SUNDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2022

NNPC’s Subsidy Deduction Climbs to N2.6tn in Eight Months National oil company denies operating secret account Wabote: Nigerian content attracted $60bn FDIs in 12 years, retains $7bn yearly

Ejiofor Alike, Peter Uzoho in Lagos and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum

Company Limited (NNPCL) continued its zero funding for the federation account in August, extending its prolonged nonremittance to the federal, state

and local governments to eight months.

The development came against the backdrop of the company’s deduction for petrol subsidy, which

climbed to N2.565 trillion with N525.71 billion deducted in the month under review.

The national oil company has also denied any involvement in

the operation of any secret bank account, stating that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) was aware of its financial transactions.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Continued on page 6

For the Umpteenth Time, Buhari Reiterates Commitment to Free, Fair Polls in 2023… Page 5 Sunday 25 September, 2022 Vol 27. No 10029

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Massive Crowd March for Peter Obi in Abuja New couple steal show at rally Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

L-R: Chairman of Dubri Oil Company Limited, Dr. Uduimo J. Itsueli; Chairman of Seplat Energy, Mr. Basil Omiyi; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Managing Director of Total Energies, Mr. Mike Sangster; Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Vice Chairman of Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), Mr. Osagie Okunbor; and Executive Director of OPTS, Mr. Bunmi Toyobo, at the 60th anniversary of the OPTS in Lagos…weekend

Thousands of supporters of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday staged a peaceful rally in Abuja.

Continued on page 8

APC: Buhari Directed Osinbajo, Mustapha’s Names to Be Excluded from Campaign Council Dogara, Lawal, Lai Mohammed’s names also missing Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said President Muhammadu Buhari gave a directive that the name of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, be excluded from the list of the 422-member council.

Osinbajo's name was conspicuously missing as the ruling APC finally released the full list of the Presidential Campaign Council consisting of 422 members.

The full list was released in the early hours of Saturday ahead of the September 28 official commencement of political campaigns for the 2023 elections.

Surprisingly, Osinbajo's name was not listed in the campaign Continued on page 5

ON THE ROAD TO 2023…

Mammoth crowd of supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, during a rally in Abuja… yesterday

Terrorists Invade Mosque, Kill 15 Worshippers Injure Others in Zamfara… Page 10

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For the Umpteenth Time, Buhari Reiterates Commitment to Free, Fair Polls in 2023 Says it's the best example Nigeria can give to stop coups in West Africa Insists FG will soon overcome security challenges

Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari for the umpteenth time pledged his government's commitment towards conducting a credible general election during the first quarter of 2023 in Nigeria.

Buhari also painted a brighter picture of the security situation in Nigeria, saying with the renewed efforts of the military and other security agencies, insecurity will soon be a thing of the past in the country.

The president expressed concern at the current rating of the African continent which placed it at the end of the global development index.

Buhari, who spoke yesterday at the townhall meeting with Nigerians in the diaspora, in New York, reiterated his administration’s commitment to free, fair and transparent elections in 2023.

According to him, this is the only way Nigeria can continue to “set the right example for the rest of Africa and hopefully stop the recourse to unconstitutional changes of governments in our sub-region and the rest of the African Continent.”

He commended Nigerians living in the United States for the exemplary roles they are playing in their different areas of endeavour, urging them to continue in that line to earn the respect of their hosts.

He said: “It is gratifying for me to note that many Nigerians in the USA have continued to excel in their careers leading to some being appointed into the cabinet of His Excellency President Joe Biden.

“Similarly, many have been elected and appointed into various responsible and competitive positions in the United States of America. I congratulate those who have brought honours and pride to our country. I thank and commend them for their respective successes as I equally urge them to demonstrate the highest sense of responsibilities in order that they continue to remain reference points of excellence as they serve human kind in this country.

“As always, I wish to emphasise the absolute necessity for each and every one of you to continue to remain law-abiding as you live in the United States of America and comport yourselves in such exemplary manners that should earn you the privilege of reference as good Ambassadors of Nigeria.”

The president said the administration created the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to serve as a bridge between them and the country in the developmental agenda with the expectation that they will give back to the country: “As our Diaspora Ambassadors, we expect your willingness to ‘give back’ to Nigeria some of your resources, talents, skills and global exposure in the development of our great country, Nigeria.”

He gave assurances that the government will continue to act in their interests whenever the need arises, citing recent evacuations in Libya, South Africa, and recently in Ukraine. He added that he had also approved the same in UAE and India.

President Buhari commended them for diaspora remittances which stood at $20 billion dollars in 2021, an amount four times the Foreign Direct Investment in the same period, as well as their investments in various sectors of the Nigerian economy such as Healthcare, Agriculture, Education,

Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Housing and Real Estate, Transportation, Oil and Gas. The 15 representatives of Nigerians in the US who visited the President are: Bobby Digi Olisa, an American born Nigerian, current President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, New York, co-owns an international restaurant and a medical clinic in his community; Philip H. Moses, from Kaduna State; Dr. Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, who is a Professor of Global Affairs and Politics; and Wale Adelagunja, Chairman, Council for Global Alliance (C-Glo), among others.

Buhari: Nigeria will Soon Overcome Security Challenge Meanwhile, President Buhari has declared that with the renewed efforts of the military and other security agencies, insecurity will soon be a thing of the past in the country.

Speaking in New York during a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Ireland, Micheal Martin, President Buhari said, “in the past few months, with new platforms and boosted morale among the security forces, Nigeria is moving steadily in the direction

of overcoming its insecurity.

"We will continue to partner with nations across the globe especially in the use of technology so that Nigeria can learn something useful,” he added.

He stressed that Nigeria would continue to do its best to sustain the relationship with Ireland if not improve on it, especially on the level of education, knowing that many Nigerians are doing well in Ireland, schooling and working there.

PM Martin had told the Nigerian leader that Ireland was looking for ways to increase the level of relations with the country, even as Nigeria remains Ireland’s

largest trading partner in Africa.

He expressed the hope that his country would move into other areas like the deployment of technology, to help Nigeria overcome its challenges in health and security.

He added that Europe and the world now need to look elsewhere for sources of energy as the war in Ukraine has highlighted.

At another meeting with the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President Buhari canvassed for a closer partnership with Nigeria in education, health, security as well as non-oil and gas sectors.

On his part, PM Mitsotakis told

President Buhari that “Greece possessed the technological knowhow in security, surveillance, as well as intelligence gathering and utilisation and was in a position to assist Nigeria” noting that, “though the technology is not cheap, it is the best way to go as there is no alternative to peace.”

He added that he would put together a business delegation with health experts, education as well as oil and gas to visit and interface with the private sector in Nigeria to look at parameters under which they can come in.

The prime minister thereafter Continued on page 8

WINNING TEAM...

Social Democratic Party’s deputy governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, being unveiled by the governorship candidate, Senator Magnus Abe, in Port Harcourt …yesterday

APC: BUHARI DIRECTED OSINBAJO, MUSTAPHA’S NAMES TO BE EXCLUDED FROM CAMPAIGN COUNCIL council, an ominous sign that all was not well within the ruling party.

Osinbajo was one of the presidential aspirants that contested at the APC primary election held between June 6th and 8th where senator Bola Tinubu emerged as the presidential candidate bearer of the party.

He was not the only one excluded from the presidential campaign council.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, did not make the 422-members list of the Presidential Campaign Council of the APC. Lawal and Dogara had at several times expressed their displeasure against the MuslimMuslim ticket of the party, describing it as an affront to Christians in the ruling party.

Both have also vowed to work against the party in the 2023 elections.

Lawal was a staunch supporter of Tinubu before following Tinubu picked Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

Also, Mohammed, who played

a pivotal role as the party's spokesperson before the 2015 elections and also played a crucial role in the 2019 elections did not make the list.

Mohammed was one of the major political actors in Kwara State that led the "Otoge" revolution against Bukola Saraki which saw the APC winning the state in 2019.

The minister is no longer in the good books of Tinubu, his erstwhile benefactor.

But a statement issued yesterday by the Spokesperson of the Presidential Campaign Council, Mr. Festus Keyamo, said President Buhari gave a directive that the name of Osinbajo and Mustapha be excluded from the list.

“For the avoidance of doubt, President Muhammadu Buhari is the Chairman of the Campaign Council. As a result, Mr. President has specifically directed that the Vice President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha should be left out of the Campaign Council to concentrate on the governance of the country and administration of government."

Keyamo noted that as a responsible party and government, all the key functionaries of government cannot abandon

their positions for electioneering campaigns.

He stressed that the ruling party has the mandate of the Nigerian people to administer the country on their behalf at least till May 29, 2023, and said the party intends to do so with all sense of responsibility.

Keyamo added: "We will not toe the path of those who irresponsibly governed the country before us and our party is not in total disarray like those who wish to ‘rescue’ the country, but cannot simply manage their own internal affairs."

Buhari is made the Chairman of the Campaign Council, while Tinubu was appointed as the Deputy Chairman. APC National Chairman is the Deputy Chairman (II).

The party's vice presidential candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima was appointed the Vice Chairman of the Campaign, while the Plateau state Governor, Simon Lalong was made the Director General of the Campaign.

Former National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole was appointed as the Deputy Director General (Operations) and Hadjia Bala Usman was made the Deputy Director General (Admin), while James Faleke was appointed as the Secretary and Christopher

Tarka was appointed his Deputy.

The Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu is Vice Chairman (North) and coordinator of his state; Senator Godswill Akpabio is the Vice Chairman (South-south) and Uju Kennedy is the Vice Chairman (South-east).

The Governor of Jigawa state, Abubakar Badaru was made the Regional Coordinator for North, while Abubakar Kyari was appointed the Deputy Regional Coordinator, North.

Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi was made the Regional Coordinator for South and Chief Emma Eneukwu was appointed as his Deputy.

Others appointed are: Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State as National Youth Coordinator, Felix Nicholas was made Deputy National Youth Coordinator; Governor Kayode Fayemi was appointed as the Coordinator for Ekiti State and Adviser Foreign Affairs.

Also, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan was made Senior Adviser on Strategic Planning; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila was appointed as the Adviser on Legal Matters; while the former Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamako was appointed as the Adviser on

Special Duties.

The immediate past Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi was Adviser on Infrastructure; former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was made Adviser on Contacts and Mobilisation; and Mr. Dele Alake was appointed Adviser on Media, Communications and Public Affairs.

Others are: the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje was appointed Adviser on Political Affairs and Kano state Coordinator; the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai was made coordinator of his state and Senior Adviser, Policy, Strategy and Enforcement and Abdulrahaman Dambazau was appointed as Adviser, Strategic Engagement.

Faleke in a statement issued yesterday advised all the nominees to pick their appointment letters on Monday, September 26, 2022, at noon.

The 31 directorates created are Media and Publicity with Mr. Bayo Onanuga as the Director; Directorate of Public Affairs has Festus Keyamo as the Spokesperson and Kassim Afegbua as Secretary; while the New Media directorate is headed

by Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode. Other directorates were also created.

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NEWS

PREPARING FOR TOURISM CONFERENCE… L-R: Regional Director, Africa, United Nations World Tourism Organisation,, Madam Elcia Grandcourt; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya; and GM/CEO, National Theatre, Prof. Sunday Ododo, during a press conference by the minister on the forthcoming UNWTO global conference in ABIODUN AJALA Lagos…yesterday

Flood Killed 134, Destroyed N1.5tn Property in Jigawa, Says Government Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Jigawa State Government has said at least 134 persons have so far died while property worth over N1.5 trillion have been lost to the recurring flooding in the state.

The Deputy Governor, who is also the acting governor of the state, Alhaji Umar Namadi, stated this yesterday when he hosted the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) chief of the field office of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states, Rahman Rihub Mahmud Fara.

He said the water is flowing towards the east of the state, adding that two local

governments, Kirikasamma and Birniwa, are on the danger list.

Namadi said the flood affected 272,189 people while 76,887 lost their houses, adding that one village was completely destroyed and a

local government totally cut away from the rest of the state by road.

In terms of government property, Namadi said 22 roads and 11 bridges were washed away by the water.

He advised that dams should be maintained, lamenting that they had been blocked by sand, which needs to be evacuated.

He appealed to the federal government and other development partners, including

UNICEF to come to the aid of the state.

On his part, Fara, said his team came to assess the situation and to see what can be done to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities.

He then emphasised the need for both the Jigawa State and UNICEF to work together on emergency preparedness, and response planning in the years ahead, as flooding has become perennial in the state.

Saraki: It’s More Productive to Be Working Silently Behind the Scenes Kunle Aderinokun A former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday broke silence on the crisis rocking the main opposition party, saying there are times to speak and times to work silently behind the scenes. The latter, he pointed

out, was more productive.

Saraki, who posted a tweet last night, was reacting to the concerns over his seeming silence on recent developments in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially the crossfire between Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and the party’s National

Chairman, Senator Iyorcha Ayu. According to the former PDP presidential aspirant, the party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, remained Nigerians’ best option.

“My response is that there are times to speak and be heard and there are times when working

silently behind the scenes is more productive. This is such a time.

PDP and Atiku Abubakar remain the best option for Nigerians in the 2023 polls,” he posted on Twitter.

Saraki said “As I moved round the country in the past few days, I got the feeling that many people

are concerned over my seeming silence on recent developments in our party, the PDP.” “I just returned from my annual vacation and went straight to Akwa Ibom to join the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the state's creation,” he, however, added.

to all stakeholders including the National Assembly.

In addition, the company stated that the OAGF conducts periodic (yearly) checks on the activities of NNPC/NAPIMS, maintaining that the activities of the NNPCL and NAPIMS are audited yearly by the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

“NNPCL has documented evidence of the correspondences between the company and the OAGF before the accounts were opened with the @cenbank, in line with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy.

“We also have evidence of reconciliations carried out with the @cenbank for the year ended 31-12-2021 in respect to the JV Cash Call Accounts.

“Thus, with such multiple layers of checks and balances, it is impossible for @nnpclimited to operate secret accounts until the ad hoc Committee, with due respect to its competencies, discovers it.

“If such ‘secret account’ does exist, then @nnpclimited certainly is not aware of, and has absolutely nothing to do with it,” the statement concluded.

In an interview with THISDAY at the weekend, Wabote also stated that since the NOGICD Act came into effect in 2010, about $7 billion is being retained yearly in the Nigerian economy from the estimated $21 billion being spent on projects in the Nigerian oil and gas every year.

He said the $7 billion is retained in-country through the use of local materials and manpower.

According to him, the $7 billion was a leap from the paltry five per cent of the yearly expenditure that was retained before the advent of the Act. Wabote explained that the clawing back of this amount was achieved through some major oil and gas development projects, including the construction of TotalEnergies' 200,000 barrels per day Egina Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility and the recently commissioned 50,000 barrels per day Ikike project.

He also cited the ongoing Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train 7 project and others.

“From 2010 to date - there is a need for clarification here. The $7 billion is not Foreign Direct Investment, it's different. What we have done is that we have retained that $7 billion in the country. What Foreign Direct Investment in the oil and gas industry has attracted for that period is almost $60 billion. I have mentioned Egina; I have mentioned other ongoing projects.

But the retention is about $7 billion year-on-year in terms of the $21 billion that you spend in the industry. So, it's important to differentiate these two things,”

Wabote explained.

"If I just extrapolate in terms of the yearly spend before now in the industry, it is put at $21 billion year-on-year. So, today, we have clawed back $7 billion of industry spending into the country every year. A typical example is the Egina project.

"Egina, which is almost $21 billion - the majority of the fabrication was done in-country, including topside integration, which was never done in Africa. Egina, as you know, is the largest FPSO in the country today - 200,000 barrels of oil per day. That's huge in terms of its production, and it was integrated here in Nigeria. So, we have clawed back almost $7 billion," Wabote said.

As part of the agency's goals in its 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, he said the board aimed to raise the current in-country value retention to $14 billion and 70 per cent by 2027.

"We aim to get $14 billion into the country with regards to our 70 per cent by 2027, because the truth is, you cannot achieve 100 per cent Local Content. It's not possible because you also have to depend on a lot of countries in terms of intellectual property rights, and you cannot manufacture everything.

"So, that 30 per cent we are leaving is for what we get outside.

What used to happen was that 95 per cent of everything was done outside this country, and we have been pushing the envelope, and now, we have attracted this much in terms of monetary value and terms of percentage," Wabote explained.

NNPC’S SUBSIDY DEDUCTION CLIMBS TO N2.6TN IN EIGHT MONTHS Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, has said the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act attracted $60 billion in Foreign Direct Investments (FIDs) into Nigeria in the last 12 years.

The legislation, according to Wabote, has also yielded an in-country retention value of $7 billion year-on-year from the annual $21 billion capital spending in the country's oil and gas industry.

An analysis of NNPC’s monthly presentation to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) at the weekend, further showed that the NNPCL has so far spent N2.565 trillion on the controversial subsidy this year.

Information from the FAAC meeting had earlier revealed that the money available for distribution among the three tiers of government for the month slumped by N280.948 billion to N673.137 billion when put aside the N954.085 shared in July.

Of the amount, the federal government received N259.641 billion, the states received N222.949 billion while the local government councils got N164.247 billion.

“The sum of N525,714,373,874.60 being federation account share was used to defray value shortfall/ subsidy for the month,” the NNPCL stated in a document quoted by TheCable.

According to the national oil firm, in January, February, March, and April 2022, the petrol subsidy gulped N210.38 billion, N219.78 billion, N245.77 billion and N271.13 billion respectively.

Furthermore, in May, June, and

July, the country spent N327.07 billion, N319.18 billion and N448.78 billion respectively before the hugest deduction of N525.71 billion in the latest instance.

National Oil Company Denies Operating Secret Account Meanwhile, the NNPCL also yesterday said it was not involved in the operation of any secret bank account, stressing that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) was aware of its financial transactions.

In a thread on its verified Twitter handle last night, signed by the spokesman of the national oil company, Mr. Garba Muhammad, the company explained that it was unaware of the existence of any such account.

The House of Representatives a few days ago, said it was probing the structure and accountability of the joint venture businesses and Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) of the NNPCL in the last 32 years.

The lawmakers had alleged that they had uncovered a secret account owned by the NNPCL allegedly in breach of due process.

The report stated that an official of the OAGF, Mr. Chize Peters, disclosed to the Abubakar Fulataled Adhoc committee probing the matter.

The committee was said to have directed the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, to appear before it to offer explanations on the issue.

But in a series of tweets, the spokesman of NNPCL

said: “The NNPCL, directly or through its upstream arm, the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), does not operate secret accounts at all.

“The joint venture cash call accounts denominated in US Dollars and Nigerian Naira are all domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria in line with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy.

“The Joint Venture Cash Call (JVCC) NGN and USD accounts were created to cater for the funding of cash calls for the various Joint Ventures managed by NNPCL on behalf of the federal government,” the company said.

The statement added that the ‘Joint Venture Proceeds Accounts' were opened for the individual JVs to implement the self-funding strategy which aims at making them be self-reliant.

“The Office of the AccountantGen. of the Federation (OAGF) is fully aware of the JVCC accounts as the OAGF regularly sanctions & approves the updates/change of signatories to the accounts. The NNPCL has documents where these correspondences with the OAGF were acknowledged.

“The NNPC/NAPIMS books of accounts in respect of the federations upstream petroleum activities are audited annually by independent external auditors,” the national oil company said.

According to the NNPCL, a critical part of the independent statutory audit is sending ‘circularisation’ to banks to confirm balances and bank accounts belonging to NNPC/NAPIMS. It stressed that Audited Financial Statements (AFS) are submitted

Wabote: Nigerian Content Attracted $60bn FDIs in 12 Years, Retains $7bn Yearly In another development, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Wabote, has said the implementation of the NOGICD Act attracted $60 billion in FIDs into Nigeria in the last 12 years.

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EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME… L-R: Head, Business Development and Strategy, 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Martina Medac; Managing Director/CEO, 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Branka Mracajac; Head, Marketing Communications and Customer Experience, 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Olushola Ogunyemi; and Lagos State First Lady, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, during the fourth Community Sensitisation and Empowerment Programme hosted by the First Lady in Lagos…recently

CBN: Nigeria Realises $890m from Non-oil Export Segun James The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emiefiele, has revealed that the bank recorded an increase of $890 million in non-oil export proceeds in 2022.

Emefiele stated this on the sidelines of the Nigeria International Economic Partnership Forum as part of the activities lined up for the United Nations General Assembly.

Giving a further breakdown of the proceeds, he said in the first quarter of 2022, export repatriation was about $64

million, the second quarter rose to $622 million, third quarter increased to $959 million, adding that projections are that by the quarter, the figures would have increased further.

He regretted that Nigeria is highly dependent on oil revenue proceeds to support its import obligations.

He added that low revenue inflow from oil sales was responsible for the current foreign exchange crises confronting the country.

The development, according to him, had led to the massive depreciation of the naira with an exchange rate of the IE window

FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME, BUHARI REITERATES COMMITMENT TO FREE, FAIR POLLS IN 2023 extended an invitation to President Buhari to visit Greece before the end of his tenure.

In another development, President Buhari has expressed concern at the current rating of the African continent which placed it at the end of the global development index.

He spoke in New York in his capacity as the African Union Champion on efforts to eliminate corruption in the continent at a High-Level side event on ''Food Security Response: Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Securing Asset Returns for Sustainable Development,” on the margins of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly.

Buhari stressed that over the years, Africa has come to the painful realisation of how deeply embedded corruption has become in the countries and continent, as well as how corrosive it can be.

He urged African leaders to fight tirelessly to get rid of corruption, lamenting that the continent has remained at the far end of the global development index because of its menace.

The Nigerian president, therefore, challenged his colleagues, stressing that for the continent to rise to its full potential, ''we must work tirelessly to get rid of corruption or by fighting it 24/7.''

According to him: ''Corruption has dwarfed our growth and tainted our nations and continent.

Africa remains at the far end of the development index and concerted efforts made in the last few years need to be sustained, and deepened by good governance and accountability that are guided by the rule of law.” ''I have strong faith that Africa and our national governments can do this with strong resolve and

commitment to eliminating Illicit Financial Flows. ''We need strong partnerships from our global partners to ensure that these efforts succeed. A developed and stable Africa will not only be a global partner for peace but sustainable development and progress.''

On food security in Nigeria, President Buhari disclosed that the Nigerian government has financed 2.5million smallholder farmers to cultivate about a 3.2million hectares of farmland across the country, creating 10 million direct and indirect jobs.

He said rice imports alone dropped in Nigeria from $1billion a year to $18.5million.

The president, however, cautioned that these lofty goals cannot be achieved if corruption, illicit financial flows, and serious and organised crimes are not effectively addressed.

The president, therefore, pledged not to relent in efforts to curb illicit financial flows, engender food security and achieve sustainable economic development.

Buhari also expressed concern that criminals are taking advantage of the global food crisis to perpetrate illicit financial flows, with the ongoing crisis in Ukraine disrupting energy and food supply chains, thus, negatively impacting the global economy.

Earlier in her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of AUDANEPAD Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu, said the event “is a continuation of the advocacy on good governance that started in 2017 and was adopted by the Forum in 2018 as an annual event to promote peer-to-peer learning for best practices and strengthen partnership for good governance.”

crashing from N436 to $1.

He said the CBN is addressing the situation with its RT 200 project, which will help boost foreign exchange supply with non-oil export repatriation.

The apex bank’s governor promised that Nigeria is aggressively looking at nonexport for foreign exchange proceeds, saying he is certain this would yield the expected

results in the months to come.

Emefiele added that Nigeria is a country where the country depends on food, and crude revenues to support other sectors, adding that the country

is aggressively looking at non-oil exports.

“Lastly, I’ll just say this, I repeat. Nigeria is an investment haven based on the size of the economy in Africa,” he added

Air Traffic Controllers Call off Strike after Grounding Flight Operations in West, Central Africa Chinedu Eze Air traffic controllers under the aegis of the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) yesterday suspended their strike after the intervention of the President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, Mr. Alassane Ouattara, who promised to meet their demands.

In a statement, the Union of Air Traffic Controllers’ Unions of ASECNA (USYCAA) said the strike has been put on hold for 10 days to allow for negotiations.

The union said more than 700 air traffic controllers joined the strike to demand better working and pay conditions.

“Air traffic services will be provided in all air spaces and airports managed by ASECNA from today (Saturday), September 24, 2022 at 1200 GMT,” the statement reads.

The strike was called off on the intervention of Côte d 'Ivoire. The Prime Minister, Mr. Patrick Achi on the instruction of the President of Côte d'Ivoire, Ouattara, made a firm promise to bring the concerns of the Air Traffic Controllers to the appropriate level.

A statement emanating from the negotiations with Côte d'Ivoire’s top government officials and other concerned authorities, stated that: “Considering the negotiation session between the Executive Secretary General of USYCAA, the Minister of Transport of Senegal and the Director General of ASECNA, and the resulting conclusions, as well as the commitment of certain authorities of the various member countries of ASECNA; “Considering the extent of the impact of the current strike movement on the economy of

our States and the activities of air users confused by misleading press releases, given the level of responsibility that has always characterised the body of air traffic controllers air traffic, the Executive Board (BEU) of the Union of Air Traffic Controllers Unions of ASECNA (USYCAA) welcomes the historic mobilisation of Air Traffic Controllers in all ASECNA control centres for the defence of their interests and the rehabilitation of the prestige and nobility of their profession; “The strike notice, reactivated on September 20, 2022, is suspended for a period of ten (10) days from this day Saturday, September 24, 2022., air traffic services will be provided in all airspaces and airports managed

by ASECNA as of today, Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 12:00 UT. This new suspension

is granted by the ASECNA air traffic controllers to once again give a chance to dialogue with a view to satisfying their eight (8) point claim platform.”

In the last 48 hours that ended on Saturday, flight operations were paralysed in mostly Frenchspeaking countries in West and Central Africa, which affected international flights to Europe and other parts of the world from the stated countries.

ASECNA is agency that provides aerial navigation safety to the countries including Senegal, Togo, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Côte d 'Ivoire and others in addition to Madagascar.

It is based in Dakar, Senegal.

ASECNA manages 16.1 million square kilometres of airspace covering six Flight Information Regions (FIR) that include Antananarivo, Brazzaville, Dakar Oceanic and Terrestrial, Niamey and N’Djamena.

propaganda is not pure mischief and an attempt to swindle the public, since this is a political contest targeted at producing a single winner; wouldn’t it have been wiser to rather keep mute knowing your opponent is on a lane of failure?

“Peter Obi has set the establishment off balance and they know he is closer to victory than them all.

“Hence, the resolve to resort to lies.

We are very confident of his victory because we have done our homework and the result have started trickling in soon it will be very obvious to even the blind that the narrative of ‘structure” and another campaign of calumny have now been overtaken by events.

“Labour Party structure is growing stronger by the day and even at that with other arrangements we’ve put on the ground the party’s effort is but a bonus”.

It added thus: “We have

deliberately and strategically set up committed foot soldiers across every nook and cranny of Nigeria including the Northern part of the country comprising men and women of capacity, capable of delivering.

“Peter Obi as it stands now will comfortably secure more than the 25 per cent constitutional requirement in 14 states out of the 19 states that formed the northern part of Nigeria while we have the 5 remaining states in the North under steady reinforcement.

With God on our side, we shall demystify the mystery responsible for Bad Governance in Nigeria 2023.

“To the teaming responsible members of our society and supporters of the OBIdient movement and labour party, we urge you to remain steadfast and resolute in your support for Peter Obi and the new Nigeria project as he remains the only candidate with clear programmes and implementation templates to take Nigeria out of this quagmire.”

MASSIVE CROWD MARCH FOR PETER OBI IN ABUJA The pro-Obi supporters marched from the Unity Fountain to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium amid heavy security.

At the rally alongside the pro-Obi supporters are officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The supporters are making a statement that Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, have physical structures beyond social media.

The rally attracted huge applause following the appearance of a new couple, Mr. and Mrs. Adamson.

The couple, who were said to be heading home from the venue of their wedding, stopped and joined the rally along with the groom’s men and bride’s maids to the admiration of the other Obidients as they are better known.

Conference of Peter Obi Grassroots Ambassadors, in a statement yesterday said Obi, will win a simple majority vote

and also secure the 25 per cent constitutional requirements across at least 24 states of the federation in the 2023 election.

In a statement signed by Hon. Hassan Usman Algungu (National Coordinator), Dr. Gabriel Ayodeji (National Secretary), as well as Hajiya Nana Tukur (Director of Women Mobilisation), the group said: “It has gotten to our notice of lies being peddled by some unscrupulous elements paid to install uncertainty, fear and discouragement targeted at misleading the general public by alleging that our leader Mr. Peter Obi can't secure 25 per cent votes in at least two-thirds of states, as enshrined in the Constitution.

“For us, this amounts to the blatant lie told in the public domain by the same people who know the truth in their hearts that of the three top contenders, Mr. Peter Obi has better chances of winning in more states over and above his counterparts.

“If the sole aim of this

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SKILLS ACQUISITION PROGRAMME… L-R: Chieftain of the All progressives Congress, Chief Babatunde Damazio; Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun; Chairman, Iru-Victoria Island LCDA, Hon. Rasheedat Adu; member, Governor Advisory Council, Alhaji Mutiu Are; and former Lagos State Commissioner, Mrs. Teju Phillips, at the opening of the four-day Skills Acquisition Programme for residents of Lagos Central Senatorial District facilitated by Senator Oluremi Tinubu in Lagos Island, Lagos…yesterday

Terrorists Invade Mosque, Kill 15 Worshippers Injure Others in Zamfara Herdsmen sack six Benue villages, loot items, raze houses George Okoh in Makurdi Bandits who hid their AK-47 rifles in their clothes and pretended to be worshippers attacked a Juma’at mosque in Zamfara State killing 15 worshippers.

This is as armed herdsmen again invaded Ukemberagya/ Tswarev council ward in Benue State chasing away the inhabitants, burning their houses and harvesting their crops and livestock.

The latest attack by herdsmen

came barely four days after they invaded Mchia and Mou communities in Logo Local Government Area (LGA) of the state where 14 persons were gruesomely murdered and close to 30 others sustained serious injuries.

The attack on Juma’a mosque in Ruwan Jema town of Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara State also left many injured while others were still missing.

Although there was no statement from the state

government or the police, a source said the Friday attack “came three weeks after the terrorists attacked a Friday mosque in Zugu town in the same local government area where 45 worshippers were kidnapped.”

“The bandits hid their AK-47s inside their clothes and pretended to be worshippers.

They came to the mosque on motorcycles but nobody suspected that they were bandits. We thought they came to observe the weekly prayers. As soon as the

Massive Crowd March for Peter Obi in Abuja New couple steal show at rally

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Thousands of supporters of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday staged a peaceful rally in Abuja.

The pro-Obi supporters marched from the Unity Fountain to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium amid heavy security.

At the rally alongside the pro-Obi supporters are officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The supporters are making a statement that Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, have physical structures beyond social media.

The rally attracted huge applause following the appearance of a new couple, Mr. and Mrs. Adamson.

The couple, who were said to be heading home from the venue of their wedding, stopped and joined the rally along with the groom’s men and bride’s maids to the admiration of the other Obidients as they are better known.

Conference of Peter Obi Grassroots Ambassadors, in a statement yesterday said Obi, will win a simple majority vote and also secure the 25 per cent constitutional requirements across at least 24 states of the federation in the 2023 election.

In a statement signed by Hon.

Hassan Usman Algungu (National Coordinator), Dr. Gabriel Ayodeji (National Secretary), as well as Hajiya Nana Tukur (Director of Women Mobilisation), the group said: “It has gotten to our notice of lies being peddled by some unscrupulous elements paid to install uncertainty, fear and discouragement targeted at misleading the general public by alleging that our leader Mr. Peter Obi can't secure 25 per cent votes in at least two-thirds of states, as enshrined in the Constitution.

“For us, this amounts to the blatant lie told in the public domain by the same people who know the truth in their hearts that of the three top contenders, Mr. Peter Obi has better chances of winning in more states over and above his counterparts.

“If the sole aim of this propaganda is not pure mischief and an attempt to swindle the public, since this is a political contest targeted at producing a single winner; wouldn’t it have been wiser to rather keep mute knowing your opponent is on a lane of failure?

“Peter Obi has set the establishment off balance and they know he is closer to victory than them all.

“Hence, the resolve to resort to lies.

We are very confident of his victory because we have done our homework and the result have started trickling in soon

it will be very obvious to even the blind that the narrative of ‘structure” and another campaign of calumny have now been overtaken by events.

“Labour Party structure is growing stronger by the day and even at that with other arrangements we’ve put on the ground the party’s effort is but a bonus”.

It added thus: “We have deliberately and strategically set up committed foot soldiers across every nook and cranny of Nigeria including the Northern part of the country comprising men and women of capacity, capable of delivering.

“Peter Obi as it stands now will comfortably secure more than the 25 per cent constitutional requirement in 14 states out of the 19 states that formed the northern part of Nigeria while we have the 5 remaining states in the North under steady reinforcement.

With God on our side, we shall demystify the mystery responsible for Bad Governance in Nigeria 2023.

“To the teaming responsible members of our society and supporters of the OBIdient movement and labour party, we urge you to remain steadfast and resolute in your support for Peter Obi and the new Nigeria project as he remains the only candidate with clear programmes and implementation templates to take Nigeria out of this quagmire.”

prayers commenced they opened fire at the worshippers.”

“Fifteen worshippers were killed while many sustained injuries. The death toll could increase as many residents are still missing,” the source added.

In Benue State, the armed herders who reportedly besieged the communities and chased the people away were said to have stormed the communities later at night to also loot the property and valuables of the fleeing inhabitants.

According to a community leader in the area, Chief Joseph Anawa, who raised the alarm weekend, the sacked villages include Tse Ikyem, Tsav, Tse Ijoho,

Tse Ikyaan as well as Anawah and Mou settlements.

Anawa said “On Friday, September 23, 2022, in the day time Fulani herdsmen connived with Jukun militia to drive away Tiv people. of Ukemberagya/ Tswarev ward in Logo LGA from their farms and harvested their yams.

“On the night of the same day, they went on a destruction spree burning and looting the property of the Tiv people in the area. The affected communities are Anawah settlement, Tse Ikyem, Tsav, Tse Ijoho, Tse Ikyaan villages and Mou settlement where they broke into people’s houses.

“The marauders looted

foodstuffs, animals, clothes and hundreds of sacks of groundnut while houses were burnt at Tse Ikyem near Anawah settlement.”

While lamenting that the inhabitants of the communities had deserted their homes, he said “there is an urgent need for a security presence in the area to be stationed at Chembe village and Iorza settlement for quick response to this unfortunate development.”

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police, Catherine Anene who confirmed the development said: “I know of an attack at Logo but I don’t know who the attackers are yet.”

MNJTF Seeks Joint Resource Pool to End Boko Haram, ISWAP Menace Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Maj. Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, yesterday called on stakeholders to mobilise resources to bring to an end the menace posed by terror groups, Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) in Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

The Force Commander spoke as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, said joint training of the armed forces was crucial in dealing with security challenges afflicting the nation.

Taking a similar position, Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), said sports competition would foster cordial relationships amongst security agencies.

Speaking in Chad, the Force Commander, MNJTF stated that to effectively bring hostilities in the region to an end and "completely wipe out Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Nigeria and the Lake Chad region," all stakeholders must pool resources to contain insurgency.

He said so far the operations conducted by MNJTF and Operation Hadin Kai had significantly degraded the

insurgents.

He spoke in Farcha N’Djamena, Chad, when the newly appointed MNJTF Sector 3 Commander, Brigadier General Abdulsallam Abubakar, paid a familiarisation visit to the Headquarters of the MNJTF. "The operations conducted by MNJTF and Operation Hadin Kai have seriously degraded the insurgents and there is, therefore, the need to bring all resources together to completely defeat the BHT/ISWAP,” he said.

He said he noticed the increased tempo of operations and other innovations the newly appointed commander brought since his assumption of duty and urged him to sustain the trend.

Meanwhile, the CDS, Irabor, said joint training of the armed forces was crucial in dealing with security challenges afflicting the nation.

Irabor spoke at the just-concluded 2022 Armed Forces Inter-Service Sports Competition (AFISSC), which ended at the Defence Headquarters Sports Complex, Mogadishu Military Cantonment in Abuja.

Irabor, who was represented by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had continued to evolve in the area

of joint training with an emphasis on physical fitness training and sports.

He said, "personnel, who are fit-to-fight, coupled with the massive re-equipping of the armed forces, have been crucial in dealing with the contemporary security challenges bedevilling the nation".

He commended the athletes, who won laurels while displaying camaraderie and team spirit throughout the competition.

The defence chief urged the athletes to sustain and strengthen their winning skills in order to be victorious in subsequent competitions, especially the forthcoming World Military Sports Championship in Beja, Portugal, in October 2022.

In his remarks, Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Magashi (rtd), who was the special guest of honour at the closing ceremony, commended the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) for successfully hosting the championship.

The minister, who was represented by the Director of Army Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Sunday Attah, affirmed that “the objective of the competition, which is to reinforce the existing cordial working relationship between members of the Armed Forces, has been achieved.”

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SEEKING PEACE IN IMO… Commander, Oguta Naval Base, Imo State, Navy Captain AW Umaru (left), and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, during the governor’s tour of the Orashi River-bed...yesterday

PDP Crisis, a Family Affair, Says Atiku Okon Bassey in Uyo Amid the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for the party, expressing confidence that the PDP will take over power at the centre in 2023.

The presidential hopeful described the internal crisis rocking the PDP as a family issue that would be resolved

soon.

Atiku spoke as a special guest of honour at the 35thanniversary celebration of the creation of Akwa Ibom State held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. "Yes, we must acknowledge that we are having an internal family issue, but be rest assured that we are not involved or engaged in the war of attrition.

"It is a political disagreement and very soon, all of that will be resolved and the PDP will

Wike: I Didn’t Say Tinubu Offered Me Senatorial Ticket Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, yesterday made a U-turn, describing as false reports quoting him as saying that Tinubu offered him a senatorial ticket.

The governor, in a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, clarified that there was no time the governor made such a statement during his media chat.

He said: “To lay the facts bare, we have decided to include herein the transcript of what Governor Wike said

concerning senatorial form.

“First of all, this is how you know those who are prepared to run an election. Some of them collected presidential forms and at the same time collected senatorial forms. You’ll know that those people are not serious about running.

“I never collected senatorial form. Even after the whole thing, people said come and go for Senate, I said no. I won’t do that. I’ve already made a commitment that this Senate ticket should be zoned to this area (Etche) because they’ve never had it before. I must not be in power.”

continue to remain strong, and grow until we win the election, by the grace of God, come February 2023."

The PDP presidential candidate, who was represented by the Governor of Sokoto State and Chairman of Nigeria Governors' Forum, Aminu Tambuwal, described Governor Udom Emmanuel as a resultoriented leader, noting that the state has fared well under the leadership of the PDP. "We have seen progress, we have seen development in virtually all the areas of life under your leadership in Akwa Ibom state, only God Almighty can reward you, he said.

Addressing the crowd, Governor Udom Emmanuel

charged Akwa Ibom people to stick to the path which saw the state to her current position as one of the frontline states in Nigeria.

Governor Udom Emmanuel paid glowing tribute to former Military Administrator, Gen Ibrahim Babangida for creating Akwa Ibom, and past leaders for laying solid foundation for the growth the state is currently experiencing.

He maintained that the future of Nigeria lies with the PDP and charged indigene of the state to stand on that path of progress.

The governor assured that the next PDP administration would reward the state for her huge resource contributions to

the national purse.

"Let me thank past leaders of the state for building a state as strong as this. Let me assure you that we have touched all aspects of governance in the past seven years and in the last 35 years "We thank God for 35 years as a people and to show that God is with us, God has sent us showers of blessing, God has opened the heavens on a land blessed by God. "As a people, we have remained forward ever, backward never. Akwa Ibom this time around shall not be forgotten, Akwa Ibom shall not be left behind, Akwa Ibom will be in the forefront of everything in Nigeria.

Xi Jinping Trends Online amid Coup Rumours, Cancelled Flights Chinese President Xi Jinping became one of the top trending topics on Twitter amid unsubstantiated reports he is under house arrest and that China is in the midst of a military coup.

Xi and the phrase #ChinaCoup trended on social media after tens of thousands

of users spread unconfirmed rumours that the president was detained and overthrown by the China's People's Liberation Army.

This speculation, which according to according the newsweek.com, has not been discussed by any reputable sources, arrived as there are

hardly any commercial flights flying over the capital of Beijing yesterday, with unverified reports claiming all trains and buses are also being cancelled out of Beijing.

Beijing Capital Airport's website does show that several flights out of China's capital have been canceled; but many

Kaigama Cautions Politicians against Inciting Ethnic, Religious Prejudices Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Ahead of the commencement of political campaigns for the 2023 elections, the Catholic Archbishop of the Abuja Archdiocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, yesterday cautioned politicians from various political divides against engaging in money politicking, inciting historical prejudices and lobbying based on ethnic or religious bigotry.

In his pastoral message at the Third General Assembly of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Kaigama said the year 2023 stands as another litmus test for the gains of democracy in Nigeria.

According to him, electoral activities in Nigeria have often been marred by a contest of powerful interests and unhealthy partisan rivalry more than the desire to serve the public good.

He said there was a great need for good leadership that is borne out of a love for righteousness, transparency and public accountability at all levels of government.

"As Nigeria prepares for the next general election in the first quarter of 2023, we strongly condemn electoral campaign strategies that are marked by godfather syndrome, money politicking, inciting historical prejudices and lobbying based on ethnic/religious bigotry.

"Nigerians must overcome the politics of bitterness, unhealthy personality clashes and manipulation. If the primary purpose of party campaigns is to win elections, then the justifiable end is good governance.

"For too long, politicians are perceived as non-promise keepers by the larger society; it is time to vote into power a new crop of leaders who

"We shall be in the forefront of development, as we are contributing immensely to the resources of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom will also be at the forefront.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion include; Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintri, former governor of Kwara State and President of the 8th Senate, Mr. Bukola Saraki, former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulazi Abubakar Yari, former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswan, former governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, former military governor's of Akwa Ibom State, among others.

are seriously concerned with the state of the nation and the sufferings of our people, sworn to serve public needs rather than to be served," he said.

The Archbishop commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to ensuring transparency, probity and fairness in the forthcoming elections through the signing of the Electoral Bill 2022 into law, adding that it is a step in the right direction.

"However, we urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to also ensure that the new technologies deployed to increase the confidence of the people would also serve their genuine purposes to protect the votes of the masses," he said.

Kaigama sued for greater political responsibility by the Christian faithful.

"As encoded in various sections of Nigeria’s 1999

constitution, the right to political participation is a fundamental human right.

Our Catholic tradition teaches that responsible citizenship is a virtue and participation in the political process is a moral obligation.

"We urge priests, religious and the laity and all people of goodwill to teach those entrusted to their care to contribute positively to peaceful dialogue and to shape their political choices in the forthcoming general elections in the light of the Catholic social teachings.

"Our approach to contemporary social, economic and political issues should always be firmly rooted in our identity as Christians and not the other way round. We, therefore, call on Catholics and indeed all Christians to be aware of their specific vocation within the political

community and the need to defend our points of view by honest methods "In the exercise of voting power, we all have the responsibility to be discerning in the choice of those who seek to be voted into public service.

Unfortunately, some politicians exploit the social cleavages that exist along religious, ethnic and class lines in their favour to win elections. "The culture of vote-buying, facilitated by high poverty levels in the country has also been used as a tool not only to win elections but also to perpetuate the poverty circle.

"It behoves all of us, the clergy, religious and laity to encourage one another to counter the poverty, ignorance and hopelessness that constitute the incentives to engage in electoral malpractices. Every vote sold is a bright future mortgaged.

others are still scheduled or already landed. There have also been reports the fights were cancelled amid a planned military exercise.

A widely shared video posted on Twitter, according the newsweek.com, is also reported to show a line of military vehicles up to 80 kilometres long heading into Beijing amid reports of a military coup on September 22.

However, the video is less than one minute long so does not show if the line of military vehicles stretches 80 kilometres.

It is not confirmed when or where it was filmed, or that the convoy is heading into Beijing as part of a military coup.

The rumour was also fueled by Indian politician Subramanian Swamy, who tweeted to his 10 million followers yesterday: "New rumour to be checked out: Is Xi Jingping [sic] under house arrest in Beijing? When Xi was in Samarkand recently, the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party were supposed to have removed Xi from the party's in-charge of the Army. Then House arrest followed. So, goes the rumour."

In a series of tweets, Drew Thompson, a former Department of Defence official for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, described the rumours as a "complete falsehood."

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News Editor: Gboyega Akinsanmi E-mail: gboyega.akinsanmi@thisdaylive.com,08152359253

Obi to Youths: Obtain Your PVCs to Vote Competent Candidates Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi has challenged all young people of voting age to obtain their permanent voter cards (PVCs) and ensure

they cast their ballots for qualified, competent, and trustworthy candidates at the local/state and national levels.

Obi made the call yesterday while addressing a press conference in Abakaliki, appealing to all

2023: Our Victory Must Be Total, Akeredolu Tells APC Members Fidelis David in Akure The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), yesterday charged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to work towards total victory for the party in 2023.

Akeredolu said the 2023 general election is very important to the state and the country at large, urging the people to work harder and constantly hold meetings and work together for the presidential, senatorial and the House of Assembly elections.

The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Olugbenga Ale, stated this at the Ondo North Senatorial Stakeholders’ meeting, held in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The Chairman of Ondo APC, Mr. Ade Adetimehin said the governor has delivered on his electoral promises across the state, saying the party should

consolidate on its previous wins and victories while urging those who are aggrieved to sheath their sword and work for the victory of the party.

He said: “Primary elections have come and gone. Let all those who are aggrieved sheath their swords.

Nobody can do it alone. We need one another now. It is only when we win elections and remain in power that we can keep fighting within the system. Remember, there is nothing to share in zero. Let us be united.”

Earlier, the APC Chairman of Owo Local Government Area, Hon. Samuel Balogun said the meeting was geared towards the general sensitisation of all party members to ensure that that the candidates of the party including Bola Tinubu wins the election in a landslide victory. “ Akeredolu is a man reputed for his confidence, vision, sagacity, experience and doggedness in the running of the party in the state, which has resulted in APC winning all his election since 2017.

Nigerians, especially the youths, to see the 2023 elections as an opportunity to take back their country and more importantly shun every form of primordial sentiments.

He said without a doubt, the new administration taking office in 2023 would face a plethora of domestic and external challenges provoked by cumulative leadership failures over the years.

He noted that these challenges have threatened national unity,

social cohesion, and citizens’ trust in the government and impeded the country’s economic outcomes.

Obi stated: “It is imperative that, as this conference draws closer to the most critical period ahead of the 2023 elections, all young people of voting age obtain their PVCs and make sure they cast their ballots for qualified, competent, and trustworthy candidates at the local/state and national levels.

“Our country is currently one of the most miserable in terms of

poverty rate, number of out-of-school children, infant and under-5 mortality rate, life expectancy, and a host of others. All these problems, though difficult, are not unsolvable.”

Obi pointed out that Nigeria is not bereft of good ideas and plans that would move the country forward, however, the institutional weaknesses and lack of political will to implement them are undermining development efforts.

He added that with the

right leadership, political will and commitment to addressing these problems, a new Nigeria, where everybody including the most vulnerable and excluded group like youths, women, and children would become the key stakeholders in the decision-making process, is possible.

Obi reiterated his commitment to a purposeful leadership that draws its strength from all Nigerians, particularly the youths, in policy formulation and administration.

RUSSIAN INVESTORS EYE NIGERIA… L-R: Chairman, Commission on Foreign Trade-Economic Cooperation, Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Konstantin Anastasiadi; Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, and a Russian investor, Mr. Seuquei Poroshi after a meeting at the Federal Ministry of Transportation in Abuja... recently

Man Kills Stepdaughter in Ondo Emmanuel: Political Assassination No Longer Norms in A’Ibom Fidelis David in Akure A middle-aged man simply identified as Muyiwa, has allegedly killed his stepdaughter, Seyifunmi Oluwarotimi.

THISDAY yesterday gathered that the man allegedly committed the act in Akungba, headquarters of Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State.

A resident of the community, who spoke privately with THISDAY yesterday, said the mother of child discovered life-threatening wounds on Seyifunmi when she woke up.

The resident said: “Both the wife and husband are living

Okon Bassey in Uyo together. But Muyiwa was said to have taken Seyifunmi outside the house around 2:00 a.m. on Thursday to urinate.

“He has been doing that always just to avoid bed-wetting. When he returned with his stepdaughter this time, no one knew what happened exactly. But his wife raised alarm after she saw wounds all over her daughter’s body in the morning.”

“Suspicion aroused when the husband could not give an account of what happened to Seyifunmi,” the resident explained.

He added that the police were alerted by residents after the child was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was confirmed dead.

Buhari Confers National Honours on Igbara Oke Monarch Fidelis David in Akure President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the conferment of national honours on the Olowa and Paramount Ruler of Igbara-Oke kingdom, Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, Ogidi III. The approval was contained in a letter signed by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume The letter read in part: “I have the honour to formally inform you that the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, had approved the conferment of the National Honours on you, in the rank of OFR (Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic

“The investiture ceremony is scheduled to tale place at the international conference centre (ICC) Abuja on Tuesday, 11th October 2022 at 9.oo am.

“Accommodation (Bed and complimentary breakfast is reserved for you at Reiz Continental Hotel, CBD, Abuja registration at check in will be on Monday, 10th October 2022 from 12: 00 p.m. a valid means of identification will be required.”

Agbede is the 13th Olowa of Igbara-Oke Kingdom. A prominent Oba in Ondo State, he was born over 60) years ago into a royal dynasty of Ogidi

by Chief Ezekiel Abiodun Agbede, a retired Police Officer of an outstanding achievements and enviable records of service, and his mother, Mrs. Florence, a successful and prominent trader.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel at the weekend noted that politically motivated assassination and kidnapping for ransom were no longer norms in the state since he assumed office seven years ago.

Emmanuel, also Chairman, Presidential Campaign Council, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), tasked the youths to resist any attempt by any individual to use

them as instruments to foment trouble and cause harm to follow citizens during the electioneering.

He made the remarks in a state broadcast to mark the state’s 35th anniversary, noting that the youths “have decided to protect the identity and soul of the state by maintaining the peace.”

According to him, our people are no longer being kidnapped, neither are politically motivated assassinations the norm as it used to be. Anti-social tendencies

are almost nonexistence. Our youths have decided to protect the identity and soul of the state by maintaining the peace.

He said: “From Uyo to Mbo, Ibeno to Ekpat Akwa, all over the state, you can move peacefully without the fear of being attacked, it was not always like this, you will all agree with me.

“Because of the peace and security we have here in our state, we remain

the destination of choice for conferences, seminars across the nation,” he added.

He cautioned against returning the state to the dark years of insecurity, brigandage, kidnapping, intolerance of differing opinion, leadership that equates self to God. He said: “We have enjoyed peace in this state, we must resist the urge by certain individuals, who motivated by power want to turn this state into a cauldron of violence.

PDP, Group Clash over Adebutu-Akinlade Alliance Agreement James Sowole in Abeokuta The Ladi Adebutu Campaign Organisation yesterday clashed with a socio-political group in Ogun State, Gateway Dialogue over the power-sharing agreement between the governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu and his running mate, Adekunle Akinlade.

While the campaign organisation claimed that the agreement was aimed at fostering cordial working relationship between the loyalists

of Adebutu and Akinlade, the group described the document as a manifestation of fraud and cluelessness.

The Media Director of the campaign organisation, Afolabi Orekoya and the Publicity Secretary, Gateway Dialogue, Thomas Ishola expressed the divergent views in separate statements yesterday.

The media was had awash with emergence of a seven-page document signed by the candidates and which had been generating

reactions from several stakeholders.

Defending the document, Orekoya claimed that the agreement was purposely released to the public and aimed at fostering cordial working relationship between the loyalists of PDP candidate his running mate.

Orekoya said: “It was legally binding to show sincerity of purpose between the two groups. The much noise by the All Progressives Congress (APC), was because the party was already been threatened by the coming

together of the Adebutu and his running mate.

“We are quite aware of the desperation to discredit our candidates ahead of the 2023 elections by people who already feel their aspiration is threatened by the alignment of Adebutu and Akinlade. “To set the record straight, the agreement was purposely released to the public and aimed at fostering cordial working relationship between the loyalists of Hon. Adebutu and his running mate.

Leadership Failure,Youths’ Biggest Challenge, Says Enugu PDP Candidate Gideon Arinze in Enugu The governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Mr Peter Mbah has said that the youths are the greatest victims of leadership failure in the country.

Mba made the remarks during the 2022 MEDRUS Leadership Forum held at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus at the weekend in Enugu with the

theme “Leadership in Modern Times, Youths Bridging the Gap”.

The governorship candidate pointed out that bad leadership posed a great challenge to Nigeria youths in achieving their potentials.

He said that collapse of leadership in Africa had a reverberating effect on youths of the continent particularly in Nigeria and good example of this, reflected “the collapse in

the different malaises suffered by the youths”.

He said: “The level of nepotism that is currently in the country, the collapse of security, the menace of students staying at home for upwards of seven months due to the inability of government and the lecturers’ union to agree on issues of funding of universities has a linkage to this collapse.

“From whatever prism one

may want to look at it, students are victims of the leadership failure that has afflicted Nigeria,” the governorship candidate said.

Mbah said the overview of Nigeria and Africa as a whole, showed a deplorable leadership situation, where in spite of the undeniable potential and natural resources, the leaders had been unable to generate any meaningful scale of economic returns for the people.

14

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

SUNDAY INTERVIEW

Wabote

Wabote: How NCDMB Raised Nigerian Content Intervention Fund to $500 Million The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr. Simbi Wabote, will be six years in office tomorrow (Monday). He spoke to Ejiofor Alike and Peter Uzoho on the agency’s 10-year Strategic Road Map, the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund and several other achievements in the ongoing efforts by the federal government to increase the participation of indigenous manpower and local facilities in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Excerpts:

S

ince you became the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board six years ago, you have been credited with several achievements. Which of these achievements do you consider most strategic?

I think the most strategic for me if you look at the software issues is the development of the 10-Year Strategic Road Map. That to me is very strategic in the sense that taking over as the executive secretary of NCDMB, I needed to know where the organisation was. I needed to ask myself, where do I want to take the organisation in the next 10 years? So, we then had to sit down, got a couple of consultants, and evaluated the current state of the organisation since it was established in 2010, up until 2016. What has it achieved? Has it achieved its objectives? Thereafter, we had to say, where do we want to be in the next 10 years, which now gave us a clear roadmap on the things that we needed to do. So, for me, knowing where we are and trying to understand where we want to be, is the most strategic software issue that we’ve been able to achieve.

On the hardware issue, the most strategic has been, completing RXU KHDG R΀FH EXLOGLQJ ZKLFK LV D VWRUH\ ÁRRU EXLOGLQJ which we did complete on record time, despite the COVID

challenge, despite all challenges that we faced. In four and half years’ time, we were able to complete that project and moved into that building, and currently, we’re using it. So, for me, those were extremely strategic if you want to ask me of the most strategic as it were.

When the Local Content was still a mere policy under the then Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, there was a target to achieve 70 per cent by 2010. Where are we today?

Well, I don’t know about that target. 2010 was when the Local Content law came into being; when the law came into being actually, the industry took an evaluation of where we were as of 2010 and came to the generalisation that we ZHUH DW MXVW DERXW ÀYH SHU FHQW LQ WHUPV RI JURZLQJ ORFDO content in the country. And today, we pride ourselves that ZH DUH DERXW SHU FHQW LQ WHUPV RI WKH JURZWK RI ORFDO content from when it was enunciated as a policy, it came as law, and up until date. In 2016, we found ourselves around 26 per cent in terms of growth, but today, we’re at SHU FHQW ZKLFK LV D VLJQLÀFDQW DFKLHYHPHQW ZKHQ \RX look at the process of local content development, which we always say, is a marathon and not a sprint. It takes

time, it takes perseverance, it takes consistency, it takes focus to be able to develop local content in the oil and gas industry, which is highly technical intensive. So, when you give all that and you look at where we’re today, after about 12 years of operating the Act, you would agree with me that we have made substantial progress.

There is a perception out there that international oil companies (IOCs) do not want to support local content. What has been your experience so far in the past six years, and how have you been getting them to support local content?

I think that will probably not be true in terms of IOCs not wanting to support local content. If there are any organisations that have supported local content, it’s the IOCs. Because, initially, when it came, there was some kind of resistance when it was a policy. They did it on a best endeavour basis as IOCs. Don’t IRUJHW WKH ,2&V DUH EXVLQHVVHV 7KH\ DUH KHUH WR PD[LPLVH SURÀW for their shareholders. So, when it became law, they had no choice but to comply with the provisions of the law. They had to drop the resistance when it became law in order to support local content development because they also know that ultimately, local content will bring about cheaper ways of doing business, will link the communities to their businesses, and also give them

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

15

SUNDAY INTERVIEW Wabote: How NCDMB Raised Nigerian Content Intervention Fund to $500 Million why today, a lot of Nigerian companies are providing services all across Africa because of that platform that we created to diversify their portfolio. In addition to that, you also have the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, which of course, creates an opportunity for Africa to trade among themselves. Rather than allow countries that have just discovered hydrocarbon to look on to Europe or America to provide the service, there is a service next door in Africa. So, that’s part of our strategy in order to continuously use the capacity that we have developed in-country.

The Board has set out to achieve a number of goals by 2027. Part of that is the creation of 300,000 direct jobs; retention of $13 billion of the estimated $20 billion spend in the oil and gas industry every year, and other lofty JRDOV :KDW H;RUWV DUH \RX PDNLQJ WR DFKLHYH these lofty goals?

2I FRXUVH WKH HͿRUW LV YHU\ FOHDU ,W·V SDUW RI WKH URDGPDS 3DUW RI WKH HͿRUWV LV LI \RX ORRN DW 2016 till now, we have moved from 26 per cent to 47 per cent. It’s clearly in the roadmap and it’s DOO WKH HͿRUW ZH SXW LQ ,I \RX ORRN DW RXU <HDU Strategic Roadmap, you have short, medium, and long-term objectives, which we did set for ourselves. And if you go and take a cursory look at those goals, you will discover that we are very much on track in delivering them.

For example, expanding the manufacturing base in the oil and gas sector, which of course, today, is pushing us to build industrial parks all across the oil-producing states. By the grace of *RG E\ WKH ÀUVW TXDUWHU RI QH[W \HDU ZH ZRXOG commission two of those industrial parks to incubate manufacturing, which is lacking.

That is very much ongoing and is very much on track. The other bit again is to support the pronouncements of government in terms of the policy. Now, the main objectives of local content in Nigeria are very clear. One is job creation. Two is retaining in-country value.

If you look at Nigeria’s population which is growing exponentially today, we are about 206 million people. How do you create jobs for WKHP" <RX KDYH WR DOVR SXW VNLQ LQ WKH JDPH <RX cannot depend solely on foreign companies to FRPH DQG FUHDWH WKRVH MREV <RX KDYH WR DOVR ORRN for an opportunity to create those jobs. That’s why you see us today getting into ventures, to catalyse ventures, as an example. One of such ventures we catalysed is the modular UHÀQHU\ 7RGD\ ZH KDYH DQ HTXLW\ LQYHVWPHQW LQ :DOWHUVPLWK 5HÀQHU\ LQ ,ELJZH ,PR 6WDWH ZKHUH ZH DUH UHÀQLQJ EDUUHOV RI FUXGH RLO SHU GD\ $QG WKDW UHÀQHU\ WRGD\ KDV LQ LWV GLUHFW employment, about 200 people and then, you multiply that with the indirect employment: WUXFN GULYHUV ÀOOLQJ VWDWLRQV DQG DOO WKDW 7KH LQGLUHFW HͿHFW LV XQLPDJLQDEOH 6R \RX KDYH to put a skin in the game. In the same vein, ZH WRRN HTXLW\ SRVLWLRQ LQ WKH H[SDQVLRQ RI /LTXHÀHG 3HWUROHXP *DV /3* 3URJUDPPH as part of the government’s intervention and created a partnership with Butane Energy to distribute LPG stations in 10 northern states of the federation. Do you know how many jobs that is going to be created? And if you take our social structure in Nigeria, for every RQH MRE \RX FUHDWH \RX DͿHFW PHPEHUV RI a family because we have a social structure where we take care of our cousins, nephews, and the rest of them. So, when you create one job, you are touching 10 lives. So, imagine 200 jobs and multiply that by 10 and then you talk about the indirect jobs. So, you must strictly use the D that is within NCDMB. It’s the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

How do you develop content if you don’t look for opportunities to catalyse the establishment of businesses in the country? And that’s exactly what we have done.

NCDMB has successfully organised the Practical Nigerian Content Seminar and the Nigerian oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) for the past couple of years, where huge investment opportunities and ideas are unveiled. How have these investment opportunities translated to project execution? $ ORW RI WKHP KDYH FRPH WR OLJKW <RX UHPHPber it was at one of the PNCs that we talked about Train 7. Today, I’m sure you probably attended and you heard us when NLNG came and talked about the potential of Train 7. Today, Train 7 is a reality. That’s almost a $5 billion project and the project is going on as I speak.

It’s about 30 per cent complete and hopefully, in 2026 or so, that project will be completed. That’s one example. Secondly, in one of the PNCs, we

I think, if for anything, it will enhance its local content practices because before now, it was VHHQ DV SDUW RI WKH JRYHUQPHQW <RX FDQQRW see two government entities wrestling on the pages of the newspapers. But now, it’s a private entity and they know that to be able to go out there to borrow money, and access funds, you need to be very clean with regards to corporate JRYHUQDQFH SURFHVVHV <RX QHHG WR REH\ WKH laws of the land and you need to be compliant with the laws that you have in the country and outside this country too, to be able to access funding, which they will do. So, the onus is on them to realise that, as a private company, you need a bill of clearance from most of the regulatory agencies to be able to access funds, and the onus is also on them to do everything WKH\ FDQ WR FRPSO\ ZLWK WKRVH UHTXLUHPHQWV So, it will be better going forward. As you know, they are trying to get themselves together, having become a limited liability company, there are lots of processes. So, we are also watching, giving them time to get themselves together and self-regulate because people are out there watching to see how they will operate.

Wabote

talked about the Ikike project of TotalEnergies.

Today, Ikike has been commissioned, producing almost 50,000 barrels of oil per day. It’s a huge project with a lot of Nigerian participation. I think by the end of this month, they are going WR FHOHEUDWH WKH SURGXFWLRQ RI ,NLNH <RX WDON about Bonga North as an example. We talked about it at the PNC. SNEPCo is revving up activities in order for Bonga North to come alive. Most of the pronouncements are gradually being developed. Don’t forget, the oil and gas business, from when you discover and you IRFXV RQ SURGXFLQJ RLO LW WDNHV DERXW ÀYH \HDUV It’s a long gestation period to bring production alive. So, most of those pronouncements are being realised today, and it’s very visible for anybody to see.

it’s also part of the strategic achievements that we have made within the board.

You also invested in several projects such DV PRGXODU UHÀQHULHV :KLFK RI WKHVH SURMHFWV has started yielding dividends, and are you QRW ZRUULHG WKDW \RX PD\ KDYH \RXU ÀQJHUV burnt in some of these businesses?

7RGD\ DV , VDLG HDUOLHU :DOWHUVPLWK 5HÀQHU\ which we took interest in is currently producing, DPRQJ WKH RQO\ WZR UHÀQHULHV ZRUNLQJ LQ WKH country. The other one is the one by NDEP. Today, we even built tanks within the Waltersmith 5HÀQHU\ WR VWRUH SURGXFWV EXW WKH GHPDQG LV so much that we don’t even have products to store. As you are producing, it’s being taken away, and return on investment has been very healthy for us, as far as we are concerned.

At a recent oil and gas conference, you As for if I’m worried that I may burn my announced that the Nigerian Content Inter- ÀQJHUV LQ DQ\ RI WKRVH SURMHFWV DV D PDWWHU RI vention Fund has grown to $500 million. How fact, investments all over the world, if you go were you able to achieve this, and what is the and ask capitalists who have invested in various report of the repayment? ventures, non of them will tell you that every I make bold to say that the Nigerian Content venture they got into was successful. If you ask Intervention Fund which is being managed by people like Elon Musk, who is one of the richest WKH %DQN RI ,QGXVWU\ %2, LV RQH RI WKH PRVW men in the world, if you read his books, he did successful loan schemes in this country. We a lot of investments that did not succeed. But rolled out $350 million which we gave to BOI that never stopped him, he kept on knocking to manage on our behalf. Today, all that money at the door. Today, he is one of the wealthiest has been taken up by various businesses in the men in the world. So, for us in NCDMB, we country and the payback has been almost 98 per look for opportunities. If at the end of the day, cent successful at that. This has also helped to a we are 70 per cent successful, that is a huge ODUJH H[WHQW LQ FXVKLRQLQJ WKH HͿHFW LQ WHUPV RI success as far as investment is concerned. If doing business in the country, because today, \RX GRQ·W YHQWXUH \RX GRQ·W JDLQ <RX KDYH the interest rate on the back of that fund is just WR EH RXW WKHUH WR EH DEOH WR FUHDWH YDOXH <RX six per cent, whether you borrow in naira or in remember the story of the biblical talents where the dollar. It has been hugely successful. And we money was given to a couple of people. Some are doing the same thing with NEXIMBANK of them decided to bury the money while some that we gave $50 million, with them bringing invested and doubled what was given to them in their counterpart funding of $50 million, to as compared with those who buried their own support working capital as well as women in because they were afraid of losing the money oil and gas. So, those have been very successful when they invest it. So, for us, it’s to catalyse and the testimonies are there to show. as much business as we can, and if at the end In terms of what we are doing with NEXIM, it of the day, we are successful in 70 per cent of it, took time for it to kick in. So, all this while, they we pat ourselves on the shoulders because we have been developing the backend because we also do a thorough risk analysis, to say, where wanted an online process. We didn’t want people is the risk envelope that we are ready to live to be swarming banks to apply for those funds. with because it’s business?

So, they needed to build their backend to be able NNPC is now a limited liability company to meet clients’ needs. Since they completed that, we now started seeing movements in terms of operating under the Companies and Allied people accessing those funds and the rest of it. Matters Act (CAMA). How would this new So, it has been hugely successful, and I think VWDWXV D;HFW LWV /RFDO &RQWHQW SUDFWLFHV"

You have already highlighted some of the LQYHVWPHQWV \RX DUH PDNLQJ LQ VRPH SULYDWH establishments. Is this part of the NCDMB mandate? ,W·V LPSRUWDQW WR GHDO ZLWK WKLV TXHVWLRQ VR that you guys should be the ones to tell the story.

Now, when you look at NCDMB, I think the framers of the law also know that you cannot ask people to do what you cannot do. Hence, they put that development in it. An example is, you ask companies to say, you have to employ Nigerians, because that’s what the law says and then they come to you and say, we are not able to see Nigerians with the skillsets that we need to be able to produce hydrogen. What will you do? Ask them to stop so that you go and build capacity before they continue with the oil and gas production. Of course not. So, as NCDMB, while you are asking them to employ Nigerians, you must participate in building the capacity of Nigerians, so that when they come back to you to say, we don’t have people, you say, we have trained a lot of people and here is the data, so you have to use them. That’s one. Secondly, the objective of Local Content, like I said to you, is to create opportunities for employment in Nigeria, given the growing population of the country. Local Content as it is always said by PH LQ HYHU\ IRUXP WKDW , ÀQG P\VHOI LV QRW D RQH VL]H ÀWV DOO :KDW /RFDO &RQWHQW UHTXLUHPHQWV IRU 1LJHULD ZLOO EH GLͿHUHQW IURP /RFDO &RQWHQW UHTXLUHPHQWV LQ 4DWDU DV DQ H[DPSOH" 1LJHULD LV PRUH DERXW HPSOR\PHQW 4DWDU they don’t even have the people to employ.

So, it’s more about establishing industries and factories within their country to bring in people so that they would generate taxes and the rest RI LW 7KHVH DUH WZR GLͿHUHQW MXULVGLFWLRQV 6R LQ 1LJHULD ZKLOH \RX UHTXLUH ,2&V WR EH WKH RQHV WR LQLWLDWH SURMHFWV WKH TXHVWLRQ \RX DVN yourself is, what if they don’t exist? It means you can never exist. Therefore, you have to put skin in the game to utilise the D that has been provided in the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, because people are going to ask you, what have you developed? Take for instance, when we got into Waltersmith.

We acted as a catalyst to get that investment going. Today, they have 200 people employed.

Multiply that by six, because for every direct employment you provide in any establishment, you have six as the indirect employment that you create out there. So, you must participate LQ WKH SURFHVV ,W·V QRW D TXHVWLRQ RI DVNLQJ SHRSOH WR GR ZKDW \RX KDYH QRW GRQH <RX will demonstrate to them that you have also supported businesses to establish themselves, so we know what we are doing and we want you to do the same with businesses that you do here in the country. So, that is why we get involved. And we are going to continuously get involved in those businesses that are not in competition. And I think it’s important that I make this distinction in the sense that we don’t get involved in businesses that compete because we are a regulatory agency. The opportunity we provide for businesses that compete is to keep funds aside that is managed by the Bank of Industry for them to access. We cannot go and WDNH HTXLW\ LQ D YHVVHO WKDW LV SURYLGLQJ VHUYLFH because if you do that, as a regulatory agency, we will only be approving for that vessel to be XWLOLVHG LQ WKH LQGXVWU\ ZKLFK FRQÁLFWV ZLWK RXU role. But we only support federal government pronouncements on strategic initiatives in the country.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

16

NEWS Bandits Kidnap Kaduna APC Chieftains, Injure Others John Shiklam in Kaduna Two chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State have been abducted while three others were injured following an attack by bandits along the Kaduna-Kachia road.

The attack was said to have occurred Thursday night at Tashar Icce, near Kujama, headquarters of Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State.

The party members were said to be returning to Kaduna after an interactive session between all

governorship candidates in the state with the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Forum (SKCLF), which held in Kafanchan, Jama’a LGA on Thursday.

Sources said those abducted include one Madaki, a House of Assembly candidate for Kajuru

and Reuben Waziri, the party’s Vice Chairman in Kajuru LGA. Ben Maigari, a relative of the Vice Chairman, confirmed the incident, saying the bandits were yet to make contact.

Those who sustained inju-

ries were taken to the hospital in Kaduna for treatment.

Mohammed Jalige, spokesman of the Kaduna state police command, could not be reached when contacted as his mobile telephone was switched off.

During the interactive session with the Christian leaders, the governorship candidates took turn to explain their vision for the state.

Chairman, SKCLF, Apostle Emmanuel Kure explained that the aim of the gathering

was to give the candidates the opportunity to speak with the Christian leaders directly about their blueprint for the state.

The meeting, which was tagged “Southern Kaduna Pastors Congress”, was attended by five of the eight governorship candidates in the state, namely; Jonathan Asake of LP, Uba Sani of APC, Timothy Adamu of AA, Suleiman Hunkuyi of NNPP and Andrew Duya of APGA. The candidates of the PDP, PRP and ADC were absent.

Public Universities Now on Life Support, Salem Varsity VC Laments Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

ESPRIT DE CORPS… Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Muhammad Fadah (right) presenting some copies of NYSC publications to the National Coordinator for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Maj.-Gen. Abba Dikko (left) Dikko’s courtesy visit to the NYSC Headquarters in Abuja ... recently

NIS Rescues Mother of Six, Two Girls on Way to Libya Ismail Adebayo in Birnin Kebbi The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kebbi State Command, have rescued a mother of six children and two teenage girls during a border patrol base in Yauri, Kebbi State.

The command disclosed that the 35-year-old mother was identified as Adedoyin Awoyele while two other teenage girls as Khadijat Babalola and Risikat Ganiyu.

The Comptroller, NIS Kebbi Command, Rabi Nuhu revealed the details while handing over to the officials of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) at the NIS Office, Birnin Kebbi Nuhu claimed that the victims were on their way to Sokoto where they were to be moved to Libya when officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service,

Kebbi Command apprehended them.

According to the comptroller, the three victims of human trafficking were coming from Lagos and Oluyole area of Ibadan in Oyo State. They were arranged for Libya by human traffickers through Sokoto, but were intercepted on their way at the Kebbi border patrol base in Yauri.

Nuhu said two of the victims, Adedoyin and Khadijat upon interrogation disclosed to Immigration personnel that they were going to Libya on the invitation of their friends that are based in Libya.

She said the third victim, Risikat claimed she was going to Sokoto to meet her sister who lives there but the command believes she has plans to move to Libya from Sokoto.

Rabiu said the NIS “has established that the human trafficking victims contacts persons are in Libya awaiting their arrival.”

She lamented that it was unfortunate that despite our efforts people “are still being apprehended on daily basis in their desperate bids to move to Libya where they are being dehumanized and used for horrible purposes.

“We are not doing this on our own but to protect the victims of human trafficking. The United Nations is also worried over what happened to many of the victims in their bids to move to Libya.

“They are being butchered and their hearts and kidneys removed.

Kidney harvest is what they are doing now. Imagine this woman with six children. Why is she going to Libya instead of her to stay at home and take care

of her children.

“We are handing over the victims to National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to do the needful. We are empowered by Part 10 and 11 of the 2015 Immigration Act on smuggling and human trafficking and will not relent in our efforts to stop human trafficking.”

While answering questions from journalists, the mother of six, Adedoyin and Khadijat said their friends in Libya promised to get them house help jobs if they could make it to Libya through Sokoto.

Adedoyin said: “I have six children back in Lagos State. But I need to survive. The quest for survival pushed me to take the risk of moving to Libya even when I read about the dangers on Facebook.”

Magnus Abe: Why I Chose Retired Permanent Secretary as Running Mate Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe has said he carefully chose the state’s retired permanent secretary, Dr Patricia Ogbonnaya as a running mate because of her outstanding career in civil service.

Abe gave the reason while unveiling his deputy and also Director-General of his campaign council, Senator Wilson Ake, in Port Harcourt yesterday.

He noted that Ogbonnaya had displayed quality of humility and dedication during her career in civil servant as a 15-time permanent secretary in the State.

Abe added that the choice of Ogbonnaya, ‘Ada Ekpeye Logbo II of Ekpeye Kingdom’, was also borne out of the desire to have an astute administrator as his deputy.

He said he needed an experienced career bureaucrat who can stand in for him and act effectively as a governor who is determined to bring good governance to the people.

Abe said: “I will give two reasons why and how we came to choose her. First of all, what were we looking for? We were looking for somebody that will add value to the ticket; somebody who can be governor if I am not there.

“Somebody who can lead the state in the direction we want the state to go. Somebody who has knowledge and can advise and contribute to the kind of Rivers State we will all like to see.

“We wanted somebody who will be an asset. We were not necessarily for a woman. We were not necessarily looking in any particular direction.

“But with a clear target of what we wanted in mind, we now got

to the business of trying to identify who that person should be. She is a mother with passion and we approached her and asked her to join us,” he said.

Also speaking on the choice of Senator Ake as Director-General of the Campaign Council, Abe said it was based on the fact that he is approachable and can approach anyone He said: “I want to thank all of you for your support and patience.

I stand here today to introduce to you the Director -General of our campaign council.

“We wanted someone who is known to Rivers people, somebody who is approachable and can approach people, somebody who can contribute resources to our project.

“We are here to introduce and unveil the Director-General of our Campaign Council, the real

Distinguished Senator Wilson Asinobi Ake. “When people have given you responsibility to lead, take decisions on their behalf and they will support you. Today, I am a candidate for governor for the Social Democratic Party and we are talking about Campaign Council that will help us as a team to win election in this state.

“I am the leader of that team; I am the governorship candidate.

No matter who I ask, the ultimate responsibility for taking decisions on our behalf will be mine.

Have confidence in me as your candidate, I will continue to take decisions in your best interest.”

In his remarks, SDP National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gaban, stated that the party is the second oldest existing political party in Nigeria after the Peoples Redemption Party.

The Vice Chancellor of Salem University, Prof. Johnson Alewo yesterday lamented that the country’s public universities “are now on life support” due to the ongoing strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Consequently, the vice chancellor urged the federal government and the union to sheath their swords to avoid the total collapse of educational system.

He expressed the concern at a session with journalists in Lokoja, challenging the federal government and the union to return to negotiation table to find lasting solution to the seven-month industrial action.

At the session yesterday, Alewo observed that the country’s

education sector “is already on life support,” noting that a further delay in resolving the current crises will cause unexpected catastrophes in nearest future.

However, according to the vice chancellor, industrial disharmony or strikes are alien to private universities, which gave them the opportunity for the uninterrupted in their academic calendar year in year out.

He noted that the federal government “must be very sincere enough to bring to the table the best way to resolve the issues perennial crises mitigating against high standard of education in Nigeria. While the members of ASUU are also expected to return for negotiations, Alewo challenged the union to shift position and consider the plights of the students and their parents .

Buhari Greets Smart-Cole at 81 Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with ace photographer, musician and publisher, Sunmi Smart-Cole, as he marks his 81st birthday on September 25.

The president, in a release issued Saturday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, celebrated the octogenarian for legendary impact on media, music and the country’s development.

Buhari affirmed that the diligence, excellence and experience of Smart-Cole on cameras, musical instruments and managing people and events over many years continue to inspire and guide a new generation, learning his

wise counsels on turning skills into trade, and spreading influence.

The president noted the vision of the international professional photographer, who learnt his trade in United States, but sought growth and impact in Nigeria and Africa, sustaining a legacy of capturing history, storing and sharing memories, both of the highly placed and less privileged.

Buhari extolled the warmth, candidness and foresight of the renowned photo-journalist, who worked with The Guardian newspaper as Photo Editor, before spreading his tentacles into private business and consulting, interfacing with leaders, home and abroad.

Coca-Cola Foundation, FABE Join Forces for Tidy Nigeria FABE International Foundation has taken project #TidyNigeria a Community/Household Recycling Drive one-step further.

“With funding from the Coca-Cola Foundation, FABE International Foundation will be establishing five (5) #TidyNigeriaRecyclingHubs across Lagos State, Nigeria. This validates our Foundation’s goal to Create a Zero Waste Nigeria one community at a time,” the CCF said in a statement.

It was gathered that the Foundations were cooperating on this because, plastic pollution has emerged as a major issue in Lagos, which experts trace to its being a coastal city.

On the initiative, President

of The Coca-Cola Foundation, Saadia Madsbjerg, noted that The Foundation supports grassroots initiatives that build resilience of communities to properly manage their waste streams.

According to her, “This grant will support local communities in Lagos to better manage waste as we collectively journey towards a zero waste society, globally, one community at a time.”

Similarly, Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, said, The Coca-Cola Foundation supports programmes around the world that are centred on water, waste disposals and community wellbeing.

17

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

BUSINESS

Editor: Festus Akanbi 08038588469 Email:festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com

As Atiku, Obi Entice Private Sector with Robust Economic Reforms

$V WKH SUHVLGHQWLDO FDPSDLJQ RSHQV WKLV ZHHN RQH LVVXH WKDW PD\ GUDZ WUD΀F WR WKH UDOOLHV RI WKH FDQGLGDWHV RI WKH 3HRSOHV 'HPRFUDWLF 3DUW\ $WLNX $EXEDNDU DQG WKH /DERXU 3DUW\ ÁDJEHDUHU 3HWHU 2EL LV WKHLU SURPLVH RI UREXVW HFRQRPLF UHIRUPV ZKLFK WKH\ HQXQFLDWHG DW GLͿHUHQW LQWHUDFWLYH sessions at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), writes Festus Akanbi chain, including transmission, to ensure a steady power supply if elected president next year.

Atiku

E

conomic analysts have predicted that when the presidential campaigns for the 2023 general election begin this week, more Nigerians would be interested in the economic blueprints of the leading contenders for the R΀FH RI WKH SUHVLGHQW WKDQ ZKDWHYHU SROLWLFDO initiatives they are bringing to the table.

This is because analysts think that with the shoddy economic performance of the current administration, there will be urgent pressure for the incoming administration to navigate the country away from the current path of economic disasters.

To the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the campaign period is also going to provide an opportunity to renew their mandate and tell 1LJHULDQV ZKDW WKH\ SODQ WR GR GLͿHUHQWO\ WR WDNH the nation out of the current economic woes.

Analysts believe some of the narratives that will shape campaigns, especially for the position of the president are the basic economic issues ZKLFK KDYH GULYHQ WKH FRPPRQ PDQ WR WKH FOLͿ At every opportunity, Nigerians express shock at the paradox of recording lower revenue from oil earnings during a period of higher oil prices.

The oil sabotage, the recourse to excessive borrowing at a very great cost, the unresolved issue of security threats and the attendant disincentive to farming and the high cost of living are issues which the various political gladiators will feast on when the lid on political campaign is removed this week.

So far, two leading presidential candidates have been able to table their economic blueprints before some representatives of the organised private sector. They are the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that of the Labour Party (LP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter Obi, respectively.

Atiku Bells the Cat AtikuAbubakar, who was hosted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at a forum for presidential candidates in the 2023 election, held two weeks ago, was able to give a clue to his robust economic policies with which he plans to take Nigerian economy out of the

Power Sector Reforms Promising a robust power sector reform, Obi said: “Power is something everybody is worried about. I know very well that the federal government as of today has removed power from the exclusive list to the concurrent list. But I will go further than that. Our power problem today is that we have privatised generation and distribution but left power transmission untouched. ´)RU PH WKH ÀUVW WKLQJ , ZLOO GR WR HQVXUH D VWHDG\ power supply is to liberalise transmission. This is critical if you are going to deal with our power sector. We will support the existing companies in the distribution and generation arms by ensuring that there is a dedicated gas supply which is one of their problems today.

“We will ensure that the generation, transmission and distribution are properly aligned. We will ensure clear certainty of policy and regulatory environment for them to operate. We will support them with access to funding that is attractive and deal with some tax incentives. We have to ensure that renewable energy is embedded in our power process.”

He said his administration would limit government involvement in the power sector to providing sovereign guarantees and policy clarity and certainty that would attract private sector investment.

Obi

wood should he win the 2023 elections.

Highlights of his bold statements included his promise to resuscitate Nigeria’s ailing economy by launching a $10 billion Economic Stimulus )XQG ZLWKLQ KLV ÀUVW GD\V LQ R΀FH LI KH ZLQV the 2023 presidential election. Atiku said the fund would prioritise support to micro, small and PHGLXP VFDOH HQWHUSULVHV 060(V WKDW RͿHU the greatest opportunity for inclusive economic growth.

As a former vice-president, under whose ZDWFK 1LJHULD ZDV DEOH WR UHFRUG VLJQLÀFDQW breakthroughs on economic fronts, including debt reliefs, there is no doubt the politician has what it takes to arrest the attention of his audience mostly captains of industry and businessmen and women.

Analysts said he has a clearer understanding of most of the problems confronting the nation and as a successful businessman, he also has an understanding of the challenges frustrating investors in Nigeria.

He assured the nation’s captains of industry of a warm handshake, saying he would listen to the private sector more, restore investors’ FRQÀGHQFH LQ WKH 1LJHULDQ HFRQRP\ EUHDN WKH MLQ[ RI LQIUDVWUXFWXUH ÀQDQFH GHFODUH D VWDWH RI emergency in the power sector, undertake farUHDFKLQJ ÀVFDO UHVWUXFWXULQJ WKDW ZRXOG LPSURYH liquidity in the economy and stimulate growth, create jobs, wage war against hunger as well as ensure that over the medium term, recurrent expenditure should not exceed 45 per cent of the budget. $WLNX VDLG ´:LWKLQ WKH ÀUVW GD\V LQ WKH R΀FH , ZLOO FUHDWH DQ (FRQRPLF 6WLPXOXV )XQG with an initial investment capacity of $10 billion to prioritise support to MSMEs across all WKH HFRQRPLF VHFWRUV DV WKH\ RͿHU WKH JUHDWHVW opportunities for achieving inclusive growth.”

Review of Government Spending Fully aware of high recurrent expenditure and the cries from the camp of the organised private sector, Atiku vowed to slash government spending and check leakages by cancelling the fuel subsidy policy.

He said, “First, I will undertake an immediate review of government spending to eliminate all

leakages arising from subsidy payments. With its FXUUHQW SUHFDULRXV ÀVFDO SRVLWLRQ DQG GDXQWLQJ GHYHORSPHQW FKDOOHQJHV FDQ 1LJHULD DͿRUG WR forego critical investments in education, health, security, etc. and channel scarce resources to subsidising the lifestyles of its elite?”Atiku asked.

Ending Financial Support to Ailing Government Enterprises The former vice president said his priorities ZLOO LQFOXGH PRYLQJ WR VWRS DOO ÀQDQFLDO VXSSRUW to ailing state-owned enterprises.

“As with subsidy payments, by holding unto these underperforming enterprises, Nigeria is VDFULÀFLQJ LQYHVWPHQWV LQ FULWLFDO DUHDV LQFOXGLQJ water, sanitation, and rural infrastructure. For H[DPSOH WKH ÀUVW SKDVH LQ WKH UHKDELOLWDWLRQ RI 1LJHULD·V UHÀQHULHV LV H[SHFWHG WR JXOS billion! I will sell of them,” he declared.

Atiku also stated his resolve to take steps to LPSURYH VSHQGLQJ H΀FLHQF\ E\ JUDGXDO UHGXFWLRQ of government recurrent expenditures.

“Over the medium term, recurrent expenditures should not exceed 45 per cent of the budget,” he said.

Support for Private Sector Atiku also promised to focus on non-debt ÀQDQFLQJ E\ SURPRWLQJ D SULYDWH VHFWRU OHG LQIUDVWUXFWXUH GHYHORSPHQW IXQG IRU WKH ÀQDQFing and delivery of key infrastructure projects.

He added that his administration would be GLͿHUHQW DV LW ZRXOG VXSSRUW ´WKH SULYDWH VHFtor to drive growth. We will establish a strong partnership in investing in infrastructure, creating MREV DQG LQFRPH DQG LQ WKH ÀJKW DJDLQVW SRYHUW\ We will listen to the private sector more.”

He also promised to take immediate steps to slow down the rate of debt accumulation by promoting more Public Private Partnerships in critical infrastructure funding and identifying more innovative funding options.

Obi Unviels Economic Package The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, who took his turn at the LCCI forum, last week, told the leaders of the organised private sector that his administration would liberalise the entire power sector value

Petrol Subsidy to Go Obi also stated that his administration would be decisive in removing the petrol subsidy, tackling WKH VHFXULW\ FKDOOHQJHV D΁LFWLQJ WKH FRXQWU\ and putting a halt to crude oil theft, pointing out that oil theft could not thrive without people in government participating in it.

He described the petrol subsidy as an organised crime and pledged to bring it to an end by encouraging the setting up of privately owned UHÀQHULHV He said: “Petrol subsidy is an organised crime.

I have said that 60 per cent of the subsidy is corruption. That will be dealt with decisively.

Secondly, we will aggressively start to ensure WKH SURPRWLRQ RI ORFDO UHÀQLQJ WKDW LV SULYDWH sector driven and supply them crude oil in Naira WR UHÀQH IRU GRPHVWLF FRQVXPSWLRQ More Actions Against Insecurity He said: “If we come to government in 2023, one thing that we must decisively and aggressively deal with is the issue of security. Insecurity is the number one thing that is impacting Nigeria’s economic growth today. And I need to deal with it as quickly as possible.

“We need to overhaul the entire security architecture, including having multilevel policing involving the federal, state and community and equip them properly with modern gadgets.”

Borrowing to Fund Infrastructure Obi, however, did not leave his audience in doubt that his administration would borrow and invest in infrastructure.

He said: “There is nothing wrong in borrowing.

7KH GLͿHUHQFH LV WKDW LI \RX ERUURZ IRU FRQVXPStion you will have a problem. But if you borrow for investments your economy will grow. The reason things are not working here is that we are borrowing for consumption.

“Debt is a component of development but LW PXVW EH XVHG H΀FLHQWO\ DQG HͿHFWLYHO\ IRU purposes that will bring value so that we get from the investment will be enough to service the debt.” As Nigerians continue to take stock of electoral promises, the expectation is that the 2023 elections will produce a leader capable of taking Nigeria out of the current economic woes.

18

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

POWER

Eko Disco: Haunted by the Ghost of NEPA Festus Akanbi, in this report, captures the agony of customers of Eko Distribution Company over the GHWHULRUDWLRQ RI WKH FRPSDQ\·V SHUIRUPDQFH HVSHFLDOO\ LQ ,NR\L 9LFWRULD ,VODQG DQG RWKHU DͿHFWHG areas in Lagos, which some critics describe as a re-enactment of the defunct NEPA’s sloppiness

T

woweeksago,themanagement of Eko Distribution Company organised a town hall meeting to douse the simmering anger of its teeming customers in the Lagos Island District comprising Ikoyi, Lagos Island and Victoria Island over what has become a culture of shoddy performance.

It was a meeting where the aggrieved customers unleashed their anger over a spate of GHWHULRUDWLQJ VHUYLFH IURP WKH GLVWULEXWLRQ ÀUP as the embattled power distribution company launched into a barrage of excuses for keeping WKH DͿHFWHG DUHDV LQ GDUNQHVV IRU RQH ZHHN THISDAY investigation showed that Lekki and its environs were thrown into darkness for over a week, a development which forced the management of EKDC to organise the town hall meeting. %XVLQHVVHV LQ WKH DͿHFWHG DUHDV DUH DOUHDG\ complaining over additional costs being expended on alternative sources of energy even as members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) are said to have spent N425 billion on other energy sources such as gas, low-pour fuel oil, diesel and petrol between 2017 and 2021. This does not include manufacturers’ expenditure on power coming from electricity distribution companies, popularly known as DisCos. According to the data, expenditure on alternative energy sources by MAN members amounted to N117.38 billion in 2017; N93.11 billion in 2018; N61.38 billion in 2019; N81.91 billion in 2020, and N71.22 billion in 2021.

Meanwhile, at the meeting called by the Eko Distribution Company, customers were said to have complained that the company’s old and overloaded distribution infrastructure was DͿHFWLQJ VXSSO\ LQ WKHLU FRPPXQLWLHV 0DQ\ residents from Lagos Island complained about the faults as a result of weak underground cables and overloaded transformers and thus requested solutions from DisCo. Although the Managing Director of EKEDC, Dr. Tinuade Sanda, in a message read on her EHKDOI E\ WKH &KLHI &RPPHUFLDO 2΀FHU 0UV Rekhiat Momoh, had attributed the blackout to alleged damage to the cables at some construction sites on Lagos Island, the aggrieved customers wondered why they should take the blame for whatever excuses put forward by the electricity distribution company.

In a similar forum in Ajah and Ibeju, Sanda assured customers that the management was DZDUH RI WKH LVVXHV DͿHFWLQJ SRZHU VXSSO\ LQ the areas and has thus organised the platform to address the situation. Most complaints were about the inadequate power supply, while others were about metering, estimated billing, and safety issues within the company’s network.

Observers said the town hall meetings were organised to forestall a full-blown public protest like those of last year where customers challenged EKDC to sit up.

For over two weeks, houses in Ikoyi South West, particularly those on Raymond Njoku, Awolowo Road and others, were thrown into GDUNQHVV GXH WR (.'&·V LQH΀FLHQF\ 6RPHWLPHV WKH\ ÀQG LW GL΀FXOW WR UHVROYH PLQRU ZKLFK are cable or transformer-related. Even major problems which are required to be resolved in one or two days, drag on for one week or two weeks, thereby throwing the entire area into darkness and putting extra costs on residents.

7KRVH ZKR VSRNH WR 7+,6'$< RͿ WKH UHFRUG VDLG DOO WKH LQH΀FLHQF\ DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK NPPA and PHCN is in the hands of EKDC. They wondered why the federal government LV QRW EHDPLQJ OLJKW RQ WKH ÀUP One of the customers who spoke to the newsmen, Mrs R. Omolara said: “Nigerians are deprived of basic utilities. We can’t use our fridges, fans, and air conditioners and even catch up with the news on television.”

Eko Electricity Distribution Plc currently supplies power to the southern part of Lagos State and the Agbara community in Ogun State. These licensed areas are segmented into 11 districts - Lekki, Ibeju, Islands, Orile, Ijora,

Eko Disco

Apapa, Mushin, Festac, Ojo, Ajah and Agbara.

Receiving between 11 and 15 per cent of the total energy allocation from the national grid, the company procures bulk electricity from Akangba, Ajah and Ikeja West transmission stations.

Privatisation, a Bungled Process From all indications, the federal governPHQW PD\ KDYH EXUQW LWV ÀQJHUV WKURXJK WKH power sector privatisation, especially with the distribution companies’ shoddy performances, a development which is said to be bringing back the memory of the era of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA).

Today, many critics of privatisation appeared vindicated over the initial fears they expressed over the modalities employed in the privatisation SURFHVV $FFRUGLQJ WR WKHP WKHUH LV QR GLͿHUence in terms of customer satisfaction between the eras when the defunct NEPA ran the show DQG QRZ ZKHQ GLͿHUHQW HOHFWULF GLVWULEXWLRQ FRPSDQLHV PDQDJH VSHFLÀF FRYHUDJH DUHDV In March 2005, the Energy Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) came into force leading to the cessation of NEPA. Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution which were together under NEPA were separated into GLͿHUHQW EXVLQHVV RSHUDWLRQV LQ WKH VHFWRU In the distribution line, 11 companies (including Eko Disco) emerged, with licences to distribute electricity to consumers. However, these companies were under the umbrella of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) which was later unbundled in 2013 when power generation and distribution were further privatised giving investors more or total ownership.

Burden of Debt At least, Abuja, Benin, Ibadan, Kaduna and Kano DisCos have fallen into the hands of the banks they took credit from after they were unable to break even eight years after they were licensed. :KLOH WKH 'LV&RV DUH VHULRXVO\ ÀJKWLQJ EDFN accusing the government of re-nationalising power assets, stakeholders are worried over several issues, including if investors would buy the shares seized from the old owners of the DisCos and if the balance of the banks would improve as extant challenges still lay siege to

the nation’s electricity sector.

They insisted that government, via the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), allegedly has a hand in the failure of the power sector by not “meeting extant guidelines and regulations.”

Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), an umbrella body of the DisCos, in a statement, claimed that the government IDLOHG WR IXOÀO D 1 ELOOLRQ VXEVLG\ DQG RWKHU privatisation promises made since 2013.

Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, Sunday Oduntan, said the utility companies are deeply concerned about the “restructuring” of WKH ÀYH HOHFWULFLW\ GLVWULEXWLRQ ÀUPV DGGLQJ WKDW the move “is inconsistent with all the guidelines and processes necessary to comply with the framework of privatisation agreements and the rule of law.”

According to him, the resultant outcome of the move has been an expropriation or backdoor renationalisation of the DisCos by the federal government.

He added “Such renationalisation or expropriation must be viewed through a historical context as necessary for a proper understanding of the performance challenges that the DisCos have been faced with since privatisation.

“Fundamentally, the basis of privatisation was ÁDZHG IURP WKH EHJLQQLQJ GXH WR FRQGLWLRQV that were not met by the federal government, while expecting the DisCos to meet their performance obligations. Not only were the LQYHVWRUV VKRUW FKDQJHG EHFDXVH RI LQVX΀FLHQW and unreliable data that was provided by BPE to them during the privatisation process, but the government also committed to and failed WR GHOLYHU RQ 'LV&RV· GHEW IUHH ÀQDQFLDO ERRNV payment of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDA) electricity debts and N100 billion subsidy.”

Uninspiring Venture Acommentator on energy issues, Mr. Sunday Onyemaechi Eze recalled that the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) vehemently resisted the idea of privatisation to force the government to back out of the plan.

He lamented that the government had already EXUQW LWV ÀQJHUV E\ LQYHVWLQJ KXPRQJRXV VXPV of money in a private business it has no business

rescuing from the onset. According to him, over N300 billion has been injected as an intervention fund for the DisCos while the nation groans in darkness. The worst-case scenario is the inability of the DisCos to service and repair back the loan/intervention facility.

He said, “It was clear from the privatisation processes that the dilemma of the power sector in Nigeria will not abate soon. The laid down rules for choosing competent bidders were grossly abused by those in positions of authority who set the rules themselves.”

In his contribution to the debate on the state of power supply to Nigerians, one energy expert at the University of Lagos, Prof. Yemi Oke was quoted as saying that BPE and NERC should share in the blame for poor the performance of the DisCos. “There is no doubt that the current privatisation is not working as planned. The government, in my view, should not interfere directly in the takeover of DisCos, if the takeover is a strictly commercial matter. The DisCos and the banks should negotiate for settlement directly, and if settlement breaks down, then the agreed provisions should be enforced,” he said.

On his part, an energy lawyer, Madaki Ameh, was quoted as saying that time had come for the total overhaul of the sector, insisting that the overhaul is long overdue and that the takeover RI WKH 'LV&RV UHPDLQHG OHJDOO\ MXVWLÀHG XQGHU the terms of the agreement, which brought them into the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Currently, the power sector owes banks around N1 trillion, while government interventions in the sector hover around N2.9 trillion.

The World Bank andAfrican Development Bank (AfDB) loan to the sector stands at about $3 billion, even as the Federal Government spends about $5 billion on some power generation and transmission projects, including the muchtrumpeted Siemens deal, which has remained a mirage going by initial promises.

But will the government fold its arms and allow electricity companies to jeopardise WKH SURÀWDELOLW\ RI EXVLQHVV RZQHUV DQG WKH FRPIRUW RI UHVLGHQWV RI WKHVH DͿHFWHG DUHDV while the distribution companies continue to run the show? Nigerians are understandably becoming impatient and waiting for regulatory interventions.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

19

FINANCE

Ahmed

Lawan

Owasanoye

Tackling Padding in Government’s Budget The ugly trend of budget padding in the federal government’s yearly appropriation continues unabated, despite detections and reports of insertion of excess budgetary allocations and duplications of projects by ministries, departments and agencies as well as the legislature. This prevalent anomaly would be history if the government of the day musters the courage and the political will to establish a system to check and stop the malaise, writes Kunle Aderinokun

A

budget is simply an estimation of revenue and expenses for a certain period and budgeting involves planning, forecasting, implementing, monitoring and control. Following these stages is the performance evaluation of the budget. What is ordinarily a simple task has, in Nigeria, become a controversial issue and perennially a conduit for unscrupulous civil servants and persons in authority to massively enrich themselves at the expense of the taxpayers. The sad story is that the same scenario has been playing out a year in, a year out.

The constant nature of the budget padding is gradually making it a norm in the federal government’s appropriation and seriously becoming worrisome. Only the discerning usually detect such a shameful anomaly called budget padding.

While there are appointed oversight authorities with clear mandates to examine proposed budgetary allocations right from the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and the NationalAssembly, in the spirit of checks and balances, Nigerians are still surprised and befuddled that it has been business as usual over the years. Are the supervising authorities in active connivance with the perpetrators?

The jury is still out there to decide.

Just recently, the Independent Corrupt PracWLFHV DQG 2WKHU 5HODWHG 2ͿHQFHV &RPPLVVLRQ (ICPC) revealed that a total of N400 billion was inserted into the federal government’s budgets IRU WKH DQG ÀVFDO \HDUV $FFRUGLQJ WR ICPC, the 2021 budget totalling N13.59 trillion was padded by civil servants in the various MDAs, with duplicated projects worth N300 billion and projects’ duplication worth N100 billion were also smuggled into the N17.12 trillion 2022 budget by some MDAs. Making this disclosure during a meeting with the Senate Committee on Finance, ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, noted there were duplicated projects totalling N300 billion in the 2021 budget and another set of duplicated projects at N100 billion in the 2022 budget.

These, he said, were tracked through scrutiny of the approved projects for the various MDAs. “N300 billion would have been wasted by the federal government on duplicated projects inserted into the 2021 budget and another N100 billion for the same purpose in the current ÀVFDO \HDU LI QRW WUDFNHG DQG LQWHUFHSWHG E\ the ICPC.

“The same preemptive move saved the country from spending N49.9 billion for salaries RI JKRVW ZRUNHUV SXW RQ ÀFWLWLRXV SD\UROOV E\ VRPH IUDXGXOHQW R΀FHUV LQ WKH YDULRXV 0'$V between January and June this year.

“The names of the MDAs involved in project duplications running into intercepted billions RI QDLUD DQG ÀFWLWLRXV SD\ UROOV DUH DYDLODEOH and will be forwarded to the (Senate Finance) Committee.

“The good thing about the preemptive moves made by us is that monies for the fraudulent acts were prevented from being released to WKH DͿHFWHG 0'$V DQG LW LV JUDWLI\LQJ WKDW the Finance Ministry and Accountant General 2΀FH FRRSHUDWHG ZLWK XV µ KH VDLG Owasanoye advised relevant committees of the National Assembly to be vigilant for such project duplication in the proposed N19.76 trillion 2023 budget.

“From our end, the detection of such projects is done by verifying their locations and names, upon which we tell the appropriate authorities not to release wrongly budgeted monies for WKHP µ KH DGGHG 7KLV LV QRW WKH ÀUVW WLPH EXGJHW SDGGLQJ would be detected in the federal government’s budget and reported. So that is not strange. What is strange is that nobody has been punished to serve as a deterrent to others. Even if the government claims the perpetrators have been punished, such has never been reported.

The Ministry of Budget and National Planning, which is the supervisory ministry, has not made any statement since the latest discovery was reported by ICPC. Speaking with THISDAY, an economist and President, of the Association of Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, FRPPHQGHG WKH ,&3& IRU ´R΀FLDOO\ FRQÀUPLQJ D SUDFWLFH WKDW KDV JRQH RQ IRU TXLWH VRPH WLPHµ saying, it’s most likely a lot more budgetary abuses would have been discovered, had the agency beamed its searchlight to cover periods before 2021.

The reality, according to him, is that there are still so many loopholes in the budgetary V\VWHP RI WKH IHGHUDO JRYHUQPHQW GHVSLWH HͿRUWV at plugging them.

“A bold attempt to address the issue of padding and other forms of sharp practices in the budgetary system was made at the inception of this administration with the introduction of the zero-based budgeting (ZBB) system, which requires that any item to be included in WKH EXGJHW PXVW ÀUVW EH MXVWLÀHG DV RSSRVHG to the traditional system of merely carrying

forward items from previous year’s budget.

What has become obvious from the recent revelation by ICPC is that the ZBB system only exists on paper.

“As a corollary, the IPPIS was introduced, in part, to curb the problem of ghost workers.

Again, what has become manifest, even by the government’s (Minister of Digital Technology) own admission, is that the integrity of the IPPIS LV UHJXODUO\ EHLQJ FRPSURPLVHG µ KH QRWHG “It goes without saying that budget transparency in Nigeria is greatly hampered by the fact that the National Assembly often does QRW KDYH VX΀FLHQW WLPH WR LQWHUURJDWH WKH Appropriation Bill in detail. Over the years, many MDAs have been accused of withholding information vital to debating items inserted LQ D SURSRVHG EXGJHW µ KH DGGHG Nevertheless, Uwaleke, a former Imo State Commissioner for Finance, posited: “I think the way forward is to enact a Budget Law that not only addresses, via clear guidelines, the various stages of the budgetary process, (from preparation, consideration and approval to execution and monitoring) but also spells out VWLͿ VDQFWLRQV IRU DQ\ EUHDFK RI WKH %XGJHW ODZ µ “As part of this proactive process, the NaWLRQDO $VVHPEO\ %XGJHW DQG 5HVHDUFK 2΀FH (NABRO) should be adequately resourced and strengthened to be in a position to detect any budget padding before the Appropriation %LOO JHWV SDVVHG µ Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader, PwC Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, thinks that “Corruption thrives where there are enabling conditions and easy opportunities with inadequate preventive measures, weak or slow system of detection and low risk of punitive FRQVHTXHQFHV µ To him, budget padding could be prevented with improved transparency, robust checks and balances and the use of technology, not only in the budgeting process but also in the awards of contracts, projects execution, monitoring and reporting.

Reasoning from another perspective, the CEO of The CFGAdvisory, Mr. TilewaAdebajo, stated that “This is rather unfortunate at a WLPH ZKHQ WKH )*1 GHEW SURÀOH KDV H[FHHGHG US$100 billion and we have over US$25 trilOLRQ LQ LOOHJDO ZD\V DQG PHDQV ÀQDQFLQJ ZLWK WKH &%1 XQDFFRXQWHG IRU LQ WKH R΀FLDO GHEW QXPEHUV µ He advised that since Nigeria’s revenues could no longer cover debt service payments, not to mention recurrent and capital expenditure, “it’s time for urgent structural reforms

DQG ULJKW VL]LQJ JRYHUQPHQW µ As for the CEO of Global Analytics Derivatives Ltd, Mr. Tope Fasua, the National AsVHPEO\ DQG WKH PLQLVWU\ RI ÀQDQFH KDYH DOZD\V been accused of padding the budget. Lamenting that Nigeria had lost the corruption under President Muhammadu Buhari, he expressed the hope that the next administration would have an intelligent system to block budget padding.

“We know the National Assembly is usually accused of padding their budget because they want their interest to show. Oftentimes, they almost discard the budget presented to them E\ GLͿHUHQW 0'$V DQG ZULWH WKHLU RZQ ZKLFK EHFRPHV WKH ÀQDO RQH ZLWK D ORW RI WKHLU SURMHFWV constituent projects and others- inserted into WKHP 7KH\ VDLG WKH\ KDYH WKH ÀQDO DXWKRULW\ because constitutionally, they are so mandated.

That’s one.

“It’s not what I think we should keep discussLQJ DG LQÀQLWXP :H VKRXOG EH WKLQNLQJ RI D solution; if anybody after this administration can make a change to this reality. From what we heard from many of them, there is a radical VROXWLRQ WR WKLV NLQG RI VKHQDQLJDQ RU ÀQDQFLDO indiscipline going on in the economy. I hope whoever is coming should not be talking about EXVLQHVV DV XVXDO µ )DVXD QRWHG In his assertion, Group Executive Director, Cordros Capital Limited, Mr. Femi Ademola, CFA, said the recurring budget padding was worrisome and must be investigated further, especially given its MDAs-wide nature.

“On the surface, the discovery by ICPC, of duplicated projects worth N400 billion in the Nigerian 2021 and 2022 budgets is worrisome; especially since this is becoming a recurring development. It is therefore very necessary to investigate further to identify the immediate and remote causes of the development. The fact that it cuts across MDAs is even more concerning.

“We need to check if the reason for this is that several MDAs are involved in the execution of the project and they all made budgetary allocations for the same projects. We also need to check how these paddings escaped the scrutiny RI WKH EXGJHW R΀FH WKDW FRPSLOHG WKH EXGJHWV RI DOO WKH 0'$V µ KH QRWHG The recurrent budget padding, especially at a time the economy is in dire straits, is an absurdity that should be arrested. The task before the next government is to put a system in place to forestall any semblance of corruption in the nation’s budget preparation and implementation.

20

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

CONVERSATION WITH MY BILLIONAIRE FRIENDS ayo.arowolo@thisdaylive.com 08086447494 (SMS only) LESSONS NOTES MODEL STUDIES BINOCULARS

AYO AROWOLO

PERSONAL FINANCE

The Iconic Leader AIG: A Legacy of Building Outstanding Platforms have benefited from the series of capacity building through our foundation. Already, almost 200 have been touched. By that time, Aig’s goal of creating a critical mass of change agents in Nigeria would have been achieved. His goal is that ultimately, as Access Bank has been able to interact with its 50 million customers digitally, hundreds of millions of Nigerians should be able to interact digitally with the civil servants using their mobile phones.

A

igboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Aig – as close friends commonly call him, investor, banker, and philanthropist, has been able to pack a shelf of startling achievements into his short post-graduation years. And this is a feat that takes many successful individuals a lifetime to accomplish.

This piece is a tribute to a good friend for over two decades, a father, and a gift that never stops giving.

Ayo Arowolo attempts to unravel The Icon - Aig to celebrate his 56th birthday. Read on.

“Most of the tremendous cultural shifts - ones that have built great organisations that sustain long-term growth, prosperity and contribution to the world started with the choice of one person. Sometimes that person is the formal leader - the CEO, the president, etc. Regardless of their position, these people first changed themselves from the inside out. Their character, competence, initiative and positive energy - in short, their moral authority – inspired and lifted others. They possessed an anchored sense of identity, discovered their strengths and talents, and used them to meet needs and produce results. People noticed. They were given more responsibility. They magnified the new responsibility and again produced results. More and more people noticed and sat up. Top people wanted to learn about the ideas - how they accomplished so much. The culture was drawn to their vision and them - Stephen R. Covey.

My first contact with Aig was in 1996. My boss, Mr Nduka Obaigbena, facilitated the conversation. I had just crossed to THISDAY from The News Magazine.

The first assignment Mr Obaigbena gave me was to do an INSIDE BUSINESS piece (a special features story published in the early pages of THISDAY, which allowed us to accommodate insights on the subject of focus) on the Discount House business, which had just been introduced into the financial services industry.

As part of my fact-gathering process, I had gone round the offices of the five discount houses then, but when the chairman asked who my sources were, I told him they were corporate affairs managers of those institutions. He was livid. “What of their managing directors? He ordered me back to those places and insisted I speak only to their CEOs. “Tell them you work with THISDAY,” he said as he gave me what looked like an irreversible order. I summoned courage and went back to each of the discount houses - Kakawa, Express, Associated, Consolidated, FSDH and walked straight to the offices of the CEOs, introducing myself as I was instructed.

Surprisingly, all the CEOs granted me interviews. I put the article together, and it was published. I became a friend to the CEOs of all five discount houses. The story generated reactions, and a few of the chairman’s friends called him to complain I was biased in my analysis. One of those people happened to be Mr Segun Agbaje, current CEO of GTB, who was a top management staff of the bank. My chairman instructed me to go to GTB to see Mr Fola Adeola for him to educate me more on what the discount houses business was all about. Mr Adeola did his bit, but he eventually handed me over to Aig and Mr Agbaje, who were gracious enough to share their views on the subject.

I became a regular visitor to GTB and got close to Mr Agbaje and Aig. Somehow, I became closer to Aig as he developed an interest in my writings and offered suggestions from time to time. I have been able to maintain both professional and personal relationships with him from that time to date.

WHY I GOT MORE INTERESTED IN LEARNING FROM HIM I started to track Aig more intentionally when he took what looked like a surprising move to many by stepping out of his comfort zone just a couple of years after being promoted to become the youngest executive director of a bank. He resigned his appointment from the bank and began an entrepreneurial mission.

Aig and Herbert Wigwe, his soul mate in his early banking years, who also stepped on the same train with him, were able to acquire Access Bank and turn it around. Within a few years after emerging as one of the 25 survivors of the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Charles Soludo’s consolidation agenda, Aig and Herbert executed what has been described as a replica of the David vs Goliath story, as told in the Bible, by acquiring a much bigger bank, Intercontinental Bank. That instantly shot Aig and his friend into the limelight.

AIG INVESTMENT STRATEGY In a short zoom meeting I had with Aig last week, he described his investment strategy in this way: “My investment strategy is all about building platforms.

From my conversation with him, Aig said he would like to be seen as a flag bearer of platform growth in Africa, despite having successfully deployed linear growth strategies in most of his earlier professional and entrepreneurial ventures. He has embraced the platform growth model as his chosen path. “I have no future interest in backing linear growth models. You would observe that these are the companies described with words like ‘Empire’ I am done with that. I don’t want to be called an emperor”. I would prefer to be known as an Orchestrator.

Aig said the foundation is a platform for his philanthropic legacy that is being built to outlive him. The business platforms are being built in the same way to survive him.

•Aig-Imoukhuede STARTLING ACHIEVEMENTS In 20 years, Aig has been able to stamp his imprint on the country’s financial services industry such that he cannot be ignored. Aig has evolved from a banking whiz kid into a respected thought leader in Nigeria’s financial markets, leaving indelible footprints in every single intervention he has made there.

He chaired presidential and national banking industry committees on various monetary policy initiatives and was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Financial Market Dealers Association. Aig was also the strong hand behind the establishment of the FMDQ OTC Exchange, which now specialises in fixed income securities and derivatives, serving as its pioneer chairman.

He was elected Council President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2013, becoming the first African to chair two national exchange platforms. As president of the exchange, he championed its demutualisation, which was completed in 2021.

In 2012, Aig was appointed Chair of the Presidential Committee on the Verification of Fuel Subsidies. His oversight of the process has been widely credited with saving Nigeria billions of dollars in fraudulent fuel subsidy payments. Aig was conferred with the National Productivity Award before becoming a recipient of the ‘CON’ honour, one of the highest national honours to be given to an individual. So much in such a short period.

AFTER ACCESS, WHAT NEXT? Not a few people conjectured after Aig indicated he would be stepping out of Access Bank as CEO that he would probably retire into non-executive director roles and charities just as some other successful individuals have done. But at his Access Bank farewell dinner,

I have no future interest in backing linear growth models. You would observe that these are the companies described with words like ‘Empire’ I am done with that. I don’t want to be called an emperor, rather call me the Orchestrator

Aig announced that he was ending a chapter of his adventurous journey and stepping into a brand new one.

He said without mincing words that in his post-Access adventure, he would focus on three areas: his family, philanthropy and strategic investments. And that he was no longer interested in running any company as CEO. And so far, he has kept his focus.

THE AIGBOJE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE FOUNDATION The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is the philanthropic platform cofounded by Aig and his wife, Ofovwe, to improve the lives of Africans through transformed public service delivery and access to quality primary healthcare.

Their philanthropy commenced with the African Initiative for Governance (AIG), a non-governmental organisation, which was launched in Oxford in 2016. Interestingly, it was launched in the presence of Kofi Annan, former United Nations secretary-general. It has evolved into a major regional force for good. The hallmark of his legacy approach is now evident, forming a strong partnership with his wife, who plays the role of CEO at the foundation, while he serves as the non executive chairman.

The Aigboje Aig Imoukhuede Foundation is in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. The school says it is immensely proud of the partnership with the foundation, as the partnership has enabled the school not only to support and inspire better public leadership in Nigeria but to enable other countries to learn from Nigeria in an increasingly complex and dynamic world. According to a statement credited to the school in a recent publication: “Our partnership has enabled us to attract, educate and network outstanding Nigerian students and public servants and to enable them to learn from Oxford University - something neither of us would otherwise be able to do”.

Aig’s role is like that of coach and catalyst, inspiring courage and action from the foundation’s team and the hundreds of high potential public servants, who are receiving world-class education on public policy and management from top professors in world-class universities. The foundation is becoming a major partner in the ongoing reforms of the civil service.

Apart from the billions of naira he is channelling through the foundation, he is spending a chunk of time mentoring and coaching public servants - senior, middle and even junior. Aig said during the inauguration of AIG in 2016: “The goal is that by the time AIG is 20 years old, 80% of Nigerian top 3000 civil servants must

ANCHORS OF AIG’S ACHIEVEMENTS? Many people have been curious about the business strategies or templates that Aig has been deploying to enable him to achieve so much within a very short period. I was curious as well. I found the answer in the story of a guy called Nehemiah in the Bible.

Thoughtfully considered, Aig’s story reads like a script from the Nehemiah playbook. As described in the Bible, Nehemiah was a young Hebrew, who was captured and made a slave along with others. His job in captivity was as a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, who captured and enslaved them. A situation occurred when Nehemiah, on an enquiry, got disconcerting news from his visiting Jewish brothers that the wall of Jerusalem had been broken down and that all his people were in distress. On the spot, the description from his colleagues became a divine burden to Nehemiah that eventually developed into a passion, which graduated into purpose and ultimately unlocked the resources (visible and invisible) that made the plan of God as unfolded to him come to pass in a record time. He rebuilt the broken-down wall in 52 days.

Between 2017 and now, I have read the book of Nehemiah more than 20 times, using different translations of the Bible to fish out the strategies he used to accomplish the feat. I have identified 13 of such, many of which interestingly bear similarities to the strategies Aig has used. Let me share seven of the strategies: STRATEGY # 1: TURNING AN IDEA INTO A HOLY BURDEN AND PASSION Just as Nehemiah did, Aig did not see his adventure in the banking industry as just a career. From personal observations, Aig has always seen his intervention as a national burden which eventually welled up an unquenchable passion in him. With that orientation, he took on national assignments as his own and this graduated into a passion and a purpose bigger than him. The Yoga Sutras of Pantajali puts it more accurately: “When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds. Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world.”

It has been said that when you pursue a vision that is greater than you, the universe will orchestrate a series of events that will conspire to make circumstances and resources gravitate towards you.

STRATEGY #2: STRATEGIC HIBERNATION AND SILENCE Just as Nehemiah did before he launched his wall rebuilding campaign, Aig is known to have regularly gone into what could be described as strategic hibernation and periods of studied silence. It has been observed that almost always after each period of such silence, Aig births something greater than his previous engagement.

Read the full article at https://www.thisdaylive.com

OPI NION

121

T H I S D AY MONDAYSunday MARCH 2022 2022 25 14, September, Vol 27. No 10029

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

THE KANURIS FLY THEIR FLAG AGAIN

ERIC TENIOLA throws spotlight on the Kanuris of northeastern Nigeria

See Page 22

THE TRUE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS

Success wears many hats and can either be a propeller of dreams or a road to destruction, argues AISHA SHUAIBU

See Page 22

EDITORIAL

GUNS, GUNS, EVERYWHERE!

See Page 51

GODSWILL IHETU argues that Nigeria must step up its game to benefit from the oil and gas demand spike and price windfall revenues

RUSSIAN WAR ALTERS ENERGY TRANSITION FORECASTS I n recent times, the debate on climate change has assumed profound global attention, especially on the need to reduce the burning of fossil fuels. The arguments seem to have changed slightly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Now, even CEOs of international oil companies (IOCs) are warning that the energy transition should not be pushed at a drastic pace.

In the last one year, I published two articles on the climate change debate, suggesting that contrary to global and widely held opinions, the imminent end of natural gas as a fuel is not in sight. Now the world can see how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has upended energy policy in Europe and upset oil and gas supply and demand forecasts. Forecasts are informed guesses at best, albeit arrived at through rigorous processes. We saw this in forecasting the potential and growth of nuclear energy, where, in spite of the hype, nuclear plant accidents led to the decisions to reduce and even abandon nuclear energy sources in certain jurisdictions. Italy, Japan, and Germany are examples. With the Russian war in Ukraine, nuclear is being promoted again. The object lesson here is that oftentimes forecasts and targets are frustrated by unforeseen circumstances.

Only last November, 197 countries met in Glasgow for COP26 to address global warming and climate change. Great emphasis and attention was laid on the need to reduce the burning of fossil fuels, which would then reduce the emission of carbon and greenhouse gases. Focus was to shift to the development of sources of renewable energy, such as sun, wind, hydro and biomass. A decision was taken to “phase down” not “phase out” the use of coal which emits more carbon than oil and gas, much to the disappointment of climate change champions and countries most impacted by the phenomenon of global warming.

New emission reduction targets were set, in order to compel the world to speed up the use of renewable fuels and phase out the burning of fossil fuels. The decisions reached at COP26, following apparent consensus on various strategies designed to cut carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, the world appeared to be on course to increase investments in renewable energy, and reduce investment in fossil fuels. The major international oil companies keyed into the COP26 decisions.

In response to the Russian invasion, crippling sanctions have since been clamped on Russia by the developed world. One of the major decisions was to reduce or terminate oil and gas imports from Russia.

Consequently, Europe was to wean itself off gas supply from Russia, its traditional supplier, over the next three years. As a result of this boycott, there has been a severe shortage of gas supply to Europe. Even coal mines are being reopened as a result of the crisis. As gas prices rise ahead of imminent winter in the northern hemisphere, gas supply is already under pressure, driving XS LQÁDWLRQ ZRUOGZLGH ZLWK ZHDOWK\ countries witnessing unprecedented levels RI LQÁDWLRQ UDWHV DQG HYHQ IHDULQJ DQ RQVHW RI

recession. Clearly, the consequence of harsh economic sanctions against Russia is being felt worldwide.

The EU’s decision to wean Europe off Russian gas was contrary to the climate change calculations in Europe, especially for Germany, the largest economy in Europe.

We would use Germany in this article to demonstrate the extent of the challenge the developed world, and indeed the whole world, faces in achieving green energy targets by 2050. Germany is now in a SDUWLFXODUO\ GLIÀFXOW VLWXDWLRQ DQG KDSSHQV to be among the nations that set ambitious targets for reduction of emissions from fossil fuels, especially coal. Its plans for transition into renewable energy sources, especially wind and solar, were aggressive. Only last January, it announced plans to address a GUDVWLF GHÀFLW LQ WKH FRXQWU\·V HIIRUWV WR cut emissions. The measures focused on expanding renewable energy capacity with a view to reaching 80% renewable energy sources for electricity generation by 2030, and achieving greenhouse neutrality by 2045. At that time, the German government announced WKDW LW ZRXOG QHHG PRUH JDV ÀUHG SRZHU plants as a “backup” solution in case supplies from renewable energy sources would not EH VXIÀFLHQW ,W KDG HDUOLHU GHFLGHG WR VKXW LWV nuclear plants as a result of safety questions pertaining to nuclear energy. Having shut its coal plants and weaning itself away from nuclear energy, Russian gas was to play a major part in Germany’s energy mix, while renewable energy projects were to be pursued vigorously. In this regard, it has so far achieved 40% in renewables. Before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the German government had planned to accelerate the coal phase out by bringing the target date back from 2038 to 2030. With the present situation these plans will be in question, considering that in 2020, about a quarter of Germany’s electricity production came from coal. Because natural gas accounts for 25 percent of Germany’s

total primary energy consumption, with developments in Russia, Germany, indeed, Europe now needs oil and especially gas. As a result of the gas supply crisis, it has recently launched an Energy Saving Ordinance, a set of far reaching measures to reduce energy consumption and restrictions on usage of gas. In a major policy reversal, Germany will now increase the burning of coal. Germany is now generating nearly a third of its electricity from coal as it scrambles to replace Russian gas before winter as electricity generation from gas has reduced. In a bid to cut energy bills, in Spain, residents are limiting heating and boiling kettles to shower as the country struggles with reduced Russian gas supply.

Unfortunately, as a result of underinvestment in oil and gas projects in recent years, a global gas supply crisis started in 2021. In an attempt to discourage new investments in fossil fuels, activists and shareholders in oil and gas companies pushed for the companies in which they held equity to show evidence that they were reducing, not only their current levels of production, but were not to make new investments in oil and gas exploration. Some ÀQDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQV GHFLGHG QRW WR IXQG development and production of oil and gas projects. Now competition for gas has been driven to an all-time high. The limited XQFRPPLWWHG /LTXHÀHG 1DWXUDO *DV /1* production capacity globally, and European pipeline gas (from Norway especially) is not able to replace all Russian gas imports into Europe. Unfortunately, LNG is sold mainly on long-term contracts and much of the available capacity is committed. In any case, even if spare volumes of LNG are available IRU VDOH WR (XURSH WKHUH DUH LQVXIÀFLHQW LNG receiving and re-gasifying terminals in Europe to receive them. These terminals would normally take at least three years to be built. Nevertheless, German utilities are now signing long-term LNG supply contracts.

To address this challenge, Germany KDV UHFHQWO\ DQQRXQFHG SODQV WR EXLOG ÀYH Floating LNG (FLNG) terminals by the end of the year. These Floating LNG terminals, ZLOO KDYH VWRUDJH DQG UH JDVLÀFDWLRQ facilities, and are now been rushed to be built in seven months. With the new urgency, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are being skipped.

These regulatory processes would normally take several months to obtain regulatory approval. As a result of the urgency, this process is being skipped. The ability of other European LNG terminals to take the LNG on offer is limited. As a result, some other European countries have also announced plans for the construction of FLNG terminals. It is suggested that the high level of new investments required to ensure sufficient gas supply into Europe could derail Europe’s, if not global, green energy transition targets.

Dr Ihetu, a former managing director of the NLNG, is the author of the book, From Oloibiri to Bonny: My Life and Insights from Rising and Leading in Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry

2 22

T H I S D AY SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

ERIC TENIOLA throws spotlight on the Kanuris of northeastern Nigeria

THE KANURIS FLY THEIR FLAG AGAIN

The pick on Senator Kashim Shettima, a Kanuri, as APC’s Presidential running mate has put spotlight on the Kanuris again. We NQRZ WKH .DQXULV DV GRJJHG ÀJKWHUV ,Q WKH ÀUVW 5HSXEOLF VL[ SURPLQHQW .DQXULV ZHUH LGHQWLÀHG DV VWDQGDUG bearers. They are Sir Kashim Ibrahim, Alhaji Zaana Bukar Suloma Dipcharima, Alhaji Waziri Kolo Ibrahim, Alhaji Shettima Ali Monguno and Alhaji Ibrahim Imam.

Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim rose to become WKH JRYHUQRU RI 1RUWKHUQ 5HJLRQ LQ Although he was not as powerful as late Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammadu 5LEDGX RU $OKDML $OL\X 0DNDPD %LGD RU even Alhaji Isa Keita, but he was loyal to the end to the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.

Shettima Kashim, as he was always known then, naturally became one of WKH PRVW SURPLQHQW 1RUWKHUQ 5HJLRQ politicians. Among the founders of the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), he was HOHFWHG WR WKH 1RUWKHUQ 5HJLRQ +RXVH RI Assembly in 1951 and from there to the )HGHUDO +RXVH RI 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV ZKHUH he served from 1952 to 1955; later he was in the Federal Senate. He was Federal Minister of Social Services 1952-1953, and Federal Minister of Education 1953-1955.

In 1955 he joined Sir Ahmadu Bello’s 1RUWKHUQ 5HJLRQ *RYHUQPHQW LQ .DGXQD as Minister of Social Welfare, Cooperatives, and Surveys.

In 1956, however, he returned to 0DLGXJXUL WR DVVXPH WKH WUDGLWLRQDO RIÀFH of Waziri (prime minister) under the Shehu.

He carried out very necessary reforms in the traditional local government. He was chairman of the Provisional Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for the two years before the new university opened in 1962. ,Q KH ZDV DSSRLQWHG WKH ÀUVW *RYHUQRU RI WKH 1RUWKHUQ 5HJLRQ +H was knighted by the Queen of England the same year. Though greatly respected, he had no real power in that post in the last years of Sir Ahmadu Bello’s rule over WKH 1RUWKHUQ 5HJLRQ :KHQ WKDW UXOH ZDV ended with the killing of the Premier in the ÀUVW FRXS RI -DQXDU\ 6LU .DVKLP ZDV EULHÁ\ DUUHVWHG 2Q KLV UHOHDVH KH was appointed Adviser to the Military *RYHUQRU RI WKH 5HJLRQ /W &RORQHO +DVVDQ Usman Katsina which however was soon afterwards abolished with the creation of states in 1967-1968.

Sir Kashim Ibrahim served as Chancellor of the University of Ibadan from 1966 to 1977, and then as Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 1977 to 1984.

He did not return to politics. He acquired little material wealth and had to sue for his pension as former Governor of the 1RUWKHUQ 5HJLRQ :KHQ KH GLHG RQ -XO\ 1990 his reputation was shown by the great gathering at his funeral in Maiduguri, and by the appointment of his son, an architect,

as Shettima of Borno soon afterwards. He is remembered as an ardent educationist who in spite of his strong traditional upbringing clearly perceived and promoted the values and virtues of modern education.

Alhaji Ibrahim Imam was the secretary of the Northern People’s Congress and later became a patron of the Borno Youth Movement. He was elected into the Northern House of Assembly in 1961, representing a Tiv district. Prior to his election in 1961, he had represented his district of Yerwa in 1951 after supporting a strike of Native Administration workers. He was born in 1916 into an aristocratic family and his half-brother was the district head of Yerwa. He attended Katsina College and after completing his studies joined the Borno Native Administration as an assistant and later became the supervisor of works in 1950.

While working as an engineering assistant for the Borno Native Authority, he entered the political arena as the founder of the Borno Youth Improvement Association in 1949. In 1951, he contested and won a seat to the House of Assembly defeating Waziri Mohammed. A year later at the inception of the Northern People’s Congress, which later became the dominant party in the region, he was nominated as the party’s secretary-general; he joined a large number of his colleagues from the regional house who enlisted on the political platform of the new NPC. As the general secretary of NPC, he became one of the party’s prominent campaigners and was involved in political tours, traveling for thousands of miles while providing support for the extension of the party through the establishment of branches in various towns and cities in the region.

After leaving the Native Authority, he became a building contractor to supplement his income as an honourable member of the House.

In 1954, however, Imam resigned his position from NPC and left the party, citing the lack of a revolutionary platform for political reform of the local government in the north and also NPC’s movement towards a reactionary and imperialistic political union. A year later, he joined Aminu Kano’s Northern Elements Progressive Union and in 1956, he became the patron of the Borno Youth Movement, a young organization that had grown out of its member’s disappointment with the native authority in Borno and the scandal of Waziri, Mohammed. In 1956, he encouraged a fruitful alliance of the movement with NEPU particularly in Borno where the alliance later won two regional seats. But in a few years, Imam an ambitious politician, was in need of resources to organize the alliance in Bornu and the Northern region left the merger due to the inability of NEPU to contribute enough resources to strengthen the party in the region. He left NEPU and established an alliance with the Action Group of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and later became the leader of opposition in the regional House of Assembly.

Alhaji Shettima Ali Monguno, was Member of Parliarment. in 1959, education secretary and councilor for education, works and social welfare Borno, local Government 1959-65. Federal minister for Air Force and internal affair 1965-66, federal commissioner for trade and industries 1967-71 minister mines and power, petroleum and energy, 1972-75. Shettima Ali Monguno was also President, OPEC, 1972/1973; he was Presidential Candidate during the Option A4 Elections in the early 1990s in Nigeria.

Teniola was a Director in the Presidency

Success wears many hats and can either be a propeller of dreams or a road to destruction, argues AISHA SHUAIBU

THE TRUE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS

Materialism and the desire to show off possessions have become common practices in today’s society. A growing effect of social media among young people is the need to have beyond what they already own and show it off in the process. This causes people to fall into emotional instabilities, turbulent relationships, indulge in criminal behaviour, and other desperate attempts to live up to the hype. Youths succumb to the pressures of not being at the same level as those who appear to have more material wealth and comfortable lives. The truth is that the need for more hardly ever leads to contentment, but it takes someone who has it all to know that. For ambitious people, success can be relative. Career success is tailored towards the achievement on a goal-to-goal basis, while monetary success is usually a means to measure performance. Success wears many hats and can either be a propeller of dreams or a road to destruction. Along the journey of life, it is important to realise that the most priceless of things are rarely tangible but the things money can’t buy.

7R EH WUXO\ FRQWHQW LV WR GHÀQH ZKDW success means to us and to recognise when we have attained it. Social media platforms do not discriminate on the social class of their users as most platforms are free and easily accessible, allowing users to look into the lives of anyone who cares to share.

If for instance, someone lived in a broken household but frequently saw content that showed happy family vacations and loving moments, this would cause the person a lot of distress. The same applies to people living in tough conditions, in countries at war, those struggling with poor health, or living in idleness with no decent work.

Looking into a life you want but isn’t yours can easily breed the obsession to force those possessions and lead people into developing unhealthy coping methods to compensate for an unhappy life. The reality is that the concept of having it all is unreal and unattainable, and those who make it a priority to remain materialistic end up permanently insatiable. Greed is a disastrous quality. A greedy individual cannot relate to the concept of contentment, as their perspective has already been compromised by their insistence to have more than they need. We must ask ourselves about what would truly matter at the end of our lives, would it be about what we did or what we had? They say people never remember who you were but they always remember how

you made them feel. To get the best out of ourselves and each other, we must live purposefully with the mindset that we are not here to win or lose alone but to carry each other along and break bread along the way.

Human beings have the most basic life needs; food, shelter, clothing, and good health. Everything outside of these needs is an added comfort that in the absence of, we will still be alive but just slightly less comfortable. People living in simple conditions or low-income earning communities tend to appear happier than those in big cities with jobs and the stress of a fast life. Minimalistic living can feel light in the head and heart because you have chosen contentment by having exactly what you need and nothing more. The Japanese concept of Ikigai has enveloped the secret to longevity and happiness into practical habits for our daily lives; staying DFWLYH WDNLQJ LW VORZ ÀOOLQJ \RXU VWRPDFK having good people around, getting in shape, smiling, connecting with nature, giving thanks and living in the moment.

When we shift perspective from what we understand success to be, to becoming more mindful about what we expose RXUVHOYHV WR GDLO\ ZH JHW FORVHU WR ÀQGLQJ our path to contentment. Happiness as an end goal lies in the things we hardly notice until they are taken from us like our family, friends, a comfortable bed, clean clothes, warm food, clean air, rainfall, an orderly life, discipline, loyalty, and love.

Another practical habit to reconnect with the things that truly matter is to take a social media break every once in a while to reduce exposure to the pressure it comes with. Smartphone users have grown accustomed to checking social media applications on impulse, without thinking about it. Addiction to social media is real and developing the habit of self-regulation will help its users avoid overindulgence and negative triggers.

Challenging ourselves to place limits on how much we connect online will encourage us to re-align with reality, connect with each other’s physical presence, and rid ourselves of the incessant habit to overshare, and learn to keep our private lives private.

Shuaibu is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

23

GLITZ FEATURE

PHOTO. Google .com

Rivers Gives Women Right to Inherit Family Property Even though the Supreme Court had long laid this issue to rest in a landmark judgment, the Rivers State Government last week became the first state in Nigeria to formally give impetus to the judgment by enacting a law giving women the right to partake in the sharing of their family property, Vanessa Obioha writes

I

n a sweeping victory for women in Rivers State, the government has formally enacted the law giving women the right to partake in the sharing of their family property. This was sequel to the signing into law the Rivers State Prohibition of the Curtailment of Women’s Right to Share in Family Property Law No. 2 of 2022 by Governor Nyesom Wike. By enacting this law, Rivers is now the first state in Nigeria to achieve this feat.

Wike has always expressed his displeasure at most cultures that stifle growth among women. He made this clearly known at the Executive Chamber of Government House in Port Harcourt, recently. The governor wondered why women were deprived of sharing in the inheritance of their families despite being useful members of society.

He asserted the importance of the law in the development of the state, saying it would enable the people to actualise their potential, and urged women not to be afraid of any threat from members of their families concerning inheritance.

Wike asked them to stand up for their rights and challenge any discrimination against them in court, using the law in order to access their entitlements.

“I don’t know why it’s a taboo,” he began, “because you’re a girl, because you’re a woman, you’re not entitled to inherit what belongs to your father. It is not you who decides whether you will have a girl or you’ll have a boy, it is God. So, put yourself in their shoes today whereby the mercy of God you have three children and they’re all girls and you struggle in life to see what you can keep for your children.

“Tomorrow, one of their uncles comes, and says, ‘my friend, girls don’t inherit their father’s property. With all your efforts in life, somebody comes to discriminate against them, why? We have even found out that women are more useful to us than even men. The day you’re getting old and dying you’ll know that you need more daughters than men. They will leave their husbands’ house and come to take care of you.”

Hitherto, it was almost like an abomination, to say the least, for a typical father in South-east

and South-south to bequeath an estate and order a form of inheritances to his female child. This belief is that a girl-child belongs to another family.

Many had attributed the perpetration of the practice to the absence of a legal and policy framework empowering women and granting them explicit right to land in their capacity as citizens with full legal capacity as envisaged by both the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW: 1979); and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol, 2003).

Before the state government formally put the law in black and white, the Supreme Court of Nigeria had since laid this issue to rest in a landmark judgment in most states that have not confined the practice to the dustbin of history.

Delivering judgment in an appeal marked: SC.224/2004 filed by Mrs Lois Chituru Ukeje, wife of the late Lazarus Ogbonna Ukeje, and their son, Enyinnaya Lazarus Ukeje, against Ms Gladys Ada Ukeje, who is the deceased’s daughter, the apex court in a unanimous decision, voided the age-long Igbo tradition and customary law, which forbade a female child from inheriting her father’s estate.

The court held that the tradition and custom were discriminatory and conflicted with the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It specifically held that the practice conflicted with Section 42(1) (a) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution.

Gladys had sued the deceased’s wife and son before the Lagos High Court, claiming to be one of the deceased’s children and sought to be included among those to administer the deceased father’s estate. The trial court found that she was a daughter to the deceased and that she was qualified to benefit from the estate of her father, who died intestate (without a will) in Lagos in 1981.

The Court of Appeal, Lagos, to which Lois and Enyinnaya appealed, upheld the decision of the trial court, prompting them to appeal to the Supreme Court.

In its judgment, the Supreme Court equally held that the Court of Appeal was right to have voided the Igbo native law and custom that disinherit female children.

Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, who read the lead judgment, held that: “No matter the circumstances of the birth of a female child, such a child is entitled to an inheritance from her late father’s estate.

“Consequently the Igbo customary law which disentitles a female child from partaking in the sharing of her deceased father’s estate is in breach of Section 42 (1) and (2) of the Constitution, a fundamental rights provision guaranteed to every Nigerian. The said discriminatory customary law is void as it conflicts with Section 42(1) and (2) of the Constitution.”

According to Nonso Ayansi, the decision settled beyond all doubts, the fundamental right of a female to participate in the inheritance of her deceased father’s estate. The judgment of the Court, in this case, is of very significant value to Nigerian women because the Nigerian judiciary has experienced a chequered history on this issue of the right of women to inherit their deceased father’s properties, in light of the various customary laws in some parts of the country which prohibits women from participating in such inheritance.

For instance, in 1963, the Supreme Court had in the case of Nezianya & Anor v Okagbue & ors (1963) 1 All NLR 352, held that a widow is a recognised member of her late husband’s family and not a stranger to it, and thus permitted to live in her late husband’s house, but she was not permitted to dispose of the property by giving it out or selling it. This 1963 decision left women handicapped as they were incapable of exercising ownership rights over the properties of their late husbands.

The judgment also formed the basis of support for the old Igbo “Oli-Ekpe” custom which stated that only the eldest surviving male offspring could inherit the property of their late father and prohibited female inheritance because the judgment suggested that ownership of property should be restricted to the patrilineal lineage of the

deceased. ºHowever, in 1997, the Late Niki Tobi (Justice of the Court of Appeal) was bold enough to declare this “Oli-Ekpe” custom as being repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience in the famous case of Mojekwu v Mojekwu (1997) LPELR13777(CA). In this case, the erudite Niki Tobi JCA took great pains to condemn this custom – and other customary practices – which discriminated against women, for being repulsive to equity in the modern day. This decision was widely hailed as a step in the right direction in the advocacy for women’s rights. Several other decisions of the Court of Appeal delivered between 1997-2003 followed this reasoning and affirmed the rights of women to own, inherit and purchase the property.

The victory gained by the pronouncement of Niki Tobi JCA, in this case, was however shortlived, as he was harshly criticised for the statement he made about the repugnancy of Oli-Ekpe custom by his superiors when the case was further appealed to the Supreme Court in Mojekwu v.

Iwuchukwu (2004) LPELR-1903(SC). The Supreme Court believed that Niki Tobi JCA should not have made the statement without calling all relevant parties who engaged in such discriminatory practices against women from explaining their side of the story. The harsh remark of the Supreme Court in this appeal gave further impetus to the propounders of the Oli-Ekpe and other similar customary practices to persist in their discrimination against women in the sharing of family inheritance.

Hence, the recent position taken by the Supreme Court in Ukeje & Anor v Ukeje (Supra) has therefore provided the much needed clarity on the right of all genders – women inclusive – to participate in the inheritance of their parents’ properties. The effect of this judgment which is binding in all parts of Nigeria is that females have an equal stake to inherit their parent’s properties, as do their male counterparts.

Many are of the view that more states in the country need to emulate the Rivers State government by replicating the law in their respective states in order to do away with all discriminatory practices against women.

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

GLITZ FOCUS

Demola Olaniran: Anecdotes of a Lagos Governor’s Official Photographer With precision, the shutter speed opens to take timeless images. He calls our attention to the things we miss in our everyday life. Click-click-click and the images are reflections of the mayhem and the beauty that surround us as they draw our attention to events and people. Ademola Olaniran, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s personal photographer, is one dedicated, passionate and sometimes ‘half-crazy’ individual, who is willing to give his life, too often quite literally, to show the world what needs to be seen, what needs to be known. With his photographs, he reveals Sanwo-Olu’s identity, humanity, draws connection, makes memories, stamps presence, creates experiences and builds intimacy. With a career spanning decades as an iconic photographer, Olaniran speaks with Adedayo Adejobi on his works, life documenting the first citizen of the most populous African city and what drives his work.

Olaniran with Governor Sanwo-Olu

Olaniran

W

ith a fully kitted photography backpack, three expensive professional cameras and myriad of lenses, flying over the skylines of Lagos in 2019, a trip that would initiate a life-long emotional and artistic relationship with the city, Ademola Olaniran began. He would never have known that he would work closely with the government as the official photographer to the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Demola was particularly interested in Lagos and the massive social and political changes resulting from the collapse of colonial empires, and so the photographer’s sojourn took on the challenge of a sweeping chronicle of the rich history and iconic monuments in Lagos.

At first he only wanted to become a surgeon.

However, Femi Adewuyi’s ability to take intriguing photographs of the total solar eclipse at the Medical school, Ilorin 2006, whilst toying with the exposure triangle properly intrigued Ademola who did some calligraphy on the pictures.The pictures were sold by the duo, earning some decent amount of money. The experience in his second year marked a departure from using the suture, scalpel and forceps in cutting through cadaver in the laboratory, and saw the same hands destined to squeeze on the shutter release button.

Reminiscing one of his early photographs, he said, “The first photograph I took and printed was of a homeless woman lying on the street.

Ironically, it was right on this street where I have my studio right now. Today, I am still seeing the

same subjects here on these streets and making the same direct portraits of people.’’

Speaking on what inspired his awardwinning picture ‘Atupa mi’ meaning ‘my lantern.’ ‘‘My Uncle, Dr. Clement Meseko, a veterinary doctor and virologist at the National Veterinary Research Institute was travelling to Taraba State to collect samples from wild pigs. Having acquired a new camera, we went on the trip to the border between Nigeria and Cameroon together, the Mambilla plateau.

Whilst he worked, I took pictures of the endless lush greenery and landscapes. My defining shot was taken in a hut around Gashaka-Gumti, Taraba State where we spent the night, met some friendly locals and rangers who settled us into a hut. The lantern was sitting on the middle right in front of me, and there was a curtain shifted to the third of the picture with the lantern sitting on the other third of the picture. From the day I took the picture, I knew there was something magical about it. I knew it was the strongest image of all that I submitted. But when I saw the names in the category that I was nominated for, I researched them and found out that they were strong names. I travelled from Abuja to Lagos just to attend the awards, without the dream of winning the coveted award. I was just blessed and grateful to have been nominated. It showed when it was announced, as I was sitting when my name was called as the winner. I wasn’t expecting it. I was satisfied with my image sitting on the big screen and the ‘greats’ in photography seeing my works until my name was announced as the winner. Meanwhile, I was still clapping for the supposed winner, until someone nudged me to say I was the one who won the category.

Femi was so excited about me winning the category. The picture has earned me a lot of fame and fortune. The photograph is dedicated to the hope that someday Nigeria will have no need for lanterns.’’

For the photographer, the story behind the work is how he starts the process of taking new captivating photographs. It begins, as so many great things do, by chance, ‘‘I start when I have an intuitive response to something that piques my interest. If I have the conviction that it’s worth pursuing, I pack my bags and go to do the work.

This often results from a response to something I see in the media, which could be a newspaper article or something from a literary journal, anything that has visual stimuli. It’s about having my eyes open — there is no formula for when that spark may find me. I cultivate a receptive eye.’’

A pointer to the fact that he’s making progress, is when he is three-quarters of the way through a project, and when he realises that he has started seeing the world in a different way.

And for him, that’s a feat achieved.

While most of the photographs presented in Demola’s ‘’Lagos in Full Frame’’ are situated more closely along the artistic than photojournalistic, the photographer’s surrealist sensibilities come to play. The work is a subtle, perhaps unintentional nod to the history of Nigerian studio photography practices.

Olaniran portrayed Lagos as he found it, capturing the business of everyday life.

He photographed everything from traders performing their daily businesses, to women in the slums of Makoko spreading clothes out in the sun to dry.

With a career spanning over 14 years as a professional photographer, it’s been a mixed grill of failures, successes as well as a truckload of experiences and lessons learned; especially when the cash flow wasn’t impressive. It felt like he had made a mistake resigning his banking job or dream of becoming a doctor.

In retrospect, the lensman, even though things eventually picked up, those really dark days remain nostalgic, even though with time photography now pay the bills.

Looking back over the years, he’s been positively influenced by his mentor, Dayo Adedayo, inspired by Donald Barber, Sunmi Smart Cole, Ty Bello, Aisha Kuta-Augie and Kelechi Amadi- Obi. Dayo Adedayo takes the pride of place, because he has managed to blend finely the business and technical aspect of photography. Besides, his mentor is one known

for the beauty of timeless photographs and art pieces in the mold of Donatello, Michelangelo Leonardo Davinci’s of this world.

Having worked across the private sector for over ten years and joining the civil service four years ago as personal photographer to the First Citizen of Lagos State, he described the experience as humbling, fun and fulfilling. ‘‘The Governor makes it a lot easier. He’s an interesting person to photograph though he’s a hard worker which makes photographing him quite demanding. He’s interested in photography.

He handles the camera once in a while and even flies the drone when we go on inspection to see the work progress on construction sites,” he said.

Disclosing more about his exciting moments with the governor, he said, ‘‘A remarkable moment of my working with the Governor was on my birthday some years back . That morning, he was leaving for work, and I had already started squeezing the shutter release to make some images, and he said to me ‘ let me see what you’ve got on your camera’, and I went to him and he said ‘Stand there’. He took pictures of me and said ‘Happy birthday boy.’ It was humbling.

He never ceases to demystify the office by reminding people around him and himself also, how life around the government house should be. For me, that’s quite remarkable. I get to see the Governor count his days in office-days past and days to go. I find that instructive, because it brings to reality time and how it waits for no one.

He always works very late into the night, and sometimes when I walk in to take pictures, he doesn’t even notice. It is a culture for me not to greet him when I walk into his office. That way, I just want to be a fly on the wall and he doesn’t get out of character.’’ ‘‘Documenting a political figure, exposes you to a new level of work ethics and creativity. You have to be faster and swift on the job. It also comes with a lot of pressure. When I started shooting the Governor, it was a sharp twist. He’s a very energetic person and fitter than I am, so I always play catch up. Like you’ll see in most of my posts, the side of a politician that you do not get to see as a citizen is what a photographer works to give to you almost every day.’’

To inspire aspiring photographers, he said, “Photography needs a lot of creativity,patience, requires a lot of money to get your game to an enviable height and ability to learn from others.”

Owing to the fact that his wife is a medical doctor, the lensman is presently working on a family storytelling project that would fuse photography and medicine.

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

EDITORIAL

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

GUNS, GUNS, EVERYWHERE!

G

The number of illicit guns in the street says much about why crime is soaring

which Somalia is a prime example. iven the overwhelming level of To counterbalance the threat to life and property insecurity in the country, proliferation by these armed criminals, individual citizens have of small arms and light weapons resorted to the acquisition of arms for personal (SALW) should compel serious action security and protection. The sight of clergymen from relevant authorities, especially ZLWK $. DVVDXOW ULÁHV RQ GLVSOD\ DW WKH DOWDU KDV as we move towards the 2023 general become familiar. Similarly, the incidence of urban HOHFWLRQ :LWK WKHVH LOOHJDO ÀUHDUPV YLROHQW FULPH elite women with loaded pistols in their designer is no longer just social deviance but a thriving handbags is symbolic of the dangerous times in enterprise by many unscrupulous Nigerians with which we now live. Also, in several communities dire consequences for peace and national security. around the country, the deployment of armed Even more frightening is the calibre and quantum of vigilantes and traditional hunters armed with lethal weapons in the hands of non-state actors and modern weapons has become commonplace. contestants of state authority and territorial control.

These and more are the varied faces of a In parts of the Northeast, Northwest, the Niger nation literally under Delta and Southeast, an unprecedented siege the arsenal of these of insecurity. Given the groups of terrorists, The sight of clergymen with AK-47 assault rifles on display at the number of arms in the bandits, militants and country in the hands separatist groups range altar has become familiar. Similarly, the incidence of urban elite of private individuals, from AK-47 to machine women with loaded pistols in their designer handbags is symbolic of it is no surprise that guns, rocket propelled very simple disputes grenades to rocket the dangerous times in which we now live that could be amicably launchers. resolved often get out of To the extent that these hand and become serious groups are not members FRQÁDJUDWLRQ ,I DQ\WKLQJ of any recognised armed the proliferation of arms in private civilian hands forces and are therefore civilians, the arms in their is perhaps the readiest sign that the Nigerian state possession are as illegal as their very existence has vastly receded in terms of ability to defend and activities. Their military grade weaponry is its territory as well as the lives and property of therefore part of the illegal arms in circulation. citizens. Ordinarily, peace and order are only Meanwhile, sources of these dangerous weapons guaranteed because citizens surrender their right UDQJH IURP WUDIÀFNLQJ DFURVV SRURXV ODQG ERUGHUV of self-defence to the overarching force of the state. to leakages in our lax import procedures that have Once this shield of collective sovereign protection HQFRXUDJHG EODFN PDUNHW DUPV WUDIÀFNHUV 6LQFH and security begins to cave in, individual citizens transactional kidnapping has emerged in recent resort to self-defence hence the abundance of illegal WLPHV DV DQ XQRIÀFLDO VXE VHFWRU RI WKH HFRQRP\ arms across the country. families and friends of victims are being tasked Since Nigeria has no constitutional provision to come up with ransoms in hundreds of millions on the right to bear arms, all such weapons in the of Naira. hands of civilians remain illegal except by license Nigeria, according to most reports, accounts for IRU KXQWLQJ DQG RWKHU VSRUW 7KH VWDWH VWLOO RIÀFLDOO\ at least 70 per cent of the illegal SALWs circulating remains the ultimate protector of the citizenry who within the West African sub-region, most of them are legally presumed unarmed. But it is a task that in the hands of sundry criminal cartels and lone can only be performed in tandem with strengthening wolves. It stands to reason that with access to the security of citizens to make illegal possession of abundant illegal weapons the rogue elements in ÀUHDUPV XQDWWUDFWLYH ,W KDV WR SURFHHG WKURXJK D RXU PLGVW KDYH EHFRPH PRUH IRUWLÀHG DQG KHQFH programme of illegal arms decommissioning and less amenable to entreaties to make peace. Yet, it was recovery and the reinforcement of existing gun such easy access to SALWs by some unscrupulous laws. elements that resulted in total breakdown of law The time to act is now. and order in some of the failed states in Africa of

Letters to the Editor

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief(150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer

LETTERS

NIGERIANS AND THE ELECTIONEERING SEASON

With the 2023 general elections closing in, previous experience exhorts Nigerians to expect outlandish promises, outrageous claims and the occasional crocodile tears by WKRVH ZKR RYHU WKH \HDUV KDYH ÀQHWXQHG the art of selling Nigerians short and holding up false claim and lies as they seek to sway the Nigerian voter.

The reason many people in Nigeria believe politics to be a pool of endless dirt is that in the pool of politics and politicians in Nigeria, all manner of prawns and pranksters are to be found. Over the years, the puddle they have made during elections has successfully cast Nigeria as a country where politics is dirty and elections a do or die affair.

In Nigeria, in the name of politics, people have lost life and limb. People have also watched in horror as their hard-earned reputation have been washed away by the gale of pervasive politics. After about four years, the time is here again when

Nigerians are about to be led on a political song and dance by those who make a living out of hoodwinking Nigerians.

On Saturday September 17, 2022, while taking in the visit of a coalition of northern Christian women in his residence in Abuja, Hamza Al-Mustapha, the presidential candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) broke down in tears over the state of insecurity in Nigeria.

While lamenting the pervasive role religion and ethnicism currently play in the country, Al-Mustapha observed that there were people who were bent on destroying the country.

Some hard truths there but as is so often the case in Nigeria, words can only be as weighty as the moral authority of the one who wields them. Nigerians best remember Al-Mustapha for his time as the &KLHI 6HFXULW\ 2IÀFHU WR 6DQL $EDFKD ZKR forced himself on the country between DQG KLV LURQ ÀVW VHQGLQJ PDQ\

Nigerians to their early graves as well as stashing away billions of naira of Nigeria`s commonwealth in other countries. In many ways, Abacha laid the grounds for the corruption which continues to be the source of so many of Nigeria`s problems.

That more than two decades after his death, the money he took out of Nigeria is still being returned is testament to the gravity of the crimes he committed against the country.

To what extent then can someone who so closely worked with Abacha lament Nigeria`s multifaceted problems?

Shouldn’t Nigerians be wary of those who today act as if they have the interest of the country at heart when not so long ago, they let opportunities they had to put the country in a better stead go begging?

It is not surprising that as pivotal elections approach, whitewashing and image laundering are taking center stage.

Just how many crocodiles, chameleons and

hyenas will come up to Nigerians acting as though they are the best animals in the jungle that Nigeria has become?

Nigerians must be especially ready to subject those who will come to them saying they can salvage the country to searing scrutiny. Those who come to Nigerians having supposedly cast off their considerable baggage must be made to answer probing questions on their baggage.

In a time of great national need, Nigerians must be especially wary of the weasels who want to worm their way into Nigerian hearts only to bare their sharp WHHWK ZKHQ WKH\ ÀQDOO\ KDYH ZKDW WKH\ want.

The chaotic leadership of the last seven years provides a coruscating cautionary tale. t ,FOF 0CJF[V 5XJUUFS !LFOPCJF[V

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

25.9.2022

HAKEEM CONDOTTI REIGNITING THE DREAM TO BE A MILLIONAIRE Chief Executive Officer of BLK HUT Media, Hakeem Condotti, earlier this year brought back the popular TV show‘WhoWants to Be a Millionaire’to the screens after a five-year hiatus. In this interview with Vanessa Obioha, he discusses the relevance of the show at a time when the country is experiencing emigration of highly trained and qualified people

H

akeem Condotti cannot explain why his children think he is the Best Dad in the world. A decorative piece with the inscription “World’s Best Dad” occupies a conspicuous spot on his

desk in his office. On one of the notes stuck on his wall was a list of all the characteristics his children found him worthy of. The list, beautifully scribbled in juvenile handwriting, includes towering traits of him -smart and grateful-among a few.

“They did that the last time they

were here and warned me not to clean it,” he told me in a recent chat in his office nestled in one of the posh areas of Lekki. He was decked in a pristine white attire and strikes the picture of one who is always in control, not in an aggressive manner though. He exuded a gentle and unassuming mien that turned evocative

when marshalling his thoughts.

For instance, when we compared the modern father with the traditional father, he meticulously argued that the dad of today spends more quality time with their children and as a result enjoys great bonding compared to the traditional dad.

“For them, it was all about providing for the family,” he noted.

Condotti comes from Ijebu in Ogun State. His surname is the shortened form of his great grandfather’s name which is referred to as Oriki. In Yorubaland, Oriki is a praise poem, prophetic name of one’s destiny. It encodes the ancestral identity of a lineage, and what the members of that lineage share in common. In simpler terms, it means what people know you for or what they want you to become. The full interpretation of his surname is one that rejects the filthy.

This year, Condotti is busier than ever. It is the first time he is crossing into content creation with the current season of the popular TV show ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (WWTBAM),’ the license of which he bought from Sony. Most of his career has been spent helping creatives monetise their content, although he started at Metropolitan Bank during and after the mandatory National Youth Corps Service (NYSC). After his stint at the bank, he upgraded his BSc in Economics and Statistics with an MSc in International Business Economics from Westminster Business School. When he returned in 2005, it was the boom of the Global System for Communication (GSM) in Nigeria which was launched in 2001 under the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo.

Telecommunications companies such as MTN, Airtel and Glo were looking for ways to dominate the growing market with innovative services. Condotti found himself veering into that field, providing solutions for telecommunications companies.

“We provided value-added services where we served as the interface between what the telcos sell and what they don’t do by themselves. Creative services such as SMS contents, ringtones, ringback tones and things like that. We started creating avenues for creatives like musicians to make money, using ringtones at the initial stages, from the monophonic and polyphonic ringtones.

This became another source of revenue for the industry that they were not used to at the time,” he said.

Through content monetisation, Condotti became more exposed to that part of the creative economy. It was only a matter of time before he started interfacing tech with the business side of the entertainment industry, organising concerts for super music stars like Asa, Adekunle Gold, Simi and Burna Boy. He did these concerts under Bavent Street Integrated Services, which he founded in 2016.

At some point, Condotti and his

ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

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COVER Africa’s Development is Going to Be Based on Interaction Between Diaspora and Locals team began receiving requests for video content, including acquiring mobile rights for major sporting events such as the World Cup and Premier League. This somehow prepared him to acquire the rights for WWTBAM from Sony when the opportunity arrived.

“This was taking a step back into creating content, not just monetizing content. Since we had the capacity to monetize content, now developing a capacity to create it was going to be a challenge and I was interested in knowing where to take off.”

The buzz for the new season of WWTBAM started last year. The show was one of the most loved TV shows before it stopped airing five years ago. Resurrecting the show to meet today’s high-tech demand was a challenge that Condotti and his team embraced. One thing was certain though, it has to be a good show and future-proof.

“It has to look good in such a way that people will see and regard it, and it can also be sold anywhere in the world,” he said.

His team was bent on churning out a production that was up to UK standards. A new set was built in Nigeria, the right skill set was also brought in. Tapping from his experience in tech, he was able to come up with payment solutions that help people to be more financially included in the economy while playing the game. A different weekly game is posted on the show’s social media pages where winners play to win.

“About 10 people win N30,000 each every week via the weekly game. The ultimate winning prize for the main game is N20 million,” he disclosed.

No one has achieved that feat yet. The highest money won is N4 million. Given that the season will run for a year, a lucky winner may soon become N20 million richer.

The feedback, he said, since the show officially premiered with Frank Edoho has been so impressive that the licensing company Sony was in awe.

“The initial reaction was funny because you have to match the promise of money giving with the insecurity in the country. In the early stages when we first started and were recruiting people to come and play — a lot of people show interest in participating in the game but when we call them to confirm that they really want to come and play because they answered the questions correctly, they become suspicious.

Some felt it was a scam, some were worried about kidnappers. We have had at least two potential contestants who expressed such concerns. One was from Kaduna; we’ve bought the flight ticket and everything and at the last minute, he said his friends told him that we were unreal. This was just before we officially went on air.”

The fears however dissipated by the time the show premiered.

Through the comments on the show’s social media pages, Condotti could see a lot of hope, hardwork and fear in most Nigerians. The economic hardship is biting according to him but has not killed the Nigerian spirit.

Reviving that Nigerian spirit was one of the reasons he bought the license of WWTBAM. “One of the reasons why we decided to go for this asset is because it rewards people based on

their intelligence and encourages you to read. I can tell from the comments on the YouTube videos. This is one project I’ve worked on where the comments are always positive. People are happy that they can win things by their intelligence. People are happy that they can be entertained and learn at the same time. People challenge some questions sometimes. People are happy about that. And so it’s something that makes people sit down, encourages reading, study more and we’ve had very encouraging contestants.

“We’ve had a contestant that was a doctor and is a teacher and also looking at taking project management and IT training.

We have had a trader that came in from Enugu, I can’t forget him, as the main contestant and, you know, he kept talking about how he gives back. He kept talking about how he’s learning more to improve himself and what he does, looking for side businesses. He was saying that with respect to the Nigerian spirit, that is, you can’t stick to one thing, you have to do multiple things.

“So I like that positivity that it brings to people and it’s very encouraging for me when you see other Nigerians that are striving to do something apart from their daily bread, they are also trying to do other things to improve. You see a lot of these in their banter with Frank Edoho.

They tell him what they like to do and their hobbies. So from the feedback, I can deduce the average Nigerian has an encouraging mindset.”

This mindset, he argued, defeats the notion that there is no hope in Nigeria.

“A lot of people say the hope is not there, but for you to pick up the phone and want to participate and answer questions and be a part of this, it shows that there’s a certain level of hope you have to be able to win and confidence within yourself. We had a particular interest in a banking and finance graduate who was a Bolt driver. He talked about hoping to win some money to put him back into his education so he can improve himself and maybe, you know, start a business on the side and getting a better job. So we’ve had interesting people like that,” he narrated.

In his view, the attitude of the young man cannot be found in the Nigeria of yesteryears where graduates go hunting for white collar jobs. Young people are today becoming productive in their own way while still looking for ways to improve.

“That is the reality of Nigeria,” he said emphatically while reacting to the concept of people leaving the country in search of greener pastures abroad, a concept now popularly known as Japa.

For Condotti, it is not a new phenomenon. It has always happened in Nigeria. He cited his uncles who often told him that back then in the 70s, that a class of 15 will have only two people left in Nigeria because of the economic downturn. However, such brain drain has some benefits for Nigeria because it allows them to represent the country in lofty positions abroad.

While he would not say emphatically if it is good or bad to have such repeated cycles, he puts his thoughts this way.

“I will say it’s a thing, whether it’s good or bad. Let’s look at it this way.

There is no civilization, no economy, no country developed by being domestic only.

Every country developed with an influx and help from abroad. Whether it’s through colonisation that the British did, or the Europeans that went to colonise the world and bring back things in, or the Israelites who were scattered all over the world and came back to develop their own country, or Malaysia or Singapore where the revolution that they had was from a man who went

Condotti

“One of the reasons why we decided to go for this asset is because it rewards people based on their intelligence and encourages you to read. I can tell from the comments on the YouTube videos. This is one project I’ve worked on where the comments are always positive. People are happy that they can win things by their intelligence. People are happy that they can be entertained and learn at the same time. People challenge some questions sometimes to study and came back to develop the country.

“And so Africa’s development is going to be based on the interaction between the diaspora and the locals.

And that is ultimately going to help us. Like right now, our remittances are more than the income that the country makes. It’s just that the remittances so far are only coming into consumption. By the time it interacts with investment, then you see lots of different investments. The investments that the government needs to chase are not FDI from ‘Oyibo people,’ but FDI from the diaspora, that’s the money that will stay. FDI from foreigners will come

and go. But the ones from the diaspora will stay here and will develop here. And that’s what we need to structurally create.”

He already started doing that with his company BLK HUT Media where he is creating a value chain for people to invest in the entertainment sector and make money and keep the money here. He has already built relationships with streaming platforms production houses and is working on a distribution and aggregation platform.

WWTBAM may have put Condotti in the space of creating content but he prefers creating value for people particularly in helping them monetise their content. More so, he is incurably Nigerian whose hopes and dreams are for the country.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

54

HighLife Arthur Eze in the News Again

Eze

with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Igho Sanomi Celebrated as He Bags Forbes Prestigious Award in NewYork Africa’s acme of entrepreneurial and philanthropic distinction, Igho Sanomi II, (born May 17, 1975) stands tall and humble as he clinches the Forbes Best of Africa Leading Philanthropist of Year award in New York on September 20, 2022. The event was on the sidelines of the United National General Assembly in New York.

Mark Furlong, President, Forbes Media presented the award after a beautiful citation of Sanomi II. Prior to this, in a nomination letter addressed specifically to the oil magnate (dated August 29, 2022), Forbes pinpoints the highlights of the nomination thus, “Your capacity to lead and help different nationalities through your business, work and extraordinary philanthropic activities has positioned you as a role model for many in Africa and beyond.

“Your notable achievements alongside many philanthropic/ humanitarian works through your Foundation have consistently helped some social reformations and also provided education/ healthcare/relief materials to the downtrodden and disadvantaged.”

Igho Sanomi’s unparalleled

There’s a strong wave of moneymindedness in Nigeria that is inducing young men and women to do unpleasant and life-scarring things. But these archetypal leaders of tomorrow need only see that money is not everything, although current events appear to cancel out this fact. It does not help that well-known politicians and affluent men like Authur Eze are reportedly doing whatever they want because they have money.

Yes, popular Nigerian billionaire, Eze, is in the news again. And because it is now the custom, none of his recent mentions in the newspapers is for good or cast a favourable light on his reputation.

According to recent reports, one of the things that are not important to Eze is the rule of law. Oh, and family relations, considering that he has allegedly resumed his vendetta against the family of his late brother, most notably his nephew, Prince Olisa Eze. The report of Eze’s renewed Buhari interest in Olisa is all over the news waves. It is alleged that Eze had some of the security personnel They say actions speak louder than words, no matter how glib the speaker may be. attached to him aggressively On this front, words alone are insufficient move into Olisa’s residence in the Mabushi area, Abuja, to evict him (Olisa), his wife, and children.

The reason for this eviction was reported to be none other than Eze’s whim, which he expressed explicitly when he allegedly told reporters that the dwelling was his own.

The court proceedings show uncertainty. In fact, the only thing Some people show that they have a bright the court has ruled so far is that Eze and brilliant destiny from childhood. Others should desist from taking action until everything is settled. But based only display this desirable splendour when they are adults. Oluwatomi Somefun, the on the narrative of Eze terrorising lady who is doing wonderful things at Unity his nephew and chasing him out Bank is one of the former. She is the kind that of his home with armed security reminds us all of that old Peak Milk television commercial about Papillo and how he would personnel, policemen who are make us proud. Even though her relatives supposed to be responsible for the protection of civilian life, the court’s will say that they always knew there was something extra about her ordinary life, her ruling is smoke and shadows. time at Unity Bank is becoming more and more Eze is not winning public of an eye-opener regarding what one person sympathy for his reported doings can accomplish in a short time. but he has little care about such When Somefun took over the leadership of Unity Bank from Henry Semenitari in 2015, things.

magnanimity and entrepreneurial exploits cannot be easily summed up in a few sentences. For a man who dramatizes the zenith of exemplary discipline, kindness and business acumen, one can only have a tiny grab of a tiny spot upon the continent of his personality at once. Sanomi spreads from the great heights of Kilimanjaro to the peaks of Everest, his influence in oil, gas, power, logistics, maritime, aviation, real estate, and public speaking. He is famously storied for his penchant for parlaying little projects into world gargantuan edifices of awe.

One of his companies, Taleveras is reputed as an iron-strong global energy company whose special interest in the upstream, midstream, downstream, and power sectors of the energy industry has resulted in giant growth and pioneer development in Liquified Natural Gas and Renewable Energy while not neglecting the significance of environmental preservation for a safer planet.

In 2011, Sanomi and his siblings founded the Dickens Sanomi Foundation in loving memory of their late father, Igho Sanomi I. He served as the chairman of the foundation which donates millions of dollars to laudable

causes and projects not only in Africa but Europe and America and other parts of the world.

Wrong Timing for Aisha Buhari? unless they are accompanied by convincing actions. So it is with Aisha Buhari, First Lady of Nigeria, whose supposed sympathy for the young people striving to improve their lives via education, is looking less and less genuine. Then again, maybe her actions came about at the wrong time and have nothing to do with the Nigerian situation.

The denizens of social media virtual space have taken to their mobile phones and computers to have a go at First Lady Buhari.

This is in reaction to her recent post on social media wherein she celebrated the graduation of her daughter-in-law, Zahra Bayero-Buhari, from a University in the United Kingdom. Although she is not the first to do this, not even among the public officers in the country, her posts are now considered the most iniquitous, bearing in mind that she is supposed to be a mother to every young Nigerian.

However, as every young Nigerian is

Somefun: A Woman with Quiet Moves, Loud Impacts

quite a number of people had a lot to say.

Sanomi

Somefun

very aware, the public universities in the country have been closed for seven months.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been contending with the federal government over a number of issues, resulting in the termination of all academic activities.

And while students are suffering and crying out for help for every person involved, it seems that the First Lady is unfeeling to the point of adding salt to injury.

Of course, analysts have stated that the First Lady’s post had no insidious intent. After all, it is only right that she hails the graduation of the wife of her son, Yusuf—the girl graduated with a First Class! But the contention is that her post is coming at a time when no average Nigerian tertiary student can graduate and be awarded any kind of Class, First, Second, or Third. And that is where all the angst in social media is coming from.

Before that time, she was the bank’s Executive Director in charge of the Lagos and South-west Business Directorates, the Financial Institution Division and the Treasury Department of the bank. As a result, only those privileged areas got to observe her genius. But since taking over the entire Unity Bank as CEO, every customer and onlooker from within and outside the banking and finance sector has come to know the Unity Bank CEO who makes quiet moves and loud impacts.

Somefun’s brilliance saved Unity Bank in 2016 and 2017 from the blackness of loans and other burdens. Since that time, she has drawn universal acclaim to the bank, with prestigious awards decorating her office and home, and marking her out to be one of the most intelligent, visionary, flexible, and revolutionary CEOs among Nigeria’s top corporate echelons.

With Somefun, it is not only a question of when and what, but also how. Her methods are both enlightening as they are simple, radical and soft. As a result, while it does not seem as if she is labouring to save her life, the results speak for her. No wonder Unity Bank is on the lips of every informed Nigerian.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

HIGHLIFE

Between Yakubu Dogara and Bola Tinubu The underlying current of the battle for the 2023 presidential position in Nigeria continues to sweep across the nation in myriad forms. The spearheads of the main political parties are facing diverse challenges from within their parties and outside.

However, there is no debating the fact that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Bola Tinubu, are facing the most challenges in the form of a faith crisis. On this front, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has submitted his two cents worth.

Dogara is the latest prominent political figure to speak against the Muslim-Muslim ticket being advanced

by Tinubu and the APC. Throwing his weight behind many others who have lamented the move by the APC to put political and personal interest over and above national unity, Dogara advised Christians especially not to bother wasting their votes.

His comments were presented during a summit in Abuja organised by the Nigerian Nationa l Christians Coalition (NNCC).

Tagged ‘Meet the Church’ and attended by several prominent group leaders, the event allowed Dogara to present his views in proxy.

Dogara, who is himself a Christian and a member of the APC,

noted that members of Tinubu’s camp are not interested in hearing or following the recommendations of hallowed statesmen, which is to choose a Christian as a vice presidential candidate. After all, it is against the religious narrative of Nigeria to have a party field presidential representatives of the same faith. Yet, Tinubu is doing so. Following this complete disregard for national unity, said Dogara, it would be best for Christians to simply ignore Tinubu and his schemes.

Dogara’s opinions are not altogether odd. First, since the announcement of Kashim Shettima as Tinubu’s vice president was made, he (Dogara) and a handful of others openly opposed it.

Unfortunately, it does not seem as if they have enough authority to overturn Tinubu’s decision. Therefore, Dogara and others are taking the extreme option of challenging the said decision in public.

To this, some Nigerians are awed.

After all, Dogara is going against the leadership of his party in favour of public opinion. But other Nigerians are just resigned, convinced that he is also pursuing personal interests, although said interests are still unclear.

Regardless of whichever view is most accurate, Dogara is surely throwing knives and daggers into the ambition of Tinubu. How this will end is still a matter of speculation.

How Sijibomi Ogundele Turns Vision to Profit, Bleakness to Goldmine Human life is interesting. To think that having someone as balanced and forward-thinking as Sijimoto Ogundele can spark a revolution for deliberate, constructive wealthbuilding among Nigerian youths.

To say that Sujimoto Construction has become a universal phenomenon is putting it lightly. The multi-billionNaira real estate outfit has evolved from being a small agency in charge of finding well-constructed and luxury homes and offices for people to being one of the most reliable construction companies operating on the African continent.

To put Sujimoto’s operations in context, some of the choicest locations in Nigeria bear its construction marks. For example, the company’s Lucrezia De Medici, the supposed

Ogundele

Breath of Fresh Air for Godswill Akpabio

Tinubu

Dogara

tallest residential and most exclusive building in Banana Island has redefined Lagos as a growing city in terms of highrise buildings. Sujimoto’s 15-floor tower, LucreziaBySujimoto, is also doing the same.

From these, one can see that Ogundele’s genius is being celebrated for a reason. As the CEO of Sujimoto, his ideals are replicated in the doings of the company. As a result, and because Ogundele adores excellence and sophistication, Sujimoto has come to be known for excellence and sophistication.

And yet, for Ogundele, none of this is much of a surprise.

The young man believes that diligence breaks the toughest grounds and makes constructing desired futures possible. He is certainly doing so, breaking new grounds and raising new bars for splendour and style in Nigeria’s real estate sector.

It seems that 2022 is the year for Senator Godswill Akpabio, the man who tried and failed to be the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite missing that train, Akpabio has found a way to remain politically relevant in his native Akwa Ibom State, if not the whole of Nigeria. Maybe he is friends with the genius loci of Nigerian politics.

Maybe he has a lot more to offer than is obvious to history books and the arguments of conclusions of political analysts. Regardless, the man is made again.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has bowed to judicial pressure and included Akpabio’s name in the list of candidates for the forthcoming general elections. As a result, and against all odds (and what used to be known before Akpabio’s miracle as common sense), the former Akwa Ibom governor will be able to contest against other senatorial candidates for the right to represent Akwa Ibom Northwest in the upper house of the National Assembly.

Before now, INEC disqualified Akpabio from contesting in the senatorial race since he had submitted his name for the presidency. It would be unfair for him to sow his oats in two different fields. But an Abuja division of the Federal High Court determined that there was nothing wrong with Akpabio’s gig, especially since he was able to win the primary election for the senatorial position.

Things have certainly taken a positive turn for Akpabio and the man is bound to flourish moving forward.

Social media is currently wondering how Akpabio was able to do it. The man was able to change the narrative, outclass his peers, and douse all negative expectations with nothing but a wave of his hand.

Or so some observers would have Nigerians believe. But irrespective of whatever anyone believes, it is a fact that Akpabio is back on the field and is running on fresh juice.

Lioness of Bourdillon: How Oluremi Tinubu Became the New Bride among Nigeria’s Alpha Women

Tinubu

Senator Oluremi Tinubu is like an eagle favoured among birds. Refusing to let the times leave them behind, many people, women especially, are worrying themselves to death about how to renew their friendship with the three-time senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly. Even as she recently celebrated her 62nd birthday, her prospects for the position of Nigeria First Lady are increasing daily; ergo, the strengthened sense among women from all walks of life to flock to her side.

Her birthday celebration a few days ago pooled lots of prestigious individuals from all over the country, including Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Sanwo-Olu, ever the expressive man, noted that the good senator has her “...name in gold as an advocate of social justice, a philanthropist and a voice of the

voiceless.”

Senator Tinubu, by being the wife of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stands a good chance of becoming First Lady in 2023.

Even though almost every Nigerian president comes on board and claims that there is no constitutional provision for First Ladies, we all know how influential this supposedly nonexistent office is.

As a result, Senator Tinubu is currently the new bride among the alpha females of Nigeria. Contrary to Sanwo-Olu’s praise, most of these women who want to be friends with the senator are only looking to sow a seed which they might reap in the future. They did this with Patience Goodluck-Jonathan as well as Aisha Buhari, although the latter did not countenance them much.

Akpabio

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

ASUU vs FG: Shame! Shame! Shame!

If not that this thing is very painful and sad, someone will just be sitting down on his couch and be laughing.

So the federal government and the dinosaurs who lead the ASUU camp have succeeded in keeping our children off school for seven months.

This has moved to the point where the students have decided to take things in their own hands. They have started blocking very critical institutions and facilities in protest to the shameful situation. They first blocked the strategic Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and then they faced the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and I hear they are mobilising over 60 buses to enter Abuja and do the same.

I am, however, begging them to leave the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway alone.

That one na them and bandits, and those ones will not understand what is going on.

So, these two groups of prehistoric Nigerians – FG and ASUU have been going at it for all of these years without really understanding each other or

each other’s situation. I have never seen negotiations like this where no side is moving. I hear even the federal government finally made some slight moves but ASUU did not budge.

I hear they are asking for N4 trillion.

For what, if I may ask? If federal government dare pay that money, I will walk naked from Lagos to Abuja making stopovers in various brothels on the way to preach the essence of safe sex on the way.

Thankfully, I hear a court has come out to ask ASUU to call off the strike but ASUU is planning to appeal. My people, this is tiring. Nobody is looking at the interest of the students who are the ones suffering.

They are the ones in this quagmire. I hear they have started learning other trades to survive while the children of the elites are busy graduating abroad and sending us pictures to taunt us.

This is a big shame and I support NANS in their quest. Please, they should reach me for advice on more strategic locations where they should carry their protest to. This is shameful.

MAGNUS ONYIBE: I STILL DON’T AGREE That was how Oga called me from America last week. I was about to sleep when the call came in. He had written a beautiful piece for thealvinreport.com on the ASUU matter that I did not agree with. I published it but I guess he needed to make his point verbally, so he called.

“Edgar,” he said, “the government has to move the petroleum subsidy towards education. Instead of subsidising consumption and setting up all of these task forces on rice, maize and the rest, they should subsidise education,” he countered.

He went further to say that in America that is what is done.

Students are given loans with which they pay back after schooling. This reflates the economy and allows for lecturers to be paid market-driven rates and there will now be enough monies to fund the schools which would impact productivity in the economy. He cited India as a good example and how these youths were running all the tech companies in the

world.

He further said that if we really educate our youths, they could sell their skills in international markets and bring back diaspora receipts among others. If you know Magnus very well, you know immediately that you don’t argue with him because the man na intellectual.

Developmental economist from Harvard, na him me go carry my Shomolu head argue with? I kept quiet and urged him to continue.

When he finished, I said “nice one Lord. I agree with you. You have just made a lot of sense.”

I agreed, so that the argument go end so I go sleep because if I counter Oga Magnus, I no go sleep that night. He go start to open books.

So, I agreed and he said “Edgar, I knew you would see good reasons.”

I replied “Yes sir, thank you, God bless you,” and I turned and went to sleep. No be Nigeria and ASUU matter go worsen my BP this night.

But I don think am well and Oga Magnus cannot argue with me in my column. I no greeeeeeeeee.

Na lie. I no greeeeee. My position

remains steadfast: government has no business in tertiary education and that is why we are seeing this dislocation. Government cannot run the structures with its inherent inefficiencies, red tape and endemic corruption. If we move the subsidy to education, you will see another class of billionaires reaping from the system with lecturers still wearing torn trousers and slippers all over the place.

Sell the schools. Privatise and move on. Carry the money from the sale to strengthen regulation and initiate strong welfare and scholarship packages for the poor.

This has happened effectively at the secondary level where missionaries have taken back the schools and turned them into Eldorado.

The problem is that the government is busy in areas that don’t concern them; they have spread their ineptitude in all of these areas, ensuring wastage and debauchery in their wake. JAMB has asked for independence. Yes na. Why will the government be subsidising that one when the capacity to rival Lagos State Government in IGR has been

firmly established?

Government should reduce itself and size, concentrate on core areas of defence, macro and micro economic regulations and oversight, currency and that kain thing. Not this one that the government is doing everything including trying to regulate how many times I will sleep with my wife.

Oga Magnus this is my position.

Please no call me for night again.

We are struggling with erectile challenges and need to maintain focus abeg. If you no gree, call Ngige abeg. Thank you. Lol.

Sanwo-Olu

Wike

Nyong

Onyibe:

Osodeke

WIKE AND THE 40 ‘THIEVES’ Immediately after Governor Okowa was nominated running mate to Atiku, I met up with a former Governor and huge PDP stalwart. I said to him, “how will you guys manage this Wike person o,” and what he said was very instructive.

The fear, he said, was in Wike working from the inside for APC.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

LOUD WHISPERS This statement has become very instructive and prophetic abi how else do we explain this one.

We have just been told that Wike and his people have all pulled out of the campaign structure of Atiku all because Ayu has refused to step down. For me, this is all one big joke and it will be hard not to see a conspiracy theory in this matter or how can otherwise very sane people be behaving like this.

On the eve of the campaign, you were all fighting over one lame positioning. One will think that this chairmanship of a party is all that o.

Wetin even dey this chairmanship?

Was Oshiomole not a very powerful Chairman of a ruling party, Is it not in his village that they removed him?

Even the Ayu sef, I don’t even know what the Methuselah is still doing in the place. Very powerful people with the resources you need, say you should go and you are still sitting down there and saying ‘no’. Even the Atiku sef, is tiring me. Can’t he too see the handwriting on the wall.

Why is he still issuing statements and saying that he cannot force the man to quit?

What rubbish? If you see that this thing is hurting your ambitions, will you not carry umbrella and nack the baba for head and drive him away?

This whole thing is making me want to ask if Tinubu hand no dey this matter.

Tinubu can be strategic like that o. Abi, you people did not see the way presidential candidates were stepping down for him during the primaries? When his colleagues were working on delegates, Baba Seyi was working on candidates.

You saw it na.

So, I will not be surprised that na Tinubu fit don work on Ayu and Atiku and Wike and throw juju in-between them that they are now behaving like sailors in a brothel.

The ‘mumuness’ of these PDP people is shocking. Really shocking.

I tell you. I don talk my own, I don keep quiet.

UNGA: A BEAUTIFUL WASTE OF TIME I tried to reach out to three very prominent Nigerians this week to discuss my new plays for December.

This December, we are engaging over 500 actors and executing the biggest independent theatre experience since Festac 77. So, I reached out to these three, among others seeking appointments and all three said they were at UNGA. I weak. I asked what was happening there and they all said they were there.

The next minute, I went on Instagram and there I saw my Instagram Star Tony Elumelu, walking the streets of New York and hugging old women and everybody including the frail looking Bill Clinton and signing documents with one UN Institution.

At least his own, we have seen that he has signed something that would fund his vision to the tune of $20million which is good. But the rest, I am still shaking my head as to wetin dem go do there. I hear even our President, instead of him to go and enter BRT in Buckingham Palace, decided to send Osinbajo and carried his wife, ministers and all sorts to New York to go and tell them that a new face will be representing Nigeria in the place going forward. Historic.

Nigerians like to waste time; we like to play to our egos and just waste

valuable time and resources showing off. When they all come back, please help me ask them how this jamboree help the Naira? How this jamboree help inflation at over 20% and how this jamboree help ASUU? Even the president, help me ask am, wetin he achieve for the place?

A beautiful waste of time my people.

BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU – AUCTION OF LIFE Tears flowed and anguish was spread as the Lagos State Government through their agents carried out an

auction of cars earlier impounded for various traffic offences. My people, this was very traumatic and sad as Lagosians wept profusely as their cars were auctioned off at prices that were very far from markets.

Immediately after, the Lagos State Government sent out a long list of traffic offences that were quite intimidating and were expected to serve as warning and deterrent.

Now this would have been very constructive at least if for nothing else for two reasons – shoring up

BODE OLANIPEKUN: A BEFITTING BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Olanipekun

I cannot lie, Bode is my friend and brother. I have eaten in his house before.

His wife gave me fried plantain and chicken wings and was not even told that she had to put Coca Cola on ice which she did very perfectly. Since then, Bode can do no wrong in my eyes.

Last week, as I sat with him at the Southern Sun Hotel discussing, my heart was shaking. Bode had approached me to partner him on a huge project. He was going to solely fund it as he believed that he had to give back to the country. He wanted an annual project that would push for the continuous unity and cohesion of the country. I liked the vision and jumped on it. We started work and the budget was humongous. It was huge and would pull in the top echelons of the society down to the common man on the street.

In meetings, Bode lighted up especially when the effects of the project on the citizenry was explained to him. He insisted that we had a showing for Nigerians without gate takings and pulled in one of the biggest PR and exponential firms in the country.

Then his firm ran into headwinds and he called. I was just about to take off to Abuja when the call came. “Duke, there has been a development, we need to talk.”

Piss catch me. I didn’t enjoy the flight as my mind went to so many places. The project was already 100% executed at the level of visioning and logistics and over 60% at the level of execution.

Immediately we landed, I ran to the toilet to call him so that I could pee instead of wetting my pants from whatever bad news Bode was going to spill.

He said, “Duke, I am afraid we may have to pull back. It would not be a good PR for us at this time but I will continue to solely fund it with no immediate benefit to me or my firm.”

I fell on the floor. Is this a Nigerian? Is this a man? The budget we are talking about here is not a joke o. He says he will continue to fund it and he has kept to his words.

His support has put over 300 people to work, engaged three radio stations, involved the NTA and has empowered various young entrepreneurs. You see why Bode can do no wrong in my books. I am compromised, I tell you.

So, as he celebrates his 40th, didn’t even know say I comot 13 years from am, I beg all of you reading this column to stop immediately and send him a huge prayer of blessing and long life. Oya Aduraaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!

Happy birthday bro.

government revenues and returning sanity to the roads. But we all know that this exercise has been fraught with corruption and underhand transactions that has made a few very rich, others carless and with pain and the government worse for it in terms of PR and revenues.

I think the whole thing should be looked at very critically again with the aim of blocking the loopholes and ensuring probity and fairness.

I think the rightful owner of the cars should be given the first option of refusal. If I commit an offence, you impound my car and I am ready to buy back, it should be sold to me rather than carrying out a corruption-filled public auction where my car is sold off in front of me to the highest bidder who in turn comes back and sells to me at a funny price making a spread in minutes without any input just because he can shout or is sharing his mother’s bosom with the auctioneer.

Lagos, abeg revisit this process. It is fraught with back-end corruption thereby defeating the purpose.

Thank you.

RICHARD NYONG: LEKKI GARDEN OF EDEN This young man was quite unpopular at some point. The tragedy that was the collapse of his property threw him up as a Nigerian we would all love to hate.

But somehow, I felt kinda drawn to him even in those dark days. I try to go beyond the emotive posturing of Nigerians when things happen and try to see the fact.

Anyways, he went through all of that including incarceration, reparations and rebuilding both his business and his reputation. It is under this situation that I finally met with him penultimate Saturday for a brief talk. Very lively, handsome and deep. He welcomes me to his Ikoyi office shouting “Wow, Duke you are fine o.” I said “you should have seen me before Buhari.”

Tell me about that day. That morning I shot. He said I was called and ran to the place. I saw the carnage and went to report myself to three police stations…… as he spoke, I could see the pain in his eyes. “Edgar, I was kept for 30 days in a cell and after that we paid reparations… all because I trusted the wrong people.”

“What would you do differently?”

I asked. “Systems, structures and processes,’’ he shot back. His business is not built around these as he now believes that he is not building houses but building a business steeped in structure and processes and distinct certification of all counterparties.

He is relieved as he is now adjudged one of the biggest in the space. Over 150 ongoing projects and trillions in transaction value with his firm on the cusp of an exciting 10-year anniversary.

I asked “my brother what else did you learn from this,” and with no hesitation, he replied – God, God, God. His fervent belief in God and his faithfulness falling very beautifully into the love for his wife and family as the bulwark of his faith in his vision.

As I walked away, a picture of him on the wall caught my attention and I said, “bro you fat for here o” and he replied, “that na before the incidence.”

I smiled as I exited thinking within me, ‘that is a man’.

58

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

John Olajide’s Record-breaking Moves

The Impeccable Style of Banking Wizard, Tony Elumelu It is incontestable that one of the leading entrepreneurs on the continent of Africa, Tony Elumelu would hold and acquire special pages and places if anyone decided to pen down the history of Africa’s businesses and economy. He also holds a special place in the hearts of many across the continent, simply because of his philanthropic gestures that have raised many out of total financial misery and obscurity to relevance.

This successful Nigerian businessman, economist and philanthropist is committed to helping many of Africa’s emerging leaders fulfil their dreams. All these sterling attributes have combined to make him belong to the class of rare businessmen.

In recent times, another side of Elumelu that has caught the attention of many borders on his powerful dress sense, which many describe as nonpareil. Whenever the astute banker appears at any social gathering, he stands out in the crowd due to his impeccable dress sense. A cursory look at his social media handles will show the CEO in several advanced yoga poses, fitted clothing and

Ex-Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro, Rescued from the Wilderness?

Olajide

If the US-based technology entrepreneur Niyi John Olajide was to scribble his grassto-grace story, it would make a sold-out blockbuster movie at the box office. His story teaches hard work, consistency, doggedness and prayers. During his formative years in Nigeria, he was driven by passion and will to succeed in his endeavours. On getting to the US, it didn’t take him too long to find his feet as a seasoned IT personality launching Axxess Technologies in 2007, a company currently at the forefront of creating a lasting solution to home healthcare delivery across the world.

The Ekiti State-born philanthropist never gave up on his dreams, in fact, he chased them with much gusto, starting the global healthcare technology company with a two-person staff in a rented apartment after graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas, Dallas. He became a globally-celebrated icon who has changed the world with his God-given talent as Axxess became the fastest-growing and leading home healthcare technology company in the world, providing a complete suite of innovative, cloud-based software and services while empowering the healthcare industry with powerful yet easy-to-use solutions.

Through his innovative ideas, he was invited to the White House to meet President Barack Obama.

During the heat of the Covid-19 pandemic, Olajide’s ability to assist the vulnerable get access to healthcare was remarkable.

With a massive presence in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and Africa, boasting of more than 1,200 employees from over 45 countries, Olajide made a covenant never to forget his roots. He has invested millions of dollars in capacity building, creating employment, mentorship and also reducing the exportation of our best brains outside the shores of Africa.

To further create a hub where new generation Nigerian tech enthusiast can build their craft and also contribute their quota to the dwindling healthcare and tech system by creating solutions to issues across the world, he launched Cavista Technologies Nigeria partnering with Axxess Global Technology where he made history with the employment of over 250 tech engineers, becoming the highest number of specialised tech engineers employed in the history of Nigeria.

Today, Cavista is creating solutions to the challenging issues of healthcare delivery in Nigeria and employing great young minds to solve problems, rather than allowing them to leave Nigeria to use their skills to develop in another country.

Sources revealed that Olajide is moved by his burning passion for his father’s land and this is the more reason he will stop at nothing to ensure he invests more in Nigerian tech enthusiasts who will create solutions in other aspects of the economy and also nurture them to become sought-after change-makers using technology.

sometimes urban casual outfits. The consistency in all of these, his identity across social media, his outfits and his lifestyle, all point to a clear direction in his personal branding.

A gist bearer once revealed that he is constantly moving away from some of his peers and other CEOs that are so boring with their style. It was hinted that he is on the contact list of many globally recognised suit designers, having been their loyal customers for many years.

Rising from his modest beginnings, this astute money manager ascended to the pinnacle of banking in Nigeria and has significant investments in the energy, hospitality, agribusiness, healthcare and real estate sectors.

His net worth is estimated to be in the region of US$700 million.

His Tony Elumelu Foundation reaches Elumelu across Africa to stimulate Africa’s economic development by enhancing the competitiveness provides both and indeed much more for an of the African private sector. Where many lack increasing number of Africans. He is respected funding and access to education that enhances across the world such that in 2012, Forbes ranked entrepreneurial pursuits, his Foundation him among the top 20 most influential Africans.

Pedro

He had a meteoric rise in the banking industry.

As the then Managing Director of First Atlantic Bank, now defunct, dark and handsome Femi Pedro was the toast of many in the private and public sectors.

Suddenly, his name began to reverberate across the political circle in Lagos State, courtesy of the then Governor of Lagos, Senator Bola Tinubu.

By fate or design, he later became the deputy

governor of the state. The romance between him and his former boss set tongues wagging in some quarters but not for long as Lagosians were alarmed at the news of a crack in the much-envied relationship, a development that was received with mixed feelings in the political circle in the state. The former banker was alleged to have disagreed with his boss over his choice of a successor in the twilight of the administration.

While Tinubu, now a national leader and presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was scheming for Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), who was then his Chief of Staff, Pedro was nursing a personal agenda. He had allegedly allowed his personal ambition to bring him into conflict with the powerful Tinubu. Many were unable to understand his reason for this political

miscalculation. Some saw it as advice from his hangers-on that took advantage of political naivety.

Frustrated, he resigned his appointment and pitched his tent with the Labour Party.

However, critics maintained that he took the decision, believing that his bread would be buttered at the party. Unfortunately, the party machinery refused to grant him the muchexpected ticket to contest for governor in the state then.

This is believed to be one of his regrets in his political career. He was left in the cold and wandered all alone in the wilderness.

A few years after, certainly after some introspection, he retraced his steps back to the Tinubu camp, following consultation with some party heavyweights who had the APC’s chieftain listening ears. This was shortly before the 2015 general election.

Aviation Top Shot, Allen Onyema, Marches on When one of his students asked Buddha if he was a god or human, he simply answered that he was always awake while others were sleeping.

This simple response by Buddha to an inquisitive student captures the life of Allen Onyema. His name means different things to different people.

To some, the name stands for courage, and tenacity, while to others, it means inventiveness, brilliance, and distinction to some others.

Onyema, a sure colossus in the Nigerian aviation industry, is a man of excellence and integrity. He is also a trailblazer, who is fast recreating the sector with ingenuity.

Until 2013, he was relatively unknown by many. But his status changed the moment he founded Air Peace.

Since then, the Anambra State-born aviation expert has shot himself into the league of top aviation players in Nigeria and contributed immensely to the commercial activities of the country’s economy His profile has continuously been on the rise,

not because he loves cheap publicity, but for his leadership qualities, brilliance and mastery which have endeared him to newshounds as well as many across the country.

Though he came to the industry barely eight years ago, he has greatly reshaped the industry, making him a household name. He has become a mouthpiece for airline owners, fighting for their cause as they face daunting challenges in the emerging new world.

While many wonder how he is able to stay afloat, particularly with the current challenges which have overwhelmed some of his contemporaries in the industry, he provided the answer with his ability to think differently.

And like Buddha, he stays awake while others are sleeping. Added to this are his uncommon daring spirit and survival instinct.

The trained lawyer’s name would never be forgotten as part of those who have rewritten the story of the country’s aviation sector and launched it onto the global map.

Onyema

Oba Adekunle Oyelude Celebrates 10 Years on the Throne

Oba Oyelude

Before he ascended the throne of his forefathers, His Royal Majesty, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude, the Olowu of Owu Kuta, Osun State, had traversed the length

and breadth of the earth. By Providence, he is also wealthy and influential.

Indeed, his wealth of experience played a major role in his selection as the royal father of his hometown. Interestingly, since his ascension, the kingmakers have not regretted their choice.

He came to the throne with a clear mindset to transform his hometown into a cynosure of global attention. Once a sleepy and relatively unknown place, the town is now permanently on social media where the revered monarch’s progress and updates are accessed from every continent at the same time. Not only that, the well-connected king met an improvised palace but today, he has in 10 years transformed it into a 21st Century edifice which can undoubtedly pass as a tourist destination.

It was gathered that the Tegbosun III had committed and made a lot of social investments towards developing Kuta and promoting her globally. He single-handedly built a police station, procured a patrol van

in Owu Kuta and expended the sum of N6 million on the channelisation of waterways as well as the control of erosion in some parts of the town.

He is also said to have scored a first by building a N75 million ultra-modern community palace, where he lives.

Today, he is also loved by his people for influencing the construction of the Kuta Railway Station road and also securing job placements for numerous sons and daughters of Owu in different federal government agencies.

The well-revered monarch also reportedly influenced the Nigerian Army to construct the age-long Osun Bridge on KutaEde Road, which has now eased movement and encouraged trading among the people of the two towns as well as other towns around.

The inauguration of the bridge was led by the former Chief of Army Staff, General Yusuf Tukur Buratai (rtd.)

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

25. 9.2022

State of The Nation in Colourful Vignettes

In a retrospective solo exhibition in Lagos, which he calls his "current autobiography and [his] heartbeat in a troubled land," Jerry Buhari dredges up nebulous images from the recesses of his memories as he rails against a dysfunctional system. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

S

urely, there has to be some consistency in these paintings’ apparent chaotic medley of forms, which, on account of their muted harmony and deft workmanship, could easily have passed for prints. Sometimes, squiggly patterns of brushstrokes resolve themselves into visually more coherent impressions that evoke human figures.

Then there's also the breathtaking detailing of those mosaics of little scenes, whose visual stories seem to urge deeper inspection.

With his cursory glance at the displayed paintings thus quickly concluded, the viewer begins to mull over their subliminal import. As a result, the exhibition's title, Landscapes of the Soul, becomes a pivot around which this contemplation revolves, a reliable backdrop motif for his musings.

As it turned out, the gallery was swarming with a mishmash of casual enthusiasts and serious aficionados during its private preview opening of Jerry Buhari’s solo exhibition on Sunday, September 18, making quiet contemplation of the works difficult. Even so, the kó art space, located somewhere along Cameron Road in the leafy, posh Lagos neighbourhood of Ikoyi, remains an ideal space for the engagement of these works. Besides, the exhibition, whose public opening was on Tuesday, September 20, should have, before its conclusion on Tuesday, October 11, ample opportunities for such private interactions with the paintings.

A quick rewind to three years ago, just before his 60th birthday. The Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria lecturer, responding to an inner prompting, returned to figurative painting after years, if not decades, of peregrinations in the conceptual wonderland. And speaking of these peregrinations, they have recently morphed into interpolations that leach into his most current works.

During this phase of transition, which was marked by creative restlessness, he found himself drawn to biblical stories as portals for exploring the meaning and purpose of life. For him, it has, since 1990, been about how man relates to his environment and, by extension, the planet Earth. And this is how it came to pass that his very first step in this direction was a very realistic landscape painting, titled "Homo Sapiens Were Here," in which he depicted a forest being ravaged by human activities.

On the heels of this came other landscape paintings, which as conceptual works soon became expressed in 3-Ds as installations. He even "collaborated" with termites by handing over logs of wood to them and retrieving them afterwards after they had worked on them.

So, back to the current solo exhibition — the artist’s first since his 2017 outing in Abuja. Is it any wonder that it seems to seethe with all the hallmarks of a retrospective? From his renewed

A view of a section of the exhibitionhall

Another section of the exhibition hall

standpoint on the same old issues, he reiterates the same decades-long jeremiads against Nigeria’s political gaffes in an exhibition that is split into four thematic and aesthetically pleasing tributaries.

That explains why the newer works, especially those produced between 2020 and 2022, seem to be extrapolations of the issues dredged up in the earlier works produced in the 90s and early 2000s. In any case, these broad categories of the exhibition—namely, Landscapes of the Soul, Earth Works, Mixed Media series, and Black & White series—play the comparable role of Gaussian optics' cardinal points.

Indeed, Buhari, in his conversa-

Jerry Buhari

tion with the art critic and writer Sabo Kpade, published in the exhibition catalogue, describes the series that he calls Earth Works as “symbolic” of his “age and pilgrimage on earth.”

That recurring good-time feel of the memories of his growing up years in the rustic Kaduna State community, Akwaya, is incarnated on paper, expressed in mediums such as sand, clay, coffee, and charcoal in forms that suggest their blurring into the mists of time. Much, for instance, is left to the viewer ’s conjectures in the sand and coffee on the 2022 paper painting “Farmer’s Daughter” as well as the 2021 clay, coloured pencil, and charcoal on paper works "Refugee Family and Their Dog" and “Refugee Mother Prepares a

Meal”. Of course, the same can be said for the majority, if not all, of the works in the exhibition.

In reenacting these memories, Buhari curiously appears to flit through several colour schemes. But this is just a way to express his prevailing mood, which provides the hocus-pocus backdrop necessary for a mystical experience of the exhibition—a fact which is again echoed by the exhibition’s title, Landscapes of the Soul. On the other hand, there is this disconcerting veiled allusion to the desultoriness of modern existence, in which the vast majority of people are entangled and which manifests itself in their racing through their earthly lives, leaving no time for introspection.

“Life today is about how much, not how well,” the artist further tells Kpade in the exhibition catalogue’s interview.

“But the grid format is also my personal visual motif that engages issues such as division, complexity, order/disorder, opaqueness and the way we Africans subject many issues to voodoo.”

Meanwhile, the range of hues evident in works like “Absorbing Kansascape: 292 Miniature Landscapes,” “182 Landscapes of a Country,” “132 Landscapes of Hope,” “Anthills of Nsukka,” “Framer's World,” and “Landscapes of the Soul,” among others, are condensed, grid-like summaries of the artist’s Freudian yearning for a “Paradise Lost,” which in this case is an organised, orderly environment. Hence, it is in a bid to offer or seek distraction from the depressing realities of present-day Nigeria that he creates and compresses as many miniature worlds as possible into a small space and thus invites the viewer on an adventure through imaginary inner landscapes. He had indeed raised similar issues in the aforementioned 2019 interview, saying: “There are many things, so many things, that I experience in our country that I have refused to accept or understand.

In order to stay sane, I create a world on my canvas or in my installations that I use as survival strategies.”

Moving on to the Mixed Media series, the artist revels in an experimental mode, hopping from one mood to the next while obliquely hinting at the fragility of man and his dense material abode through smudges of colour that can pass for silhouettes. But, with the Black & White series, he takes a direct shot at Nigerian elected public officials' brazen abuse of power, using black and white to bare his feelings shorn of all pretence and subtleties.

Ultimately, despite its slight ideological interpolations, Buhari's solo exhibition doubles as his “current autobiography and [his] heartbeat in a troubled land,” as his artist's statement affirms. The award-winning artist, who has held and participated in several solo and group exhibitions, is currently serving as an advisor for the auction house, Arthouse Contemporary Limited. He has also worked as a guest lecturer and visiting professor for three US-based colleges and two Nigeria-based universities.

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

60

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

ARTS & REVIEW\\POTPOURRI

All in the Service of His Fatherland…

With Heart & Might by MK Ibrahim, Parresia Publishers Ltd, Pages 473, 2021 Bukar Usman

T

he book, With Heart & Might, by M.K Ibrahim, a former Nigerian diplomat, was written to achieve WULSOH REMHFWLYHV +LV ÀUVW JRDO ZDV to narrate his personal experience in the diplomatic service of Nigeria and, via his story, point to some lessons which may be helpful to future generations. Secondly, he sought to see how the 0LQLVWU\ RI )RUHLJQ $ͿDLUV 0)$ FRXOG EH LPproved upon to discharge its responsibilities more HͿHFWLYHO\ +LV WKLUG DLP ZDV WR FRQWULEXWH LGHDV on how Nigeria’s foreign service could be further tuned towards the attainment of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s declared dream of having in place a professionally competent foreign service WKDW UHÁHFWV WKH WRZHULQJ LPDJH RI 1LJHULD Amb. Ibrahim, who was socialist inclined in his VWXGHQW GD\V KDG GL΀FXOWLHV FKRRVLQJ D FDUHHU after graduation. Abandoning journalism and EDQNLQJ KDYLQJ ZRUNHG EULHÁ\ LQ D EDQN KH settled for diplomatic service. He enlisted as a MXQLRU R΀FHU LQ WKH 1LJHULDQ )RUHLJQ 6HUYLFH DQG retired as an ambassador. His 33-year diplomatic VHUYLFH VDZ KLP SRVWHG WR VHYHUDO countries in Asia, Europe and Africa with intermittent posting to the headquarters where he ended his career. His schedules of bilateral and multi-lateral dimensions and the opportunity of working under inspiring leaderships over the \HDUV VROLGLÀHG KLV SRVLWLRQ LQ WKH GLSORPDWLF service. As such, he is not only competent and DGHTXDWHO\ LQIRUPHG EXW DOVR FRQÀGHQW WR VKDUH his experiences.

He gave a run-down of episodes upon episodes he encountered at home and at his various posts overseas. He recounted in detail some unfortunate disasters, including the ill-fated plane crash of the Nigerian delegation to Sao Tome and Principe WKH ÀUH LQFLGHQW WKDW EXUQW GRZQ WKH headquarters of the Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry LQ /DJRV DQG WKH .RNR WR[LF ZDVWH He also related some nightmares of Nigerian diplomatic service; they include delays in communication to posts about the arrival of VIPs, FRPSRVLWLRQ RI GHOHJDWHV RQ R΀FLDO DQG VWDWH visits as well as attendance of conferences. Such delays and incomplete composition of delegates lists caused considerable unease as they upset protocol arrangements and arrival ceremonies in host countries, to the disappointment and embarrassment of all concerned. Even menu preferences of delegates were enough to cause concern. There were equally concerns about allocaWLRQ RI ¶KDXQWHG· R΀FLDO UHVLGHQWLDO KRXVHV ORFDOO\

BOOK COVER and overseas. The faint-hearted and superstitious dared not occupy such houses. Remarkably,Amb. Ibrahim had risked the occupation of quite a few of such houses in Nigeria and overseas during his diplomatic career.

Amb. Ibrahim discussed and bared his mind on several other matters, such as the need for better collaboration between MFA and the academia, better understanding between the professionals DQG SROLWLFDO KHDGV RI 0)$ RYHU VWDͿ GHSOR\PHQWV due attention to foreign threats to dismember or weaken Nigeria in the West African sub-region, and sensitivity to ethnic composition at posts.

Others include misfortunes and health challenges OHDGLQJ WR GHDWK RI R΀FHUV DW SRVWV WKH KD]DUGV of sudden retirements, African Caribbean and 3DFLÀF &RXQWULHV DQG WKH (XURSHDQ 8QLRQ $&3 (8 GUHDPV RI IDLU DQG HTXLWDEOH RUGHU GUHDPV of a continental government and single army for Africa and the ambition of certain leaders to OHDG D 8QLWHG 6WDWHV RI $IULFD +H GLVFXVVHG WKH welfare of Nigerians and the hazards of being called upon to witness execution of fellow citizens in foreign prisons as well as the incidence of free ÁRZ RI DUPV DFURVV ERUGHUV DQG FDUULDJH RI LOOHJDO

items in diplomatic bags.

As a member of the international community, 1LJHULD LV UHTXLUHG WR IXOÀOO LWV ELODWHUDO DQG multi-lateral obligations. These are legion and they demand careful handling. Amb. Ibrahim discussed and expressed opinion on such issues.

2Q $&3 (8 UHODWLRQV KH VWDWHG WKDW DIWHU VHYHUDO years of serious engagements ably led by seasoned Nigerian diplomats, it is unfortunate that theACP countries continue to be exporters of raw materiDOV WR WKH (8 ZLWK QR IRUHVHHDEOH UHYHUVDO RI WKH unhealthy lop-sided relationship. He denounced the practice whereby some countries deliberately GHQ\ YLVD WR GHOHJDWHV DWWHQGLQJ 81 $VVHPEO\ meetings contrary to diplomatic etiquette while some others unduly interfere in bilateral relations of other countries. ,Q WKH ÀHOG RI KXPDQ ULJKWV ZKLOH 1LJHULD FRQWLQXHV WR ÀOH LWV DQQXDO UHWXUQV WR WKH +XPDQ 5LJKWV Council in discharging its obligations, it has rightly resisted attempts to force on it the recognition of homosexuality and same-sex marriage as human rights and the abolition of death sentence. Equally, the challenge of the constitutionality of the Sharia laws and the prescribed punishments has rightly and successfully been defended.

Amb. Ibrahim proposed that more steps should EH WDNHQ WR JLYH SUDFWLFDO HͿHFWV WR 1LJHULD·V much-publicised policy of regarding Africa as the centre of its foreign policy. Nigeria should equally sustain a clear demonstration of the concentric relevance of that policy by giving more attention to its neighbouring countries more than ever before.

The retired diplomat noted a few but disturbing LQFLGHQWV RI 1LJHULDQ R΀FLDOV ÁRXWLQJ SUHVLGHQWLDO directives on voting on resolutions. He recommended greater analysis and consultation in the selection of candidates and campaign strategy for election to international posts. He also suggested WKDW TXDOLÀFDWLRQ IRU UHFUXLWPHQW VKRXOG H[WHQG beyond the traditional preference for bias in arts and social sciences, adding that it will also be an DVVHW IRU R΀FHUV WR VSHDN WZR RU PRUH ODQJXDJHV There should be a review to remove duplication and overlapping of portfolio and ensure HͿHFWLYH V\QHUJ\ EHWZHHQ 0)$ DQG UHOHYDQW agencies in areas of research and training and in aid administration. He also recommended the creation of an independent foreign service commission.

The narrative style of the book is quite engaging and its discourse of diplomatic challenges and foreign policy administration of Nigeria quite informative. * Bukar Usman is a former permanent secretary in the Presidency, Abuja.

DRAMA

National Troupe Set to Perform 'Echoes of the Drum' Yinka Olatunbosun

A

stage play written by Ola Awakan and directed by Mike Anyanwu and titled (FKRHV RI WKH 'UXPV LV billed to be performed by the National Troupe of Nigeria. The play, which explores themes in unity, love and diversity, ZLOO EH VWDJHG RQ 7KXUVGD\ 6HSWHPEHU DW WKH 08621 &HQWUH 2QLNDQ /DJRV DQG LV open to the general public for a fee.

It uses drum instrumentation in storytelling to transmit relevant and timely messages at this dire moment in Nigeria's history.

Speaking on the production which follows WKH VXFFHVVIXO VWDJLQJ RI WKH 8QLW\ SOD\ WLWOHG 6WULQJV $UWLVWLF 'LUHFWRU DQG &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU RI WKH 171 $KPHG 0RKDPPHG Ahmed, reiterated that by staging Echoes of WKH 'UXP WKH 1DWLRQDO 7URXSH RI 1LJHULD ZLOO be lending a voice of contribution to peace, brotherliness and love within the diverse FXOWXUHV DQG HWKQLFLW\ LQ 1LJHULD 7KH $' &(2 DOVR VWDWHG WKH SOD\ ZLOO SURYLGH RYHU job opportunities by engaging our teeming youths within the theatre and by extension the creative industry.

The National Troupe of Nigeria is Nigeria's apex performing arts agency of the Federal JRYHUQPHQW ,W ZDV HVWDEOLVKHG LQ WR promote and project Nigeria's diverse rich cultural heritage in music, dance and drama and indeed in any other performative expression.

A scene from the movie

On Collision Course and Its Conversation on Healing Yinka Olatunbosun

J

ust name it: Racism. Apartheid. Police Brutality. All these socio-political problems have roots in the oppression of the other. In every civilised society, such oppression is met by resistance.

And the resistance may well become a movement.

7KH (QG6$56 SURWHVW LQ 1LJHULD JDYH WKH KLVWRULFDO FRQWH[W WR WKH PRYLH QRZ RQ 1HWÁL[ ZKLFK LV WLWOHG Collision Course. A Bolanle Austen-Peters' Production, it represents a cinematic healing for Nigerians living in a country where extortion, intimidation, battery and in some cases killings of innocent citizens have been largely reported A scene from the movie and, perhaps, institutionalised.

Like the South African playwright Athol FuJDUG WKH VWRU\ RI &ROOLVLRQ &RXUVH W\SLÀHV WKH protagonist-antagonist motif. The plot is built on the story of an up-and-coming musician from an MRLQ WKH 7$5= XQLW D SOD\ RQ 6$56 LQ RUGHU WR D΁XHQW KRPH 0LGH 'DQLHO (WLP (΀RQJ ZKR earn more and improve the quality of life of his against his father's wish pursues a music career family members. In his quest to join the TARZ despite obtaining his law degree. His supportive unit, he discovers the rot in the police, perhaps JLUOIULHQG %DP%DP FDUU\LQJ WKHLU XQERUQ FKLOG a little too late. His integrity and conscience will is with him one night while returning home from KDYH WR EH VDFULÀFHG IRU PDWHULDO JDLQ Embittered by the frustration of being trapped a gig.

2Q WKH ÁLS VLGH 0DJQXV .HOHFKL 8GHJEH LV between the devil and the deep blue sea, Magnus DQ LPSRYHULVKHG SROLFH R΀FHU ZKR DVSLUHV WR becomes a dare-devil on the streets. He is no lon-

MOVIE

ger concerned about the protection of lives and properties. His gun which should be an object of protection has become a tool of oppression.

Every passenger in a moving car is a suspect.

He becomes the foot soldier for an almost occultic group in the police in search of scapegoats who refuse to give bribes or show vehicular documents promptly. His path collides with Mide-the high SRLQW RI FRQÁLFW RI WKH GUDPD No doubt, the story is crisp with every bit believable. Its dissolve into real life footage of the EndSARS protest is a subtle yet unprovocative commentary on the lost lives to police brutality.

Collision Course in itself may potentially be at loggerheads with reason as one may argue that not every case of police killings of citizens is a product of accidental discharge. Policemen are WUDLQHG WR KDQGOH ÀUHDUPV UHVWUDLQ VRPHRQH ZKR runs afoul of the law. Expectedly, they know what to do when provoked. And they know what can distort their sense of judgment, namely alcohol.

Yet, many uniformed policemen have been seen at pubs or found reeking of alcohol.

The story in the movie may have helped to create a mutual understanding between the Nigeria police and the citizens, but it certainly cannot justify the ruthless killings with the clear omission of the place of justice in societal reform. Reconciliation, restitution and reform are part of what should complete the narrative in reels and real life.

Also, while Mide may represent millions of Nigerian youths with legitimate ambition and dreams, there are indeed real criminals on the loose who on a daily basis are working hard to bastardise the good image of the country.And they have role models among the older generations who take advantage of their various positions of authority to steal money.

Indeed, Collision Course may have scratched the issue of corruption in the police on the surface, FRQVWUDLQLQJ WKH VFUHHQ WLPH WR PLQXWHV EXW it has cautiously opened up the conversation on healing.

61

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

CICERO

Editor: Ejiofor Alike SMS: 08066066268 email:ejiofor.alike@thisdaylive.com

IN THE ARENA

Will FG’s Cudgel Whip ASUU into Submission?

Last week’s ruling by the National Industrial Court, ordering the Academic Staff Union of Universities to immediately suspend the on-going seven-month-old industrial action apparently misread the gravity of the crisis, writes Louis Achi

T

he industrial dispute between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the federal government deepened last week when the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja ordered the university lecturers to call off their over seven-month-old strike.

ASUU had on February 14, 2022 embarked on an initial four-week warning strike to press home a whole range of demands from the federal government. It subsequently extended the strike action indefinitely on August 29, following the breakdown of negotiations between the union and the government.

At the core of the dispute are academic autonomy, improved staff welfare and the non-payment of public universities’ revitalisation funds, which amount to about N1.1 trillion. But the federal government has said it did not have the money to pay such an amount, citing low oil prices witnessed under the current administration.

In a strategic move to resolve the long-drawn industrial dispute, the federal government through the Ministry of Labour and Employment, had approached the court to compel the striking lecturers to return to the classroom.

Specifically, the federal government urged the court to, “interpret in its entirety the provisions of Section 18 of the Trade Disputes Act, especially as it applies to the cessation of strike once a trade dispute is apprehended by the Minister of Labour and Employment and conciliation is ongoing”.

It also requested for, “an order of the court for ASUU members to resume work in their various universities while the issues in dispute are being addressed by the NICN in consonance with the provisions of Section 18 (I) (b) of the TDA Cap T8. LFN 2004”.

ASUU had in a counter-affidavit it filed before the court, opposed the suit on the premise that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, lacked the power to order the court in the referral to direct it to call off the strike action.

It’s lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), argued that such referral amounted to a directive from the minister to the court. He maintained that neither a minister nor the president could wield such powers as to control a court of competent jurisdiction. More so, Falana argued that the federal government failed to follow the due process as stipulated in part 1 of TDA 2004.

According to him, the law, provided that such matter must first pass through the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) before landing at the NIC. Falana argued that ASUU would not have embarked on strike if the government had kept to various agreements and Momoradum of Understanding (MoU), it signed with the union in the past.

But Justice Polycarp Hamman dismissed the objections and ordered the striking varsity lecturers to return to the classroom, in line with the provisions of the TDA, pending the final determination of the suit before the court.

Justice Hamman in his ruling, granted the federal government’s application for an interlocutory injunction to restrain ASUU from continuing with the strike. He held that the strike was a breach of the Section 18(1)(2) of the Trade Disputes Act, which prohibits

Osodeke their action.

The judge while ordering members of the union to resume work pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit, held that the strike is detrimental to public university students who cannot afford to attend private tertiary institutions.

However, according Falana, the ruling would be challenged at the Court of Appeal.

Responding to the ruling, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned it in its entirety, describing it as a betrayal of equity.

NANS National Public Relations Officer, Giwa Temitope, said the court’s decision did not offer a permanent solution to the dispute, stressing that lecturers cannot be forced to resume their duties.

Even before the order by the court, a discerning ASUU National President, Emmanuel Osodeke, had hinted that lecturers cannot be compelled to return to classes.

Osodeke revealed this position during last week’s parley with Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, accompanied by ASUU executives. He correctly likened the scenario to a court order forcing a medical doctor to treat a patient.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Mallam Adamu Adamu-led Ministry of Education, Osodeke described the seven-month strike as symptomatic of the level of decay in the university system.

He argued that the ministry never called on ASUU for a meeting

to explore avenues to end the strike. According to him, all his members got in return was a provocative no-work-no-pay policy.

He held that ASUU remains blameless about the closure of public universities and warned that the universities which account for over 95 per cent intake of students face the risk of depreciating to the level of public primary schools within the next 10 years.

On his part, Gbajabiamila urged the aggrieved lecturers to shift grounds in the interest of the country’s educational sector and promised that the House of Representatives would interface with President Muhammadu Buhari to find short-term and long-term solutions to challenges besetting the sector.

To-date, it’s hardly debatable that Nigeria’s development quandary at this juncture of human history is firmly linked to how cavalierly its leadership has been treating the education of its children - especially in the public schools. ASUU has fought endlessly to ensure that the university system draws the vital oxygen of funding, infrastructural and other critical inputs from its promoters to give real meaning to having varsities in the first place.

Consequently, over the decades strike by ASUU and other sister unions has continued to dog the nation’s tertiary educational system. ASUU’s existential struggle as it were appears not be the priority of the current administration.

With the latest dodgy phase of the face-off in the arena of the industrial court of arbitration, Nigerians wait with bated breath.

And for the enervated students, it is still morning yet on creation day.

To show how insensitive those in charge of the affairs of the country are, the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari had needlessly shared the graduation photos of her daughter-in-law across her social media pages last Tuesday. Zahra Bayero-Buhari, who got married to President Buhari’s son, Yusuf, in August 2021, graduated from a UK university.

Aisha’s critics berated her for being insensitive to the plights of Nigerian students who have been out of school for seven months due to the ongoing strike by ASUU. One of those who reacted bitterly to the post was a former minister in President Buhari’s cabinet, Solomon Dalung, who wrote: “The acceptable interpretation to say the least is an insult to the psyche of Nigerians. You used to stand with common people in the first tenure but this time around you have not only abandoned them but graduated into academy of tyranny. What makes her better than any other Nigerian child? Given the opportunity in foreign universities some would have graduated with Distinction.

This is not only insensitive but disappointing my dear wife of the president.”

On his part, the presidential candidate of Action Alliance, Omoyele Sowore, said Nigerian leaders are not bothered about the ASUU strike because they can afford to send their children abroad for studies.

For now, it is not certain when the dispute would be resolved for the students to go back to school. But while the dispute lingers, the students have threatened to make the country ungovernable.

This is why the federal government needs to wear its thinking cap.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

Has Makinde Become Wike’s PA?

Wike Makinde

TheOyoStatechapteroftheAllProgressivesCongress (APC) recently spoke the minds of many indigenes of the state when it lambasted Governor Seyi Makinde for‘acting’asapersonalaidetoGovernorNyesomWike of Rivers State.

ThestateAPCPublicitySecretary,OlawaleShadare, accusedMakindeofabandoninggovernanceinthestate to follow Wike around like his Personal Assistant. He said the governor’s action has degraded the state’s reputation as a pacesetter.

Shadare warned residents of the state to exercise cautionwhenvotingin2023sinceMakindeandhisteam hadallegedlypackagedbogusand“deceitfulrecordof achievements”withtheintentionofutilisingitascampaign literatureandmisleadingthepublic,includingthehelpless

electorate.

Truly,inthelastthreemonths,governanceinOyoState hasbeenatastandstillduetoMakinde’sincessantand frequenttravels.Attheslightestopportunity,hewould jumpintotheaircraftwithWiketoholdmeetingslocally and internationally.

If they are not in Port Harcourt, they are in Turkey, London,SpainandotherpartsofEuropeformanygang-up meetingsonhowtosacktheNationalChairmanofthe PDP, Iyorchia Ayu or work against the party in 2023.

While he does this, the state suffers, especially with the kind of government structure in Nigeria.

The most ridiculous part is that he has gone to Rivers State twice or more times to inaugurate projects executed byWike but has not invited the Rivers State

todosameinhisstate.Whatthismeansisthathehas nothing to show as performance. While Wike is busy junketingtheglobe,heisfrequentlyinauguratingand flaggingoffprojectsinhisstate.Butthesamecannotbe saidofMakindeandmanyofhiscolleague-governors involved in this foreign jamboree.

ForastatelikeOyothathassecurityandinfrastructuralchallenges,onewouldthinkthatMakindewould alwayssitbacktofindsolutions,butinstead,heenjoys flyingaroundandallowshispeopletocontinuetosuffer.

Most importantly, is that whileWike is not seeking anyre-electionin2023,Makindewantsasecondterm and needs to be strategising on how to over-power the APC. He needs to be reminded how he suffered before he became governor in 2019.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

BRIEFINGNOTES Wike’s Camp and the Big Gamble The ugly experience suffered by five governors of the defunct Alliance for Democracy in 2003, following their decision to work with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, may relive itself in 2023 if the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and allies do not tread with utmost caution, Ejiofor Alike reports

I

n what could be aptly described as an antiparty activity, some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who are sympathetic to the cause of the Rivers State governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, last Wednesday, pulled out of the Presidential Campaign Council of Atiku Abubakar,insistingthattheparty’sNationalChairman, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu, must step down.

The supposed anti-party activities of Wike and his group did not start with their pulling out of the Atiku campaign council as they had long been hobnobbing openly with the leaders of other major political parties ahead of the 2023 general election.

Since Wike began to bare his fangs following his loss of the PDP presidential and vice presidential tickets, his major known allies include the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom; Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and ex-Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang, among others.

However, Makinde was the only governor in Wike’s camp that attended theWednesday meeting held at the Rivers State governor’s country home in Obio-Akpor, where the resolution to pull out of Atiku’s campaign was taken.

It is not clear if Ikpeazu, Ortom, Ugwuanyi and others, who did not participate in the meeting, would abide by the resolution reached.

But in the resolution read by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George, the camp of the Rivers State governor insisted that “Senator Iyorchia Ayu must resign as the national chairman of the party for an acting chairman of the Southern extraction to emerge and lead the party on the national campaign…

Consequently, we resolve not to participate in the campaign council in whatever capacity until the resignation of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu,” part of the resolution added.

The Oyo State governor also said he backed the decision of the group to pull out of the campaign, adding, “We hope that the powers that be listens to the voice of reason and do the needful”.

Apart from seeking reelection in 2023, Makinde is the Deputy Director General (South) of the campaign council.

In a swift response, Atiku stressed that as a believer in the concept of the rule of law, the demand to remove Ayu must be within the dictates and letters of the PDP constitution.

Ayu played into the hands of Wike and his group with his unhidden show of excitement over Atiku’s victory at the PDP presidential primary, which portrayed him as a partial umpire. The Rivers State governor and his allies capitalised on the fact that the South was shortchanged since both Atiku and Ayu are from the North.

So, their clamour for Ayu’s resignation could be said to be just. After all, it was the same Wike and southern members of the PDP that saved the party from extinction, when Atiku and some other northern members declared it a dead party and

Wike and his allies joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) to sack former President Goodluck Jonathan from power in 2015.

So, whileWike has continued to grandstand, claiming that he is fighting for justice, his allies also claimed that their support for him was neither because he lost the presidential primary nor because he was not chosen as the running mate but because of equity and justice in the party.

But Wike has since been reminded by his opponents that his grievances are borne out of selfishness and ego, having lost the party’s presidential and vice presidential tickets.

Those opposed to his political style have argued that he should have supported presidential aspirants from the South-east instead of deploying the unlimited resources at his disposal to buy the PDP ticket, which eventually ended up a wasteful venture.

His opponents in both the North and South have insisted that since the South-east is the only zone in the South that has not produced the President since 1999, Wike should have supported the zone if he claims to be a champion of justice and equity.

Unfortunately, having lost out in his bid for any elective position, Wike might lead

Makinde and other members of his camp to their political graves in 2023.

While some members of his camp are spent forces, who cannot even deliver their polling booths in an election, others are serving governors, who are either seeking reelection or senatorial positions in 2023.

On his part, Wike is only planning to install a successor on the platform of the PDP. However, many believe that with his current anti-party activities of holding meetings with the presidential candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator BolaTinubu and the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, the Rivers State governor can easily trade off the governorship candidate of the PDP in his state, Mr. Siminalaye Fubara, to avoid the likely probe of his administration.

According to analysts, in the likely event of Wike working against his governorship candidate, that the Oyo State governor and other members of his camp seeking reelection or senatorial seats might suffer the fate of the five governors of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), who supported the reelection of former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the platform of the PDP and lost their return bids.

Former governors Segun Osoba of Ogun State, the late Lam Adesina of Oyo State; Bisi Akande of Osun State; Adeniyi Adebayo of Ekiti State; and

the late Adebayo Adefarati of Ondo State - all of the AD - failed to win their reelection bids in 2003 due to an alleged betrayal of the pact they reached with Obasanjo, then of the PDP. Only the then Governor Tinubu of Lagos State survived.

In one of his interviews with THISDAY, Osoba confirmed that Obasanjo hoodwinked the AD governors.

“He deceived us by promising true federalism, fiscal responsibility and credible census. Our leaders believed him. The pact we had was that he would do major restructuring in his second term. But he failed us. I have no regrets that he did what he did to truncate our second term, because my landmark achievement of projects across Ogun State is still a benchmark of a successful governor,” Osoba reportedly said.

The former AD governors did not play any anti-party activities because they did not have a presidential candidate but they still had their fingers burnt.

Makinde, Ortom, Ugwuanyi and other members of Wike’s group should understand the dangers of workingforanotherpresidentialcandidate,whenthey are also seeking elective positions on the platform of a different party. Even Wike should not be sure that any promise made to him by the leader of any opposition party would be kept.

NOTES FOR FILE

Where is Rotimi Amaechi?

Amaechi?

For sometime now, the immediate past Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has suddenly disappeared from the political scene. This is quite unlike him.

Since the Fourth Republic, Amaechi has been one of the few politicians that have had a rollercoaster ride. But with recent political developments, questions as to whether he has come to the end of the road are now emerging.

His trouble started when he resigned his appointment as minister of transportation with the expectation that President Muhammadu Buhari, was going to hand over power

to him in 2023. Amaechi is believed not to be in the good books of the presidential candidate of the APC, Senator Bola Tinubu.

As minister, Amaechi gifted Daura a brand new Federal University of Transportation, a Premier Varsity on rail transportation.

When in February 2023, he was turbaned in Daura, he was sure that arrangements were concluded for his elevation to another level, politically.

Even though he came second in the primary, it was a distant outing. After the election, he complained of being “betrayed,” whatever that meant. Since then, he has completely been off the radar.

Having served as Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly for eight years, governor of Rivers State for two terms and Minister of Transportation for seven years, Amaechi is considered as one of the luckiest politicians in Nigeria.

But it appears the Ubima-born politician has gotten to the zenith of his political career and may soon be out of the political limelight, given developments in his political base.

To add to his woes of oblivion, Governor Nyesom Wike has silenced him and completely rendered him irrelevant in his own state. Anything he says is met with swift counter by Wike.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

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CICERO/ISSUES

Atiku

Tinubu

Obi

Before Presidential Campaigns Begin As political parties get set to begin campaign ahead of the 2023 presidential election, opinion leaders have advised the electorate to shun the frenzy of electioneering and politicking and use the period to interrogate presidential candidates on their agenda to pull the country out of socio-economic and political doldrums, Gboyega Akinsanmi writes

W

ill Nigerians get it right in 2023? Will they continue with the entrenched culture of apathy to elections? Or will they elect a president who will decisively address growing public concerns about the socio-economic and political realities stunting the country’s growth and development?

Among others, these are some of the questions that daily beg for answers in the build-up to the 2023 elections. Answers seem to be far off given the approach of most eligible voters to the whole process.

However, a huge population of youths nationwide is now calling for a new political order that would guarantee their voices in the task of rebuilding Nigeria after decades of unwarranted decay.

The rationales for rising public concerns are not far-fetched. In 2015, for instance, Nigerians became wary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which governed the country for 16 years with disputable records of performance. Its rule, mainly under former President Goodluck Jonathan, suffered profound public disapproval, which a Professor of Political Science, Emeritus Prof. John Ayoade attributed to deep-seated insecurity that breached the trust of the people in the government as stipulated in the preamble of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

The primacy of the Nigerian Constitution, as stipulated in the preamble, is first and foremost, to promote the welfare of all persons in the country, on the principles of freedom, equality and justice, and for the purpose of consolidating the unity of Nigerians.

For 16 unbroken years, however, PDP was not able to guarantee public trust convincingly in line with the letters and spirit of the Constitution. The party’s poor response to diverse national challenges clearly spurred the resolve of regional political parties - Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change - to let go of their individual corporate identities and agreed to a merger that produced the All Progressives Congress (APC) on February 6, 2013. Eventually, the APC was able to garner the majority votes that ended the 16-year rule of the PDP in 2015.

But has the APC turned the tide of Nigeria’s heinous challenges as it promised during the electioneering in 2015? In reality, this question perhaps divides the Nigerian public, mostly along ethnic, political and religious lines. For those who always want to be politically correct, President Muhammadu Buhari is the best thing that has ever happened to Nigeria since 1999.

This category of people frequently point at Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kaduna railway, Lagos-Ibadan railway and other similar federal projects to justify Buhari’s commitment to infrastructure development.

Specifically, they have argued that the governments of the PDP, especially under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Jonathan, promised in vain to fully execute these projects, which they conceived and started their implementation.

Beyond the prejudice of Buhari’s allies, different indicators bear different accounts about APC’s abysmal performance since 2015. Whether in economy or governance, Ayoade, like most analysts, shared common perspectives about the socio-economic regression the country has encountered under the reign of the APC amid deepening security challenges.

In its last consumer price index (CPI), for example, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed the surge of inflation rate from 9.01 per cent in 2015 to 20.52 per cent in August 2022. As Chief Executive, Economic Associates, Dr. Ayo Teriba recently observed, the trend of CPI has shrunk the purchasing powers of Nigerians by 127.75 per cent in seven years.

In December 2014, five months before Buhari formally assumed office, the Bureau put the Nigerian economy at $546.68 billion with foreign investors then scrambling to inject into different sectors of the economy until the twilight of the Jonathan administration.

But in 2015, shortly after Buhari took over, Nigeria ran into the worst economic headwinds in its history, which according to the Bureau, significantly reduced the size of the economy from $546.68 billion in December 2014 to $375.75 billion at the end of the 2017 financial year. This represented a crash of 45.49 per cent within the period of two and a half years.

Since then, as shown in different reports,

the national economy has terribly been gasping for fresh air. As at December 2021, the economy stood at $440.78 billion, still representing a 24.03 per cent shortfall from what Buhari inherited in 2015.

Under Buhari, unemployment has skyrocketed at an unprecedented rate, which in aggregate, surged to 33.33 per cent in 2021. In the same financial year, however, the youth unemployment component was more frightening. The Bureau put it at 53.4 per cent for the youths between 15 and 24 years as well as 37.2 per cent for those between 25 and 34 years.

Given its record ratings, the country now ranked the second highest on the global list of countries with the worst cases of unemployment rate. These dynamics explained why the President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina likened the country’s unemployment indicators to 40 per cent of hopelessness among angry, discouraged, jobless and restless youths.

As a consequence, these stark realities have forced thousands of youths out of the country, mainly highly skilled professionals including engineers, doctors, nurses, scientists and ICT specialists. The realities have further compounded security challenges nationwide with acts of terrorism, Internet frauds, ritual killing, drugs trafficking and kidnapping for ransoms now in vogue among youths.

Under Buhari alone, banditry and other acts of armed violence have claimed no fewer than 17,481 lives nationwide, as shown in the killing mapping of the Nigeria Security Tracker, a project of US Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). The killings justify Nigeria’s retention in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) as the world’s sixth most terrorinfested country after Afghanistan.

Obviously, all the gnawing records provide justifications for recent observations by the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Dr. Matthew Kukah that the passion that drove people in 2015 had already dissipated because they had realised that the APC lied to garner their support to defeat the PDP. Despite these decades of disappointment, APC and PDP have still offered themselves to the electorate to produce the president in 2023 general election. These two dominant political parties, according to analysts, have mismanaged the commonwealth of Nigeria for 23 good years.

But apart from the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his APC counterpart, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have presented Nigerians alternative presidential candidates, Mr. Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, respectively. Who then can lead Nigeria out of the woods among these candidates?

This is one fundamental question Nigerians keep asking as presidential campaign kicks next Wednesday. In answering this question, according to Ayoade, requires all eligible voters across the federation must be painstaking, objective and pragmatic before they cast their ballots on February 25, 2023.

For him, pulling Nigeria out of the woods is not a function of political affiliations, but leadership qualities. Almost all the presidential candidates had been members of dominant political parties at one time or the other. He thus argued that APC did not fail in government because it was APC, but because of the wrong choice of presidential candidate.

In the same way, according to the emeritus professor, the PDP did not fail because it was the PDP. At least, Obasanjo still stands tall among presidents Nigeria ever produced since 1999. Rather being fixated on the political identities, Ayoade advised Nigerians to probe into the track records of every presidential candidate before they exercise their suffrage next year.

Ayoade’s perspective obviously conforms to what Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa shared with select journalists at a section in Kano three weeks ago. Asked whether Obi was a threat to PDP in 2023, Okowa in response emphasised the need for Nigerians to probe into the records of every candidate before they take decision in favour of or against him or her at the poll.

Citing the enormity of disequilibrium Nigeria had gone through in the last two decades, Kukah challenged Nigerians to interrogate candidates during the electioneering to determine the value they attach to the lives of ordinary citizens, their resolves to ensure justice in all cases, their capacities to tackle the root causes of the country’s gnawing economic crisis and their will to guarantee public trust as enunciated in the Constitution.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

CICERO/REPORT

As Govs Decline to Sign Death Warrants The recent alarm raised by the Nigeria Correctional Service over the high number of inmates on death row in correctional centres has again thrown up the lingering jurisprudential issues on the constitutionality, propriety, philosophical underpinning or otherwise of the death penalty in Nigeria, Wale Igbintade writes

D

espite repeated calls by the federal government for state governors to exercise their constitutional responsibility of signing death warrants of criminals condemned to death by courts of competent jurisdictions, no death row inmate has been executed in the last 10 years.

The Minister of Interior, Mr..Rauf Aregbesola who reiterated the call recently at the inauguration of the Osun State Command headquarters of the Nigeria Correctional Service in Osogbo, accused the state governors of delaying the wheel of justice and contributing to congestion in correctional centres by refusing to sign the death warrants.

The minister who said Nigeria’s death row inmate population stood at 3,008 out of the total 68,747 prison population, added that the figure consisted of 2,952 males and 56 females. He not that despite not constituting a significant percentage, the condemned inmates contributed to prison congestion and urged governors to rise up to the dictates of their office, which empower them to approve execution of condemned criminals.

Aregbesola also urged states to share in the burden of decongesting custodial facilities by constructing holding centres, adding that all the states needed to do was to build the facilities to specification and set aside funds for the maintenance of inmates, while the NCS provides the personnel to man and run the facilities.

“The third way is for state governors to summon the will to do the needful on death row convicts. There are presently 3,008 condemned criminals waiting for their date with the executioners in our meagre custodial facilities. This consists of 2,952 males and 56 females.

“In cases where appeals have been exhausted and the convicts are not mounting any challenge to their conviction, the state should go ahead to do the needful and bring closure to their cases, as well as set some others free on compassionate grounds, especially those who have grown old on account of the long time they have been in custody, those who are terminally ill and those who have been reformed and demonstrated exceptionally good behavior.

They can also commute others’ sentences to life or a specific term in jail,” he said.

The former governor is not the first official in the current administration to seek the execution of death row inmates. Both Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami had called for the signing of death warrants of condemned inmates.

During the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, he had while speaking at the Fathers’ Day Sunday service organised by the Aso Villa Chapel in June, 2013, urged state governors to sign death warrants of criminals condemned to death. He reminded them that the job they were elected to do had both pleasant and ugly parts.

The last time a death warrant was signed in Nigeria was in 2012 when the then Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, signed the death warrant for two condemned prisoners, who were consequently executed by hanging.

Before Oshiomhole signed the warrants, the then Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State had emerged the first governor to have signed death warrants of seven condemned criminals in 2006.

The prompt executions, despite massive protests by rights activists, forced the then Chief of Army Staff to decline the use of firing squad, which was in 1995 approved by a tribunal for ThankGod Eboh because the practice had long been abolished.

Many observers believe that the Aregbesola did not take into account the strong human rights community in the country, who are resisting such moves and who were believed to have frustrated the previous efforts to execute condemned criminals by state governors.

Each time government officials reiterated the need to execute criminals on death row, human rights activists would point to Nigeria’s position of Moratorium on Death Penalty, pursuant to the recommendations of the National Study Group on Death Penalty, through the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Also, on December 16, 2020, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution placing moratorium on death penalty with 123 votes in favour, 38 votes against, 24 countries abstaining and eight absent.

Section 33(1) of the Nigerian Constitution states: “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria,” Even the Supreme Court has in the locus classicus of Onuoha Kalu vs. the State and Azeez Okoro vs. the State (1998) held that death penalty is not unconstitutional in Nigeria. But rights activists have argued that death penalty is inhumane and outdated.

The reluctance of state governors to sign death warrants is not unconnected with the pervading cultural, moral, religious and philosophical convictions regarding the sanctity and inviolability of human life rooted in the fact that God created human life and no man can take away human life except God the Creator. All world religions and cultures respect the sanctity of human life.

Many senior lawyers and human rights institutions have faulted Aregbesola’s proposition. It is imperative to note that Aregbesola did not sign any death warrant throughout his eight-year reign as Osun State governor.

Human rights group, Access to Justice has also faulted the minister, stressing that since many convicts on death row in Nigeria have pending appeals against their convictions, the minister’s proposal would put them at the risk of execution before the determination of their appeals in court.

Many analysts have argued that to keep prisoners on death row in indefinite incarceration amid the whims and caprices or the procrastination of state governors, is a monumental injustice that cries to the high heavens for remedy. They added that considering that the death penalty is not a deterrent to capital crime, coupled with the fact that some condemned prisoners are victims of a miscarriage of justice, it should be quashed in the country’s statutes.

Those who spoke to THISDAY stressed that since Equatorial Guinea, regarded as one of the world’s most authoritarian countries in the world, became the latest to totally abolish the death penalty, according to a new law signed by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Nigerian lawmakers at all levels

should consider abolishing the death penalty totally by quashing the death penalty provisions in the country’s statutes as many countries have done.

The Avocat San Frontiere France (ASFF), otherwise known as Lawyers Without Borders, had in a study in 2018 expressed concern that Nigeria, in 2017, handed down the highest number of death sentences across the sub-Saharan region for offences ranging from murder, treason, treachery, terrorism, kidnapping and armed robbery.

“Two thousand, two hundred and eighty-five (2,285) people were on death row at the end of 2017 in Nigeria, which was a significant increase from 1,979 in 2016 and 1,677 in 2015. Currently, Nigeria has 2,359 death row inmates (in 2017). It is evident from the rate of crime increase in Nigeria that death penalty is clearly not a deterrent,” the non-governmental organisation stated.

The executive secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, believes that the death penalty is retributive and not a deterrent to crime. He argued that conditions of prisons in Nigeria are poor.

“Death penalty as a retributive measure may not serve as deterrent to crime. Imprisonment is no longer seen solely as a retributive measure but is targeted at reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

“Considering the challenges faced by our Criminal Justice Administration System, it is necessary for all concerned to exercise caution in carrying out executions of convicted inmates,” he said.

Speaking on the latest controversy, the Legal Defence Assistance Programme (LEDAP), through its executive director, Chino Obiagwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), disclosed that there were two different cases pending in courts in Abuja and Lagos.

The LEDAP suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja was brought by Mrs Nnenna Obi and Solomon Adekunle, on behalf of all prisoners on death row in Nigeria for the enforcement of their fundamental rights by seeking to stop future implementation of death penalty.

According to ASFF, there are also other cases at the ECOWAS Court of Justice challenging the implementation of the death penalty in Nigeria.

Obiagwu said the federal government set up a national study group on the abolition of the death sentences, headed by Professor Yemisi Bamgboye, which had religious leaders as members. Sadly, the recommendation of that body was not implemented.

“A system that cannot guarantee fairness should not result into the death penalty, which is too absolute. So, we want the federal government to exercise due caution. Let due process be adhered to.

“As long as convictions are based on confessions which are denied, trials going on for five years or more, where witnesses would have forgotten facts in the case, sometimes we have missing case files, we cannot claim that we have had a fair judgement and a perfect system. And life is sacred while death penalty is too absolute.

“We look at issues like the irrevocability of execution. Once a death warrant has been executed and we have fresh evidence to show that the prisoner was actually innocent, there is no amount of compensation that would ever be sufficient. These are the issues we want the president to avert his mind to.

“Yes, sometimes they argue that they have gone through the trial process, but we can never erase the possibility of human error; it is always there even in advanced countries. There was a case in Colorado in the USA where a man was found to be innocent, 72 years after his execution,” he said.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

CICERO/REPORT

2QH $UP\ 'L;HUHQW 5XOHV Whether it was the case of the murder of Sheikh Goni in Yobe State or the woman in Kastina, or the killing of policemen in Taraba State, the Nigerian Army has largely demonstrated inconsistencies and double standard in dispensing justice for its officers and men, Ejiofor Alike writes

T

he revelation by the Nigerian Army that it had dismissed two soldiers involved in the killing of a popular Yobe cleric, Sheikh Aisami Goni Gashua may have again exposed the double standard deployed to dispense justice by the military

authorities.

The Islamic scholar, who was on transit on the fateful day, had offered a ride to Lance Corporal John Gabriel, who later shot him dead. It was gathered that John later called his friend, Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon, in order to cover his tracks but nemesis caught up with both of them.

They were subsequently arrested.

Before their dismissal from the Army, the suspects were demoted from the rank of Lance Corporal to Private. After that, the duo was derobbed in line with military law.

A statement issued by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the two soldiers were dismissed after facing trial at the Headquarters 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru, having been indicted in a report of a Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the unfortunate incident.

He said that both soldiers were charged and summarily tried for failure to perform military duties and conduct prejudice to service discipline.

The offences, according to him, are punishable under Section 62 (a) of Armed Forces Act CAP A20 and Section 103(1) of Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

“The two dismissed soldiers will be officially handed over to the Nigeria Police, Yobe Command in Damaturu for civil prosecution in the court of law. Recall that the NA (Nigerian Army) pledged to institute a Board of Inquiry to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and speedily bring the suspects to justice, if indicted,” he said.

The treatment the two soldiers got is a stark difference from one the three soldiers involved in extortion and murder of a woman in Yankara village in Kastina State received.

The woman was arrested in a commercial vehicle in possession of money estimated to be N420,000 by members of a local vigilance group on May 7, 2021, at about 10 p.m. in Yankara village along Funtua-Gusau road. Upon interrogation, she was unable to reveal how she came about the huge sum. On the suspicion that she belonged to a syndicate of bandits, she was handed over to the troops for interrogation on the source of the money. Few days later, the woman was killed by the troops after collecting the money from her.

After what was said to be a thorough investigation of the case, the Army set up a court-martial in Sokoto to try them for the offences of murder which is a capital crime and extortion, in line with the Armed Forces Act. The soldiers were found guilty of the crime and sentenced to death. But the Army Council later commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment.

The double standard in the administration of justice in the Nigerian Army was more evident in the case of Captain Tijani Balarabe and his men. In their case, the belief that “all animals are equal and some are more equal” and that the Nigerian justice system favours the rich, and mighty readily come to mind.

The story was not only chilling, the pictures that accompanied the dastardly act were gory and sent shivers down the spine of many Nigerians.

Initially, many did not believe that the incident happened in Nigeria until when the kidnap kingpin, Bala Hamisu, a.k.a Wadume, was arrested. He later told a shocked nation that some officers of the Nigerian Army actually assisted him to escape arrest.

Wadume was on the wanted list of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for kidnapping in Taraba and neighbouring states for a long time. He was specifically wanted for killing his victim, Usman Garba, after receiving N106.3million as ransom.

He was assisted to escape from the custody of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) by soldiers

Senior Army officers attached to Battalion 93, Takum, the soldiers also attacked the police team conveying the kidnap kingpin to the Taraba State police headquarters in Jalingo on August 6, 2019.

Three policemen and two civilians working with the IRT were killed during the incident, while five other police officers were injured. The policemen who died were Inspector Mark Ediale, Sergeants Usman DanAzumi and Dahiru Musa.

They were killed by the soldiers along Ibi-Jalingo road in Taraba State, on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 after they had succeeded in arresting Wadume. He was reportedly rescued after the soldiers had gunned down the cops.

The fugitive was subsequently rearrested at his hideout at Layin Mai Allo Hotoro area of Kano State following a manhunt launched by the police special forces and IRT. In a viral video released shortly after he was re-arrested, Wadume had admitted that he was rescued from police custody by soldiers who also cut off his handcuffs.

He had also told the detectives how he met the commander of the troops attached to 93 Battalion, Takum, led by one Captain Tijjani Balarabe at the palace of the district head of Ibi town, from where they struck friendship after the gang leader gave him N30,000.

In a confession after he was re-arrested in Kano, the kidnapping kingpin had told his interrogators in Abuja that: “The police came to arrest me. When they arrested me, the army chased after them and opened fire. From there, they (soldiers) took me to their headquarters and cut off my handcuffs and released me. I went back to my house, but the police came to re-arrest me.”

The kingpin, who was a fish trader before he allegedly delved into arms trafficking and subsequently kidnapping, also claimed to have fuelled army patrol vehicles.

The Board of Inquiry (BOI) constituted to probe the matter had on October 8, released its report and recommended that the army and police should further investigate Captain Tijjani Balarabe, Sergeant Ibrahim Mohammed, Corporal Bartholomew Obanye, DCO Ibi Police Division, ASP Aondoona Iorbee, and Insp. Aliyu Dadje for complacency.

The Joint Investigative Panel set up by the Defence Headquarters was headed by Rear Admiral I.T. Olaiya. In a statement by acting Director of Defence Information, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the BOI also recommended that further investigation be conducted on Wadume for gunrunning and kidnapping. It was, however, gathered that no further trial had been carried out in line with the recommendation of the probe panel.

Apart from the fact that police investigations showed that the army captain exchanged 191 phone conversations with the kidnap kingpin between July 9 and August 6, 2019, in one instance, the logs showed that the two men exchanged 166 phone calls. Documents also showed that Wadume similarly made several calls to the Ibi Divisional Crime Officer.

The crime officer was alleged to have made over 200 phone calls to Wadume while the station officer allegedly destroyed evidence showing that the IRT operatives documented the operation to arrest the kidnap kingpin at the Ibi Police Station.

To worsen his case, Capt Balarabe in his statement to the joint investigation panel set up by the Chief of Defence Staff admitted that Wadume was his friend, noting that the alleged kingpin once gave him fish worth N50,000. Balarabe also said that Wadume gave him N200,000 to repair a patrol van which was having mechanical problems.

Following the arraignment and trial of Wadume in court, the Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the then Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, to release the Army officers, who were charged alongside Wadume to appear in court but the military refused to obey the court order. However, with the refusal of the military to release the men, the court continued with the trial of other

accused persons.

On July 22, 2022, Wadume was convicted by Justice Binta Nyako and jailed for seven years. The judge handed down the sentence after finding him guilty of charges relating to escaping from lawful custody, as well as illegal dealings in prohibited firearms.

The judgment attracted criticisms from Nigerians who insisted that he should have been convicted for kidnapping which carries life imprisonment.

Besides Wadume, the court also jailed Uba Bala (aka Uba Delu) and Zubairu Abdullahi (aka Basho) for seven years each, while Aliyu Dadje, a dismissed Inspector of Police, got three years.

Despite the weight of evidence against Captain Balarabe and his men, they were cleared of wrong-doing by a military Board of Inquiry set up by the 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Takum, Taraba State.

Military sources disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari approved the recommendations of the panel absolving the soldiers of complicity in the attack on the policemen and escape of the kidnap kingpin. Captain Balarabe has since been promoted to the rank of Major and continues on with his career after receiving the support of the military high command.

Many observers have faulted the inconsistencies in the dispensation of justice by the Army, which according to them, is worrisome as no remorse has been shown for the loss of lives of serving policemen who were shot while on legitimate duty to arrest a criminal.

Murder and extrajudicial killings are capital crimes. It is important to note that capital crimes cannot be waved away by summary dismissals nor are they forgotten due to the long period before justice is delivered.

The Army itself should be held responsible due to its inability to send a strong message to its personnel about the high value of Nigerian lives.

The Army ought to conduct its trial processes in an open manner to ensure that justice is served.

So long as the Army authorities continue to pay lip service to the capital crimes committed by its men, the offences shall continue to occur

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

66

GAVEL Imo Assembly: One Speaker Too Many

Editor: Ejiofor Alike

SMS: 08066066268 email:ejiofor.alike@thisdaylive.com

In what could be described as a mockery of democracy and separation of powers, the Imo State House of Assembly has churned out four speakers in less than three years just WR UHPDLQ LQ WKH ÀUP JULS RI *RYHUQRU +RSH 8]RGLPPD ZULWHV Amby Uneze

Uzodimma

S

ince the imposition of a Monday sit-at-home in the South-east, so many activities have been kept in the cooler. It is not that the people are unwilling to perform their Monday activities as usual, being the beginning of official duties in a week, but for fear of the unknown. In the same vein, government offices have followed the trend except in some isolated cases where officials would sneak in to perform some activities in a hurry and disperse.

However, last Monday was a different ball game. Exactly at noon, information filtered in that the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Kennedy Ibeh, had resigned and a new Speaker, Emeka Nduka, had been sworn in to replace him.

The veracity of the news was in doubt considering that many were still stuck at home, coupled with the synergy exhibited by the state’s legislature and executive the previous week when President Muhammadu Buhari visited the state to inaugurate three signature projects, including the refurbished House of Assembly complex.

However, the news was found to be true but the exact time the replacement was done was not clarified. Some political pundits noted that if the action had taken place before the presidential visit, there would have been a crack in the wall. It is believed that the planners must have reached a compromise with the former Speaker (Ibeh) to sign his resignation honourably or be sacked, and he likely chose the former.

Many believe that the former speaker was forced to resign instead of being impeached to save the state assembly from the embarrassment associated with the frequent impeachment of her speakers.

According to analysts, it is rare for a Speaker to resign from his plump job as the leader of the legislative arm in a state without being pressured to do so by the powers-that-be, except there is a criminal tag on such a speaker.

“In fact, there was more to it than the eyes could see,” a prominent politician in the state, who chose to remain anonymous, told THISDAY. The statement made available to the press reads: “The Imo State House of Assembly on Monday elected Emeka Nduka (APC Ehime Mbano) as the new Speaker of the House following the resignation

Nduka of Kennedy Ibeh (APC Obowo). Nduka was elected during a closeddoor special sitting presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu (APC Nwangele) who called for nominations after reading the letter of resignation.”

Though no cogent reason was given for the resignation of the former speaker, reliable sources indicated that the order his resignation came from above. One of the principal officers in the assembly confirmed toTHISDAY that Ibeh was forced to resign because he did not carry his members along in the scheme of things.

“He was accused of running a one-man show and we are happy that he is out,” the source said.

Sequel to the reading of the said resignation letter by the deputy speaker, the new speaker was nominated by the Majority Leader, Kanayo Onyemaechi (APC Owerri West) and seconded by Uju Onwudiwe (APC Njaba).

Nduka who is a first-time lawmaker in the assembly is the fourth speaker under Governor Hope Uzodinma following the impeachment of two previous speakers and Ibeh’s resignation.

Ibeh was sworn in as speaker on November 8, 2021, following the impeachment of Paul Emeziem (APC Onuimo) for reasons ranging from alleged forgery to highhandedness.

Emeziem took over from Chiji Collins (APC Isiala Mbano) in November 2020 after he was impeached for alleged “unparliamentary” conduct and gross misconduct. Chiji, however, appealed to the house to have his impeachment expunged from the legislative records and recorded as resignation, a request which was approved.

Confirming his resignation, Ibeh, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Ifeanyi Onyekachi, said: “It is with a due sense of responsibility that we announce the resignation of Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh, as the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly.

“Within his short period as Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Ibeh redefined the legislative process, restored the dignity of the legislature and placed Imo State House of Assembly on a high pedestal. He, therefore, wishes to restate his commitment to the 3-R Government of His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma and to pledge his loyalty and support to the governor, the good people of Obowo State Constituency and Imo State,” the statement stated.

Political analysts argue that the frequent change of speakers to

the extent of having four speakers within three years in a four-year administration portends danger to the legislature.They believe that it shows that the members are being teleguided by the executive arm, otherwise, a robust and effective legislature ought to have some measure of confidence in its leadership to guarantee stability.

According to the zoning formula of key political offices in the state, it is the turn of Imo North (Okigwe Zone) to produce the Speaker of the state House of Assembly in the current political dispensation because the governor hails from the Orlu zone, while his deputy is from Owerri zone.

There are six local government areas in the Okigwe zone and by that calculation, only Ihitte Uboma has not produced a speaker.

With the spate of churning out speakers, it is believed that sooner or later, the Ihitte Uboma legislator would also want to have a bite of the cake, because no local government would want to be left out in the scheme of things before 2023 general election.

It is believed that the unfortunate trend in the state assembly was a result of the January 14, 2020 judgment of the Supreme Court which gave power to Governor Uzodimma who came to a distant fourth position in the 2019 governorship election in the state. At the inception of the ninth assembly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had the majority in the Assembly.The then governor, Emeka Ihedioha was of the PDP. Chiji Collins was elected the speaker. Immediately Uzodimma became the Analysts believe that members of the Imo Assembly do not know their constitutional role as an important arm of government. As the second arm of government with the duty of checks and balances, it is incumbent on them to carry the people who sent them along.

Many believe that Governor Uzodimma is behind the frequent change of Speakers in the state assembly, having pocketed the lawmakers.

“The present legislators in the assembly are not vibrant.They do not know their rights. In addition, they are inept, considering the few number of bills and motions they have passed so far. It is on record that Imo citizens are kept in the dark on the activities of the assembly.The only time one hears about them has always been when they want to impeach their Speaker or suspend member(s).

In all, Imo State is quite unlucky to have a lame Assembly,” a former state lawmaker, who pleaded not to be named, toldTHISDAY.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

67

INTERNATIONAL

PMB’s UNGA Speeches, 2015-2022: National Dreams in Unlawful Expediencies

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he opportunity for President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) to begin to address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), considered to be the forum of world leaders and therefore referred to as the international community, presented itself in 2015. Only Presidents and Heads of Government of Member States are eligible to address the UNGA. with The addresses are sometimes referred to as General Debates. These debates are stricto sensu not debates in the sense of arguing for and against but, lato sensu, opinions on international questions and what the leaders consider as salient issues and achievements Telephone : 0807-688-2846 of their countries in the previous year. e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com There are different types of sessions in which Member States participate: regular session, special, emergency and ordinary. Rule 1 of the Rules of Procedure as amended by Resolution 57/301 of the UNGA stipulates that‘the General Assembly shall meet every year in regular session commencing on the Tuesday of the Third week in September, counting from the first week that contains at least one working day.’In the same vein, paragraph 2 of the same resolution stipulates that ‘the general debate in the General Assembly shall open on the Tuesday following the opening of the regular session of the General Assembly and shall be held without interruption over a period of nine working days.’Thus, there is not only a regular session but also a special session for general debate.

Most importantly, based on the UNGA decision in paragraph 50 of its resolution 75/325, which amended Rule 1 of the Rules of Procedure,‘the General Assembly shall meet every year in regular sessioncommencingontheTuesdayofthesecondweekinSeptember, counting from the first week that contains at least one working day.’

Additionally,‘the general debate in the General Assembly shall open on the Tuesday of the fourth week in September, counting from the first week that contains at least one working day, and shall be held without interruption over a period of nine days.’

In this regard, every annual ordinary session of the UNGA has a theme to which attending Member States are to contribute. For instance, the theme for the 77th UNGA is ‘A Watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges.’ As given, the theme is quite thought-provoking because it is necessarily a framework for further reflections. It is a tasking methodology because of the many insinuations and intrinsic questions in it: how do we interpret‘a watershed moment’? What makes the moment a watershed? And more concernedly, which watershed moment are we talking about? One possible interpretation is to consider the current international situation as a watershed moment because of the unprecedented interstate war between Russia and Ukraine Buhari in the post-World War II era. True, the war is a major threat to the raison d’être of the United Nations itself.

For instance, as for transformative solutions and interlocking challenges raised in the UNGA’s 2022 theme, if we admit that the current global situation constitutes a momentous watershed UNGA Themes and PMB’s Submissions in terms of a problematic, then transformative solutions cannot What is particularly noteworthy about whatever session one is but be the remedy.There are many solutions, but those wanted talking about is the theme addressed by every ordinary session are the transformative ones, which must have the capacity to as well as the differentiation of the time of opening the General ‘transform.’More importantly, what are interlocking challenges Assembly and the time of commencing the General Debate. The and specific solutions that can tackle such interlocking chalopening date of the UNGA, also variously referred to as GA (General lenges? These are questions that ought to be addressed in the Assembly) and Assemblée Générale (AG), for the 77th Ordinary speeches of any speaking leader at the UN podium.

Session was Tuesday, 13th September, 2022 while the opening The Heads of State and Government met from 21 to 27 date for the General Debate was Tuesday, 20th September, 2022.

September 2021 and addressed the UNGA on the theme, In fact, the commencing dates for the next General Assembly ‘Building resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, and the General Debate of the 78th Session are already well known: rebuild sustainability, respond to the needs of the planet…’In Tuesday 5 September 2023 and Tuesday, 19th September 2023 other words, the organisational expectation is that Member respectively. The noteworthiness of the sessions is not only the States would be kind enough to address how to recover from ample time given to leaders of Member States to prepare their COVID and build resilience and not a priori providing narratives statements well in advance but also to deeply reflect on how to about developments in their home countries. evolve transformative solutions to current global problems. World The same is true of the theme for UNGA 2020 whose theme leaders have the freedom to talk about anything considered useful was: ‘the Future We Want, the United Nations We Need: Reafto them, especially about what they want the global community to firming Our Collective Commitment.’Three critical intellectual know about their countries. However, there must not be too much challenges are involved in this theme: which future do the deviation from the main purposes of the themes of the sessions Member States want beginning from 2020?Which UN structure which want shared opinions on the themes of every UNGA and on will be appropriate to respond to the type of United Nations solutions to global problems.

needed? And more fundamentally, how should Member States act together or reaffirm their togetherness, respect their obligations toward multilateralism or the United Nations?

The same was also true of the 2019 UNGA theme, which focused on ‘Effective Responses to Global Crises: Strengthening Multilateralism and Dialogue among Civilisations for International Peace, Security and Development. The United Nations recognised that there were global crises and therefore wanted responses, particularly from the perspectives of how to foster multilateralism as a potent instrument.

The United Nations wanted dialogue among various civilisations on sustaining international peace, security and development. In essence, the attitudinal disposition of the United Nations is simply ’Striving Together, Delivering for All.’ It is against this background that the various addresses given by world leaders at the UNGA 2022 should be explained.

Therefore,goingbythe2022theme,theUnitedNationshasadmitted that there are inter-locking challenges and that the likely solutions to them can only be transformation-seeking solutions. By implication, participating world leaders have one mother of all inter-locking challenges which is to come up with suggestions or transformative solutions. Most unfortunately, however, rather than engaging in critical thinking on the theme, many leaders routinely go to the UNGA to report themselves and seek to polish the international perception of their countries. They hardly address the themes as intellectually required. The speeches of PMB at the UNGA in the last seven years, but particularly in the past four years, clearly illustrate this point of observation.

As noted by PMB himself in his statement at the 77th UNGA, ‘in every address I have delivered to this august Assembly, I have dwelt on the issue of climate change, especially as it fuels conflicts and complicates food security.’Explained differently, climate change is a regular feature in PMB’s UNGA speeches since 2015. One apparent reason for the annual rhetoric again, in PMB’s eyes, is because‘climate change reduces opportunity and prosperity which in Africa, Latin America and some parts of Asia, also contributed to transnational organised crimes.’

Apart from PMB’s observation that climate change complicates food insecurity and generates conflicts, was the issue of climate change always an integral part of every annual theme? If not, why the much interest in always recalling it in PMB’s speeches? If yes, what really has Nigeria meaningfully contributed to solving the problems of climate change? Or what is the significant impact of PMB’s simply drawing attention to it without being able to act on the problem?

PMB’s statement on climate change at the UNGA 2022 was simply an amplification of what he said in 2021. Therefore, it is really not a big deal. He said that ‘climate change and unpredictable shocks, such as the current global pandemic, further exhibited vulnerabilities in the global setting and that it is a source of many other societal problems, particularly food insecurity.

In terms of transformative solutions, what is the leeway from the perspectives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? PMB has suggested that ‘as a first step, we must all commit to releasing the financing and the technology to create a stable and affordable framework for energy transit.’ Additionally, he said ‘development finance institutions must prioritise de-risking energy projects to improve access of renewable projects to credit facilities. There should be no countries “left behind” in this equation.’This is the type of submissions required by the international community. The suggestion can be feasible and may not be. However, by directly addressing the themes, PMB has kick-started the thinking wheel of solutions. This, in itself is commendable.

If every country makes suggestions on possible leeway to whatever societal challenges the United Nations want to address, then there can be a good basis for comparative approaches, commentaries for and against, etc. Most unfortunately, the so-called General Debate is nothing more than a platform for self-glorification, show of power and arrogance during which the manifestations of uni-decisional and unidirectional statements are made.

“

In every UNGA speech made since 2015, PMB has always noted the challenges of the international environment and the efforts of the United Nations in the conduct and management of peace promotion, security pursuit, fostering development, and protection of human rights. The current challenges with which the Member States of the United Nations are confronted include proliferation of small arms and light weapons, terrorism, malignant use of technology, violent extremism, climate change, irregular migration, as well as disparities in opportunities from improved standards of living. It is in light of these challenges that the dreams, not to say plaidoyers of PMB, should be discussed.

In his 2022 UNGA address, PMB dreamt about many things. First is his call for a nuclear-free world. The call is at best a non-realisable dream. Possession of nuclear weapons is a status symbol.The Nuclear Weapons States have constituted themselves into an informal exclusive club to which access of new members is closed. It is important to note that nuclear status was one of the major criteria for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. It also explains the enjoyment of veto power. And perhaps most disturbingly, it largely explains the importance of Articles 108 and 109 of the UN Charter and why they are the main obstacle to UN Security Council reform.

VIE INTERNATIONALE

Bola A. Akinterinwa

Thus, how can PMB be dreaming of a democratic legacy when his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been accused by other parties with proofs of fraudulently working on voters registration for the purposes of 2023 general elections? How can PMB feel comfortable talking about illegal migration when Nigeria’s sagacious minds are leaving Nigeria one by one for greener pastures abroad? The illegality of migration is only one side of the coin. The need for survival at all costs is another side of the coin. If PMB can accept to frolic round the world to the detriment of striking ASUU lecturers, why would anyone not find alternative futures elsewhere? PMB also talks about terrorism and violent extremism. What is it that PMB has done about what former Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, once said: there will not be any enduring peace in Nigeria until Nigeria is divided into Muslim North and Christian South? On small arms and light weapons, will the manufacturers of arms not be out of business the moment there are no buyers to proliferate the arms and weapons? Those that PMB are appealing to are also the manufacturers. The truth from which PMB government is running away is the strategic miscalculation that Government can embark on a Fulanisation and Islamisation agenda and still expect public acquiescence of the policies. Government is currently perceived to be aiding terror, fighting corruption but condoning vote buying, and preaching the sermon of democratic goodness, national peace and unity abroad while promoting the contrary with nepotistic policies and forceful unity back home. Party constitutions are disobeyed in order to satisfy selfish interests. Same religion flagbearers cannot be adopted based on expediency or doctrine of necessity, but to the detriment of legal fairness and justice.

Expediency and lawfulness must be simultaneously and carefully managed

National Dreams and Unlawful Expediencies

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

with ChidiAmuta e-mail:chidi.amuta@gmail.com

ENGAGEMENTS

Putin: Loneliness of the Tyrant Chidi Amuta

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yrantsandmadmensufferacommon ailment: they are condemned to a feeling of loneliness and a routine of endless wandering in search of what they alone understand. No other world leader at the present timebetterillustratesthisancient folk wisdom than Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

Mr.Putinwouldordinarilyqualifyasaverybrilliant strategist, a quality that catapulted him from the shadowsofaspookintotheprimelightastheleader ofpostSovietRussia.TheformerKGBofficerwitha fairlydistinguishedcareerrecordiscreditedwitha capacityformulti-taskingandalsotimehisstrategic moves in a manner that never fails to disarm and overwhelmhisadversaries.Buthisreputedstrengths have of late begun to fail him as he bungles from one international escapade to another.

Mr. Putin has had difficulty understanding that his invasion of Ukraine has gone badly. As it turns out, his plans and projections were disastrous. His troopshavebeenvastlydecimatedastheyhaslost territory they had previously occupied in the early stages of a war that was planned to last less than a fewdays.Monthshaverolledby.Russiancasualties, includinghighrankinggenerals,havemounted.His troopsareontherunasterritorypreviouslyoverrun have fallen under a Ukrainian counter offensive.

Vast amounts of equipment and gear have been abandoned by fleeing Russian troops. Fields of human remains that loudly testify to serious war crimes have been uncovered. Domestic opinion against the war and indeed the Putin regime has begun to mount and has recently graduated into street protests are Of course, Ukraine’s newfound battlefield successesandmilitarymojoaretheresultofacombination of patriotic fervor and the sheer quantum of Western military support. The Ukrainian arsenal is bristling with a vast armada of sophisticated high precision weapons generously supplied by both the United States and other NATO member nations in the Western alliance. No one knows for how long more an isolated, over sanctioned and economically strangulated Russia can sustain its aggression on Ukraine.

Theprospectofimminentdefeatonthebattlefield is an unthinkable nightmare for any dictator let alone one with the elephantine ego of a Vladimir Putin.Thereliesthegreaterstrategicdangerofthe logicoftheUkrainianwar.Predictably,Mr.Putinhas played the dictators’ game. He has threatened the worldwithanuclearholocaustifthewarinUkraine continues to go against his wish.

He carefully chose the eve of the 77th United NationsGeneralAssembly tobroadcastthisgrave threat. To indicate that he may not be bluffing, he disclosed the obvious fact that Russia is armed to the teeth with all classes of nuclear weapons both strategicandtactical.Inaddition,heunveiledahasty plan to call up a reservist force of an additional 300,000mentojoinhisarmyofmostlyconscriptsin theUkrainianoperation.Itdidnotmattertohimthat thatadditionalforcewillneedtobemobilized,trained, equippedandmotivatedtogointoawarthatmany realize has entered an attrition stage. Worde still, Putinrevealedamicrowaveplantoholdreferendain theDonbastandLuhanskregionsofUkrainewhich it had previously occupied and colonized.

Besides his setbacks in the battlefield, Putin’s earlier attempt to dress up the Ukraine invasion in revisionist propaganda has since collapsed as it failedtogaintractionamongbothRussiansandthe restoftheworld.TheZelenskyadministrationisfar frombeingtheZionistcollectionofneo-Nazisthat Putinpaintedthemas.Insteadtheformercomedian hasturnedouttobeanepitomeofpatrioticheroism andunusualcourage.Similarly,therevisionistclaim thatUkraine’ssovereigntyisfictitioushasfallenflat on its face. But Mr. Putin needs a fake referendum in the occupied regions that favours his invasion in order to sustain the claim that his occupation of these areas is part of his obligation to defend the sovereignty of “mother Russia”.

While Putin has proceeded in earnest with his hasty mobilization and microwave referenda barely three days after they were announced, the Russianpopulaceisreactingdifferently.Russiansare fleeingthehomelandacrossthebordersintomore friendly republics like Krigykistan, Tajikistan and otherstoavoidPutin’sdraft.Widespreadprotests anddemonstrationshavecommencedinMoscow againstthedraftandtheentireUkrainewar. Noone knowshowfartheoppositionforceswillgoandwhat it will cost Mr. Putin in terms of his hold on power.

Putin InresponsetoPutin’sbluffandveilednuclear threat,worldleadersassembledinNewYork haveheardMr.Putinanddisplayedamixture of brave reassurance and understandable trepidation. The brave face stems from the tacitassurancethatNATOhasthecapacityto deterPutin’snuclearthreatoratworstretaliate inamannerthatmayleaveRussiabadlyinjured and worsted. The fear is a response to the familiar threat which insane dictators have always posed to the security of the world. It is indeed a credible and present fear that Mr. Putin, pushed to the wall as he increasingly is, is likely to plunge the world into a nuclear blitzkriegthatnooneplannedfor.Foronething, in spite of the elaborate protocols required by the Russian system to initiate a nuclear strike,thereisthefearthatPutinisanoutlaw at heart and is unlikely to obey the protocols whichamoredemocraticsystemwouldhave made imperative.

Onthefaceofit,Putin’sbelligerentrhetoric addressed to the United Nations is not unprecedented.Sinceitsformation,theUnited Nationshasalwaysbeenconfrontedwiththe urgencyofmanagingthedissentingvoicesof non -conformist leaders in a world that has remained divided either along ideological or temperamental lines. There is in fact an unwritten code that what has sustained the UnitedNationsasamultinationalplatformis thefreshnessofdissentingvoicesanduncommon leadership types that it has had to deal with over the years. Leaders with divergent ideas,viewpointsandorientationshavecome toNewYorkinpreviousyearstohawkideasan perspectivesthatdonotnecessarilyconform to universally accepted norms.

In decades past, it was the presence of such diverse leadership types as Fidel Castro, Muammar Gadaffi, Yassir Arafat, Hugo ChavezandThomasSankarathatalleviated the boringconformistrhetoric ofthe United NationsGeneralAssembly.Thesedissenting voices and non -conformist personae have disappeared or become rare. The end of the Cold War and the triumph of a Western liberal international order have joinedforcestoreduceoreveneliminatethe alleviating presence of leaders who see the world differently.

This is one sense in which Vladimir Putin becomes something of a refreshing even if toxic diversion from the humdrum proposition of a Western liberal overlordship. But in positing an alternative to a Western liberal

democratic order, Mr. Putin is presenting the world with the untenable alternative of autocracy or, at best illiberal democracy. Unfortunately, with the overwhelmingeconomicandideologicalpresenceof China,Putinisdriventothefringesasapowerfulmad manratherthanacrediblealternativetotheWestern liberalorder.EvenifPutin’sRussiaintendedit,itlacks the economic power and ideological coherence to convince anyone else in the world that it can pose a credible counter force to the liberal democratic order that has gripped most of the world. At best, the Russian voice of dissent deserves to be heard but it needs to re-jig its message to make sense to the rest of humanity. For now, Russia’s voice is being heard in all the wrong ways. Threatening the world with nuclear holocaust is not the best way to posit an alternative worldview to a peaceful liberal international order.

Rewind to 20th February, 2022 when the latest Russia-Ukraine war began.

FromtheonsetoftheUkrainianinvasion,Mr.Putin has never managed to conceal the fact that he may have become a bit unhinged of late. At the onset of the war, Putin’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Sergei Lavrov warnedthataThirdWorldWarbetweenRussiaand NATO is possible and that it would be a nuclear war.

Onthesameday,Russianartilleryfiresetoffablaze at a Ukrainian nuclear facility, the largest in Europe.

Luckily,beforedawn,Ukrainianfirefightershadput out the fire. Still on the same day, French President Emmanuel Macronaftera telephone conversation withPutincautionedthat:”theworstisyettocome.”

Later in the day, it was a visibly jittery and troubled Putin that addressed Russians and the world to affirm that the invasion of Ukraine was going well according to his plan. Instructively, the broadcast was interrupted twice as Putin stood up in front of globaltelevisiontoadjusthisill-fittingjacket,allthe time shying from eye contact with the audience in spite of a teleprompter ahead of him.

There are enough reasons why Mr. Putin could becomemoredangeroustousall.Anunpredictable autocratpresidingoveranuclearsuperpowerisnot exactlyapleasantplaymate.Anautocratwhoiseasily therichestmanintheworldcanacquirethemindsetof aGodfigurewiththepoweroflifeanddeathoverthe restofhumanity.Anex-KGBofficerwithaninscrutable face and shadowy family life may not worry much about the familiar moral qualms of regular mortals about humanlivesandultimatetragedy.Worsestill, a man with a permanent nostalgia for the defunct greatUSSRandthedaysofColdWarsabrerattling can pursue his obsession at the expense of others if events keep pushing him to the brinks of sanity.

Whensuchamanisencircled,hiscountryisolated, his military rendered ineffectual and his private

fortunes threatened, it is uncertain how far he can go in seeking revenge against those he sees as his traducers.Throughouthistory,themindofatypical autocraticdemagoguehasbeenanareaofdarkness, full of uncanny possibilities. On hindsight, I shudder to think of what could have become of the world if Hitlerhadaccesstothecodesofanuclearweapons system. In the isolated seclusion of his bunker, he orderedsomeofthemostmassivemilitaryassaults that humanity has known during the Second World War. The body count meant nothing to him.

ButherewearetodaywithMr.Putin,arealautocrat witharecordofserialmurdersofhisopponents.He is in control of the world’s second largest arsenal of lethal and nuclear weapons. How far could he go to hurt the rest of the world just to assuage his injured ego? How far will Putin go just to prove to the world that he is not necessarily weak and will not go down inhumiliation?CouldVladimirPutinbecomefurther demented by frustration of his territorial ambition in Ukraine and beyond as to do the kind of irrational things that dictators have done in history?

Russia as an isolated rogue state is not the best prospectinaworlddominatedbyaspiringdemocracies. Over 85% of the nations of the world are now democraciesoraspiringdemocracies.Inthatworld, an illiberal democracy or fringe autocracy such as Russia is not your favourite next door neighbor.

Worsestill,anuclearsuperpowerpresidedoverbyan unstabledictatorwithaninjuredegoandthreatened financialfortunesisa nightmare thatcould blowup in our faces. As we speak, Mr. Putin has placed his most strategic military units including his nuclear command,atalertandinanactivedisposition.Lethal weapons banned by the Geneva Convention have already been generously used in this war.

The best way out of this possible nightmare is to showMr.Putinclearlymarkedexitpointstoescape fromtheconsequencesofhisdisastrousjudgment.

Clearly,hemiscalculatedhischancesintheUkraine mission.Heprobablyunderestimatedtheextentto whichUkrainiansdetestandevenhatetheRussians.

You cannot sustain a massive military campaign in a terrain where the occupying force is so despised.

Also, Mr. Putin never estimated the groundswell of internationaloppositionthathisinvasionofUkraine would attract. More tragically, he probably did not calculatethecharacterofRussia’spostwarrelations withtheEuropeanstatesandformerSovietrepublics that Russia has to live with in perpetuity.

Peaceistheonlyantithesistowar.Therefor,every war inevitably ends in peace. The best prosecutors ofwarsarealsothemostcreativeseekersofpeace.

Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine were at first an encouraging sign. The talks that led to the resumptionofexportsofUkrainianwheattotherest of the world were an encouraging sign. The recent prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia pointtowhatisstillpossibleontheavenueofpeace.

But Mr. Putin would rather negotiate with Ukraine as a conqueror hence his recently announced new mobilization. It is doubtful if the two parallel lines willmeetsomewhereinabombedoutUkraine.Putin wouldprobablyfindmoresatisfactioninbeingaparty andalsoaguarantorofthekindofpeacehedesires.

TheWestcanhelpMr.Putinfindaconvenientexit point out of the cage he has built around himself.

But the interest of a more enduring world peace is not served by the present attitude and rhetoric of the US and the West. It is a good thing to marshal a global coalition against a menacing adversary of theinternational rule-based order. Itis alsoin order to contain a belligerent autocrat who tramples on the sovereignty of less powerful nations. It is quite understandabletopileupcrushingsanctionstobend such a determined aggressor.

The object of the war is the protection of the sovereign integrity of independent states from theaggressionanddeliberatebelligerenceofmore powerfulnations.Itisofcourseintheenlightenedself -interestoftheUSandtheWesttocontainRussian influenceandPutin’sterritorialambitions.Butinthe end, the world still needs a powerful stable Russia as a bulwark against the excesses of the West just as much as we need a wealthy Europe and the US to demonstrate the relative advantages of liberal democracy and the power of the free market.

Forthosewhoaredesirousoranxiousabouthow this war will end, there are a few certainties. First, Russia can neither crush nor annihilate Ukraine.

Second, Russia will not be able to prevail against a coalition of the US, NATO and the rest of the free world. Third, the coalition of pro-Ukrainian forces will not be able to defeat Russia and exclude it from the international system. A humiliated Russia is an unlikely historical oddity.

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NEWS APC Chieftain Tackles Dogara over Muslim-Muslim Ticket Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Chief of Staff to the Director General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr. Yakubu Dati, has accused the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, for trying to play the religious card after he lost the bid to be nominated running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu.

Dogara had said that the APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket was “doomed to end in a spectacular failure”, and called on Christians “to resist the temptation of wasting their votes on the ticket” in the 2023 general election.

But responding, Dati said the former Speaker’s comment did not go beyond his usual championing of selfish interest under the guise of religious equity as it fails to contextualise his understanding of what state and nation building constitute in the current political dispensation.

Dati said: “One would have thought that if the former Speaker understands thoroughly the concept of nation building that he would have appreciated the bid to move the psyche of Nigerians from primordial sentiments to issues of development as there is nowhere in history that staying trapped in the past has served as a sine qua non for development.

“For this, lots of people have called attention to the fact that it is only when Dogara lost the bid to be running mate to Tinubu that he suddenly realised there was something wrong with the APC and the significance of religiously balanced ticket.”

According to him, all the while, it seemed okay for Dogara to be paired with Tinubu only because he sees himself as a frontline contender for the position and nothing more.

“But Christians in Nigeria are not fooled as they know those who have stood for

them in the past, and that Dogara is not one of them as all his politics bear no such testimonies.

“Judging by the former Speaker’s antecedents, I dare say that even if Tinubu had picked a Christian other than him as running mate, Dogara would still have been sour about it as his records have shown that he is the type that always views things from a selfish perspective”, Dati affirmed.

Dati said Dogara can only fool those who do not know him, “but for some of us who are well aware of his past; we

are aware that his narcissistic tendencies always becloud his sense of judgment.”

He alleged that though Dogara’s federal constituency of Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa has a good mixture of Muslims and Christians, no one raised the religious card when he was elected into the House of Representatives for a record four times!

He said: “In a constituency that has three local governments and strongly believes in rotation, one would have expected Dogara to lead by example by upholding equity through a rotational system that would

have accommodated the others.

“If Dogara believes in equity and fairness why has he not made sacrifice to allow the two other local governments produce the Reps member for the constituency after he had served two terms in the House as has been the practice?

“As a good Christian that he claims to be, that would have served to establish that he believes in justice and fairness.

But he failed to do so. From there, one can see that typically, Dogara only raises his voice when the situation does not favour him but when it does, he closes his eyes to it.

Gorillas Facing Extinction in Nigeria, WildAid Cries out Sunday Okobi WildAid, an international environmental organisation based in the United States, at the weekend lamented that humans had pushed Cross River gorillas to the brink of extinction.

Consequently, the organisation unveiled a weeklong campaign to raise awareness about existential threats facing gorillas in Nigeria and provide support Nigeria in protecting the remaining Cross River gorillas.

WildAid’s Africa Programme Manager, Simon Denyer raised the alarms at an event organised to mark the World Gorilla Day

in Lagos Friday.

World Gorilla Day, an event celebrating gorillas and empowering global communities to take action for gorilla conservation, holds on September 24 annually.

At the event Friday, Denyer said the Cross River gorilla, which lives in the mountainous border area of Nigeria and Cameroon, “is Africa’s most threatened ape, with a population estimated at fewer than 300 individuals.

“Around 100 live in Nigeria and are found only in three protected areas across the Cross River State of Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Mbe Mountains and the Okwangwo division of Cross River National Park.”

Firm Wins Double at Tech Innovation Awards Inq. Digital Nigeria Limited, the leading-Edge solutions provider, with innovative business-relevant services in Edge AI and IoT, SDN/ SFV for Edge Cloud, Secure Access Services Edge and Elastic Edge in Nigeria, has carted home two awards “Enterprise Solutions Provider of the Year” and “Digital Services Provider of the year“ at the just concluded Tech Innovation Awards.

The award, formerly referred to as Nigeria Tech Innovation & Telecom Awards (NTITA) has been acknowledged as the foremost and most celebrated award in the Tech industry, it recognises

individuals and organizations at the forefront of digitization with innovative products and services in the ICT sector in Nigeria.

According to the organizers, the awards come as recognition for the brand’s active involvement in deepening economic growth by creating and providing telecommunication solutions and support services for businesses.

The recognitions equally reflect inq.

Digital Nigeria’s investments in delivering innovative solutions to multinationals, government, and small and medium enterprises whilst offering value and allowing them to thrive.

Aweleka Club Unveils Quiz, Debate Competition for Ogwashi-Uku Students About 60 public and private secondary school students representing their schools are to participate in the inaugural Ogwashi-Uku secondary schools quiz and debate competitions instituted by Aweleka Social Club of Nigeria and co-sponsored by Ifedinma Social Club of Nigeria.

The competition conceptualised as an annual inter-school programme for secondary schools in Ogwashi-Uku, capital of Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, aims at stimulating intellectual development and healthy competition amongpublic and private secondary school

students. The competition is scheduled on October 1, 2022, at FrankBryan Event Hall, OgwashiUku, Delta State.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Harry Odibe, hinted that kind-hearted individuals and institutions from Ogwashi-Uku have donated different prizes worth thousands of naira for the students to compete.

The awards include: The Professor Ikechukwu Enwemnwa Award for the Best School in Quiz, The Professor Nduka Otiono Award for the Best School in Poetry, The Dr. Celestine Iwendi Award for the Best School in Debating,

SOLIDARITY VISIT… L-R: Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Hon. Walter Ozioko; Enugu State Governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for Enugu North Senatorial District, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Chief Vita Abba, when the people of Lejja and Uwani Lejja communities in Nsukka LGA paid the governor a solidarity visit at the Government House, Enugu…yesterday

Osun Tribunal Begins Sitting on Oyetola’s Petition Monday Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Election Petition Tribunal will on Monday commence pre-trial sitting on the petition filed by Osun State Governor, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, against the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate at the July 16 governorship election, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

This was revealed in a letter addressed to Oyetola’s counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) by the

acting Chief Registrar of the court, Umar Bangari, rejecting his request to move the sitting of the tribunal to Abuja due to security challenges.

Oyetola had, through his counsel, Lateef Fagbemi, written to the court, asking that the sitting of the tribunal be moved to Abuja.

However, the Court of Appeal has also declined the request by the APC candidate that the sitting of the tribunal should be moved to Abuja, citing security concerns.

In his response, Umar Bangari said the President of the Appeal Court, Justice Monica DongbanMensem, had directed him to say that “after due consultation on, and consideration of your request to move the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal currently sitting in Osogbo to Abuja, the Honourable President is unable to accede to your request as the security agencies in the state have assured the court of

their co-operation and support in enhancing the security of the tribunal and its sittings.”

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the PDP Legal Committee, Hashim Abioye, commended the Appeal Court for not acceding to the request for the relocation of the tribunal sitting to Abuja.

The PDPhad, in a statement, faulted Oyetola for declaring the state as unsafe to actualise its plan of moving the sitting ofthetribunaltoAbujaagainstAdeleke’s victory.

Stop Frustrating S’West Govts, CROSN Tells Buhari Fidelis David in Akure The Congress for Rights of Ondo State Nationalities (CROSN) has asked the federal government to desist from frustrating the Western Nigeria Security Network (a.k.a Operation Amotekun), an initiative the governments of the South-west states set up to address Fulani herdsmen violence.

In a statement by its National Chairman, Mr. Abiodun Fanoro and General Secretary, Tunde Aiyenumelo yesterday, CROSN

accused the federal government of undermining the region, citing its refusal to grant request to allow the security outfit to use AK47 riffle to protect lives and property.

The statement alleged that with its refusal to grant Amotekun licence to bear arms, the federal government might be deriving some benefits from the security threat to lives and property in the area, retarding the economy, in line with their old and traditional agenda of slowing down the region’s

development.

The group’s allegation came few days after the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu announced that the Federal Government had refused to grant request by governors in the region to allow Amotekun carry AK47 rifle.

The group noted that, “Request by the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on behalf of other governors in the region, is in consonance with the mandate

of people of the region to the governors, after sacrificing time and energies to come out with the security frame-work which they also overwhelmingly endorsed.

“It is therefore very pertinent to let the central government know that its blunt refusal is not only undermining the region’s security and entire life it is a calculated disrespect to the governors, a provocative contempt against the people of the region, assault on their sensibility and intelligence and a recipe for self-defence.”

Lawan-Dare Re-emerges PDP Governorship Candidate in Zamfara Onuminya Innocent In Sokoto Dauda Lawan-Dare has reemerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2023 poll in Zamfara State.

Lawan-Dare was re-elected with 422 votes in the re-run primary ordered by a Federal High Court in Gusau.

Chairman of the PDP Governorship Primary Election Committee and Kaduna State PDP Chairman,

Hassan Hyet, made the declaration at the conclusion of the exercise in Gusau.

Hyet said that Lawan-Dare polled 422 votes to beat his two opponents who scored one vote each. According to him, out of 431 accredited delegates, 428 cast the ballot in which four votes were declared invalid.

He said Lawan-Dare scored 422 votes, Ibrahim Shehu and Hafiz Nahuche scored one vote each.

He said: “Dr. Dauda Lawan-

Dare, having scored the highest votes, is hereby declared as the winner and the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the forthcoming 2023 general election in Zamfara state.” Hyet noted that one of the aspirants Wadatau Madawaki had withdrawn from the race before the commencement of election.

The party had conducted mini ward and LGs congresses to include women in the delegates list that participated in the fresh governorship primary election

ordered by the High Court.

Justice Aminu Bappah-Aliyu of the Federal High Court in Gusau, on September16, nullified the PDP primaries that Lawan-Dare was earlier declared winner. Lawal-Dare had, on May 26, emerged as the party’s governorship candidate.

He had polled 431 votes to win the ticket against Dr. Ibrahim Shehu who came second with five votes while Alhaji Wadatau Madawaki placed third with three votes.

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B AC K PAG E C O N T I N UAT I O N WIKE VS ATIKU: THE RETURN LEG that Okowa was his preference and Atiku denied, saying Okowa was Gen Ibrahim Babangida’s candidate but he did not consider Okowa “fit” for the job and would not make the same “mistake” he made in 2019 when Peter Obi was “forced” on him by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. Atiku reportedly told Wike that he had wanted Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former minister of finance and current director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), but Obasanjo had his way.

Deciding not to choose Wike was one thing, but by rubbing it in so smoothly in his ARISE interview that it was Okowa he could work “amicably” with, Atiku only succeeded in pouring petrol into the fire.

Wike erupted in anger, accused Atiku of telling lies and threatened to reveal “the truth” in due course. Atiku’s chosen adverb, “amicably”, apparently touched a raw nerve in Wike. Some northern elders, we heard, had declared that Wike would be a dangerous man to have in the presidential villa in any capacity and must not be allowed anywhere near the seat of power. Atiku’s interview obviously rubbed insult on injury as we can now see. That is the matter we are still trying to settle.

In a televised media chat on Friday, Wike accused Atiku of going back on his word that Ayu should no longer be chairman — a claim the presidential candidate has yet to deny. All negotiations have been around the major demand by Wike’s allies: that Ayu must go. Meetings have been held home and abroad and the demand of Wike and his allies remains the same: Ayu must go.

Ayu has remained unshaken, or unshakable, describing those calling for his resignation as “children” at the time the PDP was founded in 1998. This defiant statement riled many in the party but Ayu has neither withdrawn it nor apologised. The ordinary meaning of his demeanour is that he is going nowhere.

Atiku, an experienced politician for that matter, has not been sleeping even if he has appeared to be slow. He has carried on with some calm confidence. His children do not call him “Daddy Cool” for nothing — he reputedly always handles pressure with a mien “as cool as a cucumber”. The counter strategy from Atiku’s camp was to get Senator Walid Jibrin to step down as the chairman of the party’s advisory Board of Trustees (BoT). He was replaced by ex-Senate President Adolphus Wabara to dilute the perceived northern domination of the hierarchy. The party’s highest organ, the national executive committee (NEC), also passed a “vote of confidence” on Ayu — another counterpunch.

Also, instituting the presidential campaign council and putting Wike and his allies on board was a strategy to put the ball back in their court. But rather than budge, the pro-Wike group met in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, on Tuesday night and rejected the campaign council, insisting that Ayu must go first. Appointing a campaign council without resolving the outstanding issues, they said, amounts to putting the cart before the horse. In the whole “melee”, however, there is yet no sign that Wike’s allies will do anti-party. That may well be the card they are holding close to their chests, but they have so far indicated publicly that they will not pull out of the PDP. That is an opening for Atiku.

Meanwhile, Atiku has stood his ground that Ayu can only be removed in line with the PDP constitution and a decision to resign is personal. Ayu, it must be noted, is his longstanding associate who incidentally was the director-general of his presidential run in 2007. I admit that I am not a politician and I may need to learn more Politics 101, but what is the big deal in asking Ayu to go if it will bring peace to the party and allow the factions to unite? More so, Wike’s

camp is growing by the day. Those who never attended meetings with him and who never spoke openly against Ayu are now doing so and with venom. I believe this should worry Atiku, except he has a secret super strategy.

What then? Why does Atiku appear to be courting Wike but is, at the same time, not giving any concession? I have a theory. It would appear to me that Atiku’s overarching strategy for 2023 is built on the assumption that being the biggest northerner in the race, he would sweep northern votes and would only need to score a highly achievable 25 percent in just five southern states to fulfil the constitutional requirement of spread.

Where Wike comes in, I suppose, is funding.

Every bundle of naira will count. After all, Wike reportedly contributed a significant amount to Atiku’s campaign in the 2019 poll despite the failure of Tambuwal, his preferred candidate, to win the party’s ticket.

Wike, however, now seems to be saying: “Love me, love my dog.” If you say I am too dangerous to be vice-president, if you say you did not pick me as your running mate because you cannot work with me, then go the whole hog: reject me, reject my war chest, reject the votes at my command.

That, as far as I can see, is the message Wike is passing to Atiku. Wike also said the northern leaders supporting Atiku against him cannot even deliver their states to the PDP. He may have a big point there: the APC controls states like Niger, Zamfara, Jigawa and Yobe, where Atiku’s major backers such as IBB, Dr Babangida Aliyu, Gen Aliyu Gusau, Sule Lamido and Adamu Maina Waziri, come from.

I also think Atiku should not take northern votes for granted. Nigeria’s electoral history is a bit more nuanced. One, the battle up north may not be totally sectional or regional.

It may also be partisan. It could turn out to be a battle for supremacy between

APC, which controls 14 of the 19 northern states, and PDP, which has only five. Any APC governor who does not deliver the presidential election to his party in his domain risks being swept out — or his anointed successor being crushed — in the subsequent governorship poll. It is called bandwagon effect. In 2015, APC swept northern governorships after PDP lost presidential power. That is one factor Atiku cannot afford to ignore.

Two, as we have seen in the past, the north is not monolithic. Northern voters have always shared their votes, even if a fellow northerner is running. In 1993, Bashorun MKO Abiola and Alhaji Bashir Tofa won eight states each in the north, which had 16 states then. In 2003, despite the homeboy popularity of Candidate Muhammadu Buhari, Obasanjo still won nine of the 19 northern states, with Buhari taking the rest. The assumption that northerners will automatically and overwhelmingly vote for a northerner against a southerner may be an exaggeration. That is the more reason why Atiku has to redo his math and put his house in order. Every vote will count in this uncertain election.

From the media chat, I also smelt something: Wike thinks Atiku is not a man of his word. He further said key positions in Atiku’s “government” have already been shared at a time reconciliation is ongoing.

This leaves Wike’s allies in limbo. I think it will, therefore, be too simplistic to say Wike’s “return match” is solely because he is not the running mate. I can see issues of distrust, bruised egos and fear of vendetta if Atiku wins. Atiku really needs to change gear. If he cannot manage the PDP crisis, how would he manage Nigeria — a country of one week, one trouble? Not that the Labour Party and APC would be complaining though: they can benefit from PDP’s festering friction. Politics.

And Four Other Things…

BACK TO SCHOOL The federal government on Wednesday secured a legal victory over the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) whose members have been on strike since February. The national industrial court, in declaring the strike illegal, also ruled that irreparable damage was being done to the lives of students. While a legal victory will not solve the problems, it is a welcome relief for those of us whose wards have been stuck at home for seven months. I have never seen perennial and indefinite strikes as the solution to the myriad of problems facing the universities. What we need is an honest conversation on the way forward, devoid of utopian ideological dogmas. Pragmatism.

SELECTIVE OBEDIENCE Some people’s reaction to the court ruling asking ASUU to suspend its strike did not surprise me, but I hope they are listening to themselves. Attacking the court because its ruling does not favour your position is equal to spitting on the rule of law. Some went to the extent of saying ASUU should not obey the order and should instead continue the industrial action indefinitely. In other words, people should decide what court order to obey and the one to disobey. Some of these people criticise the government whenever it does not obey court orders but are now quite eager to recommend same to the university teachers.

It’s good ASUU has filed an appeal — that is the lawful way to go. Civil.

BUHARI IN NEW YORK I got a WhatsApp broadcast last weekend criticising President Buhari for choosing to go to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) while other presidents were in the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

Hmmm. If he went to the UK, he could be criticised for prioritising funeral above the UN. If he attended both events, he could be criticised for wasting Nigeria’s resources at a time we are groaning under debt. If he decided to stay put in Nigeria, he could be criticised for “indifference” and for relegating Nigeria on the global stage. Truth is: with some people, Buhari can never do anything right. When criticism becomes a hobby, it gets done only for fun. Amusing.

IT’S ALL POLITICS As my debut book, Fellow Nigerians, It’s All Politics, is set to go on general sale on October 3, I have been having a feeling of déjà vu with the frenetic politicking ahead of the 2023 elections. With old enemies becoming friends and old friends becoming enemies, with presidential candidates promising us heaven on earth, with supporters falling over each other to sell their candidates as our saviour, and with crises rocking the parties, I have been asking myself: haven’t I seen these before? The book, which is a collection of fresh as well as selected articles from 2003 to 2022, should help refresh our memories and put some familiar theatrics in perspective this interesting season. Replay.

the votes and the resources from Rivers, even if those helped Wike in acquiring his outsized stature in the first place.

The significance of the leverage by Wike and his camp is further enhanced

based on the fact that both Mr. Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are expected to take away from traditional PDP’s votes in the South East and North West respectively. Asking Wike and company to do their worst may not be sound politics.

It is on the basis of PDP’s weakened state and the further harm that Wike and his camp can cause that I see realpolitik eventually trumping logical and legalistic arguments. It is true that the party’s chairman can and should only be removed through due process. It is proper that the line of succession stipulated by the constitution of the party be respected. It is equally important to ensure that a disaffected group not be allowed to push out the chairman of the party and to not enable a culture where anyone with a grouse would insist on holding the party to ransom.

But after a detached analysis of the state of play and the stakes at play, Atiku is likely to nudge both Ayu and his party to find a face-saving way to make the concession.

Ayu himself may choose to make things easier for his party and its presidential candidate. Almost 76, Atiku has the last chance to clinch the position he has been aspiring to since 1993. If he doesn’t win in 2023, no one will give him a look-in in 2027 when he will be 80. I don’t think he will allow ego, logic or his long-term relationship with Ayu to circumscribe his chances this time.

THE ENDLESS ATIKU-WIKE-AYU TANGLE each camp? Will this be a peaceful separation or a hostile one? Will each party just ignore the other or will it actively try to undermine the other? These are reasonable questions since Wike has said he is not planning to leave PDP and his group has vowed not to join the Atiku presidential campaign. My sense is that things will further escalate, then settle. Wike is not the type to go quietly. It is also not inconceivable that many within the PDP would get tired of his theatrics, and insist first on calling his bluff, then on flashing him a red card. But the test of strength is likely to be eclipsed by practical politics.

In my column two weeks ago (The Wike Thing around PDP’s Neck), I submitted that PDP now has a Wike problem, one that must be resolved one way or the other.

Wike sure has his personal grouses with Atiku and Ayu. Many people within and outside the party cannot stand the way he comports himself or talks. But he has managed to become the rallying point for the disgruntled and the alienated in his party, including those now conveniently interested in only fairness and equity in the party and in the country at large. Even with the wealth and status of Rivers State, it would have been easy to isolate and ostracise Wike as someone just throwing tantrums for being passed over twice if he were standing alone.

But he is not alone. He has three to six other PDP governors and other PDP heavyweights with him. Wike has leverage. He knows

Ayu it. The people visiting and courting him within and outside the country also know it. This is what accounts for his swagger, and the restraint of those ranged against him. So, what is at play is much more than

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2022

71

SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Kenya, Cameroon Aiming to Make Volleyball History

William Troost-Ekong (right)...injured and out of Nigeria, Algeria friendly in Oran

Troost-Ekong Injured, Out of Nigeria, Algeria Friendly ¢ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃȱę ȱ ȱ ȱ Duro Ikhazuagbe

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uper Eagles Vice-Captain, William Troost-Ekong, has joined the growing list of Nigerian players to miss the international friendly with Algeria in Oran on Tuesday.

The Watford centre back copped injury in Friday’s 2-2 draw with Algeria’s home-based side.

Troost-Ekong left camp in Constantine yesterday for England where the injury will be scanned and treated.

“William Troost-Ekong has left camp as a result of an injury cropped during the test game yesterday (Friday). He is back to base (in England) for

further checks. Wishing you a speedy recovery Ekong”reads a tweet on the Super Eagles Twitter handle late yesterday evening.

He has thus joined the likes of Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi as some of Nigeria’s key players not avail for the Grade A friendly with Algeria, winner of the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro now has three central defenders at his disposal for the game against the Algerians.

Meanwhile, the future of Maduka Okoye in the Super Eagles is again in the balance just as fellow goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo said he would have been happier with a clean sheet on his debut.

Algeria‘B’team cashed in on sloppy goalkeeping

by Okoye for them to take the lead in the 33rd minute of a test game played in Constantine Friday.

Nigerian fans are yet to forgive Okoye for his mistake that knocked the Eagles out of 2021 AFCON in Cameroon in February.

Okoye’s No. 1 place in the national team has again been questioned particularly as he has been frozen out at English Championship side Watford.

Israel-based Adebayo will later replace him to make his long-awaited debut for the Eagles.

However, the young shot stopper said his debut would have been a lot better if he could have stopped the penalty that Algeria netted for the game to end 2-2.

Spain Handed First Home Defeat in Four Years Spain fell to their first home loss in almost four years as Switzerland dealt a 2-1 blow to their bid to qualify for next year’s Nations League finals.

Defeat saw Luis Enrique’s side replaced at the top of Group A2 by Portugal, who they will meet in their winner-takes-all final group match on Tuesday.

Eric Garcia’s own-goal, three minutes after Jordi Alba levelled for Spain in the second half, decided the game.

Manuel Akanji’s 21st-minute header had put Switzerland ahead in Zaragoza.

It is La Roja’s first home defeat in 22 matches across all competitions since losing 3-2 to England in the Nations League in October 2018.

That stood as their only loss in their past 56 competitive home matches, with defeat by Switzerland only their second defeat on home soil since 2003.

While a Spain win on Saturday accompanied by defeat for Portugal against the Czech Republic would have sealed top spot for the 2021 runnersup, Spain will now head into their final game two points behind Portugal and requiring all three points to progress.

Switzerland players jubilating over the 2-1 defeat of Spain...last night

Kenya and Cameroon are aiming to make history at the Women’s Volleyball World Championship, which got underway in the Netherlands on Friday.

Both teams are targeting a place in the second round, something no African side has ever previously managed.

Yet they are also keen to seize the chance to learn and develop, as they come up against the best in the world.

“It’s a great opportunity for our team to be facing such a great level - we’re going to be trying to break the ceiling in the future,” Kenya’s Brazilian coach Luizomar de Moura told BBC Sport Africa.

He was speaking after the Malkia Strikers went down in straight sets 3-0 (25-11; 25-17; 25-11) to the Dutch co-hosts on the opening night of the tournament.

“The level of the competition will be really high and today we were facing the home team,” coach De Moura said after the game.

“For the ladies to be facing the best players in the world will be a great opportunity to learn from this kind of experience.”

The game was played in a raucous atmosphere, with a packed home crowd inside the Gelredome - normally the home of Eredivisie football team Vitesse Arnhem.

But the young Kenyan squad dealt with the conditions well, marshalled by De Moura and veteran Kenya captain Mercy Moim, in a tournament being co-hosted by both the Netherlands and Poland.

Moim, who has been in the team for 15 years at African and World Championships and most recently at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, says her role now is to help develop the next generation of players.

“I’m like their mother,”Moim told the BBC. “If you are a mother in a family, you have to be in a good position to teach them.

“To be in training on time, [to] respect even the youngest player, from the young player to the senior players, even the coaches.

“You have to respect each and every person who you meet, that’s how you learn and be in volleyball for many more years.”

Nigeria’s Star Eagles Triumph over Côte d’Ivoire Nigeria representatives at the 2022 IBSA 5th African Blind football Championship holding at the Stade Municipal Elmasoria Stadium, Bouznika, Morrocco, the Star Eagles started their campaign on a bright note when they defeated Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 in their game opener on Saturday to boost moral.

Fully sponsored by the BINA Foundation, Star Eagles are drawn alongside Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Morocco the host nation in a round robin tournament according to Hon. Amobi Chikwendu, leader of team Nigeria delegation to the Championship.

According to the fixtures, Star Eagles next opponent is Egypt and there after they will confront the defending champions and host country, Morocco in a crunch encounter before they file out against Mali in their last game that will decide the two teams that will play the final.

Nigeria hosted the last edition of the Championship in Enugu in 2019 where Star Eagles finished 4th with Morocco won the Championships and went ahead to represent Africa at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The Moroccans won bronze medal after defeating some highly rated European countries.

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“We salute the courage of Professor Osinbajo and Boss Mustapha for rejecting the Muslim-Muslim ticket by asking to be left out of the campaign council of the APC.” – Daniel Bwala, a Spokesman of the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, mocking the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC.

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Wike vs Atiku: The Return Leg

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efore the 1999 presidential primaries, crisis engulfed the All Peoples Party (now part of the All Progressives Congress, APC) over the ambition of the late Dr Olusola Saraki. He was bent on running even though the slot had been zoned to the south. The late Chief Arthur Nzeribe, who played a major role in the annulment of June 12, was working with other APP chieftains to stop Saraki. I went to interview Nzeribe at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja. I asked him: “Chief, people say you always play the spoiler.

Why?” He looked at me disapprovingly and retorted: “Do I spoil for nothing?” That day, I learnt Politics 101: you may think politicians are stupid, but they know the game they are playing.

You must have seen the video of Dr Iyorchia Ayu, national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warmly embracing Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto state, after the party’s presidential primary in May 2022. Tambuwal had withdrawn from the race at the last minute and directed his supporters to vote for Atiku, who went on to defeat Chief Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers state, by a margin many attributed to Tambuwal’s game-changing move. “You are the hero

Wike of the convention,” Ayu told a grinning Tambuwal. If you ask me, the gloating by a presumed neutral party leader fertilized the PDP crisis. Now that Wike is “spoiling”, I don’t think it is for nothing.

Wike, confident of winning the presidential ticket, had promised to support whoever won

Atiku the primary election. But after the party’s northern elders worked tirelessly behind the scene to get Tambuwal to withdraw for Atiku so that power could remain in the north after eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari, the open celebration of Atiku’s victory

by Ayu was bound to generate bad blood

in Wike’s camp. My sense is that Wike did not react immediately because there was still a chance he could be Atiku’s running mate, despite previously not showing interest in it. But after Atiku settled for Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta governor, the peace of the graveyard disappeared.

When Atiku visited Wike in Abuja after the primary, I saw it as good politics. But I was wrong. It appears the visit unwittingly ended up widening the chasm between them.

Wike said Atiku made certain promises at that meeting that he did not fulfil. He said Atiku was the one who told him Ayu would have to leave as party chairman since the presidential ticket had gone to the north.

Wike had already been hurt twice — first by the Tambuwal game that took the ticket to the north and second by Ayu’s gloating over Atiku’s victory. Wike even accused Ayu of collecting N1 billion from a presidential aspirant. This and other allegations have not yet been denied by the PDP or Ayu himself.

But a third development was loading: Atiku’s choice of running mate. Wike said Atiku had told him during the visit that he wanted him as the VP candidate. Wike said he then asked Atiku about the story Continued on page 70

WAZIRIADIO The Endless Atiku-Wike-Ayu Tangle POSTSCRIPT

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he engrossing but enervating fracas within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) worsened last week. It had been expected that the party would use the weeks and days before the official commencement of political campaigns to address the divisions within its ranks to enhance its chances of returning to power at the centre. But it seemed the gladiators in PDP didn’t get that memo. They opted for escalation.

The escalation ensured that PDP dominated the news, and the captivating drama from the party made for good headlines and quality political entertainment. But it is a zero-sum. The gains of the readers and watchers are losses to PDP. The party came off as a house irredeemably divided against itself and, worse, as possibly not ready to regain power or even to make a strong bid for it. This is not where a major and serious party should be a week or a few days to the commencement of a campaign season.

A divided and distracted PDP will be a boon to the ruling party and the other emerging parties, and it won’t be a surprise

if one of these parties is fuelling the conflict or at least positioning to gain from it. But a weakened PDP reduces the stiff electoral competition some are hoping for and robs the electorate of more options. For itself and for the system, PDP needs to get its act together. The long campaign period is thus a window of redemption for the leading opposition party.

For now, it is safe to argue that redemption is the last thing on top of the mind of the key dramatis personae in the party.

Last week alone, PDP entertained the country with three episodes of its postprimary’s blues. On Wednesday, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and those in his camp announced they would not participate in the campaign council of their party’s candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, until the resignation of their party’s chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. They want Ayu to give way for an acting chairman from the southern part of the country. The resolution was read by Chief Bode George, a former deputy national chairman of the party, and the meeting was attended by current and former governors and other senior members of the party. I think

this was a deliberate attempt at signalling what many have always known but which some may prefer to overlook: the relative weight of the Wike camp.

The second episode arrived swiftly.

Candidate Atiku more or less told Wike and his supporters off but in elegant language.

In a personally signed statement on the same day, Atiku said he was surprised about the withdrawal of members of the Wike camp from his campaign council. But more fundamentally, he posited that only Ayu can decide if he wants to resign or not, and that anyone contemplating Ayu’s removal must follow the process laid down in the party’s constitution. He went on to paint a short but grim picture of Nigeria’s current desperate pass and urged his fellow party members and others to join him in the quest for an opportunity to reposition the country. The summary of the well-crafted prose (which managed to conceal his frustration and possibly anger): it is unfortunate you are withdrawing from the campaign council but there is nothing I can do about your request for Ayu’s resignation or removal.

The third episode came on Friday but was well foreshadowed. It came in the

form of an elaborately orchestrated media chat, broadcast live, for full effects, by a few television stations. Wike held court, though without his signature band. He made numerous and weighty allegations against Atiku, Ayu and others. He also reconfirmed that he and his camp will not leave PDP and he warned those who have been going in and out of the party of the consequences of expelling him. Wike’s media chat trended on social media on Friday and, expectedly, blanketed the traditional media the following day. He seems to have mastered how to use the bully pulpit.

Taken together, the three episodes of high drama that PDP gifted the country last week suggest that the two parties have arrived at a definite deadlock. In a manner of speaking, the differences between the Atiku camp and the Wike camp are now absolutely irreconcilable. Since politics is the art of the possible, we should not rule out the two parties kissing and making up, even long before the polls.

In the interim, however, some questions are legitimate. What will be the next move of Continued on page 70

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