SUNDAY 22TH OCTOBER 2023 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Nigeria to Know Fate Tomorrow as UK Court Delivers Judgment on P&ID’s $11bn Suit Komolafe urges winners of gas flare commercialisation bids to hasten site devt FG deploys tiny tankers for crude oil transportation Ejiofor Alike in Lagos and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Business and Property Court in London will on October 23 (tomorrow) deliver judgment

in a case between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID)

Limited. This is coming as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian

Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, has urged

the bid winners for the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Continued on page 5

See eCopy of THISDAY Style on www.thisdaylive.com Sunday 22 October, 2023 Vol 28. No 10420

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Current Challenges are Temporary, Tinubu Tells Nigerians… Page 13

Appeal Court Not Bound by 180 Days Statute, Atiku RepliesTinubu, INEC, APC Says time limit applies only to election petition tribunals Insists appellate court, not tribunal entertains disputes from presidential elections Alex Enumah in Abuja The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar, has stated that the

180 days limit set by the 1999 Constitution for election petition cases is only for the election tribunals handling cases arising from the state assemblies, National Assembly and governorship

elections, and not for the Court of Appeal, which entertains disputes from the presidential election. Atiku argued that nothing stops the Supreme Court from accepting fresh evidence of forgery against

President Bola Tinubu, insisting that it is not the election tribunal that entertains disputes arising from the presidential election. According to the former vice president, the 180-day time limit

applies to only the tribunals handling the disputes arising from the state assemblies, National Assembly, and governorship elections. Atiku was replying to the

application by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tinubu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Continued on page 5

Senate Seeks Mandatory Electronic Transmission of Election Results, Jega Concurs Lawmakers advocate unbundling of INEC, diaspora voting Commission's chairman shouldn't be appointed by president, says Jega Chuks Okocha and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Senate and a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, have called for the amendment of the electoral laws to ensure mandatory transmission of election results, unbundling of INEC and diaspora voting. This is just as Jega has insisted that the chairman of the commission should not be appointed by the President. The Senate’s position was contained in the communique issued at the end of the two-day retreat organised for senators by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. The communique said the diaspora voting would give the Nigerians outside the country the opportunity to participate in the Continued on page 5

FELLOWSHIP INVESTITURE... L-R: Special Guest/Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro; Host and President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Dr. Ken Opara; former Acting Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry, Mr. Waheed Olagunju; and First Vice President of CIBN, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, during the investiture of Olagunju as a Fellow of CIBN at the Fellowship Investiture ceremony in Lagos…weekend

SUNDAY OCTOBER 22, 2023 • T H I S D AY

OCTOBER 22, 2023 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS APPEAL COURT NOT BOUND BY 180 DAYS STATUTE, ATIKU REPLIES TINUBU, INEC, APC urging the apex court to reject his new evidence because the court cannot, at this stage, accept fresh documents that were not filed within the 180 days provided by law for the hearing at the lower court. The former vice president, in one of his grounds for the nullification of Tinubu's victory at the February 25 presidential election was that the president allegedly committed a major constitutional breach when in 2022 he submitted a forged certificate to INEC aid his qualification for the 2023 presidential election

According to him, it is immaterial when Tinubu committed the alleged offence, insisting that the law is law and must take its full course in the instant case. The documents Atiku sought to tender are the academic records of Tinubu, which were handed over to him by the Chicago State University on October 2, 2023. The 32-page documents were released to the former vice president on the orders of Judge Nancy Maldonado of the District Court of Illinois, Eastern Division, Illinois, United States of America. The US court had ordered the

CSU to release the said documents to Atiku despite Tinubu's objection because the court said it was convinced that it would be relevant in Atiku’s case against Tinubu, who won the February 25 presidential election. But in their reply to the application, INEC, Tinubu, and APC urged the apex court to reject the application because the Supreme Court cannot at this stage accept fresh documents, having not filed within the 180 days provided by law. According to them, the apex court at this stage lacked the

necessary jurisdiction to receive and decide on the fresh evidence, having not been presented within 180 days. Responding, the former vice president, through his lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche, (SAN), argued that, contrary to the avowed position of the respondents, "there is no such constitutional limit of 180 days on the lower court to hear and determine a presidential election petition, such that can rob this honourable court to exercise its power in any manner whatsoever." According to the senior lawyer, "the parties agreed that

the Constitution is the fons et origo and the grundnorm, and supersedes any other legislation". Arguing further, Uche stated that while establishing the election tribunals to deal with election matters arising from Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, and governorship elections, the constitution gave the jurisdiction to entertain disputes from presidential elections only to the Court of Appeal. "Thereafter, the constitution was intentional and deliberate in setting the 180-day limit only for election tribunals, and not for

NIGERIA TO KNOW FATE TOMORROW AS UK COURT DELIVERS JUDGMENT ON P&ID’S $11BN SUIT Programme (NGFCP), to hasten site development. Meanwhile, the federal government, alongside its partners has commenced the deployment of tiny tankers for the transportation of crude oil through the creeks of the Niger Delta, following a protracted inability to fix the often-vandalised pipelines in the region. According to TheCable, the judgment in the P & ID suit will be delivered by Justice Robin Knowles. P&ID had agreed with Nigeria in 2010 to build a gas processing plant in Calabar, Cross River State, but the company said the deal collapsed because the Nigerian government did not fulfill its end of the bargain. Claiming Nigeria breached the terms of the contract, P&ID took a legal recourse and secured an arbitral award against the country. On January 31, 2017, a tribunal ruled that Nigeria should pay P&ID $6.6 billion as damages, as well as pre-and post-judgment interest at seven per cent. Following the judgment, Nigeria applied for an extension of time and relief from sanctions. The application was granted by Ross Cranston, a judge of the Business and Property Courts of England and Wales, in September 2020, thereby returning the case to arbitration. Nigeria had alleged that the gas deal was a scam conceived to defraud the country. Lawyers representing the federal government told the court that P&ID officials paid bribes to secure the contract. But P&ID denied the allegation and accused the Nigerian government of “false allegations and wild conspiracy theories”. In a March trial at the court, Nigeria alleged that the contract was secured through dishonest means that included bribery and perjury and that the arbitration award, which has now risen to $11 billion because of interests, should be quashed. In September, it was reported that representatives of P&ID were actively seeking negotiations with the federal government to reach an out-of-court settlement.

Komolafe Urges Winners for Gas Flare Commercialisation to Hasten Site Development Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC, Mr. Komolafe, has urged the bid winners for the NGFCP, to hasten site development. Speaking in Abuja during the establishment of a ‘College of Awardees’ for bid winners of the NGFCP, Komolafe said the forum will leverage the collective experiences of the awardees. A statement signed by the NUPRC Chief Executive said the forum would also help connect other stakeholders and critical support systems to preferred bidders/permit holders. In addition, Komolafe explained that it would bring together worldclass service providers, including technology providers/Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), financiers, and multilateral agencies to foster optimal delivery of the

flare commercialisation projects. Speaking at the inaugural Post Award Forum of Awardees (PAFA) and inauguration of the NGFCP College of Awardees in Abuja, Komolafe restated the organisation’s belief that the move would also facilitate significant opportunities for partnerships and collaborations. The forum was attended by NGFCP preferred bidders/ awardees, government agencies and functionaries, international partners, and multilateral agencies. Others included: Development partners and a network of the business community comprising investors, technology providers, financiers, and service providers. Hosted from the live transmission centre at the NUPRC’s headquarters, the event, NUPRC said, had more than 200 participants from across the world. Komolafe emphasised the need for the awardees to secure full title to the relevant flare sites by qualifying for the grant of permit to access the sites and progress project development towards the start of beneficial operations. “We, therefore, encourage all interested entities to take advantage of the platform to network and close deals under a win-win value proposition,” he added. He hinted that the forum will be convened periodically, possibly twice a month in the first instance, or at the college’s desired frequency as the programme implementation unfolds. “Please be informed that the federal government is focused on deepening our gas market and ensuring decarbonisation of upstream operations in line with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP). “The NGFCP is a critical platform through which these mandates can be achieved, and your preferred bidders are integral to this journey to bring to fruition the agenda of the government,” he stressed. He urged awardees to take advantage of the current global gas market realities and quickly bring the projects to operation. “I urge you to hit the ground running in developing the awarded sites in line with sound engineering and industry best practices,” he noted. He pledged that the commission would continue to provide a transparent, predictable, and enabling regulatory environment for operators in line with its technical and commercial statutory mandates to optimise the development and exploitation of the nation’s hydrocarbon resources.

FG Deploys Tiny Tankers for Crude Oil Transportation In another development, the federal government, alongside its partners, has commenced the deployment of tiny tankers for the transportation of crude oil through the creeks of the Niger Delta, following a protracted inability to fix the often vandalised pipelines in the region. Specifically, the fleet of small river-going tankers is expected to help boost the country’s Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota, which the country has failed to meet since

the COVID-19 pandemic started easing in late 2020. Bloomberg reported that Africa’s top producer, racing to lift output before OPEC decides new oil-production quotas, has now started using the unorthodox vessels to get a new grade of oil, Nembe Creek, up the Niger River Delta. The crude is subsequently loaded onto an ocean-going ship that’s stationed off the nation’s coast, the report said. It’s unclear if the new mode of moving crude was responsible for the marginal gains in crude oil production in September, wherein the country recorded production of 1.34 million barrels per as against the 1.74 million OPEC quota. It was Nigeria’s biggest output since January 2022. However, despite September’s increase, a THISDAY report last week estimated that Nigeria’s total losses to underproduction were as high as $3.89 billion in the third quarter of 2023. The figure followed an analysis of the monthly industry report recently released by the NUPRC for September. The crude oil, which is now

channelled through other means of transportation, was previously transported via the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) to the Bonny terminal, which is operated by Shell. That conduit, operated by Aiteo Group and previously running at about 150,000 barrels a day, has not piped crude oil to Bonny since February 2022, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The switch in the mode of transportation of crude is seen as a new development, since the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the federal government’s representative in all contracts, had in the past clashed with partners that insisted on deploying barges rather than using the problematic pipelines. The new logistics setup uses a floating storage offloading vessel called Galilean 7, which is anchored near the Brass terminal, according to a terminal information sheet seen by the news organisation. Shuttling Nembe Creek oil, which is owned by Nigeria and Aiteo, is a significantly more expensive method than by pipeline, but a better option than not producing at all. The river’s depth limits the

size of the ships that can sail up it, meaning about 24 individual deliveries are needed to get enough oil to fill a standard ocean-going ship. A Shell spokesman declined to comment. Aiteo and NNPC didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. A 1-million-barrel Suezmax tanker Maran Orpheus, lifted the first cargo of the new grade from Nembe Creek terminal on October 10, the tanker tracking data compiled by Bloomberg showed. Nigeria is scheduled to load approximately 65,000 barrels a day of the new Nembe Creek grade this month and next, according to export loading programmes seen by Bloomberg. That would replace most, but not all, of the reduction in flows from Bonny. Recall that in 2021, a Nigerian company, Eroton stopped evacuating its crude through the NCTL, citing massive crude oil theft activities by vandals. Between October 7 and 13 alone, the NNPC reported that 205 incidents of crude oil theft were recorded across the oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta region.

the Court of Appeal. On the other hand, when it came to appeals, the Constitution clearly and expressly extended the same to the Court of Appeal. “The Constitution clearly excluded the Court of Appeal in the preceding subsection," he submitted. Furthermore, Atiku argued that a cursory look at Section 285 of the Constitution reveals that the lower court – Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC) - that heard his petition was not an election tribunal, adding that the framers of the Constitution limited the application of the 180 days specifically to election tribunals under section 285(6), excluding the Court of Appeal. "On the other hand, when it came to the next subsection, namely Section 285(7), they intentionally included and mentioned the Court of Appeal. The trite maxim, my Lord, is ‘expressio unius est exclusio alterius’, meaning that the express mention of one thing in a statutory provision automatically excludes any other which otherwise would have been included by implication. "Furthermore, when granting jurisdiction to the Court of Appeal to entertain presidential election petitions, the Constitution did not pretend that it was conferring the jurisdiction on a “tribunal;” it clearly gave the jurisdiction to the Court of Appeal. Thus, section 239(1) of the Constitution specifically provides thus: “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Court of Appeal shall, to the exclusion of any other court of Law in Nigeria, have original jurisdiction to hear and determine any question as to whether- (a) any person has been validly elected to the office of Continued on page 13

SENATE SEEKS MANDATORY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF ELECTION RESULTS, JEGA CONCURS election of their president. It read in part: "INEC should be unbundled to improve its efficiency and effectiveness in the preparation and conduct of elections. "Relating to the use of technology in elections, there is the need to remove the ambiguity evident in Section 64 of the EA22. "There is also the need to make electronic transmission of results mandatory from the next general election in 2027. "Uploading of polling unit-level results and result sheets used at different levels of result collation should also be mandatory. "INEC should introduce diaspora voting, at least for presidential elections, to enable citizens to vote, especially those on essential service abroad, such as military, paramilitary, and other security personnel abroad, embassy staff, and other citizens. "Relating to political parties, the Electoral Act should stipulate sanctions for failure to submit the register of party members not later than 30 days before the date of party primaries, congresses, or conventions which the political parties have observed in the breach in the 2023 elections without penalty. On fiscal policies, the forum frowned at a situation where many agencies of government are involved in collecting taxes. It, therefore, suggested new laws continue to streamline the process. It added: "Bills on taxes should be presented a Executive Bills and not as private member bills. "There is a need to review the tax waiver policy to ensure it is aligned with the revenue mobilisation drive of the government by making the waiver process more transparent and accountable. "To address exchange rate management issues, challenges of inflation, address poverty, and create jobs, there is a need to consider and approve the Emergency Economic Intervention Bill from the Executive as a proposed legislation from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal

Policy and Tax Reforms. "Establish clear and transparent guidelines for revenue retention. The government should establish clear and transparent guidelines for the amount of revenue that revenue-generating institutions are allowed to retain. "These guidelines should be based on objective criteria, such as the institution's verified operating costs and investment needs by the relevant authorities and committees of the National Assembly. "Need to enhance public spending efficiency, by tackling corruption in government spending in order to provide commensurate fiscal exchange to citizens and boost tax morale. "Need for effective management of resources by adopting technology in expenditure management, driving adherence to fiscal rules and benchmarks, establishing a national fiscal risk framework for revenue, debt and expenditure. "Nigerian government should consolidate revenue collection into a single agency like the FIRS. "This would simplify the tax system, reduce duplication of efforts and make it easier for taxpayers to comply with the law.” On his part, Jega, who also spoke at the two-day retreat organised for senators by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), explained that though the country’s electoral law could be said to be the best in Nigeria’s history, it is not perfect. He argued that all election cases should be resolved by the courts before the swearing-in of the winners, insisting that there is a need for an amendment to remove ambiguities, and to clarify and strengthen some of its sections. "Review the process of appointments into INEC, specifically to divest/minimise the involvement of the president in the appointment of Chairman and National Commissioners of INEC, to free the commission from the damaging negative perception of “he who pays the piper dictates

the tune,” Jega said. The former INEC chairman stated further, "The applicants/nominees for these appointments should be subjected to public scrutiny with regards to knowledge, skills, good character, and non-partisanship. Guidelines should be provided for submitting petitions against any nominee during this process. “On second thought, and for obvious reasons, I will recommend a joint committee of the National Assembly be given this responsibility, with criteria for transparency, non-partisanship, and stakeholder engagement for the process," he recommended. According to documents made available to THISDAY, Jega who also spoke at the retreat, said the amendment should make the electronic transmission of results mandatory from the next general election in 2027. He also said the president should be divested of the power to appoint the chairman and National Commissioners of INEC to free the commission from partisanship. The former INEC boss explained that the law should be reviewed to ensure that all cases arising from the conduct of elections are resolved and judgments made before the date of swearing-in. Many stakeholders had expressed concern that Section 64 of the Electoral Act, which states the process of transmission of election results, is susceptible to manipulation and misinterpretation. But Jega said the section should be clarified by making transmission of election results compulsory, including uploading of polling unit level results and result sheets used at different levels of result collation. According to Jega, “INEC would have enough time to prepare for this if the Act is amended early enough in the ensuing electoral cycle.” He also called for the introduction of early voting for eligible voters on election duty, such as INEC staff, observers and their drivers, security personnel, and journalists, or special arrangements to enable them

to vote on election day, especially for presidential elections. The former INEC boss advocated for diaspora voting, at least for presidential elections, to enable citizens to vote, especially those on essential service abroad. He said that there is a need to enhance the inclusion of women, if necessary, by up to 35 per cent of elective positions in parliament, and in all political parties’ candidate lists. On cross-carpeting by elected officials, Jega said that it should be proscribed not only for members of the National Assembly but also for elected executives, governors, and chairmen of LGAs while INEC should be empowered to prepare for elections to fill the vacancy once it has evidence of the act of cross-carpeting. According to Jega, “There is a need to place stringent conditions for candidate withdrawal and replacement to prevent abuse. Empower INEC to also screen and if necessary, disqualify candidates whose credentials show that they are unqualified or in respect of whom it has evidence of forgery and other forms of criminality. “There is a need for the legislation to allow even candidates outside the political parties, as well as tax-paying citizens to file suits against candidates who provide false information to INEC regarding their candidature. “Although Sections 132(8) & (9) have given timelines within which the Tribunals and courts of appellate jurisdiction should issue verdicts, there is a need, particularly in respect of elected executive positions, to ensure that all cases are resolved and judgments made before the date of swearing-in. “The Justice Uwais Committee recommended that the responsibility for advertising, screening, shortlisting, and submission to the Council of State for recommendation to the Senate for confirmation hearings, for this category of officers, should be entrusted to the National Judicial Council (NJC),” Jega explained

SUNDAY OCTOBER 22, 2023 • T H I S D AY

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 22, 2023

NEWS

BRAINSTORMING ON SECURING MONEY… L-R: Head, Internal Audit, FBN Holdings Plc, Dr. Bode Oguntoke; CEO, E-Settlement Limited, Mr. Olaoluwa Awojoodu; President of Information Security Society of Africa - Nigeria and Chief Compliance Officer, Ecobank Nigeria, Dr. David Isiavwe; Director, Payment System Management, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Musa Jimoh; CTO, Digital Transformation, Huawei, Ron Raffensperger; and Chief Information Security Officer, NIBSS Plc, Mr. Olusola Odediran, during the ISSAN Cybersecurity Roundtable 2023 on Rethinking Corporate Governance Rules on Money Transfers in Lagos… weekend SUNDAY ADIGUN

Analysts: De-dollarisation, Transparency in NAFEM, Others will Halt Naira Collapse Festus Akanbi As the naira continued its free fall both at the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) and the unofficial market last week, some economic analysts at the weekend said the bashing of the local currency can only be halted with the combination of fiscal, monetary and trade policies in a determined manner. The exchange rate between the naira and dollar fell to as low as N848/$1 on the official investor and exporter window on October 17, 2023. It also traded at a record intra-day high of N981/$1 on the same day. Meanwhile, in reviewing the situation, analysts listed the way out of the current crisis to include the immediate de-dollarisation of the economy, the extinguishing of mature foreign obligations, and the urgent need for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to deal transparently with participating banks at the I&E Window (now NAFEM). The list of the measures also included the call by the Association of Bureau de Change Operators, (ABCON) for the CBN to allow them to carry out online dollar operations and Point of Sale (POS) agency as part of measures to boost liquidity in the forex market and ensure exchange rate liquidity. The suggestions came in the wake of last week’s separate

reports of the Credit ratings and research firm, Fitch Ratings Inc., and Cordros Capital, which said the naira will continue to depreciate against the dollar as the increasing disparity between the official and parallel exchange rates of the Nigerian naira suggests that the government is struggling to stabilise the currency. Speaking to THISDAY yesterday, the Founder and Chief Consultant of B. Adedipe Associates Limited (BAA Consult), Dr. Biodun Adedipe insisted that there is no shortcut to Naira exchange rate stability. Adedipe maintained that relying on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) accommodation is a palliative that will compound the misery while hoping for foreign investments is momentary until another global financial crisis or domestic uncertainty causes foreign investors to leave. Instead of relying on the IMF's palliative, he said Nigeria can start the process with a focused combination of fiscal, monetary, and trade policies. According to him, “CBN should deal transparently with participating banks at the I&E Window. De-dollarise the economy by declaring as illegal any local transactions in US dollars (sale of assets, rent/leases, and other services, including school fees and medical bills) and ensure that government agencies stop

charging local operators and entities in US dollars (quite common in the maritime sector).” Other suggestions include the need to ensure that the sale of crude oil to local refineries should be made in Naira rather than dollar. “Perhaps also, President Tinubu should have a direct engagement with bank CEOs to generate ideas and use moral suasion to enlist their support for the market reforms. Face the reality that unified exchange rates (not any different than floating the Naira) is a poor policy choice for a structurally defective and weak economy like ours,” he added. Adedipe said Nigeria’s USD GDP will continue to shrink under the unified exchange rates regime, arguing that largely importdependent economic activities and lifestyle with a low domestic production base are a recipe for unabated depreciation. “In this case, a growing Nairadenominated GDP will become irrelevant insofar as the exchange rate depreciation is faster!” he concluded. Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE). Dr Muda Yusuf said there is no silver bullet in the treatment of the current fate of the naira. He explained that fundamentals are weak because the government can’t make fx available. Yusuf said the CBN, which is

the only supplier of fx for now is weak, saying the situation will remain the same until others can bring additional inflow. “These can be fresh flow from oil sales or IMF support which is also a possibility because other measures had been exhausted by the immediate management of the apex bank.” Also at the weekend, the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) asked the CBN to allow BDCs to carry out online dollar operations and Point of Sale (POS) agency as part of measures to boost liquidity in the forex market and ensure exchange rate liquidity. ABCON also urged the apex bank to give regulatory approvals to allow BDCs to have access to diaspora remittances, like receiving International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) proceeds. According to a report by Nairametrics, the ABCON President, Aminu Gwadebe was quoted as saying that full participation of BDCs in the retail segment of the foreign exchange market will help achieve a stable, strong, and virile exchange rate. Gwadabe said that ABCON recommended that the apex bank should approve its overdue request that BDCs be made agents through which over $20 billion in annual inflows from the diaspora enter the economy. He noted that securing such regulatory approval

Saraki Clears Actor, Mr. Ibu’s Medical Bills Chuks Okocha in Abuja Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has offset the medical expenses of the popular Nollywood actor, John Okafor, whose stage name is ‘Mr. Ibu.’ Saraki cleared the bill via his foundation known as The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation. Ibu had on Wednesday appealed to Nigerians to come to his aid, noting that he does not want his legs to be cut off, following an undisclosed ailment that has befallen him. Reacting to his appeal, the Saraki Foundation came to his rescue and settled all his medical bills. Disclosing this on Twitter now X platform, the foundation said:

“The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation is honoured to have extended support to Mr. John Okafor also known as Mr. Ibu, a renowned comedic icon, who has graced our screens and brought joy and laughter to countless homes over the past four decades.” The foundation, a non-profit organisation designed to improve the lives of poor Nigerians through various programmes and initiatives, however, did not disclose the specific amount of the medical bills. It revealed that Living Heart Limited is the recipient of the transaction. According to the transaction date on the document posted by the foundation, the funds were transferred on Wednesday, the

same day the comic actor solicited his fans’ prayers and financial assistance. The statement read: “The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation is honoured to have extended support to Mr. John Okafor, also known as Mr. Ibu, a renowned comedic icon who has graced our screens and brought joy and laughter to countless homes over the past four decades. “When we learned of his recent health challenges and the financial burdens associated with his medical treatment, we felt a deep sense of responsibility to assist in any way we could. We promptly paid off his entire medical expenses as of Wednesday. “We encourage everyone who

can come forward and assist in any capacity, whether through financial contributions, moral support, or prayers. “We wish him a swift and complete recovery.” However, Mr. Ibu or any of his families or allies have not confirmed the development as of press time. Last week, the veteran Nollywood comic actor took to social media to disclose his battle with “a strange and dangerous illness”, explaining that his doctors had recommended the amputation of his legs. His colleagues in the film industry have engaged in activities to raise the funds needed, while concerned Nigerians also showed interest in helping the 62-year-old actor.

will boost dollar liquidity and strengthen the naira. On their part, analysts from Cordros Capital said unless there is a direct and deliberate intervention to halt the slide, the incentives for holding the naira will continue to be limited. In the company’s latest report at the weekend, the analysts said: “Given the CBN’s unbanning of importers of all the 43 items previously restricted from the NAFEM in 2015, the market realised that FX supply is still minimal at the official market faster than we anticipated. Accordingly, importers have returned to the parallel market to fulfil their FX obligations. In addition, the incentives for

holding the naira continue to be limited by the day, coupled with the panic-buying arising from the expectations of further currency pressures amidst limited FX supplies. Consequently, barring any significant FX inflows or convincing action by the policymakers to turn the tide, we expect the exchange rate pressures to linger in the short term.” In its recent report published by Forbes Africa, Fitch Ratings highlighted the widening gap between the official and parallel market rates as an indicator of the challenges in maintaining exchange-rate liberalisation and suggested the possibility of further devaluation.

Obasanjo Advocates Single-digit Interest Rate for Agric Loans James Emejo in Abuja Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the federal government to reduce interest rate on agricultural loans to a single-digit to help transform agribusiness. Obasanjo made the call at the weekend in Abuja at the launch of Youths in Agribusiness project with the theme, ‘Enabling Scaling of Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Food Solutions.’ He said that if youths had to go to bank to borrow money at the rate of 20 per cent interest rate, it would be difficult for them to succeed in agric business. The former president appealed to the federal government to ensure that youths could get access to finance at the right rate for agriculture. “I believe any interest that is more than single digit is not good enough for agriculture,” Obasanjo said. According to him, agricultural stakeholders have done tremendous work in providing the right seed, hybrid seed, highyielding seed, and knowledge that can be used to transform the agribusiness sector. “But we need more of these scientific and technological products in the farmers’ hands so that farmers can be better on what they get in terms of yields,” he added.

He said that food production, food security, and nutritional security were very important in Nigeria, adding that there was also a need to create jobs for the teeming population of youth in the country. On his part, Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Wouter Plomp, said the Youth Agribusiness Programme would be a three-year initiative inspired by Nigerian tenacity and a sprinkle of Dutch innovation to support 8000 young agripreneurs. He said the goal was to combat food insecurity by empowering youths to get access to finance and connect young agripreneurs with local and international markets. According to him, the aim is not only to ensure Nigeria’s food security but also to place the nation at the forefront of global agricultural innovation. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the 2023 World Food Day campaign took water action for food by encouraging its effective utilisation to ensure stability in food security. The minister, who was represented by the Director of agribusiness and Market Development in the ministry, Mr. Adegbenro Adebiyi, said the project aimed to provide opportunities that would save and restore livelihoods and reduce food insecurity in Nigeria.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 22, 2023 • T H I S D AY

OCTOBER 22, 2023 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS

PROMOTING MADE-IN-NIGERIA GOODS… L-R: Past President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Hassan Adamu; President, Mr. Francis Meshioye; former Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment/guest speaker, Mr. Olusegun Aganga; past President, MAN/former Minister of Industry, Mr. Kola Jamodu; and immediate past President, MAN, Mr. Mansur Ahmed, at the book launch titled: Turning the Wheels: A Story of MAN, during the third Adeola Odutola lecture/presidential luncheon in Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

Current Challenges are Temporary, Tinubu Tells Nigerians Says petrol subsidy was removed for Nigeria not to collapse Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has said the current challenges facing Nigeria are only temporary, adding that the removal of subsidy on petrol was imperative to prevent Nigeria’s collapse. Recall that on assuming office on May 29, Tinubu, in his inauguration speech, said the subsidy on the commodity “is gone”. The pronouncement swiftly triggered an increase in the petrol pump price, causing nationwide hardship as inflation soared. Speaking when he hosted a delegation of Muslim leaders from the South-west, led by Rasaki Oladejo, at the Presidential Villa, the president said the removal of the subsidy has caused hardship.

He, however, added that the situation would get better. He said his administration would do its best to make Nigeria’s economy get better for the benefit of Nigerians. The president, however, stated that the restoration of the country to its rightful place in the comity of nations requires sacrifice. “We have to believe in one country; we have to believe in Nigeria. We will do our best, and our economy will get better for the benefit of Nigerians. I am very sure of that, and we are putting in the work to ensure that.” “It is about our future. We must guarantee our future. Almighty Allah will not give us a burden that we cannot bear. He has put us here for a purpose. It may look difficult;

Report: 921 Civilians, Security Personnel Killed, 827 Abducted in Third Quarter of 2023

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

A new report has shown that 921 civilians and security personnel were killed while 827 people were abducted in Nigeria in the first quarter of 2023. A breakdown of the figures, according to the report titled: "Quarterly Violent Reports by Region," showed that 711 civilians were killed within the period under review while 71 military personnel paid the supreme price. Others include 21 policemen while Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recorded one death each. A further breakdown of the figures by region showed that 294 were killed in the North-east while 109 were abducted. In the North-central, 234 were killed while 77 were abducted, with 171 people killed in the North-west, which also recorded the highest number of abductions at 347. The South-west recorded 31 killings and 50 abductions while South-south recorded 33 killings and 26 abductions. The report, which was conducted by the Global Rights/ Nigeria Mourns, captured the killings and abductions across the country from July to September 2023 and also showed that 64 people were killed in the South-

east while 24 were abducted. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army graduated battle-ready troops to confront insecurity in the country, after months of rigorous training at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kachia in Kaduna State. The graduation ceremony, which took place in Kaduna on Friday, featured a practical demonstration of military drills, showcasing the graduands' newly acquired competencies in tactical manouvre physical proficiency, advanced shooting drills, warrior ethos, and unarmed combat, among other vital skills. A statement issued by the Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, said the training package, code-named "Exercise Restore Hope V", was to adapt personnel, who freshly passed out of Depot Nigerian Army to the challenges posed by the everchanging nature of threats within Nigeria’s security environment. Addressing the graduating troops, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, described the objective of the exercise as an effort by the Nigerian Army to close observed gaps in its operations through focused, adaptive, and effective training, to produce highly skilled and competent manpower for operational engagements in all theatres.

even rough, but it will get better,” presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted the number one citizen as saying. Tinubu said his administration is putting in the work to ensure that the country’s economy gets better.

“We avoided it (removing petroleum subsidy) for 40 years. We are all going through the pain now, but for Nigeria not to collapse, we had to remove the subsidy. “In the history of successful nations, there is nothing more

vital than the leadership of a nation making difficult decisions at the right time and for the right reasons. There would have been no money for the subnationals.” The president commended the leaders for their prayers and support, assuring them that his

administration would empower the youth with skills and create an enabling environment for them to prosper. On his part, the leader of the delegation, Oladejo, commended Tinubu’s courage in removing the subsidy.

INEC: There Won’t be Glitches in Result Upload for Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Polls Says SDP’s allegations over reconfiguring BVAS untrue Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that there will be no glitches in the upload of results for the Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi State governorship elections on the Result Viewing Portal (IReV). This is just as the commission described the allegations made by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) that its officials were allegedly reconfiguring Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State as untrue. Recall that the upload of results was a major issue in the 2023 elections, which INEC attributed to technical glitches. But speaking on a live television interview at the weekend, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said there would be no glitches in the off-cycle elections in three states. His words: “We have been using the IReV for all governorship elections, but it (2023 general

election) was the first time we deployed it for the general election setting. Well, we had a glitch for some hours, and we fixed it. But I can assure you that this time around we are not going to have glitches. “I can affirm that those technical issues have been resolved. Last week, we undertook the mock accreditation, and one of the reasons we did that was to test run these technology gadgets we were going to use, and it was successful,” he said. Oyekanmi also stated that there could be technology downtime at any point, but noted that the body has learnt lessons from the conduct of the 2023 general election. “Technology can throw up challenges, but by and large, we have learned our lessons from the 2023 general election.” He also clarified that what INEC does with the IRev portal is uploading and not transmission of results. “We are not transmitting; we are uploading,” he said, noting that there are differences between

transmitting and uploading. “All we are doing is taking a picture of the polling unit results and uploading the same to the portal.” Meanwhile, the commission has described the allegations made by the SDP that its officials were allegedly reconfiguring BVAS ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State as untrue. The Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Oyekanmi, in a statement issued yesterday said the configuration of BVAS is done simultaneously and exclusively in the commission's offices in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states by teams deployed from the national headquarters, Abuja. He, therefore, urged the public to disregard the story as fake news, while also appealing to political parties to desist from engaging in malicious rumour mongering of this nature. Oyekanmi said: "The attention of the commission has been drawn to a statement signed by ID Ijele, Director of New Media of the SDP

governorship campaign team in Kogi State. "The statement alleged that three staff of INEC are right now maliciously reconfiguring the BVAS machines in the Government House, Lokoja, with the intention of manipulating the forthcoming governorship election in a part of the State in favour of a candidate. "The story is untrue. The three persons mentioned are not associated with the configuration of the BVAS machines and not even in Kogi State at the moment. Mr. Nicholas Ocholi is on his duty post in our Ondo State office in Akure. Ibrahim Egbunu is attending to a very close family member hospitalised in Abuja. Mohammed Adara retired last year and is no longer a staff of the commission. "The configuration of BVAS is done simultaneously and exclusively in our offices in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States professionally and strictly handled by teams deployed from the national HQ, Abuja."

APPEAL COURT NOT BOUND BY 180 DAYS STATUTE, ATIKU REPLIES TINUBU, INEC, APC President or Vice-President under this Constitution.” Uche also noted that when conferring on the Supreme Court the jurisdiction to entertain appeals arising from decisions on presidential election petitions, the constitution limited itself to the “Court of Appeal” and made no mention of ‘tribunal’. He cited Section 233 subsections (1) and (2)(e)(i) of the Constitution which provides that, "The Supreme Court shall have jurisdiction, to the exclusion of any other court of law in Nigeria, to hear and determine appeals from the Court of Appeal. "An appeal shall lie from decisions of the Court of Appeal to

the Supreme Court as of right in the following cases- (e) decisions on any question - (i) whether any person has been validly elected to the office of President or VicePresident under this Constitution”. Uche revealed that it was based on the above facts that the Presidential Election Petition Court itself administratively refused to be referred to as the “Presidential Election Petition Tribunal,” but the “Presidential Election Petition Court”. While stating that it is derogatory to refer to the Court of Appeal as a tribunal, the appellants/ applicants therefore "submit that there is no constitutional limitation to rob this honourable court of the jurisdiction

to exercise its express powers under Order 2, Rule 12 of the Supreme Court Rules 1985 to receive this vital and constitutionally important fresh evidence relating to the qualification of a candidate to contest election to the exalted office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria". While Atiku, on one hand, is alleging that the election that produced Tinubu as President was substantially flawed and should be nullified, on the other, he is claiming Tinubu should have been disqualified from contesting the poll on the grounds of alleged forgery and perjury. Atiku emphasised that the presentation of a forged

certificate to INEC in an election automatically disqualifies a candidate for all time, no matter when presented. "That the case is not whether the 2nd respondent attended Chicago State University but whether he presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). "That at the trial, a National Youth Service Corps certificate with serial number 173807 presented by the 2nd Respondent to the 1st Respondent was equally tendered by the Appellants/Applicants at the trial as ‘Exhibit PBD 1A’ with the name Tinubu Bola Adekunle, which is annexed herewith as Exhibit “J”.

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 22, 2023

NEWS

REWARDING EXCELLENCE… L-R: Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; and Director-General, National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman, during the recognition of Bamidele's leadership quality at the just concluded senators’ retreat at Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State…yesterday

Otukpo Deadly Bank Robbery: Police Kill Two Fleeing Robbers, Arrest Four Others Benue govt assures indigenes of adequate security George Okoh in Makurdi The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Otukpo, Chief Superintendent (CSP), John Adikwu, and three other police officers lost their lives in the bloody bank robbery in the town. This is as the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Col. Alex Igbaya (rtd) has assured residents of the state of adequate security measures to forestall a reoccurrence of the deadly multiple bank robbery in Otukpo. Recall that heavily-armed men in two Hilux vans and a car stormed commercial banks in the town with explosives and sophisticated weapons, killing several persons, including police officers, vigilante members, and a local government councillor, after which they carted away large sums of money from the banks. The command in a statement issued yesterday by its Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, disclosed that security personnel who chased the gang successfully intercepted them along the OtukpoTaraku road where they abandoned their vehicles and escaped into the forest after two of them were gunned down in the gun battle that ensued. The statement read: “On October 20, 2023, at about 4:15 pm, armed robbers invaded Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, UBA and StanbicIBTC Bank in Otukpo,

simultaneously. “The Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, CSP John Adikwu, and other police teams in the area engaged them in a gun duel but were unable to prevent their attack on the banks. “More police teams, in collaboration with other security agents, were deployed to Otukpo to assist in stabilising the area and prevent these robbers from escaping. “The robbers who were intercepted along Otukpo-Taraku road engaged officers in a gun duel and two of the robbers died in the process. Other gang members abandoned their vehicles and escaped into the forest area and are being chased by the police. “The DPO who sustained a gunshot injury on his stomach and three other police officers have been confirmed dead at the hospital. Other persons who sustained injuries in the bank have been moved to the hospital for treatment. Investigation is ongoing at the moment.” Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Alia, Col. Igbaya, has assured residents of the state of adequate security measures to forestall a reoccurrence of the deadly multiple bank robberies. Agbaya, who paid an on-thespot inspection to places where the incident occurred, particularly the Otukpo Divisional Police Headquarters where four policemen, including the DPO were killed, said the incident was regrettable. He said the state government is

taking stock of the killing of security men and ordinary people at the banks. He said security has been beefed up while security men have so far apprehended four of the criminals and two others were killed in a gun exchange. He commended the gallantry of policemen while also sympathising with them for the loss of four of their personnel. He assured that everyone involved in the robbery would be arrested. "I am in Otukpo to see the situation and I commend security agencies for standing up to the criminals. As you can see four of them have been arrested and two died while exchanging gunshots with security men, unfortunately, we lost four security men." He warned criminals that the new government in the state would not tolerate crime of any guise in the state. George Okoh in Makurdi The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Otukpo, Chief Superintendent (CSP), John Adikwu, and three other police officers lost their lives in the bloody bank robbery in the town. This is as the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Col. Alex Igbaya (rtd) has assured residents of the state of adequate security measures to forestall a reoccurrence of the deadly multiple bank robbery in Otukpo. Recall that heavily-armed men in

two Hilux vans and a car stormed commercial banks in the town with explosives and sophisticated weapons, killing several persons, including police officers, vigilante members, and a local government councillor, after which they carted away large sums of money from the banks. The command in a statement issued yesterday by its Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, disclosed that security personnel who chased the gang successfully intercepted them along the OtukpoTaraku road where they abandoned their vehicles and escaped into the forest after two of them were gunned down in the gun battle that ensued. The statement read: “On October 20, 2023, at about 4:15 pm, armed robbers invaded Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, UBA and StanbicIBTC Bank in Otukpo, simultaneously. “The Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, CSP John Adikwu, and other police teams in the area engaged them in a gun duel but were unable to prevent their attack on the banks. “More police teams, in collaboration with other security agents, were deployed to Otukpo to assist in stabilising the area and prevent these robbers from escaping. “The robbers who were intercepted along Otukpo-Taraku road engaged officers in a gun duel and two of the robbers died in the process. Other gang members abandoned their vehicles and escaped

Tinubu, Buhari Celebrate Oba of Benin at 70 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari have rejoiced with the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, as he marks his 70th birthday and seventh coronation anniversary. President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, felicitated the government and people of Edo State; the Royal Family; the Benin Traditional Council, and most especially, the Benin people as their highly revered traditional ruler turns 70.

“You have served Nigeria in different capacities, especially as an ambassador of our great country. You are an ardent supporter of the nation’s war against human trafficking. Your steadfast collaboration with the federal government in ensuring that stolen artefacts are returned to the country is remarkable. Most importantly, Your Majesty’s words of advice for successive administrations stand you out as a lover of peace. “As the custodian of the cherished customs and traditions of the Benin Kingdom and its people,

I enjoin you to continue to use your exalted position and divine endowments for the promotion of arts, culture, and the values that the Benin Kingdom and the Nigerian people hold as sacrosanct,” the President stated. President Bola Tinubu wished the Oba many more years of good health and fulfillment on the throne. Similarly, former President Buhari described the celebrant as “a king among kings” as the Oba marks his 70th birthday and the seventh year on the throne. The former president, in a

statement by his media aide, Malam Garba, said Oba Ewuare II “continues as a source of inspiration to the country for his remarkable tenacity in the preservation of the cherished cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom. “He is the ultimate Oba,” said the former President, urging the media and the recorders of modern history to focus on Oba Ewuare II, serving as a champion of good conduct and guardian of the cherished values and traditions of his people. Long Live the Oba, Long Live The Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Buhari concluded.

into the forest area and are being chased by the police. “The DPO who sustained a gunshot injury on his stomach and three other police officers have been confirmed dead at the hospital. Other persons who sustained injuries in the bank have been moved to the hospital for treatment. Investigation is ongoing at the moment.” Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Alia, Col. Igbaya, has assured residents of the state of adequate security measures to forestall a reoccurrence of the deadly multiple bank robberies. Agbaya, who paid an on-thespot inspection to places where the incident occurred, particularly the Otukpo Divisional Police Headquarters where four policemen, including the DPO were killed, said the incident was regrettable. He said the state government is taking stock of the killing of

security men and ordinary people at the banks. He said security has been beefed up while security men have so far apprehended four of the criminals and two others were killed in a gun exchange. He commended the gallantry of policemen while also sympathising with them for the loss of four of their personnel. He assured that everyone involved in the robbery would be arrested. "I am in Otukpo to see the situation and I commend security agencies for standing up to the criminals. As you can see four of them have been arrested and two died while exchanging gunshots with security men, unfortunately, we lost four security men." He warned criminals that the new government in the state would not tolerate crime of any guise in the state.

NBS: Petrol Price Rose to N626.21 in September James Emejo in Abuja The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said the average retail price of a litre of petrol increased from N191.65 in September 2022 to N626.21 in September 2023. It made the declaration in its Petrol Price Watch for September 2023 released in Abuja yesterday. It stated that the September 2023 price of N626.21 represented a 226.75 per cent increase over the price of N191.65 recorded in September 2022. “Comparing the average price value with the previous month of August 2023, the average retail price increased by 0.08 per cent from N626.70. “On state profiles analysis report, Taraba paid the highest average retail price of N665.56 per litre, followed by Borno and Benue at N657.37 and N641.29, respectively. “Conversely, Rivers, Delta and Jigawa paid the lowest average retail prices at N602.55, N605.88 and N617.42, respectively,’’ it stated. Analysis by zones showed that the North-east recorded the highest average retail price in September 2023

at N638.33, while the South-South recorded the lowest at N618.47 per litre. The NBS also stated in its Diesel Price Watch Report for September 2023 that the average retail price was N890.80 per litre. It explained further that the September 2023 price of N890.80 per litre amounted to a 12.77 per cent increase over the N789.90 per litre paid in September 2022. “On a month-on-month basis, the price increased by 4.27 per cent from the N854.32 per litre recorded in August 2023,’’ it added. On the state profile analysis, the report said the highest average price of diesel in September 2023 was recorded in Kano at N967.78 per litre, followed by Anambra at N950.95 per litre and Niger at N950.55 per litre. On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Bayelsa at N840.16 per litre followed by Katsina at N840.55 per litre and Rivers at N840.82 per litre. In addition, the analysis by zones showed that the South-east has the highest price at N918.06 per litre, while the South-south recorded the lowest price at N863.97 per litre

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 22, 2023

BUSINESS

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

Revisiting IMF’s Scorecard on Nigeria’s Economy The recently released International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook, which foresees South Africa taking over from Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa in 2024 is the latest pointer to the severity of revenue challenges, gaps in infrastructure, and the unabated pressure on the naira which have combined to make life unbearable for ordinary Nigerian, writes Festus Akanbi

or Nigerians going through the current economic hardships exacerbated by the spiralling cost of living, last week’s publication of the International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook, predicting that Nigeria would lose its preeminent position as the largest HFRQRP\ LQ $IULFD LQ LV D FRQÀUPDWLRQ WKDW WKH FRXQWU\ LV VWLOO EXͿHWHG ZLWK PDQ\ unresolved economic issues, especially the free fall in the value of the Naira. The publication sees South Africa’s gross domestic product reaching $401 billion based on current prices in 2024, compared with Nigeria’s $395 billion and Egypt’s $358 billion. Although the IMF data shows Nigeria’s economy has eclipsed South Africa’s since 2018, the reality today is that Nigeria’s fortunes have dimmed along with a decline in the production of oil and it has been grappling ZLWK UXQDZD\ LQÁDWLRQ DQG D SOXQJH LQ WKH value of the naira. In her reaction, a Bloomberg economist, Yvonne Mhango said, the IMF’s projections UHÁHFW ZKHUH LW EHOLHYHV PHDQLQJIXO UHIRUPV will take place. She is optimistic that Nigeria and Egypt would regain their top spots, with the former taking a strong lead, pointing out however that, “for Nigeria to realise the GDPexpansion projected by the IMF, we think oil output must be restored to its potential; insecurity needs tackled; and the bottlenecks in the power sector addressed.” Both Nigeria and South Africa have been grappling with many economic challenges in recent years. While South Africa’s struggles with electricity supply are more recent, Nigeria has been plagued by chronic power supply LVVXHV WKDW KDYH GHÀHG ODVWLQJ VROXWLRQV

the opinion of the Director General of the Country Department of the AfDB Group, Mr. Lamin Barrow, who listed some of the major bottlenecks limiting full exploitation of the non-oil sectors of Nigeria’s economy to include macro-economic instability, low productivity, inadequate access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises, infrastructure and ORJLVWLFV GHÀFLHQFLHV HVSHFLDOO\ LQDGHTXDWH power supply. In his speech at the 2023 Nigeria Employers’ Summit in Abuja, titled, “Trade and Non-Oil: Changing the Narratives for Rapid National Development,” Barrow said that to remove the barriers to non-oil trade and exports, Nigeria PXVW GHFLVLYHO\ À[ LWV SRZHU VHFWRU RQFH DQG for all. The DG also told the government to improve tax collection and tax administration, plug leakages in tax collection and enhance the H΀FLHQF\ RI SXEOLF LQYHVWPHQW SURJUDPPHV According to him, Nigeria’s revenue-to-GDP ratio, at the moment stands at about eight per cent and is among the lowest globally and lags behind the West African average of 13 per cent.

Limited Opportunities for Nigerians

Nigeria’s Economic Fundamentals

It’s been a very painful experience for Nigeria in recent times as the economy tailspins despite a cocktail of reform programmes unveiled by the current administration. Perhaps, the major economic challenge is the erosion of revenue largely caused by the failure to meet Nigeria’s OPEC quota as oil theft and opaqueness in crude oil management rob the country of the much-needed revenue. As oil revenues dwindle so also the accretion of the nation’s foreign reserves. Coupled with the falling capital importation, the naira value has continued to nosedive so much that the Naira exchanged for a dollar at N1,170 at WKH XQR΀FLDO PDUNHW DQG 1 SHU GROODU DW the NigerianAutonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) last week. Analysts listed other challenges including the unabated problem of insecurity especially in the food-producing regions of the North. The immediate fallout of this was WKH XSVXUJH LQ IRRG LQÁDWLRQ DV VKRZQ E\ WKH ODWHVW LQÁDWLRQ ÀJXUH RI SHU FHQW for September. It is indeed a sad development for Nigerians who are being forced to pay through their noses for food items and other household needs. Today, a bag of rice goes for N50,000, just like the sharp increase in onions, tomatoes, and other food ingredients. Also within the same period, the price of

witnessed a decline in total capital importation, dropping to $1.03 billion from $1.5 billion in Q2 2022, marking a 32.90 per cent decrease, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Capital importation means all the money or investment from foreign countries into 1LJHULD·V HFRQRP\ ,W LQYROYHV WKH LQÁRZ of funds for investment, trade or business expansion. According to the Bureau, investment ranked top accounting for 81.28 per cent ($837.34 million) of total capital importation in Q2 2023, followed by portfolio investment with 10.37 SHU FHQW PLOOLRQ DQG IRUHLJQ GLUHFW LQYHVWPHQW ZLWK SHU FHQW PLOOLRQ Although the 2023 Real GDP is still being computed, reports showed that Real GDP JURZWK IHOO WR LQ IURP LQ Constraints 2021, precipitated mainly by a decline in Nigeria’s economy is also constrained by oil production. This led to a 5% shrinkage many structural issues, including inadequate LQ WKH RYHUDOO LQGXVWU\ ZKLFK ZDV RͿVHW E\ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH WDULͿ DQG QRQ WDULͿ EDUULHUV WR expansion in services (7%) and agriculture trade, obstacles to investment, lack of con- (2%). ÀGHQFH LQ FXUUHQF\ YDOXDWLRQ DQG OLPLWHG Unfortunately, the loss of oil revenue is foreign exchange capacity. being replicated in the non-oil sector of the To compound Nigeria’s woes, the country Nigerian economy. This was captured in

NJ RI GRPHVWLF JDV PRYHG IURP 1 earlier this year to N13,700 in some parts of Lagos last week. In a country with rising unemployment UDWHV DQDO\VWV VDLG LW ZLOO EH GL΀FXOW IRU WKH government to address the insecurity problem as many of the citizens may continue to defy law and order in their desperation for survival. The escalation in the cost of living is also taking its toll on businesses. Reports have it that manufacturers are not spared with Nigerians opting for cheaper imported products, which WKHLU PHDJHU ZDJHV FDQ DͿRUG $QDO\VWV VDLG the pressure may force more companies to choose between winding up or churning out cheaper but inferior products as a desperate means for survival.

In the observation of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Nigeria has failed to justify its huge economic potential in the standard of living of its people, saying “Despite having the largest economy and population in Africa, 1LJHULD RͿHUV OLPLWHG RSSRUWXQLWLHV WR PRVW of its citizens. A Nigerian born in 2020 was H[SHFWHG WR EH D IXWXUH ZRUNHU DV SURductive as they could have been if they had full access to education and health, the 7th lowest human capital index in the world. “Weak job creation and entrepreneurial SURVSHFWV VWLÁH WKH DEVRUSWLRQ RI WKH million Nigerians entering the labour force every year, and many workers choose to emigrate in search of better opportunities.” The USAID is optimistic that the current reforms initiated by the President Bola Tinubu administration will begin to pay RͿ E\ QH[W \HDU VWUHVVLQJ KRZHYHU WKH need to sustain the current momentum. In a recent statement on its website, USAID said, “These reforms, together with global oil prices remaining above their historical averages, are expected to begin WR UHGXFH ÀVFDO SUHVVXUHV DQG XQZLQG the critical macroeconomic distortions that held back growth in the past. The economy is expected to grow at an average RI EHWZHHQ DQG EHQHÀWWLQJ from the reforms undertaken, a recovery in the agriculture and services sectors, and, over time, increased scope for government development spending.” In what looks like a warning not to back down on the ongoing reforms, the agency said if the reform momentum is maintained, FRQFHUWHG HͿRUWV WR DFKLHYH ÀVFDO DQG PRQetary policy consolidation, reduce insecurity, strengthen public services, and improve the business environment and openness to trade, could boost investments and productivity, allowing Nigeria to return to a high growth path. It is under the scenario that revenue from RLO DQG QRQ RLO VHFWRUV ZLOO ÁRZ XQLPSHGHG and the pressure on the local currency will EH HͿHFWLYHO\ WDFNOHG

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 22, 2023

ENERGY

Boosting Local Investments in Oil Sector The recent tour of the moribund Kaztec Engineering’s fabrication yard in Lagos by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, and the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) with a view to reactivating the valuable oil and gas asset has underscored the need to support indigenous companies to continue to invest in Nigeria and contribute to the national economy, Peter Uzoho reports

n response to the call by many concerned industry stakeholders on the need to rescue the $1billion Kaztec Fabrication Yard, located at Ilashe, Snake Island, Lagos State, from further degradation caused by a 2015 force majeure by Addax Petroleum, the federal government and the Senate have begun the process of reactivating the facility. Last Sunday, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, paid a visit to the company’s fabrication yard and pledged the support of the federal government towards the revival of the oil and gas infrastructure. Remarkably, the minister’s visit to the project site came a day after the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) led by its Chairman, Senator Eteng Williams, paid a similar visit to the location as part of the upper legislative chamber’s commitment to investigating the reasons behind the project’s shutdown, to seek solutions for reviving the facility to revitalise the Nigerian economy. Nigeria is currently in search of Foreign Direct ,QYHVWPHQWV )', LQÁRZV LQWR WKH FRXQWU\ DQG the government desires that more Nigerian companies invest in the country to minimise FDSLWDO ÁLJKWV RFFDVLRQHG E\ WKH LPSRUWDWLRQ RI RLO and gas equipment and materials from abroad. Conceived as a major avenue to conserve foreign exchange and create jobs for the citizens, Kaztec embarked on the building of its fabrication L-R: Senator Magnus Abe; Former Senate President, Sentor Ken Nnamani; Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola; yard otherwise known as the Antan Project in Technical Director, Kaztec Engineering, Mr Mike Simpson; and Chairman, Kaztec Engineering, Sir Emeka Oﬀor; during the minister’s work 2012. The project was estimated to cost about $1billion t and was planned to support the drilling and inspection tour to the site of Kaztec Engineering facility located at Snake Island, Ilase, in Lagos…recently of over 19 million barrels of Nigerian crude. The project which had already gulped over $600 of the project, saying the government would (DUOLHU ZKLOH EULHÀQJ WKH PLQLVWHU 2ͿRU Williams, embarked on an oversight visit to the million and attained 70 per cent completion was review all the concerns raised by the company expressed his excitement with the visit, saying Kaztec fabrication yard a day before the visit of expected to be a one-stop-shop for the fabrication with a view to resolving the issues and reactivating “I’m happy that the honourable minister is here the minister, to ascertain the level of degradation RI RͿVKRUH SODWIRUPV ODUJH RͿVKRUH PRGXOHV the fabrication yard. to see things for yourself. VXͿHUHG E\ WKH IDFLOLW\ VLQFH LWV HLJKW \HDUV RI )ORDWLQJ 3URGXFWLRQ 6WRUDJH DQG 2΁RDGLQJ Oyetola said: “I want to assure you that we are “We brought you here to see the level of invest- inactivity owing to a force majeure declared on (FPSO) refurbishment, and new build jackets. going to support you in this project. You’ve spent ment here and then the hardship the organisation it in 2015 by Addax Petroleum. It was also intended to provide facilities like so much and invested so much as a Nigerian. has gone through due to non-patronage as a Accompanied by eight other members of SLSH PLOO SLSH FRDWLQJ GU\ DQG ÁRDWLQJ GRFN That’s the kind of thing we want to see happen- result of the force majeure caused by Addax and the committee, Williams assured that the uplogistics, supply base, and skills development ing in our country. So, whatever bottlenecks, or the Nigerian government based on tax issues per legislative chamber would ensure that the and satisfaction of all the project delivery needs of issues can be resolved. that we were not part of part of.” company gets justice and the facility revived. oil and gas companies doing business in Nigeria “We will look at all these issues holistically to 2ͿRU VDLG .D]WHF KDG DOUHDG\ LQYHVWHG PRUH After touring the fabrication yard and receiving and provide jobs for Nigerians. support you. We want to encourage Nigerians than $600 million into the project, declaring the EULHÀQJV IURP .D]WHF R΀FLDOV WKH 6HQDWH FRPThe facility was projected to generate over $33 to be able to invest in Nigeria. That’s part of the company’s faith in the current government as mittee chairman expressed the readiness of the billion values in revenues and foreign exchange Renewed Hope agenda of the president, and the they had seen some massive changes. committee and the Senate to properly investigate savings for the federal government over 10 years, fact that the ministry is created for the marine He expressed his happiness that the govern- issues relating to the keeping of the critical oil in addition to over 3,000 direct jobs and over and blue economy, which is part of what you ment of the day understands the investments and gas asset moribund for eight years. 10,000 indirect job opportunities for Nigerians. are doing here. the company had made in the project. Williams pledged that his committee would However, for eight years, activities at the project “You can be too sure you have my support in According to him, thousands of direct and carry out a comprehensive investigation, and site had ceased owing to a force majeure declared channelling your proposals, your observations, indirect jobs could be created from the fabrication identify the factors that led to the project’s current on it in 2015 by Addax Petroleum, the project the constraints that have not allowed you to \DUG QRW WR WDON RI RWKHU EHQHÀWV WR WKH HFRQRP\ status while ensuring that justice was served to technical partner, arising from taxes and audit be able to actualise your dream of keeping this if it became functional. all the parties. issues between the federal government and project on course.” 2ͿRU PDLQWDLQHG WKDW WKH SURMHFW ZLOO DOVR +H DOVR DVVXUHG WKDW WKH YLVLW KDG DͿRUGHG WKH Addax Petroleum. help in foreign exchange accretion, especially FRPPLWWHH ÀUVW KDQG NQRZOHGJH DQG ZRXOG The controversial force majeure unfortunately The minister, who described the project as a at this period. OHDG WR WKH HͿHFWLYH IRUPXODWLRQ RI SROLFLHV WKDW OHG WR PDVVLYH MRE ORVVHV ÀQDQFLDO DQG HFRQRPLF win-win situation for all, commended Kaztec for He further explained: “What we have done would result in the revival of the company and losses, business failures and consequential chal- having so much capital tied down in the project here is to conserve the foreign exchange by prevent future occurrences. lenges that have brought the company to its for many years and still remained unrelenting. loading assets out from here without bringing He added that all parties involved in the matpresent inactive status. He added: “I think that we should commend assets from abroad, because when the IOCs are ter, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Unfortunately, when the immediate-past you. We will support you in any way that we can. bringing these assets, if they are coming from Company Limited (NNPC), the federal governMuhammadu Buhari-led government curiously I thank the management for the commitment and the Far East or Asia or the US, and it takes a ment, and others would be heard to enable it to paid Addax, a foreign company over $900 mil- passion to stay on the job. And we are trying to minimum of 45 to 60 days. SURͿHU D VROXWLRQ IRU WKH UHYLYDO RI WKH SURMHFW lion as compensation, Kaztec never received ensure that we have opportunities like this that “And some of these assets are charged $1 Williams said: “We’ve seen it all. We’re goDQ\ SHQQ\ GHVSLWH DOO WKH ORVVHV LW VXͿHUHG RYHU will create jobs for our teeming youths. So, it sits million to $2 million a day, depending on the ing back to the drawing board and we will call a case that had nothing to do with it. as part of the eight pillars of the administration. size of the equipment, and you can imagine if everyone involved. We have the assurance of But speaking after touring the facility and “Job creation is part of it. And with the kind you are paying $1 million a day, times 60 coming the Senate President because we all want this JHWWLQJ WKH QHFHVVDU\ EULHÀQJV IURP .D]WHF of jobs you are talking about, it will at least take DQG WLPHV JRLQJ DQG WKLV DͿHFWV XV QHJDWLYHO\ country to work for everyone. R΀FLDOV LQFOXGLQJ LWV &KDLUPDQ &KLHI (PHND VRPH RI RXU \RXWKV RͿ WKH VWUHHWV DQG WKDW·V “So, the model we have done here will stop “We’re committed to making things work and 2ͿRU DQG WKH FRPSDQ\·V 7HFKQLFDO 'LUHFWRU what is important. all those wastages. And we are happy to be we are assuring all stakeholders that justice will Mr. Mike Simpson, amongst others, the minister “That’s something that we should be encourag- patronised. We want to be challenged. We want be done.” DVVXUHG WKH ZKROO\ 1LJHULDQ ÀUP WKDW KH ZRXOG ing. I only need to know where the government to make sure that we go back to the intention and 7KH 6HQDWH FRPPLWWHH·V HͿRUWV DOLJQ ZLWK WKH support it to resuscitate the yard. can come in. This is part of the investment op- manner of this project. The objective of setting vision of the President Tinubu administration He acknowledged that the company had been portunities in the Nigerian economy. So, we up this place was to help Nigeria.” towards maximising the nation’s petroleum able to make massive investments in Nigeria FRPPHQG (PHND 2ͿRU \RX KDYH EHHQ GRLQJ Similarly, the Senate Committee on Petroleum resources and leveraging them for the overall despite the bottlenecks that had led to the halting so much here.” (Upstream), led by its Chairman, Senator Eteng growth and development of Nigeria.

OCTOBER 22, 2023 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

SOFT FINANCE

INVESTMENT | ECONOMICS | FINANCE | MONEY | E-COMMERCE

with

AYO AROWOLO ayo.arowolo@thisdaylive.com 08086447494 (sms only)

N50m Nvestment Challenge: More Perspectives In this edition, we share more perspectives from the entries on the challenge we had thrown three weeks ago. Interestingly, the second proposal from Abiola Kabiru caught our attention, and we are sharing it in this edition. His first proposal was published last week. RENTA works: - Rental Services: Users can easily search for and rent a wide range of items, including equipment, machinery, clothing, and event accessories. The platform offers a secure and convenient rental process. - Expert Services: Users looking to hire professionals can browse profiles, view job references, and connect with experts in fields such as web development, public speaking, tailoring, and more. - Transparency: RENTA ensures transparency by displaying detailed information about rental items and expert services, including rates, availability, and user reviews.

Abiola Kabiru: RENTA will be my game change

his idea is to demonstrate the versed opportunities that abound in the emerging digital economy space across Africa.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I am thrilled to submit my proposal for the N50 Million ThisDay Life Lessons Investment Challenge. My investment idea is centred on the creation and expansion of RENTA, a revolutionary platform for rental services and expert hiring in Nigeria. RENTA aims to tap into the burgeoning sharing economy in the country, facilitating the easy rental of items and hiring of professional services, all while generating an attractive return on investment. PRODUCT OVERVIEW - RENTA Rental services in Nigeria face a common challenge - the absence of a unified platform where users can conveniently access a diverse array of items available for rent. RENTA steps in to bridge this gap by providing an all-encompassing platform that empowers users to discover and lease anything they require, whether it’s something as small as cameras or as substantial as heavy machinery like bulldozers. Moreover, RENTA introduces a distinctive feature that enables users to enlist the services of skilled professionals and experts to cater to their specific project or event needs. RENTA represents a groundbreaking web and mobile platform with the primary goal of digitising and streamlining the rental services landscape in Nigeria. Its mission is to connect individuals in searching for equipment, gadgets, machinery, vehicles, clothing, event accessories, and more for rent. Furthermore, RENTA is committed to simplifying the process of hiring professionals and experts across various fields to support various projects and events. This document serves as a comprehensive

Mission Statement: Our mission is to empower individuals and businesses in Nigeria by providing a trusted, convenient, and innovative platform for renting a wide range of items and hiring expert professionals. “We are dedicated to simplifying lives, fostering collaboration, and driving economic growth while

Abiola Kabir

overview of the key facets of RENTA. Problem Statement - Fragmented Rental Market: The rental market in Nigeria lacks a unified platform, making it challenging for users to find a wide range of rental items. - Limited Access to Professionals: Locating and hiring professionals and experts for various projects or events can be time-consuming and uncertain. - Lack of Transparency: Users often face difficulties accessing information about rental items and expert services, such as rates, availability, and reviews. Solution: RENTA Platform RENTA is a one-stop platform that solves these problems by providing a user-friendly solution for renting items and hiring professionals. Here’s how

RENTA presents a compelling investment opportunity that aligns with the growing sharing economy and the demand for rental services and professional expertise in Nigeria. The proposed N50 million investment will be utilised strategically to develop, launch, and scale the platform, ultimately generating an attractive return on investment

ensuring user safety and satisfaction.” MARKET OVERVIEW: The rental market in Nigeria is a significant and growing segment of the economy. According to a recent report, the rental industry in Nigeria is estimated to be worth over N100 billion annually. This market includes products and services, from equipment and machinery rentals to clothing and event accessories. Sharing Economy Growth: Nigeria has seen a substantial increase in sharing economy activities in recent years. Reports indicate that the sharing economy in Nigeria has experienced annual growth rates of approximately 30%. This trend reflects a shift in consumer behaviour towards sharing and renting rather than ownership. E-commerce and Mobile Penetration: With the increasing penetration of smartphones and the growth of e-commerce, more Nigerians are looking for convenient online platforms to access rental services and hire experts. CORE MARKETING STRATEGY: • User-Centric Approach: Our core marketing strategy revolves around placing the user at the centre of everything we do. We aim to provide a seamless and intuitive user experience that fosters trust and encourages engagement. • Digital Marketing: We will leverage digital marketing channels, including social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and online advertising, to reach our target audience. These channels will allow us to connect with potential users and promote the benefits of RENTA. • Partnerships: Building strategic partnerships with rental item owners, professionals, event organisers and businesses will be a key part of our marketing strategy. These partnerships will help us expand our inventory and expert pool while promoting RENTA to a wider audience. NOTE: Read the full Interview in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Rose Ebiloma: I will Adopt a Diversiﬁed Approach

. Investment Allocation: Given the freedom to choose any instrument, a diversified approach would be the key to balancing risk and return. Here’s how I would allocate the N50 million: I. Equity Investments (55% - N27.5 million): I would invest about 60%, that is N27.5 million in a mix of blue-chip stocks, technology companies, and emerging markets. Diversification within the stock market would spread the risk. II. Bonds and Fixed Income (25% - N12.5 million): I would also invest about 25%, that is N12.5 million in government bonds and corporate bonds because they provide stability to the portfolio. Also, they offer lower but steady returns and act as a cushion against market volatility. III. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (10% - N5 million): Also, I would invest in REITs because they allow exposure to real estate without the hassle of property management. They offer a balance of income and potential appreciation. IV. High-Yield Savings Account/Money Market (5% - N2.5 million): Finally, the fourth investment is that I would put 5%, that is N2.5 million because keeping a portion in a high-yield savings account or money market fund provides liquidity and acts as an emergency fund.

all eggs in one basket to mitigate risks. c. Regular Monitoring: I would keep a close eye on market trends, news, and geopolitical events. Rebalance the portfolio periodically, to adjust to changing market conditions. d. Risk Management: I would use a portion of the funds for options like protective puts or stop-loss orders to limit potential losses in case of market downturns.

to optimise returns.

3. Expected Returns: Returns on investments are subject to market fluctuations and economic conditions. Assuming a balanced and well-diversified portfolio, a conservative estimate would be an annual return of 10-15%. This estimate is based on historical data and past market performance. The exact return would depend on the performance of individual assets within the portfolio. Investment Note: Maximising Returns through Diversified Investments In today’s volatile market, prudent investment decisions are paramount. The allocation of funds into diverse instruments provides a cushion against uncertainties. The chosen approach aims to balance risk and reward.

Risk Management: Options like protective puts and stop-loss orders will be used judiciously to protect the portfolio from significant losses during market downturns. Regular monitoring and rebalancing will ensure the portfolio aligns with the investment goals.

In today’s volatile market, prudent investment decisions are paramount. The allocation 2. Step-by-Step Strategy: of funds into diverse a. Research and Analysis: I would instruments provides a first of all thoroughly research potential stocks, bonds, and REITs. Analyse historical performance, company financials, market cushion against uncertainties. trends, and economic indicators. The chosen approach aims to b. Diversification: I would allocate the funds as per the plan, ensuring balanced balance risk and reward diversification, and I shall avoid putting

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): REITs are an attractive option, providing exposure to the real estate sector without the complications of property management. Careful selection of REITs with a track record of consistent dividends and capital appreciation will be made.

Ebiloma

Equities offer high returns but come with volatility; bonds and REITs provide stability and regular income. The high-yield savings account ensures liquidity. Equity Investments: Investing in a mix of established companies and emerging markets offers potential for high returns. Research-backed decisions will be made, focusing on companies with strong fundamentals and growth potential. Bonds and Fixed Income: Government bonds and corporate bonds provide steady income. The strategy involves investing in bonds with favourable credit ratings and monitoring interest rate movements

Conclusion: In conclusion, the proposed investment strategy aims to harness the potential of various financial instruments to generate an attractive return on the investment. Diversification, research-based decisions, and vigilant monitoring are the cornerstones of this approach. While market conditions are unpredictable, a well-balanced portfolio can weather the storms and capitalise on the opportunities, ultimately maximising returns for the investor. Finally, it’s advisable to consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. So, if not a challenge, I would table all my ideas before a financial advisor before taking any step. CAVEAT: Please note that none of the investment opinions expressed in the two propositions above represent those of THISDAY NEWSPAPERS and THISDAY LIFE LESSONS. Readers interested in experimenting with any of them are advised to consult their investment experts .

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R OCTOBER 22, 2023

GLITZFOCUS

The Macallan’s Tasteful Inﬂuence on Nigerian Fashion In the world of premium Scotch whisky, The Macallan stands as a symbol of distinction. In Nigeria, its tasting events take whisky to a whole new dimension: a fusion of elegance and style, writes Vanessa Obioha

n recent times, The Macallan, a premium Scotch whisky, has not only captivated whisky connoisseurs but also the fashion enthusiasts of Nigeria. This magnetic attraction can be attributed to the brand’s elegant tasting events, where panache and excellence take centre stage, as evidenced by the recent unveiling of The Macallan Double Cask 30 Years Old in Abuja. The event drew Abuja’s elite to the upscale Tar Tar restaurant, where luxury and style seamlessly intertwine, weaving stories of inspiration and creativity. Matured for three decades, the Double Cask 30 Years Old combines the finest handpicked sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks, resulting in a complex character that narrates the perfect harmony of the two distinct worlds. In keeping with tradition, The Macallan treated its distinguished guests, including notable figures such as Adegbe Ogbeh, Business Partner at Paper Hospitality; Charles Oronsaye, Founder of Africana Couture Nigeria; Edoro Abebe, Group CEO of The Vanilla Group; and Samer Zod, CEO of Zod International, to a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary - a realm where whisky takes on the form of art. Exhibiting a natural golden acorn hue, the Double Cask 30 YO offers a unique combination of fresh honeycomb, sweet toffee, and red apple aroma, while delivering a rich and smooth melody of cinnamon, ginger, and Madagascan vanilla on the palate. “The Macallan Double Cask 30 Years Old is a truly exceptional whisky that is sure to delight even the most discerning palate,” said the Brand Manager of Edrington Portfolio in Nigeria, Hammed Adebiyi. “The expert blending of the finest sherry-seasoned oak casks from Europe and America has created a whisky with a complex and balanced flavour profile that is simply unmatched. We are delighted to launch this exceptional whisky in Nigeria, and we are confident that it will become an instant favourite among all whisky lovers in the country.” The enduring connection between The Macallan, art, and style traces back to the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and excellence since its establishment in 1824 by Alexander Reid. The brand over the years aligns itself with artists and designers who share a dedication to excellence and craftsmanship. In Nigeria, it partnered with Mai Atafo last year for a new collection that celebrated the beauty of African fashion. The collection titled “The Atelier” showcased 80 pieces that reflected the panache and innovation attached to both the whisky brand and the fashion designer. “The Atelier is a statement of passion, grit, and growth. I got into fashion out of a love of clothes, and now that love has evolved into a desire to create an experience people can wear and live,” said Atafo during the fashion show. By March 2023, The Macallan teamed up once more with Atafo to present the Fashion Conversations, a workshop aimed at educating young and budding fashion designers and creatives on the business of fashion as well as innovative ways to bring iconic designs to life. The workshop attracted 40 fashion entrepreneurs in Lagos, and when the event

Adeyinka Adepetun, Tsolaye Everett-Eleoramo, Daniel Atteh and Hammed Adebiyi

Aituaje ‘Waje’ Iruobe, Seyi Atigirin and Moet Abebe

took place in Abuja in June, the number had grown to 50. This year has witnessed The Macallan pouring its elegance into every tasting event it has hosted. From the selection of venues to the decor and the calibre of personalities in attendance, these events epitomize its exceptional style and grandeur. In June, during The Macallan M Collection launch at The Art Hotel in upscale Victoria Island, the brand infused artistic luxury. Guests were immersed in a creative oasis, revealing stunning discoveries. The Macallan M Collection, including the Macallan M Decanter, Macallan M Black, and Macallan M Copper, epitomized art, design, and technology fusion. The vision came to life through collaboration with photographer Nick Knight, and luxury creators Fabien

Ramsey Nouah at The Macallan M launch

Baron and Lalique. Some of these tasting events incorporate additional entertainment to offer attendees a holistic experience. For instance, at The Macallan’s Sherry Oak 25 and 30 Years Old launch in Mantra Lounge and Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos, singer Waje serenaded the guests with soulful melodies. She even invited them to join in a harmonious rendition of Bob Marley’s ‘Turn Your Lights Down Low.’ The Macallan’s elegance is also exemplified in its bottle designs. To date, The Macallan 1926 holds the prestigious distinction as the most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction, an honour it received in 2019. The Macallan 1926 was

designed by Janet Isabella Harbinson, fondly known as ‘Nettie.’ Nettie’s design embodies the creativity and excellence that have accompanied The Macallan in every market across the globe. For the Double Cask 30 Years Old, The Macallan collaborated with renowned American artist and photographer, Erik Madigan Heck. Ultimately, The Macallan tasting events go beyond the liquid in the glass. They are a testament to how a brand can shape not only palates but also wardrobes. In Nigeria, where the fashion industry is thriving and projected to be worth over two billion dollars by 2027, Nigerian fashion influencers have recognised the allure of The Macallan and embraced it wholeheartedly. They do not merely attend these events; they become ambassadors of the brand.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 22, 2023 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY SUNDAY OCTOBER 22, 2023

REMOVING THE PETROL SUBSIDY OLUBUNMI ONAFUWA and MICHAEL HARRISON argue that it is painful but inevitable policy The fuel subsidy in Nigeria dates back to the 1970’s and took its present form in 1977. The original idea was to protect Nigerians from rising oil prices on international markets by setting a retail price cap with the difference coming from the federal government. The cost peaked at N4.4 trillion in 2022 prompting the government, to consider deregulation of petrol prices in a similar way to the deregulation of diesel in 2003. Expectations indicate oil prices will rise in the near future, this is very much a double-edged sword for Nigerian motorists and business owners, as they will now be exposed WR PDUNHW SULFHV DQG ÀQG WKHLU ZDOOHWV hotwired directly to international oil prices Research undertaken by PWC Nigeria illustrates the extent to which supporting the fuel subsidy has siphoned resources away from other key areas such as education, health, and infrastructure. In the past nine years the federal government has invested N4390 trillion into the fuel subsidy compared to just N3530 trillion into education, health, and infrastructure combined. This is double edged, as the federal government is now free from the rising subsidy obligation and able to use its revenue in support of other JRDOV DQG QR ORQJHU ÀQGV LWVHOI ORRNLQJ to cut costs when oil prices rise. This is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9, that encourages developing economies like Nigeria to build a functioning and resilient infrastructure through sustainable technologies and industry. Initial evidence suggests that petrol consumption has dropped by 28% since the removal of the subsidy. This is a massive decrease considering how much people rely upon driving, but UHÁHFWV WKH VR IDU SULFH ULVH RI 1 per litre. The impact on individuals is bold, with much protest as envisaged KRZHYHU WKH EHQHÀWV RXWZHLJK WKH drawbacks; long term. Yet, the impact on small businesses should not be overlooked too quickly. Rapidly rising SULFHV SRVH D VLJQLÀFDQW FRVW LQFUHDVH to small businesses (registered or otherwise). Those who choose not to go bust will only have the option to raise prices and pass the burden onto consumers. The president, Bola Tinubu in one of many announcements, stated that he understands that households and businesses are struggling but the removal was crucial to boost the economy. Hence, the government has promised to intervene to relieve the impact. Much has been said on what the money would be spent on e.g., N5 billion palliative (part grant and part loan) for each state of the federation https://www.premiumtimesng.com/ news/headlines/616579-subsidyremoval-nigerian-govt-approvesn5bn-for-each-state-fct.html. However, nothing has been actioned. https://www.reuters.com/world/ africa/nigeria-saved-132-bln-twomonths-after-fuel-subsidy-removaltinubu-2023-07-31/. Funds accumulated from the removal of the petrol subsidy would be better utilised to improve the ailing public service facilities in Nigeria as an immediate action. For instance, in 2020, the Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire recommended a

health care system that protected HYHU\ 1LJHULDQ IURP ÀQDQFLDO KDUGVKLS at the point of accessing health services. He acknowledged the potential implementation challenges but stressed that it was attainable. This would require a total overhaul of the health care system, and its ÀQDQFHV WR LPSURYH DFFHVVLELOLW\ WR care and medicine. With the majority of the population registered through WKH 1DWLRQDO ,GHQWLÀFDWLRQ 1XPEHU 1,1 VFKHPH DQG %DQN YHULÀFDWLRQ Number system (BVN), this could be more achievable than expected. By ensuring that services e.g., welfare is made available and are allocated to the right people. Noting that SDG 3 requires states to ensure healthy living standards and promote wellbeing for all citizens. In addition, Article 13(2) of the Banjul Charter reiterates the right of every citizen to government funded facilities. This would be a turning point in the restructuring of the entire public and social welfare system in Nigeria DQG HQVXULQJ WKDW FLWL]HQV EHQHÀW GLUHFWO\ IURP WKH ÀQDQFLDO JDLQ Evidence suggests the federal government may be keen to hold prices at their current level in order to prevent prices rising too quickly and to meet protesters in the middle. The economics of this is not strong; the whole rational for dropping the fuel subsidy is to disconnect the federal government’s budget from international oil prices, any backtrack would re-establish this connection. However, many do see a QHHG WR SURYLGH ÀQDQFLDO UHOLHI JLYHQ the price rise was so rapid and rising tensions in Iraq and the wider Middle East may stir up uncertainty about future oil prices. We believe alternative approaches can be considered to soften the blow. Firstly, it may be possible to drop the 7.5% VAT tax of fuel, or at least support businesses which are already registered to pay tax, to claim the fuel duty back. All in all, this will be a painful policy in the short term, however this a key step in re-invigorating the federal government’s ability to support the development of the country. It is perhaps difficult to see the long term benefits when the short term inconvenience is so prominent, especially as people overvalue present costs and undervalue future gains. Dr Onafuwa is Senior Lecturer in Law, University of East London while Dr Harrison is Senior Lecturer in Economics and Finance in the same university

Nigeria has taken significant steps towards providing HPV vaccine for Nigerian girls, writes ZAINAB SHINKAFI-BAGUDU

THE PATH TO CERVICAL CANCER ELIMINATION Cervical Cancer is a global public health concern, and Nigeria is no exception to its devastating impact. Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer among women in Nigeria, with an estimated 12,065 new cases and 7,968 death each year. Most of these cases are preventable through vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes cervical cancer. With such a high burden of cervical cancer cases, Nigeria has taken significant steps towards providing HPV vaccine for Nigerian girls aged nine – 14 with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF. A complex cocktail of factors accounts for the high burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria. Poor access to prevention (vaccination and screening) and treatment services through the primary health care system is much talked about, however, poverty and a lack of education (awareness) are also critical risk factors that must be addressed to successfully reach every girl. To provide universal access to HPV vaccines for adolescent girls in the country, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is coordinating the national introduction of HPV vaccine into the routine immunization schedule from November 2023. The launch will commence in 16 states targeting girls between the ages of nine-14 through inschool and outreach vaccination models. Many Nigerians are not aware of the link between HPV and cervical cancer, or are hesitant to vaccinate their daughters against the virus. NPHCDA working in partnership with State Primary Health Cared Development agencies (SPHCDA) is doing a commendable job in creating the required landscape for improved acceptance and adoption of HPV vaccines in communities across the country. As a longterm campaigner for universal access to HPV vaccine and the chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) Initiative, I am fully aware of the work that has gone into building a national coalition of cancer advocates and civil society groups who will work at sub-national and community levels to create the necessary engagement that will sustain demand for HPV vaccination. Adolescent girls aged nine-14 are not a monolith in Nigeria, there are regional differences that must be addressed, to successfully reach this target group depending on which side of the rivers Niger and Benue you find yourself implementing. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), over 50% of Nigerian girls are not attending school at the basic education level. As of 2023, there are approximately 7.6 million girls out of school in Nigeria, with 3.9 million at the primary level and 3.7 million at the junior secondary level, a spread that include adolescent girls aged nine-14. This reality highlights the need for SPHCDAs to have a cohesive implementation strategy that is centered around healthcare workers, teachers, traditional and religious leaders, and communitybased civil society groups to ensure we reach every adolescent girl with the HPV vaccine. Healthcare workers that work in and outside of health facilities that serve communities across the country e.g., community health extension workers are critical to rapidly accelerating access to HPV vaccine towards the 2030 cervical cancer elimination goal as seen in countries like Rwanda and Malawi. This responsibility commences even before vaccines arrive at service delivery points (health facilities, schools, markets, etc) as vaccines do not hold their potency for long out of their required cold chain conditions. The added challenge in managing delivery to rural areas while maintaining vaccine integrity is insecurity and poor infrastructure such as electricity and easily accessible roads. This demands a well-defined HPV vaccine delivery strategy in security compromised and hard-to-reach settlements such as the Reach Every Settlement (RES) model of the national polio programme. The design of the primary healthcare system in Nigeria will see healthcare workers educating the public about the HPV vaccine and

cervical cancer, administering the vaccine, and monitoring the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. The ongoing state level capacity building of healthcare workers across these three fronts is commendable, however, this cannot be a one-time intervention to sustain quality and track performance. To address the inherent challenge with public sector healthcare worker numbers and distribution across Nigeria, state ministries of health will need to implement a model that incorporates duly registered private-for-profit healthcare providers to meet coverage targets. Educators will also play a crucial role as we institute access to HPV vaccination through the school-based vaccination model. Teachers serve as a key medium for imparting health knowledge to students, helping students understand the importance of HPV vaccination and how it works. They are the bridge to communicating with parents and caregivers to secure consent for an effective programme. Outside of the schools, the SPHCDA will need to implement an effective and ongoing advocacy programme to engage religious and traditional leaders to reach adolescent girls outside of the formal education system. This is especially important in the northern half of Nigeria. State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB), Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) are primary stakeholders in achieving universal HPV vaccine acceptance and adoption across Nigeria. Medicaid Cancer Foundation’s experience in piloting school-based HPV vaccination in Yauri, Kebbi State in 2020 is evidence that cancer non-profits and civil society groups are vital to creating awareness, demand generation, and reaching adolescent girls within and without the walls of schools. HPV vaccines acceptance levels recorded during the pilot is directly linked to an approach that included public-health-sector and community gatekeepers from project design through to implementation. Globally, just one in eight girls are vaccinated against HPV. Supply chain issues that were exacerbated by the Covid-19 remain an ongoing challenge. Though the number of WHO pre-qualified HPV vaccines have increased from two to five since 2017, demand for the HPV vaccine outstrips supply and the price in the open market is out of reach for many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The Federal Ministry of Health must prioritize facilitation of local manufacture of HPV vaccine to address these challenges and meet medium to long term needs outside of Gavi’s commitment to support the vaccination of 13.6 million girls by 2025. Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu, former First Lady of Kebbi State, is a Consultant Pediatrician and a global health advocate, with particular focus on cancer.

T H I S D AY SUNDAY OCTOBER 22, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

THE WORSENING SECURITY CHALLENGE

C r i m i n a l s s h o u l d b e d e a l t w i t h d e c i s i ve l y. T h e r e w i l l b e n o i m p r ove d s e c u r i t y a s l o n g a s we ke e p c u d d l i n g t e r r o r i s t s

n a major school abduction under President Bola Tinubu, no fewer than 24 students were recently seized by an armed gang from the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State. Last week, the bandits returned to the same institution and abducted four other students IURP WKHLU RII FDPSXV UHVLGHQFH DW 6DERQ *LGD Though all four were rescued through the timely intervention of military troops, the unfortunate incidents have thrown the university community and environ into serious tension. Eight female students at Federal University Dutsin Ma in Katsina State and 1DVDUDZD 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ .HIÀ ZHUH NLGQDSSHG in the same week and their whereabouts remain unknown. The situation has degenerated to the point that school attacks and kidnappings are mostly no longer headline news. Unfortunately, these attacks are not limited to the academic communities in the north. In Borno State, for instance, there is an upsurge of crimes and killings by terrorists, many of them said WR EH %RNR +DUDP ¶UHSHQWDQW· ÀJKWHUV HDUOLHU ‘reintegrated’ into the society after surrendering to the military. They, in alliance with networks of sophisticated criminals, operate across large swathes in the north stealing animals, kidnapping, DQG WD[LQJ IDUPHUV LQ KXJH PRQH\ PDNLQJ RSHUDWLRQV $FFRUGLQJ WR DQ $EXMD EDVHG VHFXULW\ RXWÀW %HDFRQ ,QWHO RYHU SHRSOH ZHUH NLOOHG LQ Borno State alone in August. The president should therefore be put on notice that insecurity is as big a challenge as the harsh economic downturn which incidentally is yet to respond to government efforts. It is also a disincentive to both local and foreign investment. The latest surge in crimes is posing a serious challenge, and indeed adding to the growing feeling of unease that the new administration is still not doing enough to protect the people. This IHHOLQJ LV QRW ZLWKRXW MXVWLÀFDWLRQ (YHQ ZLWK DOO LWV strategic importance as the seat of power, Abuja is also getting more than a fair share of attacks and threat which are causing fear and apprehension among residents. Today, armed robbers operate

within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) city centre, including in highbrow areas like Maitama and Asokoro, and they have now been joined by kidnappers who abduct people in broad daylight. At least 12 people were killed, and 139 others abducted when bandits and robbers attacked some communities in the FCT in the last six months. When residents of the capital city of a country not only move around with a sense of foreboding but also feel uncertain about the capacity of the authorities to deal with such challenge, there is a problem. /DVW ZHHN WKH PLOLWDU\ ÁDJJHG RII D QDWLRQ ZLGH FOHDUDQFH RSHUDWLRQ WR ULG WKH 6RXWK 6RXWK Southwest, Southeast and the North central of bandits as we approach the yuletide, while preparations are reportedly on for an intensive military operation in the Northwest and the Northeast. But this is part of the problem. The military is being stretched over what ordinarily is not their constitutional duty. The president must work towards reforming and repositioning the police to deliver on their primary duties of maintaining law and order in the country. +H FDQ EHJLQ E\ IXOÀOOLQJ WKH FDPSDLJQ SURPLVH WKDW under his watch police personnel would be freed from extraneous duties. VIP guard duties, manning buildings and installations and other critical assets should be transferred to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). With vast ungoverned spaces especially in the Northwest, Northeast and North central, Nigeria is in dire need of security forces backed with technology. Besides, government should match security measures with severity of consequences. For instance, arrests and prosecutions should be matched with deterring punishments. Amnesty for ‘repentant’ insurgents and separatist militants should be abolished. Fresh ideas are needed because the knee jerk ‘the president has directed’ orders of the Buhari era didn’t lead to DQ\ VLJQLÀFDQW LPSURYHPHQW 7KRVH LQ FKDUJH RI the security agencies should be given clear orders, incentives, and deadlines to produce results or face sanctions. There will be no improved security for as long as we keep cuddling criminals and terrorists.

Arrests and prosecutions should be matched with deterring punishments. Amnesty for ‘repentant’ insurgents and separatist militants should be abolished S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN DEPUTY EDITORS FESTUS AKANBI, EJIOFOR ALIKE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN 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, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: ﬁrst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

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LETTERS

E N D S A R S : T H R E E Y E A R S O N A N D N OT H I N G HA S C HA N G E D Three years on from the riotous protests RI 1LJHULD·V \RXQJ SHRSOH UHPDLQ DV frustrated as ever. The situation which inspired the protests remains largely unchanged. ,Q D VWRUP ZKLFK VWDUWHG LQ 8JKHOOL Delta State, and washed over Nigeria. The protest ignited by the death of a young man soon spread like a firestorm. From Lagos to Abuja to Port Harcourt, young people took to the streets. Galvanized by a grating sense of injustice, they marched on Nigeria for weeks. They demanded change. The unprecedented protests soon claimed WKH VFDOS RI WKH QRWRULRXV 6SHFLDO $QWL 5REEHU\ Squad. But the protesters were not done. Neither were their protests. The government panicked and sent security forces after the protesters. On 2FWREHU EORRG IORZHG DW WKH /HNNL 7ROO Gate. Viciously at first. Then freely, as gunshots provided background sound. The country was horrified. But not as much as its friends elsewhere. Having no fear at all, they expressed their horror. Lagos State empaneled

an inquiry. The Nigerian army refused to appear. Despite evidence of shocking complicity, it rebuffed the judicial inquiry. Intervening years have witnessed whitewashing and attempts at same. However, the attempts to whitewash the truth have failed. As have those made to rewrite history. $V KH VRXJKW UH HOHFWLRQ HDUOLHU WKLV \HDU %DEDMLGH 6DQZR 2OX XQGHU ZKRVH ZDWFK as governor the atrocities were committed, attempted to spin history. According to him, Nigerians should snap out of the events of the day. Three years on from a massacre, nothing KDV UHDOO\ FKDQJHG DERXW 1LJHULD 1RW WKH KLJK handedness of government. Not the desperation of its defenders. Not the disillusionment of its young people. Three years on, there has been no conclusive justice, no consoling judgment. But there is more LPSXQLW\ 7ULJJHU KDSS\ VHFXULW\ SHUVRQQHO remain ever eager to throttle those who refuse to gawk at the government. In the three years since Lekki, Nigeria’s young

have moved from despair to utter hopeless. The HOHFWLRQ RI )HEUXDU\ RQO\ VHUYHG WR UHLQIRUFH the hopelessness. That litigation stemming from the election is now at the Supreme Court tells a difficult story. In a country of very long memories, it is nigh impossible that people will forget the massacre at the Lekki Toll Gate anytime soon. The government will welcomethatamnesia.Butitwon’tjusthappenanytime soon. 1LJHULDQV ZLOO UHPHPEHU 1LJHULDQ \RXWKV LOO advisedly described as “lazy” by Muhammadu Buhari LQ ZLOO UHPHPEHU ,W LV D WUDJLF LURQ\ WKDW WKH VDPH country that snuffed life out of innocent Nigerians three yearsagoremainscriticallystarvedofoptions. There are no jobs, no good schools, no good leaders, no security whatsoever. Life in Nigeria is chillingly and familiarlydepressing. WhatcanNigerianyouthsexpectfromacountrythat steals and slaughters its young? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Nigerians have not taken to the streets in those numbers since Lekki. This is despite the travesty

RI DQ HOHFWLRQ DQG QXPHURXV SRYHUW\ LQGXFLQJ scandals. But memory is such a powerful thing. When mixed with blood, it is irresistible. There would always be something haunting DERXW 2FWREHU 7KHUH ZRXOG DOZD\V be something that sends tremors to Nigeria’s corridors of power about the day when the gates of death opened under driving rain. If as a country, Nigeria is perceived to lack justice, it is about days like these when all that is left is a foreboding sense of injustice and the disturbing direction Nigeria is taking to nowhere in particular In the years following the massacre, a chilling silence swarmed the land, along with a stygian darkness. But there has since been a lift. Nigerians saw it in some of the awareness that washed over the country as the election approached, awareness sharpened by anger at the way the prodigious promise once shown by the country has petered out. Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com

SUNDAY OCTOBER 22, 2023 • T H I S D AY

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

22.10.2023

Pa Akintola Williams Accomplished Life of Doyen of Accounting As Pa Akintola Williams is finally laid to rest, the man nicknamed the “Doyen of Accounting in Nigeria,” who was the first chartered accountant of Nigeria and established the first indigenous chartered accounting firm in Africa, is remembered for his outstanding achievements and inspiring personality, writes Vanessa Obioha ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/victoria.olaode@thisdaylive.com.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R OCTOBER 22, 2023

COVER

Accomplished Life of Doyen of Accounting

Pa Akinola being interviewed during his 101 birthday three years ago

L-R: Son of deceased, Mr. Seni Williams; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun; daughter of deceased, Aunty Tokunbo Williams; deceased grandson; Mrs. Kay Ovia and her husband, Mr. Jim Ovia at the funeral service

L-R: Son of deceased, Mr. Seni Williams; Grandson, Adeniyi Williams; Daughter of deceased, Aunty Tokunbo Williams

n September 11, 2023, a significant date in its own right, Pa Akintola Williams, the revered “father of accounting in Nigeria,” passed away. It was a day that coincided with a historic event, the tragic terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001, adding a unique layer of historical significance to his passing. A month later, on October 19, 2023, notable Nigerian personalities gathered at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, not to mourn, but to celebrate the life and legacy of this distinguished figure during his burial ceremony. The dignitaries, including the governors of Lagos and Ogun states, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun respectively, former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, founder of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), filled the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre as they paid their final respects to the late father of accounting. In his speech, Sanwo-Olu described the late Williams as an outstanding Nigerian and big Lagosian. “At 104, how well would you describe a man that God first blessed with a long life and for a very long time, good health, and he had shown

L-R: President, Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote and one of the oﬃciating ministers

leadership at all levels? He was an outstanding Nigerian; a man who took his professional colleagues to an enviable level worldwide.” Indeed, Pa Williams led a blessed life, having lived for more than a century. The son of colonial service clerk, Thomas Ekundayo Williams, he was born on August 9, 1919, and is recognised as the pioneer of accounting in Nigeria who helped shape the country’s financial sector. He began his educational journey at Olowogbowo Methodist School and later secured a UAC scholarship to enrol at Yaba Higher College. It was there that he earned a diploma in commerce, paving the way for his illustrious career. Subsequently, Akintola pursued his passion for accounting at the University of London, achieving the esteemed status of a chartered accountant in 1947. Upon his return to Nigeria, he founded Akintola Williams & Co., now known as Deloitte & Touche, in 1952. This historic move marked the establishment of the first indigenous chartered accounting firm in Africa during a time when foreign firms overshadowed their indigenous counterparts.” The firm would later spread its tentacles across the nation, opening offices in Port Harcourt and Enugu before expanding internationally. Through mergers, the firm grew

to become the largest professional services firm in Nigeria by 2004. President Bola Tinubu in his tribute, described the luminary as an epitome of “integrity, resilience and resourcefulness which was amply demonstrated when he established the first accounting firm, Akintola Williams & Co (Deloitte & Touche) … in 1952.” The president remarked that the firm would go on to inspire self-confidence in a generation of professionals who would make a further impact in strengthening transparency and competence in the accounting profession. Williams achieved numerous groundbreaking milestones as a staunch supporter of advancing the accounting profession in Nigeria. He played a pivotal role in founding the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in 1960 and held the esteemed position of president from 1963 to 1965. His profound influence on ICAN’s evolution was recently acknowledged and celebrated by Dr. Innocent Okwuosa, the current President of ICAN. Okwuosa rightfully recognised Williams as the visionary who provided a nurturing environment for chartered accountants to flourish in Nigeria through the establishment of ICAN. “This is the least we could do for a man who planted the tree that is providing

professional shade for over 60,000 chartered accountants,” he said at a press conference to honour the deceased. “It suffices to say that without his visionary leadership, we may not be here today. He established an institute that has remained a formidable force in the accounting profession not only in Nigeria but globally.” Williams was also a member of the National Board of Accountants and Auditors. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). His contributions as a member of the National Council of the NSE were instrumental in fostering the growth of the capital market, including the establishment of rules that lowered barriers for companies seeking to list on the exchange. His dedication to these organisations persisted well into his advanced years. Williams held a unique distinction as the last surviving signatory to the original Memorandum and Articles of Association of the NSE, dating back to its inception on September 15, 1960. Additionally, he maintained his status as the last surviving member of the Coker Commission of Enquiry, a commission set up by the late Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa to investigate the finances of the Western Region. Williams left an indelible mark in public service, where his influence was equally profound. Throughout his lifetime, he occupied various pivotal roles within the public sector. His positions included serving as the chairman of the Federal Income Tax Appeal Commissioners from 1958 to 1968, as a member of the Coker Commission of Inquiry, and as a valuable member of the Board of Trustees of the Commonwealth Foundation from 1966 to 1975. In 1973, he took on the role of chairman for the Lagos state government revenue collection panel. Furthermore, he chaired several significant corporations, including the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB) and assumed a pivotal role as the head of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) audit committee. Outside of the realm of accounting, Pa Williams made a name for himself in the world of music, with a particular passion for classical compositions. He took on the roles of founder and chairman of the board of Trustees for the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), dedicating his efforts to the promotion of both classical and contemporary music within the country. In a heartfelt tribute to honour his contributions, The MUSON Choir and Orchestra, under the guidance of Dr. Emeka Nwokedi, graced friends, family, stakeholders, and mentees with a musical playlist that showcased the finest pieces of classical music during his wake. Pa Williams embodied an exemplary life marked by self-discipline and a steadfast commitment to moderation. “The secret of my longevity is moderation. In everything I do, I strive to be moderate, and I mean moderate, a little of this and a little of that – not too much. Whether it is what you eat, what you drink, or whatever you do, just be moderate and you will live a refreshing, strong, and fulfilling life,” he was quoted as saying in an interview. He was a role model to many beyond the accounting firm as noted by the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo in his tribute. “When those of us in the military in the province like Kaduna, where I was, came to Lagos in the mid-1960s, we were looking at the likes of Mr. Akintola Williams at a distance with great admiration and in awe,” he said in a statement. The recurring attributes of the deceased include his calm disposition, spotless scorecard, admirable insights and penchant for accountability and truth. “His reflections and piercing insights and insistence for truth and accountability cannot but inspire you,” noted Obasanjo. “I often admired his calm disposition and when I asked a friend, ‘Why is he always so calm, composed and methodical?’ He answered, ‘It is because he has a strong internal antenna for controls!’” For his exceptional lifestyle and achievements, Pa Williams was honoured with the title of Order of the Federal Republic in 1982. In 1997, he received the title of the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for the promotion of arts, culture and music through MUSON from Queen Elizabeth II. As Nigerians bid the doyen of accounting farewell, there is a clarion call for leaders to emulate his peaceful life and work towards creating a society whose ideals are built on truth and accountability. Okwuosa succinctly captured this as thus: “We all yearn for a country that works, but Nigeria would work when we all work hard to make it work. We must eschew, as our doyen religiously did, anything that would not contribute to national growth and development. “As chartered accountants, one way we would immortalise his memory is to continue to advocate for a society where accountability and transparency are the norm rather than the exception.”

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R OCTOBER 22, 2023

HighLife

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

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

Tony Elumelu Flouts Personal Rule as He Attends Wizkid’s Mother’s Burial

Edu

Betta Edu: The New Alpha Female Changing the Face of Governance Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, is showing herself to be a cornerstone for growth and development in Nigeria. Having served in this capacity for about two months now, Edu gives convincing evidence that the ministry can be relied on to revitalise some of the failing aspects of the Nigerian economy. The most recent example of Dr. Edu’s competence in governance is the N-Power scheme. With the news that the scheme had been suspended, tensions arose regarding the fate of Nigerians employed by the scheme. However, Edu arose and settled the concerns about the future of these Nigerians, outlining structured plans for their resettlement. To be sure, Edu has been doing well for a while now, although mostly keeping her work under wraps. This has indeed been the case since 2015 when she was appointed by Cross River State governor, Benedict Ayade, as the Special Adviser on Community and Primary Healthcare, the youngest to hold such a pivotal position. But Edu did not disappoint in dispensing her duties in that role. As a consequence, she was appointed the Chairman of the Cross River State COVID-19 Task Force in 2020 and went on to become the National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum in that same year. Before Edu was appointed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, she held the enviable yet arduous position of the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the youngest ever to do so. Unsurprisingly, this yielded significant results in the form of an increased interest and participation of women in politics in Nigeria following her appointment. In her current capacity as minister, Edu is already doing fine and earning the respect of Nigerians at home and abroad. Given enough time, she could be one of the country’s top economic and political pillars.

Success is a matter of relationships. In Nigeria’s corporate and celebrity space, this fact has been manifested in many forms. The latest of these manifestations is Tony Elumelu’s presence at the burial ceremony of Wizkid (real name, Ayo Balogun). Elumelu’s attendance indicated his decision to make an exception to his unspoken rule about attending social engagements, not minding that the burial ceremony of Madam Jane Dolapo Balogun was one of the highlights of the week in Nigeria’s social space. The event commenced on Thursday, October 12, 2023, with a wake and tribute service held at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino in Victoria Island, Lagos. Following this, the late Mrs. Balogun was laid to rest on Friday, October 13, after a church service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (City of David) in Victoria Island. Among the dignitaries present at the event were Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kwam 1, Banky W, Tiwa Savage, and a host of other big names. But among them, Elumelu stood tall, dressed in aso-ebi. Elumelu’s presence at the ceremony was both surprising and not. The surprise comes on account of how he seldom attends parties unless they are strictly corporate or allow him to only make a cameo appearance. For Elumelu to be present for Wizkid and even be dressed in aso-ebi was a big deal. However, Elumelu’s presence is

Tony Elumelu and whiz kid

also not so surprising given the bonds he shares with Wizkid. Over the years, the music star has recognized Elumelu as his mentor and one of the main figures he looks up to. In return, Elumelu has also demonstrated favouritism for Wizkid, granting the latter unhindered access to his family and influence.

Will Bayo Adelabu Survive the Power Ministry?

Adelabu

The jungle is a dangerous place. Looking lush and tranquil from a distance, a closer and more cautious scrutiny paints a

different picture: a gaping bloody maw. In many ways, several offices and positions in Nigeria reflect a similar impression, something that the Federal Minister of Power of Nigeria, Adebayo Adelabu, might not have known about. The Nigerian power sector is undoubtedly one of the hotspots of influence and affluence. Appearing in pomp and prestige, the minister position has granted the former Oyo State gubernatorial candidate rest from all political contests. However, in light of recent happenings, this rest now appears tentative. Since coming to power as the top shot of the Power Ministry, Adelabu has done his best to assuage the people’s doubts. Promising to change the narrative of power generation and distribution, Adelabu has already drawn in the hopes of Nigerians. However, with the old problems of national grid collapses reemerging, it looks like hopes are being

progressively dashed. At present, the principal soup of contention has to do with Adelabu’s apparent failure to mobilize the alleged total investment of N7 trillion since 2013 into improving the power generation and distribution sector. Of course, Adelabu has only inherited a bit of this investment potential. But that is not enough to stop his critics and well-meaning Nigerians from complaining. According to critics, Adelabu is faced with two choices. One, he can take in all the criticisms and do more productive work at the ministry. Or, he can ignore the arguments for his incompetence and failure, raking in all the benefits of his office without expending a bead of sweat towards his obligations. Adelabu’s choice will determine whether he will survive the power ministry. In an era where top officials are easily replaced and kicked to the curb, the more sensible choice is clear.

Moments of Pride as the Gas King, Julius Rone, Shines at African Energy Week Recognition comes from mastery and mastery comes from dedication. Regarding these qualities, no one can fault Nigeria’s gas king and the man behind UTM Offshore Limited, Julius Rone. As time progresses, Rone is becoming more of a formidable figure across the African continent, bringing much pride to Nigerians at home and abroad. Without question, the energy sector is one of the most critical in any nation on today’s earth. On the African continent, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) ranks among the top institutions responsible for keeping an eye on things on the energy front. From this institution, the African Energy Week (AEW) conference is the stage for the super stakeholders across the continent. This year’s edition of the AEW conference recognized the efforts of Rone and his UTM Offshore projects. Based on the arrangements, AEC selected Rone’s company as the official sponsor

of the Invest in Nigeria Energies forum. This forum took place during this year’s edition of the AEW conference held from October 16 to 20, 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa. The reason for this positioning is undoubtedly the progress that the Nigerian economy has made and is expected to make on account of Rone’s Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project. The project guarantees sustainable economic growth. It will not only enhance gas monetization in the country but also demonstrate Nigeria’s potential for being a hotspot of gas production and refinement. In other words, Nigeria’s status across Africa and the entire globe will improve significantly. It is not altogether surprising that Rone has achieved this much status update in Africa. Given enough time, the rest of the world will know that there is a genius from Nigeria with a mastery of the Rone gas business.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R OCTOBER 22, 2023

HIGHLIFE

Aliko Dangote Set for Production Launch of His Most Anticipated Refinery

Dangote

Things are heating up in the Nigerian oil and gas sector with all stakeholders ready to embrace Aliko Dangote’s most prestigious project yet, the Dangote Refinery. As the countdown to the production launch begins, expectations are at an all-time high. Barring last-minute hold-ups, Nigeria is at the cusp of stepping into a new era of economic expansion and progress. It is believed that the 2,500-hectare facility at the Ibeju-Lekki will soon begin production officially, alleviating the hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidy. The facility was originally supposed to resume operations in August 2023. The goal at the time of the refinery’s inauguration was to have the facility process around 650,000 barrels of crude oil daily. If the August deadline had been achieved, Dangote Refinery would have achieved its goal of being the largest functional

single-train refinery in the world. At present, the ‘functional’ adjective cannot be used for the refinery. Most importantly, many critics have publicised their doubts and suspicions that Dangote is only leading Nigerians into a valley of false expectations. Some prominent organisations in the oil and gas sector have similarly intimated this idea. But many Nigerians and outsiders continue to peg their hope on Dangote’s business sense. Moreover, considering that the refinery board has been giving off positive vibes, the naysayers have been mostly ignored. Ultimately, the countdown has started. Once production starts, assuming that nothing out of the ordinary happens to stall it once again, things will be different in Nigeria.

Lagos: Prospects of an Independent Electricity Market New times are on the horizon for residents of Lagos State in the area of electricity availability and foreign investment. If things go according to the wish of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, there will be a thriving and independent electricity market in the state in a handful of months. When that happens, Lagos will be number one among its peers. There is no doubt that Lagos state ranks among the top five states in Nigeria in terms of economic potential. Given its reputation as the country’s foremost commercial unit, it is not surprising that Governor Sanwo-Olu is very interested in fleshing out this potential. This is why all the buzz about an independent electricity market is increasing. Sanwo-Olu has been all about taking advantage of the Electricity Act 2023. Believing that it can revolutionise the state, Sanwo-Olu has been making plans and promises to make the Lagos power sector more robust than ever. Based on recent reports, these goals are nearer to realisation than ever.

Based on the portions of the governor’s blueprints, including the Light Up Lagos Community Electrification Programme, two major things can be expected once the overall plan is ignited. One, most of Lagos will have up to 20 hours of power supply daily. Secondly, the market for power suppliers and distributors will spice up the state’s economy. It is reported that Governor Sanwo-Olu is almost done with the necessary work. The majority of this preparation is alleged to have been executed via lobbying political and corporate stakeholders. Given the scale of the groundwork in place for the electricity market, Lagos is going to undergo a complete transformation once Sanwo-Olu achieves his goal. The most optimistic reports of this plan realisation have it in a few months. In other words, Lagos has the potential to climb to Nigeria’s number one state in a matter of months, all thanks to Sanwo-Olu’s working vision of an independent electricity market.

Akwa Ibom Governor and His Inglorious Appointments

Eno

Nigeria is at an unprecedented time. Even the most conservative observer would admit that the nation needs to tread with caution as the hardship among the citizenry worsens. But while this anxiety nears a zenith, Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, has taken the unconventional route of appointing over 300 aides. There is no arguing that Nigerians are shocked at the latest action from Governor Eno. Social media space is currently filled with keyboard warriors casting aspersions at the governor for being insensitive to the plight of the masses. Although the decision has been made and the appointments executed, Governor Eno will likely be forced to do something to cushion the negative criticisms. Indeed, Governor Eno’s appointment of more than 300 individuals to be his personal aides (PA) is one of the shockers of October. Similar to the mass wedding in Kano State but with less appeal to the common people, Eno’s

Sanwo-Olu

appointments have been labelled a cheap political trick. Sources claim that Eno wants to gain and expand political influence across Akwa Ibom. This is evidenced by the fact that he appointed exactly 368 individuals from all 368 wards of the state. By his actions, Eno is making history as the first governor of the state to grant the PA status to so many individuals at the same time. According to Governor Eno, the point of selecting an individual from each ward is to have them serve as his eyes. Specifically, he desires to represent the interests of each ward, thus serving Akwa Ibom to the best of his capability. However, observers have pointed out that such a move is unnecessary because structures already exist to meet the same objective. At the end of the day, Governor Eno’s appointment of 368 PAs is considered disturbing and insensitive. Perhaps people would have seen it in a different light if other governors had not been struggling to reduce the cost of governance.

Opeyemi Bamidele: Quiet Revolution Making Loud Impact at the Senate Leadership is one of those qualities that appear to have been crafted into individuals from birth. With respect to celebrated achievers like Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, one readily admits the possibility of this innate capacity. Bearing in mind this capacity, one is still blown away by the increasingly radiant leadership competence of the Senate Majority Leader. The 10th National Assembly is indeed a coterie of hidden tigers and dragons. Some of the ordinary members have aptitudes and proficiencies eclipsing their leaders. However, even the most brilliantly accomplished of these senators appears ordinary beside Senator Bamidele, a natural leader. Being the Senate Majority Leader, Bamidele easily dominates the ranks of the most influential politicians in Nigeria. At 60, the man’s dexterity in identifying weaknesses and filling in the gap to strike out these weaknesses shows him as having no true equal among his peers. Despite his super abilities as a leader, Bamidele is a friend to all. His years in politics have refined him, leaving him as a cultured individual with a reliable mastery of teamwork and transformational leadership. Bamidele’s personality contributes a great deal to his popularity in the 10th Senate. He is considered a man of depth, profound in his thinking, but also uncomplicated in his communication. Interlaced with courteousness and civility, Bamidele is held in high regard by members of his All Progressives Congress (APC) and their rivals. Even as the Senator for Ekiti Central, Bamidele is not restricted in his duties. In fact, he consistently undertakes more charges than required. He is described as a selfless patron, an unrestrained philanthropist, and a person of great potential for unifying hearts. With so much accomplished over the years, Senator Bamidele remains active. He is one of the quieter ones in the 10th Senate, but his successes ring the loudest.

History Maker: Babatunde Okewale Breaks Another Record

Okewale

The life of an individual is made remarkable by the impacts achieved during its lifetime. For Dr. Babatunde Okewale, renowned gynaecologist and founder of St. Ives Hospital Group, these impacts are best paired with certain difficulties or impossibilities of life. St. Ives Hospital has established itself as a place of medical miracles and its boss, Dr. Okewale, is an engineer extraordinaire in childbirth possibilities. This became the case when the medical centre recently celebrated the delivery of its 3,000th baby via IVF (in vitro fertilisation). Moreover, the 3,000th

baby just happened to be a pair of twins, further rendering Dr. Okewale’s merits in more colourful tones. St. Ives started its IVF services in 2007, riding on the hope of Dr. Okewale that families finding it difficult to conceive did not have to go on suffering. Okewale believed that with proper care, it is possible to overturn issues of barrenness, restoring joy and gladness to homes, with the hope of progeny. St. Ives recorded its first case of success in 2008. Excited at the prospect of continuing to help families deliver their bundles of joy, Okewale

reinforced the hospital’s IVF centre, greatly improving its capabilities, and becoming more readily accessible to families facing the difficulty of conception. It has now been 15 years since that first successful childbirth and delivery via IVF. The celebration of its 3,000th baby demonstrates the absolute mastery of Okewale. With his commitment and success, one can only hail Dr. Okewale for affording families the hope to go on against evidence of barrenness. Okewale has not only made history by breaking the record; he has also renewed the hope of parenthood for many Nigerians.

Bamidele

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R OCTOBER 22, 2023

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

GODSWILL AKPABIO: IT’S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE Let me be very frontal this time around. I think the Senate Presidency of Mr. Godswill Akpabio should be called to an end. This particular tenure has been nothing but lame in its representative capacity, stuttering in providing the muchneeded counterbalance in its relations with the executive and very challenging in its moral quotient. The man himself has shown a huge lack of visionary insights, gross insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians and a lack of tact especially in his utterances and relations with his colleagues, all leading to the seemingly adjudged worse Senate class since the coming of this variant of democracy. Watching Senator Ndume speak the other day, the fiasco of the confirmations of ministers, the purchase of SUVs at such astronomical costs, and the reported utterance that they didn’t cause the economic problems in the country and as such do not need to reduce its running costs and all the other intransigence not to talk of the moral baggage of having an EFCC hammer hanging as could be seen in the “worthy” example the new EFCC chairman gave, it has now come to the realisation of Nigerians that the Senate, as presently constituted, especially its leadership, has become a major problem for Nigerians.

Akpabio

Lawal

Kennedy

BABACHIR LAWAL: FIRE IN THE GRASSLANDS Baba has vexed o. He fired very stringently at “Bola,” claiming that he came a distant third in the last elections. Then one Felix now responded to him, saying he was distant from reality or something, forgetting that Baba had said that he was only waiting for the rainy season to be over before he had your time. Instead of this Felix to wait for another rainy season for Baba to be distracted, he now went to fire. Kai, mbok, Baba finished him o. I have never seen that kind of yabis o. He went straight to the Bible as a fire-spitting Christian to bring out his ancestor who was a slave to the king’s mother and tied it up to present-day Felix of the APC. He said he pitied him o for being given the job that his masters would not do. Kai, if I were Felix, I would not only sue but wait for Baba at his farm and throw devil beans on him with

NTA cameras in full glare recording so that he will strip naked and be dancing as he is itching for all 30 million of their famed viewers to see. Baba was really crazy in his response o. Even fine bobo Cardoso got his own o. He said a little known chairman of a small bank huddled in the South-south and South-west has been made Governor of a whole CBN. Mbok, our Cardoso oo, our champion banker that we all have been hailing, na him Baba finish like this o. This is the most profound and decidedly robust attack on the Tinubu machinery since they emerged and behaved like an army of occupation. This Baba was really vexed o, he scattered and broke all tables, calling the APC a Muslim party appointing people with no interest in Nigeria but enjoying their office with impunity. Baba, please in your next epistle, kindly let us have your thoughts

With the kind of executive that we have today, our only hope for minimal respite would have been a concise and infallible National Assembly but what we have today, is a “paddy paddy” National Assembly that is beginning to look worse than a rubber stamp chamber filled with “paddies” instead of morally gifted people who would stand up to any executive mischief. We remember the time of Bukola Saraki and the headache he gave the long gone Buhari “regime.” For Saraki, this was not an anything goes regime, but a principled one that gave fire for fire. The same cannot be said of Akpabio’s. It has been one gaffe or the other, showing a huge lack of capacity to play its constitutional role. This is not to say that we do not have astute and courageous people inside there o, but when the leadership is controlled with people running with anti-Nigerian vibes, what you get is the kind of shutdown Senator Ndume got recently. My people, it’s time to really call Mr. Akpabio to order and stringently ask that he steps down as a first step to building a constitutionally prescribed Senate that would really provide the necessary bulwark against an executive that is behaving like an Army of occupation. Na wa.

Wike

on the following people – Festus Keyamo, Reno Omokiri and Wike. I cannot wait o, your mouth is bad. Worse than my own. Kai! UJU KENNEDY-OHANNENYE: LET’S SUE ‘ALL THE UN’ As I watched this one, the first thing that came to my mind was “Where did they go and pick this one from again o?” She wants to sue “all the UNs” for, according to her, collecting monies on behalf of Nigerians and not telling us what they use the money to do amongst other heinous crimes the UN must have committed. This near-illiterate submission has been largely ignored by all including skit makers who I had thought would have turned this into major content for yabis. Mummy sat in the press conference, struggling to put two correct English words together as she created a skit that would finally kick Patience Jonathan’s “There is

Abbo

God o” skit off the evergreen skits of all time list. Mummy, the UN cannot be sued. If you have not read the charter or have read it and do not have the cognitive sense to understand what it says, I am sure you have lawyers in your ministry who can explain it to you. The UN cannot be sued. A few who have tried did not succeed because it has immunity, so instead of trying to play to this gallery, go and sit down and think of more credible and responsive ways of performing the duties that have been assigned to you. No be this one, wey you come siddon in front of camera and be talking “icheokwu” English all over the place dey distract us. I tire. NYESOM WIKE AS CHEF-IN-CHIEF Not sure I have written about this. If I have not, then I am getting old and should start thinking about retiring from this satire work. Wike cooking and inviting so many people in the

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R OCTOBER 22, 2023

kitchen to watch him. The first time this came out, it was El-Rufai that I think was invited, and then the second one, Bukola Saraki. Now the question is that in getting the ingredients ready, is he the one that pounds it in the mortar or is he the one that removes the scale in the fish or his real chef would have done all that and when the thing is on the fire, oga will now come with his long throat friends and be stirring the thing and be tasting the soup for the cameras? This politician is not only colourful but also a character. The way he generates these skits makes us momentarily forget our issues in the country and just laugh. Imagine a politician of his stature cooking in the kitchen with very important politicians watching him and salivating and stretching their necks to look into the pot while he is there without an apron, stirring and tasting the soup. What is remaining is for Chief Wike to go and be the celebrity guest in Maggi kitchen, abi what else remain? Na wa. ELISHA ABBO: MAKE UP YOUR MIND One moment it is Senator Akpabio who caused your dismissal from the Senate, the next moment it is not him because he has sworn on his mother’s grave. Since when has someone’s mother’s grave been the barometer to gauge a lie? See, when they used to catch us with women, it was our mothers grave we used to swear on. Abi, will you swear on Sopona or Orunmila whose punishment is instant? Your mother will know you are lying na, she will just smile and continue with whatever it is that she is doing in heaven or wherever she is. Because oga swore on his late mother’s grave, you self walk away and called a press conference and said, “Ohh, I believe him.” How naïve. You just start. Well, sha to me, this na good riddance because honest to God, some of us did not even feel any impact beyond the sex toy thingy and the bold resistance you offered the matriarch of the Nlnation, Senator Tinubu who was asking you to keep quiet “we are trying to help you.” My advice is for you to either join an NGO or set up yours if you do not already have one and preach safe sex to our youths. I think you will be more effective there than a senator of this our Federal Republic. Na advice o, no vex. Thanks. FEMI FALANA: NOT GOOD ENOUGH Coming out to shout that the helmsmen of EFCC and ICPC cannot come from the same region is a little bit too late. The damage done to the Federal Character principle by these appointments by your brother will take years to unravel. Your egbon – we don’t even know who is older sef with all these Chicago things - has gone at the Federal Character principle with so much impunity that one is even beginning to suspect that the controversy of his origins should be expanded from iragbiji to maybe Guinea Conakry because, me, I cannot believe that any trueblooded Nigerian will make these kinds of appointments where the main qualification you need for a federal appointment is being Yoruba, or better still, a Lagos-based Yoruba person. These things happen very easily when strong voices like yours have suddenly gone really quiet like a maiden that has suddenly been

disvirgined by the head servant in her father’s house. Why are we not in court, why are we not on the streets protesting against all of these, why are we not shouting? Why are we suddenly very silent on these things that are happening that are so wrong, or is it because we are… Na your brother Professor Soyinka that said, the man in him dies ….. I no talk again before na lawsuit I go see. I have not eaten in days, talk less of looking for money to pay a

lawyer because one Ekiti man don vex. I keep quiet. Thank you. THE KIDNAP OF GENERAL RICHARD DURU Isn’t it sad that a recently retired General of the great Nigerian Army has been kidnapped and the whole of that part of the country where this happened has not turned to Gaza by now? Three weeks ago, we got a news report that the likeable general was seized by kidnappers in Imo while driving alone in his Benz Jeep.

L-R: Davido and Pinnick

AMAJU PINNICK VS DAVIDO: A SEQUEL My dear readers, please bear with me. Last week I made a commentary on this matter and then during the week, I got some more information. After sifting through this information, I feel that in the interest of the public olofofo, I should bring it to your notice. Ok, I have it on good authority that Mr. Amaju has retained the services of a very big and extremely expensive law firm to go after the superstar. I have also heard that he is so miffed at the character assassination that na cyber bullying and criminal libel are the charges. I am also hearing that these charges will be filed both in the US and in Nigeria because it is two global citizens who are fighting. You see what I was saying last week, when you come out and play to the gallery and say “Ohhhh I will return the money to NFF,” then you have gone at the integrity and international standing of someone who is on the Executive Council of FIFA. You see, my own is very simple. I am standing with Amaju on this, not because I like his beards but because this, if not struck at, can damage everything the young man has worked for all of his adult life. Do we think it is easy for someone from Nigeria to be admitted into the FIFA executive council? Do we know the checks and due processes that go with that?

Amaju has for years been a very successful man. Even those at the NFF where he served who tried to rubbish him with lawsuits came back to apologise. The man left NFF eight years ago so I really do not see where and how NFF enter this matter. All Amaju tried to do was to give a platform in Warri and indeed all over the nation for talents to erupt. His platform has thrown up some of the biggest stars and will continue to do the same, so attacking his foundation like this is imbecilic. I am not even trying to reach him, because I am hearing that he is so upset about the whole thing. Please, it shouldn’t be like this, two of our biggest international exports should be in this kind of fight that would attract international attention. I think Davido and his team should reach out to Amaju and apologise. That’s all, go back to social media and just say I am sorry. I will return the money and will not yab you again. I am sure Amaju will listen, if he no listen, come to me, I know how to get him. I will just lock his gym and keep the key, the man can die if he no gym one day. Davido, please do the needful and avoid this impending gloom. I hope I am not too late o, because I heard the charges would have been filed last Wednesday. Kai.

Till the time of writing, I have not seen or heard of any report that he has been released. A strong member of our Alumni and a dedicated Nigerian patriot who has contributed very immensely to the Nigerian project, this matter should be very well engaged. Every morning, someone in the alumni will ask, any news on Senior Duru and what can we do and another person will say shut up, he is a retired General, and the Army will rescue him. Please, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa and Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja, if General Duru has not been released, can you kindly stop every other thing you are doing and make this a priority? Push the full weight of the Nigerian Army into this mission so that it will send a strong signal to the kidnappers and their colleagues that some places are sacred. I am willing to lead the mission although from a control room in Shomolu where I will be directing the drones and your soldiers to the rescue. Please take this very seriously. Thank you. MOYO LAWAL’S COURAGE THROUGH FIRE We all saw the sex tape and some of us did some unprintable things while watching. Moyo went under fire and for 24 hours, she was the most vilified Nigerian. She even toppled Tinubu as the most talked about and insulted Nigerian alive for those hours. I reached out. She is my friend and said to her, “Stand firm, don’t bow your head and remain sprite, you are my friend and nothing like a yeye sex tape will stop you from being very special not just to me but to millions of Nigerians.” She took my advice and kept her head still. Released a statement detailing what transpired thereby dousing the flames. During the week, Moyo released another statement where she categorically stated “I have only made love twice this year with one being this infamous one.” Such a bold statement. If I make that kind statement, na Ogun dem go use flog me for Lagos. Anyways, she has gone through the valley of the shadow of death and like the sexy peacock that she is, has come out strong and the better for it. There is nothing to be forgiven because she didn’t do anything wrong by giving her trust to a leper. Well done my sister, you remain the apple of our eyes, keep shining. BABATUNDE MACALABI: TAKING NIGERIA TO THE WORLD My egbon Tunde has had a vision. His vision is to take our SMEs which employ over 80% of our people to the world. If you connect to the need to shore up our forex inflows, you will begin to understand his passion for this matter. Recently, he took Nigeria to the world on the back of the UNGA where he gave a platform to several of Nigeria’s SMEs to showcase their goods and services. He was supported by some very strong organisations like the Diaspora Commission, MTN, First Bank, and the NEPC, among others. The event was widely reported in both local and international media with participants recording very huge successes in securing trade partnerships amongst others. Well done my egbon, you remain a leading light. God bless.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R OCTOBER 22, 2023

Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Kessington Adebutu Glides into 88

Okewale

Kiki Okewale Hosts Women High Achievers There is no gainsaying repeating the fact that more women are starting businesses in Nigeria. Regardless of this positive rise in the number of women entrepreneurs, the quantum of challenges they face in the operation of their businesses remains a big problem. This has been of great concern to Kiki Okewale, a successful social entrepreneur. With the shocking rate at which the dollar exchange rate is rising, it’s no longer safe to leave anything to chance in business. As an intentional women entrepreneur, Okewale believes women must go back to the drawing board and restrategise. She believes that like herself, there are many women with businesses they would love to grow above the current level they are operating. For her, there are women with brand vision. How they navigate through all the tough experiences to achieve greater success in their business remains the stumbling block to their progress. This and many other challenges confronting women business owners are what gave birth to her new initiative: Women High Achievers Trybe (WHAT), a global community of high-value women she floated in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. With WHAT, Okewale is on a mission to impact and connect powerful women in Africa and the rest of the world, to inspire other women to have a voice as they build themselves into high achievers. The positive feedback she has received in the last three years from women who have been uplifted by her passion for women development and empowerment has been profound. To expand the community of WHAT and provide a platform for more women to become more successful in their chosen careers and businesses, Okewale is hosting a powerful convergence of female leaders from across the country. The event themed “Elevating Women Entrepreneurs: Strategies for Success” is scheduled to be held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos on November 6, 2023. As gathered, the event is expected to feature industry experts and renowned individuals, including Folake Kehinde, Ivie Temitayo-Ibitoye, Bukola Majekodunmi, Jennifer Awirigwe, Eno Sam, Atinuke Babatunde, Adeola Kingsley-James, Margaret Nkechi, Toun Sonaiya and Diji Shujahi. These household names will share insights on how women entrepreneurs can take their businesses to the next level. The keynote speaker at the event would be the boardroom maven, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika. The conference will cover topics such as branding, marketing, financial management, staff retention, mindset, the power of storytelling and leveraging media to position the brand. There will also be interactive sessions and networking opportunities for attendees to connect with other women entrepreneurs and experts in various fields.

Sir Kessington Adebutu’s name means different things to different people. To some, it stands for courage, and tenacity, to others it represents inventiveness, brilliance and distinction. Adebutu, a colossus in Nigeria’s business sector, is a man of excellence, and integrity; he is also a trailblazer and pioneer extraordinaire in the lotto business sector in the country. The Ogun State-born billionaire, who started the betting business in the country at the time many were scared of venturing into it, has wrought so many wonders in the past years. By this, the boardroom titan and philanthropist successfully proved to the whole world that his pre-eminence

in the business world was not a fluke. The chairman of Premier Lotto has beaten all odds to become a big player and a glittering light in Africa’s business climate. Adebutu, better known in the games betting world as Baba Ijebu, embodies the spirit of generosity like no other. His philanthropic acts are lauded by many. The businessman would hit 88 in grand style on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. It was, however, gathered that the man, who likes to engage in the celebration of life, has mellowed down and will not be rolling out drums for his 88th birthday this year, but instead will be surrounded by his children with a toast, birthday songs, wishes and prayers.

‘’There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality, and then there are those who turn one into the other.’’ – Douglas H. Everett. Dr. Olukayode Ajulo belongs among the latter. While growing up, the lawyer already had the dream of how he would want his life to turn out. But unlike many, Ajulo is lucky to see his dreams become reality. Little Kayode, in his father’s bookshop, was exposed to top legal practitioners who used to patronize his dad. He was fascinated by their dressing and vowed to toe the legal line later in life. Today, according to his wish, he’s not just a barrister at law, but an honourable one who has become a source of inspiration and benevolence to many. It is important to note that Ajulo possesses a spirit that harbours disdain for doing things in half measures. He religiously holds on to the saying that,

Legal Luminary, Kayode Ajulo, Becomes Senior Advocate of Nigeria

Ajulo

Adebutu

what is worth doing at all is worth doing well. That explains why he’s passionately committed and gives his all to whatever he sets out to do. His spirit of total commitment and striving for excellence propelled him to the limelight in his early days at the bar. He has not looked back since then, rather, he’s continued to move up the ladder in his chosen career. That the highly intelligent and brilliant dude, has grown in leaps and bounds will amount to saying the obvious, as has continued to break barriers in the legal profession, soaring in rating and growing in influence. The Ondo State-born legal luminary is among 58 lawyers whose names were approved and elevated to the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, penultimate week.

Cosmopolitan Businessman, Musa Halilu’s Charitable Deeds Despite his bourgeoisie background, cosmopolitan businessman Musa Halilu, Chairman of TILT Group, has remained a humble and humane personality who never allows his wealth and influence to get the better of him. The Dujima Adamawa has maintained a low-profile lifestyle to the admiration of many. And he has also dedicated his time to building a thriving business conglomerate while spreading his tentacles across the shores of Africa. Society Watch gathered that he has his hands in many pies, such as real estate, agriculture, oil and gas, energy, supply, and technology, among several others. The magnate, who is also a politician of note, has shown his milk of kindness as he has put smiles on the faces of the less privileged. As revealed, the founder of the Musa Halilu Ahmed MHA Foundation has embarked on a mission to cushion the effect

of the biting economy in the country by assisting his people with palliatives. In order to reach out to the poorest of the poorest; Halilu connected with the mosque clergymen who have collated details of those who are really in need of the palliatives. He distributed the cash and food items and it was shared with different households in Adamawa. Those who benefited from his milk of kindness disclosed that the palliative was timely and well appreciated. We gathered that he is also planning the second phase which will also take part in another part of the state and will also cover more people. Through his foundation, the graduate of Business Administration from Kaduna State Polytechnic has previously donated proceeds from his business to charitable deeds. Since the formation of his foundation over nine years ago, it has so far catered for the needs of both young and old children with a special interest in educational

Halilu

development, women empowerment, motherless children empowerment, prison reform and inmate welfare, community infrastructure renewal, widow empowerment and a host of other things.

22-year-old Nimi Georgewill, Pride of Her Generation

Georgewill

When many of her mates are still unsure of what the future has in stock for them, Nimi Georgewill has already charted the compass of her future and has grabbed life by the lapel.

The 22-year-old, who is the project coordinator at the International Vaccine Access Center for the Supporting, Mobilising, and Accelerating Research for Tuberculosis Elimination (SMART4TB) Project, has continued to advocate for a positive public healthcare system. The Rivers State-born is an alumna of the Social and Behavioral Interventions program in the Department of International Health. She obtained a Master of Science in Public Health candidate at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH); International Health, Social & Behavioural Interventions. Nimi, the daughter of the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Cortech Oil Services Limited, Emmanuel T. Georgewill, took after her parents in achieving career success at a younger age. Her passion for global health centres around strengthening immunisation programs in subSaharan Africa focusing on creating equitable and sustainable vaccine coverage and access is immeasurable. She is dedicated to her work and strives to help identify and cultivate effective methods and tools to establish equitable healthcare access and robust health systems. During her time at the Bloomberg School,

Nimi was selected for a Program in Applied Vaccine Experiences (PAVE) Scholar for the 2022–2023 cohort where she spent a few months in Geneva, contributing to the work on the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Program (MVIP) with Gavi and the WHO. Upon the completion of the program, she was invited to continue her work as a Malaria Vaccine Uptake Task Team intern with PATH in Washington, D.C. At PATH, she contributed to the development of tailored communication plans, training modules, and community engagement toolkits. Nimi also served as a Global Health Advocacy and Policy Research Intern in Nigeria with the Wellbeing Foundation, Africa, helping prepare communication materials for vaccine advocacy campaigns to curb vaccine hesitancy. Along with hard work, she attributes her ability to grow professionally and capacity to help improve global health to the lessons and experiences she had in the Department of International Health. She is indeed a blessing and pride of her generation.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

22. 10. 2023

With Unmatched Grit, Obari Gomba Won It! A serial participation in the contest for the much-coveted and winner-take-all NLNG-sponsored literary prize eventually yielded the desired result for Obari Gomba. Yinka Olatunbosun writes

or Obari Gomba, giving up even after several attempts at winning the Nigerian Prize for Literature wasn’t an option. If anything, he said that he often looked forward to every edition of the annual competition, which, revolving around the four OLWHUDU\ JHQUHV³SURVH ÀFWLRQ SRHWU\ drama, and children’s literature—was instituted in 2004. “I am always very excited to compete for the Nigerian Prize for Literature,” the associate dean of humanities at the University of Port Harcourt said. “If I have the capacity to compete every year, I think I will. It would have been a shame if the book had not come out in time for the Nigerian Prize for Literature. I wouldn’t have been able to come this far.” Perhaps his being conscious that competing for a coveted prize requires cautious optimism helped. Hence, it ZDVQ·W XQWLO KLV ÀYH QRPLQDWLRQV IRU the coveted $100,000 prize that he won at this year’s edition of the prestigious literary award. The news of his victory travelled far and wide, but it might not have surprised the majority of literati who have watched with keen interest over the years as the prize eluded the writer, for sheer grit—puns intended since that was the title of his winning Dr Gomba with NPL prize advisory board members entry—won it for him. The poet and playwright, who teaches literature and creative writing 2011 Garden City Literary Festival and at the University of Port Harcourt, the 2019 Festival Poetry Calabar. He emerged from 145 entries—11 on curated an anthology featuring 35 the long list and later a shortlist of writers from 33 countries, entitled A three—to finally clinch the prize at Piece of Daily Life, for the International the ceremonial end of the suspense Writing Program of the University of that accompanies the final moment of Iowa (USA) in 2016. revelation. Before the life-changing A versatile writer, Gomba’s impact announcement at the Eko Hotel and has been felt in the poetry scene. Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on His poetry has been featured in ReFriday, October 13, the anticipation Markings: A World Assembly of Poets among the members of the literary and The Second Genesis: An Antholcommunity was palpable. ogy of Contemporary World Poetry. No doubt, the other playwrights, Other poems had been published Abideen Abolaji Ojomu, who wrote in international journals such as Ojuelegba Crossroads, and Henry Prosopisia, Sentinel, Maple Tree Akubuiro, the playwright for YamLiterary Supplement, and Eleven tarawala: The Warrior King, must Eleven. have held their breaths, bracing for Gomba spoke of his winning work. the announcement. “Grit can be defined in two ways. With his victory, which comes after In one way, you look at grit as courfive attempts at the prize across age. In another way, you look at grit three longlists and two shortlists, the as bits of a thing after a thing has 46-year-old takes home the $100,000 been broken into bits. That is what grand prize in the winner-take-it-all happens in the play. There is the contest for his drama titled Grit. courage to speak truth to power, and Indeed, Gomba’s win is a homage to there is also the exercise of power in grit. Although the NLNG-sponsored Dr Gomba with the award a manner that breaks people.” prize had eluded him for years, he The Alesa-Eleme-born scholar studhad won other notable literary prizes ied English at the University of Nigeria, with his previous works. Such works on the shortlist for the Nigeria Nsukka, and obtained master’s and include his piece Thunder Protocol, PhD degrees in the discipline at the Prize for Literature in 2017. which won the ANA Poetry Prize in In 2013, Length of Eyes was on University of Port Harcourt. 2016. Guerrilla Post, which won the the shortlist for the ANA Poetry He said of the Nigerian Prize for LitANA Drama Prize in 2018, was on Prize and the Nigeria Prize for HUDWXUH ´7KH VLJQLÀFDQFH RI WKH SUL]H the shortlist for the Nigerian Prize for Literature. Other recognitions is bigger than the statement of a jury. Literature in the same year. Another include his book Pearls of the It is the biggest reward in literature work titled For Every Homeland won Mangrove, which was adopted in our country and on our continent, the ANA Poetry Prize in 2017 and was as a Book of the Festival for the and it is something to be proud of. We

should all be proud that we have the biggest literary prize on the continent.” Gomba shared a backstory on this award-winning drama in an online interview. “It takes a lot of time to publish a play,” he began. “I wanted to write a play about politics, and I had started jotting down things for this play a few years ago. Although it didn’t turn out to be exactly the type of play I wanted to write, I travelled in 2001 with the draft of the work, and I hoped at that time that I would be able to complete the writing. But I couldn’t do it. "Somehow between 2001 and the moment I started writing the play, I started working on something entirely fresh. What I had conceived as the subject matter and play structure turned out to EH D ORW PRUH GLͿHUHQW IURP ZKDW , KDG produced. I am very excited that I was able to get the play done in good time for the Nigerian prize for literature. "The decision does not rest on you but on the judges who evaluate your work. What you do is to enter your work in good faith." While comparing his initial manuscript with the published work, he noted that his entire plot was reworked and new characters were created to suit the narrative. "There was a female character that was in the original draft but it is not in this draft. A lot of things have changed." The writer had promised to set aside some part of the prize money to promote the award-winning drama, Grit.

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 22, 2023

ARTS & REVIEW\\POT POURRI

Dike Chukwumerije Headlines LIMCAF’s Festival Week Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

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For MUSON Festival 2023, Handel’s ‘Messiah’ Is a Highlight Yinka Olatunbosun

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L-R: Mrs. Awuneba Ajumogobia, Arch Kitoy-Ibare Akinsan (Chairman Festival Planning Committee, Mr. Louis Mbanefo(SAN) Chairman MUSON Board of Trustees,Chief Olufemi Adeniyi-Williams Vice Chairman MUSON Board of Trustees, Engr Olanrewaju Phillips and Mrs. Joyce Ayoola Jafojo Chief Executive Oﬃcer

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Two Decades After, Joshua Nmesirionye Returns with Visual Symphony Yinka Olatunbosun

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 22, 2023

CICERO

Editor: Ejiofor Alike SMS: 08066066268 email:ejiofor.alike@thisdaylive.com

IN THE ARENA

Off-cycle Elections: Can INEC Redeem Its Image? With less than three weeks to the November 11 governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states, Nigerians are eager to see the Independent National Electoral Commission compensate them for its perceived poor performance in the last general election, Adedayo Akinwale writes

ith about 20 days to the governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states, Nigerians are looking forward to seeing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) redeem its battered image. Even though the electoral umpire is intensifying efforts to ensure that the polls are credible, analysts are just keeping their fingers crossed to see what the commission will come up with. Dissatisfied with the conduct of the 2023 elections by the commission, political parties and their candidates have since shifted their battle to the courts. Although the trend of ‘election by court order’ has continued since the return of civil rule in 1999, disputed election outcomes waiting for judicial resolution in this year’s polls are alarming. For instance, a total of 1,280 political offices were contested in 2023, comprising the office of the presidency, 109 members of the Senate, 360 seats for the Federal House of Representatives, 782 House of Assembly seats across 28 states of the federation and 28 governorship positions. Out of the total figure, 1,209 petitions are before the judiciary for adjudication, according to the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem during the ceremony to commence the 2023/2024 legal year in Abuja, representing a whopping 94.453 per cent of the positions where votes were cast. One of the core grounds the opposition political parties were seeking the annulment of the February 25 presidential election, for instance, was the inability of the commission to “transmit” election results from the polling units to INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal. The technology glitches suffered by INEC during the presidential election, many believed, cast a dent on the image of the commission, and also eroded the gains recorded and the transparency brought to the election management process through the introduction of technology like Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) by the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu-led leadership. While INEC transmitted the result of the National Assembly elections, it did not do the same with the presidential election, an action many Nigerians saw as a calculated attempt to swing the election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Nevertheless, with less than three weeks to the governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states, the electoral body has once again assured the electorate that it would upload election results of the three states on IReV. INEC chairman gave the assurance recently in Lokoja, Kogi State where he monitored the mock election held last Saturday and also assessed the level of preparedness for the off-cycle elections. Yakubu’s clarification became imperative after the Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ofiong Efanga, recently said that the commission would adopt manual mode of transmission of the governorship election results. He reiterated that the governorship election in the three states

Yakubu would be conducted in line with the Electoral Act. Yakubu said: “The method is as provided by law — electronic accreditation, electronic upload of results on the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal, and that is why we are doing this mock. “So, please, disregard whatever was reported about what the REC was said to have said in Bayelsa and that is going to be the procedure. And it is for that reason that I will advise you also for those who have registered on the IReV portal, in the next two hours or so, they should go to the IReV portal, they see the result of the mock from all the three states, we are uploading, as we have done in previous elections.” Interestingly, while the commission has consistently used the word “upload” as against “transmission” of results, many are wondering and even striving to look out for the meaning of the two words. While some believe both words are one and the same, the electoral body thought otherwise. In the words of the Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, he said though some media organisations are fixated on the word - “Transmission”, it was important to impress on them that the Commission “uploads” not “transmits” polling unit results to IReV. He explained: “Why is it important to distinguish between transmit and upload even when both words appear similar? The reason is that to some Nigerians, “transmission of results” also means “electronic balloting or internet voting”. Oyekanmi emphasised that some Nigerians believed that the

BVAS is an Electronic Voting Machine, while the IReV receives, collates results, and thereafter determines the outcome of an election. According to him, electronic transmission of election results would also entail electronic collation of those results to determine the outcome of the election. He explained that this is not what the BVAS and IReV are doing. To be sure, the IReV does not collate election results because it was not designed to do so. The device, he said, merely displays polling unit results, just as a scoreboard displays the goals scored during a football match in a stadium. Oyekanmi added that the primary purpose of inventing IReV by INEC is for engendering transparency in its election result management process; to give Nigerians access to polling unit results from all parts of the country on a dedicated portal that could be accessed via the Internet. He recalled when the commission introduced the large format People’s Result Sheet (PRS) —Form EC60E, which was pasted at all Polling Units after the close of poll during the 2017 Anambra Governorship election. Subsequently, the commission extended the PRS to the World Wide Web. In his intervention, INEC Director of ICT, Mr. Paul Omokore, said IReV is meant to enhance election transparency and not a result collation or transmission system. Omokore gave the clarification in his presentation titled, ‘The role of BVAS, IReV for Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo Governorship elections’ at a two-day capacity workshop for journalists in Nasarawa State. He advised journalists and members of the public not to confuse uploading polling units’ results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal with the electronic transmission of results. Omokore pointed out that BVAS is only used to upload pictures of PUs’ results on form EC8A to IReV, which does not translate to electronic transmission of results. He said: “Form EC8A is the result that we collated at the PUs. We use BVAS to snap this form and upload the same thing to the IReV portal for public viewing. This is not a collecting system. It does not tally a system. What it does is to snap the EC8A which is the result at the polling unit and upload the same to the public view. That is all. “I know that 70 per cent of the populace think that the others have collected the figures. No. All it does is snap the EC8A so that the Presiding Officers have collected all the scores of the parties, signed and stamped, and then send this same picture to the IReV for public viewing. That is all. So, it is not a collecting system.” With the November 11 off-cycle elections fast approaching, all eyes are on the commission to walk the talk and conduct a free, fair, credible and transparent election. While two of the three states have their governors seeking reelection, the governor of the third state is seeking to install a successor. All the three governors are determined to have their ways. This desperation is likely to go overboard. This is why many are looking up to the commission not to allow itself to be tainted again.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

When Ubah’s Sins Were Forgiven

Uzodimma

Ubah

When the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Adams Oshiomhole, in January 2019 said any politician who joined the party would have his sins forgiven, Nigerians did not know that the gesture would be in eternity. It was not until last Wednesday when Justice Nicholas Oweibo of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos struck out the criminal charges preferred againsttheChairmanofCapitalOilandGasIndustries Limited,SenatorPatrickIfeanyiUbah,thatitdawned onmanyNigeriansthatthegesturehascometostay. Ubah,whobarelytwoweeksagojoinedtheruling APC benefited from the party’s “policy” when the federal government withdrew the charges it filed against him and his oil firm. TheAssetManagementCorporationofNigeria

(AMCON)hadchargedUbahandCapitalOilandGas LimitedoverallegedN135billionindebtedness.It allegedthatthesenatorsometimesbetween2012 and2018,conspiredinmakingfalseclaimsinrelation to the actual values of certain assets transferred to AMCON under a consent judgement he and his company made. AtthelastsittingofthecourtwhenSenatorUbah wastotakehisplea,hewasnotincourt.Consequently, thecourtdirectedthatcriminalsummonsbeissued on him and his company, if he failed to appear on October 18 for arraignment. Dramatically at the proceedings of the suit on Wednesday, counsel to the AMCON, Oluwaseun Onabowu,soughttowithdrawthesuit.Heinformed thecourtthatconsentjudgmentshadbeenreached bypartiesinothersistercasesinAbuja,theFederal

CapitalTerritory.Heconsequentlyurgedthecourt tostrikeoutthechargefiledagainstthedefendants. Also,counseltothedefendants,Mrs.IfeomaEsom, confirmed to the court that agreements had been reached with the complainant. Consequently, Justice Oweibo in a bench ruling struckoutthechargeandUbah’sallegedsinswere forgiven. Since Oshiomhole made the comment at APC rally in Benin City, while receiving some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC, not only has a lot of those standing trial or being investigated by anti-graft agencies joined the ruling party, their charges and investigation have truly been dropped. Thisdevelopmenthaseffectivelyweakenedthe fight against corruption

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 22, 2023

BRIEFINGNOTES

Can Akpabio Resolve Growing Discontent? Despite the assurance given by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio that there was no crisis in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, last Tuesday’s walkout from the plenary by the Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, who was Akpabio’s ardent supporter was a strong indication of the lawmakers’ growing discontent with the Senate leadership, Ejiofor Alike reports

n an apparent effort to play down the growing tension in the Senate, the President of the Senate,SenatorGodswillAkpabiolastWednesday told the State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu that there was no crisis in the legislature. “We are all working in one accord. There is no problem at all. Even if some people disagree with some of the happenings in the Senate, it is only the majority decision that is going to prevail,” he reportedly noted. “In the parliament, sometimes you disagree. But we will never get to the point of throwing chairs. The Senate is too mature, full of mature people,” Akpabio added. But signs that even Akpabio’s key supporters are becoming discontented with his leadership style emerged on Tuesday, when his campaign manager during the election of the leaders of the National Assembly, Senator Ali Ndume stormed out of the Senate chambers during plenary to protest Akpabio’s refusal to address what the Borno senator described as procedural errors. Ndume, who is the Senate Chief Whip, was a key supporter of Akpabio, when the former Akwa Ibom State governor contested for the position with a former governor of Zamfara State and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’Aziz Abubakar Yari. Explaining his support for the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Ndume had alluded to the fact that Akpabio was not necessarily the choice of the federal lawmakers but President Bola Tinubu’s preferred choice. “As you can see, I am leading the campaign for Akpabio because he is the president’s preferred candidate and we have to push for the country and the party above any other interest,” Ndume reportedly said. Indeed, it took the personal intervention of President Tinubu at the last minute for Akpabio to defeat Yari. No sooner had Akpabio emerged as Senate President than tension started brewing at the upper chamber as many lawmakers were said to be displeased with the appointment of principal officers. Ndume, it was learnt, was said to be interested in the position of Senate leader but was given Chief Whip. Ndume was to publicly disagree with Akpabio on the alleged huge disparity in the disbursement of a loan to six geo-political regions in 2021 by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), in what turned out to be the first rowdy session in the Red Chamber. The Borno senator had insisted that it was unfair

Akpabio and morally wrong that the entire Northern region was given only 11 per cent, while only Lagos State got 47 per cent of the loan, adding that his home state of Borno, got just one per cent. Trouble started after Akpabio rejected Ndume’s motion to debate the alleged uneven distribution of the loan by the DBN. Last Tuesday’s disagreement between Ndume and Akpabio started minutes after the commencement of the day’s session when the Borno South senator raised a point of order to draw the Senate President’s attention to alleged procedural errors committed by him which were yet to be corrected. Ndume cited a motion on the need for re-opening of Nigeria-Niger border, which was moved by Senator Sumaila Kawu (NNPP, Kano South), which Akpabio allowed to be debated without first having the official title of the motion read as the normal procedure. Relying on Order 51 of the Senate Standing Rules, Ndume had requested that the Senate President should allow for the correction of

any error made or observed during plenary. But Akpabio had hardly allowed Ndume to end his speech when he ruled him out of order, saying since he had ruled on issues raised, it could not be revisited However, another Senator, Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), rose in defence of Ndume’s point of order by raising another point of order. He was equally ruled out of order by the Senate president. Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, in an attempt to douse tension, had quickly raised Order 16, which requires a substantive motion to be moved by any senator seeking to correct or review an earlier decision taken. Akpabio sustained this order and this angered Ndume, who quickly raised another point of order, specifically, Order 54 to seek correction of the perceived error. But Akpabio again, ruled him out of order without allowing him to exhaust his line of argument At this point, Ndume picked up his belongings

and stormed out of the Senate chamber Ndume’s action led the Senate to quickly dissolve into a closed session. The current tension started brewing in the upper chamber before the Senate resumed from its long vacation in September. This followed an allegation that there were moves to impeach the Senate President over his alleged insensitivity to the demands of senators, sidelining of some ranking senators in the headship of committees, his being President Tinubu’s rubber stamp and his alleged unsavoury role during the screening and confirmation of ministerial nominees in August Reports had stated that plans were underway to unseat Akpabio when the Senate reconvened on September 26, 2023. According to the reports, two prominent senators from the North-west and other senators were already mapping out plans to carry out the plot. These reports had prompted the Senate President’s media office to issue a statement dismissing the speculation as a figment of the imagination of the authors. However, the lawmaker representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, Senator Ishaku Abbo, who was sacked by the Appeal Court on Monday, issued a statement on behalf of some northern senators accusing Akpabio’s office of disseminating the story about the rumored plan to impeach him. Abbo further added that the narrative was purportedly orchestrated by the Senate President to create discord between President Tinubu and northern politicians. Abbo accused Akpabio of sidelining his opponents in the constitution of standing committees. Expressing his frustration, the then Adamawa lawmaker said: “You cannot treat us as conquered people and then return to manipulate us with planted and paid newspaper reports to set us against the President.” Abbo also claimed that the 10th Senate was the most condescending parliament. He further referred to the screening of ministerial nominees, where the Senate President allegedly sought clearance for certain nominees at the Villa. Akpabio had also provoked the ire of senators when he announced that the National Assembly Clerk had disbursed funds to all senators to enable them to enjoy their holiday. However, he quickly withdrew the statement after deliberating with some of his colleagues, saying instead “prayers had been sent to mailboxes of respective senators.” With last Tuesday’s drama, Nigerians are anxious to see how Akpabio can resolve this growing discontent with his leadership style.

NOTES FOR FILE

Deplorable State of Federal Roads

Fashola

The deplorable state of federal roads across Nigeria has really made Nigerians to critically assess the achievements of the former Minister of Works, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, after eight years in oﬃce. Immediately he was appointed the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, after touring some federal road across the country, lamented their deplorable state. In one instance, the minister said some of the roads no longer have just potholes but boreholes. He also expressed deep concern over the staggering N14 trillion debts inherited by the federal government. After a tour of federal roads in Lagos, a state Fashola had governed for eight years and represented for another eight years at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), it took Umahi from the South-east, to express concern over the poor conditions of almost

all the critical bridges in the state. Brieﬁng the media after an on-thespot assessment of the Third Mainland Bridge, the minister said: “Almost all the bridges in Lagos are having problems.” Before Fashola left oﬃce, the LagosIbadan Expressway was not completed. In fact, it was said last week that the road would be delivered by November. Even the Third Mainland Bridge Fashola frequently worked on was left littered with terrible potholes. IjoraApapa road was in sorry state. Major roads such as the Benin-Auchi Highway, Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Ibadan-Ilesha Expressway, Abuja-Lokoja Expressway, Benin-Warri Expressway, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, CalabarItu Road, East-West Road, Obollo

Afor-Makurdi Road, Makurdi-Wukara-Jalingo Road and many others were left in deplorable state. Yet a whopping N14 trillion debt was left behind. As Lagos State governor, Fashola was a celebrated achiever. But many believe that his performance during the eight years he spent at the federal level was unimpressive and uninspiring. As governor, he had criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government, boasting that ﬁxing the power was not “a rocket science.” But when he suddenly found himself at the Ministry of Power and headed it for four years, it was darkness that was supplied to Nigerians and not electricity. In his various speeches as power minister, he reportedly claimed to have raised power generation to above 7,000MW when the actual generation still hovers below 5,000MW till today.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 22, 2023

CICERO/ISSUE

Seven Supreme Court Judges Who’ll Decide Tinubu, Atiku, Obi’s Fate AstheSupremeCourttomorrowbeginshearingintheappealsfiledtochallengethejudgmentofthePresidential Election Petition Court, which affirmed the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 election, Alex Enumah profiles the seven justices who will have the opportunity to engrave their names in gold

omorrow, the Supreme Court will begin to hear the appeals filed by the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; that of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and the Allied Peoples Movement, Chichi Ojei, to challenge the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court, which affirmed the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 election. The notices for the hearing signed by Zainab M. Garba in the Office of the Registrar, said by the Order 2 Rule 1(2) of the Supreme Court’s Rules 1985 as amended, are deemed as sufficiently served on the parties. The list of the seven-member panel to sit on the appeals which consist of five male and two females, include: Justices Uwani Musa Abba Aji, Emmanuel Agim, Lawal Garba, Helen M. Ogunwumiju, Ibrahim Musa Saulawa , Adamu Jauro and Tijjani Abubakar. The justices of the court have till November 6 to deliver judggment on all the appeals. While Nigerians are waiting to see what the panelists would come up with, only a profile that would reveal their trajectories would suffice.

In October 2019, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Mohammed Lawal Garba Mohammed Lawal Garba was born on November 16, 1958. He hails from Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State. He attended Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria from 19771980, Nigerian Law Garba School, Lagos, from 1980-1981 and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Akoka, Lagos in 1989. He was called to the Bar in 1981. Justice Garba served as Magistrate in the Sokoto State Judiciary from 1982-1986, Deputy Chief RegUwani Musa Abba Aji istrar, High Court of Justice, Sokoto State from 1989Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji was born on November 1991, and appointed Solicitor-General/Director-General 7, 1956 in Gashua, Yobe State. She attended Central Ministry of Justice Sokoto State from 1991-1993. Primary School, Gashua and Government Girls SecondHe was then appointed a Judge of the High Court of Secondary and ary School, Maiduguri for her Primary Justice, Sokoto State from 1993-1996. He served as Education between 1961 and 1972. She obtained a Chief Judge, High Court of Justice, Zamfara State from Diploma in Law from 1996-2004. the Ahmadu Bello In 2004, Justice Garba was elevated to the Court of University, Zaria in Appeal and served at various times as the Presiding 1976 and subseJustice at Abuja, Calabar, Port Harcourt and Lagos quently, an LLB from the same institution in Divisions of the court from 2010-2020. Justice Garba was the judge who led the five-man 1980. She was called presidential election petition tribunal, which heard and to Bar in 1981 and commenced her career dismissed the petition filed by the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, challenging the victory of as State Counsel in President Muhammadu Buhari at the 2019 poll. 1982. He was elevated to Prior to holding this position however, she the Supreme Court on was a Chief Magistrate November 6, 2020. II in 1989, Chief Magistrate I in 1991 Helen Moronkeji and Chief Registrar Ogunwumiju in November 1991. Justice Helen She was appointed High Aji Ogunwumiju was born Court Judge of the Yobe on March 23, 1957. State Judiciary in December 1991 making her the first She hails from Ondo female judge at Yobe State Judiciary, a position she held State. She attended of Court the to until July 2004 when she was elevated the University of Lagos Appeal. in 1977 where she January on Court Supreme the to Before her elevation bagged her LLB. She Court 8, 2019, her lordship was the Presiding Justice, was called to Bar in of Appeal Kaduna Division, a position she held for four 1978. years. Justice Ogunwumiju Ogunwumiju was appointed a Chief Agim Akomaye Emmanuel Magistrate Grade 1960 26, April Justice Emmanuel Agim was born on 1 in Oyo State in 1991. She equally served as Chief in Obudu, Cross Rivers State. He obtained his first degree, LLB, at University of Calabar, then BL from the Magistrate in Ibadan, Ile-Ife, Eruwa, Igboora and Oyo Magisterial Districts. Nigerian Law School, Lagos, and subsequently, LLM, She was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Ondo from the University State in November 1998. She was a member of the of Wolverhampton, Election Petition Tribunal, Taraba State in 2003. United Kingdom. Justice Ogunwumiju was elevated to the Court of After serving as Appeal in November President of the Court of Appeal 2005 and served at of The Gambia, the Court of Appeal and three years as in Ilorin, Benin, OwChief Justice of The erri, Lagos and Enugu Gambia, Justice Divisions. She presided Agim was later over the Benin and sworn in as a Justice Enugu Divisions of the of the Supreme court. Court of Swaziland On November 6, on May 2, 2012 2020, she was elwhere he served in evated to the Supreme the first all-black Court. bench in the history Agim of Swaziland and Ibrahim Musa her sister countriesSaulawa Botswana and Lesotho. On November 5, 2012, he was sworn in as a Justice of Justice Ibrahim the Court of Appeal of Nigeria by the then Chief Justice Mohammed Musa Saulawa Saulawa was born on of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar.

September 29, 1956 in the ancient city of Katsina, Katina State. He attended both primary and secondary schools in Katsina from 1965 to 1976. He proceeded to the prestigious Bayero University, Kano in September 1977 and graduated in June 1981 with a Bachelor of Law degree. In the same year, he proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos and was eventually called to Bar on July 2, 1982. Justice Saulawa was a Chief Magistrate, Katsina State Judiciary from 1987-1991; Deputy Chief Registrar/ Chief Registrar, Court of Appeal, Lagos 1991-1994; and a High Court Judge, Katsina State Judiciary from 1994-2006. Justice Saulawa was elevated to the Court of Appeal of Nigeria on June 10, 2006. He served in the Calabar, Ilorin and Port Harcourt Divisions of the Court of Appeal as presiding justice. He was elevated to the Supreme Court on November 10, 2020. Tijjani Abubakar Justice Tijjani Abubakar was born on April 15, 1960 and is a native of Base Local Government Area of Yobe State. He attended Gashua Central Primary School for his primary school education, and Government Secondary School, Gashua for his secondary education. Later, he attended the School of Basic Science, University of Maiduguri. He attended the University of Maiduguri where he studied Law and graduated in 1982. After graduating from the Nigerian Law School, Abubakar was called to the Bar in 1983. Justice Abubakar worked as Attorney General, Permanent Secretary and Commissioner for Abubakar Justice of Yobe State at various times. After that, he went into private practice and set up his own law ﬁrm know as Tijani Abubakar and Co. In 2004, Abubakar returned to public practice with his appointment as a judge of the Federal High Court. In 2012, he was appointed as Justice of the Court of Appeal. He was serving at the Lagos Division when he was appointed as one of the Justices of the Supreme Court in 2020. Adamu Jauro Justice Adamu Jauro was born on June 26, 1959. He hails from Gombe State. He attended Central Primary School, Gombe, Government Secondary School, Bauchi and the School of Basic Science, Zaria. Then in 1980, he studied Law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he bagged his LLB. Justice Jauro holds a master’s degree in Law from the University of Jos. He also has a certiﬁcate from the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. After he was called to Bar, Jauro worked with the Ministry of Justice in 1983. He was promoted as Director of Public Prosecution. He served in various capacities before being appointed as a judge of the Gombe State Judiciary where he served till 2007. In 2007, he was promoted to the Court of Appeal and served in Jos, Lagos, Yola, Ibadan and Port Harcourt. In November 2020, he was elevated to the Supreme Court bench. Jauro

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 22, 2023

ENGAGEMENTS

with ChidiAmuta e-mail:chidi.amuta@gmail.com

Achebe’s Message from Beyond

etween the 29th and 30th of September 2023, Princeton University hosted a memorial symposium to mark the10th anniversary of the passing of Chinua Achebe. Simultaneously, the occasion coincided with the 30th anniversary of the publication of Achebe’s seminal and perennially topical pamphlet on Nigeria’s enduring leadership crisis, The Trouble With Nigeria. Ten years after Achebe went to join his ancestors is a most fitting occasion first to reflect on what this great Nigerian left us as a legacy. Most importantly, our current crisis of national leadership compels a reflection of what message Achebe left us on the matter of leadership in the life of the nation as a community. In most of his life and career, Achebe resisted the tendency to be cast in the pigeon hole of just a writer. Not for him the luxury of art as an isolated occult preoccupation. Not for him the concept of art as the private communication of the artistic genius to a select audience of initiates. Instead, he saw himself first and foremost as an active communicator and participant in the life of his community. He therefore defined for himself a clear communal and social function for the writer as a social being. Therefore, throughout Achebe’s literary works, essays and political statements, there remains a consistent preoccupation with the health of society. His focus was insistently on the role of the hero as a leader whose actions have benefits or repercussions for his society. For Achebe, the burden of heroism is the plight of the community. It is wrong to confine Achebe’s consciousness exclusively to the historical. True of course, Chinua Achebe was a writer with an unmistakably historical consciousness. His works span the entire gamut of African history, socio cultural and political evolution up to the dawn of the 21st century. His works and consciousness span from Africa’s first encounters with colonialism through the emergence of independent African nation states. He engages with the politics of modern Africa and the dire consequences of a new society and a new political dispensation. A remarkable feature of the nationalistic essence of Achebe’s art and consciousness is the primacy that he accords the hero as a leader of his community. Throughout Achebe’s literary works, we are constantly coming to grips with the struggles of individual heroes challenged to defend and protect their communities from unwholesome influences and to make difficult choices for the sake of the common good. It could be the towering figure of Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart who personifies the identity of his assaulted people and would rather sacrifice himself than see his people and their values toppled by an alien dispensation and culture. It could be the high priest Ezeulu in Arrow of God who struggles to reconcile between the will of the community and his personal burden as the custodian of the spiritual sovereignty of his people. Not to talk of the dilemma of Obi Okonkwo, the European educated civil servant in No Longer at Ease who has to struggle between the dictates of his personal morality and the expectations of a society in transition which expects him to abuse his office to please the expectations of the cargo mentality of a new materialistic society. Matters come to a head in the political world of A Man of the People where the politician Chief Nanga reminds us all of the present state of African politics where public office is a license to primitive accumulation, unchecked corruption, unbridled materialism and betrayal of the people by Africa’s “Big Men “ politicians. In all of these portrayals, Achebe’s preoccupation remains the health of the community and the need for the individual hero as a leadership figure to function as a measure of the fate of his community. However, it is perhaps in his various polemical essays and speeches that the political Achebe comes across in digital clarity. Consistently, Achebe never tired of directly expressing his social commitment and desire for a better society in Nigeria in particular. He was relentless in calling out the worst examples of post

Achebe -colonial African leadership. It did not matter whether the reference was to Nigeria’s pageant of military dictators or the interjecting civilian despots. He never tired of pointing out where leaders were going wrong and interrogating the serial betrayal of our hapless citizenry. In terms of speaking truth to power at every opportunity, Achebe remained unsparing. For instance, during the Obasanjo civilian administration in Nigeria(1999-2007), he rejected a national honour because he was less than impressed with the conduct of state aﬀairs under the administration. In rejecting national honours whether under President Obasanjo or President Jonathan after him, Achebe was unambiguous and strident. Towards the end of his life and career, Achebe came to terms with the reality that Nigeria’s initial national purpose and mission had fatally derailed from the ideals at independence. He could no longer hide his sense of disappointment at Nigeria’s utter failure to realize the original ideals and hopes of nationhood raised at independence. This note of crashed hope and amputated dreams is the entire purpose of his last autobiographical book as captured in its apt title: There Was a Country. The obvious note of that valedictory work is one of despair, regret and even outright lamentation of the squandering of Nigeria’s initial potentials and promise of illustrious nationhood. By the time of Achebe’s demise a decade ago, Nigeria was hovering at the brinks of tragic unraveling, a course that has remained irreversible up to the present time. However, what is more poignant about this year’s celebration of Achebe’s legacy is that it marks the 30th anniversary of the publication of his explosive and powerful political pamphlet, The Trouble With Nigeria. Instructively, the booklet was released in the midst of Shehu Shagari’s Second Republic political bazaar. The pamphlet was unabashed and unmistakable in identifying the crisis of leadership as Nigeria’s most enduring headache. That simple straightforward little handbook has remained a classic whether we were under a military or an ‘elected’ civil democratic dispensation. Nigeria’s leadership crisis has deﬁed the costume of politicians. In The Trouble with Nigeria, Achebe brutally and bluntly narrowed the central problem of Nigeria to the crisis of leadership: The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with the land or

climate or water or air or anything else. The problem is the unwillingness of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, the challenges of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership. That crisis has lingered and endured. We must all be prepared to accept the sad, humiliating and inconvenient truth that all our present challenges as a nation are simply the consequences and costs of the protracted failure of leadership in our nation. Thirty years after Achebe’s powerful deﬁnition of “the trouble with Nigeria”, the consequences of a succession of bad leaderships are now lodged with us. Whether they have been soldiers or civilians, the leadership culture of Nigeria has remained substantially the same. We have come to accept, as it were, a leadership culture whose tenure in power never alters the living circumstances of the people. On nearly all the indices of national development, Nigeria has continued to lag behind its peers. As the world prepares to say goodbye to the age of hydrocarbons and fossil fuels, Nigerians can hardly point at any sustainable gains from trillions of petro dollars earned from 1959 to thepresentmoment.Ourcorruptionculturehas become so endemic that we have graduated in the tallying of our stolen wealth from millions, hundreds of millions, then billions and now trillions of Naira. Not content with the Naira which our leaders have reduced to mere waste paper (N1,140 to USD $1), our political leaders now count their loot in billions of US dollars which has become the currency of Nigeria’s underground economy. Our people have watched helplessly as the privatization of public wealth has graduated into an art. Agencies established to check graft have themselves become assembly lines of monumental graft and systematic fraud. Our judiciary has made a fanfare of convicting small criminals while letting loose those whose greed has impoverished millions of Nigerians and crippled the national economy to its present sorry state. Government itself has become a gigantic criminal enterprise with multiple centers located at the 36 state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory with repeater stations in the 774 local government headquarters across the nation. The consequences of our serial bad leadership culture are everywhere in evidence. Observers of Nigeria since after independence will have made a disturbing discovery. Nigeria is one of the few countries in the world that grows and develops only in reverse. The quality of life of our people today is worse than it was

in 1965. Our schools and hospitals today are more miserable than they were soon after independence. Our currency now buys less than it did only eight years ago. Inflation is currently at 28-29% and still galloping. Food inflation is currently at 30%. Our highways are today more dangerous than they were eight years ago. We now rank among the top 5 most dangerous countries in the world in the company of Yemen, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Libya. Our police force is ranked among the worst in the world. The chronicle of infamy is almost limitless. Nigeria now has an estimated 130 million poor people, qualifying as the uncontested ‘poverty capital’ of the world ahead of India with over five times our population. Our unemployment figures are above 40% of the employable population mostly youth. The average time it takes for a university graduate to find employment in Nigeria is about 10 years. We have an estimated 20 -22 million out of school children, the highest in the world and still counting. Our economic statistics are no less frightening and depressing. Our external reserves are at an all time low of less than $20 billion, barely enough to pay for three months of imports. We are currently spending nearly 100% of our revenue in debt servicing as Nigeria has an external debt burden of nearly $100 billion not to talk of trillions of Naira in domestic debts. On nearly a daily basis, droves of young qualified and talented Nigerians are trooping out to Canada, United Kingdom, the Gulf states, Australia, South Africa and now even Rwanda for opportunities that they cannot find at home. Among the many unemployed but unskilled youth, the dangerous Mediterranean crossing or the hazardous Sahara desert crossing to get to Europe are considered risks less dreadful than life in a country they call theirs. These perilous journeys have claimed several lives in capsized migrant boats, dehydration in the Sahara desert or torture in holding cells in Libya and other dangerous destinations in the hope of crossing into Europe for menial jobs or degrading prostitution. Our ancestors who were sold into slavery during the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade went mostly as unwilling conscripts and traded wares. Today, our youth are submitting themselves willingly to death by drowning or dehydration as they try to escape the inhospitable conditions at home to go into virtual willful slavery in Europe. At home, new forms of criminality have emerged. Oil theft, bold illegal mining, banditry, transactional kidnapping, cattle rustling, ritual killing, trade in human body parts and cyber crimes have become rampant. Hitherto unknown crimes and deviations have taken hold of a society of many mentally distressed citizens. Abuses like pedophilia, abuse of minors, rape, incest and racketeering in sex videos have become the new normal in a nation where prayer is the most widespread social ritual. Terrorists and casual killers are on the prowl in many states of the federation forcing the nation to deploy combat troops into internal security duties in 34 of our 36 states. More dangerously, all manner of non- state armed groups ranging from Boko Haram in the North East and North West to ESN in the South East and many militant groups in the Niger Delta continue to engage the attention of our security forces. In some cases, they have outgunned the official security forces. In spite of this cocktail of bad news, the vast majority of our people remain attached to the promise of Nigeria. Wherever in the world Nigerians find themselves, they bond in solidarity and remain hungry and nostalgic for home because they realize that ours is a beautiful country, a place like no other for our boisterous Nigerian spirit. They remain optimistic that Nigeria has the resources to give them a good life if only we could find good leadership to harness the resources for the common good. Our ordinary citizens believe in the nation, not in particular leaders. Our leaders do not believe in or love Nigeria. They are however attached to what they are stealing from Nigeria. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R OCTOBER 22, 2023

NEWS

CELEBRATING SWEET REUNION… L-R: The new President, Class of ‘93, Mass Communication Department, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, Mr. Andrew Lawani; Assistant General Manager, News, DRTV, Warri, MR. Nkem Nwaeke; the immediate past Vice President, Class of ‘93, Mrs. Dolly Omuso; former President, Mr. Bartholomew Omoaka; Member of BoT, Ms. Ramat Ilavbare; Mrs. Halimat Ali; Director of Operations, Edo State Ministry of Public Security and Safety, Mr. Thompson Erhomonsele; and Security Oﬃcer, Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company, Lagos, Mr. Vincent Aligbe, during their 30th year reunion anniversary in Asaba…recently

Insecurity: Taraba Gov Seeks NAF’s Aerial Surveillance of Border With Cameroon Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Kefas Agbu, yesterday sought the intervention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in patrolling his state’s border with Cameroon. This came as the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said illegal mining of mineral resources was directly linked with terrorism and armed banditry. Speaking during a visit to the NAF Headquarters in Abuja, the governor sought air force intervention in patrolling the porous border the state shares

with Cameroun which was used as route by criminals in and out of the state. He also called for NAF’s support in curtailing the activities of terrorists and bandits within the state, who were bent on making life unbearable for peace-loving Tarabans. Governor Kefas, who is also a retired military officer, acknowledged the pivotal role NAF played in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations, particularly in the North-east region. “NAF’s air power capabilities provide the most potent solution

PTI Begins Training of Artisanal Crude Oil Reﬁners to Curb Pollution in N’Delta Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), at the weekend said it had begun the training of artisanal crude oil refiners to prevent the further destruction of the environment in the Niger Delta. The ministry of petroleum resources which oversees the institute had in August this year inaugurated a technical committee to fashion ways of integrating artisanal oil refiners into mainstream crude refining. Addressing journalists on the preparation for its third Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science & Technology in Abuja, the Principal/Chief

Executive of PTI, Dr. Henry Adimula, stated that although the existing platform needed to be expanded, it is now possible to admit interested persons for training. “When you look at the country today and the lack of technology that is being used, especially by the artisanal refiners, one of the things we have done is to develop concepts and also to help to train the individuals so that whatever they do would not adversely affect the environment. “We at the institute have built our own. Now, what is next is to scale it up to find ways to make it commercial. But as an institute, we have that already.

Flexible Labour Policy Will Create More Jobs in Nigeria, Says HR Expert All three tiers of government in Nigeria have been advised to embrace economic diversification and flexibility in their labour policies, in their bids to tackle the current growing unemployment in the country. A Netherland-based Nigerian human resources expert, Mr. Oreoluwa Adedokun, in an interview with our correspondent at the weekend, said Nigeria has a lot to learn from European countries, known for their robust job markets because they offer a wide range of employment opportunities across various sectors.

Adedokun, who is also the Manager of Talent Acquisition, EMEA at Bentley Systems, a Netherland-based firm, explained that Nigeria can diversify its economy and create more jobs by supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses. He noted that European labour markets are characterised by flexibility, with various employment options, adding that Nigeria can learn from this approach. “Flexible labour policies can lead to increased job creation and adaptability within the workforce,” he said.

to curbing the activities of terrorists and criminals operating in the northeast region, hence the need for an enhanced cooperation to checkmate the activities of these criminals particularly in Taraba State,” he said. A statement issued by the Spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the governor also informed the air force chief of his plans to reopen and upgrade the

Suntai Airport as well as his efforts at checkmating illegal mining activities in the state. In his response, Air Marshal Abubakar commended Governor Kefas for his developmental initiatives, especially his agricultural transformation plans in view of the vast arable land in state as well as his educational and skills development programmes which will no doubt assist in getting

the teaming youths employed thereby reducing crimes. The CAS also expressed delight with the governor’s plan to reopen and upgrade the Suntai Airport in Jalingo as this will not only lead to the resumption of domestic flights and attract investors but also enable NAF platforms to operate and enhance its operations in Taraba and beyond. Speaking further, Air Marshal

Abubakar commended the governor for signing the executive order prohibiting illegal mining activities in the state. “Putting an end to illegal mining activities will enable Taraba State harness the wealth beneath its soil as well as discourage acts of criminality since it has now become clear that illegal mining activities is directly linked to terrorism and banditry,” he said.

REA Conﬁrms Ongoing Probe of Top Staff, Lists Achievements Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) at the weekend confirmed the ongoing investigation of some of its top officials, stressing that over the past months, it had worked with the power ministry, lawmakers, anti-corruption agencies, and process organisations to initiate further reforms within the agency. However, it stated that despite opposition to the housecleaning, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had also directed a

thorough committee review of the relevant issues that had influenced the agency’s response to the situation. “The agency can confirm that recent publications accurately reflect that some members of staff have been redeployed, suspended, or are under investigation due to process deficiencies and a prevalent lack of accountability. “To keep it concise, the most significant change is the redeployment of the Director of the Funds and Accounts Department - a seconded officer from the Office

of the Accountant General. “The allegation levelled against the then director is undergoing investigation by the anti-graft authorities, including the core REA staff alleged to be involved. “Thismarksasignificantstepforward, as it demonstrates the agency’s commitment to accountability,” a statement signed by the Director, in charge of Promotion and Information , Mallam Muntari Ibrahim, stated. On assumption of office, the REA said its Chief Executive, Ahmad Salihijo, encountered a myriad of unresolved staff issues which

he painstakingly began to sort out, with the hiring of a globally renowned organisational re-engineering firm. Besides, it stated that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have now been introduced into the daily activities of the agency for each department, ensuring consistent and efficient practices. Aside the deployment of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, the REA stated that Salihijo, among others, ensured the clearance of the backlog of overdue staff promotions.

Etiaba Denies Accusing Damian Dodo, Tribunal Judges of Corruption, Apologises Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja A senior lawyer, Echezona Etiaba (SAN), has expressed regrets over the misinformation arising from a session at the Imo State Assembly and National Assembly tribunal sitting in Lagos, wherein he allegedly accused Mr Damian Dodo (SAN) and the judges of corruption. In a statement, the lawyer explained that at no time during the sitting did he insinuate that

Dodo bribed the judges, noting that the situation never arose since the senior lawyer (Dodo) wasn’t even a counsel in the case. A report by a national newspaper had indicated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) counsel, Etiaba presented two petitions allegedly written by his clients accusing the three-member panel of being compromised. It also accused Dodo , whom

the report alleged to be counsel for one of the appellants of being the conduit to reach the panel headed by Justice Danjuma Mohammed, the presiding judge of Makurdi Division of the Court of Appeal. But Etiaba who described Dodo as a man of unblemished legal record, stated that he did not mention the content of the said letter, let alone accuse anybody of bribery.

“My attention has been drawn to a news item titled: “Chaos at the Court of Appeal, Lagos”. The only thing correct about the trending news is that I drew the court’s attention to a letter written by our client, (a political party) but the insinuation that the respected Damian Dodo SAN (a legal luminary whose pedigree is unblemished) compromised the Justices of the Court of Appeal on the appeals is an allegation that I don’t believe.

Bankruptcy: Court May Hear Contempt Motion against Orjiako November 3 Wale Igbintade The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos may on November 3 hear an application by Access Bank Plc seeking to cite a businessman, Dr. Ambrosie “ABC” Orjiako, for contempt of court. The court will also, on the same day, rule on other applications it heard during proceedings on Friday, October 20. Access Bank Plc filed the suit numbered FHC/L/BK/08/2023, following the alleged inability of

Orjiako, to pay the sum of $101 million he allegedly owed the bank. Listed as respondents in the suit are: Seplat Energy Plc; Helko Nigeria Limited; Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc; Salvic Petroleum Resources Limited; Zebbra Energy Limited; Ordrec Group Limited; Helko Marine Services Limited; Berwick Nigeria Limited; Abbeycourt Petroleum Company Limited; Abbeycourt Energy Services Limited; Abbeycourt Company

Limited and Pursley Resources Limited. At the resumption of proceedings on Friday, Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN) led a team of counsel on behalf of the Creditor (Access Bank Plc). Messrs O. Kalu, A. Abdusalam, and P. Oyeniko appeared for the Debtor; E. Anayo appeared for the 1st Respondent (Seplat Energy Plc); Victor SAN appeared for the 2nd-4th and 7th-12th respondents, E. Akpuduko appeared for Providus Bank (party

sought to be joined), while other counsel appeared for the other respondents. Ogunba informed the court that the matter was set down for a hearing of the creditor’s application regarding the alleged contempt actions of the debtor and some of the respondents. The application is seeking an order declaring that the alleged debtor violates an order of the court by deleting possession marks from the fence of two properties in dispute.

Sunday 22 October, 2023

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Rivers lawmaker to Sheikh Gumi “Those era of anybody planning with bandits and criminals to kidnap and share ransoms with them is over. Chief Nyesom Wike is the Minister of FCT, deal with it and stop sounding foolish” – Member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Adoki Smart, lambasting popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi, for his comment against the Minister of FCT, Chief NyesomWike.

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And Four The Menace of the Internet Mob Other Things…

hile preparing to write this article, I bounced the idea off the missus. She asked me to watch ‘Accused’, a Netflix thriller. (Warning: movie spoiler ahead, proceed with caution.) The lead character is Harri (Chaneil Kular), who suddenly finds himself as public enemy after a London train bombing. When police release the image of the suspect, someone posts that it looks like Harri. His pictures, phone number and other details are then shared on social media, and people are encouraged to lynch him. His phone rings non-stop as the internet mobsters hound him. By the time the drama is over, the person who first posted that Harri looks like the suspect has quietly deleted the post. You see, social media has become the death of many people, metaphorically and literally. Many have been tried, condemned and executed on social media based on misinformation and disinformation. Conversely, many have also become brain-dead, willingly and wilfully spreading misinformation and disinformation for the sake of clout-chasing. Misinformation is mostly a mistake — usually Chaneil Kular acted as ‘Harri’ in ‘Accused’ borne out of ignorance, poor intellect or laziness to fact-check. Disinformation is deliberate, borne of their voices and the vileness of their posts. It out of pure mischief or vendetta, and often useful is a race to the bottom: who can post the basest for propaganda. The mobsters (I fondly call them of things? Three, monetisation of contents is a “internet thugs”) are not governed by any rules. perverse incentive to gain engagement through It is the survival of the loudest, the rudest and likes and shares. Four, social media is home to the vilest. recklessness without commensurate consequences. Unless you are a victim of mob malignment, you The list is by no means exhaustive. would never understand. It is always sweet when you In focus group discussions on the menace of are the one dishing out the dirt, making unfounded social media, people often ask me how I “cope” allegations, demonising people, distributing insults with attacks. Some of these attacks have little to or rupturing reputations with vicious rumours. It is do with me — they are usually because of stories exciting to be the enabler and amplifier. But when published by TheCable, the online newspaper I the boot is on the other foot, reality dawns on you. founded in 2014. Some of these attackers are daft I was told that a former Nigerian president used enough to think I write, edit and publish every article to issue queries to ministers and other appointees in TheCable, a media outfit that has approximately based on salacious reports published on them by 50 employees, including eight editors. Some attacks a website. When the website fabricated falsehood are reactions to my THISDAY column. Certain against him and his family, he was so pained he characters want me to help them amplify their stopped the practice. It always looks cool until you lies and biases, endorse their choices and toe their become the victim! paths. They come for me because I refuse to be While I am very worried because people’s lives led by the nose. I can live with that. and livelihoods are daily endangered by the mindless In truth, I’ve had my fair share of abuse — dating mob, I am further concerned that supposedly back to 2004 when I started listing my phone intelligent and enlightened people are pandering number in this column. I’m used to receiving all to these thugs. The mainstreaming of mischief, manner of text messages, so I knew how vile misinformation and disinformation — primarily and unreasonable some people could be long because the majority of decent people have, for before the explosion of social media. For instance, their own sanity and safety, yielded the space to when I took up the cause of Peter Obi’s 2003 the boisterous charlatans — is a major threat to governorship election petition in Anambra state, I intelligent public discourse in Nigeria. Those who regularly received insults and death threats. Some have something sensible to say either have to dare threatened to kidnap my family. Over the years, I the mob or use a less visible alternative platform. have been called “Fulani slave” and “Igbo hater”, Unfortunately, any society that does not place a among other compliments. I admit that I am fully premium on knowledge and rigour is doomed. vaccinated against the silliness, which probably I’ve always loved this quote by Prof Wale Adebanwi, gives me an undue advantage over newcomers Presidential Penn Compact Professor of Africana to the game. Studies at the University of Pennsylvania: “It is For me, coping with attacks is smooth and treasonable to be reasonable in an unreasonable easy — I did not set out to be an internet society.” As I have often said, the biggest threat to sensation, so I have never assessed my progress free speech today is not from the government or its in life by the number of likes, comments and agents. It is from the internet mob. It is bad enough reposts. That settles it for me. If I want to have that the mob controls the narrative on social media, a million followers, I know what to do. I know but it is even worse that you are not allowed to what to post to please the mob. I would play to express an alternative opinion. The mob will come the gallery, ignore glaring facts, cook up fiction ferociously for you if you dare to be reasonable. or half-truth, garnish it with ethnic, religious or This has forced many otherwise intelligent people political prejudice (while pretending that is not to continue to pander to the mob because they do the case), and position myself as the principled not want to be “dragged” on social media. advocate of truth and justice. Grandstanding always I sometimes ask: why do people pander to the mob works. But I would have to spit at the values I by standing truth on its head, propagating falsehood have cherished all my adult life just because I and ignoring obvious facts and sound logic? One, want to follow the crowd. God forbid. the crave for social media validation, relevance and Sadly, it is difficult to have a decent conversation popularity is a major motive and motivation. Two, because of these miscreants. The typical response of there is a motley crowd of wannabe influencers or the mob to a well-reasoned argument is that “you activists who seek to be noticed by the loudness have been bribed”. Many people have developed

mental issues, such as anxiety, because of these attacks. I have friends who would want to engage in public debates but are scared. They think it is not worth the stress. For example, how do you debate the Nigerian economy with someone who thinks “foreign reserves” and “foreign savings” are the same thing and is not willing to learn? How do you argue with someone who does not know the difference between presidential and parliamentary systems and does not intend to find out? The influencers I pity the most are those who have allowed themselves to be boxed into a corner by the mob. They are practically in jail. When they see what is red but their crowd is saying it is yellow, they have to say yellow, lest they be mobbed. They are not permitted to use their brains. They take their cues from the mob. The tail is now wagging the dog. They have become hostages to the same mob that lionised and propped them up with over-spiced comments, likes, shares and cluster follows. I once privately challenged one of them for posting clear misinformation and he retorted: “You want them to drag me?” Pandering to the mobsters must be a very awkward place to be. I also think many people take themselves too seriously on social media. They talk so magisterially you would think they have invented something. In their echo chamber, their praise singers incestuously make them think they are saying something profound. Some demagogues thus think they are geniuses because of the tosh they tweet. Their praise singers massage their egos, giving them all the verve to continue sowing stupidity. The little rascal in me is always happy whenever their thugs turn against them for trying to post something sensible. They deserve each other. Some are also clearly mentally disturbed, frustrated or having issues at home. They vent, cowardly, on social media. For emphasis, this is not an endorsement of legislative moves to gag social media. I am 100 percent for free speech. I am 100 percent for alternative opinions. I am 100 percent for holding people inside and outside of government accountable. I do not support any attempt to gag critics or criminalise dissent. What I oppose, and will continue to oppose, is people taking licence for liberty. Nobody has the right to propagate falsehood and mischief under the guise of free speech. Nobody has the right to bully and defame others for not being in their camp. Most of the people hiding under free speech to terrorise others have no respect for democracy. Yet, they masquerade as lovers of democracy. Let me also be clear: if you think this is a sweeping negative verdict on the entire social media ecosystem, then you are not getting me. There are many educative handles and thousands of decent Nigerians on that street from whom I love to learn. I am very happy with that. There are great creative contents that make me laugh all the time. No matter the abuse and misuse of these apps, they still offer more joy than pain, in my opinion. As my friend, Shina Badaru, publisher of Technology Times, would say, you can choose the contents you want. It is like the TV and the remote: if you don’t like what you are watching, you can change channels. Just stay your lane. It always works for me. My worry is “the armpit of the internet”, as a friend calls it, where anything goes, where only the rules of the jungle apply. We need robust and diverse conversation. We need to disagree without being disagreeable. We need to learn from each other, even if our viewpoints, beliefs and positions are not similar. We do not need to reason alike, but we can afford to reason together. Being reasonable should not be treasonable. Nobody has to be vilified, demonised or defamed without any evidence of wrongdoing just because they see things differently. Let us stick to the facts and argue on the basis of sound logic. We surely need an ethical hijack of the social media for the good of our society.

SACRIFICE INDEED According to reports, federal lawmakers will soon start cruising around town in brand-new SUVs — courtesy of our broke national treasury. Although the legislators get paid to buy cars as part of their monetised benefits, trust Nigerian public officers to always have their cake and eat it. They say the SUVs are for “committee work” — and, as you and I know, they will be disposed at zero value later, likely to the same committee members. In a country where our leaders keep asking us to “sacrifice” and Nigerians are groaning under high cost of living, the least we should expect from these overfed public officers is shameless personal aggrandisement in the name of national service. Insensitive. SORDID AFFAIRS When civil servants roll out the drums to celebrate the exit of the CEO, I can bet that he or she was doing something right. The resentment is usually because they did not allow business as usual. The jubilation over the sack of Alhaji Garba Abubakar as the registrar-general of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) instantly brought this to mind. Anybody who does business with the CAC would testify that things changed for the better under Abubakar. Company registration is now online and fast. It used to take months. It also means extortion has been curtailed, if not totally eliminated. With Abubakar out of the way, the civil servants will now hope to return to business as usual. Shame. PEACE, PLEASE! Bassem Youssef, the Egyptian comedian and television host, was a guest on the talk show hosted by Piers Morgan, the British broadcaster, the other day and I found it to be very engaging. Aside his tragicomical comments on the Israel-Palestine crisis, Youssef’s take on Israel’s stated aim of eradicating Hamas is: will that finally end the conflict? I think not. There must be a deeper and wider solution somewhere that all the parties to the conflict must sincerely consider. Bombs, bullets, rockets and tanks are highly limited in resolving this age-old crisis, otherwise we would not be where we are now. Seeing the unending human suffering in Gaza tears my heart to pieces. Avoidable. AND FINALLY… At least if the Tinubu administration cannot address our economic and security challenges, it would not starve us of drama. At NIPOST, Adeyemi Adepoju, the sacked CEO, refused to give way to the new appointee, Tola Odeyemi, and even the staff of the snail mail service took part in opposing the new postmaster general’s assumption of office. Only in Nigeria. We were still laughing ourselves to stupor when Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, minister of women affairs, threatened to sue the United Nations for “mismanaging” funds meant for Nigeria. She gave the UN — a body that enjoys immunity from lawsuits — a November 15 deadline otherwise she would head to court. Only in Nigeria. Comedians.

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