SUNDAY 18TH AUGUST 2024

Tinubu to Chief of Staff: Ensure Cut in Cost of Governance, No Large Delegation to UNGA Meetings

Elumoye in Abuja

Bola

Outrage over Abduction of 20 Medical Students in Benue

Gov Alia, Pate, NMA, lawmakers kick, IG deploys rescue team

Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Ikechukwu Aleke, Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Widespread condemnations have trailed the abduction of 20 medical students of the University of

Maiduguri and the University of Jos, who were kidnapped in Benue State while travelling to Enugu last Thursday. While the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has

condemned the abduction and directed the security agencies in the state to intensify efforts to ensure their safe release, the Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Pate, expressed

sadness over the incident, describing it as unfortunate.

The House of Representatives, in a statement issued yesterday by its Spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi, also called on the Inspector

General of Police (IG) and other security agencies to mobilise all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of the students.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has also called

on the IG to urgently intervene in the abduction of the students. This is just as the IG, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the

Amosun: Chinese Firm Dispute is Between

Two Chinese Companies, Like P&ID Scam

L-R: Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Senator representing Kwara Central district, Senator Saliu Mustapha; the couple, Mr. and Mrs Cyril Ifeanyi; senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Karimi; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; and senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh, during the solemnisation of Holy Matrimony of Umeh's daughter, Chidinma and Cyril, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Victoria Island, Lagos…yesterday.

#EndBadGovernance: Over 1,000 Protesters in Detention, Amnesty International Alleges

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has stated that over 1,000 #EndBadGovernance protesters are currently in prison custody nationwide following the recent hunger protests.

The protests, which were held between August 1 and 10, turned violent in some parts of the country, with reports of looting and vandalism in several states.

On August 6, the InspectorGeneral of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, announced that the police

had arrested some of the sponsors of rioters who hoisted foreign flags and called for a change of government in states such as Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara, among others.

However, in a post via its X handle, the organisation accused the Nigerian authorities of escalating a

crackdown on peaceful protesters by prosecuting over 100 protesters in court.

It, therefore, reiterated its call for an immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly

“The Nigerian authorities are escalating a crackdown on peaceful protesters against hunger and corruption. Over 1,000 people have been remanded nationwide. Today, 441 people were arraigned in Kano, in what is set out to be an unfair trial based on trumped-up charges.

AMOSUN: CHINESE FIRM DISPUTE IS BETWEEN TWO CHINESE COMPANIES, LIKE P&ID SCAM

Abuja

A former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the termination of the management rights of Zhongfu International Investment FXE over the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) on May 27, 2016, and the recent seizure of Nigeria’s presidential jets in Paris, saying that the dispute is between two Chinese companies.

This is just as Amosun’s predecessor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has expressed his readiness to provide relevant documents that would assist the Nigerian government in the dispute.

The presidential jets, which were undergoing routine maintenance, were seized following ex parte orders issued by a court in Paris, France.

The seizure came after litigations were initiated by the Chinese company against the federal government and the Ogun State Government due to the termination of the contractual agreement.

An arbitral tribunal subsequently awarded Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co Limited about $74.5million in compensation, but the state government did not honour the ruling.

Following the arbitration judgment in favour of Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co Limited, the court ruled that the judgment creditor could attach any of Nigeria’s assets abroad in payment of the judgment debt.

Consequently, Zhongfu seized three presidential aircraft that were in Paris for maintenance but later released one of the aircraft, an Airbus A380, recently acquired to replace former Air Force One.

In a statement issued yesterday, Amosun, who was the governor of the state from 2011 to 2019, said his administration terminated the management rights of Zhongfu based on the request of the Chinese Government and advice from the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).

Amosun, who described Zhongfu as an imposter, disclosed that the agreement that was entered into at the inception of the OGFTZ in 2007 with his predecessor is still in operation, adding that there was no need for any negotiation or re-negotiation of any contract when he assumed office on May 29, 2011, and throughout his eight years tenure.

The former senator for Ogun Central stated that shortly after his administration assumed office, two Chinese companies, Messrs China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE laid claims to the management rights over OGFTZ.

He explained that the business dispute and rivalry between the two companies grounded seamless business activities and threatened public peace and safety within the zone and the neighbouring communities.

According to him, “Zhongfu, pretending to be a concerned and genuine tenant and zone stakeholder, had volunteered very damaging and destructive information about the official

representatives of Guangdong Province, the joint venturer and lawful zone managers, China Africa Investment FXE and subsequently requested to be appointed as Interim Zone Manager.”

He said based on the information at the disposal of his government at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE was appointed as Interim Zone Manager on March 15, 2012, pending further evaluation.

The ex-governor noted that it was later discovered that the information and claims volunteered by Zhongfu against China Africa Investment FXE were lies.

“Unknown to Ogun State Government at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE merely sought to de-market China Africa Investment FXE and to surreptitiously covert the state-owned assets of Guangdong Province in China together with the Zone ownership and management rights of their business rival,” Amosun explained.

According to the ex-governor, “the Government of the People's Republic of China, via its Diplomatic Note 1601 dated 1 March 11, 2016, clarified to the Ogun State Government, that China Africa Investment FXE was the rightful investor. After due consultation with the relevant organs of Government, we gave effect to the request of the Chinese Government.”

He said his government also consulted and took advice from the State Security Services (Department of State Services) and the supervising Agency, NEPZA, on the best way to proceed, adding that ZhongFu was served with a formal termination notice dated May 27, 2016.

Amosun recalled that Zhongfu International Investment FXE approached Nigerian courts in different jurisdictions to ventilate its legal and business rights and lost all four cases in court.

He listed some of the court cases involving the two Chinese companies to include: Suit No HCT/417/2016 between Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs OGFTZ and, Suit No. FCT/ABJ/ CS/601/2016 between Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs NEPZA & Ors, which he said were all business disputes between the two Chinese entities.

Amosun noted that the final judgment in one other case: Suit No AB/04/2017 between Zenith Global Merchant International Investment Ltd Vs Zhongfu International Investment FXE, which was delivered on March 29, 2017, specifically restrained a reference to arbitration in the special circumstances of the matter being a trade dispute between two Chinese entities, which he said had little or no connection with either Ogun State or the federal government.

The ex-governor added that Zhongfu wrote petitions to the Presidency, Minister of Trade & Investment; Attorney General and Minister of Justice; Inspector General of Police; EFCC, and the National Assembly and lost those petitions.

“We successfully defended our actions at all levels before these organs of government, and they all agreed with our position. Shortly

after, our administration left office in May 2019,” he added.

He debunked the allegation that his administration sent policemen to harass, intimidate, or beat the officials of any company.

Zhongshan had in its statement of claim to the French court, alleged that its personnel, including the Chief Financial Officer of Zhongfu Nigeria Limited. (a subsidiary of Zhongshan), Mr. Wenxiao Zhao, suffered verbal and physical assault by the police, acting on orders from the state government.

But Amosun denied the allegation, saying “If there was any such situation, it must have been from among the disputing rivals in the bid to outdo one another. Security agencies can further investigate the allegation and uphold the truth.”

He urged the Nigerian government not to give Zhongfu any listening ear, adding that doing so would amount to indulging and encouraging an

TINUBU

according to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, said the decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th session of UNGA in September was part of the administration's commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance.

Highlighting the need for the State House and agencies under its supervision to ensure that its functions are guided by statutes, regulations, policy decisions, and presidential directives, Gbajabiamila hinted at upcoming policy announcements aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery in government operations.

According to him: ''I just discussed this with the

unlawful entity without locus standi to appropriate the country’s common patrimony.

Amosun, who said he aligned with the very appropriate responses from the Ogun State Government and the federal government, also recommended that Zhongfu should be treated the way Nigeria treated the P&ID case, insisting that there is no basis for negotiation.

“I am ready to work with the agencies of government in any capacity to ensure that Nigeria is not scammed by Zhongfu International Investment FXE or any other entity.

“Like every Nigerian, we are concerned that a purely business dispute between two Chinese nationals and corporations has now degenerated into an unlawful attempt to appropriate Nigeria’s sovereign assets.

“This is unacceptable to all people of goodwill and must not be allowed to stand,” Amosun added.

President this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York.

''During recent protests, there were talks about reduction in the cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA.

''I have received a directive from Mr. President that this time, we will be strict. If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America, and this is a directive from Mr. President," he added.

The Chief of Staff urged heads of agencies at the retreat to comply strictly, adding that the President was listening to the concerns of Nigerians and

I am Ready to Provide Documents to Assist FG, Says Gbenga Daniel

In a related development, Amosun’s predecessor, Senator Daniel has expressed his readiness to provide relevant documents that would assist the Nigerian government in navigating the legal conundrum.

Daniel, who said this in a statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, noted that it would be useless to go on the pages of newspapers to discuss the nittygritty of the matter involving his administration at the time and Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co Limited.

The statement noted that the issue in contention was not the terms or proprietary of the agreement for the establishment of the FTZ by Daniel’s administration, but rather the termination of a

was committed to addressing them diligently.

On the retreat, Gbajabiamila noted that it would facilitate collaboration and coordination among government agencies, particularly those under the direct supervision of the State House.

''The idea is to ensure coherence as we jointly work together to achieve the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

''Coordination is not just a choice but a necessity for the government to succeed and for us to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people,'' he said.

According to him, the retreat would be a continuous exercise, as governance is an evolving process that requires regular

“Amnesty International again calls for an immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly. The government of Nigeria must uphold the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” the organisation said.

management contract, adding that the judgments in all the courts were very clear on it.

According to the statement, Daniel as governor was able to bring about several developmental projects including the establishment of the OGFTZ and others.

It noted that as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Daniel would thread a patriotic path by helping to find “a diplomatic solution to the issue at hand with available records that could assist the federal government in pursuing its course at the arbitration and before the courts.”

“He cannot do this on the pages of the newspapers and on other media which may also compromise the strength of Nigeria’s arguments in the courts. We need to also appreciate that this matter is before various courts in several countries and it is subjudice for anyone to speak on them,” the statement added.

adjustments.

He also urged the State House management and chief executives of agencies under its supervision to lead by example by ensuring compliance with statutes, laws, regulations, and various policies designed to enhance governance.

''We must demonstrate excellence in our compliance with the Public Procurement Act, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, the Finance Act, and various appropriation acts in operation.

''Compliance with the civil service rules and the scheme of service guidelines, especially regarding recruitment, promotion and presidential approvals is also non-negotiable,'' Gbajabiamila added.

OUTRAGE OVER ABDUCTION OF 20 MEDICAL STUDENTS IN BENUE

deployment of tactical operatives and assets to ensure the prompt rescue of the kidnapped medical students in Benue State.

Twenty medical students of the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, travelling to Enugu, and a House Officer were kidnapped in Benue State along the Otukpo/Otukpa/Enugu Road on Thursday.

The students were travelling for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students annual convention in Enugu when they were abducted.

Condemning the abduction, Governor Alia directed security agencies in the state to intensify efforts to ensure the safe release of the students.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the governor warned the criminal elements operating within the state to find another base.

He added that his administration would not rest on its oars until all forms of criminality were stamped out in the state.

Also reacting in a statement signed by the Assistant Director of Information and Publicity, Mr. Ado Bako, the Health Minister,

Pate described the incident as unfortunate incident.

“Their safety and well-being are paramount to us. We urge the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime and bring them to justice.

"We also call on perpetrators of such evil activities to desist from such criminal acts and respect the sanctity of human life,” he added.

On its part, the House of Representatives in a statement issued by its Spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi, called on the IG and other security agencies to mobilise all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of the students.

According to the statement, the Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, also said: “The safety of our medical students is paramount, and this incident is not just an attack on these young professionals but on the future of our healthcare system.

“We cannot afford to lose any more lives to the insecurity plaguing our country. No student should be fearful of going about their lawful duties in the country. We demand decisive action from

our security agencies to bring these students home safely"

In a related development, the NMA has also called on the IG to urgently intervene in the abduction of the 20 medical students.

The NMA Secretary-General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, disclosed this in a letter to the IG, which was posted on the association’s X.com account yesterday.

The letter, dated August 16, read, “I write on behalf of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to urgently bring to your attention a grave situation involving the abduction of 20 medical students.

“These students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and eight from the University of Maiduguri, were en route to a conference organised by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu when they were kidnapped.”

According to the NMA, the incident occurred between Otukpo and Enugu in Benue State, and one of the abducted students managed to share their location via Google Maps, indicating they were in the Oglewu Ehaje area.

The statement said: “Given

the urgency of this matter and the potential risks to the lives of these young students, we implore your office to deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return.”

Condemning the students’ abduction in a statement issued yesterday by the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG described the action of the criminals as reprehensible and callous.

Adejobi said Egbetokun had ordered the deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Police Command to ensure the swift rescue of the students.

Adejobi also said tactical operatives, helicopters, drones, and vehicles, among others, would be deployed to facilitate the rescue of the students.

He said: “This initiative encompasses the mobilisation of additional tactical units from the FID-STS and FID-IRT, the deployment of advanced helicopters and drones, as well as the use of specialised tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.”

DECONGESTING TRAFFIC…

L-R: Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo; Lagos State Deputy Governo r, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor

Chairman, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Hon. Rasaq Ajala; and state Commissioner of Transportation Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during the official inauguration of the Mushin-Onipanu Overpass in Lagos…yesterday

Report: How Abdulsalami-led National Peace Committee was Pressured to Halt 2023 Presidential Election

The National Peace Committee (NPC) headed by a former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) has narrated how it came under intense pressure from unnamed persons to persuade the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to either halt the collation of results of the 2023 presidential election or cancel the election entirely due to an alleged violation of the Electoral Act and non-adherence to the peace accord signed by the political parties and their candidates.

The committee made these revelations in Abuja on Friday in its 106-page report on the 2023 General Election, titled ‘Nigeria’s Pursuit of Electoral Compliance: National Peace Committee NPC 2023 General Elections Report’.

The NPC report highlighted the immense pressure exerted on the committee during the

election process, explaining that partisan forces sought to influence the election outcome through various means.

According to NPC, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges faced during the election and recommendations for improving future electoral processes in Nigeria.

Before the public presentation of the report, the NPC had earlier met with INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and other senior management staff of the commission.

During the meeting, they were briefed on INEC’s preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

Part of the report reads: “As the election day progressed, criticisms and counter-criticisms became abundant. The NPC was already being faced with a flurry of phone calls and the need to call INEC to order. The Peace Committee was flooded with

requests for intervention. Both the Chairman of the committee, General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar; the Convener, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and the Head of NPC Secretariat, Fr. Atta Barkindo, were inundated with calls, requests, and petitions demanding the intervention of the NPC.

“Some of the requests wanted the NPC to prevail on INEC to stop collating election results because there were gross violations and lack of compliance with the Electoral Act. Others demanded that the tenets of the Peace Accord signed were not adhered to and therefore the committee should call for cancellation of the election entirely.

“The most significant call was related to the 25 per cent threshold for Abuja as the Federal Capital Territory. Some of the analysts who reached out to the committee asked that the

final election result should not be announced because the presumptive president-elect did not score the required 25 per cent as stated in the Electoral Act. If anything, there should be a runoff,” the report explained.

The report cited the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy, which described the “silence of the National Peace Committee (NPC) as deafening despite the avalanche of election petitions and likely far-reaching outcomes that could follow the decisions.”

According to the report, the Centre stated that the NPC led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) had before the 2023 elections engaged political leaders on the need for a peaceful and credible election.

The report further stated that the Centre alleged that what was missing was a post-election formal statement of the NPC on the outcome of the election and the sort of intervention needed

Tinubu, Atiku, Northern Governors Rejoice with Babangida at 83

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF) have congratulated Nigeria's former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida ((rtd), as he clocked 83 on August 17.

Babangida, fondly called IBB, was Nigeria's military president from 1985 to 1993.

The president, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, praised the former head of state on this special occasion, noting his endeavours towards the development of the nation, especially in infrastructure and otherwise, notably the completion of the Third Mainland Bridge, which at the time was the longest bridge in Africa.

President Tinubu acknowledged the role of Babangida in the sculpting of modern Nigeria and commended him for his services to the nation.

The president wished the former head of state many more years in good health.

On his part, Atiku saluted the former military president, describing him as an astute federalist who was evident and remarkable in the composition of his cabinet.

In a statement, he signed, Atiku

said it was a rare quality to possess a personality that captivates the attention of all who encounter it.

According to Atiku: "For General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, the allure of his name and his hospitable demeanour distinguish him as a unique statesman.

"IBB's distinguished military career and his role as a politician who embraced inclusive politics are defining aspects of his enigmatic persona.

"In an era overshadowed by the divisive forces of ethno-religious prejudice in our national politics, IBB serves as a reminder of the importance of striving for unity in diversity. While some scholarly works draw parallels between IBB's statecraft and the strategies outlined in Niccolo Machiavelli's writings, highlighting his prowess as a strategic thinker, I hold a contrasting view.

"I believe that the IBB administration pursued altruistic goals in its moral quest for a nation where our diversity could be effectively managed through a shared commitment to unity," Atiku stated.

The former vice president said Babangida's federalist orientation is evident in the composition of his administration.

“Today, unlike in the past, we witness the troubling display of bigotry and ethnocentric divisions

in our nation, with individuals in positions of authority often promoting such divisive behaviours.

"Regrettably, contemporary politics has become polarised as some politicians hold the misguided belief that power must be pursued at any cost.

"As we commemorate General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida on his 83rd birthday, let us reflect on our values regarding national unity and the promotion of Nigeria as a nation where primordial tendencies have no place for growth," he explained.

He said further: "It is the desire for such a rebirth that I am again calling on opposition political parties in the country to come together and make our democracy worth its name."

Also, the 19 governors from the North under the aegis of the Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF) have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Babangida, on the occasion of his 83rd birthday.

In a goodwill message on behalf of the governors issued by their Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, they described General Babangida as a bridge-builder, a committed patriot, and a charismatic statesman.

In the message signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe, made available to journalists yesterday, Governor Yahaya praised the elder statesman for his courage, vision, and exemplary leadership, noting that his wise counsel continues to guide and inspire the new generation of leaders.

The goodwill message read: "General Babangida is a true asset to Nigeria, a source of inspiration for both established and emerging leaders owing to his distinguished military and democratic credentials, steadfastness, and remarkable statesmanship.

"As a former leader and elder statesman, you have consistently made yourself available to the younger generation, offering your wealth of experience, guidance, and wisdom in critical moments."

"You are indeed a leader of immense influence and reach, a bridge-builder, and a promoter of democratic ideals, serving as a rallying point for those committed to democracy."

"As you celebrate this significant milestone, we join millions of Nigerians in praying that Almighty Allah continues to preserve and bless you with good health so that you will continue to serve our dear nation and humanity," the NSGF chairman prayed.

to prevent widespread violence.

“The biggest bone of contention was the significance of the 25 per cent threshold for the FCT, the vacuum created by pre-election legal interpretation that was not given by INEC.

“Within the general context of the mandate of the Peace Committee, there were requests that demanded the committee to go beyond its mandate and to interfere in an electoral process that only agencies empowered by law can do so.

“The interventions provided by the NPC are purely and squarely moral, particularly in a context where trust deficit is widespread, the culture of impunity and lack of compliance with laws. The mandate is founded on the need to promote peace, prevent widespread violence, and encourage parties and candidates to uphold the rule of law,” the report said.

The report added that the NPC had no mandate to arrest violators of process or interfere with the constitutional duties of INEC, adding that it was set up to provide moral intervention, defined by mediation and moral persuasion to ensure that there is peace.

“It is also expected to, on behalf of public interest, speak truth to power when things are going wrong. After the presidential elections, the NPC has continued with its engagements with political parties, youth, and women-led

groups, persons with disabilities, security agencies, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, including the Independent State-based Peace Architectures,” the report added.

“Most people are not aware that the NPC provides only a moral intervention, and it has no constitutional duty to arrest, punish, or prosecute any citizen for any wrongdoing. Rather, the committee has the moral obligation to encourage, persuade, and appeal to political actors, community leaders, and other stakeholders on the importance of peace. This limited awareness has forced some Nigerians to question the significance of engaging with the NPC if only what the committee brings to the table is moral persuasion. This is a challenge for the work of the committee,” the committee added.

Other members of the peace committee are Okoh Ebitu Ukiwe (Vice Chairman); Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (Convener); Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; John Cardinal Onaiyekan; business icons, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola; Vanguard Newspapers Publisher, Sam Amuka Pemu; Ameze Guobadia; Idayat Hassan; Dame Priscilla Kuye; Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd); Mahmud Yayale Ahmed; Channels TV owner, John Momoh; Roseline Ukeje; and Head of its Secretariat, Fr. Atta Barkindo.

NNPCL: We are Not Selling Employment Slots

Peter Uzoho

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) yesterday denied the allegation of selling employment slots to Nigerians and anyone who wished to buy.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the oil firm described such claims as antics of fraudsters who wanted to take advantage of unsuspecting applicants.

The national oil company called on Nigerians to disregard such rumours and warned against paying money to anyone for any job in the company.

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has called on

members of the public, especially jobseekers, to discountenance rumours of employment slots for sale.

“The company states that there is no iota of truth in the insinuations that it has employment slots on offer to anyone who wishes to buy, describing such as the antics of fraudsters who want to take advantage of unsuspecting applicants.

“It cautions that as a responsible corporate entity, recruitment into the company is a straightforward process and does not involve the sale of slots or inducement of any kind.

“It warns that anyone who pays money to anyone for any job in the company does so at his or her own risk,” the statement explained.

CELEBRATING NEWEST

COUPLE…

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Onekobo Technologies Limited, Mr. Ukoh Umah;

Adelabu: Nigerians Subjected to Epileptic Electricity Supply Due to Aged, Weak Infrastructure

Says less than 50% of citizens connected to national grid

Peter Uzoho

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, yesterday declared that Nigerians were subjected to epileptic electricity supply for many decades due to aged and weak power infrastructure across the sector's value chain.

The minister stated this during his inspection tour of MBH Power Limited's facility, in Shagamu, Ogun State.

MBH Power is an integrated energy solutions provider with a focus on engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services in transmission and distribution, metering, energy audit as well as turnkey solutions in conventional and non-conventional power generation.

Beyond the two critical issues of poor legislation and policies that had bedevilled the Nigerian power industry for many years, Adelabu pointed out that infrastructure was another major challenge facing the

sector which had been neglected over time.

"We have aged infrastructure across all segments. Power lines are weak; the transformers are old; the towers have fallen, and we have not replaced this infrastructure as expected, to be able to support an improvement in power supply over time.

"So, this has accumulated for too long and that is what is responsible for the epileptic supply that we have seen and have subjected Nigerians to, over time," the minister said. To reverse the trend, he said the focus of his ministry was to upgrade and enhance power sector infrastructure, saying that is where the services of his host became handy.

At the level of pricing and liquidity in the power sector in Nigeria, Adelabu mentioned that a lot of reforms had gone into the tariff policy and that the government had identified poor liquidity as another major issue

Telecoms Subscribers Kick against Planned Tariff Hike, Say It’s Additional Burden

Emma Okonji

Telecoms subscribers under the aegis of the Association of Telephones, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers (ATCIS) have kicked against the demand by telecoms operators to increase tariffs on their services.

The group, which spoke at the weekend during a press conference in Lagos, called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) not to accept the call for telecoms tariff increase, as demanded by telecoms operators, insisting that such a hike would bring an additional burden to telecoms subscribers.

Telecoms operators under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), had written to the NCC, asking for a 40 per cent hike in voice and data tariff, to enable them to cope with the high cost of delivering telecoms services across the country.

Though the NCC has not reacted to the demand, ATCIS members have called on the regulator not to consider such demand, which they said, would be inimical to telecoms growth.

The National President of ATCIS, an advocacy group, Mr. Sina Bilesanmi, said that subscribers would resist the suggested hike in telecoms tariff and called on NCC to turn down such requests in the interest of subscribers.

According to Bilesanmi, the press conference was organised to address emerging issues in the telecom industry, especially the relentless clamour by telecoms operators to hike the tariff of services across the

board, including call and data tariffs.

“ATCIS-Nigeria, the only leading telecoms subscriber advocacy body, is concerned that this strident call at this time is most unwelcome. We see it as most insensitive as it will impoverish telecoms subscriber members more given the realities on the ground.

“While we understand the industry faces challenges, including rising operational costs and the need for infrastructure investment, we believe this increase places an undue burden on consumers, many of whom are already struggling with the current economic situation. The telcos have blamed the rising cost of diesel for powering their base transceiver stations (BTS) as one of the major reasons for the current clamour for tariff hikes. But these are not enough reasons to increase tariffs,” Bilesanmi said.

“We say no to any hike without the proper consultation with consumer advocacy bodies such as ATCIS that have over 200 million membership strength across Nigeria,” he added.

Bilesanmi said it was obvious that the federal government and the NCC should have put some infrastructure and good policies in place for them to have a working business environment.

He however said the telcos shouldn't resort to subtle blackmail to get the approval of the NCC to hike tariffs.

NEC member of ATCIS, Deacon Simon Oladipopo, advised telecoms operators not to transfer the burden of managing telecoms services onto innocent subscribers.

impeding the smooth operation of the sector.

He said at the foundation of the liquidity issue was metering, which engenders collections of distribution companies' (Discos)'s bills to customers, describing metering as very key to the growth and sustainability of the electricity market in the country.

The minister, however, mentioned that less than 50 per cent of the electricity consumers nationwide were metered.

He maintained: "This is why Mr. President said we need to reverse this ugly trend, that we must ensure that we get every household, every business, every institution, every industry metered over the next four to five years, which is why we said the metering gap that we have, which is eight million meters must be reduced significantly in

the short to medium term and eliminated in the long term.

"And he (President) established what is called the Presidential Metering Initiative, being managed by the Presidential Metering Council, of which I'm the Chairman. We have the target to ensure that we install a minimum of two million meters annually over the next four to five years," he explained.

Adelabu informed that the government was also supported by its international development partners, the World Bank, under the Nigeria Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) to support the sectoral metering initiative with almost two million meters to be procured under the programme.

He said that programme makes the MBH Power's factory

very relevant to the vision and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

After inspecting and assessing the company's factory, the minister expressed his satisfaction with the company's offerings to the sector, adding that there was room for improvement by the firm.

With the efforts of the ministry to improve the sector's infrastructure, Adelabu said the services of the company were handy based on its experience in building power transmission substations including the 330kv substations, 132kv substations, 330kv lines, and the 132kv. He added, "Your activities transcend all the sectors in the power sector value chain as an EPC contractor, now as a meter manufacturer, and now your foray into renewables, which means that you have a

full understanding of the sector and what it takes to have a stable, virile and functional power sector.

"And your antecedence in Nigeria too based on projects you have handled across the country and the power sector value chain - your generation projects, transmission projects, your distribution projects, and now the last mile meter supply to the networks of distribution companies gives you that experience, that uniqueness and that leverage over some other companies."

Earlier in his briefing to the minister, Director and Chief Operating Officer, MBH Powers, Mr. Rakesh Mahapatra, highlighted the company's milestone projects in Nigeria since its establishment in the country in 2000 as a total energy solution providing company.

ECOWAS Raises the Alarm over Spread of Mpox in Africa

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control has reported that monkeypox continues to spread in the region, with 44 confirmed cases and one death recorded by the end of Epi Week 33, 2024.

Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Ghana are the hardest-hit countries among ECOWAS member-states.

The report, which was released on Friday, August 16, was made available to journalists yesterday.

“As of August 15, 2024, the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control continues to monitor the Mpox situation in the ECOWAS region, as well as continental and global level.

“As at Epi Week 33, a total of 44 confirmed cases and one death have been reported in the ECOWAS

region since the beginning of the year; Nigeria (24), Cote d’Ivoire (11), Liberia (5) and Ghana (4),” the report revealed. Mpox, or monkeypox, is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus.

While it shares similarities with smallpox, it is generally less severe.

The virus spreads from animals to humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or lesions of infected animals.

Human-to-human transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, contact with infected body fluids, or exposure to contaminated objects.

The African continent has continued to experience significant challenges in controlling the spread of Mpox, with a marked increase in cases and fatalities since the beginning of 2024.

With 37,583 cases and 1,451 deaths reported this year, the continent is facing a massive public health emergency.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is bearing the brunt of this crisis, shockingly accounting for 96.3 per cent of all cases and 97 per cent of deaths continent-wide in 2024 alone.

The first half of 2024 saw an explosive rise in infections across Africa—14,250 Mpox cases and 456 deaths—representing a 160 per cent increase in cases and a 19 per cent jump in fatalities compared to the same period last year.

The DRC remains the epicentre of the outbreak, with a case fatality rate of 3.2 per cent, underscoring the severity of the crisis.

“However, the African continent has continued to experience significant challenges in controlling the spread

of Mpox, with a marked increase in cases and fatalities since the beginning of 2024.

“A total of 37,583 cases and 1,451 deaths have been reported across 15 African Union Member States. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the most affected, accounting for 96.3 per cent of all cases and 97 per cent of deaths in 2024 alone.

“In the first half of 2024, the continent saw 14,250 Mpox cases, including 2,745 confirmed cases and 456 deaths, representing a significant increase in both cases 160 per cent and deaths 19 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. The case fatality rate stands at 3.2 per cent for 2024, with the highest burden in DRC,” it added. In June 2024 alone, 567 new cases were reported in the African region, highlighting the relentless spread of the virus.

Police Deny Owing Inspectors Arrears of Salary, Say Claim Mischievous

Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Police Force yesterday dismissed a trending report that the leadership of the Force was owing inspectors salary arrears.

The police leadership said the report was not only mischievous and unfounded, but a calculated attempt to malign the Force.

A statement by Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the police as an institution operate a structured and disciplined entity, adhering to established principles and professional standards.

Adejobi said: "The Nigeria Police Force has described a misleading

publication propagated by a group of journalists, claiming that some Police Inspectors approached them at their correspondent chapel, in Uyo, to express grievances and protest against the non-payment of their promotion salary increments over a specified duration, as mischievous, unfounded and a calculated attempt to malign the police.

“It is important to emphasise that the Nigeria Police Force operates as a structured and disciplined entity, adhering to established principles and professional standards. Consequently, any grievances raised by members of the Force are constantly attended to and channeled to the right authorities

for action."

He said the police was taken aback by the referred publication from a group of journalists in Akwa Ibom State, labelling private conversations with some police friends as protest, whereas such complaints are unknown to the police authority.

According to him, "it is crystal clear that neither the office of the Inspector General of Police nor the Nigeria Police Force is accountable and responsible for the salary disbursements; this responsibility lies with the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), under the Federal Ministry of Finance. The reports issued by these

journalists are not only distressing but also targeted at tarnishing the reputation of the police force or the office of the Inspector-General of Police for reasons best known to them.

“It is, however, fundamental to reiterate that should any policeman have issues with his or her payment of salaries, he should take such up with his box keeper or MSS officer who liaises with the IPPIS desk officers for rectification. We are convinced that no serving officer of the police in Akwa Ibom State or any part of the country would stage a protest on the non-payment of salary as our officers are aware of the process to address such sensitive matters".

PROMOTING BOOK READING CULTURE…

L-R: Speaker, Ekiti State Assembly, Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; immediate past First Lady, Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; incumbent First Lady, Ekiti State, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; members, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Iyabo Fakunle-Okieime, and Alhaja Mariam Ogunlade; at the reading of Erelu Fayemi’s books during a book reading event organised by the Ministry of Youth Development in Ado-Ekiti...recently.

There's Nothing Wrong with Nigeria's Constitution, Lamido Tells The Patriots

Says palliatives turning Nigerians into beggars

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has faulted the call by The Patriots, led by a former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, for the enactment of a new constitution for Nigeria, stating that there is nothing wrong with the 1999 Constitution.

Lamido, who is also a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, also faulted the practice of giving palliatives to Nigerians by the government, saying it has turned the people into beggars

Stressing that palliatives are given only to the victims of natural disasters, the former governor noted that by always giving Nigerians palliatives,

the federal government is discouraging people from working.

Instead, he advised the government to provide the people with an enabling environment for them to work and feed themselves.

In an interview with THISDAY, Lamido said he supported the views of elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai, who had also faulted the call for a new constitution for the country.

He blamed the operators of the 1999 Constitution for the lapses in its implementation.

The chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said: "If you see smoke from the chimney and it is polluting the entire environment, and it is very black and you are choking from

the smoke, what you have to do is to find out where the smoke is coming out from. Don’t blame the chimney; calm down and find out the source of the smoke. Find out the problem and deal with it. The symptoms are only a manifestation of something that has gone wrong.

"Why do you blame the Constitution? The Constitution does not reason like human beings. It cannot contain every solution to your problems. It is supposed to guide you and not solve your problems.

"The people who are supposed to operate and implement the constitution are Nigerians. Now tell me who is doing the right thing in Nigeria: From the motor parks to the schools to the

banks. So why are we running away from our own shadow? How many constitutions do we need to have before we get it right? After any problem, we shout 'Amend the constitution.' How many new constitutions do we need to have?

"So no matter what you write as a constitution, so long as the operation is subverted, it can’t work. Look at the country, people are fighting each other: in the South-east, Southwest, South-South, North-east, North-west. Clans are fighting each other; anywhere you go, people are fighting each other. Is it the constitution or because of the operators? he queried.

He added further: "It is not the constitution; it is the operation of the

Opposition Lawmakers Accuse PDP Chairman, Secretary of Plotting to Remove Fubara

Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives have accused the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, of plotting to remove the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

The spokesperson of the coalition, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, while addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja alleged that there was a calculated attempt by Damagum and Anyanwu to weaken the PDP from inside.

He further alleged that there were plans to undermine PDP legal standing in a high-profile court case that would see pro-Wike sacked

All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers gaining legal ground to attempt to force the PDP government out of office.

The lawmakers noted that Damagun and Anyanwu were opposing the party's National Legal Adviser’s move to ensure that the pro-Wike sacked APC lawmakers who decamped from PDP are stopped from doing any harm to PDP interest.

The opposition lawmakers maintained that the PDP Chairman and Secretary are working in favour of the pro-Wike lawmakers to help them regain lost legitimacy to aid them make another attempt towards their impossible dream of removal of Fubara.

Ugochinyere recalled that the case, marked: PHC/2177/CS/2024, centres

on a dispute over the defection of 27 PDP members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the APC on December 11, 2023.

He explained that the Rivers State High Court had previously issued an ex parte order on July 8, 2024, restraining key state officials from interacting with the defected lawmakers.

Ugochinyere noted: "The National Legal Adviser, constitutionally empowered to protect the interests of the PDP, had already moved to withdraw the appeal on July 24, 2024, recognising its potential harm to the party," Ugochinyere stated.

"However, in a shocking turn of events, on August 15, 2024, Damagum and Anyanwu sent a letter to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt,

dissociating themselves from the withdrawal, effectively undermining the Legal Adviser’s authority."

"This action by the party’s leadership is part of a broader scheme to destabilise the PDP in Rivers State and pave the way for the APC's political ambitions.

“They claim that this is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of interference by Damagum and Anyanwu in several other legal cases in Abuja and Port Harcourt, all allegedly aimed at weakening the PDP.

"The PDP must stand united in the face of this betrayal. We call on all members of the PDP and well-meaning Nigerians to join us in defending the integrity of our party and ensuring that justice prevails."

constitution. There is no perfect human being or perfect constitution anywhere in the world but we the operators.

"In other climes, constitutions become good through the way they are managed. So we cannot run away from our shadows. No matter how fast you run, your shadow will follow you," the former minister explained On the car culture; so, if we fail to operate it like the cultures from where we imported them, then we should not blame anybody. It is not indigenous. All we need is just the change of attitudes as operators," he added.

"Because they are alien to us, do we go to the old system; then declare the Ooni the head of the West; Sultan of Sokoto, the head of the North; the Shehu of Borno, the head of the Borno Empire, and declare the head of the Jukun; the head of the Kwarafa Kingdom. As I said earlier, the problems are not in the constitution but in us the operators. There is something fundamentally wrong with the implications of our various constitutions.

"Second, I align with the views expressed by President Olusegun Obasanjo that the core problem facing Nigeria is not necessarily the constitution or the tenure of office.

The crux of our challenges lies in the attitude and character of those who operate the constitution," he said.

Commenting on the recent national protests, he said: "The problems are all parts of the Nigerian contradictions; they are all the problems within us. How do we lead ourselves; how do we believe in ourselves; how do we govern ourselves and where there are failures, there will be protest."

On how to solve the problems identified by the protesters, he said:

"It should be solved holistically; you don’t solve problems in isolation. Why

were there protests in the first instance?

The work of government is not to give palliatives; the work of government is to develop an environment where people will be able to earn a living on their own.

“End insecurity and people will be able to unleash their potential. The work of government is not giving palliatives, it is simply destroying the dignity of the people and making the people look beggarly. By giving them palliatives, you are destroying their capacity and ability and making them more dependent. By that, the government becomes more condescending.

“Palliative is a temporary phenomenon to solve a problem that is not human-made like flood, drought, fire, earthquake or other hazards which are made by nature.

"The Nigerian problem is not something caused by nature like drought, earthquake or fire. It is man-made. Do we need to amend the Constitution to get these problems solved? The answer is no.

"Why do you stock a warehouse where there is hardship, misery, hunger, and food locked up there? So why don't you open the door of that misery, of that agony where misery and hunger are locked up perpetually?

“So palliative is not part of the government's duties at all. Palliative is given only to people whose natural disaster has destroyed their livelihood - their business. But in Nigeria, giving palliative is deliberate; it is a weapon to make the people dependent on the system. Create the necessary environment and there will be development. If the necessary environment is created, no one will need any so-called palliative," Lamido added.

Leadership Bane of Nigeria at all Levels, Says Obasanjo

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that leadership is the bane of Nigeria, stressing that if the country could get its leadership right at every level, all other things would work.

Obasanjo said the country was plagued at all levels by selfcentered leadership that lacked knowledge and understanding.

He urged Nigerians to change, embrace and enthrone responsive,

responsible and transformational leadership at every level if they wanted the desired good governance and better country to become realities.

The elder statesman spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital at the 2024 edition of the Leadership Empowerment International Conference (LEIC) and conferment of Doctor of Leadership (D.L) and Doctor of Theology (D.Th) awards on some Nigerians by a South

African-based Immanuel Theology Institute International in conjunction with Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative Inc (PLDI) based in Nigeria.

Two former Ogun State Commissioners, Mr. Anthony Ojeshina, and Hon. Dele Obadina as well as erstwhile Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Joju Fadairo; Founder, Penpushing Media, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji and 16 other notable personalities

were conferred with honorary Doctorate awards at the occasion.

Obasanjo commended the International Coordinator of Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative incorporated, Prof. Olusesi Obateye, and President of the South Africa – based institute, Prof. Van Den Berg Edward Alfred for recognising and encouraging some Nigerians with leadership capacities.

“There is no end to leadership

and service to your community until you breathe the last. And you can never be too old to be a leader and to give something to the community in which you lead and serve as a leader, to serve your state, your country, the continent and the world.

“And if you asked me in one word, what is the bane of Nigeria today? I will not think about it twice. I will say it is leadership. Leadership that is self-centred; leadership that

is deficit of knowledge and understanding and leadership that does not see service as the centrepiece of what leadership is all about.

“If we can get the leadership right, we will get all other things right. That is what Prof. Olusesi Obateye is doing and is commendable and very good. We must encourage and inculcate good leadership into every level of our national life,” Obasanjo said.

TIGHTENING THE NOOSE ON SMUGGLERS…

Obi Demands Concerted Action against Rising Insecurity, Hardship in Nigeria

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has called for collective action against the deteriorating insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria.

Reacting to the incessant cases of abduction and killings across the states of the country, Obi said: “We cannot continue living like this.”

The LP chieftain who made the call in a statement on X yesterday, stated that a war should be declared on massive insecurity and other ills that were affecting the society.

He cited recent kidnappings in Edo, Benue, and Anambra States among others as one incident too many, stressing that the time called for bold action to build a safer society.

Obi wrote, “When I say we should declare war on

Strike: Kaduna Doctors Give Govt 10-day Ultimatum to Rescue Colleague

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Zaria chapter of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), has given the Kaduna State government and security agencies a 10-day ultimatum for the unconditional release of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola.

The doctors vowed to embark on an industrial action if their request was not met within the period.

The association’s President, Dr. Suleiman Isah Adah, and Secretary, Dr. Jimoh Aminat, stated this at the weekend during a press conference at ABUTH.

“We can’t guarantee industrial harmony if, by the 26th of August, she is not released or rescued,” they said.

Dr. Popoola, a mother of five and medical practitioner at the National Eye Care Kaduna, was abducted along with her husband and a visiting nephew, Abdul-Mughniy Folaranmi when bandits raided the staff quarters of the hospital on December 27, 2023. Popoola’s husband was however subsequently released due to his deteriorating health condition, after meeting the demands of the abductors.

NICArb Re-elects Fabian Ajogwu as President, Appoints New Governing Council Members

Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, has been re-elected as the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb).

His re-election was officially announced during the Institute’s 2024 Annual General Me eting in Lagos. A statement issued by the Institute explained that his re-election was due to an impactful first term characterised by enhanced capacity

development for members and a greater membership drive.

Ajogwu assumed leadership of the institute in 2021, following the retirement of former president, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN.

The Institute also approved the re-election of eight Governing Council members namely Damian Dodo, SAN, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, Jude Nnodum SAN, Mike Igbokwe, SAN, Omoruyi Omonuwa, SAN, Mrs. Priscilla Ogwemoh, Adebayo Adenipekun, SAN, and Mrs. Oshodi-John as Registrar/ Chief Executive Officer.

the economy, power, and insecurity, some people spin the narrative, while others complain. But what else can we do?

“In the last 24 hours, several people have been kidnapped across Nigeria, including about 20 dental students from

Maiduguri and Jos in Benue State.

“An Anambra State Commissioner and his wife were abducted in Edo State, and others travelling with them were killed. These are just a few of the many tragic incidents happening across the country,”

Obi added.

The former governor of Anambra State insisted that a united front would help the society tackle the security and economic challenges.

He added: “We cannot continue living like this. It’s time for bold action, collective resolve, and a united front against these challenges.

“We must declare war on this massive insecurity and other ills that threaten our society and work tirelessly to build a safer, more prosperous, and just society for all,” he added.

FG to Present Bill on Regulation of Crypto Currency to National Assembly

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has revealed that the federal government would forward a bill on the regulation of cryptocurrency to the National Assembly.

Adedeji made this revelation yesterday in Lagos during the 2024 “Stakeholders’ Engagement with the Senate and House Committees on Finance” with the theme “Repositioning the FIRS to Achieve Its Mandate.”

He said: “In September, we are bringing a law that will overhaul the whole process of revenue administration in Nigeria, including simplifying the tax law that we have.

“For example, the Stamp Duty Act was a 1939 legislation when there was no internet. So, we need to bring it to date.

“Today, we cannot run away from cryptocurrency.

But as we are here today, there is no law anywhere in Nigeria that regulates cryptocurrency.

But it is the new thing that is happening and we cannot run away from them.

“The first thing is to have a law that regulates it in such a way that is not injurious to the economic development of Nigeria,” he said.

The executive chairman of the FIRS also commended the members of the joint committee on finance for the favourable impacts of legislations that were passed by the National Assembly, especially those that

mandated the MDAs to remit 50 per cent of their revenues. He said that the passage of the Windfall Bill would increase the FIRS’ ability to meet its target, bring more revenue, and redistribute the wealth.

“Also, considering what you have done in the MDAs to make sure that we have 50 per cent of all the MDAs collected as revenue. The kind of innovation that the National Assembly has brought has helped the federal government and I have to appreciate you.

UNICAL Once Mobilised a Bread Seller for NYSC, DG Alleges

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed has accused the University of Calabar (UNICAL) of mobilising a bread seller for the national service scheme.

Ahmed made the allegation in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the Director of Information and

Public Relations, Mr. Eddy Megwa.

According to Ahmed, the demobilisation of candidates was in line with the scheme’s continuous efforts to prevent unqualified graduates from getting the NYSC Certificate of National Service.

He said the demobilised candidates would be prosecuted accordingly.

Ahmed said another 19 candidates who initially registered

online for mobilisation were prevented from service, while four certificates of national service for other culprits were not produced by the scheme.

“This is in addition to the earlier 101 certificates that were recently voided by the scheme, making a total of 178”, he said.

The DG commended the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Florence Obi, for her forthrightness in hinting at

NYSC on the mobilisation of unqualified graduates from the institution.

“The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar came here to report that she observed some names appearing on the institution’s list and they ought not to have been there.

“She checked the list the school gave us and I told her that their certificates would be invalidated. I give kudos to the vice-chancellor.

13 Passengers Rescued from Kidnappers in Kwara

About 13 passengers reportedly kidnapped by suspected kidnappers along Obbo-Osi Road in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have been rescued by men of the vigilante groups.

Already, one of the passengers who sustained serious injuries

during the attack has been hospitalised in one of the hospitals in Osi town.

The incident, according to THISDAY checks happened around 3.00 p.m on Friday when the bus conveying the passengers was coming from Abuja, en route to Ilorin.

It was gathered that the

suspected kidnappers were said to have intercepted the bus at gunpoint and attacked all the occupants inside it and were later moved into the bush along Obbo-Osi Road.

Sources added that on getting the information of the kidnapping of the passengers, men of the Vigilante groups in the area were said to

have mobilised themselves into the bush and pursued the suspected kidnappers until the passengers were rescued.

It was further learnt that, during the operation, one of the passengers was said to have been shot by the kidnappers in the leg and was hurriedly taken out of the bush for medical attention.

Kyari Propels Nigeria Towards $1tn Economy as Strategic Projects Boost Oil Production By

60,000bpd

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, is spearheading transformative initiatives in Nigeria’s energy sector which have bolstered the country’s drive towards a $1trillion economy by 2027.

Energy security is a cornerstone for economic powerhouses like the United States ($26.9tn), China ($17.7tn), Japan ($4.4tn), and Germany ($4.1tn).

The United Nations Development Programme recently underscored this, stating, “Adequate global energy supplies, for the world as a whole as well as for individual countries, are essential for sustainable development, proper functioning of the economy, and human well-being,”

Nigeria’s journey towards this ambitious economic target has faced significant hurdles, with crude oil output plummeting to 900,000 barrels per day in late 2022 due to theft, pipeline vandalism, and inadequate metering.

Kyari’s strategic response involved establishing a joint task force comprising the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the military, and local communities to combat the challenges.

This concerted effort has yielded impressive results. By July 2024, Nigeria’s oil production, including condensates, surged to 1.53 million barrels per day – a 70% increase that restored the country’s status as Africa’s leading oil producer.

The resurgence enabled the delivery of 32 million barrels of crude oil to domestic refineries, including the soonto-be-operational Dangote and Port Harcourt refineries as well as the SeplatWPSOL Refinery, Warri Refinery and Waltersmith Refinery, among others

A breakdown of the data from the NUPRC shows nine refineries have benefitted from the 32,088,122 barrels of crude as Dangote alone enjoyed 29,047,098 barrels out of the total supply between January to June 2024.

The Warri Refinery received 949,670 barrels; NDPR-NDPR Refinery got 823,395 barrels of crude; the Port Harcourt Refinery received 471,123 barrels; Seplat-WPSOL Refinery was allocated 419,541 barrels while WaltersmithWSPOL Refinery got 296,353 barrels. Other beneficiaries were Edo Refinery that got 58,504 barrels of crude and Duport Refinery that was supplied 22,438 barrels of crude.

This is a giant step in ensuring sufficient energy to support the $1tn economy target of the monetary and fiscal authorities.

Kyari’s leadership has also facilitated crucial financial support for key projects. Notably, NNPCL’s intervention saved First E&P from financial distress, enabling the development of the MaduAnyala fields, which now contribute 60,000 barrels per day to national production.

In a recent confession, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of First E&P, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, disclosed that the NNPCL rescued his company from financial abyss, to deliver the 60,000 bpd Madu-Anyala fields.

“When we finally put the development plan in place, we were looking for about $725m to develop Anyala and

Madu fields,” Adeyemi-Bero said in an interview with Africa Oil+Gas Report.

The two fields are a pair of undeveloped discoveries in oil mining leases (OMLs) 83 & 85, which First E&P purchased from Chevron in 2015. OMLs 83 & 85 are located in shallow water, offshore central Niger Delta.

He disclosed, “At that time, you may have heard that we were talking to a multinational oilfield services company which was supposed to help with financials. We closed that deal but a few months after, the company stepped back and said they could not do it. Not because the project was not viable, but there was a change of policy at their head office. The company was supposed to finance the joint venture, our 40 per share, and NNPC’s 60 per cent share.

“They looked at our plan, and they liked the fact that we have done it up to the finance and when the multinational oilfield services company stepped back, we didn’t have the money and to raise money in financing was challenging at that time.

“So NNPC said ‘First E&P, we’ve looked at this plan, we believe in this; how much do you need to bring the first field on stream?’ We told them. And they said go ahead, we would fund it 100 per cent; they had never done that before.

“Even in terms of our deal with the multinational oilfield services company, they said

‘don’t take the contracting away; leave it with them because they can do the work for you.”

When fuel subsidies that deprived Nigeria of at least N400bn monthly were removed, fuel prices jumped from about N170 to nearly N700 as of August but Kyari in line with its mandate to ensure energy security for Nigerians based on the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 immediately began to establish partnerships for the development of CNG stations to provide Nigerians a very cheap fuel.

In response to the rising fuel costs following subsidy removal, Kyari championed the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cheaper, cleaner alternative to petrol.

The Presidential CNG initiative, a partnership between NNPC and NIPCO Gas, aims to establish 35 CNG stations nationwide, with 12 already operational.

Prof. Olu Ajakaiye, Director of the African Centre for Share Development, noted the importance of energy security in achieving the $1tn economy goal.

Ajakaiye told THE WHISTLER that increasing output, CNG projects and the AKK Pipeline projects among other projects, is vital in achieving a $1tn goal. He explained that no economy can grow to that extent without considering energy security.

He said, “If there is going to be growth to $1trillion, it must happen in 49 sectors and these sectors have direct or indirect need for cheap energy. Attempts to increase output from N1.2-1.3 million barrels to near the OPEC quota will be a major initia-

tive because it will give more revenue to government and foreign exchange which can then be used to finance the import requirements of all sectors from agriculture to education.

“Oil production and the management of the consequential inflow is a major step to achieving a $1tn economy. To get to $1trillion, we must double the size of the GDP and that requires a massive growth rate between now and 2027. Improving output and investment in CNG and gas projects is important.

“If the AKK project is delivered, that will be used to generate energy for the economy and it will be another plus. Although this alone can’t give a $1trillion economy, it can do a lot to deliver cheap energy, power industries and generate electricity for the country if we have proper thermal plants that use gas.”

According to the professor, the Nigerian economy is a high-cost economy but he believes that cheap energy as targeted by the NNPCL will drive down the cost of production and make the economy more competitive.

Another significant project under Kyari’s purview is the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, a 614 km infrastructure set to boost natural gas transportation across Nigeria by early 2025.

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun lauded the AKK Gas pipeline as the pipeline of prosperity adding, “The AKK Gas Pipeline is crucial for this administration and its delivery is in line with Mr. President’s strategy of bringing prosperity to the people.”

BUSINESS

Editor: Festus Akanbi

08038588469 Email:[email protected]

Unsettled Debate on Nigeria’s FX Windfall Tax

reduced investment and competitiveness, writes Festus Akanbi

The controversies triggered by the introduction of a 70 per cent windfall tax on banks persisted last week with analysts and stakeholders in the nation’s banking industry weighing the pros and cons of the new tax policy.

On July 17, the National Assembly said President Bola Tinubu requested the amendment of the 2023 Finance Act to impose a one-time windfall tax of 50 per cent on banks’ FX gains last year.

Tinubu said the windfall tax will be used and healthcare, among others.

The National Assembly passed the bill on Tuesday and increased the windfall tax to 70 per cent, with retroactive application from January 1, 2023.

by banks in 2023, largely because of foreign currency-revaluation gains related to the Nigerian naira’s massive devaluation of 37% in June 2023.

The tax is in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s September 2023 policy prohibiting banks from using foreign currency-relateddends.

Analysts say a chain of actions including the straight interest rate hikes from monetary authorities, the corresponding increase in banks’ interest rates, and two devaluation rounds executed between June 2023 and now, have caused assets held by banks in foreign currencies to balloon to record levels.

They explained that the current revenue challenge being experienced by the government and the need to enhance debt sustainability have triggered this windfall tax response despite its initial commitment not to introduce new taxes.

According to them, the question that has always arisen is how the government wouldlion (4% of GDP) considering the inability of minimum crude oil production of 1.78 million barrels per day.

As of June, the daily production was 1.5 million barrels, inclusive of 220,000 condensates (which does not form part of the OPEC quota).

The irony of the situation is that while bank vaults are brimming, many businesses including multinationals are shutting down their Nigerian operations as a result of pressures from currency devaluation and their exposure to foreign-denominated loans.

As expected, opinions are divided over the appropriateness of the FX Windfall Tax, as analysts weigh the pros and cons of the new legislation.

Redistributing Gains

For example, on Wednesday, Magnus the windfall tax by stating that tougher laws and policies may be required to meet the issues created by the banks’ enormous earnings. According to him, this could be been introduced through the amendment of the Finance Act 2023.

Managing Director/Chief Executive OfMr. Idakolo Gabriel Gbolade, who shared Onyibe’s view, described the FX windfall tax as a policy aimed at boosting the revenue of the federal government due to the FX policy implemented to deregulate the FX market. He insisted that the policy greatly increased

ciary of the policy.

However, he told THISDAY that by international best practices, increased to taxation.

“The windfall tax will assist the federal government in shoring up needed attention to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and other related activities to boost the economy. The banking sector windfall and is reluctant to tax their

Although he admitted that “This windfall tax is coming at a period when the banks are preparing for would have helped them to easily navigate the recapitalisation hurdle”, he nevertheless said that the windfall tax is a legitimate demand by the government and that the banking

sector as a responsible corporate citizen needs to contribute its quota to assist the country to overcome the various economic

Some analysts believe that the FX Windfall Tax will do more harm to the banks than good given the circumstances they have found themselves.

Between Legitimacy and Timing

Speaking with THISDAY last week, a development economist and a faculty member of the Pan Atlantic University, Dr. Bongo Adi, said although the federal government from the banking sector to the economy, it is unfair to slam such a tax on banks which are doing all things possible to meet the new capital threshold put in place by the regulatory authorities.

“Banks are facing the issue of recapitalisation, which is a big issue for them. It doesn’t make sense to ask banks to look for money for a new capital base and at the same time attempt to take away the ones they have, It’s like a punishment,” he said.

He said the focus on banks’ gains from currency devaluation is going to be a discouragement to investors.

According to him, “for the sake of economic growth, the CBN will need to rethink the policy. It should be arrived at by all the stakeholders.”

The university lecturer agreed that banks as extraordinary, however, he blamed the authorities for encouraging banks to take advantage of their customers.

He wondered why the authorities could not checkmate banks from excess charges saying rather than go after their extraordiregulation and put in place an institutional process to prevent banks from frustrating their customers with excessive charges and deductions.

BDAN: 70% Windfall Tax Burdensome

Interestingly, the banks’ Board of Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN) adopted a

conciliatory stance last week, calling for a dialogue with the government to arrive at a mutually acceptable position on the issue of FX Windfall Tax.

A statement from the association after its board meeting on Monday said that while they respect the intentions of the government in making the decision, it had concerns about the magnitude of the levy, its timing and the ambiguities surrounding its implementation.

The chairman of the association, Mustafa Chike-Obi, who signed the statement said, “While the imposition of this windfall tax appears to be a response to the current economic climate, we suggest that a 70 per cent tax rate is excessively burdensome and ill-timed, particularly considering the ongoing bank -

tion within the banking sector, ultimately to our customers and the broader economy.

“Moreover, we believe that it is vital for all stakeholders in the banking sector to have been consulted before the enactment of such Open dialogue and negotiation are essential to ensure that policies are both equitable and

The association said its primary concern lies in the ambiguities of the language in this amendment which leaves critical questions unanswered, “such as, whether the windfall tax will be implemented as a Total Tax charge on banks, incorporating other taxes already levied such as Company Income tax, Tertiary Education Tax, National Information Developon what constitutes ‘FX transactions’ to be taxed and the treatment of banks that may incur losses rather than gains during this period. We urge the government to provide clear guidelines to avoid further uncertainty.”

The truth is that the success of any goveconomy, will largely depend on the ability to carry all the stakeholders along, hence the need for dialogue between the government and the banking community stakeholders over the 70 per cent FX Windfall Tax imposed on banks.

MANAGING THE IMAGE OF THE PRESIDENT

Presidential spokesman AJURI NGELALE is representing Nigerian youth well, reckons SERIKI ADINOYI

Of the many challenging jobs around the presidency, the one that is perhaps most intriguing is managing the image of the President and indeed communicating him appropriately to the public. On many occasions, when you deserve applause, you are instead considered a propagandist who is merely playing to the gallery rather than exercising real influence.

It is even worse when you make mistakes. They are quickly spotted by many experienced eagle eyes out there whose only duty is perhaps to see where you slip off the delicate turf and criticize you.

This is what Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman has been able to wade through in the past one year. His case has particularly been daunting considering the policy direction of his principal which is seen by many as unpopular, and one that has brought hardship on the people.

His appointment wasn’t particularly a popular one considering that, of all President’s media men since the return of democracy in 1999, Ngelale is arguably the youngest not only in age but also in cognate experience and broad network expected of a potential presidential spokesman.

Critics have argued that such position is neither for media neophytes nor novitiates to gamble with considering that the margins of error in the job are very thin. Their fears were not unfounded considering the calibre of persons in whose shoes Ngelale stepped into. But after one year on the job, the man has proven to be a very fast learner. He has not only flourished in his brief as Presidential spokesman and won the confidence of his principal, but the confident in him is significant enough to earn him an additional beat as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC) where he has joined in deepening collaboration with critical stakeholders.

The brief which was added to him at the end of the month of May has also witnessed his significant impacts where he has done quite some international moving around, meeting personalities in private and public sectors, and trying to get the best benefits for Nigeria.

President Tinubu was after all right in his choice of Ngelale. His confidence in him was not misplaced having effectively communicated him without necessarily attacking anyone.

With Ngelale’s performance, the President is even now more committed to tapping the energy and vibrancy of Nigerian youth. He is now more convinced that the youth has the capacity to cope with emerging development that his government is seriously diving into.

The spokesman is not about to relent as he speaks on his readiness for the years ahead. He recently said, “One year ago Spokesperson of the President. It has

enables me to continue to serve to the best without encumbrance. I am looking forward to greater challenges ahead in the role as the years go on.

Speaking on his additional beat as Special Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Ngelale said, “I was honoured to have exchanged views with UN DSG, Her Excellency Amina Mohammed at UN HQ, as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, deepening collaboration with critical stakeholders on these existential matters is top priority.”

Ngelale’s performance has of course, open more doors for the youths as it has spurred the President to believe more in the capacity of the youth to deliver on their roles. He has now engaged more of them in various vital positions of trust.

A typical instance is the recent appointment of Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, a 39-year-old brilliant scholar as the Director-General/ Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

A statement from the State House said, “In accordance with his commitment to actualize Nigeria’s green industrial vision, boost investor confidence, and unlock sustainable economic value through various climate finance instruments, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in interim capacity, pending the confirmation of her appointment by the NCCC Supervisory Council.

“The President has also approved that Dr. Maduekwe, 39, who holds a Bachelor of Law degree; a Master’s degree in Environmental Law & Policy from the University of Dundee (UK), and a Doctorate degree in Law from the University of Hull (UK), is to serve as the Co-Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP).”

Maduekwe has over 15 years of national and international experience in climate policy development and project implementation. She previously served as Nigeria National Coordinator, Climate Parliament.

Climate Parliament is an international, multi-partisan network of legislators working worldwide to help solve the climate crisis and accelerate the transition to renewable energy. She was also the legal adviser to the NCCC Director-General.

As further testament to the President renewed belief in the youth, he also approved the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, 40, as his Senior Special Assistant on Climate Finance & Stakeholder Engagement.

Shelleng is seconded to the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, where he handles all matters related to Climate Finance & Stakeholder/Donor Relations. Shelleng is to assume the position of Secretary of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP) and serve as a member of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, as well as the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

As a holder of a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Shelleng has served in leading roles across multiple financial institutions, and was Head of Business Development for the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company PLC (NMRC) before his appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President.

How about Mr. Olamide Fagbuji, 44, who has also been appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations, Office of the President.

AUSTIN ISIKHUEMEN writes that the campaign is throwing up the good and the ugly

EDO: BATTLE FOR GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Politics is an interesting game. In Edo State it has been doubly so. Politics brings out the hidden contours of the real character of the players. It is not politics that is a dirty game as some folks wrongly assert. It is the players’ dirty ugliness to get unraveled and is mistaken for politics. Silhouettes that were hitherto subject to misinterpretation get seen in vivid colours when subjected to political contestation the Nigerian style.

A gubernatorial candidate campaigned with a plan to bring Shoprite (actually a shopping mall with the ShopRite franchise as a shop among several others) in 2007. To convince the people of Edo State that this shopping experience only available in Lagos and Port Harcourt as at then, was coming home to Edo, a swampy parcel of land was designated for its construction. A huge billboard with the candidate’s portrait was installed at the site. No one driving to the Niger Delta from Benin City or returning to the City could miss this landmark that promised a tantalizing shopping experience.

That candidate, who later spent eight full years as Governor, completed his second tenure in 2016. He left the project that Edo people were promised undone. The only progress made was the erection of that massive subterfuge of a billboard by Dumez Road junction on Sapele Road. There is no better monument to deception and affront to a people’s sensibility and memory. That swamp is still there today. The only beneficiaries are the winner who used that deceit stratagem and the massive toads that croak eerily there at night.

Mr. Godwin Obaseki (now His Excellency) never promised to build a “shoprite” in 2016. He has built a beautiful Benin City Mall, inclusive of an impressive digital library, along the same Sapele Road at a location easily accessible to all opposite. The Mall has since opened for business. It is a beautiful edifice to behold. Aesthetically finished, laid out with functionality and shopper experience as key consideration, the parking lot and general ambience is a shoppers’ paradise in Benin City. It adds to the general environmental uplift of the former Sapele Road rusty look with the Obaseki touch that starts from the former Central Hospital all the way down to the Murtala Mohammed Way roundabout.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former Governor of Edo State, former national Labour Leader, current seating ‘distinguished’ Senator of the Federal Republic representing Edo State in the national legislative upper house. His own “shoprite” legacy is the billboard on Sapele Road. He is the one threatening to kill Shoprite should it dare to move into their paid for and legally allocated section of the Benin City Mall. It is this sort of unilateral contract breach that just led to the embarrassing seizure of three Nigerian Presidential aircraft, including one bought without appropriation, in a foreign land. The man issuing this threat is not the one running to be the next Governor at whose campaign this threat was issued. The one running didn’t say so himself, at least to our hearing. His megaphone did.

This threat is unsettling for several reasons:

One, all governments, both federal and subnational, are desperately craving and taking actions to woo foreign investors and Edo State under the current government has attracted so many in the power sector, Agric space, petroleum refining, tech, hospitality and commerce exemplified by the coming of the Shoprite franchise and the Radisson brand. Why scare them now? In whose interest?

Two, the young and old, especially the youth of Edo State have welcomed this massive mall. This is in addition to a few others like Market Square and others springing up on Irhirhi road, Ikpoba Slope, Ugbowo, Ikpoba Hill and other areas. The lifestyle changes the mall shopping represents may be unacceptable to some leaders who want to be the

only ones entitled to experience them in their government estacode-funded globetrotting. The rest of us are citizens too.

Three, such a typical mall employs a huge number of people. Managers, shop assistants, monitors, security staff, caterers, CCTV operators, computer experts, maintenance technicians, cleaners and several others. Could the distinguished Senator be unaware that the last nationwide protest was about hunger brought about by unemployment and unbearable inflation? This may well be so because in a TV show where he featured, he argued truculently that the protest was about regime change and had nothing to do with hunger.

Four, could it be a sign of the times that a former national labour leader, who Governor Obaseki built and named a massive Labour House in his honour recently in April, 2024 has lost touch with need for employment for the masses? This Mall that has already employed hundreds of mostly young people and many more in the pipeline should be closed so as to assuage the ego of someone who failed to build one where Obaseki succeeded? Should those young people be thrown into unemployment to increase the idle hands that can be lured into the devil’s workshop?

Five, one of the candidates in the scheduled 21 September 2024 gubernatorial election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has made employment and attraction of investors a key part of his manifesto. Even in his forays to foreign lands to meet with Edos in Diaspora, his promise has been that he will provide a conducive environment for private businesses to thrive. He appeals to them to come home and invest to provide jobs and make good returns on their investment. This is being countered vehemently by the “spokesmouth” of one of the candidates with a threat to evict even those already here!

Is distinguished Oshiobaba aware at all that he is not on the ballot and, like in 2020, he is becoming an albatross again? Can Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu please remind him that these scaremongering did not work then and will not work now. It is the height of disrespect to think that Edo voters will accept any proposition, no matter how outlandish, preposterous and self-serving and choose the leader who so proposes as their next governor.

I can posit that had Senator Oshiomole promised us that he will leave the old state library leaking, walls cracked and pillars giving way, flooded and without books, we would not have elected him. If he had told us he would kill Edo Line that had been there since the first republic as Midwest line, that he would leave the Ministry of Education burnt, kill Uromi Cassavita and Ehor Fruit juice factory and the employment these would have provided, perhaps he would not have become the executive governor of Edo State.

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email [email protected]

FORGERY AND THE EDUCATION SECTOR

The authorities must do more to tackle the fraud in the system. It’s sullying the integrity of the sector

The allegation by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that some tertiary institutions are aiding candidates to falsify records for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation is worrying.

“The board has discovered widespread and unwholesome practices whereby some institutions were colluding with candidates to falsify vital records, such as backdated year of entry and subsequent age adjustments, to enable participation of fake candidates” in the NYSC scheme, JAMB Director of Admissions, Mohammed Bolaji, wrote in a letter to vice-chancellors, provosts and registrars of tertiary institutions in the country. With the recent decision by the federal government to set the minimum age for university admissions at 18 years, JAMB has also revealed “an alarming avalanche of obviously false affidavits and an upsurge of doctored upward age adjustments on NIN slips being submitted to upgrade recorded age.”

Given the disruption to the lives of students who are already programmed to complete secondary school by the age of 16 or 17, the unfortunate development of age falsification is driven by the reckless manner policies are driven in Nigeria. In most countries, at least three to four years would be allowed for adjustment, but this policy was to be implemented immediately before the public uproar that pushed it till next year. Even next year does not address the problem. What are the plans for those students? Should they just sit at home until they reach age 18? That perhaps explains the problem identified by JAMB, but it odes not excuse it.

countries after an undercover journalist detailed how he acquired a degree from a university in the neighbouring Benin Republic under two months, and was subsequently deployed for the NYSC scheme.

After listing the universities described as ‘Degree Mills’, the NUC Executive Secretary warned: “For the avoidance of doubt, anybody who patronises institutions does so at his or her own risk.” That a thriving educational racket has been created in Nigeria is no longer in doubt. From Republic of Benin to Togo have recruited agents in Nigeria who offer admissions and award bogus degrees in what has become a very lucrative enterprise. Without travelling out of the country, people just part with money and the middlemen who engage in this sordid enterprise will confer an avalanche of

That a thriving educational racket has been created in Nigeria is no longer in doubt. From Republic of Benin to Togo and other African countries, certificate entrepreneurs have recruited agents in Nigeria who offer admissions and award bogus degrees in what has become a very lucrative enterprise

SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

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Meanwhile, these reports about forgery in a sector as important as education are very damaging. Last week, the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, indicted the University of Calabar for the “fraudulent” mobilisation of 99 persons and issuing letters of exemptions for two others during the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Service Years. Earlier in the year, the National Universities Commission (NUC) listed 58 illegal universities or satellite campuses operating in the country, with a warning that certificates obtained from them will not be recognised for the purposes of NYSC mobilisation, employment, and further studies. The revelation followed the suspension of degree

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‘graduates’ are easily mobilised for the NYSC programme which then confers further legitimacy on what are no more than fake credentials.

Unfortunately, the educational sector in the country has for long been replete with unwholesome practices and the media cannot be exonerated from this national parade of shame. When politicians and business people arrange for some of these dubious take photographs, and journalists immediately begin to address them by these bogus labels- ‘Professor’, ‘Doctor’, ‘Engineer,’ etc. Soon it becomes a manner of speaking, and the rest is added on. Such is the level of decay in the system that when an ordinary Nigerian walks into a hospital, chances are that the ‘doctor’ on fake pharmacists whose prescriptions are often fatal for hospital patients to fake teachers whose pupils are candidates for failure to fake journalists who write to blackmail, it is now difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake professionals in the country.

Authorities in the education sector must work with the security agencies to deal with this growing problem that puts a question mark on the integrity of academic qualifications in Nigeria.

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

LETTERS

NIGERIA AND THE PARIS OLYMPICS’ DEBACLE

Nigeria duly served up a disaster class at the just concluded Paris Olympics failing to pick up a medal of any sorts and ensuring that the country’s drought of medals in recent years flared into a full-blown famine.

While the so-called Giant of Africa froze before the Olympic podium in every sport it participated in, supposedly ‘lesser’ African countries feasted on medals — about nine gold medals in all. Of particular note was Botswana’s 21-year-old Leslie Tebogo who ran a blistering 19.46s to obliterate Noah Llyes of the United States and take home the gold medal in the men’s 200 metres events, becoming the first African to do so.

Based on the showing at the Olympic games, does the lore of the ‘Giant of Africa’ breathe only on paper? It would appear so. While different individual sports serve up different competitions with football climaxing

in the World Cup and tennis in grand slams, the Olympic games is a different stage all together, standing head and shoulders above any other. Any doubt about the superiority of the Olympic games to competitions in any individual sport was dismissed by legendary Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic. After dismissing his 21-year-old opponent, Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, to clinch the gold medal in men’s tennis, Djokovic, whose trophy cabinet boasts a record 24 grand slams, declared the Olympic gold his biggest achievement.

The games come around every four years and the medal table Is always a tight race between China and the United States of America. The forbidding intensity of the games preclude the spectacle of the ‘accidental winner.’ Though not impossible, rarely does it happen that an athlete makes the podium without putting in years of work running

up to the games. For many athletes, despite punishing preparations and super organised supporting structures in their respective countries, tears often offer the final tributes.

So, it is no surprise that the Nigerian contingent to the games came back with hands and necks barer than when they left. In fact, it would have been a genuine surprise if Nigeria had won a medal in any event, not to talk of a gold medal. When it mattered, celebrated Nigerian athletes like Tobi Amusan and Blessing Ofili came up as gassed as geese.How could they not?

It would defy nature for bitter leaf shrubs to sprout basil leaves, and Nigeria is not used to such defiance. The country is more comfortable with the spectre of soldiers defying protesters to dare death by protesting against bad governance. Years of disgraceful dysfunction have stymied sports development in Nigeria. While the country has huffed and puffed to

no avail in many sports, football and athletics which the country considers its strong points have yielded very little returns. Nigeria’s U-23 team did not even make the Olympic Games where their African contemporaries in Egypt and Morocco had strong runs. The women’s football team which is a household name in Africa managed to qualify for the games before crashing to three consecutive defeats in the group stage.

Corruption and a nauseating lack of planning remains the bane of sports development in Nigeria. Many sports administrators prefer to shortchange Nigerians than concentrate on repositioning individual sports. The result is that the country is usually brutally exposed as when the stakes are highest such as at the Olympics, for no matter how much bitter leaves look like Basil leaves, the test will be in the eating.

Ike Willie-Nwobu, [email protected]

Abena Appiah From Pageantry to Nollywood

From age three, Abena Appiah was inclined to conquer the world of beauty pageants. And conquer she did, winning both local and international titles, culminating in a historic victory as the first Black woman to win Miss Grand International. Now, Appiah is ready to claim a different kind of crown as she debuts in Nollywood, starring in a new film directed by Mildred Okwo, writes Vanessa Obioha.

You can thrive really fast in Nollywood if

“

She is like a vault, open and soaking in every bit of knowledge.”

These were the words of acclaimed Nollywood director Mildred Okwo, who recently described Abena Appiah, the multi-talented Ghanaian queen, during a chat.

Appiah takes on the lead role in Okwo’s upcoming film, ‘On Different Grounds,’ marking her Nollywood debut. While she’s no stranger to the screen, having appeared in productions like the Netflix series ‘A Taste of Sin’—where she played May, the materialistic wife of Rev. Kwesi Todd (portrayed by Majid Michel)— this role is her first leading part in Nollywood.

Appiah is a woman of many layers, each revealing something new and surprising. Beyond her beauty queen title, she is also a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, skilled in playing the ukulele, guitar, clarinet, and flute. Her talent has taken her far, even featuring in music videos for the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Gucci Mane. Yet, her first love remains beauty pageants. From the tender age of three, she was groomed to be a model and queen, driven by a passion fueled by her distinct sense of self.

“Growing up, I always had a strange feeling that I was so different,” she said from her Los Angeles home in the United States.

A part of that difference was later traced to her mother’s Filipino heritage, sparking a curiosity that led her to visit the Philippines in 2019 after winning Miss Earth Ghana. During her stay, she trained with the Kagandahang Flores camp, a Philippines-based pageant camp that trains aspiring beauty queens for local and international pageant modelling camps. There, she immersed herself in Filipino culture as part of her preparation for the Philippines-based Miss Earth pageant.

“They were just so welcoming and loving. My motto is whenever you go to any country, you need to at least learn a bit about their culture so that you can fit in and show that kind of respect. So, I literally went down with the people. I was eating street food, I was learning their culture, I was speaking the way they speak, I was dressing the way they dressed and they kinda embraced me.”

This approach wasn’t just about cultural appreciation; it was strategic, aimed at winning the Miss Earth crown.

“For them to feel comfortable to crown a girl that’s not Filipino, I need to show them that I’m willing to learn because I was learning to be a global ambassador, so why not learn their culture so that they can see that in me? That’s what pushed me to actually learn their culture and they fell in love with me. And you know what, even though I didn’t win that crown, I won the hearts of the people. And that was what was so important for me.”

But Appiah’s journey was not without challenges, particularly concerning her appearance. She faced bullying from a young age, struggling to understand why she was targeted.

“Kids laugh at people, they tease people, but then I had a problem accepting that. I didn’t understand why,” she said. “We travelled a lot between America and Europe, and when we go to America, they tease me and call me black monkey, but when I come to Ghana, they call me Kwame Nkrumah because of my forehead. I never understood why they would laugh at my forehead so much.”

Her mother’s encouragement played a crucial role in helping her build confidence and pride in herself.

“My mum always told me that I’m different; I’m a mixture of so many different things and I’m beautiful. She used to make me say these words.

I’ll stand in front of the mirror, and then I’ll have to say, ‘You’re beautiful. You’re amazing. You are who you are. I love you…’ and things like that, to encourage and motivate myself.”

Those affirmations helped her embrace her looks and identity, ultimately inspiring her to become an anti-bullying advocate. With her mother’s guidance - enrolling her in extracurricular activities, taking her to girl camps, and introducing her to a modelling coach - Appiah found spaces where she belonged and learned to love herself. By age six, she competed in her first pageant and instantly fell in love with the experience.

“I loved it so much that we started having more training to hone my skills.”

In 2020, Appiah decided to retire from beauty pageants, but not before one last achievement: winning a top international crown for her mother. Miss Grand International, one of the world’s most prestigious pageants, became her final stage. The pressure was immense, as the victory meant more than personal success.

“I had so much pressure because I wanted to prove to the world that I can do it. It doesn’t matter if I have natural hair; it doesn’t matter the colour of my skin. All I need to do is to stand on that stage and show people who I truly am and then become that role model for other girls that look like me to know that they can do whatever they put their mind to.”

Appiah not only became the first Black woman to win Miss Grand USA but also Miss Grand International. True to her word, she stepped down in 2022, purchasing the Miss Grand franchise for her country and creating a forum to support aspiring beauty queens.

Throughout our conversation, Appiah’s deep admiration for her mother was evident, shining through whenever she mentioned the influential figures in her life.

“My mum has always been my role model since I was little. She has to give up all her dreams and every aspiration in order for me and my siblings to achieve ours. She basically put her life on hold so we could have one. She doesn’t let anything negative get to her. She has always been my number one fan and I believe everyone should

you have the right

guide

have that kind of person in their corner.”

Now that she has conquered the beauty pageant stage, Appiah has her eyes set on conquering the acting world globally. Describing herself as too ambitious, Appiah said she hates taking no for an answer.

“If you tell me no that I can’t achieve something, you just deprogrammed my h ead because everything is going crazy and all I can hear is ‘yes, you can do it.’”

She is bringing that attitude to her acting career, taking acting classes and learning everything that will establish her as a global actress. Nollywood, in her view, is a thriving ground for making that dream a reality.

“You can thrive really fast in Nollywood if you have the right guide,” she said. “With Nollywood, there is no discrimination. They were welcoming and I was so happy when I got on set and everybody had their arms open. Nobody made me feel unwanted because I was a Ghanaian.”

On how she landed her new role, Appiah revealed that the producer Nicolette Ndigwe-Kalu

was impressed by her performance in ‘Taste of Sin’ and knew instantly she was the perfect actress for her lead role. She, however, added that another attraction to her acceptance of the role was Okwo.

“She does really great movies but what’s most important is that she guides you through the acting. She doesn’t leave you to do it yourself. She moulds and guides you.”

For Okwo, Appiah’s charm and talent are reminiscent of a young Julia Roberts.

“She has a charm which reminds me a lot of how people used to describe Julia Roberts. If you have a lead character like that, particularly in a movie like this, it says a lot about the audience’s acceptance and engagement,” said Okwo. “She has that ‘it’ which we are always looking forward to in actors. A lot of people play characters just to get through the film but what I noticed about her is that she is eager to learn. She really lets herself be an instrument which would be good for her future in acting.”

Okwo hopes that within the next five years, Appiah will have garnered global recognition. With her ambition and determination, that dream seems well within reach.

with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayfl[email protected]

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

This Governor is a Good Listener

Benjamin Franklin once said, “After crosses and losses, men grow humbler and wiser.” This sentiment rings true for Governor Ademola Adeleke, whose journey to the governorship of Osun State was marked by persistence and personal growth. Despite numerous attempts and setbacks, Adeleke’s unwavering dedication has now positioned him as a leader who truly listens to his people.

Adeleke’s political journey was fraught with challenges. After initial defeats and controversies, his determination to serve his state remained unshaken. His recent success shows just how resilient he is, as well as his ability to turn past adversities into valuable lessons.

The governor’s latest initiative, a comprehensive upgrade of Osun State’s tourist sites, exemplifies his commitment to listening and responding to the needs of his constituents. According to reports, this project aims to revitalise attractions like the Erin Ijesha WaterFalls and other cultural sites that had long suffered from neglect. Adeleke’s administration is focused on enhancing these sites to boost local tourism and reflect the state’s rich heritage.

Odili’s Guiding Hand Amid Rivers’ Political Tempests

In the turbulent waters of Rivers State politics, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has faced more than his fair share of storms. But through it all, one figure has stood like a lighthouse, guiding him through the darkness - Dr. Peter Odili, the revered former governor whose wisdom has been Fubara’s anchor in the tempest.

It’s no secret that Fubara has been thrust into the eye of the storm from the moment he took office. Just a few months into his tenure, he found himself embroiled in a contentious battle over control of the state’s political machinery. Fubara’s administration has been marred by internal party disputes, public scrutiny over his policies, and mounting

Shakespearean—a tale where “some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em.”

For Rone, it seems, all three apply. The latest in a string of accolades is his selection for the inaugural Royal Iwere Society

Femi

Adeleke has already initiated a tripartite committee to oversee the improvements at Erin Ijesha and other sites. The point is to ensure that local voices are integral to the development process. It really is a matter of the man’s belief in the power of community engagement and local expertise.

Indeed, the decision to involve the Erin Ijesha community directly in the management of their local tourist sites illustrates Adeleke’s respect for local perspectives. By prioritising the input of community leaders and stakeholders, he is fostering a more inclusive approach to governance. This method not only addresses immediate concerns but also builds longterm relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

To think that in the past Adeleke had to struggle to get his words to reach the ears of the people. These days, his love for them is evident and best demonstrated by how he listens to them. In this happy case of Osun’s cultural and tourist assets, the governor’s actions are a clear reflection of his genuine concern for the well-being and prosperity of his constituents.

politics.

Yet, as the challenges mounted, Fubara leaned on the sage counsel of Odili, who, with decades of experience navigating the choppy waters of Rivers State politics, has been more than just a mentor - he’s been a lifeline.

It’s no wonder that on Odili’s 76th birthday, Governor Fubara didn’t just send a perfunctory message of congratulations; he poured out his gratitude, acknowledging the former governor’s pivotal role in his political journey. “You are the epitome of genuine leadership,” Fubara declared, recognizing that without Odili’s guidance, his administration might have faltered.

Indeed, as Fubara steers Rivers State through its current political upheavals, Odili remains his north star - a beacon of leadership and the embodiment of the state’s enduring spirit.

A Crown Well-deserved: Julius Rone’s Ascendancy in Warri Kingdom

Awards, a nod from the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, which places him among the cultural titans of the Warri Kingdom.

Beyond the grandeur of Aghofen Palace, where the ceremony will unfold on August 24, Rone’s story is one of relentless ambition and transformative impact. As the Managing Director of UTM Offshore Limited, he has pushed boundaries in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. His crowning achievement? Spearheading the development of Nigeria’s first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility. This pioneering project, a first of its kind in the country, is set to revolutionise how Nigeria harnesses its vast natural gas resources, positioning the nation as a global player in the energy sector.

Yet, Rone’s influence stretches far beyond corporate boardrooms. His philanthropic efforts are as expansive as his business ventures. From funding

educational initiatives to providing scholarships for underprivileged students, his contributions to societal development have been nothing short of transformative. His establishment of the Julius Rone Foundation, which focuses on health, education, and empowerment in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, underscores his commitment to giving back to the communities that shaped him.

The Royal Iwere Society Awards are more than a personal triumph; they are a recognition of Rone’s patriotism and dedication to the cultural and economic fabric of the Warri Kingdom. His achievements, which have already been acknowledged by prestigious platforms such as the Forbes Best of Africa Awards, reflect a man whose vision is as grand as his deeds.

As he prepares to accept this latest honour, Julius Rone continues to carve out a legacy that is as enduring as the Itsekiri traditions he now represents. Indeed, his story is one of greatness—born, achieved, and yes, thrust upon him.

Otedola: A Legacy of Generosity

Joseph Addison once said, “As vivacity is the gift of woman, gravity is that of man.” One could add that generosity is the gift of a truly good person. This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of Femi Otedola, whose latest act of kindness further cements his reputation as a man of immense generosity.

Recently, Otedola, through his foundation, gifted N5 million to the family of Sodiq Olayode, whose wife gave birth to quadruplets. The family had been in dire need of financial assistance, and Otedola’s timely intervention was a lifeline.

Otedola’s generosity is not limited to this recent act. Over the years, he has made several significant contributions to those in need, even when he had no obligation to do so. In 2019, he donated N5 billion to support vulnerable children in Nigeria’s northeast, the largest individual charitable donation in the country’s history.

Another notable example of Otedola’s kindness is his support for education. He recently donated N1 billion to Augustine

University, providing scholarships and funding for infrastructure. He even contributed $6 million to the construction of a new faculty building, which was named in honour of his mother.

Otedola’s generosity is not driven by the need for recognition but by a genuine desire to make a difference. Whether it’s supporting education, healthcare, or families in need, his actions speak louder than words. As a result, he has earned the respect and admiration of many, not just for his wealth, but for his heart.

In every act of giving, Otedola demonstrates that true generosity comes from a place of compassion and empathy. He understands that his wealth is a tool for positive change, and he uses it to uplift those who are less fortunate. His philanthropy has a lasting impact, creating a legacy that will benefit future generations.

So, when we ask, “What has Femi Otedola done now?” the answer is clear. He has once again shown that generosity is the mark of a good person. It is his kind that is making this world a better place.

Hope Rekindled for Lagos: When Old Rivals Meet for Greater Good

When the short hand of political fate strikes the long, something happens. In Lagos, what happens is former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his successor, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, meeting. But it did happen, and their warm interaction, marked by broad smiles and amicable conversation, contrasts sharply with the political tension that once surrounded their relationship. It really is as Katherine Logan said it: that introspection can rekindle hope and repair fractured bonds.

Ambode’s single term as governor was marred by internal party conflict that ultimately led to his replacement

by Sanwo-Olu in 2019. The subsequent years saw Ambode’s Political presence wane, and he was notably absent from many public and party events.

But the turbulence has not prevented both men from choosing to focus on the greater good of Lagos. Sanwo-Olu’s recent invitation to Ambode for a courtesy visit demonstrates a generous spirit and a commitment to unity. Their meeting centred on Lagos’s future and highlighted their shared goal of advancing the city’s development.

On his own, Sanwo-Olu is working assiduously to see Lagos greater than ever. In the background, Ambode is smoothing creases at the grassroots, setting examples and new standards that gubernatorial

predecessors all over Nigeria can emulate.

The significance of their meeting thus extends beyond mere courtesy; it symbolises a broader hope for political and social harmony. It illustrates how thoughtful reflection and a willingness to forgive can mend relationships and foster cooperation.

Looking ahead, the renewed rapport between Ambode and Sanwo-Olu holds promise for Lagos’s political landscape. Their collaborative efforts could lead to innovative solutions and continued development for the state. As they focus on the city’s future, their example highlights the power of reconciliation and mutual respect.

Fight to Finish Between Dogara and Mohammed

The ongoing feud between Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has taken a dramatic turn. Dogara recently challenged Governor Mohammed to a public debate on good governance, accusing him of mismanaging the state’s resources.

The tension between the two leaders has been brewing for some time, with Dogara criticising Mohammed for what he perceives as a lack of focus on the real needs of Bauchi’s people. He pointed out the alarming statistic that Bauchi bears 64.67% of Nigeria’s outof-school children, arguing that this should be the governor’s prior ity instead of constructing flyovers and private mansions.

Mohammed, on his part, has been vocal in his criticism of the federal government’s policies under President Bola Tinubu, accusing them of exacerbating p overty and economic hardship across the country. However, Dogara countered this by stating that leaders should focus on resolving the crisis instead of engaging in what he called “irresponsible” rhetoric.

One might wonder if Dogara is

Will the Meeting Between Kyari and Lokpobiri Change Anything?

The recent meeting between Mele Kyari, GCEO of NNPC Ltd, and Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has sparked interest. Both men have faced intense scrutiny, with Kyari battling accusations of mismanagement and Lokpobiri being labelled as ineffective. The question remains: can this meeting bring about any real change?

Kyari used the meeting to call for continued military support against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. He emphasised the recent increase in production, attributing it to the armed forces’ efforts in protecting critical infrastructure. With his appeal, Kyari essentially showed how much faith he has in the security measures in place and the prospects of these measures in bringing about much-needed change.

Lokpobiri, on the other hand, focused on the importance of securing oil facilities to boost Nigeria’s crude production. He discussed strategies for safeguarding these assets, highlighting the necessity of cooperation among various stakeholders. Like Kyari, Lokpobiri’s comments suggest a recognition of the challenges. But they

the government allocating a significant budget of N12 billion to support

fighting with Mohammed as his way of defending Tinubu or if it is because he believes that leaders should rise above petty politics and address the pressing issues facing the nation.

Whichever one is it, the clash between the two prominent figures raises important questions about the nature of political leadership in Nigeria. Is the focus on power and influence, or is it truly about improving the lives of the citizens?

Dogara’s insistence on a debate suggests that he is willing to put his ideas and record up for public scrutiny, challenging Mohammed to do the same. The outcome of this confrontation could have significant implications for the political landscape in Bauchi and beyond.

As the public watches this “fight to finish” between Dogara and Mohammed, it becomes clear that the stakes are high, not just for the individuals involved but for the people of Bauchi State. But whether this confrontation will lead to meaningful change or simply escalate the existing tensions remains to be seen.

also leave questions about his capacity to lead the required changes.

Despite the emphasis on collaboration, doubts linger about whether these leaders can effectively address the systemic issues plaguing Nigeria’s oil sector. The persistent calls for Kyari’s resignation reflect public frustration with perceived mismanagement. Meanwhile, Lokpobiri’s reputation for inaction raises concerns about his ability to implement the needed reforms.

The meeting, while presenting a united front, may not be enough to instil confidence in the public. The real test will be whether Kyari and Lokpobiri can translate their discussions into tangible results. The stakes are high, as Nigeria’s economy depends heavily on the stability and efficiency of its oil sector.

As Kyari and Lokpobiri move forward, their actions will be closely watched. The question remains whether this meeting will be a turning point or just another attempt to placate critics. The outcome will determine not only their political futures but also the direction of Nigeria’s energy sector.

Why Calls for Nigeria’s Sports Minister to Resign are Growing Louder

the country’s participation in the games, Nigeria failed to win a single medal, marking its worst Olympic performance since 2012.

This failure is not just an embarrassment but a serious indictment of the Sports Ministry’s leadership. Under Enoh’s tenure, Nigeria has faced numerous setbacks, not only in the Olympics but also in other major sports events.

Adding to the controversy, Nigeria’s first-ever Olympic cyclist, Ese Ukpeseraye, recently revealed the extent of the administrative failures that plagued her participation in the games. She was forced to compete in a track cycling event for which she was unprepared, using a borrowed bike because the ministry and the Nigeria Cycling Federation failed to provide the necessary equipment.

Victor Hugo once said, “Caution is the eldest child of wisdom.” In the

context of Nigeria’s current sports crisis, this quote serves as a reminder that decisive action, such as replacing the Sports Minister, might be necessary to save Nigeria’s reputation and future in international sports.

The issues facing Nigeria’s sports sector are serious and far-reaching. From the mishandling of funds to the poor preparation of athletes, the current state of affairs demands urgent attention.

If Nigeria is to regain its standing in international sports, it must start with competent and effective leadership within the Sports Ministry. Enoh’s tenure has been marred by failures that cannot be overlooked. The sooner he steps down, the better it will be for the future of Nigerian sports. The next generation of athletes deserves a ministry that supports them, not one that sets them up for failure.

Politics, what a terrifying game. A smiling friend can turn into the most barefaced adversary. What else, if not this fact, can the story of Senator Ali Ndume, When greed and corruption have been in the works for too long, even an angel will be looked at with suspicion. This is what is happening presently in Nigeria. With every appointment, Nigerians check their pockets, looking to see if something has gone out. But since it has happened, one must ask: will Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack’s case be different?

Walson-Jack’s recent appointment as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has raised questions about her potential effectiveness. Yes, her extensive experience in various ministries and her legal background position her well for the role. But the challenges within Nigeria’s civil service are deep-rooted and demand decisive action.

Her predecessor, Dr. Folasade YemiEsan, implemented reforms but left significant issues unresolved. Walson-Jack inherits a system widely perceived as corrupt and inefficient. To succeed, she must confront these entrenched problems with bold reforms and transparency.

Walson-Jack’s commitment to leveraging technology and upholding the principles of Accountability, Meritocracy, Professionalism, Loyalty, and Efficiency is promising. However, mere promises are insufficient; concrete actions are required. The civil service needs more than rhetoric; it demands transformative leadership.

Corruption within Nigeria’s civil service remains a critical challenge. Walson-Jack must prioritise anti-corruption measures, ensuring that civil servants serve the public without demanding gratifications. Addressing this issue is crucial for restoring public trust in government institutions.

Walson-Jack’s success will also depend on her ability to reform procurement processes and ensure that government contracts are awarded based on merit, not personal gain. Upholding transparency and accountability in these areas is essential for improving the quality of public projects.

Walson-Jack must also be open to constructive criticism and willing to implement continuous improvements within the civil service. Even wellfunctioning systems require ongoing adjustments to remain effective. Her willingness to listen and adapt will be key to her success.

Ultimately, Walson-Jack’s effectiveness will be judged by her ability to transform the civil service into a more efficient, accountable, and service-oriented institution. If she can achieve this, she will not only meet expectations but also leave a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s public administration.

Kola Adesina: The White Knight Strikes

JUSTICE KEKERE–EKUN HAS COME TO JUDGEMENT

Our Habib Bank Whatsapp group went up in massive excitement when this announcement was made.

Our former oga’s Madam, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is due to be appointed as the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria. Our oga is Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, one of the most cerebral and highly principled gentlemen who have ever walked on the streets of Nigeria. Before this announcement, I had heard from a top source that there was some reluctance in “anointing” her because of her principled disposition to her job. My people, you know the kind of environment we find ourselves in this country with the kind of “kurukere” dance that our judiciary has been dancing in recent times, you would understand the reported reluctance by the powers that be in pushing through her candidacy.

Justice Kekere-Ekun is reputed to be very principled, focused and on the book in the discharge of her duties. She is also reputed to be among the very rare jurists who will most

I decided to make this my cover story for obvious reasons. My egbon’s story is very inspirational and I want us to look at it seriously. From very humble beginnings in Shomolu – my same Shomolu o – he has risen to the pinnacle of global influence, leading to his recent appointment into the presidential advisory committee of something. Working very assiduously with his team at the Sahara Group, they have set sail and berthed in about 48 countries of the world, playing in power, oil and gas, trading and more. Employing over 8,000 people and currying the kind of global respect usually reserved for white –Anglo-Saxon-led companies.

It is no wonder that during his last birthday, the high and mighty and not too high and mighty - yes o I saw Gbenga Ismail there – all came

likely hit the levels of the immortalsJustice Oputa and others. So throwing her into what has become the “murky” world of our recent judicial expressions in my own estimation is a massive attempt at hitting the reset button. For me, I am especially happy because she is my “customer” for my plays. She is a regular and her husband, the aforementioned perfect gentleman, would call me and say – “Edgar, is your 4 pm, 4 pm?” And I will say yes sir, knowing that my 4 pm is never 4 pm and at exactly 4 pm, they will stroll into chaos.

They will now go to a corner and sit very quietly and watch me as I am running around, shouting and cursing out and offering apologies every five minutes. They will just nod their heads and when I am ready, I will usher them in. Nigeria will certainly be the better for it with this appointment. Well done ma.

A FERVENT PLEA TO OBA OTUDEKO

You see, people are waiting for this particular write-up. They know I will talk and they are divided

out to celebrate with him.

Let me name the high and mighty that I saw at his dual functioned 60th – oya see o, Presidents Jonathan and Obasanjo, Olu of Warri, Professor Osinbajo, Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, James Ibori, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Tony Elumelu and some visiting African Heads of State with grey hair, sorry I didn’t catch his name, Tonye Cole, to mention a few. Then the not-so-high and mighty – Timi Dakolo, Debola Williams, Ivie, ex-Sahara, Dr. Kunle Alonge, Tayo Eleshin and myself Rt. Hon. Duke of Shomolu.

Kola has done too well for himself and the nation. He has shown that with grit determination and a focused-led acceleration mixed with ethereal cerebral engagements within the right

in their waiting. There are those waiting to “kill” me, and those also waiting to shout “Duke you get mind o.”

But I will disappoint both, not only because I am trying to be statesmanly but because I am cowardly. We are still looking for money for school fees and to even “chop,” no be now that someone will now go and carry libel case join matter.

Anyways, my dear greatgrandfather, I write to you with enormous respect and trepidation. I have watched you very closely for the past 30 years and once sat at a meeting with you and my late mentor, Albert Okumagba. It was one of the last meetings before we opened the Honeywell Flour Mill public offer. In that meeting, you were very statesmanly, smiled at us with love and understanding, and quickly nodded your head when Albert assured you that we would raise the money.

We knew that we would not be able to raise the money, but Albert in his usual super positive approach to these things, gave you his word. We failed and were hit by the dire

fulcrum and circles, you can not only push to the top but use that leverage to push influence, inspire and perspire. Please make una no vex with the big English I am spewing this morning. It is my estate chairman who just sent my power bill and you know we are in Band A. I have been speaking big grammar asking why I am spending the cost of buying a small car on a one month’s bill... Kai, well, let me wish a happy 60th to my wonderful Oga and also tell him very succinctly that his greatest achievement is his extremely beautiful wife – who walked up to me as I was about to catch my third plate of Ofada and said, “Duke I read you in THISDAY every week and you are such a beautiful writer,” and I said, can I hug you?

consequences because we had given certain guarantees.

Sir, my plea to you this morning as I read about the new lawsuit against FBN or CBN – not sure o, is to think about legacy. What legacy would you bequeath to your children, what side of history will you fall on when all of these are going to be discussed 100 years from now?

Legacy and how history interprets our roles in life after we are gone is very critical. Sir, on this matter, just kindly look at the legacy. How will this “fight” help your legacy? Will it strengthen or rubbish it? You are the only one that can answer that question. Sir, follow your conscience very clearly because only history will judge us all.

I retain a very huge respect for you sir even as I must state very clearly that I do not stand with you on this First Bank matter judging from the little I have researched.

Even at that, I think you remain one of the thoroughbreds of Nigerian business and your place on the mantle of glory remains assured but something tells me very succinctly that you may just be rubbishing all of that with these latest moves.

Sir, let’s think about legacy, my Daddy. This is my plea. God bless you, sir.

JOHN ENOH: AN OLYMPICS WASTE OF TIME

This is why I should be President of this country because people like this would be in the job market seeking a job as security man or something. Over N12bn spent on this charade and not even a single medal to show for it? All sorts of embarrassing scandals further damaging our international reputation to the point that we are even borrowing bicycles, coupled with the clerical error that saw our star athlete kicked off a prestigious race thereby destabilising her.

Kai! As president, I would have sent an email to Mr. Enoh to just go into exile from there. 80 athletes, over 90 officials and N12billion? That is nothing short of economic sabotage, I swear. Imagine what that money would have done – even if it is just the healthcare system where the mortality rate of the average Nigerian has dropped to 55 years. That is what Mr. Enoh and his cartoon characters went to squander in Paris and came back with very lame excuses. Please, let me even ask, mbok what are the real benefits of attending this Olympic jamboree sef? Is it just to belong or what? We will now spend billions that we don’t have to go and carry one medal most times, and like this one, to go and disgrace ourselves with nothing.

Please President Tinubu, can you instigate a probe of this fiasco? They must show us all the receipts of money spent o. EFCC must enter this matter o because the way the thing is paining Nigerians who recently were on the streets protesting hardship only for 180 people to carry that kind of money to go and pretend that they are doing the Olympics. Please we need a refund urgently. Thank you.

ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES, ABBA YUSSUF

My condolences must go to the sweet Governor of one of my favourite states – Kano. He has just announced that the looters had gone straight to the corruption case files of the big oga. Mbok, shebi we had said that people went to these recent protests with different motives. While a tiny minority were genuinely looking to better our lots, others went to loot, rape, do tailor apprentice – learning to sew flag, push regime change and as stated, go after their files. Your Excellency, do not despair, if you remain very keen on prosecuting this matter, which I think you should, you can rebuild the files naa. It’s not that difficult na, after all, the video clip is still in circulation. Just use Google and it will come out and if it does not come out, you can give out a reward to Gen Z IT experts and they will spool it out from the internet.

The next thing is to look for a hungry “civil rights” lawyer who based on the video will now make a citizen’s arrest or something, and from there, the process can restart. Your Excellency, once we get it rolling this time, let’s go digital. I don’t know why your judiciary has not gone digital in this time and age. It’s not to be wearing red caps all over the place and be parading as governor when such a little thing as moving your judiciary to the digital age is a problem. See now, very

important files have been destroyed. Oya my brother, no need to mop around, start the journey. If you don’t have the mind, call Deji Adeyanju, the human rights lawyer, he just passed Law school and is looking for job. He will do this one very well, I assure you. Oya let’s start cracking mbok.

FALALU BELLO: AN ELEGANT INTERVENTION

You guys may not know him. I don’t even think my Editor knows him sef, but he is one of the most brilliant bankers this country has produced. Alhaji Bello was first the MD of Habib Bank which he grew to momentous size and from there went to herald the biggest ever bank merger in the world, involving about nine banks.

When the Providus/Unity Bank merger was announced, it met a lot of public angst. Even me here, I fired shots at it, calling it names including “imbecilic” among other names. I cannot put it in a national newspaper. In all the commotion, Alhaji Bello was concerned about just one thing

– that the bank started weak. He quietly sent me a private memo on the matter, explaining his part and the kind of bank he built and left behind. In his words: “We merged the nine banks successfully, integrated them successfully and took the emerged entity into a profitable operation and on the basis of December 2010 operations paid dividend and gave out bonus to shareholders of that bank in 2011. For anyone to come today and say that we had a shaky start is simply a lie.”

Baba don talk the one that concerns him. So, the question should now be asked very succinctly, what went wrong after that? I have kept quiet o. I have talked too much recently before they come and beat me o.

But if you want the full text of his very long and educative message to me, just buy me afang, the one that comes with periwinkle and snail and I will send you everything. Thank you.

NNEKA ONYEALI-IKPE:

AN AMAZONIAN TRIP

Fidelity Bank of which this amazing and beautiful amazon is the leader has just announced an over-subscription of shares in their capital raise. In a statement, Mummy announced that the N127 billion has been surpassed, making them the very first to hit the mark in the current raise.

I had a hint about this when I reached out to my very good friend, Abolore who is an Executive Director at bank. He confirmed that it was looking good o, that they may have crossed the threshold. I was relieved and kept praying for them.

Let me tell you why I like Fidelity Bank before you would say it is PR. It is not PR anything o. See as I dey “shalaye.” Well, I think they have the most responsive Board

in the land. Their chairman, the erudite Mustapha Chike-Obi, is always very open to engaging on economic issues and comes with the depth and experience of a mull. The management led by the aforementioned Ikpe comes with the hunger of aspirational leadership. The push, the aggression, and the thirst for immortal success can be gleaned from the way they interact with all their stakeholders. Don’t let me talk too much but to say, well done Madam and her team for such a huge feat. This is quite remarkable and inspirational. Well done to the Fidelity Bank team. Chai! That was massive. Well done.

P-SQUARE’S TRIP TO IRRELEVANCE

These three people are truly jobless. The brothers from the same mother have been disturbing cyberspace and Nigerians with their shenanigans.

The never-ending crises of the washed-out musical duo P-Square make for annoying drama. These ones, if they are not fighting over food, women, and undies, they are carrying themselves to the media, and purportedly EFCC to report themselves.

The level at which they fight, one finds it very difficult to concede if they are true blood twins or just two people who look alike but were adopted separately. We are tired of all the fights. If they want to use that one to retain relevance then it’s tiring abeg. They should do a sex tape or something else abeg.

That was how I saw footage of Oga in his black native and black shoes appearing in their house again to make peace. I just weak. Two brothers are fighting like tatafo and instead of allowing our presidential candidate to concentrate on his good deeds as he better prepares for the next round of elections, they are dragging him into their matter. If P-Square wants to scatter let them scatter abeg. They are not the first and as such they should allow us to focus on the one that is doing us now abeg. Hunger is too much in the land to be disturbing ourselves over the struggles of these spoilt people who apparently need a large dose of maturity. Thank you.

VERY DARK MAN AND HIS ACTIVISM Ok, I am not sure most of you my readers know of this gentleman. Very Dark Man (VDM) is an unkempt loudmouth that thrives on controversy on social media. For his efforts, he has been arrested, bullied and called all sorts of names. He has fought so many people from Iyabo Ojo to Tonto Dike and a lot more. He looks like someone who doesn’t take his bath as he sits in his very dirty room with replica skulls around his neck and shoots videos that shake the internet and Nigeria. Anyway, he seems to be doing the right things these days as he has taken on a “fake” Pastor who has been selling all sorts of colourful named bottled water with spurious claims of healing on them.

VDM has taken him to task, called him what he truly is, a fake and has even gone a step to put down a petition at NAFDAC – the sleepy government agency whose job is to regulate things like this.

In response, the fake pastor has instituted a N1 billion lawsuit against VDM for libel, I hear. You see how people believe their own crap. Who in this world does not know that the bottled water is fake and with no real or imagined uses, and that also the “thing” does not have any registration and cannot do any “yeye” miracle? Despite all of these, you still want to go to court?

Court that now has Justice Kekere-Ekun as head? Does this pastor even have advisers? Mbok, this is one interesting case and I am excited, if for no other reason but for the fact that it would among others save Nigerians from the hands of the bible thumping charlatans’. Mbok, join me in this matter o. I ready. Thank you.

Peter Mbah’s

Unusual Style of Governance

Many politicians in top political positions love and enjoy being surrounded by praise singers and ‘hangers-ons’ full of shenanigans. But Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has distinguished himself and exhibited that governance is a job for the seriousminded and not about frivolities.

Before the oil magnate-turnedpolitician was voted into Enugu government house, known as ‘Lions Building’, the place was at the time the centre of political attraction and activities with different communities, support groups and associates visiting to outdo one another by displaying phoney support to past state’s governors.

But today, the narrative has drastically changed. The governor has decided to channel the scarce resources, hitherto used in entertaining guests, into developing critical infrastructure in the state and empowering the youths for a better Enugu.

Those who were initially opposed to this new governance style are now coming to terms that the governor does not mix business with pleasure and that he is determined to transform, rebuild and bequeath the state with a much-needed sustainable development agenda.

Enugu indigenes are beginning to enjoy the benefits of Mbah’s prudence and shrewdness in the management of resources and in fulfilling his campaign promise of using the citizens’ resources for the betterment of the people.

Many would recall that in his inaugural speech, Mbah reiterated his commitment to the people and his first assignment as governor was to sign an Executive Order, called the ‘Citizens’ Charter.’

It demands that he manages the people’s money, in the people’s interest.

This Charter holds him and members of his team to account for the state’s funds and mandates him and his team to provide detailed information on public financial management.

However, some political leaders still consider the governor’s decision not to throw money around to service the ever-demanding politicians too elitist and exclusionist of the party stakeholders who, according to them, worked for his victory at the poll.

Expectedly, this has informed the sustained media attacks and fake news against the governor and his administration. But he has continued to worm himself into the hearts of the electorate as he continues to keep to his electoral promises.

It is on record that since his assumption of office, the governor has yet to take any loan. Rather, he has increased the state budget estimate from N166 billion in 2023 to N521.5 billion in 2024 with N414.3 billion, representing 79 per cent of the entire budget earmarked for capital expenditure.

In a bold move to raise funds for the budget, Mbah introduced the unified e-ticketing scheme to curb loopholes in revenue generation in the state. This has seen the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) jump from N2 billion to over N4.3 billion in 2023 and has now soared to N10 billion in 2024.

When Erelu of Lagos, Abiola Dosunmu, Hosted Eminent Personalities

The sartorial elegance that radiates around her anytime she appears gives her a distinct outlook and places her in a league of her own. Her gait, young and stunning looks would sway and stop any man in his tracks. At 77, not many in her age group have this demeanour. Highly sophisticated, urbane and well-cultured, Abiola Dosunmu, the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, is simply in her world, and no one comes close to her.

As the custodian and promoter of Lagos’ enduring cultural values the woman of substance is well-respected and revered. Recently, the cosmopolitan beauty gathered eminent personalities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her title as Erelu of Lagos.

Top Oil Magnate, Dumo Lulu-Briggs’ New Monstrous Expansion

The Chairman of Platform Petroleum, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, is a shrewd businessman, no wonder he has succeeded where others failed. There is no gainsaying that the oil magnate’s ingenuity and innovations have set him far apart from his contemporaries. He has brought some inventions to the oil and gas sector in the country.

The Rivers State born plies his trade in such a way that makes many of his competitors green with envy. Indeed, he enjoys uncommon grace so much so that he now sits atop a multi-billionnaira conglomerate with various subsidiaries in oil & gas, property, real estate, among others.

If you describe him as a social entrepreneur extraordinaire, one will not be faulted.

His visionary mindset and astute business acumen have allowed him to navigate the complexities of the Nigerian market and foster collaborations with leading international companies.

Activities at the event, held at the Lagos City Hall, included cultural displays, traditional performances, symposiums and literary works on Lagos State. The event was a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting the dynamic nature of Lagos under her influence.

Some of the dignitaries who attended included former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo Olu and his wife, Adejoke; Kessington Adebutu; Kwara State first lady, Olufolake AbdulRazaq; former Ekiti State first lady, Bisi Fayemi; Labour Party Lagos State governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour; Bisi Olatilo, among others.

The celebration not only highlighted

This, not only speaks to his own success, but also showcases the immense potential and possibilities that lie within Nigeria’s business landscape.

This has helped the highflying oil mogul to rule and conquer the industry and he continued

her influence as a businesswoman and socialite but also paid homage to Dr Dosunmu’s enduring legacy and contributions to the development of her community.

to soar higher. However, if you think the gangling and handsome dude that has just celebrated his 60th birthday has slowed down, you are mistaken.

Society Watch gathered that his leading indigenous energy company, recently announced ambitious plans to significantly enhance Nigeria’s oil and gas output, with a potential investment of a huge sum of $1 billion in the sector.

As revealed, as part of its growth strategy, the company is upgrading its flow station capacity at the Egbaoma field in the Niger Delta Basin, aiming to increase production from 3,000 to 10,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and from 30 million to 60 million standard cubic feet of natural gas per day by 2025.

The Egbaoma field, operated by Platform Petroleum, is one of 24 marginal fields farmed out to indigenous oil companies in Nigeria.

Since commencing production, the company has carried out nine workover operations, drilled three wells, and executed two sidetracks. These efforts reflect Platform Petroleum’s commitment to optimizing the field’s output, in collaboration with its other partners.

Humanity of US-based Nigerian, Jennifer Madubuko

“Philanthropy is not about money...it’s about feeling the pain of others and caring enough about their needs to help.’’

Timothy Pina, an American author and screenwriter may have had the Nigerian US-based businesswoman, Lolo Jennifer Madubuko, when he made this quote. The beautiful woman believes that regardless of where you are in life, there is something that you can offer, and that you mustn’t wait to be rich to be able to save the world.

For her, the act of generosity must first start from our willingness to develop a kind spirit. This is where she derived the inspiration to start her foundation, JDM Global.

Since the birth of the foundation, Madubuko has proven her worth as someone with milk of kindness running in her. The foundation has demonstrated to be a beacon of hope, dedicated to spreading the gospel of compassion, empowerment, and justice. It has recorded tremendous success in the last few years since its inception. The organisation has done philanthropic works across many parts of the South-east, as well as providing palliatives to needy communities in different parts of Nigeria.

As gathered, the philanthropic organisation

recently donated a borehole to the people of Nkwoagu community, in Ebonyi State.

The facility, sited at Christ Anglican Church, Nkwoagu, was inaugurated on August 10 by the Diocesan bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Abakaliki, the Rt. Rev. Monday Nkwoagu.

In her address, Madubuko said she was motivated by the need to give meaning to the lives of the less privileged and needy in Nigerian society.

Mrs. Madubuko who was represented by Venerable Okey Ifionu, an Anglican cleric, reiterated her commitment to improving the quality of life for the underprivileged and underserved communities worldwide through strategic initiatives focused on healthcare, education, feeding the hungry, and defending abused underage children.

The vicar of Christ Anglican Church, Nkwoagu, Rev. Chukwunonso Okonkwo, and some of his parishioners expressed their joy and gratitude to JDM Foundation, describing the project as one that will improve the living standard of the parish and the community in general.

Bishop Nkwoagu, who was accompanied by some of his clergymen and members of the community, thanked JDM Foundation for its

businesswoman, Princess

is definitely a woman with a heart of gold, the more reason she is a role model to many across the African continent and beyond.

But beyond her smiling face is a highly disciplined and no-nonsense woman who wouldn’t tolerate any iota of indiscipline, especially when it has to do with her reputation. Her other side was witnessed when her WhatsApp account was compromised by fraudsters recently.

As gathered by Society Watch, several contacts received suspicious messages from the architect’s WhatsApp number, requesting financial assistance and promising reimbursement.

initiative and commended its example to other privileged Nigerians. He said that by providing water to the people of Nkwoagu community, JDM Global has solved a major existential problem of the residents. The Anglican prelate said that JDM’s action was a tangible way of winning souls for the Lord Jesus Christ.

However, she quickly sent a Short Message Service, otherwise known as SMS to her contacts, clarifying that the WhatsApp number had been cloned by criminal elements to defraud unsuspecting individuals. She confirmed that law enforcement agencies have been notified and are investigating the incident, while she also advised the public to be cautious and not respond to any fraudulent requests. As revealed, the Cross River Stateborn princess vowed to get to the root of this and punish the perpetrators of this heinous act to serve as a deterrent to others.

ARTS & REVIEW ARTS &

A PUBLICATION

An Artistic Revolution and Art of Joining Forces

A groundbreaking partnership between the Africa Art Fund and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) is set to revolutionise Nigeria’s visual arts scene by empowering young artists and driving economic growth through creative innovation. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke writes

Now, here’s another positive boon for the Nigerian visual arts scene’s emerging under-35s. A fresh initiative, thanks to the joining of forces between the Africa Art Fund and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), is in the works to support up-and-coming artists. Hence, to mark NESG’s 30th anniversary, the partners have launched a national art competition that is open to artists within that age range.

Of course, the fact that the competition, whose call for entries closes on September 14, provides a rare opportunity for young speaks to its relevance. Besides, given that the move is considered a key step towards nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of art leaders and is informed by the country’s growing global reputation for its vibrant art scene, this project also has the potential to boost Nigeria’s creative economy.

The organisers have, meanwhile, urged artists in a recent statement to submit their entries before the September 14 deadline by uploading their works on either the Africa Art Fund or NESG websites. The top three winners—to be chosen from among 20 candidates by a judging panel and announced at the NESG conference in Abuja in October—will earn cash prizes of N3 million, N2 million, and N1 million, respectively.

The aforementioned summit will feature work as well as the distribution of awards to the winners. Participants will also and leadership training programme that have been designed to provide students with the skills necessary to excel in the competitive art profession.

This initiative aligns with NESG’s mission to foster a private sector-led economy in Nigeria. Through its partnership with the Africa Art Fund, NESG aims to leverage art as a catalyst for economic growth.

According to Ifesinachi Nwanyanwu, president and CEO of Africa Art Fund,portunity to promote art as a driver of economic development. Nwanyanwu, a renowned environmental artist and curator, says that the Africa Art Fund concept was carefully developed over time to support this mission and empower artists to contribute to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

As a self-taught visual artist who in the early years of his career, the University of Nigeria Nsukka graduate of crop production understood that artists and creatives need support systems to be able to thrive. “I had always played around with ideas of how to support fellow creatives,” he intimates.

Nwanyanwu, as an artist, has long understood the struggles of creatives in need of support. Drawing from his own a lack of resources in his early career, he has consistently sought ways to empower

No Evil, the Environmental Art Collective Foundation (ENACOF) founder and executive director, has worked so hard to create a nurturing environment where However, it was during his participation in the prestigious International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) in 2023 that the concept of the Africa Art Fund truly took shape. Nominated by the US State Department for his community service, he embarked on an intensive three-week trip across the US.

Through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Nwanyanwu gained a deeper understanding of the art and culture landscape in the country, highlighting the vital role of charitable funds in driving growth and development. This eye-opening knowledge and insights, inspiring him to establish the Africa Art Fund. His goal, therefore, is to adapt and implement the his IVLP experience, creating a comprehensive support system that nurtures and

empowers a vibrant creative community across Africa.

With a bold vision to revolutionise the continent’s creative landscape, he enthuses about the organisation’s audacious goal to mobilise and allocate a staggering $100 million plus in funding for innovative art and culture initiatives across Africa within grassroots approach to funding, engaging ordinary people to contribute and donate whatever they can,” he explains. “However, for people to donate, they need to understand and appreciate the their communities.”

Really, his point here is that the heartbeat of any successful project lies in its people, stressing that genuine community engagement and collective ownership are step is to encourage people to donate and provide leadership for critical dialogues that drive communal charity for art and culture. It’s not just about funding; it’s about sustainability. We need communities to take ownership of the conversation.”

He also noted that individuals, organisations, and corporations across Africa and in the diaspora are willing to donate substantially, recognising the impact of art on economic development and community cohesion. “Philanthropy and charity in art and culture are scarce in Africa, and through advocacy, grantmaking, and leadership.”

The Africa Art Fund is conceived to artistic genres, including theatre, dance, folklore, and musical theatre. The grant selection process is transparent and rigorous, with the Allocation Committee overseeing the distribution of funds based on clear criteria.

Each application will be carefully evaluated to determine the most deservvarying depending on the grant and application. This meticulous approach ensures a fair and unbiased selection process, allowing the Africa Art Fund to support innovative and impactful artistic projects.

According to Nwanyanwu, the local art scene is thriving with innovation as a new generation of artists pushes limits, experiments with new forms, exhibits their skills in avant-garde gal leries, and captivates audiences with vibrant shows. However, the industry still faces challenges, including a lack of funding, dedicated spaces, and government support. Artists often take on multiple roles, and the sector lacks developed allied industries.

Despite these challenges, he opines, the scene has potential for growth with government support and private sector involvement. Since art and creativity can drive economic development and promote peaceful environments, particularly in multicultural countries like Nigeria, the Africa Art Fund aims to address these issues through leadership, grantmaking,

INTERNATIONAL

Diplomatic Aspects of the #Endbadgovernance Protests: The Definiendum of the Display of Russian Flag

The #EndBadGovernance Protest is the newest version of the 20 October, 2020 #EndSARS Protest. Both are decentralised social movements with politico-economic and security objectives. While the #End SARS protest demanded an end to police brutality in Nigeria, by particularly insisting on the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), because of its notorious and brutal abuse of the people’s rights, the #EndBadGovernance protested for ten days, August 1-10, 2024 and demanded for the reversal of the policy of non-oil subsidy, better governance, and political restructuring among others.

Like the 2020 protest, several people lost their lives under the pretext of hijacking of the peaceful protests by hoodlums in the 2024 protest. One major rationale for this is not far-fetched: Government was, and is always, aware of the likelihood of hijacking of peaceful protests, but always remained and still remains incapable of preventing the hoodlums from hijacking peaceful protests and looting. In other words, it is difficult to understand that Government knows there is a problem and yet it cannot strategise enough to contain the problem. This partly explains why some national and international observers consider that Government might actually be a major sponsor of the hoodlums.

And true enough, the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) warned against any protests even though the protesters have the right to protest. The warning was given in light of the likelihood of hijacking by the hoodlums and loss of innocent lives. If the government was intelligent enough to know that there would be hoodlums and that they would be violent, why was the Government unable to also evolve preventive strategies? Without gainsaying, several innocent lives were lost as predicted. Property was destroyed. The hoodlums infiltrated the peaceful protesters, operated freely, destroyed government and public property, and looted privately-owned shops and businesses. Several protesters lost their lives. And perhaps most disturbingly, #EndBadGovernance protests not only took place effectively but also generated a fresh controversy, that of the display and waving of Russian flags the definiendum of which is hereinafter explicated.

#EndBadGovernance and Diplomatic Aspects

Unlike the #EndSARS protest which sought an end to police brutality, the #EndBadGovernance had a broader scope of objectives: ending bad governance which requires stoppage of institutional corruption, reversal of the oil non-subsidy, release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from detention. Political restructuring of the country, national security, stopping inflation and sufferings of people. Without doubt, all these demands have several international dimensions. For example, bad governance, because of its many implications, is not condoned internationally. Bad governance is when lives and property cannot be effectively protected. It is when fundamental human rights cannot be guaranteed. As a matter of fact, since the 1990 Franco-African summit held in La Baule, France, dictatorship has not only become a a conditionality for the grant of development aid to Africa, but also a definiens of good governance for which an unconstitutional change of government has become non grata.

The request for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, also has a diplomatic character. He has the nationality of Britain even he is an indigene of Nigeria. He was kidnapped in a terroristic manner, on a foreign soil, in Kenya, and flown to Nigeria. This made it the second time General Muhammadu Buhari would act as a leader and terrorist. The crating of Alhaji Umaru Dikko, Nigeria’s former Minister of Transport, at the Stanstead Airport in the United Kingdom in 1984, as diplomatic baggage was the first. Nnamdi Kalu is claiming the right of self-determination in order to carve out a Republic of Biafra out of the current Republic of Nigeria. Self-determination is a right and principle of international law. Even though he has jumped bail and is under court trial, the problem is that the Government of Nigeria, even before PBAT acceded to power in 2023, only respects court rulings and

judgments selectively.

Again, the Government of Nigeria may be hostile to the idea of a Republic of Biafra, under the pretext of the constitutional provisions of non-divisibility of Nigeria and non-negotiability of national unity, the truth still remains that national unity cannot be coercively done. This is why people are asking for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. This is also why people, particularly the Patriots, are asking for a fresh non-manu militari national constitution. Even though international law prohibits intervention in the domestic affairs that fall under the jurisdictional competencies of other countries, the international community has much interest in Nigeria. The United Nations does not appreciate the dismantlement of any of its Member States. And more interestingly, the incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu as a major dynamic of insecurity in the south-eastern part of Nigeria is of international concern, especially that the Federal Government, with heavy military intervention, has not been able to stop the people’s agitation for self-determination.

There is also the question of corruption. It is a critical matter in global economic governance. An international convention was done on it in 2003 and Nigeria took an active part in the making of the convention. Although corruption is not peculiar to Nigeria, Nigeria’s type of corruption is most disturbing because it is officially not taken as a big deal. This is in spite of the many institutional mechanisms put in place to fight it. The more the institutional mechanisms, the more individual and institutional corruption is deepened. Imagine, for example, how it will be said that billions or millions of Naira, the Nigerian currency, have been swallowed by a snake. Imagine the story of the Chairman of the NAHCON (National Hajj Commission of Nigeria), Jalal Arabi,

The postulations of the Embassy of Poland and the DSS raise more issues and questions than answers. First, the Polish Embassy has sought the protection of its citizens within the framework of Private International Law because the arrested citizens are said to be students and not diplomatic agents. The protection being sought by the Embassy is only necessary if the Polish citizens have been denied justice or could not have access to justice. At this stage that the embassy is seeking the release of those arrested is therefore not proper. As students in Kano State, were the Polish students on the pavements of the street during the protests? Were they really caught holding or displaying the Russian Flags? Why were the students at the protesting ground and not elsewhere? Are the Polish students the only foreign students in their university? If we consider that the Polish students arrived Nigeria on August 1, 2024, when the protest began and are said to be in Nigeria for few weeks, there can be elements of truth in the hypothesis that the students were simply taking photographs. However, that assumption may not hold as they may still be here at the time of the protest to protect certain interests. True, Poland does not appear to be in tune with Russia because of the Russo-Ukrainian war. The action of the DSS is therefore commendable so far. If there is nothing found incriminating, the students should have their peace. That Nigeria is said to be fantastically corrupt does not mean the country is a theatre for foreign spectators

and the secretary to the Commission, Abdullahi Kontagora who have mismanaged the 2024 N90billion hajj subsidy. The two of them overpaid themselves fraudulently under the pretext of operational costs. Reports by The Punch have it that a total sum of SR314,098 has been recovered from Arabi.

As explained by the ripples.com which relied on the reports of The Punch newspapers, ‘the EFCC alleged that Arabi overpaid himself and others, with the chairman receiving SR50,000 instead of the approved SR15,929. Three commissioners received SR40,000 each instead of SR15,929, while the secretary received SR30.000 instead of SR,14,336. Directors/Chief of Staff received SR30,000 instead of SR2,550’ (vide Mayowa Oladeji’s “NAHCON chairman, secretary in EFCC custody over alleged N90bn hajj subsidy mismanagement,” www-ripplesnigeria.com, August 15, 2024). This case is one of the recent manifestations of what a former British Prime Minister, David Cameron, told Queen Elisabeth II about Nigeria on 11 May, 2016 in the context of an anti-corruption summit to be held in the UK. In the words of David Cameron, ‘this particular president (PMB) is actually not corrupt,’ but ‘Nigeria is fantastically corrupt’ or one of the two most corrupt countries of the world. Afghanistan is the other country. And who says Nigeria is not the most fantastically corrupt in Africa, not to say in the world. This is one major dynamic of the #EndBadGovernance protest.

What about the controversy surrounding the salary of Senators? Do they earn N21million as monthly salary or not? The video interview of Mahdi Shehu is quite revealing: apart from the N17 million earlier disclosed by Senator Shehu Sani, Mahdi Shehu also said it is not simply N21m that is earned monthly by senators but also constituency project allowance of N500 million, which is paid directly into the accounts of the Senators and which is in conflict with the Procurement Act that requires due process: no public tender, no bidders, etc. Who determines what project to engage in is not known to the public. It is not even put as an underlined item of the budget. No project consultant. In the 2024 budget, N20 billion and 388m is provided for legislative aids. More disturbingly, N3 billion is earmarked for NASS car parks, and 4 billion for gymnasium, N15 billion for NASS hospital and only N2billion for the National Hospital in Abuja, etc. N15 billion was also allocated for NASS Library and only N983 million for the National Library. In the eyes of Mahdi Shehu, this is manifestation of an open fraud per excellence even if the Senators are making strenuous efforts to deny what is undeniable (vide News Central TV (@NewsCentralAfrica). The RAMC has not said much about this.

The issue of oil subsidy and its reversal, as well as national insecurity, also have international and diplomatic dimensions. So is economic inflation. On oil subsidy, its origin is traceable to the early 1970s when there was an oil price shock in 1973 and Nigeria was selling fuel to Nigerians below cost. This practice of subsidy was formalised in 1977 under the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo when the Price Control Act was put in place to regulate prices, including that of fuel. The problematic in this regard was, and still is, whether there has really been oil subsidy. From the perspective of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources and a renowned virologist, Professor Tamuno DavidWest, there was no oil subsidy. He made the computations of the landing cost of redefined oil to the distributing point of filling stations and convincingly submitted that there was nothing like oil subsidy.

In an interview with The Guardian newspaper on importation of refined fuel and fuel subsidy, he said ‘there are two questions: should there be subsidy or should there be no subsidy? My answer is capital no! If you go through the racket, I will tell you why subsidy is nothing but fraud. It is not just one-man business; there are many interests involved in the fraud.’ And perhaps most disturbingly, Professor David-West revealed that ‘when former President Goodluck Jonathan set up the subsidy Investigation Panel and I (David-West) was invited, I got my facts ready, that there should not be any subsidy. The time I wanted to present my facts at the panel, Jonathan said they shouldn’t allow me. If you have four refineries refining your crude in Nigeria, why do you import? This interview is quite self-explanatory, but the truth is not wanted. Oil subsidy is therefore a mega-fraudulent purport.

Display of Russian Flag: The Definiendum

The display of Russian flags cannot be easily separated from the international perception of Nigeria as a country of bad governance where leaders say one thing and are acting contrarily. For instance, General Muhammadu Buhari similarly held the same view that fuel subsidy was a fraud when he was seeking election as President of Nigeria. In 2011 he admitted that fuel subsidy was a fraud. However research findings have shown that, on becoming an elected president of Nigeria, the story changed completely as it was General Buhari who reportedly was paying the subsidies. Six trillion naira was reportedly paid as subsidies in 2023, while subsidy payment is projected to be N5.4 trillion by the end of 2024. In fact, in terms of comparison, PMB is on record to have paid more subsidies than all other presidents since the time of General Obasanjo. If subsidy was fraudulent in 2011 and it suddenly became non-fraudulent as from 2015, how does the diplomatic community perceive Nigeria? A truly fantastically corrupt country!

IN THE ARENA

Insecurity: Benue Losing Nigeria’s Food Basket Status

With over 2,650 people reportedly killed in attacks on communities in Benue State in the past 14 months, the state is losing its revered status as the food basket of Nigeria unless President Bola Tinubu intervenes urgently to secure the state for the people to return to the farms, Davidson Iriekpen writes

Who will save the people of Benue State from incessant attacks? This is the pressing question on the minds of those who truly care about the ongoing insecurity in the state.

Last week, about 50 people were killed in the Ayati community in Ukum Local Government Area by bandits who have been terrorising the state for the past decade.

Expectedly, the state Governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia condemned the renewed killings, wondering why they continued despite a strong security presence and the regular dialogue sessions his administration had been holding with stakeholders and traditional rulers seeking the return of peace in the Sankara axis of the state. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the governor described the attack as “another unprovoked attack” in the community.

Alia, who vowed to continue to use lawful means to protect Benue people, particularly Ukum residents, called on security personnel to improve their surveillance and ensure that vulnerable communities were not left unguarded.

He explained that the government was awaiting a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to bring out its findings.

Ukum is one of the three local government areas that make up the Sankara axis where criminality holds sway. Others are Katsina-Ala and Logo LGAs.

On July 3, 2024, the state government declared a curfew on the troubled Ukum LGA as youths engaged in violent protests that led to the destruction of personal and government property worth hundreds of millions of naira. The violent protest was a result of the killing of 11 people by local bandits in the Ayati community.

On July 19, local bandits defied the curfew and unleashed terror on the Mbachier council ward in Katsina-Ala LGA, killing 18 people. It is said that a secured Benue alone could feed the entire nation. This is why it is commonly referred to as the food basket of Nigeria. It is famous for yams, rice, maize, oranges,

mangoes, and other agricultural produce. Yet, for the past 10 years, the state has known anything but peace.

With the unending insecurity in Benue, the state is fast losing its status as the food basket of Nigeria.

Almost daily, bandits and herdsmen raid villages, killing men, women, and children, while also raping and kidnapping countless others.

Many believe that the level of hunger in Nigeria today is as a result of the inability of farmers in the state to go to their farms as the residents live in constant fear of being killed, maimed or kidnapped.

It is widely believed that if the federal government doesn’t tackle insecurity seriously, the prices of foodstuffs will continue to rise amid the economic hardship in the country.

Last June, international watchdog Amnesty International, revealed that about 2,600 persons, mostly women and children, were killed following attacks on 50 communities in the state between January 2023 and February 2024.

In a recent news conference in Makurdi, the state capital, its Programme Director, Mrs. Barbara Magaji, said 18 out of the 23 LGAs in the state were constantly under security threats by armed attackers.

“These attacks are significantly affecting

food security and livelihoods because the affected communities are farmers, and displacement makes them unable to carry out any farming activity,” Magaji reportedly said.

She further quoted the state’s Ministry of Education and the Teaching Service Board as saying that at least 55 schools had been destroyed by armed bandits or closed down due to insecurity, leaving hundreds of children out of school.

She stressed the need for the Nigerian authorities to end the attacks in the state and protect lives and also give justice to the victims and their families.

Last year, the state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed that from 2015 to June 2023, 5,138 farmers were killed by suspected herdsmen attacks across the state.

The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Dr. Emmanuel Shior, who disclosed this while briefing journalists on the update of humanitarian crises in the state, also informed that following the recent simultaneous attacks by the herdsmen in four local government areas of Gwer West, Agatu, Kwande, Logo and Makurdi, the state currently has over two million IDPs. He added that 18 of the 23 local government areas of the state were under siege.

Providing a yearly breakdown of the killings, Shior revealed that in 2015 alone, 1,177 farmers were killed. In 2016, 809 farmers lost their lives, followed by 43 in 2017, and 440 in 2018. The death toll in 2019 was 174, with 88 farmers killed in 2020. The number of killings skyrocketed in 2021 to 2,131, while 172 farmers were killed in 2022. From January 2023 to date, 104 farmers have been killed, bringing the total number of deaths recorded since the inception of this administration to 5,138.

Shior also accused the federal government of neglecting the humanitarian crisis in the state where internally displaced persons (IDPs) have

POLITICAL NOTES Has APC Silenced

HasSenatorAliNdumebeencowedtosubmissionandstoppedfromlendinghisvoicetothecause of the masses, with his apology to the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Party (APC)?

The Borno South senator was stripped of his position as the Chief Whip of the Senate for criticising President Bola Tinubu.

In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, he alleged that President Tinubu was held captive byforcesinthePresidentialVilla,whowerefeeding him with lies and shielding him from selfless Nigerians who would tell him the truth.

Ndume’s audacity to speak for the masses and criticise a government that is being run by his party had provoked the ire of the ruling APC.

remained in camps for over five years. He emphasised that leaving the responsibility of addressing their plight to the state government alone had placed a tremendous burden on the state.

Throughout the eight years of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, there was no concerted effort to address the killings in the state despite pressure from local and international observers.

This is why it is disheartening that under President Tinubu’s administration, the federal government has not taken deliberate steps to handle the situation differently and save the people of the state from incessant attacks. It is time for President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Service Chiefs, the governor and all who are saddled with the responsibility of securing the citizens to think outside the box and find a solution to end the persistent carnage in the state and indeed other parts of the country.

Since President Tinubu reconstituted and reconfigured the nation’s military architecture - a move widely seen as a sign of his seriousness in combating these agents of darkness - little progress has been made in Benue State. Not a single attacker has been arrested, fuelling the speculations of conspiracy to annihilate the residents of certain parts of the state and seize their ancestral land.

Despite the president’s repeated orders for troops to pursue suspected terrorists responsible for these mass killings, the people of the state have yet to see any significant improvement.

Incidentally, the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, is from the state. Under the Buhari government, he was the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, yet nothing was done to save the state from frequent attacks.

It is high time the federal government took decisive action to address the insecurity plaguing the country, particularly in states like Zamfara, Katsina, Borno, Plateau, Benue and Taraba, where the situation is threatening the very foundation of the nation.

It is no longer enough for President Tinubu to merely express sadness and order actions to bring the perpetrators to justice; he must hold security agents to account.

Senator Ali Ndume?

In a letter signed by the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, and National Secretary, Bashir Ajibola, the party had requested the Senate President to remove Ndume as the Chief Whip for his “unguarded utterances” that were “against the federalgovernment.”HewaslaterreplacedbySenator Mohammed Monguno.

Ndume’s criticisms ofTinubu’s administration did not come as a surprise.

Since becoming a federal lawmaker over two decades ago, he has never shied away from publicly expressinghisviews,eveniftheyoffendhispartyand his fellow leaders.

This is why his decision to apologise to his party for speaking what he considered as the truth may have

shocked many Nigerians who feared that he was cowed into submission.

Though he said he stood by his words, and had also insisted that whatever he said was due to his patriotism, he nevertheless apologised to the leadership of the party. He promised that any time he is moved by the plight of themasses,hewouldfirstconsultthepartybeforespeaking his mind publicly.

Has the courageous and fearless Ndume succumbed to intimidation?Hashebeenforcedtosubordinatepatriotism and the interest of the masses to the interest of his party?

The APC leaders had promised to inform the Senate about the resolution of the issue.Will they now ask Senator Monguno to relinquish his position for Ndume to take back his former position?

BRIEFING NOTES

RMAFC’s Misleading Claim on Senators’ N21m Monthly Pay

A recent misleading claim by the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Mohammed Shehu, that each Nigerian senator earns N1 million as monthly salary when a senator’s actual take-home pay is N21 million as confirmed by Senator Sumaila Kawu and corroborated by former Senator Shehu Sani, is one of the deceptive claims by Nigeria’s ruling class to hoodwink the poverty-stricken masses while they plunder the resources of the state,

Ejiofor Alike reports

What did the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mohammed Shehu, intend to achieve when he told Nigerians and the international community that each of the 109 Nigerian senators receives a total of N1.06million in salary and allowances monthly if not to convey the false impression that the senators do not earn outrageous pay as widely alleged by Nigerians?

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mohammed said: “A closer look at the monthly entitlement of senators reveals that each senator collects a monthly salary and allowances of the sum of N1,063,860 consisting of basic salary of N168,866.

“Motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance allowance N126,650; personal assistant N42,216, domestic staff, 126,650; entertainment, N50,660, utilities, N50,660; newspapers/periodicals, N25,330; wardrobe, N42,216,66; house maintenance, N8,443.33, and constituency allowance, N422,166.”

According to him, it is instructive to note that some allowances are regular, while others are non-regular.

He added that regular allowances were paid with basic salary, while non-regular allowances were paid as at when due.

“For instance, furniture allowance which is N6,079,200, and severance gratuity also N6,079,200, are paid once in every tenure.

“Also, vehicle allowance which is N8,105,600, the payment is optional. It is a loan which the beneficiary has to pay before leaving office,” Mohammed explained.

In what appears as a veiled attack on those who alleged that the federal lawmakers earn jumbo pay, Mohammed added that “any allegation regarding other allowances being enjoyed by any political, public office holder outside those provided in the remuneration amendment Act, 2008 should be explained by the person who made the allegation.

“This is to avoid misinformation and misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading citizens and members of the international community,” he added.

With this statement, Mohammed was insinuating that those who alleged that the senators earn outrageous monthly pay are spreading ‘misinformation’ and ‘misrepresentation of facts.’

“The commission considers it most appropriate and necessary to request Nigerians to access the actual details of the present remuneration

package for political, public and judicial office holders in Nigeria published on its website,” he added.

Mohammed’s veiled attempt to hoodwink Nigerians with a false claim that each senator goes home monthly with a meagre salary was torn to shreds by the Senator representing Kano South, Sumaila Kawu, who revealed that he earns over N21 million monthly as a total take-home package.

Kawu had in an interview with the BBC, Hausa Service, on Wednesday morning disclosed that his monthly salary is about N1million, but his total take-home was N21million, representing a wide margin from figures quoted by RMFAC.

Kawu said: “The amount of salary I receive per month is less than N1 million, if there are cuts, it comes back to about N600, 0000 and a little something as salary.”

He noted that there are usually a few deductions by the RMFAC.

Corroborating Kawu’s claim on the

monthly earnings of federal lawmakers, Senator Sani on Wednesday reiterated his earlier statement that he received N13 million as a member of the 8th Senate, adding that the current members of the 10th Senate receive N21 million each monthly. Sani, who spoke on a television programme, insisted that the RMAFC was being economical with the truth.

He said: “I was a Senator and I believe I had correct knowledge about what actually happened at that time and I believe is what is happening now. Well, RMAFC was just playing with figures, they were specific in saying this is the salary of Senators and then they went on to give a breakdown of N20 million which they said was what every senator earned in four years.

“But I think they are being economical with the truth and I think I understand their fears in terms of telling the truth when they know what is actually happening.

“Before I came to this interview I was going through the papers and I saw a statement credited to one of the Senators from Kano, Distinguished Senator Kawu Ismaila, who confirmed what I said about Senators particularly of this set receiving

NOTES FOR FILE

up to N21 million monthly.

“During my time, I was in the Senate and I was pricked by my conscience as an activist who went to the Senate to unveil what has been made secret for over two decades.

“I believe that taxpayers and Nigerians in general have the right to know how much their legislators are earning and how much they have actually been given. I went on as a serving Senator then to disclose what I do receive monthly, what is credited into my account at that time and it was 13.5 million,” Senator Sani, who left the Senate in May 2019, explained.

Why did the Chairman of RMAFC want Nigerians and the international community to believe that each senator goes home monthly with a paltry N1 million?

Was he pretending that he was not aware that the members of the National Assembly fixed huge salaries and allowances for themselves outside the ones fixed by his agency?

The shameful attempt by the Chairman of RMAFC to hide the huge allowances the senators earn with their monthly salaries is part of the deceit of the ruling class, who hoodwink the poverty-stricken masses while they plunder the resources of the state.

The controversy over the amount of money received by federal lawmakers was stirred up last week by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, while receiving in audience, six members of the House of Representatives, who visited him.

During the parley, Obasanjo chided the federal lawmakers for fixing their salaries and emoluments.

Obasanjo said, “In your case, with all due respect, you’re not supposed to fix your salaries. But you decide what you pay yourself, the allowances that you give yourselves (including) newspaper allowances.

“You give yourselves all sorts of things, and you know it is not right. It is immoral, (yet) you are doing it, the Senate is doing it, and you are beating your chests about it. In some cases, the executive gives you what you’re not entitled to. You all got N200 million (each).”

Though the Senate had in a statement last Sunday refuted the claims by Obasanjo stating that they were lies, the allegation of fixing jumbo salaries and allowances have been confirmed by Senators Kawu and Sani, despite the attempt by RMAFC boss to deceive Nigerians.

Hunger Protests Not for Regime Change

For the umpteenth time, can somebody tell the federal government and its agents that the claim that the sponsors of the recent #EndBadGovernance protests nationwide had the intention of toppling the government of President Bola Tinubu is fallacious?

The organisers of the protests had officially engaged security agencies and also listed their demands, but regime change was not part of their demands.

But the agents of the federal government have continued to insist that the protest was organised to topple the present administration undemocratically.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Delete Alake, expressed similar sentiments when he spoke after the recent Council of State meeting held in Abuja last week. Alake said the sponsors of the protesters

were planning to truncate the nation’s thriving democracy “but thankfully, Nigerians resisted the move.”

“I call it a movement to effect a change of regime by force, which was also resisted…Any change of government has to be through the ballots and not through the barrel of the gun or insurrection or any other unconstitutional means; only through the ballot box can any government be changed.”

When government officials continue with this misrepresentation of verifiable facts, it means the federal government did not learn anything from the protests.

The government at all levels really needs to answer some basic questions: Are Nigerians not hungry? Is inflation not over 40 per cent? Are the roads good and safe for people to travel? Is the country generally safe? Are people not being killed on a daily basis? Can farmers access their farms?

Though it was unfortunate that hoodlums hijacked the protests to kill, loot and destroy public properties, violent protests are not peculiar to Nigeria.

Thisiswhytheclaimbythegovernmentthatthesponsors of the protesters were planning to truncate the nation’s thriving democracy is disingenuous and uncharitable.

During the #EndSARS protest in 2020, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had also described the protest as an attempt to effect regime change, instead of addressing people’s plight.

It is rhetoric like this that even angers Nigerians to embark on protests in the first place.

Government officials need to be sensitive to the yearnings of the masses.

If eminent and detribalised people like the renowned lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) could understand that thosewhocomplainedabouthungerweredoingsosincerely, and urging the government should listen to them, why not Mr. Dele Alake.

Akpata: We’ll Ignite a Revolution in Agricultural Sector

Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata is the immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association and the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State. In this interview with Wale Igbintade, he speaks on his chances, plans for the state and other issues. Excerpts:

You are a successful lawyer; why are you leaving your comfort zone to join the gubernatorial race?

You know there is a Benin parable. If I translate it into English roughly, it means that if there is only one wealthy person in the family, we are all poor. So, for me, my motivation is simply to ensure that more people are pulled out of wants, and neglect. I joined the Labour Party because if you look at our logo, you will see Papa, Mama, and Pikin (child). People should be at the centre of governance; people should be at the centre of policies. But in Nigeria, I see that people have been removed from the equation.

You know, it is in our enlightened self-interest to take a keen interest in what is going on. We just witnessed the protest days ago. We are sitting on a keg of gunpowder. Just one matchstick and it will blow. So, the sooner we improve the situation and improve the welfare of our people the better. As we speak, Garri is N90,000 per bag. When we say it, it almost seems like a joke, but it’s not funny. I live in Nigeria, and I don’t want to live anywhere else. I want to live in my country. If we don’t take part in how our affairs are being directed, we will not have a country.

That’s why I’m here. I have been a lawyer for 31 years. I have been President of the Nigerian Bar Association. So, it’s time to leave that comfort zone if we want to still have a country. I still intend to be around, God sparing our lives, and you want to have a country where you can be comfortable in. I don’t want to run away; I don’t want to go to Japa.

That’s why I am in politics.

You have been in the private sector over the years. Now, you’ve delved into politics. What exactly are you bringing to the table; what are you going to do differently?

I will put people at the heart of governance. How do you know a government that is running properly? You check its programmes and policies and see which ones are going to impact the greatest number of people. So, what do I want to do differently? How do you allocate your resources? Edo State today earns close to N17 billion a month. What are you doing with your resources to improve the lives of your people? The government is set up to provide a better life for the people - protection of life and property, security, and good life.

I also use the example of the Edo State government, which pulled down a hospital to build a museum. That cannot be right. We still have a deficit in healthcare infrastructure. So, I will build more hospitals than build a museum. So, that’s what I will do differently because you have to understand that it is not your money; you are just a caretaker. It is what they call OPM, (Other People’s Money). So, the allocation of these resources must be a function of what will benefit a greater number of people. So, we will do what the people need transparently and we will be accountable.

Governance is not rocket science. When people say Olu, you’ve never been in government before, I tell them it’s the management of men and resources. I have run a law firm of 120 people. I have run the Nigerian Bar Association of 128 branches all over the country. I ran that association’s programmes and policies and I left N1.5 billion in the accounts of the NBA when I walked away. It’s management of men and resources but our politicians make it look as if it’s witchcraft. But it’s not if you’re intent on providing good governance for the people.

How will you make agriculture attractive for the people of Edo State?

I thank you for that question because we just keep paying lip service; we just keep repeating the same things. Agriculture has the potential to transform our economy. But we are spoiled. We are looking for instant gratification. Agriculture has a long lead time. You know, from planting to harvesting. Unlike oil, you know, scratch the ground small, you see oil, and you run away with it.

But the effect that agriculture has on any economy cannot be overstated. So, I give you my guarantee. We will not be paying lip service to agriculture, because we want to ignite a revolution in that sector. I’m old enough to remember Operation Feed the Nation, and I am old enough to remember the Green Revolution. It’s just that we did not sustain those programmes. See what Professor Soludo launched the other day in Awka. You know, he is thinking. Farm to feed, that is what he launched the other day in Awka.

We will ignite a revolution in the agricultural sector. Now, how will we do this? Number one, the government must be the off-taker. You subsidise farming implements. You subsidize fertiliser, or give it out for free. You subsidize pesticides so that the farmers can go to the farm. But after you do that, you must be the off-taker. You have enough money to buy the produce from them and sell it to the people at a subsidized rate. You establish what we used to have in those days - the produce boards. You have storage facilities. So, you create farm settlements, at least one in every Local Government.

That’s what we’re going to do, as much as we can. But we’ll start with the pilot project. So, these farm settlements will have storage facilities. From pineapple to pineapple juice; from tomatoes to tomato puree; there and then. So, it’s either you are storing to sell, or you are moving to the processing plant. Meanwhile, Mr. Farmer has collected his money and gone back to the farm.

The cycle does not stop. Garri is N90,000 a bag because there is a shortage; farmers are not going to the farm. We will secure them. We’ll bring security because of these herdsmen’s business. The other day, in Ondo State, three or four herdsmen were finally sentenced to death.

There must be accountability; there must be sanctions.

So, we will secure them. Forest rangers will come back because these are government businesses. Can you go and attack Warri Refinery? No, because the government is protecting it. For us, in Edo State, the farms will be a state asset, which we will protect. So, the farmers will feel free to go in. The one that the state runs, the one that the farmers run. And then, of course, the storage facility will not be government-run alone. It will be with PPP, the agro-allied processing zone.

PPP, you understand the government will earn income from it, but the government will not run it, because I am not a fan of the government running business alone.

So, once you see that you have ignited the agricultural sector, what does that do? Number one, the economy of the farmer has improved.

How would you address rising rural-urban migration?

So, first and foremost, rural-urban migration is because there are no viable economies in those areas. So, the agriculture that we just spoke about will fire up the economy in those areas. Number two, infrastructure fires up the economy. The government is supposed to deal with urban development. So, you are supposed to be providing facilities area by area. Roads come first; drainages come first; power comes first. So, at the end of the day, you are spreading out. So, you find out that people will discover that they are comfortable enough to live there.

Abudu has had no lights today for 10 years, and it’s a Local Government Headquarters. Urhonigbe has had no light for 10 years now. Why would people not run away from there? But if Abudu had lights today, and if the roads were good, some people would commute. They will go to Benin and come back that day. So, you have to build infrastructure, but you also have to build a viable economy. Like Orhionwon Local Government Area in Edo State, they are sitting on the largest inland gas deposits in Nigeria. Why are there no companies or power plants? The best fuel for power is gas. Why are they not there? By the time you put power plants in Orhionwon Local Government, will people not stay there? They will stay there. What are they coming to do in Benin?

Thus, rural-urban migration will stem from agriculture and industrialisation, pushing more industries there. Therefore, I think we must increasingly create viable economies around the state, and it must be a deliberate approach. So, that’s our plan.

What measures will you put in place to bridge the economic gap of women and children at the State level?

I am the only son. I grew up with women. First of all, I believe in gender equality. But the problem with people like me who grew up with women is that I am so used to women. I don’t know when they are suffering discrimination. So, when I became President of the NBA, I had to put in place, a sexual harassment policy, because I didn’t realise what women lawyers have been suffering right in the course of their work. Because I’m gender blind, I don’t even know, because I grew up with the notion that what a man can do a woman can do, period. But it’s not exactly like that. So, I have now become sensitive to the plight of women. Therefore, there must be affirmative action to balance the situation.

For me, my government is a matter of policy. We are going to have representation in the cabinet; nothing less than 40 to 50 per cent. I am not even going to hold myself to the 35 per cent that we hear of in the federal. So, for women, for example, opportunity must be given to them, and we must take that extra step because of the playing field that is not level. Women are disadvantaged, and so, I am an advocate for ensuring that we level the playing field; and give them more opportunities.

And for children, let’s call them the youth, first and foremost. You know, we talked about education today. The best thing you can give your child is a good education. So, we must ensure that we build that platform right

from primary school. As you see, I have never been schooled outside Nigeria. So every child must have that opportunity.

Education is important. Healthcare is important. When I harp on healthcare, it is the women and the children that I’m thinking of. And then going back to the women, apart from affirmative action, when you build a woman, you build a nation. So, for our women, those who are traders, and market women, there must be access to credit.

Abia State just brought out N1 billion to give to the market women and traders, interest-free. He puts it on the table, interest-free. You can be sure that we will follow that example and improve on it. All those women in the market must have access to credit. Do you know how many families depend on what they do? So, I’m going to take a very, very, keen interest in what the women are doing.

On the children, we have to look at our value system. Our value system has been torn into shreds. What are the children learning? So, the government must work closely with churches, schools, traditional institutions, and families. Because it’s that community that raises a child so that we can put our value system back. Children today go anywhere they see money, and that’s the value they have. They don’t care. We must change that, because, if not, they as leaders of tomorrow, how will they function? So, the value system is also very important.

How do you intend to leverage technology to place Edo State on the path of sustainable growth and development?

On technology, I promised that I wasn’t going to build another university in Edo State. I wanted to deal with the one that we already have. But I’m going to make an exception. We’re building the University of Technology, and we are going to put it in Akoko-Edo. It would be named the University of Information and Communication Technology, and we are putting it in Akoko-Edo because we have to build a whole new generation of people who speak that language.

Some of our children have not seen a computer. Meanwhile, they are in computer science departments. So, for technology, it is almost like the oxygen we breathe. Now, I have to work hard to ensure that it becomes part of our culture. Technology has become a culture worldwide. So we must do that.

How confident are you to win the election going by the continuous attacks from opposing parties?

On the attacks, what does not kill you makes you stronger. “No be so dey talk? Na tree wen get fruits na dem dey stone o”. So, I have been on this matter for one year. They thought I would go, but I am not going anywhere. Honestly, when you talk of candidates in the Edo State election today, what name comes to your mind first? So, I have positioned myself ready for any of the challenges that are there. I am not worried; the attacks have helped me. They have even propelled my candidacy further, and we are still standing; no shaking.

Over the years, we have witnessed cases where thugs stormed polling units and made away with the electoral materials. How do you ensure that this does not happen in the forthcoming election?

First and foremost, to rig an election in a place where you are not popular is hard; very hard. Rigging has become almost extinct. Now, it’s violence; rigging itself is very difficult. So, if you go to the Edo people now, we are not quite there yet, but we are almost there where we have the people’s movement that propelled the Labour Party in 2023. We have almost built to that crescendo where the people are daring to hope again. So, the first thing is to put the people behind you, and the people are behind us. The next thing now is to engage the system to be sure that we have enough security in place. I’m happy because PDP is at the state level. APC is at the centre. So, at the end of the day, there’s a crossing out. So, APC does not want PDP to cause mayhem in the state. They will show up. The government machinery will be in place. PDP, too will not let APC come from Abuja and come and shortchange them. So, at the end of the day, I suspect that the ground will be levelled; everybody will stand down. So, if that happens, you let the people’s will prevail.

Some observers say one of the major hurdles facing your candidacy is that you’re from the same senatorial district as the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki. How will you react to this?

Now, on the issue of zoning, yes, the current governor is a Benin man like me. You don’t transplant zoning from one party to another. PDP is where that governor belongs, and he’s a Benin man. I am from the Labour Party. We held our primaries. We decided to open it up to the best man, because, you know, our reality is different. “We just dey come”. So, we said we are not going to circumscribe ourselves to any zone. Let the best man win. There were many Esan men in that contest; many Etsako, but I emerged as the candidate. And the Labour Party now says, ‘Since he is our candidate, and by the grace of God, he wins,’ then we can set the clock and start our zoning. You can’t work in Leventist and collect a salary from a UTC.

Now, every party does their zoning. How does that affect me? With the generality of the people, I have looked around, there are some sympathies for Edo Central, but politics is a game of numbers. It’s not just about sympathy. You must have the numbers to back that move. Oshiomhole, when he was interviewed recently said that he did not run as governor on zoning. He ran as an Etsako man. He went to convince the Benin people that he was the better candidate.

ENGAGEMENTS

A Protest and Its Aftermath

The long orchestrated nationwide hunger and hardship protests have come and gone. The protesters have since gone home, mostly bruised, battered and even more depressed than ever before. Some are nursing broken skulls or irri- tated eyes from tear gas smoke. Quite a bit of public and private property has been damaged or stolen. Miscrable political naïvety and predictable security knee jerks. Aso Rock po- litical minions sketched a political geography of the protests and who could be sponsoring them. The wild guesses ranged from Mr. Peter Obi to IPOB and sundry political opposition jobbers. A different lazy gaze beamed the searchlight on the remnants of the last #End- SARS organizers. But this was not like that previous encounter. This was something more nebulous with a silly name.

But contrary to the wild berth of official protest trackers, like protesters and mobs elsewhere, the crowds that massed out to protest carried placards and private banners with public messages drawing attention to the roots of their grievance

“We are Hungry”, “Give us Food”, “Stop Steal- ing Our Money”. Despite feverish government effort to divide the protesters with politics, the people re-drew the national misery map according to the laws of the necessity of daily living. Hunger, poverty and hardship generate a map of the nation all of their own. That much was evident in the recent protests. In line with the immutable law of democratic expression, the right of the people to protest their discomfort found overriding expression. Politics could not drown that reality. In return, the obligation of government to manage protest as a feature of democratic expression was observed to a reasonable extent. The hope, going forward, is that government will have learnt the lessons in the very pattern and mode of the protests.

Contrary to official conceptions of the projected map of the protests, the urban centres of the north saw more anger than similar centres elsewhere in the country. The message is the same as has been continu- ously conveyed by international development agencies and even the National Bureau of Statistics. The 19 northern states contain the poorest concentration of Nigerians with the least GDP per capita, the least access to food, shelter, healthcare and disposable cash. The pains and pangs of poverty are therefore most excruciating in these states, hence the vicious anger of the protests in those places.

If indeed the political elite of the north was attentive to the rhythm and message of the protests, they will have heard the precise message of their long missing mandate and engagement with the common people of the region. The message was loud and clear.

Abuja and Lagos presented a somewhat different picture. They are home to the most politically sophisticated Nigerians populace. They were more likely to play by the rules of democratic political protest than most other places. More importantly, a sense of political ownership of the Tinubu presidency may have doused the temper and tempo of the protests in the urban centers of the South West.

The unprecedented calm in the South East has been variously interpreted. In the first place, it makes nonsense of the pre-protest speculations in Aso Rock that the protests were the handiwork of the political and sepa- ratist elite of the zone. Secondly, the calm gave the few noisy South Eastern elements in the Tinubu administration some substance to take to Abuja and brandish the support of the zone for Tinubu. These elements are perfectly entitled to the self-ingratiation and overblown self-importance. At a more fundamental, geo-political level, it is left for the Nigerian political establishment to figure out why the whole South East would shun a national protest predicated on pains that are so obviously widespread. Any serious political establishment should spend some time trying to understand what exactly is going on in the political unconscious of the Igbos of the South-east.

Contrary to the convenient tendency to divide the Nigerian populace and electorate in terms of geopolitics, ethnicity, religion and partisanship, the anthems of the protesters were more unifying. Nigerians who trooped out to protest indicated a solid unity of purpose forged by their exposure to common adversities of hunger, hard- ship, unemployment and inflation, mass poverty, homelessness and hopelessness.

There are of course many things inherently wrong about the mode and framing of the recent protests. The national coordination of the organiz- ers was defective. The framing of the governing message was too large and omnibus. Unlike the protesters in Kenya and Bangladesh, the protests were not powered by any specific demands and deadlines. There were no specific tasks for the NASS, the Executive, INEC, etc. Ending bad governance is such a large chest whose components could be expanded indefinitely. ENDSARS was more pointed hence its targeted objec- tive and specific achievements. This one was rather diffuse. That is probably why the protests ended up as an amorphous futility.

After the protests, the challenges for the government should ordinarily be self -defined. Government should be more people oriented. Public policy should be more tailored towards bring- ing more immediate succor to the masses. Attention should now be paid to areas of wastage of public resources. Government should buy less luxury goods, build fewer needless mansions, embark on fewer questionable foreign

trips and do so with more purposeful and sensibly sized contingents. More importantly, this is an opportunity to look at the matter of corruption beyond the routine invitation and questioning of suspects by the EFCC.

So far, very little timid action has been taken in this regard. A reduction in tariff on imported food has been announced. A curious directive has gone out from the Presidency to the EFCC to donate N50 billion from recovered corruption money to boost the funding of the newly inaugurated Students Loans Fund. All well and good.

On the contrary, government has embarked on some predictable behaviors. Indiscriminate arrests have been made of alleged suspected ring -leaders of the protests without any specific charges as yet. The office of the National Security Adviser has gone to town to announce the seizure or freezing of over N80bn in suspected protest sponsorship funds. No details. No names, No indictments or specific charges or specific court proceed- ings. There are loud rehearsals of moves to institute draconian and authoritarian measures probably in order to project the image of a stronger government. For instance, a fool- ish draft bill to jail or heavily fine people who refuse to recite the national anthem by the House of Representative Speaker has been dropped like hot potato under threat of stiff citizen resistance. No one knows what else lies in store for a citizenry that is now seen as cowed and defeated.

The abiding question is now this : when citizens in exercise of their rights under a democracy cow under the jackboots of author- ity, could they be inviting a democracy to transform into an elected dictatorship? The next couple of weeks will perhaps be more exciting for Nigerians than the anxious mo- ments before the futile protests.

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Bukayo Saka Scores, Contributes Assist as Arsenal Make Winning Start

Bterday picked up from where he stopped last season, scoring a goal and contributing another as Premier League campaign at Kai Havertz headed in athe right, with the England forward adding their second after the break with a powerful left-foot shot into the right corner after the visitors were caught out by a quickly taken free-kick.

from at their best, they always looked in control of the contest and more than merited their win against determined opponents.

Wolves debutant Jorgen half header well saved by

PREMIER LEAGUE

Cunha should have done

when Wolves were chasing an equaliser.

However, Wolves boss complaint at the outcome, with his side fashioning few clear-cut opportunities over the course of the afternoon. Elsewhere at the City late goal snatched a point for Bournemouth as they came from behind to deny Nottingham Forest on the opening day. Chris Wood swept home the Forest opener in the goalkeeper Neto parried a It followed a broken ankleto a stretcher after a challenge

NPFL Clubs Encouraged to Set up Websites

NigeriaPremier Football League (NPFL) has mandated clubs to set up websites and support social media platforms to drive engagement and secure additional revenue streams from such platforms.

reached at a one-day summit for club media directors, which on Friday.

that the completion date for to eight weeks from ten weeks.

facilities in the state. He also announced the purchase of promised that all outstanding payments would be made.

formed the participants that a letter would be written to clubs that are yet to set up websites to do so within one month.

Owunmi also advised the personal development in order to improve their skillset and contribute qualitatively to the development of their club’s engagement with their fans and communities.

La Liga: All Eyes on Mbappe as Madrid, Barca Begin Title Race Live on StarTimes

Kylian Mbappe’s highly anticipated La Liga debut is set to ignite the new Madrid and Barcelona renew

he scored and lifted the trophy, the French superstar is poisedlies ahead.

the center of attention.

Football fans can catch all the Premium channel, with the plat-

Jude Bellingham’s sensational goals to the La Liga title and Champions League triumph, has raised expectations.

However, the arrival of Mbappe could reshape the team’s dynamics. Coach Carlo integrating the French forward into his already formidable lineup.

reclaim the La Liga crown from their arch-rivals, are determined to mount a strong challenge.

Bournemouth - who had a half - were much improved in the second half and levelled from close range when Forest failed to properly clear a cross.

had equalised earlier when smashed in following an intricate short-corner routine, but Lewis Cook was ruled the build-up. and Egypt star Mohamedin Premier League history.

ing day win against newly His goal in Liverpool’s campaign against Ipswich

is his ninth strike in a season opener.

goals scored on the opening

El Kanemi Walk Tight Rope

matchday of the Premier stars have scored eight total overtaken them to lead the pack out on his own.

Rangers, Remo Stars begin continent campaign at home

Femi Solaja -

ElKanemi Warriors opening Confederation Cup against Beninoise side yesterday.

Ikenne.

CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

minute opener, ElKanemi got the

Mathieu Kerekou in Cotonou. El-Kanemi Warriors are featur-

by the double award-winning coach of the season, Fidelis Ilechukwu, and his players landed very high mood, ready to defend of the nation, Nigeria in their return to continental football after four seasons.

pions League today, Enugu

he Minister of -

John Owan Enoh, has charged

Falconets, to do well and make the nation proud as they depart for Bogota, Colombia, for their

Coach Christopher Musa in the prestigious tournament after a series of impressive the World Cup and two-time

sights set on making history by bringing home the trophy this time around.

in their abilities and encouraged them to surpass their previous best achievements. “Your predecessors have done

is optimistic about getting a good result ahead of the re-

he said, in a chat, “We respect our opponent but we shall do

since the preparation for the new season started and with the level of motivation in our team, we shall come out with a good result.”

competition on two occasions It is now time for you to take our country further by winning the trophy, “ he said.ment and the people of this great country are with you, and I disappoint.”

Having spent weeks in in- tensive training at the National now embark on a two-week

tune their strategies and build momentum before the World Enoh thanked the NFF for seamlessly planning the team’s training camp in Bogota. Nigeria has been drawn in

Falconets are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but they are equally determined to showcase their skills and make a deep run in the tournament.

Afe Babalola to FG

“It is wrong for the government to be sharing garri, beans and rice as palliatives. They are turning the people into beggars…The government must provide the people enabling environment for people to work and feed themselves” – Legal icon, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, lamenting how the Tinubu-led government is turning Nigerians into beggars with palliatives.

SIMON KOLAWOLE

In Pursuit of a Pan-Nigerian Identity

When Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the president-general of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, died last month, it reawakened a topic I had been ruminating over for decades. I had been following the trajectories of politicians who aspired to be president of Nigeria at one point or the other and I had been genuinely startled by how many ended up as active members or leaders of ethnic associations. I have been asking myself for years: what changed? Why did they — having desired to lead a country of 250 ethnic groups and two dominant religions — decide to return to their ethnic cocoons? I am not interested in judging them, by the way; I am just trying to understand what happened to them.

Chief Olu Falae, former secretary to the military government and minister of finance, twice aspired to be president of Nigeria — in 1992 and 1999. But the last phase of his public career is as a champion of ethnic nationalism. He is a frontline member of the Afenifere, the Yoruba group. If Afenifere’s ideology is benign, the same cannot be said of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) led by the late Dr Fredreick Faseun, who had also aspired to be president of Nigeria in 1992. The OPC, at least in its formative years, was a violent group that wanted to liberate the “Yoruba nation” from the “Fulani slavery in Nigeria”. Faseun could have been president of the same country he wanted to balkanise.

The late Dr Ibrahim Datti Ahmed was also one of the presidential hopefuls in 1992. A respected Islamic cleric, he shocked Nigerians when he criticised Nigeria’s controversial membership of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), promising that if he was voted into power, he would review the organisation’s relevance to the political and economic priorities of the country. That was an unpopular view in the core north which supported the OIC membership, although Christians loved his stand. But, several years down the line, he became the president-general of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN). Ahmed could have been the president of the multi-religious Nigeria.

You can imagine my thinking when Iwuanyanwu, who died recently at 81, became the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo counterpart of Afenifere, in April 2023. He thrice tried to become president of Nigeria. In 1992, he vied for the presidential ticket of the National Republican Party (NRC) and was being touted as the preferred running mate to the late Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, who was favoured to pick the party’s ticket in a keen race with the late Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi before Babangida nullified the primary. In 1997, Iwuanyanwu also showed interest in the race as a member of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) and again in 1998 under the All Peoples Party (APP).

Back to my key question: why did people who tried to lead a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation decide to retreat to their cocoons later in life? This could be an interesting focus of academic inquest. All I can do here is hazard a few guesses. The most common argument I have heard from people in informal conversations over the years is that politicians who once believed in a united Nigeria began to have second thoughts after seeing the “reality” that the country was built to fail by the colonialists. It is a common view down south that the British powers constructed Nigeria to favour the north, making other Nigerians who had genuinely thought otherwise to, finally, “see the light”. Does this fully explain the phenomenon? I would not say so. The late Alhaji Shehu Shagari, a full-blooded Fulani man who was made the Turaki of the Fula Sokoto Caliphate in 1962 by the Sultan of Sokoto Siddiq Abubakar III, was president of Nigeria from 1979-83. He later led the Turaki Committee, a group of core northerners looking out for the northern interest within the Nigerian context. If people were retreating to their ethnic cocoons because of the way Nigeria was structured, why should a major beneficiary like Shagari need to toe the same line? The system supposedly favoured his region. Why should he mimic the game being played by those who felt marginalised?

A second argument is that many of these politicians decided to retreat to their cocoons after suffering from the political system and losing faith in a pan-Nigerian dream. Falae, for instance, was detained endlessly by the Gen Sani Abacha government over his June 12 activism. The notion in the south, correct or not, was that the north did not want Abiola to be president — even though northerners massively voted for him. Falae’s detention probably did something to him and he maybe lost the faith. Iwuanyanwu also probably took a dim view of the political set-up, concluded that there was an agenda to fence off the Igbo from Aso Rock and finally decided to go back to his roots.

A third argument, which I find quite useful, is that the Nigerian political landscape was shaped ab initio by sectionalism and regionalism. Jam’iyaar Mutanen Arewa, a northern socio-political group, produced the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) in 1949 under the leadership of Sir Ahmadu Bello. In 1945, Chief Obafemi Awolowo co-founded the Yoruba group, Egbé omo Odùduwà, in London apparently to gain a foothold in the politics of Nigeria. In 1951, the group birthed the Action Group (AG) which ultimately displaced the NCNC (National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, renamed the National Convention of Nigerian Citizens) as the dominant party in the Western Region.

There is an unending argument that the entrance of AG marked the beginning of “tribalism” in Nigerian politics because of the way the Yoruba allies of the NCNC switched camps, but many parties operated along ethnic or sectional lines in the same era, notably the Borno Youth Movement, Igala Union, Igbira Tribal Union, Ibadan Peoples Party, Zamfara Commoners Party, and the Niger Delta Congress. The NPC, the biggest party, was an offshoot of Jam’iyaar Mutanen Arewa — “Society of Northern Youths” in Hausa, the northern lingua franca. Only the NCNC, co-founded by Herbert Macaulay and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, had a broader appeal at first. It later became limited to the East.

Historically, therefore, our politics was organised along ethnic and regional lines and this may partly explain why many politicians, including those who wanted to be president, find it easy to retire to their cocoons. In fact, there is this common argument that you are first an Igala or Esan or Shuwa before you are a Nigerian. This could well be a fourth argument. In other words, your ethnicity is your primary identity. Your Nigerian identity is secondary. Those who subscribe to this notion would likely place ethnic considerations first in whatever they do. I have also heard people say you

cannot be a good Nigerian if you are not first a good Ibibio, but I doubt this can be scientifically proven.

President Olusegun Obasanjo, who ruled Nigeria twice — first as a military ruler and later as a civilian president — has always refused to identify with regional groups. He is critical of them. He once said he could not understand why anyone, after being Nigerian president, would reduce himself to being an advocate of sectional interests. He famously savaged Zik, Nigeria’s first president, for descending from the height of “Zik of Africa” to the depth of “Owelle of Onitsha”. In the case of Zik, though, I would think a time comes when you go back to your roots for cultural, not political, reasons. In fact, Zik being made Owelle of Onitsha could be the same as Obasanjo being made Balogun of Owu. While I cannot categorically say why erstwhile national leaders transform to ethnic champions, I do know that we seem stuck at a stage in the evolution of our nationhood. For help, I will generously quote Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who tried to address this issue at a book launch by Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, the Yoruba leader, in 2009. Sanusi said: “My grandfather was a northerner, I am a Nigerian. The problem is that in 2009, we speak in the language of 1953. Before colonialism, there was nothing like Northern Nigeria. Before the jihad, there was no Sokoto caliphate. The man from Kano regarded himself as Bakane. The man from Zaria was Bazazzage. The man from Katsina was Bakatsine.”

He continued: “The northern kingdoms were at war with each other. They were Hausas, they were Muslims, they were killing each other. The Yoruba were Ijebu, Owo, Ijesha, Akoko, Egba. When did they become one? When did the north become one? You have the Sokoto Caliphate that brought every person from Adamawa to Sokoto and said it is one kingdom. They now said it was a Muslim north. The colonialists came, put that together and said it is now called the Northern Nigeria. Do you know what happened? Our grandfathers were able to transform to being northerners but we have not been able to transform to being Nigerians. The fault is ours.” In sum, we seem stuck in the past.

But identities evolve. Most of the people who call themselves Yoruba today were not called Yoruba before colonial rule. An easy example I use is the first Nigerian newspaper, Iwe Irohin for Egba ati Yoruba, established in 1859. As at 1859, Egba people were not classified as Yoruba. B.O.N. Eluwa, general secretary of the Ibo Federal Union, told the story of how he toured “Igboland” from 1947 to 1951 to convince “Igbo” villagers that they were indeed “Igbo”. David B. Abernethy wrote: “In the 1930s, many Aro and Onitsha Ibos consciously rejected identification as Ibos, preferring to think of themselves as separate, superior groups.” Many of our ethnic identities today are recent creations.

That said, is there now a room for us to progress to a truly Nigerian identity? Or has the evolution ended? The good news is that in terms of partisan politics, we have become better integrated. In the past, it was easy to pin one party to one part of the country. Today, the dominant parties are multi-ethnic and have nationwide spread. The not-so-good news is that national integration is still lagging behind. Many Nigerian leaders still talk in the language of the 1950s and 60s. Some younger Nigerians boldly assert their sectional identities on their social media profiles. As one generation gives way to another, we need to grow a pan-Nigerian mentality. The evolution must not stop.

To recap, I do not have problems with people asserting their identities. We all carry multiple identities — ethnic, subethnic, state, regional, geo-political, religious and so on. They are not at odds with nation-building. A Muslim asking for what he thinks is a better bargain for Nigerian Muslims is not less a Nigerian, except he is engaged in a sinister campaign. Also, I understand that nation-building is a constant conversation and negotiation. If all sections feel they are getting a good deal and are, therefore, comfortable being in Nigeria, that is lovely. Pressure groups, after all, have a place in nation-building. Nevertheless, I am uncomfortable with ethnic champions seeking to lead Nigeria.

And Four Other Things…

CHINESE TAKEAWAY

Nigeria has again been served a dish of global embarrassment with the seizure of three presidential jets following a $70 million arbitration award in favour of Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd, a Chinese firm, over a contractual dispute with the Ogun state government. We tried to stop the enforcement by claiming “sovereign immunity” — despite a US court ruling that this does not apply to commercial ventures. The AGF might not have read the court ruling, judging by a press statement from his office. It is important for modern AGFs to have a sound knowledge of public and private international laws because they are totally different from election litigation. Humiliating.

DOING JUSTICE

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the next chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) as Justice Olukayode Ariwoola is due to retire soon on attaining the age of 70. If confirmed, as expected, Kekere-Ekun will be only the second woman to hold the position in the history of Nigeria — the first being Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who was CJN from 2012-2014. Kekere-Ekun, 66, is currently the most senior justice and, going by tradition, will step into the biggest judicial shoes in Nigeria. I have always heard good things about her but, that aside, I am happy that Nigerian women are rising to the top on merit — in a society that is still largely patriarchal. Progress.

WORLD-CLASS WAKAMA

Nigeria did not win a single medal at the Paris Olympics but — goodness me — I was superexcited by the performance of the D’Tigress, our female basketball national team. It was going to be tough against the almighty US in the quarter-finals but we had already created an African record by progressing from the group stage. And, yes, the coach is not a foreigner but our own Rena Wakama. Fittingly, the unassuming 32-year-old US-born former basketballer was specially recognised by FIBA and the Olympic organisers for her exploits. Our progress in basketball has been remarkable in recent years. It should be a no-brainer to devote energies and resources towards sustaining it. Momentum.

NO COMMENT

We were recently entertained to the spectacle of a woman appearing to tear her husband’s passport to pieces on arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The woman, Favour Igiebor, appeared to be very angry in a subsequent video, asking people to hear her out before jumping to conclusion. When immigration moved to prosecute her, the narration took a new dimension. It was a skit, the husband said in a “message of appeal to the public”. The document torn at the airport was not a passport, he said, adding that it was the commentary over the video by a bystander that misled Nigerians. So, they were shooting a skit without using a camera? Wonderful.