SUNDAY 12TH FEBRUARY 2023

CBN Debunks Misleading Report, Says NSPMC Has Capacity to Produce New Banknotes Insists it's working to boost circulation nationwide De-La-Rue of UK doesn't produce or supply currency paper, NSPMC clarifies James Emejo in Abuja, Nume Ekeghe in Lagos and John Shiklam in Kaduna

Contrary to a misleading report, which misquoted the Governor

of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, as attributing the current challenge in

the distribution of the redesigned naira banknotes to a shortage of printing materials at the Nigerian

Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) Plc, the apex bank has clarified that the

printing company has the capacity Continued on page 5

Supreme Court Replies Critics, Says Its Silence Must Not Be Taken for Weakness or Cowardice… Page 8 Sunday 12 February, 2023 Vol 28. No 10168

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N400

N

Military Denies Planning to Disrupt Elections, Plotting Coup Debunks alleged meeting with presidential candidate to consummate plot Insists security establishment will not plot against democratic governance Allegation highly irresponsible, APC campaign in panic mode, says PDP Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday denied that there was a coup d'etat in the offing. Also,

they debunked claims that some generals met last Thursday with a presidential candidate to consummate the plot.

It said in a statement issued

by the Acting Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remained loyal to the constitution and "will never

be part of any evil plot against our democracy."

In a swift reaction, the Atiku/ Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation of the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) has described the allegation as the most reckless, and highly irresponsible, adding that it shows that the All Progressives Congress (APC)

presidential campaign is now in panic mode, having been dazed by the popularity of the presidential Continued on page 5

Obi, Labour Party Fume as Thugs Attack Supporters in Lagos LP urges international community to hold APC, Sanwo-Olu responsible Emilokan personal agreement between Tinubu, Buhari, says Adebanjo Lagos APC: Allegation baseless, irresponsible Police vow to fish out perpetrators Segun James in Lagos and Emameh Gabriel in Abuja The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, and his party yesterday fumed over the high level of political intolerance in Lagos State after suspected thugs attacked the party's supporters and destroyed several vehicles.

The Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council also called on the international community to hold the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu responsible for the attack, just as the Lagos State chapter of the APC has described the allegation as reckless and irresponsible.

In what may have been a coordinated attack, the hoodlums were said to have ambushed the LP supporters around Jakande in the Lekki area of Lagos and outside

the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) venue of the rally on Lagos Island.

The supporters were reportedly attacked with machetes and other objects as they made their way to the TBS. THISDAY gathered that medical personnel at TBS had their hands full as they attended to the injured.

Also, videos and pictures on social media showed vandalised buses and cars, with many LP supporters with bruises.

Obi, who described the attack as troubling, urged the Police to fish out those responsible.

He said: "I received reports that four members of the 'Obidient' Family were attacked and injured in Lagos ahead of today's rally.

That incident, deliberate or not, is deeply troubling. Such an act stands vehemently condemned.

Continued on page 5

In Kebbi,Tinubu Promises to Boost Agriculture, GOOD FRIENDS… Africa's richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; and President, African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, Revive Argungu Fishing Festival...Page 10 L-R: at the burial of the AfDB president's mother, Mrs. Folasade Adesina, at the Cathedral Church of St Matthew, Ojowo, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State…yesterday

2

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2023 • T H I S D AY

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2023 • T H I S D AY

3

4

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2023 • T H I S D AY

5

FEBRUARY 12, 2023 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

PAGE FIVE OBI, LABOUR PARTY FUME AS THUGS ATTACK SUPPORTERS IN LAGOS "We cannot continue to tolerate attacks on political opposition members, often fuelled by the incendiary rhetorics of political leaders. The new Nigeria that we seek is founded on peace, justice, and respect for the rule of law. I call on the Lagos State security agencies to fish out those responsible for the attacks," Obi explained.

Also reacting, the LP's Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, in a statement sent THISDAY, lamented that thugs believed to be from the APC launched brutal attacks on the party's supporters in Lagos.

Tanko said the attack was aimed at stopping the 'Obidients,' the Obi/ Datti candidacy supporters, from attending the campaign rally at the TBS in Lagos.

He further explained that many of the victims of the attacks were injured while the hoodlums shattered the windscreens of several vehicles.

He said: "It's highly regrettable that Lagos, which assumes to be the most sophisticated city in Africa, could witness this type of barbarism in the 21st century."

Tanko called on "the security agencies and the international community to hold the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the ruling APC government responsible for the mayhem unleashed on the 'Obidients.'

He further expressed disappointment at the inability of the security agencies to checkmate the excesses of thugs in Lagos State despite the earlier signs of threats.

He said: "The failure of the police to arrest and prosecute the suspects who attacked the LP flag boys then emboldened the thugs for what is happening today in Lagos."

But reacting to the allegation, the Lagos APC described the accusation by the Labour Party as baseless and irresponsible.

A statement issued last night by the Lagos APC Spokesman, Hon. Seye Oladejo said the party abhors violence as everybody has the constitutional right to support any party of their choice.

"It is irresponsible and reckless of the tottering party to level such a

wild allegation without substantial proof. The APC, as the ruling party in Lagos State, remains the biggest stakeholder in ensuring that there is no breakdown of law and order "We want to state unequivocally that our members were not involved in any attack. Our investigation into the concerned local government made nonsense of the allegation. Our position has always been for the security agencies to do their job and bring those found culpable in any attack to book.

"Those who alleged must be able to provide evidence and point at suspects and leave the rest to the Police and other security agencies "We abhor violence as a party.

Everybody has the constitutional right to support whichever party they choose, and we don't think that should make for any violence," he explained Meanwhile, Obi welcomed to Lagos with loud cheers from his teeming supporters upon his arrival, had made a stop at the Alaba International Market in Lagos State before proceeding to the TBS venue of the rally.

He promised to return to the market as president to address all the issues confronting the area.

At the grand finale of the 'Obidient' Family rally, Obi urged his supporters, who came out in their thousands, to take note of his promises so that they can hold him accountable when elected president on February 25.

"What Datti and I are telling you is that all the APC and PDP have done in the last 20 years is to produce insecurity, poverty, joblessness, ASUU strike, fuel scarcity or one form of suffering or the other.

"But we are promising that we will secure and unite Nigeria. We will ensure that when we start after some years no Nigerian would say I'm from the West, East, North or South but will be proud to say he or she is a Nigerian.

"We assure you that we are going to work hard to pull people out of poverty. We are going to ensure that our youths are employed and the way to do it is that we will remove this country from consumption to production," Obi explained.

Obi also promised that his

government will apologise to all victims of police brutality if elected in the highly anticipated February 25 poll.

"We will apologise to all those who are victims of police brutality.

All those who have suffered at the hands of the government will apologise to them. We will make sure that it never happens again.

Nigeria will be a peaceful country."

According to him, the country's security agents will "no longer" be used for harassment.

"Police will not harass anybody; they will be your care because we're going to train those on how to do policing," he promised.

Obi added that the law enforcement agencies would be equipped and more trained personnel recruited, saying, "The Police will be a friend, not an enemy. They will do the work of policing. We will not have all these problems we have."

He vowed to ensure the supremacy of law and order while the country's security and unity would be paramount.

He also assured voters of a free press that would be allowed to "criticise what we're doing."

Obi promised to increase the nation's reserves through agriculture and the stability of the currency.

"No Nigerian will be ethnocentric but a Nigerian. We want Nigerians to celebrate their passport," he said.

The former Anambra State governor said if elected, his administration would work hard to secure people from poverty, moving Nigeria from consumption to production.

"Lagos will remain the centre of excellence and finance," he said.

"Nigeria has all the endowment to be a great country."

According to him, there will be an enabling environment for business, and "our gas will be developed to give more money than oil."

On his part, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Julius Abure, said PDP and APC had mismanaged the country.

He said all the years of APC and PDP represented the years of woes, suffering, insecurity, hunger, and unemployment.

Before the rally, attended by many dignitaries, including the

MILITARY DENIES PLANNING TO DISRUPT ELECTIONS, PLOTTING COUP Candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar.

A spokesman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Femi Fani-Kayode, had in his Twitter handle, Fani-Kayode@realFFK, raised concerns about the alleged meeting between the generals and the Presidential Candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar.

"There are reports that @atiku had a secret meeting with serving military generals in Abuja on Thursday. If true, it is troubling and has implications. What was the purpose? Why would a presidential candidate have secret meetings with soldiers 14 days before the election?

"Is this meeting part of the wider agenda to disrupt the elections, destabilise the country, set us on fire, incite chaos and violence, provoke a coup d'etat, and establish a new and unconstitutional order in our beloved country under the auspices of an Interim National Government (ING)?

"Knowing that he has no chance of winning the election, is Atiku now working with some members of the cabal, a handful of treacherous and unpatriotic technocrats at CBN and in the private sector and rogue elements in the 'deep state' to effect this demonic hidden agenda?", he alleged in the tweet.

But in a swift response, the Defence Headquarters said it was disheartened by the allegation.

"The Armed Forces of Nigeria notes with dismay the story being peddled around by some unscrupulous elements alleging that some military officers met with a presidential candidate to disrupt the general elections and set the country on fire. The wicked

and malicious propaganda indicated that a so-called Thursday meeting is plotting a coup d'etat to establish an unconstitutional order.

"The Armed Forces of Nigeria is disheartened that even politically exposed persons can denigrate themselves into joining agents of destabilisation and violence in making false claims just to heighten tension in the polity," it said.

The statement maintained that the armed forces remained professional and apolitical ahead of the general elections.

"It needs to be stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is a professional military loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic and will never be part of any evil plot against our democracy.

"Besides, the military remains apolitical and neutral in the current political process and will not engage in the alleged shenanigans. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will never be part of any ignoble plot to truncate our hard-earned democracy," it said.

The Defence Headquarters warned that those engaged in such fabrications would be required to substantiate their claims.

"The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby warn that those who fabricate and spread unfounded misinformation will be invited by the appropriate law enforcement agencies to substantiate their claims.

"The general public is advised to disregard such information and go about their normal activities," it said.

Meanwhile, the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation has described the allegation as the most reckless and highly

irresponsible, adding that it shows that the APC presidential campaign is now in panic mode.

A spokesman of the campaign organisation, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said in a statement yesterday that it was unimaginable that Fani-Kayode could make such an unfounded vile comment against the person of Atiku.

He alleged that Nigerians are aware that the presidential Candidate of the APC, Bola Tinubu, has been stoking the fire of divisions, crisis, and riots in the country, having been confronted by the stark reality of a looming defeat.

"Atiku Abubakar has been campaigning most peacefully and speaking realistically to the aspirations of Nigerians. It is public knowledge that Atiku Abubakar was in the Kano State capital on Thursday for his Presidential Campaign rally.

"It is important for Femi FaniKayode to know that Nigerians are also aware that the agents of Tinubu that went to the Council of State meeting to push for postponement of election and orchestrate a situation that will lead to an Interim Government were disgraced out at the meeting.

"Being frustrated, we are not surprised that Tinubu will send out his lapdogs to stream the streets to make very wild and irresponsible allegations to distract our campaign.

"Nigerians from across the country are determined to vote in Atiku Abubakar as the next president of our country and will not be distracted by such baseless and silly allegations," he added

leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and many others, Obi led thousands of his supporters in a road walk from Alaba International to the TBS, the venue of his mega campaign rally.

The Lagos rally is one of the biggest the Labour Party has held since the commencement of the presidential campaign, as it caused gridlock on many roads in the state.

Addressing the crowd of supporters, Adebanjo said that the 'Emi lokan' claim by Tinubu is an agreement between him (Tinubu) and President Muhammadu Buhari.

'Emi lokan', a Yoruba phrase meaning "it is my turn" was made popular by Tinubu, following his June 2022 address in Abeokuta, Ogun State when he pushed for the APC presidential ticket.

Adebanjo added that the expression does not represent the Yoruba people but is an agreement that Tinubu would succeed Buhari after he leaves office.

The 94-year-old elder statesman said, "The one who said 'it is my turn' is his agreement with Buhari.

"Emilokan didn't say it is the turn of the Yoruba. Emilokan's agreement with Buhari was that when Buhari left office, he would take over. (But) were you there when he said that?" he asked the crowd, who responded, "No." Adebanjo reiterated that if the LP candidate does not win the election, "forget about Nigeria."

He said: "I said before that if Obi does not come in as the president, forget Nigeria. The northern elders now say I want to impose Obi on them. No! They want to impose a northerner on us, and we said no."

Police Say Attack Reprehensible, Promise Investigation Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the attack on supporters of Obi, describing it as reprehensible.

A spokesman for the state police command, Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the attack via a statement on his Twitter handle,

disclosed that efforts were in top gear to fish out the perpetrators.

He said: "Jakande Ward, Chairman of Labour Party, commendably reported an attack on his party members at Ilasan Division. Four injured persons have been given medical attention. DPO Ilasan has commenced preliminary investigations, while SCID is to take over investigations fully.

"The injured and other witnesses are assisting the Police with relevant information that would aid the apprehension and prosecution of the attackers.

"This attack is reprehensible! It is verifiable that the Command had stationed, since yesterday, patrol vehicles and officers at the Tafawa Balewa Square venue of today's rally. We had already secured the venue to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

"The regrettable attack happened about 15km away from the rally venue. As earlier stated, the SCID will take over investigations towards apprehending and prosecuting the attackers."

CBN DEBUNKS MISLEADING REPORT, SAYS NSPMC HAS CAPACITY TO PRODUCE NEW BANKNOTES and enough materials to produce the required indent of the Naira.

The CBN's position was further reinforced by the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NSPMC, Mr. Ahmed Halilu, who said adequate arrangements had been made to continuously produce the redesigned banknotes and other denominations in line with the CBN indent for 2023.

Halilu, in a statement issued yesterday, also clarified that contrary to mischievous claims, De-La-Rue of the United Kingdom does not produce or supply paper substrate within the currency industry.

The central bank also said it is working assiduously to increase the circulation of the newly redesigned banknotes across the country.

The apex bank has also insisted that the redesign of the naira notes was not targeted at any individual but was done in the overall interest of the country and the economy.

It also clarified that there were no plans to close down any bank in any part of the country.

The CBN's assurances came against the backdrop of a misleading report which misquoted Emefiele as attributing the naira banknotes to a shortage of printing materials at the NSPMC known as the Mint.

In a statement issued yesterday, the CBN Director in charge of the Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, stated that the CBN governor did not disclose during his presentation to the National Council of States that the Mint could not print the required banknotes.

He said: "For the records, what Mr. Emefiele told the meeting was that the NSPMC was working on printing all denominations of the Naira to meet the transaction needs of Nigerians."

The central bank further appealed to the public to disregard the misleading report and exercise more restraint "even as we work assiduously to increase the circulation of the new notes in the country."

Similarly, the CBN also raised the alarm over a misleading voice note trending in social media alleging that the CBN planned to shut down some banks, particularly in a particular geo-political region of the country.

Nwanisobi said: "We wish to state unequivocally that there is no such plan and that the claims are illogical and do not comply with the workings of the Nigerian banking system."

The apex bank said it remained committed to performing its monetary policy functions, as stipulated in the CBN Act, 2007, as amended.

The CBN, however, welcomed concerns shown by all stakeholders

about the distribution of the Naira, stressing that "we are alarmed at the extent to which vested interests are attempting to manipulate facts and pitch the public against the bank."

The apex bank advised wellmeaning Nigerians to ignore such recordings as they did not represent its policy thrust, adding that such was part of the desperate attempts by some persons bent on inciting the public against the bank.

Emefiele had on Friday addressed the National Council of State (NCS) on efforts being made by the central bank to eliminate the challenges in the naira redesign policy.

The NCS had tasked the apex bank to make the new Naira notes available or recirculate the old Naira notes to ease the current suffering of Nigerians.

Naira Redesign Not Targeted at Any Individual, CBN Insists Meanwhile, the CBN has also insisted that the redesign of some naira notes is not targeted at any individual but was done in the country's overall interest and the economy. Nwanisobi stated this yesterday in an address delivered at the CBN's Special Day at the 44th Kaduna International Trade Fair.

The bank's Director in charge of the Corporate Communications Department, Nwanisobi, stated this yesterday in an address delivered at the CBN's Special Day at the 44th Kaduna International Trade Fair.

Nwanisobi urged Nigerians to embrace alternative payment channels such as e-Naira and internet banking in the face of the cashless policy.

According to the apex bank's Director of Capacity Development, Mohammed Abbah, who represented Nwanisobi, a major challenge that emerging countries like Nigeria continue to face is "our inability to seamlessly integrate into the global trading system, owing largely to the quality and technological content of the goods and services we produce for export."

He said that the CBN governor has always emphasised that the redesign of the naira notes was "not targeted at anyone or any group of persons; rather, it derived from the bank's in-house analysis to strengthen macroeconomic fundamentals and better our socio-economic conditions."

Nwanusobi said: "The principal aim of the bank, with the currency redesign initiative, is to make our monetary policy decisions more efficacious.

"Nigerians will observe that there has been a downward trend in

inflation, and the exchange rates have been relatively stable.

"Furthermore, we aim to increase financial inclusion in the country by reducing the number of the unbanked population.

"Thirdly, our aim is to support the efforts of our security agencies in combating banditry and ransomtaking in Nigeria through this programme."

According to him, "the CBN is not unmindful of the challenges some citizens have faced in the past few weeks in getting money from their banks or other alternative channels.

"Indeed, there have been reports of occasional transaction failures.

"However, we wish to assure you that the Nigerian payment system infrastructure is robust enough to handle the surging transaction volumes across all channels.

"We, therefore, urge Nigerians to embrace alternative payment channels, such as e-Naira and internet banking, as we embrace the cashless policy."

He added that the advantages of the currency redesign are overwhelmingly enormous and will benefit the economy in the long run.

The CBN spokesman said the bank, in line with its developmental function as stipulated in the CBN Act, 2007, as amended, has been at the vanguard of promoting quality export through its Produce, Add Value and Export (PAVE) concept, which aims to make Nigerians consume what they produce, add value to such products and export the surpluses.

According to him, the PAVE option of the CBN is similar to the export-led industrialisation policy in South-East Asia, which transformed the economic fortunes of the Asian Tigers Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.

He said PAVE encourages backward integration for the local production of select items.

"Through PAVE, we seek to create a proper linkage between agriculture and the manufacturing sectors of the Nigerian economy while also providing a cushion against the volatility in crude oil production and export," he added…

"I urge entrepreneurs to ensure that their products and services are export-ready and can compete globally."

He said over the years, the CBN had also been involved in correcting identified structural challenges of the Nigerian economy.

"Specifically, we have focused mainly on stimulating productivity in the manufacturing sector, strengthening domestic industries, transforming agriculture output to ensure self-sufficiency and shield the local economy from harmful external shocks," he added.

6

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2023 • T H I S D AY

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2023 • T H I S D AY

7

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • FEBRUARY 12, 2023

8

NEWS

TAG TEAM… Vice presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party and Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and the presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, acknowledging cheers from party faithful at the party's presidential campaign rally in Umuahia, Abia State…yesterday

Supreme Court Replies Critics, Says Its Silence Must Not Be Taken for Weakness or Cowardice Urges attackers to channel their grievances to political parties

Alex Enumah in Abuja The Supreme Court yesterday reacted in anger to the attacks on its judges over the recent judgments they delivered, warning that those who had been “venting convoluted anger” were ignorant of the law.

Recently, the apex court had delivered what many Nigerians thought were controversial verdicts on former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senate President Dr. Ahmad Lawan.

Although Akpabio and Lawan did not run in their respective senatorial primaries on May 28, 2022, due to their participation in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, the Supreme Court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise them as candidates for the February 25 elections.

The apex court warned purveyors of such attacks on the Judiciary and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, especially a United States-based Professor, Farooq Kperogi, and the Progressive Minds Forum, to desist and channel such energies to political parties which “fail to organise themselves well.”

The Supreme Court singled out a professor at Kennesaw State University in the United States, Kperogi, alleging that his criticisms were as dictated to him by his paymasters.

Director of Press and Information at the Supreme Court, Dr. Festus Akande officers, in a statement titled: ‘Be mindful of unwarranted attacks on the judiciary,’ said insinuations that its justices were bought over “by some unknown and unseen persons” was nothing short of “a bizarre expression of ignorance”.

The statement also described the call by “a faceless group” for the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, to resign as “prosaic.”

According to Akande, over 600 cases have gone to court from just the party’s primaries, which political parties conducted without any encumbrance or interference

from any external bodies.

The Supreme Court said if political parties fail to organise themselves well by managing their internal wrangling maturely and now choose to bring themselves to the court, it is duty-bound to adjudicate in accordance with the provisions of the law and not the dictates of any individual or deity, as some people would want it to do.

The apex court noted that if political parties conduct themselves well and orderly, too, the courts will handle fewer cases, and the political atmosphere would be much healthier than it is currently.

The statement read: “It is so disheartening to learn that some individuals and groups of persons who ought to know better and even assume the revered positions of role models to a larger proportion of the citizens are now sadly, the very ones flagrantly displaying ignorance and infantilism in the course of defending the indefensible.

“In an ineptly scripted toxic article, one Farooq Adamu Kperogi, who described himself as a NigerianAmerican Professor, decided to plunge into an abysmal pit of irredeemable ignorance by venting convoluted anger on Supreme Court Justices to please his paymasters.

“We have made it abundantly clear on different occasions that judicial officers are neither political office holders nor politicians that should be dressed in such robes.

“Our silence must not be mistaken for weakness or cowardice.

“Certainly, every Nigerian citizen has an inalienable right to express his or her opinion without any encumbrance; but even in the course of expressing such fundamental right, we should be circumspect enough to observe the caution gate of selfcontrol in order not to infringe on another person’s right.

“Even in a state of emotional disequilibrium, we should be reasonable enough to make a good choice of decent words, as every word employed by the pen-happy Kperogi only succeeded in portraying the kind of vacuum that sign-posts all that he has as

academic accomplishment.

“I believe those who possess similar credentials with him are obviously ashamed of celebrating any affinity with such a character that has an odious reputation for being a serial verbal assailant over the years, as he sees nothing good in anything good.

“He has only succeeded in inflicting upon himself a mood of bellicose jingoism which does not represent a mark of honour for any discerning mind or academic, the world over.

“Courts don’t advertise or scout for cases for adjudication, but at the same time, we are duty-bound to adjudicate on all matters that come before us to give justice to whoever is due, irrespective of status.

“No court in any clime is a Father Christmas; no one can get what they didn’t ask for.

“Similarly, all matters are thoroughly analysed and considered based on their merits, not the faces that appear in court or sentiments that attempt to becloud the sense of reasoning.

“So, for anyone in their right frame of mind to insinuate that some

unknown and unseen persons have bought over the justices is a bizarre expression of ignorance, which definitely has no place in law or even in the realm of pedestrian reasoning.

“We are not surprised with the surge of these well-orchestrated verbal assaults on judicial officers across the country at this period of elections.

“It is a thing we are used to and are ever ready to absorb whatever comes our way, but there should be some decorum and dignity in what we say and do. Politics should not be played without recourse to good conscience and acceptable moral conduct, as everything is evolving globally.

“Calling on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to resign or attacking Justices that sit on various panels, as exhibited by a faceless group that calls itself ‘Progressive Minds Forum’, is rather prosaic.

“If political parties fail to organise themselves well by managing their internal wrangling maturely and now choose to bring themselves to the court, we are duty-bound to adjudicate by the provisions of

the law and not the dictates of any individual or deity, as some people would want us to do.

“If political parties conduct themselves well and orderly too, the courts would definitely handle fewer cases, and the political atmosphere will be much healthier than it is currently.

“We shall continuously do our best to discharge our constitutional responsibility to keep the country together and move the nation along the path of peace, progress, and development.

“Attacks by groups, political parties, or individuals under any guise will not deter us; rather, it will boost our resolve to do more for the country.

“It is not only petty but equally very unreasonable for anyone to hurriedly link CJN Ariwoola to his state of origin and tribe simply because of a particular judgment of the court.

“The major problem of Nigeria has always been the undue emphasis on religion and ethnicity in all our dealings. Progress will remain a mirage as long as we continue along that path.

“As of this moment, over 600 cases have so far gone to court from just party primaries which political parties conducted without any encumbrance or interference from any external bodies.

“So, will the political parties, Kperogi, or any individual now accuse the court of causing such unpleasant intra-party wrangling that defied all internal conflict resolution mechanisms?

“Most times, some people try as much as possible to disingenuously stand logic on its head to show their level of incredible dexterity.

“Those who have cultivated the unfashionable penchant of constantly attacking the Judiciary over every judgment or ruling given should better have a rethink and start channeling such robust energy into some ventures that are more developmental than destructive.

“We are not politicians and should not, by any stroke of imagination, be cast in that mold either.

“Nobody’s interest can ever supersede the interest of everybody.

Nigeria is bigger than every one of us. A word is enough for the wise,” the apex court explained.

Appeal Court Strikes out Suit Seeking to Disqualify Tinubu

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by Action Alliance (AA) against the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu.

The suit, which also had the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and APC as respondents, sought the disqualification of Tinubu from contesting the 2023 election on the grounds that he forged his University of Chicago certificate.

AA also alleged that Tinubu's claim of attending Government

College, Ibadan is false, contending that he is not qualified to contest for the office of the president.

They prayed the court for "a declaration that by virtue of Sections 224, 23 and 24 of the 1999 Constitution and the constitution of the APC, the office of the president of Nigeria is to be occupied by a man of integrity and impeccable character".

Earlier in a judgment delivered on December 13, 2022, the trial court held that the suit of the plaintiff is statute-barred.

However, in an appeal filed on December 21, 2022, and marked CA/ABJ/CV/ 1475/ 2022, the AA

prayed to the court to set aside the trial court's judgment.

In defence of the appeal, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), on behalf of the 2nd respondent and APC, filed the 2nd respondent brief of argument and a notice of preliminary objection stating that: The appellant brief of argument is statute-barred and that the appeal is academic.

On February 3, 2023, when the appeal came up for hearing, Julius O. Ishola, on behalf of the APC, adopted the notice of preliminary objection and 2nd respondent's brief of argument filed and prayed the court to strike out the appeal for lack of merit.

Reacting to the notice and the brief, counsel to the appellant filed an appellant reply brief and adopted the same, urging the court to dismiss the objections filed and allow the appeal.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgment, agreed with counsel to the 2nd and 3rd respondents and dismissed the appeal for being statute-barred, having been filed more than 22 years after the occurrence of the purported cause of action.

The court also stated that the appellant lacked locus standi to institute the suit and described it as a meddlesome interloper.

9

FEBRUARY 12, 2023 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS

APC CAMPAIGN RALLY IN KEBBI… L-R: Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu; Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu; Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum; and Chairman of APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, at the party’s presidential campaign rally at Haliru Abdu Stadium, Birnin-Kebbi…yesterday

Ahead of Elections, Agbakoba Urges INEC to Tackle Corrupt, Unethical Practices of Staff Cautions judiciary against determining winners of elections Alex Enumah in Abuja With about two weeks to the general election, the decision of the Osun State Election Petitions Tribunal nullifying the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the July 16, 2022, governorship election on the basis of over-voting despite the deployment of Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) has raised concerns with former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (NBA) urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deal with corrupt and unethical practices of its members of staff to protect

the entire electoral process.

The tribunal had, in its judgment, invalidated the election of Governor Adeleke of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and declared the immediate past governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Gboyega Oyetola as the winner of the election.

Delivering its judgment, the tribunal led by Justice Terste Kume held that the governorship election was characterised by over-voting, adding that after deducting the excessive votes, Oyetola's figures rose to 314, 921, while Adeleke's came down to 290, 266.

The tribunal's decision was

Sule: APC Govs Want Six Months Extension of Naira Swap Matawalle orders arrest of those rejecting old notes

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has disclosed that the state governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were seeking a six-month extension of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) naira swap policy.

This is just as Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has ordered the arrest of anyone who refuses to accept the state's old currency notes of N200, N500, and N1,000.

Sule made this known yesterday while interacting with stakeholders in Farin Ruwa and Akun Development Areas in continuation of his reelection campaign tour of the 18 Development Areas of the state.

He appealed to Nigerians to remain patient, stressing that the APC governors seek a six-month extension before the old Naira notes would be phased out.

He, however, congratulated Nigerians over the decisions taken at the end of the Council of State meeting in Abuja, mandating the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to print more currency to cushion the hardship being experienced

by Nigerians.

According to him, "I welcome the decision of the Council of State meeting mandating the federal government to obey the judgment of the Supreme Court which nullified the February 10 dateline earlier set for the expiration of the old Naira notes."

Meanwhile, concerned about the difficulty being experienced by the residents of his state in accessing money at the banks, Governor Sule stormed the Masaka branch of the Union Bank, where he directed banks in the state to make funds available for customers.

The governor, who was en route to Karshi Development Area, in continuation of his re-election campaign tour, visited the bank in Masaka, Karu Local Government Area of the state.

"I spoke with the manager, and he assured me that with the bank's ATM card, one can withdraw up to N20,000, while customers from other banks can only withdraw N10,000," he stated.

Meanwhile, Governor Matawalle has ordered the arrest of anyone who refuses to accept the state's old currency notes of two hundred, five, and one thousand naira.

He said the old currency notes remain legal tender until the case's final verdict instituted against the CBN and the federal government by Kaduna, Kogi, and Zamfara states at the Supreme Court.

Matawalle stated this at the swearing-in ceremony of new High Court Judges and newly appointed special Advisers held at the Government House, Chamber II in Gusau, the state Capital.

He explained that he and his counterparts in Kogi and Kaduna states approached the supreme court to order the extension and validity of the old 200, 500, and 1,000 naira notes.

based on non-compliance with Sections 47 (2) and Section 51 (2) provisions Section 47 (2) of the Electoral Act 2022.

But Agbakoba, in a paper he co-authored with Collins Okeke, an Associate Partner in his law firm, Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL), said having read the judgment of the tribunal, two issues stand out: "The first is the capacity of INEC to organise free, fair, and credible elections; and the second is in relation to orders made by the tribunal."

In the document titled: 'Thoughts on the Judgment of the Osun Governorship Election Tribunal,' the human rights lawyer contended that regarding INEC's capacity, what this judgment shows is that the commission did not deliver credible elections even with the use of technology.

He wondered how over-voting became possible with BVAS and INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal when the introduction of the BVAS and IReV portal was to deal with over-voting.

The former NBA boss said with the general election about two weeks ahead, INEC must work very hard to ensure the process is free, fair, and credible

in strict compliance with its regulations and the provisions of the Electoral Act He advised the commission to deal decisively with the corrupt and unethical practices of its staff, as proven in the judgment of the Osun State Election Petitions Tribunal.

The senior lawyer warned the judiciary to resist the temptation of determining winners in an election, saying that the power to decide who is elected into political office ought to be the voters.

Though he argued that judicial recourse is perfectly allowed and preferable to extra-judicial measures to redress perceived electoral errors, it should be an exceptional option to rectify an electoral impropriety.

"The 2023 general election is a crucial election for Nigeria.

INEC must work very hard to ensure the process is free, fair, and credible. There must be strict compliance with provisions of the electoral act and INEC regulations.

"INEC must also deal decisively with corrupt practices and unethical practices of its staff as proven in the Osun governorship; otherwise, it could undermine

the entire electoral process.

"The Judiciary must resist the temptation to determine winners in an election. The power to decide who is elected into political office ought to be in the hands of the voters. Judicial recourse is perfectly allowed and preferable to extra-judicial measures to redress perceived electoral errors.

"But this should be an excellent option to rectify an electoral impropriety. Making a habit of bypassing elections to determine elected officials due to electoral irregularities and constantly forcing the judiciary to annul elections doesn't bode well for Nigeria's fledgling democracy.

"The current trend could cause a loss of confidence by the electorate and embolden politicians to forego the polls and instead try to "win" elections by influencing the judiciary in underhand ways.

"In relation to orders made by the tribunal, the learned tribunal was right when it ordered the cancellation of votes in areas where over-voting was established.

"This is in accordance with Section 51 (2) of the Electoral Act 2022. However, the decision

of the tribunal to deduct excessive votes, tabulate the results, and declare Oyetola winner of the especially election seems to run counter to the provisions of the Electoral Act Section 51 (2)&(3), which provides that 'Where the number of votes cast at an election in any polling unit exceeds the number of accredited voters in that polling unit, the Presiding officer shall cancel the result of the election in that polling unit." (3) "Where the result of an election is canceled in accordance with subsection (2), there shall be no return for the election until another poll has taken place in the affected polling units.

"The combined reading of the sections strongly suggests that the appropriate order the tribunal ought to have made is fresh order polls in the affected 744 polling units.

"Justice would have been best served if the tribunal ordered fresh polls in the affected areas as its decision disfranchises all voters that participated in the election from the affected areas who in no way should be held responsible for the over-voting or be made to bear responsibility for its occurrence.

Again, Atiku Promises to Set Aside $10bn to Boost Businesses Okowa wants total rejection of Muslim-Muslim ticket Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday promised to set aside $10 billion to support business growth across the nation if he becomes Nigeria's president.

This is as the vice presidential candidate of the party and Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, called for total rejection of MuslimMuslim ticket in the forthcoming presidential election to mitigate religious intolerance and ensure unity in the country.

Speaking at his presidential rally at Umuahia Township Stadium in Abia State, Atiku told a huge crowd of party supporters that businesses in Abia would be among the beneficiaries of the business growth package.

He further spelt out other measures he would take to enhance commerce and industry in the

South-east zone, saying that the abandoned Eastern rail line would be revived and dry ports would be built.

The former vice president lamented that under the APC federal government the Igbo have been marginalised and relegated to the backyard because of the ethnic and religious politics of the ruling APC. "Our party is not playing ethnic or religious card; what we are playing is the Nigerian card. When the PDP was in power, we ensured that people from the South-east and other parts of Nigeria were given a sense of belonging and we will do it again".

Atiku said that Ndigbo constitute important stakeholders not only in PDP but in the Nigeria project in which they have contributed immensely hence they deserve a pride of place, adding that a PDP government would meet their needs.

"I want to appeal to the people to vote for us and we will meet all your requests. I approved the

construction of the inland dry port in Abia State as vice president and I will ensure that it is completed when we take over power."

Atiku sympathised with Nigerians over the present sufferings and hardships "that Nigerians are going through because of the naira redesign and lack of petroleum products in the country".

According to him, these sufferings engendered by bad policies of the APC - controlled federal government were all the more reason Nigerians should vote them out.

On his part, the vice-presidential candidate of the party and Delta State Governor, Okowa noted that under the APC government the South-east has been subjected to untold deprivation with brazen marginalisation He stated in the past every zone of the country was treated equally but immediately APC came to power things fell apart with manifest crisis in the country, "This is not the country we used

to know; we want to restore the dignity of Igbo man, we want a president that can unite Nigeria," he said, adding that, "Atiku loves all, his doctor is an Igbo man".

Assuring the South-east that the zone would be carried along in the PDP government, Okowa urged Ndigbo to avoid making a mistake and put their votes for the PDP, the party that would care for them.

Okowa has called for total rejection of Muslim-Muslim ticket in the forthcoming presidential election to mitigate religious intolerance and ensure unity in the country.

Okowa, who spoke at the presidential rally in Umuahia, and urged the South-east people to stick with the party for Nigeria’s recovery and good governance.

Okowa charged Abia State indigenes to work hard for the party's victory, pointing out that Nigerians had embraced PDP "and those in South-east cannot afford to be in opposition anymore".

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • FEBRUARY 12, 2023

10

NEWS

MAN OF THE PEOPLE… A teenager and Lagos-based Ibadan indigene, Yusuf Alabi, standing in front of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, in demonstration of his love for the TWITTER former Anambra State governor during a road walk by his supporters in Orile area of Lagos…yesterday

In Kebbi, Tinubu Promises to Boost Agriculture, Revive Argungu Fishing Festival Former Lagos gov will stop brain drain, medical tourism, says APC Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, has promised the people of Kebbi State major investments to boost the state’s agricultural profile.

This development is coming as the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has declared that Tinubu has the most holistic programme to end brain drain and medical tourism.

Speaking yesterday while addressing the APC presidential campaign rally at the Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, Tinubu commended farmers for the revolutionary venture, especially in rice farming.

This is even as he commended the local farmers in the state for the revolutionary venture they have brought into the agricultural sector, especially in rice farming.

A statement signed on behalf of

Tinubu Media Office by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz quoted the former Lagos State governor as saying, “we are going to invest in education and agro-allied industries to make prosperity a very simple thing.”

The APC candidate, who acknowledged Kebbi’s exploits in rice production and how it created a close partnership between the state and Lagos, said his administration would continue to encourage such working relationships across the country.

He said: “We are going to invest in education and agro-allied industries to make prosperity a very simple thing. We will manage water resources to make Nigeria a leading agricultural country in Africa.”

The APC presidential candidate also promised to revive the nowmoribund Argungu Fishing Festival and make it a tourist destination in Nigeria.

Midway through the campaign,

Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu and Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami took over the podium and called on the people to cast their votes for Tinubu because of his past investments in advancing democracy in the country.

Malami reminded the gathering that the APC administration had made major agricultural, social welfare, and infrastructure investments, saying it was time to pay back by voting in Tinubu and other party candidates.

He said Tinubu shared many things in common with President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that if he is elected, he will consolidate on the gains recorded by the Buhari administration.

The APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, and the DirectorGeneral of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong,

thanked the mammoth crowd who turned out for the rally, admonishing them to vote for Mr Tinubu for his sterling track record.

Meanwhile, the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has declared that Tinubu has the most holistic programme to end brain drain and medical tourism.

Director of the Medical Directorate of the APC PCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Odikpo, said the directorate had assembled the best across Nigeria’s medicare to dialogue on improving the healthcare sector.

He also explained the reason behind the constant attacks on Tinubu, saying it is only ripe fruits that get stoned.

“You are ripe, hence all the attacks, but no man can change your God’s destiny.

“Surely you will build a better Nigeria that we all will be very proud of, like Lagos state of today under your governorship,” he stated.

Court Stops AMCON from Selling Ibadan Disco Wale Igbintade The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) from selling the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc. Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, while ruling on an interlocutory injunction sought by IBEDC and the other 10 defendants in the suit, specifically restrained the AMCON from “alienating, selling or disposing or transferring the IBEDC pending the final determination of the suit before it.”

The 11 defendants are the Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company Limited (in receivership); John Olatunde Ayeni; Dr. Olusola Ayandele; Personal Legal Representatives of the estate of Captain Idahosa Okunbo (deceased), a.k.a. Captain Hosa Wells Okunbo; Akere Ayanwola; Kayode Ojutiku; Folu Olusanya; Mallam Aliyu Ibrahim; Usman Mohammad; Alhaji Abubakar A. Aminu and IBEDC. They had taken AMCON acting through its nominee, Mr. AB Ogunba (SAN) to court, asking the court to determine “whether the plaintiff was entitled to remain in possession of, manage, superintend, and exercise all the powers of a

Receiver/Manager on all the 1st defendant’s assets under the Deed of Debenture, Deed of Share charge, the AMCON Act 2010 as amended and the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, without interference, obstruction and or hindrance in any manner whatsoever from the defendants, their agents, directors, officers or any persons whosoever?”

They also sought the court’s relief on “whether or not the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants and indeed all the other defendants are liable to the plaintiff for the debts charged against 1st defendant’s properties and assets by virtue of their respective personal guarantees, which they issue in respect of the loan, the subject matter of this suit as well as under sections 48, 49, 50 and 61 of the Act, read together?”

On the other hand, the plaintiffs sought some reliefs, which included but not limited to; “an order of the court affirming the appointment of the plaintiff as Receiver/Manager and protecting the powers of the plaintiff to act and continue to act as the manager through its nominee, Mr. Osayaba Giwa-Osagie (SAN) over all the assets of the 1st defendant charged by virtue of the Deed of Debenture dated August 16, 2013 and Deed of

Debenture registered on the August 23, 2013 as well as the corporate and personal guarantees given by the 1st to 4th defendants and is entitled to exercise all the powers of Receiver/Manager over all the assets of the 1st to 11th defendants wherever they may be located within the territory of Nigeria, including the 1st Defendant’s shares and assets in the 11th defendant, that is, IBEDC Plc by virtue of the provisions of Sections 48 and 61 of the AMCON act 2010 as amended by the AMCON amendment No 2 l, Act 2019, the provisions of the aforesaid Deed of Debenture and Deed of share Charge as well as the Deed of the Appointment Dated August 6 2021 and registered at the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja without interference, obstruction and or hindrance in any manner whatsoever from the defendants, their agents, servants, privies or anyone whomsoever.”

The counsel to the applicants, Dele Adesina (SAN), had in November 2022 lamented AMCON’s alleged underhand ploy to dispose of IBEDC, despite what he described as the issue for determination or subject matter of settlement initiated by both parties.

“My Lord, it will be disastrous if people resort to self-help by hiring the police, Army, thugs

etc. when the court is no longer the last hope of helpless citizens.

I wonder how this attitude can attract foreign investors when the local ones are being treated like this. A property which formed the basis of adjourning the matter for settlement can now be advertised in a newspaper for sale,” he had said.

In his ruling, Justice Aneke granted the injunction sought by the applicants pending the final determination of the substantive suit.

The court also granted the following orders sought by the applicants – the 1st-3rd and 5th-11th defendants.

“An order of interlocutory injunction restraining the plaintiff/ respondent whether by themselves and or through their directors, managers, officers, employees, servants, consultants, attorneys, agents, representatives, privies, however so-called, as well as any person or persons acting under or through their instructions and control from alienating, selling, disposing, or by any means transferring the 11th defendant, or any part of the interests of any of the defendants/applicants in the said 11 defendant , pending the hearing and final determination of this suit.

He assured that if elected as the country’s next president, Tinubu would change the narrative in the country’s health sector.

According to him, healthcare, as presented in Tinubu’s manifesto, “is a complete document, covering critical areas like human resources, brain drain, health tourism, infrastructure, universal health care, health financing.

“But we want Nigerians, especially medicare professionals and our

youths, to be part of our actions and decisions hence this town hall meeting,” he stated.

Also speaking, a medical doctor and senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Dr. Lanre Tejuosho, said he was happy that Tinubu has indicated his resolve to tackle ‘brain drain’ as one of his priorities in his ‘Renewed Hope’ action plan.

Okowa Mourns as Gunmen Kill Three of His Security Aides in Anambra Urges end to armed agitation in South-east

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has commiserated with the state police command and families of the three police officers killed by unknown gunmen in Anambra State.

The officers, Inspector Lucky Aleh; Inspector Celestine Nwadiokwu, and Inspector Jude Obuh, were attached to the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit in Government House, Asaba.

They were ambushed and killed around 1.30 pm on Friday by gunmen along Ihiala-Orlu Road en route to Umuahia on official duty.

The state's Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who briefed journalists yesterday on the sad incident, said the late officers would be greatly missed for their contributions to the peace and development of Delta.

He described the unfortunate killing of the officers as barbaric and unacceptable in a country seeking to be united again for peace and development.

"We bring you the sad news of our gallant officers who have helped us maintain peace in our state attached to the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) in Government House, Asaba.

"The officers met their untimely death while proceeding as an advanced team for the PDP presidential campaign rally in Abia State; unfortunately, this particular team veered off from the convoy and took another route different

from where the convoy was taking.

"They were ambushed along the Ihiala-Orlu Road en route Umuahia by non-state actors who killed three in police uniform while the one on mufti escaped.

"We have recovered their corpse and reached out to their families," Aniagwu explained.

He said some accounts of the unfortunate incident trending on social media were untrue, adding that the state government delayed announcing their untimely death because efforts were being made to reach out to their families before making the announcement.

He called on security agencies in the country to fish out the killers and bring them to book so that Nigerians could once again live peacefully in any part of the country.

"What is happening in parts of this country today, particularly in the South-east, is not healthy for our development as a country because the elections are very close.

"The security we are asking for is not just for the elections. It is also something that everybody wants.

We should be able to have safety at every given time; that way, we would have development.

"We must also plead with our brothers and sisters who may have taken guns on account of what they see as agitation to know that the best way to help our people is to allow peace to reign—that way, the development will take place in the South-east.

"Our people in the South-east are very industrious; they are commerce-oriented and have developed a love for one another over the years.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2023 • T H I S D AY

11

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾FEBRUARY 12, 2023

12

NEWS

News Editor: Gboyega Akinsanmi E-mail: gboyega.akinsanmi@thisdaylive.com,08152359253

WE ARE HAPPY TO HAVE YOU… L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Polo Association (NPA) and immediate past President, Lagos Polo Club, Mr. Ayo Olashoju; New President, Mr. Bode Makanjuola; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Past President, Mr. Dolapo Akinrele (SAN); and Past President, Mr. Ade Laoye, at the induction of the governor as an honorary member of the club in Lagos…yesterday ETOP UKUTT

Kwankwaso Won’t Step down for Atiku, PCC Tells Northern Leaders Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) yesterday insisted that its presidential candidate, Senator Rabi Kwankwaso, would not step down for his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

NNPP, specifically, faulted the Northern Unity and Development Movement (NUDM)

for describing Kwankwaso’s refusal to step down the PDP presidential candidate as an anti-north.

He made these clarifications in a statement by the spokesperson to the NNPP Presidential Campaign Council, Ladipo Johnson, saying Kwankwaso represented the people of Nigeria and not just for sectional interests.

In its statement that empha-

sised Kwankwaso’s resolve to contest the presidential poll on his records, the campaign council noted that Kwankwaso and NNPP would not succumb to their cheap blackmail and utter lies.

The statement asked the socio-cultural groups in the north to rise above this rather cheap attempt at blackmail, as it will not work.

It added that Kwankwaso

had the character, capacity, competence and the political will “to represent the masses and move this country forward and he will not betray the trust of the masses.”

Kwankwaso and NNPP “are representing millions of Nigerians, who are hoping for an improved standard of living, a more secure and prosperous society, and who wish for equity and justice and

a reduction in the religious and ethnic divisions we have in the country at the moment.”

The statement lamented that it was sad to see the desperation creeping into the campaign of the PDP presidential candidate.

It said: “We realise that his well-rehearsed template is to have sponsored religious or socio-political groups and purported leaders, going around to attempt to blackmail the people

into adopting or stepping down for him, purportedly so the North can have one voice!

Such crass arrogance!!

“The people, and yes, especially the women and youth, know that these self-interest groups do not represent them in any way. They are there for themselves and their principal.

Indeed, the PDP presidential candidate has long lost touch with the needs of the people

Tinubu Pledges to Grant Public Universities Full Autonomy JAMB Registers 1.1m Adedayo Akinwale of Universities over improved the prestige and autonomous Shettima and the party’s National Candidates for 2023 UTME welfare, and revitalisation of status of varsities have been Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Funmi Ogundare Over 1.1million applicants have registered for the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said.

Registrar of JAMB, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, stated this yesterday while monitoring the ongoing registration exercise in some computer based test centres (CBT) in Abuja.

Oloyede visited CBT centres at Total Child International School, Dutse, JAMB Abuja zonal office, Life Camp, Global Distance Learning Institute and Sascon International College, Abuja

respectively.

He also said the Board would not extend the deadline for applicants to register for the examination, warning CBT centres against extortion of applicants.

It would be recalled that the sale of the 2023 UTME commenced on Saturday, 14th January, 2023, and is set to close on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 “UTME is not a school based examination, it’s individual candidates and you can see what that school, Stella Maris is doing, collecting N30,000 from candidates in the name of JAMB and then end up mixing up the telephone number of the candidates.

Identify FIB Officers Who Attacked PDP Candidate, ACJHR Urges IG Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) yesterday asked the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba to identify officers from the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) who allegedly joined masked gunmen to attack the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party for Ideato North South Federal constituency, Ikenga Ugochinyere in the forthcoming elections.

In a statement by its strategic communication consultant, Abubakar Isa, ACJHR wondered

why the operatives of the Nigerian Police allegedly in collaboration with the state backed private militia invaded Ikenga’s home.

The attack, according to the rights group, is another violation of the right to life and free speech of Ugochinyere, who is also the spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties.

The statement read in part, “We call on the Inspector General of Police, to prevail on Governor Hope Uzodinma and the security chiefs in Imo to rein in these gunmen creating tension in the state and fear in Ideato in particular.

The presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu yesterday pledged to grant full autonomy to all public universities operating in Nigeria when elected.

The development is coming three months after the federal government announced that it would review the university autonomy laws following agitations by the Academic Staff Union

public universities among others.

Autonomy in Nigerian varsities in simple terms connotes a situation where each university exercises its right to select or admit its own students, decide what to teach and determine its areas of research.

But with the National Universities Commission (NUC) still in charge of monitoring, accreditation and supervision,

eroded for years.

The former governor of Lagos State, however, believes it is possible, adding he is willing to take the risk if Nigerians can entrust the task of leading the country to his care.

Speaking at the Eagle Square, the venue of his campaign yesterday, Tinubu who arrived at the rally in the company of his running mate, Senator Kashim

Adamu, declared that he was determined to leave a lasting legacy for youths of the country He said: “I want you to remember and accept the fact that what we are doing is all about the youths, our children and about our today, tomorrow and thereafter. What should be there for you is the joy of democracy and democratic values.

ASUU Slams FG over Fuel, Naira Scarcity Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Amid growing concern about devastative effects of fuel and Naira scarcity, the Academic Staff Union Of Universities (ASUU) has said it will work with the new leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other patriotic Nigerians to protect and further the interests and well-being of all Nigerians.

The union also said rather

than abating, the cankerworm of corruption is gaining deeper roots each day among Nigerians entrusted with their collective patrimony.

In a statement by its president, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke yesterday, ASUU said the crisis arising from the redesign of the country’s currency has affected every sector of the economy and will require very serious efforts by

developmental economists to fully determine the magnitude of its damage.

The union expressed support for last week’s Supreme Court ruling, which halted the February 10 deadline on the Naira design policy, saying it would serve to mitigate the aggravated suffering of Nigerians occasioned by the policy.

It warned of an ominous

cloud hanging on the horizon with frightening foreboding for Nigeria if urgent steps are not taken to “suture the bleeding wound of the land”.

ASUU said: “It is unimaginable that a transiting government would elect to swim in an ocean of chaos as exemplified by the currency swap crisis and scarcity of petroleum products on the eve of an election season.

Address Challenges Encountered During Mock Accreditation,YIAGA Urges INEC Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Ahead of the February 25 and March 11 elections, the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA) Africa has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make public and address the challenges identified during the testing of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

The Executive Director of

YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, made the call yesterday during the report on BVAS testing, mock accreditation and electronic transmission of accreditation data in Abuja.

Samson, who said most of the devices were activated and configured in line with the guidelines, added that some devices failed during activation and configuration due to hardware failures.

“The exercise was also blighted

by poor internet connectivity which delayed the configuration of the BVAS across several states,” Samson said, explaining that INEC should make public its reports on the set-up and testing of the BVAS and mock accreditation and provide updates on the steps taken to address the challenges identified during the BVAS testing and mock accreditation.

“In the states observed

by YIAGA Africa, the BVAS

testing was successful and the ICT staff demonstrated good knowledge of the systems and testing guidelines. The observers sighted the BVAS machines and noted the devices were stored in good condition.

“INEC should investigate cases where the BVAS failed to authenticate the biometrics of voters, despite having the names on the register. This will inspire public confidence in the BVAS and IReV.

1 3 2023

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾FEBRUARY 12,

NEWSXTRA

Ad hoc Staff to Swear Oath of Neutrality, Says INEC &RPPHQFHV WUDLQLQJ RI VXSHUYLVRU\ SUHVLGLQJ RIÀFHUV Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that all ad hoc staff engaged to assist the commission in conducting the forthcoming general election shall swear to an oath of neutrality before being deployed.

Chairman of the commission,

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this while inspecting ongoing training for Supervisory Presiding Officers yesterday.

Yakubu said they owed allegiance to the Nigerian people and not to any political party or candidate in the election, hence the need for them to be neutral.

He told them that while the

Shell Confirms Fresh Oil Spill in Rivers Community Shell Petroleum Development Company has confirmed fresh oil spill at Ebubu, in the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The spokesman for Shell, Michael Adande, made the confirmation in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday night.

Adande said the incident occurred at the company’s Ebubu and Oghale Manifold 12 pipeline in the state.

The statement partly read, “The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited confirms

In line with its commitment to sustainably drive human capital development in the power sector, the Egbin Power Plc. has inducted 27 young Engineers after successfully completing the company’s Graduate Engineering Programme.

The 2022 graduates are the third batch of Egbin Power’s engineering trainee programme. The 12-month comprehensive developmental programme, run in collaboration with Energy Training Centre (ETC), is an immersive and experiential learning experience for selected young engineers, focusing on processes, procedures, and operations of the Nigerian Electricity Supply industry.

It involved a blend of learn-

ing approaches; instructor-led classroom sessions, virtual sessions, field practical sessions to ensure effective learning transfer as well as improve their capacity and practical field experience.

In a statement issued yesterday by the company, the Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, described the programme as a critical intervention in building capacity of technical manpower with requisite skills for infrastructural and human capital development of the power sector.

He noted the investment in new technology, expansion initiatives and innovative achievements at Egbin Power Plc. requires a corresponding human capital profile to ensure optimal performance and profitability of the plant.

DataPro Moves Babban Gona Rating to “A” DataPro, the technology-driven credit rating agency, has upgraded Babban Gona Farmer Services Nigeria Limited’s long-term Rating from “BBB+” to “A-” with a stable outlook for 2022/2023.

A statement from the company at the weekend explained that the rating upgrade reflects the cumulative average growth rate of 24 per cent in revenue during the period 2017-2020, adding that revenue was more than doubled in the year 2021, which translates to a significant growth of 179 percent.

Client Services Manager, DataPro credit agency Mr. Kehinde Rasheed, said in the statement that the “A-” indicates Low Risk. “It shows excellent financial strength, operating performance, and business

“you are going to supervise the Presiding Officers who are actually going to conduct the elections in all the polling units for Nigeria.

“It is important to bear in mind your commitment to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and what counts most is your integrity as Presiding Supervisory Officers “You have been carefully selected by the commission to perform a very important responsibility for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You are doing this

for Nigeria and you are going to swear to an oath of neutrality.

Your loyalty is to Nigeria, your allegiance is to the people is to the people of Nigeria and not anybody.”

He warned them that INEC is not a political party and has no candidate in the elections.

Yakubu also told journalists that 352 ad hoc staff were being trained in the FCT to serve as Supervisory Presiding Officers, out of which, 282 will be deployed

for election duty.

He added: “What is happening in the FCT is happening in the 36 states of the Federation. This is a further assurance to Nigerians of the readiness of the commission to conduct the elections as planned the staff to be deployed to conduct the election are being trained nationwide.

“We will make sure that the process is what we say it should be so that the choice made by Nigerians determines who becomes what at whatever level”

an incident on the Ebubu and Oghale Manifold 12 pipeline in Rivers State.

“We are working with industry regulators to safely contain the discharge which is on our right of way while we await the government-led joint investigation team into the cause and impact.”

Meanwhile, Executive Director, Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, Fineface Dumnamene, in a statement, has called on industry stakeholders to investigate the incident in order to ascertain the real cause of the spill.

Egbin Power Inducts Graduate Engineers, Tasks Them on Innovation Ejiofor Alike

commission was determined to conduct one of the best elections in the nation’s history, the integrity of the polling officers would have positive or negative effect on the elections.

He said the adhoc staff were carefully selected for the exercise, adding that no electoral officer across the world conducts elections on the basis of its staff alone.

While commending them for agreeing to serve as supervisory presiding officers, Yakubu said

profile compared to the standard established by DataPro. “This company, in our opinion, can meet its ongoing obligations.

The company’s hubs are spread across 16 states, including the Federal Capital Territory. “ He pointed out that the DataPro Rating Committee approved the Rating after an assessment of the company’s financial performance, corporate governance & risk management, risk factors and future outlook of its current healthy profile in the medium to long-term period.

“Babban Gona Farmer Services Nigeria Limited Rating is supported by its strong earning Profile, good asset quality, excellent liquidity, and an experienced management team,” the statement added.

CATCH THEM YOUNG… L-R: Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power Plc, Mokhtar Bounour; Managing Director, Energy Training Centre (ETC), Ms. Ibiene Okeleke; Best Trainee Engineer, Mr. David Obodo; and Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group, Mr. Kola Adesina at the Induction ceremony of 2022/2023 Egbin Power Plc Graduate Engineering Programme in Lagos…recently

Oyetola, APC File Cross-appeal to Adeleke’s Suit at Appeal Court Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the July 16, 2022, governorship election in Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, has filed a cross-appeal at the Appeal Court, insisting on the disqualification of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

It would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) had on July 17 announced Adeleke as the winner of the July 16 governorship election.

But Oyetola and his party, the APC, approached the Elections Petition Tribunal to challenge the victory on the grounds that there was over-voting and that Adeleke was not eligible to run at the time.

After weeks of sitting, the tribunal agreed with Oyetola and the APC that they could prove a

case of forgery against the Osun State Governor but held that it was not enough to make him ineligible since he had acquired additional qualifications.

The tribunal, however, held that there was indeed over-voting.

It deducted the invalid votes from the valid ones and declared Oyetola as the winner of that election.

Dissatisfied with the tribunal’s

decision, INEC, Adeleke, and the PDP have all appealed the judgment.

In their cross-appeal, the APC and Oyetola, through their counsel, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and Akin Olujimi (SAN), noted that the tribunal misdirected itself when it held that the certificate from Atlanta Metropolitan College and a diploma certificate from Penn Foster High School are genuine.

Police to Invite Traditional Ruler over Audio Threatening, Intimidating Voters The Lagos State Police Command has said a traditional ruler would be invited for questioning over a recorded audio, which appeared to threaten and intimidate residents of a community in Eti-Osa area of the state.

Its spokesman, Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday, while reacting to the audio that had gone viral.

“The traditional ruler, a Baale, is to be invited for questioning.

Intimidating voters will not be

allowed.

“Everyone should feel free to vote for the candidate of his or her choice,” Hundeyin said.

A recorded audio of a meeting held on Monday at the instance of the traditional ruler went viral and has attracted the attention of security agencies and civil societies in Lagos State.

In the 11 minutes and 34 seconds audio, the traditional ruler and one other requested the residents and those doing business in the area to vote for

a political party in the forthcoming elections.

The traditional ruler, in his voice, wanted to know how many persons at the meeting had their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and only about 20 answered in the affirmative, out of about 60 persons in attendance.

He wondered what happened to the rest who did not have PVCs. “If we take the number of people here, we will not be less than 60, but only 20 have PVCs;

what is happening to the rest?

“We are ready to fight; yes, I am not hiding it; I have narrated everything to you. In Nigeria, there is Lagos; in Lagos, there is Eti-Osa; within Eti-Osa, we have an Igbara community and by the grace of God in Igbara today, we can make our decision.

“The people that will be friends with us, that will do business with us are those with PVCs and are willing to vote for our party.

Nothing short of that,” he said in the audio.

Buhari: I Have Fulfiled My Campaign Promises Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City and Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday insisted that he has not reneged on his promise to boost economy; ensure security and fight anti-corruption policies, priority of its government’s campaign promises.

Buhari also installed Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II as the fourth Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano State,

North Western Nigeria.

He made the clarification during the seventh convocation of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti yesterday, insisting that he had fulfilled in his promises to Nigerians in these aspect among others.

Buhari, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Nanah Opiah declared that he had delivered in the areas of economy, security and anti-corruption.

At the convocation, Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), former Man-

aging Director, First Bank Plc, Bisi Onasanya and former Captain of Super Eagles, Chief Segun Odegbami were garlanded with honorary degrees for their contributions to national development.

The president said his campaign promises was based on enhancing economy, improving security and anti-corruption fight, saying he recorded huge success in the three fundamental issues.

He said though the country had not reached its full potential, his government had set Nigeria

on irreversible paths of greatness through the implementation of masses-centric policies.

“Let me remind us all that my campaign to become president in 2015 was built on the promise to improve the security; strengthen economy and combat corruption.

“It is with immense gratitude to God Almighty that I make a bold to say that we have delivered on the three promises. At my inauguration, the country was practically under the siege of terrorism and other forms of insecurity.

14

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2023 • T H I S D AY

15

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 12 , 2023

BUSINESS

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

Gainers and Losers of Naira Withdrawal Policy Despite the initial challenges of the Naira Redesign and Cash Withdrawal Policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, some Nigerians are already reaping the gains, which has also activated the cashless policy of the apex bank, writes Festus Akanbi

A

mid the confusion caused by contradictory court rulings on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Cash RedesignandWithdrawal Policy, some banking industry observers say a cross-section of the Nigerian people have begun to count their gains and losses from the policy.

The apex bank claims the new policy will reduce the incidence of vote buying, currency speculation, counterfeiting, and outright hoarding, among others.

On October 26, 2022, the CBN redesigned the ÀQDQFLDO V\VWHP·V DQG QDLUD QRWHV But since the CBN unveiled the new notes, many 1LJHULDQV DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ KDYH KDG GL΀FXOW\ accessing them from banks and ATM points.

Penultimate week, amid the chaos caused by the scarcity of new notes, the CBN extended the deadline for phasing out the old naira notes IURP -DQXDU\ WR )HEUXDU\ However, the political dimension of the currency crisis manifested in the decision of some state governors to initiate legal proceedings against the new deadline given by the apex bank.

Before the case began, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties Chairmen and candidates IRU WKH HOHFWLRQV VODWHG IRU )HEUXDU\ DQG 0DUFK UHMHFWHG WKH SODQV WR IRUFH WKH &%1 WR suspend the policy by securing a restraining RUGHU IURP D +LJK &RXUW RI WKH )HGHUDO &DSLWDO Territory.

It was a restraining order on President Muhammadu Buhari, the CBN Governor, *RGZLQ (PHÀHOH DQG FRPPHUFLDO EDQNV from suspending the demonetisation policy of the federal government.

In its unanimous ruling, a seven-member Supreme Court panel led by Justice John Okoro, JUDQWHG DQ LQWHULP LQMXQFWLRQ SUHYHQWLQJ WKH federal government, CBN and their agents and FRPPHUFLDO EDQNV IURP LPSOHPHQWLQJ WKH )HEUXDU\ WHUPLQDO GDWHV IRU QRZ RXWGDWHG DQG QDLUD QRWHV WR FHDVH EHLQJ OHJDO WHQGHU The Winners: Nigerian Economy The anticipated economic gains of the naira redesign and cash withdrawal policy have placed WKH 1LJHULDQ SHRSOH DV WKH ÀUVW EHQHÀFLDULHV RI the policy.

According to data from the central bank, the FXUUHQF\ LQ FLUFXODWLRQ LQ ZDV RQO\ 1 trillion. Currency in circulation had risen to N3.23 WULOOLRQ DV RI 2FWREHU ZLWK RQO\ 1 ELOOLRQ LQ WKH EDQNLQJ V\VWHP DQG 1 WULOOLRQ KHOG permanently in people’s homes.

Ordinarily, when the CBN releases currency into circulation, it is intended to be used and then returned to the CBN, thereby keeping the volume of cash in circulation under the CBN’s control.

Ordinarily, notes in private homes and outside the banking system are not available for economic activities, which may impact the economy’s ability to reach its total potential growth.

Economists contended that if the naira redesign policy is implemented without being politicised, WKH SURFHVV ZLOO EHQHÀW WKH HFRQRP\ E\ SXWWLQJ excess money at the disposal of the apex bank for economic activities rather than stacking piles of naira in private homes.

Nigerians Given the fear of vote buying and the unfavourable consequences that the Nigerian people had to face in the past, supporters of the Naira redesign policy believed the policy would give 1LJHULDQV D OHYHO SOD\LQJ ÀHOG 7KH\ WKRXJKW E\

market PoS operators to set the withdrawal limit DW 1 SHU SHUVRQ ZLWK D FRPPLVVLRQ RI 1 per transaction.

When asked why the PoS operators couldn’t JR WR DQ\ RI WKH ÀYH EDQNV LQ WKH /DGLSR 0DUket, one of them said, “We don’t get the cash DJDLQ µ DGGLQJ WKDW KH KDG WR RͿHU D ´EULEHµ ODVW :HGQHVGD\ EHIRUH D EDQN R΀FLDO RͿHUHG to provide cash.

The shortage of cash has also forced many food sellers to accept bank transfers; however, some have decided to include bank charges in the cost of their food.

A food vendor in the Ogba area of Lagos, Miss Kemi Adeagbo, said: “I sell a plate of food IRU 1 , DFFHSW WUDQVIHUV EXW LI \RX PXVW SD\ WKURXJK WUDQVIHU \RX ZLOO SD\ 1 IRU D plate because I have to use N200 as the service charge to withdraw the money when I want WR EX\ IRRGVWXͿ µ

A customer making use of the PoS platform as the cash crunch bites harder

A bread hawker displaying his bank account details compelling people to return excess cash to the CBN; politicians would be able to go for election without the undue advantage of vote buying.

Cashless Policy Given the involvement of some banks in naira hoarding, a greater proportion of Nigerians are now embracing the CBN’s cashless policy for transactions.

Last week, social media was replete with videos and photographs of artisans and hawkers of essential items, fruits, and food using PoS terminals for their daily activities in a manner unprecedented in the history of Nigeria.

3HUKDSV WKH PRVW VLJQLÀFDQW EHQHÀFLDULHV DUH the PoS operators, who took advantage of desperate Nigerians to make huge gains by charging ridiculous transaction rates. $V WKH VFDUFLW\ RI QHZ QDLUD QRWHV VWLÁHV HFRnomic activity, many PoS operators have increased WUDQVDFWLRQ IHHV E\ Some operators have raised their withdrawal IHHV IURP WR GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH DPRXQW a customer intends to withdraw at a particular time.

Last week, a customer told our correspondent LQ $EXMD·V /XJEH QHLJKERXUKRRG WKDW VKH ZDV FKDUJHG 1 IRU D 1 ZLWKGUDZDO ZKLOH DQRWKHU VDLG KH ZDV FKDUJHG 1 IRU D 1 withdrawal.

)LQGLQJV E\ RXU FRUUHVSRQGHQW IXUWKHU UHvealed that most PoS operators could not meet customers’ huge requests as they complained about the scarcity of cash.

According to reports, many PoS operators get money from various sources to service their customers and remain in business.

“We go to banks and wait for people coming to the bank to deposit money. We intercept them, make deals, transfer to them, and then collect their cash. Some people still do businesses that are cash based,” a PoS operator explained.

Checks showed that some PoS operators also make arrangements with fuel stations, meet them after a day’s sales, and pick up their cash instead of allowing them to take them to the bank.

“What we do is to collect daily sales of some of these fuel stations. By this, we have saved them the stress of going to banks. We now use the money for our business as more people come to us for their daily cash transactions,” 0U $OLFH 0DWWKHZ D 3R6 RSHUDWRU LQ WKH 2MRGX area of Lagos, said in an interview.

Our correspondent observed that some PoS operators in the famous Ladipo Spare Parts Market in Lagos had to rely on owners of food canteens, raw food sellers, and other small-scale business owners who collected petty cash for their activities.

According to reports, the cash shortage forced

Rural Communities More than at any other time in history, the central bank has invested heavily in the ongoing campaign to extend its cashless policy to every nook and cranny of the country. )RU H[DPSOH WKH EDQN FODLPHG WR KDYH GHployed 30,000 Super Agents nationwide to help with its Cash Swap initiative in the hinterlands, rural areas, and regions underserved by banks in the country, ensuring that the weak and vulnerable among us can swap/exchange their old notes.

According to the apex bank governor, the CBN KDV DOVR GHSOR\HG DOO RI LWV VWDͿ SDUWLFXODUO\ WKH Assistant Directors, Deputy Directors, and DiUHFWRUV LQ $EXMD WR DOO &%1 EUDQFKHV DFURVV WKH country to participate in the mass mobilisation campaign and monitoring programmes. $FFRUGLQJ WR (PHÀHOH WKHVH R΀FLDOV DUH WR work in collaboration with deposit money banks, agents, and branch controllers across the 36 states of the federation.

The bank explained that the measure ensures compliance with our previously issued guidelines for the program’s smooth implementation.

It was gathered that the few arrests of some LQGLFWHG R΀FLDOV RI PRQH\ GHSRVLW EDQNV PDGH ZHUH DW WKH LQVWDQFHV RI VRPH RI WKHVH &%1 R΀FLDOV deployed to the various banks nationwide.

Losers: Corrupt Politicians One can understand why the political class was the most vocal in its opposition to the naira redesign policy.

As the general election approaches, politicians with the mindset of buying votes during the HOHFWLRQ DUH FRQFHUQHG WKDW LW ZLOO EH GL΀FXOW WR manipulate the process without access to their war chest. This explains the rash of policy-related lawsuits.

Kidnappers The naira redesign targeted criminal elements in society, especially the various kidnapping gangs whose primary attraction is ransom collection.

With the restriction to access to a large pool of money, the expectation is that kidnapping activities ZLOO EH OHVV SURÀWDEOH $V 1LJHULDQV DZDLW WKH ÀQDO GHFLVLRQ RI WKH 6XSUHPH &RXUW RQ )HEUXDU\ WKH UHDOLW\ LV that the gains of the new policy far outweigh the initial challenges the apex bank said will surmount sooner than later.

It is also a clarion call on the CBN to intensify its regulation of the money deposit banks as a few banks’ hoarding of the naira has given a clue of a culture of corruption in the industry. All indicted EDQN R΀FLDOV VKRXOG EH PDGH WR IDFH WKH ZUDWK of the law as a good deterrence to others.

16

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 12 , 2023

MARITIME

Piracy War: Sustaining the 2022 Winning Streak As memories of the Nigerian Navy’s recent hosting of Exercise Obangame Express 2023 linger, Festus Akanbi writes that the success of the programme, which ran between January 23 and February 3, is a testament to the Nigerian Navy’s determination to advance regional and multinational cooperation to sustainably secure Nigeria’s maritime environment and the wider Gulf of Guinea

T

KLV \HDU KDV NLFNHG RͿ on an important note for the Nigerian Navy, with the hosting of Exercise Obangame Express 2023, the largest multinational maritime exercise in Western and Central Africa, in collaboration with US Africa Command and US Naval Forces Europe and Africa.

This year’s edition featured 32 countries from the Gulf of Guinea and beyond, coming together to “improve regional cooperation, information-sharing practices, and tactical interdiction expertise.”

In March, barely a month after the end of Exercise Obangame Express 2023, Nigeria will commemorate one year since the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) announced the country’s exit from the Global List of Piracy-prone countries.

This feat came as a welcome follow-up to the IMB’s Global Piracy Report of July 2021, which indicated that Nigeria had recorded its lowest number of piracy and sea robbery against ships attacks in 27 years.

These remarkable milestones are the fallout of the unprecedented naval and maritime security investments by the L-R: Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo; United States Navy Vice Admiral serving as the commander Buhari administration through initiatives of the United States Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, Thomas Edward Ishee; and Consul General U.S. Consulate such as the Falcon Eye Maritime Domain General Lagos Will Stevens at the opening ceremony of Exercise Obangame Express 2023 in Lagos Awareness System, commissioned by President Buhari in 2021.

Other investments include the purchase against maritime criminality was the WR NLFN RͿ WKH QHZ \HDU LV D WHVWDPHQW Maritime Bureau (IMB) has now delisted of several new platforms, including a LQWHUFHSWLRQ LQ $XJXVW RI D 9HU\ to the Nigerian Navy’s determined the country from its piracy list. brand-new Hydrographic Survey Ship, /DUJH &UXGH &DUULHU 9/&& WKH 07 7KH &KLHI RI 1DYDO 6WDͿ ZKR DQQRXQFHG HͿRUWV WR DGYDQFH UHJLRQDO DQG PXONNS LANA, and a new Warship, the Heroic Idun, a timely action that helped tinational cooperation to holistically the news last year at the Joint NigeriaLanding Ship Tank (LST) NNS KADA, abort unauthorised entry into a producing and sustainably secure Nigeria’s European Union collaborative ceremony ZKRVH ÀUVW RSHUDWLRQDO DVVLJQPHQW ZDV 1LJHULDQ RLOÀHOG maritime environment and the wider held at the Western Naval Command in to support the ECOWAS Stabilisation Working with Nigeria’s regional partApapa, Lagos, praised the federal governGulf of Guinea.

Force in Guinea Bissau in August 2022. ners, through the Yaoundé Architecture, It is because of this unwavering ment’s commitment and decisive initiaTwo brand-new Seaward Defence Boats a Gulf of Guinea maritime safety and commitment to partnership that tive on the Deep Blue Project to combat (SDBs) are currently under construction security coordinating mechanism covthe CNS and Naval Headquar- the threat of maritime insecurity on the by the Naval Dockyard Limited in Lagos. ering 19 countries, the Nigerian Navy ters hosted delegations from the waterways.

At the same time, in September 2022, the successfully alerted Equatorial Guinea According to him, “The commitment European Union, China National keel-laying Ceremony of two 76-metre to arrest the vessel, which had by then Aero-Technology Import and Export of the Nigerian Navy towards maritime 2ͿVKRUH 3DWURO 9HVVHOV 239V WRRN SODFH ÁHG LQWR WKH FRXQWU\·V ZDWHUV Corporation, the Defense Academy security has yielded dividends, and the in Turkey.

Interestingly, the West Africa Regional of the United Kingdom, the African Nigerian Navy has achieved a lot in Weeks after the March 2022 IMB an- Maritime Safety Centre (CRESMAO), Union, the International Seabed Au- safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea. Nigeria nouncement on Nigeria exiting the Piracy based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and thority (ISA), the European Security has continued to record successes in the List, the Nigerian Navy launched one of the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime $FDGHP\ WKH ,WDOLDQ 'HIHQFH ÀUP anti-piracy war as activities of pirates in its biggest operations in years, Opera- Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E Leonardo, and the United States the Gulf of Guinea have reached an all-time tion Dakatar Da Barawo, to curb crude (covering Nigeria, Benin, Niger, and Togo), 1DY\ 2΀FH RI 6HFXULW\ &RRSHUDWLRQ low in more than a decade. The Nigerian oil theft and vandalism in the creeks of two critical operations centers within among many others, at the Naval Navy has continuously acquired new assets the Niger Delta. the Yaounde Architecture, are currently Headquarters in Abuja. In this spirit and has further improved its capabilities The operation, launched in partnership KHDGHG E\ 1LJHULDQ 1DYDO 2΀FHUV of partnership and engagement, the WR PDLQWDLQ D ODUJH ÁHHW DQG WR RSHUDWH with the Nigerian National Petroleum Following the arrest and investigations CNS also attended Euro-Naval 2022, far beyond its territorial waters,” he said.

Company (NNPC) Limited has since by the Government of Equatorial Guinea, Gambo said that Nigeria had a strong the Sixth Symposium of Chiefs of begun yielding fruit. So far, more than WKH 6KLS RZQHUV SDLG D VXEVWDQWLDO ÀQH 6WDͿ RI 1DYLHV RI WKH *XOI RI *XLQHD and professional navy with historic tradiN80billion worth of stolen petroleum after which it was handed over to the in Paris, France, and the XIII Trans- tion and has collaborated with other Gulf products have been seized or recovered, Nigerian Navy and duly repatriated to Regional Sea-Power Symposium in of Guinea Navies to address maritime with hundreds of arrests made. Notably, Nigeria to face justice. A Federal High security.

9HQLFH ,WDO\ DPRQJ RWKHUV oil production, which had been declining Court is currently trying the case in Port “A notable result from the collaboration In October 2022, President Buhari since the start of 2022, reversed course and Harcourt. awarded him the National Honour is the arrest of 10 pirates whose jail terms began climbing steadily from October, a 07 +HURLF ,GXQ LV WKH PRVW KLJK SURÀOH of Commander of the Federal Re- ZHUH VHFXUHG IRU KLMDFNLQJ D &KLQHVH ÀVKfeat that all stakeholders have roundly of several rogue vessels arrested by the public (CFR), and a month later he LQJ YHVVHO )9 +$, /8 )(1* ,, RͿ &RWH commended.

Nigerian Navy in 2022. According to the was in Banjul, Gambia, to receive the D’Ivoire in May 2020,” he said.

Speaking recently, the Hon. Minister of &KLHI RI 1DYDO 6WDͿ 9LFH $GPLUDO *DPER Gambo said that a state of the art MariAward of Most Outstanding Naval State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, said, “The arrest of MT Heroic Idun will serve Chief in Africa, presented at the 17th time Domain Awareness facilities com“I am happy to announce that there is as a deterrent to those who are stealing Edition of the Africa Security Watch prising the Falcon Eye and the Regional D VLJQLÀFDQW LPSURYHPHQW LQ FUXGH RLO our crude.”

Awards and Conference (ASWAC). Maritime Awareness Capability Centres production, with both Nigerians and the But, of course, the arrest and trial have In 2023, the partnerships are set allow the Nigerian Navy to monitor its international community acknowledging not come without resistance from the to continue, and Obangame Express territorial waters and beyond. the improvement.”

LQÁXHQWLDO RZQHUV DQG HOHPHQWV EHKLQG Speaking on Nigeria’s exit from the 2023 is just the beginning. Speaking 7KH &KLHI RI 1DYDO 6WDͿ 9LFH $GPLUDO WKH 9/&& 7KH\ KDYH EHHQ ZDJLQJ D YLat the closing ceremony on February piracy list, occasioned by the Nigerian Awwal Zubairu Gambo, has consistently cious international propaganda campaign 9LFH $GPLUDO *DPER QRWHG Navy’s increased counter-security operastated his determination to achieve this against the Nigerian Government and the memorably, “Coming together is tions against maritime criminality, oil theft, goal and has expressed gratitude to Nigerian Navy. But the Chief of Naval a beginning, staying together is and other attacks, Gambo vowed to “susPresident Buhari for providing the money 6WDͿ KDV PDGH LW YHU\ FOHDU WKDW KH ZLOO progress, and working together is tain the tempo of our Maritime Security DQG WKH UHVRXUFHV WR UHFRUG WKH VLJQLÀFDQW not be deterred and that justice will take 2SHUDWLRQV HͿRUWVµ DGGLQJ WKDWµVDPH ZLOO a success.”

SURJUHVV EHLQJ UHFRUGHG LQ WKH ÀJKW DJDLQVW its due and transparent course through Nigeria has continued to deter be extended to our neighbouring states maritime piracy and criminality. the Nigerian legal system. pirates away from its waters. To to rid the entire Gulf of Guinea of acts 2QH RI WKH KLJK SRLQWV RI WKH ÀJKW Nigeria’s hosting of Obangame Express show for this, the International of piracy and other criminal activities.”

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 12 , 2023

17

INTERVIEW (*,( $.3$7$

7KHUH·V /LWWOH ,PSDFW RI (OHFWLRQ 3UHSDUDWLRQ RQ )LQDQFLDO 0DUNHW $FWLYLWLHV (JLH $NSDWD LV FKDLUPDQ RI 6N\PDUN 3DUWQHUV /LPLWHG D SURSULHWDU\ LQYHVWPHQW ÀUP +H KDV H[WHQVLYH H[SHULHQFH LQ ÀQDQFLDO PDUNHWV KDYLQJ ZRUNHG DW %02 )LQDQFLDO *URXS LQ 7RURQWR 'HXWVFKH %DQN AG in New York, United Capital PLC, and UCML Capital Ltd, where he is a director. An active player in the local capital markets, Akpata has closed transactions in debt and equity capital markets and mergers & acquisitions worth over N3 trillion in the past 14 years. Amid the frenzy in the milieu lead-up to the general election, Akpata speaks with .XQOH $GHULQRNXQ on wide-ranging issues in the economy, including the current monetary policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria, country’s ratings by 0RRG\·V ,QYHVWRUV 6HUYLFH GHEW VWDWXV LQÁDWLRQ DQG EXGJHW ([FHUSWV

P

olitical activities in the country have reached the fever pitch. :KDW DUH WKH H;HFWV RQ WKH ÀQDQFLDO PDUNHWV" Surprisingly, the upcoming elections seem to have little imSDFW RQ DFWLYLWLHV LQ WKH ÀQDQFLDO markets. For example, the NGX All Share Index is up over 4per cent in January alone. There have been many new commercial paper issuances at interest rates lower than in December indicating falling short-term rates despite the upcoming elections. Even the Naira has been more or less stable in the parallel market. It is possible that after several election cycles, the markets have come to believe that the elections will be concluded peacefully and life will go on. +RZ GR \RX DVVHVV WKH UHFHQW PRQHWDU\ SROLFLHV RI WKH &HQWUDO %DQN RI 1LJHULD" The CBN is constrained by the limitations of monetary policy in an economy with the structural peculiarities like ours. For instance, global central EDQNV DUH UDLVLQJ LQWHUHVW UDWHV WR ÀJKW LQÁDWLRQ CBN has increased MPR by 6per cent this year to a record level of 17.5per cent. But the impact RQ LQÁDWLRQ VR IDU KDV EHHQ PLQLPDO &RQFHUQV KDYH EHHQ UDLVHG DERXW 1LJHULD·V EDOORRQLQJ GHEW SLOH $UH \RX FRQFHUQHG WRR" Akpata I am not concerned about the actual magnitude of Nigeria’s debt. I am more concerned that there is very little to show for the colossal debt stock. this year, market conditions could be favourable 1LJHULD FDQ DͿRUG WR VHUYLFH LWV GHEW 9HU\ IHZ enough for Nigeria to contemplate a Eurobond FRXQWULHV HYHU DWWHPSW WR SD\ RͿ WKHLU GHEW 7KHLU issue in Q4.

IRFXV LV RQ SD\LQJ LQWHUHVW GXH DQG UHÀQDQFLQJ principal on maturity. Surplus funds are best spent :KDW LV WKH SRVVLELOLW\ RI 1LJHULD GHIDXOWLQJ developing the land and taking care of its citizens RQ LWV 1DLUD RU 86' ERQGV" WKDQ SD\LQJ RͿ RXWVWDQGLQJ GHEW &OHDUO\ ZH Remember that Ghana had a similar Moody’s cannot continue to grow the debt at the current downgrade in February last year and defaulted pace, so the FGN will have to develop strategies before the year’s end. to fund its budget without massive borrowing.

It is doubtful that Nigeria will default on its naira or USD bonds at any time in the foreseeable 5HFHQWO\ 0RRG\·V ,QYHVWRUV 6HUYLFH GRZQ- IXWXUH 7KHUH DUH IXQGDPHQWDO GLͿHUHQFHV EHWZHHQ JUDGHG 1LJHULD RYHU UHYHQXH DQG GHEW FULVHV Nigeria and Ghana. Most of Ghana’s debt is in +RZ GR \RX UHDFW WR WKLV" foreign currency, but most of Nigeria’s debt is The outcome is not unexpected since, after the in Naira. Ghana has $ 13 billion of outstanding last downgrade in October 2022, Nigeria was put Eurobonds, but Nigeria, an economy that is ‘on review for downgrade.’ Surprisingly, this 5x Ghana’s, only has $ 15 billion outstanding. downgrade to Caa1 (the equivalent of CCC+) Nigeria’s reserves of $ 37 billion are around the happened so soon. The analysts at Moody’s same as a foreign debt of $ 40 billion. But Ghana probably saw enough negative information to has an outstanding foreign debt of $ 29 billion, go ahead with another downgrade within three over 4x their foreign reserves of $ 6.6 billion. months. I think the next president would be best Most ratios on Nigerian debt service fail to VHUYHG WR À[ VRPH RI WKH ZHDNQHVVHV KLJKOLJKWHG distinguish between Naira and USD debt. The in Moody’s rating report.

Naira debt can be rolled over into perpetuity.

All the FGN needs to do is keep paying the 'RHV WKLV GRZQJUDGH H;HFWLYHO\ PHDQ WKDW outstanding interest. This can be done via higher 1LJHULD ZLOO QRW UHWXUQ WR WKH (XURERQG PDUNHW taxes, devaluation, issuing new debt or printing LQ WKH IRUHVHHDEOH IXWXUH" RI 1DLUD ZD\V DQG PHDQV ,Q UHDOLW\ LQÁDWLRQ %HIRUH 0RRG\·V GRZQJUDGH WKH ÀQDQFH and devaluation will take care of most of the minister had indicated that Nigeria would not Naira debt. be raising money from the Eurobond market in The Nigerian government has historically met 2023. The downgrade makes it less likely and all its bond obligations, and there is no reason more expensive for Nigeria to raise funding in that why that stance should change now. The side market. However, if the next president quickly HͿHFWV RI D ERQG GHIDXOW RQ WKH JRYHUQPHQW DQG tackles vital economic issues like the petrol subsidy the economy are just not worth any so-called and the US bond yields drop substantially later ‘savings’.

country. This S&P report raised a number of similar issues covered by the Moody’s ratings report. However, if the next government does not immediately address key concerns raised around debt sustainability, petrol subsidy and foreign exchange regime, S&P is likely to downgrade Nigeria to CCC+ before the end of 2023.

:KDW DGYLFH ZRXOG \RX JLYH WKH LQFRPLQJ DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RQ WKH FRXQWU\·V ÀVFDO DQG PRQHWDU\ PDQDJHPHQW LQ WKH HFRQRP\" I think the next president must make tough GHFLVLRQV LQ WKH ÀUVW PRQWK RI R΀FH ZKLOH KH still has a lot of public and market goodwill.

7KH REYLRXV ÀUVW WKLQJ LV WR HQG WKH VXEVLG\ RQ petrol. The reality is that every Naira spent on SHWURO VXEVLG\ LV HͿHFWLYHO\ ERUURZHG 1LJHULD FDQQRW DͿRUG LW $IWHU WKH GHEW GHIDXOW LQ *KDQD the next president must formally rule out any possibility of Nigeria restructuring, renegotiating, or defaulting on local or foreign debt. The new president working with the CBN, needs to quickly implement FX reform by moving towards a more ÁH[LEOH UHJLPH WKDW ZRXOG UHÁHFW WKH PDUNHW DQG HQFRXUDJH IRUHLJQ LQÁRZV RI ); LQWR 1LJHULD :KDW DUH WKH SODQV IRU 6N\PDUN 3DUWQHUV DQG LWV UHODWHG FRPSDQLHV" Our sister company, UCML Capital Limited, has been repositioned and refocused to remain D OHDGLQJ LQYHVWPHQW EDQNLQJ ÀUP 6N\PDUN Partners will continue to be an issuer in the debt 0RRG\·V DOVR GRZQJUDGHG QLQH 1LJHULDQ capital markets while implementing our strategic EDQNV VKRUWO\ DIWHU WKH 1LJHULD GRZQJUDGH growth plans for 2023. +RZ ZRXOG WKLV LPSDFW WKH 1LJHULDQ EDQNLQJ :KDW LV \RXU RXWORRN IRU WKH FRUSRUDWH GHEW V\VWHP DQG RYHUDOO HFRQRP\" The sovereign ceiling concept triggered the FDSLWDO PDUNHWV LQ " 2022 was a record year for corporate bond isdowngrade of these banks. Banks in Nigeria cannot suance, with N744 billion raised in that market. have a higher rating than the Nigerian government.

There is around $ 4 billion of Nigerian banks and ,W ZRXOG EH GL΀FXOW WR VXUSDVV WKDW UHFRUG LQ corporate Eurobonds outstanding. They start 2023 due to higher average bond yields driven to mature in October 2025. These issuers might by the crowding out of the private sector by the ÀQG LW PRUH GL΀FXOW RU H[SHQVLYH WR UDLVH 86' )*1 DV LW WULHV WR IXQG WKH PDVVLYH GHÀFLW ZLWK D funds in the Eurobond market in the future target of N7 trillion from the local bond market.

VLQFH WKH\ QRZ FDUU\ DQ HͿHFWLYH &&& UDWLQJ However, unlike in 2022, where two sponsors were responsible for N530 billion of bond issuances, I %HIRUH WKH 0RRG\·V UDWLQJV WKH ,0) UH- expect the market to be less concentrated in 2023.

2022 was also a record year for commercial YLHZHG 1LJHULD·V *'3 JURZWK UDWH IURP paper issuances, with N733 billion raised. I expect SHUFHQW WR SHU FHQW )URP WKH SULVP RI DQ HFRQRPLF DQDO\VW ZKR FOHDUO\ XQGHUVWDQGV WKH WKDW UHFRUG WR EH EURNHQ LQ DV PRUH ÀUVW WLPH GRPHVWLF PDUNHWV ZKDW FRXOG EH UHVSRQVLEOH issuers come to the CP market and established issuers focus on short-term funding until bond IRU WKLV" These numbers are projections so any marginal yields subside.

PRYHPHQW LV QRW SDUWLFXODUO\ VLJQLÀFDQW :KDW $V LW VWDQGV DQG IURP DOO LQGLFDWLRQV WKH is important is that growth at these levels would not lift many Nigerians out of poverty since the HFRQRP\ LV LQ FULVLV 'R \RX WKLQN WKH SRSXODWLRQ JURZWK UDWH LV DURXQG SHU FHQW :H EXGJHW DV SDVVHG FDQ OLIW WKH HFRQRP\ RXW RI need GDP to grow well over 5per cent to raise LWV FULVLV" , DP QRW VXUH ZKDW \RX GHÀQH DV D ¶FULVLV · 7KH the standard of living of Nigerians. economy is growing even though at a subdued 6 3 MXVW UHYLVHG WKHLU 1LJHULD RXWORRN IURP pace. The FGN budget is relatively small relative VWDEOH WR QHJDWLYH :KDW DUH WKH LPSOLFDWLRQV to the economy and has limited ability to lift it through its budget substantially. I assume that RI WKLV DFWLRQ" This change in outlook has little impact since the new president will propose a supplementary they kept Nigeria’s rating at B-. Moody’s already budget in Q3. Hopefully, that budget will be more downgraded Nigeria to Caa1 (equivalent of CCC+) impactful on the Nigerian economy. a week earlier so the market works with the lowest See concluding part on www. thisdaylive.com rating and now views Nigeria as a CCC-rated

18

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • FEBRUARY 12, 2023

SOFT FINANCE with AYO AROWOLO The only column you may need to read on everything personal finance, money, investing -and other life matters

EMAIL: AYO.AROWOLO@THISDAYLIVE.COM PHONE: 08086447494( SMS ONLY)

BOOK REVIEW

A Valuable Book to Consider: Learn It, Do It, Sell It

H

ave you ever found yourself in any of these situations before?

After attending a great seminar and feeling blown away by the great concepts and nuggets, shared by the facilitator, you begin to see yourself accomplishing great things. But shortly after the seminar, the excitement begins to wane, and the motivation to implement the ideas you have just been exposed to disappears. Or you have just read a great book and you were moved by the ideas and nuggets shared by the author, but a few moments later, the excitement flies out of the window. Do any of these scenarios apply to you? The truth is that you are not alone!

Research has shown that 99 per cent of individuals who attend workshops and seminars hardly find the motivation to apply the knowledge gained to their businesses or real-life challenges.

Why is this so? One reason is that many people are overwhelmed by the concepts they are exposed to and cannot figure out which to take and which to drop. Again, many are unable to try out new ideas without a guide.

Learn it! Do It! Sell It! is a book authored by the late Pastor (Dr.) Sunny Emmanuel-Ojeagbase.

It has a compelling panacea to this problem. Until his demise two years ago, Emmanuel-Ojeagbase was Nigeria’s No. 1 Business Success Coach and co-founder and Executive Chairman of Success Attitude Development Centre (SADC), a notfor-profit organisation with a mission to raise and nurture successful entrepreneurs.

WHAT DID THE BOOK SET OUT TO DO? The author wanted to address regular questions from many of his admirers: Is there a wealth formula that can never fail?

His admirers were also curious to know how complex the formula is if it exists. They also wanted to know whether the formula can be successfully applied by anyone.

The author’s position was this: “After months of deep reflection and extensive research, I believe I know the answer to those questions. Yes, there is a wealth creation formula that can never fail.”

HOW DID THE AUTHOR ARRIVE AT THIS CONCLUSION? The author recommends a three-step formula set out in a sequential template, which he believes is the guaranteed wealth creation formula that can never fail.

The first step advises the potential wealth builder: “Make God the foundation.”

The author believes that the first step for anyone who wants to build wealth is to make God the foundation of that venture. The author explains that to make the formula work, the reader must decide to fall in line with what the Word of God (Scriptures) says.

I believe the author is assuming that the reader understands that he is referring to the Word of God as contained in the Bible. Expatiating further, the author explains that making God the foundation means the reader must become a serious student of the Word of God, not just by reading the Scriptures but by applying such Scriptures to specific situations once the meaning is clear and well-understood, apparently through meditation (continuous pondering on the applicable Scriptures).

In the second step in the wealth creation formula, the author advises that for anyone who is out of options on how to generate wealth, the next step after recognising the source is to look for any valuable service he can render to others for which he would be paid. Just anything as long as it is legitimate. A critical extension of this step is that when the money starts to roll in, a personal finance management principle must be applied to ensure that everything earned is not spent.

From the author’s explanation, this is the most difficult aspect of the three steps. Most people, according to him, hardly get past this stage.

Rather than seeing the first service they render as a stepping stone to other income streams, most people get stuck after spending everything they earn and are reduced to the level of just struggling for survival. The approach recommended by the author is that once you start to earn money from the first level service, there should be a concrete plan in place on how to continuously invest in personal development to enable the individual to develop a specialist skill from which a great business that can generate an endless flow of cash can be developed.

The third step of the three-step formula to wealth is that once a specialist skill is developed, the skill should be further honed so that the person can be paid over and over for the service. This entails turning the specialist skill into a business system that would be automated to serve as a funnel for a continuous flow of cash.

According to the author, staying on course at this stage requires much discipline as most people are usually impatient as they begin to consider other business ideas when things don’t work as quickly as they would want them. I believe the author is reiterating the point of view by some authors that it takes about seven to 10 years of deliberate activity to get any business to a level where it can become a permanent automated cash machine.

Once these three steps are activated for a perfect wealth creation system, the author suggests a fourth step, which is to continue to apply everything you have learnt in the three steps and make them work better, faster and smarter.

This is the author’s guarantee: “As you read it and implement the ideas in the book, you will be led to your pot of gold.” In the rest of the book, the author articulated about 21 tips that you can apply to power those three steps. These are laid out in three sections and 21 chapters.

We shall just consider a few of them to drive home the points.

LEARN IT! Section one is devoted to four tips in four chapters on how to get started on any skills you want to acquire in income generation.

The author believes that to start generating cash, you need to learn how to do something that will fetch you money (Section 1, chapter 1). And the

beauty of this, according to the author, is that just about anything can be learned once an individual is willing to pay the price. But the author wonders why most people still don’t embrace this step.

It is like someone telling you that there is someone somewhere who is willing to teach you how to create wealth even without paying and yet the individual still refuses to take that step. Without taking this vital step, attempting to create wealth using the formula is reduced only to a mirage, he says.

Again in this section, the author explains that learning a skill is not enough, you need to go a step further to ensure that there is evidence that the skill can be sold as a product. It must be what you enjoy doing and such a skill is within the ambit of the law - it must be legally and morally right. The author’s advice in this section is that even if you have taken all those steps and you still refuse to embrace these two words - do it everything will remain a pipe dream. According to the author, without action, everything remains a dream. Truly so!

In Section 2, consisting of 12 chapters of very hot tips for wealth creation, the author not only dwells on the importance of taking prompt actions, but he also details 12 reasons from his personal experience that people don’t apply what they learn.

Those identified include: •Instant gratification, not willing to take a long-term view of the cash creation process.

•Lack of patience, looking for other ideas when the current one encounters temporary challenges.

•Procrastination, delaying not working immediately on activities that require instant actions.

•Lack of discipline, inability to do what should be done at the time it should be done, regardless of whether it is convenient or not.

•Other excuses that have prevented most people from achieving their wealth dreams are beautifully articulated in Section 2, Chapter 5 of the book.

SECTION 2 Carefully blended with the other great tips in Section 2 of the book are two nuggets that deserve special mention. In Chapter 7 of Section 2 (The Power of Definite Purpose), the author explains that while it might be difficult to eliminate those 12 wealth dream killers. When there is a definite purpose, a dream that is bigger and exciting enough to stake the rest of your life on, many of the obstacles would pale into insignificance.

The author paints it better: “You’ve got to be able to see the end of the journey before you embark on it, the Rolls-Royce and Jaguar in your garage, the ability to pay cash for items priced at N15 million at the snap of your fingers, just like that....”

This step, according to the author, involves not just picturing the good things of life you would enjoy when you arrive at the destination, the individual should also take time to see himself rendering quality service to members of a community, which would enable them to hand over raw cash to him in appreciation of the service rendered to him.

The author highlights, with powerful personal examples, how to activate the force of the Higher Power in the process of creating wealth that cannot fail. Indeed, the author believes that is the foundation for creating wealth that cannot fail. The author shares a personal example of how, before recognising God as the source of enduring wealth, he almost lost the vision of the business God had given to him by erroneously concluding that once he could not get human help to bail him out of the financial crisis he was facing then, he would just forgo the business. The section narrates how that business was miraculously saved when he turned it over to

The book is practical as it contains principles that can be applied immediately to generate cash. It is a book that has solved the riddle usually faced by those who read books written by foreign authors on the business of wealth creation.

God. There are eight other tips well-articulated in that section on how to get God involved in the process of your wealth creation endeavour. You would learn there for instance: How to be face to face with your Source; how to connect with your Source; the benefits of staying connected to your Source; how to sow your free time and how to reap the harvest from the time seed. You would certainly find the author’s exposition on those points very illuminating.

SECTION 3 Section 3, which can be called the icing on the cake for the book, dwells extensively on how to sell whatever knowledge you have acquired for profit. Obviously, without learning how to sell, there is no way the invisible paymaster would allow the cash to flow in your direction. In four hot chapters: Selling for profit; why do people buy?; the rich world of master marketers; and the ultimate wealth creation secret, the author gives practical and easily applicable (not theoretical) marketing tips for turning your knowledge into instant cash.

In an unusual display of openness, the author also reveals the list of the key marketing resources he has used over time to generate a continuous flow of cash. The information and tips espoused here would determine if the wealth creation venture would fail or not. In this section, the author explains the process of information product creation, which simply shows you how to generate raw cash by finding out what people want, how much they are willing to pay for the service and going out to put the product together either by yourself or by hiring other experts to make it happen for you.

And the ultimate formula for converting your knowledge into cash: once you can generate the first sale from an income process, you have got into a wealth zone where all you need to launch your endless cash machine is to apply what he called the ultimate wealth plan – RRSID. Once the first income is generated, you can turn it into a permanent income stream by doing the following: Checking the process to see what can be improved (RINSE); Going ahead to offer the service again (REPEAT); extending the service to another person (SCALE-UP) creating new ideas of how to sell the same service (INNOVATE) and using money generated from the process to set up another income stream process (DIVERSIFY).

The author beautifully explains how to apply the RRSID formula in practical terms. And of course, no reader should miss two bonus chapters where the author features excerpts of the invaluable marketing tips he has used over time - Gabor Olla.

Has the author personally experienced what he is teaching?

As detailed in the book, SADC, the publisher of the book, has been in the business of teaching people how to create cash using a variety of marketing methods.” In every section of the book, the author buttressed all the key points made with his personal experiences, including how he spent about seven years trying without success to figure out how to convert his knowledge of sports into cash until he stumbled on the missing link: marketing.

OVERALL IMPRESSION •The book is practical as it contains principles that can be applied immediately to generate cash.

•It is a book that has solved the riddle usually faced by those who read books written by foreign authors on the business of wealth creation. Every experience shared in the book is Nigerian. More importantly, you can walk into the author’s office for further explanation on any aspect of the book that you cannot figure out.

•The style of the writing is also so simple that people who are challenged in literary appreciation can still read with understanding.

•It is loaded with bonus materials that appear to be more expensive than the book.

OPI NION

119

T H I S D AY MONDAYSunday MARCH 14, 2022 2023 12 February, Vol 27. No 10168

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

WHY RESTRUCTURING MATTERS TO ATIKU Restructuring will engender national cohesion and promote healthy competition, contends PEPPLE BENEPORI

THE US-CHINA DIPLOMATIC ROW OLALEKAN A. BABATUNDE urges the world’s two biggest economies to open lines of communication in order to resolve the conflict

T See Page 20

IRETI KINGIBE: A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Ireti runs for the Senate to represent the Federal Capital Territory on the platform of the Labour Party, writes DELE OLOWU

See Page 20

EDITORIAL VIOLENCE AND THE GENERAL ELECTION

See Page 45

he Chinese balloon spotted in the open sky of the United States last week has taken the pre-existing diplomatic ruckus between the two superpowers to a dodgy height. While China said it was a civilian weather research “airship” that has strayed into US airspace, the US rejected that out of hand, saying, it was a spy balloon used by China “in an attempt to surveil strategic sites in the continental United States”. Despite China’s diplomatic tone that the object did not constitute a physical and security threat, the US waited till Saturday 5th February to shoot down the balloon out the sky into the ocean.

So while the analysis is being awaited on what would be left of the debris, it is important to examine the anger and suspicion the balloon has thrown up amid the already strained relationship between the two. Just like any other matter in the US, the balloon saga has become a serious political issue among the Democrats and WKH 5HSXEOLFDQV %RWK ZLOO GHÀQLWHO\ exploit it for electoral gains. Also, as far as the US is concerned, it was its airspace that was violated, and therefore an affront to its sovereignty. This is why the balloon will open up another phase in the relationship between the two countries.

7KRXJK WKLV LV QRW WKH ÀUVW WLPH &KLQHVH balloon have been discovered in the US VN\ LW LV WKH ÀUVW WLPH LW ZRXOG EULQJ diplomatic row into television screens UHDO WLPH $FFRUGLQJ WR 3HQWDJRQ RIÀFLDOV China sent three balloons over US territory during the Trump administration, without a military response, although WKRVH HDUOLHU ÁLJKWV GLG QRW VHHP WR KDYH traversed nearly so much US territory. But the balloon is already testing each other’s mettle and responses. As the balloon issue was going on, another Chinese balloon was spotted in Latin America over Colombia and Costa Rica. To say the second balloon DOVR VZD\HG ZRXOG EH D GLIÀFXOW UHDVRQ WR accept by the Americans. %XW RQ WKH ZKROH WKH ÀUVW PDMRU VHYHUH setback was the abrupt cancellation of the proposed Beijing trip of the Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday. According to Julian Borger in The Guardian, the balloon incident could be “a deliberate attempt to sabotage any tension-soothing the Blinken trip might have achieved.” Views are divided over ZKHWKHU %OLQNHQ VKRXOG KDYH ÁRZQ WR Beijing regardless while others said he was right to postpone, as the balloon saga would have overshadowed bilateral agenda. But the anticipated Republican House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy’s visit to Taiwan, if it goes ahead, would trigger another imbroglio. The aftermath of the former Speaker, Nancy Pelosi’s visit in August 2022 was not palatable for the

trio’s geopolitics, Taiwan Strait and it shows America’s incoherent strategy.

Response that emanates from the outcome of the wreckage will surely guide Chinese strategy in its engagement with the US on sensitive areas like Taiwan.

On China’s side, it has responded to the use of force by accusing US of “clear overreaction and a serious violation of international practices.” China says it GLG QRWKLQJ ZURQJ DQG LW KDV HYHQ ÀUHG the head of its meteorological agency.

Nonetheless, the balloon has feasibly shown how China too is operating data gathering round the world. Either strayed or not, the question is: how would China IHHOV VHHLQJ LWV EDOORRQ Á\LQJ RYHU WKH sensitive stronghold of its belligerent country’? As it were, Beijing may demand the immediate return of the wreckage, just as the US unsuccessfully tried when one of its spy planes was forced to land on China’s Hainan Island in 2001. It was not until the crew and later the disassembled aircraft were returned that the ensued diplomatic crisis eased.

Unfortunately, a precious moment meant to normalise ties after the Jakarta meeting of Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping last November could not take place. The desire of the two leaders to DYRLG FRQÁLFW DQG UHGXFH WKH KHDW RI their rhetoric is under threat. A lot of tensions over trade, climate change, chip technology and other salient issues need to be talked about and resolved.

Last week, the US announced it would re-establish its military presence in the Philippines, all in a bid to counter China amid the Taiwan crisis.

If the recovered balloon wreckage proves to be surveillance stuff, it will further worsen the relations. The question about whether China will request for its return whatever the outcome of the investigation will draw legal and ethical issues. The rift over the

future of Taiwan and the current US build up and strengthening of military ties to counter China could become worsened.

The US that has been thought to be impregnable due to its geographical location can actually be vulnerable. As 6WHSKHQ &ROOLQVRQ &11 UHÁHFWHG RQ WKH EDOORRQ VD\V ´IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH Americans experienced a tangible symbol of the national security challenge from Beijing.” But looking closely, the US’ military expansion in the South China Sea could anger China.

In all of this, the good story about the two is that they are always willing to WDON ZKHQHYHU FRQÁLFW DULVHV 6LQFH WKH recent rift has swollen out for everyone to see for whatever reason, it is not in the best interest of the world for the two economies to tangle. Already, the world is suffering from the RussiaUkraine war. Because of their respective spheres of influence, the world relies on the US and China to restore regular contacts and establish diplomatic norms. Diplomatic tone rather than a belligerent substance should basically dictate what follows the shot balloon.

As one can see, the balloon story seems to be indicating that US-China relations will get worse before it gets better. For it to get better, good lines of communication should be kept open for the world’s two biggest economies to engage. Fortunately, the new China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, is a former ambassador to the US who can leverage his experience to improve relations on whatever may be the aftermath of the balloon imbroglio.

Though a setback, the balloon can help refocus their relations against the everrising tensions.

DR. BABATUNDE is a fellow at the Nigeria’s Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Abuja

20

T H I S D AY SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2023

WHY RESTRUCTURING MATTERS TO ATIKU Restructuring will engender national cohesion and promote healthy competition, contends PEPPLE BENEPORI If there’s any issue that is largely misunderstood among Nigerians, it’s restructuring. It means different things to different parts of the country.

The mere mention of it leaves people from some parts of the country agitated and suspicious while others see optimism.

Specifically, it’s one national question that largely puts the North and South on opposing sides.

For the people of northern extraction, especially leaders, it probably suggests a deliberate attempt by the South to reconfigure the Nigerian federation in favour of the South. As such, it’s a no-no whenever the resetting of Nigeria to achieve a more functional federation is discussed.

This is the reason many leaders of northern extraction have spoken against it.

One of such persons is theAll Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima, who infamously dismissed restructuring and its proponents.

In a manner widely considered insulting to the millions of Nigerians who seek restructuring of the country, Shettima downplayed the clamour for restructuring in Nigeria, describing it as a “madness” that can be stopped by good governance.

Shettima spoke at the book launch of a former Minister of Youths and Sports Development under the Goodluck Jonathan administration, Bolaji Abdullahi, who was the spokesperson of the APC. The event took place at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

Shettima, who was the Father of the Day, dismissed the clamour for restructuring, saying “To hell with restructuring.”

According to the former Borno State governor, if jobs are provided and other sectors of the economy, especially the education sector developed, “this madness”, referring to restructuring, “will stop.”

To date, the APC vice presidential candidate’s poor rating across the country is a result of that faux pas and other baggage.

His attack wasn’t just against the idea but also against regional blocks like Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, PANDEF, Southern Middle Belt Congress and some northern groups that see restructuring as a way out of Nigeria’s problems.

Given the dysfunctional nature of the Nigerian state, saying that restructuring is an idea whose time has come is an understatement. For the benefit of those who are suspicious of restructuring, the proposal isn’t making anyone, group, or region disadvantaged. Rather, it seeks to return powers to the original owners: The people. Simply put, it aims at making the nation more governable by weaning the centre of its many centralized powers and returning the same to the states.

The domino effect would cut across fiscal, security and even economic spheres of our national life. Only a Nigerian, who understands the pains and losses associated with centralisation of power at centre, appreciates how urgently Nigeria needs to restructure.

Among the presidential hopefuls, only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has embraced this clamour that seeks to return Nigeria to the era of growth and healthy competition among its components units.

And the PDP candidate, who is now a frontliner in the presidential race hasn’t left anyone in doubt about his plans to restructure the country when he becomes President. Like our founding fathers, who drafted the 1963 Republican Constitution, which retained regionalism and a healthy revenue-sharing formula among other YDOXDEOH IHDWXUHV $WLNX KDV LGHQWLÀHG restructuring as one of the key ingredients to national viability.

In a manner that truly depicts him as someone who understands the pulse of

the nation, the former vice president said he would restructure if the nation considers it a reality. This pledge alone, which is reassuring for the majority, who had lost hope of a working Nigeria, has gone a long way in convincing those who seek a better Nigeria that Atiku is the answer. According to him, “if restructuring is your priority, I will implement it. I’m far ahead of any other candidates in terms of restructuring and devolution of power.

“Insecurity is part of our restructuring issues, in other words, if we will have a state police or not will depend on our legislature.

“In the US, we have state police, local police, even regional police and so on. I will surely propose the state police to our National Assembly if elected.

It is important to stress that long before now, Atiku had been an advocate of devolution of power, and restructuring, even when his region, the North, was not favourably disposed to them.

For instance, as far back as 2019, when he contested the presidential election we believe he won, he captured true federalism which restructuring is all about in his manifesto.

In my Covenant With Nigeria, his policy document, he pledged to: “Restore Nigeria’s unity through equity, social justice as well as co-operation and consensus amongst our heterogeneous peoples.

“Promote a true federal system which will provide for a strong federal government to guarantee national unity while allowing the federating units to set their own priorities.”

To understand how critical restructuring is to the rebuilding of this nation, Atiku, in different fora, underscores its import.

At one of the fora, the former vice president reiterated that restructuring of the country would be looked into after uniting the country. He explained that restructuring would be his number one assignment to give every section of the country a sense of belonging and tackle insecurity frontally.

“I will give a sense of belonging to every ethnic group. I will give a sense of belonging to every religious group. After unifying the country, then we tackle the insecurity,” he added.

Interestingly, Atiku has already assembled a team of constitutional lawyers to help him put together legislation that would be forwarded to the National Assembly to facilitate the necessary amendments to the constitution to ensure restructuring.

Unknown to those opposed to restructuring, a restructured polity would not only engender national cohesion but would also promote healthy competition, which ultimately leads to socio-economic development.

For Nigerians, who yearn for equity, fiscal federalism, viable sub-national governments, and national unity among others, Atiku deserves your votes.

BENEPORI writes from Port Harcourt

IRETI KINGIBE: A BREATH OF FRESH AIR Ireti runs for the Senate to represent the Federal Capital Territory on the platform of the Labour Party, writes DELE OLOWU Patriarchal heads of iconic political families enjoy such overpowering measures of eminence that they sometimes tend to conceal much of the public good that lesser lights in the family may be championing. Baba Gana Kingibe , Nigerian diplomat, politician, civil servant and man of affairs has held several high ranking government offices , the high point being his appointment as Secretary to the Government of the Federation from 2007 to 2008. Counted among Baba Gana Kingibe’s public service gemstones, would be his glory of having served six Heads of State, and most recently, serving as a member of the inner circle of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration.

Ireti Kingibe, partly Fulani, partly Yoruba, partly Ibo and wife of this exciting eminence grise, could easily have been passed off as an “also ran”. However those who know these things, insist that Ireti was not just a wife who operated marginally from the sidelines. She has been a decisive center court player who in many ways has been an important witness to history.

Ireti has also over the years served as the brain box of the great man. She has been the genie in Baba Gana Kingibe’s bottle, and whenever Baba came face to face with existential challenges, Ireti’s intervention was often useful and transformative. Burning bright for several years, Ireti’s enduring concern for the political space has now openly expressed itself in a decision to run for the Senate, representing the Federal Capital Territory on the platform of the Labor Party. Ireti Kingibe is not making a sudden leap into politics, partisan or non-partisan; nor is the Federal Capital and its issues, challenging her gaze for the first time.

Her home has afforded her the privilege of experiencing some of Nigeria’s historic events from the ringside and has sometimes helped in shaping events and influencing decisions. She has also over the years, continued to express leadership from outside her home. In particular she has been beholden to the welfare of the indigenes of Abuja. Ireti Kingibe is outraged by how development in the capital has often meant neglect and pauperization for the indigenous communities.

So acute was her concern that a delegation of FCT indigenes went to see her as a delegation in 2014 requesting her to run for Senate and represent the FCT. The 2014 experience did not run to full term but the solidarity Ireti Kingibe enjoys with Abuja indigenes is an enduring romance. Hence she is now in the race for a seat in the Senate to represent the FCT on the platform of the Labour Party.

A few interesting conundrums may have been raised by her participation in the contest.

Abuja is part of the conservative north, where female leadership is not always regarded with great enthusiasm. Furthermore, as a gender activist and canvasser for minority rights, her participation could be seen as running counter to her vision of increased indigene inclusion.

Ireti has not been fazed by these anxieties. She herself comes from a colorful and eclectic background; her father, Abdulkadri Lanval being of Fulani and Yoruba ancestry, while her mother has links in Asaba and Bonny.

She is Kanuri by marriage, but on account of several years residency, in any and every FRQWHVW VKH ZLOO ÀJKW IURP WKH )&7 FRUQHU ,Q any case, her heart has always been with the people of Abuja. She however promotes the vision of a pan Nigerian Abuja which even while it makes special room for indigenes, also welcomes the new diversity presented by expatriate populations. Ireti has been a ELW RI DQ RGGEDOO KHUVHOI VKH TXDOLÀHG IURP the University of Minnesota as an engineer, a severely masculine profession and served her NYSC term with the Nigerian Airforce.

The vision of an Abuja that will be a KRPH WR DOO DOLJQV ÁXHQWO\ ZLWK KHU RZQ experience of inclusiveness, which runs

in her parentage , in her profession, in her homestead and in her political environment. Ireti who attended Queens College Yaba, is a woman of considerable discernment, this among other things, being expressed in her delicate gardening skills, an aptitude she obviously shares with her elder sister, Ajoke Mohammed, wife of Nigeria’s late former Head of State.

Around the FCT she is widely known as a problem solver. Ireti is concerned that because FCT Senators have not been people with the right pedigree, they have often allowed themselves to be used for dubious and anti-people purposes. A powerful senator can turn the tide in favor of a new and better life for the people and indigenes of the FCT. The demographics in the FCT as with the rest of the country are changing.

In 2003 the strength of the electorate was a mere 300,000; today it stands at 1.

6 million people. The resident population has become preponderant and this makes the need for protecting the rights of indigenes extremely important. This concern features in the vision of Ireti who is already considering formulating a bill to address this anxiety. It is a matter of great relief that in addressing the matter of greater inclusion for indigenes, Ireti is not only thinking of inanimate infrastructure, she is also concerned about the culture of the endangered minorities. Infrastructure can always be retrieved and restored.

But when a culture dies and goes extinct, something in the human race is beheaded.

There is no coming back.

Ireti Kingibe has brought her training, her world view and her refinements to reshape a new vision of Abuja. She wants a city of liberal sameness in development and not one broken into camps of impoverishment on the one side and havens of unspoken affluence on the other. She is therefore committed to a programme of regeneration which would bring back beauty and soul to a broken city. Ireti has thrown her hat into the political ring. She comes from a stable with a famous heraldry. But her primers insist she is new and unsullied and therefore can bring in a breath of fresh political air.

The political environment in the FCT is changing and has changed. New hegemonies are being raised as old minorities threaten to become the new goliaths. Should you see an impending gloom, her supporters say Ireti Kingibe is carrying a lamp, pointing out the way and building bridges which will hoist her vision of a pan-Nigerian FCT. Some can hear the drumming in the distance.

OLOWU is a veteran Journalist

45 T H I S D AY SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

VIOLENCE AND THE GENERAL ELECTION Politicians should strive to play by the rules and make the elections cheerful

F

or decades, elections have always been a and linger long after the votes have come and gone, major source of insecurity in Nigerians as portend ill for peace and national unity. What should many of our politicians usually resort to not be lost on critical stakeholders is that there is a thin desperate means either to access power or to line between the use of inappropriate language in the retain same. The ongoing campaigns ahead run up to an election and the use of physical violence of the 2023 general election provide ample during the actual election. illustration of such desperation. The attacks have Despite praising the Independent National Electoral not only been between and among politicians across Commission (INEC) for introducing the Bimodal Voter partisan divides, but the personnel and assets of the Accreditation System (BVAS) and Result viewing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) (IReV) portal which have “boosted citizens’ trust and have also been at the receiving end.

FRQÀGHQFH WKDW WKH HOHFWLRQV ZLOO EH WUDQVSDUHQW DQG The forthcoming elections present an opportunity the belief that the votes will count towards determining for the nation to demonstrate to what extent it has the winner of the election,” the Cleen Foundation internalised the fundamental principles of democratic is nonetheless worried by the increasing violence. It engagement in the last is perhaps in that context 24 years. Over the years, that one can understand We enjoin politicians to caution their supporters against many violent cults and the unfortunate decision criminal gangs have owed to shut down universities the use of intemperate language and indiscreet public their origins to political in the country because of campaign organisations. the “concerns expressed commentary that could inflame passions and sow the seed It is also a fact that most of on the security of workers, these notorious criminals students and properties of for violence before, during and after the elections usually graduate our respective institutions”. from motor parks to Yet Nigerians are voting to political thuggery before elect their leaders and not eventually venturing into the more lucrative business going to war. of robbery, kidnapping, and banditry. Which is To forestall a breakdown of law and order, some why it is always laughable when politicians declare of the recommendations by Cleen Foundation their endless ‘wars’ against those felons considering include reliable and actionable intelligence gathering that there is a nexus between do-or-die politics and measures, robust strategic communication posture organised crime in the country. to counter violent incentives and narratives while 3DUW RI WKH H[SHFWHG EHQHÀWV RI WKH 3HDFH 3DFW UHFHQWO\ enjoining the personnel to be deployed for the elections signed by the major contenders in the forthcoming to be professional and transparent in their engagement elections is decorum in the use of language during with all stakeholders. Providing equal protection and campaigns, as well as visible indications that there level playing ground to all contestants and voters would be no recourse to violence on the day of voting. alike to ensure that no one is unduly harassed and Despite their pledge, available evidence suggests that suppressed is also important. “Names of security all is not well, in terms of solemn commitment to personnel deployed for election duty should be such ideals. That is why we enjoin these politicians to visibly displayed on their uniform”, Cleen suggests. caution their supporters against the use of intemperate Meanwhile, we condemn the current hysteria language and indiscreet public commentary that could being whipped up by politicians and their LQÁDPH SDVVLRQV DQG VRZ WKH VHHG IRU YLROHQFH EHIRUH supporters. We do not believe that an election during and after the elections. should generate the kind of desperation that we The 2023 polls will come and go but the ideals of have witnessed in recent weeks, and we hold our responsible citizenship will suffer if Nigerians are politicians responsible for it. The greater challenge made to believe that there are no rules of engagement OLHV ZLWK WKH IHGHUDO JRYHUQPHQW ZKRVH RIÀFLDOV PXVW LQ WKH PDWWHU RI FRPSHWLWLRQ IRU SXEOLF RIÀFH 7KH demonstrate the requisite capacity to deal with any GLPLQXWLRQ RI KDOORZHG RIÀFHV LQ WKH ODQG DV ZHOO DV national security threats that may arise before, during the unnecessary bitterness and hate that would arise and after the 2023 polls.

Letters to the Editor

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

INDIVIDUALS, NOT PARTIES, WILL DECIDE THE 2023 ELECTIONS It is becoming evident by the day that the February 25, 2023, elections will be decided by factors other than party affiliation. Psychological attachment of voters to parties may have some influence on the run of victory, but will do little to help its cause. The strength of victory will be decided by a contestant’s convincing power, his performance rating, diligence and the subtle manner in which he handles the people’s emotions in this trying time. More than that, the performance of each candidate will be a factor of perception and of grace that transcends mundane efforts.

Yes, it will be a tough election, and it is already bearing signs of disruptive change that may leave the self-assured vacuumed of confidence and grossly diffident. a rule, party affiliation has been a major influence on the outcome of elections, often trumping most if not all the other factors that commend the process. Perhaps that explains why some of the candidates in the coming elections who, cannot point with justice to any

verifiable achievement to their names and who, without any important qualification for the office they seek except being candidates of parties with “structures”, are deluded into believing they will win.

But before the delusion is cleared, it may be important to observe a sea change of attitude – a profound transformation going on among Nigerian voters that indicates that this election may not be business as usual. The frustration and hunger in the land are too compelling for a Nigerian voter to rethink the value party, tribe, religion and all have added to improve his living condition. He is not just aware of their oppressive influence, but ready to spurn companionship with them in this election and vote his conscience. Winners in the election will be decided not at the instance of wheeler dealers, but on the strength of popular votes.

There may be a scheme or two already in the offing to compromise the fidelity of the process, but the level of consciousness currently in focus will ensure that subversion has no chance of a

foothold.

The compulsive pull to take Nigeria back from the decided decline is so deep that it cannot be negotiated away either by loyalty to party or lust for lucre. No party in the election however its primacy of existence or spread will win the election if it is seen as an accomplice in the oppressive system that has kept the people down. And none which does not pay heed to the plight of Nigerians or has as yet to convince them on its seriousness in tackling the heightened insecurity, ethnic/sect agitations, debt overhang, nepotism, etc., which are threatening to sunder the country, will come out of the election, wearing a smirk. There will be no smirk in triumph for such party.

Nigerians, especially the youths, are angry and loath to identify with a party for the simple reason that it has long been in existence or because it has spread. Such thinking exists in the past and the election will be won and

lost on individual capacity and not party. The current high cost of fuel and the provocative cash squeeze may have stretched the patience of Nigerians like a taut muscle without a whimper.

It may have ignited no known demonstration or violence except reports of customers running EHUVHUN DQG FKDUJLQJ DW HYHU\RQH DW ÀOOLQJ stations and going naked in banking halls.

However, compared to what violence that will erupt if there be manipulation of the election results, the EndSars experience will be a child’s play.

Any party claiming to have more structures than the others and hopes to exploit it to criminal advantage may be shocked at the turn of events. Nigerians have come to realize that individuals not parties are the real instruments of change just as they know that a good number of these change agents do not always make it at the primaries of the parties with “structure”.

Ejike Anyaduba, Abatete

46

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 12 , 2023

INTERNATIONAL Ranking of Ambassadors in International Diplomacy: The Case of Ambassadors-in-Situ in Nigeria

A

n ambassador in international law and relations is described as a diplomatic agent and head of a diplomatic mission. Members of the diplomatic staff are also referred to as diplomatic agents. The 1961 Convention on Diplomatic Relations did not define who an ambassador is, but from the late 14th century to 1960, an ambassador was considered as a‘diplomatic emissary of a ruler in the court of another.’Etymologically, ‘ambassador,’is derived from ambactus, a Latin word meaning a servant or a vassal, and from a French word, ambassadeur. It was also spelt as embassador in the 17th and 18th centuries. The United States never subscribed to the use of ambassador as a title until 1893, but opted for the usage of ‘Minister’ who was considered an ambassador and ‘who only represented the State and not the Sovereign.’

From the foregoing, it means an ambassador can be accredited to a State or to a Sovereign. Conversely in terms of representational functions, an ambassador can represent a state or a sovereign. This difference in representational duties also partly explains the difference in ambassadorial rankings in contemporary times. Without doubt, an ambassador is defined as the highest ranking diplomatic agent of the sending State in a receiving State and the ambassador may be resident or non-resident in the context of concurrent accreditations.

An embassy may not be confused with a para-diplomatic mission whose head may be inferior in rank to a full ambassador with Letters of Credence.

Grosso modo, an ambassador answers different names and have different ranking: Apostolic Nuncios and internuncios, Resident Ambassadors, Ministers Plenipotentiary, High Commissioners, High Representatives, Resident Representatives, Ambassadors-at-Large, etc All these designations have specific meanings in international law and relations. It is against this background that the appointment of 115 or 155 Nigeria’s career diplomats as ambassadors-in situ should be explained. In other words, in which way is an ambassador-in-situ differentfromtheinternationallyclassifiedambassadorsininternational relations?

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

InternationalRankingofAmbassadors International ranking of ambassadors not only serves the purpose of determination of seniority and order of precedence in diplomatic and official receptions, but particularly also to enable that water finds its level in interactional relationships. In diplomatic practice, it is not expectedthataThirdSecretarywillbeinteractingwithdiplomatsthatare very senior to him, because the position of an ambassador necessarily reflects a cumulative reservoir of diplomatic experiences. It therefore takes a long time for a Third Secretary to become an ambassador. In other words, before a Third Secretary qualifies to be considered and appointed an ambassador, his personality in all ramifications must have been clearly established.The personality and integrity, as well as the societal standing of a would-be ambassador must have also been reckoned with before appointment. Impeccable character, mental soundness, tact, self-discipline, patriotism, as well as good attitudinal disposition constitute the required criteria to be met by a would-be good ambassador.

As noted in 1965 by Jean Serres, a Minister Plenipotentiary, in his ManuelPratiquedeProtocole,‘unétatqui,sciemment,sefaitreprésenter à l’étranger par un homme qui ne mérite pas le respect ne se respecte pas lui-même.’Explained differently,‘a State that is consciously represented in a foreign land by a man who does not merit respect does not respect itself’ as well. This point is another way of saying ‘show me your friend and I will tell you who you are.’It also implies that it is not every Dick and Harry that can be appointed as an Ambassador.

In this case, the personality and position of the ambassador should not be confused with his ranking which is internationally defined and regulated, even if he serves as a Head of Mission. First, ambassadors answer different names and have different rankings. The Apostolic Nuncio, which is the oldest and name given to the diplomatic missions established by the Vatican, are headed by Nuncios or pro-nuncios.

What is noteworthy about the two missions is that the Nuncios, until the 1960s, were generally given the right of a primus inter pares, and by so doing, considered as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the capital of the receiving State. Eventhough Pro-nuncios were accepted as Heads of Mission, they were not given the automatic status of a

Onyeama Dean like the Nuncios.

Another category of ambassadors is that of the High Commissioners who head the High Commissions that are exchanged by Member States of the Commonwealth organization. Like theVatican missions, the High Commissions have their peculiarities. For example, there is one exception to the rule of High Commission which is that of The Gambia which established a High Commission with Senegal, a Francophone and non-member of the Commonwealth.The Gambia established a High Commission with the objective of underscoring the special political linkages with Senegal.Their attempt at the formation of a Sene-Gambia State is an illustration of the efforts at the special relationship.

ThereisalsoanotherpeculiarityinthecultureoftheHighCommissions: Letters of Credence normally given to the High Commissioners have been replaced with Letters of Commission or Letters of Introduction.

While the Letters of Commission are given by the President and Heads of Government, Letters of Introduction are given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Letters of Commission are presented to Presidents of the receiving States while Letters of Introduction are presented to the Prime Ministers of the receiving State.

More interesting is the consideration of London as the world capital of the Commonwealth countries, and by implication, High Commissioners cannot become the Dean of Diplomatic Corps. One rationale for this may not be far-fetched: Queen Elisabeth II and now King Charles reside always in London. The determination of who becomes the Dean is largely determined by seniority, which again is determined by longevity of the time of presentation of Letters of Credence. Apart from being the colonial master, there is no way the Queen or the king will not always be the longest serving chief diplomat. And perhaps most interestingly, a distinction between the Ministry for Commonwealth Affairs which dealt directly with the Commonwealth countries, on the one hand, and the Foreign Office, which deals with other foreign

“

Whether one serves abroad or at home, the important thing to note is to avoid confusing professional diplomatic titles with honorary diplomatic titles. Ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary is the crescendo in the continuum of diplomatic career ranking, while ambassador-in-situ is a newly introduced highest ranking honorary title. The beauty of this is that the honorees can legitimately use the title before their names, unlike recipients of doctorate degree honoris causa. Whoever is not a diplomatic careerist cannot use the title of an ambassador after leaving office. The character of an ‘in situ’ cannot be superior to that of ‘extraordinary and plenipotentiary.’

While it is commendable to recognise the contributions of the Foreign Service Officers, the unfinished task is to borrow a leaf from the judicial system: conferment of SAN on academic lawyers. Academic diplomats who have even served as plenipotentiary ambassadors, like Professor Akinjide Osuntokun, Professor Alaba Ogunsanwo, Professor Joy Ogwu, Professor Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, etc. qualify to be so considered. In fact, the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, was an international functionary, who performed creditably well, defending the national interest and that of his organization, the World Interlectual Property Organisation (WIPO). He qualified to be honoured with the title of Ambassador-in-situ. This will give more prestige to the new title. Recall that Chief Ojo Maduekwe, CFR, served as High Commissioner to Canada after having served as Foreign Minister of Nigeria. This is the height of patriotism. This is why an honorary Ambassador-in-situ cannot be superior to an Ambassador plenipotentiary who is internationally and professionally so classified

countries, on the other hand.

The category of High Representation established between France and the Member States of the French Community cannot be ignored.

The ambassadors were called High Representatives. It is useful not to confuse this High Representative with the Resident Representative, who is sometimes referred to ordinarily as Representative, who is not only a member of the diplomatic corps, but who is below the rank of a full-fledged ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary. A Resident Representative is accredited by an international organization, especially by UN agencies and the Bretton woods institutions to a country’s government.

Apart from the foregoing, there are still the categories of Chargé d’Affaires, Chargé d’affaires ad interim, and Ambassadors-at-Large whose ranking are not necessarily like that of the extraordinary and plenipotentiary. Ambassadors-in-situ constitute another category of ambassadors who are charged with special duties but not appointed to a specific country. This category will be analysed in the next section. Ambassador-at-large, referred to as ambassadeur itinérant in France are diplomats or secretaries or Ministers of the highest rank accredited to represent a country and its people internationally. Every sovereign State determines the type of ambassador to be nominated for purposes of agrément.Whether the ambassador will be of the first cadre, whether diplomatic relationship will be maintained at the lower level of a chargé d’affaires all depend on the President.

Secondly, in terms of structure of diplomatic ranking, most countries of the world have seven layers of ranking: Ambassadors, Minister, Counsellor, First Secretary, Second Secretary, Third Secretary, and Attaché.

Many of these layers still have their differentiations. For example, the United States has three top ranks: ambassador who is accredited to another Head of State, Minister who is accredited to another government, and Chargé d’Affaires.The last two appear to have entered into désuétude. The ranking of ambassadors in the Russian Federation is equally interesting: Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary are the highest in rank and are divided into types, First Class and Second Class. First Counsellors are considered as main officials. The ranking was established by enactment of the Federal Law of 27 July 2010, no.

205-FZ. Russian diplomats are well respected, especially with their uniform and insignia (patches, stiches over the place for buttonholes, as provided for in Decree no. 799 of 17 November 2001.

Diplomatic ranking in China can be exemplary. Article 11, Chapter III on Functions and Ranks of the Law (Order No. 19) of the People’s RepublicofChinaonDiplomaticPersonnelStationedAbroad,stipulates inorderofsenioritythat‘diplomaticpostsareAmbassadorsExtraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Representatives, Vice Representatives, Minister, Minister-Counsellor, Counsellor, First Secretary, Second Secretary,Third Secretary, and Attaché.’Additionally, the Order 19 says‘consular posts are Consul-General, Deputy Consul-General, Consul,Vice Consul and Consul Attaché.

If there are two levels of Representatives in China and there is only onecategoryinothercountries,wheredoweplacetheViceRepresentative in terms of ranking? Ambassadors-in-situ is a special ranking in Nigeria. Where is its place in the international setting? Can a Member State of the international community have its own categorization of ambassadors? If yes, to what extent can the categorization be complied with by the diplomatic corps in the receiving capital? What type of privileges or order of precedence are they entitled to? In responding to these questions, it is necessary to have a tour d’horizon on Nigeria’s ambassadors-in-situ in its appropriate context.

Nigeria’sAmbassadors-in-situ As reported in tribuneonlineng.com on Tuesday, 16th November, 2021 the Federal Government of Nigeria appointed one hundred and eighty-eight(188)ambassadors-in-situandpresentedthemwithLetters of Commission. According to the Government,‘Ambassadors-in-situ are diplomatic officials of the highest rank sent by one country as its long-term representative to another usually in recognition of their selfless service to nation-building as officers of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.’

More important, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, noted while‘conferring and presenting the ambassadors with Letters of Credence, that the occasion was‘unique, not everyone who is being conferred with the title was in recognition for their selfless service to the nation, and as such, should not see the title as a favour but their rights for quality service to Nigeria, as it is the time when the nationalism in them will come to the fore, especially by assisting the government in working for the good of the country.’ And perhaps most importantly, Ambassador Julius Shodipe, who responded and showed gratitude of all the recipients to Government, said that‘many of the recipients had retired several years ago and longed for the title which is just coming’and that the occasion was‘the first time this kind of massive conferment on serving and retired officers of the Foreign Affairs Ministry’took place.

In 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) approved the appointment of 62 (sixty-two) Senior Officers as Ambassadors-in-situ.

At the investiture that took place on 23rd May 2022, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, congratulated all the recipients. Again, on Saturday, 4th February, 2023, PMB approved the conferment of the title of Ambassador-in-situ on 155 (one hundred and fifty-five) Foreign Service Officers. Although some other published sources talk about 115 diplomats (PremiumTimes Nigeria), the point remains that all the recipients were all presented with Letters of Commission and the rationale for their appointment remains the same.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

“

47

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 12 , 2023

PERSPECTIVE

In Ortom’s Benue, Politicking is Carnival Tunde Olusunle

B

enue State Governor, Samuel Ortom is not taking his incumbency for granted. Yes, he has been helmsman of his state for nearly eight years now and won the hearts of admirers, while also courting the bile of critics. There are two sides of a coin and both reactions are to be expected of every public office holder. Beyond his subsisting brief as chief executive of his state, Ortom has participated in politics for over three decades now, a resume which privileges him, relative to many latter day entrants into the political fray in his state. For starters, he had been chairman of his local government area, Guma, between 1992 and 1993, when Nigeria’s former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, repeatedly tinkered with the nation’s political transition. The Catholic priest, Moses Orshio Adasu was the democratically-elected governor at the time.

He would later serve as Benue State Publicity Secretary of the defunct National Centre Party of Nigeria, (NCPN).

The party was one of the five political parties established by former military Head of State, Sani Abacha, to anchor the transition programme of his government.

With the enthronement of three political parties by Abacha’s successor, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Ortom became Treasurer of the All Peoples’ Party (APP), which name was later tweaked to become All Nigeria Peoples’ Party (ANPP). He would thereafter function as Deputy State Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP) and Director of Administration of the Benue State PDP, for the gubernatorial campaign in 2007. That campaign produced Ortom’s predecessor, Gabriel Suswam.

Ortom’s aggregate experiences and good work, recommended him for higher responsibilities at the national secretariat of the PDP, where he was hoisted as National Auditor. He was concurrently, Member of the National Working Committee, (NWC). While on this schedule, Ortom was drafted to serve as the Director of Administration and Logistics of the Goodluck Jonathan/ Namadi Sambo presidential campaign in 2011. His hardwork and visibility during the process, earned him ministerial nomination when the Jonathan/Sambo federal executive council was being constituted. In football, Ortom will be described as a player who has earned his medals and trophies. Better still, he could be festooned with the badge of a FIFArecognised player!

His services to political parties and governments at various times in various ways, have accorded him shon-of-theshoil acquaintance with every hamlet, village, community and town in his state, through several decades. Across the Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Agatu homelands, he has built contacts and comrades across time and is at home everywhere. But Ortom is not resting pretty, reclining in the padded, wood-panelled, air-chilled comfort of his office, belching instructions to “field commanders and officers.”

No. Since the flag-off of the PDP state campaigns in November 2022, Ortom has been on the road. True he is running for the senatorial office to represent Benue North West, (or Benue Zone B) as it is known in the political lexicon of the state. Ortom, however, is leading a broad-based, statewide campaign for his party in general.

At the November commencement of the Benue PDP campaigns, Ortom had pronounced that the PDP will adopt a “bottom to top” electioneering mantra in pursuit of its electioneering process.

To this extent, the PDP is interested in producing all the members of the state House of Assembly; House of Representatives, Senate and governor. He has

Ortom

not reneged. He has rather, braved the dust, haze and dryness of the harmattan season, to literally lead the troops to the battlefield, in the ongoing political evangelism in Benue State. Short of hurling a caravan around American-style, Ortom encamps for the night wherever dusk falls and continues the PDP advocacy the next morning. Ever cognisant of his roots, he remains down-to-earth and relatable, ever generous with his “paddy-paddy style” handshakes.

Everywhere the campaign team has visited, they have been very well received by ecstatic crowds in typical carnivalesque fashion. Benue is the state to beat in the art of “politicking as celebration.” Music, dancing, singing and gyrating have characterised these engagements.

In some way, this could be symbolic of genuine affection for a party and leadership which has impacted the people in specific developmental departments, despite obvious constraints. The visibly below par performance of the Muhammadu Buhari administration at the centre, has also bolstered mass resentment for the All Progressives Congress, (APC). The security conundrum in Benue, characterised by the relentless infiltration of Fulani herdsmen into the agrarian state, routinely killing and maiming innocent people in staggering numbers without chastisement by the federal government, has engendered mass dislike for the APC. Camps for internally displaced persons, (IDPs), have become synonymous with the landscape of the state.

The APC itself is engulfed in a flurry of litigations, with a plethora of claimants to the gubernatorial ticket of the party.

Hyacinth Iormem Alia, a Catholic priest; Barnabas Gemade, a former National Chairman of the PDP, and Terhemba Shija, a university professor, are locked in battle over who the actual governorship candidate of the party is. Curiously, Bola Tinubu, presidential flagbearer of the APC at the Benue State rally, Thursday, January 26, 2023, raised the hand of Barnabas Gemade as governorship candidate of the Benue APC! This action is considered a breach of a subsisting court ruling. Such is the present confusedness in the affairs of the APC in Benue State.

While the APC grapples with its internal problems, Ortom, leaders and members of the PDP, have toured and campaigned in all 23 LGAs, which constitute the 11 federal constituencies and three senatorial zones in the state.

From Benue North East comprised of Logo, Ukum, Katsina Ala, Kwande, Ushongo, Vandeikya and Konshisha, the PDP has also toured Benue North West. This is made up of Buruku, Gboko, Tarka, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer East and Gwer West. Benue South, where we have Oju, Obi, Otukpo, Ado, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Apa and Agatu LGAs, have also been covered. It is a measure of the seriousness Ortom attaches to the campaigns, that he spent two nights on the road in the senatorial segment of the state known as “Zone C.” Specifically, Ortom encamped

in a private hospitality facility in Otukpo, in the course of the campaign tour of the area. He defied the ever recurring ethnocultural suspicions, even superstitions, between the disparate cultures and tongues in the state. There have always been fissions between the Tiv, Idoma, Igede and Agatu ethnicities in the state, which Ortom moved briskly to mitigate beginning from the earliest days of his government. His trademark Benue unity multi-coloured headgear which bears the representative colours of each culture and ethnic group in the state, was introduced to reassure all sections of the state that they see themselves as one. Today, Ortom holds the record of prosecuting the most thorough, most enervating political campaigns in Benue State, compared to his predecessors!

On the dais each time he led the campaigns at the senatorial headquarters of the various zones, he was flanked by senators representing the zone. To this extent, Emmanuel Orker Jev, Gabriel Suswam and Abba Moro, took turns to accord desired backup to Ortom in their respective senatorial districts.

Each time he mounted the soapbox, the messaging was the same: Except for the circumstances which bred his ascent to office on the vehicle of the APC, Benue State had remained steadfast as a PDP state. With all three Senators representing the state and the preponderance of members of the House of Representatives being members of the PDP, the political lifeblood of the state remains essentially PDP. To this extent, it would be wise politics to sustain allegiance for the PDP, from the very taproots of the political pyramid.

An interesting dimension to the 2023 political campaigns in Benue State, is the total involvement of the wife of the governor in the ongoing process.

Away from her usual chores as first lady, Eunice Erdoo Ortom, has put together a backup campaign team to reinforce the precedence of her husband and his predominantly male campaign cast. She is typically kitted in jeans trousers, sneakers, customised tops and bowler hats, to underscore the seriousness of the electioneering. Her focus is the women and youths, who she engages at the level of the 11 federal constituencies in the state. These are: Makurdi/Guma; Gwer East/Gwer West; Gboko/Tarka; Logo/ Katsina-Ala/Ukum; Kwande/Ushongo; Vandeikya/Konshisha; Oju/Obi; Otukpo/ Ohimini; Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo and Apa/Agatu. She is thus ensuring deeper permeation of the overall campaign epistolary.

The political mood of the PDP in Benue State is upbeat. At intervals, automobiles with mounted heavy-duty musical equipment drive through the streets of Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo, Katsina-Ala, dishing out music in loud decibels. This is as an integral part of the political sensitisation process. Speaker of the state House of Assembly and gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, Titus Tyoapine Uba is back from his foreign medical trip, after a health scare late last year. With his running mate, John Mgbede, a former state chairman of the PDP, Uba went through the campaign grills, from A to Z. While not leaving anything to chance, Ortom is confident that the track record of the PDP over the years will see the party through. Having dominated the leadership of the state for the better part of the 24 years of the fourth republic, Ortom declares the PDP is the party to beat. This is as he enjoined his people to collect their permanent voter’s cards, (PVCs) unfailingly and to make their votes count on election day. ˾ ÖßÝßØÖϘ Ò ˜ ÚÙÏÞ˜ ÔÙßÜØËÖÓÝÞ˜ ÝÍÒÙÖËÜ ËØÎ ËßÞÒÙÜ ÓÝ Ë Ï×ÌÏÜ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÓÑÏÜÓËØ ßÓÖÎ ÙÐ ÎÓÞÙÜÝ ̙ ̚˛

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

12.2.2023

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ABUJA

ALL SHADES OF GLAMOUR AND DRAMA

In a few days, six women living in Abuja will light up our screen with their intriguing personalities and relationships. These women are the new faces of the latest iteration of The Real Housewives franchise, the Real Housewives of Abuja. Vanessa Obioha captures their distinguished characteristics ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/victoria.olaode@thisdaylive.com.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾FEBRUARY 12, 2023

49

COVER

A Sneak Peek into the Lives of the Housewives

Princess Jecoco

Samantha

T

he Real Housewives, a reality TV show that was birthed in Orange County, the United States, almost 17 years ago, continues to capture hearts around the world with the intriguing lifestyle of cast members. Now adapted in many countries, Nigeria premiered its first iteration with the ‘Real Housewives of Lagos’ which became a successful hit last year. Riding on that success, Showmax, the streaming platform has set its sights on Abuja, the city of affluence. The show will premiere on the platform exclusively on Friday, February 17, 2023.

Six diverse and successful women have been selected to star in this new iteration. They are expected to deliver a high dose of glamour and drama as they intermingle and navigate their relationships with one another.

ARAFA (CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF SELARA LIFESTYLE) The art entrepreneur is the party girl but with a heart for Jesus. A graduate of Theatre Arts and French, Arafa was born in Russia and is a mother of twins. Motherhood however has not stopped her from chasing her artistic passion. She is the owner of Selara Stiletto Studio, a female-only pole and sensual dance studio in Abuja.

Arafa has always been familiar with The Real Housewives franchise “I have a family who lives in Atlanta, and funny enough, one of the original cast mates’ name is Nene which also happens to be my sister’s name, so people thought it was my sister on the show. That’s how I got introduced to the show,” said Arafa who is also a half-Tanzanian, half-Calabar princess, and a certified Zumba instructor.

Coming on the show for Arafa is simply to showcase Abuja to the world.

“I am an Abuja OG ( original). My family moved here in the 80s when 90% of the things you see did not exist, so I wanted to show the world where we came from and where we are going. I am also a business entrepreneur who is not one to follow cliques, so it’s been difficult to expose myself to a wider audience.

Therefore, I am grateful for this platform that allows me to do so.”

Arafa considers The Real Housewives franchise a viable platform to help businesses grow and is not bothered about showing herself to the world.

“I have never pretended to be anybody other than who I am. It hasn’t been an easy road, but everything that has happened in my life has led me up to this point. I have learned from my past, I have grown from my past, and I am grateful for all the experiences. Everyone has a story to tell, and I am no different,” she said.

Relationships are one of the key themes

The Real Housewives of Abuja

of The Real Housewives franchise. For Arafa, it’s been a rollercoaster.

“The more I got to know some, the better I understood them, and some I realized were just not my cup of tea.”

COMFORT BOOTH (LAWYER AND TALK SHOW HOST)

There is no shortage of words in Comfort Booth’s dictionary. Her description of the franchise is what anyone will describe as epic. “Engineered drama with a certain flavour!”

And flavorful is how one can describe the vivacious lawyer and talk show host.

With her colorful mohawk, Comfort is ready to delight viewers with her buoyant personality.

Comfort, who is also a foodie, sees The Real Housewives of Abuja as an opportunity to “write a story on a blank slate that is on an international platform.”

Not one to colour her words, she admitted that she used to think she was familiar with the franchise but found out that she does not. Notwithstanding, she understands that being on the show would open her more to the world.

“The key is to devalue information (about self). I own everything that I’ve done and said. It takes courage to do that. Because people’s lives are on the world stage doesn’t make anyone better or worse off than the other person. Owning it is what sets us apart. Being vulnerable is something I learnt more about on set. And so no...it was liberating. It takes (again) courage to be vulnerable. To say ‘see, I’m no better than you oo. We are all striving.’

Mingling with other cast members can sometimes be a hurdle. Not for Comfort though who has found a common ground with her fellow cast mate OJ Posharella. The rest? We may have to wait to see how that plays out on screen.

OJ POSHARELLA (MARKETING INFLUENCERANDCEOOFPOSHARELLA EMPIRE) Kaduna-born Ojoma Sule, better known as OJ Posharella, is a self-acclaimed Minister of Happiness. Her exuberance is so enveloping that one can barely escape it. But how will that pan out in a reality TV show that brings together women with different attitudes? Not a problem for the entrepreneur and the CEO of the Posharella Group of Companies. OJ Posharella seems to be on a mission to correct the perception that women cannot live and work in harmony.

“I have watched a bit of The Real

Housewives of Atlanta and Beverly but never really sat down to watch a full season,” she began. While the franchise is a good one, I feel it kind of breeds some kind of hatred among women, and I felt like I could come into the franchise and switch it up a bit and see that women can come together, we can have constructive arguments and we can still love up on each other and cheer up on each other. But I feel like among women, I don’t know, it seems there is a certain competition that just erupts and people just start to have bad feelings and ill feelings towards one another.”

This somehow played out for her with fellow castmates as she could not understand why they didn’t share the good vibes with her.

“My brand, the Minister of Happiness, is a brand of love and just happiness and positivity. And so I went in and I was supporting everyone just as I am because I have no pretence in me. And I realised that people just couldn’t stand that why is she happy? Why is this happening?

Why does she shine and so I started to notice at the end of it and so I kind of like entered my shell and I couldn’t really even bring on myself the way I would have wanted to showcase my talents and what kind of person I am. But I would say my relationship with some cast mates is not so good because I don’t know why they just don’t like me and if you ask them, there’s nothing OJ has done to anyone. Even in my diary sessions, even when people watch the show, they will see that I never said anything about anyone. I never did anyone wrong and all of that but why do you hate OJ? That’s the question I can’t understand.”

Notwithstanding, OJ is delighted to be in the show “to showcase my brand and my businesses to people who do not know about it.”

PRINCESS JECOCO (LAWYER AND HOTELIER)

It’s all about the good vibes for the Borno State-born beauty, Princess Jecoco. A lawyer, brand ambassador, influencer, content creator, and hotelier, Princess understands what a show like The Real Housewives Abuja represents and being a woman of style and a creative director of a fashion brand, it is an opportunity to showcase her brand to the world.

“This show tells the stories of hardworking women, glamorous lifestyles and housewives.” Connecting with other cast members, Princess Jecoco is meticulous about how she described them.

“They are chic. It is a delight working

with them. I have no issues with anyone but I don’t know how they feel about me,” said the Managing Director of the Sefcon Group of Hotels. The mother of two children is also the president of the Umu Asa Cultural Association, an association established for the preservation of the Igbo culture.

TUTUPIE (CHEFANDEVENTCURATOR)

Tutupie has been a fan of the Real Housewives franchise from the very first episode back in 2006.

“I think I manifested myself in this because I was an avid fan of the show,” said the chef and event curator. “The show is all about how you use your platform, how you use your voice, and how you use your personality. At the end of the day, it is all up to you. So I feel like it’s the individuals that actually put the show together.

It’s not even about the franchise itself but the cast that makes it what it is.”

Tutupie is quite keen on showcasing the beauty of Abuja from the erroneous perception that it’s a boring place. Although she was born in Borno, she believes Abuja is a lively city.

On revealing her vulnerability on the screen, Tutupie disclosed that she is unbothered.

“It is a reality show. So I was as real as I could be. So I can’t be bothered about how it would affect the next person watching. Like I’ve given them a good show. I’ve shown them an inside of my life, they can take it or leave it but there is no part of me that feels bothered about what the next person’s opinion would be, viewers or cast.”

SAMANTHAHOMOSSANY(WELLNESS ENTREPRENEURANDCREATIVEDIRECTOR OF ZOHI TAGLIT)

The wife of an Abuja-based Israeli millionaire and mother of four children is an avid fan of The Real Housewives franchise and has always wanted to be a part of it.

“It is very intriguing to me and getting to know people live their lives out there. They are strong, powerful and dynamic individuals who after the show have successful businesses. Apart from the fact that it is entertaining and inspiring, the housewives are also controversial.”

While the show provides an opportunity to showcase her brand, Samantha feels vulnerable exposing her family to the world but is not really a bother to her.

Born and raised in Benue State, Samantha is a good friend, a loyalist and an introvert who can be extroverted when she is in the right company. Although her relationship with other cast members initially was rocky, the more time they spent together, the better the relationship became.

She described herself as the firecracker of the group. “If you are looking for someone to bring everyone out of their shell, you will certainly come to me,” she said.

FEBRUARY T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾FEBRUARY 12, 2023

50

HighLife Another Milestone Project for Samad Rabiu

Rabiu

How does one stand out in an age where accomplishment is determined by how quickly one adjusts to the fast-moving world?

Simple: by sticking to whatever one is best at. With this truth in mind, the person behind BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has distinguished himself and continues to. Even now, he has diverged from the sector of foods, infrastructure, mining, and manufacturing to road-making. Of course, Rabiu is only solidifying his efforts at nationbuilding.

According to reliable reports, Rabiu very recently set in motion the expansion and dualization of a highway that links three different Nigerian states. The highway is the Kano-Kazaure-Kongolam road which is 132 km in length.

According to the reports, Rabiu has joined hands with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to operationalize a project that would cost N116 billion on average to complete.

Upon completion, analysts note that the highway will pass through Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states from Dawanau Roundabout in Kano State to Kongolam in Katsina State. When that happens, the Nigerian government would be able to put to rest the speculation about how useful Public Community Private Partnership (PCPP) is for national development, an idea that many public officers, including Babatunde Fashola (SAN), the Minister of Works and Housing, have mentioned time and again.

To be sure, Rabiu is one of the most progressive Nigerians that is making waves on the African continent. The man has always shown himself to be a nation-builder, someone with enough compassion in his heart to pull out the contents of his pocket. During the COVID pandemic, he played the biggest role in philanthropic efforts among his peers and helped to assist individuals who could not work or get paid.

Even now, people still remember Rabiu’s gifts from COVID, enough to overwhelm the many others that he has sent out since then. This highway project is thus the latest of Rabiu’s gifts, and this particular one is not for any specific person or group. It is for the entire country.

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

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

Monisola Afuye: A Tale of the Pounded Yam Seller Who Became Deputy Governor Rising from grass to grace is a narrative that many of us enjoy reading about. There may be few individuals who have been able to live out this narrative, but even fewer have allowed it to determine the course of their lives.

The position that the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Monisola Afuye, takes among these people is special. To think that she started from the bottom, selling pounded yam, and rose to become the Number Two of Ekiti… She is a peculiar individual indeed.

Ekiti, the land of honour and integrity, remains a shining light when it comes to having leading female politicians. In this respect, Afuye has a lot to transcend if she intends to stand out in the history books.

After all, she is not the first female deputy governor of the state. Nevertheless, she is making her path as someone who grew from practically nothing to the point of representing all the women in Ekiti.

Afuye is an Ekiti native through and through. Born in Ikere-Ekiti, she attended Saint Joseph CAC Primary School Aramoko Ekiti. After she

had paid her dues as a sharp little girl, she went to Amoye Grammar School, Ikere-Ekiti, where she had her secondary education. Sometime after, Afuye applied to Crown Polytechnic in Ado Ekiti and studied Public Administration. That was where she earned her OND (Ordinary National Diploma) and HND (Higher National Diploma).

Afuye has as ordinary a background as anybody else. More so, she dabbled in catering, first as a Catering Supervisor at the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, and then later as the CEO of Demolad Catering Services.

With such a background, one would think that Afuye came from a poor and unknown heritage, but no. She is a princess of Ikere which is another reason her level-headed upbringing puts her in the position of the common people. It is no wonder she cares for her people and is closer to the grassroots than anybody else in Ekiti.

Politicians, Business Tycoons Set to Honour Julius 5RQH DV +H 3UHSDUHV D %HÀWWLQJ %XULDO IRU +LV )DWKHU Having a prestigious background can prove to be a big advantage to an individual. But having a reputable background, with parents who will not compromise their values for anything, is an even greater advantage. As is evident in the life of UTM Offshore Limited boss, Julius Rone, a father with a great reputation will take you farther than your imagination can conceive.

Thus, when such a father sets off on the Great Journey, one sends him off with a carnival.

It is no longer news that Chief Sunday S. Rone, the Obazuaye of Warri Kingdom and father of UTM boss (nicknamed the Gas King), is late. Having lived to the ripe old age of 86, Rone’s father passed on to the other life and took with him some of the opportunities that his son would have had to share future glories with him. Nevertheless, before Obazuaye retired from life, he witnessed Rone go Rone

Afuye

from an ordinary businessman to the top celebrity in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.

When the Obazuaye of Warri Kingdom passed away, many prestigious individuals noticed and took time to compose a condolence message for those the chief left behind, especially the Gas King. President Muhammadu Buhari was one of those individuals and the president celebrated the deceased for assisting the other pillars of the Warri Kingdom in maintaining peace and dictating the pace of progress.

Recently, the burial arrangements for the Chief were published. According to the setup, the entire event will be held in Delta State between February 17 and 19, just days before the presidential elections. Nonetheless, President Buhari, state governors, and the leaders of industry are expected to honour Rone by attending the events.

Without question, Rone can only send his father off with a befitting burial. He owes him that much, and the many high-ranking power brokers of Nigeria also owe the Chief for raising a child as excellent as Rone.

%DEDWXQGH 2NHZDOH 7KH ,PSUHVVLYH 6WRU\ RI WKH 0DQ ZLWK %DELHV

Okewale

There are many ways to make a name in the current era, with most of these methods being illicit or unpopular with common sense. Babatunde Okewale, the most notable medical mind in St. Ives Hospital Group, has built himself an enviable reputation. Despite

going through a route that many others would not have considered, Okewale is a hero to so many, especially women and families that have had a hard time with child-bearing.

When women say that they are having problems with conception in Nigeria, the achievements of Okewale come to mind.

A recognized professional in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Okewale has shown more proficiency in bringing hope to households than simply writing the name and dosage of medications in that abstruse script that doctors use.

It is on record that Okewale has helped women thought to be barren, offering them enough psychological and physiological help to overturn their situation. With his admirable grasp of the dynamics of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), Okewale has proved time and again that women long past the traditional age of pregnancy can still

conceive.

The perfect example of Okewale’s genius and prestige is Mrs. Ajibola Otubusin, a woman who had undergone Okewale’s IVF procedure and delivered her very first child at the age of 67 in 2018. Many other miracle stories have been associated with Okewale, with the number of children from these miraculous births reaching up to 2,000.

Without question, Okewale remains one of the leading authorities in IVF and women’s infertility in Nigeria. However, the man does not limit himself to these areas alone. He is even more interested in the welfare of the womenfolk and families, which is the primary reason for his founding WFM 91.7, the first radio station for women and families in Nigeria. It is also because of his passion for women and families that he published the book, ‘The Art of Making Babies’, a book that has helped many people across the world.

51

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾FEBRUARY 12, 2023

HIGHLIFE

Nobody has a perfect grasp of time. For even the most informed of us, we can only make educated guesses about the future, ever hopeful that the best is yet to come. Thus, for Pastor Paul Adefarasin who celebrated his 60th birthday less than a month ago and lost his mother less than three weeks after that celebration, this is not the best of times.

Death, you have no right to be proud.

This is a sentiment that Adefarasin understands inside and out. After celebrating his 60th birthday and having the entire nation, with President Muhammadu Buhari at the head of the procession, honour and applaud his achievements, Adefarasin is having to mourn his mother.

Even though Mama Hilda Adefarasin, the deceased mother of Pastor Adefarasin, passed on at the age of 98, her passing still brings much sorrow to the hearts of the Adefarasins. After all, it is not every woman

that has been able to use her life to prove that it is possible to raise very godly children.

Thus, for the late Mama Hilda who raised three pastors, Pastor Adefarasin of House on the Rock and his two siblings, Pastor Wale Adefarasin of Guiding Light Assembly in Ikoyi, Lagos, and Apostle Yemi Adefarasin of Kingdom Lifeline Apostolic Ministries in Abuja, more than a few tears must be shed.

A modern-day Susanna Wesley, Mama Hilda has her children to continue her legacy of light, with grandchildren and great-grandchildren as reserves. Having lived such a glorious life, it ought to be a thing of joy that she passed just two years less than a century. But the time of passing, just after her son’s 60th birthday, brings tears to spectating eyes. One might say she wanted her son to clock 60 before she goes on the Great Journey.

Ultimately, Pastor Adefarasin feels her

Alawuba’s Image on the Rise

Adefarasin

passing the most. But life must continue even as he brings her light to the utmost brightness.

Supremacy Wars between the Kalus

Kalu

Benjamin

Nigerians are not new to supremacy wars. Even the simple transition of one state government to the next often graduates into such sometimes covert and sometimes overt wars. In Abia State, currently, there are reports that such a supremacy war is running with the fuel of ambition from Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Benjamin Kalu. Even as the 2023 presidential election is upon us, both leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly continue to focus on throwing blows at each other.

It is one thing to want to aspire to control a state’s resources and power pyramid. It is something else entirely to be willing to lose one’s reputation in an attempt to prevent someone else from aspiring for the same status.

The second case is reportedly the condition of the relationship between the Kalus, despite their formerly close relationship over the years.

From the reports gathered, Benjamin has his mind on preventing Orji Kalu from gaining any authority in APC Abia. As the person

representing Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and the Spokesperson for the House, Benjamin has a lot of political influence. This is why he was recently accused of championing the move that resulted in Orji Kalu running away from his campaign ground in Bende Local Government.

Of course, this is not the first time that Benjamin has been accused of attempting to shut Orji Kalu down. Not long ago, Orji Kalu who is the senator representing Abia North Senatorial District complained that Benjamin was working with some people to secretly weaken his influence in Abia. Thus, it has been reported time and again that all is not well between the Senator and the protégé he helped bring to power.

Whether Honourable Benjamin and Senator Orji Kalu would bring an end to their alleged tiff in a short time remains a matter of speculation. However, such an end to their dispute would certainly be beneficial to both of them.

Special Accolades for Governor Diri as He Receives Multiple Awards Different Nigerian governors are known for different things. For Governor Douye Diri, it is all about the people of Bayelsa State. In recent times, Diri has shown great compassion and dedication to his people, leading others to speculate that his passion for the people might prevent him from being objective in governance. However, none of that matters currently seeing as Diri has once again gladdened the hearts of his people by dedicating to them an award presented to him.

Sportsville, a well-known authority for all things sports and contributions to the industry, has distinguished Governor Diri of Bayelsa with the prestigious Sportsville Sports Icon Award 2023. According to the specifics of the award, Diri has greatly contributed to the development of sports in Nigeria as a whole, especially in terms of infrastructural and The 2023 presidential election is a few days away. With the high tension that often drives a wedge between even the best of friends during days like these, it is a great surprise that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, and the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, are still very tight.

Whether it is in terms of their political or religious beliefs, both of these men are close enough to be brothers and it is a thing of wonder to peers and spectators.

Choosing another Muslim to be his vice presidential candidate is one of the most difficult things that Tinubu did which posed a barrier to his ambition to be the president of Nigeria. Analysts claim that if Tinubu had chosen a Northern Christian, he would have had much more to work with in terms of loyalty from more Nigerians. However, even when people were throwing stones at Tinubu for his choice, Ganduje was among the handful who encouraged him to go ahead, promising to

human capacity development.

Indeed, Diri has always been a champion of the people, particularly where the sports industry is concerned. It is no secret that he believes that the sports industry does not recognise ethnic, religious or any other sociodemographic basis for differentiation. As a result, Diri is a big fan of all things sports and has made immense contributions following his belief. On this front, it is no big surprise that he was recognised by Sportsville for the Sports Icon Award.

However, what is currently gladdening the hearts of Bayelsans everywhere is that Diri did not take all the glory of the award for himself. Instead, he dedicated it to the youths of Bayelsa, noting that they are his true inspiration and reason for commitment. This is no small concession, but it is also a matter of fact because it is all Diri’s government is all about.

Oba Ogunwusi and Diri

True excellence is an ensemble that very few Nigerians have managed to put on. Across the long stretch of history, sure, many Nigerians have worn the garment and worn it out. But currently, because there is little emphasis on it, few of us are striving to uphold this virtue. Thankfully, Oliver Alawuba, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of United Bank for Africa (UBA) is doing his best and inspiring many others. Recently, he added an honorary feather to this garment of excellence, leaving his peers to nod in respect.

Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri, Nigeria, recently decided to make an exception for Alawuba with an honorary doctorate in Banking and Finance. According to the report that followed the gesture, IMSU has recognised and wishes to celebrate the contributions that Alawuba has made to the growth of banking and finance in Nigeria and across Africa. Thus, with the gesture, IMSU has essentially distinguished Alawuba as someone with a progressive mentality and a mind to assist the nation and the African continent in building one of the most foundational sectors in the globe.

The management of IMSU presented the honorary degree to Alawuba during the 8th Convocation Ceremony of the institution. As if to cement it and testify to Alawuba’s prestige, the ceremony had Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma in attendance, with his predecessor, Rochas Okorocha, and many other prestigious individuals in attendance. As such, each of these persons has essentially affirmed Awaluba’s status as someone with a heart for leading the African continent’s march of progress in banking and finance.

To be sure, great things are on the horizon for the UBA man. Given enough time, he might be able to eclipse some of the big brains in the industry, both those at home in Nigeria and Africa and those abroad. By then, IMSU can only be said to have predicted his rise ahead of time and taken advantage of that knowledge to make space to ride his coattails in the future.

The Bond Between Governor Ganduje and Tinubu

Ganduje

support him through thick and thin.

One has to admit that Ganduje has kept to his promises. Amidst a deluge of accusations against Tinubu, the Kano State Governor has remained a staunch and dedicated follower of Asiwaju. Furthermore, considering the growing popularity of Tinubu’s rivals, especially Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi, Ganduje has promised to convince other Northerners to vote for Tinubu.

Of course, it is wishful thinking that a single individual like Ganduje has as much influence over the North. However, it says something that the Kano man is willing to go all out in support of his friend. Tinubu is also not unfeeling towards the efforts of his friend. On many occasions, the presidential candidate has lauded Ganduje as a pillar of friendship, and a reliable and committed leader.

Alawuba

52

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾FEBRUARY 12, 2023

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Duke of Shomolu: Musings of a Tired and Desperate Nigerian As I am writing at 4.40am on Thursday, I am tired, hungry and afraid; afraid for what this country has turned into. It appears we have left the country in the hands of gamblers. Ruthless gamblers who have turned over 200 million lives into a morbid game of Russian roulette.

I am in tears not for my children as we would all used to like saying, but for myself. The now. There can be no future if there is no now.

What is the now- nothingness? An empty space in what used to be a country. Nigeria is a strong and virile entity otherwise, how would it still remain a country despite the ceaseless violent rape. The country has gone through vile rape. The vilest you can think of and the very worst of it in the last eight years.

In the last eight years, we handed

the country over to buccaneers and they did what they could best. They destroyed the currency, blew up the economy, stamped on the judiciary and raped our women and children.

As if that was not enough, fostered on us the vilest violence since the civil war. In fact, I can dare say that those who lost their lives during the civil war died ‘happy’. At least, as they were being blown up, they knew they were in a war situation so they went as martyrs so that we could remain one.

How do you explain his death? The one that is caught by bandits and slaughtered without any dignity. In fact, the Sallah ram gets his throat slit with a little bit more dignity at least prayers are offered. Too many Nigerians have had their throats slit all over the country in the hands of a slew

of bandits and other groupings that seem to be invisible and above the laws. Too many have been bombed out of existence and too many have been butchered and held for ransom.

How do you explain to them that we are not in a war situation?

And what is the response of the buccaneers, a meaningless Naira redesign? A hapless electioneering process that has thrown up the worst of the buccaneers leaving us in a devil and deep blue sea situation...

I cry for myself, I had the choice o.

As my sperm was hurtling through my mother’s womb, I could have agreed to be flushed out oo, but in excitement that I was being born into the greatest black country in Africa, I rushed out of my mother’s womb and through her beautiful legs smacked into a civil war. Kai!

Omokore

el-Rufai

resemblance to my hapless brother-in-law Olumide Olude who is still in Shomolu and ‘showing’ the babes to my constant consternation- I come like you.

But these stories of refusing to obey court judgments and being committed to jail are kinda ‘juveeee’. Juveee na another word for juvenile. Remember to say I like you and do not want to yab you. Please do not be doing like your ogas. Those ones have nothing to lose. They are already in the twilights of their lives and there is nothing they can do to rewrite their legacy.

But you, you are young, you just started and you are good looking. So, stop all these ‘mumu’ things and contribute your own to the strengthening of that institution. Remember how critical it is to the economy and the nation by extension so you cannot be doing ‘labalaba’ with court processes.

I beg you, please go to that judge and tender an unreserved apology and begin to start obeying court orders otherwise, I will come to your office and come and spank you o. I am telling you o.

I have met Mr Omokore before. It was Otunba that took me to his house in Abuja and his banker wife is my friend.

That night as we held the meeting after a sumptuous dinner, he looked vacant and lost. He was so sad and a shadow of himself. I asked what was the problem and I was told he had a major court case on his head. I said, sorry o and made it a point not to eat more than two plates in case the judgment didn’t go well.

Well six years after the meeting, the judgment has come and no matter how it was, let me just send a big congratulations to a man that I once ate in his house- it was ogbono and oatmeal.

But the goat meat was far bigger than my head and I remember wondering if they eat this kind of big meat under court and EFCC wahala, what were they eating before.

Anyway Egbon, you have been acquitted and I am sure the smile will come back to your face. I wish you well.

Well done.

Edgar

Suleiman

Bawa

ABU SULEIMAN: A STERLING BANKER Just as I was contending with the situation – the dumb push for a cashless society without the concomitant infrastructural support - my mind went to transfer charges each time a transfer is successful.

I screamed; the banks will be killing it at this time. The rush towards the apps and other forms of digital transactions will blow up the profit positions of the banks. Kai! They really do not have too much to lose in this situation apart from the fact that some of their staff would have to be climbing fences up and down as they go and come from work.

Then the announcement was made by Sterling Bank. Sterling Bank was waiving all charges on transfers this period. You see, even if you woke me up from sleep and ask me, which bank will be the first to be this responsive and responsible, I will say it’s Sterling Bank.

My answer is simple. Its leadership has always been developmental in its approach to banking. It is Sterling under Abu that is looking at low margin but potentially very strong sectors like education and health.

They play heavily in those places where their counterparts will not really touch for obvious reasons and this shows in their bottom-line.

So, I know for a fact that Abu is under pressure from hapless shareholders who do not understand why the figures are not screaming like the rest o. But he has

remained very strong in his conviction that the system must be built first before insane profits. For him, banking is not arbitraging opportunities in forex or in this situation.

Banking for him is to remain a suitable partner for very serious endeavours that will create real jobs and impact the real economy.

So, removing these charges is quite up his street and you will soon see the followfollow that the rest will do complete with noise in the media.

Well-done Abu, we are here applauding and supporting you. Well-done.

A WORD OF ADVICE FOR ABDULRASHEED BAWA I do not know why I like you. Maybe it is your boyish look and the fact that your seemingly youthfulness attracts me to you because it is a far cry from the ‘gerontocrats’ that seem not to want to let us be. Can you imagine Buhari was Petroleum Minister when I was just entering Primary school.

He was GOC when I was in Command Secondary School, Head of State when I was failing out of secondary school and now President when at 54 years I am about to welcome my first grandchild – the man has been unbelievably lucky and we have been unbelievably unlucky to be saddled with him all of these years.

So, seeing you as a handsome youth. Nice suits – not sure of the quality- but they sure look good on you and an uncanny

A HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF FOR JIDE OMOKORE When you have lost confidence in the judiciary and things like this happen, you do not know whether you should be happy or not. My Egbon has just been acquitted from a huge fraud case involving billions of dollars and which has run for about eight years.

NASIR EL-RUFAI: NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE Somebody may have promised this one something. The way he has been moving in the last few weeks you will know that somebody has cut a deal.

They would have called him and said, ‘mallam, what do you want?’ And he would have said- ‘simply give me the following, NNPC MD, Chief of Staff,

53

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾FEBRUARY 12, 2023

Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the three Ministries under Fashola and you will see fire.’

Those ones out of desperation will say, ‘we will give you all of that and even create a new office where all the First Ladies will report to you’ and he will scream ‘you have a deal.’ And the next day, straight to television stations with ‘there is a cabal inside the Villa that is working against us.’

Mbok, don’t let me laugh. What else is new?

Is it today that there is cabal? There has been cabal since Independence. So the latest cabal, which is even the laziest of them all is not new. See malam, I have studied cabals o. This one is not cabal. These ones na boys scout compared to cabal that we have seen.

Abi, were you still in the school of survey when cabal told IBB don’t try it? And IBB came out screaming that ‘they will kill me if I hand over to MKO?’ That is cabal. Or the ones that held the country hostage when Yar’Adua went on a long medical treatment abroad? Those ones held the country that it took OBJ to leave his farm and go to the place and shout. Those ones na cabal, not these ones that can only lock Aisha out and not even do that assignment well.

So, my brother, this your recent struggle is not surprising to us o. Telling people to ignore the federal government’s position on the naira swap deadline, screaming that your candidate is the best and only solution and arrogating the powers to speak on behalf of the whole North on this matter further confirms our thinking that a deal must have been struck.

Whatever you have been promised, that is making you run all over the place like there is fire on the mountain, just remember that eventually, truth, justice, fair play and fate will throw up the very best candidate for our country and something in me is saying – it is not his turn. Yes, it can’t be.

NAJA’ATU MUHAMMED ON A MAJOR RAMPAGE Aghh, have you heard of the saying that ‘Hell hath no fury than that of a woman scorned?’ Na him we dey see with this mummy o. Somebody within the power zone in APC must have annoyed her o. Kai! I am sure it will be that Keyamo who would have used some big legal terms that she did not understand o.

That was how mummy declared war. There is nothing we have not heard o. Tinubu has suffered personally in her hands o. This mummy is wicked, I swear. She says he cannot hold a teacup. His hand is shaking oooo. This one cannot make love oooo; this one his hand is shaking like person wey see ‘ojuju’.

She has yabbed Tinubu finish. Kai! She even said that he was sleeping throughout and that one sef, now even helped her matter and went on to sleep at one meeting making Sowore troll him.

Mummy has gone all over the country telling us how brittle Tinubu is. She even said the man ‘has no plans for the North’ and that when she asked him, he opened his mouth in a loud snore and in a deep sleep where he would most likely be having a wet dream. Abi, how do you explain when such a feisty woman is in front of you and asking you a simple question – Daddy, what is in it for me if I bring all the second wives of all the Alhajis I know to support you- and get a deep snore in response.

Somebody should placate this mummy either by giving her a pacifier or finding ‘something’ for her before she tells us how many times Tinubu farted in that meeting.

Kai! This mummy is lethal.

FOR UMAR FAROUK ABDULAZEEZ, IT’S A BEFITTING GOODBYE Reputed to be the first Medical Doctor from the North, the Tafidan of Ebiraland passed away very peacefully last week and has been buried with all the honours he deserves.

He was a distinguished medical practitioner, industrialist and pharmaceutical manufacturer. He set up the first intravenous fluid company in the early 80s in Nigeria. He created numerous employment opportunities and also provided high quality medical products for the people.

He once contested and won the election to represent Adavi/Okeh Constituency

in Kwara State, now in Kogi. He was a very close associate of the late Shehu Yar’Adua and worked very closely with him throughout that late great statesman’s political odyssey.

You will now be wondering what concerns the great Duke of Shomolu and the great politician from Kogi State and I will tell you. He is the father of my great friend and the lovely wife of my brother, the very handsome Ade Adebiyi. I used to follow Ade to go and chase Samira in their house in Isolo that time and I would be seeing big politicians there huddling and talking.

Muhammed

Don Jazzy

DOZY MMOBUOSI AS THE NEW ‘BOBO’ ON THE BLOCK

Mmobuosi

I went to visit my friend, Kaycee Kennedy, on the site of his huge concert that would feature Burna Boy last December. At the venue, I saw Tingo all over the place. I knew Tingo was my friend Dozy. So, I asked Kaycee, I beg, you know Dozy? He said, yes na. He is the major sponsor of the concert. I said ok and kept quiet.

Then the other day, as I was going through the internet, I fell on a story – Nigerian billionaire to buy Sheffield United. I didn’t take it seriously. I just read the story. They said the Nigerian billionaire was worth about $12 billion and was already in the last stages of acquiring the team after passing all the due diligence on him.

I still no worry myself o. Then I read that he was a tech guru with a very strong play on agric and in other such ventures. He was based in London and was really doing ‘things’. I just wished him well and went to the next story and continued with my life looking for fuel and cash.

Then, I called someone and said, ‘I am looking for some Igbo big boys that will support my new play on Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and a voice said, why not try that Tingo guy. He is doing a lot of sponsorships and I said, ok send his picture and number, I don’t really know him.

The picture came. I was on the toilet doing number 2 and I screamed.

Dozyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!. This na Dozyyyyyyyy!!!

My brother o. The bear bear na the same o.

Na Dozy be the tech guru that is shaking the world. Na Dozy Daily Mail and Daily Mirror dey write about o. Dozy na billionaire? The person that gave me his number said don’t call my name. I say common gerrout, Dozy

will even thank you for giving me his number.

Dozzyyyyyyyyy!!!l!

I call the bobo. He no pick. I send text, I said “Dozy if you don’t pick this call, I will release your nude.” He called back one hour later, “Edgar how are you? Are you free? Let me send a private jet to take you to the East. I am opening a new agric something and the governor will be there with the Minister of Agriculture. They will be expecting you.

Please get ready.”

I said Dozy, you dey craze. So na East you want to take me so that I will not come back.

Mbok, send the jet to let me come and sit with you and buy Sheffield United together. He screamed. We laughed and screamed again.

I was stark naked o as I jumped and screamed Dozzyyyyy. I don’t think he too as naked as you know he is a billionaire and a tech guru, so he cannot do that thing. I told him that we needed to talk, I needed to interview him and to show me the way ooo. “Na fuel station your brother dey work now oo.”

This story is evolving. Dozy has always been very visionary and bold. Intune to his vision of building a massive ecosystem that technology will drive. The last time I saw him was at his Lekki office where he spoke as we played table tennis.

It was Tingo, tingo, tingo as we played table tennis and drank coke. The Tingo tire me so I try change topic, Dozy no gree. After some time, I say I dey come and I run away. I tire for the Tingo. As I was going, I muttered under my breath – Tingo ko Tango ni. I don tire.

Mbok my brother, na devil. Please, where can I send CV ooo. Well done. We are watching from the stands. Well done. And congrats.

We all worked in Habib Bank together. All three of us, till Ade now decided to make Samira a good woman by marrying her. I was on the train but my fear of travelling made me dodge the Kogi part of the ceremonies. We have kept our friendship for over 20 years and now that we are almost grandparents, we still have the cohesion.

So, I was looking for something when I called Big J, another of our collaborators’ and he was the one that said, “Samira has lost her dad and they have buried him,” and I called Samira and said please when is the party. Yes, he was 85 so na celebration of life no be like my own papa wey rush go by 62. I nor know wetin dey drive am.

Samira, while sending my heartfelt condolences, please do not forget to send me the invite to any party surrounding this momentous occasion as any slip will be met with a very aggressive response. Thank you. I don talk my own.

DON JAZZY & ARTSPLIT: A MARRIAGE MADE IN HEAVEN What do you get when you cross investment banking, technology, arts and music- magic. That is what has just happened. Some very brilliant Investment bankers have come up with a novel idea where interested parties can invest in a song. The song is unitised in 100,000 tranches and the song is distributed through a powerfully simple app called Musicsplit and then the investors will be earning money as the song is being downloaded or bought online.

Watching this process was simply magic.

Don Jazzy, one of the greatest music producers and promoters ever, sent out a message to the millions who follow him explaining how the process works.

Apparently Artsplit which is a wonderful platform for the curating and sale of the very best of Nigerian art has sub created Musicsplit which allows for the same balkanisation of the very best of Nigerian songs thereby creating investment opportunities for the people while expanding opportunities for artists and widening the markets.

I have already invested and should be buying a yacht which I will name Duchess 1st once the dividend starts rolling in.

Beautiful concept, brilliant execution. Well done guys.

ANONYMOUS BEAUTY: THE WIDOWS HAVE STOPPED CRYING I have a soft spot for widows and used to regularly raise funds for random widows. See widows dey suffer o. They are traumatised, sexually assaulted and just generally deprived in this country. So once in a while, I will beg my friends to help send small money and I will ask people to nominate widows and I will send money to them.

That was how I begged 60 of my friends to help me with just N5k each so that I can send 20k each to about 15 widows so that they can manage in these our Buhari times.

That was how my friend called me, “Edgar if you mention my name, I will beat you o.

Don’t mention my name o, I am sending you N1.5m for them.” I just broke down and started crying o. I cry o. I cry o. People were looking at me and wondering what was wrong with this ‘Calabar’ man’. I cried o.

That was how, I gave each widow N100,000 instead of the N20,000 I initially proposed.

To the anonymous widow, nothing I can say or do to thank you enough for this but this Jehovah God will bless you for us.

He will protect you and give you a very fulfilled life. God bless you my sweet and beautiful Madam. Kai!

54

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾FEBRUARY 12, 2023

Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Halilu

Musa Halilu’s Passion for Giving Undoubtedly, cosmopolitan businessman, investor and public speaker; Musa Halilu, Chairman TILT Groups is a sure delight to many in society, politics and business space.

The Adamawa State-born has his hands in many sectors of the economy; ranging from real estate, agriculture, oil and gas, energy, supply and technology.

It is, therefore, not a surprise that he has continued to shine bright like a thousand stars upon the lives of many around him and use his wealth to the benefit of humanity.

But he is not relenting as he continues to work hard to build a thriving business conglomerate, a strong and formidable political dynasty and an intimidating resume to his credit.

However, in spite of his generosity and pressure from different quarters, he has refused to throw his hat into the political ring for an elective position. Rather the graduate of Business Administration from Kaduna State Polytechnic believes that you don’t need to be in government before you can be of assistance to your immediate environment and the country at large. This, we gathered, has endeared him to many around him.

No wonder his profile has continued to rise and rise.

His connection was put to test recently when he was turbaned as Dujima Adamawa. The event was witnessed by top dignitaries from all walks of life in the country.

The A-list event had in attendance the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, Adamawa State Governor, Muhammadu Bindow, National Security Adviser (NSA), Major-General Babagana Mungono (rtd.), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Bello, traditional rulers across the six geo-political zones, political and business leaders, among others.

To further dedicate his life to philanthropy, he floated the Musa Halilu Ahmed MHA Foundation to help strengthen his desire to assist the vulnerable and downtrodden in society.

For more than nine years since its formation, the foundation has so far catered for the needs of both young and old, with a particular interest in educational development, women empowerment, motherless children empowerment, prison reform and inmate welfare, community infrastructure renewal, widow empowerment and a host of other things.

“Integrity, insight, and inclusiveness are the three essential qualities of leadership,” says the Indian spiritual teacher, Sadhguru.

One Nigerian leader that possesses all qualities is Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd). When in January 2021, he began work as the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the country was entering a new phase in the battle against the worsening crisis of illicit drugs.

The increase in drug use and abuse in recent times has resulted in an uptick in crimes, especially in many urban cities. Undeterred by the weight of the task before him, the former military governor of Lagos State rolled his sleeves, moved like a hurricane, and got to work.

Marwa will be on record as the first Drug Czar to embrace a multi-dimensional and holistic approach that aims to mitigate the harm done by drug use instead of the traditional justsay-no-ism of past chief executives.

Like a true soldier, in just two years, he has led the agency to arrest nearly thousands of

drug offenders, including notorious barons across the country. Within the same period, a lot of persons were convicted and jailed, while more than 12,000 drug users were counselled and treated.

For this, the NDLEA boss has received a lot of commendation for the new dynamic and greatly improved agency.

Today, for his effort, the country is witnessing a new dawn in drug warfare and his string of successes in the tough battle against drug trafficking has projected the nation in a more positive light. Expectedly, the Adamawa-born leadership quality has not gone unnoticed as awards and honours have poured on him in torrents.

Recently, he received awards from notable media organisations. He began the year with the 2022 Distinguished Public Service award from Vanguard Newspapers. This was followed by another well-deserved honour as the Leadership Person of the Year Award for 2022.

Marwa

Roli Adeniyi-George Remains Underground

Roli-Bode-George

As far as beauty goes, Roli Adeniyi-George is blessed with an awesome beauty that will stop any man dead in his tracks. It is no hyperbole to say that any human with male testosterone will stop to take a second look at her. She is one of the few women whose beauty would make any fullblooded man drool.

Discovering the potential of her looks and

her charming nature, Roli made it a conscious thing to position herself at vantage positions.

Many will agree that it is the reason she stood out in the congregation where she worshipped at Pastor Chris Okotie’s Household Church of God. Years ago, her path crossed with that of Lagos-born political big fish, Chief Olabode George, and one thing led to another and she was swept off her feet. Their marriage set tongues wagging. But the light-skinned woman never cared a hoot. She was a trophy wife for the chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and she benefited immensely. It was a wellthought-out venture with loads of dividends.

Following the celebrated wedding, she naturally gravitated toward politics. Basking in the political status of her husband, Roli delved into partisan politics and almost immediately, under the umbrella of the then ruling party, PDP, sought to represent a Lagos federal constituency

in the green chamber of the National Assembly.

But sadly, her ‘powerful’ husband, upon whom she had hoped to navigate the ocean of Lagos politics could not secure her victory in the green chamber.

However, she smiled in no time as she bagged two federal appointments within three years during the administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. In 2011, she was appointed as a member of the National Population Commission (NPC).

Roli was later appointed as the DirectorGeneral of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Some argued that Roli secured the appointments under Jonathan due to her husband’s position within the PDP. But ever since she got booted out of office by the incumbent administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Roli had crawled back into her cocoon. The former DG, who loved attending parties, suddenly went underground.

FRSC Top Brass, Kayode Olagunju Bows out “Seest thou a man diligent in his business?

He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men”, so says Proverbs 22: This Biblical quote encapsulates the life of Dr. Kayode Olagunju. Little wonder only few people would doubt if there were many more top officers in the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) were more popular than Ol The story of the Ilesha, Osun State-born would make a compelling read and inspire the younger ones, most especially for his hard-work, dedication to work and his uncommon integrity and honesty that she showcased throughout his service with the FRSC. These rare tributes, as gathered, helped him to worm himself into the hearts of many.

The graduate of Geography from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, came across as a strategist and one the most brilliant and intelligent officers in the FRSC. Until he

retired meritoriously last Thursday he was also one of the few officers who are able to brandish intimidating and impressive academic profiles.

On many occasions, he was lauded for his transparency, which was aimed at gaining the trust and respect of the people, especially at this period when many don’t have faith in government agencies.

No less is expected from those around when such a man is being promoted. Applause, commendations, and of course loud ovations have been pouring in torrents since the tall and gangling Olagunju was promoted and retired from the service he served for 30 years. He bowed out gloriously after his promotion from his position as Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) to Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM).

The golf buff’s elevation has been met with loads of tributes, encomia, compliment

Olagunju

and laudation.

His pull out ceremony was emotionally laden and was described as a thorough-bred professional, one of the most reliable, loyal and dedicated in the history of the corps marshals.

Guiding Philosophy of Transcorp Boss, Dupe Olusola

Olusola

Think of a woman blessed with brains, beauty and confidence, and Dupe Olusola’s name will pop up.

This highly intelligent woman, who is the

MD/CEO, Transcorp Hotels, PLC, has shattered the glass ceilings as she continues to shine like a well-cut diamond.

She is responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction, developing its strategies, providing strategic counsel to various organisational and functional leaders, and assisting the company in meeting its set goals.

She leaves no stone unturned to ensure that her co-workers and the team’s morale are always high. Transcorp Hotels, under her leadership, has developed a companywide ethos of striving for and achieving excellence in all they do.

To say that Olusola, who leads one of Africa’s leading hospitality organisations, understands what it means to be successful is no doubt stating the obvious.

She is a leader whose uncommon leadership quality has always stood her out over the years.

She considers everyone’s definition of

success to be exclusive because it depends on their experiences and the outcomes they seek.

Also, for her, success does not only depict what has been achieved but shows how well one performs the role they introduced themselves for.

She understands that it is also about empowering others to develop their full potential. Among her favourite mottos is that satisfaction comes from knowing one has done all one can and wanting nothing more than to continue growing as a person and accomplishing their goals.

The focus is on durability and longevity.

There is no such thing as success in a vacuum.

Spiritual, social, emotional, mental, physical, and financial well-being are all components of this ideal. Individually and collectively, success is defined by going above and beyond expectations. For her, success is about bringing good fortune to those around her and aiding their development.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

12. 2. 2023

Timi Kakandar and His Visual Musings about Human Experience

Since his early encounter with the works of leading artists, Lagos-based artist, Timi Kakandar, has clawed his way into the limelight through a combination of hard work, consistency, and research. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke writes

A

s an unforgettable takeaway from that Sunday, October 30 afternoon's interactive artist talk at The Fraser's Suites in Abuja’s Central Business District, Prince Timi Kakandar's professed love for travel and cultural immersion flares through the mists of memory. He had waxed lyrical about his international travels in front of a group of aficionados—comprising, predictably, both locals and expatriates—who had so far been regaled with the offerings of last year's Abuja Open House: Convergence, which took place from October 27 to October 30.

The Lagos-based artist, while articulating his creative credo, warmly recommended experiencing other cultures to his colleagues. A cursory glance at his profile, meanwhile, confirmed that, in addition to other countries, he has so far travelled to the United States, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Turkey.

He had been invited as one of four frontline artists who headlined the four-day fiesta that energised the Abuja art scene, alongside Duke Asidere, Diseye Tantua, and Dotun Popoola. This was one reason why the audience's attention was certain to be riveted the moment he took his seat beside the convener and the event's anchor, Nduwhite Ndubuisi Ahanonu.

The session, dubbed “Conversations in Colours,” which eventually became more animated as it opened up for questions, also had plans to feature another leading Lagos-based artist, Sam Ovraiti, but eventually settled for a long-distance conversation with him.

Fast-forward to Kakandar’s recently concluded solo exhibition at Ogirikan Gallery in Ikoyi, Lagos, titled Portraits of Desires, Longing, and Search, which opened on Saturday, January 7 and ended on Thursday, February 2. Through his body of work, which consisted of his recent acrylic and oil paintings, the 1999 University of Port Harcourt graduate shared his thoughts on this earthly existence, whose dominant pheromone seems to be the unrestrained and insatiable urge for material acquisitions and pleasures.

Talking about these paintings, whose dominant colours seem to be blue, they hint at the artist’s futile efforts to compress the seething and surging emotions of his finer material environment into rigid, stationary forms. Indeed, it must have taken considerable effort to extract these forms from realms beyond the physical senses' perceptual capacity. This is even as he places his intellectual stamp on the final product. Is it surprising, therefore, that a semblance of animation and movement seems to lurk beneath the gaudy, and sometimes delicate, tones of the colour of the static forms?

Kakandar's works from his last show at Ogirikan Art Gallery, Lagos

Kakandar

Perhaps it is his emphasis on painterly qualities—even if he does not reject representational, realistic forms—that prompts the cognoscenti to draw parallels between his work and the Fauvist style. He does, in fact, use painting to express his fascination with the human figure, as well as drawing and collage. This is especially true when the challenges, rewards, and social-political issues that arise from living and working in an African space are factored in.

Growing up in a creativity-favouring atmosphere back in the 1970s, he was greatly inspired watching his now

octogenarian father, who until his retirement was a Canadiantrained cartographer and architectural draughtsman. “From a very young age, I found myself also wanting to draw, and every drawing I created at the time brought a thrill that excited me to do another one until it became a passion that has now translated to a profession,” he recalls.

Decades later, in the mid1990s, while his family had relocated to Port Harcourt (despite his being born in Lagos), his father was presented with a Central Bank of Nigeria calendar, which included the works of prominent painters such as Gani Odutokun, Kolade Oshinowo, Abiodun Olaku, and Edosa Oguigo, among others. The four Nigerian artists named above as his first direct local inspirations had a significant impact on him and his artistic approach.

Prior to his encounter with their works, he had fallen in love with works by the Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, simply known as Rembrandt, as well as those of the Impressionists Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

This was while he was poring over art books he stumbled upon in the state government public library, which had become his favourite haunt.

Perhaps this was how his predilection for using oil colours came into being and was nurtured, even when he appears to have more paintings done with acrylic. “I guess I love oil more because I learned how to paint with it and did quite

a lot of exploration in my learning years through the medium,” he says.

Meanwhile, besides his art practice, his immediate family remains the centrepiece of his best and fondest memories. “My children and their birth processes created memories that shook my core as a human.”

He had also gone through unpleasant experiences, which, according to him, his upbringing in Nigeria helped his mind process. The loss of his cherished mother and older sister was the most agonising of these experiences, he adds.

Back to his studio practice, it pivots on the philosophy that "creativity does not grow or blossom without consistency, hard work, and research."

This, he adds, affects his attitude towards painting, and his work evolves as he continually researches and responds to his environment.

Hence his advice to upcoming artists: “Talent is not enough. You need to be consistent in your hard work to grow your creativity, and success in the arts is not instant but organic.”

His average day begins around 5.30 a.m., and he saunters into his four-room art studio by 6 a.m., after a brief intermission of rites. He then does a few sketching exercises and a quick email, WhatsApp, and social media check before dumping his phone at 7.30 am to begin painting.

He remains in the studio until 6.30 p.m. before shutting down to spend the evening with my family.

Since his graduation from the University of Port Harcourt in 1999, he has so far held four solo exhibitions and over 30 group exhibitions, which have mainly featured works that swirl around the celebration of human morphology.

If his paintings seem to be predominantly about women, it could be because of his perception of the visually attractive nuances in female physical make-up, which are frequently complemented by her sensitivity to look and aura. The subjects are gorgeous and captivating because of their spectacular hairstyles, elegance, and accessories.

Kakandar, a member of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) Lagos Chapter and one of Nigeria's most prolific contemporary artists, enjoys a devoted local and international following. His appearances at the Portraits Exhibition at the Bricklane Gallery in London, United Kingdom, in September of last year, along with his inclusion at the Artankara Contemporary Art Fair in Ankara, Turkey, the Art Contact Contemporary Art Fair in Istanbul, Turkey, the InstaLive International Group Art Exhibition in Queensland, Australia, and the Salon Afrique: A Homecoming Reimagined Art Exhibition by Madlozi Art Gallery in Cape Town, South Africa, among others, are just a few examples of shows that helped burnish his international credentials.

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

56

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 12 , 2023

Book Review

$V <RXU /RUGVKLS 3OHDVHV Chido B. Nwakanma

A

good publisher and his editor should invite Charles Archibong to serve on their editorial board as an advisor and writer, and thought leader in the best traditions. The thought grabs you as you read the preface to this evocative memoir. It would bring Charles Archibong full circle to his heart's desire and initial love: journalism and writing.

Lawyer, politician and judge, Charles Archibong's book is an unspoken elegy to his first love and rebellion against the one he practised and lived out of obligation. You get the feeling that he remained a reluctant lawyer until the end.

Charles Archibong's (2021) A Stranger in Their Midst offers exciting first-person accounts of his life as a judge of the Federal High Court sitting across locations in Nigeria. It is an unputdownable book full of wit, sarcasm, wisdom and strong views as fitting for a judge. Archibong speaks tongue-in-cheek about several foibles but comes out hard where necessary.

A Stranger in Their Midst will undoubtedly ruffle some feathers, cause a rethink of some issues, and be a conversation starter.

Archibong served in the Federal High Court of Nigeria from 2002 until 2013. The Federal High Court is "the primary superintending forum of Nigeria's federal system with jurisdiction over the executive activity of the federal government and its agencies." A Stranger in Their Midst narrates some of the matters Archibong treated during his time on the bench.

The cases ranged from the abduction of then governor Ngige of Anambra State, the recall of the Deputy Senate President, and a trial of activists of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB. There are many commercial cases. Archibong collides with senior lawyers engaged on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to conduct a significant criminal trial. Archibong enters the crossfire of feuding political bigwigs fighting to control their party structure. The conflicts were one too many for the comfort of the authorities of the Federal Court, which emphasised system maintenance and not rocking the boat.

Archibong defends his decisions and practices and makes strong statements on various issues. Samplers: Tackling corruption. "Corruption prosecutions in Nigeria go on for years while the accusers are still looking for evidence or refuse to throw in the towel.

The judges are captive to the spectacle."

Due Process. "The provisions of the 1999 Constitution indicate that courts should be very particular about due process and consequently about the quality and provenance of evidence as it relates to a particular offence. That is why the chain

of evidence in drug cases, for instance, is so important.

Neither the EFCC nor any other law enforcement agency should be an investigator, prosecutor, judge (or forum picker) and executive seizing properties as they go. Constitutional safeguards have to be upheld by the courts to apply the brakes to arbitrary action of the executive."

Media trial: What happened to the protection of the persons of citizens and the confidentiality of their data and communication? That is what sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution are about. These are now ridiculed as technicalities. EFCC prefer media convictions to

the hard slog of putting together a case.

They also lean towards pressuring suspects for confessions, using embarrassing personal details accessed on their mobile devices that are not necessarily criminal."

Olusegun Obasanjo, Bola Ajibola and Bakassi Peninsula. There is no reason (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo and Prince Bola Ajibola should not be prosecuted for treason for handing over the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon purely for burnishing their inter-

national credentials. The National Assembly was never involved in that process. That should be a treasonable felony. With a few trips to the Hagie-one small step for man- a territory was lost, and a great many displaced: a huge leap into misery for a considerable number of Nigerians in the south-eastern extremity of the country. Does any politician have the power to give away Nigerian territory singlehandedly? It is a continuing nightmare."

A Stranger in Their Midst tackles recent Nigerian history as a consequence of the judiciary's role.

The many cases include Erastus Akingbola/Intercontinental Bank versus EFCC, Olusegun Obasanjo versus Buruji Kashamu. The book offers a peep into the persons and politics of the judiciary as a too human institution with its foibles and Nigerianism.

Archibong as a good raconteur, infuses his personal and family narratives into the story. The reader meets his wife and children, his illustrious forebears (the Maurice Archibong family of Calabar), and the role of friends, family and bosses in his career.

He gives plaudits to Justice Roseline Ukeje, his first boss and ogre, as "The person who most affected the character and content of my judicial service career.

I am grateful for all she did, some of which might have been accidental. In the end, she saw good in me. I appreciate that".

The experience with the next head of the Federal High Court was decidedly mixed. Justice Abdullahi Mustapha stood in the way of a recommendation

by Justice Mariam Mukhtar for the elevation of Archibong and Justice Binta Nyako to the Court of Appeal. "Had he endorsed these 2008 recommendations, I could have still been a serving judicial officer, a justice of appeal due to retire at 70. I would have very likely avoided the controversy that inspired the same Justice Mukhtar, by then CJN, to engineer my early retirement."

What was the controversy? The thrill of the chase (reading) is for every reader to discover.

Justice Archibong was independent and courageous. It stood him out as "a stranger in their midst".

He decried the role of the National Judicial Council for entering the fray in cases involving senior counsel. "I turned petition commentary into an art form and got immense intellectual satisfaction. The silence that followed from the NJC after each riposte was testimony to the effective drubbing I gave those attempted hit jobs. That is not the same as winning admirers up there. In the end, some would relish taking me down a peg or two. One thing I did not do was leave my duty post to fraternise with denizens of the NJC. That is a game I was temperamentally unsuited to".

A Stranger in Their Midst is essential reading for legal practitioners and informed citizens.

1ZDNDQPD D FRPPXQLFDWLRQ VWUDWHJLVW PDUNHWHU DQG VFKRODU LV ZLWK WKH 6FKRRO RI 0HGLD DQG &RPPXQLFDWLRQ 3DQ $WODQWLF 8QLYHUVLW\

57

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 12 , 2023

CICERO

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

IN THE ARENA

Legal Issues Threatening Presidential Election The February 25 presidential election may end up in protracted litigations if the challenges posed by two clauses in the Electoral Act 2022 and the 1999 Constitution, which are considered as landmines by two senior lawyers, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), are not addressed, Alex Enumah writes

S

ince the enthronement of democracy in 1999, Nigerians have always featured two leading presidential candidates, and this had prevented a scenario where a potential winner of the majority votes would run the risk of not meeting the constitutional threshold to be declared winner.

But with the number of political parties participating in the 2023 presidential poll - the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) - it could be unpredictable, deeply uncertain, and seemingly destined for a runoff.

Analysts likened the scenario to the 1979 presidential election, which featured such political heavyweights and one presidential candidate, having secured the majority votes, relied on the somewhat controversial mathematics of two-thirds majority of a state, to scale the hurdle.

Like the 1979 event, the 2023 election features leading contenders from each of Nigeria’s major ethnic groups, namely, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing the North; Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), representing the South-west, and Mr. Peter Obi of Labour Party, representing the South-east. Kano State strongman and candidate of the NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso is also staking the claim for northern votes.

Two legal icons, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, (SAN), and Chief Wole Olanipekun, (SAN), recently raised critical questions about certain clauses in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, which are the legal provision that could possibly become landmines deployed by the government to determine the eventual winner.

While Agbakoba is seeking clarification over the controversy surrounding Section 134 of the Constitution, which deals with the status of Abuja, the nation’s capital, in the two-thirds majority states’ equation, as highlighted in his letter dated January 17 to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Olanipekun on the other hand, questioned the power granted INEC in the Electoral Act to take final decision on matters of declaration of scores of candidates, rejected votes and unmarked ballot papers.

Agbakoba had in his said letter asked the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to clarify before Nigerians head to the polls, the requirements for winning the presidential election, particularly as it relates to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as contained on Section 134 of the 1999 Constitution, to the public.

The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) stated that he was “a little worried” about the correct interpretation of Section 134 of the 1999 Constitution that provides requirements to be met by a presidential candidate to be declared the winner. He added that he needed the clarification because the provision of the section was premised on the seemingly ambiguous nature of the section even as it concerns electoral processes.

Agbakoba stated that a careful review of Section 134 leaves possible interpretations that raise three significant questions.

He said: “(1) The requirement that a presidential candidate must

Yakubu score not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of the 36 states of the federation: does this mean that the FCT Abuja is incorporated in the 24 states? “(2) The requirement that a presidential candidate must score not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of the 36 states of the Federation: does it mean that the presidential candidate must also score not less than onequarter of the votes cast at the election at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja? “(3) Can a candidate that scored not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in 36 states of the federation, but failed to score one-quarter of the votes cast at the election at the FCT, be duly elected as President of Nigeria?

“Finally, Section 134(1)(a) provides that a candidate for an election to the office of President shall be deemed to have been duly elected, where, there being only two candidates for the election, the candidate has the majority of votes cast at the election.

“But Section 134(2) provides that a candidate for an election to the Office of President shall be deemed to have been duly elected where, there being more than two candidates for the election, the candidate has the highest number of votes cast at the election.

“The constitution describes the winner in two different languages.

One, the winner must score the majority of votes and the other, the winner must score the highest number of votes. This is confusing.

To be honest, I am not quite sure of the right answers to my questions. I just thought to bring this to your attention as something you might wish to clarify to the public.”

On his part, Olanipekun, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, faulted Section 65 of the Electoral Act, saying it was capable of being abused. He said the power vested in Returning Officers by Section 65 of the Act can threaten free and fair elections.

The section provides: “(1) The decision of the Returning Officer shall be final on any question arising from or relating to – (a) unmarked ballot paper; (b) rejected ballot paper; and (c) declaration of scores of candidates and the return of a candidate provided that the Commission shall have the power within seven days to review the declaration and return where the Commission determines that the said declaration and return was not made voluntarily or was made contrary to the provisions of the law, regulations and guidelines, and manual for the election.”

Olanipekun, also a former president of NBA, speaking in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, when he visited Governor Biodun Oyebanji, wondered why the section was inserted into the Electoral Act and passed by the National Assembly without thorough scrutiny. He believes it is a booby trap for a free and fair election.

The foremost legal luminary contended that it would amount to grave disaster for the electoral process, should the returning officers begin to review already announced results. He argued that the officers were not law courts or tribunals with such powers.

Olanipekun said: “To me, it is a very dangerous section, so novel in the sense that, here you have a section that empowers a Returning Officer to review his decision within a period of seven days. The Returning Officer is not a court of law, not a tribunal, not vested with jurisdiction to exercise quasi-judicial powers or to assume jurisdiction over any matter that is judicial in nature.”

Olanipekun urged the National Assembly to, as a matter of urgency, to delete the controversial section to avert a political crisis capable of consuming the country’s democratic and electoral process.

While in direct response to the Agbakoba’s letter, INEC has declared its ability to conduct a run-off, should that happen, the National Assembly has not responded or attended to Olanipekun’s request.

But trying to counter one leg of Agbakoba’s position, human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) said winning the FCT is not a constitutional requirement for a presidential candidate to be declared winner of the February 25, 2023 poll.

Speaking during a live television programme, Falana said Section 299 of the Constitution already recognised the FCT as a state and therefore a presidential candidate does not necessarily need to win the seat of Nigeria’s political power to be declared winner of an election. He stressed that once a candidate gets 25% of votes in 24 states and has a majority of the total votes, he or she should be declared winner by the electoral body.

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

As INEC Hires MC Oluomo’s Parks Mgt Committee

Uzodimma Agbaje

ThepresidentialcandidateofPeoplesDemocratic Party(PDP),AtikuAbubakar,lastWednesdaycalled ontheIndependentNationalElectoralCommission (INEC)toimmediatelyremoveitsResidentElectoral Commissioner (REC) in Lagos State, Olusegun Agbaje, for alleged partisanship and insisting on usingtheLagosStateParkandGarageManagement Committee, headed by transport kingpin, Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, who he said was a member of the Presidential Campaign Council of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Inadisplayofwhatmanyhavedescribedasanact of insensitivity, the Lagos REC last week said the commission would work with the MC Oluomo-led committeeforthedistributionofelectionmaterials and personnel in the state.

Agbaje,whospokeduringtheInter-agencyConsultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting at the commission’s office in Lagos, said

working with the committee led by Oluomo, would not compromise the elections.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had set up the parks committee after banning the operationsoftheNationalUnionofRoadTransport Workers(NURTW)andtheRoadTransportEmployers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).

Sanwo-Olu appointed MC Oluomo, who is a memberoftheAPCPresidentialCampaignCouncil as the head of the committee.

Oluomo had mobilised the transporters to hold solidarity rallies for the APC. Addressing the matter, Agbaje said: “We are not dealing with Oluomo, we are dealing with the parkmanagers.Individualpeoplethathavevehicles are those we are going to use. So, it will be working againstthelawifINEChastocontinuetoworkwith NURTW or any other group that is proscribed in the state,” he said.

Agbaje claimed that INEC would be dealing with the drivers and not Oluomo when he knows that Oluomo’s word is law among the Lagos drivers.

Agbaje cannot claim that he does not know the capacity of Oluomo and his boys in Lagos. These are the people that control the touts who are the cause of the nightmare of Lagos motorists.

During elections, these boys, who are touts are deployed to areas that are densely populated by the supporters of opposition parties to disrupt elections.

With the decision of INEC to entrust sensitive materialsinthehandsofagroupthatissympathetic to APC, many believe the forthcoming elections in Lagosmaybemarredbynon-arrivalandlatearrivalof sensitivematerialsinareascontrolledbytheoppositionparties.Whosaysmaterialscannotbediverted toAPCofficialswhenmembersandsupportersof the party are in charge of the distribution?

58

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 12 , 2023

BRIEFINGNOTES $V (PHÀHOH 7ULXPSKHG RYHU 3ROLWLFDO ,QWHUIHUHQFH By implementing the Central Bank of Nigeria Act No. 7 of 2007 courageously and refusing to be cowed into submission by the selfish political leaders working against the naira design policy, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has triumphed in his battle to insulate the apex bank’s operations from political interference in line with its statutory autonomy and independence, Ejiofor Alike writes

T

he Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has been fighting, perhaps the toughest battle of his career since last October when he announced that the apex bank would redesign the N200, N500 and N1,000 banknotes with January 31 as the deadline for the return of the old notes to the banks.

Since he unveiled the apex bank’s plan, many political leaders, who have been the cause of the misery of the common man in this country, have cashed in on the hardships inflicted on Nigerians by the scarcity of the naira notes and suddenly become the champions of the cause of the poor.

By redesigning the naira a few weeks to the general election, Emefiele stepped on the toes of some politicians, governors and National Assembly members who had stockpiled the old naira notes to buy votes and mobilise thugs in the forthcoming general election.

It was not surprising that politicians who had never sympathised with the poor masses over the persistent petrol scarcity and other harsh conditions of living in the country suddenly realised that the naira redesign is inflicting hardship on the poor.

Despite the enormous gains of the naira design to the economy, these politicians, who have been robbed of the opportunity to stockpile cash for the elections, have continued to mount enormous pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari and Emefiele.

Repeated assurances by President Buhari that the policy was targeted at people hoarding illicit funds and not businesses and the common man did not pacify these overnight activists and fake champions of public interest.

The extension of the deadline from January 31 to February 10 did also not pacify these political forces, who are determined to ensure that the old notes remain legal tender until after the general election.

First, these political actors attempted to frame Emefiele just to get him out of the way with a ridiculous accusation that a man occupying such a sensitive and influential position and who is not even from the South-east, was funding the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Unfortunately, the court saw through their mischief and refused to grant an order for the arrest and detention of the apex bank’s governor.

When the plot for his arrest failed, Emefiele returned to the country from his annual leave with what the CBN had described as “a renewed commitment to perform the task before him in line with his oath of office and the policy direction of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

No sooner had he resumed work than he

Emefiele was invited to a meeting by the governors of the 36 states under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). The governors however declared at the end of the meeting that they were not opposed to the CBN policy.

Subsequent outbursts by the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu and Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State strengthened the speculations that the gang-up against the policy has nothing to do with public interest but a political survival strategy ahead of the elections.

Before the uproar, Kaduna State governor was not known to have championed any cause of the downtrodden.

But the governor, who is famous for crushing voices of dissent, reportedly granted interviews against the policy to four television stations within 48 hours under the guise of championing public interest.

Governors and other political leaders who had never raised their voices against the perennial petrol scarcity in the country also suddenly realised that the masses are suffering under

the current scarcity of the product.

Some of these fake activists even made themselves the moral compass that declares others who support the policy public enemies.

It is not surprising that the pressure on President Buhari and Emefiele is coming from the members of the ruling APC and their supporters, given the fact they have more capacity to mobilise cash for the elections than the opposition parties.

When Emefiele shrugged off the pressure, the governors elected on the platform of the APC stormed the Presidential Villa where President Buhari asked them to give him seven days to address the challenges. The speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila even threatened the CBN governor with arrest.

Governors and other leaders pressurising President Buhari and Emefiele to back down on naira design on the grounds that it hurts public interest were the same political leaders who were publicly celebrating the graduation ceremonies of their children in foreign universities when the children of the less-privileged Nigerians were

not going to school for eight months because of the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Throughout the ASUU strike, these political leaders never stormed the Presidential Villa to prevail on President Buhari to fulfill the federal government’s agreement with ASUU because the strike did not affect their children. They knew that if the federal government fulfilled the agreement and funded the universities properly, it would hurt the revenue available for distribution to the various tiers of government, which ends in private pockets.

Despite the pressure on Emefiele, he has demonstrated courage and determination to maintain the autonomy and independence of the CBN as provided by its enabling legislation.

Section (S) 1 (3) of the CBN Act No. 7 of 2007 provides that “in order to facilitate the achievement of its mandate under this Act, and the Banks and other Financial Institutions Act, and in line with the objective of promoting stability and continuity in economic management, the Bank shall be an independent body, in the discharge of its functions.”

Section 17 of the Act provides that “the Bank shall have the sole right of issuing currency notes and coins throughout Nigeria, to the exclusion of the federal, state or local governments or any person or authority.

Section 18 (a & b) of the Act states that “ the Bank shall arrange for the printing of currency notes and the minting of coins; and issue, re-issue and exchange currency notes and coins at the bank’s offices and at such agencies as it may, from time to time, establish or appoint.”

Emefiele has acted within his powers by resisting the undue interference of politicians in the operations of the CBN. Since the governments of Kaduna, Zamfara and Kogi states have shifted the battle to the Supreme Court, Emefiele should also meet them at the apex court since he acted within the limit of his powers.

If El-Rufai and his colleagues are really worried by the effects of the naira design and petrol scarcity on the masses as they claimed, they should have also dragged the NNPC Limited and the federal government to court to compel them to make petrol available to Nigerians.

Opposition parties believe that the three states did not go to the Supreme Court to save Nigerians from hardship, but to save political careers that are being threatened by President Buhari’s determination to ensure free and fair elections.

With Buhari’s backing, Emefiele has indeed triumphed in the defence of the autonomy of the CBN.

NOTES FOR FILE

Lessons from Nwaoboshi’s Fall

Nwaoboshi

Political leaders should learn lessons from the fate oftheSenatorrepresentingDeltaNorthintheNational Assembly, Peter Nwaoboshi. This powerful senator was captured last week and put in prison following the judgment of the Court of Appeal Lagos Division which convicted and sentenced him to seven years imprisonment for money laundering.

Nwaoboshi,whohadbeenontherunformonthswas intercepted by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a hospital in Lagos last Monday and remanded in Ikoyi Custodial Centre to commence his prison term.

TheCourtofAppealhadinajudgmentitdeliveredon July1,2022,sentencedhimtoprisonafteritconvicted him on a two-count charge of money laundering and also ordered the winding up of his two companies,

Golden Touch Construction Project Limited and Suiming Electrical Limited, in line with the provision of Section 22 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2021. Their properties were forfeited to the federal government.

But the lawmaker, who was not present in court at thetimeoftheruling,wentundergroundandrefused to present himself to the Nigerian Correctional Service. Instead, he proceeded to the Supreme Court, praying the apex court to set aside the judgment of the appeal court and also grant him bail, pending the determination of his appeal.

But in a unanimous decision on January 27, 2023, the apex court dismissed the application. In the lead judgmentbyJusticeEmmanuelAgim,theapexcourt wondered why Nwaoboshi, who refused to submit

himself to the law, would seek the indulgence of the law.

Justice Tijjani Abubakar, in his contribution, upbraided the appellant for filing the bail application while on the run.

The Court of Appeal judgment that convicted Nwaoboshi followed an appeal by the EFCC against the judgment of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of a Federal High Court in Lagos, which had on June 18, 2021, discharged and acquitted the lawmaker and his companies.

EvenasChairmanofthePeoplesDemocraticParty (PDP) in Delta State, Nwaoboshi was like a Lord.

Everybody kowtowed and bowed to him. His words were full of power and authority. But everything has changed dramatically.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 12 , 2023

59

CICERO/REPORTS

Amosun, Abiodun Battle for the Soul of Ogun Withthegeneralelectionfastapproaching,aformerGovernorofOgunState,SenatorIbikunleAmosun, has vowed to unseat his successor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in the March governorship poll, after his failed bid to stop the governor from emerging victorious in the 2019 elections, writes James Sowole

W

hen the immediate past governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun, last August declared that he was not backing the governorship candidate of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Governor of the state, Dapo Abiodun for his second term bid, many had thought they would resolve the issue before the 2023 elections.

But this did not happen as the former governor on Wednesday urged the people of the state to cast their votes for the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Biyi Otegbeye, who hails from Ilaro in Ogun West Senatorial District.

Addressing thousands of ADC supporters during the flag-off of the ADC campaign rally held at Ake Palace Ground in Abeokuta, the state capital, Amosun, who raised up Otegbeye’s hand, said: “This is my anointed candidate, I’m APC, but for the governorship election, I’m going to support, I’m going to work assiduously for the candidature of Biyi Otegbeye and his deputy, Tunde Awonuga.”

He added that for justice, equity and fairness, the next governor of the state must come from Ogun West Senatorial District, which has never produced a governor since the creation of the state. He said it was regrettable that his successor derailed from the development plan his administration started, insisting that only Otegbeye could return the state to the positive trajectory his government recorded.

“The good works we started during my tenure must continue and this is why I’m supporting Biyi Otegbeye. Everybody knows me. I don’t hide behind one finger. Evil thrives when good men refuse to talk; you know me; I’m APC, but this election that is coming, I support presidency coming to the South and that is why I’m supporting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; that is why all the Amosun political family are supporting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“There are two reasons why I’m doing what I’m doing. The first one is based on equity, justice, and fairness. Ogun State is almost 50 years now; since the creation of this Ogun State, nobody from Ogun West has been governor. Some characters are saying Yewa don’t have good people. I know they have. Yewa has good children I know that I can do it. He (Otegbeye) is a lawyer; he has been tested and trusted.

“The second reason and that is very important is that Ogun State must not derail. We have set the path of development for Ogun State; we must not allow it to be derailed.

“I feel sorry; I feel disheartened everyday when I see what is going on in the state. We must revert to that beautiful concept; we have prepared it, for the next 35 years so that people will come after us and will continue to do their own. If you see Lagos, you will say Lagos is doing this, Lagos is doing that, that is what they call continuity, just look at what we have designed for Ogun State.

“What we are here to do today is to take Ogun State back to that great position. I’m not the only governor; so it is not about Amosun. Amosun has done his bit, but Ogun State must go back to that positive trajectory and one person that I know can do the job very well is Biyi Otegbeye.”

Recall that speaking in Abeokuta after receiving an award from the Abeokuta Club to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the association in August 2022, Amosun had used the opportunity to break his silence, alleging that Abiodun rigged the 2019 governorship election that brought him into office.

The senator who claimed that those who were involved in the unlawful act had since apologised

Abiodun

Amosun to him, vowed that the governor would not return to power in 2023 because he had taken the state backwards from the development path his administration laid, The former governor, who was in charge of the gateway state between 2011 and 2019, had fought the biggest war of his political career at the end of his tenure in a bid to install Hon. Abdulkabir Akinlade as the anointed candidate for the APC. The battle polarised the party in the state into factions after Abiodun emerged the candidate of the party for the governorship election. Dissatisfied with the outcome of the governorship primary, Amosun and his supporters moved to the Allied Progressives Movement (APM), under which Akinlade ran and still lost to Abiodun.

Abiodun defeated Akinlade with a margin of 19,517 votes, having polled 241,670 votes as against the APM candidate’s 222,153 votes Ibikunle who was the sitting governor, was said to have fought desperately to overturn

the mandate given to Abiodun. He reportedly visited President Muhammadu Buhari and top monarchs in the state, all to no avail.

Since then, there has been no love lost between the governor and his predecessor. But not many envisaged that the level of animosity between the two of them was deep-rooted until Amosun’s outburst last week Incidentally, the same Akinlade who was Amosun’s anointed candidate in 2019 is now the running mate of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Ladi Adebutu, ahead of the March governorship election.

At the Abeokuta Club event, the former governor said though he had moved on, the governor would not have the opportunity to rig himself back to power.

“During the last election, thank God, Chief Olusegun Osoba is here, I have said it; we won convincingly. They rigged, and ended up with 19,000. Some of them came to apologise to me. I can’t mention names. We won that election.

But I have moved on. We did our work; we will continue to do what we have to do. God will be with all of us,” the former governor reportedly said.

Speaking later in an interview with journalists, Amosun had declared that he was not in support of Abiodun’s administration, insisting that he must be removed. He also assured his supporters that the next line of action would soon be made public.

“Just wait; very soon, you will hear where we are going next. You know my stand, and my stand is my stand. I am not supporting this administration that is there now. He must be removed,” he reportedly added.

But in a swift response, Abiodun had declared that he would not be distracted by any person who had a problem with self-delusion, noting that “Ogun State is not anybody’s father’s inheritance.”

The governor then called on the people of the state to ignore his predecessor, insisting that he would not join issues with him.

“I will not be distracted by any person or persons who have a problem with self-delusion.

I will not be distracted by any person who does not appreciate that Ogun State is not anybody’s father’s inheritance; we are all stakeholders in this commonwealth called Ogun State.

“I am not going to join issues with anyone that wants to play God; I will leave them to God; God can deal with whoever is challenging His authority and wants to play God. All I can say is that what we stand for in Ogun State is an administration that is committed to providing purposeful leadership and purposeful infrastructural development across the length and breadth of the state,” he said.

Abiodun had, however, expressed his disappointment that a former governor who was a sitting governor in 2019 could allege that he was rigged out during the election.

“How can we on the outside take on an incumbent and then be accused of rigging out an incumbent in the same party? Anyone can explain their failure whichever way they like; anyone can also begin to pant and threaten that they will do whatever,” he added.

However, responding to Amosun’s latest outburst last Wednesday, Governor Abiodun decribed his predecessor as a serial liar who would fail again.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, Abiodun said, “Little doubt he is called Irokunle by people because he is known for dishing out putrid lies all the time.

“As a governor, he promised to do everything and did virtually nothing. He abandoned most of them after claiming to have paid 100 per cent for them. We are known as a promise-keeping administration. We promised only what we could do and did all that we promised.

“It is not surprising that the former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). What is surprising is that he has upped his deceit and political shenanigans by feasting on falsehood started last week by Biyi Otegbeye, his new party’s candidate.

“While Otegbeye was awe-struck by the finesse of the Gateway City Centre and put a figure of N7billion on a N350million project, Amosun at the flag-off of Otegbeye campaign rally lied to have completed a Model School at Kobape and slammed a N3 billion as renovation cost on the said school.

“It is a shame that the former governor does not know the difference between converting an abandoned project to a socially desirable tech hub at this age and time.”

Many observers however believe that if Amosun could not defeat Abiodun when he had much influence as a two-term sitting governor and a close ally of President Buhari, he should not think that it would be easy for him to achieve the feat in the March poll, especially now that his camp is depleted.

60

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 12 , 2023

CICERO INTERVIEW OLAJIDE ADEDIRAN :

I’ll Create a Lagos that will Work for Everybody Despite the odds against him, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for Lagos State, Olajide Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, is confident that he would deliver the state to his party. In a recent encounter with Vanessa Obioha, he highlights the benefits of having a PDP governor in Lagos and PDP presidency

H

ow do you reckon your desire for an inclusive government will play out in Lagos?

Obviously, Lagos4Lagos is a mantra that got everybody’s expectations embedded in it, irrespective of where you are from in Lagos. Whether you are from the east or anywhere. It simply means a Lagos that works for everybody, as against what we currently have, that is working for a privileged few. A Lagos for all. A Lagos where you see the wealth of Lagos working for everybody living in Lagos, as against the current state of the world which is only rich on paper.

We want the one that is wealthy in truth as against the one that we can only hear the amount of money Lagos is making. We can’t see it anywhere. So this is what we want to do the best with our Lagos4Lagos.

Irrespective of who you are or where you are from, Lagos must work for you.

What are those things that you intend to give immediate attention to if you are elected?

Firstiseducation.Youknowit’safoundation,abedrock for development. And currently, unfortunately, we have about two million of our children out of school. So when we come in, we want to see as quickly as we can reduce that embarrassing number of out-of-school children by making sure that I engage private school owners and see how many of these students we can spread across in their schools. We’ll give them uniform, we’ll give them learning aid, we will give them everything that they need in exchange for tax incentives. We also see how we can make use of the churches and mosques, because during the school hours these spaces are always open, and see if they can give us some of these spaces to unbundle some of these children and have a resource person that will be taking them during the school hours. That way, we would have reduced the number of out-of-school children without investing a fortune at first and we’ll do that pending when we now have embarked on infrastructural development, an aggressive one across the length and breadth of the states to make sure we have infrastructure where we can then accommodate these children. That’s the very first thing we are looking at.

And again, we’re also going to look at the very unfortunate thing that is considered to be Lagos peculiarity, which is traffic. And we have about 12 flash points in the centre of Lagos where we can quickly use government policies to resolve, not necessarily embark on infrastructural development or a renewal or expanding bridges. Where we can enforce the law not minding whose ox is gored by telling the people who are causing traffic by creating levies where necessary to quickly fill the space where I have 12 flashpoints we can address.

Also the issue of flood. Of course, it’s not in one day that we can resolve everything but we can mitigate the impact and ameliorate the suffering of the people, you know, in this area. So these are the things that we’re going to quickly look into. Aside the fact that the moment we come in, it shows that wealth of Lagos is off one man’s pocket, and we can now use it for the people of Lagos.

Do you have plans to improve the standard of education in public schools?

One thing I know is that it’s about time that we paid serious attention to the ones we call teachers.

Because today, what we have is somebody who has refused to do well in some areas. They are the ones that we push to teach in schools or to go and teach our children. It shouldn’t be. It is one profession that we have not paid attention to. It is one profession that we must make very, very competitive. That is where we should deploy our best hands.

And the foundation is from even the structure itself where you have to score 300 to go to university, score 200 to go to polytechnic and if you score 120, you can now go to NCE and come back to become a teacher.

It shouldn’t be. These are the things that we have to come up with, a policy to change in its entirety so that we will have those who are qualified to really

upon all the threats. They can’t announce it because announcing it will amount to a death penalty. Atiku Abubakar is going to win and he will win with a slide.

Jandor impart this knowledge on our children.

With the scarcity of Naira, there is a school of thought that it is a contrived situation by politicians to enable them mop up cash. Are you concerned that money (vote buying) could play a major role in the coming election?

Well, I think if the CBN is able to prove through with this policy, that would have reduced to the barest minimum, the issue of vote-buying in this election. And as you can see, we have one political party and their candidates, the only one shouting and suddenly turning themselves to the messiah of the poor. The same poor that they actually created. They are going to court, asking for extension and you will be wondering where were they when ASUU was on strike for nine months? Hey didn’t say anything. Where were they when — it’s going to be six months now that we have been battling with fuel scarcity. They didn’t say anything. The moment the government is coming up with a policy that will ensure that we avert vote buying in this country, that is when you see them coming up and shouting, you know, crucify.

It speaks to their character. And for me, I think that the things that CBN needs to do is to make the new Naira available for those who you know depend on daily earnings so that they can get it. If they’re able to do that, I don’t think anybody… I’m sure the poor are not crying foul because they don’t even have old Naira notes to stockpile at home. What they need is availability of the new Naira so that they can get a little change and I’m sure CBN is up to the task to make provisions for that. So those that are crying foul is because they have stockpiled cash everywhere to use for this election.

Do you foresee any other threat that will pose a challenge to the election?

No, I think ordinarily, the issue of insecurity, which is normal but you see, we’re happy that all the heads of formations have expressed their readiness for this election, even INEC has expressed the readiness for this election. And we believe with such assurances, of course we’re good to go. So for me I think the elections should just come and go.

What is your thought on INEC’s decision to

work with MC Oluomo-led parks committee for the distribution of election materials and personnel in the state?

Before now, the practice has always been INEC collaborating with NURTW. And when that happens, of course, they take logistics to places that they need to get to. But unfortunately, there is a peculiarity in the state of Lagos. The man who is in the eye of this storm has presented himself to be a partisan person, especially in this election. And I don’t think it will be sensible for INEC to go ahead with such a person and say we’re still going to give him control of logistics and movement and all of that. Without anybody saying, I think INEC can do its own due diligence and get the facts right. Now, if you look at it, it is not that he is the owner of the buses in Lagos. Of course, private owners who have these buses and all of that, anybody can call them to deploy and get things done. Not necessarily him. I think it’s unacceptable. And INEC will look into it.

There are still a few persons who think you shouldn’t have been the governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos State.

There’s nobody in the PDP that is unhappy with my emergence as the candidate of the party. All the people that contested with me are already working together asides from the only one who left for the other party and he didn’t even go with his wife. So what’s the point if he decamped and your wife didn’t follow you. What do you call that? So we don’t have issues with anybody.

With the G-5 governors taking a stance against your party’s presidential candidate, would this in any way affect the overall performance of the party, particularly in Lagos?

It won’t affect even the states where the G-5 are governors, let alone Lagos State. Because all of them have stakes in the presidential election. Three of them are running for the Senate from the G-5 and they know that it would be impossible for them to tell voters, majority of whom are literate to say, vote for this or not vote for this in this election where they will be given three ballot papers. Any attempt to do that will spell doom. That is why they can’t even pronounce anybody else as their presidential candidate

What is the most apparent advantage of having a PDP in the presidency and in Lagos?

Having my president win at the centre and me also winning at the state by His grace shows that Lagos is good for you. You will now see that the hypocrisy of this current government in Lagos, who for over the years has been promising and saying they are fighting for special status for Lagos, which they have been accusing PDP of not giving their local government of which was even created, for not enlisting it in the Constitution. Now, they’ve been in power for eight years. With one of them as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the have not been able to give Lagos special status. They have not been able to give all these local governments, enlisting them into the constitution. So you can see the hypocrisy.

They don’t mean well for this state. If you have used eight years and still unable to give Lagos a special status, you were unable to ensure that the constitution recognises the newly created local government areas, it shows hypocrisy and they don’t mean well for Lagos State. So our own president has promised to devolve the power to the state, and we believe he is going to do it. Our own president has promised to set aside $10 billion, you know, for women and youth empowerment. I mean, look at that thinking, and they asked him where he is going to get this money from.

And he said, “I’m going to sell the moribund refineries that are not even doing anything as we speak. If I sell them, I will raise that money and use it for youth and women empowerment.”

That money will reduce poverty, that money will ensure that our youths get work and the majority of them that are now carrying arms today will have something to do and it will reduce insecurity.

Whether it is a consortium of companies or one that pays that money to buy the refineries, they will not just be watching the refineries. They would have set aside another five billion to resuscitate them, so the money will also come into our economy. And before you know it gives some people job and when it is completed, it still gives room for more job opportunities. That is how to think. That is a president that has a clear cut policy and he goes everywhere saying it, speaking it, preaching it, unlike the other ones that will just go anywhere and all they do is abusing people. They don’t have anything, they don’t have any plans. You can’t even pick whatever it is that they’re saying. So this is it for us. It’s going to be a good deal for Lagos if we have a president like Atiku Abubakar and I’m here as governor of Lagos State.

What winning edge does Atiku have over Peter Obi and Bola Tinubu?

Politicians understand that election management requires coordination. It requires spread. Yes, there is this frenzy about which is good for our system, which is putting those in other political parties on their toes. But it’s not something you do nine months to the election.

Remember when we started this Lagos4Lagos movement, this is going to be eight years now, and we didn’t do anything in those eight years. We didn’t contest for any election because we were building. Until we were done, we did not throw our hats into the ring. So it’s a good one but it’s going to be difficult. The president of Nigeria in 2023 is going to be Atiku Abubakar. I’m very confident that people will vote for him.

Is there any iota of truth in the speculation that Tinubu reneged on his promise to make you a governor, that was why you fell out with him and moved to another party?

I have never sat down with Tinubu before.

Never? Not even a phone call?

Never. I have never been to his house, never stepped foot in his abode.

Read full Interview online - www.thisdaylive.com

61

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 12 , 2023

CICERO INTERVIEW

Bago: We’ll Awaken Niger State, the Sleeping Giant Three-term member of the National Assembly and Niger State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago insists that the Nigeria’s largest state should be the nation’s first in development as he shares his vision with Louis Achi on how to actualise the transformation and awaken the sleeping giant

Y

have a very robust leadership.

When you talk about leadership you also need to work with the local system. You cannot come up with a different policy without understanding the traditional institutions. For example, with regards to the issue of insecurity, if there is a partnership of the state government with the traditional institutions honestly speaking about 80 per cent of these security challenges can be addressed.

ou are aspiring to transition from being a national legislator to the governor of Niger State. What is driving this aspiration?

First, you have to understand the condition of our state and the need for us to also project our state beyond what it is. If you compare Niger State to its peers like Bauchi, you will see that we are lagging behind. Again, as a citizen of Niger State, I don’t have any other state outside Niger. I have been a federal legislator for 12 years. I have worked in the banking industry for about 15 years. If you add that up you’ll understand I have spent about 27 years in the system.

I have seen how smaller states have become giants just because they have been able to sit down and understand the peculiarities of their states and even their strengths and their weaknesses. Based on that, I see in Niger State the potential to become a really great state. It is the only state to-date that is housing entire hydro dams but the overflows from those dams are not used for irrigation.

We have so much arable land - 76,000 square kilometres of arable land.

We are supposed to be a giant in agricultural production but we are still living on subsistence agriculture. There is a need for us to go beyond what we are doing now to become a great state. Again, we are the highest producer of rice paddy but we don’t have rice production at the scope we should. Even Kebbi State is dependent on the paddy we produce in Niger State to feed its own industries. We have gold and hydro-carbons. We have the population.

Even the proximity of Niger State to FCT is enough.

About 75 per cent of the entire landmass of the FCT was carved from Niger State. So, you can imagine how close we are to FCT without tapping the potential from Abuja.

We are looking into these dimensions. We have seen what Ogun State has done being neighbours to Lagos State. We have seen how El-Rufai has transformed Kaduna State, from an old colonial setting to a very modern city.

These things are practicable and can be done.

These have inspired me. With my experience in the legislature and the banking sector, I can take Niger State to Uhuru.

You have laid out developmental possibilities. Can you share the nitty-gritty of your vision to transform Niger State?

Cut to the bone, our vision is to provide good governance to the people of Niger State through accountability, equity, innovation, provision of state-of-the-art infrastructure and an enabling environment for businesses and investment to thrive.

My charter with the people of the state is to build around four cardinal programmes. These include: Creation of a state with a sustainable economy driven by massive agricultural development, investment in tourism, renewable energy, solid minerals, innovation, technology and services, free trade zones, industrial parks, and creation of economic cities to serve as hubs for development and employment.

Secondly, we will create a state with stateof-the-art infrastructure achieved through a deliberate urban renewal plan, which includes but not limited to the provision of quality road network and rail infrastructure, urban transportation, and city surveillance systems.

Additionally, we will develop modern trailer/ lorry parks, bus and car parks, commercial

Bago sport centres and recreational parks.

Thirdly, we will create a state where its citizens have access to basic social amenities and infrastructure to make life meaningful, including quality healthcare, access to quality inclusive education, security of life and property, food security, potable water, affordable housing, recreational facilities and sporting pastime.

Lastly, we shall create a state established on the principles of good governance characterised by equity, accountability, an efficient civil service, maintenance of law and order, an enabling business environment, good financial governance, optimised internally generated revenue, technology for governance, and inclusive governance and policy making.

We are supposed to be the agricultural giant of Nigeria, given our land mass, cash crops and more. The numbers are there. It’s just to cross the t’s and dot the I’s. Niger State has the greatest deposit of shear nuts and there is no single shear butter processing plant in the state.

Much of your analysis of Niger State’s development quandary largely applies to many other northern states. Do we then locate the problem in the structure of the current federalism or leadership?

It’s both ways. If I had my way, I would say let’s revert to the Constitution of 1963. I have studied that Constitution closely and seen that the crafters of that constitution were very sensitive to the diversity in our culture and people.

However, now we are in the federal system where it is different. Now leadership plays a significant role.

You cannot eat your cake and have it back. In terms of leadership, we need to see leaders do much better than they are doing. I don’t want to belabour the issue of federalism. Rather, how do we use what we have to make the best for our people? And that is to

Niger State youths and women represent a critical part of its demography but appear to be under-engaged. What will be their place in the new Niger you have envisioned?

The psyche of an average youth is that he wants to be employed by the government.

This is wrong. There must be a reorientation of the youths and peoples’ psyche. Secondly, you must train and retrain these youths so that they can be very useful and thereafter be appropriately engaged. When a state like Niger is lamenting that it is under-resourced you start to wonder. If Niger should complain of being under-resourced then every other state should also be lamenting. This shouldn’t be so.

We have ways of generating revenue but you have to engage these people very well, much of which I captured in my vision.

So, we are going to engage the youths very positively, both as artisans and others. We are going to revive vocational education for people to understand there is dignity in vocational jobs. Now, there is a stereotype - when people say you are a plumber some people bring you down. They don’t know that a plumber earns more than even that person on Level 8 or 9. That stereotype is wrong. For example in Abuja, you can see that a lot of youths are doing Uber. They are taxi drivers but they are happy because there is no stereotyping in terms of that type of engagement. So, we need to also change the thinking and psyche of our people.

On women, it’s our intention to give them about 40 if not 50 per cent representation in the system. We will give them equal representation because we know that when women are engaged the families are stronger. For example, if you give a man N10,000, maybe N2,000 will go home and N8,000 will be spent outside. But when you give a woman N10,000 the opposite scenario plays out. She will take N8,000 home.

So you can imagine that. We are going to empower women. I was talking about shear nuts. In the first year we intend to engage 400,000 rural women to pick shear nuts. It has a three-month cycle in a year. We will pay them for a year. We will engage them positively.

So, we will give our women and youths priority.

The next governorship election appears to be very competitive. What are your chances?

By the grace of God we will surmount the competition and come out very strong. We are not worried because we know what we have on the table. We understand what our people want. So far, we have a free and fair election but we don’t have any cause for alarm.

However, you don’t take your opponents for granted. We are not taking any chances. We are campaigning ward by ward, unit by unit.

We will not stop campaigning till the election.

What message do you have for the people of the state?

In an attempt to build a new Niger, we want every hand on deck irrespective of party lines.

After about 42 years of the creation of Niger State, we are still where we are. We have to forget party lines, unite and transform Niger.

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • FEBRUARY 12, 2023

62

B AC K PAG E C O N T I N UAT I O N COMMON ERRORS ABOUT NIGERIA (IV): VOTE-BUYING This takes me to my next point. There are several factors in the mix when voters make their choices at the ballot. To hold money solely responsible is to ignore a body of evidence from our history. I have written about these factors in times past, some of which are interwoven. Buhari won the 2015 presidential election because a lot of factors came together: the sitting president seeking re-election had been damaged politically; Buhari himself had a solid support base that had always backed him from 2003 when he first threw his hat in the ring; and he forged the right political alliances that could deliver the required votes to him. No amount of vote-buying could stop his momentum.

Now, has anyone ever been elected president of Nigeria solely because of vote-buying? I have been browsing my head and I am unable to click on a concrete proof. Candidate Olusegun Obasanjo was elected in 1999 mainly because of the massive support from the north, southeast and south-south. Despite the money the PDP spent in the south-west (and they spent plenty of it), Obasanjo did not win in any of the six states. Why? The June 12 emotions were still running in the veins of the voters. The Alliance for Democracy (AD) did not need to buy one vote. It helped that another Yoruba, Chief Olu Falae, was on the ballot and he was their preferred candidate. Vote-buying was of no value.

Regional sentiments were also evident in 2003, when Obasanjo — with no major Yoruba opponent to compete with — finally won the

south-west states. Buhari, who was growing in popularity in the north, defeated Obasanjo in 10 out of the 19 states. He subsequently held on to his northern base and gained more support until he finally won in 2015, despite all the money pumped in by the PDP. No amount of money could buy Buhari’s loyal voters who clearly had an affinity with him.

There were also regional sentiments in the north.

Many northerners felt Jonathan should do only one term having benefited from the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and spent five years in office.

The 2007 elections that produced Yar’Adua were a joke, but I can confidently say he did not buy the votes. The PDP was a monster in those days. I think they were controlling about 27 states, so they were everywhere, swarming on us from every corner and every direction.

Also, I would not say Jonathan won in 2011 by buying the votes. Regional sentiments favoured him in the south, where he won 16 out of 17 states (with only Osun not getting the memo).

Up north, Buhari won in 12 states while Jonathan took seven, mostly in the north-central zone. And as I have pointed out, it would be extremely difficult to prove that Buhari bought votes in 2015 — or for his re-election in 2019.

At this point, let me clarify two things. One, I am not saying you can win a presidential election without spending money. For starters, there are 176,846 polling units across Nigeria.

Every candidate is expected to have an agent at every unit. Transportation and feeding for 176,846 agents will cost money, even if you are

giving only N1,000 to each of them. Campaign souvenirs, posters, rallies and advertising cost money. Politicians have mobilisers who share food and gifts before and also on election day as logistics or entertainment to mobilise supporters to come out and vote. We can lie all we want, but there is no major party that is not spending heavily on this electioneering.

A second clarification: I have deliberately limited my argument to vote-buying in presidential elections because that is thought to be the motive behind the naira redesign. It is much easier to buy your way into winning house of assembly, governorship and national assembly polls because of the geographical coverage which makes vote-trading more effective. True, you can win the presidential ticket of your party by bribing delegates. The numbers are manageable.

But I insist that during presidential elections, the role of retail vote-buying is exaggerated. I admit you can induce the INEC and security officials to manipulate things for you — but you don’t need the new naira for that.

If I were to summarise my argument, I would do it this way: the perception that voters make their choices on presidential election day based on financial inducement is not only problematic but also highly debatable. Voters are motivated by more than one factor. Many people vote out of loyalty to a party, an individual or an alliance — what I call “political affinity”; some because of ethnic, regional or religious sentiments — which are “primordial”; some because of ideological leanings — they look out for manifestos, personal character and

track record; and some because of material gain — they are only after the cash and the rice. No doubt, more than one factor can also be at play.

Over all, I still do not think vote-buying trumps political affinity, primordial sentiments and ideological leanings in the scheme of things.

From the historical examples I have given as per presidential elections, it is logically impossible to argue that anyone has been elected president in the last 24 years solely through retail vote-buying.

That is why I think this naira redesign policy may not be the ultimate cure for vote-buying and Nigerians will have suffered for nothing if the “unwanted” candidate wins based on his political alliances. Not everybody who buys votes wins an election and not everybody wins an election by buying votes. There are many elements in the mix.

I almost forgot to add this: there are other ways of inducing voters. You can give them rice, garri and bread. You don’t need the new naira to do that — you can simply transfer funds to the suppliers. It is also wrong to think only one candidate will be hurt by the policy, except the CBN surreptitiously makes the new naira available to his major opponents. In that case, that would mean the objective of the policy in the first place was not to check vote-buying but just to make sure only one candidate is disadvantaged in the 2023 vote-trading market.

Still, I reject and condemn vote-buying in any form — but I assert that it is not the sole or key determinant of why voters vote the way they do.

And Four Other Things…

POSITIVE ON POLLS Many of my friends have been worried about the unfolding events in Nigeria and how these will impact on the general election. There is the unending drama around the naira. There is the crippling petrol scarcity. There are pockets of violence here and there. “Are you sure the elections will hold?” someone asked me. I said I am sure the polls would take place. “Are you sure there would be no excuse to postpone the polls or cancel the outcome?” another asked. My response was the same: we will go to the polls, someone will be elected president and there will be a handover ceremony at the Eagle Square on May 29, 2023. Call me a reckless optimist and I won’t argue with you.

Positive.

POISONOUS POLITICS I thought 2015 presidential election was the most toxic ever, as APC supporters hurled all kinds of insults and lies at President Jonathan. It turned out I was wrong because the 2019 poll was even more toxic, with all kinds of propaganda directed at President Buhari. Some even said he was dead and it was one Jibril Al Sudani, of no fixed address, that was impersonating him. I would now rate the 2023 presidential election as the most toxic ever, with lies, propaganda and insults — fuelled by ethnic and religious hate — flying around daily. Let me predict that 2027 will be the most toxic ever, and 2031 will even beat the record. Except the thugs on social media change their ways. Noxious.

LEVEL FIELD There is, understandably, outrage that INEC will move electoral materials on election day in Lagos state through the transport unions. The complaint is that one of their leaders is an associate of a presidential candidate. Although INEC uses transport unions across the country, I wish they would use other means in Lagos for whatever it is worth. I am happy that universities have been closed for students to be able to vote where they registered. Personally, I do not think all these things would amount to much, but it is imperative to address complaints and grievances as much as possible so that nobody would have enough excuses to reject the outcome of the elections. Transparency.

SUPREME CONFIDENCE Recently, I expressed worries about how courts are displacing voters in choosing their leaders.

There is an update: the Supreme Court has decided that the senatorial candidate of the APC in Yobe North is Senator Ahmad Lawan who did not participate in the primary. Lawan had been busy chasing the APC presidential ticket. I think Lawan can still have it both ways.

Since the courts now decide who should be candidate and who should be declared winner, there are chances that Lawan can still become president of Nigeria. All it takes is for someone to file some suit and the courts will declare Lawan president. As they say in Warri, by special arrangement, even devil can see God. Ridiculous.

following as the objectives of the Naira redesign policy: to reduce the portion of money in circulation outside the banking system, to increase the supply of clean notes, to make monetary policy more efficacious, to limit counterfeiting of the Naira, to deepen the cashless policy and to support the security forces in fighting terrorism and ransom taking.

Most of these objectives are desirable while one or two clearly stand on thin ice. There is also lack of clarity about whether the policy was about cash swap or about demonetisation and whether the two objective can be pursued simultaneously. This is the fourth flaw. All these notwithstanding, a concession can be made that CBN has the right to set its objectives whether those objectives are realisable or not. However, CBN has not provided a compelling argument why these objectives can only be achieved within six or eight weeks of making the new Naira notes available. The CBN governor has been speaking authoritatively and sternly about immovable deadlines. Which of his stated objectives will suffer from a more flexible deadline and why?

And why such a haste that imposes a cost on the generality of the populace, especially the poor and the vulnerable, when CBN has not made enough cash available to those who need them?

It is this dogmatism about deadline and the small issue of timing that have fuelled all sorts of insinuations that the CBN might have other intentions, including those clearly beyond its remit.

Right from the time the policy was announced, a spin emerged that the Naira redesign is intended to stop vote-buying in the forthcoming general election. The CBN has neither confirmed nor denied this. It is conceivable that this spin enjoys CBN’s endorsement. The spin has taken a life of its own, including spurning subvariants and conspiracy theories about how the policy was designed to stop a particular candidate and how ample supply of new notes have been made

available to one of the candidates endorsing the policy. There may be nothing to all these insinuations. But this is a really unfortunate turn of events, and a key flaw itself. The CBN and its policies should never be dragged into the arena of partisan and electoral politics.

By all means, vote-buying and related economic and political ills should be tackled headlong, with the state in the lead. But there should be more precise and effective tools, including specific financial, intelligence and law enforcement instruments, for addressing such. If indeed the noble desire to stop vote-buying is one of the unstated objectives of the policy, then CBN has deployed a blunt and indiscriminate tool that is unjustly harming millions instead of narrowly targeting the few perpetrators of vote buying.

What the CBN has done is akin to setting a house and its occupants on fire to kill a few rats. Incidentally, a policy that results in people not being able to access their own money has also made many susceptible and vulnerable to vote selling. Talk of the harm of unintended consequences.

Mindful policy makers observe a golden rule: Do No Harm. To be sure, causing some discomfort or harm is sometimes unavoidable in the contact sport that is policymaking. This is where running policy options through the cost-benefit lens comes in, why payoffs and trade-offs are carefully weighed, why there is always the need to aim for the least costly and most beneficial approach, and why simulation, sequencing, timing, flexibility and iteration are touchpoints of effective policy-making.

Weighed against these principles, this particular policy doesn’t pass muster. The deadline should be extended until CBN is able to meet the demand for new notes. And until then and as advised by the Council of State, the old notes should be reintroduced to mitigate the unwarranted harm to citizens and the country.

NAIRA REDESIGN, POLICY DESIGN AND EXECUTION FLAWS available until December 15th, it initially asked banks not to pay new notes over counter, then it imposed a limit on how much they could give out over the counter.

Nigerians easily picked up the signal that CBN was rationing the new notes. Those who have access to the new notes assign a margin. Those who get or buy the new notes are not letting go of them, so the notes are not getting back into the banks or are not going into circulation. The initial scarcity created a second order scarcity: most people are scampering to join the evergrowing queues, increasing the sense of scarcity.

The inadequacy of online banking and digital payment platforms compounded the search for cash. A few have taken advantage of the scarcity, and they should be made to face the music.

But the real problem is the scarcity that CBN created and signalled. Once there are enough new notes, there won’t be a reason for anyone to hoard them or pay a premium to get them or spend precious hours on queues just to get just a few thousands.

This leads to a third lapse in the design and implementation of the policy: CBN’s underestimation of the cash need of Nigerians.

An article on the Policy Insight platform of Agora Policy, a think tank that I run, captures this well. Titled ‘Naira Redesign Policy: Of Faulty Assumptions, Systemic Risks and Ways Out,’ the article submits that Nigeria has a significant informal sector and “informality and cash use go hand-in-hand”. An NBS data cited by the article shows that as at 2021, only 35.4% of women and 47.2% of men between the ages of 15 and 49 had bank accounts in Nigeria. Sum: a majority of Nigerians are unbanked and will need cash to get by daily. But even the banked still need and rely on cash, a position backed by data.

“Almost all available information pointed to cash being ubiquitous in the daily life of Nigerians,” the article states. “The failure by

Emefiele the CBN to foresee this necessary cash demand means that it probably underestimated how much demand there would be for the new currency notes.” (The article can be accessed here: https:// agorapolicy.org/naira-redesign-policy-of-faultyassumptions-systemic-risks-and-ways-out/). This underestimation and other faulty assumptions are design errors, and they fall squarely on the CBN. From a policy design and implementation perspective, it would have been better for the CBN to overestimate than to underestimate.

If anyone that wanted a replacement for their deposited cash could get as much as they needed from Day 1, the queues, the rush for cash and the sharp practices wouldn’t have started. This approach also aligns with the exhortation in Murphy’s Law. In his initial announcement and in subsequent interventions, the CBN governor set out the

63

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 12 , 2023

ENGAGEMENTS

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

Spring of Discontent

D

ecember 17, 2010 marked the beginning of the Arab Spring, a modern day revolution sparked by an assault on human dignity.

MohammedBouazizi,aTunisian street corner vegetable vendor had his produce and weighing scaleconfiscatedbyafemalepoliceofficerostensibly becausehedidnothaveapermit.Thepoliceofficer notonlyslappedhimbutalsospatinhisface.Bouazizi subsequentlywenttocomplaintothegovernorand requestedtoatleasthavehisscaleback.Neitherthe governornoranyofhisofficialsgavetheaggrieved man audience. He returned to the street, doused himself in gasoline and set himself ablaze with an unansweredquestionofdesperationashislastcry: ‘How do you expect me to make a living?”

Therestofwhatfollowedthatselfimmolationis history.Wildstreetprotestsandriotingfollowed.In less than a month, Tunisia’s long standing dictator, ZineElAbidineBenAliwasousted.Protestsspreadto otherArabcapitals.Longentrencheddictatorshipsin Egypt,Libya,Yemen,SyriaandBahrainwererattled and mostly sacked. The Arab Spring was born and spreadlikeawildfire.Itdidnothoweverbringabout the spread or acceptance of liberal democracy in theentireArabWorldbutitshookthefoundations of the prevailing order.

It has however left in its aftermath a few better democracies (Tunisia), some failed states (Libya andYemen)andreinforcedautocracies(Egypt,Iran, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia). But in all of the region, protestsbasedonthedignityofindividualcitizens are not likely to be ignored any more.

I recount this prefatory scenario in order to foreground the developments in Nigeria in the last fortnight or more. On the eve of a decisive general election, the Central Bank of Nigeria with theexpressauthorityoflameduckPresident,Major General Muhammadu Buhari, sprang the surprise of a currency change on Nigerians. Ostensibly, a colourtweakedversionoftheNaira’sthreehighest denominations was to replace the existing ones in a swift economic guerilla operation. After all, as a militarydespotbackin1984,Mr.Buharihadchanged thenation’scurrencyinabidtoimpoverishSecond Republic politicians who were suspected to have stashed away huge troves of cash. That earlier maneuver was a resounding thoughtless disaster.

Now again, another currency change shock has been deployed. As it turns out, the new policy is backed by neither informed policy design thinking norevenbasicmathematicalcommonsense.More embarrassingistheignoranceaboutthedangerthata defectiveeconomicpolicyposestonationalsecurity and political well being. Apparently, not enough of thenewnotesweremintedtoreplacetheoldones.

So,thenewnotesbecameinstantlyscarceandhave becometheobjectofillicitunderhandtradeandblack marketeering.Meanwhile,mosthonestpeoplehad turned in their old notes in obedience of deadlines thathavenowbeenshiftedtwice.Suddenly,thenation of over 200 million has been hit by a scarcity of both new and old currencies. What was initially touted as a move towards an automatic ‘cashless’ regime has become an unintended descent into a primitive moneyless economy. For a people that werewaitingfordemocracytoalleviatetheirother hardships, an instant democratisation of penury is the new reality.

Belated official explanations of the intention of the policy have since tumbled out of the incoherent voice of a government famous for speaking in severaltonguesaboutthesamesubject.Some court economists said the currency change was aimed at fighting run away inflation. They quickly cited instance of other countries that have carried out similar changes. India is their favourite reference.

Another school of Central Bank rationalizers has insisted that the policy is aimed at deepening the nation’s cashless economy so that most Nigerians canbeforcedtotransactviaonlinedigitalchannels and abandon their habitual reliance on cash.

Themorepoliticalwingofofficialtowncriershas belatedly confessed that the policy was actually aimedatpreventingwealthypoliticalbaronsfrom buyingupmostvotesintheforthcomingelections.

Theprimitivecalculationisthatgovernmentwould deny such politicians of access to excess old Naira notes they had stashed away in private vaults and thus prevent them from converting the February and March elections into yet another bazaar of transactional democracy.

The various excuses advanced as the basis of thiscurrencychangehaveallturnedoutsomewhat foolish.Theexcuseoffightinginflationhasneutral-

Buhari ized itself. Scarcity has made access to the Naira subject to upwards of 10%-20% premium. Instead of inflation meaning too much money chasing too few goods, Nigeria’s Central Bank has redefined it to mean no money at all chasing available goods or expensivemoneychasingavailableexpensivegoods!

When you add the new cost of the local currency to theskyhighexchangerateandofcoursetheelevated pricesofgoods,theantiinflationargumentsbursts like a two penny balloon.

The phantom cashless argument has almost unraveled. Whatever cashless mechanisms were inplacebeforethisrecentcurrencychangehavegone upliterallyinsmoke.Inanyevent,thecashlesspolicy hasbeenwithussincetheearly2000ifnotearlier.It hasachievedsomecommendablesuccesswithout acurrencychangeordeliberatelyinflictinghardship on an already distressed public.

At present, cash scarcity has stretched existing online platforms for financial transactions to their limits. The channels have been over burdened and nowhardlywork.ATMmachinesofthevariousbanks deployedalloverthecountryhaveneithernewnorold notestodispense.Mostareemptytobeginwith.Most online Bank transfers hardly work as the channels andplatformsareeithernotfunctioningorareover congested.Intheruralandsemiruralareas,illiterates and poor people cannot access cash.

Mostofthosewhohavebankaccountshavenow come to see banks as that place where you deposit yourhardearnedmoneyandcannolongergetitout.

The very credibility of the formal financial sector has been eroded. Even the last line POS operators that helped cushion rural and poor people from the tyranny of the cashless regime have been knocked outofthesystembythesheerlogjaminthebanking system and the real scarcity of cash in the system.

Outoffearofspreadingvandalismandattacks,most banks have shut their branches to safeguard their assets and the lives of their staff. Cashless has now come to mean ‘moneyless’!

On the matter of the vote trade, many questions haveemerged.Whywouldaresponsiblegovernment unleash a far reaching economic policy based on a one factor political intent? As a factor of the entire population,howmanybadpoliticianscanbuyenough votestovitiatetheoutcomeofafreeandfairtechnology based election?

More worrisomely, the political meaning of the policy in terms of vote buying has been tilted by political parties and interests. In the popular lore, the Naira redesign gimmick is understood as a ploy deliberately designed to stall the vote buying schemesoftheAPCpresidentialcandidate,Mr.Bola Tinubu. For some reason, Mr. Tinubu has become synonymousinthepopularimaginationwithexcessive

wealthandareadinesstodeployanarmadaofcash toachievehispoliticalends.Thereadiestsymbolism of his attachment to ‘cash and carry’ politics is the bullionvan.Moreuncharitablecommentatorshave come to characterize Mr. Tinubu as the bullion van politician. The veracity of this attachment remains contentious but it seems to have stuck to the man and his complicated reputational liabilities.

Yettheconundrumofthemomentremainsthatof Mr.MuhammaduBuhari.Thereadiestquestionisthis: ifindeedthispolicywastargetedatMr.Tinubu,why would the president authorize the Central Bank to initiateapolicythatwouldlimittheelectoralchances ofthecandidateofhisownrulingparty?Butthereare evenmorefundamentalquestionssinceMr.Buhari is himself a product of the transactional politics he now seems to want to combat.

Themorefar-reachingconcernsoftheragingNaira crisistouchonthecredibilityandveryintegrityofthe currentNigerianstate. Ordinarily,theCentralBank has no business with politics even if its economic policies could have political consequences. But to designandrolloutaneconomicpolicyandopenlyown up to its political intent does not become a credible CentralBank.AndthisiswhatMr.GodwinEmefiele, GovernoroftheCentralBank,hasrepeatedlydone throughout this crisis. He has even expressed an unusualreadinesstoprovidecashtoINECtosupport the elections if necessary!

Curiously,PresidentBuhariseemstohaverepeatedlyturnedablindeyetotheserialtransgressionsof Mr. Emefiele. In the run up to the party presidential primaries,Mr.Emefielewasacardcarryingmember oftherulingAPC.HeevenacquiredtheN100million nominationformforthepresidentialslotoftheparty.

Hemobilizedhugepoliticalfollowership,boughtand brandedcountlesscampaignvehiclesandfloateda hugeundergroundcampaign.Inhisrecentaltercations with security agencies and political interests, Mr. Emefiele has shown that he is more of an engaged political agent than a professional economist or banker for that matter. And yet he continues to insistthathederivesalltheauthorityforhiscurious actions from the president.

Meanwhile in the entire national space, all hell has now been let loose. The nation has been hit by an unprecedented scarcity of both new and old notes. Most honest people had surrendered their old notes in obedience of deadlines that have kept shiftinginahabitualgovernmentcultureofflipflops.

Acrossthecountry,ordinarypeoplehavebeenhitby an embarrassing scarcity of cash. Online channels aremostlyoff.Bankshavenonewnotestodispense toiratecustomerswhohaveoccasionallyresorted to acts of vandalism to vent their frustration.

Meanwhile the worst hit are the poor and rural

masses. Small businesses who thrive on hand –tomouthcashflowshaveliterallybeenwipedout.Most people cannot find cash to pay their basic bills. The ruralmajorityandtheunbankedamountingtoover 50% of the population have been knocked off the economic wagon. In the villages, ancient modes of transactionsuchastradebybarterhaveresurfaced to meet basic needs but to no avail.

Indesperatebidstoprotesttheinjusticeandlack of compassion in the currency exchange exercise, innocentpeoplehavehadtheirbasicdignityassaulted, theiresteemdenigratedandtheirpsychologicalbalance dislodged. In one instance, a gentleman went stark naked in a Lagos banking hall in the hope that hisdanglingnuditywouldforcethebankofficialsto avail him of some of his hard earned cash to meet his urgent needs. No luck! Another woman, driven to the limits by the same experience, opted to go half naked exposing her top end while screaming in the banking hall because she cannot find cash to feed her children.

Open public protestations against the inhumanityofthispolicyhavespread.Sporadicinstancesof protest and vandalism of banking halls and ATMs have been reported all over the country. In places like Abeokuta, wild protest has been visited by the policewithlivebulletsleadingtosomedeaths.Most of these protests are driven by the implicit assault on human dignity by an officialdom that has since lostallcompassion.Intheinterim,mostbankshave takenthecommonsenseprecautionofshuttingtheir branches in major cities till further notice thereby deepening a hardship and frustration that non one saw coming.

The political reverberation of this thoughtless policy are loud and clear. The most immediate and consequentialimplicationisthethreatitnowposes totheelectionsofFebruary25thandMarch11th.As anaddedself-imposedstrategicobstacletotheelections,theNairascarcityisaclearandpresentdanger.

It has become a major national security concern.

Election logistics needs to be funded seamlessly.

INEC needs a functioning economic landscape to fund its massive nationwide logistics throughout thecountry.Contractors,transportersandservice providers must be funded in a seamless manner.

People need to have access to their own cash resources to get to polling booths. Political parties needmoneytopaytheiragents,payfortheservices thatfueltheiractivitiesbefore,duringandafterthe elections. All these processes from the private and individualtothecorporateandinstitutionalallneeda freeflowingfinancialsystem. Peopleandorganizations need access to resources to function as free agents of a free society. You cannot have free and fair elections in a constricted economic space.

In the interim, there is scant evidence that the end of the nightmare is any where in sight.

President Buhari has held endless meetings with the Central Bank, security agencies, governors and party people with miserable outcome. He has now scheduled a meeting of the National Council of State to seek additional adult intervention in a self inflicted crisis. But in the interim, conflicting judicial injunctions and court orders are climbing over each other as to when the deadline should be for the exchange of old naira notes. The Central Bank has gone to court to push its own autonomy from the federal government. Three state governors have sued the federal government seeking an indefinite extension of the deadline. Even the Supreme Court has entered an interim injunction seeking an extension of the old Naira exchange deadline from the 10th to 15th of February. As things stand, we have a judicial anarchy on a matter that touches the very livelihood of the people. The interests encouraging this judicial mayhem and its implicitpoliticalmischiefhadbetterfindanalternative country if their enterprise prevail.

Ibeganthispiecebydrawingattentiontohowthe state’s assault on and insensitivity to the dignity of the individual citizen can spark off far reaching unintended political and social consequences. The spreading discontent about this Buhari/Emefiele Naira change is pushing too many Nigerians across the brink. By accident or deliberate mischief, it is all happeningatabadmoment.Thiswideningmassanger anddiscontentmustnotbeallowedtograduateinto proteststhatcouldimperiltheforthcomingelections.

Popularangeranddiscontentmustnotbeallowed toderailthegreatergoodofdemocratictransition.A faultydemocracyisbetterthantheslideintoanarchy and an undemocratic pretension to order. It is bad enoughtoliveinastatedevoidofalltheprotections and guarantees that a responsible sovereign owes its citizens as we currently do.

75

Sunday 12 February, 2023

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N400

MISSILE

Obi to PDP/APC

87 +

5( $ 6 2

1

\HDUV

“What Datti and I are telling you is that all the APC and PDP have done in the last 20 years is to produce insecurity, poverty, joblessness, ASUU strike, fuel scarcity or one form of suffering or the other” – Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, telling Nigerians why the should not vote for PDP or APC in the presidential election.

4*/$&

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Common Errors about Nigeria (IV): Vote-buying

M

illions of Nigerians have been going through hell in the last few weeks as a result of the change in the colours of the national currencies. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced what it called “naira redesign programme” in October 2022 and said the new N1,000, N500 and N200 notes would go into circulation on December 15, 2022 while the old notes would cease to be legal tender on January 31, 2023. That would see the central bank withdraw nearly N3 trillion from circulation within weeks. Coming so close to the 2023 general election, the currency policy was always going to generate controversies, discomfort and economic hardships. I am not surprised at the chaos.

The original objectives of the policy, according to Mr Godwin Emefiele, the CBN governor, were to promote cashless transactions and combat counterfeiting with improved security features — in addition to replacing dirty notes in circulation. The CBN later said it wants to tackle illicit finance — which covers cash stockpiled by kidnappers, drug dealers and politicians.

As the January 31 deadline (later moved and now in limbo) stared us in the face, we started hearing that the policy was targeted at a particular presidential candidate to curtail “vote-buying”.

Emefiele Nigerians, not unexpectedly, became divided: those who think their candidates would benefit from the CBN policy started supporting it.

I’ve been writing a series on the common errors about Nigeria. This instalment may be my most controversial take so far, but I want to quickly

drop this here — the role of “vote-buying” in presidential elections is grossly exaggerated. I would not argue that vote-buying does not play any role at all — that would be disingenuous of me. There are voters who only decide who to vote for on election day based on financial and material inducements. But how many are they? I do not have the data (neither do you) but based on the historical voting patterns in Nigeria’s presidential polls, it will even be more disingenuous to claim that candidates always won elections based on vote-buying.

Before I proceed with today’s discussion, I want to summarise my three previous takes in this series on the “Five Common Errors about Nigeria” — that is, things we generally assume to be totally true about us which, unfortunately, do not match the evidence on the ground. One, I argued that Nigeria is not as rich as we claim, that we are only potentially rich. Two, Nigeria’s underdevelopment is not solely the fault of the president. All tiers of government have a share of the blame. Three, the 1999 Constitution is not responsible for our underdevelopment. The contentious “exclusive legislative list” has not been deployed to stop any state or council from implementing development initiatives.

We will now discuss vote-buying, which I consider to be a serious threat to our democracy.

The phenomenon is not new — it’s been with

us for over six decades — but we cannot sanitise our electoral system unless we tackle it decisively.

Elections should never be won by the highest bidder, otherwise the underlining assumption of “free choice” will be undermined. There is, however, a false belief in Nigeria that only one party or one candidate buys votes. This line of thinking has been propagated by opposition parties since 1999. If they win any election, they will say it was “free, fair and credible”. If they lose, they will say the ruling party bought the votes or rigged outright.

If we assume that money always buys votes — as we tend to believe — I do not think President Goodluck Jonathan would have lost the 2015 presidential election. With the kind of information that later came into the public domain, I would guess that the PDP outspent APC by a ratio of at least 2:1 but still fell short.

This was despite being the party in power, in charge of all the coercive agencies of the state that play key roles in the conduct of elections.

The 2015 polls were more of a referendum on the PDP government than anything else, and Candidate Muhammadu Buhari was well placed to benefit from the public sentiments.

There was no amount of vote-buying that could upstage that.

Continued on page 62

WAZIRIADIO POSTSCRIPT

Naira Redesign, Policy Design and Execution Flaws

T

he cash crunch and the attendant economic and social dislocations created by the currency redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have surfaced many design and implementation flaws that typically undermine the effectiveness of public policies.

Having good intentions (whichever way that is defined) or securing necessary authorisation or demonstrating the stamina to stay the course is never enough or necessarily optimal. Not every policy can or should be executed with the brute force of the state, even under a dictatorship, but especially in a democracy.

There are many lessons screaming to be learnt in the unfolding odyssey of this CBN policy. But the policy designers/implementers and the policy authorisers must demonstrate the capacity to learn, the humility to admit their errors, and, most importantly, the ability to undertake necessary course correction to avoid creating a greater crisis.

Nigeria and Nigerians are going through it at the moment. With generalised insecurity, rising food prices, election-related anxieties, and petrol queues, there is enough tension in the land. The implementation of the Naira redesign policy can create a spark. This should be avoided. At all cost. By all means.

The President Muhammadu Buhari administration has just a little over three months to go. Compromising the fragile, post-COVID economic recovery, gratuitously crippling businesses and livelihoods, and punishing and further immiserating the populace, especially the poor and the vulnerable, in the name of a policy whose benefits are in the future and may be difficult to quantify is not exactly the impression a president wants to leave in his last quarter in office.

The president’s position as the approving authority on currency change in enshrined in 20 (3) of the CBN Act, 2007. So, even when the CBN is the adviser, the designer and the implementer of the policy, the onus is squarely on the president. President Buhari should step in to eliminate the needless suffering inflicted on Nigerians by the implementation of the policy.

He should be bothered less about ego and more about legacy. Both the Supreme Court and the Council of State have given him some ample room to walk back without losing face.

The CBN has been busy pointing accusing fingers at those frustrating the implementation of the policy. Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the CBN governor, toed this path on Friday in his presentation to the Council of State. He reportedly laid the blames

at the doors of hoarders, politicians, panicking public and economic opportunists. During his appearance before a committee of the House of Representatives on 31st January, Emefiele also said that some bankers were undermining the policy and that the apex bank was working with NFIU, ICPC and EFCC to bring the errant bankers to heel. And indeed, the anticorruption agencies have hauled in some bankers. Angry members of the public have also attacked a few banks and destroyed some money-dispensing machines. In some places, banks have closed down, further compounding the crunch.

If you buy the line pushed by the CBN, everyone else but the CBN is to blame for the pains of the Naira redesign policy. But is the CBN really without blame? No. To start with, is there anything that has happened that the CBN couldn’t have anticipated and shouldn’t have planned for or against?

Hardly. Policy makers are usually advised to take Murphy’s Law as an iron law and to always factor it into policy design and implementation.

Murphy’s Law roughly translates to assume that: ‘anything that can go wrong will go wrong’.

Did CBN anticipate all the things that could go wrong with its Naira redesign policy and did it plan adequately against those things and

how have those back-up stacked up against unfolding reality?

In other words, what risks did the CBN identify and what risk-mitigation strategies did it put in place? Or did CBN just assume that with presidential approval secured all would go swimmingly? It is apparent that CBN was surprised by the reaction to the thinness of its groundwork and has had to play catch-up to the few taking advantage of the arbitrage opportunities that it created and to its lack of rigour.

The second and related issue is that there is a serious scarcity of the new Naira notes, and the CBN cannot be absolved of the blame. The CBN governor has been busy talking about how much the apex bank has pulled in from the currency in circulation but has never mentioned how much money CBN has printed or distributed to the banks. The reason is simple: CBN has not printed enough. By its own admission, CBN is printing locally, and not a few people know the full capacity of the Mint. Beyond what people know or sense about this capacity constraints, CBN also actively signalled that it didn’t have enough notes: it didn’t make the new notes Continued on page 62

Printed Newspapers Limited.

Lagos:35 35Creek CreekRoad, Road,Apapa, Apapa,Lagos.

Lagos.Abuja: Abuja:Plot Plot1,1,Sector SectorCentre CentreB, B,Jabi JabiBusiness BusinessDistrict, District,Solomon SolomonLar LarWay, Way,Jabi JabiNorth NorthEast, East,Abuja Abuja. .

Printedand andPublished PublishedininLagos Lagosby byTHISDAY Leaders & Company Limited . Lagos: AllCorrespondence Correspondenceto toPOBox POBox54749, 54749,Ikoyi, Ikoyi,Lagos.

Lagos.EMAIL: EMAIL:editor@thisdaylive.com, editor@thisdaylive.com,info@thisdaylive.com. info@thisdaylive.com.TELEPHONE TELEPHONELagos: Lagos:0802 08022924721-2, 2924721-2,08022924485.

08022924485.Abuja: Abuja:Tel: Tel:08076290487, 08155555292, 08155555929 All 08076290488 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com