SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2024

At 31.34%, Nigerian Stock Market Returns Among Top Four Best-performing Exchanges in Africa

Kayode Tokede

Despite challenges in the foreign exchange market and a regime of double-digit inflation rate, the Nigerian stock market investors’

returns currently stand at 31.34 per cent in its Year-till-Date (YtD) growth, emerging as one of the top four best-performing Exchanges in Africa, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

Investigations further revealed that the Ghana Stock Exchange Composite Index (GSE-CI), and the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) in their YtD performance emerged as the first and second best-performing

exchanges respectively, in Africa. In YtD performance, GSE-CI stood at 51.38 per cent on investors' returns, while the MSE All Share Index appreciated to 48.86 per cent as of the December 6, 2024 close of

the market.

GSE-CI emerged as Africa's top-performing market due to the resilience of key sectors, macroeconomic stabilisation, hike in prices of Gold and increasing trading volume

and liquidity.

Improvements in Ghana's economic stability, including a recovery from the domestic debt exchange programme

Continued on page 5

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Nigerian Economy, Security Improving, Tinubu Declares, Promises Better Days Ahead

Again, FG Allays Fears about Tax Reforms, Says Bills Not against North

Olawale Ajimotokan in Kaduna

The federal government has again allayed fears about the proposed tax reforms, saying that the bills are not against the northern part of the country as being speculated in some quarters.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who gave the reassurance yesterday, insisted that the overhaul of Nigeria's tax system was long overdue.

This is just as the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) yesterday advised political leaders to defuse tension and end polarisation over the tax reform bills after a briefing by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and other members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Speaking yesterday in Kaduna at a public lecture with the theme: ‘Tax Reform: The Role of Public

Continued on page 5

L-R: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzorka-Anite; and Business leader, Mr. Tunji Olowolafe, at the burial of Uzorka-Anite’s mum in Oguta, Imo State… Friday

Linus Aleke in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the Nigerian economy is improving and promised that Nigerians will experience better

Represented by the National Security Advisor (NSA), Mallam Nuhu

at the graduation ceremony held yesterday in Abuja for the Executive Intelligence Management

Bandits Kill Eight, Abduct Scores after Two-day Siege in Katsina

There was palpable tension ongoing in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State yesterday as armed bandits reportedly killed at least eight people, abducted scores and wounded several others.

“Earlier this morning, they (bandits) drove off one truck (pick-up), and now they’ve driven off another full of people,” a source said.

“To escape the clutches of these ruthless criminals, many villagers have fled into the forest in search of safety and some of them have been killed in the process,” the source revealed.

It was learnt that the hoodlums are currently leading their numerous captives to their hideouts as many of the residents continue to run for their dear lives.

A credible source who requested anonymity revealed that the bandits in a series of attack that started yesterday, targeted several communities in Kankara LGA.

“Yesterday, they killed one person at Gidan Damo, one at Gidan Umoru and two others in Ungwan Mai Kawo. Also, in Burdugau G, Malumfashi LGA, they killed one person and burnt

a car. Four people are currently hospitalized as a result.”

The source further revealed, “Today, the situation has worsened with residents of Yargoje and Dankunuji been particularly hard-hit. The criminals captured several people, killed one and wounded several others.”

According to the source, “The bandits who are currently forcing

their numerous captives to embark on a journey back to their hideouts, are presently at Gidan Boka.”

The source attributed the attacks to a notorious bandit kingpin, whom he identified as Ba’baru of Gidan Gamji. The notorious bandit has strong presence in Powa, Jeka, and Masalawa, and is currently operating under the Maidaki ward.

AGAIN, FG ALLAYS FEARS ABOUT TAX REFORMS, SAYS BILLS NOT AGAINST NORTH

Relations in Fostering Constructive Dialogue for National Economic Renaissance’, organised by the Kaduna State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Idris argued that the country's tax administration system had become long overdue for reform, on account of design and implementation flaws as well as the general attitudes of taxpayers toward taxation.

"In my vision, we have something that the president is working on to turn things around. Let us support this. Let us also give our cooperation at all times.

"Of course, there are areas of misunderstanding or areas of concern. This is a democracy.

I think the President, being a democrat himself, is always supportive of that kind of activity. But I think that we need to engage more and l hope that the synergy, as the president has said, will also help us in that direction. We want to say to all of you that because of the beginning of the new awakening that is going to happen, we will talk more and more, go on with more and more conversations, and engage for the benefit of our country," Idris said.

The minister said the theme of discourse had brought to the fore the place of constructive dialogue as a vital pillar of democracy.

"The topic before us today is a sensitive yet important and inescapable one: taxation. It was the American statesman, Benjamin Franklin, who famously said that “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

"All over the world, effective taxation is important as a source of financial power for governments to provide social services for their citizens

"However, there are plenty of reasons to believe and assert that Nigeria’s tax administration system has become long overdue for reform, on account of design and implementation flaws as well as the general attitudes of taxpayers toward taxation," Idris said.

On his part, a foremost Islamic cleric, Sheik Ahmed Gumi, said the tax reform bill was not the most important problem confronting the country at the moment Gumi described the tax bills as very positive things but insisted reforms in tax were not more important than other reforms like regional governance.

He described the efforts geared

NIGERIAN ECONOMY, SECURITY IMPROVING, TINUBU DECLARES, PROMISES BETTER DAYS AHEAD

While acknowledging the tough challenges facing the nation, Tinubu emphasised that progress was being made.

“Things are happening in our country today. People may not like us. They probably will disagree with one or two. But fundamentally, things are changing. And Nigeria will change,” he said.

Tinubu noted the complexities of addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges but assured citizens of brighter days ahead.

“The economy is changing. Very tough, very difficult, very huge challenges we are facing. But I can assure you, better days are ahead of us,” he stated.

The president also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring security and stability in the country.

He warned bad actors, both within and outside Nigeria, that they would face justice.

“If you are a bad man, whether you are inside Nigeria or outside, you are in trouble. We will go after you. We will bring you to justice,” he declared.

In his remarks, the former governor of Niger State and exchairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Dr Babangida Aliyu, took a swipe at those against the Tax Reform Bills.

According to him, those against it have not taken their time to study the bill.

Aliyu also criticised the government for poor communication about the policy.

He added that the citizens need to understand that no policy benefits everyone equally.

He said, “I was speaking to the NSA when we were in the common room, and I said to him, look, many of the people debating the tax bill have not read it. But again, there is the problem of communication; the government should speak.

“Moreso, when the majority

of the people are not literate. You should be the first to speak on any major policy, particularly a policy that will bring changes so that the people can understand.

“People can know that there is no policy that will come to somebody, if the majority comes and one person is disturbed, you can only tell him. But you cannot say because of one person, the policy cannot be taken. So, communication is very, very important.”

Aliyu also recommended the death sentence for any criminal who kills any personnel of the military, police or any other uniformed officer.

Aliyu specifically called on relevant authorities charged with the responsibility of making policies to consider his recommendation to have deterrence on the rising cases of security officers’ killings.

He slammed governors for blaming the federal government for insecurity and security challenges in their respective states.

According to him, no competent governor should “cry” to the federal government anytime there is a security challenge.

He questioned what the security votes and security reports they received were used for.

Earlier, the Director-General of DSS, Adeola Ajayi said Nigeria would not experience any security issues again if all security agencies worked together the way it should be.

“Together we can win. CDS and NSA have driven a synergy in a way I have never seen in my career. We need to work together. Our takeaway from here is that no security challenges can’t defeat us if we work together.

“Very soon, all Nigerians will sleep with their two eyes closed. Thank the president for the direction you are taking the country. Thank you for appointing me. I will never let you down.”

towards the exercise as "putting the cart before the horse".

Also contributing to the debate, a social critic and former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani urged the northern establishment not to constitute opposition to Tinubu’s administration on account of the tax reforms.

He urged the North to look inward and tell itself the truth rather than use religious sentiment to destroy the bills.

"This is the first time that a deliberate attempt is made to reset the Nigerian economy that has become stunted and parasitic over the years.

"The choice is for us in the country to continue to do things in the way of the past or look at the future areas of concern for us. We should stop intimidating our lawmakers and be the first to always complain against any policy as anti-North," Sani said.

He described the North as the country's most blessed region that is sitting on untapped natural resources, adding the contentious bills will catalyse the economic development of the region.

The lead discussant, Professor Mustapha Bagudo, said the concern of the north on the tax reform bills stemmed from VAT and education levy.

He said if NASENI and TETFUND are scrapped, it would have adverse effects on

the educational sector.

"The question that we need to discuss is, what is the implication of this? When you go to the higher institutions in Nigeria today, what you can see is the tax fund structure.

“If you remove the tax fund structure in this institution, those institutions will cease to exist. If by 2030, you say the tax fund will cease to exist, what will happen to the Nigerian high institutions?” he queried.

Bagudo, however, declared that the north was unnecessarily overheating the polity on the issue of VAT saying "We need to talk to ourselves".

"In the long run, if we can put our house in order, we are going to benefit from this. My concern is if the 60 per cent is based on derivation or is it based on consumption. If it is based on consumption, northerners should not panic.

"Number one, they said 20 per cent based on equity. What is our concern on that 20 per cent based on equity? We are all part of Nigeria. They said 20 per cent based on population. Who is going to benefit when it comes to population? Northerners. Now, the third component is our concern.

"The concern is that if the 60 per cent is based on consumption, then why are we worried? Why

are we worried? Because if it is based on derivation, now there is a problem because gradation will be affected. Maybe most of the companies are based in Lagos. That is our concern," he said.

He also faulted the North on the issue of VAT from alcohol consumption.

He said any income generated from sale of alcohol is not allowed in Islam because the religion is against alcohol consumption.

In his remarks, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Attorney General of the state and Commissioner for Justice, Sule Shuaibu, expressed happiness that President Tinubu had directed that more discussions be held on the tax reform bills.

After Briefing by Ribadu, Others, NSCIA Calls for Calm over Tax Reform Bills

Meanwhile, the NSCIA has advised political leaders to defuse tension and end polarisation over the tax reform bills, describing the raging dispute over the proposed laws as unnecessary and unwarranted.

The NSCIA gave the advice at the end of its 10th meeting of the Expanded General Purpose Committee (EGPC), where the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, led a government

delegation to brief the Muslim leaders on the controversial bills and other issues.

The meeting was convened by its President-General of the Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar, at the National Mosque in Abuja.

In a communique signed by its Secretary General, Salisu Shehu, the group called for “trust building, extensive consultation and mature and genuine dialogue on the tax reform bills”.

NSCIA acknowledged Ribadu’s explanations of the tax reform bills and the opportunity the presentation provided for Muslim leaders to engage government officials critically on the bills.

NSCIA noted that Nigerians are suffering under the harsh economic climate and urged the government at all levels to make the environment more conducive to business to hasten the ease expected from the reforms.

The Islamic body called for the revocation of the private airstrip licence approved for a religious leader, describing it as an aberration of the highest order that could threaten the peace and security of the country;

The NSCIA thanked the members of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly who attended the meeting.

FG: COVID-19 XEC Variant Not in Nigeria

Onyebuchi Ezigbo

in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has clarified that there is no evidence of the strain of the newly detected COVID Variant XEC in Nigeria.

The assurance comes as the variant, first reported in Australia, spreads to 29 countries, raising concerns over its heightened virulence.

The federal government had earlier raised the alarm over the heightened virulence of the disease.

In a press release issued yesterday by the ministry’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, the ministry addressed circulating misinformation

about a supposed resurgence of COVID-19 in the country.

“The good news is that there is no evidence of COVID variant XEC in Nigeria,” the statement confirmed, urging the public to disregard rumours fuelled by a letter with reference number DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL1/46, which has been widely shared online.

The ministry emphasised that the public should remain calm, adhere to universal health precautions, and rely on verified information from official sources.

“In light of the above, the general public is advised not to panic but to continue with the universal precautions of observing personal hygiene,

including regular washing of hands,” Balogun stated.

To mitigate potential risks, the federal government has ramped up its preparedness across Federal Tertiary Hospitals and border entry points. These measures include establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centres, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators.

“The federal government has proactively upgraded our Federal Tertiary Hospitals to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery to all Nigerians in the event of a disease outbreak,” the statement added.

The ministry has also intensified surveillance at Nigeria’s borders and entry points to detect and address any potential

cases of the variant, reassuring Nigerians that proactive measures are in place to safeguard public health. This statement stated that the announcement is a call for vigilance, not alarm, as Nigeria remains free of the new variant.

“Citizens are encouraged to continue their daily activities without disruption while prioritising hygiene and preventive health practices,” it added. In November, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention advised the AU Member States to continue to enhance influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory syndrome surveillance to monitor SARS-CoV-2 cases and emerging variants.

AT 31.34%, NIGERIAN STOCK MARKET RETURNS AMONG TOP FOUR BEST-PERFORMING EXCHANGES IN AFRICA

and a steady cedi, encouraged more participation in the market.

Additionally, Ghana's high treasury bill yields may have attracted investors who eventually diversified into the stock market.

Other top gainers in YtD return include the Lusaka Securities Exchange All Share Index (LuSE) at 46.16 per cent and the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) at 31.34 per cent growth in YtD performance.

Further findings revealed that the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange All Share Index (ZSE ASI) is the only worst Exchange in Africa, as its performance in YtD is at -99.89 per cent.

ZSE ASI is currently faced with hyperinflation and currency challenges, weak foreign participation, corruption and governance issues, among other factors.

Explaining the performance of the Nigerian stock market, analysts have cited foreign investors inflow, the banking sector recapitalisation policy of the CBN, and impressive corporate earnings by banks, among others, as the major drivers.

Following reforms in the foreign exchange market, foreign investors' transactions on the NGX reached a total of N744.34 billion in 10 months of 2024, an increase of 156per cent Year-on-Year (YoY) when compared to N291.38 billion in 10 months of 2023.

The CBN recently implemented significant reforms in the foreign exchange market aimed at enhancing transparency, compliance, and market stability.

These reforms were part of the CBN’s broader strategy to create a fairer, more stable FX market and

support economic growth through better monetary policies.

In tandem with these reforms, the CBN has also implemented aggressive Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) hikes, intending to curb inflation and stabilise the naira, a move supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The inflation rate, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stood at 33.88 per cent as of October 2024 from 28.2per cent November 2023, while MPR has been increased by CBN to 27.50per cent as of December 2024 from 18.75 per cent in November 2023.

“The considerations of the meeting were held in the backdrop of renewed inflationary pressures as the headline food and core measures rose year on year in October 2024. Members therefore agreed unanimously to

remain focused on addressing price developments,” the CBN governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso had said. With the foreign investors' increasing participation in the stock market, the capital raising exercise policy of CBN, among other reforms, the stock prices of Airtel Africa Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, Seplat Energy Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, among others, appreciated significantly. The listing of Transcorp Power Plc, and Aradel Holdings currently valued at N2.7 trillion and N2.25 trillion by market capitalisation also contributed to the stock market's N59.107 trillion growth in the period under review. With the 31.34 per cent YtD growth as of December 6, 2024, in the stock market, analysts have projected that the bourse is not expected to surpass its performance in 2023.

The source expressed deep concern over the incident in Kankara LGA, particularly with the influx of bandits from neighbouring Zamfara State.

Kankara LGA has been a major hotspot for banditry in Katsina State. The Katsina Police Command was yet to confirm the report as at the time of filing this report.

ANOTHER FEATHER IN THEIR CAPS...

Ghana Counts Ballots After Tight Presidential Race

Ghana last night commenced counting ballots after a tight election with the ruling party’s Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia trying to shake off anger over economic woes and rebuff a challenge by opposition party candidate, former President John Mahama.

The country’s struggling economy dominated the election, after West Africa’s gold and cocoa producer went through a debt default, high inflation and negotiations for a $3 billion IMF bailout.

Voters were choosing a successor to Bawumia’s boss, President Nana Akufo-Addo, who will step down after serving the maximum of two four-year terms. They will also elect the country’s new parliament.

Voting was mostly calm, but one person was shot dead and four people arrested at a polling station in Nyankpala in the country’s northern region, police and local media said.

After polls closed at 1700 GMT, election teams immediately began tallying ballots under the watch of agents from political parties before sending them to collation centres.

Preliminary results are expected early today, with full presidential results scheduled by Tuesday.

“Everyone is complaining that prices are high. So, I want a change, I want a good president who will bring in changes,” Abdullah Mohammed, a student said after voting in Accra’s Nima district.

With a history of political stability, Ghana’s two main parties, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have alternated in power equally since the return to multi-party democracy in 1992.

Touting the slogan “Break the 8” — a reference to going past the usual two terms in power — the NPP hopes Bawumia can lead them to an unprecedented third term. But he struggled to break away from criticism of Akufo-Addo’s economic record.

“I think we have done a lot of work with our message to the people and the message has been well received,” Bawumia said after voting in his northern home

A UK-educated economist and former central banker, he points to an economy turning a corner and the government’s continued plans for digitalisation to ease business, as well as free education and health programmes.

But though inflation slowed from more than 50 per cent to around 23 per cent, and other macro-economic indicators are stabilising, the economic pain was still a clear election issue.

Many Ghanaians still say they struggle with the cost of living, scarce jobs and a depreciated cedi currency.

Frustration over the economy has opened the way for a comeback

Allow Courts Do Justice, Afenifere Tells Parties in Babalola, Farotimi Dispute

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, yesterday urged Nigerians to allow the courts to do justice in the determination of the criminal defamation charges brought by the police against rights activist, Mr Dele Farotimi, over the complaint lodged by elder statesman, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN). Afenifere, in a statement by its

National Publicity Secretary, Mr Jare Ajayi, said: “The legal system provides an opportunity for parties in a dispute to prove their cases.

“Afenifere is of the strong opinion that the interests of both parties and the general public must be protected and justice dispensed fairly.

“The court is in the best position to determine how these interests are protected, and to ensure that the prosecution is conducted in a manner

that better serves the interest of justice.

“Afenifere urges all parties to avoid statements and actions that may lead to a breach of peace, while calling on the government to ensure a total observance of the rule of law.

“Afenifere is of the view that the appropriate forum to determine whose rights have been breached and how, is the court of law as established by our constitution.

“Meaning that the matter is

presently where it ought to be, to enable all parties to prove their case.

“We enjoin all parties to conduct themselves in total submission to and respect for the rule of law.

“While looking forward to the judiciary to dispense justice without fear or favour, Afenifere appeals to everyone, including the parties that are directly involved, to resist the temptation of heightening tension,” Afenifere added.

challenge from Mahama, who was president from 2012 to 2017 but has since failed twice in presidential bids.

The NDC flag-bearer says he will “reset” Ghana and introduce a “24-hour economy”, extending industrial hours to create jobs, and also renegotiate parts of the IMF deal.

“Other elections have not been as obvious,” Mahama said, voting in his northern hometown. “With this one, everybody can tell the direction because of the abysmal performance of the Akufo-AddoBawumia government.”

Some analysts gave him an edge because of voter dismay with NPP, but the former president faced criticism from those who remember

financial woes and massive power cuts during his time in office. Both major candidates are from the north of the country — traditionally an NDC stronghold, but now more fragmented — making the region a key battleground. While the economy was key, Ghana also faces an increasing risk of spillover in its northern regions from jihadist conflicts in Niger and Burkina Faso, where military juntas rule. The spread of illegal gold mining also became an election issue. Akufo-Addo promised to stop illegal mining, but it has expanded, poisoning riverways and impacting cacao farmlands — a major source of export income.

Tinubu Appoints New Chairman, Five Executive Directors for SEDC Names two

additional executive directors

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has rejigged his list of nominees for the South East Development Commission (SEDC) board, replacing the initial chairman, Hon. Emeka Atuma, with Dr. Emeka Nworgu.

Obaseki Urges Current Govs to Invest in Emerging Technologies

The former Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged all current sitting governors to invest in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoTs) in order to promote digital transformation in their respective states, insisting that technology will drive state and national development.

Obaseki who said this in Lagos

at the weekend, during the 31st anniversary dinner of the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), where he was honoured with the ‘Digital Governor of the Year Award’ for his outstanding contributions to technology development in the state during his tenure, advised all sitting governors to invest in technology in order to develop their states and empower their citizens.

“Any government, organisation,

institution or community that does not invest in technology and does not utilise technology for the benefit of the citizens, will most likely become extinct in the very near future. Government must play a key role to create the interest and enabling environment for digital developments to thrive in their states. Africa and Nigeria must embrace emerging technologies to develop the people and I am glad we were able to prioritise technology and

digitize innovation during my tenure as governor of Edo State. We are indeed glad and honoured that our modest efforts to transform the state into a digital home was noticed and acknowledged by ATCON,” the former governor said.

Obaseki who spoke to the audience via video conferencing, expressed his happiness over the award. He dedicated the award to the hundreds of digital champions in Edo State, whom he said, worked

The president, in a new list of nominees sent to the Senate for confirmation, replaced all the three executive directors initially nominated and named two additional executive directors.

tirelessly and put in their own hours to ensure that the internet and the various tech solutions that were deployed in the state, were able to support the state’s digital transformation initiative that empowered teachers, health workers, web implementers, and administrators who use Geographic Information System (GIS), including security operators, all of whom use technology to provide services to the citizens.

UN Resident Coordinator Leads March Against Women Abuse in Abuja

UN Women

The

Risk International Foundation (WARIF), and Medicaid Cancer Foundation, the UN Resident Coordinator, alongside the women carried placards demanding an end to violence against women.

They also spoke against what they termed crime not only against women but humanity. Addressing the media after the long walk, Mr. Fall said there was urgent need for an end to violence against women, girls and boys, insisting that everyone needs to be involved in the campaign as it affects the entire human race.

He lamented that the statistics of

violence against women are still very much alarming and showed that it needed to be approached with all-round strategies that would make people know its harm and get offenders no hiding place. Fall said there was still much to be done by the government, law enforcement agencies and leaders in all sectors to build awareness against violence against women and

to expose it for what it is: Crime against humanity. Speaking on the need to put an end to the crime, the former First Lady of Kebbi State and Founder of Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, said with the law against violence against women in place, there is still need to fight on until the society shows it does not tolerate violence against women.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president also removed one of the board members, Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa.

However, Hon. Mark C. Okoye retains his position as the Commission's Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer on the 16-member board, one more member than the initial board.

The new executive director for finance is Stanley Ohajuruka, who replaced Anthony Ugbo in the first list.

Toby Okechukwu is the new executive director of projects. He replaced Obinna Obiekweihe. Chief Sylvester Okonkwo is now the executive director of corporate services, replacing Dr Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja.

The two nominated executive directors without a portfolio are Chidi Echeazu and Dr Clifford Ogbede. The President retained Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Ezenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman and Hamma Adama Ali Kumo.

The other nominees retained are Edward David Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima, and Mrs. Joke AdebayoChukwuma

President Tinubu expects the new nominees, as pioneers, to use their wealth of experience and expertise to actualise the commission's mandate and develop the South-east region.

Walewale.

Emma Okonji

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, yesterday led some prominent women activists in a march on major streets of the Nigerian capital city of Abuja to demand for the end of violence against women.

march was part of activities marking the 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) celebrated worldwide. During the march, which was organised by the

in conjunction with Women at

L-R: Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; and Borno State Governor, Prof. Umar Zulum, shortly after they were conferred with Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri...yesterday

HALL OF FAME INDUCTION...

Intrigues as PDP Govs, Atiku Battle for the Party’s Soul

Former vice president fights back through BoT

Atiku’s loyalists accuse Damagum of promoting Bauchi gov’s presidential ambition

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Details have emerged of the recent meeting of the governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jos, the Plateau State capital, indicating that the state chief executives took steps to regain control of the party and whittle down the influence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, THISDAY has learnt.

This is just as Atiku has mobilised his allies in the party’s Board of

Trustees (BoT) to tackle the National Working Committee (NWC) and the governors over the postponement of the National Executive (NEC) council meeting of the party.

Meanwhile, a pro-Atiku Abubakar group known as the Save PDP Group has accused Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State of being one of the brains behind the decision of the governors to shift the NEC meeting to February 2025.

The Atiku’s loyalists also alleged

that the Acting National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Iliya Damagum is working for the emergence of the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed as the presidential candidate of the party in the 2027 general election.

Multiple sources privy to the deliberations at the Jos meeting of the PDP governors told THISDAY that the Governor of Adamawa State, Fintiri and the host Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State mobilised

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Denies

Endorsing Creation of Anioma State

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has dissociated itself from an advertorial purporting that it endorsed the creation of Anioma State.

The organisation, in a statement by its Secretary General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, said it was an embarrassment to the Igbo people for a few persons to insinuate that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo endorsed the Anioma movement especially as there are also calls for the creation of Aba, Adada, Etiti, Orashi and Orlu states.

The statement stated that the Igbo nation would surely be incensed and rattled by such an advertorial that did not pass through the Igbo cultural consensus.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide further stated that it had pleaded with the signatories to the advertorial “that the Igbo problem is far beyond them.

“The egalitarian Igbo formed an Imeobi Ohanaeze and the Ohanaeze General Assembly where the major issues affecting the Igbo are deliberated upon before arriving at a resolution.

“It must be clearly stated that we do not in any way begrudge the legitimate and inalienable right

of the Anioma movement led by Senator Ned Nwoko.

“We commend the courage and steadfastness of the Distinguished Senator Nwoko but a situation where we have other demands for state creation, such as Aba, Adada, Etiti, Orashi, Orlu States, etc; it is very unthoughtful, harebrained and a huge embarrassment to the Igbo nation for a few persons to use the hallowed name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to issue a far-reaching press release without adequate consultations with the Igbo stakeholders.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Imeobi Ohanaeze will soon be convened to constitute an electoral umpire for the January 2025 Ohanaeze election. During the meeting, Ohanaeze will review the state of affairs in Nigeria and other matters affecting the Igbo.

“Within the week, Ohanaeze had issued a statement to debunk a press release by crises triggers to the effect that Ohanaeze is in a deep crisis. In the release, we reiterated that the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR and that any other press releases emanating from elsewhere should be taken for what it is.

“We once again plead with the above characters to desist from

desecrating the sacredness of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation; reminding them that the Igbo all over the world owe a profound emotional attachment to Ohanaeze Ndigbo. For emphasis, Ohanaeze represents the soul, passion, history, culture, cosmology and politicality of the Igbo. Thus, it is inconceivable that any meaningful Igbo will become the willing tool for destabilising the Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

other governors of the party to ensure that the issue of holding a national convention to elect Dr. Iyorcha Ayu’s successor took the back seat at the meeting.

THISDAY gathered that before the meeting, Atiku had mobilised some PDP governors to ensure that the governors countered the position of the NWC that shifted the planned November 28, 2024, NEC meeting to February 2025.

However, attempts by some governors sympathetic to Atiku to condemn the postponement of the NEC were shut down at the governors’ meeting by anti-Atiku forces.

The disagreement among the governors manifested in the issuing of three communiques by the PDP Governors’ Forum at the end of the meeting. The communiques were issued by the Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo.

The first communique announced that there would be a NEC meeting within the first week of February 2025.

It was later withdrawn and another communique that did not mention any date for the NEC meeting was issued.

The third communique merely mentioned that the governors called for

an early NEC without stating the date.

A source at the PDP Governors’ Forum told THISDAY that all these showed how the call for a NEC meeting to replace the acting National Chairman, Damagum, has become unpopular.

THISDAY gathered that the governors’ opposition to the NEC meeting led to the recent emergency meeting of the BoT of the party.

The emergency BoT meeting, it was learnt, was attended mostly by Atiku’s political allies.

In his opening address, the Chairman of BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, kicked against the shifting of the NEC meeting by the NWC and the PDP governors.

Damagum and the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu were absent at the emergency BoT meeting.

Atiku’s Loyalists Accuse Dama- gum of Promoting Bauchi Gov’s Presidential Ambition

Meanwhile, a pro-Atiku Abubakar group known as the Save PDP Group has accused Governor Fintiri of Adamawa State of being one of the brains behind the decision of the governors to shift the NEC meeting to February 2025.

The group also accused Damagum of campaigning for the Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed to emerge as the presidential candidate of the party in the 2027 general election. A statement signed by the spokesperson of the group, Alhaji Ismaila Barau Isa, and made available to the media yesterday, alleged that Mohammed who is the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, has joined his colleagues to ensure that Damagum continues in office till the end of 2025. He said this revelation was part of the intrigues that played out at a recent meeting held by the PDP governors in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

According to the spokesman of the Save PDP Group, ''Even as Governor Fintiri was seen as the brain behind all that transpired in the Jos meeting where a decision to again shift the NEC meeting to February 2025 was reached.

''Governor Bala’s inability to rally the majority of his colleagues to save the dwindling fortune and soul of the PDP is a further indication that the party is heading for the abyss as long as Ambassador Ilya Damagun stays on as the acting chairman.''

COAS Pledges Renewed Commitment to Tackle Security Challenges in North-east, North-west Regions

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.

Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reiterated the renewed commitment of the Nigerian Army to tackle terrorists in the North-east and North-west regions.

Oluyede made this known while speaking to journalists yesterday at the Theatre Command North-east Operation Hadin Kai, Maiduguri, Borno State.

Oluyede said the army was reviewing its strategies and intensifying

efforts to ensure effective response to security threats nationwide.

“We have rephrased our strategies and are bringing in more platforms and resources to support the troops in their positions.

“This is to ensure they have the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively. That’s why I am here.

“And I think I have achieved that aim. So, we are going to go back to Abuja, see how we can add more to their platforms, support them in their positions, and I am sure

we will get better results,” he said.

The COAS noted that the army’s operations have yielded significant results across the country, with peace largely maintained in most regions.

However, he acknowledged the persistent issues in Zamfara State and other parts of the North-west.

“Regarding Zamfara State and the North-west in general, we are reappraising operations in the region.

“We plan to deploy advanced technology and strengthen our approach to make things better.

I will be visiting the North-west

next week to oversee these efforts,” Oluyede said.

The COAS highlighted the army’s proactive measures in addressing specific security threats, citing recent efforts in Sokoto State.

“When the issue of the Lukurawa people in Sokoto came up, I visited to assess the situation, and significant progress has been made,” he said. Oluyede reiterated the army’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability nationwide and called for continued public support to enhance security efforts.

Peter Uzoho

L-R: Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; President General of Urhobo Progress Union, Chief Ese Gam; and Secretary of the union, Chief Isaac Itebu, when the governor was inducted into the UPU Hall of Fame during the 93rd Urhobo National Day at Uvwiamuge, Agbarho… yesterday

PHOTO: SAMUEL JIBUNOR

WORTHY RECOGNITION...

L-R:

Oluremi Tinubu, Uzodimma, Zulum Bag Honorary Degrees at FUTO

First Lady donates N50m for best female graduating student

Three eminent Nigerians - First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma and Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum - were yesterday awarded honorary Doctorates by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) at its 36th Convocation ceremony in recognition of their immense contributions to the development of

education, the country and humanity.

While Mrs Tinubu and Uzodimma were conferred with the honorary Doctor of Management, Honoris Causa, Governor Zulum got the honorary Doctor of Technology, Honoris Causa. Mrs Tinubu donated N50 million as an endowment for the best female graduating student.

In her remarks, Senator Tinubu

France Pledges to Support Nigeria’s Drug War

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The government of France has assured Nigeria of more collaboration and support in its drug war.

The promise was given at the weekend after weeks of intensive special training for officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) by men of an elite tactical unit of the French National Police, popularly called RAID.

Giving the assurance at the weekend in Abuja, the French Police Attaché in Nigeria, Mr. Phillipe Crespo who led the trio of Messrs. Phillipe Barrau, Tony Albaladejo and Cedric Hocquette on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) at the agency’s national headquarters, commended Marwa for the warm reception always accorded the French team.

Crespo also commended Marwa for his willingness to collaborate with local and international partners in his determined effort to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

He said the success of NDLEA’s operations has not only helped to protect Nigerians and Nigerian cities but also communities in foreign lands through the agency’s interdiction efforts that had led to huge seizures of assorted illicit drug consignments heading to Europe and other parts of the world.

The visit followed the conclusion of a series of special training for officers of the Strike Force Unit in NDLEA at the agency’s Academy in Jos, Plateau state, the third of such training in the last two years.

Crespo said the French government through the French National Police would continue its support and collaboration with NDLEA.

He proposed that the growing partnership should be documented in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the new year.

In his remark, French technical expert, Phillipe Barrau praised the diligence, expertise and professionalism of NDLEA officers involved in the three weeks training exercise, adding that both sides had a lot to learn from each other.

said she was dedicating the award to the girl child and thanked the university on behalf of other awardees. She pledged to continue to support the university, noting that the award will inspire them to do more.

The First Lady congratulated the graduands and charged them to own Nigeria in such a way that it will be a worthy inheritance for the future generation. According to her "Nigerians will reap what they invest in Nigeria."

She proceeded to announce her plan to launch the Green Environment Club where all Nigerians will participate in keeping our environments clean and ensuring proper disposal of waste.

In his welcome address, the Chancellor of the university, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mohammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, appreciated the efforts of the university management in dealing with multiple challenges and appealed to the federal government to step up the funding of universities,

The federal government has declared that both public and private healthcare facilities nationwide must attend to victims of gunshots with or without police clearance.

The directive is contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare yesterday via its official X handle.

The statement titled ‘NonCompliance of Medical Facilities on The Gunshot Act 2017’, signed by the Director of Information, Patricia Deworitshe said the ministry had received complaints about the rejection of gunshot victims by hospitals nationwide, which had resulted in loss of lives.

It also said the order is on the directive of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Minister, Professor Muhammad Pate.

“In recent times, society has

witnessed a rise in the loss of lives as a result of the refusal of some health facilities to attend to gunshot victims of chance who do not present police reports,” it said.

According to the statement, gunshot victims come under emergencies that require urgent medical attention to save the lives of patients or victims.

“It has come to the knowledge of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, of the slow or non-compliance by most medical facilities to provide for the compulsory treatment and care for victims of gunshots, and related matters.

“The Act goes further to stipulate that every hospital in Nigeria, whether private, shall accept or receive for immediate and adequate treatment with or without police clearance.

“Every person, including security agents, shall render every possible assistance to any person with

especially that of FUTO to enable her to cope with the prevailing debilitating and near-crippling financial throes. The chancellor whose address was read by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nnenna Oti called on stakeholders like the alumni, corporate bodies, captains of industry, multinational agencies and multilateral linkages to assist the university in achieving her mandate in manpower and skills development to drive our national economic development.

In his message, the Visitor to the University, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated the graduands and the awardees for their meritorious successes and service to the society that merited them the honour. Represented by the Vice Chancellor University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, the president urged them to harness the potential in the agricultural, vocational and information technology skills to add value to themselves and the nation at large.

Peter Uzoho

No fewer than 45,689 applicants yesterday commenced the Computer-Based Aptitude Test as part of the recruitment process to secure employment at Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

The aptitude test, currently being administered at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Centenary Resource Centre in Maitama, Abuja, as well as at various other testing centres across

Nigeria, marks the second stage of the rigorous recruitment process that began earlier this year.

The NNPCL had on July 25, 2024, announced openings for new entrants into the company.

The NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, in a statement, said the recruitment would be for various positions across various departments within the energy company and interested applicants to visit the NNPC careers page for application instructions.

But in a new post on its official Facebook handle to update the public on the process yesterday, the national oil firm reiterated that only the most qualified candidates would be selected for employment at the end of the exercise.

The post read: “As the ComputerBased Aptitude Test for NNPC Ltd.’s recruitment begins today at various centres across the country, 45,689 applicants compete in a transparent and inclusive recruitment process.”

The NNPCL Group Chief

Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, who paid a visit to the centre, promised a smooth, transparent, fair, and credible process.

“As an equal opportunity employer, NNPC Ltd. has made special provisions to ensure that applicants with disabilities can take the test without any hindrance.

“The GCEO reiterated that only the most qualified candidates among the 45,689 applicants will be selected for employment,” the statement added.

gunshot wounds and ensure that the person is taken to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment,” it said.

In line with this mandate, the ministry said it is concerned about the spate of gunshot incidences, and the refusal of some health facilities to administer and care for victims or patients without police reports.

“The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Minister, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, therefore calls on all medical practitioners to comply with this national law by providing prompt treatment and care for these victims to prevent death,” it said, adding that strategies are being put in place by the ministry to ensure compliance to the Act by Nigerian healthcare facilities.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the purported expulsion of the member of the House of Representatives representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State and Spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere from the party by the Umuopia/ Umukegwu Ward chapter of the PDP in Imo State.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, said: ''The NWC declares the said purported expulsion as null and void and of no effect, not being consistent with the express provision of Sections 57 (7) and 59 (3) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and laid down rules of our great party''. According to Ologunagba, ''Section 57 (7) of the Constitution of the PDP is clear in providing that ‘Notwithstanding any other provision relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level, except the

National Executive Committee, shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, Deputy Governors or members of the National Assembly…” ''Also, Section 59 (3) of the Constitution of the PDP is unambiguous in providing that ‘Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level except the National Executive Committee shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Ambassadors, Special Advisers or member of any of the Legislative Houses”.

Accordingly, Ologunagba said: ''It is therefore clear that no Ward, local government or even state chapter of the party has the power to suspend, expel or discipline a member of the National Assembly in any form whatsoever without due recourse to the National Working Committee as provided by the constitution of the PDP.”

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Bobasuwa Chris Okunowo; Erelu Morenikeji Okunowo; Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel; and Orimolusi of ljebu Igbo, Oba Ajebisi Okubanjo, during the investiture and thanksgiving service of Bobasuwa Okunowo as Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile ljebu and Yeye Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile ljebu conferred on them by the Ogun State Christian Association of Nigeria in ljebu Ode...yesterday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

Editor: Festus Akanbi

Soaring Material Costs Threaten Nigeria’s Construction Boom

For an industry already gasping for breath in the face of the high cost of energy, logistics and falling purchasing power, a correspondingly high cost of cement and other building materials portends a bleak 2025 for construction operators and may impede infrastructural development in Nigeria, reports Festus Akanbi

As operators in the nation’s construction industry and allied businesses wrap up their activities for the year and set an agenda for 2025 operations, one issue that will bother many of them is the rising cost of building materials and the biting effect on the nation’s construction industry.

Today, the construction space and the Nigerian property development market are being faced with a lot of challenges and the most pressing of them all is the rising cost of building materials as occasioned by the ailing Nigerian economy.

The industry is facing rising prices of essential construction inputs such as cement, steel, sand, and gravel, with industry watchers saying the development has made it increasingly difficult for developers, contractors, and homeowners to undertake construction projects.

Builders are grappling with budget overruns as inflation drives material costs up, forcing many to scale back projects or seek alternative materials. This situation not only stifles the growth of infrastructure development but also affects housing affordability, exacerbating the already pressing housing crisis in the country. As construction timelines extend and funding becomes more challenging, the ripple effect threatens job losses and undermines economic recovery efforts in the sector, highlighting the urgent need for policy interventions to stabilise prices and support industry stakeholders.

Interestingly, none of the major cement makers has announced a price increase in recent times. The current factory price of a 50 kg bag of cement from Dangote, BUA and Lafarge is officially set between N7,000 and N8,000 depending on locations. This price was agreed upon following discussions between the federal government and cement manufacturers to address high cement costs. However, in the market, the retail price is often higher due to distribution and demand challenges.

Additional Costs

Market watchers, however, explained that by the time the issue of logistics is added, the prices shoot to between N9000 and N13,000 depending

on locations. In some parts of Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti states, for instance, a 50kg bag of cement was sold at prices ranging from N9,200 and N11,000, while it is higher in some other states.

According to analysts, this is where the issue of the bad infrastructural situation and logistics in the country comes in. “You can imagine how much the company set aside for road transport and the repair of their trucks. The cost of diesel is prohibitive, not to mention the damage to the trucks conveying these products to end users,” an industry analyst said

Apart from the additional cost incurred on product distribution, there seems to be little or nothing that could be done by cement manufacturers to determine the real prices of products in the market as some distributors are cashing on the current economic situation to hoard the products in a manner to make the prospective buyers cough out higher amount for them. This explains why cement prices are higher in the rural areas than in the urban areas.

Earlier in the year, construction workers and estate developers had heaved a sigh of relief when cement prices came down to N5,500 in some locations after a public uproar.

However, after what seemed like a moment of reprieve, market reports said distributors have raised the prices of products like those of Dangote Cement, BUA and Lafarge, among others, while the price of 9-inches block is in the range of N900 and N1,000 per unit.

Other key building materials like steel rods, concrete, laterites, roofing sheets, windows, doors, tiles, nails, plywood, and aluminium roofing sheets, among others, have been on the rise in recent times.

For developers that have been able to keep pace with the rising cost of building materials, the cost of delivering real estate projects is high thereby making the houses available but not affordable to investors and real estate consumers who need the buildings.

Equally, the labour cost of hiring professionals for real estate development is on the rise. The hyperinflationary trend in Nigeria has eroded the purchasing power of consumers, and the only way to meet the economic challenges is for professionals to charge reasonably high.

Recent data from the Shelta Afrique Develop-

ment Bank indicates that Nigeria’s housing deficit stands at about 27 million, which is about 40 per cent of the entire continent’s deficit.

A real estate developer, Musa Ibrahim, said that with the current rise in the prices of building materials, affordable housing for all will remain a mirage until the government takes deliberate action to crash prices.

“What the government keeps telling Nigerians is that they want affordable housing for all, but no efforts at all to ensure the success of the programme, rather their policies have made it even more elusive to have affordable housing.

“It is even becoming worrying now that not only housing but rents as landlords wake up to increase rent at will, citing the high cost of building materials, the situation is just unfortunate,” he lamented.

Market watchers also listed macroeconomic factors like the high exchange rate, rising inflation, high cost of importation, naira devaluation and of course the very fragile economic and political environment as some of the threats to the growth of the property development sub-sector of the Nigerian real estate space.

Property developers in Nigeria depend largely on the importation of materials needed to develop the Nigerian economy’s housing needs. Analysts, therefore, think that as long as the exchange rate remains high and fluctuating, planning and achieving set goals by developers will remain a challenge.

Housing Affordability Compromised

Certainly, the pains of the unfavourable scenario in the construction industry are being felt by all as analysts noted that the high cost of building materials has impeded infrastructure development, limiting the government‘s ability to invest in critical projects such as roads, bridges, and public buildings, a development said to have not only hampered the country‘s overall development but has also weakened its competitiveness on the global stage.

The reality is that small and medium-sized contractors and developers are particularly affected, as they struggle to absorb the escalating costs or pass them on to consumers, leading to project delays and cancellations. This, in

turn, has hindered job creation and economic growth in the sector.

According to a registered Estate Surveyor and Valuer and the Lead Partner at Patrick Ogunjobi & Co, Mr. Patrick Ogunjobi, “Housing affordability has also been compromised, making it challenging for low and middle-income families to access decent shelter. As a result, the housing deficit in Nigeria continues to widen, exacerbating social inequalities and hindering sustainable urban development.

On his part, an industry analyst, Efe Ufuoma said the housing deficit in Nigeria stands at a staggering 28 million units as of 2023, with an estimated investment of N21 trillion required to address this shortfall. He regretted that given the current state of the economy, the conventional construction methods in Nigeria are becoming increasingly unsustainable, and as such we need to start looking inwards at readily available, more sustainable and more affordable building materials to bridge this housing deficit.

“Nigeria’s construction industry has become overly reliant on cement, which is used extensively in various building processes such as casting, block molding, and tiling.

“In contrast, many other parts of the world utilise a diverse range of materials like wood finishes, wooden floors, and rammed earth houses, reducing their dependency on cement. We need to have reduced demand for cement to reduce the price increase and this can be achieved by diversifying the materials used in construction and promoting alternative building methods that are both sustainable and cost-effective,” was quoted as saying. His idea was shared by another operator in the construction industry, Mr. John Adeokhor, who pointed out that there is a need to create an alternative for cement to curb the continuous increase in cement prices., saying while cement serves as a binder in construction, diversifying materials used in a building can help mitigate the impact of price fluctuations in the cement market.

The federal government must, therefore, implement robust policies, ensure timely project funding, and foster private-sector partnerships to secure the construction industry’s stability and growth in 2025.

As Cardoso Maps out Plans for Nigeria’s Exit from FATF Grey List

In continuation of his reform efforts, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, at the 59th Annual Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) gave a time frame for the exit of Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, thereby making the country more conducive for investment, writes Festus Akanbi

Right from September 23, 2023, when he was confirmed as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso had never hidden his resolve to reform the entire financial sector of the Nigerian economy.

Apart from the professionalism which he has brought to bear at the apex bank, financial experts said the regime of positive economic data emanating from the National Bureau of Statistics should be viewed as an index of Cardoso’s effectiveness in his duty post.

So, it was a confident CBN Governor who mounted the rostrum on November 29, 2024, to address bankers and their guests at the 59th Annual Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) held in Lagos.

Characteristics of an achiever, Cardoso who grabbed attention at the well-attended event, did not dwell on his landmark achievements at the apex bank alone but laid out plans to make the Nigerian economic climate conducive for investment.

Exiting FATF Grey List

For instance, one of the high points of his address was the bit-by-bit plan to make Nigeria exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list by the second quarter of 2025.

The FATF is an independent intergovernmental organisation that develops and promotes policies to protect the global financial system.

The FATF identifies jurisdictions with weak measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT) in two FATF public documents that are issued three times a year. The FATF’s process to publicly list countries with weak AML/CFT regimes has proved effective.

South Africa and Nigeria, along with 21 other jurisdictions, have been ‘grey-listed’ by FATF as of February 24, 2023. Countries on the FATF grey list have been identified as having strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing regimes, have been given a warning to address those deficiencies, but have formally committed to resolving these deficiencies quickly, within agreed timeframes, and subject to increased monitoring. The implications for the grey-listing of two of the biggest economies in Africa may be far-reaching.

FATF notes that although Nigeria has made some progress since the adoption of its Mutual Evaluation Report inAugust 2021, it is required to implement FATF’s action plans. This FATF grey listing adds another layer of risk and complexity to businesses that already perceive Nigeria as a high-risk country for anti-corruption and other financial crime risks.

This may put businesses with connections to Nigeria under more regulatory scrutiny, as regulators may expect them to implement more stringent AML/CFT compliance measures to mitigate the risks associated with grey-listing. Furthermore, the grey-listing may result in higher compliance costs and increased due diligence requirements for businesses, making transactions with Nigerian counter-parties more difficult.

Analysts said that being on the grey list can restrict cross-border transactions; lead to difficulties for a state obtaining credit, and limit inward foreign investment. In addition to economic consequences, grey-listing damages a country’s reputation and reduces its international standing. But speaking at the CIBN dinner, Cardoso said with what the current administration has put in place so far, he was optimistic that Nigeria will exit the FATF grey list by the second quarter of the year.

He said: “Regarding Nigeria’s inclusion on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, we fully recognise the problems this presents

and are addressing legacy deficiencies with utmost urgency. Building a robust culture of compliance remains central to our efforts. We are optimistic that Nigeria will exit the grey list by Q2 of 2025!

“Today, we face significant challenges: money laundering, cybersecurity threats, fraud, corruption, and disparities in financial inclusion. The cost of inaction is profound—fraud undermines confidence, corruption erodes trust, and money laundering perpetuates organised crime.As you may have noticed by now, compliance is a recurring theme in this speech, reflecting its critical importance to our mission.”

Compliance Culture

Cardoso pointed out that the compliance culture he envisions is one where executives and boards set the tone by making compliance a strategic priority, championing zero tolerance for breaches—not just in policy, but in practice; where financial institutions anticipate vulnerabilities and proactively address risks in areas susceptible to abuse. His other expectations include that

teams are educated to recognise red flags and encouraged to report concerns about fraud, money laundering, or unethical behaviour, knowing they are protected; where institutions know their customers and partners, conducting enhanced due diligence, especially for high-risk clients, politically exposed persons, and vendors, ensuring operations are not conduits for illicit funds and where the industry collaborates to combat systemic threats, sharing information on emerging risks, cooperating with law enforcement, and maintaining open communication with the central bank and regulators.

To further sanitise the system, the apex bank chief said that starting in 2025, financial institutions will be required to refine their compliance and governance frameworks to address evolving risks.

“We are enhancing regulatory effectiveness and accountability, as demonstrated by recent changes to our supervisory and enforcement approach,” he said, recalling that penalties totalling N15 billion were imposed on 29 banks for breaches, including AML/CFT violations. He said that in addition to these penalties, the banks are required to address the root causes of the lapses, which is crucial for improving regulatory effectiveness. “Historically, the industry has struggled with recurring issues, but we are confident that this approach will help change that narrative,” he stated.

The CBN Governor said that a bank that prioritises compliance does more than protect itself—it strengthens the entire financial ecosystem. According to him, such an institution directs financial resources toward growth, innovation, and prosperity rather than crime and corruption, saying “Together, we must exceed standards, demonstrating to the public and the world that we are stewards of integrity and trust.”

Economic Buffers

Reflecting on the achievement of his team, Cardoso said the economic buffers built within a spate of one year are already bearing fruits. He said, “In October 2023, we prioritised reforms to rebuild Nigeria’s economic buffers and strengthen resilience. Inflation, which had surged to 27%, was one of the most pressing challenges, partly driven by excessive money supply growth. While our GDP growth had stagnated at a meagre 1.8%

over the previous eight years, the money supply expanded rapidly, averaging about 13% growth annually. This imbalance not only fuelled inflation but also contributed to a significant depreciation of the naira. As we all know, inflation creates uncertainty for households and businesses, acting as a silent tax by eroding purchasing power and driving up living costs.”

He disclosed, however, that under his leadership, the CBN has taken decisive steps to move away from these practices. “We have ended years of fiscal deficits financed through CBN’s Ways and Means advances, reinforcing our commitment to price stability and promoting fiscal discipline,” he said.

Naira Value

Speaking on the true value of the Naira, Cardoso said the local currency is yet to get to its true value, blaming the current high rate of the dollar on the desperation of buyers. He said, “It is vital to address the disinformation circulating about a supposed demand-supply gap in the FX market, which is fuelling unnecessary panic. The current USD exchange rate reflects the price that the most desperate buyers are willing to pay, and this does not represent the true market value of the naira. The introduction of the electronic matching system will correct these distortions by enhancing the price discovery process. Additionally, it will significantly boost the central bank’s oversight and intervention capabilities, ensuring a more stable and transparent foreign exchange market.”

He challenged the CIBN to ensure the highest standards are upheld in the banking industry, saying “The ethics and professionalism of bankers and treasurers are under constant scrutiny, which is why we have introduced the FX Global Code for all authorised dealers and market participants. I urge this institute to take the lead in upholding and demonstrating the highest standards in the industry. At the Central Bank, we have intensified surveillance of market activities to ensure compliance and eliminate bad actors who attempt to undermine the system. Together, we must build a market based on strong governance and transparency. As regulators, we will maintain a zero-tolerance approach to compliance violations.”

Cardoso

CBN Headquarters, Abuja

SECURING DELTA STATE

Oborevwori’s gesture of donating operational vehicles to the state special anti-crime squad is commendable, writes RAy UMUKORO

Delta governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is a man of few words. Neither showy nor given to vainglorious flamboyancy common among some politicians, Oborevwori has mastered the art of deploying actions to speak for him in lieu of oratorical flippancy which many politicians use to deceive the public.

The recent donation of 31 operational vehicles to the Police and other security agencies in the state to boost their armoury and strengthen their operations is one of the many actions that define the leadership of Oborevwori, a governor famed for pragmatism rather than enticing language sophistry. Oborevwori would rather do it than say, ‘I will do it.’ The 31 vehicles consist of 23 pickup trucks and eight Sienna wagons, in addition to four Hilux vehicles previously delivered. This brings the fleet to 66 vehicles available to the task force aimed at enhancing daily patrols, surveillance and actual combat where necessary. And he did it without the fanfare of live television show across multiple TV stations. The gesture was just one among many in the line of duty. A routine.

Securing Delta was one of the cardinal components of the governor’s M.O.R.E agenda. During the electioneering days, he was unwavering about his devotion to the security of the oil-resourced state. Delta ranks among the top three largest producers of crude oil in Nigeria. This makes it one of the layers of the proverbial golden egg from which the country is being fiscally nourished over the decades. It has also been ranked among the most peaceful states in Nigeria, comparatively. Except for occasional cases of inter and intra-community upheavals, Delta since 1999 has been a haven of peace and a refuge for Nigerians from other insecurityinfested states.

While presenting the vehicles to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, an overtly upbeat Oborevwori said the vehicles were meant to further enhance the joint security operations in the state, code named “Operation Delta Sweep”. It was not just a donation; it was an act of courage.

He said the donation was informed by the general insecurity being experienced in the country and urged the security agencies to work together and share intelligence to ensure effective security in the state. The governor was being forthright. Insecurity of the most vicious order has eaten up what remains of the socio-economic fabric of the nation. Terrorism, once an offering on the fringes of the north east, has permeated the entire nation, spreading its fatal fangs from the precincts of Borno State through the rain forests of the south east and south-south to the south west. The terrorists have become the unwanted neighbours of the frazzled populace.

Strangely, the bloody gang of goons appears to be ‘winning.’ Despite assurances by the top echelon of the nation’s security apparatchik that they are winning the war against insecurity and forcing the vampires to beat a retreat, the reality speaks differently. Kidnapping, banditry, dare-devil bank robberies and raw show of force continued to top the menu in the buffet of insecurity across the nation. To add to the fear factor among the citizens, viral videos of lowranking security personnel drafted to the terror-infested forests and highways to fight the bandits and their ilk have been trending in which they complained of being underequipped thus multiplying the anxieties of the law-abiding citizens.

And here’s the truth. Nigeria’s security agencies are under-equipped. President Muhammadu Buhari in his days tried to strengthen the national security arsenal. He bought a couple of Tucano jets said to be among the best war jets of the modern era. Some state governors followed in this stead

by offering to equip the security agencies within their jurisdictions. It’s the right thing to do. This is the sense in which Oborevwori’s gesture of donating operational vehicles to the Delta State special anti-crime squad is not only commendable but illustrates the desire of a worthy leader to protect his constituents. Delta needs peace to sustain the spur of development which the Oborevwori government has triggered across all the local governments in the state. When there is peace in Delta, the nation gains. When there is peace, Deltans, a hardworking breed of Nigerians, are encouraged to engage in activities that broaden the frontiers of prosperity and shrink the circle of poverty. But Oborevwori did not just donate vehicles, he rebranded the state’s special security squad from ‘Delta Hawk’ to ‘Operation Delta Sweep’ to underscore the new thinking and strategy to deal effectively with mutations and devious initiatives of the demented denizens of gangland.

Rebranding helps to refuel confidence in a brand; inspire a new threshold of zeal among the owners/operators of the brand, in this case, the security agencies involved in the joint task force. Rebranding the state’s anti-crime squad will help build public trust, increase commitment and loyalty among the operatives; and reinforce the values of the squad in the minds of the citizens.

Oborevwori has always believed that meaningful and sustainable development cannot take place without security and sustained peace. His vision has always been to create a secure environment where investors will be at peace to grow their investments; an environment that will also easily attract more investors into the state. He is doing just that and the partnerships his government has inked with private equities since his ascension to power attest to a leader with the vision to create wealth and jobs in his state.

He has sustained peace and security in the once-upon-a-time restive oil communities and along the Warri-Sapele corridor which he is gradually restoring its old glory as the commercial hub of the state. Oborevwori’s unwavering disposition to peace and security has significantly insulated Delta from the feast of violence and organized insecurity visited on neighbouring states. The net effect of this is the daily migration of Nigerians from other states to Delta either to live in or to do business.

A good barometer to measure this high level of security and social calmness in Delta is to look at the growing night life in the state; consider the raft of business ventures springing up at dizzying frequency across the state and to look at statistics on national security index.

The Delta joint security task force, established on December 10, 2020, as a policy response to rising violent crimes in the country, comprises the Nigerian Army, Police Force, Air Force, Navy, DSS, and the Civil Defense Corps.

Ever since, the task force has recorded significant successes in combating crimes of all shades including illegal oil bunkering, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and drug-related offenses.

THE APC CONSTITUTION AND BENUE’S CARETAKER COMMITTEE

DAN ASHIEKAA argues that the intervention of the national executive of the APC in Benue is in order

The leadership dynamics within political parties can often lead to internal crises, necessitating special measures to maintain order and continuity. The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria has provisions within its constitution to address such situations. This contribution explores the APC Constitution’s stance on the National Executive Council’s (NEC) authority to appoint a Caretaker Committee at the state level, specifically in instances of leadership crises, such as the case observed in Benue State.

According to the APC Constitution, the NEC is empowered to take necessary actions to ensure the stability and smooth operation of the party at all levels. Article 13.3 (v) of the APC Constitution states: “The National Executive Council shall exercise control and take disciplinary actions on all organs, officers and members of the Party...’’ Article 13.3 (vi) of the APC Constitution states: “The National Executive Council shall have the power to create, elect and appoint any Committee it may deem necessary, desirable or expedient and assign to them such powers and functions as it may deem fit and proper”. This provision allows the NEC to appoint a Caretaker Committee when a leadership crisis arises at the State level, ensuring that party activities are not hindered.

Furthermore, Article 13.4 (xvi) specifies that the NEC has the authority to “take any action it deems necessary to protect, defend and/or promote the interests of the party.” This broad mandate includes the establishment of interim structures, such as caretaker committees, to manage the affairs of the party in states experiencing leadership disputes.

The recent leadership crisis in Benue State serves as a pertinent example of the NEC’s intervention through the appointment of a caretaker committee. The NEC’s decision was aimed at resolving the internal conflicts and ensuring that the party’s operations continued seamlessly.

In addressing the Benue State crisis, the NEC’s actions were grounded in the constitutional provisions mentioned above. The appointment of a caretaker committee was seen as a necessary step to restore order and prevent further escalation of the conflict. This intervention aligns with the NEC’s constitutional mandate to “promote the unity, progress, and stability of the party” as stated in Article 13.2 (i).

Significantly, both parties to the conflict nominated representatives to the caretaker committee. It is a well-established legal principle that one cannot both approve and disapprove (approbate and reprobate) of the same action — meaning one cannot consent to an action and then later seek to challenge it.

It is clear from the above that the question of whether the national executive of the APC in Nigeria can appoint a caretaker committee at the State level during a leadership crisis is a significant one.

Let us now examine the legal and judicial authorities in Nigeria that address this issue, as well as persuasive cases from other jurisdictions that may offer guidance.

In Nigeria, political party disputes often find their way to the courts. The judiciary has, on several occasions, provided clarity on the roles and powers of party executives. Here are a few relevant cases:

One, All Progressives Congress (APC) v. Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa & Ors (2019) 5 NWLR (Pt 1666) 258 In this case, the Supreme Court of Nigeria dealt with factional disputes within the APC.

The court held that internal party democracy is crucial and that the party must adhere to its constitution and guidelines. This case underscores the necessity for the national executive to act within the party’s constitution when resolving disputes.

Two, Ugwu v. Ararume (2007) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1048) 367 The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of following the party constitution and guidelines in resolving internal disputes. The court highlighted that any action taken by the party leadership must be in accordance with the party’s constitution.

Three, PDP v. Sheriff & Ors (2017) LPELR-41805(SC) Though involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), this case is instructive. The Supreme Court recognized the authority of the National Executive Committee to intervene and resolve crises within the party, including appointing interim leadership where necessary.

The APC Constitution is not the only authority that supports the NEC’s actions. Political party management practices globally recognize the need for central executive bodies to intervene in state-level crises to maintain cohesion. Comparative studies of political party constitutions and practices reveal that appointing interim committees is a common and effective method for managing internal disputes.

For instance, the constitution of the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa provides similar provisions for its National Executive Committee to appoint interim structures in provinces facing leadership challenges. This comparative example underscores the legitimacy and practicality of the APC NEC’s actions within the context of party politics. While Nigerian judicial authorities provide a framework, it is also beneficial to consider persuasive cases from other jurisdictions that may offer insights: One, Thabo Mbeki v. Jacob Zuma (South Africa). In South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) faced internal leadership disputes.

The ANC’s National Executive Committee intervened by appointing interim leadership to stabilize the party. The South African judiciary upheld the NEC’s authority to make such appointments in the interest of party unity and stability.

Two, Smith v. Ontario Liberal Party (Canada) The Canadian courts have recognized the authority of a party’s national executive to manage internal disputes and appoint interim committees when necessary. This case highlights the importance of maintaining party cohesion and effective leadership.

Based on the judicial authorities in Nigeria and persuasive cases from other jurisdictions, it is evident that the national executive of the APC has the authority to appoint a caretaker committee at the State level during a leadership crisis. This authority, however, must be exercised in strict adherence to the party’s constitution and guidelines to ensure legitimacy and acceptance. The courts have consistently upheld the principle of internal party democracy and the necessity for party executives to act within their constitutional mandates to resolve disputes effectively.

Ashiekaa, FCA, FCTI, is President/CEO, Bel Air Capital Int’l Limited

Umukoro writes from Warri

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

ISSUES IN THE 753-DUPLEX ESTATE FORFEITURE

The EFCC could do more to stem the worrying level of impunity in public office

The final forfeiture of 753 duplexes in Abuja to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) without any name to the ownership has continued to generate considerable interest. Although the EFCC claimed in the court papers that the property was discovered while investigating a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, the agency also added that the duplexes were not directly linked to him. That neither the people who filed for the forfeiture nor the court that granted the application can tell Nigerians who owns this humongous property is scandalous. But over and above the question of ownership, the forfeiture itself raises fundamental issues about the nature and extent of corruption in our country.

Whichever way one looks at it, the vast extent of this heist indicates a level of impunity and insensitivity among corrupt public officials. It also shows how a lack of transparency and accountability defines public conduct in Nigeria. Any individual who can illegally acquire such assets at public expense must have no feelings whatsoever either for his/her country or fellow citizens whose welfare is eroded by the extent of the theft. But the greater challenge is with the system that permits such a scandal. Something is obviously wrong with any public accounting system from which such quantum of resources can disappear without setting off an alarm.

has destroyed the economy. A former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, is currently facing charges of stealing about N109 billion from the treasury. As of December 2022, over N30 billion worth of assets had been seized from Idris, according to then EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa.

Something is obviously wrong with any public accounting system from which such quantum of resources can disappear without setting off an alarm

It is no longer enough to dispossess the corrupt of their loot and ask them to go home and sin no more. Admitting the full scope of corruption and exposing the soft underbelly of extant practices that fuel abuses and strengthen financial misconduct are necessary preambles to a sustainable solution. We call particular attention to the budgeting process and the reward system. The public procurement process has become a matter of concern, as Nigerians only get the records of activities, with appallingly limited impact on transparency and reduction of the cost of government contracts. Besides, the nowentrenched government reflex of creating new agencies to deal with systemic challenges has only led to the relocation of the various seats of abuse, rather than the elimination of systemic, process and procedural corruption.

While we do not dispute the EFCC explanation on the allegation of cover-up, it is also becoming increasingly clear that the anti-graft agencies have failed to stamp it in public consciousness that corruption is indeed a despicable crime. Many of the politically exposed people who have been investigated, prosecuted and convicted for corruption still live lavishly even after forfeitures of assets. Consequently, the line between crime and innocence in our society has become blurred just as people have become confused about the relationship between crime and punishment. Meanwhile, it says something about the strength and resilience of the Nigerian state that it is being so massively looted yet remains standing. But this also explains the haemorrhage that

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As we have reiterated several times on this page, the current fight against corruption ignores the link between distortion of values and abuse of, or general disregard, for extant rules. Therefore, we must go beyond the arrest and trial of persons who have committed various forms of graft that the operating environment subtly encourages and nurtures. We must deal with the issue of the populace demands which inadvertently imply the expectation that public officers should take liberties with the treasury. Indeed, a concerted war against corruption is needed now, more than ever. But it must be a war that shoots at the right targets. The first step towards such a holistic approach is to realise that the fight against corruption that consistently focuses on the symptoms is doomed to fail.

On the instant case of 753 duplexes, an anti-graft agency that is shy to name and shame the culprits is unwittingly being made an accessory to the raging crime of industrial corruption in Nigeria.

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

LETTERS THE ALARMING SURGE IN FINANCIAL FRAUD

The financial sector is the backbone of any economy, driving transactions, investment, and growth. In Nigeria, the financial sector is under siege. The recent report from the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) confirms this. The report reveals a shocking escalation in fraudulent activities, leaving banks and customers vulnerable in the first nine months of 2024.

This rising tide of financial fraud raises critical questions: Why is fraud surging, and what can be done to stem the tide?

The FITC Fraud and Forgery Report for Q3 2024 paints a grim picture. Fraud cases reported by Nigerian banks jumped by an alarming 65 per cent from 11,532 in Q2 to 19,007 in Q3. The monetary figures are equally disturbing. In Q3, fraudsters attempted to steal an eye-watering N115.9 billion—more than double the N56.6 billion recorded in the previous quarter.

While the actual losses in Q3 were curbed

at N10.1 billion—a significant drop from N42.8 billion in Q2—this still marks a troubling year. In the first nine months of 2024, Nigerian banks lost an estimated N53.4 billion to fraud, a steep increase from the N9.4 billion lost in the entire 2023.

The report attributes this surge to the increasing digitization of financial transactions, which, while enhancing convenience, has also provided fraudsters with a wider playing field. It is now clear that as banks race to adopt advanced technologies, they must contend with an evolving landscape of cyber threats.

We’ll need to look closer to understand the numbers. For instance, despite the surge in fraudulent attempts, the losses incurred have decreased significantly in Q3, indicating improved detection and prevention mechanisms by banks.

In addition, the N53.4 billion lost so far in 2024 dwarfs the N9.4 billion lost in 2023,

underscoring an urgent need for strengthened fraud prevention strategies.

Besides, the report indicates that fraud is escalating across all platforms, with digital transactions emerging as a significant area of concern. This is not surprising, for as more Nigerians adopt online banking, the potential for cybercrime has grown exponentially.

This trend is driven by several factors. Many banks lack advanced cybersecurity measures capable of countering sophisticated fraud schemes.

Internal collusion remains a significant issue, with some bank employees aiding fraudsters. Moreover, a lack of public awareness about basic cybersecurity practices makes customers vulnerable to scams like phishing. Regulatory gaps further compound the problem, as the speed at which fraud tactics evolve often outpaces existing measures.

Notwithstanding the challenges, there is a

glimmer of hope.

The reduction in losses in Q3 suggests that banks are improving their detection and prevention mechanisms. However, this progress needs to be scaled up and sustained. Addressing the fraud epidemic will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including financial institutions, regulators, and customers. First, banks must strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure. Advanced fraud detection systems powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning can help identify unusual transaction patterns and flag them before significant losses occur.

Second, employee training and accountability must be prioritized. Bank staff should be regularly trained on fraud prevention techniques, while stricter penalties and internal monitoring systems can help deter insider threats.

Elvis Eromosele, elviseroms@gmail.com

Indivisibility and Indissolubility of Nigeria: The Arrest, Bailability and Extradition of Simon Ekpa

In every aspect of human life, there can be divisibility and dissolubility. I remember in ordinary level physics in the 1960s that an atom was said to be the smallest indivisible particle of a molecule. At the advanced level, the same atom that was not divisible at the lower level was said to be divisible and the example of uranium with an atomic weight of 239 was given divided fission. Apart from the sciences, the first Church of God on earth is the Catholic Church. It never wanted any division, but protests compelled division within the church. This was the origin of the Protestant Churches the world over, In fact, the history of many churches have shown that their growth and development are largely a resultant from internal crises.

International political history has similarly shown that several federations, unions of states, etc., have been dissolved for various reasons of force majeure. The cases of the former Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Eritrea, etc. lend credence to this observation. The idea that national unity can always be enforced is more of a myth rather than of reality. National unity by force, even by manu militari, has always been resisted by use of counter-force. It should not be quickly forgotten that Ethiopia was vehemently opposed to the separation of Eritrea. The same is true of the separation of South Sudan from Sudan after many decades of intra-Sudanese squabbles. Today, the Free Orange Province is also reported to be asking for a separate sovereign state within South Africa.

The problem with this issue of indivisibility and indissolubility is firstly that they both constitute two sides of the same coin. If there is no division, there cannot be dissolution. Whenever there is division, it can engender dissolution but the dissolution may not be total. If a part of a country decides to be separated and it succeeds, it does not necessarily take out life from the remaining country or organization. Four countries, by December 31, 2024, will have withdrawn from the ECOWAS but the ECOWAS cannot but continue to exist, though as a weakened body. Nigeria now appears to be one country where its existential survival is now threatened by its constitutional provision of national unity by force.

Self-determination, Indivisibility and Indissolubility

Self-determination in international law and relations necessarily negates the principles of indivisibility and indissolubility often provided for in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution as amended. The Constitution stipulates in its preamble, first, that ‘We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having firmly and solemnly resolved…’; secondly that the people of Nigeria resolved ‘to live in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble Sovereign Nation; thirdly, that the indivisibility and indissolubility shall be under God; fourthly, and that the indivisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria as a sovereign nation under God shall be dedicated to the promotion of inter-African solidarity, world peace, international cooperation and understanding.

And perhaps more interestingly, the ultimate objective of having the 1999 Nigerian Constitution is to promote in the immediate ‘good government and welfare of all persons on the basis of freedom, equality and justice,’ and in the long term, to consolidate the unity of people of Nigeria. Most unfortunately, however, the Constitution is seen as very fraudulent because it says ‘We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria…’ It is argued that the people of Nigeria did not sit anywhere to discuss and negotiate the Constitution. Consequently the opponents of the Constitution are asking for a fresh constitution. The proponents are saying that, rather than contemplating the drafting of another constitution, controversial aspects of the constitution can be reviewed, or amended but not modification which has the potential to warrant a holistic re-writing. No government has shown interest in a new Constitution since 1999. What has always been done is review and update: three alterations in 2010, a fourth alteration in 2017, and the last in 2023. The five alterations have not pacified the opponents. It is still within this constitutional controversy that political governance is heightened by political chicanery and institutional corruption.

Telephone : 0807-688-2846 e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Agitations for separate autonomy by the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic communities are partly predicated by perceptions of unfairness, inequality, and injustice in the conduct and management of development affairs. There is nothing to suggest that Nigeria as a sovereign nation under God is receiving any meaningful attention because God is only interested in sinners that not only repent but that also refrain from further engaging in their iniquities.

The implication of this controversy raises the issue of constitutional legitimacy. For any government to be enforcing the provisions of a controversial constitution cannot but generate division in the polity. While this controversy lingers on, the international principle of self-determination does not help matters. In fact, the proponents of separation largely capitalize on it to strengthen their struggle.

Self-determination has been variously explained by scholars. Ordinarily speaking, it is determination of something by one self. In the act of determination, motivation is a major dynamic. Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan in their book, Self-determination and Intrinsic Motivation in Human Behaviour, published in 1985, underscore the point that people are driven by a need to grow and gain fulfillment. Explained differently, growing and gaining fulfillment is a function of motivation which can be intrinsic (sense of self, arising from internal sources of motivation) or extrinsic (external sources, ranging from loans and grants, prizes, circumstantial realities, etc.).

Thus, self-determination is essentially about self-autonomy, being able to manage one-self by one-self, without foreign intrusion, on the basis of self-competence while still apparently and having a sense of belonging to other people. In this regard,

Explained differently, can the arrest of Simon Ekpa by the Finnish authorities put a stop to the agitation for a sovereign state of Biafra? What really is the threat of an agitation in southeast of Nigeria to the Finnish people in Europe? Nnamdi Kalu, the leader of the IPOB, is under trial in Nigeria, but his incarceration has not stopped violent agitations for separation. Simon Ekpa will expectedly be added to the list of wanted people to be prosecuted. Is this a solution to the quest for national unity in Nigeria? In fact, the arrest of Simon Ekpa has generated the condemnation of Finland by some American observers. The Nigerian military sees the arrest as a major achievement for Nigeria. Are the IPOB and Simon Ekpa really terrorists in the sense of the Al Qaeda and even the Boko Haram? Is the refusal of the Finnish court to grant Simon Ekpa bail an achievement for Nigeria? Answers to these questions will not put a stop to agitations. Consequently, how can advocates of self-determination, who are internationally recognized as political agitators, be considered as terrorists? If Nigeria led the whole of Africa in rejecting the consideration of liberation movements in southern Africa as terrorists by the United States under President Ronald Reagan, why should the Nigerian government expect the international community to believe that Simon Ekpa and members of the IPOB are terrorists?

One man’s liberator is another man’s terrorist.

autonomy, competence and connection or relatedness are theoretically considered as basic constituents of the principles of self-determination, especially as a concept in psychology. In international relations, self-determination etymologically dates back to the time of the French Revolution (5 May, 1789 to 9 November, 1799) and American Revolution (19 April, 1775 to 3 September 1783), which underscored justice, liberty, and freedom as against any form of authoritarian rule. As explained by the Britannica, self-determination is ‘the process by which a group of people, usually possessing a certain degree of national consciousness, form their own State, and choose their own government.’

More importantly, ‘as a political principle, the idea of selfdetermination evolved at first as a by-product of the doctrine of nationalism, to which early expression was given by the French and American revolutions.’ What is noteworthy and relevant to the arrest, bailability, and extradition of Simon Ekpa is that self-determination at the end of World War I was recognized in the Fourteen Points of the US President then, Woodrow Wilson, as a requirement for maintenance of international peace and security.

Consequently, it became an important foreign policy objective and led to the disintegration of the old Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires, as well as the Russian former Baltic territories into new States. And more importantly, at the end of World War II, the UN Charter provides for the right of selfdetermination at two different levels: the State and the People. As provided in Article 1(2) of the United Nations Charter, one objective of the United Nations is ‘to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principles of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace.’ This is the first aspect of the meaning of self-determination dealing with people. In the same vein, Article 55 of the UN Charter provides for the principle of equal rights and self-determination as instruments of achieving higher standards of living, solutions to international economic, social, health problems, and more importantly, as means of ‘universal respect for and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.

Most significant is the issue of non-self-governing territories provided for under Article 73 which have responsibility to administer dependent territories. The article in its paragraph (b) requires the Trust authority ‘to develop self-government, to take due account of the political aspirations of the people, and to assist them in the progressive development of their free political institutions, according to the particular circumstances of each territory and its peoples and their varying stages of advancement. The provisions of Article 76 are not different. Thus what is clear from the foregoing is that self-determination is a right that belongs not only to the State, but also to the people.

Arrest, Bailability and Extradition

Explained differently, while the state, as a sovereign, has the right to self-determination in international relations, especially in terms of who to relate with, determination of how to govern itself, etc., the people who are under Mandate and Trust systems also have the right to self-determination. The problem in this case, however, is that the principle of self-determination only applies to the dependent territories. This implies non-applicability to people within existing sovereign States, as it is the case with Nigeria and the agitations of the people of Biafra in Nigeria. Without doubt, the United Nations does not want dismemberment of the constituent parts in the Member States of the organization, in spite of the existence of the principles of selfdetermination. Additionally, the principle of uti possidetis juris, that is, the principle of sanctity of inherited colonial frontiers which the Organisation of African Unity adopted in its Charter in 1963 and which has also been upheld in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, is not at all helpful to the agitations for self-determination. It is against this background of the right of the state to maintain territorial integrity and the right of the people to self-govern that the issue of Simon Ekpa should be explained and understood.

First, the Finnish Criminal Code provides for terrorist offences under which Simon Ekpa has been charged. He has been charged for engaging in terrorism-related offences, like contributing to violence and crimes against civilians in South-eastern Nigeria and financing terrorism in between 23 August, 2021 and 18 November, 2024 in Lahti, a town in Finland.

Secondly, some Igbo people are claiming their right to selfdetermination under international law, while the Government of Nigeria is similarly claiming the right to ensure indivisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria. Who should have the right of priority? The problem is made complex by the engagement of both Government of Nigeria and agitators for self-determination in their use of terror. While the arrest of Simon Ekpa might be lawful, Nigeria’s interest in his extradition to Nigeria raises different issues. Should Simon Ekpa have been arrested in Finland bearing in mind that the lieu of offence is not Finland? Various conventions on anti-terrorism call for international cooperation on the need to jointly nip terrorism in the bud. Finland may be protected here, more so that Simon Ekpa is also a Finnish. Read

Tinubu

ENGAGEMENTS

Beyond a Fake Agenda for 2027

President Tinubu may have stumbled on a sustaining logic and viable mission for his political future. Prior to last fortnight, I was among those who were doubting what narrative or political argument could sustain Mr. Tinubu’s interest in a 2027 run. Now, there seems to be something in the works. It is the fickle and belated argument that Nigerians had lived a fake life of petro consumerism before last May’s removal of petroleum subsidy. Prior to then, we all had lived a ‘fake life’ of prodigal waste.

We were splurging on our oil wealth through unlimited burning of cheap fuel. We were owning and driving fleets of multiple cars. We were often going to nowhere in particular in these cars. Those with no cars or rickshaws were using cheap gasoline to powered noisy ‘I better pass my neighbour’ generators to power homes, run tiny businesses or just pollute the air in order to charge their phones for gossiping on social media.

In other cases, we were watching helplessly as greedy smugglers trucked loads of cheap gasoline across the borders and hauling in stashes of cheap cash. Oil oligarchs were fleecing the state through opaque and dubious oil subsidy scams. The annual national budget was being manipulated and padded to provide and pay for dubious subsidy provisions.

Then came a savior, so the new narrative goes. On May 29th 2023, an elected messiah strolled in with a message of salvation casually delivered: “oil subsidy is gone!”. Mr. Tinubu casually commanded an end to the bazaar of fake life. No systematic thinking followed the policy jolt. No measures to protect us from this casual cruelty. Only hints from the IMF suggested an informed policy. But the public cruelty was unmistakable, total and instant. The mass suffering was undisguised. Living costs shot through the roof. Transportation costs sent every other cost upwards till now. As it were, the whole society was being compelled to do penance for a past life of wasteful oil consumption. A fake and indulgent past life was bound to end as a new sheriff swept into town. This seems to be the new narrative.

This thoughtless policy announcement is now being painted as a messianic intervention of epic proportions. Tinubu has come to save us from our past prodigality. What has so far been an accidental presidency is now being rebranded into a salvation mission. A squad of clueless political jobbers hurriedly assembled as a government is now being cast as an army of reformers out to save an economy and punish a wasteful society for its past sins. A basically clueless president now wants to be greeted as a crusading messianic figure who came to end a culture of fake wasteful consumption of the nation’s oil resources in the form of cheap gasoline.

Tinubu was speaking recently through a surrogate at the graduation ceremony of a University in Kwara State. Nigerians are enamored of fake things, quacks and false prophets and politicians that parade fake credentials and false promises.

The pronouncement went viral. In a nation that is instinctively religious in its understanding of public issues, the accusation of a past fake life of unthinking consumption caught on. Nigerians had sinned in the past and are now paying for their past sins. The president was accusing the Nigerian populace of the sin of past gluttony and waste. The president is now a messiah with an implicit mandate to end the fake life and replace it with one of prudence and frugality. The higher pump peroces and

mass pauperization are aspects of the penance that we all have to pay for our past sins. The removal of oil subsidy is now presented as a much deserved act of expiation for past sins. Our people are being punished to do penance for a past life of prodigal waste and reckless indulgence.

To the best of my knowledge, the Tinubu presidency has so far not come up with a strong enough argument that could necessitate a 2027 run for a second term. Yet the machinery for a second term run is everywhere in evidence. Pressure groups are springing up in all corners of the nation. Carefully nominated spokespersons are making coordinated noises. Yet, the public has not quite seen in the episodic style of governance anything that should support lacks an argument. Its programs lack a consistency. It’s achievement remain scanty and eclectic. It has not articulated a systematic programme that could sustain government for four years. And yet, the administration is nearly halfway through its tenure. How to find justification for the remaining time and onwards to 2027 remains the lingering political problem of the administration. Therefore, stumbling on this messianic streak could be a saving grace. Clearly, the magnitude of national problems that remain unaddressed is a mountain. It is easier to replace the multitude of probems with a single messianic salvation mission.

Couched in terms of saving us all from a sinful fake life, the mandate of the Tinubu presidency becomes both a moral and economic crusade. Coupled with foreign exchange and other economic policy crises, the fuel

subsidy removal salvation mandate can stand as a national economic reform measure. But taken together, their negative impacts cannot market them politically for another presidential term. But dressed in moral garb, a mission to encourage an end to a fake life could pass for a crusade for a review of our moral values.

Tinubu wants to migrate from an economic reformer to a moral crusader for a new economic order. But in order to make that somersault, Mr. Tinubu will need a total makeover. He needs to revamp and come clean on his personal credentials. He needs to rejig his team by replacing fellow travelers and debt collectors with technocrats. He needs to revise his priorities and revise or even review the agenda of his creaky party.

Those expensive real estate renovations in his previous budgets need urgent review. Those new executive jets, fleets of SUVs and those lengthy motorcades and yachts etc do not quite fit into any reformist moral agenda. You need to save yourself before setting out to save others! The question remains this: does Mr. Tinubu have the moral credentials to navigate Nigeria from an assumed sinful past?

It is politically unwise in any case for a leader to set himself above the people. It is erroneous to posit the people as sinners and the leader as a saint. The consumption of subsidized petroleum products is the result of past government policies. Tinubu was here with us through the various dispensations that instituted the subsidized petrol prizes. He and his numerous businesses was a beneficiary of the subsidized prices. It is doubtful whether he and his relations and associates were totally innocent of the wheeling and dealing in petroleum products imports that sustained the subsidy regime.

The most important requirement of credible political leadership is to rise above a messianic posturing and

immerse oneself in the crises and problems in which the people find themselves. The challenge of credible political leadership is to face the problems of a tenure and seek to resolve them by uplifting the people from the challenges that torment them. To distance oneself from the challenges and posit oneself above the people is false consciousness which can at best convert the leader into an aloof and distant messianic figure far removed from the realities that define general social existence.

If 2027 is the issue on hand, then the Tinubu government must face up to the challenge of that our current problems are largely the result of both its inherited and self-created policy quagmire. Tinubu created the subsidy removal and its serial consequences. He created the consequences of the foreign exchange merger. He imposed the myriad taxes, levies, tariffs, charges that have joined forces to make life unlivable for most Nigerians. Hunger became a national feature under his watch just as suicide became an option for a lot of Nigerians seeking to escape from the harrowing realities of the present time.

The road to escape from these consequences of present day policies should be the basis of whatever new thinking the president and his team want to advance for a possible 2027 run. Better solutions to the problems already created by the Tinubu government should be the basis of any credible opposition to the Tinubu incumbency.

There is no need to negatively brand all Nigerians or consign us all into a tribe of sinners just to find a narrative to ennoble Mr. Tinubu’s rudderless stewardship find an excuse for its elongation. We are already suffering enough of the consequences of bad governance. There is no need to call us names, insult us further or, for that matter, burden us with guilt just to sit comfortably on its bruised backs.

Tinubu

Abisoye Fagade A New Sheriff in Tourism

Always an affable host, the newly appointed Director General of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, Abisoye Fagade, a well-known serial entrepreneur and politician, has already rolled up his sleeves to restore sanity and standardisation in the institute. He tells Vanessa Obioha about his mission and vision

Tourism is a Social Bitcoin with a Long Value Chain

The day Abisoye Fagade was announced as the new Director General of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), he was in his hometown, Ibadan, Oyo State, with his friend and royal father, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi. They were in town for an event.

As they prepared, Fagade’s phone buzzed with a text message: “Welcome on board.” He glanced at the sender’s name, sighed, and showed the message to the monarch, who asked if the news had been made public. “Not yet,” Fagade replied. Oba Elegushi advised him to keep the good news to himself for the time being.

The secret was, however, shortlived. Soon after, the internet buzzed with the announcement that President Bola Tinubu had appointed Fagade to lead the institute, which trains personnel and practitioners in the tourism and hospitality sector. Congratulatory messages flooded in from all corners. Even social media influencer Tunde Ednut called to marvel at his popularity.

“I had over 2,000 messages on my WhatsApp,” he recalled over drinks on a recent Saturday evening. We were at the restaurant of Alexia’s Place in Opebi, Ikeja — one of the few boutique hotels he had established. “I was so filled with joy. It happened at the right time.”

Always an affable host, Fagade is no stranger to the hospitality and tourism sector, having consulted on a few culture and tourism projects for state governments, including his state, Oyo, Kwara and Lagos states. His work with the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, on the popular Ibom Golf, which saw him bring international golf players Colin Montgomery, Nancy Lopez and Retief Goosen to Nigeria, further cemented his involvement in the industry. That golf experience in 2007 also introduced him to the game, which has since become his favourite sport.

Born to a father who was a banker and a mother who was a teacher (both parents are late), Fagade’s childhood dream was to be a naval officer but his father wouldn’t have it. He would later delve into marketing communications, working with reputable companies such as SO&U Saatchi & Saatchi and IMS Group before opening his own company, Sodium Group, in 2009. Fagade has since donned the hat of a serial entrepreneur with businesses in agriculture, hospitality and tourism, oil and gas and manufacturing.

In 2023, he embarked on a political ambition to become the governor of his state, Oyo, but was unsuccessful. He is also the founder of the foundation Oyo Si Ma Dun (OSMD) which is involved in youth empowerment through education and financial support.

Now in this new role, Fagade has already rolled up his sleeves and focused on bringing standardisation and professionalism to the industry.

“The only way to bring sanity and standardisation to the sector is to standardise the structure of the tourism management and hospitality,” he explained. “What

do I mean by that? We can capture people who work in our industry, and train them properly to deliver world-class experience. Whoever is paying for a service, should have a standard experience, and if you are not trained to do that, you won’t be able to deliver. You cannot give what you don’t have.”

“We’re trying to empower the industry to be able to deliver a world-class experience for their customers,” he continued, “and by doing so, raise the standard of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria, awaken the awareness of the people that work in the industry that they represent this country, and it’s important for them to know what they are doing, tutor them into the right direction and give them certification. There’s this feeling that you get when you are satisfied. You can say that I’ve been trained, I know what I’m doing. And also, there’s a place people can always report to when the services are not acceptable.”

To kick start this mission, the new NIHOTOUR DG recently announced free registration for all personnel in the hospitality and tourism sectors for a limited time.

“Between December 1 and January 15, if you work with a

hotel, nightclub, or in a tourism environment, whether you work as a waiter, a retailer, a manager in the hotel, all the personnel at any level, you can go to our website and register for free. This is our way of identifying with the people in our industry. After January 15, they will have to pay for registration,” he said.

Calling it an early Christmas gift, Fagade explained that the initiative is aimed at building a database to help streamline the institute’s activities. He expressed confidence in his staff stating that they are willing to work but just need to be motivated.

“My immediate stakeholders are my staff and I told them the first day I resumed that I’m here to motivate them to give their best.”

As a gesture of goodwill, he had the institute’s mobile kitchen truck, which had long been dormant, cook meals for the entire staff.

“That week, that mobile kitchen truck cooked for all the staff. They have never tasted a meal made by the mobile kitchen. They were very happy. It didn’t cost me anything to get that working.”

Fagade believes that motivation is key to improving performance. “How can staff give their best if they aren’t motivated? I don’t believe in wasteful tenures. If you’re given

lemons, make lemonade out of it. I’m trying to use what I have in the institute to get what I want.”

To him, the tourism industry represents a “social bitcoin” with a long value chain, but it has yet to reach its full potential due to a lack of regulation.

“What we (NIHOTOUR) are bringing to bear is regulation. We are bringing a structure for standardisation which will bring about a return on investment. You will be able to measure where you are, and what you need to do to be where you are going to be, but right now, we don’t even know where we are or what you are doing. We are just scratching the surface by the time we structure the industry, you now see other value chains that are there.”

Fagade strongly believes in Nigeria’s potential, particularly in its cultural diversity.

“We need to look inward to be great. We don’t need anybody’s endorsement or validation to be Nigerians. We have such a strong identity that other African countries want to be like us,” he enthused.

His love for Nigeria, according to him, has always been ingrained. It is what made him set up a Naija Corner in London at a festival during the 2010s so that Nigerians can feel at home.

“There are no bad leaders in Nigeria but bad citizens. If we all decide to be good citizens, then we will have a better country and better leaders.’

Explaining further, he said, “The passion I have for this country is partly because I’ve been everywhere in the world and I feel we can do better. You can’t do better if I don’t do better. It starts with simple things. We will get the kind of leaders that we deserve if we all don’t put our hands together to make this country a better place.

Established in 1987, NIHOTOUR is tasked with providing professional and technical skills training to enhance personnel at all levels in the hospitality and tourism industries. The institute also conducts research for the sector.

Fagade envisions expanding the institute’s reach through an e-learning platform.

“We don’t have the brick-andmortar capacity to train the over 30 million people in the sector, but with online learning, students can still receive certification. We’re working to strengthen our e-learning system, and with government funding, we’ll make it happen.”

Fagade also plans to partner with state governments and the private sector to help deliver world-class services. He hopes to establish a World Tourism Academy in Nigeria, acknowledging that while it may not be completed within his tenure, he intends to lay the groundwork.

NIHOTOUR is often mistaken for a tourism development agency, but Fagade wants to clarify its role.

“We are the regulator of tourism and hospitality personnel. We don’t deal with entities, we deal with personnel. We are the gatekeepers of that industry. We are the ones that put the control and structure that makes up tourist centres. We are the foundation that makes tourism to be because, without the personnel, there is no tourism.”

As for how he wants to be remembered at the end of his tenure, Fagade simply said, “Great guy. The footprints will be there. When they call you an all-around great guy, it means you’ve done well for everyone.”

Fagade

with KAYoDe ALFreD 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com

lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Hard Times for PastorIdowuBolaji

Pastor Bolaji Idowu, one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s religious landscape, recently found himself in troubled waters. Arrested by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) over allegations of fraud tied to a real estate scheme, his case has gripped public attention. As expected, given Idowu’s reputation for spiritual leadership and affluence, jaws creaked in surprise at the news.

The allegations against Idowu centre on billions of naira allegedly linked to both his church’s and personal accounts. While the pastor denies involvement, the case has cast a shadow over his image. The matter escalated further when reports emerged of high-level interventions leading to his release, including voices from “big pastors” and inside Aso Rock.

Reactions to the news have been mixed. Some Nigerians expressed sympathy, concluding that the widespread economic hardships are touching minds previously protected by religion’s inflexible armour. These people see Idowu’s plight as normal: everybody is struggling to eat and will do whatever it takes.

But others view the situation with skepticism, and from a different angle than expected. They think that given Pastor Idowu’s reputation for wealth and influence, perhaps his prominence shielded him from the full weight of the law. The fact that he was rapidly released from the previously believed cold hands of the law has only deepened such doubts.

Frustration has also emerged over what many perceive as inequality in Nigeria’s justice system. The ease of intervention in his case contrasts sharply with the prolonged detention of less connected individuals, fueling anger about systemic injustice and privilege.

Among the more critical voices are those who point to a moral failing within certain religious and social institutions. They argue that cases like this undermine public trust in leaders who are expected to uphold higher ethical standards, urging stricter accountability.

For now, Idowu’s future remains uncertain. With a repayment demand looming, his legal and financial troubles appear far from over. With the lessthan-kind gazes that are directed at him now, it might be more difficult for him to sway the hearts of some Nigerians once this debacle dies down.

The world of finance is fast-paced, so careers flash past faster than the wind. But in the marbles of such an industry, Folake Ani-Mumuney has etched her name with the bright and brilliant ink of true achievement. After 15 remarkable years at First Bank as Global Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, she retires, leaving a legacy of innovation and impact.

Ani-Mumuney’s professional journey spans over 25 years across diverse industries, including banking, aviation, oil and gas, and manufacturing. Known for her peerless ability to adapt to varying demands and deliver value, she has always turned heads with nothing more than her strategic mind and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

She brought these attributes to First Bank when she joined it in 2010. Redefining its corporate communications strategy, she contributed significantly to the bank’s global profile. Even now, it is thought that her innovative marketing approaches helped to strengthen First Bank’s image and also fostered partnerships that have stood the test of

Folake Ani-Mumuney: A Career Defined by Excellence and Resilience

time. Of course, during this period, AniMumuney thrived as a champion of female leadership and gender equity. Her roles in organisations like WISCAR and Gaia Africa show just how passionate she is about empowering women, thereby proving that leadership extends far beyond titles.

A woman of many accolades for sure, Ani-Mumuney is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK) and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria. Such professional recognition, not to mention several lifetime achievement awards, speaks volumes about her dedication to setting new standards in every industry she touches.

Ani-Mumuney’s final remarks at First Bank were clear and showed her strong presence of mind. She leaves with pride, knowing the institution is in capable hands, and that these hands have adopted her philosophy—that true success is built collaboratively.

Looking ahead, the golden lady’s journey is far from over. With her wealth of experience and a deep passion for driving change, AniMumuney’s next chapter promises to be as impactful as the last. For a woman like her, the future holds endless possibilities.

Biodun Shobanjo: The Titan of Nigeria’s Advertising at 80

In the Nigerian advertising industry, Biodun Shobanjo’s name commands respect. Even at 80, the gentle man’s influence remains unmatched. To doubt Shobanjo’s legacy is to ignore over five decades of innovation, leadership, and global partnerships that have transformed the landscape of marketing communications in Nigeria.

Shobanjo’s career began in broadcasting before he transitioned to advertising at Grant Advertising in 1971. By 1980, he co-founded Insight Communications, which became Nigeria’s foremost advertising agency. For 25 years, he led Insight with vision and determination, setting benchmarks others could only aspire to meet.

Even beyond Insight, Shobanjo’s contributions are well represented. Through the Troyka Group, Shobanjo introduced Nigeria’s first PR consultancy, media independent firms, and security solutions company, Halogen Security. These pioneering ventures not only redefined the industry but also

created thousands of jobs, proving just how committed Shobanjo is to economic growth.

Globally, professionals like David Ogilvy and Leo Burnett are revered for their advertising legacies. Shobanjo deserves similar recognition. His partnership with Publicis Groupe positioned Troyka Holdings on the world stage, demonstrating that Nigerian innovation can compete with the best globally—a rare accomplishment.

One might scoff at these things, but accolades do speak volumes. Shobanjo has earned over 50 awards, including the Zik Prize in Leadership and recognition as Africa’s Most Influential Personality in Advertising. His honorary degrees from two prestigious universities further affirm his unparalleled contributions to education, advertising, and national development.

At 80, Shobanjo embodies wisdom, resilience, and excellence. As he continues to inspire a new generation of creative leaders, his legacy stands as a powerful reminder: true

Julius rone: The Gas King’s Quiet Moves with Loud Impact

Julius Rone has had an impressive 2024. Despite global economic uncertainties casting dark shadows over Nigeria’s energy sector, Rone’s achievements in spearheading innovative gas solutions reinforced his reputation as a true industry champion. His leadership of UTM Offshore, especially, pushed out many significant milestones that continue to shape the industry.

This year, Rone’s UTM Offshore received a construction license for Nigeria’s first floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility. With this pioneering project that is expected to produce 2.8 million metric tons of LNG annually, Rone’s determination to address energy demands while aligning with national gas expansion policies has never been more in-your-face.

2024 also saw UTM Offshore secure a $350

Solomon Adeola Becomes the Most

Politician in Ogun

There is a politician once dismissed as inconsistent and self-centred, who is now emerging as a symbol of decisive leadership. That individual is Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, whose recent contributions to national policy and fiscal discipline are shifting perceptions, showing that even those once doubted can rise to become indispensable figures in governance.

In the Senate, Yayi’s leadership on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper demonstrates his evolving priorities. His call for investigations into unremitted revenues by NNPCL and fiscal inefficiencies shows him to be a politician who values accountability over convenience.

Yayi’s advocacy for reforms like the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative is proof that his focus is on long-term economic solutions. By emphasising practical alternatives to reduce energy costs, he cuts the figure of

a leader who is deeply invested in alleviating burdens on everyday Nigerians while aligning with global energy trends.

A chartered accountant by training, Yayi brings a blend of financial expertise and legislative experience to the table. From his days steering Lagos’ Internal Revenue Service reforms to his current role as Senate Appropriations Chairman, his record now reflects a person capable of driving meaningful economic change.

Critics often hold onto old impressions, but as an African proverb says, “The child who washed his hands clean eats with the elders.” Yayi’s recent actions are erasing doubts, proving that he belongs among the ranks of Nigeria’s most transformative lawmakers.

Across the world, politicians have respect despite initial scepticism. The late US President, Abraham Lincoln, is one of these. Yayi’s trajectory mirrors this pattern, as Nigerians begin to recognize the value of a leader who

million loan from the African Export-Import Bank to finance the FLNG project. Here, we see Rone’s ability to attract international partnerships, which is a critical component for groundbreaking ventures in any industry facing global challenges.

Nigerians also get behind the idea of the FLNG project being groundbreaking and capable of enabling offshore gas monetization and reducing dependency on pipelines. More informed stakeholders agreed that by leveraging floating technology, the facility will enhance exports and support domestic markets, creating jobs and generating revenue. Now, Rone’s vision is widely considered as innovative as it is transformative.

evolves with time and serves the greater good, not just personal interests.

From Lagos to Abuja, Yayi is proving that political redemption is possible. With his transformation, one can learn that leadership is not about where one starts but about the choices made along the way. Nigeria’s future will benefit from more leaders willing to grow and embrace accountability like Yayi. Indeed, this is why his name is all over the place.

titans are not confined to their time—they shape it and transcend it.

Ani-Mumuney

runsewe

Idowu

Shobanjo

Umeoji

Adaora Umeoji, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Zenith Bank, recently demonstrated her profound influence at the

Adaora Umeoji Shines in Paris … How She Became the Most Powerful Female Bank MD in Nigeria

grand unveiling of Zenith Bank’s Paris branch. The event, held in the heart of the French capital, wasn’t just a celebration of banking expansion but a statement about leadership, strategy, and tenacity. And Umeoji featured brightly there.

Soft-spoken yet commanding, Umeoji’s approach is often mistaken for passivity, but her achievements tell a different story. With decades of expertise, her quiet demeanour masks a relentless drive that has reshaped Zenith Bank’s global trajectory. Paris was not her first significant milestone, and it will not be her last.

Her education—spanning institutions like Harvard, Columbia, and Wharton—has equipped her with an unmatched strategic lens. Combined with years of hands-on experience, she operates with a precision that has earned respect across financial landscapes. This rare blend of intellect and intuition is her real strength.

The Paris branch launch was more than symbolic; it marked a pivotal step in bridging

Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo Ticks

All the Boxes in Ogun State

Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, has quickly won admiration through decisive actions that resonate deeply with the people. Barely weeks into his tenure, he has rolled out impactful programmes, earning accolades and leaving even sceptics wondering how he managed to achieve so much so fast.

Recently, Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo facilitated health insurance coverage for 200 elderly residents in Abeokuta North. This programme ensures access to free, quality healthcare all year round, a groundbreaking initiative that sets a precedent in Ogun State. Residents say this gesture feels like “a king’s feast after years of famine.”

His leadership also played a crucial role in resolving tensions during the election of local council principal officers. By engaging

Sanwo-Olu

The 2027 race for Lagos State governorship has sparked a heated conversation, with

with stakeholders and fostering unity, Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo ensured a smooth process that would strengthen governance. With him in charge, it really is as they say: “When the shepherd leads well, the flock stays united.”

Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo’s commitment to cmmunity development extends beyond quick wins. His collaborative approach, working with the legislative arm, promises to drive policies that reflect the aspirations of the people. This focus on teamwork underscores his intent to deliver long-term progress for Abeokuta North.

Winning the chairmanship election by a landslide with 15,494 votes was only the beginning. Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo’s postelection statements revealed a vision rooted in service and inclusivity, and his immediate actions prove he meant every word.

African and European economies. Umeoji’s remarks about bolstering trade between regions showed her understanding of the interconnectedness of global markets, leaving no room for doubt about her longterm vision.

Critics often attribute Umeoji’s prominence to aesthetics or associations, forgetting the substance of her contributions. As the first female GMD of Zenith Bank, she has consistently delivered results, proving that respect is earned through action, not assumptions. Paris was a platform for her to silence doubters yet again.

Her accolades - from national honours to humanitarian awards - are not just tokens but recognition of her impact. Whether fostering sustainable growth or championing philanthropic causes, Umeoji embodies the African proverb: “When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.”

The support from various political leaders, community members, and party stakeholders shows just how much respect Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo commands. From healthcare to legislative harmony, his tenure signals a new era for Abeokuta North, where promises translate into tangible benefits. His administration is giving people reasons to hope.

Tokunbo Abiru, Akinwumi Ambode’s Names

Ring out as Possible Successor for Sanwo-Olu

two names consistently making the rounds: Tokunbo Abiru and Akinwunmi Ambode. But why are these two figures being mentioned so often? The reason is not far-fetched.

Abiru, a banker by trade, has the reputation of a super financial expert. When he was Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, he used successful financial initiatives like the N80 billion bond issuance to strike strong chords in the hearts of the people. His entry into politics only further solidified his standing, especially after his victory in the Lagos East senatorial byeelection.

On the other hand, Ambode, who once governed Lagos, still holds a special place in the hearts of many residents. Despite being ousted by party politics in 2019, his previous tenure is generally seen as transformative, with infrastructure projects like the Oshodi transport

Abdulkabir Aliu at 50: A Golden Journey of Vision, Excellence, and Service

Today, as Abdulkabir Aliu, the visionary founder and CEO of Matrix Energy Group, marks his 50th birthday, a wave of celebration sweeps across Nigeria and beyond. From the corridors of power to the hearts of communities he has touched, Aliu’s journey is hailed as a testament to brilliance, resilience, and boundless generosity. It is a moment not just to honour a man but to reflect on a legacy of transformation that has shaped industries and uplifted lives.

Born into a Nigeria striving for greatness, Aliu has become one of its brightest beacons. At 50, he embodies the golden age—a point where wisdom meets vigor, where achievements inspire and the horizon stretches toward even greater heights. Under his leadership, Matrix Energy Group has emerged as a colossus in Nigeria’s energy landscape. From oil and gas logistics to LPG distribution, shipping, and fertilizer blending, the breadth of his enterprise

reflects a mind unbound by limits and a heart committed to national growth.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tribute captures the essence of Aliu’s impact: a transformative force not only in energy but in the social fabric of the nation. “Abdulkabir Aliu exemplifies the spirit of resilience, innovation, and service that elevates communities and strengthens our nation,” the President remarked, lauding his extraordinary contributions to Nigeria’s economic and social progress.

But Abdulkabir Aliu’s achievements go beyond boardrooms and balance sheets. His philanthropic endeavours speak of a man who understands the deeper purpose of success. In Maiduguri, his vision gave rise to a state-ofthe-art Kidney Complex, a beacon of hope in a region often in need. At the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, his generosity has restored dignity and life through the renovation of healthcare facilities. Over

Adegboyega

Fresh Spark in Pastor Tobi Adegboyega of SPAC Nation

When the name Tobi Adegboyega pops up, it often feels like opening a can of worms marked “Handle with Care.” Whether it’s luxury suits, flashy cars, or fiery sermons, the pastor has always been a master of spectacle. His latest headline-grabbing controversy is one that is worth its weight in eyerolls.

This time, Adegboyega is grappling with a court ruling to deport him from the UK over alleged financial mismanagement during his SPAC Nation days. Critics claim his “charity work” involved dubious practices, like convincing members to fund his lavish lifestyle. Some ex-members even accused him of preaching from the book of “how to sell your own blood.”

hub and the construction of new roads. So, during these years of his absence, the public’s quiet support for him has only intensified.

So, both men have supporters with tough vocal cords, deep pockets, and boundless devotion. While Ambode’s supporters argue for a “return to finish the job,” Abiru’s supporters view him as the future—a man with expertise in managing Lagos’ finances and potential for economic growth.

But even the sharpest of supporters recognise how much power is contained in the blessing of President Bola Tinubu. Known as the kingmaker of Lagos, Tinubu’s endorsement could tip the scales in favour of either candidate. Nevertheless, it is generally believed that either of them will take over from Sanwo-Olu in 2027, fully garbed in this endorsement.

4,000 scholarships bear his name, a lifeline to students whose dreams might otherwise have withered. Women empowered through his skills training and financial support carry forward his legacy of compassion and opportunity.

In his defence, Adegboyega insists he’s being targeted unfairly. Against his defence, the tribunal saw things differently, labelling his explanations “hyperbolic” and his influence “inflated.” That’s a polite way of saying, “Nice try, Pastor.” Still, his defence—that his projects would crumble without him—sounds a bit like trying to hold the sky with bare hands.

It brings to mind the controversy of footballer Olanrewaju Kayode alleging an affair between Adegboyega and his wife. Readers would recall that Adegboyega denied it, adding a few jokes for good measure. But that is all old news by this point.

SPAC Nation once celebrated for reforming troubled youths, now seems more like a soap opera plotline. Allegations of exploitation, excessive loans, and luxury living turned the narrative from salvation to scandal. But as the saying goes, “The sheep that gambols with wolves will have wool missing by nightfall.”

But Adegboyega’s flashy persona remains a source of fascination, even if it also fuels suspicion.

Whether he’s parading in designer outfits or claiming he’s a misunderstood hero, public opinion wavers between disbelief and outright cynicism.

For now, London courts and Nigerian whispers keep the drama alive. Will the pastor finally return to Nigeria with tales of redemption? Or will there be something else to keep his name in the lights? One thing’s for sure—Adegboyega’s name at present is being written in bright and controversial colours.

Oyegbola-Sodipo

Aliu

ToNY elUmelU: A prINCe of

TIDeS

You know that this our oga is a show man. His arrival at the recent Paris event where he signed an expansion of services with the French Minister of Finance and with the Presidents of Nigeria and France standing behind him and smelling is perfume gave some of us a lot of pride. Mr. Elumelu has come a long way from that hot afternoon when it was announced that a generation of bank MDs must leave to this point where he has stewarded the bank as its Chairman to become one of the largest financial conglomerates of African origin.

I have just learnt that with about 25,000 employees, the UBA group is probably one of the largest on the continent and that the expansion agreement signed was just a natural progression since they were already operating in 11 Francophone countries making France their European Union hub.

Na why he appear at the venue like James Bond, emerging from his car with red socks, buttoning his suit and walking in slow motion to the pulsating sound of afrobeat announcing the arrival of the man. Well done sir and well done to the whole team at UBA for such grand work. Thanks

Dele f arotimi: A p risoner of Conscience

Dele placed a frantic call to me last Friday. I am an alumnus of the Afe Babalola’s ‘School of Criminal Defamation’ having gone through the road he was about to take. “Duke, e be like say that thing wey dem do you, dem one do me o” I asked “Wetin?

And he replied: “Chief Afe Babalola is coming after me.” “My brother,” I said. “Make we go beg o, that man na titan o.” His response was “No o! I don sue am to court on Monday, I go slam am with a suit.”

I said, “Ok o my brother, but if you need to go beg, let me know, I get experience.”

My people, we all now know what has finally happened. Dele has been ‘abducted,’ arraigned, remanded and will have his day in court.

Let me quickly state two things here –Chief Afe Babalola has won huge respect and favour in this our country. If we had just six of him spread all over the six geographical zones of the country, we would be ok. He has impacted the

folAKe ANI-mUmUNNeY: eleGANT DAmSel, eleGANT exIT

It was my sister, the extremely brilliant Abim of the Marketing team at First Bank who first drew my attention to the matter. “Duke, Folake is going. Won’t you say something? Kai, I looked through and saw reports of the exit of my dear big sister Folake Ani-Mumunney from First Bank and was immediately filled with mixed feelings.

I hear she had spent close to 30 years on the seat and in that period had managed very brilliantly the different phases of the Bank’s evolution with much brilliance.

It was she who gave me my first sponsorship at First Bank. It was N100,000 and I remember running the length and breadth of the Marina from the Apogbon end to the State House end with the cheque waving in the air and with people staring at me like a mad man. First Bank supporting my dream? It was unbelievable.

Folake carried herself with elegance, her confidence remained crazily engaging, and her brilliance supernatural, all carried with the beauty of a Yoruba Greek goddess. Mbok, if you have never met her before, go and find her and just stare. The woman used to intimidate me

judiciary and education in a way that no Nigerian, living or dead in government or out of it has done. I think it is only MKO Abiola who may have reached those heights before he was distracted by politics.

Aare is highly revered and rightfully so. He is a god. He is god to me and when I went to prostrate for him, I did that with full humility to his age, his accomplishments and his passion for Nigeria. In return, he sat me down and tutored me for hours about Nigeria, his trajectory and why he remains so passionate about the country despite his age.

I left there a better man.

But daddy is wont to overreact at times. Small thing, he has carried police and this is exactly what has happened with this Dele’s case.

I have read parts of the book and my people, it was blood everywhere. Dele tore at the elder statesman with no mercy. He called him names, attempted

with her brilliance and beauty and that is why I no dey sabi argue with her. She will call me and say, “ Edgar, you know we do not joke with you but this time, we will not deal.” I will smile and say, ‘My sister, thanks so very much for the rejection.” I will smile after dropping the phone and say to myself- that is a professional. If you now juxtapose her approach to her job with the mumu people who lead other marketing teams in Nigeria’s corporate world, you will just die of laughter. You will see big heads who have no power, have no intelligence but first will not take your call for years and be forming busy.

When they eventually pity you and take your call, they will be talking to you like you are some scum and finally, they will say “We will get back to you,” and that one, you will wait till resurrection morning and nothing from them.

Folake redefined professionalism in that space, she wrote a new manual and that is why I am sure everybody at First Bank will just be shaking their head in despair at this inevitable departure.

My dear Aunty, well done is all I can say for now. Well done, you certainly did it your way. God bless you.

to shred his legacy and at this time in daddy’s age, remains a wicked thing to do. But in all of these, moving against him in this manner justifies what he had alluded to in his book – control of the establishment. A man should not lose his personal liberty over an opinion, no matter how outlandish. These are lawyers o – one giant and one eaglet, this should have given both an opportunity to square it out in court without the involvement of the gra gra the police used to bring into things like this and the seeming infringement of his basic rights.

It is in this regard that I hereby name Mr. Dele Farotomi a Prisoner of Conscience and as such, plead very fervently for his immediate release especially as we have just been told that the charges against him – defamation - is not a criminal offence in Lagos where he resides and where the said book was allegedly published. Mbok, make una leave this man abeg, no be every small thing we will be putting police on the road abeg.

KUNle AfolAYAN: IS NeTflIx GoING or ComING?

Mbok, we just heard the shocking news that Netflix is leaving Nigeria. They said it was the mercurial filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan that said it. Coming from him, the public took it very seriously.

Kunle is a pillar in the industry and his films make us proud internationally. I hear he is amongst the very few you have to go through to get a hearing if you want to place your movie on the Netflix platform

But just as the news was sinking in, another report came from Netflix saying basically that they don’t know what Kunle is talking about. They even went ahead to restate their commitment to the industry which I hear is worth about $25 million annually.

This is my take. E be like say Nigerians don carry their mago mago go there again. You know we never do anything according to international best practices

Rumours are rife that you can only get through to Netflix through a tiny cabal who have most likely secured our slots for themselves and allowed the rest to struggle and in that kind of struggle all sorts will be deployed.

Even before now, I hear it’s easier for a camel to pass through the

Farotimi

Afolayan

elumelu

el-rufai

Aregbesola

eye of a needle than for a movie not sanctioned by this cabal to get through, and as such, many producers have given up Today, I can say very emphatically that more people like my brother Kofi da Guru are self-promoting their productions through other platforms including ARISE Play.

So this cry be like cry of cabal as maybe Netflix wants to change operational procedure.

For me, if Netflix or any other platform wants to get the very best of our rich talents, they must ensure a democratised level playing field if not, make dem go.

We cannot continue to support a platform with our N7,000 monthly only for a few to be cashing out while the rest of us are left watching Scooby Doo on the platform.

So this is a lesson to all because as I dey so, I really don’t care if they stay or go since na only six people film they are showing and they don’t even show porn. Shior!

well DoNe Aero, BUT…

My people the cost of going to Uyo is now what we used to pay to go to Australia. The other day, my great friend Mr. Austin Ebose and I went to visit an elder statesman in his humble abode. Austin was taken away by the humble demeanour of the statesman, former senator, minister and governor but yet seemed very fulfilled and contented in the only house he had, having built it with a bank loan of N80,000 just after the civil war.

There and then, Austin offered to buy his ticket to the east for the holidays. My people na N1.8m we see for oga and his wife. I screamed. Oh my God. To Uyo na about N400,000 return. Some tickets are hitting N600,000 return.

Going by road is out with the level of insecurity that has taken over. Did you guys hear about the kidnappers who took all the passengers in a bus and are asking for N100m ransom?

So, when in all these, I heard that Nigeria’s oldest airline was now offering tickets on all domestic flights for N80,000, I first calm down o.

That is how one big cement manufacturer offered cement at N6,000 and could not meet the demand and ended up selling at multiples of three the actual price. So, this Aero own is more delicate o. Much as we welcome the offer which according to them is to give back during this season, the fear for safety, scheduling efficiency and capacity to handle the deluge is uppermost in my mind as I write. Make person no go dey sing another song because of N90,000. My people, please if you cannot guarantee safety, and efficiency and do not have the capacity, make una leave us o. If we cannot pay those outrageous sums, we will fall back on witchcraft to be flying in brooms to our destinations. Na beg. Didn’t even know they were still flying o.

IT wASN’T MoHAMMeD el-rUfAI

It was Fela who sang “When trouble sleep, yanga go wake am…” This na real wahala people dey find.

One blog just very gleefully announced that this young man has been caught with huge sums of money and has been busted by the EFCC.

The first inkling of the “fakeness” of this story was the fact that no major news outlet carried it. Let me kuku advise those of you who have stopped buying newspapers and are

relying on these two Kobo blogs for your newsfeed, you are wallowing in the sewer of fake news. 80% of things you see in those Kwashiorkor blogs are fake or recycled old news and if you run with them, eventually, you too will become a fake person. This particular one was so fake that even the target was able to quickly shoot it down. The story had come with footage of large wads of currency in different denominations that we later saw were images taken

from much earlier reports that had nothing whatsoever to do with the target but were earlier seizures from a bureau de change. They even further coloured the story by saying, that two EFCC agents were killed during the raid. Me I don’t like this particular ElRufai, especially with the way he runs his mouth but coming at him like this is banal and totally unacceptable. This is the kind of thing we should

MIke ADeNUgA: A CAUTIoUS prAYer

Don’t even know how to write this. Maybe I should not even state it but I cannot continue to keep quiet na. A coward dies many times before their death. There is something between me and Daddy that makes me not say or comment about him. Even if his Glo emerges as the biggest telecoms provider in the world, I would not say a word. I had sworn and signed off on that and I have kept to that oath for almost five years now.

But this his “passing” that was erroneously pushed out by enemies- what in Shomolu we call “otta” has pushed me out of my self-imposed decision not to talk about Daddy. It continues to beat the wildest of imaginations that anybody can just wake up in the morning, take his bath, eat akara and then just type out fiction and push out very aggressively. Why would you wake up and say someone has died? Died o. This is how they made Awo and Zik die many times before their

deaths. Today it’s the turn of Mike Adenuga. God forbid! Thankfully, the rumour has been debunked and we have learnt that Daddy is hale and hearty and in good health. So, for just this once, I make this comment. Dear sir, kneel wherever you are, raise your hands in the air and please make sure you are stark naked and shout after me: “Ohhhhhhhh Lorddddddddddd, ohhhhh Lordddddddddddd, you will give me long lifeeeeeeee.”

Do that ten times and after that, stand up, walk to the corners of your room with eyes closed and head shaking and say “A bushaka, abushaka, abushaka.” Lastly, bend down and touch your toes, still naked and give thanks, give thanks to the Most High for he has added more than 50 years. Yesssssssss. You will continue to live long to play the massive role you are playing in this country that has been written and affirmed. You remain in our prayers, don’t worry.

be deploying Ekiti police to tackle since they have shown tremendous capacity in “abducting” this kind of people. Help… I don run for cover o. rAUf AregBeSolA AND HIS ADUlTerATeD AlfA

You all know that Daddy has been out in the cold and it is harsh out there o. Hungry dey and it’s all of the misery. So, in trying for a quick rehabilitation, the highly revered Oba of Lagos has been quoted to have said that the chief may have been misguided by some alfas. My people, we have so many fake things in this country to the extent that we now have fake alfas. I always knew that this was in existence especially as I have been a victim.

One day in Shomolu as a young kid, I was in love with a pretty damsel. I was not just in love but was crazy about her. But the lady didn’t even give me face. Nothing I said or did interested her and in frustration, I mentioned to my friend Rasaki who told me that he had an alfa that would give me something that would make the girl not only love me but agree to be impregnated by me. In enthusiasm, I allowed him to take me to see the alfa. It was on Adebiyi Street, the intersection of Awoseyin Street on the way to Shomolu Market. The man gave me a leather pouch and broke a guinea fowl egg on it, rubbed it all over the pouch and put it out to dry in the sun. He asked me to put it in my pocket and go and talk to the girl, that I would see that the girl would just fall and marry me and bear my children.

For his services, I paid him with my mother’s Eleganza coolers. I didn’t have cash but my mother was a collector and didn’t even notice that I used it as “paro” to raise cash. That was how I gave this alfa two giant coolers and ran away. My people, na slap I receive o. The Igbo girl slapped the Eleganza cooler out of my face. I brought out the amulet in front of her to see if it still had a network, shook the thing, put it back in my pocket and started again. The slap was hot and I ran home in tears. My mother seeing me cry asked what happened and I stupidly told her and received further beating. She asked me to take her back to the alfa to retrieve her coolers. I asked her to kuku take knife and cut my throat, that I was not going back before the alfa turned me into a cockroach. So it is looking like it is the grandson of this my fake alfa that “Aregbe” must have gone to, according to Kabiyesi’s reported speech. Abi how else do we explain his utterly very childish decision to go after his maker?

Mbok even me, I siddon here perplex for am. Who goes after Obong Tinubu in this age? The man is simply unstoppable and I am sure it was not only fake alfas that must have pushed him, there will also be some level of hypnotism inside that matter. Anyways, Kabiyesi has spoken and I hope the powers that be are listening. It is really cold out there, I swear.

BIkIYA grAHAM-DoUglAS: THroUgH THe fIre

Let me close this week by talking small about my sister Bikiya Graham Douglas. I met her in Abuja last week at the grand finale of the NAFEST which pulled in cultural troupes from all over Nigeria. Bikiya is a force in theatre and culture and her Abuja theatre festival is growing so much that you cannot help but hug her and say well done.

I hear this year that she has attracted foreign participation, pulled in better sponsors and gained tremendous traction and for this, I say well done my sister.

Adenuga

As a Reward for Love of Unity, Amb. Tamuno Gets Traditional Title in Owo

’Paint a rainbow of love in your heart for peace and unity,’’ so says an anonymous quote.

Perhaps, if you ever think of compiling a list of Nigerians who deserve commendations for their love for the unity of Nigeria, Ambassasor Maureen Tamuno, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Abuja Investments Company Limited will certainly make the list with a generous mention.

The Rivers State-born woman has the paint of a rainbow in her heart as she, in the past, has displayed her detribalised nature and love for fellow human beings irrespective of their origin. This, we gathered, has been one of the things working for her and her rising profile. The brilliant administrator has also continued to soar higher with boldness and astute business ideas that have placed AICL in the minds of many.

It was gathered that for her detribalised character, she has been recognised and honoured in many parts of the country. It was hinted that she is also set to be conferred as Yeye Folagboyero of Owo Kingdom by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo and paramount ruler of Owo Kingdom in Ondo State, on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

The chieftaincy ceremony is expected to gather prominent figures from across the nation, according to a source. Another source from the Olowo Palace shared that her title reflects her deep love and commitment to the progress of Owo Kingdom, as demonstrated by her character. Oba Ogunoye III also expressed hope that she will play a pivotal role in the development of the Owo people while encouraging her to uphold the unity of Nigeria as a core value.

Tamuno is the immediate past Ambassador to Jamaica and permanent representative to the International Seabed Authority (ISA). During her service at the ISA, she held pivotal roles such as the former Vice Chairperson of the African Region. Her efforts in Geneva were recognized as she was appointed as a gender champion on ocean affairs, furthering the cause of gender equality in maritime matters.

In addition to her diplomatic achievements, she balances her professional responsibilities with family life. Her success in both spheres serves as a testament to her resilience and leadership capabilities. Her journey in politics exemplifies her dedication to empowering women and promoting their active participation in governance. She has shattered barriers and assumed roles traditionally dominated by men, paving the way for other women to follow.

Of Fifi Ejindu and High-Powered Connections

Beautiful, elegant, and intelligent are some of the adjectives to describe Princess Fifi Ejindu. The Cross River State-born architect is renowned for her impact on Nigeria’s business world, contributing to the economic development of the nation.

Sometime in October 2023, her profile received a boost to the admiration of her farflung fans. In what may be described as a double celebration of sorts, Ejindu, on that red-letter day, had first been honoured with an award as the Iconic Female Entrepreneur of the Year at the well-attended Democracy Hero Awards ceremony in Abuja. Later that day, she was inducted as the President of the Angola-Nigeria Business Council by former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, alongside other eminent members at the First Interactive Diplomatic/Business Forum for Angola-Nigeria in Abuja.

According to the organisers, Ejindu

was deserving of the honour solely for her abiding efforts to ensure a smooth trade and investment relationship between Angola and Nigeria. In her acceptance speech, Ejindu expressed her passion for the growth of Africa and, by extension, Angola and Nigeria.

As proof of her commitment, the influential woman, a few days ago, achieved what many would have thought impossible when she brokered a deal with Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, with the Angolan President, João Lourenço, towards the construction of a new refinery in Angola. Dangote, it was learnt, visited the Angolan leader in Luanda, last Tuesday, to discuss investments in cement business as well as building a refinery.

Society Watch gathered that this enviable feat has made her a reckoning force among her peers on the continent.

Culture is the identity and livewire of every society, Abriba inclusive.

Abriba, serene, beautiful town in Ohaifa council area of Abia State does not joke with its age grade culture and the Ime Uche/Igboto Nma (traditional retirement) ceremony and this is why a cerebral lawyer and the owner of Dover Hotels, Ikeja and Lekki, Lagos, Jackson Agbai Abbah, is in the news.

Come December 29, 2024, Abbah will be retiring traditionally from active communal service as dictated by the Abriba tradition and all roads

Can Abidemi rufai Live

with the Blot on His escutcheon?

Those who knew Abidemi Rufai, a former aide of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, would tell you that the man was the true definition of a man-about-town. At a time, the Ogun State-born aptly fitted the description of King of Groove, if there was a title like that.

Apart from his academic qualifications, his other credentials in the social circle, so to say, were that he drove posh cars, wore expensive designer watches and was a VIP card-carrying member of many A-list nightclubs on Lagos Island and other parts of the country. In fact, Society Watch gathered that club owners could afford to shut any other person out of their clubs as long as the man was around.

A top-flight socialite and quite popular among musicians, Rufai has houses in choice areas in Ijebu-Ode as well as Lekki. He was also well-connected on account of his relationship with Governor Abiodun and other power brokers in Ogun and neighbouring states.

However, his influence came to a sudden halt in 2021 when the man known as Elele Ruffy by fans and admirers poked the law in the eyes in

the faraway United States.

As they say, ‘greed is a powerful motivator,’ Rufai was not content with the wealth he had acquired. He got pushed by greed and found himself in an unenviable situation. His fans were shocked beyond words when news broke back then that the owner of Ecobet, a popular sports betting company, had been arrested at the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York on his way out of the US.

The acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman accused him of using an alias, Sandy Tang, to steal over $350,000 in unemployment benefits from the Washington State Employment Security Department. He was jailed for his numerous offences.

Rufai was released from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons’ custody in Fort Dix, New Jersey, on November 15, 2024. The convicted felon, as gathered, would now ready himself for deportation from the U.S. as stipulated in his guilty plea. His Nigerian passport was returned to him on October 21, 2024, after he filed a motion to reduce his sentencing.

leads to his country home at Nchiyi, Uzo Amogudu, Abriba for the big event.

Abbah belongs to the Okezie Age grade of Abriba and what his Ime Uche/Igboto Nma (traditional retirement) means is that he has now joined the pantheon, something akin to becoming an elder statesman. As a “retiree”, he would no longer be called upon for any kind of communal work but will henceforth serve as a guide and mentor to the younger age grade members.

Ondo Top politician, Araoyinbo, Bids Grandmother Farewell in Grand Style

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure,’’ reads a popular quote.

For Otunba Olumide Araoyinbo, the memory of his late grandmother, Mrs Janet Aladesuru Oso, nee Omoyajowo. is one to be cherished for eternity.

To ensure this, the former majority leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly and President of the Ondo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONDOCIMMA), gave his beloved grandmother a burial befitting the princess that she was.

Araoyinbo pulled all the stops to give his grandmother a burial that could only be reserved for a royal on Saturday, November 30, 2024. The ceremony was attended by top personalities from all walks of life, both home and abroad who trooped into the dusty ancient town of Irun Akoko, Ondo, where Mama was laid

to rest in a beautifully decorated mausoleum.

The event resonated deeply with the ancient community, leaving a lasting impression on his friends and business associates who accompanied him to bid his grandmother a good farewell.

Araoyinbo showcased that he truly has a commanding sense of hospitality. The foods were incredibly rich, flavoursome and magically moreish. It was indeed a grand farewell, a celebration not just of a life well-lived, but of a love that continues to inspire.

Among the dignitaries who graced the event were former Chief Justice of Ondo, Chief Olashinde Kumuyi; former commissioner of information, Hon Yemi Olowolabi; Hon Gani Dauda; captains of industries, top government officials across Nigeria, among several others. -

Tamuno

rufai

Araoyinbo

Abbah

But the question many are asking is how the former big boy will live with the blot on his escutcheon.

ARTS & REVIEW ARTS & REVIEW

A publicAtion

A Literary Luminary’s Story in a Nutshell

In an engaging, easy-to-read narrative, the literary activist koko kalango distils the life of wole Soyinka—a masterclass in creativity, activism, and defiance—for the enjoyment of a younger audience. okechukwu Uwaezuoke writes

Who could have predicted the serendipitous twist of fate that awaited a tiny ball of energy, barely out of his toddler tantrums? Take his daring sneak peek into the school system before he was officially invited to the party, for instance. Was it a thirst for knowledge or a mischievous streak? Either way, this tiny tornado was already showing signs of greatness—or at least, a knack for shaking things up! After all, it should by now be self-evident that fate has a peculiar sense of humour and loves surprises.

And so began the unconventional journey of a trailblazing young mind, who would ultimately become the illustrious Wole Soyinka: activist and Nobel laureate, as revealed in Koko Kalango’s latest book. This tribute by the Rainbow Book Club founder is the apt icing to the grand celebrations marking Soyinka’s 90th birthday on July 13. And, trusting the local and global literati, they celebrated—and cerebrated (because, to be sure, they love a good excuse to flex their vocabulary muscles)—this milestone birthday with the usual fanfare, pomp, and circumstance.

This 98-page abridged biography is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride through the literary luminary’s remarkable life. From his childhood antics to his family’s fascinating history, Soyinka’s early foray into activism alongside the fearless Funmilayo RansomeKuti and the Egba women rioters is a captivating tale that leaves readers riveted and amused. As expected, his story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning his inevitable clashes with the establishment—a hallmark of his unapologetic disposition, which was bound to ruffle a few feathers.

This biography is the literary equivalent of an action thriller, guaranteed to keep readers wide awake and thoroughly entertained! With his Nobel Prize for Literature as the crowning glory of his illustrious career, Soyinka’s story is too fascinating to put down. Then, there are Raphael Agboola’s vibrant illustrations, which add a burst of colour and energy, making it a delight to read. Best of all, the language is easy to understand for younger readers, although a dictionary (or Google) may be needed for a few words. This inspiring biography is a must-read!

...With a copy of the book at this

literature, Greek, and history, to his foray into student politics and the formation of the Pyrates Confraternity (inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, no less!), Soyinka’s early years were anything but dull. And not to be forgotten is his time at the University of Leeds, where he penned a play for the BBC, tied the knot with British writer Barbara Dixon, and made his debut British theatre appearance with a poem, accompanied by his cousin, the legendary Fela Kuti.

So, Soyinka, the literary legend, returns to Nigeria with a study grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. Little did the authorities know that he was about to shake things up with his anti-establishment flair. His play, A

Dance of the Forests, was just the beginning. And if that wasn’t enough, there were rumours (unconfirmed, of course) that he was the masked young man who stormed into the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation radio station, gun in hand, to stop a presenter from announcing an alleged election winner. Talk about making an entrance! But that was just the tip of the iceberg. His meeting with Odumegwu Ojukwu, the head of state of the secessionist Biafra, landed him in hot water. He was charged with treason and imprisoned. This was set against the backdrop of the Nigerian Civil War, a 30-month-long

conflict that ravaged the country. The book gets it right by tracing the war’s origins back to a coup in the mid-1960s. However, it is misleading to rehash the timeworn narrative that the coup was staged by mainly Igbos from the East. The records show a more complex picture, with participants from various ethnic groups. Isn’t it better to set the record straight, especially for a younger audience?

Then, the book also sheds light on the formation of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), established in 1988 to address the alarming rate of road crashes in Nigeria and a slew of Soyinka’s several other interventions.

A trip down memory lane to 2014, when Port Harcourt, thanks to Kalango’s tireless efforts, snatched the title of UNESCO World Book Capital from eight other global contenders, should refresh the reader’s memory. Since then, Kalongo’s Rainbow Book Club has been making waves in the literary world.

Now, enter the R.O.A.R. Africa series, Kalango’s exciting collaboration with UNESCO! This ambitious project brings the biographies of notable Africans to young readers. And the first of these is this fascinating book about Soyinka, produced with the support of a grant from Providus Bank.

Indeed, young readers should expect the highlights of the life of the incomparable WS—Wole Soyinka, that is—from this book! (Of course, by now it should be clear that William Shakespeare no longer holds the exclusive patent to those initials!) In just 12 breezy chapters (split further into subheadings), they should be acquainted with the fascinating story of this literary legend. From his university days at Ibadan, where he majored in English EdIToR okechukwu uwaezuoke/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

The Rainbow Book Club has, meanwhile, remained a literary force to be reckoned with since its ‘Get Nigeria Reading Again’ campaign began with Chimamanda Adichie in 2005. It is also currently behind Talking Books Africa, a monthly virtual live conversation with authors—awardwinning Chibundu Onuzo being the inaugural guest.

Kalango (left) discussing the book recently on the Arise TV programme, The Morning Show

year's edition of LABAF

Celebrating Four Decades of Creative Energy

Yinka Olatunbosun

It was not a walk in the park for artists who honed their craft at the Universal Studios of Art decades ago. To mark its 40th anniversary, the artists who emerged from the rigorous training at this leading Lagos-based visual art hub reunited in November for a spectacular exhibition of their creativity.

The studios, located on the grounds of the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, have evolved into a premier destination for learning various art skills and began in 1980 as the National Gallery of Art Studios. In 1996, the name was changed to the Universal Studios of Art. Today, the studios parade an impressive array of artistic disciplines, including pottery, sculpture, metal design, graphics, textiles, bead-making, and printmaking and have helped empower local youths and adults and continue to play a vital role in the development of Nigeria’s visual art industry.

To celebrate the Universal Studio of Art’s (USA) 40th anniversary, a group exhibition titled Icons of Arts: The Masters Exhibition took place at the National Museum, Onikan Lagos, from November 9 to 16. The exhibition

EXHIBITION

featured works by 11 master artists, comprising five painters and six sculptors, including Bunmi Babatunde, the current president of the Universal Studio of Art, who boasts a career spanning several years of studio practice. Other participating artists included Tayo Quaye, Abiodun Olaku, Adewuyi Kenny, Duke Asidere, Edosa Ogiugo, Alex Nwokolo, Odogwu Eze Fidelis, Djakou Kassi Nathalie, Steve Ekpenisi, and Akporede Collins Abinoro.

The first generation of full-time visual art professionals emerged in the early 1980s, thriving in a vibrant cultural environment. This environment fostered active studio practice, the creation of timeless art pieces, and a strong commercial drive. According to Abiodun Olaku, a renowned painter and one of the founders and trustees of Universal Studios of Art, the exhibition aimed to honour artists who have demonstrated consistency throughout their careers.

“These are seasoned artists with a wealth of experience, spanning two decades, 30 years, or nearly 30 years,” he disclosed. “The exhibition is a tribute to these master artists.

The youngest member of the team has likely spent nearly three decades honing their craft. Some of us have been actively practicing our craft for over four decades, since graduating. Notably, the team’s eldest member, Mr. Fai Okwe, will be celebrating his 70th birthday this year.

“The contemporary energy is focused almost solely on young and emerging artists, and we think that is an incomplete metamorphosis because the young ones need to know that it’s a journey to mastership, from when you receive the call to be an artist, whether you go through formal training or not.”

In his remarks, Bunmi Babatunde, sculptor and chair of the Universal Studios of Art, observed that many younger artists are not paying attention to the legacies of the masters. “When we were in school, we learnt and read about Nigerian artists and always looked forward to meeting them. When we saw them and their works, we were inspired and in awe. We were inspired by the influence of those artists because we wanted to be like them.”

Babatunde attributed the disconnect between the older and younger generations of artists to the lack of historical studies in art schools. He blamed art educators for failing to teach art students about the masters.

A Grisly Thriller of Unravelling Family Secrets

Yinka Olatunbosun

Athoroughly enjoyable read. That’s what Edify Yakusak delivers every time she creates a work of fiction. Her latest fictional prose, On a Day Like This, follows the pattern of her storytelling— lucid and intriguing. Right from her first novel, After They Left (2016), Yakusak has established herself as a compelling writer with a mastery of suspense and detailed characterisations. With the precision of a business developer that she is, Yakusak carefully builds an obsessive plot exploring trauma through the characters in this story of an affluent yet dysfunctional family: The Dosumus. While kicking off the story in France with the protagonist, Diekara, an emerging visual artist with a bohemian persona, the writer tells a story of the late Mrs. Dosumu, who is believed to have died in a Lagos car crash.

As the plot thickens with every layer of discovery, the truth is saved for last. Weaving a romantic story along with crime, the writer assembles stereotypical characters in Victoria and Demola. Victoria is haunted by childhood trauma that helps to build the suspense in this story. Her persona evolves through a slow-burn love story of a physiotherapist who falls in love with a rich client, Demola Dosumus, a new widower. Becoming a stepmother to adult children was in itself a conflict, but a bigger conflict resides in solving the mystery behind the death of Mrs. Sayo

BOOKS

Dosumu, an heiress to a generational wealth.

Using simple yet elevated language as well as episodic narrative technique, Yakusak creates an easy read with a near-cinematic appeal. Lacing the plot with flashback techniques, the writer uncovers the mental state of the characters, allowing the reader to see through their eyes—perhaps to empathise with them regardless of their flaws.

With themes of love, betrayal, death, mental health, and childhood trauma, this thriller takes off on a sultry note and climaxes in complete chaos, leaving in its trail shock, more deaths, and an unexpected villain.

As a subtle commentary on corruption, On a Day Like This treats a sub-plot of the dark side of life where drug peddling and crime are intertwined. Using the influence of the character of Douglas, Junior’s image as a spoilt rich kid living a life of debauchery is deconstructed, making him an abominable son and a direct product of a dysfunctional home. The culpability of the Nigeria Police in crime resolution was jabbed at through the planned kidnap and drug peddling account.

Pinning the suspense on the mystery tale told by a stranger, the quest to solve a crime rests heavily on Diekara and her lover, Nonso. Together, they set out to uncover the truth about Mrs. Sayo Dosumu’s death without the help of the police.

From sidestepping improbable truths to masking a heightened suspicion, the lovers brainstorm

and strategise on how to seek justice for late Mrs. Sayo Dosumu, a flamboyant wife, socialite, and mother of three.

Again, the women in Yakusak’s psychological thriller novel are typically very strong. Whether intellectually or economically empowered, each one is portrayed as goal-orientated and confident. In this novel, the author experiments with switching gender roles in the Diekara-Nonso

relationship. While Nonso does the cooking— considered traditionally as a feminine task—his lover, Diekara, sometimes drives the car while her boyfriend takes the passenger seat. Still, Victoria is seen as the stereotypical African woman who is generally seen as the homemaker, who keeps a garden and remains submissive to her husband. She deviates yet again from this societal construct of the female and insists on Deji driving her to the market.

While navigating the intricacies of suppressed memories, the author peels off the layers of characters to reveal their darkest fears. While Demola seeks professional help for his mental health, Victoria faces her inner conflict manifested in physical symptoms like unexplained pain, headaches, dissociation, and a feeling of being disconnected from herself and her immediate environment. Hinged on a tinge of crime, ‘On A Day Like This’ is cultured on the profane as the writer guides the reader in harvesting dirty family secrets.

In this adult fiction, the treatment of the character of Junior captures an air of hopelessness culminating into a tragic end for a number of characters. Indeed, every character is well-developed as the author adopts the single-frame approach in introducing them in every chapter of the book. Using physical description, action, inner thoughts, reactions, and speech, the writer creates plausible and relatable characters.

Prior to this riveting story, Yakusak had released a collection of short stories titled The Curse of Happiness, which is her second literary effort.

Exploring Timeless Bonds of Human Experience

Ini Gallery, in partnership with Artsy, is currently holding a solo online and travelling exhibition, curated by Babatunde Olufon, which features the works of the artist, Olasukanmi Oyelusi. Running from December 5 to January 31, 2025, this debut exhibition features 13 thought-provoking pieces that explore the enduring power of human legacy.

In an era marked by rapid change and impermanence, Legends Never Die invites viewers to contemplate the lasting impact of individual contributions. Oyelusi’s works challenge the viewers to reflect on their own lives, encouraging them to make meaningful marks on future generations.

Oyelusi’s latest artistic endeavour delves into the profound concept of immortality, weaving together personal anecdotes, inspirational figures, and iconic Black individuals who have left an indelible mark on society. By celebrating their enduring legacies, Oyelusi highlights the intricate web of culture, history, and human experience that binds us all.

This poignant body of work challenges us to re-examine our understanding of immortality, revealing that it is not

solely defined by individual achievements but also by the ways in which we enrich and inspire others. Through his evocative visual storytelling, Oyelusi invites us to engage with universal themes that transcend time and space—from politics and social justice to music and the arts, human rights and equality, immigration, and identity. These offerings spark meaningful dialogue, inspiring individuals to contemplate their own contributions to a more vibrant, interconnected global community. Join the conversation and discover the timeless power of art and culture to unite us all.

In conclusion, Legends Never Die stands as a powerful tribute to the lasting impact of human existence. This thought-provoking exhibition ignites a sense of purpose and urgency, inspiring viewers to create a meaningful legacy that will outlast them. Through his masterful visual storytelling, Oyelusi reminds his audience that life is fleeting and challenges them to leave an enduring mark that will stand the test of time.

One of the paintings at the exhibition

One of the paintings at the exhibition

IN THE ARENA

Supreme Court and Recalcitrant Litigants

The N60 million fine imposed by the Supreme Court on the factional National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Edozie Njoku and his group is commendable but may not be enough deterrent to recalcitrant litigants who take delight in moving from one courtroom to the other with vexatious applications to seek a review of determined cases. Davidson Iriekpen writes that higher fines should be imposed on litigants who defy the apex court’s admonition that “there must be an end to litigation.”

recently, the Supreme Court fined the factional National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Edozie Njoku and his group the sum of N60 million for judicial obduracy.

Njoku and Sylvester Ezeokenwa had been embroiled in leadership tussles, with both men claiming to be the authentic National Chairman of the party and inundating the court with suits, counter-suits and applications since 2021.

But the apex court, in laying to rest the protracted leadership dispute, affirmed Ezeokenwa as the authentic National Chairman of the party.

In two unanimous judgments, a five-member panel of the apex court held that Njoku was wrongly laying claim to APGA’s chairmanship.

The apex court held that its earlier judgement on the appeal marked: SC/CV/687/2021, delivered on October 14, 2021, which was corrected on March 24, 2023, did not confer on him any enforceable rights.

Justice Stephen Adah, who read the lead judgement, held that, in the 2021 judgement, only declaratory reliefs were granted, which were not executory. He also held that there was no order or orders in the 2021 judgement to be executed.

The judge emphasised that in the earlier judgment, the court had specifically ruled that matters concerning party leadership, including who becomes the chairman of a political party, were internal and not subject to judicial review. He further noted that it was improper for Njoku to approach a lower court to enforce a judgment that had no basis for enforcement, as no executory reliefs were granted.

Justice Adah used the opportunity of the case to urge judges of the lower courts to be cautious, adding that the judges of the trial court and the Court of Appeal, who declared Njoku Chairman of APGA were wrong to have heard the suit.

He proceeded to set aside the judgement delivered by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on June 28, 2024, affirming the judgement of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),

which had declared Njoku Chairman of APGA.

The court consequently awarded N20 million on each appeal against two members of the Njoku faction (who are listed as first and second respondents), bringing the total cost awarded in the three appeals to N60 million.

Though the apex court had always emphasised that there must be an end to litigation, litigants and their lawyers have always disregarded the admonitions, indulging in forum shopping because they have money to throw around.

On a number of occasions, they have approached the apex court and other courts to relitigate or seek a review of determined cases. Sometimes, after the apex court had delivered judgment in a case, aggrieved parties still approach the Federal High Court or state High Court to relitigate the same case for further determination.

This is why many analysts have asked the apex court to henceforth slam higher fines on obdurate and recalcitrant litigants who take delight in moving from one courtroom to the other across the country to either relitigate or seek a review of determined cases.

The last time the apex court had imposed fines on Nigerians for filing frivolous suits was in February 2020 when it summarily dismissed

the application for the review of the governorship tussle in Bayelsa State.

The court consequently fined two eminent lawyers, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) and Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), N30million, for filing what it called frivolous and vexatious applications.

The court excoriated the two senior lawyers for daring to apply for a review of its February 13, 2020 judgment that nullified the victory of David Lyon of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship election in Bayelsa State. An emotional Justice Amina Augie, who delivered the lead judgement, described the action of Babalola and Olanipekun as regrettable and a deliberate desecration of the judiciary.

“There must be an end to every litigation. It is settled that the decision of this court is final,” Justice Augie had stated in an emotion-laden voice.

In the ruling that lasted about 30 minutes, Justice Augie ordered the senior lawyers to pay N10 million each to each of the three respondents as a fine.

In 2019, the same apex court while delivering judgement in the application filed by the Abdulaziz Yari faction of the APC seeking a review of its judgment in the intra-party dispute in the

p OLITICAL NOT e S

Zamfara State, slammed a total of N280 million on them.

On May 24, 2019, the court sacked the Yari faction of the APC for not conducting valid primaries preparatory to the general election. It then voided the party’s victory in the elections and made a consequential order, directing the party with the second-highest scores in the election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to claim the victory, by taking over all the elective positions in both the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.

But dissatisfied with the apex court’s judgment, they filed an application, through their lawyer, Chief Robert Clarke (SAN), asking the apex court to “review, amend, correct and/or set aside the consequential orders” contained in the judgment. While arguing the application on March 17, 2020, Clarke prayed the court to review the consequential order on the grounds that it was wrongly made.

In a majority judgment, four members of a five-member panel, led by the then Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, dismissed the application on the grounds that it was without merit.

Justice Inyang Okoro, in the lead judgment, held that the application was vexatious and gross abuse of the process of the court.

Justice Okoro consequently awarded the cost of N2 million against the appellant to be paid to the 1st -140th respondents, totalling N280 million.

Since the enthronement of democracy, the Supreme Court has remained steadfast in its determination against reviewing its judgments whenever an application to that effect is brought before it by politicians.

From the cases filed by Andy Uba, Celestine Omehia, Great Ogboru, and Emeka Ihedioha to David Lyon, the Supreme Court has refused to review its judgment.

In some cases, the court verbally reprimanded the applicants for daring to bring such applications. On other occasions, it fined senior lawyers for not properly guiding and advising their clients.

To ensure an end to litigation, the apex court should henceforth slam prohibitive fines on recalcitrant litigants and their lawyers.

As Nigerians Await Ambassadorial Nominees

There are indications that any moment from now, President BolaTinubu will transmit a list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation, marking a significant step in addressing Nigeria’s prolonged diplomatic vacuum.

Tinubu had recalled 83 ambassadors in September 2023, leaving Nigeria’s 109 missions, 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates globally without substantive leadership.

However, the delay in appointing new ambassadors has left Nigeria relying on consuls-general and chargés d’affaires, who lack the authority to represent the country at high-level engagements.

Earlier in 2024, the government deployed

12consuls-generalandfivechargésd’affaires,but these interim measures have proven insufficient.

The role of an ambassador is not one which requires being a sprinter or gymnast but persons who are mature, wise and experienced in handling diplomaticaffairsinthebestinterestofthenation.

Ambassadors should be very experienced Nigerians who have made their marks in their chosen careers.

Persons in such positions must have impeccable credentials with mental and intellectual capabilities to handle diplomatic tension with a high level of maturity and integrity.

Age and experience also play a critical role in the effort to project the image of the country positively.

Ambassadorial positions are not jobs for the

boys or political jobbers waiting to be compensated for their contributions to election victory.

Therefore, as President Tinubu embarks on appointing designates, the nation expects the best of hands to represent the country especially during a time when the country is in dire need of foreign direct investment for speedy economic recovery.

The job is not for controversial characters and ethnic bigots who established notoriety for the use of abusive, uncivilised, unrefined, undiplomatic and uncouth language on political opponents during elections.

Maturity, decency, diplomatic finesse, tolerance, integrity and experience should be the qualities of the ambassadors, especially at this time when the international image of Nigeria is not something any Nigerian is proud of.

Tinubu

Justice Kekere-Ekun

BRIEFING NOTES

Farotimi and the Strains of Defamation

The recent abduction of a human rights lawyer, Mr. Dele Farotimi in Lagos by operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command over alleged defamation of a legal icon, Chief Afe Babalola was greeted with widespread outrage, with the human rights community and several individuals condemning the police’s actions. Given the seriousness of the allegations and the likelihood that his accusers may not bow to pressure, can Farotimi scale the legal hurdles? e jiofor Alike asks

Human rights lawyer Mr. Dele Farotimi had, last Tuesday, raised the alarm that powerful Nigerians and legal experts were allegedly colluding with security agencies to abduct him in a bid to silence him.

Farotimi narrated how he honoured an invitation letter from the Zone 2, Police Command on November 13 and was requested to return on November 21.

He stated that when he honoured the invitation, he was presented with a petition written by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Afe Babalola, accusing him of defamation in his book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.’

He alleged that a charge had been fraudulently preferred against him in Ekiti State at the instance of Babalola.

“This charge has been fraudulently preferred, hidden from view and the court had purportedly demanded my presence multiple times and I had failed to appear before this court. And this court had then proceeded to issue a bench warrant for my arrest,” he explained.

The human rights activist said Babalola’s plan was to have him picked up, and “taken before the Ekiti judge who would have been compromised or misled.”

“And I would have been remanded in prison custody for being somebody who was meant to face trial and who has refused to bring himself to court,” he added.

Farotimi’s fears were confirmed as armed policemen from the Ekiti State Police Command, later invaded his Lagos office on Tuesday, and allegedly made away with phones and other devices belonging to his members of staff, before the policemen abducted him. He was arraigned on Wednesday before the magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti on a 16-count charge of defamation of Babalola.

The prosecution, Samson Osubu, had asked the court to remand the activist in prison, while investigations continued. He said Farotimi’s co-conspirators were still at large and the published books were still in circulation.

“The Supreme Court judges mentioned in the book are yet to be investigated. To avoid threat to national security, we want to humbly say that the defendant be kept at Ado Ekiti Correctional Centre, pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the prosecutor said.

But the defense lawyer Peter Akeredolu, leading three others, made an oral application for the defendant’s bail. Akeredolu said the alleged offences in the case are bailable.

According to the charge sheet, Farotimi’s

false allegation against Babalola and the Supreme Court justices is likely to cause fear or disturb the public peace and therefore punishable under Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act.

In a legal opinion, Babalola had previously argued that defamation becomes a criminal offence when it has a “tendency to arouse angry passion, provoke revenge, and set the society ablaze in a way that public peace is endangered.”

After listening to the counsel, the magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, remanded Farotimi in prison custody and adjourned the case till Tuesday, December 10, for the court to hear the bail application. However, widespread condemnations greeted the invasion of the law firm of the human rights lawyer and his abduction.

In its reaction, Amnesty International alleged that Farotimi was “punished for

exercising freedom of expression.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the action of the police was a reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship in the country.

In his reaction, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Mr Peter Obi, described the arrest as a misuse of police powers and an assault on democratic liberties.

Also lending their voice were Obi’s supporters under the aegis of the Obidient Movement, led by its National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko. They condemned Farotimi’s arrest and vowed to mobilise peaceful protests if the government continued its crackdown on voices critical of the government.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) described the action of the police as a serious violation of the rule of law and an attack on the sanctity of the legal profession.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA cited the Criminal Law of Lagos State

Notes for file

2011, which repealed the criminalisation of defamation, aligning with global best practices that classify defamation as a civil matter rather than a criminal one.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s 2021 decision in Aviomoh v. Commissioner of Police & Anor, Osigwe reiterated that Justice Helen Ogunwumiju (JSC), affirmed that defamation ceased to be a criminal offence in Lagos State following the enactment of the 2011 law.

Citing Sections 4 and 24 of the Police Act, 2020, which mandates the Nigerian Police Force to act only on criminal offences, NBA argued that arresting individuals for non-criminal matters is a blatant violation of the principles of legality and the rule of law.

In his reaction, a human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), called for the unconditional release of the activist, recalling “that Lagos State is among the two states in Nigeria that have decriminalised defamation in its entirety.”

On its part, the apex Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, in a statement described the action of the police as “illegal, crude, uncivilised and most unacceptable in a country that lays claims to democratic practices.”

Other human rights lawyers, Inibehe Effiong and Deji Adeyanju have also condemned the arrest.

Despite the widespread condemnations, the Ekiti State Police Command on Wednesday justified its action, claiming that Farotimi refused to honour invitations from the command. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Sunday Abutu, was quoted in a media report as alleging that Farotimi failed to answer calls and letters requesting him to appear at the station which led the command to obtain a court order.

Abutu stated that Farotimi’s false publication was to cause fear and alarm in the public, insisting that it is punishable under Section 59 of the Criminal Code as well as Section 375 of the Criminal Code.

Despite the claims by his accusers and police that Farotimi’s defamatory publication is criminal in nature and likely to cause public unrest, rights groups and others insist it is a civil matter where the police have no role to play.

Given the gravity and sensitivity of the allegations, it is likely that his accusers will insist that the case runs its full course.

The question agitating the minds of many analysts is: Can Farotimi scale the legal hurdle given the fact that he will be tried by a system he accused of corruption?

Otti’s Unique way of Tackling Out-of-School Children

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti’s handling of the issue of out-ofschool children is exemplary.

Last week, he issued a warning that any child of school-age caught hawking during school hours would be arrested, and their parents prosecuted.

The governor announced that, starting from January 2025, it would be a punishable offence for children of school-age to engage in hawking during school hours.

“If we find a child hawking during school hours, we won’t arrest the child directly. Instead, the child will lead us to their parents,” he reportedly said.

The governor emphasised that it would be a violation of the law for any

child to be found engaging in such activities during school hours.

“From January next year, I am giving you a few months of grace. After that, if we catch a child of school-age hawking, we will pick them up—not because we want to arrest them, but because they will take us to their parents. We will exchange the child with their parents, and the parents will be locked up.”

Out-school-children really constitute a serious challenge in the country. Last August, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed that in Nigeria, 18.5 million children were out of school. Education is key to sustainable development. It equips the minds with the tools to contribute positively to societies, break the shackles of ignorance, eradicates

poverty and strengthens individual choices. Children who are out of school deter sustainable development. Any child deprived of education grows into adult with severely limited choices in life.

Therefore, out-of-school children will constitute a ticking time bomb if not checked.

A study recently showed that with many children out of school in years to come, there will be a lack of adequate and appropriate manpower in the future. This deficiency will affect all aspects of human life as there will be vacancies in several areas that demand the skills acquired through education at school.

This is why the current step taken by Governor Otti to curtail the menace in his state is worthy of commendation. He really needs to ensure that his plan is effectively implemented.

Otti

farotimi

Maccido: In Sokoto, Water Defines Development

the son of the late Sultan Muhammadu Maccido and Commissioner for water Resources in Sokoto State, Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed Maccido, speaks with Louis Achi on what Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto is doing to revive the water sector in the state through the dams, water boreholes, treatment chemicals and related infrastructure

theopposition pDp has been attackingGovernorAhmadAliyu‘s administrationandalsotargetingits waterprogrammes.Canyoushare withusasCommissionerofwater resourcesthestepsbeingtakento ensurethatthepeopleofSokoto Statehaveaccesstopotablewater.

we should as much as possible try and ignore the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and concentrate on the difference that Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto is making in governance, unlike what our dear state suffered in the hands of Aminu waziri tambuwal.

But like you know, they have been mischievous and we have a duty to debunk their infantile lies. If we keep quiet nigerians will believe their lies. It’s really unfortunate that PDP has refused to accept that we have not only defeated them but have buried them by doing the things they refused to do like providing water for the people, building roads and schools etc. the PDP’s plan is to bury our efforts with their negative publicity but thankfully the people of Sokoto State are well informed about our governor’s efforts to change their despondency to one of hope. when we came, the water supply system in Sokoto State had virtually collapsed. Even the Ministry of water Resources lacked water.

So, how can a ministry that can’t take care of itself take care of the people? what they (PDP) did denying people access to water was criminal. Can you imagine a place like Sokoto State that’s very hot, without water? the situation we met was a total disaster. So, before his appointment of commissioners, the governor constituted a committee to immediately restore water supply to the people.

the other challenge was that the state account was in red but the governor had to source money to finance the committee, to buy chemicals for water treatment and to fix the equipment that were broken down. the governor deserves commendation for the several immediate steps that he took, including the sinking of emergency boreholes, and procuring water tankers to supply water to the people. this is what leadership is all about.

And once I was appointed, the governor’s unambiguous mandate to me was to ensure that I resolved the situation and move forward to ensure that this never happened again. the governor did fantastically well in confronting the challenges.

Specifically, what’s the mandate of the Ministry of Water Resources?

the Sokoto State Ministry of water Resources is responsible for improving water supply in the state. Its other statutory responsibilities include, establishing an emergency committee to address water supply challenges, ensuring the smooth operation of water treatment facilities, providing safe drinking water to the public, extending and improving water supply infrastructure, collaborating with the federal government to improve water supply and ensuring that all the 72 dams in the state are fully functional. And allow me to say with all modesty that we have so far given a good account of ourselves in terms of my ministry’s responsibility to provide clean, potable water for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes. water defines development. we are not where we want to be. But there is a road map and the commitment to ensure that our people have access to water.

You talked about the emergency committee that the governor had to put in place. Please clarify. the committee was a child of necessity and it performed creditably well. Like you know the water in Sokoto State like some other places in nigeria is hard. By the standard of the world Health Organisation (wHO) and the nigeria Standard for Drinking water Quality (nSDwQ), the hardness of the underground water in Sokoto State exceeds the permissible limits due to a number of factors.

the most important take-away is that it’s a matter of concern because hard water is not safe for drinking and impacts negatively on the efficiency and lifespan of appliances like electric kettle, and other appliances

that require water for operation. It even prevents soap from lathering. So, it is important that it’s treated because it causes dry and itchy skin.

It has taste, et cetera. But treating hard water is very expensive. this background is very important so that people can understand the situation because even at the national Council on water, most of my colleagues don’t seem to understand why the north gets some priority in water projects. working with the governor they restored power after payment of the outstanding bills. they equally addressed the issue of obsolete equipment which I met on my appointment. It’s scandalous that no pumping machine was working and this affected the pumping of raw water for treatment. Same with other critical equipment and machineries. to worsen matters this equipment cannot be bought off the shelf and they are extremely expensive.

You need to open letters of credit, and the equipment manufactured to your specifications. So, in the interim we had to fix them - because again there was no budgetary provisions to buy new ones. I respect the governor’s prudence and insistence on due process and his appreciation of the challenges and finding solutions to the problems. He supported our efforts to get experts from anywhere to overhaul the equipment - which we did.

the governor also ensured funding for the purchase of chemicals. without treating the water, it is as good as not giving the people water; so, they don’t trust you and consume untreated water.

So how have things changed?

Since my assumption of duty as commissioner, every month, without any delay, the funds for procurement of chemicals for water treatment are released as is expected of a responsible government. During Aminu tambuwal’s administration funds were released whenever the governor felt like. Because he was hardly around, he didn’t know the state of affairs. that administration was a tragedy. Again, because Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto cares about the people he has entered into partnership with the Federal Ministry of water Resources and luckily for us the former Minister of State of water Resources is from Sokoto State and he has been of tremendous assistance in several respects. the only problem is the delay in the procurement process.

the 40million gallons per day water project was initiated by our father, Senator Aliyu wamakko, during his administration. As at the time he left office the project was 70 per cent completed. Unfortunately, the administration that came after him recklessly abandoned the project in the eight years it held sway. Governor Ahmed Sokoto has rightly decided to complete the project because completing the project will surely go a long way in addressing the lingering water shortage the metropolis and environ are experiencing.

Again, if he refuses to complete the project, the tax payers’ money already sunk in the project will be wasted and the cost would drastically skyrocket. the other project is the expansion of water supply to the new areas of the capital that are developing. Like you know, Sokoto is expanding, and there is the need to service the new areas. I saw a newspaper report that the former administration of tambuwal awarded the contract to a Chinese company for the supply of water to the people and for the construction of the 40 million gallons of water per day.

He never completed the project. Unlike tambuwal who abandoned every project he inherited, the Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto administration has continued with the project because it will help ensure constant water supply. Aminu tambuwal abandoned this project for eight years. this government sees itself as a continuation of the Aliyu Magatarda wamakko’s administration.

So, we are completing the projects that he started but which tambuwal abandoned for no reason. And this is the reason why I am very angry with officials of the tambuwal’s administration for criticizing this administration when they achieved absolutely nothing. Quote me, that administration was a disaster. He was a big flop and this is why he lost in 2019.

tambuwal promised to build houses for the people but as usual failed to build one unit in eight years while Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto has completed the 500 housing units started by our father and leader, wamakko, and commenced the construction of another 500 housing units bringing to a total of 1,000 houses completed under one and half years.

I want to assure you that once this project is completed, we will have the capacity to supply 100% water to the people of Sokoto State. we are working on power which is critical in water

supply - like chemicals. we hope to get sufficient power because it is very important in our plans to deliver water round the clock.

Are there other related critical projects you are working on?

the other project we are working on is a rural scheme that would ensure that the rural areas have access to water which the governor promised during the campaign. Hopefully, by December, the project would be completed.

Under a programme known as SPIn, about 5,000 acres of land would be prepared for farming. It’s a joint initiative of the state government, the federal government and the world Bank. It about $780m and when converted into naira would be running into trillions. Officials of the Federal Ministry of water Resources have been to Sokoto to identify the dams that we are going to use for the project.

What are the other achievements of your ministry?

the other achievements of the ministry include the installation and reconnection of pipelines for water supply, replacement of submersible pumps, and ensuring availability of safe water for the people and industries despite the challenges of operating the plants; like the high cost of diesel due to lack of electricity, and vandalization of critical equipment by hoodlums.

the governor hates excuses. He wants the job done. And he has shown us the way by moving forward despite the Aminu tambuwal administration leaving him with an empty treasury, unpaid pensions and gratuity and several other crises.

In transforming the state’s water story, are you just targeting only the Sokoto metropolis? there is the water project for the local government areas. So, it’s not like we have concentrated on the capital. It’s just that some areas fall within the metropolis. Again because of resources we are following our programme strictly. when we are done with this programme, we would have covered at least four local government areas and some part of the old city of the capital.

we are constructing boreholes everyday but it’s still not enough because the last administration refused to provide the people with water, schools and even when it awarded contracts for roads they were abandoned after full payment.

we have already started the rehabilitation of some earth dams across the state. the governor intends to rehabilitate all the 72 dilapidated earth dams before the end of his first term in office.

Let’s look at dam management in Sokoto. Does that come under your ministry’s purview. If so, what is the status of dams in your state?

Dams are supposed to be under my ministry but the problem is that dams have multiple uses - agriculture, power generation and for domestic use. we have a department of dam in my ministry. But because it’s inter-woven we all cooperate to ensure that our people derive all the benefits.

But it definitely does affect the implementation of projects especially if we have silo mentality. At the federal government level, they are trying to work out which ministry will drive the agricultural programme. Meanwhile there is a committee headed by the vice President, with the Ministers of water Resources, Agriculture and Environment, as co-chairmen. the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power is the Secretary. All are part of efforts to ensure a smooth implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in nigeria (SPIn) programme which is a collaboration between the federal, state governments and the world Bank.

Under the scheme the existing dams in the state will be used for irrigation of more than 50,000 Hectares of land for dry season farming across the country. there’s also an electricity component that would hopefully increase hydro-electricity power. In Sokoto, Goronyo Dam and Kware Dam has been selected for this project. Around $780m have been earmarked for these projects.

Maccido

Five Takeaways from Tax Reform Bills

Opeyemi Bamidele

Nigeria is on the cusp of transiting from the archaic tax regime that has been retarding its collective prosperity to a progressive alternative that places businesses and people at the core of its general principles. But this transition has elicited highly spirited debates at the National Economic Council (NEC) and the National Assembly. Again, for me, the degree of debates the Tax Reform Bills, 2024 has generated in the last fortnight or thereabouts obviously attests to Nigeria’s democratic resilience. Its intensity also does not in any way indicate any crack or division in the Parliament or in the NEC. Rather, it clearly represents a high mark of dispassionate interests that nearly all political actors have shown in building an economy insulated from external shocks and a federation that works efficiently for all. For this reason, I sincerely appreciate all the inputs into the process of reinventing the country’s tax regime for the fiscal repositioning of Nigeria.

But are the Tax Reform Bills truly regressive or antithetical to people’s aspirations, as some state governments have claimed? This is no doubt an indispensable question that every Nigerian - educated or uneducated, employed or unemployed, poor or rich - ought to seek an empirical answer to. However, the tax proposals should be understood from the lens of our country’s socio-economic and political standing.

First, Nigeria is a 64-year old federation with an economy heavily dependent on petroleum rents, royalties and taxes. Undue reliance on oil revenue has infested her with the Dutch disease that stunted the growth of her non-extractive sector until recently. Also, despite its oil wealth, the country’s economic indicators have been bleak and disappointing since the January 1966 military takeover. As shown in diverse reports of the National Bureau of Statistics, this discontent is more evident in 33.88% inflation; escalating exchange rates; abysmal economic growth rate; 63% multidimensional poverty index and declining investment inflows. Likewise, the country’s tax revenue to gross domestic product (GDP) slid to 9.4% in 2023, and the debt-revenue ratio was as horrible as 97% when the current government came on board. However, the latter has significantly shrunk to 65% within the last 18 months.

Since the last democratic transition in May 2023, these are grim realities that we have been contending with or have to contend with not just as a government sworn in “to pursue the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people,” but as a people hungrily desirous of speedy socio-economic breakthrough. We are not supposed to play politics with such issues of significant public interest or prioritise parochial interests above people’s welfare. Rather, we are under the obligation to address these stark socioeconomic realities in the overall interest of our people with creative and innovative legislative proposals that can rejuvenate productive activities nationwide and take away undue burden off the shoulders of the masses and business owners.

This is exactly the intent of the Tax Reform Bills, a set of four legislative initiatives that recently scaled the second reading and are now before the Senate Committee on Finance for wider stakeholders’ engagement. Creatively designed to empower Nigerians across all strata and boost the country’s economic growth, the bills comprise the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024. The bills are not a product of fiat. But their origins are rooted in people’s aspiration for greater good and their quest for a federation that is built on equity, equality and justice, three key principles that define the health and life of every multinational state like Nigeria. At different times, nearly all critical stakeholders - organised private sector, government institutions, trade associations, professional bodies and civil society organisations (CSOs) are duly consulted before its eventual introduction at both chambers of the National Assembly, and that engagement is still ongoing in order to secure more buy-in before the passage of the bills.

As the parliament continues engagement with strategic actors in the public and private sectors henceforth, I honestly owe all my compatriots

the onus of shedding light on the Tax Reform Bills, 2024 while pointing out five takeaways to explain what they are designed to accomplish. The takeaways attest to the imperative of the bills, which I strongly believe, will end the rentier culture dominant in our domestic economy and create an entirely new environment competitive enough to guarantee the interest of all. I take up this responsibility not just as the Leader of the Senate, but also as an incurable patriot who daily seeks economic freedom for all Nigerians regardless of their parties, races or religions. This is my conviction and indeed the thrust of the tax initiatives. The tax reform bills do not represent what some stakeholders have been painting in the public space. Rather, they reflect a commitment to equity, efficiency, and sustainable development by the present government, the cardinal campaign agenda on which we contested the 2023 race and secured a landslide. Why am I so convinced about the values the new tax initiatives will add once enacted? As people often say, books are judged by their contents and not by their covers. This dictum too applies directly to the proposals, which experts agree, connote a set of ideas whose time has come. In the same way, my conviction is wrapped up in five takeaways I am sharing forthwith.

The first takeaway specifically revolves around the review of the sharing formula of the value added tax (VAT) accrued to all the federation. Under Section 77, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill proposes a reduction of VAT distributable to the federal government from 15% to 10%. The bill also concedes 55% to state governments and 35% to the local government councils. Under Section 40, the 2004 VAT Act stipulated that a 20% derivation shall be reflected in the distribution of the allocation amongst states and local governments. But the reform bill now tinkered with this provision in favour of the sub-national governments. From 20% under the current regime, Section 22(12) of the bill recommended that a 60% derivation shall be reflected in the sharing of VAT standing to the credit of states and local governments in the spirit of fairness and justice. Diverse interests nationwide have expressed concerns about this provision on the ground that it may negatively impact on some governments. I differ with these critical interests on three grounds. First, the provision was introduced to dissuade some state governments from dropping litigation against the federal government with respect to VAT. Because VAT is considered a residual matter, some state governments challenged the power of the federal government to collect and administer VAT, and they won in the courts of first and second instances. But the need to prevent the cases of non-remittances inspired the federal government to step in and collect VAT on behalf of the federation. So, increasing the derivation from 20% to 60% will be motivation for the litigants to drop the suit.

Also, the provision was introduced to boost the

is a historic provision, which as shown in official records, no government has ever offered since the birth of the Fourth Republic. If the Tax Reform Bills fall through, it means low-income earners will continue reeling under the tax burden and spending almost all their earnings on basic necessities of life that the bills will empirically address.

economic competitiveness of the subnational entities. Since VAT is derived from the thriving economic activities, the provision is designed to inspire the state governments to come up with initiatives that boost productive activities from which they generate more taxes within their spaces. Finally, the provision is meant to mainstream equity, equality and justice into the administration and distribution of VAT. That is the centrality of federalism, a system our founding fathers bequeathed on us and we have been operating since independence. With the new sharing formula, the shares of both the states and local governments now account for 90% of total VAT collected across the federation. This increase literally does not support claims of the state governments that they will not be able to meet their basic obligations if the new tax bills eventually sail through. Rather, as different data have shown, this particular initiative will obviously increase VAT proceeds due to the state governments once its enforcement takes off. As a matter of fact, this is the first time in the last two decades or thereabouts that the federal government is making such a huge concession to guarantee the fiscal stability of the federating units, encouraging them to run efficient and competitive governments and as well reduce their dependence on the statutory allocations.

Another takeaway from the Tax Reform Bills is enshrined in Section 22 (5-9) of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, which in detail provides for tax incentives for defined beneficiaries or entities that will either be exempted from the taxable community or be incentivised with a view to spurring economic growth and guaranteeing collective prosperity. The section, in specific terms, recommends zero VAT on exports and essential consumptions by the masses. If enacted at last, this provision presents two broad benefits, which none of its critics can ever doubt or deny. In the first instance, goods, services, and intellectual property exports will benefit from zero-rated VAT and other incentives, which obviously boost the trade competitiveness of Nigeria on the global stage. The provision also exempts food and other related items from VAT. This obviously will crash the rising food prices and bring a huge relief to 133 million citizens now classified as multidimensionally poor.

Beyond these benefits, this provision will have far reaching implications on public welfare and people’s purchasing powers at large with zero VAT on essential goods and services. This offer simply suggests that all citizens, regardless of their social status or economic standing, will enjoy outright tax exemption on such essential items as food, education and healthcare. The exemption further covers, among others, rent, public transportation and renewable energy. Each of these considerations provides relief for low-income households that spend nearly 100% of their income on basic necessities. This

The third takeaway is, for me, perhaps the most exciting of all, purely because it focuses on the economically disadvantaged or vulnerable working class. Unlike the extant regime that perpetually places them under tax obligations, Chapter 2 of the Nigerian Tax Bill outrightly takes the burden off their shoulders. But it sets a threshold for the working class that can benefit from the proposal. The threshold covers all employees earning N800, 000 and below annually. It also captures all minimum wage earners or all low-income households within the threshold. This class of people will definitely enjoy outright exemption from personal income tax with a view to boosting their purchasing powers and de-escalating food inflation. This equally suggests that over 90% of workers across sectors will see a reduced tax burden when the proposed regime becomes effective. At a time of global economic headwinds, this offer means a lot for every household within the threshold. This is in addition to tax exemptions on all essential goods and services from which all citizens will benefit. The core duty of the government remains providing institutionalised and wellstructured social support for the vulnerable and not complicating their burdens considering the current global economic realities that spare no country or territory worldwide.

Fourth, aside from the incentive for minimum wage earners, the tax reform bills equally exempt small businesses from the payment of taxes. It first reviews the financial threshold of businesses that can tap into such benefits. Unlike the subsisting regime that grants exemptions to businesses with N25 million annual turnovers, the tax reform bills raise the threshold to N50 million, which unequivocally accounts for a 100% increase. The bill also exempts small businesses with the total assets of N250 million. Again, this is an audacious, indeed progressive initiative with the intent of providing an environment that can speed up the growth of such businesses rather than suffocating them. With these provisions, thousands of businesses within this threshold will be relieved of tax burden. The idea behind this initiative is not far-fetched. First, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) constitute about 48% of our GDP. Second, they provide about 87% of total employment nationwide. Third, they have a strong presence across all 774 local government areas. All this data obviously attest to the crux of granting small businesses with N50 million annual turnover tax exemption and its significance in building an army of vibrant entrepreneurs.

The last takeaway largely borders on the long-standing concerns about multiple taxation. Conglomerates, multinationals and organised private sector have been complaining about this syndrome for decades. But the tax proposal now offers relief under Section 56 of the Nigeria Tax Bill. The proposal now opts for a significant reduction in company income tax rather than sticking to the subsisting regime that multiplies their tax obligations. The reduction will be effected in two successions. From 30% currently, the bill proposes 27.5% in 2025 and 25% in 2026, which according to development data, is conservative compared to 27% in South Africa and 30% in Kenya. The bill also introduces a 4% development levy aimed at harmonising the multiplicity of taxes and levies paid by companies. It also maps out the plan to reduce the development levy to 2% in 2030, which will be devoted solely to funding the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NEFUND), thereby phasing out 2.5% education tax; 0.25% National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure tax and 1% National Information Technology Development Levy. Instead of all these earmarked taxes, the company will only pay a 4% development levy till 2029 and 2% afterward for the funding of NEFUND, a scheme that has benefitted no fewer than i0,000 students already.

Akpabio

• Senator Bamidele, Leader of the 10th Senate, writes from Abuja.

RENOWNED PHILANTHROPIST...

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Mr. Peter Obi (third left), presenting an additional N50 million cheque to the management of Dominican University, during their convocation ceremony in Ibadan… yesterday.

NMA Proffers Solutions to Japa Syndrome, Advocates Minimum Remuneration Benchmark for Medical Doctors

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for a minimum remuneration benchmark for medical doctors to curb the mass migration of health professionals seeking better conditions abroad.

Speaking yesterday after the 3rd National Health Summit (NHS) and the group’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, emphasised the urgent need for standardised pay, improved welfare packages, workplace security, and health insurance to retain doctors and improve health outcomes.

Highlighting disparities in doctors’ pay across states and institutions, the NMA urged the government to ensure fair remuneration while raising concerns about the lack of motivation and mentorship for younger professionals, advocating for an appropriate reward system to sustain the workforce.

He said, “It is a strategy that will help Nigeria retain its critical health care workforce and prevent the ongoing ‘japa’ syndrome.

“What it seeks to do is to ensure

that every registered doctor who is licensed by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has a minimum remuneration benchmark that you cannot go below, whether the individual is employed in the public sector or in the private sector.

“And even in the public sector, whether the individual is employed by federal, state or local government, and even within those sectors, whether the individual is employed in a primary health sector, hospitals or in other departments and agencies that require the services of a doctor, such as university lecturers, and others such as customs and other security agencies who employ doctors.

“Everyone must comply with that minimum benchmark. It will produce stability, so this is the essence.

“This initiative is also aiming to tackle internal brain drain, where doctors don’t want to serve in local governments, because the pay package is not as good as in state governments, or where some doctors leave state government hospitals to go and work in federal hospitals when they are actually needed more in the state hospitals.”

Additionally, the NMA chief also

stated that the Summit underscored the urgent need for an integrated clinical governance mechanism across all health facilities to improve accountability and outcomes.

Addressing policy implementation, the summit noted the partial and non-enforcement of provisions in the National Health Act (NHA), Audu emphasizing that “Specifically, it advocated for issuing certificates of standards to hospitals as a means to enhance public confidence in healthcare services.

“By aligning its resolutions with the Federal Ministry of Health’s agenda, the NMA aims to achieve universal health coverage and improve population health indices through strategic collaborations and innovative policies”.

He also highlighted the expansion of training with a recommendation for comprehensive emergency and lifesaving training for all doctors to improve response to medical crises.

Furthermore, he said the Summit appraised the National Health Sector Renewal and Investment Initiative (NHSRII) using the Sector Wide Approach (SWAP) while commending the initiative as a significant step toward

ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.

“The NHS appraised the SWAP and noted that it was a significant step in the right direction in ensuring that every Nigerian has access to good and quality healthcare.

“The NHS noted the presence

of improved welfare packages for Nigeria doctors and other health workers, provision of health insurance packages, and improved security at the workplace were key drivers to achieving any progress in the health sector that can accelerate sustained development,” he said.

2027: N’Central LP Inaugurates Committees,

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

State chairmen of the Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria’s North-central Zone have inaugurated their respective Directorates of Mobilisation and Integration Committees as part of a strategy to attract 20 million new members ahead of the 2027 general election.

The initiative followed a directive from LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, who has set the goal of registering 20 million new members before the next election.

In a statement issued yesterday, LP’s National Vice Chairman for North-central, Ibrahim Idoko, said that the inauguration ceremonies, held across the region on Friday, were peaceful and well-coordinated.

20m New Members

the 2023 general election can be avoided.

“I believe strongly that if we start planning from now for the 2027 general election, it will be better for the party and for all those who truly want a New Nigeria.”

He added, “A New Nigeria will not be possible without a strong and virile political party with a structure robust enough to defend our votes and what the New Nigeria stands for.

“We must continue to rebuild our party, restructure it, and make it stronger to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams.”

Abure also called on party members to be more active, adding, “All those persons who are in the Labour Party but are not courageous enough to bring their friends, relations, and followers to be members, but still wish to use the party platform to win elections, need to rethink.”

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has finally completed and inaugurated its regional office complex in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, 20 years after the building project was initiated. THISDAY gathered that the building project was initiated in 2004 and abandoned by previous management, a development that affected the administrative services of the agency.

At the inauguration of the office complex at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area, yesterday, the Acting Director General, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo said the inauguration was another milestone in the authority's commitment to advancing aviation safety, security and service delivery in Nigeria.

Najomo said Port Harcourt, being in a strategic position as a hub for energy, commerce and tourism, necessitated the establishment of world-class infrastructure to support its aviation sector.

He said: "Port Harcourt, the treasure of Nigeria's oil and gas has always played a pivotal role in the

socio-economic development of our great nation. Its strategic importance as a hub for energy, commerce and tourism necessitates the establishment of world-class infrastructure to support our aviation sector.

"The new facility embodies our resolve to decentralise operations and bring services closer to stakeholders, ensuring a seamless flow of communication and operations within this vital region.

“With this office, we aim to enhance oversight, improve response times, and strengthen collaboration with airlines, operators and other aviation stakeholders in the Southsouth region."

Najomo added: "We are not merely inaugurating a building, we are laying the foundation for enhanced operational excellence. This transformative structure will serve as a beacon of our dedication to fostering safety and compliance while providing a conducive environment for our staff to perform their duties efficiently and productively".

Earlier, the Port Harcourt Regional Manager of NCAA, Oladipo Titus, said the project started over 20 years ago and was looking like it was never going to be achieved.

In a goodwill message, the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubumi Kuku, said: "We actually used to make fun of the NCAA, now it is a thing of the past. We are proud of them".

The highly anticipated 45th edition of Miss Nigeria has officially kicked off, with 33 contestants representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones unveiled during the sashing ceremony held in Lagos. The exercise celebrates the beauty, culture, and social impact of Nigerian women.

Scheduled to climax on December 19, 2024, when the grand finale would crown the new Miss Nigeria, according to Rita Dominic, owner of Audrey Silva Company (TASC) and new organiser of the pageant, the event would mark a transformative moment in the history of the competition.

Themed ‘Beyond Beauty: Reigning Together as Queens,’ this year’s pageant goes beyond traditional ideals of beauty to promote unity, diversity, and empowerment.

The events, according to the release, were witnessed by the party faithful, with the state chairmen reading the national chairman’s speech on Abure’s behalf.

Abure emphasised the importance of early preparation for the 2027 elections, stating, “The fire brigade approach adopted by the party in

For the first time, contestants from all corners of Nigeria, irrespective of ethnic or religious backgrounds, are participating to showcase the nation’s vibrant heritage. Miss Nigeria 2024 is not just a beauty contest but a movement aimed at fostering national unity and empowering women with a platform to share their strength, intelligence, and cultural pride.

Dominic explained this vision: "We want to inspire unity. Regardless of where you are from, it is possible to embrace one another. We are united, and we have to show that."

She revealed that the rigorous selection process was based on beauty, intelligence, and grace, emphasising that the pageant celebrates beauty beyond physical appearance.

The contestants will undergo a two-

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Ahead of the 2027 general election, Anambra State Governor and national leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has said the party is open to an alliance with any of the nation’s political parties that truly professes progressive ideology.

week camping experience filled with mentorship, training, and immersive activities.

Former Miss Nigeria and board member, Wunmi Ogunbiyi, shared words of encouragement: "Your inner confidence and principles are what will carry you through. Stay real and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Ogunbiyi, reflecting on her reign in the 1980s, recalled: "The reign was good but you should always think of the day after the reign. I remember the day after I crowned the next queen, nobody had my time again. If you don't have your friends, and you don't have your confidence you will feel lost. Surround yourself with your crew and stay confident because the Miss Nigeria brand will open doors for you for a lifetime."

Soludo said this in Abuja at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of APGA, insisting the party is the foremost progressive movement in Nigeria.

Soludo, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor stated that with the validation from the courts, with the penultimate Wednesday’s Supreme Court ruling, the party is poised to reach greater heights. He urged other progressiveminded political parties in the country to join hands with APGA to move the country forward as APGA was poised to unite with other progressive parties to work for a progressive country.

“APGA remains ready to extend a hand of fellowship to any party that professes true progressive ideology to join hands to rebuild Nigeria. For me, more than anything, it is for us to say to the world that APGA is alive, APGA is strong, APGA is rising. That is why we have come together to send that message today.

“It was the first political party in Nigeria registered as a progressive, the All Progressives Grand Alliance registered in 2002. Every other party that has progressive also in their name, they all came much later. We are the foremost.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

According to Audu, the summit resolved to engage stakeholders by partnering with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) to advocate for regular State Council on Health meetings and collaborating with legislative bodies to improve healthcare financing and oversight.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

COnDOlEnCE ViSit…

wElCOME tO ABiDjAn

Chief Executive Officer of Ropeways Transit Rwanda Limited, Muyiwa Omololu

African Development Bank, Dr.

and

Police Withdraw Personnel, Armoured Vehicles from Sanusi’s Palace

The police authorities have withdrawn their operatives and Armoured Personnel Vehicles from the gate of the palace of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanui II.

The personnel and vehicles were deployed in the palace on Friday apparently to prevent the Emir from installing the new district head of Bichi.

When THISDAY visited the palace yesterday, the APVs and fierce-looking armed personnel earlier stationed in front of the palace were no longer there.

Like they did on Friday when the siege on the palace was laid, top officials of the Kano State Police Command declined to comment on the incident when our correspondent contacted them yesterday.

There were however rumours that the order was from above.

The command’s public relations officer did not respond to calls and text messages from newsmen in the state.

In a reaction to the barricade of his palace on Friday, Sanusi appealed to Kano residents not

to engage in any form of violence following the police action.

He said, “I wish to warn you against falling into the trap of the enemies of Kano who want to set Kano on fire through violent killings, destruction of public property and maiming

George Okoh in Makurdi

The Benue State Government is set to rename the state university, Makurdi, after a former governor of the state, the late Rev Fr Moses Adasu.

The state governor, Hyacinth Alia, announced this yesterday during the institution’s combined convocation held on the campus.

Alia, who is a visitor to the university, said his administration had already forwarded an executive bill to the state House of Assembly for the renaming of the University as Reverend Father Moses Adasu University.

Adasu, also a Catholic priest, established the university when he was a governor of the state

A former presidential aspirant, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has brought together the chairmen of all area council chapters of the two major political parties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement issued yesterday, the meeting was convened to promote national unity, prosperity, and security beyond political divides.

The meeting marked a rare display of political maturity and unity, as representatives of rival parties put aside their differences to discuss solutions for the country’s pressing challenges.

between 1991 and 1992.

Alia said, “As a way of honouring the founder of this institution, our administration has sent an executive bill to the state assembly for this university to be named after the founder, Rev Fr Moses Adasu.”

The governor further announced that the university would establish a satellite campus at Adikpo in the Kwande Local Government Area to ensure people from Benue North East senatorial district have access to university education.

He called on the institution’s management to liaise with the state government to facilitate the realisation of the satellite campus.

Speaking during the event, Olawepo-Hashim emphasised the importance of prioritising the nation’s interest over partisan politics.

“Our mission is clear—to restore Nigeria’s unity, ensure prosperity for all, and guarantee security for our people. This can only be achieved when we work together, regardless of party affiliation,” he stated.

The chairmen of both APC and PDP in the FCT applauded the initiative, describing it as a bold step towards fostering peace and collaboration.

They pledged to support efforts that prioritise the welfare of Nigerians above political competition.

of innocent individuals.”

Sanusi made the appeal in a sermon he delivered at the Friday Mosque of the palace.

According to him, “Islam preaches that you be patient at all times. With patience one becomes great, without which

one would get nowhere.”

The state government had earlier condemned the police action which was said to have been taken to stop the Emir from appointing a district head for Bichi, one of the emirates dissolved by the current administration in

the state.

In Bichi town, a group of youths staged a protest chanting slogans such as “We want Emir not District Head.”

The appointment of the district head had not taken place but calm has returned to the state.

NHRC:Violation of Human Rights by Military in N’East Must Be Punished, Compensations Paid to Victims

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said Nigerians must not lose sight of the fact that significant human rights violations did occur in the ongoing military counter-insurgency operation in the North-east, and recommended punishment for perpetrators and compensation to victims. Speaking in Abuja at the opening of the Civil-Military Forum on the Recommendations and Findings of the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-east Nigeria, the Chairman of

the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Salamatu Husseini Suleiman, insisted that the military was not allegedly involved in the forced abortion of over 10,000 pregnant women in the crisis-torn North-east region as reported by Reuters.

She said the development did not mean the military never violated the human rights of the people of the area.

Suleiman, who was represented by another member of the NHRC board, Kemi Asiwaju-Okenyodo noted that the purpose of the forum was to foster an open and constructive dialogue between the Nigerian Armed Forces, NHRC and key stakeholders, and work towards

implementing the findings and recommendations of the Special Independent Investigative Panel (SIIP) on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-east Nigeria.

She also noted that: “The findings of the SIIP Northeast, which were guided by a commitment to thorough investigation, impartiality, and transparency, have brought to light serious concerns regarding the conduct of military operations in the region.

These concerns include but are not limited to, the killing of civilians in Abisari, Borno State, and allegations of forced and illegal abortions and other grave violations.

“While some of the most

serious allegations, including systematic abuses, were not substantiated by the panel’s investigation, we must not lose sight of the fact that significant human rights violations did occur. The killing of civilians in Abisari remains a grave violation that demands justice, accountability, and immediate action.”

She insisted that: “These are not abstract issues. These are real lives, real families, and real communities whose suffering must be acknowledged and addressed. The recommendations of the panel provide a roadmap for addressing these violations, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring that similar violations do not occur in the future.”

Labour Party Diaspora Chairman Resigns, Joins the Ruling APC

The Diaspora Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Hon. Chike Amadichi, has resigned from the party, citing personal reasons.

He has also declared his readiness to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside over 10 notable personalities who dumped the LP in recent times.

Amadichi broke the news shortly after tendering his

resignation letter on his return to Nigeria from the United Kingdom.

He emphasised that his decision to leave the party was personal, adding that his resolve was anchored on several consultations on how to better the country’s leadership and political space hence the need to work with the ruling party to drive home the yearnings of Nigeria.

He noted that he has officially sent his letter of resignation to the

National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, thanking him for the opportunity to serve millions of the party’s supporters in the Diaspora. Amadichi said he is joining the ruling APC with over six serving House of Representatives members from Labour Party.

According to him, “I am joining the ruling party to offer my services to Nigerians under the able leadership of His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. Speaking further during a media chat in Abuja, Amadichi said he’s willing to galvanise his foreign partners to come and invest in Nigeria to support the economy and the growth of Nigeria.

Reacting to the development, political family, friends and allies across boards commended Amadichi for taking the bold step, as they expressed new hope in the movement.

Anambra Confirms Payment of N70,000 New Minimum Wage

The Anambra State Government has joined the list of state governments paying their workers the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, who confirmed the development said Governor Charles Soludo has started the

payment of the new minimum wage of N70,000 to workers in line with the Federal Government directives, for an improved standard of living.

The commissioner who was reacting to the omission of Anambra State from the list published by a section of the media said, Governor Soludo’s administration is com-

mitted to the improved welfare of Anambra State workers, the statement added.

He was quoted as saying that the governor’s promise to pay the new minimum wage was made good since the month of October when the payment was effected.

“Governor Soludo has always

remained a labour-friendly governor as the workers in Anambra State have not only received the new minimum wage but also continue to receive salary alerts on or before the 25th of every month”. He has also adjusted pensions upward to give pensioners in Anambra State higher take-home, the statement concluded.

(left),

President,

Akinwunmi Adesina, the bank chief hosted Omololu who was on a business development mission in Abidjan…recently

Former member of The Guardian Editorial Board, Dr. Edwin Madunagu (left), and former Cross River State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke, when the former governor paid a condolence visit to the home of the Madunagus over the death of Professor Bene Edwin Madunagu in Calabar…recently

Kuni tyessi in Abuja

BUT WHO WILL SPEAK FOR NIGERIA?

most respected academic institutions. He kept saying the new VAT derivation formula is not in the bill, even when it is stated in section 22(12) of the tax administration bill that it shall be by the location (not origin) of supplies. His position probably shaped the opinion of many northern leaders.

I got one insightful response to my article of last week. I found someone speaking for Nigeria, devoid of our dyed-in-the-wool sentiments. Please indulge me to quote him extensively: “I loved your lines about data above religious and ethnic sentiment. There is one area I wanted to point out which has not been much tackled and which this issue throws up:that’stheissueofVATonagriculturalproducts. Ifagriculturemakes25%ofNigeria’sGDPandthe Northmakesup94%ofagroproduce(accordingto circulatingdata),thentheNorthisproducingover 23%ofNigeria’sGDP.Thisisstaggering.Theissue here is VAT is not taxed on agricultural products, unlike many other countries.”

He expanded his argument thus: “The North is being deprived of 7.5% of 23% of GDP. Estimates say this could be well above between N4 trillion, based on current GDP (N240 trillion) and current foodconsumptionlevels.Thisismorethanthetotal collected VAT today by all 36 states. Imagine what an extra N4 trillion could do in Northen States? I know firsthand because I am from Akwa Ibom. I saw what 13% derivation did, propelling our state

STATE VS FAROTIMI

The arrest of Mr Dele Farotimi, lawyer and social critic, by the police over allegations of criminal defamation of Chief Afe Babalola is generating a lot of heat. Farotimi made serious allegations against Babalola in his book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’. It is now left for him to prove them in a court of law. But, without prejudice to the outcome of his trial, we need a massive campaign for the decriminalisation of defamation in all the states. I do not think it is the duty of the state to fight for anybody’s reputation. I, hence, propose that defamation should remain a civil case to be pursued by individuals — not to be prosecuted by the police. It is open to abuse. Draconian.

fromoneofthepoorestinthecountrytooneofthe richestalmostovernight.Despiteveryhighlevelsof corruption,ourstateleaderssimplyhadmorecash andcoulddomore.Theycouldbuildroads,bridges, airports, hotels, power plants, etc.

“AtapointtheyeventookoverFederalGovernment responsibilitiesvaluedathundredsofbillions.Hence, justliketheoilregioncollectsaderivationbasedon taxesfromitsownresources,inallfairnesstheNorth shouldbeabletocollecttaxesonits‘natural’resources. Thus,forthesakeofjusticeiftheNorthcannotearn VATfromagricultureasitstandspossiblyduetothe impactonfoodcostsontherestofthecountry,justice would demand the rest of the nation appreciates and acknowledges this and duly compensates the North from other income sources. If this cannot happenthenthetaxbillsshouldintroduceVATon agricultural produce.

“Theargumentthatitwillincreasefoodpricesis debatablebecauseiftheFGplanstoincreaseVATto 10%and15%itwillequallyhaveinflationaryeffects. AddingVATtoagriculturewouldequallyservetoraise moretaxmoneywithoutincreasingVATpercentage… Thiscurrentissueisanotherformof‘resource’fight. ThehawksareoutagainsttheNorth,withallmanner of anti-North statements, claims and articles. These hawksforgetthatthisistheregionfeedingthenation. Aregionthatproduces94%offoodsupplyiscritical to existence. Amismanagement of this issue could

lead to unintended consequences such as famine! And the solution could take decades to resolve.”

I doubt up to 94 percent of Nigeria’s food supply comes from the north but it is evidently huge. Yet, northern leaders hardly argue from the position of strength. It is usually from the emotional standpoint of “this is anti-north” as if what serves the interest of Kebbi state automatically meets the needs of Sokoto state next door. The use of the ubiquitous word “north” creates an antagonist relationship with the rest of Nigeria. The compelling argument canvassed about the north being Nigeria’s food basket and the need for revenue compensation is what northern leaders should be articulating — but they prefer to go defensive. This often leads to an aggressive conversation.

All my life, what I have been hearing from selfconceited southerners is that northerners do not add value to Nigeria, that they are parasites on “our oil”. I have argued for decades that there is no part of Nigeria that is not bringing anything to the table. It is prejudice that distorts reality. Millions of northern farmers toil to produce a chunk of the food, beef, fruits and vegetables that 200 million Nigerians eat. They trek daily for kilometres to their farms, deploying crude implements under harsh conditions. Meanwhile, “our oil” is produced mostly by foreigners — under heavy security and with sophisticated equipment — and not by trekking villagers. But the northern farmer

And Four Other Things…

GWARINPA II

When Gen Sani Abacha, the former military ruler, built the Gwarinpa Housing Estate in Abuja three decades ago, it was celebrated as the largest single housing estate in West Africa. Gwarinpa now has a competitor. A former government official — whose identity is yet to be officially confirmed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) — was in the process of building something to rival Gwarinpa. The estate has now been forfeited to the federal government by court order. The estate reputedly measures 150,500 square metres and contains 753 units of duplexes and other apartments. What next? I hope it will not be demolished or allowed to waste away. Monumental.

A MOTHER’S AGONY

Life must have been too hard for Mrs Rosemary Oromoni, who recently passed away. Her son, Sylvester, a student of Dowen College, Lagos, died under cloudy circumstances in 2021. She reportedly developed medical issues which might not be unrelated to the death of her pre-teen son. The family believed he was bullied and fed with a chemical substance by his colleagues. An initial autopsy appeared to confirm the chemical part, but it was discredited and his death was deemed as natural. The coroner’s decision did not go down well with the bereaved family. They believed the truth was buried. Regardless, Mrs Oromoni has now gone to her grave with a broken heart. Tragic.

THE POLITICS OF REVENUE ALLOCATION AND DERIVATION

revenue sharing is necessarily a zero-sum. They wrote: “Which principles to use, in what combinations, and how much weight should be assigned to them, in order to obtain some level of satisfaction from interested stakeholders, had been a ‘most serious and intractable political issue’ in Nigeria.” Of these criteria, the principles of Derivation and Need (in different iterations) have been the most controversial. We will return to this shortly.

There are many authoritative books and essays, written by Nigerians and non-Nigerians, about the history and process of, the rationale for and contestations about revenue allocation in Nigeria. A notable one is the classic by Professor Adebayo Adedeji, “Nigeria Federal Finance: Its Development, Problems and Prospects,” published in 1969 but recently reissued. Some others are: “Nigeria Federal Financial Experience” by Adedotun Phillips (1971); “Recent Trends in Federal Finance” by Prof Sam Aluko (1979); and “Revenue Sharing in the Nigerian Federation,” by Lawrence Rupley (1981). The 1998 book by Ikein and Briggs-Anigboh, quoted above, is also a good reference document.

What is clear from the foregoing is that federal finance is a distinct field (separate from tax advisory) and that Nigeria has substantial body of knowledge and experience to lean on to handle the matter with the sensitivity that it deserves. This is especially so because the major change proposed to the horizontal formula for sharing VAT is to increase derivation from 20% to 60%. Just a casual reading of the rich texts on revenue allocation would have shown that derivation, which entered our revenue allocation lexicon right at the beginning of federal finance in 1946, has been the most controversial principle. Even thinking of a three-fold increase in the primacy of a contested principle should have set off alarm bells. This is not just because of the sudden challenge to an existing political bargain but also because this could invite request to have a similar hike in derivation proportion in other areas, particularly oil and gas.

Over the time, the contestation about derivation has been between those who consider it as just and those who think it is a drag on even development in a federation. The application of derivation has varied with time: it was allocated a higher percentage when the constituent units (regions) were more dominant than the centre and a lower percentage when the centre gained greater prominence. There have also been disputes over what is included in or excluded from derivation and how such inclusion-exclusion

matrix advantages or disadvantages some regions/ states.

Accuracy of and changes in data have also been at issue. Prof. Adedeji, who reckoned that derivation principle is better suited for loose federations with little sense of national unity or citizenship, stated that: “unqualified application of the derivation principle in a country like Nigeria, where statistical data are far from reliable, is bound to lead to an unfair distribution of resources.” He wrote this more than 50 years ago. Additionally, regions/states have switched their positions based on whether they have resources that attract derivation or not. Two examples would suffice. According to Rupley, the governments of Northern and Western regions supported derivation from 1946 to around 1960 when agricultural produce were the mainstay of the country’s economy but as oil was coming into prominence, the two regions “reversed their arguments with respects to the desirability of the principle of derivation” while the Eastern Region protested the plan to change the “rules of the game.” However, during the revenue allocation debates of 1981/1982, only the three oil-producing states of Bendel, Rivers and Cross River led the clamour (Rivers and Cross River were not joined by Imo and Anambra from the old Eastern Region;

is the “parasite”.

I have nothing against states expressing concerns because they are likely to lose if the proposed VAT sharing formula is passed, but I have everything against those turning this into a sectional issue. For sure, increasing derivation from 20 percent to 60 percent at a go is suspicious. It will never fly. But there is no evidence that the gains and losses will be limited to one region. Still, my position remains that we should first do a dry run. Let companies report consumption by location. That way, we will also get to know if they have the capacity or capability to disaggregate consumption data. That way, we can have actual data rather than simulations. That way, we can have an evidence-led debate.

I must necessarily suggest at this point that every part of Nigeria needs a new generation of leaders and thinkers that will focus on the bigger picture rather than their cocoons. Whatever happens in one part of the country affects the other. We should stop addressing every national issue with sentiments. Those who said 15 years ago that insecurity in the north “is their problem” can see the impact on the entire country today. We are all paying the price. More so, those who want to tamper with any revenue sharing formula should understand that it is one political issue that can set the nation on fire. If it is so easy to change, we would have done it long ago. Know this, know peace.

NO COMMENT

It has happened again. Four members of the house of representatives elected on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) — and presumably because they rode on the popularity of Peter Obi, the party’s former presidential candidate — defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday. They are: Hon Chinedu Okere (Owerri municipal/Owerri north/Owerri west, Imo), Hon Mathew Donatus (Kaura, Kaduna), Hon Akiba Bassey (Calabar municipal/Odukpani, Cross River), and Hon Esosa Iyawe (Oredo federal constituency, Edo). They said they defected because of the crisis in the LP. Oh yes, there is plenty crisis there. But why didn’t they go to AAC or YPP? Why the ruling party? Wonderful.

nothing to address. It is about the need to address such through the appropriate channel and in the proper way.

There is also a small lesson about process and concession from the last time we tried to change revenue allocation formula in a democracy. This was in the Second Republic. On 23 November 1979, President Shehu Shagari set up the Presidential Commission on Revenue Allocation headed by Dr Pius Okigbo. The Federal Government, the then 19 states and the LGAs were invited to submit memoranda to the commission on how centrally-collected revenues should be allocated. In its memo, FG wanted 70% for itself but 20% to states and 10% for LGAs. The states, however, wanted FG to have just between 28% and 50% and more for themselves.

while Bendel broke ranks with the successor states of the former Western Region which had opposed derivation in the 1960s).

Basically, regions/states support derivation principle when it suits them and oppose it when it doesn’t. Nigeria, however, has struck a political bargain on derivation: it is accommodated, though assigned a low percentage while priority is given to other principles such as equality and need. The negotiated compromise is that derivation, no matter how it is attributed, is what everyone can live with as long as it is not the main principle for sharing centrally-collected revenues. Derivation for minerals was thus 3.5% in 1982 and raised to at least 13% in the 1999 Constitution.

For the VAT due to states, derivation currently attracts 20%, behind equality of states and population, which are assigned 50% and 30% respectfully (and possibly derivation was up to 20% because VAT was not a significant source of revenues in 1994 when it started). The current political bargain (for minerals and VAT) is definitely not perfect and there is adequate evidence to that effect within and across zones and in terms of perverse incentives in some states cheating others by not paying VAT on their contracts while still guaranteed decent payout from the VAT pool. The question is not that there is

After extensive consultations and deliberations, the commission submitted its report to the government in June 1980, recommending 53% to FG, 30% to states, 10% to LGAs and 7% for a special fund. FG reviewed the report and issued a white paper in August 1980, indicating what it was accepting or changing (increasing its share to 55%), and making a significant concession on derivation, which the commission had rejected (but recommended that part of the special fund be used for remedying the impact of mineral exploration).

It was after the whitepaper that the executive sent a bill to the National Assembly in November 1980. Procedurally, the key stakeholders and the public need to know what a government has accepted and rejected from the expert committee or commission it set up and the reasons for its decisions. Nothing of such happened with the fiscal and tax reform committee. Yet such transparency and adherence to public sector processes are necessary not just for doing everything by the book but also for reducing friction in a low-trust environment.

Also, reasonable concessions have to be made as policymaking in a diverse federal state a sensitive like revenue sharing cannot be driven by dogmatism, absolutism or ego. Revenue sharing is a political enterprise, and politics is about give and take. The first version of the bill that Shagari sent was passed and signed under a cloud of controversy, and when challenged, the Supreme Court declared it null and void. That’s another lesson about the democratic process. A new bill was sent, passed following due process, and signed into law on 22 January 1982. On the proposed VAT formula, it is not late to step back and make course correction, guided by practical politics, process and history.

President Bola Tinubu

to Imo Ward

‘’It is clear that no ward, LGA or even state chapter of the party has the power to suspend, expel or discipline a member of the NASS in any form whatsoever without due recourse to the NWC as provided by the constitution of the PDP”--TheNWCofPDPdismissingthe purportedexpulsionofthememberoftheHouseofRepresentatives,IkengaUgochinyereby theUmuopia/UmukegwuWardchapterofthepartyinImoState.

SIMO N KOLAWOLE

But Who Will Speak for Nigeria?

What I would call a routine conversation with a former Nigerian leader inspired this write-up. After expressing his concern about certain developments in the polity, the retired general said he was worried about how Nigerians keep promoting ethnic and religious sentiments at a time the country needed all the unity it can afford to make progress.

“What really are we benefitting from playing up these sentiments on virtually every national issue that has nothing to do with ethnicity or religion?” he asked me — and I could feel and touch his despondency. Regrettably, it was not as if I had an answer to his question. All I always try to do is put a question mark on the most popular answers.

“Your Excellency,” I ventured a response, “it is a natural thing to expect in a federation of this nature where there is a fierce economic and political competition. The mutual suspicion will always be there. People often feel the need to cling to their primordial affinities on national issues because they think they will gain or lose… I am just amazed at how some people who have served in very senior national positions retreat to their ethnic cocoons when they retire. I wonder what they must have done quietly while in public office to promote their sectional agenda. People always feel the need to defend their lines… and the intense competition is turning people to ethnic champions—”

“But if we are all speaking for our ethnic groups,” he cut in, “who will speak for Nigeria?”

This conversation took place about six months ago, but it keeps coming to my mind, more so in the light of the ongoing rumpus over the tax reform bills. Most comments have been sectional and sentimental. Only

WAZIRI ADIO

POSTSCRIPT

very few comments are from informed positions. I have seen people from states that will benefit campaign against the reform, thinking they will lose. I have also seen people from states that will lose support the reform, thinking they will gain. Many are just following the crowd, parroting what someone from their part of the country says. The airwave is full of many protagonists and antagonists who have not studied the bills. This is the bit about us that bothers me all the time.

As I argued in an article, ‘PIA and the Triumph of Mischief’ (August 22, 2021), most of those who make initial comments on a national issue and stir long-lasting controversies often have two things in common: ignorance and mischief. These are very powerful tools for the perpetuation of underdevelopment in any country. The initial comments on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) were based on the wrong interpretations of “profit oil”, “profit gas” and “frontier exploration” which were portrayed as an attempt by one section to cheat the other. I started hearing statements like “this is the most anti-Niger Delta legislation in our history” despite the improved benefits for the region.

As a result, nobody was thinking about Nigeria, nobody was speaking for Nigeria. And we missed a fine detail: that the national oil company and industry regulators quietly used the PIA to corner considerable oil revenues and remit less to the federation account. A lot of the oil revenues that should go directly to the federation account and be

shared by the three tiers of government are now being retained by these entities. Some agencies have become richer than many states. One even budgeted N50 billion for “welfare” for 2024. The PIA created what I would call parallel governments, depriving federating units vital revenues. But we were blindly arguing over “frontier exploration”.

A similar pattern has emerged over the tax bills. Many comments are being built along regional lines. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former minister of defence and former presidential candidate who wanted to lead the whole of Nigeria, said the bills are meant to colonise the north. He said taxes will be collected from Kano and sent to Lagos. But as simulated models on VAT derivation are showing, Lagos will be one of the losers while Kano will be one of the gainers. (By the way, this worries me. I live in Lagos. If the state loses huge revenue from the removal of the “headquarters factor” in VAT derivation, I am afraid the Alausa taxman will go into a revenue overdrive to make up for the loss.)

People can have sectional opinions over national issues. It is legal. However, it would be more helpful to stick to the facts. Opinion leaders should realise that their words carry weight and their followers may not have the capacity to fact-check them. The academia is not spared. I read the widely circulated position paper of a professor of accounting at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), one of Nigeria’s

The Politics of Revenue Allocation and Derivation

The heated debate around the proposed change to the formula for sharing the revenues from value added tax (VAT) among states would not have come as a surprise to anyone who has paid more than scant attention to our history. Revenue allocation among and within tiers of government is always contentious and usually politically fraught in a federal system, especially in ours. And of the different revenue allocation principles that we have employed, pre- and postindependence, the derivation principle has always aroused the most passion.

The presidential committee on fiscal and tax reforms veered into revenue allocation space, and therefore into controversial territory, when it proposed a new formula for vertical and horizontal distribution of VAT revenues. To be sure, adjusting the VAT rate and how consumption is attributed falls within the ambience of tax reforms. But venturing into how revenues should be shared, no matter the intention, is a needless encroachment into another territory, and into a historically contested territory at that. Even when a link can be established between how a pie is shared and the potential size of the future pie, the co-mingling of tax reforms and revenue sharing should have been avoided. Tax reform is largely a technical exercise. However, revenue sharing in a federal system is an intensely political affair, managed through “negotiated compromise” and

“political bargain” between and among the centre and the constituent units of the federation. It is not handed down like a tablet from the mountain.

Revenue allocation in a federation with deep fault lines and uneven development/endowment is naturally combustible. It is not a matter to be approached with the levity, the conceit and the paternalistic attitude shown so far by the presidency and its committee. One, the money involved is not a grant from the Federal Government to the states. Rather, the money belongs to the Federation; and in this particular instance, VAT is largely a subnational tax in Nigeria. The FG that receives the least of VAT (some say just as a cost of collection) should not be the one dictating the terms of how the others will share their portion, and without even the simple courtesy of requesting inputs from them.

Two, we have a permanent and constitutional body, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), whose principal remit is revenue allocation. So, that revenue sharing bit should have been off-limits to an ad-hoc presidential committee. Three, changing how revenue is shared among and within tiers of government in a federation is first and foremost a conversation between the centre and the constituent units. To be sure, the inter-governmental discussion can be facilitated by experts and other stakeholders are allowed to chime in. But this is principally a negotiation among the federating entities that jointly own the revenues

(FG, states and LGAs).

From our history, the necessarily disparate positions of the constituent units of the federation should be documented and submitted, then a middle-ground hashed out. The politically sensitive issue is not what can be subsumed under a heap of hundreds of other issues in two-hour presentations that appear like mere attempts to tick the box. Even if there is a political consensus to drive the proposed changes through tax reforms rather than through changes in overall revenue allocation or even if the states are not in the mood to insist only on one route, it is not unreasonable for the states to expect drafts of the proposed changes in the revenue allocation formula be shared with them before the bills are sent to the legislative arm. There are some missteps around inter-governmental relations, political management and even policy process on these sensitive bits that unfortunately suggest that deliberate guile is at play. It is such perception that feeds the narrative about a hidden agenda.

Nigeria has a rich history on revenue allocation and a verdant literature on federal finance that the presidency has no excuse for making such a hash of things or to be acting surprised about the blowback. We are a federal state, not a unitary one, and the federal government cannot be riding roughshod over the constituent units. Government cannot make, implement and sustain public policies without a sense of history and without paying serious attention to

subsisting political bargains in the country. There is no activity more political than revenue sharing in a federal system.

Before RMAFC was established as a permanent revenue allocation body, Nigeria had eight different revenue allocation commissions, starting with the Phillipson Commission of 1946 after the Arthur Richard Constitution of the same year came into being. The other commissions were: the HicksPhillipson Commission (1951), the Chick Commission (1953), the Raisman Commission (1958), the Binns Commission (1964), the Dina Commission (1968), the Aboyade Commission (1977), and the Okigbo Commission (1980).

At various times, the different commissions recommended the introduction/application of different criteria/principles for revenue allocation in Nigeria. These criteria included: population, derivation, even progress, need, minimum responsibility/minimum national standards, balanced development/ even development, equality of states, absorptive capacity, independent revenue/tax effort, and social development factor. Some of these criteria are still in still in force today in one form or the other.

But as Augustine Ikein and Comfort BriggsAnigboh pointed out in their book on “Oil and Fiscal Federalism in Nigeria,” revenue allocation has always been a hotly contested endeavour because

Continued on page 63

PDP