COVID-19: No Hajj For Muslims this Year, Says FG Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja National Hajj Commission the need to limit the annual Saturday, said the decision was and safety first,” the ministries The development marks the of (NAHCON). Muslim spiritual rites to only “based on the Kingdom’s said those wishing to perform second year in tow that the For the second time in a The commission said its 60,000 pilgrims and strictly to constant keenness to enable Hajj must be free of any Hajj, which is usually observed row, there will be no Hajj officials in Saudi Arabia had Saudi citizens and foreigners the guests and visitors at chronic diseases, and to be by two million pilgrims will be for muslims beacuse of fear confirmed the development, residing in the country as a the Grand Mosque and the within the ages from 18 to abridged due to the pandemic. of COVID-19. which was reported by state precaution to obviate the Prophet’s Mosque perform the 65 years for those vaccinated In a statement issued by its The federal government, television and radio stations spread of COVID-19. rituals of Hajj and Umrah.” against the virus according spokesperson, Fatima Usara yesterday, confirmed this in in the Kingdom. A statement by the While noting that, “The to the Kingdom’s vaccination a statement issued by the Saudi Arabia had announced Ministries of Health and Hajj, Kingdom puts human health measures. Continued on page 10

Anambra Guber: Uncertainty in PDP as Court Dissolves Congresses… Page 5

Sunday 13 June, 2021 Vol 26. No 9561

www.thisdaylive.com T N400 RU N TH & REASO June 12: Nigerians Stage Protests Nationwide Our Correspondents Nigerians yesterday staged protests and rallies around the country to mark the second anniversary of declaration June L-R: First Lady, Olufolake Abdulrazaq; the State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; and Deputy British High Commissioner, Gill Atkinson; at the official launch of the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition in , the state capital...recently Continued on page 6 Legislature, Judiciary Paralysed in Nigeria, Says Afe Babalola Explains N'Assembly has power to give Nigeria a new constitution Posits an amendment includes substitution Gboyega Akinsanmi and defeating the very essence of Victor Olakitan in Ado-Ekiti democracy as the most viable system of government. A renowned Senior Advocate In an exclusive interview of Nigeria (SAN) and founder, with THISDAY, the legal Afe Babalola University, Ado luminary and businessman, Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe who reckoned that Nigeria was Babalola, has said the current yet to have an ideal democracy state of the nation presents a given that scenario, argued that COURTESY VISIT TO RWANDA'S PRESIDENT... democracy with a paralysed Managing Director, Access Bank Plc , Mr Herbert Wigwe and Rwanda’s President, Mr Paul Kagame in Kigali during a courtesy Continued on page 10 legislature and judiciary, thus visit to the President by Wigwe...recently 2 SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY ͹ͻ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER 5 PAGE FIVE

DEMOCRACY DAY CELEBRATION... L-R: Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo; Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Governor Dapo Abiodun and his wife, Bamidele Abiodun at the 2021 Democracy Day celebration at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta on Saturday Anambra Guber: Uncertainty in PDP as Court Dissolves Congresses Directs PDP to use November 2017 delegate lists New chairman cancels elected ad hoc delegates Chuks Okocha in Abuja and PDP) to the extant list of State, EXCO members, local at any time to adopt or publish Party Officers and Delegates PDP Congresses conducted David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka already inaugurated party government chairmen and the name of a State Chairman, that emerged from the Anambra on 28th November, 2017 and officers and delegates that national delegates amongst alongside persons purporting PDP Congresses conducted on 1st December, 2017 the Senator With less than a week to emerged "from the Anambra others. to be his Exco members, Local 28th November, 2017 and 1st Grace Bent Ward Congress the commencement of the PDP congress conducted on This is as the plaintiff further Government Chairmen and December, 2017, valided by Appeal Panel Report and governorship primaries of the 28 November, 2017 and 1st prayed the court for an order of National Delegates, without the Senator Grace Bent Ward Barrister Ukpai Ukairo Local Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) December, 2017, validated by perpetual injunction restraining recourse to the extant List Congress Appeal Panel Report Government Appeal Panel in Anambra State, a Federal the Senator Grace Bent Ward the PDP, its allies or cronies from of already inaugurated Party and Barrister Ukpai Ukairo Report, under the supervision High Court sitting in Abuja, has Congress Appeal Panel Report further recognising or dealing Officers and Delegated that Local Covernment Appeal Panel of Sir Chukwudi Umeaba." nullified the Southeast Zonal under the supervision of Sir with persons names on pages 14, emerged from the Anambra Report, under the supervision He contended that all parties Congresses, which held on Chukwudi Umeaba as acting 15 and 16 of the Bronchure for PDP Congresses conducted of Sir Chukwudi Umeaba, as shall bear their respective costs March 6, 2021. chairman, State Caretaker the South-East Zonal Congress on 28th November, 2017 and State Caretaker Committee. of the action. Consequently, the High Court Committee." of 6th March, 2021, "either as 1 December, 2017 validated by Acting Chairman." The implication of this is that has sacked the state chairman In the suit with reference state Chairman, EXCO members, the Senator Grace Bent Ward Accordingly, Justice Adebiyi unless the party succeeds at the of the party, Chief Ndubuisi numbered HC/CV/774/2021, local government area chairmen Congress Appeal Panel or and said the "first defendant is appellate court, if it chooses Nwobu and replaced him Anyakorah, on behalf of himself or national delegates of PDP, Barrister Ukpai Ukairo Local hereby ordered and compelled to challenge the ruling of the with Ejike Oguebego, while and all local government Anambra State chapter. Covernment Appeal Panel that during the conduct of all lower court, it may find itself directing the PDP PDP to use chairmen and ward executives, In its judgment of June 9, Report, under the supervision elections in Anambra State, fielding parallel delegates in the the November 2017 delegate lists who emerged from the 28th 2021, the court upheld the of Sir Chukwudi Umeaba, to henceforth adopt, employ, November 6 election, which may in conducting its governorship November 2017 and 1st prayer of the plaintiff, citing as Acting Chairman, State recognise and use only the list call for the replication of the primary election. December 2017, by way of Article 2 of the PDP constitution, Caretaker Committee. of already inaugurated Party Zamfara scenario, which cost Following the news, however, originating summons, sought According to Justice Adeniyi, "It is hereby further declared Officers and Delegates that the All Progressives Congress, the court-installed chairman, a declaration that by virtue of after listening to the claimant, that the arbitrary imposition emerged from the Anambra the North Western state in 2019. Mr Chukwudi Umeaba, has Article 2 of the Constitution of Anyakora, local government by the 1st Defendant on PDP Congresses conducted How the Uche Secondus-led announced the cancelation the PDP (amended in 2017), "the chairmenand ward executives its members of a State on 28th November, 2017 and National Working Committee of the recently held ward said constitution is supreme," that emerged from the Anambra Chairman, Exco members, 1st December, 2017 validated (NWC) handles this slippery congresses of the party to elect arguing that it has "a binding PDP Congresses conducted on Local Government Chairmen by the Senator Grace Bent judicial rulingwill determine the three-man Adhoc delegates for force on all members and November 28 2017 under the and National Delegates, as Ward Congress Appeal Panel fate of the party in Anambra, the forthcoming primary election organs of the PDP and that any supervision of the chairman contained atPages 14. 15 & 16 Report and Barrister Ukpai a state it governed for some of the party. action or step taken contrary state caretaker committee said, "I of the Defendant's Brochure for Ukairo Local Government years before losing out to the But a factional chairman to the relevant provisions of find merit in the Claimant's case the Southeast Zonal Congress of Appeal Panel Report, under the All Progressive Grand Alliance of the party in the state, Mr the constitution is unlawful, and the same hereby succeeds. 6th March, 2021, in ultra vires its supervision of Sir Chukwudi (APGA). Ndubuisi Nwobu, while reacting illegal, null and void and of For avoidance of doubts and power, unlawful, invalid, void Umeaba, who shall continue to However, Umeaba, at a to the court judgement that no effect whatsoever." abundance of clarity, it is hereby and of no effcet whatsoever", act in the capacities for which press conference yesterday installed Umeaba, dismissed the The plaintiff also argued that adjudged as follows: Justice Adebiyi declared. they were duly elected. told journalists that: "Based on ruling as being of no moment it was unlawful for the PDP, "It is hereby declared that In view of this, Justice "An Order of injunction is the above (his reinstatement), and having no consequences on "whether during its Southeast by virtue of Article 2 of the Adebiyi further ordered that, hereby issued, restraining the I, Hon Chukwudi Umeaba, the party, urging his members Zonal Congress of 6th March Constitution of the Peoples "All Congresses, designations or 1st Defendant, whether by itself, the acting chairman caretaker to disregard it. 2021, or at any other time, to Democratic Party (amended in appointments made by the 1st cronies, allies or representatives, committee of PDP, Anambra The local government adopt or publish the name of 2017), the said Constitution is Defendant with respect to the from further recognising, dealing State, working in concert with congresses that is expected a state chairman, alongside supreme and it has a binding positions of the State Chairman with or parading any person the terms of reference and the to produce the national persons purporting to be EXCO force on all members and organs of PDP Anambra State Chapter, or group of persons listed powers of my office will make delegates that will choose the members, local government of the Peoples Democratic Exco Members and Local at pages 14, 15 & 16 of the pronoucements. governorship candidate of the chairmen and national delegates Party, and any action or step Government Chairmen, as Brochure for the Southeast Zonal "I hereby suspend the ward PDP have been scheduled for without recourse to the officers taken contrary to the relevant contained at Pages 14, 15 & 16 Congress of 6th March 2021, congress of 9th June to elect a June 17 2021. and delegates that emerged in provisions of the Constitution of the Southeast Zonal Congress either as State Chairman, Exco three-man Adhoc committee for The plaintiff, Samuel 2017. is unlawful, illegal, null, void Brochure of 6th March, 2021, are members or Local Government the governorship primary. I will Anyakorah had approached He further sought an order and of no effect whatsoever. hereby nullified and set aside Area Chairmen of the Peoples contact the NEC of our great Justice O.A. Adeniyi of the nullifying or setting aside all "It is hereby further declared for being invalid, unlawful and Democratic Party, Anambra party to give me a new date High Court of Justice, Abuja Congresses, designations or that it is unlawful for the 1 ultra vires the powers of the State Chapter, except the list for the ward congresses that Division, seeking among others, appointment made by the Defendant, (PDP) whether 1st Defendant, the same not of already inaugurated Party will elect the three-man ad hoc the nullification of the March PDP with respect to the state during its Southeast Zonal being in alignment with the Officers and Delegates that committee for the governorship Congresses (1st defendant, chairman for PDP in Anambra Congress of 6th March, 2021, or List of already inaugurated emerged from the Anambra primary." 6 ͹ͻ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NEWS Buhari: FG Cannot Afford Funds to Revive Education Christopher Isiguzo and embark on the kind of innovative to become job creators instead of risk losing the youth to crime. disaffection on the part of the business, several Nigerians are Gideon Arinze in Enugu research that could help boost perennial job seekers," he said. Amaechi, who delivered the citizens. yet to be lifted out of poverty," production and diversify the On his part, Minister of 49th convocation lecture of "Although, the current the minister said. President Muhammadu economy. Transportation, Chibuike the university, stated that the administration has introduced He stated that policies should Buhari has said the Nigerian "Our universities must Amaechi, said the government series of protests held across a number of programmes to be focused on the rural majority, government cannot afford the continue to emphasise training should make effort to address the the country of late, such as help eradicate poverty, such as and targeted at giving the amount of funding needed to in entrepreneurship so school perennial challenge of poverty #ENDSARS, were as a result Transport Track for individuals citizens a good life and lifting revive the country’s educational leavers and graduates are able and inequality in the country or of increasing poverty and who were into the transportation them out of poverty. system. Buhari also said the competition for funds had become keener because of the recent increase in the number of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The president spoke on Saturday at the 49th convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He said the financial situation had been worsened by the global economic downturn, which also affected the national revenue. Buhari, who was represented at the ceremony by the Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, however, said his administration was committed to addressing the needs of tertiary institutions through budgetary allocations to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). "I am optimistic that the on-going drive to diversify the national economy will provide the government with additional resources to improve funding for the education system," he said. The president said the universities should also leverage other funding sources, such as from alumni, friends, the private sector, institutional linkages, and research grants, to attract additional revenue for infrastructure, research, and development. "We must also address the problems of poor work ethics and the albatross of prolonged and recurrent industrial actions by staff of universities," the president stated. PEACE DIALOGUE... Buhari advised academic L-R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President, Christian Association of Nigeria institutions across the country to (CAN) , His Eminence, Samson Supo Ayokunle, during the meeting at the Presidential Villa , Abuja …Friday GODWIN OMOIGUI NDLEA Intercepts 100,000 Bottles of Codeine Syrup at Onne Port 146.95kg illicit drug seized at Abuja airport About 100,000 bottles of codeine Onne port complex during a The NDLEA claimed no from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on hailed the synergy among the our youths if they had slipped syrup with a total weight of joint examination with officers importer or agent has since board Ethiopian airline flight various government agencies through the port to our villages, 15,325kilograms were at the of the Nigeria Customs Service, come forward in respect of ET911. at the Onne port and charged towns and cities is unimaginable. wekend intercepted and seized State Security Service, National the container but noted that After initial examination them not to rest on their oars 146.95 kilograms of khat could by the National Drug Law Agency for Food and Drug efforts were ongoing to track the and suspicion, a clearing as they daily work hard to keep have done the same damage if Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at Administration and Control, owner for further investigation agent was asked to report Nigeria safe. allowed to go into our streets. the Onne seaport, Port Harcourt, among others. and prosecution. with the consignee before the He particularly commended “We’ll continue to motivate Rivers State. According to Femi Babafemi, In another development, release but failed to do so for the Commander, officers and our officers and men so that The illicit substance, cough Director, Media and Advocacy, operatives of the NDLEA at the fear of arrest, a development men of the Port Harcourt they can give their best in the syrup with codeine (100mg), the seizure followed an Nnamdi Azikiwe International that led to a laboratory test Port Command and their discharge of their responsibilities packed in 500 cartons and intelligence received by NDLEA, Airport, Abuja, seized nine on the consignment, which Abuja airport Command across the country and ultimately concealed in a container marked as a result of which the container cartons of khat, weighing tested positive to khat and the counterparts for their vigilance with the support of all our MRKU 1565305, bearing imported was put on hold and moved 146.95kilograms at the cargo eventual seizure. and commitment to the task of stakeholders and partners, we’ll food masks made in India, was to the Customs Government wing of the airport. Chairman/Chief Executive of ridding Nigeria of illicit drugs. win the battle against illicit drug discovered on Thursday, 10th warehouse within the port The consignment packaged NDLEA, Brig. General Mohamed “The damage 100,000 bottles trafficking and abuse”, Marwa June 2021 in a warehouse at the complex. as dried green tea was shipped Buba Marwa (Retd) has however of codeine would have done to stated.

JUNE 12: NIGERIANS STAGE PROTESTS NATIONWIDE 12 as Democracy Day and That was in stark contrast declarative message that read: persons. They said they were and said nobody was arrested. that attempts to breach the peace protest the state of affairs in to the riotous atmosphere at "Protest is only about getting gathered to protest against In the statement titled, “FCT or cause a breakdown of law the country. the Gudu area of Abuja, where your voice heard not a means the prevailing insecurity in Police foils attempt to incite and order in the Federal Capital And in what has been widely activists, led by Omoyele of changing the government". the country. public disturbance, disperse Territory. condemned as double standard, Sowore, who were opposed Speaking with reporters at The anti-Buhari rally began members of the proscribed “The command implores the Nigeria Police, yesterday, to the Buhari administration, the rally, the organiser said about 8.30am and was peaceful Islamic Movement of Nigeria residents to remain calm and protected and permitted pro- clashed with policemen who the solidarity march was put until the police stormed the area and others”, Mariam stated, law-abiding while reaffirming its President Muhammadu Buhari were sent to disperse them together in recognition of the and started firing teargas to “The FCT Police Command unwavering commitment to the campaigners to hold a solidarity with teargas. The police also efforts of many people, who disperse the rally. The Gudu on Saturday, June 12, 2021, protection of lives and property rally in Abuja without any dispersed anti-Buhari marchers campaigned and laboured to road was also cordoned off while successfully restored calm within the FCT.” form of harassment, while at in other parts of the country, institute a culture of democracy traffic flow was disrupted as at Apo-Gudu axis after In Yola, the Adamawa State the same time disrupting the like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and in the country since 1993. He a result. professionally dispersing a capital, residents staged a protest rallies organised by anti-Buhari Abeokuta, lauded Buhari for recognising The development forced the protest by some members of the and demanded a revolution to groups in many parts of the But the Federal Capital the importance of the day. protesters, who carried placards proscribed Islamic Movement change the present leadership country, using teargas. Territory Police Command Aminu said, “June 12 is a bearing inscriptions, such as of Nigeria – Shiites and others of Buhari, citing incompetence A mega rally organised for justified its decision to disperse watershed in the annals of “Buhari must go”, “Say no to targeted at inciting public in handing the country's affairs. the president by his supporters, the anti-government protesters. Nigeria’s democratic history. It is injustice”, "33.3% Unemployment disturbance and breaching The protesters, who came under who trooped to Unity Fountain Many of those who showed a day to celebrate the beginning Rate is Criminal", " Digital Right public peace. the banner of #Buharimustgo, in Maitama, Abuja, to celebrate up for the solidarity procession of a consistent and ideological is Human Right", to scamper “Consequently, the action of defied a heavy rainfall and Democracy Day, was populated for the president were clad in struggle that eventually gave to safety. the command was necessitated continued their protest for about by dozens of youths drawn branded white T-shirts with birth to a foundation for the The FCT Police Public by the concerns of some agitated three hours, demanding good from the Youth Coalition for the inscription, “I Stand With democratic renaissance Nigeria Relations Officer, Yusuf Mariam, residents. However, no arrest governance and a leader who Development (YCD). They Buhari, How about You?” boldly is now building.” in a statement said policemen was made. would pull Nigeria out of its closed a section of the Shehu on the shirts. They also held But, earlier, the police had to disperse the protesters “In view of the above, the numerous challenges. They also Shagari Road to traffic. placards bearing messages, like teargased a group protesting to prevent members of the command wishes to state that called on Buhairi to relinquish Interestingly, there was heavy “#IStandwithBuhari”, “We are at the Gudu area of the Federal proscribed Islamic Movement it is committed to ensuring that power, brandishing banners of security in place, including a Indivisible”, “We stay as one, Capital Territory. Sowore, the of Nigeria and others from FCT residents enjoy a hitch-free #revolutionnow, which asked helicopter, which hovered above We are Nigeria!” Publisher of Sahara Reporters, “inciting public disturbance.” Democracy Day celebration Buhari to quit immediately. to protect those at the rally One of the president’s led the protesters comprising Mariam added that calm had and will not hesitate to bring convened by Aminu Aminu. supporters also carried a many youths and middle-aged been restored around the axis to book every person or entity Continued on page 12 SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 ͹ͻ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NEWS Nigerian CSOs Ask African Commission to Invalidate Twitter Ban Tobi Soniyi A declaration that the failure Human and Peoples’ Rights, Peoples’ Rights on 9 June, 2004 as it is needed in order to inequality, and unlawfully of the Respondent State to the applicants prayed the (hereafter called “the African build opinions and express impinging on the dignity of Two civil society organisations – maintain the courts and keep commission for provisional Court Protocol”. them. Blocking, filtering and persons contrary to Articles 2, Global Rights and Tap Initiative them open since 6 April 2021, measures against Nigeria However, Nigerian citizens censorship, plus the possibility of 3 and 4 of the African Charter." for Citizens Development is a denial of the right of the pending the determination of cannot file a case directly at criminal prosecution, limit access In its resolution on the Right have applied to the African applicants to local remedies the communication. the African Court on Human to information and stifle online to Freedom of Information and Commission on Human and and violates Articles 1 and 26 of One of such measures asked and People's Rights, because debate. State manipulation of Expression on the Internet People's Rights in Banjul, the the African Charter on Human for by the applicants is for the Nigeria has not made a the information that citizens are in Africa, the commission Gambia to invalidatethe Twitter and Peoples’ Rights. commission to stop the federal declaration under Article 34(6) permitted to see (and not see) recognises the role of the ban by the Nigerian government A declaration that by reason government from arresting or of the African Court’s Protocol online also impedes the right of Internet in advancing human and any measures or steps taken of the violations aforesaid, the prosecuting them, their staff, accepting the competence access to accurate information", and peoples’ rights in Africa. to implement the ban. Respondent State is in violation personnel or associates or of the court to receive cases they added. The applicants argued The groups also asked the of its obligations under Article 1 taking any steps to impair from individuals and non The applicants argued further that, "The current ban on commission to issue an order of the African Charter on Human their rights of on grounds of governmental organisations. that disrupting access to the Twitter in Nigeria clearly directing the federal government and Peoples’ Rights. their use of Twitter pending the But the applicants claimed Internet services hinders the contravenes the Declaration to afford just satisfaction to them There are hurdles the determination of the present that Internet disruptions violated full enjoyment of a wide range of Principles on Freedom by way of damages for the losses applicants must scale before complaint or the lifting of the the right to receive information of fundamental rights and of Expression and Access suffered by them in consequence the commission can hear their ban on Twitter by Nigeria. and freeexpression (Article freedoms, particularly the right to Information in Africa, of the ban. application, one of which is that They also asked the 9(1)-(2)), the right to freedom Articles 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13(1) issued by this honorable Further, they asked the they must have exhausted local commission to refer the of association (Article 10), and and 16 of the African Charter. commission, according to commission to hold that Nigeria, remedies before approaching complaint against Nigeria right to freedom of assembly They said: "The Twitter ban which 'States shall not interfere by imposing a ban on the use of the commission. to the African Court on (Article 11). adversely impacts on ordinary with the right of individuals Twitter has violated Nigerians' To scale these hurdles, Humanand Peoples’ Rights According to them, freedom lives by preventing people to seek, receiveand impart right to freedom of expression the applicants argued that for determination. from censorship, including fromcommunicating, harming information through any as provided for by the African as at the time they filed the Nigeria deposited with the freedom from blocking or businesses and livelihoods. means of communication and Charter on Human and Peoples’ communication, courts in Commission of the African filtering of the Internet, is central In practical terms, it impacts digital technologies, through Rights. Nigeria were shut as a result Union its instrument of for the exercise of freedom of most adversely on the poorest measures such as the removal, Nigeria is a state party to the of the strike embarked upon ratification of the Protocol expression. people, who are less able to blocking or filtering of content, Charter, having deposited its by the Judiciary Staff Union to the African Charter on "The right of access to afford alternative or more unless such interference is instrument of ratification of the of Nigeria. Human and Peoples’ Rights information (Article 9(1)) is costly means of communication justifiable and compatible Charter on 22 July 1983. In accordance with Rule on the Establishment of the also an important part of th thereby creating unjustifiable with international human The Charter is also part of 100 of the African Charter on African Court on Human and right to freedom of expression, discrimination, promoting rights law and standards.” Nigeria's law having been domesticated by the African Charter (Ratification and Enforcement) Act of 1983. The applicants therefore asked the commission to declare that the twitter ban ordered on June 4, 2021 amounted to internet shutdown or disruption incompatible with the charter. They prayed the commission to declare that the ban and the threat to prosecute anyone using Twitterviolate Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 22 and 26 of the charter. Other reliefs sought by the applicants are: A declaration that the threat of the federal government issued on or about 5 June, 2021, to prosecute all or any users of Twitter within its territory is an abuse of power, which has a chilling effect on and violates the exercise of the rights guaranteed in Articles 5, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15 and 17 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. A declaration that the order issued by the Respondent State on or about 7 June, 2021, to all media houses to deactivate their Twitter handles and stop tweeting violates Articles 9, 10, PHOTO EXHIBITION... 11, 13, 16 and 17of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ L-R: Ayo Adeagbo takes President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo SAN; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Rights. Gbajabiamila, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and special guests on a tour of the photo exhibition hall at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel...recently LEGISLATURE, JUDICIARY PARALYSED IN NIGERIA, SAYS AFE BABALOLA the National Assembly has the countries. All the National legs has one of its legs cut off, the Nigerian courts. So, it was whereby people are asked operations in Nigeria, Babalola power to give Nigeria a brand Assembly needed to do is to will he be able to move freely? very competitive. In my 60 years to apply to become a judge, said, “I do not believe the new constitution contrary to the call for a conference where “But out of the three arms we of practice, however, Nigerian is affecting the system. The president was right to have position of NASS leadership. people will advise on where have, two have been paralysed. courts have never been shut for a process cannot guarantee given the directive just because “Let me say that it was totally and how the 1999 constitution I mean the legislature and day. Even in those days, lawyers fairness and justice. After filing Twitter removed his post about wrong for the National Assembly can be substituted. That is all.” judiciary. Do we now say we and judges were respected. the application, the governor the security in the Southeast. to say they cannot produce Babalola also spoke on the have a democracy? Where can “Don't forget the aphorism will now decide, who to pick Don't forget that the English or write a new constitution. recent Twitter row with the people ventilate their anger? that says he who pays the piper among them. In those days, law we are operating presumes Under the 1999 Constitution, federal government, and posited Do they want them to resort dictates the tune. Commonsense people did not need to apply that you are innocent until the the National Assembly can that President Muhammadu to self-help? There can be no dictates that there should be to become judges. court proves otherwise. produce a new constitution. Buhari erred by his decision fairness and justice, where the independence for legislature “It is the system itself that “Twitter, like human beings, One, the 1999 Constitution to suspend the operations of executive continues to pay those and judiciary. If the car of a looks for qualified men of has the right to suspend Buhari’s gave the National Assembly the the microblogging giant in the in the judiciary.” judge breaks down and he integrity to become judges. personal account in this context. power to amend. In its broad country. Supporting his claims, the only relies on a president or That is part of the rot in our The president cannot be a interpretation, an amendment Answering to a question on Ekiti-born lawyer, noted: “I have governor to get it fixed, then, system. I believe that the judge in his own case. If he felt includes substitution. They can the autonomy of the judiciary, been in the legal practice for 60 it will be difficult for him to judiciary must not only be wronged by what Twitter did, exercise their powers and say which had prompted a strike years or thereabouts. I knew pass a judgment that will be autonomous, but also the what he ought to have done is to the 1999 Constitution needs by judicial workers for over how our courts were when I against the state.” courts must be accessible and approach the court of law, which a substitution. They gave two months, Babalola said, came back to the country from Speaking on the process of open to all. The president and has power of adjudication. He a narrow interpretation to “Democracy thrives on three England in the early 60s. Then, recruiting members of the Bench governors, as high as they are, cannot jail Twitter for removing the amendment clause. This fundamentals pillars – the we had lawyers from Ghana, in Nigeria, he said, are equal before the courts. That his comment. Only the court same process was undertaken executive, legislature and West Indies and many other “That is critical. But we have is the beauty of it.” has such powers and not the in Sudan and many other judiciary. If a man with two countries competing with us in not got it right. A practice, On the suspension of Twitter president.” COVID-19: NO HAJJ FOR MUSLIMS THIS YEAR, SAYS FG Sanda, NAHCON said it “We have accepted that Maker long before creation NAHCON’s Chairman, during the long and tortuous 2021 Hajj. respected the decision of it is Allah’s divine design of the universe. Our prayer Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle wait, including their NAHCON, however, Saudi Arabia in this regard that multitudes will again is that we collectively turn Hassan, the statement adherence to each instruction added that as in the previous no matter how painful the this year not perform the to Him in repentance so that claimed, commended the given by the Commission year, the pilgrims seeking decision might be to the Hajj: the Kingdom of Saudi He admits us for Hajj in the resilience of Nigerian and the total compliance in refund of their Hajj deposits country and to intending Arabia is only playing out coming years,” NAHCON intending pilgrims and the receiving Covid-19 jab with would be granted such pilgrims worldwide. a script ordained by our said. support they had exhibited the hope of performing the without unnecessary delay. SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 ͹ͻ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NEWS JUNE 12: NIGERIANS STAGE PROTESTS NATIONWIDE Sporting black T-shirts marked Fawehinmi Park were peaceful they were asking for a second country. Fayemi said despite June 12 is supposed to make our with inscriptions, such as initially, it was the attempt by proclamation. its imperfections, democracy BAYELSA current leaders truly democratic “Buhari Must Go”, the protesters the police to forcibly disperse "They also went to court remained the best option for but what we see is governance chanted, "Freedom comes by them from the venue that and that had stopped the the country, adding that through Bayelsa State Governor, Senator by intimidation and creating struggle" and maintained, "we resulted in a face-off, leading Independent National Electoral the determination of the citizens Douye Diri, expressed his fear in the minds of citizens. must come together to salvage to the use of teargas by the Commission (INEC) from and their active participation administration's determination “A true sign of democracy is our nation". police. There were no reports conducting a fresh election. The in the democratic process, to change the development the freedom citizens enjoy and Leader of the group, Tony of casualties or injuries. INEC has said no new election Nigerians can achieve a truly narrative of the state. Diri spoke respect for the rule of law, which Sudan Gompwel, told journalists There were no reports of can be conducted until the cases great country of their dream. on Saturday at Government is visibly absent in the way we that Buhari and other political breakdown of law and order are decided. So, we have to wait He urged Nigerians not to House, Yenagoa, during his have been governed in this leaders had failed the country. in any other part of the state, for the courts before the next relent in their search for lasting maiden media chat that was country. I wish the government Gompwel stated, "The kind even though many businesses move can be made." peace as a necessary condition broadcast live on all Yenagoa- should have remembered that of political leaders we have in were closed. Meanwhile, governors and for progress and prosperity. based radio stations. in a few days or in the second our nation cannot give us the In Iju, Agege, Ojodu, Ikeja, prominent Nigerians across the The governor saluted the The media interaction week of June. We will have desired change.” He said bad Abule Egba, and Ogba areas, country, yesterday, spoke on the heroic deeds of patriots, who was part of activities to this day to be reminded to leadership was the reason many people were indoors as second anniversary of June 12 as worked assiduously to actualise commemorate this year's celebrate before announcing the country was bedevilled commercial buses also stayed Democracy Day, focusing on the democratic rule in the country, Democracy Day. the ban on Twitter and many by insecurity and economic off roads. swirling frustrations in different especially, the symbol of the The governor, in a press uncomplimentary comments backwardness. THISDAY checks revealed that parts of the country. June 12 struggle, the late Chief statement by his Chief Press about other regions by the "They are hardened, they are security was normal in most of Moshood Abiola, saying only Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, president.” tyrants, they are bankrupt of these places, as no policemen KWARA a truly great, peaceful and said democracy was about the In a related development, ideas. That's why great Nigerian and other security agents were prosperous Nigeria can be a people and Nigeria had come Benue State Governor Samuel youths are converging all over noticed on the streets, and traffic Governor AbdulRahman befitting compensation for their a long way with 22 years of Ortom said he was not against the nation to demand that they was light. AbdulRazaq of Kwara State sacrifices uninterrupted civil rule, which Buhari as a person but often should leave the stage," he Speaking on the conduct says the country has made “We may not have reached he said had not been smooth disagreed with him on the maintained. of the police, human rights progress despite its current the promised land, but we have but worth celebrating. constitutionality of issues and However, while the protest lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, challenges, which include the left Egypt. We may not have He noted that the urban policy. Ortom said those who against the Buhari administration said even though he had to go challenges of nation building, attained the best, but we surely renewal programme and insinuated that his disagreement subsisted, his party, the All and effect the release of some population bulge, and insecurity. have made some progress as other projects and policies of with the president was bone out Progressives Congress (APC), youths arrested by the police, In a statement issued in Ilorin a nation," Fayemi said. his administration were part of hatred were wrong. He stated in Adamawa State read he was glad that there were no on Saturday by his Chief Press of the drive to give the state that the attack on him would not out Buhari's scorecard to reports of killings. He said the Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, to ABIOLA’S DAUGHTER a new look and make it more force his administration to repeal residents to mark the second situation was remarkably better commemorate June 12, the attractive to investors. the Open Grazing Prohibition year of designating June 12 as than the previous months. governor said, “I felicitate Hafsat Abiola-Costello, one Diri said the state had a and Ranches Establishment Law Democracy Day. Falana alleged that last with Kwarans, and, indeed, all of the daughters of the lot of tourism potential and in the state. Secretary to the Government year, the Nigeria Police had Nigerians, on this day of June presumed winner of the June the government was open to The governor declared of the Federation (SGF), Boss no canister of teargas to quell 12, which has come to symbolise 12 1993 presidential election, discussion and ready to sign that anyone who thought the Mustapha, who was represented protests, hence their resort to the the struggle of our people for Chief Moshood Abiola, memorandum of understanding state government would be by Honourable Abdulrazask use of live bullets, as happened human rights, participatory said her family would not with partners to develop intimidated to repeal the law Namdas, commended the during the #EndSARS protest. democracy, and development. forget the role played by the projects in the sector. was making a great mistake. Buhari administration. Namdas, Falana, who spoke at the "Whatever the challenges of Minister of Interior, Ogbeni On the federal government's He said his administration a member representing Jada, 25th Anti-Corruption Situation nation-building confronting our Rauf Aregbesola, in ensuring infrastructure development was trying to amend the law Ganye, Toungo and Mayobelwa Room organised by the Heda fatherland, the truth is that that their late patriarch was refund to the state, the governor to increase the penalties against Federal Constituency at the Resources Centre, disclosed that we are pacing ahead in all immortalised for his contribution clarified that the actual amount anyone who flouted it. National Assembly, said the it was the lack of the teargas indices of development while to democracy. Abiola-Costello it received was N27.5 billion Speaking yesterday at the celebration was also to intimate canisters that led to the killing of institutions of democracy are also praised the minister for his and not N38.4 billion, as being Banquet Hall of Government the citizens of the performance 99 persons during the October growing stronger and getting role in the renaming of Kudirat speculated in some quarters. House, Makurdi, while giving of the APC in the state. 2020 protest. more mature." Abiola Road, in memory of He explained that though his midterm scorecard as part At the event held at Muna In Edo State, protesters called her mother, who was brutally the total refund due the state of activities marking this year’s Hotel, Yola, to mark the June 12 on the federal government to GOMBE murdered during her struggles was N38.4 billion, according Democracy Day, Ortom said, celebration, the scorecards of all deliver good governance and to regain the stolen mandate of to the federal government, its "I have always prayed and serving senators and House of adequate security, stating that The Gombe State governor, her husband. release would not be possible supported the president but Representatives members from the ineptitude of Buhari has Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, yesterday, She said long before President in the next four years. He said when it comes to issues of the state, and that of Buhari, brought Nigeria to its knees. praised Nigerians for resolving Muhammadu Buhari came in the state was offered a second fairness and illegality, I will were read out. The protesters, who began to maintain democracy as the as president, Aregbesola, who option of a discounted amount disagree. Adamawa State Governor their match at King Square means of governance, saying 22 was then governor of Osun of N27.5 billion through the “The law on ranching has Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri praised (Ring Road), Benin City, years of interrupted democratic State, had embarked on a Debt Management Office, which come to stay and no amount the courage and desire of the were provided security by rule has proven naysayers one-man campaign to press it got last December. of intimidation can make us citizenry to allow democracy the police, Nigeria Security wrong. Yahaya said Nigeria's for recognition of Abiola as Responding to a question on to repeal it. Instead, we will thrive after two decades of and Civil Defence Corps, and "democratic maturity has winner of the 1993 election President Muhammadu Buhari's soon amend the law in order uninterrupted process. the state vigilante group. They shattered the myths about and, indeed, to be recognised recent directive to revive cattle to increase the penalties against Fintiri, in a press release by his accompanied the protesters to African democracy being under as a former president. grazing routes across the offenders.” Press Secretary, Mr. Humwashi the Government House, where the grip of one single leader or country, Diri said there were The governor, who listed his Wonosikou, commended the the Deputy Governor, Comrade political party." OGUN no such routes in the state. administration’s achievements electorate for trusting him with Philip Shaibu, received them. He noted that as the largest He explained that although in the areas of education, their mandate. Speaking on behalf of about country in Africa, Nigeria would Ogun State Governor Dapo he was not countering the agriculture, infrastructure, and The governor said in the seven groups of protesters and continue to hold the torch of Abiodun said the best way for federal government's decision health, among others, lamented release, "We will continue civil society organisations, nation building, democratic Nigerians to immortalise and to resuscitate grazing routes, the humanitarian situation to ensure we keep to our Marxist Kola Edokpayi of the pluralism, and political stability celebrate the acclaimed winner his administration had put in caused by the continued attacks promise – a government that Talakawa Assembly, lamented in Africa and the world at large. of the June 12, 1993 presidential place a legal framework to ban by armed herdsmen, bandits is a progressive instrument that the nonchalant attitude of "After 22 years of election, the late Chief MKO open grazing and movement and other criminals in Benue of the common good, rooted the president towards security uninterrupted democracy, I Abiola, and June 12, was to of cattle on foot. communities. in our values of opportunity, of life and property had brought make bold to say Nigeria’s build bridges and demolish The Bayelsa governor also He said, “The security responsibility, determined to give the country to its present democracy has come of age. sectarian fences. Abiodun stated emphasised that the southern threat from armed herdsmen, our people the tools they need unacceptable situation. We have witnessed successful this on Saturday in his speech governors had adopted the bandits and other criminals in to make the most of their lives Edokpayi said, "The ineptitude transitions of power from one at the 2021 Democracy Day same position on the issue our communities has resulted in a difficult period made worse of President Buhari has brought administration to the next, and celebration, held at the MKO as part of measures to check in wanton killings and the by the dwindling economic us to this sorry state. His from one political party to Abiola International Stadium, farmers/herders clashes across displacement of people in large hardship. nonchalant attitude has caused another,” the governor stated. Kuto, Abeokuta, the Ogun State the country. numbers across the state. "Our desire to strengthen a lot of security problems. It capital. Diri maintained that his “Today, Benue State has over democracy and give it its has been difficult to combat BAUCHI The governor, who said government could not afford one million IDPs with many of true meaning informed the Boko Haram, banditry and Nigerians could not afford to expose its citizenry to the them living in the camps we investment we are making in kidnapping. Nigerians now Bauchi State Governor, Senator to bring down the country looming danger. have set up and others staying the social reengineering of the live in fear and nobody knows Bala Mohammed, saluted the or despair in its future, noted with their relations. The situation state through the provision of what will happen next. courage and patriotism of all that the supreme price paid by KADUNA CAN has created an unprecedented infrastructure and human capital "What we now hear is democrats – dead or alive – who the Abiola and his mandate humanitarian crisis in the state.” development needed to unlock 'unknown gunmen' who are strived to ensure that democracy should serve as a reminder Chairman of the Kaduna He said despite the huge sums the growth and development killing people in the South-east, was well grounded in the that Nigerians were stronger State chapter of the Christian of money his administration of the Adamawa of our dream. while other parts of the country country. together as a nation. Association of Nigeria had been spending to cater The projects spread across the are becoming unsafe to live In a goodwill message, the "Until Nigerians embrace the (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, for the Internally displaced state represent the value and in because of insecurity. The governor said, "We laboured essence of the MKO persona, said June 12 could not be persons, resources were always meaning of Democracy Day." prices of goods and services together to arrive where we are internalise belief in self, faith celebrated as Democracy inadequate because the number In Lagos, it was quiet in are moving up daily beyond today and we shall continue in a united country and other Day because Nigerian leaders of IDPs increased daily. most parts of the state even the reach of the common man.” to march the state forward to initiatives that help to engender were not democratic. Hayab The governor stated, “My though there were reports of Responding, the deputy greatness with determination a sense of shared heritage said Nigerians could not be desire is to ensure that the skirmishes between protesters governor commended the and sincerity of purpose with amongst Nigerian people, we governed by intimidation IDPs return to their ancestral and men of the Nigerian Police protesters for conducting your support and prayers.” will continue to be a country in and still celebrate June 12 as homes. Most of them are at the Gani Fawehinmi Park themselves peacefully and The governor, who explained search of nationhood," he said. Democracy Day. farmers, and the longer they at Ojota. promised that all their grievances that his two-year journey in Abiodun urged Nigerians In an interview with stay in the camps, the more food At the Mile Two area of the would be channelled to the right power had not been a bed to push all the negative and THISDAY on Saturday, Hayab production is affected. We hope state also, there were reports of quarters. of roses, added, "But with divisive forces and policies on said in a true democracy, there that the federal government will violent confrontations, which Shaibu used the opportunity determination and the support the back-foot and embrace the was rule of law and freedom also fulfil its promise to assist were promptly quelled by to speak on some political issues enjoyed from the good people of symbolism of June 12, saying, of speech. Benue and other states in the security operatives. in the state. He said of the 14 the state, we were able to pilot "Let us join hands to make According to him, June 12 North-central, which have been However, all was peaceful state lawmakers whose seats the affairs of government to a Nigeria work for all Nigerians. is merely a date set aside by badly affected by the attacks to in known flashpoints in the were declared vacant, "We did sound socio-political pedestal." June 12 represents what will the government, though there resettle the victims.” state, like Oshodi, Ojodu-Berger, everything possible to have strengthen the country's unity, is no evidence of democracy He disclosed that many of Ojuelegba, Fagba, and Ketu, them in the House but they EKITI indivisibility and oneness.” worth celebrating. his colleagues had been coming as many residents celebrated decided to follow a godfather, He added that such unity Hayab stated, “We are simply around to encourage him on the June 12 Democracy Day who misled them. Even with a Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode would end all quests for celebrating a date set aside by his stand to hold the presidency in their homes. month until their seats would Fayemi, urged Nigerians to be self-determination and other the government but there is no accountable over insecurity in THISDAY gathered that be declared vacant, we urged more determined in ensuring sectarian agitations, as well as evidence of democracy worth the country but were too afraid although the protesters at Gani them to join the assembly but that democracy worked in the calm frayed nerves. celebrating. The spirit behind to talk. SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 13,2021 OPINION THE DILEMMA OVER GRAZING LAWS Eric Teniola argues that the grazing laws available are localised

resident Muhammadu Buhari has often who conferred upon themselves the lordliness of occupied and local government level. The former is charged with the respon- referred to the gazette which published the unoccupied land. Because interpersonal and kinship affiliations sibility of formulating and defining development policy and grazing laws in Nigeria. In his television inter- governed the dispensation of land, the Fulani worried about ensuring that the management committee is provided with the view to mark his sixth anniversary in power, being evicted from the land when their relationship with the means to achieve management objectives. The latter is to ad- he made reference to the so -called gazette. The hosts become strained. The planners, however, applied a top- vise and assist on matters affecting the settlers on a day-to-day president was echoing what his Chief of Staff, down approach that excluded the Fulani from formulating and basis as well as identifying settlers for the reserve. The order Professor Ibrahim Gambari said on April 1, implementing this well-intentioned program. Accordingly, the setting up the reserve stipulates that it should be maintained 2018 when he was the Chancellor of the Kwara Fulani gave less than the expected cooperation in the scheme. through proper grazing management and improvement State University, Ilorin. On that day Gambari referred to exist- Professor Gambari coming from Kwara State had in mind, the activities such as water development, fodder conservation ingP laws on grazing and that the major problem facing us now Kwara State grazing laws that were in existence years ago. In an plan, range reseeding and fertilization, control of undesirable is the non-implementation of the grazing laws as contained in article by Professor Ade Olomola, he said the grazing laws in weeds and fire tracing. Other development activities include the gazette. My understanding is that both the president and Kwara State were in operation only in Kwara. According to him, construction of earth dams, boreholes and wells to provide his chief of staff were equating the laws of Northern Nigeria on the main focus of the settlement policy is the development of watering facilities, construction of roads, office and residential grazing as laws passed by the central government. The grazing grazing reserves in the state. The objectives of the policy are, one, quarters, establishment of livestock services centre and pasture laws which the two men referred to were passed into a decree to provide feed and water for pastoralists on a year-round basis; development. Moreover, efforts are to be made to ensure that by the then the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, two, to eliminate nomadism, improve cattle production and raise the highest possible level of productivity is achieved without the Sardauna of Sokoto. The laws were not operative in the the living standard of pastoralists; three, to ensure efficient use endangering the reserve. West, Mid-West and Eastern regions. and protection of environmental resources and four, to prevent or To this end the government stipulates that soil and water According to Dr. Ismaila Iro, grazing reserves in Nigeria start- minimize incessant clashes between herders and farmers which conservation and other erosion control methods should be ed during the pre-colonial era. Although formally introduced often result in bloodshed and loss of life. The procedures involved used to prevent degradation, desertification and overgrazing, by the British, grazing reserves were demarcated by the Fulani in the implementation of the policy include land acquisition, and to maintain the carrying capacity of the reserve. Both the who conquered and ruled Northern Nigeria. The attempt by demarcation, surveying, gazetting of grazing reserve, develop- federal and Kwara State governments are supposed to play ac- the British in 1940 to separate the grazing land from farm land, ment of grazing reserve and settlement of pastoralists. The tive part in the development of the grazing reserve. The federal however, faltered because the Europeans imposed land use following are the grazing reserves at various stages of acquisition government is to be involved in the provision of infrastructure controls divorced from economic and demographic dynamics in Kwara State. They are Nweri, Kinikini, Gidan Magajia, Moli, such as dams, roads and means of transport for range guards in the pastoral system. Formal grazing reserves in Nigeria Wuru, Okuta, Olodan, Igbaja, Alapa, Babanla, Chita, Lata, Oro, through the agency of the National Livestock Projects Division started accidentally in the 1950s when Hamisu Kano, working Sharagi, Shao, and Omi-Eran (LSC). (NLPD). The Kwara State government has the responsibility with pastoralists on livestock vaccination, foresaw the short- The Gidan Magajia is one of the two grazing reserves that had to acquire the land following stipulated legal procedures ages of grazing land in Northern Nigeria. Supported by the been gazetted in the state. It is the largest in the state and the focus and provide staff for the management of the reserve. As at government, he initiated the grazing reserve scheme from the of attention. Two implementation committees were set up for the 1992, five government officials consisting of a project officer, abandoned government resettlement schemes (Fulani Settle- purpose of development and management of the reserve as well a veterinary assistant, two range guards and a security guard ment Scheme). The resettlement schemes collapsed because the as settlement of pastoralists. They are the policy committee at the were operating in the reserve. government had neither the financial nor the managerial ability state level and grazing reserve management committee at the In short the central government did not enact any grazing to continue with the burdensome scheme, and the best alterna- law. The best it has done was the promulgation of National tive use of the land, the government thought, was to convert Commission for Nomadic Education, Decree 25, 1989 and it into grazing reserves. Grazing reserves was hatched in 1954 The central government did not enact National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non- after a study of the Fulani production system in the "Fulani formal Education, Decree 17, 1990. These two decrees were Amenities Proposal." The proposal suggested the creation of any grazing law. The best it has done promulgated by General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.). The grazing reserves, the improvement of Fulani welfare, and the was the promulgation of National Minister of Education at that time was Professor Babatunde transformation of the herd management system. By 1964, the Commission for Nomadic Education, Aliu Fafunwa. All the military governors at that time were government had gazetted about 6.4 million hectares of the ordered by General Babangida to launch it in their states. I forest reserve, 98 percent in the savannah. Sokoto Province had Decree 25, 1989 and National remember at that time there were public outcries about the 21 percent of the land, followed by Kabba, Bauchi, Zaria, Ilorin, Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult decree that they favoured the Fulani people. I think it was the and Katsina, with 11-15 percent each. The Wase, Zamfara, and best thing at that time that the central government ever did for Udubo reserves followed in succession. and Non-formal Education, Decree the Fulani people. The commission devised a series of innova- In 1965, the Northern Nigerian government incorporated the 17, 1990. These two decrees were tive approaches and strategies. Fulani Amenities Proposal into the grazing reserve law. Before promulgated by General Ibrahim ––Teniola was a director in the Presidency the enactment of the grazing reserve law of Northern Nigeria, the pastoral Fulani relied on the goodwill of the farmers, Babangida (See concluding part of the article on www.thisdaylive.com) The Media And June 12 The media played a central role in the country’s return to democracy, writes Lanre Arogundade t a stage we constructed a cage at the secretar- wife and three-month-old baby were arrested as proxies never made it back to the newsstands. Beyond job iat of the Lagos Council of the Nigeria Union when the security agents could not lay their hands on losses, there were lost pensions and lost insurances of Journalists (NUJ) in Shomolu area of Lagos him to drag him before their instructors dead or alive, with some dying in frustration. There were brutalities in which we inserted images of incarcerated turned out a positive factor on the international front. meted to reporters, editors and photo journalists journalists to demonstrate to the world that Working in both the National Concord and Vanguard covering the series of protests. Painfully too, journalist the Nigerian media was in chains. It was in newspapers at different points during the period, I Bagauda Kaltho became a martyr when he was the aftermath of the annulment of the June 12, knew what editors Frank Aigbogun and Nsikak Essien bombed in Kaduna. 1993 elections during which journalists and went through managing invitations or visits by security The role played by the media in the June 12 media outlets who stood with the people in the struggle to agents along with their newspapers. Some other editors struggle and the ultimate triumph over the military Aget rid of the military through the validation of the mandate and even publishers were traumatised. would make several volumes of books just like that freely given by Nigerians to Bashorun MKO Abiola were The likes of Olu Akerele and Frank Igwuebeze, of non-journalists like Chima Ubani, Beko Kuti, Gani being hounded. journalists and personal assistants to MKO Abiola were Fawehinmi, Olisa Agbakoba, Fredrick Fasheun, Frank Lagos NUJ was very much part of the June 12 struggle equally of vital link to the Nigerian human rights and Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Shehu Sani, Femi Falana, having been led into the Campaign for Democracy (CD) the international community especially during the later’s Segun Sango, Uba Sani, Col. Umar Dangiwa, Anthony and the Joint Action Commitee of Nigeria (JACON) by the incarceration before he unfortunately died on July 7, Enahoro - who I met and had prolonged conversation radical Ladi Lawal leadership in the thick of the battles in 1998. with on the way forward in the company of Dapo 1993/94. Once we got elected into the exco on the banner of The struggles yielded desired results and in the thick Olorunyomi and Femi Ojudu in New York in 1997 - ‘Change ‘95’, we picked the gauntlet of the struggle. of it for example, I as Lagos NUJ Chairman secretly among several others. Early occupants of the cage were Chris Anyanwu (The received Chris Anyanwu's PEN International award on It can be no exaggeration to say that without the Sunday Magazine – TSM), Ben Charles Obi (Weekend her behalf, kept it along with the donation and handed media, there would be no democracy in Nigeria today. Classique), Gorge Mba (Tell) and Kunle Ajibade (The it over to her after she was released from prolonged Let the current wielders of power be reminded of this News). Others followed in flurry – Nosa Igiebor (Tell), detention. fact so that they can know that their current battles Osa Director (Tell), Femi Ojudu (The News), George Onah But we were also fighting our collective battles. against the media and free expression are a fight (Vanguard), Bunmi Aborisade (June 12 magazine), Soji Outside the jails, which the Lagos NUJ cage symbolised, against history in which they will end on the losing Omotunde (African Concord), Niran Malaolu (The Diet), there were many other journalists in chains. Journalists side. The media will always survive governments no Moshood Fayemiwo (Razor), etc. working in The News/Tempo group and Tell magazine matter how tyrannical or dictatorial. We fought their battles here and abroad. Amnesty who had to go underground to consummate a marriage On the media and spiritual fronts, I certainly International adopted some as prisoners of conscience and with guerrilla journalism following persistent raids by belong to the Thomas Jefferson school of thought. the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters armed military personnel. Journalists working in the The former stated: “Were it left to me to decide if Sans Frontiers (RSF) spearheaded the mobilisation of the Concord group of Newspapers, The Punch and The we should have a government without newspapers, international media freedom and free expression com- Guardian, etc, who faced the ordeal of forced closures or newspapers without a government, I should not munity including the International Federation of Journalists and job losses. hesitate a moment to prefer the latter” and on the later (IFJ) and the Kabral Amihere-led West African Journalists The Guardian demonstrated courage in consistently he said: "Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God”. Association (WAJA). referring to MKO Abiola as the presumed winner of ––Arogundade, Executive Director of Interna- The escape into exile of Bunmi Aborisade leaving the June 12 election and in the case of Concord it was tional Press Centre, Lagos, is a pro-democracy behind a pregnant wife, and Dapo Olorunyomi, whose particularly painful that the publications in the stable activist and former Chairman of Lagos NUJ. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 13,2021 15 LETTERS THE TWITTER BAN: ANOTHER VIEW

first heard about Twitter previously deleted the tweets rage. The tweet that arsonists, Irish Republican Army (IRA) during my final year at and account of President looters, criminals who are – who made an audacious OAU, Ife, in 2011. I neither Donald Trump of the United hell-bent on destroying attempt to assassinate prime knew how it worked nor States in December 2020. democratic institutions minister Margaret Thatcher in how to even be a part at With this, they saw nothing like the Independent 1984 under the guise that IRA the time. I only knew of wrong with Twitter's action National Electoral Commis- is fighting for Irish “home IFacebook which I rarely used on Buhari. sion (INEC)’s facilities, police rule” and expect the UK to since Twitter users made Anyone familiar with US formations, public offices in watch hopelessly? Twitter themselves appear like an politics leading to Twitter some parts of the country will only started finding out that elitist, members-only club. I deleting Trump's account will be spoken to "in the language Nnamdi Kanu (IPOB' leader)’s didn’t open a Twitter account clearly see the folly in this they understand", cannot tweets violated their rules until three years later. This is line of thought. First, Twitter mean "genocide" if we're to be after the decision of the Nige- how I became, like most users, deleted Trump's tweets after honest. Twitter is a US-based rian government to suspend addicted to the network ever several warnings. There's no private company. Did the their operations. That Twitter since, largely running political such warning to President US government roll out the even took this action alone commentaries and advocating Buhari. This, in itself, is red carpet for those who confirms some fears that the social changes. disrespectful to, perhaps, violently invaded the Capitol company is an international Like many people, I was the most powerful political Building last year? When the agent of destabilization. affected by the sudden, and office in Black Africa. Second, US government released the Those who argued that the rather harsh decision of the Twitter only deleted Trump's National Guard against the Nigerian government should Nigerian government to tweets after it became clear insurrectionists, did Twitter or not have suspended Twitter suspend Twitter operations in he's, for all practical purposes, any other liberal media make for deleting Buhari’s tweet the country. The government lost his reelection. It would a fuss about their human are either super-emotional or followed this swiftly by have had serious implications rights? Don’t people have the simply trying to be dubious. directing telecommunications Jack Patrick Dorsey, Twitter CEO on Twitter to delete Trump's right to freedom of expression The Nigerian government networks to carry out the account if he had won the anymore? has so many problems we decision to the letter. This Twitter in their lives. This in proper perspectives. November election. Twitter If Trump’s supporters felt citizens can complain about, was obviously not a decision is understandable when we Many reactions on this knows this for a fact. The cheated during the election, but a foreign company anyone welcomed, including consider the fact that Twitter issue have come from the implication of deleting a as we’ve been made to disrespecting the Office of me. has become popular as a background that it was wrong sitting president's tweets, believe, don’t they have the the President of a sovereign Since the Nigerian source of news for many for the government to have without a previous warning, right to express themselves state is beyond any means of government announced the media stations and entertain- swiftly responded with an is the heat Twitter currently like anyone else, say Africans? tolerance to start with. IPOB’s suspension of Twitter opera- ment for young internet indefinite suspension after faces in Nigeria. Or, is Twitter’s case that of the continuous use of Twitter as a tions, there has been series of users. However, we may Twitter deleted President Let's even look at the wolf knows how to breastfeed means of propagating hatred, reactions to the development need to take away sentiments Muhammad Buhari's tweets. deleted tweet dropping our its own child but devours the sponsoring violence, and other – even from those who have or emotions in other to set The strength of this argument toga of emotionalism and children of other animals? nefarious activities under the never tweeted or opened records straight or put issues lies in the fact that Twitter has stepping out of collective Why were US insurrectionists guise of freedom of speech met with force without any is not what anyone should international condemnation, tolerate. albeit from Twitter? What Prime Minister Narendra ODE OF A SPEAKING ASS was Twitter's "holier than Modi's government of India thou" position at the time? Is called for suspension of more cripture has it not think. An imbecile he the only wise fool we him a chance… Twitter hoping the President than 1,000 Twitter accounts that a willing of old…. If I eat now, its’ know or is a mad-man The press can afford to and Commander-in-Chief of and posts, over disseminated Ass was once not going to digest, I had not given to logic without be hypocritical but should Nigeria’s Armed Forces – a false information about the about to be rid- no respite in the day and reason, ever seen anyone not become cynical, position he got under the 1999 protests and India's agricul- den to its’ death no rest at night, only debt sane looking forward there are our last hope of Constitution - will continue tural laws. Twitter restored and an angel got and blame came calling. without expectation… speaking to ourselves as to watch while some over their access, including those Sin the way as an adversary When you came to your- if not that reason failed, a nation in search of truth pampered outlaws continue of violent separatist leaders in action, adverse reaction, a self you’ve forgotten who of what use was logic to and justice…newspaper their sustained attacks on the country. The government reverse action and when it were on the line, they Juris’-prudence or to the them fit pretend but if democratic institutions and responded by taking firm the ridder continued to were never on your mind, Judges’-verdict, the jury them come join de do wreak havoc on the lives action against Twitter and goad the LORD opened a you’re no longer young is not always prudent but ‘holier than thou’ we and properties of innocent launching a rival social door of utterance unto the at heart to play with the not that they should not go continue to deceive citizens? platform, Koo. It was after Ass and the rider heard boys, so, your sister will be prudent always. ourself in this country… Even though the nation the Indian government’s firm from the horses’ mouth not be happy that you at We don’t understand the sometimes when you’re strives to improve its demo- decision that the blue verified which we know is usually once did her any good type of person this man watching Tv and see cratic profile, no country – not badge on the Vice President truth and reason, because instead of you and your became but do you know what’s going on in some even Jack Dorsey (Twitter’s of India, Venkaiah Naidu's its’ utterance but speech brother will talk down the size of what became parts of this country CEO)’s United States - will personal Twitter handle – is fact and logic, there at you like his mothers’ of him, though you you’re like in another tolerate the activities of a previously stripped off - was is usually no reason for infidel…nobody likes how nowadays cannot say he’s country. terrorist group like Indig- restored. A nation won’t lose logistics, the philosopher you sound but if not for wise or foolish under oath I think we joined the enous People of Biafra (IPOB) its sovereignty just to keep is bored… permit me to sound-mind, how would and live… tell him he’s world, men playing into under the guise of freedom a foreign private company speak for a season not as you know you’re in need, waking up too late, if I the hands of female of speech. Will Twitter have happy. someone but an Ass, for is it not the insane that is were to be him, he cannot teachers that are supposed provided a platform for the Olalekan Adigun, Lagos learning may abound on given to want. When you enter my compound, to be learning, that’s why the lip but the mouth is take the wise for a ride, his endowment is futile. a woman knows how to taught by the heart of the you must be a fool, for But is there any blessing ask question and does her A BIT OF A wise…the prayer of the nothing have you to show without a curse, is bless- home-work…when people wise shall be for their lips for his understanding… ing not caused. Its him follow one another, some to keep them and for their When they call your screened... do you know de follow book some the D UST UP tongue to be meek…When bluff, call them back, for that this one is nobody follow sense only one a man’s sense of duty will you cannot have blackmail and somebody snap him might look sober and will gain, there is a probably won't work, and be like that of a woman, as a fallback position… to put for television, if you soon get to his breaking story of science it could electrocute you if his master shall have to over-reach own wisdom know the world of that point for one was never being not quite there is any damage such consider his chastity, but ones got to go solo, but man you’d not believe his priceless, woman is never misused but as exposed wiring or a some men are like that, was Solo not man of the word… so, knowledge is part of a junta, she has certainly being broken frame. they can go to war-front people, did he not have in the market place and no secret to keep… we "offA topic". An ad on TV It might be time to and put their lives on first one thousand concubines, I went to look for it in stopped working at this showed a Vacuum cleaner release all the scientists line charge to hear their servant-ministers, ruling- the forest of Lebanon, to game and started talking that could count and from commercial applica- master… governors. He was not which Solomon resorts... over it. If fans will depend classify the particles it is tions for a while and get This man is now an solo but lonely in the knowledge is for money on match-fixing the team picking up. The data is them working on stopping old man but every-time midst of his companions but wisdom is a secret is not good, they must displayed on a screen on the COVID pandemic, he’ll be doing like a for they did not under- revealed by understanding have been watched and the vacuum. My eyesight solving climate change, child. Is this the manner stand until the queen of and skill… oh so, this one should go prepare for isn't good enough to go developing better energy of approach to things. Sheba came to prove him is someone but does not another tournament… through the vacuum bag sources and curing cancer. Doesn’t he know he with questions... It was have even one exposure, Look, these guys are and confirm the count. They can then move to should be having lots of not his choice, he couldn’t newspaper node snap stoking fire, he should Their website mentions solving poverty and food regrets. He never mourns help himself, the rich everybody like Tv, am not know that this is not the lasers but fortunately shortages. with the bereaved nor hath many companions, talking about foto, was kind of speech you make not burnt carpet, so it Science is meant to Jubilant with them that neither could I have done he not on television, his off the cuff and your com- seems safe to use. There explain the world and be rejoice. He finds it easy otherwise at first if not image was not good yet ments got to be reserved is however a mention used to make it a better to keep at nothing, jack that I got solo at last. his snapshot was. What but he shows up on the from one of the engineers place for everyone to live, of all trade, is it by force Doth not the Ass speak, am saying is that he must scene of blood-letting and involved about it being not just make it a less he will teach we Ehugbo. is he not silly, he’s self- be a good object but begins to talk at length to one of those in the shower dusty place. He thinks of himself as a righteous in his sayings objectionable for his image live-press… moments. Hint: Don't take ––Dennis Fitzgerald, man of thought but does but mean no justice, is that was bad, nobody gave –––Eleje Willy, Lagos a vacuum into a shower, it Melbourne, Australia. 16 JUNE 13, 2021 ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA EDITORIAL Email [email protected] DEMOCRACY WITH GROWING VIOLENCE The authorities must face the hard task of containing the booming violence

he violence that defines this season across the country can only worsen the speaks to a national psychology general feeling of insecurity with dire implications for our democracy. As we had that has devalued human life to the cause to point out recently, perhaps aside lowest level. From North to South the 30-month civil war, Nigeria has never and East, hundreds of people are been so threatened by security challenges being killed almost daily either as it is today. But this culture of impunity by criminal cartels or lone wolves persists because the relevant security agencies have not succeeded in appre- who seem to have overpowered hending the entrepreneurs of violence to the capacity of the state. In his ‘Democracy bring them to justice in accordance to law. TDay’ address to Nigerians yesterday, President A regime of ‘neutralising’ suspects who Muhammadu Buhari admitted the challenges  have not been tried in any court of law of insecurity and made the usual promises. But for alleged offenses is counterproductive under the current situation. to check these killings and restore peace to the country, there is an urgent need for a state that he authorities must see the grow- subscribes to a higher value on life and liveli- ing violence in different theatres hood. across Nigeria as a challenge not The authorities Unfortunately, only to our corporate existence and must see the our imperfect democracy, but also the Nigerian state Tto the future of a country that is fast be- growing violence is itself providing coming a killing field. The greater danger in different leadership in all lies in the fact that as many get killed, manner of bad as we have witnessed in recent weeks, theatres across Nigerians move on unperturbed. That is Nigeria as a behaviour that fast depicting us as a people who place often leads to extra- little premiums on human lives. Yet when challenge not only judicial killings. such bestiality becomes a way of life, those to our corporate With the wave of who kill would want to recreate the scenes existence and disenchantment by again and again. Ordinarily, death ought to be an extreme our imperfect young citizens, fuelled SUNDAY NEWSPAPER penalty for crimes involving loss of lives. Where democracy, but largely by unemploy- EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU death becomes an unscheduled consequence of ment, alienation and DEPUTY EDITORS OLAWALE OLALEYE, TOBI SONIYI living a normal life, something is fatally wrong also to the future general social and with government as the only human invention of a country that economic discontent, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO meant to separate men from beasts. Anarchy or is fast becoming a DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE the state of nature is the only other name for a government ought to CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI situation in which casual killers compete to take killing field see peaceful protests as EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN the lives of innocent people almost as a sport. We legitimate expressions MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE therefore insist on bringing killers of all hues to of democratic rights. But as usual, the police justice in an open and transparent manner. This yesterday betrayed a clear deficit of creative will require a complete retraining of our police and security agents to protect lives. The present solutions to respond to civil protests without THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED adversarial orientation is a colonial and military resorting to force. In Lagos, Abuja and some legacy which has nothing to do with democracy. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA In his national broadcast yesterday, President other cities, many of our young citizens who GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, chose to exercise their democratic rights were Buhari said that the change of ‘Democracy Day’ ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI from May 29 to June 12 was effected by his brutally put down. DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI , PETER IWEGBU, administration not only to honour the sacrifices What we need to interrogate therefore is a ANTHONY OGEDENGBE of the men and women who fought for the return democracy that can neither defend itself without DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI to civil rule but also to create an environment SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH for democracy to be an accepted way of life. As resorting to military tactics nor protect citizens ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI from dying cheaply and needlessly in the commendable as that may be, the inescapable CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI conclusion remains that an official celebration hands of a cocktail of violent vagrants. We are DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO of Democracy Day on top of a reality of total particularly worried that the incessant attacks HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA insecurity, misery and cheapened human lives is by insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and others TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] what it is: a sad hollow ritual!

TO OUR READERS 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 Letters to the Editor 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 [email protected] along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer. AREGBESOLA AND THE ODUDUWA NATION or the first time I Secession is an ill-wind that blows you come from. An Egba man holds doesn’t come cheap. Who was Sunday Igboho California is rich and powerful and is whole-heartedly agree nobody any good and it will only an Ijebu man in suspicion despite the before 2020? the seventh largest economy in the world with the Minister of the throw up an avalanche of challenges fact that they are from the same state. What Nigeria needs is restructuring and if it were a country because of the presence Interior, Ogbeni Rauf that may consume the fragmented There was the Ife Modakeke crisis not secession which will cost more bloodshed. of the Silicon Valley and Hollywood. She Adesoji Aregbesola when new nations. Sunday Igboho’s claim to which consumed hundreds of lives We should have learnt our lessons from the doesn’t go begging Washington DC for aid he denounced the seces- fame was his expulsion of some alleged despite their being neighbours with avoidable civil war where millions of lives every month; rather it does the opposite sionistF activities of the apologists of the criminal Fulani elements in Ibarapa. lot of intra-marriages. There is the were lost which the late Biafran warlord, Dim by remitting to the centre. New York is Oduduwa nation largely spearheaded Many states beckoned on him to help current fierce agitation for an Ibadan Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu later powerful because it houses the Wall Street by Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Sunday ‘liberate’ them from the yoke of the state by the people of Ibadan who described in an interview as a ‘monumental and all other financial institutions in the US. Igboho, Professor Banji Akintoye, etc. blood thirsty Fulani herdsmen. Not feel marginalized in Oyo State. That waste.’ True federalism should be practiced It is the economic nerve centre of the US and He said: “My most important message satisfied with his status as a Yoruba homogeneity that is a key attribute of as there should be devolution of powers and by extension the world. It has no business for this gathering is to let you know that liberator, he wanted more especially as nationhood is lacking in Yorubaland to fewer items on the exclusive list. Why should begging Washington, DC for funds. Most those advocating for the Yoruba nation an unsuccessful GoFundMe campaign make an Oduduwa nation successful states be running cap in hand to Abuja at the of the states in the south have their rich are ignorant of the consequences of had been done by some of his or even viable. end of the month to beg for federal govern- farmlands where they grow crops which their action. Nigeria is the reason the fanatical supporters on his behalf in Igboho must have looked at the ment allocation like babies beg their mothers they not only sell domestically but export the Western nations respect the Blackman the Diaspora. He became a champion economic angle to the struggle as for breast milk? Why can’t there be resource excess as well. Lagos shouldn’t be the only globally. of the Oduduwa nation and has been exemplified by his comrade-in-arms, control similar to what obtained in the part of the country where there is a major “Maybe these secessionists did not organizing rallies in support of it all Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is not only Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 which enabled seaport. Other major seaports should be built know that if any crisis or war happens over the south west. anchoring the struggle from relative the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in places like Ondo, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, in Nigeria now, its fallout will linger for An Oduduwa nation isn’t the comfort in the United Kingdom – far develop the Western Region through his free Akwa Ibom which will greatly diffuse another 50 years. So we must guide solution to the challenges in the away from the theatre of blood bath, primary education program, the building of development to these places and decongest this unity jealously. Although things south west as the Yorubas are not as but has attracted a lot of funding Cocoa House, scholarships for undergraduate Lagos which is the smallest but the most are not perfect yet, I believe we should homogenous as people believe. There from his sympathetic kinsmen as an studies in the UK, the building of the Liberty inhabited state in the nation. rather advocate better government is still the ugly trend of discrimination American lobbying firm now handles Stadium, the first television station in Africa, Tony Ademiluyi, Co Founder of The rather than agitate for secession.” based on the part of Yoruba land that his public relations abroad which etc? Vent Republic, Lagos. SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡JUNE 13, 2021 19

Editor: Kunle Aderinokun BUSINESS 08033204315, 08111813084 Email:[email protected] Monetary Policy as Tool for Economic Recovery James Emejo assesses the eͿectiveness oI monetary poOicy measXres in enhancing oXtpXt growth and recovery oI the Nigerian economy amidst the adverse impact oI the &29,D- pandemic as weOO as sXmmarises the oXtcome oI the recent 0P& meeting

he Nigerian economy posted a positive GDP growth in the Àrst TXarter oI the year IXrther cementing its perIormance in the IoXrth TXarter oI the pre- ceding year which had heOp to e[it the second consecXtive recession in recent times. Not many EeOieved that the economy actXaOOy e[itedT recession in 4  dXe to some theoreticaO misXnderstanding on what shoXOd constitXte an e[it Irom recession. :hiOe some anaOysts EeOieved that iI it tooN two consecXtive TXarters oI negative growth to IaOO into recession it aOso reTXired two consecXtive TXarters oI positive perIormance to e[it the downtXrn. +owever another schooO oI thoXght had argXed that it reTXires onOy a TXarter oI positive growth to e[it a recession - and this argXment appeared to aOign with the EooNs. NevertheOess the 4  GDP perIormance oI . per cent and . per cent in the preceding TXarter had ÀnaOOy settOed the dXsts - as everyone now agrees that the Nigerian economy has eI- IectiveOy e[ited recession thoXgh stiOO IragiOe. NonetheOess a post-recession has considered the roOe oI the monetary aXthority in stimXOating growth as weOO as pXOOing the economy oI the woods. 0any EeOieved the &entraO %anN oI Nigeria &%N CBN Headquarters, Abuja pOayed a dominant roOe and deserved credit Ior the resXscitation oI the economy IoOOowing the EanN·s historic and aggressive interventions in criticaO Ey a contracting oXtpXt where growth is negative yieOd resXOts and growth Ior the economy. thereIore in cheaper credit to the reaO sector oI sectors oI the economy particXOarOy agricXOtXre and the normaO way in economics yoX woXOd want +e said indeed oXt oI the targeted credit IaciOity the economy. and heaOth among others. to reaOOy recover Irom a contracting economy is we have aOmost the whoOe oI N EiOOion has now +e added however that this e[pected transmis- $naOysts aOso agreed that the ape[ EanN had to stimXOate the economy with a Oot oI easing and Eeen disEXrsed and monetary poOicy committee sion might Ee constrained Ey persisting secXrity eͿectiveOy depOoyed its monetary and deveOop- inMecting OiTXidity into the system to stimXOate has encoXraged the management to increase it chaOOenges and inIrastrXctXraO deÀcits. mentaO intervention tooOs to weather the storm. consXmption and investments increase gov- even to N EiOOion. ´2n the other hand whiOe a contractionary stance The &%N·s &29,D- Targeted &redit )aciOity ernment e[penditXre increase e[port earnings ´6o what does that aOso mean" 0ore money wiOO onOy address the monetary component oI price Ior hoXsehoOds and smaOO EXsinesses Ior e[ampOe and possiEOy see what yoX can do to redXce yoXr is going to Ee made avaiOaEOe to hoXsehoOds to deveOopment sXppOy side constraints sXch as the throXgh which aEoXt N EiOOion had so Iar Eeen imports. That is EasicaOOy the deÀnition oI oXtpXt smaOO EXsinesses Ior them to go EacN to EXsiness secXrity crisis and inIrastrXctXraO deÀcits can onOy disEXrsed had Eeen a maMor reOieI Ior EeneÀciaries growth.µ which wiOO XOtimateOy yieOd empOoyment and aOso Ee addressed Ey poOicies oXtside the pXrview oI and had Eeen aEOe to provide some OeveO oI staEiOity +e said ´%Xt what did we do" $t the monetary grow oXr economy. the centraO EanN. to Nigerians apart Irom other regXOatory IorEear- poOicy particXOarOy at the Oast meeting we said we ´6o Ior Xs it is not science when peopOe Eegin ´$ tight stance in the view oI memEers wiOO ances in the ÀnanciaO sector which was initiated woXOd try as mXch as possiEOe to Ee pro-growth to say they doXEt aOO the nXmEers the NationaO aOso hamper the EanN·s oEMectives oI providing Ey the &%N. so as to continXe to see what can Ee done to ac- %XreaX oI 6tatistics N%6 is reOeasing , thinN they Oow cost credit to hoXsehoOds 0icro 6maOO and :ith severe inÁationary pressXres amidst decOin- ceOerate oXtpXt EXt at the same time pXt an eye are speaNing Irom a position oI Eeing XninIormed 0ediXm (nterprises 060(s  agricXOtXre and ing prodXctivity and voOatiOity in oiO price the &%N to whatever can Ee done to rein in inÁation. aEoXt what is happening in the Nigerian economy.µ other oXtpXt growth and empOoyment stimXOating has had to IaOO EacN on the Xse oI deveOopment ´$nd in doing this what did they say" $t the sectors oI the economyµ he said. Ànance tooOs to staEiOise price and achieve other Oast meeting 0P& said we are going to adopt a Retains Monetary Parameters macroeconomic oEMectives which had Nept the series oI systematic synchronisation oI monetary +owever the &%N had resoOved to retain Recommendations to Fiscal Authority coXntry aÁoat. poOicy variaEOes that wiOO heOp to rein in inÁation 0onetary PoOicy 5ate 0P5 otherwise Nnown +owever the &%N whiOe commending govern- $Oso conIronted with daXnting macroeconomic and at the same time Eoost oXtpXt. as interest rate at . per cent. ment·s eͿorts in comEating the headwinds imposed chaOOenges the 0P& which appeared Oess swayed ´0P& aOso encoXraged the management to The 0P& aOso voted to maintain the asymmetric Ey the pandemic Xrged the Oatter to avoid an entire Ey the dangers oI posed Ey inÁation which is Iar adopt some Iorm oI administrative measXres to corridor oI - Easis points aroXnd the 0P5 nationwide OocNdown as was e[perienced in  aEove the 0onetary PoOicy 5ate 0P5  rather than mop Xp OiTXidity or to controO money sXppOy in and OeIt the &ash 5eserve 5atio at . per cent adding that this wiOO reverse the whoOesome gains tighten poOicy instrXments at its recent meeting the system and in the process rein in inÁation Ey and /iTXidity 5atio at  per cent. MointOy achieved Eetween the government and the decided to retain interest rate at . per cent. redXcing money sXppOy that woXOd heOp to controO The 0P5 is the rate at which the &%N Oends to ape[ EanN in response to the oXtEreaN oI &29,D-. Providing insights on the committee·s resoOXtions inÁation whiOe at the same time EecaXse what commerciaO EanNs and oIten determines the cost +e said the 0P& careIXOOy assessed the options on as weOO as appraisaO oI the ape[ EanN·s contriEXtion yoX woXOd Ànd when yoX rein in inÁation Ey oI Eorrowing in the economy. direction oI poOicy in the short to mediXm term and to oXtpXt growth &%N Governor 0r. Godwin mopping OiTXdity is that it Eecomes constraining ,n arriving at a decision to hoOd the rates the &%N re-appraised cXrrent measXres Ey the government (meÀeOe said ´, thinN it·s important to say that EXt at the same time on the oXtpXt side. governor said whereas the committee remained to pXrchase &29,D- vaccines and the generaO Ior Xs at the &%N we are not sXrprised. :e are not $nd what shoXOd we Ee doing" /et Xs Xse overwheOmingOy committed to sXpporting the preparedness oI reOevant pXEOic heaOth agencies to sXrprised EecaXse iI yoX recaOO Nigeria is MXst one oXr deveOopment Ànance tooOs to Eoost oXtpXt eͿorts oI the IederaO government in ensXring gXard against the spread oI the mXtating strains coXntry that is pecXOiar Ior what , caOO a sitXation Ey ensXring that OiTXidity and IXnding is made IXOO restoration oI the prodXctive capacity oI the oI the virXs. that is oXt oI the ordinary EecaXse yoX Ànd Nigeria avaiOaEOe at concessionary rates to empOoyment economy memEers remained mXch more IocXsed To this end the &%N governor said the com- among severaO coXntries Eeing one coXntry that generating and oXtpXt stimXOating sectors oI the towards achieving price staEiOity in the short to mittee noted the appropriate steps taNen Ey the is chaOOenged Ey stagÁation.µ economy. mediXm-term. government to ensXre that Xp to  per cent oI $ccording to him ´6tagÁation is a sitXation ´,t is not sXrprising that we are seeing what we +e pointed oXt that economic growth coXOd Ee the popXOace get vaccinated to drasticaOOy drive where inÁation is rXnning high prices are Eeing are seeing now. :hat monetary poOicy decided hampered in an environment oI XnstaEOe prices down the inIection rate in the coXntry and hence high and at the same time oXtpXt growth in this we shoXOd Ee doing today is how do we proceed adding thereIore that the choice was Eetween sXstain economic activities. case the GDP is contracting. what are those indicators that Oed to Xs having Ooosening the stance oI poOicy to ease credit IXrther +e said ´The committee noted the persisting ´$nd iI yoX Xnderstand how this worNs yoX these Ninds oI resXOts" or tighten to moderate price deveOopment or secXrity crisis especiaOOy in maMor Iood prodXc- wiOO Ànd that as monetary poOicy committee yoXr ´$nd that was why 0P& said Oet·s hoOd OooN at maintain a hoOd stance in order to aOOow previ- ing regions oI the coXntry and the severe toOO on core responsiEiOity is to rein in inÁation Ey ensXring those items - )or inÁation continXe yoXr admin- oXs poOicy measXres continXe to permeate the Iood sXppOy and prices. ,t noted that inÁation had that yoX Neep sXpreme yoXr price and monetary istrative measXres on the oXtpXt side continXe economy whiOe oEserving gOoEaO and domestic moderated marginaOOy dXe to the XnreOenting eͿort staEiOity mandate. to Xse yoXr interventions at sXEsidised interest deveOopments. oI the EanN in sXpporting agricXOtXre to Eoost Iood ´$nd to do so means that yoX have to tighten rates to agricXOtXre manXIactXring to targeted (meÀeOe argXed that an e[pansionary stance sXppOy and prices. to Ee aEOe to rein in inÁation. credit IaciOities maNe sXre we are aEOe to stimXOate oI poOicy coXOd transmit to redXce pricing oI the ´2n the other hand the economy is conIronted consXmption and investment that wiOO XOtimateOy Ooan portIoOios oI deposit money EanNs and resXOt See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com 20 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡JUNE 13, 2021 MONEY Polaris Democratising Banking with VULTe Raheem Akingbolu writes on digitisation in the banking industry and how the recently unveiled 98LTe by Polaris Bank will change the game and deepen the bank’s penetration in the market place

ew years ago, the debate among stakeholders in the banking industry was centered around whether Nigerians can easily key into the world of digital or not. Like every new innovation, it appeared cumbersome and even those who were positiveF thought it would take decades before the Ànal switch over. Today, the adaptation to the new regime appears faster than imagined. Digitalisation in the banking industry hasn’t only revolutionised banking, it has stepped up competition and enhanced seamless operation. The bottom line is that the banking public is in for a new and better regime. Within a span of 10 years, major banks in the market that want to stay relevant and play big have all rolled out digitalized innovations. The beauty of it all is that every day, digitisation is taking the world by storm, with technology and advanced analytics penetrating every industry. In a way, this has rendered traditional banking systems almost obsolete, as %igTech and Fintech companies close in on the banking indus- try faster than ever. Banks are left with no option but to adopt digital banking in a major way if they hope to compete, and mass digitisation is no longer a choice, but inevitable. The truth is that banks have now embraced digital banking. Digital banking is not a À[ed concept, but a spectrum, and individual banks need to decide where on that spectrum they wish to place themselves. All of this is really a stepping stone to where the real future of banking lies - in platforms. Ike The concept of Banking as A Platform BAAP is relatively new but has immense potential. Platform banking would pro- solution from Polaris Bank, which allows making inquiries and getting speedy received positive ratings from customers, vide a digital marketplace for banking users New and ([isting access to range responses and applying for instant loans. with many describing the platform as and perhaps even non-banking services, of banking services which includes; open A week after the o΀cial launch ² the convenient, user-friendly and secure. increasing the limits of what it can provide. account wallet NGN and 86D , air- product had been made available to some Checks from a wide spectrum of cus- Yet, this objective is not easily achievable, time & data top-up, fund account, funds persons, including customers before then, tomers in their various testimonials as and banks have many factors to consider transfer, bills payment and other banking feedback on its use has been largely posi- captured on the Google Play and App before undertaking such an endeavour. operations. tive and elevating. store, assigned the digital bank service As things stand, e[isting banks are In an apt description of what the bank 6peaking on the new innovation, Po- a five-star rating, stating that their user working hard to position themselves was out to achieve with the new inno- laris Bank Managing Director, Innocent e[perience of the Polaris Bank’s 98LTe from the threat of entry of BigTech and vation, the Chief Digital 2΀cer CD2 C Ike, describes it as the brand’s bold was highly positive. Fintechs, and now they seem to be giv- of Polaris Bank, Dele Adeyinka, in one declaration to hand over control of Considering the feedback it has gener- ing themselves the biggest advantages sentence e[plained what diͿerentiates banking services to its customers and ated in a few weeks, one is not surprised to stay on top. Digitisation of banking 98LTe from any other digital banking allow them to serve themselves as they that the promoters of the Polaris brand services has successfully eliminated the platform out there. would want to be served. rolled out the drums to usher in an in- need for consumers to physically visit a According to the CD2, ´98LTe is built This also aligns with some of the novative tool that is poised to deepen the bank branch. In the conte[t of a global as a platform; a rendezvous where value patrons of the brand who have shared bank’s penetration and services. In a way, pandemic, traditional banking systems providers and value consumers align with their e[periences. For instance, 6u- the conversation it has generated shows have become outmoded. Consumers want payment as a fundamental medium of perman =ia 8sman. 2n May 0, 01 that, as Foreman noted, Digital Banking’s e΀ciency, accessibility, and demand es- e[change.µ noted; “Deep…rich contents…No fail future is already here. 98LTe, as a new sential banking services in a physically safe transactions…user friendly. Earlier, entrant in the growing community of manner. This is where Big tech airmeirms Feedbacks Godwin Ikechukwu Allanah, had on Digital Banking solutions in Nigeria, and Fintechs are giving traditional banks Few weeks after, the results are rolling May 1, 01 commented; “E[cellent has been created as a convenient, easy a run for their money. No wonder, tech out as users of 98LTe share their e[peri- app. With this app I am not scared of hack- and quick self-service digital solution titans like Google, Facebook, Apple and ences and how the tool is making the ing because of the biometric features..It’s to enable access to banking services via Amazon are oͿering banking and Ànancial brand trend. The beauty of it all is that it superb.µ Another customer, Yinus +assan mobile devices or on desktops. services products directly to the consumer, takes only two key steps to access 98LTe; on May 0, 01 noted; “Indeed 9ulte +appening immediately following at the tap of a button. a potential user’s Biometric 9eriÀcation app is one of the best mobile banking the announcement of an impressive Number B9N and a selÀe. The face on the services, it’s very convenient easy to full year customer deposits growth Enters the VULTe Platform… selÀe will be automatically compared with transfer and no need for you to go to margin of N56billion, it would seem Few weeks ago, Polaris Bank came out the one on the B9N using an advanced the bank for setup you can do it easily the launch of 98LTe was designed for a with a bang and unveiled The 98LTe, cognitive and artiÀcial intelligence facial by yourself and you can even add the singular purpose ² to spike shareholder which many analysts have since described recognition technology before access is transaction limit on your own.µ This value through the time-honored route as a democratic approach to banking granted. was also the thought of Angor Edet, of enhanced consumer e[perience. services. With the 98LTe, the Polaris Part of the oͿering available in Polaris also on May 1, 01, who e[claimed, Meanwhile, in what looks like a major brand has thus turned itself to bank of Bank’s 98LTe that enables users to ´serve “Wow, this is what you call a banking endorsement for the App, it can now the people, by the people and for the themselves the way they want to be app. From now henceforth this is how be said to be BAAP embedded as many people because of the demystiÀcation servedµ include opening of accounts, you update an app, the interface totally agencies and Fintech partners are sign- of the banking process. setting of transaction limits, making set my soul on fire. The response time ing on the open banking platform and As a digital tool, the 98LTe is a conve- multiple fund transfers at a go, verify is great, Polaris just made it better.µ positioning it to be the best in class, as nient, easy and quick self-service digital identity documents, register biometrics, Through 98LTe, Polaris Bank has of today in the digital banking space. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡JUNE 13, 2021 21 MARITIME Troubled W’African Waters and New Conversation on Coastal Security While insecurity is surging on land, even the seas are no longer safe in West Africa. Last year, it was reported that over 95 per cent of all sea kidnappings occurred across the West African waters, in the Gulf of Guinea. The need to safeguard the regional waterways has necessitated a conversation on maritime security, which will hold at the nd International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference. Chris Paul reports

he increasing wave of insecurity on West African Waters and the urgent need for talks on maritime security in region has become an urgent task. Thankfully, the second edition of International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) provides op- portunitiesT for maritime operators and regulators to air their views, experiences and exchange ideas on how to tackle the trade and economy-disruptive activities by criminals across the region. 2ver 15 Chiefs of Navy, Chiefs of Air 6taͿ and 00 international 6enior 2΀cials will be hosted by the Ghanaian Navy and Air Force; on July 6-8, in Ghana. Held in partnership with Ghana Navy and Ghana Air Force, the IMDEC will be graced by the participa- tion of key government leaders including the Vice President of Ghana, Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia. Maritime security, in recent times, has become a more important issue in West African region, where attacks on ships and crew jumped at an alarming level, last year, especially, despite the COVID-19 Ameachi Jamon Bawumia pandemic. This is expected to top the agenda to be deliberated upon by the 15 Chiefs of Navies and Air Forces along with 00 senior o΀cials attending Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, Chief of Naval 6taͿ, to cover our territorial waters,” he said. conference in West Africa, the three-day IMDEC the IMDEC. Ghana Navy, said, “It is troubling to know that 95 Threatened by this growing insecurity at sea, are conference and exhibition will feature exclusive Organised by Great Minds Event Management, per cent of all kidnappings at sea in 00 occurred tens of billions of dollars in Investments on the West tours of Ghana’s Air and Naval bases and will consist a global strategic events management organisation in the Gulf of Guinea. 5egrettably, the actual and African maritime sector. of in-depth walk-throughs of the naval dockyard that closely works with governments, IMDEC attempted attacks in the region also increased by 4 By 00, the African port sector had collectively and air base as well as private vessel tours to further will address key defence and maritime security per cent from the 019 Àgure of 59 ² 9 in the year attracted 50 billion in public and private investments. display the advanced capabilities of Ghana’s Naval issues, showcase new technology for the defence 00 despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic This has heralded an emergence of world-class ports and Air Force Áeet. sector where multi-million dollars’ worth of deals on all of us.” in Africa spread out in Morocco, South Africa and It will be recalled that Nigerian Navy Increases would be negotiated. Participating companies will According to the 5ear Admiral, these statistics Egypt. Tangier Med Port was ranked at position 5 in security presence in the Gulf of Guinea with the be demonstrating their best products and services call for urgent and concerted eͿorts to deal with the this year’s Lloyd’s List report on the world’s busiest inauguration of Obangame 01. that could equip the naval and air forces and enhance menace, stressing, “that is why I 5ear Admiral Issah seaports, rubbing shoulders with renowned ports This involved the deployment of deployed six their defence capabilities at sea. Adam Yakub, Chief of the Naval 6taͿ of Ghana is from developed nations such as the UK and USA. ships, two tugboats, two helicopters and a Nigerian The Gulf of Guinea is a vast and diverse region inviting my colleague chiefs of Navy and coastguards, These investments oͿer massive business oppor- Air Force AT54 aircraft by the Nigerian Navy; toward stretching from 6enegal to Angola, covering 6,000 other law enforcement agencies, experts, industry tunities for contractors, suppliers and technology addressing maritime challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. kilometres of coastline. It is an important shipping and all other stakeholders in the maritime domain providers who could get a slice of the defence and The Chief of the Naval StaͿ (CNS), Vice Admiral zone transporting oil and gas, as well as goods to to meet in Accra.” maritime spending by participating at the IMDEC. Awwal Gambo, announced the increase of security and from central and southern Africa. “I am hopeful that by the end of this conference In this second edition, the regional naval chiefs will assets in the region during the inauguration of the Around 1,500 Àshing vessels, tankers, and cargo we can collectively Ànd innovative ways to curb the be discussing on the theme: maritime security and 11th Exercise Obangame Express 01. ships navigate its waters at any given day. Piracy, rise of criminal activities in the Gulf of Guinea for the trade: the nexus between a secure maritime domain Gambo explained that the exercise was an annual armed robbery at sea, kidnapping of seafarers, illegal beneÀt of our nations and the people who trade and in a developed blue economy. multinational maritime exercise borne out of the need Àshing, smuggling and tra΀cking, and transnational derive their livelihoods from the sea. Great Minds Some of the companies that have conÀrmed for the Gulf of Guinea Navies to work together for organised crime pose a major threat to maritime Event Management and my team here in Ghana participation at the event include Paramount, Israel regional maritime safety and security. security in the Gulf of Guinea and ultimately to the will ensure strict adherence to all COVID protocols Shipyards Ltd, Israel Aerospace Industries, MBDA The inaugurated exercise was held onboard the economic development of the entire region. to ensure the safety of all,” he concluded. and Airbus. Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), THUNDE5, at the Naval The Gulf of Guinea saw 84 attacks on ships, with Commenting on their participation in this edition, They will all be showcasing their latest technologies Dockyard Ltd., in Victoria Island, Lagos. 15 seafarers kidnaped for ransom in 00, according Ghana’s Chief of the Air 6taͿ, AVM Frank Hanson, and services throughout the two-day exhibition. Flagging oͿ the exercise onboard NNS Thunder, to the International Maritime Bureau, nearly 50 per said, “For several years the maritime space remains Similarly, among the Chiefs of Naval StaͿ and recently, at the Naval Dockyard Limited Victoria Island, cent increase in kidnapping for ransom between 018 one of the most vital components of our national VIPs who conÀrmed their attendance as guests and Lagos, the Chief of the Naval StaͿ, Vice Admiral and 019, and around 10 per cent increase between security and with a coastline of 550 kilometres and speakers at IMDEC include 5ear Admiral Nguessan Awwal Gambo, explained that the exercise was aimed 019 and 00. an exclusive economic zone of 00 miles, Ghana’s Kouame, Chief of Naval StaͿ, Cote d’Ivoire Navy; at contributing to the freedom of navigation in the The region now accounts for just over 95 per cent maritime space accounts for more than 80 per cent Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, Chief of Naval Gulf of Guinea , by strengthening coordination in the of all kidnappings for ransom at sea. The COVID-19 of Ghana’s GDP and that impacts positively on our StaͿ, Nigeria Navy; 5ear Admiral Oumar Wade, Chief Àght against insecurity for socioeconomic activities pandemic brought about increased economic hard- neighbours in the region. of Naval StaͿ, Senegalese Navy; 5ear Admiral Jean among member states to thrive. ship resulting in emboldened reliance on illicit, yet “The proximity of the Gulf of Guinea to Europe Mendoua, Chief of Naval StaͿ, Cameroon Navy; 5ear He informed that it would also enhance the collective lucrative, activities. and North America for the transportation of low Admiral Carlos Alfredo Mandungal, Chief of Naval capabilities of Gulf of Guinea and West African nations According to a 00 report published by Africa 5isk oil further raises its importance in the global supply StaͿ, Guinea Bissau Navy; 5ear Admiral JeͿrey S. to counter sea-based illicit activities. According to him, Compliance, issued about piracy attacks, revealed of energy. Spivey, Vice Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, 5oyal Navy; the exercise was introduced to foster togetherness that a total of 14 vessels were attacked in 00. “As you’re aware, more than 5.4 million barrels 5ear Admiral Ben 5eynolds, Director of Maritime of regional navies as a result of the huge resources The report stated some other alarming Àgures, of crude oil are produced from the Gulf of Guinea Headquarters U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa / and vast potential being continuously undermined noting 149 members of the crew were kidnapped each year. In recent years, it has also become very U.S. 6th Fleet; Captain Pedro Santana, Commander by multifaceted domestic and cross border threats. with  kidnapped for ransom. clear that the force behind maritime security is air of the Coast Guard, Cape Verde; Captain Philip “This challenges the dwindling prosperity of In response, regional Armed Forces are acquiring power, certainly it is air power that is very smart, Juana, Commander, Sierra Leone Navy and Dr. member states,” he said. resources and combining capabilities to eͿectively Áexible and responsible to provide reach for surface Dieng Abdourahmane (5td.Col.), Head 5egional The CNS said that the exercise would present an address these threats at the nd IMDEC, taking place forces to dominate the maritime domain,” Hanson Security Division, ECOWAS Commission. ample opportunity for the Nigerian Navy to work in Ghana. enlightened. Increased security breach onshore have forced gov- together with other national and regional navies in The three-day conference and exhibition including He said, “It is therefore not surprising that the key ernments of African countries to focus on upgrading the spirit of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct. exclusive site visit will see senior o΀cials discuss highlights of IMDEC 01 will feature, for the Àrst the ports and maritime infrastructure and security “This code is designed to improve operational and address how to continue tackling the issues of time, the role of air power in maritime operations. to combat incidents and strengthen the security of readiness, maritime domain awareness, information- securing the increasingly volatile maritime threats The strategic objectives of the Ghana Air Force are commodities ² food, energy and other products that sharing practices and tactical interdiction expertise. facing Africa’s territorial waters. to redeÀne the national maritime capability as an are crucial for the rest of the world. The US Consul General, Claire Pierangelo, described Actual and attempted piracy attacks in the West economic multiplier to national and sub-regional Port development received extensive consideration maritime security, especially in the Gulf of Guinea, African coast increased from 4 per cent to 9 in 00, development. This capability is to connect the maritime from governments, with most of the 8 African nations as a common interest to all nations, adding that no up from 59 in 019; while total of 14 vessels were domain to strategic economic centers of our sub region. with coastlines having a port development project fewer than 16 countries shared the same waters. attacked in 00 and 149 crew were kidnapped with I therefore wish to encourage our neighbours to take in the pipeline or ongoing. She stated that the annual sea exercise attested  kidnapped for ransom. advantage of IMDEC 01. Despite the pandemic, most of these projects were to the strong partnership between US and Nigeria, Expressing concerns over the spate of attacks on “The Ghana Air Force works very closely with still in operation, although logistical support was pointing out that “executing it despite the COVID-19 vessels on West African waterways and the timeliness the Ghana Navy and other international partners to hindered by the lockdowns in 00. restrictions was a true testament to the richness and of the coming conference, the newly-appointed 5ear develop an integrated maritime and air operations The largest maritime security exhibition and quality of both countries’ relationship.” 22 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡JUNE 13, 2021 FOCUS Access Bank: Staying Ahead of the Pack Oluchi Chibuzor writes that with the recent visit to the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame by the Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, the financial institution is positioning itself as the gateway in the continent actualising the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area ith the commence- ment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement in January this year, stakehold- ers have continued to list the beneÀts to businesses in the continent. WThe AfCFTA agreement is expected to create the largest free trade area in the world measured by the number of countries participating. The pact connects 1. billion people across 55 countries with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) valued at .4 trillion. It has the potential to lift 0 million people out of extreme poverty, but achieving its full potential will depend on putting in place signiÀcant policy reforms and trade facilitation measures. In fact, it is expected that full implementation of AfCFTA would reshape markets and economies across the region and boost output in the services, manufacturing and natural resources sectors. According to the World Bank, as the global economy continues to face the challenges pre- sented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the creation of the vast AfCFTA regional market is a major opportunity to help African countries diversify their exports, accelerate growth, and attract foreign direct investment. The multilateral institution noted that AfCFTA would be a huge step forward for Africa, dem- onstrating to the world that it is emerging as a leader on the global trade agenda. “The African Continental Free Trade Area has Managing Director, Access Bank Plc , Mr Herbert Wigwe and Rwanda’s President, Mr Paul Kagame in Kigali recently during a courtesy visit to the President by the potential to increase employment opportunities Wigwe, recently and incomes, helping to expand opportunities for all Africans. The AfCFTA is expected to lift around 68 million people out of moderate poverty and have outlets across Africa which put them “We believe that we are best positioned to remain committed to a disciplined and thoughtful and make African countries more competitive. at an advantage. basically do all of that. Our focus is to become an expansion strategy in Africa, which we believe “But successful implementation will be key, Nnoka said: “We are amongst the most pre- aggregator in Africa and we are building a global will create strong, sustainable returns for our including careful monitoring of impacts on all pared country from the Ànancial services point of payment gateway and providing trade Ànance shareholders and stakeholders at large, over workers—women and men, skilled and un- view. Apart from a few banks in Egypt and South support and correspondent banking across the the medium and long-term. skilled—across all countries and sectors, ensuring Africa, Nigerian banks are reasonably capitalised continent. We are focusing on the key markets. “The establishment of Access Bank through the agreement’s full beneÀt,” the bank added. compared to other African countries.” “The approach would always be that in the this acquisition in the Republic of Botswana will In addition, the AfCFTA represents a major op- According to the World Trade Organisation country we wish to go to, that we have the right position the bank to deliver a more complete set portunity for countries to boost growth, reduce (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and skills. We would not just be a drop in the country of banking solutions to its clients active in and poverty, and broaden economic inclusion as its other international economic organisations, the in which we are present, we would make sure across the SADC and COMESA regions. implementation is expected to lift 0 million continent’s Ànancial services sector should take that we have an impactful presence in each of the “This transaction complements our recent Africans out of extreme poverty and boost the a lead role in providing the major tools necessary major countries in which we are present. strategic growth acquisitions in South Africa, incomes of nearly 68 million others who live on to implement robust trade agreements. “In doing this, we are also mindful of the country Zambia and Mozambique. We are building a less than 5.50 a day; increase Africa’s exports by Banks must position themselves to lead the we are going to so as to make sure that it is of bank of the future that Africans across Africa and 560 billion, mostly in manufacturing; and spur way under this agreement and also introduce beneÀt to the bank. As we do this, we are working the world would be proud of and look forward larger wage gains for women (10.5 percent) than innovations and new technologies to adapt to with our friends and partners. to welcoming the employees, customers and for men (9.9 percent), among others. the diversiÀcations which will result from the “We are diversifying our earnings away from other stakeholders of BancABC Botswana to However, analysts have stressed that the success agreement. volatile markets as well and we are orchestrating Access Bank.” of AfCFTA will rely heavily on Africa’s Ànancial This opportunity will provide competition our operations from the global payments gateway In 2018, the bank launched its ¶Africa’s Gateway services industry’s ability to serve as the brain of within the industry and therefore banks that and ensuring that using Access Bank UK, providing to the World’ campaign – a strategic initiative which the liberalisation process. position themselves appropriately, will beneÀt corresponding services from digital platforms, the aims to promote ¶access to Ànance’ in Africa and The analysts noted that for Nigeria, with most enormously. overall proÀtability of our franchise,” he explained. beyond. It started this campaign by leveraging Tier-1 banks already operating in many African This clearly must have informed the recent Commenting further, on AfCFTA, he said the technology to oͿer its consumers new products. An countries and continually expanding, it gives aggressive drive for continental expansion by bank would use its digital framework to beneÀt example was its partnership with Remita, which them an edge over their counterparts in other Nigeria’s Access Bank Plc, with Herbert Wigwe from the continental agreement. has oͿered PayDay loans to over Àve million African countries. as the driving force. “Coming to Nigeria, we think we need to external customers. The product was available They added that with the increase in trade that The bank chief executive o΀cer recently paid continue to entrench ourselves in the local market on the web, through the bank’s USSD code, via would spur economic activities and increased a working visit to the President of Rwanda, Paul because there is still so much work to be done. ATMs, Access Mobile, WhatsApp Banking, and lending, many banks are already in a liquid position Kagame, in his quest to further expand the Ànancial “So, we are doing everything possible to satisfy 4uickBucks – its instant loan disbursal application. to take advantage of AfCTA. institution’s presence in the continent. our customers and also to ensure that our channels Access Bank has also continued to strengthen its To a former President of the Chartered Institute Access Bank recently unfolded plans to expand are adequately secured. We are also ensuring that digital technology to propel both its sustainability of Bankers (CIBN), Mr. Uche Olowu, Nigerian to more African countries as part of a strategy to our staͿ are very e΀cient,” the CEO said. targets and its African gateway strategic drive. banks with more trade will be in a better position support trade and Ànance in the continent and In line with its expansion drive, Access Bank This was evident in the bank’s partnership to increase lending to the real sector which in turn take advantage of the AfCFTA. in April entered into a deÀnitive and binding with the Africa Fintech Foundry (AFF), aimed will spur economic activities. According to Wigwe, across Africa, there is agreement with ABC Holdings Limited to acquire at nurturing the next generation of cutting-edge He said: “Banks are ready especially as banks an opportunity for the bank to expand to high- 8.15 per cent shareholding in the African Bank- Ànancial-technology Àrms. have procured good lines that would support potential markets, leveraging the beneÀts of ing Corporation of Botswana Limited (BancABC Equally, Access Bank has been driving its trading and supporting manufacturers, export- AfCFTA. Botswana). revenue growth through retail expansion, which ers, Nigerians products, which would thereby He said AfCFTA, among other beneÀts, would The transaction, which is subject to regulatory has grown consistently across all income lines, jumpstart economic activities. expand intra-Africa trade and provide real op- approvals and customary conditions precedent, driven by a strong focus on consumer lending, “Nigerian banks are liquid and are prepared to portunities for Africa. is expected to close before the end of this quarter. payments and remittances, digitalisation of cus- lend out to those channels and outlets to serious He stated that the plan is for the bank to es- ABC Holdings is a subsidiary of London Stock tomer journeys, and customer acquisition at scale manufacturers because it poses great opportunities tablish its presence in 22 African countries so as Exchange listed group ² Atlas Mara Limited. It has also maintained strong capital levels for Nigerian banks and the Nigerian economy. to diversify its earnings and take advantage of Bostwana is renowned for its quality sovereign despite investments for growth and has accu- “Banks are there to intermediate and they growth opportunities in the continent. credit rating and stability. Access Bank’s market mulated capital over time. have the information, data and all that it takes According to him, Africa has enormous potential entry is expected to further solidify its strategy as, Therefore, as one of Africa’s most capitalised to support Nigerian businesses that are serious and there are opportunities for an African bank “a strong banking partner in key verticals across banks as well as its expanding footprints and and credit worthy.” that is well run, that understands compliance and retail and corporate banking, including especially digital platforms, Access Bank has eͿectively Also, the President of 5isk Management As- has the capacity to support trade and the right supporting trade in payments across southern positioned itsslf as one of the leading Ànancial sociation of Nigeria, (5IMAN) Mr. Magnus Nnoka, technology infrastructure to support payments Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa more broadly.” institutions in the continent to reap from the new noted that Nigerian banks are well capitalised and remittances, without taking incremental risks. Commenting on the deal, Wigwe, said: “We continental deal. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡JUNE 13, 2021 23 BUSINESS OUTSIDER The Business of Gaming : A Nuanced Goldmine Tunji Adegbite

aming – the action or practice of play- ing gambling games is one of humanity’s oldest activities. Historic activities like Cleromancy (casting lots) to render an unbiased decision like modern-dayG throwing dice were not perceived as gambling but as an activity to reveal God’s will or other universal forces and entities. Gaming activities like lotteries and sports betting have rapidly spread globally, and emerging technology continues to blur the lines and expand the range of ways people gamble. Despite deeply polarized societal views because it tends to lead to compulsive gambling, severe socioeconomic consequences, and gateway to other social vices, gaming as a business continues to thrive. “At least 1.6 billion people gamble at some point during a given year, and 4.2 billion people have gambled at some point in their lives”. This statement by a group of researchers from Washington University at St. Louis shows the global popularity of gaming. The global gaming market is currently estimated at US$443.2 billion and is pro- jected to reach a revised size of US$647.9 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.6%. The online gaming market size surpassed $55 billion in 2019 and is an- ticipated to grow at 16.5% CAGR between 2020 and 2026. Europe and the Asia PaciÀc have taken the lead regarding market size primarily because of the prevalence of legalization of gaming among countries in the region and the steady inÁux of gaming tourists in those regions. According to the European Gaming & Betting Associa- tion, Africa currently accounts for only 1.10% of the global online gaming market share while Europe and Asia dominate the market with 53% and 28% market share, respectively The gaming industry is segmented into - Casino, Lotteries, Sports Betting and Others; the lotteries segment remains the largest segment, valued at $207.3 billion. However, sports betting is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment going forward at a CAGR of 6.9% In Nigeria, a survey by NOI Polls showed that the young population (18-35) access, the gaming demography has extent of borrowing and increasing services, virtual games, gaming software, has a stronger online betting preference. shifted to more educated and wealthier family indebtedness—a rising public etc., to cater to the growing demand in The most popular online betting activity populations in casinos (o΁ine or online), health concern. this sector adequately. The adoption of being sports betting, and as a football- online sports betting, etc. Technology Many jurisdictions either ban gaming blockchain technology and the emer- loving nation, football remains one of has made it such that it is easier to place or heavily control it by licensing the op- gence of cryptocurrency is disrupting the most popular sports betting options. bets from the conÀnes of your room; as erators. The variances in the unilateral the gaming industry. Cryptocurrencies However, as the age range goes up, there gaming remains unpopular, there exist regulations generally lead to “gaming have gradually become popular in casinos is more awareness in both pools and lotto. many closet gamblers who enjoy the tourism” and illegal gaming in the areas across Europe, used either as the primary The allusion of Pools and Lotto to be privacy technology oͿers them to gamble where it is not allowed. The government’s payment system or as an alternative to the “poor man’s stock exchange” might anonymously. Also, an increase in the involvement via regulation and taxation Àat-based systems. This trend would cater hold given that investment and gaming media’s reach has led to advertisements has led to a close nexus between some more to the needs of gaming tourists and have similar characteristics, yet both dif- getting to a broader audience whose risk governments and gaming companies, the online community as it would cushion fer. Many of the pool/lotto participants appetite has already been shaped by the especially where it provides signiÀcant the costs of converting and withdrawing are not as wealthy as those who manage prevailing economic conditions. government revenue, for example, Mo- foreign currency. investment portfolios. These pool/lotto Gambling exists on a continuum. naco and Las Vegas. With Nigerians reportedly spending participants are usually those looking So, irrespective of risk tolerance, some Establishing a business in this industry over N730 billion annually — N2 billion for ways to make fast windfall gains, as people will never gamble, some will is very capital intensive, although lucra- daily on sports betting, the sector remains depicted by the survey’s reasons people gamble sparingly, others are compulsive tive because the returns on investment a goldmine of opportunities for investors participate in gambling. gamblers and have been called various are guaranteed, as “the house always and entrepreneurs though the irony is Gaming activities in Nigeria have sky- names in sociological and psychologi- wins” via commissions, losses, etc. that bankruptcy risks to their consumers rocketed mainly due to socioeconomic cal texts- problem gamblers, addicted Companies in this sector may have a remains extremely high. reasons. Today, betting shops are littered gamblers, gambling deviants, etc. The multiplier eͿect on the economy as they across the country. On campuses, libraries, problem arising from those on this end of create jobs and income for people who ‡7XQML$GHJELWHLVDWKRXJKWOHDGHU newsstands, and everywhere you can the continuum are numerous. Researchers manage these outÀts. Starting a betting LQ 6WUDWHJ\ DQG 6XSSO\ &KDLQ ZKR think of, little bet slips are littered on have inextricably linked gambling to an shop has a low entry barrier requiring KDV ZRUNHG ZLWK OHDGLQJ RUJDQLVD- the Áoors dashed like the hopes of the increase in theft. Some of the criminal just thermal printers, A4 printer, Àxtures WLRQVOLNH3Z&DQGDQ,2&+HDOVR persons that owned them before. activities are perpetrated by gamblers, board, selling point cubicle, computer IRXQGHG1DVSLUHDEXVLQHVVUHVHDUFK The poor are not the only demogra- others by miscreants taking advantage (desktop or laptop), and a generator. SODWIRUP XVLQJ EXVLQHVV LQVLJKWV WR phy participating in gaming. With the of the inÁux of gamblers arriving in There are opportunities for technical KHOSHQWUHSUHQHXUVDQGSURIHVVLRQDOV increasing proliferation of technology, gaming/casino hotspots. On the other support systems to partner with local VXFFHHGLQ$IULFD+HFDQEHUHDFKHG globalisation, and particularly internet hand, compulsive gamblers go to the operators in the country by providing IT YLDWXQML#QDVSLUHFRP 24 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡JUNE 13, 2021 WOMEN ENTERPRENEURS DUPE KILLA-KAFIDIPE Running Business in Nigeria, Not for the Faint-hearted Dupe Killa-KaÀdipe is the founder of Platinum Fisheries, which has the ultimate vision to help alleviate food scarcity and directly address urgent social, environmental, and other sustainability issues. For three years, Killa-KaÀdipe was the Chief Strategy O΀cer at The North East Children’s Trust (NECT), a not for-proÀt organisation that supports children orphaned by terrorism, with care bundles including health, nutrition, shelter, counselling, education, recreation, and livelihood skills. She had prior roles in process re-engineering, change management, aviation management and business consulting. Her educational qualiÀcation include executive stints at Harvard-IESE and the China-Europe International Business School (CEIBS). A child/women advocate and change agent, Killa-KaÀdipe explains to Oyinlola Sale how she has sustained Platinum Fisheries in the midst of an unstable economy

griculture is the next oil and and focus on improved employment rates. yet the economy of Nigeria is not dependent on it. As a How has it been like, in terms of running a stakeholder in that sector, ÀVKHU\EXVLQHVVLQ1LJHULD" tell us how Platinum Fish- In summary – it has been a bit of a roller-coaster eries can make an impact on ride. Dizzying highs, frightening lows, but hold- Nigeria’s economy? ing on and making decent progress has been Platinum Fisheries’ goal is not just to produce all the more fulÀlling and worthwhile because seafood,A but to produce healthy seafood using of it. We have had national policy changes that ethical aqua cultural methods to address urgent favoured us, side-by-side with policy changes that problems of increasing shortage of animal pro- nearly broke us. There have been windfalls and tein, Nigeria’s snowballing population and the droughts. And of course, there was the pandemic alarming incursions into our fragile rivers and and we are still dealing with the fallouts of that. ultimately, ocean. This way, Platinum Fisher- Running a business in Nigeria for a day is not for ies’ focus is primarily on proximate issues that the faint-hearted. This is why we are genuinely aͿect a large swathe of Nigerians signiÀcantly. grateful and honoured to not just be here, but Our business solution, whilst generating decent also on an upward trajectory. Ànancial yield, also stimulates productivity and economic buoyancy throughout related value Is this business capital intensive? How did chains to the point where there is visible economic \RX PDQDJH WR ÀQDQFH 3ODWLQXP )LVKHULHV impact on a national level. throughout the years? If you want to run the business from your garden 3ODWLQXP)LVKHULHVZLOOEHFHOHEUDWLQJLWVÀIWK or backyard with a target of say, a maximum of anniversary this June. How did you achieve 500kg or units per annum, then the capital outlay such a milestone in an unstable economy? can be modest. However if your projection is I do not want to be near-cliché about this, but anything from 50,000kg per annum, expectedly it has been God all the way, Don’t take my word the Àgures get serious here. Any position between for it in a rush - check my trajectory to Platinum these two reference points are valid depending on Fisheries: in all the opportunities I have had to learn the resources available to you. For us at Platinum and grow cross-industry/multidisciplinary skills; Fisheries, we started modestly and gradually in all the people one has been blessed with (from grew. Funding was and still is from bootstrapping. friends and family to mentors and mentees, from amazing team members and critics to forerunners Running a business comes with challenges in the diͿerent industries one has worked in), that might be road blocks, have you come across I believe there has been an unseen, but deÀnite DGLͿFXOWWLPHDQGKRZGLG\RXRYHUFRPHLW" inÁuence that has made these discrete events Killa-Kafidipe The beauty (and to be candid, sometimes horror) seem like an intentional and even linear chain of of running a business is that you have to keep events leading me to this journey with Platinum replicating what went well and eliminating what Fisheries. So, if I were to ascribe the journey to In Àsh farming, we like to say that the tripod the proverbial rainy day or year (as 2020 came has not gone so well. It would be disingenuous just one factor, that would be the God-factor. factors of wholesome seedlings (i.e. Àsh at their to be known due to the pandemic), the biggest to imagine we have struggled from time to time. earliest stage), good feed and good farm practice validation for us at Platinum Fisheries was to What I do to overcome setbacks caused by self or In what way has Platinum Fisheries helped (including water/waste management) make for see our investments in robust, resilient, but agile others is to fully understand what went wrong, in alleviating food scarcity in Nigeria? a good Àsheries/seafood business. I can conÀrm systems/structures really pay oͿ and keep the why it did and what could have been done diͿer- The hydra-headed problems of logistics, that as broad outlines go, this is correct. However, business aÁoat during the pandemic. We are ently. Most times, it pays to share the big picture preservation and sub-optimised value chains there is a world of other factors involved. Apart now considering strategies that would further of di΀cult times with team members. They are in the agricultural and related food-processing from the generic factors required for any business build on that. actually the stakeholders closest to the business sectors are well-documented. By the end of this (a clear vision, e΀cient planning, an excellent and arguably have the greatest inÁuence, even year, the bouquet of products and services oͿered team, premium leadership, risk management, The unemployment rate keeps rising in the if it is indirectly. Taking responsibility (even if is by Platinum Fisheries will include production marketing and customer relationship manage- country and the agricultural sector has many only because you are the leader) is critical and and sales of Àsh and other seafood, farm share ment), there are other specialised/technical factors opportunities that have not been tapped, how exemplary. These are some of the ways and at- programmes, commercial operation of hatch- relating to e΀cient operations, processes and of has your organisation helped in encouraging titudes that have helped us forged a way through eries, cold store systems, kiln operations, feed course, a speciÀc, technical competitive edge. the youths to take up roles in the agricultural extremely di΀cult times. mill operations, Àsh farming training institute In summary, a successful Àsheries business will sector? and agritourism. So essentially, at least 90% tick most boxes for any generic business and for We do this in diͿerent ways. The average So what makes Platinum Fisheries to stand of our operations target yields maximisation industry-speciÀc businesses. team member’s age at Platinum Fisheries is 28 out in the midst of its competitors? and optimising value chains – all the way from years. Every job opening or outsourced service is Our mission at Platinum Fisheries goes beyond live seafood to smoked and frozen Àsh, there Entrepreneurs learnt a lot of life lessons during oͿered Àrst to a local youth provider before any selling products and rendering services for a proÀt. is minimal wastage which directly converts to this pandemic, so in what way did it restructure other provider. We do the same with regards to That immediately sets up apart from the rest. reducing food scarcity in Nigeria. I feel this a your mode of operation? procurement. Ultimately our training institute will Our methods are sustainability-driven with a philosophy companies and their decision-makers Build resilience and Áexibility into your busi- be designed with youths in focus. In addition to commitment to ensuring we do not engage in any may consider adopting or adapting. A creative, ness when you do not have to. You will later that, our tours and exhibition service lines targeting activity that further degrades the environment. sustainable and concerted focus on food scarcity thank yourself for this over and over again. From school-age children aims to stoke their interest in This is a unique side to our business. We are fully alleviation must now urgently be adopted by all. deploying technology (to manage operations, aquaculture very early in life. This hopefully will committed to the people-over-proÀt ethos – be it Ànances, customer relations engagement and translate to proactive engagement as they come in product design, human capital management or What are the important things to note to start management) to mindfully building and training of age and positively aͿect employment rates. ultimate vision to supply aͿordable and healthy XSDÀVKHULHVEXVLQHVV" your team and last, but not least planning for Finally, all our CSR commitments are pro-youth seafood. SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY 25 26 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NE 13,2021   60 Gun-salute to the Literary General Louis Odion

ack in the 90s, we used to time each of his liter- ary parturitions, the way a sprinter’s dash on the track to the finish-line is scored. The digital age hadn’t yet fully dawned in newsrooms in this corner of the earth then. So, it was still largely an intense communion between the pen and “offcuts” (writing sheets improvised from stumps of newsprint reel). From crafting often uniquely creative intro to the final word, it Bnever used to take Sam Omatseye more than a fleeting moment to consummate, say, a great column or pithy analysis for Concord titles. “So, timekeeper,” he would inquire convivially, facing me in the small office that sheltered Concord’s Politics Desk as the lady typist took the last page, “Did I miss?” “On target!,” I would exclaim, laughing with adulating thumb-up. Of course, the stop-watch never exceeded thirty or forty minutes for Sam to churn out a masterpiece of between 1,000 and 1,200 words. A feat around which his fame had partly been built within the Concord family. The other half being the vigour of his thought and the charm of his language — lyrical, even laconic. His prodigious knowledge is undoubtedly reflected in his uncannily relentless facility to lead and buffet readers with ideas and quotations from great thinkers in history. In inter-personal conversations, no less commanding is Sam’s ability to recite copious portions of the Holy Bible with the seam- less ease of a computer that would fill even a seasoned Pentecostal pastor with envy. A skill matched equally by an adroitness at recalling, off-hand, long passages from literary classics. And then his bonhomie accentuated by deep-set eyes and an easy throaty laughter that unfurls remarkably immaculate full dentition. Looking back, what a great fraternity we built at Concord, bonded by a spirit that turned office to family. Led by Mr. Tunji Bello (presently Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources), the clan included Victor Ifijeh, Kayode Komolafe, Segun Adeniyi, Waheed Odusile, Yomi Idowu, Jonas Agwu, Abdulwarees Solanke, Gboyega Amonboye, Goke Odeyinka, Jill Agbiliazau-Okeke among others. (More elaboration on this in a forthcoming 300-page book devoted to Tunji Bello’s Diamond Jubilee.) A bard of crisp imagery, withering wit and sometimes subversive metaphor, Sam would, for instance, characterize Segun Adeniyi and I as “passion versus prose” in his reading of the distinction between our respective creative temperaments. Almost three decades later, it is gratifying to note that Sam’s energy has not waned. In fact, it will be no exaggeration to say his muse has since ramified into a Trojan of sorts, straddling Nigeria’s literary space. As he turns 60 on June 15, there can, therefore, be no better time to pause and salute this sterling ambassador of the letters. Indeed, in Nigeria’s contemporary artistic firmament, very few literary avians could be said to soar close, let alone higher than Sam. In the simultaneous expression of multiple art forms, he obviously engages our space today with peerless virtuosity. Name it: from journalistic exertion of column-writing (In-Touch Omatseye in The Nation) and show-hosting (TVC); to churning out, with prodigious frequency, critically acclaimed works of poetry, drama existential crisis through starkly distinct lens of the good Nigerian military in form of critical essays published regularly in Concord and prose. against the bad Nigerian. Like every conscientious artist, Sam titles which by now had become the main opposition publication For instance, since 2006, he has penned the widely acclaimed remains unabashedly an advocate of the vulnerable and the in Nigeria. column weekly without a single break. And as his regular readers voiceless in the ensuing dialectical struggle. But, overall, regardless of his habitual retail of lofty ideas with would attest, an encounter with Sam through the written words In identifying suspects or classifying culprits, his own objective sometimes fierce words, the essential Sam is soft at heart, almost remains an enchanting voyage around art, history, philosophy and yardstick is, therefore, social justice, regardless of tongue or childlike in spirit. This accustomed innocence or instinctive trust political thought. faith. Against the backcloth of a rising call for the annulment has however often predisposed him to be easy target for traitors With such remarkable testimonial in industry, Sam can then be of the national union, there can be no mistaking the persistently or emotional blackmailers. I dare say this as someone with said to be living out, even if symbolically, his own precept against, conciliatory standpoint of this gangling teetotaler from Niger Delta intimate association with him in almost three decades, first as for instance, sloth in the civic space. Indeed, he demonstrates that married to a Yoruba lady (from Ido-Ani in Ondo State), fluent in junior professional colleague and eventually a friend close enough his critical spirit over the years as a columnist is not hypocrisy. Yoruba, based in Lagos and whose circle of friends and allies cuts to be considered a brother. That he, by no means, is not an armchair critic. Through the across all ethnic categories. In the office environment, Sam certainly lacked the guile that power of personal example, he is thus able to rise to the very It is a perhaps a measure of his consistency of character that many others would traffick in — that cold-heartedness to knife high standards he chooses to hold those in leadership perches as prominent among the company he keeps or would be found are colleagues in the back, if only to rise rapidly on the ladder or gain a public intellectual. It can then be understood why, after several still the same folks with whom he associated decades ago. Indeed, favour. His mirth is genuine, not to be confused with the saccharin awards in punditry, the nation’s custodian of academic tradition, any audit of Sam’s engagement in the past three decades will laughter of the treacherous who, as the Yoruba say, will conceal the Nigerian Academy of Letters, finally considered Sam worthy also show an unfailing fidelity to progressive ideals and the fierce blood on the tongue and spit out phlegm. to be inducted into its hall of fame as an honorary fellow in defense of the common good. On a personal note, it took the exile years for me to appreciate, 2018. (Co-awardees included Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Pro Chancellor The goodwill that fetches, it would seem, saved him in the in more intimate terms, two of Sam’s defining qualities — a sense of Obafemi Awolowo University, and Segun Adeniyi, popular dire hour of need in the dark days of Sani Abacha. On the fateful of solidarity and loyalty on the one hand and material generosity author and columnist). Next was a formal acknowledgement by night he was to depart to the United States in 1997 to begin a on the other. When Sun newspapers started in 2003 and I became the Nigerian state of Sam’s prodigious talent last year with his one-year Alfred Friendly Fellowship, a little drama ensued at the pioneer editor of the Sunday title, he put at my disposal the investiture with the National Productivity Award by the Federal Muritala International Airport, Lagos. It was the harrowing season totality of his professional support, offering invaluable editorial Ministry of Labour at a solemn ceremony in Abuja. when critical voices were either in graves, gulag or exile. Being advice. To ensure I succeeded, he began to write a weekly However, this is not a mission to interrogate Sam’s art, but a prominent Concord journalist, Abacha’s roving goons easily column for us and became our resourceful, omni-present “special extoll his humanity — a unique convergence of the values of spotted him in the crowd in the departure lounge and brusquely contributor” from US, never failing to file rich human-angle stories decency, loyalty and generosity. In transcendental terms, talent, asked him to step out of the queue before clamping him in an and analyses every week. it bears restating, is meaningless without a character defined by improvised detention around. Until his final return to Nigeria in 2006 to take up an appoint- higher personal virtues. While the state agents later stepped away to a quiet place ap- ment as Chairman of The Nation editorial board, I doubled as You may not agree with him all the time, but what can never parently to consult their masters on what to do with a “big catch”, Sam’s literary agent locally. I attest that all his earnings by way be faulted his sincerity of purpose and the restless quest for the a conscientious officer from another branch of the security service of honoraria for newspaper writings and academic papers were common good. Sure, there is never going to be a consensus on the who had monitored the proceedings from a distance and would given out as charity to people, sometimes total strangers whose best road to travel or policy option to make in the stated pursuit rather identify and sympathize with those courageous enough pain or misery he merely read or heard about. of the public cause. Such critical contestation will, of course, to stand up to the rampaging military dictatorship, miraculously At a reception hosted in Lagos by Benita Obaze of Bevista in always be driven and defined by the values we share individually came to Sam’s rescue. Quickly, he whisked him through the 2013 to mark my 40th birthday, Sam accepted without hesitation or by which ideological aperture we view civil engagements. remaining security cordons to his seat on the waiting aircraft which to be co-master of ceremonies, not minding the wide age gap However, at a time when championing of sectional agenda door was firmly locked almost immediately for take-off! between us. seems increasingly glorified and entrepreneurs of hate scramble So, given that close shave, Sam was forced to remain in exile at Such is his power to give his all for joy and upliftment of others. for visibility, one point that is beyond dispute is that Sam sticks to the end of his fellowship at Denver, Colorado. Rather than being ––Louis Odion is the Senior Technical Assistant on Media a different dialectics which rather view the nation’s contemporary intimidated, he only intensified his sorties from exile against the to the President. JU͹ͻ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER 27 PERSPECTIVE Yahaya Bello’s Presidential Ambition: Fact or Farce

Sadiq Amoboye Assembly as well as the State Assembly. He has dealt squarely with his biggest political foe, Senator ot a few were surprised when the calls Dino Melaye, and the fear of Bello is the beginning of wisdom for Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to in Kogi politics. While some might criticize his methods and declare his interest to run in the 2023 presi- style as being brash and abrasive in turn, Bello has had his way dential elections began to gain momentum. so far. Although, feelers had indicated that the He is a staunch ally of President Buhari and has demonstrated controversial governor had been preparing a knack for inserting himself in national discourse in turn even underground to take the shot, for the first in controversial circumstances, much more so with his stance time, he indicated his ambition on prime time on Covid-19, which he insists does not exist, and his opposition TV. to vaccination, citing the unfortunate outcome of a mass polio NIn the typical Nigerian politician’s roundabout way of making vaccination programme in Kano State many years earlier. such announcements, Bello said, “Nigerians, the youth and Despite the lack of scientific evidence to back his claims, Bello women, including very objective elite, are asking me to run for seems to have a large following among the COVID-19 deniers president in 2023. My answer will be in affirmative in a little within the Nigerian populace, especially the lower classes, who time from now”. believe it affects only the rich and wealthy. He highlighted the need to have a crop of leaders with The relatively low infection and death rates in Nigeria despite capacity, who could get the job done and unify the country. a mass failure to adhere to globally accepted safety measures “I think they are seeing something in me, that they are asking reinforces this notion. And what could be more in ensuring that me to come and unite and fix this country,” he said. Bello gets a soft landing than the highly influential leader of one On restructuring, the 45-year-old politician gave his personal of the world’s largest churches, The Redeemed Christian Church definition of restructuring, saying, “Let’s restructure and allow of God, Enoch Adeboye, suggesting during a recent visit to the the younger generation take over the leadership of this country.” state that the Kogi governor was a man of faith for maintaining From the above statements, it is clear that Bello has identified his controversial stance on COVID-19 even when the official two clear advantages he might have over the present crop of church position endorsed safety and vaccination. politicians being speculated as having in interest such as Nasir Bello Bello certainly knows a thing or two about optics as that visit el-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, Anikulapo Abubakar, Kayode could subtly open an opportunity for him, being a Muslim, to Fayemi and the rest. appointments, economic downturn and general hardships being garner Christian votes when it matters down the line. One is that he is relatively young at 45 and might command experienced by citizens. These are in addition to ominous separat- Regardless, Bello’s perception among the elite would be a significant appeal among the youth, and secondly, he comes ist agitations in the South, marking down the administration. mixed even if he manages to garner grassroots appeal. For one, from Kogi State, which is effectively in the middle belt and is not While there is a general feeling that for Nigeria to progress, he has clashed with Labour unions over wages while scoring particularly involved in the raging contest over zoning between there needs to be a marked departure from a past dominated by point in areas of security, health, education and some infrastruc- the core northern politicians and the southern power brokers, the so called analogue leaders, Bello seeks to offer some freshness ture, so the verdict on his performance in office is bound to be who insist on being rewarded for facilitating Muhammadu but his main challenge will be how to demonstrate that he is the mixed, like others. Buhari’s emergence as president in 2015 despite losing three right candidate. What could work for him is if the bigger gladiators within times earlier. Certainly, it will be difficult to dismiss him as a non starter in the ruling All Progressives Congress inflict mortal injuries on Bello is apparently putting himself forward as a bridge builder the face of some of the big wigs emerging as the contest gains themselves as they battle to retain control amid the looming zon- and uniting factor of sorts at a time when tensions over the traction. Bello is a sitting Governor running a second term, which ing imbroglio, Bello could emerge as a compromise candidate Buhari-led government’s perceived tacit leanings towards a shows he can win elections; members of his camp dominate the with appeal to both the north and the south. perceived northern agenda with the herdsmen crisis, political state’s Senate and House of Representatives seats in the National ––Sadiq Amoboye writes from Owo, Ondo State. Transparency Under Current Administration of the NNPC

Divine C. Jude-Okeke principles but are not under any obligation to do so. Another criticism is that, although there is increased trans- t has become apparent that resource rich and resource parency, the overarching societal expectation that improved dependent countries could significantly benefit from transparency will lead to greater governance and socio-economic the effective management or governance of petroleum transformations remains unachieved. It is therefore suggested that re-sources in achieving economic growth and mitigating while EITI implementation fosters transparency, accountability the resource curse. In this regard, transparency has been remains a concern. Hence, the reason why corruption persists. It touted as a significant contributor to achieving an effective therefore implies that ‘the EITI or the NEITI being its subset on its resource governance regime. These conversations has led own cannot completely be said to be a panacea for good gover- to the emergence of ac-countability initiatives like ‘Publish nance and sustainable development’ of petroleum resources for what you pay,’ ‘The Kimberly Thought Pro-cess’ and most popular oil-rich countries. amongstI them, the ‘Extractive Industries Transparency Initia-tive’ (EITI). These initiatives were set up to encourage the publishing Strengthening Transparency: Moving Towards A Robust of financial transactions between a country’s government and oil Petroleum Resource Governance Framework multinational companies. While countries remain the entities with significant governance Nigeria voluntarily joined the global EITI in 2003 and inaugurated authority, there are several actors with equally important roles. the Nigeria Ex-tractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Some are Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), corporations to promote prudent management of revenues from its abundant and international organisations and even the citizens. The interac- natural resources to reduce poverty and ensure sus-tainable tions between these complex interlinkages at an international, development. NEITI in that regard posed itself to be the Nigerian national and lo-cal level could lead to positive solutions. national sub-set of the global EITI. There are several requirements to ensuring a robust petroleum The NNPC towers had long cut the image of an opaque, dingy governance framework and the role of transparency cannot be glass house where cor-ruption had become institutionalised. The over emphasised. As a response to the chal-lenges caused by KPMG, back in 2012, investigated finances of the corporation and the opacity of the petroleum industry, some analysts propose exposed massive financial malfeasance and monumental cor- that perhaps “shining the light” could be beneficial. The idea ruption. Understandably, many had given up on the possibility of Kyari, MD, NNPC was that through transparen-cy, institutional mechanisms that salvaging the corpo-ration from the firm grip of financial iniquities make government more accountable will be strengthened. This and operational lethargy, such that public cynicism had always his sub appointments was a grandeur endorsement of the current was further strengthened by the idea that perhaps through the greeted every appointment or reorganisation in the corpo-ration. management of the NNPC as professionals who work to make transparent management of natural resources, government Since its establishment, NEITI was construed to act as a watchdog operations in the oil and gas sector more transparent and account- corruption, institutional erosion, civil conflicts and economic chal- in attacking the oil corporation and ensuring maximum levels able. Some of these notable achievements were seen when, the lenges will be resolved. Unfortunately, several years after, these of compliance with the transparency initiatives. However, the Federal Government through the Minister of State for Petroleum concerns persist despite the popularity of transparency initiatives harmonisation and compliance NEITI has set the corporation to Resources; Chief Timipre Sylva, Sir Mele Kyari and Sir Adokiye like the NEITI. It is therefore suggested that while efforts are made comport itself to, has left most stakeholders bewildered. Since the Tom-bomieye inaugurated the crude oil cost optimization to further strengthen the NEITI, there should be a shift towards a appointment of the GMD Sir Mele Kyari, it has been no surprise to programme which was one of the top priority areas given to the broader petroleum resource governance framework. It is in this see that the government has set out to transform the operations of Ministry of Petroleum Resources under the Next Level agenda regard that the Natural Resource Charter is in-strumental. the oil corporation. of Mr President in ensuring reduction of the price of the crude oil The Natural Resource Charter could complement the efforts of But since his appointment positive changes have become notice- extraction costs. Additionally, the domestic gas consumption got the NNPC’s implemen-tation of the NEITI’s policies in achieving able. Large-scale insti-tutional reforms which rolled the NNPC a boost as the NPDC completed its gas plant, and grand above all a comprehensive natural resource governance framework. The into seven independent business units to make it a more efficient was NNPC BECOMING AN EITI SUPPORT COMPANY. Charter provides a practical advice for governments, societies and corporation; The business environment was also liberalised, and Despite the above achievements of the NNPC, there are some the international community on how best to manage resource it became an enabler for the introduction of new business models criticisms. One of such criticisms is that while the EITI relies on wealth. The Charter contains twelve precepts. The first 10 precepts which drastically reduced the losses recorded by the NNPC in the government and companies to report finan-cial transactions, it provides guidance on how a government might manage its past. These reforms in the petroleum sector in the last four years is unable to ‘monitor or track illicit financial flows - that is money natural resources while the last two other precepts such as extrac- has yielded over $30 billion foreign investments and commitments that benefits a select group of elites’. This means that it does not tive companies are those responsible for international governance. aimed at growing the sector. These reforms also yielded positive have the mechanism to identify and report illegitimate transfers results in the area of personnel integrity, and nowhere is this demon- that are diverted for private benefit. Also, another perceived ––Divine C. Jude-Okeke Esq,. Oil & Gas Law Gover- nance Enthusiast. strated more than the emergence of a management staff as the GMD weakness of the EITI is its voluntary nature. The Federal Govern- of the corporation. Kyari personifies the fruits of those reforms and ment and companies are only encouraged to adhere to the EITI Read the full article online - www.thisdaylive.com 28 ͹ͻ˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER MARKET NEWS

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 10- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Jun-2021, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date. DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.39% AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Vantage Balanced Fund 2.82 2.88 23.00% Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% AIICO Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 149.69 150.14 -3.68% AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.25 1.29 32.32% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 6.88% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] [email protected] LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 2.60% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.38 1.40 1.39% Anchoria Equity Fund 130.85 132.31 -1.62% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,145.92 1,145.92 3.73% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.06 1.06 -20.05% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.23 19.81 6.01% Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.97 11.00 4.65% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 418.63 431.25 4.56% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.55% ARM Ethical Fund 37.81 38.95 12.15% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.08 1.09 -11.28% Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.96 0.96 -14.59% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.71% PACAM Balanced Fund 1.66 1.69 7.16% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.39 12.46 2.20% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.24% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Equity Fund 1.59 1.61 0.73% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 104.57 104.57 2.81% PACAM EuroBond Fund 111.02 112.64 0.97% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 130.75 131.40 3.52% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.02% SCM Capital Frontier Fund 128.83 131.80 8.81% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.95 1.95 -21.49% SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.21% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.03 2.07 -21.20% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,167.33 3,192.86 -1.51% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 230.18 230.18 2.37% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.19 1.21 1.69% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 301.95 301.95 2.47% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 221.58 224.34 1.41% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.70% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.83% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,488.52 10,620.56 -0.13% Paramount Equity Fund 16.10 16.39 0.65% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.26 1.26 2.45% Women's Investment Fund 133.45 134.84 0.22% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 113.99 113.99 2.62% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 101.41 101.41 Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.82% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 117.16 117.94 United Capital Balanced Fund 1.36 1.38 -0.25% Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund 1.95 1.95 2.89% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 106.75 106.75 United Capital Equity Fund 0.93 0.95 7.64% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.99% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Eurobond Fund 120.94 120.94 3.29% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.10 1.12 1.80% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.91% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.05 1.05 5.26% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.19 1.21 -0.78% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.37 1.37 -13.81% Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Zenith Equity Fund 12.72 12.83 7.21% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Ethical Fund 13.98 14.10 14.45% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 2.95% Zenith Income Fund 24.10 24.10 0.53% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.91% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.82% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,160.80 1,169.60 -3.02% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] REITS Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS REIT 123.83 2.56% FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,374.89 1,374.89 10.69% Union Homes REIT 51.43 -1.85% FBN Balanced Fund 186.91 188.09 -0.41% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Halal Fund 109.85 109.85 5.82% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.77% Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 12.81 12.91 -3.06%

SIAML Pension ETF 40 125.29 125.29 2.92% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 125.41 125.41 3.42% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 98.79 100.57 -0.62% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 157.23 159.37 4.00% MERGROWTH ETF 17.41 17.51 FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] MERVALUE ETF 17.44 17.54 Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.70 3.74 -1.92% Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.64 5.72 -0.91% Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 17.17 17.27 4.98% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.84% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 19.42 19.62 -5.34% Coral Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 161.44 163.44 -26.25% Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Coral Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.52 13.11% The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only. A WEEKLY PULL-OUT 13.6.2021

INI DIMA-OKOJIE BORN TO ACT Tried as much as she could to escape the hands of providence, actress, and fashion enthusiast Ini Dima-Okojie would eventually find herself in the acting world, where she is making waves with her peerless interpretation of roles, writes Vanessa Obioha

ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/[email protected] 54 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͱ˜ͰͮͰͯ COVER My Life, Make-believe and Passion

me. But for Olaitan, that feeling lasted a whole month.” However, for her character Didi in ‘Namaste Wahala,’ the cross-cultural rom- com directed by Indian filmmaker Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, the Edo state-born actress didn’t expect the feedback she received from the audience. “I knew that people would appreciate the underlying topics in the film, such as the fight against gender-based violence and women empowerment. What I didn’t expect was the global attention. I didn’t expect people to relate to it so much. It apparently resonated with so many people because I got messages from all over the world. Spain, China, Britain,” she said. The film was originally slated for a cinematic release last year before the pandemic, but it gained a global audience with Netflix’s enormous reach. Dima-Okojie sees this as a good thing for the Nigerian film industry. To prepare for her character, the actress researched the culture of the Asian country and was amazed by the similarities in family values between the country and Nigeria. She initially auditioned for her character’s friend Angie (Anee Icha) but was asked to play the lead role on the spot. Her outstanding performance fetched her the role, although she confessed that she spent hours on YouTube learning the Indian dance moves. The film allowed her to star alongside Richard Mofe-Damijo, described as one of her screen idols. Another character that broke her down is ‘The Wait,’ her latest flick that saw her performing alongside one of her favourite actresses Nse Ikpe-Etim. She played a young wife who’s been married for 10 years and unable to conceive. industry and now found to be false today, she “You can imagine the pressure from her took a long pause before responding. family. She didn’t want to adopt either.” “It all looked easy from afar. You don’t She described the set of the film as special really know how much work actors put in to due to the way the cast interpreted their roles elicit the kind of reaction they get from fans. I and the emotional appeal of the storyline. know we have a long way to go, but I have so “I cried during the premiere. I cried again much appreciation for filmmakers, particularly during the first screening to an extent that I when making films in an environment that is begin to wonder why I’m crying over a film I not necessarily structured in ways that make starred in. It was so emotional and addresses the process easy. You just have to give kudos the topics that we need to talk about in our to people that are able to invest in the industry films. Just seeing the reaction of the audience and work day in, day out to make the films made me grateful that I was able to get myself possible.” to play that character as truthfully as possible. Her gait, in a way, reflected the meaning It’s another character that took a lot from me, of her name Inibokun which she shortened but it was absolutely worth it to tell that story.” during her university days because many Such stories, she said, need to be told by mispronounced it. The meaning of the name, Nollywood so that people can easily relate and she said, is like a story. share their experiences. “It’s the name of a unique bird. This bird “I think it’s important that filmmakers are is supposed to be beautiful and stunning. confident in the story they want to tell instead Whenever she comes to the river bank, the of worrying about audience reactions or box- other birds make way for her to perform. office successes.” So it means to be graceful,” she explained Dima-Okojie also had a story to tell, which dramatically. she shared with her fans last year. Having She recalled how many mistook her for been diagnosed with fibroids in 2017, she was the Nollywood actress Ini Edo when she first advised to go for surgery last year. The actress joined the industry. “It happened a lot. When took a bold step to share her journey with her I introduced myself as Ini, the response I often fans on social media. Quite a few criticised got was ‘abadie,’ which means ‘how are you’ her for exposing her private life to the world, in Ibibio, and I’m lost. I have to explain that this but for the actress, it was more of getting the Ini is from Edo state,” she said amusingly. conversation going about the disease which affects more than 100,000 women in Nigeria Dima-Okojie Those days are way behind her now. Mention her name, and people would easily today. recall her characters in different web, TV, and “I felt vulnerable sharing that part of my f it’s meant to be, it’s meant banking after studying International Relations film productions. In the successful drama life, but I believed it was necessary to do so,” to be.” That’s the popular at Covenant University, Dima-Okojie could series ‘Battleground’, she is remembered as she said. “You know social media is a place phrase of ‘Namaste not resist the steady hands of providence. It Teniola Bhadmus. In ‘North East,’ she is known where we always put our best foot forward, Wahala,’ a Nollywood and was only a matter of time before she joined as Hadiza Ahmed, who despite her father’s sharing happy moments. I wanted fans to Bollywood collaboration the movie world and is considered one of the objection to her love interest Emeka played by also see this part of me and help those who released on Netflix early leading actresses in the industry today. OC Ukeje, due to their religious and cultural are going through similar situations. My this year and starred Ini “Every fibre of my being tried to run away differences, eventually married him. The actress parents spoke to me about it when I was first Dima-Okojie. In a way, that phrase reflects from it (acting),” she said in a recent meeting. insisted on learning Hausa from the locals even diagnosed, but there’s a difference when you “IDima-Okojie’s acting career. I used to be a very shy kid. I love fashion, and though it was not required of her to portray the are experiencing it and being able to speak The young actress who started as a I found ways to express myself through that a character. to someone that is also experiencing it and production assistant on the set of ‘Before 30’ lot. But it is a different love when I watch films. In ‘Oga! Pastor,’ the short-lived web understands you. before clinching a role in the TV series ‘Taste Whenever I watch films or TV shows I love, series by Ndani TV, Dima-Okojie played a “Eight out of every 10 women must of Love’ ignored her true calling in the make- it takes me to a place where I want to be able challenging character Olaitan Geshinde whose be suffering from fibroids, but they are believe world for most of her younger life. It to do the same thing and make people feel the husband, a clergyman, turned out to be a not speaking about it. I felt so alone, and I is not necessarily because the passion didn’t way I do. I always wanted to act. Eventually, philanderer. needed to put it out there so that people can burn glowingly inside of her. In fact, there are when I couldn’t get over the feeling, I had to do “I had never experienced what I be sensitive in the way they address women moments of her childhood where she would it. I was even surprised, and sometimes I asked experienced with my character in ‘Oga! who unknowingly may be going through escape to an imaginary world, creating a myself if this was really my path. So I guess it Pastor’,” she said of her character. such issues. There is so much negativity and story universe for characters in her head. turned to reality and was meant to be.” “The character was going through a preconceived notions about fibroids.” To re-enact this in real life requires Dima- Now in her sixth year as a screen actor, lot, and for me to play her truthfully, At the moment, she is living healthy and Okojie to outgrow her diffidence. Often, she Dima-Okojie betrayed no hint of shyness. I really needed to break myself down taking each step at a time, and fulfilling her prayed silently to be as outspoken as her Known for her impressive fashion style, the emotionally, mentally, and there was long-time dream to be an actress. sister Ivie who was at that age, in the spotlight actress donned a long black gown with stripy almost the moment where I didn’t even “There are many ways we can try and as one of the characters in the defunct kids’ balloon sleeves. Her hands were likewise realise what I was capable of. orchestrate how we go things through life. programme ‘Children of the World.’ Both adorned with fashionable rings and bracelets. “I didn’t realise that there are We can put down rules and plan for the sisters share a strong sibling bond which is She wore a face shield in adherence to the moments when you lose yourself. next five or 10 years, but it allboils down to evident on their Instagram pages. They also COVID-19 health guidelinesWhen she began The situation feels too real. The first destiny. I’m a Christian, and I believe in destiny. have a striking semblance. to speak, her words sometimes flowed in time I had a glimpse of that was in I believe that you can’t sit idly and expect By the time she got into the university, torrents; other times, they were punctuated ‘Battleground’ when my character Teniola destiny to happen. You must work towards it, her confidence was boosted but not high by sighs as if weighing their implications. For lost her baby. I truly felt like I’d lost the baby. but there’s a level of destiny that you cannot enough to pursue an acting career. Despite instance, when asked if there was any belief Even when the director yelled ‘stop,’ I was still orchestrate on your own. If it’s meant to be, it’s efforts to channel her career into investment about Nollywood she had before joining the crying. It was Aunty Shaffy Bello that consoled meant to be.” SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY 55 56 57THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͻ˜ͰͮͰͯ GLITZ FOCUS The New Voices of Africa Vanessa Obioha writes that English Actor Idris Elba, MTV Base Africa, and YouTube collaborative concert to celebrate Africa Day spotlights the new wave of African stars with global appeal

ast year when the trio of English platinum-selling American artist 6LACK on actor Idris Elba, ViacomCBS the track ‘Damn’. He calls his music style Networks Africa music channel ‘Omah Lay Music’, a fusion of sounds with MTV Base Africa and YouTube global appeal. His cousin, he said, taught him announced its first Africa Day how to write poems and lyrics, but he became Concert, the objective was to more motivated after listening to ‘That’s That raise funds for those impacted Shit’ by Snoop Dogg. He has released two by COVID-19. Titled ‘Africa EPs so far. Day Benefit Concert at Home,’ the concert Focalistic: Born Lethabo Sebetso, the 25- paraded the continent’s biggest music year old rapper and singer from South Africa, L is not entirely new in the music industry, stars from Grammy winners Burna Boy and Angelique Kidjo to South Africa’s Sho but his fame rose after he released his 2020 Madjozi, with appearances from the host of song ‘Ke Star.’ The Amapiano star gained American TV ‘The Daily Host’, Trevor Noah more prominence after he featured Davido and Jamaican musical artist Sean Paul. The in a remix released earlier in the year. Since concert was also a celebration of the African numbers are very important in the music Union’s fight against colonialism since its business, ‘Ke Star’ remix streams and views foundation in 1963. on platforms like YouTube have made it the Returning this year, the Africa Day most successful hit of the artist to date. In Concert takes a new hue. The recently held fact, American music mogul P.Diddy was virtual concert highlighted the new wave seen jamming to the infectious hit. The artist of African music stars who are breaking revealed in an interview that he is working on continental boundaries and pooling global another project with Davido. appeal under the theme ‘Africa’s Next For the Pretoria born artist, music wasn’t Global Wave.’ This crop of music artists, his first love, but he never let go once he mostly in their 20s, come from different found it. He has been featured by South parts of the continent. From Nigeria, South Africa’s music superstars like Cassper Africa, Ghana to Tanzania, their creativity Nyovest. Focalistic is unique for his blend of and style have made them a reckoning force hip-hop and Amapiano. The rapper believes he has found a better canvas to convey his on the global stage. Idris Elba “I’m committed to shining a light Gyakie message sonically. Though he claimed it was on African culture, heritage and the arts. never intentional, it has certainly made him During a year when globally we have international. all had to reflect deeply on our purpose, Gyakie: At age 22, Jackeline Acheampong I’ve taken inspiration from the continent is enjoying unprecedented fame. The with its diversity of voices, creativity and Ghanaian singer is one of the most dominant innovation,” said Idris Elba. sounds in Ghana and Africa. Her stardom These music stars are destined to push came with the 2020 hit ‘Forever’ from her African sounds farther than where it is five-track EP, titled ‘Seed’. The song topped today. Over the years, African music has both local and international charts, including recorded huge global appeal, mostly due Billboard’s Top Triller Global. Last March, she to music stars’ talents stamping identities released a remix featuring Nigerian Omah on original African sounds like Afrobeats. Lay. Gyakie is also the first African creator Today, many sound fusions emanate from to be selected for Spotify’s Equal Music Africa, be it Amapiano, the South African Program. flavourful sound of the moment that is a Gyakie hails from Kumasi and comes cocktail of jazz, house music and Kwaito from a family of musicians. Her father is basslines, or the perennial afrobeats and Ghanaian highlife legend Ernest’ Owoahene’ highlife sounds. Nana Acheampong, one-half of the famous “It is a tremendous inspiration to see Lumba Brothers. Her career dream was to how our African artists and Africans on work in the corporate world, but the music the continent and globally are lighting the DNA in her blood was thicker than water. way through creativity, collaboration and After meeting a Nigerian producer Sosa in innovation. MTV through music, culture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and and active citizenship unifies and strives Technology, she was convinced that music was her true calling. to mobilise the youth to drive hope and Zuchu positive change,” said Senior Vice President Omah Lay She identifies as an afrobeats and afro- and General Manager at ViacomCBS fusion musical artist. Her first single ‘Love Networks Africa, Monde Twala. is Pretty’ was released in 2019. Gyakie has an For Alex Okosi, the Managing Director international recording deal with Sony Music of Emerging Markets in Europe, the Middle Entertainment, RCA Records UK and Sony East and Africa at YouTube, the time is Music Africa. perfect to shine the spotlight on these Zuchu: The Tanzanian singer born Zuhura emerging artists that will make a global Othman Soud is one of the popular voices impact on African culture and music. emerging from Africa. She is the daughter of the The over one-hour show strived to revered female Taarab musician Khadija Kopa achieve this. It spotlighted the artists and and started evincing her passion for music at the creative directors who worked tirelessly a young age. For her debut EP, ‘I am Zuchu’, to translate their message and style visually. she featured her mother. She was also featured For instance, Nigerian singer Teni opened on Nigerian singer Olakira’s ‘Sere’ hit. Zuchu the show in a dimly lit set with a wooden became the first East African female artist to be cage draped in greenery. Musical legends awarded the Silver Plaque Button by YouTube like Yvonne Chaka Chaka of South Africa for hitting 100,000 subscribers within a week. and Kidjo were featured while comedians Elaine: The 22-year-old South African like Mark Angel and Gabonese football star singer is one of the youngest music stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang spoke loftily dominating South African charts. Her trap- about the African culture. Below are some soul kind of music makes her a reckoning of the music stars who performed at the force in the industry. She is called South concert and are making musical imprints on Africa’s new ‘RnB It Girl’. the continent and beyond. Born Ndivhuwo Elaine Mukheli, she Omah Lay: COVID-19 may have started singing at age six and participated affected the world negatively, but it also in the school choir and various talent brought some good tidings. One of such competitions. She received a gold medal is the discovery of Omah Lay, a young at the 8th World Choir Games in Riga, recording producer and singer who gained Latvia. Elaine began writing her music in prominence last year with his songs such as high school, and in 2019, she released her ‘Bad Influence’. ‘Infinity’ featuring Nigerian first single ‘Slip Away.’ That same year she released her debut EP ‘Elements’ which rapper Olamide is one of his successful hits Elaine Focalistic so far. climbed the charts and was certified Platinum Born Stanley Omah Didiah, the singer by the Recording Industry of South Africa in started as a rapper under the stage name he released a self-produced single, ‘Do Not Rivers has been collaborating with August 2020. She was signed to Columbia ‘Lil King’ as part of a rap group. By 2019, Disturb.’ Since his rising fame, the artist from other artists, including the multi- Records last year. Her latest single is ‘Right Now.’ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͱ˜ͰͮͰͯ 57 GLITZ FOCUS LOVETH UGOCHUKWU How I Found Solace in My Passion for Music Born with a sonorous voice capable of piercing through the hardest of hearts even in the prison yards; loved by all for her generosity, hospitality, comic and humble personality, she earned the name ‘Onye Di Ndu Eje Eligwe’, ‘the one that would not die without going to heaven’ from her mother, while siblings call her ‘the good Samaritan’. Loveth Ugochukwu, a Nigerian gospel artist with the stage name ‘Goldvoicz’, in this recent interview with Funke Olaode and Sunday Ehigiator, shared interesting and profound moments.

How did your journey into sound begin? out? I had challenges, most especially when I lost am Loveth Chinasa Ugochukwu, a dad. I lost hope. I thought I might not complete computer science graduate from the my education, and the idea of making music Institute of Management and Technology was put on hold until I found my feet. But (IMT) Enugu, Nigeria. I Worked with my father’s advice gave me hope. An event THISDAY Newspaper as a system happened while he was alive. I wouldn’t forget administrator (tech support), a former the word he told me. He said to me, ‘God is computer instructor at Araromi junior the helper of the helpless’, that word gave me secondary school Orile Lagos, STEM courage and hope. I went through difficult teacher at Techyzan Coding Alagbole, times trying to be successful. I thank God it has IOgun State, author of the book of ‘Child Of become a story that will inspire the hopeless; to Prophecy,’ founder of Treasures Techyzan help them see why they should see God as the World and I’m a gospel singer. helper of the helpless. Can you tell us about your early Could being a computer science childhood and upbringing? graduate may have altered your ambition I am the daughter of the late Innocent of becoming a singer? Okafor, a former photo editor at THISDAY From the beginning, my zeal and passion Newspaper, and Patricia Okafor. My parents were to become a musician, but I didn’t get were Christians, Catholics to be precise. I had a any help or who to sponsor or encourage me. good upbringing. My father and mother were It really frustrated me, but the passion and disciplinarians, and growing up with them faith I had made me believe that someday God gave me a good head start. My childhood was will make a way. Since I didn’t get any help, fun and full of so many experiences. I would I decided to go to school to study computer say I was naturally blessed with leadership science so that at least, if I get a good job after qualities. I love to make people happy even graduation, I can sponsor myself. Thank God I Ugochukwu when I don’t have much. I manage what I didn’t lose hope or fall for people that wouldn’t have to make sure the other person is okay help you without requesting you pay them back was make sure I keep the songs safe and had, and I am stronger now. It’s just that it and believe it was a gift from God. Being the in a carnal way. believe that someday, I would sing to the would have been better if I was known as a sixth child out of eight children, I was made world. Music has always been my thing. kid singer, but it didn’t happen that way, so I the second mother of the family. I was the Have you found your voice now? Every other thing I did was because I believe God still knows best why it is happening hard-working type, loyal to the core, honest I had the voice to sing as a child when I didn’t want to be idle, and also, I got no now. Nobody can question God. I remain ever to a fault, that even my mother gave me the discovered I have a unique and golden voice help, neither sponsor nor encouragement. grateful to him. name ‘Onye Di Ndu Eje Eligwe.’ It means that moves people who listen to me when I sing, the one that would not die without going to but I didn’t notice it was a gift or make a career What was your support system, How many recorded songs do you have heaven. out of it. I felt it was just for fun. Grace and glory and how supportive were your at the moment? be to the king of kings for revealing that it was a husband and family? I have recorded six songs, and my inspiring At what stage did you embrace music? gift and a talent. This happened when I gave my My husband was so much in support, song so far is ‘Somto.’ I am naturally a talented comedian and life to Christ in 2003. My life was transformed. likewise my family members. They never actress. One thing I couldn’t do without It was like a veil was removed from my eyes, discouraged me. They saw it as a part of What inspired the song? during my childhood and even now is and then I began to see things differently. I me. The tough life experiences I went through. music. I don’t do anything without singing. discovered I could write when I wrote my first Where many failed me, disappointed me, how As a student, listening to music helps me book at age 19. Then I discovered that it was a How’s public acceptance, and I was nobody till Jesus Christ made me special. understand more and also inspires me. gift from God. I was so amazed when I did my what’s your stage name? He made me extraordinary beyond human Singing, I would say, was part of me. This led first singing job, a soundtrack for a Nigerian I am into Gospel. It has been awesome, expectations. me into forming cultural groups and musical movie. I couldn’t believe it. I said to myself, ‘so and my stage name is ‘Goldvoicz’. bands. The first group I formed as a child was this was a gift, and I didn’t notice it.’ Do you have an album, or working on the ‘Obasa Group’, at age 10. The second was My encounter with Jesus Christ revealed What were the obstacles you had one? ‘Jedidiah musical Group’ at age 19, and the to me that I don’t have just a gift, but I am to contend with before breaking into Yes, I have one titled, ‘Chidinma.’ I wrote it third was the ‘Gigabyte Musical Group’ at age multi-talented. There was a time we visited the music industry, and how were when I gave my life to Jesus Christ. I discovered 25. I gathered singers from my department, Kirikiri Correctional Centre for administration. you able to overcome them? that he was the only best friend humans can the computer science department. I became When we got there, the prisoners; some were One of the obstacles I encountered was ever have. He sees you through when in the choir director of my departmental school fighting, playing games. In fact, they were busy our African mentality, where they believe difficult situations. fellowship. I often did something very unique with different things, and then the warder told nothing goes for anything. It is wicked as a child. I would gather my entire family them we wanted to talk to them. Some came and evil. Instead of encouraging that Are you signed to any record to watch me sing and climb a chair using a around to listen, but others ignored, but when person in your little way, you see some label? spatula as my microphone while they cheered I started my ministry, I noticed they all arrived talented people, knowing full well you Not yet. and welcomed the best singer and comedian one after the other to join us, and I tell you, we have the resources, but out of wickedness, on stage. I would wave to them like a star left the prison happy likewise the prisoners. they become carnal and start asking to Who are your role models? such as Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, and They brought prayer points for us to intercede have carnal knowledge of you. Another Don Moen, Bro Lazarus and Toni Braxton, etc., while I sing. I would tell one for them. This is why we need to discover the thing that was a challenge was money. If I Emmanuel (voice of the cross). of my siblings to pretend they fainted seeing gift God has deposited in us. Who knows, it can had my own money at that time, I would me on stage, and you know what, my voice transform somebody’s life from bad to good. have released my album as a kid. This was What should your fans be expecting was so unique that whenever I sing any song, why I was very serious with my studies to from you? you cannot differentiate who is the original Are you into music full time? graduate with a good result, which I thank Pure song ministrations that will transform singer of the song. I sang to the extent that my Yes, but that doesn’t stop me from doing God for helping me out without going lives turn around bad situations; songs of hope, teachers commented on my report cards in other jobs. through hell to get a sponsor. healing, breakthroughs, and the unshakeable primary and secondary school that I loved to power of God, encouragement, and satisfaction. sing. How long did it take before making up Do you have any regrets? They will experience the peace of God when your mind? No, I do not have any regrets. I have this ministry goes on by the power in the name Why did it take you so long to launch I wrote my songs 17 years ago. All I did learnt a lot through the experiences I of Jesus. 58 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͱ˜ͰͮͰͯ

with KAYODE ALFRED HighLife ͮͶͯͯʹ͵ͳͷͶͮ͵˜̋×ËÓÖ: ÕËãʮÏâ̶͓ãËÒÙÙ˛ÍÙ× ...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous Tokunbo Abiru... Painful! NFF President Amaju Starting Solid Pinnick Loses Sister Arinola Adeniyi To be or not to be is indeed the question. stuck around for a few more decades at least. Unfortunately, this is not a question that Arinola Adeniyi was many things to human beings can decide on their own to many people: a mother and a daughter, a answer. After building one remarkable career wife and a friend, a sister and a paragon of in the corporate corridor and another in the audacity and diligence. She stirred the hearts quiet recesses of luxury, Arinola Adeniyi, the of many women when she left what would boss lady of Lagos highbrow Spa Venivici be considered a peak banking career (where and sister to NFF President Amaju Melvin she had become a Deputy General Manager) Pinnick, has passed on. to open up a spa as if saying that many Death be not proud is the kind of are stress to build fortunes, but few are sentiment that many people are wont to resting from all that stress. And that is express in times like these, but even that how the renowned Venivici Health Club seems significantly empty. The death of and Urban Spa came to be, and Adeniyi Arinola Adeniyi hit harder than ordinary established herself as a Corporate because it seems that there is a trumpet Wellness Coach, Colon Therapist, Diet blaring that only certain good people can & Nutrition Specialist, and Mind Coach hear. As has become the saying lately, good Trainer. people are marching home. That the now-deceased Arinola Adeniyi The news of Adeniyi’s death came a was the sister of NFF President Amaju few days ago. According to the report, Melvin Pinnick was a fact unknown to she had passed on at the First Cardiology many. But death shrouds and unveils in Consultants in Lagos. And while many folks equal measure. Pinnick is one of those most are insisting that she is in a better place, her devastated by the loss—and it is a big loss, relatives and friends only wish that she had no doubt about it. Pinnick Abiru

o evolve from a forerunner of the banking Lekoil Boss Lekan Akinyanmi Battles South African industry into a top-tier politician is not a day’s Metallon: How He Was Booted out of Own Company job anywhere globally, These were the opening lines of the statement attempted to take over Lekoil Nigeria but has not to mention Nigeria. released by its main branch of the Cayman had to deal with the company founder. Thus, to ButT Tokunbo Abiru, the former Islands-registered Lekoil Limited on June 3, get a proper foothold, the company supposedly GMD/CEO of Polaris Bank 2021. Not long after, the Nigeria branch released threw out an accusation against Akinyanmi of a Limited, is taking steps to become a counter statement insisting that Lekan ‘corporate governance breach’ and went ahead an effective representative of his Akinyanmi “remains Lekoil Nigeria CEO.” with its plans. Lagos East Senatorial district at the What gives? Recall that Metallon’s problem with 9th Nigerian National Assembly. The battle for supremacy in Lekoil is not Lekoil has been rumoured to be its executive When Abiru was the top dog news. However, the contest came to a head board. The South African company reportedly at Polaris, he was renowned in April when the company’s Chairman, attempted to increase Lekoil board members for always adopting innovative Michael Ajukwu, suddenly resigned from from four to seven (to include Metallon’s CEO approaches to sweep through the chairmanship position. Considering that and two others from the SA company). But everything. From his recent Ajukwu had been appointed in January Akinyanmi has been fighting against this, seeing doings, it is obvious now that that and only spent three months in office, it that it will give Metallon the upper hand in his was actually his style, nothing was obvious that the internal struggles in company. Lekoil had reached the zenith. Or so it was Thus, Akinyanmi has been reported as adopted from anywhere. Thus, the believed. And then the founder was sent standing against all such and subsequent bill he is currently backing shows Akinyanmi packing too! actions. Furthermore, he has reportedly secured just the kind of man he is and According to the reports, the press the services of an expert corporate lawyer from offers a glimpse into the legacy “Lekoil, the oil and gas exploration and release announcing Akinyanmi’s the US to diffuse the fires and return orderliness a senator like Abiru Mukhail production company with a focus on Nigeria termination was engineered by South African to the boardrooms of Lekoil. Adetokunbo is likely to leave and West Africa, announces that it has mining group Metallon Corp, the shareholder It is still a bit early to divine the end of this behind. terminated the employment contract of its with a 40% stake in Lekoil Nigeria accused matter. Nevertheless, Metallon’s first action Copyrights protection is CEO, Mr Olalekan Akinyanmi, with immediate of being the mastermind behind recent to boot out the founder of the company is taken for granted in Nigeria as if effect, due to a corporate governance breach...” happenings. Metallon Corp has allegedly astounding. intellectual property is a shared right of all. Abiru realised the flaw in this supposition and thus sponsored the bill to enforce a stricter price for transgressing this Sujimoto to the World: Rising branch of the Nigerian law. Interestingly, the Copyrights Acts in Nigerian law does not Profile of Sijibomi Ogundele accommodate a large fraction of emerging technologies and There is no question that Nigeria year after, his adolescent eyes caught ways of thinking. Thus, the is a place of talents. With people like the housing industry. And after many conceptualisation of property theft Sijibomi Ogundele paving the way, years of cultivating the dream of as contained in the Copyrights the nation will continue to bear a establishing a market for luxurious Act can be danced around. noble name outside its shores and the housing, Ogundele made it. However, the implications coming generation will have nothing At this point, to not know of these are better known to but absolute regard for those that LucreziaBySujimoto is to be ignorant. filmmakers, authors, and all encouraged Ogundele and his kind Besides Lucrezia, to have no idea that other members of the creative to build and build and never stop Lorenzo, Giuliano and Medici are industry. These are the interests building. top-selling housing accommodations that Abiru is pushing to protect. The image of Sijibomi Ogundele is inviting a beating. And if you still At the moment, the bill has is gradually growing into titanic think that Leonardo is only a cartoon passed the second reading and, proportions and making it impossible character or Italian polymath, go back upon acceptance and approval, to shove under the usual label of to school. All these are some of the will become one of the most ‘businessman’, ‘socialite’, or ‘genius’. names that Ogundele has branded effective instruments for Already standing at the apex regarding his beautiful and record-making securing the trust of talented these, Ogundele has become a paragon, properties. Nigerians who tire themselves a progenitor, and a forerunner of To say that Ogundele has left no out trying to protect their awesome things to come. stone unturned in his quest is to make work from bootleggers. Also, Until Ogundele, who knew that a an understatement. The man has as Abiru has mentioned, this Nigerian (in Nigeria) could shed the revolutionised the traditional model will significantly boost the odds expectations, dour as they may be, of of Real Estate, taking the label of ‘top of home-driven economic growth his immediate environment and reach property merchant’ for himself. Talk Ogundele and development. To be sure, for the stars? But that is exactly what about distinction by sheer prowess! by building a radiant career, builds this is Abiru’s first move since Ogundele has serially accomplished. For someone who recently turned his immediate community, builds becoming Senator. What a brilliant At 8 years of age, Ogundele used his 40, Sijibomi Ogundele is one of a kind. his nation, and builds the defining start. savings to start an okada business. A This is the kind that builds himself characteristic of a generation. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͱ˜ͰͮͰͯ 59 HIGHLIFE Tajudeen Adeyemi Adefisoye... Politician with Heart of Gold balm for the injuries of our leaders past. This is one way Adefisoye has shown that To be known as Small Alaji to his people, a new wave of politics is at hand in Nigeria. As rather than as ‘Honourable Sir’ or ‘Your the youngest and former member of the Social Excellency the Honourable’ as others might Democratic Party (SDP) on the floor of the prefer, is the first evidence of Adefisoye’s lower chamber of the National Assembly, one dedication to the cause of those that raise cannot only imagine the degree of temptations him on the pedals of their expectations. What (especially to stand out and make a name for the good people of Idanre/Ifedore Federal himself) that Adefisoye faces. Nevertheless, Constituency wanted when they elected him the man has not gone about making bills was a representative who knew their wounds regarding doings that nobody cares about and how best to treat them. But considering but has focused his attention on his people, recent happenings, one cannot accuse Nigerian youths, and an inclusive, integrative, Adefisoye of shaming his people. and innovative schema of economic growth Adefisoye The most recent evidence of Adefisoye’s and development. Say what you will about Nigerian devotion and heart of gold is the dispensation This is what having a heart of gold entails, politicians; there are a growing number of them of ‘community grants’ to help the business devoting everything and anything to the after nothing but the interests of the people people in his constituency make the most cause of others. And this is why Tajudeen they represent. Among these is Tajudeen of present times. In reality, these ‘grants’ are Adeyemi Adefisoye is a shining Aboderin Adeyemi Adefisoye, the honourable member massive packages that will go a long way in example of a true politician, one after of the House of Representatives for Idanre/ distinguishing the people of Idanre/Ifedore the people’s interests and always Ifedore Federal Constituency, Ondo. Among the Federal Constituency among the other 360 giving back to the society that elected Dr Wole handful of young policymakers, Tajudeen is a federal constituencies in Nigeria. him. Adesola Adeduntan: The Sleepless Achiever Aboderin Bags Popular culture says there is no saviour in every corner of every Nigerian city. Another Award in this world, therefore fight your battles and To be sure, Adeduntan’s work at First Bank distinguish yourself. Traditional wisdom says has not gone unnoticed. The man essentially that the best of things comes to those who revolutionised the idea of smart banking by The rarity of genuinely gifted are patient and wait for Truth to show its carving out Firstmonie banking networks and young Nigerians does not suggest supremacy. Dr Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan, having them offer banking services for First that they do not exist. They do. The the MD of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, could Bank customers (and those of other banks) present is the way it is because have adopted the perspective of popular within a walk of their homes. Moreover, it is to culture, but he did not. Now, there are awards these young people have chosen to Adeduntan’s credit that most mobile banking work from the shadows, assisting after awards lining his desktop. developers have sleepless nights in their efforts Global Banking and Finance Magazine to catch up with the First Bank’s mobile app. in whatever way they can until the was the first after recent happenings to Godspeed, says Adeduntan. Adeduntan world around them is what they recognise the efforts and accomplishments Meanwhile, Adeduntan has shown himself envisaged it to be. This is likely the of Sola Adeduntan, the shining example of a to be more than a corporate thug with eyes To think that Adeduntan would have philosophy of people like Dr Wole corporate leader that is First Bank MD, Sola pinned on the funds of First Bank customers. retired now. Had the Central Bank of Nigeria Aboderin, the special assistant on Adeduntan. The award of Retail Banking CEO Under his regime, First Bank has launched (CBN) not intervened, First Bank—and the NGOs and CSOs, Office of the First of the Year symbolised the many contributions many projects purposely built around helping Nigerian banking industry—would have lost a treasure. And this is just the kind of treasure Lady. Nevertheless, it is becoming of Adeduntan over the years, specifically in micro-and small and medium-scale businesses. more and more difficult for the how he has popularised First Bank by having Also, the idea of inclusiveness and integration is that Sola Adeduntan has proved himself to cubicle-sized branches (Firstmonie networks) be: a relentless, über-driven MD. peerless aide to keep his work gradually picking up. under wraps. Wole Aboderin recently received the Young Entrepreneurs “Raise your hand if you know Summit and Awards (YESA) Omolara Adebiyi. No one? What about Award of Excellence. The award Lekan Adebiyi? All of you?” This is Omolara Adebiyi: Quiet was bestowed upon him as a how a typical introduction of Omolara form of recognition for all the Adebiyi would go. Because the woman contributions he has made towards flies under the radar, folks don’t know Revolutionary Making Loud Impacts that she isn’t only the madam of the youth empowerment in Nigeria Adebiyi household but also a peerless Omolara, open a mall in Ikeja, the now- lives. What is strange is how she goes without making a fuss about contributor to the entrepreneurial famous Addas Mall. Because the cost of about it—without any fanfare. Instead, ethnicity, religion, or educational spirit in Nigeria. Even among erecting the monster of an establishment folks sing her praises, noting that she qualification. Frank Nwike, YESA’s Nigerian quiet achievers, Omolara ran into the billions of Naira corridor, has renovated more schools in Lagos in lead strategist, presented the award, Adebiyi is quiet. folks assumed that Omolara was building the last three years than some politicians who noted that Aboderin’s efforts A philanthropist in Nigeria faces a legacy of wealth to challenge other have done in their entire political could not be more effective at the many difficulties. The most obvious Nigerian women who are topping lists of career. Regardless, a visionary like her wealthiest women in the world. However, only sees potential everywhere, and moment. of this is the perpetual lens of the For people familiar with the tales paparazzi trained on their lives. it is obvious now that the good lady so her focus remains on building an Regardless, for someone like Omolara planned nothing of the kind. entrepreneurial base that will become of this young man from Oyo, it is Adebiyi, it takes divination to know According to reports, Omolara Adebiyi the pillars of the Nigerian peoples and no longer news that he is one of what she is doing at any one time, has used the proceeds of her Addas Mall economy. the spearmen in Dr Aisha Buhari’s despite the knowledge that she is to improve the welfare of the common So, in a few years, even after Cabinet of smart, driven and high- doing something camera-worthy. This people, especially those around the Ikeja Omolara Adebiyi has become a paragon impact aides. However, Aboderin’s is how Mrs Adebiyi has hidden under area of Lagos. Almost ’200 people’ have of entrepreneurship with thousands of place in the Cabinet bodes no cover of MD/CEO of ADDAS Mall Ikeja directly benefited from her largesse successful business people as evidence argument considering that he has and wife of one of the biggest indigenous in the form of active and well-paying of her efforts and goal, only a few both ability and experience on his contractors in Nigeria to change people’s employment. All these from her own people will still raise their hands when pockets. asked about her. This is who she is, side. lives. A lesser man would start up Not too long ago, it was reported It is not strange that a person of Mrs a quiet revolutionary making loud that Lekan Adebiyi had helped his wife, Adebiyi’s status would want to change impacts. a political party or movement, dragging the young generation behind his wagon of selfish interests and ambition. Not Aboderin. Even though he has played pivotal roles in the Gbenga Ashafa Taking FHA to Next Level momentum that has become the All Under the visionary leadership of Gbenga for every tier of the Nigerian society, from the Progressives Congress (APC) youth Ashafa, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) grassroots at the bottom to the elites at the head. category, Aboderin maintained has become a beacon of an effective ministry in It is no secret now that what Ashafa intends to do Nigeria. The ministry has become more visible is employ millions of Nigerians to build 300,000 that this is only a means to an end. and has also given credit to the belief that affordable housing units all over Nigeria. This The end is the full integration of Federal agencies are not like trees with roots is one of the objectives of the National Housing Nigerians in leadership and helping everywhere sucking the nutrients of the land. Fund (NHF) scheme. to bear the burdens of the elders. No! With Ashafa at the head, FHA has begun In the meantime, the State capitals are This is why Aboderin has been to give back to the Nigerian people. the main targets of FHA’s groundbreaking working nonstop, polling his No individual should be able to effect a projects. The Federal Government has already technical and leadership skills complete turnaround in the contributions of a opened its first estate in Lagos, the Silvercrest together, not to mention his sphere ministry in Nigerian society. The institutional Oakwood Estate. The idea is to use this estate of influence to grant ability and framework does not allow it. Yet, this is what to test the waters and see how sustainable it is Ashafa has accomplished. And without to hand out housing units with 3 to 4 bedrooms vision to Nigerian youths. So needing to sack every upper-level staff of FHA to beneficiaries of the NHF loan scheme. If this far, his efforts are not in vain. A that was there before him. works, and the chances are that it will, the plan little more time and more, Wole Under Ashafa, FHA has become a of giving out 300,000 units in a few years will Aboderins will be empowering flourishing entity. However, the measure be closer to implementation. Overall, Gbenga their brothers and sisters in every of this success is the degree of innumerable Ashafa is leading FHA to greater heights. And Nigerian community, receiving contributions in the form of beneficial projects isn’t this what agency MDs are supposed to do? Ashafa awards and earning accolades. 60 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͱ˜ͰͮͰͯ

LOUD WHISPERS with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791) Biafra – Count Me Out That is how the last time the baba run ties all over the place and controlling much more than most states, are they away and na my kinsman Philip Effiong significant wealth and business all over Igbo. Does the North East have any hand over. Luckily, he wasn’t slapped the country, landlocked and seeking infrastructure? Is the North on any the way they slapped Macron. You see, separation? Are these people even indices of development? Instead, make this quest for Biafra is such a distraction thinking? They need Nigeria more than we face the reality of our situation and that it is beginning to rile me. What the rest of us sef. The problem is that a look for a collective solution so this we are facing in this country is what I vocal minority has seized the initiative locust no go ever happen again. We are want to call cowardice of strategy as we using violence and its threat, plus expert allowing ourselves to be distracted by seek to engage the collective problems media manipulation to push this agenda those who have other motives. After we face as Nigerians. Instead of us to to the front burner. I challenge them to now, they will say we are Jews from focus on the central problem, which is a referendum. This is the civilized thing Israel and all that. Please, we are in a weak and Janus-faced leadership, we to do rather than burning police stations serious situation, and all hands must divert attention and start to talk about up and down. Call for a referendum, be on deck to ensure that credible separation. Today, everybody wants to and let’s see what the majority of Igbo leadership is thrown up at all levels of leave. Even the ones we are accusing people want. Come and slap me here governance to ensure that we fulfil the of oppressing us want to leave. If this if the result shows that they all want a ethos of our promise as a nation. This is is not national stupidity, I don’t even separation. not the time to be sniffing on nostalgic know what else is. The other day, I asked My people, this rain of stories of imagined bravery passed one very vociferous advocate of Biafra maladministration is everywhere. Every down by our fathers who saw the on my Duke Summit: what are the tribe is suffering the thing. Not only Igbo carnage of the civil war to be shouting ideological leanings of a post-Nigerian or any other grouping. Please, the 80 war up and down. This is time for true South-East? The mumu just dey look that recently killed in Kebbi, were they selfless leaders to emerge from all ethnic me. Next thing he commot for group. Igbo? The ones that were slaughtered colourations and persuasions to salvage A grouping of about 20 million people in Igangan that Sunday morning, were the country. I am Nigeria, and I will be a but with investments and economic they Igbo? Benue state has suffered Nigerian till I die. Kanu

TWITTER– NIGERIA’S STONE-AGE carrying a cane and be pursuing breeze Stadium in Agege was commissioned, and I was telling myself that I had REACTION up and down they will be doing. Sad, there was a lot of noise about the project detached and was ready for the news. You see me, I have left that Twitter thing really sad. The vast majority of Nigerians being his predecessor’s own. Mbok When it came, I was numb. I stood at since. The place is a cesspool of abuse, on Twitter and social media are on it for was he to demolish the stadium and the LASUTH emergency hall, looking a platform for fake news and has been other purposes than looking for the boil relocate it to Shomolu or what? This at my mom lay stone cold. It shook me used to wage an effective psychological in baba’s buttocks. Suspending Twitter is is the kind of renaissance thinking we and messed up my confidence in my war against the country. In fact, in my like waging war against the youth. 40m need in governance. Governance cannot own immortality. Mbok, this is not about mind’s eye, Twitter is a clear irritant youths, how do you survive that? Please, be ‘na me, Nn me’. It should be for the me but you, my brother. Let me use this and a tool used for the destabilization whoever is in charge? Let’s be more people, their betterment and of them. I am medium to send you a warm hug. Be of the country, fair and square. Sadly, strategic in these things. He no hard like beginning to see the emergence of a true strong, don’t cry too much and be strong. our leaders who do not understand that. Unban the damn thing, build your ‘servant governor’. Think of his eagerness The inevitability of this should always that this is the new war are still using own team and use the platform to sell to jump into crises that affect the people give us strength to carry on, and also, the old discredited strategies to face a new your story effectively. Simple. even at the risk of getting burnt. Think of fact that she lived the good life, impacted threat level. This suspension of Twitter his wading into the #EndSARS wahala and gave to society would further is so archaic that the thing is giving me SANWO-OLU’S ENDEARING STYLE and taking the demands to the emperor strengthen us at this time. Please send me scabies in my bum. The last I had scabies You see, I have just been watching this on the rock. Or, think of his treatise on a delivery address. Let me send you a was at the University of Ibadan in 1987. bobo very closely. I recently went to Arise on the Twitter matter, and other well-made afang complete with ekwong How can you suspend a platform that a Lagos state-owned institution for a such things are making people like us look and periwinkle. You will need it, my has 40 million Nigerians on it doing meeting. As the meeting progressed, I carefully at this brother. I see his ‘intent.’ I brother. God bless you and the family. all sorts? How can you gleefully just learnt that the previous administration see a genuine need to work for the people stand there and be ‘nakedding’ yourself appointed the executive management, despite whatever constraints he will be T.B JOSHUA – THE MIRACLE MAN OF internationally and be calling yourself and we could begin to see the essence facing, and I am about to start a major IKOTUN the leaders of the largest black nation in process flow and continuity. I had clap for him. Bro, if you continue with this Me I use to fear this great man of God: in the world? So, if Twitter delete your heard in other places that some of these steam, I will soon owe you one bowl of my first introduction to him was during message nko, you no commot yourself appointments were carried over, and afang, and you will come with only four the fracas between my then pastor, and watch them reel from the massive even projects and initiatives have also of your aides cos I no go get money to buy Chris Okotie and the fine Pastor Chris of PR backlash. Our leaders must begin to been ‘continued’. If you understand the for the crowd. Welldone Your Excellency, Christ Embassy. Then, Pastor Joshua was learn how to come up to speed. This is Nigerian variant of governance, you will keep the pace. dragged into the fray. As Okotie was my the new world, a digitally-driven world. understand the import of this position. pastor, na so I mumu take side. I come You cannot be talking about suspension, You see, it takes a very big heart and a AIGBOJE AIG–IMOUKHUEDE – ACCEPT MY dey see Joshua as the son of the red one. registration, regulation in a borderless clear understanding of what governance SINCERE CONDOLENCE Then he worked on Kanu Nwankwo environment. I swear if possible, these should be to make a new governor I received a terse message on the passing and Daniel Amokachi. I come dey look people will bring back Decree 4. Laugh carry on the policy of a predecessor of your dear mum during the week. am differently. Then I started seeing is just catching me where I am. So this despite the seeming ignorance of those Nothing prepares you for that kind of sitting African presidents swear by him Adesina, or Lai Mohammed, cannot you even want to impact. When the news. My mom was ill for five years, and so many foreigners fly down, and build a team on Twitter that will counter then I said to myself, just maybe this man all these negative narrations? They cannot has something. get a team of influencers that will hedge, Then one day, as I was going to Egbeda defend and push their policies. It is to be to chase one girl who had said, if you

Sanwo-Olu Aig–Imoukhuede T.B Joshua Charly Boy THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͱ˜ͰͮͰͯ 61 LOUD WHISPERS really want me, come to Egbeda. If you noticed that the Executive Management know how traffic for that side be, you will of such a huge company were quite tell the girl to carry her k-legs go away. But young. A testament to the confidence I was determined to nail this one. That is and empowerment strategy of Chief how I carry myself go there o. Like Saul in Otedola. I kept quiet. Let’s hear what the bible, that is how I got to Synagogue this bobo would say. He was brilliant. after four hours in traffic. I stop say, make Very eloquent, and his clarity was mad. I rest and the man was preaching, and He spoke exponentially, taking us I was listening on the public address through their story, not even looking at system. I know you are waiting for me to the slides. Some people will be reading, say that I stopped and enter the church but this chap was immersed. Where did and do an altar call abi? Na lie, the force Femi Otedola get these kinds of boys? wey pull me that day was really strong. These are the type of boys Christopher I continue my journey mbok. Anyways, Columbus saw in Los Angeles that his death came as a surprise, especially at he called the place land of Angels. He his relatively young age. But God knows dazed me, and I gave a very good report better. We cannot question but bow our leading to BGL front loading and highly head in supplication. Since his passing recommending the offer to our clients. more information has been coming out Then he disappeared. But then my other showing that he was indeed special and brother, the well-regarded Dr Mudasiru, different. God will give his family and who I want to consider one of the most his millions of followers the strength to brilliant stockbrokers and investment handle his demise. Painful. bankers, reached out to me one day. He Buhari Akinfemiwa said, ‘Duke do you know Akin reads you CHARLY BOY – MY AREA FADA regularly?’ I say, ‘Akin’? He say, ‘Yes, na Fada says he would be 70 this week. over it and claiming that the Army use it. But wherever he is, he should self- the Geregu guy.’ He wants to greet you Some have said 69, others have said 71. shot innocent Nigerians draped in the regulate. Things like this are worsening for your mama passing. I say oya. He Whatever it is, the icon deserves much Nigerian flag went viral. That image the situation. called. I was in Uyo and was very warm more than we can ever give to him as a made me cry. I ran into the bathroom on the call. I felt goose pimples. His words nation. He has been a pioneer, a lightning and puked. I cried the whole night, and AKIN AKINFEMIWA – I DEY HAIL encouraged me. rod and a wonderful inspiration to it aroused anger and bitterness towards When I was still a yeye stockbroker, they Ever since, we have been interacting, thousands, including myself. What the leaders and the Army. But we later say we should come and go for a session although not frequently, but I dey bow most people do not know is the fact found out that it was from a Nollywood by Forte Oil. I was working in the great when we engage on issues. The power of that I dedicated my very first book ever movie. You see where we find ourselves. Albert Okumagba’s BGL, and I was a his intelligence is something else—some published to him. Na my sister Bolanle Now this person, who obviously is one leading salesman. Forte Oil was about to people sha brilliant o. Well done bro, I just Austen Peters dash me the money to of the least talented in his genre but come to the market and needed to tell its say make I hail you this morning. God do the book o. That time, I can broke. seeking relevance, cries this kind of wolf story directly to the stockbrokers. That bless. You guys may not understand why I at this time. This is a national paper, so is how we went o. Chief Femi Otedola, feel so strongly about this man because I will not call him an idiot. I know I am my egbon, was Chairman, and he made BUHARI ON ARISE TV – I DIDN’T WATCH you are all not special. Eccentricity is not supposed to use words like idiot and introductory remarks and handed over The previous evening, I had just escaped inborn. You are born different, you feel bagger on a page like this, so I will not the microphone to one young chap. I sha a daring armed robbery attack. In the last the strong need to stand aside, and week, my friend would say to me – Duke, society will not understand you. You are be safe, and I would ask her, why do you brilliant, extremely so, and as such, you always tell me to be safe? She would say, see things the millions can’t see, and they TIWA SAVAGE – I STAND WITH YOU Look, me I no get shame. Anything that concerns Tiwa savage, I stand with you are always on the road, and the spate call you mad. You will need a large dose of robbery in Lagos is on the increase, and of the mental strength of which, sadly, her. It is not today that I have started having a crush. Look, anybody that fights I would say, me I am Duke of Shomolu; many ‘different’ people don’t have to Tiwa fights me. There is no objectivity there. There is no neutrality. Mbok, even the bandits will respect authority. withstand the onslaught of the majority. come and see this girl eyes, her skin, her bum. I have died o. That is why when That is how that evening, on my way Charles Oputa is imbued with the kind I saw the video of her altercation with another beauty, Sheyi Shay, I just stand home in traffic (I had dismissed my driver of strength we can only dream of and the beside my queen. I don’t know what they were fighting over, whether it is cos it was late, and I was listening to the brilliance of a Nobel laureate which has lipstick or hairdresser. No matter what it is, Tiwa can never be wrong o. It is radio and waiting for traffic to clear), I saw enabled him to stand aside, maintain Seyi‘s fault. Seyi, you sef why did you greet my queen? Did we ask for your people in front scrambling out of their relevance and continue to be a symbol greeting? Or are you selling the greeting? We don’t want o. Mbok darling cars and running in different directions. of entrenched resistance in a society I first wanted to laugh because, in things ruled by empty gargoyles. I respect Tiwa, please calm down. Don’t vex again. These things happen. Mbok, where like this, you will see unity. Fulani, him cos I see me in him. I respect him can I come and see you? There is something I want to tell you? I have wanted Yoruba, Igbo, Ibibio, all of us scampering cos his own madness is extreme, and to tell you this thing for five years now. Just give me one minute. Let me come together o, shouting in our different we are just starting where he is. He is and tell you so that I can sleep. Kai, that Tiwa girl fine o. Be like angel. If you languages for help but united in fright. introverted, quiet but mad. You think see her dancing, you will cry o—the second most beautiful woman in Nigeria But me, I calm. You know I get special the Duke is mad, spend five minutes after Duchess. I have to put that one before they come and seize my afang o. So military training. The koboko dey give with this genius. I hope to do a Tiwa, you fine but Duchess fine pass you o. I know some people here will now me in command secondary school has book on him very soon. I need to made me strong, so I watch to know my document his story for posterity. He go and send this piece to Duchess so they can come and next move. The epicentre was seven cars is a mutant, our leader, and in him \restructure my head. Kai. I don run o. away from me, so I decided not to run we will find ourselves and stand. and leave my car because of the nudes on Happy birthday Lord Mutant. God my laptop. bless you. I turned the car and faced the opposite direction to drive towards the island. CHRIS IHEUWA - THE ‘BOY’ WHO CRIED That is how I saw a police patrol van WOLF turning in front of me. The driver sef, This no name so-called Nollywood a full policeman, no get my kind of producer shot himself into national expertise as he took almost forever infamy last week. He penned a story to turn. I shouted oga turn na make that told of how he escaped ritualists dem no kill me here o. He say sorry. in Port Harcourt. The write-up was I say oya. They were four in number so brilliantly written that it caught fully armed. Even one came down the nation’s imagination, and the thing with pistol clearing road for them to went viral with people broadcasting and escape. Then it dawned on me, wasn’t rebroadcasting to themselves. Days later, police expected to drive towards the he came out to say it was a script for an epicentre and not the other way with upcoming movie. I call him ‘boy’ because us. But will I stop and ask? We all needed no mature man will do this, especially to escape. By the time we were at a safe with the ongoing tension in the land. point, I call Duchess and say armed After now, when the government says we robber o. You see, women, she thought should regulate social media, people will it was one of my fibs and said, ‘greet the be shouting. With such irresponsibility as young girl’ and drop the phone. You see exhibited by this nonstarter, what do you life. I just honker down refusing to be expect? Social media is replete with stories distracted and later when the road was like this, all fake but believable, going clear, I found my way home. straight to deepen hatred and anger. Fear So you will forgive me if I didn’t watch and mutual suspicion is established. I emperor, lord, and maximum ruler on just tire. That is how during #EndSARS, Arise TV. Not really in the mood to know a Nigerian flag with bloodstains all how the cows are doing. Fear is catching Tiwa Savage me to leave my house as a result. 62 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͱ˜ͰͮͰͯ

Adebayo Adeoye   [email protected]; 08054680651

Aminu Tambuwal: A Beacon of Hope When the country is on the precipice, He was chairman of the ad hoc committee many are of the view that the focus should that reviewed the controversial report of the be on individuals who can give the nation power probe committee headed by Ndudi positive vibes. Elumelu. He was also the chairman, House Therefore, ahead of the 2023 general Sub-Committee on the Bill for an Act to election, one name that has been talked about Amend the Land Use Act, and the acting consistently is Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, chairman, House Committee on Power. Governor of Sokoto. Speaking to Society Watch, a source who There are leaders, and there are leaders. preferred anonymity said, “Tambuwal, when The ability of a leader to inspire confidence in he was the PPP presidential candidate, shone the people through his track record makes him like a star. His leadership skills, determination stand out when leaders are counted. to excel and turn the fortunes of the country Many will agree that the former speaker around within a short period, his unpolluted of the House of Representatives, Tambuwal, and unblemished name, and zero records has proved himself to possess distinguishable of corruption stood for him and prompted qualities that make a good leader. Tambuwal acceptance by people from all over the dares to take very urgent and key decisions country. that will solve most of the nation’s problems. “Between 2011 and 2015, when Aminu He is clearly a leader with a vision. And Tambuwal was Speaker, he went about because he is very young and has himself preaching peace, building bridges between faced some of the hardships brought on us by Tambuwal warring communities, and personally the destructive actions of former leaders, he visiting communities with ethnic/religious is prepared to create a perfect environment dumped his belief in the ideology of One Nigeria crisis with the sole aim of uniting them. to change what has not been working for his in all his political moves then. And like a saviour on a mission, he did it generation and those to come. The moves, according to them, essentially got with much compassion and dedication.” Latunji Does Tambuwal have the specific traits him close to more people from the different parts Tambuwal believes that every part of and components of leadership? The answer of Nigeria and prepared him for the roles ahead. Nigeria is supposed to be home to every lies in his track record. Described as a visionary While in the House of Representatives, he was Nigerian as stipulated by the constitution. High-Flying Banker leader, Tambuwal mixes freely with people a minority leader, elected the deputy chief whip “We should all be seen to provide of all religions and tribes and believes in the in 2007. He was a member of several committees, leadership and accommodation wherever Bukky Latunji oneness of Nigeria. including the House Committees on Rules & we find ourselves. Nigeria is our country.” His foray into politics has seen him move Business, Communications, Judiciary, Inter- He has always denounced ethnic and from the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) back Parliamentary and Water Resources. He was also religious conditions in Nigeria and believes Celebrates Mom at 80 to the ANPP to PDP and then to APC and a member of the House Ad hoc Committee on Nigerians must be on the same page. back to PDP. His fans maintain that he never Constitution Review.

o doubt, a former General Manager of Zenith Bank, Bukky Latunji, owes her TB Joshua’s Many octogenarian mother a lot in life. Watching herN mother and the patriarch Battles, Victories of the family age gracefully gives immeasurable joy to the pages. Perhaps, the most notable of his many “I gather he said he was converted in his beautiful banker. battles was with the founder of Household mother’s womb and I don’t see anybody As a result, the respected of God, Reverend Chris Okotie, who once like that in the Bible. It is a conscious banker penultimate Sunday described Joshua as the vicar of the devil on decision you make and it doesn’t happen in played host to close friends, earth. your mother’s womb,” argued Oritsejafor. business associates, celebrities Senior men of God like Pastor Enoch Oritsejafor, who emphasised that and high-net-worth Adeboye, General Overseer, Redeemed healing and miracles were not criteria for individuals across different Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Ayo admitting anyone into the PFN fold or walks of life, who all came Oritsejafor, Bishop David Oyedepo and many CAN, had added, “We are not taking T.B others also refused to acknowledge him as one Joshua. But like I said, he too can repent to celebrate her mother, Mrs of them. and be converted tomorrow. T.B Joshua Christiana Latunji’s 80th Sometime in 2009, Adeboye was quoted can say I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord birthday. to have said, “If he wants me to come and and personal saviour. I repent of my The event, held in Lekki TB. Joshua minister in his church, we will sit down, sins. Then he can say, come check me Phase 1, Lagos, was well put Whenever the history of Christendom discuss the issue of salvation the way I out and see what I am doing. Then we together, as Bukky, a lifestyle in Nigeria is written, the story of the late understand it, according to the scriptures. can consider accepting him. PFN is for coach, did her possible best to Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, popularly “If we agree on that and he now wants all; nobody is really excluded.” honour her loving mother. known as TB Joshua, and his church, the me to come and preach the same message of As part of his travails, the guest The celebrant, who looked Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, salvation in his church, then I will go.” house of his church collapsed, killing posh in white lace fabrics, will get a mention. While he was the PFN President and CAN more than 100 people, most of them is an illustrious daughter of From the outset, TB Joshua was Chairman, Oritsejafor had reportedly said foreigners who were in Nigeria rejected even by the majority of Nigeria’s the body would not admit Joshua into its fold to attend his services. While the the Majekodunmi family in Christendom. In the eyes of many, he was a because he did not convince them he was a government claimed the building Mokoloki, Abeokuta, Ogun wolf in sheep’s skin. Even his miracles, which child of God. He had said then that before collapsed because of structural defects, State. She was the cynosure drew many to his church, were considered Joshua could even qualify to be a PFN member, he insisted a bomb blew up the building of all eyes as she carried fake. he should show who tutored him as a pastor in dropped from a small plane that flew over herself elegantly. The mother Despite Joshua‘s exploits, the Christian the first place. it shortly before it came down. of five and grandmother could bodies in Nigeria, the Christian Association “Jesus did not say by their words you Surprisingly, he rose above all the not hold down her joy as she of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal will know them; he said by the fruit you shall condemnations and tribulations to become danced to contemporary music Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), never accepted know them. If T.B. Joshua can show me his widely known across Africa and Latin at every opportunity with ease. him into their folds on the ground that he pastor who pastored him before he said he America. His large social media presence was an exorcist or a charmer. was called into the ministry; if T.B. Joshua can with 3,500,000 fans on Facebook and Friends from the banking, Almost daily, stories of one attack or tell me when he got converted and how he YouTube channel, Emmanuel TV, with over oil and gas, hospitality sectors another from fellow pastors who never saw got converted, then we would consider him. 1,000,000 YouTube subscribers, resulted joined in the celebration, and anything good in him filled newspaper Anybody who is a Christian is a Christian from concerted efforts in the face of serious all had a swell time as the because he received Jesus Christ at a point. challenges. banker showcased her sense of hospitality. Some of the guests included Chrisland Schools Celebrate Language, Arts and Culture Day General Manager of UBA PLC, As part of its effort to promote the the event as it helps students develop an praised Chrisland High School for it’s Pamela Sodipo, Managing country’s culture, popular education appreciation for art and language as well as commitment to the promotion of culture. Director of Printserve, Wemimo provider, Chrisland Schools held its different cultures. “We must highlight and promote our Akin, Former GM of the Zenith Language, Arts and Culture Day on Friday. “Nigeria has one of the best cultures culture, not just as matter of individual bank, Wunmi Ogunbiyi, among This event, which held in the school in the world and this is what has kept preferences or styles but collectively several others. premises at Opebi, was themed: “One me back in Nigeria for the past 11 years. as our national identity. I applaud the Bukky, an astute banker Root, Many Branches”, an allusion to the As a school, we have discovered that organisers, Chrisland Schools, for serving as with over two decades’ banking country’s rich cultural diversity a lot of students are not in touch with custodians of our rich cultural legacy, The occasion featured pupils aged their background and culture, hence the which is one of our resources,’ she experience, held strategic between seven and eleven, dressed in reason for this occasion. This is an event said. positions and was a prominent indigenous attires reflective of cultures from the school has successfully done each Also present at the event were Oba part of Zenith Bank’s success the six geo-political zones of the country. year as a way of keeping students in Olusegun Adeyemi Ajasa, Awuse of story, shouldering diverse Also on display were local delicacies as well touch with their roots,” he said. Onigbongbo Kingdom; Mrs Mofoluke responsibilities until she left as cultural dances and dramas performed in Special guest of the occasion, Hon. Oluwasanmi of the Lagos State in 2019 to set up her own Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Olufunke Rekiya Hassan of Onigbongbo Council for Arts and Culture and Mrs business. Mr. Eric Van Der Merwe, principal of Local Council Development Authority, Osayande Osaro of the Centre for Black the school, explained the importance of described the event as remarkable and African Art and Civilization. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NE 13,2021 63 PERSPECTIVE Two Years of AbdulRazaq’s Administration in Kwara In the face of dwindling resources, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s prudent management of resources has made all the difference, writes Tobi Soniyi

here was a time when there was enough money for governments to squander. But not any more. As a result of the financial crunch most of the states are going through, the federal government has had to bail them out twice. This indeed is not the best time to be a state governor. Only governors who are prudent in managing resources canT record meaningful achievements. One of such governors is the Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. His austere lifestyle means that state’s resources would not be wasted. While some governors still engage in profligacy, the governor maintains a low profile while ensuring that the state’s resources are committed into devel- oping the state. In the face of dwindling allocation from the federal govern- ment, many are wondering how AbdulRazaq is able to raise funds to execute state projects. It is a testimony to his prudent management of resources that his administration has not borrowed a dime from any financial institution relying only on statutory allocations from the Federation Account and internationally generated revenue (IGR). While some governors are buying cars to replace the ones they bought in the previous year, the governor did not approve purchase of officials cars for his cabinet members. In fact, there are lessons the federal government can learn from AbdulRazaq’s administration. The governor is very good at eliminating wastes and making judicious use of the state’s resources. His financial prudence is evident in various sectors, includ- ing education, agriculture, health, information, sports and the civil service. While revenue generation took a hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) generated N9,598,504,939.90 in the first quarter of 2021. The Executive Chairman of the agency, Mrs Shade Omoniyi attributed the feat to KWIRS’ increased adoption of technol- ogy and steady blockage of leakages within the tax adminis- tration system. According to her, the figure is the highest ever collected by the agency without any extraordinary item at any quarter since its establishment in 2016. She explained that the feat was achieved without any new AbdulRazaq raise in the tax rate, even as the agency made deliberate steps to tackle multiple taxation. Sectoral analysis shows that the Teachers across the three state- owned Colleges of first time since it was constructed during military rule, the government in Kwara State is making meaningful impact in Education have returned to the classroom after the new administration has reroofed the State High Court complex the life of the people. administration paid their salary arrears worth N700m. Like while the Sango Magistrate Court, gutted by fire over five This change in the state’s development trajectory is making the school of Midwifery, courses at the College of Educa- years ago, has been reconstructed. a huge difference. There is a need to sustain it. tion (Technical), Lafiagi and College of Arabic and Islamic The governor believes Kwara holds the ace in agriculture. At the beginning of his administration, AbdulRazaq Legal Studies, Ilorin have now been re-accredited. Monthly He has not only paid N350m to enrol the state in the injected N232 million into the health sector to tackle malaria, subventions have been restored to the institutions after FADAMA III scheme, Kwara has keyed into the National maternal death, and malnutrition. many years. Livestock Transformation Plan which is designed to ensure Equipped with state-of-the-art ICU facilities like defibril- For the first time, bursaries and scholarships were paid food security and end the perennial deadly clashes between lators, patient monitors, ventilators, Kwara for the first time through transparent electric windows to rule out sharp herders and farmers. The governor recently launched 15 now has a five-ward air-conditioned isolation centre for practices by officials saddled with the responsibility of pay- new tractors and other farming implements to boost food infectious diseases. The administration has purchased five ing the students . The inherited N19.5m salary arrears at the production in the state. new military-grade ambulances with the capacity to manage International Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship Apart from renovating the juvenile correctional home, fragile patients on the go. Apart from training for health College (IVTEC), Ajase- Ipo had been settled. the children reception centre, and paying counterpart funds workers, the administration was about the first in the country With five water works fixed and some others at various for the World Bank-funded community and social develop- to pay mouth-watering allowances for medical workers stages of repair, clean potable water is back to Kwara ment projects (CSDP), the administration has launched its managing COVID-19 patients. The long-dead oxygen plant households at stable intervals. At least 402 boreholes were social investment programme (KWASIP) which targets the has now been revived. Kwara, which used to buy oxygen for rehabilitated in the early days of the government, while 14 aged, the unemployed, petty traders, and little children its hospitals, is today self-sufficient and can sell oxygen to more have been dug in , Kwara north, where water who would be fed in school. neighbouring states and private hospitals. scarcity had been a menace. The boreholes will comple- On youths employment, the state government recently Along with a health insurance scheme for the people of ment the ongoing Yashikira water work. employed 4,701 teachers at both the basic and secondary the state, the government has renovated 37 primary health The civil service is at its best in two decades. The new education levels. centres across the state, while 70 new medical personnel, administration has not only restored running costs across The process of recruiting more staff for the civil service including doctors, were recruited to strengthen access to the MDAs, 27 new vehicles were also recently purchased has commenced as advertisement has been placed for the quality healthcare. to aid mobility of workers while modern computers were vacancies in the core civil service and KWIRS. Kwara prided itself as an agrarian state. It even once given to them. The state government has commenced In the media sector, the governor has repositioned the constructed a large cargo shed to attract agro processing gradual implementation of the new minimum wage in three state owned media outfits for optimum performance. investments. Yet the farming hinterlands in Kaiama, Baruten the state. As at the time of filing this report, no civil servant While the State Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Kwara) and elsewhere had no good roads connecting them to the earns less than N30,000 in the state. which had gone off the air before the inauguration of the market in the city. This is changing. The administration is The AbdulRazaq’s government constantly sends out AbdulRazaq’s administration has been resuscitated and has today constructing the multipurpose Maigida Bani road the right signal that a new Kwara has arrived. The NYSC taken back its leading position in the broadcasting space, which connects farming communities in the north to those camp, which was no better than a penitentiary, has under- The Herald has been fully digitised and now more regular in the central for easy access to market. The Gwanara road in gone complete rehabilitation and is equipped with basic on the newsstand. The Kwara Television Service (KWTV) Kwara north is now receiving attention. Kwara had almost amenities. Fifteen years after it was held, the administration is also receiving attention as a new General Manager who lost its RAAMP III slot to Bayelsa for failing to pay N200m revived the Kwara State Sports Festival. The baseball court shall oversee its repositioning has been appointed. counterpart funds. The new administration has since paid has been rehabilitated after decades of neglect. Various As a media friendly governor, AbdulRazaq had ap- and Kwara is back to reckoning. capacity training and enlightenment programmes have pointed three accomplished journalists as members of To improve primary education and reduce the number of been held for youths, including a three-day Nigerian youth his cabinet and Chief Press Secretary- Alh Sa’adu Salahu, out of school children the governor paid the state’s counter- parliamentary workshop in Ghana. Alh Bashir Adigun and Rafiu Ajakaye ( Special Advisers part funds, which have brought back development partners, The government has done so much to engage young on Strategy, Political Communications and Chief Press and taken the state off the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) people, with nearly 60 percent of AbdulRazaq’s appoint- Secretary) respectively. blacklist. ments going to persons below 40. The governor also undertook a complete rehabilitation of The government rehabilitated 31 schools across the state All outstanding allowances to judicial officers, some dat- the Press Centre of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria spending N1.7bn. ing back to 2014, have been paid by the administration. Its Union of Journalists (NUJ) with a whopping sum of over Having taken Kwara off the UBEC blacklist, the administra- expansive waterlogged compound now paved with mod- N17M million. He also organised training programmes tion has accessed the over N7bn trapped there. The state ern interlocking tiles, the administration has undertaken a for journalists covering COVID-19 and as well extended library complex has been rehabilitated, a part of it equipped complete remodelling of the ‘Centre Igboro’ Area Court in COVID-19 palliatives to both the working and veteran with e-learning facilities powered with 24-hour solar energy. Ilorin —more than 30 years after it was abandoned. For the journalists in the state. 64 JU͹ͻ˜ͺ͸ͺͯ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER INTERNATIONAL June 12, Arise News Channel’s Interview with PMB and PMB’s Tweetoplomacy: Beyond the Braggadocio

hree major events of concern in the past two a very difficult undertaking. But we closed the borders with weeks are the marking of June 12 as Democracy VIE Benin Republic. We closed the borders with Niger Republic. We Day; Arise News Channel’s Exclusive Interview stopped smuggling. We asked Nigerians to grow what they will with President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) on INTERNATIONALE eat and eat what they grow. The cost of importation of rice and Thursday, 10 June, 2021; and President Muham- other foodstuff, we stopped it. We made fertilisers available and madu Buhari (PMB)’s tweetoplomacy. The three we were very impressed and happy with the action of Nigerians. events have the great potential to further attract  They went back to the farm. And we made sure our neighbours, special global attention in the foreseeable future especially Niger (are carried along), because there are Nigerians because of their nature and strategic implications for Nigeria’s Bola A. Akinterinwa who order food in Niger for Nigerian market, the Nigerien foreignT policy. They necessarily raise questions on the extent to government cooperated with us. So really we depended on which democracy can endure in Nigeria, the extent to which Telephone : 0807-688-2846 ourselves and Nigerians do not regret it.’ there can be fairness- or justice-driven governance in Nigeria, and e-mail: [email protected] PMB spoke on corruption, which he said is ‘very difficult under particularly how foreign policy can be conducted and managed this system and even under the military system, luckily I have to protect domestic policy inconsistencies. In fact, they raise the experienced both occasions...’ He explained how he too was extent to which Nigeria can remain united as an indivisible, arrested and detained by the security agents, how he had to put sovereign nation-state. on his ‘agbada and join politicians and how he may not be able to On June 12, a day set aside for remembering the people’s change the system, etc. From the foregoing transcribed quotation, political will was slaughtered on the altar of democracy in 1993. PMB has not in any way addressed the question of how we got It was the day Chief MKO Abiola was on record to have won the to the current noisome situation in the country. He also did not fairest, the freest, and the best ever-organised presidential election respond to the issue of quo vadis also raised by Dr. Abati. in Nigeria’s political history. The results of the elections, for selfish The second question was raised by Prince Nduka Obaigbena militaro-ethnic considerations, were recklessly annulled by the who anchored the interview: ‘Shekau was reported dead. Does then military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. that give us an opportunity for us to zero in and consolidate and As a result of the annulment, every June 12 has been marked secure the North East?’ PMB responded that ‘the problem of since 1993 to celebrate Chief MKO Abiola, the President we never the northeast is difficult. The Governor, this present Governor, had, as a symbolic instrument of democracy. The impact of the is working very hard. He is taking a lot of risk (sic). And I asked celebrations is such that PMB had to put a stop to the marking of him, this Boko Haram, is it our people or is it Nigerians or people May 29 as Democracy Day in favour of June 12 with effect from coming out...? He said they are Nigerians... Most of them. They are ... apparently to secure the political support of the Yoruba South Nigerians. As I said, the only way to go round about it is that you West. cannot kill innocent people and say God is great. That works very The marking of June 12 this year, 2021, is particularly note- well. But I think we have a problem of unemployment. We have worthy because of its environmental insecurity and particularly a lot of youths looking basically for what to eat, not even (to) talk the agitations for self-determination and sovereign autonomy. about accommodation... The level of poverty is almost unimagi- The statement of Mr. Sunday Igboho, an apostle of Oduduwa nable. So this is our problem. But those who are really keeping in Republic, is a pointer to this observation. As credited to Mr. touch with what we are doing, they know the difference between Igboho, under no circumstance should the peaceful public dem- the time we came in and now. And the people of North East and onstrations scheduled for June 12 be tainted with any bloodshed. South South, I think, are the best judges for the performances of In his words, ‘let us warn the Federal Government that if there is this administration, because they knew what they were in and bloodshed this weekend, the international community is watch- Buhari they know the condition now.’ ing, if the military kills any Nigerian this weekend, it is going to be Again, the essence of the second question is to know the extent very hot. The Yoruba Nation rally will go ahead in every part of This is a major rationale for Nigeria’s current problems. A review to which there can be a glimmer of hope now that the Boko Haram Yoruba land and the rest of the country where it will hold.’ of the Arise News Channel interview is relevant and necessary at leader is purported to have been killed. Is security in the North And perhaps more importantly, Sunday Igboho said ‘red alarm this juncture. East now feasible? PMB cannot reply as to whether there is an will begin on Friday. People should stock up food items from Fri- First, PMB hardly responds to questions asked. It is possible opportunity or not to consolidate security in the North East. By day night. We are not backing down this weekend. We are ready he does not hear the question well, or does not understand the explaining that the situation in the North East is difficult, does he to take back what belongs to us.’ This statement is self-explanatory. question, or he understands the implications of providing the imply that there is no opportunity of consolidating security in the It is against this background of environmental insecurity that the explanatory truth but does not want to respond to it. Whatever region? discussion of the Arise Television Exclusive Interview with PMB is the case, the attitudinal disposition of PMB simply reminds Without doubt, in virtually all the questions raised, including and PMB’s tweetoplomacy becomes relevant. of what Chief Obafemi Awolowo said in 1985: ‘our ship of state those of Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi and Ms. Tundun Abiola, PMB is heading towards the rock, unless the chief helmsman rises always found it convenient to justify what his administration has Arise Interview and PMB’s Tweetoplomacy courageously to steer the ship away from its present course, the done, rather than seeking appropriate explanations to questions The exclusive interview granted by PMB to the Arise News inescapable consequence will be an inexplicable disaster.’ There is asked. For instance, while Mr. Adeniyi raised the question of the Channel on the future of Nigeria, and particularly on what nothing to suggest that the inescapable consequence is not at hand spread of insecurity from the North East to the South East, and Ms. to expect from the PMB administration in the next two years, with the responses of PMB. Tundun Abiola raised the issue of formalisation of State police, enabled viewers to delineate PMB’s apparent dual character The first question asked by Dr. Reuben Abati, after Prince PMB simply gave the usual defensive narratives. In light of this in the governance of Nigeria: character of statesmanship when Nduka Obaigbena’s prolegomena, was on the deepening situa- evasive attitude, we strongly believe that it cannot be possible even convenient and character of an unrepentant military dictator tion of insecurity: ‘Mr. President, the nation is witnessing a rising for a well-intentioned leader, to ensure national security in Nigeria. when helplessly pushed to a tight corner. The questions asked insecurity, banditry, arson, kidnapping. How do we get here? PMB’s vision is quite questionable. His intentions and words during the Arise News Channel interview and the mania of What is the way out?’ The essence of these questions is not far- conflict with his actions. PMB responses clearly show that he is not, and cannot be, a good fetched: that there is an intrinsic situation of insecurity in Nigeria, As regards PMB’s tweetoplomacy, the Twitter.Com, a social President of a truly united Nigeria, simply because he consciously which is a truism. That the insecurity is also deepening is another network and podcasting private company, removed @MBuhari dodged critical questions bordering on patriotism and fairness truism. The point of interest is how did we move from the level of from its clientèle space for violating its operational regulations. and clearly showed partisanship when specific questions relating a crisis to that of a conflict? In other words, why the crises and the Twitter.com is not a government outfit but one that all govern- to his ethnic group are raised. Put differently, a good leader, a conflicts? Perhaps more interestingly, before the insecurity began ments relate with for various reasons of force majeure. In the same patriotic leader, must have the discipline of always defending to deepen, could it be that PMB was unaware? If he was unaware, vein, @Buhari.com is not governmental in character. At best, it is fairness, equity, justice and requirements of good governance, why? If he was aware, what has he done to contain the worsening individual. It is PMB’s private twitter handle, and, therefore, quite rather than conveniently seeking to defend his people indirectly. of the conflicts? The bottom line of Dr. Abati’s question is How did different from that of the Nigerian presidency, @ngr.presidency. A good Nigerian must also similarly defend objectivity and we get to the level of a rising insecurity? Without doubt, ‘HOW’ is In reaction to the de-registration of his private twitter handle, honesty of purpose. They must seek to address issues rather than more about mania, rationales, factors, and what is responsible for PMB declared the Twitter.com non grata in Nigeria. Did PMB act addressing people. This is why PMB has not been able to super- the rise in insecurity. because of the dishonour done him as an individual or because of intend national questions well and why policy makers now find The responses given by PMB did not address the question the national interest? themselves in a junction of confusion and policy inconsistencies. of how. As submitted by PMB: ‘when we came, it is (sic) been It is useful here to note that, as a social network and a podcasting company, twitter.com was founded on 21 March, 2006 in San Francisco, California, United States, by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, Who really is in charge of Nigeria’s foreign policy: the Minister of Information and Culture or the Noah Glass, and Evan Williams. It was launched in July 2006 to provide a social network service with an original code name, Minister of Foreign Affairs? Is it that the Information Minister is more actively engaged than the ‘twttr’ and an original name, called ‘Status’. As Wikipedia has it, Foreign Minister? These questions are prompted by the many problems of Government’s always ‘the original name was called ‘’status’’, but after searching through reasoning after pronouncement of policies, and not always thinking enough about their likely the dictionary, he (Dorsey) found the word Twitter. The definition implications before their pronouncements. Government should make haste slowly in acting speedily was a ‘short burst of inconsequential information, and chirps from after inadequate reflection on foreign policy implications. PMB’s mania of keeping silent on burning birds.’ More important, when Twitter was first launched in July 2006, ‘no one used ‘’tweet as a noun or a verb. Instead, the Service national questions or taking much delight in not wanting to speak on such questions forthrightly, referred to the tweeting process as ‘’twittering’’ and those who can only taint whatever legacy he is claiming to want to leave for posterity. The truth as at today is used the Service as Twitter-ers.’ Thus PMB is simply an ordinary that many observers believe that the rising insecurity in Nigeria is a resultant from alleged PMB’s twitterer, like many others. fulanisation agenda, Islamic jihadism, and his unrepentant nepotism. Besides, it is most unfortunate More significantly, Twitter is an online micro-blogging service for the distribution of a short message service for groups. In terms that PMB can say that merit should apply in the appointment of military chiefs and all those who of policy stand, Twitter like other social media companies, is grew in the system and qualified for appointment are only his ethnic people. Consequently, in constantly under pressure to prevent hate speech, harassment reply to Prince Obaigbena’s question of what security future, with the alleged demise of the Boko and bullying in whatever is posted in Twitter site. It is against this Haram leader, Nigeria’s security future cannot be bright for a simple reason: Fulanisation, jihadism, background that the misunderstanding between PMB and the nepotism, inequity, unfairness, injustice, etc, cannot be celebrated on a platter of gold and at the Twitter.Com should be partly explained and understood. same time still expect goodness of purpose, patriotism and national unity from the people Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JUNE 24 2012 ARTS && REVIEWREVIEW A PUBLICATION 13.06.2021 EVEN WITH COVID-19, LIMCAF REMAINS RESILIENT After last year’s suspension of its 14th edition last due to the restrictions imposed because of the pandemic, Life in My City Art Festival resumes this year as an online competition. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

ot even the unforeseen obtrusion of the last winners in 2017 to the 2018 edition of the event, which holds year’s COVID-19 scare can deny the Life in biennially at the Senegalese capital city. My City Art Festival – more often known Sadly, the suspension of Dak’Art’s 2020 edition due to the in the art circles as LIMCAF – of its rightful pandemic scuttled the hopes of the 12 winners from two edi- claim to the crown as the country most tions, who had to wait for the next opportunity to attend the elite resilient and consistent art event. It was in international art event. Had things gone on as planned, they a bid to avoid sinking below the industry’s would also have leveraged the opportunity to hold a Nigerian horizon that the annual art festival held an off-exhibition at the biennale under the banner of LIMCAF. international webinar on Saturday, December 12 last year. Still on sponsorships, LIMCAF first evolved from being the NThe webinar, which was attended by leading internationally- pet project of Chief Robert Orji’s advertising agency Rocana acknowledged art scholars, was in an obvious nod to the Nigeria Limited and eliciting the interest of the Alliance government-imposed restrictions caused by the pandemic. Française network and the French Embassy to attracting big- Indeed, any attempt to host its grand finale and awards night at time sponsors like Diamond Bank, FBN Holdings, the Enugu the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu’s Interna- State Government and, more recently, the MTN Foundation. tional Conference Centre would have been deemed ill-advised. It is an eloquent testimonial of the festival’s rising profile that Now with a total of 488 entries – since 170 fresh entries were the top-echelon staff members of these organisations deemed added to the previous 318 rolled over from the suspended 2020 attending LIMCAF’s grand finale and awards nights worth edition – on the waiting list, the festival is set once more to take their while. Equally heartwarming was the fact that some of its place in the national ecosystem. This is even when this has to the annual festival’s other partners, associates and supporters be achieved exclusively online. from within and outside the Nigerian art community, instituted Perhaps, industry analysts would be curious to see what the category prizes. suspended 14th edition, themed “Vision 2020: So Far, So What”, Meanwhile, LIMCAF has, since its inception in 2007, lived up hopes to bring to the table. Indeed, among the aims of the last to its billings as a youth-empowerment art platform, through December’s webinar was – according to the festival’s artistic which a long list of aspiring young artists from across the coun- director, Dr Ayo Adewunmi – to re-examine its founding as- try have clawed their way to the limelight. Among these artists sumptions. This is besides charting a path for its future growth, are the maiden edition winner Olumide Oresegun, the 2014 which implies exploring the possibility and means open to it winner Ngozi Omeje-Ezema, the 2011 third prize winner Sor for an even greater contribution to the development of art in Sen and the 2013 and 2015 category prize winner Izuchukwu Nigeria and beyond. Muoneme. Of course, it helped that the said webinar, whose lead speaker Besides the annual average of 400 entries that have been was the University of Port Harcourt’s professor of art history recorded since inception at its much looked-forward-to themed and theory Frank Ugiomoh, also featured credible art personali- series of competitive exhibitions and graded awards, the quality ties like the USA-based Prince University’s professor of art of works at the event have once been endorsed by Professor history Chika Okeke-Agulu, the then USA-based artist and Anatsui “getting better and better”. professor of art history Peju Layiwola, the Federal University One of the entries at a recent edition of LIMCAF There have also been commendations by such local industry of Lafia based artist, curator and art historian Chike Obeagu, leading lights as Bruce Onobrakpeya, the late Ola Oloidi, the late the renowned artist and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka a result of Covid restrictions,” says Dr Adewunmi. “On dates to Olabisi Silva, Professor Jerry Buhari, Kunle Filani, Sani Mu’azu, professor emeritus El Anatsui as well as collectors like the Obi be advertised later, we will hold online exhibitions for each of the the late Nsikak Essien, Peju Layiwola, Joe Musa, Frank Ugio- of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the founder of OYASAF centres.” moh, Sam Ovraiti, Blaise Gundu Gbaden, Chijioke Onuora and Omooba Yemisi Shyllon and the art patron Ufom Usoro. That From these exhibitions, the top 100 entries will emerge for the Tonie Okpe as well as from a gaggle of international consultants. online event, which was an apparent attempt to appease the grand finale in Enugu, which it is hoped will hold physically Indeed, much of the festival’s activities pivot on the participa- disgruntled sensibilities of those who would have enthusiasti- under strict COVID restrictions sometime in early November tion of the art community’s key figures – among whom were cally looked forward to physically attend the grand finale this year. studio artists, curators, art scholars and gallery owners – in such exhibition and the awards night, was based on the theme: “Life As for the cash prizes, which include that of the overall, role as jurors, advisers and regional centre’s coordinators. in My City Art Festival and the Growth of Contemporary Art in category, endowed and consolation prizes, the naira values As for the awards nights – first held at the Nike Lake Hotels Nigeria/Africa”. remain unchanged. and Resorts and later at the Institute of Management and On LIMCAF’s new format, the entries will henceforth be Already, the top 12 winners of the festival’s 2018 and 2019 Technology, Enugu’s International Conference Centre – they sorted out and organised according to regions, which are editions – six drawn from each edition – are waiting on the have the meeting ground for such dignitaries as the Obi of otherwise known as exhibition centres. The competition’s first sidelines to join the top winners of this 14th edition to embark on Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; Nigeria’s former high level will see the national jury assess and select quality works an all-expenses trip to the Dakar Art Biennale, tagged Dak’Art, commissioner to the UK, Christopher Kolade; former Cross online. These selected works will be featured for the second- which is being bankrolled by Professor El Anatsui. River State Governor Donald Duke; the founder of OYASAF, round online exhibition to be held at the festival’s traditional The latter, on whose financial support the festival has partially Prince Yemisi Shyllon and the chairman of Honeywell Group, nine exhibition centres. “Going online for the 2021 festival is as been leaning in recent years, had initially sponsored its top Oba Otudeko, among others. MUSIC Femi Leye and the Soul Behind His Guitar his preferred instrument. a fusion of a lot of genres right now from Soul Yinka Olatunbosun When he was about 15 years old, he to RnB, Funk, traditional Yoruba music, Lo fi, stumbled on George Benson’s music and that Afrobeats and Afropop. For him, creativity is a f you have ever been to Lagos made a great impact on his music taste. life wire. Other influences in his music include the International Jazz Festival or AMVCA “The tonality of his guitar playing drew Grammy-nominated juju maestro, King Sunny me really close to the instrument and I knew Ade whom he described as his ‘first guitar hero.’ or a private party where Femi Leye His father also had a rich collection of African mu- bedazzles with his guitar, then you'd that was what I wanted to do,” he reminisces. “Even though jazz music is complex, it was a sic that includes legends such as Ebenezer Obey, understand how much of a dynamite great foundation for me. Any musical situation Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Victor Uwaifo, Orlando he is on stage. He may not have I find myself, it is automatically simplified Owoh and Victor Olaiya. But that wouldn’t stop mainstream popularity like the pop because I started with the hardest genre of him from listening to western music. stars, but within the live music circles, music.” “Right now, I listen to John Mayer, Bruno Mars, he commands attention. Leye had wanted to be a doctor but his pas- Tom Misch, a lot of Lo fi artistes.” IThe multi-instrumentalist and actor hails sion for music became more overwhelming Leye has two studio albums "EKAABO" and from Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State although he was over time. Thankfully, he has very supportive "FEMI LEYE THE ALBUM" released in 2015 and born and raised in Lagos. At about the age of parents who backed up his dream to be a 2019. He also released an EP in 2019 called "THE three or four, he began to show some interest musician. HIGHLIFE EP." At the beginning of 2021, he in music. “They bought me my first and second released "PENDULUM" which is a combination “I was born in Celestial Church of Christ, guitars,” he continues. “They paid for lessons, of Lo fi, Jazz, Afrobeat and Hip-hop. Right now, which is known as a heavy percussive church, Leye allowed me travel and work with different he is preparing to release PENDULUM VOL 2. so that sparked my interest in music and I bands. My parents are my superheroes and I His marriage to Iniabasi Leye who is an artist, started with the three-faced drum known His musical skills had been honed to the extent love them dearly.” art therapist and broadcaster has been blessed as ‘Agbamole’ before moving on to other that he has gained some mastery of piano, keyboard, It is hard to keep Leye boxed into a music with two children. instruments,” he says. bass and percussion instruments such as Conga, Omele, Cord, Shekere and more. But guitar remains genre. His music style varies: it is essentially Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ [email protected] 66 SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 13,2021 67

Editor:Olawale Olaleye CICERO mail:[email protected], SMS: 08116759819 IN THE ARENA Between Infrastructure Revamp and Numbing Insecurity Remarkable infrastructure revamp and numbing security nightmare are two key opposing highlights defining the Muhammadu Buhari presidency. Resolving this peculiar contradiction would help history’s verdict, writes Louis Achi

n Thursday, President Muhanm- madu Buhari inaugurated the commercial operations of Lagos-Ibadan railway project at the Mobolaji Johnson Railway Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos. An obviously elated Buhari described the accomplish- ment “as another milestone in the drive of this administrationO to revitalise the railway system and establish it as a choice mode of transportation for both passengers and freight.” Also, while inaugurating the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure Project, known as Deep Blue project, Buhari said it was the benchmark for maritime security in the West and Central African regions. He noted that the project underscores Nigeria’s commitment to providing the necessary framework, resources and cooperation with other nations and maritime users and contribute to the diversification of the Nigerian economy. Instructively, on the same day, in an Arise Televi- sion interview, the president revealed awareness that a sweeping infrastructural transformation indeed would remain a flight of fancy in an environment devoid of human security. “Security is paramount and very important as no one will invest in an unsecured environment,” he told his rapt interviewers. Buhari in Lagos for Ebute Metta railway station’s inauguration Strangely, in the same breath, perhaps unwittingly signalling a measure of helplessness, the lanky General from The government is not only focusing on new infrastruc- Apparently, against this background, to ensure that the Katsina State, urged that the general public should ensure ture but on the rehabilitation of existing assets and the considerable effort of the Buhari administration to turn the infrastructure being put in place are protected and not completion of longstanding projects that have failed to around the infrastructure deficit, especially, concerning destroyed. How a practically cowed and frustrated ‘general gain traction under previous governments. It can hardly be railways, is not sabotaged, the federal government is now public’ can help effectively police critical infrastructure disputed and bears repeating that Nigeria’s infrastructure considering capital punishment (death penalty) for railway against the depredations of heavily armed vandals, bandits deficit have been one of the biggest factors holding back track vandals. and terrorists speaks to worrying philosophical governance growth and development. Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said this atrophy in Aso Villa. But the problems go beyond funding. Billions of dollars during a Town Hall Meeting on “Protecting Public Infra- It could be recalled that in a report it released in have been sunk into infrastructure projects that have structure,” on Monday, June 7, 2021, in Abuja. November, last year, Moody’s Investors Service said, Nigeria failed to see the light of day or have been abandoned after According to Amaechi, rail track vandalism is a capital – Africa’s largest economy – would need to spend at least $3 construction has started as a result of weak institutions, offence and its consequences should be treated as such and trillion over 30 years to close its infrastructure deficit. This lack of accountability and limited policy consistency across worse, the track vandalism is being done in collaboration researched projection would probably have overwhelmed previous administrations. The situation is compounded by with foreign partners. most national leaders. But President Muhammadu Buhari graft and the limited maintenance of existing infrastructure. The President Buhari administration has also announced apparently has other ideas. But beyond the intricacies and special challenges of build- early this year it was forming InfraCo, a public-private A powerful vision pulls in ideas, people and other ing critical infrastructure is the issue of security, which has infrastructure fund with N1tn ($2.6bn) in seed capital from resources, despite the tough challenges. It creates the energy assumed the dimension of an existential threat to Nigeria. the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Sovereign Investment and will to make change happen. It inspires individuals, Insecurity and terrorism have been major challenges to the Authority and the Africa Finance Corporation, a mostly diverse stakeholders, partnering organisations and institu- Nigerian government in recent times. The activities of Boko privately owned pan-African project finance firm. tions to commit, to persist and to give their best. Haram and ISWAP have led to loss of thousands of lives, InfraCo’s mandate is to finance public asset development, Has President Buhari demonstrated these virtues within dislocation of millions and destruction of properties in the rehabilitate old assets and construct new ones. his six years on the saddle - in the spread and sweep of his country, especially, in the Northern part of Nigeria. The considerable exertions Buhari is making to transform appointments and quick policy responsiveness to changing Add this to the spiraling kidnap for ransom (especially the nation’s decrepit infrastructure will count for little if governance scenarios? Big question! school children), rape, armed banditry and murder, alongside insecurity is not decisively dealt with. Nigerians will hardly It is hardly debatable that lack of infrastructure has been the attacks carried out by Fulani herdsmen on many remember that the president made great strides in building one of the biggest drags on Nigeria’s development trajectory. communities in the North and Southern Nigeria and it infrastructure and tried to write his name in gold. Rail, road, airport and power projects stretching across could easily be appreciated that insecurity is antithetical Beyond rhetoric, in the coming days, he must frontally Nigeria are either well advanced, recently signed off or just to infrastructure development. It is now imaginable that a confront and conquer the shadowy crisis entrepreneurs breaking ground in the wake of an infrastructure drive by train journey could run into vandalised tracks, resulting in behind national insecurity for history to pass a favourable the administration of President Buhari. derailment and death for many. verdict on him. POLITICAL NOTES Wike Versus Secondus as PDP’s Headache

hat there’s a struggle of interest between the Rivers is said to have a brother from the Riverian area that he wants to State Governor, Nyesom Wike and his installed succeed Wike in answering to ‘power shift’ in the Rivers political National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party equation. But that person is certainly not who Wike wants. (PDP), Uche Secondus, is not news. What is news, Unfortunately, for as long as Secondus remains the party’s however, is the cause of their disagreement and how chair, then, he seems to be well positioned to actualise his dream this might have constituted huge headache for the of installing his brother as Rivers governor. And none of this Wike party leadership in the runup to 2023. wants. But the party, especially, the governors, are worried about In the 2023 power struggle, Wike’s major concern is how to get in the turn of things in the state. Yet, whomever the governors support aT successor of choice as many governors are wont to do, when they is likely to emerge victorious in this survival battle. leave office. Whatever tussle that’s going on at the centre is barely Will they go with their colleague, Wike, or their national chair- of concern to him. Indeed, you can hardly find Wike in Abuja or man, Secondus? If they went with Wike and appealed to Secondus holding meetings on how the party could seize power again at the to shelve his plan, it might be easier to achieve peace, depending on centre. All he cares about his keeping Rivers and through a choice the compensation offered in place. But if they sided with Secondus successor. at the expense of Wike, it might just be the beginning of another But someone appears to be standing in the way of that dream round of intense crisis in the Rivers PDP, a development that many and that person is his chairman – a man he put in office – perhaps, fear could see Wike take very drastic options. And if that happens? Wike and Secondus to take care of his interest at the centre. How is this so? Secondus Your guess is as good as anyone else’s. 68 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 13,2021 BRIEFINGNOTES 2023: It’s Time to Embrace e-Voting For a credible and acceptable election in 2023, e-voting is imperative, writes Shola Oyeyipo

n any democracy, the election is the most important factor since it is only through the exercise that the as- sertion ‘government of the people’ can be legitimised, when the electorate endorse leadership succession through their votes. It is also the best way to evaluate the performance of elected officers in the context of their electoral promises since those who fail to keep their promises are easily voted out of office. But in Nigeria, this has not been so, and the reason is not far-fetched: Ipoliticians have perfected ways to boycott the electorate by engaging in electoral malpractices. Since the return to democracy in 1999, Nigeria has had national elections in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015and 2019, but the quest for free, fair, and credible election has subsisted, because many Nigerians are of the view that these elections are not fit for democratic governance, hence successive chairmen of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have made frantic efforts at improving the quality of elections, yet, no one can boast that even the more recent elections can withstand the test of standard elections in more advanced democracies. Though the measure was originally targeted at ensuring that people could keep the six feet social distance to avoid the COVID-19 pandemic, but optimists are already celebrating the idea in the sense that it can produce a more secure election despite the growing insecurity. However, as part of efforts to improve the Nigerian electoral system and ensure that voting results reflect the wish and aspiration of the electorate, the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, is tinkering with the idea of introducing e-voting in Nigeria. He affirmed the commission’s readiness to migrate to e-voting to lawmakers in the lower chamber of the National Assembly during his 2021 budget proposal. In fact, the INEC boss hinted at the possibility of adopting e-voting for the upcoming 2021 governorship election in Anambra State. Electronic voting is an election system that allows voters to Yakubu, INEC Chairman record a secret ballot electronically and the result too can be tabulated electronically through the computer. Votes are safely technology for electronic transmission of results in future to digital might be high. stored and can be re-counted in case there is a need. This elections, including the 2023 general election. Generally, it is expected to drive considerable change in voting method has gained prominence since the 1990s and Toeing the party line, the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye the nation’s body polity, especially, when the people begin early 2000s around the world. Diri, also enjoined INEC to use e-voting to avoid conflicts to see that their votes count, hence it drives participation and Undoubtedly, the introduction of the Permanent Voter Cards during elections, saying the absence of e-voting has denied compels elected officials to perform better since they are aware (PVCs) and the Smart Card Readers (SCRs) by Yakubu’s many electorate their franchise. that their re-election would depend on the electorate and not predecessor, Professor Attahiru Jega for the 2015 election cre- “I am an advocate and supporter of electronic voting. Many rigged election. ated some degree of sanity in the system, but many Nigerians Nigerians have been denied the right to vote, because they E-voting will particularly help Nigeria curb electoral are optimistic that with e-voting added to the mix, the country are not in Nigeria and cannot participate in choosing their violence. Usually, politicians often engage the service of may be entering to a realm of sustainable credible elections. leaders. It is a challenge to Nigeria. Let INEC be challenged. If hoodlums to unleash mayhem during elections, when they are Though it is not yet clear how much support the INEC boss the Ijaw can do it, the federal government can also do it,” Diri sure they are on the losing side. This will make INEC cancel will be getting from politicians in the ruling All Progressives said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel the ballot and eventually declare the election inconclusive but Congress (APC), because the political class is the main benefi- Alabrah. when the process is digitalised, it is a disincentive for violent ciaries of the fraudulent electoral system, already, opposition Cut to the bone, there are many advantages in the Direct obstruction of the voting process. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is tasking the Nigerian Recording Electronic (DRE) voting machines, which INEC There are, however, concerns about the security of e-voting electoral umpire to transmit the 2023 election electronically, proposes to adopt. The 21 inch ultra-high-resolution touch for fear that hackers might choose to compromise the system saying the body has no excuse to do otherwise. screen voting system offers a contest-by-contest and allows if it’s internet-based. The only setback for e-voting among Calling for a transparent online voters’ registration and multiple contest (one contest per page) display of ballots and Nigerians is the suspicion that someone could illegally get into online transmission of results, PDP National Publicity a cut-and-drop paper record printer for voters to verify their the election database and alter the results of an election, which Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a recent press statement said: selections. It displays contests page by page, showing parties could be done either through physical tampering or a remote “The party’s position is predicated on INEC’s announcement per page during the voting process. Specific contests may be attack over the internet. But stand-alone balloting machine at of its readiness to conduct online (electronic) registration of expanded into larger font on demand by each voter and it the polling station not connected to the internet or any local voters for future elections in the country.” comes with alternate languages to English like Hausa, Igbo area network cannot be hacked. He stressed that, “Our party calls the attention of the and Yoruba and all other known languages spoken in Nigeria. Fact is, despite concerns about e-voting, manufacturing commission to the fact that it no longer has any excuse not to It provides accessibility to blind voters and others with companies are still developing the machines and countries employ the direct transmission of results from polling units, physical disabilities using voice assistance, eliminates unin- have increasingly continued to purchase and deploy them. which will ensure credible elections by eliminating manipula- tentional undervotes requiring a positive confirmation of any Therefore, fully implementing an e-voting system in Nigeria tions, alterations, switching, and disappearance of election undervote by voters, eases voting, eases vote tabulation and would not only save the country from disgraceful elections of results during manual collation processes.” counting. It prevents fraud and all forms of manipulations that the past, but also guarantees free, fair, transparent, convenient, PDP argued that if INEC could use the electronic platform usually characterise the Nigerian election. It reduces the cost of credible and confidential elections. What more, it would also for the registration of voters, it could as well deploy the same conducting the election, though at first, the cost of transmitting ensure that results are speedily processed. NOTES FOR FILE The Message from Igangan Last week, the sleepy town of Igangan, Oyo State, woke were left to deal with their losses, although, the Oyo State up to the ugly news of attacks by persons suspected to be Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, had since visited and promised herdsmen or bandits, reportedly leaving about 20 people to do better a next time in terms of security. dead. the gory sight of the pictures and videos that went Now, the message from this is simple and clear. For many, viral from that attack left much to be desired. In fact, they and in fact, common sense presupposes that the attacks weren’t for the fain-hearted. It was mindless, heinous and were orchestrated by certain interests, in other words, those completely thoughtless. behind it are effectively remote-controlling the situation, Curiously, however, such a deadly attack, on a normal determining when to move forward and when to beat a day, should have elicited spontaneous reactions, not retreat. only from the people of Igangan but all well-meaning The development and its aftermath do not look like the people around the country and the world, with a resolve attackers just strayed into that town and hacked down that would have compelled the government to respond anything in sight. This was properly orchestrated, well constructively. organised and executed. What it also means, is that the But to the shock of many, apart from the fact that the gov- political undertone to it is higher than anyone could ernment was busy with Twitter fight, even the concerned imagine. This, therefore, is why the government at all levels people of Igangan didn’t go beyond their video-recording must rethink the approach to security, particularly, reining Makinde visits Igangan of the incident and the noise that followed. The people in the saboteurs. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 13,2021 69 SUNDAY INTERVIEW    ȱ‘¢ȱ Ȃœȱ’ĜŒž•ȱ ˜›ȱŽȱ˜ȱ’œ™•Š¢ȱ¢ȱ’Ž Days before he passed on at 57, four select journalists spoke to Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, in what appeared to be his last interview, on sundry issues. He particularly spoke about his calling, which he said could not be extended to his wife, Evelyn, except it pleases God hence she has remained in the background in the ministry. Segun James presents the excerpts:

ow did you get the vision to lead a church? This is a church and you don’t have a theological school I was called right here many years ago. Just and you don’t have branches what happens to the church a few meters away was the hut where I was after you? How will the church grow from just this humble staying as the other one is the hut where I beginning to become a church of the world and after you pray and meditate and also read in absolute who takes over? H serenity. Vision comes from God through You don’t watch Emmanuel TV, this is a year now or six meditation amidst nature. Surrounded by months since I preached last and the church still continues. There nature you can concentrate. It is like you are talking of good are five prophets and prophetesses, they are working. They have lawyers, every profession must have a library, where you can sit taken over from me already. There is an American, a British, a down and do some studying. Without this place, I will not be French, and a Nigerian. able to concentrate and speak with the Almighty. So this is where I started and I must have a library and a place where I can enjoy One thing we have come to identify churches with in nature, not the air condition or fan. So having nature around Nigeria, is that you have the man of God, his wife, and the you is very good. God is nature and without nature you cannot his first son in the line of succession but you are not toeing understand the bible, because the bible is not history. When you that line, it shows that you are looking at something that is are reading the bible, you are reading the Holy Spirit. So if you beyond you. Are you not worried that some of them could don’t allow nature, when you are reading, you will be reading appropriate the church as theirs? history. This is where God comes in, it is not a business venture. If it is God, then it is God and then it is true. The issue of family should What is your dream for the future of the church? not come into the issue of the church, that is it, it is undeserved We intend to build a university of science, which will grace. incorperate our job here. When you talk of science, theology, medicine, these are the areas we will concentrate upon. When You mentioned that you are going to have a university of science, is it in the pipeline? you have a student, this is where they should come and review Joshua...I’m called, not my wife whatever they are taught. You need some place like this,where It is the plan of God to have a university of medicine and you you leave everything outside and come and hear the cocks crow. You are always simply dressed, why? know you can’t talk of medicine without talking of science. So it But outside here, when they are doing that, you can’t hear them If I have time to dress well I will do that. is going to be university of medicine and theology. because of noise. So this place is very important to me. This is where I live, sleep Not much is known about your wife and family? Where is the location of the University? and everything I do. If I want to see people outside here, I go I am very happy about this question. I have a wife and I have You can see the people that are working in the ministry, outside, there is time for that, because the bible says that there children, and even my first daughter is doing her Phd and the American, United Kingdom, Nigerian, France, so it can be is time to rest, time to work, time to rest is time to receive from second daughter is doing her master’s degree in Oxford. In all, anywhere. It will be a special grace to be in Nigeria. God and time to work is time to give what you receive from I have three daughters, the last one is still in secondary school. I God. And when you talk of time to rest, this is the best place would have loved my wife to be like me but I cannot make her If God can use you to do this huge projects and your to rest, not in the midst of technology or going to New York or what I am; it is God. It is not possible for me to anoint her, God country is falling apart, what do you have to say to that? travelling about but you rest in the midst of nature. is the one that anoints people. So, it is not possible for her to sit A prophet has no honour in his own country. The president of here at the same time, this is not biological issue; it is inheritance Sudan gave me a letter. You said it all started here, how did it start given that from the saints, it is a partaker from the saints. Therefore, I this place was a swamp? should not use anything in my biological life to stop my spiritual Many pastors want to be Professor, Doctor, Archbishop This swamp is the rejected stone. God spoke to me and life. and all that, why have you remained just a prophet? brought me here, I have been following God’s vision and I am a native of Arigidi Akoko but as for my divine nature I Let me tell you that at a university in Columbia has given mission. When I am out of God’s mission I am finished. That is am a partaker of the inheritance of the saints, therefore, it is so me Phd, but I don’t want to use it. I have OFR in Nigeria and why you cannot see me outside here, you cannot hear me speak difficult for me. This is an apostolic ministry. It is not a ministry that is number three in Nigeria, which was given to me by the outside of here. What I want to show you now will leave you you read bible, go to theology school, you get it and you start late President Yar Adua. I didn’t go but I sent my wife. So, if I shocked. My brother saw it three days ago and was surprised. preaching. No! It is purely divine. So, it is so difficult for me to now begin to use all that, then, what I am saying is that I am God’s time is the best and I always follow God’s time. So that is display my wife, she has to be ready for God. As much as you not pleased with what God has given me. God has given me so why I only called key people to show them this. So I have been are ready for God, God will display her. much so why should I continue to flaunt it around. I should be following God’s time, that is why you will not see me preach happy and content. It is not what you are doing but how long every Sunday, or go on television to preach every day, I must Two things that are striking about you. One, you love it lasts. Many of our rich pastors – millionaires – their legacy is hear from God before saying anything. Every time can be good gigantic projects, and two, you are heavilycriticised by gone. So, it is not what you are doing now but how it is going to for you and every time can be the best time for you, but for me, many people. How do you take them when you see them last. Lasting promotion comes from God and that is why we call I must have a corresponding grace or power, because the Holy say uncomplimentarythings about you? Him everlasting Father. Spirit must suggest what to do before I do them. If not, I will not It is always good if at the beginning they don’t see what is be able to have God’s result. good about you. If they don’t see your journey at the beginning You restored peace in some countries, and you have gone So this is why you are not seeing me out there – at weddings, they will criticise you. It is good for you, at the end. So, if they to help restore hope in some countries. But hope in this naming ceremonies and coming to your office to grant and praise you from the beginning it is not encouraging. If Nigeria country is fading away, why have you not waded in? interview, this is the only church – the synagogue here in Ikotun has been accepting me right from the beginning of my mission, God’s time is the best, but I want to assure you that, there is and there is no other branch all over the world but it touches I think that will affect my mission to the world. I have gone all so much issue of disunity, people want to go, this section wants everywhere in the world. So, I am waiting for God to let me over the world, I am the only minister of God that organised a to leave but nothing will happen. We will continue to be Nigeria. know if there will be branches or not. The important thing is that crusade in Israel. I have the certificate which was given to me God just wants us to learn certain experiences. Experience is the we should focus on building the people and not the church. in Israel. And I also went to Nazareth, where Jesus was born best teacher. Do you know what we have done so far, we are and organised a revival there. I am the first man of God to do more of enemy of God than friend of God in the past. So, I think Given what is here, not much is reported, why? that and it was carried in newspapers all over the world, Tell what we are going through is a lesson and it will soon be over. They will soon get to know, we are just waiting for God’s Magazine and the rest. An international cable news network And I pray that we will live to see it when it is over. So, there is time. There are many things to be done in this place. So things carried it live when I was doing the crusade and a certificate was nothing to be afraid of. are at about 80% completion. If people should know about this given to me. That is the greatest joy for any minister of God. place now, we will not be able to complete this job because it will How about the project? cause distraction. So, it remains a bit for us to get to 95%, when Why was there so much controversy about the crusade? The project is 80% completed and we are looking at bringing we are at 95% we will let people know. It is going to be by grace, …Because it happened to Jesus, I cannot be greater than many more animals here, like Giraffe. it is not something you pay money for, you can come and see my master. A tenant cannot be greater than his landlord. If the people moving and praying. So, people will get to know; we are landlord is criticised, who is the tenant? That is exactly what You have all of these and you don’t want to intervene in waiting for God’s time. After you leave here, I will like you to happened to Jesus. They said no, the Muslims were on the the situation of the larger society, which is Nigeria? keep that information to yourself. streets protesting, the Christian, Catholics and all. But I let them Let me say this, if you have headache and you are not asking know that God sent me to do the revival in Israel. And top me to pray for you, will I now force myself to pray for you? I Why is it that you don’t want to talk about money? government functionaries, including Israel’s Prime Minister, gave a prophecy on Nigeria that we will drink our oil. I said this Not that I don’t want to talk about money, because there are Benjamin Netanyahu also sent his representative. So, on the oil you are seeing now we will drink it. so many poor people around, if I begin to display what I have, second day I finished the revival, it was God that took me out of can you imagine how much I will hurt those who are here? But the place and millions of people attended. So, you can imagine Sir you gave a prophecy about coronavirus on 28th whatever I can do to let them know that I understand what a man like that, you know what happened to my building December, 2019 but you still refuse to say anything about they are going through, I will do it. To give them money, to help when almost 200 people died in synagogue.? The CD of what Nigeria? From what I read, it was released on January 5th , them, supporting them, not to display what God has given me happened is out. If they can go to the extent of killing 200 people 2020 but we still want you to talk about Nigeria? but to give them the support that they need. spread all over the world, just to get me, so anything close to I hope you saw the video of the building that collapsed, you Jesus can be attacked. know they took me to the court and the case is still in court? 70 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 13,2021 SUNDAYINTERVIEW Afe Babalola

Babalola...we’ve changed the narrative National Assembly Has the Powers to Give Nigeria a New Constitution

Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), is undoubtedly one of the oldest distinguished legal icons in Nigeria. In this interview with Gboyega Akinsanmi and Victor Olakitan, Babalola discusses diverse national concerns,including the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly, the legality of the decision of the federal government to suspend Twitter operation in Nigeria and the challenges of running a world-class university in Nigeria, among others. Excerpts:

t different times, you described the review separation and at the same time divorce. You cannot get the two how the 1999 constitution can be substituted. That is all. of the 1999 Constitution by the National together, because the way you file the suit for separation is dif- Assembly as a waste of time and an ferent from that of divorce. They said they are only interested in Judicial and parliamentary unions just called off exercise in futility. You, also, canvassed a an amendment and not a substitution. A member of the House national strike, which arose from the failure of the state replacement and not an amendment to of Representatives even condemned the ongoing amendment of governments to implement full autonomy for the judiciary the constitution. Why did you canvass the 1999 Constitution. and legislature at the state level? Do the workers have the A these positions? right to go on strike over this issue? I called the exercise a waste of time because But the 1999 Constitution only gives the National I have been in the legal practice for 60 years or thereabouts. the National Assembly said the people should attend a public Assembly the power to amend and not produce a new I knew how our courts were when I came back to the country hearing to discuss areas to be amended in the 1999 Constitution constitution. How can the National Assembly achieve this? from England in the early 60s. Then, we had lawyers from even when there is nothing to amend. There is nothing to That is not true. Let me say it was totally wrong for the Ghana, West Indies and many other countries competing with amend, because we are running a presidential system of govern- National Assembly to say they cannot produce or write a new us in the Nigerian courts. So, it was very competitive. In my ment – a system I can liken to a bungalow. You cannot amend a constitution. Under the 1999 Constitution, the National Assembly 60 years of practice, however, Nigerian courts have never been bungalow to a four-storey building. It will definitely fall one day. can produce a new constitution. One, the 1999 Constitution shut for a day. Even in those days, lawyers and judges were The presidential system is very cumbersome to the effect that gave the National Assembly the power to amend. In its broad respected. every state has to go to the federal government for allocations. interpretation, an amendment includes substitution. They can Democracy thrives on three fundamentals pillars – the Can the National Assembly amend the constitution to stop exercise their powers and say the 1999 Constitution needs a executive, legislature and judiciary. If a man with two legs has allocations to states? Two, the National Assembly was clear in substitution. They gave a narrow interpretation to the amend- one of its legs cut off, will he be able to move freely? But out of what it wanted to do. The Constitution Review Committee, ment clause. This same process was undertaken in Sudan and the three arms we have, two have been paralysed. I mean the which the National Assembly set up to amend the constitution, many other countries. All the National Assembly needs to do is legislature and judiciary. Do we now say we have a democracy? cannot go beyond its mandate. You cannot go to court to seek to call for a conference, where people will advise on where and Where can people ventilate their anger? Do they want them to THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 13,2021 71 SUNDAY INTERVIEW t /"5*0/"-"44&.#-:)"45)&108&3450(*7&/*(&3*""/&8$0/45*565*0/t resort to self-help? There can be no fairness and justice, where the executive continues to pay those in the judiciary. Don’t forget the aphorism that says he who pays the piper dictates the tune. Commonsense dictates that there should be independence for legislature and judiciary. If the car of a judge breaks down and he only relies on a president or governor to get it fixed, then, it will be difficult for him to pass a judgment that will be against the state.

Are you satisfied with the process of recruiting members of the Bench in Nigeria? That is critical. But we have not got it right. A practice, whereby people are asked to apply to become a judge, is affecting the system. The process cannot guarantee fairness and justice. After filing the application, the governor will now decide who to pick among them. In those days, people did not need to apply to become judges. It is the system itself that looks for qualified men of integrity to become judges. That is part of the rot in our system. I believe that the judiciary must not only be autonomous, but also the courts must be accessible and open to all. The president and governors, as high as they are, are equal before the courts. That is the beauty of it.

The federal government banned Twitter operations in Nigeria last week and threatened to prosecute violators of the ban. Under the 1999 Constitution, can the federal government exercise the power to ban Twitter and pros- ecute its violators? I do not believe the president was right to have given the directive just because Twitter removed his post about the security in the Southeast. Don’t forget that the English law we are operating presumes that you are innocent until the court proves otherwise. Twitter, like human beings, has the right to suspend Buhari’s personal account in this context. The president cannot be a judge in his own case. If he felt wronged by what Twitter did, what he ought to have done is to approach the court of law, which has power of adjudication. He cannot jail Twitter for removing his comment. Only the court has such powers and not the president.

Under the 1999 Constitution, the power to enforce Talents Development Centre (TDC), which consists of 28 rooms graduates, Mary Adeyemo, direct admission to pursue a Land Use Act lies with the governors. At the same time, for students to engage in extracurricular activities like singing, doctoral programme in Law without LL. M. How did it the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act, which defines the welding, painting and barbing among other skills. We also happen? control and ownership of minerals, is within the power of created recreational facilities for students inside that centre. This I felt excited when I heard about it. I truly felt fulfilled when the federal government to enforce. Is it constitutional to centre was to help the students to realise their potentials apart I heard that she was asked to undertake a doctoral programme separate the control and ownership of land from that of from the class works, which are also very important. in Law without LLM. I said it was a big feat. In Nigeria, having minerals? You can see that this university is truly a child of circumstance a LLM with PhD grade is required for you to be a doctoral All the land resources in all the 36 states of the federation and has become a leader within 11 years. Apart from scoring candidate. But when you have a good degree, nothing stops were being held by governors in trust for the people. The 100% pass, our graduates had the best results in Law School you from being given direct admission to pursue any doctoral governors are in charge. Incontrovertibly, that is the law of this in 2018. The Overall Best Student was a graduate of ABUAD. programme. In those days, Nigeria’s premier university, the land as far as Nigeria is concerned. Any other law taking away We had 12 First Class while our students won 24 out of the University of Ibadan used to do the same thing. But the standard the powers of the governors in this regard is null and void and available 36 prizes. Even the NUC described our College of of education has fallen to the extent that you have to possess a of no effect. Let me just leave it at that. Law as the “Best in Africa”. The Nigerian Society of Engineers Master’s Degree before you can be offered admission to pursue (NSE) recommended our template for Engineering Education in your PhD. With this feat, the young lady does not need to pass You established a university that has revolutionised Nigeria. Our first set of graduates in the College of Medicine and through the rigour of masters. That will make her academic Nigeria’s tertiary education. As a legal icon, what inspired Health Sciences recorded 100 per cent pass, which was regarded journey very smooth and rewarding. But the feat is a product of you to establish the university? as the best feat ever recorded. So, ABUAD is truly setting the hard work that we encourage here in ABUAD. The establishment of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti pace and we are gradually getting there. (ABUAD) came like a child of circumstance. I never dreamt You have been running ABUAD for 11 good years or of founding a university of my own. My vision was to retire You set up a multisystem hospital to check medical tour- more. Can you explain some of the challenges associated as a judge after my exploits in litigation. Don’t forget that I ism, but some leaders are still going abroad for medicare. with running a university in Nigeria? was offered ministerial appointments twice. But I turned them How do you react to this? Running a world-class university that can earn respect locally down. After turning down the appointment, I was approached As much as it was my vision to develop education, I consid- and globally is difficult given some challenges I have been facing again to serve as the Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing ered quality healthcare delivery as very imperative to national in particular. One, there is an environmental challenge. What Council, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka. growth and development. In Afe Babalola University Teaching do I mean by environmental challenge? A university is sited Then, former President Olusegun Obasanjo requested me to Hospital (ABUTH), there are beautiful structures, ultramodern in a community. You need the cooperation of the community accept the offer because of the high level of corruption in the medical equipment and highly skilled medical personnel that can and the state, where you are operating. If you were in England, university. That made me the Pro Chancellor and Chairman, attend to the healthcare needs of all Nigerians, regardless of class. you would not need an Independent Power Plant (IPP). You UNILAG Governing Council between 2001 and 2008. I was Many past Presidents, Nigeria’s current Vice President, Prof. Yemi have it already. All you need to do is to pay your rate based on serving in this capacity when I saw the problems that afflicted Osinbajo, Governors, Ministers and Captains of Industries have agreement. the university system, especially, the publicly owned ones. I visited the ABUTH facility. They valued what we have there. You do not need to sink boreholes or dam a river because the served in this capacity pro bono for seven years. I did not take Did you know that the Medical Director/Chief Executive Of- water is there. All you need is to just pay. But all these are not a dime as salary or allowance. When I assumed duty, I brought ficer, First Cardiology Consultants, Dr Adeyemi Johnson visited there in Nigeria. You would have to provide these facilities on my clients – Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Shell Nigeria, Ekiti for the first time because of the multi-system hospital? He your own. Two, security is a big challenge. It is becoming more Pfizer, Julius Berger, among others, to donate to an Endowment is a seasoned interventional cardiologist. He is reputed to be the worrisome in Nigeria. In recent times, kidnappers see students Fund we instituted. best cardiologist around. After visiting ABUTH, Dr. Johnson said as a way of making easy money. This is because no parents will In the end, this really paid off. Julius Berger put up a new the university has more modern equipment that outmatched want their children to die in captivity. That accounts for why a engineering laboratory for the university. My team and I all the hospitals in Lagos put together. He said we had the best university must be well-secured. Three, no matter how novel, succeeded in restoring peace, security and stability to the system. equipment in the country. Let me say this for the record. There is progressive, pragmatic and workable your idea and vision are, Corruption was dealt with in the university. As a result, the no magic in medical science. how to get the right personnel to key into the vision through National Universities Commission (NUC) voted me twice as the A Doctor can only be good if he has access to good diligent and effective teaching becomes a critical challenge. best Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council in equipment. If you check our records, we have succeeded Don’t forget that many of these teachers were trained in public Nigeria. When I left UNILAG, I thought of what I could do to tremendously. We have recorded breakthroughs in brain surgery, universities, which are already used to a layback attitude. At- demonstrate how an ideal university of global reckoning should eye surgery, laparoscopy, and many others. A girl, who could not titude to work in private universities is different from that of the be. I realised then that a university should be a place where you see for 14 years of her life, regained her sight here. Many doctors, public ones. When we wanted to start the College of Medicine enter and feel the goddess of education. who were trained in the United States, England and other and Health Sciences, we approached the state teaching hospital It should be a place that is well laid out. It should be an advanced nations, have come here to perform operations and for partnership. But they said that was not possible. I then went institution that has good teachers, laboratories, aesthetic struc- treat patients. Some were even surprised at the low fees we are to the Federal Medical Centre, Ido Ekiti, owned by the federal tures, equipment and infrastructure. These were what we put charging here. They even said the fees we charge are not even government, where I encountered a lot of problems. in place and got right in ABUAD. Within two years, the NUC enough to catch a flight to some of these countries where our As willing as they were, the medical facility was a mere described ABUAD as “the pride of the university system in leaders and rich men traveled to for medical treatment. medical centre that could not secure accreditation for running Nigeria” while the Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Some patients have been brought from abroad to get the College of Medicine and Health Sciences. We had to provide Universities described our university “as the most successful treatments here in ABUTH. The records are there. Nigerians infrastructure to upgrade the FMC to the status of a teaching private university in Nigeria. Also, the United Nations Educa- do not value what they have because of the fear that we have hospital. Immediately, we started investing in the place. In truth, tional, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) described no equipment in Nigeria and that they have to be treated by a we spent billions to turn it to a teaching hospital. But about a ABUAD as “a world-class institution of Higher Education”. white man before they can get well. Time, they say, is a healer month after we started the programme, the doctors there began of all diseases. I know that with time, some of those who are a strike. I pleaded over and over again before they decided to After 11 years of operation, have you been able to still traveling abroad will appreciate what we have here and resume. Within a year that we started, they went on strike three demonstrate what an ideal university system should be? patronise our multi-system hospital times. That was why I started this multi-system hospital here. In entirety, my vision is to ensure that we have quality and functional education in Nigeria. We started by establishing a Oxford University recently offered one of ABUAD’s (See full interview online - www.thisdaylive.com) 72 SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 • THISDAY 73 74 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NE 13,2021 DIASPORA Onyi Nwagbara A Poorly Equipped Soldier Cannot Be Patriotic Onyi Nwagbara, a former Visiting Professor of Military Science at the Nigerian Defence Academy and currently ÜÙÐÏÝÝÙÜÙÐÙâÓÍÙÖÙÑãËÞÞÒÏÓÖÏØÓàÏÜÝÓÞãÌßÔ˘áÒÏÜÏÒÏÝÞËÜÞÏÎÓÞÝÏÎÓÍËÖÍÒÙÙÖ˜ÝÒËÜÏÝÒÓÝÏâÚÏÜÓÏØÍÏËÝ ËÍÙ×ÌËÞËÔÙܘÒÓÝãÏËÜÝÓØßÖÐØÏËܘ ÜËÛ˜ÕÓØËáË ËÚËØËØÎÙÝØÓ˲áËÑÌËܢáÒÙËÖÝÙÞËßÑÒÞËÞÞÒÏ ×ÏÜÓÍËØØÓàÏÜÝÓÞãÙÖËËÐÞÏÜ͹;ãÏËÜÝÙÐÚÜÙÐÏÝÝÙÜÝÒÓÚËÞÞÒÏØÓàÏÜÝÓÞãÙÐÖÙÜÓ΢ÝÚÏËÕÝÙØÞÒÏÜÓÝÓØÑÝÞËÞÏÙÐ ÓØÝÏÍßÜÓÞãÓØÞÒÏÍÙßØÞÜãËØÎáÒãÓÑÏÜÓËØÝÙÖÎÓÏÜÝËÜÏÐÓÑÒÞÓØÑáÓÞÒËÖÙá×ÙÜËÖÏ˛Nduka NwosuÜÏÚÙÜÞݲâÍÏÜÚÞÝ˝

agvin Anderson Commander of the US of God and fight powers and principalities. In the Old Testament Special Operations Command, Africa, just during the battle between David and Goliath, David was being asked the Southern part of the country to dressed in the garb of war and he said no. Ideally that was what stay on alert because terror groups includ- it was supposed to be. We cannot send our officers and men to ing Al Qaeda and ISIS are establishing a the frontline without the accompanying weaponry they need to presence in this part of the country. What’s fight with. I hear such stories as running out of arms and ammuni- D your take? tions. How? There is the story of our men overwhelmed by the There are intelligent reports regarding the superior fire power of Boko Haram. No, no, it must not be so. We infiltration of ISIS and Al Qaeda in Nigeria. The reports suggest are supposed to equip our armed forces. Whether Boko Haram is these terrorist groups have established cells in some parts of the in Sambisa or in Niger State, all we need are three or four AH-64 Southeast, the Southwest and the South south of the country. Apache helicopters with gunships mounted on them, flying at a What the Federal Government and the armed forces should low range. do now is to establish control and command centres within its counter-terrorism unit. It should also be willing to share informa- Did you hear Boko Haram’s claims of our aircraft tion with such countries as the US that is supplying the Nigerian brought down with the pilots yet to be seen? Intelligence network with relevant information. Unfortunately, You cannot hear that with a US apache helicopter. I mean what Nigeria has very few intelligence analysts who are presently are we talking about? You know where these people are located. overwhelmed with the activities of terrorist organisations in our They are here. This is an era of technology where drones can go on midst. a mission of aerial reconnaissance and take pictures of where these There is need to be vigilant. The local vigilante groups in each people are and give you real time where they are located. The US community should be actively involved in staying awake to all the does not send foot soldiers to war; they don’t put boots on the issues under discussion with a state coordination centre in each of ground any more. They stay in the warship and just press buttons. these Southern states. Even in the US buttons get pressed for far reaching consequences. Look at how Osama Bin Laden was taken out. It was a real time What is your take on Nigeria’s prevailing state of insecu- operation. The old methods of fighting battles and wars are over. rity? We need to get on with technology and science as they evolve. It is very disheartening. This is a country that I used to know You can send 10 drones to Sambisa forest and launch rockets. If before I went to the US. When I returned as an expatriate between you lose a drone so be it. How much is a drone? We are simply 2008 and 2012 when I was at the American University in Yola, you not serious. We are not serious at all; to me we are not honest to can leave Yola and go anywhere. All that has changed. ourselves and that is why we are losing our men and women who Everybody should be security conscious. We cannot continue have sacrificed to defend our sovereignty. We must equip our men like this with this state of insecurity pervading the entire country. at the frontline with all the weaponry they need to fight the war Security is everybody’s business. If a place is not secure, it cannot and defend the sovereignty of this nation. attract investors. One of the most important needs of investment I left for the US at the age of 17 after secondary education at Wil- is security. The implication is to borrow from the US which places Nwagbara liams Memorial Secondary School in Afuguri, Ohuhu Umuahia, a high premium on men and women of the armed forces who Abia State. I graduated in 1981 and I am presently the national defend and protect the country. That is the spirit of patriotism in gas masks. It is part of your gear as a military person in the US. You president of the Old Students Association. General Ihejirika every American. That is something that has been inculcated in me need night vision goggles; you can maneuver with it; your move- former Chief of Army Staff is an ex-student of the institution. that I will cherish all the days of my life. ment is not restricted because you can see; it is part of your gear. You William Memorial was a great institution built by Dr. Michael We keep accusing our men and women in the armed forces that have your weapon, you have your armour; you have your night Iheonukara Okpara, a great guy and former Premier of Eastern they are not defending the country enough. If you know today that vision goggles, you have your binoculars and you have your gas Nigeria. Whatever I know about science started from Williams when you go to war and you don’t come back and your family mask. This is part of you. You have your armoured vest and you Memorial. would not be taken care of, where then will come the spirit of are ready to go. Here you see our military men wearing a pair of patriotism to defend the country? I hear all manner of stories that tennis shoes. How are you going to do that? They call our military You left very early for the US, Why? a fallen colleague’s widow who comes for her husband’s entitle- and police force rag tag. This type of scenario does not lift the I wanted to study Medicine. In those days there was just one ments went into negotiation with officer in-charge on how much morale, it makes the average person in the force un-patriotic. The medical school, the University of Nigeria Medical School or of that entitlement should be shared with her with such question as first day I arrived at my cadet school at Fort Benning Georgia, we Teaching Hospital (UNTH) at Enugu Campus. The University how much is my percentage from this entitlement? This is wrong. call it the reception, I was given six pairs of Battle Dress Uniforms of Port Harcourt just came up and because it was relatively new It is evil. There is nowhere in the world that such a thing happens. (BDUs), three for winter, and three for summer. I was given four and inexperienced, it was not an optionMy elder brother went to Nationhood propels patriotism that would want the citizen to pairs of boots, 12 pairs of stockings, 10 pairs of under shirts, and 12 the US in 1980. He did not for one day desired to study in Nigeria. die defending the Nigerian green white green flag of nationhood pairs of under wears, 12 towels and after this I am expected to use So upon graduating from High School in 1977, he did his HSC but that spirit of patriotism is not there. This is unlike every citizen one towel a day. These were the things given to us with a dougha and shortly after that he left for the US. Then when I wrote the first of the United States, Republican, Democrat or Independent; it bag and a rucksack where you put all your operational food rations JAMB exam, I scored 284. does not matter. Everyone is patriotic; it takes you to a lot of places (MREs) and you are good to go. I was at the gulf War fighting for I couldn’t get admission to study Medicine. That was how in life and that’s why when Americans go to war in any part of the injustice. That’s what Americans do. Yes, America is not perfect but tough it was those days. I wrote the second one and scored about world, they do their best because they know that they are fighting I don’t think there is any country in the world that compares with 301. Nsukka placed me on the supplementary list. At the end for a cause. They have taken that oath to defend the sovereignty them when it comes to human rights. They can fight for human of the day I didn’t get admission. My elder brother was already of the nation. That is the spirit the US Army impacted in me. rights; we went to Bosnia because the ethnic minority Moslems in the US asked my parents I should come over to the US rather Any one that doesn’t have that even as a four star general cannot were being killed. The first thing happened in the Gulf One war. than wait in vain for JAMB. I went to the US with an intention to deliver. You have to have that spirit of patriotism; until that spirit Saddam Hussein marched across and took over Kuwait. That study Medicine but before you can study Medicine in the US you of patriotism is introduced or re-awakened in us, in the minds was unfair. Basically the two wars I found myself fighting were need to have a first degree. So I went ahead to study Microbiol- of our men and women in uniform, we cannot fight insurgency meant to save the Muslims. So it is not about religious affiliation, it ogy. It was during the period I did some internship with some and other vices tearing our country apart. I cannot trade my US is all about saving humanity, love, equity and justice. That’s what I hospitals and I was not pleased with what I saw. I said no, I don’t military experience with anything in the world. believe in my life, which is what an average American believes in. want to study Medicine anymore. On my graduation, I went It is not a perfect system because no system is perfect however on a ahead to obtain a Master’s degree in Micro. I then joined the US Can you give to your country when it has given nothing to scale of one to 10, I will give the US system 8.5, probably nine. There Army and was commissioned in 1988 as a Second Lieutenant. I you? is racism but when it comes to patriotism, an average American is was deployed overseas and I fought at the First Gulf War. I was The country was not always like this. It had something to give to very patriotic. in Bosnia and did some joint force training in Belize, the Central its citizens. When you draft the Nigerian Police for Peace Keeping The belief is that no one’s human rights should be infringed America Guatemala; I was in Okinawa Japan. It was a wonderful assignments, they excel. The Nigerian Police performs exceedingly upon. That is why you see US armed Forces all over the world. experience and I cannot trade my US experience for anything in during international assignments where their entitlements are de- Look at what is happening now in the Baltics between the NATO this world. If I have to do it again, I will do it over and over again. livered by the UN Peace Keeping Mission. They deliver when the and US forces on the one hand and the Russian forces on the other I was commissioned in the US, with the best military establish- right equipment to work with is there. Here we are talking about hand. The US military is there to deter Russia from taking over ment in the world. The day I was commissioned, my brother was AK47. Russia that manufactured AK47 does not use it any more. It Ukraine. They stand for justice. There is the popular American present. Out of 128 cadets that were admitted to the school, only 94 was manufactured in the 1940s and was known as Madison or its expression: I gat your back or America gat your back. It is some- were commissioned and five of us were blacks. I was posted to the equivalent in Biafra. We have to be serious. When I visited India as thing that every American believes in. So the US Armed Forces-the largest military base in the world Fort Hood, San Antonio Texas; a Visiting Professor of the Nigerian Defence Academy where I was army, the navy, the marine, the air force, the coast guards get the from Fort Hood I got overseas deployment. I left the military in a professor of military science teaching Regular Course 61, 62 and same training. We believe in being patriotic and that takes you a 1998 as a Major and moved into the academia. I did my Masters 63, the cadets I thought were confronted on the issue of gas mask. I long way in life. in Microbiology and a PhD in Toxicology from the University of asked them: how can you go to battle without your gas mask? I did Florida. chemical and biological warfare which I thought at the Defence What’s your take on Boko Haram? It has been a very wonderful experience for 27 years running Academy. Your enemy can decide to use gas,-serene gas and you The issue of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria is unfortunate. with 25 years full time. I was at Louisiana before I moved to don’t have gas mask to defend yourself. Look at what happened In the US they are known as a rag tag army and here is a rag tag Florida IM College of Pharmacy where 16 years ago I became a during the Iran and Iraq war where Saddam Hussein gassed the army trying to overrun our Nigerian Armed Forces. You cannot full professor; from there I came back to Nigeria as an expatriate. citizens. It happened in Syria. go to war unprepared, without the right weaponry. Even in the I taught in one of the universities in the north, the American The situation on ground is that Nigerian soldiers do not have Bible in the New Testament, we are advised to put on the armour University. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 13, 2021 75 with Chidi Amuta ENGAGEMENTS e-mail: [email protected] Twitter, Diversion and the Next Level he Buhari administration has just stumbled on a this vital national asset with digital exclusion. convenient but unexpected political diversion: the Most importantly, Twitter and the other social media platforms Twitter ban. We can keep debating Twitter while an have become an active and permanent part of the new ecology of the orchestrated project of deepening authoritarianism globalization of freedom and democracy. All over the world, those takes hold. While Twitter rages, the president has said who seek more freedom in their political space have come to deploy in his latest television interview that he has ‘ordered’ the power of the social media. During the Arab Spring, the youth of the police and the army to be more ‘ruthless’ in Tunisia in 2011, the protesters of the Egyptian revolution and the anti dealing with dissidents and to ‘shoot at sight’ those Ghaddafi protesters in Libya massively deployed the power of the so- wielding assault rifles. No arrests. No investigation. No judicial trials. cial media to fell the long entrenched dictatorships of Hosni Mubarak, FromT a democratically elected president, the linguistic shift to garrison Muamar Ghaddafi and Abidine Ben Ali. Also, the Twitter Revolution theatre commands should send danger signals. But perhaps this was in Moldovia (2009) and the Iranian election protests ten years ago were the promised ‘next level’ in the Buhari agenda. similarly powered by widespread deployment of the social media by Still, under the shadow of the Twitter ban controversy also, Mr. armies of youth and multitudes of troubled ordinary people. Lai Mohammed has sneaked in a regulatory template requiring the The two critical forces and value systems that lie at the root of today’s entire social media to be licensed to feature in Nigeria. Again, no public human progress are democracy and the free open market. Both are debate. No parliamentary deliberation leading to an enabling legisla- increasingly powered by the new technologies of information flow tion. Just executive fiat and ministerial directives delivered with the through the internet and the social media. They are endangered each finality of military decrees. These are major steps in the slide towards time a platform of freedom is assaulted or constrained by the forces of a mindless autocracy and a culture of unquestioning acquiescence. authoritarian imposition. And they are coming from an administration initially dressed up as a Perhaps unconsciously, the assault on Twitter indecently enrolls democratic successor regime. Nigeria into the infamous club of nations that are indifferent at best to With these developments, Mr. Buhari seems well on the way back democratic values. This unfortunate club includes the likes of Turkey, to his comfort zone of autocracy. As it is, Nigeria is being timidly China, Hungary, Vietnam, Iran, Bangladesh, North Korea and Uganda enrolled into the ranks of a growing club of populist autocrats and all of whom have varying degrees of restrictions on the social media. elected illiberal practitioners. Befittingly, Buhari has just been com- These are countries in where those who opt for free expression are plimented by a famed mascot of that ill -fated tradition: Mr. Donald regarded and treated as an opposition that must be muzzled, repressed Trump. The worst president in US history has just congratulated his and silenced. Nigerian equivalent for accomplishing a Twitter ban he dared not For all the noise that it has generated so far, however, the Nigerian attempt. And predictably, Mr. Lai Mohammed has been quoted as Lai Mohammed Twitter ban remains an unfortunate deliberate political diversion. It having celebrated Trump’s heroic endorsement! rules and laws in these jurisdictions without waiving their prerogative is a diversion by a government that has run out of governance ideas A thoughtless and hurried indefinite suspension of Twitter from of corporate independence and integrity. and policy options in the face of overwhelming existential problems. the Nigerian internet space has just been executed. It was long foretold It is of course the corresponding prerogative of the Nigerian or On the scale of the problems confronting Nigeria today, an unjustified and rehearsed. It is perhaps the first step in the actualization of a long any other government to determine what constitutes a violation of swift Twitter ban is the least urgent matter on the table. Yet it has been hunger for curtailing the footprints of the social media and indeed the its national interests. Between the protection of Twitter’s corporate unleashed with maximum haste and minimum contemplation or freedom of expression represented by the media in general. For an integrity and the presumptive protection of the national interests even deliberation. Nigerians are openly wishing that their government administration in the throes of a concoction of multiple afflictions, the of Nigeria, a fatal hiatus has occurred. But the conundrum is that could deal with banditry, kidnapping, industrial scale abduction of Twitter ban is perhaps the least damage to expect on the freedoms and the Buhari regime’s court messengers have mistaken the Nigerian school children, abject poverty and unemployment with nearly half rights of democracy. Since after the ENDSARS protests and similar national interest for the ego of their principal. They seem to have placed the speed and urgency of the Twitter ban. other eruptions of public disquiet against the serial missteps of the a higher premium on the personal ego of Mr. Buhari over and above Suddenly, an effete machinery of state that has been overwhelmed administration, major officials have expressed a preference for a more the democratic entitlement of the Nigerian public to freedom of expres- and outgunned by ramshackle terror gangs found its mojo only in quiescent and pliant public space. sion. These same Nigerians who voted for Mr. Buhari in both 2015 dealing with an intangible app on our cell phones. Yet we are in a place This is of course a tragic misreading of the nature and natural and 2019 constitute the definitive sovereignty of Nigeria in matters where factional fire fights and incendiary rhetoric by separatist forces disposition of the Nigerian public. Our life blood is a certain robust of democratic entitlements. The pendulum of sovereign superiority has drowned the voice of the government. The state cannot manage to and compulsive rowdiness in all situations. Nigerians treasure their always swings in favour of the people. To insist and act otherwise summon a counter narrative to the divisiveness that its own deliberate freedom. We want to say what we feel, to live loudly and drown our signals a dangerous drift in the direction of dictatorship. policies has generated. An economy that is wracked by the collapse of countless frustrations while celebrating our few victories in skits, It is therefore surprising that Mr. Buhari and his handlers should ex- oil and the debilitating disruptions of Covid-19 has left the majority of comedy strips and lavish parties. By instinct, we dissent from official pect Twitter to erect a different set of rules for him. There is a possibility Nigerians breathless in the chokehold of abject poverty. viewpoints and received assumptions. That is who we are. The social that Mr. Buhari’s coterie of court messengers may have mistaken the The resulting fractured and mashed up society has become a fester- media has only come in handy to embody and channel our peculiari- global internet space for Nigeria’s increasingly illiberal and constrictive ing cesspool for all manner of criminal endeavours. A national society ties as a people. democratic space. By shutting down Twitter in Nigeria, Aso Rock court that once thrived on the basis of its sense of communitarian solidarity For this government, however, the Twitter ban is one culmination messengers have invited the additional vitriol that is being heaped and mutual trust has become shredded into enclaves each fenced in by of a long period of discomfort with the vibrancy of Nigerians and on their beleaguered administration. The backlash is an unfortunate distrust, hate of the other and illusions of isolated self determination. our media. We have in the past six years witnessed a series of timid addition to Nigeria’s already bad reputation around the world. A national dream once driven by pride in the grandeur of the adversarial actions against the media but none so far as overt and far The displeasure of the Nigerian public has of course reverberated African dream has become shrunk into shriveled yearnings for reaching as the recent exclusion of Twitter. Some nondescript journal- in the free world. With predictable unanimity, the UN, US, EU, UK miserable little tribal republics. This sorry spectacle is the direct result of ists at the periphery have been detained at the instance of overbearing and Canada have jointly and severally condemned the action of Aso Mr. Buhari’s project of constrictive nativism and deliberate shrinkage state officials. Some television stations have been fined or penalized Rock on the Twitter matter and in fact advised a roll back. The Nigerian of Nigeria to the size of his ethno-regional fiefdom. The agitations for for minor infractions such as using cell phone video footage to air government has met with emissaries of these power blocs to explain its Biafra, Oduduwa and whatever else now on the menu of national news on the ENDSARS protests. Mr. Lai Mohammed, Mr. Buhari’s actions while they in turn have rammed home the sanctity of freedom disintegration are direct responses to the exclusionist statecraft of the propaganda Czar and his Aso Rock backup squad have found cause of expression of Nigerians if indeed Nigeria still wants to be regarded Daura musketeer. to spar with the media on the less than impressive track record of the as a responsibly member of the global community and desirable And yet, there sits in Aso Rock a government that parades an administration on nearly everything. investment destination. How the government in Abuja navigates this electoral mandate and a banner of democracy. A pathetic and pliant Twitter’s deletion of a menacing and divisive comment by Mr. risky turn is up to the diplomatic skills of its technocrats. National Assembly sits in ready acquiescence to the most basic Buhari on the Nigerian civil war is at the heart of the current impasse. But the Twitter ban has raised too many other important issues reflexes of an authoritarian executive spewing policy options rooted in For Twitter, the Buhari post constituted a violation of its policy against about Nigeria’s present dysfunctional state. Twitter, like the rest of the Medieval conservatism and simplistic village mores. hate speech and incendiary utterances by persons in positions of social media, is a carrier of not just the values of openness and freedom You must have a nation before you grandstand on what media significant power and influence. In strict enforcement of its policy on of expression. It is above all else a business tool and communication should thrive and which to exclude. You must have a functioning these matters, Twitter promptly and routinely took down the Buhari channel. It carries the business communications of millions of Nigerian secure nation before you deploy the instruments of law enforcement post which in any case was as unpopular with the Nigerian audience entrepreneurs and corporate bodies. It carries the micro advertise- and justice to the hounding of opponents or those who download as it may have irked other Twitter users all over the world. Mr. Buhari’s ments of millions of small to large business undertakings. For Nigerian VPN to access Twitter. unguarded outburst has predictably reverberated badly among youth, Twitter and the other social media platforms are the vehicles for Before we make Twitter the issue, let us first address the consolida- segments of Nigeria’s already charged and badly divided polity. their startups and digital enterprises which now provide employment tion of injustice as the directive principle of state policy under Mr. Taken on its own, the Buhari post was a violation of Twitter’s rules and livelihood for millions of them as well as sustenance for more Buhari’s Nigeria. Serial grandstanding by regime megaphones cannot but also a credible threat to the national security of the country over established businesses. Not to talk of the instant communications of all compensate for the embarrassing incompetence that has become the which he presides. Twitter was right in taking it down just as it was government agencies ranging from defense and security to parastatals trademark of the current administration. There is no point looking right in also taking down incendiary posts by Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the and the diplomatic community. The clamp down on Twitter therefore for any regime adversaries in our current travails; the enemy is in the absentee self- appointed Biafra champion and impressario. did not seem to take into consideration the vast gamut of collateral house. Over time, Twitter and the other social media platforms have come casualties has entailed. Before we allow government resources to be deployed in a foolish to occupy the position of global conduits of freedom of expression. In a period of dwindling government revenues and shrinking search for a Chinese internet firewall as an alternatives to the social This universal purpose has often come to eclipse the fact that these opportunities, a deliberate government action that leads to such media, let us remind our overlords in Abuja that China and even social media platforms are outgrowths of huge corporations with massive financial and economic loss is not only insensitive but also North Korea at least have effective states whose political preference in- house ethical prescriptions and rules. Those who use these media pathetically foolish. It is even an act of economic sabotage committed happen to be different from the Western model of democracy and often forget that the freedom of expression which they avail us all is by the government against itself and its citizens. freedom. You cannot foist a restriction on information and com- undergirded by rules and regulations endorsed by their respective In the age of globalization, the massive patronage of the social media munication on a nation whose boisterous diversity defies constric- boards of directors and proprietors. by segments of the Nigerian population has helped Nigerian citizens tion. Nor can you lock up our bustling town hall of ideas, talents, Thus, a voracious connoisseur and utilizer of Twitter like America’s and organizations to become part and parcel of the global architecture enterprise and the creativity of 200 million Nigerians. former president, Mr. Donald Trump, temporarily forgot that even of transnational business and culture. Our churches, mosques, banks, The nation over which Mr. Buhari presides is already a blood drunken reverie has its rules. Once it became clear that Mr. Trump’s digital enterprises, entertainment companies, performing artists etc. spattered canvass and an anarchic place. To impose an autocracy on use and consumption of the social media had become potentially are now part of the global network courtesy of the digital revolution top of an anarchy is a reckless excursion into power adventurism. dangerous to America’s identity and national security as a democracy, facilitated by the various channels and social media platforms. By con- Twitter and the social media provide a free aperture for social and the social media corporations moved against him. He was excluded straining just Twitter alone, the vital linkage between these Nigerian political ventilation for our people. To shut that opening is an open by all the platforms. While his other exclusions remain in place, global corporate citizens and their home base is being threatened by invitation to defiance and angry protest. I would not know whether Facebook has just extended its own for a further two years. the actions of the clique in Abuja. this eventuality was intended but it is a clear and present hazard. Irrespective of the jurisdiction in which they operate, therefore, Nigeria’s diaspora is not just a cultural and demographic force. It The Twitter ban and the threat of regulation on the social media Twitter and the other social media corporations have a right to insist remits home an average of $35 billion annually, a quantum of revenue are open invitations to the fire next time. The wise thing is for on a strict observance of their corporate regulations and service rules. in excess of annual receipts from oil and gas exports. By the casual fiat government to quietly withdraw those untidy invitations. And very They of course have a responsibility to remain sensitive to the local of an egocentric monarch and his backup escorts, we are threatening quickly, too. 76 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͱ˜ͰͮͰͯ

News Editor: Gboyega Akinsanmi NEWS E-mail: ÑÌÙãÏÑ˲ËÕÓØÝËØ×Ó̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט͸΀͹ͽͺͻͽ΁ͺͽͻ AMCON Disposed N40bn Assets to Settle N3.15bn Debt, Companies Allege ‡ Ask AMCON to render account of sold assets ‡Lament wanton destruction of their properties Tobi Soniyi involving properties taken from count was N8.5 billion, we were by solicitors to AMCON that managing director that it was settle the debt, yet the figures them. also informed that AMCON the alleged debt has grown to the mandate of the organisation have been arbitrarily increased. Grant Properties Ltd, Knight He said the account would could give a waiver of about over N33 billion, which is quite to destroy businesses, or make “If the total principal borrowed Rook Limited, Fibigboye enable the companies to N1-1.5 billion on this sum, with frightening because the total huge profits like banks, since was less than N3.2 billion, why Properties Limited and Havilah ascertain the value of the assets approval of the Central Bank principal sum borrowed on the corporation is being funded does AMCON want to destroy Villas have alleged that Asset that have been taken over by of Nigeria (CBN). both loans was N3.15 billion.” from the public purse. our business in order to recover Management Corporation of AMCON. “Without prejudice, we He also expressed concern “We were also assured that N33 billion, which is more than Nigeria (AMCON) sold N40 He narrated how his father immediately indicated that that AMCON wanted N23 AMCON’s mandate is to as- 10 times what we borrowed?” billion worth of properties Chief Olajide Awosedo died as we were willing to settle the billion for the Knight Rook sist both banks and indebted Olajide-Awosedo asked. belonging to them to settle a result of the hardship he was account without the waiver, at account, and almost N10 bil- companies as much as possible. He pleaded with AMCON N3.15 billion debts. subjected to by AMCON and N8.5bn these are facts. lion for Havilah Villas, saying We were assured by several to treat his companies fairly, Consequently, the companies how his widow was evicted “Since then we have been these are rather bewildering and senior members of AMCON recalling that his father died asked AMCON, a public while still mourning the death quite alarmed on receipt of worrisome claims management, including yourself, in the course of trying to settle institution empowered to take of her husband. documents and processes filed He reminded the AMCON that N8.5 billion is adequate to the debts possession, manage, sell, transfer He stated that the respon- or assign property used as sibility “is ultimately in your security for eligible bank assets, hands, as managing director to render an account for the and CEO of AMCON; it is you sale of the properties seized who must decide if AMCON from them. will continue to pressure us to They made this call in a death, and I beg you to be fair, recent five-page letter signed transparent and compassionate, by the Managing Director, and bring this unfortunate and Grant Properties Limited, Dr tragic experience to an end.” Olawunmi Olajide-Awosedo He said that it has been and addressed to AMCON’s 3 years since AMCON took Managing Director, Mr. Ahmed over their businesses and assets, Kuru recently. during which time several assets Olajide-Awosedo, in the had been sold. letter, said the companies were A copy of the letter obtained convinced that the value of the by our correspondent read: assets recovered from them was “At the time (June 2017), we in excess of N40 billion, against were informed that the total a principal debt of N3.15 billion. exposure was N8.1 billion, He said: “We are requesting which included the principal AMCON to render a fair and and interest accrued on both transparent account of the assets the Havilah Villas and Victory taken from us, and discharge Park/Knight Rook accounts. us from the debt.” “We were also told that after He also requested for a adding N400 million in fees for SEASON OF MASS DEFECTION. . . comprehensive statement of the receiver manager, the total Kwara State Governor, Mr. AbdulRazaq AbdulRahaman receiving thousands of defectors from other parties at the Government House Banquet the account of the transactions sum required to settle the ac- Hall, Ilorin,Kwara State Masari: Nigeria Needs Restructuring, Not Disintegration Francis Sardauna in Katsina admonishing those calling for They have their own people the unity of the country. done under the First Republic would retire to his farm. the division of the country to in all villages. We, also, have Masari, however, noted that the in order to pave the way for them He said: “I have no plan; Katsina State Governor, Alhaji jettison such ideas and join hands our own who are living in the devolution of power would avert to provide adequate security to neither do I have intention of Aminu Masari, has cautioned together with other Nigerians to forest. the duplication of federal, state and the citizenry, which is in dire need contesting for any election in 2023. those calling for the disintegration move the country forward. “But I do not think a sensible local governments’ efforts in terms in the country,” he explained. First of all, I was in the House of Nigeria to have a rethink, de- He said those calling for the leader from that part of the of infrastructure development and He said only fairness and of Representatives as speaker scribing them as senseless people division of Nigeria from other country that knows what is enhance centralisation of activities equity, as well as responsible so I have no intention of going whose agitations are not healthy parts of the country “have doing will call for the division in all tiers of government. and good leadership “can make back to the National Assembly for the development of Nigeria. no even sense. If they have of the country. If the country The governor said: “We need to Nigeria remain as one indivisible by contesting the senate seat or Masari, a former Speaker of the sense, their people move is divided, where will you go? make government, especially at the entity. Unless we start to see any other seat. House of Representatives, added around Nigeria more than You do not have a country to local government and state levels ourselves as one body, that can “I was the deputy national that while the unity of Nigeria was any other person. They are go to,” he said. more functional, and this can only only be achieved where there is chairman of the All Progressives sacrosanct, it was better to insist on found in nearly all villages The governor called on both be done through proper allocation devolution.” Congress when it was formed so the need to restructure the country in Nigeria. religious and political leaders ir- of resources and responsibilities. Masari, however, disclosed that I am not interested in party office. in all its ramifications rather than “It is not the discussion respective of ethnic, religious and “If the country was devolved he had no intention to contest Katsina has produced presidents clamouring for disintegration. of their leaders. It is not the tribal affiliations to come together, realistically, governors will be any political position after the for eight years before President He made these remarks at a discussion of those with sense set aside every selfish interests the chief security officers of expiration of his second term Muhammadu Buhari emerged news conference Friday night, among them. They are thugs. and primordial sentiments for their respective states as was as governor in 2023, saying he as a civilian president”. We’re on a Mission to Defend Nigeria’s Unity, PNG Declares Gboyega Akinsanmi made this remark at the unveiling rendered our democracy unwork- On the way forward, according democracy. ing the constitution works. Our of the group in Lagos, decrying able. Power is now in the hands to the convener, the first thing to be He, also, suggested the need fight should be in ensuring that Pro-Nigeria Group (PNG), a that 22 years after democracy, of the few by the few and for done is to fight for real separation “to strengthen the rule of law. democracy works in all ramifica- movement of nationalists and politicians had continued to use the few. of power and returning power The president should allow future tions.” patriots, yesterday disclosed that it looted funds to perpetually hold “From 1960 to today, Nigeria to the people. Inspector General of police to Omotola explained the was on a mission to rescue Nigeria on power in a bid to preserve has been in decline on all indices: He said there was a need for emerge by succession instead of imperative of convening PNG and mobilise leaders of thought the loot. the exchange rate, inflation, debt, the government to scrap all State the highly politicised selection established to promote Nigeria, across all geo-political zones to He said: “You will see this as education, healthcare, price of Independent Electoral Commis- of IG that has diminished the which has become unpopular due defend the unity of the country. politicians move from opposi- petrol, insecurity and mortality. sions (SIECs), lamenting that they police and we all can see the to agitations by diverse interests PNG, however, lamented that tion to ruling party to escape We continue on decline.” had become tools in the hands impact. across the country. the nation’s democracy was still prosecution. The politicians have Omotola said the 1999 Consti- of all state governors to put local “Until the police are reformed He said as much as they were standing on one leg 22 years after, decimated our entire institutions tution had not worked because governments in their pockets. along strict professionalism, the entitled to their views and expres- blaming politicians for looting the from the judiciary to legislature to politicians continued to breach it, “All elections from ward to issue of rigging on election day sion of interest, it would only be nation’s commonwealth and media to education to healthcare stressing that if politicians could presidency should be conducted and insecurity will persist. Our fair for other views of unity to be disregarding provisions of the none is working. not obey the constitution, any by INEC. Until we liberate our judiciary should be autonomous heard. He added that the silence 1999 Constitution. “The politicians have blocked other constitution would be a Local Government, I am sorry, to enable rule of law. The fight of the elite over the unity of this Convener of PNG, Lai Omotola separation of powers and have waste of time. we cannot have a participatory we should engage in is ensur- country is wicked and evil. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͻ˜ͰͮͰͯ 77 NEWSXTRA Amaechi: Nigeria Still Trapped in Poverty Despite Buhari’s Policies ‡ Seeks focus on rural majority to tackle poverty ‡ Urges FG to learn from Brazil, China, India

Gboyega Akinsanmi among the most vulnerable marginalisation of our rural as life has become a scramble and delivery system is in desperate then it can work in Nigeria, segments of our populace. compatriots. a hustle among many. Poverty disrepair just as our public despite its very peculiar situation. The Minister of Transportation, He said: “These include the “Our current land title and induced criminality has sent infrastructure has continued He said the achievement of Mr. Rotimi Amaechi yesterday various Direct Cash Transfer tenure systems have continued crime statistics through the roof to decay over the years,” the the Chinese in poverty reduction lamented that the burden of pov- Schemes, micro credit, Trader to consign our rural landowners nationwide resulting in the culture minister said. had been equated with a modern erty in Nigeria continued to weigh Money, the School Feeding to peasant holders of acres of of perennial insecurity that now Citing examples of how other day miracle. heavily on the country despite Programme, the Small to Me- farmland without commercial haunts the nation. countries successfully fought The minister explained that the some poverty reduction policies dium Enterprises credit scheme, value. “A resource poor treasury poverty, Amaechi evaluated achievement “corresponded with initiated by the administration of the various agricultural credit “We need to reform our land has led to considerable decay the effect of poverty reduction a period of sustained economic President Muhammadu Buhari. schemes and anchor borrowers title system by removing encum- in the capacity of the state to policies in China, India and Brazil, growth. It adopted the strategy Amaechi, a former governor of schemes. brances on rural land titles so that equip the armed and security which he said, were once in the of focusing on the poorest people Rivers State, argued that it was “It is hoped that these schemes rural farmers can use such land forces adequately to contain an socio-economic crises that Nigeria in the rural areas. It massively either that the poverty reduction will over time converge to reduce to access credit from the banks upsurge in crime and militant was facing today. moved them from poor homes schemes “are not well thought the magnitude and demographics and credit unions.“Inequality has nationalism and regionalism. If it could work in those coun- in the countryside to apartment out or the resources committed of the poor in our midst. Previous produced an anarchic population “Our hospitals and healthcare tries, according to the minister, blocks in urban areas. to them are too meagre to make government efforts have also any significant impact.” contributed significantly in He made the assertion while reducing poverty over the years. delivering the convocation lecture “These include the Com- at the 49th graduation ceremony munity Banks, Rural Banking of the University of Nigeria, and Rural Branch Network, Nsukka (UNN) yesterday. Directorate of Employment, The minister, in a lecture titled NERFUND, Directorate for Roads “‘Inequality and the Dignity of and Rural Infrastructure, Mass Man,” argued that focus on rural Transit Programme, Keke NAPEP communities would be effective Programme etc.” in tackling poverty and inequality Amaechi therefore called for in the land. a change in the development Amaechi acknowledged the policies of the government to efforts by the Buhari admin- affect rural communities as much istration to reduce poverty by as it does urban areas, saying implementing social welfare there were areas that should be and empowerment schemes addressed “to overcome frighten- as well as efforts by previous ing inequality and poverty. We administrations. must free our policies from an He, however, insisted that more urban focus. “has to be done and done right by “The poorest urban Nigerian this administration and successive is many times better off than administrations to come.” the most well off rural Nigerian. He observed that the Buhari Therefore, we need to emulate administration had embarked on the Chinese and Indian examples a cocktail of measures targeted in focusing on the rural majority IN DEFENCE OF NIGERIA . . . at reducing desperate poverty if we must end the increasing L-R: Member,Nigeria Group, Mr. Perry Biayeibo; Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Oumarou Sanda; Founder/Convener, Pro Nigeria Group, Mr. Lai Omotola; and Member, Pro Nigeria Nigeria, Mr. Adekunle Akanki, at the unveiling of Pro Nigeria Group in Lagos yesterday ETOP UKUTT Jonathan Greets Abubakar at 79 Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Describing him as an African Army Hospital Treats over 7,000 Wounded Soldiers statesman, Jonathan noted that John Shiklam in Kaduna adding that its services are among others, to enable to the needs of our military Former President Goodluck Abubakar had “contributed to accessible to both the military them to fit into new office hospitals because, beyond Jonathan has offered felicitations the peace and unity of Nigeria and Acting Chief Medical Director and civilian populace. engagements,” he said. compassion and empathy, to ex-Head of State General many other African nations including (CMD) of 44 Nigerian Army He said most wounded Onuchukwu added, “We there are responsibilities and Abdulsalami Abubakar on the Liberia, Niger, Chad and Sudan.” Reference Hospital, Kaduna, officers and soldiers, espe- have enhanced programmes obligations as people who occasion of his 79th birthday, He stated further: “Your role in Colonel Stephen Onuchukwu, cially from the frontlines, to help the amputees, that represent Nigerians.” commending him for his efforts promoting democracy is underscored has disclosed that more than were brought to Kaduna for will enable them to work as The senate president ex- and contributions to the peace by your relentless passion for service 7,000 officers and soldiers treatment and their medicals a non-combatant. plained, “After the civil war and unity of the country. and sacrifice. Nigerians will continue wounded in counterinsurgency were prioritised, while those “For now, more than 7,000 of in Nigeria, there was never a Jonathan stated this in a good- to honour you for the role you operations have been treated that required surgery were them have passed through the time that our military men were will message to General Abubakar played in our nation’s transition in the hospital. operated within 24 hours. hospital within this period that involved in warfare as we have in which he also highlighted the from military to civilian administra- Onuchukwu stated this on Onuchukwu said there had we have counterinsurgency.” now, which means that some of former Head of State’s role in tion, which has flourished for over Saturday, when President of been a kind of cultural shift In his remarks, Lawan said our officers and soldiers will be promoting democracy and his two decades and produced notable the Senate, Senator Ahmed lately. the visit was to empathise with challenged with wounds that passion for service. leaders. Lawan, visited the hospital as “Initially, most of the am- the people who had given ev- require hospitalisation. In the message, Jonathan said: “On behalf of my family and the part of the activities marking putees were no longer useful, erything to defend the territorial “As a country, we are sup- “I am pleased to join your family Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I the two years anniversary of but with the model improved integrity of the country. posed to provide more resources and friends to celebrate with wish you more years of sound the Ninth Senate. services, most of them are still He said it was also “an op- to cater for the needs of those you on the occasion of your health, strength and peace as The CMD said the hospital being retained and trained in portunity for us to see first-hand officers and men wounded in 79th birthday.” you celebrate.” was of international standard, computer hardware repair, how we can be more responsive action.” Court Hill Promises FG Extends Gbadebo-Smith’s FG Approves Academy of Medicine Academic Excellence Term as NISER DG Specialties of Nigeria Registration Founder and CEO, Kid’s 12 years of its operation. Kayode Fasua sion came in spite of various The federal government The academy also has Court School, Dr Abimbola He said the college “is mixing unfounded allegations against has approved the registration honorific membership and it Ogundere has disclosed plan a strong academic focus with The federal government has him orchestrated by some unions of the Academy of Medicine is a policy research organization. to open “The Court Hill Col- a stimulating curriculum and approved the extension of the in league with some research Specialties of Nigeria. Its members, elected based on lege” for session starting from a rich, diverse co-curricular appointment of Dr. Gbadebo- professors, who are interested in A statement issued by their outstanding professional September 2021, promising program. Smith as the Director-General, taking over his seat, investiga- Prof Ogunniyi Adesola achievements and commit- academic excellence. “Equipped with a well- Nigerian Institute of Social And tions revealed. said the objectives, among ment to service on matters of In a statement yesterday, resourced library, fully fitted Economic Research (NISER), NISER is a public research others of the academy, are significance to health. Ogundere said the college computing rooms, laboratories, Ibadan. The extension, which institute located in Ibadan. The to promote excellence in Election to active membership would be committed to de- art, design and music studios, takes effect from May 31, came centre is one of the foremost Medical Research and is both an honor and a com- veloping outstanding young multipurpose sports court, on the heels of his impressive publicly funded think-tanks in Education, the application mitment to serve in academy people with the skills, resilience swimming pool, outdoor cafe, tenure at NISER. the country and is a parastatal of research in Medicine and affairs. and initiative to flourish in a rooftop and other relaxation The extension is in accordance under the Ministry of Finance, the enhancement of human After thorough delibera- rapidly changing world where areas, collaboration and creativ- with the extant provisions of the Budget and National Planning. health and welfare. tions and due diligence, the students are prepared for a life ity studio and more, the college latest edition of the 2019 of the The extension will afford The academy is a merit- academy has invited eminent of success. is eager to welcome parents, conditions of service for federal Gbadebo-Smith the opportunity based one. Members shall and outstanding scholars He noted that the college was wards and students seeking a research and development agen- to continue the process of re- be persons qualified to who have made landmark established in furtherance of holistic high school experience cies, institutes and colleges of positioning the institute for practice Medicine or Dentistry contributions in Medicine and academic strides Kid’s Court and the best quality education completion of five years. relevance in the policy space or non-medical practitioners in Medical Specialties as Founda- School had recorded in the last possible,” the founder said. Gbadebo-Smith’s tenure exten- as a world class Think-Tank. the related Medical Specialties. tion Fellows. 78 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͱ˜ͰͮͰͯ NEWSXTRA Ribadu, Global Leaders Canvass Establishment of Int’l Anti-Graft Court Tobi Soniyi rity Initiatives International, these health, and international peace former Prime Minister and former from the world also signed the the countries that they rule.” leaders have made a declaration and security. Chairman of the Presidency of declaration. These eminent people also Eminent people across the calling for the establishment with They include Carl Bildt, former Bosnia and Herzegovina and They said that an International argued that because grand world including former heads immediate effect. Prime Minister and former Danilo Türk, former President Anti-Corruption Court was neces- corruption had global conse- of state and government have In a declaration they signed, Foreign Minister of Sweden, of Slovenia sary “because Grand Corruption quences and often could not called for the establishment of they described themselves as Moncef Marzouki, former Founding Executive Chairman – the abuse of public office for be combated by the countries an International Anti-Corruption concerned individuals, former President of Tunisia, Rosen of the Economic and Financial private gain by a nation’s leaders most immediately victimized by Court to make sure that leaders officials, business leaders,Plevneliev former President of Crimes Commission (EFCC) of (“kleptocrats”) – thrives in many kleptocrats, “a new international who steal their countries’ wealth representatives of civil society Bulgaria, Juan Manuel Santos, Nigeria, Nuhu Ribadu also signed countries and has devastating institution – an International do not escape justice. and of government, dedicated to former President of Colombia and the declaration. consequences.” Anti-Corruption Court – is Coming together under Integ- promoting human rights, human Nobel Laureate, Haris Silajdži, Other anti-corruption crusaders According to them, kleptocrats necessary and justified.” corruptly enrich themselves from They recommend that through the trillions of dollars being spent its agreed mandate, IACC should to promote global public health have jurisdiction to prosecute and counter climate change. violations of existing domestic They said: “Kleptocrats anti-corruption laws, or a new are robbing their countries of international counterpart of funds needed to meet the 2030 them, by kleptocrats and their Sustainable Development Goals. collaborators, if the country the Grand Corruption undermines kleptocrat rules is unwilling or democracy as kleptocrats use their unable to prosecute a case itself. power to suppress the media and They said: “The IACC should civil society, and subvert honest have the authority to prosecute elections. crimes committed by nation- “Refugees fleeing failed states als of Member States, and by led by kleptocrats constitute nationals of other states who international crises. Uprisings in commit crimes in the territory opposition to Grand Corruption of a Member State. destabilize many countries and “The IACC should be a court endanger international peace and of last resort with the capacity security.” to prosecute and imprison Another reason they gave kleptocrats, and thus create for calling for an international opportunities for the democratic court to fight corruption is that process to replace them with kleptocrats are able to evade honest leaders. prosecution in their countries “The IACC should have because they control the justice in civil as well as criminal system. cases the authority to recover, They said: “We know that repatriate, and repurpose illicit DEDICATED TO GOD’S SERVICE . . . Grand Corruption is not assets for the victims of Grand L-R: Special Adviser on Spiritual Affairs, Light Bearers Society, Revd Ayo Oyadotun; President of the society, Pastor flourishing because of a lack Corruption.” Deji George; Chaplain, Revd John Solubi, His Wife, Mrs. Dorcas Solubi and Mrs. Adebisi Olufon at Mrs. Solubi’s of laws. The 187 countries While declaring their support that are party to the United for an International Anti- installation as the new Assistant Chaplain at the 30th anniversary of the society at Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Nations Convention Against Corruption Court, they argued Lagos ... recently Corruption (“UNCAC”) each that the court “is urgently needed have laws criminalizing corrupt to promote democracy and human conduct. Yet kleptocrats enjoy rights, protect human life and impunity because they control health, and enhance international NUPENG, PENGASSAN Threaten Strike over Chevron Workers’ Sack the administration of justice in peace and security. Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja was particularly perturbed are trampled upon by CNL and from workers’ benefit since 2012, by the arbitrary and unlawful her contracting companies,” the as part of the grievances with Johnson, Budding Novelist, The joint executive council of the disengagement of three Nigerian joint union noted. the oil giant, which has failed Nigerian Union of Petroleum and workers, Bukola Sola-Adebawo, NUPENGASSAN said it to act even after the intervention Unveils ‘The Extinguisher’ Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) James Ukachukwu and John had issued Chevron a 14-day of the ministry of labour and as well as the Petroleum and Ayeni, allegedly at the behest notice to reinstate the wrongfully employment. Natural Gas Senior Staff Associa- of CNL management. terminated Nigerian workers in The Chevron staff called for An upcoming writer and novelist, personal experience forming the tion of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), According to the joint unions, its letter dated May 20, failing the refund of loans and grants Adetola Johnson, has published her basis of the story. has threatened to embark on an the inhumane treatment meted out which it said it would take illegally deducted from worker’s first novel, The Extinguisher, and is “Though a book of fiction, the industrial action against Chevron to the affected Nigerian workers is all steps deemed necessary to terminal benefits, payment of 2018 already selling on Amazon. book was born from my personal Nigeria Limited (CNL) without antithetical to all applicable laws protect the rights of the affected vacation not taken and vacation The novel, which was released experience in the university and an giving further notice. of the country as well as other workers. allowance for contract employees. into the market last month, tells the attempt by a young lady to make The body, jointly called NU- international laws that guide According to the joint union, The aggrieved workers be- story of what young undergraduates sense of a bizarre life experience.” PENGASSAN, noted in a letter to employment and the protection while the notice had expired, moaned management’s refusal face in higher institutions of learning. Adetola Olaitan Johnson was born the company that it had watched of rights of workers. CNL and her contract companies to give adequate mandate to her The story is also about friendship over 40 years ago in Offa, Kwara with concern the anti-labour The union said: “As a union had refused to reinstate the work- labour contract companies negotiat- and sadism and centres around a State, where she also had her early posture of the managements of we are greatly disturbed by the ers as demanded. ing collective bargaining agreements young woman, Funmi, thrust to the education. She later proceeded to CNL and the labour contract disregard for due process in the It further listed refund of for manpower contract workers and forefront of conflicts as she finds the University of Ilorin where she companies providing services termination of the jobs of these the outstanding difference in alleged refusal of CNL management herself in a whirlpool of events that studied Human Physiology and to the company Nigerians; and we are uncomfort- monetary benefits, due to short to allow contract workers use the would demand her sacrifice all she graduated with honours almost It stressed that the union able watching while workers rights payment and illegal deductions staff buses, among others. holds dear. 20 years ago. Johnson said though the book She also holds a certificate in act- is fictional, it relates to the day to ing and practises bead and jewellery day life of an average Nigerian making. Adetola is happily married NATFORCE’ll Create 270,000 Again, Bandits Kidnap Ekiti Farmer undergraduate with her own with three lovely daughters. Jobs for Youths, Says Analyst Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti the successful farmer. He claimed that the kidnappers Chilaka Presents New Book June 17 Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan 270,000 youths from the street and Armed men suspected to be shot into the air, as they whisked labour market nationwide through bandits have abducted a farmer, away the farmer to an unknown The Rise, Fall and Liquidation of will discover much empathy and A public commentator, Mr. employment opportunities.” Alhaji Jimoh Olodan at Iyemero destination. Africa’s Premier Carriers: Nigerian nostalgia in its pages. Godwin O Jimba yesterday disclosed He, however, lamented that the Ekiti, in Ikole Local Government He said the gunshots had caused National Shipping Line and Black Expected at the unveiling include that the National Taskforce on the recent clamping down on the outfit Area (LGA) of Ekiti State. panic, as residents, who had not Star Line by Dr. Edmund Chilaka the chief launchers like the Chair- Prohibition of Illegal Importation/ by the National Security Adviser The kidnapping came barely slept when they came, fled into the is set to launch on Thursday June man, Sifax Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi; Smuggling of Arms, Ammuni- (NSA), Major-General Babagana three months after a farmer, Mr. bush while those sleeping quickly 17 this year at Etal Hotel, 1-15 Ede CEO, Sea Transport Group, Alhaji tion, Light Weapons, Chemical Monguno (Rtd), appeared confusing. Isaac Agbanigo was abducted in awoke and took cover outside their Street, Off Kofo Abayomi Street, Aminu Umar; Chairman, Comet Weapons and Pipeline Vandalism Although he described the a farmstead in Ikere Ekiti, Ikere residences. Apapa at 12pm. Group, Chief Musa Danjuma; the (NATFORCE) would create 270,000 NATFORCE alongside other LGA. “The manner at which they The book, which will be reviewed Chairman, Integrated Oil & Gas jobs for the youths. security outfits as illegal, Jimba said The incident, according to an operated showed that they had by Prof. David Aworawo, is the Ltd and Chief Host, Captain Jimba, therefore, commended the decision of a court to declare eyewitness, Chief Ajayi Ogung- a target, who was Alhaji Olodan. culmination of a Ph.D. research E. Iheanacho. Dr. Baba Mohammed for initiating the taskforce legal made the whole bemi, happened at Elegure farm The kidnappers upon entering the on the activities of the first two The keynote speakers NATFORCE to address the challenge episode confusing and disturbing. settlement around 11.15pm on village went straight to the farmers shipping lines to be floated by the are: the Executive Secretary, of illegal importation of arms and He said since the case has been Friday. The farmstead is about residence and forced him out. He governments of Ghana and Nigeria Nigerian Shippers Council, ammunition, saying the taskforce decided by a law court, the best three kilometres and 15 minutes was actually the target. in 1957 and 1959, respectively. Mr. Hassan Bello; Director- would remove thousands of youths thing to do would have been drive to the community. “This is not the first time Iyemero As noted by the author, scholars, General, Nigerian Maritime from the streets and labour market. going back to the court to vacate Ogungbemi, who is the Baba- would be attacked by these evil policymakers and investors will find Administration and Safety He made this remark in a the verdict before taking any action loja of Iyemero, told journalists men and we are suspecting that the book insightful and captivating Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir statement he issued yesterday, against the verdict, observing that yesterday that the gun wielding they are working in connivance while former employees of the Jamoh and the President, Ship emphasising that the taskforce the step already taken is hasty and abductors, numbering 18, invaded with the Fulani herders operating NNSL and BSL, their families and Owners Association of Nigeria, “has the capacity to remove at least unpopular. the farmstead and whisked away in our farms. other stakeholders and aficionados Dr. M.K. George. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡JUNE 13, 2021 79

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe SUNDAY SPORTS email:[email protected] Tragedy Averted at Euro 2020 as CPR Revives Eriksen Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report ragedy was averted yesterday at the ongoing Euro 2020 Championship after Denmark star play- er, Christian Eriksen who collapsed on the pitch during their opening game withT Finland in Copenhagen was revived through Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) by medical personnel from both teams. Fans present at the game and those watching on television around the world were thrown into deep shock as medics battled for close to 15 minutes to resuscitate the 29-year old Inter Milan midÀelder. Group B’s opening match was stopped after Eriksen fell to the ground unmarked near the touchline Àve minutes to the end of the Àrst half, with Danish players in tears as medics tried to revive him. The previously raucous crowd at the Parken Stadium in the Danish capital fell silent, with Eriksen’s teammates forming a ring around him to stop anyone from seeing his on-pitch treatment. Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Sch- meichel and captain Simon Kjaer had to comfort Eriksen’s stricken partner Sabrina Kvist Jensen by the side of the pitch. Eriksen was later stretchered oͿ Denmark players formed ring around Christian Eriksen as medical personnel battled for 15 minutes to resuscitate him after collapsing on the turf... yesterday the Àeld followed by the rest of the Denmark team, while Finland’s play- on Twitter. ring out as his status began to Àlter Finland’s players applauded their half were played, before a Àve-minute ers also walked oͿ. European football’s governing body through to supporters. Danish counterparts as the players half-time break and the second half. After several minutes of anxieties UEFA added that a “crisis meeting” They were brought to their feet returned to the Àeld to resume the Peter Moller of the Danish Football amongst the host players and fans, the had taken place with both teams and when stadium announcers said that match. Association told Danmarks Radio: Danish Football Federation announced match o΀cials over whether to restart Eriksen was “stable”. Organisers UEFA said it agreed “We have been in contact with him on Twitter that Eriksen had stabilized the game. The Group B match in Copenhagen to restart the match “following the (Eriksen) and the players have spoken and receiving attention in the hospital However soon after stadium-wide restarted with Finland picking their request made by players of both to Christian. “Christian Eriksen is awake and chants of “Christian” and “Eriksen” Àrst three points of the tournament teams”. He is doing well and they are play- is undergoing further tests” at the from both sets of supporters began to with 1-0 defeat of Denmark. The Ànal Àve minutes of the Àrst ing the match for Christian”. hospital,” the Danish federation said Summer Series: Super Falcons Aim for Victory against Portugal Electoral Committee African champions Super Falcons issuance of entry visa or injuries, the Àrst defeat in eight games. sionals in the Falcons’ squad), joined $ͿUPV5HDGLQHVVIRU of Nigeria have put behind them the Super Falcons lost 0-1 to the Jamaicans The nine-time African champions up with the contingent at the Marriott loss to on Thursday at the BBVA Stadium in had won all three matches at the Marquis Hotel in Houston. AFN Poll in Kebbi Jamaica last Thursday and are deter- Houston – the same venue where they Turkish Women’s Cup Tournament Camp sources have conÀrmed mined to earn victory against Portugal confront the Portuguese this evening. in Antalya in February – the Àrst ac- yesterday that Belarus-based expe- The Chairman of the Electoral today in the second of their three-match Deneisha Blackwood, who plays her count under American coach Randy rienced defender Onome Ebi and Committee for the 2021 Elec- programme in the Summer Series in professional club game for Houston Waldrum. team captain Asisat Oshoala will hit tive Congress of the Athletics the United States of America. Dash (the club that uses the BBVA After the clash with the Jamaicans, the team’s camp before the clash with Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Missing several key players who ground), scored in the 54th minute Bayelsa 4ueens’ midÀelder Celine Portugal this Sunday, having Áown out Prince Jambright B.T Sumanu, were held back by either delayed to condemn the Super Falcons to their Ottah (one of 10 home-based profes- of their bases in Europe on Saturday. has announced that all is set to hold the 2021 elections in Kebbi. Sumanu said that the election is signiÀcant in so many ways, hence the committee cannot aͿord to Cycling: UCI Ranks Nigeria World’s No 2 in Junior Time Trial let millions of Nigerians home and abroad down. Olawale Ajimotokanin Abuja He attributed the latest rankings to successes, the federation was able The Elective Congress is sched- The world cycling body, UCI, has the sacriÀces and eͿorts by the teams, to organise the Àrst edition of the uled to hold tomorrow Monday, rated Nigeria as the world’s second- the coaches and all Nigerian cycling African Cup in Track in Abuja where June 14th. best nation in Women Junior Time Trial. stakeholders. the country amassed 51 medals, with “All eyes are now on the AFN The rating was released by the Union Massari boasted that Nigeria would nine countries in attendance. elections. Everybody is looking Cycliste Internationale in its latest have emerged Africa’s top nation if “Eventually we have been par- up to us for justice. With these world rankings across all specialties. not that it stated to make use of the ticipating in championships and in reputable members of this com- Nigeria, with 780 points is placed Velodrome in Abuja only after the 2020 we participated in the African mittee, we are ready to do our second behind Egypt which has 990 National Sports Festival that was Championship where got 12 medals best.” points while Ukraine is third with held in Abuja in 2018. and recently in March, we got another Speaking on the guidelines 640 points. “Since then we have adjusted our 12 medals at the 2021 African Cham- expected to be met by intending Other UCI ranking placed Nigeria speed achieving a good result in diͿer- pionship. contestants, Prince Jambright B.T as the second best nation in Men Junior ent types of discipline and everything The ranking is an accumulation Sumanu said that the committee Sprint behind South Africa and in third has since been in shape,” Massari said. of points which even took me by expects a full compliance in line place in the Men Junior 1Km Time A cyclist The Italian, who is a naturalized surprise and I struggled to believe with international standards. behind both South Africa and Egypt. Nigerian citizen, said that immedi- it,” he confessed. “We expect that interested candi- The country is also ranked sixth in ately after they started training at the He said the latest rankings will dates must come with nomination the world in the Women Elite Team Chairman of the Caretaker Commit- Velodrome, two girls went to South boost and showcase the potentials of forms from their zones while also Sprint and seventh in the Women Elite tee for Cycling Federation of Nigeria Africa for the African Championship the country’s cyclists to enable the it meeting up with World Athletics Team Pursuit. (CFN), Gandomenico Massari, when and returned with seven medals. surpass South Africa which is 25 years guidelines as well spelt out in the The feat was applauded by the he addressed the media. He added that after some string of ahead of Nigeria in cycling. constitution of the AFN.” T RU N Sunday June 13, 2021 TH & REASO Price: N400 MISSILE Book Your Afe Babalola to the Executive COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “If the car of a judge breaks down and he only relies on a TEXT TO ‘COVID’ 58123 president or governor to get it fi xed, then it will be diffi cult for him to pass a judgment that will be against the state” – Legal luminary, Chief Age Babalola, SAN in an interview with THISDAY. This service is provided in association with accredited service providers SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE! [email protected], sms: 0805 500 1961 And Four ‘True Federalism’ and other Fallacies Other Things… ublic debate in Nigeria, permit me to capita yield of personal income tax falls below the say, is not as educative as you would national average. In Germany, taxation is exclusively fi nd in many civilised societies. The under the federal government, but the parliament TAMING TWITTER predominant elements here are ethnic passed a “state tax law” in 1920 to ensure that As I was saying, Twitt er and other social and religious emotions, garnished with every state gets at least 80 per cent of the average media apps have been hijacked to propagate delicate lies and dangerous half-truths. tax revenue accruing to the 16 states. That means fake news and hate speech, thereby putt ing The fi rst casualties, as always, are facts if the average tax revenue generated per state is societies at risk. They certainly need and logic. There is the “herd instinct” which makes $100 million, no state will get less than $80 million moderation and sanitisation — if civilisation usP believe, say and do things like the people in from the federal purse — even if the tax is not is not to be eroded. But I insist: Nigeria is not our corner. The groupthink syndrome has stifl ed derived from its territory. going about it the right way. In a democracy, common sense and meaningful interlocution. For there are civil ways of doing things. While the fear of “dragging”, nobody wants to express an Why Federalism for Nigeria? unpopular opinion. If you try to apply reason, you I won’t question the resolve of the federal may be shredded. As Professor Wale Adebanwi I might have argued that unitary systems are the government to address threats posed to would say, “It is treasonable to be reasonable in most common in the world and that they dominate national security by the misuse of social an unreasonable society.” the list of developed countries, but I am by no media, the way to go is get the tech giants One topic of debate that has raged for ages, means suggesting that we should ditch federalism. to take responsibility for the sanitisation. and will never stop dominating the airwaves, is Federalism is usually practised where there is ethnic There are bigger threats to the “corporate the campaign for “true federalism” in Nigeria. I and cultural diversity, and Nigeria absolutely qualifi es existence” of Nigeria, such as insurgency, have done extensive research on federations across on that count. I want us to continue along that banditry, kidnappings and arson. Priorities. the world and I must admit that Nigeria is the path. Because of the self-governing feature, the only country where the term, “true federalism”, states or regions can determine their priorities, NBC BULLIES is in use. I stand to be corrected. While no two policies, traditions and, in most countries, internal When the National Broadcasting federations are exactly alike, I don’t know of any Buhari security. The wisdom is for the states to maintain other country where people are campaigning for “true independence from the centre — as long as this Commission (NBC) threatened to sanction federalism”. Why? Because there is no such thing. among others.) You know what? The UN has 193 independence does not undermine the integrity broadcast stations if they continued to “True federalism” is a complete fallacy, a made-in- members and 165 of them run a unitary system. and sovereignty of the federation. tweet, it turned out to be a big opportunity Nigeria fantasy. You either run a federal system or Do the math. That is an overwhelming 85 per cent! Established in 1789, the US federation is the world’s in the struggle for media freedom in not. There is no “true” or “false” federalism. Every In case you are wondering which countries make oldest. It is often cited as the perfect example of Nigeria. I would have loved members of federal system has its peculiarities and practices. up the 165, let me list just a few: China, France federalism by Nigerian campaigners. It would appear the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria The basic defi nition of federalism can be captured and the UK. You can google it. Did you notice that that when these campaigners say Nigeria needs (BON) to, in unison, defy the NBC cowards. in one sentence: a political entity in which power these three are Super Powers? You didn’t? I did. to practise “true” federalism, they mean the US Let NBC go wild and ban all the private is shared between the national and subnational Let me take it a bit further. Using the UNDP variant. But this position ignores an all-important stations. That would have been a great governments. One thing is common to ALL Human Development Index — which measures fact: the history of state formation. The US is a the quality of life and standards of living in 189 landmark in the history of media freedom in federations: the centre controls defence, monetary consensual union: all the states voluntarily agreed Nigeria. And I am damn sure any sanctions policies and foreign relations. How the rest of the countries — we could say the world’s most prosperous to form a federation. All the terms and conditions political and legislative powers are shared differs from countries in 2019 (reported in 2020) run a unitary, were agreed upon before they signed the dotted imposed by the power-drunk NBC cannot one federation to the other. In Nigeria, the powers not federal, system. In the Top 20, only seven lines. The Nigerian federation, on the other hand, stand in a court because no law would have that belong to the federal and state governments are practise federalism. In fact, in the Top 10, seven was set up by the British colonial government and been broken. What an opportunity to assert defi ned on three lists: exclusive (federal), concurrent are unitary states and only three are federations. Nigerians only started negotiating the union terms press freedom and spit in the face of the (federal and states) and residual (states). I have If we are to apply a mischievous logic, therefore, thereafter. Big difference. NBC bullies. Missed. not found any two federations where the items we can say that federalism makes countries poor To be clear, there is a point I would still like on each list are exactly the same. So, what really and unitary system makes them prosperous. Of to make, lest I be misunderstood (I will still be END SARS AND FDI is this “true federalism”? course, that would be absolutely false: federal or misunderstood in any case, but I want this on Asked by ARISE TV to comment on declining In most federations, there are only two levels: unitary system does not develop any country. It is record): I am not saying all is well with the Nigerian infl ow of foreign direct investment (FDI) the central and the subnational governments. In good governance that has always done the trick. federation or that we do not need to tweak the into Nigeria, President Buhari took a curious Nigeria, we have three tiers: the centre (federal), 36 constitution. That has never been, and will never detour by linking it to the End SARS uprising states and 774 local government areas. The LGAs, Fiscal Federalism vs Resource Control be, my position. We, without any doubt, need to though, are only third tier in name: they are part make critical changes to deliver development to the and the ensuing burning and looting. This, he of the states. The three-tier system is somewhat There is a campaign for “fi scal federalism” in Nigerian people. The centre needs to devolve more said, discourages investment. Something peculiar to Nigeria. In the US, as with Germany, Nigeria which is mistaken for “resource control”. responsibilities and revenue to the states because tells me the president was only looking for Ethiopia and most other federations, there are The fi scal federalism theory was propounded in the states are closer to the people. But we can make the slightest opportunity to fi re back at only two tiers: the national and the subnational. 1959 by Richard Musgrave, a German-American all these arguments without whipping up ethnic the protesters, whom he accused of trying Councils and municipalities are under the states. economist. He argued that the federal government sentiments, without lying to the children that there to bring down his government (#EndBuhari That does not mean they are practising “false” should address the inequality in the distribution is something called “true federalism”. trended along with #EndSARS, and there federalism. In 1988, Brazil introduced a third tier of wealth among the states in order to achieve I will repeat myself yet again: all countries that was a street theory that the UN would called municipalities, which are independent of the economic stability in the entire federation. His key have developed did so on the basis of competent and remove a president if protests lasted for 30 states. The country has 5,570 of them. proposition is that the federal government should patriotic leadership — not “true federalism”, “fi scal days). Truth be told, though, the fall in FDI play the lead role of “redistributing” resources while federalism”, presidentialism, parliamentarianism, pre-dated the End SARS mayhem. But, well, Federal vs Unitary Systems the states should handle the “allocation” to specifi c regionalism, balkanisation and such like. In Nigeria, sectors, such as education. This is to have a fi scally we appear to have deliberately erected plenty ethnic, Buhari fi red the shot all the same. Noted. While the campaign for “true federalism” — as balanced federation so that no part is left behind religious and regional barriers in the development misleading as it sounds — has gained so much for being poorer than the others. discourse so that we do not address the real obstacles THE BUHARI PERSONA ground in Nigeria over the years, by far the bigger It is true that in most federations, states own the to our progress. If we succeed in balkanising Nigeria RecentTV appearances and pronouncements fallacy is that we can only develop if we practise oil in their territories — but that is not the whole by playing up these sentiments, even the new nations by President Buhari must have confounded this imagined system. It is a common argument story. In Canada, oil provinces are in control of their that will come out of Nigeria will only develop if a number of people, particularly those among the protagonists that unless Nigeria practises resources. But because only very few provinces they have good governance. Trust me, there is no who say he is “Jibril Al Sudani” as well as “true federalism”, the country will remain stuck in have oil (Alberta and Saskatchewan), the federal alternative to competent and patriotic leadership. those Facebook professors who theorise underdevelopment. There is no evidence anywhere government has an “equalisation fund” from where Let me now summarise my takes on these fallacies. that he has dementia. They are living with in the world to back this claim. No matter the other provinces get grants for fi scal balancing. One, there is nothing like “true federalism” as being the contradictions: in one breath, they’ve indices we deploy, there is no proof that federalism Conversely, in Mexico, the federal government regularly canvassed in Nigeria; rather, there are is in total charge of all the oil revenue. Mexican been criticising the “real” Buhari aft er the develops or retards the development of any country. variants of federalism and no two federations interviews and unwitt ingly admitt ing that If we push this argument too far, we may end up states, whether or not they have oil, receive a fl at practise the system exactly the same way. Two, “fi scal discovering that centralisation of powers, as in the 20 per cent as allocation. Municipalities where federalism” means a fi scally balanced federation he is not Jibril and does not have dementia; unitary system, works better. oil-production and shipping take place receive where no part is left behind for being poor; it does in another breath, they insist he is Jibril or In a unitary system, power resides with the an extra 3.17 per cent as compensation for the not mean “resource control” as being popularly that he has dementia. I would rather stick centre. It decides what to delegate or devolve to environmental challenges. Different strokes for canvassed here. Three, countries are not developed to one position and be damned than moving the administrative units. (This is markedly different different folks. by federalism or unitary system — it is the quality the goalpost based on the argument at from federalism where the states self-govern. In Australia uses “horizontal fi scal equalisation” to of leadership that determines the height a country hand. From the TV interviews, though, I can Nigeria, states are constitutionally empowered support states with lower capacity to raise revenue. will attain. I hereby implore those who are willing say this is the same Buhari of pre-2015. to legislate on several items: taxation, education, Belgium has the “national solidarity intervention” to to learn: read wider and stop being misled by the Indisputable. healthcare, environment, and rural development, beef up the fi nances of regions where the average per loudest voices in public discourse. Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: [email protected], [email protected]. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: [email protected]