TUESDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2021

Buhari, Obasanjo, Jonathan, Akinyemi Mourn Powell, Commiserate with US Govt Obaigbena salutes a man who chaired event that birthed ARISE Group Deji Elumoye in Abuja and James Sowole in Abeokuta President Muhammadu Buhari and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, have extended the sympathy of the

Nigerian government to the United States President, Joe Biden, and the people of America over the demise of a former US Secretary of State, General Colin Powell.

They expressed their feelings over the demise of Powell in separate

statements yesterday.

Also paying tribute to the late former Secretary of State, the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, saluted Powell for his support and inspira-

tion that ultimately helped to birth ARISE News Channel. According to him, "Powell enabled the emergence of ARISE News Channel, Africa's leading global broadcaster, through his support for the ARISE Magazine and the Africa Rising Festival, which

he Chaired at the Royal Albert Hall, London in 2008. ARISE Magazine, the global style and culture platform later transformed into the ARISE News Channel in 2013 and is now available to over 200 million people around the world on multiple

platforms."

President Buhari in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, said he believed that as the first African-American Chairman of the Continued on page 12

Upstream Commission, Midstream/Downstream Authority Formally Begin Operations... Page 5 Tuesday 19 October, 2021 Vol 26. No 9689. Price: N250

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Ahmed: Finance Ministry, CBN Working Assiduously to Bridge Gap in FX Rates James Emejo in Abuja with Agency report

A NEW ERA BEGINS IN THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY...

L-R: Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari; Chief Executive Officer, Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (MDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, shortly after the inauguration of the two agencies by the minister at NNPC Towers, Abuja... yesterday

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has disclosed that her ministry is collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria Continued on page 12

Bandits Massacre 40 in Sokoto Market, Buhari Declares Total War Says their days are numbered Troops kill 10 in Kaduna Tambuwal calls for coordinated operations in state Ortom worries about situation in schools US expresses readiness to help

Deji Elumoye, Michael Olugbode in Abuja, George Okoh In Makurdi, John Shiklam in Kaduna and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday declared total war on bandits wreaking havoc in parts of the country, saying their days are numbered. The president, who was reacting to the killing, on Sunday, of over 40 people by

bandits at Goronyo market, in Sokoto State, sent a tough warning to the criminals and declared, "The clock of your ultimate destruction is ticking as you will no longer have a place to hide."

Buhari had earlier taken a critical look at the security situation in the country before news of the massacre in Sokoto State filtered in.

Continued on page 12

Fashola, Monguno, Irabor, Kyari Headline AFRICA RISING...

Late General Colin Powell (left) with Chairman, THISDAY/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, at the Africa Rising Festival at the Royal Albert Editors’ Conference on Security...

Hall, London in October 2008. The Africa Rising Festival birthed ARISE Magazine which transformed to ARISE News Channel.

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Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322, 0807 401 0580

NEWS

BE ASSURED OF AMERICA'S SUPPORT AGAINST INSECURITY...

L-R: Director for African Affairs, National Security Council, F. David Diaz; Senior Director for Africa, National Security Council, Dana Banks; Principal Deputy National Security Advisor to the President of the United States, Jon Finer; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard; Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Michael Gonzales and U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Kathleen FitzGibbon, during Jon Finer's courtesy visit to the Vice President at the State House, Abuja... yesterday

Upstream Commission, Midstream/Downstream Authority Formally Begin Operations Govt declares DPR, PEF, PPPRAdefunct You have no reason to fret, FG assures agencies' staff My immediate concern is to meet OPEC quota, says Komolafe Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government yesterday formally inaugurated the leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NURP) as well as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The development signaled the official winding up of three agencies which they succeeded as prescribed by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The now defunct agencies according to the federal government are the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), whose Director, Mr Sarki Auwalu, was dropped

by President Muhammadu Buhari after his name was initially sent to the National Assembly; the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

Minister of State, Petroleum, Mr. Timipre Sylva, while speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the chief executives of the NURP, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe and his counterpart at the NMDPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, in Abuja, described the occasion as historic, saying it marked the beginning of a new era in the oil and gas industry.

He explained that after a rigorous screening process and the issuance of letters of appointment to the new chief executives, both regulatory agencies have now taken off with competent leadership.

With the new law, Sylva stated that the federal government was expecting a lot of growth in the oil and gas industry, which he said had been stagnated for a long time while a lot of investors stood aloof.

“Today, the PIA has clarified the legal framework around the sector and the agencies and I don’t see anything now stopping investors from coming and we are very lucky to have very competent industry people with proven experience.

“We believe they can hit the ground running. Nigeria should brace up for exponential growth in the oil and gas industry,” the minister stated.

On the fate of the preceding agencies, he explained that it remains a matter of law, noting that as the PIA states, all the assets and even the staff of the agencies would now be vested in the commission and on the authority.

“That means that the DPR will not have anything. It doesn’t exist anymore. It also repeals the DPR Act, the Petroleum Inspectorate Act and

the Petroleum Equalisation Act and the PPPRA Act. The law specifically repeals them and it is clear that those agencies do not exist anymore.

“The law also provides for the staff and for the jobs in those agencies to be protected. But I am sure that unfortunately, that doesn’t cover the chief executive who was on a political appointment,” he pointed out.

The minister disclosed that the process of assigning and aligning affected staff was ongoing and would be completed in the coming weeks.

“That process will be ongoing because we have to rationalise the staff. The authority has staffing coming from the defunct PEF, PPPRA and the DPR and of course the commission staff will come from the DPR. That’s going to be the process that will be ongoing for the next few weeks or so,” he emphasised.

The new chief executive of the upstream commission, Komolafe, in his comments, assured that the enactment of the PIA would usher in a massive turnaround in the activities of the upstream that he was appointed to midwife.

“Nigerians should expect massive deliverables from the moment we take over in the sense that the PIA has ended a regime of uncertainty

in terms of the governance of the industry.

“Basically, we shall focus on activities that enhance the production activities in the upstream in a manner that we will be able to hit our OPEC quota and will endeavour to ensure that we deliver to Nigerians a 21st century regulatory commission.

“We will not just be a regulator, we will be an enabler of investment.

So, Nigeria should expect be part of what we actually plan under our watch,” he stressed.

On plans by the international oil companies (IOCs) to exit their onshore and shallow water operations, Komolafe stated that it remains purely an investment decision, but stressed that the commission would strive to engage the IOCs to understand their challenges.

“We will engage critically with them and if it becomes their decision to move from their onshore activities, what will be paramount to us is to look at their challenges and see how far we can intervene positively. Don’t forget the act makes the commission both technical and financial regulator.

“We will do more because investment decisions are commercial decisions and we will see how we can intervene. But it’s an invest-

ment decision borne out of certain considerations. We will try to know what those considerations are and intervene where we can.

“But the key is that we focus on activities that will expand and enhance production activities in a manner that we can be meeting our OPEC quota and as much as possible to optimise the federation revenue,” he noted.

Also speaking, the midstream and downstream boss, Farouk, promised to give a lot of attention to the development of the country’s enormous gas resources.

“The key area that you touched which is close to my heart is the gas development. This will lead to industrialisation, job creation and our main focus is to attract investment in gas. Of course, we need to work with the commission, the IOCs to invest in our hydrocarbons and more so in the gas sector because we have abundance of gas even more than the reserve of crude oil.

“Why do we have shortage of gas, maybe because there’s no investment? Why are we having challenges in investment, maybe because our pricing framework and other parameters that investors

look at don’t measure up? The PIB stagnated for over 20 years and the investors were sitting on the fence waiting to see what direction things were going. Now everything is clear, thanks to the government.

“We will ride on that and create more opportunities for investment by going through the whole value chain for production to consumption in terms of fair pricing to all stakeholders,” he noted.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum, Dr. Nasir Gwarzo, in his remarks urged all the staff of the defunct agencies not to fret over their future, stating that everyone would be fairly treated.

“This is to assure our staff and CEOs that the transition process has been fine-tuned in such a way that shows smooth transition including the anxiety among members of staff across board. There’s a strong leadership under the minister of state to make sure everybody is given a fair transition,” he assured.

On his part, Auwalu remarked that the defunct DPR was willing to ensure a smooth takeover by the new agencies, stating that during week, meetings will be held to ensure a smooth transition.

Edo Intensifies COVID-19 FG Moves to Streamline Road Transportation, Mass Transit Operations Vaccination, Discharges 45 Persons Says only 17 of 76,000 trucks in Nigeria met set standard

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government yesterday said it planned to streamline and strengthen the regulation of road transportation and mass transit vehicles operations in the country, following complaints over the low quality of vehicles on Nigerian highways.

The Minister of State, Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, made the disclosure during a meeting with a section of automotive manufacturers led by the Chief Executive Officer of BKG Exhibitions Limited and Chairman, Organising Committee of the Abuja International Motor Fair, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu.

Saraki noted that the decision became necessary in order to reposition Nigeria's road transportation system ahead of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), to ensure that Nigeria fully benefits from the trade agreement.

She lamented that of the 76,000 trucks registered at the country’s

port, only 17 supposedly met the set standard, stressing that even Lomé and Cotonou were complaining about the low standard of vehicles that come from Nigeria.

Saraki, however disclosed that arrangements were being put in place for the federal government to brainstorm with players in the automotive industry, including assemblers and manufacturers to find local solutions to the challenges.

The minister noted that the planned regulation became necessary as over 97 per cent of passengers' movements in Nigeria are done on the road, hence the need to ensure proper restructuring for better service delivery.

"This afternoon I was in a meeting that the vice president chaired and we were looking at how best to tackle the issue of road transportation.

"I am sure you will agree with me that right now, it is unregulated.

Anybody can put a vehicle on the road and call himself a transporter and they will start working. Funds

are not coming, taxes are not paid, there is no consumer satisfaction, there is no feedback, it's completely disoriented right now,” she stated.

She added that with the advent of the ACFTA, in order for Nigeria to compete properly, it needs to have a regulated road transportation system for commercial operators.

Saraki noted: “With the ACFTA coming, this morning it came out that we have a lot of substandard vehicles on the roads. I know that Lome and Cotonou have complained that the vehicles in Nigeria are below standard. Of the 76,000 trucks registered, supposedly, only 17 met the standard.”

The minister argued that unless something was done about the state of public transportation in the country, it would be difficult to have a sector that is 21st century compliant.

Earlier, Agwu reeled the problems bedeviling the sector, noting that even though it accounts for 15 per cent of those working in the country, it is largely everybody’s affair.

Agwu lamented that the auto sector was under heavy stress, mentioning that the lack of safety in movement of goods and services due to bad vehicles and policy inconsistency remain major challenges in the industry.

"Companies set up factories to assemble with billions of naira and the next thing you see is they change the policy and say you can bring in whatever you want. Where does that work? And that is why serious companies actually do not come to Nigeria," he maintained.

He further decried the skyrocketing exchange rate of the naira to the dollar, stressing that the amount of money used in buying a car in Nigeria could build a house in the past.

He urged the ministry to also persuade the state ministries of transportation to support the motor fair to experience what is obtainable in the local market, regretting that some states go abroad to buy mass transit vehicles to the detriment of local investors.

Efforts by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led state government to flatten the curve of the third wave of coronavirus (COVID-19) are steadily yielding gains as case positivity and mortality rates in Edo have continued to decline, while active cases in the state have dropped to 55.

The Head of Edo State COVID-19 Case Management, Dr. Osagie Ebomwonyi disclosed this during the daily virtual meeting of the State COVID-19 Taskforce, chaired

by Obaseki.

A statement quoted Ebomwonyi to have said the state, as part of increased efforts to contain the pandemic, had intensified the vaccination of more citizens with the COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring that all stakeholders participate in the process of improving vaccination uptake to achieve herd immunity and protect the people against the virus.

According to him, “Edo, in the last one week, has collected 675 samples and confirmed 41 new cases, two deaths, and 45 discharges, with a case positivity rate of 6.1 percent.

We have now confirmed 1,978 cases

and recorded 93 deaths and 1,694 discharges, with 55 active cases that are being managed at various treatment and isolation centres in the state.”

The case manager who noted that the state has collected over 19, 271 samples for testing since the outbreak of the pandemic, charged citizens to desist from submitting wrong information, including names, addresses and phone contacts, during sample collection and testing.

Ebomwonyi said the state’s COVID-19 team has been unable to reach about 147 persons who were recently tested due to wrong phone numbers and addresses, adding that the figure represents eight percent of the 1823 contacts listed.

Reiterating the need for residents to embrace the vaccination exercise to get full protection against the virus, he stated, “we urge everyone to complement the government’s efforts by getting vaccinated and complying with all non-pharmaceutical interventions to contain the virus because it is the safest way to defeat the pandemic.”

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FIRST LADIES AGAINST CANCER...

L-R: Wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi; her Kebbi State counterpart, Mrs. Zainub Bagudu; General Manager, Roche Product Limited, Dr. Ladi Hameed; Chairperson, First Ladies Against Cancer, Dr. Amina Bello and wife of the Kwara State Governor, Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, during the signing of memorandum of understanding between Roche Products Limited and the First PHOTO KINGSLEY ADEBOYE Ladies Against Cancer in Abuja... yesterday

FG Issues New Travel Protocol to Ease COVID-19 Restrictions To rejig plan for vaccine manufacturing

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, yesterday disclosed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had issued a revised protocol for in-bound travellers to reflect the United Kingdom’s decision to ease restrictions on fully vaccinated travellers from Nigeria, which took effect from October 11. Ehanire revealed this during a media briefing in Abuja.

The minister explained that the new health protocol was in keeping with the Presidential Steering Committee’s removal of three countries – South Africa, Turkey, and Brazil – from the restricted list following satisfactory report of the review of developments in those countries. He said proactive measures were being taken by the government to curb the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the effect on the health system.

Ehanire said in line with the recent directive that with effect from December 1, all federal government employees must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result done within 72 hours before gaining access to their offices, it was envisaged that there would be increased demand for COVID-19 vaccine.

According to him, in order to enhance access to COVID-19 vaccine, the Federal Ministry of Health, through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, was working on ways to enhance security features of COVID-19 the vaccination card to reduce forgery.

He said the Ministry was planning to establish vaccination

sites at public places with high human traffic across the country, such as universities, polytechnics, shopping malls, religious centres, sporting events, conference centres, and markets.

Ehanire also disclosed that the ministry would accredit some private health care facilities as COVID-19 vaccination sites.

Giving further updates on the COVID19 pandemic, Ehanire said over the last four weeks, about 3,141,795 million persons had been tested for COVID-19 using either PCR or RDT. He said the trend of infection showed a decline in some states while other states were still experiencing increase in confirmed cases.

Ehanire also spoke on efforts toward increasing the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine for all eligible Nigerians. He said on October 14, the Nigeria government received from the US government a donation of 3,577,860 doses of Pfizer vaccine through COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access known as COVAX. The minister stated, "As at today, the Nigeria government has received over 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and based on delivery forecasts from the COVAX facility and the African Union, Nigeria will have adequate vaccines to cover more than 50 per cent of eligible populations by the end of the first quarter of 2022.

"Statistics generated by NPHCDA indicates that as at 17th October, 2021, a total of 5,337,635 eligible populations have received the first dose representing 4.8 per cent of Nigeria’s target population, while 2,665,173 have

been vaccinated with the second dose, signifying 2.4 per cent of the target vaccination of 70 per cent of the population by 2022.

"We encourage Nigerians, who received the vaccines, to complete the second doses and all Nigerians that are eligible to avail themselves to receive the vaccines."

The minister also said plans were underway to repurpose the N10 billion fund meant to support local manufacturing of vaccines. He said a proposal was being considered to transform the N10 billion fund provided in the 2021 budget to serve as grant to support the Bio-Vaccine Nigeria Limited to set up necessary

framework and machineries for the actualisation of the dream of local manufacturing of vaccines.

Regarding the renewed drive for COVID-19 mass vaccination, he said the government had in stock at the moment about nine million doses of vaccines to administer to eligible Nigerians.

As part of measures to check abuse and racketeering of vaccination certification, he said the government had set up a special taskforce to monitor the various vaccination centres and deal severely with any medical staff found engaging in unwholesome practices.

Ehanire, speaking on the N10

The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom has appointed a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, as an Academic Visitor.

The appointment is for the period of the University’s Michelmas Term, from October to December 2021.

Moghalu, according to a statement, would be an Oxford Martin Visiting Fellow hosted jointly by Oxford’s Department of Politics

and International Relations and Oxford Martin School, a social science research centre that was established to tackle the most pressing opportunities and challenges of the 21st century.

As an academic visitor, Moghalu would deliver lectures on political economy, lead a seminar on the Nigerian economy, and complete work on two forthcoming books.

He would also share his knowledge and experience with students and the teaching faculty at Oxford, and hold consultations with members of the UK political, business and civil society com-

others to wait for so long to be supplied vaccine doses.

He stated, "So the lesson from that is that we must wake up, knowing that it is our responsibility to take care of our citizens’ healthcare and to produce vaccines, if necessary, either through contract manufacturing or technology transfers.

"So that is why in the BioVaccine Nigeria Limited, the federal government is looking at repurposing the N10 billion fund towards supporting vaccine production, not as a gift but definitely as what you might see as grant. This is still a proposal, it is not yet approved or finalised."

UN Delists CJTF over Use of Child Soldiers UNICEF hails decision

Michael Olugbode, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The United Nations has delisted the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) involved in the ongoing war on insurgency in the Northeast for recruiting and using children in the war on terror.

However, impressed by the development, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has described the UN decision as a step forward for child protection.

CJTF was created in Maiduguri at the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency as a voluntary reactionary group to support the military and the security agencies in waging war on the terrorist group that had turned the town into killing field.

On the creation of the CJTF, the military and security agencies with their assistance were able to push out insurgents from Maiduguri into an abandoned foreign reserved Sambisa Forest.

The activities of the CJTF was able to raise the awareness of the people against the insurgents and resulted in many of the successes recorded in the war in the Northeast.

The CJTF, after many allegations of engaging children in their activities were made to enter an agreement with the UNICEF few years back to disengage them.

But a statement on Monday

by UNICEF said the delisting of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) from the United Nations Secretary-General’s report on Children and Armed Conflict as

Moghalu Appointed Academic Visitor at Oxford Dike Onwuamaeze

billion meant for vaccine production in the budget, explained, “The plan is for Nigeria to be manufacturing vaccines and the government is a 49 per cent stakeholder in a company called Bio-vaccine Nigeria Limited to produce routine vaccines and we are trying to support that company also in adding any other type of vaccine that appears necessary in the future."

Ehanire said the need to revive the country's vaccine manufacturing capability became paramount following the decision of the countries that developed the COVID-19 vaccines to first take care of themselves, leaving

munities.

Moghalu was a Professor of Practice in International Business and Public Policy at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, USA. He previously worked for the United Nations for 17 years in nation-building, international security, legal affairs and development finance roles at the UN Headquarters in New York and other duty stations in Cambodia, Croatia, Rwanda, and Switzerland.

He obtained his LL.B. degree at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, an M.A. at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, and a Ph.D.

in International Relations at the London School of Economics, and is the author of four published books.

Moghalu had also announced on October 8, 2021, his intention to run for office of the President of Nigeria in the 2023 elections in Nigeria under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The ADC is expected to be a key player in an anticipated merger of several political parties into a “Third Force” mega party that would challenge the APC and the PDP in the 2023 elections.

one of the armed groups recruiting and using children in north-east Nigeria was one step forward for child protection.

“In his latest report released this year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres credited the delisting to a significant reduction in the number of children recruited into the ranks of the CJTF and the armed group’s commitment to the implementation of an Action Plan it signed with the United Nations Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (CTFMR) in 2017 to stop the recruitment and use of children.”

The statement explained that the CJTF formed in 2013 with the stated aim of supporting efforts of the Nigerian military to protect communities from Boko Haram attacks, expanded in size and influence in the region, and at the height of its operations in 2016, the group was listed in the annexes of the Secretary-General’s Annual Report for Children and Armed Conflict for the recruitment and use of children.

It said since signing the 2017 Action Plan, the CJTF has released more than 2,000 children from its ranks, with many of the children enrolled in school and provided with psychosocial support by UNICEF. The statement lamented that children have borne the brunt of the protracted conflict in North-east Nigeria, with at least 3,500 young children recruited by parties to the conflict as combatants between 2013 and 2020. Girls and boys have been

used as suicide bombers, spies, labourers, cooks, messengers and wives. Girls recruited by armed groups often suffer gender-based violence, including rape.

It added that children used as soldiers were at a great risk of death or disability while undergoing armed training and initiation rites, as well as during combat. They are forced to witness or participate in tortures and killings, triggering lifelong physical and mental health challenges. Similarly, they are denied access to education, nutrition and conducive living conditions, among other grave violations of their rights.

Speaking on the latest action against CJTF, UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Phuong Nguyen said: “This is a welcome development for the children of Nigeria,” adding: “But we must remember that this is the first step in a long journey. I urge the leadership of the CJTF to establish child protection units across its offices to prevent future recruitment and use of children and consistently model its agreement to not use children for any kind of role.

“Recruiting children into armed groups steals their innocence and the protection they need. We should not forget – deploying children as soldiers imperils peace and perpetuates the cycle of generational violence. I call on other armed groups and parties to the conflict to immediately stop the recruitment of children and safely reintegrate them with their families and communities, where they belong.”

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INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE FAIR 2021...

L-R: Founder/CEO, Centre for Values in Leadership, Professor Pat Utomi; Managing Director, Intra-African Trade Initiative, Afreximbank, Mrs. Kanayo Awani; CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo; Consular General, South African High Commission, Mr. Darkey Africa and Chairman, Choice International Group, Chief Diana Chen, during the Intra-African Trade Fair 2021 official Nigeria High-level Roadshow at PHOTO: KUNLE OGUNFUYI. Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos...yesterday.

Despite Calls for More Oil, OPEC Under-produces in September Oil price exceeds $86 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies known as OPEC+ saw their overall compliance with the collective oil production cut at 115 per cent in September, down from the 116 per cent compliance in August.

Quoting a delegate, Argus reported that the production level was still higher than the market had hoped, with some members of the alliance failing

to ramp up production in line with their quotas.

The high compliance rate despite the monthly easing of the cuts by 400,000bpd from the OPEC+ group suggested that not all members of the pact were capable of raising supply as quickly as their quotas under the deal stipulate.

A Bloomberg’s estimate indicated that if all members of the OPEC+ alliance stuck to their respective production ceilings in September, the overall production of the group would have been

747,000 barrels per day (bpd) higher than what it was.

OPEC+ was pumping 15 per cent less crude oil than its overall production quota for September, according to delegates familiar with the output numbers.

For several months now, some OPEC+ members—including OPEC’s Angola and Nigeria and non-OPEC’s Azerbaijan—have struggled to raise oil production to the highest possible level allowed under the deal.

The struggles came from techni-

cal issues, a lack of investments, and lower exploration efforts in recent years.

The 115 per cent estimated compliance of the OPEC+ producers in September was just a preliminary figure, which would be reviewed and amended if necessary by the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) in early November, before the monthly OPEC+ meeting of the ministers on November 4.

For November, the required crude oil production from OPEC

and its non-OPEC allies led by Russia is 39.694 million bpd, after OPEC+ decided to stick to the plan to ease the collective cuts by 400,000 bpd next month.

If the OPEC+ group continues to under-produce compared to its overall quota, it could leave the oil market tighter than previously forecast.

Meanwhile, oil prices hit their highest level in years yesterday, as demand recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, boosted by more power generators turning

Fashola, Monguno, Irabor, Kyari Headline Editors’ Conference on Security Oluchi Chibuzor All is now set for the 17th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference, starting this Thursday.

The event which holds in Abuja, would have the Publisher of Premium Times, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi; Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, Azu Ishiekwene; Minister of Works, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, and other security chiefs, scheduled to lead discussions at the conference.

According to a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, by the President, NGE, Mustapha Isah and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, some state governors with security challenges, including Dr Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Malam Nasiru El-Rufai (Kaduna); Alhaji Yaya Bello (Kogi); Seyi Mankide (Oyo); Alhaji Bello Matawalle (Zamfara); Prof Babagana Umara Zulum (Borno), and Chief David Nweze Umahi (Ebonyi) have also been scheduled to be part of the conversation.

Others state governors expected at the event include, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (Ondo); Adegboyega Oyetola and others It explained that the conference with the theme: “Media in Times of Crises: Resolving Conflict, Achieving Consensus,” would bring together editors and media owners across the country, as well as their foreign colleagues to discuss the security challenges in the country and agree on the solution to the raging strife.

The conference, which is being

supported by corporate organisations, including Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), United Bank for Africa (UBA), Glo, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Air Peace and Trustfund Pensions Limited, the conference would take place at the Nigerian Airforce Conference Centre, Kado area of Abuja.

Other promoters are Nigeria Deposit Insurance Company (NDIC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Yobe State government.

Olorunyomi, an accomplished internationally acclaimed investigative journalist and journalism teacher, would give the keynote address that would be discussed by security chiefs, including Monguno; Irabor; Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Bichi; and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Usman Baba.

The statement added that Kyari would be the Special Guest of Honour, while the President, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Malam Kabiru Yusuf, would be the Guest of Honour. ‘’A doyen of the media, Mr. Ray Ekpu, would chair the opening session with Fashola and others, including President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Chris Isiguzo, and foreign ambassadors giving goodwill messages. ‘’Besides the opening session, the conference would have three others; the second session for the Day 1 of the conference has a paper titled, ‘’Conflict Reporting: The Editor as a Mediator’’, to be delivered by the Editor-in-Chief, Leadership Newspapers, Mr. Azu Ishiekwene. ‘’The paper would be discussed

by Editor-in-Chief, 21st Century Chronicle, Dr. Mahmud Jega; Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mr. Mansur Liman; and another leading journalist, Mr. Emmanuel Yawe.

Noted broadcaster, Ms. Kadaria Ahmed, would chair the session’’, the statement added.

The statement added: “The morning session of the Day 2, Friday, October 22, would have Managing Director, Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agriculture Lending

(NIRSAL), Mr. Aliyu Abdulhameed, presenting a paper, ‘’Accessing Capital for Alternative Career Development for Editors.’’

Discussants at the session to be chaired by the Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, “are former NGE President, Mrs. Funke Egbemode; Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspapers, Mr. Ayodele Aminu; and Executive Director (News), FRCN, Mr. Sani Sulieman.”

The afternoon session with

the theme, “Security Challenges: Recovering Lost Grounds,” which the statement explained, would be attended by state governors, will be chaired by the Minister of Defence, Maj-Gen. Bashir Magashi.

“The conference is to be rounded off in the evening with the induction of new fellows and members of the Guild,” the statement stated.

Over 300 editors and media owners - from print, broadcast stations and online newspapers have registered for this year conference.

away from expensive gas and coal to fuel oil and diesel.

Brent crude oil futures rose 63 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to $85.49 a barrel by 0645 GMT, after hitting a session-high of $86.04, the highest price since October 2018.

The United States West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed 95 cents, or 1.2 per cent, to $83.23 a barrel, after hitting a session-high of $83.73, highest since October 2014. Both contracts rose by at least 3 per cent last week.

Easing restrictions around the world was likely to help the recovery in fuel consumption added to the gas-to-oil switching for power generation which could boost demand by as much as 450,000 barrels per day in the fourth quarter.

Cold temperature in the northern hemisphere were also expected to worsen an oil supply deficit as coal, electricity, and natural gas shortages lead to additional demand for crude.

Aside the United States, Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, yesterday said that the country would urge oil producers to increase output and take steps to cushion the blow to industries hit by the recent spike in energy costs.

N10bn Suit: Court Summons Ogun Assembly over Investigation Report on Ex-OPIC MD Wale Igbintade The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday summoned the Ogun State House of Assembly (OGHA) to show cause within three days, why the Assembly should not be restrained from proceeding with the case of a former Managing Director of Ogun State Property Investment Corporation (OPIC), Mr. Jide Odusolu.

The OGHA had during its plenary proceedings on September 21, 2012, adopted the report of its Committee on Anti-Corruption and Public Accounts, which had claimed to have investigated the finances of OPIC and huge sums of money were allegedly missing from OPIC accounts.

Consequently, the former

OPIC MD through his lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, had filed a suit before the court against the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State and the OGHA and the Attorney-General of Ogun State as respondents.

In the said suit, Odusolu demanded for N100 billion being general, punitive and aggravated damages against the Ogun State House of Assembly for the alleged violation of the his fundamental rights.

He also asked for a declaration that the proceedings of OGHA and the report of the Committee which it purportedly adopted constituted an infringement on his fundamental rights to fair hearing, contending

that the Ogun State House of Assembly lacked the competence to investigate alleged crime.

Odusolu also sought for an order of injunction to restrain the Assembly from deploying the report to initiate any criminal complaint against him before the police and to restrain the police from acting on the said report pending the hearing and final determination of the suit pending in court.

In a 40-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Odusolu himself, he had traced the series of projects executed by OPIC, that the accounts of company had been audited by professionals and no fund is missing at all.

Some of the reliefs sought in the case by Odusolu were as follows: “A declaration that the applicant is entitled to his

liberty and freedom to move freely, within Lagos State or any part of Nigeria, without let or hindrance from the respondents, their servants, agents, officers in exercise of the his fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 35 and 41 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"A declaration that the applicant is entitled to fair hearing in the determination of his civil rights and obligations by the OGHA as enshrined under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

The case has been adjourned to November 1, 2021, for hearing.

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TWELVE BANDITS MASSACRE 40 IN SOKOTO MARKET, BUHARI DECLARES TOTAL WAR He had boasted that the military and other security agencies were recording greater successes in the bid to rid the country of insecurity.

The president, however, counselled the Nigerian media on the need for accurate reportage of security and safety issues by replacing the usage of phrases, like "rising insecurity", with "declining insecurity".

But in Kaduna State, security forces reportedly killed 10 bandits in Kwanan Bataru, Giwa Local Government Area.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, reacting to the killing in his state, called on the Nigeria Army to carry out coordinated operations in the North-west to help stamp out banditry in the region.

In a similar vein, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom expressed concerns about recent attacks and kidnapping of students in schools across the country.

United States reiterated its readiness to lend support to Nigeria in its bid to contain insecurity.

Buhari, in a release by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, declared, "The days of the bandits are, indeed, numbered, because the military capabilities of our forces are being boosted by the acquisition and deployment of advanced equipment."

He said, "The bandits are living in the fool's paradise of invincibility, but reality will soon dawn on them harder than ever before."

Buhari added, "The bandits are currently under desperate pressures, because of the intense and sustained air and ground operations against them in their hideouts by our security forces.

"The cowardly attacks on innocent people by the bandits show a rearguard action of criminals under pressure. But they will have no place to hide and our gallant security forces will not relent in the current offensive to defeat these callous enemies of humanity."

The president appealed to Nigerians not to despair, because his administration was determined, more than ever before, to protect Nigerians from murderous criminal gangs with no respect for the sanctity of human of life.

He extended his sympathy to the families of the victims of the Goronyo attack and called on the people to remain patient, as the military strategised on how to crush the bandits.

In yet another presidential message by Shehu, to felicitate with the Muslim Ummah, Nigerians of all faiths and the followers of Islam all over the world on the occasion of Maulud-Un-Nabiyy,

Buhari gave a snapshot of the increased activities of the armed forces, the police, and intelligence agencies to effectively respond to the security challenges in the country. He said the increased cooperation from the citizenry, coupled with reinvigorated, dynamic, and energised police, security and military leadership was helping the administration score more victories against terror, criminality, and economic sabotage.

He argued that the reality of declining insecurity should replace the inaccurate narrative of rising insecurity in the country.

"While there is work to do, the men and women in uniform, who are helping the nation to achieve this goal, desire our collective appreciation and encouragement to do even more,” Buhari said.

“The whole country and its mass communications systems have a duty in this regard," he added.

He said the government expected and intended for those trends to continue, and called on the media to address the tone, content, and standards of reporting on security and safety measures.

He said the time had come for the media to revise the prefixes “rising insecurity” with “declining insecurity.”

In his felicitation with the Muslim Ummah to mark the Eid-Ul-Maulud on Tuesday, which has been declared a public holiday throughout the federation, Buhari said, “I am delighted to send greetings of peace, unity and goodwill to the Muslim Ummah, fellow citizens, and Muslims all over the world as they observe and celebrate Eid-ul- Maulud."

He urged Muslims to strive for "forgiveness and closeness to the noble life and teachings of the Prophet (SAW), whose birthday is being marked on this blessed day.

On this auspicious occasion, I wish you all the blessings of today."

Security Forces Kill 10 Bandits in Kaduna

Security forces reportedly killed 10 bandits in Kwanan Bataru, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

However, one person was killed while three others were abducted by bandits in Oil Village, a community located near Kaduna Refinery in Chikun Local Government Area of the state. The bandits were said to have invaded Oil Village on Saturday night, unleashing terror on the residents.

Sources in the community said one Mr. Auta was killed by the bandits while attempting to alert the community about the presence of the criminals.

One source said, “Mr. Auta noticed the presence of the bandits and he sneaked out of his house to alert the community since telephone services had been cut off.

“Unfortunately, as he was manoeuvring his way out to alert the community, the bandits sighted him and shot him dead.

The bandits were many and were well armed, we couldn’t alert security agencies, because telecom services had been cut off in our area.”

He added that three other people, including a medical doctor and his son, where abducted. The doctor was said to have withdrawn his son from one of the schools for fear of kidnappers, only to be abducted at home.

Another resident of the area, who shared the information on a WhatsApp platform of "Community News Update", said the bandits invaded the community about 11pm on Saturday, killing one of his neighbours while another neighbour and his son were abducted. Lamenting the situation, he solicited for prayers from members of the platform.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, disclosed that 10 bandits were killed by security forces in Kwanan Bataru, on the outskirts of Fatika in Giwa Local Government Area. In a statement on Monday, Aruwan said the bandits were neutralised in a gun duel with security forces, adding that several others escaped with gun shot injuries.

Aruwan stated, “One Alhaji Abubakar Usman, who is likely to have been kidnapped in a neighbouring state and was being held by bandits in the area, was rescued by the troops, and is being debriefed at the moment.

“The bandits, who managed to escape, left behind several motorcycles, one revolver, mobile phones, torchlights and some charms. One of the sheds used by the bandits to hold hostages was burnt.”

Bandits Attack Sokoto Sunday Market, Kill 40

No fewer than 40 people were killed as suspected bandits attacked a market in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The armed men attacked the market on Sunday, which happened to be the market day.

Sources in the village said the marauders attacked the market in large numbers and started shooting sporadically, leading to the death of over 40 persons.

A source, which spoke on

condition of anonymity, disclosed that the casualty figure was over 40, as the area was still unsafe for residents to access. The attack was the third in the area in two weeks.

Last Thursday, suspected members of the outlawed volunteer vigilante group, also known as Yan Sakai, attacked and killed nine Fulanis at Manmade market in Gwadabawa Local Government Area of the state. Suspected bandits also killed 20 persons at Ungwan Lalle market, in Sabon Birni Local government Area of Sokoto State.

The Sokoto State government had earlier ordered the closure of markets in the Eastern Senatorial District of the state as a measure to fight the rising insecurity in the state.

Tambuwal Calls for Coordinated Operations in Sokoto

Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal called on the Nigerian Army to carry out coordinated operations in the North-west to stamp out banditry in the region. Tambuwal made the call on Monday, when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Sokoto, the state capital.

The governor disclosed that the operations of the army in Zamfara State were having a negative effect on Sokoto State, especially, the Eastern part of the state, hence the need to carry out the operations simultaneously.

"Between yesterday and today, we have lost many people in Goronyo Local Government Area of the state,” he said, adding that before now, the situation in the state was not as bad. He appealed to the Nigerian Army to review its operations in the state.

The governor also asked the Chief of Army staff to deploy more troops, resources, and intelligence to the state to end the banditry. He promised that his administration would do everything in its powers to support the security agencies to end insecurity in the state.

Earlier, Yahaya commended Tambuwal for his support to security agencies in the state. The army chief, who was in Sokoto, his home state, on his first visit since his assumption of office as Chief of Army Staff, said he was in the state as part of a familiarisation tour to divisions across the country. The purpose, he said, was to interact with troops and encourage them on their duties as well as hold security meetings with governors and relevant stakeholders.

He said the perpetrators of

BUHARI, OBASANJO, JONATHAN, AKINYEMI MOURN POWELL, COMMISERATE WITH US GOVT Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the US Department of Defense as well as the first African-American Secretary of State, Powell was a great statesman and a global icon in every sense of it.

He recounted that as US Secretary of State, Powell played a very important role in advancing his country’s foreign policy and national defence interests as well as being a great advocate of the eradication of Polio and addressing the deadly spread of HIV/AIDS disease in Africa.

Buhari said his prayers and thoughts were with Powell’s family and the people of the United States as they mourned the death of an exceptional leader and one of America’s greatest prides, who as a professional soldier, a distinguished public servant and an effective diplomat, gave his utmost for his country.

Obasanjo, in his message, described the death of Powell as a loss not only to the America, but to the entire world, stressing that the late Powell was a trusted colleague and Comrade-in-arm, whose closeness as an African-American with the mother Africa assisted in the growth of the continent.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo said, "General Powell’s tenure in office marked

a significant departure from the traditional relations between Africa and the United States.

"He was Secretary of State under the administration of President George W. Bush, Jnr, part of the time I was President of Nigeria. He was not just an African-American, he was an African-American, who understood Africa. That is what I found in him, when he was Secretary of State.

"With him, among others, I have always seen advantage in the closeness of the African-Americans with the mother Africa. It is mutually good and beneficial for the Africans at home and for our brothers and sisters in diaspora in the US, Caribbean or Southern America.

"I cherished our relationship for the good of humanity in general and especially, for the good of our race, which collectively is the most abused, despised and disregarded race in modern history. He was indeed a trusted colleague and Comrade-in-Arm," Obasanjo said.

The former president noted that the news of Powell's death was received with sadness, adding, "his death is a great loss not only to his immediate family and to the United States of America but also to the entire world.

"Though the world, particularly Africa, would miss him, his legacies would continue to inspire many

to reach the highest points of their productive, political and creative abilities. May God grant his soul perfect peace and rest."

On his part, Jonathan in a tribute personally signed, described late Powell as a renowned United States public servant and great leader, who left solid and indelible footprints in the sands of time.

He also stated that his stellar military career paved the way for other African Americans to reach

for the top, because he articulated a new paradigm for engaging in military action.

The former President, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, stated: “Until the election of President Barack Obama in 2008, Colin Powel was the highest ranking African-American to have served in the public sector of the United States. In that capacity, he Continued on page 35

criminal activities across the country were also human, and said there was need to work with everyone to track down the criminals among the people.

In a related development, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, prayed for the continuous success of the security agencies against criminal elements in the country. While receiving Yahaya in his palace, the Sultan said he was always happy to receiving army personnel, having being one of them before ascending the throne. He disclosed that Sultan’s Palace remained home to everyone, not only the army chief, but every Nigerian, irrespective of where they came from or their religious background.

The Sultan said his council would continue to pray for the army chief and his people, saying the task before them is more than the civil war era

Ortom Worries over Insecurity in Nigerian Schools

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom expressed concern about recent attacks and kidnapping of students in the country. Ortom spoke on Monday at his country house, Gbajimba, in Guma Local Government Area, during the virtual handing over and commissioning of a Government Science Secondary School built by some oil companies in the country, including Chevron, Famfa, Prime, and Equinor.

He said education remained the bedrock of growth and development of any nation, wondering why schools should be the target of criminals.

The governor lauded the oil companies for investing heavily in the education sector as part of their social responsibility policy.

He pledged, on behalf of his government, that everything in its powers would be done to protect the facility and announced immediate perimeter fencing of the school.

The governor also decried the high number of internally displaced persons in the area and urged the federal government to do everything to ensure that the people returned to their homes.

He said, "I will not keep quiet and allow some group of people chase my people away from their homes and continue to make them IDPs. Gbajimba has over 500,000 IDPs. I appeal to the federal government to stop these herdsmen and declare them a terrorist group.

"They should stop the killing and destruction of our property. I will not engage any militia group but seek justice of my people.

"Security is a mandatory responsibility of every government.

I want to appreciate the recent effort made by government in nipping insecurity in the bud, especially, in the state but it should be sustained.

"I also appreciate the effort of security agencies, who are sacrificing their lives to ensure peace in our state. The federal government should do massive recruitment and adequate funding of security agencies so that they can put in their best in securing

the lives of Nigerians."

US Ready to Support Nigeria to Fight Insecurity

The United States government declared its readiness to lend support to Nigeria towards the fight against insecurity. The assurance was given during a meeting between a visiting US Deputy Security Adviser, Jonathan Finer, and Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, where security issues were discussed.

The US official said his country was willing to support Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting, Finer said, “Going forward, the security issues are very pretty whether it's terrorism or piracy, the US can support.

“You mentioned democracy. The president is very much looking forward to convening the summit for democracy in December. The pillar of this summit is going to be issues relating to election, corruption.

“Nigeria is not just a partner of the US but also a friend, which is much appreciated. The time that we spent and the conversations we had are very constructive and the partnership over all.

"I will not repeat all of the minister's briefing but it does speak the enormous agenda that the two countries share. We talked about the pandemic and the delivery of vaccines and the next phase of this which is actually making sure that those vaccines are administered and get into peoples arms, which is something we want to support."

On climate change, Finer said the US "welcomes Nigeria's commitment to increase its ambition, when it comes to climate change and we hope that it continues.

There are no significant issues on our mutual agenda that can be addressed without working together. So, we are committed to continue doing that.”

Onyeama said the discussion was on a broad range of issues. He said, "We talked about the security situation of the country: banditry, Boko Haram, secessionist groups and other acts and challenges to insecurity, including that of Guinea and how we can cooperate with the US in addressing all the issues.

"While acknowledging the tremendous support from the US in the area of security, the recent delivery of A29 fighters and supporting other areas, we assessed the situation in the Sahel beyond Nigeria, right up to Libya, and how we can work closely together to address the terrorist challenges and the security situation in Nigeria."

On twitter ban, the minister said, "We talked about the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria and how that is progressing," adding that the issue of COVID-19 also came up at the meeting.

He stated, "We talked about the COVID-19 context and the US has been very generous. Just very recently, last week, they provided, again, vaccines to Nigeria, five million, and then another vaccine of 3.5 million that were delivered to the Nigerian government. We are grateful to the US government for this generosity."

AHMED: FINANCE MINISTRY, CBN WORKING ASSIDUOUSLY TO BRIDGE GAP IN FX RATES

(CBN) to close the gap between the official and parallel market exchange rates.

While the naira closed at N414.73 to a dollar on the Investors and Exporters’ window yesterday, on the parallel market it trades around N560 to a dollar.

However, the minister while speaking on Bloomberg Television, said the government remained focused on improving foreign exchange (FX) inflows, adding that with the Dangote Refinery set to begin operation in 2022, the country would be able to save about 30 per cent of its present FX it spends on imports.

She also said the country would earn FX through petroleum product sales to foreign countries.

Ahmed said it was the desire of the federal government to be

able to reduce the gap between the unofficial market rate and the official market rate adding that, "We are working with the central bank to do that."

She explained: “Again, what we have to do is to improve the sources of foreign exchange earnings. Right now, the predominant source is oil and gas.

“When oil and gas revenues are not coming as we projected or when we have huge expenditure in terms of subsidy, we have the problem of supply not being able to meet demand.

She said: "Like I explained earlier on, with a saving of up to 30 per cent of forex expenditure with the removal of the need to buy PMS from out of the country, we will have more FX to meet demand.”

Also commenting on the surge

in crude oil prices, the minister said, “The high price of oil means that we would be able to earn more revenue. At $85 per barrel is way above the $40 per barrel we have on our 2021 fiscal projections.”

“But we also have the challenge of having to buy petroleum products for use in-country, because we do not have functional refineries.

So that eats into the revenues we would have otherwise realised.”

The minister added that although government revenues were increasing, expenditure grew at a much faster rate.

Ahmed said: “So, we do have a revenue problem. And we are working to curtail expenditure by being able to limit agencies’ expenditure to 50 per cent of their revenues."

The minister further blamed

Nigeria’s high debt service to revenue ratio on the large expenditure base of the country.

According to her, “Our debt service to overall revenue is high because we have a very large expenditure base,” she added.

“We have a large proportion of our budget dedicated to payroll, and Mr President had decided from the beginning of his administration that we were not going to disengage staff.

“So, you have to pay salaries, you have to pay pensions. And also, we have to fund the other arms of government, which are the judiciary and the legislature.”

Given the success of the country’s last Eurobond issuance, the minister said the country could approach the foreign capital market again this year.

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COMMENT

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

TINUBU’S PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRATION AND THE NIGERIA PROJECT Bola Tinubu is eminently qualified to run for the presidency, writes Idowu Sowunmi

I

t’s increasingly becoming clear that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be one of the contenders in the 2023 presidential election. Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has become a political brand with a proven mark of impact and influence in different parts of Nigeria. His die-hard supporters and admirers are in many parts of the country.

With the recent launch of the South-west Agenda 2023 (SWAGA ‘23) in Lagos State, Tinubu’s ardent supporters and well wishers across Nigeria and beyond have demonstrated their common interests to sustain the pressure on him to run for 2023 presidential election, to vigorously campaign for him and to ensure his victory at the poll. The statement has been made and the unfolding events obviously pointed in this direction.

Even, the reception recently organised for Tinubu after his three-month medical trip abroad turned out to be another fertile ground to spread the word.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong for Tinubu, popularly known as Jagaban Borgu, to aspire to rule Nigeria. He is eminently qualified like any other politicians in the land. For different reasons, Tinubu’s candidacy will definitely attract diverse political assessments, reassessments and possibly “post-reassessments.”

As nature demands, people will always have different shades of opinions and views about one person or the other. There are people who will, as a matter of fact, go to any extent to defend and support the candidacy of Tinubu. Such groups of people are well armed with his track records and they are prepared to face anyone in making a case for his candidacy. They are ready to work round the clock to win more souls for Jagaban.

These people will go extra miles to celebrate the contributions of Tinubu to good governance and democracy in Nigeria.

They will recall his good deeds as democracy activist during the military era and his eventful reign as a governor of Lagos State, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria. They will also want to push into the front burners of the discussion. Tinubu’s various political activities since 2007 after he left Lagos State Government House, most especially his consistency as an opposition figure and his major contributions to the election of Muhammadu Buhari as the presidential candidate of the opposition party, APC, in 2015.

On the other hand, there will be a category of people who will vehemently oppose Tinubu’s candidacy. To these people, no good thing can be said of Tinubu. They hate his political ideologies and they don’t want to have anything to do with

NO MATTER THE POLITICAL LENS ONE IS WEARING IN ANALYSING TINUBU’S IMPOSING PROFILE, NO ONE HAS COME OUT TO SAY CLEARLY THAT THE MAN LACKS THE CAPACITY OR CAPABILITY OR INTELLECTUAL PEDIGREE TO PERFORM CREDIBLY WELL IF VOTED FOR AS THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

him. They describe him differently as a godfather, among others.

Meanwhile, there is a group of Nigerians who are totally indifferent. When you tell them about Tinubu’s presidential ambition, they will simply respond: “What about it? I don’t care who becomes the next president.”

The stark reality of our human existence is the fact that people will always hold one opinion or the other about one personality or the other. It is a natural order. And no one can stop anyone from expressing his/her views about human beings, animals, places or things.

As the journey for 2023 general elections unfold, opinions and views will go through various degrees of adjustments, mal-adjustments and re-adjustments. Some will be won over, while some will decamp.

In fact, some Tinubu’s close associates who fell out at some points will be recruited to do dirty jobs, while there will still be a group of Nigerians that will perpetually remain undecided.

Days ahead are bound to be interesting.

If our greatest religious leaders like Jesus Christ or Mohammed (SWT) should contest any election in Nigeria today, people will still have divided views.

No matter the political lens one is wearing in analysing Tinubu’s imposing profile, no one has come out to say clearly that the man lacks the capacity or capability or intellectual pedigree to perform credibly well if voted for as the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

If anything, Tinubu’s towering political personality remains a constant reference point in many quarters. Truth must be said: If Tinubu’s political acumen is what it takes to fix the Nigeria Project, I think it is only logical to rally round him in order to truly take the country to the next level.

It is called democracy. If we think there is a viable alternative to Tinubu, the person should be prepared to slug it out at the poll.

Debates about 2023 general elections should go beyond avoidable emotional spankings or unfounded arguments or some baseless conspiracy theories. Let us have robust and meaningful discussions ahead of the 2023 general elections.

There is no more excuse. If we feel strongly concerned about the Nigeria Project, then it is time for us to get involved.

With Nigeria’s abundant natural resources and human capital, this country must not be a failed project. We must take a deliberate step to give the Nigeria Project a new purposeful direction and set it on the right paths of real development.

Sowunmi can be reached via email: idowusowunmi@ gmail.com

BETWEEN NIGERIA AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES There is urgent need for both countries to normalise relationships, writes Samson Osagie

T

he outbreak of the Corona Virus Pandemic is not only affecting the health of citizens across the globe, its impact on the relationships among some nations is beginning to tell on the fate of some nationals in order

spheres.

Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates(UAE) have had a positive diplomatic relations particularly from 2009 when UAE established its embassy in Nigeria. Abuja followed by a visit to UAE by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016 as a first country of visit in Asia and Middle East upon his assumption of office as President of Nigeria.

By December 2020 a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was executed to provide a platform for both countries to engage each other bilaterally in many areas – legal, commercial, etc.

The UAE celebrated the growing cooperation with Nigeria at its 49th anniversary in Abuja.

The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria did say on that occasion that he was excited about the growing bilateral relations between the two countries across all sectors. According to him “Today marks the importance of unity and coming together to celebrate our achievements in 2020 even though it has proved to be challenging for many reasons...

This relationship is nurtured, developed and reinforced by the wise leadership of both friendly nations who have continued to forge strategic partnerships for prosperity of both countries. As at 2019, the total volume of oil bilateral trade between Nigeria and UAE stood at $1.4 billion, but as at December 1, alongside with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama, on behalf of our respective governments signed an MoU for the establishment of a Joint Commission for Cooperation”. This was the testimony of the UAE highest official in Nigeria.

Understandably, it’s been a mutually beneficial relationship amongst the two countries in both

trade and tourism relations with no major setbacks for over a decade.

However, recent events are beginning to cast some doubt on the continuity of the diplomatic relations between the two countries. As at March 2021, the UAE had declared Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa as it commenced a series of trade and investment promotion activities aimed at bolstering the bilateral trade and investment volume between Nigeria and UAE. Earlier in 2020 at the outset of the global lock down due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the UAE national carrier Emirates airline had shut down flights to and from Nigeria owing to disagreement between the airline and the Nigerian aviation authorities on the propriety of subjecting passengers traveling from Nigeria to certain Covid-19 protocols upon arrival in Dubai. While the Federal government through the Ministry of Aviation stipulated a negative PCR test, the UAE authorities introduced additional rapid antigen test for passengers, a development that Nigeria government frowned at and resisted, thus resulting in suspension of the airline from flying to and from Nigeria.

This has resulted in huge losses for the airline and travel agencies’ business for both countries.

Nigerians, very adventurous people, who desire to visit Dubai for their usual holidays, shopping and medical tourism had to use alternative airlines like Kenyan Airways or go through Cotonou, Accra or other West Africa countries. Even when they take such a detour they would have to be quarantined in Dubai for a minimum of 14 days upon arrival in Dubai. It is such a grueling experience for our nationals on the Dubai route and this has created a lot of discomfort for many travellers, with aviation practitioners proposing a diplomatic resolution between the two countries.

Speaking on the state of affairs about the suspension of the Emirates airline flight Comrade Olayinka Abioye, former Secretary General of the National Union of Air Transport

Employees(NUATE) said both countries must come to use diplomacy to resolve the impasse. I cannot agree less with him.

In the midst of all of these, I stumbled recently on a news item which I understand has been running for some time now about how Nigerians in different parts of the UAE are losing their jobs in their hundreds on account of the refusal of the authorities to renew their work permits. I was jolted and seriously alarmed considering the fact that at the moment returning home for these Nigerians cannot be an option at all.

I decided to put a call through to a friend who is a railway staff in Dubai to ascertain the true situation of things and his response was as shocking as he sounded.

From the confirmed news report no fewer than 500 Nigerians have lost their jobs in UAE with many more whose working permits or visas are approaching different times for expiration. I also understand that the Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa had taken steps to address the problem with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria. As it is the usual case, the diplomat appears to feign ignorance of the treatment of Nigerian nationals in his country.

According to him “we are yet to get the report of Nigerians losing jobs in our country but certainly if it is the case, steps will be taken to address the problem” Now here is my worry. The coincidence of the refusal of the authorities of the United Arab Emirates to renew working permits for legally resident Nigerians and the suspension of flights of the national carrier of the country is suspect. It appears to be a calculated strategem of the UAE authorities to pressure the Nigerian government into accepting their conditions of service for their national airline that may have lost humongous revenue from the Nigeria route since the beginning of the impasse. It cannot be less than a reprisal of some sort.

It is therefore important for the Nigerian

government to swiftly engage the Arabian country in the interest of thousands of Nigerians living and working in the country to save their jobs and means of livelihood.

Refusing to renew the working permits of the nationals of a given country is the highest level of discrimination and such act offends International Conventions and the spirit of the bilateral / multilateral agreements which both nations are signatories to. In the absence of any malfeasance or criminal conduct, it is submitted that if a resident has fulfilled all the necessary conditions to live and work in a country other than his country of origin its is within his or her right in the eye of International human rights law to have his permit renewed. If there are specific cases of criminal conduct of any Nigerian citizens, such should be dealt with on its own merit or otherwise rather than subjecting every Nigerian to hardships.

What is more intriguing and saddening about the conditions Nigerians are currently facing in the United Arab Emirates now is that, that country is perhaps one of the destinations of looted funds from Nigeria owing to the tremendous investment in real estate and other businesses some unpatriotic Nigerians have done in that economy. It is indeed an eye opener. Such investments would probably have generated more jobs for Nigerians back home if they were made here and the environment conducive enough to guarantee adequate return on investment.

By and large, we owe our citizens the abiding responsibility anywhere they are in the world to intervene for them particularly in circumstances where they are being discriminated against or treated poorly on account of their country of origin.

In the final analysis, talks between the two nations need to resume in earnest in order to resuscitate what might result in a full blown diplomatic row.

Dr Osagie is a Lawyer based in Abuja

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

EDITORIAL THE GROWING CASES OF INCEST Government will do well to enforce laws against incest

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ncest in Nigeria, from reports, is becoming an uncontrollable rash, occurring between father and daughter, mother and son, brother and sister, uncles, nephews, and nieces, while even minors are not spared. Incest is human sexual activity between family members or blood relatives; it is a crime of having sexual intercourse with a parent, child, sibling, or grandchild.

There were recent reports of a father who raped and impregnated his daughter and expelled her from their home, a five-year-old stepdaughter who was brutally raped, and a woman whose son fathered her three children. These bizarre stories pour in daily, inundating law enforcement personnel, who are not equipped to prosecute or are frustrated by the slow processes of the nation’s courts. Most of these cases, even when reported, are settled out of court, which may account for the paucity of data on cases of incest.

Yet, there are scientific reasons why incest is prohibited. It is to avoid inbreeding: a collection of genetic disorders suffered by the children of parents with a close genetic relationIN MOST NIGERIAN ship. Such children SOCIETIES, INCEST are at greater risk for congenital disorders, IS ONE OF THE MOST death, and developWIDESPREAD OF ALL CULTURAL TABOOS, BOTH mental and physical disability, and that IN THE PRESENT AND IN risk is proportional THE PAST to how close their parents are. Victims of incest suffer gravely and sometimes throughout their lifetime. They are damaged mentally and emotionally for years. Many must deal with feelings of guilt, shame, and sadness, ending up having anger management problems and distrust. Some victims have been known to be suicidal and others have taken their own lives.

While some people blame the prevalence of incest in Nigeria on broken homes and substance abuse, this is a forbidden redline most families hardly want to cross or discuss because of the discomfort and trauma

Letters to the Editor

associated with it. The bigger challenge is that only very few professionals venture to investigate incest.

Also, because incest is horrendous and could bring a huge amount of shame and stigma on the family, incidences go unreported to the authorities for criminal prosecution. Regardless, in most Nigerian societies, incest is one of the most widespread of all cultural taboos, both in the present and in the past, according to sociologists and psychiatrists. Most modern societies have laws regarding incest.

I T H I S DAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGED ENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

ncest is a crime in Nigeria by virtue of Section 3, subsection 1, sub-sub section b of the Matrimonial Causes Act. Also, Section 33 of the Marriage Act forbids sexual relations and marriage among people who are related by blood. It is captured as “Prohibited degree of consanguinity.” Incestuous relationships or marriages are further prohibited in the 1st Schedule (Section 3) of the Matrimonial Causes Act, Cap 220, Law of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 1990, where it lists the prohibited degree of consanguinity to include that between father and daughter, mother and son, brother and sister, uncle and aunt, niece, and nephew. In addition, Section 214 (3) of the Criminal Code Act (a criminal law that is applicable in and covers all parts of Nigeria), Caption 77, Law of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) prescribes a minimum of 14 years’ imprisonment for those found guilty of incestuous liaison, which it referred to as “offence against morality.”

The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act) 2015 explains that any form of sexual relations between people classed as being too closely related to marry each other (with or without) consent is incest and is liable to a minimum conviction of 10 years without an option of fine. Few, if any, convictions have been recorded in Nigeria.

There has been a clarion call from rights activists on government to pass the Sexual Offences Act (Amendment) Bill 2019 to protect minors and under-aged against sexual exploitation and for states government to domesticate laws that criminalise incest.

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GUILTY OF BEING NIGERIAN IN GHANA

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he Nigerian government should look into the treatment of Nigerians in Ghana because there are reports of police harassment and extortion from Nigerians in the country. A Ghanaian friend recently shared a Facebook post on some police raids that targeted Nigerians. His post reads: “My apartment has been raided by the Ghana Police four times in less than a year. Whatever reason you think for this. It’s worse! The apartment used to be occupied by some Nigerian men who were tired of being harassed by the police”. So many Nigerians in Ghana suffer constant harassment by the police. The harassment has gone on for too long that some are tired. Yes, some Nigerians are tired of being targeted, stopped, arrested by the police in Ghana.

As the post further reveals, the raids have become a pretext for extortion: “The neighbor told me that they packed and left the day after the final raid; after they had to find 7000 Cedis bribe for the police to bail themselves out. They were not the only Nigerians who packed and left. More than five apartments became available after that raid”.

So raiding apartments where Nigerians live has become a lucrative business for the police in Ghana. Police officers extort thousands of Cedis from Nigerians, then let them go and later return to raid and extort money from them again. Nigerians have become easy prey for the Ghana police. Nigerians have become a cash cow for Ghanaian authorities. Take a look at the next part of the post: “When I first got the apartment, even before I had finished cleaning it up, police officers showed up in Rambo style, entering into the apartment without knocking, asking where the Nigerians are. I explained to them that I was the new tenant and did not know of anyone else.

Because of how the apartment was in disarray, they nodded along and left”.

Look, this was not a random raid for illegal occupants. It was a targeted police action. There are nationals from many west African countries who are living in Ghana. When I was in Ghana, I met Liberians, Sierra Leoneans, and Ivorians who were living in the country and who had taken Ghana as their home. In fact, on one occasion, I met some Fulanis in the Northern region. They entered Ghana on horses through the border with Burkina Faso. They had no travel documents.

The police in Ghana are not raiding apartments asking for Liberians, Sierra Leoneans, or Nigeriens who were illegally staying in the country.

No, the police raided apartments asking: “Where are the Nigerians? So, the Ghana police have specifically been instructed to go after Nigerians!

The post recounts other incidents of police harassment: “The second time this happened, I was in my office while some friends were in the kitchen. The police surrounded the apartment, some entering from the front and some from the back, shouting and asking where the Nigerians were. I could see the fear in my friends’ eyes. I stepped in with some jokes to calm nerves, and we even offered them food to calm their nerves. The third time this happened, I had learned to keep my doors locked at all times. I heard banging on the door and someone trying to forcibly open the windows. I opened the door and a police officer rushed past me asking if I am Nigerian and where the Nigerians were. Today, I was not home. My girlfriend was. The police came again asking for Nigerians. I came home to find their pickup still parked outside. They were moving from apartment building to apartment building looking for Nigerians. Their case: they received a tip that there are Nigerians in the area who smoke. The day before, they had raided some apartments and caught themselves some Nigerians who ultimately had to pay about 6000 Cedis, I am told, to be left alone. “.

So police have raided this guy’s apartment many times. Who knows how many times these Nigerians-targeted police raids have been carried out in Ghana? Who knows how much money the Ghana police have extorted from their Nigerian victims?

In conclusion, the post states: “These raids usually happen on a weekend. The officers are always different. They always carry weapons.

They always enter forcefully. They are always targeting people who look different. I am beginning to suspect this is not sanctioned by Ghana Police. Why would the state sanction xenophobia? I am also beginning to suspect that when they run out of Nigerians to do this too, Ghanaians who are different would be the target. Most of these Nigerians targeted, are hard-working members of the community, trying to survive in their sister country. They are only guilty of being Nigerian in Ghana”.

What this kind-hearted Ghanaian has recounted is definitely the tip of the iceberg of abuse, harassment, maltreatment, and extortion that Nigerians, who are living in Ghana, suffer at the hands of the police.

Probably, Ghanaian police are imitating the police in Nigeria. They have realized that the Nigerian police abuse and brutalize their citizens with impunity. They are now extending the abuse to Nigerians in their country. Police abuse of Nigerians should not be an excuse for this horrific treatment. Ghana police must be called to order. They should stop targeting, and extorting money from Nigerians.

The government of Ghana must rise to its responsibility and end this official witch hunt and maltreatment of Nigerian nationals who are living in the country.

The government should know that there are at least 500, 000 Ghanaians living in Nigeria.

Leo Igwe, nskepticleo@yahoo.com

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY the international fight against AIDS, and oversaw a doubling of development assistance funding. He also pressed for international cooperation to halt the nuclear weapons programs of North Korea and Iran, and the administration achieved an important nonproliferation success when Libya agreed to give up its weapons programs in 2003.

Powell also confronted a variety of international crises, including a near war between nuclear powers India and Pakistan in 2001-2002, domestic turmoil in Liberia (2003) and Haiti (2004), and the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. His continued belief that Middle East stability required a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict led him to advocate the 2002 ‘Road Map’ to create an independent Palestinian state at peace with Israel. Although Bush endorsed the plan, Powell could not persuade the administration to make a strong commitment to its implementation.

On November 15, 2004, Powell announced his resignation. After stepping down as Secretary of State, he returned to a busy life in the private sector, continuing his work with America’s Promise Alliance. He served on the Boards of Directors of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Eisenhower Fellowship Program, and the Powell Center at the City College of New York.

According to biography.com, after his retirement, Powell remained vocal on political topics, openly criticising the Bush administration on many issues. In September 2006, Powell joined moderate Senate Republicans in supporting more rights and better treatment for detainees at the Guantanamo detention facility. In October 2008, Powell made headlines again when he announced his endorsement of Barack Obama for president.

Powell also spent much of his retirement in the business community. In 2006, he was a speaker at a special series called Get Motivated, along with former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Powell also joined Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm, as a “strategic limited partner.”

TRIBUTE

HIS YAHOOZE DANCE THAT WENT VIRAL

Colin Powell dancing to Yahooze music in an event organised as part of THISDAY Festival aimed at finding sustainable solution to the myriad of problems facing Africa

COLIN POWELL:

The Stars Dim for US F i v e - S t a r G e n e ra l Bayo Akinloye

C

olin Powell was born on April 5, 1937. He died on October 18 of COVID-19 complications though fully vaccinated. Between those years, he walked life’s stage like an actor in a dramatic saga. His persona had all the imperfections and brilliance of a man who lived life to the best he could muster.

“Built into each of us is a little calculator that can make judgments that will never appear on a piece of paper. And sometimes you know something’s right, you can’t prove it to anybody, or you know something’s wrong. Little ethical circuit breakers you carry around inside...so I go with my instinct,” Powell had once said.

Powell was appointed Secretary of State by George W. Bush on January 20, 2001, after being unanimously confirmed by the US Senate. He served for four years, leaving the position on January 26, 2005. He was the first African-American to serve as Secretary of State.

Born in the New York City neighbourhood of Harlem, the son of two Jamaican immigrants, he was raised in the South Bronx. He attended City College of New York.

There, he began his military service, joining the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). After his graduation in 1958, Powell was commissioned a second lieutenant in the US Army. During his 35 years in the army, he served two tours in Vietnam, was stationed in West Germany and South Korea, and acted as President Ronald Reagan’s Deputy National Security Adviser in 1987 then-National Security Adviser from 1988 until 1989. In 1989 he was promoted to the rank of general and was appointed by President George H.W. Bush as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In the four years Powell served in that capacity, he oversaw 28 crises, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

After his retirement in 1993, he founded America’s Promise, an organisation that helps at-risk children.

He was nominated for Secretary of State by President George W. Bush on December 16, 2000.

He was the first African American appointed as the US Secretary of State and the first, and so far the only, to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

At the beginning of his term, Powell placed emphasis on reaffirming diplomatic alliances throughout the world, supporting a national missile defence system, working towards peace in the Middle East, and prioritising sanctions instead of force in potential hot spots such as Iraq. He also focused on reinvigorating US diplomacy through reforms in the Department of State’s organisational culture and an infusion of

Colin Powell (left) in 2008 with the Publisher of THISDAY Newspapers, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, at THISDAY Music Festival... Africa Rising resources for personnel, information technology, security, and facilities.

Powell’s term, however, was soon dominated by the challenges the Bush administration faced after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Powell was one of the foremost supporters of taking swift military action against al-Qaeda and demanded immediate cooperation from Afghanistan and Pakistan in the U.S. search for those who were complicit in the attacks.

When the administration’s attention shifted to Iraq and the possibility that Saddam Hussein was manufacturing weapons of mass destruction (WMD), Powell pressed to have UN inspectors investigate. In February 2003, Powell presented intelligence to the UN that supported the claim that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and could produce more.

Subsequently, the administration moved quickly toward preemptive military action against

Iraq, despite Powell’s advice that war should not begin until a large coalition of allies and a long-term occupation plan were in place.

In 2004, some of the intelligence that Powell had brought before the UN in 2003 was found to be erroneous.

Although Afghanistan and Iraq demanded a great deal of Powell’s attention during his tenure, he pursued other important US foreign policy initiatives and grappled with various crises that arose between 2001 and 2005. After initially difficult administration interactions with Russia and China, Powell worked to improve both bilateral relationships. Prominent among these efforts were the management of US withdrawal from the U.S.-Russian Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty and the signing of the Moscow Treaty on Strategic Offensive Reductions in May 2002.

In the area of foreign aid, Powell pushed the administration to increase its commitment to

“I never thought I would see Colin Powell dance Yahoozee. He showed that common touch,” THISDAY Newspaper Founder and Chairman, Nduka Obaigbena, who organised Africa Rising! in 2008 had told ITN. The event was one of four organised as part of the THISDAY Festival, aimed at finding sustainable solutions to the problems facing Africa.

Powell had performed a hip-hop dance (to the delight of onlookers and viewers across the globe) during the event to promote African culture at the Royal Albert Hall. But something else caught the eye.

The Guardian UK explained: “Colin Powell celebrated his 71st birthday this year, but he’s clearly not too old to pull some cheeky Afro-hip-hop moves.

His take on Olu Maintain’s song Yahooze at the Africa Rising event at the Royal Albert Hall worked a lot better than his former boss George Bush’s embarrassing inaugural shape-throwing alongside Ricky Martin. Although he kept his jacket buttoned, almost everyone deemed his dancing spot-on.”

But, the UK outlet pointed out: “It doesn’t look as if the former US secretary of state paid too much attention to the lyrics, or he might have discovered that the Nigerian hit is a celebration of that country’s most infamous export, advance-fee email fraud (sometimes called 419 fraud, after the relevant section of the Nigerian penal code). The perpetrators are known as “Yahoo boys” after their email service provider of choice.”

In his years of military service, Powell never disclosed his political sympathies; he was registered to vote as an independent, said achievement.org.

“Although he was known to have supported the 1964 campaign of President Lyndon Johnson, a Democrat, he had served in both Republican and Democratic administrations,” it added. In the 1990s, the general’s great popularity led many people to urge him to run for president.

In 1995, Powell announced that he had registered as a Republican, and he received a thunderous ovation when he spoke at the Republican convention the following year. Although he did not forswear future political involvement, he declined to seek elective office.

In 1997, he returned to his alma mater, the City College of New York, to open the Colin Powell Center for Policy Studies, offering high-achieving CCNY students the opportunity to prepare for careers in policy and public service. For the rest of the decade, he continued his work with young people as chairman of America’s Promise: the Alliance for Youth.

Since his demise, there has been an outpouring of condolences.

“Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He was committed to our nation’s strength and security above all. Having fought in wars, he understood better than anyone that military might alone was not enough to maintain our peace and prosperity,” said US President Joe Biden.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who served alongside Powell under Bush said he was “deeply saddened to learn that America has lost a leader and statesman. General Powell had a remarkably distinguished career, and I was fortunate to work with him.”

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Powell’s predecessor at the department, remembered him on Monday as “a wise and principled man, a loyal friend, and one of the kindest people I have ever met.”

She added, “Although we grew up in different contexts, we bonded over our family’s immigrant stories, our deep love of America, and our belief in the importance of public service.”

He is survived by his wife, Alma Vivian (Johnson) Powell, whom he married in 1962 and three children.

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY OCTOBER 19, 2021

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY OCTOBER 19, 2021

POLITICS

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com (08114495324 SMS ONLY)

Direct Primary: What Is The PDP Afraid Of? The Nigerian Senate made direct primaries compulsory for political parties in the country ahead of the 2023 general elections, a move that has been heavily criticized by the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party and its allies. Emameh Gabriel looks at both sides of the coin and the implications for Nigeria’s democracy

Lawan

A

fter months of speculations as to what will become of the 2023 general elections, the Senate last week took Nigerians by surprise when a clause in the Electoral Amendment Bill was modified. This is as the red chamber there after ordered that primaries for the nomination of candidates for elective position by political parties should be direct primary.

The upper legislative chamber also mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to monitor every primary election conducted by political parties in the country.

The latest move was the adoption of the position of the House of Representatives on Section 87 of the electoral Act. During the Electoral Act Amendment in July, while the Senate had adopted the use of both direct and indirect primaries in the nomination of candidates, the lower chamber had recommended the use of only direct primaries.

The approval followed a motion for reconsideration of some Clauses of the Electoral Act No.6 2010( Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill , 2021( SB. 122) sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi.

The earlier adoption had read: “87(1) A Political party seeking to nominate candidates for elections under this Act shall hold direct or Indirect primaries for aspirants to all elective positions, which may be monitored by the Commission”.

But in the new amendment, Senator Abdullahi in a lead debate said that the amendment to Clause 87( 1) nomination of candidates by parties reads: “A political party seeking to nominate candidates for elections under this Bill shall hold direct primaries for aspirants to all elective positions, which shall be monitored by the Commission”(INEC).

The Kebbi State lawmaker noted that after a critical examination of the Bill by the Senate Committee on INEC, some fundamental issues which require fresh legislative action on the following clauses: 43, 52, 63, and 87 were observed.

He said: “Desirous of the need to address the observation by the Committee and make necessary amendments; and “Relying on order 1(b) and 53(6) of Senate Standing Order.

“Accordingly resolves to: Rescind its decision on the affected Clauses of the Bill as passed and re-commit same to the Committee of the Whole for consideration and passage.”

The latest move by the Senate has opened up a new vista in the country’s democratic development, which observers believe could strengthen political parties internal democracy.

Direct primaries involves the participation of all party members in the selection of their elective representatives as against the use of delegates, who are usually leaders and members of the executives at the ward, local government and state levels.

The use of indirect primary has been

Gbajabiamila

Rafsanjani

widely condemned in the past due to the overbearing power it provides to state governors who have made themselves godfathers and most often decide which aspirant wins a primary election in their state.

But other observers have contended that the process is not only cumbersome but also expensive.

Chairman Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Gabiru Gaya, said the direct primaries clause adopted by the Senate in the proposed Electoral Amendment Bill is an opportunity to protect legislators from the governors.

The former Kano State Governor had during his appearance on a TV interview recounted how he won his first election as a young man through the direct primary.

“Sometimes, governors have delegates, and they decide who will be the next House of Representatives member, the next senator.

“The best legislators are those who come back often, because of experience, but these days, because of what is happening, because of interference of indirect primaries, you find out that only 30% will come back to the National Assembly.

Of course, you are losing 70%. You are losing experienced people.

“In the National Assembly, the more you come, the more experienced you become. This is a means of empowering the legislators,” he said.

So just as the Senate’s u-turn on electronic transmission came as a surprise to many, so did the change in section 87(1), demanding mandatory direct primaries for all political parties.

While the latest change to section 52(3) has settled the dust raised in the last few weeks ahead of 2023, the change to section 87(1) seems to have ignited new concerns, with the main opposition, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its allies, the Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) opposing the move.

In a statement by the PDP spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said the de-

cision of the Senate was anti-democratic and against the wishes of Nigerians, citing the huge cost that the direct primaries would shoulder on political parties.

“The decision by the APC-controlled Senate is a humongous blow to the development of democratic norms and a plot to introduce anarchy during internal party elections as currently obtainable in the APC. “The PDP holds that the provision is aimed at increasing the costs of nomination procedures thereby surrendering the processes to money bags against the wishes and aspiration of Nigerians.

“Our party makes bold to state that with the exception of the APC, which intends to deploy looted funds in future elections, hardly will there be any political party that will be able to raise the cost of conducting internal elections under a direct primary process.

“This is why the decision of the Senate has elicited widespread rejection from Nigerians across board, the statement had read.

The official position of the PDP, was in line with that of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, himself a PDP stalwart, who few days before the Senate’s move, had perhaps gotten wind of it, made an appeal to the legislators to save the country the crisis and trouble that would result from the proposal because many of the political parties lacked the necessary infrastructure to successfully conduct direct primaries at all levels. Saraki further added that the attempt would lead to hundreds of litigations that might jeopardise the general election.

The former Senate President, who made this known in a statement by the Head of his Media Office, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said he felt compelled to once again appeal to both chambers of the National Assembly to reconsider their position.

“The two options on the table are to make direct primaries compulsory for all the parties or to leave it open for parties to decide. We should take the latter

The latest move by the Senate has opened up a new vista in the country’s democratic development, which observers believe could strengthen political parties internal democracy. Direct primaries involves the participation of all party members in the selection of their elective representatives as against the use of delegates, who are usually leaders and members of the executives at the ward, local government and state levels

Tambuwal

option. Let us leave each party to decide how it wants to source its candidates.

“The experience we have in the past shows that direct primary will lead to a crisis if forced on the parties. We saw how people sent from the national headquarters to conduct primary elections stayed in hotel rooms and conjured up figures which were announced as the result of direct primary elections”, Saraki had warned.

Also, a chieftain of the party and former Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, in an exclusive interview with THISDAY described the move by the APC led Senate as selfish and vindictive.

He said apart from huge cost implications, direct primary will create more setbacks on the electoral process and even open more doors for manipulation.

He said: “It is an exercise in overkill. APC lawmakers are just making laws against personalities, and not deepening the system.

First, direct primaries are very expensive, cumbersome and untidy. They are subject of manipulations and vote rigging. They are difficult to manage which gives room for manipulations. It is like conducting a general election before the real general election.

“How can you as an aspirant deploy the manpower to monitor the process? Why would you be expected to spend so much money in conducting the primaries when the huge challenge of contesting the real election stares in the face? They should include the option of indirect depending on how much energy the political party has to contend with the direct primary process.

“The direct primaries we have seen have been ridiculously ridiculous. The figures you hear fly in the face of reason and logic. APC Primaries for President Buhari was the most ridiculous. The figure of 15.6m they posted after such organized “crime” is the reason why you can never trust the validity. And imagine that the outcome never reflected the total outcome”, he noted.

On the contrary, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has carpeted the opinions raised by opposing voice on direct primary. He said, “Let me state from the onset that direct primary is not fool proof.

No electoral process is. It is however more democratic than indirect. It allows for the participation of the entire members of a party in a constituency where a party member is seeking nomination.

“The members report in their ward, they are issued ballots and they cast their votes with the supervision of INEC and the representatives of each of the contestants. After the balloting the votes are sorted and counted in the presence of everyone and then announced.”

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY OCTOBER 19, 2021

POLITICS

What is Good for NEDC is Good for the NDDC Whereas the President Muhammadu Buhari government complies with the North East Development Commission enabling Act and expeditiously inaugurated a representative board comprising members from its six North East constituent states since inception, it has conversely used a subterfuge two-year forensic audit of NDDC to deny the Niger Delta region an NDDC substantive board that gurantees equitable representation, rather authorizing illegal interim management committees/sole administrator contraptions, even after President Buhari appointed a Board which was confirmed by the Senate in November 2019, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong

Buhari

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ore than one month after President Buhari has received and accepted the report of the forensic audit of NDDC which he ordered in October 2019 and promised that on its completion he will inaugurate the substantive board which he had already nominated and which the Senate confirmed in November 2019, the Buhari Presidency has been unusually quiet, not keeping to its promise to inaugurate NDDC board after submission of forensic audit report.

This is rather a strange pattern by a regime that touts adherence to rule of law as its mantra.

In fact, in the six and a half year tenure of the Buhari Presidency, NDDC has operated with a substantive Board for only two years, 2016 to 2018 Yet, unknown to unsuspecting Niger Deltans, North East Development Commission (NEDC) which was established in 2017 is modeled after the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which was setup in 2000. And for good reason. These are interventionist commissions established by acts of parliament to manage the regions of the country adversely affected by exploration of natural resources or extraneous factors like conflicts and insurgency.

The enabling Acts establishing NDDC and NEDC state clearly that they should be governed by substantive Boards nominated

Akpabio

by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and approved by the Senate.

NDDC covers the entire South-south states (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers), two South-East states (Abia, Imo) and one South-West state (Ondo), while NEDC covers the six North East states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Yobe, Taraba), respectively.

In the NDDC (Establishment etc) Act 2000, No. 6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, in Part 1, Section 2(1) it states that the Commission will be governed by a Board, which shall consist of a Chairman; a representative for each of the nine constituent states; a representative, each from each from North West, North East, and North Central zones; one representative of oil producing companies; one representative of Federal Ministry of Finance; one representative of Federal Ministry of Environment; one Managing Director; and two Executive Directors. Only the Managing Director and the two Executive Directors are full-time as members of the management team, while the other Board members are on part-time basis.

In the NEDC (Establishment) Act 2017, Act No.7, Part 1, Section 2(1) states that the Commission shall be governed by a Board consisting of a Chairman; a Managing Director; three Executive Directors,

Okowa

one from each member state not being represented by the Chairman or MD to ensure representation of each constituent state; a representative for each of the six geo-political zones, including North East zone; a representative of Federal Ministry of Finance; a representative of Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning.

The NEDC which has a governing Board in place has been reaping the fruits of its stability occasioned by a governing board which guarantees full representation of all constituent states.

So, on October 7, 2021 Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe state inaugurated the construction of 500 units of mass housing estate in the state being constructed by NEDC. Also in September this year the NEDC had also flagged-off the construction of 500 mass housing units in Dungal, Bauchi state.

Other similar projects across the North East in the past three months include 300 housing units in Yola South LGA, Adamawa state, housing units in Mafa LGA, Borno state, and 500 housing units in six towns of Yobe state.

At each flag-off event, representatives of the constituent states were visibly present, evidence of their representation to ensure equitable distribution of projects

and amenities to the constituent states.

Groups, youths, traditional institutions and civil society organisations alike are applauding the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for ensuring that all constituent states are equitably represented in the developmental projects.

Conversely, in the Niger Delta region, the NDDC has not initiated and completed any project since October 2019 when the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Federal Government imposed illegal interim management committees/ sole administrator contraptions, yet the Senate probe of NDDC in June/July 2020 revealed the unending infractions in the Commission since October 2019 without due process and no projects to show for the huge amount expended.

The report and resolutions of the Senate on the financial recklessness of the NDDC Interim Management Committee (IMC), which was adopted unanimously detailed the humongous scam that has been going on at the NDDC and laid out fraudulent and questionable payments of over N81.5 billion by the Interim Management Committee, a clear mismanagement of the resources of the NDDC. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Can Oyetola Survive the Coming Onslaught?

Samuel Ajayi examines the odds against the impendimg re-election of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State

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ith both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) wrapping up their state congresses and gearing for the national conventions, attention will likely shift to the governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti.

The 2022 governorship election in Osun is likely to be like never before because at no time will an incumbent be facing the battles that Gov. Gboyega Oyetola will likely face within the party and even without.

The fight to retain his seat is heating up and will likely not relent.

Even in 2018, when everyone worked together, it was a tough battle with many neutrals still feeling he did not really win the election fairly. Now, the party is likely to face the same opposition but with a divided house. However, Oyetola will count on the support of Senator Iyiola Omisore who had since decamped to the party.

From all indications, Omisore is not likely to contest this time around but eyeing a Senatorial seat. Sources told THISDAY that he has quite a number of his loyalists in Oyetola’s government. For instance, the

Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Yomi Lawal, is Omisore’s nominee.

He was Omisore’s running-mate in 2018 when he contested against Oyetola on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, SDP. As stated earlier, Omisore wants to contest for the Osun Senatorial seat which covers Ife and Ilesha where former governor, Rauf Aregbesola and current Minister of the Interior come from. And it is no secret that Aregbesola and Omisore are not the best of friends. If the issues within the party are even to be resolved, Aregebesola won’t want to support Omisore getting the Osun East Senatorial ticket. And he (Oyetola) won’t be sure of Omisore’s support if the latter does not get the senatorial ticket.

So Oyetola is boxed into a corner in that regard.

The 2018 Clamour that Never Was… The background to all these was that in January 2018, even before the primaries, a high-powered delegation

came from the national secretariat to find out what the people of Osun wanted in their next governor. Some criteria were set and part of these was that power must go to Osun West. Osun West had only produced a governor when late Senator Isiaka Adeleke was governor. The next governor was Chief Bisi Akande who is from Osun Central. He lost his reelection to Olagunsoye Oyinlola who was also from Osun Central. Oyinlola was governor for about seven years before being kicked out by the courts.

Between Akande and Oyinlola, Osun Central had it for about eleven and half years. After Oyinlola, Osun East had it for eight years with Aregbesola being governor. So with this, there was the natural clamour that Osun West should have it. The second criterium was payment of salaries and the third was infrastructure and human development.

The APC leadership in Abuja agreed that the governorship should go Osun West and now the decision for the Osun APC was who they would pick

from that zone. First was Alhaji Mohood Adeoti, the Secretary to the State Government, then. The next one was Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nojeem Salami. The seeming outsider then was Bola Oyebamiji, who was Commissioner for Finance under Aregbesola and also retained the seat under Oyetola. These possible candidates had the grassroot support, but sources told THISDAY that they didn’t have the financial war chest to win any election. So there was need to get a moneybag to prosecute the election and that was where Senator Bola Tinubu came in. Though the current governor, Oyetola, was in the picture but he was from Osun Central. Tinubu was said to have told them that Oyetola was related to him but he won’t put his money on an outsider when his blood relation was contesting. He was said to have also told them if Osun APC had the money, they could pick anyone but if they wanted his support, they should pick Oyetola.

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

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY OCTOBER 19, 2021

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

Colin Powell, Ex-US Diplomat, Military Leader, Dies at 84 General Colin Powell, the first Black US secretary of state and a former chairman of the military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff died Monday from complications of COVID-19. He was 84.

His family announced his death in a Facebook posting, saying, “We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American.”

The family said Powell was fully vaccinated against the virus. They thanked the medical staff at Walter Reed National Medical Center outside Washington “for their caring treatment” during his final days.

Powell had multiple myeloma, a white blood cell cancer that suppresses the body’s immune response. Even if fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, immunocompromised people are at greater risk.

Powell was the country’s top diplomat from 2001 to 2005 during the first term of Republican President George W. Bush’s administration.

UK Police Warn Lawmakers of More Lone Wolf Attacks Britain’s security and counter-terror agencies have warned cabinet ministers of a possible wave of future attacks by what they term “bedroom radicals,” lone wolf militants radicalized online during pandemic lockdowns. Investigators are trying to establish whether Ali fits that profile and whether his radicalization intensified during the lockdown.

The man held for the fatal stabbing last week of a British lawmaker had been referred to the British government’s anti-extremism program, called Prevent, because of his radical Islamist views, but the country’s security services, including MI5 - Britain’s domestic intelligence agency - had not deemed him a serious threat requiring monitoring, confirmed British officials.

Police have not released the suspect’s name, but local media have identified him as Ali Harbi Ali, a 25-year-old British national of Somali descent. Britain’s Sunday Times newspaper reported that the suspect’s father, Harbi Ali Kullane, a former adviser to Somalia’s prime minister, said the British counter-terrorism police had visited him at his home in north London.

The lawmaker was stabbed multiple times while meeting with constituents at a church hall an hour’s drive east of London.

China Seeks to Cement Ties in Europe Analysts believe that Chinese President Xi Jinping aims to bolster relations in Europe, a traditional stronghold of support for the United States, as a buffer against shaky Sino-US ties.

Xi spoke with German Chancellor Angela

Merkel last Wednesday and with European Council President Charles Michel on Friday.

The council is a policymaking body for the European Union, an economic bloc of 27 nations, including Europe’s largest countries.

China hopes to build trade and investment ties with individual European countries as it seeks partnerships that can counter a half-decade of acrimony with its superpower rival, the United States, said Stephen Nagy, senior associate professor of politics and international studies at International Christian University in Tokyo.

Western Europe has been staunchly US-leaning since World War II, though differences do surface -- for example, France’s anger over a US-UK-Australia military technology-sharing deal (AUKUS) of nuclear-powered submarines reached last month.

“We’re seeing the European Union and Germany converge with the U.S., and that convergence is something that China would like to stop, as soon as possible,” Nagy said.

Hezbollah Rattled by Beirut Port Blast Probe A judicial probe into the August 2020 Beirut port blast that killed more than 200 people has rattled Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah — the country’s power broker, and other political players. Observers say its followers brought weapons to a demonstration aimed at protesting the investigation and its lead judge last Thursday with the aim of intimidating others. The protest in the capital turned violent, leaving seven people dead, dozens injured and concerns about sectarian violence reminiscent of the 1975 to 1990 civil war.

Dania Koleilat Khatib, with the Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut, told VOA that Hezbollah supporters carried weapons to “deliberately try to intimidate and undermine” the investigation into the Beirut port blast, one of the biggest nonnuclear explosions in history, and its lead judge, Tarek Bitar.

Shiite Hezbollah is the only militia from the civil war that still holds on to its weapons.

Although Lebanon’s Christian president, Michel Aoun, is Hezbollah’s ally in government, he has publicly supported Judge Bitar and his investigation.

Tigray Accuses Ethiopia of Airstrikes Media controlled by rebellious northern Ethiopian forces said the government launched airstrikes on the capital of the Tigray region on Monday, though the government denied the reports.

Tigrai TV, controlled by the northern region’s Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), said the attack on the city of Mekelle killed several civilians. An aid worker and a doctor in the region also said there had been an attack on the city.

Ethiopia’s government spokesman, Legesse Tulu, denied launching any attack. “Why would the Ethiopian government attack its own city? Mekelle is an Ethiopian city,” he said. Reuters was unable to verify any of the accounts independently in an area that is off-limits to journalists.

Conflict erupted between forces loyal to the TPLF and the Ethiopian central government last November.

Tigrayan forces were initially beaten back but recaptured most of the region in July and pushed into the neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions, displacing hundreds of thousands more.

The TPLF, Tigray’s former ruling party, says the government began a new offensive this month, though the government has not confirmed that. Diplomats are worried that renewed fighting will further destabilize Ethiopia, a nation of 109 million people, and deepen hunger in Tigray and the surrounding regions.

Last Jew of Kabul Making His Way to Israel The man known as the last Jew of Kabul could soon be heading to Israel, after agreeing to grant his estranged wife a religious divorce in a Zoom call — a precondition for smooth entry to the Holy Land. Zebulon Simentov, who fled Afghanistan last month after the Taliban takeover, landed Sunday in Turkey on what his rescuers say is a final stop before travelling to Israel, perhaps as soon as this week.

It caps a weeks-long odyssey that included an escape from his homeland as well as a videoconference divorce procedure meant to ensure he will not run into trouble with Israeli authorities.

Under Jewish religious law, a husband must agree to grant his wife a divorce, something he had refused to do for many years. Facing the prospect of legal action in Israel, where his ex-wife lives, Simentov, after resisting for years, finally agreed to the divorce last month in a special Zoom call supervised by Australian rabbinical authorities. The Associated Press viewed part of the proceeding.

Russia Announces Closure of NATO Mission Russia is retaliating for the recent expulsion of its diplomats from its NATO mission in

Brussels, saying Monday it will suspend its mission to the alliance and ordered NATO’s office in Moscow shuddered.

Earlier in the month, NATO said eight Russians working at its mission in Brussels were intelligence officers and removed their accreditation.

NATO also cut the staff at its Moscow office from 20 to 10. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the allegations, saying, “NATO isn’t interested in any kind of equal dialogue or joint work.”

Lavrov said the Russian Embassy in Belgium would handle issues between Russia and NATO. NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said Russia has yet to give notice on its actions formally. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in Luxembourg that Moscow’s move “will further prolong the difficult situation we’re in, this frosty period that’s been going on for some time,” adding that “this will put a further serious strain on relations.”

He called the move “regrettable.”

Relations between NATO and Russia have been particularly strained since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.

US: We’re Watching China Closely over Hypersonic Missile Test The top US military official said Washington is paying close attention to China’s efforts to build up its own military arsenal, although he declined to comment on reports that Beijing took a major step forward two months ago by testing a hypersonic missile.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters during a visit to Tblisi, Georgia, Monday that China remains his “pacing challenge” and that its military advances are a topic of concern.

“We watch closely China’s development of armament and advanced capabilities and systems that will only increase tensions in the region,” he said, without offering additional details.

Saturday, the Financial Times reported that China had tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August, catching US military and intelligence officials by surprise.

But China on Monday denied it carried out a hypersonic missile test, saying it actually tested a reusable spacecraft.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the spacecraft technology could reduce costs and provide an affordable way for humans to use space peacefully.

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 07010510430

Building Viable Partnerships between the UK and Nasarawa Government Recently, the United Kingdom High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, was a guest of Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State. Igbawase Ukumba reports that the visit was geared towards fostering viable partnerships in the area of agriculture, mining and infrastructural development

Governor Sule (r) presenting souvenir to the UK's High Commissioner to Nigeria (l) during her visit

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erhaps, the good approach advanced by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Liaison Office Abuja, Hon Yusuf Jibrin Maianguwa, on the United Kingdom's High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, gave the diplomat reason to be guest to of Nasarawa governor on September 8, 2021.

This was confirmed by the High Commissioner herself during a courtesy call on Governor Sule in the Government House, Lafia during her two-day working visit to Nasarawa State: "I am opportuned to be here this as a result of an opportunistic meeting I had with the governor's Senior Special Assistant, Yusuf. He did a very good approach on why I should be a guest to His Excellency, the governor of Nasarawa State."

Although, she said her office had been planning for the Nasarawa visit for sometime, but COVID-19 scourge had made it difficult as her office had planned. Even as she also said she was really happy to be in Nasarawa on that day.

Laing was excited during her visit over the presentation made by the Director General of Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), describing it as really professional. But she thought that one of the big challenges with governance in Nigeria was difficulties in translating visions into practical results in the first four years term of elected leaders.

Laing said: "From the presentation, there is bus terminal where I can see for myself the determination to get that innovative project get running as soon as possible. I think that would be transformational for security reasons, decongestion reasons and basic transport services reasons along that road which on a good day, it can take you one hour. While on a bad day, it can take you more than two hours. But I am excited to see many more."

Consequently, Laing maintained that the government of the United Kingdom was ready to partner the Nasarawa State government in the area of agriculture, mining and infrastructural development of the state. She continued that transformation in agriculture was very important to the United Kingdom, as according to her, "we have very good expertise in that area to partner Nasarawa State.

"There is also a good potential for mining in Nasarawa State. Nasarawa has a very unique posture and comparative advantage especially with its proximity to Abuja. Getting in place the rightful enabling environment and how quickly Nasarawa jumped through

British High Commissioner to Nigeria (right) being dressed in Nigerian attire during her visit

the ranks to third position in investment flow in the country is quite amazing.

Therefore, we would look for areas to partner Nasarawa State."

However, further partnership with the government and people of the United Kingdom, particularly in the areas of agriculture, manufacturing, mining, agriculture and education were what Governor Sule had conversely sought for when he played host to the United Kingdom High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing.

While noting that Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole, will continue to benefit from the wealth of the British government and its people, particularly in the area of poverty reduction, healthcare, human capital development, among others, he therefore disclosed to the High Commissioner that his administration was executing a deliberate policy to stimulate the economy, develop the people, create wealth, jobs, as well as putting in place an industrialisation process.

Sule informed the UK Envoy that "My administration is committed to implementing practicable economic transformation strategy, as encapsulated in the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS). It has always been easy to formulate blueprints, but my administration has ensured the practicability of the NEDS, which has already begin to bear fruits, to the benefits of the people.

"My administration is ready to engage in partnerships in order to develop the state and to also engage the best private partnership that will deliver rapid industrialisation and growth."

To this end, the governor added that the state government instituted series of reforms, ranging from inaugurating the Nasarawa State Investment and Economic Advisory Council, enacting a law for Public Procurement; with the Nasarawa Bureau for Public Procurement,

supporting and creating an inclusive transparent and accountable procurement process.

"Others are, setting up the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA), as a one-stop shop for investment. As well as developing a Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework, through which Nasarawa secured infrastructural projects in the areas of mass housing, education, transport, health, mining and agriculture," Sule elaborated.

The governor welcomed the UK government's collaboration in the areas of agriculture, manufacturing, mining, infrastructure and especially education, emphasising that his administration has the vision and willingness to enter into partnerships with a view to developing the state. This was even as the governor added that all the laws necessary to facilitate such partnerships are already in place.

"We are willing, we are ready, we are going to partner with you, as we have always done. We strongly believe we have a lot to learn from you," the governor told the UK High Commissioner.

Within two years, the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS), has already begun to yield fruits, with the state ranked position 3rd as a top investment destination, having attracted investments worth over USD350 million, as well as recorded significant improvement in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) among other indices, as revealed by the Director General of the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), Barrister Ibrahim Abdullahi, during the two-day visit of Catriona Laing to the state.

"We have a game changer which is being accompanied by our reforms to crystallise these five game changers.

There are key reforms that this vision brought to the table.Key of which is the

Further partnership with the government and people of the United Kingdom, particularly in the areas of agriculture, manufacturing, mining, agriculture and education were what Governor Sule had conversely sought for when he played host to the United Kingdom High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing

reform of the state civil service, efficient tax and revenue administration, efficient land administration, robust economy and financial management. This is what we describe as New Nasarawa Approach, having government focus on creative and enabling environment for private sector to participate in the state.

"This is anchored on building residents and social protection, enabling the investment climate, promoting a knowledge based economy. This is seen in the various projects and policies His Excellency is promoting.

"Just to highlight also some impacts we have seen over the past two years of implementing the Nasarawa Economic and Development Strategy (NEDS), we have seen improved transparency in governance triggering more donor partnership and commitment.

"We have seen increase in investment flow; Nasarawa has been ranked as the 3rd investment destination in Nigeria. In the last quarter, we ranked thirdly having attracted over USD350 million worth of investment into the state in the mid term of the administration. And of course a significant improvement in our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)," the NASIDA DG explained further.

But most importantly, according to the DG, "the overall performance in the state index, for instance an economic analysis group ranks Nasarawa State on position 12th in 2020 in the standard of living, as oppose to previous ranking of position 24th in the country. In terms of the business environment, Nasarawa is ranked position 4th as oppose to previous ranking of position 24th in the country.

He continued: "In the economy, Nasarawa ranks 10th position in 2020 as oppose to previous ranking of 11th position. In health care, it is 21st position, as oppose to the previous ranking of 28th. In education, 21st position and the ranking was previously numbered 24th.

"And an overall performance of 18th position was recorded by the state, out of the 36 states of the federation of Nigeria. This was seen just in two years of implementing Nasarawa Economic and Development Strategy (NEDS)."

But because the Sule administration was anchoring its development on Private Partnership Participation and Inclusion, the NASIDA boss concluded that the government of Engr Abdullahi Sule has created and positioned the Nasarawa State Investment and Development Agency as a new investment frontier to put together innovation and other alternative financial mechanisms to finance the state's developmental aspirations.

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FEATURES

The Future of Artificial Intelligence and UBA's Success with LEO Around the world, the hype around Artificial Intelligence keeps accelerating as the end goal is to simplify conversations and processes. Having keyed into this trend three years ago, the United Bank for Africa recently crossed an unprecedented 3 million user mark, thus serving an ever-increasing clientele who now have less transaction hassles to worry about, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

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or the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, one factor has always been key- customer satisfaction. It was on its continuous quest not to drop the ball that the dream of tapping into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was born.

Through its AI Chat Bot, LEO, launched three years ago, they have simplified the banking process for its millions of customers across the globe, while strengthening conversations.

Three years down the line, the Chat Bot has proven to be the most formidable artificial intelligence chat bot till date; serving an ever-increasing clientele who now have less transaction hassles to worry about.

clientele who now have less transaction hassles to worry about.

Dominating Force in Cutting-edge Technology UBA offers banking services to more than 25 million customers, across over 1,000 business offices and customer touch points, in 20 African countries. With presence in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and France, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail; commercial and corporate banking; innovative cross-border payments and remittances; trade finance and ancillary banking services.

It was therefore not surprising that UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, affirmed that UBA customers indeed agree that LEO is one of the bank’s biggest investments in cutting-edge technology and has been steadily changing the face of banking in the continent.

Expatiating, Uzoka noted that “UBA’s vision has always been and will remain a dominating force in Africa’s digital banking space. Our resolve is to provide unparalleled experience across all channels.

"We are a technology-driven institution with vast knowledge in the business that we do and LEO, being a tested, dependable and intelligent personality, replicated on WhatsApp the success it recorded on the Facebook Messenger platform where it started its journey and later on the IOS (iPhone Operating System) platform.

"It is a solution that is from the customer’s standpoint, easy to use by anyone regardless of demography. LEO is always ready and waiting to help with any form of banking service.

“As an app that has been in existence for over nine years, reaching more than 1.5 billion people in over 180 countries, WhatsApp has become very essential in lifestyle and that is why UBA saw the need to include LEO’s services in that very important app and the premium private chat platform has assured that there will be no spam messages, as the development is to enable businesses serve their customers with useful information."

Artificial Intelligence What is Artificial Intelligence and how does it work one might ask? Essentially, AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. This is done by ingesting large amounts of labeled training data, analysing the data for correlations and patterns.

These patterns, either text or image recognitions, are then used to make predictions about future questions, thereby producing lifelike exchanges with people.

LEO Chat Bot With the tagline "I am LEO an artificial intelligence personality bringing banking through a simple conversation", the PanAfrican Bank's virtual banker has proven to be a chat buddy who is always available 24/7 and is an repository of knowledge, especially when it comes to helping with banking services.

The bot can amongst other things open an account, make transfers, buy airtime for yourself and others, check your account balance, send bank statements to embassies, freeze accounts, help with travel notifications, stop cheques, get your mini statement and make enquiries.

Summarily, the AI Chat Bot's goal is to make banking services less boring by making transactions simple, easy and fast just by having a conversation.

LEO, UBA's AI chatbot for banking services, which is currently available on Face-book Messenger, WhatsApp, Apple Device, would soon be launched on other social media platforms given the successes recorded already.

According to UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, LEO is already present in over 20 African countries and in three languages and has a number of rich and robust features bound to mesmerise existing and potential customers with services that are extremely fast and secure as all transactions and enquiries are encrypted, end-to-end, adding that LEO has the ability to do a wide range of things.

He further noted that the AI chatbot also boosts of remarkable innovative features that allows customers make banking services –Log & track complaints, ATM/Branch Locator, check weather, Customer Care complaint resolution, linking of new account, flight Payment, linking and funding of Prepaid Card, travel notification, Wakanow services and Dubai Visa service, call card top-up, checking of account balance, retrieval of bank statements, instant account openings for new customers, statement to embassy/other banks/microfinance, purchase of airtime/ data, paying of bills (LCC, PHCN, Cable TV), effectively helping with savings and spend limit.

Impact Birthed January 11, 2018, with a firm resolve to prioritise its customers as well as put the bank at the heart of disruptive technologies that will transform the experi-

Kennedy Uzoka

ence of esteemed customers, UBA did just that with a million users becoming hooked in less than three months of its LEO’s inception.

Three years after its launch, LEO, which is the first of a kind Artificial Intelligence, has made massive impact in digital banking across Nigeria and

20 African countries, where the bank is present. With its recent crossing of an unprecedented milestone grossing the 3 million user mark, reviews have adjudged LEO as the smartest Banking Chat Bot in Africa. But that is not even the catch, rather, the customer satisfaction derived by the bank's ever-increasing

Three years after its launch, LEO, which is the first of a kind Artificial Intelligence, has made massive impact in digital banking across Nigeria and 20 African countries, where the bank is present with its recent crossing of an unprecedented milestone grossing the 3 million user mark

Reviews The GMD pointed out that, customers who have engaged with LEO are more than delighted about their experience and credit it for automatically extracting account details without hassles, adding that “Testimonies abound about how it is generally easier to use LEO compared to its counterparts. For example, LEO automatically detects account numbers via a customer’s WhatsApp mobile number and goes ahead to seamlessly help customers check their account balance as well as top-up airtime”.

Reviews from customers note that LEO is more personable, more humane, and it feels like talking to an experienced customer service/Fulfilment representative. The Bot also allows customers to easily lodge and process complaints with adequate and timely feedback.

From the reviews, LEO's unique selling point is its speed and quick learning intelligence, which has continued to evolve with plenty to offer its teeming customers. This for the bank is such a huge deal as they have gained grounds where others are still trying to find their feet as regards AI. At the moment, given the massive success, the bank is bent consolidating it successes and accolades especially as they have garnered several awards overtime. In doing this, the chat bot continues to enjoy periodic and systematic upgrade with special emphasis on enhanced advancements and specialised unique features which have clearly earned the chatbot over 3 million users.

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LAWYER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

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FRANK OMUBO BRIGGS, CHAIRMAN, TCCP, 2021 NBA-AGC

‘Security Will be Top Priority at the 2021 NBA-AGC’

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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O BRIGGS, FRANK OMUB GC P, 2021 NBA-A CHAIRMAN, TCC

Ratification of Title: Who Can Apply for It Page IV

e b l l i W y t i r u c ‘Se t the a y t i r o i r P p To C’ G A A B N 1 2 20

Ogun Customary Court of Appeal Rewards Diligent, Hardworking Staff Page V

QUOTABLES ‘Those who advocate the breaking up of the country, are terribly wrong. Our size is crucial for geopolitical and economic relevance…..In the era of disruption and disruptive innovation, the principle that we are stronger together than in little parts, is a sound principle.’ - Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Professor of Law, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

‘Electronic transmission of results, is the only way to eliminate malpractice and manipulations associated with manual collation of results.’ - Abaribe, former Deputy Governor, Abia State (19992003), PDP Senator representing Abia-South Senatorial District; Senate Minority Leader, 9th National Assembly, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Chidinma and Two Others Arraigned over Alleged Murder of Ataga Page V

From the Wright Brothers to Ezeugwa Page VI

III THE ADVOCATE

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

Do Direct Primaries Make for Internal Democracy?

Applaud the Senate? What For? found it rather bizarre, and wondered what kind of Senate Nigeria has, when the media and members of the public were more or less praising and hailing them last week for succumbing to the will of the people, and amending Section 52(3) of the Electoral Act 2010 (EA)! Pray, tell, what is the function of the Senate, if not to reflect the will of the people in their lawmaking?! The resultant effect of their amendment, is to allow INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) to transmit election results (and total number of accredited voters - Section 63 of the EA) in a manner prescribed by INEC, which could be electronically or by any means determined by INEC, without the interference of the National Assembly (NASS) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Why should the Senate be applauded, for making an effort (for once) to do their job properly, after their initial slip up? As if they are doing Nigerians a favour! Part of what the Senate had passed into law previously as the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2020 (or is it 2021), was clearly, unconstitutional; and, I am glad that the type of public outcry and condemnation against the Senate’s shenanigans, yielded the desired results in this regard.

It seems that we have all forgotten, including the Senate themselves, that Nigerians were the ones who 'voted' them in, and it is for the purpose of making laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation. It is obvious that transmitting results electronically is for the good government of Nigeria, since it will reduce the incidence of rampant, incessant election fraud and malpractice (See Section 4(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (the Constitution)).

With the electronic transmission of accredited voters and results, INEC’s intention to retire the smart card reader (which has been used for two electoral cycles), and INEC’s new multifunctional and multidimensional ‘Z Pad’ device which can be used for different functions within the electoral process, we expect more seamless, credible elections going forward, and a reduced number of election petitions.

I

Disappointment I was however, disappointed that the Senate did not consider Section 31(1) of the EA which prohibits INEC from rejecting or disqualifying candidates for any reason whatsoever. I have shouted myself hoarse as far as this issue is concerned, maintaining that this provision should have come with a proviso allowing INEC to reject candidates who clearly do not meet laid down constitutionally provided thresholds for elective positions, for example, age requirements. An amendment in this regard would have complemented the other modifications, to make our electoral process more credible and less litigious, as well as unclogging the judicial system at the same time. The present situation that subsists, where 34 year old candidates have to be dragged to court for the court to declare that they are not qualified to run for Gubernatorial elections, when Section 177(b) of the Constitution unequivocally provides thus, makes no sense at all. See the ANDP Bayelsa Gubernatorial Election Case which went all the way to the Supreme Court - such a waste of time and energy. If anything, such matters are frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of court process.

Direct v Indirect Primaries Indirect The Senate also amended Section 87 of the EA, deleting the use of indirect primaries, and only providing for direct primaries to nominate candidates for elections. Some feel that that this move will improve internal democracy, within the political parties. I wonder! One thing I’m however, sure about, is that there is nothing particularly altruistic about the Senate making this new alteration - it is mostly self-serving. This time, it is Legislators against Governors (moneybags or whoever). The Legislators probably want to be able to return to their positions time and time again unhindered, without ‘wahala’, whether they perform creditably or not, without any Governor or whoever hijacking the delegates with money and determining the outcome of the primaries, replacing them with their own favourites.

Though proponents of direct primaries argue that it is a more democratic system, the truth of the matter is that both systems, that is, direct and indirect primaries, have their pros and cons; and in Nigeria, either one can be manipulated to achieve a desired outcome. APC obviously did not master the art of indirect primaries, and maybe that’s one of the reasons why their Legislators have moved to remove it from the EA completely. I recall how APC Rivers State particularly entertained Nigerians in 2018, even more than a captivating Nollywood drama, with the issue of their State Congress,

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive.com onikepob@yahoo.com Twitter: @TheAdvocate

The

Advocate “Though proponents of direct primaries argue that it is a more democratic system, the truth of the matter is that both systems, that is, direct and indirect primaries, have their pros and cons; and in Nigeria, either one can be manipulated to achieve a desired outcome” choosing delegates and indirect primaries.

Their Zamfara State counterparts, did more or less the same. At the end of the day, INEC didn’t recognise the APC primaries in both States, and they ended up with no candidates for the various 2019 elections.

The indirect system is one in which the political parties had their ways of picking the delegates, who would then vote for the those aspiring for the ticket of the political party for one elective position or the other. For instance, Article 20 of the APC Constitution provides for both direct and indirect primaries, and is rather flexible on how delegates should be chosen to vote for candidates at the primaries. If there is no consensus candidate, apart from the position of Councillor which must be secured by means of direct primaries (Article 20 (ii)(a) APC Constitution), all other positions could be secured by direct or indirect primaries.

The PDP Constitution in Chapter 8 provides for the nomination of candidates for election into public offices, and Section 50(1) gives PDP’s NEC the power to formulate guidelines for elections at all levels, subject to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the EA and the PDP Constitution. Like the APC, by virtue of Section 50(3) of the PDP Constitution, only the Congress for the elections of candidates for Councillor (and Ward Officers) was mandated to be by direct primaries.

It looks to me as if, for the less important elections, political parties were happy to use direct primaries and let the chips fall where they may, especially as the lower level primaries are not near as expensive to run as the higher level ones, and the stakes are not as high.

For the Houses of Assembly, NASS, Gubernatorial and Presidential primaries, the indirect elections (delegate system) were used; with the delegate system, it is obviously easier and cheaper to bribe less number of people;

that is, it may be easier to corrupt the process to achieve a desired end. And, this is what happened from one electoral cycle to the next - tales of delegates taking bribes from the various aspirants, and selling out to the highest bidder in exchange for their votes.

Direct With the introduction of the direct primaries for all elections of candidates into public offices, all eligible party members will be able to vote in the various primaries. It is obviously more expensive to have to bribe all eligible party members, in order to secure candidateship.

But, with political parties who are already fond of vote-buying in general elections, what would be the big deal in replicating the same style for direct primaries? Those antagonists of indirect primaries, maintain that it is an easier way to impose candidates by compromising delegates, thereby thwarting any idea of internal democracy; and that, furthermore, usually, at the point that the actual primaries take place, those who show up as delegates are not the ones elected or chosen to be so - that an ‘abracadabra’ would have occurred overnight, to replace the real delegates with fake ones who are there to do the bidding of those who have hijacked the primaries process. Again, I remember the APC primaries in Delta State during the last election cycle, where one of the aspirants complained on live television that he did not know where the venue for the primaries was, and accused his fellow party members of being evil!

But, direct primaries also come with its own drawbacks. For one, if the party membership registers are not cleaned up well in advance of the primaries, it is also easy to fiddle with them and bring in fake members for the purposes of the primaries,

to vote for favoured aspirants. In fact, there are even people who are members of more than one political party, and will partake in the primaries of more than one political party!

All is not lost for election riggers - direct primaries can be done through secret ballot or Option A4. The Option A4 is where voters are made to line up according to their candidates, and vote for them by being head counted openly. To all intents and purposes, the process looks transparent and ‘above board’. You will recall that in 2018, it was the Option A4 system that was used to oust Governor Ambode from the race against Governor Sanwo-Olu. This was done through intimidation of the delegates who voted in the primaries, by the APC Lagos State party leaders through their foot soldiers. Many videos made the rounds at the time, with voting members being commanded to vote for Governor Sanwo-Olu, as dissent would not be tolerated. Since the delegates lined up for either ‘Sanwo’ or ‘Ambo’, it would have been easy to identify those who disobeyed the directive from above to vote for Sanwo; most party members were not bold enough to defy their leaders.

Conclusion So, which system of primaries is the best? Direct or indirect primaries? Is the issue of primaries an intra-party matter which political parties should have been left to decide themselves? Last weekend, quite a few party Congresses took place in different parts of the country, and one thing seems certain to me - whatever system is adopted, be it direct or indirect, grabbing the party machinery at State level is crucial, as this also goes a long way to achieve desired outcomes. “Sorry, Legislators”, those in charge - the money bags - the Governors or whoever the political godfathers may be, still seem to be in charge of the party machinery which they can use to their advantage to get the outcomes they desire at the primaries. For quite a few who tried to seize party positions from the godfathers, we simply kept hearing ‘consensus’ candidates across the Congresses; and ‘Presto’! the consensus candidates were none other than those belonging to the camps of the ‘godfathers’ whose candidates the direct primaries system hopes to oust. I truly wonder, whether the insistence on direct primaries, will have much impact on fostering internal democracy or enabling a better electoral process. Nigerian politicians are adept at manipulating and corrupting most circumstances they find themselves in! What do you think, my dear Readers?

Dear Editor Re: 2023, Emergency Declaration and the Igbo Question Dear Editor, The Igbo Question is intertwined in the Nigerian muted quest for self-discovery.

From my sojourn in Lagos for 18 years before relocating to Abuja; it is clear that the melting pot that Lagos represents and its robust socioeconomic status dating back to the days of late Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, is a pointer to the perennial harm to the Nigerian Enterprise arising from the unaddressed Igbo Question.

Kudos as always, Editor.

S.A. SAN Dear Editor, It is obvious that the Igbos have been discriminated against, in this country. Apart from the South East zone having the least number of States as you pointed out in your write up, there are numerous other examples of prejudice against the Igbos.

One of the many instances which you failed to mention, is how the Buhari administration has excluded Igbos from key positions in Government, ranging from the Police and Armed Forces, to other security agencies and so on. It is almost as if Igbos cannot aspire beyond a certain level, in Nigeria. Yet, Government wonders why we want to secede, when we are treated so badly in our own country!

As for selfish collaborators like a couple of South East Governors who couldn’t care less about the Igbo people, but are only interested in furthering their own personal agendas for their own personal benefit, may God judge them.

Senate President, Ahmed Lawan

The only thing I don’t agree with, is the violence being perpetrated against the Igbo people possibly by the Igbos themselves, and the destruction of valuable assets in the South East, it is counterproductive .

IV LAW REPORT

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

Ratification of Title: Who Can Apply for It

Facts The Appellant, a Christian religious organisation (having several branches including the Mushin Branch), was duly registered in 1963. In 1976, one Pastor Igbeare (a promoter and in the employment of the Appellant as resident Pastor in charge of the Mushin Branch), purportedly purchased a parcel of land at 23/25 Fayemi Street, Ejigbo Town near Mushin from the Agbeke family and held on to the purchase receipt. Subsequently, the said Pastor led a group that broke away (formed a rival church) from the Appellant, and was registered in 1996 as The Registered Trustees of Grace Church of Christ (the Respondent). Upon its incorporation, the Respondent applied to Lagos State in its own name to ratify the 1976 transaction between the Appellant and the Agbeke family, using the purchase receipt he held on to. This application for ratification was due to the fact that the Lagos State Government had allegedly acquired the area of the disputed land for public purpose, divesting the Agbeke family of its title and interest vide a Lagos State Government Official Gazette No. 60 of 7th December, 1972.

Consequently, the Respondent was issued with a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) on 24th August, 1997, after payment of the necessary fees.

The Appellant, however, instead of taking steps to object to the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy in favour of the Respondent, it went ahead to issue a Notice of Revival Service scheduled to take place on the disputed land. The Respondent contended that each Branch of the church generated its own funds, and as such, all Branches were not subordinate to the Headquarters. It contended further that it had deposited building materials on the subject property, preparatory to the construction of a permanent site for its church, but the materials went missing. Despite warning letters written by the Respondent to the Appellant, there was no progress in this regard.

Consequent upon the foregoing, the Respondent instituted an action against the Appellant before the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja, seeking various declaratory reliefs, inter alia, that the Respondent is the body entitled to the Right of Occupancy over the subject property. The Appellant, however, counter- claimed against the Appellant, that it was the only person legally entitled to the Certificate of Occupancy in respect of the subject-matter, as all the Branches of the Appellant, including the Mushin Branch, were under the control and authority of the parent body. The Branch Pastors, including the said Pastor Igbeare, were trained by the Church and their salaries were paid by the parent body; hence, the funds with which the property was purchased belonged to the parent body, and the property was purchased in its name while the purchase receipt was kept in the custody of the said Pastor Igbeare, as the Vice President.

The trial court, in a considered judgement, dismissed the Respondent’s claim, declaring its Certificate of Occupancy null and void and of no effect. The trial court also granted the Appellant’s Counter-claim in its entirety. Aggrieved by the decision of the trial court, the Respondent successfully appealed the decision of the trial court. Dissatisfied, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination The following issues were considered by the Supreme Court: 1. Whether from the totality of the evidence before the Court, the Court of Appeal was right in setting aside the judgement of the trial court.

2. Whether the Court of Appeal was right in granting all the reliefs of the Respondent; particularly its claims for special and general damages which were not proved by credible evidence.

3. Whether the Court of Appeal set up a case, different from the one presented in the pleadings and evidence of the parties.

4. Whether the Court of Appeal’s reference to a Cross-appeal in the judgement, occasioned a miscarriage of justice to the Appellant.

the court had on its decision.

Honourable Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 7th day of May, 2021 Before Their Lordships

Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun John Inyang Okoro Ejembi Eko Ibrahim Muhammad Musa Saulawa Adamu Jauro Justices, Supreme Court SC.270/2011 Between The Registered Trustees of Apostolic Church of Christ

Appellant

And The Registered Trustees of Grace Church of Christ

Respondent

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo KekereEkun, JSC)

Arguments On the first issue, counsel for the Appellant argued that in civil cases, the burden of proof has two meanings: the burden of proof as a matter of law and pleadings which is always stable, and the burden of proof in relation to additional credible evidence or the evidential burden which shifts depending on the scale where it tilts. He submitted that the Appellant was the owner of the receipt used for ratification of the subjectmatter, before the issuance of Exhibit P2. He also submitted that the Respondent was not even in existence when the Appellant’s receipt was used, and as such, was legally unable to own the subject-matter. He further submitted that from the witness testimony, the promoter of the Respondent was in fact an employee of the Appellant (when he purchased the land) up until 1995, and the land was purchased for and on behalf of the Appellant. In reaction, counsel for the Respondent argued that the issue before the Court of Appeal was that the sale by the Agbeke family in 1976 was null and void ab inito, as the Agbeke family had been divested of their title by the 1972 Public Acquisition, which inured to the Lagos State Government by virtue of Section 1 of the Land

“…… having discovered that there was a defect in the title obtained from the Agbeke family, the Appellant was the proper party entitled to apply to the Lagos State Government for ratification of same, and for the grant of a Statutory Right of Occupation in respect thereof”

Use Act 1978. He submitted further that the Court of Appeal rightly held that where an acquisition occurs for public purposes, all prior interest therein stands extinguished, as seen in this case. He also contended that the Respondent was in lawful possession, due to the title granted to it by the Lagos State Government. Relying on the Lands Use Act. On the second issue, it was argued on behalf of the Appellant that the Respondent did not place any material evidence before the court, to show/support the fact that the Appellant allegedly carted away their building materials and destroyed their fence. Conversely, the Respondent merely pleaded and testified that the building materials which were bought, got lost without more.

On the third issue, counsel for the Appellant argued that the Respondent did not plead or rely on the fact that Exhibit P2 was granted to it on the ground of overriding public interest for a place of worship, and as such, the Court of Appeal was expected to confine itself to the issues raised before it by the parties. In reaction, counsel for the Respondent argued that in paragraph 19 of its 2nd Amended Statement of Claim, it was stated that the land was required for a place of worship, which was supported by the oral evidence of PW1.

On the fourth issue, it was argued on behalf of the Appellant that by virtue of the Court of Appeal’s reference/reliance to a non-existent “Cross-appeal” in the concluding part of its judgement, the Court of Appeal relied on an issue not connected with the real question placed before it for adjudication, which has resulted in the miscarriage of justice to the Appellant.

Conversely, counsel for the Respondent argued that it is not every error or mistake made by the court that will lead to the decision being overturned, and that the Appellant failed to show the effect the error or mistake made by

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Determining the first issue, the court stated that in an action for declaration of title, the onus is on the Claimant to establish his title upon a preponderance of evidence or on the balance of probability, and must succeed on the strength of his own case and not on the weakness of the defence, if any, except where the Defendant’s case supports his case - IDUNDUN v OKUMAGBA (1976) 9-10 SC 22.

Further, ratification is to put parties in the same position as they would have been, had the act ratified been previously authorised - VULCAN GASES LTD v GESSELSCHAFT FUR IND. GASVERWERTUNG, A.G. (2001) 9 NWLR (Pt. 719) 610. The act sought to be ratified by the Respondent in this case was the invalid sale by the Agbeke family; it was not an open application for allocation of parcel of land. The document presented by the Respondent for ratification, was the purchase receipt from the Agbeke family issued in the Appellant’s name in 1976. Where there are competing titles, which trace their root to the same source, the one who can show a better title prevails.

It is also the law that Certificate of Occupancy is only a prima facie, not a conclusive evidence of ownership of the land to which it relates. Flowing from the above, the court held that having discovered that there was a defect in the title obtained from the Agbeke family, the Appellant was the proper party entitled to apply to the Lagos State Government for ratification of same, and for the grant of a Statutory Right of Occupation in respect thereof. On the principle of Nemo dat quod non habet, the Respondent who was not in existence at the material time of the transaction (in 1976), could not have been held to acquire the title in 1976, which was ratified in 1997. At the time of the transaction with the Agbeke family, the Respondent was not in existence, and the promoter of the Respondent was still receiving instructions from Appellant in his capacity as the Pastor of the Mushin Branch.

As a Branch of the Appellant who relied on it for spiritual and contractual guidance as at 1976, the Respondent’s promoter, Pastor Igbeara was merely an agent of the Appellant as his principal/employer at the time. What the Lagos State Government ratified in 1997 was for the holder of the title as at 1976, which was the Appellant.

Deciding the second issue, the court held that the law is that special damages must be strictly proved by the person who claims to be entitled to them, the nature of the proof required depends on the facts and circumstance of the case, but the evidence must however, be credible - OSHINJIRIN v ELIAS (1970) 1 All NLR 151 at 156. Guided by the authority above, the Supreme Court held that the Respondent did not establish the causal link between the Appellant and the loss sustained, neither was it stated in the pleading that the building materials were removed by the Appellant or its servant/agents.

On the third issue, the court noted that though the Court of Appeal wrongly held that the C of O was granted for overriding public purpose/a place of worship as Exhibit P2 clearly stated that the C of O was granted for residential purposes, nonetheless, the Court of Appeal did not make out a case for the parties by raising the purpose for which the C of O was granted. More so, the Appellant did not show how such pronouncement by the lower court occasioned a miscarriage of justice to it.

Deciding the fourth issue, the court noted that the reference by the Court of Appeal to a “Cross-appeal” was a mere slip, as there was no attempt by the Court of Appeal to determine the said “Cross-appeal”. Their Lordships held that for a miscarriage of justice to occur, the error must be fundamental and must have a crucial effect on the decision. The Appellant in this instance, has not satisfied the above requirement which entails, the Appellant showing the damage suffered as a result of the error of the court.

Appeal Allowed.

Representation A.M. Makinde, SAN with A.G Makinde, Esq. for the Appellant.

M.P. Anaukyaa, Esq. with Uju Terseer, Esq. for the Respondent.

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

V NEWS

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

L-R: Justice Abiodun Akinyemi, President, Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Mobolaji Ojo, Justice Ayokunle Rotimi-Balogun and Justice Olugbenga Ogunfowora, at the Maiden Edition and Merit Award Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agu, celebrating his release from Conferment on Exemplary Staff of Customary Courts in Ogun, held at DSS with his Lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State

Chindima Ojukwu

Ogun Customary Court of Appeal Rewards Diligent, Hardworking Staff Adémólá Òrúnbon The Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal (CCA) has rewarded its outstanding staff for their optimism, diligence, vibrance and hardwork.

Speaking during the maiden edition and merit award conferment on exemplary leadership and staff of Customary Courts, at Isabo, Abeokuta, the President CCA, Justice Mobolaji Ojo, said, it is profitable to be optimistic and be willing to take more responsibilities in the course of an individual’s job, noting that, “it is expected of every member of staff to be upright and steadfast in the discharge of their duties”.

"Indeed, the award you are receiving today is the dividend of your hard work and diligence, in the last year. So, you need to keep it up and do more in future. For others, I want to urge you to improve in your performance and be more productive. Rest

assured that you shall be recognised and rewarded, in due course", he said.

The President CCA said that there were 46 Customary Courts spread all over the State, which were classified into Grade I and II, saying Grade I is presided over by legal practitioners, while Grade II is presided over by non-legal practitioners, but eminently qualified and experienced men and women.

He then reiterated the State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu's seven-point agenda, especially in the zero tolerance for corruption and all manners of official misconduct, saying such acts could be certainly met with appropriate sanctions.

In her welcome address, the Chairman Merit Award Committee, Justice Adebisi Femi-Segun, admonished the awardees to see it as a privilege and not a right, enjoining them to take their jobs seriously, “as nobody has a monopoly of being rewarded”.

George Etomi Courtroom Mail Business Law Quiz for Young Lawyers Commences Okehie Tochi Participation has opened for the 3rd George Etomi Courtroom Mail Business Law Quiz, for young Lawyers.

The competition is open to young Lawyers who are seven years and below post-call (Lawyers called to the Bar in and after 2015).

The Quiz as usual with Courtroom Mail competitions, will be in four stages.

Stage one is regarded as the Registration Quiz. Any participant who answers the first question, is deemed to have duly registered for the quiz. Only those who answered the first question, are eligible to proceed in the competition.

The second question will be posted at 8am on the 23rd of October. Every participant who answered the first/ registration question, will be qualified to compete in

the second Quiz.

Only half of those who answer the second question correctly shall proceed to the 3rd stage, which will hold at 8am on the 30th of October.

Only half of those who answered the 3rd question correctly, shall proceed to the finals on the 6th of November at 8am.

Whoever becomes the first to answer the final question correctly wins the competition, and carts away Business Law books worth a hundred thousand Naira from George Etomi.

You must participate in all levels of the competition to the finals, to be eligible to win.

The George Etomi Courtroom Mail Business Law Prize, is sponsored by Mr George Etomi, a top Business Lawyer who served as the first Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Business Law.

Justice Femi-Segun said they deserved to be recognised and celebrated for a job well done, stating that the gesture would ginger

other members of CCA to be efficient in their various official engagements.

Responding, the awardees, Mrs Adefolake Abim-

bola and Mr Soji Adebisi respectively, who bagged the Most Outstanding Customary Court Panel and Best Dressed Officer

of the year, expressed their joy for the awards, saying, “it would spur us to do more, as the reward for hard work is more work”.

Chidinma and Two Others Arraigned over Alleged Murder of Ataga Peter Taiwo A Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, arraigned one Chidinma Ojukwu a 300-level Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos and Adedapo Quadri, in an allegation of the killing one Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, Micheal Usifo Ataga The two Defendants are facing an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, stabbing, forgery, making of bank statements and stealing, preferred against them by the Lagos State Govern-

ment.

The first Defendant’s sister, Chioma Egbuchu, is facing the ninth count charge of stealing an iPhone 7 belonging to the deceased.

The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution DPP, Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi, told the honourable court that the Defendants conspired amongst themselves, and allegedly murdered the deceased on June 15, 2021 at 19, Adewale Oshin Street, in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

The Prosecutor went further to state that Ojukwu and the second

Defendant, allegedly killed the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, Usifo Ataga, by stabbing him severally with a knife on his neck and chest.

According to one of the charges, Chidinma was accused of stealing two iPhones, an iPhone 7 and an iPhone 11, one Apple MacBook Laptop and ATM cards of Access and GT Bank belonging to the late Usifo Ataga, from which the sum of N380,000 was subsequently withdrawn.

According to the DPP, these offences are punishable under Sections 411, 233, 365 (2) b, 280, 329,

of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.

The three Defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge against them.

Mr O. Egwu is counsel for the first Defendant, while Mr Babatunde Busari, announced his appearance for the second Defendant and the Director Office of the Public Defender, Dr Babajide Martins, appeared for the third Defendant.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya remanded the first and second Defendants in prison custody, and allowed the third Defendant to continue on the bail granted her at the Magistrate court.

Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agu, is Released from DSS Custody Okehie Tochi Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agu, who has been in Army and Department of State Services (DSS) detention for nearly one week, for allegedly wearing the Biafran clothes and inciting members of the public, has been released by the DSS. He was first arrested at Upper-Iweka, Onitsha, Anambra State, for adorning

an outfit which the Army personnel said reflected the colours of the Biafran flag.

Mr Agu had argued then that he had committed no known offence, as he was merely wearing an attire with the rising sun and distributing N10,000 worth of bread he had bought, to the poor and hungry.

Agu was later handed over to the DSS by the Army, which immediately

whisked him off to Abuja.

He was released on the 12th of October after the intervention of Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN’s Chambers, which had been briefed by the Nigerian Guild of Actors to take up Agu’s defence pro bono.

Chief Ozekhome had been briefed by Chief Emeka Rollas, Steve Eboh, and Waski, on behalf of Nigerian Guild of Actors, to step into the

matter, and effect Agu’s release. Several interactions were held by the Chambers with the DSS operatives, who were however, very civil and cooperative.

Ecstatic Chiwetalu Agu in company of Steve Eboh, later paid a courtesy call on Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN and his team of Lawyers at his Abuja Chambers, to express their gratitude for Agu’s release.

“Judiciary Not Living up to Expectations”, Wike Okehie Tochi Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, has insisted that the judiciary is not living up to its expectation in the country.

Wike said: “It is unfortunate that the Judiciary is not living up to expectation. I should not be one of those who should be criticising it. But, I am saying what is the reality.

“Any Judge that does not have the mind and courage, should not be a Judge. So,

National Judicial Council (NJC) should look at people, look at the Judges, can they be courageous to do what is right?”

Wike spoke at the swearing in of Justice Ihenacho Wilfred Obuzor as the Acting President of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal, at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.

He said the State Government would not allow any courageous and bold Judge in the State to be

blackmailed.

“People must do things according to law. But, if you go outside the law and you’re punished, count me out. But, if you’re within the law and anybody thinks that because he has people to punish you, he can, Rivers State Government will not agree to it”, he said.

Governor Wike also said that all capital entitlements captured in the 2021 budget of the State that was due to the Judiciary, had been released to it.

He advised against division among judicial officers, because it would weaken the strength of the Judiciary Wike expressed shock at the death of the former President of Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal, late Justice Christiana Gabriel-Nwankwo. The Governor described Justice Gabriel-Nwankwo as one of the State’s distinguished jurists, who used their knowledge and skills to advance justice delivery.

VI BOOK REVIEW

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

From the Wright Brothers to Ezeugwa Book Review Title:

Aviation LAW and PRACTICE in Nigeria

Author:

Ugo Ezeugwa

Publisher:

Princeton & Associates

Hardcover:

ISBN 978-978-58907-8-5

Number of Pages: Year of Publication:

: 1020 2021

Book Reviewer: Abubakar D. Sani Introduction

H

as flying come full circle? I believe the answer is ‘yes’, at least, in Nigeria. The proof is Ugo Ezeugwa’s excellent book – Aviation Law and Practice in Nigeria, which was launched recently at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos. In case you wonder whether this view is not mere hype, just take a quick look at its contents. “Oh my!” You will surely exclaim, I bet - in admiration; I guarantee you that. Such is the breadth of the effort and industry which the author has invested in it.

In its 22-odd chapters - split into three broad parts - the book delves effortlessly and expertly into a field marked by its obscurity.

Yes, Aviation law is little-known, even by Lawyers (including its practice); and yet, its mastery is a seed that must be sown, as it could mean the difference between averting loss and making amends in the event of a mishap - God forbid.

So, with the knowledge that ignorance is bliss, we must embrace Ugo’s tome and savour it voraciously; make it a prized asset in our library and adopt its message very much as our own, not merely in our professional calling but, for ourselves and our families, friends, relatives and associates because, given its subject, we are all the same!

Suffice it to say that the value of air travel and transport is self-evident beyond conjecture, especially in these parts where incidents of near-misses and actual accidents in the aviation industry (both civilian and military) have caused much loss and suffering by every measure imaginable: human, material and financial.

Hence, in proffering industry guide-books, the more ought to be the merrier. However, I assure you that, in the case of Ugo’s book, you need look no further! Believe me, it’s that good. As I said earlier, leaf through it or, better still, let’s do it together.

Content of the Book: The Chapters Starting with Chapter One, the Introduction, which provides the historical backdrop and foundation of the meaning of aviation and its origin, including its legal framework and its sources.

Chapter Two examines the evolution of air carriers’ liability regulations from the earliest - the Warsaw Convention - to extant Agreements and Protocols The third Chapter is local. It unravels air carrier law in Nigeria, spanning (once again) the Warsaw Convention and its successor, and their domestication, the latter of

which is the entire subject of Chapter Four, starting with the exclusivity of its regime, its scope, qualifying subjects and application.

Chapter Five of the book deals with the documentation required to be observed by consignors of air cargo and others, too. As for Chapter Six, its subject-matter - death or injury to air passengers - is probably of compelling interest to everyone, whether actual/ intending passengers or not, we all want to know our rights in the event of an air-crash. All is revealed in this chapter. In both scenarios - international and domestic carriage - everything is covered in admirable detail and every possible nuance.

By contrast, Chapter Seven deals with air cargo/baggage and its entire legal regime in the event of destruction, loss or damage, including compensation and limits of liability.

Chapter Eight is a continuation of sorts, of Chapter Seven. But, it deals with delay in the delivery of passengers’ cargo or baggage, and its legal consequences in contract and tort, which Chapter Nine is devoted to discussing, including their application in aviation - the entire gamut (from concepts to remedies).

Still on contracts, this time, more specifically, Chapter Ten is devoted to common aviation contracts, of which Ugo identifies at least seven - between carrier and passenger, as well as others; all the way from fleet maintenance, finance and leasing, ground handling/warehousing, to fuel/catering supply, consignors and freight forwarders.

Chapter 11, which deals with maintaining the trend, isolates for more detailed treatment, one of the sub-items of Chapter Ten, namely, aircraft finance and leasing.

Everything concerning their documentation and collaterisation is discussed, including insolvency, bankruptcy, insurance recovery and issues of tax.

The Twelfth Chapter focuses on liability.

That is, of operators in the civil aviation industry. It discusses the role of local regulators, such as NCAA, NAMA & FAAN vis-à-vis operators - specifically, their rights and duties, including those of aircraft parts makers and vendors; aircraft maintenance services/surface vehicle operators, ground handling, airport security, etc.

Chapter 13 is a natural progression from Chapter 12, as both are a study in contrasts. This is because, unlike the former, the latter deals with liability for torts, essentially collateral damage inflicted by aircraft on persons or property

owned by third parties in their flight-path (in-air or on the surface).

The next Chapter, which is about aviation insurance, is as comprehensive as can be, just as well - it must be said, also explains protection against loss or damage occasioned by or arising from all but, military flights. Yes, insurance is a legal obligation in an industry whose risks are sky-high.

Chapter 15 deals with negotiations, which usually attend claims in air accidents. It includes tips for parties particularly on settlements - which the author recommends as a preferred option.

Chapter 16 is similar to its predecessor.

It deals with claims by cabin crew and pilots, in air accident cases. Their options are reviewed – including remedies.

The next chapter arguably holds the most interest for the public. It is aptly designated: “Consumer Protection for Air Passengers”, and it takes everything in its sweep: contingencies, legal/regulatory frameworks; applicable measures, redress mechanisms; carrier and passenger obligations - the lot in terms of regimentation.

Chapter 18 is most apposite as its subject – “Regulation of Civil Aviation” - should be music to the ears of the public. It contains anything and everything that the law deems necessary to assure passengers that it cares, either on ground or while in the air; all designed to ensure that the incidence of the subject-matter of Chapter 19 – “Air Accidents” - is practically infinitesimal.

And, when they do occur, are properly addressed.

This leads neatly to Chapter 20, whose subject - “Aviation Crimes” - are sometimes responsible for air accidents.

They include damaging an aircraft while in flight, passengers' unruly/indecent

behaviour, damaging airport facilities, hijacking/terrorism, etc and their counter-measures.

The penultimate chapter, that is, Chapter 21 couldn’t be more topical. It deals with Covid-19 and its legal dimensions, vis-à-vis the aviation industry, the impact of which (despite its supposed panacea - vaccines) has been nothing short of catastrophic. It has caused massive unemployment, disrupted well- laid plans and agreements and forced everyone to go back to the drawing- board to come up with fresh ideas - to think out of the box.

The book concludes with the Lawyer’s peculiar field - Litigation! Aviation- related, of course. Here, the author is very much in his element, as his treatment of the subject is second to none. From his expert analysis and prescriptions, he leaves no one in doubt that he knows his onions - obviously, the result of hands-on experience acquired over the years.

Kudos to Ugo So, kudos to Ugo, for boldly treading where few have ventured. Yes, because it is technically-challenging. His style of presentation flows so smoothly and sequentially, that it mimics the ideal take-off and landing, which all air passengers and crew dream of! This shows that he has mastered the field, on which he writes so eloquently, in more ways than one. The book is certainly value assured!

By the way, just in case you are puzzled by the title of this piece, the Wright Brothers were aviation pioneers, whose self-built aircraft (the Wright Flyer), is widely-credited with having made the first sustained flight by a heavier- than-air plane more than a century ago - in 1903, to be precise. The origin, then, if you must know, of Ugo’s brilliant treatise!

Abubakar D. Sani

VII

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

CASE REVIEW Introduction

A

Bench of three honourable Justices of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, Coram: Obande Festus Ogbuinya, Fatima Omoro Akinbami and Frederick Oziakpono Oho, JJ.CA., recently, in Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC v Longterm Capital Ltd. & 2 Ors (CA-L-1093-2017 of 20th September 2021, unreported), held that Section 84(4) of the Evidence Act 2011 is amenable to the flexibility of the principle of exceptions, as against the ostensible rigidity of the language of the sub-section. This decision will surely go down, as a significant contribution to the advancement of the knowledge of the law of electronic evidence in Nigeria. It is also a landmark judgement that is set to expand the scope of judicial inquiries under Section 84 of the Evidence Act. While the opinion of the Supreme Court will be awaited for final clarification of the position of the law on the novel point, the Court of Appeal deserves to be commended for its proactive approach and scholarship, in blazing the trail on an aspect of our law that the court itself acknowledged in its judgement as very knotty.

Scope of Judicial Inquiries Generally, the scope of judicial inquiries under Section 84 of the Evidence Act 2011, has been a vexed question with no absolute clarity. The earliest notable decision of the Supreme Court on that section of the law is Kubor v Dickson (2012), which charts the progressive course for admissibility of electronic evidence under the Evidence Act 2011. The Supreme Court made a pronouncement that paved the way for a better understanding of Section 84, mandating that, evidence concerning the use of a computer must be called, to establish the conditions set out under Section 84(2). This pronouncement of the Summit Court continues to resonate throughout all courts in Nigeria, as it has provided a standard by which reference is often made to emphasise the need for a party to lay the proper foundation in fulfilling the conditions stipulated under Section 84 of the Evidence Act, which the Apex Court eminently described as “pre-conditions laid down by law.”

(Ononghen, JSC, as he then was). Kubor v Dickson (2012) also stresses that where the pre-conditions are not fulfilled, a computer-generated document is inadmissible.

Additionally, where a statement contained in a document produced by a computer is sought to be given in evidence “by virtue” of Section 84, 84(4) requires a certificate to be produced. The law demands that the certificate, inter alia, identifies the electronic document containing the statement, and describes how it is produced, and gives the particulars of the device involved in the production of the document, to show that the document was produced by a computer, and purporting to be signed either by a person occupying a responsible official position with the operation of the relevant device, or the management of the relevant activities, whichever is appropriate. The idea behind the requirement for the production of a certificate, is not far-fetched. It is to ensure the integrity of the source and authenticity of the document, so that the court can rely on it (per Kekere-Ekun, JSC, in Dickson v Sylva, 2016). This is important, given the fact that electronic documents are vulnerable to manipulations or prone to tampering and alterations.

Content of Section 84 of the Evidence Act Section 84 of the Evidence Act, 2011, is audacious in content and daring in language. It consists of five sub-sections, with the word “shall” appearing six times therein, thereby emphasising (so it appears), the fact that it is mandatory to comply with the letters of each segment of the section. The language of the sub-section of the law is so strong, that gives the impression that no room is permitted for any discretion or exception. In a way, the sub-section overlooks the practical impossibility of its application in some instances. This was one of the salient issues that confronted the Court of Appeal in Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC v Longterm Capital Ltd. & 2 Ors (2021) and ably tackled in the lead judgement of the erudite jurist, Ogbuinya, JCA, leaving behind footprints of dynamism and progressivism in the construction of the provision of the subsection.

The Stanbic and Indian Cases The facts of Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC v Longterm Capital Ltd. & 2 Ors (2021) can be summarised as follows: The first Respondent, a capital market financial institution, had a banker-customer relationship with the third Respondent, a banking institution.

Court of Appeal President, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem

Case Review

STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC v LONGTERM CAPITAL LTD & 2 ORS Exceptions to Section 84(4) of the Evidence Act 2011 This Case Review by Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye discusses Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc v Longterm Capital & 2 Ors vis-à-vis the provisions of the Evidence Act 2011, and concludes that in cases where it becomes difficult or impossible for a party to produce a certificate, the interest of justice would require that the provisions Section 84(4) not be elevated to such a level that vital evidence would be shut out, resulting in manifest injustice, and this should be accepted as an exception to Section 84(4) The first Respondent applied to the third Respondent for a term loan of N250 Million to enable it to purchase a prime property at Lekki Phase I, Lagos. The third Respondent, in strict compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria directive, conducted credit status checks, with the relevant bureaus, on the creditworthiness of the first Respondent. The third Respondent wrote to the first Respondent informing it of its inability to grant the term loan, due to the unfavourable credit report made against it by the second Respondent, a credit information bureau, which was electronically published in its data bank to the whole world including the third Respondent. The third Respondent further informed the first Respondent that the Appellant had reported to the second Respondent, that the first Respondent had an unsecured overdraft facility that was classified as “lost” as of 31st October, 2012. The first Respondent viewed the Credit Status Report, admitted at the trial as Exhibit L2, as false and malicious. It alleged that it constituted malicious falsehood that tarnished its reputation, injured its business, and caused it pecuniary losses.

Sequel to this, the first Respondent filed a writ of summons against the Appellant and the second Respondent, jointly and severally, claiming damages of N50 Billion, amongst other reliefs.

“A proponent must be familiar with the workings of a device, to make an assertion that authenticates it. It cannot be the law, that even where a certificate is impossible to get, the absence of such certificate should result in the denial of critical evidence as Exhibit L2, which would determine the case one way or another”

One of the contentious points in the case concerned the admissibility of Exhibit L2, the Credit Status Report. The issue, as formulated before the Court of Appeal, was whether or not the lower court was right in failing to expunge Exhibit L2 from its record, when in fact it was admitted in contravention of Section 84 of the Evidence Act. It was argued for the Appellant that Exhibit L2 was a computer-generated document that did not comply with Section 84(2) and (4), which made it inadmissible. On behalf of the first Respondent, it was submitted, that Exhibit L2 was admissible under certain conditions, and it was used by the Appellant so that it cannot complain about its admissibility. It was also argued that the first Respondent did not plead that it generated or printed Exhibit L2, and had no onus to produce a certificate.

The fine point of law as to the existence of a scenario where it becomes impossible for a proponent of electr onically-generated evidence to secure a certificate of authentication, until now, remains uncharted and uninterrogated at the appellate courts’ level. It’s no wonder then, that the Court of Appeal found that none of the contending parties furnished the court with any authority on that point (P. 66). The Court of Appeal did not hide the fact that its decision in approving the admission of Exhibit L2 was largely influenced by the decision of the Supreme Court of India in Shathi Mohammed v The State of Himachal Pradesh (2018) and the humble opinion of this writer in his book, Electronic Evidence (2019).

In the Indian case, the Supreme Court of India clarified the legal position on the subject of admissibility of electronic evidence by a party who is not in possession of the device from which the document is produced, holding that such a party cannot be required to produce certificate under Section 65 B(4) of the Evidence Act. The Opinion in this Writer’s Book, “Electronic Evidence” In Electronic Evidence (Omolaye-Ajileye, 2019, revised edition), the position is taken that

“the law should not be too strict on a party whose computer did not produce the electronic document, and it becomes impossible for him to produce same.

This should be treated as an exception to Section 84(4), in the interest of justice” (P. 262).

In the case under review, the maxim, non cogit ad impossibilia (the law does not compel impossibilities) was applied by the penultimate court. The court found that “…the first Respondent was not particeps in the chain of production that midwifed the CSR - Exhibit L2 … Neither the first Respondent nor its computer, was involved in its production.

Therefore, the first Respondent, was/is not in control of the computer which gave birth to it, to equip it with the knowledge that will enable it authenticate its continuous workability. Nor can it properly issue a certificate, disclosing the process of its production.

To laden this burden on it, will be tantamount to foreclosing or shutting the document out of the temple of justice” (Per Ogbuinya, JCA).

Conclusion It can be said, on the whole, that the decision of the Court of Appeal has laid down good law, and correctly too. This is particularly so, when it is realised that the certificate is to be issued, based on the best knowledge and belief of the proponent. A proponent must be familiar with the workings of a device, to make an assertion that authenticates it. It cannot be the law, that even where a certificate is impossible to get, the absence of such certificate should result in the denial of critical evidence as Exhibit L2, which would determine the case one way or another. In cases where it becomes difficult or impossible for a party to produce a certificate, the interest of justice would require that the provisions Section 84(4) be not elevated to such a level that vital evidence would be shut out, resulting in manifest injustice. In my most humble view, the logic behind the decision of the Court of Appeal is reasonable, apt, proactive, progressive, legal, and proper, and should be accepted as an exception to Section 84(4) of the Evidence Act 2011.

Hon. Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, Judge, High Court of Kogi State; Author, “Electronic Evidence”

VIII

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

COVER

Frank Omubo Briggs

‘Security Will be Top Priority at the 2021 NBA-AGC’ For the 2021 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lawyers will converge on the Garden City of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Chairman of Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP), Frank Omubo Briggs assured Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi that, although the Conference themed “Taking the Lead” is hybrid in nature, that is, both physical and virtual, it will be a memorable experience for Conferees who are promised a mentally invigorating, insightful, educative time, as well as fun-filled activities throughout the seven days in Port Harcourt

T

he Garden City, Port Harcourt will host Nigerian Lawyers to the 2021 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from October 22 – 29. Kindly, give us an overview of the Conference, and how will you ensure that the protocols are strictly adhered

to prevent the spread of the deadly Corona virus?

It’s a Hybrid Conference, with “Taking The Lead” as its theme. On Friday, the 22nd of October, there will be Jumat Prayers, and the collection of Conference Materials will commence. On Saturday, the 23rd of October, there will be a Health Walk and a Welcome Cocktail. On Sunday, the 24th of October, there will be Multi Denominational Church Service and Opening of the Friend-

“A mentally invigorating, insightful, educative and not forgetting a fun time.

A memorable experience“

ship Centre. On Monday the 25th of October, there will be the Opening Ceremony, One Plenary Session and Four Breakout Sessions. On Tuesday the 26th of October, there will be One Plenary Session and Eight Breakout Sessions. On Wednesday the 27th of October, there will be One Plenary Session and Eight Breakout Sessions. Thursday the 28th of October is for AGMs. There will be sports and games such as Dance Aerobics, Football, Golf, Table Tennis, Chess and Scrabble and social events every day, namely; Cocktail, Opening of Friendship Centre, Dinners, Rivers Night and UnbaRed 4.0.

Arrangements have been put in place to cater to the needs of the elderly, persons that are physically challenged, and Mothers in need of a Creche.

Is registration still ongoing, and will there be onsite registration?

Registration for physical attendance ended on the 30th of September, 2021 and there will not be onsite registration; however, registration for virtual participation is ongoing.

As the Chairman of the Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP), what would you say Nigerian Lawyers should be looking forward to

IX COVER

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

‘Security Will be Top Priority at the 2021 NBA-AGC’ at this year’s Conference?

A mentally invigorating, insightful, educative and not forgetting a fun time. A memorable experience.

Port Harcourt City used to be known as a logistics nightmare.

The traffic was quite unfriendly.

We know that the Governor has done a lot of road construction.

Has that helped to ease the traffic? How do you intend to ease access to the Conference venue?

We are in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Police and other security agencies to ensure a free flow of traffic throughout the period, and indeed, the road constructions by His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike, will be a huge plus in aiding the free flow of vehicular traffic, particularly around the Conference venue.

Furthermore, to reduce vehicular traffic around the Conference venue, we have adopted the Park-N-Ride System. Delegates are expected to park their cars at designated venues, to wit: Bori Camp, Airforce Base and Obi Wali Centre; from where our buses, courtesy the Government of Rivers State, will transport them to the Conference venue.

What are your plans regarding the security of Conferees coming to Port Harcourt? We are all aware that the level of insecurity in the country is unprecedented.

Though the Governor is well known to take the security of the State very seriously, what should Nigerian Lawyers bear in mind as they come to Port Harcourt, security wise?

In addition to the efforts of the Government of Rivers State to ensure the safety of all conferees, we are in direct contact with the Police and other securities agencies in the State, with a view to ensuring that adequate measures are put in place to guarantee the safety of all conferees.

What are the TCCP’s plans re-

Frank Omubo Briggs

garding accommodation for Lawyers, especially those who may not be financially buoyant? How will the NBA ease the financial burden of the Conference for young Lawyers, particularly those who will be attending physically?

Lawyers are personally responsible for their accommodation; however, the TCCP through a Logistics Company, NACO Logistics, secured considerable discounts from several hotels in Port Harcourt

“In addition to the efforts of the Government of Rivers State to ensure the safety of all Conferees, we are in direct contact with the Police and other securities agencies in the State, with a view to ensuring that adequate measures are put in place to guarantee the safety of all Conferees”

and this has really helped our members especially young Lawyers What is the level of cooperation between the TCCP and the NBA Branches in Rivers State? In previous Conferences, Lawyers have noticed some disconnect between the two There is maximum cooperation between the TCCP and the eight NBA Branches in Rivers State. The Conference is being planned by the TCCP with the support of the Local Organising Committee, comprising the Chairmen of all the Branches in the State and other members, also from the said Branches.

What about Conference materials? The stress involved in Lawyers collecting their Conference bags, have in some instances, resulted in many Lawyers not getting their bags for almost a year.

The collection of Conference bags and other materials will commence in the afternoon on Friday the 22nd of October, and we have taken steps to

ensure that it will be a seamless process.

We have enough bags and every delegate will get a bag and other Conference materials, but there will be no collection by proxy, except for those that registered as a group. Only the person nominated as the representative of a group at the time of registration, shall be eligible to collect the bags and other Conference materials for members of the group.

What events have been put in place to enable Lawyers socialise and network amongst themselves?

This year’s AGC is designed to encourage delegates to socialise and network. There will be Dance Aerobics daily from about 6.30am, sports and games every afternoon, and a social event every evening.

These programs, without a doubt, will create ample opportunities for networking. Besides, the business/technical sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will on each day end not later than 2.30pm, which will afford delegates the opportunity and sufficient time for networking.

X

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN

0809 889 8888 SMS ONLY

Any Floodgate of Senior Advocates of Nigeria? I Don’t Think So (Part 2) Introduction

L

ast week, we started this vexed issue on the existing lingering fear (even if pretentiously not expressed openly and publicly), that there are in existence, too many Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).

Predicated on this unproven and fallacious fear, there appears to be a deliberate and sustained pruning down, over the years, of the number of legal practitioners that are elevated to the Inner Bar, even after meeting all the statutory requirements and sundry laid down criteria for such elevation. I am also aware that this thesis obviously calls for a hot debate amongst Lawyers and other stakeholders, for possible fundamental reforms in the mode of awarding and taking this revered title. Today, we shall continue our discourse on the above issue. Please, read on.

The SAN Rank Must Never be Given to Lawyers of Questionable Character Do not get me wrong here, please. I am not advocating that undeserving legal practitioners or those with bad character or tainted image, should be accorded this revered honour. No. Never. We must also never award it to those who have pending petitions before the LPDC, or courts of law. Such people may only be considered in the future when they would have successfully defended themselves, and had been absolved of such allegations of professional misconduct or infamous conduct unbefitting of a legal practitioner.

Is Conferment of SAN a Privilege or Right?

I am also acutely aware that the award of the SAN rank is a mere privilege; not a right. This means that an Applicant may still not be awarded the revered title, even if he/she has roundly met all the set criteria. A Privilege is defined as “a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group”. Some synonyms of privilege are advantage; benefit; prerogative; entitlement; birth-right; due; concession; right. A privilege is therefore, lower in strength and efficacy than a right. The latter can be enforced; the former cannot be. Because, it remains what it is: a privilege.

Thus, the Oxford Dictionary defines a right “as a moral or legal claim to have or get something or to behave in a particular way”. A right is therefore, an entitlement to something, as distinct from a mere privilege. This means that it is always within the discretionary purview and prerogative of the LPPC, to decide to admit a far lesser number than those put forward as having fully qualified. It is absolutely within its domain, to so decide. And its decision, like any discretion, is not justiciable in any court of law.

The Ongoing SAN Award Exercise The ongoing SAN exercise by the LPPC just completed the Chambers/Library inspection, by a sub-Committee of the LPPC. The exercise is still subject to paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 of the LPPC’s 2018 Guidelines, which have enabled it to publish a Public Notice, made pursuant to paragraph 12(2) and 20 of the said LPPC Guidelines, 2018. The LPPC, in those paragraphs, as is conventional, had called on members of the public to comment, in 20 written copies, with a verifying affidavit, on “the integrity, reputation and competence of the above candidates”. Such comments or complaints “must be received at the office of the Secretary, LPPC, not later than 4.00pm on Tuesday, 28th September, 2021, or email: enquirieslppcnigeria@gmail.com”.

Do Not Re-Shortlist the Shortlisted Shortlist My thesis, therefore, is simple. Any further subjective, selective winnowing from those who eventually qualify from this painstakingly filtered pool, is absolutely unnecessary. Selecting, for example, about

Senior Advocates of Nigeria 50-70 out of the fully qualified applicants from the above SHORTLISTED SHORTLIST, after they have been adjudged eminently qualified with distinction, becomes discriminatory.

Some Unwholesome and Unwritten Criteria At that level, it is no longer excellence or distinction that is at play, because those members of the shortlisted shortlist had already met the full criteria, and been adjudged qualified by the LPPC itself after its filtration, public notice and Chambers/Library inspection. It becomes a contradiction in terms, for the same LPPC to again reject applicants it has itself adjudged fully qualified to take the Silk. This is where, perhaps, other inappropriate considerations and unfair criteria of the much abused quota system and “godfatherism”, creep in. And this, most respectfully, is what I am against.

Such bewildering factors are apparently anchored on unwritten considerations of language; religion; status; place of birth; wealth; political opinion; place of practice; State of origin; station in life; tribal connections; sectional reach; pedigree; social or political clout of the Applicant’s parents, siblings or classmates; if and whether the Applicant’s place of origin or practice had been awarded some slots the previous year; whether the Applicant is flamboyant; reticent; recluse; or heavily publicised; etc, etc. I thought all these had already been carefully taken into consideration before the shortlisted shortlist? Why, again, after the shortlist ? I cannot understand this. Or, can you?

Avoid the Looming Discrimination In my humble opinion, these hidden and unwritten criteria are absolutely otiose, superfluous, unnecessary, redundant and gratuitous. They constitute nothing but pure discrimination, contrary to Sections 16(2) and 41(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution; Articles 2, 3 and 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights; and, Article 2 of the UNDHR, 1948.

The Nigerian courts have readily interpreted the right against discrimination, to be a shield which can be employed by people to prevent being denied their entitled rights and benefits. In OKOYE & ORS v NWAVU & ORS (2003) LPELR-12330(CA), the Intermediate Court held, on the right to freedom from discrimination, thus: “Let me briefly comment on the application of Section 39(1) and (2) of the 1979 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This provision of our grundnorm,

“Selecting, for example, about 50-70 out of the fully qualified Applicants from the above SHORTLISTED SHORTLIST, after they have been adjudged eminently qualified with distinction, becomes discriminatory”

then in vogue, is against discrimination on grounds of place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion held. Section 39(2) which is more in point here reads thus: "39(2) No citizen of Nigeria shall be subjected to any disability or deprivation merely by reason of the circumstances of his birth".

I should restate it here once more, that the makers of our Constitution have very large hearts. They are very accommodating.

They know the peculiarities of our polity.

In the same vein, in interpreting same, a Judge should have a large heart. He should be accommodating, since he equally knows the peculiarities of our polity…If a stranger element in a society acquires a legal right and there is an attempt to dislodge him of same, he can take umbrage under the above provision of the Constitution” (coram JOHN AFOLABI FABIYI, JCA (Pp 15 - 17, Paras A - A).

See also the case of ALAJEMBA UKE & ANOR v ALBERT IRO (2001) LPELR-6964 (CA).

There is No Floodgate Anywhere I do not agree at all with the apparent fear that there would be an open-ended floodgate of new entrants, if all Qualified Applicants were admitted into the Inner Bar in one fell swoop at a given period of time. Where, for example, 100 Applicants who qualified in a particular year are awarded the Silk, they Will Never Again Apply. The recurring docket of Backlog will Disappear. Indeed, I forsee like Nostradamus (the man who saw tomorrow), that there may be some years when there would be no Applicants Will be qualified enough to apply. This is because over 90% of Applicants year after year, are merely recycled. They are those who had been serially denied the rank, in previous years. Even if we were to have 100 new SANs every year, it would still amount to a mere 1000 SANs in 10 whole years. For a UN projected population of 212,627,048 as at October 11, 2021, that would still sum up to just one SAN per 212,627 citizens of Nigeria.

Is this a floodgate let loose? I think not. I will still speak to this issue later.

What is the SAN Rank All About?

The prestigious honorary rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is a title conferred on legal practitioners in Nigeria who have distinguished themselves and attained distinction in legal practice. It is the highest conferment of distinction that can be attained in the legal profession by any legal practitioner, and is the equivalent of the rank of Queen’s Counsel (QC) or ‘King’s Counsel’ (KC) (during the reign of a king) in the United Kingdom. The SAN rank is also the equivalent of Senior Counsel (not in the sense of its literal word usage in Nigeria to suggest an experienced Lawyer), State Counsel, Senior Advocate and President’s Advocate, in some other parts of

the world.

The rank of SAN is therefore, the pinnacle of every Lawyer’s professional journey and a position which bestows special privileges on a legal practitioner who has practiced for a minimum of ten years at the Nigerian Bar; and has made exemplary contributions to the legal profession.

Prior to 1975, the rank of Queen’s Counsel (QC) was still bestowed on distinguished Nigerians, even after our flag independence from English Colonial rule in 1960. Section 5 of the Legal Practitioners Act, 1975, Cap 207, however, created the rank of SAN, by empowering the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) to confer such a title on Lawyers adjudged so qualified. The history of the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on individuals, can be traced back to the 3rd of April, 1975, when the title was first conferred on Chief F.R.A. Williams and Dr. Nabo Graham-Douglas, for their remarkable and distinguished contributions to the early stages of the legal profession.

Privileges of the SAN Rank The privileges attached to the rank of SAN, are more statutory than conventional (as in the UK).

These privileges are provided for in Section 5(7) of the Legal Practitioners Act, 1975, and in the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (Functions and Privileges) Rules, 1979. These Privileges are mainly three: 1. The right to wear a silk gown 2. The right to sit at the Inner Bar or front row.

The tradition is that while legal practitioners are called to the “Outer Bar”, SANs are called to the “Inner Bar”, and therefore, sit in the Inner Bar. Traditionally, the UK courts had inner bars specially retained for legal practitioners who had attained the rank of QCs. But, the UK courts no longer have Inner Bars, as well as most (if not all) courts across the world. Rather, the practice is that SANs sit at the front row (usually termed “Inner Bar”), whenever a SAN is appearing before the court.

3.The right to mention cases out of turn.

Section 5(8) of the Legal Practitioners Act, 1975, restricts a SAN from practicing other than as a Barrister. Apart from this restriction, there seems to be no other statutory restriction placed on the rank of SAN. Conventionally though, a SAN has an obligation to appear with a junior counsel, a practice retained from the QCs in England and Nigeria, during the colonial times. However, QCs in the UK have long abandoned this custom, as they can now appear in court without any junior counsel. (To be continued) Serious and Trivial “Honestly speaking, seeing what Qatar and Saudi Arabia are doing with their oil money, makes me wonder if Nigeria is selling coconut oil." - Anonymous THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “Let us realise that: the privilege to work is a gift, the power to work is a blessing, the love of work is success!” (David O. McKay)

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

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Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

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O C T O B E R

S & P INDEX

1 8 , 2 0 2 1

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Despite Setting Monthly Revenue Target of N414.941bn, NNPC Misses Eight-month Revenue Goal by N1.276tn

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has largely failed to meet its revenue target set for between January to August this year, with a deficit of about N1.276 trillion within the period.

Figures from the national oil company’s funding performance for September indicated that while N3.319 trillion was the income

projection for the first eight months of 2021, it was only able to gross N2.043 trillion during the period under consideration.

Going by the trend, the NNPC is also likely to miss its target revenue of N4.979 trillion, which is its total forecast for the entire year.

The document further showed that despite setting a monthly revenue target of N414.941 billion, the corporation has not been able

to meet projection for any of the months.

In January, total revenue raked in by the organisation was N195.624 billion; it was N191.194 billion in February; total revenue in March was N224.589 billion, while in April, it fell to a year low of N156.366 billion.

However, in May, the NNPC recorded a high revenue yield of N320.315 billion; it reduced to N295.396 billion in June; in July it

again decreased to N270 billion, while the highest revenue of N389.120 billion so far recorded in the year was in August.

Oil prices which were on their all-time low last year have picked up since the beginning of 2021 and hit $85 per barrel last week, a situation that should ordinarily mean more money to the corporation’s coffers and the federation account by extension.

Compulsory production cuts by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has also negatively impacted Nigeria’s revenue from crude oil , although, Nigeria pumped about 155,000 additional barrels of crude oil per day in September, to hit an average of 1.451 million bpd.

It was a major improvement when compared to the 1.296 million barrels per day produced averagely in the

month of August, the 1.385 million bpd in July and the 1.413 million bpd, 1.423 million bpd and 1.376 million bpd produced in the first three quarters of this year.

However, the country has been underperforming in the last few months due to years of underinvestment exacerbated by the shutting down of various assets last year Continued on page 26

Agusto: Nigeria’s Foreign Debt Still Manageable, Calls for Crawlling Peg FX Management Dike Onwuamaeze The Founder and Managing Director of Agusto & Co Limited, Mr. Olabode Agusto, has stated that Nigeria’s foreign currency debts are still at manageable levels and advised the government to adopt the crawling peg system for its foreign exchange management.

Agusto & Co. is a Pan-African

credit rating agency and a leading provider of industry research and knowledge in Nigeria and SubSaharan Africa.

Agusto expressed these views last week in a lecture he delivered during the investiture of fellows of the Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD) in Lagos, which was titled “Stimulating Economic Growth and Development in Nigeria: Lessons

and Opportunities from Recent Challenges,” Meanwhile, the President of the IoD, Mrs. Ije Jidenma has said that the annual fellow investiture is the institute’s custom and occasion to honour its deserving members who have meritoriously distinguished themselves in the service of the institute in various capacities while making notable contributions to the

FOOD NAME OF COMMODITY

MAIZE

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PRICE

100KG JIGAWA

N9000

100KG ENUGU

N24000

100KG DELTA

N15000

100KG

ABIA

N14000

50KG

LAGOS

N13500

SIZE

success stories of their respective companies and the Nigerian business community.

Agusto said that Nigeria’s “foreign currency yield (FCY) debts are rising rapidly but they are still at manageable levels. But pegging the Naira to the dollar is unsustainable. There are three principal ways in which a country manages her currency.

These are peg against the United

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States dollar, float, and crawling peg.

Which one should Nigeria use? The answer is crawling peg.”

Augusto said that Nigeria should have learnt from its recent experiences that “we cannot peg the Naira to dollar exchange rate successfully when Naira’s inflation is on average 10 per cent higher than US dollar’s inflation.

He said, “We benchmark against

T O D AY

the dollar because it is the currency of international trade. The Naira is weaker than the dollar because, in the long term, it loses purchasing power faster than the USD. Therefore, it will continue to depreciate against the USD by close to the difference in the inflation rate.”

He, however, warned that the Continued on page 26

26

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

DESPITE SETTING MONTHLY REVENUE TARGET OF N414.941BN, NNPC MISSES EIGHT-MONTH REVENUE GOAL BY N1.276TN

following OPEC decision prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aside deteriorating facilities, theft and general inefficiency in production, crude grade, Forcados has spent the third of the month on force majeure in addition to the damage to the Nembe Creek Trunk Line, which has severely impaired

exports of Bonny Light.

But despite the shortages in crude oil production, Nigeria has officially written the cartel requesting additional barrels, arguing that its baseline of 1.8 million needs to be updated since it was picked at a time the country was pumping very low liquids due to the Niger

Delta crisis.

Last month, THISDAY reported that out of a possible N1.46 trillion the corporation budgeted as revenue payment to the nation in the first seven months of 2021, it had only been able to remit N349.254 billon as of July ending this year.

The amount was short by N1.115 trillion, according to documents from the national oil company.

Whereas, the national oil company projected a monthly remittance of N209.307 billion in 2021, however, a breakdown of the figures showed that its highest remittance this year was a N90.860 billion January

payment, while the lowest was in April when it paid nothing into the federation account.

In all, the NNPC is supposed to pay the federation N2.51 trillion this year, but the national oil company now has a remote chance of hitting that target, having not been able to meet even a third of the projections

at the end of July.

Aside the N90.8 billion highest payment in January, the NNPC was also only able to remit N64.161 billion in February, N41.1 billion in March, N38.6 billion in May, N47.162 billion in June with the second highest being N67.28 billion in July.

FG Targets $18bn Foreign Exchange Inflow from Cassava Export Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government has stated that Nigeria has the capacity to generate as much as $18 billion from the export of its estimated 45 million metric tonnes cassava products every year when fully harnessed.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, who made the disclosure when he received the Chief Executive Officer of BKG Exhibitions, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, noted that the country had not fully taken advantage of the much-sought-after commodity.

The minister lamented that though a world leader in cassava production, Nigeria is currently not an active player in the cassava trade in the international market, explaining that

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Aviation Editor Chinedu Eze Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy) Ugo Aliogo (Development)

with the right collaborations the situation would improve markedly.

He said: “Cassava and oil palm are strategic commodities in our quest for growth and development of the non-oil sector of our economy.

Available statistics point to the fact that Nigeria is a leading producer of cassava with a production capacity of 45 million metric tons per annum, estimated at about $18 billion.

“This accounts for a fifth of the world’s cassava production followed by Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Ghana, Congo and others.

However, though a world leader in cassava production, Nigeria is not an active player in cassava trade in

the international market.”

The minister also recalled that Nigeria had maintained a leading position in the global production of palm produce between the years 1950 to 1960 and controlled well over 45 per cent of the global market.

However, he lamented that at present, the country ranks 26th in global production, stressing that, “this is a clear indication that the fortunes of both commodities are declining drastically.”

Speaking on the agricultural hybrid expo, scheduled to hold from November 2nd to 5th, 2021, at Abuja, Adebayo stated that the programme would further showcase

PALM OIL

SIZE

STATE

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company (FDH) Limited, Mr Bismarck Rewane, has said that for the country to exit its current state of high unemployment, its economy needs to grow by between 8 per cent to 10 per cent every year.

Speaking at an online forum organised by the Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association of Nigeria, led by a former Minister of Information and Communications, Frank Nweke (Jnr), the renowned economist stressed that the extant 2 per cent this year, even if achieved, will not make any marked difference.

He lamented that Nigeria only got

PH

PRICE

N21,000-24,000

a paltry amount of the $1.3 trillion foreign investment in the continent with one of the lowest economic growths in Africa.

According to him, part of he reasons the economy remains weak is that the country continues to administer the wrong policies to revamp the economy and often misdiagnoses the problems facing it.

“We had growth of 4.2 per cent in 2012. Every 4.3 years, we have had a recession. Every time we have had misdiagnosis and recovery has not been as strong as it should be.

To achieve the kind of growth that will bring unemployment down, we need to be growing at least 2 per cent above our potential growth rate. We are nowhere near that.

of inflation because this would, “discourage savings, gradually destroys pension assets and fuels speculative demand for FX” while borrowing “above normal cash reserves impair the ability of banks to lend to businesses and households. It also impairs the

NAME OF COMMODITY

IMO

RICE

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N21,000–N24,500

STATE

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100KG ABUJA N23,000–N25,000 50KG

OYO

N22,000-N25,000

PLATEAU N23,500-N25,000 (JOS)

50KG KWARA N24,000–N27,000 50KG

LAGOS N23,000–N26,500

50KG RIVERS N23,000–N26,500

25CL

EDO

25CL ABUJA

“So, we need to be growing at about 8-10 per cent. But this year, we will be lucky to grow at 2 per cent. We have limited resources and we need to ration, ”he said.

He highlighted that the country has had a currency adjustment and has signed the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which ordinarily means that it is opening up the country to other markets.

However, he noted that even if the country is opened up to those markets and it’s not competitive in terms of pricing, it is actually only going to entrench some more economic distortions.

Riwane, a member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic advisory team, stressed that in 2011,

N17,000–N20,000 N19500- N25000

ability of banks to build capital from internally generated profits and over time increases banking industry leverage to dangerous levels.”

He charged the federal government to introduce reforms that would increase tax revenue,

COMMODITIES

50KG

25CL IBADAN N18,000-N22,000 25CL

Agwu called on the minister to bring on board state governments to ensure easy acquisition of lands for the investors who may be willing to invest in Nigeria’s cassava and oil palm sub-sector.

“We seek the ministry’s support in the area of speaking to the governors with a view to making lands easily available for agricultural investment.

“Our findings show that 24 states in Nigeria grow palm and our intention is to harness this for greater economic sustainability. Oil palm is said to be more costly in the international market than even the crude oil,” he said.

the economy grew at about 7.6 per cent and in 2021, it is going to be growing at about 2 per cent or 1.5 per cent, with income per capita or per head, falling from $2,660, to $2,110 because the population growth rate has been faster than economic growth rate.

While stating that Nigeria has not learnt from its past, he noted that the country has serious structural deficiencies, stressing that it cannot continue to do the same thing and expect different results.

He added that Nigeria needs to select what it is going to invest in, concession its roads, airports and seaports, which should coincide with fixing the pipelines to reduce the wear and tear caused by tankers

and trailers carrying petroleum products.

The second thing, he advised, should be how to incentivise investors and pursue as well as maintain competitiveness within the Nigerian investment space.

“So, what are the risks we run?

Can the economy be able to limp from now till the next administration? Not likely. So, you need to do some things that are politically unpalatable,” he advised.

He further called for a change of attitude, stating that even if their are good policies, laws, rules and guidelines, Nigeria will not grow without a mental adjustment, which he said is always more difficult to achieve.

AGUSTO: NIGERIA’S FOREIGN DEBT STILL MANAGEABLE, CALLS FOR CRAWLLING PEG FX MANAGEMENT country’s local debt levels are unsustainable as the level of overdraft from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is significantly higher than normal.

He added that the rate at which the FGN borrows in Naira should not be substantially below the rate

25CL LAGOS N20,000-N25000 25CL

experts from diverse fields in the oil palm, cassava, agricultural technology and allied industries to discuss, educate, review and make informed inputs on current trends on global best practices and technology in the sector.

Earlier in his address, Agwu told the minister that over 300 local companies had been invited for the expo, adding that the committee was in talks with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to facilitate easy entry to Nigeria for the many international organisations that would be coming from Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Ghana, and other countries.

Rewane: Nigeria Needs to Grow by 10% Annually to Exit Economic Doldrums

FOOD NAME OF COMMODITY

the enormous potential in the sector to the rest of the world.

He added that the partnership with BKG Exhibitions Limited, to organise the conference tagged PAC Africa Expo & Conference, would unlock the huge revenues in the area for sustainable economic growth.

According to the minister, aside BKG Exhibition and his ministry, the federal ministry of agriculture, the Raw Materials, Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and other related agencies of government would be actively involved in the upcoming programme.

Adebayo reiterated that the conference would bring together

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

COCOA

EDO

N17,000–N20,000

on physical infrastructure, principally rail and electricity as well as human infrastructure, principally on skills acquisition for industries targeted for growth.

He also said that social spending should be targeted at the poor and weak in society.

T O D AY SIZE

STATE

PRICE

N740,000

1 TON ONDO – N760,000 1 TON OSUN 1 TON

EDO

N730,000 – N750,000 N720,000 – N740,000

N700,000 1 TON CROSS – N720,000 RIVER

50KG SOKOTO N11,500–N13,000 50KG

improve compliance, and ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money on how tax revenues are spent.

Agusto also advised the government to reduce public debts, particularly local debt through asset sales and refocus spending

1 TON

AKURE SOUTH, ONDO

N730,000 — N755,000

NAME OF COMMODITY

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STATE

PRICE

ONIONS

100KG

IBADAN

N25,000

100KG

KANO

N10,000

100KG

BENUE

N27,000

100KG GOMBE

N12,000

100KG DELTA

N21,000

100KG LAGOS

N25,000

100KG ENUGU

N15,000

100KG

N29,000

ABIA

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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BUSINESSWORLD

OIL & GAS

As IOCs Divest, Can Indigenous Oil Companies Step In? Well before energy transition became the new normal, International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria have in one manner or another indicated interest to streamline their operations in the country.

Now it is an open secret. Emmanuel Addeh writes that the evolving realignment presents challenges and opportunities for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry

D

ivestment, whether in the oil and gas industry or any other sector, remains a fact of business life. Companies sell off their subsidiary assets, investments, or divisions, mostly to maximize the value of the parent company or in pursuit of other objecctives.

Most times, companies could divest their subsidiary assets or divisions when they are not performing up to expectations or in some special cases, due to legal or regulatory action, or even to satisfy social and political goals.

Although not particularly new, the term has in recent times almost become a buzzword in the lexicon of the Nigerian oil and gas industry as IOCs continue to indicate their interest to leave the country in their entirety or sell off some of their assets in alignment with their restructuring plans.

Divestment as a phenomenon in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria dates back to 2006 but only became pronounced from around 2010 and is now taking up more space in discussions about the future of the sector in Africa’s biggest oil producing nation.

Generally, the IOCs account for more than half of the nation’s daily crude production and a quick summary of their reasons for trimming or realigning their operations include onshore operational and security risks; re-balancing of their Nigerian portfolios ; global capital re-allocation; insecurity and sabotage to infrastructure and most recently and even prominently the drive towards renewable sources of energy.

It is estimated that as far back as 2013, IOCs in Nigeria had sold onshore and shallow-water producing assets valued at over $10 billion.

OLD GAME

From Shell to Chevron and ExxonMobil, these IOCs which have unarguably dominated the industry in the last five decades or so, have had the plan to sell off some of their assets and move to more lucrative business areas.

So big was their influence that at a point, Shell , ExxonMobil , Chevron , Total and Eni pumped roughly 97 percent of Nigeria’s oil output, although the figure has fallen steadily since then as the oil giants embarked on the sale their assets.

Stakes in the assets have since been taken up by Nigerian companies including Seplat, Aiteo, Oando, Sahara Energy and the rest of them.

In 2013, Chevron offered about 40 per cent of its stake in selected assets in the country to “enhance capital efficiency” and for the prospective buyers an “opportunity to grow their own assets.”

British Gas also sold its Nigerian oil assets while Brazilian oil giant Petrobas notified Nigeria to auction 8 per cent stake of its Agbami block and 20 percent of the offshore Akpo project for N795 billion.

Total, the French giant, sold its 20 percent stake in the Usan field of Niger Delta area of the country.

ConocoPhillips also disposed its onshore assets and

left the shores of Nigeria after completing the sale of $1.5 billion of Nigerian oil assets to local player Oando.

NEW GALE

Royal Dutch Shell has probably been the most vocal about its plans concerning it’s Nigeria operations. Recently, it said that it was reviewing its activities in Nigeria and moved to divest from its shallow-water and onshore operations.

Since then, the company as well as the Nigerian government have confirmed that talks are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.

“Discussions with the Nigerian government are ongoing on the next steps for our onshore business in Nigeria. We are in the early stages of reviewing the commercial options,” a Shell official stated.

In May, Shell’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben van Beurden, while speaking at the company’s annual general meeting, said that Shell could no longer afford to be exposed to the risk of theft and sabotage.

But even before now, as part of its plan, the company’s onshore joint venture, Shell Petroleum Development Agency (SPDC) has sold about 50 per cent of its oil assets over the past decade.

On January 15, this year, SPDC completed the sale of its 30 per cent interest in OML 17 in the Eastern Niger Delta, and associated infrastructure, to TNOG Oil and Gas Ltd, a related company of Heirs Holdings Ltd and Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, for a consideration of $533 million.

McKenzie listed the assets up for sale in Shell’s latest move as OML 11, OML 20, OML 21 (Assa North), OML 22 (Enwhe), OML 23 (Soku), OML 25, OML 27, OML 28 (Gbaran-Ubie), OML 31, OML 32, OML 33, OML 35, OML 36, OMLs 43 and 45 (Forcados-Yokri), OML 46, OMLs 74 & 77 and OML 79.

In addition, shell said that it had been under increasing pressure from investors to slash emissions and pivot toward cleaner energy as the CEO told investors that community issues in the Niger Delta was becoming a huge challenge for the company.

“The balance of risks and rewards associated with our onshore portfolio is no longer compatible with our strategic ambitions.

“We cannot solve community problems in the Niger Delta and the company has started discussions with the government on how to move forward,” the company’s chief executive said.

Wood McKenzie, a leading global oil and gas consulting firm, puts the total value of SPDC, the subsidiary it proposes to totally divest from, at about $2.3 billion.

Before Shell’s announcement, ExxonMobil was reported to have held talks on the sale of a suite of oil and gas fields in Nigeria as the company

decided to focus on new developments in U.S. shale and Guyana.

At the time, a Reuters report said the potential disposals were expected to include stakes in onshore and offshore fields and could raise up to $3 billion.

The Irving, Texas-based company is one of the largest oil and gas producers in Nigeria, with 106 operated platforms and output exceeding 225,000 barrels per day (bpd).

Not to be left out American Oil giant, Chevron, has also been divesting its last stake in old oil assets located in Nigeria’s shallow waters; especially with the sale of Oil Mining Licenses (OMLs) 86 and 88, to Conoil Producing Limited, with plans to push forward with more divestment in the future.

HOW READY ARE LOCAL FIRMS?

Unarguably, local Nigerian oil companies have substantially improved their capacities and capability in the last few years since they became active in the sector, scaling up production capacity and flexing their financial muscles when necessary.

Benedict Peter’s Aiteo, without much ado, acquired OML 29 in 2015 for $2.8 billion and has since then increased crude production from an average of 23,000 bpd to over 90,000 bpd, while Seplat, another local oil company has emerged Nigeria’s largest listed oil and gas firm by market value.

Similarly, Wale Tinubu’s Oando Energy Resources (OER) has ramped up production, same with Nestoil, another indigenous oil firm, which has strong capabilities in Engineering, Procurement, Construction& Commissioning (EPCC) services.

First E&P also recently announced the commencement of oil production from the Anyala West field in OML 83 and 85 acquired from Chevron’s 40 per cent stake in the two oil blocks, not forgetting ND Western, which has vowed to take its gas production to above 510 million standard cubic feet per day and grow oil production to above 60,000 barrels per day in the nearest future.

It is not in doubt whether a number of Nigerian firms have developed capacity in the last couple of decades, but what is not clear is whether it has upskilled to the level of taking over the grand scale of divestment currently being planned.

DOLLAR SCARCITY AS CHALLENGE

But there are fears that the current dollar-crunch challenge in the country may hamper the plans by the companies to sell off their onshore and shallow water assets.

Recent information indicates that Nigeria’s lenders likely don’t have enough dollars to fund clients seeking to acquire the oil assets put on sale

by IOCs, according to Nigeria ‘s biggest lender, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. The bank said it didn’t see the likelihood of any

client, for instance, raising the estimated $2.3 billion needed to purchase the Shell assets.

CEO of the financial group, Segun Agbaje, said that such a deal would require a syndication of up to $1.8 billion, and it “can be very tough to raise this kind of funding locally at the moment.”

“When I look at the books of Nigerian banks today, I don’t see a lot of dollar liquidity,” Agbaje told an investor conference call in Lagos, adding that “It’s becoming a very difficult deal for people to pull off.”

Nigerian banks, which in 2013 syndicated $3.3 billion debt to Dangote Industries for a refinery and petrochemical plant and recently financed Heirs Holding’s $1.1 billion acquisition of OML 17, have seen their capacity to take on such deals wane considerably.

A slump in crude prices and an economic downturn arising from the coronavirus pandemic curbed foreigncurrency flows into Africa’s largest crude producer and has continued to pressure its foreign reserves.

OIL FIRMS MUST FIX THE ENVIRONMENT, SAYS ACTIVIST

Secretary General of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, Capt. Bassey Henshaw, told THISDAY that the oil companies must clean up the environment before planning any exit from their onshore and shallow water activities.

Taking on Shell specifically, he claimed that the fir has degraded the environment over the years, urging it to pay compensation before any talk about leaving its operations in the region.

“We do not dispute the fact that they can go green or whatever, but there has to be some closure. You have a business running and there are issues emanating from those businesses. You do not wake up and say you are going green. All the issues have to be fixed and resolved.

“We are totally against it and we will do everything to frustrate them and send a petition to the federal government and the concerned ministry that we vehemently kick against it. We cannot hold then ransom if they want to leave, but they have to have a closure of the previous business they have done, the degradation of the environment, the oil spillages and all,” he said.

According to the Niger Delta youth leader, the clean-up shouldn’t take much time since the company already has a idea of what it will cost to carry out the reversal of the destruction done to the environment.

“You cannot start a new business until that old one is totally settled. If they try that , we will move for the federal government to nationalise them until the issues are resolved. There should be a clean-up of Ogoni and the entire Niger Delta and if they agree, no problem and it should be a full package.

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

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

FG, IITA Partners to Tackle Nigeria’s Agriculture Sector Bottlenecks Gilbert Ekugbe The federal government and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have entered into a partnership arrangement that would find lasting solutions to the nation’s agricultural sector.

The country’s agricultural sector is still challenged by low yield, decline in soil fertility, scarcity of inputs and inadequate mechanisation.

The Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Colleges and Institutions, Mr. Munir Dan’agundi, said during a courtesy visit to IITA headquarters that these challenges could be tackled by prioritising investments into research and development.

Dan’agundi said: “IITA’s research

will create more impact by collaborating with national agricultural research systems to devise more solutions to agricultural problems in Nigeria. We need collaboration and cooperation for the new agenda for good agricultural policies that emphasise coordination and support to increase productivity, research and extension, value addition, and reduce postharvest loss.”

Earlier, the Director General of IITA, Mr. Nteranya Sanginga, said the visit was to initiate partnership around fund coordination and cooperation for a new agenda for good agricultural policies in Nigeria.

Sanginga emphasised on the need to create opportunities for youth employment, reduce importation of food and the use of technology

need to be championed for the population’s survival.

He said: “The mindset of the youth has to be changed regarding agriculture, as the sector can create more employment opportunities; hence, IITA needs your support to continue what we are doing.”

On her part, the IITA Food and Nutrition Scientist, Ms. Busie Maziya-Dixon, gave an overview of the National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey (NFCMS), a collaborative project between IITA

and several ministries aimed at assessing the micronutrient status and dietary intake of women of reproductive age, children, and non-pregnant adolescent girls.

Maziya-Dixon, “Government agencies and research organisations will use the information from the survey to develop initiatives to address key nutrition issues.”

The Project Coordinator, Start Them Early Program (STEP), Mr. Adedayo Adefioye, highlighted activities of the project and how

it is helping youth understand and be involved in agriculture and also shared some of STEP’s achievements.

One of the Co-founders of Frotchery Farms Hammed Oni, shared the success story of how their agribusiness was impacted by the IITA Youth Agripreneur (IYA) programme.

Speaking on the way forward, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Mr. Garba Sharubutu, highlighted three major

areas of collaboration with IITA; coordination of funds to develop research institutes, capacity building to accomplish the mandate of the institutes, and the need to synergize.

Responding to the absence of cocoa in the IITA gene bank, Dashiell said IITA is working with Ghana and other partners in looking at the genetic relationships, purity, and agronomic aspects of cocoa.

Hence, “we hope to expand and look for further opportunities for cocoa in the new CGIAR,” he said.

World Food Day: Vendease Restates Commitment to Combating Food Waste Gilbert Ekugbe Worried over the high level of food lost to poor handling, procurement processes and effective distribution of produce from farm to table, leading agri-tech company, Vendease has donated hundreds of high quality food crates to food traders at the Lagos international food market, Mile 12 International Market.

Indeed, up to 30-40 per cent post-harvest losses occur during the procurement, transportation and distribution of produce from farms to consumers, hence the need for the private and public sectors to increase investments and drive initiatives that will address this issue cannot be overemphasised.

According to the company, the donations were part of its continued efforts to tackle food wastages as it has become a matter of international concern with drastic effects on the economy, environment and collective food security.

Vendease added that the initiative also aligns with its disposition to fulfill the United Nations’ SDG Goal 12, which is responsible consumption and Production–geared towards eco-friendly production methods and reducing the amount of food waste by 2030.

The Chief Executive Officer, Vendease, Mr. Tunde Kara, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at expediting growth and development of the Nigerian food industry whilst

driving transformation in the nation’s agricultural value chain.

According to Kara, the provision of plastic crates will substitute for raffia baskets, which he said contributes to the high volume of food wastages.

“As a responsible organisation and key player in the Nigerian food industry, Vendease continually seeks avenues to improve effectiveness and efficiency of the food value chain; hence, this initiative. The World Food Day is a significant day for us as it is behooves stakeholders to make concerted efforts to contribute to the actualization of food security, which will drive socio-economic development.

“Reports show Nigeria loses at least N3.7 trillion to food wastage and poor cold chain logistics yearly, a harrowing figure indeed. It is considering this that we have chosen to commemorate this year’s World Food Day by donating hundreds of plastic crates to traders here in Mile 12, as this will not only help curb food wastage but also mitigate its devastating effects on the economy,” he stated.

The Vice Chairman; Mile 12 International Market, Tomato section, Mr. Abdullahi Babanyaya, lauded the initiative, reckoning it as a charitable act which will impact their bottom line.

“We are happy to work together with Vendease and will continue to support their efforts in transforming the food value chain in Nigeria,” he said.

OPEC, ARDA, Consider Strategies to Curb A f r i c a ’s P o v e r t y Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), African Energy Chamber (AEC) and other stakeholders have called for urgent actions that will ensure the development of an inclusive energy transition plan for Africa.

The call was made during a virtual meeting attended by the Secretary General of OPEC, Dr. Sanusi Barkindo, Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy of the Republic of Cote D’Ivoire, Thomas Camara and others key speakers from various international organisations.

The discussants agreed that Africa must not be rushed to join the global campaign against fossil fuels, stressing that the continent and its key stakeholders must work together to address its energy challenges and design a roadmap against the backdrop of its growing population.

Barkindo, who spoke at the event, stated that while OPEC’s World Oil Outlook projects cumulative oil-related investments of $11.8 trillion till 2045, broken down into $9.2 trillion for upstream, $1.5 trillion for downstream and $1.1 trillion for midstream, under-investment poses challenges that may worsen the global energy crisis.

He warned that future energy and climate roadmaps must reflect the core principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, hinged on equity, historical responsibility and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

Barkindo also said Africa’s oil and gas sector has a bright future with significant opportunities, adding that in 2019, the continent produced approximately 8.5 million barrels per day of oil, and currently has a proven oil reserves amounting to around 126 billion barrels as at the end of 2019.

L-R: Partner West Africa Technology Leader, PwC Nigeria, Femi Osinubi; Regional Senior Partner PwC Nigeria, Uyi Akpata; Assistant Secretary General and Head UNDP, Ahunna Eziakonwa; and Resident Representative, UNDP, Muhammad Yahya, at the signing of MoU between UNDP and PwC in Lagos... recently

IFAD Equips 116 Nigerian Extension Agents with Agronomic Practices, Data Management Gilbert Ekugbe Not less than 116 Nigerian extension agents have been equipped with good agronomic practices and data management by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The move according to IFAD was aimed to empower extension agents with the knowledge, skills, and tools to educate farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and how to double cassava and rice yield cost-effectively in their communities.

At different workshops under the IFAD funded Zero Hunger project for extension agents in Benue, Ebonyi, and Ogun states in August and September 2021, the trainers also taught the extension agents how to manage the data collected from the farmers effectively.

IFAD said the workshops were part of efforts to support Nigeria to

achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) in partnership with IITA and AfricaRice, The IFAD-funded Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in the three states on GAP and data management was informed after the needs assessment survey conducted on the extension agents in the states and agreements reached with the project stakeholders in various meetings with the commissioners of agriculture and the VCDP state coordinators.

A total of 45 and 46 extension agents drawn from different local governments in Ogun and Benue States, respectively, attended IITA-led training programme in August, and 25 extension agents participated in the training organised by AfricaRice in Ebonyi State in September 2021.

The Training of Trainers (ToT) covered topics such as Importance of the Cassava Seed System, Six Steps to Cassava Weed Management,

and Best Planting Practices, Safe Use of Herbicides, Identification and Management of Cassava Pests and Diseases, Business Case for Cassava Seed Production: The IITA GoSeed perspective, Cassava Seed Field certification by NASC, Record Keeping and Data Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, and introduction to IITA developed Herbicide calculator, Akilimo and Seed tracker applications as well as the use of Open Data Kits (ODK) tool for data.

For rice, the extension officers were introduced to GAP, best management practices in rice harvest and postharvest handling, and RiceAdvice—a digital technology helping extension agents give advice and rice farmers to make informed decisions. The extension agents and lead farmers were also taught the need for digital data capturing and reporting using the ODK collect tool for data survey.

The workshops were flagged off in Ogun and Benue States on behalf of the commissioners of agriculture by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Dotun Sorunke, in Ogun State, and Director for Agricultural Services Mr. Thomas Unongo in Benue State.

The Commissioner of Agriculture in Ebonyi, Mr. Moses Nomeh, opened the training in the state.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the different states, the commissioners of agriculture assured the Zero Hunger Project (ZHP) team of the states’ commitment and charged the extension agents and lead farmers to take the knowledge from the training to more farmers to ensure the states achieve zero hunger.

They unanimously appreciated IITA and AfricaRice for the partnership and IFAD for funding the much-needed zero hunger project in the state.

NCX Seeks Strategic Alliances to Combat Rising Food Prices Gilbert Ekugbe The Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX) has called on government agencies charged with managing operations of Nigeria’s agro commodity to partner the exchange to ameliorate the menace of rising food prices in the country.

The Managing Director/CEO of the Exchange, Mrs. Zaheera BabaAri, made the appeal recently while delivering the opening remarks in Kano at a capacity building workshop on agro-commodity trading and warehouse management for farmers, agro-processors and other market actors domiciled in Kano state and environs.

Baba-Ari identified Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and National Food Reserve Agency among several government Ministries, Agencies and Departments, (MDAs), that NCX would approach for the collaborative effort to put heads together to ameliorate the rising domestic food prices and general inflationary trend in the nation’s commodity trading sector.

He recalled the mandate handed down by President Muhammadu Buhari to selected government organs to halt the rising domestic food prices and stated that the Exchange was very much ready to partner with relevant sister agencies

of government in this regard and announced that NCX intends to reach out to the afore-mentioned agencies and others with a view towards creating a common platform to establish synergies to meet the presidential mandate.

“I hereby call on domestic and international investors with interest in relevant segments of the country’s agro-commodity trading sector to link up with NCX to develop their business in commodity export, trading, warehousing, collateral management, logistics, financing, to name but a few. Needless to say, the presidential mandate highlights opportunities for investors in the ecosystem that they can take advantage of in the

immediate, medium and long term,” she said.

In her words: “State and local governments located in the country’s major production areas of commercially viable agro-commodities are also encouraged to link up with NCX in order to boost the fortunes of their indigenes. In the same vein, major commodity groups and associations across the country are hereby called upon to partner with NCX as a means of enhancing their operations.”

In his remarks, the Kano State Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Cooperative and Mineral Resources, Mr. Ibrahim Mukhtar, commended NCX for establishing a spot trading floor in Kano.

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Economist Lauds Reduction in Inflation Rate Dike Onwuamaeze

An Economist and the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, has described the steady but marginal decrease in headline inflation over the past few months as a noteworthy development.

Yusuf said that according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS),

“headline inflation decelerated by 0.38 per cent from 17.01 per cent in August to 16.63 per cent in September.

“Meanwhile food inflation, which is the biggest worry for the poor decelerated from 20.3 per cent in August to 19.57 per cent in September. But on a month-onmonth basis, there was an increase of 1.26 per cent between August and September.”

He, however, noted that the core inflation, which related largely to non-agricultural products, maintained an upward trend and accelerated by 13.74 per cent in September as against 13.41 per cent in August, an increase of 1.24 per cent. This was largely a reflection of the impact of the further depreciation in the naira exchange rate.

Yusuf pointed out that high

inflationary pressure has remained a major concern to stakeholders in the Nigerian economy in spite of the incremental deceleration being witnessed in inflation over the past couple of months.

He said that some of its implications include escalation of production and operating costs for businesses, leading to erosion of profit margins, drop in sales, the decline in turnover and weak

manufacturing capacity utilisation, “High food prices which impact adversely on citizens welfare and aggravates poverty while weak purchasing power which poses a significant risk to business sustainability. Just as price volatility which undermines investors’ confidence,” he said.

Yusuf attributed inflationary pressures to exchange rate depreciation, which has a significant impact on

headline inflation, especially the core sub-index.

“Liquidity challenges in the foreign exchange market impacting adversely on manufacturing output,” he said, adding that security concerns affecting agricultural output, climate change, high energy cost, structural constraints affecting productivity in the agricultural value chain, and high transportation costs were sources of inflation.

Senator Assures Nigerians on Improved Food Production, Trains Cassava Farmers Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Suraju Ajibola Basiru has assured that, the present members of the National Assembly would

continue to initiate agricultural policies that would boost food security in the country.

Basiru who represents Osun central senatorial district of Osun State stated this in a statement issued and made available to

THISDAY in Ilorin.

The lawmaker who organised a training programme for over 100 Cassava farmers in Ifon-Osun in Osogbo Federal Constituency that make up his senatorial said that, “the present members of

Taiwo Retires as Surveyor-General Hands Over to Adebomehin Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Having attained the retirement age of 60, the Surveyor-General of the Federation (SGoF), Mr. Adeniran Taiwo, has formally bowed out of office.

Taiwo handed over to the Director, Department of Internal Boundary, Mr Abdulganiyu Adebomehin, who will oversee the office pending the appointment of a substantive chief executive.

In his handover speech, the immediate past SGoF, Taiwo, said there was the need for him to leave the reins of leadership to the most

senior director in fulfillment of the provisions of extant rules.

While stressing that government must continue to run in perpetuity, despite who occupies the office, he appealed to the federal government to appoint a substantive surveyor-general from within the organisation for sustainability and genuine progress.

A statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations in the office, Micheal Abu, noted that while thanking members of the management and staff of the office for their support, Taiwo urged them to extend same support

to his successor, noting the need for everyone to work as a team to achieve the mandate of the organisation.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Adebomehin pledged to ensure continuous assessment of the performance of various departments and units in order to make necessary readjustments that would enable the office serve the government and the country better.

He commended the leadership of the immediate past SGoF and pledged to consolidate on the gains of the previous leadership.

the 9th National Assembly have been working round the clock to complement the federal government efforts at boosting agricultural production across the country.” Represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Bisi

Babalola, Basiru noted further that, “the initiative is to further showcase my passion and commitment to deliver on the mandate of the people.”

He stressed that, “By the end of the week, 450 Cassava farmers

in Osogbo, Olorunda, Irepodun and Orolu federal constituency, Boripe, Ifelodun and Odo-Otin federal constituency as well as Ila, Ifedayo and Boluwaduro federal constituency would be trained on how to boost food production.”

LawmakerTrains 100Youths on ICT in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

No fewer than 100 youths in Ilorin east/ Ilorin south federal constituency of Kwara State have been trained on Information and Computer Technology (ICT) in order to make them self sufficient and wealth creation.

The training, which was facilitated by the lawmaker representing the federal constituency and chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Economic Development and National Planning, Hon. Abdulganiyu Saka Cook Olododo is aimed at making them more skillful in information technology towards improving their socio economic growth and provide employment opportunities

The programme was organised in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin.

The youths at the end of the training will be equipped with laptops and other equipment that would help them in their future endeavours. Speaking at the event in Ilorin over the weekend, Hon. Olododo decried the non-acquisition of ICT skills among some youths in the federal constituency.

He said the development has eluded many of them a lot of economic opportunities due to lack of the ICT skills especially in the area of employment op-

portunities and establishment of their various businesses. Olododo added that, “It is on this premise that I decided to organise this ICT training so as to allow them acquire skills in the information technology that would prepare them for future opportunities. ICT provides opportunities for economic self reliance, wealth creation, job creation, sustainable national economic growth and development and overall improvement in the socio-economic status of the citizens of any nation.”

Olododo who advised the youths to make use of the skills acquired during the training warned them against selling the laptops and other equipment that were given to them.

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY OCTOBER 19, 2021

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Citadel Views, Capital Gardens by Nedeomoaks Expand Affordable Housing Market Bennett Oghifo

T

he housing market in Lagos recently received a boost with the introduction of two new products - Citadel Views Estate and Capital Garden Estate by Nedcomoaks Ltd. The two fine pieces of real estate were presented by the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nedcomoaks Ltd, Kennedy Okonkwo and his wife, Ichechi Okonkwo, CEO of Victoria Crest homes to business associates and close family/ friends at a reception ceremony to mark Kennedy Okonkwo 44th birthday anniversary.

In attendance at the launch of Citadel Views Estate and the groundbreaking ceremony of Capital Garden Estate, were Oba Saheed Elegushi and Adetoke Benson-Awoyinka, Special Adviser to the Lagos state Governor on Housing, who expressed her satisfaction with Kennedy Okonkwo and his projects, saying, “Every time people say there is a housing deficit in Lagos, I tell them we have capable joint venture developers in Lagos, and this is just an example of what the government and the private sector is doing. Dr. Kennedy is a developer in Lagos and a friend of the State government as long as he is doing things right.

We are very proud of you, and I know that the governor is proud of what you are doing. Thank

you very much for being among those people developing homes in Lagos and bridging the housing deficit.’’

The Citadel Views Estate 1 and 2, which sits on 12 and 8.5 hectares, respectively, is located just behind Lagos Business School, Sangotedo, Lekki Epe Expressway and are futuristic selfsustainable homes. They depend on solar and renewable energy for power. The estate also has a Compressed Natural Gas System that ensures uninterrupted power supply.

“Today marks a turning point for us. We have done real estate for several years. This is my 20th year in the industry, rising from being an agent to becoming a renowned developer in the industry. Today gives us a better perspective of an opportunity to improve on what the consumers want. Today we unveiled our 2022 home design collections at the Citadel View Estate, located just behind Lagos Business School. And we are also doing the groundbreaking for a 40-hectares estate, known as the Capital Gardens Estate,’’ said Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo.

Other dignitaries who attended the event include, The CEO of Cubana Groups, Obinnia Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), Anambra State PDP Guber Candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, Lagos State Lands Bureau Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bode Agoro, and the General Manager, New Towns Development

Authority (NTDA), Olakunle John Aboyeji. One of Nigeria’s leading real estate developers, Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, is the Group CEO of Nedcomoaks/ founder Victoria Crest Homes.

Through his works, he has constantly pushed boundaries in building modern and exquisitely comfortable homes that everyone can afford. Hosted by ace comedian Whalemouth, the event

took off at Citadel Views Estate and ended with a reception at Capital Garden Estate. It had a special performance by gospel artist Judikay and by Davido and Phyno.

L-R: Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Housing, Mrs. Toke Benson Awoyinka; Elegushi of Ikate land, Oba Saheed Elegushi; CEO Victoria Crest Homes, Mrs. Ichechi Okonkwo; and Group CEO of Nedcomoaks/Founder Victoria Crest Homes, Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo at the launch of Citadel Views Estate, Sangotedo, Lekki Epe Expressway… recently

RentSmallSmall Joins Techstars Accelerator with Pay-as-you-Stay Rental Solution Fadekemi Ajakaiye RentSmallSmall, a Nigerian property technology startup that is reorganising the home rental market in Nigeria, has been accepted to join the Techstars Toronto Accelerator Programme starting this October.

RentSmallSmall, in its third year, will become the first African property technology platform selected to join the programme.

Techstars is an operational investment company that helps founders and early-stage entrepreneurs scale their vision into a thriving business. The Techstars Toronto Accelerator Programme is designed to provide mentorship, funding and access to the Techstars network for life, beginning with the Demo Day at the end of the programme. When selected, startups will be able to pitch

to a carefully curated group of investors.

The 13-week accelerator programme which selects early-stage companies from around the world begins on 18th October, 2021 and ends with a demo day pitch to investors affiliated with Techstars. It provides entrepreneurs with invaluable skills, resources and connection to a wide pool of global talent and investors.

Since it launched in 2018, RentSmallSmall, which is led by Tunde Balogun, has been leveraging technology to revolutionise the property rental market in Nigeria. So far, RentSmallSmall has helped renters save N550 million on legal and agency fees and provided over 12,000 monthly stays across 18 locations in Lagos State, Nigeria. The company is one of the leading advocates

for affordable and flexible rental payment across West Africa when it first introduced ‘pay your rent monthly in Lagos’.

Tunde Balogun, Rent Small Small’s CEO believes that joining Techstars accelerator at this time is right for the next growth phase of the company. “We have stayed away from institutional investment for the past three years because we wanted to figure out a model that truly

solves the rental problems, and one that we can scale. Now that we have good traction and our solution is loved by both landlords and tenants, we need strong mentorship for our next growth phase. We believe that participating in the Techstars Toronto Accelerator at this time is right for us. Its network, skills and resources are what we will be able to leverage as we expand.”

Dradrock Hands over Terraces at Pacific Manor to Customers Dradrock Real Estate Limited, one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising estate developers, recently made good its promise to deliver luxury apartments to some of its clients.

The property known as Pacific Manor is located within the Atlantic Nominees estate, off Abraham Adesanya Bus Stop, Ajah in Lagos. Pacific Manor comprises 16 duplexes.

Each of the apartments consists of 3 bedrooms, a living room, and a maid’s room breathtak-

ingly designed to suit the taste of its owner. Dradrock Managing Director Oladipo Agida, who personally handed over the bunch of keys to the new homeowners, expressed joy that the company was able to overcome initial hiccups to deliver the apartments on schedule. He also said that phase II of the estate is already selling.

“What makes us excited is that we did not fail to meet the deadline we promised our

clients most of who are in the diaspora,” the enthused young Managing Director said.

“When we first set our feet here, we were taken aback by bushes around. It is hard believing what see here today. We stuck to the will that we can do it and that is what manifested in these beautiful structures we have here,” Agida added amid applause by the clients, staff members, and guests.

He described the delivery

of the apartments as a big feat considering the fact that Dradrock is relatively new in the real estate sector of the nation’s economy.

Hear him: “This is our first building estate. We are young in the industry but we have done excellently well. It is a big feat. We are determined to continue to build homes that can last or stand the vagaries of our weather and soil.

“We did not compromise quality. We did a variety of

soil tests before embarking on this first phase of our building projects or estates.”

Agida disclosed that he decided to birth Dradrock after his 15-years in the industry because of his desire to “build houses in unique ways and to meet the satisfaction of clients.”

He thanked the buyers for believing in Dradrock right from the day they were taken to a bushy land that has morphed into their magnificent apartments.

The Draddock boss was also grateful to his young and dynamic staff members for their devotion to duty and seamless team spirit.

Project Manager, Efe Ufuoma, who also narrated their first day at the site, briefed the clients on the material used to build the structures.

He advised them to use quality materials for their interiors in order to maximally enjoy their apartments.

Can Nigeria Survive the Global Energy Transition?

Daniel Alaigba As the global society pushes towards a sustainable future, the need to transition from fossil-based systems of energy

Alaigba

to zero-carbon systems, have become imminent. Energy transition in simple terms is the move of energy production and consumption from sources that emit greenhouse gases to other sources that are more environment-friendly. The aim of this energy transformation is to limit and mitigate the effects of climate change, through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxides, nitrous oxides associated with the burning of fossil fuels. Emission and leakage of un-combusted natural gas from oil and gas facilities also contribute to increased carbon content in the atmosphere impacting the earth’s climate.

Most of the world’s energy is generated from fossil or carbon-based fuels. Carbonbased fuels account for about 85% of the energy used glob-

ally. The combustion of carbon fuels produces carbon dioxide, which contributes 76% to the total emission of greenhouse gases. Thus, the burning of carbon-based fuels is the single largest contributor to global warming and climate change.

The greenhouse cases that are emitted from the burning of fossil fuels absorb infrared radiation from the sun and prevent it from leaving the atmosphere by reradiating it on the earth surface leading to a rise in temperatures.

Apart from the pressing issue of climate change, there is a limited amount of fossil fuel in the ground, predetermined by nature. Current proven oil reserves will be depleted and unavailable within the next 100 years. This makes alternative eco-friendly sources of energy a top priority of the century.

In response to the press-

ing demand to transition to new forms of energy that are sustainable and friendlier to the environment, nations of the world are researching and making significant strides in new sources of energy which include solar, wind, nuclear, geothermal and hydroelectric technologies. These energy sources are expected to gradually and eventually replace fossil fuels by the middle of the century. In 2015, 196 countries signed the Paris Agreement on climate change to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2˚C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5˚ above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.” That decision implied that fossil fuels,

which contribute significantly to global warming, needed to be replaced. Already, many countries have begun to generate a significant amount of energy from renewable sources. The European Union’s renewable energy directive seeks to increase the share of renewable sources of energy in total EU consumption to 32% by 2030 up from 20% in 2020.

Denmark for instance currently generates 30% of its energy from wind turbines, reducing its fossil fuels consumption from 95% in the 1970s to 65% in the recent years. In USA, plans and major projects are in the works with a goal to achieve 100% zero carbon electricity by 2035. Some of the strategies to achieve this includes retrofitting existing fossil fuel power plants with carbon capture equipment, investing in new sources of

hydrogen produced from renewable energy, nuclear energy, and waste to power industrial facilities. Also in April 2021, the US president Joe Biden announced a $2 trillion dollar infrastructure investment plan that incorporates tax incentives for clean energy, electric transmission and carbon capture technology and funding for research and development to tackle climate change. According to the United Nations Environment program (UNEP), global investments in renewable energy has been growing from $40 billion in 2004 to $304 billion in 2020 with China, USA, Europe, India, and Brazil as global leaders, respectively.

-Daniel Alaigba is a versatile Facilities Engineer with over 13 years professional experience

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͷ˜ 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Nigeria Urged to Seize Critical Opportunities to Accelerate Sustainable Development Michael Olugbode ÓØ ÌßÔË The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa has tasked Nigeria to seize critical opportunities to accelerate sustainable development.

Eziakonwa made this call in Abuja during an interaction with journalists after concluding an eight-day official visit to Nigeria.

Eziakonwa, had during her visit met with President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, and other senior leaders at both Federal and State Government level, where he emphasized the importance of leveraging wealth creation through investing in women, youth, the creative industry and the private sector.

Starting with crossing the Cameroon-Nigerian border by foot

into Borno State, she witnessed firsthand the impact the federal government and Borno State - led stabilization efforts have had on the most vulnerable people in north-east Nigeria – where she inaugurated infrastructure serving borderland communities in the Lake Chad Basin ( both in Cameroon and in Nigeria), such as a police station, barracks and new immigration and border control offices as well as housing for immigration officers.

Speaking on her experience during the visit, Eziakonwa said: “Stabilization efforts are working. I was in Banki less than a year ago and being there again last week I was struck by the transformation the town and people living there have undergone.”

She added: “Police and customs officers were proud to be back to serve people in the community, who, in turn, have expressed they now feel more secured. Through our joint stabilization work, we

can reduce needs and strengthen support to humanitarian action.”

Eziakonwa, who met with President Buhari in Abuja to reinforce UNDP’s support to Nigeria’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and its plans to speed up sustainable development in the Decade of Action – focused on climate change, wealth creation, youth employment, and women’s participation in politics, said: “Nigerian authorities and people have immediately responded to the pandemic and we are proud to have supported the procurement of forty percent of the equipment needed for the response as a ‘One UN’ effort.”

She however said: “The pandemic is not over yet, and we must now redouble efforts to address the global inequality evident in vaccine famine. Vaccines must be available to all those who wish to take it.”

Ehigiamusoe: Financial Service Providers Critical to Curbing Inflation Sunday Ehigiator The Founder and C.E.O, Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), Dr. Victor Ehigiamusoe, has revealed that the role of financial service providers is very critical in curbing the rising inflation in the country.

He made this known during the official launch of his biography titled, ‘”Touching Lives: My LAPO Story,” held over the weekend in Lagos State.

According to him, “we are in a time where there is so much in terms of economic crises and the impact on the ordinary people.

On one hand is high interest rate, and on the other hand is ever rising inflation rates and prices

of basic commodities.

“When you have rising inflation rate, the segment of the society that usually take the heat is usually the people at the bottom end of that society.

To address that would mean, providing them with enough opportunities and resources to address those challenges.

“For instance, to enhance their productivity, in that case you would need financial services.

Financial service providers play a very vital role in curbing the effect of inflation, especially those in the socio-enterprises space such as LAPO. Entrepreneurs basically need to remain afloat irrespective of inflation and we are like the shock absorber for

them at very considerate and affordable rates. “Also, these people at the bottom of the pyramid also need money to deal with other challenges such as health challenges etc. Financial service providers in the socio-enterprise space, creates access to affordable health services to such people.”

“I was at the very beginning of the industry nationally and globally., and I felt that I have a lot of lessons to pass on to people who aren’t only interested in microfinance but also in enterprise. So this was why I decided to do the book. Just like most biographies, you will find out how I started LAPO’s foundation even before it became what it is today.

#FCMB Flexxtern Season Five Opens, Winners to Get Employment Opportunities First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has announced the commencement of the fifth edition of its #FCMBFlexxtern contest with a call for entries from eligible young Nigerian graduates who desire to secure employment in leading corporate organisations in the country.

The online contest is designed for youths between 18 and 30 years and will run between October 15 and 30, 2021. It is a programme that offers young Nigerian graduates the opportunity to gain work experience through an internship,

which could eventually lead to full employment in reputable organisations.

Group Head, Corporate Affairs of FCMB, Mr. Diran Olojo, in a statement said, “The #FCMBFlexxtern programme is another platform for Nigerian youths to demonstrate their talent and determination to take leadership positions. We realise that many youths have what it takes to succeed if given access to mentoring, training and practical knowledge. We are excited that the #FCMBFlexxtern initiative has become a catalyst to

fast-track the development of a new generation of professionals and leaders. It is expected that many young graduates will take advantage of this opportunity by participating in this year’s contest.”

He said nearly 100 young graduates have benefitted since the programme’s inception in 2016, with several of them doing very well in their chosen careers.

He added that the competition will take place via the FCMB Flexxzone, an exclusive microsite built around the bank’s product for youths known as Flexx.

Chivita Celebrates World Juice Day Leading fruit juice brand, Chivita has held its 3rd Annual Chivita World Juice Day. This year’s edition of the event provided the platform to educate and encourage consumers to be focused in taking control of their own well-being with fruit juices as part of their daily nutrition for wellness.

It was also an opportunity to showcase creative expressions with Chivita fruit juices from mixologists, availing discerning

consumers the license to create their own exciting recipes and experience the combos to boost their health their way.

The theme for this year’s edition of the event, “Fruit Juice: Powering my Health My Way”, calls on consumers to step forward and be involved in taking practical steps in lifestyle modifications, self awareness and choosing to consume food and drinks that enhance daily nutrition by

actively including fruit juices to boost their health and well-being, but most importantly, achieving this on their own terms.

In her welcome speech, the Marketing Director of CHI Limited, Mrs. Toyin Nnodi stated that the focus for this year’s Chivita World Juice Day was to challenge consumers to take control of their health on their own terms by including fruit juices as a part of their daily nutrition for wellness.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͵

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

33

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͷ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Honeywell Flour Mills to Increase Operational Efficiency, Boost Shareholders Value Darasimi Adebisi Honeywell Flour Mills Plc. (HFMP), has informed shareholders of its 10-year-plan to increase investment in innovative product development and advanced technology infrastructure, with continued focus on operational efficiency and local content development as the key strategic drivers for increasing shareholders value and growing market share during the next financial year.

The company reiterated its commitment to sustainable growth within the industry and the provision of affordable staple foods to Nigeria’s fast-growing population, during its 12th Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr Oba Otudeko, acknowledged the complexities of the past financial year while highlighting the company’s steady growth and its focus on the future.

According to him: “When

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R

DEALS

the financial year 2020/2021 commenced, few could have imagined what the year had in store for the company and the world. We responded by working collaboratively towards the execution of our corporate goals, guided by clear priorities; keeping our people safe and motivated, ensuring supply of our food products to consumers across the length and breadth of the country, and caring for the communities where we operate.

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Despite the inevitable disruption to our business, we delivered a strong performance in very challenging circumstances.”

In respect of the future, Otudeko said, “While we expect market conditions to remain tough and the effects of COVID-19 may be with us for the foreseeable future, our company has shown the capacity to withstand shocks and emerge stronger. And with consumer behaviour evolving faster than

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

ever, we are adapting to this new reality by executing with speed in order to deliver competitive returns and meet the needs of our multiple stakeholders. We are committed to investing in the capabilities we need, the know-how and the talent to continue to create value.”

Managing Director Lanre Jaiyeola, said the company has continued to seek innovative solutions for feeding the evergrowing Nigerian population,

O F

using affordable and easily accessible foods, while simultaneously combating inflation and rising food prices.

“In the past financial year, we achieved record production and sales volumes driven by consumer food products which also achieved record sales volume. Our investment in a new Pasta factory at Sagamu paid off greatly as we grew Pasta sales by over 40% to meet the generated demand for our Pasta products.,” he stated.

1 8 / 1 0 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

TUESDAY OCTOBER 19, 2021• T H I S DAY

34

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 15Oct-2021, unless otherwise stated.

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

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS

AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 164.42 165.87 1.58% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 7.80% Nigeria International Debt Fund 317.32 317.32 -15.98% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 106.75 107.80 -3.66% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.18% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.31 3.37 -4.09% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 8.38% Anchoria Equity Fund 140.21 141.98 6.21% info@anchoriaam.com Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.14 1.14 -14.45% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 20.62 21.24 13.68% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 449.09 462.63 12.17% ARM Ethical Fund 39.57 40.77 17.39% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 -1.11% ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.98 0.99 -6.19% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.28% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 106.77 106.77 4.97% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,043.14 1,043.14 4.31% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.07 2.07 -5.05% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.22 2.26 3.37% mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.02 1.02 3.87% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.20% Paramount Equity Fund 17.37 17.60 8.33% Women's Investment Fund 141.75 143.41 6.52% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.54% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 124.11 124.94 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 109.26 109.26 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 7.57% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 8.07% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,163.95 1,183.11 1.12% assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.

EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-assetmanagement-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.42% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.03 1.03 2.27% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.12 Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 103.82 FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price FBN Bond Fund 1,430.93 FBN Balanced Fund 197.13 FBN Halal Fund 113.59 FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 FBN Dollar Fund (Retail) FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund

127.28 173.89

1.12 10.89% 103.82 3.78% invest@fbnquest.com Offer Price 1,430.93 198.50 113.59 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 11.52% 5.04% 9.28% 9.16%

127.28 4.02% 176.37 15.02% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.98 1.69

Offer Price 1.00 3.98 1.73

Yield / T-Rtn 6.49% 2.85% 11.18%

1.19

1.19

4.95%

FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.54% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.89 2.95 1.20% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 154.04 154.31 -0.94% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.28 1.33 1.86% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.06 1.06 -2.86% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.46 1.48 6.94% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,139.94 1,139.94 6.92% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 12.06 12.15 15.32% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.35% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.55 1.58 13.39% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.21 11.22 -7.77% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.02% PACAM Equity Fund 1.45 1.46 -8.29% PACAM EuroBond Fund 111.93 113.97 1.98% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 135.23 139.58 10.38% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.06 1.06 10.11% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,503.13 3,541.11 9.08% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 233.87 233.87 4.01% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.28 1.31 9.75% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 309.12 309.12 4.91% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 236.98 240.56 8.60% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.34% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,972.60 11,129.81 4.56% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.28 1.28 4.31% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 116.05 116.05 4.47% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 104.57 104.57 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.34 1.36 4.89% United Capital Bond Fund 1.93 1.93 5.31% United Capital Equity Fund 0.92 0.94 15.31% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.82% United Capital Eurobond Fund United Capital Wealth for Women Fund United capital Sukuk Fund QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund Zenith ESG Impact Fund Zenith Income Fund Zenith Money Market Fund

120.87 120.87 5.58% 1.09 1.10 6.61% 1.07 1.07 6.55% service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Bid Price 13.21 14.77 24.55 1.00

Offer Price 13.33 14.93 24.55 1.00

Yield / T-Rtn 11.30% 21.05% 2.34% 5.91%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.98 53.78

10.62% 6.44%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.96 132.66 102.50 17.91 21.55

14.06 135.95 104.74 18.01 21.65

5.63% 10.32% 3.31%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.93 5.62 17.67 1.00 21.02 157.26

4.03 5.72 17.87 1.00 21.22 159.26

4.79% -1.05% 9.15% 6.61% 2.43% -15.27%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.40

13.11%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

35

TUESDAY, ͹΁˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

WIMBIZ ANNUAL CONFERENCE...

L-R: Executive Director, Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), Hansatu Adegbite; Committee Chair, Communications and Publicity, Conference Planning Group, Tosin Adefeko; Chairperson, Executive Council, Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo, and Executive Council Member, Awuneba Ajumogobia, at a media briefing to announce the 2021 WIMBIZ annual conference and celebrate its 20th anniversary of impacting women, held in Lagos…recently

Buhari Hails Peaceful Conduct of APC Congresses in Katsina Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has said President Muhammadu Buhari was excited over the peaceful conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) congresses at ward, local government and state levels in the state.

Masari, who stated this when he received a report from the Chairman of the state APC Congress Committee, Aliyu Kumo, at the Government House Sunday night, said the president was full of praises over the peaceful exercise.

The party had during the state congress, held at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, elected Sani Ali

Ahmed as Chairman and Shitu Shitu as secretary among other positions.

He said: “We thank APC members across the state, especially, our leader, the President and Commander-in-chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was fully briefed of what was done, how it was done.

“And even this one (state congress) how it was planned and how it was executed. The president is full of praises and thanked Allah for having a peaceful congresses at ward, local government and state levels.”

He said the decision to elect the leadership of the party through

consensus was reached during a marathon meeting of the party’s bigwigs and other members in Katsina, the state capital, last Thursday.

The governor explained that

the exercise was rancour-free, maintaining that the party in the state has substantially complied with the dictates of its constitution.

He applauded members of the party for conducting themselves

about the need of 'overwhelming force' to guarantee military victory.

In this respect, I recall a debate about the appropriate size of the Nigerian army in the aftermath of the Nigerian civil war.

“Leading the side for downsizing were military Hawks like Gen TY Danjuma (and some of his colleagues in the Ruling Council) who saw a 'small compact and mobile Force' as being more economical for national defence arrangement,” Akinyemi explained.

However, he pointed out that then, in opposition was a group whose prominent advocate was himself, saying he preferred a large

the chairman of the state congress committee, Kumo, commended stakeholders and party members for their cooperation and solidarity, which he described as the best in the country.

Ohanaeze Urges FG to Produce Kanu in Court, Oct 21 Gideon Arinze in Enugu Apex Igbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government to ensure that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra

IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was produced in court on Thursday, October 21, 2021.

The organisation also expressed its readiness for a meaningful dialogue with the federal government alongside the Council of Elders, Council of Traditional Rulers, the

BUHARI, OBASANJO, JONATHAN, AKINYEMI MOURN POWELL, COMMISERATE WITH US GOVT served as a beacon of hope and was a pride of the Black Race.

“His stellar military career, which saw him become the first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which pivoted him to also becoming the first US Secretary of State of colour, paved the way for other African-Americans to reach for the top. His articulation of the Powell Doctrine gave the United States, and the world at large, a new paradigm for engaging in military action with honour and decorum.

“As Secretary of State, he was known for his tactful management of America’s foreign relations, of which he extended a right hand of fellowship to the Yar’Adua administration, when I was Vice President.

“His death, at 84 after a long, useful and fulfilled life, is mourned by my family and I, as well as the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. He left solid and indelible footprints in the sands of time, and would be greatly missed. Our prayers are with his family at this trying time for them.”

Nigeria’s former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, said his admiration for the late Powell was usually for his astute military insights and less for his political performance.

The former Director General of the Nigeria Institute International Affairs (NIIA) explained that, “For instance, while evicting Sadam Hussain's military from Kuwait, he declared it would be a strategic mistake to overthrow Sadam himself.

That view has been vindicated. That he got roped into the weapons of mass destruction deception is the stuff of politics, which perhaps explains his disdain of it.

“The second reason for my admiration is what is now referred to as the Colin Powell doctrine

peacefully before, during and after the exercise, adding that all the presumed anomalies have been addressed before the commencement of the concluded poll.

While submitting the report,

military for purposes of National defence.

Akinyemi said he had argued then that there could be circumstances when only overwhelming force could win a war (a sort of Colin Powell doctrine).

“Such circumstances as when a nation is besieged by guerilla warfare that overstretches the military. The military proponents decided to prune the military from about a quarter of a million men to about 100 thousand."

Meanwhile, Powell’s support for the ARISE Magazine and the Africa Rising Festival, two major ideas that changed the course of

Africa’s entertainment and social space would later transform into the ARISE Television Group, Nigeria’s foremost international television station, acclaimed to be shattering ceilings.

Powell, during one of the festivals that usually featured musical concerts of both local and international acts, had performed a popular “Yahooze dance” with the crooner, Olu Maintain, to the awe of the world.

Both ARISE Magazine and the Africa Rising Festival, ultimately gave rise to the fast rising television station of global standard, ARISE News Channel.

Igbo governors, Igbo NASS members, government officials, Archbishops and the Clergy, stakeholders, youth and women wings, town union, to address the plethora of challenges facing the Igbo nation and Nigeria.

The organisation noted that its core objective was a sense of belonging in a country anchored on equity, justice and fairness.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, on Monday, the organisation said it was necessary to prove to the global community that Nnamdi Kanu was not only hale and hearty but that shady judicial process was not contemplated while on trial.

Ohanaeze noted that the agitation and youth restiveness in the South East of Nigeria was a reaction or an effect of an orchestrated alienation by the federal government over

the years.

The organisation maintained that until some of the issues of obvious injustice against the Igbo were seen to be addressed, the chains of catastrophe that threaten the corporate existence of Nigeria may be inevitable.

“History shows that it is extremely difficult to have peace amidst injustice.

Emphatically, we need not look elsewhere to know that IPOB is simply an exponent of Igbo collective sentiments and predicaments in our tortuous journey and an unquantifiable sacrifice for one Nigeria” it said.

The organisation noted that its President General, George Obiozor had in his inaugural speech on January 20, 2021, called on the Presidency to consider dialogue as a panacea to peace, insisting that the jackboot approach to the IPOB uprising will rather aggravate the precarious situation.

Court Orders Immediate Release of Odili's Seized International Passport Alex Enumah in Abuja The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court yesterday ordered the immediate release of the international passport of former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, seized by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

Justice Inyang Ekwo made the order in a judgment he delivered in a suit filed by Odili challenging the action of the service.

Justice Ekwo in the judgment did not only hold that the action of the NIS was unlawful but described it as illegal, unconstitutional and ultra vires.

The judge agreed with Odili's lawyer, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe, that the NIS and its Comptroller General lacked the constitutional powers to seize the said documents.

The defendants had predicated their actions on claim that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had placed the

former governor on its watch list.

In his decision, Justice Ekwo noted that a Federal High Court in a judgment delivered on March 5, 2008, issued an order of Perpetual Injunction restraining the EFCC, from investigating Odili over his tenure as Rivers State Governor, between 1999 and 2007.

According to Ekwo until the order was voided and set aside by a competent court of records, the order remains binding on EFCC, its operatives and agents.

"I found that the seizure of the applicant's International passport was wrongful, illegal, contemptuous, arbitrary and above all unconstitutional.

"From the evidence which has not been controverted in this case, the seizure of the applicant's passport upon his return from his medical trip was done in a manner that dehumanized, belittled, harassed and derided him.

"Declaration is hereby made

that the seizure of the applicant's international passport without any reason is illegal and constitute an infringement on his fundamental human rights to freedom of movement and to own moveable property as guaranteed under sections 41 and 44 of the 1999 constitution.

"An order is hereby made directing the respondents to immediately release and return the applicant's international passport.

"The action of immigration in this matter is condemnable as it is made in violation and disobedience to valid order of court."

While ordering that the passport with numbers B5003305 be immediately returned to the former governor, Justice Ekwo ordered Immigration to tender apology to Odili in writing for the embarrassment caused him with the seizure of his passport.

Justice Ekwo thereafter granted order of perpetual injunction

against Immigration restraining it and its agents from harassing, intimidating or infringing on the fundamental rights of Odili to freedom of movement inside or outside Nigeria.

Odili had dragged the Nigeria Immigration Service and its Comptroller General before the federal high court in Abuja, challenging the seizure of his password at the Nnamdi Azikwe International airport in Abuja for undisclosed reasons.

In the fundamental rights enforcement suit, he had claimed that the international passport with numbers B50031305 was seized from him on June 20, 2021 by operatives of the Immigration Service and has since been withheld.

In an eight-paragraph affidavit he personally deposed to, the former governor claimed that the passport was seized from him upon his return to Nigeria from the United Kingdom where he had gone for

his medicals.

Odili averred that on his arrival, his traveling documents were checked and given back to him and that while waiting for his luggage, an official of Immigration demanded for the passport on claim of routing check which he complied with but that the document has since been withheld.

He claimed to be a senior citizen of Nigeria, law abiding and had not done anything to warrant the seizure of the passport from him.

Odili prayed the court to compel the two respondents to release the passport to him and to grant order of perpetual injunction against them to prevent his further harassment, embarrassment, intimidation or interfering with his fundamental right to freedom of movement.

The former governor also demanded a written apology for the embarrassment caused him by the Immigration.

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TUESDAY OCTOBER 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Lagos #EndSARS Panel Ends Sitting, Awards N128.2m to 24 petitioners Wale Igbintade The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on police brutality and human rights abuses by the Police and its disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has concluded its sitting.

However, the chairperson of the Panel, Justice Doris Okuwobi said the much-awaited report of the Panel ‘is being prepared’.

She said the investigation of the incident, including taking of evidence and exhibits, had been completed.

However, the Panel awarded N128.2m as compensation to 24 petitioners on Monday.

“The judicial panel has awarded N128.2 million as compensations to 24 petitioners who were victims of police brutality, as well as families of people killed by the Nigeria Police, especially Special AntiRobbery Squad.

“Based on the merit in the petitions of the 28 petitioners, they were awarded N10 million, N5 million, N2.5 million, N1 million, N700,000 and N500,000 respectively, based on the

strength of their petitions,” she said.

According to her, the panel will submit its findings and recommendations on Lekki

shootings and Nigerian police related abuses of the citizens to the Lagos State Government.

“In line with the laws setting up the judicial panel,

the government will make its findings and recommendations available to members of the public.

“The two reports to be

submitted by the panel to Lagos State Government are on investigation on the October 20, 2020 Lekki Toll Gate shootings during the #EndSARS protests

hijacked by hoodlums and petitions on several abuses and killings by the Nigerian police, especially the disbanded SARS.”

TACKLING INSECURITY…

Secretary General of League of Nigeria’s Columnists (LNC), Professor Anthony Kila (left), presenting an award to the Lead Speaker, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), at a public lecture and awards presentation ceremony by LNC in Lagos...recently

Anyanwu Pledges Massive Anambra Election: Deployment of 35,000 Security Defection to PDP, Submits Agents, an Overkill, Says Ezeife ARISE NEWS Channel, people (security agents) to do. transmission of election results Forms for National Secretary Funmi Ogundare broadcast arm of THISDAY Conscience is dead in Nigeria. by the Independent National Damagun emerges deputy national for north

Chuks Okocha inAbuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consensus National Secretary nominee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, yesterday, submitted his nomination form with a pledge of ensuring a massive defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP. Anyanwu, whose nomination was opposed by some of the stakeholders in the Southeast geo-political, however, saw those who opposed him declaring support for him.

One of those who had earlier opposed Anyanwu’s nomination, the Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, Cyril Maduabun, said he had withdrawn from the race Also, a former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, in a statement pledged support to the national secretary as consensus nominee.

But another national secretary aspirant from Anambra state, Okey Muo Aro, insisted that he was still in the race and that he would buy and submit his nomination form on Tuesday.

Four Killed in a Renewed Cult War It was gathered that a Okon Bassey in Uyo Four person have reportedly been killed in two communities in Akwa Ibom State during a cult war that erupted last Sunday.

The affected villages are: Udianga Anem and Obon Ebot in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Ikot Unah and Ikot Ibekwe in Ukanafun Local Government Area.

For the past three months cult war involving Debam and Iceland confraternities has been going on in the two local government areas of the state.

notorious cult leader from the Iceland confraternity group identified as Otto, from Obon Ebot village in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area was alleged to have masterminded attack against the rival members of Debam confraternity.

An eyewitness said Otto has been going round the community killing members of rival cult group on the pretext that he has the mandate to kill those he believed were cultists who have used his name to commit crime in the community.

Former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, yesterday described as an overkill the efforts of the Inspector General of Police (IG) to deploy 35,000 security agents to monitor the state gubernatorial election scheduled for November 6, 2021, as well as secure the lives of the electorate.

Ezeife, who was a guest on The Morning Show of

Newspaper,expressed concern that the security agents are carrying out duties contrary to what they were asked to do, lamenting that they are not honest in their dealings, and that conscience is dead in Nigeria.

According to him, “Sometimes, they frighten people. If you say you are bombarding the place with security forces, it depends on what you have briefed the

The police may take money and do differently what they were supposed to do. It is not just about bringing security agents.

Are they honest with themselves?

Now the authorities in power are saying no more rigging, not only in Anambra State, but for all elections in Nigeria. We have fooled around for too long.”

He, however, expressed optimism on the electronic

Electoral Commission (INEC) to avoid rigging, describing it as ‘the dawn of a new Nigeria’.

The former governor said: “Before now, there were concrete fears but today, there is a change. Earlier this month, we held a summit at Rockview Hotel, where we cried about the Senate not passing the electronic transmission of election results bill.”

Ondo CJ Withdraws from Ex-Deputy Speaker’s Case Fidelis David in Akure The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Williams Akintoroye, has withdrawn from the case of the immediate past Deputy Speaker of the State House Assembly, Hon. Ogundeji Iroju, against the state assembly.

THISDAY had reported that, the lawmaker representing Odigbo

Constituency 1, requested the withdrawal of case from CJ’s court, alleging that the CJ would be unable to serve Justice in his case due to his(CJ’s) promise to work with the Assembly which is a respondent in the case before the CJ. Ogundeji was impeached last year following crisis that erupted in the House of Assembly in

the build-up to the October 10 governorship election in Ondo State where he kicked against a move to impeach the then Deputy Governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi.

However, when the case came up for hearing yesterday, Justice Akintoroye dismissed the allegations of Ogundeji, saying he laboured hard for many years to build his name and would not

trade it for anything not even a political case before him.

“I have my name to protect.

I have laboured day and night to protect the only legacy I have, which is my name. I have not desecrated this seat. I have worked in virtually all judicial divisions in Ondo State without blemish. I practised for 18 years before I was appointed as a judge,” he said.

Gunmen Attack Police Station in Ebonyi, Kill Officer Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki Unknown gunmen on Sunday night attacked Ohaukwu Divisional Police Headquarters in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and killed a police sergeant.

A section of the station’s building, cars and other valuables were also razed by the hoodlums who reportedly

attacked the station with petrol bombs and dynamites.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the State, DSP. Loveth Odah, and the Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Council, Mr. Clement Odah, confirmed the incident.

The police spokesman who explained that the hoodlums were repelled, confirmed that a police sergeant who

sustained gunshots injuries during the attack died on yesterday morning at Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, where he was receiving treatment.

Odah said that the Police Commissioner, CP. Aliyu Garba, had visited the station for on-the-spot assessment and had launched a manhunt against the fleeing gunmen.

She said: “At about 23.50 hours yet to be identified gunmen came into Ohaukwu Police Divisional headquarters, to attack the station and men on duty, but they were immediately repelled and in the process, one policeman, a sergeant sustained a gunshot injuries and was rushed to Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital where he was confirmed dead this morning.

airport by the government.

The protesting farmers demanded immediate payment of requisite compensations on the acquired farmlands, failing which they would prevent the contractor from proceeding with the project.

The farmers, mostly aged and widows, who came from

Igbogun, Aso, Igbemo, Ijan and Orun, and Bolorunduro communities to the airport ground located along Ado-Ijan road, pleaded with Governor Kayode Fayemi to consider their plights and investment on their farm lands and pay them compensation as promised by the government.

Speaking for the aggrieved

farmers, Mr. Osho Olorunfemi, lamented that the farmers from the five affected communities whose lands were acquired for the airport have lost huge amount of money in investment on the crops, calling on the governor to urgently address their grievances and pay them the compensation.

Bauchi Pays N30bn Loan, Vows Airport: Ekiti Farmers Decry Delay in Compensation, to Discourage Misappropriation Bauchi State Governor, Senator handling public funds and all Threaten to Disrupt Project Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has disclosed that the state government has paid over N30 billion loan out of the over N100b debt it inherited in 2019 from the previous administration.

To this end, he charged the newly appointed Commissioners and heads of extra- ministerial departments to be modest in

financial related issues in the state.

The governor, who made the disclosure during the inaugural meeting of the newly constituted State Executive Council(SEC) yesterday noted that despite the economic challenges, his administration is paying over N1 billion every month as part of the inherited loan.

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

In what appeared like a showdown with the Ekiti State Goverment, hundreds of farmers across five communities in the state have expressed anger over delay in payment of compensations for lands acquired to construct international agro-allied cargo

TUESDAY OCTOBER 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS XTRA

Fire Guts Anambra Market Govt, Soludo, Ozigbo sympathise with victims

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Mystery fire on Sunday afternoon razed some parts of Nkwo Ogbe market in Ihiala, Ihiala Local Government Area, and destroyed goods that worth several millions of Naira.

The inferno, which started from the clothes section of the market at about 1p.m., extended to some other parts of the market, including the areas overlooking the expressway.

Many lock-up shops that were not affected were forced open to assist their owners remove their goods.

One Mr. Charles Obi, who owns a provision shop in the market, said: “l just came back from church, when someone called my attention to the market fire.

“I rushed to the scene to see if my shop has been affected, but thank God that my shop was safe.’’

A Cosmetic Dealer, Mr. Ifechukwu Mmadu, said that he was lucky to be within the market early enough to remove his goods before the fire gutted his shop.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government as well as Professor Chukwuma Soludo

and Mr. Valentine Ozigbo the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), respectively have condoled with the victims of

the fire.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C. Don Adinuba, the Anambra State government condoled with

the people and promised to plan, re-design and build a much more modern market in the town.

Adinuba said: “It is regrettable that a good number of the indigenes and residents of the

town were adversely impacted by the inferno. The fire claimed not just buildings and market stalls but also vital goods and even cash.’’

Soludo and his PDP

counterpart, Ozigbo also assured the victims of the fire incident that they would do better to improve their welfare, security of their markets when they become governors.

WALK FOR CANCER…

L-R: Big Brother Naija Winner (BBA), Mr. Olamilekan Agbeleshe, popularly known as Laycon; Nollywood Actress, Mrs. Sola Sobowale; Chief Executive Officer, Medicaid Radio Diagnostics Centre, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, and Nollywood Actor, Mr. Alex Ekubo, at 10th edition of the annual Medicaid Foundation Cancer Awareness Walk in Calabar, Cross River State…recently

Commissioner Warns CCB Eid-el-Maulud: Buhari, Gbajabiamila, Wase, Staff against Frivilous Petitions Ugwuanyi, Mohammed Call for Peace, Unity

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Federal Commissioner, representing the South-South Zone in the Code of Conduct Bureau, (CCB), Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonnayinma, yesterday, flayed staff of the establishment in Edo State for embarking on frivolous petitions among themselves instead of focusing on the objectives establishing the commission.

Agbonnayinma expressed resentment when he visited the Edo State branch of the

commission at the Federal Secretariat in Benin City.

He said that reports that reached him about the commission in Edo was not healthy for its growth.

“This is to let you know that the Code of Conduct Bureau is meant to checkmate corruption as enshrined in the constitution of the federal government of Nigeria, 1999, as amended. Go to section 153, it is very explicit.

“I believed that most of you have gone through the constitution to know exactly the mandate of the Code of Conduct Bureau.

IMB Records Drop in Piracy in Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria Waters Chiemelie Ezeobi The latest piracy report from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) released this week has shown a drastic reduction of piracy in Nigerian waters as well as the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

According to the report sighted on www.defenceweb.co.za, piracy in the GoG and Nigerian waters are now a record low, as pirate activities in the first nine months of 2021 are the lowest reported in 17 years.

However, the report also stated

that 51 crew members were kidnapped, eight taken hostage and one killed while 85 vessels were boarded with nine attempted attacks, two vessels shot at and one hijacked in those 17 years.

The bureau while warning Seafarers to remain vigilant particularly in view of high levels of violence against crew in many areas, said the GoG recorded 28 incidents of piracy and armed robbery in the first nine months of this year, compared to 46 for the same period in 2020.

Notably, Nigeria reported only

PwC, UNDP Partner to Promote Technology Initiatives in Africa Uchechukwu Nnaike The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and PwC Nigeria have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on strategic initiatives centred on facilitating skills transfer, knowledge and competencies.

The first of its kind collaboration in Africa is aimed at catalysing development and policy dialogues that connect and link the private and public sectors with the start-up ecosystem.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, UNDP Nigeria’s Resident Representative, Mohamed Yahaya, said the collaboration was to ensure innovative solutions to some of the complex development issues facing the continent, using new technology and data.

“We all need digital solutions, we need technology, and we need new ways of getting data to assist in finding a way to spot entrepreneurs and young Nigerians in becoming part of the larger developmental agenda.

Our Correspondents

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the military and other security agencies are recording greater successes in the move to combat insecurity across the country, calling for increased cooperation and collaboration. The President, in a message issued yesterday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, to felicitate with the Muslim Ummah, Nigerians of all faiths and the followers of Islam all over the world on the occasion of the Maulud-Un-Nabiyy, said he was delighted to send greetings of peace, unity and goodwill to the Muslim Ummah, fellow citizens and Muslims all over the world as they observe and celebrate Eid-ul- Maulud.”

This is just as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Deputy Speaker Hon. Idris Wase urged Nigerian Muslims

to remain united, steadfast and continue to live peacefully with their neighbours as they mark this year’s Eid-el-Maulud.

The duo, in seperate messages to commemorate this year’s Maulud, also called on Nigerian Muslims to continue to pray for the country and her leaders, especially as they celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Similarly, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed Bauchi State felicitated the Muslim faithful calling on all Nigerians to renew their faith in God and intensify prayers for the country to surmount its challenges.

In the same vein, former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, urged Nigerians to close ranks and also be their brother’s keeper in order to move the nation

forward.

Buhari in his message gave a snapshot of the increased activities the Armed Forces, Police , and intelligence agencies have embarked upon to effectively respond to the security challenges in the nation.

According to the president, increased cooperation and collaboration from the citizenry, coupled with reinvigorated, dynamic, and energised police, security and military leadership is helping the administration score more victories against terror, criminality, and economic sabotage.

He stressed that the reality of declining insecurity should replace the inaccurate narrative of rising insecurity in the country.

According to him, the government fully expects and intends for these trends to continue, and called on the media to address the tone, content, and standards of reporting into

security and safety measures.

In his felicitation with the Muslim Ummah to mark the Eid-Ul-Maulud Buhari urged Muslims to strive for “forgiveness and closeness to the noble life and teachings of the Prophet (SAW) whose birthday is being marked on this blessed day, saying: “On this auspicious occasion, I wish you all the blessings of today.”

On their part, Gbajabiamila in his message said the life and times of the Holy Prophet were worthy of emulation, hence the need for Nigerian Muslims to emulate him. While noting that Nigeria is facing some challenges at the moment, the speaker said that with prayers and unity of purpose, the country shall overcome them.

In his message, Wase said the birth of the Prophet ushered in a new dawn for humanity, urging citizens to rededicate themselves to promoting unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Five Unilorin Students Bag Distinctions, 180 First Class Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The authorities of the University of Ilorin Kwara State yesterday disclosed that despite the disruption COVID-19 pandemic brought to educational institutions in the country, five students of the institution made distinctions while another 180 students made first class during the 2019/2020 academic session.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sulyam Age Abdulkareem, who disclosed this in Ilorin during a press conference to herald the activities planned for the 36th convocation ceremonies of the institution, also said about 10,922 students would convoke at the ceremony.

He said: “In the First Degree/ Diploma category, we have 180

First Class; 2,836 Second Class Upper Division, 4,879 Second Class Lower Division, 1,110 Third Class and 14 Pass.

“We also have 140 MBBS graduands; 46 graduands in Nursing, five graduands with distinction and 16 with pass in Optometry; six graduands with distinction and 49 with pass in Pharmacy, while 37 graduated in Veterinary Medicine.

“Furthermore, a total of 20 graduands are obtaining Diploma from the Institute of Education.

“For emphasis, the total number of higher degrees to be awarded at this occasion is 1,584. This figure comprises 142 Postgraduate Diplomas, 1,142 Masters from various faculties, 113 MBA/MPA/MILR/MGIS/ MPH/MHPM, and 187 PhDs.”

Man Stabs Cousin to Death in Rivers Community Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt A young man identified as Mr. Bobby Gabriel has allegedly stabbed his elder cousin to death in Duburo community, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

THISDAY gathered that the suspect in his early twenties killed

his cousin, Kopapa Neete who was in his early forties, during an argument Sunday night.

It was further gather that the suspect fled the community when he noticed his cousin he stabbed had given up the ghost.

The Chairman of Duburo Community Development Committee (CDC) Mr. Vincent Gbosi, confirmed the incident

via telephone interview and disclosed that the matter has been reported to Bori Divisional Police headquarters.

However, Gbosi called on the state government to tackle the insecurity experience in the area.

He said: “Yesterday there was an incident in Duburo community where one Bobby Gabriel stabbed one other youth

named Kopapa Neete to death.

They are actually cousins.

“As a community, we have made effort to formally lodge complain to the police in Bori Division of the Nigerian Police Force.

“We are using this medium to call on the government to look into the state of insecurity in the community,” Gbosi stated.

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TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Oshoala Listed in FIFA’s Technical Advisory Group Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigeria and FC Barcelona Femeni forward, Asisat Oshoala, was yesterday listed in FIFA’s Technical Advisory Group on women’s football.

The Super Falcons Captain is the only current African player in the TAG headed by Jill Ellis, a former FIFA World Women's Coach of the Year recipient.

Ellis is also the only two-time FIFA Women's World Cup winning manager and current President of the San Diego NWSL club.

Also in the team is South Africa’s Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Desiree Ellis, Chelsea Coach, Emma Hayes and USA star, Alex Morgan.

Some of the topics on the agenda of the TAG include; Competitive balance, increased opportunities for underserved nations, a FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, increased visibility and participation, FIFA international windows, prize money and the possibility of staging a biennial FIFA Women’s World Cup. The TAG, which comprises players, coaches, referees, administrators, sports scientists and executives, features representation from each of the six continental confederations, held its second meeting on Friday 15 October.

Speaking on the TAG project, Jill Ellis said; “I’m honoured to be chosen by FIFA to lead this project.

“The growth of women’s football is a key objective for FIFA. Like any initiative, the first step is to gather all of the information and start to make next steps for how this advisory group can be impactful for tangible change for the growth and advancement of

the women’s game.”

“It’s time for women’s football to definitely assume the importance it has at all levels and create its own path of growth and advancement, notwithstanding the obviously necessary coordination with the men’s game namely to avoid calendar overlaps.

Ellis highlighted further, “We will take the information gathered from the Technical Advisory Group and a wider consultation group to take informed ideas to a broader audience,”she concluded.

Women’s TAG Participants Deyna Castellanos (VEN) – Current player Desiree Ellis (RSA) – National team coach Laura Georges (FRA) – Administrator/former player Emma Hayes (ENG) – Club coach Lindsey Horan (USA) – Current player Karina LeBlanc (CAN) – Former player Kristine Lilly (USA) – Former player Alex Morgan (USA) – Current player Doreen Nabwire (KEN) – Administrator Asisat Oshoala (NGA) – Current player Mark Parsons (ENG) – Club coach Ricardo Rambo (BRA) – National team coach Wendie Renard (FRA) – Current player Ali Riley (NZL) – Current player Lotta Schelin (SWE) – Former player Dawn Scott (ENG) – Sports scientist Kelly Smith (ENG) – Former player Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb (GER) – Referee Pia Sundhage (SWE) – National team coach Jorge Vilda (ESP) – National team coach Sun Wen (CHN) – Former player

Aiyepeku Condemns Win-at-AllCosts Syndrome at Youth Games

Asisat Oshoala...listed in FIFA’s Technical Advisory Group

Executive Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Sola Aiyepeku, has described the attitude of winning at all costs by some states in the ongoing 6th National Youth Games as a dangerous trend that won’t serve the Nigerian sports well in the long run.

According to Aiyepeku, while the National Youth Games serves as a competitive platform for the nation to discover young athletes that would serve as a talent pool to replace ageing athletes, who are fading away from Nigeria’s sporting arena, the objective has been rubbished by some ‘unrepentant’ states which are hell-bent in fielding overaged athletes in the tournament.

“How can we explain a situation when athletes of 10-11 years old competing with their seniors in a youth games? It is and they are ready to give a sad scenario. If we continue these two matches their all.” like this, as a nation, it will Nigeria and Ghana were two not end well. In those days, of the six participating teams Nigeria was a leading force in at last month’s maiden edition Africa sprint, but today, other of Aisha Buhari Invitational countries have taken over from Women’s Tournament, which us. This is because we don’t also involved South Africa, Morocco, Cameroon and Mali. have the pool of athletes from

Super Falcons Aim for Big Win against Ghana’s Black Queens Nine-time African champions Super Falcons are confident they can earn a good win on home ground tomorrow that will put them at relative advantage in their 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Ghana’s Black Queens.

As at preset time last night, over 18 players were in the team’s camp preparing for the crucial game . Already in camp are goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, defenders Onome Ebi, Opeyemi Sunday, Ayomide Ojo, Oluwatosin Demehin, Akudo Ogbonna and Rafiat Imuran, midfielders Goodness Onyebuchi and Regina Otu, and forwards Vivian Ikechukwu and Gift Monday. The rest of the invited squad were expected in camp by yesterday evening.

Both fierce continental rivals will slug it out at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in the first leg of this fixture, which will eliminate

2022 WOMEN’S NATIONS CUP one of the best teams in women football on the continent and render that team inactive for the next two-and-half years.

The 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Morocco in the summer of next year, will also serve as the qualifying tournament for the 32-team 2023 FIFA World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.

The team that loses out in the Ghana/Nigeria fixture will be without meaningful shooting practice until the qualifiers for the 2024 AFCON finals are activated.

On Sunday, the Super Falcons’ camp opened in Lagos ahead of the double quick-fire with the Queens, with the return leg holding in Accra on Sunday.

Coach Randy Waldrum said: “It is important for us to get a

good win at home and then go to Accra and play like warriors.

These are two battles that we must be ready for. The Super Falcons just have to be at the AFCON and the World Cup

the domestic front who will take over from the ageing ones.

“What is happening in Ilorin is begging for a national question that: “Are we truly for development of our sports and athletes, or we are just here for the win at all costs?” This makes us very sad as a state in Lagos.

“When we are talking about the greater Lagos, we must also be focusing our life on a greater nation. We can’t be talking about the greater nation in the midst of all these incidents happening in Ilorin.

“The National Youth Games is supposed to be a platform to discover young athletes, but we are messing it up now. It is quite discouraging,” Aiyepeku noted.

The Chairman was full of commendation to Team Lagos for putting up good fights in their respective sports despite the unfavourable environment they are competing in Ilorin.”

25 Primary Schools Qualify for Zonal Playoffs A total of 25 primary schools have qualified from the preliminaries to play in the zonal stage of the 2021 edition of the Headmasters’ Cup football competition.

The developmental football fiesta organised for all primary schools in Delta State is sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc. Since September 30th, the preliminaries started with 378 registered schools competing for honours in all the Local Government areas of the State.

ZENITH/DELTA HEADMASTERS’ CUP Some of the schools through to the zonals include; Ogbe-Utu Primary School Issele-Uku, Royal Foundation School, Ngbile Primary School Kiagbodo, Uduaka Primary School, Oghara, Abraka Memorial Primary School, Abraka, Zenith Rock Primary School, Asaba, Makpa Primary School Oginibo, Ogidi Primary School, Agholoma, Owa Model Primary

School, Owa, Peakrise Academy, Agbor, Bovi Primary School, Ozoro, Okpolo Primary School, Ogbe Primary School Effurun, Ojomba Primary School, Koko and Pessu Primary School, Warri.

In some of the final games, Ogbe-Utu Primary School defeated Ozor Primary School 1-0 in the Aniocha North LG final in which 18 schools took

part while Royal Foundation School also defeated Olloh Ogwachi-Olloh 1-0 to emerge tops in the Aniocha South LG with six registered schools as participants.

Owa Primary School defeated Umuocha Primary School, Akumazi-Umuocha, 3-0 to win the Ika North East LG contest which had nine teams registered and Paekrise Academy, Agbor emerged tops among 15 other contestants after beating Nosiere Primary school 4-1 in the final.

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TUESDAY, ͹΁˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

No Room for Niceties as Suarez and Liverpool Reunite Again Luis Suarez will return to Liverpool’s Anfield tonight in the UEFA Champions League but his visit for 90 minutes will not be to the delight of fans of the Red who previously cherished their former star. They will see in Suarez, an enemy for the duration of the game.

The last time Suarez met Liverpool in Spain was also the first time since he left the club five years earlier in 2014. It was the Uruguayan who set the tone.

He slid in studs up, not for a tackle but a finish, and without a moment's hesitation celebrated, circling around the back of Liverpool's goal, his arms outstretched, grinning.

He had scored 82 goals in 133 games for them, won a cup with them, been defended through racism and biting scandals by them, and earned their adoration as one of their greatest ever players.

But there at Camp Nou, in that Champions League last-16 tie, there was no sign of restraint, let alone remorse.

Suarez had given Barcelona the lead against Liverpool and nobody could say he was not relishing every second of it.

In the build-up to the second leg at Anfield, he switched back.

He spoke of his close relationship with Liverpool's staff and how his children learned the excitement of football in the city.

He posed for a photo,

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE giving a thumbs up next to the club's crest on a wall.

None of that was insincere.

Liverpool was the club that raised Suarez from a precocious talent at Ajax to one of the most feared strikers in the world.

With them he had shared joy and despair. When Liverpool missed out on winning the Premier League in 2014, a pivotal defeat by Crystal Palace left him crying under his shirt.

But now Suarez was celebrating their disappointment and the Liverpool fans remembered.

In the second leg they booed and heckled as Suarez got to work again.

He flicked the ball away as Liverpool tried to take a throw. He confronted Fabinho, hoping to stir

a reaction. Fabinho was booked for the challenge that followed, Suarez rolling on the floor, hands clasped around his leg.

"I just can't get enough," the Liverpool fans once sang.

Now it was: "Cheat, cheat, cheat".

Liverpool triumphed, an historic comeback turning a 3-0 first-leg defeat into a 4-3 win on aggregate, Suarez's anguish only adding to the

satisfaction.

They adored Suarez playing for them but despised him playing against them and at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday, they will expect nothing different.

TODAY C’Brugge v Man City PSG v RB Leipzig Atletico v Liverpool FC Porto v AC Milan Besiktas v Sporting CP Ajax v Dortmund Inter v FC Sheriff Shakhtar v R’Madrid

EUROPA Celtic v Ferencvaros

...Neymar Ruled out of PSG/Leipzig Clash Neymar has been ruled out of Paris Saint Germain's clash with RB Leipzig tonight after picking up an injury while away on international duty with Brazil.

PSG had to make do without Neymar in their last Ligue 1 outing against Angers on Friday, which fell on the same day he was in World Cup qualifying action for his country against Uruguay.

Supporters hoped to see him return in time for the Champions’ League group stage encounter against Leipzig tonight, but the French giants have revealed he has returned to Parc des Princes nursing a minor knock.

PSG confirmed his continued

absence in an official statement on their website: "Neymar Jr has been suffering from adductor pain since his return from the national team and will have to extend a period of treatment for a few days before a normal return to the group."

The Ligue 1 leaders have also revealed Argentina international Leandro Paredes will be missing due to a quadriceps issue, while Sergio Ramos is close to returning to training after sitting out the start of the season with a calf problem.

Should there be complications with Neymar's recovery, he could also be a doubt for their next Ligue 1 outing against Marseille on October 24.

England Get Onematch Stadium Ban

England’s Three Lions have been ordered to play one match behind closed doors as a punishment for the unrest at Wembley Stadium during the Euro 2020 final.

UEFA also imposed a ban for a second game, which is suspended for two years.

The Football Association was fined 100,000 euros (£84,560) for "the lack of order and discipline inside and around the stadium" for the game.

"Although we are disappointed with the verdict, we acknowledge the outcome of this UEFA decision," said the FA.

Fans fought with stewards and police as they attempted to break into Wembley for the match on 11 July, which England lost to Italy on penalties.

Hundreds of fans got into Wembley for the showpiece without tickets after areas around the stadium became packed hours before the evening kick-off.

Many sat in the area reserved for players' relatives.

The Metropolitan Police had said that 51 arrests were made connected to the final, with 26 of those made at Wembley.

Luis Suarez...no friendly atmosphere as he returns to Anfield tonight

Neymar...doubtful for PSG versus RB Leipzig tonight

Nigeria/S’ Leone Clash Ties with Our Strategic Objective, Says NCF The Nigeria Cricket Federation has said the T-20I Bilateral series between the National Men’s Cricket Team, Yellow-Greens and the Sierra Leone national team, starting today at the University of Lagos Cricket Oval, is part of the federation’s elite cricket development plan.

Speaking in Lagos yesterday ahead of the first of the six series of matches scheduled in the tie, Femi Solebo, the Local Organising Committee Chairman of the Series and Board Member of the N.C.F, said the federation plans to keep the national team in good shape and primed for international encounters, citing a new strategic way of operation by the newly elected Board.

“The games against Sierra Leone have a historical and developmental relevance to all that we do. We intend to keep the national teams busy while expanding our development agendas. This particular encounter will help us prime our players for the forthcoming T-20 World Cup Qualifiers. But among other things will also help us size up the options we have for the national team, keeping in mind the huge investments at grassroots and age grade cricket development,’’ he said.

The new board of the Nigeria

Cricket Federation led by Uyi Akpata which was voted in three weeks ago had set a target of 250, 000 new recruitments into the game yearly through an expansive development campaign that is driven on the school system and that will provide the bedrock for development in both Boys and Girls category.

Nigeria’s Head Coach and High-Performance Manager, Asanka Gurursinha said the national team is ready for the Series and there has been

changes made since the last Tri-Series tournament in Uganda last month.

“The Nigerian team is a fairly young side and has been growing and getting better with every game they play together. Exposing them to more international matches like this would put them to test and hone them for better performance. I believe this Series will do that for the team. This series is very important for both teams as they prepare for the ICC T20 World cup qualifier in

November, so we expect a very competitive series’’ Asanka said.

Nigeria will take on the Sierra Leone team back-to-back from Tuesday October 19 to Thursday 21 daily at the UNILAG Cricket Oval, before their first break on Friday October 22nd, three other matches are scheduled before their departure on 27th.

The Nigerian team will be taking part in the International Cricket Council’s T-20I World Cup Qualifier for Africa, in Rwanda, later in November 2021.

Adebakin, Akanbi Dominate at Maiden Aruna Quadri Cadet Championship Femi Solaja It was a gathering of future stars as the duo of Tobi Adebakin and Kehinde Akanbi on Sunday night emerged as the champions of boys and girls categories respectively.

“I am delighted to have won this tournament and I hoped to use it as a stepping stone in my career. Although I have won some tournaments in the past, I see this feat today as the major one because it is my first experience in any official table tennis competition,” Boy’s cadet

champion, Adebakin disclosed at the presentation.

The one-day tournament is aimed at unearthing talents as well as part of the Quadri Aruna’s contribution to table tennis in Nigeria.

The tournament sponsored and organised by Aruna Sports Club and Academy in conjunction with Eko Club is also part of Africa’s highest-ranked player’s commitment to the development of the sport at the grassroots level.

“Over the years, Nigeria had always produced a new star in

table tennis almost after every decade when you look at the likes of Atanda Musa/Yomi Bankole era after which Segun Toriola/ Funke Oshonaike took over the dominance and today is all about Aruna Quadri.

“Why must we wait for such a long time when we can actually produce new star within the space of four to five years. A project like this will help bring out hidden talents from the street and within a short period of time into national limelight,” the African number one player explained after the tournament.

Tuesday October 19, 2021

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Price: N250

MISSILE Falana to Nigeria, Leadership “It is surprising that in Nigeria, ideology is not being discussed. That is the reason the country is not making progress in almost every endeavour of life. The world is expecting Nigeria to lead, not to follow, but the country is not living up to this billing, despite the fact that the nation is hugely blessed with human and material resources” –– Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, berating Nigeria and her leaders, for the country’s underdevelopment.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI October 20: The #EndSARS Memorial abati1990@gmail.com

“Credible intelligence at the disposal of the Command has revealed clandestine plans by some youths, individuals or groups to embark on a protest today in commemoration of one-year anniversary of ENDSARS… In view of the volatility of the situation in the country, and the breakdown of law and order which the planned protest might cause, the Lagos State police Command sternly warns against any form of protest… To forestall breakdown of law and order, the police will use legitimate means within their constitutional powers to suppress the planned protest. Therefore, parents and guardians are advised to warn their children against participating in the planned protest. Individuals or groups sponsoring such protest are also warned in their own interest to desist from such unpatriotic plan or face the full weight or wrath of the law.” – Hakeem Odumosu, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.

I

read the foregoing quote with which this commentary is prefaced with a considerable amount of amusement and alarm: about how security agencies in Nigeria have lost the capacity to learn or show the civility that their work requires. But before that, the statement, being the Lagos State Police Command’s response to the plan

by Civil Society Organisations to commemorate the first-year anniversary of the #ENDSARS protests in Nigeria, is written in perfect Yoruba transliteration, what the late Professor Dapo Adelugba referred to as “Yorubanglish”. The use of English as a second language can be problematic, and indeed as has been argued variously, “The Empire Writes Back” and has been doing so in interesting ways, creating varieties of English or “Englishes”. The short quote above is in a class of its own in that category. It reminds me of that popular local, Yoruba, antiphonal lyric: “Ko lo’mo kilo fo mo re o… oni a le.”

It is amazing how in a modern, democratic dispensation, those in charge of the levers of power consistently throw back to the ancient, monarchical ethos of dominance and authority. It is a reflection of how Nigeria has failed to modernise or educate its institutions and the rather absolute lack of enlightenment on the part of its personnel. Or could it be hypocrisy? Sycophancy? Or plain sight stupidity?

What makes it more shocking is that it is not only the Lagos Police Command that has issued a similar threat with regard to the #ENDSARS Memorial that is scheduled to be held tomorrow. There have been similar threats from the Osun and Oyo State Police Commands, a reflection of the mood of Nigeria’s security establishment. Except that their objection to the right of the people to protest is unlawful, condemnable and indefensible. We aver that there must be no display of stupidity on the part of the Police or any of the security agencies tomorrow as Nigerians choose to commemorate the tragic events of October 8 – 20, 2020, popularly known as the #ENDSARS protests.

The right to protest is a constitutional right within the purview of Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion); Section 39 (right to freedom of expression and the press); Section 40 (right to peaceful assembly and association); Section 41 (right to freedom of movement) and Section 42 (right to freedom from discrimination), all of which are tied to other fundamental rights in the 1999 Constitution including the right to the dignity of the human person in Section 34. In IGP v. ANPP, the Court of Appeal upheld the right to protest as a right guaranteed under the Constitution of Nigeria “without seeking or obtaining permission from anybody.” Further, Nigeria is signatory to several international conventions which affirm the individual’s right to protest as a major pillar of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the obligation of state parties to respect the right to protest and ensure that there is no violation by third parties.

The big problem that we face is that state actors in Nigeria do not always respect agreements or commitments, except it serves their own narrow, selfish interests.

IGP, Usman Alkali Baba

Under Part II of the Fifth Schedule to the Nigerian Constitution, public officers swear an oath of allegiance to the country and to defend the Constitution. But they don’t. They act as if they are above the law. They disrespect the courts. They choose what aspect of the legal dispensation is convenient for them, often times, those aspects that grant them the lee-way to punish and dehumanise any person or group that they consider, in their own reckoning, an enemy of the state. Due to systemic failure, the institutions and officials who run the engine room of the state are the worst culprits. They play politics when they are supposed to be neutral. They misbehave beyond the margins of error. This then is my problem with the conduct of the Nigeria Police issuing threats that its men would “kill and maim” if anybody goes out tomorrow, October 20, to commemorate the #ENDSARS crisis of October 2020. Should the police even kill anybody, extra-judicially or issue unreasonable threats in the first place? It is the duty of the police to protect every protester and facilitate the people’s right to protest. The Nigerian Police are described as law enforcement officers, and friends of the people. When the same police institution breaks the law and becomes the people’s enemy, an ironic source of agony and frustration, and indeed a notorious chief lawbreaker, it is the very foundation of society itself that is shaken and compromised.

The army of young Nigerians who trooped onto the streets between October 8 and 10, 2020 sought to draw attention to this, even if there were regional differences. In the South, the Generation X and Z who led the protests focussed on the brutality of the Nigeri0an Police, elite corruption and irresponsibility, power abuse, and extra-judicial killings by state actors. Their counterparts in the North said they had no issue with the conduct of brutal policemen. A few others complained about the bad governance that has made the North a killing field and the hotbed of insecurity. They all asked for Change nonetheless – the common, unifying thread of the protests. It didn’t take long before the typical Nigerian factor overtook the protests.

In parts of the North, a pro-establishment group of sponsored thugs eventually joined the protests and attacked civil society activists. In the South, the protests were also hijacked. Police clamped down on the protesters. In the South, the protests later went out of hand, as #ENDSARS degenerated into organised attacks on the homes of politicians, and the business interests of innocent persons, many of which were either vandalized or razed down and the unveiling and looting of secret places and garages where politicians had hidden COVID-19 palliatives. In a particularly notorious case in Lagos, a female lawmaker allegedly converted palliatives

provided by the Nigerian state into gift items to be distributed during a planned birthday party!

Lagos was the epicentre of the protests.

Lekki Toll Gate was the location where many Nigerian youths gathered in their thousands on a daily basis. Matters came to a head on October 20, 2020, when soldiers from the 81 Division of the Nigeria Army, Bonny Camp, Lagos, and a contingent of policemen, invaded the Lekki Toll Gate to disperse the protesters. There have been many versions of what exactly transpired at the Lekki Toll Gate, and a lot of blame games and denials. Protesters claimed that the military and the police fired live bullets at protesters, and many died or were injured. Nothing has been more surreal.

In response, after the storm, the Federal Government, through the National Economic Council (NEC) directed that special panels of inquiry should be set up across the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, to look into the causes and effects of the protests and make appropriate recommendations especially with regard to compensation for identified and proven victims. While most of the states complied and set up panels of inquiry, the states of Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Yobe and Zamfara flatly refused to do so. In total, only 29 states and the FCT constituted the panels and tried to investigate the reported cases of police brutality. Essentially, only the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution in Lagos State appeared to have made any serious effort. The eight-man panel led by Justice Doris Okuwobi considered about 230 petitions. The Okuwobi panel was given a period of six months to conclude its work, but it was still sitting as of this week, having been granted further extension till October 19, and so far, it has awarded over N400 million as damages to victims of police brutality.

The Lagos panel, and may be a few others, including Enugu and Ekiti, would seem to have shown a measure of commitment to the assignment.

Other panels were hampered one way or the other, or they quickly ended their meetings. The panel in Taraba State struggled to conduct investigations but it complained about lack of funding. The panel in Imo state awarded N770.9 million as compensation after considering 145 petitions but there is no evidence that anybody has received any form of compensation. Ekiti state has paid part of the compensation decided upon by the panel of inquiry; but it is yet to pay the outstanding balance due to what they call “paucity of funds.”

The panel in Ondo State recommend the payment of N755 million as compensation. As is the case in many other states, it is not clear if anything has been paid. So far, 28 states have so far managed to complete their assignments. Lagos State submitted an interim report, and has now closed shop.

Whereas the Federal Government has taken the step of asking the states to set up judicial panels of inquiry, it is difficult, a year later to see whether any substantial progress has been made with the original five demands of the protesters viz: (i) immediate release of all arrested protesters; (2) justice for all deceased victims of police brutality and appropriate compensation for their families; (3) Setting up and independent body to oversee the investigation and prosecution of all aspects of police misconduct (within 10 days); (4) In line with the new Police Act, psychological evaluation and retraining (to be confirmed by an independent body) of all disbanded SARS officers before they can be redeployed and (5) Increase police salary so that they are adequately compensated for protecting lives and property of citizens. The key questions to ask are: where are we, a year later? Has anything changed? I doubt if there is anyone out there who can answer these two questions with his or her full chest. The government of the day promised to address all the five demands. Has it done so?

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was disbanded and renamed SWAT, its officials were asked to report to Abuja for psychiatric evaluation,

and redeployment. There is no evidence of success in that regard.

The main issue was the brutality of the police - their sadism and wickedness to the tax payers who maintain them. After the #ENDSARS protests, the wickedness of the police to the people simply went a notch higher. They have not stopped killing people indiscriminately nor have they stopped extorting the people. Even the language of oppression that they speak has not changed. It is as if Nigerian policemen are on a revenge mission against the people they are expected to protect. The #ENDSARS protesters asked for increase in police salary. Some noise has been made about the need to improve the welfare of policemen, and indeed this is important. Nigerian policemen are as much victims of the system as the same people who protest against them. #ENDSARS was symbolically about a lot that is wrong in our society, including the dehumanization of policemen.

Many of them lost their lives. Police stations were burnt down. There are hundreds of police children and wives out there whose breadwinners died in the course of the #ENDSARS protests. Not all policemen are corrupt and unkind, indeed many actually empathised with the protesters in October 2020, an indication of the complex nature of that event. In matters such as this, however, the lines are never so clear cut. There are good and bad cops just as there are good and bad citizens. In October 2020, we saw all of that on display.

Without making excuses for anyone, the #ENDSARS looks more like the boiling over of the Nigerian crisis. The villain is the Nigerian state itself and its bad managers, who do not care enough about issues of justice, equity and accountability.

While openly, the government claimed that it was working on trying to establish the truth and compensate victims, the same government and its officials constantly lied about the details of what transpired: who ordered the troops to Lekki Toll Gate? Did the soldiers use live bullets? Did anybody die? How about the persons who were reportedly taken to hospitals or persons who jumped into the Lagoon? Who invited the military into what was a civil incident? We may never ever know the truth about these matters, and that is the way Nigeria is.

And it is why Nigeria has trust and accountability issues and the gap between the people and those they have elected to lead them continues to widen.

One year after, it is appropriate to remember the history, heroism and drama of October 2020.

The heroes are the young people of Nigeria, the civil society groups and celebrities, who stood up for the truth, those who dared to say No to injustice and brutality and the cruelty of the Nigerian Police. The villains are those agents of the state who fought and brutalised the protesters, the rent-a-crowd charlatans who sought to change the narrative and the state itself that supported a police force that behaves badly. The heroes are the members of the Feminist Coalition and the local and international agents who sustained the protest with cash, food, drinks and entertainment to keep the tempo alive. The villains are the charlatans who, even while government made conciliatory noises, demonstrated by their conduct, the gross hypocrisy of the state, by arresting #ENDSARS protesters and their bank accounts. Many #ENDSARS activists fled abroad and have not returned. Those who stayed behind have been told that they cannot even have a memorial symposium or any event otherwise they will face the full wrath of the law.

And of course, there is that other crowd of junior Judases who betrayed their colleagues by colluding with the state.

The Police should not re-open old wounds by intimidating, harassing and molesting anyone who chooses to remember, commemorate or talk about October 20, 2020. It is the duty of the police to ensure that protests are conducted peacefully and in an orderly fashion. Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police should call his men to order. Happy #ENDSARS anniversary.

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