MONDAY 7TH AUGUST 2023

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 election, Atiku Abubakar, has filed a separate case at the U.S.

District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, United States, against President Bola Tinubu after he withdrew an existing one before a circuit court in Illinois. Following the withdrawal, the court consequently

dismissed the suit. Special Assistant on Public Communications to Atiku, Phrank Shaibu, stated this yesterday in reaction to enquiries about the dismissed suit by the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Shaibu said, “Waziri Atiku Abubakar only withdrew the case before a Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois County, United States of America, because he is pursuing the same matter in a higher court

and he wanted to avoid an abuse of court processes. So, this is just the beginning.”

He said it was funny that Tinubu and his supporters were rejoicing over the development as if it were

a Supreme Court judgement. He added that Tinubu’s academic records from primary school till university remained questionable, hence, the

Continued on page 5

AS ECOWAS ULTIMATUM EXPIRES, TINUBU MULLS OPTIONS, MEETS GOVS OF STATES BORDERING NIGER

Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh, Michael Olugbode, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna

President Bola Tinubu, last night, met with governors of five Nigerian states sharing boundary with Niger Republic at State House, Abuja, to consider options in the bid to restore democratic governance in the troubled republic.

The meeting, held at the expiration of the one week ultimatum handed the Nigerien coup plotters by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), presidency sources said, was part of further consultations by the Tinubu administration on the political situation in Niger.

However, senior security officials, who spoke to THISDAY yesterday, criticised the senate for undermining Tinubu’s diplomacy by not supporting military action in Niger.

One of the officials, who pleaded anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, declared, "By their resolution kicking against military action to restore democratic governance, they tied the president’s hands with their opposition to his request. Luckily, the law does not require him to go to National Assembly before going to war. He can go to war and inform them later. So as things stand at the moment, all options are on the table."

Despite the setback suffered by the president at the senate, ECOWAS’ Chiefs of Defence Staff, after a three-day meeting at the weekend, announced that a military action plan for the restoration of democracy in Niger Republic was ready and awaiting the approval of the heads of states and government.

Curiously, ECOWAS remained unusually quiet as the one week ultimatum handed the Niger junta

expired, with many people, both home and away, wondering if the regional body would still go ahead to activate military action, as it initially threatened.

But some foreign affairs experts, including Mr Joe Keshi and Paul Ejime, yesterday, maintained that the planned invasion of Niger Republic, to be spearheaded by the Nigerian-led coalition, remained unpopular. They urged the key players in the ECOWAS plan to have a rethink.

At the same time, eight leading civil society organisations in the northern part of Nigeria, yesterday, cautioned the ECOWAS leadership against economic sanctions and military action in the effort to fix the political impasse in Niger Republic.

The governors in attendance at the meeting with Tinubu were Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Mai Malam Buni (Yobe), Idris Nasir (Kebbi), and Dr Dikko Radda (Katsina).

The meeting came more than 24 hours after the Nigerian Senate turned down the request by Tinubu for permission to use military might against the coupists in Niger Republic.

Tinubu had, through a letter to the senate, asked for approval for military action as agreed by ECOWAS. But the senate, in rejecting the request, asked the president, who is also Chairman of regional body, and other leaders in the region to tread with caution in addressing the political quagmire in Niger.

Rising Saturday from a closed-door session to discuss the letter written to the senate on Friday by Tinubu on the decisions taken by the regional body, which lasted about two hours, the senate asked ECOWAS and its leaders to strengthen political and diplomatic options and other means with a view to resolving the political crisis in Niger Republic.

THISDAY gathered that the meeting,

held at the Glass House temporary residence of Tinubu at State House, Abuja, was convened to get input from the northern governors as the seven-day ultimatum for a military action in Niger expired Sunday.

ECOWAS Heads of State and Government had last Sunday given the ultimatum to the military junta that sacked the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), Abdourahamane Tchiani, took over after Bazoum was overthrown on July 26, and had since been detained with his family.

The ECOWAS Heads State and Government chaired by Tinubu, at a meeting in Abuja, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the junta in Niger to reinstate Bazoum as democratically elected president or face a range of stiff sanctions, including military action.

The extraordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, in its resolution, recognised Bazoum as the legitimate president of that country.

The regional body also threatened to impose land border closures and no-fly zone conditions on Niger Republic, should the military coup masterminds fail to heed its ultimatum.

It also tasked all Chiefs of Defence Staff of the member-states to hold an emergency meeting to strategise on effective ways to implement a possible military operation to restore constitutional order in Niger.

According to President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, who read the communiqué, the body "calls for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum as President and Head of State of the Republic of Niger and for the full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

"Reject any form of resignation that may purportedly come from His Excellency, President Mohamed Bazoum; considered the illegal detention of President Bazoum as a hostage situation and hold the authors of the attempted coup that are solely and fully responsible for the safety and security of His Excellency President Mohammed Bazoum, as well as members of his family and government.

"In the event the Authority's demands are not met within one week, take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Nigeria. Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Asia. Freeze all service transactions including energy transactions.

"Freeze assets of the Republic of Niger in Aqua Central Bank. Freeze of assets of the Niger State and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks. Suspension of measure from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly EBID."

With Military Plan Now Ready, Will ECOWAS Deploy?

As the deadline given to the Nigerien junta by the President Bola Tinubu-led ECOWAS expired yesterday, there were indications that the coupists were under intense pressure to relinquish power to avoid an impending military action.

The seven-day ultimatum issued by the regional bloc on July 30 expired yesterday’s evening.

Unfortunately, with the rejection of the request by Tinubu to deploy troops to Niger by the senate, which preferred, instead, further diplomatic engagement with the junta, the planned military action appeared unrealistic without the support of the legislature.

But at the end of the three-day meeting of Chiefs of Defence Staff of ECOWAS, weekend, the military chiefs announced that a military action plan for the restoration of democracy in Niger Republic was ready and awaiting the approval of heads of state and government.

This came as Acting ComptrollerGeneral of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, weekend, put officers and men of the service manning the Benin Republic, Cameron and other borders on red alert following the Nigeria-Niger border closure.

Adeniyi said implementation of the Nigeria-Niger border closure “is 100 percent”.

The military chiefs said the plan, including the date and time of deployment, was before ECOWAS leaders.

The regional bloc had vowed to end coup contagion in West Africa. Speaking at the end of the threeday meeting of the defence chiefs at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, said the defence chiefs met and came up with a plan to ensure constitutional order in Niger and the release of the deposed Bazoun.

Musah stated, "The Chiefs of Defence Staff of ECOWAS have met and come out with a plan to ensure constitutional order and to release the president. The timing, resources included, the how, where and when we can deploy.

"When and where we are going to strike is in the hands of the heads of state as commanders-in-chief of these operations."

He added that the regional bloc aligned with Tinubu's position that military coups in Africa were an aberration.

He said the regional organisation, in

APPEAL COURT: FG, LG HAVE AUTHORITY TO CELEBRATE, CONTRACT, REGISTER MARRIAGES

the legal authority to celebrate, contract and register marriages between prospective couples. The court held that not one organ of government had the exclusive preserve of contracting and celebrating marriages between prospective couples.

The court also held that the restriction imposed by the lower court directing the Ministry of Interior to only conduct, celebrate and contract marriages in the marriage registries situated at Ikoyi, Lagos, and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, was wrong.

The lead judgement was delivered by Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar and adopted by Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada (presiding) and Justice Fredrick Eziakpono Oho.

The lower court judge had in his judgement delivered on December 8, 2021, in a suit jointly filed by EtiOsa Local Government Area, Lagos State; Egbor Local Government Area, Edo State; Owerri Municipal Local Government, Imo State; and Port Harcourt City Local Government against the Minister of Interior, the Attorney General of the Federation, and Anchor Dataware Solution Limited, granted Reliefs 1, 2, 3 and

4 as endorsed on the amended Originating Summons, while Reliefs 5 and 6 were refused, Reliefs 7 was granted in part.

The lower court also retrained the Minister of Interior and/or either by his privies, agents or delegates from further registering marriages contracted or celebrated under the Marriage Act, Cap. M6 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004, within the plaintiffs’ local government councils area.

The lower court, however, refused to grant the request for an order directing the Minister of Interior to transmit or return all marriage certificates issued within the respective plaintiff's local government councils subsequently after the delivery of the judgement of Hon.

Justice R. Oyindamola Olomojobi of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, Suit No: FHC/L/870/2002 between Prince &. Hasstrup & Anor vs. Eti-Osa Local Government Council & 2 Ors, delivered on the 8th day of June 2004

The lower court also declined the request directing the Minister of Interior to return all fees/money paid by couples since the judgement in suit

no FHC/L/870/2002 delivered on the 8th of June 2004, to the plaintiffs’ Marriage Registries for re-issuance. Dissatisfied, the appellant (Minister of Interior), in its Notice of Appeal marked CA/LAG/CV/566/2022, urged the appeal court to determine two issues, namely, "Whether the lower court was right when it held that the plea of doctrine of res judicata is inapplicable to the 1st to 4th Respondents’ action.

“Whether the learned trial judge was right when it granted the reliefs sought by the 1st to 4th Respondent and found that the judgement in Suit No: FHC/870/2002 granted exclusive rights to the 1st – 4th Respondents and other local governments in Nigeria to conduct, celebrate and register marriages within their local government.”

Resolving the issues, the appellate court, in its lead judgement delivered by Justice Abubakar Umar, held that the lower court was wrong in granting reliefs 1st to 4th of the reliefs sought by the 1st to 4th Respondents and granting reliefs 7 as endorsed on the amended originating summons in part.

Umar held that both the appellant

and the respondents had the vires to celebrate, contract, and register marriages between prospective couples.

However, Umar stated that the lower court was correct in refusing reliefs 5 and 6 as endorsed on the respondents’ amended originating summons.

On whether the lower court was right when it held that the plea of doctrine of res judicata was inapplicable to the 1st to 4th Respondents’ action, the court held that by virtue of the declaratory orders made in Suit No FHC/L/870/2002, the 1st to 4th Respondents were entitled by law to seek the enforcement of the said orders by instituting fresh proceedings as in the instant case.

The judge stated, "I do not agree with the appellants that the subject matter and reliefs in Suit No: FHC/L/870/2002 are the same with Suit No: FHC/L/CS/816/2018. As rightly contended by the 1st to 4th Respondents, Suit No: FHC/L/ CS/816/2018 seeks to enforce Suit FHCAL/870/2002 and not to relitigate the issues already determined by the court in the said action.

“I am of the considered view

ATIKU FILES FRESH CASE IN US COURT SEEKING RELEASE OF TINUBU'S ACADEMIC RECORDS AFTER WITHDRAWING SUIT FROM LOWER COURT

president’s failure to identify a single former classmate.

Shaibu stated, “In the last one week, Nigerians have been watching the ongoing ministerial screening at the senate, where nominees have been made to reveal their primary, secondary and university history. Some of the ministerial nominees were even classmates with the senators screening them.

“However, the man who nominated them has no educational history. He has no primary school, secondary school or university classmates. This is because he has no classmates. He actually fell from the sky.

“In recent years past, presidents have invited their former classmates to Aso Rock Villa. Even President Muhammadu Buhari hosted his classmates from Katsina Middle School. But who did Bola Tinubu invite to the Presidential Villa? Governors from 1999 set. This is a man whose entire life, background and credentials remain unknown and

Atiku will ensure that the man is exposed.

“It is expected that the person to hold the Office of the President must be above board, especially, on his life history. Unfortunately, here we have a president whose history is shrouded in secrecy and for whom it is a tough life that started in 1993.”

Shaibu maintained, “Even the year 1993, which presents the opening chapter of the recorded history of our president, is renowned for a documented indictment on narcotics trading. Now, this is 2023, Atiku is asking to open the shady history of our president and the same man is standing in the way of the truth about his past.

“That very obstruction to the innocent effort to unravel the president’s past means that the man has something to hide. It is shameful that the president’s supporters are joyful that their man is covering up his own past.

“But, like the saying goes, falsehood may run for a lifetime,

the truth shall overrun it in an instant. The moment of truth is here and President Tinubu has no hiding place.”

Meanwhile, the county court in Illinois had dismissed the suit filed by Atiku, seeking release of the academic records of Tinubu at the Chicago State University.

THISDAY learnt that the dismissal was sequel to a formal withdrawal of the suit by Atiku.

According to a report by the Gatekeepers News reports, Judge Patrick J. Heneghan had on July 31, "dismissed the case without prejudice."

The news medium had reported the judge as ruling that the “petitioner’s subpoena in this case is withdrawn and thus Chicago State University will not be deposed pursuant to the subpoena in this case", adding that the court further resolved all matters pending before it.

Part of the documents Tinubu submitted in aid of his qualification for the 2023 presidential election is a Bachelor of Science degree in Business

and Administration, with a major in Accounting, obtained from the Chicago State University. The said documents, like Tinubu's primary and secondary school education, have continued to generate controversies since he indicated interest in contesting for the number one seat in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Gatekeepers News in the report of yesterday, August 6, quoted a top-rated business litigation attorney in Chicago, Mr Victor Henderson, as stating that Tinubu was well known by citizens in the State of Illinois "for decades as a ‘distinguished graduate of Chicago State University and a well-respected international figure in the US."

Henderson, in addition, was said to have observed that "despite Beverly Poindexter, who is in charge of official transcript requests, enrolment and degree verification at the Office of the Registrar, CSU, affirming Tinubu’s comment, some persons still had some doubts".

its determination to utilise diplomatic channels to restore democracy in that country, sent delegations to Algeria and Libya, who were not members of ECOWAS, to intimate them on efforts to restore peace on Niger.

Musah said, "Military action is a last resort. We are giving the junta every opportunity through diplomacy to have a rethink after which we will resort to military action. I appeal to the junta in Niger to give peace a chance. We want to send that message clearly to all of them."

In his remarks, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said the military chiefs reached a collective decision.

Musa said, "Throughout our discussions, we have collectively recognised the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a wellcoordinated response. The deliberations have been marked by a spirit of unity, cooperation and determination to address the challenges at hand.

"We have examined the immediate implications of the coup on the Niger Republic and its potential ripple effects across the ECOWAS region. We have also deliberated on the broader implications for democracy, peace, and stability in West Africa."

The defence chief said discussions yielded valuable insights and actionable recommendations.

He stated, "We have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security, and diplomatic dimensions. It is imperative that we translate our deliberations into concrete actions that can effectively address the crisis and prevent a recurrence in the future.

"Firstly, we must emphasise the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. The

that the 1st to 4th Respondents commenced Suit No FHC/L/ CS/816/2018 in order to enforce the declaratory reliefs made by the court in FHC/L/870/2002. In the enforcement of the said judgement, the fresh proceedings in Suit No FHC/L/ CS/816/2018 cannot be tainted by the doctrine of res judicata.

“I, therefore, have no difficulty in finding that the doctrine of res judicata is inapplicable to Suit No FHC/L/CS/816/2018. This issue is consequently resolved against the appellant.”

Umar, however, held that the lower court was wrong when it restrained the federal government from further registering marriages contracted or celebrated under the Marriage Act, Cap. M6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004, within some local government councils areas.

The judge said, “Having regard to the earlier pronouncement in this judgement on the merits of the Amended Originating Summons filed by the Cross Appellants at the lower court, I hold the firm view that the lower court was correct when it refused reliefs 5 and 6 sought by the cross appellants.

“The lower court was, however, wrong when it granted Relief 7 of the Amended Originating Summons in part when same ought to have been out rightly refused.

“I have found supra in this judgement that the decision in Suit No: FHC/L/870/2002 which the cross appellants have predicated their action on, does not in any manner whatsoever grant exclusive rights to the cross appellants to conduct or celebrate marriages within the local government council.

“In the contrary, the court in Suit No: FHC/L/870/2002 highlighted the various fora for the conduct and celebration of marriages. The court identified the lawful bodies or authorities vested with the powers to celebrate and contract marriages for intending persons and recognised the marriage districts/local government council, and marriages conducted under the license granted by the Director-General Ministry of Internal Affairs, Director-General of a State Government in charge of marriages and the Minister of Internal Affairs.

“The simple implication

of the decision in in Suit No: FHC/L/870/2002 is that not one organ of government has the exclusive preserve of contracting and celebrating marriages between a prospective couple.

“I am, therefore, of the considered view that the restriction imposed by the lower court directing the 1st Cross Respondent to only conduct, celebrate and contract marriages in the marriage registries situate at Ikoyi, Lagos and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is wrong and erroneous.

“The lower court was, however, correct in dismissing Reliefs 5 and 6 as endorsed in the Amended originating summons. A cursory review of the said reliefs dissipates any doubt that the reliefs are consequential in nature and predicated on the success of the substantive/principal reliefs as contained in Reliefs 1-4.

“Having found supra that the reliefs 1-4 ought not to have been granted by the lower court, it follows, therefore, that reliefs 5 and 6 being ancillary must fail as a matter of course. It is the law that where a principal relief fails, all reliefs ancillary or depend thereto will fail.

“In light of the foregoing, I resolve the sole issue in the cross appeal against the cross appellants. I hold that the cross appeal filed by the cross appellants is unmeritorious and is hereby dismissed.

“On the whole, the substantive appeal initiated by the Appellants is resolved in the following terms:

‘The action commenced by the 1st to 4th Respondents at the lower court is not tainted by the doctrine of res judicata.

“The tower court is wrong in granting reliefs 1-4 of the reliefs sought by the 1st to 4th Respondents and granting reliefs 7 as endorsed on the amended originating summons in part.

“The lower court was correct in refusing reliefs 5 and 6 as endorsed on the 1st to 4th Respondent’s amended originating summons.

“The appellant and the 1st to 4th Respondents have the vires to celebrate, contract, and register marriages between Prospective couples.

“Accordingly, the judgement of the lower court delivered on the 8th day of December 2021 in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/816/2018 succeeds and fails in part. Parties should bear their respective cost.”

Senate Writes Tinubu, Demands Immediate Appointment of AuGF

Contractors kick against Level 10 officer's emergence as DG, BPP

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The senate has advised President Bola Tinubu to appoint an Auditor General for the Federation (AuGF) in compliance with Section 86 of the 1999 Constitution.

The red chamber noted that the absence of an AuGF in the last 10 months had left the government susceptible to potential mismanagement, lack of accoforuntability and transparency.

The communication was signed by Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Aliyu Wadada.

The upper chamber expressed concern that the Office of the AuditorGeneral for the Federation (OAuGF),

which is the apex audit institution of the country, had been without a substantive auditor-general for the last 10 months.

Part of the letter read, “The absence of a substantive AuGF will affect strict adherence to Accounting Standards and the Annual Reports of the Auditor-General on the accounts of the Federation of Nigeria Agencies and Ministries, Agencies, Departments (MDAs) cannot be efficiently transmitted.

“This will impede necessary checks and balances, which are integral to the functions of the National Assemblies Committees responsible for Public Accounts.

“Therefore, it is very imperative for President Tinubu to heed our advice in the interest of the country.

Ford Foundation, Africa Soft Power Group Task Media on Objective Reportage on Insecurity

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Regional Director of Ford Foundation for West Africa, Dr. Catherine Chichi Aniagolu–Okoye, has tasked operators of traditional and social media to eschew sensationalism while reporting the insecurity assailing the West African sub-region in order to avoid instilling panic in the mind of the general public with stories that magnify perceptions that are far from reality.

Aniagolu-Okoye gave the task recently during a breakfast session on the “Role of Media in Strengthening Security in West Africa,” which was hosted by the Founder, Africa Soft Power Group (ASPG), Ms. Nkiru Balonwu, Lagos State, as part of the ASPG’s strategies for strengthening security in the sub-region.

Aniagolu-Okoye said: “Ford Foundation is focused on challenging inequality in West Africa with a particular focus on natural resources and gender based violence, but we have increasingly realised how the issue of insecurity intersects with almost every aspect of life, from trade, free movement of people, gender equality, natural resources and climate change, education, to living standards and so on.

“Indeed, our most basic human rights are deeply impacted, and

therefore the foundation is also interested in intersectional solutions that help to improve collaboration between key actors in the ecosystem.”

Speaking during the breakfast session, Balonwu noted that the impact of insecurity was extensive and varied with human, business and investment angles that left trails of deaths, displacements and dislocations, abductions, wealth losses and escalation of costs of doing business, either in the locality, region, or affected industry.

She observed that dissemination of reports about insecurity were no longer the exclusive preserve of traditional media as citizens’ journalism now plays a huge role in the dissemination of insecurity stories, but often, sensational, without context, and no reference to data.

Balonwu said: “The role of the media and the methodology has to be more thoughtful and considered; therefore, this high-level meeting is important.

“With increased security we unlock potential for greater socio-economic growth, along with greater opportunities for domestic and international business.

“To realise this, collective action is necessary, and the media is one of the preeminent tools for inspiring buy-in and driving action.

"The absence of the auditorgeneral could affect the efforts of our government in the fight against corruption and enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.”

The letter emphasised that appointing a substantive auditorgeneral would strengthen the federal government’s commitment to fiscal responsibilities and safeguard public trust.

It pointed out that the audit reports of 2020, 2021 and 2022 were yet to be transmitted in accordance with Section 85 (2) of the 1999 Constitution as a result of the non-appointment of an auditor general.

In a related development, the Contractors Association of Nigeria (CAN) appealed to Tinubu to stop the alleged plan to appoint an unqualified federal civil servant as Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

Chairman of CAN, Yusuf Abubakar, who stated this in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, alleged that the name of a civil servant on Grade Level 10 had been forwarded to the Office of the Chief of Staff for appointment as DG, BPP.

The contractors noted that the BPP remained key to the survival

of governance, as every ministry and agency of government had to pass through it for due process of their procurements and contracts.

The statement said, "The moment the BPP is subdued, all other due processes in the country is gone.

"For it not to be subdued, we are hereby calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow the plot to bypass the laid down civil service process of succession in the public sector, as being planned in cohort with a few top government officials in the Presidential Villa, to succeed.

"The BPP has always being headed by an engineer, who is vast in contract and procurement rudiments. Little surprise that a clique, who claimed to have the backing of the presidency, is projecting someone who is not an engineer but a graduate of Business Administration to head BPP as Director General.

"Not only that, we had it on authority that someone being projected to the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, is a Grade Level 10 officer.

"We also learnt that he may be announced this week as the Director General. This is an absurdity in the

civil service in Nigeria.

"The person being projected was demoted from Grade Level 12 to 10 after he was found guilty of gross misconduct.

"He was transferred by the former DG, Engr. Eze, to Owerri after being demoted to Grade Level 10. But now he has found his way back to the head office in Abuja.

"He is being packaged and being sold to some influential people in the Presidential Villa, particularly, office of the Chief of Staff to the President, as the next Director General of BPP.

"Records of his misconduct and demotion are in his official file.”

The contractors also stated, "We wonder how a Grade Level 10 officer will suddenly be elevated to such position, particularly, in the organisation, with about eight qualified directors, who are not only engineers but have been directors for four years. There are also, deputy directors and assistant directors.

"This person has not even risen to the position of a Chief in the civil service, but had told those packaging him that he is currently a Deputy Director.

"We also learnt that he is flaunting his acclaimed friendship with a son of one of the APC top-notch in the Villa.

"How could such a person be brought to head a monitoring agency that is very key to the development of Nigeria as the DG?

"This is an anathema to civil service rule not only in Nigeria but all over the world.

"If such a person becomes DG, God forbid, he will be coming with vendetta and he will destroy that place because every senior officer from Level 12 and above will resign. How will this help such an agency?”

CAN added, "We know this is without the knowledge of Mr. President and that is why we are raising this alarm.

"If this should happen, it will be a disgrace to President Bola Tinubu and to Nigeria because procurement in government offices would henceforth, be done on 'cash and carry' basis.

"That means there will not be competitive tendering again. That means contractors will be getting 'certificate of no objection'. That means a head of an agency of government can sit down in his office and write letters of contract awards to his family members.

"That means there will no more be checks and balances, which is very key as it had reduced the frequency of going to EFCC and ICPC."

Afreximbank Opens Caribbean Office in Barbados

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has officially opened its Caribbean office.

The event held at the weekend, was attended by the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Prof. Benedict Oramah, in the company of the Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, former President of Nigeria/Chairman of the Intra-African Trade Advisory council, Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as other dignitaries from Africa and the Caribbean community (CARICOM) region.

The Bank also reaffirmed the $1.5 billion credit limit made available to support eligible CARICOM states.

According to a statement, the Afreximbank Caribbean Office would support the implementation of the Partnership Agreement between Afreximbank and

CARICOM member states aimed at expanding Africa-Caribbean trade and investment relations.

The move cements Afreximbank’s efforts to promote and develop trade between Africa and the Caribbean in line with its Diaspora Strategy and the African Union’s designation of the African Diaspora as Africa’s sixth region.

Speaking at the event, Oramah said the establishment of the Afreximbank Caribbean office remained critical to facilitating operations of the Bank in the Caribbean Community.

It would bring Afreximbank’s products and initiatives closer to the business community and ensure that the Bank rapidly ramps-up operations to promote stronger relations with the governments in the region towards the pursuit of mutually identified priorities.

“With the launch of the

Caribbean Office, we can look forward to a smooth implementation of trade and access to finance initiatives, broader business origination across the CARICOM member states and more impactful results from our partnership.

“We also look forward to Afreximbank subsidiaries finding homes in the CARICOM, especially the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), PAPSS and AfrexInsure. Over time, CARICOM and African financial systems will become better integrated for the benefit of our people” he added.

In her remarks, Prime Minister of Barbados, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, stated that Africa has been a loyal friend to the Caribbean, referencing the assistance offered through the African Medical Supplies Platform during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said Africa opened its doors to the Caribbean Community and facilitated access to equipment, therapeutics, and ultimately vaccines, with the payment mechanism facilitated through Afreximbank.

Mottley went on to laud the establishment of the Afreximbank Caribbean office, noting that this new office was the culmination of promises made by the Bank during the first AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum held in Barbados in 2022.

“This is not just a proud moment historically, but it is also a move that makes sense that will benefit our regional private sector and our regional state-owned corporations who need access to a more empathetic, reasonable bank and one willing to take risks that would allow our people to move and grow to the next level,” she stated.

COURTESY VISIT TO WEMA BANK…

L-R: Head Brands and Marketing Communication, Wema Bank,Mrs. Mabel Adeteye; Executive Director, Retail and Digital Business, Wema Bank,Mr. Tunde Mabawonku; Media Personality/Queen of Talk TV, Morayo Afolabi-Brown; and Executive Director, North and East Bank, Wema Bank, Mr. Emeka Obiagwu, during the courtesy visit of the media personality to Wema Bank’s Head Office, Marina, Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT

Araraume, NNPC Take Legal Battle to Court of Appeal

Litigant says appeal by national oil company against his reinstatement, abuse of court

Senator Ifeanyi Ararume has described as an abuse of court process, the appeal filed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) seeking to upturn the judgment of a Federal High Court which had ordered his reinstatement as the Non-executive Chairman of the Board of the national oil company.

Ararume, argued that the appeal by NNPCL was not only incompetent and lacking in merit, but a waste of the previous time of the court which must be dismissed with huge cost. His position was contained in his brief of argument dated and filed July 31, 2023, by his team of lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had in a judgment on April 18, ordered the immediate reinstatement of Ararume as NNPC's Chairman.

The court had in its judgment held that his removal after his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void and subsequently nullified the president's action.

Besides, the court had also ordered the defendants which included Buhari, NNPC Ltd and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to pay Ararume the sum of N5 billion being damages he suffered following his unlawful removal as NNPC Board Chairman.

In addition, the court had declared as a nullity all decisions and actions taking so far by the board in the absence of Ararume.

Miffed by the judgment, the NNPC had approached the Court of Appeal, Abuja, to challenge the decisions and orders of Justice Ekwo of the Federal High Court delivered on April 18, 2023.

The NNPC in its appellant's brief

HYPREP Releases $360m for Ogoni Cleanup

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Board of Trustee (BOT) of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) as well as the Ogoni Trust Fund (OTF) have so far released about $360 million for the cleanup of the Ogoni degraded environment.

This was just as the BOT/OTF on a four-day tour inspecting the exercise on the affected sites expressed satisfaction with the level of work done in the ongoing Ogoni cleanup, noting that the remediation work had been conquered.

The HYPREP BOT members who visited all the remediated projects sites and the reticulated water projects in the four local government areas of Ogoni, noted that the work done had the value for fund already released.

The BOT Chairman, Dr. Mike Nwielaghi, other members including, Bebe Okpabi, Hon Emmanuel Deeyah, Babajide Damazio and Mr. Adokiye Ikpoki, visited completed water projects at Alesa Eleme, Bori Town, Kpean Community, Terabor, Gokana, Barako and Korokoro Tai. They had also visited remediated site at Alode, Kpean Gio/B-Dere, among others as its oversight function.

Speaking at the end of the tour, Nwielaghi commended the serenity of the coordinating office, adding that it has taken the status of a project and has not deviated from

the mandate before it. Nwielaghi, stated that HYPREP gazette mandates the BOT to release necessary funds, assess the projects regularly and report back, adding that the board ought to know what has been done with the money already given out.

He said: “It was the decision of board in line with the gazette of HYPREP that we do occasional tour to HYPREP project sites as to be able to acquaint ourselves with the fund we send to HYPREP, how it is being used, what projects are there for us to see and what more do they need.

“It has been a four-day intensive visit. We have gone to all the four LGAs. We have come and we have seen. In a way I can proudly say that we have conquered. As we speak, we have gone to remediated sites.

“Those sites that have been recovered we could see that grass and trees are growing. We will have to put a signal post on those sites to show that truly those areas have been remediated.

“Remediation work is an intangible activity. If you look at the fact that hundreds of dollars have been put underground, there could be no appreciation, because what we are seeing is the same grasses that are growing. I can say without fear of equivocation that there has been value for money spent on the remediation projects.”

of Argument dated June 30, but filed July 3, presented 18 grounds upon which it is challenging the entire decision of the trial court.

Specifically, the appellant through its lead counsel, Mr. Yusuf Ali, urged the appellate court to set aside the judgment in favour of Ararume, saying the trial court lacked the requisite jurisdiction to entertain the suit; the suit was statute barred; the trial court misled and mis-applied the relevant statutory provisions which led it to the wrong decisions; Ararume failed to adduce convincing, believable, cogent and compelling evidence in support of his suit; and that the trial court ought not to have entertained the suit on Originating Summons.

It was the argument of the appellant that the trial judge erred in law in holding that the president was wrong in removing Ararume as Board Chairman, adding that the constitution, PIA, 2021 as well as the NNPCL's Memorandum and Article of Association, "gives the power to appoint and remove the the Non-Executive Chairman of of the appellant to the 2nd respondent, under the long established and judicially settled principle of he who have the power to hire can fire."

According to the appellant, the

trial court erred in law when it went ahead to hold that the case of the claimant was not statute barred, despite evidence that the suit was filed eight months outside the three months provided by the law.

On the second issue, NNPCL argued that the trial judge was wrong to have entertained the Ararume's suit on Originating Summons, explaining that where facts in dispute are riotous, hostile and in conflict, Originating Summons is inappropriate.

Besides, the appellant accused Justice Ekwo of not giving them fair hearing when it refused to hear and determine their application for a stay of execution they had filed on January 20, 2023.

They therefore urged the court to determine the appeal in their favour and set aside the judgment of Justice Ekwo delivered on April 18, 2023.

Responding, Ararume faulted the appeal for being incompetent on the grounds that the said brief of argument was filed by a non-party in the suit.

According to Ararume, there was no proper appellant before the Court of Appeal because the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd that he sued was different from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company that

filed the brief of argument and as such lacked the locus standi and the legal personality any brief of argument in this appeal or to prosecute same.

"We submit that this is not a case of misnomer, but consistent with the position and attitude of the "Appellant" as if the 2nd respondent defendant sued by the 1st respondent at the court below was still a parastatal of government."

Also, Ararume urged the court to dismiss the appeal with substantial cost for being a gross abuse of court process.

According to him the trial court acted within its constitutional and statutory jurisdiction when it entertained, heard and determined his suit against the NNPC, then President Muhammadu Buhari and the CAC.

Ararume claimed that NNPC was wrong in challenging the court's jurisdiction on the premise that his case was a labour or employment related matter which should be heard by the National Industrial Court.

"In view of the clear position of the 1st respondent as Director/NonExecutive Chairman of the appellant, it was wrong and incorrect to regard the 1st respondent as an employee of the appellant or employee of the 2nd respondent," he added.

Ararume further argued that his case arose from the operation of the appellant as a corporate entity incorporated under the CAMA, 2020. On the issue of protection Ararume in the reply filed by his lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche, pointed out that the provisions of Section 2 of the Public Officers Protection Act and Section 307 of the PIA, 2021 were not applicable to the suit as statutes of limitation.

According to him, an elected president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not a public officer, adding that the Public Officers Act was intended to protect the officer from detraction and unnecessary litigation but never intended to deprive a party of legal capacity to ventilate his grievance on the face of stark injustice.

Besides, Ararume submitted that the mode of commencement of the suit was appropriate being one of the interpretation of the provisions of the constitution, CAMA, 2020 and PIA, 2021, since there was no hostile or hotly contested facts. In addition, he submitted that the necessary parties were before the court and as such there was no breach of the right to fair hearing of any non-party.

FG Declares Diphtheria Outbreak in Four States, Says 14 More at High Risk of Spread

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has said available data showed that there is currently active diphtheria outbreak in 25 Local Governmemt Areas, in 4 states, namely Bauchi, Katsina, Yobe and Kaduna.

As part of the emergency response to the disease outbreak, the Federal Ministry of Health said it was working in collaboration with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the states and partners to mobilise all the necessary resources to effectively check the outbreak of Diphtheria cases in four states of the country.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Olufunsho Adebiyi stated: "A comprehensive response plan has been activated to ensure early detection, containment of cases, as well as preventing further transmission through a multi-phased

response strategy."

According to the statement, "available real-time surveillance data is currently showing active diphtheria outbreaks in 25 LGAs in four states, namely Bauchi, Katsina, Yobe and Kaduna.”

Furthermore, it stated that 171 LGAs in 14 states were at high risk of further spread of the diphtheria outbreak.

The 171 Local Government Areas include all the144 in Kano, Katsina, FCT, Yobe, Kaduna and Bauchistates, as well as the twenty 20 contiguous Local Government Area councils in six neighboring states -Gombe, Jigawa, Borno, Nasarawa, Plateau and Zamfara.

Also affected are seven Local Government Areas in Lagos and Osun states.

Adebiyi stated that the partnership with the stakeholders was aimed at achieving an intensified mass vaccination of the identified populations at risk to curb the ongoing diphtheria outbreak.

He explained that vaccination was being rolled out in two phases.

"The immediate phase one response 5-days reactive catch-up campaign) is planned for the affected 25 LGAs in four states from 7th August 2023 and will target children less than 14 years of age.

“Children 6 weeks - 4 years would be administered pentavalent vaccine, while children more than 4 –14 years would be administered Td vaccines during the campaign," he said.

Adeniyi also stated 171 Local Government Areas in 14 States were being prioritised for full three rounds of catch-up campaign using Pentavalent vaccines (for children less than 4 years) and Td vaccines (for children 4 – 14 years).

He added that: “The 14 states for the phase 2 response are: Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Yobe, FCT, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Borno, Nasarawa, Plateau, Zamfara, Lagos and Osun.

“The three rounds of the phase 2 response catch-up campaigns are

tentatively scheduled for 21st August 2023 (1st Round), 18th September 2023 (2nd Round) and 16th October 2023 (3rd Round) respectively.” Diphtheria is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease caused by an exotoxin producing bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheria, which spreads mainly by direct contact with an infected individual or exposure to airborne droplets. It is a deadly disease that can affect people of all ages, especially children who are unvaccinated against the disease.

This disease targets mostly the respiratory system of affected individuals and is characterised by signs and symptoms which include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, neck swelling and difficulty in breathing.

The disease has resulted in loss of many lives across the affected states. These signs and symptoms, if left untreated, could eventually lead to death; and the risk of death is higher in partially vaccinated / unvaccinated children.

Alex Enumah in Abuja

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING…

L-R:

CISLAC, Transparency International Accuse Tinubu of Rewarding Corrupt Politicians with Appointments

Allege president choosing people with open integrity deficits into political party, executive, legislative arms of government

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) yesterday, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of appointing

persons believed to be corrupt or under investigations by anti-graft agencies into leadership positions.

CISLAC, in a joint statement with Transparency International (TI) Nigeria, said the appointments

Abia Earmarks 160 Buildings for Demolition

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Abia State government has embarked on sensitisation of communities and property owners to prepare them to make the necessary sacrifices for the development of Umuahia, the capital city.

As part of his development agenda, Governor Alex Otti had announced the expansion of the main entry road leading into Umuahia from the Enugu- Port Harcourt expressway.

He said Ossah road, which is presently a dualised entry from Abia Tower junction off the expressway into Umuahia, would be expanded to six lanes.

To make this possible, over 160 properties have been penciled down for demolition while some ancestral lands would also go into the road expansion project.

The State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, is the head of a public enlightenment and sensitisation team reaching out to the communities and property owners that would be affected by the road project.

Speaking at a public enlightenment forum at Eziama na Mgbaja, Okpu Isingwu, Uzzzi na Akpizu, and Isingwu autonomous communities, the commissioner said that his ministry had already done the enumeration and valuation of buildings in conjunction with external valuers.

He assured them that government would pay compensations within the ambit of the law, adding that the Otti’s administration was sensitive and responsive, hence the need to

carry out sensitisation visits before commencing demolition of properties.

"We will give a human face to all the decisions taken," he said, adding that Otti believes in following due process even though, "he is in a hurry to develop the state."

Mrs. Oge Maduka, who represented the Attorney General of the State, further emphasised that the road expansion project was for public interest and everything would be done within the provisions of the law.

She noted that the inclusion of the AG in the sensitisation team was a pointer that government would not violate the rights of people and would ensure that the execution of the project in a peaceful environment.

Both the Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Housing, Okorougo Aji and the Senior Special Assistant on Homeland Security said this would not disappoint Ossah people and other affected communities.

In their respective remarks, the Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Town Planners(NITP), Mr. Steve Nwazue, and a Director in the Ministry of Lands and Housing, said the impending demolition exercise would be done step by step with guiding rules.

Nwazue, disclosed that demolition notice had already been served on owners of affected properties, adding that a second notice would be served in due course.

The traditional rulers of and community leaders of the affected communities, who spoke at the event, accepted government initiative to give Umuahia the befitting status of a state capital.

spread across political party level, the executive and the legislative arms of government.

The statement by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, expressed worries about the effect such actions would have on the morale of anti-corruption agencies in the country.

According to the statement, “A scenario where an individual who has very substantial corruption allegation against him is made to lead the ruling political party is worrisome. These are happening despite ongoing investigation by anti-graft agency both at the state and federal level against some of these individuals.

“We find it appalling that some of the names sent by the president to the National Assembly to be

screened for ministerial positions have corruption related cases to answer with the anti-graft agencies.

“Going by this list, the president would correctly be perceived as shown lack of care about integrity in governance and turn a deafening hears to public outcry on key issues especially the fight against corruption,” Rafsanjani said.

He noted that the Ministerial list sent to the Senate proves that Nigeria is reversing the gains made in its anti-corruption efforts since the return to democracy in 1999.

He said: “For example, the list has an ex-Governor internationally accused of aiding a former military ruler to launder Nigeria’s wealth abroad.

“It is also disturbing that a politician who has a case to answer with the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is at the leadership of the National Assembly and will be conducting oversight duties on anti-graft agencies, including the EFCC.

“We equally frown at the recycling of some ex-Governors and ex-Minsters who glaringly failed to perform in their previous assignments.”

He said with the assemblage of the alleged corrupt individuals with integrity deficit, it was clear that Tinubu has no regard or concern for the public demand to have a sane and responsible government.

He also said Nigeria’s reputation in the global

community was going to suffer negative consequences with the incredible damage the acts like money laundering, drugs trafficking, merchant of violence and illegal proliferation of arms have done to the country which has contributed and will continue widening insecurity, poverty, collapse of education, health care infrastructural development and ethnics and value system.

“We find it very sad that young Nigerians will have no positive lesson to learn from these corrupt leaders.

“Citizens and well-meaning Nigerians must continue to demand that transparency, accountability and responsible leadership be institutionalized in our public offices,” Rafsanjani said.

Guinness Nigeria Says It Can’t Get Dollars Despite FX Reforms

Guinness Nigeria Plc, a unit of Diageo Plc, has said it is struggling to obtain dollars to pay back foreign-currency loans, despite the government’s liberalisation of the foreignexchange market to help to revive Africa’s biggest economy. Nigeria’s new government in June allowed the naira to trade freely to attract inflows and boost dollar supply. According to Bloomberg, although the liberalisation has led the local currency to depreciate around 40 per cent

against the dollar, supply of the greenback was still limited relative to demand.

As a result, it noted that Nigerian companies with significant dollar debts have suffered significant currencyrelated losses.

The Diageo subsidiary, Guinness Nigeria Plc, declared a loss of N18.2 billion for 2023, compared to N15.7 billion profit in the previous year after its finance costs soared on the currency devaluation.

It wants to pay off the loans

but can’t at present owing to dollar shortage, according to Finance and Strategy Director Emmanuel Difom.

“If liquidity improves, our plan is to actually pay off everything we owe on hard currency”’ to reduce our vulnerability, he said on an investor call in Lagos.

“We have sufficient cash in naira to pay off and all we need is access to hard currency.”

The company is substituting imported raw materials with locally produced items and

also expanding exports to boost dollar earnings to curb dependence on external sources for foreign currency, Difom said.

At the Nigerian forex market, “we have seen a little bit of offers, at rates ranging between N800 and N850 a dollar, but not big supply,” he said.

“We expect liquidity to improve in the next couple of months. The rate is not the problem; we need dollar availability.”

Air Peace Operates Special Flight Service to Antigua, Barbuda

Chinedu Eze

Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, at the weekend successfully conducted a nonstop, direct flight to Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean.

The airline's Boeing 777 aircraft with Registration Number 5N-BW1 departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport around 14:00 hours (2:00 PM Nigerian time) on August 5, 2023, on a special business trip to Antigua

and Barbuda.

Spokesman of Air Peace, Stanley Olisa, disclosed that the flight concretised the airline's relationship with the government of Antigua and Barbuda and signaled more possibilities of socio-economic payoffs for Nigeria and the Caribbean nation.

Noting that the flight was not an inaugural flight, Olisa stated that Air Peace was looking to commence scheduled commercial flights

into the two-island country and wants Nigerian investors to see the investment opportunities that abound in Antigua and Barbuda, especially in the area of tourism, and factoring her conducive business environment.

Olisa, added that tourism was a major revenue earner for Antigua and Barbuda and hinted that the special flight which departed on Saturday, was a 4-day trip featuring a key business conference

for strategic discourses on investment opportunities, networking and other planned recreational activities around the Antigua Carnival.

The airline said in the last couple of months there have been media reports about Air Peace being in high-level talks with the government of Antigua and Barbuda over aviation investment in their country.

“This flight to Antigua seems to confirm these news publications,” Olisa said.

Deputy President Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Akin Osuntoki; Chairman Programmes Committee, Tajudeen Ahmed; Honorary Life Vice President, Theresa Ananyi; Deputy President, Bimbo Olashore, and Chairman Nigerian-British Golf Committee, Uwamai Igein, during NBCC's 2022 Annual General Meeting held in Lagos…recently

Obaseki, Shaibu at Daggers Drawn over Edo 2024 Guber Race

The battle for succession which has been secretly raging between the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Mr. Philip Shaibu, has now become a public show.

Previously, both political gladiators through their Media Aides have denied any form of rift. But in spite of these denials, the stain already caused by the bad blood could not be wiped off.

From the day Obaseki won the governorship election and Shaibu as running mate when the duo defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC) which was their initial party, Shaibu has never hidden his ambition to succeed his boss as governor of the state forgetting that the state stands on a tripod: Edo South, Edo Central and Edo North.

Since 1999 till date, the central senatorial district only tasted the governorship seat during the 18-month stint of Professor Osarhiemen Osunbor before he was sacked by the Appeal Court.

At the end of Obaseki’s tenure in November, 2024, Edo South will be completing 16 years of holding power in the state. Edo North had eight years of governorship under Adams Oshiomhole now Senator. Besides, Edo North also had 16 years as deputy governor. First was Mike Oghiadomhe (1999-2007) and now Philip Shaibu (2016-2024).

However, Shaibu, who is from Edo North has kept on salivating his desire to contest the 2024 gubernatorial poll without taking into consideration the Central district and other tribes from his zone like the Owan and Akoko-Edo that are yet to produce governor.

In the past six years, the number two citizen has reportedly been displaying the attitude of entitlement haven helped the governor to conquer enemies and so, deserve to be compensated by succeeding his governor.

Shaibu was said to have on several occasions, displayed this feature manifestly. For instance, a source close to him hinted that his ambition to succeed the governor by all means without considering the feelings of others is the driving force to create crisis in order to get public sympathy.

It was learnt that on several occasions he

had sauntered and gallivanted into the State Executive Council (EXCO) meetings like the son of an emperor while the meeting was ongoing and while the governor who was already presiding, had to pause the important sessions to allow his comrade in the struggle to take his seat before continuing with the crucial proceedings.

“These are no secrets. Any Executive Council member from November 12, 2016, when Obaseki became the state governor till date can attest to this fact. But for the governor’s maturity, tolerance and carriage, Shaibu’s fecklessness would have hit the vortex long before now.

“Imagine a deputy governor who insists that all other vehicles on the governor’s convoy must be behind his own vehicle when he and the governor are travelling together. Any vehicle in the convoy that dares to overtake his vehicle, Shaibu will direct his security agents to descend on the driver and unleash mayhem on same.

“A particular driver in the governor’s convoy on a trip to one of the Niger-Delta States in 2020 was beaten to stupor under the supervision of the Deputy Governor and his wife. His crime was that he dared to overtake

Shaibu’s vehicle in order to catch up with the governor’s convoy, where he is supposed to be. That driver is disfigured till date with a missing tooth as a mark of the beast to remind him and his unborn generations that their father dared and played in the terrain of an ultimate bully. This is the kind of person that Philip Shaibu is.

“Obaseki has told him that it is not time for politics so that governance does not suffer and maintains that at the appropriate time, attention will be given to politics but he is not ready for that and wants governance to be abandoned for politics.” the source, who did not want his name mentioned, noted.

He argued that in all of this, the most to blame is Obaseki, who according to him is trying to adopt a civilized manner in relating with his deputy governor in a society where such gesture is taken for weakness, adding “Imagine having the governor officially transferring full executive powers to the deputy governor to act on his behalf anytime he proceeds on leave. Though this is the right thing to do, but most governors will never do it. The reason is because of characters like Shaibu who in his selfishness resorts to tantrums like a child who was denied biscuits and sweets he felt is his right.”

Shaibu, it was further learnt, has always played the card of a very loyal deputy, which the source said is far from reality as the only proof of loyalty was his involvement in the

faceoff between Obaseki and the immediate past governor of the State and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

“However, what Shaibu will never do is to disclose the benefits that accrued to him while the quarrel persist”, THISDAY was told. The last straw that broke the camel’s back, which further strained the relationship between the two came when Shaibu was sited in a viral video having a party with Oshiomhole and other member of the APC in Abuja after the inauguration of elected national assembly members.

This reportedly infuriated the governor who summoned a meeting few days after without inviting Shaibu. Gotten wind of the meeting held behind him, the Deputy Governor was said to have sought audience with his boss but was rebuffed.

Sensing that something must be amiss and that his days as deputy governor is numbered, Shaibu decided to seek refuge by approaching a Federal High Court in Abuja, asking for a restraining order to stop his removal.

The Edo state deputy governor perfected his move last Thursday in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1027/2023, stopping Obaseki from impeaching him. Those mentioned in the restraining order include the Inspector General of Police; State Security Service; the Governor of Edo State; the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, and the Chief Judge of Edo State as first, second, third, fourth and fifth defendants respectively.

Shaibu who is conversant with their modus operandi as an insider, also alleged plan by those he believed to be loyal to the governor to do away with him.

He also sought an interlocutory injunction restraining the 3rd, 4th and 5th Defendants/ Respondents or their agents from commencing an impeachment process against him. The Deputy Governor further prayed the court to restrain the governor of the state or other persons acting on his order from harassing and preventing him from effectively discharging his duties as the deputy governor of the state.

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

Edun: Perfect Fit for Nigeria’s Finance Ministry

O’Diakpo Obire writes about the pedigree of ministerial nominee, Olawale

President Tinubu’s recent nomination of Olawale Edun as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been met with widespread approval and enthusiasm. Understandably, he is viewed in many circles as the poster boy of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees. His nomination has renewed the hope of millions of a better Nigeria as promised by PBAT.

With his impressive track record as a former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos state, combined with extensive experience in leading financial institutions, Edun is undeniably the perfect fit to oversee the Finance Ministry.

Indeed, as an economist, capitalist and financial consultant, who has closely followed his professional trajectory and relationship with Mr. President, I had long concluded that he will be appointed either the CBN Governor or Minister of Finance.

His nomination represents a significant step towards ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in Nigeria’s financial sector.

Edun’s tenure as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos revealed his strong leadership skills and unwavering commitment to public service.

During his time in office, he successfully implemented numerous policies that played a

pivotal role in the economic development of the State.

Edun’s diligent management of the State’s finances greatly improved revenue generation and strengthened Lagos’ financial independence, earning him widespread praise from experts and citizens alike.

Beyond his invaluable experience as Commissioner for Finance, Edun’s leadership roles in various financial institutions further exemplify his ability to handle complex financial matters.

His expertise in navigating the intricate dynamics of the Nigerian financial system places him in a unique position to address the challenges faced by the Finance Ministry, aligning the nation’s economic policies with sustainable growth and development.

The importance of having a minister with a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape cannot be stressed enough. Edun’s extensive knowledge of fiscal policies, investment strategies, and budgetary allocations will enable him to make informed decisions vital to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.

Additionally, his capabilities and unmatched experience make him the clear choice for steering the nation’s finances towards prosperity.

With Edun at the helm of the Finance Ministry, Nigerians can have renewed hope and confidence in the economic future of their country. His appointment signifies President Tinubu’s preparedness for office, commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Edun’s proven integrity and unwavering

dedication to public service will undoubtedly bring stability and trust to the financial sector, prudent management of the country’s finances, enhancing investor confidence and advancing Nigeria’s economic competitiveness on the global stage.

Embracing a collaborative approach, Edun has shown a track record of bringing together diverse stakeholders within the financial sector. His ability to foster dialogue and forge strategic partnerships will enable effective policymaking, resulting in an economic landscape conducive to sustainable growth and development.

President Tinubu’s nomination of Edun as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria demonstrates a commitment to appointing qualified individuals with proven experience and track records.

Given Edun’s pedigree as a former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos and his leadership roles in financial institutions, he stands as the ideal candidate to lead the Finance Ministry. With his expertise and vision, Edun holds the potential to positively transform Nigeria’s economic future, bringing about stability, growth, and prosperity for all citizens.

-Dr Obire writes from Abuja

Edun, which makes him a perfect choice for the nation’s Finance Ministry.

Edun

Adibe Emenyonu writes about the looming crisis between Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state and the state Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, over the choice of who succeeds the former in November, 2024.

Obaseki Shaibu

An Account of Meritorious Stewardship for CPP Obua

Newly retired Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Zone A, Lagos State Border Patrol Command, Chukwuememka Patrick Pius, popularly referred to as

CPP Obua, in this interview with Sunday Ehigiator, reflects on his time in active service and achievements recorded

What can you tell me about yourself?

I am proud to say that I graduated from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, fondly called Uni-Ife, where I studied and obtained a degree in International Law and Diplomacy.

Furthermore, I proceeded to the University of Jos, where I obtained a Master's Degree in the same field of study. Overall, I was a dedicated and knowledgeable Immigration Officer who is passionate about upholding the laws and regulations of my country.

How do you feel about your retirement?

Having served for 35 years in the Immigration Service, I can confidently say that it has been a fulfilling journey. I devoted a significant part of my youth to this service, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my country.

Though the journey was not always smooth sailing, and there were times when our advancement was slow and tortuous, I am happy that I persevered. I owe a debt of gratitude to my superiors for their support and guidance throughout my career. I am also grateful to God for granting me the zeal to put in my best despite the distractions here and there.

At the parade ground, during my retirement ceremony, the then Comptroller General himself, Idris Isah Jere MFR, read a wonderful citation, which speaks for itself. I am glad that my contributions to the service have been recognized, and I feel fulfilled.

I believe that I have put in my best, and I am content with the recognition I have received from the service. As I retire, I look forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing other interests.

What would you consider as your greatest achievement in service?

Throughout my career in the service, I dedicated myself to two passions that paid off significantly. Firstly, I had a strong desire to project a positive image of the service. As a young officer, I established a newsletter and a welfare program, which later became a cooperative society.

My motivation for creating the welfare program was the realization that many public servants were poorly paid, which was a form of modern-day slavery. I noticed that this meagre salary often led some officers to engage in criminal activities to make ends meet. This observation prompted me to advocate for a saving culture that would enable officers to weather financial storms in the future.

Through my work with the welfare and cooperative society, I was able to provide officers with financial education, counselling, and investment opportunities. I am glad that I was able to make a positive impact on the lives of many officers and their families.

Secondly, I had a passion for achieving national recognition in my career. Through hard work and dedication, I was able to achieve this goal. My efforts were recognized by the service, and I received numerous awards for my outstanding service.

I am proud of the work I have done in the service. I believe that my contributions have made a significant difference in the lives of many officers, and I am grateful for the opportunities I had to serve my country.

Throughout my career in the service, I dedicated my efforts to two passions that paid off at the national level. Firstly, I was appointed as the Public Relations Officer of the NIS from 2013-2015.

As an image maker and spokesperson, I went above and beyond to create a monthly newspaper that later evolved into a monthly magazine. I even secured an international library number for it, which is referenced in my citation. Secondly, I was passionate about establishing welfare and cooperative societies for public servants, as I believed they were poorly paid, which could lead to dire consequences.

With the support of Controller General David Shikfu Parradang OFR, MNI, CGI (RTD.), we established the most sustainable, enduring, and multipurpose cooperative society for the officers, which has been instrumental in supporting them.

One of the high points of my service was setting up the national cooperative society. In the entire 50 years of Immigration, we had never had a national cooperative society until then. Even after my retirement, I have already received my benefits from the cooperative society, before the government starts to verify if I am eligible to receive retirement funds. This has been a significant benefit for me.

When we started the cooperative society in Ogun State, we had to send the President of Ogun State, who had experience in managing such

societies, to the Service Headquarters to replicate what they had done there. I belonged to two cooperative societies, one in Ogun State and the national one, and I have received my benefits from both. These cooperative societies have been a source of support and motivation for me, and they will continue to keep me going until the government begins to pay me my retirement funds.

Do you have any regrets?

In every career, there are bound to be regrets and certain things that could have been done differently. Looking back on my career, I realized that I did not push enough for some reforms that were important to me. Although I made some memos, I did not follow up on them. The heads of public services are very busy, and unless you show enough passion, likely, your ideas will not be given proper attention.

One of my biggest regrets is not pushing enough for the proper restructuring of the service in terms of staff disposition and schedule of duty. I also regret not creating more vacancies by expanding our services, as it seemed to be over-centralised. These are deep regrets for me, and I believe that they should have been the icing on the cake of my career. However, even though I am retired, I am not tired. There are certain things that I could not do because of precedence and hierarchy, but now that I am out of service, I believe I will be able to do them better. I am determined to make a positive impact in these areas that I could not before.

What an accolade from the NIS Comptroller General, were you surprised?

I am not in any way surprised by the compliments and praises given to me by the Comptroller General. It's not because I am being immodest, but rather because he holds me in high regard.

He calls me ‘The Engine Room’ because he believes that we set the pace and agenda in this service. And whatever we say and do, moves the service forward. We are the ones that have moved the service in multiple ways. He has been expressing this sentiment both privately and publicly for a while now, so it was not unexpected.

As a family man in very active service, how are you able to achieve a work-life balance?

I want to put it on record so that you can see how I relate with my staff. When I relate with them, I’m always on their neck to get it right and all. I am a disciplinarian, and at times I take it to the family. It hasn't been easy, despite their support and cooperation.

I have been away for most of the time and I keep telling officers that if I am at my duty post and they tell me that my wife is sick or admitted, what my wife needs is medical attention, not the attention of an immigration officer.

My ugly or fine face is not going to add any value to her condition. What doctors need is money, and how will the money come if I am absent from my duty post and I go AWOL?

Any officer will have it hot with me if they tell me they didn't come early or stayed more than the allowed period for casual or annual leave because of their child or wife. They need to earn a living so they can add value to their lives. I have never seen that as an excuse.

I must put bread on my table, and I don't do that by playing 'sisi' and saying sorry to my wife. Sorry, won't pay for school fees or cure her illness. If I continue to miss my duty post, I will keep getting queried. And if the days are so much, they will deduct it from my salary, dimiNIShing the meagre salary I have to be able to solve the problem at hand.

My priorities are set very clearly, and I am focused on them. I don't let family pressure or family calling stand between me and my job. My job is my priority, as it gives me my dignity and the professional respect I am enjoying. People are singing about the CPP brand, and it derives from there, so it's the number one priority. If I miss it, I have missed everything.

Now that you have left the service, what area would you consider needs an improvement in the NIS?

I must be sincere with you about the issues that plague immigration and public service agencies. The first issue is leadership succession. There is a lack of clear-cut leadership succession plans, which causes disruptions in the system.

Sometimes tenure elongation occurs due to the lack of suitable successors. While some people may blame the president for this elongation, it's often because there are no qualified candidates to take over from the retiring officer. Without proper leadership succession plans, the public service is at risk of collapsing. This issue is not unique to the NIS but is prevalent across other security agencies as well.

The second issue is mentorship. This is another area where there is a lack of attention in the public service. The lack of capable hands to take over from retiring officers is due to the absence of mentorship programs. As a leader, you have failed if you cannot identify at least four people who can take over from you when you retire. You must mentor people who can do things like you do, and whom you can groom to be your alter ego. Unfortunately, people in

Africa tend to hoard their talents and gifts, when these abilities are meant to be shared for the betterment of humanity.

Mentorship is vital to public service because it helps to develop a pool of qualified leaders who can take over when the current crop retires. If you can't point to anyone you have mentored, then you have failed as a leader. In the past, we had super permanent secretaries like Udoji and Allison Madueke, who were technocrats of their time. However, they did not mentor anyone, which is why we don't have many people like them today. We need to have mentorship programs in place to groom the next generation of leaders.

Leadership succession and mentorship are two critical areas that need attention in public service. Without proper plans in place, the public service will continue to struggle, and we risk losing the gains made in the past. As leaders, we must focus on developing the next generation of leaders by grooming and mentoring them. This will ensure that we have a pool of capable hands to take over when the current crop of leaders retires.

How can these issues be addressed?

One possible way to resolve the issues with leadership succession and mentorship in the Nigerian Immigration Service and public service is a complete overhaul of the system.

This is not a new problem as past administrations, including that of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, have attempted to reform the public service, but have not been successful in making significant changes. The lack of political willpower and the fear of losing their jobs have contributed to the resistance to change.

There is a report by one of the Heads of Service about how to reform the service and bring it up to the standard it used to be some years back. However, this report has not been implemented, and it continues to gather dust. To reform the service, it will require a significant effort, such as weeding out bad eggs and separating the goats from the sheep, and the wheat from the chaff. People may resist change because they are afraid of losing their jobs.

It is essential to prioritise leadership succession and mentorship in public service to develop the next generation of leaders who can continue to steer the organization forward. This requires identifying and grooming potential successors and developing programs that promote mentorship and collaboration across different levels of the organization. Only through a concerted effort can the public service be transformed and made more efficient and effective in serving the citizens of Nigeria.

Now that you have been pulled out from service, what’s next for you?

I have dedicated a significant portion of my life to the field of migration management and my ultimate goal is to become a migration management consultant.

I intend to establish a legally recognised consultancy firm that can assist companies in their expatriate employment processes while ensuring that they comply with the Immigration Act of 2015. I am passionate about this line of work and have recognized a significant gap in the industry, as there is a shortage of experts in this field.

As a migration consultant, my primary focus will be to ensure that companies can successfully manage their expatriate employees while avoiding any legal complications that may arise. I believe that this is an area where I can make a significant contribution, and I am committed to pursuing this career path once I leave my current role in the immigration service.

Outside the NIS, who is CPP Obua?

I am a person who loves life and enjoys travelling. Fortunately, my bosses recognize this passion of mine and they ensure that I travel frequently outside the country, not only for leisure but also for courses. I believe that changing environments and meeting new people add value to one's knowledge and personal growth.

Thanks to my job, I have been able to attend several courses, and I am an ISO lead auditor and implementer. I attended some of these courses in Kenya, Turkey (shortly before the earthquake occurred), India, Switzerland, and many other countries. I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge from these travels. Aside from travelling and learning, I am also a sports enthusiast. I enjoy participating in various sports activities during my free time. Overall, I am a jolly good fellow who loves life and is always eager to explore new places and ideas.

However, even though I am retired, I am not tired. There are certain things that I could not do because of precedence and hierarchy, but now that I am out of service, I believe I will be able to do them better. I am determined to make a positive impact in these areas that I could not before

Comptroller of Immigration, Seme Border, Chukwuemeka Obua and wife, Violet during the pulling out ceremony by the current comptrollers and Deputy Comptrollers after 35 years of meritorious service put in by Obua in Nigeria Immigration service at Seme Border, Badagry, Lagos

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

THE LESSON FROM ADAMAWA RIOTS

The authorities should speed up the implementation of palliative measures to cushion rising costs

Apparently triggered by the current hardship occasioned by the removal of subsidy on petrol, some residents of Yola, the Adamawa State capital, recently broke into some privatelyowned and government warehouses including that of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Besides seizing food items, the hoodlums attacked people with machetes. They also broke into business premises and homes, carting away property.

Although the situation has calmed after the government hurriedly imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state, we hope that the authorities have learnt drilled holes in the wall of the warehouses, they didn’t break the doors,” observed the State Deputy Governor, Kaletapwa is very mindful of the fact that our people are hungry, and our people that, but we condemn what has happened because that will not take us forward.”

The Adamawa incident is nothing but a warning to the government that time is of the essence. Misery is walking the streets across the nation. Online video footage reminiscent of the 2020 riots, showed residents of Yola looting sacks of grain, cartons of pasta, noodles, spaghetti, salt and cooking oil and other household items State have also been protesting to demand palliatives, an upward review of pension allowances, and payment of salary deduction among others. Indeed, in more than 25 states of the country today, salary arrears are mounting and so are pensions obligations. Even worse, millions are simply idle. Thus, the challenge of the moment is how to contain a spontaneous eruption of social unrest in the face of rising costs of living.

President Bola Tinubu has embarked on the country’s

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D 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

Letters to the Editor

boldest reforms in decades, scrapping the expensive has led to soaring costs at a time when Nigerians are Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) mobilised thousands of Nigerians in a protest to

But following a meeting with President Tinubu at the Joe Ajaero and Festus Usifo both NLC and TUC leaders, decided to halt further protests on the strength of the President’s commitment to address the issues raised by labour. These include bringing on stream the Port has been perpetually down despite the billions sank into it, in December, a negotiated wage increase for workers, and a workable road map to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) alternative by next week, among others. The question however is when? How swift can the government be?

The lack of progress in implementing earlier wideranging proposals is a pointer to why many are viewing statements from the Presidency with caution.

the cost of governance? On the day President Tinubu pledged commitment to workers cause, he sent a list of 20 ministerial nominees to the Senate in addition to the earlier 28 names for ministerial appointments. Such a huge number of federal cabinet members is unprecedented. These, in addition to a barrage of advisers and special assistants.

If there is any lesson that the authorities, at all levels, should take from the Adamawa riot, it is that they should not take the people’s present lethargy for granted. It only takes a spark before the streets go up

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

LETTERS

COUPS AND WEST AFRICA’S DIPLOMACY

There were rumours of attempted coup in Senegal! Obviously, Russia has its roles, frustrating France -

has been less benevolent in oppression compared to Britain. Can such happen in Nigeria? Never! Although, Nigeria need not be militarily invasive but defensive in this kind of political onslaughts.

Do I support such coup? No! An ambitious visionary should contest and win or sneak in as a useful appointee. Do I support France or Russia? No! They are both for resources of Africa especially for devil”. The masses/mob will always be emotional and less rational. Hence, many are excited about the coup displacing French- controlled authorities in

Unknown to the mob that we are repeating history. apply more of independent strategies than usual blind emotions. These leaders should learn from the delayed tactics of China in gaining economic strength through science, technology, agriculture in disguise of strong leadership have enabled massive self-enrichment in the past and will repeat the same crookery. If we examine the infrastructural developments in francophone North Africa, we will

has no advantage of strength but seek alliance of Russia militarily to negotiate with France for more economic independence and win colleague-to-col-

league partnership against existing boss-to-boy relationship. Their military need not pursue political power but in-house political checks through that it will need more clear-headed approach for long-term wins.

Unfortunately, coups distract and derail any leadership, institution or vision irrespective of the good intentions as it makes the power struggle very disorganized, brutal and less intelligent, modern visionary Asians learnt this reality. Until the black aristocrats of all cadres learn to prioritize societal advancement like they prioritize self-enrichment, no coups or systems will truly uplift Black Africa.

Mujib Dada-Kadri, Esq., Abuja

If there is any lesson that the authorities, at all levels, should take from the Adamawa riot, it is that they should not take the people’s present lethargy for granted

This Week In Tech

Tech Top 5 News

BANKLY LAUNCHES MICROFINANCE BANK TO BOOST FINANCIAL INCLUSION

Bankly, a leading fintech firm, has taken a significant step towards enhancing financial inclusion in the country by introducing Bankly Microfinance Bank. Specialising in payment processing through point-of-sale terminals, Bankly’s Chief Executive Officer, Tomilola Majekodunmi, announced the bank’s unveiling as a major milestone in the company’s journey to provide accessible financial solutions to individuals and businesses throughout Nigeria.

With the establishment of Bankly Microfinance Bank, the company also introduced the ‘Group Savings’ feature within the Bankly App. This innovative feature revolves around the thrift collection system and group contributions.

The launch of the bank and the group savings feature further underscores Bankly’s commitment to easing financial processes and catering to the needs of everyday people in Nigeria. In 2020, the company expanded its offerings to agency banking, establishing a network of over 50,000 agents nationwide, providing access to financial services for more than twelve million individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a lifestyle bank, Bankly continues to prioritise delivering straightforward banking solutions to diverse customers, whether they are farmers looking to sell their produce or students in need of payment for essentials.

Bankly operates with full support from the Nigerian Interbank Settlement Systems and holds licenses from the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, demonstrating a strong commitment to compliance and customer protection in all its operations.

FCCPC DELISTS GETLOAN, JOY CASH, CAMELLOAN, CASHLAWN, OTHERS

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a warning to loan apps, giving them five days to decide that they are operating in accordance with the industry’s guidelines. Failure to comply could result in sanctions and removal from app stores. Additionally, the FCCPC has requested Google to remove eighteen loan apps from the Play Store for violating its regulations.

The commission emphasised that adherence to its rules is mandatory, and any failure to comply would be considered a violation of the law. The 18 delisted loan apps were found to be operating without proper approval or violated the Limited Interim Regulatory/Registration Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending of 2022.

The list of loan apps that have been delisted includes Getloan, Joy Cash, Camelloan, Cashlawn, Nairaloan, Eagle Cash, Luckyloan, Cashme, Easynaira, Swiftcas, Crediting, Swiftkash, Hen Credit Loan, Nut Loan, Cash door, Cashpal, and Nairaeasy.

FCCPC clarified that only digital money lenders with proper regulatory approval can be on the Play Store. The commission will continue to engage with Google to ensure unapproved apps are unavailable on the platform.

All existing and approved digital money lenders are urged to provide evidence of compliance within the next five days. They are required to revalidate the information provided by filling out the DL Form 001 on the FCCPC website.

KASPERSKY: NIGERIA WITNESSED 7% INCREASE IN RANSOMWARE ATTACKS

According to data from the Kaspersky Security Network, Nigeria experienced a seven per cent rise in ransomware attack attempts on both individual and corporate users in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. The cybersecurity firm highlighted that ransomware continues to be a major global and META region threat to information security. In 2022, the average ransomware attack cost was $4.54 million, and Kaspersky’s solution detected a staggering 74.2 million attempted ransomware attacks, a 20 per cent increase from the previous year.

International ransomware organisations continuously update their attack methods, with three main motivations driving them. First, they assess the likelihood of being caught while targeting a specific organisation. Second, they

TECH PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK

Bosun Tijani’s Transformative Push for 72 Startups in Nigeria, Kenya

This week’s featured tech personality is Bosun Tijani, the cofounder and CEO of CcHub – Nigeria’s pioneering open living lab and pre-incubation space. CcHub is a dynamic, multi-functional hub driving innovation across various disciplines.

He initiated the first visit of Mark Zuckerberg the founder and CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), to Nigeria in August 2016 as part of efforts to place Africa on the global technology map.He has also hosted other global technology leaders in Nigeria, including former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in 2019.

Tijani’s impressive contributions didn’t stop there. Just two months ago, he expertly moderated a conversation with Bill Gates during his visit to Nigeria as part of the prestigious Pan-African Youth Innovation Forum 2023.

Across Africa, CcHUB’s impact has been profound. With a network of over 1100 startups nurtured through innovation-focused programmes, the hub has created more than 7,300 direct jobs through its portfolio companies. CcHUB’s influence extends to creating over 35,000 indirect jobs through its value chain. Remarkably, Tijani’s leadership has enabled the direct investment of over $10 million in startups, and the startups in their portfolio have collectively attracted over $150 million in external funding.

Tijani’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as he was recognised by New Africa Magazine in 2017 as one of Africa’s 100 most influential people – a testament to his visionary leadership and dedication to fostering innovation on the continent.

Recently, CcHub made a significant stride in the edtech sector by launching a $15 million edtech accelerator developed in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The accelerator aims to support 72 startups in Nigeria and Kenya, and 24 startups from both countries have already been selected for this transformative initiative.

Tijani’s journey as a tech visionary and changemaker continues to shape the landscape of innovation in Africa, inspiring countless entrepreneurs and startups to push boundaries and create a brighter, tech-driven future.

consider the potential ransom size. Lastly, they evaluate the technical complexity of the attack. Dmitry Galov, head of the Russian Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT), explains that attackers reevaluate their intentions if even one of these characteristics does not align with their goals.

The sophistication and targeting of ransomware attacks are on the rise, affecting various organisations, including healthcare, educational institutions, service providers, and industrial enterprises.

VERVE ENABLES LOCAL PAYMENTS ON GOOGLE PLAY STORE FOR NIGERIANS

Google has joined forces with Verve, Africa’s largest domestic card scheme, to enhance digital transactions on the Google Play Store for Nigerians. Nigerians can now use their Verve cards to make purchases on the platform, bolstering the country’s digital ecosystem.

Under this collaboration, Google will process Verve transactions within Nigeria, allowing payments to be conducted in naira and recognised as local transactions by the country’s banking institutions. This streamlined approach empowers any Nigerian with an Android device and a Verve card to easily make purchases on the Google Play Store.

Anthea Crawford, Head of Retail and Payment Partnerships at Google Play expressed excitement about the partnership,

saying, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Verve, expanding Google Play access for more Nigerians. Introducing local payments with Verve cards is a significant milestone, enabling more Nigerians to participate in the app economy and access the apps they need.”

The Managing Director of Verve International, Vincent Ogbunude, emphasised that integrating with Google Play is a significant step towards achieving Verve’s vision of promoting financial inclusion. By bringing digital content and services closer to Verve cardholders, this partnership bridges the digital divide and extends the reach of digital services to a larger segment of the Nigerian population.

With Verve’s widespread acceptance as a leading payment card scheme in Nigeria, this collaboration promotes inclusion by facilitating access to digital services for more Nigerians. Users can now easily add their Verve cards to their Google Play Account and make payments in naira without any hassle.

To use a Verve card on the Google Play Store, users can follow these simple steps: Open the Playstore, select the desired app to purchase, click the displayed amount, choose “add credit or debit card,” and enter their Verve card details when prompted. Alternatively, they can visit pay.google.com, log in with their Gmail account, click ‘Add a payment method’, enter their Verve card details, and save. Then, they can return to the Playstore to

complete their purchase, and the card will be charged automatically.

This partnership simplifies payment processes for Google Play Store apps and services and contributes significantly to creating a more inclusive digital environment for Nigerians.

CCHUB’S CEO NOMINATED FOR MINISTERIAL POSITION

The CEO of Co-Creation HUB (CcHUB), Bosun Tijani, has been nominated as a minister. The nomination comes as a recognition of his achievements and leadership at CcHub, and he is now being considered for a significant position in the government.

The nomination was submitted along with a supplementary ministerial list, comprising nineteen individuals, by President Bola Tinubu’s chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Reports suggest that the President is considering several Nigerian tech experts for ministerial roles, and among the potential choices are Tijani, Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, Olumide Soyombo, and Idris Alubankudi Saliu, as reported by various publications.

While the specific portfolio for the nominated individuals has not been disclosed, it is speculated that Tijani may be considered for a role in either the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy or the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. However, these predictions remain unconfirmed, and the final decision on the ministerial role is yet to be made. Tinubu’s consideration of Tijani for a ministerial position is based on his impressive record as a tech entrepreneur.

RATES AS AT AUGUST 4,2023

With N2.14bn Net FX Gain, BUA Cement Smile as Dantoge, MTN, Others Rue N653bn Loss

Kayode Tokede

BUA Cement Plc reported N2.14 billion net foreign exchange gain in half year (H1) ended June 30, 2023 from N1.05billion in half year ended June 30, 2022, becoming the sole company investigated by THISDAY to escaped foreign exchange losses among listed firms on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

This is coming on the back of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent foreign exchange operations changes.

The likes of MTN Nigeria Communication Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, and eight others declared N653.12billlion foreign exchange loss in H1 2023 from N47.9 billion foreign exchange

loss reported in H1 2022.

The remaining eight are: Dangote Cement Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Eterna Plc, Seplat Petroleum Plc, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Plc, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, International Breweries Plc and Dangote Sugar Plc.

Foreign exchange loss on foreigndenominated transactions is due to the material devaluation of the Nigerian Naira in June 2023.

The apex bank had announced changes in the Nigerian foreign exchange operations, which required the immediate collapse of all segments of the market into the Investor & Exporter (I&E) foreign exchange window and reintroduced the ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ model.

The Naira moved from N465 against the dollar at end of May 2023 to close at N756 against the dollar in June 2023, giving rise to a net exchange loss of these companies from third party loans and payables in the Nigerian entities.

The CBN under the new administration of President Bola Tinubu has aggressively introduced new foreign exchange policies in a move to liberalise the market and attract more inflow.

In the period under review, MTN Nigeria declared N131.45billion net foreign exchange losses, a growth of 864.5per cent from N13.63billion reported in H1 2022.

Amid significant foreign exchange losses, MTN Nigeria declared N200.4billion profit before tax in

H1 2023, a drop of 25.4 per cent from N268.64 billion reported in H1 2022.

The Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Karl Toriola in a statement stated that the impact led to the company’s approximately 60 per cent movement in the exchange rate.

According to him, “The liberalisation of the forex regime and removal of the fuel subsidy provide a clear pathway to the return of international capital into our capital markets, and foreign direct investment which will drive economic activity in the medium term, improve the operating environment, and are net positive for our longer-term outlook.

“The immediate impact on our results for H1 was the unrealised

foreign exchange losses included in our net finance charges. There was no material impact on the EBITDA margin due to the nature of our tower contracts, which require us to make quarterly payments at the beginning of each quarter.”

Another multinational company, Nestle Nigeria reported N123.8 billion net foreign exchange loss in H1 2023 from N2.13 billion in H1 2022.

Nestle closed the period with N69.12billion loss before tax from N43.74billion profit before tax reported in corresponding period of 2022.

As Dangote Cement declared N113.63billion net exchange loss on foreign denominated transactions in H1 2023 from N40.66billion in H1 2022, its profit before tax stood at

N239.86billion, a decline of 9.4per cent from N264.89billion in H1 2022.

The foreign exchange component of Dangote Cement’s loans is N217.4 billion made up of letters of credit as of June 30, 2023 from N158.43 billion reported in full year ended December 31, 2022.

The cement manufacturing company reported N801.26billion total borrowings as of June 30, 2023 from N706.73billion in 2022 FY.

From the loans breakdown, it explained that, “Bank loans include Letters of credit (LCs) obtained to finance inventories, property, plant and equipment, etc. The average interest rate is SOFR plus 10 per cent.”

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

NGX Attracted N369.83bn FGN Bonds, Equities, Other Listings in Seven Months

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), attracted a total of N369.83billion new listings across equities, FGN Bonds, mutual funds, and derivatives categories in seven months of 2023 THISDAY analysis of market numbers has revealed.

The numbers obtained by THISDAY revealed that corporate entities shun listing on NGX as FGN Bonds dominated listing on the bourse in the period under consideration.

During the period, Lagos

state government is the only state that raised capital from the NGX despite pressure on State governments to bridge infrastructure deficits, create jobs and improve living standards.

Further analysis showed that so far in seven months of 2023, FGN Bonds listings contributed 4.46 per cent or N16.48 billion out of the N369.83 billion in seven months of 2023 and it constituted FGN Savings Bonds with maturities ranging between 2024 and 2026.

Also, corporate entities listing on NGX stood at N204.66 billion,

dominated by Dangote Industries Funding Plc, which listed N112.42 billion in March 2023.

Among the top corporate listings are Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited with N21.65 billion mutual fund, Africa Infra Plus 1, the first Carbon Plus naira-denominated fund to be listed on the Exchange.

Taj Bank issued N31.36 billion Sukuk under its Sukuk Issuance programme. FTN Cocoa Processors Plc and Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc both did supplementary listings of N850 million and N3.68 billion of shares

respectively.

The Lagos State Government issued the only bond by a subsovereign entity with its N137. 33 billion series 1V, 10-year 13 per cent, Fixed Rate Bonds due 2031 under its N500 billion debt issuance program. The NFX numbers showed that the FGN Bond listings on the NGX in seven months of 2023 are mainly the FGN Savings Bond as against the previous year when it was combination of both Federal Government Bond and Savings Bond.

In a related development, the Debt Management Office (DMO), said a total of N6.79 billion FGN Savings Bond was raised between January and July 2023.

DMO had revealed that the FGN Savings Bond has received a total subscription of N45.14 billion between its inception in 2017 and 2022.

Recall that on January 2, 2023, the debt office announced 2 FGN Savings Bonds for subscription as its first bond issuance for 2023.

DMO in its statement said that one is a two-year FGN Savings

MARKET DATA AS AT FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023

Bond due in January 11, 2025, at the interest rate of 9.600 per cent per annum as interest rate reached 9.070 per cent per annum in July 2023 auction.

Analysts believe the decline in FGN Bond listing this year showed that the federal government had borrowed less money from the primary market during the period under review compared to the corresponding period of 2022.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

PenCom Develops Five Year Strategic Plan for Customer Rights Protection

Ebere Nwoji

The National Pension Commission (PenCom), said it has developed a five year corporate strategic initiative that will ensure protection of rights of customers and effective service delivery.

The customers, PenCom stated. are contributors into the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) who have opened Retirement Savings Accounts with the various Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) supervised by the commission.

PenCom said it has done this through the creation of Consumer Protection Department in keeping with its corporate strategy initiative for 2023 to 2027.

The head of the new

department Ikenna Chidi-Ebere, who disclosed this at the 2023 journalists conference organised by the commission in Lagos said PenCom’s priority has unfolded itself and consumers were now the focal point.

He said, “This creation of CPD was anchored on the fact that the Commission’s new strategic plan prioritises the quality of services rendered to consumers in the pension industry.”

In his paper titled, “Enhancing Customer Service in the Pension Industry: PenCom New Strategic Plan,” Chidi-Ebere said by adopting a customer-centric approach, the focus of the industry is on understanding the needs and preferences of contributors and retirees.

He said pension services were tailored to meet customers expectations effectively, adding that the CPD would develop and implement a Consumer Protection Framework (CPF) to engender more confidence in the pension industry.

According to him the CPD also has the mandate to develop appropriate industry standards (ISs) to improve service delivery so as to ensure that quality products, services and processes are delivered.

He further said the CPD, which is a replacement for erstwhile Corporate Responsibility and ServiCom Department, would handle complaints from internal and external stakeholders and develop and implement service charter for the pension industry.

Olusoga: BVN Literally Transformed the FinTech Sector

Nume Ekeghe

The Group Managing Director of Parthian Partners, the parent company of the prominent Fintech firm i-invest, Oluseye Olusoga, has stressed the profound transformative effect the Bank Verification Number (BVN) has had on the Nigerian Fintech sector. He shared this insight during the Nigeria Fintech Forum held in Lagos where he discussed the evolution of the Nigerian Fintech landscape and the key trends shaping its growth.

Participating in a panel session themed, “Nigerian Fintech So Far; Assessing Trends, Opportunities & Obstacles,” Mr. Olusoga

emphasised that financial inclusion and FinTech growth in Nigeria have been greatly influenced by three factors: mobile phones, data, and BVN. He said: “BVN literally transformed the FinTech sector; from the KYC perspective to fraud prevention techniques. A lot of FinTechs can only do what they do today because of the existence of BVN. However, the same BVN has become the cause of a lot of Fintech’s headaches on the flipside. For instance, overnight, NIBSS comes up with a new policy that says everyone must have this thing called ‘iGree.’ While it could be argued that it is in line with data protection practices and so

How Pension Funds Support Nigeria’s Infrastructure Devt

on, it could potentially turn into a nightmare for FinTechs depending on how it is implemented.”

Addressing the issue of the National Identification Number (NIN), he believes that BVN already solves the same problem, and efforts should be coordinated to avoid duplicating resources. “Since NIN was implemented after BVN and BVN seems to be working just fine, we should not waste resources trying to create something that already exists, ”Olusoga said.

He emphasized the need for collaboration between practitioners and policymakers to enable innovations like wallet systems that facilitate easy and quick money transfers.

Experts: Mentorship Gap Hindering Business Sustainability, Growth

Nume Ekeghe

Founder, Mother Eagle Mentoring and Advisory (MEMA) and Adjunct Professor at Geneva Business School, Jane Oma has emphasised the need for a rise in knowledge exchange through mentorship across all age groups citing its crucial role this plays in cultivating sustainable businesses.

Oma who has a successful mentorshoring advisory and other thriving businesses noted that her core aim is to bridge the gap between different generations, recognising that each group has unique contributions to offer. She added that by uniting their insights, businesses can thrive, young people can excel, and older individuals can revitalise existing enterprises.

Speaking at a dinner event to conclude the two-day Global Mentorbridge summit Oma said:

“There is a gap between the business leadership, so we have the senior leaders who have been experienced and we have the young ones who are innovative with the readiness to change things, do better and to try new things.

“So, we are trying to create a platform where people of diverse generations interact together in a way that fosters positive collaboration, partnership, innovation and sustainable business growth.”

However, she pointed out the need for the nation to take advantage of its teaming young population.

“For me providing the right support that can help these young

people to build sustainable and to understand what it means to build sustainable businesses. Also, to be equipped with what they need to be able to make it happen. So that is one thing that I would identify.”

She said, “Our biggest goal is to bridge the gap between the older generation and younger generation, because what we found out is that each of these groups have something to offer each other. If we are able to bring it together our businesses will stand, our young.”

Also speaking virtually, the Strategic partner to Mother Eagle Mentoring Academy, Moe Hamid, said, “Every entrepreneur must be taught empathy, resilience, and ethics and all this can be done through mentoring.”

QNET, Transblue Restate Commitment to Human Wellness, Lifestyle

Emma Okonji

QNET, a lifetyle and wellness focused direct-selling company, together with its logistics partner, Transblue Nigeria Limited, have restated their commitment to human wellness and lifestyle aimed at promoting healthy living among Nigerians.

Both companies spoke at a press conference organised by QNET in Lagos at the weekend.

The Regional General Manager for QNET in sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Biram Fall, said QNET would continue to enable people globally to transform their lives and lifestyle through its products and business opportunity.

According to him, QNET has been operating in more than 25 countries worldwide through subsidiaries,

branch offices, agency partnerships, and franchisees since its inception 25 years ago, a unique business model that allows individuals, regardless of age, gender, cultural and educational background, to start their own businesses and earn commissions by selling our products.

“We have always worked to meet our markets’ highest ethical and legal standards. We follow local laws and regulations in each country, ensuring our business operations are transparent, fair, and sustainable.

“We know the recent negative news and would like to restate our commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for fraudulent actions and preserving the highest ethical standards in the direct selling sector. We expect the highest ethical standards of our workers

Under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), pension funds have emerged as a powerful force in tackling the nation’s infrastructure finance gap, providing a much-needed boost to support the development of critical projects nationwide. As pension funds become an increasingly viable alternative source of financing infrastructure in Nigeria, the funds are playing a crucial role in driving economic growth and addressing the nation’s pressing infrastructure needs.

The Pension Reform Act of 2014 (PRA 2014) and the revised Regulation on Investment of Pension Assets issued by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) laid the foundation for the transformation, allowing pension funds to invest in infrastructure assets. The investments are made through instruments and vehicles such as Infrastructure Funds, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and Private Equity Funds. The revised Regulation on Investment of Pension Assets has opened up new avenues for pension funds to channel their investments, making pension funds essential players in the country’s infrastructure development landscape.

Under the revised regulations, 60% of infrastructure investments via pension funds must be domiciled within Nigeria, ensuring that a significant portion of funds is directed towards domestic infrastructure projects. The investment limit based on jurisdictions serves as an incentive to promote investment in Nigeria’s infrastructure. Investment in foreign infrastructure is permitted but with restrictions. Direct investment in infrastructure projects is limited to 5%.

One of the significant developments is the allowance for pension funds to invest in infrastructure bonds and Sukuk bonds offered by the government. This move has paved the way for financing infrastructure projects through debt instruments, offering stable returns for pension funds while supporting critical national projects.

remarkable growth, standing at N21.18 billion and N218.60 billion, respectively, as of the same period.

Investing pension funds in infrastructure has gained traction recently as countries seek innovative ways to fund and support critical development projects. With their long-term investment horizon and vast pool of assets, pension funds are increasingly viewed as ideal partners for financing infrastructure ventures. Across the globe, various countries have implemented regulatory reforms and policies to facilitate pension funds’ participation in infrastructure investments. By allocating a portion of their portfolios to infrastructure assets such as roads, bridges, energy facilities, and public utilities, pension funds aim to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns and contribute to their nation’s economic growth and social progress. Through prudent risk management and collaboration with public and private stakeholders, pension funds have become vital players in bridging the infrastructure finance gap and creating sustainable, resilient infrastructure for the benefit of current and future generations.

and distributors, and have instituted strict regulations and processes to safeguard customers from illegal and fraudulent behavior,” Fall said.

Speaking about its direct selling model, Fall said: “Our aim has always been to provide high-quality products that benefit our clients’ well-being and lifestyles. We take great care in sourcing and developing our product line, making certain that it meets worldwide quality requirements and certifications.”

CEO of Transblue Nigeria Limited, Mr. Abiodun Akeem Ajisafe, who spoke about the one year partnership between QNET and Transblue Nigeria Limited, said the TransblueQNET partnership had always been driven by local expertise and market knowledge.

The main goals of pension investment in infrastructure are centred around the safety and security of pension funds. Also, maintaining sufficient liquidity is crucial to meet pension obligations promptly, ensuring retirees receive their benefits as and when due. To achieve these objectives, pension funds invested in infrastructure adopt strategic asset allocation strategies that strike an optimal balance between risk and return. Accordingly, PFAs seek to maximise returns while mitigating potential risks by prudently diversifying investments via infrastructure investments.

The revised Regulation on Investment of Pension Assets sets high standards for accountability and governance. The requirement for audited financial statements, predefined liquidity/exit routes, and experienced infrastructure financing professionals at the helm of the management firms are all meant to boost investor confidence.

As of June 2023, investments in Infrastructure Funds have surged from N88.37 billion to N127.44 billion. Similarly, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Real Estate investments have shown

In Nigeria, however, despite the positive momentum, some challenges remain. The fear of political commitment in the long term and uncertainties regarding investment opportunities continue to be hurdles for Pension Fund Administrators. To overcome these obstacles, PenCom has continued collaborations with the government, regulatory bodies, and the private sector to create a conducive environment for infrastructure investments.

Pension funds’ involvement in infrastructure financing is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards economic prosperity. The commitment of pension funds to support infrastructure development will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in bridging the infrastructure finance gap while ensuring the realisation of critical projects and fostering sustainable growth in the nation.

In conclusion, as pension funds take centre stage in infrastructure financing, PFAs are guided by the priorities of the safety of pension savings and fair returns on investments. By leveraging the vast pool of retirement funds, Nigeria’s pension system is securing workers’ future in retirement and driving transformative change in the country’s infrastructure landscape.

PENCOM DG, Aisha Dahir-Umar

Shareholders, CSOs Query Seplat’s $19.4m Legal Fees, Demand Probe, Sack of Board

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Some shareholders of Seplat Energy Plc and civil society organisations under the aegis of Make a Difference Initiative (MADI) have alleged foul play in the $19.4 million professional legal fee published in the half-year report of the energy company, calling on President Bola Tinubu to direct the immediate probe of alleged breaches of the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) by the company’s board to “save the company from going down.”

They also demanded “the immediate resignation or removal of SEPLAT CEO, Roger Brown, and Independent Non-Executive Directors to ensure an unimpeded investigation into the rot in Seplat before it is too late”.

The groups made the demands at a joint press conference addressed by the National Coordinator of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Comrade Moses Igbrude and Executive Director of MADI, Lemmy Ughegbe, describing as “unfortunate and baffling”, a situation where Seplat “claims to have spent a

whooping $19.4 in such a short period of less than four months defending a foreign national accused of breaching Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance, flouting our laws, indicted of racism against Nigerians on our own soil.”

They also called for the probe of the withdrawal of criminal charges against Seplat’s Board and restoration of the immigration documents of the company’s CEO, Mr. Roger Brown, saying the admissions by Seplat in its half-year report had justified their earlier alarms and lawsuits challenging alleged misgovernance of the company.

“Today, the admission by Seplat in its 2023 half year (H1) result that the company squandered a incredible $19.4million (approximately N16bn) as professional legal fees to defend its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Roger Brown in the lawsuits against him by shareholders vindicates us. This is in addition to about $4.7million (N4.8billion) in share bonus accrued to Mr Roger Brown during the same period over and above his salaries and other allowances during this period.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the H1 results reads in part: “General and Administrative (G&A) expenses amounted to $65.8million, 42.0% higher than $46.4million incurred in 6M (H1) of 2022. This increase in G & A cost was mainly due to professional fees associated with the litigation costs in response to the unprecedented and intense period of minority shareholder actions through the courts....”

“Very sadly, this $19.4million represents 23 per cent of the company’s closing profit of $82.6million declared at page 10 of the H1 report. When Mr, Roger Brown’s Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), which is 2,779,181 shares,

an equivalent of £3.6million or $4.7milion (N4.8billion) in the same period is added to the $19.4million professional fees, it comes to about $24.1million, representing 29 per cent of the company’s net profit in H1. Yet, Seplat has been beating its chest for declaring a total dividend $17.6m for its shareholders for Q2 (second quarter). This is the height of profligacy and we condemn it in its entirety.

“Worse still, the issues that necessitated the legal action are yet to be addressed, but instead exacerbated, ”the joint statement read by Igbrude said.

On their demand, the groups said: “We earnestly call on President

Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) and Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) to do their jobs by taking disciplinary actions and carrying out a thorough investigation into the perpetual breach of corporate governance codes to save Seplat and the investments of Nigerians and international investors from going down the drains. As we speak now, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) does not recognise the resolutions passed during the controversial May 10 AGM, yet they are operating as if everything is normal.

“We also urge the President to

institute a probe panel composed of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant bodies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the so-called N16billion legal fees and other related matters in Seplat Energy Plc.

“We want to know how much of the senseless N16bn professional legal fees was actually paid to lawyers handling the cases. Nigerians and the investing public deserve to know who the lawyers are and how much was paid to each lawyer or law firms.”

FG Partners Wema Bank to Empower 1m Youths on Digital Skill

Sunday Ojeme

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s leading innovative bank, has partnered with the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish digital and skill innovation hubs across states in the country.

programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to creating more digital jobs for young Nigerians.

Aig-Imoukhuede, British Commission Emphasise Role of Elites in Promoting

James Emejo in Abuja

The Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede has empahised the role of the elites in nation-building and development.

He defined the elite as those who have excelled in their field of endeavour and urged them to recognise their potential as change-makers and leverage their expertise to actively contribute to the country’s development in any way that they can.

Also, Prof. Stefan Dercon of the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, explained how elite consensus in some countries had enabled economic growth.

Both spoke at a thought-provoking lecture titled, “Reshaping Elite Bargains and Gambling on Development” which was hosted by the foundation in partnership with the British High Commission in Abuja.

Devt

Summarising the key points in his book “Gambling on Development:

Why Some Countries Win, and Others Lose”, Dercon, noted that while governments have a legal responsibility to put in place measures aimed at fostering economic development, in recent times, the countries that have developed the fastest are those in which the elite have put aside their own interests and focused instead on pursuing economic progress for their nations.

Meanwhile, the principle of elite engagement with the development process highlighted by the Oxford professor aligns closely with the AigImoukhuede foundation’s strategic approach of achieving its mission of a transformed public service delivery.

The foundation collaborates with the public sector, providing funding and technical expertise to support public sector reform efforts, including digitalisation and enhanced performance management for the Federal Civil Service.

Wema bank in a statement said the target is to empower one million youths with digital and other relevant skills.

It added that the initiative, known as FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNovation Hub, was agreed upon during a meeting between representatives of the bank and Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja.

The statement said the

Speaking on the development, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, said the initiative was designed to revolutionise the way young entrepreneurs and employees interact with technology, entrepreneurship, and skill development.

“The Digital & SkillNovation Hub reflects our dedication to fostering a thriving ecosystem that empowers Tech-Savvy Youth Entrepreneurs, Youth Entrepreneurs by Nature, and Young Employees, driving economic growth and

sustainable progress across the nation. This centralized platform will integrate cutting-edge digital tools, technologies, and resources to streamline digital activities, collaboration, and information sharing, “Oseni said.

According to a statement from the office of the Vice President, the Digital & SkillNovation Hub will first open in Lagos and Borno states, with Katsina, Cross River, Anambra, Oyo, and Kano states following suit.

The initiative aims to provide financial solutions, training, and access to strategic partnerships, empowering young employees to become an integral part of Nigeria’s workforce, especially

those deployed through the NYSC. The statement added that experts would mentor 500,000 SMEs across Nigeria, while coaches will provide training and up skilling for business growth.

Under the scheme, grants will be provided through a collaborative arrangement between the Federal Government and WEMA Bank, allocating N500 million to be given to SMEs and techpreneurs.

It added, “The FGN/ALAT Digital SkillNovation hubs will focus on training one million young adults in software engineering, product management, business analysis, cloud computing, and product design, using specialized resources.”

Netcore Research Reveals How Nigerians Read Emails in 2022

Netcore Cloud, one of the world’s leading omni-channel marketing technology platforms that helps brands create unique customercentric experiences, has unveiled a new report which exposes the various factors that affected how Nigerians reacted to and read their emails from various brands in 2022. Using three key metrics, the Martech company was able to analyze over 2 billion emails sent in 2022. The key metrics are – open rates, click rates and engagement rates. The report listed that email click rates are on the decline as compared to

previous years which means that various brands need to provide more value in their content to encourage conversions.

The report highlighted the best days that emails performed best. Cross promotion emails sent on Tuesday performed best with a click rate of 0.28%, Customer information emails on Tuesday and Saturday, General information email on Monday, lifestyle emails on Sunday with maximum clicks on Monday and Tuesday. Product information performed best on Tuesday and Saturday but had maximum clicks on Tuesday, product marketing on Thursday

and Friday with maximum clicks on Tuesday. The Customer Success Head for Netcore in Africa, Chukwudi Nwokike said, “ Netcore, a market leader in email marketing in Africa, sends out over 15 billion emails annually in Africa alone from our platforms. Our goal is to help brands achieve conversions, increase ROI, and create a positive and interactive experience for customers. This report showcases our commitment to customers and our position as thought leaders in marketing technology and customer experience.

Commenting on the publication

of the Annual Report, Regional Vice-President for Middle East and Africa, Netcore Cloud, Nisham Chabbra, said: “We are pleased to announce the publication of our 2023 Banking Report, which provides valuable insights into how banks in Nigeria are leveraging marketing technology to improve customer experience. The report also highlights our continued investment in technology and innovation, as we seek to provide a roadmap for future developments and advancements in the Nigerian banking sector through marketing technology.”

DG, NCAA Explains Why Start-up Airlines Must Have Six Aircraft

Chinedu Eze

The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu has explained that the bane of domestic airline operation is lack of capacity and to overcome this challenge, new airlines must have a minimum of six aircraft before they are allowed to go into operation.

Before the new policy, airlines could start flight service with only two aircraft and the consequence of the policy then was that if one aircraft breaks down, the airline would be left with only one aircraft and according to the regulation, an airline that owns only one aircraft cannot operate schedule service.

In recent years domestic airlines have suffered low capacity, selling the number of seats that cannot meet air travellers’ and this and this has contributed to high airfares.

Captain Nuhu in a zoom meeting with Aviation Correspondents during the weekend said that the decision to increase the minimum equipment to six aircraft is to overcome the problem of lack of capacity.

“The problem is that a lot of

the airlines don’t even have the capacity to meet current financial obligations. If you have three aircraft for instance and you lose one out of it, it has become a problem to meet up with your operations. Then, you start to have issues of flight delays, cancellations and all that. The number of aircraft you will have will depend on the kind of operations you want to do. You can imagine somebody who comes in with just one or two aircraft and one of the aircraft goes out of business, and sell tickets to the passengers, think of what will happen. For you to have six aircraft, it shows you have very strong financial backgrounds of running an airline,” Nuhu said.

He further explained that the new policy is not only for new start-ups but also for existing operators, disclosing that the existing operators have been given deadline on when to comply with the policy.

“It is not only for new entrants, but the old ones too have a period by which they have to comply. If everybody has one or two aircraft, we will keep having this

recurrent problem. We have to avoid that. People will criticize, but every country is different. We have to look at our own peculiar history and try and come with solutions, but regulations are not cast in stones. If the situation changes, the regulation would be reviewed accordingly. Whenever it is necessary, we don’t have to wait for five years before we make amendments, ”he said.

Nuhu said Nigeria has many airlines but few of them are operating and the ones that are operating do not have many aircraft, noting that any airline that can afford to acquire six aircraft has the financial muscle and the capacity to operate schedule service and with such capacity it would not go under after few years, while still having its name in the NCAA registry.

“There are more aircraft in Nigeria registry than the entire west African states. The number of airlines, AOC (Air Operator Certificate), airports and co they have are not as much as we have in Nigeria. It is very huge, complex and there are huge demands to cope with in the industry.

Renewable Energy Will A ddress Telecoms’ Challenges, Stakeholders Insist

Emma Okonji

Industry stakeholders in the telecoms sector, including academia, have advised on the need for telecoms’ operators to invest in alternative clean energy like renewable energy, insisting that such investment will lower cost of operation and at the same time, reduce carbon emission in the society.

The stakeholders gave the advice in Lagos recently, during a roundtable forum organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Vice President, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Damilola Asaleye, who delivered the first lead paper at the forum, decried lack of access to electricity among people in sub Sahara Africa, and the huge cost of powering telecommunication base stations with diesel. She said investment in renewable energy would help telecoms operators to save cost.

She suggested various forms of clean energy like Solar, Hyrdro, Wind Turbine that operators could invest

in to power their base stations.

Manager, Field Operations at 9mobile, Mr. Okechukwu Nzeduba, who presented the second lead paper, said 9mobile had between 2021 and 2022, invested in alternative clean energy that reduced its energy consumption by 21 million Kilowatt, adding that 9mobile is interested in partnering any energy company that can supply it with renewable energy on pay-as-you-use basis.

Spea king during one of the panel sessions, Prof. Jacob Aweda from the University of Ilorin, said most of the universities were already involved in different researches in renewable energy, but called on government to support renewable energy initiatives by creating the enabling environment for Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) to partner universities for the development renewable energy.

Prof Samuel Azi from the University of Benin, who was also on the panel, addressed the issue of import dependence of renewable

energy equipment, said investment in renewable energy remained capital intensive because most of the equipment were imported.

He said continuous research in the area of renewable energy would go a long way to address the challenge.

In his welcome address, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services at NCC, Ubale Maska, said alternative clean energy would address energy paucity in the telecoms sector.

“The telecom sector, like many other industries, has a significant role to play in transitioning to a sustainable energy future. It is our responsibility to ensure that the growth of the telecom sector is achieved in a manner that is environmentally friendly and in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our goal is to safeguard the environment for consumers and other users of telecom services while also contributing to the achievement of net-zero emissions,” Danbatta said.

InfraCredit’s UK-supported Guarantee Mobilises Fund for Rural Telephony Project in Nigeria

InfraCredit, an AAA’-rated specialised infrastructure credit guarantee institution, has announced the credit enhancement of Hotspot Network Limited’s debt issue.

This is under a co-financing arrangement with the £10 million Climate Finance Blending Facility (Climate Facility) funded by the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the second transaction under the Facility.

According to a statement, the 7-year fixed-rate local currency debt issue will enable Hotspot to construct, install and commission 120 solar powered rural telecom base stations across 22 States in Nigeria (Project).

Hotspot is a telecommunication infrastructure and solar-powered rural telephony network provider, using renewable energy and climate-smart technology in operating telecom sites in off-grid rural parts of Nigeria. Under the Project, Hotspot established the special purpose vehicle, Micropolitan Mobile Connectivity Limited to raise local currency finance from the debt capital markets, to build, own, and operate solar-powered mobile network base stations in select

rural communities in collaboration with MNOs in Nigeria.

Speaking on the transaction, the Managing Director of Hotspot stated:

“We are very excited at this milestone transaction. Hotspot Network Limited is connecting the unconnected in Sub-Saharan Africa by providing mobile network access for unserved and underserved rural communities.

We have a unique opportunity to accelerate digital inclusion in growth markets and digital infrastructure as a key driver of sustainable growth and shared prosperity. The InfraCredit led blended financing facility provides a unique opportunity for accelerating digital inclusion In Nigeria and the greater sub region. We specially thank our development partners facilitated through InfraCredit, including USTDA, FSD Africa, KFW and FCDO for co-travelling with us on this digital inclusion journey to self-reliance.”

The CEO of InfraCredit, Chinua Azubike, said: “At InfraCredit, we are all very excited about the uniqueness and impact of this transaction, enabling local currency finance that is designed to promote inclusive, sustainable infrastructure

and foster innovation that would not have been possible without the smart use of catalytic capital from FCDO and our development partners. We believe that working with our development partners in leveraging private sector and domestic institutional investors to unlock climate-aligned inclusive digital infrastructure projects in off-grid unserved communities has the greatest potential to create most jobs, bridge the digital gender gap and lift more people out of poverty which aligns with our strategy to increase climate action and gender impact in our guarantee portfolio.”

The Acting UK Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Sally Woolhouse said: “The UK remains committed to increasing access to clean energy and digital connectivity in Nigeria, to drive sustainable and resilient growth, and support Nigeria in meeting its climate goals. We are very pleased that this innovative UK-funded blended finance facility, managed by InfraCredit, has supported the first local currency debt issue for solar powered rural telephony in Nigeria.

Oye Highlights Dangers of Deviation from Global Standards on Issuance of Certificates of Origin on Businesses

Gilbert Ekwugbe

The National President of the Nigerian Association Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye Esq., has said deviation from globally-acclaimed and acceptable standards in the issuance of certificates of origin for goods being traded internationally portends great danger for Nigerian businesses and nation’s economy, noting that such move could deprive the country its ability to compete and attract foreign direct investments.

Oye who spoke during a courtesy call on the Acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the Chamber will sustain collaboration with Customs and other government agencies and parastatals to facilitate trade and

boost economic growth.

The NACCIMA boss also called for the establishment of a formal NACCIMA-CUSTOMS forum for public-private sector engagement as well as a Customs-NACCIMA Committee to re-examine the customs appeal procedures in Nigeria pursuant to Chapter 10 of the Revised Kyoto Convention.

Oye said, “I would like to commend the Customs Service for their commendable efforts in promoting trade and economic growth, while ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. I appreciate their continuous refinement and improvement to meet the needs of the global trade landscape.

“As the largest organized private sector association in Nigeria, NACCIMA has over 70 City and State Chambers

of Commerce, 19 bilateral and multilateral Chambers of Commerce, 450 corporate members, and several other non-profit state actors as members.

“Our primary objective is to promote a favourable business environment that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation. We also present our members’ interests and views to the government and policymakers to influence economic policies that benefit Nigerian businesses.”

He further noted, “I would like to address the issue of the certificate of origin - a document that certifies the origin of the goods being traded internationally. NACCIMA, as a Chamber of Commerce, is globally recognized as the representative of the business community in a specific geographical area.

Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Access Bank Collaborates on Efficient Workspace Management

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, with support from Access Bank Plc, has donated 11 laptops to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to bolster the its Enterprise Workspace Management Solutions (E-WMS) Project.

The E-WMS Project represents a significant stride towards enhancing operational efficiency within the Nigeria Civil Service, strengthening team collaboration and improving service delivery.

Acknowledging the critical importance of efficient workspace management, OHCSF requested the support of the

Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation in developing and implementing the The E-WMS (Electronic Workspace Management System).

This innovative solution utilises automation to optimise office space allocations within Federal Secretariat Complexes, enabling the OHCSF to monitor office spaces, occupants, and resources proficientlymore efficiently.

The primary objective of the E-WMS is to enhance overall productivity, streamline time management, monitor employee attendance and performance, and foster improved collaboration and team cohesion. The laptops

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provided will help to facilitate the operationalisation of the E-WMS Project.

Accepting the laptops on behalf of the Head of Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties Office, Faruk Yusuf Yabo, expressed his deep gratitude to the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and Access Bank Plc, for their support. He announced that the laptops would be distributed to the Infrastructure Management and Service Innovation Departments staff, who currently need work devices, and to the project coordinator.

Lakowe Lakes Gains Recognition as Destination Weddings in Africa

Kayode Tokede

Lakowe Lakes, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of West Africa, is rapidly gaining recognition as the continent’s best-kept secret for luxury and exclusive destination weddings.

With its breathtaking landscapes, world-class amenities, and unparalleled natural beauty, Lakowe Lakes stated that it offers a truly unforgettable experience for couples seeking an extraordinary wedding celebration.

According to the company located outside Lagos, Nigeria, its combines the charm of an idyllic tropical paradise with the convenience of modern

infrastructure.

The firm in a statement said, “The estate boasts pristine freshwater lakes, lush greenery, and panoramic views, and a picturesque backdrop for couples exchanging their vows.

“Whether couples dream of a serene lakeside ceremony, a grand outdoor affair, or an intimate gathering amidst nature, Lakowe Lakes offers a range of stunning venues to suit every taste.

“What sets Lakowe Lakes apart is its commitment to creating bespoke experiences for couples. The dedicated team of wedding experts at Lakowe Lakes works closely with each couple, meticulously crafting

personalised wedding packages that cater to unique preferences. From customised décor and exquisite floral arrangements to gourmet menus curated by renowned chefs, every detail is designed to exceed expectations.

“In addition to its awe-inspiring beauty, Lakowe Lakes offers an array of luxury accommodations for wedding guests. The resort features world-class villas and suites, combining modern comfort with traditional African aesthetics.

“Each accommodation offers panoramic views of the lakes or the meticulously landscaped golf course, ensuring an unforgettable stay for guests attending the celebration.”

SOFUNIX Schools’ Parents, Students, Offered Investment Tips

Parents and outgoing Students of Sofunix International Schools have been urged to cultivate habit of savings in order to create wealth through investment in shares and other securities .

Speaking at the 12th Valedictory Service/Graduation Ceremony and Prize Giving Day of the School at Iroko Town, Ogun State recently, a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and Managing Director, Network Capital, Mr Oluropo Dada, explained that every potential investor should cultivate savings habit.

Dada, who was represented by Mr Olasunkanmi Oladele noted that parents should take advantage of an array of investment opportunities in the Nigerian Capital Market.

The Deputy Editor, The Giardian, Dr Wole Ayobade, the Guest Speaker, who spoke on the Theme: “ Nurturing Future Leaders”, admonished parents to pay more attention to the learning processes of their children saying they are the future leaders.

Earlier in her address, titled : “ As the Stars Shine On”, the

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Proprietress, Mrs Olufunke Oni advised the graduating students to build on the strong academic and moral foundation of the school and always remember that as future leaders, they represent an institution.

The Guest Minister, Pastor Mrs Comfort Amire of Christ in You Gospel Mission states that every graduating student had been given an identity by the School and this must be retained in order to stand out from the crowd. Amire warmed them to avoid short course approach to success.

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $82.06 a barrel on Friday, compared with $81.53 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 17 JULY, 2023

L-R: Sales Manager, Vitablom Nigeria Limited, Oladapo Akinduro; Brand Manager, Vitafoam Nigeria. Plc, Kofoworola Giwa; National Sales Manager (South), Olujide Peters; Product Development Manager, Vitablom, Esther Alasa; and Corporate Sales Executive, Vitablom, Solakunmi Abebiyi, at 2023 World Breastfeeding Day in Lagos...recently

Lafarge Africa Declares 18% PBT Growth in H1 2023

Kayode Tokede

Lafarge Africa Plc has declared N55.32 billion profit before tax in half year (H1) ended June 30, 2023, an increase of 18per cent from N46.88 billion reported in half year ended June 30, 2022.

The cement maker on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) reported N35.48billion profit after tax in H1 2023, a

decline of 5.2 per cent from N37.41billion in H1 2022, attributable to 109.5per cent growth in tax expenses in the period under review to N19.84billion as against N9.47billion in H1 2022.

Lafarge Africa, however, reported N197.68 billion revenue in H1 2023, a nearly six per cent increase from N186.6billion in H1 2022.

It maintained a healthy balance

sheet with a strong net cash of N140.6billion; with H1 2023 free cash Flow closing at N81.8billion.

The Group closed June 30, 22023 with N654.7billion total assets from N600.711billion reported in full year ended December 31, 2022.

The Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi in a statement said, “I would like to thank all employees and stakeholders of Lafarge Africa for

another quarter of strong results, despite the challenging economic environment. We remain focused on delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders as the market recovers for the rest of the year.

“We achieved strong top-line growth of 10.3per cent in Q2 and 5.9per cent in H1; Operating Profit growth of 13.3per cent in Q2 and 7.7 per cent in H1, and Profit Before Tax improvement of

29per cent in Q2 and 18 in H1.

“Owing to the expiration of the Pioneer Status Incentive, Q2 Profit After Tax growth was a muted 3.2per cent. This is backed up by a strong Free Cash Flow position and healthy Balance Sheet. The recent launch of our Eco label cement brand re-affirms our commitment to delivering superior value to our customers. This new

product has been certified to be eco-friendly with 30per cent lower carbon emission than the local industrial standard.

“Our strategic and cost management initiatives have contributed to improved results despite the challenges. We remain steadfast in our commitment to driving innovation and accelerating green growth in line with our sustainability ambitions and targets.”

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF AUGUST/4/23

BUSINESS SPECIAL

Tackling Hunger in the Land

Obinna Chima writes on the need for President Bola Tinubu and his economic managers to introduce immediate measures to reduce the worsening hunger in Nigeria

The soaring cost of living has exacerbated hunger in Nigeria. The interesting thing is that hunger knows no tribe, religion or even political party as it traverses everywhere. With the rate at which the country is going, the situation may get worse as prices of food and other essential commodities continue to climb, since the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) rates.

As a result of the hunger in the country, just few days ago in Adamawa State, no fewer than five persons were feared killed as thousands of hoodlums invaded government and private warehouses in search of foods. It was reported that in what appeared like the #ENDSARS protest of 2020, the hoodlums broke into the warehouses and carted away food items including rice, noodles, seasoning, palm oil, among others. There were also reported cases of looting as well as protest in some states, even ahead of the nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) last Wednesday, due to the hardship and hunger associated with some of the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration. Increased cost of living means many households and firms are cutting back on essentials, with low income households most at risk. This leads to a fall in living standards and job losses.

Last year, Nigeria was ranked 103 out of 121 countries in the 2022 Global Hunger Index. The ranking showed that the nation “has a level of hunger that is serious.” The report, which ranks countries by “severity”, had given Nigeria a score of 27.3 – a hunger level falling under the “serious” category. Apparently, when the next report would be released this year, the country’s score would have worsened.

Earlier this year, even before the subsidy removal, the United Nations had predicted that nearly 25 million Nigerians were at risk of facing hunger between June and August 2023, if urgent action was not taken.

In its food and nutrition analysis on Nigeria, the 25 million predicted was supposed to be an increase from the estimated 17 million people currently at risk of food insecurity.

Continued conflict, climate change, inflation and rising food prices were identified as key drivers of the alarming trend. Food access in the country had been affected by persistent violence in the north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) and armed banditry and kidnapping in states such as Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Benue and Niger.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), widespread flooding in the 2022 rainy season damaged more than 676,000 hectares of farmlands, which diminished harvests and increased the risk of food insecurity for families across the country. The flooding is one of the effects of climate change and variability impacting Nigeria. More extreme weather

patterns affecting food security are anticipated in the future.

Of the 17 million people who are currently food insecure, three million are in the northeastern BAY states. Without immediate action, this figure is expected to increase to 4.4 million in the lean season. This includes highly vulnerable displaced populations and returnees who are already struggling to survive a large-scale humanitarian crisis in which 8.3 million people need assistance.

“The food security and nutrition situation across Nigeria is deeply concerning,” the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, said.

“I have visited nutrition stabilization centres filled with children who are fighting to stay alive. We must act now to ensure they and others get the lifesaving support they need,” he added.

In the UN projection, children are the

most vulnerable to food insecurity. Approximately six of the 17 million foodinsecure Nigerians today are children under five living in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara States. There is a serious risk of mortality among children attributed to acute malnutrition. In the BAY states alone, the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition is expected to increase from 1.74 million in 2022 to 2 million in 2023.

“The northwest region, around Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States, is an increasing food insecurity and malnutrition hotspot. An estimated 2.9 million people are currently critically food insecure (Cadre Harmonisé Phase 3 or worse.) This figure is projected to increase to 4.3 million in the lean season if urgent action is not taken.

“The United Nations is calling on the Government of Nigeria, the donor community, and public and private stakeholders to urgently commit resources and implement mitigation measures to save lives and prevent a potentially catastrophic food security and nutrition situation. Support for vulnerable families across the country is needed today, not tomorrow,” it added.

Prior to the UN report, a World Bank report had projected that an additional 20 million Nigerians could be impoverished.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) latest report showed that food inflation rose by 4.65 per cent to 25.25 per cent year-on-year in June this year, compared to 20.60 per cent in the preceding year.

The rise in the annual food index was attributed to increases in prices of oil and fat, bread and cereals, fish, potatoes, yam and other tubers, fruits, meat, vegetable, milk, cheese, and eggs. Month-on-month, the food index increased to 2.40

per cent compared to 2.19 per cent in May.

However, core inflation, which excluded the prices of volatile agricultural produce, increased by 4.53 per cent year-on-year to 20.27 per cent in June compared to the 15.75 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2022.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a British multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company has announced plans to exit Nigeria, after 51 years of operation in the country, due to harsh operating environment and unless business-friendly policies are introduced, many big companies that rely on the FX to source raw materials may also exit the country.

To the National Agricultural Communities Projects (NACP), there is need for governments at all levels to be courageous enough to cut their cost of governance amidst the current hardship facing Nigerians. The group said the move would demonstrate to Nigerians that the leaders share in the sufferings and sacrifices of the people.

President, Maize Farmers Association of Nigeria (MAAN)/Lead Partner, NACP, Dr. Bello Abubakar Annur, said the perks available to public office holders are so enormous that it is difficult for the average Nigerian to understand why they suffer so much and those in leadership are unaffected.

Annur, alongside presidents of the various agricultural commodity associations, therefore, called on Tinubu to do the needful, adding that, “we expect further announcements on the measures to cut the cost of governance.”

The NACP also advised Tinubu to pay more attention to the current state of insecurity in the country, pointing out that the president had failed to address this in his pronouncements so far.

Annur said, “It is also of utmost importance to deal with the issue of insecurity because, without security, there can be no prosperity.

“If the issue of insecurity is not adequately dealt with, the implementation of these strategies could be in jeopardy.

“In reality, it is inevitable that we suffer some pain for these reforms to successfully bear the required fruits. We all want a better and brighter future for Nigeria. So, let those knowledgeable about the farmers’ challenges run the programme and we assure you of a positive results at the end of the programme.”

Therefore, there is need for the president and his economic managers to introduce immediate measures to cushion the crushing effects of the subsidy removal and the exchange rate unification on the masses and reduce hunger in the land. The government must also prioritise agriculture to end hunger while also taking measures to halt insecurity in the country which makes it impossible for farmers to access their farmlands as well address rising unemployment and massive job losses.

Looting of a warehouse in Adamawa

Ikpea: Tinubu’s Subsidy Removal, Forex Unification are Hard Choices Made for Nigeria’s Future, Prosperity

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Chief Executive Officer of Lee Engineering & Construction Company Limited sees a ray hope of hope amid Nigeria’s gloom, tranquillity about overwhelming chaos and prosperity as millions of Nigerians grapple with poverty. His basis for hope is not unfounded. A self-made, ingenious oil and gas magnate reiterates his conviction that hard choices being made by the country today are a promissory note to a certain productive and prosperous future. Not many may share his conviction, but Ikpea says that if the new administration of President Bola Tinubu conscientiously implements his economic policies, there will be light at the end of the tunnel

Resetting Nigeria’s economy and the general well-being of its citizens is instrumental in making Africa’s most populous country great again, and the recalibration will require some audacity and ingenuity, says Dr Leemon Ikpea, the Chief Executive Officer of Lee Engineering & Company as he holds out premium optimism that it is always darkest before the sun shines. The oil magnate told THISDAY recently that tough decisions are being made by Nigeria’s new leader, President Bola Tinubu, and if sustained by pragmatic implementation, the outcomes will lead to economic prosperity and political stability.

The Lee Engineering honcho has always firmly believed in the new president’s dexterity and considers the current deprivations millions of Nigerians face as necessary sacrifices.

Championing New Economic Drive

“I believe this current administration will surpass previous administrations’ achievements in this country. You can see some decisive decisions that have been taken so far. By the time Mr President’s cabinet is up and running, forming the Federal Executive Council, they will hit the ground running. I’m very optimistic,” the oil mogul notes.

While admitting that the new government has much grounds to cover, he underscores the importance of the petrol subsidy removal, acknowledging its discomfitures but stressing its value and opportunities for national growth. Ikpea also highlights the courage of President Bola Tinubu in swiftly removing the fuel subsidy, stating that several past heads of state had failed to remove the cancerous subsidy regime successfully.

“I think I share that we have to start from somewhere. If the government had continued to put in billions of naira to sustain the subsidy regime, it would be very difficult for this country to survive economically: the debt servicing is there. Add the servicing of debts to paying for the subsidy, then what is left for the country to survive?” the Lee Engineering CEO reasoned.

The business mogul dreams of a great Nigeria of equal opportunities for all in the private and public sectors and has spent several years in the oil and gas industry to deepen economic potential and prosperity across the country. A technocrat, Ikpea clearly understands the role of governance and policies and demonstrates his optimism about the Tinubu administration.

“I have been in Lagos for more than 20 years. I have been following the president-elect’s track record right from the beginning. Lagos is the face of Nigeria. You can see infrastructure and a lot of innovations in Lagos. I could envision the incoming administration of the president-elect performing very well,” Ikpea states.

He provides a basis for that optimism.

Time for Optimism

“Apart from Mr President’s track record: any human being that is highly criticised, any human being that is highly criticised, and negatively spoken of that individual come what may, usually succeed. The motivation to prove his critics wrong is very high. Those negative criticisms trailing him will serve as a wind in his sail,” says Ikpea.

For him, the new administration is the “best government we would ever have.” Ikpea was quick to explain why.

“Yes, it will be one of the best governments we have ever had in Nigeria because the incoming administration has seen the mistakes in various sectors of past governments and the anger of Nigerians. I am sure the incoming government will put a smile on Nigerians’ faces,” the oil magnate states, pointing out that the president exudes the confidence of an astute politician and administrator.

Ikpea further points to the president’s “vision for Lagos, which has made it the face of Nigeria,” stressing that Tinubu is expected to surpass whatever achievements past governments had recorded and adds: “I am very optimistic and wish you well. I have followed his trajectory over two decades; I have seen his programmes, policies and their implementation. He has done well. He will yet do well as the president.

He will bring his experience to bear on Nigeria’s affairs fully.”

Again, reflecting on the issue of the subsidy removal, the decorated and widely acclaimed business mogul emphasises the pain that must be endured to remove the elephant in the room and get the country going again. Ikpea admits there must be a tightening of the belt, albeit momentary.

I think it’s a very hard decision. Everybody knows that. But if you look at it again, Nigerian oil is still one of the cheapest oil in the world. Yes, of course, people will suffer. But if we don’t suffer momentarily, how will enduring enjoyment come? It’s natural: work before enjoyment,” Ikpea reiterates. “Enjoyment will come.”

The Lee Engineering chief is convinced that the pleasure outweighs the present pains, calling on the rich and the poor to trust the process that promises prosperity, healthy competition in the oil and gas industry and other aspects of the economy. Ikpea notes that with the full deregulation of the petroleum industry, many players will be encouraged to participate in the market, driving up beneficial competition.

“So I’m very sure the market, the price will balance itself out in the long run. And it’s not going to be suffering without end. It’s temporary; everything will stabilise,” he assures Nigerians. Then, he adds, “And the money recovered can be used to fix refineries, roads, health facilities, improve electricity supply, transportation, etc.”

“We may suffer for now. Later on, the sun will shine again,” Ikpea insists.

Amid Nigeria’s economic conundrum, the Lee Group has kept its momentum.

“We have ongoing gas projects. Several of those projects will also increase revenue for the government. Those projects are ongoing,” Ikpea reveals. “We’re starting a new one, which will take about three years to complete. We signed that contract couple of months ago.”

Fixing Forex

When the federal government announced the unification of the foreign exchange market, it was greeted with mixed feelings. For the billionaire magnate Ikpea, floating the naira is in the best interest of Nigeria’s fiscal stability, admitting, “It will help. Initially, it will be very rough. So let us also be patient with the government. Yes, they are taking the right decision on the right move.”

Lee Engineering’s Oil and Gas Revolution in Nigeria

“The factory right now is the fabrication yard. The fabrication yard in Warri is currently undergoing a test run of all the equipment there. And between two and three months, the factory will be ready for inauguration,” Mr Ikea tells THISDAY. “We had informed the federal government, especially Mr President, to come and inaugurate this project. It’s a project that we will help to drive his dream through the oil and gas sector.”

On the transfer of technology, the oil magnate

Ikpea’s focus remained on deepening the country’s success stories, facing the challenges and building bigger frontiers for national prosperity, stressing the matchless contributions of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to strengthening the hands of local players in the oil and gas industry. He feels the NCDMB has a lot going for it and can only get better without undue interference and politicisation of the agency. Yet, Ikpea suggests the continued strengthening of the local content board for more successes to be recorded per indigenous capacity in the oil and gas sector.

“You know, if the government properly empower the local content board because they have limitations. More empowerment is needed in the local content board. They need competent people to run that department because that is the livewire of the unborn generation. If I am the government, the people who are there now will get another four years to put all their structures in place,” Ikpea explained.

He suggests that when “they put the necessary structures in place, anybody coming in will have a well-established structure and system to work with. The personnel at the local content board are very competent and committed, but they need to be empowered.”

Another measure the Lee Engineering founder urges the government to consider is consolidation.

says, “Transfer of technology is a hard nut to crack in international economies. However, Lee Engineering is breaking new ground. So, we are bringing the technology down to our fabrication yard in Nigeria. Then from there, Nigerians will learn from it. Then, in the way, we are transferring technology to indigenous companies.”

Unfinished Business

The new government has unfinished business in the oil and gas industry, Ikpea says.

“But at the same time, the staff and the people in the industry are first-class personnel because they’re well-trained. I could tell because I have been in the industry for 47 years,” he emphasises. “I have been following them right from the beginning. Nobody can steal a kobo in NNPC because their procedures are very strict, with meticulous attention to due process. The NNPC has become a well-structured organisation. It remains one of the best parastatals this country could ever have.”

The Lee Engineering CEO has a simple suggestion to keep the wheel of oil running.

“What I will suggest the incoming government should do: one, over 5,000km pipeline in this country. And these pipelines were laid in the late 1980s. Calculate the years: it’s more than 30 years. There must be corrosion. The same pipelines have remained. They have not been changed, resulting in oil loss and stealing because criminals exploit the corroded parts of the pipelines to siphon large-scale quantities of oil,” says Ikpea.

That leaves the government losing a lot of money. If the government could do the hard work, a lot could be saved for the nation’s coffers.

“It’s a lot of work to be done. If the government wants to avoid stealing, the pipelines have to be rejuvenated by fixing the badly damaged ones. They should create a good network of pipelines and bury them deeper into the ground. If the depth was three feet before, let them take it six feet down; that way, it becomes more difficult for potential oil thieves to unravel the pipelines and steal oil,” Ikpea notes.

He recommends high-powered surveillance that could nip criminal activities in the bud to make the hard work meaningful. He also believes careful consideration should be given to the pipelines and refineries, “along with that, there should be proper surveillance. They need to concentrate on the pipeline, and they need to concentrate on the refineries to ensure that the refineries are functional because if the refineries do not produce, we will continue to have problems.”

Local Content is King

“I always talk about local content. If this government empowers the NCDMB, I’m sure a competent person will run it. Right now, they have very good people running it. The local content board is a livewire of Nigeria’s economy. It’s a livewire for indigenous companies. Because they are doing very well,” Ikpea points out.

“They should be given time to consolidate the structure being built by the board. The board is the future of Nigeria. It is the future of oil and gas. The local content board is training a lot of Nigerians. The skills capacity of Nigerians in the oil and gas sector has continued to increase,” Ikpea stresses. “The board is training a lot of Nigerians through Lee Engineering and other indigenous oil and gas firms.”

Established in 2010 by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, the NCDMB is to make procedures that will guide, monitor, coordinate, and implement the provisions of the NOGICD Act, signed into law on April 22, 2010, by then-President Goodluck Jonathan, giving birth to the NCDMB.

As a vibrant local player in a dynamic global industry, Lee Engineering has stepped up to the plate by acquiring marginal fields. By the time the company starts production, it will not need to import many resources into the country because it will use equipment manufactured in its fabrication plant, which is cost-effective. Ikpea will bring to bear his 14 years of experience in the construction industry.

His leading indigenous EPCOM (engineering, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance) company, the Lee Engineering and Construction Company, has achieved several milestones and received numerous commendations, awards, and certificates from local and international organisations.

Ikpea also talks about the potential strides of Nigeria in the gas industry amid a challenging atmosphere that pervades Europe as Russia continues its violent aggression against Ukraine.

“Nigeria is exploring several opportunities in the gas sector. Nigeria and Morocco recently signed an agreement on a gas pipeline project linking Nigeria to Morocco, which will also supply West Africa and Europe,” says Ikpea. “This 6,000-km project will cross 13 African countries along the Atlantic coast. From there, it will reach other parts of the world. That’s a huge step. In addition, other projects are going on in the country, including that of the NLNG.”

Even with that, he understands the country requires a huge financial outlay to develop the oil and gas sector fully and disclosed that the federal government and the NNPC are committed to exploring the gas potential.

“There are other gas projects about to take off. This is the time for gas; it’s the gas revolution,” Ikpea declares. “The federal government is very serious about it; the NNPC is serious about it too. Nigeria is in the gas revolution. Nigeria has started, and the NNPC has started.”

The oil and gas sector is one of the most critical sectors in the country’s economy, accounting for more than 90 per cent of its exports and 80 per cent of the federal government’s revenue. It is the ninth-largest global gas reserve with over 200 Tcf. As of 2019, Nigeria had Africa’s largest oil and gas reserves, with around 37 billion barrels of oil and 5.4 trillion cubic meters (bcm) of gas. With a production of 2.11 million barrels per day in 2019 (approximately 25 per cent of the total output in Africa), Nigeria continues to dominate Africa’s oil production.

The Lee Engineering firm, founded in 1991, has become a conglomerate dealing in retail, tourism, aviation, and manufacturing, including exploration and production. It has a fabrication workshop measuring 2,515sqm, complete with blasting/painting bays and state-of-the-art equipment. The company, Lee Engineering Group and Allied Companies Limited (including Lee Engineering, Tribet Ltd [travels and tours], Tribet Aviation, Tribet Purified Waters, and Lee Oasis), has at least 2,000 employees.

Ikpea

A Mutual fund (UnitTrust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate InvestmentTrust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 03-Aug-2023, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF.

Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

President Tinubu: Before Niger/Nigeria Morphs Into a Theatre of Proxy War(s)

President Bola Tinubu on Friday, in a letter to the Senate and read at plenary by Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, sought the support of the National Assembly on the military action planned by the defence chiefs of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) against the defacto government in Niger of General Abdourahmane Tchiani.

The potential escalations of hostilities including the invasion of Niger, is an ominous outcome of resolutions supposedly agreed at Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS held in Abuja.

The phrase by ECOWAS - “will explore all measures necessary” to restore democratic governance in Niger, including “the use of force.” Is characteristically irresponsible.

President Tinubu, in his correspondence to the Senate notified of the decisions of the ECOWAS leaders. This development is a fallout of recent military takeovers in the Sahel region where new military leaders have eased out the French and are seeking association with the east, especially Russia via its proxies such as Wagner PMC.

The situation in Niger has increased the issues befuddling President Tinubu as the leader of Africa’s most populous nation and chairman of the regional bloc, ECOWAS.

The desire to re-dress the deposition of Mohamed Bazoum would not be an easy task, as the military junta warned that it would meet force with force. “Any aggression or attempted aggression against the State of Niger will see an immediate and unannounced response from the Niger Defense and Security Forces on one of (the bloc’s) members,” it was announced in a statement delivered on national television late Thursday.

delegation left Niger without meeting the leader of the new government.

held to address the current situation, maybe a good opportunity to salvage the tense situation. The solicitation for war by the strongmen of the Nigerien Armed Forces calls for caution with the clear and present danger lurking with Wagner PMC that has prodded military regimes in Mali, Central African Republic and Burkina Faso.

It is clear a scripted sequence of events is unfolding with Assimi Goita of Mali engineering the exit of the French forces therein and severance of the extant diplomatic relationship.

This same strategy was devised in Burkina Faso prior to recent developments in Niamey with Russian flags openly paraded and the exaltation of Russia as the new saviour of Francophone West Africa.

The wave of disinformation across board is classic Wagner PMC template. Wagner is supposedly operating in Sudan, Mali, Mozambique, Chad, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Libya and Central African Republic (CAR). Wagner is premised on nondemocratic ideals; and the focus is the exploitation of mineral and natural resources.

Naturally, the presence of Wagner nearer Nigeria puts our gold deposits in Zamfara State amongst other prized minerals in Nigeria at risk.

The seven-day ultimatum issued to the military junta to reinstate Bazoum into power will lapse on Sunday. The military intervention by ECOWAS might then be decided. This decision would led to fulfillment of the declaration of support by leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea for General Tchiani.

existential issues like Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, communal clashes, farmers and herders clashes, oil theft, separatist agitation by IPOB amongst others to contend with.

The Northern Senators caucus has voiced out to President Tinubu that the impending fracas will claim the hegemony of the seven Northern states - Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno sharing a 1,608 kilometres long border with Niger Republic.

What kinetic warfare does not resolve, non-kinetic warfare would be employed to obtain either a victory or a stalemate, civilian endeavours like farming, fishing, trade and commerce will suffer.

Life is already tough regionally with astronomical increase of fuel pump price, inflationary spike, increased cost of living pressures amongst others to now contend with thoughts of bullets, shells and bombs flying in warfare that’s beyond our collective control.

West Africa is a theatre of political instability, rising jihadism, terrorism, proliferation of small and light arms, banditry and it’s absolutely illogical to even contemplate or envisage a multi national armed group imposing a new theatre of war in Niger.

Olusegun Obasanjo and Aliyu Gusau should be incorporated in all peace initiatives exploring dialogue to resolve the extant issues that could morph into unending crisis with cross flow of refugees, internally displaced persons across the West African coast and beyond.

In conclusion, it is imperative to state that the citizenry of West Africa, most especially Nigeria and Niger should not be the canon fodder in any situation.

The incarceration of deposed leader, Mohammed Bazoum and other top officials including former Defense Minister, Kalla Moutari, Interior Minister, Hama Amadou Souley, head of the ruling party, Fourmakaye Gado, Transport Minister, Oumarou Mallam Alma, Oil Minister, Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, Mining Minster, Ousseini Hadizatou is now integral to the overall negotiations.

A full or gradual release of Bazoum and members of the former government while talks are being

These new occupants of power in the Sahel recently attended the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg where they openly romanticized the Russian Government.

It is assumed the Armed Forces of Niger cannot stand the firepower of Nigeria and the collective Defense Forces of ECOWAS, but a recurring decimal is who will fund this new adventure that may likely lead into an intractable regional war?

It is the entire population that would suffer sanctions as the belligerents are prepared for economic sanctions.

Nigeria and Niger Republic are some of the poorest countries in the world and both are contending with food and hunger crisis amongst others. In the end common sense should prevail to curtail this impending crisis of immense proportions across multiple touch points.

The new Nigerien Government has announced withdrawn diplomatic representation in Nigeria, France, the United States and Togo. In a terse statement delivered on national television on Thursday by Tchiani, the government said it has “put an end” to the function of the extraordinary ambassadors and plenipotentiaries of the Niger in the four countries. The deteriorating situation has witnessed the snubbing of ECOWAS Special Representative, General Abdulsalam Abubakar as the Don Ubani

Can the election petition tribunal contravene section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution and a judicial precedent by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on compulsory participation in NYSC?

At the end of the Nigerian Civil War, also known as Nigeria-Biafra War, in 1970, the then military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, was convinced that national unity was needed to heal some of the wounds of the War, established through Decree No 24 of 1973, the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.

The one-year programme was originally meant for participation by Nigerian University Graduates who were below the age of 30 years. It was meant to quicken national reintegration and foster national unity and cohesion.

Graduates above 30 years of age and others that were Personnel of the Armed Forces or the Nigeria Police Force and other paramilitary organisations were exempted from participation in the National Youth Service Corps by virtue of the training they already had. In any case, whoever was a Nigerian graduate under the said Decree 24 of 1973 was compelled to either successfully participate in the programme for one year, at the end of which he or she was issued a discharge certificate or, based on being above 30 years of age or being of the Armed Forces or the Nigerian Police Force, was issued an exemption certificate.

Therefore, only two certificates ((the discharge certificate and the exemption certificate) are known to the National Youth Service Corps. Anything other than these two certificates is alien to the NYSC. As far as NYSC is concerned, there is nothing like a ‘reference letter’ confirming that one participated in the scheme. It is either a discharge certificate, exemption certificate or nothing.

Both the NYSC discharge certificate and NYSC exemption certificate are officially serially numbered. If a Nigerian who had successfully participated in the NYSC Scheme is, for instance, in far away Cambodian Capital of Phnom Penh and lays a claim to have successfully completed the NYSC scheme, for whatever reason and or circumstance, the office or organisation in which he or she makes the claim in that beautiful City of Phnom Penh can easily

confirm that claim simply by contacting the office of the director-general of NYSC.

On June 16, 1993, 20 years after its establishment, Decree No 51 of 1993 repealed the decree of 1973. The constitution and intendment of the decree were almost the same as that of 1973.

However, with the restoration of democracy in 1999, then-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration signed a bill that became the National Youths Service Corps Act of 2004. The act’s purpose remained similar to the previous decrees of 1973 and 1993.

Section 12 of the act states for employment anywhere in the federation and before employment, it shall be the duty of every prospective employer to demand and obtain from any person who claims to have obtained

When the regional bloc led by Nigeria already has his or her first degree at the end of the academic year 1973-74 or, as the case may be, at the end of any subsequent academic year the following “(a) a copy of Certificate of National Service of such person issued pursuant to Section 11 of the Act; (b) a copy of Exemption Certificate issued to such a person pursuant to Section 17 of this Act

(c) such other particulars relevant thereto as may be prescribed by or under this act,” noting that it “shall also be the duty of every employer to produce on demand to Police Officer, not below the rank of an Assistant Superintendent of Police, any such certificate and particulars or copies thereof.”

Section 13 (b) states that “any person who refuses to make himself or herself available for service in the service Ccrps for the period specified in subsection (2) of this section is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine of N2,000 or to an imprisonment for a term of 12 months or to both such fine and imprisonment.”

Consequent upon the provisions of the National Youths Service Corps Act, five justices of the Supreme Court had, reportedly on Tuesday (Afor) July 30, 2019, in an appeal marked SC/790/2019, sacked the member that was representing Yola North/Yola South and Girei federal constituency of Adamawa state in the National Assembly, Abdulra’fu Abdulkadir Modibo of All Progressives Congress, APC, on the ground that he was not qualified to have stood for the election, having not properly participated in the mandatory one-year NYSC scheme.

The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment read by Justice John Okoro, therefore, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to issue a certificate of return to Jafar Suleiman of the Peoples Democratic Party, who came second in the polls.

Apart from the above, the 1999 Constitution, as amended, in an unambiguous term, states in section 177 that a person shall be qualified for election to the office of governor of a state if “(a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth, (b) he has attained the age of thirty-five years, (c) he is a member of a political party and is sponsored

*Ayoola Ajanaku is an Advocacy and Communications Specialist based in Lagos, Nigeria by that political party, and

Compulsory NYSC Participation: Between Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Supreme Court

(e) he has been educated up to at least, school certificate level or its equivalent.”

Drawing strength from section 177 of the Constitution, the National Assembly passed the 2022 Electoral Act. Section 77 of the act states that each political party “shall maintain a membership register in both hard and soft copies and make such registers available to the Independent National Electoral Commission not later than 30 days before the party’s congress, convention and primary election.”

The provisions of section 177 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended and those of the Electoral Act 2022 are so explicit that they need no interpretation by any court of competent jurisdiction or election petition tribunal. Even a layman does not need any interpretation of the above constitutional Provisions.

As it is said in Latin, the matter speaks for itself, res ipsa loquitur. It is the hope of the Centre For Equity And Eradication Of Rural Poverty and all lovers of democracy and justice that the Abia state governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Umuahia will, in arriving at its judgment, be fairly disposed in addressing the following issues. Is it lawful for a state Returning Officer to cancel votes already declared in a polling unit, ratified in ward and local government area? Could there be any ground on which a university graduate who also submitted his or her university degree for purposes of 2023 governorship election to the Independent National Electoral Commission but did not present either NYSC discharge certificate or exemption certificate from NYSC be considered qualified to have contested the 2023 governorship election in Abia state?

Should someone whose name is not in the register of a political party and who was not sponsored by any political party be deemed qualified to have stood for a governorship election in 2023?

Centre For Equity And Eradication Of Rural Poverty strongly believes that the chairman and members of the Abia state governorship election petition tribunal are jurists of impeccable integrity and will, therefore, be guided by the principles of equity, justice and fairness.

*Sir Don Ubani is the former commissioner for Information and Strategy, Abia State

Tinubu

CJN, Ariwoola

COURTESY VISIT…

L-R: Executive Director, Conduct, Financial Crime & Compliance (CFCC), Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited (SCBN), Siji Adeyinka; Regional CEO, Africa and Middle East (AME), Standard Chartered, Sunil Kaushal; Acting Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Folashodun Shonubi; MD/CEO SCBN, Korede Adenowo,and Africa Regional Head, Public Sector and Developmental Organisations, Ibrahim Yusuf, during a courtesy visit on the Acting CBN Governor by the bank in Abuja…recently

In Quest for FDI Inflows, NNPC Woos Global Energy Investors

Peter Uzoho

In the wake of increasing demand for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into the Nigerian oil and gas industry, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has called on the global energy community to partner with Nigeria and other African countries towards achieving energy security and economic prosperity in the continent.

The Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC, Mr. Adokiye Tombomieye, made the call while delivering his keynote address at the just-concluded annual conference and exhibition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos.

Represented by the Managing Director of NNPC Energy Services Limited, Sophia Mbakwe, the EVP said African countries lacked the necessary financial resources to fully develop their natural gas reserves and bring more volumes of gas to the ground.

He said the call for foreign investors' supported was necessary to bridge the funding gap and support gas projects with advanced technology and expertise.

Speaking on the theme: "Role of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in the Efficient Development of Natural Gas Reserves to Meet Africa's Energy Security Demands," Tombomieye, explained that Nigeria as a nation recognised the value of international collaboration.

He said: "We extend an invitation to our global energy community to join hand with us, to partner with African nations in the journey towards energy security and prosperity. We recognise the value of international collaboration as we have seen how partnership fostered by FDIs has propelled the growth of oil and gas industry and economics.

"As we converge on this momentum occasion, we found ourselves as a cross host of history. Africa landscape is evolving rapidly and the demand for a reliable, sustainable energy is on the rise. Our continent holds verse natural gas reserve, a valuable resources that can play a vital role in shaping Africa's energy security future.

"The magnitude of our natural gas potential cannot be overstated, from abundant associated and non associated discoveries in Nigeria prolific Niger Delta

Fashola: I’m Not Drafting Judgment for Presidential Tribunal, It’s Baseless, Defamatory

Former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, yesterday, denied allegation that he was involved in the drafting of the judgement for the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) Judges, describing it as baseless and defamatory.

The former minister, who expressed his disappointment with the spread of false information on social media platforms, and called on security agencies to take action against those responsible for the act, believed that the allegations might be part of a wider campaign to undermine the judiciary.

Fashola, while clarifing that he had been away from Abuja for an extended period of time, a development which rendered the claims unfounded, condemned the individuals behind the allegations, and referred to them as agents of destabilization, because it was dangerous.

He, however, has initiated the process of filing formal petitions

against the offensive tweets and online reports with the management of the microblogging site, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the National Communications Commission (NCC).

He also urged the relevant security agencies to treat this matter with utmost seriousness, as it struck at the heart of judicial independence.

Fashola believed that the allegations might be part of a wider campaign to undermine the judiciary by those seeking to manipulate the institution for their own gain, and emphasised the importance of unmasking the perpetrators as well as their sponsors, while ensuring that they faced the appropriate legal consequences.

Conversely, Fashola's Special Adviser on Media, Mr Hakeem Bello, who signed the press released, further urged members of the public to disregard the false allegations and asked them to report any individuals involved in spreading such to the relevant security agencies.

to new discoveries in Senegal, Mozambique and other African countries. Africa is endowed with abundant natural gas resources and has the power to fuel economic growth, improve the lives of our people and elevate Africa to height of prosperity."

He, however, warned that harnessing Africa's huge gas potential was not without challenges, as it requires bold vision, strategic planning and substantial investment as well as a welcoming environment for FDIs.

"This is where FDI comes into play. Foreign Direct Investments can propel us forward to this transformative journey to unlock the immense possibility for Africa.

“FDI represents one of the most prominent instrument combating poverty, as it positively impacts the recipient country through creating employment, transferring technology, capacity building and knowledge", the NNPC EVP stated.

Tombomieye further explained that the efficient development of the natural gas resource was one that demanded technology prowess, innovation and financial backing, adding that FDI brings with it not just capital, but also the expertise, knowledge and best practice that are essential to unlock the full potential of natural gas resources.

According to him "As a nation, we are committed to provide a business friendly environment, build on transparency, accountability and fair competition. Our goal is to inspire confidence to our investors, ensuring that their commitments are merged with their commiserate returns.

"In Nigeria for example: since the advent of the oil exploration and exploitation, FDIs has played a vital role in the financing for both hydrocarbon reserves and production as well. However, in recent time climate experts across the world are increasingly concerned about carbon emission

from crude oil and gas production and consumption.

“This has contributed to the global warming and messy level rise in some part of the world, just as poverty also rises in other continent that lack access to energy."

On climate change challenge, Tombomieye said the effect had led to the flow of FDIs for development of fossil fuel based energy in particular, coal and crude oil.

He further stated, "Climate concern have therefore shifted their focus of global conversations among policy makers and activists’ investors towards promoting investment in low carbon energy sources.

“Out of the $90 billion in FDI in Africa between 2015-2019, Nigeria only attracted four per cent due to issues emanating from what I have just mentioned above.

"We are therefore at a point where the world must make careful choices to balance the need of a gradual transition

to low carbon energy, and at the same time address energy poverty in developing countries, particularly in Africa, to stimulate sustainable economic growth that is commensurate with a growing population. This is so vital to us.

"Africa is well aligned with the rest of the world in combating the impact of climate. But climate change policies must also sync with the realities in Africa and other developing nations.

“Africa only accounts for about three per cent of global energy consumption and less than three per cent of emissions.

"As Africa population continues to grow, energy demands should be expected to grow beyond the pace as which Africa clean energy market will grow in 40 years. Africa energy demands is expected to increase by about 30 per cent within the next 20 years and therefore the enormous gas resource will play a pivotal role in this regard".

Niger Delta Oil, Gas Professionals Excited Over Keyamo's Ministerial Nomination

Stakeholders urge Tinubu to give oil-producing area minister for Niger Delta Affairs

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

A group of seasoned technocrats, the Niger Delta Oil & Gas Professionals, have expressed delight at the ministerial nomination of Festus Keyamo by President Bola Tinubu.

The leader of the group, Dr. Soki Etebu, said in a statement in Abuja, that by the nomination, Tinubu had proven to be a man of honour.

Etebu said he was particularly thrilled that Keyamo, an epitome of progressivism and determination, would be part of an administration with a declared intension of massively bettering the lives of Nigerians.

The oil industry expert noted that with the likelihood of Keyamo emerging petroleum minister, Tinubu appeared set to pick the best hand for the job.

Besides, Etebu stated, “The president had promised former Niger Delta agitators of appointing somebody from the region as the minister of petroleum resources.”

He stressed that with Keyamo's legal background, experience in oil and gas matters, and his contributions to

the Petroleum Industry Act, he was best suited to see the sector through a glorious era.

Etebu explained, “Festus Keyamo is best suited for this job; he has solid background in law, he is from the Niger Delta, he has fought for the people of the region and has the composure to bring about growth and progress in the sector.

"He is well informed and deepened enough to carry out reforms and unbundling of the sector, and seeing to the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, amongst others."

The former instrumentation engineer noted that with his knowledge of the industry and Tinubu’s desire to bring prosperity to Nigeria, he was sure that the legal luminary will perform beyond expectations.

Etebu enjoined the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, to give all necessary cooperation to the president in the screening of Keyamo.

“We have full confidence in Keyamo; he is industrious, determined, knowledgeable, and ready to perform

in the ministry. We urge the Senate to cooperate with President Tinubu to screen him soonest," Etebu stated.

Meanwhile, stakeholders from the Niger Delta region have urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint somebody from oil-producing area as Niger Delta Affairs Minister in the yet-to-be inaugurated cabinet in order to address the plights of the region.

This is coming against the rumour that some powerful persons around the presidency were persuading the president to consider someone from the non-oil producing area as minister in the Niger Delta Affairs ministry, a situation the people of the region argued would compound the problems and create further tension in the region.

An advocate group in the region ‘Movement for the Protection of Oil Producing Communities in Niger Delta' told newsmen in a statement yesterday, that it takes somebody from the oil-producing area to understand the plights of the people.

The Chairman of the group, Chief Oyosongo Frank and Secretary,

Godwin Edikan, noted in the statement that the Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs was more about political expediency and required none other person than someone from an oil producing area in the Niger Delta region, because the sole purpose for the ministry was to provide and steer coordination for the developmental activities in the region.

They said: “The rumour of appointing someone from a non-oil producing area as Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is spreading like wildfire and gathering momentum as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gets set to allocate portfolios to the newly appointed ministers.

“And the rumour has sparked reactions capable of degenerating into crisis if it turns out to be true.

“By the Nigerian Constitution, every state is entitled to produce a minister and the president has fulfilled that requirement by nominating at least one person from each of the 36 states of the federation. The distribution of portfolios to the appointed ministers is the prerogative of the president.

DIAMOND XTRA SEASON 15…

Femi Falana: ECOWAS Needs UN Security Council's Approval to Declare War on Niger

Wale Igbintade

Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana SAN, has warned that any declaration of war without the authorisation of the United Nations (UN) Security Council would be illegal, except in a case of self-defence.

Reacting to increasing tension over possible confrontation with the military junta in Niger Republic, Falana, in a statement yesterday titled: 'Legal Requirements for Declaration of War Against Niger Republic'

stated that ECOWAS was required to seek and obtain the authorisation of the UN Security Council to launch an attack on a sovereign nation pursuant to article 53(1) of the United Nations Charter.

He added that in the absence of explicit Security Council’s authorisation, any intervention by the ECOWAS would be illegal, unless it concerns a situation of self-defence, which was clearly not the case in the situation of the planned intervention in Niger.

The statement read:

"Notwithstanding the resolution of the Economic Community of West African States to resort to the use of force to flush the military junta in Niger in a bid to restore President Mohamed Bazoum, the Bola Tinubu administration is mandatorily required to seek the approval of both houses of the National Assembly.

“This is in compliance with section 5(4) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which stipulates as follows: (4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section: (a) the

President shall not declare a state of war between the federation and another country except with the sanction of a resolution of both Houses of the National Assembly, sitting in a joint session; and

“(b) except with the prior approval of the Senate, no member of the armed forces of the federation shall be deployed on combat duty outside Nigeria.

"However, by virtue of section 5(5), thereof, the President, in consultation with the National Defence Council, may deploy members of the armed forces

Plateau Attacks: Mutfwang Directs Cultivation of 900 Hectares of Farmland

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has directed the cultivation of over 900 hectares of farmland across three Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state recently plagued by crisis.

This he did in a move to stem the lingering crisis in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs.

No fewer than 300 persons had been killed in these local government areas in recent months in series of attacks by gunmen. This was as over 30,000 residents had also been displaced from their

homes.

Speaking with journalists yesterday, after the official flagoff of the farming intervention that took place at LigitLubang Community, Managing Director of Agricultural Services and Training Center (ASTC) in the state, Dr. Susan Bentu, said the governor has directed the intervention to cover communities affected by the attacks and farm destruction.

Bentu explained: “The Plateau State Government is partnering the ASTC to cultivate lands in these areas that suffered from the unfortunate attacks, resulting in the

displacement of numerous farmers from their lands," adding that the farming intervention would cover four communities in Riyom Local Government Area, one community in Barkin Ladi, and 14 others in Mangu LGA.

According to her, "With this initiative, the Plateau State Government aims to provide much-needed support to the affected communities, helping them rebuild their lives and regain hope for a better future.

“The government’s initiative comes as a respite for these communities, as His Excellency

Governor Caleb Mutfwang approved the cultivation of 900 hectares of land across three local government areas: Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs.

“The primary objective of this intervention is to enable farmers in these affected communities to salvage what remains of the farming season and prevent their farmlands from going to waste. The state government has also responded to the appeal made by farmers by providing security for the cultivated crops, encouraging displaced persons to return to their homes.”

Navy, Tompolo's Firm Trade Blame over MT Praisel Arrested for Crude Oil Theft

Navy lab test confirms product not stolen crude Tantita security raises posers over discrepancies on destination of vessel

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Nigerian Navy said weekend that the product on the controversial vessel, MT Praisel, was not stolen crude oil contrary to reports.

It said after laboratory analysis, the product onboard MT Praisel by all agencies including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) indicated that the product displayed properties consistent with Nigerian industrial standard specification for High Pour Fuel

Oil (HPFO).

But Tantita Security Services, a private security outfit operating in the Niger Delta region, has raised posers about discrepancies on the destination of the motor tanker.

It queried why NMDPRA approved port of discharge (Lagos Offshore) was different from the Navy clearance (Koko as storage) and why both were different from the port of discharge indicated in the Naval press statement (Bonny).

The Navy statement issued by Naval Spokesman, Ayo-Vaughan, affirmed that on Saturday August

5, 2023, the results of the laboratory analysis of the product onboard MT PRAISEL by all agencies including NMDPRA indicate that the product displayed properties consistent with Nigerian industrial standard specification for HPFO.

"This result, therefore, proves that the allegation and suspicion was totally wrong, unfounded, and perhaps mischievous.

"The intelligence which was said to have been received in respect of the vessel and its product is equally wrong. This singular incident brings to the fore the high-handedness and

unprofessional conduct displayed with its attendant negative consequences for the supplier and buyer of the product, the vessel hired to convey it and other parties involved in the legitimate business," it said.

The Nigerian Navy reiterated its stance to support every single effort to halt economic saboteurs and to fight against crude oil theft in Nigeria’s maritime environment (NME) provided such effort is done within the ambit of the law and with the best professional conduct.

of the federation on a limited combat duty outside Nigeria if he is satisfied that the national security is under imminent threat or danger.

"Provided that the President shall, within seven days of actual combat engagement, seek the consent of the Senate and the Senate shall thereafter give or refuse the said consent within 14 days.

"In addition to the above constitutional mandate, the ECOWAS is required to seek and obtain the authorisation of the UN Security Council to launch an attack on a sovereign nation pursuant to article 53(1) of the United Nations Charter.

“Article 53(1) provides in part, ‘The Security Council shall, where appropriate, utilise such regional arrangements or agencies for enforcement action under its authority. But no enforcement action shall be taken under regional arrangements or by

regional agencies without the authorization of the Security Council.

"This means that the conduct of the ECOWAS, as a regional arrangement, is subject to the provisions of the United Nations Charter, particularly article 53(1) and general international law.

"Therefore, the ECOWAS can not justify any intervention in Niger without the authorisation of the Security Council.

"It is also clear that any intervention by the ECOWAS, apart from being subject to the authorisation of the Security Council, must be on a collective basis and not a unilateral one.

"In the absence of explicit Security Council authorisation, any intervention by the ECOWAS would be illegal, unless it concerns a situation of selfdefence, which is clearly not the case in the situation of the planned intervention in Niger," he reiterated in conclusion.

US Consulate Supports First Nigerian Climate Resilience Salon

The US Consulate General last week supported the first Nigerian Climate Resilience Salon that brought together women-led organisations, climate-tech entrepreneurs as well as representatives from public and private sectors who are leading efforts to combat climate change in their communities.

The Nigerian Climate Resilience Salon was organised by Shelley Taylor, Silicon Valley technology veteran and Folawemi Umunna, an alumna of the US Department of State funded International Visitors Leadership Program, with support from the US Consulate General Lagos.

According to a statement, at the event US Consulate Deputy Political and Economic Chief Kenise Hill, noted that including women in climate action would help create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Hill explained that the shared priority of protecting the environment was another example of the close relationship and cooperation that exists between the people of Nigeria and the United States.

“Climate change is a threat that sees no borders,” Hill said.

“We’re glad to enable this dialogue that gives voice to the

women with lived experience of climate impacts and to facilitate their collaboration with women who have developed strategies for creating greater resilience to find shared solutions to our global, shared challenge of climate change.”

Taylor, Convener of the Nigerian Climate Resilience Salon, explained that climate change exacerbates gender inequalities and developmental gaps. She noted that women have a unique perspective on environmental issues as they often bear the brunt of climate shocks and stresses.

“One of the goals of the Climate Resilience Salons is to help some of the women working in nonprofits to transform their work into businesses where they can generate profits from climate solutions, increasing their family wealth and influence in society.

“Existing climate tech founders need help scaling their solutions into other regions and across borders too,” Taylor added. Climate Resilience Salon is a coalition of partners who come together in different countries and regions to support women in finding solutions to climate impacts through events and a growing supportive network.

L-R: Regional Sales Director, Lagos, Access Bank Plc, Bolarinwa Animashaun; Unit Head, Consumer Banking, Adaeze Umeh; a past winner, Chioma Ihenacho- Nwokeji; Group Head, Consumer Banking, Access Bank Plc, Njideka Esomeju; and Group Head, Marketing and Retail Analytics, Oluwatoyin Henry Ajayi, during the launch of Diamond Xtra Season 15, in Lagos...recently

SUNDAY ADIGUN

ROUNDTABLE WITH ACADEMIA, INDUSTRY AND STAKEHOLDERS...

L-R: Director, Research and Development, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ismail Adedigba; Vice Chancellor, University of Iorin, Prof Wahab Egbewole; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Development Services, University of Lagos, Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa; Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (NCC), Ubale Maska; Vice Chancellor, Covenant University, Prof. Humphrey Adebayo and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, University of Benin, Prof. Ray Ozolua, at the Regional Roundtable with academia, industry and other stakeholders hosted by the NCC in Lagos…recently

Afenifere Cautions Ohaneze against Invoking Nigerien Military Coup-type in Nigeria

Emameh Gabriel in Abuja

Yoruba’s frontline socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called for caution by those it said were hiding under the guise of freedom of expression to incite treason and contempt of the court.

The call was contained in a statement by Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi.

In a statement credited to the factional Secretary-General of Ohaneze, Mr. Okechukwu Isiguzoro, he preempted the ongoing Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, and flayed what he described as "intimidation of the judiciary".

Ohaneze, had in a press release last Tuesday, August 4, 2023, insinuated that the type of military situation that occurred in neighbouring Niger Republic in July might happen in Nigeria if “the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) judges ‘came

up with an erroneous judgement.

But in reaction, Afenifere asserted that, “everyone knows that the only means of changing government known to law is through the ballot box."

The organisation maintained that, "This is not just a constitutional provision in Nigeria, it is also the norm in all countries that hold the right of the people to determine, who governs them as sacrosanct.”

Afenifere considered the aspect of Isiguzoro’s statement on FCT status in regard to election results as subjudice in view of the fact that it was one of the key issues before the court.

According to Afenifere, this statement is too weighty not to be challenged because of its far-reaching implications.

“In the first place, the issue of FCT status on which there was already a judicial pronouncement is also one of

Doctor’s Death: Sanwo-Olu Sacks

Facility Manager, Blacklists Asset Management Agency

Segun James

Following the death of Dr. Vwaere Diaso, the Lagos State government has ordered that the General Manager of Lagos State Infrastructure and Asset Management Agency to immediately proceed on suspension.

It also sacked and blacklisted the Facility Managers of the elevator that was responsible for the death of the medical doctor.

The decision followed recommendation of a panel of enquiry set up the government to look into the likely causes, identify persons who might be culpable and suggested ways of preventing any future occurrence.

The government in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olumide Sogunle, said the contractors have been handed over to the police.

"We have handed the installation and maintenance contractors to the police for further investigation and likely prosecution if they are found culpable. The police will also investigate anyone else that might have been found to be negligent," the statement added.

Sogunle also said engineers were working to unravel why all the safety devices of the elevator failed at the same time

"All our staff are fully insured. We have informed our life insurance

providers about this incident. The Lagos Safety Commission has been directed to immediately carry out an audit of all elevators in public offices. This is besides the usual safety arrangements that have always existed," the statement added.

While acknowledging with deep regret the unfortunate elevator accident of Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at the House Officer’s residence of the General Hospital, Odan, which resulted in the death of Diaso, a vibrant young house officer was an accident, adding that the government, "commiserates with her family and her colleagues and pray for the repose of her soul. As a Government, we feel the pain of this irreparable loss. May The Almighty console them and give them the strength to go through this difficult time."

Sogunle said according its findings of the panel, "the incident happened around 6.50 pm. Due to the impact, the elevator doors were damaged and needed to be forced open to rescue the trapped house officer. She was extracted at about 7.50 pm and resuscitation commenced immediately.

“She was wheeled to the emergency room and was immediately attended to by a medical team led by a highly experienced consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon. The team was assisted by all house officers who were present at the time.

the issues before the Tribunal presently. "Secondly, even if a party in a political case considered the judgement

of a tribunal or court as ‘erroneous’, the option is not to call for military takeover as the law clearly provides

room for me proceeding to the appellate court. Ajayi explained that Isiguzoro’s

position, among other things, contravened Section 133 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria.

OPTIONS, MEETS GOVS OF

coup in the Niger Republic represents a blatant disregard for these fundamental principles that underpin our regional integration and stability. We must unequivocally condemn such actions and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to democracy."

Musa said the coup in Niger highlighted the fragility of the region and the need for a proactive security framework.

He said, "We must strengthen our regional security architecture and enhance our collective response to security challenges. The coup in the Niger Republic has highlighted the fragility of our region and the need for a robust and proactive security framework.

"We must enhance intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and capacity-building initiatives among our defence and security forces to effectively combat threats to our collective security and enhance interoperability."

He added, "We must ensure that the decisions taken here today are not mere rhetoric but are transformed into tangible actions on the ground.

"To this end, I call upon each member state to take ownership of the agreed-upon measures and work diligently to implement them towards finding solutions to the situation in the Republic of Niger."

Musa, who formally took over as Chairman of the ECOWAS Defence Chiefs from his counterpart from Guinea Bissau, called for concerted efforts to ensure the entrenchment of democratic rule in West Africa.

He said, "Let us remember that the success of this meeting will not be measured by the words spoken here today, but by the actions we take tomorrow and, in the days to come. Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact and ensure that the Niger Republic and the entire ECOWAS region can progress on the path of democracy, peace, and stability.

"I urge all to prioritise the implementation of the recommendations that have been put forth during our deliberations. This requires a concerted effort and a sense of urgency. We must allocate the necessary resources, engage relevant stakeholders, and monitor progress to ensure that our decisions have a tangible impact on the ground."

Nevertheless, there were issues arising from the position of Niger’s

neighbours, notably, Mali, Bukina Faso, and Guinea Bissau, which posited that any military action against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against the three countries.

There were also reports that the Niger junta had reached out to the feared Russian Wagner private military group.

The senate, in rejecting the proposal for military action, had noted that Niger was a hub for the sale of illicit arms and ammunition, a situation that might complicate such military intervention.

At play also is the ethnic relations between Nigerians in the contiguous states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, and Jigawa, who are blood relatives with citizens of Niger.

ECOWAS Quiet as Seven Days Ultimatum to Niger Expires

With the current state of play, it seems ECOWAS may be compelled to beat a retreat from its earlier stance on forcing the military junta, which overthrew the democratically elected President of Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum, to hand back power to him.

The decision by the sub-regional leaders was largely welcomed by the Western world, though, it was widely condemned by others, who felt diplomatic action, rather than military action, should be taken.

In fact, the Nigerien junta was believed to have been emboldened by fellow military governments, which had earlier taken over power in Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea – all declaring support for the coup leaders and expressing their readiness to contribute military personnel to fight the ECOWAS force.

There was also a joint statement read on Mali and Burkina Faso national broadcasting outfits, saying, "Mali and Burkina Faso warn that any military intervention in Niger will be considered as a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali.”

It seemed the military expedition by ECOWAS was likely to hit the rock from the initial stage, as a house divided against itself cannot stand. There were also indication that the Russian government and Wagner machinery were ready to support and even fight on the side of the

junta-led Nigerien Army against the ECOWAS force.

Tinubu had moved against the coup, by first cutting off electricity supply to Niger, an agreement which had been on for ages and was initiated to dissuade Niger from damming the River Niger.

But this development received the condemnation from many Nigerians, who believed it was ill-advised and would only move Niger to dam the River Niger and cause further power problems for Nigeria.

Though many Nigerians openly criticised this, and the decision by Tinubu’s ECOWAS to lead a military expedition into Niger, the president still went ahead to test his political clout by seeking approval of the National Assembly to deploy military to Niger.

But the legislature said he could not have his way in the matter and withheld the approval for military deployment to Niger.

Unfortunately, this might have signaled an end to possible military action by ECOWAS in Niger as the subregional body, which was accused by many to heeding to the pressure of Western power to wage war on brother country might be unable to assemble a force of note and also not able to pull out the resources needed for such an expensive enterprise.

There was also speculation doing the rounds that there was little success recorded from the diplomatic angle, which saw him sending sending a former head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Sultan of Sokoto, after diplomatic ties had even been reportedly severed by the two neighbouring nations.

The argument of those against military action was, why Niger and not the other West Africa states under military rule if not because of the West pushing the West African leaders into their fight for the struggle for the uranium in Niger.

Niger is the world's seventh-biggest producer of uranium, the radioactive metal widely used for nuclear energy and treating cancer.

Presently, the United States, and a former colonial power, France, as well as other Western states have troops in Niger and had been working with the government to overcome an Islamist insurgency by groups linked to Islamic State and al Qaeda.

But this appears to be at a risk now with the latest political situation in the country, believed to be tilting towards Russia for aid.

With four takeovers in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso during the last two years, all of which have come amid frustrations about growing insecurity, and the two countries having turned increasingly towards Russia as an ally, the fear is that the latest addition of the coupist, General Abdourahamane Tujani, who wasthe presidential guard chief, may encourage some more West African countries to go the way of military rule.

This is expected to come under the pretext of poor governance and discontent with the way Islamist threats were being handled and subsequently seeking support from Russia and making West Africa the new battleground for the growing multi-polar battle already in Ukraine and threatening Taiwan.

Supporters of the junta have already burnt French flags and attacked the French embassy in Niger's capital, Niamey, prompting police to fire volleys of tear gas in response.

Head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, had welcomed the coup in Niger, and said his forces were available to restore order. Though Kremlin had also noted that the situation in Niger was "cause for serious concern" and called for a swift return to constitutional order but it was believed to be supportive of the coup plotters.

As it stands, the planned military expedition by ECOWAS might be on hold for now, but one thing is certain, the country might be pressured by sanctions imposed by European Union and ECOWAS.

Already, both the EU and France had backed ECOWAS’ response, suspending their own financial support, while the U.S. has threatened to do same.

"The EU and Niger share deep ties developed over decades. The unacceptable attack on the democratically elected government puts these ties in jeopardy," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

AS ECOWAS ULTIMATUM EXPIRES, TINUBU MULLS

STATES BORDERING NIGER

COMMENDATION SERVICE FOR LATE OMOLAOLU…

L-R: Vice Chairman, Otto Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Abiodun Azeez; Member, Lagos State University Governing Council(LASU), Hon. Tolani Sule; President, Lagos Central Baptist Conference, Rev.(Dr). Victor Bamidele Akerele; Wife of the deceased, Mrs. Modupe Olubokola Omolaolu; son of the deceased, Mr. Tunde Omolaolu;daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Lola Omolaolu Akerele; Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and Under-Shepherd, First Baptist Church, Ilemba Awori, Oto Awori LCDA, Rev. (Dr.) Festus O.K. Babarinde, at the burial and commendation service of late APC party chieftain in Ojo Local Government Area, Chief J.K. Omolaolu, in Lagos…yesterday

Police Recover Guns as Suspected Kidnappers Dump Vehicle, Escape with Victim in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

A gang of kidnappers operating at Uga-Ezinifite Road in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, reportedly escaped with their victim last Thursday after their car ran into a ditch.

The alleged kidnappers also dumped the operational vehicle, a Mercedes Benz GLK Sports Utility Vehicle, suspected to have

been snatched from their victim, and left behind their pump action guns and blood stained clothes.

The Spokesperson of Anambra State Police Command, DSP. Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a press release in which he said that the kidnapper were spotted by police operatives, when driving at a high speed at about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Ikenga’s press release read: “On Thursday, August 3, 2023 at about

NIPOST Unmask 200 Illegal Courier, Logistics Operators in Katsina

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has unmasked over 200 illegal courier and logistics operators in Katsina State as part of its efforts to sanitise and enhance professionalism in the industry.

The General Manager, Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department (CLRD) of the NIPOST, Mr. Dotun Shonde, disclosed this to newsmen shortly after raiding the illegal courier

and logistics operators in the state.

Shonde explained that during the clampdown, NIPOST sealed some of the unlicensed and illegal courier and logistics operators and impounded many motorcycles of the operators in the state. He said that some of the illegal courier and logistics operators engaged in nefarious activities such as the transportation of illicit drugs, small arms and ammunition and other prohibited items.

Abiodun Condoles with Senator Adeola over Aide’s Death

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has condoled the Senator representing Ogun West senatorial district, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, over the killing of his aide, Adeniyi Sanni, last Saturday in Lagos.

He also called for an immediate and discreet investigation to unravel the assailants as well as bring them to book.

The governor in a statement issued by his media office in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, also sympathised with the family of the deceased, describing the killing as cruel and barbaric, adding that such a heinous act can never go unpunished.

He extolled the virtues of the slain aide while alive, saying his exemplary record of diligence, creativity and loyalty while serving his principal, would be sorely missed.

JSS Exam: Kwara Warns Principals against Extortion

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Kwara State Government yesterday warned principals and heads of schools against collecting illegal fees from students that would participate in the forthcoming common entrance examinations into Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) in the state. Already, the government has fixed the date of the examination for August 19.

A statement issued in Ilorin signed by the Press Secretary,

8.30 p.m., a detachment of police at Aguata while on patrol along Uga-Ezinifite Expressway saw an SUV drive past at a terrible

speed.

“The operatives suspected that they may be kidnappers with an abducted victim, and the team

went in pursuit.

“Several kilometres away, the team found the vehicle in a ditch but without any occupant.

“They found clothing with blood stains in the vehicle, as well as two pump action rifles, and a machete.

Court Sentences Man to Death for Murder of Neighbour in Kwara

HammedShittuinIlorin

A Kwara State High Court in Ilorin at the weekend sentenced Mr. Mohammed Kazeem Beiwa to death by hanging over his involvement in the murder of his neighbour, Mr. Olokose Ojo Olushola, in Ilorin, a few days to his wedding in 2021. The court also handed down

10 years imprisonment and a N100,000 fine each to his two other accomplices, Madu Jeremiah and Mohammed Chatta, while the fourth defendant, Jimoh Abdulateef, was set free by the court for lack of diligent prosecution.

The four accused persons were facing prosecution before the court on eight count charges having been

accused of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal removal of human parts.

The prosecution, led by the former state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ibrahim Sulyman, alleged that the four accused persons attacked and kidnapped the victim, Olushola, in

his house a few days to his wedding in Ilorin and killed him sometime in 2021.

The accused persons, after kidnapping, killing, and dismembering the victim, also negotiated for payment of ransom for his release from the family knowing that he was dead already, the prosecution told the court at the trial.

Community Leaders to Be Held Accountable for Vandalism of Public Infrastructure in A’Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Umo Eno, has tasked community leaders with the security of government assets in their domains, warning that henceforth, the government will hold the leaders accountable for

vandalisation of public infrastructure.

Governor Eno gave the task at the funeral service in honour of the deceased Special Representative to former state Governor, Udom Emmanuel, late Elder Samuel Bassey, at the nGovernment Primary School, Afaha Atai in Eket Local Government

Area of the state.

He spoke of his commitment to share in the sentiment of the former administration as regards improving facilities in public schools across the state. The governor pledged to adopt the trajectory fencing of schools and engage security personnel

from the host communities to protect public infrastructure on the recommendations of village heads and youth leaders to allow community leaders to take full responsibility for government installations in schools and other public places.

Police Arrest Suspected Fraudster/Ritualist with Human Parts in Ondo

Fidelis David in Akure

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a 24-year-old, Franklin Akinyosuyi, suspected to be a fraudster with human parts in Ondo town, headquarters of Ondo West Local Government

Area of Ondo State.

THISDAY gathered yesterday that Akinyosuyi, who was arrested by operatives of the Anti-Crime unit attached to FunmbiFagun Police Station in Ondo Town, is currently detained at the station and undergoing

interrogations. The incident, which occurred at Elewuro area of the community, had resulted in panic, as the human head was discovered in a sack inside the room of the suspect in a rented apartment located in the area.

It was learnt that the human head was discovered in a black sack inside the compound by some teenagers who are children of the landlord, who later raised the alarm before the matter was reported by the landlord at the station.

Ministerial Nominee: Kogi SDP Guber Candidate Commends Tinubu’s Choice

Ibrahim OyewaleinLokoja

The Kogi State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the forthcoming election, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the nomination of Shaibu Abubakar

Audu, the son of first state Governor, Late Prince Abubakar Audu.

Shaibu Audu was among the nominees submitted to the National Assembly for screening last Wednesday in Abuja by the Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila. He was subsequently screened last Friday along with

others.

The commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Communications, SDP Governorship Campaign Organisation, copy of which was made available to journalists in Lokoja.

The SDP standard bearer

congratulated the state ministerial designate, Audu, on his nomination by President Tinubu.

Alhaji Audu, son of one time Governor of Kogi State, late Prince Abubakar Audu, was among the second bath of ministerial nominees sent to the Senate by the president on Wednesday.

Diplomacy ‘ll Resolve Niger Impasse, Says Ambassador of Peace

Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mr. Peter Amogbonjaye, stated that, “the common entrance examination into Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) in the state is free of charge.”

The statement read: “This is to inform the general public that the placement examination (common entrance) into Junior Secondary School across the sixteen (16) Local Government Areas of the State is scheduled to hold on Saturday 19th August, 2023 beginning from 8:00a.m. prompt.

Chairman, Committee on Human Rights and Social Justice, International Peace and Governance Council of African Continental Chapter of the United International Peace and Governance Council of Africa (UNIPGC) Africa, Muritala Sambo, has said that diplomacy

will resolve the political impasse in Niger Republic.

Sambo, who is a lawyer, condemned the military takeover of civilian administration and lamented that military rule and colonialism have retarded growth in Nigeria and Africa.

President of Niger Republic,

Mohamed Bazoum was ousted by military junta in Niger led by the Presidential Guard commander, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.

However, in an interview with journalists yesterday on the sidelines of his confirmation as Chairman, of the Committee

on Human Rights And Social Justice (IPGC), by the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council of Africa, during the International Peace & Security Summit in Morocco, Sambo called for the restoration of civilian-run in Niger through diplomacy.

CLB, Barbri Global Collaborate to Boost Law Practice

Sunday Okobi

In order to enhance the capacity of lawyers and broaden their prospect of international law practice, the Centre for Law and Business (CLB) has collaborated with

Barbri Global, a premier legal education body, to empower lawyers to work almost everywhere in the world through its programme, Barbri international legal qualification.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLB, Dapo Oyewumi,

and the International Development Manager at Barbri Global, Monique Morrison, at a one-day seminar held in Lagos with the theme: ‘Africa International Lawyers Multi-Jurisdictional

Qualification: UK and US’, said

with their robust package and education, Nigerian and other West African countries’ lawyers and non-lawyers can get the qualification in the United Kingdom and the United States to allow them to practice anywhere in the world.

Okon BasseyinUyo

WHEN YOU CAN’T HELP EVERYBODY

to save democracy or to restore Diori to power. In total reversal to the current situation, Diori was a democratically elected civilian ruler while Gowon himself was a military ruler. It was purely a matter of concern and loyalty to a very friendly neighbour. Gowon, in fact, had very good ties with all his neighbours, including Cameroun’s Ahmadou Ahidjo, Chad’s N’garta Tombalbaye and Mathieu Kerekou of Dahomey, which changed its name in 1975 to Benin Republic. I can’t remember if Nigeria objected to that name change the way Greece objected when a former Yugoslav Republic adopted the name Macedonia, the name of a Greek province.

Up until the 1990s, the governing principle of the Organisation of African Unity [OAU, predecessor of African Union, AU] was “non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.” No country was ever suspended from OAU due to a coup or even genocide. Not even Ethiopia in 1974, when soldiers toppled OAU’s founding father, Emperor Haile Selassie. On that same night, soldiers lined up 60 top officials of Selassie’s government and executed them, including the prime minister. The headline of Nigerian newspapers the next day was “Bloodbath in Ethiopia.” Tanzania was not suspended from OAU in 1979 when Mwalimu Julius Nyerere sent troops across the border to drive out Uganda’s Field Marshal Idi Amin Dada. Nobody suspended Ghana from OAU in 1979 when Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings tied three former Heads of State, Generals Afrifa, Ignatius Acheampong and Fred Akuffo, to the stakes and executed them.

OAU did not suspend Liberia in 1980 when Master Sergeant Samuel Kanyon Doe killed President William Tolbert, the OAU Chairman. More than that, Doe lined up a dozen of Tolbert’s ministers at the Monrovia beach and executed them, including Foreign Minister Cecil Dennis, who was chairman of the OAU Council of Foreign Ministers. Indeed, if there was any event in Africa that ever warranted foreign intervention, it was the Rwandan genocide of 1994, when over a million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed. No African or foreign country intervened until Paul Kagame’s rebel forces marched in and captured Kigali. Since early this century however, AU has abandoned OAU’s non-interference in internal matters mantra in favour of a robust insistence on democracy and peerreview mechanism. But how far should we go to enforce this new principle?

In 1999 when US President Bill Clinton led NATO to bomb Serbia in order to stop the genocide in Kosovo, I recall the British Defence Minister doing a live BBC phone-in interview. A man phoned from Serbia and said NATO’s action was hypocritical because it did not intervene in Rwanda to stop the genocide. The Brit minister wryly said, “Just because you cannot help everybody does not mean you should not help somebody.”

Some Nigerians are saying that since our troops intervened in Congo in the 1960s, Chad in 1978, Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 1990s and more recently in Gambia, plus contribution to UN Peace-keeping Forces in Lebanon, Bosnia and Darfur plus a police contingent we sent to Namibia in 1990, we should intervene militarily in

Niger. Look here; can we twist around the British minister’s saying and say, “The fact that you helped somebody, does not mean you can help everybody”?

Before you help anyone, it is important to know if he is ready for help. It does not appear as if the people of Niger Republic want help to “restore democracy.”

Some Nigeriens have demonstrated in support of the coup, have attacked the headquarters of Bazoum’s ruling party and even tried to mob his ministers. Audios and videos posted online by numerous citizens of Niger Republic warn Nigeria to keep off their country.

For whatever reason, Nigeriens see the threatened ECOWAS military action as an invasion of their country, not an attempt to restore democratic rule. In many audios they are mocking Nigeria, saying our troops failed to contain Boko Haram and bandits, and that their army is smaller but better motivated and more dare-devilish than our own.

Nor is it good that ECOWAS is split in this matter, with eleven members supporting the resolution and four members against it. Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea even pledge to support Niger because they themselves are under military rule. Nor are we sure what Chad will do, since it is also ruled by a soldier. In practical terms it is only Nigeria that can do this intervention. Most of the countries that “support” armed intervention cannot do anything, including Senegal that announced its intention to send troops.

Nigerian military is much larger than its Nigerien counterpart, but Niger has a land area bigger than Nigeria. At best our troops can seize the capital, Niamey,

ORAMAH’S LOW-HANGING FRUITS FOR NIGERIA’S DEVT

between Africa and Russia as evident in the success of the Russia-Africa Summit and Economic Forum held in Sochi, Russia Federation, between 23 and 24 October and the rapidly rising trade and investment relations between Russia and Africa.”

Four years after, on the 2nd edition of the summit held last week, the Russian Federation President, in his article Russia and Africa: Joining Efforts for Peace, Progress and Successful Future, said with pride that Russian trade turnover with the African countries increased in 2022 to an unprecedented value of 18 Billion Dollars from about 10B in less than 4 years.

At the summit, effectively attended by Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the Russian President reiterated the age-long cordial relations between Russia and Africa and offered to further support African countries in the spheres of high technologies, geological exploration, nuclear power, mining and transport engineering, agriculture and fishery.

In the African Message to the summit delivered by the President of Afreximbank, Professor Benedict Okey Oramah specific requests were made from Russia to increase its trade and support for Africa in the areas of grains and fertilizer for Africa to achieve the much desired food security.

Professor Oramah told the forum that the African Export-Import Bank along with its African member states are committed to ensuring that critical trade continues to flow uninhibited towards guaranteeing African food security.

According to him: “Afreximbank is working with the African Union Commission, the United Nations System and Russian partners to use the Africa Trade Exchange (ATEX) e-commerce platform to facilitate seamless flow of goods and payments in any currencies chosen by sellers and buyers in a transparent manner.

“The platform pools Africa’s demand for grains and fertilizers, and the Bank has placed an aggregate credit limit of US$3 billion to support these transactions.

“Beyond the food security priorities and in line with the Bank’s mandate, Afreximbank and the Russian Export Centre are collaborating to promote trade and investments in other critical sectors.

most likely followed by insurgency and insurrection that could last years. I am also wondering: why wont the French Foreign Legion do it, not to “restore democracy” but to safeguard France’s access to uranium mines which it seriously needs to power its nuclear power stations? There are an estimated 2,000 French and American troops in Agadez, plus airfields and drone bases. Plus, they are the self-appointed guardians of democracy throughout the world.

Maybe our concern is that the coup in Niger could have a further contagion effect in the region and the African continent. Already there is a “coup belt” map stretching from Sudan through Chad to Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea. We are in danger of reverting to the 1970s when most African countries were ruled by soldiers. Speaking at the NIIA’s 25th anniversary in Lagos in December 1986, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere said there had been 69 successful coup d’etats in Africa up until that point. By the time coups paused in Africa in the 1990s, the number had probably passed 100. Africa’s Sahelian Belt is now threatening to replace South America of the 1970s as the home of dictatorship.

ECOWAS should drop the military threat and concentrate on diplomatic pressure. We should also restore power supply to Niger Republic. Unilaterally breaching a 1960s deal for them not to build a dam on the River Niger in return for power supply from Kainji could easily boomerang. Even a restored democratic government in Niamey could one day say, “Nigeria’s pledge is unreliable, let us build our own dam on River Niger.”

now exporting 20 percent of the total grains being consumed across the globe.

In the spirit of Renewed Hope for Nigeria, the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was ably represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima who held a series of bilateral meetings on the sideline of the summit.

The Vice President disclosed to the applause of Nigerians in Russia that the team in Russia was on a mission to “pursue the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and the revival of the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria” being handled by Russians and that discussions had been successful.

With emphasis, the Vice President said, “it is going to be a game changer. Having a vibrant steel industry is a sine qua non for the industrial take off of any nation. I can bet you, I can promise you that the President will bring Ajaokuta to reality.”

“Be rest assured that if there is one legacy that President Tinubu would bequeath to fellow Nigerians, Ajaokuta is one. I'll come back to Russia, we are going to drive this process, and my leader, my boss and principal - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is irrevocably committed to Ajaokuta and to ALSCON.

Heartening as the promises were, it is equally important that the country harkens to the advice of our own Oramah in using the Russian model to develop our agriculture and as well utilize his special status in Russia and recognition across the world for Nigeria’s imminent factual greatness. If Russia could attain food security in 20 years, we should be able to improve tremendously on our current poor level of food security, within the Eight years of Tinubu/Shettima’s administration.

Professor

African countries and businessmen to adequately utilize all the windows in the arrays of business supporting frameworks of Afreximbank and play a more active role in the Russian economy, saying that a two-way trade flow was the sine-quanon for accelerated trade and economic growth in Africa.

The Afreximbank boss who thanked the Russian President and the people of Russia for consistently demonstrating a strong bond of friendship and partnership between Russian people and Africa, even in the midst of unprecedented global challenges, tasked African countries to emulate Russia, a country that he said was a net importer of food 20 years but

A direct Russia-Nigeria economic cooperation may suffice as recommended by Professor Maurice Okoli, President, Nigerian Community in Russia. It is a road already cleared and tarred for us by a great patriot, Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, successfully operating Afreximbank to accelerate the transformation of trade and industry in Africa and across the globe.

•Olaosebikan, is a journalist and CEO of Midas Communications Ltd, a global PR firm (midas1062@gmail.com).

Oramah

Oramah charged

Victorious D'Tigress Arrive Nigeria from Rwanda

Chairman House of Reps Committee on Sports, congratulates D' Tigress

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The four-time FIBA Women's Afrobasket champions, D'Tigress of Nigeria have arrived the country from Kigali, Rwanda, where they defeated Senegal 84-74 in the epic final to claim their record matching 4-peat wins.

The team, which landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday via Ethiopian Airlines was received by officials of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, led by the Director, Federation, Elites and Athletes Department (FEAD), Dr Simon Ebhojiaye.

The D'Tigress, won all their five matches at the tournament including the final triumph over the Terenga Lioness of Senegal in the packed GK Arena in Kigali.

2023 AFROBASKET

The Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Sports, Mohammed Manga , said in a statement that the Rena Wakama led -team will later last night be hosted to a light reception by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Meanwhile, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams Abubakar, has congratulated the D’Tigress on their triumph over Senegal .

The former general manager of Remo Stars FC commended the team for their sterling performance at the AfroBasket Championship in Kigali, Rwanda.

D’Tigress team were crowned champions for the fourth consecu-

....Zenith Bank Hails

Victorious D’Tigress, Women’s League to Tip off August 21

The management of Zenith Bank PLC has applauded the national Women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for winning the 2023 AfroBasket Championship concluded on Saturday in Rwanda.

Nigeria defeated Senegal 84-74 in a highly thrilling final match of the competition to successfully defend the title and won it for the fourth time in a row.

D’Tigress went into the competi- tion with a back-to-back-to back record and with the victory on Saturday, Nigeria has equaled the four straight wins record of the Senegalese women’s team achieved back in 1970.

Before the final, D’Tigress defeated DR Congo 69-35, beat Egypt, 83-65, pip Mozambique 59-52, and also defeated host, Rwanda, 79-48.

Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, at the weekend stated that the organization was proud of the achievements of D’Tigress.

Onyeagwu added that D’Tigress have over the years demonstrated so much zeal in the completion with some of the players being products of the national women league which the organization has been sponsoring for over 20 years.

“We are not surprised with the victory of D’Tigress, anytime

they play, we look forward to receiving the trophy at our office as partners of the Nigeria Basketball Federation for the good of the game,” Onyeagwu said.

“The youthful girls were not given much chance to retain the title but they did in style, beating the host in the semis and the arch rivals, Senegal, in the final. We salute them and look forward to produce more talents for the country. We congratulate the team and the board of the NBBF led by Musa Kida.”

Meanwhile, the working com- mittees of the NBBF has finalised the dates for the 2023 Women’s national league sponsored by Zenith Bank and the competition will take place on home and away bases in conference format.

The first phase is slated to hold between August 21stand 27th simultaneously in Jos and Akure. Jos is venue for Savanah Conference while Akure will host the Atlantic Conference.

In the second phase, Lafia will host the Savannah Conference just as Asaba will host the Atlantic Conference between September 18thand 25th.

The two phases with eight teams in each conference will produce the final four teams that will travel to Lagos by middle of October for the finals.

tive time as they defeated Senegal by 84- 74 to emerge champions in Kigali. According to Abubakar: "Congratulations to our girls for winning the AfroBasket Championship. They are truly the champions of Africa.

“This victory is heart warming and an indication that D’Tigress can rule the world if given the opportunity. This shows that hardwork, commitment and team spirit pays. We are glad that these girls keep soaring.

“We are indeed proud of the team and we will continue to give them necessary support to excel. We celebrate a great team and their performance should spur the Falcons to victory against England today in the ongoing Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand " He said players welfare must be given priority so that they can be highly motivated to do the country proud. "We shall continue to give

needed support to all sports so that Nigerian athletes can attain their potentials. If players or athletes are properly trained, motivated and encouraged, they can compete with the best teams in the world. We will encourage every sports and not just football because Nigeria is a great sporting nation"

Hon. Adams called on stakeholders in Nigerian sports to continue to embrace peace in order to ensure that sponsors support sports development.

“Sports can only thrive when there is peace among all stakeholders. No corporate organizations will invest their money where they don't get returns on their investments. No investor will bring his money where there is crisis or infighting.

“Let's all come together to restore Nigerian lost glory by working as a peaceful, united entity. We should create the right synergy among all the stakeholders,” concludes the lawmaker.

Falcons on Cusp of History in Brisbane Against England

When Super Falcons of Nigeria file out against the Three Lionesses of England this morning at 11am (Nigerian time) in the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia, they certainly will be on the cusp of history.

Should Randy Waldrum’s wards succeeded and defeat England, this ‘Class of 2023’ will become the most successful Nigeria women’s team ever.

When the ‘Class of 1999’ reached the quarter finals in the United States, the tournament was a 16-team event and they made the last eight straight from the group phase, following wins over North Korea and Denmark.

Following the expansion to 24

Arsenal Beat Man City to 2023 Community Shield Trophy

Arsenal gave their hopes of beating Manchester City to the Premier League title a psychological boost as they defeated Pep Guardiola's side 4-1 on penalties to win the Community Shield.

After a largely forgettable 70 minutes in the season curtain-raiser, Cole Palmer looked to have won it for City when the substitute curled home a stunning strike.

But Leandro Trossard equalised in the 101st minute when his shot deflected into the back of the net for the equaliser that dragged the match into shootouts.

That took the game to spot-

kicks, where substitute Kevin de Bruyne struck the crossbar before Rodri saw his effort saved and then Fabio Vieira converted to secure the silverware for Arsenal.

Arsenal led the Premier League for 248 days last season but their challenge fell apart in the closing stages as City overtook them to claim the title as part of a Treble, along with the Champions League and FA GunnersCup.boss

Mikel Arteta admitted in the build-up to this game that the end of last season still hurt, and was clearly desperate to get one over City, who

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

players roared.

The American is likely to do the same at Monday’s pre-match meeting, with the figure a more handsome $90,000!

Another motivation for Monday’s game is that the opposition is England – the team that stopped the Super Falcons reaching the last eight in Sweden in 1995. This was four years before they made it in America.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress defeated Senegal 84-74 in the final of the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Kigali, Rwanda to win their fourth continental title in a row...at the weekend teams, before this 32-team format, a team must negotiate a Round of 16 to reach the quarter-finals. At the team meeting before the final Group B clash with Republic of Ireland at the now-familiar Lang Park, Coach Randy Waldrum had a sheet hidden under his instruction paper on the small board as he spoke to his charges. After the instructions, he unveiled the hidden sheet to reveal the amount of $60,000 – what each player would be receiving as prize money for reaching the Round of 16. The

Nigeria’s star player Asisat Oshoala will surely be keen to play a huge part in this. England’s

defender and captain, Millie Bright, whom the Barcelona Feminine forward will be duelling with on Monday evening, is a fellow Ballon d’Or nominee like Oshoala. Oshoala also watched another nominee and Spain’s star-girl, Aitana Bonmati score twice as La Roja eclipsed Switzerland 5-1 in the tournament’s first Round of 16 clash on Saturday.

Today, Nigeria will be eager to get quickly off the blocks with midfield anchors Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde, and attacking midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade obviously in the form of their lives.

Sweden Knockout Reigning Champions USA

Netherlands end Banyana Banyana adventure in Australia

beat his side home and away last season.

Arsenal's big summer signings Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber were all handed their competitive debuts at Wembley, but it looked like it was going to be a familiar story as Havertz failed to convert two big opportunities in the first half, before Palmer's stunner put City ahead.

But Arteta's side showed impressive spirit to battle to the end and got their reward when substitute Trossard struck before keeping their cool to come out on top in the shootout.

Reigning champions the USA are out of the Women's World Cup after being stunned by Sweden 5-4 on penalties on a night of incredible drama in Melbourne.

USA dominated the 120 minutes but were denied by an inspired goalkeeping performance from Zecira Musovic as the match finished goalless. The drama only ratcheted up further in the shootout. Three USA players missed, including their footballing icon Megan Rapinoe on her last appearance on the world stage, before Sweden won in remarkable circumstances.

USA keeper Alyssa Naeher appeared to have saved Lina Hurtig's effort at the second attempt, having

pushed the initial effort up before clawing it out.

But after checking with the video assistant referee (VAR), referee Stephanie Frappart awarded the goal and sparked wild Sweden celebrations.

USA manager Vlatko An- donovski was not convinced the ball had crossed the line, despite technology confirming the goal.

"It's a tough moment," he said.

"It's a moment where it's hard to go through, where you hope it didn't cross the line. I see pictures and I still can't see it now, but proves how cruel this game can be.

Elsewhere, Netherlands manager, Andries Jonker, said his team have come to the Women's World Cup

"with the conviction that we can beat everybody" after securing a quarter-final spot with a 2-0 defeat of South Africa..

The Netherlands were forced to endure several anxious moments before defeating South Africa and book a place in the last eight. They will have to face Spain without experienced midfielder Danielle van de Donk, who picked up a second yellow card of the tournament and is suspended.

Former Arsenal player Van de Donk, a Champions League winner with current club Lyon, broke down in tears at full-time knowing she will miss the quarter-final after starting all 15 World Cup games in Netherlands' history.

MISSILE

JNI to President Tinubu

“Nevertheless, we wish to raise a word of caution against the pursuit of military action to restore democracy.The interlaced landscape of the Northern states of Nigeria and the Republic of Niger, it necessitates a more circumspect and thoughtful action and/or approach. With several Nigerian states sharing borders with Niger Republic, military intervention could have unintended consequences that may impact the peace and stability of both nations" –SecretaryGeneral,Jama'atuNasrilIslam(JNI),Prof.Khalid Aliyu, cautioning Nigeria against military action in Niger Republic.

VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

Idon’t know about the government, which has several diplomatic, intelligence and military sources of information, but we ordinary Nigerian folks were taken by surprise by the coup d’état in Niger Republic. It unfolded slowly, at first looking like a slow-action palace mutiny. It then rapidly unfolded into a fullblown coup, detention of the President, demonstrations in support and against, attacks on ruling party headquarters and its chieftains, inter-ethnic tension, closing of borders, severing of ties with the country’s most important neighbour and partners, revoking of decades-old security agreements, imposition of sanctions and threats of military intervention. It is our biggest foreign policy crisis in recent memory.

From afar, I thought Mohammed Bazoum is the most charismatic leader Niger Republic has produced since Diori Hamani. He is a light-skinned Nigerien Arab, member of a tiny ethnic group, tall, athletic, eloquent in French, Hausa and Arabic plus a smattering of English, dynamic and with a crowd-dazzling ability. He laced his April 2021 inaugural speech in Hausa with several expletives to drive home his point. We thought he was on top of his game because he was Niger’s Interior and Foreign Minister for

Niger’s coup leader, Gen. Tchiani many years under President Mahamadou Issoufou.

Bazoum is more charismatic than the violently temperamental Colonel Seyni Kountche, Niger’s ruler from 1974 to 1988, who was later adjudged to be mad due to a brain tumour. Bazoum outshines the dour but highly restrained General Ali Seybou, who midwifed his country’s return to democratic rule in 1992. I was in Niger Republic in 1991

as a reporter for Citizen magazine and was amazed that General Seybou watched patiently as activists hijacked a constitutional conference he convened and transformed it into a Sovereign National Conference. I interviewed many of the confab’s dramatis personae, including the highly articulate opposition leader Monsieur Sanousi Jackou, who was nearly blind due to eight years’ solitary confinement under Seyni Kountche.

Bazoum is more charismatic than the drab-looking Mahamane Ousmane, the coarse Ibrahim Mainasara Ba’are, the dour Major Daouda Malam Wanke [who handed over to civilians in 1999 and came to live in Argungu, which he said was his ancestral home], the overdressed Mamadou Tandja, the hardly remembered Salou Jibo, or even Mahamadou Issoufou, what Nigerian newspapers call “immediate past President” of Niger.

The nearest thing to this palace coup that we had in Nigeria was in 1975, when Commander of the Brigade of Guards Colonel Joseph Nanvem Garba announced the overthrow of General Yakubu Gowon. A palace coup’s medical equivalent is arthritis, when the body’s immune system goes rogue and attacks body tissues. “It is like being attacked by your own bodyguard.”

Given our very close proximity and very

deep historical, socio-cultural, economic, political, military and security ties, every coup d’état in Niger Republic causes concern in Nigeria, but none more so than the 1974 coup which overthrew President Diori Hamani and resulted in the killing of his very fashionable wife, Aisha Diori, who was very popular in Northern Nigeria. General Yakubu Gowon was devastated by that coup. For nine years he had inherited Diori’s very close ties with Nigeria’s First Republic leaders. Diori even extended help to the Federal side during the Nigeria Civil War. General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad, who were in Niamey last week, are not the first Nigerian delegation ever to try to intervene in a Nigerien coup. The late Alhaji Usman Faruk, who was Military Governor of North Western State at the time, said in his autobiography that Gowon ordered him to proceed to Niamey and intervene to save Diori’s life. The coup leaders hid Diori in a remote desert location, and Faruk was flown there in what he said was the most dangerous air travel of his life. In contrast, Abdulsalami and Sultan Sa’ad did not even see Bazoum.

In 1974, Gowon’s intervention was not

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When You Can’t Help Everybody KEHINDEOLAOSEBIKAN

Oramah’s Low-hanging Fruits for Nigeria’s Devt

The Nigeria-born President and Chairman of Board of Directors, African Export-Import Bank Afreximbank, Professor Benedict Okey Oramah over the weekend led his management team to open the regional headquarters of the bank in Barbados, the Caribbean, North America.

The regional headquarters described by the Prime Minister of Barbados , Hon. Mia Amor Motley as “ one of the most outstanding Pan-African achievements of our era “ is an outcome of the first African- Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum ( ACTIF) initiated by Afreximbank in Bridgestone last September, after 500 years of deleterious relations between Africa and the Caribbean.

Excited with the huge potentials of the continental bank on their continent, Prime Minister Motley says “the Caribbean

Community eagerly anticipates the effective linking of a fully constructed CARICOM Single Market and Economy to a fully integrated and operational African Continental Free Trade Area-undergirded by air, maritime and telecommunications connectivity between the Caribbean and Africa.

Mottley lauded the establishment of the Afreximbank CARICOM office, noting that the new office was the culmination of promises made by the Bank during the first AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum held in Barbados in 2022.

According to her “this is not just a proud moment historically, but it is also a move that makes sense. That will benefit our regional private sector and our regional state-owned corporations who need access to a more empathetic, reasonable bank and one willing to take risks that would allow our people to

move and grow to the next level.”

Referencing the harmful relationship that existed between Africa and the Caribbean before the intervention of Okey Oramah and Afreximbank, the Barbados Prime Minister promised: “we are determined to reverse the negative and evil historical Middle Passage, and reimagine and reconstruct it in a positive way to serve our own interests and purposes.

This is not the first historical intercontinental reconnection and revitalization of human and trade relations successfully effectuated by African Export-Import Bank under the leadership of Okey Oramah. Four years ago, precisely between 24th and 26th of October 2019, Okey Oramah led the Afreximbank to the first Russian-African Summit and Economic Forum held in Sochi, Russia Federation.

After the epochal summit, President of Russia Federation, Mr. Vladimir Putin disclosed that the summit led to a massive revitalization of trade and economic relations between Africa and Russia. Putin attributed the “rapid rise” of prosperity in Russia and Africa to the enhanced trade and business relationship between the two continents resulting from the unprecedented summit.

In appreciation, President Putin honoured Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, with the prestigious Russian National honour of ‘The Order of Friendship’ in the Kremlin, Moscow on November 4, 2019.

Specifically, President Putin said the award was “ in recognition of the role played by Afreximbank (under Oramah) revitalizing trade and economic relations

Continued on page 38