FRIDAY 16TH DECEMBER 2022

Atiku: I’ll Be Stepping Stone to Igbo Presidency Soludo tasks ex-VP on erosion, bad roads, Onitsha port dredging PDP cautions Tinubu to leave it out of his fight with media

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, told the people of Anambra State that those who craved the emergence of a Nigerian

president of Igbo extraction should support his presidential bid, as voting him into power next year would mark a definite progress towards that goal.

Atiku, who spoke in Awka, the Anambra State capital, in continuation

of his nationwide presidential campaign, promised to industrialise the state.

The state governor, Professor Charles Soludo, asked the PDP candidate to fix the erosion challenge in the state, address the issue of bad

roads, and ensure the dredging of Onitsha port, if elected president next year.

In other news, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation warned the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola

Tinubu, to leave the party out of his ill-fated squabble with the media.

Speaking at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, venue of the campaign rally, Atiku said, "I am going to be a stepping stone to an Igbo president in this country. I have shown it in my

action, because this is the third time I am running with an Igbo man. If you really want to produce a president, then, vote Atiku-Okowa ticket."

Atiku said Soludo had charged Continued on page 5

2023: Tinubu Lacks Mental Alertness, Unfit to Be President, PDP Insists... Page 47 Friday 16 December, 2022 Vol 27. No 10111. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Kano: Shari’a Court Sentences Scholar to Death for Blasphemy... Page 48

Biden: Buhari Role Model for Democracy in Africa Urges AU to join G20 as permanent member Seeks approval for $21bn for IMF to on-lend to low, middle-income countries

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Ugo Aliogo in Washington DC United States President, Joe Biden,

hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts to deepen democracy not only in Nigeria, but also in Africa.

Biden spoke in Washington, while meeting with leaders of six African countries billed to have elections in 2023, on the sidelines

of the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit.

According to a statement issued yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu,

Biden said he has followed the trajectory of the Nigerian president since 2015, when he was elected president from being an opposition

leader at a time he (Biden) was a vice president. He added that it Continued on page 5

Higher Food, Energy, Import Costs Drive Inflation to 21.47%

Severe in Ebonyi, Kogi, Rivers Again, W’Bank urges Nigeria to remove import restrictions, adopt single FX rate Says country has lost its ‘rising growth star' status of the 2000s El-Rufai: Things won't get better in next three years of next administration Insists next president must take urgent, tough decisions FG seeks local, foreign help to fund NDP Ndubuisi Francis, James Emejo, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos The Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and commodities increased to 21.47 per cent year-on-year in November, compared to 15.40 per cent in the corresponding month of 2021, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated yesterday.

The inflation numbers came on same day the World Bank stated that for Nigeria to return to its ‘rising growth star’ status of between 2001 and 2010, the country must embark on reforms it classified into three categories namely: sprint, medium distance runs and marathon.

According to the NBS, the 6.07 per cent increase in the headline index implied that the general price level was higher in the review month relative to Continued on page 5

EFCC RECOVERS N30BN FROM FORMER AGF...

L-R: Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa; Director, Department of Proceeds of Crime Management , Aliyu Yusuf and the director, Planning , Policy and Statistics, Eze Johnson at the State House Ministerial briefing held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja …yesterday . GODWIN OMOIGUI See story on page 5

Buhari, Atiku, Gbajabiamila, Sanwo-Olu, Others Mourn as Nigeria's Envoy, Seriki, Dies of Cancer... Page 50

2

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

3

4

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 •T H I S D AY

5

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

PAGE FIVE

Bawa: EFCC Has Recovered N30bn from Suspended AGF Says agency still pursuing the N7.1bn alleged fraud case against Orji Kalu Reveals anti-graft agency recovered, remitted N136bn to FG in seven months Secured 3,615 convictions in 2022 Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday shed some light on the fraud allegations against the suspended AccountantGeneral of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, saying the agency had so far

recovered N30 billion from the top civil servant who is undergoing trial over a N109 billion fraud case.

The EFCC Boss, who featured in a ministerial press briefing at the State House, Abuja, allayed fears that the anti-graft agency could be a tool in the hands of some influential

individuals, According to Bawa, the antigraft agency remains independent enough to investigate the suspended Attorney-General, Ahmed Idris, over the alleged money laundering case.

An investigation, he said, had led to the recovery of over N30 billion.

He explained: “The EFCC is independent; nobody tells us what to do or investigate, how to investigate, or what to cover and what not to cover. No! “One of the last major investigations we did was that we arrested the Accountant-General

of the Federation. The AccountantGeneral of the Federation was arrested. Out of those fraudulent activities discovered, the EFCC has recovered over N30 billion, and we’re already prosecuting them."

Bawa also disclosed that EFCC has not closed the N7.1 billion fraud

case against former governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

Kalu had approached a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, for an order to bar the EFCC from retrying

should increase access to finance by strengthening institutional infrastructure for financial intermediation.

However, in the long run, the Washington-based institution urged Nigeria to boost competition by embedding it into policy, enhance enforcement and simplify rules to lower costs as well as reduce insecurity by strengthening the rule of law.

Furthermore, it stated that Nigeria would be able to attract investment in the long-term by boosting power generation and investing in infrastructure to reduce technical and commercial losses and facilitate transport connectivity by reducing interstate transportation costs.

The bank added that Nigeria’s

economy needed to grow faster to reduce poverty, stressing that despite favourable global oil prices, “business as usual” economic management was not delivering desired outcomes and that even if a crisis was avoided in the near-term, long-standing policy and institutional challenges were persisting and severely constraining the economy.

This, it said, hinders the prospects of the vast majority of the country’s people, with at least 80 million living in extreme poverty. It however noted that whether to continue down this path, or to instead chart a new course and rise to its tremendous potential, was Nigeria’s choice to

Continued on page 48

HIGHER FOOD, ENERGY, IMPORT COSTS DRIVE INFLATION TO 21.47% November 2021.

The CPI report for November, month-on-month, however showed that headline inflation rate was 1.39 per cent, which was 0.15 per cent higher than the 1.24 per cent recorded in October.

The NBS noted that food inflation increased to 24.13 per cent year-on-year which was 6.92 per cent higher than the 17.21 per cent recorded in November 2021.

The rise in food inflation was caused by increase in prices of bread and cereals, oil and fat, potatoes, yam and other tubers, food products and fish.

However, month-on-month, the food inflation was 1.40 per cent, which was 0.17 per cent higher than the 1.23 per cent recorded in October.

On the other hand, core inflation, which excluded the prices of volatile agricultural produce also rose by 4.39 per cent to 18.24 per cent year on year in November, compared to 13.85 per cent recorded in November 2021.

On a month-on-month basis, the core inflation also increased to 1.67 per cent in November, from 0.93 per cent in October.

The highest increases in the core index were recorded in the prices of gas, liquid fuel, passenger transport by air, vehicle spare parts, and solid fuel.

According to the statistical agency, the increase in the monthly inflation rate could be attributed to the sharp increase in demand usually experience during the festive season.

Also on an annualised basis, inflation spiked due to the increase in the cost of importation due to the persistent currency depreciation as well as a general increase in

the cost of production, particularly increase in energy cost.

Year-on-year, the urban inflation rate surged to 22.09 per cent, which was 6.17 per cent higher, compared to the 15.92 per cent recorded in November 2021.

Month-on-month, the urban index also rose to 1.50 per cent in November, compared to 1.33 per cent in the preceding month.

Furthermore, the rural inflation rate was 20.88 per cent on a yearon-year basis, which was 5.99 per cent higher compared to the 14.89 per cent recorded in same period last year.

Month-on-month, the rural inflation was 1.30 per cent, up by 0.14 per cent compared to 1.16 per cent in October.

At the states level, year-on-year, the headline index was highest in Ebonyi (26.11 per cent), Kogi (25.84 per cent), Rivers (24.45 per cent), while Kaduna (18.87 per cent), Sokoto (19.02 per cent) and Cross river (19.17 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in inflation.

Month-on-month, however, highest increases were also recorded in Ebonyi (3.16 per cent), Niger (2.70 per cent), Plateau (2.44 per cent), while Ogun (-0.17per cent), Abuja (-0.12 per cent) and Sokoto (0.25 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

Also, food inflation on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kwara (29.74 per cent), Kogi (29.51 per cent), and Ebonyi (28.25 per cent), while Kaduna (19.30 per cent), Sokoto (19.48 per cent) and Jigawa (20.55 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

Similarly, month-on-month inflation at the states level inflation was highest in Nasarawa (2.87 per cent), Delta (2.66 per cent),

and Plateau (2.53 per cent), while Sokoto (-0.94 per cent), Ogun (-0.34 per cent) and Yobe (-0.10 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

Again, W’Bank Urges Nigeria to Remove Import Restrictions, Adopt Single FX Rate Meanwhile, to return to its ‘rising growth star’ status of between 2001 and 2010, the World Bank has urged Nigeria to embark on reforms it classified into three categories namely: sprint, medium distance runs and marathon.

In a report titled: “Nigeria’s Choice”, in its latest Nigeria Development Update (NDU), which was launched in Abuja, the multilateral institution stated that to reduce its vulnerability to crisis and rise to its potential, in the short term, Nigeria must adopt a

single market-reflective exchange rate, increase non-oil revenues by raising Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise rates and strengthen its tax administration efforts.

As an investment accelerator in the short run, the bank called on Nigeria to facilitate trade and boost domestic value addition by removing import and foreign exchange restrictions.

But it said what Nigeria could do in the medium term was to eliminate petrol subsidy by establishing a ‘compact’ which also protects the poor and vulnerable as well as contain inflation by reducing the government’s recourse to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) financing.

Still in the medium term, the World Bank advised that Nigeria

ATIKU: I’LL BE STEPPING STONE TO IGBO PRESIDENCY him to fix certain challenges in the state and he had pledged to keep those promises.

Atiku told the crowd, "On our arrival today, we visited the governor, Professor Soludo, and he said to me, ‘I know you are going to work, but make sure that all the federal roads that pass through Anambra State are reconstructed. And I promised him I’m just going to do that. He said, ‘make sure that you control our erosion, because Anambra is the erosion headquarters of the world. Erosion is destroying our farmlands, it’s destroying our houses and everything we have.’

"This is a very gigantic project.

And I promised him I am going to do that, and you know I have worked with Soludo before; he is a first class patriotic Nigerian.

"You have an excellent governor.

He also appealed to me that Onisha port this time around, we are going

to dredge River Niger and ensure Onisha port is functional. We are also going to help Anambra industrialise so that the state will create as many jobs as possible for our young men and women."

Atiku pledged to address youth unemployment, telling his supporters, "I promised to set aside $10 billion to promote small scale and medium enterprise for our young men and women so that they can be independent.

"I want to thank you, the people of Anambra State, for this warm reception. I never thought I will see such a crowd in Anambra State and, believe me, we are not going to forget you, we are going to reward you handsomely."

In his speech, National Chairman of PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, said Anambra State was PDP’s and the governing party in the state, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA),

BIDEN: BUHARI ROLE MODEL FOR DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA was very heartening that Nigeria remained a model for democracy, especially the fact that Buhari was not seeking a third term.

The US president encouraged Buhari and the Nigerian electoral umpire to continue to be totally non-partisan.

Biden said the meeting with the select African leaders, including those of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Madagascar, and Sierra Leone, was to discuss elections and democracy in Africa, share experiences with the United States on the forthcoming elections, as well as encourage the countries to continue with the democratic process.

Biden pointed out that he really understood challenges facing the countries and expressed the willingness of the United States to support them in every area of assistance might be required.

Responding, Buhari expressed appreciation to the US president for his positive remarks and congratulated him on attaining the peak of his political career, which is the presidency of the country.

He also thanked Biden for organising the summit with African leaders and wished him well in all his endeavours.

Meanwhile, Biden called on the Africa Union (AU) to join the G20 as a permanent member. He also stated that he was upholding

and defending the foundational principles of global peace and security enshrined in the UN Charter and in the AU seminal documents, while also meeting the challenges that impact every nation.

The session with African leaders, including Buhari, was tagged, “Partnering on Agenda 2063.”

Biden recalled that in September, at the United Nations General Assembly, the United States had fully supported reforming the UN Security Council to include permanent representation for Africa, adding that the continent belongs at the table in every room where global challenges were being discussed and, in every institution, where discussions are taking place.

Biden disclosed that he was asking the US Congress for authority to lend $21 billion to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the multilateral institution to provide access to necessary financing for low and middle-income countries.

Biden stated, “We are leading a global effort to pursue equitable arrangements for global creditors to provide debt relief so that nations can prioritise their people, not back-breaking debt payments.

And I’m asking the Congress for the authority to lend $21 billion to the IMF to provide access to necessary financing for low and

Continued on page 49

middle-income countries which is so difficult to come by now and to help Africa’s recovery efforts and support projects that build resilience against future crises.”

The US president revealed that one of the new commitments of his administration was investment in countering democratic backsliding through their new African Democratic and Political Transition initiative, noting that they would be collaborating closely with African governments, regional institutions, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

“My administration will work with the United States Congress to invest $75 million to strengthen transparent, accountable governance, facilitate voter registration, support constitutional reform, and more.”

Furthermore, he said they would also work to support and strengthen the security benefits that flowed from good governance, including a new 21st Century Partnership for African Security, stating that the Department of Defense would work with their African partners to boost reforms that build their security capacity.

According to him, “On Tuesday, I also directed the establishment of the Presidents Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States, so we can tap into the enormous strength of the diaspora communities here in

the United States and make sure their insight and experiences are reflected in our work.

“And finally, I’m grateful that all of you have made the journey to Washington for this summit, and I’m eager to visit your continent.

“The United States fully supports the blueprint you laid out in Agenda 2063 to build an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa that is driven by African people, centered on inclusive and sustainable development where Africa is an indispensable global partner.

“I’m eager to hear from all of you how can the United States deepen our partnerships with you and better work with African nations and the AU to fulfill the aspirations of Agenda 2063. And I want to thank you all again. And I’m now going to turn it over to Secretary of State Blinken to facilitate our discussion.”

In his remarks, Chairperson of AU, Macky Sall, commended Biden for the attachment to the African partnerships, pointing out that the summit presents an opportunity for Africa to revitalise its common agenda with US government.

“Certainly, times are uncertain and troubled, the challenges are more numerous. It is in hard times that friendship finds its greatest test of greatness, trust and mutual respect,” Sall added.

was the son of PDP, "So, we shall bring many APGA members back to their home in PDP." Ayu assured the people that the Igbo, particularly Anambra people, had a big stake in Nigeria, stressing that there is no village you would go to in Nigeria without seeing an Igbo man who is doing business.

The PDP national chairman said, "So, the Igbo, in terms of business, are the more national people in Nigeria.

You need every part of this country and I like the indomitable spirit of the Igbo nation.

"I believe that if you join hands with us under a competent leader and an experienced leader, a man who is already your in-law, business man, a man, who will ultimately take care of all the security issues in the country, stabilise this country and make it a better country for us all.

"There is nothing that I can tell you about this great man that you don't know, give him your votes.

Sometimes an in-law is better than a son. I believe that Atiku is going to change the climate of the country.

Hold your PVC, give us your vote, let us work together."

On his part, Delta State Governor and PDP vice presidential candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who spoke in the Igbo language, said, "Our party has brought out Atiku Abubakar as our presidential candidate. We ask all of you to work hard in Anambra State, because Atiku Abubakar is a good product.

"Among all the aspirants, it is only Atiku Abubakar, who has the requisite experience to recover the country from the hardship created by the APC government. Atiku has pledged to empower women and youths, including traders and start-ups, with $10 billion.

"I plead with you to work wholeheartedly so that we can win the election in Anambra State. For the past two weeks, we have toured round the country as a part and I am quite convinced that PDP will win the next presidential election. This is not the time for sentiment. Vote for the PDP so that Anambra will be among the states won by the PDP." The Atiku/Okowa campaign, in a statement signed by one of its spokespersons, Kola Ologbondiyan, dismissed what it called defeatist assertion by the APC Presidential Campaign Council (APCPCC) that PDP was plotting with Arise News to embarrass its candidates, Tinubu

and Kashim Shettima.

Ologbondiyan stated, "We consider this allegation against the PDP as not only laughable and defeatist, but also childish, irresponsible and totally reckless. It is a pathetic acceptance of emptiness and defeat that instead of facing Nigerians through the media, the Tinubu/ Shettima campaign resorted to unnecessary squabbling, lame excuses and conspiracy theories as part of its scheme to divert public attention from Asiwaju Tinubu’s ugly past and constant display of vacuity, which landmarks his incapacity to hold office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

The presidential campaign explained that It was clear that Tinubu was discomfited and had refused to appear in media town hall series, not only because he had nothing to offer, but also because he was afraid to face Nigerians on allegations of fraud, certificate forgery, identity theft, and link with narcotics for which he forfeited $460, 000 to the United States of America.

According to Ologbondiyan, "Nigerians can recall that Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, were invited to participate in the Arise News anchored Town Hall meeting in the same manner Asiwaju Tinubu was invited. But Asiwaju Tinubu, who has consistently dodged the arena of public debates, turned out to be a constant 'no show.’”

He said the Tinubu/Shettima campaign was fixated on PDP because it was dazed by the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar's outstanding performance in media Town Hall series as well as his soaring popularity, which had dwarfed Tinubu in every ramification.

Ologbondiyan stated, "Asiwaju Tinubu's handlers, having become frustrated in their quest to market a bad merchandise, have craftily resorted to name-calling, bullying the media and, now, attempting to drag our party into their pot of mess. It is not the fault of the PDP that Asiwaju Tinubu has no content, that he is haunted by an ugly past, and that he has become a butt of joke among Nigerians as well as the international community.

"If Asiwaju Tinubu still desires to be president, he should make himself available for a Town Hall meeting outside his usual self-organised sessions, which often end as ‘balabu.. blublu..bulaba.’”

6

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

PDP CAMPAIGN VISITS SOLUDO...

L-R: National Chairman of PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu; Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo; PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Delta State Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the SAMUEL JIBUNOR party, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Edith Okowa, during a courtesy call on Soludo at Government House, Awka, shortly before the party's Presidential Campaign... yesterday

Court Refuses Motion Seeking to Stop CBN's Cash Withdrawal Limits, Naira Redesign Emefiele writes Gbajabiamila, promises to brief lawmakers soon Alex Enumah and Udora Orizu in Abuja Justice Chizoba Oriji of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has refused to grant a motion seeking to stop the new cash withdrawal limits of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which is expected to become effective next month.

The judge, ordered the applicants to rather put all the defendants on notice and ordered accelerated hearing in the suit.

The applications numbering about 10 had on behalf of themselves and 20 million unbanked Nigerian citizens sued the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, the CBN and the Governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, over the cash withdrawal limits and the redesign of the N1000, N500 and N200 banknotes.

The applicants prayed the Court to grant injunctions restraining the respondents from proceeding with the January 31, 2023 deadline to end the use of the current N200, N500 and N1,000 notes as it affects the applicants without any realistic plans or workable guidelines to cover the over 20

million unbanked Nigerians who are vulnerable to information and the use of technologically driven platform without the possibility of financial inclusion.

They prayed for another injunction restraining the respondents from implementing the revised cash withdrawal policy, which limits the maximum cash withdrawal over the counter (OTC) by individuals and corporate organisations to N100, 000 and N500, 000 respectively per week.

They claimed that the new policy constituted a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act. Besides an order stopping the CBN from implementing the new policy, they requested for an order for accelerated hearing and also an order for substituted service on the parties while also praying for the order of court mandating the CBN to produce a detailed plan and guidelines covering the over 20 million unbanked citizens who are vulnerable to the use of telecommunication and technologically driven money platforms.

After listening to their submissions, Justice Oriji refused to grant the prayers for injunction but rather directed that all the respondents be put on notice to come and show cause why the order for injunction should not be granted against them.

The judge thereafter adjourned the matter to January 10, 2023, after granting orders for accelerated hearing and substituted service.

Meanwhile, Emefiele has written to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila assuring that he would brief the lawmakers on the recent monetary policies of the apex bank as soon as possible.

The House had via a motion at a plenary last week summoned Emefiele for explanations on his recent monetary policies especially the cash withdrawal limits.

The House had asked the CBN Governor to appear before yesterday for more information on the policy.

But in a letter dated December 13, 2022, with a reference number GVD/DGC/CON/NAS/002/055, signed by the Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Edward Adamu and addressed to Gbajabiamila, Emefiele said he couldn't be physically present to brief the

FG to Introduce Performance Management System in Civil Service Before March Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has disclosed plan to commence the application of the new Performance Management System (PMS) which is a tool designed to deliver efficient civil service and hold employees accountable in the first quarter of 2023.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoS) Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan disclosed this yesterday, in Abuja, at the meeting of critical stakeholders on the implementation of a modern performance management system in the public service.

She reiterated the need for the implementation of the tool in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for enhanced delivery, noting in particular that the PMS would hold individual

employees accountable, identify and dictate who, where and detect faults in the delivery of service.

“The danger in running a public establishment that is unaccountable to the public is that it will progressively lose its responsiveness to the needs of the people and imminently erode its significance.

“Hence, promoting accountability requires identifying who is to be held accountable to whom, for what and how,” she said.

She highlighted the development of guidelines for the implementation of the PMS, development and documentation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), development of linkage frameworks, training of several officers on job objectives setting and handholding exercises, among

others, as measures taken to ensure the success of the implementation process.

While enjoining all to be committed to the new process, she said the civil service was no longer a haven for redundancy, stressing that change could no longer be resisted.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Marcus Ogunbiyi, affirmed that the new PMS would provide a systematic process, setting targets, providing support for employees, as well as measuring results.

He assured that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation was committed to the successful implementation of the PMS and other reform initiatives towards having a world-class Civil Service poised at delivering efficient and effective service.

lawmakers due to his trip to the United States of America with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Titled: "Re -Invitation for a Briefing," the letter read on the floor of the House by the deputy speaker and presiding officer for Thursday plenary, Hon. Idris Wase stated: "We refer to your invitation to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to

brief the House of Representatives on recent policies of the Bank on Thursday, December 15, 2022. We respectfully apprise you that the CBN Governor is a member of the delegation of H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari currently attending the USA Africa Summit in Washington D.C. "Consequently, the Governor will not be able to honour your

invitation on Thursday, December 15, 2022. While the Governor regrets his inability to be physically present for the scheduled briefing, due to the aforementioned national assignment, he shall be available to provide the briefing at the earliest time possible. Please accept, Mr. Honourable Speaker, the assurances of the CBN Governor's highest personal regards and consideration."

US Consul General Harps on African Solutions to Solve Global Challenges Dike Onwuamaeze The Consul General of the United States of America’s Consulate in Lagos, Mr. Will Stevens, yesterday called on African leaders to embrace a new paradigm shift that would ensure that the continent’s solutions were answers to global challenges.

Stevens made this call during the Second Walter Carrington Annual Symposium with the theme, “Rethinking Youth Engagement for National Development,” which was held in Lagos.

Carrington was appointed the ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria in 1993, where he opposed some policies of Nigeria’s former Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

Stevens said: “We used to talk about ‘African solutions to African problems.’ No! We should be talking about African solutions to global problems.”

The consul general said transitioning to African solutions for global problems would be in line with President Joe Biden’s African strategy, which recognises that the challenges facing mankind were too big for any country, or a section of the world, to go it all alone.

“And that is what President Biden’s African strategy is all about, recognising that the challenges facing us are too big for us to go alone. They are too big: the challenges of democracy, climate change, insecurity etc. are global problems that we have to work together to solve,” he said.

Stevens said solutions that could be applied in Lagos should also be applied in Port Harcourt, “and they going to be applied in Baltimore or Houston, because you are dealing with the same

challenges people around the world are dealing with.”

He also tasked members of the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI) to see themselves as the “they” that would bring those solutions to the problems and challenges plaguing their communities or organisations that they are part of.

“I am responsible for the things happening around me,” he said, adding that, “I will encourage you to think of yourselves as the ‘they.’ And I hope that each of our CYFI’s fellows already knows this. That if you can see problem, there are solutions there also. Just find them. And that is really how we build better society by taking responsibility of the problem right in front of you and figuring out how can I help to fix it?”

He said it was their responsibility as citizens of a democratic society to hold their leaders accountable.

“Democracy means that you can impact change and can hold your leaders accountable when they are not fixing the things that need to be fixed. In a democracy the leaders represent you,” he said.

In her welcome address, a Member, Board of Trustee, Carrington Fellowship Network, Dr. Arese Carrington, said the symposium was meant to celebrate late, “Ambassador Carrington’s life and legacies and discuss issues that are critical to Nigeria, a country which he regarded as his second home and believed in.”

She said the theme of this year’s symposium was extremely important as Nigeria prepares for an election because, “Ambassador Carrington believed in the youth and the significant role they should play.”

Arese, who is the spouse of Late Ambassador Carrington, urged the youths to, “believe in yourselves, believe that you matter and the youth matter. Believe in your future and the values my late husband, Ambassador Carrington, cherished: service to humanity, democracy, good governance, human rights and the rule of law. Strive to serve humanity and promote peace, unity and harmony.

“Youth engagement is important in nation building. Social justice, environmental justice and a better future for the youth are issues you should engage in. Elections are about the future.

“Defend the future of the country by casting your vote and becoming a participant and not a bystander. You have strength, you have character. Believe the best is yet to come.

“You should be involved in decisions that affect your future because the future belongs to you. Carrington Fellows have been promoting the importance of women and youth participation in the voting process through their program called “PVC for Her.” The President of CYFI, Mr. Olusola Owonikoko, said it was important that the symposium would be dwelling on the theme as Nigeria prepared its citizens for election.

He said young people needed to participate more in the country’s political process.

“We are doing a lot. There is a lot more to do. But we also need to have conversations with ourselves.

The goal really is that we synergise and make sure that we can achieve maximum impact and drive our country to a kind of vision we will want to see,” he said.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

7

8

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

INAUGURATION OF THE STATE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE...

R-L: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; President, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Ali Rabiu and Council Member COREN/Deputy President, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Oguntala, during the inauguration of the State Technical Committee and State Expatriate Monitoring Committee on Engineering Regulations Monitoring at Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday

FG Unveils 10-Year Plan to Achieve Self-Sufficiency in Rice Production James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Mustapha Shehuri, yesterday launched the National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS) II, to provide a direction for the development of the rice sub-sector.

The minister explained that the document represented a 10year plan that would also help the government to achieve its goals of self-sufficiency in rice production, food and nutrition security, employment creation, and production of surplus for export.

Speaking at the official launch

of the National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS) II and the Competitive Africa Rice platform (CARP) SRP- Nigeria, Shehuri said the document was adopted at the 4th National Council of Agriculture (NCA) in 2021 by all the stakeholders with support from Competitive Africa Rice Platform CARP. He said the federal government remained extremely committed to the promotion of the agricultural sector in order to realise its potential of achieving food and nutrition security for its teeming population.

The minister pointed out that the rice value chain had been identified

as strategic to achieving these lofty objectives, adding that the NRDS I had been used to develop the Rice Transformation Agenda under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda and Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP) which served as a catalyst for the commencement of the rice revolution in the country.

He said, “Its implementation began with the adoption of a value chain system as a holistic approach to transforming the rice sector in Nigeria. This has helped the government to provide enablers and support to rice production, processing, and marketing end to end.

“It encouraged a private sectordriven agriculture that started in 2011 as an adopted strategy of the federal government to reduce the huge import bill by accelerating paddy production, improve processing quality and promoting consumption of home-grown rice.”

As a result, Shehuri said national paddy production rose significantly towards rice self-sufficiency in 2020 while the NRD I was reviewed to give rise to the formulation of a new NRDS document in 2021.

He added, “This is the document that is being launched today…

CARP formerly known as Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP)

NDDC Board: Senators Reject Buhari's Nominee as Executive Director, Projects

is dedicated to the productivity and sustainability of the rice industry with two main objectives which are to ensure the competitiveness of Nigerian rice and the sustainability of the rice sector.

“The CARP (SRP)-Nigeria is a multi-stakeholder platform set up to advocate policies and drive transformational changes in standard practices in the rice sector.

The CARP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) has been inaugurated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and is domiciled in the ministry for effective coordination and operational management to achieve its lofty goal.”

The minister, however, appealed to all the stakeholders to implement the all-important document and CARP (SRP)-Nigeria for the benefit of the country.

While launching both documents, the minister said the federal government would

welcome further partnership and solicited passionate commitment from all stakeholders during the implementation of the plan.

Shehuri said the previous document had achieved several benefits including the development of a National Farmers’ Database across the country; strengthening of seed development and production system; intensification of Research and Development (R&D) leading to the development of resilient Rice varieties for different ecologies; strengthening the seed companies for efficient seed production, strengthening of agricultural insurance by establishing the Nigerian Incentive-based Risk Sharing on Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) to entrench insurance services on agribusinesses; and championed the introduction of zero per cent tariff and duty on imported agricultural equipment among others.

Ondo lawmakers say youths will shut down oil facilities if imposed Senate panel screens Onochie, others Dickson, others insist NDDC Act must be respected Court to Decide on Vacation

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Members of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs yesterday rejected the nomination of Mr. Charles Ogunmola as the Executive Director (Projects) in the newly reconstituted board of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

The panel's position was sequel to the petition written by the three federal lawmakers representing Ondo State in the Senate - Senators Nicholas Tofowomo (PDP Ondo South), Ayo Akinyelure (PDP Ondo Central) and Ajayi Boroffice (APC Ondo North).

The federal lawmakers made their joint position known after the petition, addressed to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, was read during the screening of the new NDDC Board nominees by the Acting Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Amos Bulus.

The Ondo senators in their petition maintained that the Act of the National Assembly which established the NDDC had been breached with the nomination of Ogunmola, who is not an indigene of the oil producing area of the State.

They, therefore, urged Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to liaise with the paramount ruler of Ugbo Kingdom

in the oil-rich Ilaje community of the state, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, and present an indigene from the area to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointment.

They argued that Ogunmola, who is an indigene of Owo town in the Ondo North Senatorial District was not qualified to hold the position based on the NDDC Act. Speaking with journalists after the screening exercise, Senators Tofowomo and Akinyelure said their colleague, Boroffice who is from Ogunmola's Senatorial District, signed the joint petition because he knows the implication, being the Deputy Leader of the Senate.

They expressed fears that there could be a breakdown of law and order in the oil bearing communities of Ondo State if Ogunmola was imposed on the state.

Tofowomo said, "In the last 22 years, Ondo State has not benefitted from any managerial position at the NDDC. Now they have recommended someone from Owo town, a non-oil producing area in the northern senatorial district of the state as executive director in charge of projects.

"Owo, from where crude oil is being produced in Ondo State is about 200 kilometres, hence the three senators from our state have

therefore rejected the nominee.

"We are hereby appealing to the president to follow the NDDC Act. Section 1 (12) which stipulates that only people from the oil producing communities could be appointed. The only place oil is produced in Ondo State is Ilaje Local Government Area.

"If the president should insist on imposing Ogunmola on the people, the youths would shut down oil production in Ondo State and the government is by that, creating another war because people are hungry."

Akinyelure on his part said, "The Ondo oil producing communities is under the paramount ruler of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Obateru Akinruntan.

"He should be consulted to forward a name to the relevant authorities for nomination as executive director in charge of projects" Meanwhile, the Chairmannominee for the NDDC, Lauretta Onochie said if confirmed, she would ensure the empowerment of the people of the Niger Delta.

She stated this at the screening of the 15 nominees for the board of the NDDC by the Senate Committee.

Onochie in her presentation said she would ensure that all

the areas under Niger Delta got a fair deal.

She said, "Since the announcement of my nomination, I have received thousands of applications from our young people wanting to be personal assistants because that is all they know.

"We are going to show them that there is more to life than being a personal assistant. We are going to show them how to be properly empowered so that our region can start booming like all the other regions.

"I have seen the men that I have been nominated along with, we have been in contact with each other. We are going to work as a team because I am a team player.

"I hail from a community that produces all kinds of agricultural products that have not been properly harnessed.

"These are some of the things we will work on to be able to bring food to the table of our people and to empower our people," Onochie said.

Reacting to the position made by the nominee, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele recalled that the appointment of the nominee had been turned down by the Senate.

Continues online

Order on Temporary Forfeiture of Ekweremadu's Properties January 25 Former deputy senate president fingers EFCC in his travail

Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday fixed January 25, 2023, for ruling in the application by former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, seeking to set aside the court's order temporarily forfeiting his property to the federal government.

Justice Ekwo fixed the date for ruling, shortly after taking submissions of counsel to parties in the suit.

While Chief Adegboyega Awomolo had argued on behalf of Ekweremadu, federal government's lawyer, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, who had opposed the request for the setting aside of the forfeiture order, stated that he would however not oppose an order of status quo, pending the return of Ekweremadu, who is currently being detained in the United Kingdom over allegations bordering on organ harvesting.

Justice Ekwo had ordered the federal government to temporary

seize 40 landed properties belonging to the former Deputy Senate President, pending the order for affected persons to show cause why the properties should not be permanently given to the federal government.

Since the order of interim forfeiture was issued, Ekweremadu through his lawyer, the Anambra State Government and a medical firm have come out to challenge the order.

In the application for setting aside of the order of interim forfeiture, Ekweremadu accused EFCC of been responsible for his travails at the London Court where he has been held since June this year for allegedly taking a minor to the UK for the purpose of harvesting the minor's organ.

However, Awomolo, in supporting the allegations informed Justice Ekwo that the commission wrote a letter to the London, following which the foreign court denied Ekweremadu bail.

Continues online

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

9

10

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

US-AFRICA BUSINESS FORUM IN WASHINGTON DC...

L-R: Ghana President, Nana Akufo-Addo; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Amb. Uzoma Emenike, during the US-Africa Business Forum in Washington DC… Wednesday

PENGASSAN Demands End to Fuel Scarcity, Price Hike Wants pension payment to ex-governors stopped

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has demanded an immediate end to what it described as the avoidable and unnecessary

crippling fuel shortages and unapproved hike in the price of the product in the country.

While expressing worry over the incessant fuel shortages and price hike, the association said the persistent shortages of premium

motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol in the country had become a source of pain to the Nigerian people.

In an address presented by the president of PENGASSAN, Festus Osifo, at the National Executive

Council (NEC) meeting of the association held in Abuja, he alleged that the current shortages were being perpetuated by players in the downstream sector in other to hike the price far above the government approved threshold.

NNPC Board Chairman: Buhari Replies Araraume, Declares Suit Statute-barred Court adjourns till January 11 Alex Enumah in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection (NPO) challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to entertain the suit

by Senator Ifeanyi Araraume on his alleged illegal removal as a nonexecutive chairman of the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The NPO was filed on December 8, 2022, by the Acting Director, Civil Litigation and Public Law Department, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru.

While Ararume is the sole plaintiff in the suit, Buhari, the NNPCL and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) were the first, second and third defendants respectively.

Besides the President, the NNPCL, also filed its notice of preliminary objection challenging the competence of the suit and praying the court to make an order dismissing it; or, in the alternative, make an order striking out Araraume’s originating summons dated September 12, 2022; or make such further order or orders as it (the court) may deem to make in the circumstances.

In its NPO filed on its behalf by its team of lawyers led by Konyin Ajayi, Etigwe Uwa, the second defendant amongst others predicated its request on the grounds that Araraume’s action was statutebarred having regard of Section 2 (A) of the Public Officers Protection Act Cap P41 LFN 2004.

The NNPCL further submitted

that Ararume's suit constituted an abuse of court process being one that was not supported by law, having regard to the provisions of the Interpretation Act 2004; the Petroleum Industry Act 2021; the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020; and the Articles of Association of NNPCL. Besides, they averred that the suit was wrongly commenced by originating summons as the 75-paragraph affidavit in support thereof, raises inherently contentious facts; and the originating summons required proof by oral evidence; and that the plaintiff’s suit, as constituted, is incompetent , lacking in any cause of action; nor carrying any right of action, having regard to the Statutory powers of the 1st defendant/respondent implicated in this action.

Specifically, Buhari predicated his objection on three grounds, to wit: that the removal of Araraume (the plaintiff/respondent in the suit) as the non-executive chairman of NNPCL (2nd defendant/respondent) was done in his capacity as a Public Officer by virtue of Section 251 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended); that the suit was a statute barred action, which offended the provisions of Section 2(a) of the Public Officers Protection Act, 2004 with respect to his administrative acts or decisions made on January 17, 2022, being a period of about seven months prior to the filing of this suit on September 12, 2022; and on the grounds that the suit amounted to an abuse of court process, which

ultimately deprived the court of the jurisdiction to entertain it.

However, when the case was called on yesterday, Ararume's lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche informed the court that in line with the court's directive at the last proceedings, all processes had been filed and served on the three defendants, adding that he was ready to identify his processes.

Responding, Buhari represented by a lawyer from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. A. H. Shuaibu, told the court that although he was in the process of filing his defense, he has however filed a notice of objection to the suit.

The third defendant (CAC) represented by Mr. S. S. Umoru, while admitting service of the court processes in the matter also stated that the third defendant was yet to file its defense.

While the second defendant (NNPCL) represented by Mr. Oluseye Opasanya also informed the court of his client's NPO to Ararume's suit, he claimed he was yet to be served with the amended Originating Summons to enable him served the third defendant.

Ararume had initially sued Buhari and the NNPCL but had to include the CAC, following the court's directive which held that the CAC is a necessary party and as such ought to be included in the suit.

Trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo had in a ruling on November 9, evoked Order 9 Rule 14 (2b) of the Rules of the Federal High Court that allows a judge to order a party whose

presence in a matter is pertinent to join the matter.

Justice Ekwo ordered that the CAC be joined as a party since the case had to do with interpretation of the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

Haven made an order joining the CAC, the judge ordered Ararume's lawyer to amend the Originating Summons and serve same on all the parties and adjourned till December 15.

However, following claims of non-service of the amended Originating Summons on the NNPCL, the court after checking its own record discovered that contrary to the position of the second defendant's lawyer, the NNPCL has been served.

In a short ruling, Justice Ekwo while directing the NNPCL to do proper housekeeping, ordered all parties in the suit to file and exchange all relevant processes, adding that any counsel who would file its process in the morning of the next adjourned date shall be penalised.

He accordingly adjourned the matter till January 11, 2023, to enable all parties file and exchange necessary processes in the suit.

Araraume had instituted a N100 billion suit against the federal government at the Federal High Court, Abuja over his alleged unlawful removal as a non-Executive Chairman of the newly-incorporated Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

Continued online

He urged various security agencies, especially the men of Nigeria Customs and Immigration charged with manning the nation’s borders to act professionally and in line with their oaths of allegiances to stop high rate of smuggling of the products across the West African countries.

"Consequently, we demand an immediate end to the avoidable, unnecessary, crippling and pain inducing fuel shortages and unapproved price hike in the country. No excuse is good enough to cripple the country. If there are challenges, they should be fixed; we have a government in power to fix challenges not to make excuses," he said.

Osifoh assured that PENGASSAN was ready and willing to collaborate with the federal government and to assist in all ways possible to overcome the country’s present challenges.

Expressing disgust at the current situation of fuel supply glitches, Osifoh said: "It is an added problem when non-state actors begin to arrogate to themselves the power to determine the price of a liter of fuel far above the rate pegged by government in the current subsidy regime.

"It is more disturbing that the government is equally demonstrating high level of culpability in the unwholesome situation by its silence and unwillingness to frontally and publicly address the harrowing experiences of Nigerians in the current situation, because no concerned and responsive government will bury its head in the sands like the proverbial Ostrich while the citizens are being brutally exploited.”

PENGASSAN also described the move by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to increase the salaries and allowances of top public office holders as highly insensitive and an affront to the struggling masses and the working class.

According to PENGASSAN, the only group entitled to pay rise were the downtrodden Nigerian workers and at best Nigerian judges.

It said: "The president, his vice, governors, lawmakers and other political appointees do not require pay rise. The Economist of London already lists Nigeria’s lawmakers as the highest paid in the world. It is therefore provocative to consider increasing their pay packages without acceptable justification.

"We are also saddened by the continuous payment of pensions to ex-governors and their deputies even in states nearing insolvency.

More painful is the fact that many states are not paying the N30,000 national monthly minimum wage, whose implementation commenced in 2019."

Osifoh said the situation was also unbecoming when pensioners in some states have not been paid for 75 months or more with backlogs of unpaid salaries while others deduct workers’ pension contributions and fail to remit to the Pension Fund Administrator which by law is a criminal offence.

He said PENGASSAN was worried with the ever increasing poverty status of Nigerians despite the abundance of human and natural resources.

On the country's high debt profile, Osifoh urged the federal government to heed economic and financial experts’ warning that it should not continue with reckless borrowing, adding that, "debt servicing may gulp over 100 per cent of the federal government’s revenue in about a year or two unless urgent steps are taken to expand the revenue base of the nation; as this will curb the rising imbalance of the debt service-torevenue ratio."

PENGASSAN expressed optimism that with the preparations for the 2023 general election, including the distribution of voter’s card, there would be credible polls.

The association urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies and other key actors in the electoral process to use the window to reassure Nigerians that 2023 general elections would be credible, free and fair.

11

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

ELECTION SECURITY ON THEIR MINDS...

L-R: DIG Sanusi Lemu; Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali, and DIG Dandaura Mustapha, during IGP Meeting with Commissioners of Police ahead of 2023 general elections and attacks on INEC facilities held in Abuja....yesterday KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Fashola: Why Nigeria Should Bid For, Host World Cup Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, yesterday urged Nigeria to bid for and if possible strive to win the hosting rights of the world cup, regarded as the world’s biggest football event.

Fashola, who spoke during a programme tagged: “The Conversation Series 3 by Segun Odegbami” on the topic “An Integrated West African Transport and Infrastructure History, Potential and Feasibility”, explained that

this has many benefits.

At the event which held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA),Victoria Island, Lagos, the minister argued that as a former governor Lagos State, the state benefitted massively when it hosted the FIFA under 17 World Cup in 2010 and the National Sports festival in 2012.

He maintained that it was the same way China opened herself to the world after building infrastructure by bidding for and hosting the Olympics in 2008 while London was upgraded with

Ugwuanyi Presents N166.62bn 2023 Budget To State Assembly Gideon Arinze in Enugu Enugu state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi yestarday presented a budget estimate of One Hundred and Sixty Six Billion Naira (N166.62 billion) for the 2023 physical year to the state house of Assembly for consideration and approval.

Presenting the budget proposal tagged budget of "Consolidation and Transition", Ugwuanyi disclosed that it was 10.7 per cent lower than the 2022 budget which was N186.65bn and 9.9% higher than our 2021 budget.

The governor explained that the budget proposal which will implemented between January and May, will enable his admission conclude all ongoing projects across the state and transit the state into the capable hands of the incoming administration.

The governor explained that out of the total budget size, the sum of N71,477,449,812.00, representing 38% of the total budget is for Recurrent Expenditure while the sum of N115,157,685,770.00 is for Capital Expenditure, representing 62% of the budget size.

He further explained that the projections for the 2022 Budget of the state were founded on the economic and fiscal updates of “National Inflation Rate of 13%; National Real GDP Growth of 4.2%; Oil Production Benchmark of 1.88 million barrels per day; Oil Price Benchmark of $57 per barrel and Exchange Rate of N410.15 per US Dollar”.

He noted that the expected revenue for the budget would be got from different sources, including N30bn from Internal Generated Revenue (IGR), N4bn from Excess Crude while N6.6bn would be got from aids and grants.

The governor further explained that the sum of N37bn would be borrowed internally and externally to fund the budget.

On 2021 budget performance, Gov. Ugwuanyi pointed out that the year started on a note of recovery as national and sub-national governments embarked on strategic economic engineering, through innovative economic policies, to reflate the Covid-beaten economy of the previous year.

He said that his administration embarked on deliberate measures to bring succour to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, adding that “Enugu State engaged fully in the preparatory activities for the Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NGCARES) Program for Results, an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria supported by World Bank to mitigate the economic disruption occasioned by the Covid-19 Pandemic by protecting the livelihoods and food security of the poor and vulnerable families while facilitating the recovery of local economic activities in all the participating States”.

He said that the enlisting of Enugu state among the oil producing state is the greatest achievement of his administration.

In his response, Speaker of the House, Edward Ubosi thanked the governor for what he described as a wonderful budget presentation, adding that the governors allocation to agriculture, water resources, education, health and works shows that he remains committed to the needs of the people.

Ubosi assured that the assembly would give accelerated hearing to the budget, stressing that the lawmakers would pass the budget before the end of the year.

the hosting of the 2012 London Olympics.

South Africa’s rail, telecoms, and other infrastructure, Fashola stressed, also benefited from hosting the 2010 World Cup, explaining that he was in Mumbai when the city was preparing to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

“International sports and entertainment is not just big business and jobs for young people, it is the new global power with which to influence and shape not only global policies but the global economy.

“That is the stage where National anthems are rendered with National flags and colours displayed to the pride and admiration of patriots and perhaps the envy of competitors.

“A bid to host the world cup

by Nigeria alone or along with other West African nations must be led by Nigeria. The challenges

of launching a successful bid are enormous enough but they are nothing compared to the actual hosting,” the minister argued.

The undertaking itself, whether successful or not, Fashola maintained, will challenge Nigeria’s organisational, planning and execution capacity as a people and a nation.

Either way, he argued that Nigeria cannot lose because the country will only get better since the world will not lower the standards for the country, but will rather challenge and support Nigeria to meet them.

“I vote for Nigeria to venture and to lead the bid for a major global sporting event.

“The examples are legion, and for those who are in Qatar, a tiny nation has not only opened herself to the world, and she is projecting herself on a global stage.

The benefits of the 2022 World Cup are now hers to harvest or

throw away.

“I am able to also report that in the current national development plans, sports is now one of the economic drivers rather than just recreation and a hobby. With the policy now in place, the economic benefits must begin to converge,” he pointed out.

With Nigeria’s positive reputation in terms of fashion at the world stage, Fashola wondered why the country has not taken advantage and begin local production of its sporting materials.

“For example, with our success in fashion, why are our Super Eagles still wearing foreign designs? Why can we not convene a local design competition to produce a new Jersey for the Super Eagles? Why can we not decide that our athletes wear Nigerian designs? ,“ he queried.

He recalled that when Odegbami floated the idea of

Nigeria hosting a World Cup many years ago, many dismissed him as daydreaming, without caring to know state of mind.

“A dream it may be, but dreams are the foundations of many realities. Our nation must be thankful for this big idea. We must recognise its potential and see beyond the messenger,” he stressed.

On other infrastructure, he said the investment of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, particularly in roads and bridges are not just national investments, but have international consequences because they facilitate connectivity between many parts of Nigeria, and beyond Nigeria.

He listed Ekok-Mfum Bridge and approach roads linking Nigeria with the Republic of Cameroon, the Second Niger Bridge, among the kind of Infrastructure that link cities and countries.

House of Reps Orders IG to Investigate Attacks on Akpoti- Uduaghan in Kogi Ibrahim Oyewale, Lokoja The House of Representatives has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alikali Baba to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of attacks on Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during a campaign rally in Kogi State.

This was contained in the House of Representative order book of December 14, 2022, made available to journalists.

The House condemned the attack on the campaign train of Akpoti-Uduaghan who is the

PDP senatorial candidate for Kogi Central senatorial district, describing it as an act of political intolerance that should not be tolerated.

The lawmakers mandated the Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The lower chamber frowned at the attack, stating that they were that Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria I999 (as amended) provides that a

citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex religion or political association shall not be subjected to any form of discrimination.

"Informed that on December 3, 2022, suspected political thugs and hoodlums attacked the campaign team of the Senatorial Candidate of the PDP for the Kogi Central Senatorial District, Mrs. Natasha Akpoti -Uduaghan during her rally from Okene to Adavi, injuring several persons and shooting one person.

"Worried that despite the

avowed commitment of the federal government to implement the 35 per cent Affirmative Action, discrimination against women seeking elective posts still exists in the country.

"Disturbed that at a time when all relevant stakeholders are suing for peace and calling on political actors to be tolerant of opposition thugs and hoodlums suspected to be sponsored by the opposition, audaciously attack the campaign train of the Senatorial candidate of a political party," the order book stated.

Big Brother Titans Premieres January 15 MultiChoice Nigeria has announced that the special Big Brother edition tagged ‘Big Brother Titans’, would commence on January 15, 2023, live on DStv channel 198 and GOtv Channels 29.

This special edition of the Big Brother franchise would feature selected housemates from Nigeria and South Africa in one House, playing the game for the ultimate prize.

Announcing the commencement of the show and prize money, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, was quoted

in a statement to have disclosed that BBTitans edition would run for 72 days and the winner would go home with a prize of $100,000 cash.

“Big Brother Titans is a special edition of the widely loved Big Brother show. This special edition is a fusion of two TV phenomena, BBNaija and BB Mzansi. We are bringing housemates from two giant nations, Nigeria and South Africa, under one roof, to give African entertainment audiences a show of intense drama like never before. We are telling our

audience to be ready for the biggest takeover on TV starting from January 15. It promises an abundance of Nigerian and South African swag, banter, romance, and everything in between.

“This is a meeting of the Titans, and the winner will take home a sum of $100,000 cash and other amazing prizes. As usual, the viewers on DStv and GOtv will be able to vote and keep their favourite housemates on the show. The winner will also be determined by viewers’ votes across Africa after 72 days,” Ugbe

said.

The BB Titans edition is sponsored by Flutterwave, Bamboo and Lotto Star and woulf be held in South Africa. Popular BBNaija host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Mzansi host, Lawrence Maleka would co-host this debut season.

Big Brother titans would also be available to stream on Showmax.

Fans of BBNaija and BBMzansi in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and 45 countries in Sub Saharan Africa can follow the drama 24/7 on the streaming service.

12

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

13

14

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

15

16

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

17

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022

18

POLITICS

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

Obi Returns to South West for Endorsement Kemi Olaitan reports that presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, last weekend was in Ibadan, the second time in less than a month, in pursuit of his ambition to win South West votes during the February, 2023 poll

T

owards selling himself to Nigerians and most especially the people of the South West region, the campaign train of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, last Saturday, was in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, the second time in less than a month.

Whatever informed his return to the city which has been regarded as the political headquarters of Yorubaland shortly after his campaign flag off, may be seen as mystery to the undiscerning, but it turned out to be a political visit of high note given his first point of call, the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun.

For political watchers while the coming election would be a three-horse race between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and LP, however it is an open secret that the South West region has been in the grip of the APC for some years now and coupled with the fact that its presidential candidate who is from the region is also the national leader of the party.

It stands to reason therefore that Obi who some pundits believe is only representing a section of the country would do everything possible to make more inroad to the South West region most especially after getting the endorsement of the leadership of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, whose acting leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, had consistently continued to support his candidature.

The presidential candidate of LP, Obi, while speaking at the Alarere palace of the first class monarch, told Oba Balogun and his Advisory Council members who are High Chiefs including Balogun of Ibadanland, Owolabi Olakulehin, Osi Balogun, Lateef Adebimpe, Ashipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola, Osi Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole and Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade, that the 2023 presidential election should not be about tribe, ethnicity and religion but character and competence, stating that those variables are elite conspiracy to keep down the nation.

According to him, “Where have all those taken us to? I’m offering Nigerians what I did in Anambra State as two-term governor. I have been asking Nigerians to investigate all of us aspiring to lead the country. What did we do at our previous points of assignments? Mine is not difficult to do for Your Imperial Majesty as our in-law in Onitsha where I hail from, just a tap on any of our people there, my profile would be made known.

“Other things to consider when making our presidential choice which I strongly believe would not be based on party basis are character, competence, capacity, commitment and mental and physical energy to do the work. We can make all promises, but, let us examine the person making the promises using the parameters identified above. How much of trust can we place in the person making the promise”?

Under his presidency, Obi said the states would be epicenter of activities, noting that the idea of holing up in Abuja without actually knowing what goes on around the states of the country would be a thing of the past. He lamented that virtually all the infrastructures belonging to the Federal Government in the states have collapsed, making movement and meaningful development almost impossible.

The LP flag bearee reeled out various data and statistics to assert that Nigeria is not where it is supposed to be, going by its vast human and natural resources, lamenting that Nigeria is the only member of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Country (OPEC) where oil is being stolen virtually on daily basis to the tune of bil-

lions of dollars, yet, oil money remains the mainstay of the country’s foreign earnings.

He said, “The government to be formed by the Labour Party (LP) come May 2023 would fight corruption because there can never be any progress under the regime where corruption remains the order of the day. By the time corruption is confronted headlong and defeated, criminality will

reduce as a lot of jobless youths would be taken out of unemployment and poverty.

We must get this country back on its feet and make it work again. This is my message to you Kabiyesi and the people of Ibadanland and I’m sure that with your support, it is doable.”

Oba Balogun in a speech delivered by the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief

Tajudeen Ajibola, lauded Obi, who was accompanied by the Oyo State gubernatorial candidate, Taofiq Akinwale, members of his campaign organization, led by Dr. Doyin Okupe, Akin Osuntokun, the Secretary General of Afenifere, Chief Sola Ebiseni, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Doherty and Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo, for his delivery on the various problems confronting the country and how he would tackle them to bring about a new Nigeria that citizens would be proud of, urging him to remain focused and be committed to his programmes as brilliantly espoused.

“As should be expected, Olubadan is the father of all and sees you all as his children. A widely traveled monarch, he is open-hearted and harbours no hatred for anybody for whatever purpose. We are happy to see you and your presentation bore eloquence testimony to your rich understanding of what you set out to do and one can only pray to God to grant you your heart desires and ability to follow to the letter your plan for a better and prosperous Nigeria”, Olubadan said.

The Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Eddy Oyewole, in his closing remarks, declared openly the unanimous endorsement of Obi by the monarch and the entire Ibadan traditional council, praying for his good health and protection.

Obi while also speaking on the same day at the first and second convocation ceremonies of the Dominican University, Ibadan, declared himself the most qualified person to move the country forward while expressing optimism of securing the maximum votes in the Southwest region.

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

Abure and Burden of Leading Labour Party With the February, 2023 presidential election fast approaching, Emameh Gabriel writes on the efforts of Julius Abure to provide required leadership for Labour Party

T

he Labour Party has shown itself as a formidable contender for the 2023 general elections. While names such as Peter Obi and Datti Baba Ahmed have become synonymous with the presidential and vice presidential tickets of the party, one name which the media have overlooked but has fundamentally been instrumental for successfully steering the ship of this resurgent party, is the lesser known Julius Abure, who is the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

The Labour Party is one of the major center left political parties of the fourth republic. Since its founding in 2003, and most significantly with the backing of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), it has remained somewhat of a shadow political party among others in the country’s multiparty democracy.

Although the party had between 2003 and 2009 tested power in Ondo state, under Dr Olusegun Agagu, and has over time, every now and then, seemed to have made one or two showing of possible strong contenders.

But its biggest catch came when in the first quarter of 2022, former Anambra state Governor, Peter Obi defected from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and eventually won the the party’s presidential primary election.

Obi’s new romance with the party came after both former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Lagos Governor, Bola Tinubu, respectively emerged as the presidential candidates of the PDP and the ruling APC.

His decision was borne by alleged marginalisation of the Igbo by both leading parties. In other words, their unwillingness to ensure the full operationalization and rotation in gentlemanly agreement.

Zoning as it is known, has become the underlying principle of Nigerian politics since the return of democracy in 1999- an idea that saw the major political parties, the PDP and the then AD-NPP alliance fielding Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae respectively.

So expectedly Obi’s entrant into the party and the presidential race stirred the imagination of certain sections of Nigerians, particularly those from his geo-political zone, the South East and part of the 2019 EndSARS movement that rocked the country having its crescendo as the October 20, shooting of protesters at the Lekki toll gate.

Obi went on to choose Datti Ahmed as

his Vice Presidential candidate to cement the image of the joint ticket as a forward looking one, with Ahmed being an academician and a Northerner.

While the emphasis has been on both presidential and vice presidential candidates, most Nigerians have overlooked one most important person (Julius Abure) who has been saddled with the task of shouldering this huge burden of steering this hitherto fringe party, that it was even suitable enough to attract the likes of Obi and Pat Utomi to its presidential primary, that ultimately advanced Obi’s presidential ambition.

And after Obi’s emergence, he has been able to manage this seismic shift in the internal party structure as a result of the mass immigration of new members as the party gains traction among Nigerians, making the platform more attractive to political gladiators unable to secure the tickets of the leading political parties to stand for the 2023 general election.

Out of nowhere, the party now has functional structures extending from Borno to Lagos and from Sokoto to Taraba, from Rivers to Edo State, Abure’s home state where the OBIdient movement has established itself as a dominant force against the major political parties in the state.

The movement has become a household name with ubiquitous presence on social media.

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

19

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022

POLITICS

Is US Doing Enough to Curb Spread of COVID-19?

Nigeria’s High Expectation from U.S-Africa Leaders Summit Chido Nwangwu writes about the expectations of President Muhammadu Buhari from the three-day US-African leaders summit which ended Thursday in Washington DC

T

he White House-led U,SAfrica Leaders Summit in Washington, DC. from December 13-15, 2022, had top leaders of the two continents in attendance.

Among the key dignitaries were President Biden, Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi and several others.

U.S Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, a retired army General, and his counterparts, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Samantha Power, administrator of USAID co-hosted the forum on Peace, Security and Governance.

“The African Leader Summit comes at a very important time for U.S.-African relations. The United States has recognized the enormous potential and promise in Africa, and this is something that we definitely want to lean in on”, said a senior defense official quoted in a briefing advisory seen

by USAfricaonline.com.

The official added “Together, the Department of Defense, State and USAID will share perspectives on the importance of our ‘3D’ approach to Africa and share the stage with our African partners to hear their perspectives on security and the challenges in their countries.”

Secretary Blinken also met with Tshisekedi to discuss the critical security and catastrophic humanitarian situation from severe flooding in eastern DRC. Buhari, a retired army General, whose tenure of two terms (eight years) will end in May 2023 appealed that “Nigeria too seeks support from the US to be included in the G7’s Climate Partnerships List for the co-creation of a Just Energy Transition Partnership.”

Buhari told U.S and African government officials that the Nigeria government has “approved the plan earlier this year and

adopted it as a national policy…. to completely eliminate the use of petrol/diesel generators by 2060 and therefore need to deploy renewables, particularly solar, at an unprecedented scale. For instance, the Energy Transition Plan requires that 5.3 GW of Solar be deployed annually until 2060 to achieve our targets.”

Buhari added that “as part of the National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy, we set the vision 30:30:30 which aims at achieving 30GW of electricity by 2030 with renewable energy contributing 30 per cent of the energy mix. Last year, Nigeria became the first African country to develop a detailed Energy Transition Plan to tackle both energy poverty and climate change, and deliver SDG7 by 2030 and net-zero by 2060.”

He stated that Nigeria’s government “aggressive power sector reforms have resulted in cost-reflective tariffs in the power sector for the first time since privatization.

Under the Nigeria Electrification Project, over four million people have been impacted through solar mini-grids and solar stand-alone systems. With respect to hydro, the Zungeru hydropower project is nearing completion and will add 700MW in capacity to the grid.”

Buhari said “our analysis shows that delivering the Energy Transition Plan requires $1.9 trillion in spending up to 2060, including $410 billion above business-asusual spending. This additional financing requirement translates to a $10 billion investment needed per annum. Between 2000 and 2020, just $3 billion per year was invested in renewable energy in the whole of Africa. Consequently, the $10 billion per year target of our Energy Transition Plan represents a significant scaling of current investment flows and we need support from the U.S. to mobilize the needed resources…. For our clean energy market to scale, Nigeria and more broadly Africa needs concessional, low-interest capital-led investments.”

Did the U.S government led

by Joe Biden believe the picture and numbers Buhari painted in Washongton DC? It’s a necessary context as it is important to note that Buhari is facing local and international criticisms for ineffective management of Nigeria’s economy and infrastructure. He is also getting very low grade on the widespread insecurity and violence in most parts of Nigeria.

The summit did not allay the critical concerns of the American government.

-Dr Nwangwu, is Founder of the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper on the internet, USAfricaonline.com Follow him on Twitter @ Chido247

Julius Adeoye ponders over steps being taken by the United States government to halt the spread of COVID-19 epidemic in the country

A

s President Joe Biden announced on September 10 that the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States was over, his top health adviser and longtime head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci, warned in October that the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States was not over.

The current epidemic in the United States continues to spread, the laissez faire and inaction of the United States government in epidemic prevention and control are irresponsible and will harm the world.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the defects in public health governance in the United States have been exposed.

According to a Discussion Paper by the National Academy of Medicines, complied by Karen DeSalvo, Bob Hughes, Mary Bassett, Georges Benjamin, Michael Fraser, Sandro Galea, J. Nadine Gracia, and Jeffrey Howard, tagged “Public Health COVID-19 Impact Assessment: Lessons Learned and Compelling Needs” “The need for robust public health infrastructure has grown, federal investment in public health capabilities has declined, with health departments operating for decades under persistent and widening resource gaps. Chronically inadequate funding, workforce shortages, and outdated infrastructure limit the sector ’s capacity to address existing population health needs and its flexibility to respond to emergency situations.

“COVID-19 has newly exposed and further exacerbated these long-standing challenges, while also illuminating the pervasive racial and socioeconomic inequities in health care access, quality, and outcomes in the U.S. “While health departments have been foundational to the nation’s response to the pandemic (e.g., guidance development, testing and tracing) the sector has experienced numerous challenges with causes both old (e.g., gaps in information technology) and new (e.g., politicization and mistrust of public health leaders and guidance).

“From the subversion of public health’s mandate to the malignment of public health officials to the neglect of public health capabilities, the pandemic has illustrated the need for structural reforms to restore the public health sector ’s foundational role in American communities.”

There is a huge gap in virus testing, vaccination and medical support between different ethnic groups, rich and poor groups in the United States, and the rights to life and health of some groups have been obviously ignored.

The COVID-19 in the United States has caused serious unemployment and wealth loss, and the United States government has failed and is unwilling to effectively address this problem.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19, the anti intellectual comments, anti scientific responses of American politicians and mutual dismantling for the sake of election self-interest have been the important reasons for the loss of life of a large number of American people due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

We can cite some think tanks’ research results (similar to the report “The incompetent government determines the outcome of the epidemic” issued by the U.S. Niskanen Center on October 24), and the corresponding data and materials reported by the

media can testify our views.

It has been significantly overestimated how much actual harm COVID-19 has caused to American culture.

Pandemics have historically provided an opportunity for pre-existing structural flaws in capitalist society to be exposed and magnified.

The US lags behind many other countries in its booster rollout, a lot of people have died from the coronavirus, and infection rates are still high, while long-lasting post-COVID symptoms continue to harm people’s health, disproportionately harming minorities and the poor.

Working-class people are paying the biggest price for the catastrophic disruptions to US society. A deteriorating healthcare system has been severely impacted, with overcrowded hospitals unable to treat or accommodate the enormous number of patients due to a lack of appropriate medical and personal protective equipment.

In the past year, 65% of nurses in the United States had experienced verbal or physical violence.

In one of Dr Anthony Fauci’s interview with Financial Times in September, he told the Financial Times that political divisions in public health were preventing a “laser-beam focus” on the common enemy — coronavirus.

Some US states were not promoting Covid vaccination, while Congress was blocking billions of dollars of funding, both of which were holding back the national response to the pandemic, he said.

“I’m concerned that the acceleration of an anti-vaxxer attitude in certain segments of the population . . . might spill over into that kind of a negative attitude towards childhood vaccinations, which would be very tragic,” said Fauci.

He concluded “If you fall back on vaccines against common vaccinepreventable childhood diseases, that’s where you wind up getting avoidable and unnecessary outbreaks.”

It is time for America to reflect and correct what the pandemic has exposed about them, is the inability to recognize and understand a global problem and manage it on the national and local level.

It revealed the deep divisions in US and it’s inability to bridge those divides to work together with the shared goal of keeping the country strong, safe and healthy.

On a more troubling level, it also showed that most Americans cannot be galvanized around anything today, even something as basic as trying to keep people from getting sick and dying, Americans are losing touch with humanity and weakening the country by the day.

-Adeoye writes from Lagos.

20

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

21

22

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022

23

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

D E C E M B E R

S & P INDEX

1 5 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

10.25%

INDEX LEVEL

613.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.85%

N416.86/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

9.56%

1-DAY

0.16%

YEAR TO DATE

7.64%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10.52%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.44%

Aviation Experts Express Divergent Views on Adoption, Success of Single Sky for Africa

Chinedu Eze Aviation experts have expressed divergent views on the adoption and success of single sky for Africa, warning that Nigeria will be left behind if it does not take advantage of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Their position is in tandem with the Nigerian airlines that have expressed lukewarm attitude towards the open sky policy for Africa.

The single market is meant to allow significant freedom of air transport in Africa to aid the AU’s Agenda 2063 of transforming Africa into a global powerhouse and the removal of travel inhibitions like visas and certain immigration and airspace policies against African airlines.

It could be described as an offshoot of Yamoussoukro Declaration, which was meant to intergrate African carriers and gradually eliminate traffic rights and reducing tariifs, but the agenda failed because of the reluctance of many countries in the continent to fully embrace it.

Industry observers feel that the tendency to protect its indigenous airlines and the fear of comepetiion and dominace prompted some African countries to resist the agenda.

This, they noted, has made air travel in the continent cumbersome, as visa restrictions and poor connections restricted tourism, inter-state business and other opportunities.

But last week the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sitika, announced that Africa had resolved

to implement SAATM to advance liberalization and trade in the continent.

“The full implementation will guarantee the creation of a larger market for African carriers and an improved access to capital. In addition, airlines and governments can optimize existing capacities. It commits its 44 signatory countries to deregulate air services, and promote regional air markets open to transnational competition, “he said.

Sirika said SAATM, being a flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063, would boost the continent`s economic integration agenda. According to him, SAATM would ensure aviation plays a major role in connecting Africa, promoting its social, economic and political integration and boosting intra-Africa

trade and tourism as a result.

The Minister noted that SAATM was created to expedite the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision.

“There are new developments that we derived from this, in particular, our resolve to implement Single Air Transport Market in Africa. This is in the spirit of actualising Agenda 2063, which will unify and integrate Africa and connect its people, future and posture. It will also open the borders to connect the whole world,” Sirika said.

Travel expert and the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, told THISDAY that SAATM would become successful if the big players in Africa decide to fully support it, noting that South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Nigeria

control high passenger traffic and if they decide to fully embrace the agenda, it would succeed, warning that it would fail if the implementation is dependent on having majority of the countries in the continent embracing it.

He expressed surprise that besides government’s push, Nigerian airlines are lukewarm towards the agenda and noted that Nigeria would be left behind because it cannot hold Africa down, even if it wants to and referred to the initial unwillingness of Nigeria to join the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), recalling that by the time Nigeria got around to accepting the agreement, the headquarters of AfCFTA had gone to Ghana, so the country with the largest population in the continent lost

the huge opportunity.

“SAATM will succeed with the coalition of the willing 15 countries that agree to fully embrace the system. If Nigerian airlines to embrace SAATM they would not be able to hold other countries down.

They have to deploy the airplanes and join the market. We will not succeed in opposing the open sky.

We will just be left behind,” he said.

On his part, the Managing Director of Flight and Logistics Solutions Limited, Amos Akpan, explained that the concept of African single sky would encourage movement amongst Africans.

“It will facilitate movement of goods and services amongst entrepreneurs within Africa. It Continued on page 31

AMCON, 11Plc Head to S’Court over Sale of Continental Hotel Ejiofor Alike The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Polaris Bank Limited and 11PLC have approached the Supreme Court seeking to quash the recent judgement of the Appeal Court nullifying the sale of Lagos Contintental Hotel to 11PLC. In a statement issued by a lawyer in 11Plc, Mr. Samuel

Ozeh, the company stated that the parties appealed to the Supreme Court vide its Notice of Appeal dated December 5, 2022.

The statement further disclosed that the parties have also filed a motion for stay of execution of the Appeal Court’s judgment, pending the determination of the suit by the Supreme Court.

According to the statement, the motion for stay of execution, copies of which were made

available to journalists, was also dated December 5, 2022.

“This move has effectively arrested the ability of Milan Industries Limited to enforce the Appeal Court’s judgment and would compel the parties to maintain status quo pending the final determination of the appeal by the Supreme Court,” the statement said.

“In view of this situation, the ownership and operation

of the Hotel by 11 Hospitality is not in any way impacted. “11 Hospitality remains upbeat in the circumstance as its acquisition of the Hotel followed due process and it believes AMCON assigned a valid title to it pursuant to the extensive powers vested in the Corporation under section 34 of the AMCON Act (as amended),” the statement added.

Recall that AMCON acquired the Lagos Continental Hotel as

an eligible bank asset following the failure of Milan Industries Limited to repay its loan to Skye Bank Plc (now Polaris Bank Limited) to the tune of N15 billion with the interest element of the loan verging on N30 billion at the time.

The loan may have partly contributed to the plunging of the bank into financial distress and thereby necessitated AMCON’s acquisition of its non-performing

loans, including that of Milan Industries Limited.

In 2020, AMCON, in line with its powers under section 34 of the AMCON Act (as amended) assigned its interest in the Hotel to 11 Hospitality Limited, a subsidiary of 11plc (formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria plc). But the sale was challenged by Milan Industries Limited at Continued on page 31

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 2 2 BILLS

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

Yield

101.21

13.08

99.08

13.99

96.58

13.87

107.27

13.95

99.53

14.10

Change Updated Time (%) December -0.27 9, 2022 December 0.01 9, 2022 December 0.00 9, 2022 December 0.00 9, 2022 December 0.00 9, 2022

MATURITY

Discount

Yield

NTB 26-Jan23 NTB 9-Feb23 NTB 9-Mar23 NTB 27-Apr23

5.40

5.44

5.68

5.74

6.24

6.34

7.22

7.42

NTB 11May-23

7.50

7.74

Change Updated Time (%) December 0.00 9, 2022 December 0.00 9, 2022 December 0.00 9, 2022 December -0.01 9, 2022 December -0.01 9, 2022

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS MATURITY FDHP CP III 17-MAR-23 VHPL CP III 1-APR-23 MREP CP VI 11-APR-23

Change Updated Time (%) December 0.00 9, 12.42 12.85 2022 December 17.35 18.33 0.00 9, 2022 December 14.01 14.70 0.00 9, 2022

Discount Yield

.

.

.

. .

.

.

.

. .

CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH) NGUS DEC 28 1 2022 NGUS JAN 25 2 2023 NGUS FEB 22 3 2023 NGUS MAR 29 4 2023 NGUS APR 26 5 2023

Current Rate Updated Time ($/₦) December 454.73 9, 2022 December 456.93 9, 2022 December 459.12 9, 2022 December 461.32 9, 2022 December 463.51 9, 2022

24

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

Report: 93% of African Countries Improved Their Visa Policies Chinedu Eze A new report has indicated that 93 per cent of African countries have maintained or improved their visa process.

Reviewing their scores last year and comparing them with what obtained this year, the report stated that relative to 2021, two-thirds of African countries have adopted more liberal visa policies compared to six years ago.

This was revealed in the 2022 Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) report, showing that African countries are making progress in their freedom of travel policies, most of which had been severely curtailed by the Covid-19 crisis.

The annual publication, prepared by the African Development Bank Group in collaboration with the African Union Commission, is now in its 7th edition and was launched on Sunday on the sidelines of the 2022 African Economic Conference in Mauritius.

The report tracks visa policies adopted by African governments on three main criteria: whether entry to citizens from other African countries is visa-free, if a visa

on arrival can be obtained, and whether travellers are required to obtain visas ahead of traveling to other African countries.

This year’s report underlines the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in the last two years (2020 and 2021) during which most countries restricted movement, both domestically and for international travel. Restrictions on international travel ranged from closing entire borders to quarantines, screening measures, and bans on visitors from countries deemed ‘high risk.

Domestic restrictions included a gamut of measures such as prohibitions on travelling between provinces, bans on non-essential movement, curfews, and rules that limited gatherings, as witnessed in Nigeria during the lockdown.

The 2022 report reflects on renewed signs of progress: 10 countries have improved their visa openness score over the past year, and visa openness on the continent now exceeds that recorded during the year prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and is in line with the peak score achieved in 2020.

Progressive visa policies that

increase visa-free entry or to visa on arrival policies, will ensure that this positive trend continues. The use of technology and a greater adoption of e-Visa systems will help fast track the ease at which travellers can cross borders.

According to the Visa Openness Index, African travel has become more open to African citizens in 2022, with fewer restrictions overall.

There is now an even split between travels that is visa free, and travel where a visa may be obtained on arrival at the destination country.

Three countries—Benin, The Gambia and the Seychelles—offer visa-free entry to Africans of all other countries. In 2016 and 2017, only one country did so.

African Development Bank Group Acting Vice President in charge of regional development, integration and business delivery, Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, said: “The Africa Visa Openness Index has been tracking visa openness as a measure of the freedom of movement since 2016. This year’s edition—the seventh—shows many African countries having greatly simplified their visa regime over the past year.”

United Airlines to Purchase 200 New Boeing Wide-body Planes Chinedu Eze United Airlines is expected to take delivery of the new wide-body planes between 2024 and 2032 and can choose among the 787-8, 9 or 10 models, providing flexibility to support a wide range of routes.

United also exercised options to purchase 44 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for delivery between 2024 and 2026 - consistent with the United Next 2026 capacity plan - and ordered 56 more MAX aircraft for delivery between 2027 and 2028.

The airline now expects to take delivery of about 700 new narrow and wide-body aircraft by the end of 2032, including an average of more than two every week in 2023 and more than three every week in 2024.

Additionally, United continues its unprecedented effort to upgrade the interiors of its existing fleet. More

than 90 per cent of the carrier’s international wide-bodies now feature the United Polaris business class seat, as well as United Premium Plus seating – upgrades for the remaining aircraft will be completed by the summer of 2023.

United also will retrofit 100 per cent of its mainline, narrow-body planes with its signature interior - about 100 aircraft are scheduled to be completed in 2023 with the remaining expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Approximately 100 planes of the new wide-body order are expected to replace older Boeing 767 and Boeing 777 aircraft, with all 767 aircraft removed from the United fleet by 2030, resulting in up to an expected 25 per cent decrease in carbon emissions per seat for the new planes compared to the older planes they are expected to replace.

United CEO, Scott Kirby

said: “United emerged from the pandemic as the world’s leading global airline and the flag carrier of the United States. This order further solidifies our lead and creates new opportunities for our customers, employees and shareholders by accelerating our plan to connect more people to more places around the globe and deliver the best experience in the sky.”

United’s EVP and Chief Financial Officer, Gerry Laderman, said: “This order solves for our current widebody replacement needs in a more fuel-efficient and cost-efficient way, while also giving our customers a best-in-class experience. If the future of long-haul flying is as bright as we think it will be, United is able to capitalize on those opportunities by exercising these new wide-body options - I look forward to the incremental margin and earnings these aircraft will generate.”

Customs Generates N1.95bn Revenue in November at Lagos Airport Terminal The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it generated N1.95 billion in November.

In a statement signed by Command’s spokesperson, Juliana Destiny Tomo, the Comptroller, Malami Gidado, said the command recorded a significant increase of

N350.53 million over its collection for the month of October, 2022.

“In this November review, the command recorded a significant increase of N350.53 million only, in the revenue collected compared to that of October, 2022,” the statement said.

Also within one hundred days, the command collected the sum N7.01

billion as against N6.76 billion the revenue collected within the same period in 2021.

After taking over the mantle of leadership of the command by Gidado, there has been a steady record of greater success in the statutory mandate of the border control agency at the airport, the statement said.

Group Advocates Data Protection Legislation in Nigeria Emma Okonji The Association of Licensed Data Protection Organisations of Nigeria (ALDAPCON) is canvassing the need for principal data protection legislation law to be put in place, to strengthen Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Ivan Anya, at a recent press conference, said the Data Protection Bill, when passed into law would address the data privacy and confidentiality of Nigerians, enable secure dataflow, economic development, and improve national security, job creation and better global positioning.

He said this would also enable data processors and data controllers to have significant clarification of duties and responsibility for the

protection of rights of data subjects (citizens).

“From inception of our work in the industry we actually face a whole lot of this level of resistance, some of them are still there, some are still waiting for sectoral regulators to advise them as to what direction they should take not understanding by themselves why they should ensure compliance. We also have the issue of technicality that is prevalent within the ecosystem; instances where you have businesses hosting of Nigerians’ data outside of the country. You need to ensure that such hosts of Nigerians data are hosted in full compliance with the Nigerian data protection regulation.

“The big issue is the aspect of the law. We are hopeful that as soon as the data protection bill is passed, it will address a whole lot of the

technical and procedural issues we faced now in terms of compliance.

“The bill is expected to contribute to the legal foundations of the digital economy of Nigeria and its participation in the regional and global economies through the beneficial, trusted use of personal data to help mitigate issues on data leakage, and ensure confidentiality and privacy of data,” Anya said.

Speaking about the objectives of the association, he said Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) under the umbrella body ALDAPCON as the privacy overseers in the country, focus on driving data compliance in the industry, which he said, included the provision of credible and authoritative data protection advisory to government, private and public organisations in Nigeria

A I R WATCH IATA Identifies Challenges, Priorities for Air Transport in Africa

Chinedu Eze Despite the projection by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that Africa’s airlines are on track to post a combined $638 million loss this year, with demand still 32.3 per cent lower than 2019 and capacity 31.1 per cent off the 2019 high-tide, the global body has also projected that by the last quarter of next year, passenger traffic should have recovered to 86 per cent of pre-COVID levels in the region.

This was contained in the presentation made

by IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi at the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) conference.

Alawadhi who physically attended the event held in Dakar, Senegal also stated that in the face of macro-economic headwinds and the increased vulnerability of several African economies, the continent’s airlines should reduce the losses this year by about two-thirds, falling to $213 million, next year.

“We see this being driven by a 27.4 per cent rebound in passenger traffic and capacity increasing by 21.9 per cent. By the time we gather for the 2023 AFRAA assembly, traffic should have recovered to 86 per cent of pre-COVID levels. Of course, this is a forecast for the entire continent, but we know each sub-region moves at its own pace, reflecting its unique advantages and obstacles.

Some have seen demand return faster than others.

“With economic uncertainty, the cargo markets, which achieved unprecedented highs during COVID, will come under increased pressure in 2023. IATA is anticipating volumes to fall to 57.7 million tonnes (from a 65 million tonne peak in 2021), a $52 billion slide in revenues and yields contracting by 22.6 per cent as passenger markets recover and belly space on passenger jets once again fills up. In June cargo demand was 111.7 per cent higher than 2019 levels, but it will end the year at 98.4 per cent of those levels,” he said.

Alawadhi explained that as with most markets, the cargo picture in Africa has reversed, noting that IATA’s latest analysis points to a deepening year-on-year contraction which was down to -8.3 per cent in October.

He said the region’s performance does not indicate tepid demand, disclosing that airlines in the region are experiencing unprecedented load factors and many are operating at, or near to, maximum capacity.

“However, the current state of the industry in Africa is indicative of some key regional challenges.

With this in mind, I am going to address the following priorities: connectivity, market access and regulatory reform, taxes, charges and rising costs, environmental sustainability and safety,” he said.

On connectivity, market access and regulatory reform, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East said that context is everything and while most of the traffic numbers are encouraging, Africa is one of the most populated places on Earth, yet it accounts for just 1.9 per cent of global passenger and cargo traffic, thanks largely to the dearth of intra-African connectivity and barriers to market access.

“It is a reminder of how much work we have to do and the urgency with which we need to accomplish it,” he said.

Alawadhistated that the latest AFCAC (Africa Civil Aviation Commission) Pilot Implementation Programme (PIP) is a welcome initiative, remarking that if it enjoys sufficient buy-in and fair-play between its 17 participating countries, then it should be a powerful demonstration to the continent’s other 38 nations, of the commercial, economic and social benefits that are waiting.

“But let us not kid ourselves and get carried away patting ourselves on our backs. The PIP is a step towards the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM). Fifth freedom traffic rights are the most visible and attractive component of SAATM, but the devil is in the detail. Not only do we require a common understanding of what these market freedoms are, but also of how they are to be applied and administered. It requires just as much commitment to removing other protectionist instruments such as inconsistent and differential charges as well as administrative obstacles that run counter to the spirit and intentions of SAATM. “If we zoom out and consider inter-continental markets, it is distressing to see certain African carriers failing to operate key routes on which they are the sole designated airline for their countries.

Despite the reciprocal countries carriers expanding their operations, they can only do so up to the limits set out in the bilaterals. This is leaving many markets under-served. By choking capacity in this way, commercial opportunities are being squandered and slowing the recovery of lucrative long-haul foreign source-markets for tourism and trade. In turn, this is delaying the delivery of socio-economic benefits and attainment of many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the region,” he said.

Alawadhi said the solution is not necessarily to start or prop-up unviable airlines, but to reform the current regulatory regime and replace it with one that is fit for purpose.

On infrastructure, taxes and charges, he said thatanother threat to Africa’s traffic recovery and future growth is poor or inadequate infrastructure, resulting in sub-standard passenger service.

He onerved that some of Africa’s largest airports have recently completed, or are currently undertaking major expansion programmes, noting that many of them are positive, but from the airlines’ perspective, such capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects should be concluded collaboratively between airports and airlines, insisting that such projects require demonstrated cost-benefit analyses and a robust interrogation of asset efficiencies as these infrastructure plans would impact on future user-charges.

He emphasised that regulation is also needed to prevent abuse of market power and to ensure that providers’ capacity plans are aligned with market realities.

“Every member of the air transport value chain experienced pain during the pandemic. But now is also not the right time to be increasing levies, hiking carbon taxes or introducing new taxes on air transport, trade or tourism,” he said, adding that there is rising costs due to increase in price of fuel.

On safety he said there is no room for compromise, remarking that while in 2021, African airlines on the IOSA registry had zero accidents, incidents across Africa by regional and global operators, but regrettably the region’s accident rate remains the highest in the world.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022

25

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Naeve: Lufthansa Will Support Growth of Nigeria’s Aviation Sector Deutsche Lufthansa AG, commonly known as Lufthansa, one of the few airlines that fly to multiple Nigerian cities, recently celebrated its 60 years of operation in the country. In this interview with Chinedu Eze, Lufthansa Group’s Senior Vice President, Global Markets and Stations, Frank Naeve, spoke on the German flag carrier’s journey so far, its milestones, challenges and dispute over fund repatriation by foreign airlines, among other. Excerpts: Lufthansa has been operating in Nigeria for the past 60 years. How has the journey been for the airline? irst, we are very proud to have been operating to Nigeria for 60 years.

We certainly feel that during that time, we have been able to add value to Nigeria, for its economy and its people. We have always tried to be a good corporate citizen in Nigeria. For us, it is a real positive story that we have been able to be here for six decades.

There are different levels we have to look at. First, what we are planning for a historically high investment in our product that starts on the one hand with the modernization of our fleet. There is a huge investment for new aircraft. Every two weeks a new aircraft comes into the fleet of Lufthansa and that will continue until the year 2028, getting a total of 180 new aircraft into our fleet. That is very important as this has an important impact on our sustainability because these aircraft are very fuel efficient, with reduced Co2 emissions.

Secondly, we also have a massive investment in terms of our onboard products.

In the next few years, every seat in our fleet will be renewed, providing more comfort and more amenities. Finally, very important, is everything in and around digital services along the customer journey. So being able to expand that, we all know that customers these days are looking for more and more digital experience. It is comfortable because it allows our passengers to steer some processes themselves.

F

In all these years, what would you say are the major achievements or milestones of the airline in Nigeria?

If you look at an engagement of six decades, and in a market like Nigeria, I think what we’re most proud of is, first of all, the achievement of the purpose of the Lufthansa Group, which is to connect people, cultures and economies and we certainly feel that we’ve done that.

We believe that we have, through our services to Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, been able to develop those points.

Right now, we are one of the few international airlines flying to Port Harcourt. We have made a real contribution to the development of the aviation sector. We have helped Nigerian companies to be more successful in the world with our flights. Furthermore, there is a very large Nigerian Diaspora in the world, and we have been able to connect those families, which we think is very positive.

Finally, there is the cargo side of the business, bringing goods into Nigeria, and also bringing Nigerian products to the world.

Naeve these are the major factors that helped us.

The Nigerian business environment has many challenges, especially infrastructure deficits. What would you say are the challenges that you have encountered in these 60 years of operation in the country?

Our experience shows that in order to make progress in the aviation sector, you need to bring all the stakeholders at one table. It is not just the airlines, but also the airport operators, other service providers and government agencies. Over the last 60 years, we believe the Lufthansa Group played an important role in bringing stakeholders together, addressing, and developing the Nigerian aviation sector. At the end of the day, if we see certain areas that we believe can be further developed, we enter into constructive talks with stakeholders and look to make improvements.

Furthermore, we have here in Nigeria a strong local team that is able to engage with the various agencies and government departments to advance the aviation sector as a whole, since over 60 years.

The current economic and financial crisis that followed the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, has really affected airlines globally. How did Lufthansa weather the storm?

One key factor about COVID-19 is our flexibility. As an airline, you have to be able to deal with whatever is coming up.

Only this year, 2022 was a good example.

In the first quarter of the year, there was very little demand, because of the Omicron variant, and then all of a sudden demand shot through the roof. Flexibility and being customer-oriented as we did helped us to stay strong during this past crisis.

Another factor is staying close to the market.

We are very happy here in Nigeria to have a very strong sales team, as well as a very experienced operations team. Being able to engage in the markets very closely gives us the information and the intelligence, if you like, to make good decisions. Summarized

Is Lufthansa planning to suspend its operations in Nigeria as a result of the challenges faced by foreign airlines to repatriate funds?

I cannot comment the decision of our competitors. Speaking for us as Lufthansa Group, we are committed to the Nigerian market. We want to be able to continue to serve our three destinations and create that value that we talked about a little bit earlier.

We believe that a solution is possible, and we are looking to engage with the various government agencies, to try to find a solution, which is according to global business standards. Various industry groups are also talking to the Nigerian government on the problem of trapped funds as the German government did as well. We believe that a solution is possible through dialogue. Obviously, we monitor closely our financial risk of having the trapped funds here in Nigeria. However, we are looking forward to continuing to serve Nigeria for a long time to come.

How can a big airline Group like Lufthansa help in the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation sector? And let me just recall that there was a very good intention in the past, that Lufthansa wanted to help. So are you still in line with that?

First, one way to engage is to serve the country and to be very present in the market. We can help the Nigerian aviation sector by our engagement on many levels with different stakeholders.

We just had an event where IATA was also represented. By working closely with IATA, and other stakeholders we try to add value.

We believe that we bring expertise to the Nigerian aviation sector. Lufthansa is recognized as one of the leading airline groups. Moreover, our presence in this market supports the overall development

of the aviation sector. The way we work at the airports, the processes that we are able to put in place and to implement with our service providers, are state of the art; and with that, we can make a good contribution.

As the VP, Sales for Global Markets, what are the current global passenger trends, especially as it relates to Nigerians, and their favourite destinations?

I believe many of the trends we see in Nigeria also apply globally. Now, there seems to be continued strong demand for air travel. During the pandemic, when people were not able to travel as much as they would like to, I think people are aware about the value of mobility and being able to visit friends or go on a nice holiday. We continue to see this trend both globally and in Nigeria.

Also the leisure segment has remained strong; visiting families and friends, with the large Nigerian Diaspora in many parts of the world, that is still a travel group where the demand is very strong. In addition, what we are seeing as well is a strong return of corporate travel. Obviously, here in Nigeria, the energy sector is a large part of that, as well as the building industry. We feel very confident about that. What we are also seeing, interestingly enough, is a stronger than expected demand for premium travel, be it our Business Class cabin or our seats in Premium Economy Class. That seems to be a fairly sustainable trend out of the pandemic as well. There is a lot happening in the aviation sector.

We feel very confident that with our strong local team in Nigeria, that we have the market well covered.

In terms of investment, what new products and offers are you bringing to the Nigerian market?

The adoption of Biometrics is something new in the industry, and a few airlines have reportedly already begun investing in fingerprint and facial recognition technology. Is Lufthansa planning on introducing this in Nigeria, and if so, how soon?

Lufthansa is already working with biometrics in different parts of the world, and we have a specific team working on that. Actually, we have already got the first biometric readers in our hubs, and in certain stations worldwide.

The issue of biometrics is very important because we cannot introduce such technology alone. You also need the support of various government agencies that you work with, in order to be able to implement biometrics.

For example, in the US, we are working very closely with the TSA in terms of implementing biometric readers and we already have a number of stations where we are already using it. We do not have any concrete plans to implement that in Nigeria for the time being. Again, I think that as that develops, there is no reason why this technology would not be possible in the future in Nigeria or in a number of countries. However, we now focus on certain markets, gaining experience, working by the way very closely with IATA as the industry body and with other government stakeholders as well.

Global warming is a growing concern.

What is Lufthansa doing to reduce global warming?

We have a dedicated sustainability action plan, as well as certain elements I mentioned before. We strongly believe a modern fleet produces less Co2 emission. Secondly, we are investing heavily in sustainable aviation fuel. In fact, we are the largest buyer of sustainable aviation fuels in Europe and we will continue down that path. Definitely, we are working with various partners to develop new technologies, which we believe will help us to reduce Co2 emissions. At the end of the day, the Lufthansa Group is committed to reducing Co2 emissions by 50% in 2030, and completely down to zero by 2050. I believe we have a comprehensive package to do that.

For the aviation industry, it is the defining topic that we need to work on. We already have a very strong commitment on the Lufthansa side to work in that direction we already see today. Very specific actions and projects are being implemented within Lufthansa but then also together with partners.

26

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Ogundele: Access to Connectivity Key to Africa’s Sustainable Growth Ericsson Nigeria Country Manager, Mr. Peter Olusoji Ogundele, in this interview with Emma Okonji, speaks about the opportunities of digital transformation and the roles of Ericsson in enabling access to connectivity that will drive sustainable growth in Africa. excerpts What has been the role of Ericsson in enabling sustainable growth in Africa, through ICT? ith connectivity enabling digital technologies that play key roles in digital transformation, we have dedicated our efforts to enhancing our network products and solutions to ensure our partners across Africa have access to strong and reliable connectivity that aids them on their digital transformation journey. We are also helping our partners leverage analytics and automation capabilities made possible by cellular technology and assisting them in building dedicated cellular Internet of Things (IoT) networks.

As digital adoption opens new opportunities for communication service providers (CSPs) and accelerates sustainable development in Africa, we have focused on enhancing our digital service offerings to modernise, digitalise and shape new business models for telecom operators across the continent. Our digital service offerings range from automated network operations to cloud core and cloud infrastructure. These solutions help us secure and grow the business and customer base of CSPs through innovative customer engagement platforms, automated operations, and programmable networks.

It is imperative that the right technologies and the right solutions are available to telecom operators in Africa. With this in mind, we have worked on a new addition to the Ericsson radio portfolio, which we have tailored to the specific needs of our customers in Africa. This new radio (6626) provides multi-standard and multi-band coverage and will bring tangible operational expenditure (OPEX) benefits by minimising power consumption by up to 50 per cent, reducing weight on the tower, and faster rollout due to reduced installation time. In the coming years, we aim to work alongside CSPs across the continent to deploy this advanced energy-efficient radio solution.

immersive communication over augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for millions of new consumers in the country.

The Ericsson Radio System will enable operators to provide advanced Mobile broadband & fixed wireless access services which shall unlock a range of new opportunities in the Enterprise domain. The new 5G services can bring about unique sustainable development initiatives for agriculture, energy, financial inclusion, and security, among others, overcoming past institutional challenges and barriers to growth.

5G holds massive potential in transforming African societies and dramatically enhancing the day-to-day experiences of users. However, to reach that potential, service providers must take a proactive approach to 5G, focusing on service innovation and value creation. This means involving creative partners in the process and embracing new business models and ways of working together to create appealing services for consumers.

W

Last week, Ericsson released its latest Mobility Report. What aspect of sustainable growth opportunities does the report highlights?

In the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, we have observed the demand for mobile voice and data services continues to grow in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the last two years, investments in telecom infrastructure have accelerated, including mobile coverage and fixed wireless access (FWA) build-out, enabling service providers to address additional subscriber segments with mobile broadband.

Data traffic is expected to continue rising as the transition to 4G networks continues, coupled with the availability of more affordable 4G devices and data packages. Especially in sub-Saharan Africa, data traffic will maintain an upward trajectory, as mobile broadbandcapable devices become more accessible. In markets such as South Africa and Kenya, recent spectrum allocations will enable service providers to extend their coverage and capacity of 3G/4G networks.

The recently concluded COP27 meeting in Egypt focused so much on addressing climate change in Africa. How can African countries leverage ICT to address the challenges of climate change on the African continent?

The climate crisis is universally acknowledged as the defining issue of our times. Successfully combating climate change will rely on technological solutions, innovations, and crossindustry collaborations. ICT and digitalisation are key enablers of reductions in global greenhouse emissions. According to Ericsson Research, ICT solutions have the potential to enable a 15 per cent reduction of emissions across industries by 2030 and move society toward a low-carbon economy. Technologies such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoTs) have become essential drivers of decarbonisation and part of the solutions that have been featured prominently at COP27.

Industries across Africa have much to benefit from the adoption of these digital technologies. In the manufacturing sector, for example, 5G connectivity combined with the latest technology can produce significant efficiency gains on the manufacturing floor as well as collaboration across different

Ogundele industries. In the transportation industry, the synergies that result from collectively and systematically integrating transportation and communication networks—such as telematics, smart city analytics, and traffic management solutions—can quickly lead to efficiencies that reduce emissions. With Africa being a major producer of metals and minerals, cellular networks deliver new levels of economic value at lower environmental impacts. Ericsson’s Connected Mining solution offers a future of greater safety, profitability and environmental responsibility.

Digitisation and connectivity will directly enable the transition to a greener, lower-carbon future and play a role in helping to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. It is important governments across the continent support investments in connectivity and 5G to help achieve the shared goals of a transition to a net-zero future and a more sustainable economy.

How has the poor infrastructure development in Africa, affected sustainable growth in Africa, and what can be done to address it?

Since the pandemic, Nigeria has been focusing investments on digital transformation initiatives and building the digital infrastructure and ecosystem in the country. Digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and machine learning are promising to usher in new ways of living, learning, and working throughout Nigeria. These technologies rely on the high throughput and low latency provided by cellular networks like 5G, and we are committed to working alongside the government and network operators in the region to bolster Nigeria’s infrastructure to support next-generation connectivity.

Although 5G infrastructure is still in its early stages in Africa, CSPs across the continent are making significant efforts to boost infrastructure deployment and enhance their networks to increase the continent’s 5G readiness. African governments have also been taking big stepsby introducing initiatives to promote infrastructure projects, as digital infrastructure becomes increasingly impactful to the development of the continent’s economy. By fostering an ecosystem of collaboration, we are committed to ensuring CSPs across the

continent have access to the best-in-class connectivity solutions and practices to accelerate Africa’s sustainable growth and ensure Africa reaps the benefits of the digital age.

How has the birth of digital skills in Africa affected sustainable growth and how can this be addressed?

With Africa entering the digital age, digital literacy is becoming more important than ever. A large portion of the current workforce in Africa will need training or retraining in digital skills. As new and emerging technologies shape industries across the continent, youths entering the workforce will also need to learn Industry 4.0 focussed skills. Moreover, as digital technologies drive entrepreneurship across Africa, the development of vocational and hands-on skills will become crucial in ensuring economic prosperity on the continent.

I want to stress that digital skills are a ladder to opportunities. This is why we have been running our flagship educational initiative ‘Connect to Learn’ across Africa to empower teachers, students, and schools to deliver a quality 21st-century education and provide young people with digital skills. We work with Africa’s talent from a young age, from Ericsson Digital Labs to inspire children to explore new technologies to Ericsson Educate for tertiary students, to prepare them for the world of work. By also focusing on Girls in ICT and supporting digital literacy and access to ICT resources in marginalised communities including refugee centres, we contribute towards the pool of digital skills which Africa needs for development and growth.

Nigeria recently launched 5G technology, through MTN. How will the technology enhance development and sustainable growth in Nigeria?

The first phase of the launch covers certain parts of Lagos and Nigeria where Ericsson’s 5G technology will accelerate the development and digitalization of key sectors such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing. It will also empower consumers and enterprises with innovative 5G applications that will unlock the true potential of IoT, AI, smart cities, and

Fintech Players in Nigeria have continued to disrupt the financial services sector with lots of technology innovation. How can Ericsson further develop the Fintech ecosystem in Nigeria?

As a connectivity provider, the adoption of mobile money is a key focus for us and the significance of mobile money in Africa is enormous. Mobile money generates financial resilience and facilitates higher savings for households. Unlike cash transactions, Mobile money electronically records all transactions, improving the security of payments, it promotes transparency and fosters the formalization of the economy, In the long term, Mobile money also has the capability to reduce the rate of poverty in Africa and increase the financial independence of Africa’s residents. However, developing the communication infrastructure and making the use of the technology simple and trouble-free for the consumer is vital for the long-term adoption and success of Mobile money in Africa.

To help meet these financial service demands across Africa and help foster the continent’s economic growth, we have been committed to providing our telecom operators across Africa access to our innovative mobile financial service solutions and products such as the Ericsson Wallet Platform (EWP).

Being a flexible and secure network, EWP has provided telecom operators in Africa with a more agile and compliant IT architecture to enhance performance in managing the flow of mobile money transactions. By working closely with the region’s CSPs to strengthen and develop their core mobile money platforms, we aim to promote financial inclusion and economic development in Africa and drive the adoption of mobile money in the region.

To further evolve the Fintech ecosystem, EWP is enabling advanced mobile money services like e-commerce payments, QR Code based merchant payments, micro-loans, overdraft, buy now pay later, insurance and investments, in addition to conventional services like money transfers, airtime top-up and bill payments.

What is Ericsson’s projection about technology growth in Nigeria and Africa in the next five years?

With smartphone adoption and data subscriptions rising in Africa, the continent is about to witness exponential change. 5G and the digital technologies it enables like cloud, IoT and AI-based services are set to help countries across Africa overcome the shortage of physical infrastructure and skills stumbling their access to education and healthcare. We are already seeing Africa head in the right direction with several schools, institutions, and NGOs working together to break the digital divide and increase access to connectivity across the continent.

To prolong the current momentum of digital adoption, reduce the connectivity gap across the continent, and ensure the strong social impact of connectivity and digitalization, a strong ecosystem of partnerships and collaboration will be crucial. By continuing to build a robust ICT infrastructure in Africa, we are committed to driving digital development across African societies.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

27

28 T H I S D AY FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 TR

UT H

& RE A S O

Friday December 16, 2022 Vol 27. No 10111

N

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

JAGABAN AS MODEL DEMOCRAT: A CROSSEXAMINATION TUNDE OLUSUNLE plays up the APC presidential standard bearer as one who brooks no opposition

See page 29

THE RACE FOR THE PRESIDENCY KINGSLEY OGBONDA argues that Peter Obi will provide good leadership to Nigerians

See page 29 EDITORIAL

NIGERIA AND INCREASING INCIDENCE OF RAPE

30

1

The recent controversy around spokespersons exposes endemic misunderstanding of their role, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI

FROM NEWSROOM TO PUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGEMENT It is doubtful if any accomplished journalist who had served a term as a media aide to any SXEOLF ÀJXUH RI QRWH ZRXOG HYHU DFFHSW VXFK D UHVSRQVLELOLW\ DJDLQ 7KRVH ZKR KDG DFFHSWHG WKH MRE KRSLQJ WR LPSDFW SRVLWLYHO\ RQ WKH public policy found out shortly that it was QRW ZRUWK WKHLU JUHDWHVW RI HͿRUWV %XW WKH\ realized that it was an experience they could not have learned in the best of journalism, public relations, and public administration VFKRROV )RU WKRVH WUDQVLWLQJ GLUHFWO\ IURP WKH newsroom to media relations, an aspect of SXEOLF UHODWLRQV LW LV D FRPSOHWHO\ GLͿHUHQW EDOOJDPH 7UDLQHG LQ WKH DUW RI H[SRVLQJ LQIRUPDWLRQ WKDW SXEOLF R΀FLDOV DUH LQWHQW RQ KLGLQJ WKH\ VRRQ ÀQG WKHPVHOYHV HQJDJHG LQ a role reversal as they now seek to hide what they would ordinarily seek to reveal when WKH\ ZHUH LQ WKH QHZVURRP $QG HQWHULQJ WKH QHZ ÀHOG RI SOD\ ZLWKRXW DQ\ IRUP RI WUDLQLQJ WKH\ JURSH LQ WKH GDUN 7KH RXWFRPH LV ZKDW KDV EHHQ RQ GLVSOD\ in the last few years where the reputation PDQDJHUV WKHPVHOYHV EHFRPH WKH VXEMHFW RI PDQDJHPHQW DV WKH\ LQVWHDG RI WKHLU SULQFLSDOV EHFRPH WKH LVVXH RI SXEOLF GLVFRXUVH ODUJHO\ EHFDXVH RI WKHLU RZQ PLVFRQGXFW 7KH LQDELOLW\ WR XQOHDUQ WKH WDXJKW UROH RI FULWLFDO evaluation of information and learn the new role of selective dissemination of info creates confusion that is worsened by the complex nature of the political environment they IRXQG WKHPVHOYHV 7KH LURQ\ LV WKDW HUVWZKLOH QHZVURRP PDQDJHUV ZKR KDG LQVLVWHG RQ RSHQ DQG WUDQVSDUHQW GLVFORVXUH RI GDWD QRZ ÀQG LW GL΀FXOW WR DSSUHFLDWH WKH GHPDQG E\ WKHLU IRUPHU FROOHDJXHV IRU DFFRXQWDEOH PDQDJHPHQW RI LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ SXEOLF ÀJXUHV DQG SROLFLHV 7KH REYLRXV FKDOOHQJH that faces them is that they think that their ROG DQG QHZ UROHV DUH FRQWUDGLFWRU\ 7KLV LV D serious misconception that is at the root of the GLVDVWHU WKDW WKH\ KDYH EHFRPH ,Q WKH QHZVURRP WKH PDQDJHUV JDWKHU process, and disseminate information that KDV EHHQ YHULÀHG WR EH LQ WKH LQWHUHVW RI WKH SXEOLF WR NQRZ ,W LV GL΀FXOW WR VHH KRZ WKLV IXQGDPHQWDOO\ GLͿHUV IURP WKH MRE RI D SXEOLF DͿDLUV PDQDJHU ZKR KDV WKH UHVSRQVLELOLW\ WR PDQDJH SXEOLF LQIRUPDWLRQ WKDW LV RI LQWHUHVW WR WKH FLWL]HQU\ 7KH JXHVV WKRXJK LV WKDW EHFDXVH WKHUH LV VR PXFK R΀FLDO VHFUHF\ WKHUH LV HYHQ DQ 2΀FLDO 6HFUHW $FW DQG JRYHUQPHQW R΀FLDOV DUH E\ WKDW ODZ UHTXLUHG WR VZHDU WR DQ RDWK RI VHFUHF\ JRYHUQPHQW R΀FHUV WKLQN that they are mandated to hide the truth from WKH SXEOLF 7KLV QRWLRQ RI VHFUHF\ LV LQFRUUHFW 7KH UXOH LV WKDW SXEOLF R΀FLDOV VKDOO VHHN FOHDUDQFH EHIRUH GLVVHPLQDWLQJ R΀FLDO LQIRUPDWLRQ 0DQ\ \HDUV DJR WKH FRXUWV QXOOLÀHG WKH 2΀FLDO 6HFUHW $FW D FRORQLDO OHJLVODWLRQ SURPXOJDWHG LQ RQ WKH JURXQG WKDW 1LJHULD ZDV QR ORQJHU D SULPLWLYH VRFLHW\ HQYLVDJHG E\ WKH FRORQLDO RYHUORUGV DQG WKDW

KDYLQJ EHFRPH D GHPRFUDWLF VRFLHW\ WKHUH ZDV QR ORQJHU VSDFH IRU D VHFUHW FRFRRQ LQ WKH PDQDJHPHQW RI WKH QDWLRQ·V DͿDLUV If anyone was in doubt about the present state of the law with respect to the PDQDJHPHQW RI SXEOLF LQIRUPDWLRQ WKH )UHHGRP RI ,QIRUPDWLRQ $FW VKRXOG KDYH FOHDUHG WKDW GRXEW 7KH ODZ WKDW WRRN \HDUV WR SURPXOJDWH QRW RQO\ PDQGDWHV proactive disclosure of public information on the websites of public institutions but also FRPSHOV SXEOLF R΀FHUV WR UHOHDVH LQIRUPDWLRQ to interested members of the public upon demand subject to a few exceptions created E\ WKH ODZ ,I WKH HUVWZKLOH QHZV PDQDJHUV DSSUDLVHG the case and extant laws and relate them WR WKHLU FDOOLQJ WKDW GHPDQGV UHVSRQVLEOH PDQDJHPHQW RI LQIRUPDWLRQ RI SXEOLF LQWHUHVW they would have found, even without a FUDVK SURJUDPPH LQ SXEOLF UHODWLRQV RU SXEOLF DͿDLUV PDQDJHPHQW WKDW WKHUH LV QR FRQÁLFW +RZHYHU LW LV XQGHUVWRRG WKDW UROH misconception does not arise solely from a ODFN RI NQRZOHGJH RU WKH PLVXQGHUVWDQGLQJ of roles but also from the lack of capacity to DVVHUW DXWKRULW\ Many of the media aides lack the SHUVRQDOLW\ WKHUHIRUH WKH FRQÀGHQFH WR DVVHUW their authority within the political space WKDW WKH\ RSHUDWH +DYLQJ EHHQ DSSRLQWHG on recommendation without any personal relationship with their principals they have GL΀FXOWLHV EXLOGLQJ WKH FRQÀGHQFH UHTXLUHG WR EH WUXVWHG ZLWK WKHLU MXGJPHQW RI LVVXHV While some of them overcome this over time, RWKHUV DUH XQDEOH WR DQG ÀQG WKHPVHOYHV DW WKH PHUF\ RI WKH SROLWLFDO MREEHUV GRWWLQJ WKH HQWLUH VSDFH 7KRVH ZKR DUH DEOH WR DVVHUW WKHPVHOYHV take control of their brief and dictate the SDFH 7KH\ DUH WKH RQHV WKDW VHW WKH UXOHV DQG IROORZ WKHP DFKLHYLQJ LQ WKH SURFHVV WKH VLJQLÀFDQW SURJUHVV WKDW HQDEOHV WKHP to interface between their principal and WKH SXEOLF WKURXJK WKH PHGLD 6XFK SHRSOH XQGHUVWDQG WKHLU UROH DV SURMHFWLQJ WKHLU SULQFLSDO·V DFWLYLWLHV DQG SROLFLHV ZLWKLQ WKH FRQWH[W RI WKH ULJKW RI WKH SXEOLF WR NQRZ 7KLV XQGHUVWDQGLQJ ZLOO VXJJHVW WKDW ZKDW D perceived unpopular policy needs is intensive SXEOLF HQJDJHPHQW WR FRQYHUW WKH DQWDJRQLVWV WR SURWDJRQLVWV %XW WKRVH RQHV ZKR VWUXJJOH IRU VSDFH LQ

Yet the work of a media aide is to create a mutually beneficial relationship between his principal and the media in such a way that the latter becomes a positive platform for the projection of the activities and the policies of the former

their job environment seek to impress their SULQFLSDOV DQG WKHLU PLQLRQV E\ DQWDJRQL]LQJ UDWKHU WKDQ HQJDJLQJ WKH FULWLFDO FLWL]HQV RQ LVVXHV RI SXEOLF LQWHUHVW 7KLV LV ZK\ UDWKHU than hold a conversation they insist on a PRQRORJXH WKDW LV FKDUDFWHUL]HG E\ GLDWULEHV 7KLV NLQG RI XQGHUVWDQGLQJ DOZD\V VXJJHVWV WKDW HYHU\ FULWLTXH RI WKH SULQFLSDO DULVHV IURP mischief and must be repelled sometimes ZLWK RXWULJKW YXOJDU DEXVH ,W LV DJDLQVW WKLV EDFNJURXQG WKDW WKH SXEOLF VSDW EHWZHHQ PHGLD DLGHV DQG WKHLU SULQFLSDO·V FULWLFV WKDW ZH ZLWQHVV RFFXU Yet the work of a media aide is to create a PXWXDOO\ EHQHÀFLDO UHODWLRQVKLS EHWZHHQ KLV principal and the media in such a way that the latter becomes a positive platform for the projection of the activities and the policies RI WKH IRUPHU 7KH VXFFHVV RI WKLV NLQG RI relationship is not measured by the level of collusion between the media and the public R΀FLDO EXW E\ WKH FRQVWUXFWLYHO\ FULWLFDO projection of public policies under the watch RI WKH PHGLD DLGH·V SULQFLSDO 7KH FODULW\ DERXW WKH MRE RI WKH PHGLD DLGH RI D SXEOLF R΀FLDO ZDV SURYLGHG E\ 2OXVHJXQ $GHQL\L IRUPHU VSHFLDO DGYLVHU WR 3UHVLGHQW 8PDUX <DU·$GXD LQ ´2XU MRE µ KH WROG KLV PHGLD WHDP FRQVLVWLQJ RI WKLV ZULWHU .HQ 6DUR :LZD MRXUQDOLVW DQG ZULWHU RI LQWHUQDWLRQDO UHSXWH *RG EOHVV KLV VRXO DQG <DNXEX 0XVD DQ XSFRPLQJ UHSRUWHU ZLWK VWURQJ LQWHUQDWLRQDO UHODWLRQV EDFNJURXQG ´,V QRW WR DEXVH DQ\ERG\ EXW WR SURMHFW WKH DFWLYLWLHV RI DQG H[SODLQ WKH SROLFLHV RI 0U 3UHVLGHQW µ ,Q VSLWH RI WKH GL΀FXOW FLUFXPVWDQFHV RI WKDW WHQXUH $GHQL\L QRZ FKDLUPDQ RI WKH (GLWRULDO %RDUG RI 7+,6'$< 1HZVSDSHUV LQVLVWHG RQ WKDW UXOH RI HQJDJHPHQW %XͿHWHG E\ D EDUUDJH RI REYLRXVO\ XQIDLU DWWDFNV RQ WKH SHUVRQDOLW\ RI <DU·$GXD ZKR ZDV RQ KLV VLFN EHG LQ 6DXGL $UDELD KH LVVXHG D FOHDU GLUHFWLYH WR WKH PHGLD WHDP ´*R XQGHUJURXQG DQG GR QRWKLQJ DJDLQVW WKH RͿHQVLYH RI WKH RSSRVLWLRQ ZLWKLQ WKH JRYHUQPHQW WKDW LV LQ SRZHU µ 6R GHVSLWH WKH EHOOLJHUHQFH RI WKH XVXUSHU RI SRZHU ZLWKLQ WKH JRYHUQPHQW WKH UXOH was to state the issues on the basis of the information available to the media team ZLWKRXW DQWDJRQL]LQJ WKH SXEOLF WKDW KDG EHHQ XQIDLUO\ PRELOL]HG DJDLQVW D VLFN principal who was not in a position to brief it RQ WKH VWDWH RI DͿDLUV 7KH FXUUHQW VSRNHVSHUVRQV RI WKH RXWJRLQJ 0XKDPPDGX %XKDUL DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ DQG the various presidential candidates who KDYH EHHQ HQJDJHG LQ ´WZR ÀJKWLQJµ ZLWK the critical public may wish to calm down, FRQVLGHU WKH $GHQL\L PRGHO DQG WXUQ D QHZ OHDI Adebiyi, the managing editor of THISDAY Newspapers, writes from bolaji.adebiyi@ thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY

3 29

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022

KINGSLEY OGBONDA argues that Peter Obi will provide good leadership to Nigerians TUNDE OLUSUNLE plays up the APC presidential standard bearer as one who brooks no opposition

JAGABAN AS MODEL DEMOCRAT: A CROSS-EXAMINATION %ROD $KPHG 7LQXEX SUHVLGHQWLDO ÁDJEHDUHU RI WKH $OO 3URJUHVVLYHV &RQJUHVV $3& IRU WKH )HEUXDU\ HOHFWLRQ VKRFNHG PDQ\ E\ KLV RXWEXUVW HDUOLHU LQ WKH \HDU $PRQJ RWKHU DOLDVHV 7LQXEX LV IDPRXV IRU WKH WUDGLWLRQDO WLWOH -DJDEDQ OHDG ZDUULRU EHVWRZHG RQ KLP \HDUV DJR E\ WKH SHRSOH RI %RUJX LQ 1LJHU 6WDWH 2XW RI D PHHWLQJ ZLWK 0XKDPPDGX %XKDUL ZKR KH KRSHV WR VXFFHHG DV SUHVLGHQW 7LQXEX ZDV DFFRVWHG E\ 6WDWH +RXVH UHSRUWHUV 7KH\ VRXJKW KLV YLHZV DPRQJ RWKHUV DERXW KLV UHDFWLRQ WR WKH SUHVLGHQWLDO LQWHQW

RI KLV ´VRQ µ 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW <HPL 2VLQEDMR D 7LQXEX SURWHJH KDG H[SUHVVHG LQWHUHVW LQ VXFFHHGLQJ KLV SULQFLSDO %XKDUL ZKR KH KDG VHUYHG DW WKH WLPH IRU DERXW VHYHQ \HDUV 6LQFH WKH ´IDWKHUµ ZDV LQWHUHVWHG LQ WKH VDPH SRVLWLRQ OLNH KLV VRQ ZKDW ZDV KLV UHDFWLRQ WR WKH XQIROGLQJ VFHQDULR" $ YLVLEO\ LQFHQVHG 7LQXEX UHDFWHG YHU\ VKDUSO\ ´, KDYH QR VRQ JURZQ HQRXJK WR UXQ IRU SUHVLGHQF\ µ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·V LQGLͿHUHQFH WR WKH FULWLFDO UHDOLW\ RI 1LJHULD DV D QDWLRQ ZLWK WZR GRPLQDQW PD\EH PXWXDOO\ MHDORXV UHOLJLRQV &KULVWLDQLW\ DQG ,VODP KDV EHHQ SUDFWLFDOO\ UHLQIRUFHG E\ KLV SUHIHUHQFH IRU D VDPH IDLWK SDLULQJ RQ KLV WLFNHW +RZ ZHOO KLV FRQGHVFHQGLQJ RSWLRQ KDV EHHQ UHFHLYHG E\ D FURVV VHFWLRQ RI 1LJHULD·V HOHFWRUDWH ZLOO EH PDQLIHVW FRPH 6DWXUGD\ )HEUXDU\ $WLNX $EXEDNDU SUHVLGHQWLDO FDQGLGDWH RI WKH 3HRSOHV· 'HPRFUDWLF 3DUW\ 3'3 KDV EHHQ PRUH FRQVFLHQWLRXV DQG SUDJPDWLF RSWLQJ IRU D PRUH SHUFHSWLYH DQG EDODQFHG WLFNHW +H LV UXQQLQJ ZLWK WKH YHU\ H[SHULHQFHG DQG DPHQDEOH $UWKXU ,IHDQ\L 2NRZD JRYHUQRU RI 'HOWD 6WDWH 2VLQEDMR·V SROLWLFDO HͿURQWHU\ ZDV JUHHWHG E\ UHFULPLQDWLRQV DQG UHSULPDQGV HYHQ IURP WKH YRUWH[ RI WKH 7LQXEX EHKHPRWK %D\R 2QDQXJD RQH RI WKH H[HPSODUV RI WKH ´XQGHUJURXQGµ SUHVV ZKLFK EDWWOHG

WKH UHSUHVVLYH 6DQL $EDFKD HUD WR QR HQG LQGHHG WKHRULVHG LQ D SXEOLF VWDWHPHQW WR WKH HͿHFW WKDW KH EURNHUHG WKH IRUHPRVW 7LQXEX 2VLQEDMR PHHW XS 6DWXUGD\ )HEUXDU\ LV MXVW DW WKH EHQG E\ *RG·V GLYLQH JUDFH 7KH $SULO IDFHRͿ EHWZHHQ 7LQXEX DQG 2VLQEDMR ZDV QRW WKH ÀUVW WLPH WKH VHOI VW\OHG ´QDWLRQDO OHDGHUµ RI WKH $3& WDQJOHG ZLWK KLV VXSSRVHG GLVVHQWHUV DQG RSSRQHQWV ,Q WKH VXEVLVWLQJ IRXUWK UHSXEOLF LQ 1LJHULD 7LQXEX ODXQFKHG WKH XQZKROHVRPH WUDGLWLRQ RI VXEMXJDWLRQ DQG HMHFWLRQ RI KLV GHSXWLHV IURP R΀FH .RIRZRUROD %XFNQRU $NHUHOH DQG )HPL 3HGUR ZKR VWDUWHG RXW ZLWK KLP LQ DQG UHVSHFWLYHO\ ZHUH YDULRXVO\ IUXVWUDWHG RXW RI R΀FH E\ WKHLU FRPPRQ QHPHVLV 7LQXEX :KLOH %XFNQRU $NHUHOH UHVLJQHG 'HFHPEHU )HPL 3HGUR ZDV LQDXJXUDWHG LQ KHU SODFH -DQXDU\ $ERXW D IRUWQLJKW WR WKH FRQFOXVLRQ RI WKH 7LQXEX JRYHUQPHQW LQ 0D\ KRZHYHU WKH /DJRV 6WDWH +RXVH RI $VVHPEO\ LQVWLJDWHG E\ WKH FRQWURO IUHDN 7LQXEX LPSHDFKHG 3HGUR ´RYHU DOOHJDWLRQV RI PLVFRQGXFW µ %XFNQRU $NHUHOH·V SUHFHGLQJ UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK 7LQXEX DV ´KRPH EDVHGµ DQG ´GLDVSRUDµ FRPSRQHQWV RI WKH 1DWLRQDO 'HPRFUDWLF &RDOLWLRQ 1$'(&2 WKH DQWL $EDFKD UHVLVWDQFH FRDOLWLRQ FRXQWHG IRU OLWWOH ZKHQ 7LQXEX IHOO RXW ZLWK KHU %DEDWXQGH 5DML )DVKROD 6$1 7LQXEX·V HUVWZKLOH &KLHI RI 6WDͿ ZKR VXFFHHGHG KLP LQ ´*RYHUQPHQW +RXVH $ODXVD ,NHMD µ KDG KLV EOXHV ZLWK KLV IRUPHU SULQFLSDO )DVKROD RSWHG IRU D JRYHUQDQFH SURWRW\SH ZKLFK GHULYHG IURP KLV EDFNJURXQG DV D WHFKQRFUDW +LV EHQHIDFWRU KRZHYHU GHVLUHG D ]RPELÀHG SURWHJH ZKR WRRN GLFWDWHV DQG LQVWUXFWLRQV IURP WKH DUFKHW\SDO %DED ,VDOH SROLWLFDO JUDQGPDVWHU DV NQRZQ ZLWKLQ WKH 1LJHULDQ FRQWH[W )DVKROD·V UHVLVWDQFH WR URERWLVDWLRQ DOPRVW FRVW KLP D VHFRQG WHUP WLFNHW LQ DV 7LQXEX ZDV JRLQJ WR ULQJ WKH FKDQJHV :LWK WKH UXOLQJ 3'3 RI WKH *RRGOXFN -RQDWKDQ HUD ZLQNLQJ DW )DVKROD ZLOOLQJ WR JLIW KLP D WLFNHW RQ WKH SODWWHU KRZHYHU D EURZ EHDWHQ 7LQXEX UHFRLOHG )DVKROD KDV VLQFH DVVHUWHG KLV ´LQGHSHQGHQFH µ EHFRPLQJ RQH RI WKH VWDU ER\V RI WKH %XKDUL DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ ZKR LV LQWR KLV HLJKWK \HDU DV ZRUNV DQG KRXVLQJ PLQLVWHU +H PD\ \HW EHFRPH WKH ORQJHVW VHUYLQJ PLQLVWHU RI WKDW PLQLVWU\ $NLQZXPL $PERGH D FKDUWHUHG DFFRXQWDQW DQG VHDVRQHG WHFKQRFUDW ZKR VXFFHHGHG )DVKROD LQ ZDV QRW DV IRUWXQDWH +H JRW NLFNHG LQ WKH ERWWRP E\ KLV PHQWRU IRU ZKDW 7LQXEX GHVFULEHG DV ´VHOÀVKQHVV DQG GHYLDWLRQ IURP WKH PDVWHUSODQ IRU WKH GHYHORSPHQW RI /DJRV 6WDWH µ $PERGH ZDV VSHFLÀFDOO\ QDLOHG IRU ´QRW FDUU\LQJ HYHU\ERG\ DORQJ LQ WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RI WKH VWDWH µ ,Q WKH LQJHQLRXV DQG H[SDQGLQJ OH[LFRQ RI 1LJHULD·V VRFLRSROLWLFV ´FDUU\LQJ DORQJµ LV WKH SUDFWLFH RI XQUHVWUDLQHG GLVSHQVDWLRQ RI SDWURQDJH WR VWDNHKROGHUV ZKLFK LV WDQWDPRXQW WR RLOLQJ WKH ZKHHOV EROWV DQG MRLQWV RI WKH SROLWLFDO VXSHUVWUXFWXUH $PERGH ORVW WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ RI D UHWXUQ WLFNHW WR %DEDMLGH 6DQZR 2OX Olusunle, PhD, LV 6SHFLDO $GYLVHU 0HGLD DQG 3XEOLFLW\ WR $WLNX $EXEDNDU

THE RACE FOR THE PRESIDENCY

$V WKH 1LJHULDQ JHQHUDO HOHFWLRQV FDPSDLJQV JDWKHU PRPHQWXP D IDFWRU VHHPV WR KDYH HPHUJHG ,W LV WKH IDFW WKDW WKH UDFH RQ ZKR EHFRPHV WKH QH[W 3UHVLGHQW LV QR ORQJHU RQH EHWZHHQ WKH UXOLQJ $3& DQG WKH SUHYLRXV JRYHUQLQJ SDUW\ 3'3 EXW D GLVWLQFW WKUHH KRUVH UDFH 7KDW WKLUG IRUFH LV WKH /DERXU 3DUW\ V\PEROLVHG E\ 0U 3HWHU 2EL /LVWHQLQJ WR SHRSOH RQ ZK\ D GLVFHUQLEOH QXPEHU RI WKHP DUH ZLOOLQJ WR FRQVLGHU DQ DOWHUQDWLYH RXWVLGH $3& DQG 3'3 WKH RYHUZKHOPLQJ DQVZHU KDV EHHQ ¶¶ZH DUH 7,5(' DQG KDYH KDG (128*+ RI VDPH VHOI VHUYLQJ LQGLYLGXDOV DQG PRQXPHQWDO VWHDOLQJ DGPLQLVWHUHG E\ ERWK WKH 3'3 DQG $3&·· 7ZR TXHVWLRQV DULVH IURP WKH DERYH DQVZHUV 7KHVH DUH ZK\ DUH 1LJHULDQV WLUHG

DQG VHHNLQJ D JHQXLQH DOWHUQDWLYH WR WKH 3'3 DQG $3&" 6HFRQGO\ ZKHUH LV RU ZKDW UHSUHVHQWV WKDW DOWHUQDWLYH" 7KH DQVZHU WR WKH ÀUVW TXHVWLRQ ZLOO UHTXLUH SURYLGLQJ D FRPSUHKHQVLYH DFFRXQW RI WKH DEXVHV RI SRZHU DQG IDLOHG JRYHUQDQFH E\ $3& DQG 3'3 0LQGIXO RI VSDFH FRQVWUDLQW WKLV FDQQRW EH GRQH KHUH $OO WKDW ZLOO EH SURYLGHG LV D EULHI VXPPDU\ RI WKH UHDVRQV ZK\ 1LJHULDQV DUH VHHNLQJ D QHZ RUGHU ,Q WKH ÀUVW LQVWDQFH LW LV EHOLHYHG WKDW IRU \HDUV 1LJHULDQV KDYH EHHQ VWUXJJOLQJ IRU WKH PHDQLQJ RI D FLYLO UXOH ² GHPRFUDF\ ZKLFK QHLWKHU WKH 3'3 QRU WKH $3& KDYH EHHQ DEOH WR RͿHU 6LQFH 1LJHULDQV KDYH ZLWQHVVHG HOHFWLRQV EHLQJ URXWLQHO\ ULJJHG ZLWK WKHLU YRWHV UHJXODUO\ UHQGHUHG QXOOLW\ DV WKH\ GR QRW KDYH HͿHFW RQ ZKR JHWV LQWR SRZHU EXW DUH IRUFHG WR ZDWFK WKRVH ZKR KDYH JRWWHQ LQWR SRZHU WKURXJK LOOHJLWLPDWH PHDQV WUHDW WKH SXEOLF WUHDVXU\ DV WKHLU SHUVRQDO JLIW 7KH ZRUVW VWHDOLQJ DQG DEXVHV DUH FRPPLWWHG E\ WKH JRYHUQRUV ZKR UXOH WKHLU VWDWHV ZLWK DEVROXWH SRZHU 7KH\ H[HUFLVH ULJLG KROG RQ WKHLU VWDWHV· WUHDVXU\ DQG WUHDW LW DV WKHLU SHUVRQDO SLJJ\EDQN $OVR WKH PRVW FULPLQDOO\ PLQGHG DPRQJVW WKHP DUH LQ FRPSOHWH FRQWURO RI WKH SROLWLFDO SURFHVVHV LQ WKHLU GRPDLQ :KR EHFRPHV PHPEHUV RI WKHLU +RXVH RI $VVHPEO\ ZKLFK WKH\ GRPLQDWH DQG WKRVH ZKR EHFRPH PHPEHUV RI WKH 1DWLRQDO $VVHPEOLHV DUH HQWLUHO\ WKHLU FKRLFH 7KHLU ORFDO JRYHUQPHQW·V FKDLUSHUVRQV DUH PDWWHUV IRU WKHLU SHUVRQDO SDWURQDJH 7KH\ KLUH DQG ÀUH ORFDO JRYHUQPHQW·V FKDLUSHUVRQV DW ZLOO 1RW FRQWHQW ZLWK WKHLU DQWL GHPRFUDWLF SUDFWLFHV 1LJHULDQ JRYHUQRUV KDYH EXOOLHG WKHLU +RXVH RI $VVHPEOLHV WR PDNH ODZV JXDUDQWHHLQJ WKDW DIWHU OHDYLQJ R΀FH WKHLU SHQVLRQ LV HTXLYDOHQW WR SHUFHQW RI WKHLU SD\ DQG EHQHÀWV ZKLOH WKH\ ZHUH LQ R΀FH UHJDUGOHVV RI ZKDW RWKHU SROLWLFDO R΀FH WKH\ PD\ KROG DIWHU EHLQJ JRYHUQRUV )RU WKDW UHDVRQ WKH PDMRULW\ RI WKHP ZKR KDYH UHWLUHG WKHPVHOYHV LQWR WKH +RXVH RI 6HQDWH JHW

double salaries, in addition to their selfDZDUGHG EHQHÀWV $OO DW WKH H[SHQVH RI WKH SRRU VWDUYLQJ PDVVHV 7KHVH DFWLRQV IDOO LQWR WKHLU GHÀQLWLRQ RI GHPRFUDF\ RͿHUHG WR 1LJHULDQV 6LPSO\ ² D WUDYHVW\ $SDUW IURP WKH WUHDVRQDEOH DFWLRQV RI JRYHUQRUV WKHUH DUH QR SXEOLF LQVWLWXWLRQV LQ 1LJHULD WKDW DUH ÁRXULVKLQJ 7KH SXEOLF HGXFDWLRQDO V\VWHP LV DOO EXW FROODSVHG 3ULPDU\ DQG VHFRQGDU\ HGXFDWLRQ KDV EHHQ FRPSOHWHO\ RXWVRXUFHG WR SULYDWH LQGLYLGXDOV $V D FRQVHTXHQFH WKH FRXQWU\ KDV WKH KLJKHVW QXPEHU RI RXW VFKRRO FKLOGUHQ LQ WKH ZRUOG 7KHUH LV QR ZLOOLQJQHVV E\ WKH YDULRXV JRYHUQPHQWV WR HQURO FKLOGUHQ DQG LPSURYH WKH VWDQGDUG RI HGXFDWLRQ LQ WKH FRXQWU\ 3XEOLF XQLYHUVLWLHV RI ZKLFK PRVW RI WKRVH LQ SRZHU ZHUH EHQHÀ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΀FLDOV ZKR VWROH IURP WKH IHGHUDO RU VWDWHV JRYHUQPHQWV (FRQRPLFDOO\ WKH FRXQWU\ KDV EHHQ O\LQJ Á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·V HFRQRPLF SKLORVRSK\ LV EXLOW RQ UHQWV DQG SDWURQDJH 7KH SROLWLFDO HOLWHV· EDVWDUGLVDWLRQ RI WKH HFRQRP\ LV SUREDEO\ EHWWHU LOOXVWUDWHG E\ WKH DFWLYLWLHV LQ LWV RLO LQGXVWU\ 7KH FRXQWU\·V PDLQ H[SRUW DQG WKH VRXUFH RI LWV IRUHLJQ HDUQLQJ LV RLO \HW XQGHU WKH JRYHUQPHQW DQG WKH 3UHVLGHQW·V ZDWFK WKDW RLO LV EHLQJ RSHQO\ VWROHQ RQ DQ LQGXVWULDO VFDOH 1R RWKHU RLO SURGXFLQJ FRXQWU\ LQ WKH ZRUOG KDV VXFK D JRU\ VWRU\ WR WHOO ,QVHFXULW\ RI OLYHV DQG SURSHUWLHV DUH WKUHDWHQLQJ WR XQUDYHO WKH VRFLHW\ 1LJHULDQV DUH OLYLQJ LQ GDLO\ IHDU RI IDOOLQJ YLFWLPV WR NLGQDSSHUV DUPHG UREEHUV KLUHG DVVDVVLQV DQG GHUDQJHG FKDUDFWHUV FDOOHG ´ULWXDO PXUGHUHUVµ /LYHV LQ 1LJHULD OLNH LQ D VWDWH RI ZDU KDYH EHFRPH YHU\ FKHDS 1HLWKHU WKH IHGHUDO QRU VWDWHV· JRYHUQPHQWV KDYH VKRZQ DQ\ FDSDFLW\ WR LQYHVWLJDWH DQG DSSUHKHQG ERWK NLGQDSSHUV DQG PXUGHUHUV Ogbonda, SXEOLF DͿDLUV FRPPHQWDWRU ZULWHV IURP /RQGRQ

30 4

T H I S D AY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

NIGERIA AND INCREASING INCIDENCE OF RAPE All the major stakeholders should unite to fight the menace

L

that a specialised unit in the Police Force should ast Sunday, some residents of Farinhandle cases involving children. Unfortunately, even Gada community in Jos, Plateau WKH IHZ WUDLQHG DQG VSHFLDOLVHG SROLFH R΀FHUV JHW State, staged a protest following the routinely transferred and deployed to other beats, killing of Ruth Yakadi, a 400-level without given the opportunity to implement their student of the Department of English, newfound skills. The need for a review of existing University of Jos. She was raped to strategies and the strengthening of mechanisms, death by suspected hoodlums. Last month in Awka, including for documenting these incidents, has Anambra State, a 13-year-old girl was gang-raped therefore never been more urgent. by four men after an altercation with the teenager’s But beyond those who have been entrusted with father. Unfortunately for them, they were caught by the responsibility of protecting life and property, the some vigilantes in collaboration with members of society also needs to be alive to its responsibility. A WKH 1DWLRQDO $JHQF\ IRU 3URKLELWLRQ RI 7UD΀FNLQJ police force is as good as the society that supports it. in Persons. The State Commissioner for Women A point of safe, protective DQG 6RFLDO $ͿDLUV ,I\ and comforting recourse Obinabo lauded the must exist for victims of victim for speaking up sexual violence to address after the incident and their immediate needs assured her that she We must all be ready to stand up to fight this menace which violates as well as to enable them would get justice. summon the courage to the dignity of our girls and women While we join pursue the ends of justice. other stakeholders While better training on in demanding justice a wider scale, diligent for the victims and prosecution and swift the society at large, we are also calling on the T H I S D AY and exemplary sanctions would certainly send a UHOHYDQW DXWKRULWLHV WR GHYLVH HͿHFWLYH PHDVXUHV EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU strong signal to the perpetrators to desist, the media DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA and strategies to checkmate the growing menace MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO UHPDLQV D QHFHVVDU\ SDUWQHU LQ VXVWDLQHG HͿRUWV WR of sexual assaults across the country. Even our DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU curb these wanton acts of evil. university campuses ordinarily considered as sane CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI Our courts must also be more proactive and and safe havens for the acquisition of knowledge EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN stringent in applying sanctions. We commend the and inculcation of character have been turned into MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI VZLIW PDQQHU DQ ,ORULQ +LJK &RXUW ODVW 7XHVGD\ THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE KLGHRXWV IRU JDQJ UDSLQJ VH[XDO JUDWLÀFDWLRQ DQG sentenced two students to death for the murder of sex hawking. Yet rape is a violation of the most Blessing Olajide, a 300- level undergraduate of the demeaning kind that scars many victims for life. No 8QLYHUVLW\ RI ,ORULQ 2ODMLGH ZDV UDSHG DQG NLOOHG society should condone rape which regrettably is T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D last year in the Kwara State capital. fast becoming a social epidemic.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA Besides, our private network providers should ,Q 1LJHULD SROLFH LQVHQVLWLYLW\ DQG WKH IHDU RI GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, readily donate help-lines with free calls for victims ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI stigma (or persecution) discourages targets of DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, of violence, while our hospitals and the legal violence from formalising the reports of incidents ANTHONY OGEDENGBE SURIHVVLRQ VKRXOG EH SUHSDUHG WR RͿHU SUR ERQR involving them. This reluctance, however, has only DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI services to the victims. We must all be ready to stand contributed to the rise in a culture of impunity on SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH XS WR ÀJKW WKLV PHQDFH ZKLFK YLRODWHV WKH GLJQLW\ RI the part of the perpetrators. There have also been ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI several reported cases of abuse of children, some of CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI our girls and women. The message the society must send out is that on this issue, our women do not DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO them as young as three years. Yet the Child Rights TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com stand alone.

Act, so far adopted by 24 states, clearly mandates

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

LETTERS THE AJAH ROAD CHALLENGE TO SANWO-OLU 2Q 6XQGD\ 'HFHPEHU , ÁHZ EDFN LQWR /DJRV IURP $EXMD $V , ZDV UHWXUQLQJ WR my house in Badore in what is called GreatHU $MDK LQ WKH /HNNL 3HQLQVXOD 'LVWULFW , UDQ LQWR KHDY\ WUD΀F DW WKH $MDK %XV VWDWLRQ ,W was caused by a tipper which fell on the other side of the Ajah-Addo-Badore Road, close WR WKH 0RWKHU RI 3HUSHWXDO +HOS &DWKROLF Church. The truck driver was apparently attempting to cross to the other side by driving on the well-built median and so fell. Some motorists must have spent up to two hours on one spot.

Worse for me, as we were driving towards the Kekere Bus Stop at Addo, we ran into another gridlock. A heavy duty truck was at-

tempting to lift a tipper and so blocked the road for hours; it presumably had a mechanical issue.

People using the famous Ajah-Addo-BaGRUH 5RDG ZKR ZHUH VWXFN LQ WUD΀F IRU hours, would have stayed for a far longer SHULRG LI WKH WZR WUD΀F LQFLGHQWV KDG RFFXUUHG RQ D ZHHNGD\ RU RQ D 6DWXUGD\ ,Q RWKer words, we were lucky we spent only two hours under the scorching sun, on December 11th, 2022.

The Lagos State government can end the VXͿHULQJ RI WKRXVDQGV RI SHRSOH ZKR XVH this extremely busy road the day it decides to construct an alternative road in the area. ,W FDQ EXLOG D URDG IURP $GGR WR $EUDKDP

Adesanya Estate, which ex Governor Akinwunmi Ambode promised in August 2016 WR GR WKH QH[W PRQWK EXW IDLOHG WR IXOÀOO KLV SOHGJH ZLWKRXW DQ DSRORJ\ ,W FDQ DOVR EXLOG a road from the Cooperative Villas Estate in Badore to the Lagos Business School. Constructing any of these roads will go a long ZD\ WR HDVH WUD΀F RQ WKH $MDK $GGR %DGRUH Road. The Lagos State government should actually do the two roads. They are not only short but also critical. There are over 60 estates between Ajah and Badore. ConsequentO\ WKH SHRSOH VXͿHU HQRUPRXVO\ 7KH\ KDYH VXͿHUHG HQRXJK Babajide Okunnu, Badore, Ajah, Lekki

31

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Who is Afraid of Tirex Petroleum and Energy?

Kayode Oladapo

R

ecently, Tirex Petroleum and Energy, an emerging fully indigenous drilling and well intervention services company established in 2019, has been in the news, not for the reasons it would have wished but for an issue which does not concern it, at least, not directly.

The whole issue borders around the award of contract for the provision of drillship for TOTAL E&P OML 130 Drilling Campaign TENDER NO DW00001997 which many tenderers participated in the bid process.

This tender has suffered serious delay due to the obvious failure of the suggested lowest bidder to identify an acceptable rig for TotalEnergies. TotalEnergies, in its desire to move the process forward, issued an RFP to Tirex Petroleum and Energy Limited. It is Tirex Petroleum and Energy’s response to this RFP that has become a mortal sin for which it must be annihilated.

Christopher Onyeka Palmer, the Chief

Executive Officer of Palmeron Nigeria, assumed himself the winner of the bid that was ruled unsuccessful by the company who called for it. First, it felt like a reaction of someone to a loss from an unsuccessful bid attempt but degenerated to musings that come from the refusal to accept an unfavourable business outcome, then to a formal petition and now, the playing of ‘the Dog in the Manger.’

Understandably, Palmer wrote two petitions to the Group Chief Executive Officer NNPC Limited on 11 April, 2022 and 23 August, 2022 alleging irregularity and abuse of procurement process in the award of said contract.

In his obvious ignorance, Mr Palmer did not know that the contract that has already been awarded to a consortium of Derotech/Geoplex/PIDWAL/NOBLE, which Tirex Petroleum and Energy is not even a part of, but assumed that it is being planned to be awarded to Tirex Petroleum and Energy.

However, instead of allowing NNPC Limited to carry out its due process of investigating the alleged irregularities so he could be better informed, Palmer seems to be displaying the fishiness of his agenda by resorting to hollow threats and cheap blackmail, recruiting phony and discredited groups and a section of the media known for ‘cash & carry’ journalism.

For example, on 14 August, 2022, an email was sent by an unknown group that goes by the name ‘Association of Concerned Citizens’ to many stakeholders of the Nigeria’s oil and gas industry including the Presidency, anti-corruption agencies, political parties, the media.

The email is a petition against Mr Bala Wunti, the Group General Manager of the National Petroleum Investment Services (NAPIMS), a corporate services unit in the Upstream Directorate of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

Irked by the snub from its targets, the

author wrote another email on 4 September, 2022 and signed it, not as ‘Association of Concerned Citizens’ as he did in the first email, but as ‘Concerns (sic) Nigerians.’ In the email, the author resorted to soliciting help from industry players and contractors to join in his obnoxious campaign of calumny against his self-chosen ‘enemies’.

It was the turn of the South-South Reawakening Group, another discredited group, to launch its own attack against Tirex Petroleum, a couple of days ago.

The funny thing about the petitions is that they all have the signature of Mr Palmer – pushing the Palmeron Nigeria’s agenda. While the so-called ‘Association of Concerned Citizens/Concerns (sic) Nigerians’ named Mr Wunti, the SouthSouth Reawakening Group was a bit more circumspect, saying “a senior official of NAPIMS.” The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

AMCON, 11PLC HEAD TO S’COURT OVER SALE OF CONTINENTAL HOTEL the Federal High Court, which dismissed the suit and affirmed the sale by AMCON, after it

found no merit in Milan’s claim of having repaid the huge loan it took from the Polaris Bank

Limited.

Milan Industries Limited then appealed the decision

of the Federal High Court, and the Court of Appeal in its judgement set aside the

decision of the lower court.

AMCON, 11Plc and Polaris Bank have approached the

Supreme Court to nullify the judgement of the Appeal Court.

AVIATION EXPERTS EXPRESS DIVERGENT VIEWS ON ADOPTION, SUCCESS OF SINGLE SKY FOR AFRICA will enhance interactions, exchange of ideas, cultural mix and blends.

Somebody should be able to order for a product and receive it within Africa in two to six hours. It will make it easier for the African developing countries to assist their underdeveloped counterparts.

African aviation will have a platform to grow from her base – Africa,” Akpan said.

Akpan said there was need to muster willpower by holders of

political power and the managers of bureaucratic institutions in African countries to let go of protectionist agenda in exchange for a common African agenda.

“Besides the problem of independent countries, there are already existing regional blocs each with a ‘super nation’ controlling affairs in that bloc/region. The regional blocs include: South Africa for South, Kenya/Ethiopia for East, Nigeria for West, Egypt for North,

and Rwanda for Central. Each bloc already has its single/open sky protocols in place. How do they transit from regional to continental free/open sky? Infrastructures and pace of development differs from country/region.

“Yes; it is possible. It will start with a lot of hiccups but it can be achieved. The African have had to travel to other continents to transit or connect to another African country, which was his

destination. This single/ open sky will be a welcomed relief. It will enhance development and growth of ACFTA,” Akpan said.

Industry expert and Secretary General of Aviation Round Table (ART), Group Captain John Ojikutu, said it is desirable for most African countries to agree to open sky, especially when most of them do not have national or flag carriers.

“Quietly, countries without national or flag carriers would be

making monies in forex on landing and parking, air traffic services and navigational charges, five per cent TSC/CSC, PSC (Ticket sales charge, cargo sales charge and passenger sales charge) etc depending on the number of international air and passengers traffic they can generate annually,” Ojikutu said.

However, a retired administrator in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) told THISDAY that he does believe that African

leaders have the mental and moral capacity to successfully implement such a project, which would benefit all Africans.

“They plan will be compromised by foreign airlines and their governments to delay or sabotage it. I don’t trust them. They are wicked who blindly inflict hardships on their people while they escape through stealing our common patrimony to live fake lives,” Ojikutu further said.

32

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 14Dec-2022, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 181.20 182.35 8.57% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 10.89% Nigeria International Debt Fund 321.67 321.67 16.00% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 107.01 108.16 8.43% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 0.03% Anchoria Equity Fund 139.82 141.36 0.41% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.20 1.20 4.86% info@anchoriaam.com ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 21.37 22.02 110.12% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 497.57 512.57 120.79% ARM Ethical Fund 42.59 43.87 118.92% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 102.29% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.06 1.06 110.23% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.24% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 95.7 95.7 -6.97% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,105.01 1,105.01 3.71% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalfif@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.04 1.04 8.12% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.80% Paramount Equity Fund 18.01 18.34 7.61% Women's Investment Fund 145.71 147.44 2.56% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.17% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.06 1.06 8.82% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.03 1.03 2.23% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 104.74 104.74 2.97% FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Halal Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.37% Legacy Debt Fund 3.57 3.57 -10.83% Legacy Equity Fund 1.92 1.96 10.46% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.26 1.26 4.44% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn

Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

4,079.45 3,695.62 100.00

4,107.36 3,695.62 100.00

4.97% 6.87% 14.57%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.13 1.13 0.00% GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.69 1.72 18.83% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,178.28 1,178.28 9.14% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 102.49 102.49 9.20% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 12.92% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.55 1.59 -1.40% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.47 11.63 3.24% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.55% PACAM Equity Fund 1.40 1.42 -1.63% PACAM EuroBond Fund 118.60 121.97 4.35% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund N/A N/A N/A SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,558.83 3,586.59 4.97% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 244.60 244.60 3.83% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.38 1.39 9.92% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 331.66 331.67 5.92% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 253.57 256.65 8.57% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.33% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 11,731.73 11,865.15 7.41% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.36 1.36 5.31% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 120.64 120.64 3.19% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 114.51 114.51 7.64% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 0.93 0.95 5.19% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.32 1.35 1.53% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.15 1.16 10.97% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.10 1.10 7.21% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.94 1.94 6.26% United Capital Eurobond Fund 125.05 125.05 5.76% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.15% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 13.60 13.67 2.94% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 15.47 15.62 5.81% Zenith Income Fund 23.80 23.80 8.42% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.16% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 4.02 4.12 0.29% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.50 5.60 -5.83% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 17.96 18.16 1.57% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.46% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 23.86 24.06 19.30% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 138.54 140.54 -12.11%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

N/A N/A

N/A N/A

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

15.18 126.61 99.20 N/A N/A

15.28 128.84 100.93 N/A N/A

8.52% -0.77% -0.78% N/A N/A

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.59

0.00%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

33

34

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 •T H I S D AY

This

Weekend

TR

UTH

& R E ASO

N

WEEKLY MAGAZINE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022

TR

AI

LB

NS

’S

T H O G N I L U T BA O P S

LAZ

IN G A

A M

O Z

36

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

COVER

Spotlight on UBA’s Trailblazing Amazons Ø Ë ÎÏÏÚÖã ÚËÞÜÓËÜÍÒËÖ ØËÞÓÙؘ ÙØÏ ÙÐ ÞÒÙÝÏ áÒÙ ÒËàÏ ×ËÎÏ Ë ÍÙØÝÍÓÙßÝ ÏʥÙÜÞ ÞÙ ÍÒËØÑÏ ÞÒÏ ØËÜÜËÞÓàÏ ÓÝ Ü ÙØã Öß×ÏÖߘ ÙßØÎÏÜ ËØÎ ÒËÓÜ×ËØ ÙÐ ÏÓÜÝ ÙÖÎÓØÑݘ áÒÙ ÓÝ ÍÙ××ÓʵÏÎ ÞÙ Ó×ÚÜÙàÓØÑ ÖÓàÏÝ ËØÎ ÞÜËØÝÐÙÜ×ÓØÑ ÐÜÓÍ˲ ÖÝÙ ÒËÓÜ×ËØ ÙÐ ÚËØ̋ ÐÜÓÍËØ ʨØËØÍÓËÖ ÝÏÜàÓÍÏÝ ÑÜÙßÚ˜ ÞÒÏ ØÓÞÏÎ ËØÕ ÐÙÜ ÐÜÓÍË ̙ ̚˜ áÒÓÍÒ ÙÚÏÜËÞÏÝ ÓØ ͓͑ ÍÙßØÞÜÓÏÝ ÓØ ÐÜÓ͢ ÞÒÏ ØÓÞÏÎ ÓØÑÎÙט ÜËØÍÏ ËØÎ ×ÙÝÞ ÜÏÍÏØÞÖã ßÌËÓ˜ Öß×ÏÖß ÎÙßÌÖÏÝ ËÝ ÍÒËÓÜ×ËØ ÓÑÏÜÓË˪Ý ÖËÜÑÏÝÞ ÛßÙÞÏÎ ÍÙØÑÖÙ×ÏÜËÞϘ ÜËØÝÍÙÜÚ˜ áÒÙÝÏ ÝßÌÝÓÎÓËÜÓÏÝ ÓØÍÖßÎÏ ÜËØÝÍÙÜÚ ÙáÏÜ ËØÎ ÜËØÝÍÙÜÚ ÙÞÏÖÝ ÖͲ ÒÓÖÏ ÒÏ ÓÝ ÌÏÝÞ ÕØÙáØ ÐÙÜ ÞÒÏ ÙßÞÝÞËØÎÓØÑ áÙÜÕ ÒÏ ÎÙÏÝ ÞÒÜÙßÑÒ ÞÒÏ ÙØã Öß×ÏÖß ÙßØÎËÞÓÙØ áÒÓÍÒ Ï×ÚÙáÏÜÝ áÙ×ÏØ ËØÎ ×Ïؘ ÍËÞËÖãÝÓØÑ ÏÍÙØÙ×ÓÍ ÑÜÙáÞÒ˜ ÎÜÓàÓØÑ ÚÙàÏÜÞã ÏÜËÎÓÍËÞÓÙØ ËØÎ ÏØÝßÜÓØÑ ÔÙÌ ÍÜÏËÞÓÙØ ËÍÜÙÝÝ ÞÒÏ ÍÙØÞÓØÏØÞ˜ Öß×ÏÖß ËÖÝÙ ÝÞËØÎÝ ÙßÞ ÐÙÜ ÞËÕÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ÖÏËÎ ÓØ ×ËÕÓØÑ ÎÏÖÓÌÏÜËÞÏ ÏʥÙÜÞÝ ÞÙ ÞÜËÓØ ËØÎ ÝßÚÚÙÜÞ áÙ×ÏØ ÓØ ÖÏËÎÏÜÝÒÓÚ ÚÙÝÓÞÓÙØݲ ÙÜ ÒÓט ÞÒÏÝÏ ËÚÚÙÓØÞ×ÏØÞÝ ÎÏ×ÙØÝÞÜËÞÏ ÍÙ××ÓÞ×ÏØÞ ÞÙ ØßÜÞßÜÓØÑ ÞËÖÏØÞ ËØÎ ÜÏáËÜÎÓØÑ ÝßÍÒ ÏâÍÏÖÖÏØÞ ÞÜËÓÖÌÖËäÏÜݲ ÒÏÝÏ ÍÜÙÚ ÙÐ ÚÙáÏÜÐßÖ áÙ×Ïؘ áÒÙ ÍÙØÞÓØßÙßÝÖã ÝÒËʵÏÜ ËÖÖ ÑÖËÝÝ ÍÏÓÖÓØÑݘ ÍßÞ ËÍÜÙÝÝ ÞÜÏËÝßÜ㘠ÓØÞÏÜØËÞÓÙØËÖ ËØÕÓØј ÍÙÜÚÙÜËÞÏ ÍÙ××ßØÓÍËÞÓÙØݘ ÍÙÜÚÙÜËÞÏ ÌËØÕÓØÑ ×ËÜÕÏÞÓØј Òß×ËØ ÜÏÝÙßÜÍÏݘ ÏÞͲ Chiemelie Ezeobi áÜÓÞÏÝ SOLA YOMI-AJAYI: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TREASURY AND INTERNATIONAL BANKING

S

ola Yomi-Ajayi is a highly experienced banker with over 28 years of banking experience managing Corporate and Institutional relationships with significant experience in, regulatory engagement, structured funding, risk management, financial inclusion, transaction banking, correspondent banking, and operations.

As the Executive Director for Treasury & International Banking, Sola is responsible for strategy formulation as well as oversight for various business groups at UBA in America, UK, France and Dubai.

Additionally, she is responsible for the Group’s Treasury function, Financial Institutions, Embassies, Multilateral, and Development Organizations (EMDOs) and Global Investor Services (GIS) businesses.

A Fellow of Chartered Management Institute, UK and Member, Board of Trustees for the US-based Institute of International Banking, she holds an MBA from the Aberdeen Business School and has attended leadership and executive programs at the Harvard Business School and Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.

EMEM USORO: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NORTH BANK, NIGERIA Emem Usoro has over two decades of banking experience spanning retail, commercial, corporate banking and public sector, covering all the regions in the country.

She joined UBA in 2011 and has worn several hats including Directorate Head, Abuja and North Central Bank and Regional Director, Lagos Island region.

A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Emem holds an MBA and has attended leadership and executive programs at the Lagos Business School and Harvard Business School.

ONARI DUKE: NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Onari Duke is a Nigerian lawyer and wife to Donald Duke. She is the chairman of the board of Dizengoff Nigeria and non-executive director at United Bank for Africa.

S h e graduated with

LLB Hons from Ahmadu Bello University in 1983 and was at Nigerian Law School, Lagos in 1984.

CAROLINE ANYANWU: NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Caroline Anyanwu holds a First-Class degree in Statistics from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria and has worked extensively in the fields of

accounting, taxation, credit risk, and banking throughout her career of close to four decades.

She held the position of Deputy Managing Director/Chief Risk Officer in Diamond Bank before retiring in March 2019 having worked in the Financial Services Sector for over 30 years.

A professional Risk Manager with Strong Business Development Skills. Currently, she is Founder/Principal Consultant - Fineline Business Advisory; Founder/Director, Garden Court Investments LTD, and Non-Executive Director, UBA GROUP.

various acts of philanthropy. She is the founder and initiator of the Erelu Adebayo Children’s Home Iyin-Ekiti as well as the Chairman Erelu Adebayo Foundation for the underprivileged.

She serves on the Boards of Dangote Foundation, Afriland Properties, Meyer Plc, Greenwich Trust Limited and Women at Risk Foundation (WARIF), where she is the Chairman. She served previously on the Board of WEMABOD as the first female Chairperson. A feat also repeated as one of the first female members of the council of the NSE.

ANGELA ANEKE: NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Angela Aneke is a board advisor, seasoned banker and strategic thinker with over 30 years of international experience at executive and board l e v e l positions a c r o s s several nations spanning the African continent and the United Kingdom, at Citibank, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, United Bank for Africa Plc, and at the latter, she is a Non-Executive director.

ERELU ANGELA ADEBAYO: NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BOLA ATTA: MD, UBA FOUNDATION/ GROUP HEAD CORPORATE a COMMUNICATION

Erelu Angela Adebayo is businessperson who has been at the head of five different companies. Ms. Adebayo occupies the position of Chairman of Erelu Adebayo Foundation and Managing Director at Quintecca Nigeria Ltd. She is also on the board of United Bank for Africa Plc, Meyer Plc and Omega Savings & Loans Ltd. S h e had her secondary education at the prestigious Queens College and thereafter proceeded to the University of Ibadan for her first degree in 1979. She bagged an MBA in 1982 from the University of Lagos.

Erelu Angela Adebayo after marriage and two kids decided to take on an MPhil (Cantab) from the University of Cambridge in 1994.

She started her career in 1982 with ICON Merchant Bank Ltd as a Banking officer. She ventured into the property space in 1983 and worked with Ashland Oil Nigeria Company and A.A. Adebayo & Associates. She garnered extensive experience in the real Estate industry and today is a force to be reckoned with.

She briefly set aside her love for Real Estate from 1999-2003 when she served her homeland as the First Lady of Ekiti State.

In this period she showed her passion for the underprivileged in the society by

Bola Atta is a global marketing and communications icon, as well as an outstanding Corporate Communications Personality of the Decade winner at the 2021 Marketing Edge Brands & Advertising Excellence Awards, nominated as the Best Marketing professional in West Africa in 2017, one of the 40 top Nigerians under 40 in 2008, and celebrated as one of the 100 most influential women in Nigeria in March 2015, Bola Atta, is easily one of the most versatile a n d globally renowned women in Nigeria’s marketing and communications space.

A graduate of Economics with an M.B.A majoring in Marketing, she has almost 30 years of experience in diverse fields ranging from Banking, Business, Communications, Publishing, Entertainment, and the Media.

Approximately 20 out of her experience has been in high-level management and entrepreneurship, enabling her to gain advanced knowledge in each of these varied fields of work.

She founded the Life Stream Charity in order to assist under- privileged children with heart problems. Over 100 children were sent to Israel from Nigeria for corrective heart surgery by the Life

Stream Charity between 1997 and 2003. Atta is currently the CEO of UBA Foundation which focuses on Education, Economic Empowerment, and the Environment, bettering the lives of people across the African continent.

Bola Atta is presently the Group Director for Corporate communications for UBA (the United Bank for Africa). She is also the Executive Producer of REDTV.

MODUPE AKINDELE: GROUP HEAD, HUMAN RESOURCES Modupe Akindele is a seasoned Administrator, an excellent manager of human resources who has had an outstanding 25 years career spanning HR strategy, Business Partnering, Compensation, and Talent Management.

Prior to this appointment, she was the Group HR Director of Heirs Holdings Limited where she excelled as Director Human Resources championing several successful projects.

MICHELLE NWOGA: GROUP CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER Michelle Nwoga is the Group Chief Experience Officer, responsible for the development and implementation of Customer Experience strategies across Private, Business, Corporate, and Financial Inclusion sectors for our 20 countries in Africa.

With almost two decades of banking and consulting experience that spans Business Development, Project Management, Brand Marketing & Communication, Customer Experience, and Engagement, Michelle is renowned for her wealth of experience in Customer insights, engagement, v a l u e management, a n d organisation development Prior to joining UBA, she worked in several capacities in the UK as well as Access Bank and Diamond Bank, managing a host of successful projects and initiatives; some of which include Retail banking transformation, deploying the first retail banking sales force amongst others.

Michelle holds a Masters degree in Management, Marketing, and Organisation Management; a degree in International Relations, Environmental Science, and Business management from leading universities in the UK. She is also a certified Project Manager, Digital Marketer, and User Experience Designer.

She is a thought leader, an advocate for women empowerment, and has managed several mentoring programs for mother and the girl child; fully committed to transformation, customer centricity, inclusiveness, and engagement.

37

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

NEWS

Agbebaku-Izobo Eseche: On a Mission to Conquer the World Precious Ugwuzor

“A man on a mission is far different from a drone on a deadline,” Rheta Grimsley Johnson once posited.

Agbebaku-Izobo Eseche is no doubt, a silent achiever who has with his partner Femi Hassan, successfully built a multi-million naira company Feizbo Group with the vision and mission of providing quality services to Nigerians on affordable rate.

Feizbo Group is into property and road constructionss, oil and gas services and alternative energy like installation of inverters.

If one had told AgbebakuIzobo Eseche, who is one of the directors of Feizbo Group that he would end up managing a top-ranked real estate and oil and gas company in Nigeria when he was a child, he probably would have laughed it off.

While growing up, his dad wanted him to study Computer Science but he ended up studying Actuarial Science, a discipline that assesses financial risks in the insurance and finance fields, using mathematical and statistical methods. Even in the Holy Bible, it was clearly stated in Proverbs 19: 21 that “Man proposes, but God disposes.”

Coupled with the above Bible quote, Agbebaku-Izobo Eseche has no regrets as regards to the discipline he was given to study

Eseche

by Redeemers University, rather he tried to practice what he studied even though he never knew he would end up as a real estate guru, which is something he has longed and has passion for.

According to him, “When I was growing up, my dad wanted me to study computer science but I ended up studying Actuarial Science at Redeemers University.

I intended to continue through that path but as someone who love real estate, I switched.

“At some point, I got a job in South Africa as a Risk Manager.

But I still came back to real estate because of the passion I have for it.”

Though, the real estate business didn’t just appear from the moon, it’s a business that his mom has been into right from his growing up days.

“My mom was into real estate but not like the way we are doing it in a big way.

Then I had this friend who became my partner, whose mom was also doing the same real estate business. So we started with what we had. And then

we built on it.”

One of the things people like about Agbebaku-Izobo Eseche, especially his Edo brothers and sisters, he has always been a determined and committed young man.

He was born into a family of seven and he is the only son of his parents. Right from his growing up days, he has experienced massive love from parents, siblings, relations, family friends and among others, but those love never got into his head as he has remained focus in all he does. “Growing up was fun for me. I grew up in a family of seven, four girls, myself and my parents. My parents are still together. It was fun growing up in a family where you are shown love by everyone.”

Agbebaku-Izobo Eseche just as he is loved, has also transferred that love to everyone around him.

He loves to see people around him happy and has cultivated the habit of giving back to people just to ensure he puts smiles on people’s faces.

On several occasions, he ha donated items to less privileged persons, a habit which he said he learnt from his lovely mother and sister.

According to him, “ philanthrophy is something we do in my family. We have done a lot of philanthropy work both in Nigeria and in South Africa.

Lord’s Dry Gin’s Achievers Award Ranks Third in ‘Experiential Campaign of the Year’ Stories by Mary Nnah The Lord’s Achiever’s Award, an impact initiative of Grand Oak Limited, emerged as the “Experiential Marketing Campaign of the Year 2022” at the ADVAN Awards for Marketing Excellence held recently at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The ADVAN Award was in recognition of the impact of the Lord’s Achiever’s Award in celebrating outstanding young Nigerians who have made significant achievements in different disciplines such as the arts, business, creative, health, innovation, professional, social impact and tech industries while deepening emotional connections between the brand and its stakeholders.

Commenting on the significance of the award, General

Lord’s Dry Gin’s Achievers Awards’ past winners

Marketing Manager, Grand Oak Limited, Stanley Obi said: “Our mission remains to build brilliant African and Global brands that inspire greatness, celebrate life, and create happy moments every day. This recognition speaks volumes not just of us, but of the people who inspire us - our distinguished consumers.”

Since the inception of the Lord’s Achievers Awards in

2018, the award has continued to set the pace in recognising a new generation of impact-makers and community builders whose activities serve as a source of inspiration and transformation.

With a yearly estimated target audience reach of almost 2 million and a 64% top-of-mind awareness across diverse traditional and digital media, the Lord’s Achiever’s Award

has placed these awardees and Nigeria on the map, proving that there is a reward for perseverance and resilience.

Some previous awardees include Tosin Olasiende, the Founder/CEO of Ladda and Money Africa; Akintola Adesanmi, Co-founder and CEO at Spleet Africa; Dapo Adedeji (DapoKing), visual storyteller, John Adewusi and Jola Ayeye, Co-founders of Salt & Truth TV, Segun Awosanya, Art curator and founder of Rele Art Gallery, Dr.Nini Iyizoba, Endometriosis advocate, among others.

ADVAN Awards for Marketing Excellence has been successfully established in the industry as a prestigious annual event, having sailed through the landscape for more than a decade. The year’s theme was ‘Marketing as a Tool for Sustainable Economic Development.

APWB, Stakeholders Proffer Solutions to Disruptions in Talent Market Uzoma Mba The disruptions in Talent markets, including ‘Japa’ syndrome and many other dynamics, is impacting Banking and other sectors of the Nigerian economy, and remains a cause for concern, with impact in the short and long run.

The Association of Professional Women Bankers (APWB) is gathering experts from across sectors of the economy, to address the challenges, in a Symposium with a view to finding lasting solutions.

The Chairman, APWB, Funke Feyisitan Ladimeji disclosed this at a news conference in Lagos, to herald the Symposium on Monday, where the issue will be thoroughly discussed and solutioned by experts.

Ladimeji, who was

represented by the 1st Vice Chairperson, Kemi Ibiwoye said the Association was prepared to collaborate with stakeholders to explore solutions to the challenge.

Themed: “Evolution of Leadership in the ‘NOW’ of work,” the Symposium was held on Monday, December 12, 2022, at 5pm at Oriental Hotel.

Ladimeji said, “We continue to

L- R: Rafiat Onitiri, Hon Secretary of Association of Professional Women Bankers (APWB); Kemi Ibiwoye -1st Vice; Kehinde Olomojobi, ex-officio; Kika Akpenyi - Social & Publicity Secretary) and Funmi Joseph - 2nd Asst Secretary during a press conference on the recently held Symposium, themed, “Evolution of Leadership in the ‘NOW’ of work”

experience a myriad of changes in Talent market dynamics - locally and globally. The result is that, at home, in Nigeria, we are seeing an increasing, indeed, escalating trend, of disruptions in our talent market – resignations in banking and other sectors, escalating trend of migrations, multi-jobbing, dollarisation of talent market, imperative/non-negotiability of 100% remote working, new and varying demands for better work life balance, demands for mental health support, escalating cost of talent, a reassessment of individual priorities, an increasing trend of employee value-based approach to employment, erosion of employee loyalty and more.

“Employers have been grappling with these disruptions for a few years now, but the trend of these dynamics, if anything, appears to be getting more protracted.”

NIGERIA’S CEREBRAL JOURNALIST CKN GRADUATES WITH SECOND CLASS UPPER IN LAW Nigeria’scerebralJournalistand onlinepublisher,ChrisKehinde Nwandu has graduated with a second class upper division in Law. Nwandu was one of the graduands at the 15th Convocation ceremony of Leadcity University held last Saturday in Ibadan.

Chris Kehinde Nwandu, CKN after he bagged his law degree who had his first degree from the Lagos State Uni- versity 32 years ago joined his colleagues at the graduation ceremony presided over by the Vice Chancellor of the University Prof Kabiru Adeyemo and other principal officers of the institution.

While speaking with newsmen at the ceremony, Nwandu said he decided to study law in order to enhance and broaden his knowledge.

Avictim of Nigeria’s cybercrime law in 2015, Nwandu recalled how he was arrested in 2015 over a publication he made as the Editor in Chief of CKN News and was reminded at Ikoyi Prison for 13 days until he perfected his bail conditions.

The case was eventually struck out. According to him, that singular act was another motivational factor why he opted for law studies at the age of 55. On his future plans, Mr Nwandu confirmed that he awaits to be mobilised for the mandatory Law School programme anytime soon.

On the journey he said: “I am happy to fulfil my childhood dream. It was not an easy task combining my job with full time studies especially law but I was determined to make a success of it.

“Most of my classmates were my daughter’s age mate. She graduated last year from Bowen University with a first class in Computer Science. I did not allow the age difference to be a barrier rather it became a motivational factor for me.

“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate my family for all the support and to my lecturers at the Faculty of Law Leadcity University for making it possible for me to realize my lifetime ambition.”

Chris Kehinde Nwandu is an Associate Member of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, Chartered Institute Of Arbitration, Institute Of Chartered Mediators And Councilators and amongst so many other professional bodies.

Nwandu is a PublicAffairsAnalyst and the Presenter of popular Political Programme INSIDE POLITICS WITH CKN on STV and NEWS24.

BRITISH-NIGERIAN CEO TAKES HOME 2ND PROPERTY AWARD IN 12 MONTHS From restaurant floor to real estate, defying all stereotypical norms, winning two key industry property awards within the space of twelve months, CEO of Rehoboth Property International (RPI), Sanmi Adegoke, continues to live up to his ‘legacy trailblazer’ reputation. He was also recently awarded, “Property Developer of the Year” at the prestigious Property Investor Awards 10th-anniversary event, which took place in Mayfair recently at the Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, London.

Despite being in the middle of a global economic downturn, the highly coveted award marked the end of another successful year for the property entrepreneur, who saw a 100% increase in his workforce this year.

The award-winning deal consisted of the transformation and repurposing of a derelict former police station into the first co-working, private offices and community legacy hub in Dartford.

Since the incorporation of RPI, the young CEO continues to unapologetically break down stereotypical barriers, whilst paving a way for communities that in times past would typically not have had the access to the knowledge or finances to get onto the property ladder.

NIGERIAN PROPTECH STARTUP, BUYLETLIVE ENGAGES LEADERS IN REAL ESTATE ECOSYSTEM AT A DIGI-VOLUTION FORUM The much-anticipated maiden edition of BuyLetLive’s Stakeholder Engagement Forum themed, “Real Estate Digi-volution”, which took place at the prestigious Grand Ballroom of Eko Hotel & Suites recently had one major goal in mind: to limit the opaqueness in the real estate market.

A goal that the brand believes buyers, agents and landlords have benefited from in the past year through their thoughtfullycreated ecosystem enabling improved interactions between stakeholders. As a two-sided marketplace, BuyLetLive aggregates inventory on one side from verified agents and developers and the other side showcases this inventory to home seekers providing them with a wider and safer search experience.

The Stakeholder Engagement Forum was aimed at showcasing BuLetLive’s product and service guarantee to stakeholders, discussing the potential opportunities it holds and obtaining feedback to better serve the ecosystem.

Addressing pressmen at the event, the CEO/Co-founder BuyLetLive, Mr. Ola Daramola, said “Our mission is simple.

We want to be the one-stop platform that agents, developers and home seekers turn to as their property portal of choice, and to deliver this, BuyLetLive is building an ecosystem that employees want to work in, that venture capitalists can trust with their investments and industry practitioners are eager to partner.”

The Stakeholder Engagement Forum featured Keynote addresses, panel sessions, and open discussions on topics such as Funding opportunities for real estate development, The role of technology in real estate (proptech), and galvanising investments for the Nigerian diaspora in the Nigerian property market. These prompted very rich conversations and contributions by guest speakers and guests.

38

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

E-TRENDS THE SONGS OF 2022 I y ke B e d e Afrobeats has become a major player on the global music stage. Just this year alone, it is duly represented by two of its brightest stars (Burna Boy, and Tems) at the 65th Grammy Awards, both earning multiple nominations across various categories including Album of the Year. International award shows validate local artists by putting them on the map, however, the afrobeat genre now provides a broader platform that is now evidenced by the expanding fanbases of these acts. The result?

International tours. The likes of Davido, Wizkid, and most recently Asake, are a few names that have embarked on international tours this year, selling out arenas. Despite their international successes, one must acknowledge that their music was first appreciated on the local scene at a scale that echoed to the rest of the world.

E-Trends compiles a list of 10 songs released in 2022 that have helped put Nigerian music side by side with their international counterparts.

‘BANDANA’ — FIREBOY DML AND ASAKE Raking in 39 million views on YouTube four months after, and emerging third Most Streamed Track on Spotify Wrapped 2022, DML only affirms his penchant for creating trendy music.

The introduction of current afro-fuji sensation Asake to infuse his flavour was timely and paid off in the multiple airplay it received. But beyond the fancy data, it is one of his more relatable songs (dream chaser anthem) with social impact.

‘ S U N G B A’ ( R E M I X ) — A S A K E AND BURNA BOY Peaking at No 7 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs, ‘Sungba’ can be quoted as the song that properly introduced music lovers to the texture of ‘Mr Money with the Vibe’. Upbeat, heavy Amapiano influences and power-packed verse from Burna Boy, ‘Sungba’ paved the way for other tracks such as ‘Organise’ and ‘Terminator’.

‘KU LO SA’ (REMIX) — OXLADE AND CAMILLA CABELLO Peaking at No 5 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs, ‘Ku Lo Sa’ has yet to reach its full potential.

Following a feature on Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show this year, a remix with a former member of Fifth Harmony Camilla Cabello is poised to send it to the top of global charts.

‘FINESSE’ — PHEELZ AND BNXN Reeling from the pandemic, Pheelz’s ‘Finesse’ became the anthem of a carefree attitude to spending that inspired many Gen Z’s to embark on a splurge fest. Additionally, it became a TikTok favourite for content creators who helped it amass over 50 million likes. ‘Pheelz’ recently performed a stripped-down version on BBC Radio 1Xtra backed by an orchestra.

‘CALM DOWN’ (REMIX) — REMA AND SELENA GOMEZ

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

With ‘Battle on Buka Street’, Funke Akindele Retreats from Nollywood Limelight Stories by Vanessa Obioha Nollywood film premieres in recent times have sort of become an exotic affair. From the costumes to the ambience, organisers and guests go the extra mile to showcase the beauty of our creativity and culture.

For the award-winning actress, film producer and politician Funke Akindele, there was no better way to pass the baton to the younger generation as she pursues her political ambition than throwing a festival for her latest film ‘Battle on Buka Street’.

FilmHouse Cinema, Oniru, Lagos where the premiere took place was transformed into a courtyard of some sort. Barred from unwanted guests, invitees were ushered into a yard that had the red carpet on one side, and a stage, a seating area, and a food court on the other.

Given the cultural theme, the red carpet was a spectacular display of traditional attire. One need no soothsayer to be told that the guests from the film and music industry paid extra attention to the theme of the event. From the flowing Agbadas and aso-okes of the Yorubas, the Fulanis’ Mudukares, the beaded costumes of the Edo people to the Isiagus of the Igbos, guests wore their culture with pride and like a peacock, displayed it beautifully.

Not to be outdone by her guests,Akindele arrived in a green striped dashiki top paired with patterned pants and bright red headgear and white sneakers.

The actress was ushered in with pulsating drums and accompanied by veteran actress Sola Sobowale and otters as she danced to the red carpet while the cameramen thronged her, taking shots rapidly so as not to miss any moment. Akindele basked in it all. Spreading smiles like a slice of watermelon and blowing kisses as if teasing the camera for more.

Akindele was joyous at the film premiere. It was very conspicuous. Of course, a filmmaker always takes pride in seeing his/her films going to the cinema. But for Akindele, there was a special ring to her bubbly mien.

“I’mgoingtobethenextDeputyGovernorofLagos State,” she said confidently to a group of journalists.

Alas, the secret to her buoyancy. As she further revealed, the Buka soiree was a farewell to the silver screen.Thisexplainedthelargecrowdtheeventpooled.

Some of the faces at the event included Peter Okoye of P-Square, FunsoAdeolu, Nkem Owoh and Mercy Johnson-Okojie among others.

“Ihavepassedthebatonofproductiontotheyounger people now because I have moved into politics. This is like a farewell to the industry,” she stated.

Akindele embarked on a political ambition a few months ago when she was unveiled as the running

GOLD EZENNAYA EMERGES FACE OF ZIKEL INTERNATIONAL 2022

‘STAND STRONG’, DAVIDO AND SUNDAY SERVICE CHOIR

‘LAST LAST’ —BURNA BOY The Grammy-nominated song that samples Toni Braxton’s ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough’ took the world by storm ahead of the release of Burna Boy’s sixth studio effort ‘Love Damini’. With the ‘Bank on It’ singer topping various charts with ‘Last Last’, 2022 is undoubtedly the year of Burna. He owned the entire year.

‘SHOWME OFF’ — ASA

Probably not the biggest hit on the list, however, Asa’s planned return with ‘V’, her fifth studio album, reveals a more sensual side to the ‘Jailer’ singer. This approach is a breath of fresh air compared to her former offerings. Although a tad vain, ‘Show Me Off’ is a liberating piece.

‘THE GUY’ — M.I. ABAGA A comeback after 2018’s ‘A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl’, the rapper thrills with ‘The Guy’ single off of the track titled album. Packed with rhymes and metaphors, M.I. reiterates his top position in rap’s hierarchy.

mate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Lagos governorshipcandidate,OlajideAdediran(Jandor).Her emergence fetched criticisms and not a few frowned at her capacity to run the office if elected. To some, it was a mismatch. But Akindele has a thick skin and as she stated, “nothing good comes easy.”

She continued: “My mother has always told me that you have to work hard, pray harder and learn patience to get to the top. So moving into politics, there are lots of backlash and nos. But don’t forget, I got a lot of nos before I got to where I am today.

“Everybody can’t support you. If they all support you that means you are not doing anything good.

You must let people criticise you constructively.

You sieve it, pick out the constructive ones and be better. I have learnt to be better, calmer, more dedicated and not to give up.”

‘Battle on Buka Street’ is special to Akindele as it provided her opportunity to work with young talents.

“A young boy called Jack owns the original

story. He is a newbie. The talent he showcased on ‘Battle on Buka Street’ makes me so excited. I adore fresh talents. Nollywood should get ready for the new faces. Working with young people has really touched my life so anytime I hear about their new projects, I jump on it.”

‘Battle on Buka Street’ which heads to cinemas today according to Akindele is family-centred. It captures the hustles and frictions within the family while celebrating Nigerian culture, particularly food.

“Itisalsotocelebrateonenessandunityinthefamily, in the state and the country.”

Akindele started production on the film when she was down emotionally. “Rather than sitting down crying and brooding, I have to brace up.Alot of people look up to me in the entertainment industry so I just passed all that into the film.”

AlthoughAkindelehasseeminglytakenabackseat, shewouldstillbeplayingadvisorytotheyoungerteam.

“I will needtosupervisebutletthembetheface.Are you not tired of seeing old faces?”

Nkem Owoh, Akindele and Sola Sobowale at Buka Fest

I f e o m a N w u ke ’s S o o t h i n g Waters For the Anxious Minds MaryNnah

It is no secret that it topped the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs for 14 weeks (and counting): a catchy chorus, infectious instrumental, and a personality to back it up. A massive hit in Nigeria at the time of release, ‘Calm Down’ broke into the international scene with an assist from American singer Selena Gomez.

Readily compared to R. Kelly’s ‘The Storm is Over Now’, the OBO boss deviated from his usual party anthem formula to deliver hope on the backdrop of soaring vocals of the Sunday Service Choir. ‘Stand Strong’ transcends chart figures. It’s a modern-day classic.

NOLLYWOOD

Gold Ezennaya wins Face of Zikel International After a tight contest to crown the new face of Zikel International 2022, Gold Ezennaya beat about 20 other contestants to emerge winner of the coveted contest held recently at Terra Kulture Lagos.

A leading cosmetic brand, Zikel Cosmetics International used the contest to encourage aspiring models to achieve their dream.

“It is about changing the narrative by engaging young girls to be self-reliant, while also erasing the negative perception about pageantry,” said the CEO of Zikel Cosmetics, Mr. Kelvin Ezike.

The girls were selected based on their looks, intelligence, confidence and charisma. Apart from becoming the brand ambassador, the new queen Ezennaya went home with many prizes including a brand new car, a luxury trip to Dubai, and one year supply of Zikel cosmetics among others.

Additionally, the top 10 finalists were rewarded with different portfolios such as Face of Zikel Tourism, and Universe among others. They were also named ambassadors for the brand in the coming year.

This year’s event also recognised and awarded some personalities including Nollywood actress Linda Osifo, Kingsley Okonkwo aka Kcee; and designer, Trish O.

At certain moments in one’s life, one goes through somekindofchallengesandthenlooksoutforanswers aboutthecircumstancessurroundingtheirlife.Spending just a few quiet moments with God could be the only answer they needed.

This is exactly what Ifeoma Nwuke portrays in her recently launched book, “Soothing Waters: God’s Word AsNourishmentForTheSoul”.

‘SoothingWaters”,aimstoinspireeveryonewithprofound wordsofwisdomandknowledgegatheredfromtheBible throughNwuke’sdailyprofoundlongingspentinpeaceful momentswiththeLord.“SoothingWater”,wasinformed bymanyprolongedmomentsspentwithGod. Ibeganto feelthatitwasnotenoughtojustenjoythesemomentsalone.

Ilongedtobeabletosharewithotherstheexperiencesand encountersthatIhavehadandIfeltthewayithadsoothed my soul, it will be so soothing also for other people to be partakers and so, I decided to put those in records and it turned out to be a book”, she told journalists during the officiallaunchofthebookinLekki,Lagos.

Speaking about her experiences and encounters, she said,“Icallit,“Agistwithmyfather”.

“Sometimes we think that God is out there in the sky butHe is really like very close and ready to engage and communicate with us if we open up our hearts to Him. With those profound information and knowledge, I started engaging God and I said, “Okay if you are here talk to me.” And with those conversations sometimes funnyandsometimesveryserious;otherstimessubtleand sometimesquietandoverawhile,Ibegantosharethose memoriesandputthemtogetherintoabook”,shesaid further.IttookNwukeoverayearofdailyrecollections, reflections,notesandgist,whichtookafewminutesand sometimes hours as she took notes of every encounter she had in those moments of sober reflections.

‘AsIwrite,thatopening,awakening,awarenessand thefeelingsofthatpresencebecamemorerealforme - just like when you have a conversation with a friend, that is what it is all about. “ I feel putting that in a book form will help

Author of the book, Soothing Waters..., Mrs. Ifeoma Nwuke with the special guest of honour, Engr. Tony Oguike during the book launch in Lagos others that want to have that intimate relationship but are finding it difficult and thinking that it is something up there in the sky.

“I wanted them to know that it is something that you can develop if you continue with the daily work of having daily engagement through which you will have that profound information that you are looking for and I feel that there is nothing you are searching for that you won’t get an answer to.”, she said further.

Nwuke who revealed that “Soothing Waters” is her maiden book as an author recalled: “As a child, I am just one of those that love to tell stories and recount my moments.”

An interior designer and a gift consultant by profession, Nwuke’s confessed that those special moments she puts her thoughts and experiences in writing were like set time for her in the day and those were the periods she used in penning them down and this she said, didn’t’ disrupt her daily activities nor to-do lists, adding: “I had already known that this was my priority and that is what it is.

39

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

Immortalising the victims of Asaba Massacre An exhibition at the Red Door Gallery Lagos, set against the backdrop of Asaba Massacre to raise funds towards the development of the Asaba Memorial Park dredges up conversations around collective trauma, memory and communal healing. Yinka Olatunbosun reports

T

hereweregunshots.Followedbytears, sorrow and deaths. The year was 1967.

Fast-forward to 2022, the video installationinsideRedDoorGallery,Victoria Island Lagos showed a young autistic artist, Kanye Okeke creating ‘In Memoriam’ a striking large sized painting with names of all the victims of the Asaba massacre written all over the colour drips.

Titled ‘Asaba Memorial,’ the show is curated by OtsholengPooandproducedbyAWhitespaceCreative Agency.An evocative display by 26 artists, every work tellsadifferentsidetotheentirestoryofanunforgettable day in the history of Nigeria.Athousand persons were estimatedtohavediedintheAsabamassacre.Onlyone woman was killed in the massacre. One of her sons, a lawyerandtheconveneroftheexhibition,ChiefChuck Nduka-Eze met with students of Chrisland Schools as he recounted the story of his slain mother, a true heroine in the Asaba massacre narrative.

The project is deeply personal to Ndula-Eze having represented his community, Anioma at the special panel of The Human Rights Violation Investigation Commission of Nigeria in 1999 with respect to the genocide of his people during the Nigerian Civil War. He recounted the circumstances under which his mother was killed.

“She wasn’t killed on the square where a lot of the massacre took place,’’ he explained. “She was killed in a separate incident where she was demonstrating against the soldiers who were bullying, harassing and beating up civilians and consequently, they shot her. It has been something that has impacted quite a number of us tragically, there is no Asaba family that is not affected by this incident.

“The significance of this exhibition is that a lot of Nigerian artists from different parts of the country donated specific works to represent the tragedy. All the works form the Asaba Memorial Collection. The purpose is to use these works to raise money for the memorial park that we are trying to build in Asaba for all of the victims. For this and many other efforts, it is intended to lead to the development of our park.”

The park is designed to illustrate the victims’ final journey. To immortalize these slain heroes of Asaba, 1000 trees would be planted and the park will also have a gallery to hold the memorial collection and a space for artists in residence.

“We are partnering with an architectural firm called theMOErunbyMosunOgunbanjoandPapaOmotayo.

They have offered us a lot of charitable service for this designofthepark,”herevealed.AsfortheSouthAfrican curator, Otsholeng Poo, the Asaba massacre shares some semblance of atrocities with the apartheid and Sharpeville massacre history in SouthAfrica. Hence, she highlighted the global resonance of the theme of the collection.

“The project has attracted mid-career as well as established artists. Some created new works for this show while others looked into their existing collection and donated works that speak to this massacre. I can

AT BIC ART MASTER FINALE, BALLPOINT PEN ARTISTS CELEBRATE CREATIVITY Yinka Olatunbosun

One of the iconic paintings at the exhibition name one work –this one is by Kelani Abass titled AboutOnethousandheads.Itisa2014workbutthen weknowabouttheestimatednumberofpeoplekilled at theAsaba massacre. That is an example of a work that wasn’t produced specifically for this exhibition but somehow made its way into this collection.”

Thecollection include a body of work donated

by Enotie Ogbebor, the son of a senior military officer in the Nigerian army who gave an eyewitness account of the massacre; a piece by Ade Bakare to represent the fabric worn by the slain father of Nigeria’s former first lady, Mrs Maryam Babangida Anthony Nwalupue’s mixed media

painting titled Nneka which is a brilliant mixture of newsprint and motifs of bullet holes to capture the agony of a mother and her children. The artist’s use of charcoal creates an imagery of soot from a community caught up in devastation and grief. Also, Adekusibe Odunfa’spiecetitled“ThePortraitCalledCourage’’ tells the story of a woman holding a baby with several guns aimed at her head.

The Asaba Memorial Exhibition is a visual critiqueoftheinactionofthegovernmenttowards justice for the victims of theAsaba massacre and a reminder that some history can never be buried.

Echoes of Colonialism, Slavery at Sterling Leadership Series Yinka Olatunbosun Prof. French Howard, Author and Professor of Journalism at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, has identified slavery and economic exploitation by the colonial masters as the leading causes of underdevelopment in Africa. The American journalist disclosed this as the special guest at the Sterling Leadership Series held in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Hosted by Sterling Bank Plc, this edition had the theme “Born in Blackness” inspired by the title of Howard’s latest book “Born in Blackness: Africa, Africans, and the Making of the Modern World.”

Prior to re-entering academia, he was a senior writer with The New York Times and a longtime foreign correspondent.

In his submission, Howard highlighted the farreaching effect of slavery of the black, tracing coffee tradition to the black plantation. He argued that if many African countries were allowed to develop organically, perhaps, manyAfrican countries would be at the same level with the western countries in terms of civilization and development. He argued further that aside the chain associated with slavery the main damage and purpose was to devalue the victims of slavery citing the popular line from Bob Marley’s Redemption Song.

“The first is psychological. Bob Marley told us to free ourselves from mental slavery. Slavery is not

Actor Kunle Remi, Uti Ellu, Prof. French Howard about the chain. It’s about making people devalue themselves. You can’t be subjugated effectively until you have been internalized.

“This history ofAfricans written by the colonists is to convince Africans that somehow they are not worthy of equal consideration and somehow the way the world turned out to be is just normal.

But it is not normal and it’s not justified.”

“Africa’s history was sabotaged. If they had come and told you that your people used to be as good as us in everything, in warfare, in governance, or in medicine.And my people wrongly explored your people, that would have undermined the narrative. Freedom from mental slavery, begins with learning history.”

He underscored the importance of education in liberating Africa from mental slavery adding that for ‘everyone not getting educated in Nigeria, it is a huge burden on the future of Nigeria.’

The discussion which was moderated by Uti Ellu and Kunle Remi, Nigerian actor, had in attendance young Nigerians from different fields who engaged the scholar with questions pertaining to Africa.

In his remark, the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Sterling Bank, Dapo Martins stressed the need to encourage young talents.

“That is why we have continued to innovate our human capital. We as a bank know that human capital is the strongest capital.

The audience gathered at theAlliance Française de Lagos, Ikoyi on November 23rd caught a whiff of the freshly baked pastries but more importantly, the announcement of the winners of the BIC ART Master Competition 2022. Now in its 5th edition, the competition under the theme ‘Celebrating Africa’ encouraged artists to create artwork that represents theirpersonalidentityaswellastheiruniqueperceptions of theAfrican continent and its diverse cultures using the BIC ballpoint pen.

ThreeArtMasterAfricacompetitionwinnersand six national winners emerged from countries across the region including SouthAfrica, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Morocco, and Tunisia were announced.

Nigerian ballpoint artists dominated the competition this year with artist Nosakhare Igbinosa for a portrait titled ‘Bona’ winning first place.Artist HezekiahOkonforportraittitled‘ProudlyanAfrican’ rankedsecond;andartistsMosesOjeleyeforportrait titled ‘Amaka’, and Dumbor Debeeh for portrait ‘Echoes of joy’ were announced in third place.Artist Hezekiah Okon for a portrait titled ‘Proudly an African’ was also announced as National Nigerian winner. The winning pieces were chosen out of a total of 6,574 pieces submitted marking a significant increaseversuslastyear.Selectedbyapanelofjudges composed of experts from BIC, renowned artists from the region, and previous Art Master Africa competition winners.

The national winners across Africa include ‘Uganda: Celebrating Africa in Harmony’ with Wildlife by artist Maiku Fred; ‘Kenya: African Culture portrait’ by Griffin Lundi; ‘South Africa: Imwe hamwe na Kamere (One with Nature)’ by Romeon Mwiseneza; ‘Morocco: MotherAfrica’ by Essadik Laila and ‘Tunisia: Africa with my pen’ by Mouhamed Boudhri.

The Art Master Africa winner received a cash prize of $2,000, while second and third place winners received prizes of $1,000 and $500 respectively.

National winners have received cash prizes of $500 each as well as BIC hampers.

While celebrating the winners at an event in partnership with Alliance Française de Lagos, a BIC Art Master Africa art exhibition was launched at the Alliance Française de Lagos and will run until December 12, 2023. At the event, a panel discussion, moderated by Jola Ayeye (host, writer, and storyteller), on building a sustainable art career featured Claire Idera, a visual Artist and influencer, Fola David, Reflecting on the occasion, Guillaume Groues, General Manager at BIC Nigeria, said: “In its fifth edition, Art Master Africa continues to shine a light on ballpoint pen artists as they express themselves through creativity. Our flagship competition has seen tremendous growth year-on-year with higher participation numbers especially from Nigeria. We are proud of the platform that we have created for Nigerian youth and of the phenomenal artwork produced. The winner results this year are a testament to the Nigerian youth’s creativity and their dedication to the art industry.”

Expressing his delight, Marc Brebant, Director Alliance Française de Lagos, said: “Alliance Française de Lagos is delighted to host at its premises, the first-of-its-kind BIC Art Master Africa exhibition. Alliance Française and BIC share a mutual mission that aims to promote art, culture, and education amongst youth. The quality of the artwork produced by the ballpoint pen artists is impressive and I would like to thank BIC for choosing Alliance Française de Lagos as a partner for this project. BIC has been a part of everyone’s childhood and it’s refreshing to see that the brand continues to be a part of people’s lives through various passion points.”

First place winner, Nosakhare Igbinosa, revealed how thrilled he was for winning first place in the Art Master Africa 2022 competition.

“This is my third attempt at applying for the renowned ballpoint pen competition and I am grateful for the achievement and my persistence and perseverance. I am glad that companies like BIC exist, providing a platform for self expression through art and creativity.”

40

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

METRO

…Your city life in print

Social Clubs as Paradigm Shift Model to Help Less Privileged For President of Hazie Masters Club of Nigeria, who also doubles as Chief Executive Officer of Richygold Group of Companies, High Chief Richard Agbapuru, social clubs should be role models in assisting the less privileged. Uzoma Mba reports

Members of Hazie Masters Club at their end of the year party

T

he President of Hazie Masters Club of Nigeria and Chief Executive Officer of Richygold Group of Companies, High Chief Richard Agbapuru has called on social clubs in Nigeria to make a paradigm shift by paying more attention towards being role models in helping the less privileged in the society.

Speaking at the end of the year party organised

by Hazie Masters Club at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on a certain Saturday, he said social clubs should not be seen as a place to promote drunkenness or other irresponsible behaviors.

According to him “we want all other social clubs to strongly consider themselves as a platform through which many less privileged people can be empowered to earn some living.

“Social clubs should see themselves as real role models not in the sense of drunkenness but ensuring that people, both members and non-members are assisted.”

Giving a historical background of Hazie Masters Club, Agbapuru said the body was originally founded by 22 persons and was incorporated in 2019 with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with the main objective of fostering good and cordial relationship among members and serve as platform for socio-economic interaction and networking with a view to bettering the lives and interest of members.

He added that membership of the club is open to all well meaning Nigerians citizens irrespective

High Chief Richard Agbapuru and wife

of tribe or religion. However, he regretted the fact that some intending members of non Igbo extraction misunderstood it to be a club for only people of the South-east ostensibly due to the fact that the founding members hailed from the South-east. He used the opportunity to invite non Igbos to belong to the club.

The Hazie President who described the end of year party as quite overwhelming and exciting explained that the Vision of the founding members of Hazie is to make the club the foremost among social clubs in Nigeria with a focus on transforming lives and building an enduring nation.

He emphasised that the mission of the club is to galvanise members of the club through social, cultural networking with a view to creating bonding and affinities to engender love, growth and excellence.

While expressing gratitude to the Almighty God for helping the club to realize its principal objective of fostering oneness amongst members, High Chief Agbapuru said “one of the happiest days of this Club is today.

I do not think we have had a better day than today. We have about 97 per cent attendance and everyone has been in high spirit, celebrating the end of year. The joy cannot be over-emphasised.”

Speaking on the milestones of the Club in recent time, the President remarked that during the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the club did much by pulling resources

together to provide for those who needed palliative. “The club did great in sharing food items. We have been contributing individually and collectively to assist the less privileged quite often,” he explained.

With an increase in the number of members of the club from its original 22, High Chief Agbapuru while appreciating new members encouraged them to live up to expectation with a prayer that God should enrich every member.

With no pretence on his philanthropic nature, the Richygold boss pleaded with women not to be obstacle to their husbands’ generous intentions of helping the less privileged whenever the needs arise. “It is good to give and make people happy”.

Speaking in the same vein, a Cameroonbased member of the Club, High Chief Paulinus Chukwudi Emeka (Akusinachi I) paid tribute to the founding fathers of the club particularly, President Richard Agbapuru whom he described as a big motivator in the art of giving.

He emphasised that it was through Agbapuru’s influence he started visiting Nigeria and participating in the club’s activities because he was born in Cameroon, grew up there and has been living there.

In his words “since I joined the Hazie Masters Club, my life has changed in many ways. I got inspiration from members who are always willing to connect me to those who would do business with me. I am

also inspired by the benevolence of members to themselves and even to non-members who need assistance particularly in getting business connection. They do not discriminate against non-members when it comes to assistance.”

Earlier at the event, a member, Mr. Anthony Onwumere had given lecture on how best to build a virile social club.

The all night party which was organised by the Vice Chairman of the Club; High Chief Amaechi Anuma spilled over to the early hours of Sunday. It was lively in every aspect of it as there was no dull moment.

Members who were all clad in white dresses with their spouses were thrilled with old school music by the DJ as all ate and drank.

An ace comedian with the Bond FM 92.9 Elder Kelechi Ulu Torti (a.k.a. Microphone Anaconda and fondly called Great Oxygen) did a good job of anchoring the event as the Master of Ceremony. His ribs cracking jokes could not be forgotten in a hurry. He was on stage with another master of the art, Alias Kwekwe both of them gave a very account of their oratory and comic prowess.

One major highlight of the event was presentation of undisclosed cash gifts to wives of all members who were no fewer than 58 in number. The club members similarly rewarded themselves with outstanding gifts of big size Plasma television sets to those who made more financial contributions towards a successful hosting of the event.

Killing of Twins: The Thoughts that Nourish the Evil Charles Ajunwa One of the ways to look at the book, ‘If The Rain Comes” by Sunny Eze, published in 2022

by Kraft Books Limited, is from the angle of the thought processes that feed the culture of killing twins and the attendant corruption that inevitably associates with it.

Thus, ‘If The Rain Comes’ interrogates the thinking processes of people in this primitive enclave for us to understand the ideas and belief systems that created the evil and stupid tradition of killing twins.

For instance, they see drought and famine as consequences of their failure to completely adhere to their evil custom. We see this in Chapter 19 when the character called Zone 12, in his address, says: “Don’t you speak like a child!” He took some steps out as if he was going to get into the nearby farm. He stopped some distance away, plucked a few leaves, and then returned to the gathering.

“Can you see it? Can you?” He was dangling a withered root and its dry leaf. “It is the same situation all over the land. Look at those farms.

Look well,” he said, pointing to the nearby farms.

“Can’t you see the glaring signs? We have never witnessed this kind of drought. When we start battling with age long decrees, things like this are bound to happen.”

Other daft arguments that feed and sustain the senseless and evil customs appear in Chapter 18 of the book where Uduma tells the court: “When it comes to crossing a line which the fathers have drawn by themselves, discretion is the rule.”

But there are also averters of evils like Ikemba, a man who possesses the mindset of a quintessential reformer or revolutionary that exists in every society. It was people like him that must have helped to make possible Mary Slessor’s task of ending twins killing in

The Book Cover South East of Nigeria, although the scourge survives till this day in some parts of the country, hence the author’s remark from the beginning that “this work is not just about the past.”

And then, there are others like Uduma, head of the elders, who stand on the fence.

Ogbuefi Uduma is in dilemma between abolishing an unjust, murderous, fetish tradition and upholding it in the name of loyalty to some imaginary ancestral spirits.

He is more persuaded by greed for power to continue to hold on to the evil custom.

The twins are executed by sending them to the hill, and when a twin child is sent to the hill, it’s a journey of death; it’s a journey of no return to the land of the living.

The reader feels both pity and anger – pity for the lad, Jidenna, who has been condemned to die simply because inside his mother’s womb, nature had split into two the fertilized egg that produced him and his brother making them twins – and anger against the society whose violent ignorance and barbaric superstition had turned the blessings and joys of mothers into inconsolable sorrows and lamentations.

In such a society that kills twins, such evil is bound to be mired in corruption and become driven by a combination of vendetta and tradition: “They had simply issued their decree: To tame the Ikemba clan, and without finding any other loop, the lad had easily become the target. The age along vendetta of the

fathers and the clan of Ikemba was going to be settled over his head…,” the author writes in Chapter 8.

Corruption in the land that kills twins is also seen when the book in Chapter 8 mirrors the over-centralisation and lack of physical federalism which came to be Nigeria’s major problem after the collapse of the First Republic: “The fathers had reasoned: if we allowed the zones to control what they produce, what will be our work? Sit back here and control the air? Without the control of the resources, what else was left?

Time had allowed the fathers to understand that one could control another man only to the extent you decide his means of livelihood.”

However, even in the midst of the pervading corruption, there are still men of impeccable integrity like Okolo, the man who earlier rejected bribe money from Unachukwu, but still speaks in defense of Unachukwu’s condemned son: “I just have a question,” he said.

“Sixteen years ago, when this very boy was born and their mother died, we agreed to pardon the family. Why did we suddenly turn back on that?”

The author, Dr. Sunny Eze, is a University of Port Harcourt trained medical practitioner with national and international recognitions.

In November 2021, United Nations gave him award as the Overall National Best in Community Empowerment following some landmark projects he carried out within Nigeria.

In addition, he bagged the Presidential Honours Award from President Muhammadu Buhari as the Overall National Best Youth Corp member in Nigeria for the 2019 service year. Also in December 2021, Dr. Eze emerged Overall National Best in a leadership program organised

by Nigerian Prize for Leadership, an organisation dedicated to creating credible successor leadership.

He currently works at the Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY ͯʹ˜ 2022

41

IMAGES

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

Indian Consul-General to Lagos, Shri Chandramouli Kern (right), presenting an Award of Excellence and Recognition for outstanding performance in the Nigerian construction industry to the Manager of Projects of Still Earth Limited, Oladimeji Oseni (middle), while his colleague and Corporate Communications Manager, Lily Adimefe (left), looks on at the BusinessDay Nigerian Business Leadership Awards (NBLA) held in Lagos… recently

L-R: Chairman, Jalsa Salana Committee, Qasim Oluwa; National President (Amir), Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji Alatoye AbdulAzeez; Deputy National President, Finance and Administration, Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole; and Project Manager, European chapter of International Association of Ahmad Architectural and Engineers (IAAAE), Maulvi Umar Ahmad, during the media parley on the 68th annual convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, in Lagos…recently PHOTO: ABAYOMI AKINYELE

L-R: Dean, Student Services, Nile University, Dr. Modupe Fausat Aleshinloye; Chief Financial Officer, Nile University, Mr. Lateef Kareem; overall best graduating student, Mr. Emmanuel Obayemi; and acting Bursar of the university, Ms. Zulikhat Ibrahim, at the 10th convocation ceremony of the university in Abuja…recently

L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola; state Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; Senator representing Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru; state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Chef Tucker, Nmor Rucker, at the 2022 Lagos Food Festival held at Muri Okunola Park in Lagos...recently

L-R: Celebrant, Rev. Bayo Awala; his wife, Mrs. Ronke Awala; Chief Storytelling Officer, Storywoxs54, Bemigho Awala; and Creative Director, Ogilvy Africa, Nigeria, Jolomi Awala, at the 80th birthday thanksgiving service for Bayo Awala held at the Chapel of Christ Our Light, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba…recently

L-R: Head of Jenniez School of African Interior Design (JSAID), Memuna Falade; best graduating student, Bridget Ichabor; Founder/Chief Executive Officer, JSAID, Jennifer Chukwujekwe; Chairman, JSAID, Charles Chukwujekwe; another best graduating student, Ogunowo Wuraola; and Director, JSAID, Lilian Chukwujekwe, at the school graduation, awards and sixth anniversary ceremony held in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr. Godwin Okeke; representative of the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA)/Head, Division of Area Country Studies, Research and Studies Department, NIIA, Dr. Joshua Bolarinwa; President, Bolytag Centre for International Diplomacy and Strategic Studies, Prof Bola Akinterinwa; representative of the Vice Chancellor, UNILAG/ Deputy Vice Chancellor, Development Services, UNILAG, Prof Ayodele Atsenuwa, receiving a plaque from the Chairman, MPIA Diplomatic Roundtable Organising Committee, Mr. Segun McMedal; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics and Research, UNILAG, Prof Bolanle Oboh; Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, UNILAG, Prof Olufunlayo Bammeke; and Professor of International Relations, UNILAG, Prof Solomon Akinboye, at the maiden Public and International Affairs (PIA) Diplomatic Roundtable held at the new lecture theatre, Faculty of Social Sciences, UNILAG, Lagos…recently

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022

42

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Afrinvest Upbeat about Nigeria’s Investment Climate amid 2023 Elections Gilbert Ekugbe

Afrinvest Asset Management Limited has expressed optimism over Nigeria’s investment climate calling on both local and foreign investors to take advantage of the nation’s investment opportunities.

The Chief Investment Officer, Afrinvest Asset Management, Mr. Robert Omotunde, said the company has witnessed over four elections in the country over the past 27 years of its existence, assuring investors of the company’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s investment management space.

At a press briefing to announce its short term rating of A3 and long-term rating of BBB from Global Credit Ratings (GCR) as well as the investment manager’s rating of A- by Agusto& Co, Omotunde said within Afrinvest asset management division, it has

seen a lot of quality strategy the company had introduced into the market, pointing out that the company has consistently over the last three years posted investment strategy outlook for the next quarter which he said are typically reports that would guide investors on available investment opportunities available.

“It is an exciting moment for us and we are quite glad about some of these developments.

We are using this medium to call on the investment public looking for an investment manager or an asset management business that they can partner with in growing their wealth and simplifying their investments then Afrinvest asset management is one firm that they should be talking to. You can be rest assured because we are an innovative company and we have survived through all the

difficult terrain in the market and we have products that we are planning to introduce to the market by January next year aimed at meeting investors’ expectations,” he said.

“Even though the economy is challenged, there are still some opportunities for specific sectors of the economy. We recognise that the blue chip sector of the economy has been challenging this year no thanks to inflation and we have continued to experience rate hike of MPR at 16.5 per cent which is the highest in terms of MPR. We have seen lackluster performance in the domestic bonds market, because there has been no consistency in terms of how market rates are moving so the capital market has been a mixed bag of events.We can already see the light at the end of the tunnel which is likely going to happen in 2023.

L-R: President, Projects Hope, Dr. Olukemi Kuku; Mrs Adebisi Makinde-Odusola and Mrs Oluwakemi Subair of Hope Ambassadors and Child Care Organisation, at the launch of support and empowerment program for the less priviledged in Ikeja Lagos...recently

MARKET INDICATORS

Projects Hope Fetes Community with Food Items Oluchi Chibuzor Projects of Hope, a group of Nigerian Medical doctors and nurses based in the United States in partnership with Hope Ambassadors and Child Care Organisation has fetes people in Monkey Village, a community in Lagos, Nigeria, with food items.

The group includes the President, Projects Hope, Dr. Olukemi Kuku; Mrs Adebisi Makinde-Odusola; Mrs Adenike Adeleke; Mrs Oluwakemi Subair; Dr.Olawunmi Ogunsemore; Ms Folashade Olasimbo; Mrs. Toyin Kuyoro and Mrs. Folake Anifowoshe.

The group whose vision is to support, empower and improve the lives of vulnerable and underprivileged indigenes of southwest Nigeria said they aim to help people transform their lives and fulfill their potential.

Speaking at the event, President, Projects Hope, Dr.

Olukemi Kuku, said having already established a contact in the country would seek to attract more health professionals in the diaspora to come and contribute towards complementing the government’s effort in the health sector.

According to her, “The good thing is that we all came from here and we have been fortunate I would say to some extentthanks to God, so you cannot forget who you are regardless of where you are located. Even though we are over there we keep looking back as some people have faith in us. It is time for us to give part to society.”

For Mrs. Oluwakemi Subair, a member of the group, said today’s event would help convince other health professionals in the diaspora to reconsider their belief about coming to help close some gaps in the health sector.

She added that beyond the

food donations and other items given to the community, they would also seek ways to help with some medical assistance in the future.

For the Executive Director, Hope Ambassadors and Child Care Organisation, Mr. Taiwo Oluwu, the partnership will further help Nigerians in the diaspora see the gaps they can intervene.

“These are health professionals from the United States and we are collaborating for greater growth as this is part of the Sustainable Development Goals.

We know they are going to help us achieve more in the future.”

However, appreciating the group, a member of the Lagos state project zero initiative and a mother, Mrs. Alice Irozuru, thanked the group with the food items received, adding, “With these my children and my family can have something to eat and go to school.”

Investment One Educates Nigerians on Investment, Savings Culture As the yuletide season beckons and Nigerians are making plans to spend, Investment One Financial Services Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading financial services company, has called for caution, warning that considerations must be made to invest for the rainy days.

Speaking on the online investors’ forum scheduled to hold on 17th of December, 2022 by 11 am, Oluchi

Amorha, the moderator of the event, said it is one of the ways Investment One gives back to the public.

“A crucial aspect of our business is to enlighten Nigerians on how to make their financial life better through investment education,” she disclosed.

Explaining the rationale behind the meeting, she said: “It’s the festive season and there will be loads of tempta-

tion to spend your money like there’s no tomorrow. But just before you splurge during the festivities, ask yourself, would this money be of better use elsewhere? Would it help me survive the 51 dry days of January with school fees and house rents looming large?

Would it be a great addition to my savings and investments?

Would it help me avoid sapa in the future?”

Africa Prudential is Most Outstanding Company of theYear Africa Prudential Plc, a leading business solutions and investor services firm in Nigeria, has been recognised as the Most Outstanding Company in the Cooperative Industry at the 4th National Cooperative Awards, Symposium and Exhibition.

The firm disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen.

Organised by the Cooperative Rating and Award Society of Nigeria, the award recognises companies that have brought innovation and creativity to

support cooperative societies and developed solutions that add more value to the sector.

On receiving the award, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Africa Prudential, Obong Idiong, expressed gratitude to the organisers and members of staff.

He described the award as a testament to the strides the company makes to create value through innovative solutions that make life easier for members of the cooperative industry.

According to him, the

company sees the cooperative society as a major player in the economic development of the country.

The Nigerian National Cooperative Award aims to enhance the awareness and further promotes cooperatives’ socio-economic impact, good governance and sustainable business model by demonstrating to governments, policymakers and development partners the socio-economic importance of cooperatives.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

AUGUST 2022 Money Supply (M3)

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 24 OCTOBER, 2022

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $92.17 a barrel on Monday, compared with $92.09 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

43

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, ͯʹ˜ 2022

NEWS

Analyst: Nigeria, Kenya Missing from $150m Frontier Market Inflow KayodeTokede An analyst at EFG Hermes Research has disclosed that Nigeria and Kenya are missing from the $150million frontier markets inflow in the last three weeks over the scarcity of foreign exchange.

Speaking recently at the company’s virtual media roundtable event, the MD, Head of Strategy at EFG Hermes Research, Mr. Simon Kitchen disclosed that foreign investors are finding it hard to

get their foreign exchange out of both frontier markets.

He noted that stocks in both African countries are the cheapest since the global financial crisis that happened in 2017/2018, stressing that their valuations are too good to ignore.

According to him, “In Nigeria, foreign exchange is a long-standing problem. Foreign Exchange has been scarce since 2020 and foreigners are just impossible to take money out

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

of the Nigerian economy if they sell stocks. In Kenya, it has become a problem.

“Nigeria and Kenya together make up more than 10per cent of that frontier market index and that means that the $150 million that came in the past three weeks, $15 million should have gone into Nigeria and Kenya markets.

“What it means is foreigners just aren’t putting that money in and so I think, from a foreign

S E C U R I T I E S QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

investor point of view, it is absolutely critical that authorities in these two countries fix the FX situation.”

He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s foreign exchange market in 2023 amid the change in political leadership with the forthcoming general elections.

He stated that, “The change in leadership could create an opportunity for the new government to draw a line under the years of orthodox

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

policies and take the right decision in fixing the foreign exchange crisis and fix finances on a sustainable growth.”

He noted that once foreign exchange challenges are tackled, Nigeria would witness an inflow of foreign funds.

On how to drive stock market growth, he urged pension funds in Nigeria and Kenya to invest more money in stocks, calling on regulators to change incentives.

Speaking also, the Director,

A S O F

Sub-Saharan, EFG Hermes, Ronak Gadhia highlighted that pre/post-election friendly business environment in Nigeria could drive banks’ Return on Equity (ROE) and credit growth.

“The Nigerian Banks around the back end of 2019 have witnessed earnings and ROE come under significant pressure. That’s because of the unorthodox policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and also the macroeconomic challenges in Nigeria.

1 5 / 1 2 / 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

44

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

2023 CAMPAIGN WATCH SAMUEL AJAYI

E-mail: yemielegance@gmail.com

Mobile: 08033083367

How Much Value is Dogara Adding to PDP?

Atiku (right) and Dogara

F

ormer Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has moved again.

This time around, he has moved from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to the opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP. It could be recalled that Dogara had left the same PDP to APC in 2020 and now, he is back in the PDP. In fact, then Caretaker Chairman of the APC and governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, had taken Dogara to meet President Muhammadu Buhari who received Dogara back to the APC. When Dogara moved then and was sighted at the presidential villa with Buni, and many expressed surprise to see the former Speaker at the Villa, Buni had this to say: “They should not be surprised because the former Speaker is a member of the APC, and it is because the reason why he left the APC is no more there.”

These movements perhaps have made Dogara, arguably, the most travelled politician across parties.

And from all indications, it seems Dogara would be in the PDP at least, till after the coming general election early next year.

Dogara’s return to the PDP this time is not unconnected with his losing out in the race for the vice-presidential ticket of the APC. Himself and Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to

the Government of the Federation, SGF, had thought that the ticket would go to either of them being northern Christians and going by the expected need to balance the religious equation concerning the offices of the President and that of the Vice President. They expected that the presidential candidate of the APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would pick a northern Christian. But Tinubu surprised them both when he picked former governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, a northern Muslim.

Dogara, who is the leader of the Northern Elders’ Consultative Forum, NECF, had expressed deep opposition to the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC. And apart from Dogara joining the PDP, the Forum has also endorsed the candidate of the PDP and former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar and the reason was the “unfortunate self-inflicted divisive same-faith-ticket which cannot guarantee the desired peace,

unity and cohesion in Nigeria, a decision that has been kicked against by a huge population of Nigerians”, stated the Forum.

Shortly after moving to the PDP, the Director-General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council and current governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, announced the appointment of Dogara as a member of the Council.

“The leadership of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council wishes to formally announce that Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara has been appointed as a member of the Presidential Campaign Council with immediate effect. This is part of our continuous effect in joining hands with our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to recover our great country, Nigeria”, stated the council.

The question now is this: what value is Dogara bringing to Atiku’s campaign and presidential bid? It is obvious that his decision to join

“The leadership of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council wishes to formally announce that Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara has been appointed as a member of the Presidential Campaign Council with immediate effect.”

the opposition PDP was due to the fact that he lost out in the race for the vice-presidential ticket of the ruling APC. Meanwhile, he had left the same PDP for APC in 2020 when he was being politically emasculated by the governor of his native Bauchi State and former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mallam Bala Mohammed. Perhaps, he has closed ranks with Mohammed now as the latter is also fully involved in the PDP presidential campaigns.

Just as Dogara moved to the APC, Babachir Lawal, former SGF, has refused, preferring instead to support the Labour Party and has publicly thrown his weight behind Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the party.

In fairness, the Christian population in the North actually sees both Dogara and Lawal as representing their interest in the political equation in the country.

And from all indications, Dogara played some role in the northern Christian groups throwing their weight behind Atiku. And he was also instrumental in the Northern Elders’ Consultative Forum, NECF, publicly endorsing Atiku. It remains to be seen if these moves would translate into votes for the former Vice President. But it won’t be out of place to say that Dogara joining the Atiku camp was like catching a big political fish.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022

45

Staying Close With 2023

2023 CAMPAIGN WATCH

APC’s War on the Media and BVAS

I

t is no news that the presidential campaign train of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has had more issues to deal with and more questions to answer than actually selling the candidacy of its standard-bearer, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to voters. From the negative fallout of his outing at Chatham House in London to very embarrassing gaffes when speaking, the explained issue of drug proceeds forfeiture in the United States and unanswered questions concerning his background and academic qualifications, Tinubu and his handlers seem to have their hands full.

And matters have not been helped by the cantankerous approach of his handlers to issues and anyone who disagrees with their principal. Even on social media, many of their online supporters usually launch verbal and cyber-attacks on anyone who dares to raise issues or asks critical questions concerning some of the unresolved issues surrounding the personality of the former Lagos State governor.

In fact, Tinubu’s supporters seem to have learnt the bullying tactic from Buhari’s in 2015. Now, they quickly tag anyone who criticises Tinubu as a ‘hater’.

The peak of this was the recent spat between the spokesmen of the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Organisation, Bayo Onanuga, who is a former Editor-in-Chief of THE NEWS magazine along with one-time Commissioner for Information and Strategy when Tinubu was governor of Lagos State, Dele Alake, and the Board of Editors of THISDAY Newspapers on the other hand. THISDAY had accused the duo and by extension the APC presidential campaign team of trying to muzzle the press and suppress free speech even when their man was not yet the President. THISDAY had accused the duo of penning series of press releases to denigrate the newspaper since the publication of a story, on November 22, on the death of one Mueez Adegboyega Akande, a Tinubu associate mentioned as being involved, by the US authorities, in a drug trafficking investigation 30 years ago.

THISDAY claimed that the attacks intensified

since that publication and the newspaper claimed that the report introduced the person that died as Mueez but included a condolence message from the Lagos State governor to the family of Dr. Kolapo Akande.

“Did THISDAY mix up the identity (of two brothers?) We needed to be sure before issuing an apology. We needed to hear from the family. To date, we have not heard from the family. The fact is

that mistakes in reporting the death of someone who may not have died is not unusual in the media. “But then a quick statement from the family of the person so reported having died, as happened when the media mistakenly reported the death of the late nationalist and past President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, in the ‘90s, would have quickly laid the matter to rest,” the newspaper wrote in the statement.

It claimed that what Tinubu handlers wanted was a pliable media that would not be asking questions and who would be forced to succumb to blackmail just as the newspaper also disclosed that pressure had been mounted on the management to remove some of its top editorial staff, both in the newspaper and the sister television station.

The question is this: why the intolerance?

Why the casting of aspersions on the personalities of anyone or group that dares to ask questions? Tokunbo Peters, a public affairs analyst based in Abeokuta wrote in his Facebook page that it is when an aspirant to a political office has so much to hide that he or she resorts to hostile approach when put on the spot.

For instance, the ruling APC has various times expressed its opposition to electronic transmission of election results and use of biometrics. In fact, the National Chairman of the party and former governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Adamu Abdullahi, once said the nation was not ripe for electronic transmission of results and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, even as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has repeatedly said it was more than ready.

Speaking when a delegation of the Commonwealth visited the national secretariat of the ruling party late last month, Adamu still touched on the issue.

“To transmit results, every part of the nation Nigeria I’m not sure that the network covers it. I know that even in parts of Abuja, there is no network and we have from now till February, when in substantial parts of the country there is no electricity. INEC must assure us 100 percent that as and when due in transmitting results, they are ready, because they spoke about recharging batteries but we had in previous elections, when it says it can’t recharge.”

Is APC afraid of electronic transmission of election results? Perhaps it is.

Obi and the South-East Conundrum

I

n the last two weeks, the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in various parts of the South-east have come under serious attacks with properties worth tens of millions of naira destroyed and lives lost. Just last Monday, a policeman lost his life when gunmen attacked INEC office in Owerri, the Imo State capital. Policemen attached to the office reportedly killed three of the attackers. During the latest attack, the gunmen were said to have thrown an Improvised Explosive Device into the INEC facility, which destroyed several offices and vehicles parked on the premises.

This latest attack came less than one week after some gunmen attacked another INEC office in the Oru West Local Government Area of the same state, making it the eighth attack on the commission’s facilities within the last four months across the country, especially in the South-east. It should be recalled that in May 2021, a building belonging to the INEC was also set ablaze in the state. This excludes the attack at its Ahiazu Mbaise LGA office in the same month.

Some months back, the INEC offices in Udenu and Igboeze South Local Government Areas of Enugu State were attacked by gunmen/hoodlums, who vandalised the commission’s facilities.

Again, in September 2021, the INEC office in Awgu Local Government Area of the state was set on fire by some persons.

In July 2022, some suspected arsonists also destroyed the commission’s office in the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of the state.

In May 2021, two offices of the INEC

were set on fire by gunmen in Ebonyi State. These were in Izzi and Ezza North local government areas of the state. Within a month, the INEC office in Ebonyi Local Government Area office of the state was also razed down by gunmen. Just last month, there was another attack on the commission’s office in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.

Worried that these attacks could affect the conduct of the 2023 general election, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC chairman, at a meeting with stakeholders in Lagos last week lamented that the electoral body had lost so many of its facilities.

Beyond the INEC Chairman’s worry is the fact that since 1999, at no time has a candidate from the South-east gained the kind of national appeal like Peter Obi. In fact, among the young voting population, Obi has assumed a status of a cult hero with many of them putting down their monies to run his campaign. However, if Obi is to make any headway in the 2023 presidential election as the candidate of the Labour Party, then he has to secure the block vote from the Southeast. And that is why he must be deeply worried by attacks on INEC facilities in the region and the ‘no election campaign’ being waged by the Eastern Security Network, ESN, who many believe are behind these attacks.

Ironically, the Independent People of Biafra, IPOB, has come out to vehemently claim it is not behind these attacks which also go with the weekly sit-at-home order from the ESN. This has led to the death of

Peter Obi

many innocent people. For instance, just last week, Prince Iheme, the elder brother of Osita Iheme, a renowned actor popularly known as ‘Pawpaw’ was gunned down by some gunmen enforcing the sit-at-home order.

And in a recent video that went viral on social media, gun-wielding men were seen moving around chanting that there would not be elections in the South-east region and also there won’t be Christmas unless Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the IPOB, was released from detention.

No matter how well Obi is accepted outside of Igboland, it will never do his ambition any good if violence remains the order of the day and the campaign against the election is sustained such that people are intimidated not to come out to vote on election day in the south-east.

Perhaps, it is high time Obi engaged critical stakeholders or perhaps, he does not want to offend the ESN or the IPOB. Either way, he will lose out if this is not nipped in the bud.

46

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 •T H I S D AY

47

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

DINNER TO CELEBRATE THE ELEVATION OF EGBEWOLE AND YUSUF...

L-R: Former Managing Director, Accenture Nigeria and newly elected 8th Chairman, The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf;Guest Speaker, Mallam Mohammed Hayatu-Deen; Chief Host/Group Managing Director/CEO, CRC Credit Bureau Ltd, Dr. Ahmed Tunde Popoola; Chairman of the occasion, Mallam Yusuf Alli (SAN); newly appointed 11th Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof.

Wahab Egbewole (SAN); and Chairman, BoT, UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, at the dinner hosted by Popoola to celebrate the elevation of Egbewole and Yusuf in Lagos…recently.

ETOP UKUTT

2023: Tinubu Lacks Mental Alertness, Unfit to Be President, PDP Insists Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, yesterday, reiterated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, was unfit to be President of Nigeria, because he lacked the mental alertness to so do.

One of the spokesmen of the PDP Campaign Organisation, Mr Charles Aniagwu, stated this on "AIT Kakaaki" and stressed that Tinubu lacked the mental alertness to lead a country like Nigeria.

Aniagwu stated that Tinubu was being foisted on Nigerians for selfish reasons and urged

Nigerians to reject the APC candidate due to his lack of mental capacity to articulate issues.

According to him, Tinubu's many gaffes in recent times buttressed the argument that he lacked the mental alertness to lead a county in troubled times.

"The inability of the APC presidential candidate to carry on his campaigns seamlessly is a pointer to the fact that he is being managed and that is not the kind of leader Nigerians deserve at this time.

Aniagwu said, "Tinubu is a great leader and we respect him for all his accomplishments and

CSOs Back Emefiele's Reforms, Hit Back at Critics Emameh Gabriel in Abuja Nigeria

Civil society organisations (CSOs) under the auspices of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations on Good Governance (CCSGG) yesterday expressed support for the policies of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

This was even as the coalition faulted critics of the policies of the Emefiele-led CBN in recent time.

The CSOs in a statement jointly signed by its president, Etuk Bassey Williams and Abubakar Ibrahim, Secretary of the group, said those attacking the CBN Governor were people whose evil deeds of corruption were being exposed and strangled by the recent naira design and cash withdrawal limits to become effective from January 9, 2023.

The statement reads in part, "It is very important for us at this point to voice out over the lies and cheap blackmail some corrupt politicians and so-called business men and women are peddling on the pages and websites of some media houses alleging what they have conspired against the Governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele.

"The false allegations by a Member of House of Representatives from Jigawa State, Hon Gudaji Kazaure on the alleged N89 trillion stamp duty is a lie from the pit of hell. Kazaure is a serial and pathological liar and he is publicly known for his stock in trade.

"The Presidency recently defused him on this allegation of N89 trillion Stamp Duty and he is shamelessly going to media houses to fly his kite of lies to woo Nigerians to his side.

"His personality is already marred and destroyed by his lies.

His paymasters have failed already, and if it is Buhari's government they want to rubbish with such lies, they have goofed.

"Kazaure and his lies should be discarded band taking for nothing because he is just ranting his frustration.

"This conspiracy is very clear and it is not far-fetched, which is because of the policies implemented by the Emefiele-led CBN. "You can imagine the stolen and hidden monies in water tanks, underground, hug sacs, and bank accounts they have kept at the detriment of Nigerians and the economy is now become useless.”

They added: "These terrible people who are speaking all sorts of lies are shameless and wicked because those monies they stole could not be taken to banks for fear of being arrested and now are frustrated and made foolish.

"Their fraud allegations against the wise and foresighted strategist Mr. President placed at the CBN are all tissues of lies, baseless and unfounded.

"These people are not speaking in the interest of Nigerians but for their selfish and evil aims that does not hold water. They are angry because they were taken unawares and surprisingly.

contributions to nation-building in the past. A situation, where a presidential candidate cannot speak coherently for only two minutes calls for serious concern.

"And that's why we can hardly hear from our brother, Festus Keyamo, again because the kind of things he defends are already becoming an embarrassment to the legal profession."

Aniagwu further said that the abrupt departure of the APC presidential candidate from their rally in Minna, Niger State, was an indication that all was not well with him.

"The other day at Chatham House, he was asked his name

and somebody had to slip a piece of paper to him, he couldn't remember immediately to the extent that he had to read the paper to remember his date of birth, is that the kind of president the APC wants for this country?

"I am happy that President Muhammadu Buhari is not following them about in this campaign, because he saw what the APC governors didn't see what he saw prior to the party primaries, when they stopped Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a man that has demonstrated great intellectualism from clinching the party’s ticket.

"And we thank God that they

did not progress in that direction, because may be we would have had something that looks like a contest in this election."

Aniagwu said having realised they had failed Nigerians, APC always laid claim to Lagos as part of their achievements, even though Lagos was built over time by the federal government.

According to him, "Each time you ask them to give account of their party’s stewardship, they refer you to Lagos. The Lagos that was built by the federal government as a former federal capital? Or is it the Lagos that you will spend five hours for a journey that shouldn't take not

more than 30 minutes?

"They talk about the Lagos economy and I ask who collects the tax and does the tax reflect in the lives of the citizens? A Lagos that Nasir El-Rufai, an APC governor, had amply described as a living 'hell'?

"These people don't believe that Nigeria should get out of the cocoon and so, I appeal to Nigerians to reject the APC and all what they represent and embrace the PDP, because the Atiku-Okowa PDP ticket is totally committed to rescue, reset and rebuild Nigeria from the ruins caused by the APC maladministration."

Money Laundering: Kogi Governor’s Nephew Arraigned over N10bn Fraud Kogi Govt accuses EFCC of engaging in media trial Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, remanded Aliyu Bello, a nephew to Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and one Dauda Sulaiman in prison pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions They were remanded upon arraignment alongside one Abdulsalami Hudu, Cashier of Kogi State House Administration ( now at large) on a 10-count charge of misappropriation and money laundering.

In a related development, the Kogi State government has debunked an allegation of money laundering levelled against it by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, describing it as a sustenance of the persecution of the government by the Abdulrasheed Bawa-led EFCC. The government, in a sharp reaction to a statement by the EFCC on yesterday, observed that the commission, with its present allegations, had shown clearly that it was desperately seeking to save its face after the commission hit a road block in its N20bn Sterling Bank media trial.

A statement by EFCC said Bello and Sulaiman were accused of fraudulently withdrawing a sum

of N10, 270,556,800 from the Kogi State treasury, which they delivered to a Bureau de Change operator, Rabiu Tafada in Abuja to keep or change to foreign currencies for personal gains.

One of the charges reads: “That you, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdusalami Hudu (now at Large)between January and December, 2021, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court procured Rabiu Usan Tafada to take possession of the total sum of N5,865,756,800 which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of unlawful activity to wit: criminal misappropriation from the treasury of Kogi State and you thereby committed an offence contrary to sections 18 (c), 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act”.

Another count reads: “That you, Ali Ballo, Dauda Suleiman and Abdusalami Hudu (now at large) between January and December 2021, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court aided Rabiu Usman Tafada to retain the total sum of N2,509,650,000.00 which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity to wit: Criminal

Misappropriation from the treasury of Kogi State Government and you thereby committed an offence contrary to sections 18 (a) 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act”.

They however pleaded "not guilty" to the charges preferred against them by the EFCC. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial.

Counsel to the second and third defendants, Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN, informed the court of his applications for the bail of the defendants.

Justice Omotosho admitted the defendants to bail in the sum N1bn billion each and two sureties who are to provide a bond of N2billion each and have a landed property valued at N500 million. The title of the properties shall be registered with the Chief Registrar of the Court.

Each of the sureties and the defendants shall submit their bank statements and international passports to the chief registrar of the Court.

The sureties must also produce an affidavit of means and evidence of tax clearance for at least three

years.

The judge thereafter sent the defendants to Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions and adjourned the matter till February 6, 2023 for hearing.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has debunked an allegation of money laundering levelled against it by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, describing it as a sustenance of the persecution of the government by the Abdulrasheed Bawa-led EFCC. The government, in a swift reaction to a statement by the EFCC on yesterday, observed that the commission, with its present allegations, had shown clearly that it was desperately seeking to save its face after the commission hit a road block in its N20 billion Sterling Bank media trial.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication in Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo, however, noted that just as with the Sterling Bank affair when the commission went to the media before proper investigation, the EFCC was again set to embarrass itself and its legacy by again jumping to the media to continue its persecution of the Kogi government.

Continued online

48

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

INAUGURATION OF PETER-MBAH GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT...

L-R: Deputy governorship candidate, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai; governorship candidate, Peter Mbah and Grand Patron, Peter Mbah Grassroots Movement (PMG), Lawrence Ezeh, during the inauguration of the support group in Enugu... Wednesday

Kano: Shari’a Court Sentences Scholar to Death for Blasphemy Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano An Upper Shari’a Court sitting in Kano, yesterday, sentenced to death by hanging, renowned Islamic cleric, Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara, for alleged blasphemy.

The presiding judge, Ibrahim Sarki Yola, delivered the conviction in a court session, which lasted over three hours, amid tight security.

The defendant was arraigned on July 16, 2021 by Kano State Government on a four countcharge bordering on blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The presiding judge, Ibrahim Sarki-Yola, said the prosecution had proven their case beyond reasonable doubt.

"I Sarki-Yola sentence the defendant to death by hanging for making blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad (PUBH),” the judge said. He ordered

the state government to seize all the 189 books the defendant tendered as exhibits to be taken to Kano State Library for public use, relying on Section 331 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) Kano 2019.

"I hereby order the state government to seize the defendant’s two mosques used in committing the offences situated at Mushe and Sabuwar Gandu and should not to be used."

Sarki-Yola also ordered the general public, radio stations, TV stations to stop using the defendant's preaching and pictures especially, in any social media, adding that anyone found would be prosecuted relying on section 396(2) of Kano State ACJL 2019.

"The defendant did not follow the right path of preaching he fabricated all the meaning of the hadith and made a blasphemous comment against Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

Anya: Current Challenges Will Lead to Rebirth of New Nigeria NPL honours Bogoro, 17 others with leadership awards Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja A former Director General of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and current Chairman, Governing Board of the Nigerian Prize for Leadership (NPL), Prof.

Anya O. Anya, has said current challenges experienced by Nigerians would eventually lead to the country’s rebirth.

Speaking in Abuja at the investiture ceremony of Prof. Sulaiman Bogoro and second conferment of NPL fellowship, Anya, a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS) and former President of the Academy, called on the federal government to declare every December 12, as National Leadership Day. He explained that the programme was meant to groom a generation of leaders with the right set of values, stressing that the group's pursuit and drive towards excellence in leadership in the country remain the right choice.

“Nigeria is currently going through a challenging period that will bring with it the rebirth of our nation.

The Nigerian Prize for Leadership believes that these pains will produce a new generation of Nigerians that will deliver a new Nigeria,” he noted.

The NPL is led by some eminent Nigerians who say they are determined to chart a new course of

deliberate actions aimed at identifying, and reinventing a new culture of leadership driven by values, integrity and the pursuit of excellence.

Anya maintained that while it was important to celebrate excellence in leadership, it was even more important to invest time and resources to raise a strong and credible successor generation of leaders for Nigeria, on a sustainable basis and across different sectors of the society.

He declared that the leadership prize was shorn of politics, ethnicity and religious bias, bestowed on honest and value-driven leadership in Nigeria, measured in terms of visible accomplishments of performance, capacity and dependability of time.

On the recipient of the award, he noted that from Bogoro’s time as Principal Investigator, African Centre for Excellence/World Bank on Food Security, to his most recent service at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as Executive Secretary, he has been consistent in upholding the core values of exceptional leadership.

“The barometers are vision, creativity and innovation, character, competence, sacrifice, impact on society, governance, role modelling and mentorship as well as diversity and inclusion.

Continued online

I, therefore, find him guilty. The defendant has the right to appeal within 30 days," he added.

He called on the general public and all Kano clerics to be careful with the words they used while preaching and translating, especially, concerning Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Prosecution Counsel, Suraj Sa'eda urged the court to sentence the defendant after finding him guilty, saying, the defendant committed the offence on August 10, October 25 and December 20, 2019 while

conducting his preaching at his two mosques.

Sa'eda stated, "The defendant made a blasphemous comment against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his marriage with Nana Safiyya in hadith 1,365, 1,428, 2,326 and 5,120 Sahih-Bukhari and Muslim and posted it on his Facebook page, Ashabul Kahfi.”

Sa'eda said the offence contravened Section 382 (b) and 375 of Kano State Sharia Law 2000.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The defence counsel, Aminu AdoAbubakar, pleaded for leniency and urged the court to temper justice with mercy on behalf of the defendant.

"The defendant committed the offence based on how he understood the hadiths. My Lord it was a mistake," the defendant told the court, noting that, he has never seen the lawyer representing him.

The defendant said this was his last statement, "After listening to how you my Lord twisted my evidence upside down and you said I made a blasphemous comment against

Prophet Muhammad PBUH. "I am not asking for leniency and I don't want you the judge to temper justice with mercy on me, because I did not commit the offence and I want to tell all my followers that I will die as a hero; they should not worry."

The prosecution counsel presented four witnesses and tendered memory cards as exhibits to prove their case against the defendant.

"The defendant defended himself, tendered 189 books as exhibit and a memory card of his preaching."

BAWA: EFCC HAS RECOVERED N30BN FROM SUSPENDED AGF him, arguing that a Supreme Court decision which ordered a retrial of the fraud case did not include him as a party in the retrial.

The court had granted Kalu’s plea, ordering the anti-graft agency to exclude him from the retrial of a case for which he had been tried and convicted.

Responding to a question on the issue during the briefing, Bawa said the former governor was yet to be discharged, nor acquitted, adding that the EFCC was still pursuing the matter against him.

His words: “My friend here asked about Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. The prosecution lasted for 12 years or so and he was convicted by the court.

He went to the Supreme Court and the court said, yes, because he was elevated to the Court of Appeal, it cannot come back to the lower court and that he should be retried in Lagos.

“So we wanted to arraign him almost immediately in Lagos, for the prosecution to start all over again and then he went to court, challenging that he has been discharged and acquitted. Nobody discharged and acquitted him, we are still pursuing the matters in court here in Abuja.

So the matter is still ongoing.”

On whether there were politicians under EFCC’s radar being monitored for wrongdoings, Bawa said, “of course, certainly, there are a lot of them that we're watching and a lot of Nigerians have also provided us with information here and there. We are watching and we want you to join them too and give us that piece of information, if you have any.”

According to him, the Commission has been receiving petitions on many of the politicians contesting various political offices, but explained that operatives were taking thorough efforts to sieve through the petitions to ascertain those that are true and really deserving investigative efforts.

“A lot of petitions left, right and centre, against almost every politician

that is contesting for office, but what are we going to do at this hour?

Do you want us now to invite one presidential candidate to come and make a statement? The same media is going to say it's politically motivated.

“We're working behind the scenes on all the petitions that we’ve received that have merit and I'm not politically motivated and that's why in every command we have what is called Petition Vetting Committee, made up of officers from the Legal Department as well as officials that review these petitions, to see whether they are in line with our own mandate, before they now recommend whether they can be investigated by the EFCC. “We even have a manual on that, on the criteria that you need to follow, that guide them in terms of coming to accepting or rejecting a petition”, he revealed.

Commenting on the welfare of EFCC staff, the Chairman said Buhari had since approved a robust severance package for staff of the Commission, as a way of enhancing their efficiency.

His words: “About issues of temptation, we thank God for President Muhammadu Buhari, one of the first things that he did when I came on board was to approve for us a very robust severance package and everybody is happy about it in the EFCC, everybody is looking towards retirement. So, we are secured in that regard.

“And for those that yield to the temptations they face, we are dealing with them one at a time, as soon as we get the information and we investigate. Those we found wanting have been punished, some have been dismissed, some demoted and so on. So for the risks we face, we are very prayerful and God will continue to protect us".

Speaking on the issue of votebuying, especially as the general elections approach, Bawa said the Commission was doing a lot

to combat the menace, disclosing that the EFCC had been discussing with various stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), politicians and others while calling on the general public to join in ending the illicit practice.

“We're doing quite a lot on this; we are working with INEC, we are working with a lot of people, but ultimately, we want to work with Nigerians. Nigerian should know the implication of them selling their votes or accepting that their votes should be bought by these individuals.

“Already, because of what is ongoing now, a lot of people are scared about whether or not they can buy votes, whether or not people will be willing to sell their votes.

“We hope and pray that our modest efforts will be able to curtail this issue of vote buying when it comes to be in February and in March. God willing, we are working towards seeing that we contribute our quota to curtail,” he said.

Bawa also disclosed that the anti-graft Commission secured 3,615 convictions between January and December this year.

According to him, “in the first full year of the current administration, the EFCC recorded only 195 convictions, that was 2016, in 2017, EFCC recorded 186, we went down; in 2018 we recorded 312 convictions, in 2019, we recorded 1280 convictions, it went up with over 312 percent; in 2022, we had COVID so we went down to 976, last year (2021) which was part of my administration, we recorded an unprecedented 2220 convictions and this year, even though it has not ended, we have so far recorded 3615 convictions, unprecedented.

“The figures showing convictions that the EFCC has secured this year alone, are more than the convictions the Commission has recorded from inception up to 2020. This is so

because of the effort we have put in, the support the government is giving us and also the good working relationship that we have with the Judiciary, as well as so many things that we have been doing and the government has been backing us to do so as an institution. That is why you can see the success, this is where we are now and it is going to get better.”

Also, various amounts totalling about N136 billion have been recovered by the EFCC and remitted to the coffers of the federal government from May 2022 to date.

Giving details of the recoveries, which covered various proceeds of corrupt practices and denominated in both the local and foreign currencies, Bawa disclosed that the funds were to be committed to the funding of ongoing major infrastructural projects nationwide, including the Abuja-Kano Highway, Second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and some others.

He gave the breakdown of funds to include N120 billion, $29 million, €6.6m million and about £1.1 million, all of which aggregated to N136,651,505,114 in local currency.

“I want to state here that the POCA, which is the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2022, mandates that all relevant agencies must open what is called the Confiscated Assets and Properties Account in naira and foreign currencies and that all finally forfeited funds that belong to the federal government should now go into that account.

And before, we had to pay the money into a designated account.

“But with POCA, this is where we now keep the different government assets recovered. And we have carried out an audit. From our EFCC recovery account, we paid N120 billion and $29 million, about 6.6 million euros, and about 1.1 million pounds into that.

Continued online

49

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

SIGNING OF EXECUTIVE ORDER ON SOCIAL WELFARE...

L-R: Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sina Ogungbade; Commissioner for Community Development, Abayomi Hunye; Governor Dapo Abiodun; Special Adviser, Women Affairs, Ayotunde Lawal; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Kehinde Dare and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor/Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, at the signing of the Executive Order on Social Welfare Programme in the State at the Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan…Wednesday.

Rivers: Jubilation as Appeal Court Sets Aside Nullification of Cole, APC Candidates’ Nominations Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, yesterday, went into Jubilation following an Appeal court ruling, which set aside the judgment of a Federal High Court that sacked the governorship candidate of the party, Tonye Cole and other candidates of the party.

Justice Emmanuel Obile of a Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, had on October 25, sacked the candidates of APC

following a suit filed by one George Orlu and five others over their alleged exclusion from party's delegate congresses in the state.

But in it's decision on the three separate appeal filed by Cole, the National and State Assembly candidates of APC in Rivers, the appeal, also sitting in Port Harcourt, said George Orlu and five others did not exhaust internal party mechanism before instituting the suit.

The three-man special panel of the Court of Appeal by the led

Justice Muhammed Lawal-Shaibu in the judgement, held that the respondents did not participate in the congress of the APC and so did not have any cause of action and lacked the locus standi to go to court.

He said it was inconceivable for the Federal High Court Judge not to have joined some candidates of APC, who were interested parties in the suit.

The panel ruled that the nomination of delegates and political parties were purely an internal party affairs, and that

the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit abi initio.

The judge, thereby, set aside the judgment against APC and awarded the sum of N500,000 each for the three cases as cost against the appeal respondents in favour of APC. Also, in a 15-ground appeal instituted by senatorial, House of Representatives and state assembly candidates of the party, the court held that the aggrieved defendants at appeal could not exhaust the internal mechanisms as provided by the

party's constitution before going to court.

He described as strange, the judgement of the lower court on the preliminary objection of the defence and the substantive matter just to grant all the prayers of the plaintiff.

Shaibu said the judge was in a serious error for not going into the merit of the matter, questioning how the court got reasons to deliver its judgement without properly examining the matter, noting that, the appeals

by APC, Cole and assembly

candidates were in merit and as such, allowed.

Expressing delight on the judgement, the Rivers APC 2023 Campaign Council commended the judiciary for standing on the path of justice.

Spokesperson of the council, who spoke to journalists in Port Harcourt, Sogbeye Eli, said the judgement would give Rivers people opportunity to choose among candidates at the poll, calling on politicians to approach democracy with utmost responsibility.

growth rate of 8.2. However, the hard-won income gains from the 2000s evaporated between 2011 and 2021, due to the lack of deeper structural reforms, global shocks, conflicting macroeconomic policies, and increased insecurity percent.

“Creating more and better jobs is a necessary condition for accelerating poverty reduction and economic transformation in Nigeria. Unlocking private investment will enable the creation of more and better-quality jobs in a sustainable manner.

“To catalyse private investment and offer more opportunities to the youth, the priority is to restore and preserve macroeconomic stability, which has weakened in recent years due to conflicting monetary policy goals, over-reliance on oil exports, limited fiscal space, and restrictive trade policies.”

Speaking during the launch of the report, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed stated that oil production was expected to increase to 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd) by the first quarter of 2023, adding that efforts were on to intensify to improve oil production infrastructure and reduce theft.

"We currently project an average crude oil production of about 1.9 million barrels condensate inclusive by 2024. We expect to complete the rehabilitation of the Port-Harcourt refinery before the end of 2023.

“We have also signed the memorandum of understanding with Daewoo operation for $1.5 billion for the rehabilitation of the Kaduna and Warri refineries.

"The importation of petroleum

products would significantly decline in 2023 as the Dangote refinery is expected to begin operation in the first quarter of 2023.

"The expected improvement in oil production numbers is also attributable to the increase in collaboration between the government, security agencies, private security outfits, host communities and deployment of technology to curb the menace of crude oil theft.

"We expect to see more investors in the oil sector as we achieve greater clarity, a robust regulatory framework to support investment and growth as provided in the petroleum industry act," the minister said.

She said Nigeria needs help, stressing that the Nigerian government and the subnational levels cannot provide all the financing required to meet Nigeria’s public investment needs.

"As stated in the National Development Plan (NPD), we need the private sector, foreign and domestic as integral partners in securing the much-needed financing required to fund both fiscal and social investments for Nigeria’s overall development," Ahmed added.

On his part, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai said Nigeria's next president must be willing to take very difficult, immediate, and urgent decisions that would make the country go through about three to five years of pain, and reverse the ugly trajectory.

He said he was proud to be a member of the Obasanjo

administration, "during that decade of growth. We were in that government we knew what we had to do."

El-Rufai added, "We know what President Obasanjo had to do. The next president of Nigeria must be willing to do just one term if necessary but reverse this trend.

The consensus is there.

"If 95 per cent of jobs are from the private sector, 90 per cent of GDP is from the private sector.

The private sector agrees that these things must be done. The state governments have agreed that these things must be done.

"I've told you the two big elephants are subsidy and the exchange rate and those at the receiving end of this are the private sectors and the sub-nationals.

"We have agreed. What we need is a president willing to expend political capital and take risks to reverse the trajectory of this country on a permanent basis even if it costs him the election it might because the results may not begin to show until after three to five years.

"The only problem I have with the World Bank three options is that the potential graph shows that it can go up immediately.

It can't for the next two, or three years. It will go down.

"Things are not going to get better in the next two to three years. even If you do the right policies tomorrow.

"It will take time but that president will change that direction or that country will remove the word potential from Nigeria's vocabulary and will finally be the country we deserve to be.

HIGHER FOOD, ENERGY, IMPORT COSTS DRIVE INFLATION TO 21.47% make.

Stressing that Nigeria’s economic growth had slowed on the back of declining oil output and moderating non-oil activity, the World Bank explained that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose by 3.1 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) in the first three quarters of 2022, little more than the annual population growth of 2.6 per cent.

Nigeria’s growth performance and its fiscal and external buffers, it pointed out, have also decoupled from high oil prices, while macroeconomic vulnerabilities have increased.

“It is urgent to address the key drivers of this decoupling and make reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s macro-fiscal framework,” the bank advised.

“Nigeria has a choice to implement critical macroeconomic and structural reforms that can reduce crisis vulnerabilities and increase growth. Doing so will lift per-capita incomes, sustainably reduce poverty and deliver better life outcomes for many Nigerians,” said the World Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri.

“Urgent business-unusual choices are needed to avoid a scenario in which up to 80 million working-age Nigerians do not have a full-time job by 2030 and up to 23 million more Nigerians could be living in extreme poverty,” he added.

The report recalled that inflation had surged to 21.1 per cent y-o-y in October 2022, pushing as many as 5 million more Nigerians into poverty since the start of 2022 and fiscal pressures have intensified,

exacerbated by the soaring cost of the petrol subsidy which will likely exceed N5 trillion this year.

Despite higher oil export revenues, the bank highlighted that official reserves have fallen. It noted that the currency market was severely distorted, undermining the business environment and investment. The weaknesses in the macroeconomic policy framework, it stated were suppressing growth and making Nigeria more vulnerable to shocks.

“Previous episodes of reform progress and high growth, such as in the 2000s, show that Nigeria’s economy can turn around quickly, and its tremendous economic potential that could be unleashed is well-known.

“If Nigeria chooses to make reforms that stabilise its macro-fiscal policy settings and support investment, this would be transformative for 80 million poor Nigerians, for Nigeria as a whole, and for Africa,” the World Bank's Lead Economist for Nigeria and co-author of the report, Alex Sienaert stated.

Drawing from a new World Bank Nigeria Report – the Nigeria Country Economic Memorandum (CEM), the bank lamented that despite its vast potential, development has stagnated in Nigeria over the past decade.

“The country is characterised by strong spatial inequalities and a large north-south divide. Creating better jobs is a necessary condition for accelerating poverty reduction and economic transformation.

“A combination of limited job creation, booming demographics, and unfulfilled aspirations is

pushing young Nigerians to emigrate abroad in search of gainful employment.

“As a result, Nigeria is at a critical historical juncture, with a choice to make. To chart a new and inclusive growth path, Nigeria needs macroeconomic and institutional enablers and investment accelerators.

“To catalyse private investment and offer more opportunities to the youth, the priority is to restore and preserve macroeconomic stability.

To do so, it will be critical to improve the availability of FX, and the predictability and credibility of the exchange rate system to ensure a level playing field across all firms and individuals,” it added.

Admitting that there was no silver bullet to accelerate growth, it explained that Nigeria could become a ‘rising growth star again' if it implements a comprehensive set of bold reforms in a timely manner, adding that to implement this set of prioritised reforms, the authorities need to walk the talk and shift their focus from the “what” to the “how”.

“Nigeria can become a rising growth star again if it implements a comprehensive set of bold reforms in a timely manner,” it stressed.

The World Bank added: “Nigeria was a rising growth star globally in the 2000s due to the implementation of several structural reforms in a context of increasing oil prices; yet this fast growth was not accompanied by robust job creation.

“Between 2001 and 2010, Nigeria ranked among the top 15 fastest growing economies in the world, with an average annual

50

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME EXCITES PRESIDENTS...

President Biden watching Wednesday's match with President Buhari and other Presidents in Washington DC

Buhari, Atiku, Gbajabiamila, Sanwo-Olu, Others Mourn as Nigeria's Envoy, Seriki, Dies of Cancer Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode, Udora Orizu in Abuja, Segun James in Lagos and Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, were among the prominent Nigerians, who mourned Nigeria’s envoy to Spain, Chief Demola Seriki, who died yesterday in Madrid, at the age of 63 years, after a long-winding battle with cancer of the pancreas.

A statement by the family announcing his passing and

signed by the children, stated that Seriki “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in Madrid, Spain.”

Seriki also had a concurrent accreditation as a Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

President Buhari, in a release by presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, said his passing has left the government in shock.

Buhari, therefore, “sympathised with friends and professional colleagues of the nationalist, who distinguished himself in public service, working variously as Minister of State, Interior; Minister

of State, Defence; Minister of State, Agriculture and Water Resources, and supervising Minister of Mines and Steel Development.

“President Buhari vividly recalled his meeting with the late Ambassador Seriki exuding his enterprising nature and patriotic zeal during his official visit to Madrid, Spain in June this year, a tour of duty, where he succumbed to the fate of all mortals.

“At this trying period of loss, pain and reflection, the President urged family members, the diplomatic corps, friends and relatives to approximate the legacies of the diplomat, especially in nation building.

President Buhari prayed that the Almighty God will receive the soul of the departed.”

Also, a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that, “Until his death, Ambassador Seriki was Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, with concurrent accreditation as Permanent Representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Spain.

He contributed immensely to strengthening Nigeria’s relations with Spain. He will be greatly missed.”

The statement added that Seriki was an astute politician and a seasoned administrator, who served

Adeleke Raises the Alarm, Says Osun Owes N407.32bn Debt

the country in several capacities.

“He was at various times, minister in different federal ministries including, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Interior, among other top positions he held in both the public and private sectors.”

Atiku, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, stated that, “the late Ambassador Seriki was a patriot, who served the country meritoriously in different capacities.

“Ambassador Seriki was a consummate politician whose genteel mannerism bore a distinguishing trademark in all assignments he undertook.”

Sanwo-Olu described the death of Seriki as painful, shocking and a big loss to Lagos State and Nigeria.

In his condolence statement, Sanwo-Olu further described the late Seriki as a businessman, politician, and public administrator, whose contributions remained indelible in

the hearts of residents of Lagos State and Nigerian citizens as a whole.

Sanwo-Olu, in the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said the death of Seriki came at a time when his wealth of experience was mostly needed in the country.

“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends, and political associates of the late Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Chief Demola Seriki,” he said.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, said Seriki was a fine diplomat, who represented Nigeria to the best of his ability, noting that during his lifetime, he dedicated himself to the service of his fatherland and humanity in general.

Gbajabiamila, therefore, sent his heartfelt condolences to the Demola Seriki family, the people and government of Lagos State, and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Continues online Says Oyetola must explain N331bn borrowed for infrastructural devt, N18bn bridge loan I never took any bank loan in four years, former governor insists Afenifere to Legislature: Stop Blame Game, Challenges Adeleke to publish details of Osun debts with procurement dates Pass Constitution Amendment Bill Now

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State yesterday informed Osun State Traditional Rulers about the financial health of the state, saying Osun was indebted to the tune of N407.32 billion.

But, Ismail Omipidan, who is the Media aide to the immediate past Osun Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, in reaction reiterated that his principal never took any bank facility for the four years he served as governor.

Adeleke who revealed the state’s debt in his address at a meeting held at the Government House, Osogbo, said: "Not one kobo of this loan was left in government coffers when my Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi and himself resumed work on Monday 29th November 2022 and no explanation on how the loan was expended."

According to him, "I called this meeting first to meet our royal fathers and to present to you the official debt profile of Osun state as at November 30th, 2022, as submitted to me by the Accountant General of Osun State.

"With high sense of responsibility, I am reporting to our people

through our traditional rulers, the total debt profile inherited by my administration from Governor Gboyega Oyetola's administration."

Adeleke stressed that the meeting was in pursuance of his pledge to Osun people to be transparent and run an open government.

Adeleke contended that his administration also inherited eight outstanding loan facilities, apart from salaries and pension debts, from Oyetola's administration, saying the repayment period ranged from 16 months to about 28 years.

The outstanding loans inherited Adeleke noted included Budget Support Facility with Outstanding Balance of N51.8 billion, Monthly repayment: N154.9m, while repayable Period was fixed at 335 months. That is 27 years and nine months.

Also salary Bail Out Loan with outstanding balance at N38.8 Billion, monthly repayment: N232.77 million; Repayable Period Outstanding: 167 Months, which is 13 years and nine months.

It also included Restructured Commercial Bank Loans: Outstanding Balance: N158.77 Billion, Monthly Repayment: N1.14 Billion and repayable Period Outstanding:

139 Months.

Others the governor disclosed were Excess Crude Account (ECA) Loan: Outstanding Balance: N14.48 Billion, Monthly Repayment: N89.97 million, Repayable Period Outstanding: 161 Months.

CBN Infrastructure Loan: Outstanding Balance: N9.2 Billion; Monthly Repayment: N44.98 million, Repayable Period Outstanding: 205 months.

In addition, there was outstanding loans which included FGN Intervention Loan: Outstanding Balance: N1.7 billion; Monthly Repayment: N100 million repayable and Period Outstanding: 17 months; FGN Bridge Finance Facility: N18.04 Billion, Foreign loans: $86.2 million.

Adeleke said the total loan stock presently stood at N331.32 billion, saying that if the N76 billion debt on salaries and pension were added, the state would be indebted to the tune of N407.32 billion.

According to him, the amount owed contractors was yet to be determined.

"The only Fund in government coffers, as at Monday 29th November, was for November 2022 salary. Otherwise, the state

treasury was empty.

"As your Governor, I will ask questions on your behalf. And I will demand for answers. Governor Oyetola must explain how the N331 billion borrowed in the name of Osun State was expended, with no obvious infrastructural development to justify this huge debt.

"Governor Oyetola must explain how the N18 billion bridge loan taken after he lost the election on July 16, 2022, was expended.

"Governor Oyetola must also explain why Osun state is owing salaries and pension to the tune of N76 billion after collecting a N50 billion Salary Bailout loan from the federal government."

The governor added: "The creditors, especially the commercial banks must explain why various loans were given to an administration beyond its 4-year tenure. Twenty-eight years is equivalent to the tenure of at least four governors. A child that is born today would have earned a PhD at 28 years of age. This is nothing but mortgaging the future of Osun State with nothing to show for it.

This is definitely not acceptable."

Continues online

Kicks against proposed Indigeneship Emameh Gabriel in Abuja A pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called on the legislative arms of government at the federal and state levels to stop pointing fingers at each other over the none passage of the constitutional amendment bill.

Afenifere also urged the federal lawmakers and their counterparts in the states to do everything possible to ensure that the sections of the 1999 constitutions meant to be amended were expeditiously passed between now and January 2023 at the latest.

This even as the group maintained that the provision on indigeneship as proposed in the amendments must also be expunged "to protect indigenous peoples."

In a statement by its national publicity secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere said the blame game must stop to avoid a case of ‘begin again for the next assemblies of lawmakers”.

Ajayi recounted how the constitution amendments made by the 8th Assembly went into

oblivion, because it could not be concluded before the expiration of that assembly at the end of May, 2019.

"Presently, the National Assembly and Conference of Speakers of Houses of Assembly are trading blames on why the amendments have not been passed.

Nigerians are not interested in the bickering. Rather, Nigerians want the amendments to be promptly passed and made to become law.

"Although the 44 amendments are short of what is expected, they are certainly better than what we have presently, because of some powers they confer on state and local governments in the country” Ajayi observed, adding that state police must be allowed in the Amendments.

Afenifere, therefore, urged the National Assembly to factor in the amendments suggested by the speakers “since the constitution that included them in the process anticipates their inputs…The Amendments must continue till we get the restructured Nigeria that we desire soonest.”

51

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

BOOK PRESENTATION…

L-R: Director of Aerodrome Airspace Standard, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Tayib Odunowo; Co-Author of the Book, Mr. Chinedu Eze; Chief Launcher of the Book/Chairman Airpeace, Chief Allen Onyema; Co- Author of the Book, Olusegun Koiki; and Book Reviewer / General Manager, Public Affairs, National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, during the public presentation of the book: Air Transportation in Nigeria: the Lingering Expectation’ written by Eze and Koiki in Lagos...yesterday KOLAWOLE ALLI

Focus on Issue-Based Campaigns, Not Character Assassination, CAN Tells Politicians

John ShiklaminKaduna

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), appealed to politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns and avoid personal attacks and character assassination.

Chairman of the association, Rev. Yakubu Pam, made the appeal at a three -day special prayer summit

yesterday in Kaduna, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Pam said Nigerians are interested in hearing how those contesting for the presidency intend to address the economic and security challenges facing the country, not the insults they are hurling at each other.

He said the elections should not be seen as a do or die affair as power comes from God. Pam also called on religious

leaders to stand firm in the face of intimidation in this period of electioneering campaigns.

He said the prayer summit, with the theme, “managing diversity in an electioneering process, the role of the religious leaders”, was apt considering the state of the nation.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday announced that it has allocated voters in the newly established polling units across Nasarawa State in order to decongest areas with large numbers of voters to areas with low registered voters.

The Nasarawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Uthman Ajidagba, disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting on “Permanent Voters Card (PVC) Collection and 2023 General Election” in Lafia.

The REC explained that the allocation of voters to the newly established polling units was borne out of the commission’s determination to ensure that every

comes from God and what will be, will be, no man runs faster than his shadow.”

He said: “Religious leaders should be able to speak truth to power no matter the circumstances we find ourselves, because for every one we mislead, we must

answer for it someday. Our people look up to us for leadership, especially at this time of our democratic experience, we must not fail them, we must provide the needed leadership and direction for them so that this house must not fall.”

Insecurity Major Threat to 2023 Elections, Says Varsity Don

Olusegun Samuel inYenagoa

2023: INEC Allocates Voters in Newly Established Polling Units in Nasarawa Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

He said: “Politicians should strive to address the issues of the economy and proffer solutions and shun campaign of calumny and character assassination of opponents.

More so, our presidential candidates should not see the general election as a do or die affair, after all power

The Director, Institute for Niger Delta Studies in the Niger Delta University, Amossoma, Bayelsa State, Prof Solomon Ebobrah, has Nigerian would exercise his civic said that the spate of insecurity and responsibility on the election day. rampant attacks on the facilities He said: “All the newly of Independent National Electoral established polling units are Commission (INEC) in some parts being allocated voters with a of the country is a major threat view to decongest the areas to free and fair elections in 2023.

Prof Ebobrah, while delivering with very large number of registered voters to areas with relatively low registered voters.

Once the exercise is perfected and approved by the commission, affected migrated voters will be DajiSaniinYola informed accordingly.

“However, over populated towns and settlement areas The Governor of Adamawa like Karu Local Government State, Rt Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Area, which has more voting Fintiri, has said his administration population that could not be has contributed to the reduction adequately taken care of by of 50,000 out-of- school children the distribution exercise, will to a bearable number in the state He further explained that his be allocated more BVAS so as to enable them cast their votes administration through its free school feeding programme under the free without hindrances.” education policy tackled the problem

the 8th annual public lecture organised by the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council yesterday said the security threats have affected free campaigns and the voters registration as well as ongoing distribution of Permanent Voters’ Card (PVCs), thereby hampering the principle of free and fair election.

Speaking on the theme of this

year’s lecture, “Ensuring Free and Fair Elections in the Face of Security Challenges”, the academic urged security operatives to focus on protecting the voters and not people in government or other important personalities to guide against voter apathy during the next general elections.

He said: “Free and fair election will require credible voters registration processes, now INEC said they have successfully

completed voters registration, I don’t know whether the exercise is credible in South-east, because we all know that if you went to the South-east, at least some part of it, as soon as there is INEC banner, there is something like a bomb, or unknown gunmen will suddenly appear, now I don’t how many people are so committed to electoral process in Nigeria that they will wrisk their lives to go outside and register to vote.

We ‘ve Reduced Out-of-School Children from 500,000 to 50,000 in Adamawa, Says Fintiri of out- of-school children in the state had over 500,000 children of school school children into the formal school Fintiri, disclosed this while addressing electorate in Hong Local Government Areas ( LGA) at his campaign engagement and added that the number of out of school children in the state had drastically reduced over the course of the last three years since he assumed office in 2019.

He explained that UNICEF data released in 2019 showed the state

going age were out of the school system.

He, however, noted the figure has drastically reduced to less than 50,000 due to the priority the administration had given to education.

He said: “ When we came in 2019, UNICEF said, Adamawa State has over 500,000 out of school children. But in three years, we did our best to re-integrate this out of

system and today that population has dropped to less than 50,000.”

Governor Fintiri also promised to re-integrate the remaining 50,000 children into the school system before the end of his tenure. The governor, who’s seeking re-election for a second term had promised to use the remaining six months in his first four-year term to accomplish that goal.

Reproductive Health, University of Ibadan, Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services with the support of United Nations Population Fund, with the theme “Curbing Medicalisation of Female Genital Mutilation and Sanction on Erring Medical Personnel in Ekiti State,” held in Ado-Ekiti.

Specifically, experts charged

fight against FGM in the state, noting that the members of the association are critical stakeholders if the menace of girl’ child circumcision should stop in the state.

While explaining the objectives of the exercise in her opening remarks, the representative of the Centre for Population and Reproductive

said that the meeting with the leadership of patent medicine store owners became imperative because of their closeness to the people.

Oyeniran hinted that statistics and research had shown that people do patronize them to carry out Circumcision of girls’ child in their patent medicine stores.

Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Adesina, Others Experts: Ekiti Ranks Top in Female Genital Mutilation Cases for BBHS Centenary Anniversary Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti Centre for Population and the association to support the Health, Mrs Agnes Oyeniran, Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (ADB), are among the numerous dignitaries expected to grace the centenary anniversary of the famous Baptist Boys’ High School (BBHS), Abeokuta, which will climax on 23 January, 2023, the school’s Founder’s Day. This was disclosed by the Old Boys’ Association of the school in the programme of activities lined up for the week-long event, which kicks off on 16 January with a city-wide road walk in Abeokuta. According to the programme, a special anniversary lecture, to be delivered by Vice President Osinbajo, will hold on 17 January.

The second day will also take in the commissioning of

various projects initiated by the school’s old boys’ association.

Among these are Sir Kessington Adebutu Alumni Building, built

by Sir Kessington Adebutu; the Centennial Park built by the old boys’ association, Alhaji Isiaka Car Park Arena, the N43m main access road constructed by the 1984 set, dedication of the 500-capacity new sports complex and the launch of the anniversary book, 100 Years of Baptist Boys’ High School, Abeokuta.

Also scheduled are the dinner and Distinguished Centennial Old Boys and Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony. The third day is dedicated to the Legacy Lecture, titled “BBHS Value” to be delivered by former president Obasanjo, a tree planting event prize giving for the debate conducted earlier in the week and hymn sessions.

Experts have revealed that statistically, Ekiti State is one of the states with highest cases of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria.

This was revealed by stakeholders’ at a sensitisation meeting with the Association of Patent Medicine Store Owners in Ekiti State organised by the

Kaduna NNPP Chairman Dumps Party over Guber Candidate yesterday in Kaduna, Kure party”, has created division in remained divided, stalling John Shiklam in Kaduna The Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party(NNPP) in Kaduna state, Ben Kure, has resigned from the party over alleged overbearing interference by the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi.

Addressing a press conference

alleged that since the nomination of Hunkuyi as the party’s flag bearer in Kaduna state, the party had remained divided, stalling efforts for mass mobilisation to woo new members.

He alleged that Hunkuyi’s “undemocratic mentality and disregard for respected elders and prominent members of the

forcing them to leave or adopt nonchalant attitude.

Kure said since the emergence of Hunkuyi as the party’s flag bearer the party had remain divided in Kaduna state.

“It may interest you to note that since the nomination of Hunkuyi, the party has

efforts to engineer any massive mobilisation to woo new members and retain the initial goodwill of the people.

“This is so largely due to the overbearing nature of which Hunkuyi has been trying to hijack the functions of the office of the state chairman,” Kure said.

52

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS XTRA

NILE UNIVERSITY CONVOCATION CEREMONY…

L-R: Dean, Student Services, Nile University, Dr. Modupe Fausat Aleshinloye; Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Lateef Kareem; overall best graduating student, Mr. Emmanuel Obayemi, and Acting Bursar, Ms. Zulikhat Ibrahim, at the 10th convocation ceremony of the Nile University of Nigeria in Abuja…recently

Police Move against Attackers of INEC Offices, Arrest 3,074 Terrorists, Others

Kingsley Nwezeh inAbuja

The Police High Command, yesterday, said it had taken stern measures to contain spiralling attacks on the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in some parts of the country.

It also said its operatives arrested

3,074 terrorists, armed robbers, kidnappers, cultists among others, between January and November, 2022, recovering a total of 1,125 assorted firearms, and 10,653 assorted calibre of ammunition.

To enhance its operations, the police also took delivery of eight combat and surveillance drones.

Speaking at the a meeting with

Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, said police operatives had equally rescued 865 victims

of kidnapping and arrested 383 kidnapping suspects.

He said the meeting was convened to evaluate “our performance in the outgoing year, dissect operational challenges in relation to the policing mandate,

review and perfect our election security governance plans ahead of the 2023 general election and collectively set our policing goals as we usher in the year 2023.”

He said a total of 923 armed robbery suspects, 335 murder

suspects and 473 suspected cultists had been apprehended.

According to him, during internal operations, police detectives recovered a total of 1,125 assorted firearms, and 10,653 assorted calibre of ammunition.

Buhari: Terrorism, Unconstitutional Govt Change, INEC: Over 300,000 PVCs Climate Change Threatening AU Agenda 2063 Uncollected in Ondo Fidelis David in Akure

The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) in Ondo State yesterday said a total 313,200 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are yet to be collected in the state.

The commission had fixed Monday 12 December 2022 to Sunday 22 January 2023 as the dates for the collection of PVCs in all the 774 Local Government Offices of the Commission throughout the Federation.

But the state Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC), Dr Rufus

Oloruntoyin Akeju said 313,200 cards are yet to be collected, while briefing journalists on the level of preparedness towards the general elections.

According to Akeju, a total number of register voters as at now in Ondo State is 2,047,598, while the total PVC received as at 31st October, 2022 was 1,843,516.

His words: “Total PVC distributed as at 31st October, 2022 is 1,531,974; total Uncollected PVC as at 31st October, 2022 is 313,200; total number of Polling Units is 3,933; total number of Registration Area (RA) is 203”.

Civil Society Coalition Applauds DESOPADEC’s Achievements

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has applauded the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), for outstanding performance in the provision of infrastructure and social amenities for the communities and people of its mandate areas.

Leaders and members of the coalition, who had earlier visited various projects of the commission on a verification and evaluation tour to mark the 2022 Delta State Civil Society Day held

on Wednesday, commended the quantum and quality of projects they saw across the state.

They hailed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the commission, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, for their vision and commitment to the provision of facilities, ranging from health to education, housing, transportation, electrification, water and more in rural, riverine and urban communities in the oil producing areas.

Kabba People Hail Kogi’s Plan to Build Palace for Monarch The people of Kabba in Kogi State have commended the plan by the government to build a befitting central palace for the Obaro of Kabba.

In a press statement from the palace of the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the Obaro-in-Council, the body saddled with upholding the customs and tradition of Kabba people expressed their gratitude to the Governor the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for reiterating the

decision through his deputy, Chief Edward Onoja.

During the 2022 Kabba Day celebration, the Governor had said that the project had already been captured in the 2023 Budget of the state.

However, Kabba people said they were shocked when the Ilajo clan, one of the 13 ruling clans in Kabba in a recent press statement opposed the building of the central palace by the state government.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has sounded a note of warning that Africa risked not attaining the goals continental leaders had set for the region by 2063 given the challenges of terrorism, change of government and climate change facing it.

He, however, believed the

goals could be achieved if there was a unity of purpose among all member states.

Speaking yesterday at the ongoing US-Africa Leaders Summit on the topic, “Partnering on Agenda 2063: A Peaceful and Secure Africa” in Washington DC, the US Capital, Buhari declared: “Africa’s security and development landscape, has undergone

significant transformation over the past decades.

“The Continent has witnessed increased, diverse and complex threats including climate change, the scourge of terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crimes, ideological radicalization, and recently, an upsurge in Unconstitutional Change of Governments (UCGs).

“It is clearly evident that

these developments negatively impact national, regional and continental stability and undermine our drive towards achieving AU Agenda 2063 and our flagship project ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa’, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). That is why we must continue to act collectively, in unity and solidarity in our fight against these threats.”

‘70% of Nigeria’s Population Rely on Primary Healthcare Facilities’ Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, has said that 70 per cent of Nigerians presently live in the rural areas where the hospital facility closest to them are primary healthcare centres.

He also said with regard to

COVID-19 vaccination strides, the agency had been able to fully vaccinate 53 per cent of the eligible population in the country.

Speaking during a media parley in Abuja to review performance of its COVID-19 intervention efforts, Shuaib said that a large proportion of Nigeria’s population are in rural areas, adding that over 70 percent are in rural areas where

the closest hospital facility are the primary health centres He also said that there are challenges in the primary health care space, which needed to be addressed if Nigeria is to achieve the set target on universal health coverage.

Shuaib said: “The things we’re going to say to our leaders in 2022 or 2023 is that we need more human resources. We need the right

infrastructure. We need the right equipment, commodities, utilities and our primary health care centers, that it is better to lay a very solid foundation for your health system and that foundation is primary health care, instead of spending huge amounts of resources building large primary large tertiary care facilities, fantastic specialties hospitals, where people don’t even go to.

LASU Political Science Dept Produces First PhD Graduate in 36 Years Kate Ejisu

Political Science department of Lagos State University (LASU) which was established in 1986 has made history by producing its first PhD graduate. He is Dr. Tukur Mustapha Adedeji.

By this feat, an Associate Professor of comparative politics and the Head of Department (HOD) Political Science Department, LASU, Paul- Sewa

Thovoethin(PhD) ,has become the first lecturer to have produced a PhD graduate in the department.

Commenting, Thovoethin said he felt like a father that was blessed with his first child.

He said: “I am very delighted that the Department of Political Science, LASU is producing its first PhD graduate after about 36 years of its establishment. The department has taken this long to produce Doctoral graduates because

scholars in the department have taken their time over the years to build a vibrant department which will be able to produce best PhD holders in Nigeria and globally.

Coincidentally, I am the HOD and the supervisor when this feat was achieved. One of the greatest dream and achievement of every scholar is the ability to contribute to the body of knowledge by producing PhD holders. After achieving this, the department in the next few

months is set to produce more PhD graduates who will be able to compete globally.”

According to Thovoethin, one of the agenda of the present administration of the University ably led by Prof Ibiyemi OlatunjiBello is to make it the best not only in Nigeria but also in West Africa and the production of greater numbers of quality postgraduates is a move towards achieving this goal.

Leader of Gang Terrorising Edo Cocoa Farmers Nabbed by Police in Delta Omon-Julius OnabuinAsaba The ringleader of a criminal gang that has reportedly been terrorising cocoa farmers in Gbelebu community located on the fringes of Okomu Palm Plantation in Ovia South-West Local GovernmentArea of Edo State has been arrested by police operatives in Delta State.

The suspect, identified as Joshua

Owiekan, was said to have been arrested on the Sapele-Warri road along with one of his accomplices.

Some illegal arms were allegedly recovered from the suspects when the police conducted a search on the vehicle the kingpin was driving.

Owiekan was said to be on the wanted to list of the Edo State Police Command for some time before his arrest about three days ago.

A reliable source told THISDAY in Asaba, Delta State that: “Security operatives in Edo State have been on the trail of the suspect for various crimes, including banditry, kidnapping, robbery and extortion of farmers at Gbelebu, an Ijaw community as well as neighbouring Marindoti settlement with many Yoruba people.”

However, the said Marindoti

community, comprising Eto, Baba Dele, and Dipe camps, had earlier petitioned the Department of State Security (DSS) of the Edo State Police Command over the threats made to them by a 20-man gang allegedly led by Owiekan, who was said to have fled Yenagoa in Bayelsa State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State to take refuge in Gbelebu, Edo State.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

53

NEWS XTRA

Ekiti Gov Begs Monarchs for Partnership to Rid Nigeria of Bandits Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to the country’s traditional rulers to partner all the cadres of governments to salvage the nation from the throats of bandits, kidnappers and killers.

Oyebanji, who expressed fear over the few cases of kidnapping witnessed in Ekiti recently, averred that such horrendous incidences could be tackled with traditional rulers coalescing efforts with governments to secure their towns and villages across the

state.

He spoke yesterday in Ijurin Ekiti, Ijero Local Government area of Ekiti State, during the end of the year get-together organised by the Majority Obas of Ekiti Land (MOBEL), held at the palace of Ojurin, HRH Oba Adeyemi Afolabi Ajibola.

Oyebanji, who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Christianah Monisade Afuye, described the traditional institution as pivotal to the success of any nation, particularly at this stage when the country is being pummeled by bandits and killers.

Oyebanji, in a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Victor Ogunje, tasked the traditional rulers to contribute more to abate the rising spate of insecurity in the country, especially cases of kidnapping, arson attacks, senseless carnages and bloodshed being witnessed across the nation.

He added that the fact that the June 18, 2022, governorship election was conducted without bloodshed and crisis signposted the enormous and stabilising role played by the monarchs and other stakeholders.

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Hypocrisy is Internal Destruction Islam.net

H

2023: Nobody ‘ll Vote Without PVC, Says INEC Commissioner

ypocrisy is a chronic disease and a dangerous moral deviation in the life of individuals, communities and nations.

Its danger is great, and the hypocrites are the cause of this great evil. This danger is clearly noticeable when the destructive consequences of hypocrisy afflict the entire Ummah (Muslim nation) and the charitable reform movements in particular, as the hypocrite causes their fatal internal destruction, whilst he is safe and unwatched. No one expects his slyness and plotting since he is considered a Muslim whose name, appearance and speech is like that of any other Muslim. Scrutinizing the essence of hypocrisy, you will find it a satanic combination that comprises severe cowardice, greed for the immediate pleasures of this worldly life, denial of truth and lying. Of course, one can imagine the evil effects of such a combination. The linguistic meaning of hypocrisy implies deception, cunning, showing outward goodness and concealing evil.

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Forms of Hypocrisy

“The matter was investigated by the police command and the culprit was arraigned before a court of law where judgment was delivered.

“The commission had received back the cards from Police custody and the cards are being redistributed to the rightful owners” he stated.

The commissioner further called on political parties to focus on issue-based campaigns devoid of violence, abusive, intemperate and slanderous language that could likely lead to breakdown of law and order.

He stated that Kano has the second highest number of

The Kano Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Ambassador Abdu Zango has reiterated that no one would be able to vote without his Permanent Voter Card (PVC) following allegations labeled against politicians of buying the voters card from the electorate.

The commissioner gave the warning while responding to questions from reporters at a stakeholders’ meeting yesterday in Kano, warning that collecting of PVCs would be an effort in vain because only the owners will be able to use it to vote.

Ambassador Zango added that whosoever is caught with PVCs belonging to other people would face the wrath of the law accordingly.

He witnessed the incident of a person arrested with 367 PVCs from Gabasawa local government area of Kano state.

“The cards totalling 367 were said to belong to voters from the Yautar Registration Area.

SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc recorded improved performance for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022 despite the challenging operating environment.

SUNU Assurances Nigeria, one of the fastest growing underwriting firm in the

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OKEKE-MGBAJI UCHE PERPETUAL now wish to be known and addressed as EGWOM UCHECHUKWU PERPETUAL. All former documents remain valid. the general public should take note.

SUNU Assurances Grows Profit by 577% in Q3 in 2023

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS DURU FRANCISCA ADAMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADETUNJI FRANCISCA ADAMA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OKOH BOSE NNEKA, now wish to be known and address as OKOH BEATRICE DADA; and my correct DoB is 02/05/1961. All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as EMIANTOR ODEFURE RAPHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as WEALTH ABRAHAM RAPHAEL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUGBIYELE TITILAYO BANKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEROGBA TITILAYO BANKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as TIJANI RAIMI now wish to be known and addressed as RAIMI TIJANI BABATUNDE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EHIGIATOR BEATRICE OSARIEMEN now wish to be known and addressed as OCHIE EHIGIATOR BEATRICE OSARIEMEN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MARIA UCHECHI CHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ILECHIE MARIA UCHECHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OSASUMWEN LILY FUNMILAYO ARASOMWAN now wish to be known and addressed as OSASUMWEN OSAIGBOVO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

registered voters in Nigeria and conducting free and fair elections will add value to democracy in Nigeria.

He assured the public that he will deliver a free and fair election with fairness and justice to all irrespective of political parties or other inclinations.

Responding on behalf of the police, the Kano Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Dauda, who was represented by Assistant Police Commissioner Daniel Amah , stated that investigation is on concerning alleged hate speech by some leading politicians in the state and will face the wrath of the law if found guilty.

I formally known and addressed as MISS PERPETUAL UKAMAKA CYNTHIA GINIKACHUKWU EZECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UKAMAKA PERPETUAL OKEKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OWUAMA MARY CHINYERE now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO CHIKEZIE MARY CHINYERE . All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as BIANCA UGONNA AGOHA now wish to be known and addressed as EZECHUKWU BIANCA UGONNA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

country also witnessed growth in the first and second quarter of 2022 when compared with the same period in 2021.

The company posted gross premium written (GPW) of N4.62 billion in Q3 of 2022, showing an increase of 15 per cent compared to N4.028 billion in 2021. Gross premium income (GPI) grew faster by 22 per cent to N3.863 billion from N3.165 billion in 2021.

Profit before tax soared by 577 per cent from N55.378 million to N374.728 million in 2022, Commenting on the performance, the Managing Director of SUNU Assurances, Mr. Samuel Ogbodu, said the company was able to achieve the impressive performance due to the massive support from the SUNU group, Board of Directors, their strategic investments in their greatest asset (human capital).

He added that their network and knowledge of the market, the Nigerian economy, prompt settlement of all claims with discharge voucher (DV), robust reinsurance facility and their undaunting ability to drive their operation with technology equally contributed.

According to him, in addition, the company’s financial strength has grown sufficiently to accommodate any line of business we are licensed to underwrite.

“If a claim occurs, we take it seriously and make immediate plans after assessment to pay. If it is a motor claim, we send our in-house staff and if it’s a large claim, we send loss adjuster to review it so that we take necessary steps to effect payment as fast as possible.

We pay claims within 48 hours after issuance of discharge voucher,” he said.

Many scholars mentioned that hypocrisy is divided into two types: 1- Hypocrisy in Belief: Some scholars call this form of hypocrisy “Major Hypocrisy”. Al-Hafith ibn Hajar (ra) explained it as follows, “It is when the person shows his belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers and the Last Day, but conceals what contradicts some or all of this.” He added, “This was the type of hypocrisy that prevailed during the time of the Prophet (pbuh). In the Quran, Allah The Exalted dispraises such hypocrites and brands them as disbelievers. The Quran also mentions that they will be destined to be in the lowest depths of Hell.

Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire - and never will you find for them a helper.”

[Quran 4:145]” 2- Hypocrisy in Action: Some scholars call this form “Minor Hypocrisy”. It is when the person has some of the manners of the hypocrites such as lying and slackness in performing prayers; however, he still believes in Allah The Almighty, His Messenger(pbuh), and the Last Day. It was narrated in a Hadeeth that the Prophet(pbuh), said: “The signs of the hypocrite are three: Whenever he speaks, he tells lies; whenever he makes a promise, he breaks it; and whenever he is entrusted with something, he betrays the trust.” In another Hadeeth, it was narrated that the Prophet(pbuh), said: “The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are the ‘Ishaa’ prayer and the Fajr prayer. If they were to know what these two prayers include [of goodness], they would come to them, even if they had to do so crawling.”

Dominant Characteristics of the Hypocrites

Hypocrites are known for many characteristics which we will only briefly mention as elaboration needs many books to expose their real qualities: 1. They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts, as Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “And of the people are some who say: “We believe in Allah and the Last Day,” but they are not believers.”

[Quran 2:8] 2. They deceive the believers, as Allah the Almighty Says (what means): ‘They [think to] deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive [it] not.” [Quran 2:9] 3. They cause corruption on earth by means of both their speech and their actions. Concerning this point Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive [it] not.” [Quran 2:12] 4. They mock the believers. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “And when they meet those who believe, they say: “We believe”; but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say: “Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers.” [But] Allah mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression [while] they wander blindly.” [Quran 2:14-15] 5. They falsely swear in order to conceal their crimes. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “They have taken their oaths as a cover, so they averted [people] from the way of Allah. Indeed, it was evil that they were doing.” [Quran 63:2] 6. Having allegiance towards the disbelievers and supporting them against the believers. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “Give tidings to the hypocrites that there is for them a painful punishment - Those who take disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Do they seek with them honor [through power]? But indeed, honor belongs to Allah entirely. And it has already come down to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah [recited], they are denied [by them] and ridiculed; so do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Indeed, you would then be like them. Indeed Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hell all together” [Quran 4:138-140] “Have you not considered those who practice hypocrisy, saying to their brothers who have disbelieved among the People of the Scripture: “If you are expelled, we will surely leave with you, and

we will not obey, in regard to you, anyone - ever; and if you are fought, we will surely aid you.” But Allah testifies that they are liars. If they are expelled, they will not leave with them, and if they are fought, they will not aid them. And [even] if they should aid them, they will surely turn their backs; then [thereafter] they will not be aided.” [Quran 59:11-12] 7. Making efforts to dishearten and disappoint the believers. In this respect, Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “And [remember] when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease said: “Allah and His Messenger did not promise us except delusion,” And when a faction of them said: “O people of Yathrib, there is no stability for you [here], so return [home].” And a party of them asked permission of the Prophet, saying: “Indeed, our houses are unprotected,” while they were not exposed. They did not intend except to flee. And if they had been entered upon from all its [surrounding] regions and Fitnah [tribulation] had been demanded of them, they would have done it and not hesitated over it except briefly. And they had already promised Allah before not to turn their backs and flee. And ever is the promise to Allah [that about which one will be] questioned. Say, [O Muhammad]: “Never will fleeing benefit you if you should flee from death or killing; and then [if you did], you would not be given enjoyment [of life] except for a little.” Say “Who is it that can protect you from Allah if He intends for you an ill or intends for you a mercy?”

And they will not find for themselves besides Allah any protector or any helper. Already Allah knows the hinderers among you and those [hypocrites] who say to their brothers: “Come to us,” and do not go to battle, except for a few.” [Quran 33:12-18] 8. Conspiring against the believers or participating in such matters. The books of history are full of incidents that show their plotting against the Muslim Ummah, and our current situation also proves this fact. The conspiracies of the hypocrites were also the cause of many Mujahids (holy warriors) being captured by the disbelievers and the other enemies of Islam in Palestine, Chechnya or other places.

9. Referring legislation to other than Allah and His Messenger(pbuh), where Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “Have you not seen those who claim to have believed in what was revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you?

They wish to refer legislation to Taghoot [false judges] while they were commanded to reject it; and Satan wishes to lead them far astray. And when it is said to them: “Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger,” you see the hypocrites turning away from you in aversion. So how [will it be] when disaster strikes them because of what their hands have put forth and then they come to you swearing

by Allah: “We intended nothing but good conduct and accommodation.” Those are the ones of whom Allah knows what is in their hearts, so turn away from them but admonish them and speak to them a far-reaching word.” [Quran 4:60-63] Such is the state of the hypocrites when they reject the legislation of Allah and His Messenger(pbuh), and their hypocrisy is revealed before others. When this happens, they invent false and fabricated excuses and falsely swear in order to acquit themselves. They say: “We did not intend to contradict the Messenger of Allah(pbuh), in his judgment; we only meant to settle and reconcile the two parties and we wanted to be good to them both.” Strangely, when they find the judgment in their favor, they accept it; otherwise, they turn away.

Allah The Almighty has informed us about this where He Says (what means): “But the hypocrites say “We have believed in Allah and in the Messenger, and we obey”; then a party of them turns away after that. And those are not believers. And when they are called to [the words of] Allah and His Messenger to judge between them, at once a party of them turns aside [in refusal]. But if the right is theirs, they come to him in prompt obedience. Is there disease in their hearts? Or have they doubted? Or do they fear that Allah will be unjust to them, or His Messenger? Rather it is they who are the wrongdoers.” [Quran 24:47-50] 10. Defaming the believers and doubting the intentions of the obedient is another of their sly characteristics. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “Those who criticize the contributors among the believers concerning [their] charities and [criticize] the ones who find nothing [to spend] except their effort, so they ridicule them - Allah will ridicule them, and they will have a painful punishment.”

[Quran 9:79] They do not know sincerity or feel in their hearts the true meaning of worshipping Allah The Almighty Therefore, they think that both the believers and the hypocrites are alike, and that their righteous deeds are only for the sake of worldly gains. In their view, an actress who repents must have received millions in return for this and the Mujahids are simply failures in life who choose to commit suicide.

Finally, it should be noted that the aforementioned characteristics of the hypocrites are just a few of the many other traits that could have been mentioned later. May Allah grant us all refuge against hypocrisy and protect the Ummah (Nation) from the evil of the hypocrites.

54

FRIDAY, DE ͹;˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Oliseh’s Plaudits for Qatar over Hosting of World Cup successful hosting of the World Cup,” enthused the TSG member in a chat with top Nigerian sports journalists covering Qatar 2022.

Oliseh was particularly excited with Morocco, the first African team to make it to the semi final of the World Cup. “Morocco’s success didn’t come through prayers. They worked hard to earn where they reached here at this World Cup. Getting to the semi final, for me was a big deal for Morocco. With the talents in Africa, it shows that with better management, Africa can win the World Cup.”

DURO IKHAZUAGBE Reporting live

Sunday Oliseh is on a special assignment at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Read more httpssportsbrief.comfootballsuper-eagles28159-super-eagles-legendsunday-oliseh-arrives-qatar-spotted-arsene-wenger-fifas-special-assignment

Morocco Protest against Poor Officiating in S’final Defeat Morocco's football federation (FMRF) has protested to world governing body FIFA about the refereeing during Wednesday's World Cup semi-final defeat by defending champions France in Qatar.

The FMRF is unhappy that Mexican referee Cesar Ramos failed to award a penalty in the first half to the North Africans when Theo Hernandez made contact with Sofiane Boufal in the area.

Instead of awarding a spotkick, which several neutrals felt was appropriate, Ramos instead booked winger Boufal for a foul.

The Moroccans were also unhappy that the hauling down of substitute Selim Amallah as he awaited the delivery of a set-piece also failed to prompt another look from officials.

The first African and Arab team to contest a World Cup semi-final, Morocco lost 2-0 after an early goal by left-back Hernandez was followed by a late strike from substitute Randal Kolo Muani.

"The FMRF has written to the relevant body to review the refereeing decisions that deprived the Moroccan team of two penalties that were indisputable

He expressed sadness that Nigeria failed to make the cut and attributed it to not doing the right things for football development in the country.

Four years ago, Oliseh had predicted that Morocco, based on their developmental strides, may become the first African team to qualify for the semi final of the World Cup. The Atlas Lions shocked European powerhouses like Belgium, Spain and Portugal to reach the Last 4, only to be beaten by Lionel Messi inspired Argentina last Wednesday.

Sponsored by:

Attributes Morocco’s semifinal feat to hard work, planning Former Super Eagles Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh, is awed by the quality of competition and facilities provided by Qatar to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup for the first time in the Middle East.

Oliseh who is on duty as a member of the FIFA Technical Study Group and has been involved in 32 matches here, admitted on Wednesday night that Qatar have surpassed all expectations in terms of facilities provided to host the tournament.

“Look around you here at this Al Bayt Stadium alone, you will be amazed that the facilities are amongst the very best any where in the world,” began the former Eagles captain who played club football at Ajax, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus before hanging his boots.

He pointed out that if a country in the middle of a desert can turn their place to what Qatar have done, it shows “their leaders know what they are doing. You need to meet the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who trained at the prestigious Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, in the United Kingdom and listen to him talk. You will know exactly why Qatar has made the kind of rapid progress the whole world has seen here at this World Cup.” Apart from the magnificent stadiums with cooling systems and uninterrupted power supply, the former Nigerian international pointed out how the host country provided a spare turf few metres away from the main-bowl pitch that can be substituted in case of any drop in quality of the one in use.

“I have never seen where such is done in all my years in football. Qatar surpassed all known yardsticks in measuring

in the view of several refereeing specialists," the Moroccan ruling body said in a statement.

"The FMRF was equally astonished that the video assistant referee (VAR) did not react to these situations."

"It looked like a penalty to Morocco for me - VAR not working," asked former England striker Chris Sutton, who attended the game for domestic British radio.

It was an analysis with which former England defender Rio Ferdinand agreed.

"I thought it was a penalty on Sofiane Boufal, rather than a foul by him," the former Manchester United player, working as a television pundit, said.

BBC Sport Africa has contacted FIFA for comment regarding the Moroccan protest.

The Atlas Lions still have one game left in Qatar when they take on Croatia in Saturday's third-place play-off.

Having already defied expectations by overcoming Belgium, Spain and Portugal en route to the last four, the Atlas Lions can now become the first African team to ever take an effective bronze medal at the World Cup.

Messi Hails Spectacular Alvarez in Argentina’s Brilliant Run to Final Argentina Captain Lionel Messi has called Julian Alvarez "spectacular" and "extraordinary" after the 22-year-old's double against Croatia helped them into the World Cup final.

Manchester City's Alvarez took his goal tally to four, one behind joint top scorers Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

Argentina, who last won the World Cup in 1986, face France on Sunday.

"Nobody imagined Julian would have the participation and importance he has shown," said Messi.

"The help he has given us has been absolutely spectacular."

Messi, 35, has dominated the headlines in Qatar, with a string of starring performances in what he has confirmed is his fifth and final World Cup. He has scored five and created three of Argentina's 12 goals leaving Alvarez's contribution to go a little under the radar.

The young striker was not expected to feature prominently for Argentina this tournament and only made substitute appearances in their shock opening defeat by Saudi Arabia and the win over Mexico, with coach Lionel Scaloni

The attacking duo of Messi and Alvarez initially preferring Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez.

Alvarez has started the four matches since, though, culminating

in his impressive display in the 3-0 semi-final victory, in which he was brought down for Messi's penalty opener, before scoring the

next two goals himself.

"During the whole World Cup, but also on Tuesday, he was extraordinary," added Messi. "He ran everything. He fought for everything - creating chances, fighting. For us, he was the surprising discovery, and he deserves everything that has happened to him because he is a lovely guy."

Manchester City signed Alvarez from River Plate for 17m euros (£14.1m) in January 2022.

He agreed a five-and-a-half-year deal with City, but remained at the Argentine champions on loan until July.

This season, he has made 12 Premier League appearances - mostly from the substitutes' bench - and has scored three goals.

Former Argentina and City defender Pablo Zabaleta told BBC Sport Alvarez's "work-rate is unbelievable".

"He's playing alongside Lionel Messi up front and it seems, from the outside, that he's like: 'Messi - don't run. I'll do it for you,' he added.

"You need a big heart (to do that). He started at the World Cup on the bench but then (got) one chance and he's been brilliant."

55

FRIDAY, DE ͹;˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

Man City, Others to Receive World Cup Compensation Payments from FIFA

Polish ref Szymon Marciniak will officiate the World Cup final between France and Argentina

Manchester City stand to receive around £4.5million from FIFA - more than any other club - in compensation for their players being away at the World Cup in Qatar.

FIFA will distribute a record £169m under its Club Benefits Programme, which is based on giving $10,000 (£8,120) for each day each player is at the tournament - including the week-long official preparation period beforehand.

The Premier League champions had a total of 16 players represent nine different countries in Qatar, with Argentina's Julian Alvarez getting the furthest as they prepare to play France in Sunday's final.

Other City players including Jack Grealish, Ederson and Bernardo Silva enjoyed runs to the quarter-finals, boosting the money the club will receive.

It was gathered that City will receive about £4.5m under FIFA's scheme, more than the £3.32m Barcelona will receive despite having 17 players at the World Cup. That's mainly because eight of the Barcelona players were in the Spain squad dumped out by Morocco at the last-16 stage.

Manchester United, who will see defenders Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez face off in Sunday's final, stand to gain £2.92m from their 13 players in Qatar.

Chelsea (12 players) are expected to receive £2.46m, Tottenham (11 players) £2.32m and Arsenal (10 players) £2.1m.

For each player whose country reaches the group stages, clubs can

apply to FIFA to be paid £146,000, rising to £178,000 for the last-16, £227,000 for the quarter-finals, £260,000 for the semi-finals and £300,000 for the final.

It doesn't matter how often a player features during the tournament but the final amount may be affected if a player hasn't been with a club for more than two years, meaning it may need to be split with their former employer.

Sportsmail revealed before the World Cup that FIFA had provided its biggest pot yet for the Club Benefits Programme, equating to

Portugal Sack Coach Santos after Shock Qatar 2022 Exit Portugal have sacked Fernando Santos as their national team coach.

The 68-year-old manager led Portugal to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar before crashing out of the tournament following a shock 1-0 defeat against Morocco last Saturday.

Santos famously led Portugal to European Championships success in 2016 and later won UEFA's inaugural Nations League in 2018-19.

Sportsmail revealed on Wednesday that the Portuguese Football Federation were considering plans to axe the coach following his eight-year stint in charge of the national team.

Santos boldly chose to drop Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo

Polish Ref, Marciniak to Take Charge of Argentina v France Final on Sunday Polish referee Szymon Marciniak will officiate the 2022 World Cup final between France and Argentina on Sunday afternoon.

Marciniak, who will be assisted

by Paweł Sokolnicki and Tomasz Listkiewicz, will make history by becoming the first Polish referee to take charge of a World Cup final.

Marciniak's appointment will come as a blow to Anthony Taylor - who is still in Qatar - and Michael Oliver - who was sent home by FIFA. According to Sports Center, FIFA

Referee Chairman, Pierluigi Collina, selected Marciniak for the World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday.

Marciniak was responsible for officiating France's 2-1 win over Denmark in the group stages and Argentina's 2-1 victory against Australia in the Last 16.

Marciniak has officiated games all over the world and even took charge of Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in 2020.

However, the Liverpool fans were less than impressed with

his performance and took to social media after the game to criticise him.

They vented their frustration over a series of calls made by Marciniak - including his decision to hand Joe Gomez a yellow card for a foul on Atletico striker Alvaro Morata.

Some fans took to social media to make their feelings known. @ LFCAlexBlack wrote: 'Ref ruined that game!

“We didn't play as well as we can normally but they got every decision! Only 1-0 we can come back and win it at Anfield! Love

to see what Klopp will say about the referee!”

Meanwhile @The_Kopinion said: “This is one of the worst referees I’ve ever seen, shouldn’t be anywhere

a record $10,000 per player per day.

Manchester City, Real Madrid, Tottenham and Barcelona were among the highest earners at Russia 2018, when FIFA distributed £157m.

Man City made £3.78m four years ago.

FIFA established the scheme ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in recognition of clubs releasing their players for the tournament.

From a total of $40m in 2010, the amount made available rose to $70m at Brazil 2014 and then almost trebled to $209m in 2018.

near this level of the game.”

At the full-time whistle Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was seen remonstrating with referee Marciniak.

ahead of his side's last-16 clash against Switzerland.

He had lost patience with the 37-year-old forward following his negative reaction after being substituted against South Korea during the group stage.

The decision ultimately paid off as replacement striker Goncalo Ramos, of Benfica, netted a hat-trick on his first World Cup start for Portugal, steering his team to a rampant 6-1 win.

Portugal's attacking prowess showed in that match indicated for many fans that the era of Ronaldo in attack is over - and PFF chiefs clearly feel Santos' time is up as well.

They came up short against a stubborn Atlas Lions side, losing 1-0 to a Youssef En-Nesyri header after goalkeeper Diogo Costa's mistake.

The country is not short of possible contenders for the role, with former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho and ex-Porto and Roma manager Paulo Fonseca, currently at Lille, among the names being mentioned.

Mourinho has already been linked with the post, while Fonseca is also a leading candidate for the PFF. Both are Portuguese.

4TH VALUEJET PARA T’TENNIS OPEN

Paralympians, Commonwealth Medalists Battle for Honours Nigeria’s finest para table tennis players including Paralympians Tajudeen Agunbiade and Olufemi Alabi as well as 2022 Commonwealth medalists, Isau Ogunkunle and Faith Obazuaye are among the stars that are aiming to make the podium at the 4th Valuejet Lagos Para Table Tennis Open which kicked off yesterday at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

According to the organisers, the huge turnout of players was based on the fact that the tournament has been designated as a selection platform for athletes that will represent Nigeria at the qualifiers for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in France.

Even most of the medalists at the just concluded National Sports Festival in Delta State started their campaigns in the singles events yesterday with some of them aiming to upstage the established stars like veterans Nasiru Sule as well as Faith Obiora.

All eyes will be on the quartet of Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi, Sule, Ogunkunle, and Obazuaye, who were medalists at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and National Sports Festival.

A determined Sule, who is regarded as the oldest para table tennis player said he is not ready to quit the stage as he is aiming to make another appearance at the Paralympic Games. “My first Paralympic Games was in Atlanta 1996 in the United States and since then I have been winning medals for Nigeria at major international tournaments. My body can still carry me and I still believe I still have something to offer. I think I am the only one that can stop myself from going to Paris if I don’t train very well and the Valuejet Lagos Open would afford me the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best players in Africa because Nigeria remains the best in para table tennis in the continent,” Sule said.

For Ikpeoyi, who won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, playing against some of Nigeria’s finest players would surely prepare her for any opponent in a major competition. “I must commend the organisers of the Valuejet tournament for keeping faith with the para players and I believe this is another way to test our strength

against strong opponents. I look forward to winning again this year,” she boasted.

Meanwhile, the team event of the tournament would be concluded on Friday, December 16 while the finals of some selected singles events will climax the tournament on Saturday, December 17.

The head coach dropped Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo midway through the tournament

Scouts Storm Asaba for NDDC U-17 Peace Cup The 2022 edition of the NDDC U-17 Peace Cup Football tournament holding in Asaba, Delta State, is providing the platform for scouts from different parts of the world to discover talented players.

The tournament, being sponsored

by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, began at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, with dozens of football scouts from around the globe visiting the match venues on daily basis to identify players to be groomed for the various national teams or for clubs abroad.

The Minister of Niger Delta

Affairs, Umana O. Umana, had declared the tournament open on Monday, with praises for the organisers, the Grassroots Sports Federation of Nigeria (GRASOF), for its initiative in putting the event together.

Umana, who was represented

by Matthew Pukuma James, stated that the tournament would go a long way in uniting the Niger Delta region, which is in line with the cardinal policy of establishing the interventionist agency.

The Minister called for collective support for the tournament to succeed, just as he urged the participating teams to put up their

best performance, as well as ensure fair play at all times to key into the mantra of the competition, which is to promote peace across the region.

“I would like to first and foremost, thank Delta State for allowing a conducive atmosphere to host this special event in a period of National insecurity and economic challenge. This good gesture is indeed, worthy of commendation.

“I would also like to commend the organisers, Grassroots Sports Federation, for this laudable initiative, which not only promotes peace in the Niger Delta Region, but also provides an opportunity for young and talented lads to showcase their

talents to the world.

“I am particularly delighted to inform you that, this initiative is in line with the mandate of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in the promotion of Peace and Security as well as developing the human capital in the Niger Delta Region,” Umana stated.

The tournament, which will end on Sunday, is featuring teams including Delta United FC, New Evangel FC of Bayelsa, Diamond Stars of Cross River, Progress FC of Rivers, Excellent FC of Edo, Donastars FC of Abia, El-Godz FC of Abia, and Ine Stars FC of Edo State.

Friday December 16, 2022

TR

UT H

& REASO

N

Price: N250

MISSILE Agora Policy to Nigeria “Nigeria has a youthful population. Yet, Nigerian youths are disempowered, alienated and excluded, which negatively impacts the wellbeing of the youths and limits their contributions to national development. Some youths have become a reserve army of the unemployed, manipulated and used by politicians and religious bigots to perpetuate violence, thuggery, banditry and terrorism” –Executive Director, Agora Policy, Waziri Adio, revealing that Nigeria incapacitates itself by excluding women and youths from the scheme of things.

AKINOSUNTOKUN Chatham House: Adventures and Misadventures DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

T

he general explanation of the penchant of Nigerian political leaders to seek exposure and validation from metropolitan Europe will be found in the concept of neocolonialism and globalisation. ‘This notorious fact is the continuing dependence of former colonies on foreign countries especially the former colonial powers and takes the form of economic imperialism, globalization and cultural imperialism-domination or rule maintained through ideological or cultural means. Proceeding from the general to the specific, in the experience of Nigeria (dating back to 2007), this behaviour has manifested in the visits of Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, President Muhammadu Buhari and lately Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Chatham house in London. The preliminary pertinent question is at whose bidding were these visits contracted? Given the objective of self promotion inherent in the visits, the probability is that these political leaders requested the invitation.

Chatham House advertises itself with some validity ‘as a world-leading policy institute with a mission to help governments and societies build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world’. What it will not admit is that in the case of these Nigerian politicians the inference of “follow the money” is the clincher. In other words, the invitation will be greatly facilitated were a potential invitee to make a generous ‘philanthropic’ donation to the institute. According to its brochure on the sources of funding, the think tank claims ‘it is independently funded. It receives discretionary support from its membership and other individuals, and receives funding for its research and other activities from governments, the private sector, and charitable foundation.The institute receives some income from investments and from miscellaneous sources”. The elasticity of these itemised sources of funding renders it amenable to becoming a sympathetic advocate of those who come knocking on its doors coated in dough.

I had a personal experience of this proclivity (with the requisite caveat emptor) that I have a vested partisan interest in the recall I’m about to make. And that a lot of water have since passed under the bridge to restore goodwill among the contending parties. At the height of the frosty relationship between President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the latter sought the platform of the Chatham house to advance his perspective of the adversarial relationship with his estranged principal (and was readily obliged). He dutifully employed the occasion to paint Obasanjo black and blue. As political adviser to the President at the time and as earlier indicated I confess to having a dog in the race. Without apportioning blames or relitigating the conflict I couldn’t recall any precedent for the manner in which the Vice-President had escalated the political warfare. The other side would probably make a counter claim against President Obasanjo.

Tinubu

This theatre of the absurd escalated to a degree in which as sitting Vice-President (elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) Abubakar went ahead to pick the presidential ticket of the opposition party, Action Congress, ACN, to contest the 2007 presidential election while remaining in situ as elected PDP vice-president.

Getting wind of the scheduled rendezvous, Obasanjo dispatched four of us (including a prominent proxy of Tinubu at his recent chatham house engagement), to respond to the predictable assault his deputy would launch at him. Thus I engaged with Abubakar. And the logic of my repartee was simple. I said I deemed it absurd, untenable and unacceptable that a sitting Vice-President can embark on a tour of calumny against a government of which he was number two. I concluded that if he felt so inclined, the right and proper thing for him was to resign and free himself from the obligation of his elected office. Fair intervention? Not according to the Chatham house moderator. At the conclusion of the event, he came charging at me that my intervention was below the belt.

Just before the 2015 presidential election, the All Progressives Congress, APC presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari was packaged for a road show at the same destination.

And in fits of self acclamation he gave a false referral of his potential capability and competence. In the event he proved long on promise and disastrously short on delivery.

Amongst others, he boasted: “Apart from the civil war era, at no other time in our history has Nigeria been this insecure. Boko Haram has sadly put Nigeria on the terrorism map, I, Muhammadu Buhari, will always lead from the front and return Nigeria to its leadership role in regional and international efforts to combat terrorism”.

akinosuntokun@thisdaylive.com

“A development economist once said three questions should be asked about a country’s development: one, what is happening to poverty? Two, what is happening to unemployment? And three, what is happening to inequality? On corruption, there will be no confusion as to where I stand. Corruption will have no place and the corrupt will not be appointed into my administration. And in doing this, I will, if elected, lead the way, with the force of personal example”.

Seven years on, this was the verdict of a co Londoner, the financial times of London “Campaigning has already begun for presidential elections that in February 2023 will draw the curtain on eight years of the administration of Muhammadu Buhari, on whose somnolent watch Nigeria has sleepwalked closer to disaster. Buhari has overseen two terms of economic slump, rising debt and a calamitous increase in kidnapping and banditry — the one thing you might have thought a former general could control”.

Enters the latest entrant into the Chatham house pantheon of political supplicants from Nigeria, Tinubu. Needless to say that the controversy that followed his visit is entirely in character. The institute announced that “at this event, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presidential candidate for the All-Progressives Congress, discusses his vision and recently unveiled manifesto for ‘renewing hope’ in Nigeria including his policy proposals for economic reform and revival and how to deliver secure and inclusive job opportunities for Nigerian citizens”. Did he live up to the billing? I concede the floor to Tunde Olusunle “What Tinubu did in London on December 5 is akin to what happens in so called examination miracle centres in Nigeria. Tinubu’s outsourcing of the questions was a watershed in the history of political engagements anywhere. The world has taken due cognisance of our leadership recruitment prototype at the topmost echelons in Nigeria”. Following Olusunle, a gifted wit depicted the occasion in this rib cracking satire “’I’m going for a job interview as the Chief Medical Director of FMC Abeokuta. Please I need a professor of medicine; 2 medical lecturers from UNILAG, 4 final year students in medicine, 5 senior nurses and 3 PhD holders in microbiology. They will answer my questions at the interview”.

The truth of course, is that he was obviously indisposed to answering questions directly on account of understandably age related debility.

Even Chatham house had to issue a disclaimer “Yesterday’s event was not the norm and our Chair was not notified in advance that Mr Tinubu would be delegating questions,”. The principle of Chatham House events is to be able to hear the views of invited speakers, and also to hold those speakers to account.”.

The peculiarity of Tinubu’s appearance at the Chatham house in London is consistent with a pedigree of norm shattering behaviour.

Before he left for London the debacle of his presidential campaign was a sight to behold and a demarketing of his candidacy. If the

Nigerian electorate were to base their judgment on who becomes the president solely on the record of his erratic gaffe prone outing so far on the soapbox, it will be illogical to expect him to win. Now again, he went from this depressing backdrop to, in connivance with the management of Chatham house, indulge in a subversion of the norm and tradition of conducting interviews at the prestigious institute.

After taking into account the fairness doctrine of drawing the line between where legitimate scrutiny stops and vindictive inquisition begins, it remains pertinent to ask the question, why is it that almost all the critical junctures of his career tend to get mired in suspicion and controversy? Why does he do this to himself and those addressed as his upright lietunants?.

Short of lapsing into a conspiracy of silence, is there anyway to credibly assess him without taking all these issues into account? Was it not a few weeks ago that the former governor of cross river state, Donald Duke, raised the alarm over the identity theft of his school boy snapshot as belonging to Tinubu (with or without the his knowledge).

There is something consistently opaque about his biodata and the surprise is that he was willing to provoke afresh unhelpful speculations on his past. He brought this to the fore at the occasion all by himself in an elaborate relitigation of his bona-fide. He went down memory lane “At the time of birth, I was dated March 29, 1952”. “I’ve had a very good exposure in life, my record is consistent in the school, in the university, they (critics) are now convinced that they wasted their money and their time. The record is there, the transcript is there showing March 1952,”.

Equally, it remains the same, Deloitte, Chicago State University where I graduated from has attested to that. Now, I can announce that I have received my original replacement degree certificate from them. Deloitte trained me as an accountant. Mobil Oil has attested to my record, outstanding record, I got to the pinnacle of my career in the private sector. Who among them can brag about that?”. The problem here is that given past trends, some or all these claims are prone to different versions under the searchlight of dispassionate verification.

It however stands to reason that much of the contemporary public hostility he has attracted is inspired by the national disintegrative effect of the same fait presidential ticket he champions. Like the biblical narrative of Saul becoming Paul, it may be the case that regardless of his controversial personal records and reputation, Tinubu may become a model Nigerian president. The snag with this analogy is that the transfiguration of Paul was a miraculous intervention by God. So the expectation of a transformed Tinubu may require a similar epiphany. Second is that Paul did not deny his past, he came to terms with it. We have not seen a likewise inclination by the APC presidential candidate. Third, it was not the lifelong ambition nor obsession of Saul to become Paul.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com