TUESDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2023

Zenith Bank Delivers Phenomenal Triple-digit Growth in First Half 2023

Nosa Alekhuogie

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its audited results for the half-year

(H1) ended 30 June 2023, recording an astounding triple-digit growth of 139 per cent in gross earnings, from N404.8 billion reported in H1

2022 to N967.3 billion in H1 2023. This was a clear demonstration of the financial institution’s resilience and strong market share despite a

very challenging macroeconomic environment and persistent headwinds.

According to the bank's audited

half-year financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) yesterday, the triple-digit growth in the top line also spurred the bottom

line as the Group recorded a 169 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase

Continued on page 10

NNPCL Ramps Up Oil Production as FTSE Downgrades Nigeria over FX Woes... Page 5

Tuesday

Atiku, Abbas, Obaseki, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, ICAN, Others Mourn Akintola Williams

Say it’s end of an era for accounting profession in Nigeria as pioneer chartered accountant dies at 104

James Sowole in Abeokuta, Chuks

of Edo State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of

Continued on page 10

The late Akintola Williams

UAE to invest several billion dollars in defence,

agriculture sectors in Nigeria

New forex liquidity programme between both countries to be unfolded in coming weeks

Emirates News Agency mum on lifting of visa ban, flights’ resumption

Deji Elumoye, Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Funmi Ogundare in Lagos

President Bola Tinubu and his United Arab Emirates (UAE) counterpart, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met in Abu Dhabi, yesterday, and sealed a historic agreement, which

resulted in the immediate cessation of a visa ban placed on Nigerian travellers by the UAE authorities. By the agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines were to resume flights into and out of Nigeria without delay. These were

Continued on page 10

NIGERIA-UAE RELATIONS GET A BOOST...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (L) and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi, after finalising an agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers... yesterday

After Meeting with Tinubu, UAE Lifts Visa Ban on Nigerians

Okocha, Juliet Akoje in Abuja and

Dike Onwuamaze in Lagos

Emirates, Etihad airlines to resume flights in, out of Nigeria

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Alhaji Atiku

Abubakar, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Governors Godwin Obaseki

MINISTER OF HEALTH MEETS WITH FOREIGN DONORS...

NNPCL Ramps Up Oil Production as FTSE Downgrades Nigeria over FX Woes

James Emejo in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos

As part of efforts to ramp up oil production in the country, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCOE) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari, has held widespread consultations with oil majors and partners, THISDAY learnt yesterday night.

The GCEO has been asking the oil majors and partners what needed to be done to ramp up oil production in the short term, to enable the country meet its OPEC quota as well as produce enough condensate.

In addition, it was learnt that the new mantra to NNPC staff is “production, production, production, as a way of raising the required foreign exchange (FX) needed to stabilise the currency, which in turn is needed to stabilise fuel prices,” a reliable source at the NNPC who pleaded to remain anonymous disclosed.

Meanwhile, following the sustained liquidity challenges in the country's foreign exchange (FX) market, FTSE Russell Group has taken a decision to downgrade Nigeria from "Frontier to Unclassified Market Status” as well as delete its index constituents at zero value from the FTSE Russell equity indices.

That emerged as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday, directed all banks to build capital buffers to increase resilience against potential volatility and economic shocks.

FTSE Russell is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices. The division is notable for the FTSE 100 Index and Russell 2000 Index, among others.

Nigeria’s downgrade, which had reportedly been ratified by the FTSE Russell Index Governance Board, takes effect from September 18, 2023.

Effectively, the Nigerian index constituents would be deleted at zero value (0.0001 NGN) from five FTSE Russell equity indices, including the FTSE Frontier Index Series, the FTSE Frontier 50 Index, FTSE Ideal Ratings Islamic Index Series, and FTSE/JSE All Africa Index Series.

Others are FTSE Middle East & Africa Extended Index Series and FTSE/MV Exchange Index.

In a report obtained by THISDAY,

yesterday, the group stated that the reclassification was further to the June 30, 2023 FTSE Equity Country Classification - Watch List Status for Nigeria, which had analysed feedback from market participants on repatriations.

The ratings agency affirmed that although Nigeria had adopted a floating FX regime for the naira in the Investors & Exporters’ (I&E) FX Window, which is now operating on a “Willing Buyer, Willing Seller” basis, the lack of liquidity in this window continued to adversely affect the ability of international institutional investors to replicate benchmark changes.

The group stated that the country's downgrade became inevitable as "index changes for Nigeria within FTSE Russell equity indices have been suspended since September 2022 and with no improvement in the ability of international institutional investors to repatriate capital at a foreign exchange rate that would be used in FTSE Russell equity indices."

It, however, explained, "Nigeria will be retained in the FTSE ASEA Pan Africa Index Series, with the implementation of certain corporate events suspended until further notice.

"FTSE Russell will continue monitoring Nigeria and once the foreign currency delays are cleared for a period of time, Nigeria will be assessed as a new market in accordance with the FTSE Equity Country Classification Process.

"This process will follow the standard FTSE Equity Country Classification procedure and timetable for a new market, with Nigeria required to spend a period of time on the Watch List before it is readmitted as an eligible market for the FTSE Russell equity indices."

FTSE Russell had earlier explained that Nigeria was added to the watch list from September 2022, for possible reclassification from Frontier to Unclassified market status. This, it stated, was due to reports received from index users and market participants from 2020 onwards of significant, ongoing delays to the repatriation of capital from the country.

"Consequently, FTSE Russell has not implemented certain corporate events for Nigerian constituents of FTSE Russell equity indices since September 2022," it stated.

The group added that with the support of the FTSE Equity Country

Classification Advisory Committee, FTSE Russell had conveyed its concerns to the Nigerian market authorities regarding the delays to the repatriation of capital and the execution of FX transactions.

It stated, "Despite open and constructive engagement with the key capital markets institutions in Nigeria, the geopolitical and macroeconomic factors affecting the market are such that international institutional investors have yet to report any improvement

to the queues to repatriate capital from Nigeria, with delays now exceeding 18 months.

"Consequently, FTSE Russell has downgraded the ‘No objection to or significant restrictions or penalties applied to the investment capital or the repatriation of capital and income’ criterion for Nigeria from a rating of ‘Restricted’ to ‘Not Met,’ effective from March 2023."

The British investment ratings body, however, pointed out, "FTSE

Russell will continue to engage with the capital markets institutions in Nigeria and provide an update on Nigeria’s Watch List status by 30 June 2023."

Challenges in the country's FX market have continued to attract the attention of global ratings agencies. Only last month, Standard Bank Research (SBR), a subsidiary of Standard Bank Group, identified inadequate dollar supply as key challenge in the nation's foreign

exchange market, following the recent floating of the naira. In a report, it had noted that while the recent monetary policy actions of the CBN reinforced a continued progression towards a monetary policy stance that better aligned with the challenges of excess naira liquidity and demand for the US dollar, more still needed to be done by the monetary authority.

Shettima: Tinubu Govt to Prioritise Citizens’ Welfare in Policy Formulation

Flags off distribution of palliatives in Sokoto Hails BUA Group for donating 10 patrol vehicles to security agencies in state

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians in its programmes and policies.

Shettima, who stated this yesterday, while flagging off the distribution of palliatives worth N5.1 billion by the Sokoto State Government, declared,

"President Bola Tinubu is a compassionate leader that sleeps and wakes up each day with thoughts of how to alleviate the plight of Nigerians especially the vulnerable among us.

"He is committed to promoting the welfare of citizens of this country, that is why he will soon introduce robust programmes that will help improve the living condition of citizens."

Commenting on the distribution of

palliatives by the Sokoto State government, the vice president described it as, "a very laudable initiative by the Governor worthy of emulation by other State governments."

On the donation of operational vehicles to security agencies by the state government, Shettima said, "the federal government is very appreciative of the support the state government is giving security agencies operating in the State. The vehicles

Tinubu Rejoices with Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbinedion at 89

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated the Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbinedion on his 89th birthday, while saluting the renowned industrialist and philanthropist for his willingness to create opportunities for the growth of others in business and philanthropy, impacting countless lives in the process.

The president, according to a statement issued yesterday, by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale stated: “On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, please accept

our felicitation on the auspicious occasion of your 89th birthday on September 11, 2023.

“Considering the grace of wisdom, strength, and leadership influence bestowed upon you by the Almighty God, this milestone certainly calls for more celebration and thanksgiving.

“Over the years, our relationship has blossomed as friends, partners, and business leaders, both within and outside the country, and it has been the joy of my life to see you consistently investing in humanity, with your quintessential kindness

and charitable heart.

“At 89, my dear Esama, you have made a huge difference in the Nigerian economy and you continue to impact many lives. Your footprints of excellence in entrepreneurship are visible in real estate, banking, energy, media, transportation, health, and education, with a remarkable record of founding the first private university in Nigeria."

Tinubu, prayed for enduring grace, peace and good health for the Patriarch of the Igbinedion family now and in the years ahead.

you have purchased for them will help a lot in maintaining peace and order in Sokoto because there can be no development without peace."

The vice president also praised the BUA Group for donating 10 patrol vehicles to security agencies.

Shettima then called on, "other private organisations in the state to emulate the BUA Group and support our security agencies."

The vice president also inaugurated the Rijiyar Doruwa flyover, constructed by the state government at the cost of N5.3 billion.

Earlier in his remarks, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, said the distribution of palliatives was "to address the plight of our people especially the poor among us.

"We have also decided to assist our security agencies so as to tackle security challenges in the State."

The governor further disclosed that N5.1 billion was spent on the procurement of grains "for distribution, free of charge, to our people no matter their religion or party affiliation."

The event also featured the unveiling of a transportation scheme by the State government, comprising provision of 20 Toyota Camry cars, exclusively for use by women, as well as 50 mass transit buses for inter-city transportation service at affordable rates.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

L-R: US Global Malaria Coordinator, Dr. David Walter; Executive Director, Global Funds to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Peter Sands; United States Consulate General, Lagos, Nigeria, William Stevens; AmbassadorAt - Large President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, Dr. John Nkengasong; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during the high level meeting with the Minister of Health and Social Welfare and the Joint Mission by the Executive Director, Global Fund and United States Global AIDS Coordinator to Nigeria…yesterday

For Kyari, its production, production, production Rating agency relegates country from frontier to unclassified market CBN orders banks to build capital buffers against potential shocks Approves extra measures to cope with fallout of FX reforms, achieve financial stability Bars banks from using FX revaluation gains to pay dividend, meet operating expenses

CELEBRATION OF IGBINEDION'S 89TH BIRTHDAY...

Dongban-Mensem: Appeal Court Battling Dwindling Resources Tasks

personnel on maintenance culture

other technicians.

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, yesterday, in Tafa, a suburb along the Abuja-Kaduna Road, disclosed that the appellate court was battling with "dwindling resources," hence personnel of the court should be up and doing in their assigned responsibility.

The charge was directed mainly at the personnel of the court, which included engineers, architecture and

The judiciary has continued to lament poor funding with salaries of judges remaining on one spot for over 14 years.

Declaring open a 3-day workshop that would enhance the capacity of the staff saddled with the responsibility of overseeing and maintaining the court's buildings as well as its infrastructures across the country, the its president while stating that, "The Court of Appeal is battling with dwindling resources," pointed out

that, “maintenance is an absolute necessity."

She described the built environment personnel as a critical staff of the court whose efficiency and effectiveness could be of great benefits to the court.

"Please, I urge you to take this assignment seriously so that even when we need to call people from outside, you will be there to effectively and confidently supervise them and tell them no, you can't do it this way, you have to do it this

way and you can do that because you know and know because you have been trained," she added. She disclosed that her administration places a high priority on training and retraining of personnel to get the best from them in a world that is daily becoming smarter with newer technologies.

Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence in the array of resources persons lined up for the workshop, and tasked the participants to use the opportunity offered them to learn

Nigeria Scores 70% in ICAO Safety Standard in Air Transport Sector

Country scored 90% in legislation, 89% in accident investigation, 56% in aerodrome ground aid

Chinedu Eze

After 12 days of rigorous scrutiny of the nation’s aviation sector, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has scored Nigeria 70 per cent in its initial report of the Universal Safety Audit Program Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP)- CMA that was concluded yesterday.

The audit involved the inspection, monitoring, review of the regulatory standards that guide the activities of the critical aviation agencies in line with ICAO recommended standards and practices.

The 70 per cent score is three per cent higher than the last audit which was carried out in 2016, where the nation scored 67.1 per cent, a positive development following the nation’s safety compliance.

The audit which took place between August 30 and September 11, 2023, focused on Nigeria’s capability in providing safety oversight by assessing whether the country has implemented the critical elements (CEs) of a safety oversight system effectively and consistently.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) represents Nigeria and was the focus of the audit.

According to ICAO, the audit enables the country to ensure the implementation of ICAO’s safety-related Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs)

and associated procedures and guidance material and also provides ICAO with a means to monitor continuously the States’ fulfilment of their safety oversight obligations. Breakdown of some of the audit reports showed that the CAA in Legislation scored 90 per cent, a reduction from the 95 per cent it scored in the last audit while it scored 83 per cent in organisation, compared to its 100 per cent score last time around.

In the area of Personnel Licencing, the NCAA scored 84 per cent while it scored 62 per cent in operations compared to its last score of 57 per cent.

For Airworthiness, the NCAA scored 94 per cent compared to its previous 90 per cent in the last audit while the audit for Accident Investigation got a resounding 89 per cent, five points up from its previous 84 per cent score.

In the area of Aerodrome and Ground Aids the country scored 56 per cent while for Air Navigation Services it scored 44 per cent.

The audit final report was produced by the Safety and Air Navigation Oversight Audit Section (OAS) after reviewing and incorporating Nigeria’s comments to the draft audit report; it submitted it to the Chief, OAS and Deputy Director, Monitoring and Oversight (MO) for approval; thereafter sent it to Nigeria according to the timeline defined in the Memorandum of

Understanding; and published on the USOAP CMA Online Framework (OLF).

Although the score was good for the country, but industry insiders said Nigeria could do better, as ICAO listed State Corrective Action Plans (CAPs). It advised that upon receipt of draft report, State may start to prepare the Corrective Action Plans, but to upload them onto the OLF (Online Framework only

after receipt of final report.

“All points of findings are addressed, including associated implementation; CAPs include sufficient details to enable effective resolution of findings.

ICAO also stated that Appropriate Action Office is identified in the CAPs; and Realistic Estimated Date of Implementation is provided for all actions (short-, medium- and long-term).

new concepts and techniques of doing their jobs better.

In a welcome address, coorganizer and Chief Executive Officer of Mamven Limited, Mr. Nanwor Mamven, disclosed that the aim of the workshop was to equip participants with the requisite knowledge and skills to function effectively in an ever changing and evolving world. Mamven also harped on the, "urgent need to develop and sustain

a better maintenance culture for both public and private buildings in general, and the Court facilities and assets in particular."

He expressed confidence that the workshop would be sustained and held regularly.

The theme of the workshop was, “Building Maintenance and Environmentally Friendly Concepts,” and it was organised in conjunction with Zuma Rock Resort and Mamven Limited.

UBA Foundation Launches 2023 National Essay Competition

UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the commencement of the 2023 edition of its annual National Essay Competition (NEC) in Nigeria, with a call for entries.

Now in its 13th year, the annual National Essay Competition is part of UBA Foundation’s education initiative aimed at promoting literacy and encouraging healthy and intellectual competition amongst senior secondary school students in Nigeria and across the African continent.

A statement yesterday, explained that the 2023 edition promises increased participation from senior secondary school students across

Kyari's Absence Stalls House Committee Probe on Energy Security Contract

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The investigative hearing of the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee probing alleged irregularities and corruption in Nigeria’s energy security and the acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing, was stalled yesterday, following the absence Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Mele Kyari.

The absence of both Kyari and the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDRA), Farouk Ahmed forced the ad hoc committee to postpone the investigative hearing sine die.

The Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Hassan Nalaraba, lamented that the committee which was given four weeks to submit its report was already behind schedule despite the extension of the recess by the House.

He explained that the House resolved to set up the ad hoc committee to investigate circumstances surrounding the acquisition of OVH Energy by NNPCL and report within four weeks.

Nalaraba stated: “The time allocated to conclude and submit this report within four weeks.

“Unfortunately, we are far behind schedule despite the extension of the House recess, we still feel the need to continue or to

progress with this investigation."

However, while responding to the Ad-hoc Committee’s inquiry, Yemi Adetunji, the Executive Vice President Downstream at NNPC Limited, who spoke on behalf of the NNPCL GMD/CEO, said: “I bring to you the humble apologies of Malam Mele Kyari, the group CEO NNPC Limited he’s unable to attend.

“Last week we’ve actually sent a letter of his regrets about unavailability this week. Despite that, he still wanted to be here personally and he has reached out to this Committee but unfortunately he has an emergency and he’s unable to attend today’s session.

Nigeria as they could conveniently submit their entries from the comfort of their homes or schools through the UBA Foundation NEC digital submission portal.

“The essay topic for this year is ‘Will Artificial Intelligence(AI)take over Human Intelligence? what should students do to ensure AI doesn’t override but enhance their ability to learn through research? “Students are expected to properly research, write, scan and upload their handwritten essays to the digital portal on or before October 20th, 2023.

The first prize winner will receive an educational grant of N5 million to study at any African university of their choice, whilst the second and third prizes now stand at N3 million and N2.5 million educational grants for any African University.

“Also, winners of the 12 best essays, will go home with brand new Laptops and other educational tools to help them with their studies and other tertiary research work,” it explained.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta, said with digital submission portal, more students in senior secondary schools across the country now have the opportunity to scan and send in their entries and compete to win any of the educational grants for study at any university of their choice on the African continent.

She added, “We have worked hard to ensure that every Nigerian high school student who wishes to, will be able to enter for the NEC 2023 and stand a chance to win a fully funded University education through the UBA Foundation.

Alex Enumah in Abuja

L-R; Yeye Oba Odua; Erelu Abiola Fernandez; former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion; celebrant, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion; his wife; Lady Cherry Igbinedion; celebrant's son, Mr Bright Igbinedion; and Managing Director, Dorisday Hotel, Lady Doris Oboh, during the celebration of Igbinedion's 89 birthday in Benin City... yesterday

FLUTTERWAVE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH KADAVRA BDC AND WEMA BANK...

Atiku's Camp Moves against Wike, Says It’s Time to Enforce Discipline

Dismisses FCT minister as serial betrayal Declares ex-Rivers gov not member of PDP

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

For daring to call for the expulsion of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, political associates of the former vice president have moved against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, asking the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to discipline him.

Atiku's camp further described Wike as a serial betrayal, who formed the group of five governors that committed series of anti-party activities against the PDP during the February 25 presidential election, saying he had since ceased to be a member of their party.

Wike, last week, called for the expulsion of Atiku Abubakar and a former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

However, addressing a press conference, yesterday, in Abuja, the Director of Research and Documentation of the PDP Presidential Campaign, Dr. Pedro Obasike said, "Wike coming out to ask for the expulsion of the number one leader of the party

and the presidential flag bearer of the party and the recipient of the mandate of the Nigerian people as declared in INEC’s submission that we won 21 states and asking Atiku to be expelled from the party, has crossed the red line and now, he should be ready. He has all the money to fight us back because we are coming at him like a thousand bricks.

"He has unleashed the dogs of war and we will not sit back and watch him ride rough over the party and majority of Nigerians like he did for eight years over the humility of the Rivers people. That can no longer suffice."

He also challenged Wike to publish his bank account when he assumed office as a governor and after his eight years tenure.

According to Obasike, "Wike is a member of the APC, a sitting minister of an APC government. Wike openly campaigned against the PDP. You see, by their fruits, we shall know them. By all intents and purposes, Wike is not a member of the PDP.

"If you remember clearly, just a few months to the election, Barrister Nyesom Wike, then the

governor of Rivers State ran to the court to get an injunction to preclude and stop the PDP from expelling him from the party. If he was so untouchable and bigger than the entire party machinery, why did he do that? Whether we like it or not, Wike is Satan lieutenant.

"Maybe that is what reduced the propensity of the leaders of the party to do the needful. And because many of them are doves – men of peace (not everyone is a hawk like Wike), let us see whether he

Taraba

would come around. PDP is not a party of brigands."

He, however, said the coast was now clear for Wike to face disciplinary action and possibly expulsion as you cannot eat your cake and still have it back.

"Wike by his elemental behaviour, unending vituperations fits more into the category and behavioural attitude and pattern of an APC member. Wike is APC. As for the party not suspending or expelling him now, I have quoted the court injunction but he has

violated every other thing going forward.

"To borrow from my brother, Dele Momodu, if some of us were in charge, Wike will not have the moral rectitude to go on air to start talking about a party he so singularly in the past one year decimated and bastardised. Wike is not a member of our party."

Obasike challenged Wike to produce the letter, he claimed to have written to the PDP before accepting the ministerial position from the APC government.

Seizes 22,373KG

Sapphire,

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

The Taraba State Special Task Force on Environmental Protection and Illegal Mining has recovered 22,373kg of Blue Sapphire and other precious stones from illegal miners operating in the state.

Briefing journalists in Jalingo, yesterday, the Chairman of the

His words: "Where is the letter he wrote to the National Chairman? I am sure Wike went to Law School. I am sure he is a lawyer and he knows that ‘He who is ready for peace should prepare for war.

"Nyesom Wike has touched the tiger’s tail, let him wait. The only extensional advice I am going to give is that those who have employed his dastardly betrayal and chicanery in the APC should watch their backs. The rain may beat the leopard but it cannot wash off its spots.”

of Blue

Arrest over 100 Illegal Miners

Task Force, Brig. Gen. Jeremiah Faransa (Rtd), further revealed that over 100 illegal miners, including foreigners had been arrested and prosecuted in the past two months.

Faransa, stated that the 22,373 kg of Sapphire concealed by the illegal miners was recovered at Mayo Sena in Sardauna LGA of Taraba State, while the illegal

Port Harcourt Disco Begins Global Token Identifier Rollover for Prepaid Meters

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (PHED) said it has commenced Global Token Identifier Rollover (TID) for prepaid meters in its franchise area.

The Head, Corporate Communications, PHED, Mrs. Olubukola Ilevbare, who disclosed this yesterday, stated that the rollover was in line with the directive of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Under the Global Token Identifier Rollover exercise, all prepaid meters would be upgraded with

a standard transfer specification code which comes in two sets of 20 digits key change tokens imputed into the meter.

Ilevbare, said the exercise became imperative because the current software that enables vending for every prepaid meter globally, would expire on November 2024, without any remedy for meters that were not rolled over with the key change tokens.

"In accordance with the procedure required for the Token Identifier Rollover, unused tokens must be loaded in the Prepaid Meter before attempting the

rollover exercise with the two sets of 20 digits’ key change token to avoid token rejection by the Meters.

"It is noteworthy to mention that essence of this process is not to make energy meters run faster or slower, hence, there is no need for panic and that the TID rollover will not alter the meteorological properties of electricity meters that have been certified by NEMSA."

Ilevbare, disclosed that the company had instituted proactive measures to ensure that the process was seamless for their esteemed customers.

"We have multiple avenues like our Offices, website, IBINABO and help desk where customers can easily obtain the Key Change Tokens for ease of upgrading their Meters while enjoying the best of superior customer experience," she added.

Ilevbare, also advised customers not to make any payment in exchange for the key change tokens, stressing that the rollover exercise was done at zero cost as the company would not be held liable for any loss of money for failure to adhere to this information.

miners were arrested in several parts of the state.

He lamented the grievous damage activities of legal and Illegal miners were causing to the state including those involved in indiscriminate felling of rosewood trees, also known as Madrid.

He warned those engaging in mining and logging in the state to suspend their operations forthwith, saying there was an Executive Order in force suspending mining and logging activities in the state.

He maintained that unregulated activities of miners in the state had led to the degradation of arable lands suitable for farming, saying some communities had abandoned farming because their lands have been degraded.

In the same vein, he frowned at the exploitation of teenagers who are being used as cheap labour by the mining companies thereby increasing the number of school dropouts.

According to him, " Over 20,000 legal and illegal people are mining in Taraba state. The illegal ones are camouflaging as labourers under the legal mining companies.

"It was in Arufu and Akwana communities in Wukari local government area of the state

that I knew we were finished. What we saw is a sad tale. These communities have been excavated and destroyed by the activities of both the legal and illegal miners.

"The land in these communities are no longer suitable for farming or even building. They have now abandoned farming completely and every household in these communities have become miners.

"Also in Dogon Yasu, teenagers who are supposed to be in school are being exploited by the mining companies and are used as cheap labour.

“When we interviewed most of them, we discovered that they are being given N500 or N1000 a day. And that is why you see that there is an increase in the number of dropouts in Northern Nigeria."

He however stressed that the state is not against the activities of investors in the mining sector, but is concerned about due diligence and environmental protection.

"Under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2007, it is expected that after excavation, the miner is supposed to refill that land up to 80 per cent, but I have not seen up to 10 per cent in the mining sites.”

L-R: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Flutterwave, Mr. Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola; Chief Executive Officer, Kadavra BDC, Mrs. Cynthia Onyinyechi; Acting Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi; and Managing Director/CEO, Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Moruf Oseni, at the press conference on Swap powered by Flutterwave in partnership with Kadavra BDC and Wema Bank, held in Ikoyi, Lagos recently. PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

Lagos State, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State were among prominent Nigerians who sent out condolences yesterday following the death of Nigeria's doyen of accounting, Chief Akintola Williams.

In a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Abbas, while reacting to the demise of Williams yesterday at the age of 104 years, described him as Nigeria's global star in the accounting profession, who shone bright across Africa and the world.

The speaker noted that the financial guru would be sorely missed at a time when Nigeria was navigating through a turbulent economic phase. He recalled how Williams broke several records and achieved many feats, including being Nigeria’s first chattered accountant.

Abbas also recalled how the late Williams established the first indigenous chartered accounting firm in Africa, Akintola Williams & Co, in Lagos in 1952, and how he was part of the brains behind the establishment of the Association of Accountants in Nigeria in 1960, and became its pioneer president.

"As a founding member and pioneer President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chief Akintola Williams distinguished himself as an accounting pillar," the speaker added. He noted that the deceased was instrumental to the creation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Abbas urged the federal government and the umbrella bodies of accounting professionals to immortalise Williams, noting his immeasurable contributions to the development of Nigeria’s financial sector.

The late Williams was an elder brother to the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the late Chief Frederick Rotimi Alade Williams, who lived between December 16, 1920 and March 26, 2005.

Abbas prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Williams.

Atiku also mourned the passing of the elder statesman and most senior accountant in Nigeria.

Atiku, in a condolence message by his media office yesterday, said, “The late Akintola Williams was not just the grandfather of accounting in Nigeria, his lifetime was a great lesson in moral uprightness.”

Atiku noted that Williams was a blessed man, “and that is even more manifest in the good, long life that he enjoyed till the prime age of 104.”

The former vice president condoled with the Williams family over the loss of a patriarch, praying that God would uphold the family at this peculiar moment.

He also condoled with the people and government of Lagos State over the loss of an illustrious and towering personality.

On his part, Obaseki, in a statement, said he was “immensely saddened by the news of the passing of our elder statesman, an economic titan and the doyen of the accounting profession in Nigeria, Chief Akintola Williams”.

According to Obaseki, “Akintola

Williams lived a long and fulfilled life, having made his mark as not only the first Nigerian to qualify as a chartered accountant but also led the envious legacy as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished professionals in the corporate world.

“A rare breed, Chief Williams played a key role as a nationalist, as he was a contemporary of key figures in Nigeria’s historical development, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, fighting together for the independence of our dear nation and keeping on with the drive to see Nigeria lead the continent on different fronts.”

The governor continued, “Chief Williams, perhaps, made some of the most consequential contributions to the development of the Nigerian economy through his interventions in the setting up of the Nigeria Stock Exchange and ICAN.

“He was upright, intelligent and cosmopolitan, making enormous impact in the business community and in promoting probity and good governance.

“The business community has, indeed, lost a beacon and compass who provided light and direction to the Nigerian state.”

The governor further noted, “He will be remembered for his knack for excellence, his undying quest for truth and justice and an abiding commitment to the development of our dear nation.

“I commiserate with Seni, the Williams' family, friends and associates and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Adieu.”

Sanwo-Olu noted that Williams’ legacies could not be forgotten. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, the governor said Akintola Williams’ record of service as an accountant of repute and a leader of remarkable achievements would remain indelible for generations to come.

He said the doyen of accounting in Nigeria brought many honours and pride to Nigeria and Africa, particularly, in the financial sector during his lifetime.

Sanwo-Olu said, “On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, we celebrate the departure of a great legend and the doyen of accounting in Nigeria, Akintola Williams, who contributed his quota to the financial sector and the economy of Nigeria during his lifetime.

“I commiserate with his family, friends, associates and the entire accountants in Nigeria. I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Akintola Williams and that God grants the financial sector and the deceased family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Similarly, Abiodun described the passing of Williams as the end of an era.

The governor, in a statement he personally signed, eulogised the immeasurable contributions of the late accountant to the field of accountancy, saying his impacts in the profession would continue to be remembered and celebrated among generations of accountants in years to come.

He prayed for the repose of his soul and for the family and well-wishers to have the fortitude to bear the loss.

Abiodun stated, "On behalf of the government and the good people of Ogun State, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family of the doyen of accounting, Late Chief Akintola Williams, who passed on to glory today.

"While we are going to miss his priceless contributions for over seven decades in the field of accounting, our solace lies in the profound legacies he left behind and his indelible footprints.

"May God Almighty rest his soul and continue to strengthen his family, numerous mentees and all his admirers all over the world."

According to a retired Senior Partner at Deloitte Nigeria and Akintola Williams, Mr. Henry C. Manafa, the late Williams played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of various economic and financial institutions in Nigeria.

Manafa said, “Throughout his career, Akintola Williams actively promoted transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices in Nigeria's public and private sectors.”

Manafa added, “Akintola Williams' dedication and contributions have played a significant role in shaping the accounting profession in Nigeria. He is often referred to as the father of modern accounting in the country.

“His pioneering efforts have inspired generations of accountants in Nigeria to pursue the highest standards of professionalism, integrity,

disclosed in a statement by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.

But, in a statement on its website on the diplomatic meeting, Emirates News Agency, UAE’s official news agency, did not mention anything about the lifting of visa ban on Nigerians as well as flight resumption. The agency only noted that the UAE president and Tinubu explored opportunities for further bilateral collaboration in areas that served both countries’ sustainable economic growth, including the economic, development, energy, and climate action fields.

Emirates News Agency stated, “The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international developments of interest. The meeting discussed the upcoming COP28 climate conference set to take place in the UAE later this year, with both parties stressing the vital importance of encouraging and enabling international cooperation to tackle global issues, including climate change.”

UAE had in October 2023 banned nationals of some 20 African countries, including Nigeria, from entering its city, Dubai. In a notice issued to trade partners, including travel agents, the UAE authorities had directed that all applications should be rejected from Nigeria and the aforementioned countries.

Last December, also, Emirates Airlines had suspended flight operations to Nigeria over its inability

and excellence.

“Williams has received numerous awards and honours, including the Commander Federal Republic and CBE and various leadership positions in professional and business organisations.

“Today, Akintola Williams is hailed as a revered figure in the Nigerian accounting profession, with a legacy that continues to inspire aspiring accountants and professionals in the field. His contributions have not only shaped the accounting landscape but have also played a pivotal role in the economic development of Nigeria.”

The 59th President of ICAN, Dr. Innocent Okwuosa, said he received the news of Williams passing away with gratitude to God.

Okwuosa said, “Akintola Williams will be remembered as founding father of the ICAN and as the first indigenous chartered accountant in Nigeria and Africa.

“He was a man of high integrity, probity and accountability. He is the epitome of ICAN’s motto: Accuracy and Integrity. He made ICAN thick and will be missed by the accountancy profession.”

Speaking in a similar vein, one of Nigeria’s foremost retired permanent secretaries, Chief Philip Asiodu, described Williams as “a great pioneer amongst the Nigerian professionals and about the only one who established a very lasting company, the Akintola Williams and Co. When you compare his achievements in establishing a lasting accounting partnership his achievements are outstanding”.

to repatriate blocked funds, which was then estimated at $85 million. Etihad Airlines had also stopped flights to Nigeria.

The sour relations between both countries had earlier seen Emirates Airlines suspending its operations to Nigeria on December 13, 2021, in reaction to Nigeria’s federal government’s withdrawal of the carrier’s flight frequencies, except one, to Nigeria. The UAE was the first to reduce Air Peace request for three weekly flights to one, and had claimed it did not have enough slots for the airline.

Emirates had said it would discontinue flight service to Nigeria until both countries reached amicable resolution on the matter.

However, the statement by Ngelale, yesterday, explained that following negotiation between Tinubu and the UAE leader, there would be immediate restoration of flight activity through the two airlines between both countries. But this did not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government, the statement said.

According to the presidential spokesman, in recognition of Tinubu's economic development diplomacy drive and proposals presented by the president to his UAE counterpart, an agreed framework was established, which would involve several billions of United States dollars’ worth of new investments in the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors,

ZENITH BANK DELIVERS PHENOMENAL TRIPLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN FIRST HALF

in profit before tax, growing from N130 billion in H1 2022 to N350.4 billion in H1 2023.

Its profit after tax also grew by triple digits, growing by 162 per cent from N111.4 billion to N291.7 billion in the same period. The growth in gross earnings arose from both interest income and non-interest income. Interest income also grew by 72 per cent, from N241.7 billion in H1 2022, to N415.4 billion in H1 2023, while non-interest income grew by 246 per cent, from N149 billion to N515.7 billion.

The growth in interest income was attributed to the impact of both the growth and repricing of risk assets. The liberalisation of the foreign exchange market during the period spurred the growth in non-interest income as revaluations gains improved significantly.

In terms of efficiency, the results showed that Zenith Bank’s cost-toincome ratio improved from 58 per cent to 38.5 per cent in the current period on the back of an enhanced income line.

The liberalisation of the foreign exchange market coupled with the heightened risk environment resulted

in cost of risk growing from 1.4 per cent to 8.8 per cent just as its cost of funding also grew YoY from 1.4 per cent in H1 2022 to 2.6 per cent in H1 2023. because of the spike in interest rates between both periods as interest expense grew from N57 billion in H1 2022 to N153.6 billion in H1 2023.

In addition, its total assets grew by 31 per cent from N12.3 trillion to N16 trillion in December 2022, mainly driven by growth in customers’ deposits and the devaluation of the local currency. Customers’ deposits grew by 30 per cent, from N9 trillion in December 2022, to N11.6 trillion in June 2023.

Loans and advances also grew by 32 per cent, from N4.12 trillion in December 2022, to N5.38 trillion in June 2023, partly due to the revaluation of the foreign currency denominated loans as well as growth in local currency loans. Non-performing loans ratio improved from 4.3 per cent to 3.9 per cent in December 2022, despite the deterioration of the macros and heightened risk environment because of the currency mix of risk assets, while capital adequacy ratio

improved from 19.8 per cent to 22 per cent and liquidity ratio reduced from 75 per cent to 61 per cent in the current period. Both prudential ratios were still well above regulatory thresholds.

“The reorganisation into a holding company structure has advanced, as the Group adds new verticals to its businesses and expand into new frontiers. As the year progresses, the Group will continue to remain dynamic in anticipating and responding to the changes in the fiscal and monetary environments in order to sustain growth across all its business segments and markets,” the bank explained.

Zenith Bank's track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, for the 14th consecutive year, in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, in the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance

Asiodu recalled that in 1975, when Nigeria wanted a firm to handle “all the incomes from crude oil companies and establish how much government took, how much the companies took and how much the importing companies took, it was his accounting firm that was appointed.”

He added that Williams was one of the professional Nigerians that guided the implementation of the first indigenisation exercise that transferred the ownership of some big businesses in the country to Nigerians.

Asiodu said regarding Williams, “He was a very nice gentle man, extremely polite. I interacted with him in many spheres. He was one of the founding members of the Metropolitan Club, which I joined in 1976, and have related closely with him since then. He also took interest in environmental matters. May he rest in perfect peace.”

For Executive Chairman and Founder of Phillips Consulting Limited, Mr. Foluso Phillips, the late Akintola Williams was a model to imitate for establishing an accounting firm that endured and outlived him.

Phillips said, “He was my role model. When I set up the Phillip Consulting he clearly was my role model. I actually told him that I am modelling myself after him and he smiled and said that I should be ‘very careful what you wished for’.

“Here is a man who set up an accounting practice and was able to create a succession. That for me is quite fundamental to the extent that

including defence, agriculture, and others, by the investment arms of the government of UAE.

In addition, the statement revealed that Tinubu successfully negotiated a joint new foreign exchange (forex) liquidity programme between the two governments, details of which would be announced in the coming weeks.

Tinubu also commended the UAE president for his friendship and determined effort to join hands with him to fully normalise and reset to excellence relations between the two frontline nations.

Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, had explained during the diplomatic rift that NCAA withdrew the approval to Emirates to operate 21 flights to Nigeria following the refusal of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of UAE to grant equal rights to the sole Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, flying to Dubai via Sharjah.

Nuhu stated that the then Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, had graciously granted Emirates Airlines 21 frequencies weekly to two major airports in Nigeria; Lagos, 14, and Abuja, seven.

the vision that I set for the Phillips Consulting is to create an organisation that can outlive me in line with what I have seen with Akintola Williams.”

He also described the deceased as “very pragmatic and a gentle man to the core. I do not think anyone has ever seen him wearing an agbada. He was always on a suit. I even challenged him whether he owned one and he told me that he has no apology. He was a typical Englishman.

“He is seldom known to be critical of the government. He just kept quiet and went on with his own business.”

Similarly, President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Mr. Adesina Adebayo, said Williams was someone who actually propelled the accountancy profession in Nigeria and was instrumental in setting up the Metropolitan Club, the MUSON Centre, and ICAN. Adebayo said, “There is no way you can talk about accounting profession in Nigeria without actually talking about Akintola Williams. His contribution is such that anybody that becomes a chartered accountant in Nigeria always looked up to him as he practised with integrity and honour.

“He symbolises and stands as a person who is a brand ambassador of the accounting profession in Nigeria. And whatever profession that came out of accounting today (including taxation) is a fall out of the benefits of his pioneering work in accountancy profession. His legacy will forever be remembered.”

minute details of the agreement."

Ngelale stated that the president had been able to reconfigure and reform the economy through aggressive attraction of foreign direct investment dealings with heads of state around the world and linking business communities together in a way that will inject new life into the country's economy.

"These things are worked out through a consultative process that involves multiple levels of government that work simultaneously," Ngelale stated. He commended those who had participated in restoring the diplomatic ties between the two countries, saying that it is historic.

"Definitely, the diplomatic ability of President Tinubu and the clarity of his vision to be able to restore diplomatic ties and add new dimensions to the mutually beneficial relationship is something that I think Nigerians can appreciate,” he said.

Awards 2022 and 2023; Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker's Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best Bank in Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, in the Global Finance World's Best Banks Awards; Best in Corporate Governance' Financial Services' Africa, for four successive years from 2020 to 2023, by the Ethical Boardroom; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation In Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021 and Retail Bank of the Year, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. Similarly, Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People's Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.

On the other hand, when it withdrew its service to Nigeria, the Middle East mega carrier had said, “Emirates is committed to its operations in Nigeria, and we stand ready to reinstate services once restrictions are lifted by the Nigerian authorities, ensuring travellers have more choice and access to trade and tourism opportunities in Dubai, and beyond to our network of over 120 destinations.”

Etihad Airlines, in solidarity with Emirates, had also suspended all their flights to and from Nigeria since December 2021.

But speaking in a programme monitored on Channels Television yesterday, Ngelale further clarified that Nigeria and UAE were working on an FX liquidity programme that both countries agreed on. He explained that the visit of Tinubu to UAE added a new dimension to the relationship between the two countries.

According to him, "So it is true that we have normalised relationship and bilateral relations, but to say that is all, has not quite done justice to it.

"What happened today is to add new dimensions to the relations and partnerships that are mutually beneficial to both nations. I think as we move forward, the details of the FX liquidity programme that both countries agreed to will become clear.

"They are still crossing the I’s and dotting the T’s between respective ministers of both countries, as well as the national security advisers of both countries as we formalise more

Ngelale added, "President Tinubu has gone to India and in two days, secured $14 billion worth of investment pledges, which we read out in details; what companies and sectors are involved and how it's going to impact the Nigerian economy; and within 24 hours, he arrives the UAE and secured a landmark deal that moves all sorts of multi-sectoral encumbrances out of the relationship and adds new dimensions across multiple sectors of the economy. We just haven't seen this before.

"What we are saying is that we are going to be open to our people and tell them what is going on and how it's going to interest and benefit them and the economy."

Reacting to the development, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) applauded Tinubu’s swift intervention that resulted in the lifting of the visa ban on Nigerians and resumption of Etihad and Emirates airlines flights into the country.

Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement signed by Head of Media and Public Relations at the commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said with the diplomatic achievement, Nigerians working in UAE, who could not have their work permits renewed, could heave a sigh of relief.

The NIDCOM boss said the intervention would usher in a new era of collaboration and friendship between the two nations. She said besides the lifting of ban and resumption of flights into Nigeria, the bilateral parley also laid a robust foundation for substantial investments in various sectors in Nigeria.

Dabiri-Erewa, who said she had been bombarded with calls from excited Nigerians living in the UAE, urged them to continue to be good ambassadors of the country.

ATIKU, ABBAS, OBASEKI, SANWO-OLU, ABIODUN, ICAN, OTHERS MOURN AKINTOLA WILLIAMS

AFTER MEETING WITH TINUBU, UAE LIFTS VISA BAN ON NIGERIANS

2023

BOOSTING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDONESIA AND ENUGU...

Palliatives: Edo Govt Flags Off Free Transport Scheme for Residence

NACCIMA hails Obaseki’s reforms to transform Edo into Nigeria's petrochemical hub

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

In a bid to cushion the effects of petrol subsidy removal by the federal government, Edo State Government yesterday, flagged off it's free transport scheme for residents of the state.

Obaseki had approved free transport service for passengers on all routes operated by the state-owned Edo City Transport Ltd (ECTS)

The service which spans an initial two-month period would cover both intra-city and inter-city transportation within Benin metropolis and from

Benin City to the major cities in the three senatorial districts.

Speaking at the flagging off ceremony at the ECTS park, Ring Road, Obaseki, represented by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, implored Edo people to use the free buses regularly as it was designed by the state government to help them get over the hardship caused by the fuel subsidy removal.

"The Edo State Government takes the welfare of Edo people seriously and this is just one of the many

ways we intend to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal for our people.

“The scheme has started since morning and people are already enjoying it. We want Edo people to use the bus regularly," he said.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the Edo State Transport Authority, Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor, said, though ECTC had been offering free bus ride for primary and secondary school pupils in the past, it planned to extend it to accommodate everybody in order to alleviate the hardship caused by

the removal of fuel subsidy.

According to her, "We know that before now transportation has always consumed 50 per cent of budgets of parents. So, the gesture is to help so that they can channel this money to some of their other needs such as feeding, housing, especially this time in particular, when our children are resuming and we know the burden on parents during the first term.

"So, this is His Excellency's intervention that at this time, parents can have a refund of their transport cost to enable them take

UK Establishes Visa Application Centre in Enugu

Indonesia to deepen trade, investment relations with state govt

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

The United Kingdom has established a visa application center in Enugu state.

Confirming the development in a commendation message signed by Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia yesterday, the Enugu State government said the center would facilitate visa applications by residents in the state, the South-East zone, and the country at large.

Onyia, said the visa center was part of the state Governor, Peter Mbah’s earlier requests during the visit to the Government House, Enugu, by the UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, in June this year.

"It is expected that the center would further enhance economic partnership and cultural exchanges between Enugu State and the United Kingdom and we look forward to a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the UK, as the visa center would help cement the relationship,” the statement added.

The government also called on the people, especially those residing in the south-east to avail themselves of the opportunity provided to file their visa applications in the state, noting that the government would ensure improved security both to residents and visitors carrying on business in the state.

Meanwhile, Indonesian has expressed interest in deepening relations with the Enugu state government to boost trade, investment and other socio-economic spaces that would be of mutual benefits to both entities.

The Asian country's ambassador to Nigeria, Usra Harahap, made this known yesterday, when he led a team of senior delegates from the Republic of Indonesia to the state on a business and working visit to Mbah at the Government House in Enugu.

The ambassador noted that investments in the state and frequent exchange of contacts would not only cement the bilateral ties but equally create more opportunities for mutual growth and prospects of further investments in the future.

“The potential for collaboration between Indonesia and Enugu State is immensely spanning across Enugu State in many sectors,” he said.

“Firstly, in the area of trade and investment, we see great opportunities for future growth. Our country can benefit from increased trade, the exchange of knowledge, and collaborative investment venture,”.

The ambassador also used the opportunity of the visit to invite Mbah and the Enugu business community to participate in the Trade Expo, which would be held from 18th to 22nd October, 2023, in the city of Indonesia.

"This Expo will provide a unique platform for you to meet the Indonesia businessmen, and also be exposed to our services and business opportunities that can be mutually beneficial,” he said.

Usra, also expressed Indonesia’s desire to invest in the energy and mining sectors in the state, as according to him, Enugu was rich in mineral resources, agriculture as well and tourism, which would serve as additional sources of revenue.

He maintained that Indonesia has

many interests in broadening the collaboration in energy, agriculture, health sector, as well as creative economy.

In his response, Mbah commended the ambassador and his team for picking special economic interests in the state, saying his administration was not only ready to partner with Indonesian investors but had equally provided the enabling environment to welcome them to the state.

The governor maintained that the state had an array of investment

opportunities such as the sector-based productivity belt, minerals and energy sector, including coal and oil and gas with large deposits in different locations in the state.

“Enugu State is blessed with minerals such as limestone, gypsum, clay mineral, glass sand, and one of the cleanest coal deposits in the world”. “Over 300,000 hectares of land had been designated as a special economic zone for agro-allied processing industry and other investment prospects”.

other responsibilities.

“We are aware that ECTS has always given free ride to school children, but it's no longer for school children but for all Edo people.”

A beneficiary of the free transport scheme, Mrs. Osarubo Obayuwana, who lives in Oko Central and spends an average of N800 daily on transportation was elated over the gesture by the Edo State Government as she said, "I am happy seeing the new arrangements by the Edo State Government, I want to beg the government to sustain the scheme because people are really suffering."

The transport scheme is expected to cover intra-city and intercity routes including Auchi - Igalrra - Ibillo–Ososo; Uzebba–Ikhin – Otuo, and Abudu-Ubiaja, Abudu-Urhonigbe and Ewohirin to Ewatto.

In the meantime, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, has lauded Obaseki for his administration's progressive economic reforms which according to him had transformed the state into Nigeria’s petrochemical hub with two operational modular refineries.

The two modular refineries in the state have continued to wax strong, with both now having a standing order of 300,000 barrels of crude from the Oza oil field.

Decklar Resources Inc and its

co-venturer Millenium Oil & Gas Company Limited, which operate the Oza oil field, confirmed that aside from the 200,000 barrels of crude ordered by the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited, Duport Midstream Company Limited has placed an order of 100,000 barrels of crude from the field. The products from the modular refineries in Edo State include diesel, low-pour fuel, and naphtha.

In a statement yesterday, the NACCIMA boss said Edo State had also been experiencing an influx of investments into various sectors of the state’s economy, which was a testament to the favourable business environment created by Governor Obaseki.

Oye said, “The NACCIMA has lauded the progressive economic reforms introduced by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State. The initiatives aimed at transforming the state into a petrochemical hub have yielded positive results, with the two modular refineries in the state making standing orders of 300,000 barrels of crude from the Oza oil field. This is in addition to the 100,000 barrels ordered by Duport Midstream Company Limited. “The products from these modular refineries include diesel, low-pour fuel, and naphtha, which provide an avenue for revenue generation for the state.”

Morocco Earthquake Death Toll Nears

2,700 as Rescuers Search for Survivors

Buhari sad, sends condolence message to King of Morocco

Villagers wept for their lost relatives in the rubble of their homes yesterday, as the death toll from Morocco's deadliest earthquake in more than six decades rose to almost 2,700 and rescuers raced against time to find survivors.

Search teams from Spain, Britain and Qatar were joining Moroccan rescue efforts after a 6.8 magnitude quake struck late on Friday in the High Atlas Mountains, with the epicentre 72 km (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech.

The state news agency reported the death toll had risen to 2,681 with 2,501 people injured. According to Reuters, rescuers said the traditional mud brick houses ubiquitous in the region reduced the chances of finding survivors because they had crumbled.

Among the dead was 7-year-old Suleiman Aytnasr, whose mother had carried him to his bedroom after he fell asleep in the living room of their home in a hamlet outside Talat N'Yaaqoub, in one of the worst-hit areas. He was about to start a new school year.

"As she came back, the earthquake happened and the ceiling was destroyed and fell on him," said Suleiman's father, Brahim Aytnasr, whose eyes were red from crying. He had spent Monday trying to salvage items from the debris of his house.

Another son, 20-year-old Mouath, had escaped by climbing through a hole in the collapsed kitchen ceiling.

Footage from the remote village of Imi N'Tala, filmed by Spanish

rescuer Antonio Nogales of the aid group Bomberos Unidos Sin Fronteras (United Firefighters Without Borders), showed men and dogs clambering over steep slopes covered in rubble.

Meanwhile, former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sadness over the death of hundreds of people, injury to many and damage in many places by the recent strong earthquake that rocked central Morocco.

In a personally signed letter yesterday, to King Muhammad the V1, the ruler of Morocco with whom he said he had a good working relationship while in officeon Monday, Buhari said: “It is with a deep sense of sadness that I write on behalf of my family and myself to

express our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and the people of the Kingdom of Morocco in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck your country on 8th September 2023.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives destruction of property caused by the earthquake. I stand in solidarity with Your Majesty and the people of Morocco in this difficult time and pray for the swift recovery of those who were affected by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may Allah bring peace and solace to those affected.

“While extending, once again, my condolences, please accept, Your Majesty, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem.”

L-R: Wife of Ambassador and leader of the Association of Indonesian Ladies in Nigeria, Mrs. Nenny Harahap; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; and Ambassador of Indonesia to Nigeria, Dr. Usra Harahap, during an official visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu... yesterday

Akeredolu Back from Medical Leave, Meets Stakeholders in Ibadan

Fidelis David writes that Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, at the weekend resumed official duties after returning from Germany where he went for medical vacation.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state last Friday formally handed over his resumption letter to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Olamide Oladiji, and also sent a copy to the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The governor was seen briefly in public shortly after he returned to the state from his 15-working days annual leave on May 1, but his ill-health generated lots of anxiety.

The former President of the Nigeria Bar Association and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo state was reported to have battled with an ailment said to be blood cancer (leukemia), a cancer of the blood caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in the body.

In other words, it is a cancer of blood-forming tissues that hinders the body’s ability to fight infections. Although, some residents of the state attributed his illness to spiritual attack.

Recall that the governor had embarked on a 21-day medical leave on June 7 and was expected to return home on July 6, 2023 to start performing his constitutional duties after he had written to the state legislature in line with constitutional provisions to proceed on medical leave and handed over power to his deputy, Mr Lucky Ayeditawa, to act in his stead, as demanded by the constitution.

However on the expiration of the vacation, the state Assembly received yet another letter from the governor requesting the extension of his medical leave but this time, a date of return was not included in the letter.

An extension letter read on behalf of other lawmakers by the Speaker of the State House, Hon Oladiji, said the Governor’s action was in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) while the Deputy Governor would continue to act as governor until there was a written declaration to the contrary.

However, last Thursday, Governor Akeredolu returned to the country and upon his return, he convened a meeting with key stakeholders from Ondo State in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, where he landed.

During the meeting, Governor Akeredolu expressed optimism that he will be alive to complete his full tenure in office.

He said: “I came back yesterday, and as you know, it was a long journey. I decided that I must meet with you today. God has answered our prayers, and we give Him all the glory.

“I can assure you that our return is to the glory of God and the prayers of all of you here, and those who wished us well, I thank you very much. God has done what majority of our people wanted. Majority of our people here knelt down and prayed for our return, and we have returned.

“So, because we had to land here in Ibadan first, I said I have to meet with House of Assembly members here. We are here, and we are back. I am back, and by the grace of God, I will be alive to complete my full tenure in office. I want to tell you that I am back, and I will resume work immediately. This is my letter of resumption.”

The Speaker, speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, expressed gratitude for the safe return of the Governor, stating that the Governor’s return to the country is a prayer answered.

Akeredolu, while meeting with members of the State Executive Council, informed them that he had presented his letter of resumption to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

According to him: “We are now back, and we give God all the glory. I have to let members of the House of Assembly know first that we have returned. As of today, I’m back as Governor of Ondo State. We thank God that I am alive and here. It’s your prayers that have kept us here. The office of the Governor has resumed full work.”

Akeredolu also held meetings with members of the National Assembly, including Senator representing Ondo North, Senator Jide Ipinsagba; members of the House of Representatives representing Owo/Ose, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe; Ilaje/Ese-Odo, Hon. Donald Ojogo, Idanre/ Ifedore, Hon. Festus Akingbaso; Okitipupa/

Irele, Hon. Jimi Odimayo and Akoko South West/South East, Hon. Gboyega Adefarati.

He described the outpour of love wrapped in prayers, kind words, cheering messages, affectionate support as well as countless display of varied forms of brotherliness during his recovery process as heart-lifting.

The governor thanked the people of Ondo State for their ceaseless prayers and support during his recovery process, assuring the people of his administration’s unwavering commitment to the progress and development of the state.

Akeredolu’s Alleged Relocation of Government to Ibadan

Meanwhile, the Ondo chapter of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has knocked the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for resuming his official duties in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

A statement made available to journalists by the state Publicity Secretary of PDP, Kennedy Peretei titled: “Akeredolu Relocates Government to Ibadan” alleged that the governor has continued

his usual lack of respect for the people of Ondo State by practically relocating his government and State Assembly to his residence in Ibadan.

“Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State has continued in his usual lack of respect for the people of Ondo State by practically relocating his government and State Assembly to his residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

“On 6th June, 2023 Akeredolu wrote to the Ondo State House of Assembly about his medical vacation abroad amid rumours that he was incapacitated. A medical leave that has taken three clear months.

“Mrs Betty Akeredolu, the Governor’s wife shut down the social media by posting her husband’s photo in an aircraft with the caption “Homebound” yesterday. There was no official release from Akeredolu’s media handlers, a responsibility Betty has since assumed”.

The party alleged that while Akeredolu was in Germany, attending to his health, Ondo State suffered multidimensional setbacks, from infighting to huge sums of money being siphoned from the state treasury as medical expenses.

PDP said it expected that, since Akeredolu is back in Nigeria, his first point of call should have been Ondo State, where everybody prayed for his quick recovery and return to his duties, instead, he headed for Ibadan and allegedly instructed all State Cabinet members and State

Assembly men to join him.

“This is very absurd and an insult on the sensibility of Ondo State people. If Akeredolu has been certified fit to resume duties, let him notify the Assembly accordingly to conclude the remainder of his tenure for which he has been barely tolerated”, the PDP added.

Responding, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress decried the allegations of the PDP, that the state suffered a multilateral setback since the governor left for medical vacation.

APC State Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Steve Otaloro, said the lies by the PDP came to the ruling party as a shock, stating that “He only left Germany for Nigeria after his medical treatment in the country, where would he has gone if not his house?”

Otaloro who berated the PDP said the governor duly and constitutionally transferred power to his deputy as Acting Governor as well as taking medical leave through a letter submitted to the State House of Assembly before embarking on medical vacation to Germany.

The statement added that the Acting Governor who took over the governance of the state made a commendable progress.

“Even though the party and the people of the state missed his absence, there has not been vacuum in government and no inner fighting within the cabinet members as claimed by the PDP since he left.

“We refuted the lies by the PDP, the cabinet is intact there is nothing to suggest an infighting within the rank of the cabinet of Akeredolu-led government. The governor has just returned to the country and he can afford to live anywhere as much as he’s still recuperating.

“Now that he has returned to the country, are they (PDP) wary that he’s back as governor of the state? Akeredolu is not just the governor of the APC, he is the governor of the state, so we expect the PDP to collaborate and show some empathy towards him instead of crucifying him”.

By and large, the return of Akeredolu will change the political atmosphere in Ondo State ahead of the 2024 governorship election. Expectedly, it will also lead to delivering impactful projects and innovative initiatives, ultimately advancing the development of the Sunshine State.

Akeredolu

Now that he has returned to the country, are they (PDP) wary that he’s back as governor of the state? Akeredolu is not just the governor of the APC, he is the governor of the state, so we expect the PDP to collaborate and show some empathy towards him instead of crucifying him. By and large, the return of Akeredolu will change the political atmosphere in Ondo State ahead of the 2024 governorship election. Expectedly, it will also lead to delivering impactful projects and innovative initiatives, ultimately advancing the development of the Sunshine State.

LOTUS BANK MARATHON…

L-R: Third place winner, Lotus Bank Marathon Abeokuta 10 kilometer race in the Nigerian female category, Abiye David; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lotus Bank, Kafilat Araoye; winner of the race, Patience Daylop, and second place winner, Deborah Pam, during the prize presentation in Abeokuta, Ogun State… recently

Benue PDP Kicks against Establishment of Housing Units for Herdsmen

George Okoh in Makurdi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue state has kicked against the planned establishment of housing estate for herdsmen in Benue state.

The party asked that Benue should be expunged from the list of beneficiary states as announced

by the federal government.

Vice President Kashim Shettima had disclosed at a public function in Maiduguri last week that President Tinubu had approved the construction of 1,000 houses in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger and Benue states with all the ancillary facilities of schools,

Tribunal Affirms APC’s Salisu Winner of Ogun Central Senatorial Poll

The National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday affirmed Senator Shuaibu Salisu as the winner of the Ogun Central Senatorial Election in the state.

The tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party,(PDP) Olumide Aderinokun and the PDP itself which had challenged the election of the Salisu, on two grounds.

The grounds were on the issue

clinics, veterinary clinics and ranches for the Fulani community.

The establishment of those Fulani colonies, according to VP Shettima, is “part of a broad plan

of over voting, non-compliance and allegation that the Senator had not been elected by a majority of lawful votes cast at the election.

The three-man panel led by Hon. Justice Samuel Ayiwulu in their unanimous judgment, stated that all the arguments presented by the petitioners had failed and they thus dismissed the petition.

Justice Imelda Etape, who read the lead judgment held:”The elections and return of the first respondent is hereby affirmed. This petition is hereby dismissed.”

Delta Awaits FG’s Approval to Fix Agbor-Abraka-Eku Road’

The Government of Delta State has assured the people of the state that action is being taken to reverse the condition of the AgborAbraka-Eku Road which has been major concern to commuters.

The Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on New Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, gave the assurance while speaking on DBS Television in Asaba, explaining the federal government not only deliberately abandoned the road but has also continually denied the Delta State Government access to intervene.

He, however, expressed optimism that with Oborevwori’s

engagement with the new administration of President Bola Tinubu and going by the body language of the new Minister of Works, David Umahi, a resolution would be achieved sooner than later for action to be taken on the road.

He said: “The impression is being created that His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State, has abandoned the Agbor-Abraka-Eku Road but we want to put it in its true perspective. That road, as you know, is a federal road. That means it is the federal government that has control over the road.

Book Unveiled to Celebrate Kolade, Anyaoku in Lagos

Ayodeji Ake

Former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade and former Secretary-General of The Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, recently launched a book titled, ‘The Spirit Of Our Treasures.’

The book was compiled by the Founder-Secretary of the Heritage for Life Foundation, Mr. Lemuel Iyalla.

Speaking the launch, the Bishop of the Diocese Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, commended

the duo being leaders to leaders and mentors to mentees.

He said: “l accept all the accolades that have been poured on the lives of these wonderful men but I think we must also take cognisance of the fact that for building a nation, the challenges are far more than we can understand and the success of the challenges lie in if we use relay race as a metaphor. Because no matter how good you are as a relay team, your success depends on the quality of your collaboration and cooperation and how successfully we pass the baton.”

by the federal government to address the conflict in the north.

However, in its reaction, the Benue State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Bemgba Iortyom,

said the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia, is the one who put Benue on that list of Fulani colonisation in order to fulfill promises he made to Fulani lobby groups

to accommodate herdsmen in the state in return for their support and sponsorship during his campaigns at the last election.

Aide of Ex-NDDC Boss Jailed Two Years over N2.9bn Fraud

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, has slammed two years imprisonment on a former Special Adviser to erstwhile Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission

(NDDC), Dan Abia, George Turnah, and two others, accused of N2.9billion fraud.

Justice A. T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court convicted and sentenced Turnah, Ebis Orubebe and Uzorgor Silas Chidebere, for obtaining money under false pretence, money laundering, conversion of funds and forgery

contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

In his ruling, Justice Mohammed found the convicts guilty of charges preferred against them by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The defendants were arraigned by the EFCC in May, 2017 and re- arraigned on January 25, 2021 on 23-count charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, money laundering and abuse of office to the tune of N2, 894, 500, 000.

NASU Urges Tinubu against Arbitrary Salary Increase

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to engage in arbitrary salary increase.

The General Secretary of the

union, Comrade Peters Adeyemi stated this in Ilorin yesterday during a press conference at union’s ongoing 2023 quadrennial delegates conference/election of the universities and inter-university centres trade group council held at University of Ilorin.

The body rather advised

the president to put in “place appropriate machinery to increase salaries measured by the present cost of living index in the country.”

The union also called on the president to “offset the four months salaries owed its members by former president Muhammadu Buhari.”

The unionist said an arbitrary salary increment that is blind to the current realities in the country will only worsen the present economic situation.

“How do you rationalise a situation where 1,000 dollars when converted amounts to several millions of Nigeria.

Subsidy Removal: Cleric Calls for Prayers to Overcome Nigeria’s Challenges

Yinka KolawoleinOsogbo

A clergy, Pastor Oluwoye George of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Ijetu, Osogbo in Osun State has called on religious leaders to pray fervently for Nigeria in order to overcome the present economic hardship

occasioned by fuel subsidy removal.

Pastor George explained that it is only God’s intervention that can reposition the economy of the country, urging the people at the helm of affairs to seek God’s wisdom in any of their policies as government.

The clergy disclosed this at the first-anniversary programme of the Christ Apostle Church, Mountain of Mercy and Praise, Ori-Oke Anu, Kajola Owode, Ede, Osun State. He urged Nigerians to be patient with the government and be prayerful during this trying time.

According to him, “Nigeria is going through a hard time because of the fuel subsidy removal.

“Our leaders should allow God to take charge of the governance and be the first in their steps whenever they are making policies for citizens.

One Year after Attack on Convoy, Ifeanyi Ubah Regrets Loss of Aides

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

One year after a deadly attack on his convoy by gunmen, Senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, has lamented the death of his aides.

Ubah was attacked at Nkwo

Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area on Sunday, September 11, 2022.

He lost his trusted personal assistant, a private photographer and two security details attached to him.

Ubah, in a press statement he signed, commiserating with the

family, said he will never forget the event of that day, which led to the death.

“I was returning from Nnewi Diocesan Synod and as if it was a movie, bullets started raining from all angles and sadly, two of my Aides; Ikechukwu Odum and Goodnews Matthias as well

as two of the security personnel attached to me, Inspector David Jimoh and Sergeant Bello Lawan paid the ultimate price.

“It was a horrifying experience that will forever be etched in our memories. The peaceful atmosphere suddenly turned into chaos and despair.”

Ibadan Businessman Petitions Oyo AG over Activities of Land Grabbers

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

An Ibadan-based businessman, Mr Dapo Davies, has petitioned the Oyo State Attorney General(AG) and Commissioner for Justice, over alleged involvement of a staff of his Ministry in shielding some

land racketeers in a case involving himself, staff of Ministry of Lands and Alhaji Kamilu Orotoye. Davies in a letter signed by Niyi Okanlawon on behalf of his counsel, Babatunde Oni & Co Chamber, dated 6th September, 2023, and made available to

THISDAY, titled : Re - “Suit

No: 1/380/2013

Between: Mr. Dapo Davies Vs Alhaji Kamilu Orotoye & ORS”, accused one Mr. Moshood (Esq), a Senior Counsel at the state Ministry of Justice for aiding and assisting some land grabbers who are 1st and 2nd

defendants in the suit in erecting building on a disputed land situate at Ogunpa, Oke Padre, Ibadan. He maintained that the action of Moshood is targeted at subverting justice and also aiding an action that are likely to cause breach of public peace.

Sule Directs Immediate Payment of Palliative to Workers, Pensioners

IgbawaseUkumbainLafia

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, yesterday directed the immediate payment of N10,000 and N5,000 respectively to civil servants and pensioners in the state as palliative to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy

removal.

The directive also included paying the same amount for workers and pensioners at the Local Government level. The governor gave the directive after meeting with labour leaders at the Government House, Lafia yesterday.

Consequently, Sule directed the

state Accountant General, Head of Civil Service, Commissioner Ministry for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Director General, Nasarawa State Pension Bureau, as well as the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), to liaise together

with a view to commencing the payment of the palliative immediately.

“The arrangement for the palliative is very simple. The federal government will give us N4 billion in cash, as well as N1 billion in cash in order to cushion the hardship created by the removal of the fuel subsidy.

JamesSowoleinAbeokuta

SHETTIMA FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF 22.5KM JERE BOWL ROAD...

FG Mulls Full Autonomy for Universities

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The federal government yesterday, said it was determined to initiate a new creative means of funding tertiary education by granting universities the autonomy to explore new sources of financing their activities.

This was as the government lamented the unabated attacks on education in the country, recalling with sadness the recent gruesome murder of a female nursing student of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, (FUOYE), Miss Atanda Modupe Deborah.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, speaking while delivering an opening address at Nigeria’s Annual Education Conference (NAEC), in Abuja, said he had directed the FUOYE Vice Chancellor, to work with security agencies to track down the killers of the student for possible prosecution.

“I am also happy to note that the technical sessions have been structured to address very contemporary and topical issues in the education sector in Nigeria. Discussions to be held on tertiary education in Nigeria which is expected to focus on emerging trends including university autonomy and Students Loans Fund as well as education financing aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s vision,” he explained.

The event was convened for stakeholders to deliberate on enhancing entrepreneurial skills and vocational and technical education in Nigerian schools.

Mamman, said the essence of the conference was in line with President Bola Tinubu‘s vision of promoting technical and vocational education as a means of absorbing the millions of young school leavers who complete primary and secondary schools every

year, but cannot get admission to universities, other tertiary institutions or employed with ease.

The minister, who said he was delighted to be at the event, revealed that he was working with the Minister of State, Dr. Hon. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, to develop a template to define a strategic roadmap for the education sector which when unfolded, “we all will have responsibility to implement.”

He added: “As you all know, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has publicly declared his commitment to overhaul the education sector as a matter of priority.

“The theme for this conference ‘Implementation of Education 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,’ will always remain relevant until our country achieves 100 per cent of the targets set in the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and beyond to education related indicators and targets of Agenda 2060 of the African Union.

“As a signatory to the SDG 2030 and AU Agenda 2060, Nigeria must continue to demonstrate its commitment to achieving these goals through leadership and ownership of the implementation process. The education sector is one of the line sectors that ensure that planning and budgeting in the country are within the framework of the SDGS.”

Meanwhile, Mamman, has expressed the commitment of the president to improve education sector’s budget by 25 per cent with the right policies in place.

The minister also pledged his commitment to bridge the gaps between education policy statements and its actualisation outcomes.

He noted that the country had a lot of good policies on what was required to do in the best interest of the nation but that those policies were

not bringing values to the sector.

“President Tinubu has directed the return of the 10.5 million out-of-school children to school at the expiration of his tenure.

“We still have a long way to go.

We are not matching the children in the country with the desired education and this is because our policies are not producing the values we need.

“What we need is the action on

ground and not the policy declaration. This is where I can tell you we intend to come in.

“We want to bridge the gaps between policy statements and actualisation of outcomes.

“This is to give them future training that will enable them to live their lives and make them employers of labour. Everybody deserves to live a life of dignity for the well-being of their family,” he said.

Reduce High Cost of Governance, Catholic Bishops Tell Tinubu

Fault tribunal ruling on presidential poll

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Catholic Bishops under the aegis of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have asked the federal government to drastically cut down the high cost of running its affairs and to address the ever deepening poverty and growing youth unemployment in the country.

While reacting to the recent ruling of the Presidential Election Tribunal dismissing petition against the victory of President Bola Tinubu and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the 2023 Presidential election, the CBCN said the tribunal seemed to have overlooked the key failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission to transmit the election result electronically as promised.

Speaking at the opening of a week-long 2nd Plenary Conference of the Catholic Bishops in Abuja, on Sunday, Archbishop of Owerri and President of CBCN, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, said efforts of government to provide succour to cushion the harsh effects of the withdrawal

of subsidies was yet to have any significant impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians.

He lamented that Nigerians were groaning under the excruciating economic hardship unleashed on them by the ruling class.

"We appeal to government to drastically cut down the high cost of running its affairs and to seriously address the ever deepening poverty and growing youth unemployment among our people. This is because idle minds are the devil's workshop, he said.

Ugorji, also said the distribution of "palliatives" had largely turned out to be an attempt by the leadership to further enrich themselves at the expense of the suffering masses.

"How else can one see the whopping sum of money allocated in the name of "palliatives" to 306 newly elected members of the National Assembly (NASS) and the National Judicial Council (NJC headed by the Chief Justice of the Federation respectively at a time when the Judiciary is handling election petitions. What an outrage!

Arase Meets US Delegation, Seeks Training Aid for PSC, Police

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase, yesterday, called for the assistance of the United States government in the area of training and capacity building for staff of the Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Police Force.

Arase spoke in Abuja when he received visiting Deputy Assistant Secretary, United States Department of State, Mr. Tobin J. Bradley.

Bradley was at the Police Service Commission with the African

Programme Officer, Office of Africa and Middle East Programmes of the US Department of State, Mark T. Hove to discuss areas of assistance and partnership with the commission especially in the area of capacity building. Arase invited his visitors to also assist the commission to strengthen its recently established compliance monitoring unit, a unit dedicated to monitoring the effectiveness and efficiency of the police complaints Response Unit.

He noted that the commission's compliance monitoring unit needed

support in various areas including training and provision of equipment, adding that the staff of the commission also needed training exposures in the United States in the form of exchange programmes.

"We need specialised trainings to sharpen our capacity and further develop the skills of staff", he said, while making a case for support for training of policemen on investigative skills and effective prosecution of cases.

In his remarks, Bradley, promised to get his office to key into the requests of the commission, adding

that they were interested in working with the commission.

"We need an effective and efficient police service in Nigeria and we are aware there is need for funding assistance. We have to identify the needs to know the budget and we can progress into training of the manpower," he explained.

Bradley, according to a statement by Kechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations of the commission, said the US Department of State was ready to support police colleges in Nigeria such as the Police Academy in order achieve their objectives.

"It is no less outrageous that at a time when millions of Nigerians are not sure of their next meal, N40 billion was allocated to the members of the NASS for luxury cars, including bullet-proof vehicles for the leadership of the National Assembly and a further N70 billion for furniture and repairs of the lawmaker's office.

"By substantially increasing the cost of running government through the recent appointment of so many ministers and thereby having the largest Federal Executive Council since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, the president gives the impression that he is disdainful and insensitive to the economic pain of the masses," he said.

In addition, Ugorji urged the federal government to rise up to its primary responsibility of securing the lives and property of its citizens.

According to the CBCN president, government should urgently check the proliferation of small arms and light weapons occasioned by the booming business of gunrunning, which fuels insecurity in our country.

He said it does not make sense to disarm the populace, while allowing armed criminals to freely terrorize unarmed citizens.

The Catholic also came hard on the Judges who delivered ruling on the petition against the outcome of the 2023 Presidential election, saying that the tribunal appeared to have waved off the failure of INEC to adhere to its pledge to ensure the real time electronic transmission of the result of the 2023 presidential election.

"Despite the billions of naira of tax-payers’ money appropriated for the provision of the BIVAS technology as a game-changer in our general elections, the judges in their ruling tried, among other things, to suggest that it was wrong to expect INEC to keep its promise or obey the electoral

regulation of transmitting election results electronically in real time from the polling units.

"We pray and hope that the Supreme Court Judges will neither bend the law nor seek to satisfy the whims and caprices of any party. We also pray and hope for a day in our nation when all election results will be finally decided at the polling units and not at the Court," he said.

While delivering his Homily at the Special Church Service held at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, to kick-start the bishops conference the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, said there was need for religious leaders to promote peace amongst various entities in the country.

He admonished Nigerians to stop fueling religious crisis and using religion as a weapon of violence, or even taking life at the slightest provocation.

"I call on Nigerians to face the real problems that confront us and stop firing religious missiles, using religion as a weapon of violence, or even taking life at the slightest provocation.

“Those religious leaders who make inflammatory statements in videos on social media should be cautioned by the appropriate authorities.

"Our Christian and Islamic bodies rather than engaging in offensive or defensive rhetorics or threats should always preach the need for holiness, peaceful coexistence, compassion, good neighbourliness, rather than encouraging the use of verbal or physical violence," he said.

Kaigama, who spoke on the concerns being generated by the threat by the ECOWAS to use military force to restore the overthrown Niger president to power, urged the leaders to pursue peaceful dialogue as a preferred option.

L-R: Sen . Abdul Ahmed Ningi; Managing Director North- East Development Commission, Mohammed Alkali; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Muhammed and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri during flag off of the North-East Development Commission Construction of 22.5KM Jere Bowl Road Networks in Borno State... weekend

Education budget will get 25% increment, minister pledges Directs FUOYE VC to work with security agencies to track Atanda Deborah’s killers

PEPT: Tinubu Clears the First Legal Hurdle

When PEPT Came to Judgement

Atiku, Obi & Ors v Tinubu, Shettima & Ors: Presidential Petitions

Waiting for the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), was almost as if we were waiting at the gates of Heaven and hell, for judgement to determine where we would be admitted into! I had started to receive telephone calls from a few days before the judgement was handed down, asking me about my opinion as to what I thought would or should be the outcome of the LP and PDP Presidential Petitions against APC. As I had previously done some analyses on this page, on some of the issues raised about the elections and in the petitions - for instance, on 11/4/23 - “Election Petitions: Between Public Opinion and Judicial Process; 25/4/23 - “2023 Polls: Between Emotions and Legal Provisions”, I referred the Callers to them. The truth is that, based on what I have studied in law, I didn’t expect the Petitioners to get very far having perused their Petitions, and I had said as much in my above-mentioned write ups; so, I wasn’t in the least bit surprised at the judgement.

It is undeniable that many have lost faith in the Judiciary, as there have been reasons to question some of their decisions and disagree with them, but I think that we must consider each case on its merits, and refrain from making sweeping, negative, blanket statements about all the Judiciary’s decisions. It is unfair to tar the whole Judiciary with the same brush of corruption etc. In fact, mischief makers who want to heat up the polity, had been taking advantage of the criticisms that the Judiciary has experienced, turning the public against the Judiciary in advance if the judgement didn’t go their way, despite the fact that they may be aware that the Petitioners’ cases may not have been properly grounded in law and had little or no chance of success.

What is So Special About the 2023 Presidential Election?

I have asked myself time and time again, what makes the 2023 Presidential election different from the last six which have held in this fourth Republic, and why some people were hellbent on causing more strife in a country that is already facing so many problems, if they don’t get their own choice installed as President of Nigeria.

While I haven’t hidden my opinion in cases in which I disagreed with the decisions of the courts, for example, the Machina/Lawan case, I found the reasoning behind the PEPT’s judgement to be sound, based on law and facts, clear, coherent and logical; the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal seemed to tackle every aspect of every Petition, deciding them on their merits using established principles of law and following the doctrine of stare decisis. See the case of Mbani v Bosi & Ors (2006) LPELR-1853(SC) on the elements of a good judgement.

Seditious Behaviour of Some

Nevertheless, the Petitioners disagreed with the judgement, and they have every right to do so and appeal the PEPT’s decision. However, no one has the right to spew hatred amongst Nigerians and bring the Judiciary into unnecessary disrepute, because they are dissatisfied with the decision of the court. It is trite that, the court cannot decide a case based upon what a section of the society believes the decision should be, nor is a court empowered to go out of the evidence presented, to decide any case before it - see the case of Magaji v Lado & Ors (2023) LPELR-60463(SC) where the Apex Court held that “Courts do not deal in speculation, rather, they work with facts as presented before them”

In Wike v Peterside (2016) LPELR-40036(SC), the Supreme Court held inter alia that a Petitioner complaining of noncompliance with the Electoral Act “must prove it polling unit by polling unit, ward by ward, and the standard of proof is on the balance of probabilities. He must show figures that the adverse party was credited with, as a result of noncompliance”. This is definitely an arduous task in a Presidential election petition, and Petitioners are usually unable to meet this criteria, and so, unsubstantiated allegations can only sway the unknowing public, and not any Lawyer or Judicial Officer worth his or her salt.

Call the law an ass or whatever invective you choose to pour on it, but the law is the law, and while we never fail to remind Government about the importance of upholding the rule of law, so also as citizens, is it part of our social contract to be law abiding. See Sections 1,15, 24(a), (b) & (d) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution), the Criminal Code Act, the Penal Code Act, the Cybercrimes Act, amongst other Laws of the Federation. In Ogidi v COP (1960) 1 N.S.C.C. 171 at 174 per Brett F.J., the court held inter alia thus: “In a series of categorical assertions, it accuses the Customary Courts of a whole Division, of being the creatures of a political party of deliberately discriminating against

The

some specific polling units were not named, nor the alleged authentic results provided, neither were the polling agents who were alleged to have complained about the results named, or called as witnesses. Even the spread sheets that the Petitioners apparently sought to rely upon, were apparently not attached to their bundle of documents when they were filed. The PEPT concluded that since polling agents were not octopuses who had tentacles extending to all the polling units or collation centres in Nigeria, they could only know about the ones they were physically present at, and analysing information provided by third parties to come to their conclusions amounted to relying on hearsay evidence, that is, oral or written evidence made otherwise than by a witness, which is inadmissible. Indeed, this is the position of the law. See Sections 37 & 38 of the Evidence Act 2011. See the case of Olalekan v State (2001) LPELR-2561(SC) on the definition of hearsay evidence; Okoro v State (1998) LPELR-2493(SC) on the inadmissibility of hearsay evidence.

2) Non-Electronic Transmission of Results

the opponents of the party, and denying them justice, so that citizens are not safe with the courts. It is difficult to conceive of anything better calculated to bring into hatred or contempt, the administration of justice in Nigeria, than such an attack….”. Right from the day of the Presidential election (maybe even prior), some of our people not only incited people against the Judiciary, but raised discontent and disaffection amongst the people, promoting hostility and ill-will between different classes of Nigeria’s population via the news and social media. Such seditious behaviour is contrary to Section 50(2)(c) & (d) of the Criminal Code Act. Also see the case of IGP v Anabogu (1954) 21 N.L.R. Page 26 at 27 per Bairamain J. I had had cause to counsel against hatred and division, and advocate for healing instead, sometime after the elections. I stand my ground.

My Analyses & PEPT Judgement

Space constraints do not permit me to consider all the aspects of the lengthy PEPT judgement, only a brief overview, but, I must state here that most of my analyses of the main issues for determination turned out to be spot on, as some of my earlier conclusions turned out to be part of the PEPT’s decision.

1) Noncompliance

I had emphasised the possibility of noncompliance as the main ground for the petitions, since I failed to see how some of the other grounds like President Tinubu’s disqualification à la the American case, the FCT 25% Conundrum, Electronic Transmission of Results etc could be resolved in the Petitioners’ favour. Section 135(1) of the Election Act 2022 (EA) provides that manipulation of election results must be substantial to substantially affect the outcome of the election, and I thought using this ground may be the Petitioners’ best bet, if they were able to discharge the burden of proof which the law

places on them, to convince the PEPT that they were rigged out of the election. See Sections 131-134 of the EA and the case of Maku v Al-Makura & Ors (2016) LPELR-48123 (SC) per Onnoghen JSC (as he then was).

Unfortunately for the Petitioners, the PEPT dismissed their Petitions as umeritorious, holding that they had failed to discharge this burden of proof, as they didn’t provide evidence to support their claims as per the requirements stated in Wike v Peterside (Supra) and other cases. It is trite law that, he who alleges must prove. It is not enough to regurgitate the omnibus grounds that can be used to invalidate an election, without the requisite evidence to support the allegations; that is, to prove your case, it is not enough to say that there was rigging in five polling units, you must provide the court with proof, like figures that were unlawfully added onto the Respondent’s own or deducted from yours, and testimony from your polling agents who were present at the particular polling unit or collation centre being complained of.

We have over 177,000 polling units in Nigeria, out of which results from about 18,088 or so of them were questioned by the Petitioners. For example, one of the Petitioners had 13 witnesses, out of which only three filed their witness statements on oath along with the Petitions and testified on behalf of the Petitioners, contrary to Paragraph 4(5)(b) 1st Schedule to the EA - the cases of Oke & Anor v Mimiko & Ors (2013) LPELR-20645(SC); Buhari v Obasanjo 2005 13 N.W.L.R. Part 941 were some of the cases cited by the learned JCAs in this regard. Even if all 13 witnesses and their statements on oath, whether filed out of time or not were countenanced, that small number of witnesses wouldn’t have satisfied the threshold of testimony required for the thousands of polling units brought into question - see Section 135(1) of the EA and Wike v Peterside (Supra). The PEPT observed that

I had asserted that the issue of the non-electronic transmission of results was not fatal and it went to no issue, because Section 50(2) of the EA gives INEC the latitude to transmit results in accordance with the procedure it deems fit, and therefore, INEC didn’t break the law by deeming it fit to transmit the results manually, and this was what the PEPT so held inter alia. And, even though INEC Guidelines may have provided for the use of IRev, this also went to no issue, as the Guidelines are inferior to the EA which do not so provide. See the case of Jegede & Anor v INEC & Ors (2021) LPELR-55481(SC) per Emmanuel Akomaye Agim JSC, where the Apex Court held inter alia that “Failure to obey the directive of..INEC in the said Regulations or Guidelines, cannot be relied on as a ground for an election petition to invalidate an election…”.

3) American Court Process

I had warned against the court of public opinion handing down its own various decisions based on tribe, sentiments, religion, conjecture and everything else, but the law; The most popular allegation against President Tinubu, was the American court process concerning funds in accounts which were forfeited ($460,000). I had explained that it was an ‘action in rem’ and not against President Tinubu personally (not an ‘action in personam’), with the money in the accounts referred to in the court process as the ‘Defendant Funds’, and the PEPT so held. While the American court process was the document the Petitioners relied upon, President Tinubu relied on a letter from the American Government stating that he was not charged for any criminal offence in America, neither had he been convicted. This was upheld by the PEPT. This issue failed to meet the threshold of disqualification in Section 137(1)(d) of the Constitution. The Petitioners decided to change the term ‘forfeiture’ stated in the American court process to ‘fine’ in their own pleadings; two completely different concepts in law. In an environment that is stricter than ours, like the UK, trying to pass of forfeiture as a fine which connotes that a person was charged for an offence, convicted and punished by the imposition of a fine when this wasn’t the case, may possibly have been a ground for professional misconduct, with an allegation that Counsel attempted to mislead the court in their pleadings, and could easily result in such Counsel being sanctioned by the Disciplinary Committee.

4) FCT 25% Conundrum

I had given my reasons for believing that Section 134(2) (b) of the Constitution did not mean that a candidate must win 25% of the votes in FCT in particular, in order to win a Presidential election, as that would be tantamount to giving the FCT special status over and above the other States, contrary to Section 299 of the Constitution which provides that the FCT should be treated as any other State for the purposes of the Constitution. See the case of Awolowo v Shagari & Ors (1979) LPELR-653(SC). The PEPT declared LP’s proposition that a Presidential candidate needed 25% of FCT to win, to be unmeritorious and cited copiously the case of Buhari v Obasanjo (Supra), which I had also cited in my submission.

Conclusion

Mostly, I thought the learned JCAs on the PEPT, did justice to the Petitions. Their judgement was thorough and detailed, and as a Lawyer of 32 years standing, it doesn’t strike me as a judgement that is ‘per incuriam’, that is, a judgement handed down without due regard to the law, or one that is perverse, or goes against the weight of the evidence that should be overturned on appeal. See the case of NEPA v Ososanya 2004 5 N.W.L.R. Part 867 Page 601 at 624. Most of what was decided in the Presidential Petitions were not new issues, but ones that have already been settled by the Supreme Court, as can be seen from many of the cases cited in the judgement. I however, reiterate the fact that the Electoral Act still needs to be rejigged, and our electoral process improved upon, to enhance the integrity of our elections and provide Petitioners with a better playing field, either during the elections themselves or in the court process.

“Their judgement was thorough and detailed, and as a Lawyer of 32 years standing, it doesn’t strike me as a judgement that is ‘per incuriam’, that is, a judgement handed down without due regard to the law, or one that is perverse, or goes against the weight of the evidence that should be overturned on appeal”

Sections 4 & 5 of the ACA and Stay of Proceedings Pending Arbitration

Facts

The Respondent, by a Writ of Summons, instituted an action at the High Court of Lagos State in Suit No. LD/164/09 against the Appellant claiming the following reliefs: (a) Liquidated sums of $321,162.45 and $168,000 being respectively the unpaid values of the invoices dated 14th July, 2008 and 26th April, 2008 representing the payments due to the Claimant from the Defendant for the executed part of the CRM implementation project provided by the Respondent at the request of the Appellant, which the Appellant has refused, failed and or neglected to liquidate despite several demands; (b) Interest on the aforesaid sums at the rate of 25% per annum from due dates till final liquidation; (c) The sum of N250 million being special and general damages for the libel contained in the Defendant’s letter of 19th August, 2008; and (d) The sum of N32 million being the solicitor’s fee and costs for prosecution of the action.

Upon being served with the Respondent’s Writ of Summons and accompanying court processes, the Appellant filed an application for Stay of Proceedings pending Arbitration. The Respondent opposed the said application, by filing a Counter Affidavit and written address. The trial court, in its determination of the application, held in favour of the Respondent, and consequently, dismissed the Appellant’s motion.

Aggrieved by the decision of the trial court, the Appellant lodged an appeal at the Court of Appeal. The appellate court affirmed the decision of the trial court; thus, the Appellant’s further appeal to the Supreme Court. The Respondent, in like vein, filed a cross-appeal.

Issue for Determination

The Supreme Court merged the relevant points for determination into one issue thus:

Whether the court below was right to hold that before a stay can be granted pending arbitration, the party applying (the Appellant in this case) must demonstrate unequivocally by documentary evidence its willingness to submit the dispute to arbitration.

Arguments

Arguing the appeal, counsel for the Appellant contended that the trial court and the Court of Appeal erred in law when they held that reliefs 3 (monetary claims founded on defamation) and 4 (solicitor’s fee for prosecution of the suit) were not ingredients or materials arising from the contract between the parties, and refused to grant the prayer for stay pending arbitration. Counsel for the Appellant argued that arbitration agreements without limitations should be interpreted to cover all claims in connection with a contract, notwithstanding that such claims relate to contract, tort or of a statutory nature. He contended that the Arbitration Clause/Agreement did not in any way limit the nature of disputes to be referred to arbitration, as the only qualification is that they must be disputes arising from the Agreement. In support of his position, counsel argued that allegations of defamation would not have arisen without the contract between parties in the first place. In respect of relief 4, counsel submitted that the cost of litigation sought by the Respondent is the alleged cost for prosecuting the matter, on account of the dispute which arose out of the contract.

Counsel argued further that the suit fell within the ambit of Section 4 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act (the “ACA”) and not Section 5. In attempting a distinction, counsel remarked that under Section 4 of the ACA, there was no need to satisfy the court of the willingness and readiness to arbitrate. It was argued that submission to arbitration was not a condition precedent for a court to exercise jurisdiction in the matter, and the case of O.S.H.C. v OGUNSOLA (2000) 14 NWLR (Pt. 687) 431 was relied on. He reasoned that the phrase “not later than when submitting a statement on the substance of the dispute” as provided under Section 4 of the ACA, meant that any party making an application for a matter to be referred to arbitration must not have taken any steps on the merit of the dispute at the trial court; and that he met this condition.

Responding, counsel for the Respondent insisted that the suit fell under Section 5 of the ACA, and that an inference from Section 5(2) of the ACA would mean that where sufficient reasons on why the matter should not be referred to arbitration are adduced, stay of proceed-

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja

On Friday, the 7th day of July, 2023

Before Their Lordships

John Inyang Okoro

Uwani Musa Abba Aji

Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju

Adamu Jauro

Emmanuel Akomaye Agim Justices, Supreme Court SC/CV/405/2013

Between United Bank for Africa Plc Appellant And Triedent Consulting Ltd Respondent (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, JSC)

ings pending arbitration will be refused. It is the argument of the Respondent that the Appellant’s application is bereft of sufficient materials upon which the courts may exercise discretion in the Appellant’s favour. Accordingly, counsel argued that although the Appellant brought its motion for Stay of Proceeding pending Arbitration under Section 4 of the ACA, the trial court was not prevented from having recourse to the extant provision mandating stay of proceedings. He submitted that the heading of a statute can be relied upon to clarify ambiguity, and that Section 5 (which is titled “stay of proceeding”) is the applicable section in the instant case. Respondent relied on OYO STATE BOARD OF INTERNAL REVENUE v UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN (2013) LPELR-2215(CA).

Additionally, counsel for the Respondent disagreed with the Appellant that the Arbitration Agreement had no limitations. Counsel reasoned that a claim for damages for defamation predicated on communication to a third party and/or solicitor’s fee is not arbitrable, since they were questions of law outside the jurisdiction of an arbitrator.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

Deciding the issue, the Apex Court held that an arbitration agreement cannot and does not oust the jurisdiction of court. Arbitration and litigation are not mutually exclusive, as the court often complements and supplements the functions and powers of the Arbitrator. To this extent, the Apex Court noted that there are instances where despite parties submitting to arbitration, the suitability of litigation preponderates over arbitration. These instances are (i) where the issue for resolution is essentially a legal one; (ii) where the issue turns largely on the credibility of the evidence; (iii) where immediate enforcement of a right is required;

(iv) where one of the parties is intransigent; and

(v) where there are multiparty disputes arising from a transaction, etc. In other words, it is the circumstances of a case that determines whether it is preferable for the matter to be litigated at first instance, or submitted to arbitration.

The Apex Court observed that the Appellant’s motion for stay of proceedings pending arbitration, was dismissed for differing reasons. For instance, the trial court held that it was not satisfied that the present claims are within the arbitration agreement, and should be referred to arbitration. The trial court found that it is evident from clause 5.3 as rightly argued by learned counsel for the Claimant that the arbitration clause 5.14 is not one of those clauses which survives after termination of the contract. The Court of Appeal on the other hand, held thus: “It follows that the court below erred by holding that the demise of the contract was also the demise of the arbitration agreement, when inexorably the termination or death of the former gave life and/or operative force to latter.” The Apex Court, however, agreed with the Court of Appeal, on the reasoning that an action which signifies the finality of the termination of a contract is the final payment of all monies due and discharge of all obligations on both sides.

Working with the facts before the Apex Court, the Appellant terminated the contract via a letter dated 19th August, 2008. The Apex Court

however, held that the contract cannot be said to have been fully terminated, as the Appellant was allegedly yet to pay the outstanding sum due to the Respondent on certain invoices. Given the above, the Apex Court held that, there was clear evidence of an arbitrable dispute between the parties (i.e., while Respondent claims it was owed a certain amount of money, the Appellant claimed that it had overpaid the Respondent), and thereby agreed with the lower court that reliefs 1 and 2 (anchored on breach of contract) were arbitrable.

On the question whether the issue of the alleged defamatory words in the letter terminating the contract and the claim for solicitor’s fees can be said to “arise” from the original agreement of the parties which the said parties were obligated to submit to arbitration, the Apex Court held that, a claim for defamation can only be effectively determined by a court of law since it remains a question of law, whereas, the arbitrator is not imbued with the powers to answer legal questions, or to grant a relief for damages arising from the determination of legal questions (i.e., whether the letter dated 19th August, 2008 is injurious to the reputation of the Respondent). The Apex Court reiterated that before a dispute can be referred to arbitration, same must first be arbitrable. The fate of relief 3 was shared with relief 4 (predicated on solicitor’s fees) and it was the reasoning of the Apex Court that the said costs do not arise from the arbitration agreement; rather, they are costs incurred in the prosecution of the civil claims for unpaid invoices and interest thereon in the regular court.

Addressing the last issue which relates to the interpretation of Sections 4 and 5 of the ACA, the Apex Court agreed with the Appellant that whereas under Section 4 it is the court that makes an order that parties submit to arbitration, for Section 5 of the ACA the court does not order the parties to submit to arbitration; hence, the need to satisfy the court of the willingness and readiness to arbitrate. The Apex Court observed that the Appellant’s position was that it fulfilled the condition precedent of filing for stay pending arbitration before taking steps, and that Section 4 of the ACA did not require the Appellant to satisfy the criteria of willingness and readiness before the court could stay pending arbitration. Deciding against the Appellant, the Apex Court considered the provisions of Section 4(1) of the ACA closely which relates to a party asking for stay submitting his statement on the substance of the dispute to the Arbitrators, and the court must refer the parties to arbitration about to be commenced or already commenced and continued. Their Lordships held that the intention of the draftsmen of the ACA (in Section 4) was that the provision only applies where an arbitration proceeding has been initiated – which was not seen in this case, as no material suggesting an initiated arbitration was before the trial court. With Section 5 of the ACA headed “stay of proceeding” and providing that there must be an existing court proceedings in which the Applicant has not taken steps more than filing an appearance, the Apex Court reasoned that Section 5 was the applicable Section in this regard, and, as such, the Appellant was required to have shown willingness and readiness to arbitrate, which the Appellant did not do before the trial court. The Apex Court relied on M.V. PANORMOS v OLAM (2004) 5 NWLR (Pt. 865) 1 and ONWARD ENTERPRISES LTD. v M.V. MATRIX (2010) 2 NWLR (Pt. 1179) 530 in agreeing with the courts below that documentary evidence showing willingness and readiness to arbitrate, is what the applicant for stay of proceedings pending arbitration must show. A party who is seeking stay of proceedings pending arbitration just like in a case of stay of proceedings pending appeal, is duty bound to show its utmost and genuine desire to submit before the arbitral tribunal. It could never have been the intention of the draftsmen of the Act, that an application for stay of proceedings pending arbitration will be granted as a matter of course.

The appeal was thereby dismissed.

Regarding the Cross-Appeal where the Respondent challenged the decision of the lower court which held that the termination of the agreement did not terminate the arbitration clause, the Apex Court found the cross-appeal as unwarranted and a gross abuse of court process, as the arguments therein were covered in the main appeal. The cross-appeal, lacking any merit, was consequently dismissed. Appeal and Cross-appeal Dismissed.

Representation

Chima Okereke Esq. with Paul Omotosho, Esq. for the Appellant/Cross Respondent.

Francis Agunbiade Esq. for the Respondent/ Cross-Appellant Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)An Affiliate of Babalakin & Co.

“…. the intention of the draftsmen of the ACA (in Section 4) was that the provision only applies where an arbitration proceeding has been initiated…. Section 5 of the ACA headed“stay of proceeding” and providing that there must be an existing court proceedings in which the Applicant has not taken steps more than filing an appearance…..”

Honourable Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, JSC

L-R: Founder of Surests Inc, Prince Daniel; Mayor of the City of Newark, New Jersey, the United States of America, Ras Baraka Rasjbaraka; and Chairman, Cubana Group, Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), when Obi Cubana paid a courtesy visit to the Mayor in Newark, New Jersey, USA…recently

L-R: Executive Project Director, Lawyers for Reform Group (LRG), Aare Oladotun Hassan; Public Interest Activist, LRG, Ajibode Abdulkabir; and Member of LRG, Enyi Reuben, at a press conference in Abuja by LRG calling on the Inspector General of Police (IG) to implement the police reform in order to address insecurity in Lagos State arising from land grabbing…recently

ENOCK REUBEN

L-R: Leader of the Legislative House, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, Hon Rasheed Obasa; Vice Chairman, Oshodi-Isolo LGA, Mrs. Modupe Badmus Aregbe; host/Chairman, Oshodi-Isolo LGA, Hon. Otunba Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede; Council Manager, Oshodi-Isolo LGA, Iyabode Ogunyemi; and Secretary to the local government area, Hon. Smart Olayinka Akinleye, during the distribution of food palliatives to support Oshodi residents in Lagos…recently

Some of the 298 stranded Nigerians repatriated directly from Libyan prisons to Nigeria, on arrival at the cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airports, Ikeja, Lagos…recently

L-R: Vice President, Ophthalmologist Society of Nigeria (OSN), Dr. Gloria Patrick -Ferife; President, OSN, Dr. Abiola Oyeleye; Lagos State First Lady, Mrs. Claudiana Sanwo-Olu; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye; past-President, OSN, representing chairman, Board of Trustee (BoT), OSN, Prof Ajesola Majekodunmi; and Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr. Festus Oshoba, during the 48th Annual General Meeting and 47th Scientific Conference of OSN in Lagos…recently

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Faruk Ahmed; Managing Director, Citra Shipyard, Indonesia, Idn Edy; Chief Executive Officer, Dateline Energy Services Limited, Wilson Opuwei; Permanent Secretary, Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Gabriel Tanimu Aduda; Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; and other members of the Nigerian delegation during the signing of the kickoff agreement between Dateline Energy Services Limited and Citra Shipyard at the NLNG Stand on the sideline of the just concluded GASTECH 2023 International Conference in Singapore…recently

PHOTO:

PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI

PEPT: Tinubu Clears the First Legal Hurdle

At long last, the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) finally delivered its muchawaited judgement in the epic legal battle over the February 25, 2023 Presidential Election. After what appeared to be an interminable legal process, the PEPT, without dissent from any of the five learned Justices of the Court of Appeal, declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful winner of the election, in a judgement which many found to be sound, and some others, not so sound. Legal Pundits George Oguntade, SAN; Norrison Quakers, SAN; Ebun-Olu

Adegboruwa, SAN; Joseph Otteh, Kenneth Ikonne and Felix Eghie Sugaba give their critique of the judgement which the opposition parties have already indicated that they will exercise by constitutional right and challenge at the Apex Court

Tribunal Displayed Great Industry and Admirable Erudition

George M. Oguntade, SAN

APM

The APM Appeal which was grounded on what clearly constituted a pre-election complaint, was unarguable ab initio and manifestly frivolous. It really ought not to have been brought, and amounted to a reprehensible waste of valuable judicial time. It was not surprising that the Tribunal had no difficulty in dismissing the Appeal. The surprise was that the Tribunal did not proceed to award substantial punitive costs against the proponents,

to reflect the gravity of the abuse.

PDP & LP

On the Atiku and Obi Petitions, I believe that it was a fantastic idea that it was televised live, and the masses could easily follow the facts, evidence and reasoning of the Justices. This, in my view, was effective in countering the usual social media misinformation and misinterpretation that would have followed a closed hearing, and also engender more confidence in the Judiciary by the general public.

Regardless of the final outcome, I believe the Tribunal displayed great industry and admirable erudition, in dealing with the various issues of law that arose for determination. Whilst some of the issues of law had been dealt with in previous cases and the Tribunal was simply guided by and applied the principle of stare decisis,

novel issues of law came up for the first time and their decision on these can only serve to enrich our jurisprudence.

Novel Issues

The novel issues are on matters arising from the interpretation of Section 134(2) of the Constitution as amended and Section 4(5) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act of 2022. Their decision regarding the Constitutional interpretation of the meaning of “two-thirds of all the States of the Federation AND the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja” is certainly as momentous and earth shaking as the September 1979 Supreme Court Judgement in the case of Chief Obafemi Awolowo v Alhaji Shehu Shagari on what constituted two-thirds of 19 States! The Supreme Court in that case had to engage and decide on the dynamics of political arithmetic, as propounded by the late Chief Richard Osuolale Akinjide, SAN. This time around, the expected Appeal will likely focus on dialectics of the English language on the construction of the word “AND” as

used in Section 134(2) of the Constitution. The outcome will be interesting. I believe the resolution will ultimately centre on a holistic construction of the Constitution in determining the legislative intention.

The other knotty point of law is the statutory requirement that witness statements (of both ordinary and subpoenaed) must be filed alongside the Petition within the 21 days statutory period. Should this provision be mandatory and immutable, or should the constitutional requirements of fair hearing dictate that time should be extendable in appropriate situations? The argument I believe, will centre around the difference between technical and substantial justice, regardless of the fact that Elections Petitions are sui generis and the time provisions are scrupulously adhered to. The sacrificial lambs may ultimately be the Lawyers who filed their witness statements out of time (perhaps, due to reasons outside their control), despite awareness of the attitude of the court in construing time provisions in the Electoral Act. Either way, our jurisprudence stands to be greatly enriched.

George

M. Oguntade, SAN, Lagos

“….pleadings and evidence win cases, and not emotions and sentiments”

Peter Obi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Atiku Abubakar

PEPT: Tinubu Clears the First Legal Hurdle

PEPT Decision: There Should Be No Emotions or Sentiments

Norrison Quakers SAN, FCArb Introduction/ Preamble

The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the body constitutionally and statutorily empowered to organise elections, sometime on the 25th of February, 2023 organised inter alia the Presidential Election and thereafter, declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the election on the basis of having scored majority of the lawful votes cast at the election. The election was keenly contested, and as expected, the outcome of the election was challenged by way of institution of election petitions by three of the candidates that participated and their respective political parties.

The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC or PEPT), having concluded the trial, delivered judgement in the consolidated petitions on the 6th of September, 2023, dismissing the petitions for lacking in merit.

Salient Facts, Applicable Law and Case Law

By the provision of Section 285(5) of the 1999 Constitution “as amended” and Section 132 (7) of the Electoral Act, 2022, they jointly state that a petition must be presented within 21 days and by paragraph 4(5), of the Electoral Act 2022 in presenting the petition, it must be accompanied by a written witness statement on oath, which must be filed within the time frame allowed. Incidentally, in the consolidated petitions, the Court was saddled with witness statements on oath which were filed outside the statutory and constitutional time frame, resulting in the processes being struck out. The following cases amongst others have laid this issue to rest. ARARUME v INEC (2007) 9 NWLR (PT. 1038)127; APC v MARAFA (2020) 6 NWLR (PT. 1721) 383.

It is instructive to note that, the election of the candidate of the APC was also challenged on grounds bordering on non-qualification of the candidate at the time of the election, that the election of the APC candidate was invalid by reason of corrupt practices or non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, and that the APC candidate was not duly elected by majority of the lawful votes cast at the election. These grounds come within the purview of Section 134(1)(a), (b) & (c) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Section 137(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution, “as amended”.

The Judgement of the Court on the Consolidated Petitions

The following issues can conveniently be distilled from the judgement:

1. The challenge of Peter Obi’s candidature of Labour Party by the APC is an internal issue of the labour Party, which can only be ventilated by a member of the Labour Party.

2. Allegation of double nomination of the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the APC, Senator Kashim Shettima, is a pre-election issue within the confine of

his political party, implying that it is an internal matter of the party.

3. The non-qualification of the APC candidate under Section 131 of the 1999 Constitution “as amended” was resolved in favour of the APC and its candidate. To the effect that he was qualified to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

4. Section 134 (2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution in relation to the FCT, should be read in conjunction with Section 299 of the Constitution giving the FCT a toga of a State, and not a privilege above or higher than other States of the Federation. In other words, it is not mandatory for a Presidential candidate to garner 25% of the votes of the Federal Capital Territory before being elected as the President. All that is required is 25% of the 36 States of the Federation.

5. The allegation of dishonesty flowing from the forfeiture of $460,000 to a Court in America alleged as proceeds of crime, was resolved in favour of the APC and its Candidate, on the grounds that the forfeiture is a civil forfeiture, and no crime was disclosed. For this allegation to bar or disqualify a candidate seeking elective office into the Presidency there must be a conviction.

6. The Petitioners were unable to place credible evidence before the tribunal to be declared the winner of the election, by leading evidence of having majority of the lawful votes garnered at the election.

7. No evidence was adduced for corrupt practices and noncompliance with the provisions

of the Electoral Act, particularly as regards over-voting.

8. The Allegation of dual citizenship of the APC candidate was not part of the pleaded facts of the Petitioners, at the time of the presentation of the petition.

9. The Petitioners were unable to discharge the evidential burden of proof placed upon them.

10. The petitions were unmeritorious, and were dismissed accordingly.

What is the Likely Impact on the Polity and Confidence of the Masses in the Judiciary?

The crisis of confidence and the challenge and/or distrust against the Judiciary, is the storm generated by the digital generation many of whom are followers of the candidate of the Labour Party, who in my humble opinion are pained rightly or wrongly that the candidate they expected to win lost. As a country, we now have three generations; the analogue generation gradually phasing out, the high-breed generation comprising of persons infused with analogue exposure and digitally enlightened, while the third generation is the digital generation who are mostly youths and some of whom are participating in the electoral process for the first time in this election of 2023.

I believe we owe the Nigerian masses a duty of explaining and enlightening them, on the outcome the election. Has the judgement occasioned miscarriage of justice in any way or manner whatsoever?

Let’s examine some of the issues:

1. The provisions of the Evidence Act Sections 131, 132 & 133 states that the burden of proof is on the person who asserts the existence of a fact to prove same on a balance of probability sequel to Section 134. The Petitioners claim respectively, to have won the election respectively. Did they place credible evidence before the tribunal in proof of their respective claim? All political parties at the counting of votes sequel to Section 60 of the Electoral Act 2022 empowers presiding Officers at polling units to make copies available to candidates or their agents including the Police, duly signed, stamped and counter signed result sheets. This is a statutory provision that exists to the benefit of political parties, but, regrettably this evidence was not placed before the Honourable Court resulting

in the Court stating thus:

“It is clear that the petitions from the onset, were engaged in a wild goose chase and inquisitorial adventure.

The petitioners did not understand the explanation of the first Respondent, or were just fixated on their belief that they won the election without any cogent and credible evidence before this Court.

Were they expecting the court to go and gather evidence from the street or the market? Or to be persuaded or intimidated by threats on social media. That is not the way of the Court.” …..Justice Monsurat Bolaji-Yusuf JCA.

It is instructive to note that, this decision merely restated the law. I have carefully read the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of ADEBOYEGA ISIAKA OYETOLA & ANOR. v INEC & ORS unreported decision in APPEAL NO. SC/CV/508/2023 delivered on the 9th of May, 2023 and the following issues have been distilled for consideration:

(1)On transmission of results to the IREV whether mandatory. The court held thus: “It is clear from the provisions of the Regulation 38(i) and (ii) that the collation system and result viewing portal are different from the National Electronic Register of Election Results. The Collation system and result viewing portal are operational during the election as part of the process, the National Electronic Register of the Election Results is a post election record, and is not part of the election process. As I had held therein, there is no part of the Electoral Act requiring presiding officer to transmit the accredited voters in a polling unit or the polling unit result during election to the INEC data base as part of the election process….. Therefore, the case of the Appellants that the presiding officer was bound instantly or on the spot during election to transmit the number of accredited voters and results of the election in the BVAS to the INEC data base or back end server and that in the counting of votes cast at the polling unit the collation of the results of the election, it is the number of accredited voters, votes cast at the polling unit, the collation of the results of the election, it is the number of the accredited voters, votes cast or results transmitted directly from the

“The petitioners did not understand the explanation of the first Respondent, or were just fixated on their belief that they won the election without any cogent and credible evidence before this Court.Were they expecting the court to go and gather evidence from the street or the market? Or to be persuaded or intimidated by threats on social media. That is not the way of the Court.”

The PEPT Justices

PEPT: Tinubu Clears the First Legal Hurdle

polling units to the data base that should be taken into account, has no support in any of the provisions of the Electoral Act or INEC Regulation (supra). There is no such duty on the presiding officer.”

(2)On educational disqualification, the alleged awarding institution must disclaim the authenticity and validity of the certificate of qualification being relied upon by the candidate. Which can only be discharged where the school is subpoenaed to give evidence.

(3)To determine over-voting, a party must produce either the original or certified true copies of INEC documents, the BVAS machines, the register of voters and Form EC8A. The court held that: “it is glaring from the provisions of Regulation 48(a) of the INEC Regulations and Guidelines and the Electoral Act that the evidence required to prove that voting was allowed without accreditation or that there was improper accreditation are the register of voters, BVAS and the polling unit result in form EC8A and that the evidence required to prove that there was over-voting, are the record of accredited voters in the BVAS and the polling unit result in form EC8A”.

Conclusion

It is imperative to draw the curtain on this brief expression on the vexed issue of societal perception of the judgement of the Court, by referring to the dictum of Hon. Justice Niki Tobi JSC (of blessed memory) in the case of ATIKU ABUBAKAR v MUSA YAR’ADUA (2008) 19 NWLR wherein his lordship stated thus:

“Courts of Law do not give judgement according to public opinion or to reflect public opinion, unless such public opinion represents or presents the state of the law. This is because the Judge’s clientele is the law, and the law only. Public Opinion is in most instances built on sentiments and emotions. Both have no company with the law. They are kilometres and kilometres away from the law. The pulse of the Nigeria’s public opinion, if I can feel it in this, is to allow the appeal on the speculation or should I say belief that the election was irregularly conducted in violation of the Electoral Act. The concern of the court, is whether the Appellants proved their case”.

The above statement of the late jurist lucidly addresses this issue of perception, which is rooted in the saying that pleadings and evidence win cases, and not emotions and sentiments.

Norrison Quakers, SAN, FCArb, Constitutional Lawyer, Lagos

Presidential Election Verdict: Time for Sober Reflection

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN

The verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) was not totally unexpected, given the stark realities facing us as a nation and the state of the law. The principles of presumption of regularity of elections and that of substantial conformity, make it extremely difficult to prosecute elections successfully.

In this particular case, the burden

placed upon the Petitioners in order to upturn the election, was practically insurmountable. To make matters worse, INEC practically fought the Petitioners to a standstill, as if it was an interested party in the whole process.

I honestly do not think that anyone expected a different verdict from what was delivered in Abuja last Wednesday, particularly the Lawyers. The tension was completely unnecessary

Unbundle INEC

This is why we emphasise always that the focus of anyone hoping to birth a true change in our electoral history, should be on the electoral umpire. Without first unbundling INEC to make it more independent, non-partisan and effective, anyone declared “winner” will most often coast to victory in the election tribunal.

Last Wednesday’s verdict should be a reason for sober reflection by all, especially for the parties in court, their Lawyers and all lovers of democracy. The petitions could have been decided purely on points of law, and within few days of the election.

There can be no real victory in the resolution of the legal issues by the court, when the fabric of our democratic engagements seem to have been hijacked and compromised. Part of the lesson in this process is for us to go back and review the electoral process, and the litigation following it. INEC as it is presently constituted, cannot birth any credible election in Nigeria.

In all, maybe there was too much expectation that the status quo would be upturned, whereas, many of the principles of law canvassed, had long been settled by the Apex Court.

While encouraging all parties to continue in towing the paths already defined by law for the ventilation of

grievances, we owe Nigeria an urgent duty to dismantle INEC, urgently.

Better Approach to Election Petitions

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa,

SAN, Lagos PEPT Judgement Retrogressive, and Derails Hope for Credible Elections

in Nigeria

Joseph Otteh

The Sept 6, 2023 Presidential Elections Presidential Tribunal (PEPT) Judgement, is, respectfully, hugely disappointing and will damage efforts to ensure that, going forward, elections in Nigeria are better conducted and produce credible and fair outcomes.

We take no position on whether the candidate whose election was challenged, was legally qualified to contest for the office of President of Nigeria. We note only that the PEPT simply “buried its head in the sand”, using exponential doses of legal technicalities to defeat public expectations that it would actually interrogate the facts of the February 25th Presidential election process.

The PEPT discountenanced substantial amounts of testimonies and evidence, simply by saying they were either filed out of time, or were introduced using wrong procedures. It is deeply unfortunate that in the 21st century, Nigeria’s Judiciary is applying principles better suited to inanimate objects than to living things and living processes which are inherently dynamic in nature, and are influenced by the ebbs and flows of human nature.

The question the PEPT’s judgement raises, is whether Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence should keep its focus on the merits and substance of electoral complaints, or turn on the outcome of a blistering and exacting scrutiny of whether electoral complaints adhered to all requirements of all legal rules. Without a well-reasoned philosophy of electoral jurisprudence, Nigerian courts are returning outcomes that are difficult to reconcile with our national aspirations for much better electoral systems.

The PEPT justified its austerely legalistic approach to the petitions on the ground that election petitions are sui generis forms of proceedings and, for that reason, required procedural perfection and rigidity. As we have said elsewhere, sui generis proceedings have no inherent or organic need to require procedural rigidity. On the contrary, election petitions are matters of high public interest, and deserve a liberal, flexible and meritscentred approach to their resolution, not sub-serving, diversionary legalisms. The merits-centred approach enables courts engage with the real merit and substance of matters of very high public interest, and in an election matter, that interest lies at the very heart of democratic governance. Complaints about electoral malpractices – rigging, violence, fraud, voter suppression, interference with ballots, results falsification and corruption – raise issues that extend well beyond the personal rights or interests of the petitioners in an election, or their electoral fortunes. Their grievances implicate wider public interests in the integrity of the electoral process, and the sustenance of representative/constitutional democracy. The core purpose of adjudicating electoral petitions is, (eligibility questions apart), to enable a court establish who was validly elected into a political office by voters. If courts are not resolutely committed to playing this role, they can easily get entangled in a web of tempting distractions. The PEPT judgement represents, we respectfully submit, the court missing its way, losing sight of the big picture, by focusing instead on miniature, subordinate details of form.

Given the PEPT’s narrow focus, it drew blank on, and missed important contexts which ought to have played a major part in informing the resolution of the petitions. It did not take account of Nigeria’s chequered history of badly run elections, vote manipulations and fraudulently contrived results; it did not factor in the long struggles to reform Nigeria’s electoral process, and the reforms introduced to reduce electoral fraud/malpractice, and how BVAS and IREV played into that strategy. It also failed to acknowledge the importance of transparent elections, and of maintaining the integrity of votes cast at elections; it did not consider how the introduction of technology (such as BVAS and IREV), was geared towards improving electoral

“….many of the principles of law canvassed, had long been settled by the Apex Court….we owe Nigeria an urgent duty to dismantle INEC, urgently”

Preaident Bola Ahmed Tinubu

PEPT: Tinubu Clears the First Legal Hurdle

transparency and increasing public confidence in election outcomes. Instead, the PEPT’s focus simply narrowed down to the legal mandatoriness of using the new IREV technology. The PEPT treated the IT reforms intended to remedy past electoral malpractices as though they had no electoral value or purpose of their own, reducing them to sterile, discretionary third-wheel additions to the electoral process.

Not taking account of that social and political context, it was easy for the Court to reduce the huge significance of its assignment, to simply the task of nitpicking the legal forms and procedures through which the election was challenged. With granular precision and proficiency, the court struck out, bit by bit, the elements of the cases presented by the petitioners, based on one procedural miss or another, hardly looking over into their merits, and when it did, it was mostly to override them with some argument of their legal inadequacy.

The Judgement also ignored the disrespect with which INEC treated its responsibility, both to the nation and the court itself. Right before the court, INEC played fast and loose with its obligation to provide sought-for documents to petitioners who demanded the materials to put forward their cases. Yet, the Court gave INEC a free pass, letting it off without as much as a tap. But, so readily bought into INEC’s narrative justifying everything that happened on election day.

Conclusion

The PEPT Judgement, will not predictably win judiciary sceptics over. Instead, it will further alienate the Judiciary from the people they serve, and extend the existing credibility gap between people and courts. If the petitioners should deserve to lose the cases they brought to court, let it be clear first, that justice was served them, and that they had their day in court.

witness statement on oath against his wish, without a subpoena ordering them to do so?

The applicable legal maxim in the circumstances is les non cogit ad impossibilia, meaning “the law does not compel the impossible”! Also applicable is the maxim, impotentia excusat legem”, meaning “the law does not punish a person for not doing what he lacked power to do”: SEE HALSBURY’s LAWS OF ENGLAND, 4th Edition Reissue, Volume 44(1), paragraph 1448, page 884.

Electronic Transmission of Results

Kenneth Ikonne, Lagos PEPT: How Far Can We See?

FEP Sugaba

of Tinubu, APC and INEC. They make no mistakes, commit no offence. Their words and actions are supreme. No blemish, no questions. No room for amendment. No room for improvement. No discussion. That is how far we can see.

We are to accept that INEC can violate its own rules, guidelines, regulations, shifts the goal posts right or left, backward or forward, at its whims and caprices to favour its chosen ones. In other words, INEC pronouncements are not to be regarded and believed. Its regulations and guidelines are not casted. WARNING: Do not take INEC seriously. Period. If you do, you pay the price.

Joseph Otteh,

Executive Director of Access to Justice (A2J)

My Reservations on the PEPT Judgement

Kenneth Ikonne

Witness Statement on Oath

First, on the holding that the witness statement of an unwilling subpoenaed witness must be front-loaded and filed along with the petition. The Court of Appeal was merely enacting a factual impossibility, which has invariably resulted in a miscarriage of justice with the resultant striking out of critical oral and documentary evidence of petitioners’ witnesses.

The petition must be filed, within 21 days of the declaration of the result of the election. Within those 21 days, the panel which will issue and sign the subpoenas wouldn’t even have been inaugurated. How then, do you compel the INEC Chairman or REC to donate to you a

Secondly, the policy implication of holding that INEC is under no obligation to transmit results electronically, signals a return to the era of collation fraud and untrammelled impunity! The better view would have been that even though a duty exists to transmit results electronically, it had not been established by the Petitioners that the failure to do so substantially affected the result of the election in this instance! The implication of the judgement on the point, is that all the innovations and checkmates against electoral fraud contained in the 2022 Electoral Act have been capriciously cast into the dustbin of history!

It is on these bases therefore, that I think, in my humble view, that the judgement is largely unphilosophical. There should have been a more creative and innovative way of dismissing these petitions, in order to retain the reverence of the watching public. The Learned Justices of the Court of Appeal, merely failed to employ the law to advance the electoral reforms embodied in the new innovations incorporated in the new Electoral Act!

«And the Lord said unto Abram, lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward and westward: For all the land which THOU SEEST, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever.” Genesis 13:1415.

In our quest for power and other spoils of office, we act and behave as if we are at war with people of another country. We employ whatever means to achieve our desired goals. It doesn’t matter if those means, engulf and set the entire country ablaze. Karl Maier`s book on Nigeria, This House Has Fallen, Nigeria in Crises (Westview Press 2000), captured it vividly. It says about Nigeria, “There is a complete split between power and moral right, and unless you have access to power, you have nothing. Everyone is seeking instant gratification. No one is prepared to think of the future. Nigeria is the land of no tomorrow”.

Indeed, Nigeria is the land of no tomorrow, not because we are deprived of natural resources, not because the weather is unfavourable, not because we are not hard working, not because we are not educated, not because we are not created by God, but because we have simply refused to see far. No man goes beyond how far he can see. A nation without vision, condemns herself to doom. As intellectually endowed as Nigerians are, one would expect them to see afar.

Let nobody be surprised by the computer-generated textbook called judgement, that was read to us by the Court of Appeal on the Presidential election. It was, predictably, put most appropriately by a prominent Bishop in a trending video. He says, “The Judges in the tribunal are not from Singapore, and didn’t fall from heaven. They are Nigerians, as corrupt as all of us. So, that we will be realistic in our expectations”.

The Court says we should see no evil, hear no evil or speak evil

As Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole told Nigerians that even if it remained only him and Buhari, Buhari would win his second term. With confidence he pointedly said, “the result will be announced, and then you can go to court”. Wike alluded to this in his recent interview with Channels TV. There is no amount of evidence, that can satisfy a Judiciary that is compromised. Damn if you do, damn if you don’t. Did Buhari not say Ganduje’s Dollar Video was fake? Given the volume of evidence, in print and electronic form presented at the tribunal, we are told that there was no evidence. In other words, the Appeal court is literarily telling Atiku and Obi to provide the head of a lion as evidence.

Nigeria has come to her boundaries. This is how far we can see. This is how far we can go. The country goes nowhere, beyond her thinking and vision.

Atiku and Obi will go to the Supreme Court. Same Supreme Court who delivered judgement for Uzodinma, Akpabio and Lawan. Without any iota of doubt, it will reiterate the judgement of the Appeal court. Except the Judges have suddenly changed and become Singaporean citizens, and are no more Nigerians. The Lawyers will have their pay for work done. That is how far we can see.

But, Life will continue.

Our Judiciary? It will remain the Nigerian Judiciary. Corrupt and inept. It will remain the Judiciary of the rich and powerful. It will continue on the path of self-destruction. Because, it benefits the mighty in our midst. It does not matter that our institutions are being derogated and stripped of any usefulness. It does not matter that, the people’s confidence in those institutions has been completely eroded. It does not matter if the actions of the Judiciary, deprive the land of tomorrow. Here we are.

This is how far we can think. This is how far we can see.

“Given the PEPT’s narrow focus, it….missed important contexts which ought to have played a major part in informing the resolution of the petitions. It did not take account of Nigeria’s chequered history of badly run elections, vote manipulation and fraudulently contrived results; it did not factor in… the reforms introduced to reduce electoral fraud/malpractice, and how BVAS and IREV played into that strategy….”

FEP Sugaba, Freelance Writer, Zurich, Switzerland

Peter Obi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Atiku Abubakar

SAN

Law as a Vehicle for Good Governance and National Integration in Nigeria (Part 1)

Introduction

Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-lingual Nation-State, practicing constitutional democracy, enhanced by the rule of law. It is a federalist State, with thorny sociopolitical and economic antecedence. This grave diversity which is believed to be "unity in diversity" has suffered many commentaries, some - believing that the British imperialist failed to ascertain the dichotomy between the people - instead resulted to an inglorious merger, maybe due to greed of unit administration. Others ponder on the unstable natured unity, and continued existence of the nation - unless a community effort is put in place to address the issues, I fear, that Nigeria's unity and indivisibility may be an utopia. The antonym of Integration is Disintegration - which showcases it's ugly face, where the dogma of Good Governance is jettisoned in abysmal desecration. In climes where the tripartite dogma of Democracy, Good Governance, and National Integration is adhered to, the dividend of governance is felt by the citizens - still a voyage in Nigeria. However, the law as a societal instrument has been a viable vehicle for promoting good governance and national integration along the decades. Therefore, this paper examines the concept of the rule of law, good governance, and national integration. An examination of some germane policies pursued towards achieving national integration, shall also be considered. The vexed issue of 'State citizenship' is also blazed, as well as the challenges of Good Governance and National Integration. A conclusive discourse of this topic, engenders and reawakens in me - the Lawyer (not politician) the rights activist, the masses advocate, the Constitutional and Electoral law expert and the electoral expert, and most important - the citizen. The discourse is not legal, it permeates many thoughts and salient doctrines across the horizons of social sciences - behavioural tendencies and class selectivism, all heading to a destination far from the pre-designed essence of nationhood. Nigeria has since survived - many a travails. The Nigerian discourse is like the flamenco music and dance, native to the Andalusia in Spain - indeed, a Fandango. Through the books of history and rich literature of Africa - the early ages - the pre - colonial and colonial era, the struggle for independence - the Civil War - the Military regimes - now the Democratic era, the internal antecedence are a critical revelation of issues bedevilling the national spirit of the people.

The world has experienced so many types of governance, but democracy remains the most pronounced, and somewhat a normal by nations. The tenets of democracy cannot stand alone; nor can they roar like the king of jungle, because it is entwined and intertwined with other components of governance - balancing the wheels of nationhood. It should be elementary that nationhood entails a band, running through the very belief of the existence of a group of people. Therefore, National Integration and Good Governance, anchored on the rule of law becomes pertinent and germane as driving factors. The proper functioning of a nation requires effective governance structures and mechanisms that promote the rule of law, justice, and inclusivity. Law, as a powerful instrument, plays a pivotal role in achieving these objectives. It provides a framework for societal order, regulates human conduct, and ensures the protection of individual rights and collective interests. It also serves as a vehicle that establishes and upholds the principles of justice, equality, and accountability. This article explores the significant role of the law in fostering good governance and national integration, highlighting its ability to promote justice, uphold the rule of law, protect human

rights, and create a sense of unity among diverse populations.

The message of love, unity and peace, by various religions applies to all humans, creed, race or colour.

The Bible admonishes thus, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus".

Allah says in Surah Al Hujarat: "The believers are nothing but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy."

After the decolonisation of Africa during the 1950's and 1970's, there was need for nation building, in other words, national actors began to pursue what became known as 'National Integration.' There was need to Africanise Africans. This discourse of National Integration and Good and Governance became more recently resurrected, due to the antecedence of this geographical territory called Nigeria.

It was Martin Luther King, Jr., who stated that, “we must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." In the same breath, Mahamat Gandhi was pungent to declare, “Unity to be real, must stand the most severest strain without breaking." Carl Jung said, “wholeness is not achieved by cutting off a portion of one's being, but by integration...".

The issue of national integration becomes very germane due to the multi - nature of the nation, characterised by some negative factors. Therefore, it is important we agree within us

to continue to live as a people, by blurring the differences. Little wonder Chief Dan George said, " can we talk of Integration until there is Integration of hearts and the mind?. Unless you have this, you only have a physical presence, and the wall between us are as high as the mountain range. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a rights activist who played a major role in freeing Bharat Mata from the clutches of British noted, " One Country One God, One Cate, One Mind brother all of us without difference, without doubts".

The battle for national integration in Nigeria is largely the battle against National Disintegration, as same is what we have got ab-initio.

The "National Question" is dealt with alongside pressing issues such as minority factor, religious conflicts, ethnicity, resource control, youth reactiveness, indigene - settler dialectic amongst others.

Indeed, it is acknowledged that even the British colonialists utilised the instrumentality of ethnicity and religion to govern the territory, after their exit, those lines ought to have disappeared into thin air, but this has not been the case in Nigeria. Nigeria, like India, is a pluralistic Federaliat State.

Ojo (2009) contends that “Nigeria has a unique problem not experienced by any State in the world, past or present. The problem is that of achieving solidarity in action and purpose in the midst of hundreds of ethnic nationalities each exerting both centrifugal and centripetal forces on the central issue of the nation, bound in freedom, peace and unity where justice reigns.” (Ojo E. (2009). “Federalism and the search for national integration in Nigeria”. In African Journal of Political Science and International Relations. Vol. 3 (9), pp. 384-395, September). It was Dr Otite submitted that Nigeria has over 374 ethnic groups. (Otite, O. (1990). Ethnic Pluralism and Ethnicity in Nigeria. Ibadan: Shanesco C. L. Limited). Due to this proliferation of ethnicity, the inherent disunity resulted to distrust in governance,

polarised security and constant fear of lives and property. A new wave of disintegration is the establishment and recruitment of local and indigenous outfits like, ethnic and religious militias, vigilantes and other armed groups: the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in Yorubaland, the Arewa People’s Congress (APC) in the North, the Bakassi Boys in the East, the Egbesu in the South, amongst others. All these outfits, have only tried to sharpen and widen the differences we share as a people. But their existence is in reaction to our ever widening fault lines. Now, this is where the concept of Good Governance, ought to serve as complementary and uniting force. Good governance is the fuel that moves democracy through national integration - which plies on the rule of law. These concepts are almost like Siamese twins, that may not be severed.

Conceptual Framework Law

There is no universally accepted definition of law over the years; some philosophers and scholars have defined law differently, and rightly so. I said rightly so, because their definitions of law are reflections of the society and the time in which they lived. Consequently, defining law is like embarking on a voyage of no return – an ungodly gamble.

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225 – 7 March, 1274), a religious revolutionary and a leading proponent of the Natural Law School, said that law is an ordinance of reason for the common good, which is made by the person who has care of the community. Aquinas’s "Natural Law Theory" contains four different types of law: Eternal Law, Natural Law, Human Law and Divine Law. The way to understand these four laws and how they relate to one another, is via the Eternal Law which he defined as God’s rational purpose and plan for all things, (Thomas Aquinas Treatise, Law Overview Categories.<https://study.com/learn/ lesson/st-thomas-aquinas-treatise-law-overviewcategories-effects.html>(accessed July 4, 2023)).

John Austin (3 March, 1790 – 1 December, 1859), a proponent of Legal Positivism, defined law as a command of the sovereign backed by a sanction. Kushagra Bhatnaja, Austin’s Definition of Law & It’s Applicability in India, 4 Issue 5 Int'l J.L. Mgmt. & Human (2021) at 208. Rosco Pound, a renowned American and a proponent of the Sociological School of Jurisprudence described the law, as a social engineering for balancing the competing interests in the society. The social engineering theory of Pound, is based on the belief that the law can be used as a tool to engineer and structure society for the betterment of its members. The theory suggests that Lawyers and Advocates are social engineers, who can use their knowledge and experience to create a framework for a better society.

Jeremy Bentham, a proponent of the Utilitarian School of Jurisprudence, said that the object of legislation must be the greatest happiness of the greatest number. Hart, on the other hand, concedes that law is a social phenomenon which can only be understood in terms of social facts, such as societal attitudes and the language used by people in expressing their conceptions of law, morality, and coercion. Hart claims the main distinctive element of law, is that its rules have what he calls a ‘systematic quality’ – that is, that rules of law are of different types and each category of legal rule interacts with the others in a manner which enables them to be called a system. Justice Wendel Holmes, a proponent of Legal Realism, stated that “the prophecies of what the Courts will do in fact, and nothing more pretentious, are what I mean by the law.” (To be continued)

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

"Every man, every woman who has to take up the service of government, must ask themselves two questions: 'Do I love my people in order to serve them better? Am I humble and do I listen to every body, to diverse opinions, in order to choose the best path?' If you don't ask those questions, your governance will not be good"- Pope Prancis

“Good governance is the fuel that moves democracy through national integration - which plies on the rule of law. These concepts are almost like Siamese twins, that may not be severed”

Tinubu is Nigeria's President

Those saying Tinubu is not their President should wake up and smell the coffee. Bola Tinubu is your President, and for that, you can blame only one person - Peter Obi. Before 2023 elections, the Peoples Democratic Party had won in every state of the Southeast in every election since 1999.

If Peter Obi had not contested in 2023, the PDP would still have won in the Southeastern states during the #NigerianElections2023. Peter Obi had absolutely no path to victory. None whatsoever. I told him this personally. Others told him. He even knew it. The only people who believed he could win were the same people who believed that Buhari died and had been replaced by Jubril, a clone from Sudan.

Peter Obi was just a pawn in the hands of the All Progressives Congress. Both the man who convinced him to leave the PDP and much of the money he got as donation came to him from the APC.

But for his hubris, Peter Obi may have been Nigeria's vice President today, with a good chance of taking over from Waziri Atiku Abubakar in 2031. But he took advice from a madman at upper Iweka. And foolishly believed that a united Peoples Democratic Party that could not defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2019 could now divide in 2023 and conquer the APC. Did I not say it before? A trader is different from a leader. Peter Obi will lose at the Supreme Court. He will lose if he runs again in 2027. And he will keep on losing until he either gets tired of losing or running.

If his supporters are humble enough to think, they won't stumble. But these are not humble people. They insult first, then act second, and think last. That is why they are today insulting the judiciary, and tomorrow, they will be praying for the same judiciary to give them their stolen mandate at the Supreme Court.

Going to the Supreme Court on the part of the Labour Party is a complete waste of money. Why? Because Peter Obi has no case.

Mr Obi presented thirteen witnesses. Ten were disqualified for being utterly useless. They tendered documents they downloaded from the Internet as evidence. As the Presidential Election Petition Court said, that document, downloaded from amazon, was a "worthless" document, because it was not authenticated by amazon, it also did not have any privatise value, because amazon did not conduct the election or provide the software and hardware used for the said election.

Then they made assertions without backing them up with documentary evidence, and based much of their claims on dodgy materials sourced from social media. Mr Obi and his lawyers claimed they won the #NigerianElections2023 but did not present any evidence that they won.

Their main claim was on the nomination of Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, which is clearly a pre-election issue, and therefore, obviously an afterthought. And they claimed non-electronic transmission of results invalidated the election, when the Electoral Act contradicts that, because it makes no provision for E-transmission.

Their reliance on a video by an Independent National Electoral Commission officer promising that results would be transmitted electronically was sad, because the court would only go by the law, not by the vow of a civil servant.

Now, they are running from TV to radio, emoting and reacting. Should they not spend that time preparing a better case for their appeal at the Supreme Court as Waziri Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party are doing? Then, when they inevitably lose there, they will start another round of wailing.

Your lawyers are insulting the judiciary. Your supporters are threatening them. Your party members are impugning their integrity. And then you are appealing to the Supreme Court? It should now be clear to Nigerians that Peter Obi lacks one of the most basic tenets of leadership. The ability to anticipate consequences.

Peter Obi has allowed his Obidients to make him so odious in the eyes of the judiciary. He should have intervened when they were rubbishing Chief Justice Kayode Ariwoola. But he pandered to the headless mob of fascists. Only to now trend #AllEyesOnKayodeAriwoola. Anyway, I can't blame him. After all, he did say that he receives advice from madmen. Just expect Supreme disappointment from the Supreme Court!

Look, God willing, Waziri Atiku Abubakar will win at the Supreme Court, and be sworn in as the President of Nigeria. However, until then, Bola Tinubu is the President of Nigeria, whether you like it or not. There is order in heaven and there must be order on Earth if we are to make progress.

Nigeria has a President for now. You, as an individual, do not have a personal President. If you are a Nigerian citizen, whoever is the President of

Nigeria is automatically your President, whether you like it or not.

And if you say Bola Tinubu is not your President, simply look at your Nigerian passport. It is a document endorsed by the President. Actions speak louder than words. If you say Bola Tinubu is not your President, but you travel with a Nigerian passport, you are a confused person, because, by tendering that document to an immigration officer, you are accepting and affirming Bola Tinubu as your President. Your actions have cancelled your words.

In 1978, there were frantic meetings between Chief Obafemi Awolowo's Unity Party of Nigeria and Owelle Nnamdi Azikiwe's Nigerian Peoples Party. Chief Awolowo explained to the NPP that if both he and Owelle Azikiwe contested, they would split the Southern vote and Malam Shehu Shagari would coast to victory. He thereafter argued that of the two of them, he stood a greater chance of winning the election since he would get the Western Nigeria vote, as well as the Midwest vote and some of the minority Eastern Nigeria votes.

Chief Awolowo further explained to the NPP apparatchiks that because Shagari's National Party of Nigeria had chosen an Igbo man, Chief Alex Ekwueme, they would split the Igbo vote and win, unless Azikiwe united with Awolowo, especially as there was a Naka Sai Naka revolution in Northern Nigeria.

Of course, Owelle Nnamdi Azikiwe's NPP did not listen, and he contested the August 11, 1979 election, having been assured by prominent Northerners that he would get massive votes in the North.

The election came, and Malam Shehu Shagari scored 5,688,857 votes, while Chief Awolowo got 4,916,551 votes, leaving Owelle Azikiwe with a paltry 2,822,523.

The primary reasons for Shagari's victory were the votes he picked up from the Igbo states of Anambra and Imo and from the then Rivers state, where Shagari polled 72.65% of the votes.

As predicted by Chief Awolowo, Chief Azikiwe had no path to victory and only served to divide the Southern vote.

Now, fast forward to 2022. Peter Obi called me to ask for my support, and I explained my position to him. I then followed it up with an article in my ThisDay column explaining that Peter Obi had no path to victory whatsoever. It was never going to happen.

I explained that the only purpose Peter Obi would serve would be to divide the votes the Peoples Democratic Party would have got. And by so doing, he handed over a victory that the All Progressives Congress would not have had but for him.

It was apparent to most discerning pundits that both the men luring him away from the PDP, as well as the money they were funnelling to him, came from the APC.

He did not listen. He contested the February 25, 2023 election. Bola Tinubu was declared the winner with 8,794,726 votes. Waziri Atiku Abubakar came second with 6,984,520 votes. Peter Obi came third with 6,101,533 votes.

If Obi had not contested, Waziri Atiku would undoubtedly have won that election hands down, even with rigging, because, and please fact-check me, the Peoples Democratic Party has won in every state of the Southeast in every election since 1999.

If Peter Obi had not contested in 2023, the PDP would still have won in the Southeastern states during the #NigerianElections2023 and Waziri Atiku would have amassed at least above the 11,262,978 votes he scored in 2019.

Bola Tinubu did not defeat Waziri Atiku Abubakar. A combined force of INEC and Peter Obi defeated Waziri Atiku.

Some people must recognise their weakness, in that they are too emotional as a bloc, and when they get into that mode, it deceives them to believe they are wiser than others, when in fact, their inability to suppress their emotions and subjugate it to their rational mind, and their reptilian brain (we all have a reptilian brain capable of cold Machiavellian thinking) make them less astute than their neighbours in everything but commerce.

History does not repeat itself. Men repeat history and blame history for repeating itself. And it is certain that if we do not learn anything from the history of the 2023 election, we will repeat it.

#TableShaker

Yoruba Goat

Last week, an Obidient named Anichebe tried to insult me by calling me a "Yoruba goat" in a now viral X post.

Actually, I am not Yoruba. I am very proudly Itsekiri. However, the Yoruba are not goats. Very far from it. Yoruba are unique people. They have an ethnic trait of being able to read others nonverbally. Especially if they are eyeball to eyeball with you, it is a gift of God that is in their DNA and has helped them in their interpersonal relationships, resulting in them being the most successful Black African ethnicity on Earth. They understand others. They are not like some, who make little attempt to understand others, yet want to be understood.

I have travelled the whole world, and the only African culture that survived and thrived in the Americas, despite the trans-Atlantic enslavement of Black African peoples, is Yoruba culture.

For example, believe it or not, Ifa Babalawo is one of the fastest-growing religions in the Americas right now. It is the meat of the religion now known as Santeria. 5 million Americans in the United States are adherents of Santeria. And Babalawo shrines are all over states like Florida. They do not hide it.

Yoruba generally have affable, pleasant and charming personalities as another ethnic trait. They are not known to insult others without cause or provocation nor display intolerance, which is why they have the most peaceful and prosperous zone in Nigeria, where other Nigerians thrive in ways that they cannot succeed in their home regions. Anichebe, do you think goats can produce the first Black African Nobel laureate for an academic category (Wole Soyinka), and the first Black African military ruler to have voluntarily handed over to a civilian President (Olusegun Obasanjo), as well as the first person born and bred in Africa to have won a Pulitzer Prize (Dele Olojede)?

If it is that easy, why haven't others achieved it?

There are an estimated 15 Black African billionaires on Planet Earth. Five are Yoruba (Otunba Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Tope Awotona, Kase Lawal, and Bayo Ogunlesi). More than any ethnic nationality in Africa.

US President Joe Biden named a Yoruba man, Adewale Adeyemo, as deputy Treasury Secretary. This is the highest position a Black African has been appointed (not elected) in US history. And Kemi Badenoch, a Yoruba, almost became The UK's Prime Minister, and is now a UK cabinet minister. Another Yoruba man, Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye, became the first person on Earth to successfully perform surgery on an unborn baby, by taking out the fetus from its mother’s womb and replacing it back after the surgery.

Winners have been of Yoruba descent, except Burna Boy, including: Sade Adu (1986), Babatunde Olatunji (1991), Sikiru Adepoju (1991) and Seal (1996), Burna Boy (2021), Wizkid (2021), Temilade Openiyi AKA Tems (2023).

And Anichebe, don't forget that the man who will preside over the appeal of your beloved Peter Obi is also a Yoruba goat. Let us see how he likes your description of him and his ethnicity.

In conclusion, it is a compliment to be called a "Yoruba goat" and I thank you.

Reno’s Nuggets

When I said if you want a healthy, happy, monogamous marriage, you can increase your chances of that happening by marrying a woman significantly younger than you, many people, especially those who self-identify as Obidients, insulted me. However, it is a fact, because men and women have different biological clocks. Their libidos are not on the same timeline.

Peter Obi understands that ancient wisdom. Today, he is celebrating his wife's 49th birthday. Meanwhile, Peter is 62. And Peter got married 31 years ago, in 1992, when he was 31 and his wife, Margaret, was 18. He is an example of what I tried to teach my followers.

For the best marriage, it is RECOMMENDED, but not MANDATORY, that the man must be above his wife in these ten areas:

Age, because men live longer when married to younger wives. Please research it. Don't just take my word or insult me because of a medical fact. Finances, because, as a man, you either foot the bill or go downhill. Knowledge, prayer and fasting because you are the priest of the home. Strength, since you are the head of the home, and you will need to do the heavy lifting. Tolerance because her mouth will likely be sharper than yours, and without tolerance, there will be violence. Planning and wisdom, so you don't wear out your strength. And finally, patience so you don't do everything your mind tells you to do.

Happy 49th birthday Mrs. Margaret Obi.

President Bola Tinubu

Examining Nuhu Ribadu's 100 Days in Office

Kingsley Nwezeh looks at how the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has fared in 100 days

Determined to bolster bilateral ties with international agencies in a renewed bid to change the nation's security narrative, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has sustained the drive to engender peace and stability in the nation.

As President Bola Tinubu's government looks back at the events of the last 100 days in office, Ridadu has consolidated and leveraged his global acceptance in his last outing as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prepare ground for a secure nation.

Ribadu has, therefore, followed President Tinubu's lead in consummating international collaboration and enhancing joint operations of security forces in Nigeria and West Africa.

The nation's foremost security points man has since assumption of office hosted several strategic security parleys with military service chiefs, security chiefs and intelligence agencies aimed at refocusing the security architecture on the big picture: security and stability of Nigeria and the West African subregion and a sound and sustainable counterterrorism strategy.

National Counter Terrorism Centre

On assumption of office, Ribadu, paid a familiarisation visit to the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in Abuja. He was conducted round the NCTC facilities by the National Coordinator, Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa (rtd), who had earlier briefed him on the historical background for the establishment, functions, as well as the activities of the National Counter Terrorism Centre.

While addressing the staff of the centre, the NSA noted that the visit was an opportunity to see things for himself and that he was impressed by the structures already in place to fight terrorism and terrorism financing in Nigeria, adding "You have a partner to work with", he assured.

Mallam Ribadu pledged a regular interaction with the officers and men of the centre for effective service delivery to Nigerians. “I’m here to work,” the NSA stressed.

Visits Department of State Services

Ribadu also took a tour of the Department of State Security (DSS). Speaking on X formerly, Twitter, Ribadu spoke of his determination to strengthen and consolidate the bond amongst the intelligence agencies.

"Today, I was at the Department of @State Security Service and the Nigeria Intelligence Agency for a familiarisation visit aimed at solidifying the bond between the services, enhancing their mutual understanding, and collaboration.

I also used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of teamwork, professionalism and integrity in meeting the nation's security needs while upholding democratic values and protecting the rights of all citizens.

"I also used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of teamwork, professionalism and integrity in meeting the nation's security needs while upholding democratic values and protecting the rights of all citizens", he said.

Niger Coup, ECOWAS' Resolve to Restore Democracy

In the course of his 100 days, Ribadu was deeply involved by the role of his office as the National Security Adviser in the providing support and enabling evironment for the negotiations with the military junta in Niger.

Ridabu also led the security component and arrangements leading to the declaration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore democratic rule in Niger Republic.

He was also in the picture of the processes that led to various meetings of ECOWAS defence chiefs to put effect to the resolution of the regional bloc Niger on Niger.

The subsequent meetings and decision to activate the ECOWAS standby force which awaits the outcome of further diplomatic overtures to the junta.

UN, Nigeria Sign MoU on Counterterrorism

The battle against insurgents has raged for over 14 years leaving in its wake a trail of blood and destruction, a situation that required interaction collaboration.

Therefore, in furtherance of Nigeria’s joint effort with the international community to combat terrorism, the federal government last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations (UN) on counterterrorism.

A statement signed by Head, Strategic Communications, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Zakari Mijinyawa, said ONSA and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) signed the MoU to further strengthen counterterrorism efforts in the country.

Both parties said at the signing ceremony in Abuja that the documents were in furtherance of the joint efforts to combat

the global menace of terrorism, which remained one of the most complex challenges to the peace, security, and stability of nations around the world.

The parties also “pledged continued collaboration to identify, collect, and disseminate good practices and lessons learned, and explore new opportunities by promoting dialogue and partnership through the development of capacitybuilding activities”.

National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd), who represented the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, noted that the two memorandums of understanding signalled a momentous milestone in cementing Nigeria’s partnership with UNOCT towards enhanced collective counter-terrorism efforts.

In his remarks, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Office of Counter-Terrorism, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, said the MoUs envisaged further cooperation in various areas, including countering terrorist travel, financing of terrorism, border and maritime security, and delivery of counter-terrorism training in Nigeria. Heads of key implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) also attended the signing ceremony.

Improving Internal Security Fundamentals

It has been restated in several security fora and expert opinions that the one single factor missing glaringly in Nigeria’s war against insurgency and other criminalities in the past 14 years remained poor intelligence gathering and delivery hence the devastating impact of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft, the collateral damage in terms of lives of the citizenry and security personnel, who died in their thousands within the period.

In furtherance of internal security imperatives, Ribadu received the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, in his office where the IG pledged to work in harmony with other agencies to fight insecurity.

The IG was accompanied by the DIG Operations, Adeleke Adeyinka Bode; DIG Training and Development, Bala Ciroma; AIG Force Intelligence Bureau, Abdulyari Lafia; the Force Secretary, AIG Habu Sani; the Director, National Cyber Crime Centre, DCP Uche Ifeanyi; and the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The IG pledged to consolidate on the gains recorded so far in the internal security architecture of the nation.

The NSA expressed pleasure at the improvement the Acting IG made towards sanitising and repositioning the policing system in Nigeria.

He said "the IGP put the right foot forward from inception".

He urged the Ag. IGP "to prioritise improved synergy with other security agencies in order to achieve the goal of the present administration" while pledging his full support for the attainment of better policing and enhanced security for all and sundry in Nigeria.

The acting IG also congratulated the NSA on his well-deserved appointment acknowledging his assurance to ensure national security stability and growth through inter-agency diplomacy and all-inclusive safety mechanism.”

Big on Partnerships

Indeed, when he was the head of the nation's anti-corruption czar, Ribadu had extensive contacts with global investigative agencies and actually signed several partnership agreements with the London Metropolitan Police, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the International Police (Interpol), European Police (Europol), global financial task forces among others.

Such relationships and partnerships no doubt are relevant in Ribadu's present role as the nation's top security man.

Speaking at the handover ceremony that signaled his assumption of office as the NSA, Ribadu, who was appointed to the position by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, had laid out clearly what the nation required at this time.

He said the time had come for Nigeria to enjoy peace and stability, adding that it was a collective duty of all Nigerians to secure the nation and "we intend to continue with what has been done".

“We will stabilise this country, we will secure our country and we will make Nigeria peaceful because we believe time has come for this country to enjoy peace, restore order and rule of law just like any other country in the world.

“Securing the nation is a continuous process. We will look at what has been done and build on it. We will count on your support in the course of discharging our responsibilities.

“Mr. President has a huge commitment to securing every inch of our country. We will work with all stakeholders to deliver on this vision. This enormous task of securing our country is that of all Nigerians, and all friends of Nigeria,” he said.

Ribadu solicited the full cooperation of all servicemen and women, and by extension all Nigerians.

He said there was need to unite to accomplish the present administration’s quest for a more stable, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

We will stabilise this country, we will secure our country and we will make Nigeria peaceful because we believe time has come for this country to enjoy peace, restore order and rule of law just like any other country in the world

Ribadu

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

TREATMENT FOR GUNSHOT VICTIMS

Victims should be treated promptly, with or without police report

In a society where incidents of ‘stray bullets’ are almost becoming a norm and where many lives are endangered daily because of street violence and cult wars, to insist on police report in cases of medical emergency is patently wrong. But despite the ‘Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017’ which compels every hospital in Nigeria to provide immediate medical attention with or without police clearance to any person with gunshot wounds, many victims are still dying in hospitals for lack of care.

A recent case involved an Abuja-based lawyer who was shot in the presence of some of his family members. Although he survived the attack, medical personnel at all the hospitals to which he was taken refused to admit him for treatment because he had bullet wounds and his family members could not provide a police report. Following his death, the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBAof such victims, even though nothing has happened in that direction. While medical personnel complain of police harassment despite the law, the attendant several innocent lives.

Before the recent 2017 legislation signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari, the misinterpretation of the provision of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap 398 of 1984 had led to the death of several innocent Nigerians. Part of the act states: “It shall be the duty of any person, hospital or clinic that admits, treats or administers drug to any person suspected of having bullet wounds to immediately report the matter to this Act for any person to knowingly house, shelter, or give quarters to any person who has committed

KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

While there is nowhere in the act which barred attending to gunshot victims, even if they are armed robbery suspects, there were several instances when doctors were brutalised by the police and arrested for performing their professional duty for treating gunshot victims. But it has also been established that many doctors simply latch on to this to insist on between life and death.

When Ms Nkiruka Onyejeocha, the current Minister of State, Labour and Productivity, sponsored the bill for the compulsory treatment and care for victims of gunshot wounds in the House of Representatives many years ago, she argued that during medical emergencies, saving lives at any hospital whether private or public. “The issue of conditional access to medication by victims of gunshot in Nigeria has generated thorny arguments among scholars, policymakers, medical practitioners and

“The central thesis of the argument revolves around the issue of saving lives vis-à-vis the provision of

Two years ago, the current First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, proposed an amendment bill which among others, sought to establish the Medical Emergency Assistance Fund to cover the treatment of victims of gunshot, knife wounds, and other life-threatening emergencies. “It is shocking that despite the act, unabated; it is particularly sad that we continue to let brilliant and skillful mind go to waste, in what leading debate on the issue. “In a country where emergency response is almost non-existent, and getting victims to hospital is already burdensome, it is sad that where the victims make it to a hospital alive, they are still denied treatment and left to

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

CAREGIVING BEYOND BELIEF IN NIGERIA

In this piece, I make a case for caregiving beyond belief in one of the world’s most religious nations, Nigeria. I provide a much-needed balance in the perception and representation of caregiving in the country. Caregiving makes it possible for individuals who are in need to relieve their burdens. A caregiver helps a person who is unable to help or take care of himself or herself. A person may be unable to cater for himself or herself due to ailments, frailty, or disability, due to impairment linked to old age or mental disorder. A caregiver provides basic assistance including assessing medical needs, preparing a care plan, assisting with basic needs such as eating or bathing, providing companionship and emotional support, helping with housekeeping and monitoring medications, helping with grocery shopping and preparing meals, assisting with transportation, etc. It is pertinent to note that everyone who lives long enough would need some care at some stage in life. Caregiving is an existential imperative. So, it is necessary to broadly explore this concept and practice.

Care can be given based on belief or nonbelief, for confessional or nonconfessional purposes. So, we have caregiving because of belief and caregiving beyond belief. Caregiving because of belief is a form of care that is motivated or predicated on faith in

God or religion. It is caregiving for Christ’s, Mohammad’s, Sango’s, Amadioha’s, or Allah’s sake. It is caregiving in this world for the sake of the next.

But caregiving beyond belief is a form of care without God, it is predicated on love, reason and compassion for humanity, happiness, and well-being in this world. It is a form of care that is delivered for care’s sake.

Unfortunately like other sectors of life, the caregiving industry has been hijacked by religion. People of faith and religious organizations dominate the management of hospitals, and health and caregiving agencies. Thus caregiving has been mis/ represented as a religious duty and a divine calling. Those who render care services have turned the enterprise into an extension of their missionary work. Motivated by religion, caregivers evangelize, convert, or coerce care receivers to embrace or profess religion or belief in God. Caregiving is largely faith based.

Meanwhile, millions of Nigerians do not profess any religion or faith in God. Millions of Nigerians do not take religion seriously. They live their lives free from superstitions or dogmas. Millions are of the notion that this is the only life that we have, and want to make the best of it. They identify as humanists, atheists, agnostics, freethinkers or simply as nones. Otherworld-

ly schemes and narratives do not fascinate them. Millions of Nior persuasive. When ill, frail, disabled, or faced with mental problems, these Nigerians do not want faith based care. They cannot relate to any form of care that is linked to religious creed or faith in god. Millions of Nigerians want and yearn for a caregiving program that is secular, rational and religiously neutral. They desire caregiving beyond belief.

While on their sick or deathbed, many Nigerians do not want caregivers who are prayer warriors and evangelizers. They do not want caregivers who cannot separate their profession from their confession. Nontheistic Nigerians do not want care providers who preach, pray, or pressure them to give their lives to Christ, Allah, or any deity. They detest the idea that caregivers exploit their vulnerable conditions and force religion dictates down their throats. Many Nigerians dislike the practice whereby pious helpers take undue advantage of their illness, or disability and impose their faith on them.

is a board member of the Humanist Association of Nigeria and Humanists International, UK.

While medical personnel complain of police harassment despite the law, the attendant effect has been grave on the society with the loss of several innocent lives

Leo Igwe

H1 2023: Bank of Industry Total Assets Hit N3.3tn

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Bank of Industry has recorded yet another historic milestone by achieving N3.3 trillion in total assets as at June 30 2023.

This represents a year-onyear (Y-o-Y) growth level of 67 per cent on N1.97 trillion asset level as at June 2022.

Profit before tax after impairments (PBT) has grown by an impressive 177 per cent Y0Y from N37.5billion in June 2022 to N104billion in June 2023.

This, the bank said, is due to the prudent management of the Bank’s assets and the full hedge of the foreign currency assets.

“The Bank has historically been able to maintain a nonperforming loan (NPL) rate below regulatory threshold of 5 per cent. The Bank’s NPL as at June 2023 was 1.88 per cent down from 3.6 per cent as at December 2022.

“BOI has also grown its equity position by 57 per cent since June 2022 – from N403.6billion to N634billion in June 2023. BOI’s equity position exceeds regulatory requirement of N10billion for retail DFIs. BOI has contributed to the national budget by paying dividends of approximately N42.2billion and taxes amounting to N64.2bn from 2017 to date, “it stated.

The Bank of Industry is Nigeria’s oldest and most successful DFI. The Bank is a duly registered Company under the Companies and Allied Matters Act. 2020 and licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The Bank

is professionally run with strong corporate governance.

It is audited by the KPMG, CBN and rated by local and international rating agencies (Fitch, Moody’s and Agusto & Co.)

The Bank has focused heavily on delivering its mandate of supporting industry and MSMEs to grow and thrive by disbursing over N1.4 Trillion over the last 5 years to over 4.4Million customers including MSMEs (Most of whom are women owned) thereby creating and saving 10.005Million jobs.

Under the leadership of its Managing Director/CEO, Mr Olukayode Pitan from 2017 to date, BOI has raised over $5 billion from the international financial markets to support its mandate of growing Nigerian industries, MSMEs, Women entrepreneurs and youths.

The first of the transactions was a $750 million syndication concluded in 2017 with the support of Afreximbank and a team of international Financial Institutions (now fully paid off).

The second and third were the Euro 1billion syndication closed in March 2020 and another $1billion syndication that closed in December 2020 (to be fully paid off by December 2023).

The bank’s maiden Eurobond of €750 million, concluded in February 2022 was the fourth transaction. This transaction marked the first of its kind in several ways to the bank, Nigeria and Africa. This deal was the bank’s first Eurobond transaction and the first Euro-denominated Eurobond

transaction in Nigeria.

The fifth capital raising transaction was the €1 billion guaranteed senior loan facility concluded in August of 2022. This deal also represents the first of its kind, by any Nigerian financial institution, both in terms of its size and structure.

Through this transaction, the bank raised liquidity at affordable rates and diversified its funding sources by attracting new lenders at a time when the international capital markets were prohibitively expensive and shut to many borrowers. The bank also won an award for this innovative transaction.

A €100 million line of credit from the French Development Agency (AFD) was also concluded in August 2022 representing the sixth capital raising. Through this credit facility, the bank can expand its financing interventions in environmentally friendly and green projects. A grant of €2.5 million was also included in this deal to support capacity building for both BOI staff and customers.

Though the bank intervenes in sectors and projects that are considered highly risky and unrewarding by conventional lenders, is able to develop a business model to de-risk the affected sectors and projects for other lenders to invest in.

“In 2023, the BOI continued its impressive growth in major financial indices on a year-onyear basis, thus consolidating its position as Nigeria’s largest and most impactful Development Finance Institution, ”said Pitan.

FG Lauded for Attracting $14bn Investment to Boost Economic Growth

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Basic Metal, Iron and Steel Products Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has lauded the commitment of the federal government to attract the sum of $14 billion investment to boost the nation’s economy.

The association said that, the gesture would go a long way of accelerating economic recovery and business growth in the steel sector.

A statement issued in Ilorin on Monday by the the chairman of the group, Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf said that, the development has also showed the zeal of President Bola Ahmed Ti-

nubu to move the economic growth of the country into a greater height.

The association commended President Tinubu for his overwhelming performances and efforts towards the nation’s economic growth at the just concluded Nigeria-India economic roundtable meeting in India.

The chairman added that, the feats recorded by the Bola Tinubu-led government within 100 days of its inauguration will no doubt accelerate economic recovery and business growth in the steel sector.

He stressed that, “Iron and Steel sector, if given the required attention and necessary support is capable of ensuring accelerated growth

MARKET INDICATORS

of the nation’s economy.”

Yusuf, who is also the Group Managing Director of KAM Holding Limited, Il rin noted that, “President Tinubu has by all standards demonstrated his love and readiness to support industrialists.

“We, in the Iron and Steel sector of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (MAN) are ready to support his administration with data, workable templates and roadmaps that will support Mr. President in his endeavour to succeed in his mandates to Nigerian citizens. As major stakeholders in Nigeria’s Project, we received this news with huge excitement, ”he said.

Aganga Appointed US Chief Investment Officer at Mercer

Mercer has announced the appointment of Ms. Olaolu Aganga as Partner, US Chief Investment Officer (CIO), effective from September 5, 2023.

He will report to Hooman Kaveh, Global Chief Investment Officer, and join the leadership team for Mercer’s US Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) practice. Based in New York, Ms. Aganga will lead the US OCIO investment team to implement and deliver all aspects of Mercer’s OCIO investment

processes, including strategic and dynamic asset allocation, fund manager selection, as well as risk management across Mercer’s US OCIO client base, ranging from endowments and foundations to defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, wealth managers, and insurance companies.

Aganga in a statement said, “I am proud to join Mercer, a firm I’ve long admired for its agility and track record for helping clients deliver impressive investment result. I’m joining a

Money

strong, global team of investment professionals and look forward to working alongside them to continue to deliver bespoke investment solutions and drive better investment outcomes for our clients.”

Prior to BlackRock, Ms. Aganga advised institutional clients on a variety of investment solutions for Goldman Sachs. Ms. Aganga earned a degree in Mathematics from Smith College and an MBA and a Certificate in Public Management from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 25 AUGUST, 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $85.71 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $85.84 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).

L-R: Chairman, Siochanta Nigeria Limited, Mr Peter Folikwe; Retired Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs Tokunbo Adeleye; Immediate Past Chairman, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Dr Dele Makanjuola; Sales Executive Manager, Siochanta Nig Ltd, Sandra Idowu; Group Managing Director, Vitafoam, Mr Taiwo Adeniyi and Commercial Director, Vitafoam, Alhaji Dahiru Gambo, at the Siochanta’s 10th Anniversary and Award night in Lagos... recently

Stock Market Down N464bn on Profit-taking in GTCO, Zenith Bank, Others

Kayode Tokede

Investors’ profit-taking activities in Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), Zenith Bank Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery, and 40 others depreciated the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) stock market by N464billion in market capitalisation.

As GTCO dropped by 8.6 per cent and Zenith Bank declined by 5.8per cent, the NGX AllShare Index (ASI) depreciated

by 847.16 basis points or 1.24 per cent to close at 67,296.18 basis points from 68,143.34 basis points.

Consequently, the overall market capitalisation dropped by N464 billion to close at N36.832 trillion from N37.295trillion it opened for trading.

Investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth closed negative as 16 stocks advanced while 43 declined.

Northern Nigeria Flour Mills

(NNFM) emerged the highest price gainer of 9.96 per cent to close at N13.25, per share. Oando followed with a gain of 9.74 per cent to close at N8.45, while CWG Plc advanced by 9.00 per cent to close at N6.30, per share.

NPF Microfinance Bank increased by 8.20 per cent to close at N1.98, while R.T. Briscoe Nigeria added 7.32 per cent to close at 44 kobo, per share.

On the other side, eTranzact International, NASCON Allied Industries and Secure Electronic Technology led others on the losers’ chart with 10 per cent each to close at N9.00, N52.20 and 27 kobo respectively, per share. Dangote Sugar Refinery followed with a decline of 9.98 per cent to close at N57.75, while Learn Africa shed 9.86 per cent to close at N3.29, per share. The total volume traded increased by 7.58 per cent to

520.133 million units, valued at N8.334 billion, and exchanged in 9,914 deals. Transactions in the shares of United Bank for Africa (UBA) led the activity with 73.932 million shares worth N1.050 billion. Access Holdings followed with account of 57.669 million shares valued at N957.324 million, while Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) traded 52.725 million shares valued at N331.529 million.

Zenith Bank traded 43.129

million shares worth N1.523 billion, while FBN Holdings (FBNH) traded 26.574 million shares worth N480.793 million. Looking ahead, annalysts at United Capital Plc said “we foresee investors sentiment tilted more toward listed corporates with strong and pending corporate actions. Investors will look to take positions across listed Tier-one banks that are yet to release their H1, 2023 financials.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF SEPTEMBER/11/23

FOREIGN DESK

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UN Blames Russian Aggression for Increased Food Prices

UN human rights chief Volker Türk said Monday that Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and Russian attacks on Ukrainian grain facilities have pushed food prices “sky high” in many developing countries.

Speaking to a session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk said the spike in prices has taken “the right to food far out of reach for many people.”

He specifically highlighted the situation in Somalia, saying the country has long depended on wheat from Ukraine and Russia and that the breakdown of the grain deal “was particularly damaging.”

The Black Sea Grain Initiative allowed Ukrainian grain to be exported via the Black Sea. Russia exited the deal in July, complaining that a parallel deal for removing obstacles to Russian food and fertilizer exports had not been honoured.

On Monday, Ukraine’s military intelligence said Ukrainian forces had retaken control of several offshore gas and oil drilling platforms near Crimea.

Taiwan Detects 39 Chinese Warplanes, Carrier

Taiwan said Monday it had detected 39 Chinese warplanes and an aircraft carrier near the island after a US destroyer and a Canadian frigate transited through the Taiwan Strait over the weekend.

Between Sunday and Monday morning, 26 aircraft and 13 warships were operating around the island, while another 13 planes were detected since the early hours of Monday, according to Taiwan’s defence ministry.

The ministry added that China’s Shandong carrier was also detected Monday around 111km southeast of Taiwan’s southernmost tip, Eluanbi, sailing eastward and entering the Western Pacific for training.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has vowed to bring the island under its control by any means necessary, including a military takeover.

In recent years, Beijing has ratcheted up military and political pressure on Taiwan, often conducting naval exercises or sending warplanes buzzing overhead to coincide with any diplomatic engagements with Taipei.

Taiwan said 22 of the 39 planes it had recently detected crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, a narrow waterway between the island and China.

“The military is closely monitoring the situation and has tasked aircraft, navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond,” Taiwan’s defence ministry said in a statement.

On Saturday, China said its troops were “on constant high alert” after the two ships belonging to the United States and Canada sailed through the Taiwan Strait.

The US Navy said the ships were the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson and HMCS Ottawa and that the transit “demonstrates the commitment of the United States and our allies and partners to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

US Observes September 11th Anniversary

The United States on Monday marked the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.

President Joe Biden is due to deliver an address to members of the military, first responders and their families at a military base in Anchorage, Alaska. Biden’s Alaska stop comes as he travels home from an overseas trip that included the G20 summit in India and meeting with leaders in Vietnam. While Monday will be the rare September 11 anniversary without a president appearing at observances at crash sites in New York, Pennsylvania or the Pentagon, it is not without precedent.

President George W. Bush in 2005 held an observance on the White House lawn, while President Barack Obama in 2015 participated in a moment of silence at the White House before attending an event honouring the work of the military at nearby Fort Meade. Vice President Kamala Harris attended a ceremony Monday at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York.

Al-Qaida terrorists hijacked two commercial jets and crashed them into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, causing both buildings to collapse.

Russia: North Korea’s Kim to Visit Putin in Coming Days

The Kremlin and Pyongyang said Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in the coming days at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. North Korea’s state-run KCNA news

agency said on Monday that its leader will “meet and have a talk” with Putin during a visit to Russia.

South Korean media reported Monday that a special train presumed to be carrying Kim had departed Pyongyang and that a meeting with Putin could take place as early as Tuesday.

South Korean officials said they are monitoring closely but did not confirm specific details.

“The government is concerned about the possibility of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, which has been raised recently. Once again, we make it clear that bilateral cooperation should not undermine the international order and peace in the Korean Peninsula,” said a spokesperson from the South Korean Ministry of Unification on Monday.

EU Lowers 2023-2024 Economic Forecasts

The European Commission - the European Union’s executive branch – has downgraded its economic forecast for the Eurozone, saying inflation is still too high, consumer spending is down, and Germany, the continent’s largest economy, is in recession. At a news conference in Brussels Monday, EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said they are now predicting the gross domestic product (GDP) of the 27-nation EU will expand at eight-tenths of one per cent for 2023 and at 1.3 per cent in 2024.

Those numbers are down from the May projections of 1.1 and 1.6 per cent, respectively.

Gentiloni said Germany’s GDP was significantly weaker than expected in the first half of this year, with declining wages driving down consumer spending and lower exter nal demand leading to subdued exports.

He said the German economy is now projected to shrink by 0.4 per cent in 2023, “a significant downward revision” from a May prediction of 0.2 per cent growth.

He said they are forecasting that Italy’s and the Netherlands’ economies will also grow more slowly this year, with GDP expansion of 0.9 per cent and 0.5, respectively, down from earlier projections of 1.2 per cent and 1.8 per cent.

But the commission said the economies of France and Spain will grow faster than previously expected this year, projecting 1.0 per cent and 2.2 per cent growth, respectively, instead of the previously seen 0.7 per cent and 1.9 per cent.

Armenia, US Troops Hold Drills Amid Rift with Russia

Joint military drills between Armenian and U.S. forces kicked off Monday, the latest sign the Caucasus country is drifting from Moscow’s orbit, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reshapes the post-Soviet space.

The exercises come with frustration growing in Armenia that Russia has failed to act as a security guarantor as tensions

build with historic rival Azerbaijan backed by Turkey.

“Exercise Eagle Partner’s opening ceremony has kicked off,” US Army Europe and Africa spokesperson told AFP.

Armenia’s defence ministry said the exercises aim to “increase the level of interoperability” with US forces in international peacekeeping missions.

And the US Army Europe and Africa Command said around 85 soldiers will train with 175 Armenian troops between 11 and 20 in the Zar and Armavir grounds.

It said the drills would help prepare Armenia’s 12th Peacekeeping Brigade to meet NATO standards for an evaluation later this year.

Moscow, which leads a military alliance that includes Armenia, summoned Armenia’s ambassador this week to complain about “unfriendly steps” the country was taking.

The ministry said Armenia’s envoy was given a “tough” rebuke but stressed the countries “remain allies.”

Germany Says Ukraine Belongs in European Union

Ukraine belongs in the European Union, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Monday during her visit to Kyiv. But she added that the country needed to do more to fight graft.

“Reform results in the areas of judicial reform, and media legislation are already impressive. But there is still a long way to go in the implementation of the anti-oligarch law and the fight against corruption,” Baerbock said.

Baerbock also said that Germany will provide an additional $21.44 million in humanitarian aid, bringing Berlin’s additional aid to a total of $408 million this year.

The German foreign minister warned that Russia would again target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this autumn and winter.

“Russia’s perfidious goal is to starve the people again this winter and to let them freeze to death,” she said.

Ukrainian officials have also warned that Russia will likely wage new airstrikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities and have called for long-range missiles from Western allies.

After his meeting with Baerbock, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he requested Taurus cruise missiles from Germany as soon as possible.

“You will do it anyway — it’s just a matter of time — and I don’t understand why we are wasting time,” Kuleba said in response to a question at a press conference.

Somali Regional MP Killed in al-Shabab Explosion

A Somali regional parliamentarian was among three people killed in a landmine explosion in El Garas blamed on al-Shabab militants.

Local officials say Mohamed Mohamud, known as Mohamed Yare, was killed Monday in the explosion.

A local city councillor in Dhusamareb, Abdullahi Ibrahim, and a civilian were

also killed, regional Information Minister Abshir Abdi Sheikhow told VOA Somali.

“The incident happened after they stepped on the landmine planted by the terrorists, and they died there,” Sheikhow said. “When they [al-Shabab] were leaving the town, they planted lots of landmines. The coalition forces conducted mine clearance, but these officials took the wrong road, and they met the explosion.”

The officials were accompanying the Somali government and local forces who captured the town from al-Shabab early on Monday.

Deadly Bomb Hits Pakistan Military Convoy

Authorities in northwestern Pakistan said Monday that a bomb explosion killed at least one soldier and wounded several people, including civilians.

The attack targeted the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) convoy in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan.

Area police officer Mohammad Arash Khan told reporters that six FC personnel and two civilians were among the wounded. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it ambushed the convoy with an improvised explosive device.

The group, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, has routinely plotted bombings and other terrorist attacks in districts close to or on the nearly 2,600-kilometer border with Afghanistan, killing hundreds of people, mostly security forces.

The Pakistani military has confirmed the death of more than 220 soldiers and officers in nationwide attacks this year.

Islamabad says fugitive TTP leaders and fighters orchestrate the violence from their sanctuaries in Afghanistan and says the Taliban’s return to power in the neighbouring country in 2021 has emboldened and enabled the TTP to intensify cross-border attacks.

Thailand’s New Prime Minister Vows to Tackle Economic Woes

Thailand’s new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin vowed to act quickly to relieve the country’s economic problems in his inaugural speech to Parliament on Monday, following four months of political uncertainty while parliamentarians were unable to agree on a government.

Srettha entered politics after a career as a major real estate developer, and his government is facing high expectations and pressing demands to address a range of economic, political, social and environmental problems in its four-year term.

Thailand’s economy has slumped after the COVID-19 pandemic all but crippled its lucrative tourism industry. He said public debt rose to more than 60 per cent of GDP in 2023, while household debt spiked to over 90 per cent this year.

Thailand’s post-pandemic economy is like “a sick person,” with a sluggish recovery that puts the nation “at risk of entering a recession,” Srettha said.

RATES AS AT SEPTEMBER 11,2023

300 Entities Collapse, 86.7% Earn Below N3m as Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector Struggles

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

At least 300 business entities failed to produce any mineral resources, while 86.7 per cent of the operators in the solid minerals sector fell below the N3 million royalties payment threshold in 12 months, a development that underlines the almost comatose state of the sector in the country.

A newly-launched report by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), disclosed that out of the 1,241 registered companies operating in the sector, only 914, representing

75 per cent paid royalties while 300, that is 25 per cent had no production and therefore paid no royalty payments.

Besides, out of the 914 companies that paid royalties, only 121, representing 13.24 per cent met the materiality threshold, a disappointing number compared to the volume of companies operating in the sector.

For context, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has listed 44 mineral types ready for exploitation, including bitumen, marble, gypsum, lithium, silver, granite,

gold, gemstones, bentonite, iron ore, talc, among others.

In Australia, for instance, the mining industry’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country increased between 2019 and 2020 by 4.9 per cent to $202 billion. It’s the country’s largest industry with 10.4 per cent share of the economy.

Also in South Africa, the mining industry contributes about 22 per cent to the country’s GDP and employs over 760,000 people and constituted 41 per cent of Ghana’s exports.

Although Nigeria’s mining

roadmap unveiled in 2016 targeted raising its contribution to GDP to 3 per cent, or $27 billion by 2025, the NEITI’s latest report which covers the entire 2021 showed that the country is far from meeting that target.

In all, the audit revealed that the solid minerals sector contributed less than 1 per cent to the national GDP in the period under consideration, and accounted for just 2.62 per cent of total revenue and 0.24 per cent of total exports.

Despite exploration licenses increasing significantly by 324 licenses, that is 62.79 per cent , from 516 in 2020 to 840 in 2021,

AfDB to Mobilise $1bn

Gilbert Ekugbe

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced plans to raise an initial $1 billion of concessionary high-rise capital and grants to cushion farmers from the effects of climate change.

The President of AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, stated this at the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) in Nairobi.

Adesina said that the fund

would catalyse the development and uptake of insurance solutions that would help countries, businesses and communities adapt to climate change.

He said: “This is our effort to scale up support to insure countries, households against extreme weather patterns.

Extreme weather patterns negatively impact the livelihoods of many millions of farmers in Africa, the majority of those being women. One way we

can tackle this issue is to be sure that farmers have access to crop and livestock insurance.”

The bank also unveiled the Africa Climate Risk Insurance Facility for Adaptation (ACRIFA), which is aimed at insulating countries against catastrophic weather-related events.

The facility, which would be hosted by the bank, would expand its pioneering Africa Disaster Risk Insurance Programme (ADRIP) into a

facility that would develop insurance to help African countries, specifically, their agriculture sectors, prepare for, adapt and build resilience against adverse effects of climate change such as flooding and drought.

According to Adesina, the ACRIFA would also extend credit insurance to investment portfolios related to climate, agri-food system and enterprise development, as well as engage

indicating a sustained interest in mineral exploration and production, the NEITI document showed that the surface has barely been scratched in the sector.

“There was an 85 per cent increase in the number of Artisanal and Small Scale (ASM) operators, from 1,273 in 2020 to 2,336 in 2021 across the six geo-political zones of the country.

“However, there are no commensurate data (i.e. production, royalty, export, etc.) to support this increase in operators. This implies that the sector has great potential yet to be harnessed,” the Ogbonnaya Orji-led organisation said.

The report added that the major challenge in revenue distribution from the solid minerals sector was due to the absence of a sectorspecific fiscal regime, since it’s difficult to link the taxes to specific activities within the sector. For the period under review, NEITI noted that the seven strategic minerals in the sector only contributed a total of N1.42 billion in royalty payments, with limestone being the dominant contributor at N1.03 billion.

NOTE: The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

primary insurers across Africa to ensure business opportunities flow through them to continental and international re-insurers.

“In addition, it will support national governments to more efficiently manage climate disasters,” Adesina added.

According to the President of Comoros, Mr. Azali Assoumani, who is also the chair of the African Union, described it as a necessary innovation.

Assoumani said: “Considering

FOOD COMMODITIES PRICE TODAY

the frequency and impact of national disasters in African countries, ACRIFA has come at a time when African countries are facing enormous challenges affecting agriculture, such as floods and drought. It will help us to strengthen our adaptation and resilience capacities. “Comoros is just 2,000 square kilometers. We cannot unlock our touristic potential when we face

Continued on page 26

Actionaid: Global Bank Financing of Fossil Fuel Industry Estimated

Ugo Aliogo

A report by Actionaid International has stated that bank financing provided to the fossil fuel industry in the Global South reached an estimated $3.2 trillion in the seven years since the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was adopted.

The report also noted that bank financing provided to the largest industrial agriculture companies operating in the Global South amounted to $370 billion over the same period. The report revealed that banks have provided an annual average

at $3.2tn

of 20 times more financing to fossil fuels and agriculture activities in the Global South than Global North.

The report further explained that the glut of unsustainable financing is being provided by many of the world’s biggest banks, adding that the largest European financiers of fossil fuels and agribusiness are HSBC, BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and Barclays.

The report remarked that in the Americas, the three largest US banks such as Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America were the most

Goldman: Oil Prices Could Hit $107 on OPEC Cuts

enthusiastic funders of both industries, noting that the largest Asian financiers of fossil fuels and industrial agriculture are the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China CITIC Bank, Bank of China and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial.

The report averred that the largest recipient of industrial agriculture financing in the Global South is Bayer, the German multinational which bought the controversial agrochemical and biotechnology company Monsanto in 2018, adding that Bayer has received an estimated US$20.6 billion in

Dangiwa: FG Working on Ways to Curtail Building Collapses

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, has assured that the federal government will work will all stakeholders to ensure an end to the incessant building collapses in the country.

Dangiwa, who spoke when he received members of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) in his office, therefore sought the cooperation of all the professionals in the sector to proffer the needed solutions.

Promising that the ministry would look into the national challenge, he explained that with the collective inputs of the professionals in the built environment and state commissioners of housing, the ministry will come up with policies on how to curtail the menace.

According to him, the ministry is being positioned to function optimally in the delivery of housing to Nigerians.

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising)

Correspondents

Emmanuel Addeh (Energy)

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporters

Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT)

Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Ugo Aliogo (Development)

“ We are positioning the ministry to perform optimally to function as the organ that can provide policy directions to housing sector,” the minister remarked.

He mentioned that most of the housing policies were under review in order to ensure that they are in tandem with current realities to create job opportunities for Nigerians.

The minister also noted that reviewing these policies would create enabling environment that could lead to economic growth, adding that it would be a catalyst for job creation and lifting Nigerians out of poverty.

Speaking earlier, the President

of NIA, Enyi Ben-Eboh, listed areas impeding the practice of architecture in Nigeria which he urged the minster to look into.

The include regulating the influx of building materials by working with Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to create a unit that will solely deal on building materials coming into the country.

He also called a review of the National Housing Policy in a way that it would be beneficial to architects, coming up with policies that will make funding for housing on the ‘first line of charge’ as well as a policy to regulate the activities of private developers in Nigeria.

financing for its agribusiness operations in the Global South since 2016.

The report hinted that the other major industrial agriculture recipients of bank financing in the Global South include ChemChina (Syngenta), COFCO Group, Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) and Olam Group, which are all involved in either the sale of climate-warming agrochemicals or deforestation-driving animal feed and biofuels.

The report espoused that the largest recipients of fossil fuel financing in the Global South include the State Power Investment Corporation (US$203.9 billion since 2016) and several other Chinese power companies and producers heavily invested in coal, the commodities trader Trafigura, and major oil and gas companies including Saudi Aramco, Petrobras, Eni, Exxon Mobil, BP and Shell.

According to the report, “The financing provided for fossil fuels and industrial agriculture in the Global South is likely to dwarf the financing provided by banks for renewable energy and agroecology over the same period. “Recent research has shown that only seven percent of the financing provided by the major international banks featured in our report has gone to renewable energy in the seven years since the Paris Agreement. Although no equivalent dataset exists for agroecology financing, lending from ‘traditional’ banks accounts for only a small proportion of the financing in this sector.”

Ekpo: Nigeria Can Boost Gas

Output

to over 5bn Cubic Feet Daily by 2030

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria has sufficient natural gas reserves and can increase its production to more than 5 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, Minister of State for Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo has said.

He told the audience at the recently concluded Gastech

conference in Singapore that the country remains a major destination for business concerns interested in the sector.

“In Nigeria, it has been declared a decade of gas from 2020 to 2030. So by 2030, we’ll get to 5.5 billion cubic feet on daily production (57 billion cubic meters a year),” Ekpo said.

He added that there were funds available to finance expansion, without elaborating, according to a Reuters report.

Nigeria’s gas output declined by nearly 11 per cent from the previous year to 40.4 bcm in 2022, down from over 49 bcm a year in 2019 and 2020, according to industry body the Energy Institute.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

If Russia and Saudi Arabia maintain their production cuts, oil prices could hit $107 next year, Goldman Sachs, has said, but noted that the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) may not pursue prices above $100.

While Brent crude, Nigeria’s benchmark currently hovers around the $90 mark, Saudi Arabia recently extended its 1 million barrels per day (bpd) cut through December 2023.

The OPEC producer said the move reinforces the precautionary efforts made by the organisation and its allies, with the aim of supporting the stability and balance of oil markets.

The cuts will see the Saudis pump 9 million bpd until the end of the year, but will be reviewed monthly to consider deepening

the cut or increasing production, depending on market dynamics.

Russia also extended its 300,000 bpd export cut into December, with the option to review every month and potentially deepen the cuts or increase supply, according to market conditions.

Following the announcements, Goldman Sachs Commodities Research wrote in a note that the extended cuts increase the upside risks for oil prices.

“Consider a bullish scenario where OPEC+ keeps the 2023 cuts… fully in place through end-2024 and where Saudi Arabia only gradually raises production,” Goldman’s analysts wrote, as carried by CNN and quoted by oilprice.com

This bullish scenario may push oil prices up to $107 per barrel in December 2024, the Wall Street bank said, but cautioned that this is not its base-case scenario.

Husk Launches Initiative to Mobilise $500m for Mini-grids in Africa

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Husk Power has officially launched the ‘Africa Sunshot initiative,’ committing to mobilise $500 million over five years to rapidly scale the mini-grid industry in rural Sub-Saharan Africa.

In a statement after the justconcluded Africa Climate Summit, the organisation said it was targeting to have 2,500 mini-grids in operation under the initiative. For Nigeria, it noted that it has now doubled its previous target to 1,000 mini-grids.

“Husk also plans to have 500 mini-grids in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and 250 each in four additional countries. Husk expects to close a total of $100 million in equity and debt capital later this year as a first major step toward achieving the Sunshot,” it said.

Manoj Sinha, Husk’s Co-founder and CEO, said: “Meeting the targets of the Africa Sunshot will require

operational excellence from Husk, and we are ready to mobilise immediately.

“It will also need the active support of governments to get the right policies in place that integrate mini-grids as a central component of national electrification and energy transition plans.

“Finally, all investors, including development finance institutions, infrastructure funds, and commercial debt providers, must provide the appropriate quantum, tenure and cost of capital to meet these accelerated timelines,” it added.

Husk’s Nigeria Country Director, Olu Aruike said: “Now is the time to support a 10-fold increase in the mini-grid industry and supercharge low carbon and climate resilient growth in rural Africa. We’re already doing it at scale today in Nigeria, the world’s largest off-grid market, and it’s time to roll out that scale across the continent.”

Umahi: FG to Review All Road Projects Needing

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said he will review all projects that require additional funding, noting that the federal government needs to know why such projects need augmentation.

The minister spoke during the inspection tour of the reconstruction of Bende-OhafiaArochukwu road section I in Abia State, according to a statement by the Director of Information, Press & Public Relations Unit of the

Additional Funding

ministry, Blessing Lere-Adams.

“I have directed that all the regional directors will work with my team of consultants to review all the projects that are having augmentation.

“It’s not a proof, but l want to answer many questions about these projects. For example, a project awarded years ago for say N2 billion is now N10 billion. l should be able to answer for that.

“I need to know why projects are being reviewed, whether it will ever have augmentation. l want to unravel the augmentation

AFDB TO MOBILISE $1BN CONCESSIONARY GRANT TO PROTECT FARMERS AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

even though the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) would have approved it. If I feel the augmentation is not necessary, I will bring down the cost,” he added.

Umahi said that the review would him to respond adequately to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, Nigerians and the press when the need arises.

On his advocacy for concrete technology, he explained that its deployment will be dependent on specific situations.

severe climate risks, and therefore the importance of this facility to Comoros, which continues to experience adverse realities of climate change.”

Also, the Director General of the African Risk Capacity Group and United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Ibrahima Diong, said: “ACRIFA will help to scale up what [African Risk Capacity Group (ARCG) is doing. Risk transfer is not just about premiums. It is also about what happens before the disaster strikes. The facility will help to build data

that feeds early warning systems in Africa,” ACRIFA will expand on partnerships to carry out services to clients such as the World Food Programme.

“We are very excited about ACRIFA’s potential to expand insurance cover to farmers who need it. The Facility will help to unlock private sector capital. We can inject trust in the market and unleash more capital than is currently provided in the market,” said Martin Frick of the World Food Programme.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Legal Status of Nullified Order of Arrest

Ikechi Mgbeoji

The vacation of warrants of arrest, search and commitment to prison on remand against Dr. Akintoye Akindele, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Duport Midstream Company Limited in suit no. CMC/MG/CR/17S/2023 by a Chief Magistrate Court in Nasarawa State sitting at Mararara Gurku is of topical interest.

The Inspector General of Police was the complainant in the suit. By vacating its own order, the court has provided further proof as to the robustness of the judicial system to resist attempts at pressing it into service as a tool for impunity.

There are instances where the police may arrest a person in circumstances where the arrest ought not have been made in the first instance. Such arrests may be nullified by the same court or by courts of equal jurisdiction.

The question which arises is the legal status of such nullified orders of arrest. The grounds for nullification may include defects in the jurisdiction of the court, non- disclosure and/or suppression of crucial information by the police, et cetera.

This publication seeks to lay to rest the status of the unlawful arrest by the police of such a person.

INTRODUCTION

This opinion addresses a pivotal issue:

Can a Magistrate Court in Nasarawa State, for example, lawfully issue warrants and committal orders on the bases of untrue/concealed information from the police concerning alleged offenses committed beyond the court’s jurisdiction?

And, where such orders of arrest are made but subsequently quashed, what is the legal status of the quashed order of arrest?

JURISDICTIONAL AUTHORITY OF MAGISTRATE COURTS IN NASARAWA STATE

The bedrock of the authority of Magistrate Courts in Nasarawa State to issue arrest and search warrants is rooted in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Nasarawa State. This legal framework, meticulously detailed in Sections 35, 36, 143, and 144 of the ACJL Nasarawa

State, provides a precise avenue through which these courts can empower law enforcement agencies to apprehend suspects and secure crucial evidence.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations stemming from the territorial jurisdiction of these courts.

For instance, the jurisdictional scope of the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Maraba-Gurku, Nasarawa State, is explicitly defined within the official gazette.

LEGAL ANALYSIS OF THE ISSUE

The key issue for determination is as follows: Do Magistrate Courts possess the capability to extend their arm of authority to issue warrants for offences that transpire beyond the territorial confines of their jurisdiction? This question emanates from the bedrock of Nigerian legal principle on the doctrine of territorial jurisdiction.

The landmark case of REX V. SHODIPO 12 WACA 374 resonates adequately with the geographical limitations on jurisdiction.

TERRITORIAL CONSTRAINTS ON THE JURISDICTION OF MAGISTRATE COURTS

It is crucial to acknowledge the limitations that govern the jurisdiction of a Magistrate Court in criminal cases.

This jurisdiction is inherently restricted to the geographical scope of its corresponding state, often defined by delineations within magisterial districts where applicable.

In REX v. SHODIPO 12 WACA 374, the facts, circumstances, and rulings of the West African Court of Appeal vividly demonstrate the profound consequences of errors in jurisdiction.

In this case, an appellant arrested in Lagos for a crime committed in Ijoko, situated within the Abeokuta Magisterial District, triggered a preliminary inquiry that resulted in the appellant’s trial in the Lagos Division of the then Supreme Court.

The charge primarily revolved around fraudulent false accounting, as stipulated under Section 6 of the Criminal Code. Central to the appellant’s argument was Section 64 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, contending that the preliminary inquiry should have transpired within the Abeokuta Magisterial District, rendering the Lagos Magistrate’s proceedings null. The West African Court of Appeal concurred, establishing that the Lagos Magistrate lacked jurisdiction over the preliminary inquiry. Consequently, all ensuing proceedings, including the Supreme Court trial, were null and void. This fundamental principle of criminal justice administration is further enriched by the 2017 reported case of MATHEW V. THE STATE (2017) LPELR44072(CA), wherein the Court of Appeal, per FATIMA OMORO AKINBAMI, JCA underscored the essence of jurisdiction as the bedrock of adjudication: “Jurisdiction defines the power of the Court to inquire into facts, apply the law, make decisions and declare judgment. The Constitution and statutes which set up the

Courts cloak them with powers and jurisdiction of adjudication which are basically substantive and procedural. Thus, where ingredients of an offence occur outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Court asked to adjudicate over the matter, such a Court will not assume jurisdiction over the offence for apparent lack of jurisdiction.” On this score, it is our opinion and as supported by the order voiding the arrest, that the magistrate, ab initio, lacked the jurisdiction to issue the warrant of arrest as none of the alleged elements of the case occurred within his jurisdiction in Nassarawa State.

NON-DISCLOSURE AND SUPPRESSION OF FACTS

The issue of non-disclosure of material facts by the Police to the Magistrate is fatal to the legality of the original warrant of arrest. Complainants in criminal litigation, bear the obligation of offering forthright disclosure of facts before the court.

Where complainants, including the Police hide, distort and or obscure the facts from the Magistrate in order to secure a warrant by such deceit, there are legal consequences for such underhand tactics.

In the case of non- disclosure leading to a remand order, the complainant’s failure to disclose pivotal facts—such as the residence and business activities of both the nominal complainant and the defendant(s) casts a shadow of doubt on the veracity and legality of the proceedings. This concealment assumes the character of a foundational flaw, jeopardizing the structural integrity of the legal process, and ultimately rendering all acts, proceedings, and orders of the court a nullity.

As upheld by the Supreme Court, per Dr. I.T. Muhammed, JSC in DINGYADI &? ANOR V. INEC & 2 ORS (No. 2) (2010) 18 NWLR (PT. 1224), where it stated:

“The law regarding the position of any judgment or order of court which is a nullity for any reason whatsoever, is that the court in its inherent jurisdiction is entitled ex debito justitiae to have that judgment or order set aside on application of an affected or aggrieved party or even suo motu by the court itself.”

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

MD/CEO, Duport Midstream Company Limited, Akintoye Akindele

UNION BANK MANAGEMENT TEAM VISITS UZODIMMA...

Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma (L) warmly welcomes Mr. Mudassir Amray, the Managing Director of Union Bank, who led his management team on a working visit to Governor Uzodimma at Government House Owerri... yesterday.

FBI to Release 2,500 Documents on Tinubu October

Nigerians may soon be treated to the true account of President Bola Tinubu's sojourn in the United States, following decision by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to release information about him in its database.

The decision was borne out of the need to comply with a freedom of information request first filed last year by Nigerian journalists, David Hundeyin, in collaboration with some anticorruption agencies in the US.

According to the Peoples Gazette, the secret service claimed to have over 2,500

documents relating to Tinubu in its database, which it planned to release in batches starting late October.

The online medium, citing a new court filing it claimed to have just obtained, stated that the FBI plans to release about 500 pages per month of information relating to Tinubu

in its custody. “FBI has identified a total of approximately 2500 pages potentially responsive to FOIA requests 1553430-00 and 1587544-000,” the US agency claimed in a status report docketed on September 11 at the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in

Wike to Workers: You’re a Shame, No Wonder Abuja is Like This

Vows to stop contract padding

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has flayed workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) of failing to measure up to expectation, describing them as a shame and reason the FCT was the way he met it.

Wike, who delivered the rebuke yesterday at Garki at the launch of

the renovation of 135 road projects in Abuja following the failure of the public address system, however, warned those who couldn’t work to leave.

The minister also warned contractors, who arbitrarily vary contract costs in connivance with officials of FCDA Engineering department that such practices would no longer be condoned.

“Let express me my displeasure at the FCDA. It is unfortunate, and

that is why FCT is where it is. If you cannot arrange ordinary microphone to work, how would FCT work? You are a shame.

“Let me warn all those who are concerned that this should be the last time that I will appear before a public function, and I get this embarrassment, as it will not happen again. If you don't want to work, you leave,” Wike raged.

Wike assured contractors that FCTA would pay all their money

Tribunal Declares Lalong Winner of Plateau South Senate Seat

Also sacks Gyendeng, confirms Dalyop for House of Reps

A former governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong has been declared winner of the February 25 Plateau South Senatorial District election.

Lalong, who was DirectorGeneral of Tinubu/Shettima Campaign, was among the seven governors that lost their senatorial bids in the election.

On Monday, the National and State Petition Election Tribunal sitting in Jos sacked the senator representing Plateau South, Napoleon Bali, and declared Lalong winner.

Bali contested the election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while Lalong ran under the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The tribunal also sacked Peter Gyendeng as member

representing Barikin Ladi/ Riyom federal constituency of the House of Representatives and declared Fom Dalyop of the Labour Party (LP), who came second in the February 25 general election winner.

In their separate rulings, Justice Omaka Elekwo and Justice Muhammad Tukur

nullified the election of the two PDP candidates because of the party’s refusal to respect the order of a Jos High court to conduct ward congresses before the last general election.

The justices, therefore, said the evidence presented by the APC and LP candidates were relevant and admissible.

to enable them to complete the project within the agreed timeline.

“To the contractors, let me warn you now, all these deals that you are doing with engineering services will not work again. As there is nothing like variation; it will not work. So, don't even try it. There is no variation in this job; we have the money to pay you. So, if you like, go to engineering services and do anything with them, it will not work.

“And let me warn the Permanent Secretary and all the directors, don't ever bring to me any paper (file) to say we didn't consider this or that, everything has been considered. So, we are paying you your money, and I assure you that nobody will owe you a dime, as we are going to pay you, and you must finish within the time we have agreed with you.

“All I want the residents to do is please support the contractors, so that they can finish the job on time. And to the traditional rulers, we want to solicit your support for the contractors. Don't allow your subjects to become the cause why this contract will not move on well. I beg you let your youth and residents support the contractors so that we can finish this job on time,” Wike said.

Washington, D.C.

It further added that, “FBI plans a processing schedule of 500 pages per month, with an initial release anticipated by the end of October 2023,” the Gazette stated.

The report described the decision of the US frontline law enforcement agency as "unexpected" on account of its "initial reluctance to turn over the documents in line with a freedom of information request

first filed in 2022.

Aaron Greenspan, who runs PlainSite, a website that pushes anti-corruption and transparency in public service, filed the request in collaboration with journalist David Hundeyin.

The medium expressed the belief that the disclosure could clarify outstanding questions about "when Mr Tinubu entered the U.S., under which name he entered and all activities he has been involved in ever since."

PDP: Tinubu Legal Team’s Watermark Claim on PEPC Judgment Scandalous

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, said it had examined the inscription of the Header of Tinubu Presidential Legal Team (TPLT) on the Certified True Copies (CTC) of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) judgement currently in circulation and found the explanation by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be scandalous and self-indicting.

The PDP, in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of party, Debo Ologinagba said, "The knee-jerk admission by the Tinubu Legal Team that it “scanned and watermarked” its copy of the judgment with the inscription, “Tinubu Presidential Legal Team TPLT” is self-indicting and lends credence to widespread public insinuation of pre-determined manipulation by the APC.

Ologunagba further said, "the rush by the TPLT in admitting that it imprinted on the CTC of the judgment smacks of a desperate attempt to dispel public scrutiny and ward off the possibility of more

revelations regarding the issue.

"The PDP and indeed majority of Nigerians are not satisfied with the claims by the Tinubu Legal Team. This is especially as further examination and expert analysis show that the documents are not scanned and that the TPLT inscriptions are not watermarks but computer default header which usually originates from an author of a document.

"The PDP demands that the Tinubu Legal Team should explain how what obviously is a default header on its computer system should be accepted as a watermark."

He asked that the Tinubu team should disclose to Nigerians "what specific time on Friday, September 8, 2023 they received their CTC; what time specifically was the ‘watermark’ imprinted of the document, the identity of the electronic device with which the ‘watermark’ was made as well as the PDF used in the said watermarking process for independent analysis.”

The PDP, therefore, demanded that the APC should come clean on the issue especially given its notoriety for manipulations.

Onyejeocha Dismisses Attack over Victory at Tribunal as Mischievous

Onyebuchi

Minister

for

and

Onyejeocha, has described as baseless and mischievous, media campaign orchestrated by a group against her recent victory at the Election tribunal, restoring her seat at the House of Representatives.

A statement by her Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emameh Gabriel,

stated that Onyejeocha saw her victory at the tribunal as a collective triumph for members of her party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It described the statement credited to one Abidemi Johnson, alleging that Onyejeocha was plotting to unseat the Speaker of the House of Representatives as baseless and laughable.

"Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to one Abidemi

Johnson, a yet to be identified lady, who claims to be the convener of Coalition of Asiwaju Progressive Woman (CAPW) in which she tagged the Honourable Minister of States for Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, as ungrateful and plotting to cause a leadership crisis in the House of Representatives.

"The so-called Abidemi also in the statement alleged that the

Honourable Minister dolled out dollar to a yet to be identified group to launch a media campaign for her to unseat the current Speaker of House Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.

"We want to state clearly that these are pointblank lies sponsored by her political enemies, who have no line between darkness and light; morality or absurdity. This is indeed not only laughable but also calls

for thorough investigation," she explained.

The statement also claimed that allegations did not by any way come to the minister as a surprise, adding: "We have had wind of several plots before hand to launch a media campaign against her, should the judgment at the Tribunal turn out in her favour. That is the scenario being enacted in their desperation to pull her down."

Ezigbo in Abuja

of State

Labour

Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

BRAINSTORMING SESSION AT KURU...

L-R: Managing Director, Noxie Limited, Ngozi Oyewole; President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye; Director, External Affairs, British American Tobacco West and Central Africa, and Acting Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG), Odiri Erewa-Meggison at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Brainstorming Session which held at Kuru, Jos, Nigeria…. recently

Abiodun Reads Riot Act on Building Codes Violation

Daniel secures ex-parte order on property

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, yesterday, read riot act on property development in the state, warning that the state government would not tolerate lawlessness and the violation of state’s building codes.

The governor also denied any political motive in the partial demolition of DATKEM Plaza, Ijebu-Ode, owned by the wife of a former governor of the state, Mrs. Olufunke Daniel.

But an Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode, yesterday, granted an order asking the state government to maintain status quo and stay off the property belonging to wife of the senator representing

Ogun East, Yeye Olufunke Daniel. Abiodun, who formally reacted to the demolition and the attendant accusation after inspecting the 8-kilometre Mowe-Ofada Road, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state, said the partial demolition carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, was in line with the laws of the state.

He denied accusations in some quarters that the exercise was political, adding that necessary steps were taken by government officials when contraventions were observed in the course of constructing the edifice.

The governor noted that in Ogun State, and Nigeria, nobody was above the law, adding that the law

Shaibu Resumes in New Office Outside Govt House

Adibe Emenyonu in City

Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, yesterday, officially resumed at his new office outside the Government House.

A visit to the facility situated at No 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, close to the emergency gate of the government House, the security man at the gate denied the reporters entry as he claimed they did not possess a Government House identification card but some civil servants were sighted already moving into the new office while some workers were sighted still cleaning the compound.

Also sighted were some plain clothes security aides to the deputy governor, who drove into the facility and later left.

A memo directing the relocation to the new office was allegedly issued last week by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service (HoS) to the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office and a reminder was issued over the weekend.

An aide to Shaibu while confirming the development said, “We have been told to move and we have started moving today. The memo was sent directly to the Permanent Secretary, it was a two paragraph memo from the HoS.

“But the civil servants are the ones moving right now, the letter was sent to the PS so we are waiting for directives. The civil servants are moving today but we may move before the end of the week.”

that governed ordinary citizens, also applied to the VIPs.

“But for the fact you have ambushed me, I was not prepared to formally address that subject matter. And the reasons are very simple, we are a responsible government. We are responsible to our citizens. We are a law-abiding administration.

“I’m sure that everyone would testify to the fact that since I assumed office in 2019, I have ensured equity, fairness and upheld the rule of law. I have not in any way attempted to be vindictive

or in any form or manner appear like someone, who is trying to witch-hunt anyone.”

But yesterday, an Ogun State High Court asked the government to stay off the property pending the determination of the substantiative matter filed before it.

The matter with Suit No: HCJ212/2023 was filed by DAKTEMS Enterprises Limited as plaintiff and he joined the Governor of Ogun State, Attorney General of Ogun State, Ogun State Planning & Development Permit Authority

and Urban Development as well as Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning, as defendants

It prayed the court for "an exparte order to restrain the defendants/ respondents and their agents, allies, proxies, assigns, cronies, servants and any other person(s), however described, either claiming through them or acting on their behalf, in whatsoever manner, upon their authority/instruction, from demolishing the property known, being or lying at No. 62, ljebu-Ode/ lbadan Road, ljebu Ode, Iiebu-Ode

Local Government Area, Ogun State," pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice herein filed.

"An order of the Court mandating and/or otherwise directing parties to maintain status quo, i.e. the position of things, as it were, as at the time of filing, hearing and determination of this application.

In his ruling, Justice N. O Durojaiye directed that all parties in the case maintain Status quo on the property as at today the 11" of September, 2023.

Yusuf: I Inherited Battered Health Sector from Ganduje

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, yesterday, lamented how he inherited a battered health sector from his predecessor, Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, after eight years in office.

Speaking while receiving the Deputy Minister of Health from the Republic of Ghana, Yusuf, regretted how he found the sector in a total mess with many hospitals in deplorable conditions.

"When we came on board, the first thing we did was to embark on the total renovation of the state General Hospitals apart from the ones we completely rebuilt to create the conducive atmosphere for healthcare delivery," he said.

He noted that, as soon as he was sworn in, he directed all government hospitals to offer free maternity

Gunmen Attack Plateau Village, Kill Ten

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Gunmen, Sunday night, attacked

Kulben community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, and reportedly killed ten persons.

A resident of Kulben village, Mr. Moses Fwan, who confirmed the attack yesterday, said the incident also left several houses belonging to villagers burnt by the assailants before they fled into the nearby hills.

According to him, “Armed Fulani militia group attacked our community in Kulben village within

Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“The gunmen came to the village at about 10:00 pm on Sunday and killed ten of our people. They also injured many others and destroyed our properties including houses. Presently, our people are mourning as plans are ongoing to conduct mass burial for the victims.”

Chairman of Mwaghavul Development Association in Kombun District, Dr. ElishaIshaku Shwamut, who also confirmed the attack said, “From the information I got, ten persons were killed during the

invasion. I’m on my way to the village. We have just completed the mass burial for the victims.”

When contacted, spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Mr. Alfred Alabo, said his office was yet to get a report of the incident.

The media officer for the Military Special Task Force in charge of maintaining peace in the state, Captain Oya James, said he was equally unaware of the incident, but promised to investigate it and take necessary action to forestall further occurrences.

services for pregnant women in the State.

"To address specifically Maternity healthcare delivery, the Government commenced free Maternity services spread across Kano. We ordered the total renovation of all our Primary healthcare facilities,” he said.

The governor described the visit as part of the effort to strengthen the relationship with the Republic of Ghana, especially in the area of infrastructure, health, and education sectors.

Also speaking, the Deputy Ghanian Health Minister, Asei

Seini, said Nigeria and Ghana had rich traditional similarities, which was a clear demonstration of brotherhood between the two nations, which had existed for decades, adding that they have had aged long relationship in the area of education and business ties.

IG: Possessing Firearms Without Licence Threat to National Security

Orders

CPs, AIGs to clampdown on illegal fabrication, sale, arms possession

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, described as threat to national security, possession of firearms without licence.

He, however, announced the establishment of an ad hoc committee tasked with the comprehensive review of firearms licensing and regulations by the Nigeria Police in line with the Firearms Act and other extant laws, in the interest of public safety and general security.

The IG, has also ordered all commissioners of police in the 36 States and FCT and supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Commands, and tactical squads to commence a total clampdown on the illegal fabrication, sale, possession, and use of prohibited firearms in the country.

A statement by Force Headquar-

ters stated that the committee's mandate wouldencompass "a thorough assessment of current firearms licensing procedures and regulations, with the aim of enhancing their effectiveness, transparency, and accountability."

It said the police would engage with relevant stakeholders, including legal experts, civil society organisations and experts in the field to ensure a holistic and well-informed review.

Similarly, in furtherance of his zeal to tackle all forms of insecurity in the country, the IG has issued a stern warning to all individuals involved in the wrongful possession of arms and light weapons, reiterating that illegal proliferation of firearms and light weapons posed a significant threat to the peace and stability of our nation.

"In light of this, the Nigeria Police is resolutely determined

to combat the illegal fabrication, sales, possession and use of arms emphasising that possessing firearms without the appropriate licenses and permits is not only a violation of the law but also a grave danger to society," it said.

The statement signed by the spokesman of the Nigerian Police and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, assured the people that the police would spare no effort in pursuing and prosecuting those engaged in illegal activities to the full extent of the law.

The IG, who ordered a total clampdown on the illegal fabrication, sale, possession, and use of prohibited firearms in the country, equally urged all Nigerians to report suspicious activities related to firearms to their local police divisions or the various NPF social media platforms for prompt response.

BACK PAGE CONTINUATION

AVIATION SECTOR: BEYOND TINUBU’S ABU DHABI DIPLOMATIC STOP-OVER

told that after meetings with Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the Emir of Abu Dhabi, President Tinubu was able to secure the lifting of visa ban on Nigerians, and the immediate restoration of flight activity to Nigeria by Emirates Airlines without “any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.” Kudos. Kudos. Kudos. This achievement is all the more remarkable because Tinubu has just scored victory where his predecessor in office failed. What has happened is a teachable moment in leadership and diplomacy.

A bit of the background is necessary. In 2021, the Emirates airlines and the UAE had insisted on administering rapid antigen tests on Nigerians visiting the UAE which resulted in a diplomatic row. Subsequently, Emirates Airlines also raised questions about its inability to repatriate funds from Nigeria. Further, on October 18, 2022, the UAE banned nationals from about 20 African countries from entering its major city, Dubai, Nigeria inclusive alongside other countries like Benin Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Uganda, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Sudan and Burkina Faso. As the drama unfolded, in February 2023, President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu’s predecessor placed a phone call to Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE to condole with him on the death of his mother -in-law and he used the opportunity to bring up the matter of the blanket visa ban on Nigerians intending to travel to the UAE. The major revelation of that bilateral move was that many Nigerians go to the UAE illegally and in flagrant violation of the laws of the Kingdom. Buhari at the time, also asked for a resumption of the suspended operations of the Emirates Airlines. This is where Tinubu has now gained victory. Etihad and Emirates Airlines can now resume flight schedules in and out of Nigeria. Many Nigerians for whom Dubai is a favourite trade, tourism and medical destination are now jubilant. Dubai is an attractive destination because of leadership and vision. Nigerians are rushing to Dubai and hustling for visas to the UAE because their own country has not met their expectations. For the benefit of those who would start touting Tinubu’ s UAE mission as a big deal, they need to be cautioned that there are other sides to the story especially with regard to the aviation sector.

Where is Nigeria’s strategic interest in the aviation sector in this matter under review? Has the interest of Nigeria’s aviation sector been served? When Tinubu assumed office, there have, indeed, been some activities in the aviation sector. One, he changed the nomenclature of the Ministry from Ministry of Aviation to Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. Two, he appointed Festus Keyamo as Minister. Three, Keyamo visited the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and on the spur of the moment, he shut down the old international terminal at the airport and ordered a move to the new terminal to allow for renovations. Many stakeholders in the aviation sector have complained that they were not consulted. In fact, they were ignored after a fashion. The effect of that is the on-going nightmare at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Travellers arriving at the airport have to be bus-driven from the old terminal to the new terminal. It is the same bus that is used to ferry people, that is also used to move luggage. Immigration processes are slow. It could take up to four hours before persons can go through immigration to the luggage point to the exit. This is a clear case of acting before thinking! Similarly, it is doubtful if anyone made the effort to consult with industry stakeholders before reaching agreements with the UAE.

In 2022, airline operators of Nigeria, the AON, objected strongly to protests by foreign airlines, including Emirates, that they had not been able to repatriate $464 million of their revenue out of Nigeria in line with the

MAKING NIGERIA WORK

Development anthropologists argue that culture plays a pivotal role in development, and diversity can be a resource for progress. Homogeneity is not necessarily beneficial, and we should distinguish between benign differences and the political exploitation of those differences. Misapplying our diversity has turned it into a threat rather than a strength. Inclusion and exclusion based on ethnic preferences can erode a nation’s cohesion. Protecting minority rights, ensuring gender equality, and preserving cultural assets are vital aspects of nation-building. Ultimately, embracing our diversity can lead to a stronger, more unified Nigeria.

Despite the challenges Nigeria faces, it is crucial to remember that nation-building is an evolving process. The dynamic nature of this process should inspire hope and encourage us to strive for continuous improvement. We must experiment, learn from trial and error, and adapt. Our national framework should be viewed as a dynamic system, not a set of immutable rules. Many of today’s challenges could not have been foreseen in 1999, but they provide opportunities to test the ability of our governance system to address national issues and promote the common good. If the system falls short, we must be willing to examine why it is not working for all of us. To address these issues constructively, we must first overcome mutual suspicion and distrust in our politics, fostering the consensus necessary for our journey toward becoming a great nation.

The imperative for “Making Nigeria Work” is deeply embedded in our national anthem, which emphasises the continuous pursuit of perfection. It encapsulates the mission and means in a simple phrase: “To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.” The path to nation-building is through peace, the path to peace is justice, and the path to justice is equity and inclusion. Even in the United States, a country founded on common purpose and consent, the quest for a “more perfect union” never ends. This should inspire us not to give up on nation-building in Nigeria.

Ben Okri’s words remind us that every generation carries the responsibility of nation-building, reconnecting

Bilateral Service Agreement (BASA). The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the time announced the release of $265 million to foreign airlines through special FX intervention. Nigerian airline operators protested. They objected to foreign airlines being given preferential treatment when local airlines were suffering. Till date, Nigerian local airline operators are still protesting. Nigeria has an obligation to look out for their interest. Foreign airlines enjoy flight frequencies that are not available to Nigerian airlines under BASA. Nigeria is a big market. Even with the economic hardship today, flights in and out of Nigeria are still fully booked, and yet Nigerian airlines are short-changed. No seriousminded country does that. Every day, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways make humongous amounts of money on the Nigerian route. No Nigerian airline is on the London route. No Nigerian airline is allowed to

with earlier dreams and plans. The character and preferences of each generation determine how far we progress on this journey. Young Nigerians today, born in the era of democracy, have a different outlook. They demand results from democracy and are less fearful of change. They want democracy to work for them and facilitate their dreams. In response to today’s challenges, we must recognise that the status quo won’t suffice. We need a fundamental overhaul of our governance and electoral system to make Nigeria work better for all its people.

I advocate for restructuring, devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, and electoral reform as key elements in our effort to make Nigeria thrive. The primary challenge we face in this pursuit is redefining the basis of our national unity. Regrettably, this issue has been tainted by mutual suspicion and political strife, often interpreted differently based on one’s ethnicity or region. I align with the views of respected scholar Professor Attahiru Jega, who emphasises the need to address these matters dispassionately and without inciting ethnic or religious sentiments. Our motivation for restructuring should be our responsibility to build a nation of peace and justice, where everyone benefits, regardless of language or religious beliefs. Historically, attempts at constitutional reform, such as the 2005 Constitutional Reform Conference and the 2014 National Conference, were hindered by the contentious issue of restructuring. However, avoiding this issue is no longer a viable solution. Rather than pursuing structural changes like state creation or reverting to the pre-1966 regional structure, we should focus on making the current system more efficient. This entails improving our governance, boosting our economy, and promoting inclusivity. Devolution of powers, reallocating resources to our federating units, is central to this effort. Decades of military rule led to an unhealthy concentration of power at the federal level. A key aspect of this restructuring should necessarily review what falls under exclusive federal jurisdiction and what is on the concurrent list. Other critical issues include revenue allocation,

enjoy full BASA rights in the UAE. The Central Bank of Nigeria was talking about special FX intervention for foreign airlines, but the same CBN is sitting on about $14 billion belonging to Air Peace. At the 2023 NBA Conference in Abuja, the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema brought up the matter. What has been done to other local airlines is worse, indeed a criminal act of economic sabotage. Take what the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has done to Arik Air. Established in October 2006, by Sir Arumemi Ikhide-Johnson, formerly of GT, Arik soon became the dominant airline within the Nigerian aerospace creating jobs and building opportunities for Nigerians. At the height of its glory, Arik Air had flights to London, Madrid, Atlanta, Miami, Birmingham, Johannesburg, Dubai, and the Caribbeans. By 2012, it had transported over

land tenure, local government autonomy, and more.

In this endeavour, I lean toward strengthening the sub-national units, assigning functions consistent with a devolved federal system. This would involve maintaining a short, exclusive federal list focused on areas like national defense and security, while states would have primary responsibility for functions listed in the second schedule of the 1999 constitution. On revenue sharing, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s proposal of 42% to states, 35% to the federal government, and 23% to local governments makes sense, given the increased responsibilities of states. Ultimately, remaking Nigeria through devolution of powers and reorganisation of the federating units is a timely and necessary idea. As Attahiru Jega noted, this approach would lead to a better-functioning federation with states as the primary units, fostering cooperation among contiguous states, substantial power devolution, and mechanisms for greater equality and inclusion for marginalised groups.

Finally, my idea concerning alternative politics and electoral reform has elicited widespread reactions from analysts, critics, and the public. But we must recognise that despite several election cycles, we continue to grapple with their consequences. I firmly believe that it is time to readdress electoral reform. While I have no doubt that my party, the All Progressives Congress, secured victory in the Presidential election as declared by the electoral authority, largely due to a better grasp of the country’s political dynamics and the self-destruct button pressed by the opposition, I propose a shift towards alternative politics rather than the perennial pursuit of political alternatives within nearly indistinguishable political parties. This shift aims to make Nigeria thrive through inclusion, stability, and national unity.

If we regard alternative politics as a comprehensive overhaul of our political system, particularly in crafting a consensual and developmental approach, then the initial step must involve a reengineering of our electoral system, moving away from the current majoritarian “winner takes all” model. With the three major parties winning nearly an equal number of states and the

10 million passengers. In February 2017, the airline was taken over by AMCON and handed over to receiver-managers on grounds that have become subjects of contention in courts of law. AMCON and the receiver-managers claimed that there were debts running into about N24 billion to be recovered, but six years later under their watch, they have turned Arik Air into a shadow of its former self, killing the dream that created it. What really happened was that in 2010, the CBN announced a sudden change of policy whereby foreign loans with local guarantees hitherto treated as off balance sheet were arbitrarily converted to on balance sheet local loans. This was done without negotiation or consultation with Arik Air. All efforts to secure an amicable settlement between the shareholders and AMCON have so far failed. The story of Arik Air is similar to that of Aero Contractors, also under the grips of AMCON.

It is worth stressing that AMCON was established in July 2010 to help Nigerian banks address the challenge of non-performing loans and thereby ensure stability within the financial system, and hence prevent a descent into crisis. It was given a lifespan of 10 years. The Act was further amended in 2015, 2019 and 2021. More than 10 years after its creation, AMCON has proven to be worse than the problem it was meant to correct. It has accumulated more debt than the same companies it was meant to rejuvenate. Its receiver-managers have not made any significance difference as seen in the gross mismanagement of the two examples already cited. What has been writ large is the resort to name-calling, ethnic politics, and persecution by an agency of government established with more ennobling expectations. AMCON was meant to revive and re-engineer businesses. Rather it kills them. Its disposal of assets has been more controversial than transparent. The agency may well claim achievements in other aspects of its operations: oil and gas, finance, general commerce, capital market and manufacturing, our argument is that at first blush, its intervention in the aviation sector has been catastrophic.

It is for this reason that we urge President Tinubu focusing on the aviation sector and aerospace development to take a closer and critical look at AMCON and the interest of stakeholders in that industry - from the plight of domestic airlines under receivership and allegations of prejudice and mistreatment, to the structure of the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), security matters, and the state of Nigeria’s airports. Besides, AMCON has lived far beyond its sunset clause, and yet it has not truly served its purpose. It is tied down by litigation. The various amendments to the Enabling Act have not made any difference. One of the more pressing matters for the Tinubu administration is to investigate AMCON and its relevance and impact or non-impact so far, and seek to ensure that those who have been wounded by the politicization of the special purpose vehicle get justice.

This would mean taking the aviation sector beyond the routine measure of airport renovation, and vacuous rhetoric, something which every new Aviation Minister embarks upon under the guise of bringing our international airports up to an international standard. Contracts would be awarded. Equipment would be procured. Tapes would be cut. Six months down the line, the newly refurbished toilets would be shut down due to lack of proper maintenance. The luggage carousel will stop working, along with the air conditioning and other facilities. The roof of the newly touched up building could even start leaking. Enough of the window-dressing. There are more fundamental issues to be addressed, the full extent could only emerge in national interest through due consultation with industry stakeholders, at the heart of which is the security of investments and the certainty of policy.

ultimate winner garnering only 37 percent of the total votes cast in the Presidential elections, it becomes evident that this approach does not bode well for the stability of our nation.

Therefore, my proposal centres on the adoption of what is commonly referred to as proportional representation system in place of the inadequate and divisive first-past-the-post electoral system. This is something that has bern used in divided societies like ours as a nation building strategy. My concept of proportional representation entails the inclusion of political parties in proportion to their performance in national elections. While this would still ensure that the election winner leads the government, it would eliminate the incongruity of having a party with 37 percent of the vote claim 100 percent of the government. Importantly, my vision of proportional representation does not align with the often-misinterpreted idea of a government of national unity that has been sensationalised in the media. Instead, it envisions a synthesis of party manifestoes towards a comprehensive national integration perspective, with all parties viewing themselves as essential contributors to the national project. This approach would foster stability and cohesion, from which government nominees could be drawn.

My experiences in politics have led me to believe that any strategy aimed at building a sustainable democracy in a diverse and divided society like Nigeria must prioritise electoral systems that promote inclusivity and accommodation. This approach serves to mitigate the fractures and tensions that impede national progress and change. I have no doubt in my mind that I have not exhausted all the factors that can make Nigeria work for the benefit of all her citizens and residents. However, I also have no doubt that the subsequent conversation by my analysts will not only add new points but also amplify some of the points I have highlighted, rather than misconstrue or sensationalise them.

President Bola Tinubu

Ndidi: Eagles Determined to Win World Cup 2026 Ticket

Femi Solaja with agency report

With the bitter memories of missing out in the last World Cup

tournament yet to fade away, Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, has expressed strong determination to see Nigeria secure a place at

the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. Against all odds, the star-loaded Super Eagles failed to qualify for the last tournament hosted by

Qatar. They lost on aggregate to their eternal rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana, in the final playoff at home in Abuja.

But under new handler, Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles are preparing to face tough competition in the World Cup qualifiers, having been seeded in the same group with South Africa, Benin Republic, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.

But after the 6-0 drubbing of Sao Tome and Principe in the dead rubber AFCON qualifier in Uyo last Sunday, Ndidi emphasized the importance of the victory as a morale booster for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

He acknowledged the disappointment of missing the last World Cup and expressed a strong commitment to ensuring Nigeria’s

success this time around in the tournament to be jointly hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

“It was painful not to play at the last World Cup in Qatar. The fans were really disappointed in us, and we can’t afford to fail them again,” Ndidi said. “We just have to keep working hard as a team, and hopefully, things will be in our favour.,” Ndidi told reporters shortly after the 6-0 defeat of São Tomé in Uyo.

Nigeria’s journey to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup begins with their first qualifier against the Crocodiles of Lesotho on November 13 and few days later, the team will be on the road against Zimbabwe.

Experts Hail Dare for Improving Abuja, Lagos National Stadia

The immediate past Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare, has been applauded for bequeathing the National Stadiums in Abuja and Lagos to the present administration in an improved state.

The pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja had been abandoned for close to a decade and was becoming a breeding ground for livestock while that of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos had been rendered otiose for much longer with no efforts made to rehabilitate it.

for over two decades.

"The track, an eight lane tartan track has been professionally laid and lined. It is a beauty to behold," observed Esan who is Nigeria’s foremost track & field sports journalist.

Also, former Nigerian international athlete, Mary Onyali praised the former Sports Minister for restoring her 'former stomping ground and venue of her many national and international sprint triumphs'.

Cameroon, Burundi Set for High- stakes Clash for

Cameroon and Burundi will meet for a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua tonight.

This Group C clash will round out the qualification tournament for the AFCON 2023 and reveal the identity of the last two nations in the 24-team field.

Heading into the match, Namibia stands atop the log with five points from four matches, while Cameroon and Burundi have four points each from three matches.

The Brave Warriors’ campaign is complete and they are at the mercy of this result to decide if they will qualify for a second AFCON in the space of three editions (having last appeared at the 2019 tournament in Egypt).

If either Cameroon (who last failed to appear at the AFCON in 2013) or Burundi (who made their lone AFCON appearance in 2019) claim victory, they will join Namibia in qualification.

However, a draw would result in a three-way tie in which all teams would have five points from games against each other, the same goal difference, and therefore goals scored or away goals scored would be the likely deciding factors.

The do-or-die nature of the match has even seen Indomitable Lions coach Rigobert Song bury the hatchet with key figure Andre Onana.

The Manchester United goalkeeper retired from international football after a row with Song at the 2022 World Cup, but will be back to man the posts come

2023

Tuesday evening. “It all depended on him. He knew what he had to do. If he’s on the list, it’s because he did the

Last Two Slots

right thing,” Song told reporters.

“He’s one of the best goalkeepers, the door was always open. There was never a problem with

Andre. Today, we are satisfied that he is reunited with the group.” In head-to-head stats, Cameroon and Burundi have met in two previous matches: a 1976 Central African Games clash which ended 5-0 in favour of the Indomitable Lions, and their game from earlier in this qualification tournament which produced a 1-0 away win for Cameroon back in June 2022 – courtesy of a goal from Karl Toko Ekambi.

*The fourth team in the group, Kenya, were disqualified from the tournament due to the country’s suspension by CAF.

Lagos Judokas Set for 2023 IBSA Judo Grand Prix in Azerbaijan

For the first time in the history of judo in Nigeria, two Lagos judokas have been listed among the competitors at the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) Judo Grand Prix in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The trip has been bankrolled by the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Judo Association (LSJA) under the chairmanship of Sheriff Hammed.

Bina Foundation which is IBSA representative in Nigeria under the leadership of Lady Ifeoma Atuegwu as Chairman/ CEO, facilitated the trip as the athletes garner points ahead of the paralympic games in France.

The National Gymnastics Arena in Baku will host the six-day tournament from September 22to 28 as Nigeria will be competing at the tournament for the time.

The three-man team has Oladele Kekere and Grace Egbobi as athletes and they will be coached by Janet Omohodion. The athletes are at present warming up in camp in readiness for the tournament as they are expected to depart the country on September 22. According to Hammed, the trip became necessary for the athletes to compete internationally against their counterparts while lauding Lagos State government for deeming it fit to bankroll the

trip.

“In Lagos, we are always setting the pace and we hope other states will take a cue from this by encouraging their athletes who are challenged to aim high in the sport. We are grateful to our Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the gesture and we will continue to put Lagos on the world map as our athletes fly Nigeria’s flag for the first time in such international championships,” he noted. Apart from competing, the athletes will be part of the training camp which will take place after the championships on September 28 to October 4at the Sumgayit Olympic Sports Complex in Baku.

The former Sports Minister initiated the adopt-a-pitch programme and attracted the private sector in his aggressive drive to restore both national edifices to their glory days.

Respected journalist Dare Esan said, "Sunday Dare should be commended for leaving both the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja in a much better state than he met them when he was appointed Sports Minister in August 2019.

"For the Lagos Stadium, three key components, which are the track, pitch and digital score board have been delivered thanks to the adopt-a-pitch initiative which facilitated the private public partnership with the Premier Lotto group and its owner, Pa Kessington Adebutu. The facility has been out of use

"I am one of the happiest persons on earth right now with the delivery of the tartan track at the Lagos National Stadium. That stadium holds a special place in my heart and I thank Honourable Sunday Dare for delivering on his promise to rehabilitate the track and two other components of the edifice,” observed Africa’s former sprint queen. The Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja has had its pitch rehabilitated with the water sprinklers to ensure good maintenance also in place as well as two new digital score boards.

For close to a decade, international matches could not be held in Abuja but since the rehabilitation which was bankrolled by the Dangote Group in 2021, all Nigerian national football teams have played international matches there.

Fearless Energy Drink Takes Motorsport Thrill to Lomé

Fearless Energy Drink, Nigeria’s leading energy brand under Rite Foods Limited, has expanded its activities to Togo, with the sponsorship of the ‘Car Show Lomé,’ the largest Motorsport event in Lomé, held at 'Palais Des Congres De Lomé' last Sunday.

This is part of the preliminary events for TOR’Q23: The Fearless Showdown, slated for November 26, 2023, at 'Eko Hotel Car Park,' in Lagos.

Embracing the spirit of adventure, Fearless Energy Drink added an electrifying touch to the 'Car Show Lomé.'

Attendees were treated to complimentary bottles of Fearless Energy Drink, powering them through thrilling stunts and adrenaline-pumping contests.

The Lomé motorsports event perfectly aligns with the Fearless brand lifestyle, encouraging consumers to break free from

their comfort zones and embrace the thrill.

According a statement from the brand, “this expansion has broadened our consumer base, connecting with thrill-seekers and car enthusiasts in the Togolese capital, Lomé.”

The Assistant Brand Manager of Fearless Energy Drink at Rite Foods Limited, Kayinsola Sangowawa, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to our preliminary event in Lomé. This is just the beginning of an incredible journey as we prepare for ‘TOR’Q 23: The Fearless Showdown.

“We are taking the Fearless brand to Africa, and Lomé is just the beginning. It promises to be even more exciting and on a grander scale, with a massive turnout of bikers, car enthusiasts, and entertainers," she remarked.

Super Eagles players led by on-field Captain, Wilfred Ndidi (right), celebrating the 6-0 defeat of São Tomé and Principe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo...on Sunday evening.

Photo: courtesy: Complete Sports

Umahi to Peter Obi

“Like I said in Imo State, God has a purpose for everybody. There was John the Baptist, there was Christ and there is still Christ. Peter Obi has served the purpose of John the Baptist for the Divine President Bola Tinubu Ahmed, that’s all that God brought him to do this time around. So, I advise him not to go to any court of appeal. Those judges are spirits...” --MinisterofWorks,DaveUmahi, advisingLP’sPeterObi,nottoappealthePEPC’sjudgment,asitwillbeinfutility.

TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI

abati1990@gmail.com

For more than a week, President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s chief foreign policy officer has been on a diplomatic offensive to New Delhi, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit hosted by India, and from Bharat, as that country is otherwise known, he has had a quick diplomatic stop-over in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Next week, he goes off to New York, United States for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). When Tinubu returns to Nigeria, before he goes off to New York, his handlers would have more than enough to crow about and a lot of chest-beating to do. I imagine that following the ruling in his favour by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, on Wednesday, September 6, we can legitimately expect a loud and heavy display of triumphalism, sycophancy, self-congratulation and advertisements by Tinubu/APC supporters for whom modesty is a strange word, but the more sober ones among them would probably point to how Tinubu seems to be succeeding on the foreign policy front.

In less than 100 days in office, he was elected Chairman of ECOWAS, and has had to lead the charge in managing the Niger coup crisis, even if roughly, in June, he also attended a France-Africa summit in Paris, an African Union summit in Nairobi in July, and now he has gone to India, and the United

Arab Emirates. Beyond the assertion of political, and diplomatic influence, and a claw at legitimacy in a local “emilokan” style, whether you like it or not, big photo ops on the world stage, big opportunity to showcase Nigeria and the new administration, the main narrative has been that President Tinubu has been attracting investment to the country. In India,

the total pledge by Indian investors was put at $14 billion. It is this drive for investment that connects President Tinubu’s foreign excursions as covert text, and it was the same also in the UAE. But I keep adding the caveat that pledges would not translate into anything, beyond the ink on the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that Nigeria signs here and there, if these pledges do not yield concrete outcomes. Nigeria is very good at signing documents and taking photos. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials are very good at organizing ceremonies for any President who likes to stage shows; in any case, the current “City Boy, Eko For Show” President would jump at any opportunity to hug the limelight. But ceremonies and photo-ops would take Nigeria nowhere. Nigerians need follow-ups. We need a Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (MITI) that can turn pledges into opportunities. We need to be reminded that domestic policy drives foreign policy. Investors are not in the business of charity. The gulf between them and the Red Cross is the widest in the world. They are interested in profit and opportunities. For the pledges that have been made to be redeemable, President Tinubu must meet the existing and prospective investors half-way, by keeping his part of the bargain to wit: his promise that Nigeria would provide very good returns on investments, that is ROI, the bottom line in the age of capitalism. Investors want to minimize risk. Nigeria is a risk-laden investment destination. Investors

cannot repatriate their funds. The country’s foreign exchange regime is unpredictable. The country’s CBN Governor has been suspended. He is in detention. The interim CBN Governor is exactly not in a position to make far-reaching decisions, so the CBN is busy experimenting with monetary policies. Professor Pat Utomi once wrote a successful book titled “Managing Uncertainty: Competition and Strategy in Emerging Economies”, (Ibadan: Spectrum Books, 1998, 465 pp). If Nigeria’s economy was walking with the aid of walking sticks at the time Utomi wrote that book, its fortunes are now so uncertain, the economy having suffered multiple strokes, it is now in a wheel-chair. This is what Tinubu has inherited, and what he must do something about beyond all these high-profile photo opportunities around the globe. His recent diplomatic shuttle has however provided one bright indicator that should not be ignored, and that is the outcome of his trip to the United Arab Emirates. It is one achievement that we can touch and perhaps feel. It will be recalled that the Presidency informed us that the purpose of the Abu Dhabi stop-over was to get the United Arab Emirates to lift the visa ban on Nigerians and to ensure that Emirates Airlines, the kingdom’s airliner lifts its suspension of flights to Nigeria. The third shopping item in the basket was to hunt for investments in agriculture, defence and other areas. By yesterday evening, we had been

Continued on page 22

KAYODE FAYEMI

GUEST COLUMNIST

Aviation Sector: Beyond Tinubu’s Abu Dhabi Diplomatic Stop-Over Making Nigeria Work

Last week, I had the honour of addressing the topic “How to Make Nigeria Work” during the 60th birthday celebration of my dear friend and comrade, Professor Udenta Udenta. Our journey together in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria began under the guidance of our late leader, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, leader of the Eastern Mandate Union and a key figure in the Alliance for Democracy. Since those formative years, Professor Udenta and I have remained resolute in our commitment to building a more inclusive Nigeria that serves all its citizens.

However, it was intriguing to witness the diverse reactions to my speech, which regrettably, have been misrepresented and sensationalised in the media. The sensationalised portions of my presentation have also sparked counterarguments from analysts and critics who did not listen to my full speech and only depended on media snippets. In light of these developments and to ensure an accurate record, I find it necessary to clarify my statements.

The implicit assumption in the topic “How to Make Nigeria Work” is that we all acknowledge Nigeria’s challenges and some believe they possess the

solutions to address them. These challenges encompass Nigeria’s vast size, ethnic conflicts, leadership issues, constitutional matters, poverty, colonial history, and

external influences. People often search for excuses and culprits for our difficulties, with some advocating for secession and others lamenting mutual marginalisation. “Making Nigeria Work” is viewed by some as a response to the belief that Nigeria is on the verge of collapse, necessitating a complete overhaul. However, I hold a different perspective. I firmly believe that we can confront our nation’s problems without dismantling it entirely.

Nation-building is an ongoing process, and no generation can claim to have perfected it. Progress is often appreciated by future generations. Instead of dwelling on past failures, we should look ahead with optimism and heed Frantz Fanon’s wisdom: “Every generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, betray it or fulfill it.”

Nigeria has grappled with slow development despite various government initiatives. Some experts argue that development was not a priority in post-colonial Africa. In my view, the core issue lies in the prioritisation of development over nation-building – putting the cart before the horse. We must first address the challenges of nation-building because you cannot develop what does not exist. Wole Soyinka’s question, “When is a Nation?” underscores the unresolved national questions. Development relies on elite consensus, which can only

emerge after addressing these fundamental questions. When the nation’s existence is easily contested, as seen in recent elections, we must resolve foundational issues to guide our vision for society and national development. In essence, national greatness stems directly from successful nation-building.

Over the years, some have labeled the creation of Nigeria in 1914 as a mistake, but was it truly?

While colonialists’ “divide and rule” strategy may have contributed to ongoing divisions, it is inaccurate to view the amalgamation itself as a mistake. Our people had pre-existing networks, relationships, and shared experiences long before colonial rule. To forge a unified nation out of this colonial legacy, we must revisit our history, particularly our pre-colonial history. Historian Obaro Ikime stressed the importance of a framework highlighting the influences and factors shaping our history and the interactions among our diverse cultures. Sir Ahmadu Bello’s concept of “unity in diversity” suggests that acknowledging and respecting our differences, rather than erasing them, can foster national unity. Unfortunately, we have often stigmatised and weaponised diversity, using it as a basis for inclusion or exclusion.

Continued on page 22

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar

President Bola Tinubu