TUESDAY 22TH NOVEMBER 2022

World Bank President: Nigeria in Urgent Need to Strengthen Fiscal Management

Harps on need to create unified, stable, market-based exchange rate

to urgently strengthen its fiscal management, create a unified, stable market-based exchange rate, and reiterated the need for the country

to phase out what it described as, "its costly, regressive fuel subsidy." It also advised the country to quickly rationalise preferential trade

restrictions and tax exemptions.

fiscal management, create a unified, stable market-based exchange rate,

CUPP Lauds Emefiele on Naira Redesign, Alleges Move By Lawmakers to Scuttle Initiative...

TRUTH & REASON

Adebanjo: It’s Igbo’s Right to Produce Next President

Says APC has disqualified South-east Nigeria's unity negotiable, Baba-Ahmed posits

Segun James

The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has main

tained that it is the right of the Igbo ethnic nationality to produce the next president of Nigeria.

However, Adebanjo said the ruling All Progressives Congress

(APC) had disqualified the Igbo by refusing to pick its presidential candidate from among them. Adebanjo’s postulations came as a member of the Northern

Elders Forum (NEF), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said the unity of Nigeria was negotiable among all the people that make up the country.

They both spoke at a public lecture organised by the Igbo sociopolitical organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria

Obi to Nigerians: I’ll Be in Charge of Nigeria, Hold Me Responsible

Segun James and Oluchi Chibuzor

Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday, told Nigerians that he would be the one actively in charge of the affairs of the nation, if elected president, and should, thus, be held responsible for whatever happened on his watch.

Obi made the assertion in Lagos when he appeared as guest of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) forum.

The LP candidate promised never to give excuses as president but always provide solutions, and

NEWS PAPAL KNIGHTS...

The Bank's Group President, David Malpass gave the admoni tion while commenting on a new

Nigeria Public Finance Review report released yesterday in Abuja. Malpass said: “Nigeria's govern ment urgently needs to strengthen Continued on page 31

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos The World Bank has urged Nigeria

Island, Lagos. The lecture had the theme, “Nationalism and Nation Build

Knights, Prof. Pat Utomi, during the investiture of Utomi and Anyakwo into Papal

of St Gregory granted by Pope Francis in Onitsha…Sunday

CUPP Lauds Emefiele on Naira Redesign, Alleges Move By Lawmakers to Scuttle Initiative

Group backs CBN, declares governor ‘Man of the Year’

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has once more hailed the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele over the decision of the apex bank

to redesign some denominations of the country’s currency.

The CUPP noted that the initiative from the central bank was vital and would help ensure credible elections in 2023.

The spokesperson of CUPP, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, in a

statement yesterday, said the redesigning of the naira would be a major setback for illicit transactions and vote buyers who had already stashed cash for the forthcoming elections.

The CUPP in what it described as an "outstanding contribution to

free, fair, credible, acceptable, and inclusive elections,” by the CBN, however, alleged of a plot to scuttle the naira redesign policy by the House of Representatives through a ‘Currency Change Procedure Amendment Bill’ before the House.

According to the opposition

We Only Received N14.7bn as 13% Derivation, Says Delta Govt

Delta State Government yesterday debunked media reports credited to Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike that it had collected refunds from the federal government without disclosing it to citizens, saying it only received N14.7 billion.

Wike had during the inauguration of the Port Harcourt Campus of the Nigerian Law School last Friday, said President Muhammadu Buhari had approved and paid the arrears of 13 per cent derivation to Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Akwa Ibom states.

The governor said President Buhari’s gesture was the major source of revenue for his projects, including the flyovers, the law school and the cancer centre.

He had said: “Monies that were not paid to the Niger Delta states since 1999, mainly 13 per cent deductions, the president approved and paid all of us in Niger Delta states.”

But the Delta State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, said contrary to the revelation by Wike, Delta State only received N14.7 bil- lion in three quarterly installments of N4.9 billion each.

Speaking at a news conference in Asaba, Tilije said the state govern- ment had remained committed to transparency and accountability in all its financial dealings on behalf of the Tilije,people.

who was in company of the Commissioner for Special Projects, Chief Henry Sakpra and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, said the total amount due to the state from the 13 per cent derivation arrears was N240 billion out of which the federal government agreed to pay in quarterly installment for a period of five years.

Tilije also denied claims by former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, that the state govern-

ment received over N60 billion on refunds for federal roads projects executed by the state.

He said: "With the agreed amounts settled, some states like Rivers approached commercial banks and discounted theirs in full and collected, but Senator Ifeanyi Okowa said he would not want to leave the next administration with a huge debt burden.

"He resorted to discounting only N150 billion out of the N240 billion expected receivables, but later pruned it down to N100 billion.

"So far, we have gotten N14.7 billion in three quarterly installments and we have also accessed N30 billion out of the N100 billion we applied for as bridging finance," heTheexplained.commissioner stated that contrary to the impression given by Wike that previous administrations in the country refused to pay the money to the oil-producing states, the discovery of the outstanding funds was made by current commissioners for finance in the Niger Delta states.

"The present Commissioners for Finance of the nine Niger Delta states looked into the books of the NNPC and discovered that 13 per cent derivation was not deducted from subsidy payments and investments in priority projects by the company.

"We took the matter before the FAAC and National Economic Council and got them to approve the payment in arrears to the affected oil-producing states.

"It is important to state that this was only discovered under the Buhari administration, which he subsequently approved. It is not that previous PDP administra- tions refused to pay. It was never discovered then neither was it brought to their notice," he said.

Tilije also denied claims by former Edo State Governor, Adams

Oshiomhole, that the state govern- ment received over N60 billion on refunds for federal roads projects executed by the state.

In related development, Okowa yesterday said the people of the state were too enlightened and exposed to fall for the cheap lies and propaganda being deployed by the Governorship Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. Speaking at a news conference in Asaba, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, said rather than avail Deltans with his manifesto, Omo-Agege has been engaging in lies to deceive Deltans. He warned that the people were

very discerning and would not fall for the calumny against the governor and the State Government.

He said Okowa never betrayed Southern Nigeria in becoming the vice-presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as OmoAgege was maliciously peddling.

According to him, after the emer gence of the presidential candidate of the party from the north, it was automatic that his running mate would come from the south, and for this, Okowa was found worthy to be selected having met the criteria set by the Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

parties, the primary aim of the proposed bill at the House of Representatives was to scuttle the CBN policy and stall the redesign of the naira currency.

He further alleged that politi cians want to buy time to use their stacked-up cash for vote buying in the 2023 elections.

The statement read: “The redesigning of the naira currency policy is a welcome one and has come to stay for the clean-up and development of our electoral processes.

“The CUPP maintained that those who have looted Lagos state treasury over the years and now own naira warehouses now want to use the stashed cash to buy power into Aso Rock just the way they purchased their party’s presidential ticket,” stressing that the opposition would support the CBN not to shift the January 31st deadline date for the current note to cease to be legal tender.

"The coalition also called not the Senate not to concur in passing the Bill and also urged the president where in the unlikely event the National Assembly members betray the people, not to sign the bill into law.

“The godfathers behind this bill have made handsome provisions to procure the support of majority of the members of the National Assembly."

Meanwhile, the Arewa Economic Advancement Promoters (AEAP), a

group which monitors the economy of the north, has declared Emefiele as it’s man of the year.

The group in a statement yester day, praised the CBN governor for redesigning some naira notes, due to be circulated on December 15, and for funding agriculture, Small Scale and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the north.

The statement jointly signed by acting chairman of the group, Abdullahi Muhammad and the Director, Strategic Communica tions, Nasir Dambatta described the redesigning of the N200, N500 and N1000 notes as the right step towards address ing inflation and the continuous depreciation of the naira.

The statement noted that those opposed to the policy were doing so either out of ignorance or for political reasons.

The group said the policy would address liquidity problems and financial crimes in the country.

“It is unacceptable for Nigeria to allow 80 per cent of badly-needed cash outside the banking system which has damaging consequences on the nation’s economy”, the statement said.

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari and the senate for backing the initiative, the group said, “The CBN should be allowed to follow this process up to the point of regaining full control over money supply.

Oil Price Slumps on Reported OPEC’s Plan to Raise Production by 500,000bpd

Goldman Sachs cuts forecast by $10

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Oil prices slumped yesterday on reports that the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was negotiating an output increase by as much as 500,000 barrels per day when the group meets on December 4.

Prices, which were already down on the day, fell more than 5 per cent, with Nigeria’s benchmark, Brent oil, selling for $86 per barrel in the evening, while the West Texas International (WTI) slumped to $78.

Last month, OPEC+ unexpect edly decided to reduce output targets sharply and it would seem unusual for the group to increase production at a time of

declining prices and concern about the economic outlook.

Physical crude markets have weakened in recent days reflecting softer demand from China and Europe.

The negative impact on oil prices happened after the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Saudi Arabia and other OPEC oil producers were discussing an output increase, quoting the group’s delegates.

While the move could help heal a rift with United States and keep energy flowing amid new attempts to blunt Russia’s oil industry over the Ukraine war, it would also mean more pressure on Nigeria to up its crude production which has

fallen by as much as 40 per cent in recent months.

By OPEC data , Nigeria was only able to produce 1.014 mil lion barrels per day of its about 1.8 million bpd in October. The country has blamed massive oil theft for its inability to meet the OPEC allocation.

The half a million barrels increase is expected to come a day before the European Union (EU) is set to impose an embargo on Russian oil and the Group of Seven wealthy nations’ plans to launch a price cap on Russian crude sales, potentially taking Moscow’s petroleum supplies off the market.

Any output increase would mark a partial reversal of a controversial

decision last month to cut production by 2 million barrels a day at the most recent meeting of the OPEC and their Russia-led allies, a group known collectively as OPEC+. But it is an unusual time for OPEC+ to consider a production increase, with global oil prices falling more than 10 per cent since the first week of November since production increases normally cause prices to fall, while cuts lead prices higher.

Ostensibly, delegates said, a production increase would be in response to expectations that oil consumption will rise in the winter, as it normally does the WSJ report added.

L-R: Regional Vice Chairman, Institute of Hospitality, UK-Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falebita; Chief Marketing and Strategy Office Ikeja Electric: Mr. Ugochukwu Obi-Chukwu; Chief Marketing Officer and Co-founder, Juststandout, Mrs. Owen Inyang; Regional Chairman Institute of Hospitality UK-Nigeria Region, Prof. Wasiu Babalola; Regional Secretary of institute loH-UK Nigeria: Dr. Omopeju Afanu; General Manager Lagos Continental Hotel, Kari Hala; General Manager, Commercial (Loss Reduction) Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Mr.Olumide Jerome, at the Institute of Hospitality, Nigeria Breakfast Roundtable Dialogue on Power Crisis, Impact on the hospitality Industry, Discussing Sustainable Solutions, held in Lagos... yesterday.

PHOTO: DAN UKANA

John Shiklam in Kaduna and Udora Orizu in Abuja

Insists Okowa is transparent, accountable Deltans won't fall for your cheap lies, governor tells Omo-Agege

ADVAN AFRICAN AWARDS FOR MARKETING EXCELLENCE...

NESG: Nigeria Needs $9trn Economy by 2050 to Attain Shared Prosperity

Dike Onwuamaeze

The immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Asue Ighodalo, has tasked those entrusted with drafting the Nigeria Agenda 2050 to bequeath the country with an economy whose size would be between $4.5 trillion and $9 trillion in the next 25 years in order for the country to have shared prosperity.

Ighodalo also tasked them to come out with an agenda that would grow the country’s GDP at the rate of 15 per cent annually.

He gave these tasks in his valedictory speech at the just concluded 28th Nigerian Economic with the theme “Shared Prosperity: 2023 and Beyond.”

According to him, Nigeria must identify avenues to accelerate its growth, “over and beyond the ordinary, so we can consistently achieve a 15 per cent growth rate over the next 25 years.

“We absolutely must think through and articulate areas where each of our six geopolitical zones can be leading or significant global players in the world economy of 2050. The drafters of our National Agenda 2050 have their work cut out.”

He added: “The Nigeria Agenda 2050, currently being drafted, proposes a time frame of about 25 years. This means we must recalibrate our visioning and work towards a specified target growth, by a specified date, benchmarking ourselves with the most prosperous

countries in the world.

“I propose that, our specified target must be turning Nigeria into the most prosperous Black Country in the world, with a GDP per capita that is at par with the OECD countries, by 2050.”

Ighodalo stressed the need to encourage Nigeria and Nigerians to begin to think about economic development as clear objectively measurable goals.

He said: If we took that kind of clear approach, it would meanjust based on today’s OECD indices that we would need to grow our GDP to somewhere between $4.5 trillion and $9 trillion depending on whether we are able to remain at a population of around 220 million or continue to grow to the 450 million we have been projected to reach by 2050.

“We would need to build an economy that is 10 to 20 times the $440 billion economy we have today within 25 years. We must then set ourselves a task of growing at over 15 per cent every year.”

The chairman of the NESG also said successful national turnarounds start first with addressing and fixing basic internal problems in order to set the country’s sights on externally driven growth possibilities.

He postulated that Nigeria should begin to appreciate the attainment of macroeconomic stability as the foundation of economic growth.

He observed that Nigeria’s

economic competitiveness is weak and stated that “we must, take active steps to multiply our productive output particularly in those areas that support foreign exchange earnings and enhance livelihoods.

“We must effectively address all areas of waste, leakage, theft or graft. Gas flaring, must stop. Only a nation that does not take itself seriously will cry out year after year for power, but continue to fritter away a resource that can deliver that power,” he added.

Ighodalo also tasked Nigerians on ingenious ways of fixing and strengthening national and subnational institutions by paying particular attention to “our civil service and judiciary and changing the attitude and temperament of

those of us who work in these institutions.

“Simultaneously and most urgently, we must continue to tackle our national security is sues with vigour, aggression and intelligent resource deployment. A prosperous Nigeria cannot be created without decisively dealing with our security problems.”

He suggested that Nigeria should focus on infrastructure investments that directly power economic activity, like overhaul ing its deep seaports, which are gateways to trade, or building fully gas-powered special economic zones, whose return on investment is both linear and tangible. We must put in place policies and incentives that attract patient capital into our economy.

“We must also address the problem of unequal access to basic livelihood amenities like food, water, roads that foster micro activity and enable producers to get to markets, schools that deliver solid basic education without security concerns, and basic healthcare.

“Last but certainly not the least, we must start to seriously address, in a deliberate way, how to turn our vast manpower into competi tive human capital, by bridging the knowledge deficits and skills gaps that will be required for an accelerated future.”

Ighodalo emphasised that creat ing and sharing prosperity in a manner that was fairly, equitably and justly must go hand in hand by rethinking and redesigning

inclusion policies and programs to be prosperity enhancing.

He said these policies must result in productive contribution and full economic participation by all Nigerian states, and all able-bodied Nigerians, towards a prosperous Nigerian state.

He said: “Our programs must be aimed at leveling the playing field for traditionally excluded or disadvantaged groups: women, minorities and people living with disabilities.

“We must also institute pro grams that deliver protection and care for the truly unable who through no fault of their own are unable to make a decent living.

“This, ladies and gentlemen is how we must think about creating and sharing prosperity.”

FG Urges Non-oil Exporters to Adhere to Global Best Practice to Achieve Zero Reject

James Emejo in Abuja

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo yesterday urged stakeholders and practitioners in the non-oil export value chain to adhere to global best practices for their products to receive acceptability with zero export reject.

He said adherence to standards would also make their exports more competitive in the international market.

Speaking at the official launch of the Export for Survival (Export 4Survival) Campaign which was initiated by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Abuja, the minister said the success of the campaign needed the buy-in of all players in the non-oil export space.

Adebayo said the initiative remained a flagship theme of the council to drive the message of economic diversification as a route to achieving sustainable national

Oba of Benin Seeks Stakeholders' Support for New FG Projects in Edo

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has called for stakeholders’ support in order to actualise the proposed new federal government projects in Edo State and the south-south.

He made the call when the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Benin City, the State Capital, where he briefed the monarch and his chiefs about the activities of his Ministry.

The proposed federal govern ment projects included the National Orthopaedic Hospital and the

National Fistula Hospital as well as Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Anaemia treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City.

Oba Ewuare II commended the minister for supporting the return of looted Benin artefacts and the efforts of his Ministry in curbing Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria.

The traditional ruler who spoke in Edo Language said, "You are doing your job there and you are getting results.”

"It is important to give a piece of advice and support you with prayers that will enable you to

achieve your goals. We are aware that there seems to be some chal lenges. We will assist you.

"You will recall that the discussion between us on the National Orthopaedic Hospital did not start today. It is important for Edo people to support this projects.

"It is an emergency. This goes to show that your tenure as a minister is yielding fruits; Edo people are blessed.

"We should continue to support him and his ministry in prayer so that nobody will divert the good things that are coming to Edo State. It shall be well with all of us,"

Oba Ewuare II prayed.

Addressing the Benin throne earlier, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, highlighted the immense benefits of the projects which included employment creation and improved productivity in healthcare delivery system. He attributed bureaucratic bottleneck in acquiring land from the state government as largely responsible for the delay in takeoff of the National Orthopaedic Hospital project.

Ehanire noted that Edo people were benefiting from the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government transformation agenda.

socio-economic development through the export of non-oil products and services of Nigerian origin to regional and global markets.

He said, “As part of efforts at creating awareness on non-oil export development and promotion activities of the Council, there is no gainsaying the fact that with the Export4Survival campaign, significant mileage would be gained in the volume and value of exported Nigerian products and services.

“It is also envisaged that with the launch of this campaign, more activities would be seen to be taking place in the non-oil export ecosystem that would increase foreign exchange earnings into Nigeria.”

The minister, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, congratulated NEPC, under the leadership of Dr. Ezra Yakusak for the laudable initiative and the commencement of the maiden edition of the Export Week which was aimed at sensitising the business community on the inherent benefits in the non-oil export sector of the economy.

Earlier, the NEPC boss said the council believed in its that vision to rejuvenate the country’s fragile economy adding, however, that this cannot be achieved by the council alone.

He said, “It is against this background that we conceived the Export4Survival campaign as part of a strategic initiative to increase the awareness of opportunities in the sector and benefits of exporting Nigerian goods and services to the overall growth of the economy. The idea is to stimulate Nigerians to imbibe the export culture.

“Today’s event signals the beginning of our commitment to reposition the operational activities of the council which is in line with the mandate to develop and promote the non-oil export sector as a key driver of the diversification agenda of the present administration.

“Indeed, it further complements the NEPC brand positioning strategy given the current economic reali ties on the ground. Therefore, to ensure we achieve these objectives, it requires that all hands must be on deck as we go through this arduous journey of making the non-oil export sector a significant contributor to the country’s overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

Yakusak, also stressed that the campaign is a patriotic call on all Nigerians to realise the urgency of engaging in non-oil export trade as a viable means of economic growth, industrial development, and boosting our foreign exchange earnings.

L-R: Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc, Chris Wuiff-Caesar; President, Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Osamede Uwubanmwen; Guest Speaker/President and Co CEO, Opay, Olu Akanmu; CEO/Executive Director, ADVAN, Ediri Ose-Ediale; and Group Corporate Communications and Event Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Temitope Ashiwaju, at the 2022 ADVAN African Awards for Marketing Excellence held in Lagos …yesterday

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF EXPORT 4 SURVIVAL CAMPAIGN...

Shehu: Lack of Fiscal Autonomy, Funding Gaps Threatening Independence of RMAFC

Sharing template reveals salaries of president, VP, senate president, CJN, others

The Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, has said the absence of financial autonomy and poor funding have directly hindered the effective and efficient performance of the commission’s operations.

Shehu also said annual budget ary allocations for the financing of its activities over the years had been grossly inadequate to protect its independence and cater to its nationwide field operations including monitoring of all revenue-generating agencies, data collection, sensitisation, advocacy, and consultation.

However, a rare glimpse into

the template of salaries of political, public and judicial officeholders revealed that the president and his vice earn N26.19 million in Annual Gross Salaries (AGS), and N6.55 million in Annual Basic Salary (ABS).

While the president receives N14.09 million and N3.51 million as AGS and ABS respectively, the vice president earns N12.13 million and N3.03 million as AGS and ABS respectively.

The president’s Monthly Basic Salary (MBS) and Monthly Gross Salary (MGS) are N292,892.08 and N1.17 million respectively while the vice president also earns N252,631.04 and N1.01 million respectively.

In addition, the president is

further entitled to N10.54 million which represents 300 per cent of ABS as Severance Allowance.

The remuneration template also showed that the Minister, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Head of Service (HOS), and Chairmen of Constitutional Bodies earn N7.80 million, N2.03 million, N650,136.65, and N168, 866.66 respectively as Annual Gross Salary, Annual Basic Salary, Monthly Gross Salary and Monthly Basic Salary with Sever ance Allowance of N5.87 million.

The Senate President - N2.48 million, N8.69 million, N207,020.30, and N724,570.72 as ABS, AGS, MBS, and MGS as well as a severance package of N7.45 million.

Also, the Deputy Senate Presi

Abia LP Guber Candidate, Otti Launches Signature Bank, Commends CBN

The Labour Party governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, yesterday in Abuja commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for thoroughly taking him through the approval process that lasted over three years before he was granted licence to float Signature Bank.

Speaking at the unveiling of the bank, Otti who is the founder of the bank said the new bank was established with the aim of giving attention to the needs of the custom ers as well as to meet and satisfying their desired financial yearnings.

According to him, one of the reasons for the establishment of the bank was because of the unresolved complaints by customers of various commercial banks in Nigeria and poor responsiveness of the institutions to challenges arising financial transactions.

Otti who was a Managing Director of the defunct Diamond Bank said the journey to establish the bank started in 2017.

He said he was not going to hold any active position in the bank, but has decided to give opportunities to the younger generation to pilot the affairs of the financial institution.

He said: "The journey began in 2017, driven by a yawning gap we identified, a vacuum created by repeated unresolved complaints, poor responsiveness, and unsavory customer experience encountered

regularly from the banks we did business with.

“It came from a yearning for simplicity and ease of doing business and a less than adequate attention to the dynamic needs of the customer, not just within Nigeria, but across continents.

“For example, paying your child’s school fees, trading with partners overseas, settling bills without leaving the comfort of your home and making payments seam lessly. “Interestingly, even as banks’ strategies, products and service offerings multiplied, the changing demographics and dynamics had customers increasingly yearning for more and demanding simpler and more flexible digital solutions.

“Welcome to the brand new world of artificial intelligence, robotics and 3D Printing! In fact, welcome to the world of Innovation, Convergence and 4th Industrial Revolution!

"In all these, what customers demand is not far-fetched. What they expect from their bank is not too tall an order. What customers across different business segments are looking for is a bank that fits their aspirations, their personal stories and their lifestyles.

“In other words, customers want a bank that puts them first. So, we set out to build a bank to challenge the status quo, that is future-forward, embraces change and impacts the lives of the people

we serve.”

Speaking further, he said: “Building on the learning points and successes of taking the erstwhile Diamond Bank from a loss position in 2011, to becoming one of the eight Systemically Important Banks (SIBs) in Nigeria, a retail trailblazer and pioneer in mobile/digital banking, we set about to envision a new way of banking. A bank that leaves no one behind.

"I cannot end this short speech without paying tribute to the management of the central bank which thoroughly took us through the approval process that lasted over 3 years.

“To my partners who had put down their money for years, we thank you for the belief and faith in us. To the pioneer directors, management and staff, we say thank you for the very hard work you have done so far, not forgetting that the reward for hard work is more work.

“And most importantly, to the creator of the universe who enabled us to put all these together and blessed us with all these relation ships, we return all the glory to Him. Thank you all for your time and do enjoy the rest of today’s proceedings.”

Speaking Earlier, the Chairman of the board of directors of the Bank, Mutiu Sunmonu said the vision would revolutionise the financial services in Nigeria.

dent is entitled to N2.31 million as ABS, AGS N8.08 million, MBS N192,430.60, and MGS 673,507 as well as a severance allowance of N6.93 million.

Senators are also entitled to N2.03 million as ABS, AGS N12.77 million, MBS N168,866.70, and MGS N1.06 million as well as N6.08 million as severance allowance.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives earns N2.48 million as ABS, N4.95 million as AGS, N206,425.83 as MBS, and N412,851.66 as MGS as well as N7.43 as severance allowance.

The Deputy Speaker is also en titled to N2.29 million as ABS, AGS N4.95 million, MBS N190,586.20, and MGS N381,172.40 as well as N6.86 million as several packages.

Members of the House of Representatives earn N1.98 million as ABS, N9.53 million as AGS, N165,434.40 as MBS, and MGS N794,086.83 as well as N5.96 million as severance allowance.

Furthermore, findings showed that Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) earns N3,36 million ABS, N6.73 million as AGS, N28,331.04 as MBS, and N560,662.16 as MGS as well as N10.09 million as severance

allowance.

Also, the Justice of the Supreme Court/President, Court of Appeal are entitled to N2.48 million as ABS, N2.48 as AGS, N206,425.83 as MBS, and N908,273.67 as MGS as well as N7.43 million as severance allowance.

Also, under the remuneration template, a State Governor is entitled to N2.22 million as ABS, N7.78 million as AGS, N185,308.75 as MBS, and N648,580.62 as MGS as well as N6.67 as severance package.

Similarly, a Deputy Governor earns N2.11 million as ABS, N7.39 million as AGS, N176,017.19 as MBS, and N616,062.69 as MGS with N6.33 million as severance allowance.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly is entitled to N1.63 million as ABS, N2.86 million as AGS, N136,656.25 as MBS, and N239,148.44 as MGS as well as N4.91 million as severance allowance.

Also, Special Advisers/Speech Writers are entitled to ABS of N1.94 million and AGS of N7.09 million as well as N161,906.25 and N590,957.81 as MBS and MGS respectively including N5.83 million

as severance package.

The RMAFC is saddled with the responsibility of determining the remuneration packages appropriate for political, public, and judicial office holders as well as advising governments at all levels on the ways to improve their internallygenerated revenues.

Nevertheless, Shehu said the sensitive nature of the commis sion’s role in the country’s fiscal management required a measure of independence including financial autonomy.

Speaking at a breakfast meeting with the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) in Lagos, he noted that the RMAFC remained one of the executive bodies established by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) to among other things monitor the accruals of federallygenerated revenues to the federation account and disburse same to the three tiers of government; review from time to time, the revenue allocation formulae and principles in operation to ensure conformity with changing realities.

Edo APC Asks Obaseki to Account for Usage of 13% Derivation

Condemn alleged planned takeover of NUJ

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Col. David Imuse (Rtd.) has asked the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to explain to people of the state what he has done with the 13 per cent oil derivation fund since his inception as governor of the state.

Last week, Rivers State Governor Mr. Nyesom Wike revealed that he was able to erect 12 flyovers across the state capital, Port-Harcourt using funds from the 13 per cent derivation arrear due to the Niger Delta states that was approved and released by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Owing to this, addressing a press conference in Benin City, capital of the state, yesterday, the Edo APC Chairman said the call became necessary because since Nigeria’s Fourth Republic began in 1999, Edo state and eight other oil and gas

producing states that make up the Niger Delta have been entitled to 13 per cent derivation fund.

"This is why we are asking the Edo State Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki to tell Edo people what he has done with the trillions of naira, Mr. President released to Edo state.

"The Governor should tell Edo people the total amount the state government received as 13 per cent derivation funds after President Muhammadu Buhari approval for the release of outstanding sums dating back to 1999.

"He should tell us the develop ment projects in the oil and gas producing communities of Edo state which he dedicated the 13 per cent derivation funds to if any. We want a full list, the amounts involved and the contractors who did the jobs.

"The governor should also explain why he has deliberately refused to

land, building

specify amount expected/received as 13 per cent derivation fund in all his budgets since 2016.”

Imuse expressed shock that Obaseki has been busy maligning the federal government accusing it of printing paper money to fund statutory allocations and misman agement of the national economy, whereas as a deliberate policy, he has allegedly been pocketing Edo State monies by mismanaging the derivation funds.

He added: "In actual fact, Section 162, Sub-section 2 of the constitution stipulates that the 13 per cent derivation funds is for the exclusive use of oil/ gas producing communities as compensation for loss of fishing rights and productive farmlands as a result of oil and gas exploration and production activities in the beneficiary states."

L-R: Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Saratu Umar; Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dr. Ezra Yakusak; Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, and the Director, Commodities & Export Development, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Mr. Suleiman Audu, during the official launch of Export 4 Survival campaign by the Minister in Abuja…yesterday

PHOTO: AYO AJAYI

Udora Orizu in Abuja

James Emejo in Abuja

Pinnacle’s Disruptive Investment in Downstream Oil Sector

It is now a month gone since the presidential unveiling of Nigeria’s largest and first ever offshore subsea bidirectional intake and offtake petroleum terminal built by Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited at the Lekki Free Zone.

However, the accolades and testimonials trailing the coming on stream of the all-important facility from industry players and policymakers within and outside the country are yet to subside.

The facility constructed at an estimated cost of more than $1 billion has positioned the company as the leader in the industry both in terms of market share and volume of product supply.

The company now comfortably controls about 23 per cent share of the downstream market in Nigeria. This, indeed, is an outcome of a visionary and forward-looking leadership in the company, which is poised to de-risk the operations in the sector it plays and maintain its dominance.

The terminal, which comprises the Single Point Mooring facility (SPM) and the Conventional Buoy Mooring facility (CBM) with the capacity to receive large import and export vessels, has addressed some major challenges facing the downstream sector. Specifically, the facility has reduced, if not eliminated, the inefficiencies and resultant high cost of operation occasioned by multiple handlings hitherto obtained at the nation’s port.

The efficiency and cost optimisation now brought into the petroleum products import and distribution system by the company through the revolutionary mooring facilities, signaling the berthing of bigger vessels directly at the Nigeria ports, and ending the use of daughter vessels to discharge, has eased the traffic congestion in Apapa.

With the berthing of bigger vessels at the Nigerian port where products are now discharged directly to storage tanks, the era of vessel taking about one month to completely empty its content has gone, as the discharge period has been reduced to just 48 hours.

In addition to the mooring facilities, the terminal has in it, storage tanks of 300 million litres combined capacity, and Pinnacle plans to ramp it up to one billion litres when the next phase of the project is completed.

PRESIDENTIAL ACCOLADES

While inaugurating the facility on October 22, 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari had disclosed that the operations of the facility had eased congestion in the Apapa area, and reduced the cost of delivery of petroleum products to many parts of the country.

The elated president, who has been championing reforms in the nation’s oil and gas industry, congratulated the Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. Peter Mbah, for establishing the massive terminal facility and providing hundreds of jobs to Nigerians.

Buhari specifically described the investment made by the dominant industry player as a demonstration of the success of his administration’s agenda to transform the nation’s economy.

Buhari, who said the federal government looked forward to many more investments of the Pinnacle’s magnitude, however, reiterated his government’s continued commitment to encourage and support investors to take advantage of the ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector as enshrined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and replicate the feats achieved by Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited.

Buhari said: “Provision of energy security is one of the cardinal points of our administration. We have recognised that the seamless supply and distribution of petroleum products is challenged by infrastructure deficit and complicated by the congestion in the Apapa areas of Lagos since the start of our administration in the year 2015.

”We provided targeted support to the energy industry by providing an enabling environment, including regulatory facilitation, to ensure investment in critical infrastructure.

“I am happy today that Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited leveraged the opportunities and established this massive terminal facility. I am happy to also note that further expansion works which are starting will further provide incremental value, especially more employment to our teeming youth population.

“The success of our agenda to transform our country

is demonstrated by this massive investment and the obvious contributions it has made to our overall economic well-being.”

FACILITY, ANOTHER LANDMARK PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN LAGOS

Not holding back his joy and excitement for seeing the facility come on stream during his tenure, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide  Sanwo-Olu, said the Pinnacle terminal in the Lekki Free Trade Zone was another landmark private sector investment in Lagos, the state of aquatic splendour in the commercial and economic nerve center of the country.

According to him, our message has always been that Lagos is open to business and investment and this is yet another demonstration of that.

As the nation’s largest sub-national economy, the governor said they understand what their responsibilities were, which includes to lead by example, to create that enabling environment most conducive for investment across all sectors.

“I’ve had the privilege to be here a couple of times, Peter Mbah and I had walked through this facility before, and I can say to you that indeed, it’s beholding and it’s a manifestation of the very strong can-do spirit that we have in our country in Nigeria.

“I think Peter deserves another round of applause. Free Trade Zone which is the Lekki Free Zone is the most active and vibrant free zone we have in the country, and it comes with a lot of history. It comes with a lot of vision that has been put together by one of my predecessors, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, way back in 2006.

“We can begin to see that the implementation of such vision, with successive governments also pushing in and raising the bar, is why we’re here today seated comfortably and to commission this edifice,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He said he had been told that the petroleum products terminal has been designed to make possible the direct transfer of products from large vessel to the CBM and SPM facilities.

“What this means is that vessels that wouldn’t come around here, 90,000 deadweight (DWT) tons, and 150000 DWT can conveniently berth here and discharge their products effectively within the minimum turnaround.

“There is no need for smaller ships to be deployed to transfer products to and from larger vessels which was often very necessitated at many other parting locations, which I’m told can take as long as 30 to 45 days.

“On the other hand, the direct transfer that is possible here can be done within a maximum of two days,” he added.

In addition, the Lagos Governor noted that the facility could store up to 300 million litres of refined petroleum products, maintaining that by all standards.

“This is an impressive, audacious facility built to the highest standards available anywhere in the world,” Sanwo-Olu added.

According to him, what was even more interesting was that the inaugurated facility was only the first phase of a larger plan that would have a capacity to store as much as a billion litres of petroleum products.

Observing that the Pinnacle facility would not only serve Nigeria, Sanwo-Olu added that it has also been positioned to look at the opportunity of export on the West African corridor, covering that single market, which Lagos would continue to remain the commercial and logistics hub of the entire West African region.

TERMINAL NOW THE LARGEST EXIT POINT

For the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Pinnacle Oil’s facility would be handy to it as the state oil company grapples with delivering on its mandate of guaranteeing energy security for the nation.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mallam Mele Kyari, described the facility as the largest exit point for petroleum products currently in Nigeria, adding that Pinnacle’s facility has demonstrated capacity by easing the delivery of petroleum products in many

parts of the country and during difficult situations.  Kyari said, “We have transformed, we are a commercial company, we have partners, and one of the great partners that we have is Pinnacle Oil and Gas. Without mincing words, this is the largest exit point for petroleum product that we have today.

“We will always remember that the exit point that will work for us in recent times is the Pinnacle facility. I congratulate you Peter for great work done, and for us at NNPCL, we will continue to partner with you and other stakeholders, other investors in this space as we continue to provide energy security for our country, which is very critical for all of us.

“All this wouldn’t have happened except there is an enabling environment. That enabling environment was surely created by Mr. President in the last seven years by allowing regulation to work, by allowing investors to have access to financing, supporting them in every way, and also bringing a framework which culminated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) coming in place to make sure that business works in the energy sector.”

He noted that NNPC sees a great opportunity unfolding, particularly for Lagos with growth in population and as well as the substantial growth in energy requirements despite the conversations around energy transition.

According to him, the massive growth in today’s Nigerian economy requires energy, adding that facilities like the Pinnacle terminal would become very primary in the journey towards energy sufficiency and security.

Kyari noted that the largest concentration of downstream facilities was in Lagos and that they rely on Lagos to have energy security in the coming years while they continue to diversify in the best interests of Lagos because of the associated challenges, which the Pinnacle facility has helped to resolve.

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN INSTILLING EFFICIENCY IN DOWNSTREAM

Delighted by such disruptive innovation in the sector, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed, described the terminal as a major breakthrough in instilling efficiency in the downstream sector.

He said the facility would significantly transform Nigeria’s downstream sector having addressed the challenges hitherto experienced with multiple handlings associated with discharging products from mother vessels through Daughter vessels with attendant delays, high costs and gridlock in Apapa.

Assuring Pinnacle of the agency’s collaboration and support for investing in the sector, Ahmed enjoined the company and other investors to always come to the Authority for support and assistance.

“I’m indeed delighted to be here to witness the commissioning of this huge facility. It is indeed a breakthrough in instilling efficiency in the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas. We are delighted to be here.

“We assure you that NMDPRA will collaborate with you and all those who are interested in investing in the mid and downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas. We will support you and we will be collaborating with you.

“And if there’s any area that you need support, please, by all means, do not hesitate to come forward. I also wish to acknowledge the contribution of Lagos State towards this project, as well as others that will eventually make this area the hub for Nigeria oil and gas,” he said.

Noting that the inauguration of the facility was an exciting moment for the agency, Ahmed pointed out that Lagos Free Zone would be a major hub for not only West Africa but Africa as a whole and that Nigeria would benefit greatly from the economic benefits of these investments.

Mbah

By dint of ambidexterity and audacious determination to change the status quo, Pinnacle Oil and Gas has ushered in a regime of efficiency, cost optimisation and robust competition in the Nigerian downstream petroleum sector with its $1 billion ultramodern offshore subsea mooring petroleum terminal in Lagos, writes  Peter Uzoho

POLITICS

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com (08033025611 SMS ONLY )

Unveiling Atiku’s Manifesto Before Editors, Business Community

The standard flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, was in Lagos recently to interact with leading businessmen as well as members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, about his campaign anifesto. Segun James reports

The presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is campaigning on how he would manage the nation’s critical economic and polarised politi cal system. If he wins the presidential election, his government must negotiate a new royalty system on petroleum exploitation and push through a new law requiring the private sector to take over the petroleum industry activities.

Critics of Atiku often say he is a man without principles. This charge is principally based on his frequent movement along the ideological divide and party lines. This may not be fair, given the fact that he has never hidden his ambition to be the president of Nigeria.

However, when it comes to his conviction that Nigeria should be run like a business venture, that the country had been ruled by leaders who have no business ideas; and that government has no business in business, he has been strikingly consistent.

Back in 1999, Atiku as Vice President was the czar behind the sale of government-owned businesses which had become moribund and ineffectively managed. He did this without caring whose ox is gored. But if there was one government business he regretted not being able to sell, it was the Nigerian National Petro leum Corporation (NNPC), the behemoth that controls the cash cow of the Nigerian economy, the petroleum industry.

While Atiku believes that the breakup and sale of the NNPC are inevitable and that it would bring competitiveness and better management of the nation’s economy, he, however exposed a negative flaw - loyalty to friends and business partners as he suggested that there is nothing wrong if the corporation is sold to friends and cronies. “My friends deserved to be rich also,” he quipped when asked about this.

While many may see this unintentional outburst as the sole reason why Atiku has been seeking the presidency since 2007, the truth remains that many of the business ventures where he has interest or control have been effectively managed and are thriving.

This was the situation when the PDP standard bearer met recently with the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) in Lagos, the economic capital of the nation.

At the interactive session , Atiku promised to revive economic policies that were imple mented during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007 when he served as vice president if elected president next year. To him, that policy saved the nation from the brink.

Specifically, he said he would encourage increased private sector investment to stimulate economic activities, promote job creation, and give attention to poverty alleviation.

Atiku stressed his administration would work closely with the private sector to fix the country’s infrastructure deficit. He restated his favourable disposition to resource control by endowed sub-national units.

According to him: “The private sector is pivotal to my agenda to rejuvenate the economy and close our infrastructure deficit gaps. If I am elected president, I will work closely with the private sector by giving them incentives to create more jobs and also grant them tax holidays in order for them to intervene in our infrastructure development.

“It is obvious to all that government doesn’t have all the money and the debt burden has continued to weigh us down. Therefore, the government has to be creative and engaging the private sector is one way of solving our infrastructure problems sustainably.”

The PDP candidate said his first job, as president if elected, would be restructuring the nation’s political and structural system. He restated his commitment to ensuring that necessary constitutional amendments that would cause a transfer of more powers and resources to other tiers of government would become activated from his first day in office.

On the political crises in the country which has led to a breakdown in the system, he pledged to

form a government of national unity.

Atiku stated that in the last few years, the country had been polarised along sectarian, religious and ethnic lines, hence, only a government of national unity would heal the wound.

He however was very nostalgic about his time with Obasanjo at the helm of affairs from 1999 to 2007 as he plans for a government of na tional unity, saying what the PDP government did under the Obasanjo administration, brought in the op position Alliance for Democracy (AD) and All Peoples Party (APP) to government after the PDP won the election in 1999, for reconciliation and unity following a tense period.

“Even though PDP won over whelmingly in 1999, we still included members of the opposition parties in a government of national unity and with that, we were able to ensure unity,” he said.

Atiku declared that he would not behave like President Muhammadu

Buhari, who picked almost all the heads of security agencies from a section of the country, saying if he becomes the president, he will ensure that every geo-political zone has a sense of belonging and is represented in the headship of the security agencies.

On the economy, he said he would continue with the economic policies Obasanjo imple mented, particularly, the privatisation of ailing public enterprises.

Atiku stressed the importance of a private sector-driven economy, saying the greatest economies in the world are private-sectorfocused.

“Most successful economies allow the private sector to play its role and we saw prosperity during Obasanjo’s administration,” he said.

According to him, rather than borrowing money to build roads and bridges, the gov ernment could concession such to the private sector, which would help create the needed jobs and prosperity.

On how he would improve the security situation in the country, Atiku said he would ensure more recruitment of personnel, purchase more equipment, train more personnel, and

On how he would improve the security situation in the country, Atiku said he would ensure more recruitment of personnel, purchase more equipment, train more personnel, and commit more funds to the security agencies. He also declared his support for state police and promised to include more women in governance, saying PDP included more women when it was in government, compared to the current All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled federal administration

commit more funds to the security agencies.

He also declared his support for state police and promised to include more women in gover nance, saying PDP included more women when it was in government, compared to the current All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled federal administration.

Atiku stressed that he had been an apostle of resource control, devolution of power, and restructuring, even when the north was not favourably disposed to them.

He disclosed that he had assembled a pool of constitutional lawyers to help him put together legislation that would be forwarded to the National Assembly to facilitate the necessary amendments to the constitution to ensure restructuring.

On the lingering crisis within the PDP, Atiku assured his audience that it would soon be resolved, describing it as a family affair.

His words: “Talks are going on. It is a family issue and we regard it as such. We will resolve our family issue very soon”.

He, however, pointed out that it was un fortunate that a section of the media chose to misinterpret his comments at a session with the Lagos Business School Alumni Association last Tuesday.

According to him: “It is rather unfortunate that a section of the media reported my remarks at an event yesterday, which casts doubts on my readiness to implement my restructuring agenda.

“Let me, therefore, use the opportunity of this gathering today with the gatekeepers of the Nigerian media to say that my restructuring agenda is intact and it will be implemented from my first day in office.

“Already, I have received report from a team of constitutional law experts, which I assembled to look into our constitution and highlight areas where there are items that can be moved to the concurrent and residual lists of the constitution.

“Let me tell you that I will start work on the implementation of that report from my very first day in office if I am elected president next year.”

Few days earlier, the PDP presidential candidate had at another session with critical stakeholders in Lagos business community released his policy paper titled: “Nigeria Dresses in Borrowed Robes,” where he stated categori cally that “first, in times of uncertainty such as we are experiencing today, it is the hallmark of leadership for business and political actors to pause and anticipate before taking the next steps. Our actions today will have consequences on our tomorrow and the day after”.

According to him: ”Nigeria is in transition as the APC leaves the stage and the PDP takes over—with your support and goodwill—come May 2023. It is your duty, therefore, to take stock of the assets (if there are any) and li abilities (which will be huge!!!) of the APC administration.

”It is also your responsibility to interrogate those who aspire to govern the country. You must assess their understanding of the environment, their policy priorities, and their strategies for dealing with a plethora of local and national issues.

”You should never allow political slogans to take the place of development plans. Political propaganda on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram is never a substitute for proper socio-economic and political agenda.

”The private sector is key to any govern ment’s development agenda and must be always listened to.

”According to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data, the public sector accounts for only 7.5 percent and the private sector, 78.9 percent of national consumption expenditure.

”Indeed, 85% of the investments in the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2021-2025 are envisaged to be private sector funded.

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

Atiku

Between Politics, Obi’s Investments and Soludo’s Tirade

Many people have yet to find the connect between the remark of the Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo on the worth of the investments of his predecessor, the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi and how it relates to his 2023 budget, which was actually the focus of the television interview.

In fact, Soludo has been accused of many things, including envy, jealousy, pettiness and others for his remark on Obi. On Thursday last week, Soludo had presented a N260billion 2023 budget estimate, tagged; budget of acceleration to the Anambra State House of Assembly, and on same date, he had settled for an interview to espouse on the budget. He had been asked about the worth of the investment of his predecessor, Mr Peter Obi when he retorted that the said investment was ‘worth next to nothing’.

Soludo had said: “Our interview is about the 2023 budget. I’m not talking about investments of any of my predecessors. By the way the one that you talked about I don’t know about that. I think there was something I read about some body speculating about whatever investment. With what I’ve seen today, the value of those investments is worth next to nothing. So, let’s leave that aside.”

For such statement which has been adjudged as reckless, many people including supporters of Obi have come down hard on Soludo, with many accusing him of deliberate attempt to pull down his brother, or being afraid of the growing popularity of the Labour Party candidate.

Knocks had come in torrent and from many angles for the former CBN Governor. While many Anambra people condemned his comment, analysts from across Nigeria also did, with a larger percentage of the condemnation coming from users of social media.

In Anambra State, Mr Tony Ejike said: “I don’t know who is advising Soludo, how can you leave your interview on your budget and allow yourself to be dragged into an administration that far precedes you? This has shown that common sense is not common at all. It is not about being a professor, it is about having common sense.”

A journalist, Mr Chuka Nweze said: “This remark by Soludo is very uncomplimentary, unfriendly, rash, unnecessarily combative and negatively reflects on his person and character. This was the mentality he brought to CBN that destroyed so many poor people, one of the rea sons that led to the conspiracy against his second tenure at the CBN and finally explains why Anambra people didn’t want him as governor for so many years after leaving CBN. Learn to be humble and respect others.”

Another respondent who’s name is simply registered as Jack said: “Soludo is simply jealous of Peter Obi and he is working for his boss Atiku. Peter Obi’s national acceptance has been giving Soludo and some disgruntled political elements of South East extraction sleepless nights. Peter Obi will win and they will all hide their faces in shame.”

Just four days after, and at a time when many would think that the governor had been blamed enough for the comment, he again stirred the hornet’s nest.

This time in what looked like a no-hold-barred fight, Soludo who was purportedly reacting to persons he described as Obi’s supporters, who were seeking to bully him, threw caution to the wind and fought Obi frontally.

In an over 4,000 word essay, au thored personally by the governor, he completely dismissed the presidential bid of Obi with a wave of the hand, and came short of saying Obi whose presidential ambition has generated a lot of frenzy was not in the race.

Soludo’s claims in the piece with the title, “History Beckons, and I Will Not Be Silent (Part 1)” read: “Everyone knows that I don’t fol low the winds or one to succumb to bullies, or shy away from a good fight especially, when weighty matters of principles and future of the people are involved. For full disclosure, let me state that Peter Obi and I are not just friends, we call ourselves ‘brothers’. But we have political differences: he left APGA for PDP after his tenure as governor, while I have remained in APGA since 2013.

“During the last two governorship elections in Anambra in 2017 and 2021, he led the PDP campaigns but APGA won landslide in both elec tions. By the way, in 2016, he visited and proposed that I defect to PDP and contest the 2017 election against the incumbent Willie Obiano, but I declined. After my victory in Novem ber 2021, he called to congratulate me, as I did to him in 2010.

“Obi’s presidential bid would only work in favour of Tinubu. Indeed, if I were Asiwaju Tinubu, I would even give Peter Obi money as someone heading one of the departments of his campaign, because Obi is making Tinubu’s pathway to victory much easier by indirectly pulling down PDP. The current fleeting frenzy, if not checked, will cost Ndigbo dearly for years. The South-east has the lowest number of votes of any region, but it is also the only region where the presidential race might be a four-way

race (it is a two-way race in the other five regions) thereby, ensuring that our votes won’t count in the making of the next president of Nigeria.

“Afterwards, we would start complaining that we don’t get ‘what we deserve’ or cry of marginalisation. During the 2019 presidential election, the five South-east states were united for PDP but contributed merely 1.6 million votes to PDP, which was about the votes that Kano state gave to Buhari. The emotions might run to heavens but politics-power is about cold calculations, organisation and building alli ances for power. In a democracy, it is a game of numbers. So far, I don’t see any of these— and 2023 might again be a wasted opportunity for Ndigbo! What is our Plan B, when Peter Obi loses in February 2023? Some people prefer that we should play the Ostrich while Peter Obi toys with the collective destiny of over 60 million Igbos.

“Yes, you pray that he wins, but what if he fails, as he is certain to? The Bible says that my people perish for lack of knowledge. As the saying goes, only those who plan can control the future. Ndigbo, wake up and smell the cof fee. Of course, Peter Obi will get some votes and may probably win in Anambra State— as “home boy”. But Anambra is not Nigeria. If he likes, I can even campaign for him but that won’t change much. From internal state by state polling available to me, he was on course to get 25% in five states as at August this year. The latest polling shows that it is down to four states and declining.

“Not even in Lagos State (supposed headquarters of urban youths), where Labour Party could not find candidates to contest for House of Reps or Senate. The polls also show that he is taking votes away mostly from PDP. I used to think that for decent people, certain conducts are off-limits, and that in Anambra, politics is not warfare. Ideally, I should just have laughed off the infantile exuberances, as many friends advised .

“Several well-meaning Nigerians and Ndigbo called to advise that I should just ignore them. A respected Igbo elder statesman, who called, advised that I should just ignore what he de scribed as ‘Peter Obi and his social media mob’. According to him, ‘everyone knows that he is going nowhere but they are looking for who to blame.

“Most people have commended me for ‘tact fully avoiding being drawn into the Peter Obi issue’ until now. Since I am now being forced

This time in what looked like a no-hold-barred fight, Soludo who was purportedly reacting to persons he described as Obi’s supporters, who were seeking to bully him, threw caution to the wind and fought Obi frontally. In an over 4,000 word essay, authored personally by the governor, he completely dismissed the presidential bid of Obi with a wave of the hand, and came short of saying Obi whose presidential ambition has generated a lot of frenzy was not in the race

into the arena on this matter, I have a duty and a right of reply, if only for the records, and to also give the social media mob something substantive to rant upon and rain their abuses for weeks. In this preliminary response, there are some things I will refrain from saying here because, in the end, February/March 2023 will come and go, and life will continue.”

The essay has upon its release last Monday generated more reaction, with diverse comments on the stand of the governor. Unlike his first attack on Obi, this time, the governor was able to garner a handful of supports from those who backed his stand, but a greater majority still believe that Soludo’s stand is being fueled by a motive that is not in public domain.

In his reaction to the latest attack, Obi who had earlier kept mum was forced to react. In his reaction in a video, which was obviously from a campaign ground, Obi said: “He (Soludo) remains my brother, we are very close. I remain prayerful for him. For other things which I didn’t succeed, God has given him opportunity to do it and succeed. So, if there is anything pending, governance doesn’t finish, people are still in government in America, so you stop where you will stop, other people will continue from there.

“He is the governor of the state; he is my senior brother, he is even more intelligent than me because he is a professor, I am a trader, so he knows more and will be able to do things better than I am doing it. I have done my little own as a trader, now the professor is there, he will do his own as a professor, the schools I didn’t roof he will roof them, that’s how government goes.

“The one they said is worthless, we invested 3.5 billion naira in International Breweries…that facility is there employing directly and indirectly over 10,000 Anambarians. The shares was at a time being sold at N50, today the shares is about N5 or so. When you spread your investment some will go up some will come down but overall the company is still there, the company is still doing well, it is still part of the global chain and everything. I needed to explain it not because I am defending comments by my brother,” the LP candidate said.

Though Soludo and Obi have long known, and also attended the same university at different times, just as they have been family friends too, their political history became more known in 2010, when Soludo who was fresh out of CBN contested for the position of governor of Anambra State. This was at a time when Obi was seeking reelection as governor. Obi had floored Soludo in the contest.

Again, Soludo moved to APGA, Obi’s former party, and made attempt to contest to succeed Obi who was on his way out, but he was disqualified by the party as not having stayed long enough to be qualified to contest any position in the party. Many still feel that Soludo still bear the grudges of his two-time loss. This position is even strengthened by the recent edging out of a former national chairman of the party, Senator Victor Umeh from a senatorial contest, as he (Umeh) is said to have been the chairman of the party at the time he was disqualified. To end the cold war between the two prominent Anambra sons, many have begged the elders of the state to wade into the matter.

Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, was in the news recently for his comments on his predecessor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi. David-Chyddy Eleke interrogates the remarks of both men and also looks at their style of politics.

Obi Soludo

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WORLD CUP: INFANTINO’S RAGE AND QATAR’S $220B WAR CHEST

Twenty-four hours to the start of the World Cup, as excited fans from around the world made their way to host nation Qatar by land, sea and air, FIFA president Gianni Infantino launched a spirited defence of the organization handling of the World Cup that was part Oprah Winfrey, part history lesson, part lecture and one hundred percent exasperation. It was clear that the soft-spoken Italian had gotten absolutely tired of the constant sniping from the media about aspects of the execution of the most expensive World Cup in history.

In the lead up to the tournament, criticism of Qatar’s treatment of the migrant workers who built the glitzy stadia, hotels and other infrastructure were particularly strident. It is estimated that thousands of the workers died in the course of the World Cup project. But the loud protests about the last minute decision to ban the sale of alcohol around the

pre-tournament press conference. Infantino’s primary targets were his fellow Europeans who are the most passionate Caucasian lovers of

his words: “We are told to make many lessons from some Europeans, from the Western world. I’m European. I think for what we Europeans have been doing for 3,000 years around the world, we should be apologising for the next 3,000 years before starting to give moral lessons to people.”

Infantino didn’t stop there. He proceeded to accuse his continental kinsmen of gross hypocrisy: “How many of these European companies who earn millions and millions from Qatar or other countries in the region - billions every year - how many of them have addressed migrant-worker rights? I have the answer: none of them because if they change the

defended FIFA’s business track record as more ethical under his watch than that of the European nations that much of the criticism of FIFA has been coming from.

Infantino basically threw away his talking points at the press conference and spoke from the heart about the issues that have kept him awake at night since he was elected FIFA president. Given that he is sure of a second term from March next year as an unopposed candidate for the

position, his “to hell with all of you” approach is perhaps understandable.

As in many other issues of global relevance and visibility, there’s no doubt that Infantino’s calling out of Europe’s (read: western) performative criticism of the World Cup has a lot of western critics is well deserved. Even though football is the ultimate global sport, the west is fond of deploying decision-making levels in an arrogant, often non-inclusive manner. They like to carry on as if they are doing a favour to rest the world, as if the right to host the World Cup is a favour granted the less deserving countries, a favour the unworthy recipients should be eternally grateful for and one that can be taken away or somehow degraded if the “natives” prove unworthy of the honour.

of paternalistic arrogance in the attitude of the western lords of the manor in world football. Or - to switch metaphors – their behaviour is reminiscent of that of the badly behaved child who has seized the ball at a neighbourhood football game and is now exercising “ownership” rights by deciding if the game can go on –and how it will be played.

The experiences of two recent World Cup hosts – Brazil and South Africa – are still fresh in the minds of many critics of the west. Both nations endured extensive western media criticism over their alleged lack of readiness before and during the tournament. It got so bad in South Africa’s case that a British “expert”

predicted an earthquake that happily didn’t materialize until the end of the event.

Beyond alcohol and the rights of migrant workers, there has also been a constant drumbeat of snide references to the circumstances in which Qatar was given the right to host the tournament. Former President Sepp Blatter took the issue to a ridiculous level when he recently asserted that the decision which was taken during his tenure was a “mistake”.

The question is: if Qatar was allowed to retain the rights, presumably because there was no good reason to take it away, why not simply allow the country – and the rest of the world – to settle down and enjoy the preparations and the tournament? Europe, as her son at the helm of global football has pointed out, is in no position to feel superior in this or other matters. As the Good Book put it: “If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, who could stand?” As Infantino would agree: “Not Europe or the rest of the west”.

Despite the forgoing, there are legitimate questions to be asked about FIFA’s handling of the alcohol issue. Infantino responded to criticism of the updated no alcohol sales policy around the stadia by quipping that fans should be able to survive two hours without alcohol. But his to the issue.

Four years ago, FIFA forced Brazil to change its policy of not selling alcohol around the stadia to enable fans indulge close to the game. No doubt, this was in response to pressure from the powerful alcohol sponsors of the tournament. So FIFA’s decision to do away with alcohol this time after caving in to pressure from

right step based on commonsense. Commonsense should not be so fragile or accommodating to fouryear, renewable expiry dates.

Perhaps Infantino, in the interest of the historical and contemporary truth which he is passionate about, should admit that Qatar got its way because no advertiser could compete with the clout of the spunky nation’s unprecedented $220b budget for the tournament.

Qatar got away with many ‘sins’ because of its deep pockets, writes PAUL NWABUIKWU

ON PENCOM

It is always quite easy to know when there is a coordinated media campaign against anyone, judging from my little experience of how blackmail works in Nigeria. Somebody would make a wild allegation, someone else would quickly parrot it, and before you

allegations would begin to trend in videos and comments on social media. NGOs would begin to issue statements threatening corruption.

This is my reading of the trending and unending media attacks on Mrs Aisha Dahir-Umar, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM). In the last few months, it has been one week, one trouble for her. Since her appointment the PENCOM DG, whom I consider to be much within a short time, has soldiered

PENCOM, as some would want unsuspecting members of the general public to believe with the way Dahir-Umar is consistently

So much so that one might be forced to ask what her sins are. Either she is appearing before the National Assembly, or some civil society organisations are breathing down her neck for reasons that remain in the realm of speculations. Unfortunately, such instances are commonplace in the polity.

What has Aisha Dahir-Umar done

the barrage of attacks? She introduced laudable reforms that saw pension assets rise

Pension Plan for the participation of informal sector workers in the Contributory Pension Scheme.

A periodic Pension Enhancement programme was instituted, where the retirees’ monthly pension is enhanced based on the performance of their RSAs, every three years. She developed the Enhanced Contributor Registration System (ECRS) to clean up and enhance the integrity of the pension industry database and the RSA Transfer Window to enable contributors to change their PFAs at least once a year. The Multi-Fund Structure of investment of pension fund assets to address the investment appetite and preference of

also instituted.

on even with the avalanche of issues in the sector. There is no doubt that she has the strength of character to implement reforms in pension administration in Nigeria. This is a plus for the country and a minus for some stakeholders. I stand to be corrected.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) recently threatened to rain based on allegations that do not have any proof. A member of the National Assembly had alleged that the least paid PENCOM employee earned N1 million a month. However, the commission said the highest not earn up to N1 million a month. NANS apology, saying after carefully reviewing its allegations, it found that there was a

and employers’ pension contributions earmarked monthly”.

It blamed its threat on “ignorance and lack of inattentiveness at the National Assembly as part of their oversight functions”. The NANS senate president then described Mrs Dahir-Umar as a “pacesetter”, saying it had carried out an “independent investigation” and concluded that the allegation of wasteful spending “is in many parts misleading, and reason later.

It is not all bad news from the stable of

Under her watch, PENCOM automated the Annual Enrolment Exercise for retired federal civil servants to remove the inconvenience of the physical process of the exercise and approved access to a percentage of RSA balance towards payment of Equity Contribution for a residential mortgage. Also, she strengthened the minimum capital base of PFAs from N1billion to N5billion for better service delivery to contributors. She also facilitated the payment of outstanding accrued pension rights of FGN retirees, which drastically shortened the waiting

If these and many more are what she has done to deserve the salvo from all fronts, then something is fundamentally wrong. I would not assume that part of her sins is not opening the PENCOM vault unless the DG herself states this. Whatever may be the case, it might not be farfetched as we are in a society where your ability to open hardworking.

are as a people and country. The PENCOM DG would be celebrated and not bashed for getting the job done in other climes. And God forbid that she succumbs to the pressure from these quarters. The implication is that Pension assets in the country would be the gory days of pensioners unable to access

It is indeed a web of intrigues against the and the bullets have been pouring. For the time being, none had hit her. And there is the likelihood that none would hit her, only if the president and commander-in-chief rise to the occasion to call those gunning for her neck to order.

Dr Bajeh is an Abuja-based commentator on public

The chairman of Tata group, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, is on record as having said that “Going digital is no longer an option, it is the default”. When we consider how the world is evolving almost at the speed of light, that everyone must digest and understand its Nigeria has, indeed, gone digital, having made giant strides and bold steps that have been taken by this current government to enhance digital transformation. However, there is still a lot of ground to cover, a lot of

it cannot be everything or all things to its numerous customers and stakeholders, Galaxy Backbone (GBB) has chosen to focus on one area that can help create the platform for other local ICT companies, original e-Equipment manufacturers and organizations from the private and public sector dealing with a lot of data.

This is why GBB is oftentimes described as the digital infrastructure organization, in that it is providing the hosting and colocation platform for software/ applications and hardware services organizations to leverage on. That is why its Managing Director/Chief Executive, Professor Muhammad Bello Abubakar, consistently reminds organizations in the private sector that Galaxy Backbone does not intend to compete with them. Rather, its major objective is to partner with them so that they can serve their customers better.

NSSC, soon to be launched by the Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, will enhance digital services across government organisations and across other sectors in Nigeria. It will end the challenges in harnessing the true potential of Information technology in government on a low budget.

room to bring in public and private sector organisations, communities and individuals to bridge the digital divide and enhance the gains of digitization. This, underscores critical importance of the National Shared Services Centre (NSSC), powered by Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure Company, Galaxy Backbone (GBB).

According to Gartner, an information technology (IT) research and consultancy company, a ‘Shared Services Center’ is a dedicated unit with the combination of people, processes and technology that is structured as a centralized point of service

been made in digitization only because of the decision by government to centralize its IT operations and empower Galaxy Backbone to perform its functions for the nation. Today, Galaxy Backbone has positioned its digital infrastructure platform to enable private businesses and government establishments alike power their operations real-time and on demand. A visit to its National Shared Services Centre (NSSC) of the agency will convince one even more. A seven-story twin building which sits beautifully at Central Business District area of the nation’s Federal Capital Territory, is a sight to behold. One of the impressions one would come out with after a tour of that facility and interaction with its teams of the Datacentre, Cloud and Network Management experts is that of elation that such a world class and secure platform actually exists in the country.

The Information technology space is huge. The interesting thing about this industry locally and globally is its fast pace of evolution and transformation. As customer requirements expand, the potential and possibilities of this industry that now powers all industries expand too. As an organization that is aware of the reality that

In creating this organization, one of its focal mandates was to establish a common services platform that would bring together technology services for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under one platform to ensure proper coordination amongst MDAs

under one secure platform. This decision by the government has indeed helped aid

services across government.

The awareness that technology could transform the way government interacted with one another on one hand, and with organisations and citizens on the other, was clear. That is the gap that Galaxy

huge boost to the delivery of its mandate.

The Shared Services model was adopted to help consolidate the operations of federal government organisations so that they will be more agile in carrying out their respective mandates and enable government and its agencies enjoy the

utilization of technology.

National Shared Services Centre (NSSC), which is run by Galaxy Backbone, is a sight to behold.

The execution and management of services across not just public sector, but private sector as well, are encouraging and a beacon to those who are looking to experience world class digital services similar to that obtainable in developed nations across the world.

It is noteworthy that the President would be commissioning the NSSC and the digital infrastructure therein, organisations across Nigeria looking to leverage the services GBB will be providing from that platform.

Dr. McDonald is an international writer on technological innovations based in Abuja

GALAXY BACKBONE’S SHARED SERVICES AND NIGERIA’S DIGITISATION DRIVE

STEPHEN MCDONALD writes NSSC will enhance digital services across government organisations and other sectors

THE UNENDING MEDIA WAR

The PENCOM director-general should be celebrated, and not criticised for getting the job done, contends AMOS BAJEH

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL

FARMERS AND HAZARDOUS PESTICIDES

Government should ensure pesticides used by farmers are certified safe

Pesticides are vital to the production of healthy food crop, but they have to be safe and wellregulated for those administering them not to die needlessly. Yet, a new survey has found that about 80 per cent of pesticides used by women in some North central states in the country are highly toxic to humans and require additional regulation. The survey was conducted in Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and Abuja by Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria and Alliance for Action on Pesticide in Nigeria (AAPN) with support from a German Green Foundation. A similar report in 2021 by AAPN found that 40 per cent of all the pesticides used in Nigeria had been banned by the European Union (EU) due to high toxicity.

Across all 46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has estimated that the use of pesticides increased by 150% between 2006 and 2019, attaining over 100,000 tonnes per year. This level of use has resulted in negative health, environmental and economic consequences in Nigeria and around the world.

Without proper registration of pesticides, or appreciation of their sustainable management and the promotion of safer alternatives, consumption is increasing in Nigeria, even though the health and ecological consequences have long been known. About 40% of the registered pesticides in Nigeria have been withdrawn from the European market, partly due to toxicity, persistence or lack of data. This represents 57 active ingredients in 402 products that are still in use. Some of these, including carbofuran and diazinon, have been found in high levels in green vegetables. Available reports indicate that 65 per cent of the active ingredients (26 out of 40) used by farmers in

Since the global market for pesticides is lucrative, a few are expanding their control. At the forefront are European

BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, 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

companies like Bayer and BASF. As the largest pesticide export market in the world, EU companies are now investing more in countries like Nigeria, where regulation is lax. Between 2015 and 2019, about 822 pesticides were registered in Nigeria by NAFDAC of which 515, about

China had the largest share of 50% (244) in the origin of 2021, Glyphosate, a kind of organophosphorus compound,

that the majority of imported and/or registered pesticides in Nigeria are hazardous. Glyphosate has been enlisted

approved in the EU to be used as an active substance in Plant Protection Products until 15th December 2022.

As of today, there is no government approved certifying body yet to standardise products and ensure compliance with the Organic Production system. Awareness or advocacy on organic agriculture must be raised to de-emphasise conventional agricultural practices. Organic agriculture should be inculcated into the educational curriculum. Specialised institutions involved in training for organic agriculture should be

The federal government should facilitate access to National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) should immediately gazette the ‘hazardous pesticides chemicals regulation’

Organic Agriculture Policy for Nigeria’ which has been formulated since 2019. Over and above all, the recent pronouncement by the African Union in the development of organic agriculture in the continent should be implemented at both the national and local level.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS

AN ABERRATION AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Democracy’s welcome return to Nigeria in 1999 immediately brought with it the cascading possibilities that after more than a decade of deleterious military rule, Nigeria could resume its cruelly interrupted experiment with federalism and perhaps salvage a bit of nulled 1993 presidential election will continue to bear eloquent witness to the evils of the Babangida military junta, especially in the road it paved for the Abacha military regime which was a horror experiment in stealing and suppression.

Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 meant that Nigeria could now have a government with three properly functioning arms as opposed to the travesty of military rule.

Crucially, it meant that the legislature could work geria’s legislative landscape which had become so distorted by the dictates of military dictators.

Just over two decades and through many sessions of the National Assembly Nigeria’s laws have become suf-

enormous work to be done, and despite the widespread public perception of Nigeria’s legislators as nothing more than men and women who milk the country dry.

As with the National Assembly Service Commission which is in charge of making appointments into key

pear that a game of cloaks and daggers is afoot with the recent appointment of Sani Tambuwal as the acting clerk of the National Assembly in spite of the fact that Chinedu Akubueze who is the current clerk of the Senate is the next in line by virtue of being senior to Sani Tambuwal.

The decision has already whipped up something of a storm among those who feel that it is yet another example of the underhand dealings that usually go into ensuring that only people from a certain section of the country get to keep the best portion of the national cake.

As a country, Nigeria’s unity continues to stand on spindly legs. Too many things are wrong at the same time with the brand of national unity Nigeria currently

practices. are skewed in favour of people from certain sections of why whenever restructuring is mentioned as a viable option for Nigeria, such people get anxiety attacks.

Suspicion has long endured that the main proponents of ‘One Nigeria’ are those who revel in their role as oppressors in the increasingly untenable project that Nigeria is.

But Nigeria can only become the country it once along the lines of equity and justice. Anything short of that is an invitation to anarchy and chaos.

As long as Peter continues to be robbed to pay Paul, discontent will continue to rumble deep in the belly of the Giant of Africa.

Kene Obiezu, @kenobiezu

Available reports indicate that 65 per cent of the active ingredients used by farmers in Nigeria are highly hazardous

Rising Suicide Cases in Nigeria: Causes and Solutions

Previous Court Decision and the Plea of Res Judicata

Page

RisingSuicideCasesinNigeria: Causes and Solutions

QUOTABLE

‘On May 29, 2015, the President mounted the rostrum and said ‘I will lead the battle from the front’…..He’s not leading any battle. The Governor of Katsina State where the President comes from, is crying everyday that the entire State has been taken over by Bandits.’ - Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN

Kubi Udofia PhD

Kubi Udofia holds a Doctorate degree in Law from The University of Nottingham, a Certificate in International Risk Management from the Institute of Risk Management, Lon don, a Masters degree in Corporate Law from University College London and a Bachelors degree from University of Uyo in Nigeria. He is a leading and an acknowledged expert, in corporate restructuring and insolvency law in Nigeria. As a scholarpractitioner, Kubi Udofia has extensively researched and written on a broad spectrum of topical issues in corporate restructuring and insolvency law. He is a seasoned transactional and dispute resolution specialist, with extensive knowledge and practical experience in corporate and commercial law. He is a Partner at Babalakin & Co, a leading commercial law firm in Nigeria.

Page VI

Between Uninspiring Campaign Promises and Empty Litigation

Uninspiring Campaign Promises

Let me state for the record that I have no candidate for any election, and for the first time in decades, I may not vote in the upcoming 2023 general elec tions, even though I have my PVC (Permanent Voter’s Card). Nigeria, and what is best for Nigerians, is my primary concern. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen anything in most of the campaign promises that I have heard so far, that inspires me to think that the next administration will bring about the much needed recalibration and restart of our great country that will guarantee a better Nigeria. What I see is business as usual, with one or two improvements, here and there. We have heard a lot of motivational speaking, playing to the gallery, while basic but important issues, are ignored; for instance, in 2022, recurrent expenditure is N6.9 trillion, debt servicing N3.8 trillion, while capital expenditure is about N5.4 trillion. I have not heard any concrete plans about how recurrent expenditure will be reduced; for example, how is the cost of governance which forms a huge part of recurrent expenditure and a drain on our scarce resources, going to be reduced? Is it just going to be a change of guard, with no strategies in place to address extremely troubling issues like this?

While we understand that some of the fundamental changes required to lighten the heavy weight of governance is not an executive decision alone, but would require constitutional amendment brought about by the National Assembly (NASS) - for instance, the issue of the bicameral Legislature or full time Legislators which many see as unnecessary and costly, there is plenty that can be done by the Executive. There is the body that fixes the remuneration of workers and political office holders - Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). I have not heard any candidate so far, mention that the issue of the remuneration and allowances, allowances for constituency projects and the budget of the Legislature will be reviewed. Nor have I heard that a holistic look will be taken at the remuneration of workers, and adjustments made, so that there will be a better measure of fairness and equity across board.

Rubbishing Opponents

Unfortunately, since campaign season opened officially last month, most television interview shows are inundated with politicians who seem more interested in rubbishing their opponents than anything else. As they say, sometimes the truth can be bitter, and the truth is that, at the end of the day, all the old allegations, counter-allegations, and exposés etc about the candidates do not amount to much in Nigerian law, at least, as far as the candidatures of the Presidential hopefuls are concerned; at best, it just humiliates them temporarily, if at all. And, as we are all aware by now, Nigerian politicians are a shameless lot anyway.

For one, dwelling on matters which are statute barred, is nothing but an exercise in futility in law. Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (the Constitution) provides for the disqualifica tion of Presidential candidates; and its Section 137(1)(e) sets a time bar of 10 years, that is, any offence involving dishonesty committed over 10 years before the 2023 election does not count. And, to the best of our knowledge, none of the Presidential hopefuls has been convicted of any offence involving dishonesty or found guilty of contravening the Code of Conduct within the last ten years, contrary to the said Section 137(1)(e) of the Constitution.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but nothing Nigerians have heard so far about the Presidential hopefuls for example, falls within most of the scope of disqualification set out in Section 137 of the Constitution, though some Lawyers believe

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

with the kind of debates we have watched, and the various allegations that we have heard about the different candidates, it is crystal clear that many of our candidates are nothing like “Mother Theresa”. Furthermore, we cannot deny the fact that the provisions for disqualifications from elective offices in the Constitution….are scanty and grossly inadequate….”

that some of the allegations may fall within the purview of Section 137 (1)(d) of the Constitution, and may still be triable.

Section 137(1)(d) of the Constitution sets no time limit, and a candidate can still be disqualified inter alia, if he/she is under a death sentence or sentence of imprisonment or fine for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud, or any other offence imposed for instance, by a court or tribunal. In the case of PDP & Ors v Degi-Eremienyo & Ors SC.1/2020 Judgement delivered on 13/2/20, the can didature of the APC Bayelsa Gubernatorial Candidate and Deputy was nullified even though they won the election, on account of the Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate providing fraudulent documentation to INEC in support of his application. See Sections 66(1)(i), 137 (1)(j) & 182(1)(j) of the Constitution on forged documentation.

Aside from the fact that the world seems to be moving away from perfect candidates who have no blemishes, as we saw in USA with President Trump and UK with Boris Johnson, since Nigeria returned to democracy, we have witnessed the evolution of a portion of our judicial system which

is always ready to dish out conflicting court orders and judgements to further confuse issues instead of settling them, so much so that, proper outcomes are never achieved. However, this time around, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON has issued a stern warning to the Judges who will be hearing election petition matters in 2023, urging them to discharge their duties diligently and honestly according to the law, stating clearly that he will not tolerate any acts of recklessness. This is a step in the right direction.

Nevertheless, with the kind of debates we have watched, and the various allegations that we have heard about the different candidates, it is crystal clear that many of our candidates are nothing like “Mother Theresa”. Furthermore, we cannot deny the fact that the provisions for disqualifications from elective offices in the Constitution (Sections 66, 137 & 182) are scanty and grossly inadequate, and certainly need amendment or outright redrafting, as so many troubling scenarios which the drafters of the Constitution obviously may not have envisaged or contemplated, have

arisen over the years.

Locus Standi

But, whether provisions like Section 137(1)(d) or (j) can be successfully invoked against any of the Presidential candidates, or Section 182 (1)(d), (j) or even (h) against a Gubernatorial candidate for example, is left to be seen. I am certainly not holding my breath.

To be able to maintain an action against anyone, the Plaintiff must show that he/she has locus standi, that is, the legal standing or place to institute proceedings. So, the fact that an individual has a grouse or dirt against a candidate, or a candidate has made false averments on his/her INEC Form, does not automatically give just anyone the right to sue that candidate. In Senator Abraham Adesanya v President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Anor 1981 5 S.C. Page 112 at 148 per Bello JSC (as he then was), the Supreme Court defined locus standi as “the right of a party to appear and be heard on the question before any Court or Tribunal”. Interestingly, in this case, Obaseki JSC went on to state that “The fundamental aspect of locus standi is that it focuses on the party seeking to get his complaint before the High Court, not on the issues he wishes to have adjudicated”. It is trite law it is the Plaintiff’s statement of claim that is examined to determine that a cause of action vested in the Plaintiff is disclosed, and he/she has the requisite locus standi to bring the action.

In Oghenovo & Anor v Governor of Delta State & Anor (2022) LPELR-58062(SC) per Saulawa JSC, the Apex Court held that “for a person to have a standing to institute an action in a Court or Tribunal, he must show (i) that the challenged conduct has caused actual injury thereto; and (ii) that the interest sought to be protected is within the ambit of the provisions of the Constitution or law”. In Re Ijelu (1992) LPELR-1464(SC) the Supreme Court held that the Plaintiff has to have special interest; “that the interest is not vague, or intangible, supposed or speculative, or that it is not an interest which he shares with other members of society….that such interest has been adversely affected by the act or omission whichever he seeks to challenge”.

My point? Many of those who may be instituting proceedings against candidates for one reason or the other, do not have the locus standi to maintain such actions. They do not have a special interest which has been adversely affected by the actions or averments of the candidates. Some of the issues qualify as pre-election matters, and Section 285(24) of the Constitution only makes mention of aspirants and political parties, as potential Plaintiffs in such matters, and not every concerned member of the public or NGO. The argument is that if an aspirant presents forged documentation or makes false averments on his/her INEC form for example, those persons directly affected by this would be the people contesting for the same position in his/her own political party or rival parties.

Conclusion

The sum and substance of my submissions is that, as things stand, the average man or Lawyer on the street cannot hold a candidate accountable in court for any alleged wrongdo ing, because of his/her lack of locus standi - a public, general interest does not suffice; there has to be a personal interest that has been adversely affected by that wrongdoing. It seems that all disgruntled people can do, is shout themselves hoarse, feeling outraged while they watch campaign spokespersons tell blatant lies and even turn the law on its head, in order to whitewash their Principals.

“Nevertheless,

Previous Court Decision and the Plea of Res Judicata

Facts

The Appellants as Plaintiffs commenced Suit No. C/88/76 at the High Court of Cross Rivers State against the Respondents (then Defendants) in a representative capacity, seeking declaration of title to land, forfeiture and damages for trespass. Judgement was entered in favour of the Appellants, whereupon the Respondents appealed to the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/E/210/96, raising the issue of res judicata predicated on two judgements of the then Supreme Court, Calabar (a court of co-ordinate jurisdiction with the present High Court). The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal and set aside the judgement of the trial court, holding that two earlier decisions delivered on 16th October, 1918 and 16th June, 1925 which were tendered as Exhibits R and S, respectively, sustained the Respondents’ plea of res judicata.

Further to the above, the Appellants appealed to this Supreme Court in Appeal No. SC/92/2002. At the Supreme Court, the Appellants attempted to amend their Notice of Appeal to raise a fresh issue challenging the existence of Exhibits R and S, alleging that they were forged. The application to raise a fresh issue on appeal was refused, and the appeal proceeded to hearing. However, before the Supreme Court could deliver its judgement, the Appellants commenced another suit at the High Court in Suit No. HC/96/2003, wherein they contended that the purported judgement in Exhibit S was a forgery, inexistent, null and void and of no effect. They also contended that, the Respondents obtained the judgement in CA/E/210/96 by fraud.

In reaction to HC/96/2003, the Respondents filed a Preliminary Objection contending that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit because the said Exhibit S (judgement of Justice A. Webber) was the subject of SC/92/2002, pending at the Supreme Court. While the Preliminary Objection was still pending, the Supreme Court delivered judgement in SC/92/2002 dismissing the Appellant’s appeal on 17th June, 2005. Subsequently, on 3rd August, 2007, the trial court upheld the Preliminary Objection in HC/96/2003, and dismissed the Appellants’ suit. The Appellants’ appeal to the Court of Appeal was also dismissed, consequent upon which the Appellant brought the instant appeal.

Issues for Determination

The Supreme Court determined the following two issues raised by the Appellants:

(i) Whether the court below, with respect, appreciated the case of the Appellants, which it was called upon to decide when it sustained the Respondents’ obligation that the doctrine of res judicata was applicable to this matter?

(ii) Whether the Appellants, just like every other litigant, can challenge a court judgement obtained by fraud, and/or upon reliance on a non-existing document/ judgement?

Arguments

Arguing both issues together, the Appellants contended that a judgement obtained by fraud or collusion is void, and cannot sustain a plea of estoppel. Relying on the decision in VULCAN GASES LTD v GESELLSCHAFT FUR INDUSTRIES

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja

On Friday, the 1st day of July, 2022

Before Their Lordships

Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun John Inyang Okoro Abdu Aboki

Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa

Tijjani Abubakar Justices, Supreme Court Appeal No: SC/253/2010

(2009) 9 NWLR (Pt. 719) 610 at 668, counsel contended further that challenging the judgement by a fresh action is allowed by law. The Appel lants also contended the lower court did not allow them an opportunity to prove that the judgement was obtained by fraud, by calling the Registrar and the archivist to prove the non-existence of the judgement. The Appellants argued further that the lower court ought to have distinguished between a genuine document tendered which may no longer be challenged, and a fraudulent one tendered as decision of court. The Appellants also submitted that even if

“…. a matter once judicially decided is finally settled, and that for the doctrine of res judicata to apply, the parties and the subject-matter must be the same….estoppel per rem judicata is a rule of evidence whereby a party or his privy is precluded from disputing in subsequent proceedings, a matter which had been adjudicated upon previously by a competent court between him and his opponent”

all the conditions of estoppel per rem judicatem were present in this case, the Appellants will still be entitled to show that the decision was obtained by fraud. Lastly, the Appellants argued that the judgement of the lower court authenticating the fraudulent document, occasioned miscarriage of justice.

On their part, the Respondents argued that the issue of fabrication, forgery, existence or authenticity of Exhibits R and S had already been determined with finality by the Supreme Court in SC/92/2002, and that the principle of res judicata rightly applied.

Counsel for the Respondents relied on AYENI v ELEPO (2007) ALL FWLR (Pt. 383) 71 and submitted that parties are not only defined in terms of those on record, but include privies to the parties on record and those who may be interested in the outcome of the case, or ought to have been made parties. The Respondents noted that the 1st and 3rd Appellant in SC/92/2002, were also the 1st and 4th Plaintiff in Suit No. HC/96/2003. Counsel argued that the lower court did not only sustain the plea of res judicata, but also gave effect to the finality of the Supreme Court.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

In resolving both issues, the Supreme Court considered its decision in ABIOLA & SONS BOTTLING CO. LTD v 7UP BOTTLING CO. LTD (2012) LPELR-9279(SC) wherein it held that a matter once judicially decided is finally settled, and that for the doctrine of res judicata to apply, the parties and the subject-matter must be the same. The court also noted its earlier decision in TORIOLA & ANOR v WILLIAMS (1982) LPELR-3258 (SC) where it held that estoppel per rem judicata is a rule of evidence whereby a party or his privy is precluded from disputing in subsequent proceedings, a matter which had been adjudicated upon previously by a competent court between him and his opponent.

In this instance, Their Lordships observed that the parties and issues are the same as in SC/92/2002, and held that where a court of competent jurisdiction has settled with finality the issues between parties, none of the parties or their privies has the right to re-litigate the issue by a fresh action, as same is res judicata.

The court also disagreed with the Appel lants’ argument that the subject-matter is C/88/76 which gave rise to SC/92/2002, is not the same with the subject-matter in HC/96/2003 which resulted in the instant appeal. The court held that in its judgement in SC/92/2002, one of the issues it determined was “whether the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal were right in treating exhibits R and S tendered by the 1st Defendant as evidence (offer) establishing res judicata in their favour”. The court also observed that in SC/92/2002, it gave an opinion as to whether or not Exhibits R and S were forged. HC/96/2003 and the instant appeal therefore, amount to re-litigating a matter that had been heard and determined to finality, which should not be encouraged as a cardinal principle of public policy. There must be an end to litigation.

The Supreme Court further observed that the instant appeal arose from two concurrent findings of fact by the courts below, and the Appellants did not advance any convincing reason to warrant an interference with such findings of fact by the trial and lower courts. The court held that to interfere with concurrent findings of fact, the circumstances must be such that the facts are patently erroneous, and it would be travesty of justice to allow the findings to remain.

As an aside, the Supreme Court observed by that the Appellants sought to unnecessarily engage the Respondents by commencing frivolous, vexatious and irritating claims. The court admonished that counsel must not surrender to the wish of their client by bringing needless matters, and that counsel must not act as willing tools in the hands of litigants, as such actions inflict damage on the dignity of the legal profession.

On the whole, the Supreme Court resolved the two issues against the Appellants, and upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal affirming the decision of the High Court. Costs in the sum of N2 million was awarded against the Appellants.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation

Solomon E. Umoh, SAN with Santos O. Erajab Esq., U.J. Adam, Esq. and E.B. Okon, Esq. for the Appellants.

Edidiong O. Usungura, Esq. for the Respondents.

No representation for the 2nd Re spondent.

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

Honourable Tijjani Abubakar, JSC

INSOLVENCY DISCOURSE

DR KUBI UDOFIA INFO@KUBIUDOFIA.COM

Adversarial Proceedings Against a Company in Liquidation (2)

Continued from last week

Exordium

Recently, the Supreme Court highlighted that the automatic stay under Section 580 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, will be actuated when the following three conditions are satisfied: (i) a winding-up order is made or a provisional liquidator is appointed, (ii) a subsequent independent action is commenced or a pre-existing independent action is continued, and (iii) the action continued or commenced is against the interest of the company: Dematic Nigeria Ltd v Utuk (2022) 8 NWLR (Pt 1831) 71.

This concluding part of this discourse examines the thorniest of these three conditions, namely; the circumstances in which the automatic stay will suspend continuation of pre-existing actions, and the commencement of subsequent actions against a company in liquidation.

Continuation of Pre-existing Independent Actions

Where a winding-up order is made or a provisional liquidator is appointed, pre-existing actions or proceedings against a company in liquidation are automatically suspended. A claimant/plaintiff desiring to continue with an action or proceeding against such a company, would require leave of court. Actions or proceedings continued without such leave are void for lack of jurisdiction: Universal Properties Ltd v Pinnacle Commercial Bank [2022] 12 NWLR (Pt 1845) 523, 551B-552B.

In Obe v Prosperfunds Ltd (2022) LPELR57488(CA), a winding-up order was made against the defendant whilst proceedings were ongoing in a Lagos State High Court (“trial court”). On appeal, the Court of Appeal held that the making of the winding-up order had stripped the trial court of the jurisdiction which it previously had, ,,,, to entertain the suit against the defendant. Accordingly, leave of court ought to have been obtained, to “re-clothe” the trial court with jurisdiction to continue with the proceedings against the defendant.

In NDIC v Rahman Brothers Ltd (2018) LPELR-46781(CA), a Federal High Court appointed a provisional liquidator for a bank, whilst another suit (instituted by the respondent) against the bank was subsisting at the High Court of Lagos State. Despite the appointment of the provisional liquidator, the High Court of Lagos State continued with its proceedings and entered judgement in the respondent’s favour. On appeal, the Court of Appeal held that the High Court of Lagos State lost the jurisdiction it previously had, when a Provisional Liquidator was appointed for the bank. The respondent ought to have obtained leave, to clothe the Lagos State High Court with jurisdiction to deliver judgement.

The case of Atoju v Triumph Bank Plc [2016] 5 NWLR (Pt 1505) 252 involved arbitral proceedings which were commenced and continued against a bank, after a provisional liquidator had been appointed for the bank. Consequently, part of the proceeding was conducted, and an award was given after the provisional liquidator had been appointed. The Court of Appeal set aside the “entire proceedings” and the award, on the ground that the arbitral tribunal had lost the jurisdiction to continue with the proceedings after the provisional liquidator had been appointed.

The propriety of setting aside the entire proceedings is debatable, considering that the proceeding conducted prior to the appointment of the provisional liquidator was untainted. For instance, in Umoh Motors Ltd v Mercantile Bank Ltd [2008] 3 CLRN 141, 148, the court declined to declare the entire suit incompetent,

but restricted its declaration to the part of the proceeding which was continued or conducted without leave of court after the defendant went into liquidation.

Where a winding-up order is made or a provisional liquidator is appointed after a court delivers a judgment/ruling but before an appeal is instituted, an appellant must obtain leave before instituting the appeal. If the winding-up order is made or the provisional liquidator is appointed after the appeal has been instituted, leave must be obtained before continuing with the appeal. These scenarios involve a continuation of pre-existing actions/ proceedings as opposed to commencement of independent actions. It is settled law that an appeal is a continuation of the suit at the trial court: MTN Ltd v Corporate Communications Ltd [2019] 9 NWLR (Pt. 1678) 427, 454G. This distinction has no relevance in this instance, considering that leave would still be required if they were viewed as commencement of independent actions. The distinction may gain relevance where an appeal arises from a winding-up petition.

Where a company goes into liquidation after the conclusion of proceedings at a trial court but prior to an appeal, the fact that the suit was instituted by the company in liquidation will not absolve an appellant from obtaining leave. In Universal Properties Ltd v Pinnacle Commercial Bank (supra), the 1st respondent went into liquidation after conclusion of the suit at the trial court but before an appeal. The appellant contended that no leave was required because the suit at the trial court was instituted by the 1st respondent and as such the appeal was a continuation of the suit commenced by the 1st respondent at the trial court. The Supreme Court rejected this contention and held that the requirement for leave was not excluded merely because the suit at the trial court was commenced by the company in liquidation.

This decision is distinctly correct given that the appellant’s appeal was a continuation of a pre-existing independent action. No leave would have been required if the appeal emanated from

the 1st respondent’s winding-up proceedings which actuated the automatic stay. Furthermore, if the winding-up order or appointment of provisional liquidator was made at the trial court and the appellant had obtained leave in that court, the appellant would not require to further seek for leave to pursue an appeal emanating from the suit. In that scenario, the appeal would be a continuation of the suit at the trial court.

Continuation of the Winding-up and Related Proceedings

A winding-up proceeding undeniably precedes or pre-exists the automatic stay which it activates. Nevertheless, the automatic stay has no paralytic effect on the winding-up proceeding, as it does on other pre-existing actions. Applying the automatic stay to the winding-up proceeding would be counterintuitive and self-defeating. It would serve no useful purpose. Rather, it would adversely interfere with the liquidation process which it is meant to support.

In Dematic Nigeria Ltd v Utuk (supra), a provisional liquidator in a winding-up proceeding applied to the winding-up court for an order voiding a sale by a receiver of the company’s assets. The provisional liquidator further asked the court to vest the assets in the provisional liquidator for valuation and protection pending the determination of the winding-up petition. The 1st respondent/ winding-up petitioner supported the provisional liquidator’s application via an affidavit. The provisional liquidator’s application was dismissed and the 1st respondent appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal set aside the trial court’s decision and granted the reliefs sought by the provisional liquidator.

Dissatisfied with the Court of Appeal’s decision, the appellant appealed to the Supreme Court contending, among other things, that upon appointment of the provisional liquidator, the 1st respondent should have obtained leave of court (i) before continuing the winding-up proceeding, and (iii) before appealing against the trial court’s decision not to grant the provisional liquidator’s application.

The Supreme Court rightly held that the 1st respondent did not require leave of the trial court to continue the winding-up proceeding, after the provisional liquidator’s appointment. The winding-up proceeding was not an independent action, but the same action which actuated the automatic stay. Similarly, the Supreme Court held that the 1st respondent’s omission to obtain leave before instituting the appeal against the trial court’s ruling not to grant the provisional liquidator’s application, did not offend the automatic stay. The appeal was a continuation of the winding-up proceeding and not a subsequent independent

action: MTN Ltd v Corporate Communications Ltd (supra). This is further underpinned by the settled law, that a party is not permitted to change the case presented at a trial/lower court, at the appellate courts: Abba v Abba-Aji (2022) LPELR-56592(SC) at p 40A-D.

Commencement of Subsequent Independent Action

The automatic stay suspends the commencement of new actions, or proceedings against companies in liquidation. A claimant would require leave of court, before instituting such actions. In Omaghoni v Nigeria Airways Ltd [2006] 18 NWLR (Pt 1011) 310, the winding-up order for Nigeria Airways was made on 9/7/2004. The appellants (as plaintiffs) filed an action against Nigeria Airways on 26/8/2004 and thereafter appealed against a ruling on an application it made in the suit on 15/8/2005. The Court of Appeal set aside the originating processes filed at the trial court on the ground that, having not obtained leave, they were filed without due process of the law.

The automatic stay may not be triggered in all instances, where actions involving the company in liquidation are commenced. The automatic stay only halts actions commenced “against the company”. It will be effectuated, when an action is adverse to the company’s interest. This is one of the three conditions for the applicability of the automatic stay, which the Supreme Court highlighted in Dematic v Utuk. In Anakwenze v Tapp Industry Ltd (1991) 7 NWLR (Pt 202) 177,192A, the court stated that the automatic stay was not applicable because the application in issue did not seek for any relief against the company. Similarly, In Dematic v Utuk (supra) at 102G-H, the court held that an application by the provisional liquidator to set aside sales of the company’s assets by a receiver was not caught by the automatic stay because it was not against the company’s interest.

Leave will not be required, where an action or proceeding is commenced against a liquidator. Nevertheless, there are at least two Court of Appeal decisions which have erroneously stated the contrary.

First, in NDIC v Visana (Nigeria) Ltd (2021) LPELR-54934(CA), the Court of Appeal held that failure by the 1st respondent to seek and obtain leave before filing an action against the appellant (a liquidator) rendered the action incompetent and deprived the court of jurisdiction over the action.

Second, in Utuk v Official Liquidator (Utuks Construction Ltd) (2008) LPELR-4323(CA), the Court of Appeal nullified proceedings, on the ground that leave of court had not been sought and obtained before instituting proceedings against a liquidator. Contrary to these decisions, Section 580 of CAMA 2020 only suspends actions “against the company”. It does not provide immunity for any third party, irrespective of its proximity to the company in liquidation.

Concluded.

“The automatic stay suspends the commencement of new actions, or proceedings against companies in liquidation…. The automatic stay only halts actions commenced “against the company”. It will be effectuated, when an action is adverse to the company’s interest”

My Brief by SKB

STEPHEN KOLA-BALOGUN stephenkolabalogun@yahoo.com

Presidency v NASS: Does Supreme Court Have Original and Exclusive Jurisdiction?

Introduction

Arather misleading and erroneous practice has evolved in our legal and political systems for over twenty years now (since April 2002 to be precise), whereby the National Assembly (NASS) appears to have hoodwinked the Supreme Court into believing that it has the power to confer upon it both original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear disputes at first instance between the Presidency and National Assembly. Nothing could be further from the truth! No such exclusive jurisdiction exists, and it is difficult to understand or rationalise how we have persevered with this unconstitutional practice for so long, without proper scrutiny. With profound respect to the Presidency, National Assembly and indeed, the Supreme Court, the relevant section of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not make any reference to exclusive jurisdiction in conferring the Supreme Court with additional original jurisdiction, and it is astonishing to say the very least, that neither our eminent jurists or revered Senior Advocates have spotted or stumbled across this anomaly thereby, allowing this practice to continue unchallenged.

Constitutional Provisions Relating to Supreme Court’s Original and Exclusive Jurisdiction

Section 232(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states as follows:

The Supreme Court shall, to the exclusion of any other court, have original jurisdiction in any dispute between the Federation and a State or between States if and in so far as that dispute involves any question (whether of law or fact) on which the existence or extent of a legal right exists.

Section 232 (2) further states that: In addition to the jurisdiction conferred upon it by subsection (1) of this section, the Supreme Court shall have such original jurisdiction as may be conferred upon it by any Act of the National Assembly. It is by virtue of Section 232(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and outlined above, that the National Assembly passed the Supreme Court (Additional Original Jurisdiction) Act 2002.

Section 1 (1) (a) of the said Act states: In addition to the original jurisdiction conferred upon the Supreme Court of Nigeria by Section 232(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the Supreme Court shall to the exclusion of any other court have original jurisdiction in any dispute between (a) the National Assembly and the President (b) the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly; and (c) the National Assembly and a State of the Federation, in so far as that dispute involves any question (whether of law or fact ) on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends.

The power of the National Assembly to confer additional jurisdiction on the Supreme Court is as stated under Section 232 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and outlined above. That section of the Constitution makes no reference whatsoever to the use of the words to “the exclusion of any other court”, yet the National Assembly in drafting the Supreme Court (Additional Original Jurisdiction) Act 2002 has craftily incorporated the words “….to the exclusion of any other court”, and used that to deceive legal practitioners into believing that the additional jurisdiction conferred on the Supreme Court is indeed, to the exclusion of any other court; but, as we have seen from the relevant text of the Constitution above, Section 232(2) does not specify or use the words “to the exclusion of any other court”. It follows therefore, that this particular aspect of the Supreme Court (Additional Original Jurisdiction ) Act 2002 ought to be struck down and declared unconstitutional, under Section 315(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Only a constitutional amendment which the National Assembly has the

power to initiate by virtue of Section 9(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) would suffice in conferring the Supreme Court with additional jurisdiction to the exclusion of any other Court; but, as we all know, this is a long tedious, arduous and cumbersome process which may not pass easily, if at all.

What is the Difference between Original and Exclusive Jurisdiction?

It is said that a court enjoys original jurisdiction when it has got the authority to hear the case in its first instance; but, when we say that it also enjoys exclusive jurisdiction or to the exclusion of any other court, then it means that it is the whole and sole authority to hear and determine the case, and that no other court has the power.

In the US which was the inspiration behind the drafting of both our 1979 and the subsequent 1999 Constitution, their Supreme Court coupled with longstanding congressional practice, focuses on the fact that the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction is not necessarily always exclusive. In some cases, Congress has granted the lower federal courts concurrent jurisdiction, meaning that cases subject to original Supreme Court jurisdiction may either be filed directly at the Supreme Court or in one of the lower Federal Courts. Furthermore, in the US, the Supreme Court has adopted a liberal construction to its original jurisdiction, and the common view is that its original jurisdiction should be invoked sparingly. The Courts have thus, held that original jurisdiction is limited, should manifestly be sparingly exercised, and should not be expanded by construction (contrast with Section 232(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which has the effect of extending the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction). The US Supreme Court has further emphasised that its exercise of original jurisdiction is not obligatory but discretionary, to be determined on a case-by-case basis on

grounds of practical necessity. The US Supreme Court has therefore, explained that it will exercise original jurisdiction only in appropriate cases. It has further stated that the question of what constitutes appropriate, concerns the seriousness and dignity of the claim; yet, beyond that, it may necessarily also involve the availability of another forum where there is jurisdiction over the named parties and where the issues tendered may be litigated, and /or where appropriate relief may be obtained.

Although as already pointed out, the Supreme Court in the US has exercised original jurisdiction sparingly, where claims are of sufficient seriousness and the dignity and resolution by the judiciary is of substantial concern; even if the Supreme Court can entertain a case, it may in cases of concurrent jurisdiction exercise its discretion and thereby decline to exercise original jurisdiction, and instead, require that a case first proceed through the lower federal courts. Examples of where the US Supreme Court has Original, but Not Exclusive jurisdiction over cases is outlined under Article III, Section 2, Clause 2: of the Supreme Court Act namely: In all cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party. The above examples perhaps, best explain not only the real purpose behind Section 232 (2) of the 1999 Constitution, but crucially the fact that the Supreme Court in cases where it has original but not exclusive jurisdiction, may nevertheless, retain the discretion to determine whether it wants to hear the case if it considers it to be urgent or of fundamental /national importance. If it doesn’t, it may then refer it to a lower court to hear it at first instance.

The Nigerian Supreme Court case of (1) The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2) Attorney General of the Federation v (1) National Assembly & 2 Ors SC /CV /504/ 2022 and reported in ThisDay Lawyer two weeks ago was a case in which the Supreme Court held that the Plaintiffs who are not political appointees have no legally enforceable right, or justifiable dispute in relation to the questions raised for determination in their Originating Summons for them to be called upon to exercise its additional original jurisdiction. Now, this was, perhaps, an ideal category of case that could easily have been referred by our Supreme Court to a lower court with concurrent jurisdiction, if we had been adopting this practice. The dignity of the Supreme Court suggests that it is not all manner of disputes (whether or not it’s between the Presidency and the National Assembly), that should take up the precious time of the Court. Worse still, the National

Conclusion

The best-known power of any court in deciding issues relating to government, is judicial review, or the ability of a court to declare a legislative or executive act to be in violation of the spirit of the Constitution (written or unwritten), even if it is not found within the text of a written Constitution itself. The Courts in the US established this doctrine in the celebrated case of Marbury v Madison (1803). In this case, the Court had to decide whether an Act of Congress or the Constitution, was the supreme law of the land. The Judiciary Act of 1789 gave the Supreme Court original jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus (legal orders compelling government officials to act in accordance with the law). A suit was brought under this Act, but the Supreme Court noted that, the Constitution did not permit the Court to have original jurisdiction in this matter. Since Article VI of the Constitution establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, the Court held that an Act of Congress that is contrary to the Constitution, could not stand. This is almost on all fours with the mischief of the Supreme Court (Additional Original Jurisdiction Act) 2002. The difference being that the US Supreme Court unlike our Supreme Court spotted that Congress was acting in ultra vires of the US Constitution. Nevertheless, it’s interesting to note that in subsequent cases, the US Supreme Court also established its own authority to strike down State laws found to be in violation of the Constitution.

The Nigerian Supreme Court needs to be more constructive in establishing its own authority within its own plethora of laws, to judicially review executive and legislative acts contrary to the spirit and wording of the Constitution beyond mere reliance on Section 315(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

If it is to achieve this goal, it’s established position on locus standi and the public interest requirement in bringing civil actions, will need to be revisited in the near future. This is what is expected of our Supreme Court, and to aid them in this regard perhaps, they should start hiring research assistants who are academically inclined, rather than rely to their detriment on the written addresses of eminent legal practitioners which in many instances, turn out to be nothing more than self serving. This way, there can be no question whatsoever, of our Apex Court ever again having to play second fiddle to mischief makers within the National Assembly.

Assembly has by stealth, imposed all its disputes with the Presidency on the Supreme Court even in circumstances where ordinarily it should be initiated in a lower court to hear at first instance, if not for the mischief of Section 1(1)(a) of the Supreme Court (Additional Original Jurisdiction) Act 2002, which we now know is unconstitutional.

“….. the National Assembly (NASS) appears to have hoodwinked the Supreme Court into believing that it has the power to confer upon it both original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear disputes at first instance between the Presidency and National Assembly. Nothing could be further from the truth!”

Last Tuesday, November 15, the Epiphany Azinge Foundation held it's 2022 Annual Lecture titled “Leadership and Service to Humanity”, delivered by Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and the public presentation of the Biography "AZINGE: Born to Serve" at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre, Abuja. Here are some of per sonalities who attended the event….

PHOTOS: JULIUS ATOI

Labour Party Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed (left) and Okwesileze Nwodo

Minister of Works & Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, who delivered the Annual Lecture (left) and Chairman of the Occasion, Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha

L-R: Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN; Godknows Igali and John Cardinal Onaiyikan

Hannibal Uwaifo (left) and Austin Kwentua

MD/CEO, Rain Oil Ltd, Dr Gabriel Ogbechie (left) and Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN

Unveiling the Book "AZINGE: Born to Serve"

Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN and his wife, Dr Mrs Valerie Azinge, SAN

Mrs Ijeoma Agwu (left) and Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN

Prof Peter Akper, SAN and Dr Richard Oma Ahuonaruogho, SAN

Prof Adebambo Adewopo, SAN (left) and Prof Paul Idornigie, SAN

L-R: Former NBA President, Olumide Akpata; Prof Osita Ogbu and Joey Azinge

Chairman of ICPC, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN (left) and Prof Senator Oserheimen Osunbor

Rising Suicide Cases in Nigeria: Causes and Solutions

National statistics, have shown a noticeable increase in the cases of suicide across Nigeria. People continue to jump off the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge into the Lagoon, or ingest ‘Sniper’, a disinfectant and all purpose cleaner, turned into a popular and easily available poison, to commit suicide. In a country where suicide is erroneously associated with spiritual causes, plus a paucity of psychiatric experts, curbing the malaise is undoubtedly challenging. Leading Psychiatric expert, Dr Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, Onikepo Braithwaite, Kede Aihie

young

Suicide: The Fourth Largest Cause of Death in the World

Dr Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri

Rising Number of Suicides

The recent deaths of Bimbo Ogbonna, Adetutu Adedokun, and Adedoyin Ayinde have raised the question: Why is suicide becoming more common in Nigeria? And what can be done to reverse the trends? Of course, these are a few cases known to the public due to their widely publicised deaths.

In addition to the 703 000 suicides per year, many more people attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that has a lasting impact on the survivors, including the families, communities, and entire nations.

Suicide is a common cause of mortality, that affects people of all ages. It is the fourth largest cause of death worldwide, among those aged 15 to 29. This is a global issue that affects all parts of the world, not only high-income nations. In fact, low- and middle-income nations such as Nigeria, accounted for more than 77% of all suicides worldwide in 2019.

Mental Illness & Other Reasons for Suicide

Concern among stakeholders and officials regarding depression and the drive to kill oneself, which are becoming more widespread in Nigeria and are currently manifesting in a rise in the number of suicides, is growing. Although there is a strong correla tion between mental disorders and

“Suicide is a common cause of mortality, that affects people of all ages. It is the fourth largest cause of death worldwide, among those aged 15 to 29.…In fact, low- and middle-income nations such as Nigeria, accounted for more than 77% of all suicides worldwide in 2019”

suicide in high-income countries, particularly depression and alcohol use disorders, many suicides occur impulsively in times of crisis due to a breakdown in coping mechanisms for life's stresses, such as chronic pain and illness, financial difficulties, and relationship breakups.

The World Health Organisation’s findings in 2020, indicated that about 30% of Nigerians have one form of mental illness or the other. With the Covid-19 pandemic, the security situation in the country, and other social issues such as unemployment, economic issues, poverty, financial challenges, insecurity among others. it is believed that these figures have gone up significantly.

As a Psychiatrist, I have had to attend to patients who are suicidal, and one common thing they admit to as survivors, is the show of regret. This means they deserve to receive counselling, therapy, and other necessary support, because most people that tried to kill themselves never wanted to die; they just wanted the pain to go away.

Low Psychiatrist-to-Population Ratio in Nigeria

The population of Nigeria is currently estimated to be about 200 million people, but there are inadequate

numbers of available medical professionals to cater to the health needs of the nation. The situation is even direr for mental health, with a psychiatrist-to-population ratio of 1:1,000,000 Nigerians. This roughly translates to one psychiatrist, for every one million people in Nigeria. The psychiatrist-patient ratio in Nigeria is therefore, dismal, thereby widening the mental health treatment gap. Furthermore, the majority of available psychiatrists in the country are based in the urban and southern parts of Nigeria. There is a massive shortage of psychiatrists in the country, especially outside the aforementioned areas, and the psychiatrist-patient ratio is widely off the mark.

What Suicidal People Require

Indeed, what suicidal people really need is effective treatment, counselling, and assistance, not punishment, as attempting suicide is a criminal offence in Nigeria, under Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act, and carries a penalty of up to one year in prison.

In as much as we know that family members, relatives and religious leaders do help their loved ones when in distress, managing a suicidal patient requires techniques that those who are desirous of helping lack. For this, schools, government agencies such as LCC, religious and corporate organisations

and Abdul Ed Malik examine why both the

and the old are taking their lives, and possible solutions to curb the scourge

Rising Suicide Cases in Nigeria: Causes and Solutions

should have mental health first aid training for staff and Human Resources team members, to be better equipped to help is situations such as this.

Advice

As we prepare for the 2023 general elections, I strongly advocate that the National Assembly and the Presidency, where the Mental Health Bill lies now, should receive urgent attention to be passed into law as an Act. Also, we need to make sure that the integration of mental health into primary healthcare, is fully done and fully prosecuted. The National Health Authority Act needs to cover more mental health conditions, and include in their formulary the newer available medications in the country. This will also serve as a remedy. for universal mental health coverage investment.

Dr Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, MD/CEO, Pinnacle Medical Services; and Author of ‘Deep Expression’; Africa’s leading voice for mental health in normalising mental health conversations. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @iamdrmay

The Road to Suicide

Onikepo Braithwaite Definition

of Suicide

Suicide is “the action of killing oneself intentionally”. Black’s Law Dictionary defines suicide as “the wilful and voluntary act of a person who understands the physical nature of the act, and intends by it to accomplish the result of self-destruction”, “the deliberate termination of one’s existence while in the possession and enjoyment of his mental faculties”. It seems that two of the key elements of suicide in this definition, are the voluntariness and being in one’s right mind. However, the argument is that, a person in their right mind, who isn’t suffering from one mental health issue or the other like Depression, is unlikely to intentionally or voluntarily kill themselves. Self-killing by an insane person, a person not of sound mind, is not suicide. Insurance Co. v Moore, 34 Mich 41.

My Friend’s Older Sister

One of the most common reasons why people commit suicide, is Depression, a mental illness which comes in various forms, some of its causes may be unknown, or due to heartbreak, bereavement, financial crisis, and so on. A person can get so depressed and feels so helpless, that he/she starts to lose the will to live, and sees death as a better option.

As a child, suicide did not seem to be a common occurrence. The only person whom I ever knew that committed suicide, was my friend’s older sister. I will never forget the unfortunate incident. She ingested the disinfectant cleaner, ‘Izal’ (which today now seems to have been replaced by ‘Sniper’, a powerful disinfectant and all purpose cleaner), and by the time assistance reached her, it was too late. She had successfully killed herself. I’m not quite sure, whether anyone knew the reason why she took such a drastic step and ended her life in her teens. No one was really encouraged to talk about it.

Sniper & Third Mainland Bridge

However, today, in Nigeria, suicide seems

to be becoming rather commonplace. These days, Third Mainland Bridge, from where people plunge themselves into the Lagos Lagoon, is apparently the choice location for this dastardly act. There was the case of Dr Allwell Orji, a medical doctor. He had instructed his driver to park the car on the Bridge. He then jumped into the Lagoon. His body was found a few days later. Though the reason for his suicide may be connected with depression, several others, including two ladies who were unsuccessful in their suicide attempts on the Bridge (one of the ladies was 51 years old in 2017 when she made the attempt), were pushed to this point by indebtedness. The two unsuccessful ladies were upset that they were fished out of the Lagoon and were rescued in the nick of time, as they knew that their financial problems would still persist. The 51 year old lady was instructed by the Magistrate whom she appeared before, to submit herself for psychiatric tests.

A couple of weeks ago, purportedly after a heated argument with her fiancée, a young lady jumped off third mainland bridge and successfully committed suicide, while a young mother of two was said to have ingested Sniper and killed herself, as a result of marital problems. It is a known fact that, in Nigeria, many married women are going through hell; they are ill-treated, emotionally abused and disrespected by their husbands, some even beaten to death by abusive husbands. They are however, sometimes encouraged to stay on in horrible marriages by their families members, possibly because the husbands are good financial providers, or by their churches/pastors who tell them that

“Though suicidal people may keep their intention to themselves, a few of the warning signs may be mood swings, isolation at home and general withdrawal from society, change of habits like eating and sleeping…. talk of feelings of hopelessness, increase in alcohol consumption or drug taking, saying things like “Gbogbo nkan ma ti su mi”(I am tired of everything)….”

God hates divorce, so, they should endure and keep praying to God for their husbands to change; all this while the women get progressively depressed! Suicide has become so commonplace these days, with the young and not-so-young, that most of us can say that we personally know people who have killed themselves. Why should it be so?

With the youngsters who commit suicide, they may also suffer from mental health issues. But, could it also be the permissiveness of the world today, that people can do pretty much whatever they like to be happy, including take their own lives to be free, that has spurred them on? I do not have an answer.

As youngsters, we were taught that suicide was a sin that God would not forgive, and those who killed themselves would surely go to hell. That position doesn’t seem to hold any water today.

Nigerians are Depressed: Some Causes & Statistics

It is obvious that today, the reasons for suicide in Nigeria may not only be love or heartbreak; but, mental illness, drug use, and financial difficulties/ crisis – not being able to meet up with one’s basic responsibilities, indebtedness, the prevailing harsh economic conditions that exist in the country. At least three of my friends confessed to me that they contemplated suicide at some point in time of their lives, due to the financial crisis they were facing at the time.

In 2016, the World Happiness Report, showed that Nigeria had dropped drastically from its 78th position to 103 in the world happiness ranking. In 2022, we are now in 118th position out of 146 countries, meaning that as the years have gone by, we have become progressively unhappy. As of 2015, Nigerians were the 2nd happiest people in Africa, by 2017 we had dropped to the 6th position; today, Nigeria does not feature among the first ten happiest countries in Africa!

Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act provides that “Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable to imprisonment”. Those who fail in their suicide attempts,

may therefore face prosecution, and a 1 year stay in a vile Nigerian prison, if convicted (which will only worsen their mental health, since prison conditions in Nigeria are deplorable, one of the worst in the world). As if imprisonment/ punishment is what they need! A person that is desperate enough to attempt to end their lives, obviously needs help, not imprisonment. Personally, I find the provision to be rather ludicrous; it evinces the fact that the Nigerian State itself, does not really understand mental health issues and how to deal with them.

Furthermore, in these parts, talking about mental health issues is almost a taboo, let alone admitting to suffering from depression, schizophrenia or being bipolar; people are ashamed to admit to any form of mental ill-health, unless it’s a headache or migraine! Therefore, many suffer in silence, under so much pressure and go untreated until they explode. We only recognise that all is not well with an individual when things become extreme, when we see them running around the streets in a state of undress, looking rough or talking gibberish.

Some Suicidal Signs

Though suicidal people may keep their intention to themselves, a few of the warning signs may be mood swings, isolation at home and general withdrawal from society, change of habits like eating and sleeping (some may begin to stay up through the night while the world is asleep, thinking all sorts of bad thoughts and giving them the opportunity to fester, with no one around to disabuse their minds), talk of feelings of hopelessness, increase in alcohol consumption or drug taking, saying things like “Gbogbo nkan ma ti su mi” (I am tired of everything), “I wish I was never born”, putting their affairs in order, and contacting people to say goodbye. A person contemplating suicide may also talk about death a lot, about heaven and hell, sound cynical and pessimistic, and give away prized possessions, which under normal circumstances they would not consider parting with.

How to Assist a Suicidal Person

Once you may have recognised suicidal signs in an individual, take them seriously. Be a good listener, especially in order to try to discover as much as possible, what is going on in the mind of such an individual, and what actions they may be

Dr Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri

Onikepo Braithwaite

Rising Suicide Cases in Nigeria: Causes and Solutions

planning to take. Let the suicidal party know that you care, and you want to help and support them. Let such a person know that the feelings of hopelessness and committing suicide, can pass, and advice them to seek professional help, even though here in Nigeria there is a paucity of mental health professionals. Try to point out better alternatives to suicide. Unfortunately, Nigeria does not seem to have proper infrastructure set up for psychiatric counselling, though in 2017, Lagos State Government recognising that there is an increase in the rate of suicide, established some help lines, so that people can seek assistance. I do not know whether these lines are still functional, and if they are, how successful they have been in curbing suicide in Lagos.

Conclusion

Can someone in their right mind, just decide that they are tired of life and just decide to end it? Or are such decisions taken as a result of stress, desperation or mental illness, which precludes a person from being rational? I do not have the answers. But, I know that Mental Health Illness like Depression, is simply a sickness of the mind, just as Malaria or Cancer is a sickness of the body. Americans visit their therapists on a regular basis, to talk things through. The sooner Africans stop attaching a stigma to mental health issues, the easier it will be for sufferers to seek proper professional help, instead of living in unending emotional pain which may eventually push them to suicide. This could save many lives. Maybe it is even the fact that most people are ashamed or unwilling to seek professional help, that has discouraged many of our medical practitioners from choosing to specialise in psychiatry and psychology.

Onikepo Braithwaite, Editor, This Day Lawyer

Suicide, Now a National Scourge

Kede Aihie

The number of suicide cases reported in Nigeria are getting a bit high, and therefore, require national attention. The death of a young lady, who tragically jumped into the Lagos lagoon about two weeks ago, should make mental health issues a topic for regular discussion and conversation in Nigeria.

What is driving people to take their lives, especially young people? I am not a psychiatrist or psychologist, so my article is geared towards having a conversation on this issue, which seems to be a taboo subject among Nigerians, indeed, among Africans.

Sweden & Statistics

The cause of suicide vary from one society to another. For example, Sweden has a high suicide rate, studies have shown that "suicide-bereaved individuals may suffer increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) due to traumatic grief".

In Sweden, suicide is one of the most common single causes of death. With a population of 10 million people, approximately 1,500 individuals die by suicide every year (National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, 2019). Every death to suicide has a ripple effect, and is estimated to deeply affect at least 6 to 14 relatives and close friends (Clark and Goldney, 2000; Jones and Meier, 2011; Jordan and McIntosh, 2011).

According to World Health Or ganisation (WHO), suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in people aged 15 to 19 years (male and female). It also stated that, over 700,000 people die due to suicide annually.

Causes of Suicide in Nigeria

The major cause of suicide in Nigeria, seems to be tied to mental health issues and depression. Why will a young man or woman end their lives over issues like rejection, broken hearts, poor academic performance or some unexplained reasons? The challenge here is that not many studies have been done in Nigeria, to give accurate data on the number of deaths. The law is also punitive in Nigeria, people who attempt suicides are criminalised, charged to court for attempted suicide.

In Nigeria, suicide is not a crime (no brainer), but attempted suicide is. Section 327 in the Criminal Code Act (which applies to Southern Nigeria) states that:

"Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable to imprisonment for one year.”

Similarly, Section 231 of the Penal Code Act (applicable to Northern Nigeria) asserts that:

"Whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both". I think these laws should either be removed, or amended to reflect the social impact it has on survivors, who shouldn't be stigmatised or punished, but require professional help instead.

Suggestions

My suggestion for solutions is that, when in difficulty seek help, talk to a professional, trusted friend or

"In Nigeria, suicide is not a crime (no brainer), but attempted suicide is.…I think these laws should either be removed, or amended to reflect the social impact it has on survivors, who shouldn't be stigmatised or punished, but require professional help instead”

family member or even your clergy. They will, in most cases, show com passion. In my book Rising Above Challenges, I dealt with the issue of Wellbeing (Chapter 8) and shared my conversation with medical doctors on the mental health issues facing the African and Black people in the UK, and by extension Africa/Nigeria. The major take away, is creating awareness Hopefully, this conversation can be taken forward, as a national discourse.

Kede Aihie, Lawyer, Author, Publisher of The Nigerian Magazine in London

Rising Incidences of Suicide: The Monsters Within Abdul Ed Malik

In recent times, the plethora of mysterious deaths and suicides has taken a macabre lead in the worry of health and social challenges faced by the nation.

The ascendancy of suicide and suicidal thoughts, as a welcome shortcut to personal problems faced by both young and old people, is cause for studied analysis by psychologists, psychiatrist professionals and even faith-based organisations like Churches, Mosques and community centres.

Causes

Look at even our military personnel, suffering from PTSD. They have seen too much human misery and deaths, that go into their brains. Endless insurgency and military campaigns, without the corresponding needed holidays to break the cycle of violence that they witness daily are some of the things they grapple with.

This unfortunate and worrisome scenario, can be rightly compartmentalised into medical and society. I mean or rather, I’m talking about clinical depression caused by inadequate medical attention and pressures built up by the demands of the society.

Generally, a cursory layman appropriation of the problem would reveal that, with more advance in technology, there’s a concomitant pressure build-up that many people are not able to handle within their limited means of access and mental capacity. It’s a multi-faceted malaise.

Many people are struggling with drug addiction, especially overdoses on common OTC sleeping pills after

suffering emotional or marital disap pointment. Others are suffering intense financial pressures due to rising costs of daily living, peer pressure and all kinds of disillusionment.

The foregoing scenario is a really gloomy picture, when one looks at the attention and concerted efforts required to reverse or slow down the trend, in the context of the resources that the Government allocates to undertake a comprehensive study and proffer solution, or even provide more safety nets for the vulnerable.

But, from a non-medical point of view, I think society is growing too far apart, due to the influence of social media. You find out that many people have large social media followership, but, in real life, have no real friends. So, everything is just surreal, with no reality of any form.

Let me tell you something, traditionally, there were many avenues for fellowship such as churches, mosques, town’s meet ings and events, and just a communal spirit. People looked out for their family members and others. But, do you know that, nowadays, that many do not even know their neighbour has been sick for months until they see the corpse being moved out, that’s when they ask what happened. It’s become a conglomeration of fake life and me, me, me with no care for others.

Suggestion

Not to take much of your time or space, I think or rather, I want to canvass that the religious bodies and faith-based organisations do more outreach programs to discourage the idea of anyone tak ing his own life, no matter the degree of disappointment or disillusionment. People should be encouraged to build real relationships, check on each other from time to time. Believe it or not, a simple ‘Hi’ or ‘Hey, Buddy I was thinking of you’ is enough sometimes, to change the course of a person’s negative thoughts.

Sometime ago, I read that a Psychiatrist shot himself because of pressure of the job. Think of that. It’s pressure everywhere. It’s time the health professionals and religious bodies, and even lifestyle consultants, enlighten us on more safe means to let off the pressures.

The parents have a lot to do too, by taking time to bond with their children and wards, to understand their crowded vision of life and help them to make good choices. See, there’s blowing up everywhere. May God help us.

Abdul Ed Malik, Abuja

Kede Aihie

Abdul Ed Malik

L-R: Functioning Director, Quality Assurance Unit, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (ESUBEB), Mrs. Edoghogho Ogboko; Executive Chairperson, ESUBEB, Mrs. Ozavize E. Salami; and state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the EdoBEST booth during the just concluded Alagodaro Economic Summit held in Benin-city, Edo State…recently

L-R: Director, Human Resources Management, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Umaru Kawu; Director, Laboratory Services, SON, Dr. Barth Ugwu; Special Adviser to the Director-General, SON, Emeka Duru; Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, SON, Farouk Salim; Chief Operating Officer, MicCom Cables and Wires Limited/President, Cable Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria, Olubukola Adubi; and Assistant Director/representative of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Joseph Emoleke, during SON oneday stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop/MANCAP certificate presentation held in Lagos…recently

L-R: Nigerian actor, Chief Emeka Ossai; President, Association of Travel and Tourism Writers of Nigeria(ATTWON), Mr. Ayo Omotoso; Nollywood Administrator, Mr. Kepy Ekpeyong; and Vice President, Association of Voice Over Artist, Mr. Abdul Mohammed, during a ‘Day with Nollywood’ at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Global conference in Lagos...recently

PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

L-R: National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Director of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Mr. Omotade Ayodele; Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji; and Ekiti State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Mary Chikezie, during Ayodele’s courtesy visit to the governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti…recently

L-R: Chairman, National Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State chapter, Mr. Leye Ajayi; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako Oyedele; former Chairperson, Lagos State NUJ, Mrs. Olufunke Fadugba; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, receiving Exemplary Leadership Award of Excellence from the Chairman of Journalists Estate Residents Development Association, Phase I, Mr. Jide Oke; and Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Waheed Odusile, during the governor’s visit and media interaction with the journalists after the official inauguration of Arepo-Journalists Estate road in Arepo, Ogun State...recently

A student of the Christ Apostolic Church Secondary School, Benue State, Ogah Otumola (left), receiving a certificate of participation from the Public Relations Lead, 9mobile, Chineze Amanfo (right), during the 17 Stories Fest held in Lagos...recently

L-R: His Royal Majesty, Igwe Emeka Nnamdi Okezie, Igwe Okija; Founder, Obijackson Foundation, Dr. Ernest Nnaemka Azudialu-Obiejesi; the chief host/Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; and Group Executive Director, Nestoil Group, Dr. Nnenna Maryann Obiejesi, at the dedication and inauguration of the Okija Town Union hall, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos…recently

Inside Story of Lagos Building Collapse where Regulators Mortgage Lives for as Low as N50,000 (1)

of

first part of

has become a recurring

undercover investigation,

On May 1, 2022 when house 34, Ibadan Street, located in Ebute-Metta, Lagos State collapsed, it left people killed, wounded and others maimed. But that is not all; the dead have forgotten their pains, but the living are still suf fering. The event left scars in the lives of those that survived, among which are Mr. Adekunle Mufutau, his wife and four children.

The Ebute-metta incident followed shortly after a three-storey building under construction at Akanbi Crescent in Yaba, Lagos, collapsed in February 12, claiming no fewer than five lives.

Ebute-metta boasts features that rate its high in Lagos profiling. The predominantly market area houses the legendary 112-year-old Nigerian Railway Corporation. Rated as one of the first developed areas in Lagos, the suburb packs a number of buildings that are as old as the colonial era.

Little wonder it recently became a hotspot for building collapse in Lagos, after Lagos Island. A recent study carried out by Nigerian real estate data analytics platform, Estate Intel, submits that 20 percent of building collapse in Lagos was due to old/dilapidated buildings.

Mufutau and some of his family members may have survived the incident, their lives have never been the same. Aside from trauma, the family has been literally torn apart, with all living separately with acquaintances. That inclusive, unity bound, unique to African families, has been ripped.

Another incident that keeps Mufutau awake at night was the death of his only educated daughter, Sinat.

Mufutau’s new shelter, where he resides alone, is nowhere better than a shanty, a reality he has come to accept.

Coming to receive this reporter, he literally squeezed his body, while bending his head towards the knee to make exit out of his table-sized under stairs cubbyhole apartment.

"Let’s talk outside. Inside is stuffy and dark,” Mufutau, 54, said in a sotto voce voice.

The man, who looks frail and weary, became emotional as he speaks about the death of his daughter. Tears gathered in his eyes as much as he tried to suppress it. In Africa, a man must not cry, even when his heart is breaking. He whispered rhetorically, “What am I living for when my hope is gone?"

According to Mufutau, Sinat, 24, and awaiting corp member, was his only educated child of five others.

Continuing, he said with tears rolling down his cheeks, "She is all that I laboured for in 30 years. Her older siblings didn't go to school because I don't have the financial power. I saw Sinat as an extremely bright child who has shown keen interest in education right from when she was a child. This was why I gave it all it took, including obtaining loan to enable her get quality education. I had hoped that she would be able to sponsor the education of her two younger siblings once she starts working, and also fend for me in my old age.”

Late Sinat and others who lost their lives in the building collapse should not have been, had Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA,

and demolished the ill-fated house 21 days after it was discovered to be unsafe.

LASBCA is a government agency empowered by law to remove distressed buildings so as to prevent collapse.

Our reporter found out that the 21-year old building, filled with tenants, was left precariously for close to 180 days, before it finally caved in.

Just when Lagos was still undone with the evacuation exercise at Ebuttemeta, another two-storey building crumbled like a pack of cards in Chris Igadi Street, Ago Palace area of Lagos.

Jarring Statistics

The trend of building collapse in the state appears to bring the prediction of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, BCPG, to fruition. The Guild in 2019 had forewarned that Lagos should gear up for more than 36,000 building collapses.

According to the guild, of the 508 building collapse in Nigeria between 1974 and July 2022, Lagos accounts for 63 percent of the collapses, recording 320 cases.

Between January and July 2022, the Lagos State Emergency Manage ment Agency, LASEMA, disclosed that Lagos experienced 31 cases of building collapse, the highest in 21 years.

As it stands, Lagos is tagged the epicenter of building collapse globally.

Experts blame incessant collapse in the state on lack of compliance to building codes and standards, fuelled by corrupt regulatory officials and weak enforcement.

Corroborating experts position, Estate Intel's study further asserted that man-made factors were largely responsible for building collapses in Lagos, which could have been averted.

The study maintains that building collapse in Lagos has a root in corrupt practices of enforcement personnel, who get carried away by instant gratifications, thus throw building rules to the wind.

But despite the awful havoc, it is as though lessons were not learnt judging from this reporter's experience on construction site, and particularly, the shady conduct of regulatory officials when this reporter went undercover.

As a necessity, which is in ac cordance with Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Development (URPD) Law 2019, a property owner must obtain a building permit ap proval before he/she kicks-off

construction.

Experts say that permit would ensure that a building complies with building laws and codes and prevent people from just constructing as they deem fit.

A building permit as defined is an official approval to construct a new building or expand or remodel an existing one. Its purpose is to ensure that the construction project follows all relevant regulations, including building standards, land use, and environmental protection.

A former President of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr Kunle Awobodu said, "The essence of a building permit is to check and assess both the architectural and structural designs for adequacy."

Infractions on Construction Sites

Surprisingly, of up to six sites that this reporter visited across Agege, Ijaiye, Ebutte-meta and Lagos Island, only a property situated at 23, Freeman Street, Lagos Island claimed to have a permit.

But, inspite that the site coordinator (name unknown) boasted about having the mandatory permit, this reporter who observed for more than two hours found out, with help from one of the bricklayers that mixed ratio blocks setting was below standards.

According to the bricklayer, who did not divulge his name, one bag of cement was being used in setting of 60 bricks of 9-inches size, which Awobodu said 40 bricks is the standard.

Questioned on the mixed imbalance, the brick layer said, “We do so because it is a developer's property. If it is your personal house, I will advise you use one bag of cement to set 40 or 45 bricks. By that, the house will be stronger.”

In another instance, an Ijaiye landlord, in his 50s, who craved anonymity for fear of being targeted, told this reporter that he did not get a permit because of the many conditions that come with it.

The landlord, who occupies an uncompleted one-storey building, said that he got more discour aged when he was told by the permit issuing agency that such permit will become invalid if he does not begin to build in two years.

The landlord said he bribed up to five regulatory agencies to the tune of N300, 000, to get the building to its present level, adding that they did not bother to check the construction works for error or any abnormalities.

Our reporter found out that other than La gos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) that issues building permit and LASBCA that monitors construction on permit ted building, there are four more agencies that regulate building in Lagos. These agencies also set conditions with accruing charges.

Another landlord who also did not give his name in Agege area, said he failed to obtain permit because the money involved was enough to complete his building half way. He said that his site was sealed by LASPPPA officials for not having a permit, but he settled them with N50,000.

Already, experts have faulted the complexity of procedure in permit processing, which also included the delay and high cost of getting it done.

A check on the pre-conditions for obtaining building permit in Lagos revealed that a property

owner has to fulfill up to 25 conditions before he can be granted a permit approval, all of which come with charges as high as N1million.

Out of these conditions as highlighted in Lagos URPD law are: Certificate of Occupancy, Lands Bureau Clearance, Land use Charge Receipt, Evidence of Payment of Assessment Fees, Tax Clearance and Land Use Planning and Analysis Report ( LUPAR), amongst others.

Our reporter found out that countries such as Liberia and Malawi recently reduce their building permit fees by up to half, and trimmed their conditions to exclude item as tax clearance certificate, to enhance compliance to building codes.

A further search via Google revealed that Liberia experienced four building collapse between 2013 and August 2022, two of which were due to rainfall and fire.

Stressing the danger in bribery, a past President of Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Engr. Babagana Mohammed said, "Choosing to bribe against obtaining permit is a free license to building collapse. By implication, there will be no profes sional monitoring for such houses; the owners will build at will without observing building codes. The permit is there to guide in building and ensure suitability and appropriateness."

Disturbingly, only 20 percent of construction in Lagos possess permit, according to the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Chapter of NIOB, Edidiong Ikpoto.

Inspite of this hanging statistic, which is manifesting as constant building collapse in different parts of the state, officials are still helping property owners to contravene building codes for a penny.

This is evident in the transaction that ensued between our reporter and officials of LASBCA and LASPPPA when she went undercover.

Do you want Construction or Permit?

Visiting LASBCA office in Agege, in a place popularly called 'Maternity', this reporter feigned being a property owner, situated in power line area of Orile-Agege Local Government, with the intention to get building permit.

Though this reporter was meant to visit LASPPPA, the agency empowered by law to issue permit, the visit to LASBCA was deliberate.

Meanwhile, Lagos State URPD law frowns at building under high tension power line because of the danger it poses.

This notwithstanding, the official simply identified as Johnson asked, “Do you want construction or Permit?” Construction simply means bribe by Johnson's explanation.

By offering bribe, property owners are al lowed to build at will and not to be disturbed by regulatory officials even if such building is not at par with standards.

Surprisingly, this period was when a nine-storey building collapsed in Oniru, Victoria Island, on September 4, 2022, that caused the former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Idris Salako to resign.

Not bothered still, Johnson said, "If you want

For years, buildings collapse, leading to hundreds

deaths

and worrisome nightmare to citizens of Lagos State. In the

this

Omolabake Fasogbon discovers that inspite of this havoc, infractions persist on construction sites, with regulatory officials aiding and abetting violation of building codes

High tension powerline in front of the site

Late Sinat Adekunle Credit: GOOGLE and THISDAY Reporter Survivor

permit, you have to fulfill all conditions, make payment and get clearance from appropriate quarters after which you wait for your permit to be ready. This does not come so soon but if you want to fast track it, you have to pay processing fee (PR) to the officer helping you. The faster you want it out will determine how much you pay." Johnson said PR cost between N300, 000 to N500, 000.

Continuing, he said, “But note that if your permit is not ready and you start building, you have contravened; you will still have to settle us or pay penal fee to government."

Our investigation revealed that permit may take up three to six months before it is ready, although the state claimed to have reviewed processing period downward to 10 working days.

This reporter further found out that oftentimes, property owners get stuck for having not to be able to fulfill up to 25 preconditions for permit processing, thus choose to cut corners with ready and willing officials.

On the consequence of delayed permit, Awobodu said, "Prolonged building approval process is a prelude to building collapse. When building plan approval is unnecessarily delayed, usually with the intention of extorting money from the building owners or developers, some daredevil developers haunted by interest on bank loans or subscribers' pressure, proceed with building construction without government approval."

As part of efforts to address this hitch, Lagos State government introduced the e- planning permit to fast-track the process and also checks corrupt practices of officers.

Asked if one would still need to pay PR for e-permit, Johnson's colleague (name unknown), who was part of the discussion said, “Whether e-permit or paper processing, PR is unavoidable if you want your permit processing to be fast."

Johnson further hinted this reporter on the cost implications of some of the conditions needed to process a permit.

He said, "Prepare up to N200, 000 for LUPAR, the cost of permit is not fixed, it will be calculated from your architectural drawings. You should also prepare between N750, 000 to N1millon for property tax, depending on the price of the property but expect to pay more than this if you've not been paying tax ."

While Johnson was still analysing these conditions, this reporter let out a heavy sigh in exclamation, which prompted an ironic smile from Johnson. His smiles simply connotes and admits the ambiguity and impossibility of fulfilling the conditions.

A close source in LASPPPA once told this reporter that most officials avoid permit for their personal property because of the tough process and huge cost.

Johnson quickly cashed in on this reporter's expression and retorted, "E fee gbese wole abi” meaning “You don't want to get permit?” The reporter struggled to stammer a 'Yes' in fear, while anticipating a stark objection from Johnson, since her choice was unlawful.

His response was, however, reassuring. “Why are you stammering? You don't have to be afraid; you don't have any problem at all. There is no big deal in it; people do it a lot", he boasted.

Not only did Johnson who is meant to enforce building codes obliged to building in power-line area, a restricted area, he equally gave a go ahead to carry out construction without adherence to mandatory building code.

N1millon Settlement or N3millon Permit Fee

Like Johnson, Chanpee, another LASBCA official, also did not hesitate to help this reporter to cut corners against the standards.

Chanpee was introduced to this reporter after efforts to meet LASPPPA junior officer in their Agege, stadium office failed.

At LASPPPA office, the officials seemed to be out on site inspection, but an administrative staff directed this journalist to the District Officer (DO), the most superior officer.

The DO was sighted attending to permit related issues for some persons seated in queue. Right in front of her door was a poster with inscription, "Don't pay assessment through staff or tout.” Assessment also means permit fee.

Our investigation revealed that fake officers often parade themselves as either LASPPPA or LABSCA officers to extort unsuspecting property owners.

Further findings showed how some very bad officers issue fake permit to innocent property owners after collecting huge sums.

Meeting the DO, simply identified as Mrs Aina, told this reporter to present a survey of the land before rendering any help.

But meeting Chanpee, he asked this reporter to prepare N3millon for permit fee or N1million settlement.

Questioned on the restriction on power line, he said, “There is really no problem with building on power line, after all, there are several houses there. You won't be the first and you won't be the last."

This reporter opted to bribe, but plea to get him to reduce the bribe fell on deaf ears, instead, he gave a sarcastic response, saying, "It is even better that you obtain your permit since your project is near power line so in the event of future demolition, you can be sure of compensation from government. Just that your permit will not be ready between now and December that you are planning to finish the house."

Often times during the conversa tion, Chanpee enquired to know how close the site was to the main road as well as how soon the project will be completed.

Our reporter learnt that corrupt officers work better with building projects in obscure location that cannot be easily sighted or traced by their superiors.

After this reporter agreed to pay N1millon, Chanpee further condi tioned this reporter, saying, "You need to complete the house within the four months you promised o because I can't look at your back for so long. And I hope you will

be secretive about this because you people are difficult to help. You can imagine that it is those people that Commissioner helped and collected money from that exposed him to the governor when a building collapsed recently,” he said referring to Salako on the Oniru collapse.

LASPPPA Official Demands N700, 000 to help Reporter Violate Building Codes

This reporter had arranged for a plot of land in Power line with the help of a property agent, as Johnson insisted on seeing the land before billing. Johnson visited the land and concluded it was a good one for the deal given that the location was far from the main road.

He billed this reporter N1millon to go ahead with building without permit.

This is inspite that the land in question is marshy. A marshy land according to Muhammed will require extra and tough supervision to get it done right.

As the reporter pleaded with him to reduce the price, his colleague who came with him for site inspection, retorted, "Then go for permit if you think N1millon is too much.”

This reporter played along and agreed to obtain building permit, but when a call was placed to one Opere in LASPPPA office, Opere said, "Chances of getting permit for a property under power line were slim but where it is possible, a space of 20 metre must be left between the building and the high tension wire."

Johnson asked our reporter to do a survey of the land to be able to verify its eligibility for permit. This reporter was able to fetch the land's survey through the property agent. After Johnson checked the survey, he claimed that the land was not eligible for permit.

From findings, a site ineligible for permit, like power line should not be constructed on.

But Johnson suggested to this reporter to manipulate the survey document to enhance its eligibility for permit, he later dropped the idea.

Our investigation revealed that regulatory officials sometimes help property owner to manipulate documents like survey and architectural drawing to deceive permit issuing agency.

Further investigation showed that this option works when a property is ineligible for permit or when a property owner is up to mischief.

Confirming this anomaly, Awobodu said, "At times, property owner prepare two sets of drawings for the same building: one set for purpose of obtaining permit and the other set is for the actual site construction. Hence, what is being built stands at variance with the approved building plan."

Having established that the site is not eligible for permit, Johnson still asked this reporter to conclude on settlement, which reporter finally agreed to pay N1 million.

“But you should prepare to settle like five other agencies including LASPPPA. When you settle all these quarters, then you are free to build whatever you want to build. Nobody will monitor or disturb you," he assured.

Upon our reporter’s request, Johnson placed another call to Opere , who billed this reporter N700, 000 to enable her build without a permit.

The trio of Johnson, Chanpee and Opere agreed that this reporter can build in a restricted area and not to follow the building codes.

While it is considered a criminal offence for regulatory officials to demand or accept bribes, the Lagos URPD law does not include punishment

for compromising officers.

Both Johnson and Chanpee have since been calling this reporter to consummate the deal but this reporter stopped picking their calls.

Building Regulations as 'Bait' for Con travention

Already, Lagos State has been adjudged the most expensive place to build in Africa at $2,056 per square metres, according to a Director at Turner and Townsend, Bruce Haswell.

A Lagos-based real estate lawyer, Aderemi Fagbemi, expressed that existing multiple regulatory agencies and expensive permit process further compound this reality.

Fagbemi argued that Lagos’ regulatory archi tecture makes it nearly impossible for property holder not to circumvent the process, given it ambiguities.

Our investigation revealed how the state mounts pressure on regulatory officials for returns on penal fee, usually obtained from contraveners.

A document sighted by our reporter on the amount Lagos generates from penal fee revealed the extent at which people violate building codes.

The document revealed that in May 2022 alone, Lagos was able to raise over N61million from target on penal fee, with some officials surpassing their monthly target.

Our investigation also revealed that corrupt officials often prey on the cryptic permit steps and owners tendency to circumvent the process, to enrich their pockets.

Awobodu also referred to the Land Use Act of 1978 as being counterproductive and tempting.

"A parcel of land purchased in the acquisition area will be denied Certificate of Occupancy, C of O. Meanwhile, building permit cannot be processed without C of O. The consequence of this is that developers circumvent the process and go ahead to construct. Whereas, government policy does not encourage monitoring of buildings bereft of plan approval. It's so sad.

Awobodu urged government to relax the provision, stressing that it was one of the reasons why property owners contravene.

To enhance compliance, Fagbemi urged Lagos government to take a clue from Malawi and Liberia.

She added, “There is no country in the world where a cost is not attached to permitting process, and the same is true of Lagos. In view of the pressing need for reformation in our built environ ment, the government may wish to adopt Liberia and Malawi’s approach. Additionally, construction or renovation projects classified as small projects such as low-cost residential buildings may be totally exempt from payment of permitting fees to encourage a higher percentage of formalisation until we have a more stable built environment.”

On her part, a Real-Estate lawyer, Barr. Olamide Onifade asserted that the tough regulatory environment adds up to the burden of housing deficit in Lagos.

"Many low income earners are scared off from building, while developers may choose to invest in other sectors. Consequently, the few ones who succumbed to the tedious process will place high cost on rent which will be borne by tenants,” she said.

--This story was produced with support from Tiger Eye Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation.

COP27 Reaches Breakthrough Agreement on New “Loss and Damage” Fund for Vulnerable Countries

Bennett Oghifo

The United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27 closed at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt at the weekend with a breakthrough agreement to provide “loss and damage” funding for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters.

Loss and damage, according to Chatham House, “normally refers to the destructive impacts of climate change that cannot be avoided either by mitiga tion (avoiding and reducing

greenhouse gas emissions) or adaptation (adjusting to current and future climate change impacts). It reflects the fact that climate change is already having negative effects on ecosystems, infrastructure and people’s health and liveli hoods around the world.”

COP27 resulted in countries delivering a package of decisions that reaffirmed their commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. The package also strengthened action by

countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change, as well as boosting the support of finance, technology and capacity building needed by developing countries.

Creating a specific fund for loss and damage marked an important point of progress, with the issue added to the official agenda and adopted for the first time at COP27.

Governments took the ground-breaking decision to establish new funding arrange ments, as well as a dedicated

fund, to assist developing countries in responding to loss and damage. Governments also agreed to establish a ‘transitional committee’ to make recommendations on how to operationalise both the new funding arrangements and the fund at COP28 next year. The first meeting of the transitional committee is expected to take place before the end of March 2023.

Parties also agreed on the institutional arrangements to operationalize the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage,

to catalyze technical assistance to developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

COP27 saw significant progress on adaptation, with governments agreeing on the way to move forward on the Global Goal on Adapta tion, which will conclude at COP28 and inform the first Global Stocktake, improving resilience amongst the most vulnerable. New pledges, totaling more than USD 230 million, were made to the

Adaptation Fund at COP27. These pledges will help many more vulnerable communities adapt to climate change through concrete adaptation solutions.

COP27 President Sameh Shoukry announced the Sharm el-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda, enhancing resilience for people living in the most climate-vulnerable communities by 2030. UN Climate Change’s Standing Committee on Finance was requested to prepare a report on doubling adaptation finance for consideration at COP28 next year.

UPDC Pledges to Continue Delivering High Quality, Projects

Bennett Oghifo

Nigeria’s foremost real estate company, UPDC Plc recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a promise to continue delivering high quality commer cial, residential and hospitality buildings.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of UPDC Plc., Mr. Odunayo Ojo, “over the next 25 years, UPDC will continue to deliver value. We’ll continue to keep to our promise of high quality, high integrity and ensuring that everything we do is focused on the end user, and focused on the customer.”

The 25th anniversary was marked with a Real Estate Summit with the theme ‘Housing Development Imperatives for Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges’. The panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Ojo, had personalities that are well-grounded in real estate investment matters. The panelists were: The Managing Director, James Cubitt Nigeria, Mr. Alan Davis; the Regional Head of Property for Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), Anne Rinu; Senior Partner/CEO of Knight Frank Nigeria, Mr. Frank Okosun; and the Surveyor General of Lagos State, Mr. Olutomi Sangowawa.

On the company’s exploits, the Chairman, Wole Oshin said, “Over the years UBC has grown to become Nigeria’s leading indigenous real estate company engaging in the acquisition, development, sales and management of high grade residential, retail commercial properties. The company has built a long standing track record within the Nigerian real estate sector, having completed multiple landmark residential and commercial developments, successfully sold high quality

Marks 25th anniversary

properties across the country and developed in-depth experience in delivering excellent facilities management services.

“UPDC also expanded into the retail and hospitality seg ments through the development of commercial properties, and a hotel. UPDC successfully issued its first corporate bond for N20 billion in 2010 and floated a UPDC REIT, which was listed on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited in 2013.”

On recently developments, Mr. Oshin said UPDC went through a series of corporate restructuring exercises “aimed at repositioning for better efficiency and back on the path of profitability,” stating that such turnaround exercises take years to materialise. UPDC has already started reaping the benefits of focus management, which will ultimately lead to sustained returns to the company’s investors and other stakeholders.”

The company, he said, recently launched the develop ment of Pinock Prime Estates, which is doing quite well in the market.

Addressing the role of design in the delivery of affordable housing, Managing Director, James Cubitt Nigeria, Mr. Alan Davis said, “Afford ability of housing, like most other things, is determined by many macroeconomic issues, beyond architecture, and so we can talk about the idiosyncrasies of Nigeria, such as reduced purchasing power because of the high interest rates and minimum mortgage options available, the import based economy, a lack of local production, building materials and components and the unreliability of stock

quantities, or the scarcity of materials, etc, etc.

“But there are nevertheless significant ways in which ar chitectural design can influence the affordability of housing. Obviously, the adopting of the tropical design principles that I mentioned before demands a particular awareness of a design, but it’s not inherently difficult.

In addition, architectural design is very much project or site specific, that has some aspects which can be standardised and reproduced. When we consider industries like the automotive industry, and how they manage production costs. We see the parts of the whole, especially for the large scale projects, can be standardised and manufactured by mass production processes.

A designer working with these standard pieces that has the liberty to creatively apply them to respond to the idiosyncrasies of any given site. Obviously, the most commonly used aspect of this is in the production of precast concrete elements. The mass housing programme in the UK, intended to respond to the overwhelming housing shortfall immediately after the Second World War, relying mainly on the use of precast reinforced concrete panels, producing factories and bolted together on site. Dolphin estate (in Lagos) as an example of this utilizing prefabricated precast panels, and with the development of more sophisticated materials, and detailing one would hope that the downsides of Dolphin such as damp and condensation can now be avoided. Australia has developed a whole industry for the production of prefabri cated housing in response to the to house miners in remote locations out in the bush.”

NCF, BirdLife International Collaborate to Save West Africa’s Vultures

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and BirdLife International recently co-organised a sub-regional vulture workshop in Abuja.

The event, held over three days from 12 to 14 October 2022 was facilitated by the IUCN Conservation Planning Specials Group and brought together more than 30 participants from 13 different countries including Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) National Focal Points, Raptors MOU National Contact Points,

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) National Authorities, other government representatives, as well as academia and non-governmental organisations, to develop an Action Plan to address key threats to vultures within the subregion, specifically those caused by human activities.

Vultures play a vital role in our environment, keeping it free of decaying carcasses, yet these majestic birds have experienced catastrophic declines, with populations of all African vulture species plummeting by

70-97% over the last 50 years. In West Africa, widespread killing of vultures for belief-based use, where it is erroneously thought that vulture heads and other body parts have special powers and can bring good luck to users, threatens to wipe out stronghold populations of these Critically Endangered birds.

“Nigeria is leading the effort to address the belief-based use by developing and promoting plant-based alternatives to vulture towards engaging vulture users and traders on sustainable practices.

Dradrock, Investors Meet at Global Business Forum

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

The global business forum organised by Dradrock Real Estate was held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. The event which coincided with the prelaunch of the company’s new product, the Aurora Lakeview project at Bogije, was meant to sensitize Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora about new and emerging developments in the real estate sector, and also to introduce them to some of the company’s new projects.

The event had in attendance, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, some members of the National Assembly, heads of govern ment agencies, senior special assistants in the presidency, and some other notable guests.

The forum which was hosted by Nike Faleti, the United States’ Diaspora representative of Dradrock Real Estate had been held in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Lagos, Nigeria.

In her remarks, the chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Com mission, Abike Dabiri Erewa, who was represented by Mariam Madaki, the Principal Diaspora Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, congratulated the organization for putting the event together.

According to her, “the welfare and safety of investments of Nigerians in Diaspora are very important to the commission and I hope that other organiza tions can take a cue from this.’’

She said that there have been a lot of deliberate efforts by the

commission to allow Nigerians in the Diaspora to own proper ties in the country through a standard mortgage system, adding that the commission will be open to partnership with real estate companies when the time comes.

Speaking on the company’s projects, the Group Managing Director, Oladipo Idowu-Agida, explained how in-depth research into the Abuja market space birthed beautiful projects such as Bulverton Hills Estate in Guzape, and a luxurious multitypology estate scheduled to commence later in the year at Jabi, FCT.

Oladipo said, “for us, it is not just about being a player in the Abuja market, our goal is to take the Abuja market to the world’’.

recently

L-R: Chairman, UPDC Plc., Mr. Wole Oshin; Chief Executive Officer, UPDC Plc, Mr. Odunayo Ojo; Managing Director, James Cubitt Architects, Mr. Alan Davies; Head of Property (Nigeria and West Africa), Standard Chartered Bank, Anne Rinu; Surveyor-General, Lagos State, Olutomi Sangowawa; and Senior Partner, Knight Frank Nigeria, Mr. Frank Okosun, at the UPDC 25th Anniversary Real Estate Summit in Lagos… recently

PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President, Dotun Adebayo; Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Boundary Commission, Tola Asekun; GMD/CEO of Dradrock Real Estate Ltd, Oladipo Idowu-Agida; United States diaspora representative of Dradrock Real Estates, Nike Faleti; representative of the chairperson of the Nigerians in diaspora commission, Mariam Madaki, at the Dradrock business forum in Abuja…

The active oil rigs in Nigeria increased in October, amid a marginal increase of 77,000 barrels per day oil production, data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Monthly Oil Market (MOMR) has shown.

The rise in the oil rigs last month was about 14.2 per cent when put side by side the September figure, which was pegged at a low of seven and October’s rigs count which climbed to eight.

Earlier, a THISDAY analysis of data from OPEC showed that the

total rigs count fell from 10 in August to the seven recorded in September, about 35.5 per cent overall reduction.

A further review indicated that the only time in recent history that Nigeria experienced such abysmally low drilling activities was over 30 years ago.

In recent times, the country’s active rigs had progressively decreased, but was made worse after Nigeria began shutting down many of its offshore platforms as oil prices took a downward slope and the producers’ group embarked on production curbs to stabilise the market in 2020, following the upsurge

of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, despite the remarkable recovery in global crude oil demand, Nigeria had been unable to ramp up production , following massive theft of the resource in the Niger Delta as well as shutdowns due to frequent equipment failure.

In the oil and gas industry, the rig count is a major index for measuring activities in the upstream sector.

But in contrast, the report showed that Saudi Arabia’s rigs increased from 72 active rigs during the period under review to 79, a rise by seven rigs.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) had its rigs rise from 50 to 52 operational rigs while Iraq had 55 during the month. For non-OPEC countries, the United States led with 768 oil rigs while Canada and Mexico had 213 and 54 active rigs respectively in October.

To underscore the oil production crisis in Nigeria, a comparison of the country’s average oil production per day in 1997, as indicated in the last Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC)’s yearly statistical bulletin, showed that while Nigeria pumped 2.344 million barrels per day, plus condensates

over two and a half decades ago, it can barely produce 50 per cent of that figure today.

Furthermore, while for instance, 26 rigs were in operation, on both onshore and offshore terrains, in 1997, Nigeria as at January this year had just about 12 active oil rigs, with about half of them not even in use. That number has now risen to eight after falling to seven in September.

It came as Angola , Algeria and Libya have overtaken Nigeria as Africa’s highest crude oil producers, according to the October OPEC report.

According to the report, while Nigeria’s crude oil production in October averaged 1.014 bpd, Angola’s was 1.051 million bpd, Algeria’s was 1.060 million bpd while Libya which has not been self-reporting its production because of the crisis in the country drilled 1.163 million bpd (secondary sources).

Fingering massive theft as one of the reasons for its inability to meet its quota, the federal government had also months ago, deployed heavy military presence in the

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has called on African leaders to a have positive mindset toward agricultural development in the continent.

The IITA said that Africa has the ability to meet the food demands of

the world, but lamented over the lackluster attitude of African leaders to making the agricultural sector the mainstay of their respective economies.

The Director General of IITA, Dr. Nteranya Sanginga who stated this during a press briefing in Ibadan to mark his 11 years of professional

service at the institute, expressed hope that some of the African leaders have started showing interest in the sector, but said the change has to happen on a large scale to take the sector to its desired capacity.

Sanginga said: “A major constraint to agricultural development on the continent is leadership. African

leaders must have a mindset challenge towards agriculture development. Implementation of policies and leadership are the major challenge holding the sector down. We have to do everything to change the mindset of leadership towards agriculture.”

He also pointed the need to raise

champions for the future growth of agricultural development in Africa.

He also bemoaned the high level of corruption in many Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs) in Africa, adding that corruption is another major factor slowing the progress and development of Africa’s agriculture.

Sanginga’s 11 years tenure at the helms of the IITA Ibadan has brought about tremendous transformation to the institute and in the African agricultural landscape by strategically positioning the institute to contribute to achieving

Gilbert Ekugbe

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Power Industry Stakeholders Say $250m CBN Intervention Will Improve Electricity Value Chain

Several power sector stakeholders have said that the recent $250 million intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), will improve electricity transmission and distribution nationwide when deployed appropriately.

The fund which is expected to be used to revamp existing infrastructure in electricity

distribution and transmission value chain is meant to enable the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wheel more electricity in the short term and enable Distribution Companies (Discos) procure and repair their key infrastructure.

Speaking on the matter recently, the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu stated that the apex bank was already funding a $250 million project to ensure the rehabilitation

of critical interface infrastructure between both segments to increase and stabilise power delivery.

This according to him, is in addition to the Siemens Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) that will bring in additional $2 billion or more to the transmission grid from the government.

Also speaking on the issue, Market Operator (MO) at TCN, Edward Eje said the interface

project was aimed at providing quick solutions at various transmission/distribution interfaces where there are challenges.

“This makes sense to me. It is a laudable measure to achieve a seamless and a hitch-free power transmission from the transmission stations to the distribution network,” he said.

Eje’s position also agreed with the comments by the Managing

Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company, (NBET) Dr. Nnaemeka Ewelukwa, who disclosed that the apex bank was able to identify critical projects that could quickly address and restore normalcy to the sector in the near term.

Also, an energy expert, Oyebode Fadipe, stated that one of the fundamental issues in the power

sector was poor liquidity in the industry, adding that it remains critical that the power sector would be self-funding so that government would ultimately stop financing it. In his intervention, Energy Finance Expert, Dan Kunle noted that financing improvement in the transmission and distribution segments of the electricity market will be vital to re-energising the sector.

World Bank Earmarks $13.5m for Africa’s Coastal, Marine Resources Devt

Gilbert Ekugbe

The World Bank has announced a $13.5 million Blue Economy for Resilient Africa Program (BE4RAP), to address the challenges coastal countries in Africa are facing in managing their coastal and marine resources.

The announcement was made at a COP 27 World Bank event, which was attended by Egypt’s Environment Minister, Yasmine Fouad, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Union and Environment, Hamza Khamis Hamza, and Morocco’s Deputy Budget Director for the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Youssef Farhat.

The World Bank noted that the move would also spur economic growth and reduce poverty, while adapting to the effects of climate change.

According to the World Bank, the $13.5 million programme included $2 million financing from International Development Association (IDA); $3 million from PROBLUE, a multi-donor trust fund housed at the World Bank, and $8.5 million from the Danish energy company Ørsted.

It explained that the funds would go for planting, technical assistance, and maintenance over 20 years of 3,000 hectares of mangrove in Ghana,

under the World Bank-financed West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA).

Other financiers, including private, public, and multilateral partners, have expressed interest in contributing to a portfolio of blue economy investments in Africa.

The World Bank Global Director for Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy, Valerie Hickey,

said: “BE4RAP is about doing more, better, and faster. By capitalising on existing programmes and partnerships, we rally under the leadership of the coastal Africa countries and support each with finance and technical assistance.”

The Deputy Director, Operations, French Development Agency, Cassilde Brenière, said that by addressing many of these challenges

at once, “the blue economy is a major part of the solution, and we are keen to associate fully with the World Bank on the BE4RAP.”

Similarly, tthe Programme Manager, Nordic Development Fund, Martina Jägerhorn, said: “We are very happy that the NDF financing to the World Bank for the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program Scale-Up Platform has supported the

design of the new and innovative blue carbon project for Ghana. It has unlocked financing from both the public sector as well as from the Nordic private sector, which has the potential to be replicated to the coastal landscape and to other countries in Africa.”

According to the Head of Group Stakeholder Relations, Ørsted, Denmark, Mr. Ingrid Reumert,

“we see an unused realisation of the potential in using blue carbon in coastal and marine ecosystems for carbon sequestration. In our view, access to carbon finance should be simplified. Too often we see one or more middlemen in the carbon business, leaving less of the carbon price available for benefiting countries and the people living in the concerned ecosystems.”

NEITI: Due Process Followed in Recruitment of 70 New Employees

Addeh in Abuja

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has insisted that it followed due process in in its recent recruitment exercise that injected 70 young graduates to strengthen its workforce.

Executive Secretary of NEITI,

Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, who gave the clarification in Abuja during the induction training organised for the newly recruited staff, explained that all guidelines of transparent and competitive processes were strictly followed during the exercise.

“Over 2000 CVs were left in

NEITI’s database from applicants under NEITI ‘Leave Application Behind’ policy (LAB). This is a policy put in place by NEITI over the years to preserve and provide hope for applicants who seek a career in the organisation,” Orji said.

While providing further

clarification, the NEITI executive director explained that a waiver was granted the organisation by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) after it was informed about the huge volumes of applications the agency received in the course of the recruitment exercise.

“From the huge number of

applications, 166 candidates were shortlisted and invited for interviews. Out of these numbers, 145 attended, 18 were absent and three were disqualified on the basis of integrity issues that included failure to show proof of NYSC and differences in age declarations, ”Orji stated.

Sylva Assures of Adequate Petrol Supply During Yuletide

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has during an industry stakeholders meeting in Abuja assured of adequate petrol supply during the yuletide season and beyond.

Sylva also disclosed that there

has been an increased crude oil production levels to 1.5 million barrels per day and commended the authorities for curtailing the menace of crude oil theft.

However, his figure contradicted the data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission

(NUPRC), which put the country’s production at 1.014 million bpd in October.

Also speaking, the Group Chief Executive of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari assured of unhindered supply of petrol and other products during the yuletide and beyond.

‘‘I can confirm to you honourable minister that we have comfort level supply. We have the line of sight around all our suppliers, we have confirmation on all our cargo up to the end of December, so we do not see any glitch,” he stressed.

Also, the Chief Executive

of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, said the country has about 2.1 billion litres of petrol in stock, broken down in segments on both land and marine for a total of 34 days sufficiency.

NIGERIA’S OIL RIGS COUNT RISES BY 14.2% AFTER MARGINAL INCREASE IN CRUDE PRODUCTION

Niger Delta to curb the menace and signed a contract of N4 billion with ex-militant Mr Government Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo.

Of the 1,985 rigs existing count globally, according to the OPEC data, 394 belonged to member

countries, while non-OPEC had 1,591, underscoring the fact that the international oil cartel has also been struggling with production.

Generally, in the oil industry, higher oil prices as it currently obtains, mean higher rig counts which also spur higher production.

In the opposite direction, lower prices mean less rigs and falling production.

Aside the positive correlation between the number of rigs and oil production, there are also many jobs attached to rigs when they are operational, meaning less rigs

, less jobs in the oil sector.

The upstream commission had said that although Nigeria’s rigs could be as many as 53 , less than 20 per cent of that number has been near active in the last months. In terms of terrain, of the 53 rigs, 33 are onshore, 11 are offshore while

IITA: AFRICAN LEADERS NEED MINDSET CHANGE TOWARDS AGRICULTURE DEVT

150 million fewer hungry people, 100 million fewer poor people, improving food and nutrition security, as well as improving natural resources and ecosystem services as part of the CGIAR Strategy 2016-2030.

Under the youth agripreneurs programme initiated by Sanginga in 2012, IITA has created jobs for thousands of youths by making agriculture and agribusiness appealing to young people in many African countries, a program that has now evolved into a movement

across the continent and since been integrated into the Business Incubation Platform (BIP), the technology delivery arm of IITA.

The IITA Youth Agripreneurs programme focused on mentoring and building the capacity of young people, especially youth in science, entrepreneurship, and agriculture/ agribusiness in Africa.

Also, the Business Incubation Platform was started during his tenure, which oversees lITA’s science and technologies in breeding and variety screening,

genetics, cultivation techniques, plant health, disease control and biopesticide development, growth stimulation, and vegetative and generative multiplication delivery to end-users acre Africa.

The IITA-BIP serves as a model to stimulate product development and to provide opportunities for market expansion on the continent.

With BIP, technologies like Aflasafe, a safe and natural solution to the problem a aflatoxin, and Nodumax, an inoculant and biofertilizer that boosts the yield of

CrOp PY like soybeans is helping smallholder farmers improve their livelihoods.

Adopting the use of ICT, the GoSeed initiative under IITA-BIP is producing and marketing quality breeder and foundation seeds to private seed companies for distribution and sale to farmers.

The ground-breaking results from IITA’s research is helping to strengthen national agricultural research and extension systems; strengthening Africa’s seed sector; scaling models public-

nine are found in the swamps. The 14.2 per cent increase, may however not be unconnected with recent efforts by the government to ramp up production after crude oil drilling fell below a historic 1 million barrels per day in the last few months.

private partnerships; engaging youth in agriculture; developing improved varieties, agronomy, crop protection; establishing sustainable intensification/ diversification; linking smallholder farmers to markets; mechanisation, postharvest, and processing; establishing the importance of gender and youth; while developing safe and nutritious food, all of which will strategically impact the progress of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Emmanuel

AfDB: Germany’s €40m Climate Action Fund to Empower Farmers, Pastoralists in Africa

Gilbert Ekugbe

The African Development Bank (AfDB), has stated that the €40 million committed by the German government to the bank’s climate action window would enable 20 million farmers, including pastoralists, to access weather-indexed insurance.

The President of AFDB Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said at the ministerial panel for climatevulnerable countries and champions of adaptation

finance at the 27th session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, that the fund would also provide 20 million farmers with climate-resilient agriculture technologies, regenerate a million hectares of degraded land, allow for investment in 840 billion cubic meters of water for 18 million people, and provide renewable energy for 10 million people.

Adesina highlighted that the AfDB has initiated several measures and initiatives that

would help to ease climate impact in Africa, particularly on food production.

Also speaking, the German State Secretary for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mr. Jochen Flasbarth, commended the AfDB for what he described as its relentless commitment to help Africa mitigate and adapt to climate change.

“The African Development Bank has a very good reputation,” Flasbarth said.

He stressed that the contribution by Germany was

part of its efforts to balance parity in funding between climate mitigation and adaptation, despite current global economic challenges.

He said: “All our countries have challenges to get the right balance between adaption and mitigation, but we want to do that. We want to look at the quality of adaptation finance, and we must look at the accessibility to climate finance, specifically for developing countries’ nationally determined contributions.”

UN Says Russian Fertiliser Shipments Bound for Africa

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

After a first shipment of Russian fertiliser blocked in European ports heads for Malawi next week, a second batch should go to West Africa, the United Nations said at the weekend.

The news followed talks between Moscow and the UN last week aimed at ensuring that vital Russian fertiliser exports are not

snagged by the Western sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine, in a bid to ease the global food insecurity crisis.

While hailing a positive step, Rebeca Grynspan, head of the UN’s trade and development agency who was closely involved in the talks, said more was needed to avert a global fertiliser shortage.

“Now we have a model that is working. The World

Food Programme (WFP) is the one in charge of taking the fertiliser from the ports to the countries that need the fertiliser,” she added.

Currently, around 300,000 metric tons of Russian fertiliser are blocked in different European ports, but efforts are under way to get it to countries in need, Reuters reported.

The UN’s WFP is

facilitating the shipment of 260,000 tons of fertiliser, which is being considered as a humanitarian donation by Uralchem/Uralkali, Grynspan said.

The first boatload of 20,000 tons of Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium (NPK) is currently being loaded onto a WFPchartered vessel, she said, and is expected to sail from the Netherlands, bound for Malawi via a port in Mozambique.

IEA Cuts 2023 Oil Demand Growth Estimate on Economic Concerns, Russian Crisis

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has lowered its global oil demand growth estimate for 2023 to 1.6 million bpd from 1.7 million bpd, citing mounting economic concerns and Europe’s energy crisis.

In its monthly oil market report, the IEA noted an array of “headwinds” and a particularly tight diesel market.

“China’s persistently weak economy, Europe’s energy crisis, burgeoning product cracks and the strong US dollar are all weighing heavily on (oil) consumption,” the IEA said.

Approaching EU embargoes on Russian oil and a ban on maritime services “will add further pressure on global oil balances, and, in particular, on already exceptionally tight diesel markets,” the

IEA added, noting also the impact of recent French refinery strikes.

The IEA did, however, highlight potential relief as new, refining capacity comes on stream in China, Kuwait, Mexico and Nigeria, offsetting closures in Europe.

It estimated a net 2.7 million bpd of new capacity would be added between Q4 2022 and the end of 2023. “Increased refinery capacity will

eventually help ease diesel tensions. However, until then, if prices go too high, further demand destruction may be inevitable,” the IEA said.

The IEA raised its fullyear oil demand growth estimate for 2022 from 1.9 million bpd to 2.1 million bpd, but reiterated expectations for a yearon-year contraction in Q4 2022, estimating the reduction at 240,000 bpd.

African Agric Ministers Harp on Innovation, Green Financing to Boost Food Production

Gilbert Ekugbe

The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and African Agriculture Ministers have emphasised the need for African governments to prioritise investment on innovation and green financing to boost food production on the continent.

According to statement obtained from AfDB’s website, Adesina cited many of the bank’s initiatives to drive food sovereignty in Africa, which included the Technology for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative, which has enabled Ethiopia to become self-sufficient in wheat production with plans to export to Kenya and Djibouti in 2023.

The Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, said: “We must be sovereign in our countries’ fight against food insecurity and the best way is to find funding for agriculture. We must adapt and find solutions to our problems in the face of the disasters we have seen here and there: droughts, floods, cyclones, and so on.”

Rwanda’s Minister of

Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Geraldine Mukeshimana, said that a key challenge for Africa was lack of resources to scale up innovative processes to produce enough food.

Mukeshimana said: “Countries are not late in policies - they are not late in implementation, but it is about how you scale them to make an impact and change lives.”

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim, made a case for increased green financing to boost irrigation and support yield productivity.

Karim said mechanisation contributed to increased rice production in the country from around 500,000 tonnes in 2019 to more than 900,000 tonnes in 2021.

Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Ali Ngouille Ndiaye, also highlighted the difficulties in accessing affordable financing to scale up agriculture production.

Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, shared lessons from the government’s flagship “Planting for Food and Jobs’ Scheme, which is targeted at smallholder farmers.

Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, in a warm handshake with Secretary General of the International Maritime Organis ation (IMO), Kitack Lim while FMOT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Managing Director National Inland Waterways (NIWA), Dr. George Moghalu, and Director General, N igeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh OFR looks on in admiration

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

REA: Expanding Access to Rural Electrification

Put succinctly, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), an implementing agency the federal government, is tasked with the electrification of unserved and underserved communities with the aim of improving economic growth and by extension quality of life of Nigerians who live in those areas.

Saddled with administering the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) and implementing the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), the agency is also responsible for creating an enabling environment for private sector-led projects.

After obtaining some financing, amounting to $550 million, that is, $350 million from the World Bank and $200 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB) years ago, the REA’s mandate of providing access to clean, safe, reliable and affordable electricity, is being felt by poor folks around hundreds of far-flung communities.

MILESTONES

In the last few years, the organisation has travelled the length and breadth of the country, reaching out to, in some instances, areas that have not had electricity for over 200 of their existence.

Through its Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), a private sector driven federal government initiative, the agency says it has ‘electrified’ over 5 million Nigerians in the recent past.

Added to that, 995,396 Solar Home Systems (SHS) have been deployed, with the achievement of 1.021 million connections. This may look like a drop in the ocean for a country that still has about 80 million of its people in darkness. But for those directly impacted, the REA says it has been life-changing.

Still under the NEP programme alone, Managing Director of the agency, Salihijo Ahmad, says 1,151 persons have been employed while 67 mini-grids have been completed.

A breakdown of the figures, Salihijo adds, showed that 328,765 female-headed households were electrified, while 249,193 tonnes of carbon emissions were saved from being unleashed into the environment.

In addition, the REA boss notes that 52MW total PV capacity was deployed, seven Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts were signed while 26 containerised solar systems were deployed in hospitals.

Furthermore, Ahmad stressed that the whole 36 states of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) benefitted from the projects.

The NEP seeks to bridge the energy access deficit by providing electricity to households, small businesses, educational and healthcare facilities in unserved and underserved rural communities through the deployment of mini-grids, SHS, captive power plants and productive use appliances to ensure sustainability of these off-grid solutions.

Ahmad stated that while before now, the REA was waiting solely for government funding, it has now devised new means of financing power projects.

However, he stated that if that government strategy continued for 100 years, nothing much will be achieved, stressing that as an agency, the REA has moved on to become a hub and enabler to ensure that funding comes from multiple sources. According to him, some programmes were also designed for the private sector to be able to take advantage of the sector including the capital subsidy, where the public and private sectors collaborate, and which has become an international standard in the sector.

While as of a few weeks back, $64.8 million had been disbursed, commitments have climbed to about $392 million, with more outcomes expected, further to sealing more agreements.

THE AFRICA MINIGRIDS

PROGRAMME

In September, the REA officially launched the Africa Minigrids Programme (AMP), a four-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria.

The programme aims to support access to clean energy by increasing the financial viability, and promoting scaled up commercial investment, in renewable energy mini-grids, with a focus on costreduction levers and innovative business models.

Active in 21 African countries, the REA is the first to commence implementation following the official launch at an inception workshop hosted in Nigeria.

The programme is designed as an enabler project of the REA’s Energising Agriculture Programme (EAP) which aims to advance one of REA’s strategic priorities of focusing on the unserved and underserved to increase economic opportunities through agriculture and productive sectors in rural communities across the country.

Executive Director, REF, Dr. Sanusi Ohiare , in attempting to explain the programme, says that to

enhance the viability of mini-grids and the impact of electrification, the programme will deploy pilot mini-grids to achieve the electrification of rural communities and agricultural value chains to catalyse private investment.

It will further contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 13 (Climate Action) and 5 (Gender Equality) with an estimate of 70,063 direct project beneficiaries out of which 34,559 are women, he notes.

Also speaking at the launch, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Yahya, said that access to reliable, sustainable, affordable energy remains a catalyst to socio-economic development, and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He further added that by scaling up solutions such as renewable energy mini-grids, Nigeria will be able to close the energy access gap and unlock opportunities for people in Nigeria and across the region.

The GEF Operational Focal Point at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr. Jonah Stanley, emphasised, in his comments that the programme was central to issues such as security, climate change, food production and strengthening economies while protecting ecosystems.

Also, the Managing Director of the REA, Salihijo disclosed that programme will serve as another catalyst for improved access to sustainable energy.

“This sectoral approach is in line with the agency’s focus on programmes to advance the electrification targets and broader social and economic development objectives of the Federal Government of Nigeria,”he added.

NATIONAL FADAMA PROJECT

In July, the REA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Fadama Development Project (NFDP) to collaborate on several activities during the planning and implementation of electrification programmes targeted at agriculture, land and water resources.

The MoU is also expected to consider the agency’s recently-launched Energising Agricultural Programme (EAP), a threeyear initiative that aims to stimulate the use of mini-grid electricity in agricultural productive uses.

The National Fadama Development Project (NFDP) is an agriculture programme under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and in collaboration with the World Bank, designed to increase the incomes of the users of land and water resources on a sustainable basis.

“The MoU will mutually benefit both the REA and FADAMA. Both parties are keen to unlock the economic potential in agrarian communities, through the provision

of electricity solutions for agro-processing and irrigation schemes,” Salihijo said.

FG’S SOLAR POWER NAIJA SCHEME

It is no longer news that Nigeria has serious electricity supply challenges. Aside the fact that millions of Nigerians have no access to reliable supply, power cuts, sometimes, very lengthy, have become a recurring decimal in the everyday life of the poor and the rich alike.

Indeed, a while ago, the Group Chief Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, argued that even up to 85 million Nigerians still do not have access to electricity.

Describing the energy poverty level as devastating, in terms of energy consumption, he stated that Nigeria is still below 1kilowat per capita of electricity, which is very low, stressing that accessibility remains key.

Nigeria’s national grid power generation capacity which consists of gas-fired and hydro-powered stations, is about 13,000 megawatts, but the electricity transmitted remains less than 4,000MW/hour, an abysmally low figure.

In fact, it is estimated that Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, loses as much aa $29 billion a year due to this, which is about 6 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Interestingly, Nigeria’s location in the tropics offers the country an abundance of sunshine, a veritable source of solar power, all year round.

With over 2,600 hours of sunlight per year, about seven hours of sunlight daily, on the average, it is believed that the environmental conditions to tap into renewable energy power sources, are just right for the country.

Against this background, in response to the devastating impacts of the covid-19 pandemic, the Nigerian government developed an Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP). As part of the plan, the government launched the Solar Power Naija Programme (SPN) to achieve the rollout of 5 million new solar-based connections in communities that are not connected to the national grid.

This, it stated, is expected to impact the lives of about 25 million Nigerians through the provision of affordable, sustainable clean energy solutions to households and businesses in rural communities across the country. It is also expected to catalyse the creation of 250,000 new jobs in the renewable energy sector.

The initiative is a N140-billion long-term and low-interest credit facility to private sector developers in the business of deploying Solar Home Systems (SHS) and mini-grids in order to rapidly scale up deployments

and make energy access more affordable.

The main objectives of the programme is mainly to: expand energy access to 25 million individuals (5 million new connections) through the provision of solar home systems or a mini grid.

RURAL ELECTRIFICATION FUND

Through the REF, the REA aims to provide electricity access to 31 million rural dwellers by 2025. Through the provision of capital subsidies, the solar home systems and grid extension is currently implementing a $ 3.3million project for the development of off grid solutions across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria.

These include the deployment of 12 mini-grids and over 19,000 solar home systems units even as jobs created during the first phase varied from bricklayers, labourers, security, recruitment of village power committee members, site administrators, etc. The jobs were direct and indirect jobs incorporating elements of capacity building.

In the call 2, the REA board approved the disbursement of 4.6 billion for the implementation. Out of this, it was learnt that N3.9 billion has been allocated to various aspects of the programme.

Under this programme, the agency has already commissioned a 100kWp Solar Hybrid Mini Grid at KasuwanMagani, Kajuru LGA, Kaduna State.

Also, the REF Research and Innovation Hub seeks to harvest and nurture innovative approaches to rural electrification by providing grant funding to support promising renewable energy technologies, systems and business models and related research in a bid to improve rural electrification and/or development.

Till date, the agency has achieved the completion of 3,116 projects under Capital Budget and 46 under All-Mass Rural Electrification Programme while several others are at various stages of completion.

CAPITAL PROJECTS STATUS

The 2020 budget appropriation of N18,028,692,807 encompassed 428 main projects awarded to contractors, that is 202 grid extension projects, 212 solar streetlight projects, 11 solar mini-grid and seven solar home system projects.

Also, 395 projects (92 per cent) have been completed, 33 projects (7.7 per cent) are currently ongoing and the overall budget performance for the main projects stood at 92.3 per cent.

For highlights of the 2021 capital projects, the amount released was N22,544,846,252; amount appropriated was N20,575,633,055 while 404 projects have been completed with a budgetary performance of approximately 93 performance, according to the REA.

The year 2022 budget implementation is currently ongoing, while some projects have been procured and awarded and several at completion stage, the REA says in its report card.

In the not-so-distant past, the only time Nigerians heard about the Rural Electrification Agency was when issues of mismanagement of public resources was being discussed. All that appear to have changed as the agency now strives to provide more sustainable access to Nigeria’s rarely-reached and underserved population, writes Emmanuel Addeh

Fact-Checking Peter Obi

On Thursday, November 17, 2022, Peter Obi was in Port Harcourt on the invitation of Governor Ezenwa Nyesom Wike to inaugurate the Ikoku Flyover. While there, his garrulousness landed him in hot water twice.

Firstly, he was shown as a Machiavellian politician to whom the end justifies the means, when he tried to pull off a devil’s bargain with Mr. Wike. He said on camera as follows:

“We will not quarrel with you. Please give us this one (meaning the Presidential election) and collect the other one (meaning the gubernatorial election). I will accommodate them (Rivers state) in the other one.” Remember this agreement today. I’m kneeling down and begging, take this one (state) give me this one (centre).”

Many of his non-hardcore supporters were shocked at the comments. A number of them said even if he must make such a bargain, he should have been circumspect enough not to do so publicly.

Definitely, the Labour Party heard what Peter Obi said in Port Harcourt about the Peoples Democratic Party and its gubernatorial candidate. This proves what I have always said: Peter Obi is not compatible with Labour’s ideology. He is just using them as a vehicle to contest the election. And like he did with their Rivers guber candidate, he will sell them out for his selfish benefit at the slightest opportunity. Obi is a trader for profit, not a leader or prophet!

For example, Obi’s plan to eliminate import restrictions is anti-labour. It will flood Nigeria with cheaper foreign imports and will particularly affect the textile and agricultural industries. He is not yet President, and he is already selling out labour. He is a trader, not a leader. He will always sell out!

Again, his desire to eliminate fuel subsidy and privatise critical infrastructure runs counter to labour’s ideas.

And by asking Rivers residents to vote PDP for Governor and vote him for President, we see that Obi does not care about Labour. He cares only about himself!

Imagine that you are the Labour Party gubernatorial candidate. How would you feel, after spending money and resources to campaign for yourself and Obi, to hear the same Obi bargain away your position for his own personal benefit? And this is a man who said it is the people who are his structure. Now, he is appealing to Wike! How is Obi different from your regular desperate politician?

And the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in Rivers state, Mrs Beatrice Itubo, was even ill and on admission at a hospital. Sadly, Peter Obi did not think it fit to visit her. He was too busy cutting desks with Wike at her expense.

But it was what he said next that further exposed Obi as a politician who plays hard and fast with the truth. Mr: Obi, in trying to take a jab at Bola Tinubu, said:

“Everyone knows where I was schooled and my schoolmates. Not some people that no one knows their schoolmates or the schools they attended.” He then further said:

“Peter Odili was my senior at (CKC); we played football together. If Odili is not able to play, just know we have lost that day,” Mr Obi while taking an apparent swing at the credibility of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress at a rally in Port Harcourt.”

The thing is that that statement (which he made on camera and cannot deny) is factually incorrect. Peter Odili is 74. He is 13 years older than Peter Obi. Odili was born in 1948, while Obi was born in 1961. In fact, according to her biography, by the time Hon. Justice Mary Odili met her husband, Peter Odili, in 1974, he was already a medical doctor. At that time, Peter Obi was in form 2. Please research it. The timelines are impossible. Except

Obi is lying about his age, there is no way he could have been at Christ The King college with Peter Odili. In fact, at the time Obi was at CKC, Odili was already a medical student.

But why does Obi lie so much? This is not his first blooper. This is the latest in a series of blunders. And when I busted this lie, Mr. Obi’s Obidients tried to use the civil war as an excuse to say that it delayed Dr. Odili at Christ The King College. Bollocks!

Why? Because in his autobiography, Conscience and History-My Story, Dr. Peter Odili revealed that he had finished his studies at CKC by 1966, when Peter Obi was only five years old, According to him, he gained admission at University College Ibadan, but could not resume due to the civil war. After the war, he began pre-med at Nsukka in 1970, and became a medical student by 1971. Obi lied. Accept it!

Peter Obi’s lie was unnecessary. He could have just said ‘Peter Odili can attest to the fact that I went to CKC College’ and stop there. He had to

embellish it with that football story. A person who lies unnecessarily may also steal unnecessarily! It shows a pathological pattern in his behaviour.

And rather than fess up completely to the lie, Mr. Obi claimed that he did not say what he said on video. This is now the second time Peter Obi would deny what he said on video. The first was when he lied on video that the shares he bought at IBL Breweries for Anambra at over $20 million, are today worth over $100 million.

When that was revealed as a lie by The Cable Newspaper, Mr. Obi amazingly denied saying it, when it was even captured on video.

Now, he has denied saying he met Peter Odili at school and even played football with him. He claims that he was misunderstood. I watched the video again. There was no misunderstanding. Obi was crystal clear. It is impossible to misunderstand a person who lied with such lucidity and clarity.

The fact is that Obi is a very dishonest and irresponsible man. Irresponsible, because he lies and refuses to own up to his lies, and rather, blames

Ogun PDP: S'Court Orders Fresh Hearing in Suit Challenging Adebutu's Emergence

in Abuja

With barely three months to the 2023 general election, the Supreme Court, has ordered a suit challenging the emergence of Oladipupo Adebutu as governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State.

The apex court, in a unanimous judgment, yesterday, upheld the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which had voided a judgment of the Federal High Court in favour of Adebutu.

The five-man panel, in a judgment delivered by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, agreed with the appellate court that the trial court was wrong to have declined jurisdiction in the

suit filed by a factional candidate, Mr Jimi Lawal.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo now retired had in a judgment delivered on July 29, declined to entertain the suit by Lawal on the grounds that the choice of delegates to vote at the governorship primary was exclusively within the domain of a political party, hence, his court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

Dissatisfied by the decision of the trial court, Lawal, had approached the Court of Appeal to set aside the decision of Justice Taiwo, which declined to hear his case.

He told the appellate court that Justice Taiwo erred in law, when he upheld the respondent’s notice of preliminary objection in part and

declined jurisdiction to entertain his case.

Lawal, accordingly, urged the three member panel to reverse the decision of the trial judge.

In their judgment, the appellate court held that the issue in the case was pre-election related, over which the Federal High Court has jurisdiction and subsequent voided the ruling of the trial court, which declined to hear the case.

Having set aside the judgment, Justice Biobele Georgewill, who read the judgment proceeded to make an order remitting the case to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for the hearing of the case on the merit.

The judge held that since the trial court failed to decide the suit on its

merit and the period of 180 days, for determination of pre-election cases, was still running, suit should be remitted to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for prompt assignment to another judge for trial.

Dissatisfied, the PDP and Adebutu proceeded to the apex court praying it to void the decision of the lower court.

However, the appellate court in its judgment held that the case must be heard on its merit by another judge of the Federal High Court.

The Supreme Court also ordered that the trial court should accord it the necessary speed needed for it to be heard within the remaining days of the 180 days allowed by law for pre-election matters.

his lies on others.

Below are some of Mr. Obi’s most remarkable lies. I must add that they were all captured on video. Eleven of the many lies told By Peter Obi!

1. I employed 60% of Anambra people in IBL Brewery (IBL employs less than 0.06% of Anambra’s population).

2. Out of 150 players in the American NBA, almost 100 are Nigerians.

3. I did not leave debt in Anambra (actually he left debt, according to the Debt Management Office).

4. Tinubu sent out WhatsApp messages against me that I would destroy Lagos (actually, the blast was sent out by Powell Glad Legbe, an Obidient).

5. Nigeria exported less than $30 billion in 2021 (Nigeria has exceeded $30 billion exports for over a decade).

6. I am the first Governor to be impeached and reinstated in Nigeria (actually Ladoja was the first).

7. I have never been involved in corruption (accord ing to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, Peter Obi corruptly ferried money out of Nigerian and stashed them in secret accounts).

8. My investment in SABMIller now worth $100 million (actually, the Obi government’s investment of $12.24 million is now worth only $5.38 million)

9. The Governors of the Southeast founded ESN (actually, ESN was founded on December 13, 2020 by Nnamdi Kanu).

10. I have only one wristwatch (Peter Obi has been photographed with multiple wristwatches).

11. I don’t fly private jets (pictures don’t lie!)

And in this present instance, it is not as if Obi voluntarily confessed that he lied. He did not act altruistically.

Obi waited until we unearthed proof from Dr. Odili’s biography before fessing up to his lie. He was forced to come contrite! Obi and his Obidients were too busy trying to fault Tinubu’s claims of graduating from Chicago State University that they forgot to put their Odili lie together.

And thus is a man who likes to say go and verify at the slightest opportunity!

If Waziri Atiku or Bola Tinubu tells even half of the lies Obi has told, he and his Obidients would have run them out of town.

Again, it is the contradiction that just gets to me. Obi is the least honest candidate, having been caught telling so many lies, yet he boasts of integrity. He is the most educational backward candidate (Kwankwaso has a PhD, Atiku has a Masters, and Tinubu has a second class upper, while Obi has a second class lower in Philosophy), yet he claims to be the most qualified candidate. He has the least achievements (to the extent that his major claim to fame is a beer brewery as his major achievement), and still posits that he is the most experienced candidate.

He says he wants to move Nigeria from consump tion to production, yet his signature policy thrust is to eliminate every import restriction, and he is Nigeria’s single largest individual importer of foreign goods. He claims that former leaders ruined Nigeria, yet runs from one former President to the other former head of state, seeking endorsements. He claims to be richer than President Biden (Biden is worth $8.2 million), and says he does not give shishi, but went to America to solicit for funds (meanwhile, in his own backyard, Southeast businessmen donated N1 billion to Bola Tinubu and ignored him).

He says he sympathises with the Wike-led G-5, yet the chairman of his party, and the Director General of his party are from the South, just like him. He says he developed Anambra into a place to be, yet lives in Lagos. He told Nigerians he wants to unite the country, yet said he would dialogue with an IPOB that wants to divide the country. He preaches religious tolerance, yet went to a church to say (and these are his exact words “please the church wake up. Take back your country”.

He claims not to fly private jets, but has been pictured multiple times coming out of a private jet, or a hired charter flight. He wants Nigerian youths to be his structure, yet his own youthful children are abroad and have NEVER joined him on the campaign train to be part of his fabled structure.

How can one man have so many contradictions? We missed the warning signs with Buhari. Are we going to repeat history in 2023?

Reno’s Nuggets

You delete old photos and videos so that you can have space for new ones on your phone and laptop. Are you not aware that you need to do the same thing to your mind? Delete old hurts and grudges, so that good memories will have space to stay in your mind! When milk is fresh, it is good for drinking and for tea. When it is shaken, it produces butter. When it gets infected with bacteria, it becomes yoghurt. Be like milk. Use everything that happens to you, good or bad, to your advantage. Let them all add value to you. Delete the bitter so the better can have space to manifest!

#RenosNuggets #FreeLeahSharibu

Peter Obi

Alex Enumah

NEPC Incentivises Non-oil Exporters to Deepen Participation

The Executive Director/Chief Executive, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dr. Ezra Yakusak, has said the council will specially recognise and celebrate non-oil exporters who have been consistent in recording appreciable successes as well as contributed to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy in recent years.

He said their contributions had come despite the challenging environment in which they operate have over the years, adding that they deserved to be further encouraged through an awards scheme.

Speaking on the forthcoming NEPC Export Week, which is scheduled to hold from November 21 – 26, 2022, Yakusak said ultimate goal was to ensure that the events that have been lined become an avenue for massive recruitment of people into the non-oil export net.

He said the programme, which is first of its kind to be held by the council is in line

with the current management’s strategic efforts of imbibing, sustaining and deepening an export culture in the non-oil export ecosystem.

The NEPC boss added that the export drive would be implemented through series of engagements with key stakeholders within the exporting community and indeed the public.

He noted that earlier in the year, the council held its maiden National Conference on Non-oil Export with the theme “Export for Survival: Optimizing Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Potentials”, which provided a veritable platform for stakeholders in the non-oil export sector to ventilate ideas on current and emerging issues affecting the non-oil export sector.

He said, “In this wise, the Export Week is a continuation of that engagement with critical stakeholders and discerning members of the public.

“The objective is to keep the “Export4Survival” campaign

in the front burner of national discourse using the Export Week as a strategic information and communication tool to change the narratives.

“We envisage that the Export Week will provide a path for business and sector led activities to thrive as well as help entrepreneurs particularly SMEs look out for new opportunities in the sector. Therefore, it is vital for these businesses to have the support and information they need to become successful.”

He listed the activities earmarked for the week to include the formal launch of the “Export4Survival” Campaign by the Minister of Industry Trade and investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, a symposium with the theme “Strengthening the Non-Oil Export Sector for National Development”, an Export Inclusiveness Day for Women and Youth, the Export4Survival Walk and a maiden Exporters’ Award and Gala Night to be held in Lagos, among other programmes.

UBA Promises Customers Christmas to Remember in Super Savers Draw

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has once again assured its loyal customers of a remarkable Christmas celebration as the bank plans to reward them with exciting prizes in its upcoming Super Savers draw.

The draw is open to all UBA account holders in Nigeria and will be held on the 16th of December at UBA House, Marina, where the bank will be giving out a total of N22.5 million to its loyal customers.

This unique Super Savers draw has something big for everyone and intends to appreciate customers of the bank

who have cultivated a savings culture and stayed loyal to the bank over the years. it will also offer fresh opportunities to intending customers to join the growing number of UBA millionaires and lucky winners who have, in the past, benefitted from various promos held by the bank.

In this edition, 23 lucky customers with UBA Bumper accounts will smile home with a grand prize of either N2 million, N1.2 million rent for a year, N500,000 shopping allowance and N100,000 cash prizes. Speaking ahead of the forthcoming draw,

Head of Retail, Digital and Transaction Banking, Sampson Aneke, said, UBA is passionate about actualising the dreams of its customers as the bank is relentless in helping them grow by making more and more of its customers millionaires.

He said, “As always, we have decided to make this Christmas a very merry and memorable one for all and have put in place quite a lot to make it happen. UBA always walks the talk and never relents in helping its customers succeed. Our customers are special to us, and this is another opportunity to prove just that.”

LAPO Wins Microfinance Bank of theYear Award

Sunday Ehigiator

LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, (LAPO MfB) a premium microfinance institution in Nigeria, has been announced as the “Microfinance Bank of the Year” 2022 at the 10th edition of the Businessday Banks’ and other Financial Institutions’ (BAFI) Awards event.

A signed statement by the

company’s Head, Communications and Branding, Oluremi Akande revealed that the bank has won the award category for the 9th consecutive times.

“A recognition of LAPO’s industry leadership and its consistency in the delivery of its core mandate of social and economic empowerment of members of low-income households, through the provision

of responsive financial services and social interventions impacting lives and communities in a sustainable manner

“This award is dedicated to our loyal Clients, resilient and committed Staff, Board and Management of the microfinance bank for providing sound and strategic leadership in line with the vision of the institution, “it stated.

EBID President ReceivesTop Crans Montana Award

Michael Olugbode

The President and Chairman of the ECOWAS Bank for Inve stment and Development (EBID), Dr. Agyekum Donkor has been awarded the prestigious Prix de la Fondation by the Crans Montana Forum at a ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland.

The award was presented to Donkor last Friday by His Royal Highness Prince Jean of Luxembourg and Crans Montana Founder and Chairman, Jean Paul Carteron.

The Crans Montana Forum is a world leading international institution dedicated to Public-

Private Sector Cooperation. It has become an elegant meeting place for high level officials and top decision makers from Governments and Business and Prix de la Fondation is awarded in recognition of an accomplished work and serves as a solemn encouragement.

At a cocktail held at the Fairmont Hotel in Geneva ahead of receiving the top award, Donkor highlighted the global economic downturn created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

He said: “The whole world is in economic turmoil as a result of two external shocks, the COVID-19 pandemic and

the war in Ukraine. As a result of these challenges, there have been escalating prices of food and energy and economies all over the world are suffering.”

Donkor lamented that food and energy prices have gone up tremendously which has affected the global commodity supply, resulting in price hikes in various jurisdictions, leading to severe economic challenges. He noted that inflation is on the high side, especially with countries that had been experiencing low inflationary records like Japan. Japan had rather been fighting deflation but now they are also battling inflation, he disclosed.

MARKET INDICATORS

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA)

AUGUST 2022

Money Supply (M3) 49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 50,601.36

Money Supply (M2) 49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money 27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1) 21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks 2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits 18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net) 21,001,401.5

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net 6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money 14,040,351.9 --Currency in Circulation 3,210,664.98 --Banks Reserves 10,829,686.9 --Special Intervention Reserves 390,557.8

James Emejo

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $92.17 a barrel on Monday, compared with $92.09 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 24 OCTOBER, 2022

L-R : Convener, Environmental Sustainability Conference, Expo and Awards (ECOSEA),Joshua Ajayi; Technical Support Manager, Vitapur Nigeria Limited, Adewale Owa; Team Lead, Sales, Vitapur, Olayinka Erinle and Managing Director/CEO, Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Abeokuta, Otunba Olufemi Odumosu during 2022 ECOSEA in Lagos... recently

MARKET NEWS

Despite Downward Trend in Global Stocks, Investors Gain N92.72bn on NGX

Kayode Tokede

Investors on Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) benefited from a surge in banking stocks yesterday, leading to market capitalisation appreciating by N92.72billion despite bearishness in stock markets globally.

The NGX All-Share Index rose by 0.38per cent to 44,662.96 basis points from 44,492.73basis points it opened for trading.

Consequently, the market

capitalisation of stocks listed on the Exchange also appreciated by N92.72billion, a 0.38per cent rise, to N24.33trillion.

As trading closed on the floor of NGX, a total of 159.56 million shares worth N1.95billion were exchanged in 3,608 deals, a 19.08pern cent rise from 146.68 million shares valued at N1.24billion in 3,030 deals during the last trading day.

The bullish sentiment was driven by significant appreciation in banking sector

and consumer goods stocks as the NGX Banking Index rose by 1.25per cent and the NGX Consumer Goods Index grew by 1.8 per cent.

The NGX Insurance also gained 0.18 per cent while the NGX Oil/Gas and the NGX Industrial indices both declined.

The market breadth closed positive, with 26 gainers versus six losers. Nigeria Breweries recorded the highest price gain of 9.94 per cent to close at N45.35, per share. NEM

Insurance followed with a gain 9.87 per cent to close at N4.12, while PZ Cussons Nigeria rose 8.72 per cent to close at N9.35, per share.

Cadbury Nigeria went up by 7.32 per cent to close at N11.00, while Chams appreciated by 4.35 per cent to close at 24 kobo, per share. On the other hand, Japaul Gold & Ventures led the losers’ chart by 7.14 per cent to close at 26 kobo, per share, per share. AIICO Insurance followed with a decline of 5.36 per cent each

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED

to close at 53 kobo, while AXA Mansard Insurance lost 5.08 per cent to close at N1.68, per share.

Sterling Bank lost 1.41 per cent to close at N1.40, while Jaiz Bank shed 1.11 per cent to close at 89 kobo, per share.

The total volume traded rose by 8.8 per cent to 159.562 million units, valued at N1.950 billion, and exchanged in 3,607 deals. Transactions in the shares of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) topped the

ASOF 21/11/022

activity chart with 35.240 million shares valued at N39.399 million.

AIICO Insurance followed with 29.923 million shares worth N16.012 billion, while Zenith Bank traded 11.479 million shares valued at N247.697 million.

FBN Holdings (FBNH) traded 9.467 million shares valued at N104.411 million, while Union Bank of Nigeria transacted 9.324 million shares worth N61.055 million.

BOARDDEALS MARKET PRICE QUANTITY TRADED VALUE TRADED ( N )

EFCC Secures Final Forfeiture of N775m, Luxury Apartments Linked

to Ex-Accountant General, Otunla, Fadile

Re-arraigns Ex-Kaduna gov, Yero, others over money laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it has secured the final forfeiture of the sum of N775,000,000 and three properties belonging to a former Accountant General of the Federation, Jonah Otunla and Colonel Bello Fadile, an aide to former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.

The properties are located at No. 8, Ajayi Crowther Street, Asokoro, Abuja; a plot of land at Plot 1960 Cadastral Zone A05 Maitama District, FCT, Abuja; a hotel which is under construction with generating set, located at Plot 621, Road 37, Gwarimpa, FCT, Abuja and a twin

four-bedroom duplex with guard quarters located at Plot 736, 7th Avenue Gwarimpa, FCT, Abuja.

The forfeiture order was granted by Justice D.U. Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

A statement by the EFCC explained that the money and properties were the product of illicit activities of Otunla and Fadile.

ional Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.

Moving a motion for the final forfeiture of the assets yesterday, Counsel to the EFCC, Christopher Mshelia, informed the court that the assets recovered by the commission in the course of investigating contract fraud in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under

Sambo Dasuki, were proceeds of the unlawful activities by Fadile and Mr. Jonah Otunla.

He said the N775, 000,000 was refunded by Otunla and Otunba Ade Adelakun (late) during the investigation, whilst the landed properties sought to be forfeited are “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of an unlawful activity received, retained, concealed and converted by the respondents from the office of the National Security Adviser to the President”.

The commission had on July 20, 2020 secured an interim forfeiture order on the assets and also published the order of the court on August 11, 2022, in THISDAY Newspaper, for the respondent to show cause why

the money and properties should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.

Meanwhile, EFCC, yesterday re-arraigned a former governor of Kaduna State, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, before Justice R.M Aikawa of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on an eight count amended charges bordering on money laundering.

The re-arraignment was sequel to the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice M.G Umar, from the State.

Yero is being prosecuted by the EFCC alongside Nuhu Somo Wya (a former minister), Ishaq Hamsa (a former Secretary to Kaduna State Government) and Abubakar Gaiya Haruna (a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in

OBI TO NIGERIANS: I’LL BE IN CHARGE OF NIGERIA, HOLD ME RESPONSIBLE

reiterated his commitment to the country’s transformation. He vowed never to fail the nation, declaring that the era of borrowing for consump tion would be over under him, and blaming the current poverty level on unproductive economy.

Obi outlined his programme for the country, stating that the race for the presidency should be based on competence, character, age, and physical and mental vastness of candidates, as against religion, ethnicity, and blackmail.

He hinged his quest for the country’s highest political office on the need to drive policies towards a productive economy, saying he does not need a manifesto to bring about the needed change.

The LP candidate said as a trader, who had traversed the county, he understood the need to make all the regions of the country productive by utilising all available natural resources located in each state.

Responding to questions on ethnicity and religion that seemed to be the concern of many Nigerians, he explained, “It is the confusion the elite put in us to tell us, come this and that. No, I am a Nigerian; I contest election in Nigeria and 18 other people are contesting the election.

“The question is to verify and scrutinise the 18 of us. Some will be better in terms of the Queen's English and some will have better certificates, but, remember,

phase out its costly, regressive fuel subsidy and rationalise preferential trade restrictions and tax exemp tions.

"These would lay the ground work for the increases in public revenues and spending needed to improve development outcomes.

“Decisive moves would sig nificantly improve the business enabling environment in Nigeria, attract foreign direct investment, and reduce inflation. The World Bank is ready to increase support to Nigeria as it designs and implements these critical reforms.”

The Nigeria Public Finance Review was conducted at the request of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, and prepared in close collaboration with the Budget Office of the Federation, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and the Debt Management Office (DMO).

It seeks to inform the public debate on Nigeria’s future by providing a thorough analysis of the fiscal performance and necessary reforms needed to establish a robust and sustainable development model that provides broad-based economic opportunities for all Nigerians.

In the report, the World Bank advised Nigeria to fix its public finances to promote inclusive, sustainable development, calling for urgent macroeconomic and fiscal reforms to lift the country’s development outcomes, which are severely constrained by inefficient use of resources.

The global institution observed

certificates are not a measure of character and integrity and we are looking for people, who will not steal our money.

“So, we need to find out, go and scrutinise all of us and say, we can trust this one based on... If they say it is his children, what do they do for a living? These are things we need to verify and you don't just stay without finding out details about them.

“Here you have people, who have no reference point, they have never worked anywhere, never championed anything and a man that has never created wealth cannot manage wealth. It’s not just to speak good English and say if you are given a chance.

“Go and ask even in the Western world, where there is structure and institutions, you vote for people based on track record. They vote for people based on age and strength, because the job requires physical and mental energy. Next year's election will be based on character, competence, capacity, ability, and commitment to start doing the right thing.

“And I can assure Nigerians that I am committed to doing the work, even though it will be difficult, but it requires huge mental and physical energy. Let nobody say we are going to manage this person and, so, we go there again and be surrounded by people, who we don't know who is in charge.”

that for years, a large share of Nigeria’s resources had financed inefficient and regressive subsidies for petrol, electricity, and foreign exchange, adding that not all the subsidies were accounted for in the budget, which makes them difficult to track and scrutinise.

The bank, however, noted that available data suggested that subsidies, which accounted for more than the amount spent on education, health, and social protection in 2021, benefit primarily wealthy households.

They also distort incentives, dis courage investment, and crowd-out spending on pro-poor programs, thereby hindering progress in Nigeria’s social development, the new report added.

It observed that Nigeria has one of the lowest public expenditure and revenue levels in the world, thereby undermining the government’s ability to improve service delivery.

Between 2015 and 2021, total public spending in Nigeria aver aged 12 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), less than half the world average of 30 per cent.

The World Bank report posited that improving service delivery required more resources.

It explained that one of the most critical aspects of meeting Nigeria’s vast development needs was in raising more revenues, as the country ranks consistently among the world’s poorest-performing countries in terms of public revenue mobilisation, with total revenues averaging just seven per cent of GDP in 2015-2021 — far below the global average of 24 per cent.

Obi said he would be a leader who would take responsibility, rather shift blame and make excuses.

He stated, “I want Nigerians to hold me responsible. I will be the one in charge and I want Nigerians to hold me responsible and I will drive the process. Nobody will take the security, we will do it ahead and I will be responsible as the chief security and if anybody is not doing it, I will not take any excuses.

“I want to assure Nigerians that this one I can do it; it must be done and I will not be giving excuses. I don't want to go in and study what to do and I don't want to go in and start saying the man, who left yesterday, did this or that. You are not hiring a new person to come and start reminding you of your past, because if the past was good, you hired him to start telling you good stories.

“That is what I am promising Nigerians, that if they hire me, I am going to tell a good story; I don't want to start reminding them about the past that this man left or this man took this. The job of a leader is not excuses or complaining, the job of a leader is finding solutions and dealing with issues. Let us do the right thing."

On the cost of governance, the former Anambra State governor said, just like he reduced government aides, when he was governor, he remained committed to implement

It noted that low tax rates and poor utilisation of tax bases, weak nesses in tax administration, and large deductions from oil revenues were constraining Nigeria’s inability to generate enough revenues.

Commenting on the new report, the World Bank Nigeria Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri submitted that Nigeria was at a critical historical juncture and has a choice to make.

He said: “A child born in Nigeria today will be only 36 per cent as productive when she grows up as she could be if she had access to effective public education and health services, and has a life expectancy of only 55 years.

"These stark indicators illustrate the urgency for action by Nigeria’s policymakers to improve the mac roeconomic and fiscal framework, so as to sustainably enhance the quality of spending and public services at federal and state levels.”

Chaudhuri noted that the World Bank had from February of 2022 to date, managed to provide about $9 billion and concessional financing for a variety of development needs.

His aspiration, he pointed out, was to witness a situation where the World Bank was not just seen as a financier, but as a true partner, who is trusted as credible in helping Nigeria move forward and meeting the various challenges it faces in various ways.

Nigeria, he stated, was in a position where it cannot afford to do things sequentially, adding "and we've been saying this for the last two years.

ing a strategy of lean government.

He said, “When people are talking about what they will do, for example, they will say I am going to fight corruption, let people know where they are coming from, how will he fight corruption and if everything is left intact, where he take off.

“Our civil servants are not bad, as they paint them.

“The only thing I can tell you is that the people do not do what is expected here, they do what is inspected. So, if I give you a job to do and follow it up…

“You see, governors and local government chairmen leave their place of work for weeks. I am the first governor to travel to all places in Anambra.

“I want every morning when I wake up, a child says to me, this, that is my work as a governor. It is the job of the president to stop

the state) for their alleged involve ment in the receipt and disbursement of the sum of N700 million paid to them by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke to influence the outcome of the 2015 presidential election.

At today's sitting, the prosecution counsel, Nasiru Salele, told the court that the case was for re-arraignment of the defendants and urged the court to ask them to take their pleas.

The charges were read to the defendants and they all pleaded ‘not guilty’.

One of the amended counts read: "That you, Muktar Ramalan Yero (while being the Executive Governor of Kaduna state), Nuhu Somo Wya

all wastages, because the cost of governance is not acceptable anymore. So leadership changes everything and the driver of the vehicle must be trained, competent and not in a situation, where those who do not go to school suddenly become teachers."

Asked if he had a clear path to victory and whether his followers would accept defeat in the event of a loss, he said he did not know most of those obedient to his quest.

According to him, “If I can predict the future, I will be the highest paid in the world and I don't even know, who will be there in February and the only person who can answer the question is God. As a trader, I cannot predict tomorrow; I have my limitations and my limitation is that I leave those who have the ability to predict tomorrow to do that. All I know is that there is a clear pathway for everybody to help

(whilst being a former minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) and Abubakar Gaiya Haruna ( whilst being the chairman people's Democratic Party (PDP), Kaduna State Chapter, sometimes in 2015 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court (Federal High Court) did conspire among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: indirectly taking possession of the sum of N700,000,000.00 which you ought to have known forms part of unlawful activity to wit; bribery and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

me. A country is owned by people. “Let me tell you, I don't know them all, I am being honest with you. All these people you see that call themselves ‘Obedients', you know how politics is and if I am to be able to do what people are doing, I can't have them. The only thing I owe them is that I say to them, I will not fail them and I will rather die than fail them.

“I will tour around the country and I am determined to do it, if I have the opportunity, I will faithfully serve you. How they will react if I win or lose, my brother, I don't know. A similar thing has happened to me in Anambra State, if you don't know."

On those funding his presidential campaign and the allegation that he offered Rabiu Kwankwaso money to become his running mate, Obi

ADEBANJO: IT’S IGBO’S RIGHT TO PRODUCE NEXT PRESIDENT

ing in Nigerian History." Elder statesman, Major General Atom Kpera, chaired it.

Adebanjo pointed out that what Nigeria needed to move forward was sincerity, equity and honesty, stating that living together should be on agreed terms.

Adebanjo, who spoke as a discussant, said, "When we say, go back to the Independence Constitution, it is simply saying

FISCAL MANAGEMENT

"It may seem like no Nigeria will muddle through, but it has really come to a point where all hands should be on deck.

"The elephants in the room have to be dealt with, all other measures and parallel, have to be taken and there is effort to really ensure that government programmes deliver and public funds are used in the most cost effective, high-value ways possible," he said.

On his part, the Chief Economic Adviser to President, Dr. Doyin Salami said it was very clear that fuel subsidy was not the best way of spending resources.

" I think now, there's a national consensus around the need for subsidies to go and so I don't expect in all honesty that by the end of next year, we should still have subsidies.

"The second point to make is that the government (as I am aware, has been looking at a number of things to do to reduce the cost of the subsidies even now," he said.

As an economist, Salami said removing subsidies in one fell swoop would come with a number of other challenges, adding that "we would have to think through how best to take out subsidies."

Also speaking, the DirectorGeneral of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha, said it was true that debt had grown a bit faster in the past few years. But she said there were some deliberate strategies around that, adding that in 2015, crude oil prices crashed while the country slipped into a recession in 2016.

there must be the autonomy of the regions, where each develops at its own pace.

"The case of the East is not about begging. It is the right of the East to produce the president. It is not because it is Igbo but because he is a Nigerian."

He insisted that APC’s failure to choose an Igbo candidate from among them at their presidential convention meant they had disqualified the Igbo already.

On his part, Baba-Ahmed, who also spoke as a discussant, insisted that Nigeria's unity was negotiable. He said it would be in the interest of the country to negotiate on the mode of engagement rather than allowing for disintegration.

He said, "Nigeria's unity is negotiable. You either negoti ate, because the nation is very fragile or they break and we are at the breaking point. Anyone who takes the unity of nations as non-negotiable is not talking about the human entity.

"It is only the military that can say Nigeria's unity is nonnegotiable but they are Nigerians' employees. It is foolish and a fallacy to say Nigeria's unity is not negotiable."

He noted that for the country to ensure peaceful co-existence, certain principles must be put in place, adding every part of the country is embroiled in several grievances.

Baba-Ahmed believed that the country was already operating on shared power.

"There is shared power between the political class and the masses,” he stated. We have been manipulated by the group of people, who control us," BabaAhmed said.

Advising the South-east to speak with one voice and negotiate with other parts of the country if power would come to the zone, Baba-Ahmed alleged that the elite in the South-east were fragmented

In his remarks, President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Professor George Obiozor,

said, "For Nigeria's unity and nation-building to succeed, the leaders need to borrow a leaf from or emulate the experiences of countries that did not ignore the element of pluralism in their respective countries and societies.

"Nationalism, including ethnic nationalism, is not about to disap pear in the world generally, and certainly not Nigeria, no matter how much we want to wish it away. It is still a potent force and all its advocates feel they have a strong case and believe that history is on their side.

"Without mincing words, the disparity between claims to nationhood and the political realities in Nigeria is responsible for the political instability, military coups, sporadic levels of warfare, cruses and violence that have characterised Nigeria's history."

The elder statesman listed four elements needed to address the Nigerian project, saying Nigeria needs a system of shared power; coercive integration; freedom and liberty, and good leadership.

The guest lecturer, Professor Akinjide Osuntokun, opined that the country needed to find a collective and equitable solution to the way it chose leaders.

According to him, "As a former ambassador of Nigeria, I am in favour of finding a solution to our constitutional and structural problems. I saw how our size, resources and population brought us respect abroad. I also know that, as the late President Nelson Mandela said, ‘until Nigeria is successful, no one will have respect for the black man’.

"What we need if this country is to succeed is to find a collective and equitable solution to the way we choose our government and put in place the administration of the country based on the French revolutionary credo of careers open to talents instead of the current nebulous federal character and the odious and rampant corruption ruining the country while the majority of our people vegetate in poverty and want."

WORLD BANK PRESIDENT: NIGERIA IN URGENT NEED TO STRENGTHEN

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY...

2023: Lawmakers, NILDS Blame High Turnover of Lawmakers on Executive 'Rascality'

Seek higher educational qualification for N'Assembly members

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) yesterday blamed the high turnover of lawmakers in each election cycle on what they described as executive 'rascality of state governors.'

Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman made the assertion in Abuja, when they spoke at the 2022 House of Representatives Press Corps week with the theme: “High Turnover of the Lawmakers: Impact and Way Forward.”

Gbajabiamila, represented by the House Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Peter Akpatason, said the high turnover of legislators was due to inordinate desire of governors to maintain firm grip on political apparatus of their states.

He said the development was sad as it has negatively impacted the legislature which is the bastion of democracy but victim of any undemocratic governance.

He explained: "When you talk about executive rascality, I don't think a lot of people actually know, it is a very serious issue in this country. We have the situation in which governors want to do everything, want to take everything in this country but it is not in the interest of Nigerians.

“It is not in the interest of democracy when a governor sits down and say XY must not come

back, why? You are not looking at experience, competence, it is not about inability to perform. The turnover of legislators is majorly due to the horde of the governors.

"The legislature as the bastion of democracy can do their job very well only when you have a stock of competent and experienced human beings. A federal turnover is a seri ous problem, serious in the sense that, the older the better, the more experienced the better legislature.

“The best legislators are legislators who have seen it from every angle but you cannot come in and do one term and say you have seen it all. How much have you seen actually? How much would you know in National Assembly in four years?

“When there was military rule, you have the executives, you have the judiciary but the only one that is missing is always the legislature. So, now that we are lucky to have democracy, the best that we can do to ensure that we have an efficient legislative arm is to maintain and sustain the experience already acquired by those who have been in service for quite some time."

Corroborating the Speaker, Sulaiman, in his keynote address said most of the lawmakers not coming back to the Senate and the House in next legislative session was on account of executive rascality which must stop.

He cautioned that the practice of removing lawmakers after four years or at most eight years was not healthy even for the constituents

as only ranking members could become principal and presiding officers of the National Assembly. Sulaiman lamented that the trend weakened the legislature as greenhorn lawmakers could not sufficiently hold the executive to account, and their quality of debates and legislative outputs were likely to be equally poor.

He opined that the high turnover of lawmakers was a drawback for Nigeria as a country in terms of governance, funding, wasting of resources, and loss of manpower of lawmakers that know the job while disrupting the legislative processes.

The DG also bemoaned the practice by former governors turning the National Assembly to as their retirement homes.

He was of the view that former governors have no business contesting for Senate or House of Representatives.

He also called for the amend ment of the constitution to raise the educational qualification required to be a member of parliament in Nigeria.

He said, "In National Assembly or legislature, we talk about ranking. If you are doing rotational, your constituency will never produce principal officers. When I was

taking about executive, one of the most vibrant senators today is Yahaya Oloriegbe (Kwara) but he's not coming back again because the governor doesn't like his face.

“When you look at senators that have the highest honour of bills, Senator Oloriegbe is one of them in the 9th Assembly but despite that performance, the governor said I don't like himself so he's not going back.

"The governor gave it to a lesser person. He is a medical doctor and chairman of senate committee on health and now you are giving it to another person who is an OND holder. So when you look at it

critically, where are we heading to?

“It's a sad development. In term of right to that constituency they have lost, just as we lost in Kwara, they have lost too in the Yobe North because we need experience even when it comes to the issue of intervention funds, in terms of constituency project they have lost."

In his remarks, the House Spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu urged the media to help advance democracy as intended by letting people know more about the details of the Electoral Act, adding that the intents of the bill was not known to most politicians.

Akwa Ibom Professionals to Wike: You Lied, Your 13% Derivation Claims, Incorrect, Misleading

Hails Emmanuel’s transparent, judicious use of released funds

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

A coalition of good governance groups under the umbrella of Akwa-Ibom Professionals has argued that contrary to claims by River State Governor Nyesom Wike that the federal government has paid the full arrears of the 13 per cent derivation owed states of the south-south region since 1999, only about 15 per cent of the funds accruable to the states

have been paid.

Also the coalition hailed AkwaIbom State Governor Emmanuel Udom for his judicious and trans parent use of funds paid his state on tangible development projects that have continued to transform the state in key sectors of life.

Speaking to newsmen at the end of its stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja yesterday, the National Coordinator of the Coalition, Engr. Ufot Akan Umoren, averred that

Humanitarian Affairs Minister Disowns

Appropriation Bill

Senate Summons Finance Minister

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq yesterday distanced herself from the N206 billion inserted into her Ministry's 2023 Appropriation Bill by the Ministry of Finance.

Farouk appeared before the Senate Committee on Special Duties to defend 2023 budget proposal at the National Assembly.

She claimed that the Ministry requested for some projects for

the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the National Social Safety Net Project in the 2022 budget which was not released.

She, however, said the Ministry was surprised that the money inserted, was now ten times of the 2023 proposed budget of the Ministry.

One of the Committee members, Senator Elisha Abbo fired the first salvo at the Minister when he asked her to explain the N206 billion in her Ministry's budget.

The minister who expressed surprise said, "Yes we made mention of the projects for 2022 which was not released and part of it was part for the NEDC.

"The money was not released and now we have seen it recurring by almost 10 folds and we are also going to clarify from the Ministry of Finance to know why this increase despite the fact that the previous year, the money was not even released for the project. So we will get the details then send to you on that.

"On upscaling of the National Social Safety Net Project. These projects under the National Social Safety Net, the condition cash transfer, the updating of the national social register and the rapid response register as well to cushion the effect of inflation.

"This is all I can say for this. I cannot really give full details of how this amount is going to be utilised because it is something that was negotiated between the Ministry of Finance and World Bank."

Wike did not get his claims right. According to him “Governor Wike, perhaps inadvertently, misrepresented facts regarding the payment of 13 per cent derivation to oil producing state. It is therefore important to state the facts the way they are and not subject such very sensitive issues to politics.

“Contrary to claims by Governor Wike, available records show the federal government has not paid any 23 years arrears, but only 10 months installments in line with the order of court to liquidate the arrears “in sixty equal monthly installments” and disbursed to states “quarterly, the first quarter being February to April 2022. What this means is that only 10 months out of the 60 monthly installments have been paid with the remaining 50 months yet to be paid,” he said.

The coalition however com mended Emmanuel for the judicious use of funds paid to Akwa Ibom State leading to the delivery of development projects in key sectors.

The group praised Emmanuel’s feat in infrastructural development including delivering the Ikot Oku Ikono flyover, the longest in the south-south region; the 21- Storey Dakkada Towers, the seventh tallest in the nation, the tallest in the Niger Delta region, the best network of modern roads in the region while

leading in rural electrification among other projects.

This is in addition to running a fleet of 5 CRJ 900 Bombardier and two Airbus A220- 300 Series, recent purchase of two brand new Airbuses to bring the Ibom Air fleet to nine aircraft as well as constructing what was termed the most ‘intelligent’ and smartest airport terminal in the region.

The group also commended Emmanuel for delivering over 4,800 classroom blocks with the most modern amenities across the state, delivery of fully automated hospitals in all the 10 federal constituencies as well as achieving food sufficiency in the State.

Umoren noted that, “the people of Akwa Ibom are proud of Gov ernor Emmanuel for delivering 25 functional employment and wealth generating industries, including the largest syringes manufacturing company in Africa, the most automated flour mill in Niger Delta, the first coconut refinery in Africa among others to rank only second to Lagos State in Foreign Direct Investments.”

It would be recalled that Udom Emmanuel was celebrated by the United States Consul General, Will Stevens, for financial transparency and good governance, during a courtesy visit to the Governor, last month.

L-R: Secretary General, United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvill; presenting the Awardee/ Founder of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed at Victoria Island, Lagos...recently

DEGREE...

Marketers Groan over Effects of Finance Act 2020, VAT on Diesel Cost

The Executive Secretary of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Olufemi Adewole has decried the impact of the 0.5 per cent corporate tax in the Finance Act 2020 and the introduction of 7.5 per cent Value-Added Tax (VAT) to the cost of diesel.

This was just as the immediatepast Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Dr. Kenny Obateru and former General Manager, Nigerian Content at Ni gerian Agip Oil Company Limited, Mr. Tajudeen Adigun have faulted the Senate for meddling into the affairs of the Nigeria LNG Limited

and its host communities.

They all spoke at the Platform Africa Continental Forum held yesterday in Lagos. The theme of the forum was "Legislation and Business Survival in Africa: A Review of Nigeria's 9th Parliament and Agenda for the 10th National Assembly."

Speaking on the legislations that have helped the downstream business and those that have not helped the sector, Adewole said the Finance Act 2020, has not helped petroleum marketers' business, citing the 0.5 corporate tax provided by the Act, which will take effect by the end of 2022.

Arguing that petroleum marketers operate on very low margins with huge turnover and that their margins do not correspond to the turnover,

the DAPPMAN executive secretary warned that allowing tax to remain the way it is presently might lead to marketing companies folding up or having to borrow to pay tax.

"We are engaging government on how to resolve this because it's unimaginable to think that probably half of the petroleum marketing companies that are in existence now will go under just because we cannot pay the tax, because the margins are very small.

"I had an opportunity to face the Senate Appropriation Committee once and they were pleasantly shocked when I told them at that time that we sell petrol at N40, the same margin we are getting at N40 is the same margin we are getting at N160, it's the same margin we are getting at N200. They were shocked,

PDP to Tinubu: Stop Campaigns, Apologise to Nigerians

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, asked the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to stop campaign ing, and apologise to Nigerians for the hardship meted on the people by his party since 2015.

This is as the former Senate Chief Whip, Rowland Owie, has asked the PDP to sanction the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and his colleagues known as the G5 governors.

One of PDP presidential cam paign spokespersons, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, told journalists that Tinubu should rather apologise profusely for the fact that his party lied to Nigerians for the past seven and a half years.

He said the APC had plunged over 133 million Nigerians into abject poverty despite their promise to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.

According to him, the APC made several promises to Nigerians in 2015, which they failed to fulfil including reducing the pump price of PMS to N65 but today, it is selling for N250.

“A bag of rice was selling for N7500, when they came in 2015,

today, it is hovering around N50,000 per bag. Instead of him to go round and apologise for his failed promises, he is coming round to make another fake promises to Nigerians.

“If the Buhari administration, which he helped midwifed was working, why didn’t they fulfill all the promises they made in 2015. Instead of reducing the unemployment in the country their administration has thrown over 133 million Nigerians into deeper poverty.

“Rather than apologising for their abysmal failure they are going round to tell lies again to the people with fake promises,” he said

Meanwhile, Owie, has asked the leadership of the PDP to urgently invoke disciplinary measures against the unruly five PDP governors.

The five PDP governors, popularly known as G-5 are Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), leading the advocacy for the resignation of Dr Iyorchia Ayu as national chairman of the party.

Owie also called on the Lagos State chapter of the party to imme

diately take disciplinary measures against Bode George, who hosted the governors in Lagos recently.

According to the former sen ate whip, who represented Edo South in the upper chamber of the legislature, it was sad that Bode George, who enjoyed PDP victories in other states but had never won any election for PDP in Lagos State since 1999, a supposed elder of the party could now be aiding and abetting indiscipline in PDP.

“I urge the PDP in Lagos State to take disciplinary measures against Bode George immediately. PDP leadership should remember that Governor Wike and Governor Fayose encouraged my friend, Distinguished Senator Ali Midu Sherrif to come into the PDP, an action that led PDP into coma.

“Thereafter they brought Uche Secondus and when the eyes of Secondus were opened by the Holy Spirit, he distanced himself from them. Today Governor Fayose can’t win a House of Assembly seat in Ekiyi.

“The word of God says, ‘pride comes before a fall. I urge the PDP leadership to invoke disciplinary measures urgently against these unruly 5 PDP governors. Enough is enough, because only God gives power,” the statement read.

and I said these are records that are available for everybody to check.

"And except the regulator, which is now NMDPRA approves the review of the margin for marketers, but the Finance Act as it is presently, has an adverse effect our businesses," Adewole said.

He also lamented the effect of the introduction of 7.7 per cent VAT on diesel cost, saying it would also have an adverse effect on both the marketers as well as companies and other Nigerians using diesel to power their generators.

To find solution to the challenge, he said marketers were working jointly with other members of National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and other industries.

Meanwhile, the ex-NNPC and Agip officials have said the October 2022 order by the Senate that NLNG should pay N18.4 billion compensation to 73 communities of Obiafu, Soku and Bonny in Rivers State within 60 days for acquiring their land was unwarranted and will discourage further foreign direct investments (FDIs) into the country.

They advised the National As sembly to rather focus on making laws that will enable businesses to thrive rather than taking actions that will kill businesses.

The Senate has been under fire over its last month's directive that the NLNG Limited should pay

N18.4 billion compensation to the 73 Rivers communities on the claim by the communities that the liquefaction firm acquired their land and deprived the people the right of way through the communities due to pipelines.

The resolutions were adopted after the Senate considered the report of its Committee on Eth ics, Privileges and Public Petitions that investigated a petition by the communities.

In a swift reaction, the NLNG had said it was evaluating the Senate resolution and circumstances surrounding the N18.4 billion compensation approved for the said communities, adding that it "has always conducted its business responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including in this specific matter.”

However, dissecting the substance of the matter in their interventions at the forum, Obateru and Adigun argued that the Senate or the National Assembly lacked the powers to meddle in a matter that involves a company like NLNG and its communities.

Specifically, Obateru said such interference and unnecessary order by the Senate would send wrong signals to prospective investors and discourage further FDIs inflows into the country.

He argued that if at all NLNG must be questioned on such mat ters, it must be the executive arm that gave it the land and not the

legislature.

Obateru said, "Government has the ownership for lands and government has the responsibility for allocating lands in public interest and that is why most of the com panies that are operating in Nigeria either as IOCs or independents, they engage government, it is government that gives them land.

"So if government gives you land in public interest, which the Nigeria LNG is, any other thing that the company is doing by way of reaching out to those villages is just CSR, it is not mandatory. So because of that, it is government that can question the Nigeria LNG -government as the executive arm like governors who can give out land and it is a business transaction that has been in place.

"So for me, I think the 9th National Assembly and the 10th Assembly should not engage in anything that will discourage foreign direct investment".

Adigun on his part, said the business of the Senate and the National Assembly was to be settling disputes between companies and communities, adding that they leave that for the governors of the various states to handle.

He further said the lawmakers' focus should be on making laws that will improve business instead dwelling on matters they do not have powers to, adding that there are Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) that bind companies and their host communities.

Pinnacle Bags Africa Advancement Forum's Oil, Gas Company of the Year Award

Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, a market leader in the Nigerian and African downstream petroleum sector, has been conferred with the special award of the Oil and Gas Company of the Year 2022 by the Africa Advancement Forum (AAF).

The certificate of honour con taining the special recognition to Pinnacle, which was approved by the advisory board and manage ment of AAF was presented to the downstream major at the award ceremony held in Lagos.

The award adds to the pool of accolades, endorsements and commendations being received by Pinnacle in recognition of its massive investments and disrup tive innovation in the Nigerian downstream oil and gas industry, which has transformed the sector significantly.

The company's $1 billion ultra-modern offshore subsea bi-directional offtake and intake petroleum terminal located at the Lekki Free Zone Lagos, was unveiled last month by President Muhammadu Buhari to the delight of industry stakeholders.

The facility which is the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa, comprises the Single Point Mooring facility (SPM) and the Conventional Buoy Mooring facility (CBM). It has made it possible for large vessels known as Mother vessel to be berthing and discharging products directly at Nigerian Ports.

The coming on stream of the transformative facility has ended the era of multiple handlings at the ports due to the use of Daughter vessels with associated inefficiencies, high costs and congestion of Apapa Port and roads.

Ex-NNPC, Agip GMs, others say Senate's unwarranted order to NLNG will discourage FDIs into Nigeria Advise National Assembly to focus on making business enabling laws

DECORATED WITH HIS HONORARY DOCTORATE

L-R: Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Awardees of the Chartered Institute of Mentoring and Coaching, (CIMCN), Otaru Joseph Omokagbo and Dr. Abubakar Wambai, after being decorated with his Honorary doctorate degree from the ProWest University, USA in Abuja... recently

PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

Peter Uzoho

Peter Uzoho

NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL TORCH OF UNITY IN IMO...

2023: Opposition Accuses APC of Plot to Buy Votes Digitally

Passes confidence vote on INEC chairman Orders for fresh primaries undermining poll, says

Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Udora Orizu in Abuja

Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to carry out digital vote buying in the 2023 general election.

CUPP made the allegation in a live broadcast at its national headquarters in Abuja. They said APC had resorted to this because it would not be able to continue the usual cash vote as a result of the new naira design policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The opposition parties, however, passed a vote of confidence on Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, even as the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room expressed concern that court orders directing fresh primaries by political parties could undermine the 2023 electoral process.

Speaking on behalf of the group, its spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, alleged that the new plot of digital vote buying would see APC harvesting names, account numbers, Voter Identification Numbers, and Bank Verification Numbers of citizens, arranged in tables for each polling unit on the understanding that money would be sent to each person by electronic means to purchase their votes.

Ugochinyere said information available to him showed that bank details of over 10 million voters had been harvested by agents of the ruling party nationwide, using different platforms. In a plot designed after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), announced the policy to redesign the Naira.

He went further to release evidence of the plot in several leaked documents that showed the names and bank accounts for the digital vote buying in some states.

Passing a vote of confidence on Yakubu and the national com missioners, Ugochinyere vowed that the opposition parties would resist and reject any form of arrest of the INEC chairman, when he returns to the country.

He stated, "This plot, which has now received the approval at the highest level of the APC and its Presidential Campaign Council was also designed in Imo State and exported to 21 other states of the federation, requires the party’s agents harvesting names, account numbers and Voters Identification Numbers, Bank Verification Num bers of citizens and arranged in tables for each polling unit on the understanding that money will be sent to each person by electronic means to purchase their votes.

''In Imo and Ebonyi states, this plot was being executed under

FTX Crypto Exchange Owes Biggest Creditors $3.1bn

Cryptocurrency exchange, FTX owes its 50 largest creditors almost $3.1 billion (£2.6bn), according to a court filing.

The embattled firm, which filed for bankruptcy in the United States last week, said it owes about $1.45 billion to its top 10 creditors, but has not named any.

According to the BBC, the collapse of the world's second largest crypto exchange shook confidence in the already troubled cryptocurrency market.

It also led to exchange boss Sam Bankman-Fried to step down.

FTX's previous bankruptcy filings revealed more than one million people and businesses could be owed money following its collapse.

On Saturday, FTX said it had launched a review of its global assets and was preparing for the sale or reorganisation of some businesses.

A court hearing before a US bankruptcy judge has been set for Tuesday.

The fall of ‘King of Crypto’ Sam Bankman-Fried A million owed money by failed crypto exchange It was unclear how much people who have funds in the exchange would get back at the end of bankruptcy proceedings, though many experts have warned it may be a small fraction of what they put into the firm.

Last week, new FTX chief executive John Ray hit out at the way the failed crypto exchange was run, saying he had never "seen such a complete failure of corporate controls".

Ray, who replaced Mr BankmanFried, criticised a "complete absence of trustworthy financial information".

Bankman-Fried told the Vox news website he regretted filing for bankruptcy, saying the decision had largely taken financial matters out of his control. He also expressed disdain for financial regulators.

the platform ,Support Group Coordination, South-east, while in other parts of the South-east, like Abia, Enugu and Anambra, it was being executed as All Progressives Congress Empowerment Form.

In Katsina State and other parts of the North-west, the plot was being executed under the Citizens Grassroots Farmers Association, in Ekiti State, they are operating under the Ekiti Development Front (EDF). In the North-central, Operation Wire-Wire was being executed under the North Central Women for Tinubu.

"In Cross River State, the details are harvested under the Forum of Tinubu Support Groups. In the rest of the country, the APC is harvesting details using the Vote

Canvassing Form. CUPP calls on the Banks and the Security Agencies to work together by identifying the illegal transactions in the banks and reporting the same to the security agencies for immediate prosecution."

Meanwhile, a statement signed by Convener of the Situation Room, Ene Obi, urged the judiciary to respect the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 regarding change of candidates by political parties.

Situation Room noted that several courts had ordered that fresh primaries be conducted, as in the cases of some governorship primaries in Akwa Ibom State; Taraba State; Akoko South East/ Akoko South-west Federal Con stituency in Ondo State; Abeokuta

North, Obafemi-Owode,ddd and Odeda Federal Constituency in Ogun State; Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency in Borno State, and several others.

Situation Room said, "It is our concern that these court orders ordering fresh primaries may be in serious contradiction of the Electoral Act, which provides timelines for carrying out specific electoral activities. Section 29(1) of the Act states that every political party shall, not later than 180 days before the date appointed for an election, submit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the list of the candidates the party proposes to sponsor at the elections, who must have emerged from valid primaries conducted

Situation Room

by the political party.

"With the 2023 general election in view, Situation Room is further concerned that court orders made by judges should reinforce the spirit and intendment of the Electoral Act rather than be disruptive of the election preparations of INEC.

"At a recent public event, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, had warned judges to operate within legal limits and their judicial pow ers, rather than engage in judicial rascality.

"Situation Room calls on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to act decisively in holding to account, judges, who exceed their judicial powers and mandate."

How 17 Lawmakers Impeached Ekiti Speaker, Elected Female Successor

Impeached leader alleges threat to life

Tension rose yesterday in the Ekiti State House of Assembly and environs, as 17 out of the 25 members of the state legislature impeached the Speaker, Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan.

In his place, the APC-dominated assembly, elected a lawmaker representing Emure constituency, Hon. Bunmi Adelugba, thereby emerging the first female speaker in Ekiti history.

Aribisogan, representing Ikole constituency 2, was last week elected to replace the deceased Speaker, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, who died a month ago after suffering heart attack.

The situation was however pulsating around the assembly, yesterday, as all the roads lead ing to the legislative arm were cordoned off by anti-riot and anti-bomb squads of the Ekiti State Police Command, as hordes of thugs openly abusing hard drugs and brandishing lethal weapons thronged the environ.

Stern-looking policemen prevented journalists and staff of the assembly from entering the assembly complex, with no fewer than 10 Hilux vans and anti-explosive vehicles stationed strategically around the assembly.

For the emergency plenary that held between 6.30am and 9.30am, the lawmakers impeached

Aribisogan, while also suspending six of his allies.

After departing from the As sembly, the lawmakers visited the APC Secretariat in Ado Ekiti, to pay homage to the leadership.

Lawmakers present included Hon. Toyin Lucas(Ado 1) Femi Akindele (Irepodun-Ifelodun 1), Hon. Teju Okuyiga(Gbonyin), Hon. Ayodeji Ajayi(ise/orun), Hon. Lateef Akanle(Ekiti East 2), Hon. Arugbo(Moba 2) , Hon. Babatunde Fawekun(Ido/Osi 1) Hon. Babatunde Joseph(Ekiti South west 2), Hon. Ademola Ojo(Ijero), Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye(Ikole constituency 2).

Others were Hon Akin Oso(Ido/ Osi 1), Hon. Reuben Awoyemi(Oye 2), Hon. Tunde Idowu(Ikere 2), Hon. Bode Oyekola (Ekiti West 2), the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Hakeem Jamiu, and the new Speaker, Hon Adelugba.

Addressing Journalists during a visit to the party's secretariat in Ado Ekiti to introduce the new leadership, Adelugba appreciated the party for not allowing its name to be dragged in the mud despite the tension elicited by the power tussle in the assembly.

Adelugba said what transpired at the assembly was the indefinite suspension of Aribisogan and six other lawmakers, for allegedly sabotaging the passage of the revised 2022 supplementary budget presented by the executive.

The lawmaker disclosed that

all the standing committees of the House, had been dismantled, while a new leader of Government Business, Hon. Bode Oyekola, was elected to pilot the affairs of the House.

"We have also appointed a chairman, House Committee on Appropriation as part of what we did today at the plenary. Let me say that the Assembly is ready to pardon as many of them that are ready to join us. This is about the party and not the Assembly. The action we took today had nullified the first election that produced Aribisogan.

"In the last election, Aribisogan claimed he had 15, but today, I have 17 lawmakers behind me. Many of the lawmakers said they didn't vote for him, but he compromised the election.

"I thank our leaders, Biodun Oyebanji, Kayode Fayemi and Adeniyi Adebayo for playing strong leadership role. I want to say that this is the real members of the House of Assembly and we have chosen the real speaker.

"The late speaker was like a father to me, I will continue where he stopped. I want to assure you that you will enjoy the peace you enjoyed under the late Speaker," she said.

Addressing the lawmakers, the APC State Chairman, Hon. Paul Omotoso, denied the accusation that former Governor Fayemi arm-twisted the lawmakers and

imposed Adelugba.

"This is the happiest day of the party. We thank you for the way you conducted yourselves. Some believed the end has come to the House, but you were able to manage the crisis effectively. We read many things that people thought would demean our party. But you demonstrated that we can still have a strong House of Assembly after all this.

"Nobody ever imposed anybody on you. You are adults and enlight ened people, very robust minds. Today, we are celebrating the return of peace in the House of Assembly. We do not want division. We will continue to play that fatherly role you have placed on our shoulders.

"With understanding, we will continue to resolve whatever crisis that comes to us as a challenge. Please, you have supported the last government and we want you to stretch same to the present government of Biodun Oyebanji," Omotoso said.

Meanwhile, Aribisogan, has alleged that some prominent personalities in his state, who were not happy over his emergence as the speaker, were plotting to kill him and other lawmakers that voted for him.

Aribisogan, who made the allega tion while addressing journalists in Abuja, accused a former governor of being the brain behind the plot and also sponsoring some lawmakers to impeach him.

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti and Udora Orizu in Abuja

Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, receives the Torch of Unity for National Sports Festival from the Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Amaka Ashiofu at the Government House, Owerri...yesterday

A NEW POLICE COMMISSIONER FOR THE HEARTBEAT OF NIGERIA...

Atiku: I’ll Wipe Out Boko Haram Insurgents Everywhere

Emmanuel berates APC for poverty, insecurity in northeast Melaye reacts to Wike’s support for Obi

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, in Gombe State promised to wipe out the Boko Haram insurgents from the state.

This is as the Chairman, the PDP Presidential campaign council, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, has berated the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the collapse of the economy and insecurity in the country.

At the same time, one of the spokesmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Dino Melaye, has reacted to the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike’s pledge to support the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, with logistics during his campaign.

Atiku, who also promised to empower businesses in the state and enhance employment opportunities for the youths, pledged to revive the near moribund Dadin Kowa Dam in the state for the purposes of improving irrigation facilities for agricultural development and electricity.

The former vice president, who address attracted applause, promised to improve the road network and rekindle the legacies Abubakar Tafawa Belewa as most of them were not born,when the late prime minister was alive.

Speaking in both Hausa and the English languages, Atiku said, "Let me reiterate the promises we made if by the grace of God, you supported the PDP in the presidential election, we promised to empower your business men to expand their businesses so that

they can expand their businesses for our young men and women.

"We also promised you that the Dadin Kowa Dam, which was built by the PDP to provide electricity and irrigation is activated for electricity and irrigation is provided if you support the government of PDP.

"We will make sure that all the roads linking Gombe to Adamawa with Borno, with Bauchi, with Yobe all these roads are reconstructed for the purposes of enhancing trade and commerce.

"Many of you were not born the time the late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was in office. You now have another opportunity to produce another Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in me.

"Most especially, is peace, without peace all these pledges that I made cannot be actualised without peace.

I promised to return peace to Gombe. I will wipe out Boko Haram. Book Haram is nothing. We have wiped out Boko Haram in Adamawa, what will stop us from wiping out Boko Haram in Borno or Yobe or anywhere they are in this country? Therefore,give us the mandate.

"When Sir Abubaakr Tafawa Balewa was Prime Minister, most of you were not born. Don’t you want another Tafawa Balewa in the North-east? This can only be actualised by voting PDP and here I am the one that will give you the opportunity to have another Tafawa Balewa."

In his speech, Emmanuel, while lamenting the collapse of the economy, asked the party faithful: "When PDP was in power, how much was a tin of milk, how much is a tin of milk today? When

IG Lauds Bello on Security, Says It’s Everyone's Business

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has com mended the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for the manner in which he has been handling security situations in and around the state, saying he was indeed, the real executive officer, who never complained that he did not have control of the police.

Baba gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to Bello at the Government House in Lokoja, yesterday, saying the government was doing well in the area of security.

The IGP said he was in Kogi to kill two birds with one stone, stressing that he was in the state to greet the governor and people of the state and familiarise himself with Kogi State Command and secondly to commission a project executed by the Police in Kabba, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state.

He pointed out that the governor had run to him on several occasions on security issues, noting that Abuja was a contagious city and between Kogi and Abuja, he met the governor performing the role of the Executive Officer.

The IG explained that security was everybody's business, and that the dividends of the security could not be quantified with Naira and

Kobo, and urged all and sundries to cooperate with the security agencies and useful information.

He eulogised the governor for every effort he has taken to maintain peace in Kogi State, adding he has collaborated, cooper ated, integrated and commanded the security of the state, when it mattered.

Welcoming the IG to Kogi State, the governor said it was pertinent to note that he had decided very early as governor to take full responsibility for events in his state, including the provision of security to the inhabitants of every nook and cranny thereof.

He pointed out that he was determined that as long as the president has given him the contingents of law enforcement assets accruing to Kogi State, he would not be a governor who allowed criminals to run amok unchecked while he ran around wringing his hands helplessly and blaming the president, the IG, the Service Chiefs or whoever.

"It is well known that before the inception of the current administra tion, our citizens lived in perpetual fear from rampaging insecurity of all kinds including high rates of terrorism, kidnapping, bank robbery, violent political agitations, pipeline vandalism, herdsmen/farmers conflicts, inter- and intra-communal clashes, campus and other forms

of cultism, amongst others.

"By the grace of God, over the last 7 years, my administration has done its best to supply both the tools and the allied morale boosters that our officers need to excel. Although doing so took a huge toll on our resources, in our

first year we were able to buy and distribute over 200 patrol vans, over 500 motorcycles and thousands of communications and tactical equipment to the services. We also continue to provide regular maintenance and logistical support.”

PDP was in power, how much was a bag of rice, how much is a bag of rice today? When PDP was in power, how much was one orange, how much is an orange sold today?

" We just want to let the people know that PDP is coming back to make sure that our economy bounces back, to make sure that our naira regains in strength, to make sure you have more milk in your tea. PDP is coming back to bring the economy back, to make sure there is light, to make sure no more darkness, to make you have access to many things you are not having now."

Director General of the PDP presidential campaign council, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said, "We know that the Wazirin Adamawa is here at home in Gombe and when the PDP gets to power in 2023, Atiku will ensure security, peace in Gombe and Nigeria at large.

"We know that Gombe is a commercial center, we shall ensure that wealth is revitalised and bring development, commerce in Gombe and the country at large. Youths, both males and females, will get jobs in the country, farming will be revitalised and the country as a whole. I know the people of Gombe know this, which is

the agenda of his government if elected," he stated.

Meanwhile, questioning Wike’s sincerity regarding his demand for “justice” from the party’s leadership, Melaye has pointed out that most of the positions in LP were occupied by southerners, unlike the PDP.

Wike had explained that he would provide Obi all the logistic support needed for the Labour Party presidential campaign in Rivers State.

Wike, who is leader of the G-5 governors, a group opposed to the national leadership of the PDP, spoke in Port Harcourt during the commissioning of a flyover in the state.

But Melaye in a Facebook post, wrote: “Peter Obi’s visit in PH, Wike of Rivers state, stated that he would give Peter Obi support during the presidential election.

“In Labour Party, their National party chairman is from the South. The presidential candidate is from the South. Their DG is from the South. And the majority of their national positions are being held by southerners.

“So where is the justice Governor Wike is talking about? Time to reunite with your family my brother. Atiku Abubakar is the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the grace of God.”

OBI TO NIGERIANS: I’LL BE IN CHARGE OF NIGERIA, HOLD ME RESPONSIBLE

said, "I have never knowingly or unknowingly offered anybody one naira and I will not do so in other to become the president. I am not saying I'm not going to spend money for a campaign, buy lunch for people and everything.

“But I have never in all my talks with Kwankwaso offered him anything.

“On people who are funding me, I am happy to set up a team to oversee all donations, and support to our campaign that is headed by a number of people and that is what brought Aisha Yesufu to what we are doing. So that it can be managed independent of me, because I cannot be talking of being transparent about managing public money without starting with my campaign.

“So as of today, nobody will say he is the one funding Peter Obi. I am funding myself, because of this belief. At some point, people said they have given me billions. I have not seen it, but if it comes, I will take it and we will manage

it very efficiently and we are not going to give it to anybody to step down for me or to work with. I know those who work with me."

Obi spoke on the urgent need to make states depend less on Abuja, saying this can only be driven by a man, who understood production and is economically sound enough to drive the production process.

“Let me say this, we are going back to production,” Obi declared.

He added, “Today, we are going through a series of problems, but I can tell you our experience is a cumulative effect of leadership failure and the foundation of that failure is that you are not a productive country. If you are productive, three-quarters of your problem can be solved."

On the number of people living in poverty, as recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Obi said it called for great concern, when people did not know where the next meal would come from.

“The level of criminality and

banditry – or you give any reason – the foundation is because we are not a productive country. The only thing we do here is about sharing and if you remove the sharing formula with the production form, if they give us the opportunity, the era of borrowing for consumption is over.

“We must begin to feed ourselves and drive the GDP of our country by ensuring every state engages in agricultural activities that would boost production. A lot of states are sitting on beautiful fertile lands, which we can turn around."

When asked to explain if he was not afraid of becoming the next president considering the country's huge debt, he said it was not wrong to borrow, adding it only depends on the rationale for borrowing.

He stated, “I have studied and compared Nigeria with so many nations, and there is nothing wrong in borrowing. Every nation that I have studied in the world borrows. But the problem is what you use the borrowing to do. If you borrow for consumption, that is where you

have the problem.

“The reason why Nigeria's debt looks very high, and it looks difficult even to service it, is because the money we borrowed has been thrown away. If that money was invested, it would have been a different thing and I can show you a Third World country that is borrowing like we are borrowing and I will compare it before I tell you what I will do."

Discussing his plans for the youth, technology, women, and power generation, Obi expressed optimism that with the right political will, a visionary leader with the right framework could meet the yearnings of the people.

He said, “Nigeria needs the right institutional framework to start implementing policies, rather than manifestos that most candidates don't know. That is why I want to take time to thoroughly proofread my manifesto, but we don't need a manifesto to bring change, as Nigeria has a lot of documents without implementation."

L-R: Edo State Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations, G.M Dantawaye; State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara; State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie during a courtesy visit by the new Police Commissioner at Government House in Benin City…yesterday

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

WE ARE PROUD OF YOU…

11 Family Members Die of Suspected Food Poisoning in Benue

George Okoh in Makurdi

Tragedy has struck in Benue State as 11 family members who ate suspected contaminated food died in Ikobi community in Apa Local

Government Area of the state.

According to a family source, the family members died due to poisoning from the food they consumed.

The 11 victims are: Adi Ale,

FG Satisfied with LagosIbadan Rail Facilities

Sunday Okobi

The federal government has expressed satisfaction over the railway facilities on the LagosIbadan rail corridor, adding that the passengers that were randomly sampled have proven that the train service is a welcome idea.

The Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo, who stated this recently when he was on an inspection tour of the facilities on the Lagos-Ibadan standard guage rail in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, also assured Nigerians that

the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train service will kick off in less than two weeks.

The minister who was accompanied by the Minister of State for Transportation, Ademola Adegoroye; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transportation, Magdalene Ajani, among other staff members, said the ministry is proactive and determined to meet the demands of all passengers.

According to Sambo, the ministry has a target date and Nigerians are interested in the services being rendered.

AIBN Stresses Commitment to Improved Air Safety in Nigeria

Sumaina in Abuja

Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIBN) has assured travelers that it would double its efforts toward enhancing aviation safety in Africa and beyond through quality investigations of air mishaps. This was disclosed yesterday in Abuja by the Commissioner of the AIBN, Mr. Akin Olateru, at the conclusion of the week-long workshops that was organised by the bureau and Bangul Accord Group

Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) in partnership with African Union (AU) and European Union, (EU) under the Aviation Safety for Africa, (EU-ASA).0

Olateru, who was represented by the Director of Engineering, AIBN, Mr. Muhammad Wali, stated that the bureau would continue to work in partnership with relevant agencies and stakeholders in the aviation industry for a secure airspace in the African sub-region and beyond.

Ochefije Ojo, Maria Ojo, Aipu Ochefije, Aboyi Ngbede Ochefije, Mary Ochoyoda, Ehi Abu, Blessing Abu, Peace Ochoyoda, Ojochono Daniel and Favour Edoh.

The source said six of the victims died in one day, the remaining five died later in the same week.

One of the bereaved family

members, Ochoyoda Abu, lost his wife (Mary), two sisters (Ehi and Blessing) and a daughter (Peace). The traditional ruler of Ikobi, Professor Mohammed Adah, said a similar incident had happened in September.

He said suspicion about food poisoning heightened when five of the victims died the same day

in the community, adding that experts were invited from the state Ministry of Health to investigate the cause of deaths.

Adah said the results of the investigations were yet to be made available to the community.

It was learnt that there were those who also took ill after eating the food and were taken

to hospitals. They were said to have since recovered and returned home.

While clarifying the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, said the victims died on November 14, adding that seven of the victims were confirmed dead in one day.

Abiodun Inaugurates Oba Erinwole Road, Sagamu

Commended by CCDI on equitable projects distribution

James Sowole inAbeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, yesterday inaugurated the four kilometer Oba Erinwole Road, Sagamu in Sagamu Local Government area of the state. The inauguration of the road came exactly one week after a similar assignment at Journalists Estate, Arepo in Obafemi /Owode Local Government Area.

This is just as the President, Centre for Convention on Democratic integrity, (CCDI), Mr. Olufemi Aduwo applauded governor Abiodun for his deliberate policy towards ensuring safety of lives and properties in the state.

Speaking at the event, the governor noted that the road was long neglected to serve as punishment targeted at a former governor of the state in particular,

and indeed the people of Remoland, in general, by those he described as “narrow minded politicians of yesteryears.”

Abiodun said that his administration over the last three and half years, had constructed over 80 major roads, including those owned by the federal government, which were reconstructed or rehabilitated across the state, totalling 400km .

He said the reconstruction of the dual carriage, would open all access to Sagamu -Ogijo industrial hub and improve economic prosperity of the people

The governor explained that the road, which served as a link between Sagamu and Ikorodu in Lagos State, would improve the standard of living of residents and others who live and work in the area.

Wike Pledges Logistics Support for Kwankwaso’s Presidential Campaign

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike yesterday offered to provide protocol and logistics support to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) whenever he wants to do his campaigns in Rivers State. This is as Governor Wike stated

that Nigeria is in serious need of a unifier that will drive the affairs of governance without any form of segregation.

Governor Wike spoke at the inauguration of the Mgbuitanwo internal road in Emohua Local Government Area of the State.

Wike expressed concern about how the diversity of the country has been grossly threatened by

those he said have resorted to campaign on the basis of ethnic and regional sentiment.

According to him, such parochial tendency will make Nigerians more divided along religious and ethnic lines than ever before.

The Rivers State governor added that members of his integrity group are resolved to

do what is right always as long as it will help to advance the county.

“It is not to say don’t vote for a Yoruba man, don’t vote for an Igbo man. That is not what we require in this country now. What we require is a man who will put Nigeria together. We of integrity group will continue to support whatever that is right, whatever will help this country.”

Bauchi Political Office Holders to Contribute 5% Salary to Health Insurance

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Shittu in Ilorin

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has described as painful and shocking the death of the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Prof. Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi (SAN).

Professor Akanbi passed on after a brief illness last Sunday night and has been buried according to Islamic rites in Ilorin.

A statement issued in Ilorin yesterday and signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, stated that:

“We submit to the decree of Allah who gives and takes. It is against this backdrop that we mourn the vice chancellor who answered Allah’s call tonight.

“He was a true and humble servant of Allah, and we beseech our God, the OftForgiving and Merciful, to grant him al-jannah Firdaus.”

The statement added: “The professor of law was a colossus who played the leading role to open a new chapter of academic excellence and greatness for KWASU.

As part of efforts to ensure that every resident of Bauchi state has access to quality health care service, the State Health Contributory Management Agency (BASHCMA) said it had commenced the implementation of the formal sector programme where legislators and political office holders are to contribute five per cent of their salaries

to health insurance while Civil Servants (State and Local Government Councils) would contribute two per cent.

The Executive Secretary, BASHCMA, Dr. Mansur Dada, stated this during a one-day training for journalists on State Health Contributory Scheme, organised by the agency in collaboration with a USAID Integrated Health Program (IHP), and Journalists for Public Health

and Development Initiative(J4PD) in Bauchi yesterday.

According to him, BASHCMA is the state social health insurance agency running the federal government basic minimum package of health care services of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), adding that the state has already implemented the vulnerable programme where 53,800 beneficiaries are currently accessing health care services

at the 323 primary health care facilities and 26 general hospitals in the state.

He said that the objective of the health agency include the continuous improvement of quality health care services, provide easy financial access to health care services, reduce out of pocket spending, improve the socio-economic status of the citizens and improve private health sector participation.

Parliamentary Workers Raise the Alarm over Influx of Thugs Into National Assembly

Sunday Aborisade inAbuja

The National Assembly branch of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria(PASAN), has raised the alarm over the security threat being posed by political thugs and other unauthorised persons in and around the apex legislative institution.

PASAN has therefore, vowed to secure the National Assembly

complex for lawmakers and other staff working in there.

This was coming against the backdrop of the influx of political thugs, who come in to the National Assembly during Budget defence and other sessions.

The young men and women constitute great nuisance daily as they harass federal lawmakers and heads of ministries, departments and agencies of government, on

assignment to defend their budgets.

Specifically, the political thugs demand money and embarrass those who failed to give them.

PASAN chairman, Sunday Sabiyi, stated this yesterday, while addressing journalists on the activities lined up for the PASAN week, from 27th November to 3rd of December 2022.

He said the parliamentary staff would take up the issue with the

management and urged every authorised persons to the National Assembly to be security conscious and report negative activities to the security personnel within the complex.

He said: “Security is everybody’ business. It has happened to us sometime, we were coming into the NASS complex when some thugs blocked us before we could apprehend them they ran away.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (left) receiving Noel Ifeanyi Alumona, an indigene of the State and first African to win 108-year-old AFS Award for Young Global Citizens, at the Government House, Enugu, yesterday

Kasim

Hammed

Kwara Gov, Speaker, NUJ Mourn Late Kwara Varsity VC, Prof. Akanbi

GLOBAL SECURITY ON THEIR MINDS…

Unpaid Salary Arrears: UNIPORT ASUU Protests, Stops Lectures

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) chapter, yesterday protested against their unpaid salary arrears, insisting that the federal government must pay the lecturers before commencing full lectures.

On visit to the school premises,

THISDAY discovered that students were asked not to bother coming for lectures pending the federal government’s resolution on the issues that led to the last strike which lasted for eight months.

The Uniport ASUU Chairman, Dr. Darlington Uzoma and other members, shortly after a special congress and protest rally at the university campus yesterday, lamented the ill treatment

Absence of Dr. Olaleye Stalls Arraignment over Defilement

Wale Igbintade

The scheduled arraignment of 57-year-old Medical Doctor, Dr. Olufemi Olaleye, over the alleged defilement of his wife’s 15-year-old niece, before an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, was stalled yesterday due to absence of the defendant.

When the matter was called, Lagos State Prosecuting Counsel, Mr. Oluwagbenga Alagbe, informed the court that the matter was for the arraignment of the defendant.

Alagbe told the court that

the prosecution had done the needful in a letter dated November 18 that was sent to the defendant, and the Investigation Police Officer (IPO), to notify all parties of the arraignment.

Alagbe said: “A letter was sent to the defendant and it was duly acknowledged which could be regarded as Exhibit A. We equally sent a letter to the complainant and the IPO, but unfortunately the defendant is not here.

“In view of the circumstance, we shall be asking for a bench warrant against the defendant.”

Suspected Terrorists Abduct 20 in Zamfara

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

What the people said it is respite for the people of Zamfara state as a result of abated attack on the innocent citizens in the state in the recent weeks due to effective joint military operations but was sad that the terrorists strike again by abducting no fewer than 20 persons including twin at Dauran Town of Zurmi local Government Area of Zamfara State, A resident of the town who spoke to THISDAY on condition of anonymity said that the suspected

terrorists stormed the town at about 8:30a.m. at the weekend and started to conduct house to house search where they abducted 20 of the residents to unknown location.

The local further narrated that most of those abducted were married women including a nursing mother and her four days old twin.

Sources within the town said that the terrorists invaded a mosque in the troubled town to attack worshipers but they narrowly escaped into the bush.

UNIBEN Alumni Hold Awards, Dinner

University of Benin Alumni Association (UBAA), Lagos Branch holds its Annual Award of Excellence and Dinner at 2.00pm on December 4, 2022 in Ikeja.

A statement by branch chairman, Stephen Onojomete, and secretary, Mr. David Osiezagha, said the event will be chaired by Elder Obukaroro Ovadje and Prof. Lilian Salami (Vice Chancellor of the UNIBEN) as the special guest of honour and Mother of the Day. A keynote address on the benefits of the 2022 electoral reforms will be delivered by Mr.

Mike Igini, who is the immediate past INEC Resident Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State.

Shortlisted for awards are some alumni who have excelled in their professions and contributed immensely to national growth as well as UNIBEN and UBAA, including Josephine Ehimen; Prof. Chris Imumolen; Gabriel Ogbechie; Olatunji Akinwunmi; Victor Onyenkpa; Janet Adenrele; Rita Michael-Ojo, Dr. Cynthia Gregg, Olumide Akpata and Mitchell Elegbe.

meted out to the lecturers by the government.

The Congress was attended by the Port Harcourt zonal chairman of ASUU, Prof Stanley Ogoun.

The lecturers sang solidarity songs with placards, marched from the ASUU secretariat at the Delta Park of the university through the main entrance of school, to the

Senate building, the Agriculture building and returned to the union’s secretariat.

Some of the inscriptions on the placards read: ‘Lecturers deserve their full wages’, ‘No to casualisation of university lecturers’, ‘Federal Government stop maltreating lecturers’, ‘No nation can properly develop without teachers’, among

others.

Speaking to journalists, Uzoma said the protest was to express the union’s dissatisfaction over recent attempts by the federal government to reduce the university lecturers to daily paid casual workers.

He said there was nowhere in the world where university lecturers are treated like casual workers

like what is being experienced in Nigeria.

Uzoma said: “After the strike was suspended following an order by the National Industrial Court, we have come back to resume our duties. And we are currently doing all the arrears of work that we should have done during the period of strike.”

Security Operatives Rescue 76 Victims from Kidnappers in Kaduna

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command (KSPC) has said that 76 victims of kidnappers have been rescued by security operatives in Giwa Local Government Area of the state.

Spokesman of the KSPC, Mr. Mohammed Jalige, said this in a statement on Monday in Kaduna.

He said the victims which comprise of males and females,

were passengers from Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State, traveling to different destinations.

He said: “On November 18, at about 2300hrs, the Divisional Police Headquarters in Giwa received reports that a large number of bandits blocked a section of Funtua-Zaria Road at Gulbala area of Giwa LGA and abducted many commuters.

“On the strength of the report, a combined team of police and

military were immediately mobilised to the location with clear directives to dismantle the road blockade, root out the armed miscreants and rescue any victims they may have abducted.”

According to him, “on reaching the location a Ford open truck with Reg. No. APP 667 XG, was found and information garnered had it that a large number of passengers on the truck were moved off the road by the bandits.

“This development engendered an immediate search and rescue operation by the operatives into the adjourning forest.”

Jalige said: “In the process, the bandits were encountered and by the sheer force of fire power, pressure mounted on them by the security operatives.

“They were left with no option than to abort their nefarious mission and take to flight with injuries.”

Crisis in National Assembly over Tambuwal’s Appointment as Clerk

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The National Assembly Service Commission’s decision to appoint Sani Magaji Tambuwal as the successor of the outgoing Clerk to the National Assembly, Amos Olatunde Ojo has been said to be a violation of relevant sections of the National Assembly Service Commission Act 2014, a Public Affairs Analyst, Haruna Abdulsalam

Mohammed claimed.

In a comprehensive piece on relevant sections of the Act and how they specify the manner in which officers can succeed an outgoing CNA, Mr. Mohammed explained how the choice of Tambuwal is a travesty of legal procedure by the commission, adding that Tambuwal should be 6th in line behind five others who were surreptitiously bypassed

by the commission.

According to a document seen by THISDAY titled “Appointment of Clerk to the National Assembly, A Breach of the NASC Act, 2014” Mohammed stated that the “Organogram of the National Assembly bureaucracy and line of duties as captured in sections 6(1), 7(2) and 12(1) of the National Assembly Service Act, 2014 shows that Mr. Sani Magaji

Tambuwal is not qualified for appointment as Clerk to the National Assembly.”

“The Organogram of the National Assembly as shown in the Act shows that Magaji Tambuwal is number six in line and would not have been above the Clerks of Senate, House of Representatives and their Deputies who are recognised by the Act before Secretaries”

Court Issues Bench Warrant against APGA Factional Leader for Allegedly Forging Judgment

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Mohammed Madugu of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Bwari, Abuja yesterday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a factional leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Edozie Njoku.

Njoku and one Chukwuemeka Nwoga are being charged with

alleged forgery of a Supreme Court Judgment as well as the letterheaded paper of retired Justice Mary Peter-Odili.

Following the filing of a 14 count criminal charge against them by the Inspector General of Police, the court had scheduled Monday November 21 for their arraignment. When the matter was called, prosecution lawyer, Chief

Superintendent of Police (CSP) Rimamsonte Ezekiel, informed the court that the defendants have been served and are aware of their arraignment today (Monday) but did not show up in court.

The police officer accordingly asked the court to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of the two defendants to compel their appearance in court to defend the

allegations against them. But, defendants’ lawyer, Mr Panam Ntui, objected to the oral application for bench warrant against his clients explaining that the 1st defendant (Njoku) is currently outside the jurisdiction of the court and would be asking for a short adjournment to return from his trip to Imo State in the South East of the country.

Osun Varsity Wins Melinda Gates Foundation $1.4m Grant

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Osun State University (OSU) has won Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation $1.4 million Research Grant and others grants.

Speaking yesterday at a press conference to herald the development, the Vicechancellor of OSU, Professor Clement Adebooye, noted that the multi-disciplinary research

team was led by Prof. Monsuru Adebayo Adeleke, a Professor of Public Health Entomology and Parasitology in the Department of Zoology of the institution.

Adeboye stressed that OSU developed a long-term research proposal for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on the subject ‘Black Fly.’

“The research is for the development of black fly

pheromone baited trap and some entomological studies on black fly trapping and control in Nigeria.”

The vice-chancellor announced that the research team, in a stiff and healthy competition has received a grant of $1.4million for entomological research and black fly pheromones from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The other collaborators on

this project included Prof. B.E.B Nwoke (Imo State University, Owerri); Prof. H.B Mafuyai (University of Jos); Prof. K.N Opara (University of Uyo) and Dr. O.A Surakat (Osun State University, Osogbo).

Other notable scientists from United States of America, United Kingdom and Costa Rica are also involved in the study.

Blessing IbungeinPort Harcourt

L-R: Former United States Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Mark Lippert; Media Strategist/Author, J.J. Omojuwa; Board Chairman, Janice Stein; former President of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović; Turkish Business Leader, Ahmet Taçyildiz; President of HFX, Peter Van Praagh; and Chairman, Mexican Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Luis Rubio, at the just concluded 2022 Halifax International Security Forum in Canada…recently

PSG's Qatari Boss, Al-Khelafi, Slams Media over 'Negative' Coverage of World Cup

The Qatari president of Paris SaintGermain, Nasser Al-Khelafi, has accused the media of being 'unfair'

Qatar as it hosts the World Cup. Qatar has come under fire for its human rights record in recent weeks, with protests taking place against the country's stance on LGBTQ+ rights and its treatment of migrant workers.

The government claims three migrant workers have died from accidents while working on construction for the World Cup, but it is believed the number could be as high as 6,500.

Al-Khelafi felt the negative coverage of his country has been uncalled for, as he explained to TalkSPORT: 'The world has been so unfair on Qatar. If people come and see what Qatar is, what Qatari people are like, what we do in our country, of course we are not perfect, but we're doing our best.

'We are good people. We treat

people with our hearts. The media has been really negative, and it's not fair it all.'

The latest controversy in Qatar has come from the One Love armbands that nine European captains had planned to wear during the tournament.

They were intended to be a gesture promoting inclusivity in a country that outlaws same sex marriage, but players have now backed down after being threatened with yellow cards for breaching FIFA's equipment rules.

A statement from the FA read: 'We have asked the captains not to attempt to wear the armband in FIFA World Cup games.

'We cannot put our players in a situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play.'

Two Late Goals Give Holland Vital Win over Senegal

One of the African brightest chances at the World Cup, Teranga Lions of Senegal got their journey on a bad note as they lost 0-2 to Netherlands yesterday evening.

The two-time finalist of the tour nament fancied their winning star in a very hard work of it against the African champions who are without inspirational Sadio Mane.

In a game of precious little quality, Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen provided late goals, although both owed plenty to some very poor goalkeeping from Edouard Mendy.

It was Gakpo who created the first meaningful opportunity of the match on the quarter-hour. The PSV man stood the ball up for Daley Blind at the back post, but he could only head wide when he should have done better.

Frenkie de Jong had an even better chance just a couple of minutes later when a fluent Dutch counter-attack left him one-on-one with Mendy, but he failed to even get a shot away.

Despite the Dutch dominance in the first half, Senegal still carried a serious threat through their individual talent, and Ismaila Sarr forced Virgil van Dijk into a block after some smart footwork.

The opening 45 minutes fell into that pattern of Netherlands controlling and creating the better chances, but Senegal still threatening in flashes, and more was expected after the break.

Van Dijk headed an early second half chance over the bar, and Boulaye Dia tested Andreis Noppert in the Netherlands goal on the hour, but the second half descended into a low-quality affair played at a pedestrian pace.

It looked for all the world, in fact, that the contest was going to just fade away into a dull and dour goalless draw, but Eredivisie top scorer Gakpo had other ideas. De Jong swung in a sumptuous in-swinging cross and Gakpo got there ahead of the flapping Mendy to head home the opener.

From there it was just a case

Ronaldo Desires to 'Checkmate' Messi

Portugal’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has said that he hopes to ‘checkmate’ Lionel Messi in their battle to be considered the greatest player of all time.

Messi and Ronaldo have built one of the biggest rivalries in sorting history throughout their careers, although neither have ever won the World Cup. Qatar 2022 will likely be the last chance either of them get to put that right, with many believing the 'GOAT' debate would be settled should one of them achieve it.

The two players came together for a pre-World Cup Louis Vuitton photoshop that depicted them

locked in battle over a chess board. Ronaldo is now targeting something a little more meaningful.

"It will be my fifth World Cup; I'm focused and extremely confident that it will go well. We're doing checkmate in life, not just in chess," Ronaldo told Louis Vuitton. "I'd like to be the one to checkmate against Messi.

"Let's see. It would be nice. Since it happened in a chess game, in football it would be more."

It comes after Ronaldo lifted the lid on his rivalry with Messi during his controversial interview with TalkTV, describing the Argentine as ‘magic.’

of seeing it out for Netherlands seeing it out. That wasn't too difficult, although there was a nervy moment when Bamba Dieng found himself with a free header six yards out. However, he got himself caught underneath the ball and headed well over the bar.

All that remained was for Dutch substitute Klaassen to accept a gift of a second from Mendy, who parried a shot that looked like it was going wide straight into his path in injury time.

While it was a winning start for Netherlands, it certainly wasn't a very inspiring one.

Rio Ferdinand Laments England's Defensive Woes after 6-2 Demolition of Iran

Former England international and Manchester United legendary defender, Rio Ferdinand, has questioned the nation's defensive capabilities after Iran scored two consolation goals in the World Cup encounter, but refused to take the gloss off a huge win as he hailed Southgate's forward players as 'devastating'.

He identified struggles amongst England's defence that has seen the Three Lions rely on their attacking players to stun opposition teams amidst concerns about their fragility at the back.

The Three Lions got their 2022 World Cup campaign with a dominant 6-2 win over Iran in their opening match in Qatar with

Victory ensured England got off to a perfect start in group b as they dismantled a poor Iran side to claim an easy

at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar's capital city Doha.

Working on the BBC's World Cup coverage as a pundit in Qatar, Ferdinand scrutinised England's victory, saying: 'Every single fan in the country will say our weakest area is at the back - so we put more attacking players on the pitch.

'We looked devastating. Four subs at a time came on and changed the game again. [Marcus]

Rashford scores, (Jack) Grealish scores, it's all ticking for us.

England silenced any remain ing pre-tournament doubters as Southgate switched tack to tactics adopted in previous competitions with his side playing on the frontfoot and reaping the rewards of their efforts.

Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, and Raheem Sterling all found themselves on the scoresheet as England produced a monstrous performance to cast Iran by the waste-side in Qatar on Monday.

Fellow pundit and former England full-back Micah Richards backed up his colleague's com ments as he insisted the Three

Lions 'found the second gear' needed to blow their way past Qatar and get their World Cup off to a winning start.

Richard's admitted England conceded 'two sloppy goals' but beamed at the team's ability to control the encounter in unfamiliar surroundings.

'It doesn't matter about Iranthey're not walkover, I just think England deserve all the credit today, it's been excellent from minute one when the keeper got injured, they found the second gear.

'We let in two sloppy goals but the whole team were brilliant, Bellingham in the second half went a bit deeper, Foden and Grealish got on the ball more.

Holland’s forward, Cody Gakpo, celebrating the second goal against Senegal

Man of the Match winner, Bukayo Saka, celebrating one of his two goals in England’s 6-2 win against Iran

Gareth Southgate's stars showing demonstrating attacking prowess for the first time in the Middle East.

victory

Messi Feeling Fit ahead of 'Special' Last World Cup

Argentine captain, Lionel Messi, has said that he is in a "great moment" as he prepares for what is likely to be his final World Cup.

The 35-year-old is playing in his fifth global tournament with Argentina, whose opening game

against Saudi Arabia kicks off this morning.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has never won the World Cup nor coming closest when Argentina lost the 2014 final.

Messi said: "This is probably my

DURO’s DOHA ADiary

Honesty Everywhere You Go Here

When the host country Qatar told the world in the pre-World Cup that safety of everyone coming to Doha for the Mundial was guaranteed, many sneered and wave it off as mere propaganda. They boasted then that for every four steps taken anywhere within any of the eight venues, security personnel were on the watch out. Well, two events have happened to prove that, indeed, life and property are safe here at the tournament. A very hardworking female Nigerian sports journalist here forgot her latest, brand new iPhone 14 at the press conference where she used it to record FIFA President, Gianni Infantino’s speech. She left the venue and returned to her space in the Media Centre to continue her job. It was then she remembered her phone. In panic, she dashed back to the Stadium Virtual hall where the event took place. Behold, her phone was lying on the table there. She picked it up in excitement and muttered: “Na wah ooo. If this na Naija now, this my phone for don enter voice mail.

Elsewhere at the Al Bayt Stadium where Ecuador inflicted the first defeat of the tournament on hosts Qatar, a Dutch reporter left him laptop unattended to with nobody in the several seats close to where he sat. After the match, he returned to pick up the working tool.

The Burden of the African Sports Journalists

Having covered three other World Cups in South Africa, Brazil and Russia, yours truly is familiar with the rigour involved in reporting a tournament of this magnitude. With 32 teams scattered in eight different locations, most European and American football writers don’t bother running from one venue to the other. Some are even detailed to come to the tournament to cover just one player like Cristiano Ronaldo or Robert Lewandowski. Others simply follow their countries’ teams. Not most African journalists! Were are jack of ALL here. Focus is usually on our respective countries with additional burden of attending matches of the power houses because we don’t want to miss the bigger stories of the main gladiators. Yesterday, some Senegalese journalists who like several of us applied for match tickets were told that it was almost impossible for them to cover the England v Iran game at the Al Khalifa Stadium in Sportscity and also meet up with covering their country’s first match with the Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium. FIFA guidelines for journalists covering the tournament is that the moment you do two ‘No Shows’, the likelihood of cancellation of your rest matches is very pronounced. This is the burden of the African sports journalists.

Eto’o and Ronaldinho

Former Barcelona stars, Samuel Eto’o Fils of Cameroon and Brazilian Ronaldinho evoked memories of two friends that saw each other after several years apart. If you recall, both players were at the heart of the Catalan club before their downturn to become a Europa League campaigner. Both players were in the thick of action, leading the Spanish giant to win the UEFA Champions League amongst other top honours in the LaLiga  and Copa del Rey. At the opening ceremony of the Qatar 2022 here in Doha, both players met and hugged to the admiration of onlookers. They talked, laughed and backslapped, while recalling their days in Camp Nou. While Eto’o has moved up to become the topmost football personality in Cameroon as FECAFOOT president, Ronaldinho has also moved on in his own way. The blight on him now is his scandalous imprisonment in Paraguay for five months in 2021. He was arrested for entering the country with a fake passport with his brother. Over 50 of his properties were seized and became bankrupt. This is a tale of contrasting fortunes if you ask me, though.

last World Cup, my last chance to achieve this great dream that I have."

The Paris St-Germain forward says he has not made any special physical preparations despite the tournament being played in the middle of the club season, and he feels fit and ready.

"I feel very good physically, I think I'm in a great moment, both personally and physically and I don't have any problems," added Messi, who did light training away from his team-mates on Saturday.

"I heard that they said I trained differently. It was because I had a knock but there is nothing strange [happening]. It was just a precaution."

Having won countless trophies at club level with Barcelona and PSG, Messi only broke his inter national trophy duck last year as Argentina lifted the Copa America by beating Brazil in the final.

"It's a beautiful thing that many people outside Argentina want us to be champions and that it's largely because of me," said Messi.

"I'm grateful for the love I've received around the world during my career, and here in Qatar it's another example of that.

"I don't know if we arrive better than at other World Cups, but we've just won [the Copa America] and that decompresses us a lot.

"It makes us work in a different way, without anxiety about the national team and its results, and enjoying ourselves."

After facing Saudi Arabia, Argentina will also play Mexico and Poland in Group C.

Valencia Wins First Player-of-the-Match

Enner Valencia’s two goals against hosts, Qatar, expectedly earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ award. Aside being the leading goal scorer before Bukayo Saka joined him on the two-goal leadership on Match-day 2 yesterday, the lanky forward is the highest World Cup scorer for Ecuador, courtesy his three goals at Brazil 2014 World Cup. His tally of five goals in the tournament now ranks him on same level with legends like Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane!

Ronaldo Hits New Height

Embattled Cristiano Ronaldo may have been in the news in the recent time for the ‘wrong reasons,’ that has not in anyway diminished his standing in the Beatiful Game. The five-time World Footballer of the Year has hit a new height as he attains 500 million followers on Instagram.

African Domination of German Squad

Most of the top teams at this tournament have players of African origins but Germany, the 2014 champions in Brazil have the highest number of African player! They are eight in total. The players include; Youssoufa Moukokko (Cameroon), Jamal Musiala (Nigeria), Leroy Aziz Sane (Senegal), Serge Gnabry  (Cote d’Ivoire), Karim Adeyemi (Nigeria), Armel Bella-Kotchap (Cameroon), Thilo Kehrer  (Burundi) and Toni Rudiger (Sierra Leone).

Bale’s Late Penalty Rescues Wales in Draw with USA

Gareth Bale rode to Wales' rescue once again as the captain's late penalty salvaged a draw against the United States in his country's first World Cup game for 64 years. Wales were listless and over run in a first half dominated by

a vibrant USA team, who led as Tim Weah finished smartly after a surging run and pass by Christian Pulisic.

The half-time introduction of striker Kieffer Moore revitalised Wales, whose newfound energy

and purpose turned a one-sided affair into a genuine contest as Ben Davies and Moore both came close to equalising.

Then with nine minutes left, the hitherto anonymous Bale was clattered in the box by Tim Ream

FIFA Rejects Belgium's Away Shirts Due to Word 'Love'

FIFA has rejected the Belgium soccer team's away strip because of the word "Love" in the collar combined with a rainbow-coloured trim on the shirt, a spokesperson for the Red Devils said yesterday.

The design was inspired by the fireworks of Belgian's famous music festival Tomorrowland and stands for diversity, equality and inclusivity.

"The Belgian national team will

play with their main red shirt dur ing the first three games", Belgium spokesperson Stefan Van Loock said, adding that if they get through the first World Cup round in Qatar, the issue will be dealt with then.

If the word 'Love' is removed from the inside of the shirt, the team is allowed to wear it.

The away shirts are a new design and were introduced in September. Since then, Belgium

FirstBank Pledges Commitment as Ojeabulu Wins 61st Lagos Open Golf

FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, sponsors of the annual Lagos Open Golf Championship, has pledged its commitment to the continuous sponsorship of the tournament and other sporting activities across the country.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 61st edition of the tournament, which is one of the longest running golf events in Nigeria in Lagos on Sunday, the Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Adeola Adeduntan, said because the banking giants takes pride in sports, it will continue to honours its commitment to the event. He was represented at

the event by Executive Director, Chief Risk Officer of FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Olusegun Alebiosu.

Expectedly, the 61st edition of the tournament lived up to its rating as a one that produces worthy champions with Benin-based golfer, Emmanuel Ojeabulu, emerging winner.

Playing three shots off the pace going the last 18-holes, Ojeabulu played one of the best golf of his life. He maintained steady pars for a closing 74, 3-over the course par to win the World Amateur Golf Ranking recognised event by two shots.

Ojeabulu started his game with an opening 75, a second

day score of 78 and a closing 74 to replace Ilorin-based Aminu Kadir, the tournament’s defending champion on the winners’ list.

20-year old product of David Mark Golf Academy, George Paul who was tipped to win the tournament, collapsed under pressure. He closed with an unimpressive 79 to lose by two shots.

In the third position was Muyideen Olaitan, three-time winner of the coveted Lagos Open trophy while Iyare Osaze was further down on the winner’s chart by oneshot. Perennial contender, Olajide Owolabi, who shot

tournament’s best score of 72 on Day-2 of the competition placed fifth.

Satisfied with the turnout of the participants, Golf Captain, Tony Oboh thanked the sponsors for keeping the tournament going, stressing that FirstBank’s commitment should be emulated.

“It is not easy to keep a tournament like this going, I therefore congratulate FirstBank for their commitment”, Oboh said.

Apart from golf, other sports that enjoy commitment from FirstBank, include; Polo, Tennis, Basketball, Football and Athletics.

played in them in several UEFA Nations League games.

The rejection comes after FIFA threatened to issue yellow cards to any player wearing the multicoloured 'OneLove' armband which was introduced to support diversity and inclusion.

The Belgian Football Association said earlier yesterday that its captain Eden Hazard will not play wearing the armband.

before confidently whipping his penalty into the net to send the travelling Welsh supporters behind that goal into raptures.

Wales finished the game strongly, buoyed to have secured a point on their long-awaited World Cup return when they had appeared to be heading for a defeat which would have left them staring at an early exit from the competition.

Instead, Robert Page's men will return to the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday to face Iran - thrashed 6-2 by England earlier on Monday - knowing that victory would give them a chance of progressing to the second round.

Wales conclude the group stage against England a week Tuesday but thoughts of that game can wait as they savour this fightback and the good it will do for their hopes of extending their World Cup adventure.

Lionel Messi addressing the media ahead of today's opener against Iran

L-R: Taiwo Okeowo, a Director at FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Emmanuel Ojeabulu, winner of 2022 Lagos Open Golf Championship and Executive Director, Chief Risk Officer, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Olusegun Alebiosu during the Lagos Open Championships in Lagos…recently

NIPR to Politicians

“They are turning leadership into a turn-by-turn stuff as if that is what will guarantee food on the tables for our impoverished families, quality education for our children, quality healthcare and security for all, among others. No nation can progress in this pathway of error. Therefore, there is need to rethink first our attitude towards the affairs of our country“ --NIPRNationalPresident,MallamMuktarSirajo, condemningthegrowingattacksatpoliticalralliesforthe2023generalelections.

TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI

abati1990@gmail.com

The Speakership Crisis in Ekiti State

On October 16, 2022, former Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state handed over power at a colourful ceremony attended by big wigs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and others to Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the former Secretary to the Ekiti State Government who emerged as Governor-elect in the state’s June 18 Governorship election. Fayemi had completed his maximum two terms as Governor. He served as Governor, 2010 -2014, and also from October 2018 to October 2022. In-between, he was Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development. But since his departure in October, it may be correct to say that Ekiti has not been able to settle down to governance.

The shadow of the past hangs ominously over the present, complicating the crisis that we have seen in the difficulty of appointing/electing a new Speaker for the Ekiti State House of Assembly. Students of Nigeria’s democratic process would readily admit that this is nothing new: getting a new Speaker for a State House of Assembly is always a war-like venture. The House of Assembly, the legislative assembly in the states, performs an oversight function over governments at that level, in addition to making good laws for good governance in defence of the people’s interest. But this is also precisely why governors, Godfathers and other stakeholders are perpetually interested in the leadership of the legislature. No reasonable Governor or his Godfathers would ever allow the legislature to fall into the hands of contrarian figures who in a moment or dangerous self-assertiveness could plot against the Executive arm and wrong-foot the Governor by holding him to ransom, impeach him or make it impossible for him to govern.

In a more recent case in Edo State, police had to take over the Edo State House of Assembly as the members fought for control. For more than two years, 14 elected lawmakers were shut out of the Assembly by their own colleagues. The ensuing drama was sordid, ugly, unbelievable. One fateful morning in August 2020, some unknown persons who have remained unknown two years after the fact, removed the entire roof of the State House of Assembly, and made away with the legislative Mace. There were stories of impeachments and counter impeachments. At the time, Governor Godwin Obaseki had left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and was seeking re-election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Similar dramas had been enacted elsewhere since 1999. In Plateau State for example, five Speakers of the House of Assembly were either impeached or forced to resign at various times between 2000 and 2021.

In Kogi, Plateau, Imo (four Speakers in three years!), Ebonyi and Enugu and elsewhere, the impeachment of the Speaker has been used as a crude weapon to keep the legislature in check and remind members of the legislature that they are not as independent as the Constitution makes them to be. The sociology of the power game is such that the leadership of the State House of Assembly is expected to be absolutely loyal to the Governor and his power bloc within the state, and that includes the Governor’s Godfathers, supporters and even family members. The State House of Assembly is expected to do whatever the Governor and his people want not to act as a watchdog, barking from the pages of the Constitution. To show how serious this is, it is important to note that in 2015, the Ebonyi State House of Assembly was set ablaze due to disagreements between the Executive and the legislature. Governors do not fold their arms once they perceive any form of assertiveness from the House so as not to have the ugly experience of impeachment as had happened in Bayelsa and Oyo States. The legislative arm of government in Nigeria since the First Republic has indeed been an arena for chaos, motor park politics, scuffles, rancour and free for all fights. It is worse today, and it promises to get even more problematic. The latest under the present dispensation is the on-going drama in the Ekiti State House of Assembly. Following the death of the former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, 66, from Ikere Constituency 1, on October 19, 2022, the leaders of the APC in Ekiti State, comprising former APC Governors Kayode Fayemi, former Governor Niyi Adebayo, now Minister of Industry, Trade and

Investment, Chairman of the party, Paul Omotoso and the incumbent Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji had resolved that the unfinished tenure of Afuye, should be completed by someone from his South Senatorial District, precisely Emure Constituency, in order to preserve the slot for the people of that area. The leaders therefore anointed Mrs Bunmi Adelugba as Afuye’s successor. This is ironic considering the fact that the elected deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye is from the same political constituency as the late Speaker of the House, although not a relation of his. Nigeria’s power sharing calculus and political arrangements can be utterly befuddling, and political godfathers thrive on this.

But as it turned out on the floor of the House, the Clerk of the House provided ballot papers, and rejected the voice vote proposed by the elders, and during the vote, instead of a coronation as ordered by the powers-that-be, the Clerk announced two candidates – Aribisogan and Adelugba. The Clerk said members would vote using the ballot papers. Aribisogan who had in fact been mandated after a meeting with all the 25 members of the House to nominate and support Hon Olubunmi Adelugba, emerged the eventual winner. The elders and the party felt betrayed. They refused to recognize him. Aribisogan has quite some history as a perpetual outlier. He got into the House of Assembly in June 2015 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). For always trying to assert himself, he was suspended from the House from 2016 – October 11, 2018, under the then Governor Ayo Fayose administration. In 2019, he defected to the APC and returned to the House when Fayemi became Governor for a second term under the platform of the APC. In the on-going drama, he and his supporters are again in the eye of the storm.

Yesterday, six days after he assumed the Speakership of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, he was impeached by a 17-member majority. He and 6 others were immediately suspended that is: Gboyega Aribisogan (Ikole 1), Tajudeen Akingbolu (Ekiti West 1), Goke Olajide (Efon) Yemisi Ayokunle (Ekiti Southwest 1), Adeyemi Raphael Ajibade (Moba 1) , Kemi Balogun (Ado 1), and Tope Ogunleye (Ilejemeje). They were suspended without pay with immediate effect. They were further barred from getting anywhere close to 1.5 km radius of the premises of the House of Assembly Complex. The suspended members were also asked to hand over properties of the government in their possession and should they wish to be reabsorbed, they must write a letter of apology to the leadership of the House!

The lawmakers promptly elected a new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba, as dictated by the powers-that-be. The House also immediately passed

the Supplementary Budget for the state, and assigned the 2023 Budget to the Appropriation Committee. One of Aribisogan’s crimes was that he blocked the passage of the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Bill., in addition to he and his gang, “causing disaffection, tension and apprehension… and importing hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons into the gallery and chambers of the complex.” It was said that in fact on Monday, November 14, Hon. Aribisogan and his men brought juju men to the Ekiti State House of Assembly at 2 am! Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba, yesterday’s beneficiary of the Ekiti chaos, is now the first female Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly since the return to democracy in 1999. Immediately after her election, Mrs. Adelugba led all her colleagues, the ones not suspended, to the state secretariat of the APC, to officially report to party leaders of the APC in Ekiti State!

What is on display in Ekiti State is absolute tyranny. Ekiti is currently a one-party state. All the members of the State House of Assembly, now 25 after Afuye’s death are members of the APC. But nobody is allowed to have an independent opinion. The party dictates everything, and this is the misfortune that Aribisogan and gang have suffered. I have no dog in their fight, but I assume that for Nigeria’s democracy to grow, it must be possible at both Federal and sub-national levels to allow an interplay of ideas and to allow those who have oversight roles to do their bit without the imposition of portions by party leaders. I am particularly shocked that Kayode Fayemi’s name is being mentioned in connection with the current confusion in Ekiti State, confusion yes, because we may not have heard the last details of it.

After serving as Governor, and as a Federal Minister, what else could Kayode Fayemi be looking for? He is capable of defending himself as robustly as he chooses – I know that – but I guess it is utterly beneath him to behave like the typical Nigerian politician, who after leaving office behaves like a man without a second address. Fayemi should allow Oyebanji to sink or swim on his own steam. He should move on, and let the new players in Ekiti write their own testimonials. He should avoid being dragged into the emerging mess in Ekiti. If he is bored, let him write another book. If he doesn’t want that, let him go on a vacation with Bisi Fayemi, the woman who has stood by him through thick and thin. If that is not enough, let him throw himself into the campaign of the APC Presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I understand that may be a bit tough, Tinubu having been surrounded by an evil-minded band of blood-thirsty sharks, sycophants, and intellectual

shamanists, but that team can be oxygenated with a few brilliant persons like Fayemi. It is time to rise above this village, ara-oke, back of beyond politics. Fayemi should remember Aribisogan’s swan song. He said on television: “The majority of members of Assembly voted for me but few of them who felt perhaps I did not follow the directive of the former Governor,Dr.Fayemithoughtthattheywouldmake the state ungovernable for even the administration. I didn’thaveanyquarrelwithhim.Isentamessageto him even last night asking: What is happening?Am I no longer one of your loyalists? Why did you not congratulate me? Up till now that I’m speaking, he hasnotdoneanything.Otherwise,hehasbeengoing around calling our members to go and impeach me tomorrow. That is the truth.”

As of this moment, Aribisogan already has all the answers that he seeks. Let him deal with the truth. It should be of interest to him in particular that former Governor Fayemi has already tried to explain his role in the matter, speaking yesterday through one Ahmad Sajoh of his Abuja Media Office who said: “FayemiHadNoHandInTheImpeachmentofEkiti Speaker”.Asheputsit:“Wenotetheallegationbythe formerSpeakeroftheEkitiStateHouseofAssembly, Mr. GboyegaAribisogan, that his impeachment was mastermindedbyDr.KayodeFayemi,theimmediate pastGovernoroftheState.WewishtoclarifythatDr. Fayemi had nothing to do with the removal of the former Speaker by his peers as this was the internal arrangementoftheStateHouseofAssembly.Wewishto notethatevenasGovernor,Dr.Fayemididnotinterfere with the independence of the House and respected the principle of separation of powers of where the House had freedom to decide on their internal affairs.”

Please, please, and please: even if Fayemi has his hand, nose, legs, mouth and full chest in the matter, do we expect him to say so? Our concern is that the people of Ekiti State do not deserve to be held down by the politics of ego and difference. They deserve better. Ekiti has a very poor population. It is one of the smallest states in Nigeria. It is also one of the poorest. Ekiti is in need of development and leadership. The earlier Oyebanji began to focus on that, the better. On the day of his inauguration on October 16, 2022, he promised to run an all-inclusive government that would guarantee prosperity, abundance, unity and equity and transform Ekiti into a microcosm of development. He needs to be reminded of all those promises in case he has forgotten so soon. The people of Ekiti deserve good governance, not noise, chaos and ego conflicts.

World Cup in Qatar

The 22nd edition of the FIFA football World Cup currently taking place in Qatar, the first-ever edition of the World Cup in the Middle East, is causing so much self-inflicted catarrh in the Western media due to the attempt by that wing of media practice to do everything possible to discredit the hosting of the World Cup by the Middle Eastern country. It has been said that Qatar “bought” the World Cup for sports-washing purposes, or that it is all about the money, and questions have been raised about LGBTQ+ rights, the treatment of migrant workers, human rights records of the Qatari government and the legitimacy of the entire event in the desert.

On Sunday, the games began. FIFA had warned before then that everyone should focus on the sports – football, not politics. In the end, I think what would be played up would be the hypocrisy of the West, and how the game itself would drown out every other ancillary matter and create a history of its own, which is already the case. What we may well remember hereafter is not the hypocrisy of the West but the special moments of the tournament. On Sunday, the BBC practically ignored the opening ceremony of the World Cup. Major European countries have vowed not to show the matches in public places.

Celebrities like Morgan Freeman and David Beckham who chose to identify with the Qatar World Cup have been vilified. But when it suits them, European leaders in the UK and France do business with Qatar. They even collect gifts from its rulers. They run to the country to look for gas supplies or to sell arms. We live most certainly in an unequal world where some countries believe that they can set standards for others as it suits them. In hosting this year’s World Cup, the Qataris are insisting on their own standards and sticking to them, on their own terms, putting a fresh accent on Samuel P. Huntington’s The Clash of Civilizations and Edward W. Said’s prognostications in his book, Culture and Imperialism.

The Qataris have insisted that nobody can drink beer or alcohol anywhere within the perimeters of the stadiums. Beer or no beer, history is already being made. Qatar is now in the history books as the first host country to lose an opening match. Yesterday, England walloped Iran 6-2. The Iran team refused to sing their country’s national anthem in protest. They are obviously in Qatar for politics not football. Mane-less Senegal got beaten 0- 2 by the Netherlands. The last time Wales was in the World Cup was 1958. Yesterday evening, it was Wales 1- USA – 1. Football is worse than opium.

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Late Speaker, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye