TUESDAY 23TH JULY 2024

summons Cardoso Finance Act: 50% Banks Forex Gains Tax Won't Affect Nigerians,

As National Assembly

joint panel

FG Moves to End Dangote, NMDPRA Rift, Meets Major Industry Stakeholders

Akpabio: We’ll probe, identify and hold saboteurs in petroleum sector accountable Says it’s rescue mission for nation’s future Declares it’s not just financial issue, but matter of national security, sovereignty Highlights hurdles against Tinubu's welfare package for women, children HURIWA asks president to sack NMDPRA boss over Dangote refinery debacle www.thisdaylive.com

L-R: Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe;

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; Group CEO, Nigerian National

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The federal government and National Assembly clarified,

Alex Enumah in Abuja Edo State Governor, Godwin

Public PrEsEntAtion of thE book: 'ungrAtEful souls'...

Analysts Urge CBN to Stimulate Growth as MPC Meets, NACCIMA Lists Effects of MPR Hike on Businesses

James Emejo in Abuja

For the umpteenth time, analysts yesterday urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to be wary of further hikes in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), the benchmark interest rate that determines the cost of borrowing in the economy.

The call came as MPC was expected to announce today the outcome of its regular meetings to gauge the health of the economy.

Analysts said having previously raised MPR by 750 basis points since February 2024, the cost of borrowing had increased to about 26.25 per cent.

Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) also warned about the potential consequences of another MPR hike by the CBN.

In separate interviews with THISDAY, analysts said going by the body language if the CBN, the committee was likely to further pursue a contractionary monetary policy stance amid heightened inflationary pressures.

They said given the current state of the economy, coupled with widespread hardship, the MPC should consider stimulating growth rather than continuing to tighten in order to rein in inflation.

They noted that previous increases in MPR had not subdued rising prices of goods and commodities.

In a statement, National President of NACCIMA, Mr. Dele Oye, pointed out that while an increase in interest rate might help control inflation, it

often resulted in higher costs and increased uncertainty, which could have a range of negative impacts on businesses and growth prospects.

Oye said further rate hike would increase borrowing costs, lead to reduced investment, decreased consumer spending, impact on stock prices, cash flow challenges, inflation control, and long-term planning, among others.

He said while such move could strengthen the naira, and reduce the cost of imports, it could also make exports less competitive, potentially harming businesses that rely on international markets.

The NACCIMA president stated, “In summary, while an increase in the benchmark interest rate can help control inflation, it often introduces higher costs and increased uncertainty for businesses, which can have a range of negative impacts on their operations and growth prospects.”

Director, Institute of Capital Market Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Professor Uche Uwaleke, said much as tightening was justified to neutralise the adverse effect of increased money supply, especially, from Ways and Means, the CBN should recognise that the challenge currently facing the Nigerian economy was "not just inflation but stagflation, and to this end, should equally have regard to growth concerns in future meetings of the MPC".

Uwaleke, who is also President, Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, said, "In line with the tightening

stance of the CBN, the MPC is likely to increase MPR by at least between 50 to100 basis points this July.

"Headline inflation rose to 34.19 per cent year-on-year in June, despite the aggressive hike in the MPR between February and May.

"To make matters worse, month-on-month inflation turned northwards in June. So, the MPC will still be concerned about the need to narrow the negative interest rate as well as curtail the pressure in the forex market."

He added, "Only recently, the CBN was compelled to resume interventions in the forex market in defence of the international value of the domestic currency.

"Nevertheless, if I were a member

of the MPC, I would vote for a hold position, as the aggressive policy rate hike is taking a toll on output.

"Production is stifled because of very high cost of funds. Moreover, the seeming over reliance on the MPR as a tool to tame inflation does not appear to be making any meaningful impact due to the significant nonmonetary factors driving inflation in Nigeria, such as high cost of energy, transport, as well as insecurity in the food-belt regions of the country.

"The high cost of credit is also a factor contributing to cost-push inflation. This is due in part to a very high CRR of 45 per cent, representing sterilised bank deposits with the CBN.

"This liquidity squeeze is now

driving undue pressure by banks on the CBN's Standing Lending Facility."

Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dignity Finance and Investment Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, said the existing high MPR was already stifling the economy.

Ekechukwu stated, "Any further tightening will worsen the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. The higher the MPR, the more the inflation rate in Nigeria's situation.

"This is so because there are other factors influencing the inflation rate other than money in circulation, which tightening tries to address."

Managing Director/Chief Executive, SD&D Capital Management Limited, Mr. Idakolo Gbolade, said,

"CBN MPC will likely hike interest rate based on the body language of the CBN governor who has in several fora stated that the way to curb inflation is continuous hike in interest rates.

"However, I think the committee should take stock of its decisions in the past four MPC meetings and see the continuous increase in interest rate has not brought down inflationary trend but has further pushed inflation to record levels."

He also said, "I have always advocated that interest rate hike alone cannot reduce inflation on the long run while others factors affecting inflation, like weak Naira, high energy cost and high cost of production are not tackled headon.

After TCN’s Suspension Notice, AEDC Sacks Management Team, Announces New Leadership

Firm gets four MDs in less than three years

Days after the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) sent a suspension notice to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), the company has sacked its erstwhile management and has announced the appointment of a new leadership in its place.

The TCN had a few days ago issued a suspension order to the company over its non-compliance with the conditions of the market rules and market participation agreement.

AEDC supplies electricity to Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states,

A statement by AEDC yesterday stated that Chijioke Okwuokenye had been appointed the acting managing director, with immediate effect. He replaced Victor Ojelabi who was appointed about seven months ago.

Senate Seeks Inclusion of Domestic Servants in New National Minimum Wage Scheme

Bill demands compulsory documentation with govt agency

sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate, yesterday, demanded the inclusion of domestic servants in the proposed N70,000 National Minimum Wage Scheme.

The red chamber also justified the need for their compulsory documentation with a proposed federal agency for proper and adequate monitoring.

The call for the inclusion of domestic servants in the National Minimum wage, was also hailed by the National Council for Women Society (NCWS), and other stakeholders at the National Assembly on Monday.

The NCWS, some government officials and other stakeholders, gave the support for the proposed legislation during a public hearing

on a Bill for an Act to provide for Domestication and Registration of Domestic Workers and Employers in Nigeria.

The Bill, sponsored by Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC Jigawa North West), was organised by the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity chaired by Senator Diket Plang ( APC Plateau Central).

A member of the Senate panel, Senator Osita Izunaso (APC Imo West), started the call for the inclusion of domestic servants in the National Minimum Wage Scheme, during his remarks at the public hearing.

"As a member of this committee , I feel strongly that part of the provisions to be included in this bill is to include the domestic workers be it house maid or servants, in the proposed

N70, 000 National Minimum wage law.

"As N70, 000 is being planned to be the least wage for the lowest public workers, so should be the case for least domestic workers. We are going to put it in the bill for implementation by all employers," he said.

He, however, suggested that instead of domestication and protection of domestic workers and employers, the intendment of the bill should be changed to registration and protection of domestic workers and their employers.

Also, the Acting National President of NCWS, Mrs Geraldeen Etuk, argued for the inclusion of domestic servants in the proposed National Minimum Wage law.

Other members of the committee

and stakeholders, expressed their support for the Bill and the need to include domesticate workers in the National Minimum Wage Scheme.

In an interview, sponsor of the bill, Senator Babangida Hussaini, said he was elated by the general support the bill got from the various stakeholders and other relevant stakeholders.

He expressed doubts over the practical implementation of the additional scope of inclusion of domestic workers into the national minimum wage.

Earlier, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Diket Plang, said an agency would be set up for implementation of the proposed law, but that the Ministry of Labour and Productivity would drive the operation from the onset.

while TCN is the wholly federal government-owned company that transmits the electricity produced by power generation companies to power Distribution Companies (Discos) across the country.

In the suspension order, the TCN had said that the company failed to provide adequate bank guarantee to it, a development that contravened the power market rules.

“ In view of this non-compliance, AEDC is hereby suspended from the Market Operator (MO) administered electricity market. No new contract or agreement shall be entered into with AEDC within the suspension period,” TCN stated.

But in the statement released by the power distributor, it stated that the appointment, which was part of the ‘transformation agenda’ of the company, will see Okwuokenye drive the positioning of AEDC as the foremost, customer-focused electricity distribution company in the Nigerian power sector.

Prior to his appointment, the company said he served as the AEDC’s Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw strategic support units and embedded generation projects of the company.

“He brings to the role a wealth of experience and expertise in the power sector, as well as a passion for the attainment of the vision for the Nigerian electricity supply industry,” the firm added.

Speaking on the appointment, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Stanley Lawson, said: “Chijioke Okwuokenye is an experienced leader who has been a part of the company’s

transformation agenda and is well suited to drive its corporate turnaround.

“I am confident that, with his technical and commercial background, he will continue to drive value for all AEDC stakeholders”.

The company also announced the appointment of Olumide Jerome as the Chief Operating Officer.

Prior to this, the statement said he served as one of the company’s Chief Business Officers, explaining that he will drive efficiency and operational excellence across the company as part of his new responsibilities.

AEDC said it was committed to delivering dependable electricity to millions across the nation's key commercial centres in its franchise areas.

In May 2023, a Transcorp-led consortium, became the core investor in AEDC, following its 60 per cent acquisition of the company's shares.

It would about the fourth time that the company will be sacking its management in less than three years and about the seventh in 10 years.

In March 2022, Akinwumi Bada resigned as the managing director of the company, paving the way for Adeoye Fadeyibi, who threw in the towel in August 2023 as the chief executive of the company.

Fadeyibi was succeeded by Mr Christopher Ezeafulukwe who resigned in January, paving the way for Victor Ojelabi, who has just been fired by the company.

Ojelabi was the 6th chief executive of the company in around 10 years. The others were: Neil Croucher; Ernest Mupwaya (longest serving); Bada; Fadeyibi and Ezeafulukwe.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

L-R: Co-Founder, Africa Sustainable Trade, Dr Ama Onyerinma; Author and Celebrant, Dr Princess Oghene; Chief Executive Officer/ Chief Consultant, Z-Edge Holdings, Kikelomo Abati; and her husband/ Veteran Journalist, Dr Rueben Abati, at the Public Presentation of the book ''Ungrateful Souls'' in Lagos... recently

NatioNal lauNch of collaborative regulatioN study...

L-R: Executive Secretary, West Africa Telecom Regulators Assembly, Aliyu Aboki; Head, Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Adamma Isamade; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida; Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; National Project Officer for Nigeria and Kenya, International Telecommunication Union, Kagwiria Nkonge and First Secretary Head of Prosperity,

FG Moves to Scale Up Renewable Energy Use in Nigeria, Wants Discos to Adhere to 5% Quota

Adelabu says government has increased transmission capacity by 463mw

The federal government yesterday moved to ramp up the deployment of renewable energy in the country, urging electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) to adhere to the 5 per cent clean energy requirement as released in a recent order by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Speaking in Abuja at a national summit on “Accelerated Scale-up of Renewable and Distributed Energy Resources in Nigeria,” the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, explained that there was the need to identify, derisk, and deploy renewable and distributed energy projects nationwide.

Adelabu stated that the federal

government’s existing policies and action plans such as the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP), Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (NETP), and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets were a clear manifestation of Nigeria’s commitment to developing renewable energy.

He urged the summit to highlight the strategies, regulations and bankable financing arrangements that can be leveraged to deliver Nigeria’s targeted 30 gigawatts (GW) of power supply capacity by 2030 of which 30 per cent is from renewable energy.

“To demonstrate the significance and urgency of incorporating renewable energy in the Nigerian power supply mix, the regulator recently issued and order for the successor

discos to procure a minimum of 5 per cent of their respective current energy off-take volume as embedded/ distributed generation from renewable energy sources.

“We expect this to be a clarion call for all stakeholders to embraces the government’s effort to improve renewable energy penetration in the system. It is disheartening that for decades, Nigerians have been grappling with the challenges of unreliable grid supply with frequent power outages and load shedding severely impacting businesses, industries, and households.

“The lack of grid reliability has hampered economic productivity and deters foreign investment thereby exacerbating unemployment and economic stagnation. We are

determined to end that,” he stated.

The minister explained that the instruction from President Bola Tinubu was to deliver sustainable, reliable, cost-effective, and climate friendly energy supply for all Nigerians.

Since taking office, he stated that the federal government had made strategic interventions in the electricity value chain with the aim of unlocking stranded capacity and improving the liquidity of the industry.

“Some of these initiatives are centred around facilitating investments in the renewable segment of the industry through the launching of a $500 million initiative by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority’s Renewables Investment Platform for Limitless Energy (RIPLE) programme.

House of Reps, 27 State Assemblies, Ministers Move to End Malnutrition, Food Insecurity

The House of Representatives and 27 State Houses of Assembly and ministers, have resolved to end malnutrition and food insecurity in the country with adequate collaboration.

This was made known at the inauguration of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security by the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, in Abuja, on Monday.

Speaking at the inauguration, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, expressed worries over growing food insecurity in the country.

Abbas said that there was urgent need to address the issue of nutrition and food security as the representatives of the people.

He said: "We are taking concrete steps to restore hope to the suffering masses that will guarantee the enhancement of their well-being.”

The Speaker who promised to initiate a strategic legislative process to tackle malnutrition and food security acknowledged that it is not the best time for the citizenry.

His words: "We need the involvement of the state assembly to attain nutrition and food security, and this move is in the right direction to achieve a greater result. We shared the people's pains, discomfort, suffering, and depression following the worrisome cost of food items and the decline in nutrition."

The chairman of the House Com-

mittee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Chike Okafor, while speaking also said that it was important to note that malnutrition and food insecurity remained a constant threat to socioeconomic development in Nigeria.

Okafor also said that this had become an existential threat and that worsening inflation has also aggravated the burden on ordinary Nigerians.

According to Okafor, "There is, however, cause for optimism; the optimism we share stems from the fact that, for the first time, attempts to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity will have a legislative push.

“This legislative perspective will be driven collectively and holistically, anchored on the joint effort of the committees at the National and State Houses of Assembly. This would be driven by a joint work plan with flexibility for the incorporation of state-specific exigencies."

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the of the Conference of Speakers, State Legislators, Mr. Debo Ogundoyin, while contributing also said the wellbeing of the citizenry in the area of food security and nutrition had taken center stage.

Ogundoyin said that it was imperative to carry the states along because it would provide the requisite understanding to tackle the issue.

While expressing commitment of the states’ assemblies to work toward eradicating malnutrition and food insecurity, he stated that Nigeria is one of the deprived countries in Africa when it comes to nourishment for our children.

The Minister of Health and Social

Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate also said that there was a need to come together to deal with the issue of malnutrition and that they remained the pillars of President Bola Tinubu's renewed hope agenda.

Pate further said that the country had struggled with acute malnutrition and that there was a need to deal with it and the issue of over and undernutrition.

"We have diabetes and hypertension because of the processed food we eat. It is not just the calories, but the diversity of the diet, which is very important. Issues of malnutrition

affect the performance of a child in school and their productivity and children's survival depends on nutrition," Pate said.

According to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Abubakar Baguda, "Nutrition and food security challenges are constitutional and that the three tiers of government must invest more in them."

"This involves giving each of the three tiers pride of place in what they could do to address the menace.

Nutrition is a localized issue; there are differences from one community to the next.

“RIPLE is dedicated to the development, investment, and operation of renewable energy projects across the entire value chain.

“Another significant investment catalysed into the sector is the World Bank’s Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) $750 million facility aimed at addressing infrastructure gaps, expanding access to electricity, and promoting sustainable and inclusive development throughout the country,” he stated.

Adelabu noted that reducing Discos’ inefficiencies in billing and collection through massive investment in metering via the World Bank’s Distribution Support Recovery Programme was expected to support the deployment of 1.5 million meters into the sector and the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) which is expected to support the annual deployment of 2 million meters.

He also highlighted the payment of legacy gas debt to gas companies to foster greater market discipline and enforce the sanctity of contracts.

The minister stated that the federal government was also improving the grid's transmission evacuation capacity through the ongoing Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), which has, thus far, increased transmission capacity by 463mw.

He said the administration also supported the continual expansion of sustainable on-grid generation capacity with the commissioning and operationalisation of the 700mw Zungeru hydropower plant.

“Despite the challenges we face, we are committed to sustaining

efforts to derisk renewable energy generation through the programmes such as the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), with technical support from EU and the German government, which is expected to catalyse the deployment of 23 mini-grids across 11 states of the federation to serve over 138,000 Nigerians,” he stressed.

Also speaking, the Chairman of NERC, Sanusi Garba, said the renewables scale-up programme was fully aligned with the president’s agenda on sustainable power sector.

With a lot of sunshine and other renewable sources of energy, including wind, he said distributed energy sources were very important in the context of the fragility of the national grid and also the need to ensure that rural communities are expeditiously connected to local sources of electricity.

The overarching goal, he said, is the provision of services to Nigeria, stressing that NERC was concerned with the development of an efficient electricity market and the establishment of a regulatory framework that promotes rapid investments.

Garba said that NERC had recently worked on a performance improvement plan as a means of optimising investments in the power sector, urging investors to take advantage of the opportunities in renewables and distributed generation in Nigeria.

In this regard, this summit, he said, is expected to grow from the various experiences of stakeholders and developing partner institutions in exploring the most suitable avenues to deliver projects sustainably.

James emejo

Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has announced Sycamore the winner of the second edition of the NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI 2.0), walking away with a combined prize value of $100,000.

Led by Babatunde Akin-Moses, Sycamore is a peer-to-peer lending fintech platform which leverages technology to connect lenders and borrowers. Also, Kunda Kids – an edtech media company focused on providing well illustrated engaging African inspired digital content to children, parents and libraries globally came second with $70,000.

PaveHQ, a learning and career ecosystem that support students to achieve a successful career came third with combined prize money of $50,000, bringing total combined prize value to $220,000.

This followed an assessment of pitches from 10 innovators to an expert panel of judges drawn from the business and technology eco-system.

The evaluation was based on key metrics including market potential, team composition, traction and competitiveness of the solution proposed.

Speaking at the recently concluded NPI Demo Day, Managing Director/Chief Executive, NSIA,

Aminu Umar-Sadiq, said the competition was conceptualised in recognition of the pivotal role that technology plays to shape positive socio-economic outcomes, strengthen multiple sectors, significantly expand opportunities across multiple sectors and re-position home-grown talent for global relevance.

Now in its second year, NPI has so far received commendable attention from the tech eco-system as the registration of credible start-ups across Nigeria to join the programme has grown from 2,000 to over 7,000 entries within the current year.

The programme validates the authority’s commitment to propel

innovation, support entrepreneurship and position young Nigerians within the technology eco-system for global relevance.

This year, the programme was expanded to include a five-week all-expense paid training at Draper University, Silicon Valley USA, to enable all top ten innovators expand their horizon and potentially deliver solutions on global platforms.

The NPI is the authority’s multi-year commitment to identify and nurture early-stage innovative businesses within the tech ecosystem to create sustainable positive impact. It adopts a four-stage competition process to catalyse investments for early-stage businesses.

British Deputy High Commission, Kris Camponi, during the national launch of a collaborative regulation study in Abuja ... yesterday

in Abuja

Juliet akoje in Abuja

emmanuel addeh in Abuja

ECOWAS FEmAlE PArlIAmENtArIANS' ASSOCIAtION HOldS SymPOSIum...

Bitcoin Takes Bigger Chunk of

Global Crypto Market Cap Hits

Surpasses Visa, Mastercard in transaction volume

The global cryptocurrency market cap yesterday rose by 0.7 per cent to around $2.45 trillion, with the market cap of Bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency accounting

for $1.327 trillion. Bitcoin, which is redefining traditional payment systems rallied to a historic milestone, surpassing Visa and Mastercard in terms of daily transaction volume. According to data from Glass-

node, the leading crypto asset recorded a volume of $46.4 billion, compared to $6.5 billion for filtered economic transactions, adding that the surge was due to increasing adoption and innovations such as the Runes protocol.

Always Be Ahead of the Adversary, Army Chief Orders Commanders in N/West

Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday tasked commanders of the Nigerian Army operations in the North West region, to adapt strategies that will at all time put them ahead of the adversary.

He also noted that surmounting insecurity in the North West region needs periodic review of the situation, which in turn gives commanders and troops the opportunity to truly understand the generality and specifics for seamless planning and execution of operations.

Lagbaja gave this order in Abuja, while delivering a keynote address at the official opening of a three-day retreat organised for past and present commanders of the Nigerian Army operations in the North West region.

According to him, “The threats, as I mentioned, are always fluid and evolving, thus requiring us to quickly adapt, for us to be at least a step ahead of the adversary.”

Digital

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has expressed its resolve to partner the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) to train 30 million Nigerians in the informal sector and rural areas on digital literacy as part of its drive to achieve 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027.

Director, Corporate Planning, NITDA, Aristotle Onumo, disclosed this at the 2024 NYSC Director General Community Development Service (CDS) launch and awards on Monday in Abuja, themed, "Excellence in Action: Celebrating NYSC CDS stories.”

He said that as part of the agency's move to drive the digital literacy programme of achieving 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027, the agency had decided to partner the

Represented by the Chief of Operations (Army), Maj. Gen Benson Sinjen, the COAS noted that the retreat provided a unique opportunity for them to review the situation in the North West by brainstorming for the next three days to arrive at potent solutions.

"This operational retreat, as is the norm in the military, is to review all activities in the North West so as to build on the operational successes recorded so far and achieve the desired objectives. The current security challenges the nation is facing are volatile, complex and fluid, and vary from one zone to another," Lagbaja said.

He said the security situation in the North West, is made complex by activities of non-state actors who engage in banditry, kidnappings, cattle rustling, illegal mining and violent attacks on innocent citizens, leading to destruction of lives, properties and means of livelihood.

Activities of these non-state actors, he said, have continued to

impact the security environment, not only in the North West zone, but by extension the entire country, despite the unrelenting efforts to curb the trend by the Nigerian Army, sister services and other security and government departments and agencies.

Lagbaja added that the retreat will provide an opportunity for operational and tactical level commanders to step away from their normal routines in the field and theatres of operations and review their past and present performances with a view to reinvigorating future operations.

He concluded that the retreat will allow time for introspection, which will not only stimulate new perspectives and creative thinking, but also facilitate problem solving.

In his address of welcome, the host and Director General, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Maj. Gen. Garba Wahab (rtd), said the military alone cannot solve the issue of security threats in the country.

Bitcoin (BTC) reached $68,450, eyeing $70,000, supported by Ethereum ETFs launch.

Bitcoin, Solana, and Dogecoin led a positive crypto market movement among the scores of cryptocurrency assets.

President Biden's re-election decision influenced the market.

According to the XEO of Mudrex Edul Patel, "Bitcoin has bounced back to the $68,000 mark as market participants show optimism about Donald Trump's potential election win.

"BTC is now eyeing the $70,000 level, signaling a continued positive sentiment. However, bears are likely to challenge this advance in the $70,000 to $73,000 range.

"Bitcoin's strength has also led

to a recovery in several altcoins. Additionally, the market may get another boost from the launch of Ethereum ETFs, which are expected to start trading on July 23."

Meanwhile, the world’s leading crypto exchange, Binance, has received approval to invest customer funds in US Treasury bonds.

This strategic decision allows the company to diversify investment options for its users. It offers greater security and stability compared to more volatile crypto assets.

The announcement also led to a notable increase in the price of Binance Coin (BNB). This reflects investor confidence in Binance’s fund management and paves the way for similar initiatives.

This comes after Changpeng

Zhao, the founder of the cryptocurrency firm, was sentenced to four months in US prison, having pleaded guilty to money laundering charges, in the most high-profile crypto case since Sam Bankman-Fried was jailed. According to investigations by two Treasury agencies, Binance failed to prevent transactions by movements such as the Islamic State group, al-Qaeda or the armed wing of Hamas.

Zhao pleaded guilty to violating US anti-money laundering laws and Binance agreed in February to pay $4.3 billion to settle charges. Some Binance officials are currently facing allegations of tax evasion and money laundering in Nigeria.

NEPC, NIMASA Disagree over 10% Freight Levies

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has said that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has blatantly refused to pay the 10 percent freight levies due to NEPC since 1992.

In swift reaction, NIMASA said the Act establishing the agency did not make provision for any 10

NITDA Partners NYSC to Train 30m Nigerians

NYSC to train some corps members in the camp who in turn will train 30 million Nigerians.

"With respect to the partnership we have with NYSC, NITDA as an agency, is reaching out to about 30 million Nigerians who are in the informal sector to empower them with digital technology, digital tools and digital fluency.

"So that they will be able to play their own roles in the digital economy sector and in doing that we believe that partnering with NYSC will become a veritable platform to be able to reach out to the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), in Nigeria," he said. On the programme, he said the launch was intended to be used to reach the entire masses and even those who are considered to be illitrates who dwell in the rural areas have

digital tools but may not be able to use such tools to perform some economic transactions.

His words: "We believe that by giving them this knowledge and by partnering with NYSC, they will teach them how to use their devices, teach them how to use simple techniques and become financial literates using digital tools to perform elementary financial transactions in the rural areas.

"In the partnership we will train digital champions (these are the NYSC Corps members) from the camp who we will empower and teach digital literacy and they in turn will teach the people in the rural areas."

The Director General, NYSC, Brig. Gen. Yushau Ahmed, in his address said that the essence of the awards was to encourage service to humanity.

According to General Ahmed,

"The formal launch of the 2024 CDS activities, which is a key highlight of this occasion, is intended to rejuvenate the commitment of the NYSC staff, corps members and other stakeholders to the programme.

"It is pertinent to note that the whole essence of humanity is anchored on the sacrifices we make to better the lives of others and bring about positive changes in our communities. It is through such services that we forge human connectivity, foster empathy and build a stronger, compassionate, and prosperous society.

"Today’s programme reinforces our hope of a brighter future for the country in view of the immense sense of devotion to service and sacrifice for which these young men and women are being recognised.

percent freight levies to be paid to NEPC.

The claims and counter-claims by both agencies were made on Monday in Abuja at an investigative hearing organised by the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Commerce, Maritime Safety Education and Administration and Legislative Compliance.

Speaking at the investigative hearing, the Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, said that NIMASA refused to pay the 10 percent freight levies due to NEPC.

She stated: “From 1992 NIMASA failed to pay any levies. No efforts to get them to pay the 10% freight levies yielded any fruitful results.

“Former President Muhammadu Buhari ordered them to pay. They never responded. The Attorney General of the Federation also drew the attention of NIMASA to the payment, no compliance.

"We wrote to the Ministry of Finance. We still haven't received any payment from NIMASA. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has not been able to perform its statutory responsibilities because it is financially handicapped. So far, only 273 exports have been carried out. NEPC could have done more.”

However, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, NIMASA, Chidi Ofodile, said NIMASA, as an agency created by an established act of govern-

ment, was consistently obeying government laws.

He explained that the Act establishing NIMASA did not make provision for any 10 percent freight levies to be paid to NEPC.

Ofodile noted: “NIMASA, during its creation, did not inherit any liability from the Nigerian Maritime Authority (NMA) to be paid to NEPC. NIMASA’s Act is very clear. It does not indicate that any payment should be made to NEPC. Doing so is going against the law. "

He explained further that both NIMASA and NEPC were created by Acts of parliament, and therefore called on the lawmakers to look at the provisions of the law regarding the agencies.

Earlier, lead chairman of the joint committees, Hon. Ahmed Munir, in his opening remarks, said NEPC had been greatly handicapped and unable to perform its statutory duties owing to none remittances of levies spanning decades, attributing this partly to the failure of NIMASA to pay the ten percent freight levies to NEPC.

Also, the Deputy Chairman, Committee on Maritime Safety Education and Administration, Hon. Uduak Odudoh, said there was a need for both NIMASA and NEPC to present their Acts before the lawmakers to be critically examined, since there were perceived inconsistencies expressed by NIMASA.

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

L-R: Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima; First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Deputy President of the Senate/ First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau I Jibrin and Second Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Adjaratou Traore Coulibaly, during a symposium organised by ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA), at the sidelines of the 2024 First ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament at the National Assembly, Abuja ... yesterday

All Key US Democrats Endorse Kamala Harris for President after Biden Quits Race

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Topline Democrats are lining up in support of Vice President Kamala Harris, as she vies to replace President Joe Biden as the party’s presidential nominee after he left the race Sunday.

Biden endorsed Harris shortly after announcing he would end his re-election campaign, leading a series of top Democratic officials and delegates to back the vice president.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Democrat-California), endorsed Harris in a statement released yesterday in which she praised Biden for his service and said her support for Harris was “official, personal and political”—a major endorsement as Pelosi has significant sway among Democrats.

Reps. Katherine Clark (D-Mass) and Pete Aguilar (D-Calif), the second- and third-most senior House Democrats,

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, yesterday, hosted what the ministry described as a crucial meeting with Dangote as well as officials of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in an apparent move to sort out the recent altercations between the two parties.

At the meeting also, according to a statement from the spokesperson of the minister, Amaka Okafor, were the leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and that of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Although no specifics were mentioned by the statement, the disagreement between the chief executive of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, had recently dominated the public space.

The disagreement was over the quality of the products being churned out by the $19 billion, 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) oil refinery owned by

and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, who clarified the view expressed by the governor during a recent political meeting in the state, accused the opposition party of trying to exploit the instrument of violence to influence the outcome of the September 21 governorship election in Edo.

Nehikhare said the governor spoke at a stakeholders meeting, on Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Benin City, the Edo State capital and warned that: “If a free and fair election is not allowed to hold sway in Edo State on September 21, 2024, it will trigger a major crisis in Nigeria.”

The statement by the commissioner stated: “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to the negative spin that the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is fruitlessly attempting to put to the comments made by His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, at a stakeholders meeting, on Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.”

“For the records, we want to restate the comments of the governor on that occasion which is that: ‘If a free and fair election is not allowed to hold sway in Edo State on September 21, 2024, it will trigger a major crisis in Nigeria.

“Recall that on Thursday, July 18, 2024, ahead of the rally to inaugurate the APC National Campaign Council, in Benin City, which was held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, the party assembled a large number of people believed to be thugs, most of them bearing firearms around the precincts of the Benin Airport, on Airport Road, Benin City, to cause mayhem in the State, resulting in the unfortunate death of a police officer, Inspector Akor Onuh attached to MOPOL 45 Abuja and the wanton destruction of properties and injuries to several citizens who were going about their lawful businesses.

“The mob then moved around the city, attacking other institutions,

also issued endorsements for Harris, following Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., a former member of the House Democratic leadership and a key Biden ally who helped shore up his 2020 campaign.

Several potential Biden replacements have endorsed Harris, likely easing her path to the nomination.

They include Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro; California Governor, Gavin Newsom and Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, who offered their endorsements, alongside Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper and Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear, three possible picks for Harris’ running mate.

A large group of current and former Democratic National Convention delegates—including state parties in California, North Carolina, South Carolina and New Hampshire, among

Dangote, which Ahmed’s NMDPRA alleged was producing fuels with high sulphur content.

Ahmed had maintained that products from the facility, namely diesel and jet fuel, were of lower quality than the one imported by NNPCL.

Ahmed, who spoke in Port Harcourt, stated that Dangote refinery had not even been granted a full licence to operate, explaining that the facility cannot be solely relied upon to satisfy the fuel needs of the country

The usually taciturn NMDPRA boss added that he had been under pressure by the Dangote refinery to stop all import of diesel and jet fuel, despite the fact that the imported fuels had lower sulphur content than the ones from Dangote refinery. Ahmed said, “The Dangote refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage. It has not been licenced yet. We haven't licenced them yet. They are still in pre-commissioning stage. I think they're about 45 per cent completed, in completion rather.

“So we cannot rely heavily on one refinery to feed the nation, because Dangote is requesting that we should

including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Secretariat, inflicting violence and terror on the lawyers in their secretariat, with one of the lawyers, Mr. Israel Idahosa, being severely injured and his property destroyed.

“They also intimidated and harassed private citizens, who were putting on any material that had the insignia of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, within the Benin metropolis.

“As they say, the morning shows the day and the APC has clearly shown their plan for the September 21 governorship election in the State, which is to cause mayhem, make the State ungovernable, and take advantage of the chaos to manipulate the forthcoming governorship election.

“We, however, want to advise the APC to, for once, read the mood of the nation and understand that with the current hardship, unattainable cost of living, and pervasive hunger in the country, a slightly irresponsible behaviour by the political class can ignite a crisis that will have a domino effect and cause a conflagration across the nation.

“This note of caution is even more appropriate with the ominous threat of a nationwide protest with the potential to degenerate into a widespread breakdown of law and order.”

Again, Shuaibu Loses as A'Court Affirms Ighodalo's Nomination as PDP Candidate

Meanwhile, former deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has lost his bid to invalidate the nomination of Mr. Asue Ighodalo as candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State.

Shaibu's failure was sequel to the

others—have indicated they will support Harris during the party’s formal nomination process, Forbes reported.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton published a joint statement to X endorsing Harris, saying the two “are honoured to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her.”

The Congressional Black Caucus’ political action committee, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-Calif., and Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., released statements Sunday afternoon endorsing Harris.

Harris picked up endorsements from Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., who was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2016, along with Sens.

suspend or stop all importation of petroleum products, especially AGO (diesel) and jet fuel, and direct all marketers to the refinery.

“So, in terms of quality, currently... Dangote refinery as well as some major refineries like Waltersmith refinery, produce between 650ppm to 1,200 ppm. So, in terms of quality, their quality is much inferior to the imported quality.”

But conducting federal lawmakers round the facility in Lagos at the weekend, Dangote said contrary to the position of the head of the NMDPRA, his products were actually of far higher quality than imported fuels.

Dangote rejected the claims by the industry regulator that the products from his new refinery were substandard, expressing doubts over the quality of laboratories used in testing the standard of fuels in the country by NMDPRA.

To convince his visitors that his position was factual, Dangote and his team tested samples of diesel bought from two separate filling stations and another one from his refinery in his laboratories.

He admitted that when the

dismissal of his appeal against the judgement of a Federal High Court in Abuja, for want of merit.

His hope of clinching the party's governorship ticket was first dashed by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on May 27, 2024, when the court in a judgement amongst others, held that he could not challenge the outcome of an election wherein he was not a participant.

About two months later, a three-member panel of the appellate court in a judgement held that, the appellant failed to advance any cogent and credible evidence why the decision of the trial court should be set aside.

Justice, A. M Lamido, who delivered the unanimous judgement

economic transformation journey.

The explanations were made by Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East); his House of Representatives counterpart, Honourable James Faleke; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zack Adedeji.

They said the bill sought to impose a 50 per cent levy on the realised profits from all foreign exchange transactions of banks within the 2023 financial year to December 2024.

The disclosures were made at an interactive session with relevant stakeholders on the Finance Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The Senate and House of Representatives summoned Governor of Central of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, his team, and bankers’ committee to appear before them today (Tuesday) at 11am to make their inputs on the proposed bill.

Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

The vice president also gained the support of several House Democrats, including Reps. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Fla., Jerry Nadler, N.Y., Mark Pocan, Wisc., Ilhan Omar, Minn., Andy Kim, N.J., Ted Lieu, Calif., Abigail Spanberger, Va. and Chris Pappas, N.H.

Biden announced Sunday afternoon he would not seek re-election in November after weeks of pressure from more than 30 elected Democrats for the 81-year-old to drop out of the race .

Their calls followed his poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump last month and numerous speaking gaffes, including once calling Harris “Vice President Trump.” Soon after he released his first

refinery started, it was turning out about 600ppm to 650ppm, which was still the best quality at the time. He stressed that the refinery now had less than 87ppm products and was set to hit 10ppm next month, compared to over 1,800ppm and over 2,600ppm, respectively, from the other tested samples.

The statement from the ministry said Lokpobiri convened the highlevel meeting with key stakeholders to address and resolve the ongoing issues surrounding Dangote refinery.

Present at the meeting, aside Dangote, the statement disclosed, were Ahmed, NUPRC’s Gbenga Komolafe, as well as NNPCL’s Mele Kyari.

The statement said, “The stakeholders expressed their gratitude to the minister for his exemplary leadership and timely intervention in facilitating the crucial dialogue. The meeting focused on finding a sustainable and lasting solution to the current impasse affecting the Dangote refinery, with all parties demonstrating a commitment to collaborative and proactive problem-solving.

“The minister emphasised the importance of cooperation and

yesterday, in the appeal marked CA/ ABJ/CV/642/2024, held that the trial court was right and unassailable in its ruling that the appellant did not satisfy the condition precedent before instituting the action and therefore, the suit was premature.

The appellate court also affirmed the trial court's decision that Shaibu failed to prove his allegations of votes allocation against the respondents, adding that the conduct of an election as well as results are presumed regular until the contrary is proved and there was no evidence from the affidavit of the appellant to show votes were allocated to Ighodalo.

Consequently, the court dismissed the appeal and slammed a cost of N1 million in favour of each of the respondents.

Edun explained that the monies to be taken from the banks should not be considered as tax but levies. He dismissed the view that the levies would be passed on, implicitly, to banks’ customers.

Edun said, "This is an important opportunity given to all stakeholders. All over the world it is common that the society takes a share of such profit

"This is an important contribution to the finances of the government at this time; however, it is important to say that has been robust without raising taxes, there is a minimisation of taxes,

"Government revenue has increased substantially. Broadly speaking, it is a levy on 2024 realised gains on foreign exchange within the banking sector. It is a pity that the banking system is not here and even the central bank is not here to participate in this discussion.

On his part, the FIRS boss, Adedeji, disclosed that surcharging the banks for the sole aim of

statement, Biden released a second endorsing Harris, who is seeing mixed results in polls against Trump, though she currently polls better than lesserknown Democrats to take Biden’s place.

But former President Barack Obama did not endorse Harris or any other candidate on Sunday, instead advocating for an open nominating process at the Democratic National Convention.

He did not mention the current vice president in his statement, instead writing that he has, “extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”

Democrats have a few weeks before they officially choose a presidential nominee.

The party’s 4,700 delegates will make their choice during a roll call

synergy among all stakeholders to ensure the success and optimal performance of the oil and gas sector, which is pivotal for Nigeria’s economic growth and energy security.

“This meeting marked a significant step towards resolving the challenges and underscored the minister’s dedication to fostering a conducive environment for Nigeria's oil and gas sector.”

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, also yesterday, assured Nigerians that the senate would investigate the challenges in the petroleum sector, and identify and hold the saboteurs accountable.

Akpabio, who immediately set up and inaugurated an ad hoc committee to that effect, and as well gave clear terms of reference, said it was not just an investigation. He said it was actually a rescue mission for Nigeria’s future, because it was more than a financial issue but one of national security.

The senate president also lamented the non-domestication of the Child Rights Act, which he said remained a major hurdle hindering the welfare of women and children in the country.

Similarly, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) asked President Bola Tinubu to sack the CEO of NMDPRA because the agency had lost the ethical and neutral authority to exercise its mandate in the face of the clear manifestation of preference for importation of petroleum products.

The senate had recently raised the alarm over the persistent importation of hazardous petroleum products and the influx of substandard diesel into the Nigerian market.

Thus, speaking at inauguration of the committee, Akpabio urged the members to approach the task with utmost diligence, transparency, and commitment, saying it is expedient and instructive that the committee acted decisively and with a sense of urgency.

He stated, "We must identify and hold accountable those responsible for these criminal acts. This is not merely an investigation; it is a rescue

redistributing wealth had become most imperative to balance the shortage recorded by other sectors owing to the policies.

According to him, the manufacturing sector has made N1.7 trillion loss as a result of the forex and based on that the agency could not tax them.

Adedeji said, "It’s not that we are going after the profit, but recovering the losses incurred by the activities as a result of their own ineptitude, bringing a policy to correct the policy decision.

"Everybody realised that it is not their money, money earned in the normal course of your business."

The chairman of the joint committee, Musa, stated that the amendment of the Finance Act, 2024 was to impose and charge windfall tax on banks and provide for the administration of the tax.

He said, "The proposed Finance (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is a pivotal step in our nation's economic transformation journey.

"This bill seeks to impose a

vote between August 1 and August 7, including the 4,000 delegates who were previously slated to vote for Biden. The Democratic National Convention runs from August 19 until August 22.

mission for our nation's future. The integrity and prosperity of Nigeria depend on our ability to safeguard our petroleum industry.

"Your mandate is to conduct a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned. Collaborate with relevant agencies, industry experts, and stakeholders to uncover the root causes of these economic sabotage activities. Identify the perpetrators, their methods, and their networks.

"Furthermore, I urge you to propose robust and sustainable solutions to prevent future occurrences.

“Strengthen our regulatory frameworks, enhance security measures, and ensure that our legal and judicial systems are equipped to deal with offenders swiftly and effectively.

"It is also crucial to foster an environment of transparency and accountability within the industry to deter potential saboteurs."

The senate president told the committee members that the task before them was monumental but not insurmountable.

He added, “The future of our nation’s economy rests on your shoulders. We have faith in your abilities and trust that you will rise to the occasion. As the senate president, I assure you of my full support and the support of the entire senate in this critical endeavour.

"Go forth and fulfil this mandate with integrity and dedication. Let us work together to stop this ugly trend and restore the glory and stability of Nigeria's petroleum industry. Our nation's prosperity and the well-being of our citizens depend on it.

"It is my profound pleasure that I stand before you today with a deep sense of duty and responsibility to inaugurate the Senate Ad Hoc Committee tasked with investigating alleged economic sabotage in our nation's petroleum industry.

"This industry, without a doubt, is the backbone of Nigeria's economy, and any threat to its integrity is a direct threat to the economic survival of our beloved nation.

Continued on page 29

50 per cent levy on the realised profits from all foreign exchange transactions of banks within the 2023 financial year to December 2024.

"The intent behind this levy is to ensure that banks contribute their fair share to national revenue, especially in light of the substantial gains made from foreign exchange activities.

"The levy does not affect Nigerians, it is not on Nigerians, but the huge profits on forex that the banks made.

"His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has initiated numerous economic reforms aimed at propelling Nigeria towards a future of advancement and"Thisprosperity. bill is one of the bold decisions undertaken to provide the government with the necessary funding to address our country's multifaceted infrastructure deficit. The success of these reforms hinges on our collective support and active participation. "

Emmanuel Addeh, Chuks Okocha and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Harris

ACCESS BANK DISTRIBUTORS' FORUM...

L-R: Regional Sales Director, Retail Banking, Lagos 2 Access Bank, Bolarinwa Animashaun; Regional Sales Director, Retail Banking Lagos 1, Access Bank, Yewande Shoneye-Vaughan; Group Head Value Chain Management, Access Bank, Morenike Ogunwolu; Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Access Bank, lyabo Soji-Okusanya; Hon. Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative Trade and Investment, Lagos State, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank, Chizoma Okoli; Zonal Head, Commercial Banking Division, Access Bank, Tolulope Adegoke and Group Head, Global Transaction Services, Access Bank, Chizoba Okafor, during the Access Bank distributors forum held in Lagos... at the weekend PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, Urges Women to Go for Power, Promote Gender Equality

Lauds House on bill seeking 70 slots for them ECOWAS parliament seeks improved female representation in governance

Deji Elumoye and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has stressed the importance of Nigerian women seeking power and promoting gender equality in governance.

The first lady, according to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, spoke at the

ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association's Spotlight Initiative in Abuja.

She stressed that power must be actively sought, citing her husband President Bola Tinubu's words that, power is not served à la carte.

"Power is not served A’lar carte, just as my husband, President Bola Tinubu, said. You have to learn how to obtain power. You need older

women to mentor you," she said. Mrs Tinubu, who described education as a cornerstone of empowerment, advocated for improved access to education for girls and women to equip them with necessary knowledge and skills for effective political participation.

She also emphasised the need to raise awareness about women's representation in governance, sug-

gesting public campaigns, media engagement, and community programs to shift societal attitudes and dismantle stereotypes.

The first lady identified barriers to women's political participation, including societal norms, discriminatory practices, structural issues, and financial incapability.

“Education is the cornerstone of empowerment. By improving

Alleged Drug Trafficking: NDLEA Arraigns Senior Immigration Officer, 3 Others

Wale Igbintade

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), yesterday, arraigned before a Federal High Court, in Lagos, a senior Immigration Officer, Akomolafe Michael, currently serving at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Ikeja-Lagos, for alleged trafficking in 8 kilograms of Methamphetamine and 7.60 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, also known as marijuana.

The immigration officer was arraigned before Justice Daniel Osiagor, alongside three others on a nine count-charge of alleged conspiracy, unlawful possession, import and dealing in the prohibited substances.

Others arraigned alongside the immigration officer are; Babatunde Micheal Olufemi, said to be a staff of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nwadozie Chris Amaechi and Nwosu Chinedu Cyril.

Arraigning the defendants, the prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, told the court that the defendants were arrested on May 21, 2024, while attempting to smuggle the prohibited substances out of Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

Ibrahim told the court that the defendants conspired to commit the alleged crimes alongside Nwadozie Sunday and Echezona Nwosu, based in South Africa.

Specifically, the immigration officer, Mr. Akomolafe was slammed with six-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful import, unlawful possession, and trafficking in the banned substances.

While Olufemi, Nwadozie and Nwosu, were slammed with three counts of conspiracy and unlawful importation and possession of the banned drugs.

The prosecutor told the court that the alleged offence contravened sections 14 (b), 21 (2)(d) and 20 (1)

(c) punishable under section 11(b) and 20 (2)(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

However, while the other three members of the gang pleaded guilty to the charges, the immigration officer denied the offences and pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

Based on his not guilty plea, his lawyer, Chief Benson Ndakara, pleaded with the court to admit him to bail in the most liberal terms.

Upon the moving of the bail application, Justice Osiagor admitted bail to the immigration officer in the sum of N10 million with one surety.

The judge also ordered that the surety must be a Civil Servants of an Assistant Director cadre in the employment of Lagos State or the Federal Government.

However, the trio of Babatunde Micheal Olufemi, Nwadozie Chris Amaechi and Nwosu Chinedu Cyril, that pleaded guilty were convicted and sentenced to 4 years on each count.

The three convicts were however ordered to pay fine option of N2 million fine on each count.

The judge also ordered that both the sentences and fine option shall run concurrently

Meanwhile Justice Daniel Osiagor has adjourned further trial in the matter till November 7, 2024.

Some of the offences against the defendant read: “That you 1. Akomolafe Gbenga Micheal 2. Babatunde Micheal Olufemi 3. Nwadozie Chris Amaechi 4. Nwosu Chinedu Cyril all being members of a drug syndicate based in Nigeria conspired with one Nwadozie Sunday and Echezona Nwosu (both based in South Africa, now at large) adults, males, on or about the 21st day of May 2024 conspired amongst yourselves to import 8 kilograms of Methamphetamine, a psychotropic substance under

international control.

“You thereby committed an act which is an offence contrary to and punishable under section 14 (b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004

"That you Akomolafe Gbenga Micheal 2. Babatunde Micheal Olufemi 3. Nwadozie Chris Amaechi 4. Nwosu Chinedu Cyril all being members of a drug syndicate based in Nigeria conspired with one Nwadozie Sunday and Echezona Nwosu (both based in South Africa, now at large) adults, males, on or about May 21, 2024 conspired amongst yourselves to import 7.60 kilogram of Cannabis Sativa, a Narcotic Drug similar to Cocaine, LSD, Heroin.

“You thereby committed an act which is an offence contrary to and punishable under section 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That you Akomolafe Gbenga Micheal adult, male on or about May 21, 2024 at the Gate C of Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja-Lagos without lawful authority possessed 7,60 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, a Narcotic Drug similar to Cocaine, LSD, Heroin, and you thereby Committed an act which is an offence contrary to Section 20 (1) (c) and punishable under Section 20 (2) (b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004."

access to education for girls and women, we can equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in political processes.

"Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of women’s representation in governance is crucial. Public campaigns, media engagement, and community programs can help shift societal attitudes and dismantle stereotypes that hinder women's political participation.

“These barriers include deeply entrenched societal norms, systemic discriminatory practices, structural issues within our political systems and financial incapability.”

She commended the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for removing financial barriers by providing free nomination forms for elective positions at the grassroots level, enabling capable women to participate without prohibitive costs.

“To achieve this across board, we must be seen to walk the talk. For instance, our party, the APC, has taken significant steps to remove financial barriers by making nomination forms for elective positions free at grassroots level, ensuring that capable and qualified women can participate in the political process without the burden of prohibitive costs,”she said.

She expressed optimism about the Senate's gender-friendly leadership, encouraging women

to take advantage of opportunities to promote gender equality in governance, saying, "I believe that the leadership in the Senate is gender-friendly.”

She also commended the House of Representatives for initiating and passing for second reading the bill seeking 70 out of the 360 legislative seats for women.

Also, speaking, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament who is also the first female to occupy the position, Hon Hadija Memounatou Ibrahimah, urged the Mrs Tinubu to serve as the champion of the cause of better representation for women in governance in the region. This, she noted, was especially so with the commendable contributions to the issues of women and girls.

“Your Excellency, you transmit a kind of light that illuminates the leadership of Nigeria. It touches the lives of even the ordinary man.

“Women account for half of the population of ECOWAS memberstates. Only 17% are parliamentarians and 24% are Ministers in the region. It is high time to reduce the under representation of women in democracy,” she said.

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio who was represented by Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, stated that for the Senate, women participation in governance was a priority, adding: “We will redefine the power of women in governance.”

Wale Igbintade

A leading Nigerian indigenous energy company, Seplat Energy Plc, has concluded the second phase of its media training programme for journalists and media practitioners in Nigeria.

The second phase of the programme covers forty-five (45) Capital Market Editors/Correspondents as well as some Judiciary and Business writers.

A statement issued by the Director, External Affairs & Social Performance/ Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, said that the media training programme, which was organised in partnership with Channels Academy, is aligned with Seplat Energy’s corporate goal of creating value for its media stakeholders and ensuring best

practices in Nigeria’s media industry.

The statement read: "Core capital market issues and case studies were brought to the fore alongside general business practices and overriding regulatory and legal frameworks.

"The modules for the 2-day training programme, included: The Intersection of Law, Capital Markets and Business; Reporting Skills and Best Practices; Data Analysis and Interpretation; as well as Ethical Dilemmas and Professional Standards.

“Insights were also shared on Regulatory Frameworks and Compliance, Market and Legal Risk Management, Investigative Reporting Techniques and Leveraging Technology in Journalism.”

In attendance at the training were media professionals from print, electronic and online platforms.

Addressing attendees at the training, the General Manager, Partner Relations at Seplat Energy, Mrs. Grace Amadi, who represented Chioma Afe, Director External Affairs & Social Performance, noted that the training is a demonstration of Seplat Energy’s commitment to the continuous empowerment of journalists and the media as a whole, as partners in progress.

The Founder/Chairman of Channels TV, who is also the Chairman of the Channels Academy, John Momoh, expressed delight at the collaboration between Seplat Energy and the Channels Academy and called for more of such synergy towards the upliftment and empowerment of the media.

The Deputy General Counsel at Seplat Energy, Mr. Joan Aga, who

also graced the event, reiterated that as the Fourth Estate of the realm, duly recognized and empowered by the Constitution, the media is in the right position to shape public opinion through balanced stories. Aga described the media industry as critical stakeholders to Seplat Energy’s business and stressed Seplat Energy’s commitment to supporting its growth.

Manager, Corporate Communication at Seplat Energy,

Ndume Remains Unperturbed in Face of Adversity

It may not be out of place to describe former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, as a cat with nine lives. It is in the light of this perception that Sunday Aborisade chronicles Ndume’s turbulent political sojourn in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.

In one fell swoop last Wednesday, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, announced the sacking of the Senator representing the Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, as the Chief Whip of the Senate and his immediate replacement with another Senator from Borno North, Tahir Mongunu.

The APC in a letter to the leadership of the Red Chamber led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, was not done with the vocal lawmaker yet, it also demanded the resignation of the vocal lawmaker from the party he is a founding member.

The request was contained in a letter signed by the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Umar Ganduje and the National Secretary, Senator Bashir Ajibola.

Akpabio subjected the request to voice votes at plenary and was affirmed by majority of the APC senators.

The development may not be unconnected with the alleged anti-President Bola Tinubu’s comments made by Ndume penultimate week in an interview with journalists.

He had alleged that the President had been caged at the Villa and that he was not aware of the acute hunger being experienced by Nigerians.

Ndume suffered similar fate in January 2017 when he was removed as Leader of the 8th Senate.

The APC National Working Committee (NWC) in its letter alleged that Ndume seriously abused his office through unguarded utterances and outbursts against the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu in particular.

The party’s NWC further alleged that Ndume was more of a mole in the party and advised him to honourably resign his membership.

The letter read in part: “We write on behalf of the National Working Committee of our great party to express our displeasure, our outrage and our deep disappointment at the unbecoming, unfounded and baseless criticism of the government and the party, the APC, by the majority whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume.

“As a member of the ruling party, we expected a much more responsible and decorous behaviour from him. But this has not been the case.

“His uncouth and rabid outbursts against the government, before the international and global community is not only harmful to the government’s image alone but also undermines the party’s unity and cohesion and in addition, undermines the government’s effort to bring in foreign direct investments to Nigeria.

“As he is a ranking member of our party, his actions are unbecoming of a senior member of the Senate and sets a very poor example for others in future to follow.

“His latest tirade on air, during a programme on Arise Television where he referred to the government of Bola Tinubu, commander-in-chief as being run by thieves, portrays Ali Ndume as a person who is bent on running the country down and running the party aground through incitements and cheap propaganda.

“We have reviewed that Senator Ali Ndume should honourably resign the membership of APC and join any opposition party of his choice formally instead of hiding behind the veil of crass activism to decimate the hard earned cohesion and goodwill that our party, the APC, is enjoying within and outside the country.

“His utterances which are sheer propaganda, which are not based on verifiable facts, are unbecoming of a member of the APC caucus of the Senate of the National Assembly.

“It therefore behoves on the APC caucus to bring this to the attention of its members for necessary actions to curtail his deliberate mission to undermine the government and the party and the progress of Nigerians particularly those appointed by Mr President to work against his administration.

“We therefore urge the Senate caucus to take appropriate steps to address this issue and ensure that members of the Senate, particularly those within the All Progressives Congress, hold and maintain decorum in their public utterances.

“Accordingly, we realise that the position of the whip of the senate belongs to our party and we are not opposed to whatever position the members of the APC caucus in the senate may have, but we are of the opinion that Distinguished Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno should immediately replace distinguished Senator Ali Ndume who is bent on bringing down the country as the majority whip of the Senate”.

Consequently the President of the Senate after reading the letter, put the NWC request to voice votes among the APC Senators which they all accepted. Apart from removing Ndume as Whip of the

Senate, his Deputy Chairmanship position of Senate Committee on Appropriation, was also taking away from him and was instead, made the Chairman of Committee on Tourism.

Monguno who replaced Ndume as Chief Whip, also replaced him as Deputy Chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

The Senate however gave Ndume a soft landing when Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC Ekiti North) moved a motion that Ndume should face a disciplinary action before the Senate Committee on Code of Conducts, Ethics and Privileges on allegation of kleptomania against his fellow senators.

In an apparent move to save Ndume from suspension, the President of the Senate in his remarks on Fasuyi’s motion, said since the APC NWC had requested for his removal as Whip and approved, he should be forgiven for now.

Ndume was not in the chamber on Wednesday when the big stick was wielded against him because he had to travel to Borno State to mourn a dead relative.

He nevertheless broke his silence on his travails on Friday when he spoke with journalists in Maiduguri, shortly before the Jumaat service.

Ndume said having reviewed the conversation that prompted his ouster, his action did not warrant his sack.

The unrepentant ranking Senator said he had also declined the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Tourism, arguing that he lacked the experience and exposure to lead such a sensitive panel.

Ndume said that he never wanted to be Senate Whip after serving as the leader in the Eight Senate.

The lawmaker said he was given the chance to choose which committee to serve as the vice chairman having successfully led the campaigns that brought about the emergence of Akpabio as President of the Senate.

On the call on him to resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Senator said he was a founding member of the party.

According to him, he was one of the 22 Senators from the PDP that formed the APC when the current National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, was a deputy governor in Kano State.

He, however, stated that when former President Muhammadu Buhari in company of President Tinubu ordered him to sign a document to join APC at the Imo House in Abuja, he informed his people before going public.

Ndume said he would consult his people before deciding on whether to leave the APC or not. His words: “I could not speak up immediately after my removal as the Chief Whip because I was mourning the death of a family member.”

The sack of Ndume as Senate principal officer generated serious controversy last week as most of the public commentators, highly respected opinion leaders and foremost rights activists, condemned the actions of the APC leadership and it’s representatives in the Senate.

The two main opposition political parties in the country, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party strongly condemned the actions taken by the APC and the Senate against Ndume just for expressing his opinion on matters affecting the masses of the country.

Ndume kept the flag flying with his constituents providing the necessary support. And since it is often said that no matter how long you suppress truth, it will always manifest, Ndume again triumphed over falsehood. The truth manifested itself when the so-called Boko Haram spokesman that implicated Ndume haven served out his three-year jail term, confessed his lies and begged for forgiveness.

For instance, the leadership of the Labour Party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said Ndume’s removal clearly indicated that speaking truth to power is now a crime in Nigeria.

LP described as uncalled for the alleged humiliation of Ndume by the Senate and the APC portrayed dictatorial inclination.

Part of the statement read, “The crime of Senator Ndume was his bold expression of his concerns regarding the escalating cost of living and food scarcity in Nigeria, and his revelation that President Tinubu has chosen to play the ostrich even in the face of acute starvation being witnessed in Nigeria.

“The dimension this administration is taking is grave. Few months ago, Senator Abdul Ningi exposed the rot in the government where the Senate leadership and the executive collaborators allegedly padded the budget.

“That got him suspended and intimidated out of his lawful representative role as a Senator.

“It is needless talking about the economic crisis on going in Nigeria even where a few cabal are massively enriching themselves. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently said that food inflation has risen to 40.66 percent.

“Even with all these glaring and scaring challenges, the government is said to have paid about N150 billion for a presidential jet, building roads that have no direct bearing with the economic crises in Nigeria.”

The LP wondered what can be called democratic about the ruling party in making decision for an independent legislative arm on who takes up leadership role in the nation’s legislature.

“This is clear a tyranny of a cabal against the legislative autonomy. Nigeria is gradually descending into dictatorship and we are calling on the citizens to be on alert and put up a defence against the starvation weapon being deployed by this administration,” it added.

Similarly, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, said the Tinubu’s administration, with the sacking of Ndume, has turned the National Assembly, especially the Senate into a ‘puppet’.

Atiku condemned the action, in a statement via his Official X handle saying members of the Senate should not be reprimanded for performing their statutory duty of calling the executive to order.

According to him, “the legislative arm of government was conceived as a means of protecting the people from the authoritarian tendencies of wielders of state powers, making sure that the executive does not go overboard in the application of its powers”.

Atiku alleged that the current administration of President Tinubu has become an anathema to the general principle of democracy as providing primary protection for the people against executive excesses. Ndume had suffered and survived many trails as a politician seeking the best for Nigerians, especially his constituents.

He had in the past been remanded in the National Correctional Service, Kuje in FCT on the order of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court. This was as a result of his standing as surety for one of his constituents, Abdulrasheed Maina, the former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), who failed to appear in court over the alleged N2 Billion Pension Funds Fraud. Ndume had helped Maina secure bail by providing the bail requirements. The bail requirements included the sum of N500 million bail bonds and two sureties on the same amount. One of the sureties must be a serving Senator who must not be facing any criminal charge. The Senator must also own landed properties in highbrow Asokoro and Maitama. Maina was arraigned alongside his son on a 12-count charge of money laundering, concealment of proceeds of an unlawful act. Maina was accused of using his sister-in-law, Mairo Mohammed Bashir, a UBA staff, to open a corporate account without due diligence, in the name of Common Input Properties and Investments Limited. The former chairman of PRTT was also accused of siphoning pension monies to the sum of N171.9m in cash and has been reported to have made $316, 588.27, and $314.6m from unlawful transactions between 2014 to 2018.

The Court’s ruling was received by many with rude shock with Ndume as an outspoken Senator who often rattles, disrupts and questions government agenda even though he belonged to the same party.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Ndume

LAWYER

Chairman, NBA 2024 Annual General Conference Planning Committee, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo- Okusanya

Quotables

‘As Judicial Officers, we have to continually remind ourselves of the fact that we are not occupying our respective positions to serve ourselves, but the Nigerian masses.' - Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, Chief Justice of Nigeria

‘Nigeria has a Whistleblowing Policy 2016, that encourages people to voluntarily disclose information. There have been calls for strengthening the Policy, with a law that protects the Whistleblowers more. We must collaborate with the Legislature, to ensure that this law is passed.' - Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Federal Republic of Nigeria

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.

lawyer

The Incredible, the Comic and the Absurd

Last Week….

Nigeria seems to be a never-ending movie set, with numerous ongoing film genres like legal dramas and crime thrillers, though ours are actually true life, not fiction. Last week, as usual, we had our regular share of action, from the settlement of the minimum wage for workers at N70,000 (which the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has already been paying Edo State workers since May 2024); to court judgements like that which reinstated the impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, and the crime thriller that ensued during Mr Shaibu’s ‘triumphant entry’ into Benin and resulted in the unfortunate death of a Police Officer; to the allegation purportedly made by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, that she’s being victimised by some ‘Government cabals’ because of her refusal to sign off on some World Bank loan requests.

More damning is the allegation purportedly made by the Minister, that only about 55% of the actual loan disbursed will be received by Nigeria, as she accused the World Bank Nigeria Staff of redirecting 40% of such loans under the guise of some spurious ‘Consultancy fees’, while she, the Minister, would also be entitled to 5% of the loan for appending her signature to the loan request. I sincerely hope this scandalous allegation, remains an unsubstantiated allegation, because the Minister was said to have mentioned two loan requests amounting to $600 million, meaning that, from the allegation imputed to her, only $330 million would actually come to Nigeria, as $240 million would go to so-called ‘Consultancy fees’, and $30 million would be earmarked for her for appending her signature to the requests, while Nigeria would still be responsible for the repayment of the whole $600 million! Is this the type of scam that officials who have been entrusted to facilitate the wellbeing and development of Nigeria, have been pulling against Nigeria instead? We hope not. It sounds incredible!

Minimum Wage

The fact that Nigerians are miserable, is indisputable. For most of us, our take-home pay can hardly take us to the bus stop closest our offices, let alone home. And, yet, the Government seems hellbent on taxing everything we have. In fact, someone mentioned to me the other day, that the revenue generated from taxes, allegedly appears to now surpass that which is derived from oil exports.

However, as the saying goes, “Half a loaf is better than none”, Section 3(1) & (5) of the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 (NMWA) will be replaced with the 2024 version of N70,000, and an expiration date of three years instead of the previous five years, meaning that the minimum wage will be reviewed two years earlier than it was in the past. This is a welcome innovation. And, for those Governors who may have complained that they cannot pay the N70,000, Section 2 of the NMWA which will be regurgitated in the 2024 version of the law, provides that the law is applicable throughout Nigeria, without exception, while Section 3(3) thereof provides that any agreement for the payment of less than the national minimum wage is void, that is, any agreement by the States or companies that are eligible to pay the minimum wage, to pay less than the national minimum wage set by law, is invalid. See the case of Fasel Services Ltd & Anor v NPA & Anor (2009) LPELR-1245(SC).

Government, both Federal and State, must keep in mind that a community reading of Sections 16, 17, 34 & 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution) translates to the fact that all Nigerian workers should be paid a living wage. Poverty, unemployment and inadequate remuneration, are three primary drivers of crime in any society. The other day, my friend and I were going through some of the Government Agencies/Parastatals. Many of them are so unnecessary or inapplicable to Nigeria, it goes beyond being ludicrous. While some of the agencies appeared to be duplications, each comprising of numerous Board members, offices in choice locations, staff and other overheads, we couldn’t understand what we are doing with bodies like the National Space Research and Development Agency, when Nigerians cannot even fly out of some local airports after 6pm, because there are no facilities for night travel! I was particularly amused by the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (whose mission is easily covered by the activities of the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and possibly Humanitarian Affairs), while my friend’s favourite is the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission! Common electricity isn’t being generated in adequate quantities, and frequent nationwide interruptions of electricity supply in Nigeria are as normal as breathing, yet, it is atomic/nuclear energy that we are pretending to be interested in! What a crock! We came upon a National Board for Arabic & Islamic Studies, and at the same time, Nigerian Arabic Language Village. Could the latter not be a part of the former? If most of these unnecessary agencies are scrapped, Government would possibly make great

onikepo braithwaite

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

“Nothing in the PA, provides that a Police Officer must be dealt with by the PSC first… This situation is clearly different, from the position of Judicial Officers… One doesn’t have to go beyond the Constitution and the PA, to find that the ground upon which the application to quash the drug charges against DCP Kyari stands is extremely slippery ground, that is bound to make the Applicant fall!”

savings from nonsensical expenditure, which can then be put to better use. The issue of insecurity and crime, is closely linked to wages. There is a school of thought that a good minimum wage/living wage results in workers’ satisfaction and happiness, higher productivity, economic growth and consequently, reduction in the crime rate.

DCP Abba Kyari: The Court of Appeal Judgement There was yet another interesting story that caught my attention last week; that of the decision handed down in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CR/516/2023 by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division per Adebukola Banjoko, JCA, refusing to quash the drug trafficking charges filed against DCP Abba Kyari aka ‘Super Cop’ and ‘Cop Puppi’. The appeal was dismissed as lacking in merit, and the learned trial Judge of the Federal High Court was directed to continue and conclude DCP Kyari’s trial. Well, truth be told, assuming that the Court of Appeal had erred in its judgement and decided that the charges against DCP Kyari should be quashed, and the Supreme Court upheld such an erroneous judgement, it is unlikely that DCP Kyari would go home a free man anyway, as there’s still the warrant of arrest in the American Case No. 2:21-cr-00203 USA v Abba Kyari hanging over his head, to face money laundering/wire fraud type charges. By virtue of Section 3(6)(a) of the Extradition Act 2004 (EA), DCP Kyari cannot be extradited to USA to face totally unrelated charges, until he is either discharged, acquitted of the drug charges here, or on completion of his sentence here, should he be convicted.

punishable under any other Act or law”. Part of this ordinary course of law are contained in Sections 35 & 36 of the Constitution - arrest upon reasonable suspicion of committing an offence by a recognised law enforcement agency, being informed of the offence, being brought before a court of law within reasonable time, right to fair hearing and so on. Nothing in the PA, provides that a Police Officer must be dealt with by the PSC first. In fact, the provisions of Section 104 of the PA, clearly envisage a situation in which an erring Police Officer can first be punished by a court of law, and provides that such Officer already punished by a court of law, cannot subsequently be punished by the Police again, except for his rank to be reduced or for such individual to be dismissed from the Police. This situation is clearly different, from the position of Judicial Officers. For one, aside from the fact that the PSC isn’t listed in Section 158(1) of the Constitution as one of the bodies that, in exercising disciplinary control over persons isn’t subject to the direction or control of any other authority or person (also see the Third Schedule to the Constitution Part 1 I National Judicial Council Paragraph 21 (b) & (d)), in FRN v Nganjiwa (2022) LPELR-58066(SC) per Chima Centus Nweze, JSC, this was interpreted to mean thus: “Surely, it is the primary prerogative of the NJC to exercise primary disciplinary control over all judicial officers. Thus, the exclusion of the prior involvement of the NJC in any form of the exercise of disciplinary control (including criminal prosecution) over judicial officers, is a negation of the observance of the rule of law….Hence, without the sanction of the NJC, a serving judicial officer cannot be prosecuted for allegations of crimes, which also border on judicial misconduct, unless the said allegations are first subjected to disciplinary sanctions of the NJC, as a condition precedent for the initiation of criminal proceedings”. The attempt to stretch this interpretation for Judicial Officers to also cover Police Officers, goes beyond absurd.

In the case of DCP Kyari, both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal handed down the right decision, that is, not to quash the drug charges against him, particularly in the light of the video evidence etc against him and his associates, though, at the time of his arrest, sceptics found the video evidence a bit too convenient, and alleged that the drug charges may have been contrived to keep him from being extradited to USA. However, the interesting part of this case was the ground (at least one of the grounds) for the application that the charges against DCP Kyari be quashed - that the charges were legally defective, because the Police hadn’t completed their investigation and internal disciplinary mechanism over him before the criminal charges were filed in court. DCP Kyari also argued that the Police Service Commission (PSC) has powers over erring Police Officers, similar to those of the National Judicial Council (NJC) over erring Judicial Officers. This isn’t the correct position of the law at all. Indeed, the Third Schedule to the Constitution Part 1 M Police Service Commission Paragraph 30(b), gives the PSC powers to dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over all Police Officers except the Inspector General of Police, but Sections 103 & 104 of the Police Act 2020 (PA) do not support the assertion that the PSC has special powers to investigate and conclude disciplinary proceedings first, before an erring Police Officer can be charged before a court of law. Section 103 of the PA provides thus: “Nothing in this Act is to be construed to exempt a Police Officer from being proceeded against by the ordinary course of law, when accused of any offence

The Supreme Court didn’t appear to share the position of Abimbola Osarugue Obaseki-Adejumo, JCA in the same FRN v Nganjiwa (2017) LPELR43391(CA) that: “if a judicial officer commits theft, fraud, murder or manslaughter, arson and the like, which are crimes committed outside the scope of the performance of his official functions, he may be arrested, interrogated and prosecuted accordingly by the State Directly, without recourse to the NJC. These classes of criminal acts are not envisaged and captured, by the provisions of Paragraph 21 Part 1 of the Third Schedule”. It appears that the Apex Court made no distinction as to whether the offence borders on judicial misconduct or a regular criminal offence - the NJC must deal first.

Conclusion

While it is impossible for a Lawyer to know every law and every judicial authority, it’s not too much to expect that they would undertake some basic legal research before going to court. One doesn’t have to go beyond the Constitution and the PA, to find that the ground upon which the application to quash the drug charges against DCP Kyari stands is extremely slippery ground, that is bound to make the Applicant fall! Nevertheless, no one will be shocked, if a final appeal is still lodged at the Supreme Court, as unmeritorious as it may be. In Enilobo v NPDC & Anor (2019) LPELR-49512(SC), the Supreme Court held inter alia that it is slow to interfere in concurrent findings of facts made by the lower courts, except where the findings are shown to be perverse. In the DCP Kyari case, at least, the allegation of a defective charge because the PSC hasn’t investigated and disciplined him before the charge was filed, appears to be built on quicksand, and it seems unlikely that the Apex Court will set aside this particular finding.

deputy commissioner of Police, abba Kyari NLc President, comrade Joe ajaero

Minister of Women affairs, Uju Kennedyohanenye

Intestate Succession Under the Akwa Ibom Administration of Estates Law

Facts

Chief U.J.U. Usoro of Ikot Akpan Odung, Itak, Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria died intestate in 2007 leaving behind 4 wives, 19 children and 4 major landed properties namely: (1) Itak Nursery and Primary School, (2) Palatial Guest House at Ikot Ubehe, (3) Mma Jenny Building and (4) Agrifeed Mill at Ikot Ubehe, Nug Dor Itak junction along Uyo – Ikot Ekpene Road. The 1st – 5th Appellant are his male children by his 2nd wife, while the Respondents are his male children by his 4th wife.

Sometime in 2012, the Akwa Ibom State Government embarked on the dualisation of Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road, and the project affected the Agrifeed Mill. The property was earmarked for demolition. A dispute arose as to who as between the 1st – 5th Appellant and the Respondents was entitled to the Agrifeed Mill, and thus, entitled to receive compensation from the Akwa Ibom State Government for the proposed demolition. The Respondents subsequently discovered that, the 1st Appellant had been listed by the Consultant to the Akwa Ibom State Government as the person to be paid compensation. Further to this, the Respondents filed an action against the Appellants at the High Court of Akwa Ibom State.

The claim of the Respondents was that their father, while alive, had shared his properties amongst his children per wife, and had donated the Agrifeed Mill to the Respondents being his children by his 4th wife. They sought a declaration that they are entitled to the right of ownership of the Agrifeed Mill, and thus, entitled to collect all compensation sums due for the demolition of the same from the Akwa Ibom State Government. They also sought injunctive orders against the Appellants.

The 1st – 5th Appellant, on the other hand, claimed ownership of the Agrifeed Mill, and they claimed that after their father’s death, the entire Usoro family including the 1st – 5th Appellant, the Respondents, their other brothers and step brothers together with the elders and family head of the larger Usoro family met in June 2009, and shared the deceased’s properties amongst the children based on their respective mothers, in accordance with the custom and tradition of the Nnung Udoe Itak people. They claimed that the sharing was presided over by their uncle who was the then family head of the Usoro Family, Professor Etop Usoro, was reduced into writing and signed by all members of the Committee of Usoro family, elders and the family head. They claimed that the children of the 1st wife were given the Itak Nursery and Primary School; the Appellants as the children of the 2nd wife were given the Agrifeed Mill; the children of the 3rd wife were given the MMA Jenny Estate; while the Respondents as the children of the 4th wife were given the Palatial Guest House. The 1st – 5th Appellant counter-claimed for a declaration of title to the said Agrifeed Mill, and injunctive orders against the Respondents. They also sought an order, directing the 6th Respondent to pay the compensation sum for the demolition of the property to them.

Following conclusion of trial, the trial court delivered its judgement in which it held that the late Chief U.J.U. Usoro did not distribute his properties amongst his children before he died or give the disputed Agrifeed Mills to the Respondents, and dismissed their claim. The trial court however, granted the 1st to 5th Appellant’s counterclaim, and found that that the said Agrifeed Mills was given to them as they claimed.

Aggrieved, the Respondents appealed to the Court of Appeal. Following the filing, exchange and adoption of the parties’ respective briefs of arguments, the Court of Appeal delivered its judgement in which it allowed the appeal in part. The Appellate Court allowed the appeal against the part of the trial court’s judgement granting the counter-claim, and held that the 1st to 5th Appellant failed to prove their counter-claim. The

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja

On Friday, the 1st day of March, 2024

Before their lordships

john Inyang Okoro

Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju

Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa Tijjani abubakar

emmanuel akomaye agim SC/25/2015

Between

1. eyeI uduaK uSORO

2. NdIaNaeNIe uduaK uSORO

3. MBeBeTMBaK uduaK uSORO

4. uBON uduaK uSORO

5. edu uduaK uSORO

6. COMMISSIONeR FOR laNdS aNd TOWN

aPPellaNTS PlaNNING, aKWa IBOM STaTe

And

1. eBuKIdIOK uduaK uSORO

2. NTeOWO uduaK uSORO

3. eNaMIdeM uduaK uSORO

ReSPONdeNTS

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC)

Court of Appeal however, dismissed the appeal against the part of the trial court’s judgement that dismissed the Respondents’ claim.

Dissatisfied with the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Appellants filed an appeal at the Supreme Court.

Preliminary Issue

The Court before considering the merits of the issues raised for determination in the appeal, considered a preliminary issue regarding the notice of appeal filed by the Appellants.

On this point, the Court held that the grounds of the appeal set forth in the Appellants’ notice of appeal were obviously

“….by virtue of Sections 1, 3 and 4 of the Administration of Estates Law Cap 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State 2000, all property to which a deceased person was entitled for an interest not ceasing on his death, shall, on his death, devolve on his heirs and assigns as joint owners”

grounds of pure fact and grounds of mixed law, and the notice of appeal also stated that the appeal is as of right on those grounds. The Supreme Court referred to the instances when an appeal will lie from the decision of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court as of right, as provided in Section 233(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. The Apex Court held that since the grounds of appeal do not involve questions of law alone, and the decision appealed against is not one as to the interpretation of the Constitution, or one on whether a person’s fundamental rights has been infringed, or one affirming a sentence of death imposed by a court, or any of the questions listed in Section 233(2) (e) of the 1999 Constitution, it cannot be brought as of right. The Court held that the appeal, being one involving only complaints of facts or mixed law and facts, can be validly brought only after the leave of court to bring it has been obtained by virtue of Section 233(3) of the 1999 Constitution. The Apex Court held that since the Appellants did not first obtain the leave of the Court to appeal before filing the appeal, the appeal is incompetent. Regardless of the finding on the incompetence of the appeal however, the Apex Court proceeded to still consider the merits of the appeal.

Issue for Determination

The Supreme Court considered the following issue, in its consideration of the merits of the appeal: Whether the lower court was not in error when it dismissed the 1st – 5th Appellant’s counterclaim

Arguments

Counsel for the Appellants argued that the Court of Appeal having found the case of the Respondents unmeritorious, ought to have affirmed the decision of the trial court granting the Appellants’ counter-claim. Conversely, Counsel for the Respondents argued that the Court of Appeal rightly held that the Appellants’ counter-claim which was founded on the Professor Etop Usoro’s Committee’s recommendation, did not scale the judicial hurdle. He contended that the purported sharing of the 4 major properties of the late Chief U.J.U. Usoro required the consensus of all the members of the family before it can be valid, and the Appellants failed to prove that the consent of the Respondents was obtained when the Committee purported to give the Agrifeed Mill to the 1st – 5th Appellant.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

The Apex Court held that by virtue of Sections 1, 3 and 4 of the Administration of Estates Law Cap 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State 2000, all property to which a deceased person was entitled for an interest not ceasing on his death, shall, on his death, devolve on his heirs and assigns as joint owners. The Court held that since the properties of a deceased intestate devolve on his heirs as the joint owners, the consent required for a valid partition of the properties amongst them is the consent of all of them, and the consent or lack of consent of their uncles or other members of the extended family is of no relevance.

The Court held further that a joint owner cannot be bound or forced to give his or her consent to a partition of a jointly owned property by the decision of the extended family, and this is because his consent must be voluntary. The Court referred to its decision in BARUWA v OSOBA (1996) LPELR – 13680 (SC) and ADEGOKE v OLOFIN (2019) LPELR –48766 (SC). The Apex Court agreed with the Court of Appeal that, the absence of the Respondents from the meeting of the Prof Etop Usoro Committee as admitted by the 1st – 5th Appellant’s witness, showed that there was no consensus of all the joint owners of the disputed property on the decision reached in that meeting. His Lordships held that the lack of consensus on the giving of the disputed property by the Professor Etop Usoro Committee to the 1st – 5th Appellant, was further shown by the fact that the dispute continued even after the decision of that Committee.

The Supreme Court by a majority of 3:2 thus, affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeal.

Dissenting Opinion

Their Lordships, Honourable Justice John Inyang Okoro and Honourable Justice Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju however, gave dissenting opinions on the point that the Court of Appeal, having agreed with the trial court that Respondents failed to prove that their father donated the Agrifeed Mill to them inter-vivos, ought to have affirmed the success of the case of the Appellants and their claim of ownership of the Agrifeed Mill which they proved was shared to them after the death of their father. Their Lordships opined that the Court of Appeal ought to have affirmed the Appellant’s counter-claim, particularly as there was evidence that the Respondents had knowledge of the meeting held by the Prof Etop Usoro Committee in 2009 and its outcome, and had ratified the sharing formula adopted at the meeting by their subsequent actions.

On the whole, having initially held that the appeal was incompetent, the Supreme Court by a majority of 3:2 Struck Out the appeal.

Representation

Mfon Udeme Esq. with A. E. Billy for the Appellants.

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

Honourable Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC

Legal Aid Council Moves to Free 42 Kuje Correctional Centre Inmates

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON) has concluded plans to represent 42 inmates of the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. The move forms part of efforts at decongesting custodial centres across the country, as well as giving hope to the voiceless citizens of Nigeria, especially those awaiting trail inmates.

A statement by LACON’s Assistant Director of Press, Amaka Agbaih, disclosed that the inmates have already been documented and assigned to Council Lawyers for representation in courts within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the statement, LACON Director-in-Charge of FCT Office, Mr Okwuegbu Egenti, had led a team of Lawyers from the

Council and some Government parastatals to the Correctional Centre, where a total number of 42 inmates whose offences are majorly drug related, theft, murder and conspiracy, were interviewed.

“About 30 of the inmates interviewed are youths who smoke and peddle in various kinds of drugs, and most of them have spent nothing less than six months before coming to Kuje Custodial Centre”, the statement added.

While LACON commended the Minister of Interior for doing a great job, it called on the APC led administration to “in the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, give hope to the Nigerian youths” by building industries that will provide jobs for inmates that are been reintegrated back to society.

“In the same vein, the

Suleja Jailbreak: 31 Escaped Inmates Still at Large, NCoS Spokesman

31 inmates who escaped during the Suleja jailbreak are still missing and at large, according to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) which has also called on the general public to cooperate with the service to recapture the fleeing inmates, as they posed great danger to public safety and national security.

The NCoS Public Relations Officer (SPRO) Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Abubakar Umar, said this in a statement last Thursday in Abuja.

A downpour on April 24, 2024, wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, resulting in extensive damage to the facility, and facilitating the escape of 119 inmates. The downpour caused severe damage to the Custodial

Centre’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, allowing inmates to flee.

Umar said that the general public was further informed, that the NCoS had since deployed overt and covert strategies toward recapturing all escapees. He gave assurance that security in custodial facilities nationwide would be beefed up, to prevent security breaches. According to him, the Service wishes to publish information on some escapees from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, and FCT Command.

“If any of the escapees is sighted, the public can report to the nearest security agent or agency, or may call the following numbers: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006”, the statement further added.

Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, should consider building Juvenile Centres for the minors that are

staying in the same cells with the adult inmates, they should have a remand home for correction.

“LACON needs manpower and proper funding to be able to make more impact; two

Lawyers per State is an apology considering the volume of work per state”, he added.

Driver to Spend 12 Years in Prison for Killing LASTMA Officer

A Lagos State High Court has sentenced commercial bus driver, Elijah Shokoya, to 12 years in prison for killing a LASTMA officer, Akinmade Samson Olawale, in 2012.

Hon. Justice Oyindamola Ogala found Shokoya guilty of involuntary manslaughter, concluding that the Prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Shokoya's actions caused Akinmade's death.

The incident occurred when Shokoya's bus struck Akinmade while he was controlling traffic, resulting in fatal injuries. The court rejected Shokoya's not guilty plea, and he was convicted and sentenced on Thursday.

In her judgement, Justice Ogala held: “The Prosecution has established beyond reasonable doubt that the deceased died, that the unlawful acts of the Defendant caused the death of the deceased, and that the acts of the Defendant which eventually caused the death of the deceased were with

the knowledge that injury or grievous bodily harm was the probable consequence”.

The Lagos State Government accused the convict of knocking down Akinmade with a blue and black Opel space bus with number plate AAA 74 GG while controlling traffic, and he suffered injuries to his head and body. The Prosecution said that the tragic incident occurred at Demurin Street junction inwards Mile 12, stating that the offence violated Section 224 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, and is punishable under Section 229.

The convict was arraigned on June 23, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge.

Justice Ogala also held that the sole issue for determination, was whether with the totality of the evidence tendered in court, the Prosecution, had successfully proved the charge of Involuntary Manslaughter proffered against the Defendant, to enable the court convict the Defendant

thereof.

The trial Judge pointed out that the position of the law is indeed, well settled, that the burden of proof in criminal cases rests on the Prosecution, and the standard of proof is proof beyond reasonable doubt.

"As regards the death of Akinmade Samson Olawale, there seems to be no dispute as to the death of the deceased. The testimony of a first prosecution witness, Aderonke Malik, was that she saw the Defendant pushing the deceased into the front of his vehicle. Her testimony is that she ran there asking the Defendant to stop the car, but he did not, and that the deceased kept on banging the bonnet of the vehicle to stop. She testified that the Defendant did not stop, until he knocked down the deceased.

"Also, in this instant case, it is instructive that the Investigating Police Officer also gave direct evidence of what she saw, heard, and investigated. The court, therefore, finds that the

evidence cannot be faulted as suggested by the defence in this instance.

"It must be pointed out that proof beyond reasonable doubt, is not proof beyond every shadow of doubt. The degree of proof amounting to reasonable doubt need not reach certainty, but it will carry a high degree of probability.

"Once the ingredients of the offence the accused is charged with are proved, that constitutes proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and for him to be entitled to the benefit of the doubt, the doubt must be a genuine and reasonable one arising from some evidence before the court.

"The Honourable Court, therefore, finds the Defendant Guilty of the One Count charge of Involuntary Manslaughter he stands faced with, and is accordingly convicted.

"I hereby sentence the Defendant to 12 years imprisonment from the day of judgement", Justice Ogala held.

NBA Surulere Branch Gets New Executives

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Surulere Branch, which was recently established, conducted its inaugural election on Friday, July 12, 2024, at its Secretariat located at No. 14, Babatunde Street, off Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos State. The election was overseen by the Caretaker Committee of the new Branch, which also served as the Electoral Committee under the leadership of Adeleke Agbola, SAN, and was hitch-free, seamless, and successful.

The election results saw the emergence of Anene Nwadukwe as the Branch Chairman, while Henry Obinna Ezeanyim secured the position of Vice-Chairman. Enomma Umoren Mbanugo was elected as Secretary, and Raqeeba Oloko became the Assistant Secretary. Other elected officials include Maureen Ogochukwu Umejiego as Treasurer, Salami Tajudeen Agbaje as Financial Secretary, Felicia Chikere Nosike as Welfare Secretary, Okuwobi Olusola Mayowa as Publicity Secretary,

Florence Ekwutosi Chijioke Duru as Social Secretary, and Kingsley Etim Ebimor as Provost, all of whom were elected unopposed.

The Electoral Committee Chairman, Adeleke Agbola, SAN, has officially passed on the leadership role of the Branch to the new Executives of the Branch, who were sworn in by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Emeka Ozoani, and will serve a two-year tenure

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Mr Anene

Nwadukwe, expressed his gratitude to the members for their unity and participation in the peaceful election. He also thanked the Caretaker Committee for conducting the election meticulously and acknowledged his fellow contestants, emphasising that they are all winners, and that the NBA Surulere Branch must continue to progress. The event was attended by a retired Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olusegun Fabunmi, and Prof Joseph Abugu, SAN.

Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa

LASTMA Officer, Late Akinmade Samson Olawale

Director General, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Aliyu Abubakar

2024 NBA-AGC: ‘A Conference Like No Other!’

Once again, Nigerian lawyers will converge for their annual General Conference (aGC). The aGC, which is the flagship event of the Nigerian Bar association (NBa), will hold in lagos from august 23-28, 2024. Over 16,000 lawyers are already registered for the Conference and prepared to storm lagos, the nation’s commercial capital. The theme of this year’s aGC is “Pressing Forward: A

National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria”.

Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi engaged the the Chairman of the Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC), Mrs Oyinkansola

Badejo-Okusanya on their level of preparedness for the Conference, and what Nigerian lawyers should look forward to at this year’s Conference, which she and her all female team have tagged ‘A Conference Like No Other!’

Madam AGCPC Chairperson, the 2024 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference (NBA-AGC) which is scheduled to take place in Lagos from August 23 - 28, is themed “Pressing Forward: A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria”. This appears to be more or less the same theme as the 2023 NBA-AGC “Get-

ting it Right, Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building”. What informed such a similar choice? Is it that the outcome of the 2023 Conference didn’t have the desired effect, hence, the need to focus on it again? Should we not be more concerned about building and reforming our legal profession and the administration of justice sector instead?

Thank you very much. This

“Building and reforming our legal profession and the administration of justice sector, are issues that the NBA as an Association is constantly engaged with. The AGC, on the other hand, looks at a much broader picture. The themes of the Annual General Conferences, reflect the pivotal role the Association plays in nation building”

is an interesting question, or rather questions, because you asked several questions in one! First, what informed such a similar choice – I would say as a preliminary comment, that we did so because it made perfect sense to do so. Continuity is the bedrock of sustainability. The NBA is a responsible corporate citizen, and we are concerned with sustainable nation building, as we very well should. Last year, when a new administration was sworn in with a ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, the President of the NBA, Mr Y.C. Maikyau OON, SAN and the Chair of the Conference Planning Committee, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN thought it wise to choose a Conference theme that reflected the state of the nation, and prescribe the “getting it right” mindset that we all need to have, to move

from hope to reality. A road map, if you like.

One year later, the President thought it wise to reinforce that prescription. Just as Rome was not built in a day, so also Nigeria will not be rebuilt in a year; but, it is important to remind ourselves to press on, because it is so easy to get discouraged in the face of challenges, and find it difficult to continue on the hard path to regeneration.

So, whilst maintaining the “getting it right” mindset, we must also continue to press forward. That is the narrative the NBA is trying to push with these two themes backto-back, and just as the sessions at last year’s Conference reflected the theme, it is the same with the carefully curated sessions that will feature at this year’s Conference.

However, there is another, more profound angle to the choice of

Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya

2024 NBA-AGC: ‘A Conference Like No Other!’

this year’s theme. It was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR that gave the inspiration for it in his Address at the Opening Ceremony of the 2023 Conference. Mr President charged all Lawyers to press forward for a change of mind, a change of attitude and a change of approach to governance. For YC Maikyau, a man of great faith, this was further buttressed by the words in Philippians 3:14 in the Bible – I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,

The theme has also found expression in the use of the Eagle in the Conference logo. To quote Mr Maikyau, “We have, in the conception of this theme, found the traits of the Eagle an ideal prescription, which, if imbued with renewed hope, will shape the posture of Nigerians towards the recovery, reformation and repositioning that we dearly yearn for our dear nation”. That is why you will see that in the Conference logo, an abstract depiction of an Eagle is holding the NBA logo aloft, in recognition of our role as promoters of the rule of law and our responsibility to provide direction. The words ‘pressing forward’ are in italics, to depict forward movement, and the word ‘forward’ is in black, to emphasise the forward-looking stance we must adopt in rebuilding our nation. This also shows the level of thought and attention to detail, that is going into every aspect of the conference.

Building and reforming our legal profession and the administration of justice sector, are issues that the NBA as an Association is constantly engaged with. The AGC, on the other hand, looks at a much broader picture. The themes of the Annual General Conferences, reflect the pivotal role the Association plays in nation building. This year’s theme and consequent focus, is no different

Is it true that for the first time in history, the AGCPC is an all-female one? How has it been working with an all-female team?

Yes and no. Yes, for the first time in the history of the NBA, the leadership of the AGCPC, that is the Annual General Conference Planning Committee, is all female. There are four of us occupying the top positions of the Committee. I am Chair, Amina Suleiman Kaoje is the Alternate Chair, Laura Alakija is the Secretary and Chika Okojie is the Alternate Secretary. But, no, the AGCPC is not all female. We lead a one hundred-member strong AGCPC, made up of an almost equal number of men and women.

Another correction worth making is that, this is not the first time that a woman is chairing the Conference Planning Committee. Mrs Funke Adekoya, SAN chaired the TCCP (as it was then called) 14 years ago, for the NBA Annual General Conference at Kaduna 2010. Regrettably, this is the first time since then, so we are grateful to the YC Maikyau Administration for making this bold statement to, for, and about the Gentle(wo) men of the Bar. On our part, we will not disappoint. As for the experience, I have had nothing but pleasure working with my colleagues in the top team. We each bring our strengths to the table, and God has continued to give me the wisdom to lead them and the larger Committee effectively. The members of the Committee are such dedicated and committed Bar men and women, that I hardly even feel that I am chairing a 100-member Committee! I owe them a debt of gratitude for lightening the load, and making me look so good! I am particularly grateful to the Senior Advocates on the Committee. Ours is a profession that rightly places a premium on seniority, and to have members of the Committee that are Senior Advocates deferring to “Madam Chair”, is extremely gratifying. I am grateful to them. In fact,

“….this is not the first time that a woman is chairing the Conference Planning Committee. Mrs Funke Adekoya, SAN chaired the TCCP (as it was then called) 14 years ago, for the NBA Annual General Conference at Kaduna 2010. Regrettably, this is the first time since then, so we are grateful to the YC Maikyau Administration for making this bold statement to, for, and about the Gentle(wo)men of the Bar. On our part, we will not disappoint”

their exemplary dedication to the Bar has contributed in no small measure to other members doing the same. I could not have asked for better company. What are the highlights of the Conference? Who will deliver the Keynote Address? Who are some of the other Speakers and the topics they will address? What are the topics of some of the breakout sessions?

Our internal Conference slogan, is that we are planning “a conference like no other!” What this means is that, no detail is too small; no stone is left unturned to ensure that we bring this slogan to life. So, every aspect of the Conference will be a highlight. From the historical significance of the venue and its surroundings, to the sporting and other social activities, to the level of detail that has gone into curating the sessions, choosing the resource persons and just simply ensuring that attention is paid to everything that will result in a memorable Conference experience for both physical and virtual delegates. Our promise is that, there will be something for everyone.

That being said, the Keynote Address will be delivered by none other than Dr Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, herself, a woman of many firsts; the significance of which was not lost on us in narrowing down our choice of Keynote Speaker to her. And, we were extremely grateful to God when she accepted at very short notice.

We also have confirmations from the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina. We are awaiting confirmation from the Vice President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia.

They will be speaking broadly on the future of Africa and role of Lawyers, at the law at plenary sessions. One other session that is particularly exciting to me is one we have titled – “The Glass Ceiling is Shattered!”. In that session, we will feature all the Eleven female Bank MDs in Nigeria on the same stage, sharing their leadership journey and prescriptions for pressing forward. I am really looking forward to that. We have received confirmations from all but three of them. Several other Speakers in our other sessions have confirmed their attendance, and in the coming weeks, they will be featured on our various social and online media platforms and in the traditional print media. The first iteration of the Conference programme is ready, and will be uploaded in the week starting the 22nd of July, so watch that space! The Conference is just a few weeks away, but many Lawyers are complaining bitterly about the choice of venue for the event, Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island. Why there, and not somewhere in Victoria Island, for example? Apart from the challenge of parking space, TBS is said to be a den for hoodlum activities. How do you intend to address these challenges, and allay the fears of Lawyers?

It is unfortunate that the popular impression of Tafawa Balewa Square is one of informal commercial activity and the attendant environmental eyesores, and as you say, nefarious acts by some youths in the area. Aside from the fact that the choice of the venue was an obvious one, given our numbers, Tafawa Balewa Square is so much more than the reputation it has acquired, and one of our aims with this Conference, is to educate and inform delegates and the public at large about its

Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya

2024 NBA-AGc: ‘A conference Like No other!’

historical significance. So, we are producing write-ups about Tafawa Balewa Square; including the fact that the lowering of the Union Jack and the hoisting of the Nigerian flag for the first time took place there, the person after whom it was named, and even the history of the surrounding buildings.

This is an area steeped in history, and, as you know, you can hardly divorce history from the law. Every Lawyer intrinsically has an interest and in fact, has no choice but to be interested in history. Every Lawyer would have studied history in one form or another, on his/ her journey to becoming a Lawyer. We are excited about the choice of the venue and the possibilities it presents.

The National Museum is next door, and we are arranging tours at reduced rates for delegates who wish to learn more about our ancient and more recent history. For instance, many may not know that the car in which the then Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, was riding and was shot dead in, is on display there, amongst other interesting artefacts and displays. Walking through the museum is like a mini history of Nigeria lesson. Very interesting! Freedom Park is around the corner, Holy Cross Cathedral, one of the most beautiful examples of French Gothic Architecture and the Cathedral Church of Christ, another Gothic Architecture style, where the thanksgiving Service to flag off the Conference will take place, are all within the Lagos Island vicinity of the Conference venue. So also, the Lagos Central Mosque, and at least two of the oldest Mosques in Nigeria. We are partnering with a local tour company to arrange tours to all these places, for those who are interested.

Onikan Stadium and the J.K. Randle Cultural Centre, where we hope to have our Sporting events, are also walking distance. Our Saviour’s Church, where the Governor General and other colonial officers used to worship, is across the road from TBS; Lagos House, one of the Lagos State Governor’s official residences and State House Marina, the official Lagos residence of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are next door to each other, barely five minutes’ walk away from the Conference venue. I could go on and on.

That is the Tafawa Balewa Square and the Lagos Island I know, and which we would like to introduce to our delegates who do not perceive

it in this way.

As for parking concerns, remember I told you earlier that we are leaving no stone unturned, and no detail is too minute for us to consider, to ensure a memorable Conference experience for all delegates. Parking and access are always major issues, because of our sheer numbers. The NBA-AGC is the largest annual gathering of Lawyers anywhere in the world. I say that with all sense of responsibility. Last year we had 16,340 delegates attending the Conference physically. This year, we are not expecting or preparing for less. There is ample parking around the venue, and we are in discussions with private car parks for their use during the period.

We also intend to use large car parks on the Marina, and bus delegates from there to the venue and back. The Blue Line CMS Marina station is also not far from the Conference venue, which means that delegates can lodge as far away as they want, so long as they can catch the train into the central business district each morning. We will arrange shuttles from the station to the venue also.

We are partnering with Bolt to provide subsidised rides

“….. the Keynote Address will be delivered by none other than Dr Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala…We also have confirmations from the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina…. we will feature all the Eleven female Bank MDs in Nigeria on the same stage, sharing their leadership journey and prescriptions for pressing forward”

for delegates to and from the Conference venue, and we are receiving maximum cooperation, as we always do from the Lagos State Government in all aspects of our Conference planning, including traffic management, ambulance services, and safety and security. Specifically, regarding safety and security, we intend to involve the youth resident in the area as part of our security infrastructure. This is a tried and tested model, and we have no reason to believe that it will not work for us. Planning the logistics for a Conference this large is a daunting task, but by the grace of God, we did it to a largely successful extent in Abuja last year, and we will do it again in Lagos this year. We will, as I said, plan a Conference like no other! Delegates have nothing to fear.

Given the huge financial challenges faced by Lawyers as a result of the economic downturn, many are surprised that this year’s Conference may be priced out of the reach of young Lawyers who earn very meagre salaries. By now last year, it seems that there were at least a couple thousand more registrants than there are today. Was the financial hardship given adequate consideration, when fixing this year’s Conference fees? What concessions do you have for Young Lawyers?

The Conference fee hike is unfortunate, but inevitable. No one, not the least I, would have wanted to chair a Conference Planning Committee that had to make such an unpopular proposal, but, we really didn’t have a choice. And, we do not need to look beyond the rate of inflation between last year’s Conference and now, to understand why we had to do

it. As of today, inflation stands at just under 35%. In August last year, it was 25.8%, and with the highly subsidised Conference fees, we just couldn’t make the numbers.

Let’s face it, our Conferences our huge! I don’t know of too many conferences that boast of more than 16,000 delegates, but we consistently hit those kinds of numbers. Our numbers are both our strength and a burden, and there is no built facility in Nigeria today that can accommodate us. What this means is that we literally must build a Conference village from scratch every year. That is where the bulk of our expenditure goes, and with the inflation rate, last year’s highly subsidised Conference fees or even a slight increase, just didn’t make economic sense.

We did our best to convey this to members well in advance, and with all the facts and figures to support the decision, so that members would see that it was not a decision taken lightly or arbitrarily. I did a power point presentation in February, to the NBA’s National Executive Council meeting in Jos, which is a body made up of all National Officers of the NBA, Branch Chairmen and Secretaries and other delegates, which was subsequently circulated amongst the Branch Chairs for internal discussions amongst their members at the Branch level. Six weeks later in April, an Emergency NEC meeting was called in Yola, where the revised recommendations were adopted and ratified by members present and voting. So, members had plenty of time to review and deliberate, and indeed, some Branches, as

Mrs oyinkansola Badejo-okusanya

well as the Young Lawyers Forum Chair, did make representations to the President and National officers, which resulted in the reviewed recommendations that were eventually adopted.

It is true that at the close of early bird registration last year, we had close to 12,000 registered physical delegates. This year we had 9099 at the close of early bird, but there is an important distinction. This year, early bird for Lawyers 1 – 9 years post call was extended to 31 July. So, early bird registration is not over for many potential delegates, that typically make up the second largest group of delegates to the Annual General Conferences.

Early bird ended on 30 June, for Lawyers 10 years and above post call. From 9099 delegates on that day, we now have almost 11,000. That means about 2000 delegates have registered since the end of early bird, at the regular rate. When you consider the fact that many people wait until the very last minute to register (for instance almost 1500 people registered on the 30th of June, the last day of early bird registration), then it is not difficult to imagine that we could still hit and surpass last year’s numbers.

One of the concessions made, apart from extending early bird for young Lawyers to 31 July, 2024, is that Lawyers from 1 - 6 years post call can attend the Conference virtually completely free of charge, while Lawyers 7 years and above post call, pay a token of N25000.00. This is a huge concession, because setting up the virtual platform costs in the region of $30,000.00.

However, an interesting development is that many Lawyers who had initially registered to attend virtually, are opting to change their attendance to physical! What this tells me, is that we have a lot to be grateful to NBA members for, for the understanding they have shown and their unwavering commitment to our annual flagship event, despite the obvious lower purchasing power that everybody is going through. I don’t take it for granted.

Lagos Island doesn’t appear to have adequate hotel accommodation, unlike neighbouring Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Ikeja which is on the mainland. What plan does your Committee have to ensure that Lawyers have suitable accommodation, and can move from neighbouring locations where accommodation is affordable to the Conference venue on a daily commute, safely and at reasonable cost?

We have official hotel accommodation partners and from their

catalogues, they have done a very good job of identifying proximate accommodation to suit various preferences in nearby Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki. As you know, Lagos Island is a Central Business District, not really a residential area per se, and as I said earlier, the Blue Line and BRT are options for delegates who choose to stay further afield; and our subsidised arrangement with Bolt and other readily available modes of transportation, are also there for delegates who will not use private cars. I think we’ve got this largely covered.

Every year, Lawyers experience untold hardship and logistics nightmares during onsite registration and collecting their Conference bags and materials. Last year, Conference materials were distributed to Conferees ahead of time. Will this be the case this year? How has your Committee prepared, to effectively deal with these challenges?

Given last year’s experience, I’m not sure that is a fair comment. You were at last year’s Conference, so you will recall that the AGCPC, which I was privileged to be the Alternate Chair of, was able to successfully distribute confer-

“….. the NBA Annual General Conference is never just a talk shop. The communiques issued at the end of every conference, form the basis of several policy decisions and actions, which is precisely what they are designed to do”

ence materials to all registered delegates in a seamless fashion for the first time in many, many years. We are justifiably proud of that achievement. Over 16,000 delegates are a lot of delegates, but to the glory of God, we showed that with careful planning, it can be done. Although as one of the cost cutting measures we are not giving out bags this year, delegates will still have to collect their delegate tags and we will do it in a seamless manner again by the grace of God.

What side attractions should Conferees expect at this year’s Conference? All work and no play, makes a Nigerian Lawyer a dull Lawyer!

Plenty! For sports, in addition to football, scrabble, chess and table tennis and wheelchair table tennis that we introduced last year, we are introducing swimming for the first time this year. 19 teams have registered for football and over 40 delegates have registered for the other sports. The UnBarred Concert this year will feature a “Battle of the DJs”, a competition strictly for delegates who have disc jockeying talent to compete for a prize. The competition will be judged on the spot by the attendees themselves using the Whova conference app. The Friendship Centre is bigger and better than ever, and thanks to the magnificent cooperation we are enjoying from the TBS Management, it will stay open till 3am daily. For the first time we are introducing the “Elders Night” at the AGC. This is a hangout for senior Lawyers with blast-fromthe-past music and entertainment. I keep telling you, we are planning a conference like no other! Just watch this space!

Does your Committee have

any plans to extend participation to neighbouring African Bar Associations and Law Societies? As the biggest and leading body of Lawyers in Africa, many Lawyers have canvassed this over the past few years.

Certainly! And, I believe we always have, at least as far as I am aware. We have an international delegate registration portal, and we have extended invitations to the Presidents of various other Bar Associations in and beyond Africa. In fact, the President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, has already confirmed his acceptance of our invitation. How will you ensure that this NBA-AGC won’t just end up being another Talk Shop? How do you intend to make the outcomes impactful?

With the greatest respect, the NBA Annual General Conference is never just a talk shop. The communiques issued at the end of every conference, form the basis of several policy decisions and actions, which is precisely what they are designed to do. The NBA takes its role as a watchdog of society and promoter of the rule of law, very seriously. The sessions at this Conference were not only keenly debated, they were deliberately curated to reflect the Conference theme, current socio-economic realities and emerging areas of the law. The Speakers have been carefully chosen, because of their subject-matter expertise.

The devil is in the detail, and we have chosen in this Committee to leave no detail to the devil. With God on our side, come August 23 – 28, we will host a Conference like no other!

Thank you.

Mrs oyinkansola Badejo-okusanya

Talking ConsTiTuTional demoCraCy

The Role of Law in Maintaining Sanity and Preventing Impunity in a Democratic Setting (Part 6)

Introduction

In the last episode, we discussed how law maintains and prevents impunity in a democracy, followed by a mere direct assessment of democracy and the culture of impunity, disobedience to the rule of law in Nigeria. Today, we will continue with impunity and disobedience to court orders. Enjoy.

Impunity and Disobedience to the Rule of Law and Court Orders

Impunity and disobedience to the rule of law has continued to reign menacingly from electoral malpractices, Police brutality, unsolved murders, ethnic cleansing, god-faå–therism, corruption etc. For example, the country was thrown into mourning on December 23, 2001 when news filtered through the air that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Bola Ige, SAN was murdered in cold blood in his GRA home in Ibadan, Oyo State; his murder has remained unsolved. In this category also falls the murder of Aminosari Dikibo a former National Vice Chairman of PDF on February 6, 2004; Igwe Barnabas, Chairman, Onitsha NBA and his wife, on September 10, 2002; Funsho Williams, Lagos PDP Governorship aspirant murdered on July 27, 2006; Charles Nsiegbe a political associate of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and AC Governorship candidate in 2007 on November 21, 2009; Marshal Harry Uche, ANPP Senatorial Candidate for Orlu Zone on February 8, 2003 at his Owerri home, Imo state. These are just a few cases swept under the carpet as a result of impunity from 1999 to date. It is also pertinent to mention the Odi (Bayelsa State) massacre carried out by the Nigerian Army on November 20, 1999, ordered by the then President, General Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, where over a hundred lost their lives. It was not until after serious legal battle, before the Government was finally ordered to pay compensation to the victims in 2014. What about the IPOB massacre of unarmed protesters in 2017, where many were reported to have been shot at close range, while many others were arrested and tortured. To date, no one has been made to account for this. The impunity continued with the Shittes massacre in Zaria, where at least about 348 Shittes members were shot dead by the Nigerian army. Also, no arrest has been made; in fact, no investigation was even carried out. On 17th January, 2017, reports filtered in that a Nigerian Air Force jet mistakenly bombed an IDP camp (Rann) near the Cameroonian border with at least 115 people killed in the process, and more than 100 injured. Aside the apology offered by the Nigerian Air Force, no investigation was carried out to unravel what could have led to such professional negligence.

Even in the last dispensation, though the Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari, swore to fight corruption to a standstill, impunity and disobedience of extant laws and rules, including the judgments of courts of competent jurisdiction, was the order of the day. The Government seemed to derive joy in breaching the laws and established rules. There was brazen abuse of the rule of law, and glaring impunity all over the country. The Judiciary was no longer the last hope of the common man, since it was apparent that the people at the helm of affairs, who claimed to be democratic, preferred the rule of force, which is alien to democracy, rather than

observe the rule of law embedded in it. We hope the Ahmed Tinubu led administration, will do better.

The deliberate attempt by the Executive to subdue the Judiciary through attacks on judicial officers is unmistakable, and has to a great extent, whittled the boldness hitherto exhibited by that arm. The humiliation of serving Judges by the executive arm, is one of the ways by which the Government creates an atmosphere of fear, in order to enable it perpetuate impunity and disregard of the rule of law, unchecked by the other arms of Government. For instance, in October, 2016, the houses of serving judicial officers were invaded by rampaging agents of the State (masked DSS operatives) between the ungodly hours of 12 midnight and 5 am

This was clearly in bad faith. The Judiciary was reflectively and calculatedly masked by the Executive, for total denigration. The personal targeting of identified Judges; the attempt to intimidate them, or to deflect them from fidelity to their oaths of office, to decide each case strictly on its merits.

The unrelenting character and partisan political aspect of the attacks on the Judges, has been alarming. Little wonder, it was widely reported that some good Judges preferred to resign. Once very proud and famous courts, are now criticised for buckling under political pressure.

“The deliberate attempt by the Executive to subdue the Judiciary through attacks on judicial officers is unmistakable, and has, to a great extent, whittled the boldness hitherto exhibited by that arm. The humiliation of serving Judges by the executive arm…..”

This cannot continue. The anti-corruption agencies of the Government must understand that they stand to gain nothing, by gleefully but unjustifiably humiliating the judex. Moreover, the Government has also been accused of shielding corrupt members or officials of its party and government, selective move against selected opposition members or non-aligning party members; as a result, many financial misappropriation and other scandals have been swept under the carpet. For example, the $25 billion NNPC scandal remained uninvestigated, the Maina (grass cutter) scandal for which enquiries were carried out by the Committee headed by the then Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, also none was prosecuted, he was rather replaced with his close kin.

Another incident was the disobedience of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Idris to the directive of President Buhari to relocate to Benue State, at the height of the Farmers/Herdsmen crises. The IGP even went ahead to shun the Senate’s invitation to render account of his office, with regard to protection of lives and properties. The power of the Senate to invite the IGP is embedded in Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered). The IGP was first summoned on Wednesday April 25, 2018, to appear before the Senate and explain his face-off with Senator Dino Melaye, and to answer questions on the incessant killings of innocent Nigerian citizens in Benue, Zamfara and Taraba State, but, he failed to appear. This was repeated on Thursday, 26th of April, 2018, when the IGP also failed to appear.

This was however, explained away by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abu Ibrahim, who informed the lawmakers that the IGP was in Bauchi as part of the entourage of President Muhammadu Buhari, and could not honour the invitation.

The Senate thereafter, re-summoned IGP Idris, while refusing to allow the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Operations he sent represent him. The lawmakers unanimously agreed to re-summon Mr Idris to appear on Wednesday, 2nd of May, 2018. However,

on the said 2nd May, 2018, the IGP still failed to appear. It was later gathered that, rather than honour the invitation, the IGP chose to make a trip to Kaduna State.

Reacting to this ugly trend, the then Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki said since Nigeria returned to democracy, no IGP had failed to show up before the Senate after being summoned. He likened the failure of the IGP to appear before Senate, to his alleged refusal to follow President Muhammadu Buhari's order to relocate to Benue State.

Similarly, on the 18th of April, 2018 an incident that depicts the level of impunity ongoing in the country occurred. The Senate was invaded and its mace snatched. The National Assembly had sought to pass a Bill seeking to reorder the sequence of election, so that the Presidential election would be held first before the other elections. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, reacting to this, alleged that the move was targeted at President Muhammedu Buhari. This led to the suspension of Senator Omo-Agege. In a reaction, on the said 18th of April, 2018, some armed men stormed the Senate Chamber along with suspended Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, overpowered security men and forcefully took away the mace, the symbol of authority of the Chamber, while the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, was presiding at the plenary. The stolen mace was subsequently returned by the Police, who made it clear that the mace was abandoned under an Abuja bridge. However, despite the wide condemnation of this act and the demands by general public that the Police should ensure that the perpetrators should be brought to book, not a single arrest was made by the Police in this regard. Even Senator Omo-Agege who was taken out of the scene by the Police was released shortly after, with the Police subsequently denying his arrest. This might not be unconnected to the fact that Omo-Agege (who was a great apostle of the then President, Muhammadu Buhari), had the executive might on his side. By virtue of this level of impunity, Nigeria's democracy has suffered flagrant disobedience to court orders and for this, the Buhari Government was unfortunately not left out.

Also, worthy of mention in this regard, was withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Revenue Account (CRA) without the approval of the National Assembly. Under the Constitution, it is clear that, appropriations of any kind and for whatever purpose, must be in accordance with procedural and substantive compliance with Section 80(1) - (4) of the Constitution.

Unfortunately, a whopping sum of $l billion was withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Account, without such approval. Sections 81-83 of the Constitution carefully lay down procedural steps by which authorised appropriations and withdrawals may be orchestrated or set in motion, either as substantive Appropriation Acts or Supplementary Acts. (See Supplementary Act No. 2 (2010) authorising over N87 billion).

Section 82 of the Constitution was enacted as constitutional ingenuity that forestall governmental shutdown, on account of pending but uncompleted passage of appropriation Bills. Thus, in the event that the appropriation Bill is pending, or has not been passed into law, the President may authorise withdrawals from the CRF for the sole purpose of “meeting expenditure necessary to carry on the services of government”. In other words, for the government not to completely shut down, the President may make withdrawals not exceeding the amount authorised and withdrawn in the previous financial year.

The seal and approval of the Presidency on $l billion funds earmarked to authorisation to cloak the appropriation with the aura of legitimacy, constitutes a brazen demonstration of constitutional contempt and an indefensible arrogation, usurpation and encroachment on the premier legislative function of the National Assembly. It is a constitutional aberration; an affront on the ideals of our constitutional democracy, the values of democracy itself, and the hallowed doctrine of separation of powers. (To be continued).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do, and what is right to do”. (Potter Stewart)

PROF mike O zekh O me, san

BB Sasore’s Entrepreneurial Journey to Shaping African Cinema

Bodunrin Sasore, popularly known as BB Sasore, is the creative force behind Nemsia Studios, who traded in his microscope for a camera lens to pursue his passion for storytelling. With a background in biological sciences and a knack forfilmmaking, Sasore has made a name for himself in Nollywood, directing critically acclaimed projects like ‘Before 30’ and ‘Banana Island Ghost’. In this interview with MARY NNAH , he shares his inspiring journey from independent film projects to co-founding Nemsia Studios, and how his unique approach to storytelling is shaping the future of African cinema

What inspired you to move from biological sciences to filmmaking, and how has your academic background shaped your approach to storytelling?

Isincerely believed I would be a surgeon, thus pre-med and Biological Sciences. I have however always been a natural storyteller and a bit of a performer growing up. In college (university), my love for films crystallised the expression of that storytelling for me into motion picture format. I guess the simple answer is I loved films so much I decided to make them.

I’m not sure my academic background has influenced it much. Maybe it has allowed us to take a more methodical approach to storytelling overall, but filmmaking is quite organic and instinctive.

What drives your passion for storytelling and filmmaking, especially through your journey from independent projects to co-founding Nemsia Studios?

I remember growing up watching westerns with my dad, especially Clint Eastwood ones. That is my earliest memory of the film format, but the storytelling has always been there. I was always in theatre productions in school and debates and anything expressive. I guess that means the passion for it is innate. Today, I am passionate about discovering a visual language for Nollywood, especially with untold stories and unknown voices. That is what is exciting.

“Before 30” and “God Calling” have garnered critical acclaim. What inspired these projects, and what messages do you hope audiences take away from them?

While it’s hard to find a link between both of these projects from two distinct genres. I think overall I am deeply fascinated by purpose and how much exogenous factors such as culture and religion affect our choices. The audience can make their own decisions about how they feel about the movies… or can they?

As Creative Director at Nemsia Studios, how do you approach messaging and communication strategy for clients, and what distinguishes your team’s approach?

At Nemsia we are storytellers at our core, and we believe everything has a story: places, people, products, everything. Our job is to find that story and re-present it to the world.

Your film “Breath of Life” won the Best Director award at the AMVCA 2024. Can you share the creative process behind this project, and how did it feel to receive such recognition?

Most of the process is hiring and surrounding yourself with the best talents. Nollywood is still in its infancy, which means not all the skill sets have the necessary numbers of experienced personnel to choose from. People

still need to be pulled into the industry across the value chain of expertise. At Nemsia we don’t only hire people who have worked on films, we look for people who are great in tangential fields to the expertise that is required. For example one of the production designers is an architect. When you have the best team, directing becomes easier, because you can achieve almost anything in your mind. Almost.

The recognition meant a lot. Many people worked very hard for over two years and I kept joking with them, saying they would give me all the credit for their work. Yes, only my name was on the award, but a lot of people know that their contribution was immeasurable towards that achievement. That makes me happy.

Nemsia Studios has successfully collaborated with major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. What’s the secret behind your studio’s versatility and global appeal?

I’m not sure there is any secret source to success in any industry, certainly not in ours where a lot of success is subjective. That being said, we try to make the best films. At our very core, we trade

“I see my role or ability to add value in two ways. First knowledge sharing. We are inherently bad at this. Most Nigerians have a survivalist mentality which is anathema to sharing information. However, the industry grows significantly when we can share knowledge and improve much quicker because people don’t have to keep rediscovering.”

everything (popularity, profits, etc) in for that. After that, it is mainly serendipity and opportunity.

How do you balance artistic vision with commercial viability in your projects, and what advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers?

This is the toughest job as a filmmaker, especially in an independent film ecosystem. Typically when there are big studios, you don’t have to worry about the commercial aspect, or at least they guide that aspect so you can focus on the artistic expression that is the story. To be fair, Prime Video was quite great at giving us a lot of latitude for artistic expression and allowing us not to worry much about commercial success, but in Nollywood, you must juggle both or you won’t last long.

How do you envision your role in shaping the future of Nollywood and African storytelling on the global stage?

Other than the obvious continuing to tell good stories, I see my role or ability to add value in two ways. First knowledge sharing. We are inherently bad at this. Most Nigerians have a survivalist mentality which is anathema to sharing information. However, the industry grows significantly when we can share knowledge and improve much quicker because people don’t have to keep rediscovering. When the tide rises, so do all the boats, so we at Nemsia don’t think knowledge sharing is completely altruistic, but instead good for the industry and good for us.

Second, keeping everyone naive. We have to believe we can motion picture stories as well as anyone else, anywhere else. The good news is Nigerians are born with outsized egos which you need, but we want to continue to encourage that.

How did your upbringing and family impact your creative journey and decision to pursue filmmaking?

I mentioned that I remember growing up watching westerns with my dad, especially Clint Eastwood ones. That is my earliest memory of the film format, but the storytelling has always been there. I was always in theatre productions in school and debates and anything expressive. I guess that means my parents/ family were quite supportive, which isn’t easy to do in our culture.

What sparked your partnership with Derin Adeyokunnu, and how did you both come together to form Nemsia Studios?

My partner Derin Adeyokunnu - the Managing Partner of Nemsia - was the driving force here. He has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and this wasn’t his first venture, though it was mine. We were however aligned on vision, we wanted to make an impactful motion picture studio in Africa that tells great stories like Pixar or A24.

What personal experiences or values motivate you to create content that resonates with diverse audiences and tells African stories?

I’m not sure too many of my personal experiences factor into the stories we tell at Nemsia, I’m a pretty boring guy honestly. But we do talk a lot about interesting stories we hear every day. In essence, we gist a lot and that does find its way into our stories.

How has your journey as a filmmaker and entrepreneur influenced your personal growth and worldview?

Certainly. Probably most in all the people from all walks of life that you meet and work with intimately. It forces a more rounded point of view, or at least allows you to wear different lenses as you walk through life.

What role does family play in your life, and how do you balance personal relationships with your demanding career?

Balance. I’ve never suffered from inspiration or motivation, but my wife is instrumental in providing balance and perspective on the things that truly matter in what can be a bit of a fantasy world.

How did moving from the US to Nigeria influence your storytelling, and what insights have you gained from working in both contexts?

Not too much because storytelling is very human regardless of where you are, and Nigerians love authentic Nigerian stories. But having more perspectives through which you see the world can only be a good thing.

What’s next for BB Sasore and Nemsia Studios? Are there any exciting projects or initiatives on the horizon?

Many. We are fortunate to have two slates and over a dozen films to make. I just wanted to give you a heads-up that you can stay tuned.

How do you hope to be remembered in the Nollywood and African cinema annals, and what legacy do you wish to leave?

I hope Nemsia Studios becomes a transgenerational company that tells compelling stories from Africa to the world. Hopefully, we also make a good living for many people doing so. That’s enough for me.

BB Sasore

How Honeywell Group is Pioneering Wealth Creation for Nigeria’s Prosperity

By driving economic growth, empowering communities, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, through sustainable and ethical practices, Honeywell Group Limited has been pioneering wealth creation for Nigeria’s prosperity, writes

Victoria Ojiako

Honeywell Group Limited (HGL) has long been recognised as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic landscape, and central to its mission is a renewed emphasis on its role as a creator of wealth. This commitment to wealth creation transcends mere financial success; it embodies the generation of sustainable value that enriches lives, empowers communities, and fosters national development.

DRIVING ECONOMIC GROWTH

At the heart of Honeywell Group’s wealth creation strategy is a diversified portfolio that spans critical sectors such as energy, real estate, and finance. This diversification is not just a hedge against market volatility but a deliberate effort to stimulate economic growth across various facets of the Nigerian economy. By investing in these key areas, HGL is not only creating jobs but also fostering innovX ation and development, driving the country towards a more robust and resilient economic future.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Honeywell Group’s impact extends beyond corporate boardrooms and financial markets. Through its numerous subsidiaries and ventures, HGL has a profound influence on local communities. Take, for instance, the company’s real estate arm, Uraga Real Estate (UREL). By developing residential, commercial, and recreational properties, UREL transforms communities, providing modern infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for countless Nigerians. Moreover, the Upbeat Recreation Centre, another flagship initiative, is more than just a trampoline park. It represents Honeywell’s vision of creating spaces where families and individuals can enjoy quality time, engage in fitness activities, and build stronger community bonds. These developments are a testament to HGL’s commitment to social wealth creation—building environments that foster community well-being and social cohesion.

Oba Otudeko (CFR), Founder and Chairman, Honeywell Group

SUPPORTING INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Honeywell Group’s commitment to wealth creation is also evident in its support for innovation and entrepreneurship. By investing in cuttingedge technologies and startups through its various ventures, HGL is nurturing the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs. This support not only provides financial resources but also offers mentorship and strategic guidance, helping young

businesses navigate the challenges of growth and scale.

Pivot GIS Limited (PGIS), a subsidiary of HGL, exemplifies this approach. As a key player in the Nigerian energy sector, PGIS leverages local talent and expertise to provide world-class engineering, procurement, and construction services. By doing so, it not only contributes to the nation’s energy infrastructure but also builds local capacity and expertise, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits.

SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL PRACTICES

In its pursuit of wealth creation, Honeywell Group remains steadfastly committed to sustainable and ethical business practices. The company’s long-term investments are guided by a mission to deliver enduring value, not just for shareholders, but for all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the broader community.

This commitment is particularly evident in HGL’s approach to environmental sustainability. From adopting green building practices in real estate developments to ensuring responsible resource management in energy projects, Honeywell Group prioritizes environmental stewardship as a core component of its wealth creation strategy.

FUTURE-FOCUSED VISION

Looking ahead, Honeywell Group’s vision of wealth creation is inherently future-focused. The company is continuously evolving, seeking out new opportunities and adapting to changing market dynamics. This proactive approach ensures that HGL remains at the forefront of economic development, ready to harness new trends and technologies for the benefit of Nigeria’s economy. The recent recognitions and awards received by Honeywell Group’s executives, including accolades from The Legal 500 and the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers, underscore the company’s leadership and innovation in driving economic growth. These honours reflect HGL’s excellence in governance and operational effectiveness, further cementing its reputation as a pillar of Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

CONCLUSION

Honeywell Group Limited’s message, “We Are Wealth Creators,” is more than a slogan—it is a declaration of the company’s enduring commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering communities, and ensuring a sustainable future. Through strategic investments, community engagement, and a focus on innovation, HGL continues to create wealth that transcends financial metrics, contributing to the holistic development of Nigeria and its people. As the company moves forward, its dedication to wealth creation remains a cornerstone of its identity, driving it to new heights of success and impact.

Underscoring the Pivotal Role of Free Zones in Boosting Economic Growth

Victoria Ojiako

With 54 Free Zones, with 30 active Zones housing over 500 enterprises, the pivotal roles of such zones cannot be overstated in Nigeria given how they are catalysts for international trade and economic growth.

Mrs Bolatito Ajibode, Deputy Managing Director, Lekki Free Trade Zone Development Company (LFTZDC), firmly believes in this and she harped on it during her recent keynote address at the International Chamber of Commerce 2024 Annual General Meeting,

Speaking on “Free Zones: Catalyst for International Trade and Economic Growth – A Case Study of Lekki Free Trade Zone Development Company”, she underscored the pivotal role of free zones in Nigeria’s economic growth and their significance as a catalyst for international trade.

She said: “Nigeria currently has 54 Free Zones, with 30 active Zones housing over 500 enterprises. Of these thirty zones, two are federally owned, five are joint ventures, including the Lekki Free Zone, and 19 are privately owned across the various regions of the country.”

Delving further, she said the classification of Free Zones should be modelled after

Mrs Bolatito Ajibode

Chinese special economic zone types: high-tech industrial development zones, free zones, export processing zones, and national development zones.

Sharing lessons from China, she said special economic zones contributed 22 per cent to China’s GDP in 2021 and created 30 million jobs, while 60 per cent of China’s exports are

derived from special economic zones. Therefore, she said Free Zones established by federal and state governments should enter into strategic partnerships to foster continuity.

“The Lekki Free Zone Development Company (LFZDC) attests to this. Established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he was the Governor of Lagos State, LFZDC is a Joint Venture between Lagos State and Chinese State Owned Enterprises led by CCECC.

“LFZDC is situated on a 3,000-hectare industrial hub, which is four times the size of Victoria, and has been operational for the last 17 years, hosting 65 enterprises and attracting significant infrastructure and industrial investments of over $4 billion.

“The ease of doing business in a Free Zone is hinged on the availability of business infrastructure, i.e. access to a good road network, 24-hour electricity, water, security, and a one-stop shop for all government agencies, including Nigerian Customs Services.

“With a proposed dedicated nonoil export terminal and its strategic proximity to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, LFZDC is poised to become the prime destination for processing commodities for export, thereby significantly contributing to Nigeria’s foreign exchange generation.”

Pers P ective

Challenges and Solutions for Small-Scale Poultry Egg Distributors in Nigeria

stephanie ikolo

In the serene town of Ovwian, Delta State, Regina embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with unbridled enthusiasm. Armed with a modest loan and a dream to build a thriving poultry egg distribution business, she envisioned supplying fresh eggs to local markets and contributing to the community’s nutritional needs. She regularly traveled to Ogun and Osun states to purchase crates of eggs, hoping to create a reliable supply chain. However, despite her best efforts, Regina’s business faltered and eventually failed. Her story is not unique but emblematic of the myriad challenges that small-scale poultry egg distributors face in Nigeria.

One of the primary challenges these distributors face is the lack of proper storage facilities. Eggs are perishable products that require specific conditions to maintain their quality. Like many of her peers, Regina did not have access to refrigeration or appropriate storage spaces, leading to significant losses due to spoilage. The absence of cold storage facilities means that eggs deteriorate quickly, especially in the hot Nigerian climate, causing financial losses and reducing the quality of eggs that reach the market. Without proper storage, small-scale distributors are forced to sell their eggs quickly, often at lower prices, to avoid spoilage. This urgency undermines their ability to negotiate better prices and reduces their overall profitability. The lack of investment in storage infrastructure is a significant barrier to the success of small-scale distributors.

The poor condition of many rural and semiurban areas’ road networks makes it challenging for distributors to move eggs effectively. Potholes and erosion were frequent problems Regina encountered on her delivery routes, which raised the expense of transportation and increased the possibility of egg damage while in transit. Inadequate transportation infrastructure drives up operating costs and lowers the quality of eggs that are sold. Long-distance egg transportation on unreliable roads frequently leads to breakages and losses. Small-scale distributors find it challenging to compete effectively due to the higher expense of replacing broken eggs and the lower quality of those that survive the trip. Additionally, the absence of dependable transportation options restricts small-scale distributors to local markets, preventing them from accessing larger, more lucrative markets. Small-scale distributors frequently have trouble obtaining the funding they need to grow their businesses or make improvements to their storage and transportation systems. Because of the perceived risks and lack of collateral, traditional financial institutions are reluctant to lend to these small enterprises. Regina was unable to obtain further finance to expand her firm despite her original loan. For small-scale distributors, financing is a significant barrier that prevents them from investing in the resources and infrastructure necessary to enhance

their business operations. Often, they rely on unofficial funding sources like friends and family, which are frequently insufficient to cover their needs. Without formal financial support, they cannot invest in new technology, grow their operations, or increase their overall efficiency. Their operating expenses rise due to the high cost of borrowing from unofficial sources, further lowering their profitability.

Significant price variations are a defining feature of the Nigerian poultry egg industry, and they can be disastrous for small-scale wholesalers. Seasonal variations in demand, disease outbreaks among poultry, and uneven supply are frequently the causes of these oscillations. Regina constantly had to deal with uncertainty, since prices would occasionally fall short of her production costs. Small-scale distributors find it challenging to properly plan and budget due to the volatility of egg prices, which increases their financial vulnerability. The lack of market knowledge and the inability of small-scale distributors to influence market pricing further aggravate these price swings. The absence of a regulated market for poultry eggs means that intermediaries, who possess greater negotiating leverage than small-scale distributors, frequently set prices. This power disparity forces small-scale distributors to rely on market forces, increasing their financial risk and reducing profitability. Government policies and regulations that support

and uplift small-scale distributors are conspicuously absent. These firms struggle even more since there are no grants, subsidies, or tax breaks available to them. Regina repeatedly tried to get help from government programs but was confronted with unfulfilled promises and bureaucratic red tape. Small-scale distributors face an unfavorable economic climate due to a lack of government assistance and regulation, which hinders their expansion. The lack of regulations aimed at bolstering the poultry sector and providing assistance to small-scale distributors diminishes their competitiveness and heightens their susceptibility to market swings and other obstacles. Due to a lack of regulation, smaller distributors are also more frequently the targets of unfair business practices by larger competitors, further eroding their capacity to compete successfully.

Another major challenge for small-scale poultry egg distributors is extortion by individuals posing as local government officials. These extortionists often demand illegal fees and bribes, adding to the financial strain on small distributors. Regina frequently encountered these individuals during her deliveries; they would stop her vehicles, demand payments, and threaten to seize her goods if she didn’t comply. This extortion raises the cost of doing business and creates a hostile and unpredictable environment for small-scale distributors. The issue is widespread and impacts many small-scale distributors across Nigeria. The lack of effective regulation and enforcement allows these extortionists to operate unchecked, further undermining the viability of small distribution businesses. The additional financial burden from extortion reduces the profitability of small-scale distributors and deters new entrants into the market.

The government’s neglect in providing essential infrastructure and a supportive regulatory framework has severely hindered the growth of small-scale poultry egg distribution in Nigeria. The lack of investment in rural roads and storage facilities has left distributors facing high operational costs and inefficiencies. Additionally, the absence of targeted financial support and favorable policies has stifled the sector’s potential for growth and modernization. This neglect is evident in the high rate of business failures among small-scale distributors. Many, like Regina, begin their ventures with great enthusiasm but soon become disillusioned by the numerous challenges they encounter. The lack of government support prevents them from overcoming these obstacles, resulting in business failures and financial losses.

The government’s failure to invest in infrastructure and support small-scale distributors also has broader consequences for the poultry industry and the economy. The inefficiencies and high costs faced by small-scale distributors lower the overall productivity of the poultry industry, limiting its economic contribution. Furthermore, the lack of support for small-scale distributors reduces the availability of affordable and high-quality eggs for consumers, affecting food security and nutrition.

Despite these challenges, there exists a prospect for transformation. The government should prioritize developing rural infrastructure, especially road networks and storage facilities. Improved roads will reduce transportation costs and losses, while better storage solutions will help maintain the quality of eggs from farm to market. Investing in infrastructure is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of small-scale distributors. Financial institutions should be encouraged to develop tailored loan products for small-scale distributors, with the government providing guarantees or subsidies for loans to reduce perceived risks and encourage lending. Improving access to finance is essential for enabling small-scale distributors to invest in the infrastructure and resources needed to improve their operations. Establishing mechanisms to stabilize prices, such as buffer stocks or price support schemes, can help protect distributors from severe market fluctuations, providing a more predictable and secure environment for their operations. The government should implement policies that directly support small-scale distributors, including tax incentives, grants for purchasing equipment, and subsidies for transportation costs. Providing training programs on best practices in storage, transportation, and business management can also enhance their efficiency and profitability.

In conclusion, the path for small-scale poultry egg distributors in Nigeria, exemplified by Regina’s experience in Ovwian, Delta State, is rife with daunting challenges. These include inadequate infrastructure, financial hurdles, extortion, and a dearth of supportive governmental policies, all of which hinder their progress and potential. The government’s failure to provide essential infrastructure and a conducive regulatory environment has had a profound impact on this sector, resulting in elevated operational costs, inefficiencies, and ultimately, business closures. Nevertheless, there exists a prospect for transformation. Through prioritized investments in rural infrastructure, enhanced access to finance, implementation of price stabilization measures, supportive policy frameworks, and targeted training initiatives, the government can foster a more conducive environment for small-scale distributors. These interventions promise to not only improve the efficiency and profitability of these enterprises but also bolster the overall productivity of Nigeria’s poultry industry, thereby contributing to economic advancement and ensuring food security. With over 14 years in the egg distribution industry, I have witnessed many individuals enter the market with optimism only to be deterred by these systemic challenges. It is imperative for stakeholders, including governmental bodies, financial institutions, and agricultural entities, to collaborate in addressing these issues comprehensively. By doing so, we can empower small-scale poultry egg distributors to not just survive but thrive, paving the way for sustainable growth and development within Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. •Ikolo is an Agricultural Products Distribution Specialist

Agbakoba Urges FG to Fix Own Refineries Instead of Taking over Dangote Oil Asset

the federal government to focus on fixing the country’s refineries rather than taking over Dangote Refinery as

of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Itse Sagay.

In a statement signed by Agbakoba and made available to THISDAY yesterday, he

argued that the government can fix all its refineries and make the Dangote refinery irrelevant.

“On Monday, in an

interview, says the constitution allows the federal government to take over the Dangote Refinery, pay him compensation and then

NEDC Constructs Surgical Ward, Skills Acquisition Centre in Bauchi Hospital

segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has embarked on the construction of a surgical ward and skills acquisition centre at the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Ningi, Bauchi State. Consequently, the Managing Director of NEDC paid an

inspection visit to the centre yesterday to assess the level of work done. He was however dismayed with delay in the completion of the project and summoned the contractor handling the construction of the structure for explorations. He said that the need for the contractor to come to the NEDC headquarters for explanation became necessary because the commission needed to know what is causing delay in the completion of the projects. Conducted round the projects by the Site Engineer and the Management of the Centre, Goni Alkali expressed the desire of the NEDC in

seeing that the facilities were put to use as soon as possible.

He also stated that the commission was desirous to see that both the surgical ward and the skills acquisition centre were well equipped in order to facilitate treatment and rehabilitation of the patients.

The NEDC M commended

management of the centre for

providing care to the parents assuring that NEDC will always support the centre to meet the objectives of its establishment.

The projects are the rehabilitation of skills acquisitions centre as well as the construction and equipping of surgical ward at the centre.

sell the products at the prices Nigerians can afford.

“But why take over what a private individual built? Why can’t the federal government fix its refineries all these years and make Dangote irrelevant? Why allow an efficient Businessman to hold you to ransom when there is a very simple alternative?

“The simple alternative for us all is this - let Nigeria work. Let there be light. Let there be food. Let there be water. Let there be jobs. Let there be money, schools, health care, roads etc.

“This is how to render Dangote irrelevant and not as Suggested by taking over another man’s sweat even if the sweat is to cheat us. Let the FG do its own refineries and bluff Dangote,” he said.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari

sunday ehigiator

Senior Partner, Olisa Agabkoba Legal, Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has urged

suggested by Senior Advocate

Photo

Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Hon. Phillip Davis (left), presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to former Group Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, at the ninth ALM Summit in London, United Kingdom… recently

Newly installed Baale of Mejona Kingdom, Epe, Lagos, Taoheed Gafaru Orimipe (left), and the Chief Executive Officer, New Horizons Computers, Tim Akano (right), during the installation of the new baale by Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun of Epe in Lagos… recently

L-R: Green Building Lead, IFC, Dennis Papa Odenyi Quansah; Managing Director, Mixta Africa, Mrs. Sade Hughes; Edge Expert, IFC Edge, Maryam Njie; and Design Associate, Mixta Africa, Osarogie Edo-Osagie, during the Edge awards held at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki in Lagos… recently

L–R: Author, Kalu Okoronkwo; member House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulhakeem Kamilu Ado; ANNP vice presidential candidate for 2023 general election, Dr. Isaac Idahosa; and guests, Hon. Dr. Ghali Mustapha Tijjani and Mrs. Folashade Aliu, during the public book presentation of ‘The Inclined Leader’, held in Abuja… recently PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

L-R: Best graduating student prize winners of the Police Comprehensive Secondary School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Emmanuel Edet and Adeniyi Joshua; Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu; the Commandant, Police Comprehensive Secondary School, Port Harcourt, CSP Rosemary Babatunde; and the best graduating student prize winner, Samson Agbue, during the 2024 Passing-out Parade of the school in Port Harcourt… recently

L-R: Member, Board of Trustees (BoT), Nigerian Academy of Medicine ( NAMed), Prof. Ajesola Majekodunmi; Executive Secretary, NAMed, Prof. Oluwole Atoyebi; President, NAMed, Prof. Samuel Ohaegbulam; Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Sonny Echono; and Chairman, BoT, NAMed, Prof. Tolu Odugbemi, during a courtesy visit by NAMed BoT members to TETFUND office in Abuja… recently

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The prices of key fuels, especially Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel, continued to rise in June, with Benue, Niger, Jigawa and Cross River recording the highest prices in the country.

This is according to latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which revealed that the highest average price of petrol in June 2024 was recorded in Niger State (N1979.23), Cross River State (N1920.86), and Taraba (N1742.46).

Also, the highest prices of diesel emerged in Benue which sold the product for N864.55 per litre, followed by Jigawa and Rivers states with N847 per litre and N810 per litre respectively.

In all, the average price of diesel

Dike Onwuamaeze

The immediate past President of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, has lamented that private businesses in Nigeria are besetted with innumerable challenges that have pushed many of them to mere subsistence.

Adeniyi, who expressed these views at the 67th annual general meeting of NECA, added that 2023 turned out to be a rather

was N1,462.98 per litre in June, representing an increase of 4.20 per cent compared to N1,403.96 reported in May.

“The average retail price of automotive gas oil (diesel) paid by consumers increased by 79.32 per cent on a year-on-year basis from a lower cost of N815.83 per litre recorded in the corresponding month of last year (i.e., June 2023) to a higher cost of N1462.98 per litre in June 2024.

“On a month-on-month basis, an increase of 4.20 per cent was recorded from N1403.96 in the preceding month of May 2024 to an average of N1462.98 in June 2024.

“Looking at the variations in the state prices, the top three states with the highest average price of the product in June 2024 include Niger State (N1979.23),

difficult year for businesses due to multidimensional challenges carried over from 2022

He said: “It is no longer a secret that private businesses in the economy are beset with innumerable challenges, pushing many to the realm of mere subsistence.

“A good number of these private businesses continue to exist due to sheer determination and doggedness of the owners and investors, who are committed to

Cross River State (N1920.86), and Taraba (N1742.46),” the NBS stated.

Nigeria’s inflation has for months continued to rise. driven by a threefold increase in electricity tariffs and higher transport costs as well as a devaluation of the country’s currency by the federal government.

“Furthermore, the top three lowest prices were recorded in the following states namely, Lagos state (N1210.77), Ogun state (N1239.17), and Abuja (N1240.00),” the bureau added.

Based on zonal representation, the bureau said the North-east zone had the highest average diesel price of N1,659.07; while the South-west zone had the lowest price of N1,280.54.

On the pricing of petrol in June,

supporting the economy.”

Although he commended the federal government for its various policies aimed at improving the operating environment, Adeniji observed that “hastily implemented government policies without corresponding plan to mitigate the policies’ negative effects at the beginning of this sdministration also contributed to the struggles that businesses faced in 2023.

“We are all aware of the major

the NBS data showed that the average pump price of petrol rose to N750/litre last month, even as Benue state had the highest price at N864.55 per litre, followed by Jigawa and Rivers states with N847 per litre and N810 per litre respectively.

However, Lagos, Kwara, and Ogun states had the lowest retail prices for petrol at N626.94, N650 and N670.63 respectively.

The South-south zone had the highest average retail price of N794.64, while the South-west zone had the lowest price of N696.42.

The national average retail price for petrol increased by 37.44 per cent year-on-year to N750.17 per litre in June 2024 from N545.83 per litre in June 2023, the data stated.

On a month-on-month basis, the average retail price decreased by 2.53 per cent from N769.62 per litre

policy shifts undertaken by the government in 2023 and the adverse impacts they have had across various sectors.

“The combination of fuel subsidy removal, (which we had, in fact, clamoured for the past 10 years) and exchange rate liberalisation has significantly created market distortions and increased the cost of doing business, leading to a contraction in business activities since mid2023.”

in May 2024.

“The average retail price paid by consumers for petrol for the month of June 2024 was N750.17, indicating a 37.44 per cent increase when compared to the value recorded in June 2023 (N545.83).

“Likewise, comparing the average price value with the previous month (.i.e. May 2024), the average retail price decreased by 2.53 per cent from N769.62.

“On State profile analysis, Benue State had the highest average retail price for petrol at N854.55, Jigawa and Rivers States were next, with N847.00 and N810.00, respectively.

“On the other side, Lagos, Kwara, and Ogun States had the lowest average retail prices for petrol, at N626.94, N650.00, and N670.63 respectively. Lastly, on the zonal profile, the South-south zone had

He added that unfortunately, economic indicators reported for 2024 have not shown any improvement from what obtained in 2023.

He said, “Among the triadic rates, inflation rate indicates a worrisome rate of 33.69 per cent; maximum lending rate stands at 29.49 per cent; and foreign exchange rate hovering around N1,400 - N1,500 per United States’ Dollars.

“With these triadic rates, in

the highest average retail price of N794.64, while the South-west Zone had the lowest price of N696.42,” it added.

Nigeria’s inflation has been climbing for months, driven by a threefold increase in electricity tariffs and higher transport costs as well as the devaluation of the local currency, the Naira. In June this year, the NBS reported that all measures of inflation rate rose in June 2024, although at a slower pace, with headline inflation increasing to 34.2 per cent in June 2024 from 22.8 percent in June 2023 and 34.0 percent in May 2024. The rising prices of major fuels in the country have been further worsened by the massive importation of products, since at the moment Nigeria is not refining most of its fuel demand.

conjunction with other challenges facing businesses in the country, the last one year has been nothing but challenging.” According to him, it is worthy of note that most of the policies of the ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration laid the foundation for the challenges we currently face as business community.

Dantsoho Vows to Improved Revenue Generation, Increase Productivity, Efficiency at NPA

Eromosele Abiodun

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, yesterday in Lagos promised to reposition the agency for increased productivity and greater efficiency for improved revenue generation.

Dantsoho who made the pledge during the handing over ceremony at the authority’s headquarters, said the NPA under his watch would rise up to the intense competition from neighboring countries.

Also, he promised to work tirelessly to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance the overall user experience at the nation’s seaports.

According to him, “As we embark on this Journey together, I wish to seize this opportunity to state that our main goal is to reposition the Organization for increased productivity and greater efficiency for improved revenue generation to the Authority and country. We must rise up to the intense competition we face from our neighbors, we must work tirelessly to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance the overall user experience in our ports.

“I am confident that our predetermined objectives can be achieved through our collective efforts, therefore collaboration and teamwork will be the cornerstone of our success. I challenge you to come with me on this journey. Let me assure you that we will aim to pay closer attention to staff welfare by ensuring timely payment of emoluments, compensations and addressing issues of training & capacity development particularly for deserving employees who add value in their areas of deployment.”

Dantsoho said he will continue the digital transformation of the agency and reinforce the current efforts at deploying the Port

Community System (PCS).

He further disclosed that the NPA will pay attention to the logistics that surround the arrival of cargoes along the port corridor.

He added, “We will reward hard work and develop leadership for the future stability of the Nigerian Ports Authority. We will continue the digital transformation of the Authority and reinforce the current efforts at deploying the Port Community System, which we believe is key to our dream of total automation of our processes, thereby eliminating leakages and corruption. The current efforts towards infrastructural renewal and development will be enhanced.

“In particular, we will drive, Port Rehabilitation and Modernization, we will pay attention to the logistics that surround the arrival of cargoes along the port corridor, their receipt at the terminals and loading onboard ships in the most efficient way and also cargo evacuation from our ports, Deep sea Ports Development, in order to unlock the full potential of the Nigerian economy.

“Promotion of transparency, accountability and Ease of doing business in our ports, we shall enhance collaboration and communication between sister agencies and promote stakeholder engagement. In this regard, we will begin engagement with Terminal Operators and Shipping lines as primary recipients of our services to feel their pulse and thereafter other stakeholders to seek greater cooperation and collaboration.”

Speaking earlier, the immediatepast Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, said his administration repositioned the NPA for greater operational efficiency and unprecedented revenue generation and remittance to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federal Republic

NEITI Stakeholders to Track Utilisation of 30% Frontier Exploration Fund

Stakeholders on the board of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have expressed their resolve to monitor and track the utilisation of some special intervention funds created by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 in line with the mandate of the agency to entrench transparency and accountability

in the utilisation of proceeds from the country’s extractive sectors.

Those special funds include the 30 per cent Frontier Exploration Fund being managed and used by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to boost oil and gas exploration activities in the frontier basins.

The funds also included the 3 per cent Host Community Development Fund (HCDF) which is derived from 3 per cent of the total operating expenditure (OPEX) of exploration and production companies in the preceding year. It is to be managed by the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) in each host community to carry out critical developmental projects in the communities.

of Nigeria.

Bello-Koko who applauded the administration of President Bola Tinubu, insisted that he positioned

the NPA for improved efficiency, revenue generation, accountability, and adherence to international best practices in port management and

operations, “he said. He also stated that the authority upgraded its Data Center, Servers, Storage, and Business Continuity

and also established a data recovery and protection unit with an up-to-date data protection audit certification.

WELCOME TO NPA…

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho in a warm handshake with his predecessor Mr. Mohammed Bello KoKo during the formal handing-over ceremony at the NPA Headquarters in Marina Lagos… yesterday

Ekpo: FG ‘ll Continue to Support Gas Supply Programmes in Nigeria

Emmanuel Addeh in abuja

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has restated the commitment of the federal government in supporting ongoing efforts by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) and other producers in boosting gas supplies to the domestic market in Nigeria.

Ekpo stated this during a meeting with a team from CNL, led by its Managing Director, Mr. Jim Swartz, according to a

statement signed by his Spokesman, Louis Ibah.

The meeting, held at the instance of the gas minister, aimed at getting an update on CNL’s efforts to domesticate the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), produced from its Escravos facility, as well as the company’s efforts to deliver more natural gas to Nigeria and the West African subregion.

Ekpo had recently ordered the domestication of all LPG (cooking gas) produced within the country

with the target of stabilising the price of the gas in the domestic market

The minister stressed the need for International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria not only to focus on exports of gas, but to show concern and be involved in the federal government’s aspiration of ensuring that Nigerians enjoy the dividend of the country’s huge gas resource through increased volumes of gas supplies to the domestic market.

At the meeting, the minister appreciated CNL for being a good corporate citizen and for dedicating more volumes of its gas to the domestic gas market. He also assured the oil firm of government’s support to achieving its gas projects in Nigeria. Swartz restated the unwavering commitment of Chevron in supporting the aspiration of the federal government in producing affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress.

Group Business Editor

Eromosele abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Senior Correspondent

Raheem akingbolu (Advertising)

Correspondents

Emmanuel addeh (Energy)

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporters

Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Ugo aliogo (Development)

Speaking to THISDAY, the representative of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on NEITI, Dr Erisa Danladi, said the 6th board has taken those funds as part of the things they wound be beaming their searchlight on to monitor their utilisation.

“We want to see proper engagement from the communities so that we are able to build their capacities to understand that they are the people that these funds are meant to work for, to understand that these are the funds that we need to follow through to understand what they do with those funds.

“We are going to be building capacity of the locals, of the regions and civil society in general to be able to pick out those funds and then ask questions: are they being utilised? Are they on the right track?,” she said.

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has commended the move by the federal government to temporarily suspend the N10 per litre sugar tax on carbonated sweetened non-alcoholic beverages.

They also called for permanent suspension of the tax because nearly all manufacturers in the non-alcoholic sector recorded losses in 2023.

The Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister for Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, had recently dislcosed that the federal

Emmanuel Addeh in abuja

In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s energy sector, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Nigeria and Havenhill Synergy Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy up to 250mw of Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE).

Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, highlighted the significance of the MoU, describing it as a landmark,

government is considering a temporary suspension of the sugar tax for six months as part of the implementation of its Economic Stabilisation Plan (ESP).

He said: “This measure aims to help beverage companies navigate the current economic difficulties without going under. We support your need for revenue, but we must find a balance. The increase in foreign exchange rates is being passed on to consumers. While the official exchange rate was artificially pegged, products are often priced at the parallel market rate, meaning companies do not pass on the actual exchange rate

a statement from Havenhill stated.

“The Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) model aims to provide developers with a platform to become utility companies where they can be able to attract investment to deploy mini grids.

“These developers have the capacity and track record to not only deliver mini grids but to manage large portfolios of projects as well as scale up. This MoU demonstrates our commitment to roll-out this RESCOs

to customers.”

Commenting on the proposed suspension, the Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, commended the federal government for the gesture, but urged them “to withdraw the tax permanently rather than just a suspension for a mere six months.”

Oyerinde said, “Almost all soft sweetened beverages (SSBs) companies made loss in the 2023 accounting period, including those that have always made profit.”

Similarly, the Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, described the proposed suspension of the sugar tax as a welcome

model... We look forward to this mutually beneficial partnership,” Aliyu said.

With the collaboration, Havenhill said it will be deploying and operating up to 250mw DRE projects including Interconnected Mini-grids (IMGs), isolated minigrids, commercial and industrial (C&I) solutions and agricultural solutions across rural and periurban areas.

Chief Executive of Havenhill

development for the affected industrial sector.

He said: “The initial proposal threatened to exacerbate the already burdensome tax landscape for manufacturers, who are struggling under a multitude of levies. These financial constraints stifle growth, limit investment, and ultimately hinder the expansion of domestic manufacturing, a crucial driver of national development.

“The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria applauds this potential shift in policy. We advocate for a more comprehensive approach that prioritizes a reduction and harmonisation of existing taxes.”

Synergy, Olusegun Odunaiya, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that electricity remains the backbone of the company’s infrastructure.

“Havenhill is committed to this cause. With our track record in the energy access space and footprints in the commercial & industrial sector and other utility scale-up initiatives, we will collaborate effectively with REA to fulfil this mandate and make Nigeria a better place to live in,” Odunaiya stated.

Peter Uzoho

Scoring Goal for Child Education through Access Bank Charity Polo Tournament

Nume

Ekeghe

writes on how

Access

Bank is using sports to drive philanthropy in child education

Sports have a remarkable ability to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nations. Beyond the excitement of competition and the thrill of victory, sports hold significant potential for driving positive social change. One of the most impactful ways sports can effect such change is through philanthropy. Their universal appeal creates a powerful platform to inspire generosity, mobilise resources, and enhance opportunities for children to access quality education. This article delves into how sports can become a compelling vehicle for philanthropy, with a focus on enhancing child education.

The intrinsic power of sports lies in its unparalleled capacity to engage and motivate people. Sporting events, from local marathons to grand international tournaments, create excellent fundraising opportunities. Incorporating charitable elements such as entry fees, sponsorships, and donations into these events can generate substantial funds dedicated to educational initiatives. The spectacle of sports attracts vast audiences, providing an expansive stage to spotlight philanthropic causes and encourage public support.

Corporate sponsors, alongside athletes, play a crucial role in this philanthropic effort. Companies engaged in sports, through sponsorships or ownership, can direct significant resources toward educational programs. By dedicating a portion of their profits or participating in cause-related marketing, these corporations can make substantial contributions to scholarships, school construction, and educational resources for underprivileged children. This synergy between corporate social responsibility and sports enhances the reach and impact of philanthropic activities. By organising community outreach programs such as free sports clinics and educational workshops, they can directly impact children’s lives and emphasise the

importance of education. These initiatives not only provide immediate benefits but also foster a culture of learning and growth within the community. Take, for example, the inspiring work of Right To Play, founded by former Olympic athlete Johann Olav Koss. This organisation harnesses the power of sports and play to educate and empower children facing adversity. Through play-based learning, they impart essential life skills and improve academic performance, transforming lives in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Similarly, the Pencils of Promise 5K race blends the popularity of running with a noble cause, raising funds to build schools and provide educational resources for children in developing countries. This event has engaged thousands of participants and garnered significant support for education, demonstrating the transformative potential of merging sports with philanthropy.

ThE PoWER oF PoLo: A CATALyST FoR ChANGE

Locally, Access Bank, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, has consistently led in integrating corporate social responsibility into its operations. Renowned for its commitment to community development and sports, the Bank’s annual Polo Tournament stands out as a premier event that celebrates the sport and drives significant social impact. The 2024 Access Bank Charity Polo Tournament exemplifies this commitment, continuing the Bank’s tradition of using the event as a platform for meaningful community contributions. This was evident at the recently concluded Access Bank UK Polo Day, an annual charity event held at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor on Saturday, 20 July 2024. Building on its 2023 initiative, which saw

“Locally, Access Bank, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, has consistently led in integrating corporate social responsibility into its operations. Renowned for its commitment to community development and sports, the Bank’s annual Polo Tournament stands out as a premier event that celebrates the sport and drives significant social impact. The 2024 Access Bank Charity Polo Tournament exemplifies this commitment, continuing the Bank’s tradition of using the event as a platform for meaningful community contributions. This was evident at the recently concluded Access Bank UK Polo Day, an annual charity event held at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor on Saturday, 20 July 2024.”

“Access Bank’s impact extends far beyond local communities, positioning itself as a pivotal player in addressing broader educational challenges across Africa. By investing in education, the Bank not only upholds its corporate social responsibility but also contributes to building a more equitable society, especially in a continent where educational disparities remain a significant barrier to development. The Bank’s partnership with UNICEF and Fifth Chukker amplifies this impact, combining resources and expertise to create lasting change.”

the commissioning of 30 blocks of classrooms, Access Bank is now spearheading the construction of an additional 60 classrooms. This expansion aims to double the Access Bank Fifth Chukker School enrollment, which has already provided quality education and social welfare to approximately 14,000 children. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Roosevelt Ogbonna, FCA, CFA, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, emphasised how this new project aligns with Access Corporation’s broader mission to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged children across Africa. In his words, “Nigeria faces a profound challenge. Over 10.5 million of our children are out of school, with a significant number residing in the northern region. This unpleasant reality compels us to act, transforming despair into hope, and ensuring that every child is afforded the opportunity to dream and achieve.”

EDUCATIoN: A PILLAR oF CommUNITy DEvELoPmENT

Education is widely recognised as a fundamental driver of social and economic development. Access Bank’s recent initiative in Kaduna builds on their previous efforts to improve educational infrastructure across Nigeria. In earlier phases, the Bank’s contributions significantly reduced classroom overcrowding, providing essential resources to foster an environment where children can thrive academically and their parents/ guardians empowered economically. The new classrooms, expected to benefit 28,000 children, are more than just infrastructure; they represent a sanctuary of hope where young minds will be nurtured and futures forged. “Education is the cornerstone of opportunity,” Ogbonna also said. “It is the light that guides us out of poverty and ignorance, the inspiration that leads to innovation and progress. Each classroom we build, each child we empower, is a step towards a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria and by extension, a

brighter future for our continent.”

Beyond Nigeria, the Polo Tournament’s impact extends to South Africa through annual donations to the Nelson Mandela Foundation Children’s Fund, further underscoring Access Bank’s commitment to supporting underprivileged children across the continent.

CommUNITy AND GovERNmENT SUPPoRT

The 2024 Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament not only showcased the excitement of polo but also highlighted the profound impact sports can have on community development. The event, attended by dignitaries, sports enthusiasts, and philanthropists, illustrated how sports can be a powerful catalyst for social good. Among the notable attendees was the Executive Governor of Kaduna, H.E. Uba Sani, who emphasised Kaduna’s commitment to addressing the challenge of out-of-school children. He assured that the state will continue collaborating with partners to achieve this vital objective, reinforcing the collective effort to improve educational access and opportunities.

ThE BRoADER ImPACT: FRom LoCAL To CoNTINENTAL

Access Bank’s impact extends far beyond local communities, positioning itself as a pivotal player in addressing broader educational challenges across Africa. By investing in education, the Bank not only upholds its corporate social responsibility but also contributes to building a more equitable society, especially in a continent where educational disparities remain a significant barrier to development. The Bank’s partnership with UNICEF and Fifth Chukker amplifies this impact, combining resources and expertise to create lasting change. While a high-profile sporting event, the polo tournament also serves as a powerful platform for raising awareness and mobilising support for educational initiatives.

Chairman, MRS, Sayyu Dantata; Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede; Tochi Wigwe, daughter of Herbert Wigwe, the late GCEO of Access Holdings Plc; Chairman, Access Holdings Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, at the Access Bank Polo Tournament, held at the Guards Polo Club in Surrey, United Kingdom… recently

Relief for Sweetened Beverage Manufacturers

Operators in the non-alcoholic, carbonated, and sweetened beverages wait a sense of relief for the temporary suspension of sugar tax, writes d ike o nwuamaeze

The news that the federal government is contemplating a temporary suspension of N10 excise duty on each litre of non-alcoholic, carbonated, and sweetened beverages is being received in the food and beverage circle as a welcome relieve. The tax was reintroduced on January 5, 2022, by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari to discourage excessive consumption of sugar beverages, which is perceived to contribute to diabetes, obesity and other health issues. This was in spite of the opposition that was mounted by the manufacturers of the non-alcoholic beverage who argued that the tax would not augur well with their business and would reduce taxes collected from them by government due to poor sales.

But last week, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said that the federal government is considering a temporary suspension of the sugar tax for six months as part of the implementation of the federal government’s Economic Stabilisation Plan (ESP).

Edun gave out this piece of information when the National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR), a coalition of nongovernmental organisations, visited him in Abuja.

He said: “This measure aims to help beverage companies navigate the current economic difficulties without going under.”

The minister, however, emphasised that there are plans to reintroduce the tax once the economy stabilized. According to him, the intention is to support the beverage industry during this critical period, adding that the implementation of the sugar tax in the future would enhance public health and generate additional revenue for the government.

The minister also agreed with the principle behind the tax when he highlighted the dual pressures on beverage companies regarding job creation and poverty reduction, and the perceived negative health consequences of their products.

According to him, job creation by these companies was a positive outcome but the consumption of SSBs pose significant public health costs, adding that the government’s tax revenue from SSBs must be balanced against industry needs, including pricing and the cost of living.

He said that the arguments against the SSB tax to those made in the past against tobacco taxation, underscoring the importance of data-driven analysis in shaping public policy.

“We support your need for revenue, but we must find a balance. The increase in foreign exchange rates is being passed on to consumers.

“While the official exchange rate was artificially pegged, products are often priced at the parallel market rate, meaning companies do not pass on the actual exchange rate to customers,” Edun said.

MAN ApplAud Move

Responding to THISDAY’S inquiry on the intention to lift the sugar tax for six months, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said in its “Comment on the Reported Suspension of N10 Sugar Tax on Beverage Manufacturers,” that it is a welcome development.

The Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said: “The federal

government’s reported contemplation of suspending the N10 sugar tax on beverage manufacturers is a welcome development for the industry.

“The initial proposal threatened to exacerbate the already burdensome tax landscape for manufacturers, who are struggling under a multitude of levies. These financial constraints stifle growth, limit investment, and ultimately hinder the expansion of domestic manufacturing, a crucial driver of national development.”

He added that MAN applauded this potential shift in policy and advocated for a more comprehensive approach that would prioritises a reduction and harmonisation of existing taxes.

He also argued that streamlining the tax system would provide much-needed relief to manufacturers. This, according to him, would involve the consolidation of the multiple levies into a single and simplified tax structure. “Such a system would not only reduce administrative burdens but also minimise compliance costs, freeing up resources for manufacturers to reinvest in their businesses,” he said.

Ajayi-Kadir went on to advocate the establishment of a tiered tax system that could be implemented to offer exemption or lower rates for smaller businesses and those operating in priority sectors of the economy. This would foster a more supportive environment for nascent industries and those deemed critical for national development.

NeCA SeeK ToTAl ReMovAl

Speaking in the same vein, the Director General of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said that the federal government to go the whole distant of removing the tax permanently because all the operators recorded losses in 2023.

Oyerinde noted that the federal government’s plan to suspend the sugar tax is intended to support operators in the beverage companies and enable them to deal with the current economic

difficulties in the country.

He observed that the players in the SSBs sector have suffered enormous setback due to the excise duty imposed on their products.

He noted that the burden of the tax has increased cost of production and product prices, which resulted to poor patronage by households, sales and profit by the companies.

The director general of NECA observed that almost all SBBs companies made loss in the 2023 accounting period, including those that have always made profit.

He, therefore, “commended the federal government for the gesture,” but urged them “to withdraw the tax permanently rather than just a suspension for a mere six months.”

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yususf, said that the decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to suspend the sugar tax on beverage drinks is laudable.

Yusuf said that the reality is that the beverage industry, like most manufacturing firms, is grappling with numerous headwinds already.

“These include the soaring production costs, weak purchasing power, high interest rate, escalating energy cost, supply chain challenges and many more. The gesture of government is therefore positively responsive and should be commended,” he said.

Yusuf had argued two years ago that the introduction of the sugar tax would hurt the manufacturers of carbonated drinks and non-alcoholic beverage segments of the manufacturing sector.

The decision seemed to suggest that the policy makers are largely disconnected from the realities of manufacturing challenges in Nigeria, pointing out that “this class of investors has enough challenges already.

“They are grappling with high and escalating production costs, rising operating costs, depreciating exchange rate, illiquidity in the forex market, soaring cost of logistics, multiple

taxation, and surging energy cost.

“It is unfair to contemplate an additional tax on this struggling sector. There are implications as well for ability to retain existing jobs, let alone creating new ones. In essence this tax proposition is a negation of the quest for job creation and poverty reduction.

“Besides, the food, beverage and tobacco sectors have excellent record of backward integration with inherent multiplier effects on jobs and incomes.

“CPPE strongly advise against the contemplation of an additional tax on this critical sector of our economy,” said two years ago.

In November 2021, the MAN released a report titled “Key Considerations Against Excise on Non-alcoholic Beverages.” The report reviewed the likely impact of excise on non-alcoholic beverages and represented a joint position of the economic impact of the proposed reintroduction and key considerations for government.

loSING ReveNue

The report stated clearly that the government would lose more revenue overall if the excise is introduced.

“The government could lose up to N197 billion in VAT and CIT revenues occasioned by drop in industry performance. The beverage sub-sector of the food and beverage sector will lose up to N1.9 trillion in sales revenue between 2022 and 2025, indicating a 39.5 per cent loss due to imposition of the new taxes with concomitant impact on jobs and supply chain businesses.

“Total projected receipts is N81billion if excise tax is introduced on non-alcoholic beverages at N10 per litre– This excise gain does not compensate for potential revenue losses from CIT, VAT and TET,” it said.

The report also warned that the time was not ripe for the introduction of the sugar tax. “There is real concern that the industry cannot cope with persistent tax increases. There have been multiple tax increases in recent times –excise duty was increased on alcoholic beverages in 2018 and VAT increased in 2020. Manufacturers also grapple with other challenges such as forex restrictions and currency devaluation. The sector has members already making significant investments towards responsible practices. The sector has made notable efforts in educating the public and continues to invest in several CSR projects in Nigeria.

“Re-introducing excise would be counterproductive to the Federal Government’s Sugar Master Plan. The sugar industry would be hard hit when volumes plummet as a result of excise,” the report said.

It is still a wait and see game on when the proposed suspension of the sugar tax will come and whether the government would jettison the tax in its entirety.

For now, Edun has encouraged the coalition and advocacy groups to continue providing incisive studies and robust data to strengthen the case for the sugar tax.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the Co-chair of NASR, Mr. Bernard Enyia, said that the costs of insulin and diabetes care had doubled in the country.

Enyia, who is also the vice-president of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, alleged that the consumption of SSBs is linked to various health issues, including obesity and dental problems.

He said that public health costs associated with these conditions are significant, impacting healthcare systems and reducing overall productivity.

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

Stakeholders Seek Establishment of Niger Delta Development Bank, 3%VAT for Funding

To ensure sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, stakeholders have called for the establishment of Niger Delta Development Bank (NDDB) and 3 per cent of the Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue as an additional source of funding for projects in the region.

They made the call during the Stakeholders Summit with the theme, “Renewed Hope for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta,” organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The summit brought together key stakeholders in the region to deliberate on issues affecting the region

and its development, with a view to further transform and develop the Region.

A communique issued at the end of the meeting addressed some of the pressing issues that have been on the minds of Niger Deltans.

According to the communiqué, “That additional sources of funding for the NDDC such as at least 3 per cent of VAT revenue should be legislated.”

Other funding-related resolutions from the summit include a vigorous pursuit and recovery of all due and outstanding funds owed to the Commission from statutory sources, including the federal government and the ecological fund.

Another resolution specifies that the implementation of the regional development strategy should be financed through three sources: traditional budget sources (Federal Government, Internally Generated Revenue, etc.) at 33.3 per cent, public-private partnerships at 33.3 per cent, and development finance at 33.3 per cent.

Additionally, the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Bank (NDDB) was prioritised to mobilise development finance from local and global sources, with a focus on providing loans to SMEs within the region to drive economic and industrial growth.

AEDC Appoints Chijoke Okwuokenye as MD CEO

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has announced the appointment of Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye as the acting Managing Director, with immediate effect.

This appointment, which is part of the transformation agenda of the company, will see Okwuokenye drive the positioning of AEDC as the foremost, customer-focused electricity distribution company in the Nigerian power sector.

Prior to his appointment, he served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer, where

he oversaw strategic support units and embedded generation projects of the company. He brings to the role a wealth of experience and expertise in the power sector, as well as a passion for the attainment of the vision for the Nigerian electricity supply industry.

Speaking on the appointment, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Stanley Lawson, said, “Chijioke Okwuokenye is an experienced leader who has been a part of the company’s transformation agenda and is well suited to

drive its corporate turnaround. I am confident that, with his technical and commercial background, he will continue to drive value for all AEDC stakeholders.”

The company also announced the appointment of Olumide Jerome as the Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this, he served as one of the company’s Chief Business Officers. “He will drive efficiency and operational excellence across the company as part of his new responsibilities”the company said in a statement.

Goldman Sachs Names Senior Dealmakers in Key Reshuffle

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Goldman Sachs has made a handful of senior leadership appointments within its investment banking team, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

The company named former JPMorgan banker Carsten Woehrn as joint co-head of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to “grow and develop our European franchise,” the memo said.

Woehrn led JPMorgan’s Infrastructure M&A franchise in Europe and has focused on transactions in healthcare, energy

and transportation.

Goldman Sachs has also appointed Nimesh Khiroya as co-head of M&A in EMEA. Khiroya, previously head of activism and shareholder advisory in EMEA and Nordic M&A, will continue his role as co-head of UK Investment Banking.

The memo also confirmed Haidee Lee is returning to Goldman Sachs as global cohead of Sponsor M&A, having left the bank for JPMorgan in 2021. Lee served as co-head of strategic investor group mergers & acquisitions at JPMorgan.

Lee will work alongside David

Kamo, global co-head of Sponsor M&A, and will be based in New York.

The leadership changes were announced as M&A activity is starting to pick up. M&A volumes hit $1.6 trillion globally in the first half of the year, up 20 per cent from a year earlier, Reuters previously reported.

Equity capital market volumes climbed 10 per cent during the same period.

Wall Street banks reported a healthier pipeline for deals and a jump in investment banking activity in quarterly earnings last week.

Consumers Choose Terra Gold for Quality

In the competitive market of seasoning cubes, where consumers are on a quest for quality and authenticity, Terra Gold has emerged as a standout choice among consumers thanks to its innovative approach and exceptional quality. This seasoning cube has been setting new standards in the culinary world by offering unmatched versatility, consistent taste, and excellent value for money.

The trust and satisfaction of consumers are evident from the growing popularity of Terra Gold. Users consistently praise the cube for its rich and consistent taste, which elevates the culinary experience of every meal. The campaign “One Cube, Endless Possibilities” reflects the brand’s commitment to providing a superior seasoning solution that meets the diverse needs of Nigerian kitchens.

Osho Glory, a university student shares her positive experience, she noted that as a student who loves to cook,

she sometimes couldn’t afford all the ingredients, but with Terra Gold Cube, she gets the flavour, taste, and aroma she desires. It has provided her unmatched convenience, without compromising on taste.

Mrs Aisha Ibrahim said, “Terra Gold is like a stone you use to kill two birds. When I cook my family’s local soups and international meals with Terra Gold Cube, the flavour, and aroma blend nicely with the natural ingredients I used for the meal.” She continues very excited, “Regardless of what you are cooking, Terra Gold Cube makes its taste and aroma so much better”. This endorsement underscores Terra Gold’s appeal to a broad consumer base seeking a reliable and flexible seasoning option.

Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, Probal Bhattacharya, shared, “We understand how dynamic the Nigerian Culinary space is and our role is to empower consumers

with the right seasoning for all their dishes, whether local or international. Food is an important part of everyday life, and we aim to ensure flavours are brought to life one dish at a time.

“Terra Gold Cube has redefined the art of seasoning with its innovative approach and commitment to quality. Its ability to enhance a wide range of dishes without dominating their natural flavours makes it a top choice for consumers. As Terra Gold continues to inspire culinary creativity across Nigeria, it solidifies its position as the gold standard in seasoning cubes.

“Terra Gold is the gold standard in seasoning cubes which enhances the natural taste and aroma of every meal. Thoughtfully made from wholesome and beneficial real ingredients, Terra Gold is skillfully blended to deliver the rich consistent taste and aroma your loved ones crave.”

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $87.33 a barrel on Monday, compared with $86.00 the previous Thursday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference

Crudes

following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), 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).

Investors’ Interest in Zenith Bank, 22 Others Lift Stock Market

Kayode Tokede

The stock market yesterday saw a bullish performance as investors buy interest in Zenith Bank Plc and 22 others led the 0.03 per cent marginal increase in Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI).

As Zenith Bank appreciated by 1.4 per cent to close at N37.50 per share, the NGX ASI rose by 29.20basis points or 0.03 per cent to close at

100,568.60 basis points. Thus, the stock market’s Month-to-Date and Year-toDate returns increased to +0.5per cent and +34.5per cent, respectively. Accordingly, market capitalisation appreciated by N16 billion to close at N56.945 trillion.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment closed positive, as 23 stocks gained relative to 15 losers.

Tantalizer recorded the

PRICES FOR

highest price gain of 8.89 per cent to close at 49 kobo, per share. Livestock Feeds followed with a gain of 8.18 per cent to close at N2.38, while NEIMETH International Pharmaceuticals rose by 8.05 per cent to close at N1.88, per share.

NcNichols went up by 7.92 per cent to close at N1.09, while Julius Berger appreciated by 5.71 per cent to close at N92.50, per share. On the other hand, Caverton Offshore

Support Group led the losers’ chart by 9.68 per cent, to close at N1.40, per share. Royal Exchange followed with a decline of 6.94 per cent to close at 67 kobo, while Veritas Kapital Assurance declined by 4.72 per cent to close at N1.01, per share. International Breweries depreciated by 4.42 per cent to close at N3.68 and Honeywell Flour Mills declined by 4.23 per cent to close at N3.17, per share.

The total volume traded

declined by 44.41 per cent to 335.705 million units, valued at N3.717 billion, and exchanged in 8,760 deals.

Transactions in the shares of Ellah Lakes topped the activity chart with 110.677 million shares valued at N332.017 million. Universal Insurance followed with 21.891 million shares worth N7.481 million, while United Capital traded 20.066 million shares valued at N778.614 million.

Veritas Kapital Assurance

traded 19.454 million shares valued at N20.195 million, while FCMB Group sold 14.732 million shares worth N112.203 million.

Looking forward, United Capital Plc said “the equities market is expected to show mixed performance as investors adopt opportunistic investment strategies. We foresee selective buying of fundamentally strong stocks continuing into the upcoming week.

TRADED ASOF j U LY 22/24

interview

Abidemi Sonoiki: Granada Offers Nigerians Progressive Gateway to Educational, Economic Investments

A former Nigerian banker who is currently the honorary consul of the Honorary Consulate of Grenada in Nigeria, Abidemi Oluwagbenga Sonoiki, in a recent interview with select journalists, said Nigerians have more benefits leveraging opportunities in Grenada, Dike Onwuamaeze presents the excerpts:

How did you become the consul of Grenada, and what does your role entail?

At a dinner event in Buckingham Palace, an opportunity afforded me to meet a friend who introduced me to the high commissioner of Grenada to the United Kingdom. We had some strategic discussions, and she asked if I could help implement the ideas we discussed in her country. So, I was invited to Grenada. All required paperwork and interviews were completed, including international security checks, as part of the due diligence and background check to ensure there were no criminal histories or records. It was an election period, two months after the new government assumed power. I was contacted and invited to Grenada by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Trade and Investment for another thorough evaluation. The new prime minister was gracious and directed the confirmation of my appointment as the honorary consul effective immediately. I received my letter of appointment afterwards. Naturally, once you are appointed by a country to another country, you will need to align with your host country, which includes involving the Nigerian Presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The accreditation and processes took a while and it has been a journey of two years so far. My duty and responsibility is to serve as the intermediary between Grenada and Nigeria. My topmost priority is to promote investment and trade and to foster collaboration in areas such as education, health, tourism, culture, cross-cultural interactions, ideas and talent sharing, waste management and other critical areas. The consulate also delivers consular services to all Nigerians, including those pursuing a pathway for citizenship.

What initiatives are you implementing to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Grenada?

The first thing was to find like minds to identify skilled people, knowledgeable individuals in the economy, and investment and trade experts by bringing them together. We have been able to do that. Now, we are putting together the NigeriaGrenada Chamber of Commerce as the engine that would help bring all the Nigerian business people together. We are also doing some exchanges where our people will go there; some of them have been here. We are also planning a business travel for some Nigerian businessmen and women in October 2024 to show case Nigerian small and medium enterprises and afford them collaborations in their various areas of interest.

How do you want to see the relationship between Nigeria and Grenada in the next five years?

I want to witness a successful partnership that will enable Nigerians to make Grenada their second home and for Grenadians to make Nigeria their second home. The world has become a global marketplace, and Nigerians who do business there can earn foreign exchange. Before my appointment, over 150 Nigerians used to travel to Grenada to study medicine. Grenada has an excellent medical college. But the numbers have increased to more than 250 in the last two years. We are considering the potential of increasing it to 500 because the medical systems in America and Canada absolve roughly 1,000 doctors from this college. I see huge opportunities from travel and tourism to real estate investment and renewable energy.

One major challenge in getting to Grenada from Nigeria is the lack of an air transport system. What are your plans to solve this issue?

Two airline opportunities are currently in the works. One of the biggest airlines in Nigeria is almost concluding with one of the Caribbean countries. We are also working on a wet lease arrangement for a direct flight from Nigeria to Grenada. This will enable Nigerians and Africans to fly directly from here to Grenada in under 10 hours once everything is ready. We are very definite about the possibility of a direct flight in the next six to nine months.

Can you please speak on the opportunities in the finance sector that you think Nigerians can benefit from?

Currently, we are in conversation with a Finnish firm that is prepared to provide Nigerians and Grenadians capital to enable them to make investments in Grenada. The first mover advantage can earn Nigerians some foreign investment yield. It will afford young, enterprising Nigerians and Grenadians synergy and symbiotic relationships.

Can you tell us more about the strategic importance of Grenada in the Caribbean region and its global influence?

Grenada is the pride of the Caribbean. That is not because I am representing them. Grenada serves as a gateway to both North and South America, including countries such as the United States and Canada. Grenadians have direct access to the United Kingdom and are treated as citizens there. The island is an active member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and plays a pivotal role in regional economic and security initiatives. The current prime minister of Grenada is the one championing the development that is going on in the Caribbean. Globally, Grenada has established strong diplomatic and trade partnerships, contributing to its growing influence on the international stage. It is a very peaceful country that just needs more fintech and banking investments, and things will improve.

Grenada is known for tourism and a rich culture. What is your plan to build tourism relations between Grenada and Nigeria?

Nigerians are wealthy individuals in their own right. Tourism plays a crucial role in defining leisure time! I have visited a lot of times and each time, I have found that there is not enough housing. So, there are huge opportunities for wealth creation in the real estate space. We know places in Grenada where you can develop real estate, which is one of the major industries there. Medical tourism is another cash cow. Nigerian physicians are excellent and renowned; we can forge collaboration and partnership between both countries. Waste management and renewal energy are among the few interests we can also explore.

What are the benefits of obtaining a Grenadian citizenship? In this age of ‘Japa’, why do you think Nigerian youths should ditch countries like the UK and Canada and opt for Grenada?

Speaking of citizenship, if you want to be a citizen of America or Canada, you may need to be

there physically for three to five years to acquire such privilege. You do not need to do that with Grenada, which affords you access (visa-free) to about 150 countries. You can become a global citizen through Grenada in less than six months. You may also enjoy as much as 10 years of visa access, each to both America and Canada, with a Grenada passport.

Can you pinpoint specific educational opportunities for Nigerians in Grenada?

St. George’s University in Grenada is a renowned medical college of repute where Canada and America select over 1,000 medical doctors every year. You will agree that this is an opportunity to become a Canadian or American through the medical profession. We can assist willing Nigerian students who want to become medical students at St. George’s University in Grenada.

What is the trade relation between Nigeria and Grenada, and can you add value to it?

If you go on the internet, you will see the level of trade between Nigeria and Grenada over the years. You will also see the paradigm shift in the trade volume in the past two years. We are putting effort together to enhance collaboration in export between both countries and the rest of the world. I want a situation where an exporter of spices in Nigeria can increase his volume of trade to Canada, America and Europe through the continuum and synergy of both countries, thereby making them aggregators for the sales and distribution of commodities.

What other economic opportunities do you think Nigerian investors will be interested in? Grenada does not have volatility in terms of its currency. Their economy has been very stable for over 30 years. So even if you take your money there, you are assured that with time, the value of your money and your investment will not be eroded, which is a strong economic factor Nigerians should consider. They are also very

stable politically, and their crime rate is less than two per cent.

You mentioned the Nigerian-Grenada Chamber of Commerce. When can we expect that? We planned to announce the chamber during a business summit that brings about 100 of Nigeria’s leading businesses to Grenada in October 2024.

Did you foresee yourself occupying this position some 10 years ago?

I never saw it coming. My aspiration and desire were to be the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria at some point in my life. I left banking in 2016 because I realised that I needed to reassess my strategy, so I gathered resources and began managing businesses. Doing that afforded me a whole lot of travelling and meeting people, which has brought me this significant milestone.

What is your vision for the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Grenada?

I desire to see Grenada and the Caribbean to be the first-choice trade partner of Nigeria in the world. You are the first honorary consul of Grenada in Nigeria. For clarity, what date and year did you assume office?

I assumed office on May 24, 2022, and reconfirmation about a year ago. We had to get credence from the federal government of Nigeria, and it took a while to get this done. Protocol and procedure had to be followed. The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria will ensure all the necessary processes and affirmations are granted and given in accordance with the rules and guidelines, including a thorough background check by the National Security Adviser’s office. Lastly, how many Grenadians live in Nigeria? About 1,000 Grenadians are registered and resident in Nigeria. It was about 200 two years ago. But we are formalising a lot of things now and encouraging people to do business in Grenada.

Sonoiki

UlSTEr UnivErSiTy 'S TEam EngagEmEnT wiTh nEw STUdEnTS...

L-R: Manager, International Student Advisory Services, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Julie Campbell; Regional Manager, Middle East and Africa (Global Recruitment and Engagement), Niall McALEER; and Recruitment Coordinator (Nigeria) Olusola Opaluwa, during the university’s team engagement with new students in Abuja…recently

Hunger Protest: Ohaneze Ndigbo, NLC Caution FG, Urge Dialogue to Avoid Hostility

Ohaneze bemoans ‘persistent Igbophobia’ by Tinubu’s aide

Chuks Okocha and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, yesterday, said the current economic hardship in Nigeria was avoidable.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Dr. Chiedozie Ogbonnia, the group also lamented what it described as persistent “Igbophobia” by President Bola Tinubu's aide, Bayo Onanuga. Relatedly, as concerns mount over a looming national protest, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) appealed to Tinubu to adopt a peaceful approach to resolve the issues being raised by Nigerians.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo reminded the presidency that the prevailing hardship in Nigeria was blind to ethnicity.

The group added, “Nigerians of all persuasions, North, South, East and West are in pains of diverse forms: excruciating hardships, poverty, Naira downward spiral, incessant kidnappings, banditry, farmers-herdsmen conflict, most terrifying insecurity, joblessness, rising food prices, and cost of living challenges.”

The statement by Ohaneze also said, “Bayo Onanuga’s bizarre dispositions towards anything Igbo” consistently showed him “as unthoughtful, loathsome, cantankerous, uncouth, repugnant and inflammable.”

The statement said, “The attention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has been drawn to a remark by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Chief Bayo Onanuga, to the effect that

New

“the malcontents planning to stage nationwide protests are supporters of Peter Obi, the failed presidential candidate of the Labour Party’”.

Ohanaeze said Onanuga also alleged that Obi “should be held responsible for whatever crisis emanates from the protest.”

He also claimed the Obidients were “plotting to unseat President Bola Tinubu under the guise of protests”.

Ohanaeze lamented that several gullible persons had joined Onanuga to state specifically that “the Igbo are the propellers of the forthcoming nationwide protest”.

The statement added, “Ohanaeze views the above remarks by Onanuga as true to type. On March 19, 2023 Onanuga was reported by several news media to have issued a serious warning to the Igbo stating, ‘Let 2023 be the last time of Igbo interference in Lagos politics. Let there be no repeat in 2027’.

“When many well-meaning Nigerians, including Mr. Festus Keyamo, cautioned Onanuga on the ignoble path he has chosen for himself, he was quoted to have stated: ‘I owe no one apology for ethnic slur against Igbos.’

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo views Onanuga’s bizarre dispositions towards anything Igbo as unthoughtful, loathsome, cantankerous, uncouth, repugnant, inflammable, repugnant and full of deep-seated hate.

“It may be necessary to inform Onanuga that Nigerians of all persuasions, North, South, East and West are in pains of diverse forms: excruciating hardships, poverty, Naira downward spiral, incessant kidnap-

pings, banditry, farmers-herdsmen conflict, most terrifying insecurity, joblessness, rising food prices and cost of living challenges. And that the prevailing hardship in Nigeria is blind to ethnicity.

“It is necessary to inform Onanuga that this is a time for the presidency to initiate policies, programmes, activities and a body language that will appeal to or assuage the downtrodden, dispossessed, oppressed, the deprived, including Obidients.

“And to also inform the Onanugas that issuing threats to the masses, the hungry and angry, the vulnerable and, indeed, those who no longer fear any fall is the most inconceivable line of action for any government in a fragile society. In other words, instead of broadening the minds to creative thinking and welfare programmes

for the masses, the Onanugas are chasing rat when the house is on fire.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo seizes this opportunity to reiterate our position with respect to the widely publicised nationwide protest scheduled for the days of August, 2024. On February 20, 2024, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) directed the Igbo not to join in the protest against President Bola Tinubu.

“The Igbo leader explained that ‘Igbo youths and youths from other ethnic groups at various times expressed their dissatisfaction with events in the country. It is clear to us that when youths from other tribes of the country are involved, they are reprimanded and forgiven; but when the Igbo youths are involved, they are arrested, incarcerated and

even charged for serious offences. For example, the arrest and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu generated a lot of problems for the Igbos’ amongst others.”

NLC cautioned Tinubu to amicably resolve the issues being raised by the citizens. It said all the citizens demanded from the government was a listening ear and an empathetic heart.

A statement signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, advised the federal government to invite the leaders of the planned protest for discussions on their grievances.

NLC said, "As the date for the widely reported national protest looms, the Nigeria Labour Congress urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leadership of the protest movement for discussions on their grievances.

NLC stated, "The truth is that millions of Nigerians are angry about the state of the national economy. A situation where most Nigerian families are forced to eat one miserable meal a day and eating from the dustbin is now seen as luxury, beckons serious intervention by government.

"It is the well-considered position of the congress that bellicosity and hostility towards the protesters and other aggrieved Nigerians do not offer any tangible remedy either to the pain endured by the populace or the frustrations of having so little in a country where a few privileged persons are living in obscene luxury, especially at the expense of the majority. These are dire times. Nigerians are angry.

Coalition of CSOs Opposes Proposed Amendment to Nigeria Police Act

A coalition of 30 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has expressed strong opposition to the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act, which seeks to increase the years of service for police personnel from 35 to 40 years.

The groups argue that the amendment will not address the challenges facing the police force and may even exacerbate existing problems, thereby

urging the National Assembly to reject the proposed amendment.

In a joint statement, the coalition, which includes the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peacebuilding, and Open Society on Justice Reform Project (OSJRP), among others, contend that the proposed amendment is unjustified and may lead to negative consequences.

The statement read in part: “This

Constitution Needed to Avert Looming Protest, Christian Elders Counsel Tinubu

To avert the looming nationwide protest, the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has advised President Bola Tinubu to announce the introduction of a new constitution and commence preparations for a national referendum to adopt the draft constitution of the 2014 National Conference.

The elders assured the president that a step in this direction would neutralize every agitation, maintaining that anarchists would have no basis to rally people to public protest that might end up in destruction of lives and properties.

In a letter addressed to the presi-

dent and signed by the chairman of the forum, Dr. Samuel Danjuma Gani, made available to the press on Monday, the elders identified four critical areas, amongst many others, which the government should focus attention on in a bid to halt the downward spiral of the country which, they said if not checked, may result in an implosion in the nearest future.

The elders also copied the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and Chief Justice of the Federation, Olukayode Ariwoola. Other members of the forum

included: Dr. Saleh Hussaini, Vice Chairman (North), Elder Shyngle

Wigwe, Vice Chairman (South), Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, Hon. Treasurer, Prof. Joseph Otubu, Dr. (Mrs) Kate Okparaeke, Dr. Ayo Abifarin, Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rtd), Hon. Justice James Ogebe, JSC (rtd), Elder Moses Ihonde and Hon. Justice Kalajine Anigbogu (rtd).

Others are: Elder Nathaniel Okoro, Mr. Solomon Asemota, SAN, Elder Matthew Owojaiye, DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Prof. (Mrs.) Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye, HRM Oba Dokun Thompson, Dr. Taiwo Idemudia (Diaspora), Elder Minso Gadzama, Apostle Bulus Musa Kewa, Admiral Peter Adeniyi (Rtd), Hon. Justice Goddy Anunihu (rtd.), Chief Sir

Gani said the elders July 2024 meeting reviewed the state of Nigeria and expressed concern about the condition of the people and the country.

He said four critical areas identified by the religious leaders to tackle the nation's problems were the imperative of a new constitution for Nigeria, credible fight against corruption, independence of the Judiciary and restoration of judicial integrity and averting the proposed national protest planned for August 2024.

proposal, if accepted, will create special retirement service years or age for police officers different from the general norm in the civil/ public service, including personnel of other security services, which is 35 years of service or 60 years of age.

“The justifications for the proposed increase appear not to be well articulated. From the long title of the Bill, the justifications given are; to improve the experience and expertise of the police workforce; to retain experienced personnel and reduce the cost of training and recruiting new officers; to improve the morale, performance, and job satisfaction in the workforce of the Nigerian Police Force; and to address the shortage of experienced police personnel.

“With the greatest respect to the sponsors of the Bill, none of these grounds can justify an increase in the service years of police personnel as proposed by the Bill. This view is premised because the recruitment age limit into the Nigeria Police Force is between ages 18 and 25 years.

“If police personnel are recruited at 18 years that personnel would retire at 53 years of age after 35 years of service. If recruited at 25 years, the personnel would retire at 60 years of age after 35 years.

“Surely, the period of 1-35 years is more than sufficient for the police personnel to have gained sufficient experience and expertise

to effectively perform the duties of police personnel before retirement.

“In any event, improvement in expertise is not a function of age of service but that of regularity of training and retraining on the job.

“The extant Police Act already has a provision that makes training and retraining of police personnel mandatory. Therefore, to improve experience and expertise, police personnel should be given frequent training in and outside the country on best policing practices rather than increasing their service years.

“Retention of experienced personnel and reduction in the cost of training and recruiting new officers cannot also be a justifiable ground for increasing the service years of police personnel.

“Police personnel are usually recruited annually. At the point of entry, they are not of the same age. They do not retire at the same time. Therefore, there can be no question of depletion of experienced personnel in the NPF as there would always be experienced hands available to discharge police duties even as experienced hands retire. Similarly, the concern about the cost of training does not arise.

“From a cost/benefit perspective, no special cost is required to train new police personnel since the nature of police duties requires regular recruitment of new police personnel.

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Sunday Ehigiator

PhOtO JULIUS AtOI

Ferdinand Anikwe PhD, KSJI, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel (Secretary).

Courtesy visit to sGF...

L-R: The new Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr Oluwaseun Faleye and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, during a courtesy visit to the SGF’s Office by Mr Faleye in Abuja... yesterday

Sani: Insecurity Has Retarded North’s Devt

Says narrative Tinubu is anti-north false, absurd

John shiklam in Kaduna Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has lamented that insecurity has retarded developments in critical sectors in the north.

Speaking when the leadership

of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), paid him a courtesy visit yesterday at the Government House, Kaduna, Sani lamented that the north faced an “existential threat”. He lamented that criminal elements were laying siege on

communities in the region and reversing the progress made on multiple fronts. According to him, a lot of farmers could no longer access their farms and “food insecurity now confronts us directly. Child

and maternal mortality are on the increase. Our infrastructure have decayed.

“The moves to address our infrastructural deficits are equally threatened by insecurity. From this very disturbing picture, it is clear

Nigeria Primed to Be Major Aviation Hub in Africa, Declares Minister, Festus Keyamo

Says nation equidistance to most countries in the world

Kasim sumaina in Abuja

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, yesterday in Abuja, stated that Nigeria was equidistance to most countries in the world and as such should be a major hub in Africa.

that Northern Nigeria faces an existential threat,” Sani said.

He said the time had come “for all hands to be on deck to pull the region back from the brink,” urging northerners to close ranks and work out a strategy to address the challenges facing the region.

“It is a time when our people must close ranks, fashion a Marshall Plan for the North and move decisively to change these negative development indices,” added.

The governor also frowned at what he described as “toxic politics” and “pull him down syndrome”, among northern politicians.

the threats with all the energy we can muster,” he added, dismissing insinuations that the government of President Bola Tinubu was anti-North. According to him, Tinubu’s administration, “has been giving uncommon support to state governments in the North to address their myriad challenges.

“The narrative that President Tinubu is against the North is false, absurd and unbecoming. It is the handiwork of elements, who are experts at political manipulation. They are only interested in feathering their political nests, not the development of Northern Nigeria.

He said most flights to Canada were transit and modalities needed to be put in place to support the population there.

He stated this in his office when the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria paid him a courtesy call. Keyamo, said the growing number of Nigerians in Canada was alarming and as such, Nigeria should have a direct route to Canada.

While stating that a lot needed to be put in place in terms of infrastructure development in the Nigerian Aviation sector, Keyamo said Nigeria has a long-standing relationship with Canada and might be looking at areas of cargo development since lots of Nigerian eateries were springing up in Canada.

ASUP Suspends Planned Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has called off it's plan to embark on strike over contentious provisions in the new Scheme of Service as released by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) on the 19th of June, 2024.

A statement signed by the national president of ASUP, Shammah Kpanja said that the suspension of the industrial action followed the decision of the federal government to suspend the implementation of the flawed Scheme of Service.

ASUP had issued a 15-Day ultimatum to the federal government effective from July 8, 2024 to reconsider the implementation of the contentious provisions in the new Scheme of Service for Polytechnic Institutions as released by the NBTE.

However, the ASUP said that: "Within the 15 days period however, our Union’s leadership was invited to a tripartite meeting with the leadership of the NBTE and Federal Ministry of Education on the 19th of July where it was resolved that the implementation of the flawed

document be suspended and a review process be initiated in line with the demands of our Union.

"The document was immediately suspended by the NBTE through a circular addressed to Chairmen Governing Councils, Rectors and Provosts of our institution’s same day.

"Following this development, our Union’s NEC reconvened on an emergency note on the 22nd of July to review our earlier position. The NEC therefore resolved to suspend the earlier scheduled industrial action in recognition of the fact that the demands of the Union has been met substantially".

He noted that a focal person from the ministry would be appointed to firm up arrangement in terms of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Canada and Nigeria as regards direct route, repository, cargo flight and the proposed side meeting in Canada for business investments.

Speaking earlier, the Canadian High Commissioner, H.E Jamie Christoff, said Nigeria had a student population of about 18 thousand in Canada with a growing population in various sectors.

He said modalities would be put in place to see the possibility of a direct route to Canada.

"Canada has a large aviation sector of about 20 billion Dollars and he is willing to introduce private sector investors to Nigeria," he stated.

“We indulge in endless blame games, devoid of attempts at soul-searching or introspection. We have failed to ask ourselves some vital questions. Where did the rain start beating the North? Who are those complicit in the underdevelopment of the North?

“What have we done individually and collectively to find solutions to the challenges facing the North?

“We must take a hard look at ourselves, tell ourselves some home truths and move together to fashion a common strategy to address our developmental challenges, and confront the criminals making life unbearable for our people,” Sani said.

He said the ACF has a major role to play in building the required consensus for the best approach to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing the region.

“Let us de-emphasize politics and focus on development. Let us gear our efforts towards overcoming

“The Arewa Consultative Forum must beware of such elements. Their antics and manipulations are chiefly responsible for the relegation of the North to the economic and political backwaters.

“We are willing and ready to partner the Arewa Consultative Forum on initiatives that will advance the interests of the people of the North. We want to help reposition ACF to effectively play its coordinating role.”

Earlier, Chairman of the forum, Mamman Osuman, SAN, noted that all the indices that track human progress, especially, poverty, illiteracy, health and security of lives and property, tended to place the North at the deep end of trough.

“A great deal of work awaits all Northerners. It is therefore incumbent on our leaders and citizens alike to change the narrative without further delay,” Osuman said.

Police Nab Hashiru Baku, Fleeing Killer of

ikechukwu

Brig-Gen Harold, Recover Service Pistol

Aleke in Abuja

The FCT Police Commissioner, Beneath Igweh, yesterday, said police operatives from Utako Division, in a covert operation, led by CSP Victor Godfrey, trailed and apprehended the fleeing gang leader, one Hashiru Marazu Baku, who masterminded the killing of Brig Gen Uwen Harold rtd, at Chile Hotel, in Kano State. Some suspects were arrested on June 23, 2024, in connection

with the murder of the retired Gen at his residence on June 21, 2024, with his service pistol and some ammunition carted away by the criminals.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Igweh said a follow-up operation by the same team of police operatives on the 19th July, recovered the said service pistol of the late Brigadier General with two rounds of 9mm live ammunition, in Mararaba, Nasarawa State at about 02:00am.

"Some other exhibits recovered

from the residence of the suspect included a wrist watch belonging to the wife of the late Brigadier General, other jewelries and seventy nine bottles of 100ml of codeine.

“It is important to note that the same Hashiru Marazu Bako was once arrested in 2022 at Wuse zone 6 for armed robbery, was prosecuted and sentenced to Kuje correctional facility from where he broke out during the May 22, 2022, Kuje jail break," he said.

The commissioner of police further disclosed that a team of police operatives from Utako Division led by CSP Godfrey trailed a Golf Vento vehicle with registration No. KWL 368 CP, around Arab Junction UtakoDarki Junction, Jabi, suspected to be driven by a gang of armed robbers.

"Upon sighting the police operatives, the suspects opened fire on the operatives which resulted in a gun duel. The suspects succumbed to the

superior fire power and prowess of the police and the following suspects were arrested: Ibrahim Yakubu, Monday Joseph, and Lawal Mustapha," he said. Igweh added that the suspects confessed to have been operating, while one other escaped with bullet wounds. He, however, reiterated his commitment and willingness to always work with residents of FCT to defeat crime in all its forms in the Federal Capital Territory.

onyebuchi ezigbo in Abuja

At StAkehOlderS' meeting...

Obi: GDP Growth Was About

LP not reason food inflation is over 40 per cent, coalition declares

The 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep worry over the country’s economic trajectory since 2015, saying the Gross Domestic Product(GDP) was about 6.72% for almost 16 years from 1999, before it declined to 2.79%.

Obi, therefore, maintained that Nigeria was the biggest economy in Africa with a GDP of $568.5 billion and a GDP Per Capita of about $3,200.”

This was as the coalition of civil society group, alliance for all Labour Party professionals and stakeholders, has exonerated the party and Obi from the planned national strike, stating that they were not responsible why food inflation has gone up to over 40 per cent in the country

However, in a statement via X, Obi highlighted the contrast between Nigeria’s economic performance in the early years of its return to democracy and its current state.

“When Nigeria returned to democratic governance in 1999, it maintained an average GDP growth of about 6.72% for 16 years from 1999-2014,” Obi wrote.

However, he pointed out that this growth was not sustained, with GDP growth collapsing to 2.79% in 2015 and the economy slipping into recession in 2016.

“In 2014, just before the inception

"The petroleum sector has been the lifeblood of our economy, providing the revenue that funds our infrastructure, education, healthcare, and numerous other vital sectors.”

Akpabio stated, "However, the shadow of economic sabotage looms large, threatening to destabilise this critical industry and, by extension, our nation's financial stability.

"Over the past few years, we have witnessed a concerning trend of alleged malpractices and economic sabotage within the petroleum sector.

“These allegations range from illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and other nefarious activities that have collectively bled our economy dry.

"The impact of these actions has been devastating, contributing significantly to our current economic downturn.

"Revenue losses from these illegal activities have deprived our nation of the funds needed for development and growth. They have undermined investor confidence, distorted market

of a new administration a year later, Nigeria had the biggest economy in Africa with a Gross Domestic Product of $568.5 billion and a GDP Per Capita of about $3,200,” he said.

In contrast, he noted that, “By 2023, Nigeria had fallen to the 4th largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $375 billion and a per capita of $1700. Accordingly, the situation worsened in 2024, with the GDP further declining to an estimated $253 billion and per capita dropping to $1087.

“This is according to data obtained from StatiSense, an AI data company specialising in financial report analysis, bank statement evaluation, and AI chatbot services.”

Subsequently, the former governor expressed alarm at the current state of affairs, saying, “Today, poverty is pervasive and on the increase. Unemployment is rising. Food inflation has skyrocketed to over 43%. Foreign and local investors are losing faith in the future growth of our economy and are leaving in large numbers. Businesses are shutting down.”

Obi, therefore, called for urgent action to prevent further economic collapse and move it from consumption to production as he criticised the current leadership.

“Urgent actions need to be taken to salvage the nation from further economic collapse and move it from consumption to production.

operations, and exacerbated our economic challenges.

"It is not just a financial issue; it is a matter of national security and sovereignty. If left unchecked, these acts of sabotage could cripple our economy and hinder our progress for generations to come.”

Meanwhile, lamenting that the non-domestication of the Child Rights Act remained a major hurdle to the welfare of women and children in the country, Akpabio said it was also affecting the realisation of the welfare package designed for them by the Tinubu administration.

Akpabio spoke at the Inaugural Meeting of the Governing Council of the National Institute For Legislative and Democratic Studies in Abuja.

"While our country has made progress in enhancing the welfare of women and children, some hurdles remain. For instance, some states were yet to domesticate the Child’s Rights Act," he said.

Akpabio also said the public financial management architecture

“However, instead of concerning ourselves with all these challenges threatening our collective existence and finding ways to recreate an inclusive and sustainable economy, pull millions of people out of poverty, and return our nearly 20 million out-of-school children to schools, our leaders are more concerned with funding their selfish luxuries

and individual lavishness, while throwing blames at others who are only committed to solving the nation’s problems.

“In the face of all these challenges, we the leaders should commit to inclusive and sustainable growth to end the hardship which has continued to burden our fellow Nigerians. Only through that can

we achieve a peaceful and secure society.”

But, according to the coalition in a statement by its convener, Ambassador Blessing Elaigwu, "Peter Obi and Labour Party are not the reason why food inflation suddenly jumped to more than 40 per cent. They are not also the reason why life expectancy has further reduced in the last one year, neither are they the reason while mortality rate has increased.

"Peter Obi and Labour Party didn't cause degradation of the manufacturing sector or the massive exit of manufacturing companies. They didn't ask the private sector to downgrade, retrench or lay off the workforce,”

Mutfwang: Building Collapse Imminent in 12 Other Schools in Jos, Seeks Urgent Action

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has warning that twelve other schools in Jos were at risk of collapse, andtherefore charged that urgent action be taken to avert the imminent disaster.

The governor gave the charge as he inaugurated a Technical Committee to investigate the recent collapse of Saints Academy Jos two-storey building that killed no fewer than 24 students of the school and their teachers and left several others severely injured.

At the inauguration of the committee at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, the

of many states and, perhaps, that of the federal government needed to do more to make their budgets more responsive to the needs of children.

"This can be done by giving more attention to projects and programmes in the budget that are more specific to addressing the needs of children," he added.

He pledged his commitment to support NILDS in every aspect, especially in playing its role as the only statutory agency of government empowered by an act of the National Assembly to provide training for legislators and legislative institutions, among others.

Speaking, too, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who is co-Chairman of NILDS, stated that the institute, being deeply integrated into the workings of the National Assembly, could provide timely and relevant support.

Abbas said NILDS could ensure that "our legislative efforts are

governor tasked the committee to thoroughly investigate the causes of the collapse and examine the roles of all individuals involved in the construction and maintenance of the building, explaining that the investigation was crucial to preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Mutfwang said, “It is imperative that we understand why this incident occurred, identify any lapses in duty, and implement measures to prevent a recurrence. Reports indicate that around 12 other schools in the city are at risk of collapse, which necessitates urgent action.”

The governor expressed his commitment to implementing stringent measures to ensure the safety and

informed by the highest standards of research and analysis.

"This close collaboration will enable also the Institute to anticipate the needs of the legislature and proactively contribute to the development and implementation of legislative initiatives.

"I reaffirm the commitment of the House of Representatives to support the Institute in actualizing its mandate. We recognise the invaluable contributions of the Institute and are dedicated to providing the necessary resources and legislative backing to ensure its continued success."

HURIWA to Tinubu: Sack NMDPRA Boss

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) asked President Bola Tinubu to sack the CEO of Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, because the agency had

integrity of buildings across the state.

“We will continue to enforce necessary changes with compassion, avoiding unnecessary hardship for our people. However, we cannot compromise on the safety of innocent lives. The loss of 24 children is a grave reminder of the urgency of our mission,” he said.

Mutfwang also directed the Secretary to the State Government to broaden the committee's mandate to include the burnt Jos Main Market, where reports suggested that the remaining structure was also at risk of collapse.

He urged the committee to investigate the demolition process, the handling of materials, and the

lost the ethical and neutral authority to exercise its mandate in the face of the clear manifestation of preference for importation of petroleum products.

HURIWA stressed that the antago- nistic attitude of the chief executive towards the Dangote Refinery had rendered his continuous stay in office ethically disturbing, going by the public display of his preference for the continuous importation of fuel.

The group stated, “NMDPRA’s position then means that Nigeria’s population will continue to suffer adversely due to the unrelenting hike in the pump price of petrol and other crude oil products, such as diesel and aviation fuel, which has aggravated the costs of living affecting millions of Nigerian households.”

HURIWA stressed that the only way the president could demonstrate he was not in support of the deeprooted corruption that had prevented the publicly owned refineries from coming back on stream was to

steps needed to ensure public safety, even as he called on the public to provide any information that could help prevent future building collapses in the state.

The Committee Chairman, Prof. Slim Matawal, expressed gratitude to the Governor for entrusting them with the critical task. He assured that the committee would diligently work to prevent future building collapses in the state.

Other members of the committee were Oke Ezema, Olusegun Olukoya, Daniel Sani, Michael Yibial, Dr. Mrs. Rose E. Daffi, Barnabas Dafiel, Williams Habakkuk, ACP Dayyabu Ahmed, and Mr. Yakubu I. Mallo.

immediately relieve Ahmed of hisItposition.stressed that his action of publicly running down activities of the first ever privately built refinery in Nigeria was the most unpatriotic act that any public office holder should not be seen exhibiting.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA stated that the widely publicised fixated position of the NMDPRA boss that Dangote refinery’s diesel had more sulphur than imported products turned out to be answer before the question.

It said the same agency later turned around to state on Sunday, July 21, 2024 that the regulator was expecting fresh report on Monday to confirm the real sulphur content of the diesel produced by Dangote refinery.

“This has presented the head of that government agency as incapable of exercising his authority in such a transparent and competent manner,” the group added.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

L-R: Facility Manager, Babatunde Olushola Benson Housing Estate, Ibesshe, Momoh Jimoh Bello; Lagos State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulahafis Toriola; and Chairman, Babatunde Olushola Benson Housing Estate Residents Association, Mr. Rasheed Akindiya, at a stakeholders’ meeting... recently

FG Move S T o e n D D A n G o T e, n MDPRA R IFT, Mee

A jo R In D u STRY

TA ke H ol D e RS

PROMOTING SME BUSINESSES…

L-R: Divisional Head, Retail and SME, Wema Bank Plc, Ayodele Olojede; Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria(SMEDAN), Charles Odili; Founder, Naija Brand Chick Tradefair, Nelly Agbogu, and Executive Director, Retail and Digital Business, Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku, at the Wema Bank Naija Brand Chick Tradefair London press conference in Lagos... yesterday

Insecurity: Gani Adams Restates Call for South-west Govs, OPC Partnership

Fidelis David inakure

The National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, yesterday said insecurity across South-west region would become a thing of the past within six months if governors in the region can partner with OPC to tackle the menace. The 15th Yoruba generalissimo made the appeal during the celebration of the 2024 edition of Okota Festival at Arigidi-Akoko, in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

inhibiting the growth of Nigeria, noted that all efforts by both the federal and the state government to address insecurity have failed.

His words: “For us in the

Specifically, Adams who said it is very unfortunate that insecurity has become a major factor that is

Kogi Seeks Collaboration with World Bank for Devt Projects

Ibrahim Oyewale in lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has called for improved collaboration with the World Bank Group in the implementation of development projects in critical sectors of the state’s economy.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the governor on media , Ismail Isah, copy of which was made available to the journalists in Lokoja yesterday.

“Governor Ododo made the call when he paid a working visit to the new Country Director of the World Bank Group in Nigeria, Dr Ndiame Diop at the Bank’s office in Abuja .

“The governor, who used the high level engagement with the bank to review all ongoing World Bank projects in Kogi state, requested an expansion in areas of critical interventions such as education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructural to enhance the overall social and economic development of the state.

“Governor Ododo also called for a programmatic approach to all World Bank interventions to conform with the state’s 30-year Development Agenda of shared hope and prosperity and to ensure better coordination of all projects and programmes in the state.

CESEL Hails DBN over GCF Accredited Entity

Community Energy Social Enterprise Limited (CESEL), yesterday congratulated Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) on its recent appointment as an accredited entity by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The Chief Executive Officer, CESEL, Dr Patrick Tolani, in a signed letter addressed to Managing Director, DBN, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, stated that the appointment is a significant milestone and it marks DBN as Nigeria’s first Direct Access Entity. Tolani stressed that

the milestone reflects the management vision, expertise, dedication and commitment to advancing climate action and sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.

He said: “With this accreditation, DBN now plays a crucial role in converting climaterelated concepts into impactful projects and we anticipate the transformative impact of your initiatives as you work alongside other stakeholders to address climate challenges and promote resilience.

Naija Times Publisher, Ehi Braimah, Receives London Varsity Alumni Award

The publisher of Naija Times, Ehi Braimah, has been selected as a recipient of the University of Roehampton’s 20th Anniversary Chancellor Alumni Award.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to Braimah’s dedication, passion, and outstanding contributions to his field. According to a statement, he will be honoured at an exclusive event on October 22, 2024, inLondon.

“Braimah completed his MBA degree at the University of Roehampton in 2016 and

is excited to be recognised among an impressive pool of talented alumni. He expressed his gratitude, saying: “This recognition means so much to me, especially being part of a large community of alumni comprising great minds and talented professionals.”

The Chancellor’s Alumni Award recognises the outstanding achievements, success, and impact of Roehampton alumni worldwide. Braimah’s selection is a reflection of his hard work and commitment to excellence.

South-west, all the governors need to be proactive in their decisions to properly tackle the spate of insecurity. It is not too good for us in the south west to continue to

lose our people to senseless killings that have become a regular thing.

“Last week, two people were killed and many other kidnapped on the Owo-Ifon road. This is a sad

experience. If you recall, in January this year, I made a suggestion to the South-west governors. I offered to join hands with the government to fight the menace of insecurity.

Delta Communities Disrupt Operations, Threaten Shutdown of OML 42 Flow Station

Sylvester Idowu inWarri

Indigenes of Okerenkoko Federated Communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State yesterday disrupted operations at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 42 Flow Station operated by National Petroleum Development

Company (NPDC) and Neconde Energy Limited JV.

The protesters, mostly women, stormed the flow station at Jones Creeks, and chased workers out of their offices on the premise that the oil firm reneged on the agreement to supply the communities with electricity from its turbine.

The protesting women claimed they took the action over alleged insensitivity of the company to the plight of the Federated Communities which included Egwa, Batan, Jones Creek, Odidi, and Okerenkoko. The angry women carried placards reading thus: ‘Neconde/NPDC JV, no light, no operations’, ‘No light, no operations, NPDC/Neconde’; ‘Neconde/NPDC JV, Okerenkoko need turbine’, ‘Okerenkoko is tired of darkness, give us light’, and ‘Our voice must be heard, Neconde/ NPDC JV’ and among others. The protesters vowed not to vacate the premises of the oil company until they were connected to the turbine the organisation is currently using.

NBA Tasks Makinde to Appoint More Judges, Says 20 Handling Jobs Meant for 40 People

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Chairman of Ibadan branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, yesterday lamented the harrowing condition under which judges work in Oyo State, saying it is not befitting.

Lawal, who was speaking at a

special valedictory court session in honour of Justice Adegboye Gbolagunte, said stress culminated in the ill-health of the deceased resulting in his early death.

Gbolagunte of the state judiciary died on June 24, 2024, at the age of 64 years after a brief illness,

Speaking about the late Eruwa-

born jurist, Lawal described Gbolagunte as a scholar on the bench who died in active service to the state and the nation.

He said: “He died as a jurist with character, benevolence, vision, hard work, humility, great tenacity and as a judge who accorded respect to all sundry, especially lawyers who appeared before him, while at the same time, did not take for granted the ethical principles of the legal profession to ensure its universal mobility.” According to Lawal, judges in the state are being overworked and overstretched, stating that instead of 40 Judges that they should be, only 20 are doing the work.

Fake Kidnapping: Appeal Court Affirms Conviction of Lagos Monarch

Wale Igbintade

The Court of Appeal Lagos Division yesterday affirmed the judgement of Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Lagos State High, which sentenced the dethroned Baale of Shangisha in Magodo, Mutiu Ogundare to

15 years imprisonment for faking his own abduction.

The appellate court, however, reduced the sentence from 15 years to 12 years imprisonment.

Justice Oshodi had sentenced Ogundare following his conviction on a two-count bordering on breach of peace and fake kidnapping.

The ex-Baale’s brother, Opeyemi Mohammed, was also handed the same prison term.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the former traditional ruler (Ogundare) approached the court to challenge the decision of the

lower court and urged the court to allow his appeal and set aside his conviction. However, when the case was called yesterday, Mr Jubril Kareem, announced his appearance for the Respondent, while Mr Kayode Ojo appeared for the appellant.

Fubara Tasks Rivers Monarchs on Fight against Crude Oil Theft

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has charged traditional rulers in the state to join efforts in the fight against crude oil theft.

He said in ensuring stability in the state, the traditional rulers should take charge of their domains and ensure that they make life difficult for ill-guided youths involved in acts of economic sabotage in their various communities.

Governor Fubara gave the charge yesterday while declaring open the 117th/118th Combined Quarterly General Meeting of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, held in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Speaking further, the governor maintained that it should be the concern of everybody to support and see Nigeria progress as a stable country while advancing economically, adding that it is possible only when there is high production of crude oil, as the mainstay of the national economy. He said: “I want to see a different society from this hour. The federal government is doing everything to see that our crude oil production level increases. But every day, we are having issues of illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism and all the associated problems.

MultiChoice, Earthshot Prize Collaborate to Tackle Climate Change

MultiChoice, through MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), in partnership with Earthshot Prize, a global environmental initiative, has hosted an event titled “Tackling Africa’s Climate Change Challenge” in Lagos.

The event, which took place in brought together representatives

Colgate Palmolive Tolaram, manufacturers of Colgate, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to deepen awareness about oral health

of EarthShot Prize, including CEO Hannah Jones, environmental innovators, enthusiasts and activists including Temilade Salami-Temi Global, Olumide Idowu, and other stakeholders to discuss how to achieve environmental sustainability in Africa.

nationwide.

Speaking during the signing ceremony held in Abuja, the Co-ordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, described the collaboration with Colgate as a landmark development that

Delivering the opening remark, Academy Director, West Africa, MTF, Atinuke Babatunde, highlighted the critical role of storytelling in tackling global environmental issues.

She said: “The Earthshot Prize exemplifies the power of human ingenuity in finding

will help reduce the prevalence of oral health diseases in the country.

The minister, represented at the signing ceremony by the Director of Teaching Hospitals, Dr. Anuwa Ogbonnaya, noted that oral diseases

groundbreaking solutions to restore and protect our planet, and it is through innovation that we can transform challenges into opportunities. The MTF embodies this spirit by nurturing creative talent who use their skills to tell powerful stories and drive positive change.

disproportionally affect the poor and socially disadvantaged members of society. He added that the partnership will encourage more private and public partnerships to address oral health challenges in the country.

Sports Ministry Partners Homelands Films to Document Atlanta ‘96 Football Gold into Movie

Minister: We want to use the power of storytelling to inspire a new generation of Nigerian sportsmen and women

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Twenty-eight years after Nigeria’s Dream Team won the Atlanta Olympic Games men’s football event in the USA, that first milestone in African football history will be documented in a film.

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, announced yesterday in Abuja that his ministry will use the power of storytelling to inspire a new generation of Nigerian sportsmen and women and foster a sense of pride, dedication, patriotism, and resilience.

Speaking during the landmark signing of a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Sports

Development and Homelands Films to document the gold medal, Senator Enoh insisted that the movie has the potential to bring to life a story deeply embedded in the hearts of Nigerians and sports lovers worldwide.

"In the run-up to the Olympics, nothing concretely prepared Nigeria, Africa, and the global audience for what was to follow. They went to the Olympics under the unlikeliest of circumstances," he said. "Although they were called the ‘Dream Team,’ not many people betted on them to return with the gold medal considering the fact that world football superpowers who were part of the competition were indeed bookmakers' favourites."

"Against all odds, our Dream Team went, saw, and conquered the world. It was not just about the gold medal but also the way this victory – which remains Nigeria’s greatest glory in world football –was achieved and celebrated that mattered. I recall Nigerians of all walks of life pouring into the streets in every town, city, and even the remotest villages in wild jubilation; they danced, sang, and draped themselves with the national flag."

Senator Enoh highlighted the unifying power of sports and its transformative capacity, and its importance today, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu steers the country to greater prosperity.

"Nigerians forgot their different

tribes, tongues, creed, and political differences that tend to polarize them. They reveled and danced well into the dawn of the next day. This poignant moment underscored the unifying power of sports. This unity, is what we must imbibe today."

"We want a world-class film that tells the story of the heroics of 1996 in a manner that is enriching, compelling, and inspiring a sense of nationalism. Especially at this time, where the Olympics opening ceremony starts this week, it matters that we kick off this project now."

The president of Homeland Films, Mrs. Mary Ephraim Egbas, expressed her excitement about the project. "By bringing this story to the big screen, we aim to honour the

S’Falcons’

Stars Omitted, Brazil’s Marta, Three Africans Listed Among 10 Footballers to Watch at Paris 2024

Femi Solaja with agency report

No member of the Super Falcons’ players was listed among players that will make a major mark in the forthcoming football event at the Paris Olympic Games that will get underway during the week.

A major news outlet, BBC, in its analysis, did not consider multiple ‘African Women Footballer of the Year’ recipient, Asisat Oshoola nor any other member of the team but named Brazil’s woman footballer, Marta among 10 players tipped for glory at the football event of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are billed to face Brazil in one of the opening matches of the Olympics and later play Spain and Japan.

BBC focused on the just concluded Euro 2024 and the Copa America in picking most of the players expected to excel. Apart from Marta, three Africans are also in focus. They are Achraf Hakimi of Morocco and Naby Keita of Guinea among the men and Barbra Banda, a woman footballer from Zambia.

The Paris 2024 action starts on Wednesday, with matches taking place in seven cities across France. Both the men's and women's finals will be played in Paris at Parc des Princes.

Men's Olympic squads are made up of under-23 players, with up

From

all-time leading goal scorer Marta will bid farewell to international football after captaining her country in Paris.

The 38-year-old is planning to retire from national team duty, but after winning a silver medal at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, she wants one last shot at the gold.

Achraf Hakimi is another big-name player to have been cleared to represent his country at the Olympics.

The 25-year-old will miss Paris St-Germain's pre-season preparations as Morocco prepare to play at a summer Games for the eighth time.

Also listed is the former Liverpool

midfielder Naby Keita will captain Guinea as they make only their second appearance at an Olympics.

The Champions League winner had a poor first season in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, playing just five times because of injury and suspension.

The 29-year-old is one of the biggest names at the Games and will hope to add to his tally of 11 goals for his country.

Barbra Banda is the only African women football star listed. She became the second-most expensive women's footballer in history when she joined Orlando Pride from Chinese club Shanghai Shengli in March.

Banda, 24, has justified her price tag since joining the NWSL outfit, and became the first player in the history of the division to score 11 goals in their first 11 games.

Julian Alvarez (Argentina) how was Fresh from their Copa America triumph, Argentina are the favourites to win the men's gold medal in Paris.

Along with Nicolas Otamendi and Geronimo Rulli, Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez is one of Argentina's three overage players in the squad as Javier Mascherano looks to coach the country to their third gold medal.

The 24-year-old scored 11 goals in 36 appearances for Pep Guardiola's side last season as they won a fourth successive Premier League title.

legacy of our athletes and ignite a renewed sense of pride and passion for Nigerian sports. The significance extends beyond entertainment. It’s poised to revolutionize the industry in Nigeria and Africa. It would have a profound impact on the sports industry."

Also speaking at the ceremony, a member of the victorious 1996 Dream Team, Emmanuel Babayaro recalled with nostalgia how after Nigeria lost the opening group match to Brazil, the squad never gave up. “Losing just 1-0 to reigning Brazil that was unbeaten like three years before the Olympics a no big deal.

the

up ourselves and

to go

a

The just concluded 2024 Minna Polo Tournament provided a perfect platform for Nigeria’s most successful polo team, EL-Amin, to celebrate another milestone of Nigerian polo dominance in the past 29 years.

Hosted by the Niger State Government, that grand event pitted some of the biggest names in Nigerian polo against one another.

And expectedly, EL-Amin extended their IBB Cup supremacy and also added three of the four major prizes at stake for effect, to celebrate their three decades of polo successes in style.

EL-Amin made winning looks easy, as the team retained its cherished IBB Cup and the Abdulsalami Cup respectively in traditional sublime displays. El Amin also won the Governor’s Cup.

EL-Amin's latest addition, the Phoenix, loaded with the team’s second-generation players, won the Aisha Babangida Cup on its tournament debut to provide the electrifying atmosphere for the celebration of this great milestone.

“I’m proud of the last 29 years. It

has been an unbelievable journey,” began Mohammed Babangida who is the President of Kaduna Polo Club said with pride. “I’m not too sure it’s the end yet. There is a lot to happen with the EL-Amin team.

“Between 1995 and 1998 when we started, we were trying to get a strong team, good horses, and good care in terms of support, but we were not able to do that and every tournament we went to, we were beaten and we had to sit back and reassess the whole situation,” recalled Babangida.

Since making its debut in Nigeria’s polo scene, EL-Amin has won every conceivable tournament and trophy on sight, making it not only Nigeria’s best and dominant team but one of the finest outfits in the world as well. A peep into its trophy chest proves just how massive and impressive their collections look. The haul over the past two decades have been massive. With Ibrahim Mohammed and Bello Buba as the other key players, EL-Amin has won the prestigious Georgian Cup a record 15 times!

Rofiat Abdulazeez won the women's category at the third edition of the Prime Atlantic Squash tournament which was held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere Lagos.

She defeated Busayo Olatunji 3-0 to clinch the title for the second consecutive time she has proven to be a force to reckon with as she defeated her closest rival.

"Do not let the aggregate result fool you, it was a tough match, Busayo is a tough player, she gave it her best shot, and then again the injury to her eye must have slowed her down. Olatunji said she would train harder for the next tournament.

Gabriel Olufunmilayo finally got compensated at the men's final with a flawless 3-0 win against a strong competitor Kehinde Samuel, after Olufunmilayo narrowly missed winning the trophy at the 2023

edition.

Unfortunately for Shuaib Giwa, he was unable to defend his title, Mathew Yusuf came prepared and hijacked the best U 19 player title having won 3-0

"I'm super happy to have won, I worked very hard and the result is evident, my opponent did play well but having lost last year I didn't want to experience that feeling again.

" Kudos to our sponsors, The Prime Atlantic tournament is one of the tournaments I look forward to and it keeps getting better yearly," he said.

Ayo Otuyalo, the Group Managing Director of Prime Atlantic Limited said the brand will continue to sponsor squash competitions as one of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS), for grassroots development.

We were happy that our coach, Jo Bonfrere was not. He wanted us to beat Brazil to announce our readiness to capture

football gold. We picked

resolved

all the way,” recalled the senior Babayaro brother who also had his junior brother Celestine Babayaro as

wing-back in the team.

Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enough (left) signing the partnership documents with Homeland Films Chief Executive Mary Ephraim Egbas... yesterday in Abuja

EL-Amin Players show-off their prizes after receiving the Georgian Cup from the Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido (III) during the closing ceremony of the Kaduna international polo tournament....recently

Zambia's Barbra Banda is the only African woman listed

Super Falcons star, Asisat Oshoala to three overage players allowed, while women's squads have no age restrictions.

Lionel Messi to Alex Morgan, Ronaldinho to Ellen White, some of the world's biggest names have played football at the Olympics over the years. The big names expected to excel are: Marta (Brazil) who is the country’s

TUESDAY

abati1990@gmail.com

NESG to Nigerian Governments

“Generally speaking, we are under-collecting data to plan Nigeria and that must change. If you don’t have data to plan your local, state and federal activities then what is the basis of development. We’ve also pointed to all the security threats, We’ve broken security threats beyond human security to soil security, water security, land security, input security, so fertiliser, pesticides, etc” --CEO,NigerianEconomicSummitGroup(NESG),Dr. TayoAduloju,tasksthegovernmentsonadequatedataforeconomicgrowthanddevelopment.

WITH REUBEN ABATI

Biden’s Exit And America’s November Blues

What a difference a debate can make! It just made a big difference in the United States in the lead up to that country’s November 5, 2024 general elections. For months, the White House fended off insinuations that President Biden at 81, had become too old for the job, and that the Democrats should look in another direction. In the course of the primaries, Biden mispronounced names, committed so many gaffes, the miscues and slips were just too many, too obvious. On March 19, 2021, Biden stumbled three times as he tried to climb Air Force One to board a flight to Atlanta. In June 2023, Biden called British Prime Minister President Rishi Sunak and ended up joking; “I just promoted you”. In the same month, he said “Putin is clearly losing the war in Iraq”, whereas he meant Ukraine. In February 2024, he said Mitterrand was from Germany. He meant France. He was referring to Emmanuel Macron not Mitterrand who left office in 1995. This same year, President Biden mixed up Egypt and Mexico. He forgets names and events. He freezes in the middle of speeches. Between January and April 2024, alone, a total of 148 gaffes were recorded against him! And yet in spite of that, his medical doctors reported positively on his health claiming that he was strong enough. In the Democratic primaries over 4, 000 delegates voted for him to become the presumptive candidate of the Democratic Party. His campaign team was looking forward to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August where he was expected to be formally adopted by the Democrats as their Presidential candidate in the November 5 election. But everything came unstuck on June 27, at the first Biden debate with Donald Trump then the presumptive Republican candidate. Biden was confused, inaudible, he performed so poorly his party members were thoroughly embarrassed. His co-debater, Trump, is 78, only three years younger but he was much smarter even if he told many lies throughout the interview. Biden did not have enough presence of mind to check-mate him. Even his own supporters were so shocked that what they were dealing with was not ageism, but the fact that out of a choice between two old men, the Republican was the sprightly one, with the fire in his belly still burning. Democratic party members soon began to call for Biden to withdraw, and not bother to attend the second debate scheduled for September. The President resisted all the entreaties to step aside, insisting only the Lord Almighty could tell him to get out of the race. “I’m not going anywhere”, he announced. But the debate had exposed the frailty that his handlers and doctors had always tried to hide. Americans and the whole world could tell that age had finally caught up with the oldest American President in history.

In the midst of it all, on July 11, President Biden committed the additional gaffe of calling Vice President Harris, Vice President Trump. America, through that June 27 debate has shown the value of the electorate seeing their leading candidates in flesh and blood and having the opportunity to compare and contrast. In Nigeria here, Presidential candidates often refuse to attend Presidential debates and they get away with their snobbery. They even insist on who they would rather appear with. Nigerian political campaigns are not driven by ideas, robbing the electorate of the much-needed opportunity of getting to know what the candidate has in store with regard to key issues be it inflation, unemployment, manufacturing or national security. In 2014/2015, General Muhammadu Buhari refused to participate in any Presidential debate. Nobody knew exactly what he wanted to do or how other than the general three-pronged promise to fix insecurity, the economy and fight corruption. Within four years, he had failed on each of the promises. He ran for a second term

Joe Biden

in 2019 and won on the basis of the assumption that he had unfinished business to accomplish. By the time he left office in 2023, he had not finished any business. He left Nigeria worse than he met it. Nigerians were not even sure he knew what he promised the people. He once famously disowned some of the promises in his own manifesto! Perhaps if Buhari had taken to the podium to have a debate, Nigerians would have been able to assess him more dispassionately away from the blinkered propaganda and deception of hungry public relations experts, brand consultants and APC politicians. In 2023, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President, also dodged Presidential debates. We must reach a point in this country, when Presidential debates must become compulsory. If at the time, the minimum qualification is still a school certificate attempt or a miserable certificate of attendance at a seminar, the aspirants should be allowed to speak in any local language of their choice and have their thoughts translated. Leadership in Nigeria should be about competence and ability not geography and quota.

The unexpected sometimes happens in politics as it did in the United States when on July 13, an assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, tried, in a crooked manner, to kill President Trump while he was campaigning at Butler County, in Pennsylvania. A rally attendee, fire chief Corey Comperatore was killed. Two persons were seriously injured. President Trump survived with the bullet grazing his ear, and he still had enough presence of mind to tell his supporters: “Fight. Fight. Fight” as blood trickled down his right cheek. Republicans have milked this to project Trump as a symbol of strength and defiance. “It was God that saved me”, he boasted. “I did it for democracy”, he said. His ratings shot up. His campaign immediately capitalized on the incident, including production of Trump materials: campaign mementoes, high sneakers for sale. President Biden had a televised broadcast condemning violence. He placed a call to Trump. Republicans blamed the Democrats for the rhetoric that made Biden a target. Democrats in general denounced the politics of violence and harped on unity. But this X-factor only ended up propelling Trump to the top in the polls. Trump-mania, MAGA-mania were both afoot, cemented by the announcement of Senator J D. Vance, 39, (R-Ohio) as Trump’s Vice-Presidential candidate, further cemented with Trump’s formal acceptance of the Republican nomination on July 18, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “I am not supposed

to be here”, he told the crowd, many of them with bandaged ears. “Yes, you are!”, the crowd chorused in response. The Trump trade machine was on a roll. It looked unstoppable. The Biden machine was slowly grinding to a pause. Democratic Super PACs and donors began to stop their donations. Bundlers who mobilize funds for the campaign reported that donors were no longer picking their calls. Party members and supporters like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and film stars such as George Clooney and Robert de Niro also added their voices. Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries were also said to have met with President Biden to point out the damage that may be done to the party and other candidates in battleground and swing states if Biden insisted that he would remain in the race. President Barack Obama, Biden’s former boss, was also said to have intervened. More than 30 Democratic party representatives in parliament reportedly joined the clamour for Biden to step aside. Still, Biden dug in. But then again, something else happened when it was disclosed that the President had tested positive for COVID. On July 17, he retired to his home in Delaware to self-isolate. He left word that if his doctors report a worsening of his medical condition, he would have to withdraw. Age is a factor in American politics. Health is even more so. In Nigeria, politicians lie about their age. They hide their health status. In a country where records are poorly kept and superstition is at the heart of everything, disclosing one’s health status is a taboo. President Buhari spent about an entire year out of a four-year term between 2015 and 2019 on medical vacation. Targeting election into public office as an avenue for treating one’s personal health problems is part of the culture in Nigeria.

As of Saturday, July 20, President Biden was still insisting that he would remain in the race. But by 1.30 ET on Sunday, July 21, he had announced his withdrawal from the race, blindsiding in the process, his senior campaign aides. What happened? Did he jump? Or was he pushed? Was it for health reasons? About 41 Democrat-lawmakers had joined the pressure chorus asking Biden to stand aside. It was a seismic decision and a historic one as well. Biden, by that action, became the first sitting American President to withdraw from the Presidential race since 1968 when Lydon Baines Johnson did the same due to pressures inflicted by America’s role in the Vietnam War. He joins also a long list of sitting Presidents who took similar step in American history including Harry S Truman (1952), John Tyler (1844), Millard Filmore (1852), Franklin Pierce (1856), Andrew Johnson (1868), Chester Arthur (1884) and George Washington (1796). President Biden said while it has been the greatest honour of his life to serve as President, and while it has been his intention to seek re-election, he has chosen to stand down in “the best interest of my party and the country” and “to focus on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term”. He has six more months in office as the 46th President of the United States. He would 30 minutes later, in a post on X endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the person to replace him as the Democratic Party nominee. Biden’s reference to his party and country shows leadership and patriotism. He has acted in a statesman-like manner placing his country and party above personal interest. He has done an even more honourable thing by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his preferred Democratic candidate. This gesture does not make Harris automatically the candidate but it places her on a glide path to the Democratic nomination, and it is noteworthy that Jamie Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee has said that the party “will move forward governed by established rules and procedures of the party.” There are questions: will

everybody that supported Biden support Harris? Not necessarily. Biden had the support of more than 4, 000 delegates. They will have to now make up their minds afresh. Harris needs 1, 986 Democratic delegates to secure the party’s nomination at its convention starting August 19 in Chicago. By yesterday she had received the support of delegates from Tennessee, Florida, New Hampshire, Louisiana, North Dakota and South Dakota (531 delegates). She will have to work hard to secure the support of more delegates especially now that the names of possible alternatives to her are being mentioned: the Governors of Pennsylvania – Josh Shapiro, Kentucky – Andy Beshear; North Carolina _ Roy Cooper; Illinois – J.B. Pritzker; Michigan – Gretchen Whitmer, Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg; and Arizona Senator - Mark Kelly. But would any of these persons challenge her endorsement by Biden? Will she inherit Biden’s funding? This is already happening. Her campaign has brought fresh energy to the Democratic campaign. Within seven hours yesterday, she had raked in about $52 million from grassroots donations. But is America ready for a black woman as President? Kamala Harris is a daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica - black and South Asian. This remains to be seen, but if she wins the nomination there is no doubt that she and her team will put up a big fight. She is young – 59, and now that she has been anointed by her boss, we are likely to see a different Harris emerging from the shadows. Trump has been characteristically arrogant. He thinks Harris is “crazy”. He is actually the crazy one in the eyes of many, especially President Biden who believes, and he does not hide his disdain, that “Trump poses an existential threat to American democracy.” The contempt is, however, mutual. Whereas world leaders have praised President Biden as a “great man” (Canada’s Justin Trudeau), “a man who believes in the interests of the United States” (Australia’s Anthony Albanese), who has “dedicated his life to public service” (New Zealand’s Christopher Luxon), “has shown unwavering support for Ukraine” (Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky); “a true ally of the Jewish people” (Israel’s Isaac Herzog), “a proud American with an Irish soul (Ireland’s Simon Harris) and so on and so forth in that tone, Trump dismisses Biden as the “worst President in American history” who should never have been there in the first place.. he should have been in the basement.”

Trump’s assessment is outrightly partisan and biased, it is not what the world knows of Biden. He may have pulled out of the race 107 days to November 5, but he is recommended for the history pages by his record of distinguished public service in a career spanning over 50 years in Washington DC. Politician, lawyer and author, he started his political career in New Castle County Council in 1970, and arrived in Washington DC in January 1973, as a Senator representing Delaware. He would remain in that Senate till 2009. He would later serve for two terms as Vice President under President Barack Obama (2009 – 2017). He returned as President under the Democratic ticket in January 2021. He is the oldest man to have served as President of the United States. Washington Post writes that “triumph (and), tragedy define his 50-year political career, one of America’s longest serving politicians” but certainly when his public service record is properly assessed, he would end up on the more positive side of history and on a much higher ground than Trump has imagined. The 2024 American Presidential race is at this point, very much an uncharted territory especially for Kamala Harris. A more critical realization is the growing global anxiety about the seemingly inevitable, possibility of the return of Donald J. Trump as US President, accompanied by an even more extreme right-winger, and member of the Trump MAGA party, J.D. Vance.

President