Northern elders condemn plot to undermine refinery NNPC blames fuel scarcity on hitches in vessels’ discharge operations Host communities seek end to importation of fuels
www.thisdaylive.com
arms and light weapons, political
instability, and socio-economic factors like poverty and inequality. Musa, who spoke as a guest speaker at the Institute of Development Research and Training,
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, insisted that porous borders encouraged crossborder movements of criminals into the north.
Speaking on banditry, kidnapping and other related crimes ravaging the north, the CDS said illiteracy, ethno-religious factors and other related issues such as hunger and
lack of social infrastructure were also key causes. He said: “Nigeria is of great
Continued on page 5
Makinde, Aiyedatiwa caution protest organisers against violence
Take charge, prevent anarchy, Egbetokun orders squad commanders Immigration intensifies surveillance at borders Nigerian students pull out of protests, make demands
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja, Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano, Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday pleaded with Nigerians, especially the youths to shun the proposed nationwide protests scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024, saying it is time for unity and focused development in the country.
This is just as the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general election, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has also urged the organisers to shelve the planned protests and change any bad government through a democratic process.
While Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged the organisers to shun violence, Governor Lucky
Former US President, Mr. Donald Trump has claimed there will be a major war in the Middle East and potentially a “third world war” if he does not win November’s election.
Trump on Friday night, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago Estate in Florida, one day after Netanyahu met at the White House with President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris.
“If we win, it’ll be very simple. It’s all going to work out and very quickly,” Trump told reporters at the start of the meeting, according
to The Hill.
“If we don’t, you’re going to end up with major wars in the Middle East and maybe a third world war. You are closer to a third world war right now than at any time since the Second World War. You’ve never been so close, because we have incompetent people running our country,” he added.
The former president had previously said the world was on the brink of another world war with the fighting in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Trump had also made dire
DANGOTE REFINERY DEBUNKS ALLEGATION OF RESELLING CRUDE OIL, SAYS $19BN FACILITY FUNCTIONING OPTIMALLY
Similarly, the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) has urged the federal government to back the Dangote Refinery and other domestic refineries to end the reliance on imported petroleum products.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has blamed the return of fuel queues in parts of the country, especially in Abuja and Lagos, on what it described as hitches in the discharge of products from vessels.
In a statement signed by the Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company described the claim that it was reselling crude oil as baseless, adding that it is not authorised to resell oil purchased from Nigeria.
A report by a foreign online medium had claimed that the oil refinery was reselling cargoes of US and Nigerian crude oil due to technical problems at the refinery’s CDU.
But Chiejina described the report as misleading, and urged the public to ignore the narrative, adding that it could have been driven by interests opposed to the proper functioning of the plant for local refining.
“Our attention has been drawn to a misleading report suggesting that our refinery's crude distillation unit (CDU) is experiencing issues and that we are reselling crude oil.
“We categorically deny these claims. The Dangote refinery is not authorized to sell crude oil purchased from Nigeria, and our CDU is fully operational and functioning optimally.
“We advise the public to disregard these false narratives, which are likely driven by interests opposed to the local refining of fuels,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the NEF has warned against frustrating the operations of the refinery.
The Chairman of the NEF, and former vice-chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof Ango Abdullahi, raised the concerns in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday.
He lauded the federal government’s intervention in the lingering face-off between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the refinery.
Abdullahi, however, alleged that for 30 years, the vested interests that ran the NNPC ensured that the nation’s four refineries were rendered comatose and incapable of refining the needed petroleum to meet domestic consumption.
He noted that instead of Nigerians appreciating the popular business mogul, Aliko Dangote, for his efforts to save Nigeria the burden of continued importation of refined petroleum products, some vested interests were bent on frustrating its operations.
According to him, Nigeria has become the object of global ridicule being the only member nation of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) without refining capacity and heavily dependent on mass importation of oil and other derivatives.
He stated that Dangote’s remarkable business feat, which ordinarily should instantly earn him national encomiums and
predictions about what might happen if he does not win back the White House, including a claim that the stock market would crash.
His meeting with Netanyahu on Friday came amid upheaval in the presidential campaign.
Biden announced Sunday he would not seek reelection in November and endorsed Harris as the nominee. Harris has quickly consolidated support among Democrats and is the likely
presidential nominee for the party in November.
Harris met with Netanyahu separate from Biden on Thursday, which she described as “frank and constructive.”
She told reporters after the discussion that Israel has a right to defend itself, but she has “serious concern” about the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
Trump has been critical at times of Netanyahu since the October 7 attacks
on Israel that killed more than 1,100 people and the subsequent fighting in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.
But on Friday, he sought to underscore his support for Israel, citing his administration’s decision to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem and to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and impose sanctions.
“We’ve had a good relationship. I was very good to Israel, better than
any president ever been,” Trump said. The Biden’s administration had expressed optimism that a cease-fire deal and the release of hostages being held by Hamas was within reach. Trump said Friday it was “not an acceptable situation” and questioned the condition of those still being held. “They have to be given back immediately because there can be no way they’re in good shape,” he reportedly added.
Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State appealed to the organisers to shelve the protests.
The Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, has however, ordered commanders of Tactical Squads to take charge of their areas of operations by preventing violence and anarchy across the country.
accolades, has paradoxically ignited the malicious fury of the enemies of Nigeria, who are strategically located in the oil and gas sector of the economy.
“In this wise, the lamentable and highly troubling commentary against the Dangote refinery that came out from the NNPCL and its other sister regulatory bodies smacks of a glaring attempt to de-market this epochal national achievement and premeditatedly derail the economy from the path of healthy growth and stability,” he said. He warned that the masses who mostly bear the brunt of escalating fuel pump prices, frequent fuel shortages and joblessness would no longer fold their arms and allow a few powerful individuals to continue taking the economy of the nation hostage.
In another development, the NNPCL yesterday blamed the return of fuel queues in parts of the country, especially in Abuja and Lagos, on what it said were hitches in the discharge of fuels from vessels.
“The NNPC Ltd wishes to state that the tightness in fuel supply and distribution witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is as a result of a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels.
“The company further states that it is working round the clock with all stakeholders to resolve the situation and restore normalcy in the operations,” a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, explained.
Host Communities Seek End to Importation of Fuels
In a related development, HOSTCOM has urged the federal government to back the Dangote Refinery and other domestic refineries to end the reliance on imported products.
During a visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Ibeju Lekki, HOSTCOM's leadership emphasised the need for Nigeria to refine its crude locally.
The National President of HOSTCOM, Dr. Benjamin Tamaramiebi, accompanied by his executives and traditional rulers from the Niger Delta, toured both the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser Limited complex. Notable traditional rulers included the Chairman of the Niger Delta Monarchs Forum, HRM Frank Okorakpo; Deputy Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON), HRM Obafemi Ogaro; and Egbesuwei Gbanraun X Agadagba Pere, HRM (Capt) Frank Okiakpe, among others.
In a statement following the tour, HOSTCOM's president called for nationwide support for the Dangote Refinery to eliminate the need for imported refined products.
The group expressed gratitude to the National Assembly and Nigerians but warned against any acts of sabotage that could hinder the country's progress towards self-sufficiency in refined products.
However, worried that the protests may turn violent, students from Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, under the auspices of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), and National Association of Nigerian College of Education Students (NANCES), yesterday pulled out of the planned protests, while making some demands to the federal government Shettima spoke as the special guest of honour when the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi, gave out four of his daughters in marriage at a wedding ceremony in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
According to him, protest has never been a solution to nations’ challenges, but rather an avenue for destruction of human lives and properties, even as he called for peace and unity.
Appealing to Nigerians to shun the planned protests, he said: "I want to use this opportunity to call on our people to eschew violence. There can never be development without peace; there can never be peace without development. I wish to implore all our youths not to follow the part of anarchy, of destruction.”
According to him, President Tinubu feels the pulse of the nation and remains committed to making the nation's challenges mostly inherited over the years a thing of the past.
Noting that the masterminds of the proposed nationwide protest were operating from outside the shores of the country, the vice president asked the citizens to draw lessons from what happened in Sudan, Syria and Libya.
"They are not in this country; we need to learn a lot of lessons from what happened in Syria and in Libya. So, what they are agitating for is a road to Khartoum, what they are agitating for is a road to Damascus, what they are clamouring for is a part to Tripoli, and, Insha Allah, the people of Nigeria will not dance to the tune of these anarchists and saboteurs," he said.
Similarly, Kwankwaso has also urged the organisers of the planned nationwide protests to shelve the plan.
In a statement, he personally signed at the weekend, Kwankwaso called on the organisers and the citizens to end an incompetent government through the ballot rather than protests
The former Kano State governor also called on Nigerian leaders at all levels to urgently address various challenges facing the country by ensuring good governance and adherence to the rule of law.
He said, “We find ourselves in avoidable hardship because our leaders have missed some steps since 2007. However, there is always room for correction and setting the country on the right track for economic development,
prosperity, and better welfare of citizens.
“Interferences by the federal government into the affairs of the chieftaincy matters in Kano State, impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political crisis in Rivers State, sabotage to Aliko Dangote refinery, controversies surrounding the SAMOA agreement, the conflict between Senator Ali Ndume and the APC leadership, widespread insecurity and other criminal acts are a few examples of avoidable and unnecessary crises,” Kwankwaso explained.
Meanwhile, the IG, Egbetokun has ordered commanders of Tactical Squads to take charge of their areas of operations by preventing violence and anarchy across the country.
Addressing the commanders from the Police Mobile Force’s Counter Terrorism Unit and Special Protection Unit in Abuja yesterday, Egbetokun said citizens have a right to peaceful protest, adding however, that such rights must not be allowed to infringe on the rights of others.
He also stressed the need for the commanders to ensure that all officers, and men of the force remain professional by exercising utmost restraint in the face of provocation.
Egbetokun had earlier requested demonstrators to submit their details to the police.
On his part, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, has cautioned the residents of the state against attacking protesters. Fayoade gave the advice yesterday while addressing traditional rulers and community leaders in Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe and Lagos Island local government areas during a town hall meeting. Fayoade said that attacking them would mean taking laws into one’s hands.
“Any group planning a violent protest should rethink. Such a group will meet police and other security agencies. We don’t want a repeat of #EndSARS,” he added.
“The duty of residents is to give the police timely information about any group planning a violent protest, it is not for them to attack them,” he said.
Wike
In a related development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has accused those he described as election losers as the
socio-political importance to Africa and the world at large. Thus, the contemporary security situation in the country and the north is influenced by both external and internal factors.
“This is largely because Nigeria is a major actor in the sub-region. These, among several other parameters, are testaments of the importance of Nigeria in the continent and across the world.
“On the external scene, the situations in our contiguous nations and their other neighbours have also contributed to the insecurity in Northern Nigeria. For example, the political crisis in Libya and other sub-Saharan countries aggravated the security situation in Nigeria through the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons into the country through Chad and Niger.
“Relatedly, Nigeria shares 1,600 km of total land border with the Republic of Niger, 1,975kms with the Republic of Cameroon and a total of 85Kms with Chad Republic. Nigeria also shares a total distance of 809 km with Benin, most of which are in the north.
“The common denominator in all these borders is their porous nature which encourages crossborder movements of criminal elements, including the Boko Haram terrorists, Islamic States of West Africa Province, bandits, kidnappers, armed militias and violent herdsmen among other criminal elements,” he explained.
Musa also said lack of patriotism, low human capacity index, the Nigerian justice system and lack of good governance among others, are challenges being face in addressing the security situation in the north.
He stressed the need for continuous collaboration with political leaders and relevant
stakeholders in the implementation of essential protocols and action plans towards strengthening border management for improved national security.
He added that a lot of citizens in the northern parts of the country shared cultural and tribal ties with neighbouring countries, making the restriction of unauthorised cross-border movement difficult to enforce or control.
He also linked the devastating effect of climate change in the region resulting in increased desertification and the shrinking of Lake Chad as another factor causing insecurity in the north.
“This has led to the quest for water and grazing areas thus resulting in clashes and killings, especially across the North-west and North-central regions of the country,” he said.
Speaking on the topic: ‘Assessing the present security situation in Northern Nigeria’, Musa noted that other factors aggravating the security situation, especially in the north, include political factors, poor governance, infrastructure decay as well as indigenes and settlers’ rift.
On the economic front, the CDS said, the issues of extreme poverty and wealth as well as corruption and nepotism had remained contributory factors to insecurity in northern Nigeria.
“From the social angle, issues of illiteracy, ethno-religious factors and other related issues such as hunger and lack of social infrastructure are also key causes of the problem,” he said.
He added that those issues had culminated in the emergence of terrorism, armed banditry, violent militias and kidnappings as well as herders farmers clash amongst other security threats in Northern
Nigeria.
Speaking further, Musa also outlined the efforts of the Armed Forces to address security challenges, which include kinetic and non-kinetic approaches leading to military operations against terrorist groups and bandits, while non-kinetic approaches involved civil-military relations, civil-military cooperation, and community engagement.
The development, he said, had yielded positive results across the country and must be sustained at winning the hearts and minds of citizens and encouraging other sectors of society to take ownership of the situation and contribute meaningfully to defeating the multifaceted threats.
He said, “The kinetic efforts of troops in various joint and subsidiary operations have yielded positive results across the country. In the North-east, the ongoing counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations have so far degraded the Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, while efforts by troops of Operation Hadin Kai have resulted in the mass surrender of over 115,687 terrorists and their families since July 2021 to date.
“Equally, socio-economic activities have improved and locals, who were forced to flee have returned to their homelands. In the North-west, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have reduced the spate of armed banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping while Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch continue to dominate respective Joint Operations Areas,” he added.
Speaking further, Musa decried the erroneous perception of security issues as the responsibility of uniformed personnel, noting that
this has greatly affected efforts to address the challenges in the north.
"Currently, there is an erroneous perception of security being the responsibility of only the military. This has greatly affected the ability to address security concerns in the north.
"Similarly, some unpatriotic citizens continue to undermine the unity and security of Nigeria,” he said.
The CDS said in order to ensure adequate security, citizens must be involved in the business of security.
He added that, “Until this is internalised, the security agencies which are significantly less than one per cent of the population will struggle to fill the massive gaps in the security architecture".
The CDS called on schools, tertiary institutions, parents and guardians to continually stress the importance of individual and collective civic responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of all.
"Individuals therefore need to watch out for the good of others and pursue well-defined national security interests.
"Accordingly, people must be conversant with actions to be taken and who to report unusual occurrences to as part of their responsibility to national security.
"It is also important that institutions guarantee the safety of whistle-blowers and reward individuals who show high levels of patriotism and love for the country.
“As I have always said, those unpatriotic citizens fail to realise that there must first be a country before the issue of who governs where can be discussed.
"It is therefore important for us to always see Nigeria as our country and continue to show patriotism", the CDS said.
L-R: Member representing Anambra East/Anambra West Federal Constituency, Hon. Aniekwe Peter Udogolanya; Chairman, Orange Group, Sir Tony Ezenna; Daughter of the deceased, Miss Kamara Ezenna; Brother, Mr. Chidudem Ezenna, member representing Ideato Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere; Son of the deceased, Mr. Kamsy Ezenna; member representing Ohaozara/ Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama; member representing Isukwuato/ Umuneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Ogar Amobi Godwin; and member representing Adavi/ Okehi Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdul Malik Danga, at the condolence visit by members of the House of Representatives to Sir Tony Ezenna, over the passage of his younger brother, Chief Chinedu Ezenna at Akokwa Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State…yesterday.
Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
President Bola Tinubu, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; his deputy, Benjamin Kalu; and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi yesterday mourned the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who died in London at the age of 52.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah;
their counterpart in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have also expressed their deep condolences over the death of the senator.
The cause of death, however, was not clear.
Ubah, who was re-elected into the 10th Senate under the Young Peoples Party, had last year defected to the APC.
He was elected Senator in 2019 on the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) and reelected on the same platform in 2023 elections.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, commiserated with the family, friends and colleagues of the late senator, the National Assembly, and the government and people of Anambra State over the sad loss.
The president prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed lawmaker, as well as for strength and comfort to his family.
On its part, the Senate, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, described the late Ubah as an exemplary leader and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents.
“His untimely departure
represents a significant loss to the Senate, his community, and the nation at large,” the statement said.
The statement highlighted Ubah’s accomplishments, including his illustrious career in public service, his achievements as a philanthropist and CEO of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, where he made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector and the country’s economic growth.
Expressing his condolences, the Senate President, Akpabio, said: “Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was a dedicated and passionate legislator whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our nation.
Chuks Okocha and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and Nigeria’s leading electric power integrated group, Geometric Power Limited, yesterday mourned the demise of elder statesman, business mogul, and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
PANDEF in a statement by its National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, said the forum was greatly pained by Iwuanyanwu’s death, whom the group described as not just lost an exemplary leader, but a true patriot, and a highly esteemed statesman.
"Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, in his capacity as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, was unwaveringly dedicated to our collective principles of equity, justice, fairness, and inclusivity in the pursuit
of a better Nigeria.
"He was a man of peace who will be remembered for his resourcefulness, civility, and forthrightness.
"He was a consummate entrepreneur, industrialist, politician, publisher, philanthropist, and community leader. His tireless and lifelong contributions to the advancement of Ndigbo and the Nigerian nation, over the years, are immeasurable.
"He excelled in various domains, spearheading numerous initiatives in sports development, communications, production, and human capital enhancement.
"In the private sector, through sheer diligence, Chief Iwuanyanwu played a pivotal role in the industrial progress of our country, fostering job creation, and serving as a role model for our youth in embracing the ethos of entrepreneurship and innovation.
"In the realm of communication and mass media, he established a renowned national media conglomerate,
the Champion newspaper group, which stood as one of the most esteemed national brands of its era.
On his part, the National Chairman of the APC, Ganduje, also mourned the death of the elder statesman, which occurred on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the age of 82 years.
In a condolence message by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Chief Oliver Okpala, the APC national chairman expressed shock over the passage of Iwuanyanwu, describing it as a huge loss not only to his immediate family and the Igbo nation but to the entire country.
"Chief Iwuanyanwu was an influential figure with exceptional leadership qualities, uncanny patriotic spirit and an undying dedication to the good of the Igbo nation and all Nigerians.
"His impact on the socio-political and economic landscape of Nigeria are unquantifiable.
"He belonged to the great league of
the likes of Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief MKO Abiola as he founded the Champion Newspapers and was owner of several other businesses, entrepreneurial outfits, and philanthropic endeavours"
"As the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, he was an exemplary leader on all fronts, both about Igbo interest and Nigeria's wellbeing."
Also, Geometric Power Ltd described Iwuanyanwu’s death as unexpected and shocking.
“He was one of our staunchest supporters”, the company said in a statement quoting its founder and Chairman, Professor Bart Nnaji, as saying.
“Iwuanyanwu, 82, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), was extremely proud of the work we are doing at Geometric Power Ltd by fellow Nigerian engineers”, continued Nnaji who is also a former Minister of Power who has also been the Minister of Science and Technology:
Juliet Akoje in Abuja
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has said the commission was fully prepared for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. Mahmood, who spoke when he appeared before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, said he had not received any report of any likely threat to security during
the election.
He admitted that a political party had complained about likely security breaches during the election when he led national commissioners on a visit to the state, but pointed out that no report of any security threat had been received from any political party or candidate.
He revealed that at a recent meeting with political parties at the INEC office in Benin, the state Commissioner of Police gave the assurance that any report on likely
security breaches would be taken up with the state government.
The INEC boss said: “As we speak, we have less than 60 days to the election in Edo State and about 100 days to the election in Ondo State. Is the commission prepared for the elections? We are prepared for the election.
“I must also say that this commission in particular has a history of having conducted three governorship elections in each of the two states. We conducted the
2016 governorship election in Edo, in 2020 September and now in September 2024.
“In Ondo, we conducted the election in October 2016, in 2020 and by God’s grace, in November 2024. So, these are states where we have conducted previous elections successfully.
“I led a team of commissioners to the two states and we interfaced with the stakeholders, particularly political parties and held meetings with the security agencies.
“His commitment to his constituents and his work in the Senate were exemplary. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.”
In their separate statements, Abbas and Kalu described Ubah’s death as a great loss to the Southeast in particular and the country in general.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Abbas described Senator Ubah as one of the pillars of the ruling APC in the South-east geopolitical zone and a dedicated lawmaker, successful businessman and great philanthropist.
On his part, Kalu, in a condolence message by his Special Assistance Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, described the late lawmaker as a patriot and philanthropist, who made remarkable strides in the parliament, media, sports and petroleum downstream industry.
In a tribute on X.com yesterday, Obi, who expressed shock and sadness over the death of Ubah, revealed that he met with the late senator on July 12 at the burial of Chief Pius Onwuzo in Nnewi, Anambra State, where they shared a warm moment.
“Senator Ubah personally welcomed me at the burial and
requested that I visit his house for lunch, to which I pleaded with him to reschedule to another date as I already had several engagements for the day.
“Similarly, despite party differences, I commended him for his contributions to a better humanity through his Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, via which he cared for the less privileged in society, by investing in their education, and health and pulling people out of poverty.”
On his part, Soludo, in a press statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, said Ubah's death came as a sorely regrettable loss to Anambra South and Anambra State as a whole, saying it is also regrettable that it came shortly after Ndigbo lost another great son, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
"Senator Ubah was a magnanimous philanthropist whose generosity touched countless lives as an employer of labour and a businessman of remarkable vision and acumen,” the governor added.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Special Adviser to Sanwo-Olu on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described the Ubah’s death as shocking and a great loss to Nigeria, Anambra and Lagos, where the deceased established most of his businesses.
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) have applauded the federal government for its recent decision to impose a 70 per cent windfall tax on foreign exchange (FX) gains accrued to banks.
The President and Chairman of Council CITN, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, said at the weekend in Abuja during the associations’ 4th Joint Council Retreat that the new tax policy would help in addressing the widening fiscal deficit and bolster national revenue amid ongoing economic challenges.
He stressed that tax was a necessary measure to ensure a fair distribution of economic benefits, adding that banks had significantly benefited from fluctuations in the FX market.
Agbeluyi noted that tax was a necessary measure to ensure a fair distribution of economic benefits, adding that banks had significantly benefited from fluctuations in the FX market
"Windfall tax is not new. It is what is
called prosperity tax. It was done when during COVID-19, many were at home and many activities went down and the people in the telecom did very well. So, if you did very well because of this calamity that has befallen the whole world or befallen this country, can you spare a little bit of your prosperity?
“The reason for taxation is for distribution of income and as a result of that distribution, the banks have done very well. We congratulate them for doing well. But, if we isolate you, and you are the only one doing well and the other business sectors are not doing well and they are declaring losses and the government allows that to continue, what will happen in another two to three years when all the companies fold up? So, let us share from your prosperity, "Agbeluyi said.
He also urged the government to use the taxes collected judiciously for the benefit of all.
In the same vein, the President and Chairman of the Council of ANAN, Dr. James Ekerare Neminebor, expressed his dissatisfaction over Nigeria's current tax structure and its impact on citizens.
L-R: Agadagba X of Gbaraun, King Frank Okiakpe; Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Devakumar Edwin; E xecutive Chairman/General Coordinator, Association
Monarchs of Nigeria, HRM F. N. Okurakpo Odhe II; and National President, Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM),
to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser in Lagos…yesterday
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
A new report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has indicated that power
Distribution Companies (Discos) in the country made N291.62 billion in revenue in Q1, 2024. This is just as the power sector regulator has barred NBET from
SHETTIMA PLEADS WITH NIGERIANS TO SHUN PLANNED NATIONWIDE PROTESTS
faces behind the planned protests.
He stated this yesterday at a Town Hall Meeting with FCT stakeholders held at the FCTA Conference Hall, Abuja.
The minister also reacted to the request by one of the organisers of the nationwide protests, Take it Back Movement (TIB), for the use of Eagle Square.
He said the group should have applied properly rather than going to the social media to request to be granted access to the Eagle Square.
Wike said the Eagle Square was fully booked by people who had paid ahead.
“It is first come, first served," he added.
On his part, the President of Abuja Aborigines Network, Dr. Joe Amagbo, has dissociated the group from any planned protests.
Similarly, the President-General of the Yoruba Community in the 19 northern states and the FCT, Dr Jimpat Aiyelangbe has called on his members to stay away from what he described as the planned "needless" protests.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nandap, has directed Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers and Divisional Immigration Officers nationwide to intensify surveillance at the borders.
Nandap also announced the “temporary suspension of all leave applications,” by personnel of the service, urging them to rise to the occasion.
The service public relations officer, Mr. Kenneth Udo, revealed these developments in a statement he signed yesterday titled ‘Planned protests: CGIS expresses readiness to secure Nigeria’s borders.’
Udo said the directives are “in keeping with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s gateways placed on the shoulders of the service officers, especially Heads of Border Commands.”
She urged personnel to “rise to the occasion by ensuring that no foreign element can take advantage of the
protest to destabilise the country.”
Meanwhile, the decision of NAUS, NAPS and NANCES to pull out of the protest was reached at a meeting attended by the executives of the three bodies of students yesterday.
In a communiqué released at the end of the meeting and co-signed by the President of NAUS, Obaji Marshal; President of NAPS, Ridwan Munirudeen; and President of NANCES, Samuel Oluwaseun, the students’ body called on all tertiary institution students to distance themselves from the planned protests.
They, however, demanded that the federal government address the high cost of living in the country, and bring down the cost of petroleum products, electricity tariff, and also address insecurity.
They also demanded for proper funding of tertiary institutions, which, according to them, affects more than 80 per cent of the population in the country.
The students recalled that the joint national leadership had earlier informed the public of the students’ decision to embark on organised protests and peaceful demonstration.
“However, the joint national leadership has been inundated with calls, which have led to marathon consultations with stakeholders, government officials and well-meaning Nigerians on the issue of our proposed protest action.
“It will also interest you to know that these consultations have offered assurances of quick action to the demands made.
“Similarly, the joint leadership takes into cognizance of the fact that there is a planned national protest in August, and with the concerns expressed by security agencies from consultations, it will be dangerous leading a protest in a critical moment like this, as it can be hijacked and since the joint leadership is the only known body protesting all damages might fall on us, the national joint leadership hereby postpones its planned protest till further notice.”
entering into new contracts.
The newly-released data showed that the N291.2 billion was out of the N368.65 billion billed to customers, translating to a collection efficiency of 79.11 per cent, which represents an increase of over 5.32 per cent when compared to 2023/ Q4 of 73.79 per cent.
Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) Loss in 2024/Q1 was 36.36 per cent comprising technical and commercial loss (19.55 per cent) and collection loss (20.83 per cent), the report indicated.
This showed that the ATC&C loss improved by 5.75 per cent compared to 2023/Q4, which was 42.11 per cent.
The ATC&C loss provides a consolidated report of how much revenue a Disco can collect relative
to how much it should have collected based on the volume of energy it received and sold to customers. It is the indicator that evaluates the actual energy and revenue loss in electricity distribution systems.
During the quarter, Ikeja was the only Disco that recorded a lower ATC&C of 15.81 per cent than its target of 18.73 per cent, the report added.
The inability of Discos to achieve their respective ATC&C targets meant that they are not able to recover the full revenues they require to provide returns to investors.
In Q1, 2024, the cumulative upstream invoice payable by Discos was N114.12 billion, consisting of N65.96 billion for adjusted generation costs from the
Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and 448.16 billion for transmission and administrative services by the Market Operator (MO), the report stressed.
Out of this amount, the Discos collectively remitted a total sum of N110.62 billion, that is N65.52 billion for NBET and N45.10 billion for MO, with an outstanding balance of N3.50 billion.
According to NERC, this translates to a remittance performance of 96.93 per cent in 2024/Q1 compared to the 69.88 per cent recorded in 2023/Q4.
The average energy offtake by Discos at their trading points during the period under review was 3,283.87MWh/h, which was a decrease of -429.29MWh/h (11.56 per cent) compared to the 3,713.16MWh/h recorded in
2023/Q4.
In addition, the total energy received by all Discos in 2024/ Q1 was 7,171.93GWh, while the energy billed to end-use customers was 5,769.52GWh, translating into an overall billing efficiency of 80.45 per cent. This represented an increase of 2 per cent relative to the 78.45 per cent recorded in 2023/Q4, NERC stated.
Meanwhile, the power sector regulator has barred NBET from entering into new contracts. This, it said, was in a bid to steer the electricity market towards bilateral contracting for energy and capacity between generation and/or trading licensees with distribution licensees, thus limiting the fiscal exposure of the federal government to market risks.
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The senator representing Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Tinubu to beware of political liabilities who masquerade as political supporters.
The former Senate Whip who gave the advice yesterday in a statement specifically urged Tinubu to be wary of Daniel Bwala, a former critic of the president and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bwala, a lawyer turned politician, was a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but left the party and started supporting Tinubu.
He had attacked Ndume on different fora after the senator granted an interview to ARISE NEWS Channel, in which the lawmaker expressed worry over the increasing hunger and insecurity in the country.
Bwala had tweeted on his X handle last Friday alleging that Ndume was planning to mobilise youths in his local government, Hawul to attack him. Hawul is part of Ndume’s constituency.
But reacting to Bwala's allegations, Ndume said, it was unfortunate that the lawyer claimed to be an indigene of Hawul, but cannot even trace his actual roots, not to talk of the people in Hawul.
Ndume maintained that even in the interview he granted on ARISE NEWS Channel, he did not accuse or insult President Tinubu, but only criticised some policies of the present administration, which were counterproductive to average Nigerians.
He said: “Ordinarily, I do not want to join the issue or wouldn’t have replied to Mr. Bwala who claimed to be from Hawul local government area, which is part of my constituency.
“I can describe Daniel Bwala as a failed lawyer and empty drum making noise in Abuja.
"As I said, I did not want to respond, but because Bwala talked about threats or I am mobilising youths to attack him, which has security implications and is very sensitive.
"I believe Bwala’s strategy is how to get the attention and sympathy of Mr. President to give him police cover and maybe a job.
“We have credible people in the Hawul Local Government Area, and they know who Daniel Bwala is; in fact when I saw his message on X handle, I thought it was Inuwa Bwala who was the former Caretaker Chairman of Hawul and a renowned journalist. I quickly drew his attention to it, which he said, he was not the one.
“Later, I was made to understand that it is Daniel Bwala who has
no political relevance as far as Southern Borno is concerned.
"I replied to his post and said, if accusing and abusing me on Twitter or pages of newspapers would fetch him something from Tinubu to survive after being a failed lawyer in Abuja, I would be happy for him.
“We have three former deputy governors from Hawul, and all of them are my ardent supporters and people I took in high esteem throughout my political journey.
"Bwala wants to portray the peace-loving youths as violent people. You can’t instigate Hawul people to go into political violence, because it is not in their character.
“All I can say is that Bwala is trying to get sympathy from Mr. President.
“The only advice I can give President Tinubu is that he should be careful of Bwala,” Ndume added.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The Presidency yesterday dismissed a fake statement circulating online purportedly attributed to President Bola Tinubu.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in a brief reaction to the circulating statement, described it as “fake” and emphasised
that it did not emanate from the Presidency.
“Based on recent inquiries, I wish to reiterate that this is fake and does not emanate from the Presidency,” Ngelale said. Ngelale’s clarification comes after numerous inquiries about the authenticity of the statement, which has been widely shared on social media platforms.
The Presidency has repeatedly warned against the spread of misinformation and urged Nigerians to verify information through official channels before sharing. he fake statement titled: “Tinubu speaks”, claimed that President Tinubu, while pleading with the planners of the impending protest for more time, announced some
sweeping reforms, including a 50% slash of his salary and emoluments as well as those of top government officials.
It also claimed that President Tinubu promised the Office of the First Lady will be scrapped and presidential aircrafts will be sold off, while government ministries will be consolidated, and fuel and electricity subsidies will be restored.
L-R: Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu; Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe; MD/CEO, Nigerian Airspace Management
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development/Special Guest Honour, Mr. Fetus Keyamo; and Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NIMET, Mrs. Funke Adebayo
of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents held at Ikeja GRA, Lagos….yesterday.
John Shiklam in Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has asked the federal government to apologise to Nigerians for its ineptitude and failure to address the security and economic challenges facing the country.
In a statement issued in Kaduna yesterday, the religious body said rather than trying to induce and influence some religious and traditional leaders to stop the protest, as being speculated, the government should apologise for its ineptitude and failure to address
challenges threatening the very foundation of the country and improve the living condition of the people.
The statement signed by the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Mr. Sunday Oibe, said the planned mass protest against hunger and economic hardship had generated reactions by various groups and individuals across the country.
According to the statement, those planning the protest hinged their reasons on hunger, poverty insecurity, and the prevailing harsh economic environment in the country, among several other problems.
Oibe said: “There is no denying the fact that life in Nigeria has become unbearable as a result of these problems.
“Nigerians are indeed hungry, angry, and as resilient as they had always been, they are becoming hopeless about the state of the Nigerian nation,” CAN said.
The statement said the northern CAN was deeply worried about the situation of things in the country, noting that “the planned protest is an indication that things have gone really bad.”
The statement said those in government must acknowledge the fact that in a democracy, citizens have the right to peaceful protest
over issues affecting their welfare.
“Northern CAN notes the efforts of the government in addressing the myriads of problems facing the country.
“However, such efforts have not brought about the desired succour for the people as the cost of living keeps rising amid security challenges”, CAN added.
It called on the government to “stop cosmetic or temporary approaches to tackling the issues and “provide pragmatic solutions that produce tangible and lasting relief.”
The statement alleged that, “since the removal of subsidy on petrol by President Bola Tinubu
Highly placed Nigerians and others who own private jets illegally engage in commercial charter service against the status of their licence and contrary to industry regulations, the Ministerial Taskforce on Illegal Air Charter Operations and Related Matters, has revealed.
The task force, which uncovered a huge gap in the general aviation sub-sector in Nigeria, in a preliminary report, disclosed that most of the private jets in Nigeria have foreign registration while many others were used for illegal charter operations.
It also fingered high-net-worth individuals in the scandal, which had consistently put question mark on the adherence to regulations by the Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF).
The task force said this act had caused huge revenue loss to the federal government because the illegal charter operators do not pay the necessary levies paid by the commercial.
The committee, in its preliminary report, also alleged that the illicit act was not limited to small- time operators alone, stressing that the conditions attached to the issuance of the PNCF were grossly violated by the operators.
The report also lamented that the industry apex regulatory body, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has also failed to enforce the conditions on PNCF to the private jet owners.
The task force also alleged that the violators of these licences, used a non-existing passenger manifest, which made it difficult to trace the passengers in the aircraft.
“We have indeed uncovered the prevalence of illegal air charter operations in the country. Even more alarming is the fact that we have uncovered that these illegal air charter operations are not only restricted to small-time operators, but also include some high-net-worth individuals, using their private jets.
“Opaque Passenger Manifesting, conflicting/inadequate regulatory issues. Most of the complicit aircraft are foreign registered removing them from the close scrutiny of the NCAA. This is a huge revenue loss to the coffers of the federal government.”
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo had on June 27, 2024, inaugurated the Taskforce on Illegal Air Charter Operations and other related matters.
This followed several complaints by legitimate commercial air charter operators and disturbing security reports emanating from the country’s security institutions, alleging amongst other things, illicit money laundering and nefarious drug smuggling operations.
The task force was given three months to complete its report and submit the same to the ministry.
Keyamo accused the AOC holders of collecting “tolls”, while listing these illegal charter operators under their AOCs.
Few weeks earlier, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Tinubu, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, had raised the alarm of money laundering, drug-trafficking and other illegal activities at the nation’s airports through the use of private jet operators in Nigeria's aviation industry.
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday lamented the rapid economic decline of Nigeria.
Obi spoke during the installation of Prof. AU Nnonyelu as the 8th District Governor of Rotary International, District 9142, in Awka.
He said Nigeria's challenges were not due to a lack of resources but rather a severe leadership deficit.
"Despite Nigeria's wealth of resources, the country's global
standing has declined, primarily due to poor governance.
"There is a need for transformational leadership to address these issues and steer Nigeria towards a more prosperous future.
"There's a worrying decline in Nigeria's economic trajectory. In 1998, Nigeria's economy grew at less than three per cent, improving to over five per cent in 2019. “However, the country's per capita income has plummeted from $3,200 in 2014 to $1,087, today.
"This economic downturn has resulted in Nigeria having the highest number of homeless
people globally, with over 130 million Nigerians living below the poverty line, a figure that has worsened significantly over the past eight years," he explained.
The former Anambra State governor attributed these dire conditions to a legacy of poor leadership lacking in ethical, visionary, competent, and compassionate qualities.
He warned of long-term consequences, such as the heavy burden of debt repayments starting in 2040, which will fall on future generations.
He criticised the government's mismanagement, citing overpriced
contracts and a growing list of abandoned projects.
Obi also highlighted the rampant theft of Nigeria's oil resources, drawing attention to the challenges faced by businesses like Dangote's, with over 70 per cent of Nigeria's oil already mortgaged.
Earlier, the newly installed District Governor, Rotarian Nnonyelu, a Professor in the Sociology and Anthropology Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University outlined Rotary's focus areas for the year, which include: Water and sanitation, basic education, economic development, and maternal and child health.
over a year ago, Nigerians have yet to enjoy its benefits.
“Insecurity continues to remain undermined by the Nigerian state.
Almost on a daily basis, bandits/ terrorists unleash mayhem.
“Mindless killings and kidnappings for ransom seemed to have become acceptable norms.
“The government must muster the political will to stop these marauding criminals that have destroyed socio economic activities in communities, especially, in the Northern part of the country.
“We believe the Nigerian Armed forces and other security agencies have the capacity to crush these criminals and their sponsors.
“This has been happening for years, and the government does not seem to have permanent solutions to it.
“Economic activities, particularly the agricultural sector, cannot thrive when bandits go about terrorising people.
“Hunger has now become a unifying factor for the masses. Government officials must be
mindful of their utterances and actions to avoid provoking people groaning under hardship.
“The insinuation by some people that the protest is being promoted by some opposition elements is an insult on the psyche of Nigerians who are going through pain.
“The government must be sympathetic and apologetic in its approach to handling the situation.
“Nigerians have been "suffering and smiling" for too long while those in power behave as if the people don’t matter.
“The continued slide in the value of the naira has completely weakened the purchasing power of many Nigerians amid skyrocketing inflation.
“The naira exchanges for about N1,600 to the dollar, the government must do something about this.”
The association maintained that, “the idea of removing import duties and taxes on food importation does not make sense when our currency has depreciated to the lowest ebb.”
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has redeemed the N100 million bounty he placed on the wanted kidnap kingpin and leader of Iceland cult group, Gift Okpara a.k.a 2Baba, who killed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada East Local Government Area (LGA), Bako Angbashin.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, disclosed this yesterday when he handed over the remains of Angbashin to his family.
Governor Fubara had pledged 100 million for anyone who would provide credible information that would lead to the arrest of 2Baba.
Angbashin was brutally killed by the notorious cult group with his body dismembered and buried in a shallow grave.
He was decapitated in Oduemude community in Ahoada East LGA on September 8, 2023.
However, acting on credible information, the police tracked and killed the wanted cult leader six months later during a raid in his hideout in Idu-Ekpeye in Ahoada and recovered his body a few days later in Ibrass forest also in Ahoada West LGA.
The state Police Command conducted a parade for the slain
officer at their headquarters along Moscow Road yesterday under the supervision of Disu, who said the late Angbashin dedicated his life to fighting crime in the state. He noted that the slain officer had arrested a notorious cult leader in the Ogoni axis of the state identified as Boboski.
Disu said: “He (Angbashin) was instrumental in arresting the notorious criminal, Boboski, who had terrorised motorists along the Akwa Ibom section of the East-West Road, and restored order to Bori and its environs by eliminating all forms of cultism when he was the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bori.
“His gallantry and operational expertise led to his transfer to the Ahoada Division, where he was tasked with effecting the arrest of a most-wanted criminal, Gift Opara, also known as 2Baba.
“He employed all his skills and experience to apprehend 2Baba and his associates alive, and was on the verge of a breakthrough when he met the tragic event that resulted in his murder and dismemberment.
“Following the gory incident, the command was initially unable to recover the late SP Bako Angbashim’s remains. “However, we are now pleased to announce that we have successfully recovered his remains.
L-R: Divisional Head, Payment Business, Wema Bank Plc, Mr.
Tunde Mabawonku, at the inauguration of ALATPay, Wema Bank’s Payment Gateway Platform for MSMEs in Lagos…recently
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday held its ward congresses in Rivers State despite two court orders stopping the party from going ahead with the exercise.
This is as Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State lauded the huge success recorded in the congresses in the state, noting that the process was peaceful, free, fair, and credible.
Members of the party converged at the PDP secretariat along Aba Road in Port Harcourt and collected materials for the exercise.
It was gathered that after collecting their materials, the party members left for their various wards in their different councils.
Justice Charles Wali on Friday barred the party, its National Chairman, Iliya Damagum, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, or their agents, from gathering anywhere in Rivers State to hold ward, local government, and state congresses pending the determination of the suit before the court.
The judge further directed the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), and the Nigerian Secu-
rity and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enforce the order.
Prior to Wali’s order, Justice Sobere Biambo had issued an order in a suit filed by David Omereji and 10 others stopping the PDP, its national chairperson, national financial secretary, and national organizing secretary from conducting the congress.
But a Federal High Court in Abuja was said to have countered the first order and allowed the party to proceed with its congresses.
Justice Peter Lifu had barred the DSS, the police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and seven others from “stopping, truncating, or disrupting” the congresses.
It was learnt that the PDP in
Ward 1 Oro Igwe, Obio Akpor Local Government Area held its ward congress and successfully elected new ward executives and a three-man delegate.
The event reportedly took place at Eliozu community hall and was monitored by INEC.
The Speaker of the 27-member House of Assembly, Martin Chike Amaewhule, was said to have participated in the exercise.
The party was said to have also held its congress in Ward 14, Eneka/Rukpokwu, Obio/Akpor LGA, Rivers State.
Sources said the event witnessed a massive turnout of party faithful, who partook in the exercise and reelected Sir Chukwuemeka Owhor as Chairman for a second term.
Wobe Mike Junior was report-
edly elected the Vice-Chairman; ThankGod Wuzor, Secretary; Ogbonna Joy Wobiareari, Assistant Secretary; Mr. Nyekwe Victor Nyebuchi – Publicity Secretary.
Enugu State Governor, Mbah has lauded the huge success recorded in the congresses in the state, noting that the process was peaceful, free, fair, and credible.
This was even as the Chairman of the five-man PDP Ward Congresses Electoral Committee for Enugu State, Toni Iyoha, who monitored the exercise across the 260 electoral wards of the state, commended party faithful for the peaceful and transparent exercise, saying the strength of the party was at the grassroots.
Governor Mbah, who was
elated at the huge turnout at the congresses across the state, said it was a confirmation that the few setbacks suffered by the PDP in the last general elections were an exception and not the norm, assuring that the party would continue to consolidate on the successes recorded so far.
The governor stated this while fielding questions from news men at his Owo Ward, in Nkanu East LGA, where he participated in the congress. He said, “We are truly delighted not just because of the outcome and turnout of what we witnessed here today, but also the way and manner the people conducted themselves, especially as they acknowledged that this is a family affair.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has directed Ijaw youths to join the nationwide protests against bad governance scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024.
The federal government had rallied traditional rulers and religious leaders to persuade the youths against joining the protests.
But unfazed by the move, the President of IYC, Dr. Theophilus Alaye in a statement issued yesterday directed the Ijaw youths to join the peaceful protests.
Reacting to statements issued by the Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police, state governors, ministers and other top government functionaries urging the youths not to stage any protests, Alaye said from the colonial era to the present dispensation, Nigerians have protested to register their displeasure against bad governance.
He wondered why the present administration was kicking against citizens’ decision to express their dissatisfaction over the current hardship in the country.
The IYC president recalled that the APC government rode to power in 2015 on the crest of protest against the then Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) government for its alleged inability to tackle insecurity, unemployment and corruption.
Alaye said protest is a universal right of citizens to draw attention of those in authority to examine their conduct, programmes and policies and tailor such for the overall development of the country.
The council said: “Dr. Alaye Theophilus has on behalf of Council called on the Youths of the Niger Delta particularly of Ijaw extraction to join the proposed nationwide protest billed for August 1, 2024.
“The hardship faced by the people of the Niger Delta, particularly those at the hinterlands is becoming unbearable as a litre of fuel now sells for over N2,000; one pure water sells for N100 and other essential commodities have gone beyond the reach of the people.
“Sudden death has become a common occurrence in the rural area due to hunger and untold suffering,” the council said.
The council, therefore, urged security agents to be cautious in their approach and not to be overzealous and brutal while monitoring the protests in order to maintain law and order.
Former presidential candidate, Mr. Gbenga Hashim, has argued that the right to protest by any group of Nigerians or individuals concerning any situation is an essential part of the citizens’ freedom of expression provided for in the Nigerian Constitution in so far as such rights are expressed peacefully without infringing on the rights of others.
In a statement by his media
department, Mr. Hashim maintained that there “are legitimate grounds for Nigerian people to protest the prevailing economic situation and myriad of challenges not currently satisfactorily addressed, Nigerians did protest in robust manners even under military rule.”
According to him, “What government needs to do is to address the issues with utmost
sincerity and it is time for an honest introspection.”
Hashim added that “however, any group of people allegedly plotting extra-constitutional regime change under the cover of protest would be engaging in treason and where credible evidence exists, would be answerable to the law.
“We are a democracy, one that some of us suffered dearly to
establish. Though, our democracy may be slow to produce positive results for our people, we must resist the temptation and seduction of unconstitutional change which in our immediate past has produced horrible out comes.” He maintained that “let us work instead harder to make our democracy produce more positive results, adding that God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”
Wema Bank has launched ALATPay, a payment gateway platform designed to provide a secure end-to-end shopping experience for customers and instant settlement for merchants.
The platform offers a fully integrated system for business owners to display products and services, accept payments across diverse channels, and receive settlements in local or foreign currency.
ALATPay eliminates the need
for a third party, simplifying the payment process while maintaining transaction security. The platform offers instant settlement on transactions, unlimited transactions with no hidden charges, and dedicated support for users.
The launch event highlighted ALATPay’s unique features, including online storefronts for each business, a unique link for each business, and the ability to collect payments in foreign currency.
Speaking, Wema Bank’s Executive Director, Lagos Directorate, Oluwole Ajimisinmi underscored the Bank’s drive for empowering businesses and providing viable solutions for them to thrive and scale.
“The bulk of the economy comprises small businesses so creating and providing solutions that will empower them to thrive, maintain optimal productivity and actively contribute to the economy, is the goal for us.
“ALATPay is the future, and we are proud to do yet another major one in the financial services industry, positioning Nigerian businesses to seamlessly acquire transactions worldwide. With ALATPay, customers are not just getting access to the payment gateway, they are getting a full SME Toolkit, trainings, exposure, loan and trading facilities, all in one. This is our way of further empowering Nigerian businesses for success.”
Editor: Festus Akanbi
08038588469 Email:festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com
It is high time President Bola Tinubu rose to stop the ongoing demarketing and vilification of the Dangote Refinery by agencies of government to avert further damage to the nation’s already battered image before the global community, writes Peter Uzoho
Nigeria’s battered image in the eyes of the global investment community is currently being worsened by the current attack and demarketing of the $20 billion Dangote Midstream and Downstream Petroleum RegulatoryAuthority (NMDPRA) over unsubstantiated claims.
earlier claim of sabotage by Dangote Industries FaroukAhmed had last week described products become a monopoly in the downstream sector.
upon to satisfy the fuel needs of the country
He further alleged that he had been under imported fuels had lower sulphur content than
But the President of Dangote Group and Afhis products were actually of far higher quality than imported fuels.
When conducting federal lawmakers around rejected the claims by the industry regulator of laboratories used in testing the standard of fuels in the country by NMDPRA.
To convince his visitors that his position waslaboratories.
which was still the best quality at the time. He 87ppm products and was set to hit 10ppm samples.
Nigerians Rise against Regulator has generated reactions from Nigerians within shock and dismay that the largest indigenousof its own country.
Prominent Nigerians are wondering whysoil should be targeted for a downfall by an agent of the state.
Their worry also stems from the fact that this is happening at a time when many foreign companies are leaving the country in droves over the perceived inclement investment environof agencies like the NMDPRA.
Despite being a major oil producer for overported petroleum products to satisfy its local
years and continue to gulp billions of naira on maintenance and operation without producing a drop of product.
petroleum products marketing companies who are still milking the nation dry through the collection of questionable
dependence on imported products and and corruption on the country.
The same oil marketing companies who
one since their years of importation are hell-bent on frustrating the multi-billion possible to see it collapse in connivance with the downstream regulator.
AfDB Boss Condemns DanJoining other Nigerians to condemn the
the President of the African Development statement said the situation was not good for the country’s image.
“This whole disparaging of Dangote is uncalled for. It is self-defeating. And it is very bad for Nigeria. Who will want to come and invest in a country that disparages and undermines its own largest
ness is easy. It sadly sends a signal that
where there are high barriers to entry or high capital costs.
“How many individuals or companies
very normal.”
for support for Dangote.
In a series of X posts (formerly Twitter) last in urging the federal government to support governments back their “local champions.”
He said Dangote has built “the largest single
are necessary in the early stage of a country’s industrialization growth and must be encouraged and protected.
these are men who built the country’s industrial landscape.
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
and the industry regulator.
energy and economic stability. He stated that Nigeria risked scaring foreign investors away with the current altercations.
While calling for protection for the multi-
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as well as boost economic growth.
Dangote and the NMDPRA is troubling. The
economic stability.
direct investment.
“No investor will trust a nation that un-
FDI and drive our economic growth.”
In his intervention on the Dangote/NMDPRA and presidential candidate of Labour Party inindustries and some government agencies grievances.
have called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately sack Ahmed before he causes more image problems for the country and the current Renewed Hope administration in the eyes of the global investment community.
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) said his sack was necessary because the agency he oversees had lost the ethical and face of the clear manifestation of preference for importation of petroleum products.
Earlier this week, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 26.75% from 26.25%. This increase becomes the fourth consecutive increase by the Apex Bank since February 2024 and represents an increase in the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points, a marginal increase but an increase all the same.
Cost of living has been on a steady increase since mid-2023 and the CBN has been implementing measures to bring these under control. It is virtually impossible to pay the same cost for most household items and energy costs week on week. Sometimes it seems these prices change several times within the span of a single day. These costs have been transferred to other services such as school fees and building rents.
The latest adjustment by the CBN seems to be in line with these efforts. It is important though to critically assess how these are supposed to work in achieving the Bank’s goals especially because they are not silver bullets which can immediately cure the challenges being faced by the average Nigerian.
The MPR typically helps control the direction of the economy through several control, exchange rate stabilization, encouragement of savings and management of economic growth.
upward adjustments of the MPR are designed to help in the short term is in does MPR do this? it serves to control
interest rates discourage borrowing and spending, which can help reduce in the economy, the Central Bank can and maintain the purchasing power of Nigerians.
On the other side of this same coin, they incentivize savings. Increased savings returns that accrue to savings higher interest rates, encouraging people to save more. Individuals and businesses would be more cautious about taking on environment. Businesses may focus more rather than relying on cheap credit for expansion, fostering innovation and competitiveness.
In the medium term the projected outcome of this can thus be an
experiencing may start to decrease, stabilizing prices for goods and services which is what Nigerians need dearly right now. It can also bring stability in the exchange rate because higher interest rates can attract foreign investment, thereby strengthening our Naira. This should reduce the cost of imports, again, stronger Naira can reduce speculative attacks on the currency, which further supports greater stability in foreign exchange markets.
But it would be realistic to expect some measure of economic slowdown as well because of this. Let’s face it...reduced borrowing can restrain business from expansion and even hiring. Even if this does not lead to job cuts, it could still impact negatively on the unemployment rate because new jobs are not being created to absorb the progressively increasingly number of graduates the
country if churning out. Our large youth bulge requires a rapidly expanding to accommodate maturing Nigerians who transit into the labour market every day. Nevertheless, if the measures control stable economic environment in the long term. Stable prices help people plan and invest for the future. All in all, therefore, increasing MPR bodes well for the economy. It is important to highlight the fact that in a vacuum. Several factors still need to align with MPR increase to make it yield the desired results.
For raising the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to effectively yield the desired economic results, government spending needs to be controlled and focused on productive investments rather than counteract monetary tightening efforts. Improved tax collection and a broad tax base can help reduce reliance on borrowing, contributing to overall economic stability. Global economic conditions also play a role. For an economy like Nigeria’s, which is heavily reliant on oil exports, stable or favourable global commodity prices are crucial. High oil prices can boost government revenue and foreign exchange reserves.
it can counteract local efforts to control
Another crucial factor is effective management of foreign exchange reserves and policies to stabilize the Naira. This includes measures to curb speculative
reduce vulnerability to external shocks and improve foreign exchange earnings. improve national infrastructure, simplify regulations and impact supply chain logistics are critical. Government will need to keenly act to investment deliberately in infrastructure that can reduce production costs and improve competitiveness,
By simplifying regulations and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, Government can promote a more business-friendly environment, encouraging investment and economic growth. Improvements in supply chain logistics can reduce transportation and storage costs, contributing to lower prices for consumers.
OKELLO OCULI contends Biden is leaving behind a swamp full of tropical crocodiles for Kamala Harris to cross
Ms. Pat BROWN, Daughter of Governor Brown of California, took me on a ‘’Date’’, to an American version of ‘’FOOTBALL’’.
I immediately suffered cultural shock by a spectacle of emancipation from British colonial culture.
American ‘’football’’ is played with hands. Only one player in a team kicks a cylindrical ball to start off the game; and to earn three points if earning six points by crossing the score line is unlikely.
A Stanford University’s team was playing against a visiting team that is a regular winner. Unredeemed from the colonial version of the game, I raised a bag of denunciations in my throat. Rhino-sized players vented smoke of rage, charged forward. Their helmets clang; some suffering permanent head injuries.
Brief ‘’scrimmages’’ are repetitive. A sacred the ball and scampers backward, his eyes
catch. The opposition rushed to either grab the ball from him or intercept his spinning extraordinary dexterity. Unlucky catchers get a spinal cord shattered if hit as they made a catch.
As a 81-years old Biden as a he turned to solitude and directed a throw to Kamala Harris as she run past TRUMP towards the touchline. He was a Americana’.
Biden’s record on Africa has been less destructive than Barack Obama’s hurricane against Libya. Obama supervised the
have spilled a swamp of blood stretching from Mali to Nigeria and Cameroun.
Biden failed to pressure France to terminate decades of French robbery of 500 billion dollars of revenues annually from 14 former French colonies. He hid behind COVID-19 virus to harm the tourist economies of South Africa, Botswana and other Southern African countries. The virus had come from Europe.
South Africa was severely desecrated by decades of Israel, Argentina and military dictators in Brazil training brutal techniques of torture to security operatives of APARTHEID oppression against the African National Congress (ANC). Nelson Mandela condemned land grabbing by Zionists and South Africa’s Boers. Cyril Ramaphosa regarded Israel’s massive retaliation against Gaza as genocide. Silence by Biden and other European governments over Gaza also recalled the long period of their collusion with Boer oppressors from 1948 to 1994.
South Africa has not only joined China, India, Brazil and Russia in forming BRICKS to challenge American domination of global economy by forcing all countries to buy and sell goods with American dollars.
South Africa also got Egypt and Ethiopia into BRICS, while China’s diplomacy brought Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirate into the club.
Biden became the Cowboy and Robin Hood riding on bombs to save Ukraine from claws of Russia, having helped a coup against a democratically elected Ukraine’s leader. With videos showing Putin walking for freedom, Senegal’s President Macky Sall (as Chairman of the African Union), could
NOT accept joining NATO’S war against Russia. He leaves a swamp full of tropical crocodiles for Kamala Harris to cross. Kamala herself came on a trip across Africa: jumping from Ghana to Zambia.
Safari to Africa, he arrived in Ghana to spread the doctrine that Africa does not need strong individuals but strong institutions.
It is not clear if he told Ghana’s Parliament that he was announcing a There was talk that Kamala was teaching Zambians about the human rights of homosexuals and lesbians. Perhaps she meant to warn them about impending drought as nature’s rain celibacy that would ruin their maize crops.
KAMALA should prioritise DEBT as new European SLAVERY against Africa; with money and not human bodies
Africa’s development. Walter Rodney, a fellow child of the Caribbean, condemns European EXPLOITATION diplomacy.
Trump is exploiting poverty in America. In 1972 Professor Ira Sharkansky warned of a conspiracy to hide the rude reality of people using pit latrines; children dying of malnutrition; high illiteracy; one telephone for a whole community, and a feeling of contempt by northerners. She can save Americans from poverty-fanned hatred.
Chna has just announced that it will build and deepen internal market by ‘’modernizing’’ lives of her people. Kamala is inheriting cries in Iraq; Afghanistan; El Salvador; Haiti; Peru; and Yemen – cries from footsteps of American troops and exploiters. CHINA is today the voice of HOPE for them. Between Trump and China America must learn from CHINA. Americans living on streets of San Francisco need economic HOPE to save them, and not hugs by Trump as Warrior-Emperor anointed by ‘’Project 2025’’.
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
The team is in a position to compete and
Atotal of 84 athletes are representing Team Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games which commenced on Friday with a spectacular opening ceremony held on the iconic River Siene. Regarded as the world’s biggest sports event and the largest gathering of athletes in a variety of competitions, Paris 2024 is the sixth Olympic Games athletes are registered to compete in 32 sports.
Nigeria is making its 18th appearance at the Games since the maiden appearance in Helsinki, Finland in 1952. Team Nigeria will compete across 12 different sports. Notably, the contingent is largely comprised the female national soccer team, the Super Falcons and the women’s senior basketball team, D’Tigress. Team Nigeria will also participate in events such as Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling, Taekwondo, Table tennis, Wrestling, Weightlifting, and Swimming.
Nigeria’s best chance of winning medals in Paris 2024 lies in Tobi Amusan replicating her feat in the women’s 100 metres hurdles where she’s the reigning world record holder at 12.12 seconds. Although she struggled for the greater part of the season after coming out of the trauma of two missed dope tests before she been able to reach the height that placed her among podium favourites in long jump. Nigeria’s strongest area of strength remains the women’s wrestlers. With an experienced Olympic gold medalist, Daniel two tricks about the sport. He did it for his adopted country Canada and has been leading his wards in the right direction in the game.
by Blessing Oborududu (wrestling) and Brume (long jump), Team Nigeria was in the news at the Tokyo Olympics for the wrong reasons.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had beamed its searchlight on Nigeria due to several as no surprise when Nigeria got listed in Category ‘A’ of countries with highest risks of doping. Of the 20 athletes from seven countries suspended by Athletics 10 of them were Nigerians. These unfortunate athletes Federation of Nigeria (AFN) failed to do their job. The athletes violated Rule 15 of the anti-doping regulations which mandated three out-of-competitions tests within 10 months of a major
With N12 billion approved and disbursed for Paris 2024 by the federal government, good training in Germany and Spain for the teams, we expect our athletes to return with medals
resulted in the suspension of 10 of the 23 athletes registered for didn’t do the mandatory blood and urine tests three weeks apart before arriving in Tokyo for the sight to see Nigerian athletes who should be competing for medals, carrying placards to protest their being excluded through no
However, we do not want a replay of the scandals of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games held a year later in 2021, due to Covid-19 pandemic. That was one competition Nigeria would rather forget given the unpleasant memories. While our country’s contingent performed slightly better than the previous
SUNDAY NEWSPAPER
EDITOR DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN
DEPUTY EDITORS FESTUS AKANBI, EJIOFOR ALIKE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI
SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI
CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO
TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
entered partnership with on behalf of the country, chose the period to cancel the four-year deal with Nigeria over a breach that had to do with some
After Nigeria’s best-ever performance at the Atlanta Games in 1996, our sports have real attempt has been made to reverse the rot in the sector. But things seem to be changing.
With N12 billion approved and disbursed for Paris 2024 by the federal government, good training in Germany and Spain for the teams, we expect our athletes to return with medals, not scandals.
of camp allowances, ticket refunds, and poor kits. We hope that Team Nigeria will represent our country well. We wish them success at the Olympics.
Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief(150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer
Created on the 3rd February 1976, Benue State is potentially the wealthiest state in Nigeria and the governor, the most powerful Nigerian. Why? Benue State alone can feed Nigeria.
Benue State’s land mass is about 34,000km2 and most of it is rich alluvial soil. Population at the last count was 4.5million but the government thinks the population is closer to have been farming for generations. All the food items Nigerians love do well on Benue soil. Yam, rice, beans, cassava, sorghum. Also millet and cocoyam. Those huge mangoes we see in supermarkets come from Benue State. Then, they have fresh water- the River Benue which They even have mineral resources.
The best part is that Benue State has people and they’re well placed in the education leader
Netherlands is 41,000km2.. Some 18,220km2 of this is under agriculture. The Netherlands agricultural produce such as dairy, eggs, of Benue State including FAAC is about 120m dollars.
Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia is the current governor. Bearing in mind that the whole point of priesthood and celibacy is focus a Roman Catholic priest, it becomes obvious that the current governor can lead Benue into its destiny as the food basket of Nigeria. Apart from being a priest, Father Hyacinth has two after the rigorous seminary programme here in Nigeria. He is therefore part of the elite one per length of time. The icing on the cake is that the people of Benue State love Father Hyacinth. He
Benue’s wine can be turned to even better primaries then elections. He’s one of the best educated governors in Nigeria and has no baggage of corruption or inexplicable wealth. people have been killed in Benue State. That’s thing. The community suffers a double loss. Both the one who is killed and the one who killed are lost. A person who has killed another becomes useless to community and society. He has learnt to resolve disputes with lethal violence. He can’t be a useful father, uncle, most likely produce others like him. and family with the little children gathered around stories of how they lived as young men will be told. And they will be stories of
generation will see it as heroic. Anti-social behaviour is sustained when perpetrators are not removed from decent society.
The good people of Benue can help with things calm down and there is peace the value of land will go up. Young people will production, produce preservation, farm roads and extension services are what the governor should focus on. The people should write their representatives in the national assembly and Not once, not twice but regularly.
Dear Sir, we watched your convoy go by recently with brand new cars and sirens but our child has been at home for a year because we don’t have the money for her school fees. We were chased out of our farm three years ago and the invaders have claimed it as theirs. Do you see us in your dreams?
Wole Osinupebi, Lagos
Recently, some of the nation’s most accomplished engineers from academia and various professional fields were honored at a well-attended ceremony held at the J F Ade-Ajayi Auditorium of the University of Lagos. The event was the 2024 Annual Lecture of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, delivered by a past president of the body, Mrs. JO Maduka, along with the investiture of Professor Rahamon Adisa Bello as the 13th President.
The academy’s focus is “the pursuit of excellence in Technology and Engineering, and the provision of a national platform for experts to pool their experience and insights and make input into public and private technical policy”. It has in its ranks many highly respected venerable engineers including Engineer Funso Kupolokun, former Managing Director of NNPC; Engineer Vincent Maduka, former Director-General of the Nigeria Television Authority and Professor Ayodele Francis Ogunye, a chemical engineering icon in whose name a professorial chair has been established. This is in addition to younger elements who are practising and who are making their mark in the public and private sector.
The title of the lecture was intriguing and a bit of a mouthful: “Government-Industry-Academia Collaboration in Nigeria’s Technopreneurship Ecosystem.” But it is certainly timely given the challenges confronting Nigeria, one of the most urgent of which is the nation’s low technological and industrial base, a significant factor in the economy’s underperformance despite its abundant natural and human resources.
The highlight of the occasion was the induction of new Fellows into the institution and presentation of Life Achievement Awards to deserving members. Among the honorees at the event was a tall, dark gentleman who has made a habit of avoiding the limelight despite his many academic, professional, and entrepreneurial footprints and accomplishments. With a Cambridge PhD, a first class in mechanical engineering from the University of Lagos as well as stints at Shell and Accenture, David Oluseyi Ige wears quite a few hats.
As a top executive in the NNPC, he was a pioneering conceptualiser, technocrat, and implementer of Nigeria’s gas masterplan — a major interventionist initiative designed to catalyze significant growth in the sector by moving it from a dormant position to a robust, market-driven one and major contributor to the economy. Today, outside government, he has metamorphosed into a key player in the nation’s fledgling but growing gas sector. He is the founder and CEO of Gasinvest Limited, a firm established nine years ago to provide strategic support services in the oil and gas sector, particularly in investment brokerage, outsourcing, and energy research. However, the company’s achievements extend far beyond these areas.
GasInvest is the Lead Project Promoter of Riverside LNG, a start-up that signed a historic agreement during President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to Germany. This agreement sets the stage for gas exports from Nigeria to Germany starting in 2026. The project is being executed by Riverside in partnership with the German firm Johannes Schuetze Energy Import AG.
In addition to GasInvest, other partners in Riverside LNG include AA Holdings Ltd, founded by notable oil and gas player Austin Avuru, co-founder of Seplat Energy Ltd; Oil Serve Ltd, a diversified industrial group with a strong presence in the oil and gas sector; and the Africa Infrastructure Investment Management Company (AIIM). The first shipment, representing two per cent of Germany’s total LNG imports, is scheduled for 2026. This project highlights the significant progress in Nigeria’s gas sector and the emerging opportunities as the world faces geopolitical shifts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, prompting developed nations to seek solutions from countries like Nigeria.
GasInvest is also engaged in initiatives that expand the utility and awareness of gas within the West African sub-region and various parts of Nigeria. These initiatives include projects in Equatorial Guinea and partnerships with state governments on strategic projects in Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Delta,
and Oyo.
Those familiar with Ige’s tenure at NNPC recognize his significant contributions to public service and nation-building. For four years, he played a leading role in the conceptualization and implementation of the Gas Masterplan.
As Group Executive Director – Gas and Power, Adviser to the Minister of Petroleum, and pioneer Managing Director of the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria, Ige was instrumental in creating a blueprint for a sector that has become vital for the transformation of the Nigerian economy.
Despite the increased visibility of gas as a critical national resource in economic policy and its growing use in various areas - electricity, transportation, domestic heating, etc.- Ige remains aware of the challenges ahead. Although some progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. As he explained at a recent event in Lagos, Nigeria is not fully exploiting its natural gas wealth, which currently stands at about 209 trillion cubic feet - the world’s 9th largest reserves. The implementation of the gas master plan has not gone beyond phase one, nearly two decades after its launch. Ige noted that the Nigerian domestic gas market saw only a three per cent growth rate (1.5 to 1.55 CF) between 2017 and 2023, with gas exports also declining during this period. The bottom line is that for the needle to move a bit faster, more work needs to be done.
Ige’s extracurricular priorities are driven by his desire to bridge the gap between potential and reality. He is passionate about expanding knowledge of gas beyond professional and industry spaces, believing that gas is the fuel of the future in a world increasingly turning to renewables. He emphasizes that education and awareness are crucial for investors, professionals, policymakers, and scholars to understand the fundamentals and nuances of this important resource. This motivation led to
the book “Understanding Natural Gas – a Nigerian Perspective,” which Ige co-authored with Dapo Akinosun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and legal expert on gas. The book serves as a primer on the history and development of Nigeria’s natural gas sector, a manual on the policy and investment environment for prospective investors and entrepreneurs, and a general guide for anyone -scholar or curious citizen—interested in the future of natural gas.
The authors describe the book as “both an easy-toread historical guide and an educational blueprint tracing Nigeria’s energy transition journey from the first coal plant in 1896 to today’s vastly different energy sector dominated by petroleum and, increasingly, gas.” It’s no surprise that the book has received positive critical acclaim and significant market patronage.
The book is not Ige’s only contribution to academia. For several years, he has also been involved in pro bono teaching at the Universities of Ibadan and Port Harcourt, empowering a new generation of young engineers and scientists with the knowledge they need to excel in a world increasingly dominated by gas and renewable energy sources.
David Ige’s ongoing journey exemplifies a commitment to leveraging expertise for national development, bridging the gap between potential and reality in Nigeria’s gas sector. His multifaceted contributions - from public service and entrepreneurial ventures to education and authorship - underscore his dedication to fostering a robust, market-driven energy industry. As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of its energy landsca pe, leaders like Ige stand as quiet revolutionaries, driving progress and inspiring future generations to harness the nation’s abundant resources effectively. Through his work, Ige not only highlights the critical role of natural gas in Nigeria’s economic transformation but also sets a benchmark for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in the energy sector.
Umaru is a commentator on policy and industry issues.
Steve Babaeko, the immediate past President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, is no doubt a man of class and excellence who left office with an immutable scorecard and record of enduring achievements. Recently, the crème de la crème in the country’s marketing communications landscape assembled at Park Inn by Radisson, Abeokuta, to celebrate this advertising colossus with testimonies of how he raised the bar for the professional association and its members, Raheem Akingbolu reports.
When the founder and Chief Executive Officer of X3M Ideas Limited, Steve Babaeko, assumed office in 2020 as the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), the association was already losing its steam and comradeship. Besides, his ascendance was smacked in the middle of the pandemic and this compounded the challenges ahead.
Interestingly, the Annual General Meeting that ushered him in was the first and perhaps the only virtual AGM in the history of the association. People logged in from everywhere as anticipation heightened about the new leadership of the association.
AAAN is the natural flagship of the Advertising Sectoral Group.
However, over time, the association has gradually lost its quality and market leadership due to various factors. Hence, stakeholders decided to promote a vibrant and forward-thinking member, akin to a Biblical messiah, to reposition AAAN and, by extension, the advertising industry. This responsibility fell on Babaeko.
In his revolutionary manifesto, Babaeko didn’t read a long speech or resort to the usual rhetoric of industry politicians and unionists; rather, he spoke like a man who already had his work plan, with a determination to embark on world-class positioning for AAAN, the advertising profession and women empowerment.
Having gathered over two decades of experience in the advertising business, Babaeko was recognised by his supporters - spanning the old, the young, and the upcoming - as having the capacity to reposition AAAN.
Babaeko attended the Federal School of Arts & Science, Suleja, after which he proceeded to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Drama. He has attended several leadership programmes at Harvard School of Business and Stanford Business School. There are many iconic and evergreen brand campaigns to his credit.
Beyond his local experience, Babaeko was already making inroads into the global market, which culminated in his agency becoming the first firm in Nigeria to clinch Bronze at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity last year.
As of 2020, Babaeko was the only Nigerian named in Adweek’s elite list of 13 Global Creative leaders, and for three years running, had served on the Grand Jury of the New York Advertising Festival, as well as being a keynote speaker at the 2018 International Advertising Association Conference. His impressive stint in the international advertising scene also saw him act as a judge on the 2017 The Loeries Awards. All these achievements, coupled with his dynamic capacity informed his nomination to lead the body at a critical period of its history.
Fast forward to 2022, when Babaeko and his team, including Jenkins Alumona and other young and fresh blood in the industry, would complete their first term in office, stakeholders yearned for more. Meanwhile, many pundits have opined that the combination of Jenkins, another consummate practitioner who has made a huge success out of integrated marketing and Babaeko was the magic wand that unearthed the decaying bone of the AAAN. At the association’s 49th AGM in Lagos, the tenure of members of its executive board was renewed and so Babaeko and other members of the team began a fresh journey to up the ante for AAAN.
The recent AGM of the association provided a moment for reflection as Babaeko’s two terms, marked by notable achievements, were assessed and evaluated by members and friends of the association. Like a football captain, Babaeko stood tall when stakeholders, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reeled out the various achievements of the administration and how the creative egghead collaborated with the Federal Government to see to the success of various national issues. The theme of the 51st AGM was; ‘Breaking the Mould: Creativity and National Development.’
In his typically humble manner, Babaeko declined to comment on his achievements
during an interview with reporters at the opening ceremony held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta. Instead, he left it to the elders and other stakeholders to speak on his accomplishments. The strategy worked because the stakeholders had more than enough to talk about. They spoke glowingly about the growth witnessed in the industry during the four-year reign of Babaeko and his team and ex-rayed the quintessential Steve as a game-changer.
The Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council (ARCON), Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, who wore two caps to the event to represent the Minister and his office, set the ball rolling with huge encomiums and tributes to the man of the day. Fadolapo described the former president as a man who swam against the tide and rewrote the history of the association.
“We are all here today fulfilled that a man
has come, saw, and conquered. Babaeko’s midas touch is extraordinary and this can be seen boldly on the wall about how he has transformed the association. Without any iota of contradiction, I can beat my chest that Babaeko has built well on the foundation laid by the industry’s founding fathers and took it further. I’m also convinced that AAAN is transited into another able hand of tested professionals who know their onions. Congratulations to Babaeko’s team because they have sailed well while in office,” Fadolapo said.
This was also the position of the Chairman of the conference, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi under whom Babaeko cut his teeth in advertising. While reflecting upon the remarkable tenure of Babaeko and his executives Akinwumi admitted that during their tenure, their unwavering commitment and visionary leadership steered the AAAN
through a period of dynamic transformation.
“Mr. President and team, under your guidance, our association has not only navigated the challenges of an evolving advertising landscape but has also seized opportunities to elevate the standards of our industry in a very challenging economy.”
The conference featured presentations on the theme by accomplished filmmaker Mr. Femi Odugbemi and Chichi Nwoko of WHAT! Media.
Odugbemi, who is also a formidable force in the advertising sub-sector of the economy, is the Founder/CEO of Zuri24 Media. Before going into the nitty gritty of his presentation, he took time out to speak about Babaeko, whom he described as a ‘pride of Africa.’
In his remarks, Babaeko simply described the association as an entity that is now stronger than it had ever been. While noting that the AAAN has encountered significant challenges, he stated that these have been overcome with the support and cooperation of all the members.
According to him, among the achievements recorded under his team were the appointment of the first female director of the association, the launch of AdCademy, involvement of AAAN members in the “Brand Nigeria Campaign,” among others.
Though neither the former President nor other speakers made reference to Babaeko’s philanthropic endeavours and the feasibility he gave the industry within local and global media landscapes, the record shows he achieved a lot in these areas. For instance, upcoming practitioners to whom he gave wings to fly will not forget him in a hurry. One such person is Sherif Lanre Akinpelu, who has just graduated from Henley Business School, Africa (South Africa). Akinpelu recently paid tribute to Babaeko on his Facebook page and informed the world that he was a product of AdCademy Nigeria.
As Babaeko bowed out with a remarkable chain of glittering achievements, pundits looked back and concluded that his ascension into office four years ago was indeed for a mission: a mission of destiny reconstruction, reformation, and global visibility of the nation’s advertising industry. Today, the global and national recognition enhanced by the industry is, to say the least, a visible testimony to the sagaciousness of Babaeko’s leadership qualities. Joyfully, in a parting message to members, he graciously dropped the hint that he was sure that the current administration, under the leadership of another successful adman and Managing Director of Noah’s Ark Advertising Limited, would take the association higher than he did.
with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com
Oladipupo Jadesimi, a distinguished business mogul, has been appointed as the new chairman of First City Monument Bank (FCMB). This appointment received approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), showing that Jadesimi’s rich background and extensive experience make him an exceptional fit for this prestigious position.
Jadesimi’s academic credentials are impressive, with an M.A. (Honours) in Law from Oxford University, where he was a jurisprudence scholar between 1963 and 1966. This solid foundation in law has underpinned his successful career in finance and business, along with his early professional journey which included a tenure as a senior partner with Coopers and Lybrand Lagos from 1966 to 1970.
Over the years, Jadesimi has diversified his business interests across energy, finance, and real estate. As the Founder and Chairman of Ladol Group, he has developed the largest indigenous Free Zone Industrial Park in Nigeria. This facility hosts numerous high-value industrial enterprises, showcasing his strategic vision and business acumen.
In addition to his role at Ladol Group, Jadesimi also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Niger Delta Exploration and Production Plc. This company is one of the largest indigenous integrated oil and gas producers in Nigeria. One might even conclude that it particularly prepared Jadesimi to be able to steer complex organisations towards success.
His appointment as chairman of FCMB is thus no coincidence. It follows his tenure as a non-executive director of the bank, and an individual recognized to have the vision to take it further. Therefore, with Jadesimi at the helm, FCMB is poised for continued growth and innovation in the financial sector.
Ultimately, Jadesimi’s new appointment is happy news to all. His diverse expertise and strategic insight will undoubtedly drive FCMB to new heights. As the saying goes, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
If the popular Ogunlesi brothers could define their mother, Madam Rufina Durogbola Ogunlesi, who passed away on July 10, 2024, they would claim that the wall of her heart was lined with gold and silver; they would say that she lived by a moral code that dwarfed old England’s claim to chivalry and honour. Then they might say that even in her absence, that old diffident virtuosity she left behind, resonates poignantly like the timeless lyric of a heavenly chant. There are too many ways to describe Mama Ogunlesi, and even the best-couched adjectives couldn’t do justice to the task.
However, the family is pulling all the stops to bid their matriarch goodbye in grand style. According to the arrangements published by the Ogunlesi family, a service of songs, tributes, and a reception will be held in the late matriarch’s honour on August 5, 2024, at 5 pm. This event will take place at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos. It will be an evening dedicated to celebrating her remarkable life and the lasting impact she has
had on loved ones.
The funeral mass is scheduled for August 7, 2024, at 10 am. It will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos. This solemn ceremony will provide an opportunity for family, friends, and well-wishers to pay their final respects and honour the memory of the mother they all called blessed.
The Ogunlesi family, who are known for their significant contributions to various industries, will be together during this period of mourning. Lanre, along with his brothers, will undoubtedly draw strength from each other as they commemorate their mother’s life and legacy. The family has always supported itself in both happy and sad times.
In honouring Mama Rufina, the Ogunlesi family not only celebrates her life but also reaffirms the values she instilled in them. Her legacy continues through her children’s achievements and their enduring bond. As they prepare for her final farewell, it is clear that their family ties serve as a secret to their successes.
and public administrators in Nigeria: the birthday of Gbenga Ashafa. This year, that precious day illuminated the life of a man whose dedication to public service has painted no less than the best artwork of excellence across Nigeria. It showed that for his journey of 69 years, Ashafa has much to show in terms of vision, leadership, and unyielding resolve.
From his early days as Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Ashafa demonstrated a unique blend of efficiency and innovation. It was during his tenure that land administration transformed, with his reforms streamlining operations and improving service delivery. Looking back now, the policies Ashafa championed were not just administrative changes but seeds planted to grow a more organised and responsive system.
forward-thinking approach as he addressed one pivotal issue after another, and crafted solutions for the betterment of his constituents.
Then came the era of his leadership at the Federal Housing Authority (FAH) from 2020 to 2024 where he served as the MD/CEO. Ashafa showed that administrative vision can extend beyond mere infrastructure. He crafted spaces where communities could flourish, emphasising sustainability and long-term welfare. Indeed, his projects were not just about buildings but about creating environments where dreams could take root and thrive.
Even after stepping away from the FHA spotlight, Ashafa’s spirit of service remains undiminished. Moreover, his philanthropic efforts have only grown more brilliant as they illuminate lives, from educational scholarships to healthcare initiatives.
Every July 22, something significant happens among the circle of top-tier politicians
As a senator for Lagos East from 2011 to 2019, Ashafa’s influence reached new heights. His legislative work signalled the depth of his
Dr. Bukola Saraki, a towering figure in Nigerian politics, continues to wield significant influence despite his absence from formal political office. His recent return to the spotlight during the burial of his mother, Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, reinforced his enduring relevance.
Saraki’s political acumen is unmatched. It is something that some commentators have described as characterised by a blend of elitist and grassroots appeal. His infectious smile belies a personality that remains unshaken by political turbulence. After all, at the recent burial of his mother, he was able to bring together all categories of bigwigs, spanning the political, business, and international communities.
Saraki’s strategic thinking and tactical prowess were evident as he managed the influx of visitors with grace, moving between Lagos and Abuja to accommodate the steady stream of mourners. His composure and hospitality during this period further cemented his image as a leader capable of
handling pressure with poise. These qualities have been instrumental in his sustained relevance.
Readers may recall that Saraki’s tenure as Senate President and Governor of Kwara State showcased such leadership skills. But they also shine the light on his commitment to governance and public service.
Despite his party affiliations shifting over time, Saraki has maintained this consistent focus, prioritising the well-being of his constituents and the nation. If one thinks that his strategic defection from the APC back to the PDP in 2018 is a spot on his brocade, one should also call to mind Saraki’s adaptability and keen political insight.
Saraki’s influence does extend beyond his official roles. Even after losing his senatorial seat in 2019 and subsequent presidential bids, his political network remains robust. One might even say that Saraki’s political journey, even with the seeming pile of losses, has not diminished his relevance.
This is all related to Saraki’s strategic
At 69, the story of Ashafa is not over. But it has raised new bars for what constitutes enduring impact, vision, and service.
Saraki
brilliance and deep-rooted connections. It is why he is still able to attract high-profile support, coupled with his unwavering commitment to non-partisan politics, and maintain his status as a key political figure.
How high can an eagle fly? One might say that it can fly to the height that its inner strength can allow. Recognising this as more than rhetoric, things are happening that show that Ngozi OkonjoIweala, the current DG of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has a lot more inner strength in her arsenal than one can estimate.
On July 22, 2024, WTO witnessed a momentous affirmation of leadership, as 58 member countries reportedly rallied behind Okonjo-Iweala for a second term as DG. This overwhelming endorsement from a diverse coalition of nations underlined a universal recognition of her exceptional stewardship and enduring impact.
The call for Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment was propelled by the African Group, whose members have articulated a strong case for an early commencement of the selection process. Their advocacy, critics have noticed, comes from a strong belief in her unparalleled ability to manage the complexities of global trade with acumen and resolve.
Even General Council Chair, Petter Ølberg, recognised the broad and strong support for Okonjo-Iweala. He reportedly assured the expectant supporters that he would engage with delegations to facilitate the reappointment process.
But all this overwhelming support is not without reason.
Okonjo-Iweala’s tenure as WTO DG has been marked by transformative achievements and visionary leadership. Her tenure has seen the
implementation of policies that foster inclusivity, promote sustainable development, and enhance global trade dynamics. All of these came from hard work, not luck.
No wonder that in response to the call for her reappointment, Okonjo-Iweala did not betray her diligence and reject it. Instead, she expressed heartfelt gratitude and a willingness to consider the proposal favourably. Currently, the anticipation surrounding her decision is strong and widespread and shows just how much the international community values her work. By every indication, the time will soon come for Okonjo-Iweala’s supporters to accompany her once again to the WTO DG seat. She deserves all these, seeing how well she has carried herself and fulfilled the obligations of her role.
What man ever emerged on the scene of power without being ushered in by giants? Senator Olamilekan
On what would have been her 50th birthday, the memory of Angela Folarin, the late wife of Senator Teslim Folarin, was honoured with profound reflection and tribute. Angela, who passed away in January 2022, left behind a legacy of grace and strength that continues to resonate with her family and friends. The occasion of her posthumous 50th birthday brought together loved ones to celebrate her enduring impact.
Lady Angela’s untimely passing in the United Kingdom was met with deep sorrow and loss. Her death was a significant blow to those who knew her. Even now, she is remembered as a beloved wife and mother, whose presence enriched the lives of those around her.
The golden birthday celebration, though marked in her absence, highlighted the profound effect Angela had on her community. Senator Folarin, a prominent political figure, reflected on her life with both sadness and gratitude, acknowledging the void left by her departure.
Adeola, also known as Yayi, knows this well. Therefore, while eyeing higher political aspirations, he is also seeking support from former Ogun State governors. Adeola, currently representing Ogun West in the Senate, has a political history that includes significant roles in Lagos politics. His ambition, however, may hinge on the backing of Ibikunle Amosun, Gbenga Daniel, and Olusegun Osoba.
Amosun, a former governor has substantial influence within Ogun State. Having switched parties several times, Amosun understands the fluidity of political alliances. Therefore, his support for Adeola could be uncertain due to differing political ambitions and past rivalries.
Daniel, another former governor and senator, also wields considerable political clout. Daniel’s recent switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his focus on national unity might align with Adeola’s goals. However, their political histories and personal ambitions could create friction.
Olusegun Osoba, a veteran politician and former governor, has
It is clear to all now that Adaora Umeoji, the newly appointed MD/ CEO of Zenith Bank, brings a unique approach to leadership. She effortlessly transitions between the high-stakes world of banking and the glittering social scene. The best optimist would say that her presence at exclusive gatherings is not mere indulgence but a calculated move to blend high finance with social allure. But is this the case?
Commentators are divided on Umeoji’s approach. Supporters argue that her many social engagements enhance networking opportunities, which is crucial for Zenith Bank’s strategic positioning. They believe her presence at high-profile events is a strategic move that benefits Zenith Bank. Critics, however, express concerns about the optics of a CEO frequently seen at lavish parties.
This duality in Umeoji’s leadership style has sparked debates on its impact on her professional role. Some believe that
been acknowledged by Adeola as a political mentor. Osoba’s influence in uniting the APC during challenging times suggests he could be a pivotal supporter. His backing would lend significant credibility to Adeola’s campaign. But the word on the streets is that he already has a candidate, his son Olumide, in mind for the position.
With all these factors, Adeola is unlikely to harvest as much support from the former governors as he would need for the coming days. Amosun’s independent streak, Daniel’s focus on broader national issues, and Osoba’s cautious approach to politics create a complex landscape. Adeola’s ability to paddle across these dynamics will be crucial.
At the end of the day, Adeola’s strategy might be about leveraging Osoba’s mentorship to bridge gaps with Amosun and Daniel. Building a coalition that addresses each former governor’s concerns and ambitions could strengthen his position. But can he get them all together in one interest pot?
Friends and family gathered to honour Angela’s memory, sharing stories and memories of her life. Despite the pain of her loss still lingering, the celebration served as a reminder of her vibrant spirit and the joy she brought to those around her.
It means something that Senator Folarin publicly acknowledged her birthday. As a respected figure in Nigerian politics, his reflections provided a clearer glimpse into the profound personal loss experienced by many. His words at the ceremony echoed the sentiments of those who are yet to get over her passing but can do nothing more than celebrate her legacy.
The remembrance of Angela’s 50th birthday has also prompted widespread reflections on the nature of grief and the enduring presence of loved ones in our lives. And even though the occasion was marked by both sorrow and celebration,
Do rumours ever rest? Maybe when every human action can be perfectly understood by onlookers. Such is the case for former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, who is speculated to be eyeing a return to politics as a senator. Ahmed, who served as governor from 2011 to 2019, has kept a low profile since leaving office, but recent events have thrust him back into the public spotlight. His re-emergence has fuelled rumours about his intentions to contest for a senatorial seat.
Ahmed’s political career began under the administration of his predecessor, Bukola Saraki, where he served as Commissioner for Finance. His tenure as governor saw significant infrastructure projects and social welfare programs aimed at improving the lives of Kwara residents. However, his administration was also marred by allegations of financial impropriety.
her charm and visibility in the social circuit can enhance her influence. Others fear that such a high-energy social life might undermine investor confidence and the seriousness of her position.
Proponents of Umeoji’s style point to her exceptional ability to balance work and social life. They argue that her approach reflects a modern understanding of leadership, where visibility and relatability are key. Her supporters emphasise that Umeoji’s track record and strategic vision remain unshaken by her social engagements.
Taking over the stage, detractors caution that too much emphasis on her social life could overshadow her professional achievements. They argue that the gravitas associated with her position as CEO could be diluted by her frequent appearances at social events. And the arguments go on and on.
Despite the differences in opinions, both sides agree that Umeoji’s approach may be pioneering a new model of
leadership that integrates personal fulfilment with professional excellence. The question is whether or not this is compatible with her and Zenith Bank’s image.But every leader should have a unique approach, even though Umeoji’s is rather new and unorthodox. One thing it does show onlookers is that her reportedly frequent partying may lead to unexpected outcomes, either positive or negative.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) appears to have been interested in Ahmed’s affairs for a long time. At least on more than one occasion, the anti-graft agency detained him over issues of fund diversion. This ongoing scrutiny has cast a shadow over his political legacy and raised questions about his potential return to public office.
Despite these challenges, Ahmed’s supporters apparently believe his extensive experi ence and previous accomplishments could make him a strong candidate for the Senate. They argue that his initiatives, such as the Kwara State Bridge Empowerment Scheme and the Infrastructure Development Fund, had lasting positive impacts. His political journey, marked by both achievements and controversies, continues to intrigue observers.
Ahmed’s recent activities, including his interrogation by the EFCC in 2024, have kept him in the news, rekindling public interest in his political ambitions. Some speculate that his bid for the Senate may be an attempt to reclaim his political influence and address unresolved allegations. Others see it as a natural progression for a seasoned politician with a wealth of experience.
As the political landscape in Kwara State evolves, Ahmed’s potential senatorial run will undoubtedly be a topic of significant discussion. Whether he can push past the legal and political challenges ahead remains to be seen. For now, the former governor’s alleged re-entry into the political arena is a developing story that promises to capture the attention of both supporters and critics alike.
Chief Dele Momodu has dropped a stinker. He did not only drop a bomb but also the kind that destroys many things. Me, I really do not even know who or what is giving him the platform to critique such an endearing government. It is no wonder that your boy Reno who hasn’t taken a bath in days cast aspersions on the erudite chief who remains one of the most famous purveyors of hedonistic life in this country.
I really do not like that Dele person because he will see the truth and be lying again. Which Lagos template is he talking about? Who will not replicate the winning team in your shoes?
Me, I will o, down to even the GM of LASTMA who worked under him.
Does he want you to bring the Igbo Okrika traders to run the CBN or the herdsmen who are busy protecting Buhari to run our security apparatus?
You see, the problem with Chief Dele — I don’t even know who gave him the chieftaincy title sef,
I was once a good student of literature and I read about Julius Caesar. The intimidating Emperor was told to beware of the Ides of March. For me, it is the Ides of August. It is the month of the planned protests which to me, looks like a borrowed leaf from the recent Kenya protest.
My Lord, please do not panic, do not beg anybody and do not even send anybody to beg because nothing will happen. Shebi it is these jobless youths who have nothing to do but march all over the place, singing and trying to damage public property. Honestly, I do not see any reason why they should be embarking on a protest.
I don’t know what exactly they really want from you. You have sent trailer loads of rice to them; you have increased
it should be probed — is that he just has bad belle? He is envious of these people who started with him covering owambe parties but today are running your solid ministry and being your spokesmen, travelling all over the world with you and shaking Qatari Royalty while he is still out there doing IG like overgrown Gen Zs. People like him must be limited. We must show Nigerians our achievement in areas like forex, infrastructure and sports. We should shut Baba Momodu up o. See the numbers of Youth Corpers who have new uniforms, the student loans, the reverse indigenisation of the economy, the greying of Dangote’s hair and the imminent world class boxing match coming up with 90-year-old Bash Ali.
Let me tell you a secret, I think Momodu is still very angry with the way Davido has been treating his niece and is probably transferring the frustration to you. He told me that he particularly is not happy with Tunji Bello because that one has been owing him for a while and his appointment was the last straw.
power tariffs, thereby giving them more power than they have ever seen in their wretched lives, even mummy is teaching them how to plant ewedu in their backyards; you are fighting corruption – Betta Edu is suspended; you have sorted the Dubai problem and even in your haste to work harder, you tripped and fell and almost broke your teeth the other day.
Which President has done so much in such a short period. These Nigerian youths are very ungrateful. I have never seen their type. If Kenyans had one-tenth of what you have given them, they would build statues for you.
Please, my Lord, don’t even lose sleep, don’t even have any meetings
Let’s name a monument after him sir, and he will be quiet. We can name the pedestrian bridge at Oyingbo, the one the youths burnt down that time. We can name it
The Chief Dele Momodu “elese” bridge and you will see that he will calm down and put you on the cover of Ovation. Just try it and you will see. Thank me later.
ALIKO DANGOTE: ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE
Alhaji is not sleeping well these days and it is showing. He looks tired and is spotting too much grey hair. He is in front of the cameras these days much more than he has ever been in his whole lifetime. Do you blame him, I think not because he is currently in the middle of the greatest battle of his life fighting the Nigerian state. This is an epic battle of great consequence for us, either way it goes. There are so many arguments for and against each side. Nigerians expectedly have taken sides with some of us standing very firmly with Alhaji on this matter.
The main issues are in the
with the security chiefs, this one will fizzle out. This is not like #EndSARS o; that one was against Sanwo-Olu because he drank pure water instead of flogging them with koboko.
My advice is for you to organise a big Burna Boy concert for the day, invite Manchester United to come and play a friendly with your cabinet, and give free entry to all youths with ID cards into all the sex clubs that litter the country and you would have diffused the so-called protest.
I do not support the protest, it is meaningless and just being led by aimless people who will never see anything right in anything you do. Imagine such powerful and vision-driven leadership. And they are shouting? Ungrateful lot. Very ungrateful set of people. Msheww.
public domain so no need to rehash them here but one thing that is very salient in all of these is the fact that this matter has exposed to Nigerians in technicolour the workings of the huge machinery that not only governs us but control the levers of our economy.
It is very clear in all of these that for some of our officials, the ideals of the greater good have never been heard. They do not connect with that theory nor even heard of it before and this is why we are in the quagmire that we find ourselves in today. Government officials rely very heavily on patronage and compensation to secure and keep their very sensitive jobs and this shows very critically in the hypocritical approach to their jobs.
See that regulator who came out blazing – ohhh he wants a monopoly, ohhh his products are of low quality? A regulator ooooooo! If this was the case, what sanctions have been meted out, why come out to shout when you have the powers to deal?
My people, e reach make Dangote grow grey hair and get erectile dysfunction. This thing is all colours of crazy and shows how Nigeria can run you mad. He has my prayers and that of millions of Nigerians as we watch this saga play out. Make I keep quiet.
Personally, I didn’t see anything wrong in the Nightclub quip. In trying to correct Senator Natasha Uduaghan, he reminded her that this was the Senate and not a Nightclub and all hell let loose. You see, our women groups are the most sensitive anywhere in the world, a wrong word and they come at you like a swarm of bees and of course, this was Akpabio’s lot. You will really not pity Akpabio especially if you take into consideration his penchant for gaffes. The man just rumbles along and causes commotion each time he opens his mouth. This time, the women came after him.
And as if that was not enough, the social media rumour mill came out blazing, naming all sorts of women including a very well-respected actress who is married as one of his many ‘side chicks.’ The allegations made him declare publicly “I have only one wife and I am satisfied,” similar to the way American politicians who have been caught with their hands in the honey pot do.
I think Akpabio should change his communications and PR team, not that one who came on Arise TV the other day with a green shirt, green tie and green pocket square to be pontificating only God knows what. He needs to surround himself with a professional team that will guide his utterances, image and carriage, not this one that he has just been going on like a trailer with bad brakes. The Office of the Senate President has never been this challenged, I tell you. Let me recommend Reno Omokri for this job. Make una help am because life in exile can be hard. No be me talk am o. Kai.
OBI VS ONANUGA: APPROACHING STORM
I really don’t know what is causing this fight but it is looking quite interesting. Bayo Onanuga was said to have once again accused Peter Obi, the man in black of something. In response, Peter threatened a N5billion lawsuit and Onanuga called his bluff, saying we would meet in court.
Now this is what you get when you give a NADECO guerrilla journalist a job in the villa. He comes all brusque, aggressive and ready for a fight on all issues. For Onanuga, na war we dey. ‘The enemies surround and as such we must attack’ is the best form of defence he knows. Obi, for him, personifies the
opposition and as such everything from the weather to Finidi’s fumble must end up on his desk. It was a fed-up Obi who reacted to Onanuga’s accusations with this reported lawsuit.
Let me even advise Uncle Bayo, that your position has no immunity o and if Obi wins this case, I don’t think there is allowance in the already stressed budget to accommodate this payment o. I don’t think in all of your years in journalism you would have acquired enough assets to offset the thing o.
My advice to you is to do a quick crash course at Pan Africa University on
Media Management and Communications so that you can update your skills and bring them up to par with modern forms of communication. While doing that, spend more time watching the American presidential spokesman, and even the Ghanaian ones so you can learn the practical angle of this work because this one you are doing is just wuru wuru to the answer o. We will definitely meet in court, I will be there and you will recognise me because I will be the one with dreadlocks sticking out my tongue at you and saying “Good for you.”
Egbon don look around as money no dey again and see dormant accounts o. Immediately, he issued instructions to move everything to CBN for safety. This thing is like broke parents wondering where the next money will come from and a wealthy uncle visits and gives their five-year-old a lot of money. Immediately the uncle leaves, the parents will grab the money and say “Oh, we will keep it for you.”
This is exactly what the CBN is trying to do with this policy. It is a twin attack on banks’ liquidity, the first being the 50% tax on forex gains which I am cautiously in support of.
This one is so annoying
and Cardoso’s reported explanation is even more irritating. That the CBN wants to keep the money safe so that when the beneficiaries are ready, they will come to them. He even was quoted as saying that the funds will be managed so that they will be returned with accrued interest. Bro, just beg for the money and leave all these talks. Just say guys, no vex, borrow me, we have a problem because how CBN wants to turn into both a commercial bank and a wealth manager is confusing me here on this Benin Express Road wey I dey go so o. This is what the late great Fela sang about when he said, “Deadi bodi get accident, yepa! Confusion breaki bodi, yepa…”
UNILEVER- PROFITABLY LONELY
Like a bolt out of the blue, a multinational announces profit. I screamed and ran out of the bathroom stark naked. I ran around my estate screaming eureka, ohhh my God, it has happened. Why won’t I shout, with a reported N1.7 trillion loss announced by various companies for the year 2023, why won’t I shout with this lone voice in the wilderness?
Unilever just announced a N6billion profit before tax and reasserted its commitment to continue to stay in Nigeria and do business. This, coming on the back of the FIRS statement that these losses were not as a result of taxes but the forex crisis, gives the economy the much-needed life support and encouragement it needs. The economic drain that comes with all these losses cannot be quantified. It is a wonder that the Minister of Trade and Industries is still sleeping. That is one docile appointee, a real square peg with no hole. Not even lifting a finger, probably just staying in her office and playing computer games when the house is on fire. That I will not ask for her sack will be a miracle. Next week, barring any bribe of plates of afang, I will formally and officially ask for her immediate replacement and will lead the search for her replacement as we battle to stop the haemorrhaging.
Let me use this opportunity to congratulate the team at Unilever, you do deserve our kudos. Well done for the good work. Let’s double this performance next year so that I can invite you guys to dinner. Well done.
I don’t even know his real name but he continues to forcefully engage my subconscious with wellscripted skits. Amid the cacophony that is harried on social media, you find this pearl whose engagements not only entertain but also educate. His sleepy motif which sees him going on like he is in a hazy sleep mode remains highly intriguing and surprisingly engaging. This has thrown him up the ladder of success, making him one of the leaders in the space. His latest in which he used the song ‘Gwo, Gwo, Gwo’ for a dance challenge has not only caught fire but resuscitated the career and probably the life of one of Nigeria’s legendary highlife musicians, Mike Ejeagha who penned the song long ago.
Although this has generated some controversy concerning permission on his intellectual rights and payments, the fact that this one episode has given the 90-year-old musician another lease on life cannot be discounted.
I recommend those of you who can navigate social media – because I know for a fact that most of my readers after text messages, get confused with social media- should watch this particular skit and you will see the kind of warmth that will come over you. Nice.
Even at 88, business magnate Sir Kessington Adebutu can still be considered as an evolving phenomenon. While many would expect him to retire from investing, Adebutu keeps proving them wrong.
For over six decades, the Ogun State-born billionaire has been renowned in lotto, agriculture, manufacturing, real estate, construction, hospitality, and banking.
The businessman is set to taste the nectar of healthcare now. With a burning desire to bring succour to Nigerians needing advanced medical care, the philanthropist, who is fondly called Baba Ijebu has extended his business interests to the health sector.
Barely three years after he commissioned a Research Centre at the University of Lagos for the advancement of scientific theories, concepts and ideas, Adebutu has invested billions into the establishment of a multi-specialty medical centre designed to end medical tourism and broaden
access to advanced medical diagnosis in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
Recently, Nigeria’s first lady, Remi Tinubu, was the special guest of the octogenarian billionaire as he unveiled the ultra-modern health facility named DIAMED Centre, an acronym coined from the words Diagnostic and Medical. Located in the Oniru area of Victoria Island, Lagos, the hospital is equipped with the latest high-end hospital equipment, including the first-ever 3D mammogram machine in Nigeria; drugs for diagnosing ailments and treatment within the highest medical standards.
Prior to its unveiling, a dedication service was held within the premises of the hospital. The service was officiated by clerics from the Methodist Church, Nigeria, led by the Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba; the Bishop of Lagos North, Right Rev. Gboyega Ohu; Conference Editor, Methodist Church Nigeria, Very Rev. Olusola Makindipe; Chaplain to the
To Akogun Lanre Adesuyi, 70 is not just a number but the sum of all of one’s experiences, triumphs, and the love shared along the way.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Havilah Group believes age 70 is really a big one as no one has ever attained it by hurrying, but a privilege bestowed on favoured individuals by God’s grace.
Some make their living delivering punchlines in packed theatres and a good many more ferret a living from interior plumbing. Adesuyi, however, asserts his niche in library development, archiving, digitization, power solutions, IT infrastructure, and software. One of his companies is also a leading provider of library development in Nigeria’s tertiary and public institutions.
A proud son of Oye Ekiti —where he holds the prestigious title of Akogun Ninu Ogun in recognition of his strategically positive struggle in the siting of the Federal University in the historic town. There’s no gainsaying that Adesuyi is indeed a great Nigerian, a treasure trove of wisdom with a zest for life and a beacon of light for everyone around him.
He has an indisputable community-based relationship that enables him to use available human resources at the local government, state and national levels to achieve incredible growth in his unrelenting pursuit of defined goals for socio-economic and political impact.
Thus when he clocked 70 on Thursday, July 18, the globally-recognized tycoon decided to celebrate the landmark age with grace. On Saturday, July 20, Adesuyi commenced the platinum jubilee celebration with a thanksgiving service at Our Saviour’s Church, TBS, Lagos. A few hours later, the birthday celebration turned into a magnificent fête as it moved to Lagos Mainland, where glitz and glamour were in abundance.
The exquisite Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton, Ikeja, brimming with over 1,000 elite guests, including political leaders, bureaucrats, royal fathers, corporate titans and magnates from various walks of life.
The reception became an extravagant affair as the entire Balmoral venue was adorned with opulent decorations and soft lighting, large recent and throwback pictures of the celebrant, his adorable wife, Olufunke, children and grandchildren. All these added to the grandeur and set the perfect ambience for a truly jubilant occasion. Laughter filled the air as stories were shared, creating a delightful atmosphere for all who graced the event.
Adesuyi’s popularity due to his work ethic drew praise from various dignitaries from every corner of the world. His biography, ‘Who Dares Wins’, written by foremost journalist and PR Strategist Dotun Adekanmbi, was later launched at the event. The book narrates the story of Adesuyi’s 70 years as that of a modernday fairy tale.
Adesuyi, who shone like a new penny, later expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the guests for making his celebration an unforgettable experience.
Bello.
Blessed with a humane demeanour and uncommon poise, he carved a niche for himself as a potential activist and politician
who would someday make history in his state of origin. The opportunity to be actively involved in politics in his home state came after he was appointed as the Chief of Staff to the governor during his first tenure.
In his capacity as CoS, his influence could not be ignored, particularly as he helped his principal run the state almost seamlessly. For his loyalty to Bello in his first term, he was rewarded with the Deputy Governor slot after the former Kogi deputy governor, Simon Achuba, was impeached by the Kogi House of Assembly.
During that period and owing to the confidence Bello reposed in him, he was allowed to handle all political matters in the state, while Bello focused more on the politics of Abuja. In fact, he was said to have handpicked over 80% of Bello’s cabinet, while also discharging his duty diligently,
Greg Uanseru has become a man no one can ignore in the scheme of things. He is a rare icon, simply matchless in astuteness and humanity. Till today, most of those who matter in the larger society, especially in the business world, still can’t ignore him; they treat him with awe and respect.
The unassuming tycoon is a unique personality who focuses tenaciously on the big picture without blinking. His audacious ability and ever readiness to take any risk is seen in his foray into oil
has done so well for himself to the admiration of his mother. For years, the young Shagaya quietly and organically nurtured his several businesses Phoenix Energy Nigeria Limited, Kashton Concepts Nigeria
and gas and later, in other ventures.
It is a well-known fact that he just didn’t attain his towering status and position by chance or mere luck. With dedication, hard work and prayers, he was able to climb the ladder of success within a short while.
On Thursday, July 25, the serial entrepreneur turned 66. Expectedly, his admirers celebrated a man whose life’s story is a testament to perseverance, excellence, and unwavering commitment to philanthropy.
devoid of nepotism and favouritism, especially when his boss was busy with his now slipshod presidential ambition.
Interestingly, as the race for the 2023 state’s governorship election gathered momentum, all fingers pointed at Onoja as the perfect successor for his boss. But like they say in politics, it is not over until it is over, his political career suffered a setback. After Yahaya picked Ododo as his successor, Onoja was not only distraught, he was flustered and disconcerted. Society Watch gathered that the man who would be 50 in a few weeks has since recoiled back to his cocoon, while another source also disclosed that at the moment, his greatest concern borders on how to salvage his political career that is literally heading towards the precipice.
Limited as well as , Maron Oil and Gas Limited, among others.
Also, as a philanthropist, he has tried to amplify his mother’s famed legacy of benevolence and generosity, as he always makes conscious efforts to put smiles on the faces of the hoi polloi in the society
The businessman recently donated several hundreds of millions of naira to establish the Batuli Ajiferuke Shagaya Burn Intensive Care Unit (BAS-BICU) at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Kwara State.
Built in honour of his grandmother, Batuli Ajiferuke Cagayan. BAS-BICU aims to offer unparalleled support to patients with all kinds of burn injuries, such as chemical burns, electrical burns, friction burns, and radiation burns.
The centre boasts 10 intensive care rooms, two operating theatres with monitors and anaesthetic machines, two bedded recovery rooms with monitors and respiratory ventilators, a laboratory with auto analysers for hematology and chemistry, blood bank services, a physiotherapy unit, and a comfortable seminar room with state-of-the-art
teleconference facility among others. The burn centre ensures better outcomes and brighter futures for burn patients across Nigeria and West Africa.
Shagaya while calling on Nigerians to bridge the gap in healthcare provisions and provide quality healthcare to those who need it most since the government cannot shoulder the responsibility alone, said the project is not just a token of his love for philanthropy, but a reflection of his recognition that everyone has a part to play in strengthening the society.
The Batuli Ajiferuke Shagaya Burn Intensive Care Unit (BAS-BICU) building in UITH, Ilorin marks a significant milestone in the healthcare sector, particularly in the management of acute burnss
The new ICU aims to meet the objective of limiting the systemic insult that accompanies burn injuries and providing a higher level of specialised care to patients suffering from burns. It will also play a crucial role in preventing infections related to invasive procedures and improving the overall care and treatment of burn patients.
Aficionados should eagerly anticipate flashes
prepares to host an exhibition of
school’s 1999
Dreams of those nostalgic years back at the Auchi Polytechnic, now forged in the furnace of experience, have, so to speak, resolved themselves into visual anecdotes.And these anecdotes form the basis of the exhibition, Constellation, which opens on August 10 at the Iwalewa Gallery of Art at 29A Chris Madueke Drive in the upmarket Lekki Phase 1 neighbourhood of Lagos.
Afew words about this exhibition: It is basically a reunion of a group of 14 artists—call them a constellation of talents—who graduated from the tertiary institution’s School of Art and Design expect each artist to bring his or her uniqueness to bear on this project, which commemorates their 25 years of studio practice.
Talking about these artistic talents—namely, Okwudili Ashikodi-Ebuh, also known as Okus, Kingsley Osarieme Braimoh, Emmanuel Dudu, Franklyn C. Enebeli, Henry Igba, Callistus Imoesi Imhonigie, Joe Nsek, John OshokeAnabui, Klaranze Okhide, MusaAsuku, Nosakhare Osadolor, Ola Balogun, Pius Oisereme, and TitusAgbara—they are converging as “a melting point” of their over two decades of experience since their graduation, as the Dean of the polytechnic’s School of Art and Industrial Design, Dr. Olajumoke Kukoyi succinctly put it in her foreword to the exhibition’s catalogue. For her, the exhibition, which is on until August 31, is a “vibrant celebration of creativity, bringing together innovative artists who push the boundaries of painting and sculpture.”
Hence, viewers should expect their conjured visions, articulated as paintings and sculptures, to dredge up that sense of camaraderie and shared odyssey as contemporaries at the Edo State-based tertiary institution. No sooner had the group of friends graduated from the polytechnic than fate led them down divergent courses. All they still retained of their time together were memories of the rigorous training regimen at the institution, one that was akin to that of a military academy.
There must have been moments when they wished to be together again. The pursuit of personal goals and the intricate dynamics of their relationships, however, may have overruled this them saw a divergence in their career’s trajectory over time, while others looked overseas for new opportunities.
Still, they kept in touch, getting back together sometimes to celebrate each other’s achievements. Four years after graduating, in 2003, a group exhibition called Kindred Spirits at the National Museum that featured solely painters. Yet again, the transient nature of relationships and life’s unpredictability soon took hold. But as communication technology evolved, they continued to interact, and this resulted in other group shows like Intrinsic in 2011 and Free Style in 2007, which strengthened their relationship even more. Naturally, some, if not all of them, participated in mentorships, art competitions, solo exhibits, and residency programmes over time. Now, reunited with a varied spectrum of artistic whims, they intend to push the limits of their creativity. As they commemorate 25 years of artistic practice, their upcoming exhibition promises to be a moving display of their collective development, making
artists in the institution’s history and Nigeria’s visual art landscape.
Speaking of status, for reasons that are still unclear, someone—who knows who?—assigned the strange and ambiguous label “colorists” to the Auchi Art School graduates, and it has ever since stuck. Meanwhile, cliché-loving art journalists have been repeating this mysterious moniker ad nauseum like a mantra, perpetuating a dogmatic narrative that has grown to be accepted as unquestioned truth.
TheAuchiArt School, a byword for the students and graduates of the Federal Polytechnic Auchi’s Fine and Applied Arts Department, by the way, continues to retain its rating as a testament to the power of creativity and innovation, a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. Since sometime in 1974, when, as a part of the School of Business Studies, theAuchi Polytechnic’s Benin dedicated to art and design, it has evolved over the years as the department’s talents and ambitions
This milestone signalled the start of an exciting new chapter, as the school moved to Auchi in 1977 and expanded its services to include three major departments. These departments—painting and general art, graphics and textiles, sculpture, and ceramics—provided the foundation for a thriving creative cluster. Over time, the school evolved, adopting new concepts and disciplines. Departments were reorganised, and new ones were created, allowing the school to expand and adapt to the changing requirements of its students and the world at large. Throughout it all, the school’s name changed, eventually becoming the School of Art and Industrial Design (also known by its acronym, SAID). eagerly anticipate bursts of creative genius when it opens on Saturday. It is not without good reasons that the Iwalewa Gallery of Art’s founder, Femi Williams, extols it as “a tribute to the enduring spirit of Auchi Polytechnic, where creativity and camaraderie thrive” and “a reminder that art has the power to transform, to uplift, and to connect us in ways that transcend words.”
Yinka Olatunbosun
Two recent deaths on the same day, June 25, stunned the local art community. One was that of renowned 82-year-old Nigeria’s documentary photographer, art curator, and writer, Tam Fiofori, and the other was that of the visual artist, Zinno Orara.
Fiofori, who received the IREP Lifetime
Photographer J. A. Green: Re-imagining the InAnderson and Lisa Aronson), in a review in which Lindsay Barrett referred to Fiofori as “Nigeria’s iconic photographic genius.”
photographers to pursue truth and authenticity in
As for Orara, who passed on at the age of 58, he
(Polytechnic), Auchi, he had participated in a
festivalgoers with a spectacular nightlife experience. Fiofori also developed a friendship with Europe, including the International Times and -
Over the years, his writing has appeared in a for Arts and Culture, the director of the Rivers
encountered his eclectic pieces and advised him advice came from many other people, fanning nursed as a young child.
Yinka
children and his second wife, Blessing Zinno Orara.
children and his second wife, Blessing Zinno Orara.
A great soul has left the shores of this land.” “Zinno Orara was a long-time supporter
Yinka Olatunbosun
As a historical-cultural attraction, Badagry is more Nigerian history; it's also a place where original
to strengthen his cultural identity. understanding other people’s lives when he was younger. Their worship relied heavily on rituals for many others in their community, water served
hard to depict the realism of his surroundings and the common experiences of his people. As a child, he watched his father with his Islamic people in their community. “I love it, and I used to years old, I started playing around with wood,
added his own ingenuity to his craft with the use easier to do art than anything else. I couldn’t read
and write well. But I found art easy. Art came to me naturally.”
has travelled to several African countries, includwithin Nigeria, such as the LVI Art Gallery and
lasting cultural value. A case in point is his sato sculptures accentuate the relevance of drums as
The sato drums are used during festivals and ceremonies, with a minimum of two people them at intervals.
Twith promised surprises and heartwarming mo-
headspace. It is common for people to use the
Egun person is and what we do as a collective,” humans.
ity to audiences. season aims to enhance the viewer experience
with art galleries on the island to showcase his
voices and perspectives.
Things format to audiences across Africa,” says
together as a family.”
echoed this enthusiasm, emphasising the show's
Paramount, we're setting the stage for a season the show’s essence, where the candidness of
from across the African Continent. Our aim is to the experiences of today’s connected and
children to the forefront, in what promises to
The new season promises a diverse cast of children from across Africa, sharing their spontaneous and often hilarious insights on young stars are not professional actors, and they are not rehearsed. This ensures that their going to say.
prepares for its return, the production team season that promises to captivate, entertain, -
The historic withdrawal of the United States President, Joe Biden, from the 2024 presidential race last Sunday is a lesson for Nigerian politicians whose unbridled ambition for power blindfold them to public pressure, Wale Igbintade reports
In what has been described as a historic move, US President, Joe Biden, last Sunday announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, ending his reelection bid just four months to the election.
Questions about Biden’s fitness for a second term as the oldest sitting president took on new significance earlier this year when a special counsel report called him an “elderly man with a poor memory.”
Those questions dominated the political discourse after his disastrous debate against former President Donald Trump on June 27. Since then, more than 35 lawmakers and the party’s donors have called on Biden, 81, to step aside.
During his announcement to quit the race, President Biden stated that his decision was in the best interests of his party and the country. He added that he intended to serve out the remainder of his term, which would expire on January 20, 2025.
“Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a nation. Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans,” he reportedly stated.
Biden capped the announcement by backing Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee. He lauded Harris for “being an extraordinary partner” in his letter and then endorsed her in a subsequent post.
“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice president,” Biden posted. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” he added.
Addressing the nation for the first time since announcing his decision not to seek reelection, on Wednesday night, Biden said his decision to exit the 2024 presidential race was motivated by a desire to protect the country from the consequences of a Trump victory in November.
As a leader who truly loves his country, the president noted that though he revered his office, but saving the country and democracy were more important to him than any other thing. He, therefore, concluded that it was time to “pass the torch” to a new generation of lead-
ers.
“I revere this office, but I love my country more. It has been the honour of my life to serve as your president, but in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, there’s things more important than any title,” he said.
Harris, 59, is the most logical replacement, but many Democrats have resisted rallying behind Harris as the alternative. The other leaders who have been commonly named as other possible replacements include: Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer; California Governor, Gavin Newsom; Illinois Governor, J.B. Pritzker; Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro as well as Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
Less than 24 hours after Biden endorsed her, Harris raised $100 million and by Monday had clinched the majority of delegates needed to clinch the Democratic nomination.
Although the Democratic National Convention is scheduled for August 19, it remains to be seen how the nomination will happen, as the date for the exercise has already been a pain point for the party.
While the roll-call process of delegates formally casting their votes typically happens at the convention, the DNC Convention Rules Committee has been trying to hold a virtual nomination ahead of the convention.
The push came after a legal challenge from a Republican Secretary of State in Ohio threatened to keep Biden off the ballot because of electoral deadlines in the state. The committee
co-chairs say similar challenges may arise in several other states.
If the virtual nomination does not happen, Democrats could be looking at an open convention in August. If there is no nomination, an open convention will decide the party candidate.
Incidentally, the convention is scheduled for Chicago, where the party also held a disastrous convention in 1968 after incumbent President Lyndon Johnson opted to not seek re-election earlier in the year.
Against the foregoing backdrop, and to serve as a lesson for Nigerian politicians and an eye opener for their obedient followers, many analysts have posed a question in this context, “If Biden were a Nigerian, would he have responded to public pressure, and dropped out of the 2024 race?” Can any leader in Nigeria heed the call by his/her party not to stand for election?”
A senior political analyst who spoke to THISDAY said: “If Joe Biden were Nigerian, his response to public pressure would likely depend on various factors, including his political background, personality, and the specific context.”
The few considerations he highlighted also revolve around the political climate in Nigeria, public perception, pressure and democratic norms cum economic and social factors, and port.
According to him, “Nigeria has a unique political landscape with its own challenges, such as corruption, ethnic diversity, and economic disparities. If Biden were a Nigerian politician, he
would have to navigate these complexities.”
He concluded that if Biden were a Nigerian, he would have attributed his party’s record success to its affiliates and supporters rather than the people. The reason for this viewpoint, he noted, is not far-fetched, because anyone who is not affiliated with his party is regarded as an enemy of progress.
Though many have posited that Biden’s decision to leave the stage in response to American pressure demonstrates that the essence of democracy is the idea that elected officials serve the interests of the people who elected them.
His withdrawal also means that politicians should prioritise their constituents and actively listen to their voices to strengthen the democratic process.
But this is not what obtains in Nigeria where the politicians put their selfish interests above every other consideration.
“As a journalist with a strong interest in politics, I have noticed that this dynamic operates in the opposite direction in Nigeria, where the relationship between politicians and citizens differs from that in America,” remarked a public affairs analyst, Isaac Asabor.
“In Nigeria, politicians do not listen to citizens’ concerns. For example, if an ailing politician is running for a political position ahead of an upcoming election and is advised to withdraw because he will be unable to deliver democratic dividends to the people due to his or her health, his supporters will regard this as a calumny campaign. Even some journalists working for such politicians would argue that their ‘paymaster’ is not going to the government house to lift weights or carry cement bags.
“Citizens in this part of the world do not appear to have the right to hold politicians accountable for their actions.
It is only when politicians see themselves as public servants, that they will become more responsive to the needs of their constituents.
“Therefore, when the foregoing facts are contextually considered, if Biden were Nigerian, he would not have responded to public pressure and dropped out of the 2024 race, but would have stood his ground using religious and ethnic sentiments to divide the people against themselves for him to have his way.”
Many feel that there are lessons Nigerian politicians can learn from Biden’s historic decision to drop out of the 2024 race.
In a move that surprised political analysts, former President of the Senate, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, recently defected from the PDP to the APC.
Though it is within his constitutional rights to join any political party of his choice, Anyim’s decision to leave the party is a huge betrayal. UnderthePDP,AnyimwasthePresidentofthe Senate from 2000 to 2003, and later Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
According to analysts, Anyim was not supposed to have abandoned the PDP even if it was sinking in his estimation, even if he was the last man standing.
Having built a glorious political career through the PDP, the former senate president was sup-
posed to have remained in the party and work with other leaders to rebuild it to regain power or form a viable opposition that would check the excesses of the ruling party and further deepen the country’s democracy.
There is a stage in a man’s life where leaving a good legacy should be his target and not political gains. Otherwise what other higher political position is he looking for in the ruling party at this stage in his political career that made him to abandon a party he joined in 1998?
When asked why he was leaving the PDP, Anyim merelygavetheimpressionthatheleftbecauseother PDP leaders had defected from the party and did not offer any other logical explanations.
“Can you look back at the history of the PDP and
tell me how many leaders the PDP has produced that had joined the APC or another party at any particular point in time? It’s common. But importantly, I am determined to be sure that the country moves on the right path, and I should be available to contribute my quota.”
Asked if he could not have contributed his quota from the opposition party, he said, “contributing quota does not necessarily mean to work, but to engender a conducive atmosphere for progress.
“I’m not looking for work, but there is a need that given the challenges the country is facing today, we all need to put all hands-on deck to make the country move forward,” Anyim reportedly said.
Anyim’s defection, no doubt, does not portray him as a goodstatesman.Bysubtlyencouragingaone-partysystem with his defection, he is also unfair to Nigeria’s democracy.
Having apologised to the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for his ‘nightclub’ comment against her, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio needs to purge himself of unguarded utterances unbecoming of the head of the National Assembly, Ejiofor Alike reports
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, again embarrassed himself and the National Assembly when he made what many referred to as ‘sexist remarks’ against the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at a plenary on July 18.
The Kogi Senator had attempted to speak without being given the floor by the Senate president.
In response, Akpabio rebuffed her, saying “Senator Natasha, you cannot speak without being asked or invited to speak in the Senate. This is not a nightclub.”
The incident, which sparked outrage on social media, is not the first time Akpabio would make embarrassing comments unbecoming of the head of a federal parliament.
In a comment that had portrayed the Senate as a corrupt institution where public money was being shared with reckless abandon, Akpabio had in the early life of the 10th Senate in August 2023 told the senators at the end of the Senate’s ministerial screening that the Clerk of the National Assembly had been instructed to send some money to their various bank accounts to enable them enjoy their holiday.
However, when he was alerted by some of his colleagues that the session was live on television, he attempted to pull the wool over the eyes of Nigerians by making another statement to ‘counter’ the secret he had earlier revealed to the public.
Akpabio said, “I withdraw that statement.”
He continued: “In order to allow you to enjoy your holiday, the Senate President has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return.”
Recently, the Senate president had also thrown his colleague and senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, under the bus after her disagreement with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, by telling the minister to ignore Kingibe and not allow himself to be distracted.
During the burial of the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Holdings, Herbert Wigwe; his wife, Chizoba and first son, Chizzy, the Senate president also turned the solemn event into a political rally by attacking the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalaye Fubara.
Referring to the vanity in the struggles by politicians to grab power, Governor Fubara had, while delivering his tribute at the burial said: “What’s all these struggles about? You want to kill, bury, what’s it all about?”
But Akpabio who was doing the bidding of Wike who is embroiled in supremacy battle with
the governor, responded, saying: “So, Mr. Fubara, if there’s nothing in the struggle, don’t struggle.”
The Senate President received a dose of backlashes for his political comments when everyone was in a mourning mood.
Reacting, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State chapter had described him as an enemy of Rivers people.
The party recalled that: “In 2021 when the youths of Niger Delta blocked the Akpajo-Onne section of the East-West road following its deplorable state, Senator Godswill Akpabio, then Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, out of sheer hatred for Rivers people deceived the youths and indeed Niger Deltans by hiring some road construction equipment, moved them to the road, raising the false impression that the contractors had moved to site but not long after the youth withdrew from the road, Senator Akpabio moved the equipment from the road.”
The PDP also recalled Akpabio’s alleged role in the harassment and attempted abduction of an illustrious daughter of the state, Joy Nunieh during her appointment as NDDC Acting Managing Director.
The party also cited the “vexatious, sarcastic
and ridiculous remark” made by Akpabio at an event in Tai LGA of the state where the Senate president asked Wike to look for someone from Ogoni extraction to succeed Fubara in 2027.
Before he became the Senate president, Akpabio was always on the news for making embarrassing comments.
In March 2013, while he was the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio had reportedly boasted publicly during a South-south zonal meeting of the PDP in Port Harcourt, that he was doling out N1 million to each “hungry” state chairmen of the PDP for them to go have lunch at a Mr. Bigg’s restaurant.
As Minister of the Niger Delta Affair, Akpabio took on the members of the House of Representatives on July 20, 2020 during a public hearing on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“Most of the contracts in the NDDC are given out to members of the National Assembly, but you don’t know about it,” Akpabio said to a female member of the House Committee who was aggressively throwing questions at him.
An obviously embarrassed Chairman of the House Committee, Hon Thomas Ereyitomi,
had to quickly ask Akpabio to discontinue his testimony.
“Honourable minister, it’s okay, it’s okay. Off your mic!” Ereyitomi kept shouting.
Akpabio, who named lawmakers who allegedly got contracts from the interventionist agency, later made a U-turn and denied accusing members of the National Assembly of getting contracts from the commission.
Though he received backlashes in all his previous reckless utterances, he got more than he bargained for in his latest comment against the Kogi Senator as angry Nigerians bombarded him and his wife with phone calls after their mobile phone numbers, and the numbers of his alleged numerous girlfriends, were released to the public on the social media.
Reacting, a coalition of over 300 women leaders and groups under the umbrella of WOMANIFESTO condemned his derogatory remarks against the female lawmaker, saying that “Akpabio has taken his pitch against women a notch too far.”
The coalition also demanded an immediate and unequivocal apology, stressing that “his statement reflects a deeply rooted misogynistic attitude that has no place in our society or our governmental institutions.”
The backlashes forced him to eat the humble pie as he offered an apology to Akpoti-Uduaghan last Tuesday.
Speaking on the floor of the Red Chamber, Akpabio reiterated that he never intended to insult any woman.
Akpabio, who admitted that his phone had been overwhelmed with insults regarding the issue, added that his wife, whom he respects greatly, brought the matter to his attention.
“I will not intentionally denigrate any woman and I always pray that God will uplift women. Distinguished Senator Natasha, I want to apologise to you,” he said.
He continued, “The interest shown on social media indicates that we have enemies. I felt I should tender a public apology to you.
“I do not mean any harm. People should focus on things that will move this country forward. Social media handlers should practice with decorum.
“We won’t regulate social media out of anger.”
Akpabio also denied social media claims that he has “numerous girlfriends,” stressing that according to his religion, he is married to one wife, whom he finds beautiful, and is content with her.
To avoid these embarrassments, Akpabio should purge himself of reckless utterances and choose his words carefully and wisely to reflect the dictates of his esteemed position.
Ratherthanfocusonthepromotersof#EndBadGovernance protests, who have never hidden their identities, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, last week made a failed attempt to divert the attention of Nigerians to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, with his wild, malicious, cruel and divisive allegations that Obi’s supporters and kinsmen were the ones behind the planned peaceful protests in the country.
Onanuga knew the promoters, who had published the locations of the protests’ coordinators across Nigeria and had also listed their demands.
Buthemischievouslyignoredthembecause theiridentitiescontradictedhisdubiousclaims that Obi’s supporters and his kinsmen were
behind the protests.
Thepresidentialaide,whohadestablished a reputation for his ethnic slur against Igbo, was aware that the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested two youths, Khalid Aminu, an engineer, and Aliyu Sanusi for allegedly mobilising Nigerians for the planned protests in Kaduna and Sokoto states, respectively.
A popularTikToker, Junaidu Abdullahi aka Abusalma, was also arrested by the DSS and remandedinKanoprisonfordaysforposting a viral video mobilising for the protests.
But Onanuga ignored the arrest of these youths because they did not fit into his false narratives of profiling those with unverified identities on social media, and associating people with doubtful identities with Obi and his supporters.
At every given opportunity, he sold the false narrative that a certain people he hated with passion hijacked #EndSARS protest.
Curiously, he has failed to tell the world how those arrested in Lagos State and other parts of the country for their alleged role in the destruction of public facilities during the protest were linked to Obi’s kinsmen.
Onanuga is aware and it is all over the social media that the reasons for the planned protests, according to the promoters, include: “Hunger, inflation, fuel pump price, lack of power supply, poverty, naira devaluation, bad roads, budget padding, rigging of elections with impunity, high cost of governance, appointments based on highest bidders, crude oil theft, excessive borrowings, non-functional refineries, corrupt judiciary,” among others.
HeneedstoknowthatgettingPresidentBolaTinubu’s administrationtoaddresstheseissuesisthebestwayto goandnotchasingshadowsandcreatingfalsenarratives.
Since the 1990 Franco-African summit held in La Baule, France, during which the French President, François Mitterrand, made democratisation a conditionality for the grant of development assistance to African countries, emphasis has always been placed on the need to have a change of government only through the ballot box. Coup d’état is seen as uncivilised and therefore generally considered unacceptable. In fact, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) evolved a policy of zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government in its region.
ECOWAS Authority sees military take-over of power is an unconstitutional change of government and pays little attention to other means of unconstitutionality like manipulation of the constitution, sit-tightism, and people-sponsored or supported coups. The problem of people’s involvement in coup-making raises in whose interest is the protection of constitutional change of government and democracy? And perhaps more importantly in international relations, protesting appears to have become a new method of compelling a change of government. A protestinduced change of government not only creates a fear of change of government but also an additional fear of insecurity. Policy stakeholders, rightly or wrongly, believe that protests can be taken advantage of by hoodlums. As a result, no government wants to condone any protest even if purportedly it is meant to be peaceful.
Consequently, the right of protest is often sacrificed at the altar of fear: fear that hoodlums may hijack the protest; fear of insecurity; fear of shop looting; and fear of governmental incapacity to control the hoodlums. More interestingly, what happens when force is used by government and the aftermath still results in the resignation of the elected president? In this type of situation, is protest an unconstitutional means of change of government?
Protests and Hoodlums
Polemologically, a protest is a revolt with a varying typology. There is a differentiation between and among three types of non-violent direct action: symbolic protest, non-cooperation, and intervention. While symbolic protests are about vigils, protest meetings, marches, posters and picketing with the objective of garnering the viewpoint and support of others, non-cooperation protests involve strikes, boycotts, civil disobedience, refusal to pay taxes, etc. This type of protest has the potential to prompt and escalate direct confrontation with the government. Regarding intervention, it involves occupations, blockades, and obstruction of works both of which can ‘cause disruption and protesters hope to make political gains in the drama of increased confrontation,’ to borrow the words of Claire Runciman of the Department of Sociology, Australian National University (vide her article, “The Right of Protest: Responses to the Franklin Blockade,” HRC_assembly, p.153 et s.).
In terms of right of protest, there are three types of rights: civil rights, political rights, and social rights. Civil rights deal essentially with individual freedoms and liberty, such as freedom of speech, legitimate self-defence through the due process of law, etc. Political rights are about the rights of participation in political governance either in the capacity of membership of a political party, organisation, or as a member of an electorate. Social rights include the right of economic support which enables people to live according to the prevailing standards in their society.
What is noteworthy about protests and the right to protest is simply the fear of protests. It is about the implications of any given protest. In general, the right of, and right to, protest is generally accepted as a principle. People believe such a right should exist and be allowed. In practice, there is no consensus on the justification for any protest. For instance, no one wants any loss in production in business dealings during strike, disruption in goods and services, and particularly the loss of innocent lives and inconveniences to people during any riot.
In Nigeria, for example, it is useful to note that there have been seven types of revolt-protest: the 6 December, 1929 Aba Women’s Riot; the 27 November, 1947 Abeokuta Women’s Revolt; the 17 April 1978 “Ali Must Go” riot; the 25 May-June, 1989 “Anti-SAP” riots; the “June 12, 1993 Protests”; the 2-14 January 2012 “Occupy Nigeria” riot; and the 20 October, 2020 “End SARS” protests. Without doubt, many are the other protests like those of the labour union but they are not like reactive protests. Labour union protests are organised to acquire new benefits when Governments appear not to be cooperating. The seven protests identified above are a form of counter order to government’s order of non-cooperation.
In 1929, the protest was majorly against the colonial government’s imposition of tax levies in the then Eastern Nigeria. Again in 1947, the causal factor of the protest was the imposition of tax considered to be unfair in Abeokuta at the Alake Palace of Oba Sir Ladapo II. The protest led to the abdication of the king and eventually to the abolition of the tax regime. All the other protests were held in rejection of unfairness in political governance and political chicanery and in rejection of foreign imposition of tax levies. The 1989 protests were against the Structural Adjustment Programmes prescribed by the IMF (International Monetary Fund). The IMF wanted the Government of Nigeria to stop some subsidies and to introduce restructuring programmes as defined by the IMF. And true enough, the Government accepted the advice of the IMF, but the bitterness in the effects of the introduction of the SAP prompted the general protests.
The 1993 protest was in rejection of the annulment of the Presidential election result by the military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. In the same vein, when President
Instead for PBAT to sit down with his advisers and reflect on every demand, to ascertain which is possible to entertain, then provide needed explications on why some demands may not be possible, and then address all Nigerians beyond the political class, governors are frolicking around, giving the impression that they are seeking solutions. Political and traditional elite are begging the protesters. The law enforcement agents are speaking in the language of manu militari and braggadocio. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s enemies are, à priori, not the protesters, but the countries that would like to ride on the back of PBAT to aggress the Member States of the Alliance of Sahel States which shamed out France and the United States from Niger Republic. The reported infiltration of al Qaeda terrorists into Nigeria is another enemy. This means the eventual strengthening of the Boko Haram. PBAT’s chairmanship of the ECOWAS is less of an enemy but more of financial and security burden for Nigeria. Consequently, what PBAT needs currently is the understanding of the people of Nigeria. Advisers should not be engaging Nigerians on his behalf. A special, widely covered presidential chat with the people of Nigeria is what is necessary. It is likely to drastically reduce the animosity vis-à-vis PBAT and his government. Above all, the immediate problem is protest. The long term problem is the issue of protest as another means of change of government in Africa. There is therefore the need for caution
Goodluck Jonathan removed the fuel subsidies, the ‘Occupy Nigeria’ protest was organised and the subsidy was reinstated. The 2020 End SARS that took place at the Lekki Toll Gate in Victoria Island, was a revolt against the known brutality by members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. Thus, there was always a reason for revolting. Revolting always took place the moment people believe that Government did not have the intention to listen to the concerns of the people.
Observing lato sensu, women of Nigeria, particularly those in the south, have always taken active parts in public protests. The organisers of the 1929 protests were the Igbo women of Aba in the Eastern Nigeria. It was the turn of the Abeokuta Women’s Union, with Madam Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti playing a leading role in 1947. Apart from the women, the role of the Nigerian students was also significant. It was mainly the students, the National Union of Nigerians Students (NUNS) nationwide, that led the resistance to the SAP. And naturally, the Nigerians in the South West led the protest against the annulment of the June 1993 presidential election result. The election result was adjudged to be the most credible in Nigeria’s electoral history, especially in light of the fact that it was devoid of religious bigotry and ethnic chauvinism. It was in light of this consideration that Nigerians kicked against the annulment.
The 2020 End SARS protest was quite interesting because of its contradiction. The SARS was set up to fight armed robbers and ensure public safety. However, the unit became an instrument of brutal extortion of people, coercive arrest of people that had nothing to do with crimes, and the attachment of their property. The youth, especially those returning from overseas, were the main victims and they organised the protest and operated in a decentralised manner. In fact, women leadership in the peaceful protests was noteworthy. Particularly noteworthy was the detribalised character of the protest.
Many people hold the belief that every protest is not only political but also driven by tribal interests. There are some social media videos saying that it is better for the Yoruba Southwest to vote against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) than protesting against him. The rationale is that the national protest being planned to begin on August 1, 2024 is believed not to be about hardship but about political machination. More interestingly, if there is a right to protest, is there no right limiting the scope of areas of protest? Agreed, protests are tolerable to the extent of their peacefulness. If the Government admits that any peaceful protest can easily become violent with the infiltration of hoodlums, what prevents the Government from directly evolving a counter-hoodlum strategy to ensure law abiding people to exercise their right of protest? Is it that hoodlums cannot be controlled and prevented from intruding into peaceful protests?
The national protests being planned for August 1, 2024 has the character of an intervention protest because of the political demands inherent in it and because of the potential to generate an increasing confrontation with the government. The nature of the political demands may not be easily comfortable to comply with. The
PBAT appears to be handling the protests in the making in a manner of confrontational policy which may have the outcome that is not good for him. As reported, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, told journalists in an address to them that “we acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protests. However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.’
More importantly, the IGP noted further that ‘to facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.’ Without doubt, in the thinking of the IGP, having the foregoing requirements will help to ‘establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise, minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or criminal activity’ (vide “Breaking: IGP Egbetokun to Hunger Protest Organisers: Submit Your Names and Addresses to Police,” Phoenix, Thegenius media.com, July 26, 2024).
A closer look at the statement of the IGP clearly suggests a non-seriousness of purpose of the Government. First, the IGP statement was presented by the media as an address to the ‘hungry protesters’. By interpretation, the August 1-10, 2024 protest is simply to quench thirst, to have food to eat. If it were to be so, is there any goodness in the collection of addresses that would have been more meaningful in terms of food distribution to the protesters? The demands of the protesters are more political than economic. In fact, the IGP himself reportedly told the journalists that there were pointers to the likely involvement of foreign mercenaries. Do the protesters need mercenaries to press for food or to solve the problem of hunger? Which type of mercenaries are we talking about?
Africa’sprimemoneyman,Mr.AlikoDangoteofNigeria, has recently changed from business suit and kaftan to battle fatigue. For a man whose visibility is defined by money and huge investments, this sudden change of costume is important. Ordinarily, Dangote as a person and a brand has become synonymous with huge factories and countless trucks traversing different African countries bearing the products of his factories. A big business man can make rowdy media appearances to project his presence and market his enterprises in urbane gatherings of politicians and business elite.
As a rule, Mr. Dangote steers clear of contentious utterances and controversial gatherings. But he gets occasionally dragged into dog fights over turfs and market shares for his products. His instincts may not be overtly political nor is he the controversial type. Of course he cannot but contend with the toxic terrain of Nigerian politics especially the seasonal uproar of partisan fray and name calling. There is always the silent question: “who does Dangote support”, a question that no one can answer easily.
The man sees his main business as minding his business. His political footprints remain hazy just as his political footsteps are often muted. A few years back when the Obasanjo presidency was scouting for a successor to the bullish general, some PDP political big wigs sent emissaries to Dangote to see if he would want to play Berlusconi. The man turned them down.
Inrecentdayshowever,thetroublingNigeriansituationisrevealing a different Dangote. As it turns out, the man can fight to defend his spaceandinterests:“Ihavebeenafighterallmylife.So,Iamnotafraid of fights nor am I afraid of anyone…” On the matters thrown up by Nigeria’s recent economic trends and travails, Dangote is beginning to make his views known and his interests clearly defined. This is not his first turf fight. He dueled with his fellow Kano man, Abdul Samad Rabiu of BUA cement over cement market share and retail prices. Similarly, he fought the Kogi State government on taxation and land rights issues over his massive Obajana cement factory. Inthelastfewdays,Mr.Dangotecouldbeseenashavingjettisoned a business suit and kaftan to literally don a battle fatigue. He is in a fighting mood. Not only that, he has jumped into the murky trench of Nigeria’s public discourse. He now wants to be heard on the happenings in his country. And why not? Dangote is first and foremost a citizenofthefederalrepublicofNigeria.Heisentitledtohisviewsand to a perspective on the state of the nation especially the economy in which he, more than anyone else, is deeply invested. As a major investor and strategic economic driver, Mr. Dangote should know where the Nigerian economic shoe is pinching most painfully. If the Nigerian economic cookie crumbles, Dangote and his bankers are more likely to be burnt beyond recognition. The rest of us are not likely to go walk off with slight bruises because of our dependency on one Dangote product or the other. If an economic tsunami hits the Dangote brand and its expansive network of enterprises, the Nigerian economy is likely to take a major hit. Such a consequential citizen cannot remain silent if he sees his interests threatened by government’s rough manners.
So, it is understandable that Dangote is presently in the trench of public discourse. He is firing in feverish defense of not only his business interests but also the fate, fortunes and future of his fellow oligarchs who are all embroiled in the mess in the Nigerian economy. When politicians roughen the economic landscape, it is often the oligarchs with huge stakes in the economy who bear the brunt. Initially, Dangote chose to take on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s policy somersaults and endless tinkering with major indices in the troubled economy. In particular, the astronomical interest rates that keep going higher every week has troubled major players in the economy. Dangote had cause to openly criticize the rising interest rates. He was unequivocal, insisting that the high rate is antithetical to economic recovery and growth: “ Nobody can create jobs with an interest rate of 30 percent.” He went further to argue that the national economy cannot recover let alone grow in such a high interest rate environment. Criticisms of the incumbent government’s economic policies can be expected to come from regular boardroom spokespersons and textbook professional economists. But coming from a pivotal oligarch and consequential economic factor like Dangote, some are likely to sniff politics in what is ordinarily an honest business advisory. Moreso, Dangote has featured in every economy-related committee that President has hurriedly put together to help make sense of the economic mess he is confronted with. The junction where politics and economics meet and mix is a very dark place. Honest commentators can be lost there if they are not careful.
By far the most consequential battles in Dangote’s new costume is the series of exchanges between him and the Nigerian oil industry mafia. In the run up to the roll out of the products of the new Dangote mega refinery, all manner of Mickey Mouse debates have erupted. Firstisthecontroversyovertheappropriatepricingoftheanticipated products and their comparative quality. The regulatory agency, the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has implicitly said that the quality of diesel from the Dangote refinery may be substandard. No complaint has come from consumers of the product so far. There has also not been a laboratory verification of the products from the Dangote refinery. Interestingly, the association of fuel importers has joined the regulator in questioning the quality of the products from the new refinery, including even the gasoline that is yet to become available at the pumps. Clearly, some vested interests are threatened by
the imminent reduction or eventual elimination of fuel imports once the Dangote refinery goes into full steam production.
In even nastier segments of the verbal brawl , Mr. Dangote has alleged that officials of the NNPCL may have established blending plants for petroleum products in off shore locations like Malta to sustain their unrestricted importation of petroleum products into Nigeria. In rapid response, the leadership of the NNPCL has denied the charge of off- shore blending plants owned by their staff. The NNPCL chief executive has not however denied the existence of such plants in Malta or anywhere near the route to Nigeria. He is more concerned with exonerating his staff from Dangote’s charge.
However, latest figures from international energy trading platforms indicate that there has been a 43-fold increase in the volume of petroleum products imported into Nigeria from Malta. In fact, there has been a 342% increase in in such imports in 2023 with a value of $2.08 billion.Therefore in spite of feverish denials by the NNPCL leadership that their staff do not own blending plants in Malta, the volume of imports of petroleum products from Malta to Nigeria raise questions that support the kernel of Mr. Dangote’s allegations.
The back and forth on the relationship between the NNPCL and Dangote over the new refinery has gone into previously unknown areas like equity holding in the ownership of the refinery. While the public was previously made to believe that the federal government through the NNPCL held an equity of 20% in the Dangote refinery, it has come from Dangote that the refinery has paid up substantially on the government’s equity down to around 7% now and no more.
Worried by what he considers an outright intent of the management of the NNPCL to undermine the new refinery, Dangote has offered to sell off the huge refinery to the NNPCL if they can pay him off. The implied nuance of that challenge is that the refinery will go down the way of governmentownedrefinerieswhichhavecrippleddomestic fuel supply for over 40 years. “Let them(NNPCL) buy me out and run the refinery the best way they can. They have labelled me a monopolist…That is an incorrect and unfair allegation, but it’s okay. If they buy me out, at least their so-called monopolist would be out of the way.”
Curiously, the attacks on the Dangote refinery were not raised while the factory was under construction.They were not raised all the time that the NNPCL was touted as a 20% equity holder in the refinery project. Now that the refinery is about to threaten the continued importation of petroleum products, the regulators have joined forces with the fuel import and fuel subsidy cartel that have joined forces to sack the Nigerian treasury.
The ongoing nasty brawl between Mr. Dangote and the
Nigerian oil industry mafia anchored in the NNPCL is more than casual. It raises far reaching fundamental issues on our national economy and the forces that have kept us mired in stasis. The prospect that the Dangote refinery would end the four decades long regime of fuel imports has unsettled vested interests.
The cartels that have feasted on massive fuel imports over the years are indeed powerful. In collaboration with their cohorts in the NNPCL, this mafia has grounded all government owned refineries andenthronedtheregimeoffuel importsandsubsidywhoseremoval has ground the economy to a halt. All available statistics indicate that with the Dangote refinery coming into full steam operation, Nigeria will virtually cease to be an importer of finished petroleum products, a feat that only Algeria and Libya have achieved.
In addition to becoming self -sufficient in petroleum products, the Dangote refinery is billed to become an exporter of petroleum products to other African countries, saving us much needed foreign exchange.BecauseofitssizeandsophisticationtheDangoterefinery is projected to compete favourably against refineries in Europe some of which currently export products to Nigeria.
In a sense then, the nasty exchanges between Dangote and the high priests of the Nigerian oil and gas establishment is also a battle over economic nationalism versus a long- standing dependency on external sources for petroleum products. This is a confrontation in which self -sufficiency and nationalism hold a clear advantage at this point in time. Dangote’s corporate interest now happens to coincide with an overriding national interest and we have no choice than to side with our nation’s best enlightened interest.
The contention by the regulators that the coming on stream of the Dangote refinery implies the empowerment of a monopoly in the making is neither here nor there. What ought to concern the regulators is the quality and pricing of the products of the refinery. The monopoly-like situation has been created by the ineptitude of the NNPCL which has grounded all our refineries for decades. It is better to have a monopoly that saves us foreign exchange, employs many Nigerians, guarantees steady supply of petroleum products and dampens prices over time.
It is only proper that government empowers and emboldens domestic capital to assume the commanding heights of the economy as has happened in other free market economies that have grown to lead the world. The United States was built by a few bold leading capitalist pioneers of industry like the Rockefellers, the Fords, Duponts, Vanderbilt, J.P Morgan, Carnegie etc. In South Korea,itwasthedeliberateempowermentoftheCherbols-Samsung, Goldster (LG) and Hyundai that launched the country into the age of modern prosperity.
In the Nigerian context, Dangote has been in the forefront of patriotic capitalism.
Over the decades, Dangote has become the most consequential domestic investor and brand in Nigeria. With some of the biggest and productive industries in major daily needs like cement, tomato puree, salt, fertilizer, flour and now petroleum products, Dangote has becomeastrategicbrandwithadomineeringpresenceandfootprint all over the Nigerian economic space. Beyond the Nigerian space, DangotehasbecomeamajorinvestorinanumberofAfricancountries with cement factories located in these countries. Symbolically, while the NNPCL was busy de-marketing the Dangote refinery in Nigeria, Mr. Dangote was being given a red carpet reception in Gabon where the president was literally inviting Mr. Dangote to come and invest in his country. The subtle message is that Nigeria does not seem to value its own citizens as investors. If a huge investor like Dangote can be harassed by our own officialdom, what happens to smaller investors? What message are we sending out to the external investors that our governments spend a fortune traveling round the world to court and attract?
In fairness to Mr. Dangote, he does not have to be so massively invested in large industries in Nigeria. He could have spared himself the headache of the “luggage economy of factories, machinery, nuts, bolts , brick and mortar and huge industrial complexes and vast real estate. He could have simply remained a money changer, using his access to authorities to round -tripping foreign exchange through Nigeria’s porous banking system. But he has chosen to build huge factories, to produce the basic everyday goods that most Nigerians need, to provide employment to many Nigerians directly and indirectly and carry the risk of running factories that depend on our unreliable power system, treacherous security and decrepit infrastructure. For all this, Mr. Dangote deserves better than the distractions and insults now coming from the NNPCL based oil and gas mafia and their political enablers. By coming out upfront to engage Mr. Dangote in this disgraceful exchange over a refinery that is yet to become fully operational, the oil and gas regulators in Nigeria have exposed a major source of Nigeria’s backwardness. The regulators are the face of our vampire deep state which uses bureaucratic blackmail and corrupt vested interest to sabotage most patriotic and progressive initiatives.
The government should bring its gravity to halt this ugly exchange. We need to protect the Dangote refinery and indeed the image of Mr. Dangote as Nigeria’s most consequential local investor. To keep silent and allow this infamy to proceed any further is to lend weight to speculations that Mr. Dangote may be paying for some unstated political sin. In matters of national interest and national economic survival, some considerations are higher than narrow partisanship and dark machinations anchored on the selfish interests of the high and mighty.
Charterhouse Lagos, an
Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe
email:duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com
MoreNigerianathleteswillbeinaction starting from today at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In boxing, Olaitan Olaore will be in action in the men’s 92kg heavyweight category while the country’s other boxer, Cynthia Ogunsemilore will wait till tomorrow to box in her category.
Also today, Edem Offiong will begin her quests for the table tennis medal from the women’s singles round of 64. It will be the turn of Fatimo Bello tomorrow in the ping pong singles.
In Basketball, Nigeria’s D’Tigress will open their campaign against Australia on Monday.
Meanwhile, after the colourful opening ceremony in which Team Nigeria expressed themselves in traditional attires of the country, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has called on all Nigerians to support our athletes to soar and win laurels at the Olympics. Nigeria has 88 athletes competing in 12 different sports.
Nigeria’s stocks in global tennis rose yesterday with the promotion of the country to the Davis Cup World Group II after defeating Ghana in the first two rubbers of the Group III Africa Qualifier event inTheAbuja.Nigerian pair of Christopher Bulus and Michael Emmanuel defeated the Ghanaian pair of Abraham Asaba and Isaac Nortey with identical score lines.
Bulus secured the first win with a 6-3, 6-2 win before Emmanuel finished the second rubber with the same result.
Regardless of the result in the third rubber, Nigeria has surely secured promotion to World Group II after the five-day competition ended late yesterday.
The promotion to World Group II is a big deal for Nigeria which stagnated in Group IV for a long time until last year when the country was moved to Group III. To reach Group.
Ahead of today’s Paris 2024 women’s football tournament Group C clash with Spain, Super Falcons Captain, Rasheedat Ajibade has promised that Nigeria will take every opportunity needed to ensure that the nine-time African champions come out smiling.
Super Falcons lost by the odd goal to Brazil in their opening game in Bordeaux on Thursday to make this encounter a must-win one for Nigeria to stand any chance of qualifying from the group. World champions Spain defeated Japan 2-1 to stay ahead of the other teams.
Speaking ahead of the clash yesterday in Nantes, Ajibade insisted that Nigeria will not repeat the mistakes in the Brazil match.
“We missed quite a few chances against Brazil, and they took their chance. We will do our best to take our chances against Spain on Sunday, “ pledged the Atletico Madrid Femeni star.
With no injuries in camp, Super Falcons Coach Randy Waldrum is likely to stick to the team that started against Brazil on Thursday, though Michelle Alozie may start from the left back to allow Nicole Payne, who showed great spirit when she came into the game against the South Americans, to operate from the right side of
defence.
Interestingly, both Nigeria and Spain will return to the Stade de la Beaujoire where the Super Eagles created a piece of World Cup history 26 years ago.
Spain were among the top-deck, pre-tournament favourites at the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals and Nigeria, who lost 1-5 to The Netherlands in a friendly few days before, the huge underdogs of the encounter in Nantes on 13th June 1998.
Fernando Hierro flashed past goalkeeper Peter Rufai from a free-kick in the 21st minute, but Mutiu Adepoju headed Nigeria level from a corner kick only three minutes after. Two minutes into the second half, Raul Gonzalez fired past Rufai as a long ball out of defence floated over and above Mobi Oparaku.
Goalkeeper Andoni Zubizaretta pushed Garba Lawal’s intended cross into his own net in the 73rd minute, and five minutes later, Sunday Oliseh scored one of the World Cup’s most memorable goals when he lashed the ball fiercely beyond the flailing arms of Zubizaretta from well outside the box.
All that is history now but the world champions who need another win to secure their place in the Last Eight of the tournament will not take anything for granted granted how Falcons pushed the Brazilians in the dying minutes of the last Thursday clash. Only a win will renew Falcons ambitions as another defeat may be costly.
TheNigeriaFootball Federation (NFF) has paid glowing tributes to former football club owners, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, who both passed away within two days of each other during the week.
Chief Iwuanyanwu, who took over the former Spartans Football Club of Owerri (1981 WAFU Cup losing finalists) and renamed it Iwuanyanwu Nationale, died at the age of 82 on Thursday, 25th July 2024.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who took over the slot of Gabros International of Nnewi in the Nigeria top division, with the club renamed FC IfeanyiUbah, died in a London hospital in the morning of Saturday, 27th July. He was 52.
President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, expressed shock and sadness at the deaths of the prominent personalities.
“We are saddened by the deaths of Chief Iwuanyanwu and Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Ubah. Senator Ubah told me about two weeks ago that he was
going to London; I had no idea it would be the last communication between us.
“The two men invested in Nigeria football, thereby empowering the youth and helping to grow the game in our country. They will be missed. I remember how Iwuanyanwu Nationale got to the final of the African Champion Clubs’
Cup in 1988. I also remember that FC IfeanyiUbah played in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2017.
“There are great memories of the two football financiers.
The NFF and the Nigeria Football fraternity pray that the Almighty will grant them eternal rest, and grant their loved ones the fortitude to
bear the big losses.” Iwuanyanwu Nationale reached the final of the oldstyle African Champion Clubs’ Cup competition in 1988, losing 1-4 on aggregate to Entente Setif of Algeria. FC IfeanyiUbah lost to Al Masry of Egypt after a penalty shootout in the CAF Confederation Cup seven years ago.
Nigeria’s Supersand Eagles battled valiantly but lost at the death as Mauritania secured a 6-5 victory to edge out Nigeria on the away goal rule and qualify for this year’s Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.
The passion, endeavour and energy of the two-time African champions at the Beach Soccer Arena, Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna were undone by a questionable last-minute penalty kick awarded to the visitors by Mozambican referee Dique Salvador Muxanga, which was converted to make it 6-5, with aggregate standing at 10-10 in the end.
The Mauritanians snatched the ticket to the final tournament in Egypt on the strength of having scored one more goal on away ground.
Trailing 4-5 from the first leg played in their Nouakchott a week ago, Mauritania scored after only three minutes, but Taiwo Adams, one of Nigeria’s scorers in the first leg, equalized shortly afterwards.
Ndume to Bwala
“If accusing and abusing me on Twitter or pages of newspapers would fetch him something from Tinubu to survive after being a failed lawyer in Abuja, I would be happy for him.” – Senator Ali Ndume urging President Tinubu to beware of political liabilities who masquerade as political supporters
Nigerians have been invited to troop to the streets in their millions from Thursday, August 1, to protest the harsh economic situation following the dramatic rise in the cost of living in the last one year. The protest is slated to last for two weeks. The demands are not very clear yet but the theme is centred on the hunger in the land. In just one year, diesel price doubled, petrol price tripled, official exchange rates tripled and “Band A” electricity tariffs tripled. Prices of foodstuffs and medicines have doubled or tripled or even quadrupled. This is by a distance one of the worst cost of living crises in the history of Nigeria — and, trust me, we have had quite a history in the last four decades.
I suspect that the inspiration for the planned protest came from Kenya, where citizens trooped to the streets to oppose proposed tax rises. Not surprisingly, the mass action became violent and 40 protesters lost their lives, with hundreds injured. Although President William Ruto — who had incredibly proposed to tax bread (who does that?) — beat a retreat and made concessions, protesters have refused to vacate the streets. They are now demanding that he should resign. At this point, he would think his political opponents are behind the protest. Even if they are not the ones instigating it, Ruto wilfully played into their hands. You can’t blame politicians for playing politics.
The jittery reaction from the Nigerian authorities to the impending protest is understandable. Our current leaders were specialists in protests in their previous lives. We shouldn’t expect them to eagerly drink from their own medicine. They know the political implications of mass action. More so, millions of Nigerians need no incentive to protest. If the one kilo of beans they bought at N651 in June 2023 is now N2,290, they don’t have to be PDP members or Obidients to protest. If the medicine they bought at N8,000 is now N35,000, they can hardly resist shouts of “aluta”. And if they have lost their jobs as a result of company shutdowns, “solidarity forever” will be music to their ears.
The reaction of the federal government has been more about a possible political hijack of the protests. Again, can you blame politicians for hijacking genuine agitation? I have lived long enough to witness such things in Nigeria. The founders of APC, the current ruling party, did a great job of instigating protests against PDP administrations in the past — and there is no way we would forget what happened in January 2012 when President Goodluck Jonathan tried to end fuel subsidy but was met with stiff resistance via “Occupy Ojota”, fully supported by opposition parties bent on unseating him. I do not blame either APC or PDP for playing politics. Politicians must necessarily politick. I would also say President Bola Tinubu has done enough to incur the wrath of those who may want to join or sponsor protests against him. I don’t think we need to go to Harvard to study that. Many Nigerians, including those who didn’t vote for him, were ready to give him a benefit of the doubt when he was inaugurated in May 2023 but he mismanaged the honeymoon in no time — what with the famed 100-vehicle stunt in Lagos ahead of Eid al-Adha and the Dubai jamboree under the guise of COP23. The size of his cabinet at a time of austerity was such a slap on the face for Nigerians. He lost many people in the process. Nobody needs to send them an invitation letter to join the protest.
Politically, many Nigerians whose candidates lost the presidential election are yet to get over what hit them. They have a natural motivation to support the protest. Some have never accepted him as president in any case, so things like this will excite them. To complicate things, Tinubu’s pattern of appointments has clearly and unashamedly favoured his own part of the country, particularly Lagos state, as well as his loyalists. Those elsewhere who supported him one
Tinubu
way or the other are thus motivated to work with his enemies to pull him down. It is rational political behaviour. In reality, nobody goes into politics for God’s sake. Self-interest is a major factor. It is the nature of politics.
Where do I stand? Peaceful protests are good for the health of democracy. Social action and citizen engagement are critical to the growth of democracy. Freedom of expression is core to democracy. That is why some of us prefer democracy to military rule any day. The beauty of democracy is not just “one person, one vote” but the voice it gives us after we have exercised our suffrage. Democracy will never grow if all we do is vote and retreat to our cocoons. Democracy is suffering body blows globally, no doubt, but the Nigerian situation is all the more worrisome because of the huge gap between the people and the leaders. “Them bellyful but we hungry” — as Bob Marley once said.
But while I propose that civic engagement must improve significantly, I have my worries. The protest can be hijacked. #EndSARS became #EndBuhari and #EndNigeria as some people sneaked in their own narrow agenda and unprecedented arson was unleashed on Lagos. Two, the duration of a protest can become a problem. I have observed, for decades, that the longer a protest lasts, the higher the possibility of hijack by hoodlums, anarchists, security agencies, and, lately, fifth columnists providing refreshments. Conversely, fatigue can set in when a public protest is going on for too long. We saw this with the sitat-home action against the annulment of the June 12 election in 1993.
That said, I must now add that while protests and civic engagement are not out of order, they are not going to solve our economic problems. We are in deep trouble. There is no soothing way of putting it. We are literally living on borrowed time. As we say in Pidgin, “water don pass garri”. This problem did not start today, or yesterday, and will not be resolved today or tomorrow. No matter the fantasies we have built in our heads, Nigeria is in a mess. We used to paper over the cracks because we were earning fat petrodollars but we have so overstretched our luck that there is no wriggle room left. We are hopelessly dependent on imports while exporting all but one product: oil. We are in soup. The current crisis started around 2014 when oil revenue started going down owing to two factors: falling production and falling prices. Call that double whammy. Onshore oil production, where
Nigeria owns 55-60 percent of the joint ventures, was taking a hit from militancy, pipeline vandalism, host community restiveness, and theft. The oil companies started weighing their options. To worsen matters, we proposed a petroleum industry law in 2008 that remained comatose in the National Assembly for over a decade. Investors, unsure of what fiscal laws would govern their investments, held back their money. All these factors combined to reduce our production capacity. That is a fact. It should be a thing of shame that a country that used to produce 2.4 million barrels of oil per day in the 1970s, when our population was about 70 million, is now producing 1.3 million when the population is over 200 million. Do the math. It just shows how unserious we have been all our lives. We managed to hit 2.2 million again less than 20 years ago, but we have been going down since then — and to think this is the source of our livelihood! With production dropping and oil exports retreating, our forex inflows logically went south, but we kept ballooning expenditure with unsustainable subsidies, even pledging future oil output as payment guarantee for urgent imports. We needed to have made the necessary adjustments long ago, perhaps as far back as 2015, but we kept postponing the evil day. With no significant inflow, we started rationing the forex and printing naira recklessly to sustain our local expenditure, much of which was wasted or stolen. We kept petrol price ridiculously low “to protect the poor” who are now ultimately paying the price, literally. Ways and means that was about N50 billion a decade ago accumulated to over N20 trillion in a few years, further destroying the value of the naira, pumping up inflation and impoverishing the people. The economic crisis was inevitable and there is no easy way out. We are only reaping what we sowed. Unfortunately, Tinubu did not help matters with the haphazard way he has implanted, or implemented, the reforms. The manner he announced subsidy removal showed clearly that he was going to be an unsympathetic undertaker. Basic things that should have been in place before such a major policy pronouncement — such as the CNG conversion initiative — were missing. While we were at it, we watched helplessly as the naira crashed under a poorly conceived exchange rate policy. For an import-dependent (or “export-deficient” — to be politically correct) country, it was going to be nothing short of Armageddon. “Band A” electricity tariffs were also tripled at one blow.
Public finance was all but dead when Tinubu took over. But he has been too brutal with his surgery-without-anaesthesia. When prices of food and medicines were on the rise last year, Tinubu could have granted tariff waivers to achieve temporary relief. It took him a year to approve. Too little, too late. He could have done far better with his message of sacrifice if he had lived it. Instead, we are talking about buying presidential jets. Sacrifice is obviously for the lesser mortals. In the final analysis, people have a right and reason to protest. It won’t solve the economic problem, obviously, but it could put our insensitive leaders on notice about not always taking Nigerians for granted.
People are hungry. As Marley also put it, “A hungry mob is an angry mob.” That is my fear about public protests. Things can get out of hand. The ideal thing would be for the organisers and the security agencies to work hand in hand to make sure the protest goes in an orderly and civilised way. But things are more likely to be violent. Whichever way things go, however, the government needs to wake up. Times are hard, very hard, and they are not doing enough or acting on time to relieve the pains. Contrary to a widespread opinion, Nigerians are not a difficult people to lead. They just want leaders who feel their pains and do things that show that they care. Is that too much to ask?
Last year, President Bola Tinubu ordered “immediate implementation” of the Oronsanye Report “to cut the cost of governance”. The core recommendation was to reduce the number of government agencies — currently estimated at over 700 — through mergers and dissolutions. Well, we just created the North West Development Commission and the South East Development Commission to replicate the patronage and sleaze in the Niger Delta Development Commission and the North East Development Commission. Next stop? North Central Development Commission and South West Development Commission. Every state, every LGA will soon a get development commission. Nigeria!
If they explained Edo state politics to you and you understood, then it was not well explained. I actually adapted that from a saying about Nigeria. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the impeached deputy governor, has left the PDP for the APC where he was until 2020 when he and Governor Godwin Obaseki fell out with Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. Their opponent in 2016, Pastor Ize Iyamu, left PDP for APC to run for governorship in 2020. They traded places. On his return to APC last week, Shaibu knelt before Oshiomhole, whom he had publicly savaged in 2020. Once upon a time, I used to take sides with politicians. I learnt my lesson 20 years ago. All I do now is enjoy the show. Netflix.
After prolonged negotiations, the minimum wage has been more than doubled — from N30,000 to N70,000 per month. Another review is expected in 2027. This is not a bad deal, even if not great either. Employers still have to generate the revenue to pay. Many will end up not paying at all or sacking workers in order to manage the wage bill. Some will do both. I find two popular takes on the minimum wage amusing. One, people make it look like N70,000 is the average wage of a Nigerian worker. It is not. It is for the lowest paid. Two, people convert the figure to dollars in order to ridicule it — as if workers collect their salaries and head to the BDC. It surely doesn’t work like that. Cynical.
Alhaji Umar Namadi, governor of Jigawa state, has told Nigerians that the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship is not the solution to our problem. True, but I wish he had stopped there. He went on to say “people should turn to God, repent, seek for forgiveness and divine intervention on the challenges”. Truly, economic hardship is not limited to Nigeria – it is a global phenomenon, although it seems Nigeria has been on a freefall. However, interpreting the hardship as “a trial from God” and something that needs repentance and forgiveness, as Namadi did, is quite bemusing. In that case, the repentance should start with those mismanaging the country. Logical.