TUESDAY 8TH AUGUST 2023

Senate Withholds Confirmation of El-Rufai, Okotete, Danladi as Ministers over Security Screening

Confirms Edun, Kyari, Umahi, Keyamo, Alake, Betta Edu, 39 others

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The senate, yesterday, withheld the confirmation of Malam Nasir

El-Rufai, Stella Okotete, and Senator Abubakar Danladi over security screening. But the upper chamber confirmed the appointment of 45

other ministerial nominees sent to it by President Bola Tinubu for screening.

El-Rufai is the immediate past

governor of Kaduna State; Okotete, from Delta State, is Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Export-Import Bank; while

Danladi was deputy governor and later governor of Taraba State. The red chamber screened all the nominees, whose names Continued on page 25

were sent in three batches, in six legislative days.

Seplat Energy’s Gas Revenue Grows Year-on-Year to $63.7m... Page 5

Women World Cup: Tinubu Celebrates Super Falcons’ Brilliant Performance... Page 27

No Plot to Impeach Deputy Governor, Says Obaseki

Declares

court action pre-emptive move ahead of his defection to APC Edo North leaders dissociate themselves from Shaibu’s governorship ambition

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, stated that there

was no plan to impeach his deputy, Philip Shuaibu. Obaseki alleged that the suit by Shuaibu seeking a court order to

stop his purported impeachment was an anticipatory move ahead of his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The assertions came as leaders of Edo North Senatorial District, Shuaibu’s senatorial zone, distanced themselves from his governorship

ambition, and warned the deputy governor against fuelling crisis in the state.

Briefing journalists in Benin City

ECOWAS' Heads of State Meet

during a visit by Edo North leaders, Obaseki

Continued on page 25

Thursday

after Expiration of Deadline to Niger Junta

Mali, Bukina Faso pay solidarity visit to coup plotters France suspends flights to Mali, Burkina Faso US sees window of opportunity to end crisis

Story on page 25

Mr. Sam Amuka; Son of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Mr. Seyi Jakande; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Chairman of the Occasion, Gen. Ike Nwachuku (rtd), and former CPS to Late Lateef Jakande/Guest Lecturer, Mr. Bayo Oshiyemi, during the Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial Lecture, 2023 organised by the NGE in Lagos….yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

2023 FACULTY DAY LECTURE...

L-R: Dr. Oniyire Adetiloye; Dr. Chikaike Ogbonna; Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Prof. Obehi Okojie; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Abubakar Ayinla; Emir of Shonga, HRM Dr. Haliru Yahaya; Dr. Alatishe Muhammad; Professor of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Dr. Adedeji Ayodeji Onayade; and Prof. Tunde Opabola, during the 2023 Faculty Day Lecture of Public Health and Community Medicine of National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, in Ilorin… yesterday

Nami: FG Determined to Harmonise

Multiple Taxation to Attract Investments

James

Emejo and Aisha Kabiru in Abuja

The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami, yesterday said the federal government was prepared to finally eliminate multiple taxation to encourage investment and improve raise tax revenue for critical infrastructure.

Unlike in the past when successive administrations had paid lip service to addressing the issues of multiple taxations without action, Nami said, “This is not another promise that will not be fulfilled.”

Speaking at the opening of the 153rd meeting of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) with the theme: “Harmonisation and Codification of Taxes at the National and Sub-national levels: Key to Achieving a Tax Friendly Environment in Nigeria,” Nami, who is also the Chairman of the board, said President Bola Tinubu would today inaugurate a committee constituted to look into tax harmonisation.

The FIRS chairman also noted that he had personally engaged with state governors to solicit their support in order to realise the task in good time.

He added that the committee would start work immediately.

Ironically, Nami said the multiplicity of taxes was not in the interest of the economy as it often leads to less revenue generation.

He said going forward, the objective was to streamline these taxes, and blocked leakages in the tax system in order to have more revenue for the tiers of government.

The FIRS boss said the JTB now has the mandate to ensure that taxes were harmonised before now,

adding “But we are lucky to have a new administration that from day one has indicated interest” in the harmonisation drive.

He added that the FIRS is spending a lot and investing in partnership with trade unions in the marketplaces to ensure that the informal sector is brought into the tax net.

He said the move was also to ensure that services and goods which are exempted from taxation in the informal sector are not taxed.

He insisted that for the county to attain optimum tax revenue collection capacity across the federal, states, and local government tax authorities, the country must make hard but necessary reforms that would yield long-term benefits.

Nami, in his address, stated that for progress to be made in taxation, tax authorities must continue to explore and adopt measures and innovative initiatives that will lead to the optimisation of tax revenue for all levels of government.

He said, “As the new administrations attempt to address the many socioeconomic challenges facing the nation on many fronts, it becomes imperative for all the levers of state to shake-off any lethargic antecedents and focus on the goal of a national resurgence.

“The unique and privileged offices we occupy as drivers of the nation’s tax administration processes present us with a rare opportunity to take hard, but necessary decisions that are expected to yield long-term benefits and add immense value to our collective prosperity as a nation.”

He pointed out that in recent years, especially since the dawn of the current democratic dispensation, the importance of taxation has continued

to be reiterated and reinforced by all, adding that the critical role that tax revenue plays in funding government and governance cannot be over-emphasised.

Nami said, “However, as we continue to make progress in our unique model of taxation, it is appropriate that we continue to explore and adopt measures and innovative initiatives that will lead to the optimisation of tax revenue for all the levels of government, in more efficient, more effective, more inclusive, and more sustainable ways.

“It is only by achieving this, that our efforts as tax administrators can trigger the manner of activity required in the productive sectors of our economy, towards achieving the immense economic potentials that we are capable of.”

He, however, assured Executive Chairmen of State Revenue Authorities present that given the thrust of the current administration’s tax policy direction, the country was on the pathway to eradicating multiplicity of taxes as a core of its overall economic regeneration objectives.

Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said multiple taxation was causing low tax morale in the country, and discouraging investments while creating room for corruption and making doing business difficult.

He said the solution to the country’s revenue challenges was not to introduce more taxes, but to focus on the few taxes that are high yielding, noting that with these,

tax authorities would be able to collect far more than is currently being collected.

Taiwo pointed out that for the government to raise more revenue, it needed to get to a point where the total number of taxes collected at the federal, state and local government levels would be at a single digit.

He said, “We also need to clarify taxing rights. We need to integrate tax collection functions—that is, all revenues that are to be collected must be collected by a single revenue agency. Government must also do well to fund our tax agencies well. We also need to harmonise revenue administration and simplify our approach to tax compliance.”

Among other things, he urged the country’s tax authorities to use more technology, review the

country’s constitution and tax laws, as well revisit Nigeria’s concept of fiscal federalism.

Also speaking to journalists, Secretary of the JTB, Obomeghie Nana-Aisha, said the purpose of the meeting was to harmonise all tax collections and remove all uncertainties that discourage voluntary compliance.

She noted that people have been made to pay all manners of taxes both legal and illegal, adding that some taxes don’t actually go to the government.

Aisha said the objective was to also rid the system of the proliferation of tax and non-tax collectors. She also said there would be lots of public sensitization so the people are aware of what to pay and where they pay their taxes.

Seplat Energy’s Gas Revenue Grows Year-on-Year to $63.7m

Seplat Energy Plc, a Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the London Stock Exchange, has within a year experienced a 10.2 per cent gas revenue, reaching $63.7 million in six months 2023, compared to the $57.8 million it recorded in the six months of 2022.

According to a statement yesterday, the growth was attributed to increased realised gas prices and a rise in sales volume.

The average realised gas price rose by 4.4 per cent to $2.87/Mscf, while

gas production saw a moderate 1.4 per cent increase to 21.6 Bscf during the same period (compared to 21.3 Bscf in six months 2022).

The average realised gas price improvement reflects the impact of upward gas price revisions implemented in the period, Seplat Energy said in a recent breakdown on performance for its business operations.

In its outlook for the remaining part of the year, Seplat Energy stated: “Our group production performance has improved in 2023, thanks to

Amina Mohammed, Suleiman, Banda, Others to Headline Africa Social Impact Summit

The Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, Abubakar Suleiman, Joyce Banda, Matthias Schmale and Professor Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka are set to take center stage as headliners at the forthcoming Africa Social Impact Summit.

The summit, hosted by Sterling One Foundation and co-convened by the United Nations Nigeria, aims to address pressing developmental challenges through collaborative efforts.

Themed "Global Vision, Local Action: Repositioning the African

Development Ecosystem for Sustainable Outcomes," the summit would take place on the 10th and 11th of August, at the Eko Convention Centre and online. This premier gathering underscores the commitment to effecting positive change across Africa by rallying influential leaders, thought-provoking speakers, and impact investors.

“As distinguished individuals in their respective fields, Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Abubakar Suleiman, MD/CEO of Sterling Bank, Joyce Banda, former president

of Malawi, Matthias Schmale, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, and Professor Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation to the President of the African Development Bank, will lead discussions on key thematic areas, including WASH, Climate Action, Circular Economy, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Education, and Health. Their insights will illuminate pathways to harnessing impactful investments into Africa and implementing solutions to realize the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

“One of the focal points of the summit will be on impact investments into Africa, a driving force behind the continent's development progress. Alongside over 50 African leaders in the public and private sector, Amina Mohammed, Abubakar Suleiman, Joyce Banda, Matthias Schmale and Professor Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka will engage in deep discussions on strategies that align with the SDGs 2030 agenda, demonstrating how the private sector and impact investors can play a pivotal role in accelerating positive outcomes,” the statement added.

greater uptime on OML40 and reduced losses on our Western Asset.

“We maintain our 2023 guidance range at 45,000-55,000 boepd, which we are confident of meeting, given year to date production and the expected benefit of new well stock as it becomes available in the latter part of the year.

“We stress that our guidance does not include any expected contribution from Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) or ANOH projects. Our capital expenditure guidance for 2023 is adjusted to a range of $160-190 million.

“Our commitment to meeting the planned drilling targets remains steadfast, and we have a drilling plan in place to meet these targets in second half 2023.”

During the period, Seplat Energy’s average working interest gas volume reached 119.4 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd), showing improvement compared to 117.7 MMscfd in the first half of 2022.

This increase could be attributed to enhanced well performance and the availability of condensate evacuation routes.

The company added: “We have successfully entered into a new Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) with a bulk gas supplier for a volume of 50 MMscfd. Once all the necessary Conditions Precedent are met by the new customer, we will commence gas supply under this agreement.

The execution of additional GSAs is part of our strategy to optimise the capacity of the Oben gas plant.

“We are also actively working on securing third-party gas to feed both the Oben and Sapele gas plants. The execution of the plan for separating the midstream business from the upstream operations has progressed according to schedule.

“We have completed the internal transfer of midstream assets to Seplat Midstream Company (SMC). Additionally, we have issued notices to our joint venture partners and relevant regulators to inform them of these developments. We will continue to keep the market updated on the progress of this separation process.”

During the period, five wells in Seplat Energy’s drilling program were delivered: Opuama-17, Sibiri-2, Gbetiokun 4 workover, Gbetiokun[1]10, and Assa North-05. In the first quarter of the year, Opuama-17, was completed and is producing at a gross rate of c. 3,000 bopd.

Sibiri-2 well has been drilled to TD, with the target reservoirs completed; and the company currently awaiting regulatory approval to commence production from the well.

GB-10 well has been drilled and completed ahead of the target date and is expected to add c.1,300 bopd to production upon completion of flowline installation and well head construction. Lastly, GB-4 W/O will add c. 2,200 bopd to production.

Says difficult but necessary reforms will yield long-term benefits

NO TENSION...

FG Withdraws Contempt Charge against NLC, TUC

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Ugo

Aliogo in Lagos

In bid to stave off yet another nationwide industrial action by organised labour, the federal government has pulled back from steps being taken to bring contempt proceedings against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The government had last week through the Federal Ministry of Justice threatened to sue the labour leaders for contempt before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria for allegedly failing to comply with the extant court orders, restraining the unions from industrial action.

It accused the labour unions of proceeding with the industrial action through public pretests on August 2nd, 2023 over fuel subsidy removal dispute

But the NLC immediately held an emergency National Executive Council Meeting in Abuja, and had

issued a warning that it would declare nationwide strike if it's leaders were charged to court for contempt by the federal government at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).

The NLC had demanded the immediate withdrawal of what it described as, "litigious terrorism by the Federal Ministry of Justice before the end of work Friday, the 1 1 th of August, 2023."

However, in a letter written to the lead counsel to the NLC, Femi Falana, a copy of which was obtained by THISDAY yesterday, the Solicitor General of the Federation, Mrs. B.E. Jeddy-Agba, said the Justice Ministry has withdrawn the contempt proceeding.

The letter to Falana Chambers dated August 7, and signed by Jeddy-Agba stated that: "Upon the intervention of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the decision of the labour unions to call-off their industrial action after

meetings with the President and leadership of the National Assembly, this Ministry did not proceed further with the contempt proceedings, which would have required the issuance of Form 49 within two days of thc issuance of Form 48.”

The letter stated further that, "It is self-evident that the none-issuance of Form 49 as at 4th August 2023, renders the contempt proceedings inchoate.

"You may therefore wish to advise or guide the labour unions on the practice and procedure of contempt proceedings, particularly to the effect that the issues or concerns raised by NLC in its communique on the proceedings, have been overtaken by events."

While explaining further, JeddyAgba said the position of the Ministry was informed by the need to safeguard the integrity of the court and prevent avoidable service disruption or damages to public thcilities.

She recalled the exchange of correspondence between the Ministry and Falana on the need for compliance with the extant court orders, restraining industrial action of any kind on the part of the NLC and TUC. However, she noted that despite these exchanges/interventions, the labour unions on August 2nd, 2023

proceeded with the industrial action through public pretests which led to disruption ol’work and the eventual pulling down of the gate of the National Assembly. "The foregoing prompted the Ministry to initiate contempt proceedings by tiling Form 48 on the same 2nd August 2023 in accordance with

Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act and Order 9 Rule 13 of the Judgment (Enforcement) Rules. It is trite that issuance of Form 48 is just the starting point in contempt proceedings which will only crystalise upon the issuance of Form 49 and the consequential committal order," she said.

Oil Theft: 16 Perish in Fire Outbreak in Rivers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

About 16 persons were said to have died in a fire incident while allegedly stealing crude oil near Okari Jetty in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State. THISDAY gathered that the incident occurred on Monday, July 31, 2023, when the victims were scooping oil from a host used in offloading fuel at a Port Harcourt

Samad Rabiu Donates N500m worth of Operational Vehicles to NDLEA

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

One of the nation’s industrialists and Chairman of the BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu has donated 25 state-of-the-art operational vehicles to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in order to boost the operation of the anti-narcotics agency across the nation.

The donation of the vehicles whose total cost was put at N500 million, was done through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa).

The donation to the agency was drawn from the ASR Africa Security Sector Support Grant, which is a security intervention initiative targeted at providing critical support to the agency to boost its operational reach and capacity.

ASR Africa had announced the Security Sector Support grant to Nigeria’s Armed Forces and other security agencies as its support for security operations across the country.

Earlier beneficiaries of the grant included the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Customs, Immigration, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Presenting documents and keys

of the vehicles to the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd), the Managing Director, ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, stated that Rabiu was very passionate about giving back to society and created the initiative to uplift and restore the dignity and lives of Africans.

Udoh, thanked the NDLEA leadership for its support in ensuring the speedy realisation of the project and noted that the operational vehicles would assist the NDLEA in fulfillment of its mandate in the war against drug-related crimes in the country.

Udoh said: “We are very pleased to be here. I want to start by appreciating you and your team for all the collaborations to make this day a reality. This is a testament to your tenacity and will to ensure this handover happens within a short time.

“I want to thank you all for the work you do. This agency has made a very giant stride under your leadership and this is a testament to the quality of your team. On behalf of Abdul Samad Rabiu, we are presenting you with 25 state-of-the-art operational vehicles to aid the work you do across the country and I can assure you on his

behalf that this is just the beginning of better things to come.”

On his part, Marwa thanked the Chairman of ASR Africa for the support and redeeming the pledge. He also enumerated the numerous achievements of the agency and

promised full utilisation of the vehicles donated by ASR Africa.

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative seeks to support sustainable development initiatives in the Health, Education, and Social Development within Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

Refining depot that spilled.

A community source who pleaded anonymity, said two fishermen lost their lives in the fire, claiming that the incident happened at the NAFCON creek in Okrika.

According to the source, "What happened was that a badge was loading fuel at a Port Harcourt Refining Depot. In the process the host pulled out of the badge, unknown to the workers who were on a legal duty, the whole fuel was pouring out.

"Following this, the community people took jerry can to scoop the product. A man fetched large quantity and hid it somewhere near a jetty. Later that evening, two fishermen went to fish near the Jerry. One of them held a lantern unknown to him that there was petrol hidden nearby.

"That was how the explosion happened and spread far away, killing about 16 people or so. The sound was loud and the fire spread."

As at the time of filing this report, the State Police Command and the

Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers command were yet to confirm the incident.

THISDAY contacted the security agencies on phone, but the Public Relations Officers of the Police and NSCDC in the state promised to get back after gathering information on the incident.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Mr. Akuro Robin, who spoke to THISDAY via telephone yesterday confirmed the incident.

However, contrary to the speculation that over 16 perished in the incident, the Okrika LGA chairman said only four people died.

He said: "There was nothing like explosion in Okrika but a case of oil theft which federal government has been against.

“I hardly respond to such questions but because I am also fighting against crude oil theft, l decided to respond. The numbers they claimed died is not true, but about four persons that died," the Okrika chairman added.

Dubai Foreign Visits Hit 8.5m in H1 2023, Becomes Region’s Wealthiest City

Emma Okonji

A consolidated mid-year economic update released yesterday by Edelman Africa, rated Dubai high in the number of visits from foreigners that was recorded in the first half (HI) of 2023.

According to the update, with over 8.5 million visits to the United Arab Emirate (UAE) country in the first half of 2023, Dubai becomes the region’s wealthiest city in the Middle East and North Africa, with regards to the number of billionaires currently residing in Dubai.

Key report findings show that Dubai has become the best performing financial market regionally, having

crossed the 3,986 level on July 13, the highest since August 2015, and is up nearly 20 per cent so far this year, ahead of the MSCI World Index.

The report rated Dubai International Airport as the busiest international airport for international flights since July 2023, with the value of Sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai to a total of $75 billion, making it one of the world’s leading hubs for Sukuk listings.

The market value of DFM-listed companies increased by $19 billion to reach $178 billion, while trading volume in DFM exceeded $12.5 billion since the beginning of 2023.

Institutional investors accounted for 57 per cent of trading value in DFM

in the first half of the year, with net purchases of $172 million.

Foreign investors accounted for 48 per cent of the trading value in DFM during the first half of the year, with net purchases amounting to $890.2 billion.

The report further stated that the total real estate transactions amounted to $77.5 billion during the first half of 2023, as Dubai’s population increased by 50,000 in H1 in 2023, surpassing 3.6 million.

Figures from the report demonstrated the significant strides Dubai had already made towards achieving the objectives of the D33 Economic Agenda. Launched early this year, the ‘D33’ economic transformation plan

aims to double the size of Dubai's economy over the next decade and consolidate its position among the top three global cities.

The strategy was designed to augment Dubai’s economic competitiveness, implement growth plans, foster the diversification and sustainability of the economy, attract global talent and foreign investment in vital sectors, and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global destination for digital economy investments and entrepreneurial ventures. The initiative prioritises advancing innovation, artificial intelligence, and technology projects while making the emirate a leading hub for green economy and tourism.

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and Dr. Dele Alake, newly confirmed Minister exchanging banters at the Presidential Villa on Monday over rumoured social media fued

ABDUL SAMAD RABIU INITIATIVE BOOSTS NDLEA 25 OPERATIONAL VEHICLES...

L-R: Dr. Ubon Udoh, Managing Director/CEO, ASR Africa; Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd.), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Col. Bako Yakubu (Retd.), Special Adviser to the NDLEA Chairman during the official handing over of 25 state-of-the-art operational vehicles by the ASR Africa in Abuja... yesterday

At Memorial Lecture, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Nwachukwu, Osoba, Amuka, Others Eulogise Jakande

Rename LASU after our late dad, Jakande’s son tells Lagos governor

Obinna Chima

Lagos State Governor, Babajide SanwoOlu and his Ogun State counterpart Dapo Abiodun; former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba; former military governor of Imo State, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd); the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka, were among eminent personalities that showered praises on the founder of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and former Lagos State Governor, late Lateef Jakande.

Some others that attended the inaugural Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial Lecture 2023, organised by the NGE in Lagos, with the theme: “Lateef Jakande: The Man, His Journalism, His Politics,” were veterans in the journalism profession such as Femi Ogunsanwo, Dr. Dayo Duyile, Lade Bonuola, Lanre Idowu, Richard Akinnola, Gbenga Adefaye, Chief Adeniji, Bayo Osiyemi (who represented Chief Felix Adenaike); Kayode Komolafe, the Ombusman of THISDAY/ARISE MEDIA, Shaka Momodu, Editor, THISDAY, among others.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr. Femi Hamzat, described Jakande’s life as one of substance and impacts to his environment.

He said: Life is not determined by how long one lived but by the number of lives one was able to impact positively, Though the passing of Alhaji Jakande was somewhat painful to us as a State and to individuals who knew him personally because he was, indeed, a man of lovable personality who we

wished could live forever, we must give unreserved appreciation to God for blessing us with him and for also giving him the grace to live a life that touched and impacted lives.”

The governor stated that it was in a bid to immortalise Jakande, that his administration established the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy to unleash the potentials of the next generation leaders.

He added: “The Academy was established to immortalise the name of the first civilian governor of our State, whose impact on the generality of our people was outstanding.

“It will provide an avenue for the younger generation to imbibe the ideals and essence of responsive, responsible and selfless leadership which were the hallmarks of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande both in his private and public lives.

“This leadership programme will offer life changing, nonpartisan and meritocratic opportunities to young Nigerians who desire to impact their generation through public service”, he stressed. .

Abiodun, represented by a consultant, Kayode Akinmade, a former Commissioner in Ondo State, acknowledged that Jakande’s penchant and uncompromised stance for professionalism and responsible journalism, coupled with his selfless disposition to serve humanity clearly stood him out of his contemporaries and obviously created a larger than life image for him in the political space and Nigeria’s media industry.

He advised that Jankande’s conception of democratic deliverables should ordinarily serves as a manual

for policy makers in Africa in the quest for urbanisation and human capital development.

Abiodun recalled that Jakande laid the foundation for modern Lagos, after he had made remarkable landmarks in journalism, details on which would require an entire address on his own.

“Alhaji Jankande's conception of democratic deliverables should ordinarily serves as a manual for policy makers in Africa in the quest for urbanisation and human capital development. It is then a thing of joy for me that the NGE has chosen to honour the legendary memory of a man who represented, and still represents even in death, the very best of Nigerian journalism and

statesmanship.

“An ardent apostle of the late sage of Africa, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, pioneer premier of the defunct Western Region and the best president Nigeria never had, Jakande was an ideological and ethically replica of his political leader and mentor.

“It is, therefore, incontrovertibly correct to say that as the first democratically elected governor of Lagos State, Chief Jakande laid the foundation for modern Lagos, after he had made remarkable landmarks in journalism, details on which would require an entire address on his own.

“For another, and as you all know, the story of Ogun, the state over which I preside under Almighty God

as the fifth democratically elected Governor, is intrinsically linked to the story of journalism/media in Nigeria,” Ogun Governor added.

Earlier, the President of the NGE and Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Eze Anaba, in his welcome address, pointed out that Jakande, who was also known as Baba Kekere, lived an impactful live, “such that we cannot talk about the drivers of modern journalism in Nigeria, without talking about him.”

“His footprints are everywhere. His shadow looms large over our industry. Many people who knew him closely would gladly testify that Baba Kekere was an incredible talent, whether as a journalist, or as a politician. He had a

response to everything. Baba Kekere devoted his entire professional and political career to advancing values of liberty and social justice. He was also a symbol of honesty, integrity and fairness.

“He told the stories of the powerless and held the powerful to account. He demonstrated commitment to our journalistic freedom and longtime survival. He set up the Guild of Editors in 1961; he founded the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and the Nigerian Union of Journalists. The legendary Baba Kekere also brought the International Press Institute to this country.

Northern CSOs Condemn Continuous Detention of Emefiele, Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos

The Arewa Civil Society Organisations (ACSOs) has condemned the continuous detention of suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos, Alhaji Aminu Yaro and his wife by the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a statement yesterday, in Kaduna, chairman of the group, Adamu Musa, said the continuous detention of Emefiele and others, despite the order of the court releasing them, was "a big mockery on our judiciary." Musa, called on the DSS to operate

within the provisions of the law and respect court orders. He said: "National interest supersedes personal interest," and therefore the DSS should not stop behaving as if it is working to promote certain personal interest rather than the national.”

The group said, the DSS was, "subjecting our judiciary and nation to a big mockery and portraying the country in a bad light.

"How can the international community take us any serious when domestically we don't treat judicial matters and ourselves according to the provisions of our laws?

"When you violate or bend the laws to suit certain personal interest, you are directly mocking and inviting others to do same which is very bad for any nation".

The group maintained that the earlier the assault and disrespect of the court and rule of law were addressed, the better for the nation and its democracy.

The group called on the government to be courageous, fair and sincere enough to task head of its agencies to do the right thing.

"The government should order the DSS to respect court orders," Musa added.

Niger Coup Wake Up Call to African Leaders, Says Asije

International Society of Diplomats (ISD) Special Emissary on Media to Nigeria, Victor Asije has called on political leaders in West Africa and other Africa countries to see the recent coup in Niger as wake up call.

In a statement, Asije said the coup was the height of disloyalty and flagrant disregard for the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS)2001 Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

Article 19 of the protocol states that, “The armed forces and police shall be non-partisan and shall remain

loyal to the nation.”

The Article 19 also states that, "the role of the armed forces shall be to defend the territorial integrity of the state and its democratic institutions.

"So, if these men in uniform have decided to deliberately ignored this article, then it is my candid suggestion that other presidents must, every second, watch and scan movements and body language of those around them.

"There is really much for other presidents to learn from the recent coup in Niger. They should be

prepared for the unexpected and uncertainties," Asije said.

The Ambassador who enjoined presidents to personally assess causes of the coup, said 'inordinate ambition' to rule irrespective of profession and agreements reached, was an inherent human feature.

According to him, the coup was said to have been caused by problems of insecurity, poor economic growth, ethnicity and the legitimacy of the deposed President-elect Mohamed Bazoum.

"I really want presidents in West

and across Africa to know that those we think are really with us can often work against us. "So, they should be selfless, know about the people's challenges and work at offering durable solutions to them.

"I have always believed that we all cannot be presidents, and that only one person can become a president. My passionate appeal therefore to presidents, is to always do the needful for their citizens and foreigners living in their countries," he said.

The Special Emissary commended ECOWAS swift response to the current

leadership tussle in Niger by sending a delegation composed of time-tested mediators, adding that it was a step in the right direction.

Asije, expressed optimism that the ongoing different levels of mediation would in the near future, may make ECOWAS reverse its current sanctions, the disconnection from Nigeria's power supply and threat to use force on Niger.

According to him, ECOWAS has over the decades, despite its challenges, continued to be an arbiter in regional conflicts resolution.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High in Lagos, last week granted Emefiele, leave to serve the DG, DSS, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, by substituted means, the order of court admitting him to bail and directing his remand in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service(NCoS).

Justice Oweibo granted the order following an ex-parte application moved by Emefiele's counsel, Mrs. Ogonnaya Sonuga.

The court had on July 25, 2023, granted Emefiele N20 million bail and had ordered that he should be remanded at the NCoS after he was arraigned on a 2-count charge of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The charges bordered on alleged possession of a single barrel shot gun, as well as possession of 123 rounds of live ammunition without licences. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, the DSS rearrested Emefiele within the court premises, shortly after he was granted bail.

But in an ex-parte application dated July 28, 2023, Emefiele had asked the court for “An order of this Honourable Court granting leave to the Defendant/ Applicant to serve the Complainant through and on the office and person of the Director General Department of State Services Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi with the Ruling/Order of Court obtained on the 25 day of July, 2023.”

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Ray is the Reason I’m in Journalism

Iboro Otongaran

Ray Ekpu is the reason I’m a journalist. I don’t think that tribute captures the truth of what Ray actually means to me! Let me try again. A near adequate tribute is that Ray is why I’m still struggling with the craft of writing, in the hope that one day I would be close to the gold standard in modern magazine and feature writing, where Ray currently leads the pack and belongs in the same pantheon of gods with Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, Sonala Olumhense, Muhammed Haruna, Niyi Osundare, Sam Omatseye and a few other select prose virtuosos. For me as a young man there was nothing else that held out the kind of irresistible spell like what Ray was doing. I made up my mind early that I would rather end up as a root crop farmer in my rustic village of Ikot Akpan Ebo in Uruk Otong of Adat Ifang clan in Ukanafun local council area if I could not be a journalist like Ray. Ray had made journalism look like the best job in the world, and the journalist as a magician, a guy who could walk on water by his sheer prose power. The man had loomed so large in my impressionable imagination that I actually didn’t believe he was anything other than a fairy tale, until the day I saw him in person when he came to visit his senior brother, Okoro (of blessed memory), who lived next door. From my guardian’s home I peeked at Ray’s huge dark frame and was convinced that he was not a fable, and I reasoned that since he was human, just maybe one day I could learn to write well, if not as well as he did.

Ray was an obsession for me back in the day as a high school student. His writing was the best of verdant prose, earthy and full of quotable quotes. His column every Monday in The Nigerian Chronicle was a keepsake. And it was still so, perhaps with more poignancy, when he moved to Lagos where he continued to delight with sonic prose, and rhythmic free verse in the Sunday Times and the National Concord. Ray does not just write for the eye, he writes for the ear as well. He writes to be read; he writes for pleasure reading!

Some of the entries in his column were so vintage Ray that they were unforgettable. I remember, for instance, “The Snobbish Sage Called Senghor,” an alliterative head for a prosaic delight meant to answer for an alleged snob handed to Nigeria’s military head of state Olusegun Obasanjo by the then Senegalese

president, Leopold Sedar Senghor, during Obasanjo’s visit to Dakar. I also remember “A Trip to Golgotha,” a pen portrait of the anguish and tribulation that the Newswatch family endured when the magazine was proscribed for six months by the Babangida junta. I equally remember “Tai,” a tribute at the passing of the legendary Tai Solarin.

My affair with Ray as a prose stylist has been a lifelong romance. My final year project in the university—for which I received the maximum point—was a study of Ray’s writing, along with that of another legend, Olatunji Dare, now emeritus professor at Bradley University in the US.

Ray has enriched Nigerian journalism with catch phrases that have become the currency of common

expression in the popular press. I remember him writing “where words fail, fist prevails,” a sampler of his pitch for the ear; a phrase that I have adapted for use in one of my poems. I also remember his “philosophical calmness,” a phrase he used to capture the equanimity with which he bore his vicissitude at the Daily Times. To use a cliché, Ray has a gift of the gab. He simply makes words behave for him. He is indeed one of the noblest high priests of journalism that the nation is blessed with.

If professional skills have made Ray a living legend, his personality has projected him as a gentleman. Ray is humble. He is a chief priest with a common touch. No airs of prominence about him! I remember the days I struggled in vain with him both at the Ikeja airport and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to help him carry his handbag. On the occasions that I visited him at home in Lagos, Ray served me by himself, clothing me in improbable robes of a VIP guest. Ray reminds me of Dr Ime Umanah (of blessed memory), who was also an epitome of humility, and would personally serve his guests at his Ikoyi home on Bourdillon Road, Lagos. Dr Umanah was at a time the chairman of Newswatch where at the time Ray served as the chief executive of the newspaper. Were the two humble sons of Akwa Ibom brought together by the compatibility of personality types? I think the holy bible seemed to have answered that question 2000 odd years ago: Two cannot work together unless they agree (Amos 3:3). Ray is generous—with his time and other resources. When I co-founded ProData Limited, a communication company that’s engaged in media consultancy, reputation management and provision of market intelligence for paying clients, we needed a powerful brand to chair the board of the company. We did a mental tour of names and settled on Ray, with an outside chance that he would accept to carry our start-up on his sturdy shoulders.

I was assigned the job of contacting Ray for a meeting to broach the request. I put a call through to him and he gave me an appointment. At his home in Ogudu GRA, Lagos, Ray was as personable, as affable as ever. I told him of the request directors of our company asked me to deliver to him. After a meticulous scrutiny and review of our paperwork, Ray agreed to be our chairman. It was a benevolence we have cherished till this day—a five-star international journalist chairing the board

of our start-up at that time!

Ray is perhaps the best soft-spoken conversationalist around. When you’re engaged with Ray, his scalpel-sharp wit and intellect shows through. And also his learning! I understand that just as Wole Soyinka, Ray reads like a magpie. Soyinka once told an interviewer that he reads everything and anything except mathematics.

Besides reading, the Ray essence is mediated by global influences that have percolated through his pores from international travels. Ray has visited more than 50 countries. His urbane personality and international outlook are forged by both a voracious reading habit and the experiences he has had from other civilisations around the world.

After making a roaring success of the road he had taken as a journalist, earning wages from employers for his work, Ray, along with his friends—Dele Giwa, Yakubu Mohammed and Dan Agbese, Nigeria’s Journalism Quartet—decided to move upstairs as an employer of labour. He co-founded Newswatch, a trenchant newsmagazine that soon earned unrivalled industry reputation for investigative journalism and inimitable writing. The Quartet was following in the footsteps of John Payne Jackson, Horatio Agedah, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sam Amuka-Pemu, all of them journalists who at some points in their careers decided to be publishers by founding their own newspapers.

Thus, during his career Ray has been a guru in both the newsroom and the boardroom. When the scorecard is drawn of Ray as a businessman and as a journalist, in which part of his duality would he be adjudged an out and out five-star general? The jury is still out, but I would be surprised if Ray the journalist would not do better than Ray the businessman.

The honours Ray has received from home and abroad are well-earned. He has impacted the lives of many through his writing and outreach. Last year he did a yeoman’s job to promote the existence and activities of Uyo Book Club, of which he holds a diamond membership.

For Raymond Amos Ekpu, it has been 75 years of impact and relevance. It’s my pleasure and delight therefore to join his family and friends to wish him happy birthday anniversary celebrations. I look forward to many more birthday celebrations for Ray in perfect health and material wellbeing, our Ray of luminous, crunchy and relevant journalism.

Goodbye Mouktar, Is It That Easy To Die?

Garba Shehu

So it so easy to die? I keep asking myself the question following the passing away of Mohammed Mouktar Adamu, former Deputy-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, member Nigerian Guild of Editors and until his death, External Communications Manager, Nigeria Digital ID4D (a Population Sector project jointly funded by the World Bank, European Investment Bank and the French Development Agency) in Abuja.

I was with Mouktar just about 12 hours before his shocking death. I declined the chair the son, Mubarak gave me in their “Amenity Ward 1” of the State House Medical Center to sit beside him on the hospital bed. We heartily chatted about just everything under the sun in high spirits with laughter, happiness amidst handshakes and backslapping. We started with his health, about which he said had significantly improved. “For five days I could not eat, walk or even answer the phone. Now all that is gone. I walk, I eat and feel very fine.”

He said the attention he got at the State House Medical Center was incomparable to any that he got in the past. “They have a full grasp of what is wrong with me.”

He said each and every medical staff was supportive and keen to help. “They are all saying ‘this is the PS’s (Permanent Secretary’s)patient ‘“ and I cut in to say that they will care for you because Tijjani Umar is an extraordinary gentleman. He treats everyone well and staff will be happy paying him back for always being nice.

Mouktar said he felt good and ready to go home at any moment.

In his words, “this is the first time that anyone got to understand what is wrong with me. They have done 12 test and more are still being done. They (doctors) come here with results, sit down with you and tell you in great detail what is wrong with you, and what is to be done. Can you believe, Malam, that they said my body is acidic?” I said I didn’t know what that meant, but suggested that maybe it came from the accumulation of wrong prescriptions from the past wrong diagnoses. He said the acid is being removed with repeated kidney flushing.

Mouktar and I discussed our families and the

children and twice said he liked to see my wife after a long time. I promised him that she will visit either at home or in hospital if he still remained there as soon as she returned from a trip.

Not for a moment did it occur to both of us that I was there to say goodbye to him for the last time.

Now, in my six decades of existence, I have witnessed many deaths, including those from road accidents or air plane crashes. In most of those cases, you either have a build up of illness or for there to be one form of explanation or another, no matter how contorted.

Never had I experienced one in which the one who claimed to have emerged from the proverbial valley of death, dies 12 hours later. His death reminds us of the power of Allah over all creatures.

I recall my various interactions with him which actually began after we left the Bayero University Kano, and this was when we both began as reporters in Sokoto, he working for NAN and I, the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA.

His selflessness showed when he roved around town looking for news, his eyes were not only focused on national news, which mattered most to his organization but also other things that he would gather and later share with those of us who could use as local news stories.

At a point, he gave up his rented accommodation to share my apartment that the NTA gave me.

The relationship became even closer when we both got admissions to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to read higher degree in mass communication.

Emmanuel Shehu, now Dr Shehu suggested to both us to seek the admission into the initial MA program of the university following the invitation he got from the then Dean of the School of graduate studies.

Professor Obiechina was Shehu’s external examiner in the MA English class of the Bayero University, Kano and found him to be extraordinarily good.

The examiner was so impressed at the end of the exercise that requested the student to help him identify some northern candidates who he knows to be good for admission into the new communications program of the university. Shehu invited the two of us and thankfully, we met all requirements.

At the graduate Hall, Kwame Nkrumah, Shehu acting the older brother put us up in his room before we fully registered and got one that Mouktar and I shared.

What was never in question was that the deceased was among the best in class. He was a true bookworm. He knew he had a gift and didn’t hoard it. When he looked in the library for stuff he could use, he never was there for himself alone. Anything he saw that could be useful to you, he used his money to photocopy and bring it with him.

“Malam,” you would hear him say, “this journal can help you.”

An important example was my search for a theory on which to peg my difficult research project. I searched everywhere and couldn’t find one until one day, Mouktar dropped on my laps, the Anthonio Gramschi theory on social hegemony.

It ended this long and tortuous search that had delayed my project and had taken me to the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs library in Lagos, very far from Nsukka without success.

On his posting to the United Kingdom as

NAN Correspondent, Mouktar mounted an M.Sc program at Leicester University and grabbed the second degree in a record time. His professor at Nsukka, the formidably cerebral Charles Okigbo intervened in the matter of his dispute with the department to save his hard work of three years but the deceased never looked back. He declined to take the UNN degree.

As the social level, Mouktar’s goodness was beyond comparison. Before you rose from your sleep, he would have bought the usual breakfast staple for students, bread and bean cake (Akara) from the hawkers and boiled the tea. If you are not watchful, he will pay for the meal again and again at the Refectory or simply “Ref” as the students called it. He failed to do this only when he was broke.

Any day you traveled to Bauchi, his hometown, Mouktar ensured that you ate home food from his mother’s kitchen, usually MASA-for which Bauchi is well known- and he didn’t have to be in town for this to be arranged.

At the office, his dazzling brilliance brought him closer to his successive bosses until it got to a time he said to me that he was leaving to go use his knowledge and skills in trying other things. I thought it was premature to do so but unbeknown to me, he had fully made up his mind on taking the early retirement option.

Shortly after he left NAN, I convinced my partners on the Board at the commencement of the Peoples Daily newspaper to hire him as Editor-in-Chief. He accepted to serve but the journey was cut short by policy differences.

His contributions to me and our many friends is immense, and cannot be described in a few words.

In Mouktar’s death, the nation has just lost one of its most valuable assets. He was an extraordinary, warm, compassionate person.

As his friends, we have lost a selfless and dedicated companion who devoted his life to serving others-not himself- and worked towards the progress of the country. He touched our lives with grace, decorum and dignity.

My thoughts are with his wife, Halima, the aged mother, the rest of the family and his numerous friends in this sorrowful hour. May his soul rest in peace.

Ray Ekpu

POLITICS

As Ganduje-led APC’s National Working Committee Takes Off...

Last Thursday, former governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje, emerged the sixth National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress. Adedayo Akinwale takes a look at the issues calling for the urgent attention of the National Working Committee.

The immediate past governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdulahi Gamduje last week emerged as sixth National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) within 10 years of the existence of the party.

The ruling party at the formation stage in 2013 had the former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande as its protem chairman, followed by former Governors of Edo state, Chief John Oyegun and Adams Oshiomhole.

Governor of Yobe state, Mai Mala Buni was drafted in as the Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) following the ouster of Oshiomhole, who was later succeeded by Senator Abdulahi Adamu.

Setting the agenda for the 12th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja last week, APC’s Acting National Chairman, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said like any human organisation, the party had its own fair share of problems and challenges.

He said there are issues pertaining to the unity and cohesion of the party, issues concerning the need to strengthen the institutional and financial capacity of the party, even the issue of the soon to be conducted off season gubernatorial elections in a number of States, among others.

According to him, while it is essential that we address these challenges head-on and work together to steer the party and nation towards a brighter future, the current exigencies will not permit their consideration at this meeting.

Kyari pointed out that the NEC meeting was therefore convened to purposely address two issues, namely: the appointment of External Auditors of the party and and the filling of the existing vacancies in the offices of the National Chairman and National Secretary, saying these offices play a pivotal role in strategic direction for the party.

He added: “It is pertinent to note that as enshrined in the Constitution of our Party, under Article 13.3 (ii), the NEC has the powers to discharge all functions of the National Convention in between National Conventions.”

Kyari called on members of APC to remain steadfast as it strives to uphold the principles of democracy, inclusivity, and good governance.

His words: “Let us foster an environment that encourages healthy debates, respect for the rule of law, and protects the rights and freedoms of all Nigerians. We must be the standard-bearers of integrity and accountability, demonstrating to our citizens that we are here to serve their best interests.”

Consequently, at the meeting, the APC NEC ratified the nominations of Ganduje and former Senate Spokesperson, Senator Ajibola Bashir as Chairman and National Secretary respectively.

Their nominations followed the recent forced resignation of Adamu and former National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

The emergence of the duo of Ganduje and Bashir is however creating discontent and acrimony within the party, as both the Chairman and Secretary are Muslims.

A party official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said while the development could not be immediately reversed, it must be on record that the APC has now yielded itself to a particular religion.

The source said, “We know what we went through with the Tinubu/Shettima Muslim-Muslim ticket. As if that was not enough, we were on the verge of producing a Muslim Senate President until

many of us protested. That said, we still have a Muslim Speaker.

“We did not force Adamu out only to be replaced by another Muslim. If you read former National Vice Chairman, (North-West), Salihu Lukman’s statements, one of his consistent demands were that Adamu should be replaced with a Christian from the North-Central.

“Now, you did not do that but went ahead to even distort the zoning formula by taking that office to the North-West. And to add salt to injury, the new national secretary is also a Muslim. These are the two main people, who run the party. There should be religious sensitivity”.

The NEC of the party has, however, appeased the North Central with the position of National Legal Adviser.

Following the resignation of Adamu and Omisore, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) with the blessing of President Bola Tinubu anointed Ganduje

for the position.

The decision which was ratified at the last NEC meeting saw the position of national chairman moving from North Central to North West.

Against this background, the NEC came up with a zoning arrangement for filling the six vacant positions of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

The vacancies in the NWC are occasioned by the death of a member, the resignation of three officers, and nomination of two members of the committee for ministerial appointment.

THISDAY checks revealed that the Deputy National Chairman (North) and National Women Leader are ministerial nominees, National Vice Chairman (North West), National Legal Adviser and Deputy National Publicity Secretary resigned from their positions, while the office of the National Welfare Secretary became vacant following the demise of the occupant early this year.

After wide consultations, the NEC decided that the position of National Chairman hitherto zoned to North Central be moved to North West while the Deputy National Chairman (North) and National

We did not force Adamu out only to be replaced by another Muslim. If you read former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman’s statements, one of his consistent demands were that Adamu should be replaced with a Christian from the North-Central. Now, you did not do that but went ahead to even distort the zoning formula by taking that office to the North-West. And to add salt to injury, the new national secretary is also a Muslim. These are the two main people, who run the party. There should be religious sensitivity.

Secretary are still being retained in the North East and South West respectively. Also, the position of National Welfare Secretary and the National Women Leader are retained in the South East and South-South.

Investigations further revealed that the resignation of the former National Legal Adviser, AhmedEl-Marzuk, who hails from North West last Wednesday made the zoning arrangement of the office to the North Central a lot easier.

A party source said recent development in the party necessitated the new zoning arrangement in the party.

The source said: “You will recall that zoning of office was one of the issues on the agenda at our NEC meeting on Thursday. The emergence of the new National Chairman made us adjust the earlier zoning arrangement to cater for the interest of all the geopolitical zones.

“Following the ceding of the NEC powers to the NWC and with the new zoning arrangement, zonal leaders with the affected positions will meet and present nominations to the NWC for approval.

“The new chairman and the secretary and indeed the NWC should swing into action and ensure the needful is done on time to fill the vacant positions in the 25-man administrative organ.”

Speaking after his emergence, Ganduje assured that his main focus would be to promote party unity, defending and increasing the number of executive and legislative seats the party currently holds.

His words: “Under my watch, internal democracy will be strictly adhered to with a deliberate policy to engage in wider consultations and making party functional throughout the year.

“More reforms will be carried out in the party in alignment with the current political landscape. We all agreed that we must unite our members to achieve support for our government to respond adequately, urgently and assertively to the challenges that Nigerians confront on a daily basis.”

Ganduje added that the challenges included unemployment, poverty, insecurity, social cohesion and the rising cost of living.

He appealed to Nigerians to bear with the President at this trying moment, considering that the country’s economy had been in shambles for years.

Ganduje stressed that he believed that the policies and programmes to be unveiled by Mr. President when his administration fully takes shape, would surely turn things around for the better.

He added: “Our party must remain rooted among the people, must demonstrate a willingness to serve and make sacrifices, and must be willing to acknowledge and address our weaknesses.

“It’s a huge privilege and an honour and a great responsibility to take on this job and I will do it with everything I have to the best of my ability for my party and my country. We will ensure a level playing field for all party members that want to contest elections under the party’s platform. Our primary elections would be free, transparent and fair.”

Ganduje also called on members of the party and all the people of Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states to close ranks and ensure that the APC wins in the November, 2023 governorship polls.

With the emergence of the former Governor of Kano state as APC National Chairman, many believe President Tinubu was already asserting his authority in the party ahead of the 2027 poll. This informed why he anointed Ganduje, one of his most trusted allies to man the affairs of the party.

Ganduje

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

THE HIGH COST OF FLOODS

Major stakeholders should do more to minimise the impact of floods

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has warned that 4.2 million Nigerians are at the risk of displacement as the annual rainy season of the IOM 2023 Nigeria Response Review Disaster Preparedness Plan issued in response to the country’s growing threat of climate induced disasters. According to the report, an estimated $20 million will be needed to secure the most vulnerable populations

funds would be used for immediate rescue missions and longer-term resettlement and rehabilitation initiatives.”

The number of people projected for impact is deeply concerning because they represent mostly women and children that will be uprooted forcibly from the communities and lifestyle they were used to. These events may spiral down to sheer pain and misery, and at a very high cost, according to IOM. Earlier

DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE

people and displaced over 2.1 million people by 5th November 2012, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Estimated damage

The Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth is not optimistic the dire predictions would prod the government to prepare and prevent death and have been handled in Nigeria shows clearly that we are not short of predictions and forecasting of and responsible agencies have consistently fallen short of the expectations of citizenry who have been

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

would be up to a billion climate refugees across the world, particularly from developing/poor countries, including Nigeria. Our country is already ranked as very susceptible to the impacts of climate change by several vulnerability indexes produced by global research organisations. The federal government has been urged to be mindful of Nigeria’s Nationally climate change and limit the earth to 1.5 degrees the heart of the Paris Agreement and the achievement country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Paris Agreement (Article 4, paragraph 2) prepare, communicate and maintain successive it intends to achieve. Parties shall pursue domestic mitigation measures, with the aim of achieving the objectives of such contributions.

Last March, NEMA’s Director-General, Mustapha year as predicted by seasonal climate predictions and Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services of NIHSA, warned that 178 local governments in 32 infrastructure and livelihoods and no investment investment in planning of communities and towns in cannot be overemphasised.”

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

WATER, PARTICULATES AND THE LAGOS – IBADAN EXPRESSWAY

As the reconstruction of the Lagos - Ibadan expressway slowly comes to an end, one wonders for how long the expressway will serve the yearning of Nigerians for smooth, uninterrupted transportation between Lagos and Ibadan. Ordinarily, a brand-new reconstruction of this nature would be expected to last about 15 years. However, based on observations on a recent trip to Ibadan,

Any reasonably person knows that the two main enemies of a leads to penetration to the base of the road, softening and shifting of the asphalt covering and ultimately pre-disposes the road to higher in the center, with gradients to the sides, so that water can be drained. Particulate on the road such as sand granules, stones, gravel chippings, etc., creates an abrasive substance on the road that rapidly wears away the asphalt covering and creates holes in the asphalt for water to penetrate and the degradation hastens even more. Think of an abrasive sandpaper on wood!

On my recent trip, I observed that many of the drainage exit points on the sides of the expressway are already covered up with

silt, vegetation growth and other objects like plastic bottles and food packaging. The impact of this is that rather than the watering its degradation.

Also due to a lack of maintenance, large mounds of sand are present on the inner shoulders of the expressway. The sand mounds typically form when water gathers sand and drops it as it exits the drainage points. In addition, the action of the wind from cars passing at high speed tends to swirl the sand particles together and deposit them in a single location. Eventually, when a heavy rain falls, some of this sand gets washed unto the road and the brings about a much faster degradation of the road than would have been anticipated in its design. This cycle can however be bro--

nance teams should desilt the drainage exit points on the inner and outer shoulders of the expressway and clear the drainage channels of any vegetation growth to allow free drainage of water. Also, the road should be swept with mechanical sweepers to ensure that the sand mounds on the sides of the road are removed, and the road

kept spotlessly clean and free from sand.

Asides from these two critical aspects of maintenance, one observes that the high levels of economic activity along the sides of the expressway, particularly between Lagos and the Shagamu interchange is also causing damage to the expressway. In fact, the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway is more aptly described as the Lagos – Ibadan road! Expressways are not expected to have the multitude of activities by the roadsides and 90-degree exit points! Typically, expressways should have smooth, slightly angled exits from the main expressway that can be taken at relatively high speeds, so as not to give rise to a rear ending from a vehicle from behind. The constant exit and entry of heavy-duty vehicles at intervals of almost every 50 meter or so between Lagos and Shagamu interchange means that the asphalt on the side of the road constantly breaks up, giving sand and water access to the road base. Of course, what happens next is obvious!

Ideally, the proper maintenance and management of the road, including the regulation of economic activity along its corridor, Oye Akintoye, noyeolsakin@live.com

The number of people projected for impact is deeply concerning because they represent mostly women and children that will be uprooted forcibly from the communities and lifestyle they were used to

Niger: Don't Expect a White Saviour. Expect a Nigerian Black Saviour

One of the factors militating against Nigeria's effectiveness in prosecuting her foreign policy is the fact that patriotism is very low in some parts of the country, and some of our compatriots are ever willing to undermine the government at the centre, irrespective of the fact that their foreign policy is a projection of the values upon which Nigeria was founded.

For example, how would one explain the 180 degree turn of those who hated Niger Republic with a passion when General Buhari, who they claimed was really from Niger, was in power, but are now suddenly the best lovers of that country?

It is just that in Nigeria, we often have a very short memory. Because, some of these emergency lovers of Niger Republic had some very colourful things to say about this country that is largely populated by people of Hausa origin.

Overnight, they are taking sides with a country they disdained for the last eight years, just to spite President Bola Tinubu. But this is not about Tinubu.

No matter what you think of President Tinubu, you must admit that the steps taken by his administration in response to the coup in Niger Republic are thus far commendable. It may not even be Tinubu. It is more likely his top notch National Security Adviser, but it does not matter. At least, he had the good judgment to appoint him.

For the first time, ECOWAS is asserting itself to defend democracy. And Nigeria is leading that defence. Shutting down power to Niger, establishing and enforcing a No-Fly-Zone. Cutting aid and shutting land borders. Very commendable.

And make no mistake about it. The Nigerien putschists are feeling the squeeze. That is why they are sponsoring anti-Tinubu protests in Niamey. That is important. They are not sponsoring anti-Bazoum protests. They are sponsoring anti-Tinubu demonstrations because they know he threatens their dictatorial ambitions. That is novel in West Africa.

If Buhari had been as diplomatically assertive as this, there would still be democratically elected governments in Burkina Faso and Mali.

Every Nigerian citizen, especially our political elite, whether in the ruling party or the opposition, has to support Tinubu's government for this limited purpose (we will still fight him in court). Because if this coup is allowed to stand, West Africa will have accepted the domino effect of coups and soldiers in member states will get the message. Finding excuses for coups is the easiest thing in the world.

It is possible to roll back coups. President Obasanjo did it in 2003 in São Tomé and Príncipe, a country that is not even a member of ECOWAS. And he did it in a similar mode as Bola Tinubu is currently doing.

Shut electric supply (that has now been done-kudos). Shut finances going in and out. Block land borders. And then wait. The solidarity celebrations you are seeing are staged. By the time it becomes clear that the junta cannot pay its soldiers, the rank and file of the army will turn against it, and that is when you will see the real response of Nigeriens to the coup. Not this choreography you are seeing now!

Fact check me-Nigeria's defence budget is larger than the defence budgets of every other ECOWAS state combined. Our military personnel are more than

the military of all fourteen other ECOWAS nations combined. ECOWAS has a combined annual Gross Domestic Product of $760 billion. Nigeria generates almost $500 billion of that amount, or 63%.

So, while we fervently, strenuously, and consistently pray against war, that does not mean Nigeria should be a pushover, or be afraid of using its military-industrial complex to advance the cause of democracy and the rule of law. We have a vested interest in what happens in next-door Niger Republic, the way Russia has a vested interest in what happens in Ukraine and America in Cuba.

Gone are the days when President Obama would

destabilise Libya and then hand off and leave Nigeria to bear the consequences in the form of Boko Haram, which were essentially a spillover effect of the Libyan crisis.

Political instability in the Sahel will not be the direct burden of France, NATO or Russia. Libya and Chad, which share a border with Niger, are somewhat in a crisis. Algeria is dead set against opening its borders to non-Arab, and non-Amazigh persons. Mali is facing hydra-headed issues, including a power struggle, an Islamist insurgency, and a population growth rate higher than her GDP growth rate.

Therefore, if there is political and economic instability

Air Strikes Destroy Boats Ferrying Stolen Crude Oil in Niger Delta

Air interdiction forces terrorists to seek negotiation with govt

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Air strikes conducted by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) struck boats ferrying stolen crude oil in a riverine area located west of Bonny Island and South of Port Harcourt in Rivers State.

The Nigerian Air Force said one of the operations occurred on Saturday August 5, 2023 at about four nautical miles South-east of Bille, a riverine area located west of Bonny Island and South of Port Harcourt, in Rivers State.

There are also strong indications that sustained air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji in the North-west forced terrorists kingpins in Katsina and Zamfara States to consider laying down arms to pave the way for negotiation with the federal government.

A statement by the spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the air strikes became necessary after three boats were sighted tapping crude oil from a pipeline.

"Consequently, the boats were engaged and destroyed by the aircraft.

Flying towards Port Harcourt, the crew also observed an active illegal refining site with tanks and reservoirs loaded with suspected illegal refined products, about four miles South-east of Idama in Rivers State. The site was subsequently attacked and destroyed.

"Air strikes against these economic saboteurs will be sustained until they desist from their acts of economic sabotage," it said.

The statement stated that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had since directed all air

component commanders nationwide to ensure they team up with other security agencies to sustain air strikes on all criminal elements in the country. According to him, “the days of treating criminal elements in our country with kids gloves is over. We must continue on this trajectory until we bring all of them to their knees.” Meanwhile, there are also strong indications that sustained air strikes in the North-west had forced terrorists’ kingpins in Katsina and Zamfara States to consider dropping arms to pave way for negotiation with the federal government. It was gathered that sustained bombardment resulted in fear and desperation on the part of the terrorists, who lamented that aerial bombardments continued to target them, their houses and animals.

A credible source privy to the concern of the non-state actors revealed that on July 15, 2023, Katsina-based terrorist kingpin, Usman Kachallah, met with his cohorts somewhere near Gusami Village in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area to discuss the situation.

Terrorists leaders alleged to have met with Kachalla to seek ways of approaching the government for an amicable settlement of the security situation included Abdullahi Danda, Alhaji Shingi and Lauwali Dumbulu, among others.

It was further gathered that during the meeting, most of the kingpins agreed to lay down their weapons to pave the way for peace but were worried about the continued aerial bombardment which had targeted them, their houses and animals.

in Niger, the influx of refugees and migrants will naturally be to Nigeria.

And that is why it is in Nigeria's interests to reestablish the rule of law in Niger. Either that or we build a Trump-style wall between us and them. Singapore is perhaps the least mineral-resourced nation on Earth. Yet, she has the world's strongest passport, according to the Henley Index, and one of the highest per capita incomes in the world at almost $90,000. And the reason is that Singapore has an unassailable commitment to the rule of law. The above means intervening to reestablish the rule of law in Niger might be the better option than building a wall.

And for those who are thinking that this is a Western imperialist action, please give Nigeria some credit. We have come of age. We know our right from our left. And we can pursue our own agenda and assert our own interests. And Russia is not the saviour here. Neither are the US or NATO. Nigeria is the Black saviour!

Russian President Putin himself does not want to be overthrown by Wagner. Yet, he is supporting the Niger military junta to overthrow President Mohamed Bazoum, and some Africans are hailing it as an anti-imperialist victory? Why was Wagner's attempt to overthrow Putin bad, while the Niger junta's action is good? Same scenario, with different reactions. Because our people don't think!

Did you not see how Putin and Russia panicked when Wagner's forces were just 200 miles from Moscow? If a coup is so good, why did they not permit it in Russia? Is the President of Niger more corrupt than Putin? Has he made his political opponents disappear like Putin? Is Russia's economy thriving and growing at a faster pace than Niger's?

If there is an argument to support a coup in Niger Republic, the argument is stronger and more robust for supporting a coup in Russia.

And the news trickling in that Niger Republic has invited Russian mercenary Wagner forces into their country shows that the junta which seized power there lacks the executive capacity, mental ability and strategic long-term vision to lead their country. They are just reacting. They do not seem to have any proactive cogent plans beyond seizing power.

How can the Nigerien junta invite a group that even their own home country, Russia, expelled because of their capacity to destabilise Russia, which almost led to the military overthrow of Putin?

If they can destabilise Russia, what about Niger? These guys should think long, deep, and hard about what they are doing. Go to the Central African Republic and see the damage Wagner has done there. Wagner forces have no respect for either the government or people of the CAR.

And for those Nigerian supporters of a failed Presidential candidate now celebrating and salivating that the same thing will happen in Nigeria, I assure you that you will lick your lips FOREVER, but you will never eat the food you desire to eat.

Reno’s Nuggets

After you graduate and get a job, don’t immediately leave your parent's or guardian's house to rent your own place. If possible, stay with your parents. Endure any discomfort. Then save what you would have spent on rent and use it as capital to start a business or down payment to buy a home. Real estate is the foundation for your wealth. Don’t be in a hurry to run when you have not learnt to crawl. If your parents live far from where you work, then move in with your siblings, guardians, family friends, or other close family member. Be humble. Humility is not stupidity when it creates an opportunity that leads to financial ability. Respect who you live with. If they say you should wash plates, swallow your pride and wash it. Accept nonsense. It is the price you pay to access much sense!

#RenosNuggets #FreeLeahSharibu

Reno Omokri Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Globetrotter. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year 2022.

Reno

You have the power to summon a stronger positive thought into your mind whenever a negative thought attempts to break into your mind

President Bola Tinubu

Agenda for Incoming AGF

PRINCE LATEEF FAGBEMI, SAN MINISTERIAL NOMINEE

Agenda for Incoming AGF

QUOTABLE

‘Striking the right balance between the regulations and/or reforms and economic growth, are pivotal to a strong national, and I dare say, a regional economy.’

- Yakubu Maikyau, OON, SAN, President, Nigerian Bar Association

COLUMNISTS

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

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

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

Extent of Court’s Power in Relation to Chieftaincy

Declarations

Page IV

The AttorneyGeneral that Nigeria Needs

Page VI

What Nigerians Ought to Expect from the Incoming AGF

Page VII

New AGF Must Focus on Justice Sector Reforms, Innovation and Speedy

Dispensation of Justice

PageVIII

Nomination of Prince L.O. Fagbemi, SAN as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice

Page IX

STEPHEN KOLA-BALOGUN

Stephen Kola Balogun, is a vastly experienced Legal Practitioner who obtained his LL.B from University of Ife and LL.M from the School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London. He has Post-Graduate Diplomas in Intellectual Property Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London and in Construction Law, Management and Arbitration from Kings College, London. He has served in various capacities since his Call to the Nigerian Bar in 1982, including practising at Akinjide & Co., and lecturing part-time at Oxbridge Tutorial College. He was the Honourable Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Special Needs, State of Osun, August, 2011 to November 2014. He is currently the Principal Partner at Kola Balogun & Partners, and sits on the Advisory Board of the Centre of Law and Business. SKB, as he is fondly called, is accredited with several publications to his name, both International

Of Good Judgement, Ministerial Nominees, et al

As usual, last week was rather interesting in the Nigerian scheme of things. The parties, that is, the various Petitioners and Respondents in the Presidential election petitions adopted their final written addresses at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), and the matters have been reserved for judgement; the second partly uninspiring list of Ministerial nominees (except for a few) was forwarded to the Senate for further action, and so was President Bola Tinubu’s letter to the Senate seeking for support for military intervention in the Republic of Niger.

Some Elements of a Good Judgement

As far as the petitions are concerned, with all the ‘hullabaloo’ about them, it is the wish of Nigerians that the PEPT does substantial justice to them. By virtue of Section 285(6) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution). the PEPT must deliver its judgement within 180 days from the date of the filing of the petition, which means that judgement must be delivered by the fourth week of September, 2023.

The most important element of a good judgement, is that it is a correct judgement based on the law and facts. See the case of Mbani v Bosi & Ors (2006) LPELR-1853(SC) per Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, JSC (later CJN). The issues must be distilled, evidence adduced properly evaluated, clear findings of facts made, and the law properly applied to arrive at the correct conclusion. This aspect is more important, than even the writing style of the Judge. Any Judge worth his or her salt. would want to avoid a situation where their decision is overturned by a higher court for being ‘per incuriam’, that is, when a decision is reached without due regard to the law and facts, or where an erroneous judgement is handed down, or such judgement is unjust, or occasions a miscarriage of justice. See the case of NEPA v Ososanya 2004

5 N.W.L.R. Part 867 Page 601 at 624. While the principle of ‘stare decisis’ must be adhered to, the trial Judge must stay away from bad precedent. The issue of deciding cases based on public policy which is usually equated with public good, will only be permissible if such decision is in line with the rules, law and procedure that governs a matter. In Sonnar (Nigeria) Ktd & Anor v Partenreedri M.S. Nordwind Owners of the Ship M.V. Nordwind & Anor (1987) LPELR-3494(SC) per Kayode Eso, JSC, the Supreme Court held inter alia that a Judge cannot seek sanctuary for his decision wholly on public policy, as “to rely on public policy or public good simpliciter, is to give room to uncertainty in the law”.

The reasoning behind a judgement, must be clear and coherent, and a judgement must shy away from being based on technicalities. In Ikpeazu v Otti 2015

18 N.W.L.R. Part 1490 Page 47 at 71-72 the Court of Appeal held thus: “In all election matters, the use of technicalities merely helps to shut issues in controversy. Once it is agreed that election petitions are in a class of their own, the handling of the matter too must take a form devoid of legal technicalities, that tend to leave the litigants more confused”. I would also add that, technical justice not just only leaves the litigants confused, but usually deprives that whom justice belongs to, of it.

The PEPT must refrain from handing down any decisions that focus on mere unsubstantial technicalities, that is, technicalities which have no bearing on the substance of the case. The question which a trial Judge should always keep in mind is whether, based on the facts of the case, a miscarriage of justice will occur if any existing technicality is ignored or taken as a mere irregularity, and judgement is still handed down based on the merits of the case. In Akpan v Bob 2010 17

N.W.L.R. Part 1223 Page 421 the Supreme Court held inter alia that: “Technical justice is no justice at all, and a court of law should not be unduly tied down by technicalities, particularly where no miscarriage of justice would be occasioned…. Where the facts are glaringly clear, the courts should ignore mere technicalities, in order to do substantial justice”. Also see the case of Okafor v Nweke 2007

10 N.W.L.R. Part 1043 Page 521. We trust that the PEPT will bear these guiding principles in mind, in doing justice to the petitions.

Second List of Ministerial Nominees

The fact that Section 147(5) of the Constitution provides that a person who is appointed as a Minister of the Government of the Federation must be one qualified for election as Member of the House of Representatives, certainly doesn’t mean that this bare minimum baseline should then be used as the authority for the Senate to ask Ministerial nominees who have been members of the National Assembly (NASS) or others, to just take a bow and go, instead of screening them.

Sections 65 & 66 of the Constitution which provide for Qualification and Disqualification for Membership of the House of Representatives, has absolutely nothing to do with ability and capacity. It is simply the attestation to the fact that you are a Nigerian citizen, at least 25 years of age, have a School Certificate or its equivalent, a bit of a character reference and the like. See the case of Ardo

ONIKEPO

v Nyako & Ors (2014) LPELR-22878(SC) per Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs, JSC.

It is bad enough that Ministers are being screened without their portfolios, let alone some being allowed to waltz in and out of the Senate to share jokes and take a bow in the name of ‘screening’. On my side, I am vehemently advocating that the 10th National Assembly amend Section 147 of the Constitution, to provide that all Ministerial nominees of the President must have their portfolios attached to them, before they can seek Senate confirmation. An informed test of knowledge can then be given to the nominees by the general house, and possibly the Senate Committees covering their portfolios. Nigeria is in an extremely precarious position, and my impression of President Bola Tinubu, is one of a person who wants to rebuild this shattered country and leave a good and lasting legacy. Therefore, I don’t think that at this point in time of our trajectory, governance should be about trial and error, or anything other than superior performance, qualities that some people on the second ministerial nominees list certainty do not have. If old hands are to be recycled, their past performances are there for all to see. Nominating for example, a Governor who did nothing in his State during his tenure, is not just bizarre, but a recipe for failure, and one wonders why, considering the fact that the technocrats who were nominated, were selected because they have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavour. It should be those who have performed outstandingly that could be recycled, if at all, and not those who failed so woefully, that they were even rejected by their people, that should be foisted on the country as Ministers.

Discrimination in Different Forms

I reiterate the fact that the headship of government

agencies should be fairly distributed in accordance to Federal Character, Ability and Gender Parity. EFCC and NNPCL for instance, which are both famous for being Northern Region liaison offices, must be transformed into pan-Nigerian organisations. Ditto for those agencies that may be Yoruba or Igbo dominated headquarters. The EFCC has never been headed by a non-Northerner. I have come across a few people in one of these two establishments who are excellent at their jobs, but have been kept on the same level for over 10 years, passed over for promotion, while outsiders were brought to be their seniors, simply because they don’t hail from the favoured regions. This is discriminatory, contrary to Section 42(1)(a) of the Constitution. It is time for a change.

We had hoped that the number of Female nominees would be increased in the second list, so that there would be at least 15 women; but, out of over 40 Ministerial nominees, only two more were added, to make a total of 9 Female nominees. This is disappointing, and also highly discriminatory. The weekly Federal Executive Council Meeting, will resemble that of Boys Scouts. How sad!

It is our hope that, going forward, women will be brought to head crucial government agencies. For example, the most senior officer in active service in the DSS who rose through the ranks, well trained and experienced, is apparently a lady who retired last year (I did some research). The current DSS Director General, is the only person who is senior to her. If Lawal Daura who was allegedly sacked for wrongdoing, was subsequently returned to DSS by President Buhari, why can’t a lady who knows her onions and retired in good stead, be recycled? Even closer to home, our own Nigerian Law School - the highest ranking, longest serving Lecturer, and Director of the Lagos Campus at the

time a new DG of Law School was chosen in 2017, also a female, was passed over for the position. It is time for this administration, to correct some of these injustices.

Military Intervention in the Republic of Niger Section 5(4)(b) of the Constitution empowers the President, with the prior approval of the Senate, to deploy the Armed Forces on combat duty outside Nigeria. Obviously, this is the reason for President Tinubu’s letter to the Senate, because when the military arm of ECOWAS (initially known as ECOMOG) deploys troops, member countries contribute their soldiers to form the army. In 2017, when ECOWAS deployed troops to the Gambia to force out Yahya Jammeh who refused to handover to Mr Barrow who won the election, though the mission lasted four years, the military intervention ensured that the necessary transition occurred within three days and Mr Barrow was sworn in as President.

I believe that the issue of Niger, must be viewed in several ways. Most of the people who have criticised President Tinubu and ECOWAS on their stand, may be ignoring the fact that there are always two sides to a story. Whilst undoubtedly, Nigeria is the strong regional power of West Africa, and it is good that we have made it known that we are not in support of coup d’états, I believe that combat should be the last resort, after exhausting all the available means of diplomacy and mediation. It is undeniable that the high level Nigerian team chosen by President Tinubu to go to Niger, is a sound team - two seasoned soldiers and a diplomat, that is, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Excellency, General Triple A and Ambassador Kingibe, and they must not relent in trying to restore democracy to Niger. However, a pertinent question is, who will bear the cost of the outing in case of an invasion of Niger?

Has Nigeria recovered from the financial burdens of Liberia and Sierra Leone, in which Nigeria bore most of the cost of those two military interventions? Unless of course, foreign powers who are against the coup or the UN will be footing the bill, many don’t seem to be in support of a country that is in as bad financial shape as ours, spearheading this kind of campaign bearing in mind that Nigeria is probably the main source of funds for ECOWAS, and may have to bear most of the cost of any military intervention in Niger. We are still arguing about palliatives for our people, because of the removal of the fuel subsidy; impending strike action by Labour, because of the demand for increase in the minimum wage, to mention a few of our financial problems; undertaking an expensive military outing at this time, unless it is proven that the coup in Niger poses imminent danger to Nigeria, may be seen as imprudent.

Another side to the argument which may be of equal concern, is that the militarisation of these contiguous countries in the Sahel region, not only poses a threat to democracy in West Africa, but more so neighbouring countries like Nigeria, and therefore, we shouldn’t be shortsighted and do nothing, living in a fool’s paradise that we are not in any immediate danger. Russia for one’s interest in Africa, can be seen from the utterances of the Russian Mercenary Outfit, the Wagner Group. Niger is the richest in Africa, in the highest-grade Uranium, and Niger has accused France, its colonial master, of paying next to nothing for their Uranium. Countries like Russia and other nuclear powers like China, North Korea, require that Uranium for their nuclear programmes. Since the Western countries don’t support the coup in Niger, and the Niger Military will definitely require arms, this will give a country like Russia a perfect means of entry into West Africa, by supplying Niger arms and lending them their support, in exchange for Uranium. This may prove dangerous to Nigeria, and her porous borders, especially where we are already being ravaged by Boko Haram and bandits, because some of these arms will definitely fall into their wrong hands, and will be used against the Nigerian State. The bottom line is that, having an unpredictable military government right next door to your already unstable territory, is a bad combination. Even if the Nigerian Army isn’t interested in coup plotting, who is to say that insurgents and bandits, wouldn't be interested in same?

ECOWAS may have already taken account of these complications and many more which may be unknown to the general public, hence, ECOWAS' position in this matter, which is actually more complex than it looks. Is a quick military intervention by ECOWAS therefore, required in Niger to restore democracy, not just to stem the tide or ill-wind of military coups in West Africa, or so that things don’t spiral out of control? What will be the effect of war, on our own people who reside in close proximity to Niger, or to Nigerians as a whole?

Conclusion

Many believe that, Diplomacy is still the best option - the avoidance of any military outing, and the restoration of democracy. The Senate shares this view, and has rejected any military intervention by Nigeria. We however, hope it all works out, for the good of Nigeria. But, for sure, majority do not want to return to the military days, where our fundamental rights were non-existent.

“Sections 65 & 66 of the Constitution which provide for Qualification and Disqualification for Membership of the House of Representatives, has absolutely nothing to do with ability and capacity….. It is bad enough that Ministers are being screened without their portfolios, let alone some being allowed to waltz in and out of the Senate to share jokes and take a bow…..”

Extent of Court’s Power in Relation to Chieftaincy Declarations

Facts

The 1st to 4th Respondent instituted an action against the Appellant and the 5th to 7th Respondent, seeking inter alia, a declaration that the selection of the Appellant as the Elegboro-elect of Ijebu-Jesa is irregular and a violation of the customs and traditions of Ijebu-Jesa. They sought an order setting aside his selection, and an order directing a fresh process of selection to be made in accordance with the established tradition and customs.

The Appellant filed a notice of preliminary objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the trial court to entertain the suit, and the competence of the 1st – 4th Respondent to institute the suit. After considering the submissions of respective counsel, the trial court dismissed the preliminary objection. Aggrieved, the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal which affirmed the ruling of the trial court, and dismissed the Appellant’s appeal. The Appellant thus, filed a further appeal to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination

The Supreme Court considered the following issues submitted for determination by the Appellant:

1. Whether the 1st to 4th Respondent’s failure to wait for the outcome of their petition to the Governor and Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, does not constitute non-compliance with the conditions precedent stipulated in Sections 20 and 35 of the Chiefs Law of Osun State.

2. Whether the 1st – 4th Respondent’s claims before the trial court can be granted in the absence of the Oriade Local Government Authority, the appointing authority to the stool of Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa.

3. Whether the Court of Appeal was not wrong, when it held that the 1st – 4th Respondent disclosed sufficient locus to institute the action.

4. Whether on the strength of AJAKAIYE v IDEHA (1994) 8 NWLR (PT 364) 504 on the duty of a court not to usurp executive functions vis-à-vis chieftaincy declarations, the Court of Appeal was not wrong when it held that the trial court had jurisdiction over the 1st to 4th Respondent’s suit.

Arguments

On the 1st issue, counsel for the Appellant argued that the 1st to 4th Respondent did not exhaust the administrative remedy provided by the Chiefs Law, before approaching the Court for judicial intervention. He contended that they ought to have waited for the decision of the Governor and Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs on their petition, before instituting the action. He submitted that the Respondents’ failure to satisfy this condition before commencing an action, robbed the court of jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

Responding, counsel for the 1st to 4th Respondent argued that the 1st – 4th Respondent had sufficiently exhausted the administrative remedies laid down by the Chiefs Law, before instituting the action. He contended that they submitted a petition to the Governor complaining about the illegality in the procedure employed in selecting the Appellant, and having petitioned without getting any response, the only remedy available to them was to approach the court to litigate their grievance.

On the 2nd issue, counsel for the Appellant argued that since the case presented by the 1st to 4th Respondent bordered largely on the process leading to the appointment of the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesha by the Oriade Local Government Authority, the said Oriade Local Government Authority was a necessary party and ought to have been joined. He submitted that, the non-joinder rendered the action incompetent.

Conversely, counsel for the 1st to 4th Respondent argued that the action is not in any way incompetent, because of the mere non-inclusion of the Oriade Local Government Authority, as it was only a desirable party and not a necessary party.

On the 3rd issue, counsel for the Appellant argued that the 1st – 4th Respondent do not have the locus to institute the action, because they were pursuing the same for their personal benefits, rather than for the benefit of the ruling houses whom they were purporting to represent as permissible under the law.

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja

On Friday, the 31st day of March, 2023

Before Their Lordships

Olukayode Ariwoola

John Inyang Okoro Amina Adamu Augie Tijjani Abubakar

Emmanuel Akomaye Agim Justices, Supreme Court SC/CV/612/2021

Between PRINCE FEMI AGUNSOYE APPELLANT

(For himself and on behalf of the Agunsoye Ruling House of Ijebu-Jesa) And

1. PRINCE JOSEPH BABALOLA AROJOJOYE

(For himself and on behalf of the Nibayo/Laguna Ruling House of Ijebu-Jesa)

2. PRINCE ADEBUSOYE OLAJIDE ADEWUMI

(For himself and on behalf of the Nibayo/Laguna Ruling House of Ijebu-Jesa)

3. PRINCE (PROFESSOR) ABAYOMI ONI

(For himself and on behalf of the Ajigiteri Ruling House of Ijebu-Jesa)

4. PRINCE (AIR VICE MARSHAL) SAMUEL OLUWARANTI ABOSEDE

(For himself and on behalf of the Amolese Ruling House of Ijebu-Jesa)

5. OSUN STATE GOVERNMENT

6. THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF OSUN STATE

7. MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND CHIEFTAINCY MATTERS, OSUN STATE RESPONDENTS (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Tijjani Abubakar, JSC)

Counsel for the 1st – 4th Respondent argued contrarily, that the 1st – 4th Respondent have sufficient legal interest in seeking redress in court. He submitted that their locus standi had been established, as they asserted their

various rights to the chieftaincy stool in the statement of claim.

On the 4th issue, counsel for the Appellant argued that that the correlative effect of the pleadings and the reliefs sought by the 1st to 4th Respondent, is that the trial court was being called upon to usurp an administrative function and make a declaration on the stool of Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa. He contended that, the scope of the court’s jurisdiction does not extend to making declarations as to what the custom of people with regard to their chieftaincy stool, should be.

In response, counsel for the 1st to 4th Respondent argued that the 1st to 4th Respondent’s claim was not an invitation to the court to make a chieftaincy declaration for the stool of Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, but to affirm the process and procedure for picking a new Elegboro in the exercise of its unlimited jurisdiction as provided under Section 272(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

Court’s Judgement And Rationale

On the 1st issue, the Apex Court held that where the determination of the civil rights and obligations of a person is in issue, any law which imposes conditions inconsistent with the free and unrestrained exercise of that right is void to the extent of the inconsistency. The Court reiterated its decision in CAPTAIN E. C. C. AMADI v NNPC 920000 LPELR- 445 (SC) that, any statutory provision aimed at the protection of any class of persons from the exercise by the Court of its constitutional jurisdiction to determine the right of another citizen, is clearly inconsistent with the provisions of Section 6(b)(b) of the Constitution which vests courts with the powers to determine any question as to the civil rights and obligations of any person in Nigeria.

The Court held that there was no doubt that the 1st to 4th Respondent lodged their complaint to the appropriate authorities before filing the action, in compliance with the law. Since they had performed their own part, they were not bound to wait until when it pleased the Governor or Commissioner to respond. The omission by the said authorities to respond, could not in any way infringe on the 1st to 4th Respondent’s right to have access to court; neither could their inability to wait until the authorities were sufficiently pleased to respond, render their action incompetent.

Deciding the 2nd issue, the Court held that whether or not a person should be joined as a party to a suit, is a matter of distinction between what is desirable to do and what is necessary to do. The Court referred to the distinction it drew in PEENOK INVESTMENTS LTD v HOTEL PRESIDENTIAL LTD (1983) 4 NCLR 122. The Court held that although it was desirable to join Oriade Local Government Authority, its presence was not necessary for the proper determination of the dispute, since the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters was already a party in the suit. Furthermore, there was no claim against the Local Government, and the Local Government did not complain about its non-joinder. In the circumstance, Oriade Local Government Authority was at best, a desirable party, and not a necessary party.

On the 3rd issue, the Court held that for a person to have locus standi either to institute an action or prosecute an appeal, he has to show that he has special interest; that the interest is not vague or intangible, supposed or speculative, or that it is not an interest which he shares with other members of society. He must also show that such interest has been adversely affected by an act or omission, which he seeks to challenge. The Court referred to its decision in ENGINEER FRANK OKON DANIEL v INEC & ORS (2915) LPELR – 24566 (SC) PG. 47 PARA. A. The Court held that it was evident in the statement of claim that the 1st to 4th Respondent pleaded their special interest as aspirants selected by the various ruling houses for selection into the vacant stool of Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa. The 1st to 4th Respondent, having pleaded their interest which conferred them with the locus standi to institute the suit, cannot therefore, be denied access to court to ventilate their grievance.

On the 4th issue, the Court relying on its decision in OBA MAFIMISEBI & ANOR. v PRINCE MACAULAY EHUWA & ORS (2007) LPELR – 1812 (SC), held that indeed the court has no power to assume the functions of a chieftaincy committee as regards the making or amendment of customary law governing the selection and appointment of traditional chiefs; but, it is the business of the court to make a finding of what the customary law is, and apply the law for the purpose of the claims for declaration. The Court held that the reliefs sought by the 1st – 4th Respondent related to an invitation to examine whether the procedure allowed by the customs of the Ijebu-Jesa for the appointment of the new occupant to the stool was followed or not, as against an invitation for a Chieftaincy declaration as wrongly argued by the Appellant. The trial court could thus, validly exercise jurisdiction over the suit.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation

Chukwuma Maduka Esq. for the Appellant. M. A. Akinwunmi for the 1st to 4th Respondent. Nureni Okunola, AD MOJ for the 5th to 7th Respondent.

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

“…..the court has no power to assume the functions of a chieftaincy committee as regards the making or amendment of customary law governing the selection and appointment of traditional chiefs; but, it is the business of the court to make a finding of what the customary law is, and apply the law for the purpose of the claims for declaration.“

Honourable Tijjani Abubakar, JSC

Introduction

STEPHEN KOLA-BALOGUN

Whether we admit it or not, democracy appears to be on the wane in West Africa due to the fact that in recent years, various military junta have successfully toppled four elected governments over a period of three years. The 48 year old sub-regional bloc known as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is now under pressure to stop this trend, but this could prove not only tricky but dangerous. There have been successful military coups in Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Sudan and Niger from 2020 to date. Even last week Tuesday, the Police in Sierra Leone arrested several persons, including some senior military officers, in connection with a suspected coup plot. President Julius Bio, was himself a former coup leader, who was only re-elected for a second term in June this year. As is now usual, the coup plotters keep citing the harsh economic conditions of citizens in their respective countries, to justify these coups and their decision to seize power. Regardless, this latest development in Niger is an opportunity for ECOWAS to not only demonstrate its credentials in peacekeeping, but also in promoting regional stability, humanitarian support and peace building. President Bola Tinubu, who is currently the Chairman of the body, is under pressure from western leaders to rally other ECOWAS leaders into action, in opposing the Niger military junta. ECOWAS has threatened to use force to reinstate the deposed Niger President, Mohamed Bazoum, if the coup plotters refuse to accede to their demand to reinstate the deposed Nigeriene President within seven days. However their fellow coup plotters who now run the governments of Burkina Faso and Mali, have warned against the use of force to reinstate the ousted Nigeriene President, and have pledged their solidarity instead with the Niger coup plotters.

Niger is one of the largest countries in the Sahel, and plays a vital role in the fight against militia and jihadists in the region. Its fall under military rule could have significant implications in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the region, including for us here in Nigeria. What then are the legal and constitutional issues at stake ?

Deployment of troops under the 1999 Constitution.

Under Section 5(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President

(a) 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.

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, the President, in consultation with the National Defence Council, may deploy members of the armed forces 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.

Do the above provisions apply where Nigeria has an existing obligation under a Treaty, Charter or Convention ?

Chapter 1 Part 2 Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states that ;

1) No treaty between the Federation and any other country shall have the force of law except to the extent to which any such treaty has been enacted into law by the National Assembly.

The Niger Coup: What are the Challenges for President Tinubu and ECOWAS?

(2) The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with respect to matters not included in the Exclusive Legislative List for the purpose of implementing a treaty.

(3) A bill for an Act of the National Assembly passed pursuant to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section shall not be presented to the President for assent, and shall not be enacted unless it is ratified by a majority of all the Houses of Assembly in the Federation.

The initial ECOWAS treaty was signed by the Heads of States and Governments of the then 16 member States in 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria. With new developments and mandates for the Community, a revised treaty was signed in Cotonou, Benin Republic in July, 1993 by the Heads of States and Governments of the now 15 member States.

Under the said ECOWAS treaty, Nigeria is mandated to honour the charter signed on the 6th of July, 1993, to promote and protect democracy in member States. ECOWAS member States also adopted a Supplementary Protocol on democracy and good governance in 2001 as an instrument to promote peace and security in West Africa. This in effect means that this is NOT about Nigeria alone or indeed about President Tinubu and the National Assembly as many have erroneously been led to believe. Secondly Nigeria’s obligations to ECOWAS have already been ratified by a previous government and presumably sufficiently modified under Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution ( as amended).

It is important to note that, the ECOWAS principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member States included in its Charter, was in line with the sovereignty

of States in the international system. This principle, has been kept by ECOWAS to some extent, but the growing insecurity arising from internal conflicts in the West African regional belt motivated the adoption of The Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Observer Group ( ECOMOG). This, in essence, became the military arm of ECOWAS and acted as a mechanism for peace and security in the region. However, the level of conflicts seen in these States rendered peacekeeping operations inadequate, leading instead to the adoption of peace enforcement as a new mechanism for mitigating intractable conflicts in West Africa.

In the past ECOWAS has militarily intervened in:

1. Liberia in 1990

2. Sierra Leone in 1997

3. Guinea Bissau in 1999

4. Côte d’Ivoire in 2003

5. Liberia in 2003

6. Mali in 2013

7. The Gambia in 2017.

Although all the above interventions were successful and led to democracy being restored, Niger could prove to be a lot more complicated from a peacekeeping and military perspective, in that the size of Niger with its scattered population and land mass could make a military campaign both onerous and challenging.

East vs West Tensions

The trouble for Nigeria and ECOWAS, is that they both risk being labeled as puppets of the West. This stems from the fact that, many are of the view that the West are merely pushing them to attack Niger in the pursuit of its own interest. The French are being forced to withdraw from many of its former french colonial territories, and although the US and France despite evacuating their citizens from Niger and restricting aid to them, still have some semblance of military bases in Niger, they are not likely to be there for much longer in that their military equipment will in all likelihood be acquired by other Forces.

On the flip side the entire Sahel belt from Burkina Faso, Mali Chad, Niger to Sudan have Military junta in place. Sanctions are being imposed on many of them. They however, need military aid and equipment to survive in government and as such, have now reached out to the Russians. The Russians on their part sense an opportunity to fill the void left by the West. They are also interested in

the Uranium in Niger ( we have a bit here in Nigeria as well). The Russians will gladly give them arms just to get a foothold in this region. Uranium is used for nuclear enrichment and this is also attracting the Iranians who we know have already partnered with Russia in the war in Ukraine. The danger from our perspective is that once arms start pouring in , they could easily spill over into the reaches of insurgents such as Boko Haram and other militia. Some of these groups may even negotiate directly with military brokers and mercenaries such as the Wagner Group. In short the stability of Nigeria will be affected down the line even if not necessarily immediately. Some are concerned that if the Russians gain that foothold in our region which they missed out on in the past, they will kick start the new Scramble for the Partition of Africa. Both Nigeria and ECOWAS can therefore not afford to be complacent.

Conclusion Nigeria is the dominant political and economic power in West Africa. It borders Niger, and the two countries share a common language, Hausa, which is spoken by 80 million people in northern Nigeria and Niger. Since President Bola Tinubu came to power on 29th May, he has been heading ECOWAS. Indeed, his inaugural speech as the head of the regional organisation focused in particular, on the need to put an end to military coups in the region.

President Tinubu’s credibility, even from a domestic political view point, will depend on what he manages to do in wake of the coup in Niger. He has been under a great deal of pressure here at home, since the end of fuel subsidy and the two tier foreign exchange mechanism in the country in June. So far, the President has taken a very firm stance, against the coup leaders. Drastic economic sanctions have been put in place; but, if the junta in Niamey, the capital of Niger, call his bluff and he is forced to give up the military option, this would leave him with little or nothing to help redeem his image from a defensive point of view, especially after years of Boko Haram harassment under President Buhari. The West will equally feel disappointed from an international view point, and Russia and Iran may end up dealing directly with insurgents. This could pose a threat, to Nigeria’s territorial integrity. These are clearly not decisions for the President to muse over alone, and it’s advisable that he summons a meeting of the National Defence Council without further delay to discuss all the viable options, even though it must be emphasised that it is still essentially an ECOWAS matter.

“President Tinubu’s credibility, even from a domestic political view point, will depend on what he manages to do in wake of the coup in Niger. He has been under a great deal of pressure here at home, since the end of fuel subsidy and the two tier foreign exchange mechanism in the country in June”

ECOWAS Chairman, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Agenda for Incoming AGF

After a two-month wait, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu finally presented his Ministerial nominees, who are currently being screened by the Senate. From this list will emerge, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF). The consensus is that, at this critical time in the nation’s ‘Lego’ political history, only a thorough-bred Lawyer, well-grounded in law and the nuances of the rule of law and governance, can do justice to this portfolio. Though Ministries are yet to be attached, out of all the Lawyer Ministerial nominees, the one whom this cap seems to fit the most, is Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. What should be the focus of the new AGF, when he assumes office? How will he overcome the hitherto, less than pleasant perception of that office, and enhance its image? Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, Awa U. Kalu, SAN, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, and Oluwaseun Abimbola, SAN, all former Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice of their respective States, set an agenda and roadmap for the incoming AGF in this Discourse

The Attorney- General that Nigeria Needs Olawale Fapohunda, SAN

Appointment on Merit

Iam frequently asked the question, ‘What does it take to be a successful Attorney- General?’ I have been especially humbled by the recognition given to me by some of the newly appointed State Attorneys-General, who have asked for a template of what I did in Ekiti State. My response has always been that, the circumstances in each State is different. The ability of an AttorneyGeneral to succeed, is largely dependent on a number of factors. Not in the least important, is how he got the job in the first

place. An Attorney-General who was headhunted and persuaded to take up the job by a President/Governor is more likely to make progress and be respected, than one who either had to beg or lobby for the job. An Attorney-General who serves at the ‘mercy’ of the President/Governor is more likely to act in pursuit of a particular political agenda, rather than solely in accordance with the rule of law.

Respect for the Office Holder

The job is never going to be always easy going. It involves making oneself unpopular by telling the President/Governor that he cannot pursue certain policies and legislation, because they are incompatible with

the law. It is the relationships founded on respect and trust, that survive. A good healthy relationship with the President/Governor isn’t just good for the Attorney-General, it is good for the rule of law. It goes without saying that an appointee must have a second address, and should be able to walk away when respect takes flight. I am aware of at least two of my colleagues who walked away from the job, when disrespect by the appointing authority was being served as appetiser and the main dish.

Must have a Clear Agenda

An Attorney-General must come into office, with a clear agenda of what he wants to achieve. It helps to publish the agenda, and get approval from the appointing authority. It is very easy to be distracted by the ongoings in government. Without an agenda, it becomes difficult to achieve the level of focus that the office deserves. As a two- term State Attorney-General, and one that has been on the reform team of every Attorney-General of the Federation since 1999, I have observed at close range the necessity of not only having an agenda, but having an agenda

that responds to current realities in the justice sector. Those Federal and State Attorneys-General who have succeeded, are those who came into office with an activity plan. The responsibilities of the Ministry of Justice are broad in scope.

As Ekiti State Attorney-General, I organised the Justice Ministry’s wideranging responsibilities into five strategic goals which served as a guide through out my tenure. These were: (1) Uphold the Rule of Law (2) Keep Ekiti State Safe (3) Protect fundamental human rights, specifically the rights of the vulnerable (4) Actively support State Government’s efforts at removing obstacles to the ease of doing business (5) Provide leadership for the justice sector.

This plan also included the objectives and strategies the Ministry will pursue to advance each of these five overarching goals, as well as performance indicators to measure our progress.

Need for Reform Mentality

It is important to stress that, the role of the Attorney-General has changed over the years. The idea that the sole responsibility of an Attorney-General is to be the Chief Legal Adviser to Government, is no longer in vogue. Those Attorneys-General who

“An Attorney-General who comes into office without a reform mentality, will be swimming against expectations of citizens and justice sector stakeholders”

Ministerial Nominee, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN

Agenda for Incoming AGF

have adopted this narrow definition of their mandate, have, at the end of their tenure, struggled to identify key areas of achievement. At the Federal and State levels, the operative word is ‘reform’. An Attorney-General who comes into office without a reform mentality, will be swimming against expectations of citizens and justice sector stakeholders. Reform must be accelerated to keep up with the expectations of Nigerians and all communities, regardless of ethnic group, gender, money, social class or any other difference, particularly those of the poorest and most vulnerable communities.

A Justice Sector Reform Agenda

In setting an agenda for the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, it has to be emphasised that the state of the nation today, including the less than enviable citizens’ perception of our justice sector, makes the case for far-reaching interventions in the justice sector. Every aspect of the infrastructure of our justice system, requires fundamental rethinking. Our approaches to policing, adjudication, bail, sentencing, imprisonment needs change in significant ways. The Attorney-General of the Federation, cannot simply be the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Justice. He must in addition to overseeing State legal affairs, set the agenda for the justice sector. For clarity, a justice sector reform agenda will include facilitating immediate to long term reform measures in the Judiciary, Police, Correctional Services and Access to justice institutions (Legal Aid Council, National Human Rights Commission). The overall objective of justice sector reform is to build a justice system which is affordable, efficient, independent, transparent, professional and accountable to Nigerians, one that ensures the rule of law and the observance of human rights, and contributes to reclaiming the trust of Nigerians in the Justice system.

Priority Interventions for the AGF

Priority Interventions in the Judiciary will include, a review of judicial salaries and allowances, as well as supporting constitutional amendments that ensure that only matters of significance are heard in the Supreme Court. There are related matters of judicial appointments, and reinforcing the sanctity of our courts and its decisions. The Attorney-General must be interested in Police reform. The absence of credible and reliable data on the human, equipment and other resources available to the Police, is a concern that retards crime prevention and obstructs criminal prosecution. There is also a need for a holistic response to citizen’s concerns, about Police handling of complaints of Police abuse.

The State of our Correctional Centres, including incidents of frequent jailbreak, overcrowding and the conditions of service for correctional officers, must be of concern to any Attorney-General. No less important is the need to interrogate the appropriateness of the Correctional Services located in the Ministry of Interior, and not in the Ministry of Justice.

Finally, there is a need to take a closer look at our access to justice institutions (National Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria) and the Federal Ministry of Justice itself. The AttorneyGeneral should find out whether the level of endowment of these institutions is such that, individually and collectively, they can be said to be fulfilling their responsibilities to the people of Nigeria.

Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, Immediate Past Ekiti State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice

What Nigerians Ought to Expect from the Incoming AGF

Awa

U. Kalu, SAN

Preface: Judge Taslim Elias’ Advice I would love to preface this conversation by referring to an advice provided by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice who later translated to the office of Chief Justice of Nigeria, and much later, to the office of the President of the International Court of Justice at the Hague- that is, the late Honourable Judge Taslim Elias (formerly Dean of the Faculty of Law of the University of Lagos). He said:

"Never before in the long history of human thought has law had to face a more challenging situation, than that in contemporary Nigeria. The prevailing social and economic forces call for a type of Lawyer who is at once a social engineer and an analyst, a Pericles and a plumber, capable of apprehending the values of existing institutions and more, and yet ready to make a dynamic contribution to the maintenance of a proper balance between the claims of the State and that of the individual. Law and society should engage in a continuous dialogue both as to the choice of means, and as to the end in view. If Nigerian law can fulfil the role of stimulating economic growth

and social well being, elevate the diverse ethnic groups and become a common law for the country under which no man is oppressed, it will have made an important contribution in the world of ideas for the cause of human betterment".

When Honourable Judge Taslim Elias fingered the need to maintain a proper balance between the claims of the State and that of the individual, he did not envision that more than fifty years after his prescription, the unending antagonism between the claims of the State and those of the individual would remain unabating. He could not also have envisaged that several State legislatures would continue the everlasting debate with regard to the utility of capital punishment, in connection with serious offences such as murder and treason, but extending it to kidnapping for ransom and heinous sexual offences. Our highly regarded jurist, Dr Taslim Elias may also not have foreseen that a segment of Lawyers may face intimidation and hatred, for accepting to defend individuals or corporate organisations charged with corruption related offences. Who would have foreseen that the question, “whether or not bail should be granted in circumstances made clear by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act or Law as the case may be, would become interminable and probably at large?” Even Nostradamus could not foresee some of the intractable Legal and Constitutional issues, which now overshadow good sense as well as the Law. Who would have thought that after the Electoral Mathematics that featured in Awolowo v Shagari in 1979, our electoral process and adjudication would become a land mine of some sort - a magicians’ island? Who also would have foreseen that the powerful Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as well as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, would soon after election be languishing in custody of State apparatus? Similarly, was it reasonably foreseeable that officers of the DSS as well as the Correctional Service, would openly fight for the safe custody of a high Government official.? Who would, who would and who would...? There are endless questions, as well as convoluted answers.

Following the advice of the late

Judge Taslim Elias, it is not difficult to express the view that one of the reasons for establishing the office of the AGF as well as for the different States, is to make it easy to separate the demands of the State from the demands of the individual. It is very well known that this country has had an Attorney-General at the centre, as well as in the federating units since independence in 1960 and even earlier. To that extent, the present Constitution, that is, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, recognises the Office of the Attorney-General and indeed, creates the Office of Attorney-General of the Federation who is also the Chief Law Officer of the Federation and Minister of the Government of the Federation. Similarly, the Constitution provides that there shall be for each State an Attorney-General, who shall be a Commissioner in the Government of that State. The Supreme Court in the case of Attorney-General of the Federation v ANPP, provides clarification for the nature of the office of the Attorney-General. In that case, the Apex Court held that:

"Section 150(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 creates the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and a Minister of the Government of the Federation. The Attorney-General is the only Minister specifically created in the Constitution, as Section 147(1) of the Constitution merely ominously creates the office of the Ministers of the Government of the Federation. In view of the fact that the office is created in the Constitution, and unless and until the office is abrogated, it will continue in perpetuity".

The Court further held that "Any suit by or against the Attorney-General, will in law, be absorbed by the office, which never dies unless the Constitution abrogated it".

Since this is not a full length article, it may serve our present purpose to note that the office of the Attorney-General is created for States under Section 195 of the extant Constitution, and the power of the Attorney-General of a State is similar to the powers of the Attorney-General of the Federation as stated in Section 174 of the said Constitution. The section provides as follows:

"174(1) The Attorney-General of the Federation shall have power-

"Anyone appointed to that office, expectedly, must be brilliant and of great intellect, incorruptible, purposeful, graceful and insightful"

Olawale Fapohunda, SAN

Agenda for Incoming AGF

Cont'd from page VII

a) To institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any Court of law in Nigeria, other than a Court-Martial, in respect of any offence created by or under any Act of the National Assembly;

b) To take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by any other authority or person; and

c) To discontinue at any stage before judgement is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by him or any other authority or person.

(2) The powers conferred upon the Attorney-General of the Federation under subsection (1) of this section may be exercised by him in person or through officers of his department.

(3) In exercising his powers under this section, the Attorney-General of the Federation shall have regard to the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process".

The provision of the Constitution which has been reproduced above, puts it beyond dispute that the role of the Attorney-General goes beyond the initiation of criminal proceedings. He may, in addition, take over and continue any of such criminal proceedings initiated by some other person or authority. Finally, he can discontinue proceedings initiated by himself, or any other persons or authority.

Attributes of a Good AGF

Having regard to the foregoing, there can be no doubt that the office of the Attorney-General is not only of great antiquity, but of inestimable value to the stability of the Republic, and whoever sits on that throne must be mindful of the great expectations of the general public.

Anyone appointed to that office, expectedly, must be brilliant and of great intellect, incorruptible, purposeful, graceful and insightful. Nigeria is at crossroads and it is only a gentle mind that will discern, “which way Nigeria?”

advice to the Government and its organs, no matter how unpalatable is very important.

and taxation issues.

4. Prison congestion continues to be a very worrisome, across all Correctional Centres. The AGF must therefore, address issues of delay in trials and overcrowding of Correctional Centres, with the collaboration of the NBA and State Governments and the Ministry of the Interior. State Governments should be encouraged to build new Correctional Centres, now that correctional services have been included on the concurrent legislative list.

provide are often not fully appreciated, but they are very crucial to the survival of any Government. The AGF must learn how to properly articulate and project this staff value to the right quarters within Government, to ensure welfare is enhanced and protected.

Awa

U.

Kalu,

SAN, FNIALS, former Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice

New AGF Must Focus on Justice Sector Reforms, Innovation and Speedy Dispensation of Justice

Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, FCArb

As Chief Law officer of the Federation, the Attorney- General is expected to ensure stability, Law and Order and the public’s confidence in the justice system, in particular the criminal justice system.

A Huge Agenda for the Incoming AGF

The agenda of the incoming AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF), is a very huge one. As we know, the office is dual, being the Attorney-General (mainly to prosecute or discontinue prosecution) and Minister of Justice which essentially deals with access to justice issues, rule of law, and seamless and transparent administration of justice generally. We must also not fail to mention policy issues on justice reform and innovation, especially on how justice is dispensed swiftly and transparently. Lastly, timely and qualitative unbiased

1. One of the first focus issues, is to strengthen the AGF’s prosecutorial powers. From what we can see in recent times, a lot of those powers are being eroded by specialised agencies, who sometime pursue a separate agenda different from that of the AGF. The office of the Attorney-General is the constitutional warehouse for all Government prosecution except delegated by instrument, and even in delegation there must be proper supervision. Once this anomaly is addressed frontally, then issues of premature prosecution, shoddy prosecution, selective prosecution, incompetent prosecution compromised prosecution, and questionable plea deals amongst other things will be reduced, if not eliminated. This is also going to require reformation of the criminal justice institutions under the office of the AGF, to bring them in synergy with his vision for rule of law and compliance with judicial pronouncements and orders.

2. Proper Perception of the office is key, and a strong agenda point must be to improve the international perception of Nigeria in upholding the rule of law and regards to People’s and human rights. In other words, the office must improve its image to reflect the duties of a people-centric public defender, whenever necessary.

3. The AGF should focus on reenergising the Body of AttorneyGenerals, to ensure synergy and better collaboration with State Attorney-Generals in achieving compliance with rule of law, and to resolve inter-State disputes and Federal Government and State disputes especially on Revenue sharing

5.The next key item would be the Judiciary, and some related agencies. The Judiciary is the main mirror with which the citizens assess the actual effect of a good justice system. A compromised, nepotistic, poorly motivated, poorly paid, badly funded, State-intimidated, badly trained Judiciary will always rub off negatively on the Executive and the Federal Government, and blame will also be levied on the AGF. This Agenda must involve proper interconnectivity with the Judiciary, not to compromise or intimidate it, but to understand its unique problems and how to solve them swiftly. Disputes will always arise between Government and citizens, Government and Government, citizens and citizens etc, and the Judiciary will be called upon to adjudicate on these disputes, and it must do so fairly, but firmly with the support of the AGF’s office without outside interference. The office of the AGF must never be perceived as an enemy, competitor, or adversary of the Judiciary, instead it must be clearly seen as a handmaiden of justice. In this regard, the AGF-Judiciary liaison function with the Ministry must be overhauled and strengthened, to eliminate any gaps.

6. Another key agenda point must be the motivation, training, and welfare of the AGF’s inner team and Federal Ministry of Justice staff, who will work with the AGF and serve as his incubator and executor of his policies and ministerial objectives with minimal interference from other arms of Government. A badly motivated work force, is a potentially destructive workforce that can easily truncate even the best thought out agenda. In this regard, the incoming AGF must fight for his staff and at every opportunity, so they can fight for him. Resources are scarce and the intangible service that Lawyers, and support workers

7. The next item will be technology. There is no gainsaying that Technology is upon us, and every single function of office AGF needs to be reformatted with technology in mind, to provide more efficient service to the public. Access to justice means the ability of the public to interface with the instruments of justice in an efficient, fast, and transparent manner devoid of undue interference. This obviously means that the AGF must work closely with the Judiciary, at least at the Federal level, to completely and effectively automate the Court system which I know is ongoing, but is nowhere near global best practice. The office of the AGF must also embrace a modern document management system through digitisation of all legal documents, if not already in place. Finally, forensics must be fully deployed to improve the certainty of criminal prosecution and adjudication.

8. Nigeria is an important member of the international community, so the incoming AGF must ensure full compliance with the terms of treaties, conventions, bilateral agreements, and international regulations; enforce compliance and facilitate the operationalisation of these agreements beyond ratification and domestication.

9. In terms of day-to-day governance, the office of the AGF is supposed to play a critical role in saving money for Government through enforcement of Government contracts against Contractors who collect advance payments and refuse to execute for various reasons, including vested interest. The AGF must obtain a clear mandate working seamlessly with all MDA’S to pursue and prosecute to conclusion recalcitrant and fraudulent contractors and save Government money, especially in these tough economic times. Clear and universal policy trigger guidelines for contracts going-bad, must be established by the AGF with accompanying proper fast- track prosecution practice and procedural guidelines.

10. A full agenda can never be fully exhausted in this write up, but one of the greatest challenges for an AGF will always be how to sufficiently insulate

"In setting an agenda for the Attorney-General of the Federation, it has to be emphasised that the state of the nation today, including the less than enviable citizens’ perception of our justice sector, makes the case for farreaching interventions in the justice sector"

Awa U. Kalu, SAN

Agenda for Incoming AGF

Cont'd from page VIII

his office from undue external influence, and balance Government or personal interest with the constitutional obligation to protect the human rights of the citizens, no matter whose ox is gored, including the Government he represents. What this means is that the AGF, as a key member of the Executive must be able to build the political will and confidence, to sometimes tell the Executive unequivocally when it is wrong, and take steps to correct those wrongs where they occur. Also, Counsel from the Federal Ministry of Justice working in MDA’s must never work in silos; there must be regular co-ordination to ensure the AGF’s office works as one single effective unit devoid of uncertainty and discord.

In summation, the incoming AGF must be discerning, bold, urbane, fearless, and practically spotless, so that he or she can project and carry that very important office with the independence, panache, and weight that the office truly deserves.

Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, FCArb, former Lagos State Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice

Nomination of Prince L.O. Fagbemi, SAN as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice

Oluwaseun Abimbola, SAN

I believe the preponderance of members of the Bar familiar with the personality of Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, would welcome his nomination as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and indeed, look forward to his appointment as the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation.

Prince Fagbemi is a thorough bred and well rounded peg in a round hole. The Office of the AGF demands a thorough advocate, a versatile and quick mind, a business savvy professional with diverse skills, and familiar with the existing and developing legal issues on the Nigerian economy and her international obligations. Prince Fagbemi comes with such depth, and diversity of knowledge and skill. I know him as a straight shooter, yet diplomatic. We saw perhaps, a side of his straight shooting at the Senate hearing, yet, he is not arbitrary in thought and actions. I have known him most of my professional life and I believe he has a huge goodwill at the Bar and the respect of the Bench, to push through much needed reforms and policies that will aid the restoration of our justice sector.

Prince Fagbemi has led me as Lead Counsel and many others in various cases, and I am familiar with his immense capacity for work, presence of mind on the job, and his excellent character for such an office. In this season in the life of our nation, as he assumes office as HAGF, all eyes are on him to walk the talk and rise to the accolades he commands. He may have to take some tough decisions, if we must restore respect for constitutionality and the rule of law, as an anchor of our democratic experience. This principle must be respected by all institutions of State, no matter their temptations or excuses not to. Our law enforcement agencies cannot

claim to be enforcing the law, while they are breaking it. They are breeding unconscious lawlessness in their rank and file, and by extension, the citizenry, by so doing. If government agencies disrespect the law and our Constitution, what right or justification have they to hold any citizen accountable to law and order? This is why so much indiscipline exists in many of our agencies among their officers, disregarding protocols and our laws, etc.

For the Incoming AGF’s Attention

We need to change this seeming innate culture, in Nigerian law enforcement bodies. The recent show of shame at the Lagos Federal High Court between the DSS and Correctional services, the wearing of masks by DSS for operations, the issuance of arm chair directives and threat of sanctions by Government without requisite legislative backing, etc, are all relics of the militarisation of our society in the past, yet the hangover is being carried into our democracy. These are practices of our institutions that do not put Government and its agencies in good light.

How can any agency of State engaging with the civilian populace cover their faces with masks, carry no name tags on their apparel, while wielding weapons? Under what law can they do that? None. If they adopt such practice in their protocols, do their protocols supersede our laws? No. Are they not bound by the Constitution anymore? While on missions against insurgents or in a war zone they may claim justification to mask up, but not while engaging with citizens and civilians. What If they accidentally

discharge live bullets that injure or kill civilians, or cause mayhem, which we have seen before, are we saying they are unaccountable in such situations? Have law enforcement officers become such uncontrolled beings under our laws? This must stop, and the AGF nay need to rein in such agencies, working with their superior officers in command.

Again, we need to restore confidence of the people in our Government, institutions, systems and its processes. Our justice sector, needs urgent revamping and sharpening. We have had cosmetic constitutional amendments affecting the sector, but these have little or no impact, nor assure the efficiency of the judicial system and processes to eliminate delays in the system, assure a credible output, and assert judicial independence. A reform of the system, policies and procedural rules, review of judicial appointment processes, operational protocols, improved welfare and training of Judges, etc, are all a combination of issues needing urgent attention.

Furthermore, it is high time judicial function is left for Judges and court administration, professionalised as a separate function. Heads of court are unduly exposed, when along with their judicial functions and administration of justice, they are additionally tasked with court administration which entails budgeting, procurement, implementation of projects, etc, which exposes them to executive influence and interference that may inhibit judicial functions. In other jurisdictions, Judges are insulated from such commercial procurement responsibilities, by domiciling court administration in a separate agency of the Judiciary, not chaired by the Chief Judge or Head of court. These are reforms we must dare to implement, if we must insulate and defend the independence of the Judiciary.

There are many threats to judicial independence, from forces outside the Judiciary itself. It however, becomes self-inflicted in instances like the recent report that AMCON sponsored a recent training trip for some judicial officers, a practice EFCC and others have done in time past, with associated logistics support. This may not give an appearance of judicial independence. If AMCON or any other specialised agency wishes to train Judges, it should be midwifed and

run by the National Judicial Institute, and the agency just acts as facilitators/resource persons. We do not want any suggestion brewing in the mind of the reasonable man, of the agency (AMCON) paying the piper to dictate the tune. It infringes on the independence of the Judiciary, especially in the mind of a reasonable man having an action in your court against AMCON. Justice, we say must not only be done, but be seen to have been manifestly done. In a situation as described, can a Claimant or Defendant against AMCON whose judicial adjudicator is taken on a sponsored trip by a party, have confidence in the adjudicator sponsored on such trip?

No doubt, the incoming AGF has a full plate before him considering the myriad of issues concerning the justice sector, and affecting the nation. It is yet early days in the current administration as the cabinet takes shape. We are confident the nominee, Prince Fagbemi can effectively occupy that justice space with significant positive impact. There is a lot to be done across multiple sectors to rewrite a new image for Government business processes, and re-establish in our consciousness respect by our Government structures and citizens for constitutionality. Institutions must work regardless of who occupies them at any given time. Nigeria and Nigerians need to learn that we have no alternative to the rule of law if we must rebuild our society, respect constituted authorities, and maintain a decent and responsible citizens participation in the democratic process. All these start with, the State and Government examples. Police should not drive against traffic, disregard traffic regulations, and the new IGP too has issued some reassuring directives on some of this. We hope members will ensure compliance.

The AGF has many roles with respect to the Bar and its various bodies involved in legal training, regulation, privileges, etc, and it would be refreshing to see a continuing collaboration between these agencies and the NBA, to ensure the legal profession is held to the highest standards required of practitioners of the noble profession.

It is my prayer and expectation that the incoming AGF will be able to turn things around in the profession and the justice sector, working in collaboration with the Judiciary. We all wish him well, and the very best of success.

“A compromised, nepotistic, poorly motivated, poorly paid, badly funded, State-intimidated, badly trained Judiciary will always rub off negatively on the Executive and the Federal Government, and blame will also be levied on the AGF. This Agenda must involve proper interconnectivity with the Judiciary….”

Oluwaseun Abimbola, SAN, former Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice

Adeniji Kazeem, SAN

Oluwaseun Abimbola, SAN

Disputes Between States and the Federation: Examining the Supreme Court’s Jurisdiction (Part 3)

Introduction

In our last discourse on this series, we delved deeper into the constitution of the Supreme Court with regard to its membership, and how it affects its jurisdiction. We also xrayed how the subject- matter of a case determines a court's jurisdiction, and the conditions precedent to assumption of jurisdiction by a court. Today, we shall continue and conclude on the Apex Court’s power of jurisdiction and thereafter, take a look at the definition of a federation; The Federation” Vs “Federal Government of Nigeria”: The Link and the Principles for the Invocation of the Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Please read on. “Dispute” for the Purpose of Invoking the Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court (Continues)

In AG OF THE FEDERATION v AG OF ABIA STATE & 35 ORS, (2001) 11 N.W.L.R. Pt. 725 Pg. 689 at 737 the word ‘dispute’ was defined by my Lord S.M.A. Belgore, CJN, as follows: “To my mind, a dispute involves acts of argument, controversy, debate, claims as to rights, whether in law or fact, varying opinions, whether passive or violent, or any disagreement that can lead to public anxiety or disquiet. I will not close the category of disputes.” Suit No. S.C. 27/2010: (2011) 8 N.W.L.R. (Pt. 1248) 31 at 166-167. A dispute is a conflict of claims or rights or demands on one side, met by contrary allegations on the other side.

In A.G ABIA v A.G FEDERATION Suit No. SC. 73/2006: (2007) 6 N.W.L.R. Pt.1029 Pg. 200 at 219-220, Tabai, JSC held thus: “With respect to the construction given to the word “dispute”, the opinion of the Court (per Belgore, J.S.C. as he then was) is quite apposite in determining the issue of this Court’s jurisdiction in this case. On page 701 he said of “dispute” thus: ‘…A dispute is a dispute, whether apparent or lingering. It is remarkable that in the counter-claims to the suit, some States have admitted there is a dispute. This Court, in Attorney-General of Bendel State v AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (1981) 10 S.C. 1; (1982) 3 N.C.L.R. 1; Attorney-General of the Federation v Attorney-General of Imo State, (1983) 4 N.C.L.R. 178 set out clearly what is a dispute, to the extent of using authoritative English dictionary. To my mind, a dispute involves acts of arguments, controversy, debate, and claims as to rights whether in law or fact, varying opinions, whether passive or violent, or any disagreement that can lead to public anxiety or disquiet.”

The same Belgore, J.S.C. (as he then was) had earlier in A.G OF THE FEDERATION v A.G OF ABIA STATE, & 35 ORS (Supra) held, inter alia, that the term dispute as used in Section 232(1) of the 1999 Constitution “… Involves acts of arguments, controversy, debate, claims as to rights whether in law or fact, varying opinions, whether passive or violent, or any disagreement that can lead to public anxiety or disquiet.”

In his view, C.J.N. (Rtd) in the case of ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION v ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF ABIA STATE & 35 Ors Ibid, at pp 728-729, adumbrated as follows:

“What constitutes a dispute under Section 212 subsection (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1979, which has exactly the same provisions as Section 232 subsection (1) in question had been considered by this Court, in the cases of ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF BENDEL STATE v ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE FEDERA-

TION & 22 ORS, (1982) 3 N.C.L.R. 1, and A.G OF THE FEDERATION v A.-G OF IMO STATE & 2 ORS. (1983) 1 S.C.N.L.R. 239; (1983) 4 N.C.L.R.178. In ATTORNEYGENERAL OF BENDEL STATE’S case, Bello, JSC (as he then was), stated as follows on pp. 48 to 49 thereof:- “To invoke the original jurisdiction of this Court, there must be a dispute as so qualified between the Federation and a State or between States. The issue of jurisdiction was contested on three grounds Firstly, there is no dispute which affected the interest of the Federation and Bendel State between the Plaintiff (Bendel State) and the Federation. Secondly, I think the first point may be easily disposed of from the definition of the word “dispute, The Oxford Universal Dictionary defines it as ‘the act of arguing against, controversy, debate, contention as to rights, claims and the like or on a matter of opinion… I also held as follows on Pg. 320 thereof. It is a well-established principle of the interpretation of the Constitution, that the words of a Constitution are not to be read with stultifying narrowness- UNITED STATES v CLASSIC, 313 U.S. 299, and NAFIA RABIU v KANO STATE (1980) 8-11 S.C. 130 at pp. 148-149. The word ‘dispute in Section 212(1) should therefore, be given such meaning that will effectuate rather than defeat the purpose of that section on the Constitution. Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary, 2nd Edition, provides that “dispute is synonymous

with controversy, quarrel, argument, disagreement and contention.”

Disputes Between States and the Federation: The Legal Position Section 232 (1) of the Constitution confers exclusive jurisdiction on the Supreme Court, to adjudicate on disputes between States and the Federation. In order to appreciate this provision, it is expedient to examine what a Federation means.

“Federation”- Meaning

In A.G LAGOS STATE v AG FEDERATION & ORS (2014) LPELR-22701(SC) Page 129-130, Paras A-A per KUDIRAT MOTONMORI OLATOKUNBO

KEKERE-EKUN, JSC on the definition of “Federation”, held thus:

“Section 318 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) defines "Federation" as follows: "Federation means the Federal Republic of Nigeria." In A.G. Kano State v A.G. Federation (Supra) this Court per Mahmud Mohammed, JSC, relying on the definition of "Federation" within the meaning of Section 232 of the 1999 Constitution, which bears the same meaning in Section 212 of the 1979 Constitution, differentiated between Federation (or the Federal Republic of Nigeria) and the Federal Government thus: Section 212 of the 1979 Constitution under which the word "Federation" was defined, is in pari materia with the provisions of Section 232 of the 1999 Constitution now under consideration. I therefore, respectfully adopt the definition of the word "Federation" in Section 232 of the 1999 Constitution, as bearing the same meaning as the 'Federal Republic of Nigeria.' By this meaning...all the complaints of the Plaintiff in its statement of claim in the present case must be viewed as being against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in order to bring the case within the purview of Section

232 of the Constitution. In other words, any complaint against the Government of the Federation, or any person who exercises power or authority on its behalf like the Inspector General of Police as asserted by the learned senior counsel for the Plaintiff in his address before this Court, is completely outside the original jurisdiction of this Court”.

“The Federation” v “Federal Government of Nigeria”: The Link

For a better understanding of the meaning of the word “Federation”, the Supreme Court, per EMMANUEL AKOMAYE AGIM, JSC, only recently emphasised the distinction between the “Federal Government of Nigeria” and the “Federation” in A.G OF KADUNA STATE & ORS v A.G OF THE FEDERATION & ORS (2023) LPELR-59936(SC); at Pp 22 - 24 Paras F - C., thus:

“So much heavy weather is made about the distinction between the Federation, and the Government of Nigeria that exercises its executive powers. That distinction, no doubt, has a constitutional basis. But, since the Government of the Federation exercises the executive powers of the Federation, there is, legally and practically speaking, hardly a dividing line between the acts of the Government of the Federation and the acts of the Federation. The distinction does not exist to the extent of turning the Government of the Federation, into a sovereign that can act without regard to the Federation. The Government of the Federation is not sovereign. It is a creation of the Constitution, for the purpose of exercising the executive powers of the Federation. The Federation is inherently the sovereign and its sovereignty is further established by S.2(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution which provides that- (1) Nigeria shall be one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign State to be known by the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (2) Nigeria shall be a Federation consisting of States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The sovereignty enjoyed by the Federation is owned by several individual persons constituting the people of the Federation of Nigeria, who own the lands that together form the territory of Nigeria. S. 14(2) of the 1999 Constitution acknowledges this ownership by declaring that- (a) Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority. (b) The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the government, and (c) The participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution”.

The implication of the above decisions is that, for the Supreme Court to assume jurisdiction, it must be a dispute between the Federation and a State, or between States.

Principles for the Invocation of the Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court

Many actions between States and the Federation have failed, as a result of the failure to appreciate the thin line that grounds the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court laid this confusion to rest in the case of ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF ANAMBRA STATE v ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION (2007) LPELR-24343(SC) where per WALTER SAMUEL NKANU ONNOGHEN, JSC, held at pages 95 – 97, Paras F - C), that:

“The Constitution is very clear, on when the Supreme Court will invoke its original jurisdiction on a matter. Section 232 of the 1999 Constitution provides: "232(1) the Supreme Court shall, to the exclusion of any other court, have original jurisdiction in any dispute between the Federation and a State or between States, if, and in so far as that dispute involves any question (whether of law or fact) on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends”. (To be continued)

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“Presidents come and go, but the Supreme Court goes on forever”. (William Howard Taft)

“Many actions between States and the Federation have failed, as a result of the failure to appreciate the thin line that grounds the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court”

Amid Demand for Tariffs Hike, Discos Raked in N247bn in Q1

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Numbers released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has revealed that Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) in Nigeria earned N247.09 billion in the first three months of 2023, representing a collection efficiency of 68.75 per cent.

Analysis of the latest NERC report covering the period indicated, however, that the N247 billion collected by the power distributors was from the total billing of N359.38

billion for Q1, 2023.

This represents a deficit revenue collection of N112.29 billion for the period under consideration.

The report is coming as the operators’ call for an upward tariff review is continuing, although the federal government has temporarily put the move on hold.

The planned electricity tariff hike had been accompanied by a groundswell of opposition from Nigerians, who insisted that the hike was unjustifiable, following the persistent poor

service from the Discos.

The NERC report also showed that total energy received by all Discos in 2023/Q1 was 7,495.49GWh while the energy billed to end-use customers was 5,844.21GWh, translating into an average billing efficiency of 77.97 per cent and representing an increase of 1.81 per cent, relative to the 76.16 per cent recorded in 2022/Q4.

“The total revenue collected by all Discos in 2023/Q1 was N247.09 billion out of N359.38 billion billed

to customers. This corresponds to a collection efficiency of 68.75 per cent which represents a decline of 4.58 per cent when compared to 2022/Q4 of 73.33 per cent,” NERC said.

According to the industry regulator, this would mark the first time in the last five quarters where Discos cumulatively recorded a reduction in their quarter-on-quarter collection efficiency.

Relative to 2022/Q4, the improvement recorded in the total billing by N27.10 billion (8.15 per

cent), it said, did not correspond with the improvement recorded in total collections.

Noting that this resulted in the decline in collection efficiency recorded in the quarter, NERC urged the Discos to employ technologies and operational procedures that will increase both billing and collection performances to forestall long-term financial challenges.

Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people still relies on just about 4,000mw supply on a daily basis, even though installed capacity

is about 12,000mw.

The inability to successfully take the 8,000mw to Nigerian homes and businesses has been blamed on bottlenecks associated with transmission and distribution. Although there’s a deal with Siemens of Germany to debottleneck the sector, progress has been extremely slow while timelines have been missed by the parties involved.

FG

Targets 60,000

Farmers with Agricultural Transformation Support Scheme

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has announced plans to reach over 60,000 farmers with highly subsidised inputs to boost food production in the country as part of the implementation of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase One (ATASP-1) for the actualisation of the present administration’s resolve to attain food and nutrition security.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, who was represented by the Director, Projects Coordination Unit Department (PCU), Mr. Bukar Musa, explained that ATASP-1 would also help to attract private sector investment, reduce post-harvest losses, as well as add value to local agriculture produce. He said the ministry via the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agropocket (NAGS-AP) has commenced the distribution

of subsidized farm inputs to smallholder farmers across the North Western States.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of NAGS-AP in Kano State, Umakhihe said that the event was very important for the ministry as it would help to boost agricultural production and guarantee access to quality agricultural inputs such as fertilizer, seeds, pesticides whose distribution.

He noted that the federal government is committed to paying 80 per cent of the total cost

of the input package while each participating farmer is expected to pay the 20 per cent balance for the redemption of his/her inputs at the redemption centre.

Umakhihe added that “in order to increase the level of transparency, accountability and efficiency in the input delivery process, the federal government this year approved the introduction and use of ICT platform for delivery of the inputs to farmers, making this year’s program a very notable one.”

He revealed that farmers had been interfaced with and helpline staff who will man the platform had also been sufficiently trained and supervisors of the inputs delivery activities at the redemption centers had also been appointed and engaged.

He added that, “The ICT platform, known as the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS & AP), will therefore be used by the government for the delivery of the inputs to farmers in this exercise and in the future.”

He, therefore, urged the benefitting farmers to ensure full utilisation of the inputs in their various farms in order to increase their farm output which will translate into increased farm income and encourage all the players to resist any temptation of inputs round-tripping, as anyone caught doing so will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the law.

FBN Holdings Shareholders Protest Court Order Suspending AGM, Plan to Raise Fresh Capital

Contempt proceedings: Court orders substituted service on FBN MD, Okonkwo, Chairman

Kayode Tokede and Wale Igbintade

Some shareholders of FBN Holding Plc (FBNH) yesterday protested against a court order suspending the 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the financial institution and management proposed plan to raise fresh capital and appoint new directors.

Displaying placards with inscriptions such as “Oba Otudeko, First Bank is not your property,’ Otudeko, First Bank is Greater than you,’ the protesters were seen chanting solidarity songs.

The shareholders, in the protest that took place at the Head office of FBNH at Marina, Lagos, decried the move by some individuals to use court to stop the AGM, noting that AGMs are statutory meeting which cannot be stopped from holding.

The management of FBN Holdings seeks to increased its issued share capital from N17.95 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to N22.43 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each and also seek shareholders’ approval to raise fresh by means of right issue.

The lender is also seeking shareholder approval to raise funds via the creation of 8.974 billion ordinary shares at 50 kobo each.

However, a petition by Olusegun Samuel Onagoruwa upon which the order was obtained in suit No: FHC/L/CP/1271/2022, seen by THISDAY and addressed to Nnamdi Okonkwo, FBN Holdings

Chairman stated, “Take notice that unless you obey the directives in the Judicial Order contained in the Order made on the 15th July, 2022, by the Federal High Court, Lagos, by refraining from proceeding with the 11th Annual General Meeting of FBN Holdings Limited proposed for 15th August 2023 from seeking approval to issue or raise share capital in any manner whatsoever, from appointing or confirming the appointment of new directors, or in any other manner taking any step towards implementing, actualising enforcing resolution of the 10th Annual General Meeting of FBN Holdings Plc held on 20th June 2022, or in any other manner overreaching, disobeying or undermining the said Order of court, you will be guilty of Contempt of Court and you will be liable to be committed to prison and to there imprisoned.”

The Chairman of Trusted Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Mukhtar Mukhtar, while speaking on behalf of other minority shareholders noted that shareholders were not happy that some individuals were trying to hold the financial institution to ransom.

He alleged that there were strong indications that the plot to stop the AGM was from the former Chairman of FBNH, Oba Otudeko, adding that the resolutions to raise more capital for the bank and to appoint directors into the board was met with stiff disapproval as the resolutions would cut the

control the former chairman has on the bank.

They therefore want the AGM to proceed and all resolutions should be considered

“We are here to register our displeasure, our discontent, our disapproval and rejection of the attempt by some shareholders to prevent the AGM of FBN from holding and thereby preventing some resolutions from be passed. We want the AGM to proceed and the resolutions passed.

“There are strong suspicion and strong allegations, that Oba Otudeko is oiling the crisis and oiling people to approach the court. And then they want First Bank not to consider raising more capital like some of the banks are doing. And also not to appoint some directors into the board of the bank

“I think this is very improper. It is not right that some people who have benefited from the political economy of this country, are the ones holding this institution to ransom.”

Speaking further, he said: “So I think those people that have gone to court in order to stop the AGM from holding know that it is illegal. They know that we have precedence’s, whereby Annual General Meetings are statutory meetings, nobody can stop it. Nobody can stop any activity from holding.

“We have instances from the past whereby some aggrieved individuals or parties or

shareholders approached the court in order to stop the conduct of the AGM. But the judges told them that this is a statutory meeting, they cannot stop.

“They are trying to prevent the bank from holding AGM and considering some resolutions, which is to raise more capital for the banking business. You can agree with me that banking business is about capital. If there is no capital, business will collapse. And for the banking industry, capital is very, very important,” Muktar said.

While noting that several petitions had been written to regulatory bodies, the shareholders, therefore, called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other regulatory bodies to take actions and look into the crisis.

“We will continue to protest. We have written petitions to the regulators and we will continue to write more petitions,” Muktar said.

“The regulators should come in. They cannot continue in their complacent behaviour in the face of abuses. They must ignite some certain regulatory powers, they can suspend the shares of those people who attempt to hold this bank to ransom.

“We cannot allow this bank to die therefore, the regulatory authorities must act now because they just cannot be quiet.”

While noting that FBNH has an important, systemic function in the economy of Nigeria as one of the few banks that stabilise most

NGEP: FG Receives 2023 Mid-year Report, Pledges Implementation

The federal government has received the mid-year, January to May, 2023 report of the activities of the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP), with a pledge to ensure implementation.

The NGEP was introduced in 2020 by the Muhammadu Buhari administration to ensure

penetration of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as the fuel for transportation and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), for cooking and industrial use.

In his remarks after receiving the report on behalf of the government, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Gabriel Aduda, said the document was critical for gas

deployment of gas in the country. A statement by the Director of Information in the ministry, Enefaa Bob-Manuel quoted Aduda as also assuring that very soon, the committee would see the manifestations and results of their efforts.

Responding, the Chairman of the NGEP, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim stated that the committee

worked within the time frame in spite of numerous challenges, restating their commitment to continue to serve the nation.

Also in her remarks, Director, Gas, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Oluremi Komolafe expressed joy that the programme turned out to be a ‘significant’ achievement for the ministry.

Wabote Urges Indigenous Oil Firms to Embrace Good Corporate Governance

With many indigenous Nigerian oil and gas companies struggling to survive due to multiplicity of risks, the local content regulator has stressed the need for them to instil principles of corporate governance in their operations to enable them grow, compete and achieve sustainability.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, gave the advice

while speaking virtually at a ceremony held in Lagos to mark the rebranding of the Niger Delta Exploration and Production (NDEP) Plc into Aradel Holdings Plc.

Wabote, who said that many local oil and gas companies had collapsed due to non adherence to corporate governance principles, lauded the management of Aradel Holdings for setting high standards of corporate governance in the organisation.

The NCDMB boss charged indigenous producers to

emulate Aradel Holdings and to take corporate governance seriously, recommending that owners of businesses should detach themselves from the daily operations of their organisations.

He noted that one of the things the Chairman of Aradel, Ladi Jadesimi; the former Managing Director of the company, Dr. Layi Fatona and their team had done was instilling good corporate governance in the company.

“That is why the company is succeeding. The owners of the

of the monetary and fiscal policy and banking practices as a whole, Mukhtar urged the regulators to allow the financial institution grow by enforcing best practices and by resolving the looming crises.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an application seeking substituted service on the Group Managing Director (GMD) of FBN Holdings Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo, and two other Directors of the bank, over alleged contempt in a case filed against them by Onagoruwa.

Aside Okonkwo other alleged contemnors were Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Mr. Julius OmodayoOwotuga, Non-Executive Director.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo, granted the application after hearing arguments from human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, on behalf of the petitioner, Onagoruwa, an aggrieved shareholder of FBN Holding Plc.

The order dated July 27, 2023 read: “That an order is hereby made granting leave to the Applicant effect service of the FORM 48 dated 25th July, 2023 and all subsequent processes to be filed or issued in the contempt proceedings on the 2nd 3rd and 4th Respondents/alleged contemnors (Alhaji Ahmed Abdulahi, Mr. Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga and Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo) by substituted means to wit: (a) By advertisement in at least two Newspapers circulating in Nigeria and to deem such service as proper service on the 2nd Respondent; and/ or (c)By courier service of DHL Nigeria -Limited at Samuel Asabia -House, 35, Marina, Lagos, and to deem such service as proper on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th.”

The petition filed by Onagoruwa claimed that the affairs of the company were being run illegally and oppressively.

In a 52-paragraph affidavit in support, the petitioner had stated that he was a shareholder of FBN Holdings Plc and he was not served with notice of the AGM held on June 20, 2022, at Oriental Hotel. Consequently, the petitioner filed an affidavit of urgency in support of the application.

According to the affidavit filed in support of the motion, the petitioner averred that the matter was the decision and resolutions reached at the just-concluded Annual General meeting of the 1st respondent held on Monday, June 20, 2022.

The applicant stated that his rights to be personally served with notice of the AGM of the 1st respondent had been breached, hence the instant application.

It was further stated that it was imperative to allow the court determine all issues and reliefs sought on the merits without any interference from any party implementing, in respect to the meeting, acting on, or executing decisions reached at AGM of the 1st respondent.

The petitioner added that “there is a binding obligation upon the respondents to maintain the status quo of the subject matter of the petition and not to take any step that may overreach the petition or foist a situation of complete helplessness upon the court in the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction and the retition filed herein, as any step taken by the respondents to further implement or execute the decisions and resolution reached at the said Annual General Meeting of the 1st respondent held on the 20 June 2022 will undoubtedly usurp the constitutional powers and authorities of the court to determine the real issues and subject matter of the case already submitted to it by the applicant.”

Coal Use Hits

Record High Despite Clean Energy Boom

business are not contractors; they do not engage contractors and they do not engage in round-tripping. That has led to their success,” he stated.

Describing Aradel Holdings as a good example, he noted that the company had made significant returns to its joint venture partners.

“They are one of the local companies that NNPC Limited is proud to associate with. NCDMB is also proud of their success and we will continue to support them,” he assured.

Coal use reached a record high of 8.3 billion metric tons in 2022, providing about 36 per cent of the world’s electricity generation, despite an uptick in the demand for clean energy sources.

As global economies grappled with energy security, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China and India responded by boosting their coal industries, which overshadowed a decrease in coal usage in the United States and the European Union. Transitioning India and China away from coal is estimated to cost around $1 trillion, oilprice reported.

Nigeria currently does not produce any of its energy needs from coal, but rather depends on gas and hydropower and recently solar energy.

Even though it emits one of the least volumes of carbon worldwide, Europe and America have continued to pressure Nigeria and Africa to embrace the NetZero aspiration.

For years, climate experts have urged the world’s biggest economies to wean themselves off of fossil fuels. Instead, coal use is at an all time high, hitting a brand new record of 8.3 billion metric tons in 2022, up 3.3 per cent from the prior year, according to figures from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Peter Uzoho

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria, Bangladesh Strengthens Bilateral Relations to Attain Self-Sufficiency in Food Production

Gilbert Ekugbe

The federal government and the Government of Bangladesh are partnering to boost efforts and programmes aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in food production for both countries.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, said the move is coming on the heels of the present administration’s plan to attain food security.

Umakhihe, however, expressed the ministry’s willingness to collaborate with the Government of Bangladesh in the area of agro-farming to boost the bilateral relations between both countries.

He stated this at a symposium with the theme: “Promoting Agric-farming for the Trade and Investments to Promote Sustainable and Inclusive Development; Opportunities for Nigeria and Bangladesh,” held in Abuja.

Represented by Director Special Duties, Mrs. Fausat Lawal, he stated that agriculture sector is playing a vital role in the overall economic performance of both countries as it would promote agricultural market of agro-products and establish linkages with the global agrosupply chain.

In his remarks, the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Masudur Rahman, pointed out that Bangladesh is predominantly an agricultural country where the government has played

proactive role in accelerating the economic growth.

He noted that agriculture sector has been given the highest priority to make the country self-sufficient in food production, adding that Bangladesh government was determined to develop the overall agricultural sector by aligning the goals set out with their plans such as the National Agricultural Policy 2018, National Food Policy and Sustainable Development goals programme being

implemented to improve the economy.

The National President, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Dele Oye, who was represented by Mr. Farouk Suleiman, disclosed that the objective was to create an avenue for exchange of ideas and establish trade partnerships that would drive mutual prosperity and sustainable development.

Verdant Zeal Round Table to Dwell on AI

Raheem Akingbolu

Lseading Marketing Communications firm, Verdant Zeal Group Ltd has announced plans to host the 2023 Innovation Round Table tagged “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Marketing Communications”

Scheduled to hold next week in Lagos, as a virtual event, will seek to explore the opportunities and challenges of using AI in marketing communication and how technology can be leveraged to drive growth, innovation, and positive change.

With its keynote address to be delivered by the founder of Media Fuse, Mr. Emeka Okeke, discussions will be moderated by the managing director of AT3 resources, Mrs. Tosin Adefeko.

Joining Emeka Okeke as panel discussants will be Mr. Wale Ekundayo, who is the founder of Cerebre Media Africa and Ms. Damilola Oluwatunmise, the founder

of Code School Africa.

Designed to bring both public and private interest owners together to deliberate on issues affecting the nation’s economics and development with a view to charting agendas towards moving it forward, the 2023 Innovention Round Table will serve as a build-up to this year’s edition of Verdant Zeal Innovention Series scheduled for October, 27th 2023 with the theme, “The Future of Africa’s Creative Industry in the Era of Artificial Intelligence”.

Speaking about this year’s conference, the Chief Operating Officer, Verdant Zeal Group Ltd, Mr. Dipo Adesida noted that,” The Innovention Series is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of the Verdant Zeal Group initiated in the year 2012 and seeks to examine the development of Africa, discuss the Nigerian project as well as pinpoint opportunities for development and growth within the continent”.

MAN: Increasing Taxes on Sugar Sweetened Beverage Inimical for Govt Revenue, Businesses

Gilbert Ekwugbe

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned that the proposed plan to increase taxes on sugar sweetened beverages would have severe repercussions on the federal government’s revenue, businesses community and consumers in the country.

In a statement signed by the Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, MAN explained that the nation’s previous implementation of a sugar tax in 2021 already had significant repercussions, “as the industry faced an 8 per cent to 10 per cent revenue decline, while the Food and Beverage sub-sector experienced negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.”

He warned that these distressing indicators fore-

shadow a bleak future if the proposed tax is enforced, with dire consequences including mass layoffs, factory shutdowns, and an exacerbation of the already rampant unemployment crisis, predicted to hit 41 per cent in 2023

Nigeria’s Unemployment Rate To Rise To 41% In 2023KPMG

The report also revealed in part that there are expectations for GDP to continue to grow at a relatively slow pa...

In his words: “The collateral damage of this tax won’t be limited to the manufacturing sector alone. The burden will disproportionately fall on lower-income consumers who rely on SSBs as a staple in their diet due to limited access to fresh produce amidst soaring inflation rates. The proposed tax and the

inflation crisis will further erode their purchasing power, leading to higher prices for essential goods and services. The vicious cycle of deprivation and scarcity will only worsen, pushing Nigeria deeper into food shortage nightmares.”

The Organised Private Sector (OPS) also slammed a coalition for misleading the public on impact of sugar on wellbeing and also calling on the federal government to increase the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) under the guise of combating diabetes and obesity.

“While we acknowledge the importance of addressing these health concerns, it is important to be wary about the oversimplification of the issue and the misguided demonisation of sugar sweetened beverages,” he said.

Baobab Microfinance Bank Commissions Mega Office In Kano

federation.

Baobab Microfinance Bank, has stated that its operations in Kano will enable petty traders have easy access to loans with affordable interest rate.

During the grand opening ceremony of the bank’s mega branch along Hadejia road in the Kano metropolis, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Eric Ntumba said the bank’s main agenda is to assist small and medium businessmen in boosting their businesses.

Ntumba, who was represented by the Head of Operations, Godwin Gabriel explained that the bank has so far disbursed not less than N661 million to 510 beneficiaries, mostly petty traders in the last three months in Kano. According to him, Baobab Microfinance Bank has also disbursed soft loans to the tune of N6. 3 billion to small and medium enterprises in 15 states spread across the

He said, the bank loan ranges from N20,000 to N50 million, and attracts a pocked friendly affordable interest rate to all account holders.

“Boabob Microfinance Bank has provisions for illiterates, who cannot read and write, whom we put into consideration, especially now that we employed locals within those communities to facilitate opening of their Bank accounts.

“The bank, which commenced operations in 2019 to dates has 38 branches spread across 15 States, including Kano. We are within the market realities to ensure that our clients enjoy the best possible interest rate we can give them, “he said.

He outlined the major criteria of securing loan to include ownership of existing business.

“Currently, our grown portfolio book is almost above N29billion indicating an impressive massive

growth, as well as an active clients above 25.000” Today, the capital base of the Bank is over N5 billion, far above CBN’s stipulated capital base for Micro finance banks.

“Last month alone, we disbursed to above 4000 clients, the value of almost N6.billion, which demonstrate that we are really for the small medium enterprises (SMEs) who engage in smaller level of businesses and that a lot of persons have that kind of opportunities. And the loan amount we are disbursing is between N20, 000 and N50million, “he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Yankaba market, Aminu Lawan commended the bank’s management for siting the bank within their neighborhood, promising to mobilise his members to patronise the bank, as well as pay back their loans as at when do to enable other members to benefit from the gesture.

Flourish Africa Upskills 501 Female Entrepreneurs

Flourish Africa, a non-governmental, female empowerment organization founded by Africa’s leading businesswoman and philanthropist, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, has completed training for its second batch of 501 female entrepreneurs and beneficiaries in the Flourish Africa Business and Life Skills Training Program.

Out of 501 trainees, 100 of them received seed grants of up to N2 million each for their businesses, having emerged successful from a business pitch competition.

Speaking at the ceremony held in Lagos, the founder of Flourish Africa, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, congratulated the second batch of entrepreneurs on successfully completing the 4-month training program. She advised the beneficiaries to utilize the knowledge and skills acquired from the training, and those who receive the grants to not only make a difference in their spheres of influence but also contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy. She expressed great delight at the indelible impact Flourish Africa has made on thousands of women, which is evident in

the way their businesses have grown to become established and beneficial to their communities.

“We are extremely happy to report that Flourish Africa is gradually becoming a household name in Nigeria for the empowerment of women in all facets of life. Today, we are gathered to celebrate the success of the 2nd cohort of 501 female entrepreneurs who have completed a 4-month Business and Life Skills training program, “she said.

Expressing appreciation to all the partners for their support thus far, she called on other public-spirited individuals and organizations to lend their support to this noble cause through funding, training, mentorship, and advisory services, saying that such gestures would go a long way to assist in scaling up its activities not only in Nigeria but in Africa and beyond.

In her remarks, the keynote speaker at the event, the West Africa Regional Director, Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs, Ms. Em Ekong, who spoke on the topic, ”Boosting African Economies through Female Entrepreneurship,”

commended the founder for the great initiative as well as her invaluable role in providing access to the much-needed business skills and funding required for female entrepreneurs to propel their businesses.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Kings Jack, the Regional Director, Bank of Industry, Nigeria, who was represented by Adebola Oruma, the Group Head, Gender Business Group, Large Enterprises Directorate, noted that the agency has multiple platforms for women to get the right support, including access to funding. Jack stated that the agency is passionately committed to industrializing Nigeria by lending support to structured businesses in the areas of advocacy, business advisory services, and access to finance.

One of the beneficiaries who spoke on behalf of the 501 female entrepreneurs, Kikelomo Fola-Ogunniya, expressed profound appreciation to Flourish Africa for providing a platform for women to gain valuable insights into the intricacies surrounding running a successful business.

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

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: Kaduna Regional Manager, Baobab Microfinance Bank, Christopher Okunoye; Acting Head marketing & Brand Communication, Samuel Oguzie; Kano Regional Manager, Muhammed Suleiman; Head of Operations, Godwin Gabriel; Business Manager Northern Region, Samuel Aikhuomogbe and Branch Manager Kano, Jinadu Ahmed during the commissioning of the bank’s Mega Office In Kano… recently

Ahmad Sorondinki

Buy-interest in MTN, 24 Others Lift Stock Market by N75bn

Kayode Tokede

The stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday opened the week positive with a gain of N75 billion on investor renewed interest in MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN) Plc and 24 others.

Following the gains, the NGX All-Share Index rose by 138.63 per cent or 0.21 per cent, to

close at 65,336.71 basis points. Consequently, the overall market capitalisation value gained N75 billion to close at N35.555 trillion.

The market positive performance was driven by price appreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks which are; MTNN, Nigerian Enamelware, BUA Foods, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria and Cadbury Nigeria.

Also, market breadth closed the same with both 25 gainers and losers. Nigerian Enamelware recorded the highest price gain of 9.86 per cent to close at N19.50, per share. Wema Bank followed with a gain of 9.77 per cent to close at N4.72, while University Press rose by 9.73 per cent to close at N2.48, per share.

SUNU Assurance rose by 9.68 per cent to close at N1.02,

while GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria gained 9.55 per cent to close at N9.75, per share.

On the other hand, Omatek Ventures led the losers’ chart by 8.82 per cent to close at 31 kobo, per share. Prestige Assurance followed with a decline of 7.84 per cent to close at 47 kobo, while McNichols lost 7.35 per cent to close at 63 kobo, per share.

Cornerstone Insurance declined 7.22 per cent to close at 90 kobo, while Wapic Insurance shed 5.97 per cent to close at 63 kobo, per share.

The total volume of trades declined by 7.9 per cent to 334.33 million units, valued at N3.89 billion and exchanged in 6,940 deals. Transactions in the shares of Sterling Financial Holdings Company topped the activity

chart with 55.141 million shares valued at N197.266 million. FCMB Group followed with 28.249 million shares worth N173.844 million, while Fidelity Bank traded 18.842 million shares valued at N150.847 million.

Japaul Gold & Ventures traded 17.356 million shares valued at N17.019 million, while Access Holding transacted 17.101 million shares worth N296.636 million.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF AUGUST/7/23

Siemens Deal to Fix Nigeria’s Power Sector Problems Faces Delay

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

A deal between the federal government and the German government to debottleneck Nigeria’s electricity transmission facilities could be be delayed for about five years, the global energy systems firm has said.

Some five years ago, former President Muhammadu Buhari met with the then German Chancellor, Angela Merkel and initiated the deal to overhaul and increase the operational transmission and distribution capacity of the power grid.

The agreement was basically meant to include the rehabilitation, upgrade and expansion of transmission and distribution networks and to improve power generation in

three phases.

The first phase was to raise power supply to 7,000mw by 2021; and then increase it to 11,000mw in 2023 and thereafter push it to 25,000mw from 2025.

A Bloomberg report said yesterday that although Siemens Energy AG expected to complete an overhaul of Nigeria’s dilapidated power infrastructure , it will now happen five years later than originally planned, due to delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The German engineering company, which was contracted by Africa’s most populous nation four years ago to rehabilitate and expand Nigeria’s electricity grid by 2025, will now only conclude the project in 2030, Oladayo Orolu, Head of Business

Development and Government relations at Siemens Energy told Bloomberg in an interview.

The three-phase project was set back by delays in starting the first phase, he said.

“When we conceptualised this project in 2018, our plan was within two years we should be done with phase one, but then Covid happened,” disrupting supply chains, which meant getting raw materials took longer than before, Orolu added.

The report said the delay is a blow to Nigeria President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda. The president, who took office in late-May, pledged to make electricity more accessible and affordable in the nation, where more than 40 per cent of its population lack

access to power and face constant blackouts.

In 2020, the World Bank estimated the economic cost of power shortages in Nigeria at around $28 billion –equivalent to 2 per cent of its gross domestic product. The delays are also likely to cause cost overruns.

“Prices are not at the same level they used to be,” Orolu said during the interview. “Some raw material components costs have been doubled, some are still close to where they used to be, some are just marginally higher,” he said. In 2020, phase one was projected to cost about €2 billion.

Orolu said he expects electricity output to increase by an additional 2,000 megawatts at the completion of phase one by 2025.

“The objective of phase one is to do quick fix projects that will free up 2,000 megawatts, we currently have 5,000, we are looking at taking that to 7,000,” he said.

The West African nation has an installed capacity of more than 13,000 megawatts, of which a daily average of about 3,400 megawatts is dispatched to consumers due to a poor transmission and distribution network.

The partnership with Siemens will modernise the existing network before enlarging it until the country can produce and distribute 25,000 megawatts.

Following a groundswell of enquiries recently, the Managing Director of FGN Power Company, the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)

for the execution of the project, Mr Kenny Anuwe, said that 80 per cent of equipment needed for the pilot project was already available in-country.

Stressing that the project remained on course, Anuwe reiterated that the initiative for Phase 1 was underway and had recorded notable successes.

“FGN power company has received delivery of about 80 per cent of the equipment for the pilot projects, which are being deployed to critical sites across the country to improve power transmission capacity.

“Some of the sites include Apo, Ajah, Okene, Nike Lake, Kwanar Dangora, Maryland, Omouaran, Ojo, Amukpe, Ihovbor, Potiskum, Birnin Kebbi, amongst others,” Anuwe said in a statement.

ECOWAS' HEADS OF STATE MEET THURSDAY AFTER EXPIRATION OF DEADLINE TO NIGER JUNTA

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Chinedu Eze in Lagos

The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will meet on Thursday in Abuja to ponder the way forward following the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum issued to the military junta in Niger Republic on July 30.

But the military government in Niger ordered the closure of the country’s airspace, citing security reasons, especially an

alleged planned invasion by a "foreign power".

The junta, which had enjoyed massive support from thousands of Nigeriens since the ouster of the democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoun, also received support from fellow military leaders in Mali and Burkina Faso, who paid a solidarity visit to the military leadership in Niamey.

Meanwhile, flights to African destinations and across the continent might take longer time if Burkina Faso and Mali in solidarity with Niger Republic were also to close

their airspaces. Just as Air France announced the suspension of its flight service to Mali and Burkina Faso.

Also, flights to Nigeria from Europe and the United States will also be affected by longer hours if Mali and Burkina faso were to join Niger in closing their airspaces. But the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) said that had not affected the cost of flight tickets yet.

The United States said there was still a “window of opportunity” to end Niger’s military coup, using

NO PLOT TO IMPEACH DEPUTY GOVERNOR, SAYS OBASEKI

had been actively engaging with senior actors, both at the national and state levels of APC, and negotiating his way into the party. He added that Shuaibu was about to finalise his move to APC.

The governor stated, “Let me put it on record that I am not aware of any plot or any scheme to impeach the deputy governor, Philip Shuaibu. I have also checked and there was no such plan.

“So, the court action taken, for me, is a thing of shock and disappointment. I am trying to reflect on the move made by somebody that I have given a broad latitude to do his work as deputy governor. So, for him to take this kind of action is shocking.”

Obaseki explained further, “It's clear what has happened in the last few weeks. It is a pre-emptive move for him to conclude what he has started. Those of you from Akoko-Edo can recall that when we were discussing the issue of your local government chairman and that of Owan, there was a lot of resistance from you on the candidates he wanted to impose on you.

“I listened to your entreaties and thought that what you were recommending was fair. How can he be recommending the son of an APC leader in that local government? You resisted and I saw reason and acceded to your request.

“The next day, I saw on social media that he was in Abuja robbing minds with the opposition party. I have heard for months now that he has been in closed consultation with friends from another party because he was not sure that you, the leaders of PDP, will give him the ticket as governor in 2024.”

The governor added, “I must state here that Philip Shuaibu has never had the courtesy to discuss his ambition with me. The last time we spoke of my successor after the House of Assembly election, I did say that we should be patient and that our task is to try and finish well and conclude all our projects we started. It’s only when we do this right that we will have the support of the people for my successor.

“I believe that this action by him is a pre-emptive move to get a court order, keep his ticket and move to another party. I think it's unfair for our party.

“We don't need this sort of crisis. I have been getting calls all over the world and it's rather sad that somebody who is part of an administration will do this to the administration because of his personal ambition.”

Obaseki also stated, “I am not angry, but naturally I should be disappointed. I understand what is going on. I thank you for your solidarity. We should not be distracted but consolidate and unite our party and bring all on board.

“As we start our local government campaigns tomorrow, I urge you to join me so that we can build a PDP that will continue to dominate the politics of Edo State, as we must finish well so our people will continue to give us the mandate.

“Edo will continue to be great, as our collective efforts will drive our future, as no one man can be bigger than all of us.”

Leader of the group and former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Alhaji Kabiru Ajoto, said, “We are here to amplify the voice of the majority of the people from the six local government areas in Edo North as we have all taken our position to stand with the governor of Edo State in the ongoing crisis, which is really uncalled for.

“What is happening now is really unfortunate, as the people of Edo North have met severally over a week thinking of what to do over the face-off between Governor Obaseki and Shuaibu. We sent a powerful delegation to the deputy governor to make peace with his boss, but were surprised that he turned it down. We reached out to him but he turned the offer for peace down.

“Taking the governor to court is most unfortunate and we can't keep quiet but speak out over the development. The deputy governor decided not to work closely with Mr. Governor because of personal ambition to become governor of Edo State.”

Obaseki and Shuaibu, both members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have been on the war path over successorship and the latter's court action to prevent the alleged move to impeachment.

The deputy governor had last Thursday, in a suit before an Abuja Federal High Court marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/1027/2023, asked the court

to stop Obaseki from impeaching him.

Mentioned in the restraining order, also, were the Inspector General of Police; State Security Service; Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly; and Chief Judge of Edo State as first, second, third, fourth, and fifth defendants, respectively.

Shuaibu had also sought an interlocutory injunction restraining the third, fourth, and fifth defendants/ respondents or their agents from commencing an impeachment process against him. He prayed the court further 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.

The reliefs read in part, “An order of interlocutory injunction restraining the third defendant/ respondent whether by himself or his agents or persons acting for and on his behalf from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing and preventing the plaintiff/applicant from carrying out the functions of his office as Deputy Governor of Edo State, including attending the State Executive Council meetings/ functions and other duties about his office pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”

Speaking to newsmen at a press conference in Benin City, earlier, Adjoto, who was in the company of former Deputy Chief of Staff, office of the deputy speaker, Jomoh Ijegbai; and former Chairman, Etsako West Local Government Area, Yusuf Busari.

They all distanced themselves from the deputy governor, and said they were not in support of Shuaibu’s court action over an issue that was never contemplated, thereby embarrassing the entire zone.

The three leaders said they were speaking on behalf of the three federal constituencies that make up the senatorial district namely, Akoko-Edo, Owan, and Etsako.

the diplomatic instrument.

A statement issued by ECOWAS said Chairman of the regional bloc, President Bola Tinubu, convened another extraordinary summit of the authority on the political situation in the Republic of Niger.

It said, "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has convened another Extraordinary Summit of the Authority on the political situation in the Republic of Niger.

"The Summit will hold in Abuja, on Thursday, August 10, 2023."

The statement posted on the ECOWAS website (ecowas.int), stated, "The ECOWAS leaders will be considering and discussing the political situation and recent developments in Niger during the summit."

However, Mali and Burkina Faso concluded plans to send a joint delegation to Niamey, the capital of Niger, on Monday, in a show of solidarity amidst a coup crisis, the Malian army said.

“Burkina Faso and Mali are sending a delegation to Niamey

to show the solidarity of the two countries with the brotherly people of Niger,” the army tweeted.

The transitional governments of Burkina Faso and Mali, which were established after the military took power by force in 2020 and 2022, respectively, also declared their support for the Nigerien soldiers who overthrew Bazoum.

The two countries warned that any military intervention in Niger would be considered a declaration of war against them and would lead to the withdrawal of Burkina Faso and Mali from ECOWAS.

ECOWAS, a regional political and economic union of 15 countries located in West Africa, had threatened to restore order in Niger by force.

But Niger’s coup leaders, yesterday, announced the closure of the country's airspace until further notice. They cited the threat of military intervention from ECOWAS member states.

Int’l Carriers to Spend Longer Flight Time Across Africa

Flights to African destinations and across the continent may now take longer time following the closure

of the Nigerien airspace. Besides, the development in Niger forced Air France to suspend flight service to Mali and Burkina Faso.

Accordingly, flights to Nigeria from Europe and the United States may now take longer hours.

But National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) said the situation had no impact on the cost of flight ticket yet.

The airspace over Sudan and Libya had been closed to commercial aviation, and the addition of Niger meant there was now a block to north-south flights across Africa, stretching around 2,600 miles from western Niger to the Red Sea.

According to Reuters, European carriers on Monday reported disruptions and suspended flights across the African continent after Niger's junta closed its airspace on Sunday.

Reuters stated that the disruption of flights, occasioned by the closure, added to a band of African airspace facing geopolitical disruptions, including Libya and Sudan, with some flights facing up to 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) in detours.

Reacting to the airspace closure by the Nigerien military authorities, Chairman of Stanbic IBTC, Atedo

SENATE WITHHOLDS CONFIRMATION OF EL-RUFAI, OKOTETE, DANLADI AS MINISTERS OVER SECURITY SCREENING

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the three nominees, who were not confirmed, had to undergo security screening from relevant security agencies before their appointments would be confirmed.

Those confirmed were Senator Abubakar Kyari (Borno), Abubakar Momoh (Edo), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Professor Joseph Utsev (Benue),Senator John Enoh (Cross River), Bello Muhammad (Sokoto), Mohammed Badaru (Jigawa), Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar (Bauchi), and Uju-Ken Ohaneye (Anambra)

Also confirmed were Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Ondo); Dr. Betta Edu (Cross River), Imaan Sulaiman (Nasarawa), Ahmed Dangiwa (Katsina), Chief Uche Nnaji (Enugu), Abdullahi Gwarzo (Kano), Simon Lalong (Plateau), and Bello Matawalle (Zamfara).

The upper chamber also confirmed Tunji Alausa (Lagos), Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), Uba Maigari Ahmadu (Taraba), Lola John (Lagos), Dr. Isiak Salako (Ogun), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa), Dr Yusuf Sununu (Kebbi), Professor Tahir Mamman (Adamawa), Zephaniah Jisalo (FCT), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe), Dr. Bosun Tijjani (Ogun), and Shuaibu Abubakar (Kogi).

Umahi (Ebonyi), Ekperipe Ekpo (Akwa Ibom), Nkiru Onyeojiocha (Abia), Dele Alake (Ekiti), Lateef Fagbemi (Kwara), Muhammad Idris (Niger), Olawale Edun (Ogun), Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo), and Professor Ali Pate (Bauchi).

How Keyamo's Past Threw Senate into Rowdy Session

There was uproar in the senate, yesterday, when the red chamber temporarily halted the screening of the Delta State ministerial nominee, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN).

Keyamo was accused of making disparaging comments on the ninth senate, and his attitude towards the National Assembly members was also queried.

The former Minister of State for Employment, Labour, and Productivity during former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration appeared before the senate for screening as the 48th nominee of President Bola Tinubu's proposed cabinet.

He mounted the rostrum after President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, introduced him as an illustrious son of the Niger Delta.

makers that he was surprised that he could still be considered for ministerial appointment, having prepared his luggage to proceed on vacation abroad.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) stated, "My appearance here today can only be by the grace of God and by the special benevolence of President Bola Tinubu and I wish to say special thank you to him for giving me this special opportunity to serve.

"On Friday (last week), when my name was announced on this floor, I'd already packed my bag and baggage. I was traveling with my family when all of a sudden I was told that my name had been announced. I was in Lagos and I started rushing back to Abuja and we have to cancel all our trips to go on vacation.

"Over the years, I have used the instrumentality of the law to advance the course of democracy and the respect for the rule of law. My struggle/battle for the respect for the rule of law also led me at some point to fight for the right of the senate and I am sure, you all know that.”

The PDP leaders condemned Shuaibu’s rebuff of their peace effort. They maintained that the position of deputy governor was part of the governor's office and could only function based on the powers delegated to it by the Continued on page

Continued on page 28

On the list also were Senator Sabi Abdullahi (Niger), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Senator Alkali Ahmed (Gombe), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud (Kano), Festus Keyamo (Delta), Hannatu Musawa (Katsina), Dr. Doris Aniche Uzoka (Imo), David

During the screening, Kayamo started by explaining how he had spent his over 30 years at the bar to advance the course of democracy, rule of law, and human rights. He reeled off his educational qualifications and other official responsibilities he had undertaken at different levels of government.

He then told the federal law-

But his credentials and delivery seemed not to have impressed Deputy Minority Leader, the Labour Party senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Darlington Nwokocha. Nwokocha recalled the public works programme of 2020, directly in the care of Keyamo and for which he was invited over for

AT THE 55TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF AKINJIDE ADEOSUN...

L-R: Commissioner for Special Duties, Oyo-State, Alhaja Fausat Sanni; The Lord Bishop of Anglican Communion, Ijesha North, Osun-State, The Rt. Revd.Isaac Oluyamo; The First Lady of Oyo-State, Mrs, Olufunke Tamunominini Makinde; Former Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Bayo Sarumi; The Celebrant, Founder and Chairman, ST. Racheal's Pharma, Mr.. Akinjide Adeosun; Celebrant's wife, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun and The SSG to Ogun-State, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, at the 55th Birthday anniversary of Akinjide Adeosun, themed 'Thanksgiving in Triumph', held in Lagos ... recently

Subsidy Removal: Oyo Government Sets Up 15-man Palliative Committee

Ondo students call for inclusion in government's palliative package

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan and Fidelis

David in Akure

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has set up a committee for the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), which is meant to mitigate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidies and the resultant economic difficulties on citizens of the state.

This was just as the National Association of Ondo States Students (NAOSS), yesterday, called for Inclusion in the state government's palliatives to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal.

The 15-man committee set up by Makinde is headed by his Chief of

Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, while Prof. Musibau Babatunde, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, would serve as its Secretary.

Other members of the committee include Finance Commissioner, Mr. Akinola Ojo; Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Segun Olayiwola; Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade; and Special Adviser, Labour Matters, Comrade Bayo Titilola-Sodo.

Others are Senior Executive Assistant, General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Executive Assistant, Finance, Budget & Economic Planning,

Alhaji Kolawole Gafar; Executive Assistant, Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (retired); Miss Ololade Ajibola, Senior Special Assistant, Special Duties, Miss Ololade Ajibola; representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Daniel Oluwajimade; representative of the Muslim Community, Alhaji Muniru Ogundipe; representative of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Ademola Babalola and representative of the Civil Society Organisations, Mr. Jide Bamgbose.

The governor had, during a broadcast on Saturday, announced the multi-pronged SAfER intervention to ease the economic burden foisted on the people by the subsidy removal.

According to him, “after wide consultations, we have arrived at decisions that we believe will be of the most benefit to the good people of Oyo State.

“Our SAfER package will ensure a softer landing for the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable. It will also address the need for food security through direct intervention to our farmers.”

Makinde added that in coming up with the interventions, “we considered the importance of using these economic packages to stimulate our economy and bring about sustainable development.”

The SAfER package comes under six major headings viz transporta-

WAEC Records 80% Pass in Maths, English Language

Funmi Ogundare

The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) yesterday announced the release of results of the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates in Nigeria.

The Head of National Office (HNO), Mr. Patrick Areghan, who briefed journalists in Lagos, stated that out of a total of 1,613,733 candidates that sat the examination, 1,287,920 candidates, representing 79.81 per cent, obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

Of this number, he explained that 616,914 representing 47.9 per cent were male candidates, while 671,006, representing 52.1 per cent were female candidates.

He compared the percentage of candidates under this category with the 2022 WASSCE which was 76.36 per cent, for school candidates, who obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, saying there was a 3.45 per cent decrease in performance.

The analysis of the statistics of the performance of candidates in the examination showed that out of the 1,613,733 candidates that sat the examination, 1,361,608 candidates, representing 84.38 per cent, obtained credit and above in a minimum of any five subjects (i.e with or without English Language and/ or Mathematics).

The WAEC boss explained that out of the total number of candidates that sat the examination in Nigeria, 1,476,565 candidates, representing 91.5 per cent, have their results fully processed and released while 137,168 candidates, representing 8.5 per cent, have some of their subjects still being processed due to some shortcomings, non-challant, lethargy, incomplete CASS upload, disobedience of rubrics, among others associated with the schools and candidates concerned.

"However, efforts are being made to complete the resolution process to enable all the affected candidates to speedily get their results fully processed and released within the next couple of days," he added.

Areghan, however expressed concern about the results of 262,803 candidates, representing 16.29 per cent of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, saying that they were being withheld in connection with various reported cases of examination malpractice.

"This is 6.54 per cent lower than the 22.83 per cent recorded in the WASSCE for school candidates, 2022. The reasons for this are not far-fetched. Candidates are no longer ready to study, they lack self-confidence and preparations for examinations are poor.

"There is over-reliance on the socalled 'expo’, which is non-existent. Candidates got frustrated when they got to the examination hall and discovered that all they had celebrated was fake.

"This has pitiably led to some of them failing the examination, which, if they had relied on themselves and studied adequately, would have passed like many others."

The Council, he noted, would continue to sanction all cases of examination malpractice, adding that schools, supervisors, teachers and candidates perpetrating the evil were not helping the educational system.

Areghan whose tenure as HNO is ending said, "It is the child whose

future is being destroyed. Parents must stop funding the so-called ‘expo’ for their children; it does not help.

“Those who indulge in posting items on designated platforms do not mean well for the candidates.

"They are simply destroying the future of our children. We can assure you that perpetrators and beneficiaries of such ‘help’ will never go unpunished. This must not be allowed to continue. It is our collective responsibility to defeat this evil."

tion – this includes the extension of bus routes, the introduction of inter-city Omituntun buses to link geo-political zones and fare reduction for students as well as the aged; food relief package - this focuses on providing over 200,000 poorest of the poor households in the state with food items.

“Food Security - This intervention is aimed at providing input support for 10,000 farmers in the state.

“Agropreneurial support - through this, young agropreneurs under the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP), who have established businesses, would have access to N500 million loan to improve their agricultural enterprises.

“SMEs Stimulation Package – there will be provision of N500 million low interest rate loan for Small and Micro-Enterprises (SMEs), including traders, artisans and other small business operators, in the state through microfinance banks,” the governor had said.

Ondo Students Call for Inclusion in Govt's Palliatives

Meanwhile, in Ondo State, NAOSS has called for inclusion in the state government's palliatives to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal.

NAOSS is the highest student body in the State.

The State Commissioner for Finance and Chairman, Palliative Strategy and Implementation Committee, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa had last Thursday, said unconditional cash transfer - for three months,

N10,000 would be given to selected vulnerable persons in every local government and all pensioners in the state would get N10,000 each, starting from August till December 2023, while secondary school students and public servants would enjoy free shuttle buses till December 31st, 2023.

However, the outgoing Senate President of NAOSS, Oyelade Hammed, while declaring his intention to contest the global presidential position of the association at a press briefing in Akure, called for NAOSS inclusion and proper monitoring for effective implementation process so that the masses who are the target beneficiaries would not be sidelined.

On ECOWAS planned military action in Niger Republic Hammed said, "As the seven days ultimatum given by the ECOWAS led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the coupist in Niger Republic elapses on Sunday, I wish to advise against the use of Military Action in handling the Niger issue.

“Recall that on 26th July, 2023, the Commander of the Presidential Guard in Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, toppled President Mohamed Bazoum, in a well-organised military coup.”

Specifically, he noted that the problems in Niger should be seen as their internal challenges that can be better resolved diplomatically.

Speaking on his aspiration, he said his ambition was borne out of passion to serve coupled with his wealth of experience which would be useful in proffering amelioration to the myriads of challenges confronting the association.

UBA Offers Customers #FunSummer Treat with Exclusive Benefits, Discounts

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has assured customers of a memorable summer treat with the recent launch of exclusive benefits and discounts tied to its cards during this period.

Tagged, the #FunSummer campaign, the bank explained that customers are set to enjoy a wide range of privileges and savings between now and the end of August 2023, and this service is open to all customers and non-customers of UBA.

Unveiling the campaign in Lagos, UBA’s Group Head, Retail Products and Sales, Prince Ayewoh, said the bank, understands the relevance of the summer season to Nigerians

who use their cards both home and abroad, online or in-store and has worked towards creating a value-driven campaign on how UBA Card holders can best achieve their desires this season and beyond.

He said, "We are thrilled to introduce our Summer Campaign, providing our esteemed customers with remarkable benefits through the UBA card. With our exclusive discounts on staycations and lifestyle services as well as subscriptions, we aim to enhance our customers' summer experiences and contribute to their personal growth and well-being.

“With the UBA card, customers gain access to an array of exceptional offers. For starters, customers can

now enjoy a five per cent discount when booking a staycation or availing other lifestyle services through the Aura by Transcorp hotel app,” he noted.

Ayewoh pointed out that UBA recognises the importance of keeping children engaged and learning during the summer holidays, which is why UBA cardholders would be entitled to enjoy a special 10 per cent discount on uLesson subscriptions, an innovative and interactive online learning platform.

“With uLesson, parents can provide their children with fun and educational content, enabling them to expand their knowledge and skills while enjoying their summer break,

and so I urge all our customers and non-customers to take advantage of these offers and create lasting memories this summer,” he said. The summer campaign would also see customers benefit from the use of the UBA Prepaid Cards - the UBA Dollar and Naira Prepaid Card or the Debit card which also comprises of Debit Card for a Naira account, Gold Debit MasterCard, Platinum Debit Mastercard and the Visa Dual Currency Debit Card (DCDC) all of which boast of an array of benefits. The UBA card is accepted in over 210 countries of the world and is protected with second to none technology to ensure the security of all cardholders.

TACKLING PERENNIAL FLOODING ON THEIR MINDS...

Women's World Cup: Tinubu Celebrates Super Falcons’ Brilliant Performance

Nigerian girls are no push overs, says First Lady

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Super Falcons for putting up an outstanding

performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The Nigerian female national football team lost their round of 16

match, played in Brisbane, against the Lionesses of England, in a fiercely fought derby, but penaltiesdecided match yesterday.

In a tweet posted on his veri-

Subsidy Removal: Zulum Shares Food to 2,000 Households in Mafoni

Says Tinubu gave Borno 3,000 bags of rice

Borno State Governor, Babagana

Umara Zulum yesterday, supervised the distribution of food palliative to over 2,000 households in Mafoni ward of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.

A statement explained that the distribution which aimed at cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal took place at the premises of Mohammed Goni College of Legal and Islamic Studies (MOGCOLIS) where benefitting households received two bags of rice and beans.

Zulum explained that 2,000 households were drawn from 27 wards comprising of 15 from Maiduguri Metropolis and 12 from Jere Local Government Area.

A combined total of 54,000 bags of rice and 54,000 bags of beans were meant for distribution across the two Local Government Areas, targeting their most vulnerable residents.

Zulum's administration has been actively seeking strategies to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on

the grassroots population, ensuring that essential foods and services remain accessible to vulnerable people.

Zulum while addressing the beneficiaries disclosed that the rice being distributed was part of five trucks of 3,000 bags released to the Borno State Government on the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Zulum expressed gratitude to the President and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, for supporting Borno State in times of need.

“Let me acknowledge the receipt of 5 trucks of rice from the Tinubu’s administration to cushion the hardship faced as a result of subsidy removal”, Zulum said.

He added, “We want to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our son, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, for the support.

We will continue to cherish this administration and on this note, I want to call on our people to remain calm as we are doing everything possible to cushion the effects of

fied account, President Tinubu acknowledged that the Super Falcons had represented Nigeria well and made the people proud on a global stage.

According to him, the brilliant performance of the girls did not go unnoticed.

"I must commend the effort by our Super Falcons @NGSuper_Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

"Your brilliant performance did not go unnoticed despite the final outcome. You made Nigeria proud on the global stage," the president said.

On her part, the First Lady,

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also hailed the Super Falcons for the superb performance in their match against the Lioness of England team on Monday.

Mrs Tinubu, in a release issued by her media adviser, Bisola Kukoyi, said she was proud of the girls, who played their hearts out in the Round of 16 encounter at the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup in New Zealand/Australia.

The First Lady who watched the match in the company of the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, and the wife of Senate President, Ekaette Akpabio, described the match

as a tension-soaked encounter, saying the Nigerian girls were no push overs.

According to her, the only thing the England side had going for them was simply luck, emphasizing that she is indeed very proud of the performance of the Super Falcons.

The First Lady said she would be waiting to receive them as true heroes on their return home.

The Super Falcons lost 4-2 on penalties to their England counterparts at the end of regulation time and extra time at the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup Tournament.

Former IPPIS Officer Admits Collecting Bribe at Federal Character Commission

A former Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) desk officer at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Mr. Haruna Kolo, who was alleged to be involved in job racketeering at the FCC said he acted based on an instruction from the Chairman of the Commission, Mrs. Muyeebat Dankaka.

Kolo, while admitting to the allegation at the resumed investigative hearing of the House Ad-hoc Committee investigating Federal Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) Parastatals and

Tertiary Institutions on Mismanagement of Personnel Recruitment, Employment Racketeering and Gross Mismanagement of the IPPIS, yesterday, said the appointment letters given to the job seekers in the commission were not fake as the FCC Chairman signed the letters herself.

According to Kolo, he resigned from the FCC on 2nd of November, 2022, to begin work at Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), but still received salary from FCC on two occasions, which he claimed he reported to the FCC Human Resource officer but was told it was not an issue and that

Benue Sets Up Taskforce on Prevention of Anthrax

George Okoh in Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr.

Hyacinth Alia, has charged the taskforce on the prevention and control of anthrax disease set up by his government to do everything within their powers, to prevent the disease from entering Benue state.

The governor gave the charge when he inaugurated the committee, at the Benue State Government House, Makurdi, yesterday. Anthrax disease said to be contracted through infected animals or contaminated animal products was first reported at a farm in Niger State, near the Federal Capital

Territory, Abuja, on July 17, 2023.

The governor who described the fatal health implications the anthrax disease poses to both humans and animals, according to World Health Organisation, urged the Taskforce team to ensure effective public sensitisation on symptoms and necessary actions, and to also identify, isolate and institute immediate actions in suspected animals, humans and or the environment.

He equally charged the committee to ensure the vaccination of all cattle, sheep, goats, pigs in the state, just as he advised appropriate authorities on the control and prevention of the disease.

He also stressed the need to ensure strict monitoring of the state's entry point for all livestock as well as to clear and issue right of passage on vehicles under inspection and collection of user/hazard fees for the state government.

He promised the taskforce of his administration's necessary encouragement and logistics support to enable them succeed in their task.

In his response, the chairman of the Taskforce on the prevention and control of Anthrax disease in the state, Dr. Edward Amali, assured the governor of the team's proactiveness, with a promise to do their best

at supporting the government in this regard.

Other members of the taskforce are Dr. Ediga Achegbulu, Dr. Terungwa Ikye-Tor, Gabriel Sule, Dr. Joshua Abuku, Dr Emmanuel Atser, Dr. Gabriel Amase, Dr Igbabul Shembe Agela, Dr. Chile Tersoo, Dr. Tughgba Terzungwe, Dr. Nguavese Akange Eleye, Dr. Mike Tion, Dr. Kenneth Bem Iortyom, Dr. David Shehu, Dr. Ephraim Boya.

The members of the committee cut across the ministry of agriculture, ministry of health and human services, University of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Agriculture as well as the Nigerian Police Force.

it would be handled.

"When she came to FCC as the Executive Chairman, she appointed me as a protocol officer which I carried out my duty diligently. On the allegations of job racketeering, the FCC Chairman instructed me to liaise with one Mr. Shehu, who is a personal driver and PA to the Taraba State Commissioner.

“As a desk officer, I am responsible to take whoever is employed to IPPIS for capturing. No one can go there without a letter from the Chairman or Human Resource officer of FCC."

He further revealed that, "When she came, she wrote a letter to the Accountant General instructing that no letter from the FCC should be honored except she signs the letter. So, whenever there were new employments, she signs, give to me and I take to the Accountant General's office for capturing.

"Shehu is the one that brought those who paid monies to my account for job, some paid N1 million others N1.5 million all to my personal account, my Ecobank account. “She asked me to give cash to her which I did through PoS, so there is no evidence of transfer or anything. On the allegation of working at seven places, I was never at any time involved in seven jobs, they are making the allegation based on assumption.

"The second allegation on my subsequent employment to AMCOM, that was as a result of her

personal favour to me. We were four in number, she gave the appointment letter to myself, Kadijah, Olushola, we all proceeded for interview at AMCON headquarters, Abuja, after which we were called upon for training on the 16th January, 2023, after the training, I and Olushola were called to Lagos.

“Unfortunately, Kadijah who is the Chairman's biological sister was rejected, The Chairman accused me of being responsible for her rejection"

When asked if the Chairman of the Commission was aware of his transfer out of the Commission to AMCON, he explained that she was aware, contrary to earlier submission.

The FCC Chairman, Mrs. Muyeebat Dankaka while responding denied the allegations, saying she didn't give Haruna Kolo any instructions to collect money from job seekers, saying when the case of job racketeering by Kolo was brought before her, she wrote the EFCC, ICPC and DSS to investigative the matter.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, promised to unravel the truth about the accusations and counter accusations about job racketeering in the FCC.

Gagdi, said the House through the Committee had collated evidence that would lead to the reformation of the FCC, adding that the committee would not cover up for anyone and that anyone found wanting will face the full wrath of the law.

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

L-R: Assistant Director Federal Ministry of justice Abimbola Ajileye; Representative of the Commandant General, NSCDC, Adah Emmanuel; Director Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Barbara Deleoye; Secretary General, Nigerian Red Cross Society(NRCS), Abubakar Ahmed Kende with Assistant Director NEMA, Afolayan Olusegunp; during a meeting on pre-disaster agreement consultative that will see the Nigerian Red Cross look into ways to tackle the perennial flooding in Nigeria during the rainy season, in Abuja... yesterday

PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

the ongoing hardship faced by the people.”

AbdulRazaq Presents 32 Patrol Vehicles, 160 Motorcycles to Boost Security Mobility

Hammed

Shittu in Ilorin

Piqued by the increasing insecurity

in Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has presented 32 brand new patrol vehicles and 160 motorcycles to support the movement of security personnel across the 16 local government councils of the state.

Speaking in Ilorin yesterday during the presentations of the security support to stakeholders in the state, AbdulRazaq said the development was to step up collaborations to improve safety in the hinterlands. He also used the occasion to present three patrol vehicles to Kwara State Road Traffic Manage-

ment Authority (KWARTMA) to improve their operations.

“Today is another day in our efforts to strengthen security across the state. Each of the 16 local governments is getting two vehicles and 10 motorcycles each.

“The local council authorities are to work closely with all the stakeholders, including traditional rulers within their areas, and make sure that they have serious engagements with security agencies.

"The security agencies cannot do it alone. They need our support to make sure that our communities are safe. This is why we are making sure that they have the right mobility to do that. We urge them to put it

to good use,” he added. In his response, the State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu commended the Governor for the initiative, which

he said would help to bolster security in every part of the state.

The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and chairman of Ifelodun Local Govern-

ment, Jide Ashonibare lauded the distribution of the vehicles, which he said would go a long way to strengthen local security architecture in the state.

NNPP National Secretary Suspended for Alleged Anti-party

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has suspended its National Secretary, Oladipupo Olayokun, for alleged anti-party among others. Olayokun, who is also a member of the National Working Committee of the NNPP, was suspended by

the executive members of his local constituency in Ward 5, Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State. The letter titled: “Notice of Suspension" was signed by 25 members of the executive team of the ward, including 25 other ward members.

The NNPP presidential candidate in the last election, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the founder of the party, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam were in copy of the letter.

The letter accused Olayokun of involvement in anti-party activities, negligence of duty and encouraging factionalism in the party.

Ondo Govt Clears Air on Reported Creation of 33 LCDAs

Fidelis David in Akure

Ondo State Government, yesterday, said the list of the recently created 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), from the 18 Local Government Area of the state would not be made public until the law creating them was passed by the state House of Assembly and gazetted.

In the new local government reform, which has been causing confusion in the state, Akoko has five, Akure and Owo have four LCDAs Each while Ondo and Ilaje have three each. Also, Idanre, Ose, Ile-Oluji and Okitipupa have

two each while Ifedore, Ese-Odo, Odigbo and Irele have one LCDAs each.

However, the move sparked furore as some residents of the state took to their social media platforms, describing it as unjust and not equitably distributed.

A Legal Practitioner, Tolu Babaleye, said it was very unfair for Owo with 11 Wards to have fournew local governments.

"It is very unfair for Ose with 12 wards to have 2 new local governments, it is very unfair for Akoko Southwest LG with 15 wards to have only 1 new LG. Ose has more wards than Owo, yet Owo is

now having LGs created for every street. The last has not been heard about this creation of new LGs.

"Akoko had 4 local governments prior to this time and Owo/Ose had 2 local governments prior to this time but with the new creation, Akoko now has a total of 9 LGs from 4 while Owo/Ose has 8 from 2. This is most unfair. I will advise the Ondo State government to please take it back and do necessary adjustments," he said.

However, speaking at a media parley in Akure, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, clarified that the state Assembly

NO PLOT TO IMPEACH DEPUTY GOVERNOR, SAYS OBASEKI

governor.

They stated, "But Shuaibu wants to outshine his master, which is unfortunate, because we, the people of Afemai (Edo North senatorial district), are not with him following the outstanding performance of Obaseki for our people.

"The Agbede-Anwai road, the Sabongida-Ora - Sabo road and other legacy projects, as well as appointment of our sons and daughters are some of the things Obaseki has done, and so he need not be distracted.

"Shuaibu as deputy governor is a household name compared to his peers from other states because his boss gave him that privilege. So we're here to tell him enough is enough to this political shenanigan.

"After here, we will go the governor to tell him we are with him. That whoever he wants as

his successor, we are behind him."

The leaders also alleged that the deputy governor was the mastermind of the quarrel between Obaseki and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole; and he was also the one who created the problem between the governor and the Dan Orbih group in the state PDP.

They argued that even if the governorship ticket was to be zoned to Edo North, “Definitely, it can't go to the same Etsako bloc, which has produced the immediate past governor, two deputy governors and, presently, minister."

They wondered what had happened to other political blocs in the zone as well as the Central district, which had not tasted power since 1999, except the 18 months stint of Professor Osarhiemen Osunbor.

The PDP leaders added, “When a man goes to court to say, ‘I was

deprived of my functions’; you begin to ask, ‘what are the functions?’

"It beats our imagination that after nearly seven years, he chose not to know his boundary. We have decided that the embarrassment caused by our son, that we are not party to it.

"Edo stands on a tripod, which must be balanced. For us, it is a distraction because INEC had not put out any time-table for Edo election. Shuaibu's action is baseless, speculative. The governor should remain focused and not allow himself to be distracted by the action of the deputy governor.

"We are surprised and embarrassed by the behaviour of the current deputy governor, Philip Shuaibu in his ill-advised mission to govern the state by all means and we have said we are not part of this."

could still thinker with the LCDAs delegation and areas, hence the need to keep it secret.

Her words: "You know, people will leak information but it's inappropriate. LCDAs hasve been approved by the executives, we all took oath of secrecy while taking this job and I think we should express fidelity to the oath we've taken. I don't know who leaked

it but I condemn it and I say it is inappropriate.

"We have three arms of government. When the executive has decided, it has to be ratified by the House of Assembly. So, giving it to the press was wrong. That is preemptive of the House of Assembly. The House can still thinker with the delegation, the areas.

The party also accused him of masterminding the crisis in Ogun NNPP.

The letter read in part: “The suspension of your membership is due to total neglect of NNPP at the ward level realising you never participated in any party activities.

“In the same Vein, your refusal to vote either for the presidential candidate or the governorship candidate of NNPP at the last general election was an act of gross indiscipline that must not go unpunished.

“Our investigation at the ward level showed clearly that you committed various offences in contravention to Article 39.2 subsections 1, 2,4,5,6,7 and 11 of NNPP’s 2022 Constitution as amended. Consequently we advise you to stop parading yourself as a member and national secretary of this party.”

SENATE WITHHOLDS CONFIRMATION OF EL-RUFAI, OKOTETE, DANLADI AS MINISTERS OVER SECURITY SCREENING

question, during which time there were hot exchanges between him and the lawmakers.

Nwokocha stated, "At that point, being a subject of controversy and public debate, which we wanted to know and, possibly, give him fair hearing about what happened to our constituents, so we invited him to come and tell us, what is the structure? What are the indices for carrying out this because our people are on our necks?

“When he was invited, what we are talking about is N52 billion appropriated by the National Assembly and the right of appropriation resides in the legislature.

"That is our right, the right of oversighting resides with us, whatever thing we are appropriating, it is our right and when he was invited he expressly told the public that we wanted to highjack his role, he blackmailed us that we were corrupt, that we wanted to highjack his role.

"I know that he midwifed the

process, nobody is against that and it fell within his own area of operation, junior minister for labour and employment. Not only that, when he was asked which indices, he went to the public to say, 'they are not from the moon' because we were talking about what will help our people anything outside that I will walk out from the chamber.”

Nwokocha further said regarding Keyamo, "He has been running away from it. This thing has been subject of debate, what happened to the N52 billion? He is here and it is our responsibility to find out.

"I am of the opinion so strongly that he has to tell us what happened, but not here, we have to step it down a little bit then we can reconvene, because we would not like what happened in the last administration, when some people thought that the president was in charge and so many things were happening down there.”

President of the Senate put the motion to vote and the response

divided the senators, which led to a serious shouting match in the chamber.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, then moved a motion for time extension and also for the senate to dissolve into executive session to enable them discuss the matter behind closed doors

The Sergeant-at-arms led Keyamo out of the chamber to enable the lawmakers determine his fate at a closed session. The closed session lasted about three hours and on resumption, Keyamo pleaded with the lawmakers to forgive him for his wrongdoing towards the National Assembly in the past.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Labour and Productivity in the 9th Senate, Senator Godiya Akwashiki, pleaded with his colleagues to forgive Keyamo and let him take a bow.

The senate president put the question and the senators unanimously agreed that Keyamo should be allowed to take his leave.

NCS VISITS LAGOS FREE ZONE...

L-R: Chief Financial Officer, Lagos Free Zone, Ashish Khemka; Acting Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Zone, Dinesh Rathi; Manager, Business Development & Marketing, Lagos Free Zone, Chinju Nwankwo-Udora and Customs Area Controller, Dorothy Omogbehin during the official visit of Acting Comptroller General, NCS to Lagos Free Zone in Lagos.....recently

KWARTMA Chief Executive Officer, Akeem Adegboye received the vehicles on behalf of the body, and thanked the governor for the gesture.

LEADERSHIP CONVERSATION SERIES...

L-R: Managing Director, AT3 Resources, Tosin Adefeko; former Chairman and Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Sola David-Borha, and Founder, Lighthouse Network, Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, during a Leadership conversation event organised by The Lighthouse Network and AT3 Resources in Lagos…recently

Doctors Seek Justice for Deceased Member, Diaso Vwaere

Urge Lagos government to sanction culprits

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has demanded justice over what it described as avoidable death of Dr. Diaso Vwaere, who died from injuries sustained from the crash of the elevator in the House Officers’ quarters of General Hospital, Odan, Lagos State.

In a statement signed by the NMA President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, the association said apart from carrying out thorough investigation over the incident, Lagos State government should quickly initiate measure to assuage the pains and loss being felt by the family of Vwaere.

"We call on Lagos State Government to carry out thorough investigation and mete out sanctions

as appropriate.

"NMA wants justice to be seen to be done and shall resist any attempt to subvert or mitigate it,” he said.

Ojinmah said the NMA had keenly followed the issues surrounding the avoidable death of their young colleague, adding that it was clear that she was a victim of gross negligence in maintenance of the elevator.

"That this death was avoidable is not in doubt as the stories surrounding the elevator leave a very saur taste in the mouth. After reviewing all the facts, it is clear that Dr. Vwaere was a victim of gross negligence in maintenance of the elevator.

"We hereby commend all the efforts by our members in Lagos

State in ensuring justice for our departed colleague and call on the Government of Lagos State to make hay while the sun shines.

"NMA hereby calls on Lagos State Government to quickly initiate measure to assuage the pains and

loss being felt by the family of Dr. Vwaere.

"The Government should also provide psychological support for the family and all the doctors residing and working in the General Hospital, Odan.

"The Government should also initiate inspection of all public elevators in Lagos State and commence routine maintenance," NMA said.

The association urged all tiers of government in Nigeria learn a lesson from the loss of this young

doctor and make sure that such avoidable deaths are prevented. "Let her death not go in vain but become a trigger for us all to imbibe routine maintenance culture. May we never spill another innocent blood as a nation."

Gunmen Abduct Nasarawa First Class Monarch, Wife

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers, Sunday night, abducted the first class monarch of Gurku chiefdom in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Jibril Mamman Waziri, alongside his wife, Hajiya Sa'adatu Waziri.

THISDAY findings indicated that

the suspected kidnappers invaded the palace of the paramount ruler situated around mountainous area at about 10pm and and whisked away the First Class Royal Father and his wife to yet to be identified location.

"We are calling on the Police and other security agencies to urgently intervene in the matter so that they can be released as soon as possible," the source pleased.

be kidnappers.

"Upon receipt of the information, the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Maiyaki Baba, deployed a combined team of police operatives in collaboration with vigilante groups to the scene.

ECOWAS HEADS OF STATE MEET

THURSDAY AFTER EXPIRATION OF DEADLINE TO NIGER JUNTA

Peterside, said on his Twitter handle, "Burkina Faso and/or Mali join Niger in declining overflight rights to Nigerian bound aircraft, then inbound and outbound flights from Nigeria to Europe will become very expensive."

This confirmed the fears that the closure of Niger Republic's airspace would increase the cost of flights from Nigeria to Europe, which had already doubled after foreign airlines blocked the lower inventory of tickets due to their inability to repatriate revenues from Nigeria.

Currently, economy tickets for most airlines from Nigeria sell at over N1 million for about six hours flight, while business class tickets sell for about N3 million for the similar hours of flights.

But President of NANTA, Susan Akporiaye, said prices had remained the same, though they might change as a result of the crisis in Niger.

Akporiaye said, "We have not had any spike in prices of international flight tickets at the moment. The only issue we have had and are still having is the spike in cost of flights due to the trapped funds; a serious problem, which we have talked about several times and which we have made efforts to solve.

"What is happening at the moment is just flight diversion and that is between the airline and the

regulatory body of that country. Many flights, for instance, between UK and South Africa have been diverted or re-routed due to the closure of Niger's air space.

"For Nigeria, there has been no hike in price. There may be in the coming days or weeks, but at the moment, the price of tickets have remained the same."

Nevertheless, Air France suspended flights to and from Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso and Bamako in Mali until August 11, after Niger’s junta closed its airspace.

According to flight tracking service provider, FlightRadar24, “The closure of Niger’s airspace dramatically widens the area over which most commercial flights between Europe and southern Africa cannot fly.”

US Sees Window of Opportunity to End Niger Crisis

The United States government said diplomacy still offered a “window of opportunity” to end Niger’s political crisis. Washington had suspended aids running into millions of dollars to the country pending Bazoum’s reinstatement.

Speaking at a US State Department news conference, yesterday, spokesman, Matthew Miller, said,

“The window of opportunity is definitely still open,” adding that the US believed “the junta should step aside and let President Mohamed Bazoum resume his duties,” even as the US remained in contact with the deposed leader.

Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, told BBC that ECOWAS had Washington’s full backing in its approach to the crisis in Niger.

“It’s very important that that constitutional order be restored and right now I think ECOWAS is playing a very important role in moving the country back in that direction,” America’s top diplomat said.

The European Union also said there remained a chance to restore Niger’s democratically elected government.

“The EU still thinks there is some room for mediation until Thursday 10 August,” an EU spokesperson said, referring to Thursday’s ECOWAS meeting.

The situation in the region had compelled France to warn its citizens against travelling to the Sahel region, and for those still there to be cautious due to anti-France sentiment.

“It is essential to limit travel, to stay away from any gatherings and to keep themselves regularly informed of the situation,” a statement from the foreign ministry read.

A reliable source from the community, who pleaded anonymity, told THISDAY that the unfortunate incident occured on Sunday at about 10:pm when many other residents had retired to their beds.

"It was around 10pm when the sad incident occured. The gunmen who came in their numbers, abducted the paramount ruler and his wife. They did not get any help from the security agencies that was why the gunmen were able to take them away.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Nasarawa Command, DSP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the incident yesterday, stating that efforts were ongoing to rescue the first class monarch and his wife unhurt.

Nansel said: "I wish to confirm that around 10pm of August 6, 2023, a distress call was received by the Nasarawa State Police Command that the palace of the Chief of Gurku town, located ten kilometers away from Mararaba main town in a mountainous area, was invaded by men suspected to

"Upon arrival, it was discovered that the Chief and his wife were abducted to an unknown destination. The surrounding bushes and the mountains were combed but all efforts to get them proved abortive."

The PPRO, however, said the Commissioner of Police, has further deployed additional men of the tactical teams; the Anti-kidnapping Unit, and officers from the Karu Area Command to the scene in order to rescue the traditional ruler and his wife unhurt.

Makinde to Labour: We'll Continue to Be Friends

Oyo State Governor, 'Seyi Makinde, yesterday, assured the workers in the state that his administration would sustain the cordial relationship between itself and the Labour Unions, which had helped to enhance the growth, progress and development of the state.

The governor stated this while addressing the leadership and members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state at the frontage of the Governor's Office, Agodi, Ibadan.

The governor, who regretted that last week's protests by the workers had affected the revenue of the state, warned the Labour unions not to allow anyone to come between them and the government. He added that henceforth his administration would hold a quarterly parley with the unions,

which would serve to bring the government and the unions on the same page and ensure that their agitations were addressed without confrontations and protests.

"I have engaged with your leaders and we have discussed. They begged me that some of these things that happened were not supposed to have happened and I also begged them that if there was anything that I did wrong, it is our state, governors will come and go.

"Five years ago, I was not here and in three years and some months to come, I will not be here as the governor, but our state will remain. So, in everything that we do, let us remember that it is our state, we don't have anywhere else that we can call home and anyone that wants to draw water from the well should not pollute that well.

"There are people, who don't

want progress for our state, they will try to come in between you and I. But I have promised that every quarter, we will be having a parley with the leadership of the labour unions. We will ensure we close the gap between the government and the labour."

However, Chairman of the NLC in the state, Comrade Kayode Martins, said the workers had apologised to the governor and that most of their demands had actually been addressed since last week while workers were not at work.

Addressing journalists shortly after the governor's address, Martins thanked the governor for addressing the workers personally, affirming that the governor had attended to some of their agitations and also directed the leadership of the unions to resume to the table to discuss the other issues.

COURTESY VISIT…

NAF Special Forces Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims in Kaduna

John ShiklaminKaduna

Special Forces of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have rescued seven kidnapped persons in Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State.

NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

He said the victims, comprising six females and one male, were

abducted last Sunday in Niger State, adding that they were rescued by the troops during a night patrol.

Gabkwet said investigations revealed that all the victims are from Niger State, and that they were taken to the NAF medical facility at Birnin Gwari for medical review, after which they were released, except for the male victim who was being observed.

“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces on night patrol on

Emerging Africa Capital Redeems

N1.86bn Commercial Paper

Emerging Africa Capital Limited has successful redeemed its N1.86 billion Series II Commercial Paper (CP) issued on November 1, 2022,on the Nigerian debt capital market through FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited platform under its N15 billion CP issuance programme.

The 269 days Series II CP was issued at a discount rate of 17.43 per cent and achieved a 100 per cent subscription rate as a first-time issuer.

According to the company, the impressive subscription level showed investors’ confidence in its impressive profile and the ability of its management team to deliver timely value to its stakeholders.

Speaking on the successful redemption of the CP, Executive Vice Chairman/Group Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Africa Capital, Toyin F. Sanni, stated: “The successful redemption of the

N1.86 billion Series 2 CP reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring transparency and trustworthiness in maintaining investor’s confidence in the Nigerian debt capital market.”

Sanni further expressed her gratitude to all investors for their trust and confidence in the company and promised to continue to deliver substantial value to its stakeholders.

Emerging Africa Capital Limited is a leading investment banking and financial services company licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to provide issuing house/underwriting, trust, and asset management services. The company prides itself in creating value for stakeholders through a combination of direct equity investments in our subsidiary companies and by arranging/ facilitating debt and equity capital financing for our clients.

Oil Firm Releases N169m for Scholarship in Delta

As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 on Education, Heritage Energy Operations Services Limited (HEOSL), operator of OML 30 assets on behalf of the Joint ventures between Nigeria National Petroleum Company E & P Limited (NEPL) and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (SNRL) has released N169 million to the 2022 scholarship awardees from its 112 host communities in Delta State.

According to a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer HEOSL, Ado Oseragbaje, the scholarship programme is keeping with the company and her joint venture partners’ commitment to ensure inclusive and quality education for scholars from their host communities.

He stated that a total of 2,353 scholars, comprising 1,830

post- primary scholars and 523 undergraduates are benefiting from the OML 30 scholarship programme for the 2022 academic year.

While congratulating the scholarship beneficiaries, Oseragbaje admonished them to use the scholarship for the intended purpose which is to support their academic pursuit, stating “education is the master key for human and national development.”

“Access to educational scholarships will close fundamental gaps in youth restiveness in the Niger Delta region and engender economic development and foster a better relationship between the oil rich communities and the operators of the industry,” he added.

The HEOSL boss emphasised the importance of a peaceful operating environment to ensure that host communities derive their due benefits from oil exploration and production.

August 6, 2023, near Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State rescued seven kidnapped victims, comprising six females and a male,” the statement read.

‘Why

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Nigeria-led

As the deadline given by the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) leaders for the reinstatement of democratically elected government in Niger Republic ended Sunday, the annual vacation of the House of Representatives may have

It added: “The female victims, on interrogation, revealed that they were kidnapped from Paikoro in Niger State, while the lone male victim stated that he was abducted

against his will from Rijau in Niger State. On sighting the troops, the terrorists abandoned their victims and fled into a nearby forest.

“The victims were subsequently

ECOWAS Cannot Declare War on

invalidated any deployment of Nigeria’s armed to oust the coup leaders in the Republic of Niger.

A Nigerian based United States (US) constitutional legal expert and human rights activist, Emmanuel Ogebe, in a statement said the annual vacation by one of the arms of the National Assembly, the House of Representatives said

that the two arms of the National Assembly must in a joint session give approval before there is a deployment of the military against any country.

Ogebe said: “Section 5 (4) of the Nigerian constitution, provides thus; Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section: (a) the President shall not declare a state

taken to NAF medical facility at Birnin Gwari for review and subsequently released, except the male victim who is still being observed.

Niger Republic’

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.”

‘Forensic Recovery of Resources ‘ll Boost Economic Growth’

The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN),has said forensic recovery of resources will boost economic growth in Nigeria.

According to the institute, some of the resources can be recovered from oil and gas, maritime and shipping, unremitted taxes from

international petroleum shipping companies operating in Nigeria while a NIN-based system would encourage tax expansion within the country.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony of the institute’s third direct membership training, induction and awards of fellowship

in Abuja, recently, the President of CIFCFIN, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki, decried the huge waste of resources being budgeted annually on abandoned government projects across the country. He stated that effective deployment of certified fraud investigators to track such projects

would lead to blockage of any future budgetary fraud to such abandoned projects, and save funds for government According to him, Nigeria can also capitalise on opportunities in the crypto economy to promote economic growth and financial inclusion.

Vote Buying: Zenith Bank Official Testifies against Adebutu

An official of the Zenith Bank, Mrs. Celestina Appeal, who is the head of Card Services of the bank, yesterday at the Election Petition Tribunal in Abeokuta, Ogun State, testified against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

candidate in the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election in Ogun State, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu.

The witness, who was subpoenaed and appeared before the tribunal in relation to the allegation of vote buying through preloaded ATM cards levelled against Adebutu,

tendered evidence of 200,000 preloaded ATM cards produced for the PDP candidate.

The counsel to the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, had earlier informed the panel that two letters were submitted to Zenith Bank in February seeking

clarification on how Adebutu opened a special account for the purpose of his action with the bank as well as the request he made for issuance of 200,000 preloaded ATM cards containing N10, 000 each few days before the March 18 gubernatorial election.

Adeleke Assures Osun People of Smooth Take-off of Ilesa Varsity

Yinka

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to the smooth and effective take off of University of Ilesa, Osun

State.

Adeleke gave this assurance while receiving the leadership of the National Universities Commission (NUC), which was led by the Executive Secretary of NUC, Ambassador Chris Maiyaki, at the governor’s

country home in Ede.

He assured the visiting NUC team that the state government would give all necessary support to facilitate the smooth take and sustainability of the young university.

The governor described the

Vice Chancellor of University of Ilesa, Professor Taiwo Asaolu, as a round peg in a round hole who was appointed based on his pedigree and ability to take the newly established citadel of learning to stardom.

Nigerians in Ghana Commend President Tinubu’s Performance

The acting President of All Nigeria Community, Ghana chapter, Chief Bayo Albert Asaolu, has commended the efforts of Nigeria President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the president has done well in his few weeks in office.

Asaolu said he had lived outside

Nigeria for many years and the image of Nigerians outside the country has been seriously battered, explaining that most countries have always placed Nigerians at the unfriendly level in spite of their economic contribution in those countries.

Reacting on the many challenges

facing Nigerians living in Ghana, Asaolu assured the people that the story will change in no time.

“I have been discussing with my fellow executive members at the national and regional level and I can assure our host country of a new look Nigerians in Ghana,” he said.

He expressed his trust in the ability of the president of Nigeria to establish a better West Africa relationship. He said he was confident that ECOWAS citizens would enjoy good movement within the region and that in return will boost the economy of the region.

Kano Gov Swears in First Female Chief Judge, Seeks Support for Demolition Policy

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Kano state Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sworn in the first female Chief Judge in Kano, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, who he called on to support government’s demolition policy towards the recovery of public

assets allegedly acquired illegally.

In his address, shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, the governor urged judges to assist his administration in recovering public assets, allegedly acquired illegally by the administration.immediate-past Governor Yusuf advocated for

harmonious and good working relationship among the executive, judiciary and legislature for smooth dispensation of democratic dividends to the masses.

“Do not see the executive arm of government as a rival. We are not your rival, we are friends

and partners in the development of the state. The three arms of government (Executive, Judiciary and Legislature) are never created to compete, but they are organs of government designed to complement one another for the development of the state.”

Kolawole in Osogbo

The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda (left), and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, lbrahim Yusuf, during a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja...yesterday

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Waldrum Wants His Contract Renewed to Stay on Falcons Job

Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report

Super Falcons Head Coach, Randy Waldrum, wants to continue on the Nigerian job after his wards crashed out against England in the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brisbane, Australia.

The nine-time African champions lost out 4-2 in a nervy penalty shootouts against European champions England after regulation and extra time deadlocked goalless.

Before the Round of 16 clash, Falcons finished in Group D as runners up to co-host Australia on five points. The Nigerian ladies didn’t lose any match despite having massively supported home team Australia, Olympic champions Canada and Republic of Island in that fold.

They matched the European champions toe-to-toe and could have won save for the lottery of penalty kicks.

But shortly after missing setting a record as first coach to take Falcons to the quarterfinals in a 32-team tournament, Waldrum said he was interested in retaining his job as Nigeria’s senior women’s team coach.

“I am proud of my team (Super Falcons),” Waldrum told former BBC sports journalist

First Lady Hosts Victorious D'Tigress

in Presidential Villa

Says the ladies have placed Nigeria on global map of excellence

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has hosted the country’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress to a reception at the State House, Abuja.

Mrs Tinubu, according to a release issued on Monday by her media adviser, Bisola Kukoyi, said D’Tigress performance at the Championship in Rwanda “is a testament to hard

work, discipline, and commitment to excellence and this will inspire countless individuals especially women, to pursue their dreams.

“Your victory transcends sports, it symbolises the potential that can be realised when a diverse group of individuals come together with a common goal.

“I am immensely proud of your achievements and the positive image you have projected for our

country. Your success reinforces the fact that Nigerian women are capable of reaching the highest level in any endeavour they choose to undertake”.

Earlier in his remarks at the reception, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, thanked the First Lady for hosting the team with an assurance that they would be going to the

England Coach Regrets James’ Action against Alozie

England Manager, Sarina Wiegman, has said that Lauren James "lost her emotions" when she was sent off during England's win over Nigeria.

Chelsea forward James, who has three goals and three assists in Australia, was sent off following a VAR review for stamping on Michelle Alozie's back in the

87th minute.

"It's a huge lesson for her to learn," said a supportive Wiegman.

"She would never want to hurt someone. She is the sweetest person I know. It was late in the game so players get a little tired.

"She is inexperienced on this stage and in a split-second lost her emotions. It isn't something she

did on purpose. She apologised and felt really bad,” observed the coach.

James had lit up the tournament with her performances in the group, but was taken out of the clash with Nigeria by the gutsy Rasheedat Ajibade who gave her no moment to show her brilliance in the Nigerian box.

The

presented the coveted FIBA Women’s Afrobasket trophy to the First Lady, wife of the Vice President, wife of the Senate President.

Officials of the Basketball Federation also presented a medal and jersey to the First lady. This will be the fourth consecutive victory of the D’Tigress of Nigeria at the Afrobasket tournament.

Osasu Obayuwana @Osasuoon Twitter.

“I want to stay with this team and continue working towards the Olympics (Paris 2024). But that is not a matter for me to decide,” observed the American born coach in apparent reference to his fallout with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over his unpaid wages and preparation of the team for the Mundial.

The local sporting media were divided on whether Waldrum’s contract be renewed after the spat with his employers in the public space.

Chloe Kelly scored the decisive spot-kick, following a 0-0 draw over 120 nerve-jangling minutes. Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie missed their kicks for Nigeria.

Beth England, Rachel Daly and Alex Greenwood also converted for the European champions, who had a player sent off in regulation time.

England played with 10 women through extra time after forward Lauren James, their top scorer with three goals in the group stage, was sent off in the 87th minute for an ill-tempered stamp on the back of Alozie after the two went down in a tangled heap.

Fourth-ranked England face either Jamaica or Colombia in the quarter-finals in Sydney on Saturday.

Spurs Reject Bayern’s £86m Latest Offer for Kane

Tottenham have rejected Bayern Munich's latest offer of £86million for striker Harry Kane. Spurs chiefs appear to be adamant on Kane’s £100million valuation.

Bayern had hoped to agree a deal for the England skipper but it is understood the two sides remain apart in their valuation of the 30-year-old.

The Bundesliga champions had suggested if their bid for Kane was unsuccessful on this occasion they would move on to other transfer targets.

However, with over three weeks of the transfer window left, it remains to be seen whether that is the case.

Kane, who has scored 280 goals in 435 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions, skippered Spurs in Sunday's pre-season match against Shakhtar Donetsk.

He has one year left on his

contract with Tottenham and there have been no indications Kane would be willing to extend it.

If chairman Daniel Levy elects to keep the England striker it would effectively be ending the club's last chance to cash in on their talisman.

Bayern officials met Levy last week but a deal was not struck. Bild claim personal terms with Kane have already been agreed.

Tottenham begin their Premier League campaign at Brentford on 13 August. Bayern start their season with a German Super Cup meeting with RB Leipzig a day earlier.

The transfer window does not close until 1 September, but both sides would prefer a resolution before the new season begins

NNL Relegation Playoff Starts with Harvests of Goals

It was a golden start in the NNL playoff on Monday at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

Sokoto United and FWC Champions of Abuja started it all in a five goal thriller which the boys from the Caliphate won 3-2 to keep alive their hopes of remaining in the NNL.

Highly-rated Edel FC of Awka crumbled like packs of cards losing 0-4 to Hensards of

Yenagoa. Coach Godwin Anosike of Edel blamed the poor start on the fact that he is parading a depleted squad.

The two teams from Lagos Ikorodu United and Smart City played what was the most thrilling match of the day in a game which Smart City managed to secure a 1-0 victory.

Ikorodu United in defeat gave a very good account of

themselves with the fans at the Sani Abacha Stadium cheering them. Despite creating several chances the Ikorodu lads failed to find the back of the net.

The NNL playoff match-day 1 was watched by thousands of soccer fans who went home impressed with the standard of play and high level performance of the referees who took charge of the matches.

D'Tigress Captain, Sarah Ogoke, presenting the 2023 Afrobasket Championship trophy Nigeria won after defeating Senegal in Kigali, Rwanda to First Lady, Senator Mrs Oluremi Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja... yesterday

England’s Chloe Kelly (left) and Alex Greenwood consoling Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie shortly after Nigeria lost 2-4 in penalty shootouts with the Lionesses at the Round of 16 stage of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brisbane, Australia...yesterday

PHOTO: REUTERS

drawing board to get ready for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris with the gold medal on their minds.

Captain of the team, Sarah Ogoke,

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FALLOUT TRANSFER NEWS

CISLAC to President Tinubu

“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 ears to public outcry on key issues especially the fight against corruption “ --CivilSocietyLegislativeAdvocacyCentre(CISLAC)ExecutiveDirector,AuwalMusa Rafsanjani,accusingthePresidentofchoosingpeoplewithopenintegritydeficitsintohisadministration.

TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI

abati1990@gmail.com

The Menace Of Prophets and Our Future

It seems to me, with due respect, to every party concerned, that while we are all obsessed with the contemporary, topical issues of Ministerial nominations, the likely conflict with Niger and the noted desperation of the Northern Senators and Elders Forum, as well as others across the country, to prevent same, in addition to the concerns about palliatives and the rising cost of living, or the unresolved battle with organized Labour (NLC, TUC), we may be overlooking something that may be relevant to the health and the future of Nigeria. I identify this hereunder as the menace and terror of Prophets – those self-appointed owners of direct telephone access to God and who on a daily, unrelenting basis inflict upon this community, what they claim to have heard from God. They expropriate the claim that God speaks to them alone, and that whatever they hear from God is the gospel truth. There is no mechanism to double-check. They don’t provide any data reports of their telephone conversation with God. They simply tell us this is what “my father told me”, and the rest of us are all expected to obey blindly. We are the multitude of orphans, whose Heavenly fathers, just in case everyone has a father in Heaven, may have been denied telephone access to the earthly realm and hence, the rest of us have to depend on their own God whom they covet with so much proprietorial control. The problem is the lack of accountability and the fact that nobody really knows who speaks to these so-called spiritual fathers. I am convinced that this is one of those issues that we must begin to interrogate. To prepare the background, we do not deny the fact that Nigeria is one of the most religious countries in the world. Several studies place us amongst the top ten in the world. but compared to these other countries, anyone at all can agree that Nigeria is one country where religion has been most divisive and centrifugal. Over time, we have fought and experienced intra--religious and inter-religious wars. Religion is so ubiquitous in this country, there is hardly any street corner or community where you will not find either a mosque or a church. Many of these places of religious worship may start at a mushroom level, but they may soon grow into big oak, with adherents trooping in and out, claiming to be persons of faith, seeking the grace and eye of God. Religiosity has become so widespread, Nigerian Christians now organize services on Fridays to compete with Muslims, and on Sundays, Muslims reciprocate by holding worship services during church time. The result has been the unending conflict between Christians and Muslims who constitute on the average, on both sides of the equation, between 45 - 59% of the population, and a minority percentage of African traditional worshippers clamouring for space and recognition, as seen in the recent crisis in Osun State whereby Osun traditional worshippers were told pointedly that they could not and would not be allowed to celebrate their Isese festival in Kwara State because it is an Islamic State.

Section 10 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution states clearly that there shall be no state religion in any part of the Federation. The law does not recognize any such thing as an Islamic state, even with the strange mongrel of the adoption of the Sharia in 12 states of the North, operationalized in those states as a criminal orthodoxy, completely against the spirit of the Constitution. Section 38 guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of thought, religion and conscience. Nigeria has Muslims and Christians almost in equal proportion, with animists constituting a small percentage of the remaining balance. If a country’s wealth were to be judged by the religiosity of its people, and their open demonstration of passion for God, Nigeria should be the wealthiest country in the world. Everywhere you turn in this country, there is religious piety on display. There is a church or a

mosque in every corner. Every day, there are people proclaiming the call to prayer and the muezzin heralding the beginning of every dawn. And yet the bigger question is: why is Nigeria so religious, so prayerful and yet so poor? Max Weber in The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism had tried to draw a link between capitalism and religion, especially the Protestant ethic. The opposite is the case in our country. The Protestant ethic appears not to be working here. The Weberian concept of religion and prosperity has failed us, because the basic fundamentals have never been allowed to grow. And those fundamentals do not grow by accident. What we are left with is religion without the work ethic that can generate prosperity, nor the righteousness that exalts nations. What we are left with is religion as opium, superstition, a grand game of illusion and mind control, underlying Nigeria’s development crisis.

Over time, Nigerians have been co-opted into this web of delusion, whereby they blame God for everything, rather than locating our woes in the province of the failures of man. Having been failed by themselves, and by their leaders, Nigerians are quick to resolve every situation by declaring that “It is the way God wants it”. Who knows the mind of God? Who knows what God wants? The most recent demonstration of this is the humiliating rejection of Dr Mariam Shetty as the Ministerial nominee from Kano. She had woken up in the morning, dressed up gaily, looking forward to being screened by the Senate like others before her, only to be told upon arrival at the National Assembly, that her name had been replaced. Nobody had the decency, not even the President who nominated her, to make a phone call or send an emissary to stop her from being publicly embarrassed. If she had been given prior notice of the latest development, she would have stayed back. But nobody thought of her feelings as a human being. And how has she responded? She says as a person of faith, she leaves everything in the hands of God, and calls on her supporters not to despair. She is not alone.

When accidents occur, hops are dashed, and lives are lost needlessly, Nigerians are quick to blame God. There are many Nigerians who have trooped into politics, seeking even the highest offices in the

land, because their shamanist had seen a vision that they would one day become the President of Nigeria. They borrow money, print posters, hire thugs to steal ballot boxes, and when they fail, they fight tooth and nail, because they are convinced that the God whose voice their spiritualists told them had sealed their fate in Heaven does not fail. While various religious denominations in the country are guilty, the biggest culprits are the Pastors of the Pentecostal variety who preach progress, prosperity and capitalism without the underlying ethics. Many of them are doing more harm than good. I use the word, “many” in order not to generalize. There may well be a few true preachers of the word who speak the truth and are genuinely moved by the spirit but we are indeed genuinely in the season of religious charlatanism, in a country dominated at an alarming rate by the tribe fictionalized by Wole Soyinka in The Trials of Brother Jero (1963), and Requiem for a Futurologist (1983) as cunning liars who hold the country down. The tribe has not reduced, rather it has flourished, in Soyinka’s lifetime, before his every eyes - the agony of those who think for society.

What I find perplexing is the manner in which these prophets expropriate and openly claim the omnipotence and the omniscience of God, who they claim to represent on earth. What stupefies is how they try to run a government of the world with their spiritual pronouncements, something not even the United Nations has been able to do, and which the free range of globalization has not made possible. Every day, I am astounded by the unending deluge of Pastors, Prophets, Prophetesses, men and women of God, some of them with churches small like the Lord’s manger or big like the Wembley stadium who claim to know the future and determine the fate of men. The more annoying part is that they have in their grips, at their fingers, a captive audience of believers who propagate their propaganda, and this sadly, includes a number of local media outlets who seem to base their profit margin on the reportage of prophecies by their favourite Pastors. They not only report the prophecies, they authenticate them subsequently and some of these publications have been turned into the PR wings of prophets and prophetesses. One of my favorite books on journalism is Francis S. Merrill’s Responsible Journalism. The manner in which some media outlets feed and water the propaganda machinery of end-time, Pentecostal churches is nothing short of irresponsible journalism. When a Pastor makes a so-called prediction, how does that amount to a statement of fact? Who verifies it? Which media house has a phone call to God? And yet, daily, we are inundated with reports of how this Prophet or Prophetess made this prediction two months ago and how it had come to pass. Where is the audit or regulatory body to determine that? The propaganda is often based on a press release by an aide to the Prophet. Many of these Prophets and Prophetesses are taking us for a ride, more so as they are not subjected to any form of integrity test, not even by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). In the world of faith, anybody can just claim that he or she has heard the “Word” or has been called by the “Heavenly Father” and in a moment of self-induced epiphany start speaking in “tongues”. People have the freedom to worship their God the way they want, but they have no right to force others to go to Heaven in their own prescribed manner. In fact, there are people in this country, shocking as this may sound, who would rather go to Hell, if Hell exists hereafter and is not just a city in Europe and the US. The temerity of the shamanists/futurologists, hiding under the banner of God is what we deplore. Since the 2023 general election process in Nigeria began, there has been a plethora of predictions by men and women of faith. Many of them have constituted themselves into an alternative electorate. Hence, during the elections, they launched a trade in determining who would win or not. And after the elections,

they have created their own spiritual election petition tribunals, from where they dictate to lawyers what to do and what not to do, with jejune, often commonsensical predictions about what the tribunals may come up with. They claim to have embarked on weeks of fasting or gone on a retreat to a Mountain and that “their Father” has spoken to them about everything from Ukraine to the Maghreb and the Ascension Island, and on the basis of their grand imaginings, their media allies ask us to believe, even when clear facts dictate otherwise.

I have seen, for example, cases of some Pastors predicting what would happen to election petition judges in the Presidential election if they do not rule out Tinubu because of a civil forfeiture and certificate issue in the United States. Obviously, some silks may be relying on the shamanists in their moves in this particular case, and thus disregarding basic principles of international civil litigation. It is elementary knowledge that as a general rule, Forum court does not apply foreign criminal law when it is not pleaded or proven directly or indirectly. Whatever conviction was done abroad has no relevance here. Our Constitution does not have a foreign court in mind. Matters that may be relevant would include marriage, divorce, or monetary awards in a foreign land, but even then, such cases must be registered in our laws, that is lex fori. Criminal offences are local offences, except where another country initiates a fresh trial within its own jurisdiction but even that could raise questions of status, subject, characterization, forum, capacity, double jeopardy and/or public policy. Our prophets, sitting down in their ecclesiastical shrines, after a few days of self-imposed fasting and having no firm knowledge of the facts, beaten black and blue by hunger, simply make divine, legal pronouncements based on metaphysical illusions. In their courts, there is no right of appeal once their God has spoken!

They have done enough damage already at private levels misleading many, breaking up homes, destroying lives, fouling up Nigerian politics with their unverifiable visions. On the positive side, they have done almost equal good, giving hope to the hopeless, and the millions of troubled souls in the land. Nonetheless, they must be restrained from taking over the governance process. Their expanding influence in the public space through the abuse of traditional and social media spaces, and unfettered access to the corridors of power, must be curtailed. This is without prejudice to their rights under Sections 38 and 39 of the Constitution, but is it possible to restrict them to the private value of religion, their denominations and the communities they relate with? These merchants of illusion are gradually usurping the functions of state institutions. Many of them give court rulings without regard to either the law or the facts of the case. They say they are moved by the spirit and they have a captive audience. No country should subject itself to being ruled by the capricious movement of unseen spirits and their earthly mouthpieces!

It is all the more disturbing because many of these Pentecostal pastors and prophetesses do not even base their pronouncements on the Scriptures. They sound more like motivational speakers, common sense maestros and closet newspaper editorialists. They have large followings. They must be told to stay within their areas of concern and avoid politics. Quite a surprise, none of them could offer a clear prediction on yesterday’s defeat of the Super Falcons by the Lionesses of England in what could have been a historic and extraordinary upset in the on-going Women’s World Cup. I won’t be surprised though if one of their media allies shows up, before weekend, to report that Prophet XYZ had predicted the outcome of the match since January 2000! When will the Church of Nigeria self-regulate and check the influence of the fortune tellers in cassock? Not even Friedrich Nietzsche’s Zarathustra was this ambitious.

President Bola Tinubu