FRIDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2022

Buhari: Nigeria Ready to Reap from AfCFTA Benefits Urges partnership with African economic zones Tasks operators to identify factors hindering growth Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed Nigeria's readiness to partner with African economic zones to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area

(AfCFTA) agreement.

Buhari gave the indication in Abuja, at the fifth African Union Symposium on Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Green Industrialization, and the 7th edition of the African Economic Zones

Organisation (AEZO) annual meeting.

The AfCFTA is a free trade area encompassing most of Africa. It is an agreement that is expected to create the largest free trade area in the world measured by the number of countries participating. The pact

connects 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) valued at $3.4 trillion. The continental trade deal has the potential to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty, but achieving its full potential will

depend on putting in place significant policy reforms and trade facilitation measures. The operational phase of the AfCFTA was launched during the 12th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union on the AfCFTA in Niamey, Niger on 7

July 2019. Start of trading under the AfCFTA Agreement begun on January 1, 2021, however, no trade has as yet taken place under the AfCFTA regime. As at October Continued on page 5

N206bn Inserted in Humanitarian Ministry's Budget for Military Equipment, Says Minister... Page 8 Friday 2 December, 2022 Vol 27. No 10097. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Adamawa Governor’s Convoy in Fatal Accident, Four Dead... Page 10

Bawa: EFCC Has Recorded 3,440 Convictions in 2022 As court jails Senator Akpan for 42yrs over money laundering YPP governorship hopeful appeals ruling Okon Bassey in Uyo and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

(EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa,yesterday, disclosed that the Commission recorded 3440 convictions on financial and cyber crimes across the country from

January to November 2022.

This is as the governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, has

been convicted by the Federal High Court, Uyo, of money laundering and sentenced to 42 years in prison.

But the candidate has immediately appealed the ruling,

saying the ruling would be upturned soon, even as he appealed to his supporters to remain calm.

The EFCC chairman, who was represented by the Kano Zonal

Commander, Farouk Dogondaji, spoke while delivering a goodwill message during a one-day Continued on page 5

2023 Polls: The People’s Will Must Prevail, Says National Security Adviser Allays concerns, declares election will take place Says govs attacking opposition suffering from inferiority complex Promises security agencies will come after political thugs No gov will be allowed to stop opposition rallies, IG vows Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno, yesterday, assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari, had given a clear directive that the will of the people must prevail in the 2023 general election and that’s exactly what the government would ensure happens during the elections.

The NSA, who further allayed concerns by some Nigerians about the feasibility of the 2023 elections, however, promised that the elections would take place and in an atmosphere that is without intimidation.

According to Monguno, who read Riot Act ahead of the elections, the federal governmentwould not tolerate any political crisis in the states, and Continued on page 5

TOSIN ADEWUYI AT 50...

L-R: Executive Director, First Bank, Ini Abong; Managing Director, Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan; Executive Director and celebrant, Tosin Adewuyi; former Managing Director of First Bank, Bisi Onasanya and Chairman of THISDAY and Arise News Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, at Adewuyi’s 50th birthday celebration in Lagos…yesterday

UN: Conflicts, Economic Slowdown Hampering Nigeria’s Target of Ending Hunger, Malnutrition... Page 6

2

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

3

4

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 •T H I S D AY

5

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

PAGE FIVE

Olujimi: Senators' Wives First Rejected Gender Bill Before Their Husbands Killed It Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Sponsor of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill in the Senate, Senator Biodun Olujimi yesterday alleged that the wives of her male colleagues were first to reject the proposed legislation before their husbands threw it away on the floor of the Red Chamber.

The Senator disclosed this at a one-day Policy Dialogue on the Gender and Equal Opportunities

Bill in Nigeria, organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in conjunction with UN Women and Government of Canada.

Olujimi explained that she, in company with other female senators, decided to engage wives of the male lawmakers in the Senate so that they could influence their spouses to support the bill.

She lamented that the engagement with the wives of the senators was a

disaster as majority of them rejected the bill, based on their religious sentiments and beliefs.

Olujimi said, "The issue of the GEO Bill is important to me not only because I am a woman but because it is just and proper to do the right thing. About 51.2 per cent of the Nigeria's population are women.

"That portion of the society must be taken care of. The bill has suffered in three different assemblies and the reason is very simple. It is because

it is based on gender. If it were to be on general issue, it would have passed.

"I brought it up in the last Senate because I discovered that there was no law governing the affairs of women generally and I felt that it was not good enough.

"The rejection of the bill in the 9th Assembly was not the fault of men. It was based on the nuances of the women.

"What happened was that we,

female senators gathered all the wives of our male colleagues for a meeting where we pleaded with them to help us talk to their husbands to support the bill.

"We were very surprised when majority of the senators' spouses responded that they would not do such things because their religious conviction has taken care of such issues already.

"We tried everything possible to convince them but they did not

change their minds. For instance, they were not in support of making 18 years, as the age of marriage.

They also said Islam had taken care of the issue of women regarding inheritance.

"So, the first issue we had against the bill was with women. That of the men came later. It was because the men said they were not conversant with the word ‘equality’ because the husband is not supposed to have equal rights at home with the wife."

Noting that officers posted to venues of elections must be acquainted with procedures guiding the conduct of the exercise, the IG noted, "All security personnel participating in the election should have the knowledge of procedurals at the election venues.

That is classification of inner and outer rings respectively to serve as a guide in deployment.

"On no account should personnel deployed to the inner ring of the venue of the political events or voting centres/polling booths be seen with any lethal weapon, except baton. Involvement of the Police at political gatherings shall be limited to the maintenance of peace and order, and enforcement of extant laws.

"Officers shall at all times exercise maximum restraint while covering political gathering or deployed at voting/collation centres. Force personnel shall not at any time turn themselves into spectators but shall at all times be conscious of happenings around them, observe precautionary measures, personal and public safety while on duty.

"Police personnel shall use tact and persuasion to resolve issues, when dealing with or confronted by agitated persons, avoid escalation, where there is tension."

He disclosed that 10,000 policemen billed for passing out from Police Colleges nationwide at the end of this

month would be deployed to augment the police strength already on ground for duties in the forthcoming general election.

Baba, who spoke through the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 8 Headquarters, Lokoja, Mr. Ashafa Adekunle, vowed that the force would not tolerate acts that could jeopardise the peaceful conduct of the polls irrespective of whose ox is gored.

He said the police under his leadership had ensured that stakeholders in the elections conducted themselves within the ambit of the law and promised that the force would not be partisan in all ramifications of the polls, while urging political parties to make their campaigns issue-based and avoid inciting violence before, during and after the elections.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Prof.

Noah Yusuf, said threats of violence were becoming real everyday, particularly, since the floor was declared open for electioneering, thus making many Nigerians and the international community to be scared and jittery.

The acting Director, Centre for Peace and Security Studies at the institution, Dr. Ruth Abiola Adimula, said the lecture was convened to keep stakeholders abreast of their roles in the next year's elections.

2023 POLLS: THE PEOPLE’S WILL MUST PREVAIL, SAYS NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER therefore warned governors using thugs to prevent opposition from mounting campaign materials in their domains to desist forthwith from such acts as security agencies would soon go after them, adding that governors in such habit were merely suffering inferiority complex.

This is as the Nigerian Police Force, yesterday, warned that none of its personnel deployed to man the inner rings of polling booths should be seen bearing lethal weapons during the elections, even as the InspectorGeneral, Usman Baba, has vowed that no governor would be allowed to stop opposition rallies again.

Speaking yesterday with newsmen at the State House, Abuja, Monguno, said, “One thing I can assure you is the President has given clear directives that the people's will must prevail. What happened in Anambra is what we want to happen all over the country.

“Let the people choose their leader, whoever they want, then, later they can decide but in the process of selecting who governs them. We must be mindful of the fact that there are people who are hell bent on forcing or bullying and cornering their opponents is not even a function of you know, numbers or function of money.”

Responding to a question on whether or not the federal government would be able to secure next year’s election, he said, “I hope your question is not a trap. But the elections will take place, we have said that. By the grace of Almighty, they will take place in an atmosphere bereft of intimidation and violence, we'll try as much as possible to maintain that.

“For those people, who've been going around burning offices, killing people, I have already said it, the security agencies have been given that instruction. Visit them with all you have and let them understand that there are consequences for bad behaviour that we are determined.

Everybody's a Nigerian, everybody's free to do whatever he wants to do, but don't cross the line and move into another person's territory.

“That you want to destroy government property, property set up by taxpayers money? How dare you? Who the hell are you? In a normal society, this is not tolerated,

and I believe we're normal society, how can you just on your own, so please, let's forget that one.”

He said security agencies had been given instructions to give those burning government facilities like the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the treatment they deserve.

According to him, when the law enforcement agencies move, there will be no hiding place for the perpetrators of the dastardly acts.

Monguno, who particularly, reacted to reports of governors implementing policies that prevented the presence of opposition campaign materials in their states, blamed the action on what he called inferiority complex.

According to him, politicians hiring thugs did not believe in themselves, and warned that any person that engaged in any unpalatable activity would be dealt with.

The NSA, who cautioned the governors to rein in their thugs, said President Muhammadu Buhari, had given clear directives that the 2023 election must be free, fair and credible.

He told the governors to "call their Capo regime to order, because when we move, there will be no hiding place."

On why some governors were not allowing opposition political parties to campaign in their states and even pull down their campaign posters, Monguno said, “Well, it's not something that is new to us; it's been like that going all the way back to 1999. And if you want, you can see going all the way back even to the Second Republic, probably the first republic.

“We had a press briefing with the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission about a week ago, and we emphasised the need for everybody to operate on a level playing field.

“It's a big problem. It's a problem that's also linked with complex, because if you are really who you are, you don't need to hire thugs.

If you cannot restrain your thugs, the government will do that for you.

And you will call on the cabinet and you will answer questions.

“We have a lot of politicians and I'm not being specific about any politician but this virus has to be contained. I have given a clear

warning during the press conference that any politician,who engages in any activity and unpalatable activity, the use of thugs and I know we have a lot of thugs, political thugs, straining at the leash, foaming at the mouth, desperate to buy blood.

“But we're going to apply everything within the powers of the government. And I'm not saying that we're going to just operate in a manner that is not regulated. The government is not going to embark on anything that is, you know, uncontrolled. We will operate on the straight and narrow confining ourselves to legality that I can assure you the President's directives. And we're working on that.

“So those elements, who think they can deny other people the air to breathe – the political air to to breathe and reach out to the local community. So, they have another thing and I've said it before, and I'm saying it again.

“These political elements should call the thugs of that capo regimes to order. They should have a nice quiet fireside chat with them, and advise them that when the law enforcement agencies come, they'll be dealt with.”

Similarly, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has declared that no governor would be allowed to prevent opposition political parties from holding rallies in their states.

The police chief, who spoke at the 2022 political parties summit held in Abuja, said Commissioners of Police in the 36 States were directed to ensure that all parties were given an opportunity to campaign, threatening to redeploy any police commissioner, who did not obey the order.

“Unfortunately, some of the governors are not helping matters.

They have not laid the foundation to give other political parties access to their campaign avenues..

“Some try to manipulate the campaigns. Some even sponsor thugs to pursue the opposition, remove their billboards, remove their posters and destroy their offices. We are aware and we have full reports.

“Based on this, the IG has categorically directed all commissioners of police that on no account should any serving or sitting governor stop other political parties from conducting their campaigns in their nooks and crannies of their

states.

“This instruction was very clear both in writing and verbally. The commissioners of police have been directed to arrest all the hoodlums no matter where they belong to, whoever is sponsoring them, we will arrest them, charge them to court. That is a clear instruction," the IG, who was representated by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Operations, Dandaura Mustapha, said.

He said some governors should be commended for allowing opposition parties hold their activities freely, there were complaints about others.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, in Ilorin, Kwara State, while delivering the maiden distinguished personality lecture at the Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, said police would not bear lethal arms close to the polling booths, saying the affected operatives could only wield batons.

The lecture was at the instance of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies of the faith-based varsity.

Speaking on the topic, "Engendering security and public safety among stakeholders towards peaceful 2023 general election in Nigeria," Baba said men of the police at political gatherings would be limited to the maintenance of peace and order as well as enforcement of extant laws.

BUHARI: NIGERIA READY TO REAP FROM AFCFTA BENEFITS 2022, 44 of the 54 signatories (81.5%) have deposited their instruments of AfCFTA ratification (ordered by date): However, the three-day event with the theme: “African Special Economic Zones: Engine for Resilience and Accelerator for Sustainable Industrial Value Chains Development,” brought together over 400 delegates representing government officials, ministers, heads of international organisations, eminent experts, academia, policy makers, financial institutions, economic zones, investment and promotion agencies representing 38 countries, including 52 African economic zones.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, also urged the stakeholders to critically examine factors inhibiting the growth of free zones in Africa and come up with appropriate strategies to address

BAWA: EFCC HAS RECORDED 3,440 CONVICTIONS IN 2022 workshop on financial crimes reporting organised by the EFCC for journalists.

Bawa also stated that the commission would work to ensure the enforcement of the Electoral Act as the 2023 general election approached.

His words: "In terms of prosecution of cases in court, I am glad to inform you that, between January and November 25, this year, EFCC recorded 3440 convictions.

The potentials for improvement are good as more ongoing cases are concluded in the remaining four weeks of the year.

"Remarkable as this feat is, we are not resting on our laurels. We believe there is still a lot to be done, which is the reason we are actively seeking the support of all stakeholders, including the media..

"On our part, we are working in close collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders to preserve the

integrity of the electoral process.

We will ensure that the Electoral Act is fully enforced and those who seek to influence voters through financial inducement are brought to justice" he added.

He described journalists as critical allies, who are at the workshop to improve their capacity to be able to help in the fight against cyber and financial crimes in the country.

Delivering her paper on the “Challenges of Prosecuting Economic and Financial Crimes in Nigeria”, the deputy director, Legal and Prosecution, Aisha Habib Tahar, gave a breakdown of both civil and criminal convictions achieved by the Kano zone.

She stated that they have had 160 criminal convictions, losing only two and 180 civil convictions losing only one in Kano State, a situation, which according to her, put the conviction rates at over 90 per cent.

Meanwhile, Justice Agatha Okeke convicted the YPP gubernatorial candidate, did on the six count

charge bordering on money laundering and graft. The maximum sentence for each count is fourteen years.

The judge pronounced that he was to serve seven years for each of the six count but to run concurrently reducing it to 21 years.

Without any option of fine, the court directed that Akpan should return the sum of 204 million naira as restitution to the federal government after serving the sentence.

The Defence counsel, Solomon Offiong (SAN), pleaded with the court to temper Justice with mercy by including an option of fine.

But the plea was opposed by EFCC that took the case to court, citing legal authority to convince the court not to give fine as an option particularly, in the light of the fact that the court has not opted for the maximum sentence.

But the campaign organisation of Akpan, in a statement by the Chairman, Campaign Council, Sir Emem Akpabio, described the

judgement as judicial absurdity in its rarest form, because justice was turned on its head, just to please the powers that be in the state.

“That Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, could so decide to enter judgement against Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, in a suit where his innocence was glaringly obvious from day one that the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) instituted it, is absolutely a travesty of justice.

"We, therefore, reject and condemn it in its etireity. The dust it has stirred against the judiciary would only be redeemable by a reversal,” he said, adding that as a group of responsible persons fully guided by law, it has “resolved to follow up the outcome with philosophical calmness.

According to the statement, the party would take necessary steps to redress the judgement through appeal and "we are sure that the grievous wrong will be corrected.”

identified challenges.

He recalled that the economic zones in Nigeria scheme dated back 30 years ago, adding that the idea was to use the export processing zones to promote export-oriented industries.

However, he noted that the scheme has over the years evolved from a strictly export-oriented manufacturing strategy to a more liberal scheme that allows a greater level of interaction with the domestic economy while simultaneously driving an increase in its level of attractiveness to potential investors.

He said: "We are ready to partner with the Special Economic Zones in Africa to benefit from the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

"I commend the Africa Economic Zones Organisation for bringing together the operators of the zones.

This will enhance intra-African trade and promote peer review among the operators.

"I urge you to critically examine the factors inhibiting the growth of free zones in Africa and come up with appropriate strategies of addressing any identified challenges."

The president stated that Africa must rise to the occasion and compete favourably with other free zones in any part of the world.

The occasion attracted several goodwill messages, including that of the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who underscoredthe role of SEZs in accelerating sustainable industrial value chains development.

Adesina, who outlined several interventions of Pan-African bank to change Africa's development challenges, said the continent has huge potential never seen elsewhere.

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, African Union Commission, Ambassador Albert M. Muchanga noted that, "highly

performing industrial clusters in Africa such as Special Economic Zones can support member states and regional economic communities shifting from the commodity exportreliance, which make them vulnerable to exogenous shocks, to a new era of transformative, highly competitive, inclusive, sustainable and private sector-led industrial development framework fully integrated into regional, continental and global value chains.”

Also, the Secretary General of the Africa Economic Zones Organisation, Ahmed Bennis explained: “Special Economic Zones can trigger economic policy reforms, by promoting economic diversification and export while preserving domestic linkages. It can provide room for experimenting new policy approaches and regulations in areas like customs, legal, public-private partnership, sustainable development, and green industrialization initiatives.”

On the other hand, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba said: “The free zone scheme has indeed opened implausible business opportunities for Nigeria, investors, enterprises and all the key stakeholders in the 30 years of its existence.

“African Special Economic Zones are considered as one of the main instruments to stimulate sound economic reforms, promote quality foreign direct investments (FDIs), and accelerate industrialisation across the continent.”

According to the African Economic Zones Outlook (Edition 2021), more than 200 SEZs are operational in Africa while 73 projects have been announced for completion in 47 countries.

Approximately 150,000 hectares of land is dedicated to SEZs while over $2.6 billion has been mobilised in investments dedicated to agroprocessing, manufacturing and services.

6

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

BUHARI PARLEYS WITH NIPSS SENIOR COURSE PARTICIPANTS...

L-R: Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari and Director General National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Senior Course 44, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, during the parley with the senior course 44 participants held at the State House Conference Center Abuja… yesterday

UN: Conflicts, Economic Slowdown Hampering Nigeria’s Target of Ending Hunger, Malnutrition Says malnutrition level on the rise despite interventions James Emejo and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The United Nations (UN) yesterday in Abuja stated that access to healthy diets for the Nigerian population was being hampered greatly by conflicts, insecurity, climate and weather related impacts, and economic challenges.

Consequently, food insecurity and malnutrition levels have been on the rise, despite significant interventions by governments at all levels, development and humanitarian partners, it revealed.

The UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Matthias Schmale, said this at the national sensitisation workshop on Food Systems transformation in Nigeria.

He noted that driving the implementation of the national food systems pathways and galvanising the global community was facing enormous challenges in agriculture and food systems, with multiple overlapping shocks that have affected lives and livelihoods.

Schmale, during his remarks, congratulated the newly appointed national convener, Dr. Faniran

Sanjo, and his team for the excellent work and dedication in driving the implementation of the national food systems pathways in Nigeria.

According to him, "Even when transforming food systems to more equitable, inclusive and sustainable systems is a complex challenge, it is only by acting together that we will prevail and make progress to Sustainable Development Goals in line with Agenda 2030.

"After the national dialogue process, the UN family in Nigeria, particularly the Rome-based agencies - FAO, IFAD, WFP and UNICEF - have unwaveringly continued to support the process of implementation in many ways, including with the technical, financial and logistical elements under the overall coordination of the RCO. “Our shared goal of building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable food system could not be more important.

"We need to transform ways in which we produce, manage harvests, process and consume food as these touch every aspect of life on this planet," he said.

The UN Resident/Humanitarian

Coordinator, represented by Mr. Fred Kafeero, maintained that: "Food is the bedrock of our cultures, our economies and our relationship with the natural world.

It evidently brings us together as families, communities and nations.

"As UN, we commit to continue working together with the government and strengthen our collaboration with all stakeholders in supporting this transformational journey to achieve a sustainable food system that works for all."

Continuing, he said, "that is why in the UNSDCF 2023-2027, we have identified sustainable food systems as one of the 13 transformative initiatives.

"With that offer, we will support the government to remain on track with the pathways for implementation, especially in the states and secondly, to understand operational bottlenecks influencing the implementation and how these can be resolved through multistakeholders’ approach.

"I therefore call upon all stakeholders (development partners, private sector, research institutions, academia, farming families, fisherfolk and all of us the consumers) to join

efforts and support the government and the people of Nigeria in leading this transformational journey so as to achieve sustainable foods system that works for all by 2030," Schmale said.

In his introductory remarks and overview of the workshop, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba,

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to drop his indifference to the nagging issue of the seven and half months salary of university lecturers being withheld after their strike.

The Chairman of ASUU, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (ASUU-MOUAU), Prof. Chike Ugwuene, made the appeal yesterday, during a special congress/protest rally organised to express their anger over, "the way government is treating us."

He argued that it was wrong for government to implement the

vexatious policy of no-work-nopay to ASUU members, having suspended their strike in obedience to the order of industrial court.

The ASUU-MOUAU chairman pointed out that lecturers after such industrial action go back to where they stopped their work to teach and conduct examinations and release results thereby covering up the lost ground.

"By this, lecturers do their work in arrears and so any right thinking person should not apply no-workno-pay to lecturers," he said.

Ugwuene lamented that after the Union’s demonstration of trust and patriotism by calling off its strike, ASUU was now being rewarded with pro rata payment of salary,

adding that the academics would never accept such treatment.

He blamed the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, "who has vowed that the federal government was going to implement no work no pay policy on lecturers.”

Most of the inscriptions on the placards carried by the protesting ASUU members were directed at castigating the Labour Minister for his perceived role in intimidating the university teachers.

Some read: 'Ngige is a foe, not a friend'; 'Nigeria, beware of Ngige, an enemy of education'; 'Take it or leave it is against the privilege of collective bargaining';' ASUU mean well for Nigeria', among others.

as well as development partners and private sectors to key into the implementation of the identified priority actions of the Food Systems Transformation Pathways "I will like to emphasis that we all have a critical role to play towards the success of the implementation of the system," he concluded.

FG: Pregnant Women, Children Still Have Limited Access to HIV Treatment

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has said despite achievements made in response to HIV epidemic in the past few years, key population segments like pregnant women, children as well as those in closed custodial settings are sadly lagging behind because of limited access to high quality disease prevention and treatment services.

Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire who disclosed this at an event to mark this year's World HIV-AIDS Day in Abuja, yesterday, however noted that the country

ASUU Seeks Buhari’s Intervention to Resolve No-Work-No-Pay Controversy

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

said plans were underway to institutionalise a coordination mechanism in all the six geopolitical zones to ensure harmony in the implementation of the Food Systems Transformation Pathways.

Agba added that the current food and nutrition situation required government at all levels

"We are here to cry out so that the public can hear what government is doing to us.

Government is pushing us to the wall and we can break that wall," he warned.

The President of ASUU, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, who was on hand to encourage his colleagues, said contrary to insinuations, the strike was not called off due to the intervention of the leadership of the House of Representatives, but in obedience to court order.

He said the rot in the education sector was a symptom of the manner those at the helms of affairs were running the Nigerian nation aground leading to the collapse of every sector.

was moving close to achieving the UNAIDS target of 95-95-95 per cent on access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services.

He said that notable effort had gone this year, into expanding access to HIV testing and treatment service for pregnant women, through the national Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) scale up which aimed to increase the number of service delivery points from 6,000 to 40,000 locations through the “Test All, Treat All, Report All’ strategy.

Ehanire said it was important to keep up current momentum so that government could continue to work with partners to address barriers arising from various circumstances, that still impede progress.

"In the regard, providing HID/ AIDS services to reach, test and treat HIV positive pregnant women, children, key populations and partners, as well as those in closed custodial settings, is sadly lagging behind, because of limited access to high quality disease prevention and treatment services," he said.

The minister assured that government would continue to seek programs and ways to facilitate access for this segment of the people.

"We are also particularly committed to ending AIDS in children, who mostly became infected with HIV in the process of being born by mothers who are HIV positive and often did not know it.

“These children would have been spared the infection had their

mothers been tested while they were pregnant with the children and the HIV positive ones put in treatment that would have protected them from transmission of infection from mother to child," he said.

Ehanire further said Nigeria has joined the Global Alliance to end AIDS in Children by 2030, an alliance of currently 12 countries who resolved to take concerted actions for results and mutual accountability.

He added that in order to address the gaps in diagnosing, treating and retaining children and adolescents in HIV care, the ministry, "will prioritise the four pillars of the alliance: testing, treatment and care for children, adolescents and pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV; eliminating vertical transmission, and addressing gender equality and the social and structural barriers that hinder access to services."

On his part, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr. Boss Mustapha said despite heartwarming achievements recorded by the country, HIV still remains an unfinished business because of barriers that pose threat to ending AIDS by 2030 if not tackled headlong.

"I therefore urge everyone gathered here to do all that is necessary to ensure equal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services devoid of stigma for children, adolescent and key populations who have been left behind," he said.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

7

8

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

FELLOWSHIP CONFERMENT...

L-R: Director-General Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Laoye Jaiyeola; MD/CEO Titan Trust Bank, Adaeze Udensi, and General Manager/Group Head Business Development BUA Group, Tajudeen Ahmed, during the conferment of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Fellowship on Udensi, in Lagos…recently

N206bn Inserted in Humanitarian Ministry's Budget for Military Equipment, Says Minister Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq has explained that the N206 billion inserted into her ministry's 2023 proposed budget by the Ministry of Finance was meant for the purchase of military equipment.

She gave the explanation yesterday when she appeared before the Senate Committee on Special Duties, Chaired by Senator Yusuf Yusuf.

A member of the Committee, Senator Lilian Ekwunife, had asked the minister whether she had identified the source of the N206 billion in her ministry's proposed budget she had disowned the last time she appeared before the panel.

In her response, the minister said, "On the N206 billion, when we saw it, we didn't understand what it was meant for because the explanation wasn't clear.

"If you put N206 billion in Humanitarian Affairs Ministry's Budget and the narration is purchase of military equipment, definitely something is wrong.

"That's why I said I'm not going to say anything about it until we get clarification from the Ministry of Finance.

"If we had requested for N206 billion for a different project and then in the appropriation bill, it is reading something else, we will not own it."

When the minister was pressed further whether she requested N206 billion for another project, she then came up with another narration.

She said, "It is not exactly that way, and that's why we need that clarity from the Finance ministry."

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sani Gwarzo, however courted the anger of the Committee's Chairman when he described budget padding as a minor mistake.

His utterance did not go down well with Yusuf who shouted at

him and asked him to sit down.

The minister was at the National Assembly last week to defend her Ministry's 2023 Budget before the Senate Committee on Special Duties.

She explained that the Ministry requested for some projects for the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and National Social Safety Net Project in 2022 budget but that funds for the proposed projects were not released.

She, however, said the Ministry was surprised that the money inserted, was now ten times higher than the 2023 Budget of the Ministry.

One of the Committee members, Senator Elisha Abbo had discovered the anomaly and had asked the minister to explain the N206 billion in her Ministry's budget.

The minister had expressed surprise and 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 nets, 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."

Abbo expressed shock at the minister's response and said that the country would not continue to borrow money and plunge the

Obasanjo at The Letterman’s Launch, Warns Against Overstretching God’s Patience Says Nigeria yet to live up to expectations from global community Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, warned Nigerians against over-stretching God’s patience if any.

Obasanjo, however, said it was his hope that God’s patience would not have such a limit of elasticity.

According to him, Nigeria and Nigerians had done so many stupid things and got away with them, because God loved the country so much.

The former president, who spoke at the official launch of a book in his honour, The Letterman, written by the Editor in Chief of Premium Times, Mr Musikilu Mojeed, in Abuja, said if there were anything like the limit of the elasticity of God’s patience, then, He could not be blamed if anything goes wrong, because it was not God’s fault that Nigeria was not doing the right thing.

Obasanjo, who said Nigeria had not lived up to its expectations from the international community, stressed that Nigeria was not playing its expected role even in the West African sub-region as shown by the fact that Qatar and not Nigeria, played a role to bring various elements together, when

Idris Derby, former President of Chad was killed.

“I believe that God is a Nigerian.

God loves us so much. We have done many stupid things that we get away with. I hope that God’s patience does not have a limit of elasticity. If he says enough, nothing will save the situation.

“God has given us all that we need to have. That we are not doing what we need to do is not God’s fault. We should blame ourselves,” he said, while commending Mojeed for what he described as an excellent job.

He said in his characteristic humorous manner that even though he did not grant permission to the author to use his letters, he read through the work and liked it, disclosing that, he was convinced by the Catholic Arch Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Kukah to attend the event.

“I did not intend to come. He (Mojeed) did not take my permission.

Until last week, when he brought me two copies, I did not know that he was writing the book. When I read the book, I was flabbergasted.

I was torn between him not telling me and the amount of work he

put in.

“I read a part and rang him. I told him, you have unearthed this part? This is good. I did not reply to his letter, because I did not want him to quote me. I met my Waterloo when I called Bishop Kukah, who told me he was reading my book.

He told me to be here.

“I found the book really really amazing. I have finished reading it and I will ask you to try reading it. There are many things I have forgotten. When I read some of the letters, I marveled,” Obasanjo said, noting that he believed in letter writing and did not have a substitute to it to communicate effectively.

His words: “Your letter must be relevant, realistic, purposeful and goes to the point to address your point. It must also stand the test of time. When I read some of the letters in the book, I said to myself, what gave me the courage? If you ask me to give it a title, I would title it Audacity of an Optimist.

“The thing about a letter is not something personal. There was nothing personal to me about them – the community, society,

the military, the organisation that I belong to, the civil war, how to win the war so that we can finish quickly…”

The event was chaired by Mr Yusuf Ali (SAN), while the book was reviewed by Bishop Hasssn Kukah, and presented by a former Director General of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Ifueko Okauru.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Guest of Honour, was represented by Mr OasitaChidoka, who presented a written address on his behalf.

Jonathan described Obasanjo as a father-like figure, whose letters created engagements within the political arena, diplomatic world and other sectors, commending Mojeed for the work, which assembled several historic letters into a single book.

In his remarks, the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, said he attended the event to support Mojeed, a professional, who should be supported, and to be associated with one of the greatest leaders, who was the focus of the works.

country into debt.

He had said, " This is serious.

We cannot continue to borrow money and plunge this country into debt for our children to come and pay without investing in what they will see."

The Chairman of the Committee had moved a motion to summon the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed to come and give explanation about the N206 billion inserted in the Ministry budget.

Benue Guber: Court Dismisses Former AGF Aondoakaa's Suit against Alia as APC Candidate Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has dismissed the suit by an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, challenging the emergence of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2023 governorship election in Benue State.

Justice Mohammed dismissed the suit on the grounds that the court lacked necessary jurisdiction to hear the case since it was filed out of the required time prescribed by law.

Delivering judgment yesterday in Abuja, Justice Ahmed Mohammed held that although the suit was a pre-election matter, Aondoakaa filed it out of time.

"The APC primary election took place on May 26 and the plaintiff was enjoined by law to commence action within 14 days", the judge held.

He explained that the law provides that where the cause of action was commenced on time, the litigant will have his right protected.

He however noted that since the primary election took place on May 26, filing the suit on June 10, made the suit statute barred.

"From May 26 to June 10 is a period of more than 14 Days for filing a pre-election matter.

"The suit is therefore incompetent and the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the suit and the suit is hereby struck out," the judge said.

The judge also said having found that the suit was filed out of time, there was no basis delving into the substantive matter.

Aondoakaa, a former AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, had dragged the APC, Fr. Alia and the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to court challenging the conduct of the APC's governorship primary election in Benue State.

He had alleged that the May 26 primary was done in violation of the law.

Amongst reliefs sought included a declaration that Alia was not fit to

contest the primary election because he was not a member of the APC. "A declaration that the 2nd defendant (Fr. Alia) is not qualified to vote, contest and/or be declared as the winner of the 1st defendant’s (APC) Benue gubernatorial primary election, he not been a member of the party and his name not been contained in the list of the party's membership register submitted to INEC. "A declaration that pursuant to the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the APC, the party has failed or neglected or refused to conduct a primary election for the emergence of its gubernatorial candidate in Benue for the 2023 governorship elections.

"A declaration that by virtue of the non-compliance of the APC with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 and its constitution in the conduct of the primary election in Benue for the emergence of its gubernatorial candidate, Fr. Alia is not a candidate at the said March 11, 2023 gubernatorial election or at any subsequent election rescheduled.

"To declare as null, void and of no effect whatsoever the Benue APC governorship primaries allegedly conducted on May 26 for non-compliance with the provisions of the law.

"A further declaration that the summary result sheet of the Benue APC governorship primary election dated May 28 is a null, void and of no effect whatsoever."

Aondoakaa had also asked the court to declare that Fr. Alia could not validly contest and be declared as winner of the APC primary election being an ordained priest of the Catholic Church and fully engaged as a minister in the employment and or service of the Catholic Church.

He had also prayed the court to declare that he was not given an equal opportunity to participate in the said Benue APC governorship primary election.

He had further asked the court to make an order directing a fresh conduct of Benue APC governorship primaries.

9

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

DELIBERATING NATIONAL ISSUES? L-R: Minister of Transportation , Muazu Jaji Sambo ; Minister of Police Affairs , Maigari Dingyadi ; Minister of Water Resources , Suleiman Adamu and the Chief of staff to the President , GODWIN OMOIGUI Professor Ibrahim Gambari, at the Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday

FERMA: We Have Fixed 7,900km Roads in Four Years Blames deterioration of roads on climate change

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) said yesterday that the agency fixed 7,900 kilometres of dilapidated roads between 2018 and 2022, a period of four years.

Speaking at a ceremony to

mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the intervention agency, Managing Director of FERMA, Mr. Nurudeen Rafindadi, noted that with improved intervention, the work of the agency was being felt all over the country.

With a total of 50 offices across

the nation, he explained that the agency remains the only one with the pool of qualified skilled profession whose only job is to fix existing roads.

Though a huge load, Rafindadi stressed that the agency has been able to cope with the burden fairly, adding that even though

the rail network across the nation is being revived, roads continue to play the primary role as far as transport infrastructure in Nigeria is concerned.

Rafindadi blamed the rate of deterioration and aging of Nigerian roads on climate change, saying that a lot of roads had been repaired

Ohanaeze Warns against New Group, Says Their Activities Inimical to Igbo Interest Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide yesterday raised the alarm over the activities of what it described as a rogue group, which has been using its name to issue reckless statements to the embarrassment of the Igbo nation.

Addressing journalists in Umuahia, Abia State, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, said it became expedient to warn the general public to be wary of the insidious antics of the group.

A group of people including former secretary general of Ohanaeze, Uche Okwukwu, former youth leader, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and others had floated an organisation using the same name as Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Worldwide. It has Chidi Ibe as its president- general and Isiguzoro as secretary general.

But Emuchay lashed out at the group, saying that it's activities have been embarrassing and against Igbo interest. He also noted that, "the reckless, thoughtless and unguarded statements" that usually emanate from Isiguzoro "is inimical to the corporate existence of Nigeria."

The Ohanaeze scribe insisted that the Ambassador George Obiozor-led Ohanaeze leadership remains the only recognised authentic Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide hence no other group should lay claim speaking for the Igbo nation.

"We are now in the political season and the campaigns have started. It is important for the media to know and report accurately and enlighten the public in respect of those occupying positions in Ohanaeze

Ndigbo Worldwide," he said.

"It is important to know that Okechukwu Isiguzoro is not the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. He was never elected and Ohanaeze position is not by appointment," he added.

Emuchay regretted that Isiguzoro, who hails from Obingwa local government of Abia State, "has rebuffed all efforts to make him look for something else to do instead of going about issuing statements for office he does not occupy."

He reiterated that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide "is not divided and has no faction," adding that the current executives elected at the January 10, 2021 delegates conference, has a four-year life span.

The former diplomat stated that Ohanaeze Ndigbo has remained, "very active in reaching out to other socio-

cultural organisations such as Afenifere, PANDEF, Middle Belt Forum, Northern Elders Forum that share its vision for a better Nigeria.

"They are our partners in our march towards a better Nigeria that will afford opportunities for all her citizens to live peacefully and undertake their endeavours without any form of molestation," the Ohanaeze SG said.

He stated that Ndigbo firmly believe in the Nigeria project and the Ohanaeze leadership works for the unity, stability and progress of Nigeria because, "We are a serious stakeholders in Nigeria."

"We are the most important federating unit in Nigeria. We seek equity, fairness, justice and inclusion. We desire a sense of belonging because Nigeria belongs to everybody," Emuchay said.

2023: Katsina APC Promises Three Million Votes for Tinubu/Shettima Francis Sardauna in Katsina The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State, has promised three million votes for the Tinubu/ Shettima presidential ticket in the forthcoming 2023 general election.

Chairman of APC in the state, Sani Ali Ahmed, who stated this during the flagg-off of the North-west Tinubu/ Shettima women and youth

presidential campaign in Katsina, said the leadership of the party in the state remained committed to the victory of its candidates.

He said, "Katsina State APC is united and we will ensure that our women deliver no fewer than three million votes for the presidential election by embarking on aggressive wardto-ward grassroots mobilisation of our rural women to collect their PVCs to vote for our great

party."

He said the financial programmes and policies executed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and Governor Aminu Bello Masari in the areas of women and youth empowerment were among the catalysts of re-electing the party in 2023.

In her remarks, the wife of the APC presidential candidate, Senator Oluremi

Tinubu, assured women that together with Mrs Nana Kashim-Shettima, they would do everything humanly possible to bring succour for Nigerian women and youths.

She admonished all the APC women support groups in the north-west to commence house-to-house mobilisation of women in the region to support and ensure victory for the Tinubu/Shettima ticket in the 2023 polls.

by the agency, thereby making life more bearable for Nigerians.

“From our latest report, we have hit about 7,900 kilometres of roads that were maintained

by FERMA and that has risen from about 3,500 kilometres before 2018. This is primarily because of the level of funding that the ministry has been able to secure for FERMA with the approval of the National Assembly,” he stated.

He noted that while FERMA’s jurisdiction only covers about 18 per cent of the 200,000 kilometres of roads in the country, which is about 36,000 kilometres, it carries about 90 per cent of the entire load of the roads in the country.

He added that adequate personnel issues, technology, equipment and human capacity deficits remain major challenges if the agency, noting that abuse of roads was seriously affecting their longevity.

This year, he said FERMA would need at least 500 more

staff because the existing employees were fast ageing and would need to be trained by the outgoing staff.

In his speech, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola stated that it was strange that Nigeria’s economy was still running despite ferrying most of its products by road.

He stated that FERMA should be an example to other agencies because of its capacity to get things done and to sort out internal squabbles.

He stated that aside roads building, maintenance could also provide massive jobs for Nigerians because they will degenerate over the years. Fashola also urged Nigerians to desist from destroying the country's roads infrastructure.

Chairman of FERMA, Tunde Lemo, thanked his predecessors for building the agency, stressing that the responsibilities of the agency remain enormous.

INEC Takes Delivery of Last Batch of PVCs for Edo State Edo State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday announced the delivery of the last batch of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) from its headquarters in Abuja.

The Head, Voter Education and Publicity of INEC in Edo, Mr. Timidi Wariowei, told journalists in Benin City that the PVCs arrived the office on Wednesday November 30.

Wariowei said counting and sorting of the PVCs was ongoing to ascertain the actual numbers of PVCs that arrived the state.

"We have just received the last tranche of PVCs for Edo. The commission earlier promised Nigerians and Edo people that the last batch of PVCs would be ready by November ending and yesterday, November 30, the PVCs arrived Edo office of the Commission.

"As you can see, the electoral

officers from various local government are counting and sorting to get the actual numbers received after which, the cards will be taken to the local government areas for collection," he said.

He also disclosed that as of November 20, 2022, the figures of uncollected old PVCs stood at 483,796, out of which 12,351 had been collected, leaving a balance of 471,445 in the office.

Wariowei also stated that the number of new PVCs received as at November 20, was 44,036, out of which 21,638 had been collected, leaving a balance of 22,398 in the office.

He further noted that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would arrive the state any moment.

According to him, “as we speak, our officers are at the Benin airport waiting to receive the BVAS which we are going to use for accreditation on election day.”

10

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

TOWN HALL MEETING WITH PDP STAKEHOLDERS IN OGBOMOSO...

L-R: Oyo State PDP Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal; Governor Seyi Makinde; PDP National Deputy Chairman (south), Taofeek Arapaja and former Speaker of Oyo State, Senator Mosurat Sunmonu, during a town hall meeting with PDP stakeholders in Ogbomoso zone, held at Ogbomoso.... yesterday

Adamawa Governor’s Convoy in Fatal Accident, Four Dead

Daji Sani in Yola

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri's campaign to Mubi town yesterday was marred by a ghastly accident which claimed four lives and saw five others that sustained various degrees of injuries.

According to report from the governor’s aide who was at the scene of the incident, the accident involved a Toyota Hilux conveying a detachment of vigilantes that accompanied the governor on his way to Mubi for his political campaign The accident was said to have occurred around Fadamareke, in Hong local government Area of the state.

It was attributed to overspending and was said to have occurred at a dangerous bend.

Some eyewitnesses said those that died included the head of PDP' s informal security arm, Bako Kaura; another identified as Adamu, Kaura's biological son and two others. Their bodies have since been deposited at a mortuary at Hong Federal

Medical Centre.

The eyewitnesses also said the five others that that sustained various degree of injuries were conveyed in the government house ambulance and another unmarked Hilux van, for treatment in the health facility.

Fintiri's personal physician and head of the government house clinic Dr. William Teri, who was among the first responders at the crash, was among those that conveyed the victims to hospital for treatment.

Another source at the scene of the accident who helped with the evacuation and rescue efforts said: "I took out three lifeless bodies, but there's a fourth that I think can hardly make it out of coma because of the injury he sustained.

“There were about nine occupants in the Ramp 2 Hilux van with the head of vigilantes for Fintiri/ Farauta campaign involved in the accident was traveling in."

Fintiri, who was said to have also helped to coordinate rescue activities was disturbed by tragic deaths involving his convoy.

Court Nullifies Abia APGA Guber Primary Orders fresh election within 14 days Alex Enumah in Abuja The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has voided the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State.

Justice Binta Nyako in a judgment delivered yesterday, voided the May 29 governorship Primary on the grounds of manifest irregularities.

The judge subsequently ordered the party to conduct a fresh primary election within 14 days.

The plaintiff, Chief Chikwe Udensi, had dragged APGA to

court challenging the outcome of the May 29, gubernatorial primary election, said to have been won by Prof. Greg Ibe. According to the judgment, the evidence and testimonies of witnesses, to the May 29 APGA gubernatorial primary election in Abia state was flawed and marred by irregularities Udensi had lost to Ibe at the APGA primaries, but however headed to court to challenge the outcome of the election.

Udensi had urged the court to declare him winner of the APGA gubernatorial primary election or in the alternative, order for conduct of a fresh primary election.

Just last week, the Adamawa governor narrowly escaped death by the whispers when a truck which lost control almost rammed into his stationary motorcade. Unfortunately, two vehicles on his convoy were not so lucky as the truck crushed them The incident occurred around the highbrow Dougirei hilltop Agga Mosque, where the

governor had gone to attend a wedding engagement.

Two policemen who sustained fatal injuries from the crash, were rushed to intensive care unit of the state specialist hospital.

Meanwhile Fintiri while Addressing the electorates in Mubi yesterday, said his three years in office had provided the needed dividends of democracy

in the state.

He said he has fulfilled all the campaign promises that he made in 2019, which he said was encapsulated in his 11- point agenda which touches almost every aspect of live.

Fintiri charged the electorates to vote for all candidates contesting under the Peoples Democracy Party, including himself and Atiku Abubakar,

the presidential candidate of the party.

He promised that if elected for second tenure, he would do more for the state in terms of infrastructure, women and youth empowerment, employment for all and increase the state’s internally generated revenue by providing favorable condition for businesses to thrive.

Ogun Guber: Court Affirms Nomination of Adebutu as PDP Candidate

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court yesterday affirmed the nomination of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu as the lawful candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year's governorship election in Ogun State.

Justice Ekwo in affirming the nomination of Adebutu by his party held that the plaintiff, Mr. Jimi Lawal failed to prove that the PDP breached its own laws in the selection of its standard bearer for the March 11, 2023 governorship poll.

According to the judge, Lawal failed to provide reliable and credible evidence to support his case of alleged electoral malpractice.

Justice Ekwo accordingly dismissed the suit for being incompetent and lacking in merit.

Lawal had dragged the PDP to court over the emergence of Adebutu as candidate of the party in the March 11, governorship election in Ogun State.

His suit filed in June this year was turned down by Justice Taiwo Taiwo (Rtd) on grounds that he lacked jurisdiction to dabble into the internal affairs of political parties, claiming that the choice of flag bearer was for a political party to make.

However, following his appeal, the judgment of Taiwo

was set aside and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court was ordered to reassign the suit for fresh hearing by another judge.

The Supreme Court in a judgment last month, while affirming the judgment of the appellate court had ordered that the case be given expeditious hearing since the 180 days allowed in law for pre-election matters would soon lapse.

The case was later reassigned to Justice Ekwo who heard the matter last week and fixed December 1, for judgment after observing that the suit would lapse on December 2.

Delivering judgment yesterday, the court held that Lawal failed to establish, with credible evidence, his claim that the register/list of voting delegates used during the governorship primary election was marked 'statutory delegates' and contained names of political appointees and persons against that of the ad-hoc delegates, who were democratically elected at the ward congress of the first defendant, for the purpose of the governorship primaries.

The judge also held that Lawal, who scored zero votes in the primary election, was only playing the role of a spoiler having defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) shortly before the primary election.

Justice Ekwo said: “I have

considered the whole gamut of the case of the plaintiff, I have not seen where the plaintiff has established, with any concrete documentary evidence, that the register/list of the democratically elected ad-hoc delegates certified by the second defendant, was not used during the first defendant's Ogun State governorship primary election conducted on May 25, 2022.

“It is my finding that the plaintiff is merely playing the role of a spoiler in the affairs of the first defendant.

"He has not controverted that averment of the first and third defendants (PDP and Adebutu) that he recently decamped to the first defendant from the APC sometime in March 2022.

“Assuming there was such an infraction, as alleged by the plaintiff in this case, the plaintiff ought to have protested to the first and second defendants (PDP and INEC) as soon as he witnessed the infraction alleged by him in this case.

“I am certain that the report of the second defendant would have reflected the objection or protest of the plaintiff.

I do not see the second defendant conniving with the first defendant to cover up the allegation of the plaintiff by issuing a report and not reflecting same.

“This is a primary election in which the third defendant had

the highest number of votes cast at the end of voting and was accordingly declared the winner with a total of 714 votes while the plaintiff scored zero votes.

“It not the business of the court to overrule the choice of a candidate of a political party after such candidate has been democratically nominated by the delegates who were elected for the purpose.

“It is the law that contents of pleadings such as the averments that make up the case of the plaintiff must be proved, and must be on preponderance of evidence and balance of probabilities.

“Upon reviewing the evidence in this case, I find that the plaintiff has failed to discharge the onus of proof in this case and upon not being satisfied with reliable and credible evidence, the case of the plaintiff is bound to fail.

“From the state of evidence in this case, I have no reason to say that the primary election of the first defendant held on May 25, 2022 was invalid, null and void ab initio.

“I can only see this action from one irrefutable prism, that is, it is a product of an afterthought and ought to be treated as such. I find that the plaintiff’s case fails for lack of credible evidence and I so hold.

I make an order dismissing this case,” the judge said.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

11

12

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

INFORMATION OFFICERS' AWARDS...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Open Access Data Centres, Mr. Ayotunde Coker; Founder, SystemSpecs Limited, and recipient of the Special Lifetime Achievement Award, Mr. John Obaro; President, Dansol Christian Mission, Mrs. Adunola Akinyemiju; Vice President, First City Monument Bank, Mr. Oluwakayode Adigun; and Convener, The Chief Information Officers Awards, Mrs. Abiola Laseinde, at the Chief Information Officers Awards held in Lagos...recently ETOP UKUTT

Adams Oshiomhole is False-hearted, Unstable, Says Atiku/Okowa Campaign Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation,

has described the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Deputy Director-

General of the Tinubu/ Shettima Presidential Campaign Organisation, Adams Oshiomhole, as an unstable

NEC Okays Amendment to 2022 Finance Bill To present changes to FEC Deji Elumoye in Abuja The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved necessary amendments to the proposed 2022 Finance Bill.

The Council at an extraordinary virtual meeting yesterday, according to a statement issued by media aide to the Vice President, Laolu Akande, received briefings on the proposed Finance Bill 2022 and resolved to update the draft with additional inputs from state governors as the bill would now go to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

At the meeting which was presided over by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, members of the Council were briefed on the main features of the bill by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.

According to the minister, the proposed Finance Bill 2022 was anchored on five fundamental policy drivers namely tax equity; climate change; job creation/ economic growth; tax incentives’ reform and revenue generation/ tax administration She added that the bill seeks to amend relevant taxes, excises and duty statutes in line with the macroeconomic policy reforms of the federal government and to amend and make further provisions in specific laws in connection with the public financial management of the federation.

Other aspects of the Finance Bill include: Chargeable Assets; Exclusion of Losses and Replacement of Business Assets.

The minister stressed that under the Tax Equity pillar, all sectors of the economy would be brought into the tax net, including capital gains tax from digital assets, cable undertakings, lottery and gaming business.

Similarly, under the, “Climate Change and Green Growth pillar of the bill, there would be incentives for the natural gas sector and discouragement of gas flaring.

“Under the pillar of Tax Incentives’ Reforms, there would be new deductions for Research and Development, and Investment Tax Credits; Reconstruction Investment Allowance; Rural Investment Allowance; Incomes in Convertible Currencies to be exempt, among others.”

It stated that the bill also contains an amendment under Chargeable Assets stating that, “subject to any exceptions provided by this Act, all forms of property shall be assets for the purposes of this Act, whether situated in Nigeria or not, including Options, debts, digital assets and incorporeal property generally.”

According to the bill, these provisions clarify the basis for the taxation of Cryptocurrency and other Digital Assets in line with Government’s policy thrust of enhancing the cross-border and international taxation of growing e-commerce with emerging markets.

By doing so, Nigeria will join the league of jurisdictions currently taxing digital assets, including the United Kingdom, United States of America, Australia, India, Kenya and South Africa.

Ahmed further noted that extensive consultations have been done on aspects of the bill such as tax avoidance and tax evasion by introducing a general anti-avoidance route.

She disclosed that in coming up with the bill, the federal Ministry of Finance engaged a wide range of stakeholders and elicited enough feedback especially through the work of a technical committee co-chaired

by Special Adviser on Economic

Matters to the President, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu and Special Adviser on Finance, Mrs. Sarah Alade.

Several governors commented on the presentation of the bill, including the Governors of Sokoto, Borno, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ogun among others.

It was then resolved that state governors should make additional inputs just as the proposed bill is being sent forward for consideration to the Federal Executive Council before the President sends it to the National Assembly.

and false-hearted character, who should be disregarded

by Nigerians.

A statement signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, one of the spokespersons of the campaign, said Nigerians were appalled by the reckless comments by Oshiomhole, who being distraught by the increasing popularity of the PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has now resorted to hauling insults and vituperations against the person of Atiku as witnessed in a television programme on Wednesday.

Oshiomhole had in the interview hurled personal attacks at Atiku.

According to Ologbondiyan, "Oshiomhole is behaving like someone suffering from acute Histrionic Personality Disorder

(HPD). This can only explain why the former APC National Chairman, who was disgraced out of office, continues as a chattering roller coaster and a musical chair politician, who specialises in making unfounded comments and inventing fictitious claims against others just to draw undue attention to himself.

"Nigerians can recall how Oshiomhole, in 2016, described Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as an impostor, a fake pastor, rusticated student, a career dropout, acid bath assailant, liar, treasury looter; an incompetent and questionable character, who is only good for night meetings and not fit to be the governor of Edo State, only to turn around in 2020 to state that these damaging allegations were mere political statements.

"Nigerians expect Adams Oshiomhole to note that Presidential Campaign addresses serious issue and not a platform for throwing tantrums and irresponsible commentaries," Ologbondiyan said.

The Atiku/Okowa spokesman said Nigerians were not ready to accept such apparent HPD attitude from him towards the nation’s preferred leader, Atiku Abubakar.

He maintained that Nigerians would not be surprised to see Adams Oshiomhole turning around at Atiku Abubakar’s inevitable victory and inauguration on May 29, 2023, to condemn Asiwaju Tinubu and declare his current unsavory comments against Atiku Abubakar as mere political statements.

Northern Groups Insist on Drug, Mental Test for Presidential, Governorship Candidates Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja A political interest group, the Concerned Northern Youths and the Coalition for National Agenda have demanded that all presidential and gubernatorial candidates should take drug tests as well as undergo medical and mental assessments to ascertain their readiness for the posts being contested.

In a joint press conference addressed by the Coordinator of the Concerned Northern Youths, Suleiman Tambay and his counterpart from the Coalition for National Agenda, Nnamdi Iroegbu, in Abuja, yesterday, they said the north and indeed other parts of country should ensure that any candidate who cannot account for his source of wealth or are of questionable character should not be voted in the 2023 elections.

Tambay, who read the statement of the coalition group, said they were serious about their campaign and would push for a legislation

to make it mandatory for political aspirants to subject themselves to drug and medical tests as a precondition to be voted for in any election in Nigeria.

"It is glaring that the current political terrain is different from the previous drama where candidates make mockery of the poor, insult the collective intelligence of Nigerian polity by demonstrating the drinking of sachet water and milk, frying Kose on the road side and lapping children with running nose.

“The campaign plan has now shifted to having issue-based debates, town hall meetings, manifesto comparison and stakeholder deliberations.

"Needless to say that this is a step in the right direction. The need to sanitise the polity, ensure that only fit and proper persons occupy political offices, and enthrone equity and justice makes it imperative to raise the bar even higher by demanding that all presidential and gubernatorial candidates take drug

tests, as well as undergo medical and mental assessment tests to ascertain their readiness for the noble and stressful task of good governance," he said.

He further said no candidate with cases of lingering drug dilemma or saddled with corruption charges should even be considered to be Nigeria’s president.

“Candidates who cannot account for their source of wealth are of questionable character. The north must take her destiny in her hands by ensuring that only leaders in the mold of, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Maitama Sule, Shehu & Umar Musa Yar’Adua, Aminu Kano, Tafawa Balewa are chosen because hunger and insecurity knows no tribe, region nor religion,” he said.

Tombay lamented that a once peaceful and homely northern region was now being ravaged by banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, “because the region suffer the helplessness and hopelessness of poverty and

inequality that rendered many drug addicts.”

According to him, there over 20 million out-of-school children in the north and most of the 133 million National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figure of multidimensional poor people in Nigeria are of Northern extraction.

"Again, the present challenge of over five million youths on drug addiction and another 10 million underemployed in the north clearly call for concern. A strong stance is required to stem this ugly tide.

"Nigeria must retake its place as the giant of Africa and deliver a Nigeria that works for all Nigerians.

History doesn’t repeat itself, but people repeat the ugly history that defeats them.

"We call on all Concerned Nigerian Youths across the nation to be patriotic and ensure that we do not mortgage our future by voting for an alleged drug lord or any candidate with questionable credentials or wealth," he said.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

13

14

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

15

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022

16

POLITICS

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ONLY

As Adebanjo Mobilises for Obi in South West...

Kemi Olaitan writes that the acting Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has refused to buckle on his support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, as he was part of the recent rally of the party in Ibadan.

A

t different fora most especially while speaking on national television stations, the acting Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has refused to be unyielding in his support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, an action which has polarized the foremost organization.

The 94 year old elder statesman indeed has been strikingly consistent on his conviction that come 2023 it should be the turn of the Igbo to produce the Nigerian president and it must be Obi that the organization should support for equity and justice.

This position which he maintained was taken by the leadership of the Yoruba group in collaboration with other groups across the country which has pitched him against some leaders who staged counter-endorsement of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at a parley held at the Akure residence of the former Leader of the organization, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, to political observers calls for concern and introspection on the part of the leaders.

However there may not be an end in sight to the imbroglio as Adebanjo penultimate Wednesday in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, when the campaign train of the LP presidential candidate birthed in the political headquarters of Yoruba land in continuation of his nation-wide visit to the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reiterated that there was no going back on the endorsement of Obi by the organization.

For political analysts the choice of Ibadan as the first point of call of the campaign train in the South West region by the standard flag bearer of the LabourParty, Mr. Peter Obi, could not but to send a message that the endorsement by Afenifere led by Adebanjo was for the Yorubaland. Thus the decision was not misplaced as the Afenifere leader did not only make an appearance at the event but he also justified why the group would not back down in its support for the former governor of Anambra state.

The Afenifere leader, Pa Adebanjo, in his ebullient self, while addressing the LP supporters who thronged the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, venue of the rally briefly, briefly in Yoruba, said his support for Obi is in the true spirit of equity, justice and fairness, adding that he bears no grudge against the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He disclosed that since Nigeria got its independence in 1960, South East has not produced the nation’s leadership while other regions had produced it one or two times, stating that the critics of his support for the presidential candidate from the South Eastern part of Nigeria are not students of history.

His words, “To those saying this one is Igbo, that one is Yoruba, the talk of president in Nigeria is not a talk of the Igbo or Yoruba but the talk of entire Nigeria.

“The South-West has produced a President and currently sits as Vice President; the South-South has spent a total of six years in the Presidency, but the Igbo people of the South-East have never tasted presidency in Nigeria, and now that the power is due back in the South, equity demands that it be ceded to the Igbo.

“We cannot continue to demand that the Igbo people remain in Nigeria while we, at the same time, continue to brutally marginalise and exclude them from the power dynamics. Peter Obi is the person of Igbo extraction that Afenifere has decided to support and back; he is the man we trust to restructure the country back to federalism on assumption of office.

“We will not compromise this principle of justice, equity and inclusiveness because one of our own, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is a frontline candidate. It is on this same principle we condemn the Peoples Democratic Party for sponsoring Atiku Abubakar, a Northern Fulani Muslim to succeed General Muhammadu Buhari another Fulani Muslim.

“Now that Afenifere is saying that the baton of leadership must be handed over

to the candidate from the South East, and people are now calling me names. They submitted that my decision is borne out of the hatred that I have for Tinubu. The question is, where are this set of critics when I stood solidly behind Tinubu during his challenges? Where are they when I supported his first and second-term ambitions to govern Lagos state. Now that I am calling for equity and fairness, I have become his

sworn enemy. They say that I am envious of his achievements “Nigeria’s presidency is neither about Igbo nor Yoruba. The legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo must be upheld. Awo detested the marginalisation of any tribe by any tribe.

Chief Awolowo was an advocate of true federalism. This is what he fought for alongside the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

“Rotational presidency is non-negotiable.”

In his speech, Obi lauded Pa Adebanjo for his stand, stating that his likes of Pa Adebanjo are trying to build a new Nigeria through fairness, justice and equity which are the foundation a united country can be built.

He said, “The Labour Party is laying the foundation for a new Nigeria that the citizen will be proud of. We will ensure that we move Nigeria from consumption to production. We will create jobs for youths.

Out youths are energetic and always ready to work.

“We will fight corruption. We will create wealth. We are not going to share our commonwealth. Nigeria, today has become a laughing stock.

New Nigeria will not be built on religion, ethnicity. We will ensure that end comes to incessant strikes by members of the Academic Staff Unions of Universities (ASUU).

“We will return Lagos to the financial centre of Africa while the lost glory of the ancient city of Ibadan will be returned.”

With the presidential election less than 100 days away, some political observers are of the view that with Pa Adebanjo not caring the consequence of his position on the panYoruba socio-political organization of which he is the acting leader, it may eventually spell doom for the group.

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

Fintiri’s Development Strides in Education and Health Suleiman Karahi writes about the giant strides being undertaken by the administration of Governor Umaru Fintiri in education and health sectors in Adamawa state

E

ducation is universally recognized as an instrument for social, political, scientific and technological development.

Many countries in the world see education as a good investment for national development because it is expected to produce the required quantity and quality of human resources for the socio-economic growth using the mix of inputs.

Nigeria, being fully aware of this, desired education as an instrument per excellence in the development of the national economy.

This desire has been heightened by the fact that the development history of advanced countries such as Britain, America, Germany and France, to mention but a few, is strongly hinged on education.

Since education is on the concurrent list in Nigeria, state governments own a large proportion of secondary and primary schools there by making it a top priority to provide quality education for the people.

This has made state governors including Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa to prioritize education in the state.

On his assumption of office in 2019, Governor Fintiri met an education system that was in a sorry state in terms of access, enrolment, retention, and progression with ill-motivated teachers, poor learning infrastructure, lack of teaching aids and lack of incentives and subsidies for teachers, parents and students. Governor Fintiri

initiated incentives packages by adopting free education policies without payment of tuition fees in public schools.

The administration also initiated the payment of national examination fees such as JSSCE, WAEC and NECO; and payment of bursaries (Scholarship) to indigent students in tertiary institutions, and so on.

Before this administration, teachers were owed arrears of salaries, but on his assumption in office, Governor Fintiri reversed this ugly trend by ensuring that teachers in Adamawa state are paid regularly.

The infrastructures in various institutions of learning have been improved by providing teaching and learning aids to schools, including the provision of scholarships to students of various tertiary institutions.

The governor has ensured that basic education is free in the State and no child is

paying for both NECO and WAEC Exams in Adamawa State. Governor Fintiri will soon commence the renovation of 10 legacy secondary schools across the State. These investments and many more are aimed at encouraging school enrolment and progression to ensure that no child is left behind.

It is worthy of note that Governor Fintiri is happy that investment is yielding the desire result in the state very fast especially in the performance of students in national examinations. This is evident as the performance of students who scored five credits and above including the basic subjects of English Language and Mathematics in this year’s WAEC alone stood at over 75% with over 85% performance in NECO in the same subjects.

What this means is that the combined performance of students in these national examinations is over 90%; it also goes further to demonstrate that the greater percentage of these students have the requisite qualification to sit for and pass JAMB to gain admission into tertiary institutions of their choices. This is an unprecedented feat in the combined history of both Adamawa State and defunct Gongola State. Nothing can be more encouraging and rewarding, at the same time, than this.

-Karahi writes from Yola NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

17

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022

POLITICS

Trump’s Complicating, Controversial Quest for 2024 Election

Osun Governorship Election Tribunal Resumes Sitting on Saturday

Ismail Omipidan writes that the Osun State Governorship Election tribunal sitting in Osogbo, the state capital will on Saturday continue hearing in the suit filed by Gboyega Oyetola of the All Chido Nwangwu reports that former United States Progressives Congress challenging the declaration President Donald Trump has oiled his political by INEC of Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples machinery with his recent declaration to run again Democratic Party as the winner of the July 16, 2022 gubernatorial poll in the state for US Presidency in 2024

B

“I

n order to make America great and glorious again, I am tonight announcing my candidacy for president of the United States…. America’s comeback starts right now,” he exclaimed.

Thus, the divisive and cantankerous former President of the United States Donald Trump on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 “officially launched” his third campaign for the White House.

Typical of Trump’s projects, there is already conflict and division within the Republican party.

Meanwhile, one of his daughters, Ivanka, released a statement stating that: “While I will always love and support my father, going forward I will do so outside the political arena.”

Evidently and very clearly, the politics of Trump has taken a major toll on his family.

If Trump wins the election in 2024, he will become the second U.S President in history to serve two non-consecutive terms, following in the path of Grover Cleveland’s wins in 1884 and 1892.

However, long before the 2024 elections, there are several hurdles, which Trump will have to scale over.

One of those is the latest decision by the Supreme Court of the United States on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, against Trump’s unrelenting and frantic efforts to block any access to his taxes. Therefore, it removed any obstacle for Trump’s much guarded taxes to be released to the U.S. Congress. The next day he attacked the court lashing out at the court in a series of posts on his social media platform called Truth Social.

Trump, the very controversial and twice impeached former President allleged that “The Supreme Court has lost its honor, prestige, and standing, & has become nothing more than a political body, with our Country paying the price.”

He also claimed that the same court with a conservative majority and where he ap-

pointed three Justices were ruling out of being “petrified” of the Democrats, “politically correct” as opposed to what he characterized as “doing what is BEST for the USA.” Trump continued: “Why would anybody be surprised that the Supreme Court has ruled against me, they always do! It is unprecedented to be handing over Tax Returns, & it creates a terrible precedent for future Presidents.”

The man scheduled his announcement far ahead of the 2024 elections, deliberately, only a few hours after the 2022 midterm elections.

Trump believed, and hoped that his Republican party would do much better in that early November elections. The political and voting reality turned out to be that most of those he backed lost their elections, such as Dr. Oz in the Pennsylvania senatorial battle.

Some of his party leaders blamed him and said critically that he is not the way forward or the future of the Republican party!

I think it’s important to note that those losses made it possible for Democrats to keep the Senate while the Republicans went home with only a very slim majority in the House of Representatives.

Trump evidently believes he will take on in 2024 President Joe Biden in a rematch. He has accused the Democrats and Mr. Biden of presiding over failed and in his extravagant words “blood-soaked streets” and “cesspool cities.”

He has looked all over the country and has reached one conclusion: “We are a nation in decline.”

President Biden does not agree with him.

2024 is faraway. Let’s see what happens between now and then.

I believe in the realistic, geopolitical possibilities that the United States and the rest of the world might change, substantially, before November 2024! Only time will tell....

-Nwangwu, Founder of USAfrica, founded the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper published on the Internet USAfricaonline. com. Follow @Chido247

y Saturday, December 3, 2022, the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Osogbo will resumee hearing in the petition filed by Adegboyega Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the declaration of Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the July 16 governorship contest in Osun state.

At its last but one sitting, the tribunal ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should produce Senator Ademola’s certificates and other attachments he filed with INEC when he ran for the governorship in 2018.

For those who may be coming across this Tribunal update for the first time and for the records, Oyetola and APC are challenging the outcome of the election on two main grounds.

One, that Senator Ademola was not qualified to run at the time he did. Two, that there was over-voting in 749 polling units across 10 LGAs. What are the facts of the issues concerning qualification?

Recall that it is common knowledge that, in 2019, Senator Adeleke faced criminal allegations of examination malpractice.

He was arrested and brought before the court. He was granted bail, and then he travelled abroad. He however did not show up again until he returned barely a year to the July election.

Interestingly, when he was contesting in 2018, he claimed to have registered for GCE O’ Level in 1981 but had F9 in English Language and was recorded absent for other subjects.

Ironically, his profile on the website of the National Assembly at the time also indicated that he is a holder of a Diploma Certificate in Criminology from Jacksonville State University (JSU), where he purportedly graduated from in 1986.

However, in an investigation carried out by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) at the time, the above claim was faulted by Buffy Lockette, the Director of Public Relations at the university.

The fact -check done by ICIR further revealed that while it was true that Senator Adeleke had indeed enrolled at the institution, he was never awarded any certificate.

A further inquiry from the West African Examination Council’s website at the time to verify Senator Adeleke’s O’ Level result being paraded then, using examination number 19645/149 came back as “result not

available for this candidate in the specified year and exams diet.” So, based on the foregoing, as at 2018, he had no O’Level results.

But upon his return, he claimed he has a diploma, awarded to him mid last year, and that the said certificate qualified him for a B.Sc. in Criminal Justice, from the Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the United States.

Interestingly, he claimed to have obtained the degree barely 24 days after getting the said Diploma certificate.

There are indeed interesting days ahead at the Tribunal, beginning from tomorrow.

Before then, below is the review of what transpired in the first three sittings of the Election Petitions Tribunal: Day 1 Monday, November 21 On this day, an expert witness, Isiaka Olanrewaju, told the Tribunal that he established irregularities in the results used to declare the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ademola Adeleke, as the Governor-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He told the Justice Tertsea Kume-led tribunal that he came to that conclusion after analysing the result forms for the election and comparing them with the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS).

On the same day, the tribunal also struck out the application by the Counsel for INEC, Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN) filed to set aside the Subpoena issued on INEC for the production of Adeleke’s credentials used in the 2018 Governorship Election.

The witness who was led in evidence by the Petitioners’ counsel, Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), said he relied on forms EC8As, EC8B, EC8C, EC8D, EC8E and BVAS report released by INEC to arrive at his findings.

Under cross- examination by the INEC counsel, Professor Ananaba, the witness said he analysed the results of the election in 749 units across 10 Local Governments as against 762 units being suggested to him by the counsel for the respondents.

While INEC counsel put it to him that the witness analysed results of 762 units, he responded: “That is your opinion, I worked on just 749 units. where you see 762, I don’t know”.

-Omipidan is media aide to Oyetola NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

18

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

19

20

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022

21

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

D E C E M B E R

S & P INDEX

1 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

10.25%

INDEX LEVEL

613.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.85%

N416.86/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

9.56%

1-DAY

0.16%

YEAR TO DATE

7.64%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10.52%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.44%

Expert: Despite Improvement in Aeronautical Facilities, Harmattan May Hamper Flight Operations During Yuletide

Chinedu Eze The expected hope that this year will be different from the previous years, in terms of flight disruptions during Christmas season due to the harmattan haze has been dimmed, as THISDAY learnt that there could be flight cancellations this season, due to bad weather, despite the improvement on aeronautical facilities.

In the previous years, daylight flights were cancelled due to low visibility occasioned by the harmattan, but the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said that due to the installation of facilities, the upgrade of equipment, there would be improvement this year, as less number of flights would be cancelled.

Former Managing Director of NAMA, Captain Fola Akinkuotu told THISDAY recently that modern aeronautical equipment, including Category 3 Instrument Landing System (ILS) could significantly improve visibility that aircraft can land in thick haze.

“I believe we have ILS in virtually all our airports and definitely in all the major airports. ILS has categories, Category 3, of course, is the best but they are expensive.

And when you do a cost benefit analysis, even globally, they don’t have category 3 in every airport.

But the major airports, it will be beneficial to have ILS category 3 in all the major airports, which is what we are trying to do,” he said.

However, industry expert and the Secretary General of Aviation

Round Table (ART), Group Captain John Ojikutu is not so optimistic. He told THISDAY that harmattan would have impact on flights landings day and night this year if there are no compliance to the periodic maintenance on the critical safety landing aids such as the ILS that require periodic maintenance of their calibrations every six months and the VOR (Voice Ominidirectional Radio Range) for 12 months; saying that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is expected to verify these alongside NAMA. “I just hope we won’t have the experience of last year this year,” he said.

Ojikutu also noted that shortage of air traffic controllers (ATC) would definitely cause stress on the few that are available to do the work.

But top official of NAMA told THISDAY that this year there would be less flight disruptions due to weather because the agency has deployed landing aids that would guide flights landing and takeoff, even in low visibility.

“Right now we don’t have weather issues. If there is flight delays or cancelation the airlines will have to explain because weather is relatively okay now. This year should be a better year because most of the airports in Nigeria today have Instrument Landing System (ILS), which is about navigation,” the official said.

According to him, NAMA deployed R-NAV equipment, which is a method of instrument flight rules navigation that allows an aircraft to choose any course within a network

of navigation beacons, rather than navigate directly to and from the beacons. This can conserve flight distance, reduce congestion, and allow flights into airports without beacons.

The agency has also deployed Performance Based Navigation (PBN), which is the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) equipment that specifies that aircraft required navigation performance and area navigation systems defined in terms of accuracy, integrity and availability. So under RNAV, the equipment used to achieve the navigation accuracy is specified.

Under PBN, the Required Navigation Performance is specified and it is up to the operator to achieve that performance.

But the modern equipment,

THISDAY learnt, must have corresponding equipment in the aircraft for optimum performance and some of the aircraft operating on domestic routes do not have such on-board equipment. Also, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) gives approval for the weather minima of every airport.

So, while some aircraft can land at low visibility at the airports, they must follow the weather minima specified and approved by NCAA. Few years ago, NCAA approved 300 meters Runway Visual Range (RVR) for 14 airports from 800 meters RVR. “We have done what we call R-NAV procedures in all the airports in Nigeria, including the smallest Continued on page 24

NCC Warns against Use of Counterfeit, Non-type Approved Phones Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has cautioned consumers against the patronage and use of counterfeit devices and other devices that have not been typed approved.

NCC, in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, warned that such devices negatively affect the quality of experience while leaving their users

vulnerable to losses and other discomforts.

The warning came following the Commission’s enforcement activities in Kano where it arrested representatives of three companies responsible for the sale of counterfeit as well as non-type-approved devices and has handed them over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for investigation and further necessary action.

The enforcement team arrested Yahaya Ado of Gezawa Communications Limited for selling counterfeit Gionee devices and not being able to show any evidence of authorization granted to the company by the Commission.

Messrs Nura Ahmed of Saleh Latest Venture and Rufai Nuhu of Al Mansoor Communications were also arrested because they were not licenced to engage in

the sales and installation of terminal equipment and were unable to show any evidence of authorization from the Commission in that connection.

The NCC’s Head of Enforcement, Mallam Salisu Abdu, who led the team, expressed concerns at how the GSM Market on Beirut Street, Kano, was awash with counterfeit and non-type approved phones. Abdu bemoaned the fact that many

of the vendors were not licensed by the Commission to provide such communication service they rendered.

According to him, the Commission is determined to carry out post-enforcement checks to ensure that the sale of counterfeit devices is stopped. The NCC will collaborate with market associations to ensure that appropriate licences are obtained by vendors and

assist in apprehending the major dealers and suppliers of counterfeit devices.

The non-type-approved phones found during the enforcement include Gionee branded phones with model numbers G800, and L990; H-Mobile phones with model numbers it5606+, H351; FoxKong with model numbers F30, F300; and KGTEL phones with model numbers K2160 and KG1100.

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 , 2 0 2 2 BILLS

BONDS DESCRIPTION Price ^14.20 14MAR-2024 13.53 23MAR-2025 ^12.50 22JAN-2026 ^16.2884 17MAR-2027 ^13.98 23FEB-2028

Yield

99.77

14.35

98.47

14.30

95.58

14.27

105.25

14.58

98.51

14.38

Change Updated Time (%) November 0.00 28, 2022 November 0.00 28, 2022 November -0.01 28, 2022 November 0.00 28, 2022 November -0.32 28, 2022

MATURITY NTB 26-Jan23 NTB 9-Feb23 NTB 9-Mar23 NTB 27-Apr23 NTB 11May-23

Discount

Yield

11.58

11.80

8.32

8.46

8.96

9.18

8.05

8.33

8.05

8.35

Change Updated Time (%) November -0.01 28, 2022 November -0.01 28, 2022 November -0.01 28, 2022 November 0.00 28, 2022 November -0.01 28, 2022

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS MATURITY FDHP CP III 17-MAR-23 VHPL CP III 1-APR-23

Change Updated Time (%) November 0.04 28, 16.76 15.97 2022 November 20.34 20.34 0.06 28, 2022

Discount Yield

.

.

.

. .

.

.

.

. .

.

.

.

. .

CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH) NGUS NOV 30 1 2022 NGUS DEC 28 2 2022 NGUS JAN 25 3 2023 NGUS FEB 22 4 2023 NGUS MAR 29 5 2023

Current Rate Updated Time ($/₦) November 454.73 28, 2022 November 456.93 28, 2022 November 459.12 28, 2022 November 461.32 28, 2022 November 463.51 28, 2022

22

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

IATA: Headwinds Continue to Affect Air Cargo Demand A I R The October 2022 global air cargo markets data that was released recently by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), showed that headwinds continued to affect air cargo demand.

It stated that global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), fell 13.6 per cent compared to October 2021 that was -13.5 per cent for international operations.

Capacity was 0.6 per cent below October 2021. This was the first year-on-year contraction since April 2022, however, month-on-month capacity increased by 2.4 per cent in preparation for the year-end peak season. International cargo capacity grew 2.4 per cent compared to October 2021.

IATA said several factors in the operating environment should be

noted, which include the fact that new export orders, a leading indicator of cargo demand, are shrinking in all markets except China and South Korea, which registered slightly higher new export orders in October.

The latest global goods trade figures showed a 5.6 per cent expansion in September, a positive sign for the global economy. This is expected to primarily benefit maritime cargo, with a slight boost to air cargo as well.

The US dollar has seen a sharp appreciation, with the broad real effective exchange rate in September 2022 reaching the highest level since 1986. A strong dollar affects air cargo.

As many costs are denominated in dollars, the currency’s appreciation adds another layer of cost on top of high inflation and high jet fuel prices

and that the Consumer Price Index increased slightly in G7 countries in October and remains at a decades’ high level of 7.8 per cent. Inflation in producer (input) prices reduced by 0.5 percentage points to 13.3 per cent in September.

IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, said: “Air cargo continues to demonstrate resilience as headwinds persist. Cargo demand in October -while tracking below the exceptional performance of October 2021-- saw a 3.5 per cent increase in demand compared to September. This indicates that the year-end will still bring a traditional peak-season boost despite economic uncertainties. But as 2022 closes out it appears that the current economic uncertainties will follow into the New Year and need continued close monitoring.”

WATCH

Enforcing Air Safety through Regulation

Nigeria Aviation Award 2022 Holds January 2023 The Nigeria Aviation Award 2022 has been slated for January 28, 2023.

In a statement, the Chairman of Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Centre, Mr. Fortune Idu, said the 12th Nigeria Aviation Award along with the usual Cabin Crew Contest for crowing the Nigeria King and Queen of the Air would hold from the 28th January 2023 at the NIGAV Centre Murtala Mohammed International Lagos.

The theme of this year’s award is ‘the coming of a new era’. Idu said

the theme would help the industry to reflect on the achievement of the past year, present a scorecard of the industry in 2022 and prepares the players ahead of an exciting year 2023.

A total number of fifty awards would be conferred by the Minister Senator Hadi Sirika in a ceremony that promises to be action and fun packed. The event would also present an Aviation Year Annual Report, which will highlight the ground-breaking achievements of

the industry for future reference and guide.

According to Idu, the aviation sector needs NIGAV award as performance monitoring index to continue to balance its services with customers’ expectations in line with internationally acceptable standards.

The organizing committee has begun the selection process with the call for nomination, which will be followed by an online voting process to make the selection as credible as possible.

Qatar to Resume Flights to Taif, Saudi Arabia Qatar Airways has announced that it would resume services to Taif starting January 3, 2023 with three weekly flights, which is the airlines’ sixth destination in Saudi Arabia.

The resumption of services will enable passengers flying from and to Taif to benefit from the airline’s extensive international network to across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas via the World’s Best Airport, Hamad International Airport.

Qatar Airways flight QR1206, will depart from Hamad International Airport at 07:40, arriving at 10:10 at Taif International Airport. Qatar

Airways flight QR1207, will depart from Taif International Airport at 11:10, and arrive at Hamad International Airport at 13:20.

Qatar Airways is currently operating two daily flights from Riyadh, four daily flights from Jeddah, two daily flights from Medina, five daily flights from Dammam, and a daily flight from Qassim.

Qatar Airways recently announced that Privilege Club has officially adopted Avios as its reward currency, opening up a world of new opportunities for members

travelling across the airline’s extensive network. This partnership offers a combination of benefits, including a wide range of greater guaranteed award seats and competitive prices on Qatar Airways flights, in addition to experiencing the World’s Best Airline and enjoying the World’s Best Airport, Hamad International Airport (HIA).

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, voted by Skytrax as the ‘World’s Best Airport’.

CIO Awards Honours Exceptional Chief Information Officers Emma Okonji Personalities in the technology ecosystem were celebrated at the third edition of the CIO Awards, with the theme “Honouring Digital Eminence.”

Organised by Edniesal Consulting Limited, an enterprise governance firm, the awards took place at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island in Lagos, recently.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, who was represented by the Director-General and

Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Aliyu Aziz, said the award ceremony was a true reflection of the contributions of those who have greatly shaped the industry, disrupted the ecosystem, and immensely added to the economy with their creative ideas and solutions.

According to him, the projects and initiatives of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and its commitment to the digital transformation of

Nigeria are being enabled through the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), whose focus is for the digital economy to drive other sectors in the economy, while facilitating the digitalization of all sectors in Nigeria.

In her welcome address the convener, CIO Awards and the CIO Club Africa, Abiola Laseinde, said the CIO Awards remained the first of its kind in Nigeria and it has now embarked on an African expansion to include digital leaders from Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana.

NIG Harps on Benefits of Internet in Digital Transformation Emma Okonji

The Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), the body established to guide and promote the use of internet in Nigeria, has again stressed the importance and the many benefits of the internet to individuals, organisations and the Nigerian economy.

NIG, which highlighted the benefits at its 2022 annual conference, which held in Lagos recently, said Nigerians must leverage the opportunities offered by the internet to promote the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Speaking on the theme of the conference: ‘Internet Business Clinic 2022: Growth and Solution

Platform,’ the President of NIG, Destiny Amana, said most people have internet business, but they do not know how best to maximise the power of the internet. He said the internet had evolved over the years from Dialup, VSAT, Radio Link connectivity, to high speed fibre connectivity, with lots of business opportunities available on the internet. He spoke about the need for parents to protect their children from getting exposed to the dangers of the internet, despite the many opportunities that the internet offers.

Speaking on the power of the internet, the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, said the internet has brought great

transformation to economies and individuals. “The internet as we all know is the fastest platform for information dissemination. With internet, people can find locations through their Google map, estimate the expected time to complete a journey, and get faster information about what is happening around the world. With the internet, people can do cross-border business and shop online and also receive goods online without necessarily travelling,” Adebayo said.

He however stressed the need for the respect for the code of conduct of the internet. He frowned at a situation where people abuse the use of the internet and advised that all users of the internet must play according to regulations.

Chinedu Eze The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, has explained how the agency monitors airlines’ financial ability to sustain their operations.

He also said whenever there was no doubt the agency would step in to ensure that airlines’ economic challenges do not erode their operational safety.

Explaining why Aero Contractors suspended its flight and set to resume on Monday next week, he noted that the airline was not grounded based on safety issues.

“We did an audit of them because whatever audit you do, you have findings and they were all minor findings. There was no Level 1, 2, 3 findings. They were very insignificant.

We notified them. We audited them and we found out that the issue they had was finance sustainability.

“Aviation is safety sensitive and whenever you have financial difficulty, it is just a matter of time, you will not be able to comply with all the regulatory requirements and some may start cutting corners. So, before financial issue becomes safety issue, we had a discussion with them and they on their own before we took any action, agreed with our findings and suspended their operations to enable them reorganise and get some funding to get more equipment. That is what they have done, we sat with them, they submitted, we asked for projection, which they did, we reviewed. The first one wasn’t good enough, they had to go and review it and it was quite satisfactory. We had MoU with them for payment of outstanding 5 per cent on Ticket Sales Charge (TSC). So, they are fine. As far as we are concerned, they can resume operations,” he said.

Captain Nuhu said that the regulatory authority would continue to do its best to ensure continuous safety in the air.

According to him, “We ensure compliance with all our regulations and recommended practices. We work together with the industry to see how we can assist, help the industry, but the truth of the matter is that the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic did not only put the airlines in a difficult situation, but exposed a lot of fractions within the system. A lot of airlines didn’t globally survive the Covid-19 and some are still being affected from the impact of Covid-19.”

Like other airlines in the world, Nigerian carriers face a huge challenge but the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika said recently that Nigeria was adjudged as one of the first countries the airlines and aviation sector survived the Covid-19 economic devastation.

Part of the financial challenges airlines are facing in Nigeria is their inability to pay the regulatory authority and other agencies.

In August this year, NCAA alleged that airlines owed aviation agencies about N24.3 billion and insisted that the airlines must be made to pay the debts; otherwise, they

would force the agency and other agencies into bankruptcy.

Also in September this year, Nuhu spoke on airlines safety and financial well-being.

He assured the flying public that NCAA would ensure that any aircraft that is in the air is airworthy, while also admitting that airlines were in financial straights, just like their counterparts in other parts of the world, as the Coronavirus pandemic asphyxiated that finances of most airlines, which are now struggling to bounce back, while some have suspended their operations.

The Director General said then that the airlines must have to undergo the rigorous process of audit to ensure they have the liquidity to operate safely.

“The airlines have challenges; we have sat down with some of them, discussed with them and some of them need some injections of funds. Like Aero decided to shutdown on its own volition and they are re-organising, getting more aircraft, and expecting some injection of funds so that their financial status would grow. So, we are in discussions with them on this matter.

“Financial distress in aviation if not managed properly could turn out to be a safety issues because we don’t want airlines to start to cut corners. Those with financial difficulties if you notice, they are delaying flights, cancelling flights, but we need to work with them. We are all in this together, except where we have serious concerns in the continued existence of the airlines or serious violation, we will work with them hand on hand so that they will be able to get out of this financial challenges they found themselves,” Nuhu said.

Azman Air and Dana Air were the first airlines that were made to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on how they would pay their debts to NCAA and it became a condition for the renewal of their Airline Operator Certificate (AOC), which stipulates that after meeting other conditions for the renewal of AOC, it must sign the MoU on how it would offset its debts.

This indicated that almost all the airlines owe the agencies and as long as they are operating they continue to owe because ticket sales charge (TSC) and cargo sales charge (CSC) are generated from operations.

NCAA said then that local airlines owed it over N19 billion and $7.6 million on ticket charges they have collected from passengers but have refused to remit to the authority.

So the regulatory authority has made it compulsory that if airlines must continue to operate they must be at safe financial health that will enable them operate without jeopardizing safety in their flight service.

There were times in the past when airlines owed their personnel several months salary and it could be recalled that it was when NCAA got information that Air Nigerian, which metamorphosed from Virgin Nigeria Airways began to owe its workers that the agency ordered it to suspend operations and that ended the existence of the airline.

23

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

X-raying Bello Koko’s Transformation of NPA The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello Koko has demonstrated impeccable professionalism, discipline and persistence to shake up old-fashioned narratives at the nation’s premier maritime agency, writes Eromosele Abiodun bout ten months ago, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the appointment of Mohammed Bello-Koko as the Substantive Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe stated in a press release that Bello-Koko’s appointment takes immediate effect. “The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved the appointment of Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko as the substantive Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, “the statement read.

On assumption of office, Koko promised to turn the organization around and ensure Nigerian ports are the most efficient in Africa.

He is doing that and more. For Koko, the first order of business on ascending the saddle was to initiate fresh initiatives targeting cost and value maximisation by infusing greater efficiency in NPA’s diverse operations, plugging income leakages and cutting down on administrative overheads. The quick impact of this course could be felt. There are more. Any staff of the multifaceted organization will tell gladly today that they have never had it this good.

Bringing his private sector experience to bare, there has been improvement of the debt recovery and collection mechanisms, which triggered a remarkable decrease in the debt owed the agency for services rendered to stakeholders such as the NNPC Limited, international oil companies (IOCs) and other partners. There have been malicious reports in a section of the media aimed at achieving certain goals and derail Koko.

However, Mohammed Bello Koko has demonstrated impeccable professionalism, discipline and persistence to shake up the old-fashioned narratives at the nation’s premier maritime agency. And this is hardly a picnic.

In effect, he came prepared. The Koko-led transformation, re-engineering and repositioning of the NPA speak to fundamental changes that are afoot at the apex maritime organisation. This swathe of changes may lead to an unwitting mix-up in the proper contextualisation and appreciation of their scope and significance.

The imperative of disambiguating the NPA MD’s trajectory, over his first ten months in office, then becomes necessary.

while reviewing all available funding options in order to commence immediate reconstruction of: TinCan Island Port Complex, Berth 4-14 in Apapa Port Complex, Berth 2 in Onne, Terminal C in Warri and Warri Jetties. Also, the synergistic partnerships at instituting transparency harbingered by the Mohammed Koko – led Management recently gained international commendation as Nigerian Ports won, “Outstanding Achievement in Collective Action Award,” of the Switzerland-based Basel Institute.

A

PLUGGING OF REVENUE LEAKAGES Since appointment as substantive Managing Director/ CEO in February 2022, Mohammed Bello Koko has recorded several milestone achievements that has earned accolades and awards from several media organization. Nigeria today is battling revenue challenges due to unprecedented oil theft. The NPA under Koko has in the last ten months remitted billions of naira to the federation account, helping the federal government to mitigate the revenue challenge. He did this by tightening the collection mechanisms and plugging of revenue leakages that resulted in the unprecedented generation of the sum of N286 billion and the remittance of N103 billion as at October 2022 to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the federation.

Building decaying port infrastructure has always been Koko’s dream, and he has done so with the Provision and installation of 86 number Buoys for Warri and Calabar Pilotage Districts.

Other stellar achievements include; survey and Installation of Buoys at Ijegun/Kirikiri water channel, licensing and Upgrading of Pilots across the four Pilotage District, acquisition of Harbour Crafts (Tugboats, Pilot Cutters, and Patrol Boats, licensing of additional four truck parks to increase capacity of truck parks servicing the Lagos Ports and licensing of 10 Export Processing Terminals to facilitate exports at Nigerian Sea Ports. Four of these terminals are already fully operational.

TRUCK TURN-AROUND Anyone who has been to Apapa in recent years will testify to the menace of truckers

EXPORT PROCESSING TERMINAL

MD NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko

and the resulting gridlock on port access roads. Today, there is significant reduction in truck turn-around time due to successful monitoring of the E-Call Up System. To minimize breakdown of trucks on port access roads, about 3,000 trucks have been inspected, certified and issued stickers to ensure safety and compliance with ISO certification requirements and Minimum Safety Standards (MSS).

This lead to 65 per cent reduction in number of accidents recorded, arising from improved standard of trucks operating within the Port premises. The NPA, following Koko’s directive has enforced full compliance of trucks to E-Call Up regime and Minimum Safety Standard resulting in significant reduction in the traffic gridlock along the main Port corridor and the internal access roads through enforcements, proper batching, continuous access control mechanisms and movement of cargo via barge operations.

To save the country the much-needed foreign exchange, Koko has ensured that complete Dry-docking of some Tug Boats are done locally and this has increased the authority’s fleet.

To ensure adequate security at the ports, the NPA has procured and deployed six Security Patrol Boats (SPBs) to all Pilotage Districts to address incessant attacks of vessels along the channels and at Ports’ waterfronts. In the period under review, the NPA has ensure standardization of Operational Procedures for Different Activities, created Forcados Signal Station to enable the Port capture the movement of more Service Boats and completed bathymetric Survey for the dredging of Escravos Channels.

arising from conversion of unused space within PTOL Terminal into stacking area, provision of 24 motor cycles deployed to aid effective monitoring of Truck E-Call Up operation at Apapa/TCIPC/Ijora axis to ease free flow of traffic, signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for data digitalization and exchange for effective integration of Ports statistics with National Database and upgrading of Website and Daily Shipping Position Portal.

Others are the upgrade of infrastructure at Terminal ‘B’, Berth 7 and 8, Onne Port Complex based on Messrs WACT Nigeria Limited proposal for investment exceeding $110 million over a period of two years. “The overall progress on all ongoing works is 75 per cent as at end of October, “competent source at the NPA told THISDAY. Completion of the construction of 6,000 metric tonnes Bitumen Tank in Rivers Port Complex to improve the company’s bitumen storage capacity which will ease their operations and have impact on the infrastructural development of the South-South, approval for the Completion of Road Network for the integration of Berth 9,10, &11 at Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne Port, completion of the modernization of Control Towers at Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port, installation of One Hundred and Eighty (180 Nos) Marine Fenders on all Quays Authority Wide for safe berthing were all achieved during the period under review.

ACHIEVEMENTS GALORE

For several years the Escravos breakwaters were left to rot, things are turning around for good following the completion of consultancy services for the shore protection and rehabilitation of the Escravos breakwaters by Royal Haskoning. The contract for rehabilitation will soon be awarded. The NPA has also completed review of expired concessions

With vital things necessary for effective port operation lacking, what the NPA has achieved in the last 10 months is unprecedented. They include; the survey and Mapping of the FairWay Buoy up to Warri-Sapele-Koko Ports to the prescribed standards of the UKHO Charts, increase Container holding capacity at Rivers Port

ESCRAVOS BREAKWATERS AND CONCESSION REVIEW

In its drive to take the lead in the effort by the federal government to diversify the nation’s economy and boost exports, the NPA last month commissioned Nigeria’s first Export Processing Terminal at Lilypond in Ijora, Lagos.

The facility, the NPA said, will ensure prompt and seamless processing of export cargoes accessing Apapa and Tin-Can Island Ports in Lagos.

Speaking, the Managing Director of the NPA, Mohammed Belo-Koko stated that the Export Processing Terminal will further enhance Nigeria’s non-oil exports currently in the region of $2.5 billion.

Bello-Koko said the export terminal will help Nigeria optimise the benefits inherent in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement as greater efficiency will be infused into the logistics surrounding the entry of export boxes into the ports for onward loading on vessels.

Bello-Koko who commissioned the terminal, said the facility will help to reduce wastages and rejection of Nigerian export goods, and also reduce the time wasted before exports gain access to the port.

According to him, there have been several cases of rejection of export originating from Nigeria, which could be attributed to time wastages and spending longer time at the port, but the terminal will ensure speedy processing of exports.

He added that the initiative is in line with the NPA’s commitment to the implementation of the National Action Plan on agro-export and the federal government’s desire to diversify the national economy from oil to non-oil export.

He said the NPA is also working to integrate the Central Bank of Nigeria’s NXP (Nigeria Export Proceed Form) into the electronic call-up regime.

According to him, “The need for Export Processing Terminals is underscored by the limitations of current port facilities in the Lagos area which are operating beyond their built capacity for cargo handling. The export terminals will serve as holding areas positioned in Lagos and Ogun States to help exporters prepare the arrival at port terminals in view of the traffic management challenges that are visible in Lagos.”

He said the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has served as the technical partner of the NPA through the journey of setting up the terminals.

Also, he applauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), for creating an export command, saying that the authority will work with the Customs’ export command to bring up seamless modalities that will govern export trade.

“We are also working to integrate barge and train movements to complete the circle in collaboration with Nigerian Customs. The movement of export boxes from the Lilypond Export Terminal shall be directly through Warehouse Road to cut down on time for arrival at the port. Similarly, movement of export boxes to Tin-Can Island Port shall be from the DiamondStar consolidation point at Emmadunamix Terminal in Okota,”he added.

Lastly, following its committed efforts at advancing trade facilitation, the NPA recently won the award of “Best Maritime Agency of the Year 2022” at the Daily Telegraph Newspaper Annual Awards held in Lagos.

24

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

On the Proposed Excise Increase Osas Akinbo

B

y the turn of this decade, it is not likely that any single event would have had nearly as much impact as the covid-19 pandemic, at its peak in 2020. At the time, projections were that the global economic output would be reduced by at least $8.5 trillion. Much into 2022, economies are still reeling from the shocks and concomitant losses: a situation further compounded by dire global issues, such as extreme weathers precipitated by climate change and the Russia-Ukraine war, and also unique national situations (such as the insecurity crisis, and worsening extreme poverty levels) that present some concerns.

It is within this frame, amongst others, that countries have to reconcile their economic standing.

In Nigeria, the reality is one that can be greeted with mixed feelings. On the one hand, the country is having to deal with a huge public debt portfolio and the possibility of further increase to fund critical components of the 2023 appropriation bill. On the other hand, the report of 2.25% GDP growth as of the last quarter published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), even though lower than for the same period in 2021, presents some silver lining. At the intersection of these two realities is the important discourse on the efforts to shore up revenue, which seems to represent the most pressing fiscal concern. It is against this backdrop that the efforts by the government to increase public revenue can be appreciated.

However, it is important to draw a picture that best captures the realities. While it is true that some businesses and, indeed, sectors such as the financial services sector have recorded significant growth in recent months, the situation is not quite the same for others, particularly for those who have to deal with heavy tax burdens and excise duties. The data shows, for example, that the beverage sector bears a significantly higher burden than the average for other sectors. According to reports, based on financial performance between July and September 2022 and a forecast to year-end, the production quantities and turnover could possibly decrease by -25% and -10%, respectively while gross profit and profit before tax by -33% and -137%.

This point should immediately alert us that we are faced with a conundrum. The efforts and expectations to raise tax revenue may be considered appropriate, but then, the pertinent question at this point is: at what cost? This question bears a timing component, but is essentially about the increasing burdens with which businesses have to contend, within the wider frame

of the volatile business environment and the considerations of the socio-economic realities of their stakeholders. On the business side, the systemic challenges are a major concern. There is the challenge of failing infrastructure, access to sufficient foreign exchange, multiplicity of taxes, restrictions on trade and import, power/ energy challenges which further increase production costs, soaring demand elasticity, inflation, insecurity challenges and sundry issues on cost of doing business. These are only a summary list of issues that businesses have to navigate through while staying true to their product and service commitments. It goes without saying that these are definitely not the best of times for businesses, since they do not operate in isolation of the prevailing economic conditions.

The situation is not less stark for consumers. One example, the disclosure in the 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) - the report by the NBS that 63% of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, presents very grave concerns. The level of inflation, at 21.09% as of October 2022, is another major issue. Beyond the adverse consequences on the general standard of living, the situation puts a more severe strain on consumer spend. It also leaves businesses with difficult choices to make in the days ahead.

These considerations are a reason why the proposed departure from the 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariffs Amendments (FPM 2022), by way of radical increases in excise, raises grave concerns.

The FPM 2022, released in March this year, had mapped out applicable excise rates from 2022 to 2024, which gave the industry some measure of predictability to aid corporate and investment planning.

Shockingly however, barely 5 months after the release of FMP 2022, there emerged credible indications that the government was proposing to increase the excise for 2023 and 2024 by as much as 100%, for certain beverages. It is our considered view that such a move will have a net negative effect on sustainable government revenue, national GDP and the corporate image of Nigeria, given the likely erosion of investor confidence in a market already marred by volatility. A look at the numbers may well buttress this point. Data shows that while revenue from excise duties from the sector grew by 12% in 2021, it is likely to grow by only 5% in 2022. The VAT follows a similar pattern. While a 40% increase was recorded in 2021, a marginal 5% increase is expected in 2022. Let us examine that the industry contributed $2.3 billion to the GDP and generated $526.2 million in revenue to the government in 2019. This is in addition to the more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs that the industry

EXPERT: DESPITE IMPROVEMENT IN AERONAUTICAL FACILITIES, HARMATTAN MAY HAMPER FLIGHT OPERATIONS DURING YULETIDE airport, Osubi. This is to enable airlines use our navigational facilities.

We have done Performance Based Navigation and some airlines that have modern aircraft are benefitting from it. The landing aids at the airports are doing well; so if there is flight cancellation, don’t attribute it to NAMA,” the official said.

THISDAY also learnt that there are other factors that hamper flight operations beyond weather during the Christmas season and this include daylight airports that use Visual Flight Rule (VFR) and are shut down by 6:00 pm because there is no airfield lighting and many airports are under that status.

“Some airlines schedule flights

to these airports late and may not have time to officially request for extension of time so they can land and when they do this, ATC will not give them start up to leave the airport of departures o they would be forced to cancel the flight. Besides, when there is no airfield lighting the ILS usage may not be maximized.

For example, for you to fully utilise Category 3 ILs, you must have Category 3 airfield lighting.

The Minister of Aviation directed that the Lagos and Abuja airports should be installed with Category 3 airfield lighting and they are fully in operation,” the official further said.

THISDAY gathered that in 2018, flight operations did not take place on December 21, 22 and 23, as airlines had to reschedule their flights at huge cost and enormous discomfort to passengers. Similarly, in 2019, there were disruptions but not as severe as the previous year and in 2020 there were delays.

Harmattan haze did not disrupt flight like in the past years, but due to weather changes, it is unpredictable if this year could get worse and that is why industry observers said that efficient landing aids are the answer to the intemperate weather changes.

creates. The industry is as burdened as some others, and a further strain may result in drastic business measures, which may include potential reduction in labour engagements.

Given this context, the proposal to increase the excise duties should appreciate the fine details of these economic, dynamics rather than a hurried, seemingly quickfix implementation to increase revenue accruable to the government without the consideration of the immediate fallouts of the policy. In the meantime, more emphasis should be placed on encouraging backward integration efforts and adoption of local raw materials sourcing, as well encouraging greater production by manufacturing companies.

The arguments that increase in excise duties would generate greater revenues for the country appears not to give the full picture when one considers that such move will reduce productivity of the companies being taxed. Similarly, the socio-environmental and the public health objectives of the government cannot be achieved on linear considerations. Such objectives call for innovation in approach, adeptness in communications and advocacy and a working partnership between stakeholders and the government. It is also imperative to note that a further increase in excise duty, while hurting businesses in the industry, would not significantly bolster the government’s efforts to meet up with its revenue targets which run into trillions of Naira.

Moving forward, it is expedient to consider a number of alternative

pathways to revenue generation. First, it should be considered a priority to close the huge tax compliance gap in the country and bring every tax eligible citizen into the net. Progress in this regard would facilitate the collection of the correct accruals, and steadily ease the fiscal burdens. Along similar lines, emphasis should be placed on intensifying efforts to widen the tax base and ensure adoption of data-driven and evidence-based reviews. It is not simply enough to increase excise duty based on ostensible high profit margins; it is important that data leads in these conversations, going forward.

Perhaps the critical component of the excise duty consideration is a more active engagement with the players in the industry, to gain a full grasp of the industry’s activities and clarity on the issues. This includes discussion about the actual state of things, more realistic and innovative approaches for increased revenue generation, as well as sustainable solutions to challenges plaguing the industry.

At this point, what should be the most critical consideration should be efforts to help businesses make significant gains to consolidate their post-covid-19 recovery efforts. This is imperative, because the issues at stake are not only to address the fiscal gaps, but to steadily increase the overall quality of contribution to the national economic pool. It is why an increase in incentives for productivity should be the priority, not an increase in excise duties. t 0TBT "LJOCP BO FDPOPNJTU BOE BOBMZTU XSPUF JO GSPN -BHPT

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

25

30 4

T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

ADDRESSING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN The increasing violence raises doubts about enforcement of our laws attack, depriving persons of their liberty, incest, That violence continues to manifest itself in and indecent exposure. It also intends to eliminate new forms and trends against women and girls violence in private and public life and provides in Nigeria is very concerning. From physical and PD[LPXP SURWHFWLRQ DQG HͿHFWLYH UHPHGLHV IRU verbal abuse to rape and even murder, it is evident YLFWLPV RI YLROHQFH DQG SXQLVKPHQW RI RͿHQGHUV that relevant authorities are not doing enough to Against the background that curbing these tackle this menace. As people all over the world tragic incidents is a collective responsibility, both therefore continue the 16 days of activism for the the authorities and the society must be alerted to Elimination of Violence Against Women which the fact that battery and assault remain felonies commenced on 25th November and ends on 10th LQ RXU ODZ ERRNV HYHQ ZKHUH LQÁLFWHG EHWZHHQ December, the plight of Nigerian women and spouses. We must therefore state that ignoring girls must be put in perspective. the subtle signals of violence can only lead to While spousal abuse indeed cuts across both fatal consequences as we have witnessed lately. sexes, women are predominantly the victims Assault and battery, even in our country. Yet WKRXJK VHULRXV RͿHQFHV abused women rarely are hardly ever perceived report the violence The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act prohibits, among others, as crimes by many of they endure, for fear our law enforcement abandonment of spouse, children and other dependents without of being stigmatised agencies, unless the acts by the society. Besides, sustenance, battery, and harmful traditional practices ultimately culminate in the patriarchal death. interpretations within It is indeed imperative our various faiths that the authorities preach endurance.

T H I S D AY PDNH PRUH HͿRUWV WR XQGHUVWDQG WKH XQGHUO\LQJ Inevitably, the victim and the abuser (where EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU causes and dynamics of this growing violence, VXPPRQHG DUH XVXDOO\ DGYLVHG WR ÀQG D ZD\ WR DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA if only to redeem the stability of the family unit, VHWWOH WKHLU GLͿHUHQFHV UDWKHU WKDQ PDNH SXEOLF MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO and consequently, the larger society. We cannot DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU the injury or the violence within. Most abused CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI continue to ignore the societal upsurge in these women who opt to remain in the most challenging EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN occurrences, for the implications on our collective of marriages claim stability for their children as MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI psyche, as citizenry, and our development as the excuse for their ‘fortitude’.

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE a nation, are ominous. More disturbing is that But there is hardly a day without a report of complaints of violence and abuse (against family a man visiting violence either on his spouse or members) made at our police stations, where girlfriend. This is despite the stringent provisions T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D girls and women can summon the courage to in the Violence Against Persons Prohibition EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA do so, are often dismissed as domestic matters, (VAPP) Act 2015. The law prohibits, among GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, especially where such violence occurs between ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI others, abandonment of spouse, children and spouses.

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, other dependents without sustenance, battery, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE Government, at all levels, must address these and harmful traditional practices; provides a DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI concerns.

That is the only way to assure our legislative and legal framework for the prevention SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH women and girls that we care about their welfare of all forms of violence against vulnerable ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI persons, especially women and girls and CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI and wellbeing, and the health and prosperity of DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO our nation. prohibits economic abuse, forced isolation and TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com separation from family and friends, substance

Letters to the Editor 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 THE CHURCH AS A FAILED INSTITUTION Our christian religious leaders have failed in the performance of their duties to our society. Their failures are evidenced in their bastardization and commercialization of the practice of Christianity in Nigeria.

But in Nigeria, before foreign religions like Islam and Christianity made inroads into the country, the peoples of Nigeria were mainly animists and practitioners of the African Traditional Religion. And till now, some aspects of the African Traditional Religion are integral part of our African cultures. Think about the worship of ancestors, pouring of libation to the gods, and the incantatory form of worship, which characterize the African Traditional Religion.

However, the British imperialists, who colonized us, introduced Christianity to us. Christianity was a tool used by the colonialists to extract obedience from the natives. White people did this by instilling fear into Nigerians that they would rot in hell if they failed to obey God’s commands, as they’re written in the Bible. The biblical teachings, which Nigerians received, then, made them malleable and amenable to abiding by laws by which Nigeria was governed, then.

Though countless Nigerians, especially those who hailed

from the southern part of Nigeria proselytized to Christianity, their conversion to Christianity didn’t cause the obliteration of the African traditional religion. Till now, we have practitioners of African traditional religion, who take great pride in practising their religion.

But nowadays, people want to identify with the Christian religion in order to be perceived as modern people. These peoSOH EHORQJ WR PDQ\ GLͿHUHQW UHOLJLRXV VHFWV ZKLFK H[LVW LQ WRday’s Nigeria. The Christian sects include, but are not limited to, the Jehovah Witnesses, the Pentecostal Church, The Anglican Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Seven Day Adventist Church, and others.

These Christian sects have teachings, which are predicated on the doctrine of love. Jesus Christ, the Messiah and founder of Christianity, who lived on earth more than two thousand years ago, propagated and spread the message of love to people, then.

Christ is reputed as the founder of Christianity.

But do our Christian clerics adhere to biblical and Christ’s teachings on love? The answer to this question is an emphatic no. Most Christian clerics in Nigeria distort biblical teachings to suit their purposes so as to achieve their materialistic goals. So

the practice of Christianity in Nigeria has been bastardized and commercialized.

In many churches, especiallY the Pentecostal ones, their teachings and sermons centre on prosperity message rather than on salvation message. The ministers of God do not inculcate the virtues of holiness, faithfulness, forebearance, and truthfulness into members of their churches. Rather, they prioritize payment RI WLWKHV DQG RͿHULQJV E\ PHPEHUV RI WKHLU FKXUFKHV RYHU SDUticipation in spiritual exercises by members of their churches. , ZLWQHVVHG ÀUVW KDQG DQ H[HPSOLÀFDWLRQ RI WKH FRPPHUcialization of Christianity when my mother died on January 4, 2022. The clergy man and his spouse, and leaders of the church groups to which my mother belonged insisted that the money my mother owed the church must be paid; otherwise, she would not be given a Christian funeral ceremony by the local Anglican Church she was attending during her lifetime. All her life, my mother worked tirelessly in order that she would be given a Christian funeral ceremony when she died.

Chiedu Uche Okoye, Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

27

28

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

29

30

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 •T H I S D AY

28 T H I S D AY FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 TR

UT H

& RE A S O

Friday December 2, 2022 Vol 27. No 10096

N

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

ASSESSING THE UNSUNG INTANGIBLES JOSEPH DUKE OKEZE writes that Okowa is running his state well

See page 29

A TALKER OR A WALKER? Sanwo-olu begins second term journey on strong footings, writes BIDEMI MARTINS

See page 29 EDITORIAL

ADDRESSING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

30

1

OMOLARA ORESANYA urges President Buhari to deliver to Nigerians a credible census, remarkably different from the previous ones

DELIVERING A CREDIBLE CENSUS Between now and May 29, 2023, President Muhammadu Buhari is presented with a rare opportunity to bequeath what many Nigerians consider his best two legacies, to wit: Free and fair elections and a credible national census.

Analysts have argued that while Buhari may have fared well in the area of infrastructure, especially roads and railway, his best legacies would be to conduct a free, fair and less bloody elections as well as deliver a credible census, a good 17 years after the last census in 2006.

On both critical national issues, Buhari has VR IDU WDNHQ WKH À UVW PDMRU VWHSV LQ D MRXUQH\ of a thousand miles. First, he has given Nigerians a new Electoral Act embedded with key antidotes against election rigging and grifting. The Electoral Act, aside setting Buhari apart from his predecessors as a leader who means well for Nigeria and democracy, also gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the legal latitude to introduce technology into the nation’s electoral process. The chief factor being electronic transmission of election results from every polling unit. For WKLV KLVWRU\ ZLOO MXGJH %XKDUL IDLUO\ %XKDUL has followed up on the Electoral Act with his now famous admonition to Nigerians to freely vote according to their conscience.

This is the mindset of a leader who wants to bequeath a legacy of free and fair election to the nation.

Buhari’s other legacy is the 2023 census.

Should he deliver it, he would go down in history as one of the greatest leaders Nigeria has ever produced. Before now, most, if not all, Nigeria census had been VXEMHFWV RI GLVSXWDWLRQ 7KH\ KDG EHHQ rated as censored census and therefore unreliable and discredited. $JDLQ %XKDUL KDV WDNHQ WKH À UVW PDMRU step by approving the census and pledging to support the National Population Commission (NPC) to deliver a credible and reliable census. President Buhari should follow through his pledge. He should deliver to Nigerians a credible FHQVXV UHPDUNDEO\ GLͿ HUHQW IURP WKH previous ones.

Obviously, the President is willing to make good his promise of a credible census. Not only him, other notable voices have given full backing to the exercise, including the National Council of States (NCS), former President, Chief 2OXVHJXQ 2EDVDQMR DQG WKH 8QLWHG 1DWLRQV 3RSXODWLRQ )XQG 81)3$ )RU D country like Nigeria, census ought not to be conducted more than 10 years apart.

Holding a national census more than 10 years apart is not ideal for national planning, going by the recommendation of WKH 8QLWHG 1DWLRQV 81 7KLV PDNHV WKH case of the 2023 census very imperative.

But this is what previous governments

could not muster the will to do. Buhari will stand out in the pantheon of Nigerian leaders as one who places the most premium on population data as critical element for national planning and development.

It bears restating that a census is not a MDPERUHH RU D VWDWLVWLFDO H[HUFLVH LQ IXWLOLW\ It is meant to help in national planning, delineate the demographics of a nation as well as map out population densities of the various federating components of such nation to aid in moments of national emergencies, distribution of resources and public utilities including schools, hospitals, etc. $ JRRG FHQVXV LV RQH DGMXGJHG WR KDYH UHOLDEOH DQG YHULÀ DEOH GDWD 7KLV ZLOO JXLGH all strata of government from federal to local governments on how best to prioritise development and distribution of resources and infrastructure in education, healthcare, water resources and general needs of the people.

A credible census is critical in national planning and development. It also holds a compass for investors, foreign and local.

One of the complaints of foreign investors about Nigeria is the lack of credible and current data on Nigeria’s demographics.

At international conferences and business meetings, many investors have bemoaned

A good census is one adjudged to have reliable and verifiable data. This will guide all strata of government from federal to local governments on how best to prioritise development and distribution of resources and infrastructure in education, healthcare, water resources and general needs of the people

the absence of contemporary data on Nigeria that would help them make intelligence-based decisions on where, what and when to invest in the country. It therefore means that delaying the census amounts to keeping development in abeyance.

Postponing the 2023 census under any guise accentuates the unseriousness of the QDWLRQ DQG SURMHFWV 1LJHULD LQ EDG OLJKW LQ the comity of nations. Calls from certain quarters that the census be postponed because of next year’s general elections make the matter even more ridiculous. It portrays Nigeria as pathetically primitive given that many nations across the globe have successfully conducted their censuses ZLWKLQ DJUHHG WLPH IUDPH RI À YH WR \HDUV In countries where there had been a break IURP WKH URXWLQH À YH WR \HDUV LQWHUYDO such situation only arose on account of war.

Nigeria is not at war. Election is not war.

Besides, Nigeria’s elections are holding in the months of February and March, 2023.

It means that the result of the census is not intended to be used to determine outcome of the elections as some have alleged.

To argue that the census is coming too close after the election is to live with the mindset that the 2023 elections would WULJJHU D PDMRU FULVLV LQ WKH FRXQWU\ )DU EH it. On the contrary, Nigerians should live with the consciousness that election is a democratic festival to celebrate the liberty of the people to freely choose their leaders.

Nigerians should stop beating the drums of Armageddon every election year.

13& SURMHFWV WKDW WKH FHQVXV ZLOO FUHDWH DERXW WKUHH PLOOLRQ DG KRF MREV 7KLV ZLOO help mitigate the growing employment in the country particularly among the youths.

But NPC should hasten the process. The commission should move faster with VHQVLWL]DWLRQ UHFUXLWPHQW DQG WUDLQLQJ MXVW so it can deliver a credible, tech-driven census next year.

Ghana has achieved national census frequency of every 10 years, same as Singapore. South Africa was holding census HYHU\ À YH \HDUV EXW KDG WR SXVK LW WR HYHU\ 10 years. South Korea, Canada, and Japan KROG FHQVXV HYHU\ À YH \HDUV ,QGLD ZLWK D 2022 population of 1.417 billion, according WR WKH 8QLWHG 1DWLRQV· :RUOG 3RSXODWLRQ Prospects data, has maintained a 10-year IUHTXHQF\ VLQFH ZKHQ WKH À UVW FHQVXV was conducted. Nigeria has no reason not to conduct credible census at least every 10 years. This is a key legacy Buhari must bequeath to a nation that lacks reliable data bank of her citizens. :H IDLOHG LQ WKH SDVW 7KLV WLPH 3UHVLGHQW Buhari should match his words with action. Let’s have a credible census in 2023.

Mrs Oresanya, a development economist, writes from Lagos

T H I S D AY

3 29

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022

JOSEPH DUKE OKEZE writes that Okowa is running his state well

Sanwo-olu begins second term journey on strong footings, writes BIDEMI MARTINS

ASSESSING THE UNSUNG INTANGIBLES

A TALKER OR A WALKER?

An honest and unbiased assessment of the performance of Senator (Dr.) IfeanyiOkowa as an elected Governor PXVW EHJLQ À UVW DQG IRUHPRVW E\ situating the assessment within the context of his development agenda and policy objectives when he assumed R΀ FH DV *RYHUQRU RI 'HOWD 6WDWH 7KH critical question therefore is: what did the governor set out to achieve and to what extent has he been able to achieve it?

Again, the general tendency is to evaluate performance with a rather narrow focus mainly on physical infrastructure with little or no attention on the intangibles that formed the bedrock of the entire development agenda of government.

While recognizing the imperatives of physical infrastructure which by their tangible nature, are self-evident and HDVLO\ YHULÀ DEOH ZKDW WKHUHIRUH DUH

those unsung, non-physical otherwise known as intangibles that constitute the lifeblood of development policies under the administration of Okowa in Delta State? The State under the leadership of Senator Okowa, has witnessed unprecedented but under-reported achievements in the areas of institutional reforms, human capital development, agricultural revolution, and wealth and job creation, among other things. This, in a nutshell, is the focus of this submission.

What Did the Governor set out to achieve? The ultimate goal Governor Okowa set for the state government under his leadership was thoroughly conceived and articulated with a sharp presence of mind before he assumed duty. This made it possible for him to hit WKH JURXQG UXQQLQJ ,Q VSHFLÀ F WHUPV KLV goal was conceptualised as an agenda with the acronym ‘SMART’ Agenda for STRONGER DELTA, which stands for: Strategic Wealth Creation Projects (S); Meaningful Peace Building Platforms for Political & Social Stability (M); Agricultural Reforms and Accelerated Industrialization (A); Relevant Health and Educational Policies (R); and Transformed Environment through Urban Renewal (T).

In order to leave no one in doubt as to his intentions and the direction of his administration, he further concretised his vision in practical terms by emphasizing WKH SLYRWDO VLJQLÀ FDQFH RI WKH À UVW LWHP on the SMART Agenda as the core of his policy thrust. In his inaugural speech in WKH JRYHUQRU VSHFLÀ FDOO\ VDLG ´-RE creation will be the cornerstone of all our policies; it is the common thread running through our policies and programmes

in education, health, agriculture, industrialization, and infrastructure development. We shall embark on projects and programmes only when we DUH FRQYLQFHG DQG VDWLVÀ HG ZLWK WKHLU job creation content.”

The point being made here is that every development initiative of government under Governor Okowa’s administration, be it infrastructure, health, education or anything else, all revolves around job and wealth creation.

Ironically, this underlying trajectory is often misrepresented or underrepresented, with only its peripheral complimentary programmes and projects taking centre stage in reportage and public discuss.

Now, if job and wealth creation is the cornerstone of Okowa’s development agenda, the question that arises therefrom is: Did Governor Okowa create jobs and where and how did he do it?

This question may be answered in reverse pattern for the purpose of clarity. )LUVW OHW XV DV EULHÁ \ DV ZULWLQJ VSDFH would allow, look at how Governor Okowa created jobs and wealth; and thereafter also attempt to answer the question pertaining to where he did it. How did he do it? Aggregating the entire policy framework as an organic whole, it is evident that what answers the question ‘how’ is, simply put, institutional reforms. Governor Okowa was aware that without strong institutions, no society or government can create jobs or wealth for its citizens.

6R WKH À UVW VWHS WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ WRRN was to identify and strengthen existing wealth and job creating institutions DQG DOVR HVWDEOLVKLQJ QHZ RQHV WR À OO observed development gaps. This step, by every stretch of imagination, was a master-stroke. He put in motion the instruments leading to the enactment of enabling laws establishing institutions that would drive the job and wealth creation agenda. The key areas where these institutional reforms were initiated include, but not limited to: Public Finance and Accountability; Public Procurement; Urban Renewal; PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP); Security, Law and Order; Job and Wealth Creation; Sustainable Millennium Goals (SDGs); Contributory Health Insurance with over 1,200,000 enrollees 20 per cent of the state’s population; Technical Education; Small & Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs); Human Capital Development and Entrepreneurship; Signage and Advertisement; Agro-industrialization; ,QGXVWULDO /DERXU 5HODWLRQV DQG 6WDͿ Welfare; Trade and Investments; and e-Governance.

With regard to the question as to where LQ VSHFLÀ F WHUPV GLG *RYHUQRU 2NRZD create job and wealth, it is pertinent to point out that the job creation process, as experience under this administration has shown, is such that the projects and programmes are designed to operate ZLWK ULSSOH HͿ HFW Dr. Okeze writes from Delta State

Lagos is the heart beat of Nigeria. A subnational entity that rivals many countries, it is Nigeria’s economic nerve centre and the 5th largest economy in Africa. The burdens Lagos shoulders and the critical role it plays in the economy of Nigeria, makes the state very strategic politically.

From 1999, the progressive political clan has EHHQ LQ FKDUJH RI WKH DͿ DLUV RI /DJRV RI /DJRV State. The builder of modern Lagos, an astute statesman, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is on the ballot as Presidential candidate for 2023 general elections, developed a master plan for sustainable Lagos.

The actualizer, Babatunde Raji Fashola, took over the baton of leadership from Tinubu and ran an excellent government breaking new frontiers in infrastructure, judicial reforms,

education and health among other sectors. The next government after Fashola also nudged Lagos further, before Governor Olusola Sanwo-Olu came into the saddle.

Sanwo-Olu set out with a clear and strategic development agenda, tagged, Theme Agenda.

“The acronym, T.H.E.M.E.S, represents the six pillars of the State’s strategic development DJHQGD QDPHO\ 7UD΀ F 0DQDJHPHQW DQG Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, as well as Security and Governance”.

Lines upon lines, precepts upon precepts.

Sanwo-Olu has been dutifully implementing the agenda to the admiration of millions of Lagosians, business community and other stakeholders in Lagos State. Under the pillar of WUD΀ F PDQDJHPHQW DQG WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ FULWLFDO spots, junctions and roundabouts that often FDXVH WUD΀ F JULGORFNV ZHUH HLWKHU GLVPDQWOHG RU UHPRGHOOHG WR HDVH WUD΀ F Á RZ One of those critical spots is the popular Allen Avenue Roundabout, which serves as a major circular intersection for motorists coming from Opebi, Ikeja under bridge, Alausa and Adeniyi Jones. The massive bust of late Afrobeat maestro Fela Anikulapo that occupied the centre of the roundabout was UHORFDWHG WR HDVH WUD΀ F 7RGD\ FRPPXWHUV and motorists experience a jolly ride on the corridor. Perennial gridlock that was a daily harrowing experience had become a forgotten nightmare on that axis.

The same innovative approach was adopted across other locations with similar issues. On transportation, the Intermodal transport system is the winning strategy under Babajide Sanwo-Olu government. In June 2021, the governor handed over newly procured seven high capacity passenger boats and also launched a Cowry Card for ZDWHU WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ DW WKH À YH FRZULHV IHUU\ terminal, Falomo Ikoyi, Lagos. The seven new boats are: MF Elegushi (30 passengers), MF Apapa (30 passengers), MF Onigando (30 passengers), MF Majidun (30 passengers), MF Zangbeto (50 passengers), MF Eko Akete

(50 passengers), MF Ehingbeti (Utility boat). In a deliberate move to enhance local manufacturing capacity, the SanwoOlu government ensured backward integration by engaging Nigerian boat builders to build the high capacity boats.

In view of the strong corporate governance structure put in place by the governor Sanwo-Olu government, private investors like Sierra Craft Limited, V-craft Limited, Niger Benue Transport Company (NBTC) showed interest to invest in the water transportation in Lagos.

The governor is also upscaling infrastructure in the sector bodybuilding and renovating 15 new jetties across the coastal lines of the state to open up more routes. The Ferry service is expanding into new routes like Epe, Badagry, AgbowaIkosi, Unilag Community and AgbaraIjanikin.

The mega city status of Lagos necessitated the need for a decent, safer and secure transportation means. Commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, are not a sustainable means of transport.

Hence, the innovative governor launched 500 units First and Last Mile (FLM) buses to FXVKLRQ WKH HͿ HFW RI WKH EDQ RI FRPPHUFLDO motorcycles in some local government areas in Lagos. The buses were deployed in inner communities and hinterlands that were relying on Okada.

Sanwo-Olu said, “The launch of the First and Last Mile (FLM) Bus Scheme today is an important milestone in our quest to achieve the intermodal transport system which gives our teeming population the choices they deserve, reducing congestion and journey times, and improving the TXDOLW\ RI OLIH ,W LV DOVR LQ IXOÀ OPHQW RI RQH of the measures we promised as a solution to the security situation discussed at our recent Security Stakeholders’ Town Hall Meeting.

“As a responsible government, we are launching this scheme in response to two major issues. One is the alarming statistics of fatal accidents recorded from the operations of Okadas in Lagos between 2016 and 2019, and the use of Okadas for the facilitation of crime across the metropolis. The goal is the full implementation of a safer and more H΀ FLHQW DOWHUQDWLYH WUDQVSRUW VROXWLRQ WKDW takes out the need for Okadas and replaces them with safer buses that will help us curb incidents of Okada-related accidents, crimes and robberies.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu has also delivered on the health and environment pillar. Government owned hospitals are getting revamped and equipped to meet the modern health challenges of the teeming population of Lagos. On the environment, Lagos State Parks and Gardens are taking over public spaces that were being occupied by destitute for useful purposes. Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is doing a great job in keeping the environment clean under Sanwo-Olu. Education and technology which is a currency in a 21st century knowledgedriven age is getting the required attention under Sanwo-Olu, young people are being upskilled in digital and innovation and teachers are getting trained and retrained for optimal learning outcomes under the Eko Excel programme.

Martins writes from Lagos

This

Weekend

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022

TR

UTH

& R E ASO

N

WEEKLY MAGAZINE

NEWS GAH-AWARDS Marks 10TH H Anniversary, Empowers Women, Youth See page 35

LIFE Jurists, Family, Friends Fete Justice John Fabiyi @ 77 See page 36

POLSCOPE 13% Derivation and the Gov v Wike Challenge See page 37

SUNDAY CHUKWUMANJO UMEODUAGU: Group Features Editor: CHIEMELIE EZEOBI om chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com

07010510430

Sterling Example of Entrepreneurship, Philanthropy

34

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

COVER

Sunday Chukwumanjo Umeoduagu: Sterling Example of Entrepreneurship, Philanthropy ÏËÍÙØ ßØÎËã ÒßÕáß×ËØÔÙ ×ÏÙÎßËÑß ÓÝ ÞÒÏ ÒÓÏÐ âÏÍßÞÓàÏ ʩÍÏܘ ËÌÔËØÏ ÖÙÌËÖ ÏÝÙßÜÍÏÝ ÞÎ áÓÞÒ ÝßÌÝÓÎÓËÜÓÏÝ ÖÓÕÏ ÞÒÏ ÚÙÚßÖËÜ ßØËÜ áËÞÏÜ ËØÎ ÎÜÓØÕݘ Ë×ÙØÑÝÞ ÝÏàÏÜËÖ ÙÞÒÏÜݲ ÒÏ ÏÜßÎÓÞÏ ÌßÝÓØÏÝÝ ×ÙÑßÖ˪Ý ÏâÚËØÝÓÙØ ÝÞËÜÞÏÎ Ùʥ ËÝ Ë Ý×ËÖÖ ÝÏÏÎ ÞÒËÞ áËÝ ØßÜÞßÜÏÎ Ìã ÎÓØÞ ÙÐ ÒËÜÎ áÙÜÕ ËØÎ ÜÏÝÓÖÓÏØÍÏ˛ ßÞ ÌÏãÙØÎ ÒÓÝ ÌÖÙÝÝÙ×ÓØÑ ×ÓÎËÝ ÞÙßÍÒ˜ ÒÓÝ ÓØÍÙ×ÚËÜËÌÖÏ ÚËÝÝÓÙØ ÐÙÜ ÚÒÓÖËØÞÒÜÙÚã ÝÞËØÎÝ ÒÓ× ÙßÞ˛ àÏÜ ÞÒÏ ãÏËÜݘ ÒÏ ÒËÝ ÍÙØÝÓÝÞÏØÞÖã ÑÓàÏØ ÌËÍÕ ÞÙ ÝÙÍÓÏÞã Ìã ÌßÓÖÎÓØÑ ÒÙßÝÏÝ ÐÙÜ ÞÒÏ ÚÙÙܘ ËØÎ ÒËÝ Ï×ÚÙáÏÜÏÎ ÙàÏÜ ͒͑​͑ ãÙßÞÒÝ ÓØ ÓÑÏÜÓË ËØÎ ÓÞÝ ÏØàÓÜÙØݲ ÏÍÏØÞÖ㘠ÒÏ áËÝ ÜÏÍÙÑØÓÝÏÎ Ìã ÜÓ×Ï ÏÚÙÜÞÏÜÝ ÝÝÙÍÓËÞÓÙØ ÙÐ ÓÑÏÜÓË ËÝ ÞÒÏ ͓͓͑​͓ ÙÝÞ ËÐÏÞã ÙØÝÍÓÙßÝ ØÞÜÏÚÜÏØÏßܲ Chiemelie Ezeobi ÜÏÚÙÜÞÝ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒÏ ÝÞÏÜÖÓØÑ ÏâË×ÚÖÏ ÐÙÜ ÏØÞÜÏÚÜÏØÏßÜÝÒÓÚ ËØÎ ÚÒÓÖËØÞÒÜÙÚã ÓÝ ØÙÞ ÜÏÖÏØÞÓØÑ ÓØ ÒÓÝ ÛßÏÝÞ ÞÙ ÝßÍÍÏÏÎ

B

orn in the 70s into the family of Prince Gabriel Ilora and Princess Jane Amuche Umeoduagu of Umuchu in Ezinifite Local Government Area of Anambra State, Deacon Sunday Chukwumanjo Umeoduagu never envisaged what his future would entail but he trudged on to make a success of it.

For his basic learning, he attended Community Primary School and Community Boys Secondary School both in Awgbu Town of Orumba North LGA, Anambra State where he excelled in flying colours in both cadres of learning.

In Search of Greener Pastures

Upon graduation from secondary school, he moved to Nnewi for apprenticeship and later relocated to Lagos in search of greener pasture.

In Lagos, he toiled day and night in the business of selling clothes and textiles. Afterwards, he delved into the business of water manufacturing (now the popular SUNAR Water) on a low scale. His dint of resilience and hardwork soon paid off.

From the successes recorded, the business metamorphosed into GABJANE Global Resources LTD together with MANJOSUN Nigeria Ltd and MANJOMANJO & Associates.

Today, his various companies produce SUNAR Water, Deo-Gratia Water, Sunar Yoghurt, Gabs Ice Lolly, Manful Dry Gin, Manful Native Gin, Manful Brandy, 406 Alcoholic Bitters, MyBoss Alcoholic Bitters and Minced Beef (for recognised company’s recipes).

Deacon Sunday Chukwumanjo Umeoduagu receiving his CRAN 2022 Most Safety Conscious Entrepreneur from ACP Chinwe Akputa

Mentorship Drive

Determined to give freely what he has received, he has successfully trained, mentored and established over 30 successful businessmen in Lagos and other parts of the world.

Also, as an employer of labour, Deacon Sunday Umeoduagu employs well over 300 staff in his various businesses.

Steming from his resolute and dogged attitude towards his business and his over 25 years business experience, he also delved into importation of goods and services.

Philanthropist-Par-Excellence

An ordained Deacon of the church and a devoted preacher of “loving One another as one would actually love himself or herself”, the entrepreneur -cum-philanthropist is humble and kindhearted.

But to those who know him, Deacon Umeoduagu is an incomparable philanthropist who has built houses for the poor, and has empowered over 100 youths in Nigeria and its environs.

Worthy of mention is the multi-block classrooms he built at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Uga, Ezinifite Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, for indigent students to study under a shelter.

Quest for Knowledge

With his love for knowledge, Deacon Sunday has, despite his tight daily business schedule, acquired a degree in Political Science from Tansian University

The award winner with friends

Umunya, Anambra State.

Also, his numerous business drive has taken him far and wide to Europe and other parts of the world. Little wonder in his years of professional business life, he has been found worthy of being conferred with numerous awards in Nigeria and other parts of the world, some of which he modestly declined.

Foray into Politics

Going by Aristotle’s assertion, man by nature is a Political animal. In the field of politics, Chief Umeoduagu is a major stakeholder in Anambra politics and had attained the position of member of Board of Trustees (BoT) of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) from 2019 to 2021.

Past Time

He is a lover of sports -football to be precise- and enjoys travelling and reading in his quiet time. He is happily married to his heartthrob, Amara and they are blessed with wonderful children who are walking in the spirit of excellence exhibited by their father.

Deacon Sunday Chukwumanjo Umeoduagu brandishing his award

35

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

NEWS

GAH-AWARDS Marks 10TH Anniversary, E m p o w e r s W o m e n , Yo u t h Stories by Mary Nnah GMYT African Humanitarian Awards (GAHAWARDS) intends to kick off its empowerment programme by empowering 100 women and youths who are emerging designers and are passionate about becoming fashion entrepreneurs.

This they intend to do on the occasion of its 10th anniversary of social impact, slated for December 9, 2022.

The empowerment which is estimated to cost 56Million will include skill acquisition tuition fees start-up funds, sewing machines, and partnership investment, among other things.

For its 2023 goal, GAHAWARDS aims to raise 700million in partnership with GMYT Fashion Academy, to provide free hybrid skillacquisition training, hostel accommodation, start-up capital, distribution of free sewing machines and other services to one thousand women (1000) women and youths through the GMYT Foundation.

GAH-AWARDS will also host the 10th Graduation Ceremony of GMYT Fashion Academy, featuring over two hundred (200) fashion entrepreneurs debuting in 2023.

Princess Kelechi Oghene, the Founder and the GMD of the GMYT Group has always maintained that skill acquisition

GAH-AWARDS founder, Princess Kelechi Oghene

is the answer to Nigeria’s socioeconomic imbalance in the international space as well as the remedy for gender-based violence in the country.

With the GAH-AWARDS initiative channeled through GMYT Foundation, a large percentage of Nigerian unemployed youths will be emancipated from crime, violence, discrimination, and other social vices.

“GAH-AWARDS is using this medium to call for partnership and sponsorship from government agencies, private corporations, individuals, and NGOs to push this exceptional initiative which is geared towards eradicating/ minimising extreme poverty, and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality, reducing inequality, ensuring sustainable cities and communities,

encouraging industry innovation and infrastructure, promoting decent work and economic growth and finally creating a sustainable partnership to achieving the goal of training ten thousand (10,000) women and youths on or before 2030. This is the vision of the Foundation for the future, starting in the year 2023”, she noted.

Over the years, the GAHAWARDS initiative has achieved nine out of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These are evident in the empowerment of over 3,000 women and youths through the GMYT/SME support scheme, empowering over 12,000) women and youths with free scholarships to study fashion design, and entrepreneurship development, and the distribution of over 3,000 industrial/domestic sewing machines through GMYT Foundation.

The foundation has also recognised and encouraged humanitarian efforts in NonGovernmental and Corporate organisations through GAH-Awards by actively partnering with stakeholders in the last decade to achieve these goals.

This year, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary of social impact, GAH-AWARDS will also be recognising and encouraging organisations/individuals that have championed and still championing charitable causes in Nigeria and all over the world.

Tangerine Africa, Cosharis Motors Forge Partnership to Boost Accessibility for Car Insurance Precious Ugwuzor Tangerine Africa, a leading insurance firm in Nigeria, in line with it’s mantra to provide ‘Cover for all That Matters’ has announced a strategic partnership with Cosharis Motors that will make insurance more accessible for car owners in Nigeria.

With the new partnership, Tangerine is offering a fixed rate of 1.75% on Auto Insurance on all cars purchased from the Cosharis Group across all its locations.

The Group Executive Director, Commercial of Tangerine Africa, Yewande Adewusi, said the company through its new partnership with Cosharis motors is committed to seamlessly leveraging technology to ensure that insurance is accessible and affordable for all people, and also to endeavor that the insurance space is trusted by end-users.

Adewusi stated that the company’s intention through its partnership with Cosharis is to reinforce its quest to achieve wider inclusion and accessibility to insurance in Nigeria. The partnership is also in tune with Tangerine Africa’s drive for more enlightenment about the values and importance of insurance.

“Our main approach to meeting our customers’ needs is to focus on significant cost savings and greater user experiences. The plan is to consistently make insurance accessible and the journey to car ownership and protection, a seamless experience.”

She said, “Cosharis is a trusted brand in the automotive space and what we’re trying to do in the market through this partnership is to seamlessly leverage technology to make insurance accessible, and affordable for all people. We get people educated about insurance and its value. We need to bridge the protection gap. Insurance should not only be a last resort that people look for when problem arises. Insurance is about making sure that emergency situations such doesn’t upset your cash flow. It’s there because you just

L-R: Niniola Yomi-Layinka, Brand Manager, Tangerine Africa; Luciana Ojeniyi, Head, Digital Partnerships & Wealth Management, Tangerine Africa; Abiona Babarinde, General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Cosharis Motors; Yewande Adewusi, Group Executive Director, Commercial, Tangerine Africa; and Ufuoma Umukoro, General Manager, Sales, Cosharis Motors at the unveiling of partnership between Cosharis Motors and Tangerine Africa in Lagos last Wednesday

never know when you’re going to need it.”

The general manager of Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde, commenting on the partnership, noted that the company has painstakingly selected Tangerine as one of its new partner because of the value of trust they possess in their DNA, adding that they have also proven to be reliable in terms of delivering value for money to customers.

According to Abiona Babarinde, both existing and prospective customers of Cosharis will continue to enjoy Premium Automobile After-Sale Service which will be backed with riskprotection from the underwriting company, guaranteeing peace of mind at minimal cost from the moment of purchase.

Luciana Ojeniyi, Head, Digital Partnership and Wealth Management, stated that the rate

of the insurance package is very compelling and competitive enough for all users.

“I can guarantee to the general public, especially our potential customers that this is value for money, and we just want to ensure that they have a very beautiful experience with our partners, Cosharis. We pride ourselves in the value that we give customers.” Ojeniyi affirmed.

Jumia Discloses Plans to Restrategise With e-commerce adoption growingyearly,andwithmoreNigerians willing to trust online shopping, e-commerce companies like Jumia have hinted at plans to enlarge their coast.

Following the recent announcement from the company of its third-quarter 2022 financial report and the new strategy from the management team to see what the future holds, Jumia recorded substantial revenue and gross profit growth, according to the company’s financial earnings report.

The most recent statistics show that $50.5 million was generated in revenue in Q3 2022, an increase

of 6% from the $47.6 million reported in Q2. This also represents an 18.4% increase from the $42.7 million reportedinthesameperiod last year.

Interestingly, Jumia’s acting CEO, Francis Dufay, laid out the new business strategy for the company during the Q3 2022 earnings call, stating that the recent focus on cost discipline and return on investment speaks to an ever-increasing need to make the company profitable soon.

He further stated that the company intends to bring more focus to the core business, allocating capital, resources and teams to main areas and projects with at-

tractive returns on investments and clear ecosystem benefits.

“Jumia will deemphasise or cease projects and ventures that do not meet such criteria. In line with the above, the company will scale back First Party grocery offerings in geographies where this category remains sub-scale.

In addition, Jumia Prime will be paused indefinitely from the 1st of January 2023 as the company looks to focus more resources in other areas of the business”, he added.

Going forward, the company is looking to continue strengthening its foothold in all the countries where it is currently operational.

KO L A A D E S I N A , R A B I U S U L E I M A N W I N B I G AT A F R I CA N SA F E T Y AWA R D

Kola Adesina, Rabiu Suleiman Win Big at African Safety Award.

The Managing Director, Sahara Power Group, Mr. Kola Adesina, and a board member of Nigerian LNG Limited, Engr. Rabiu Suleiman has been conferred with the Legend Award at the Africa Safety Award for Excellence (AfriSAFE) 2022.

The two business executives clinched the prestigious award at the AfriSAFE Banquet held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, over the weekend.

The event was attended by notable personalities, professionals, entrepreneurs, HSE certification companies, training institutions, regulators and safety solution providers among other bodies in the industry across the continent.

The Legend Awards were presented by the Governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Lagos State and former Director General of Lagos State Safety Commission, Prince Hakeem Dickson.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of AfriSAFE, Dr. Afe Mayowa said that the boardroom titans were nominated by leading voices in the safety industry and members of the general public privy to their immense contributions to the development of the profession.

The Chief Executive Officer of the award, Femi Da-silva said that the Legend Award is presented to a notable business person/head of a government agency whose leadership acumen has made a remarkable difference in entrenching safety in the workplace.

He said that the companies under the Adesina-led conglomerate have demonstrated a high level of safety compliance, indicating exemplary leadership direction and dedication.

He said that Suleiman has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the safety industry spanning decades at the NNPC and continued to make a visible impact even as a private businessman and consultant to numerous respectable corporate entities.

On behalf of the Sahara Group, Adesina expressed delight in receiving the award and commended the organizers of the Awards for the diligent effort put into promoting safety practices and initiatives.

Meanwhile, the MD/CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Dr. Tinuade Sanda bagged the CEO Recognition Award of the Year for her remarkable effort in uplifting safety and health matters above all in her organization; while the Chairman, of the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineer (NISE), Engr. Abiodun Oyedepo; got the lifetime achievement award.

Others awardees are Sterling Bank Plc, and Temi Dalley, who bagged the Guardian Angel awards.

In the corporate categories, First Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Friesland Campina, Zambia Sugar Plc, Ibile Oil & Gas, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Henzof Nigeria Ltd, RusselSmith, Kodson Plus Company Ltd, were recognised.

UNIBEN ALUMNI HOLD AWA R D S , D I N N E R D E C 4 University of Benin Alumni Association (UBAA), Lagos Branch holds its Annual Award of Excellence and Dinner at 2.00pm on December 4, 2022 at Sheraton Hotels & Towers, Ikeja.

A statement by branch chairman, Pharm. 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, immediate past INEC 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 Pharm.

Josephine Ehimen, Prof. Chris Imumolen, Gabriel Ogbechie, Engr. Olatunji Akinwunmi, Victor Onyenkpa, Janet Adenrele, Rita Michael-Ojo, Dr. Cynthia Gregg, Olumide Akpata and Mitchell Elegbe.

Others are Ernest Uduje, Grace Omo-Lamai, Dr. Kayode Thomas, Osayande Igiehon, Stanley Amuchie, Kendall Ananyi, Wole Adeniyi, Henry Oroh, Dr. David Isiavwe, Wole Abu, Managing Director, Augustine Okwah Manager, Pharm Henry Edo Chukwura, Kayode Akiode, Franklin Erebor, Major-Gen. Henry Oburo, Bashir Bello, Engr.

Andy Olotu, Comrade Razaq Obe, Onome Joy Adewuyi, Maj-Gen. Adamu Jidda, Brig-Gen. Henry Oburo, Brig-Gen. Eruwa Emiko (Rtd), Engr. Nedo Osayande and Mike Igini among others.

36

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

LIFE

Jurists, Family, Friends Fete Justice John Fabiyi @ 77

Justice Fabiyi

Tunde Olusunle

I

t was a Friday. The weekend was imminent and people, expectedly, were winding down after a busy week. The jum’mat service for Muslim faithful would also hold in the afternoon, that day. These, however, did not impact the zestful participation of guests at the 77th birthday public presentation of the biography of John Afolabi Fabiyi, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, (JSC) of the Federal Republic. Fabiyi had distinguished himself in service to fatherland, logging nearly five eventful decades as a jurist par excellence, at the highest levels. He retired from service upon the attainment of the mandatory retirement age of 70, November 2015. To date, he remains the only Okun person to rise to the highest heights of the nation’s judiciary, an attainment worth celebrating in its own right.

Seven long years after Fabiyi bowed out of the nation’s topmost temple of justice, a colourful bouquet of eminent members of the “Bar,” the “Bench,” the political class and non-partisan guests congregated in Afolabi’s honour. Abuja was the venue and the sheer quality and diversity of attendees, was indicative of the high esteem the legal luminary continues to be held. Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, a distinguished Justice of the Supreme Court, (JSC), represented the Chief Justice of the Federation, (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, at the event. Yet another revered JSC, John Okoro Inyang, was also present. Nigeria’s former Attorney-General of the Federation, (AGF), and Minister for Justice, Bayo Ojo, SAN, CON, was on hand to receive his colleagues from both sides of the legal profession, to the programme.

Morning as the old adage says, shows the day.

The date was November 25, 2022.

Education Minister under the Olusegun Obasanjo regime, who was also Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Professor Tunde Adeniran, OFR, set the tone for the event with the opening prayers. Chief Bayo Ojo who chaired the planning committee of the programme, welcomed guests to the event and traced the history of his acquaintance with Justice Fabiyi. Ojo who began his career as a “State Counsel” in the Ministry of Justice of the former Kwara State, first came across Fabiyi in Ilorin in 1979. Fabiyi was a Chief Magistrate, while Ojo prosecuted criminal cases on behalf of the State, in courts presently domiciled in Niger, Kwara and Kogi states. Ojo would subsequently encounter Fabiyi in the High Court of the Kwara State Judiciary, before the latter relocated to Kogi State, after the 1991 states’ creation exercise.

The former AGF wrote the “Foreword” to Fabiyi’s biography, titled *Nurtured by Grace and Rectitude: Biography of Justice John Afolabi Fabiyi, JSC, CFR.* The publication was authored by James Bankole Adedoyin, a communications specialist and former permanent secretary in the Kogi State civil service, and Rufus Bamigbaiye Aiyenigba, national publicity secretary of the Social Democratic

Justice Fabiyi at the dinner held in his honour

Party, (SDP). Chief Ojo notes that: “I am filled with very fond and enchanting memories of His Lordship’s fecund mind and unparalleled deep grasp of jurisprudential technicalities. I have a great deal of respect for him for his calm disposition and professional demeanour at the Bench.” Ojo challenged public servants in Nigeria to capture their experiences for the benefit of upcoming generations, by writing books. “People should document and publish their memoirs and biographies. They will serve as reference points for succeeding generations.

Such records will remain invaluable reference points for ages to come.”

Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, a decorated professor of law and deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Jos, (Unijos), who is also from Okunland, reviewed the publication.

Amupitan’s profound and rigorous, incisive and insightful, exhaustive, yet engaging performance-style review, could potentially pass for a university inaugural lecture. The 9000 word, 30-page document did thorough justice to the book, in its chapter by chapter dissection, and the general distillation of issues and spinoffs. Amupitan expressed delight at the privilege of reviewing a book on the revered Fabiyi, who he describes as a “High priest in the temple of justice.” Fabiyi’s *ratio descedendi* in several landmark cases, according to Amupitan, “remain as *locus classicus* in our courts even years after he retired from the Apex Court, the Supreme Court.”

Amupitan contends that *”Nurtured by Grace and Rectitude: Biography of Justice John Afolabi Fabiyi, JSC, CFR,* is a complete rendition of the life and accomplishments of a great jurist and a silent philosopher.”

According to Amupitan, Fabiyi “has in his own way, contributed to jurisprudence in Nigeria and nation building.” The reviewer noted, that the biography highlights Fabiyi’s “consistent and unflinching commitment to the pursuit of justice, as against technicalities.” The retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Amupitan also avers, remained “uncompromising in protecting the constitutional principle of fair hearing.” Fabiyi is equally celebrated for his “astute defence of the rights of the oppressed.” Amupitan proffers that Fabiyi “courageously reprimanded the powers that be when they were found wanting in the treatment of those under authority, like the celebrated case of the “Unilorin 44.”

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun conveyed the felicitations of the CJN who could not attend the event because of impromptu engagements. The CJN and indeed justices of the apex court, she said, holds Justice Fabiyi in the highest esteem because of the selflessness, forthrightness and courage which underlined his professionalism and service

to the nation. Fabiyi’s precepts, the CJN noted, remain lampposts for his former colleagues and successor jurists. Justice Okoro Inyang noted that John Fabiyi has remained a patriarchal figure for many of his colleagues, in and out of service, and the minimum tribute to pay to him on the occasions of his birthday, was to endeavour to be physically present. He wished him many happy returns of the milestone.

Fabiyi the celebrant expressed gratitude to God, for creating him a human being in the first place, and for taking him through his life’s trajectory. His classmates at the Nigerian Law School, (NLS) in 1969, included: Justices Niki Tobi, JSC and Akanbi Oniyangi, (both of blessed memory). Justices Festus Tabai, JSC (Rtd); Victor Omage, Justice of the Appeal Court, (JCA, Rtd); Muri Okunola, JCA, and Ade Akanbi, retired Chief Judge, (CJ) of Lagos State. His heart was filled with happiness that biographers found his story worthy of serious documentation, apart from articulating a grand ceremony, the type that was staged on that day.

He thanked his colleagues in the Supreme Court, the judiciary and the legal profession at large for honouring him with such consideration and affection. A one-minute silence was observed in memory of Justice Fabiyi’s wife, Christiana Omowumi, who passed on, September 12, 2018, after being married to Fabiyi for 47 years. Coauthor of *Nurtured by Grace and Rectitude,* Adedoyin noted that he and his coauthor, Aiyenigba, set out to “write a book on a little known legal colossus.”

In the course of data gathering, and at the book launch, however, Adedoyin said they “encountered other legal legends and luminaries.”

Dignitaries at the event included Yemi AkinseyeGeorge, SAN, professor of law; Duro Adeyele, SAN; Wole Olanipekun, SAN, CON, (represented by Anthony Aikhunegbe Malik, SAN); Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, and I.S. Muhammad, SAN. From the Kogi State judiciary came: Justice Josiah Majebi, Chief Judge of Kogi State; his predecessor; Henry Olusiyi and Alaba Omolaiye-Ajileye of the Kogi State Judiciary. Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) High Court, Husseini Baba Yusuf, was represented by Justice C.O. Agbaza. The informal “Kogi State contingent” to the event was understandably rich. Governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, was represented by his attorney general and commissioner for justice, Mohammed Sani Ibrahim, SAN. Royal personages who graced the ceremony included: Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, (Obaro of Kabba and Chairman, Okun Traditional Council) and Oba Segun Ayeni, (Olujumu of Ijumu). There were also Oba Anthony Bamigbaiye, (Olu-Adde of Ekinrin-Adde) and his wife, Olori Bridget Fehintola Bamigbaiye Idowu, with Olori Funmilayo Otitoju on the royal delegation from Ekinrin-Adde, Justice Fabiyi’s place of birth. Yeye Funmi Bodunde, Yeye Oba of Iyara was also in attendance.

Smart Adeyemi, CON, Senator representing Kogi West and Shaba Ibrahim, an attorney and Member representing Lokoja/Kotonkarfe federal

constituency, headlined the political class. Gen Julius Oshanupin and his wife, Esther; Navy Commanders Lawrence Fabiyi, (younger sibling to the celebrant) and Jerry Omodara, (Rtd), Security Adviser to the Kogi State governor, were also present.

Victor Adewale Omofaiye, Kogi State Commissioner for Environment; Bola Fabola, prominent Kogi-based attorney and his wife; Dr Femi Ajisafe, seasoned agricultural economist; Badaki Aliyu, President, Iyara Development Association, (IDA) and Dr Remi Odutola made it to the fete. Ayo Anjorin; prominent hospitality industry professional and his wife; Eric Fiki, a former state parliamentarian; Sadiq Ainoko, a former commissioner in Kogi State, and Fred Olutekunbi, businessman, equally featured at the event.

Justice John Afolabi Fabiyi, JSC (Rtd) was born November 25, 1945 in Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu local government area, (LGA), Kogi State. He attended Baptist Primary School, Ekinrin-Adde, and Baptist High School, Igede-Ekiti, Ekiti State, for his foundational education.

He proceeded to the Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU) to study law, graduating in 1969. The following year, 1970 he was called to the bar. He began his working life in Kano, at the famous *E. Noel Grey and Co Legal Practitioners* in the renowned commercial capital of northern Nigeria. He joined the *Magisterial Bench* of the old Kwara State in 1975. He rose to the position of Chief Registrar of the Kwara State High Court and was appointed Judge of the High Court in 1984.

Following the creation of Kogi State in 1991, he moved to the new state as a High Court Judge.

In November 1998, Fabiyi was elevated to the Court of Appeal, becoming “Presiding Justice” of the Ibadan Division of the Court in 2006. He was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria March 4, 2009, and retired from service November 25, 2015, having attained the age of 70 stipulated by law. He is credited with the expansion of the “horizon of jurisprudence in Nigeria.” He was erudite, upright and uncompromising. It is to Justice Fabiyi’s credit, that he is one of select Nigerians who were decorated with three different national honours, under various governance dispensations: *Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic,* (OFR); *Commander of the Order of the Niger,* (CON) and *Commander of the Federal Republic,* (CFR). *Baba,* as his more fondly and fittingly addressed these days, inspired two of his six children, including Adetutu, to study law, like him. Very well travelled across the world, he finds delight and pleasure having his children and their children, around and about him. As *Bobagunwa* (Adviser-at-Large and Adviser Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary) to the *Olu-Adde-in-Council) of Ekinrin-Adde,* he keeps an eye on developments in his home community and offers counsel. The colourful reception was co-mastered

by Omoyemi Olumudi, also a diligent member of the legal profession. t5VOEF 0MVTVOMF QPFU KPVSOBMJTU TDIPMBS BOE BVUIPS JT B .FNCFS PG UIF /JHFSJBO (VJME PG &EJUPST /(&

37

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

POLSCOPE

áÓÞÒ ÎÎã ÎÓàáÜÓ ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͸΀͸ͽ ͻ͸; ΁ͻͽ;

13% Derivation and the Gov Wike Challenge

O

n November 18, just about two weeks ago, Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers State blew the lid of what had appeared like a wellkept secret by the Niger Delta state governors. Gov Wike had, during the commissioning of one of his many projects, disclosed that he is funding his projects from the arrears of 13% derivation fund which the federal government has paid to the Niger Delta States.

Although he did not give specific figures received by each of the nine Niger Delta States, latter day revelations have indicated that the money is over N9 trillion, collectively.

In the past two weeks, many of the concerned states, feeling very uncomfortable with Wike’s “basket-mouth” revelations, have been struggling to defend themselves, giving what is clearly an after-thought explanation.

Many of the arguments from the states is that they did not receive or have not received as much as has been credited to them. But that is not quite the issue. The concern of many Niger Delta stakeholders is the quiet and silence that surrounded the release all along. If Wike funded many of his projects from the proceeds of that 13% derivation fund, it means that the fund had long been released for it to fund a project that is being commissioned.

Hear him: Let me say it for the first time. So many people asked me, Where is he getting this money? Let me say it…. These are “monies that were not paid to the Niger Delta States since 1999—the 13% deductions. Monies that were not paid… Mr President approved it and paid all of us from the Niger Delta States”, adding that, “and for me, it would be unfair not to tell the public. It is not from FAAC money. It is the money that is supposed to be for Rivers, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Edo and Bayelsa States” .

So,the question s why did the Niger Delta states not disclose to their various people that such funds had been released? All of them have prepared and submitted their 2023 budget estimate. Did any of them disclose that they received or planned to receive 13% derivation, as one of their sources of revenue in the coming year?

I ask this question because the Commissioners for Finance in Delta and Edo States, Fidelis Tilije and Joseph Ebiogbe, respectively, have explained that the funds are being disbursed in tranches of quarterly releases. So, did they indicate in the 2023 budget estimate that part of their projected revenue in-flows is from the 13 per cent refund?

The other worry expressed by the people of the concerned states is what indeed the various state governors have done with the windfall they got from the federal government.

It is instructive that many of the states are not only still owing their senior citizens their pensions and gratuities, the states have gone ahead to borrow so much money from banks, in spite of the 13% largess. So, the question remains: where is the money they collected?

Perhaps what appears to be an answer came

Gov Wike

from the Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, who spoke though his Chief Press Secretary, Dan Alabra. He had explained that in anticipation of the money they were expecting from the 13% disbursement, many of the states had “discounted” the money. What that means in simple language is that the governors, had gone ahead to borrow money from the bank in lieu of the money they were expecting.

And so, when the funds came, the banks merely withheld the funds as agreed before loaning the states some money.

Both Eboigbe and Tilije had further explained that the payments which were sourced from looking closely into the books of the NNPC, and discovering unremitted funds to the Niger Delta States, had to go through the Federal Executive Council meeting which gave approval for the payments. The payments are to be made in 20 tranches spreading through five years. Only about three or so tranches have been paid.

From the figures obtained, Delta State

topped the chart with N142 billion, followed by Akwa-Ibom with N91 billion, Bayelsa (N87 billion) Rivers (N83 billion), Edo (N17 billion) Ondo (N12 billion), Imo (N10 billion) and Abia (N5 billion).

Although Delta state admitted receiving N14.7 billion in three quarterly payments, but went ahead to “access” N30 billion from banks out of the N100 billion bridging funds sought by the Delta State government. In other words, those expecting to hear of mega projects being funded or to be funded from the 13% remittal should forget it because not only has the N14.7 billion received been spent, the state has even borrowed extra N30 billion ahead of the payment of other tranches, in what looks like anticipated expenditure.

Even at that, the question will yet resonate: what has the Delta State government done with the money received thus far and the ones borrowed? Many pensioners are languishing in penury and lack in the state.

Although Tilije and Eboigbe claimed that their various state governments are committed to the ethos of accountability and transparency, none of them ever made known the fact that they received any such money before the Wike expose. It is not a hidden fact that many of the state governors have been reckless, wasteful and less than altruistic in the management of the funds available to them The Akwa-Ibom state government has admitted receiving N18.6 billion out of its own share, while the Edo State government said it has only received N2.1 billion out of its share.

What has been discovered however is that the impression Gov Wike gave: that all the 13% accruals since 1999 has been released in one bulk sum, is not true. Yes, the figures have been approved, but not all of the monies have been released to the states. Fund approved is not fund released. So did Gov Wike set out to be a little mischievous by releasing a not-too-correct information on his colleagues? Perhaps! Out of the eight other states of the Niger Delta, Gov Wike is politically chummy with only one: Gov Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State. Did he thus release the information to set the people of the various states against their governors? Again, perhaps!

Surely, Gov Wike couldn’t have funded the many overhead bridges from the three or so quarterly payments he got on the 13% derivation fund. He has been exceptionally lucky with fund inflow, what with the Supreme court judgement of last May 6 that ceded the disputed 17 oil wells between Imo State and Rivers State to Rivers State. The income from there is huge, and it adds to the substantial amount the state gets as a leading oil producing state. What’s more, the state government received N78.9 billion as reimbursement for federal roads constructed by the Rivers State government, under the administration of Rotimi Amaechi, as governor of the state.

But if you discount the little measure of mischief in the information released by Gov Wike, the fact will yet remain that many of the Niger Delta states have been running clouded administration where their transactions are classified. The Minister of state for Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba, last Wednesday confirmed that the federal Government released some huge sums to the Niger Delta state governors, lamenting that some were denying and giving “half truths” about the amount they received. Agba blamed the governors for the rising poverty cases in the country as they were embarking on projects that have no direct benefits to the masses. He cited projects like airports and needless fly-overs, noting that instead of building rural roads to enable the rural dwellers have access to their farms and cities. He accused the governors of embarking on gallery projects that will attract applause but with minimal impact to the masses.

Many of the governors which are serving out their second term in office are already plunging their states into depths of debt by borrowing huge sums from banks for some nebulous and amorphous projects.

Gov Adeleke Lands with Fury

O

n November 18, just about two weeks ago, Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers State blew the lid of what had appeared like a wellkept secret by the Niger Delta state governors. Gov Wike had, during the commissioning of one of his many projects, disclosed that he is funding his projects from the arrears of 13% derivation fund which the federal government has paid to the Niger Delta States.

Although he did not give specific figures received by each of the nine Niger Delta States, latter day revelations have indicated that the money is over N9 trillion, collectively.

In the past two weeks, many of the concerned states, feeling very uncomfortable with Wike’s “basket-mouth” revelations, have been struggling to defend themselves, giving what is clearly an after-thought explanation.

Many of the arguments from the states is that they did not receive or have not received as much as has been credited to them. But that is not quite the issue. The concern of many Niger Delta stakeholders is the quiet and silence that surrounded the release all along. If Wike funded many of his projects from the proceeds of that 13% derivation fund, it means that the fund had long been released for it to fund a project that is being commissioned.

Hear him: Let me say it for the first time.

Gov Adeleke

So many people asked me, Where is he getting this money? Let me say it…. These are “monies that were not paid to the Niger Delta States since

1999—the 13% deductions. Monies that were not paid… Mr President approved it and paid all of us from the Niger Delta States”, adding that, “and for me, it would be unfair

not to tell the public. It is not from FAAC money. It is the money that is supposed to be for Rivers, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Edo and Bayelsa States” .

So,the question s why did the Niger Delta states not disclose to their various people that such funds had been released? All of them have prepared and submitted their 2023 budget estimate. Did any of them disclose that they received or planned to receive 13% derivation, as one of their sources of revenue in the coming year?

I ask this question because the Commissioners for Finance in Delta and Edo States, Fidelis Tilije and Joseph Ebiogbe, respectively, have explained that the funds are being disbursed in tranches of quarterly releases. So, did they indicate in the 2023 budget estimate that part of their projected revenue in-flows is from the 13 per cent refund?

The other worry expressed by the people of the concerned states is what indeed the various state governors have done with the windfall they got from the federal government. It is instructive that many of the states are not only still owing their senior citizens their pensions and gratuities, the states have gone ahead to borrow so much money from banks, in spite of the 13% largess. So, the question remains: where is the money they collected?

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022

38

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Experts Urge FG to Boost Tax-GDP Revenue Through Digital Strategy Oluchi Chibuzor For the country to increase its tax-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio figures and block economic leakages, tax experts have urged the federal government to produce a clear digital strategy to unlock tax administration in the country as they continue to deepen technology in tax collection. This, according to them, is necessary in view of the government’s drive to unlock revenue generation from tax administration.

According to them, the current six percent of the nation’s tax-toGross Domestic Product ratio figure can be increased to 10 per cent if the government is able to deploy technology and collapse duplicated agencies in the country to a single platform that shows live records of buyers, sellers and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Understanding the need for a convenient tax filing and payment system in the country, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS),

in collaboration with Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies hosted a sensitization programme. The programme had in attendance stakeholders within the revenue service value chain - private citizens, tax managers, accountants, tax auditors, tax consultants, bankers, and business-owners. Speaking also at the event, the Group Head, Government, Interswitch, Osasere Atohengbe, noted that the rise of technology-led processes has led to the improvement of service delivery.

“Not only is it important to pay taxes to improve infrastructural development, but the system of tax payment also needs to be addressed to ensure that its collection is sustainable, seamless, transparent and effective.

“To do this, taxpayers need to be in the loop, and we at Interswitch will continue our work with the FIRS to provide the necessary infrastructure that

promotes the adoption of digital tax payments among taxpayers, “ Atohengbe added.

Speaking at a conference on the future of tax management in Nigeria with the theme, ‘Sustainable Tax Management: Exploring Digital Remittance’, the Associate Director, PWC, Emeka Chime, noted that the Federal Government should “develop a clear strategy in its drive to boost revenue through technology.”

He however, acknowledged that Nigeria’s current tax-to-GDP at six percent should be increased through innovative solutions.

In his words: “We have an economy with the highest GDP in Africa, while a country like South Africa is doing above 20 percent tax-to GDP ratio and we are still at six percent.”

Assistant Director, Taxpayer Service Department, FIRS, Manasseh Otega, noted that there was a significant growth in the number of taxpayers as it continues in its awareness drive.

L-R: President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Oluwole Adeosun, founder, Chris Ogunbanjo & Co, Chief Christopher Ogunbanjo, 1st Vice President, CIS, Oluropo Dada; Standing : L-R: Registrar and Chief Executive, CIS Josiah Akerewusi and 2nd Vice President, Fiona Ahimie at the investiture of Ogunbanjo as Honourary Fellow of CIS yesterday in Ikoyi, Lagos in continuation of CIS’ second phase of 30th Annivesary celebration

MARKET INDICATORS

UBA Foundation Rings in TheYuletide Season, Lights Up the Lagos Marina Africa’s Global bank, United Bank for Africa, through its Corporate Social Responsibility Arm, the UBA Foundation, on Tuesday, held its annual Christmas Lighting ceremony to mark the start of the festive season.

The lights were activated by the bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, in a grand ceremony which was witnessed by key management staff and some customers of the bank.

Alawuba, who addressed attendees at the ceremony, reiterated that the annual Lighting event is a symbol of

hope for the coming year, the future and all the goodness it will bring into people’s lives.

Alawuba said, “The UBA Foundation is focused on touching lives and giving back to its host communities. UBA through its foundation, the UBA Foundation remains committed to improving lives in whatever way we can. We want to give back always and this event is quite symbolic as it represents the affinity we have towards our customers, employees and associates as well as our communities.”

The CEO of the UBA Foundation, Mrs Bola Atta,

said that the Christmas lighting ceremony was important for the Foundation adding: “Today is significant. All over the world, it is known in the advent period as Giving Tuesday. It is a time to give back to those who don’t have enough. It is a time to shine light on others, to give hope and give gifts. Today we gave out a lot of gifts and people were happy as we lit up the Foundation gardens to symbolise joy and hope. We are constantly reminded as an institution, of our promise to continue to touch lives and show kindness. In these difficult times, sharing even a little bit, goes a long way.”

Economic Experts to Dialogue on Ways of Strengthening Corporate Resilience Amidst the rising global inflation and economic downtrend in the aftermath of the pandemic, corporate organisations are still staggering through the current business environment with uncertainties of possible future pandemics and the like. To this end, the Financial Derivates Company Limited is organising an Economic forum.

The forum themed, “Corporate resilience: Economic recovery against unforeseen pandemics,” will hold on the 5th of December 2022 in Lagos and will bring together business leaders across

the private sector, economic policymakers, and MSMEs. The global pandemic outbreak led to a crisis with significant losses in the global economy.

It reminded us of the fragility of the economic institutions and the business landscape, particularly in Nigeria where the cascading collapse of the entire production, financial, and transportation systems, due to a vicious combination of supply and demand shocks was witnessed. Some businesses are struggling to absorb the shock generated by the pandemic while

others never recovered.

Speaking about the forum, renowned economist, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Derivatives Company, Mr Bismarck Rewane said, “the economy and the business landscape, including large corporations focus on growth in revenue and business expansion.

They spend a lot of time and resources developing crisis management programmes with possible scenarios but not with the magnitude of the pandemic.”

EEDC Disturbed at High Rate of Vandalism of its Facilities The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has expressed concern over the increased incidences of vandalism of its electrical facilities across the South-East region and disturbed at the latest turn of events where vandals now resort to draining transformer oil, thereby subjecting the transformer to risk of blowing up once supply is restored.

In its quest to nip this ugly trend in the bud, with the support of customers and other critical stakeholders, a total of eight vandal suspects were arrested for attacking power equipment belonging to EEDC and have been handed over to the Police for proper investigation and possible prosecution.

Relaying this to newsmen in Enugu on Thursday, the Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh said that within the last quarter of the year, there is no day the company does not record an average of 3 transformers attacked across its franchise areas, most of which have their oil drained.

“Before now, the vandals have been carting away armored cables and bare conductors, but in recent times, we record more cases of drained transformer oil which poses greater danger to the transformer because it could get damaged when energized without any oil in it, ”Ezeh explained.

According to Ezeh, at Ndiagbo Ofeke Ishieke in Ebonyi Local

Government Area of Ebonyi State, the vigilante group arrested Chinonso Mgbada, a native of Ugwuachara, also in Ebonyi Local Government Area, along Ohatekwe Road, Ishieke, while vandalizing aluminum conductors belonging to EEDC. At Umuobia Olokoro, Umuahia, Abia State, Onyebuchi Uchechi was arrested by the villagers for vandalizing aluminum conductors in their community, while the duo of Chiwendu Chukwuemeka and Azubuike Chinemere, were arrested by vigilante group at Onuinyan Village in Bende, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, for vandalizing aluminum conductors, property of EEDC.

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 --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 24 OCTOBER, 2022

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).

39

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022

MARKET NEWS

NGX: We Facilitated N3.5trn Capital for Govts, Corporates in 2022 KayodeTokede The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday disclosed that it helped to facilitate the raising of about N3.5trillion for the federal, state governments and corporate organisations so far in 2022, as part of its objective in positioning the capital market as the prime location for raising capital.

The Divisional Head, Capital Markets, NGX, Mr

Jude Chiemeka stated this while giving his remarks at the Nigeria Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) dialogue on a national television with the theme, “How Can Nigeria Finance its Development Priorities.”

INFF emanated as a result of a partnership between FG, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and European Union (EU) to support Nigeria in mobilising

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

greater amounts of private and public resources to finance its development agenda.

Chiemeka stated that the capital market could serve as the primary source of bulk mobilisation of capital to finance developmental projects and NGX had implemented an array of incentives, programmes and capacity building workshops for investors.

According to him, “The pension fund industry for example

S E C U R I T I E S QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

has been able to leverage the issuances done by the DMO in recent times and a lot of financing has come from them.

“As an exchange, we provide the platform that will enable the government to finance projects through green instruments that these investors can invest in and ultimately benefit from the returns. And that is why it’s critical to ensure there’s constant investor education, sound governance and regulation.

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

“If you take a look at the recently revamped Capital Market Masterplan, there’s a conversation there around increasing retail investor participation in our markets.”

He said the goal is to revamp the current active retail participation level to 5 million by 2025.

“NGX has been able to facilitate the raise of about N3.5trillion since January 2022 for corporates federal and state governments.

“We are very well equipped

A S O F

to support the financing of these capital projects because we have the platform, right partnerships both domestic and international.

“Today, you talk about the African Exchanges Linkage Project which commenced on November 18 and will be launched in December. That gives Nigeria the ability to leverage the investor base in other capital markets to fund the projects to grow the economy and lift people out of poverty,” he said.

0 1 / 1 2 / 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

40

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

Biden, Macron Pledge Support for Ukraine against Russia US President Joe Biden and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, Thursday pledged their continued support for Ukraine’s fight against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion as they held talks at the White House.

“France and the United States are facing down Vladimir Putin’s ambition,” Biden said after warmly greeting the French leader, the first to make a state visit during Biden’s presidency.

“The alliance between our two nations remains essential for our defence,” Biden said. “The US could not ask for a better partner than France.” He described France as “our oldest ally and unwavering partner in freedom’s cause.”

Macron, speaking on a sunny but chilly morning in Washington, said that with Putin’s invasion now in its 10th month, the United States and France “need to become brothers in arms once more.”

He said Washington and Paris “share the same faith in freedom and democratic values.”

South Africa’s President Risks Impeachment Inquiry A report by an independent panel appointed

by South Africa’s parliament contends that President Cyril Ramaphosa violated his oath of office, which could lead to an impeachment inquiry. The panel finds the president has to answer for the theft of at least a half-million dollars from his game farm that may not have been declared in his taxes.

Following the release of the report, Ramaphosa maintained his innocence and said in a statement that he categorically denies violating his oath.

The panel’s report stated that while it did not have all the answers, nor the authority to pursue them, it recommended an impeachment inquiry should proceed to get to the truth.

It noted there are many questions left unanswered, including where the money stolen from the farm had come from and the exact amount in question.

A former spy boss, Arthur Fraser, first brought the issue to light, claiming that between $4 million and $8 million was stolen from a sofa in the president’s farmhouse where it was hidden.

Fraser claimed the money was collected by Ramaphosa’s adviser Bejani Chauke for both him and the president during several trips he made to Middle Eastern and African countries, and it was not declared to authorities.

Ramaphosa said it was from selling 20 buffalo to a Sudanese businessman known as Mr Hazim, who paid $580,000 for them on Christmas Day in 2019. The president said he was not at the farm at the time of the sale.

India Dismisses Chinese Objections to India-US Military Drills Near Border India has dismissed Beijing’s objections to US-India military exercises being held close to India’s disputed border with China.

The drills between Indian and US soldiers began mid-November and are due to conclude Friday. Part of annual exercises held by the two sides, this year’s manoeuvres are taking place in the Himalayan mountains in Auli in Uttarakhand state, about 100km from the border area known as the Line of Actual Control.

China said on Wednesday that the joint exercises “violated the spirit of relevant agreements” between Beijing and New Delhi.

“It does not serve the mutual trust between China and India. China has expressed concerns to the Indian side over the military exercise,” foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing.

Responding to China’s comments, Indian foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said Thursday that “India exercises with whomsoever it chooses to, and it does not give a veto to third countries on this issue.”

Bagchi said the exercises had nothing to do with the agreements China had referred to.

Tensions between India and China have escalated since a bloody border clash in 2020 killed 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers in the Ladakh area. As a result, both sides

continue to deploy tens of thousands of soldiers backed by artillery, tanks and fighter jets along the disputed border and are rapidly building infrastructure in the Himalayan mountains.

Following several rounds of talks between the military commanders of the two countries, soldiers have pulled back from some so-called “friction points” along the border where they were posted close to each other, but heavy deployments continue at other points that are of strategic significance to both sides.

Spain Investigating Letter Bombs Sent to Prime Minister, Ukraine Embassy Ukraine’s foreign minister said Thursday that a letter bomb sent to the Ukrainian embassy in Madrid was an act of terror and pledged to ensure that those responsible receive the maximum punishment.

Authorities in Spain say the bomb was one of several that went to various addresses around the Spanish capital, including that of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and were intercepted. The one that arrived at the Ukrainian embassy exploded Wednesday, injuring an employee.

Speaking on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Romania, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the letter bomb was a serious matter, and they were carefully following it.

He said, “This is an attack against the diplomatic establishment that is defended by international law,” and he had ordered all foreign diplomatic Ukrainian establishments to immediately increase security measures.

Kuleba pledged to “defend each Ukrainian not only in Ukraine but also abroad with all available means.”

Spanish officials said packages also arrived Thursday at Spain’s defence ministry and the Torrejon de Ardoz air base. Another package arrived Wednesday at Instalaza, a company making grenade launchers Spain sent to Ukraine.

The investigation into who sent the packages is continuing.

Ukraine Urges EU to Sanction Russian Missile Production Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Thursday he had called on the European Union to sanction Russia’s missile production industry.

Kuleba tweeted that Russia’s missile production “must be put to a halt.”

He said he communicated the message in a meeting with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and also thanked the EU for

defence aid it has provided to Ukraine.

Russia has used missiles to attack Ukrainian cities, including striking key infrastructure sites such as parts of the country’s electrical grid.

Ukraine’s military said Thursday that Russian forces were shelling several towns in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, including Bakhmut, Soledar and Opytne.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces also said Russia was using tanks and artillery to target Ukrainian positions in the southern city of Kherson.

The United States said Wednesday that Russia’s weekslong campaign targeting attacks on Ukraine’s vital heating, electrical, and water infrastructure would not diminish Western resolve to support Kyiv in its nine-month fight against Moscow’s invasion.

Zambians to Sue Mining Giant Anglo American for Lead Poisoning A court in South Africa last week ruled that UN experts can intervene in a class action lawsuit against mining giant Anglo American over lead poisoning in Zambia.

South African and British lawyers filed the lawsuit on behalf of about 140,000 Zambian children and women whose health was allegedly damaged by a colonial-era lead mine. Anglo American has denied wrongdoing at the Kabwe mine, which it was involved in from the 1920s to 1970s.

It’s a busy morning in Chowa township in Kabwe, which looks like an ordinary Zambian town on the surface.

But rights experts and lawyers say Kabwe is one of the areas in the world most polluted by lead poisoning.

Rachel Kutayaya said her three boys, aged 12, 14, and 16, were sickened by lead, but she’s unemployed and can’t afford treatment.

Kutayaya struggles to feed her kids with the $20 she makes per week selling tomatoes.

She said her children’s IQs had been affected. In school, Kutayaya said, they did not focus well, so their performance is poor.

She says one of them often has stomach problems and blames lead poisoning.

Britain-based rights law firm Leigh Day estimates 140,000 Zambian children and women of childbearing age were sickened by the colonial-era lead mine in Kabwe.

Modi’s Home State Votes in Local Polls Projected as Easy Win for BJP In India’s western state of Gujarat, voters began choosing a new state government on Thursday in an election where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata

Party is expected to cruise to an easy victory.

Political analysts say that while there is disenchantment with the BJP in a state that it has ruled for 27 years, the party is on course to win an unprecedented seventh term, mainly due to the popularity of the Indian leader.

Gujarat is Modi’s home state, which he headed for about 13 years as chief minister before he became the country’s prime minister in 2014, and the BJP depends on his charisma to pull in votes. In recent weeks, Modi has addressed dozens of rallies in the state.

“Overall, the Modi magic remains. A lot of people want change, and those who are voting for the BJP are only doing it because of those three words: Narendra Damodardas Modi,” Neerja Chowdhury, an independent political analyst, said. “If the party is in the reckoning, it is only because of him.”

Observers say there is dissatisfaction with the government’s track record, particularly among poorer groups. Although Gujarat is a bustling hub of commerce and one of India’s most prosperous states, it has also witnessed growing economic distress and joblessness in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation and high fuel prices are hurting poor households.

However, the lack of strong opposition is helping the BJP in its bastion. Two opinion polls conducted in the run-up to the polls have projected that the party will win a larger share of seats than it holds in the present state assembly.

Taliban Defend Ban on VOA, RFE/ RL Broadcasts The Islamist Taliban government has defended banning FM radio broadcasts from two U.S.-funded news media, including the Voice of America, in Afghanistan, alleging they were offending local laws.

The ban on VOA and Azadi Radio, an Afghan extension of Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty, or RFE/RL, went into effect Thursday, a day after the Taliban’s ministry of information and culture said it had received complaints about programming content but shared no specifics.

It is unclear whether the ban will apply to other international broadcasters that have used the same system for FM broadcasts in Afghanistan.

“Afghanistan has press laws, and any network found repeatedly contravening these laws will have their privilege of reporting from and broadcasting within Afghanistan taken away,” Abdul Qahar Balkhi, the Taliban, foreign ministry spokesman, said in his written comments to VOA. “VOA and Azadi Radio failed to adhere to these laws, were found as repeat offenders, failed to show professionalism and were therefore shut down,” Balkhi asserted.

The two US government-funded news organizations operate with journalistic independence and aim to provide comprehensive, balanced coverage.

Hong Kong Delays Jimmy Lai Trial A court in Hong Kong has adjourned the trial of newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai until December 13 after the government sought to block a British lawyer from representing Lai. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee asked China’s top lawmaking body to decide whether foreign lawyers could participate in national security cases.

Authorities accuse Lai of colluding with foreign forces, and he is also facing a charge of sedition. If convicted, he faces a possible life sentence.

Lai is the founder of the Apple Daily newspaper, which was forced to close in 2021 after its assets were frozen under a security law imposed after pro-democracy protests.

41

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 30Nov-2022, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 0.02% Anchoria Equity Fund 139.09 140.63 -0.05% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.16 1.16 1.33% info@anchoriaam.com ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 21.10 21.73 108.75% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 494.01 508.90 120.00% ARM Ethical Fund 42.25 43.52 118.04% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 102.10% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.06 1.06 109.80% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.73% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 94.91 94.91 -7.70% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,078.73 1,078.73 1.25% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 141.53 142.53 6.36% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.29% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.05 2.05 -0.20% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.26 2.30 3.89% CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalfif@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.04 1.04 7.77% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.79% Paramount Equity Fund 17.67 17.99 6.42% Women's Investment Fund 143.88 145.58 1.66% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.61% Cordros Milestone Fund 133.78 134.70 7.39% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 112.33 112.33 5.01% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 10.49% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 11.44% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,143.38 1,154.94 2.41% EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Halal Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.59% Legacy Debt Fund 3.56 3.56 -11.08% Legacy Equity Fund 1.87 1.90 7.33% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.25 1.25 3.61% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn

Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

4,033.91 3,683.65 100.00

4,061.59 3,683.65 100.00

3.31% 677.64% 1320.31%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.13 1.13 0.00% GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.69 1.72 18.77% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,173.08 1,173.08 8.69% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.77 11.86 8.31% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.20% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) N/A N/A N/A Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.54 1.58 -2.01% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.50 11.58 3.15% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.32% PACAM Equity Fund 1.38 1.40 -2.60% PACAM EuroBond Fund 119.40 122.64 4.99% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund N/A N/A N/A SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.09 1.09 11.04% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,527.10 3,554.71 4.04% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 244.26 244.26 3.69% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.36 1.37 8.33% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 330.95 330.96 5.69% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 252.06 255.10 7.92% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.83% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 11,478.24 11,609.56 5.09% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.36 1.36 5.04% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 120.42 120.42 3.00% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 114.25 114.25 7.40% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 0.90 0.92 1.48% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.32 1.34 1.32% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.14 1.15 10.38% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.10 1.10 7.18% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.94 1.94 6.25% United Capital Eurobond Fund 124.79 124.79 5.78% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 14.75% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith ESG Impact Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.92 4.02 -2.31% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.37 5.47 -8.03% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 17.42 17.62 -1.49% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.94% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 21.27 21.47 6.42% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 134.97 136.97 -14.36%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

121.03 52.65

6.71% 3.47%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.64 126.03 97.17 17.40 16.40

14.74 128.24 98.84 17.50 16.50

4.63% -1.23% -2.82% 15.02% 1.53%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.59

0.00%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

42

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

43

44

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

45

46

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

47

48

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

49

50

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

SPECIAL ANNUAL DINNER/SENDFORTH FOR OSUNKEYE...

L-R: Member, International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN), Mrs. Folashade Alli; Chairman Emeritus, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye; Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Savage; Member, Dr. John Agboola Odeyemi; Honorary Treasurer, Mrs. Dorothy Ufot, and Vice Chairman, Dr. Raymond Ihyembe, at the 2022 Special Annual Dinner/Sendforth for Osunkeye, Organised by the ICCN in Lagos… recently

NNPC: $1.4bn Investment in Northern Hydrocarbons to Yield $6bn Revenue in 20 Years Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The $1.4 billion external project finance agreement jointly arranged by the Standard Chartered Bank, UK, and United Bank for Africa for Northern Hydrocarbon Funding Limited, would yield revenue of $6 billion in 20 years, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has said.

Speaking on Arise News Channel, the Chief Finance Officer of the NNPC Ltd, Mr. Umar Ajiya, explained that the fund would be earned through royalties and taxes from the implementation of

the deal.

THISDAY recalls that the deal was sealed in London on Wednesday, under the NNPC Limited/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture codenamed Project Panther.

It was learnt that the agreement would ensure that the Hydrocarbon project is funded through external financing from 16 lenders across three continents.

According to Ajiya, the loan facility portended that financing institutions now have some level of confidence in the sector following the enactment of a new framework under the Petroleum Industry Act

Black Market Operators Make Brisk Business as Petrol Scarcity Lingers in Lagos, Others Peter Uzoho The current nation-wide scarcity of petrol which has been on for over month has put black marketers in a profitable mode as they are now making brisk business by cashing in on the lapses created in the product's distribution and supply system.

The petrol scarcity appears to have defied all measures put forward by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the marketing companies.

The pump price of petrol has been on the increase both at the filling stations and at the black markets with many Nigerians desperately in search of petrol to buy.

THISDAY's findings last night showed that the pump prices of petrol at filling stations now sells between N200 and N300 per litre in Lagos, Abuja, Umuahia, the entire Southwest, Owerri and Uyo. At the black market, however, the findings showed that the product sells for between N350 and N480 per litre at Ajah and Victoria Island, and N450 at Ejigbo and other cities in Lagos, while it was N350 in Owerri and Umuahia yesterday.

There is projection that it could get higher in the coming days and worsen during yuletide period.

THISDAY had reported last Friday that the oil marketing companies, who had formed cartels, were allegedly rationing the days of selling petrol among and preferring to sell to black marketers that users.

The situation had led to the growth in the number of black marketers springing up from every corner, taking advantage of the situation and further worsening

the petrol scarcity currently rocking many states and cities.

The petrol scarcity is now having adverse effects on the populace as the scarcity and hike in the price of the product has led to an increase in transport fares by 200 per cent, thus pushing the prices of some consumer goods higher.

Amid the crisis, stakeholders in the petrol supply and disruption system have blamed the ugly situation on a number of factors including the scarcity of foreign exchange, the rise in the price of crude oil, high operational and agency charges and the alleged hoarding of the product by the NNPC and some marketers.

Other factors, according to them are the monopoly of the NNPC as the sole importer of petrol, which has contributed to the abuses and arbitrage in the system, the meagre margins to marketers, and the subsidy that has boosted smuggling of the imported petrol to other neighbouring countries where petrol is sold higher.

The NNPC had said the burden of shouldering subsidy of 60 million litres of petrol every day with the challenge of having a significant part of that diverted through smuggling had become too heavy for it carry, saying goverment cannot continue with fuel subsidy.

“Consequently, marketers and the general public are advised to avoid panic buying, diversion of products, and hoarding. In keeping with the authority’s responsibilities as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act, the authority assures the public that it would continue to monitor the supply and distribution of all petroleum products nationwide especially during this holiday season", NMDPRA said.

(PIA).

Ajiya said the project was also expected to increase production of the NNPCL/CNL Joint Venture, adding that the scope includes 37 development wells made up of 31 oil producers, one gas well and five water injectors spread across 10 NNPCL/CNL Joint Venture fields from 2022 to 2026.

According to him, the project also has a world-class resource base and will deliver 97 million barrels of oil equivalent per day of gas and 166 MMBO of oil making a total of 263 MMBOE. “This is in line with the recent reforms in the NNPC brought about by the PIA which was signed into law late last year by the president.

This has rekindled and also raised the appetite of international lending communities to lend to NNPC and its partners for fossil fuel development.

“This $1.4 billion is aimed at utilisation of drilling of 37 development wells, oil and gas.

As a consequence, all the gas that will come out of this development will be diverted to the domestic market which goes in line with our energy transition plan.

“At the same time, this also goes to reduce the carbon footprints of NNPC/Chevron joint venture because almost all existing facilities will be utilized in transporting and processing of these hydro-carbon.

“Now the totality of these is that in terms of taxes and royalties, the Nigerian state will earn about $6 billion for the entire 20 years of the field,” he stated.

Ajiya added that the pricing of the loan was competitive, noting that the project is profitable enough to repay the facility, which will spread across 10 fields in Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 49, 90 and 95 while the production will reduce overall NNPCL/CNL Joint Venture carbon intensity through significant utilisation of existing infrastructure.

Through the Project Panther deal, Ajiya said all produced gas will be routed to meet domestic supply obligation, thereby supporting Nigeria’s energy transition agenda through increased gas production.

Tue CFO said the deal has nothing to do with the Kolmani oil drilling in the north because the project to be executed are all based in Delta State.

“The project also aligns with

the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals of the NNPCL/CNL Joint Venture. This will be in OMLs 49, 90 and 95 and all of them are actually in Delta State and they are offshore and does not have anything to do with the Kolmani oil find.

“The deal is very competitive in terms of pricing, involving 16 lenders in three continents and we can say that indeed, time has come for a limited liability company together with its partner is able to attract foreign direct investments into the country for fossil fuel development.”

The NNPC top official explained that the expected peak rate of the project was projected to be 85 MMSCFD of gas by 2026.

Speaking at the London signing, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Limited, Adokiye Tombomieye, had expressed delight at the overwhelming response of each of the 16 lenders participating in the financing programme.

Tombomieye, who represented the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), NNPC, Mele Kyari, had said participation in the funding programme was a clear

demonstration of confidence in the NNPC. “I am glad to welcome you to the signing ceremony of Project Panther, the $1.4 billion external project finance jointly arranged

by Standard Chartered Bank UK and United Bank for Africa for Northern Hydrocarbon Funding Limited on behalf of the NNPC Limited/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture.

“We are delighted at the overwhelming response of each of the sixteen lenders participating in this financing programme, a clear demonstration of the great confidence reposed in us by the market.

“While this level of interest is not new to offerings by the NNPCL/ CNL Joint Venture, the fact that is sustained at this time of very high uncertainties is indeed remarkable.

“It is obvious that our diligence in meeting debt service obligations, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has not gone unnoticed by the market. I will, therefore, like to affirm our commitment to delivering true value to our esteemed Lenders in this regard,” he noted.

Situation Room Condemns Killing of Labour Party Women Leader in Kaduna Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has condemned the gruesome killing of Labour Party Women Leader in Southern Kaduna, Mrs. Victoria Chintex.

Worried by the unfortunate incident, the election monitoring group has urged the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Mr. Yekini Ayoku, to launch an investigation into the murder with the aim of bringing the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book without delay.

In a statement jointly signed

by Co-conveners of the Situation Room, Ene Obi, Asma’u Joda and James Ugochukwua the group said: "Situation Room laments that this horrific crime occurred during the globally recognised week of the 16 Days of Activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), which is internationally earmarked for campaigns on Elimination of Violence Against Women.

"Violence against women in

the political space has become a regular occurrence leading up to elections. Situation Room recalls that on 19th November 2019, the late Salome Abuh - PDP woman leader in Kogi State, was killed and burnt beyond recognition in her home. In Kogi State."

The statement also cited the case of Natasha Akpoti, a Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate at the time, who was physically assaulted by political opponents while she was attending a stakeholders’ meeting in her home state in November 2019.

It further recalled in October 2021, Mrs. Cynthia Nwala, Leader of the Legislative Council in Etche Local Government, Rivers State, was battered and stripped near naked in the council premises by male politicians during a leadership crisis among the councilors.

It noted that Situation Room was concerned that the unwarranted attacks on Nigerian female politicians were outright intimidations to hinder the

participation of women in politics.

"It is most disappointing that we still have these regular incidents recorded in Nigeria in an era where ending violence against women is a priority and their voices actively encouraged, as well as perpetrators of violence against women made to pay for their crimes.

"Situation Room calls on the leaders of political parties to adhere to the Peace Accord signed on 29th September 2022 and call their supporters to abide by the Accord," it stated.

The group pointed out that the Peace Accord initiated by the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Catholic Bishop, Matthew Kukah, witnessed a pledge to peaceful election campaigns by the 18 political parties fielding candidates for the 2023 General Elections.

"Unfortunately, this incident is a setback and flagrant disregard of the spirit and intention of

the Peace Accord and raises serious concerns over the level of commitment of political parties and their supporters to peaceful and violence free elections in Nigeria.

"Situation Room further reminds political party leaders of their duty in ensuring that their supporters act in line with the provisions of the laws of the land and the Electoral Act 2022 as it concerns peaceful political campaigns and elections.

Violations ought to be punished in accordance with the law.

"Situation Room therefore calls on the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Mr. Yekini Ayoku, to investigate the killing of Mrs. Chintex, as well as the brutal attack on her husband which has left him hospitalised. Situation Room expects that the Nigeria Police will make arrests in connection with the murder and keep the general public abreast of developing reports in order to alleviate fears among women politicians and members of the public in general," it added.

51

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

ECONOMIC ZONES ORGANISATION MEETING...

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo (second left); Managing Director, Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority (OGZA), Senator Tijani Yahaya Kaura and Chief Nabil Saleh, at the ongoing African Economic Zones Organisation meeting in Abuja...yesterday

Irabor Calls for Concerted Action to Tame Ungoverned Spaces Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor, yesterday, called for concerted action to enable government tame ungoverned spaces across the country, which had become hideouts for insurgents and armed bandits.

Irabor spoke as the Defence Media Operations (DMO) said troops operating in the Niger Delta region destroyed 81 illegal refining sites and arrested 81 suspected oil thieves in the last two weeks.

The defence chief, who spoke at an international conference themed: “Africa’s Ungoverned Spaces and Regional Security:

Building Resilience in Democratic Institutions”, hosted by the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies of the National Defence College, said there was an urgent need to take steps to tackle the challenge posed by ungoverned spaces..

According to him, "It is imperative to state that most of the security challenges confronting Nigeria, in one way or the other share similarities with the challenges in other parts of Africa. Triggers and enablers of conflicts across Africa, such as ethno-religious intolerance, political instability and corruption create conducive atmosphere for insecurity to thrive.

Zamfara PDP Alleges Clampdown on Opposition By Matawalle John Shiklam in Kaduna The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State, has raised the alarm over alleged plans by Governor Bello Matawalle to clamp down on leading members of the party ahead of the 2023 elections.

A statement by the Media Office of the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Dauda Lawal, accused the Matawalleled administration of plans to silence PDP top shots with mass arrest and trumped up charges.

The statement signed by Tanimu Marafa, said PDP leaders were being hounded and forcefully picked up by the police, citing the recent arrest of Ikra Bilbis, a former Minister of State for Information and Director-General of the PDP Governorship Campaign Council as part of the plot.

"Zamfara State Peoples Democratic Party wishes to alert the general public that it has secured intelligence information that the Matawalleled government has perfected

plans to clamp down on notable opposition party figures in the state within a few days.

“The proposed unguided plan is to come up with trumped up charges and insist that security agencies, especially, the police arrest and charge such opposition party members to court.

“The plan has been activated with the illegal arrest of the Director-General of the Governorship Campaign Council of the Peoples' Democratic Party in the state, Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, a former minister.

“Bilbis and some members of our great party were arrested and detained by the police on the orders of the state governor.

Also arrested on trumped up charges is Captain Bala Mai Riga, who has been in detention for a while.

“Our source confirmed that key members of the PDP were identified for an unjustifiable arrest, including our governorship candidate, Dr. Dauda Lawal and state acting Chairman of the party, Mukhtar Lugga."

“Moreover, these destabilisation agents find safe haven in Africa’s land and maritime domains that have little or no governance presence. Based on this, many scholars have to attain appreciable level of economic development, which has been exacerbated by myriads of security challenges coming from different fronts," he said.

Irabor stated that the circumstances persisted, because

"criminals have a place to hibernate and operate from. Today, you hear about terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, sea piracy, and drug trafficking, amongst others, because there is a thriving place for criminals to operate from".

He, therefore, called for concerted action to address the situation.

Meanwhile, the Defence Media Operations (DMO) said troops operating in the Niger Delta

region, destroyed 81 illegal refining sites and arrested 81 suspected oil thieves in the last two weeks.

At a briefing in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Musa Danmadami, said the operations conducted from November 17 to December 1, 2002, denied oil thieves N500 million profit.

He said troops of Operation Delta Safe in the conduct

of Operation Octopus Grip, discovered and destroyed 254 storage tanks, 173 cooking ovens, 118 dugout pits, and 36 wooden boats.

Troops also recovered 1,060,500 litres of crude oil, 391,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) 11 cars, six tankers, eight pumping machines, three motorcycles, two outboard engines, one tricycle, and five AK47 rifles loaded with 10m rounds of 7.62mm special.

NANS Threatens Indefinite Nationwide Protest against Aisha Buhari, IG over Student’s Detention Dike Onwuamaeze The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to embark on an indefinite nationwide protest against the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, until Mr. Aminu Adamu Muhammed, who is a student of the Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, is unconditionally released from detention.

The threat to embark on

indefinite protest from Monday, December 5, 2022, was contained in a letter dated December 1, 2022, which was addressed to, “Greatest Nigerian Students,” by the National President of NANS, Mr. Usman Umar Barambu.

Barambu said: “Sequel to the exhaustion of all options available to us before confrontation in seeking the freedom of one of us who was arrested in questionable manner, tortured, molested, harassed and detained by agents of government, you are

hereby notified of the decision of the leadership the NANS to proceed on nationwide protest.

“We have consulted and consolidated and neither yielded desirable results in seeking the freedom of Muhammed, student of Federal University Dutse.”

The letter further urged students to, “please note that our demonstration shall continue until he is released unconditionally.

“The protest is against the Inspector General of Police,

Usman Alkali Baba and the Wife of the President, Aisha Muhammed Buhari.”

Barambu called on the students to, “please note that injury to one is injury to all.”

He added: “Be assured of the commitment of the leadership of the NANS under my watch to the protection and ensuring the rights and welfare of all Nigerian students.”

The letter ended with a clarion call “Aluta Continua! Victory Ascerta!”

Ganduje to Politicians: Don't Use Religious Centres to Seek Votes Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, yesterday, cautioned political parties from weeping religious sentiments during campaign, while seeking votes from electorate ahead of 2023 general election.

Speaking while declaring open the fourth National InterReligious Conference organised by the state government held at Coronation Hall, Kano, the governor worried over the use of religion by some political elites during the election process to divide the mutual relationship that existed between the people

of faiths.

The theme of the conference was, "Harnessing Nigeria's Religious Diversity for Sustainable Peace and National Development".

Ganduje, therefore, challenged leaders of various faiths to close ranks in mutual understanding and dialogue to promote unity, peace and cohesion while deemphasising issues of division.

He maintained that only such a platform would enhance development and prevent needless crises among the two major faiths.

Ganduje disclosed that the conference was motivated to strengthen interfaith dialogue

for peace and unity and and build trust between people of both faith.

"The aim of the conference is to promote religious understanding in the society and enhance peace and unity in Nigeria. Sometimes, religion is used to instigate crisis and division. This is contrary to the tenets of both faiths.

"This is the reason why leadership of various religions should ensure mutual understanding and dialogue to prevent troubles before it escalates. We have to use the power of faith to deepen our unity and prevent those intended to be used for selfish interest".

Chairman of the National Inter-Religious Conference, Dr. Mohammad Bin-Uthman, said religious leaders must tread the path of dignity of individual faith despite the differences.

Uthman added that harnessing and celebrating our diversity without violating the principle of individual faiths is sacrosanct to national development.

The co-chair of the conference, Bishop of Metropolitan, North Province, Peter Ogunmuyiwa, added that the plurality of faiths was blessing to Nigeria despite the efforts of some elements to capitalize on the differences to create tension.

52

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ON THEIR MINDS…

L-R: Group Chief Technical Officer, Liquid, Shahzad Manzoor Khan; Microsoft Country Director, Nigeria and Ghana, Olatomiwa Williams; Managing Director/CEO, Liquid Intelligent Technologies Nigeria, Wole Abu; President, Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Ikechukwu Nnamani, and CEO, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Muhammed Rudman, at the launch of Liquid Intelligent Technologies in Nigeria in Lagos… recently

Suspected Kidnappers Abduct 18-seater Bus Passengers in Kogi Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Suspected kidnappers have abducted all passengers in the 18-seater bus at Ochadamu, along Anyigba -Itobe Lokoja highway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi state.

THISDAY gathered that the incident occurred at about a 4.pm on Monday at the notorious kidnapping spot at Ochadamu area on the said highway.

It was learnt from a competent source in the area that the

hoodlums in their numbers flagged down the said bus at gun point on that spot on the highway and evacuated the passengers into the bush.

The bus was said to be heading to Abuja from the Eastern region of the country .

The locals stated further that kidnapping activities in the Ochadamu flash point which reduced drastically all these while has resumed recently after the army check point in the area was dismantled since the last accident that killed many and

destroyed over 20 cars.

The security operatives, including the vigilance in the area were said to be making frantic efforts to rescue the kidnapped victims since the incident happened on Monday.

In a bid to meet the growing demand of other indigenous airlines on aircraft repairs and maintenance, Nigeria’s oldest carrier, Aero Contractors has started expanding its maintenance facility in order to be able to take in more aircraft.

The airline has also announced that it would resume flight operations on December 5, with six aircraft to service 10 destinations as it plans regional service, later next year.

The airline made this known during a press conference to announce resumption of its scheduled passenger flight operations.

The new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi,

hoodlums are coming back from their cells to operate in that region again , the government will rejig its measures and match fire to fire, assuring that the hoodlums would be neutralised shortly.

Itsekiri leader rejects NDDC Board Nominees, demands fairness

Sunday Okobi and Fidelis David in Akure

Following the crisis rocking the composition of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a human rights lawyer, Myson Nejo, yesterday called for the sack of the Minister of said the airline would operate using Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Boeing 737 and Dash 8 (Q-400) Okon Umana over alleged gross and would service Warri, Lagos, misconduct against the NDDC Port Harcourt, Abuja, Benin, Yola, Act. Sokoto, Kano, Asaba and Calabar.

This is just as Itsekiri Leader Sanusi said the airline’s aircraft and rights activist, Chief Rita maintenance facility would cater for other aircraft types such Embraer 145 and train personnel for maintenance of Airbus aircraft Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti types.

The airline which suspended An All Progressives Congress scheduled services on July 20, (APC) House of Representatives over financial difficulties has been candidate in Ekiti State , Hon. given approval by the Nigeria Civil Akinlayo Kolawole, has Aviation Authorities (NCAA) to appealed to the members of commence operations, having the State House of Assembly satisfied all regulatory requirements. to implement the peace Sanusi disclosed that the airline pact brokered by Council has three business units, namely of Traditional Rulers for - the Maintenance Repair and the resolution of the crisis Overhaul (MRO), the fixed and surrounding the removal of rotary wing airline operation and Hon Gboyega Aribisogan, as the training unit.

Lori-Ogbebor, has charged President Muhammadu Buhari to review the new nominees for NDDC board in order to ensure justice, equity and fairness.

The lawyer, in a letter written to President Muhammadu Buhari, also called on the President to remove the supervision of NDDC from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to the Presidency.

While commending the president on his efforts at repositioning the commission through the institution of the

forensic audit, Nejo, in the letter made available to Journalists, described as unethical the nomination of Mr. Charles Ogunmola as the Executive Director, projects representing Ondo State on the Governing Board of NDDC. According to the human rights lawyer, the NDDC Act stipulated that the representatives on the board must be from oil producing area, with Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State being the only council area in the state that meets the requirements

and produced about 5.7 per cent of the total national output.

Stressing that Ogunmola is from Ipele in Owo Local Government in the northern senatorial district of the state, Nejo berated Umana for alleged misleading the President. The lawyer, who also called for the replacement of Ogunmola with someone from the oil-producing Ilaje Local Government, appealed to the president to remove the supervision of NDDC from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to the Presidency.

Assembly Crisis: Ekiti Lawmakers Told to Respect Monarchs’ Peace Deal

Group Walks for Tinubu/ Sanwo-Olu in Lagos A group, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BATCO) Mandate Group, yesterday held a rally in Lagos, to show solidarity and support to the candidature of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima to win next year’s presidential election.

The walk, which had over 100,000 participants, was from Ikeja to Ojota through Maryland.

It was led by an All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart in the state, Abdullahi Ayinde Enilolobo, and also to show the group’s full backing to the second term bid of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Addressing the teeming members of the group and thousands of party faithful, the leader of the group, Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi),

According to him, the state government has put enough measures in place to arrest the kidnappers and rescue the victims as well as stem the tide of criminal activities in the area.

He said that since the

NDDC: Lawyer Wants Commission Relocated to Presidency, Minister Sacked

Aero Contractor to Resume Operations with Six Aircraft Chinedu Eze

The Security Adviser to Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, Comandore Jerry Omodara ( rtd) ,who confirmed the incident yesterday, however, said that the state government is on top of the situation.

represented by Alhaji Ayinde said Nigeria at this point deserves no less a leader than Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has the requisite knowledge and experience to govern Nigeria at a time like this.

He downplayed the various propaganda targeted at the APC presidential candidate, noting that Tinubu remains the most popular, sellable and capable candidate to lead the country and ensure that the successes of the current administration are not eroded. “ Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the only option for Nigeria considering the current global economic challenges occasioned by the global pandemic and other issues .”

the Speaker.

The APC chieftain said the state would enjoy a lot of stability and development if the bedlam accompanying the crisis is resolved speedily.

Kolawole, who hailed the monarchs’ intervention in dousing the tension in the legislative arm of government, also praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for initiating and conceding to such peace pact.

A peace deal was initiated

by the monarchs to broker peace between the pro and anti-Aribisogan lawmakers, on Wednesday, with the traditional rulers ordering the former Speaker to withdraw the suit he had instituted against his members.

In the same fashion, the lawmakers were directed to readmit Aribisogan and those supporting him, for peace to be restored into the beleaguered legislative arm.

Akinlayo, in a statement made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, also lauded Oyebanji for keeping to his promise of not meddling in the affairs of the legislative arm of government.

He also commended the leadership of the Ekiti State House of Assembly for implementing the monarchs’ peace recommendations by recalling the hitherto suspended lawmakers.

Maku: Sule Collected N14.4bn Security Vote without Securing Nasarawa Igbawase UkumbainLafia Director General of the Nasarawa State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council, Labaran Maku, yesterday revealed that the governor of the state, Abdullahi Sule, has collected security vote of N14.4 billion for about four years without securing the state.

Maku, who is a former Minister of Information, made the

revelation at the headquarters of Wamba Local Government Area in continuation of the Nasarawa PDP state zonal campaign rally, insisting that people no longer go to their farms because there was no peace in the state any longer.

The PDP campaign DG who spoke at the Wamba zonal rally in Hausa dialect said: “Since the coming of APC, there is nothing to show for their credit. They

have wasted our time. They didn’t allow us to enjoy peace, as hunger took toll on the people, while unemployment became the order of the day.”

“There is no electricity in Toto since 2015, but imagine wickedness that since Sule became governor of Nasarawa State, he collected not less than N300 million monthly as security vote but failed to rectify the issue.”

Maku continued that if you multiplied the monthly N300 million security vote by 12 months, it will amount to N3.6 billion per year.

The former minister also calculated further that if the N3.6 billion was multiplied by four years, it would amount to a total sum of N14.4 billion as security monies collected by Sule during his four years regime.

Abia NNPP Guber Candidate Unveils Running Mate, Manifesto, Campaign Team EmmanuelUgwu-Nwogoin Umuahia The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party(NNPP) Dr Ukpai Iro Ukpai yesterday unveiled his running mate in the person of Mr. Chiedozie Tony Josiah, a legal practitioner from Obingwa local government, where the incumbent governor also hails

from.

He also inaugurated his campaign structure, christened Dr Ukpai Campaign Organisation (DUCO), presented his “glorious manifesto” to the public as well flagging off the Youth Techpreneurs Bootcamp at Aba. The NNPP gubernatorial hopeful said that his manifesto, a 75-page document, was a product of research

carried out down to the grassroots in order to come up with solutions to the developmental challenges confronting the Abia State.

“The manifesto is called Glorious Manifesto. In the hands of a Dr Ukpai government in Abia State under the banner of NNPP, this Glorious Manifesto will return Abia to God’s own State status indeed and by it we will show

uncommon love and care to Abia people,” he said.

Dr Ukpai noted that his manifesto contajns strategies that he would implement and “grow the fastest revenue for Abia State and take it from where it’s languishing now (in the lower rung in IGR, according to recent NBS release) to third or fourth place in IGR by 2027”.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

53

NEWS XTRA

WORLD OF ISLAM

Wike Blasts Minister over Comment on Airports, Flyovers Dire Consequences of Injustice (II)

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Blessing Ibunge inPort Harcourt

Governor Nyesom Wike has taken a swipe at the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clement Agba, saying that he the minister lacks understanding on how governors plan projects in their various states.

Governor Wike was responding to the comment credited to the Agba, advising the governors to tackle poverty, stop building airports and flyovers in various states.The Rivers State governor spoke yesterday at the inauguration of the 13.86km long Rumuodogo 1 and 2 road in

Oluua - Rumuodogo community in Emohua Local Government Area.

He said Agba was wrong when he said that governors were the causes of poverty because they focused on building flyovers, airports and other projects in the state capitals, while neglecting to invest in rural communities to directly uplift the living standard of the people.

“He said governors are the problem, they don’t do rural roads, and I ask him where and where have you been. You just sit there (Abuja), you’ve not been to anywhere to check whether

rural roads are being done or not.”

Governor Wike pointed out that the development plan of his administration is holistic with critical infrastructure delivered not only in the state capital, but across the 23 Local Government Areas.

He therefore, advised the minister to take time out, leave Abuja and visit States, particularly, Rivers State, emphasising that there are quantum of projects in rural communities with the Rumuodogo road inclusive, which have improved the socioeconomic status of rural communities.

2023: Police Warn Personnel against Bearing Lethal Weapons at Polling Booths Hammed ShittuinIlorin Ahead of 2023 general election, the Nigerian Police Force yesterday warned that none of its personnel deployed to man the inner rings of polling booths should be seen bearing lethal weapons during the elections.

The Inspector General of Police, IG Usman Alkali Baba, gave this warning in Ilorin, Kwara State capital while delivering the maiden distinguished personality lecture of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.

Baba, however, said that the affected police operatives could only wield batons.

The lecture was at the instance of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies of the faith-based varsity.

Speaking on the lecture with the topic: “Engendering Security and Public Safety among Stakeholders Towards Peaceful 2023 General Elections in Nigeria,” he said men of the police at political gatherings shall be limited to the maintenance

of peace and order as well as enforcement of extant laws.

He added that officers posted to the venues of elections must be acquainted with procedures guiding the conduct of the exercise.

The IG said: “All security personnel participating in the election should have the knowledge of procedurals at the election venues. That is classification of inner and outer rings respectively to serve as a guide in deployment.

“On no account should personnel deployed to the inner ring of the venue of the political events or voting centres/

Woman Busts Prostitution Ring in Lagos, Rescues Seven Girls Rebecca Ejifoma The Chief Security Officer, Amuwo Odofin, Festac Town Lagos State, Ms Angel

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MUKAIH KAMAL AWEDA now wish to be known and addressed as MUKALA KAMOLI OLAREWAJU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MARY IFEYINWA OPARAH now wish to be known and addressed as OPARAH IHIOMA MARYROSE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS BERNADETTE ORUMWENSE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BERNADETTE MOMOH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CYNTHIA OLUCHI NDUNAGU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CYNTHIA NSUHOREIDEM UBEK. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS BEAUTY OSUNBOR now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BEAUTY OGIEMWONYI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OFFOR IRENE CHIZARAM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OKECHUKWU IRENE CHIZARAM. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKOH OKWUKWE PROMISE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UKUWEKA OKWUKWE PROMISE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

polling booths be seen with any lethal weapon, except baton.

Involvement of the police at political gatherings shall be limited to the maintenance of peace and order, and enforcement of extant laws.

“Officers shall at all-time exercise maximum restraint while covering political gathering or deployed at voting/collation centres. Force personnel shall not at any time turn themselves into spectators but shall at all times be conscious of happenings around them, observe precautionary measures, personal and public safety while on duty.

I, formerly known and addressed as OZIOMA CHIDIMMA ENYINNA, now wish to be known and addressed as OZIOMA CHIDIMMA KASALI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

Udeogalanya, has rescued seven girls from being trafficked to Ghana after she busted an international prostitution ring.

Udeogalanya, who is also the CEO of Angels Assurance Security Outfits Limited was said to have discovered the first girl, Onyinyechi, on Saturday morning, leading to the rescue of other girls from hotels in Festac Town.

Following their rescue, Udeogalanya and her staff were said to have arrested three of the alleged traffickers.

The suspects were further handed over to Area E Police Command, for transfer to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

One of the suspects, identified as Ejike, was accused of taking advantage of two of the girls several times before his arrest.

The two girls are aged 14 and 16.

It was also learned that before the rescue of the girls, the first batch of girls and three boys had been moved from the hotels to Ghana via road.

The girls are said to be from Akwa-Ibom and Abia states, and were promised jobs as janitors in Lagos State, but were taken to Ghana for prostitution.

According to reports, the girls were told that the Ghanaian Cedi was higher in value than the Nigerian Naira, thus they would become rich within days of putting themselves to work.

The girls were housed in two different hotels and were locked in rooms. It was in those rooms that Ejike went to have sex with the two girls while he sexually assaulted the others.

The leader of the kingpin has been identified as Ebuka who has since been taken to his heels.

The Lagos State Police Spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin said the case would be transferred on the said day.

IslamWeb (continued from last week) Causes of Injustice The devil: Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.”

[Quran 2:208]. “Satan has overcome them and made them forget the remembrance of Allah.

Those are the party of Satan. Unquestionably, the party of Satan - they will be the losers.”

[Quran 58:19] A persistent evil-enjoining soul: Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil.” [Quran 12:53] Personal inclination: Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just.” [Quran 4:135]. “But as for he who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from [unlawful] inclination, then indeed, Paradise will be [his] refuge.” [Quran 79:40, 41]. “…and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire.” [Quran 18:28]. There many other similar verses.

Curing and Giving Up Injustice Remembering that Allah The Almighty never does injustice: He Says (what means): “Whoever does righteousness - it is for his [own] soul; and whoever does evil [does so] against it. And your Lord is not ever unjust to [His] servants.” [Quran 41:46].

“Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom’s weight” [Quran 4:40]. “Allah wants no injustice to the worlds.” [Quran 3:108].

Considering the fateful destiny of unjust people: Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “And decidedly not one of you [there is], except that he will go [herded] down to it; that, for your Lord, has been a thing decreed, a must. Thereafter, We will safely deliver the ones who were pious and leave behind the unjust [ones], [abjectly] kneeling.” [Quran 19:71, 72]. “And your Lord would not have destroyed the cities unjustly while their people were reformers.” [Quran 11:117]. “Say, “Have you seen for yourselves?

In case the torment of Allah comes up to you suddenly or openly, will any be perished except the unjust people?” [Quran 6:47].

Not to despair of the Mercy of Allah The Almighty: He Says (what means): “Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.”

[Quran 12:87]. It was narrated on the authority of Safwan ibn Muhriz that a man asked Ibn Umar (RA) “What did you hear the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say in private?” Ibn ‘Umar replied, “I heard the Prophet (PBUH) say: A believer will be brought extremely close to his Lord on the Day of Resurrection. Enveloping him in His Mercy; He will make him confess to his sins by asking him: “Do you remember doing this sin and that sin?” He will reply: “Yes, my Lord, I remember.” Then Allah The Almighty will Say, “I covered it up for you in the worldly life, and I forgive you for it today.” Then the record of his good deeds will be handed to him. As for the disbelievers and hypocrites, their evil acts will be exposed publicly “…and the witnesses will say, “These are the ones who lied against their Lord.” Unquestionably, the curse of Allah is upon the wrongdoers...” [Quran 11:18]” [Muslim] Moreover, the Hadeeth about the story of the man who killed ninety-nine people, as well as the one who said: “By Allah, if my Lord takes hold of me, He would torment me as He has not tormented anyone else.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim], support the same meaning that a believer must not despair of the mercy of Allah The Almighty.

Imagining the predicament of reckoning and judgment on the Day of Judgment: Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord, and the record [of deeds] will be placed, and the prophets and the witnesses will be brought, and it will be judged between them in truth,

and they will not be wronged. And every soul will be fully compensated [for] what it did; and He is most knowing of what they do.” [Quran 39:68-70] Remembrance and mentioning of Allah The Almighty and seeking His forgiveness: Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.” [Quran 3:135] Restraining oneself from doing injustice and returning rights to their owners: Sincere repentance is to feel remorse in the heart, to restrain oneself from disobeying Allah The Exalted, to ask Him for forgiveness by the tongue, and endeavor to return rights to their owners. Consequently, whoever has transgressed against his brother’s honor, property or anything else, then let him ask for his forgiveness today before the time (the Day of Resurrection) when there will not be any dinars or dirhams and there will only be good deeds and evil deeds, as mentioned in the authentic Hadeeth.

Consequences and Harms of Injustice Injustice incurs the anger of Allah The Exalted.

Allah The Almighty makes an unjust person suffer all types of torment.

Injustice destroys families and states.

An unjust person will be deprived of all forms of the intercession of the Prophet (PBUH).

Letting unjust people go unpunished corrupts the entire Ummah (Nation) Injustice is a sign of the hardness and darkness of the heart.

An unjust person is low and mean in the sight of Allah The Exalted.

Injustice causes one to lose the blessings of Allah The Almighty. The Quran tells us the story of the man who lost his two gardens because of his injustice: Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “And he entered his garden while he was unjust to himself. He said, “I do not think that this will perish - ever. And I do not think the Hour will occur. And even if I should be brought back to my Lord, I will surely find better than this as a return.” [Quran 18:35, 36] Injustice was the only cause of the destruction of previous kingdoms: “So the people that committed wrong were eliminated. And praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds.” [Quran 6:45]. “So We took him [Pharaoh] and his soldiers and threw them into the sea. So see how was the end of the wrongdoers.” [Quran 28: 40] Allah The Almighty also tells us about the people of Loote (Lut) AS: Saying (What means): “So when Our command came, We made the highest part [of the city] its lowest and rained upon them stones of layered hard clay, [which were] marked from your Lord. And Allah’s punishment is not from the wrongdoers [very] far.” [Quran 11:82, 83] Similarly, Allah The Exalted destroyed the people of Nooh (Noah) AS, Thamood, ‘Aad and the Companions of the Thicket. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “So each We seized for his sin; and among them were those upon whom We sent a storm of stones, and among them were those who were seized by the blast [from the sky], and among them were those whom We caused the earth to swallow, and among them were those whom We drowned. And Allah would not have wronged them, but it was they who were wronging themselves.” [Quran 29:40] The remorse of unjust people is useless if it comes too late: “And the Day that the unjust [person] will bite at both his hands, [and] say, “Oh, would that I had taken to myself a way along with the Messenger.” [Quran 25:27] Injustice is one of the sins that cause one to be punished in this world and in the Hereafter because it affects others. This is no surprise, as the wronged person humbly and bitterly supplicates against the person who did injustice to him, and Allah The Exalted answers his supplication, Saying: “By My Might and Exaltedness, I shall rescue you, even if it be after some time.”

Hence, fear Allah The Almighty; be just and return the rights to whom they are due, before there comes a day when there will be no repelling.

Concluded

54

FRIDAY, DE ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Morocco Top Group F to Reach Last 16 First Time in 36 Years 2022 WORLD CUP

same spoiler role that Saudi Arabia played in getting Mexico out of the tournament on Wednesday night.

Now, a massive test awaits the Moroccans whose next round fixture against the team that finished second in Group E, could potentially be Spain or Germany.

Group Stage Exit Ends Martinez’s Era as Belgium Coach Following group phase exit of Belgium at the on-going World Cup in Qatar, Roberto Martinez, has ended his tenure as the Red Devils coach.

The Spaniard, 49, was appointed in 2016 and would have been out of contract after the end of this tournament.

Belgium, who are ranked second behind Brazil in FIFA rating, finished same third spot they achieved at the last World Cup finals in Russia to also exit the tournament. They were amongst the favourite to Win Qatar 2022.

But the Red Devils were eliminated after a dismal group stage, which saw them upset by Morocco and score just one goal.

"That was my last game. It was emotional as you can imagine," Martinez said after Belgium's World Cup exit on Thursday evening.

"The decision was taken just before the World Cup. I always work towards the long-term projects and they need to be set in advance.

"Since 2018 I had many opportunities to leave to take jobs at club level. I always wanted to be loyal and finish the job. I don't resign it is the end of my contract.

That was always the plan."

They laboured to a 1-0 win over Canada in their opener and, knowing they had to win their last group

DURO IKHAZUAGBE Reporting live

Knowing if they avoided defeat they would go through, Morocco was happy to sit back and soak up pressure in the second period.

But Atiba Hutchinson came close

with a header that rattled the crossbar and dropped down onto the line as Canada's campaign ended without a point.

The Atlas Lions, whose previous

trip to the last 16 came in 1986, finished above 2018 finalists Croatia, while Belgium - ranked second in the world - are out after finishing third in the group.

Belgium won 70 percent of their matches under Martinez game to reach the last 16, could only manage a 0-0 draw against Croatia.

Belgium topped the world rankings from September 2018 to March 2022.

Martinez continued: "It's been six years since I arrived with a clear idea to qualify for the World Cup. You get engaged with the people and we felt we needed to give it another go.

"It's been a real joy. I'm so proud of these players. It's been amazing, it's been six years that we have been able to do everything you want to do in a club in a national team and that makes me extremely proud. We love the way this team has played.

Tingo Dangles Goodies for Fans at NPFLDozy Mmobuosi Foundation Tourney To attract fans to the NPFL-Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation pre-season tournament scheduled to hold at the Mobalaji Stadium between December 6 and 9, management team of the competition, Tingo Media Group has announced a package of goodies for spectators.

The Chief Operating Officer of Tingo Media, Martins Ebuwa Agbonwaneten, said yesterday that the incentive is being provided to give fans a rewarding experience in addition to the entertaining football games the participating clubs would be providing on the pitch.

"Our plan is to provide a refreshing new experience to the organisation of football tournaments in the country and this we are doing by offering rewards to the clubs through huge prize money, the players through the individual performance awards and the fans through our valuable goodie bags",

Morocco went ahead after just four minutes courtesy of a goalkeeping howler from Milan Borjan.

The Canada keeper sprinted out of his goal but passed the ball straight to Ziyech, who lofted a cool finish into an open net from 30 yards.

The north African side doubled their advantage through Youssef En-Nesyri's well-taken goal as he controlled Achraf Hakimi's superb pass before firing in.

But sloppy defending gave Canada a route back into the game when West Ham's Nayef Aguerd stuck a boot out to divert the ball into his own net - the 100th goal scored at this World Cup.

Sponsored by:

Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 in a nervy encounter on Thursday to top Group F and reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 36 years.

The Atlas Lions are the second African country behind Senegal to book their place in the knockout phase of the Qatar 2022 tournament.

Despite nothing at stake for the Canadians, they almost towed the

Agbonwaneten explained.

The tournament comes with a first of its kind N100million prize money and additional N1million each for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Highest Goal Scorer.

Meanwhile, the NPFL-Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation pre-season tournament packaged by Tingo Media has contracted Eureka Media Services as the Official Broadcast Production agency.

The Ikeja-based agency will oversee the live production of all the matches on the tournament's YouTube channel.

The Tingo Media boss said the live broadcast of the matches is consistent with the Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation intent to bring expose the best of players in Nigeria to the international football community.

The production equipment, it was learnt will include state of the art Outside Broadcast Van, latest hitec digital cameras and trained operators.

Atlas Lions of Morocco players and officials celebrating after the 2-1 win over Canada yesterday

Permutations for FIFA, Football Chiefs Serenade Pinnick @52 in Doha Friday Fixtures

FIFA Executive Council Member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, marked his 52nd birthday here in Doha, Qatar yesterday with President of the world football body, Gianni Infantino present to felicitate with the former Nigerian football chief.

The brief but well attended birthday brunch which held at the exclusive, highbrow Diplomatic Club in The Pearl area of the city, was celebrated with amazing food, drinks, music and of course, cakes.

Speaking at the event, the FIFA President, Infantino who was accompanied to the event by his Lebanese wife, Leena Al Ashqar, congratulated Pinnick on his 52nd birthday and prayed for good health and success both personal and professionally for him.

“In this FIFA World Cup year, I am most appreciative of your support and collaboration in making this tournament such a successful and

unique event, carrying a message of hope, unity and solidarity,” Infantino told THISDAY at the ceremony.

He described the 2022 World Cup here in Qatar as an exciting and incredible tournament. “The public and fans here have made it a celebration of football in the best possible way.”

Infantino insisted he has been impressed by the performance of the African teams here so far, especially the defeat of the defending champions France by Tunisia at the Education Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The FIFA President is particularly excited that some of the African teams are going to make it to the knockout rounds unlike what happened four years ago in Russia when they all exited in the first round.

He said he hopes Nigeria makes it to the next edition to be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

The FIFA President later presented

a customized Qatar 2022 match ball to Pinnick as his birthday gift.

Birthday boy, Pinnick who is also a CAF Executive Committee member, was full of praises for his beautiful wife Julie and the FIFA secretariat for putting together the birthday brunch for him.

He expressed his happiness with his birthday happening in a tournament where it is possible to watch between two and three matches in one day due to the compact nature of Qatar, the host country.

“This World Cup in Qatar is historic. This might not happen again in our life time for us to have the opportunity to watch two to three matches in one day. As at the last count, I have watched 32 matches. This is something special,” observed Pinnick who stressed that he would have been happier if Nigeria had qualified and here at Qatar 2022.

L-R: Deputy Secretary General of FIFA, Mathias Graftstrom; Mrs Leena Al Ashqar and her FIFA President husband, Gianni Infantino; Celebrant, Amaju Pinnick; FIFA Council Member, Hani Aboriba; Mrs Julie Pinnick; FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura and FIFA Council Member and President, Romania FA, Razvan Bearleneau at Pinnick's birthday brunch in Doha, Qatar... yesterday

The FIFA World Cup 2022 group stage draws to a close with an all-European showdown between Serbia and Switzerland in Group G. r *G BMSFBEZ RVBMJàFE #SB[JM EP OPU lose to Cameroon in the section’s other final fixture, Serbia will advance to the round of 16 with a victory, while a draw will suffice for Switzerland, who will also secure progress with a win regardless of the result in the other game. r (IBOB BOE 6SVHVBZ NFFU GPS only the second time, with their first encounter a dramatic 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final that the South American side won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, Ghana having missed a spot kick in the final minute of extra time. r (IBOB IBT UISFF QPJOUT UP Uruguay’s one in Group H and will be certain of reaching the knockout stage for the first time since that tournament in South Africa with a victory or a draw if Korea Republic fail to beat already-qualified section leaders Portugal. r 6SVHVBZ JT ZFU UP TDPSF JO Qatar, but if they beat Ghana, they will still make it through to the round of 16 unless Korea Republic also wins and maintain their superior goal difference.

Uruguay have won their last three final group matches at the FIFA World Cup and are unbeaten at the tournament against African opponents.

55

FRIDAY, DE ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

Germany Out as Japan Lead Spain to Knockout Phase Four-time winners Germany have been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup at the group stages for a second consecutive tournament.

But the dramatic comeback of Japan’s Samurai Blue against Spain in the top of the group clash dominated

headlines in a 2-1 win and topped the log ahead of the former champions of the tournament.

Alvaro Morata headed home an opener for Spain in a dominant first half just as Germany were dominant against Costa Rica and needing

the La Rojas to extend their lead but reverse was the case after 90 minutes of play.

Hansi Flick's men were expected to put in a much-improved performance four years on from their disastrous campaign as champions in 2018, but

things got off to a disastrous start with a shock loss to Japan. Germany had led the game, but were pegged back through two late goals thanks to some great substitutions and rather terrible defending from Niklas Sule.

However, two quick goals for

Japan shortly after restart changed the narrative, with goals from Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka, flipped the entire group on its head.

Sergio Busquets thundered over the bar early on before almost giving away a goal at the other end straight after. A sloppy touch from the midfielder put Japan in on goal but Junya Ito's shot flew into the side netting.

Spain's lead came 11 minutes in through Morata, who rose highest to meet a Cesar Azpilicueta cross

and head home.

La Roja prevented Japan from getting back into the game by simply holding possession, with the stats showing they sat at nearly 80% half an hour in, and that rose to 83% by the end of what was a one-sided first 45 minutes.

Just three minutes into the second half, however, Japan tied it up out of nowhere with a thunderous strike from substitute Doan, whose powerful strike from the edge of the box was too much for Unai Simon.

HOW THEY STAND Group A 1 2 3 4

Team Netherlands Senegal Ecuador Qatar

Pl 3 3 3 3

W 2 2 1 0

D 1 0 1 0

L 0 1 1 3

F 5 5 4 1

A 1 4 3 7

GD 4 1 1 -6

Pts 7 6 4 0

F 9 2 4 1

A 2 1 7 6

GD 7 1 -3 -5

Pts 7 5 3 1

F 5 2 2 3

A 2 2 3 5

GD 3 0 -1 -2

Pts 6 4 4 3

F 6 3 1 1

A 3 4 1 3

GD 4 -1 0 -2

Pts 6 6 4 1

F 4 9 6 3

A 3 3 5 11

GD 1 6 -1 -8

Pts 6 4 4 3

F 4 4 1 2

A 1 1 2 5

GD 3 3 -1 -3

Pts 7 5 4 0

F 3 1 3 3

A 0 1 4 5

GD 3 0 -1 -2

Pts 6 3 1 1

F 5 5 2 0

A 2 5 3 2

GD 3 0 -1 -2

Pts 6 3 1 1

Group B 1 2 3 4

Team England USA Iran Wales

Pl 3 3 3 3

W 2 1 1 0

1 2 3 4

Team Pl Argentina 3 Poland 3 Mexico 3 Saudi Arabia 3

W 2 1 1 1

D 1 2 0 1

L 0 0 2 2

Group C The contentious pull out that resulted into Japan's winner against Spain... yesterday evening

I have No Reason to Apologise to Ghana, Suarez Insists Defiantly Unrepentant Uruguay striker, Luis Suarez, insisted yesterday that he has no reason to apologise to Ghana for his handball that stopped the Black Stars from qualifying for the semi-final of the World Cup in South Africa 12 years ago.

Ghana was on the verge of making history qualifying for Africa’s first semi-final in the FIFA World Cup at South Africa 2010 but Suarez punched out the goal-bound ball. Asamoah Gyan missed the resultant penalty after the Uruguayan forward was sent off while the South Americans went through to the last 4.

Speaking at the pre-match conference yesterday ahead of the crucial Group G final game between Ghana and Uruguay

RESULTS Costa Rica Japan Canada Croatia

2-4 2-1 1-2 0-0

Germany Spain Morocco Belgium

FIXTURES Ghana Korea Cameroon Serbia

vs vs vs vs

Uruguay -4pm Portugal -4pm Brazil -8pm Switzerland -8pm

at the Al Janoub Stadium today, Suarez said he was penalized for the offence and has no reason to apologise to the Black Stars.

"The Ghana player (Asamoah Gyan) missed the penalty, not me," insisted the former Liverpool forward.

Since the unfortunate incident 12 years ago, today’s game here in Qatar is the first time both countries will meet at this senior level of the game.

"I don't apologise for it. I apologise if I injure a player but I took a red

card for the handball. It wasn't my fault (that Ghana went out) because I didn't miss the penalty,” Suarez insisted defiantly.

His actions in 2010 sparked outrage in Ghana, partly as a result of his exuberant celebrations on the touchline as Uruguay won on penalties. Suarez's side were then beaten in the last four by the Netherlands.

The current Ghana squad have however sought to play down talk of revenge against Suarez and Uruguay, with captain Andre Ayew - the

only remaining player from the 2010 squad - saying he wants to move on.

"Everyone felt bad (in 2010) but for me I just want to get to the next stage," he said. "Revenge or not, we would go with the same determination and desire to win. I am not looking back; I don't want to focus on the past."

Ghana needs a win to get into the knockout stage - but a defeat would see the South American side progress if South Korea fail to beat Portugal.

Nigeria Withdraw from ITTF WYC in Tunisia The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has officially written to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) of its decision to withdraw the boys’ team from next month’s World Youth Championships (WYC) taking in Tunisia on December 4 to 11.

According to the President of NTTF, Ishaku Tikon, the decision to withdraw the team was based on the lack of funds as efforts by the federation to secure funds from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development failed to materialise.

Tikon who was pained by the withdrawal said the federation had written to the ministry about the trip but several visits and pleas to secure the funds failed as the usual

no-fund excuse became the order of the day.

“I knew what these boys went through before qualifying for this tournament and for two months we had written to the ministry about the trip but we did not get any result from all the visits as the excuse was that there were no funds. I am not happy that our young players will not be competing with their counterparts at the biggest youth gathering in Tunis. But this is where we found ourselves as it is beyond the federation and this prompted us to withdraw the team in order to avoid possible sanction from the world table tennis ruling body,” he said.

However, a staff of the Ministry

of Youth and Sports Development who pleaded anonymity said it is high time the federation looked beyond the ministry for funds to attend major competitions. “I think most federations are not looking inward to source for sponsors to prosecute most of their programmes.

The ministry has a lot to carter for and the fund available cannot meet the needs of all federations. So, federations should go out there and seek support from private sectors to bankroll their activities because the approved budget for sports cannot cater for all federations,” he said.

(Handicap 0 -20); and the Ladies’ Category II (Handicap 21 – 30).

Other categories are the CBN workers, CBN retired staff category, CBN guests’ category and the Veterans category for men and ladies.

It is a stroke play event also played as a shot gun” format, with all competing golfers teeing-off simultaneously from different points on the golf course.

The overall winner is expected to cart away the Best Nett Prize.

Aside the regular prizes, auxiliary prizes will also be awarded for

Nearest to the Pin for ladies, men and CBN staff; Longest Drive for ladies, men and CBN staff.

CBN’s spokesperson, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, said that the apex bank remained devoted to the promotion and development of sports by sponsoring the competition annually in line with the its corporate social responsibility.

The tournament, a major on the tournament calendar of IBB Golf is to enable distinguished personalities in government, the organized private sector and diplomatic corps to recreate, compete and network.

TotalEnergies Joint Venture has flag-off its 2022 football tournament for OML58 host communities in Rivers State.

This year's is the 19th edition of the annual football competition organised for youths from the 18 communities hosting the facilities of the oil multinational.

The participating communities include; Okinali, Egite, Rumuekpe, Obagi, Ihuaje, Ogbogu, Ede, Obite, Obiyebe, Odhiaje and Akabuka.

Others are Oboburu, Idu, Amah, Erema, Ibewa, Alimini and Akabta.

The communities cut across four

D 0 1 1 0

L 1 1 1 2

Group D 1 2 3 4

Team France Australia Tunisia Denmark

Pl 3 3 3 3

W 2 2 1 0

1 2 3 4

Team Japan Spain Germany Costa Rica

Pl 3 3 3 3

W 2 1 1 1

D 0 0 1 1

L 1 1 1 2

Group E D 0 1 1 0

L 1 1 1 2

Group F Team Morocco Croatia Belgium Canada

Pl 3 3 3 3

W 2 1 1 0

Team Brazil Switzerland Cameroon Serbia

Pl 2 2 2 2

W 2 1 0 0

1 2 3 4

D 1 2 2 0

L 0 0 1 3

Group G D 0 0 1 1

L 0 1 1 1

Group H 1 2 3 4

Team Pl Portugal 2 Ghana 2 Korea Republic 2 Uruguay 2

W 2 1 0 0

D 0 0 1 1

L 0 1 1 1

TotalEnergies Kick-start 19th Football Tournament OML58 Host Communities in Rivers 200 Players Bid for CBN Governor’s Golf Cup Prizes for Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Local Government Areas of the state; young talents who could be further Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Over 200 golfers will make up the field at the 15th edition of the CBN Governor’s Golf Cup that tees-off tommorow at IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

The 18-hole annual spectacle is sponsored by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the IBB Golf Club.

The contestants will seek honours in eight different categories: Men’s Category I (Handicap 0 – 14); Men’s Category II (Handicap 15 – 28) Gross (Men); Ladies’ Category I

Emohua, Ikwerre, Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni and Ahoada.

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, held at Okinali in Elele town, Ikwerre LGA, Deputy Managing Director, JV Asset of TotalEnergies, Mr. Guillaume DULOUT, said the tournament was aimed at promoting peace and harmony in its host Communities.

Represented by Henry Ehuike, Manager, Stakeholders Engagement, Strategy and Management of the firm, DOLOUT said this year's competition features young players, adding that it targets discovery of

developed and projected for a career in football.

DOLOUT explained: "This competition began in 2002 following the decision of the NNPCLTEPNG Joint Venture to promote football as a way of galvanising cordial relationships and promoting peace and harmony in its host Communities.

"The Joint Venture is determined to identify with this competition as a demonstration of our commitment to engage the youths in positive ventures that can promote sustainable socio-economic development as well as empowerment.

Friday December 2, 2022

TR

UT H

& REASO

N

Price: N250

MISSILE Labour Party to Nigerians “We can’t and shouldn’t miss this great opportunity that 2023 affords us to correct our past mistakes and put Nigeria on the part of progress, Security, unity, economic recovery and buoyancy. Many politicians are now on the prowl to deceive voters with all kinds of promises, both realistic and unrealistic.

Will Nigerians allow themselves to be deceived again?” –Lagos Central LP Senatorial Candidate, Adesunbo Onitiri, cautions voters to vote wisely.

AKINOSUNTOKUN Between (Ethnic) Nationalism and Patriotism DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

T

he compelling virtue of the Afenifere endorsement of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi and the countervailing tirade of the Anambra state governor, Charles Soludo, can be reduced to the theoretical distinction between patriotism and nationalism. Unlike nationalism, good citizenship or patriotism is not a function of racial/ethnic identity. It is a conscientious Yoruba and good Nigerian who concludes that it is the turn of the Igbo to be the beneficiary of the observance of power rotation to the South.

All cultures are ennobled by the application of the fundamental scriptural dictum ‘to love your neighbour as you love yourself’. As it is commonly known, this precept is originally a member of the ten commandments. For that matter, in the hierarchy of the decalogue, it shares primacy with the stipulation that “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind,” And it doubles as the meaning of Afenifere-I wish you the goodness I wish for myself. It is also on all fours with the Yoruba cultural ethic of omoluabi (a well brought up).

Conformity with this etiquette requires us to take the position that within the context of the principle of power rotation, the rotation to the South this time around should be attributed to the South East zone. It bears restatement that of the three zones comprising the South namely the South West, South South and South East, it is the latter that has not had the privilege of providing the Nigerian President. It is a categorically simple and clear ethical position and a fulfilment of the logic of the prior power rotation between the North and South. And any contrary position fails to stand-to the extent of its incompatibility with the universally applicable principles of fairness, equity and justice.

One of my more remarkable moments with the late Dr Mahmud Tukur was the day I saw him in the company of his close friend Alhaji Maman Daura during the constitutional conference called by the late General Sani Abacha in 1994. Both Northern icons were delegates to the conference. As a student of Nigerian politics and coming from a different ethno national background, my association with Tukur was a standing political science seminar reminiscent of our political science student days at the university of Lagos. At the time of his transition a few years ago, he had become the leading political science pundit (of the conservative wing) of the northern political establishment. I had engaged with him in an endless debate on the political and constitutional direction of Nigeria and he massively indulged me.

In the course of a debate session I proposed that ‘a good Yoruba, ibibio, Tivi or fulani is necessarily a good Nigerian’ and the corollary that a bad Yoruba or Kanuri makes a bad Nigerian. In its most general elaboration, it is

Obi

a reiteration of the universality of mankind in which vice and virtue are common cultural attributes of all societies. That vice or virtue is not the exclusive preserve of any society.

There is no uniquely virtuous polity neither is their a singularly dysfunctional contrast.

I was going to use the illustration of the Sultan of sokoto to make the point. I argued that whereas the previous Sultan Abubakar Siddique was a good sultan, he was also a good Nigerian authoritative figure in contrast to the then reigning Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki whom I deemed a bad Sultan hence a bad Nigerian leader. At which point Tukur bidded me to shut up. When the encounter reverted to just the two of us he educated me that his friend and companion, Maman Daura, was Dasuki’s son in law.

Consistent with the underlying bad faith of his entire tirade against Obi, Governor Soludo advocates that the rule of engagement with Nigerian politics for Ndigbo should be the prioritisation of the ideology of the politics of consumption over the sacrificial politics of development; of cynicism over hope; of nationalism over patriotism; of selfishness over altruism. The kind, according to him, that the Yoruba is purportedly playing in cahoots with Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He lamented “When will Ndigbo understand and learn politics, especially of Nigeria? When Bola Ahmed Tinubu defied the political wind of the time and stood out as the “only man standing” in AD and later AC (before ACN) against a sitting president of Yoruba descent, no one accused him of being “anti-Yoruba”.

Indeed, everyone recalls that both Tinubu and President Obasanjo disagreed politically, and probably still disagree—but none is being accused of being “anti- Yoruba”. Under Tinubu, the South West strategically organized

akinosuntokun@thisdaylive.com

under a different political party, the ACN and went into a formidable alliance that kicked out a sitting president (in Africa?), and that alliance is not broken yet” Here Soludo took to playing the all knowing and wisecracking patriarch trying desperately to reorient a straying family entourage to the path of political salvation. It was typically a sham. Ndigbo had indeed pursued his prescriptions, the problem is that on those occasions they took the prescriptions, it often ended as a cure worse than the disease. When in 1960, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe shunned Chief obafemi Awolowo and sought comfort in the expansive embrace of the Northern Peoples Congress, NPC, whose prescription was he heeding? When Dr Alex Ekwueme joined the ticket of Shehu Shagari in opposition to that of Awolowo and Philip Umeadi in 1979 what kind of politics was he signifying?

When Ikemba Emeka Ojukwu came back from exile in 1979 and got lured into so called mainstream politics of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, to contest for the Senate, how did the romance end? Did all become rosy for Ndigbo thereafter?. And where did Soludo get this idea that the ‘Yoruba strategically organized themselves under Tinubu’? How does this assumption square with the reality of the failure to contrive an endorsement of Tinubu as the Yoruba candidate at Akure the other day. Not to talk of the demystifying defeat (by proxy) he suffered at the osun state governorship election (at a time he needed to validate his perception as the strong man of Yoruba politics). If indeed the Yoruba strategically organized themselves under Tinubu, then such strategy has left the Yoruba worse off-given the nightmarish experience of the past seven years.

Peer rivalry and competitiveness is the natural order of human societies, so there is nothing wrong in Soludo craving the soaring glory of his rival. But leadership is inclusive of the ability to manage frustrations and disappointment with grace not with Freudian incontinence. What I find particularly galling was the recourse to the mercenary misappropriation of Nigeria’s political experience especially the analogy of rival regional contenders and serve it (a la carte) as a model political behaviour deserving of emulation. Invariably, such recommended behaviour panders to the degenerate power politics status quo and sees political virtue in following the multitude to do evil, to join them if you cannot beat them.

Before the villainy of plunging the killer dagger into the heart of his mentor, Brutus bequeathed to the world a memorable quote “there is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood leads on to fortune”. In its magnitude and velocity I doubt if many of us saw this contemporary tide coming. The only contribution Obi has made has been the ability to seize the moment. Others like the former governor of cross river state, Donald

Duke lent the metaphysical perspective that ‘the stars have perfectly aligned for Peter’.

To recap You can be a Yoruba nationalist without being a good man but you cannot be a good Yoruba if you are not a good man. In their savage genocidal cruelty, the former Serbia warlords Slobodan Milosevic and Ratco Mladic were exemplars of Serbian nationalism and so was their German nationalist counterpart, Adolf Hitler. In this electoral cycle you would have heard some of the presidential candidates making the good-to the -ear illustration that we all equally suffer from nature’s vicissitudes and commonly enjoy the dubious regime of oil subsidy. That the fulani do not buy food cheaper in the market than the ibibio. That the adversity of the power outage dysfunction is commonly visited on Nigerians regardless of whether you are Tiv or ikwere. And before Mr Peter Obi is adjudged a potentially good Nigerian president he must have been a good governor of Anambra state and good Igbo.

On the polemical juxtaposition of nationalism and patriotism, President Emmanuel Macron of France has been my unlikely teacher. It was from him that I learnt there is a nuanced contraposition between patriotism and nationalism, that the former is good while the latter is bad. That nationalism belongs in the same category as tribalism. You might have noted that with the advent of Donald Trump and the American first nationalism mantra, American politics was trending towards racism.

Tribalism, nationalism, racism, xenophonia, intolerance, isolationism, expansionist military crusades, enacting anti-immigrant policies and extreme right radicalism are all members of the same family. From the little beginnings of the muster seed of nationalism sprouts the monstrous oak of fascism. Take a bow Donald Trump, Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, Vladimir Putin, Marie Le Pen ad nauseum Extrapolating from the resurgence of ultranational chauvinism in contemporary Europe and elsewhere, Macron shared the insight that patriotism is ‘the exact opposite of nationalism: nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism’. He agonised that the old demons of nationalism are resurfacing, ready to finish off their work of chaos and death. That history often threatens to retake its tragic course and threaten our heritage of peace that we believed we had definitively settled with our ancestors’ blood.” It is important not to confuse nationalism with patriotism.

Whereas the encyclopedia defines patriotism is a healthy pride in your country (or your ethnic identity) which brings about feelings of loyalty and a desire to help other citizens.

Nationalism (or tribalism) is the belief that your country or nation is superior, without question or doubt. The difference between patriotism and nationalism is simple - a patriot loves his country and is proud of it for what it does whereas a nationalist loves his country and is proud of his country NO MATTER WHAT IT DOES.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com