in that country to attend the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

He arrived the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, about 6:30pm aboard the NAF 001 Boeing 737 jet. While in Bissau, Tinubu was on Sunday unanimously elected the new Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, making his election one of the fastest into that office. It came 41 days after his election as president of Nigeria.

In his acceptance speech as Chairman of ECOWAS, Tinubu pledged to run an inclusive administration of the regional organisation. He warned that terrorism and the persistent pattern of coup d’etat in the region had reached alarming proportions and demanded urgent and concerted action.

to our client and further commanded that they must pay all outstanding debts that have accrued under the loan contract between the parties; being the same debt personally guaranteed by Dr. Oba Otudeko, which said indebtedness stood in the sum of N13,507,052,417.99 (Thirteen Billion, Five Hundred and Seven Million, Fifty Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventeen Naira, Ninety-Nine Kobo) as at 31st Day of January, 2023, whilst interest continues to accrue on the due debts as legally sanctioned by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the highest court in the land, aforesaid.”

Ecobank argued that instead of taking steps to repay their indebtedness in line with the mandate of the Supreme Court, “it has come to our notice that Dr. Oba Otudeko (being the prime move and alter ego of the debtor companies who personally guaranteed to repay the said debt), has taken steps to divert his assets/funds and those of the debtor companies.

“This he has done by using a company known as Barbican Capital Limited (special purpose vehicle), which was recently and hurriedly incorporated after the judgement of the Supreme Court (specifically on the 9th day of March, 2023). We state that the said Dr. Oba Otudeko has via the said Barbican Capital Limited ‘allegedly’ purchased an aggregate of 4,770,269,843 (Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Seventy Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty-Three) shares of FBN Holdings Plc.”

Ecobank Nigeria stated that it was duly informed that the said shares were purchased from Dongonyaro Investments Limited, Home Securities Limited, Skyview Estates Limited, Thames Investment & Securities Ltd., ESBI (WA) Limited, Fistful Securities Limited, Zanfara Packages, Row Park Limited Edenvale Limited, Mansion House Limited, Bethlehem Properties Limited and Musa Haruna Foods.

Others included Yazidu Zakari Ventures Limited, Thornbull Securities Limited, Moore House Limited, Impressario Limited, Mahmoud Alheri Limited, Timothy Banfield Limited, The Whitebread Limited, and Penrose Securities Limited.

Furthermore, the bank stated that it was duly notified that the said shares purchased by Otudeko albeit Honeywell Group Limited, via Barbican Capital Limited, were being held in the names of: Peace Account GASL Nominee Limited, Bluenote Ltd., RAML/MEF9, RAML Account Management Services, Monarch Securities Ltd., Mansion House Limited., Alliance Estates Ltd., Edebvale Ltd., Metropolitan Trust Nig. Ltd, and Spring Water Limited.

It added, “Consequent upon the foregoing crystalised facts, it is beyond doubt that the actions by taken by Dr. Oba Otudeko is targeted at diverting his assets and that of the Honeywell Group of Companies through Barbican Capital Limited, in order to frustrate the enforcement of the judgement of the Supreme Court against him and the Honeywell Companies, towards recovering his/their undisputed indebtedness to our client.

“We, therefore, demand that you respectfully stay/reject the approval/consent/registration/ ratification (however described or in whatsoever manner) of shares bought by the said Barbican Capital Limited held via the afforested entities, as proceeding with such approval/ registration will be tantamount to assisting in the diversion of funds/ assets meant for the payment of the debt which has been affirmed by the Supreme Court, same being a flagrant violation of the extant judgement of the Supreme Court and which has effectively determined the outstanding indebtedness between the Honeywell Group and our client Ecobank Nigeria Limited.

OBASANJO: N'ASSEMBLY’S HUGE SALARY PACKAGE NEITHER CONSTITUTIONAL NOR MORAL

Yesterday, also, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, warned the President Bola Tinubu government against infusing sentiments into the process of governance.

Similarly, Lagos-based lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), called on Tinubu to lead the anti-corruption campaign with a view to ending the menace in the country.

That was as the Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, described Babalola as a special gift to Ekiti State, Nigeria, and humanity, in general.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye, Ojaja II; former Ekiti State governor, Segun Oni; and former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, among others, equally celebrated the legal icon’s 60 years at the bar.

Speaking at the occasion, Obasanjo described democracy as a journey and not a destination, explaining that democracy can only be strengthened if the players respect and implement the constitution to the letter.

“Democracy doesn’t mean anything to any man who is hungry, whose life is in danger or whose property is being destroyed,” Obasanjo said.

Pointedly addressing the remuneration of National Assembly members, Obasanjo alleged that the legislators did not allow the institution constitutionally saddled with the responsibility to determine their pay, but decided to fix it themselves.

He stated, “By the Nigerian con-

stitution, the revenue mobilisation and fiscal commission is supposed to fix the salaries and emoluments of members of the National Assembly. But they set the constitution aside and decided to fix their salaries. Even if it’s constitutional, it is not moral. But it is neither constitutional nor moral.”

On his part, Kukah warned against infusing sentiments into the governance process, stressing that upholding the principles of democracy requires selfless service, which should not be sentimentally driven, to foster development. He maintained that many leaders had limited development to their home towns, which, according to him, did not project democracy.

Kukah said, “I must say that Daura in Kastina has enjoyed development over time, owing to the fact that it is the home town of the former president (Muhammadu Buhari). It is disheartening to know that even Kastina as a whole is not even close to development, despite Daura being part of its domain. This does not speak well of our democracy.”

Falana said until Nigeria returned to the era, when corrupt public officers could not take part in the decision-making process, the country might never move forward. He said the country was yet to be free from the shackles of corruption, as politicians accused of corrupt practices were still parading the corridors of power Falana stated, “Let the president lead an anti-corruption crusade, as right now, we are in trouble as a country. Let’s go back to the era,

where people who have been involved in corruption and looting, cannot take part in the decision making process of the country.”

He urged the government to desist from religious discrimination “in places where there are mosques but not church, let the Christians go to court, as it is an act of discrimination.”

Falana also urged citizens to realise and take advantage of their rights, saying, “When a person is killed, one can sue the government to punish the offender or to pay a fee as compensation.”

Oyebanji, who reminisced on Babalola's prominent role in the struggle and eventual creation of Ekiti State, said the actualisation of the creation of the state was what provided an opportunity for him and all previous governors to become governors at different times.

The governor also recalled how he used Babalola’s facilities at his Emmanuel Chamber, in Ibadan, for his master’s degree programme at the University of Ibadan in the early nineties.

Oyebanji said he was always getting his papers typed and photocopied at the chamber through a friend, who was a lawyer at the chamber at the time. He added that when he asked what would be Babalola’s reaction if he got to know an outsider was using his facilities, his friend replied him that he (Babalola) would be happy to hear that his resources were being used to assist someone in need.

The governor further narrated how he joyfully carried Babalola’s books during the presentations on

Ekiti State creation at the panel set up by the then military government. He also talked about the legal luminary’s demonstrated humility and brilliance during the presentations and the meetings.

Oyebanji said, "Daddy, I congratulate you, thank you so much for what you are for humanity; thank you so much for providing a platform for those that are hopeless to have hope, thank you, Daddy, because I can stand here today as Governor of Ekiti State because of people like you.

"When I picked up a lecturing job at University of Ado Ekiti and then started the struggle for the creation of state, I joined the committee as a member and I later became the secretary of the committee. I was the youngest and I was shocked at Daddy's level of humility and commitment to that cause.

"One picture that always runs through my mind is the day we were going for a panel at Akure to defend our request for the creation of Ekiti State. A night before the presentation, Daddy drove in from Ibadan. We were at Ewi's palace and Daddy insisted that we do a mock presentation and took comments from everybody.

"When we got to Akure the following day, Daddy's performance was unforgettable and that singular act of patriotism and commitment to your people gave us Ekiti State.

“If we don't have this state, I and all others that have been governors of this state will not have a platform to stand-in. So, on behalf of myself and all the governors before me, I say thank you, Sir."

PUBLIC THANKSGIVING AND APPRECIATION RECEPTION FOR OSINBAJO...

NNPC: 800,000-Litre Capacity Vessel with Stolen Crude Impounded Enroute Cameroon

Fadahunsi: Customs can generate N6tn annually if Military, security agencies curb smuggling Alleges IOCs, powerful Nigerians behind oil theft

Emmanuel Addeh, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday announced that following the receipt of credible intelligence, a private security contractor engaged by the firm, Messrs. Tantita Security Services, has intercepted a suspicious vessel with a cargo of crude oil on board.

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, is owned by former Militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.

The vessel, MT Tura II (IMO number: 6620462), owned by a Nigerian registered company, Holab Maritime Services Limited with registration number RC813311, it said, was heading to Cameroun

with the cargo on board.

A statement by the national oil company signed by the spokesman of the NNPC, Garba Muhammad, noted that the vessel was apprehended at an offshore location at latitude

5.8197194477543235° and longitude

4.789002723991871°, with the captain and crew members on board.

According to the NNPC, preliminary investigations revealed that the crude oil cargo onboard was illegally sourced from a well jacket offshore Ondo State, Nigeria. It added that there was no valid documentation for the vessel or the crude oil cargo onboard at the time of the arrest.

Further investigation into the activities of the vessel at the NNPC Limited command and control centre, Muhammad said,

also revealed that the vessel had been operating in stealth mode for the last 12 years.

“The last reported location of the Vessel was Tin Can Port in July 2011,” he stated.

Details of the arrest and the outcomes of the investigations were escalated to the appropriate government authorities, upon which it was concluded to destroy the vessel to serve as a strong warning and deterrent to all those participating in such illegal activities to cease and desist, the NNPC said.

Destroying vessels involved in transporting stolen crude oil, it stressed, is of paramount importance as a strong deterrence.

“The illegal trade of stolen crude oil not only inflicts significant economic losses on Nigeria and legitimate stakeholders in the oil

industry, but also perpetuates a cycle of corruption, environmental devastation, and social instability.

“NNPC Ltd. assures Nigerians that we will sustain the momentum in the war against crude oil theft until it is brought to a halt,” the national oil company said.

THISDAY gathered that the vessel had once been arrested with the contents delivered to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while the vessel was handed over to the security agencies but allegedly escaped miraculously.

Briefing Journalists during an inspection of the vessel, anchored at Oporoza in Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West Local government area of Delta State yesterday, the Executive Director, Technical and Operations of Tantita Security

FG Engages NANS in Monitoring of Contracts in Tertiary Institutions

Donates 36-seater coaster bus to union to ease movements

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The federal government yesterday, officially engaged the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for monitoring all intervention projects it awarded to contractors in tertiary institutions. This came just as it purchased and donated a 36-seater coaster bus to the national leadership of the students’ union.

The government explained that engaging NANS on contract monitoring, was not only to ensure that quality jobs were done, but also for the timely execution of contracts carried out through its interventions in higher institutions of learning.

The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, while speaking at the presentation of the bus to the national leadership of

the union, led by NANS’ President, Usman Umar Barambu, in Abuja, said students would henceforth be its eyes in their respective institutions.

Echono, said the meeting with the national leadership of leadership was, “the continuation of our constant dialogue with stakeholders.”

He added: “Just as President Ahmed Tinubu has been preaching to the rest of us, the students are at the centre of any policy on education because education is about students.

“It involves those that teach but basically, every policy around education should be centred on students and how to prepare and how to engage them with the right skills and knowledge to be able to contribute meaningfully, to be able to contribute to society when they graduate.

“It is in the same light that TETFund is consulting with them to find

out their needs, their expectations, their aspirations to guide our own recommendations to Mr. President to make the right interventions.

“Another very significant engagement we are having with students is the fact that we want them to be our eyes in their respective institutions.”

He added: “TETFund’s intervention translates to the execution of projects, to the implementation of various intervention lines and this all happens on campuses.

“So, we want a situation where if anything is going wrong in any project on campus, we should have multiple ways to be able to get information and one of those is through the students themselves who should be the beneficiaries of those interventions.

“So by our programme, we want to be able to identify on each campus, a contact person

that would be able to liaise with our monitoring team and be able to engage. Sometimes, it will require us to just go visit a particular site to find out whether work is going on there or not, the quality of work and whether the contractor is actually there or not so we can have firsthand information and not when we wait for a school to apply for a particular tranche, then we send our team there and then discover that activities have already gone round.

“We feel that going forward, this will help even our monitoring process to be more transparent and more engaging. When people know that the students who are always constantly there are watching out and can have an avenue of letting TETFund know what’s going on, I’m sure those who are working on these projects will sit up and ensure that they do good quality work.”

Services, Captain Warredi Enisuoh said the vessel was arrested with 13 crew members during a sting operation in Ondo State.

He said the firm had deployed both human and technical intelligence in monitoring the movements of the vessel until it was finally caught last weekend.

Enisuoh disclosed that the original name of the vessel was Ali-Riza-Bey but was altered to MT Tura 11 to evade the eagle eyes is security agencies and, "unknown to the perpetrators, we have been monitoring the movements of the vessel until we finally apprehend her off the coast in Ondo State."

He confirmed that the vessel had once been arrested for same crude theft but disappeared in mysterious circumstances and "we are here with the same vessel committing the same atrocity."

Enisuoh commended the security agencies for their cooperation in the task to rid the maritime domain free of criminal activities recalling that the arrested vessel was constructed in 1965.

Commander, Joint Task Force

(JTF) Operation Delta Safe (OPDS)

Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, who led other service chiefs to the scene, said investigation is ongoing to unravel the perpetrators of the act.

Meanwhile, a retired deputy comptroller general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Senator Francis Fadahunsi, has said the NCS could generate N6 trillion annual revenue for the country.

To achieve this, he advised President Bola Tinubu to mandate the military and security agencies in the country to put an end to the massive smuggling currently going on in the country.

Fadahunsi, who is representing the Osun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, stated this while speaking with journalists yesterday in Abuja.

The vice-chairman,. Senate Committee on Customs and Excise in the 9th Senate, also alleged that some international oil companies and highly influential Nigerians were actively involved in massive crude oil theft in the Niger Delta

region.

He therefore said unless the president gives necessary directive to relevant security and military agencies, the country would continue to experience revenue leakages.

He said, "Some international oil companies and highly influential Nigerians are behind the crude oil theft in Nigeria. It did not start today; the practice has been on for a long time.

"Unfortunately the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is doing nothing spectacular to stop the theft.

"Each of the affected IOCs have separate channels with which they are siphoning crude to waiting vessels on the high seas with the active connivance of the military and security operatives saddled with the responsibilities of protecting the nation's oil assets.

"If the practice continues Nigeria will continue to experience shortage in its daily oil production quota.

"Some highly influential Nigerians in and outside government are also smuggling crude with smaller vessels through Benin Republic enroute Lagos.

"Many powerful Nigerians in and outside the government also operate big departmental stores selling foreign products and they failed to pay duties on their goods.

"If President Bola Tinubu could focus special attention on Customs, the country would generate enough revenue for the nation.

"The President needs the support of competent, experienced and professionals in both in the executive and the legislature to stop the massive revenue leakages the country is currently experiencing."

He disagreed with the proposed plan to make the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the main revenue collector for the NCS and the Nigeria Ports Authority.

"The president should give customs, a target of N6 trillion per annum. The service has highly trained personnel that could meet the target. Customs alone can generate the revenues the country needs to service its debts,” he added.

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri; former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; former Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his wife, Betsy, during a Public Thanksgiving and Appreciation Reception organized in honour of former Vice President, Osinbajo, at the Obafemi Awolowo Square in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State... recently

VICTOR C. ARIOLE

Putin is another Hitler in the making and should be stopped, argues

STALIN, HITLER AND WAGNER

REVISITED

General Eduard Wagner was one of the trusted Generals of Hitler and he manned the army supply of Hitler aka Quartermaster general. He had wanted to penetrate deeply the Russian territory as Russians had been the toughest and hardest nut to crack in the WW2 period having already occupied France right from the earliest period of even as a French man had to be loyal to Hitler while General Charles de Gaulle organized the loyal colonial army and resistant French soldiers from Algeria for a re-take of France.

General Eduard Wagner wanted to hit the Russians with winter kits and as he was not getting the supply right, he wrote to Hitler to supply what it takes to occupy Leningrad. It did not

the Jews could feel safer, already demonstrated by Stalin and with Russia occupying a surface of over 17 million Km2, and accommodating the Jews had a better combination of Nationalities that could do better on leader in how to blend Nationalities for the Bolshevic anachronistic interest with the bourgeois movement led by the West, USA especially.

Stalin seems a better reformed 1917 revolutionary Russian in which people like Albert Camus subscribed to as a better approach to leading humanity. However, Camus felt that the trials and perversions seen in Gulag Russia, furnished the type of freedom the West and USA represented in their bourgeois approach to leadership, a good conscience and a worthy argument against the Bolshevik revolution; hence the reason to question the attitude of Putin in his quest to occupy other countries that stretch from Siberian borders to China, crossing Kazhaskan, starting from what he calls military says he would not aim farther than Ukraine in his westward move.

JOSEF OMOROTIONMWAN canvasses adequate involvement of women in politics

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR WOMEN IN POLITICS

Which country ever short-changes itself the way Nigeria does? We approach every major election by constructively eliminating more than 50% of our potent population (women) from unwittingly, that’s what Nigeria does.

In the 2023 election cycle, Nigeria almost by default. What we saw in Adamawa State was that even in Nigeria, illegality is male by birth. Even in a country where most elections are stolen, the attempt to smuggle in Senator illegality, no thanks to the clumsiness of the male politicians who were by gender, supposed to be

It is still a tale of the man and the dog. When a dog bites a man, it is no news but if a man bites a dog, it hits the headline the world over. When a man steals an election in Nigeria, it is normal; before it begins. The man soon becomes the

So it is in Nigeria that over the years, men have dominated the political space almost to the

greater impact. For Obama, “The single best indicator of whether a nation will succeed is how it treats its women… Nobody would put out a football team and just play half the team.”

In all this, there is no alternative to compensatory justice for women. It is not enough to tell women that they are now free to compete on equal footing with men. That would simply be like being engaged in a long distance race in which some of the runners are forcibly held back at the starting line, until the other runners have passed the half way mark.

treatment enjoys full support from the fact that it is required by justice in order to atone for past wrongs. It makes sense discriminating, to also make compensatory award for previous injuries.

There is no reason why a society that has discriminated against women for so long should not be required to make what is at best a most modest compensation for past wrongs.

We have heard of political parties in Nigeria priding themselves for waiving the nomination fees for female aspirants. This is benign tokenism and it simply begs the question. We do not know of any serious aspirant to a position whose only handicap

a frustration that led him to join a conspiracy to assassinate Hitler though for him, that could not be possible as he supplied the jet that ought to carry but he wanted Heinrich Himmler in it also. Heinrich Himmler is known to be the right-hand man of Hitler who was the greatest enemy of the Jews

Like General Wagner targeting a holocaust engineered Himmler, like the current loader of Wagner group Yevgeny Prigozhin, of Jewish origin, even when not practicing Jew like Volodymr Zelensky, could be said to “nazi regime” which Putin claims is gathering in Ukraine.

Report has it that over one million Russians were on the side of Himmler and Hitler in their avowed holocaust Russian war leaders.

Stalin was greatly supported by the feeling Jews who found refuge in USSR and its environs. To Joseph Stalin, of nationalities in USSR, anti-Semitics are seen like cannibals and must be dealt with decisively.

Hatred and revenge seem to be driving the current war in Ukraine. Hitler lost control because of hatred, unmindful of the fact that a totalitarian ruler has a limit to which his control likes and that someone seen to be his cherished General, Wagner, was not with him; and that Wagner’s interest

Hitler has aimed the same way to claim a very strong Third Reich and it went well with General Wagner. Their interest only failed to intersect at the point which Hitler felt that his Reich would be better without the Jews, while Stalin intersects with General Wagner for the safety of the Jews for a better progressive world.

Those interests are what, currently, Putin and European Union are at war with in Ukraine – Bourgeois interests and botched Bolshevik interest as Russian is now ruled by oligarchs including private military companies funded by the state in which Wagner they are creating instability in West and empire.

of countries like Putin is doing from Georgia, Chechnya, Estonia, Armenia Afghanistan, etc. Putin is like another Hitler for the world and needed to be stopped; and Wagner group that he uses must be checked worldwide before they turn to the new wave of the Viking raiders.

Unfortunately the United Nations that dissolved the League of Nations seems not capable of convening conferences or calling on other concerned nations to appeal or force Russia to stop the killing of Ukrainians. Russia being one of the permanent members of the Security Council has violated its own veto rule of the sanctity of sovereign nations hence ought to be seen as an outcast.

Ariole

is a Professor of French and Francophone Studies, University of Lagos

Women are not asking for parity with men. They are asking for adequate representation. We claim in the abstraction that people are born free, but they are everywhere in chains. Until recently, the woman’s place in Nigeria was in the kitchen.

Women were bogusly labeled homemakers –family; come home and cook the meals; and stay at home to take care of the children.

Slightly above that level – particularly in the rural areas – women were “beasts of burden”. They went to the farm to fetch food items and went to far away rivers in search of water for domestic services.

In the beginning, although we realized that education was a major driving force for development, women were denied access to it. The few women who went to school were given access to restricted areas – while their male counterparts went to engineering schools, they went for typing and secretarial studies.

Many people of goodwill have been in the vanguard, agitating for the abolition of discrimination against women.

For the former President of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, “the two legs on which any nation should stand and walk or run are its manhood and womanhood”. On his part, the former President of the United States of America, Barack of the African woman on his head.

Obama advised that Africans can no longer pay mere lip service to women’s liberation and that the time had come to do away with archaic practices that dehumanize the African woman. He stressed the need for total inclusion of women in every aspect of development for

with any Greek gift that costs society nothing. The goals of gender equality cannot be attained if we do not adopt the type of measures that have been adopted in places like the United Nations and Kenya.

The Kenyan Constitution provides that no gender shall occupy more than twothirds of the positions in any government department. At the United Nations, where male and female candidates are equally gets automatic preference.

We recommend a situation where candidates for principal positions are compelled by law to have the opposite gender as running mates. Under such an arrangement, at no time will you have the female-folk totally missing from governance. Political leaders must be warned that they are propping up a female candidate, not simply because she has two breasts and two legs; but she must be adequately competitive and combative; and capable of winning the election and representing the people.

Apparently, our stand on this subject has been taken with a pinch of salt. Or, as they put it in local parlance, we might have been storing our water in a leaking clay pot. We notice with sadness and a deep sense of loss that in the Ninth National Assembly, a measure commonly referred to as the gender bill strayed into the national assembly and the male-dominated legislature tossed the bill out of the window with the left hand. This bill was one bold measure that attempted to legislatures. We urge the Tenth National Assmbly to quickly bring back that bill and action is the only option!

is for women and they cannot stand aloof while the battle rages. They must quickly close ranks.

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

STILL ON POLICE BRUTALITY

The errant officers should be brought to justice

Unchecked police brutality is still on the loose. Last week, the acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, disbanded a police team in Ekpoma, Edo State, caught in a viral video with their patrol vehicle. According to the police, the middle-aged man was driving an unregistered car and demanded the vehicle particulars. Others stated that the man was brutalised over his refusal to allow the police go through his mobile phones. In the aftermath, the victim was left with several bruises on his body. “I don’t think a normal human being can do this. To crush a man with a car? This is unbelievable. We need to take urgent action on this. It is strange to me as a person,” Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adeyobi, said.

While we sympathise with the victim, reportedly recuperating in the hospital, the incident has again highlighted the issue of police brutality and reinforces a vicious cycle of violence currently taking place in the country. Nigerians are familiar with several cases of ill-treatments, torture of suspects by police operatives which have resulted in wanton loss of lives. Despite the high-level rhetoric on police reform, particularly after the December 2021 EndSARS protests, no concrete actions have been taken.

Section one of the “Anti-Torture Act” imposes an obligation on the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure that all persons, including suspects, detainees and prisoners are always respected and that no person under investigation or held in custody is subjected to any form of physical or mental torture. Yet, our security operatives are notorious for physical assaults on suspects in the bid to extract information or to subdue them. The indiscriminate use of brutal force, as the Ekpoma incident suggests, inevitably creates a vicious cycle, and draws attention to the pathetic state of the

ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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Letters to the Editor

Nigerian Police in terms of training and operational tools.

The root of these human rights violations is an embarrassing ignorance on the part of security operatives of the basic rights of citizens in a democratic society. This newspaper has said the Nigeria Police because we believe what they do is a dangerous job as they confront the brutalities that the rest of society only imagine or watch on television from the comfort of their homes. There is therefore the need to strengthen the Nigeria police professionalism and structure, so that it sustains the capacity to carry out its constitutional responsibility of maintaining law and order.

But it is important to let the police know that treating people with contempt, hostility, or applying excessive force does not in any way advance the cause of law enforcement in the country. The police authorities must deal with the impression that those who carry arms on behalf of the state are licensed to act above the law. Across the country, many citizens are molested and brutalised by the police, soldiers and sundry security personnel who carry on their duties with impunity. Police training should not be restricted to the use of the extent of provocation, a person in uniform must not resort to taking the law into their own hands. It is heartwarming that the police operatives involved are currently facing disciplinary charges and administrative procedures for their unprofessional conduct. The acting Inspector General of Police must regularise and standardise security operations across the country and restore public trust in the police. Additionally, the outcome of the inquiry should be made public in order to hold the victim.

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

LETTERS

ATTENTION: BENUE STATE GOVERNOR

The last administration in Benue State and in Nigeria was unnecessarily good at issuing press releases to condemn the attacks and killings of people in the state and the country. Though, the former Governor Samuel Ortom was relentlessly speaking out, but he could not prevent the killings.

In this new administration, condemnation of invasions and killings of our people should be matched with actions, and not press releases and the mere words of mouth. There was a press release on the killing of people in Akpuuna Village in Mbaterem, Ukum LGA of the state to condemn the act. It should not stop at that, action should be taken to bring the perpetrators to justice so that others with similar intentions would

learn.

Remember that in your inaugural speech, you said you were already aware of the task ahead of you and you promised to address issues without shifting blame. Your followers won’t take any excuse from you after failing to address disturbing issues in order to achieve the needed development.

Your Excellency Sir, I wish you well and I believe that you have what it takes to address the insecurity in the state especially as some of the killings are not coming from the Fulani herdsmen but from your own Tiv People against fellow Tiv.

Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja

AN HONORABLE WAR?

War is complex, we honor those that serve and rightfully, and we all hope for no more wars, but they continue to occur. It is obvious that there will be losses of lives, always far too many, and they should not be those of innocent bystanders. The latest move by the USA to provide cluster bombs to the Ukrainian forces is simply wrong, not just because they are banned by more than 100 countries, not just because the Russian forces are using them but because of the impact they have on the general public as it’s not just one bomb to avoid but up to hundreds of bombs, and although smaller they are still deadly. actually the wrong decision. I am not sure what he should do but there will then be followed by years of despair as the Ukrainian cities are rebuilt.

Pray for peace because you can’t bomb a country into peace, just destruction.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

No matter the extent of provocation, a person in uniform must not resort to taking the law into their own hands

POLITICS

As Parties Protest N’Assembly’s Appointment of Principal Officers...

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, last Tuesday, named Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, an All Progressives Congress member representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District as the Senate Leader for the 10th National Assembly

He also announced Senator Simon Davou Mwadkwon, a Peoples Democratic Party member representing Plateau North Senatorial District as the Minority Leader.

Akpabio made the announcement after he read two official communications from both the majority and minority caucuses of the red chamber.

He explained that the announcement of the principal officers was made based on the concensus and unanimous position of the seven political parties in the 10th Senate.

The political parties included the APC, the PDP, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, the Social Democratic Party, Young People’s Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance

The Senate President also announced Senator Dave Umahi ( Ebonyi South) as the Deputy Majority Leader; Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) as Chief Whip; and Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South) as the Deputy Whip.

The Senate President immediately called for an executive session after the principal officers for the majority caucus had taken their seats.

At the resumption of plenary, 15 minutes later, the Senate President announced the four senators who would form the body of principal officers from the minority caucus.

According to him, “The majority of members of the Senate Minority Caucus of the Senate made up of seven political parties have come up with their leadership.

“They are Senator Simon Davou Mwadkwon as the Minority Leader; Senator Lere Oyewumi (PDP, Osun West) Deputy Minority Leader; Senator Darlington Nwokocha (LP, Abia Central) as the Minority Whip; Senator Rufai Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central), as the Deputy Minority Whip.

Series of reactions greeted the announcement from both the leadership of both the ruling APC and the PDP.

While the National Chairman of the APC, Senator Adamu Abdullahi, said the party had no input into the emergence of the principal officers in the majority caucus, the spokesperson for the PDP, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, said the leaders of the minority caucus did not have the party’s blessings.

However, new Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, met with journalists after the day’s plenary and clarified that no single political party has the sole right to determine the minority leadership positions in the 10th Senate because six of them have members in the Red Chamber.

Bamidele, who said the emergence of the principal officers was not rancourous, maintained that necessary stakeholders came together to fill the minority leadership positions.

He said, “The minority caucus leadership positions was not an entirely a decision that one single political party could determine because more than one political parties are involved in the 10th Senate.

“Thirty eight out of the 50 minority caucus members approved the appointment of the minority principal officers after due consultations with relevant stakeholders.

“The minority caucus also had a matured discussion at an executive plenary session, where they jointly agreed on the principal officers positions and approved the announcement by the Senate President.”

Opeyemi dismissed insinuations that both the majority and the minority leadership positions were sent from the presidency.

According to him, “No list emanated from the Villa. We have two arms of government being controlled by the ruling All Progressives Congress but we are still maintaining our independence.

“Despite the fact that Nigeria’s democracy is fashioned after that of the United States, the nation’s constitution in Section 60, made provisions for the full independence of the National Assembly.

“The letter from the caucuses was the consensus list of the APC. The principal officers had earlier met with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos and the APC National Chairman, Adamu Abdullahi, at his Keffi Nasarawa country home.

“The same names that were announced as principal officers today were the same persons that met with the President and the APC National Chairman.”

However, the Peoples Democratic Party member representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Garba Musa Maidoki, told journalists that he was not part of the process that led to the emergence of the Senate minority principal officers.

Maidoki insisted that the process for the selection principal officers was not transparent.

He said, “I cannot imagine as a senator of a Federal Republic of Nigeria in a minority party and a minority leader has emerged without even sending

me a message that I am seeking for your vote or concurrence , support to be a minority leader, what type of party are we having in PDP?

“We have 36 out of the 50 senators that are in the PDP caucus and then we cannot even come together and agree who the should lead us.

“I have nothing against those who emerged, if 38 senators out of 50 have signed as it is said and I believe they did, I just believed from an outsider not a politician that this is not a system that must be encouraged.

“This is because if we must lead this country, we must be transparent to each other, I might not vote for you but I should be able to have a knowledge that you’re vying for something and you should be able to know that even if I oppose you will win but to come at the Senate and just hear that some people have sat down and they have agreed that the senators have nominated minority leadership.

“I never knew they were signing any document, nobody called me, nobody informed me not even an SMS. We have a minority caucus where we have been meeting regularly, the issue was never mentioned.

“We were at the PDP secretariat yesterday (Monday) expecting our leaders to tell us what we are we going to do and we were told that nothing has been finalized.

“We asked the PDP secretariat to please write a letter to the Senate telling them that we have not agreed on the leadership of the minority caucus.

“Unfortunately, those who were there refused to write the letter either because they are aware or they are culpable. We don’t have a problem, two wrongs does not make it right.

“Leadership has emerged, we are willing to work with them to make sure that the senate succeed, we are not afraid of anybody and we want to be plain and clear. Nigeria is a project that is work, transparency in everything government”

Meanwhile, the NWC of the ruling APC distanced itself from the National Assembly’s majority leadership positions announced by the Senate President and the House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

Abbas had named Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) as Majority Leader; Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, (APC, Kogi), Deputy Majority Leader; Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe), the Chief Whip; and Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (APC,

While the National Chairman of the APC, Senator Adamu Abdullahi, said the party had no input into the emergence of the principal officers in the majority caucus, the spokesperson for the PDP, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, said the leaders of the minority caucus did not have the party’s blessings. However, new Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, met with journalists after the day’s plenary and clarified that no single political party has the sole right to determine the minority leadership positions in the 10th Senate because six of them have members in the Red Chamber.

Ogun), Deputy Chief Whip.

In the minority, caucus Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), the preferred candidate of the ex-governor, Nyesom Wike, emerged as Minority Leader of the house.

Ali Madaki (NNPP, Kano) was named as the Deputy Minority Leader; Ali Isa of PDP, Minority Whip; and George Ebizimawo of Labour Party, Deputy Minority Whip.

The speaker said all the members of the APC in the house endorsed the selection of the principal officers from the ruling party.

But the national chairman of APC, Abdullahi Adamu, said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) was not aware of the emergence of principal officers of the 10th National Assembly.

He spoke during a meeting with governors who are members of the party at the APC national secretariat last week in Abuja. Adamu said the party has not officially communicated with the presiding officers.

He said, “I am just hearing a rumour now from the online media that there have been some announcements in the Senate and House of Representatives.

“The national headquarters of the party, the NWC, has not given any such information or communicated about the choice of officers. And until we formally resolve and communicate with them in writing, which is the norm and practice, it is not our intention to break away from traditions. So whatever announcement is made is not from this secretariat.”

But Imo State governor and chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said Akpabio and Abass have the backing of the party’s governors on choice of principal officers of the 10th National Assembly.

He spoke with journalists shortly after a meeting between the governors and the National Working Committee (NWC) at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.

Uzodinma said, “[APC] chairman never said they are on their own. The National Assembly leadership belongs to our great party. They are members of our party and they enjoy our support.

“If there is any way that there is a communication gap anywhere, we will make it up and we have our internal mechanism of resolving such things.

The National Assembly leadership enjoys the support of Progressive Governors’ Forum and that of our party. We don’t have any problem at all.”

The PDP, on the other hand, had on Monday last week, said it would communicate to Akpabio to stay action on filling the position of the Senate minority leadership, noting that consultation was still ongoing.

A statement issued after the PDP NWC meeting by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said, “The nominations into the minority leadership positions in the Senate have not been concluded and that upon conclusion, the nominated list will be formally conveyed to him appropriately for necessary action.”

Principal officers of both chambers of the National Assembly started work last week despite stiff opposition from the leadership of their political parties. Sunday Aborisade reports.

Adamu

Akpabio Abass Bamidele

‘Corruption Waxed Stronger Under Buhari’

FEMI FALANA, SAN

QUOTABLE

“Nigeria is in dire need of a departure from complex regulations, bureaucratic red tapes and bottlenecks, which have historically created a burden and disincentive to all economic actors in Nigeria, thereby hurting the economy." -

Yakubu Maikyau, OON, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association

COLUMNISTS

PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb,, PH.D. LLD Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.

This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.

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

Determination of Whether an Action Falls Under Section 251(l)(r) of the Constitution

Page IV

Lawyers Quick Response App Debuts

Page V

NBA-SBL:‘Nigerian Government Must Unlock the Private Sector’, World Bank

Page V

STEPHEN KOLA-BALOGUN

Stephen Kola Balogun, is a vastly experienced Legal Practitioner who obtained his LL.B from University of Ife and LL.M from the School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London. He has Post-Graduate Diplomas in Intellectual Property Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London and in Construction

Law, Management and Arbitration from Kings College, London. He has served in various capacities since his Call to the Nigerian Bar in 1982, including practising at Akinjide & Co., and lecturing part-time at Oxbridge Tutorial College. He was the Honourable Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Special Needs, State of Osun, August, 2011 to November 2014. He is currently the Principal Partner at Kola Balogun & Partners, and sits on the Advisory Board of the Centre of Law and Business. SKB, as he is fondly called, is accredited with several publications to his name, both International

‘Corruption Waxed Stronger Under Buhari’

Ekpa, the Southeast and the Nigerian State

Congratulations Hon. Justice Dije Aboki

Before I go into the word for today, it is appropriate that This Day Lawyer congratulates Hon. Justice Dije Aboki, on her elevation to the position of Chief Judge of Kano State; the first female substantive Chief Judge of Kano State, Nigeria. Hearty Congratulations, your Lordship. In January 2015, during the tenure of Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Hon. Justice Patricia Mahmoud was sworn in as the Acting Chief Judge of Kano State. She was however, not confirmed, and having served in an acting capacity for a while, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal (a story for another day).

In 2021, under the Governorship of former Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, I had cause to register my apprehension on this page, that the Kano State Government seemed to be regressing to the 14th Century, when it was alleged that the Kano State House of Assembly (KSHA) with the approval of the Kano State Government and the Kano State Sharia Commission, was drafting a Bill to prohibit women in Kano State from driving, as “allowing women driving in the State, represents the darkest moments in our lives as Muslims”, the report was said to have stated. Such claptrap, balderdash! Kano State Government subsequently, debunked the allegation as false, and nothing was heard of the issue again.

Section 271(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution) provides that the Governor of a State shall appoint the Chief Judge of a State on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), subject to confirmation of the appointment by the State House of Assembly. I therefore, also congratulate the new Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, and those involved in the appointment of Hon. Justice Dije Aboki, for their progressive move and step in the right direction. It just goes to show how important leadership is, and why placing round pegs in round holes is crucial, for there to be fairness and advancement.

First Assignment for the Security Agencies

The new Service Chiefs, particularly the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Chief of Army Staff, already have their work cut out for them. See Section 4 of the Police Act 2020 (PA) and Sections 14(2)(b), 214 & 217(1)(c) of the Constitution. The primary purpose of Government is to secure the lives and property of the people, and this is achieved through the law enforcement/ security agencies. In Egheghe v State (2020) LPELR-50552(SC) per Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC, the Apex Court reminded the Nigeria Police Force of “the sacred duty entrusted to them”, “the protection and security of the lives and property of citizens”. Therefore, one of the first assignments of our security agencies, is not just to quell the insurgency in the North East, the attacks by Herders on the Farmers and Villagers in North Central, kidnapping and banditry all over the place, but as a matter of urgency, to stop the nonsensical ‘sit-at-home’ that criminals using violence, have unlawfully imposed on the people of the South East on Mondays or any other day, or this recent week-long one, imposed in the first week of July. Enough is enough.

Unlawful Sit-at-Home Order

Our right to freedom of movement guaranteed by Section 41(1) of the Constitution, can only be derogated from or restricted by a law enacted in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or health, or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of other persons (see Section 45(1)(a) & (b) of the Constitution). In short, such right to freedom of movement can only be interfered with in limited circumstances, in compliance with the law. I submit that IPOB or any other secessionist group, has no right whatsoever

ONIKEPO

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

to restrict the movement of anybody in furtherance of whatever cause they may be clamouring for. Their sit-at-home orders, are unconstitutional and illegal. See the case of Ezeigbo & Anor v Asco Investment Ltd & Anor (2022) LPELR-56864(SC) per Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC.

Last week, a video circulated on social media, where some masked, armed criminals somewhere in the South East were destroying the wares of petty traders, for daring to set up shop on a day that they had been instructed not to go out by these criminal elements. If the cowards were brave, why did they cover their faces during their frenzied attack on the traders’ wares, calling themselves by numbers and not names, in order to avoid identification?

As if Nigerians are not going through enough hardship, finding it difficult to keep body and soul together, and some miscreants are preventing people from eking out a living. They must be stopped. Non-State actors cannot continue to be allowed to run riot with such gusto and aplomb (relish too) - it shows a weakness on the part of the State, and a level of anarchy in the country.

Just like political thugs who fight and kill themselves for politicians, who themselves keep safe and sound in Abuja or wherever they are, and

their children equally cocooned safely abroad, I was amused to see one Ekpa character, dressed in his white and gold embroidered housecoat to match his gaudy, gold sofa, looking comfy, cosy and relaxed, possibly in Finland where he is said to reside, in the serenity of his home, stating that he was sitting at home and directing a one week sitat-home for people who are already living in harsh circumstances in Nigeria, possibly below poverty level unable to make ends meet; who need to earn a daily living just to be able to feed, while those executing his instructions looked wretched and pauperised. How inconsiderate and wicked! Someone like Mr Ekpa should have been arrested in Finland, while Nigeria commences extradition proceedings against him, to come home to face charges of treason, conspiracy to commit treason, terrorism, amongst others.

Right to Self-Determination v Criminality

While it is accepted that the right to self-determination is a basic human right - see Article 1 (1) of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted on December 16, 1966 (ICCPR), I submit that this right doesn’t extend to achieving this purpose by engaging in violence, or other activities that destroy the rights

of others. The line between the agitation for self-determination and criminality, has been crossed by the likes of Ekpa, his group and others like them.

A large number of Nigerians of Igbo extraction believe in “One Nigeria”, and Sections 38(1) & 40 of the Constitution guarantee their right to freedom of thought and association, respectively. If they did not believe in the unity of Nigeria, Peter Obi of the Labour Party would not have contested for the Presidency of Nigeria in the recently concluded 2023 election, nor would the whole of the South East have voted for him. From their body language and voting pattern, it is obvious that majority of Igbos wanted a President of Igbo extraction to lead Nigeria. No separatist group can then force them, by means of violence and intimidation, to secede.

The activities of IPOB and other violent separatist groups, oppressing the people to stay at home instead of leaving them to go about their legitimate activities, also violates other rights of the people of the South East, like the right to personal liberty and freedom of movement guaranteed in Sections 35(1) & 41(1) of the Constitution, respectively. Bombing of Government facilities like Police Stations, the unlawful possession of arms and ammunition, and the use of arms in unleashing violence against the people amounts to nothing less than assault, in some cases, murder, terrorism and treason, since it is levying war against the State in order to intimidate the President, Federal or State Government in the quest for Biafra. See Section 37 of the Criminal Code Act which is applicable in the Southern Parts of Nigeria (CC); the punishment for treason and conspiracy to commit same, is death.

The fact that some of the conspirators like Mr Ekpa may be outside the shores of Nigeria, does not make them less culpable.

See Enahoro v Queen (1965) LPELR25238(SC) per Chukwunweike Idigbe, JSC; Boro & Ors v Republic (1966) LPELR- 25346(SC) per Adetokunbo Adegboyega Ademola JSC (as he then was). Just like Isaac Boro, Mr Ekpa, whether as a leader in the proscribed IPOB or some other splinter group, has a so-called liberation plan to achieve Biafra, recruiting members to fight in furtherance of this cause, and being a part of their unlawful training and drilling; having the determination to use violence for the purpose of the South East seceding to form Biafra, and providing members with uniforms and arms to this end; demanding the allegiance of members by oath taking, and counselling members to unleash violence on the State and the people, to ensure compliance to their sit-at-home calls etc. The only difference between Mr Boro and Mr Ekpa, is that unlike the latter, the former was physically present in Nigeria; their unlawful activities were similar. In Boro & Ors v Republic (Supra) the Apex Court upheld the decision of the trial court convicting the Appellants and sentencing them to death for treason, holding that the Prosecution had proved the requirements of Section 37(1) of the CC beyond reasonable doubt.

Similarly, we can see that that acts of Mr Ekpa and his group fit the definition of Terrorism under Sections 15 & 46 of the EFCC Act 2004 (amongst other laws), particularly Section 15(3) thereof with regard to Mr Ekpa, as restated in the case of Abdulmumini v FRN (2017) LPELR43726(SC) per Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC.

Conclusion

Nigerians are tired of living in fear. We need to see some progress, in our security circumstances. However, the cooperation of community members is also required, to assist the security agencies with reliable information about the activities and whereabouts of these miscreants. The new Service Chiefs have been ushered in with ‘Pomp and Pageantry’; let them show us that they deserve it! The clock has started ticking.

Simon Ekpa

Chief Judge of Kano State, Hon. Justice Dije Aboki

“…..such right to freedom of movement can only be interfered with in limited circumstances, in compliance with the law. I submit that IPOB or any other secessionist group, has no right whatsoever to restrict the movement of anybody in furtherance of whatever cause they may be clamouring for. Their sit-at-home orders, are unconstitutional and illegal”

Determination of Whether an Action Falls Under Section 251(l)(r) of the Constitution

Facts

The Appellant filed an Originating Summons dated 2nd February, 2005, against the Respondents at the High Court of Lagos State, seeking the determination of whether the Respondents can validly operate any form of lottery business within Lagos State without first obtaining a licence from the Governor of Lagos State, as prescribed under the provisions of Lagos State Lotteries Law 2003. The Appellant sought a declaration that the Respondents have no legal right to conduct any lottery business in Lagos State, without first obtaining a licence duly issued by the Governor of Lagos State. The Appellant also sought an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the Respondents from operating any form of lottery business in Lagos State without a valid licence issued by the Governor of Lagos State, in accordance with the Lagos State Lotteries Law 2003. In reaction, the Respondents filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection challenging the jurisdiction of the trial court to entertain the suit. The ground of the Respondents’ objection was that the Appellant’s claim relates to the establishment and operation of National and/or On-Line Lottery, which is a business within the exclusive list of the National Assembly which the High Court of a State has no jurisdiction upon.

After hearing the arguments of parties for and against the preliminary objection, the trial court overruled and dismissed the objection. Aggrieved, the Respondents filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal. In its judgement, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal on the ground that the Appellant’s suit sought to challenge the executive or administrative action of the Federal Government or its agency, which is only triable in the Federal High Court by the provisions of Section 251(l) (p) and (r) of the Constitution. Dissatisfied, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination

The Apex Court considered the following issues submitted for determination by the Appellant.

1. Whether the action against the Respondents and the reliefs sought by the Appellant in its Originating Summons amount to a challenge of the validity of an executive action or administrative action of the Federal Government, and the High Court of the State is therefore deprived of jurisdiction to entertain the action.

2. Whether the court below was right to have declined to consider and determining issues 2 and 3 raised in the appeal.

Arguments

On the 1st issue, the Attorney-General of Lagos State submitted that the Appellant did not challenge the validity of the licence issued to the Respondents by the Federal Government, but only questioned whether the Respondents could operate or carry out their lottery business in Lagos State without compliance with the Lagos State Lotteries Law, 2004 (2004 Law). The Attorney-General argued that the subject-matter of the Appellant’s suit against the Respondents was the violation of the 2004 Law, by conducting and operating lottery (Lotto Nigeria) within Lagos State without a licence from the Lagos State Government, and this cannot be said to constitute a challenge to the validity of an executive or administrative action by the Federal Government, as to deprive the High Court of Lagos State from exercising jurisdiction over the suit.

Conversely, counsel for the Respondents argued that the trial court lacks jurisdiction over the matter, because the reliefs sought by the Appellant affect the validity of an administrative or executive

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 31st day of March, 2023

Before Their Lordships

Musa Dattijo Muhammad Chima Centus Nweze Uwani Musa Abba Aji Mohammed Lawal Garba Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju Justices, Supreme Court SC/27/2009

Between ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF LAGOS STATE APPELLANT And

1. NATIONAL SPORTS LOTTERY LTD

2. NSL LOTTERY MANAGEMENT CO. LTD RESPONDENTS (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC)

action of the Federal Government, as it sought to challenge the validity of the licence issued to the Respondents by the Federal Government to operate lottery in Nigeria.

He cited NEPA v EDEGBERO (2002)

18 NWLR (PT. 798) 79, and submitted that the subject-matter of the Respondents’ action comes under the ambit of Section 251(l) and (r) of the 1999 Constitution, and the trial court being a High Court of a State could not exercise jurisdiction on it.

On the 2nd issue, counsel for the Appel-

“….. in determining whether any action falls within the ambit of Section 251(l)(r) of the 1999 Constitution, the court will be required to resolve three sub-questions, that is, (i) whether the claim relates to the validity of any executive or administrative action or decision; (ii) if either of the parties is the Federal Government or any of its agencies, and (iii) the nature of the reliefs….”

lant argued that Court of Appeal was wrong when it failed to consider and determine the other two issues validly placed before it.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

In its determination of the 1st issue, the Court reproduced Section 251 (l)(r) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that the Federal High Court shall have and exercise exclusive jurisdiction in any action or proceeding for a declaration or injunction affecting the validity of any executive or administrative action or decision by the Federal Government or any of its agencies. The Apex Court held that in determining whether any action falls within the ambit of Section 251 (l)(r) of the 1999 Constitution, the court will be required to resolve three sub-questions, that is, (i) whether the claim relates to the validity of any executive or administrative action or decision; (ii) if either of the parties is the Federal Government or any of its agencies, and (iii) the nature of the reliefs, that is, whether they are for declaration, injunction, damages or specific performance. The Court referred to PDP v SYLVA (2012) LPELR – 7814 (SC) 52-53. The Court held that the answer to the question whether the action presented by the Appellant at the trial court sought to challenge the executive action of the

Federal Government to wit: the validity of the licence issued to the Respondent, lies in the nature, contents and context of the claims and the facts upon which the case is predicated, as disclosed in the Originating Summons, as well as in the affidavit filed in support thereof.

The Court held that the question posed in the Originating Summons simply challenged the right and validity of the Respondents’ operation and conduct of lottery business in Lagos State, without a licence duly issued in accordance with the Lagos State Lotteries Law, 2004. The Appellant’s action was not challenging the validity of the licence issued by the Federal Government to the Respondents, to carry out lottery business anywhere in Nigeria; neither did it raise the issue of the competence of, or authority of any agency of the Federal Government to issue a licence to the Respondents to operate lottery business in Nigeria. The Court held further that the suit is simply one that is entirely based on the interpretation and application of the Lagos State Lotteries Law, 2004 in relation to the Respondent’s operation of lottery business in Lagos State. It cannot therefore, reasonably be said to seek or even purport to question or challenge any executive or administrative action by or of the Federal Government, which is not a party against whom the reliefs are sought and none of the Respondents who are unquestionably, private companies, is said to be an agency of the Federal Government or to be for the determination of matters within the exclusive legislative list as to deprive the State High Court of jurisdiction over it.

The Court referred to Section 272 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which vests the High Court of a State with jurisdiction to adjudicate over matters that do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court under the ambit of Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution; or within the jurisdiction of other courts specifically named in other provisions of the Constitution. The Court held that it was clear that the case presented in the Originating Summons filed by the Appellant before the trial court did not fall under the ambit of Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution, and the trial court rightly decided that the Appellant’s suit “seeks an interpretation of 2004 Lagos State Lotteries Law” and not for “determination of matters within the Exclusive List of the National Assembly of Nigeria”.

Determining the 2nd issue, the Court held that as a penultimate court in the judicial hierarchy in Nigeria, the Court of Appeal has the primary duty to consider and make necessary pronouncements on all material issues properly placed before it by parties to an appeal. The Court held that this duty is sacrosanct in spite of the views of the court below on only some of the issues, since its decision on the issues determined is subject to a further appeal and may be set aside. The Apex Court referred to its decision in ADAH v NYSC (2004) 7 SC (PT. II) 139 @ 143 -144 and held that the Court of Appeal erred in law to have failed to consider and make pronouncements on the other issues canvassed before it by the parties, and this amounted to an infringement on the parties’ right to fair hearing in the determination of the appeal.

Appeal Allowed. Suit restored on the cause list of the High Court of Lagos State, for determination on the merits.

Representation

Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, AG Lagos State with Adebayo Haroon – Deputy Director, Adetoun Adeyemi – Deputy Director, E. R. Agu – Assistant Director and F. PiusAnyador – Chief State Counsel for the Appellant.

Peter Olomola for the Respondents.

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

Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC

Lawyers Quick Response App Debuts

NBA-AGC 2023: Over 14, 000 Lawyers Register for 2023 Conference

Stories by Steve Aya

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mrs Boma Alabi, has led a team of tech experts to develop a Lawyer specific app that will enhance the productivity, and improve the revenue of Nigerian Lawyers.

In the pre-launch briefing at Eko Hotel last Thursday, Mrs Alabi told the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Y.C. Miakyau, OON, SAN, that the development of the app took a number of years to come to readiness, because the team of High-tech experts wanted to ensure that Nigerian Lawyers got the best from the initiative.

She said: “After 26 years of my legal practice in London, I returned to Nigeria and discovered we had several challenges and limitations in access to potential clients, real time. The application

AptResponse is therefore, a must have for Lawyers.

“Through the app, Lawyers can be reached quickly by those in urgent need of legal services, including those whose rights are being violated by security agencies. The app will link such persons immediately to the nearest Lawyer, who will come to their aid”.

In response, the NBA President Maikyau said: “I am really excited that this app is coming during my tenure as NBA President. As Lawyers, we have responsibilities which must be discharged with integrity.

“AI has made it possible, to work from anywhere. The app should also be able to track the billing system of Lawyers, because under the new Act, a Lawyer must not charge less than the prescribed fees; it amounts to professional misconduct

NBA-SBL: Security, Rule of Law, Top Business Obstacles

The security problems that are currently bedevilling the country, have been described as one of the core reasons for the current downward spiral of Nigeria's economy.

This was one of the submissions of the panel of discussants, during the first plenary at the just concluded NBA-SBL 17th annual Conference which took place at the Eko Hotel in Lagos.

Dr Yemi Kale, a panellist, said that: "Depending on whatever form of business, security considerations have become key".

Dr Zeal Akaraiwe on the other hand, dropped all at the face of the Judiciary when he said that: "We have the appearance of justice, but, we don't have justice".

He maintained that part

of the security problems in the country, were due to the failure of the Judiciary to deliver justicenas it should be.

He also lamented the quality of education we have in Nigeria, saying that we have people carrying certificates, but are truly uneducated, "an educated society behaves educated ", Zeal added

Also speaking, the former Chairman of NDIC, Mrs Ronke Sokefun, maintained that in order to move the economy forward and development faster, the Land Use Act 1978, as a law, must be amended to meet present needs, especially considering the present-day reality.

Other panellists who spoke at the plenary were Mr Olukorede Ademowo, and Dr Yemi Osindero.

for any Lawyer to do so.

“I am delighted to be part of this, and the NBA will definitely collaborate with your team to support this initiative.”

The NBA President said: “Our work environment has changed post-Covid, and we have to change our traditional approach to work; this app promotes the tech platform for this change.

“Lawyers share greater responsibilities in the society, because apart from ensuring the maintenance of law and order, we equally

have the responsibility to direct the affairs of society. This app brings the connect between the Lawyer, the client and the society for good, because if there is a disconnect between what I call the sheep and the shepherd, there will be problems.

“In this digital age, our offices are everywhere, and this is what the app is promoting. We are everywhere, and we need to up platforms that will assist us to discharge our responsibilities everywhere in the society. This will also

enable us to enhance the billing system of Lawyers, in compliance with the new Legal Practitioners Remuneration Act.

“I love this app, and will involve others to love it and benefit from its application.

Over 14,000 Lawyers have so far registered for the forthcoming Conference, we must deliver it without compromising the integrity of the Bar. This is a very laudable and revolutionary project, and will definitely add value to our profession”, Mr Maikyau stated.”

The visioner for the project, Mrs Boma Alabi, started a mentoring programme for Nigerian Law students of the Lagos Campus with about 1, 600 students per session over 10 years ago, highly involved in Duty Solicitors Scheme and always strives to get additional jobs for young Lawyers.

Maikyau, SAN further revealed that with just a few weeks to the 2023 Annual General Conference of the NBA, over 14,000 Lawyers have registered for the Conference.

NBA-SBL:‘Nigerian Government Must Unlock the Private Sector’, World Bank

The Federal Government has been urged to unlock the private sector, if Nigeria aims to catch up with the quick pace of global development.

The Country Director of the World Bank in Nigeria, Dr Shubam Chaudhuri said this, while delivering the Keynote Address at the opening ceremony/ dinner of the Nigeria Bar Association - Section of Business Law (NBA-SBL) annual Conference, which took place at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

Speaking on the theme, “The Nigerian Business Landscape: Priority for Law

Policy and Regulations”, Dr Chaudhuri traced the development index of Nigeria and Indonesia, disclosing that Nigeria lost its advantages over the Asian Tigers, because the country failed to develop its private sector.

He further added that, no nation has been able to develop without the private sector contributing at least 80% to its GDP. Stating that his Bank has been working with both Federal and State Governments, to improve the nation’s statistics on private sector involvement.

Dr Chaudhuri then stated that for the nation to

develop both physically and economically, Government must unlock the private sector. Adding that for the unlocking to be successful, we must change the mind set of of top politicians and government officials, improve infrastructure such as roads, power, and security and improve law, justice delivery, as well as Judiciary.

Speaking earlier, the NBA President, Mr Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, expressed his happiness at the organisation of the Conference and commended the choice of the theme, stating that with a new go in place, it

PHOTONEWS

is indeed, time to chart a new and well defined track for the Nigerian business and economic environment.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to State Government, Mrs Bimbo Salu-Hundeyin, commended NBA-SBL for coming to Lagos for the annual Conference. He stated his Government’s determination to further reduce the difficulty of doing business in Lagos State, adding that his Government is working on unifying taxes, reducing the time needed to getting all forms of business permit in the State.

Immediate Past NBA President, Olumide Akpata (centre, in blue) hosting his colleagues, NBA National Officers 2020-22, to a Reunion Dinner last Saturday at The Capital Club, Lagos; and also to celebrate the election of John Aikpokpo-Martins (Immediate Past NBA 1st Vice President) as the new Chairman of NBA -SPIDEL

L -R: Chairman, NBA Employment Bureau, Mr Salman Salman; aotResponse Chief Responsibility Officer, Amy Chilaka, NBA President, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, Mrs. Boma Alabi, MON, SAN, aptResponse Chief Operations Officer, Chiekezie Nkechukwu and NBA Chief Protocol Officer, Nasir Kazeem

L-R: Keynote Speaker, Shubham Chaudhuri, Chairman, NBA-SBL, Dr Adeoye Adefulu, Country Director for Nigeria, World Bank, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin and NBA President, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON SAN

Ethnic Nationalities and Emerging Challenges in Nigeria (Part 3)

Introduction

Ethnic conflict is an issue that, particularly during the last few decades or so, has crept to the forefront of international political debate. Issues that raise the most dust, are those regarded essential for the existence and the validity of the State. The result revealed that the six geo-political zones of Nigeria namely; North West, North East, North Central, South West, South-South and South East, have all witnessed all kinds of ethnic conflicts resulted from the same set of causes.

Ethnic Conflicts and Nigeria (Continues)

Flowing from all of this, in a bid to address these ethnic nationalities challenges, the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) NIGERIA with support from the European Union recently held a stakeholder’s consultative forum on Peace and Security Challenges in Nigeria themed “Ethnicity, Ethnic Crises and National Security: Casual Analysis and Management Strategies”. The stakeholders drawn from both military, lawmakers, security and paramilitary organisations, as well as civil societies, tackled the causes of such ethnic crises which are presently breeding security challenges across the country, and in essence, threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria. Essentially, the stakeholders advocated for dialogue of all ethnic nationalities and inclusiveness, if the issues are to be addressed holistically.

Interestingly, the organiser’s objective for the forum was to cross- fertilise ideas, analyse gaps and the threats of separatists’ agitation across the country, and its implication on national security and develop a policy recommendation; to also raise awareness on implication of ethnic champions and its threats to national security; and enhance cooperation and collaboration between State and non-State actors, as a collective response to unionism.

According to Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the Executive Director of CISLAC, he stated at the forum thus:

“This periodic event brings together key players within the security space, to look critically and think of ways to resolve the ongoing fiasco on ethnicity and its implication on national security, which currently undermines human security in Nigeria and has largely become a threat to socio-economic and political culture of our co-existence. Nigeria with over 400 ethnic groups, over 1000 dialects, practicing several religions, with different cultures and histories came under the British imperialist in the 19th century. With the 1st of January, 1914 amalgamation of Southern and Northern Protectorate, the foundation of a nation now called Nigeria was laid. Nigeria is now populated by over 200 million people and has adopted the federal system of government with 36 States and a Federal Capital Territory. Mismanagement of national resources and misrule by multi-ethnic and multi-religious coalitions of successive rulers since independence, have impoverished and denied opportunities to the majority of Nigerians. As a result, religious rhetoric blaming of members of other religious communities and proposals for religious reform as a solution to society’s ills have found purchase among the masses. This genuine, if misplaced quest for a religious utopia, has given some opportunistic political gladiators an excuse to curry legitimacy through politicised appeals to piety and religious fervour. Official graft needs to be tackled headlong, a new Constitution that defines rights and privileges of citizenship in terms of residency

rather than nativism, ancestry and religious background, also needs to be crafted. This new Constitution needs to devolve power over resource distribution and development, from an all-powerful central government to local constituencies.

This will ensure economic justice and equity. It will also make central political power less attractive, less corrupt, and the contests over national political offices, less contentious. The use of religious and ethnic appeals as tools of political mobilisation will become less attractive, and it will find a diminished reception in a climate of justice, equitable resource distribution, and equal opportunities for all”.

Worthy to note here is that, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) with the support from European Union (EU) has worked collectively to institutionalise a participatory system that is vibrant, robust and effective.

Another approach to curb these ethnic nationalities and its emerging challenges is the Kinetic and Non-kinetic Approach

According to the former Defence Minister, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), he highlighted some of the issues causing further division among the people, including absence of social justice, feelings of marginalisation and lack of equality. He also advocated the use of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in addressing the issues, noting that force alone would

not yield positive result, just as he called for dialogue, noting that the implications of separatist agitations and other forms of insecurity on Nigeria, were enormous.

Again, the Minister noted that, there is no doubt the country is confronted with multiple security challenges that are affecting socio-economic wellbeing, and threatening the survival of the nation State. He listed the implications to include under-development, social tension, displacement of citizens, destruction of private and public property, disruption of means of livelihood and educational system.

He said and I quote,

“There is no doubt that Nigeria is confronted with multiple security challenges, notably the Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east and militancy in the Niger Delta, increasing violence between herders and farmers, banditry and kidnapping especially in the North-west and Central regions, as well as separatist agitations for Biafra and now Oduduwa Republics in the South Eastern and Western parts of the country, respectively.

The implications of these separatist agitations and other forms of insecurity on Nigeria, are enormous. These include socio-economic implications such as under development, social tension, displacement of citizens, destruction of private and public property, disruption of means of livelihood and educational system. Others are fanning the embers of disunity, overstretching of security agencies and loss of lives. Therefore, the combination of the above implications is continuous cycle of insecurity that has led to heightened tension and violence, that is capable of affecting the survival and corporate existence of the country. The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies who are constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria as well as maintaining law and order, have continued to confront these challenges through both kinetic and non-kinetic instruments’’.

Specifically, the Constitution, clearly charged the Armed Forces with the primary role of

defending Nigeria from external aggression and maintaining its territorial integrity, as well as securing its borders from violation on land, sea and air. The Constitution passes the Armed Forces, the secondary role of suppressing insurrection and act in aid of civil authorities, to restore law and order when called upon to do so by the President. This secondary role provides the basis operations, within the country.

However, it is worth noting that the efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies using the kinetic means as suggested by the Honourable Minister alone, may not bring the peace and security we all desire in the country. Kinetic and non-kinetic measures must be applied, to complement each other.

Comparatively, the non-kinetic measures could take the form of addressing all the major causes of insecurity and discontent through genuine dialogue, economic empowerment, good governance, provision of employment and social infrastructure. Other non-kinetic means include fighting corruption, extreme poverty, hunger, maladministration and provision of equal opportunities to all citizens. There is also the urgent need, to address the current multi-dimensional security challenges facing our nation.

Quite frankly, some of these security challenges are posing serious threats to the corporate existence of our country, and some of these suggestions will assist the appropriate authority to address all forms of insecurity implementable solutions, that will engender effective policies towards addressing the myriad of security challenges facing Nigeria today.

Amongst all that has been stated concerning these ethnic nationalities and emerging challenges thereof, it is however, important to get the lawmakers view on it thus:

“It is promoted by the political elites, embraced by the young and the old, passed from generation to generation, and even has base in the Constitution. This explains the assumption that conflict in Nigeria is motivated by ethnic competition. Nigerians must ask, how did we get here, what and who are responsible? Why are other countries (India, Indonesia, Brazil, United States, Switzerland, Belgium, China, etc.) which are as diverse as Nigeria, not half as obsessed with their diversity? The ethnic diversity of Nigeria has more or less been a threat rather than a source of national pride and development, as countries above have experienced. Why?

Ethnic tensions are boiling over. At the centre of it all are herdsmen, who for as long as anyone can remember have roamed the country grazing their cattle. Even as a little boy, growing up in my community in Adamawa, I recall coming across the harmless looking herders, who usually only had a stick slung languidly across their shoulders. These days, a new generation ply their trade caressing AK47 rifles to ward off threats. Over the years the damage done to farmlands as they traversed the land, became a flashpoint. Now, they are regularly accused of being involved in the booming kidnapping business. It’s hard to dismiss this accusation because of testimonies of countless victims on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway and other parts of the country, as to the ethnicity of their captors. Unfortunately, despite public outcry in many States, official response has never adequately addressed the problem. This is not the best time to succumb to sentiments. Refusing to address the issues at stake in an honest and unbiased way, is the worse form of injustice. For instance, to suggest that what is happening is just a blind attack or ethnic profiling on any ethnic group, is unhelpful.

Finally, the constant reference to tribal animosities and differences affects the youths’ psyche, and has created a pattern or legacy of hate and suspicion, which the successive generation carries like a mantle. Ethnic and religious intolerance has exposed the nation to bizarre conflict experiences with loss of lives and properties, creating uncertainties in the polity. Boko Haram insurgent group is a classic example of the outcome of a long stretch of ethnic distrust and rivalry. Nigeria must not go the way of Sudan, Central Africa Republic, Mali, Somalia, etc. Nigeria has a testimony of resilience and the fact that, even though there are so many distrusts and suspicion, the people still believe in the indivisibility of the country”. (To be concluded next week).

“…..I recall coming across the harmless looking herders, who usually only had a stick slung languidly across their shoulders. These days, a new generation ply their trade caressing AK47 rifles to ward off threats”

Overview

Last week, Senator Gbenga Daniel (a former Governor of Ogun State ) who now represents Ogun State East Senatorial District at the newly inaugurated 10th National Assembly, was reported to have written the current Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun requesting that his N676,376.95 monthly pension allowance that is presently being paid to him as a former Governor of the State, be suspended. According to Senator Daniel, the suspension of his pension would be in compliance with his conscience, moral principles and ethical stance against double emoluments, which he feels that, as a serving Senator, who was hitherto a former State Governor, should not be entitled to receive.

There have been several cases over the years, where former Governors and indeed, other Public Officers who have retired from office are placed on generous life pension schemes at either State or Federal levels, only to later return to Government in some other capacity. Despite this fact, many continue to receive their pensions, allowances and other emoluments. It is estimated that as much as N40 billion has been expended, by doling out this double pay bonanza consisting of both life pensions and salaries to these former Governors and Public Officers who have made their way back into Government in some form or the other, usually as Lawmakers or Federal Ministers. This singular act by Senator Gbenga Daniel, has really set the cat among the pigeons, and shone the spotlight on many in President Bola Tinubu’s Government. What then is the true position of the law, and how can we possibly bring to an end this immoral and unethical practice?

Firstly, where can one find the relevant State and Federal laws?

State Laws

Ever since 2007 when the first set of Governors who were elected in 1999 completed their second and final terms, the outgoing Governors through their respective Houses of Assembly passed legislation granting themselves generous severance packages and life lasting pension schemes, for their benefit and that of their Deputies. At least 22 States, including Lagos State (where the current President served two full year terms as Governor ), have reportedly passed life pension laws for their former Governors and other ex-Public Officers. Other States include Akwa Ibom; Edo; Delta; Ekiti; Kano; Gombe; Yobe; Borno; Bauchi; Abia; Imo; Bayelsa; Oyo; Osun; Kwara; Ondo; Ebonyi; Rivers; Niger; Kogi; and Katsina.

Federal Laws

Under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Fifth Schedule, Part I, Code of Conduct for Public Officers provides as follows:

General

1. A public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities.

2. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, a public officer shall not

(a) receive or be paid the emoluments of any public office at the same time as he receives or is paid the emoluments of any other public office; or

(b) except where he is not employed on a full time basis, engage or participate in the management or running of any private business, profession or trade but nothing in this sub- paragraph shall prevent a public officer from engaging in farming.

3. The President, Vice-President, Governor, Deputy Governor, Ministers of the Government of the Federation and Commissioners of the Governments of the States, members of the National Assembly and of the Houses of Assembly of the States, and such other public officers or persons as the National Assembly may by law prescribe shall not maintain or operate a bank account in any country outside Nigeria.

4. (1) A public officer shall not, after his retirement from public service and while receiving pension from public funds, accept more than one remuneration

The Legal and Ethical Issues Concerning Public Officers Receiving Double Emoluments

position as chairman, director or employee of -

(a) a company owned or controlled by the government; or

(b) any public authority.

(2) a retired public servant shall not receive any other remuneration from public funds in addition to his pension and the emolument of such one remunerative position.

5. (1) Retired public officers who have held offices to which this paragraph applies are prohibited from service or employment in foreign companies or foreign enterprises.

(2) This paragraph applies to the offices of President, Vice-President, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Governor and Deputy governor of a State.

The interpretation section under the act as enshrined in the Constitution, further states that “emolument” means any salary wage, overtime or leave pay, commission, fee, bonus , gratuity, benefit, advantage ( whether or not that advantage is capable of being turned into money or money’s worth, allowance, PENSION ( emphasis mine ) or annuity paid given or granted in respect of any employment or office.

Public officer means a person holding any of the offices specified in Part 11 of Schedule to the 1999 Constitution as amended and this of course includes , The President of the Federation, the Vice President, members of all legislative houses, Governors and Deputy Governors of States, Ministers of the of the Government of the Federation and Commissioners of the Government of a State and a host of others.

It is therefore abundantly clear beyond all reasonable doubt from the above listed provisions that the 1999 Constitution as amended prohibits double emoluments for Public Officers , the definition of which is already captured above.

Case Law

The constitutional position outlined above, has been further backed and reinforced by

case law. In Suit No: FHC /L/CS/1497/2017 involving the case of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) v Attorney-General of the Federation, Hon. Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo (now retired) sitting in the Federal High Court Lagos, in a judgement delivered on the 26th of November, 2019 after hearing arguments centred on the Plaintiffs request for an Order of Mandamus (a Judicial Review remedy) ordered that:

“The Respondent (Attorney-General) is hereby directed to urgently institute appropriate legal actions to challenge the legality of States’ laws permitting former Governors who are now Senators and Ministers, to enjoy Governors’ emoluments while drawing normal salaries and allowances in their new political offices, and to identify those involved and seek full recovery of public funds from the former Governors”.

Justice Oguntoyinbo had in particular, ordered the Federal Government to recover life pensions collected by former Governors serving as Ministers and members of the National Assembly. In her 20 page landmark judgement, Honourable Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo stated that:

“The Attorney-General has argued that the States’ laws duly passed, cannot be challenged. With respect, I do not agree with this line of argument by the AttorneyGeneral, that he cannot challenge the States’ pension laws for former Governors.”

“The question that comes to mind is: who should approach the court, where a particular law is not in the best interest of Nigeria as a country or National interest? Who should approach the Court where a particular law is detrimental to the interest of the country? Who should institute actions in court for the purpose of recovering public funds collected?”

“In my humble view, the Attorney-General should be interested in the legality or validity of any law in Nigeria, and how such laws affect or will affect Nigerians, being the Chief Law Officer of the Federation.”

Unfortunately the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari failed to implement the judgement before leaving office, despite the valiant attempts of SERAP to have it enforced and implemented, by instituting contempt proceedings against the Government and the former Attorney General of the Federation but to no avail. Regardless of this fact the case remains a valid and subsisting Judgment of Court since it has neither been successfully appealed or set aside. In short the Government of President Bola Tinubu are bound and can be compelled by a Court of law to enforce it.

Conclusion

It’s important, in my view that this new administration led by President Bola Tinubu is not only seen to comply with the rule of law, but is also seen to be constitutionally compliant. Senator Gbenga Daniel has led by example. The President himself is a two term Governor of Lagos State, the Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila is also the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, while the newly installed Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is also a former Governor and other Public Officer holder. All three men have no choice other than to support the stance taken by Senator Gbenga Daniel and also lead by example, if they want to continue to enjoy public support. They must also demonstrate that they will not be seen to deliberately flout, or breach the Constitution or disobey the order of a court. It is equally fundamental if they are to run this administration effectively, that they are not only seen to be concerned about the impending cost of living crisis and inflationary pressures that are about to engulf us as a Nation (brought about by the fuel subsidy removal and economic mismanagement of previous administrations), but that they have the will and intent to address the attendant consequences that are manifesting on the public workers and pensioners, particularly in those States that have not been paid salaries and pensions running into several months, on the excuse of non-availability of State resources to pay them.

It is surely inexcusable that while many Nigerian workers and pensioners have not been paid by State Governors for several months on end, and others struggle to make ends meet, some former Governors continue to collect double emoluments and enjoy opulent lifestyles.

Ideally, the President should set a further example, by ordering all those culpable of receiving double emoluments to return the excess payments they received over a period of time, or face the Code of Conduct Tribunal. This is revenue, that the Nation can ill-afford to give away.

Finally, it is unacceptable for successive Governments to take the courts, which are the guardians of justice in this country, for a ride. A democratic State based on the rule of law cannot exist or function, if the government routinely ignores and/or fails to abide by court orders, or gives intellectually lazy excuses often given by many of the former Attorney- Generals’ of the Federation, forgetting or ignoring the fact that if any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution, the Constitution shall prevail and that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void. See Section 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution. It is sincerely hoped that the soon to be appointed Attorney-General of the Federation, will not only robustly defend the Constitution, but ensure that the rule of law is upheld at all times.

“It is surely inexcusable that while many Nigerian workers and pensioners have not been paid by State Governors for several months on end, and others struggle to make ends meet, some former Governors continue to collect double emoluments and enjoy opulent lifestyles”

‘Corruption Waxed Stronger Under Buhari’

Kindly, give an evaluation of the performance of the Buhari administration visà-vis its main campaign promises - revamping the economy, and fighting insecurity and corruption

As a military dictator at a time of profligacy on the part of the civilian wing of the political class, General Muhammadu Buhari acquired a cult hero status. He had a large following

among the masses in Northern Nigeria, who believed that he would have fixed Nigeria if he was not overthrown in a palace coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida in 1985. Even though he himself believed in the myth of his capabilities, General Buhari did not prepare himself for a return to power. In 2015, he won the Presidential election after three failed attempts, but he did not

know what to do with power. His mandate was renewed in 2019, but the story was the same. It turned out that the Buhari civilian regime was an unmitigated disaster, in every material particular. He said publicly, that court orders would not be obeyed. So, public officers treated the courts with disdain. The Supreme Court slammed the President, for disobedience of court orders. It was so embarrassing that the President had to distance himself, by saying that he never instructed Messrs Abubakar Malami, SAN and Godwin Emefiele not to obey the judgement of the Apex Court on the currency crisis. As no one was in effective control of his regime, every public officer who held a position of authority became a law unto himself or herself. Corrupt family members and other incompetent persons, were rewarded with positions of authority. The economy was hijacked, by half-baked visionaries without a mission. Security nearly

collapsed completely, while corruption waxed stronger than ever before. It was out of sheer luck that the country did not disintegrate completely, under General Buhari's watch What do you think should be the priorities of the new Tinubu administration? Are you happy with the steps which have been taken so far, that is, removal of the fuel subsidy, appointment of new service chiefs? You mentioned that it is against the law for Nigeria to borrow money to use as palliatives to ease the sufferings of the people. What then, do you recommend that Government does, to ease the financial hardship? Was the increase without the concomitant palliatives, justifiable?

Contrary to the claim of the Federal Government that only the rich will suffer from the removal of fuel subsidy, it is crystal clear that the reverberating effects of the increase in the pump price of petrol have aggravated poverty in the land. In justifying the removal of fuel subsidy, the Bola Tinubu administration gave

Long after many Nigerian human rights’ defenders have abandoned the cause, Femi Falana, SAN still remains in the trenches. He continues to soldier on, in the defence of the plight of the masses. In a chat last Saturday with Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi, he delved into his raison d’etre of his unending battles against the Federal Government and its agencies. He also volunteered quality advice to the Tinubu administration, against the background of President Buhari’s failings

“Even though he himself believed in the myth of his capabilities, General Buhari did not prepare himself for a return to power. In 2015, he won the Presidential election after three failed attempts, but he did not know what to do with power”

Femi Falana, SAN

‘Corruption Waxed Stronger Under Buhari’

the impression that subsidy is an economic anathema. On the contrary, subsidy is a policy adopted by every Government to cushion the effects of harsh economic policies. However, the fund set aside for the importation of petroleum products by the Federal Government is not subsidy, but a drain on the resources of the country caused by the failure of the successive governments to repair the nation’s refineries and build new ones.

Tzxhe failure is confirmed by the fact that Nigeria is the only oil producing nation that imports petroleum products, because crude oil can not be refined locally.

Having removed NNPCL from the importation of petroleum products, the Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, recover the billions of dollars diverted by turn-around maintenance contractors. The Federal Government should also investigate the N11 trillion allegedly spent on importation of fuel between 2015 and 2023.

Sometime in 2020, the Central Bank earmarked N250 billion for the conversion of vehicles run on PMS to CNG. We have sued the Central Bank, as it could not account for the disbursement. But, in view of the fact that CNG is cheaper and more eco-friendly than PMS, the Federal Government should revive the project. The Federal, State, and Local Governments, should roll out palliatives to alleviate the undeserved suffering of the Nigerian people.

On

the $800 million Palliatives

The $800 million palliatives proposed by the World Bank, is not a loan but a grant. By virtue of Section 44 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Government is only empowered to take a loan for the execution of capital projects, and not for palliatives or payment of salaries. In December 2018, the Federal Government indicted the CEOs, for the criminal diversion of N10 trillion from public enterprises. So, a few public officers loot the treasury, and the country is forced to take loans to pay the salaries of the same criminal gang, and other public officers and civil servants. The same gang runs the nation’s refineries aground and turns round to allocate billions of Dollars for turn-around maintenance, and trillions of Naira for fuel importation. This is a pure ‘kalo kalo’ economic system!

Instead of price increase, the Federal Government should look at alternatives to PMS such as CNG and electric buses and cars, which are cheaper and more eco-friendly. A few weeks ago, I asked for information on the disbursement of the funds from the CBN. As the CBN could not furnish me with the information, I dragged

the CBN to the Federal High Court. The case is pending at the Federal High Court. We do not need any palliatives, from the World Bank. Let the Bank assist Nigeria to recover billions of Dollars siphoned, and kept in western banks by some unpatriotic public officers in Nigeria.

Advice on the National Economy

Since the CBN merged the multiple exchange rates, the Naira has continued to fall against the United States Dollar and other major currencies. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have been lauding the Bola Tinubu administration, for the devaluation of the Nigerian economy via dollarisation. No doubt, a floating exchange rate refers to a situation where a currency is determined by supply and demand factors, relative to other currencies. But, in the Nigerian setting, the demand for the Dollar is insatiable as rents, school fees etc are paid in Dollars, while some agencies of the Federal Government demand payment of levies and taxes in Dollars. The recent primary elections of two political parties, confirmed

that bribe is now paid in Dollars in some quarters.

Section 16 of the Central Bank Act 2007, states that the Bank shall fix and determine the exchange rate of the Naira vis-à-vis other currencies. Section 20 of the same Act provides that the currency notes issued by the Bank, shall be the legal tender in Nigeria. Therefore, it is illegal to spend American Dollars in Nigeria. As far as I am concerned, Nigeria should trade with countries that are prepared to accept the Naira. That will end the dollarisation of the economy. Every buyer of Russian oil and gas is paying Roubles, the Russian currency, due to the sanctions imposed on that country as a result of the war in Ukraine. Five years ago, China and Nigeria entered a currency swap agreement to enable both countries to trade in Naira and Yuan. But, both the IMF and World Bank frustrated the currency swap. Hence, instead of buying goods in Naira in China, Nigerian traders have to look for American Dollars. With courage, the Federal Government can revive the currency swap.

Furthermore, crude oil should be refined in countries that are prepared to accept Naira in place of Dollars. Kenya is currently paying shillings, for fuel imported from Saudi Arabia. A shadowy group of economic advisors, are asking President Tinubu to sell the nation’s shares in NNPCL and NLNG. Why are these petit bourgeois advisers, not asking that NNPCL be run like Aramco of Saudi Arabia or Petrobras of Brazil? Why should anyone contemplate selling our shares in NLNG, the most lucrative company in Nigeria? In the past 20 years, NLNG paid dividend of $18 billion, feedgas of $15 billion, and tax of $9 billion. That is one of the most lucrative enterprises in Africa. Instead of operating the NLNG model, the economic

advisers want the remaining public assets to be privatised. For goodness sake, where is the economic benefit of privatisation? How many privatised enterprises are functioning in Nigeria?

About five years ago, the Federal Government of Nigeria and China entered into a currency exchange agreement. The transaction, which was valued at Renminbi (RMB) 16 billion or N720 billion, was aimed at providing adequate local currency liquidity to Nigerian and Chinese industrialists and other businesses, thereby, reducing difficulties encountered in the search for the United States Dollar. The swap was also designed to improve the speed, convenience, and volume of transactions between the two countries. The deal was frustrated by the IMF and World Bank, in order to promote the dollarisation of the economy.

$200 billion Illegally Withheld from Federal Account

I have submitted a memo to President Tinubu, wherein I made a strong case for the recovery of about $200 billion withheld from the Federation Account, either by corporate bodies or individuals. Before then, we had written petitions to the anti-graft agencies. The petitions were not investigated, due to political pressure. It is hoped that the Tinubu administration will pluck up the courage, to recover the huge funds. If that is done, the nation will pay off its debts, and have money to alleviate the undeserved economic pain that has been unleashed on the masses. In any case, the Government claims that $10 billion was being wasted as fuel subsidy. Having stopped fuel subsidy, a substantial sum out of the funds saved should be earmarked for palliative

The recent statement by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly that land titles of non-Lagos indigenes would be reversed, elicited quite an uproar. Soon after, the State Government

“Five years ago, China and Nigeria entered a currency swap agreement to enable both countries to trade in Naira and Yuan. But, both the IMF and World Bank frustrated the currency swap. Hence, instead of buying goods in Naira in China, Nigerian traders have to look for American Dollars”

Femi Falana, SAN

‘Corruption Waxed Stronger Under Buhari’

embarked on a large scale demolition of the Alaba International Market, predominantly owned and occupied by the Igbos. How can the rights of those who lawfully own their properties be protected, under these circumstances?

From the information at my disposal, the majority of the so-called illegal structures demolished by the Lagos State Government, are owned by the poor masses of Yoruba extraction. When Maroko was demolished in 1991, the Civil Liberties Organisation, under the leadership of Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, led the legal battle to challenge the Lagos State Military regime. Most of the Maroko evacuees, were of Yoruba extraction. As far as the human rights community was concerned, they were victims of injustice.

After the Maroko evacuees had lost their case in the court, they decided to occupy abandoned housing estates at Ikota and Abesan. The Government wanted to eject them, but I sued on their behalf. I won the case. We have won many cases against demolition, in Lagos and other places. There was a time when the FCT authorities wanted to demolish Mpape. We stopped it, through the court. The point that I am struggling to make is that, persons or groups that are dissatisfied with the demolition of any market or any building in Lagos, should approach the court for legal redress.

Senator Bulkachuwa elicited unprecedented umbrage, when he stated more or less on the open floor of the Senate that he used his wife in her position as President of the Court of Appeal, to help his colleague Senators with their election cases. What does this say about democracy and the Judiciary?

The confession of Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa on the floor of the Senate that he caused his wife, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, former President of the Court of Appeal, to assist his colleagues in the Senate to win their cases, has exposed the Judicial to untold ridicule. Even though Justice Bulkachuwa has denied the allegation that she assisted the Senators to win their cases in the courts, it is in her interest and the larger interest of the Judiciary, that the weighty admission of Senator Bulkachuwa be investigated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

But, I have just confirmed that the embattled Senator Bulkachuwa has prayed the Federal High Court, to restrain the ICPC and other security and other anti-graft agencies, from arresting, investigating and prosecuting him. It is hoped that the NJC will soon stop the courts from extending the immunity of former Governors, and

conferring immunity on other persons to prevent them from responding to allegations of malpractice, or criminal diversion of public funds.

The issue of looting of funds earmarked for arms procurement in the Army

To divert attention from the criminal diversion of the looting of the funds earmarked for arms procurement, the military authorities charged two Generals and 70 soldiers with mutiny and allied war crimes. One of the Generals was discharged and acquitted by the court martial, while the other one, Brig-Gen E.A. Ransome-Kuti, was convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment, and demoted to the rank of a Colonel. The 70 soldiers were convicted and sentenced to death. But, based on the strong representation made on their behalf, the death sentences were commuted to 10 years imprisonment. Although they completed their jail terms, we petitioned President Buhari on the ground that several Generals who stole the money for arms procurement had been indicted by a Presidential Panel and the EFCC. The President granted our request and pardoned the 70 convicted soldiers. General Ransome-Kuti was also pardoned. The likes of General Buratai were not called to order for treating court orders with contempt.

Recently, we read that 100 Generals across the Armed Forces have been asked to resign. Is this the normal practice when there’s a new administration? What has happened to the issue of some young officers, who were unlawfully retired by the Buratai leadership? Is the Army planning to reinstate them, especially as we are aware that some of them won their cases for unlawful dismissal at the National Industrial Court which ordered their reinstatement? Should the Army not have obeyed the court orders by now, at least the ones that no appeals were filed?

The practice of sending Generals packing because new service chiefs are appointed in the Armed Forces and the Police, is wasteful. I can not find any justification for it, in the Armed Forces Act and the Police Establishment Act. So, it is an illegal practice. When Mr Mike Okiro was appointed the Inspector-General of Police, and Mr Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo was his senior, he waited and became the Inspector-General of Police later. If you cannot work with a new service chief, you should voluntarily resign from the service. But, it is illegal to embark on compulsorily retirement of scores of Generals before their retirement age, on account of the appointment of junior officers. Even though the appointment of Judges is based on seniority, the most senior Judge may be bypassed if he is not found appointable. In the Universities, the Vice Chancellor is not usually the most senior Professor. So, why should the Armed Forces and the Police be run in a manner that the careers of the nation’s well p-trained officers is scuttled or sacrificed for political exigencies? The Federal Government should stop the practice.

Since President Tinubu has undertaken to operate under the rule of law, the court orders ought to be obeyed. We are handling some of

the cases. Our plan is to embark on contempt proceedings, if the orders are not complied

What qualities would you like to see in the next Attorney-General of the Federation?

The AG must be a Lawyer of unimpeachable integrity, independent minded and courageous, experienced in legal practice and committed to the defence of human rights and rule of law. Section 174(4) of the Constitution provides that the Attorney-General of the Federation shall have regard to the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process.

Under the current political dispensation, Nigeria has had two sets of Attorneys-General and Ministers of Justice. The first group were Lawyers who were active in legal practice before their appointment, while the second group were not involved in serious legal practice. The first group led the legal teams of the Government in several cases, and prosecuted criminal cases on behalf of the Government. The second group hardly appeared in the courts, except to obtain ex-parte orders and file nolle prosequi applications, to terminate grave corruption cases. During my recent meeting with the President Tinubu, the position of the AGF was discussed. My advice is that the President should not appoint an AGF who cannot replicate, at the Federal level, what Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN did under his watch in Lagos.

Having regard to the grand corruption that has walloped the public service and retarded the development of the country, the AGF must lead the legal onslaught against corruption and drug trafficking. Chief Bola Ige, SAN, once led the prosecution of a group of Philippinos who imported drugs into Nigeria. As AGF, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN stood by the EFCC and ICPC like a Rock of Gibraltar. The country cannot afford another AGF that will engage in sabotaging the anti-corruption agenda of the Federal Government, by involving himself in shady deals with criminal elements.

Thank you Learned Silk.

“The country cannot afford another AGF that will engage in sabotaging the anti-corruption agenda of the Federal Government, by involving himself in shady deals with criminal elements”

Femi Falana, SAN

FOREIGN DESK

Iran’s President to Set Out on Rare Africa Tour

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will embark Tuesday on a rare Africa tour in the latest diplomatic efforts to reduce the Islamic republic’s isolation by forging new alliances.

The three-day trip — which includes Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe — will be the first by an Iranian president to Africa in 11 years.

Raisi will head a delegation that includes Iran’s foreign minister and senior businesspeople. He is scheduled to meet with presidents from the three countries, according to the official IRNA news agency.

On Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani described the trip as “a new turning point” which could bolster economic and trade ties with African nations.

He also said the rapprochement is based “on common political views” between Tehran and the three African countries.

Iran has stepped up its diplomacy in recent months to reduce its isolation and offset the impact of crippling sanctions reimposed since the 2018 withdrawal of the United States from a painstakingly negotiated nuclear deal.

On Saturday, Raisi welcomed Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf to boost relations with Algiers.

Last week, the Islamic republic became a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, including Russia, China and India.

NATO Allies Divided over Membership Path for Ukraine

NATO members remained divided Monday over Ukraine’s potential membership in the military alliance ahead of NATO’s two-day summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, Tuesday and Wednesday.

NATO members in Eastern Europe who are in the direct path of Russian aggression have backed Ukraine’s entrance. But countries such as the United States and Germany fear that if Ukraine were to become a NATO member before the war’s end, it would drag the whole alliance into the conflict against Russia and potentially spark a global war.

However, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he had put forward a package that included the removal of a key requirement to Ukraine’s entrance into the alliance: The Membership Action Plan (MAP) — a list of political, economic and military goals that other eastern European nations had to meet before joining the alliance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is expected to attend the summit, wants clarity as to when NATO foresees Ukraine’s accession into the alliance after Russia’s war on Ukraine ends and is asking for security guarantees until that time. Stoltenberg said Monday, “No final decision has been made but at the summit I am absolutely certain that we will have unity and a strong message on Ukraine.” He said leaders at the Vilnius summit this week will agree on a “multi-year package of support” for Ukraine.

“This package will help Ukraine rebuild its defence and security sector, so that it can defend against further aggression,” Stoltenberg said in a Foreign Affairs article published Monday. “It will ensure that the Ukrainian armed forces are fully interoperable with NATO forces.”

Turkey Agrees to Sweden’s Joining NATO

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Monday that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to send Sweden’s accession protocol for joining NATO to the Turkish Parliament “as soon as possible” and to help ensure that the assembly approves it.

Stoltenberg made the announcement after talks with Erdogan and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on the eve of a NATO summit in Lithuania. Sweden’s NATO accession has been held up by objections from Turkey since last year.

“This is an historic day, because we have a clear commitment by Turkey to submit the ratification documents to the Grand National Assembly and to work also with the assembly to ensure ratification,” Stoltenberg told reporters.

Earlier Monday, with NATO hoping to put on a public display of unity in its support for Ukraine more than 500 days into the war, Erdogan said he would block Sweden’s path unless European members of the military organization “pave the way” for Turkey to join the world’s biggest trading bloc.

His surprise announcement added new uncertainty to Sweden’s bid to become the alliance’s 32nd member. Turkey was already blocking its entry because Erdogan believes that Sweden has been too soft on Kurdish militants and other groups that he considers to be security threats.

Nearly 50 Cholera Deaths Reported in South Africa

Health officials are reporting a deadly outbreak of cholera in the South African province of Gauteng. Authorities say nearly 50 people have died, with most of the deaths concentrated in the Hammanskraal area. Cases have been reported in other areas as well.

Medical officials have urged residents to be

vigilant about what they consume and to practice good hygiene, like hand washing.

Cholera mainly spreads through contaminated water or food.

Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration.

Six Killed in Stabbing Spress at China Kindergarten

Authorities in southern China said Monday that an attacker killed six people and wounded another at a kindergarten.

Media reports say the dead include three children, two parents and a teacher, and that a knife was used in the attacks.

The attack took place at 7:40 a.m. in the city of Lianjiang in Guangdong province.

Police said a 25-year-old suspect with the surname Wu was in custody.

China has strict gun laws, but the country has seen several mass stabbings in recent years, including some at schools.

In August 2022, an attacker killed three people and wounded six others at a kindergarten in the southern province of Jiangxi.

A man killed two children and wounded 16 others during an April 2021 stabbing attack at a kindergarten in Guangxi province.

Indonesia Welcomes Return of Stolen Jewels, Temple Carvings

The Netherlands and Indonesia on Monday hailed the return of hundreds of cultural artefacts taken — sometimes by force — during colonial times as a major step forward in restitution efforts worldwide.

The items, ranging from valuable jewels to 13th-century temple carvings, were officially handed back to Indonesia at a ceremony at the Museum Volkenkunde in Leiden.

“We are really delighted. This is a very historic moment for both us, Indonesia, and the Netherlands. And the relationship between the two,” said Hilmar Farid, director general of cultural heritage at Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture. “But I think what we have achieved so far is also a very significant contribution to the global debate about returning of colonial objects.”

The Dutch government announced the return of Indonesian treasures last week and looted artefacts from Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry welcomed the decision and said the Indian Ocean nation would work to preserve the items, including a richly decorated ceremonial cannon.

China, Solomon Islands Sign Police Cooperation Deal

China and Solomon Islands signed a new deal on police cooperation Monday, deepening their bilateral partnership four years after the

Pacific island nation cut ties with Taiwan and formally established relations with Beijing.

The “implementation plan” on policing — effective through 2025 — was one of nine documents signed on Monday following talks between visiting Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. Li said that the development of ChinaSolomon Islands relations over the past four years had been “very fruitful.”

The Solomons’ decision to switch its diplomatic recognition to Beijing was “the correct choice that conforms to the trend of the times,” he said.

Sogavare, in turn, told Li that his country “has a lot to learn from China’s development experience.” Also signed between the two countries was an agreement on a “Sports Technical Assistance Project” for this year’s Pacific Games in Solomons capital Honiara, for which Beijing is building the host stadium.

Sogavare is expected to be in China until Saturday and is officially opening his country’s Beijing embassy and visiting the economic powerhouse provinces of Jiangsu and Guangdong.

Twitter Rival Threads Overtakes ChatGPT as Fastest-growing Platform

Meta Platforms’ Twitter rival Threads crossed 100 million sign-ups within five days of launch, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on Monday, dethroning ChatGPT as the fastest-growing online platform to hit the milestone.

Threads has been setting records for user growth since its launch on Wednesday, with celebrities, politicians and other newsmakers joining the platform seen by analysts as the first serious threat to the Elon Musk-owned microblogging app.

“That’s mostly organic demand, and we haven’t even turned on many promotions yet,” Zuckerberg said in a Threads post announcing the milestone.

According to a UBS study, the app’s sprint to 100 million users was much faster than that of OpenAI-owned ChatGPT, which became the fastest-growing consumer application in history in January, about two months after its launch. Still, Threads has some catching up to do. According to the company’s last public disclosure before Musk’s takeover, Twitter had nearly 240 million monetizable daily active users as of July last year.

Twitter has responded to Threads’ arrival by threatening to sue Meta, alleging that the social media behemoth used its trade secrets and other confidential information to build the app.

Australia Agrees to Near Record German Defence Deal

Australia has confirmed one of the largest defence export deals in its history, selling armoured combat vehicles to Germany. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the $661 million announcement after he arrived in Berlin ahead of talks at a NATO summit in Lithuania. Australia will supply Germany with 100 Brisbane-made Boxer armoured combat vehicles from 2025. The deal is worth $661 million and is expected to be formally signed on Tuesday.

Analysts have said the Boxer heavy assault vehicle, armed with a cannon, has a reputation for mobility, firepower and protection from explosives with a reinforced hull and wheel housings. The Australian-made assault vehicles will eventually replace ageing heavy weapons carriers in German army platoons.

In March, German defence contractor Rheinmetall started producing the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle in Queensland. It has a contract to supply more than 200 vehicles to the Australian military. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has seen European nations replenish military hardware, allowing Australia to export German military technology back to Germany.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters in Berlin, Germany, Sunday that it was a historic arms deal for his country.

Right-wing Victory in Spain Could Bolster Catalan Independence Drive

Analysts say a right-wing victory may bolster the Catalan independence movement in the north-eastern corner of the country when voters go to the polls in Spain this month.

Several recent polls suggest the opposition conservative People’s Party (PP) will get more votes than the ruling Socialists in the election on July 23 but will fall short of a majority, so it may have to rely on the support of the hard-right Vox party to form a government.

In 2017, a former PP government ordered hundreds of police to stop a Catalan independence referendum, resulting in clashes between riot officers and voters.

Vox, meanwhile, proposes eradicating regional governments like the one in Catalonia in a direct challenge to the fiercely proud region.

Meanwhile, the European Union’s General Court last week stripped Carles Puigdemont of legal immunity from prosecution as a member of the European Parliament (MEP) for his role as the separatist leader of Catalonia’s failed bid for independence nearly six years ago.

The decision could pave the way for Puigdemont, who lives in self-imposed exile in Belgium, to be extradited to Spain to stand trial for disobedience and embezzlement, which carry jail terms of up to eight years.

& ENVIRONMENT

Stakeholders, Not Govt Responsible for Building Collapse in Lagos, Says Obasa

Bennett Oghifo

Owners of buildings under construction and their contractors have been blamed for the incessant collapse of structures in Lagos and not government officials.

This is the position taken by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, who was the guest of honour at a seminar for building collapse prevention with the theme ‘Building Collapse Prevention: Women in the Built Environment Making a Difference’, organised by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, in Lagos, recently.

According to Honourable Obasa, “Lagos State continues to do all it can to curb the menace of building collapse which is due mostly to stakeholders in the industry cutting corners, especially in obtaining the requisite permit for construction. If the laws and regulations are followed strictly by stakeholders, we would all be relieved knowing that one

of societal challenges has been trounced.

“That should be the way to go, not for some elements to create a problem for both the residents and the State and then turn around to give the impression that the government is insensitive during implementation of these laws, especially in relation to demolition of buildings constructed with disregard for the laws and regulations.

“If indeed we are serious and wish to bring the menace of building collapse to an end, there must be effective collaboration between stakeholders in the built industry, the Government and the general public who are key players.”

He said “As professionals, you must advise your clients appropriately that strict compliance with laws and regulations cannot be shortcircuited. You must ensure that construction or renovation is done in compliance with building regulations and that all necessary planning permits and approvals are obtained.

“There should also be regular site inspections to ensure that the quality of materials used are not compromised. There should further be adequate provision of security at construction sites.”

He said, “For emphasis, the Lagos State Planning Permit Regulation 2019 and the Lagos State Building Control Agency Regulation 2019 were enacted to stem incidences of building collapse in the State and to generally regulate the activities of building contractors and other stakeholders in the industry.

“These laws and regulations have not been made in a vacuum but are to be seen as instruments of guidance so that if properly complied with, would stem incidences of building collapse or even totally eradicate such in our State.”

Obasa said the Lagos State House of Assembly, “being the fulcrum through which effective Government policies are formed, will continue to perform its oversight functions, initiate and review relevant

laws that will keep the State in its positions as a mega-city and economic hub.”

In his opening address at the panel of discussion themed ‘Building Collapse Prevention: Women in the Built Environment,’ the National President, Building Collapse Prevention

Guild (BCPG), Sulaiman

Alabi Yusuf said, “In a rapidly evolving world, the impact of women in every sector cannot be underestimated. Today, we direct our focus to the built environment in Nigeria, recognising the extraordinary contributions and remarkable

potential of women within this realm.

“We gather here with a shared goal: to explore, celebrate, and empower women who have left an indelible mark on the built environment, and to forge a path towards greater inclusivity and gender equality.

Climate Change and Increased Outbreak of Diseases

Bennett Oghifo

After the devastating floods of 2022 in Nigeria, largely blamed on climate change, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed over 2,000 cases of cholera in 31 states, including not less than 600 deaths.

Prior to October, NCDC said a total of 2,187 confirmed cases of cholera have been reported from 31 states and 233 deaths recorded from the 1st of January to the 25th of September 2022.

The NCDC, however, did not give the number of people affected by diseases or fatalities caused by the October 2022 floods.

But last year, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) said the deadly October 2022 floods in Nigeria, killed over 600 people and displaced 1 million more, and led to a major increase in cholera cases and other preventable diseases.

The IRC said it has been working in Nigeria since 2012, providing life saving support to communities in Nigeria affected by natural disasters, armed conflict and other poverty related issues.

Babatunde Anthony Ojei Nigeria Country Director at the IRC, said, “Nigeria has not seen flooding like this in more than a decade. At least 13 local government

areas experienced a deadly cholera outbreak with more than 6,000 cases and a 4-5% case fatality ratio. The IRC needs more resources to scale up our health work to treat cholera patients and our water and sanitation programming to help us stop the spread.

“Having contributed less than 1% of the world’s global emissions, yet ranked in the bottom 20% of countries equipped to respond to the impacts of climate change, Nigeria is increasingly bearing the brunt of a crisis it did not cause. More frequent droughts and flooding coupled with a global economic crisis has led to increasing food insecurity. More than 1 million children

Developer Partners Anambra Govt for Infrastructure Devt, Commissions Bethlehem City Housing Project

Bennett Oghifo

Determined to create value in the areas of housing and infrastructural development, a real estate developer, Periwinkle Lifestyle Residences is partnering with Anambra state to commission the building of Bethlehem City, a multibillion naira housing scheme to be located in Awka, Anambra state. A release signed by the Chairman of the company, Dr. Chiedu Nweke explained that “Bethlehem City to be launched by Periwinkle residences limited in September is intended to spark optimism for accelerated growth in housing and infrastructure in Anambra state”.

He described the company’s action as “a strategic move to bolster housing and infrastructural development in Anambra state,

This project, Bethlehem City is a 30 hectares concession by the Anambra state government delineated for site and services and would sell by private subscription only.

The city project launch is scheduled for September 2023 and is strictly on private subscription to selected buyers. The project has been christened as a destination for Billionaires in Anambra state and the entire southeast.”

Nweke assured that the company is committed to ensuring that the projects are executed in record time and in compliance with the state agreement stipulations, adding that “this project launch by Periwinkle would not only highlight the company’s dedication to transforming the Anambra state landscape but also demonstrate the potential for private sector initiatives to

drive accelerated growth in housing and infrastructure. With this endeavor, the state inches closer to its vision of becoming a model for sustainable urban development in Nigeria.”

He pointed out that the citizens of Anambra state, as well as investors and stakeholders, eagerly anticipate the positive changes that this project launch will bring and noted that “the successful launch of Bethlehem City by Periwinkle will not only address the housing needs in the region but also lay the foundation for a brighter future, where quality housing and improved infrastructure contribute to the overall prosperity of the state and its residents.

Periwinkle Residences Limited is the developer of Orange Island and Periwinkle Lifestyle Estate in Lagos, Nigeria

in the northeast are expected to suffer from acute food insecurity this (2022) year, making them more susceptible to succumbing to diseases like cholera. The world, especially the countries contributing the most to climate change, must step up and help countries suffering its consequences.”

The outbreak of these diseases can be blamed on the flooding events which are consequences of global warming/climate change, said Dr. Emmanuel Edward, Chairman, Association of Public Health Physicians, Akwa Ibom State chapter, South-south Nigeria.

He stated this during my interview with him today, explaining that “scientists have

determined that the extreme weather events experienced globally, including the massive flooding in Nigeria last year, are caused by climate change.”

He said the flood water interacts with preexisting poor sanitation on ground in most communities. “The flooding comes and interacts with existing poor behavioral practices that we are having within our context here where people dump refuse and faeces in water channels. So, if you have flooding occurring in this instance it is also likely that there will be an outbreak of diseases like cholera and diarrhea. This is exactly what we can actually point at that is happening in many parts

of the country.

“In the north of Nigeria, however, we are having cholera not because of flooding but as a result of the scarcity of clean water to drink.”

He talked about other emergencies that occur during flooding such as the invasion of homes by wild animals like snakes in their bid to escape the devastation of their habitat. They end up biting people who may die eventually because of the absence of anti venom.

He said, “Climate change is playing its own subtle part. It may not be as overt as some people want to see, since they still don’t believe that it is global warming that is responsible.”

‘FG Approves Lafarge Africa’s Roadcem for Use’

Bennett Oghifo

Lafarge Africa Plc said the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has approved the use of its road cement brand Roadcem road construction.

“The product, which is environmentally friendly, increases the strength and bearing capacity of the roads, reduces the thickness of the pavement structure and modifies the chemical and mineral structure of soil materials,” said Lafarge Africa in a statement.

“In Nigeria, there is high variability in the quality of soil that is available across the country. The use of traditional methods of excavating, placing and compacting soil makes it challenging to achieve uniform quality. With Roadcem, Lafarge Africa has provided a soil stabilization product that helps to improve the characteristics of soils before they are used for the base, sub-base or sub-grade construction. This product has proven to be very effective on several projects and ensures

sub-base/base improvement, less breakdown of the road, long-term durability and cost savings.”

Lafarge’s RoadCem is produced by inter-grinding cement clinker with a controlled amount of limestone and chemical additives. Roadcem provides better volume stability by controlling swell and shrinkage, and providing better durability while allowing the stabilized layer to achieve long-term strength.

The statement quoted Engr. Osita Ezedozie, the Director of Highways (Materials, Geotechnics & Quality Control), of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to have said: “Following the improved performance observed from the tests, pilot study and evaluation of Roadcem over Ordinary Portland Cement in soil (sharp sand) stabilization, approval has been granted for the introduction and use of Roadcem for stabilization of soil (sharp sand) in highway pavement sub-base course

construction. At 5.0% Roadcem content, the stabilized sharp sand complies with all the specification requirements for a sub-base course and also achieves higher stability at a lower cost than stabilization with ordinary Portland cement.”

Lafarge Africa has been at the forefront of providing innovative and sustainable building solutions which underscores its sustainability leadership within its operating environment. With its innovative products and solutions, Lafarge Africa creates value for its customers and serves Nigeria with a wide range of building and construction solutions designed to meet housing and construction needs from small projects like individual home buildings to major infrastructure and construction projects.

Lafarge Africa is proud to have achieved this feat and to contribute to the development of sustainable infrastructure within Nigeria.

L-R: Vice President, International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), Nigeria, Akin Opatola; CEO, Fine & Country, Udo Okonjo, Guest Speaker, Prince Dapo Adelegan; and President FIABCI Africa, Adeniji Adele, at FIABCI’s annual general meeting in Lagos… recently

L-R: Managing Director, GEN Nigeria, Dr. Olawale Anifowose; Team Lead, Strategic Partnership and Business Development, Providus Bank, Oluwadamilola Feyide; Director, Enterprise Development and Promotion, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Monday Ewans; and Head, Strategy and Business Development, Providus Bank, Ernest Elue, at a press conference to announce GEN Nigeria and Providus Bank collaboration for a strategic partnership to drive entrepreneurship in Nigeria, held in Lagos… recently

L-R: Lawmaker, Hon. Olayinka Oladunjoye; guest, Hajiya Shareefah Andu; celebrant, Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara; and another guest, Mrs. Tolu Okin, at the inauguration thanksgiving in honour of Hon. Kafilat Ogbara as member of the 10th House of Representative representing Kosofe federal constituency, held in Lagos… recently PHOTO: MUBO PETERS

L-R: Executive Director, SWEEP Foundation, Phillips Obuesi; Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Oluwasoromidayo George; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services, University of Lagos, Professor Lucien Obinna Chukwu; Director, Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe; Packaging Recovery Manager, NBC, Idris Adetola; and University of Lagos Project Lead, Green Eco Hub, Dr. Ganiyu Adelopo, at the unveiling of the Green Eco Hub in collaboration with NBC on sustainable plastic waste management at the University of Lagos…recently

Commercial Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Adebayo Alli; Human Resources Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Ayodeji Ajibola; Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr. Temi Popoola; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. John Musunga; International Premium Spirits, Reserve and Modern Trade (IRM) Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas; and Corporate Relations Director/Company Secretary, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Rotimi Odusola, during a courtesy visit of the Guinness Nigeria leadership team to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX)…recently

L-R: Member, Comprehensive High School Ayetoro Old Students’ Association, Pastor Peter Shodiya; President, Aviation Round Table (ART), Dr. Gabriel Olowo (with his Award of Excellence); and another member of the old students’ association, Mrs. Yemisi Ilori, at the 60th-anniversary celebration/award presentation of the school, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State…recently

L-R: Founder, NESH Foundation, Emeka Ugwu-Oju; immediate-past President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata; and Executive Director, Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, during the NBA-SPIDEL annual conference in Lagos…recently

L-R:

PERSPECTIVE

Winning In Turbulent Times: TEXEM UK Unveils a Transformational Programme for Nigerian Leaders

TEXEM UK, a leading global learning and development organisation, has set its sights on empowering business leaders to excel in today’s challenging and uncertain business landscape.

In a statement on their website, Caroline Lucas, TEXEM’s Director of Special Projects, emphasized the crucial need for strategic executives to develop winning strategies that will enrich their businesses and organisations. These strategies, she asserted, hold the power to guide leaders in making profitable decisions even in the face of turbulent climates. “This programme is actionable and would reflect the contextual realities that organisations operating in Nigeria and Africa currently face,” the statement explained.

With the world witnessing unprecedented disruptions, the business environment has become more volatile than ever before. In light of this reality, TEXEM is offering a unique opportunity for senior executives and organisational leaders to equip themselves with practical skills and actionable insights through its interactive learning experience themed “Winning in Turbulent Times.” The programme, scheduled to take place from July 12th to 13th, 2023, at The Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos, aims to help participants develop strategies that foster sustainable success amidst uncertainty.

TEXEM’s renowned faculty is composed of distinguished professionals, and participants will have the opportunity to engage in a professional exchange with critical partners and colleagues. This invaluable interaction will offer fresh perspectives and enrich the learning experience, providing participants with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape.

The programme’s comprehensive methodology includes group and individual impactful activities, ever-to-ever learning, games, observation practice, and self-reflection.

TEXEM believes that learning should be both fun and engaging and by employing this innovative approach, participants will gain deeper insights into creating growth opportunities and developing organisational strategies to thrive in times of disruption.

One of the key highlights of TEXEM’s programme is the deployment of case studies through the tested and proven methodology. Professor Rodria Laline, Founding Director of

Lucas

Harvard University’s Maximise Your Board’s Potential Programme, will lead this renowned faculty. Prof. Laline’s vast experience as a former Visiting Professor at prestigious institutions such as INSEAD, IMD, and IESE, as well as her role as Co-Founder of Global Chipcard Alliance, brings a wealth of knowledge to the program.

Having collaborated with industry giants like IBM, ING, Hewlett-Packard, and Oracle Corporation during her tenure as CEO of Global Research and Development, Prof. Laline’s expertise is expected to offer invaluable insights to participants. Additionally, her advisory role to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands and her involvement as a board member of The Open Software Foundation further solidifies her reputation

as an industry expert.

“We designed this programme to empower leaders with the ability to make well-informed decisions swiftly and adapt to unexpected challenges,” said Prof. Rodria Laline. “By improving their analytical rigour and managing ambiguity better, participants will be better equipped to lead their organisations to sustainable success.”

The challenges faced by organisations in Nigeria are significant, with the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war affecting countries worldwide. In Nigeria, widespread insecurity, soaring inflation, high capital costs, supply chain disruptions, and new cybersecurity threats have compounded the already complex business environment. These challenges have resulted in dramatic forex fluctuations, low or negative GDP growth, and dwindling government and business revenue. The exodus of skilled staff and declining productivity further add to the complexities faced by businesses.

As Nigeria’s corporate landscape grapples with various challenges, TEXEM UK’s programme comes as a timely and much-needed opportunity for leaders to equip themselves with the tools necessary to overcome adversities. The interactive nature of the programme, combined with the expertise of distinguished faculty members such as Prof. Rodria Laline, promises to deliver an enriching and transformative learning experience. By attending this programme, senior executives and leaders will gain a competitive edge in managing their organisations, thereby steering them towards a future marked by triumphs amidst turbulent times.

A few of TEXEM’s previous delegates from Nigeria have the following testimonials to share about TEXEM, UK programmes:

“The programme is an excellent one, it’s a world-class Institute, looking at the quality of materials, the quality of the Facilitators, I think it’s a world-class programme, it could be anywhere in the world, and it’s a good standard”.

Glory O. Idehen, Head of E-Training, C.B.N., said.

“The content of the programme has been rich and educative, refreshing, enlightening and thought-provoking. I enjoyed this programme, and I am looking forward to

another programme.” Andy Uwejeyan, Managing Director A&J Construction Company Ltd., remarked.

“It’s the first time I’m doing a programme in Nigeria, and it’s actually very interesting. The first thing I liked about it is the diversity of the participants and the quality of the network.”

“I also like the edgy conversations we had with Christian and Alim. It’s quite thought-provoking,” Effiong Okon, Operations Director, Seplat, remarked.

TEXEM delegate Hakeem Muriokunola, Lagos State Head of Service, had this to say. “It’s a very insightful and worthy programme on Leadership and Executive Management. It has opened my eyes to understanding that you also have to be an effective follower to be an effective leader. “I need to surround myself with people better than me and learn from them,”

“It has been an insightful experience, thought provoking. I have learnt new ways of doing things, especially in leadership and ADR and reaching an agreement in negotiation”. Bolanle Ajara Oniyangi, Coordinating Secretary Tax Appeal Tribunal, remarked.

Prof. Olatunde Julius Atusanya. Hon. Commissioner of the Tax Appeal Tribunal, made this comment, “TEXEM, is a good platform for advancing leadership training, and I would recommend TEXEM for any organizations or institutions that are, desirous for improving their workforce in leadership and strategic policy making.”

“It is a wonderful organization. I must confess, and they are very organized. Their staffs are really warm, they are very committed and you can see the way they do their job is with every enthusiasm… I’ve enjoyed the orderliness of the organizers. I’ve enjoyed the presentations of the consultants. I’ve enjoyed the practicability of the consultants… I have now become more focused in leadership style, presentation, orientation, and also even in mental capability… I have learnt all this within the course of the training programme.” Otunba Sonya Ogunkuade, Hon. Commissioner and Special Assistant to the President, said.

104 APC Non-Serving Senators, Abbas, Yahaya, Alia, Akume, Others Congratulate Tinubu on Emergence as ECOWAS Chairman

Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan, Juliet Akoje in Abuja, George Okoh in Makurdi, Segun Awofadeji in Gombe and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The APC Non-Serving Senators Group, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, his Benue State counterpart, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Former Senate Leader and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, have described the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Chairman of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as a welcome development that would be good for Nigeria and the West African Sub-region.

Also, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Jime, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State congratulated Tinubu on the feat.

They all congratulated the president in separate statements yesterday.

Tinubu emerged as the new Chairman of ECOWAS at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government on Sunday in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, in a unanimous endorsement on Sunday. Buhari, had occupied the position from 2018 to 2019.

The ECOWAS chairmanship is a position held by one of the heads of states or governments of the member countries, chosen on a rotating basis for one-year tenure.

The APC Non-Serving Senators said they were delighted to extend congratulations to Tinubu, noting that the achievement reflected Tinubu’s exceptional leadership skills, diplomatic acumen, and unwavering commitment to regional development.

“As members of the All Progressives Congress (APC),we take immense pride in President Tinubu’s elevation to this esteemed position.

“We firmly believe that his vast experience and visionary approach will steer ECOWAS towards greater heights of regional integration, socio-economic prosperity and peace.

“President Tinubu’s exemplary governance record and steadfast commitment to good governance makes him an ideal choice to lead ECOWAS during these pivotal times.

“His extensive political background, both at the National and International levels, will enable him to effectively address the region’s challenges and harness its immense potential,” the statement added.

They noted that under Tinubu’s astute leadership, they were confident that ECOWAS would further strengthen economic cooperation and foster closer ties among member states.

“His unwavering dedication to upholding democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law will undoubtedly solidify ECOWAS’s position as a vanguard of regional stability and progress,” they added.

Also, the Speaker, Abbas, congratulated Tinubu on his emergence as the Chairman of ECOWAS, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Musa Abdullahi Krishi.

The speaker expressed confidence in the ability of Tinubu to deploy his wealth of experience in public administration in spearheading sustainable socio-economic plans for the African sub-region and that the Nigerian president would join hands with other ECOWAS leaders to turn things around in the sub-regional body.

“It is an affirmation of President Tinubu’s popularity beyond Nigeria

and among his colleagues in West Africa. There are no doubts that the African sub-region will witness exemplary leadership with the Nigerian President as ECOWAS chairman,” Abbas said.

Akume, also congratulated Tinubu following his emergence as the 36th Chairman of ECOWAS.

In a statement signed by Director Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, the SGF noted that the president’s emergence as the Chairman of ECOWAS, would usher in refreshing season of democratic stability in the sub-region and cooperation among member states in order to realise the dreams and aspirations of it’s founding fathers.

He expressed the hope that his tenure would bring abundant blessings and prosperity to member states with the expected flourishing of economic activities, improvements in security and safety of lives and property among

member states.

SGF wishes the President a successful tenure as ECOWAS Chairman.

Also, Yahaya extended congratula- tions and best wishes to the Tinubu.

In a congratulatory message he personally signed, Governor Inuwa, who is also the Chairman of the northern states’ governors’ forum, said Tinubu’s election to chair the highly influential regional body, was a great achievement that reflects his outstanding leadership qualities, visionary disposition, dedication, and commitment to the development of Nigeria and West African region.

He expressed optimism that the President’s leadership of ECOWAS would inspire the people of West Africa to work together towards a common goal of peace, prosperity, and progress, in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe made available to journalists yesterday.

“As we face the challenges of the

21st century, it is more important than ever that leaders work together to address the complex issues that affect our countries. Your election as Chairman of ECOWAS provides a unique opportunity to bring the member states together to address these challenges and to work towards a brighter future for all of us,” the Gombe governor said.

Alia, also congratulated Tinubu over his emergence as Chairman of ECOWAS. He said the choice of Tinubu as ECOWAS Chairman was perfect and timely, adding that the experience of the Nigerian President in leadership would have direct bearing on the challenges of unity and progress in the West African region.

Alia called on Nigerians to pray for Tinubu so that God would give him strength and wisdom to render effective leadership services to the people he has been chosen to lead.

On his part, Ndoma-Egba said:

“It is significant that President Bola

Ahmed Tinubu is assuming an important regional role so soon after his swearing-in as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. By this role he is expected to give leadership to the West African Sub-region. And it’s a stepping stone into global politics. So, it is a very, very important and welcome development.”

Also, Jime said: “As head of ECOWAS, the President I believe will bring his considerable wealth of knowledge in economic management to bear on the sub region in readiness for our integration and participation in the emerging African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) such that our economic fortunes will be better enhanced. This is a welcome development and signposts the arrival of Nigeria at the commanding heights of Africa’s development.”

The APC, Rivers State chapter lauded Tinubu, in a statement signed by Mr. Darlington Nwauju, State Publicity Secretary of the party.

Kano-Maradi Project: FG Requests Mota-Engil to Consider CNG, LPG in Procuring Railway Engines

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The federal government has asked Mota-Engil, Nigeria Limited, the Contractor handling Kano-Maradi railway project to consider procuring Compressed National Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as against Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) engines for the rail line Rolling Stock for more environmentally-friendly operators.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal

Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, disclosed this while signing an agreement on behalf of the Government for Mota-Eñgil, Nigeria Limited, to supply Rolling Stocks, Operations and Maintenance Equipment for Kano-Maradi Standard Rail Line. Ajani, in a statement yesterday, issued in Abuja, by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Henshaw Ogubike, while acknowledging the fact that it may not have been in the original

agreement and may attract additional cost, pointed out that it was the right way to go in checking the harmful effect of global warming.

Responding, the Executive Director, Mota-Engil, Pedro Pereira, assured the Permanent Secretary that the request for a more environmentally-friendly energy source would be considered and complied with accordingly.

The statement further noted that the Director, Legal Services,

Federal Ministry of Transportation, Pius Oteh, had earlier outlined the regulatory process leading to the Agreement-signing ceremony, which included the issuance of a Certificate of ‘No Objection’ by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP); the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the approval of the draft Agreement by the Office of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice.

Bill Gates: Pushing for Science, Innovation to Accelerate Positive Change for Africa

For the first time since 2018, Bill Gates, philanthropist and chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, BMGF, was in Nigeria to learn more about the progress being made so far in technology, innovation and development. After a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu, he met with youths in a forum themed 'Advancing Africa: Unleashing the Power of Youth in Science and Innovation.’ At the sidelines, from financial inclusion to cultural innovation, funding, health, climate issues, education, harnessing the potentials of the Nigerian youth, Artificial Intelligence, as well as creating a balance between all his interests for optimum results, the philanthropist fielded questions from the few select reporters including Chiemelie Ezeobi of THISDAY Newspaper. Expressing optimism about Nigeria's future and the role young innovators are going to play in it, he commended innovators and scientists who are scaling up new interventions that save mothers and babies, researchers who are helping smallholder farmers thrive in the face of climate change and grow more nutritious foods, and companies that are expanding access to digital financial tools

Globally, the issue of climate change is in the front burner. What policies do you think can help out. Also, do you think investment and execution in health and education require significant attention in Nigeria?

We certainly have a strong message: cultural innovation is the only way to minimise the climate impact. It seems that even in the face of climate challenges, we need to be more creative. However, the overall funding situation is currently very tricky. The big donors, including Europe and the US, are spending massive amounts of money on things related to the Ukrainian war, such as civilian aid, military aid, and building resources for refugees.

In the latest OECD report, which is the best tracking developmental systems, it was found that about seven per cent (if you exclude some specific COVID-19 funding) is down slightly more. From a financial standpoint, considering interest levels and debt levels, it will be challenging to allocate resources. Nevertheless, we must focus on applying our finite resources to high-impact areas.

For example, even if funding for malaria doesn't increase, we can still reduce its prevalence through innovation in malaria tools. Although it would be great to see funding go up, domestically we need to see how the government reallocates resources from one area to another, taking into account headwinds such as interest costs. However, this situation also presents an opportunity to prioritize health and education.

In Africa, particularly in parts of Nigeria, investment and execution in health and education require significant attention. We expect progress to continue despite setbacks caused by the pandemic. Measles campaigns were interrupted, and some health services were also affected. However, we believe we can resume these efforts and make further strides. Collaboration with the government will be crucial, and we plan to implement more programs and closely monitor the work being done and the locations where it takes place. Vaccine coverage levels are one of the key indicators we are monitoring closely, and we have multiple partners who share our dedication to vaccines.

The timing of my visit is partly due to the pandemic situation easing, allowing for travel. It is also an opportunity to meet the new president and provide input on the opportunities I see.

This question follows up on your previous response in 2019 when you discussed Nigeria's low tax-to-GDP ratio, which was approximately six per cent at that time. Since then, it has increased to around 10 per cent. You mentioned that this low ratio contributed to a lack of investment in healthcare. Despite this increase, there hasn't been a proportional rise in healthcare investment. According to your latest report, healthcare expenditure is just $10 per person. What recommendation do you have regarding the ideal amount per person, such as $20 or $30, and what proportion of the total budget should be allocated to healthcare? Do you have a specific recommendation in mind?

To ensure effective utilisation of funds, it is important to establish a basic level of funding, around $30 per person, and ensure proper allocation based on actual work performed. This includes aligning payroll with employees and

tracking locations and supply chains. This approach has proven successful in countries like Nigeria, where 90 per cent vaccine coverage has led to a significantly lower death rate compared to the northern regions.

The comparison between sub-Saharan countries is quite significant because some of them have well-run primary health systems. Even economically disadvantaged countries like Niger have better vaccination coverage than certain Nigerian states in that area. Therefore, both financial allocation and execution are crucial factors in achieving successful healthcare outcomes.

During our meetings with governors, we have observed positive reforms in places like Kaduna. While some states may spend more on health due to increased healthcare expenditure, it is important to track data and implement effective personnel policies at the local government area (LGA) level. Through reforms, states have been able to monitor healthcare centers, ensuring that the right people are present and vaccines are delivered on time. This level of scrutiny provides valuable and timely data on the functioning of the healthcare system.

Ultimately, the goal is to establish a highly functional healthcare system, which would require moving towards the $30 per person funding target. For comparison, the United States spends $8,000 per person on healthcare, and

the spending in Lagos is likely higher than $30. The impact of such investments can be seen in indicators like maternal survival and long-term outcomes such as nutrition. Therefore, it is crucial for domestic stakeholders to support the ongoing plan, as it directly affects the wellbeing of Nigerian children and the effectiveness of the primary healthcare system.

In addressing the topic of financial inclusion, the level of poverty in the northern region of Nigeria is extremely concerning. We have witnessed the positive impact of financial inclusion in alleviating poverty in other areas. Therefore, I would like to inquire about the strategies that your foundation, as well as the government, should undertake to expedite widespread financial inclusion, particularly in the northern region of the country?

Our financial services work, which receives an annual budget of approximately 150 million dollars, may not be as substantial as our health or agriculture programs, which are our largest initiatives. However, it has been highly successful in partnering countries such as India, Kenya, and several African nations to ensure widespread availability of digital money.

In Nigeria, we have already laid some foundational elements, including a digital ID system. The key to making this system effective lies in establishing seamless conversion between digital money and cash, commonly known as "cash in" and "cash out." When individuals can easily move between digital and cash transactions within their communities, they begin to perceive digital money as flexible as traditional

paper currency. When someone sends money from Kano to a relative in Lagos via mobile phone, the recipient should have the choice to either withdraw the funds or directly use them at a store. To achieve this, Nigeria needs to focus on expanding network coverage, ensuring user-friendliness, and establishing a widespread cash-in and cash-out system.

These steps are crucial for Nigeria to match the levels of digital financial inclusion seen in countries like India or Kenya. While this program alone may not solve all the challenges, it holds significant importance, particularly for women who have their own savings and can utilize them for essential needs like food or family health expenses.

Consequently, this program plays a vital role, and Nigeria is on the verge of advancing it. We are actively collaborating with the government and providing assistance wherever possible. Additionally, we have established partnerships with numerous experts in this field to support the endeavor.

On innovation and vaccine production, it is widely acknowledged that innovation can be costly, as exemplified by the significant expenses associated with developing the COVID-19 vaccine. Considering the financial limitations, what strategies do you believe can be employed by Nigerians and young innovators to inspire and support them in testing their ideas and creating products for the global market?

The development of vaccines is not limited to small companies due to the regulatory requirements involved. Vaccines are global products, and it is not economically feasible to create a vaccine exclusively for one country. The production of vaccines is a complex process, often costing around 400 million naira if everything goes well.

In Africa, we have established capabilities for vaccine production. For instance, we have a group in Africa that specialises in yellow fever vaccines, and we are considering establishing polio vaccine production there as well. Therefore, Nigeria's involvement in the global ecosystem of vaccine production is more about being part of a collective effort rather than individual entrepreneurs spearheading it.

While many inventions and creations can originate from Nigeria, they are likely to have a global impact. For instance, we invest billions in developing vaccines for diseases like Malaria or HIV, and a significant portion of those funds are allocated for trials conducted in Africa. These trials involve collaboration with skilled investigators and researchers on the continent.

Recently, we conducted a trial called the TB trial, and it was inspiring to witness the positive impact it had on students and the development of their skills. I am confident that we will continue to engage with the university and the exceptional team behind this trial to conduct more trials in the future.

In the field of medicine, I highly encourage young individuals who are fascinated by it to pursue careers as doctors or researchers. There are ample opportunities to contribute to the advancement of healthcare and make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

In Africa, particularly in parts of Nigeria, investment and execution in health and education require significant attention. We expect progress to continue despite setbacks caused by the pandemic

Gates

THISDAY TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023

After Subsidy Removal, Nigeria Slashes Petrol Consumption by 18.6m Litres, Consumed 1.5bn Litres in June

Following the removal of petrol subsidy, daily nationwide utilisation of the product declined from 68.9 million litres in May 2023 to 66.9 million litres daily in June 2023, indicating a decline of 18.6 million litres.

A THISDAY analysis of data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), showed that in all, Nigeria ‘consumed’ an estimated

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Local meter manufacturing companies under the Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers Association of Nigeria (MMAAN) have kicked against being effectively shut out from meters’ production and importation by the new rules enunciated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

In a press briefing in Abuja, the

1.5 billion litres of petrol in June. While before the removal of subsidy, Nigerians were believed to be using 66.8 million litres, but with the withdrawal of what the government terms under-recovery, the review showed that the figure may have fallen to 50 million litres in June.

Although the country still does not know the exact volume of the product consumed by Nigerians daily, however it bases its estimates on the number or

truck-out or loading by tankers in the various petrol depots.

Last year, NMDPRA put the country’s petrol use at 66.8 million litres of petrol daily, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) pegged it at about 68 million daily.

But the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said at the time that the NNPC released 98 million litres daily even when it previously claimed the country consumed 60 million litres of

petrol per day.

On May 29, Nigeria’s new President, Bola Tinubu, announced the removal of the largely wasteful payment to lower the pump price of the product, maintaining that the subsidy management system was largely corruptionridden and that the country was essentially subsidising neighbouring countries.

The varying figures provided by different agencies of government had left many

Nigerians concerned by the transparency of the management of the government’s fuel subsidy programme.

But a THISDAY review showed that the daily consumption (truck-out) varied from as low as 470,000 litres to as high as 78.8 million litres on a daily basis during the month of June under review.

In addition, Nigerians consumed roughly 50 million litres of petrol, the analysis showed, as opposed to the

66.8 previously said to have been used by Nigerians per day before the subsidy removal. Without discounting the direct impact the subsidy is having, many motorists and other users have also stayed away from filling stations to patronise the public transport system or buy the fuel in small amounts which may have also affected consumption. While the industry regulator

Continued on page 20

Secretary of the organisation, Mr Durosola Omogbenigun, stressed that it had become imperative to bring to the attention of the Bola Tinubu-led administration the plan to leave Nigerians out of the World Bank facility for the ongoing 1.25 million meters in phase 2 of the production.

The association stated that the decision of the federal government to use a World Bank loan of $155

million to support the importation of electricity meters into the country was untenable.

The group insisted that the move by the government to bridge the over 8 million metering gap in the Nigerian electricity market was being jeopardised by the new rules.

Recall that the TCN had in a tender publication unveiled stringent requirements before a vendor could access the loan,

which effectively ruled out local manufacturers.

But the local manufacturers insisted that implementing the policy would mean taking away Nigerian jobs and depriving the economy of the benefits the loan was meant to deliver.

Omogbenigun noted that the government has to urgently halt attempts by the TCN to open tenders billed for July 11 for the

project, explaining that the fund should rather be made available to local meter manufacturers who have the capacity to produce the devices.

FOOD COMMODITIES PRICE TODAY

companies the licence to bring in fully built meters at a zero import duty would cripple local companies, pointing out that local meter manufacturers successfully produced and distributed the 1 million meters deployed during the phase-0 of the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).

19 NAME OF COMMODITY SIZESTATEPRICE SORGHUM 100KG 100KG 50KG 100KG 50KG 100KG 100KG JIGAWA KADUNA LAGOS BENUE ENUGU DELTA ABIA N30,000 N32,000 N26,000 N32,000 N24,000 N35,000 N36,000 NAME OF COMMODITY SIZESTATEPRICE RICE 100KG 50KG 50KG 50KG 50KG 50KG 50KG ABUJA PLATEAU (JOS) LAGOS SOKOTO OYO KWARA RIVERS N35,000 – N45,000 N32,500 – N42,000 N35,000 – N45,000 N60,000 – N70,000 N35,000 – N45,000 N24,000–N27,000 N36,500 – N46,500 NAME OF COMMODITY SIZESTATEPRICE BEANS 50KG BAG 100KG 100KG 100KG 100KG MAIDU GURI KANO ABIA LAGOS DELTA N22,000 –N30,000 N35,000 N35,700 N36,000 N36,000

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

FOOD COMMODITIES PRICE TODAY

UN: Developing Countries Face $4tn Investment Gap in SDGs

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

A green future will remain out of reach if the world doesn’t help developing countries close a $4 trillion gap in investment towards an energy transition, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), has warned.

UNCTAD Secretary General, Rebeca Grynspan, said in a report that said that a “significant increase” in material support for

renewable energy in developing countries is “crucial” for the world to reach its climate goals by 2030.

While investment in renewables has nearly tripled since the adoption of the Paris Agreement almost eight years ago, poorer nations have been largely left out.

Grynspan said that more than 30 developing countries have not registered a single international investment in utility-size renewable energy generation since the landmark

climate change treaty was adopted in 2015.

According to UNCTAD, the amount of foreign direct investment in clean energy attracted by developing countries in 2022 stood at $544 billion –well below needs.

Some good news from the report is that energy companies among the top 100 multinationals have been increasingly turning towards renewables and divesting fossil fuel assets at a rate of about

$15 billion per year. However, the report also shows an overall slower pace of investment in renewable energy in 2022, “as international project finance deals declined”.

In developing countries, the largest gaps in Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs)-related investments were in energy, water and transport infrastructure, UNCTAD said.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is also on the decline, according to

World Cereal Production to Hit Record High as Food Commodity Prices Decline

Gilbert Ekugbe

The latest Cereal Supply and Demand Brief of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has predicted that the world cereal production would hit a record high in 2023 and 2024.

The report, which was posted in the FAO’s website, raised the 2023 global cereal production forecast to 2, 819 million tonnes, indicating a 1.1 per cent increase from the previous year.

The higher forecast reflected better prospects for global wheat production, now pegged at 783.3 million tonnes, which was buoyed by improved outlooks in several countries, including Canada, Kazakhstan and Turkey.

Meanwhile, the FAO’s food price index stated that food commodity prices declined by 1.4 per cent, noting that the decrease was led by decline in the prices of major cereals and vegetable oils. The FAO Food Price Index tracks monthly changes in the international prices of commonlytraded food commodities.

The FAO added that Cereal Price Index declined 2.1 per cent from May while international coarse grain quotations in June decreased by 3.4 per cent, driven mostly by increased maize supplies from ongoing harvests in Argentina and Brazil and improved output prospects in key producing areas of the United States of America.

International wheat prices dropped by 1.3 percent, as harvests began in the Northern hemisphere, influenced by ample supplies and a lower export tax in the Russia, along with improved conditions in the U.S. International rice prices declined by 1.2 per cent amid subdued demand for non-Indica varieties and efforts by Pakistan to attract export sales.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index declined by 2.4 percent from May, as lower world prices of palm and sunflower oils more than offset increases in quotations for soy and rapeseed oil, influenced by weather conditions in major growing regions.

The FAO’s Dairy Price Index declined by 0.8 per cent in June,

led by lower international cheese prices, even as world butter prices rose, driven by active demand for spot supplies, mainly from the Middle East.

The FAO Sugar Price Index declined by 3.2 per cent, its first drop after four consecutive monthly increases, mainly triggered by good progress of the sugarcane harvest in Brazil and sluggish global import demand, particularly from China.

The FAO Meat Price Index was virtually unchanged in June, with poultry meat prices rising on the back of high import demand from East Asia amid ongoing supply challenges that were linked to the widespread avian influenza outbreaks.

LNG Tank, Other Equipment Installed at 50mw Maiduguri Power Plant

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

To effectively ensure that the recently constructed 50mw Maiduguri power plant continues to function effectively, a liquefied natural gas company, Greenville LNG, has successfully installed an LNG tank and other equipment

at the emergency facility.

Making the disclosure on its social media page, the company stated that the installation of the equipment would help drive positive economic growth and create new business opportunities for the beneficiaries.

It stated: “We are pleased to

announce that Greenville LNG, in partnership with NNPC, has achieved a successful and on-schedule installation of the LNG tank and equipment at the Maiduguri Power Plant. This collaborative project holds great promise for driving positive economic growth and creating

new business opportunities in Borno, Maiduguri.

“The successful completion of this endeavour further underscores Greenville’s steadfast commitment to leadership in the oil and gas sector and its unwavering dedication to promoting the utilization of gas in Nigeria, ”the firm stated.

AFTER SUBSIDY REMOVAL, NIGERIA SLASHES PETROL CONSUMPTION BY 18.6M LITRES, CONSUMED 1.5BN LITRES IN JUNE

and the NNPC have not come out with a comprehensive statement on the impact of the fuel subsidy on local consumption as well as on surrounding nations, the petrol racketeering markets in some West African nations, including Cameroon, Benin Republic and Togo had recently crashed, following the decision.

For instance, there have been reports that on the roadsides of the impacted countries, cheap contraband petrol from Nigeria had abruptly doubled in price, destabilising an informal sector that is central to the region’s economic activity.

Also, since Nigeria scrapped its fuel subsidy, black market fuel vendors and commercial drivers in Cameroon, Benin and Togo who were heavily

reliant on petrol smuggled from Nigeria have seen their businesses collapse. And with supplies dwindling, queues have been forming at official petrol stations, where fuel is now competitively priced.

A litre of petrol on the black market which used to sell for about 300 CFA francs ($0.48) is now reported to be selling for a minimum is 600 CFA francs in some neighbouring nations, while regular filling stations have seen their business activities increase due to the collapse of the black market.

The NMDPRA review indicated that from June 1 to 5 Nigerians ‘consumed’ 36.8, 48.3,42.5,12.6 and 54.5 million litres of petrol respectively, while between June 6 and 10, the quantity consumed was 60.4,

68.9, 56.5,71.5 and 50.1 million litres of the product respectively.

On June 11, 470,000 litres of fuel left the depots, 19.0 million the next day, 57.7 million litres on June 13; 67.3 million litres on June 14 and 63.9 million litres on June 15.

June 15 to 23, saw the truck-out numbers as 74.2; 51.0; 15.1; 71.5; 78.8; 72.1; 68.5; 69.4 while the consumption figure for June 24 was conspicuously missing, but was estimated to be 60 million litres, since most of the consumption at the time hovered around the same number.

Between June 25 and June 30, the NMDPRA data reported that Nigerians used the following litres: 10.5; 57.9; 63.3; 17.0; 15.7 and 68.3 million litres per day respectively.

UNCTAD, as global flows fell by 22 per cent in 2022, to $1.3 trillion.

In Least Developed Countries, the vast majority of which are in Africa, FDI inflows dropped by as much as 16 per cent.

UNCTAD’s report says that the slowdown was driven by

“overlapping crises”: the war in Ukraine, high food and energy prices and debt pressures. With these factors still in play during 2023, the agency said that it expects “downward pressure on global FDI” to continue this year.

However, Pinnacle-Lekki consistently had the highest number of truck-outs, while Lagos was mostly the state supplied with the highest volume of petrol during the period under consideration.

Petrol in Nigeria currently sells for between N488 and N600 depending on the location of the buyer. The Dangote refinery billed to commence production between this July and August, if it comes to fruition, is expected to significantly reduce importation of the product and marginally reduce pump prices in Nigeria.

This is based on the reasoning that international shipping, freight, customs and other charges will be eliminated while the jostle for dollars may significantly slump.

Cashew

Farmers Blame Lack of National Policy for Neglect

Gilbert Ekugbe

AThe National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has blamed the lack of a national policy for the neglect of Nigeria’s cashew sector.

The NCAN said the sector is capable of displacing cocoa and sesame seeds in terms of revenue generation if it is given the right level of attention and financial support.

THISDAY had reported that the cashew industry is capable of generating over $2.7 billion annually by increasing its production capacity to about one million metric tonnes per year.

Speaking during a telephone interview, the President of NCAN, Mr. Joseph Ajanaku, claimed that the sector has been unconsciously neglected.

Ajanaku said: “The sector has no policy. The sector has been unconsciously neglected and a sector that has no policy would definitely not attract the federal government’s attention.

“As an association, we are

also advocating for a national policy and we are working with development partners to formulate a policy that would attract the federal government’s attention into the cashew industry. “If we are able to have a national policy for the sector, the federal government will identify their obligations to support the sector. We want to make government a stakeholder in the sector to bring some level of attraction and the much needed support for the cashew sector.”

He bemoaned that the cashew farmers were not listed among beneficiaries of the Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP), adding that the association has not benefitted from any kind of funding or assistance from the federal government.

“The potentials for cashew to earn foreign exchange for the economy are huge. Though the government is not showing interested in the sector as it is supposed to, cashew is really contributing a lot, “he said.

Libya’s Oil Revenues

Sink

to $6.95bn in H1 2023

Libya’s revenues from crude oil in the first half of the year fell to $6.95 billion (33.4 billion Libyan dinars)—down from 37.3 billion dinars in H1 2022, according to a statement from Libya’s central bank.

Libya’s crude oil production in the first part of this year is higher than it was during the same period last year. In Q1 2023, Libya’s crude oil production averaged 1.157 million bpd, according to OPEC’s secondary sources, rising only slightly to average 1.169 million bpd by May of this year.

This is an increase on 2022, when 1st quarter production averaged 1.063 million bpd, with May 2022 production averaging just .707 million bpd, oil price reported.

But Brent crude oil prices are down nearly $30 per barrel from May 2022 to May 2023. Libya relies on oil for almost all of its exports and fiscal revenues.

Last month, the Government of National Stability in Libya

said it would stop the flow of oil and gas unless the western-based Government of National Unity appointed an eastern-government representative to oversee the National Oil Corporation (NOC). Meanwhile, Libya is struggling to attract foreign investment into its oil sector.

Meanwhile, Shell expects its gas trading business to have been significantly lower in the second quarter, compared to a strong first quarter, due to seasonality and fewer optimisation opportunities, the UKbased supermajor has said in its second quarter 2023 update note.

Shell anticipates the secondquarter contribution of the gas trading division to be in line with the average contribution of the second quarter in 2021 and 2022.

For the first quarter, Shell reported adjusted earnings of $9.6 billion, driven by “strong trading and optimisation margins for gas and power due to continued price volatility primarily in European and American markets.”

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Soothing Balm for Manufacturers

Dike Onwuamaeze posits that the announcement of four executive orders last week to address some of the bottlenecks militating against the fortunes of the Nigerian manufacturing sector, came as a beacon of hope to the sector and a pointer to good government-business relation

The Nigerian manufacturers heaved a sigh of relief on July 6. On that day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced four executive orders that override certain business unfriendly fiscal policy measures and multiple taxations that were enacted by exPresident Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The executive orders are the Finance Act (Effective Date Variation) Order, 2023 and the Customs, Excise Tariff (Variation) Amendment Order, 2023. The third is the order suspending the 5.0 per cent Excise Tax on telecommunication services as well as the Excise Duties escalation on locally manufactured products. The last and fourth order suspended the newly introduced Green Tax by way of Excise Tax on Single Use Plastics (SPU).

The Presidential Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, who announced the orders during a press briefing in Abuja explained that the executive orders were needed to avoid making “life difficult for Nigerians or asphyxiate corporate entities.” They also further demonstrate the readiness of Tinubu’s administration to “constantly dialogue with Nigerians and lend a listening ear to their concerns.”

The new executive orders differed the commencement date of the Finance Act (Effective Date Variation) Order, 2023, from May 28, 2023 to September 1, 2023, to ensure adherence to the 90 days minimum advance notice for tax changes as contained in the 2017 National Tax Policy (NTP). Similarly, the effective date for the introduction of the Customs, Excise Tariff (Variation) Amendment Order, 2023, was also shifted from March 27, 2023, to August 1, 2023, in line with the NTP

Furthermore, President Tinubu also gave an order suspending the 5.0 per cent excise tax on telecommunication services as well as the excise duties escalation on locally manufactured products.

Alake also announced that in furtherance of Tinubu’s commitment to creating a businessfriendly environment, “the president has ordered the suspension of the newly introduced Green Tax by way of excise tax on Single Use Plastics (SUP), including plastic containers and bottles. In addition, the President has ordered the suspension of import tax adjustment levy on certain vehicles.”

He stated that the Tinubu’s administration has noticed that some of the tax policies are being implemented retroactively with their commencement dates, in some instances, pre-dating the official publication of the relevant legal instruments backing the policies. This lacuna has created some challenges of implementation.

“We wish to state that the intentions behind upward adjustments of some of these taxes are quite noble. They were designed to raise revenue as well as address environmental and public health concerns. However, they have generated some significant challenges for affected businesses, and elicited serious complaints amongst key stakeholders and in the business community.

“Let me mention some of the problems we have identified with the aforementioned tax changes. A document known as the 2017 NTP approved by the Federal Executive Council of the last administration prescribes a minimum of 90 days’ notice from government to tax-payers’ entities before any tax changes can take effect.

“This global practice is done with a view to

giving taxpayers and businesses reasonable time to adjust to the new tax regime.

“However, evidencing part of the gaps pointed out earlier, both the Finance Act 2023 and the Customs, Excise Tariff Order 2023 did not give the required minimum notice period, thus putting businesses in violation of the new tax regime even before the changes were gazetted.

“As a result of this, many of the affected businesses are already contending with the rising costs, falling margins and capacity underutilisation due the various macroeconomic headwinds as well as the impact of the Naira redesign policy.

“Gentlemen of the press, you will also recall that Excise Tax increases on tobacco products and alcoholic beverages from 2022 to 2024, which had already been approved, are also being implemented. But a further escalation of the approved rates by the current administration presents an image of policy inconsistency and creates an atmosphere of uncertainty for businesses operating in Nigeria.

“We have also seen that the Green Taxes, including the Single Use Plastics tax and the Import Adjustment Levy on certain categories of vehicles require more consultation and a holistic approach to the country’s net zero plan in a manner that does not impact the economy negatively,” he said.

Alake announced these orders at a press briefing that was titled, “Presidential Interventions on Major Concerns of Manufacturers and Other Stakeholders Regarding Some Recent Tax Changes.” He reassured the Nigerian business community that “the president is committed to reviewing complaints about multiple taxation and anti-business inhibitions.

“The federal government sees business owners, local and foreign investors as critical engines in its focus on achieving higher GDP growth and appreciable reduction in unemployment rate through job creation.

“The government will, therefore, continue to give requisite stimulus by way of friendly policies to allow businesses to flourish in the country.

“President Bola Tinubu wishes to assure Nigerians by whose sacred mandate he is in power, that there will not be further tax raise without robust and wide consultations undertaken within the context of a coherent fiscal policy framework.”

As soon as the Alake was done with the announcement of the executive orders, the Nigerian manufacturers went agog in jubilation as they described the executive orders as a very good development. They had pleaded to no avail with the Buhari’s administration to nullify the policies.

MAN APPLAUDS FG

Commenting, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said that the new executive orders “obviated the looming existential threat on some sub-sectors in the manufacturing landscape.” The Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, commended Tinubu

for issuing the executive orders and added a historical perspective to the development. He said that the last administration had revised upward the excise duty as contained in the 2023 fiscal policy measure without any impact assessment and adequate consultation with stakeholders in the manufacturing sector.

Ajayi-Kadir pointed that some of the added tax burdens in the 2023 fiscal policy measures were arbitrarily introduced They include the green tax and escalation of the excise duty on alcoholic beverages, wines and tobacco in violation of subsisting government approved roadmap.

He said: “These clearly contradicted the government’s commitment to maintaining policy stability to boost investment and enhancing business confidence in the manufacturing sector. We indicated that the policy is an additional burden too high to bear, as we were also struggling with low patronage, high borrowing cost, and huge energy costs in a highly inflationary environment.

“So, the unwarranted and clearly disingenuous escalation of excise and introduction of new taxes in the 2023 Fiscal Policy Measures had the potential impact of truncating the business projections of producers and assaulting the purchasing capability of the average Nigerian.

“It is, therefore, worthy of commendation that the President Tinubu took due and far-sighted notice and consideration of the concerns.

“In keeping with the trend of positive policy initiatives that we have seen with his administration, the four executive orders have put paid to the anxieties of manufacturers in the affected sectors in particular and operators in the expansive value chain in general.”

He added, “the suspension of the obnoxious aspects of the 2023 Fiscal Policy Measures, which arbitrarily imposed additional tax burden on the manufacturing sector, is a welcome development and has removed a looming clog on its operations and productivity.

“Manufacturers in the affected sector are pleased and we can now reconnect with our projections and plans made in the beginning of the year. We expect that the Nigeria Customs Service will now stand down the requirements for compliance with the excise escalation and the registration for the green tax.”

The MAN said that it looks forward to further engagements with the federal government that would give fillip to the new policy measures President Tinubu has enunciated, so that the challenges that would emerge could be effectively mitigated.

According to the association, “the pursuit of tax increments on already tax-burdened industries is inimical to the growth of the manufacturing sector.”

CPPE COMMENDS FG

Speaking in the same vein, the Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE) applauded the recent executive orders.

The Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, hailed the announcement of the executive orders as a demonstration of the sensitivity of the Tinubu’s administration

to the predicament of the manufacturing sector amid overwhelming headwinds and hassles to real sector activities in the Nigerian economy.

According to Yusuf, the manufacturing sector is a part of the troubled Nigerian economy. Its growth slowed to 1.6 per cent in the Q1 of 2023, from 2.8 per cent it recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022 after it has contracted by 1.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2022.

He said: “Many manufacturers are currently struggling with unfair competition, especially from products imported from Asia which have flooded the Nigerian market, largely because of the porosity of the borders. These imports are often much cheaper than goods produced locally.”

Reacting to the announcement of the four executive orders, the Director General of Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smatt Ayorinde, commended the federal government

Speaking in Abuja, the Director-General of the Association, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, commended the federal government and stated that the issue of multiplicity of taxes has become a major challenge to organised businesses in the country.

Oyerinde stated that currently businesses are made to pay over fifty different taxes and sundry charges, among which are: Corporate Income tax, import duties, export duties, excise duties, rents, capital gains tax, personal income tax, value added tax, stamp duties, property tax, licenses, motor parking fee, motor vehicle fee, withholding tax, land tax, market license fee, road tax, business premises, dividend tax, NHIS levy, advert fee, regulation fees, the new NYSC levy as well as the regular user charges such as electricity, water, disposal fee, etc.

He said: “The huge tax burden, no doubt, has been a clog in the wheel of overall performance of organised businesses over the years. We had, at numerous for a, expressed concern on the escalation of taxes including exercise duties and its adverse implication on the business operating environment.”

NECA ELATED

He added that NECA “is indeed elated with the news of the executive orders, particularly with the suspension of the 5.0 per cent excise tax on telecommunication services; suspension of excise duties on Tobacco (30 per cent ad valorem rate with the introduction of specific rate of NGN 4.2/stick of cigarette for 2022; N4.7 per stick for 2003; and N5.2/stick in 202); Beer (N40/lite in 2002; N45/lite in 2023 and N50/lite 2024); and Wine/Spirit (20 per cent ad valorem rate with a specific rate of N50/litre in 2022) as proposed in the 2022 fiscal policy statement.

“The suspension of 10 per cent Green Tax by way of excise tax on Single Use Plastics (SUPs), including plastics containers and bottles; Import Tax Adjustment (IAT) of 2.0 per cent on imported motor vehicles of 2000 cc to 3999 and 4.0 per cent on 4000 cc engines. The new Orders will no doubt, support the efforts at improving the operating environment and mitigate the high cost of doing business in Nigeria, particularly with the aftermath of the removal of fuel subsidy.”

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 07July-2023, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF.

Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

NGX RegCO, ICAN to Enhance Market Regulation, Investor Protection

Kayode Tokede

In its bid to further enhance the effectiveness of regulation and investor protection in the Nigerian capital market, NGX Regulation Limited (NGX RegCo) yesterday in Lagos signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

Speaking during the signing ceremony held at the Nigerian Exchange Group House, the Chief Executive Officer, NGX RegCo, Ms Tinuade Awe emphasized that regulation had to be effective to create fairness in the market and collaboration between organizations like ICAN is critical to enhancing professionalism, ethics, integrity and transparency.

She also noted the importance of technology in easing report-

ing and regulation, adding that NGX RegCo was collaborating with the Institute to enable it further deliver on its mandate of investor protection, creating fair and transparent markets and promoting compliance to global best practices.

“We have a long history of over 60 years in the context of the Nigerian Stock Exchange but for NGX RegCo post-demutualisation, this is truly a historic moment. We believe that this cause that we are deliberately undertaking will enable both parties deliver efficiently on our shared objectives. We look forward to collaborating with ICAN and are sure that the Institute will see this collaboration as mutually beneficial,” Awe said.

On his part, the ICAN President, Dr Innocent Okwuosa, emphasized that the partnership

between both parties will foster a robust and transparent capital market ecosystem that will attract investment, encourage growth, sustainability reporting and safeguard the interest of all stakeholders.

Okwuosa explained, “Accountants are at the forefront of financial reporting and so the information investors will work with are mainly driven by them. This underscores why both NGX RegCo and ICAN should cooperate and we are happy that today marks a new beginning.

“The strategic alliance between NGX RegCo and ICAN is expected to have a profound and positive impact on the Nigerian capital market, promote investor confidence, strengthen regulatory oversight, and elevate professional standards within the industry.”

LCFE Expands Capacity Building, Inducts 33 Brokers

Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE) has onboarded and inducted another 33 commodities brokers in its resolve to attract technology-savvy professionals into the market.

The Pan African Exchange had inducted over 200 commodities brokers to date within one year of its inauguration .

The latest in the series, including the 2nd Vice President of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mrs Fiona Ahimie , were inducted at the weekend after intensive training, including exposure to different commodities asset classes.

“LCFE has developed a strategy to enlighten and deepen

the brokers’ knowledge of the commodity ecosystem and the important role they play in it. Our Commodities Brokers represent a new age with fresh energy for the market. The commodities ecosystem is so broad that as we expand and develop, brokers will specialise in different asset classes, “said Akin Akeredolu-Ale, LCFE’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

A past President of CIS, Mr Mike Itegboje explained that the Exchange had since its inception established itself as a trustworthy platform.

According to him, LCFE should keep up with the time and incorporate cryptocurrencies as an asset class in

its curriculum in order to attract investors that have digital background .

A Director of LCFE, Mr Sam Onukwue urged the inductees to develop products that will attract high net worth investors and create value for all stakeholders. He noted that The Exchange had received tremendous support from the Lagos State Government, especially in the area of patronage.

Another Director of LCFE, Rasheed Yussuff charged the commodities brokers to work towards fostering an efficient commodities exchange . According to him, there should be a dedicated platform for the commodities brokers to interact and exchange ideas as professionals.

WAMI Pushes for Capital Markets Integration

Kayode Tokede

In a bid to foster collaboration and enhance the understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with the integration of capital markets in the West African region, the West African Monetary Institute is set to host a Capacity Building/Sensitization Program on West African Capital Markets Integration (WACMI) Phase II Project.

The Director General WAMI, Dr. Olorunsola Olowofeso, in a statement said, “Integrated capital market will foster cross border investment, stimulate and deepen the regional financial markets through series of activi-

ties aimed at harmonizing capital market operational rules, providing aggregated financial markets information, providing common market infrastructure, enhance liquidity, promote efficient allocation of capital, increase investment opportunities, reduce costs for market participants, and foster economic growth and stability.

“The project emphasizes knowledge transfer and capacity building through workshops and technical training sessions to build the capacity of market operators, regulators, asset managers, financial infrastructure providers and other capital market

participants on a range of financial market issues including regulations, supervision, innovative financing, cross-border investments and settlements”.

The project is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and implemented by the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI) while Lead anchors are the West African Capital Markets Integration Council (WACMIC), a platform for Chief Executive Officers of the Securities Exchanges and Central Securities Depositories in West Africa, and the West African Securities Regulators Association (WASRA).

Rotary Club to Sustain Working for People’s Well-being

The Rotary Club of Lagos, District 9110, has stated that it will not desist in building hope in the community by working for peace and the mental well-being of the people. The club disclosed this as it marches into the 2023-2024 Rotary year.

It also said it will continue to focus on the remaining areas, such as water and sanitation, disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, peace and conflict resolution, economic empowerment, and community development in the state.

Speaking after his installation

ceremony as the new president of the Rotary Club of Lagos, Rotarian Abiodun Role said the club will take basic education seriously and will continue to complement local authority efforts.

According to him, the demands in the community keep increasing just as its population is increasing and the poverty level is increasing. He said, ‘‘You will be shocked that in a community where previous projects were carried out, by the time you visit the area again, you will be surprised that that same facility is no longer enough to serve that community.

‘‘Other people’s problems are just water, and if Rotary can identify such a community, we will move in there and provide the water, and if they go into an area where they lack basic equipment for primary health care, we will also go in there to compliment and support the effort of the local authority.”

He said, ‘‘Rotary is not about shared occasions that nonmembers witness. It is about having a positive impact on the needy and the less privileged in our communities, and that is where Rotary shows that it cares.

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

OPEC Reference

of Crudes (ORB)

up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

The

Basket

is made

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 16 JUNE, 2023

L-R: Director, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), Sam Onukwue; Director, LCFE, Rasheed Yussuff; 2nd Vice President , Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Fiona Ahimie and Managing Director, LCFE, Akin Akeredolu-Ale during induction of Ahimie and 32 others as Commodities Brokers in Lagos at weekend

SEC Urges FRSC Officers to Shun Ponzi Schemes

Kayode Tokede

Officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have been urged to avoid Ponzi schemes and only invest in entities registered with the regulatory body. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) gave the advise during an investor enlightenment programme tagged “Inves-

tor Safety” for officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps in its zonal offices across the Federation.

While enjoining the officers to be wary of any investment that is proposing return levels that are unreasonably high, the SEC also advised investors to always cross check that such fund managers and the

products they are offering are registered with the Commission.

According to the SEC, the capital market is properly positioned to attract Nigerians and provide benefits to Nigerians who invest therein.

The Officers were taught the red flags of Ponzi schemes and how to expose them. Other topics

include the functions of the SEC, the availability of Non-Interest Finance, and complaints management mechanisms in the capital market among others.

The events which were held in Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Enugu, Edo and Osun States is the third in the series of sensitizing the officers of the FRSC with the first

being November 2022, and the second being May, 2023

According to the SEC, “This enlightenment programme is part of a commitment to developing the capital market, creating knowledge of available products in the market as well as increasing investors’ confidence”

“The programme was

held in collaboration with the Fund Managers Association of Nigeria (FMAN) to also expose the Officers to legitimate channels of investments and the Association of Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) to address issues that bother on investments, unclaimed dividends and related matters.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF JULY/10/23

PREMIERE OF LAUGH ONE LAUGHING ...

Presidential Poll: Prepare for a Rerun, Labour Party Alerts Nigerians

The Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party, has called on party supporters to be on the alert and

prepare themselves for a possible rerun of the presidential election currently being contested.

In a statement by the acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, Abure said he

Diphtheria Outbreak: Governor Adeleke Orders Reactivation of Emergency Response Centre

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Following the outbreak of Diphtheria infections in some parts of Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate activation of the State Emergency Response Centre to curb any further spread, launch contact tracing and treat the infected residents.

The governor's directive was issued after a situation report from the state Ministry of Health on the outbreak which had claimed one life at Osogbo with other suspected cases under testing.

According to him "I have directed that the state emergency response be reactivated. As a matter of urgency, the confirmed case at Osogbo is to be immediately followed up with contact tracing to ascertain status of those who had been in contact with the victim.

"Additionally, emergency treatment must be made available to the infected. We are in touch with the National Centre for Disease Control for exchange of information and technical support. I want to assure our people that proactive steps are being taken to nip in the bud any widespread escalation of the outbreak.

"Our people must be vigilant and observe precautions the Ministry of Health will soon be issuing. We must never forget to immunise our children and wards. Your government is on top of this medical development," Adeleke assures the citizens.

The Ministry had earlier briefed the Governor on the recent resurgence of diphtheria in the state, informing him that a suspected Diphtheria patient aged six years was said to have developed the sign and symptoms on June 25th, 2023 and died of the infection on July 7th.

According to the Ministry,

detailed case investigation, contact tracing, linelisting, follow up and Active Case Search in the community of the index case and retroactive case search at the Health facilities within the community were ongoing.

Close contact (including health workers) of the index case were linelisted, monitored and placed on medication. Also, Knowledge, Attitude and Perception form was administered to the household within the community, so as to access their knowledge about the disease.

More sensitisation was done at both community and the health facilities, as people were not conversant with the disease.

The Ministry further advised members of the public to ensure the children and wards were fully vaccinated, avoid crowded environments, consult doctors in case of symptoms and eat fruits and vegetables.

was reliably "informed of the plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to work ahead of a possible rerun, knowing that the tide of the wind is heavily tilted against it."

Consequently, Abure called on millions of Labour Party members and supporters "to be on the alert and get ready to further humiliate the APC and its government in the polls if their sinister plot materialises.”

Abure made the call during an online meeting held with Nigerian-American Coalition for Justice and Democracy led

by Professor Eddie Oparaoji, the Labour Party Diaspora Chairman in the United States.

"Rumours have it that those in government are already planning for rerun and this is one of the supports we will be canvasing from you. We should also be getting prepared because since all those in government are already preparing for rerun, we too should not be taken unawares.

"So, we will be needing your engagement and support on this aspect if paradventure it happens today, that the election is nullified, which is not what we are asking

for, because we are asking for outright declaration of Peter Obi as the President of Nigeria.

"We believe strongly that we won that election given the statistics we have, given the result we have, we are not expecting anything less than the declaration of Peter Obi as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“But supposing that didn't happen as the government is believed to be planning for a rerun, it will not also be out of place for us to be preparing for a rerun election.

"Having said this by the side, I must say clearly that we have

put all our evidence before the court; we are very hopeful that the tribunal will act on our favour. And we are very hopeful that supposing the matter gets to the higher court, the Supreme Court, in this case, it will also act in our favour. We are keeping our hope and confidence alive.

"In nine months, we are able to change the political narratives of this country and we must build on that successes and so that we can have a more formidable party that we can strategically positioned from the down trodden people of Nigeria,” he said.

Supreme Court Warns Lawyers against Filing Frivolous

Wale Igbintade

The Supreme Court has again warned legal practitioners to refrain from instituting actions on cases that had already been decided by the court.

The apex court gave the warning in its judgment delivered in the appeal filed by a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Ikie Aghwarianovwe, at the Federal High Court in Asaba, to challenge the eligibility of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori to contest the March 18 governorship election.

Appeal on Decided Cases

Specifically, Aghwarianowe, had sought the disqualification of the governor over the alleged falsification of documents.

He alleged that Oborevwori submitted false documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to aid his qualification for the 2019 House of Assembly election in Delta State.

But while denying the allegations, Oborevwori through his lawyer, Damian Dodo, among others, raised an objection that the suit was statute barred, pointing out that documents submitted to INEC in 2018, towards the 2019

Insecurity: NYSC Relocates Orientation Camp in Plateau

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has relocated the orientation camp from the permanent site in Mangu, Plateau State to a temporary site in Waye Foundation, by Buken Academy Doi-Du due to insecurity

The Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr. Eddy Megwa, made this known in a press statement issued yesterday.

On Saturday, armed men invaded Farin Kasa, Kerana and

Sabon Gari communities in the Mangu District of the Mangu Local Government and killed some people and burnt many houses.

The unfortunate incident prompted residents to protest the Saturday night killing of no fewer than 15 people in the community and called on security agents to take on the attackers whom they alleged, were Fulanis.

Owing to the development, the NYSC statement read: "This is to inform members of the public, especially our esteemed prospec-

tive Corps members that the venue of the 2023 Batch 'B' Stream One Orientation Camp for Plateau State has been changed from the Permanent Orientation Camp in Mangu to Waye Foundation, by Buken Academy Doi-Du (Temporary NYSC Orientation Camp) in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

"All Prospective Corps Members are by this information expected to report at the new Orientation Camp (Waye Foundation by Buken Academy) on the dates specified in their call-up letters."

general election could not be a ground for disqualification of a candidate in 2023.

The trial court upheld this objection, saying the plaintiff failed woefully to substantiate the allegations of forgery.

Dissatisfied, Aghwarianovwe through his counsel, Dr. Alex Izinyon, approached the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal. He asked the appellate court to upturn the decision of the Federal HighButCourt. the court in a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Peter Olabisi Ige, upheld the ruling of the lower court and resolved all the issues for determination in favour of Oborevwori.

Justice Ige who cited a plethora of authorities, chided Aghwarianovwe for alleging falsification of documents without calling the institutions that issued the certificates to Oborevwori, saying the plaintiff’s case was moribund and could not be revived under any guise.

Equally not satisfied with the decision, Aghwarianovwe again through Izinyon headed to the Supreme Court, asking the apex court to upturn the verdict of the Appeal Court, citing miscarriage of justice.

But the apex court, after listening to Oborevwori’s lawyer, Dodo, dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit and upheld the judgment of the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court, Asaba. It held that no

matter how the appeal is viewed, it is bound to fail as same was dead on arrival.

Dismissing the appeal, Justice Adamu Jauro, in his lead judgment, which was read by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, in a unanimous judgment held that the appellant failed to prove his case beyond a reasonable doubt.

While dismissing the appeal for lacking in merit, the court ordered the applicant to pay N3 million each as the cost of the suit to Oborevwori and his party, the PDP which was joined in the suit.

After the judgment and fine, the court considering the fact it had decided similar cases in the past, again used the opportunity to warn counsel to refrain from instituting actions on issues that had already been decided by the court.

It stated that while counsels were at liberty to ask for a departure from decisions, they should not pretend to be ignorant of already decided cases of the Court on the same matter.

“Counsel should refrain from instituting actions on issues that have already been decided by the court. Counsel should refrain from testing waters on decisions already decided by the court, as same is wrong practice.

“Counsel can ask for a departure from such decision, but not act ignorant as to already decided cases of the court on the matter,” the court admonished.

Emameh Gabriel in Abuja

L-R: Director of Prime Video Africa, Gideon Khobane; Head of Originals, Africa and Middle East, Prime Video Ned Mitchell; and, Head of Nigeria Originals, Prime Video, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu at the premiere of the Laugh One Laughing held in Lagos...on Sunday

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

BRITISH COUNCIL RECOGNITION AND OUTSTANDING CAMBRIDGE LEARNER AWARDS...

L-R: First Secretary and Head of Prosperity, Deputy British High Commission, Kris Camponi; Winner of Top in the World, November 2022 examination series (English as a Second Language), Ngozichukwu Victoria Okoro; Winner of Top in the World, November 2022 examination series (Law), Oluwabukolami Oluwadarasimi Adeyemi; Winner of Top in the World, June 2022 examination series (English as a Second Language), Mmesomachukuw Okonkwo; Winner of Top in the World, November 2022 examination series (English as a Second Language), Maryam Remawa Bello and Regional Director, Cambridge International, Sub-Saharan Africa, Juan Visser during the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards (BROCLA) 2023 in Lagos..

Binani Makes U-Turn, Files Fresh Suit against INEC for Nullifying Her Declaration Court halts prosecution of suspended Adamawa REC

Chuks Okocha and Alex Enumah in Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Adamawa State governorship election, Aisha Dahiru, popularly called “Binani,” has again sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the nullification of her declaration as governor of Adamawa in the March 18 governorship election.

Binani, through her counsel, Michael Aondoaka, SAN, filed the fresh suit before Justice Donatus Okorowo of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

This came as Justice Donatus Okorowo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, halted the prosecution of the INEC Resident Electoral

Commissioner, Mr Yunusa Hudu, over alleged electoral offences.

However, in the ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/935/2023, Binani sued INEC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents, respectively.

She sought a judicial review of the decision by INEC to reverse her earlier announcement as winner of the poll by Yunusa-Ari.

Aondoaka, while moving the motion on yesterday, argued that it was the election petition tribunal that was vested with the power to decide the fate of his client in accordance with Section 149 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

He said the decision of INEC would deprive Binani of Section

285(6), which gave 180 days within which her petition filed before the tribunal on May 6 could be dispensed with.

The senior lawyer, who informed the court that though a similar suit was earlier filed before Justice Inyang Ekwo, said the sister-court ordered Binani to approach a tribunal with her suit, being an election-related matter.

He, therefore, sought a review of the INEC’s action, saying an undertaking had been signed to prove to the court that the present suit was not frivolous, and that in the undertaking, they were ready to face any cost should the court found the case to be frivolous.

After listening to Andoaka, Justice Okorowo stood down the matter for ruling.

Binani, had on April 26, withdrawn the suit before Justice Ekwo, following the declaration of Fintiri as the winner of the governorship poll. Her counsel, Mohammed Sheriff, upon resumed hearing in the matter, told Justice Ekwo that a notice of discontinuance had been filed to that effect and urged the court to strike out the case.

Ekwo reminded Sheriff that an order was given on the last adjourned date directing him to address the court on whether the court had the jurisdiction to entertain the case or not.

The lawyer, who informed the court that a lot of issues had come up between the last date of adjournment and today, begged for an order striking out the suit.

Bayelsa Guber: Sylva Knows Fate Sept 28

Justice Donatus Okorowo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned till September 28, his decision on whether or not to disqualify the immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Silver, from participating in the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State.

Okorowo, yesterday, adjourned to the said date for judgment in the suit filed by Chief Demesuoyefa Kolomo, also of the All Progressives Congress (APC), shortly after parties in the suit adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the case.

The plaintiff is praying the court to order INEC to delete Sylva’s name from list of candidates contesting the November 11, governorship poll on the grounds that having occupied the office of Governor of Bayelsa between May 29, 2007 to April 15, 2008 and May 27, 2008 to January 27, 2012, he was no longer entitled to contest for the said office.

Sylva and other defendants in the originating summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/821/2023 and filed June 13, are the APC and INEC.

The plaintiff said he was motivated by the need to vindicate Sections 180 (2)(a) and 182(1)b) of the1999 Constitution, the rule of law and to know the applicability of same as it relates to Sylva based

on the above facts. Kolomo also averred that the question raised by the instant suit was a constitutional one and of grave importance to him as a voter and other voters in the state so that they would not vote for someone, who was not qualified to contest in the poll and had their votes wasted at the end of the day.

But Sylva, in his response, denied ever being elected twice as governor of. Bayelsa, adding that the Court

of Appeal in its judgment had held that the election that brought him to power in May 2007 was null and void, and directed INEC to conduct a fresh election within 90 days.

While his lawyer, Babayemi Olaniyan, admitted that Sylva is a former governor of Bayelsa, he stressed that Sylva had only been elected once as the state’s governor, and accordingly asked the court to dismiss the suit.

Corroborating Olaniyan's argument, Otiotio, who appeared for APC, urged the court to dismiss the suit with substantial cost.

In the preliminary objection argued, Otiotio said Kolomo lacked locus standi to institute the suit as he was never an aspirant in the primary election that produce Sylva. Okorowo, after taking submissions of counsel to parties in the case, fixed September 28, for judgment.

Zulum Bans Metal Scavenging in Borno Amid Insurgency

Borno State Governor, Babagana

Umara Zulum, has imposed an indefinite ban on metal scavenging activities across the 27 local government areas of Borno State.

The governor’s ban was intended to forestall continued killings of scavengers by Boko Haram insurgents at the outskirts of some local government areas and to stop theft of public and private property.

Known and unknown number of youths, who go to deserted communities in search of metals had been ambushed and killed by insurgents.

Announcing the ban yesterday in Maiduguri, Zulum said, “Within

the last five years, many people were killed as a result of metal scavenging. That has informed the government of Borno State to investigate such nefarious activities.

“You have seen this place, all these are government properties and behind you are properties belonging to telecommunication companies. Such activities can only be tagged as economic sabotage both to the federal and state governments. Therefore, I have directed the ban of metal scavenging in all 27 local governments until further notice.”

Zulum explained that those scavengers were notorious for destroying both public and private

properties in most local government areas, where the activities of Boko Haram had forced residents to flee.

He noted that the state government lost valuable properties worth billions of naira in the last five years resulting from the activities of scavengers, saying the ban on metal scavenging extended to all forms of informal and unregulated metal recovery activities, including the dismantling, collection, and transportation of scrap metals. Borno government, he warned, would work closely with security agencies to effectively enforce the ban by imposing stringent penalties on violators.

The judge, therefore, held that since Sheriff had failed to go by the order of the court, the appropriate thing to do was to dismiss the matter, and he consequently dismissed the suit.

Meanwhile, Justice Okorowo, ruling in an exparte application, ordered the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), and INEC not to go ahead with their planned prosecution of Hudu, who was on suspension for declaring Binani winner of the April 15, governorship rerun election in Adamawa State.

The application, which was brought by Binani, was filed and argued by her team of lawyers, led by Aondoaka and Mohammed Diri, SAN.

After listening to the applicant's lawyer, the court held that since

the matter was already before an election tribunal and that parties had submitted to the law, status quo should be maintained pending the conclusion of the suit.

The applicant in the suit marked, FCT/ABJ/CS/735/2023, was seeking the court's interpretation of Section 144 of the Electoral Act 2022, as well as a preservative order for maintenance of status quo in the matter pending the determination of the suit.

Aondokaa, in his argument, pointed out that Hudu, who was the star witness of his client, at the tribunal hearing petitions against the outcome of the Adamawa State governorship election was being harassed and prevented from giving evidence before the tribunal, adding that if such continued, it would affect the case of his client.

Tiger Beer Transforms Ozumba Mbadiwe’s Pillars into Dazzling Display of Artistic Brilliance

Tiger Beer, the brand celebrated for its dedication to creativity, selfexpression, and social responsibility, has for the third time, breathed new life into the Tiger Pillars at Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island.

According to a statement yesterday, with a mission to promote unity and celebrate artistic expression, Tiger Beer unveiled the newly repainted pillars as a stunning masterpiece that exudes artistry and inspiration.

“Through the Tiger Pillars project, Tiger Beer seamlessly combines its iconic brand identity with the extraordinary artistic vision of Charles Okah, also known as 'The Flying Bushman'. “With a strong commitment to fostering creativity and exploring the power of color, Tiger Beer commissioned Okah to revitalise the prominent pillars, resulting in a mesmerising visual spectacle that captivates onlookers and reinvigorates the urban landscape. This creative transformation showcases Tiger Beer's unwavering dedication to enhancing public spaces through artistic expression, instilling a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the vibrant intersection of art and community,” the statement added.

Head of Brands, Sessionable Lager at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Okwudili

Nwakobi, emphasised the project’s essence saying, "through the Tiger Pillars, we aim to inspire individuals to unleash their creative potentials, raise awareness among our target audiences, and foster a deep sense of pride between individuals and their communities."

Okwudili further commented on the project’s significance, highlighting Tiger Beer’s commitment to supporting local artists, promoting urban art in Nigeria, improving the environment and creating shared spaces that embody the true spirit of the community.”

"Tiger Beer partnered with the exceptionally-talented artist Charles Okah, aka The Flying Bushman, for this project because his creative flare aligns with our goal of creating a meaningful experience for everyone who encounters the Tiger Pillars," he remarked.

Okah, the artistic visionary entrusted with the paintbrushes, expressed honour and enthusiasm stating, "I am truly honoured to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Tiger Beer on this remarkable project. Through the power of art, we can ignite and tell compelling stories of who we are — that creates a lasting impact on our society."

.recently

PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

Alex Enumah in Abuja

ANNUAL MARKETING CONFERENCE...

conference, theme

PDP Governors Meet Today on How to Stabilise Party

To unfold reform agenda

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Governor Bala

Mohammed is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting today, at Abuja.

The meeting would be the first for the Forum since Governors

Edo Communities Protest Bad State of Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo Road

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Human and vehicular movements were temporarily halted along Sasaro, Igarra, Ayetoro axis of the Auchi-Igarra- Ibillo road in Akoko-Edo local government area as residents protested the bad state of the road that connects Edo to Ondo state.

Armed with placard with various inscription including “Sasaro, Igarra, Ibillo road is now a mirage” “what are tax payers’ money for,” among others, the protest started from Sasaro Egbigere axis of the road where the portions have become a nightmare for users which the protesters said have also made it possible for kidnapers to carry out their heinous activities.

The protest was organised by a coalition of civil society groups including Igara Development Association (IDA), Okpaemri Descendants Union (ODU), Igarra Youth Movement (IYM), Okpameri Youths Association (OYA) and several individuals including religious leaders.

Speaking on the issue, Victor Arogunyo said “we are appealing to the federal government through the Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja to please facilitate funds to the contractor handling the road so that the job can be done fast."

He also said, "We are appealing to the Edo State Government. Though it is a federal government road but the people who are living here are Edo citizens, so we are appealing to Governor Godwin Obaseki through the Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere to please reach out to all involved to fix this road because the economic activities of Akoko-Edo people have been disrupted and almost stopped.”

On his part, Alaba Lawani said “We are not saying that the government should give us money, we are saying that they should fix our road, we are not asking for too much, we are not asking for the abominable, we are asking for what

is ours within the purview of the law, the government should come and fix our roads, we are tired.”

Also, Kamshire Moses, “We need the governor’s good will here, we appeal to him, he is the Chief Security Officer of the state, he should do something about the road. Once it is 4 0’clock nobody is ready to ply this road because that is when the kidnappers come out, this time, they will be hiding.”

The paramount ruler of Igarra/ Akuku Clan, HRH, Oba Adeche Saiki II, Otaru of Igarra also said:

“I am surprised that for the past one year, the contractor is still on the same spot. The job is not going well, it is a waste of time, you can hardly travel from here to Benin without encountering troubles occasioned by bad spots.

“I want to appeal to the federal government that if it is finances that are holding back the work, they should please release money for contractor because we are suffering and finding it difficult to move from one place to another.”

Mohammed and Seminalayi Fubara were elected Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Forum respectively in June.

In a statement by the Director

COS

General of the PDP, Cyril Maduabum, the Forum was expected to discuss the state of the nation, especially recent developments in the country, politically, socially,

and economically.

The meeting would also discuss the State of the Forum, the Party, PDP and the role of the PDP Governors in stabilising

the PDP and the nation.

In addition, the new leadership of the Forum may likely unfold their unity and progressive agenda during the meeting.

Worried Over High Infant Mortality Rate in Nigeria

Okon Bassey in Uyo

A civil society organisation, CSSUNN, has expressed worry over high infant mortality rate in Nigeria due to malnutrition.

The group therefore called for increased budgetary allocation for nutrition by state governments to address the challenge.

The Chairman Steering Committee of the organisation for nutrition, Mallam Sodangi Chindo Adam, noted that over 800 children die annually before the age of five due malnutrition in the country.

Adam, disclosed this yesterday, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at a two-day retreat for legislators and executives from Niger, Kano, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Lagos States.

The retreat had as its theme: "Improved Malnutrition Funding: The Role of Legislators and Executives."

"What is currently happening is very worrisome because the statistics from the World Health Organisation and United Nations Children Educational Fund and even the World Bank is showing that one million of our children are dying annually before age five.

"And what UNICEF did was to identify malnutrition as the underly-

ing cause of the infant mortality and morbidity for over 80 per cent of these children which means that over 800 of these children that die is as a result of malnutrition.

"This calls for action. That is why you see the legislators and state executives here for them to look at the statistics from world leading institutions like the WHO, UNICEF and World Bank for them to take appropriate action in their various states.

"I think we have the right mix

AFDB

of legislators including speakers, government agencies, permanent secretaries and other stakeholders. This is very apt and I think they will come out with solution to address this challenge.", he stressed. He noted that, "most of the states are battling with the challenges of budgeting. Appropriations are not made for nutrition and even they are made the issue of releases becomes a problem.

"That is why we have the legislators and principal officers

of state assemblies. What we are trying to change is the budgeting so that improved amounts will be budgeted for nutrition".

The chairman, Board of Trustees of the organisation, Dr. Mbang Kouffreh Ada, had explained that the aim of the retreat was to ensure food security for Nigerian children. She urged legislators to make legislations that would support good and safe nutrition, adding that such foods should be free from contaminants.

CHALLENGES HINDERING NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH

To change the narrative, the DG said Nigeria should mobilise the private sector for infrastructure development and service delivery, which would also reduce the fiscal burdens on the federal and state governments.

He also said energy sector investments remained one of the most critical and urgent needs in Nigeria.

"With a total installed generation capacity of 13GW, the average power distributed during the first half of 2022 was only about 4GW, less than one third of the installed capacity.

“Providing reliable and affordable energy services will make Nigerian

industries more competitive and accelerate the country’s integration into regional and global supply chains," he said.

In order to remove the barriers to non-oil trade and exports, the AfDB scribe said Nigeria must decisively fix its power sector, once and for all.

According to him, recent lessons from Egypt and Morocco showed that rapid turnaround was possible with clear and stable policies, backed by strong political will.

According to him, "In 2014, Egypt had an electricity deficit of 6,000 MW but by 2022 it had 20,000 MW of surplus power generation capacity.

"Similarly, Morocco has suc-

cessfully rolled out a solar energy program that has seen massive increases in energy generation capacity under to drive industrialisation and a competitive economy under a public-private partnerships (PPPs).

"While tapping its abundant gas resources as a transition fuel, Nigeria should invest massively in renewable energy generation, especially solar, leveraging the platform of the $25 billion Desert-to-Power initiative aimed at providing electricity for 250 million people across the Sahel, including the northern parts of Nigeria."

Continues online

Obasanjo, Otti, Ikpeazu Mourn Ex-Ohaneze Ndigbo President General, Irukwu

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti as well as the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, have expressed sadness over the demise of former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. Joseph Ogbonnaya Irukwu.

They expressed their condolences in separate press statements yesterday.

According to Obasanjo, the inability of late Irukwu to see to the completion of a project initiative "The Nigerian Dream" with him was sad.

The late elder statesman and former leader of the Ohaneze group,

died at the weekend at age 89.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President said he was sad, because the people would miss his contribution to the building of a new Nigeria of his dream. Obasanjo submitted that he was, "grateful to God for such a life well spent in the service of our fatherland."

He recalled that, "since 2018, Joe and I have been engaged in exchanging words, views and thoughts on a laudable project initiative titled, The Nigerian Dream, which is to be put in the public domain for national adoption with the hope that it would be another strand of our commonality, unity and togetherness.

"He was expressing great hope for his country through this initiative,

but unfortunately, he didn’t wait to see our collective rigorous efforts on the project being brought to fruition.

Obasanjo further eulogised the former Ohaneze leader and to be remembered for his hard-work, integrity and probity, "which contributed to setting the high standards that were the hallmark of those halcyon days that we all yearn to return to our dear nation.

"I recall during my administration as a democratically-elected President of Nigeria, Joe never rested on his oars in exhibiting uncommon courage and commitment to progressive ideals in his contributions to the political development of our country and national discourse."

Otti said he was saddened to receive the news of the demise of Irukwu.

A statement issued by the chief

press secretary to the governor, Mr. Kazie Uko, stated that Otti received the news of Irukwu's death through Pastor Agu Irukwu, son of the deceased.

The professor of insurance, according to his son, passed on at the age of 89.

"Governor Otti, on behalf of his family and people of Abia State, commiserate with the family, immediate community (Amokwe Item), the entire people of Item Okpi and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on the loss of this illustrious son of Abia State and Nigerian statesman," the statement said.

The Abia chief executive noted that Prof Irukwu had made "giant strides and left indelible footprints" in the insurance sector, citing his record as the pioneer Managing Director of Nigeria Reinsurance

Corporation and founder of African Development Insurance Company.

He said that Abia was blessed to have an accomplished consummate lawyer, lecturer and author of several books on insurance, which earned Prof Irukwu the sobriquet, 'Mr. Insurance'.

Ikpeazu also joined in mourning the first African professor of insurance, saying he received the news with deep sense grief and sadness.

A statement issued by the former governor's spokesman, Onyebuchi Ememanka, stated that Ikpeazu described late Irukwu "an authentic academic Iroko tree."

The former Abia governor recalled the giant feat achieved by Irukwu who developed Insurance as an academic field in Nigerial writing several textbooks on the suject.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia and James Sowole in Abeokuta

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Sport Nigeria Limited, Nkechi Obi; President, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Mr. Idorenyen Enang; Head of Department Nasarawa State University Keffi , Ibrahim Yusuf; and Group Manager, Marketing and Communication, Ibom Air, Aniekan Essienette, at the 2023 annual marketing

"The Role of Marketing and Ethics in Nation Building'' held in Abuja yesterday

LISTS

LOTUS BANK MARKS SECOND ANNIVERSARY…

L-R:

Lawmaker calls on Nigerians to defend selves Again, Gunmen Kill 10 in Fresh Attacks in Plateau

Seriki Adinoyi inJos andJuliet Akoje inAbuja

Gunmen have, again, killed 10 including an eight-month-old baby in fresh attacks in Farin Lamba village of Jos South Local Government Area and Wereng-Rim of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

This is just as member Representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau State in House of the Representatives, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, has

called on innocent Nigerians, particularly Plateau villagers being killed to rise and defend themselves against incessant attacks.

At Farin Lamba, the attackers reportedly drove into the community in a Vectra car and shot sporadically at the victims who were heading home after the day’s activities at about 9.00pm on Sunday night, and then drove away after killing eight. At Wereng-Rim, the attackers, who rode on motorcycles into the community at about the same time fired gunshots at two

‘Rise against Domestic Violence’

Becky Uba Umenyili

The Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria (CWO) has called on the government and other good-willed citizens to arise against the incessant increase of domestic violence, especially against women in the country.

Speaking during the body’s annual seminar held recently in Ikeja, Lagos, the President of the Ikeja Deanery of the body, Mrs Joan Uwechie, observed that the rate of domestic violence in the country has increased tremendously and consequently inflicting serious harm on the psychic of children.

Uwechie noted that the impact of the heinous act on families is more debilitating than the act, as most children now assume violence and aggression to be a normal way of life.

According her, most boys

are dropping out of school due to cases of bullying and the girls becoming easy targets for sexual assault.

Lamenting the various demoralising effects of the act during the seminar tagged ‘Domestic Violence,’ she cautioned women against inciting problems in their homes, noting that verbal abuse is as bad as physical abuse. She advised women to avoid attitudes that can aggravate issues and lead to physical combats in their homes.

In her contribution, the Special Guest to the event, Rev Sister Maureen Iwu (EHJ), said that marriage is a an institutionalised entity through which the society is developed and norms and values are established in every sector of human endeavours and encouraged women to forgive injuries and build their homes on love and tolerance.

Kwara Governor Felicitates Lanre Issa-Onilu on Birthday

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has congratulated media personality and top All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu on his birthday, commending his commitments to progressive politics and development of the state.

In a statement yesterday, the Governor described the media top gun as a lover of his community whose politics is dictated by what can benefit the largest majority of the people on a sustainable basis.

“On behalf of the people and government of Kwara

State, the Governor joins family, friends and the media fraternity to celebrate Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu. His Excellency commends the former spokesman of the ruling APC for everything he does for the growth of his community and young people who continue to receive his mentorship, as well as his constant support for the administration,” the statement said.

“The governor beseeches Almighty Allah to grant Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu many more years of impactful living in good health and fulfillments of his dreams.”

women on the street killing them on the spot. Lamenting the persistent attack on his people, National Publicity

Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders (BYM), Mr. Rwang Tengwong said it was painful that on a daily basis, the people have to bury their loved

ones that are killed in terror attacks on innocent citizens. He said: “This is as the bandits have continued to unleash terror on

Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Jos South, and Mangu Local Government Areas of the state in a strange dimension since after the 2023 general election.

Tinubu Urged Not to Appoint Ex-corrupt Northern Governors as Ministers

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

A group known as Voice of Northern Youths Patriots (VNYP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to appoint allegedly corrupt exgovernors from North-west

as members of his cabinet.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Kano, the VNYP led by Alhaji Mustapha Mai Royal named three former state governors in the region who are currently under investigation for alleged corruption cases to

the tune of billions of Naira.

According to him, there is need for the president to remove names of former governors of the North-west region from his ministerial list to avoid eating his words of giving the country the best leadership it needs by

appointing the best hands. The group also warned that they would not want a situation where the north will in future disregard whatever the president would tell them in after reneging in promise by making the wrong appointments.

Umo Eno Warns against Erection of Illegal Structures for Compensation

Okon Bassey in Uyo Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Umo Eno, has threatened to stop developmental project in any community that would embark on action that could delay or frustrate the execution of the project.

Eno also warned individuals and groups to desist from hurriedly erecting illegal structures near project sites in order to attract compensation from government, adding that his administration would only pay compensation on duly certified structures.

He gave the warning on Sunday while addressing members of the Apostolic Church at his home town, Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, where he worshipped in an interdenominational thanksgiving service for his

success in the last general governorship elections. The governor faulted the indiscriminate upsurge of unwarranted structures on roadsides of the community, which he described as antidevelopment borne out of greed to rob government of funds.

Edo 2024: Esan Leaders Begin Process to Prune Aspirants

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Ahead of the Edo State governorship election slated for next year, and as part of the strategic move to present a united front, a joint meeting of Esan leaders of thought, governorship aspirants and

leaders of the socio-cultural organisation, Esan Okpa Initiative (EOI), has laid the groundwork to prune the high number of aspirants.

Many aspirants from the central senatorial zone angling to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki whose term expires on

November 11th, 2024.

However, the Esan Okpa in May this year, kick started a series of consultations with political and traditional leaders in the Edo South and North senatorial zones with the vision to get their buy in to support a candidate of Esan extraction

to succeed Obaseki

Another meeting which was held in Benin City, the state capital on Sunday, urged the Edo Central Senatorial Zone to rally behind its best candidate while urging all aspirants to eschew acrimony, aspersions and bad blood.

149 Nigerian Students Bag British Council Cambridge Learner Awards

Ayodeji Ake

No fewer than 149 Nigerian students have bagged the 2023 British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards.

The awards are in four

categories: High Achievement, Top in Nigeria, Best Across Awards, and Top in the World.

Speaking at the award ceremony that was held in Lagos, the Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Cambridge Assessment International Education, Mr. Juan

Visser confirmed that 149 Nigerians got the awards out of one million learners this year.

Visser said that the Cambridge programmes and qualifications helped learners reach their potential and instill a lifelong love of learning and passion for discovery.

“The awards recognise the exceptional performance of learners around the world in Cambridge examination. The awards reflect the talent and hard work of learners and acknowledged the dedication and commitment of both teachers and parents.”

US Doctors, Ajose Foundation, Others Partner on Medical Mission in Ogun

Sunday Okobi

Building our future together agenda of the Ogun State Government on quality health service delivery will benefit many communities in the following a seven- day medical mission with a team of medical doctors from the United States of

America.

The mission is coordinated by the Office of the First Lady of Ogun State and Ajose Foundation. According to a statement issued and made available to THISDAY yesterday, the medical team from the US will work with doctors in the state and community health

workers to provide medical support and surgical interventions to residents of some the communities in Sagamu, Ilisan and Aiyepe.

The statement added that during the week-long medical project, the doctors will carry out health checks on various issues, including blood pressure, and distribute drugs and

vitamins to patients.

The doctors yesterday commenced surgeries at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, and are billed to carry out eye, diabetes and malaria tests and screening for different diseases at Aiyepe community today, July 11, 2023.

Korea Seeks Partnership with Nigeria on Diaspora Affairs

MichaelOlugbodeinAbuja

South Korea has asked for partnership with Nigeria on management of affairs of her Diasporas.

South Korean Ambassador to

Nigeria, Kim Young-Chae, said that the South Korean Government has just established the South Korean Oversea Agency similar to Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), as a one-stop shop for Korean nationals in the Diaspora, seek

collaboration with the Nigerian agency. The Korean envoy who paid a visit to the Chairman/ CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon Abike DabiriErewa, in Abuja yesterday said the agency was established last month.

He congratulated the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the success of his election and inauguration as President of Nigeria, noting that the visit was to foster partnership for a continuous Diaspora engagement.

Chief Risk Officer, Lotus Bank, Mr. Olusesan Ajayi; Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Olusola Awopetu; Head, Human Resources, Ayodunni Salami; Executive Director, Isiaka Ajani-Lawal; Chief Compliance Officer, Uyoyou Ewhe, and Company Secretary/Head, Legal Services, Mr. Ola Bakare, during the second anniversary celebration of the bank in Lagos… recently. ETOP UKUTT

VERVE ATTAINS 50 MILLION CARDS ISSUANCE MILESTONE…

Kogi Tackles SPD Guber Candidate on Security Allegations

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Following the frivolous allegations laid against the Kogi State Government by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, the state government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to him to prove all the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt with evidence or face the wrath of the law.

While addressing journalists

in Lokoja yesterday, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwa, said the state government would not submit itself to politics of intimidation and ethnic bigotry, and religious profiling, noting that as a matter of fact, the government has given everyone a level playing ground without fear of favour.

Fanwo told journalists that: “We have called you today to brief you about happenings

Niger Flags Off Sale of Fertilizer, Other Farm Inputs

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Niger State Governor, Alhaji

Mohammed Umaru Bago, has flagged off the sale of fertilizer and other farm inputs for the current wet season, directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ICPC, DSS and other security agencies to closely monitor the sale.

Bago at the ceremony in Minna yesterday, where he spoke in Hausa language because “Farming does not understand English,” said each farmer can buy only 10 bags, and that anyone found with more than the number should be apprehended and prosecuted.

The governor disclosed that the public sale of the commodities would start on Tuesday in Minna, adding that the Agriculture Development Project (ADP) in Minna will be revived to give

extension services to farmers in the state.

He further revealed that the administration would bring in 300 tractors under the soon to be revived state tractor hiring scheme, adding that 10 each of the vehicles will be given to the 25 local government areas in the state.

Bago said in the next planting season the state would clear not less than 100 hectares of land for cultivation of different crops and that each local government council would be asked to embark on similar project.

The governor also revealed that the management of the Bago Foundation, which has been functioning for almost a decade, will provide farmers with 300 pumping machines to facilitate irrigation and dry season farming.

‘Osun Water Works Under Rehabilitation’

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Osun State Government has disclosed that rehabilitating water works are already going on in major towns of the state, while the 332 boreholes are emergency intervention projects to address acute water shortage in the state.

Responding to several issues raised by some stakeholders in the state, the state government, through a statement issued by the spokesperson to the governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, noted that rehabilitation of water works at Ede, Iwo, Osogbo, Eko-ende and other areas are already ongoing.

The state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, adopted two approaches namely: the short term interventions, which are the boreholes and the medium, and long term interventions, which

in the state as it relates to managing security ahead of the 2023 governorship election in the state. It is imperative for

you as newsmen to be abreast of development to report them correctly, accurately, and objectively.

“The recent happening at Ejule was a necessary stitch-in-time led by security agents in the state to rid our state of criminality. For

the umpteenth time, we reiterate our endorsement of the operation that has brought down insecurity in that area by over 40 percent.

Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Express Readiness to Mitigate Flood Effects

The governments of Edo, Delta and Bayelsa, as well as relevant stakeholders have expressed readiness to mitigate the effects of possible flood disaster in the three states.

Government officials who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of (NAN) in the three states said they had increased awareness on ways to

mitigate the effects of flood in the respective states.

The three state governments said that the increased sensitisation was to avert a recurrence of last year’s flood crisis, following early warnings this year by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) prediction.

NAN reports that the 2022 floods resulted in 662 deaths in 33 states,

while agricultural investments and other properties estimated at trillions of naira were ruined.

The Federal Government estimated that more than two million Nigerians were displaced, while the national economy lost more than N4.2 trillion to the 2022 floods.

The three states of Edo, Delta and Bayelsa, situated in the riverine

Niger-Delta region, are possible targets for flooding, hence, the need to evolve strategies to check the menace.

In Delta, the immediate past Commissioner for Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, said the state government in the last five months embarked on sensitisation, especially those living in floodprone areas to clear the drains.

Fayose on Point in Describing Wike ‘Average Mad Man,’ Says Atiku’s Aide

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, Mr Phrank Shaibu, has said that former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, was spot in describing former Governor Nyesom Wike as “an average mad man.”

Shaibu said this in reaction to

Fayose’s interview on Channels Television, wherein he stated, “Wike is an articulate capacity person. Nigeria needs an average mad person.”

Wike had himself informed Kogi delegates on May 4, 2022, that Nigeria needed a mad man to govern them when he stated that, “I can bring the country back on its track of greatness.

It doesn’t matter where you are from. It takes a mad man to govern Nigeria.”

Reacting to Fayose’s interview, Shaibu said appointing Wike as a minister would be counter-productive.

Shaibu said: “We want to appreciate Fayose for describing Wike as an ‘average mad man.’ Indeed, it is only a mad person

who can use violence to prevent people from coming into a state to campaign. It takes madness to subvert the will of the people.”

Atiku’s aide said Fayose should have been man enough to publicly campaign for Bola Tinubu during the run-up to the presidential election instead of coming out now.

Oborevwori Dissolves Delta Internal Revenue Board

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has directed the dissolution of the State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR).

A statement issued yesterday by the Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, directed the chairman and members of the dissolved Board

to hand over all government property in their possession to the career administrative head in the agency.

The statement also said the governor’s dissolution approval would take immediate effect.

The announcement was coming less than two weeks after exempting it from the list of boards of state agencies,

agencies, and parastatals ordered for dissolution in June.

The DBIR was one of only eight boards of state agencies, departments and parastatals exempted from the dissolution directive issued by the new administration on June 27, 2023.

Others then unaffected by the dissolution order included the Civil Service

Commission; Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC); Judicial Commission; Delta State Independent Electoral Commission; House of Assembly Service Commission; Local Government Service Commission; and Governing Councils of Educational Institutions, according to a statement issued by the SSG.

include the rehabilitation of water works, adding that both are ongoing simultaneously.

“Across the 332 political wards in the state, our people are accessing water supplies, which, according to global standards, is expected to serve two million people.

“On commissioner-nominees, Governor Adeleke is deeply pro-women and quite gendersensitive. It is too early to judge the administration on gender and affirmative action as less than 10 percent of statutory appointments have been made.

“On Ipade Imole, the public is reassured that the public accountability platform will hold. Preparation has reached an advanced stage. Representatives of all critical stakeholders will be invited. Very soon, invitations will go out for this quarterly event.”

Experts Urge Politicians to Spend Money on Security

Professor Chris Kwaja of Centre for Peace and Security Studies, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, has urged political leaders to spend more money and energy on security of the country rather than on election campaigns.

Kwaja, a lecturer and researcher, said this in a keynote address yesterday in Nsukka during

Mutfwang:

an annual hybrid international conference by the faculty of Social Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), titled “Democracy, Security and Development”.

He expressed concern on how the political class in the country has invested so much money and energy in campaigning to win elections but spend little on security and good governance.

“It’s unfortunate that the political class are investing so much money and energy on winning elections, but almost nothing on security and good governance.

“They should rejig their strategies towards solving security challenges and strengthening democracy in order to move the country forward,” he said.

Kwaja, also a security expert,

advocated huge involvements of academia in politics, policymaking, and development of strategies so as to fast track national development and achieve a robust economy.

“Adequate involvement of the academia will help to fast track national development as well as achieve robust economy that will make the country among the best economies in the world,” he said.

We Inherited N307bn Debt from Past Administration

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau said his administration inherited a debt burden of N307 billion from the immediate past administration in the state.

The governor disclosed this shortly after receiving the reports of the committees on Transition and Strategic

Development Framework for Plateau, yesterday in Jos.

The two committees were headed by Prof. Ganyir Lombin.

The governor expressed his determination to take the state to greater heights, inspite of its huge debt profile.

Mutfwang, particularly

expressed his readiness toward tackling the current security challenges in the state.

“Through out the campaign season, we were under the mistaken belief that our debt burden was around N200 billion and to hear that it is N307 billion is quite intimidating and

worrisome

“But by the special grace of God, these challenges we are confronted with are surmountable.

‘’Of particular concern is the issue of insecurity which unfortunately has become a major distraction for us.

L-R: Group Head, Issuing and Acquiring (Africa), Verve, Paul Ohakim; Founder/Group Managing Diretor, Interswitch Group, Mitchell Elegbe; Managing Director, Verve, Vincent Ogbunude, and Group Head, Scheme Management, Verve, Grace Adeniyi at Verve’s 50 million cards issuance milestone announcement in Lagos…. recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

PSG Enter Race for Osimhen’s Signature

Make him prime transfer target should Mbappe leaves

Femi Solaja with agency report

Following the recent interview granted by super star, Kylian Mbappe which has caused disaffection within the PSG camp, the Paris side has concluded plans to go all the way and secure the services of Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen from Napoli.

Italian tabloid, La Gazzetta dello Sport, yesterday confirmed that the Napoli star Osimhen is PSG’s primary transfer target if Kylian Mbappé leaves this summer, while ex-Serie A star, Paolo Di Canio, blames the ‘shameful’ France superstar.

ALCARAZ, ONLY MAN TO STOP DJOKOVIC...

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz underlined his status as the man likeliest to stop Novak Djokovic winning another Wimbledon after beating 2021 finalist Matteo Berrettini in the fourth round. The 20-year-old Spaniard fought back to win 3-6 6-3 6-3 6-3 and reach the SW19 quarter-finals for the first time. Alcaraz will next face Denmark's Holger Rune, who won 3-6 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 against Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov.

Collins’

Femi Solaja

Goal

Akwa United forward Uchenna

Collins’ strike in the 59th minute was the game changer that earned his side a semi-final berth as highflying Rivers United crashed out of the Naija Super 8 tournament even with a match in hand for all the teams in Group B to play.

The Pre-season tournament that is organised by Flykite Productions in partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria and sponsors like MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi and Custodian Assurance had seen the last three match ended in a draw until Akwa United secured a vital win last night

Knocks out Rivers Utd From Naija Super 8

and became the first team to reach the knockout stage.

Rivers United’s Coach Stanley Eguma, no doubt, will blame mother luck because his wards were the better side for majority of the first half, but failed to fashion a clear scoring opportunity despite enjoying majority of the possession. Lukman Adefemi came close to breaking the deadlock, but could not direct his shot on target from a tight angle.

Akwa United who won their opening match on Saturday came out better in the second half, and scored what proved to be the match winner in the 58th minute through Uche Collins and Cyril Olisema had an opportunity to double the

lead three minutes later, but put his shot wide from the edge of the six-yard box.

The Uyo boys were able to hold on to the advantage to book the semi-final slot.

In his post-match interview, Akwa United coach, Fatai Osho, said his side can now begin to think of winning the tournament. "This victory is a good one for us and the aim was to qualify for the semi-finals and now it is time to get more from the competition by going for the cup.

“If you are in the semi-finals, you have the chance to win, now we have the opportunity to give other players a chance to show what they

can do in the last match," he said.

Earlier in the day, Lobi Stars and Yobe Desert Stars played out a goalless draw in a cagey encounter. The match produced little goal scoring chances, as most of the action took place in the middle of the park.

With the results, Akwa United sits atop of Group B with six points. Lobi Stars are second with four points, Yobe Desert Stars are third with one point.

Action resume today with a South-West derby between Sporting Lagos and Remo Stars, starting at 2pm, followed by Katsina United vs Enyimba International at 4:30pm.

COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES

Ebuka Nwokeji, 16-year-old Nigerian Selected to Represent England

The incredible journey of 16-yearold athlete, Ebuka Nwokeji, the young talent who is making Nigeria proud on the international stage has been by UK’s Athletics to represent England in the forthcoming Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad & Tobago.

British born, Nigerian U17 athletics star, Ebuka, has a unique story that transcends borders. Having attended part of his primary and secondary education both in Nigeria and the UK, he was able to experience the best of both worlds.

From a young age, he showcased his exceptional athletic abilities, leaving an indelible mark as a sprinting sensation in both countries. Winning almost every race he competed in, Ebuka was quickly recognized as an excep-

tional talent, catching the attention of the athletics community

Today, Ebuka stands proudly among a wave of athletes of Nigerian descent who are dominating the UK athletics scene. With his speed, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence, he has consistently emerged victorious, smashing records along the way.

His outstanding performances and consistent track record have earned him a well-deserved spot representing England at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad & Tobago in August 2023.

Ebuka's holds the top spot for the U17 100m event with an impressive personal best time of 10.50 seconds.

Additionally, he ranks third in the UK for the U17m 200m

event with a personal best time of 21.36 seconds. These exceptional rankings place him among the elite athletes in his age category, not only in the UK but also in Europe, where he holds a commendable sixth position in the U18 category for 100m events according to World Athletics.

Ebuka's recent feat of breaking the Middlesex County record in the U17 sprint category is particularly noteworthy. This record, which had stood for 41 years, was previously held by Ade Mafe, the former youngest Briton to have ever participated in the Olympics. Ebuka's achievement not only demonstrates his exceptional talent but also highlights his potential to leave a lasting legacy in the world of athletics.

Mbappé has openly admitted that he’s planning to leave PSG on a free transfer at the end of his contract in June 2024, but the Ligue 1 giants want to sell him this summer if he doesn’t sign a new deal with the club.

Sunday’s printed edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport confirms Osimhen will be PSG’s primary target if Mbappé leaves.

Journalist Maurizio Nicita wrote on page six of the pink paper that Napoli have already rejected a €100m bid from PSG and have set their asking price to €180m.

Mbappé’s summer sale will further strengthen PSG’s

budget, potentially allowing them to meet Napoli’s asking price.

The Serie A champions still hope to extend with Osimhen beyond 2025 and are said to be on good terms with the striker’s agent Roberto Calenda.

According to the report, Lille forward, Jonathan David, is Napoli’s primary target if Osimhen leaves.

Meantime, ex-Lazio and West Ham star Di Canio openly blamed Mbappé during his latest interview with Sky Sport Italia on Saturday.

“PSG have put themselves in this situation because they coddled him, now they must limit the damage and make a decision,” said the ex-striker.

“We can judge PSG’s errors but, I am saying it openly, also the indecency of the lad. Indecency, that’s what it is. He took advantage of this situation a year ago and now he’s doing the same, threatening to leave on a free transfer next year. “It’s an absolute shame that Mbappbe behaves this way after earning €200-300m even if everyone always tries to earn more without hypocrisy. Then there are the fans, the club and the honorability which you can’t buy even with €2 billion and he is not respecting any of these.”

Sex Scandal Rocks World Cup-bound Zambian Team

One of Zambia's Women's World Cup stars has accused its manager Bruce Mwape, 63, of coercing players into having sex with him if they wanted to keep their places in the team.

The head coach of the Zambia team, preparing to make their debut at the Women's World Cup, has been accused of sexual misconduct and the case was referred to world body FIFA last year for investigation, according to a report in UK’s The Guardian newspaper.

The report claims that other Zambian coaches and officials were also accused of sexual misconduct and investigated, including the Under 17s girls' team coach.

One female player, who did not want to be named, told The Guardian: “If he (Mwape) wants to sleep with someone, you have to say yes.

“It’s normal that the coach sleeps with the players in our team.”

Zambia football association President, Andrew Kamanga, confirmed that the allegations of sexual misconduct were referred to FIFA and Zambian police last year and said it was 'an old story.'

Kamanga didn't name any of the people facing allegations of wrongdoing.

Ebuka Nwokeji...selected to rep England at Commonwealth Youth Games

In line with protocol, FIFA said its independent ethics committee would not comment on whether or not there was an investigation

underway.

Zambia's FA launched its own investigation last year but also didn't name any officials, coaches or players involved at the time. The Zambian association said when it made the announcement in September that it was taking the allegations seriously.

But The Guardian quoted an anonymous source as saying that the Zambian association was 'turning a blind eye' to the allegations because of the recent success of its women's team under Mwape.

Zambia qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which starts this month. The men's team has never made it to the World Cup.

Zambia on Friday had a surprising 3-2 win over two-time World Cup winner Germany in a warm up game for this year's tournament. Zambia captain and star striker, Barbra Banda, scored twice, including the winning goal in the 12th minute of added time.

Banda has been at the centre of another controversy for the Zambian FA after she was withdrawn from last year's Women's African Cup of Nations because of a bungled sex eligibility case.

Zambia's football association removed Banda from its squad for the tournament over sex eligibility rules despite Banda being cleared to play at the Olympics and at the World Cup.

CPPE to Federal Govt

“We advise against the decision of the FIRS to undertake VAT collection in the informal sector...Over 98 per cent of the informal sector traders are microenterprises who do not fall within the threshold of entities that are liable for VAT payment. The informal sector associations are highly fragmented. It would be impractical to develop a partnership framework with the market associations for the collection as contemplated by the FIRS” --CEO,CentreforPromotionofPrivateEnterprise(CPPE), MudaYusuf,advisingthegovernmentagainstusingtheFIRStocollectVATfromtheinformalsector.

TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI

abati1990@gmail.com

Nigeria And The Hilda Baci Syndrome

The last time Ms Hilda Effiong Bassey featured in this column was in a piece titled “Tales The Country Told Me: Hilda Baci and Seun Kuti” (ThisDay, May 16) wherein I commented on her courage and heroism for using her culinary skills to bring herself to global attention by breaking the Guinness World Record in cooking, what has now become known as cook-a-thon.

Hilda Baci, 27, cooked for 100 hours at the Amore Gardens, Lekki, Lagos, from Thursday, May 10, till Monday, May 13. 2023. Her exploit was a big social media event, a big, welcome distraction for a Nigerian community that was becoming weary of corrosive and febrile politics arising from the country’s 2023 general elections. Celebrities trooped to the venue of the cooking marathon for photo opportunities. Hilda Baci became an instant celebrity too. Many defied the heavy rainfall to support her.

As it turned out, the Guinness World Record, after assessing her submissions ruled that she had in fact made up to 93 hours, 11 minutes - seven hours short of her target but remarkable enough to dethrone the then cooking marathon champion - Indian Chef Tata Landon who set the existing world record of 87 hours, 45 minutes in 2019. Ms Baci became an instant megastar. She won endorsements. She was given a royal reception by her home state of Akwa Ibom. She even got to meet billionaires and because she is backed by a good social media team, and looks really stunning, stylish, a head-turner in appearance on top of everything, she generated so much excitement. Some people tried to cash in on her fame by organizing a “Meet and Greet Hilda Baci” event for an admission fee which she promptly turned down. She has since been reported as using her celebrity status to raise funds for widows, by cooking more. She has since received her certificate from the GWR. I wrote in praise of Ms. Baci’s creativity, how through sheer imagination and effort she got transformed from being a great unknown into a global figure. But I have since noticed an emergent Hilda Baci syndrome that speaks to the character of the average Nigerian, and this is a problem, an abnormality. Not long after Hilda Baci was recognized by the GWR, the Hilda instinct started crawling out of many Nigerians who wanted to be like her. These persons have since turned the country into one big kitchen of emergency cooks. It is not funny. It is beginning to look like the spread of mass psychosis! Ms Tata Landon kept the record for marathon cooking from 2019 – 2023. Nigerians are not even allowing Ms Baci to enjoy a month of fame, before they started rolling out their own kitchen utensils in larger numbers to displace her.

By June 9, another Nigerian lady, Ms. Damilola Adeparusi, popularly known as Chef Dammy had entered the kitchen in Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State with the mind to cook for 120 hours and prove that she could do better than Hilda Baci of Akwa Ibom State. She did 120 hours, June 9 -13.! The people of Ekiti were excited. They had produced their own marathon cook, so they thought. Chef Dammy was celebrated by the First Lady of Ekiti State. The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Oye Ekiti, Professor Sunday Abayomi Fashina led a delegation of University Council Members to visit Chef Dammy, a student of the university, to thank her for putting the university on the global map. Imagine a whole university throwing its weight behind a cooking event. Ekiti persons in diaspora also expressed their excitement with one of them sending a return ticket to the US and N500, 000 in appreciation, someone else sent a gift of N1 million but as Chef Dammy herself disclosed later, she didn’t make up to N2 million. She also got some endorsements. But she did not displace Chef Baci. What she got instead was a statement from Guinness World Record advising that anyone who wants to break a record must first apply and

in an official statement by her handlers that “Chef Dammy is coming back!”. But before then, other cooks have since stepped into the fray. In Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Ms Adeola Adeyeye, aka Chef Deo announced a 150-hour cooking marathon again to beat Hilda Baci. Unlike Chef Dammy of Oye-Ekiti, Chef Deo followed due process and took the precaution of informing the Guinness World Record, hence from June 30 2023 – July 7, she too started cooking round the clock and crossed the 150-hour mark. If she submits her evidence to the GWR, she could break Ms. Baci’s record and become the new champion.

But again, she is not alone. About the same time that she applied to GWR, an Ogbomoso-based chef, Temitope Adebayo also applied for a 140-hour cooking marathon, and his application was verified but it is just that he has been asked to wait till November 2023 before he enters the kitchen. He says he is ready and he has been taking lessons in endurance and stamina building. He is probably thinking of extending his advertised 140 hours, to surpass Chef Deo of Ondo who is expecting a response from GWR. Generally, this is very much like what Nigerians refer to as a “wahala be like bicycle” situation, and understandably, the obsession of young Nigerians (age range 26 -31) with cooking marathon has generated comedy skits with one Chef Damilda Adeoci clowning around on instagram that he intends to break the cooking record by 363 hours, 11 minutes. There is never a shortage of humour around here. Nigerians joke with everything and everything. But there are others who do not think this is a joke who have proposed other options in pursuit of a Guinness World Record. Here are a few examples, because nobody knows what may still come up tomorrow: At the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) a computer science lecturer, Joshua Hassan Bature is now proposing a 150- hour teaching marathon which he calls ‘aca- a-thon”. The GWR

people have given him an October 16, 2023 date. I hope “Lecturer 150 hours” would have enough audience for his computer jargon. Similarly, one Oluwatobi Kufeji, Alejo Pataki, is proposing a 200-hour singing marathon. He calls his proposal: “Praise Worship-a-Thon”. There is also Joyce Ijeoma, the Nigerian lady who wanted to set a record for the longest hours for body massaging. She collapsed in the process and had to be revived! There is also a lady from Benue State, Treasure Joseph who says she wants to set a record for the longest video on instagram with a target of 125 hours between July 5 -9. Woli Arole – I want to believe that one is truly clowning, has also been quoted as saying that he wants to do a “Prayer-a-thon” for 5, 000 hours. Please, who has to pray to God for 5, 000 hours before he answers? The Catechist taught us that God sees our mind. He is omnipotent and omnipresent. Apparently, whatever God Woli Arole worships needs over 5, 000 hours before he can hear His children’s pleas. But the more ridiculous aspect of all this is that the Hilda Baci syndrome has since gone across the border. Nigeria is the main leader in West Africa and to a great extent in Africa. Other countries within the sub-region look up to us. That is probably one of the reasons why President Tinubu is now the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Governments, within 41 days of his assumption of office as President. It also probably explains why when our President decided to remove fuel subsidy on May 29, some motorcyclists in Cameroon had the temerity to stage a public protest to question President Tinubu, asking him to reverse himself because the economic policy in Nigeria is not in their best interest

It further makes sense to see why and how the Nigerian Hilda Baci syndrome has crossed the border. In Cameroon, a 25-year-old lady who wants to be the Hilda Baci of Yaounde has now announced a sex-a-thon. She wants to have sex with able-bodied, strong men for 200 hours non-stop. She wants strong men to line up. In Ghana, another lady is proposing “eat-a-thon.” How did we get here please? Nigeria is now a country that is exporting psychosis to demonstrate leadership? Other countries are demonstrating leadership in cutting edge science and technology, artificial intelligence, and global politics, we are here, a country of over 200 million people, with youths that are obsessed with cooking, prayers, singing, sex and a culture of frivolity. Nigeria should not become a sub-regional leader that exports mass, intercontinental psychosis. Can anyone in fact believe the fact that in this country today, one Nigerian lady is now launching what she calls “snails--a-thon”? She wants to cook and fry snails for 500 hours and get into the Guinness Book of World Records. At least one person has called on the Nigerian government to stop the madness from spreading further. Not many would disagree, and we already have an example in this regard.

In Ekiti state, one guy called Sugartee showed up the other day proposing to organize what he called a 72-hour “kiss-a-thon”, that is a kissing marathon. The same Ekiti state government that accommodated the cooking competition by Chef Dammy and the proposed lecture marathon by lecturer Bature immediately stepped forward to ban the proposed kissing marathon as “unhealthy, absurd and an attempt to denigrate the image of Ekiti State.” In my view, the Gov. Biodun Oyebanji administration acted rightly in the interest of public morality. Coincidentally, the GWR itself had banned kissing world records among its categories because of the risks involved. It has since accommodated a revised kiss-a-thon but with a different set of rules, and procedures. While individuals have the right to express themselves, it is also important to stress that there are no absolute rights. As the Ekiti state government has done in the case of the so-called “kiss-a-thon”, the Nigerian government must draw a line in the sand with

regard to all the GWR psychosis that has overtaken the country. Danny Lammy of Cameroon for example is calling on strong men to come over and have free sex for 200 hours. If any Nigerian man shows up at that free sex event, assuming it eventually happens, such a Nigerian male citizen should be arrested on his return for engaging in an act that is against public morality and the order of nature. When the accused person gets to court, he and his lawyers can go and argue their case about jurisdiction, human rights and morality. What nonsense!

The real problem is that Nigeria is a troubled country and the evidence shows in the psychotic conduct of its people. It was Aristotle who told us that “imitation is a form of flattery”, and in addition that “a child learns by imitation”. The people imitating Hilda Baci and seeking a Guinness World Record are not children. It appears they are envious people, lacking in originality who simply want to pull down Hilda Baci, and prove that they are better than her. Envy. Jealousy. Desperation. In a country where inflation is galloping, and more people are slipping into the poverty trap, salaries and pensions are not paid, it must not be too surprising that the young people have become so desperate they would imitate anything that can bring a little fame and opportunity. Hilda Baci cooks for hours, gets famous, everyone else rushes to the kitchen. It is an emergent trait in our land. People don’t think. They copy. If you set up a business, and you seem to be doing well, before you know it, everyone in the neighbourhood would set up a similar shop. And if they have their way, they will stop at nothing to pull you down, in typical crab-mentality fashion. It is a crime to succeed at anything in Nigeria. And it is in every facet of our lives: in politics, business, academia and even in personal relationships. When as a politician, you give people opportunities to also grow and rise, the next thing they would be gunning for is to dethrone and send you into retirement while they move past you. Many friends whose colleagues die, pretend to be helping the widow, but their main interest is to take over the wife whom they have always been eyeing by the way. This is the root of the psychosis.

Worse still, this character flaw is often justified as did the kiss-a-thon Sugartee of Ekiti state. After the state government banned his proposed programme he later came forward to say that he actually did not want to organize any kissing marathon. He, being a musician, would ordinarily have proposed a singing marathon, but if he said he wanted to sing, nobody would have paid any attention. So, he had to announce a kissing marathon which got him the attention and influence that he needed. “People now know Sugartee,” he said. “In this country, you need something to get people to talk about you.” Sugartee also reported that he was invited to the Ekiti State Government House, and that he, the same man that the past administration in the state ignored, is now being invited by the new administration. And he has the effrontery to take the people for a ride and promote a scam? Sugartee and others like him who have turned the pursuit of a Guinness World Record into an opportunity for clout-chasing, misrepresentation and deception should be made to face the full wrath of the law. There are too many jobless people in this country, particularly among the younger generation who are willing and ready to turn everything into a joke. Can we all get serious for once please? Administrators of The Guinness World Record also have an obligation to review their procedures and introduce more stringent rules to protect public morality and humanistic values. Nigerian youths have a bigger obligation to dig deeper into our culture as Africans to evoke and embrace profound authenticity, innate resourcefulness and heritage that we have across board instead of competing viciously for Western style-records that come across as a validation of their own limitations rather than true strength.

Hilda Baci